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  1. Below I have compiled a list of almost all the etymologies of the person/place/weapon names that are in Genealogy of the Holy War. I would like to point out that I came up with the majority of these etymologies myself but I did not shy away from checking my findings with other sources such as the two Fire Emblem Wikis and some Serenes Forest posts as well. With that out of the way I would like to point out how well researched and inspired this, and by extension all other Fire Emblem games, are in terms of the names used for people/places/objects. Genealogy of the Holy War seems to draw extensively from Norse and Celtic/Irish mythology, and the use of some lesser known names is even more astounding. As a note, the list is not totally complete and it would be great if some of you well informed fans can fill in some of the remaining blanks for the names I have listed. Genealogy of the Holy War Etymology Collection: Place Names Jugdral- Corruption of Yggdrasil, the World Tree of Norse mythology Grannvale- Original name, Translated as Grandbell, seems to simply be a combination of Grand and bell Chalphy- Corruption of Thialfi(Þjálfi), servant of the Norse god Thor Jungby- Corrution of Ygnvi, the old name for the Norse god Freyr Friege- Original? Possible corruption of Phygia, an ancient kingdom in Anatolia and location for various Greek myths Edda- Named after the Poetic and Prose Eddas, the written sources for the majority of Norse myths, compiled by Snorri Sturluson Dozel- Original name, unclear etymology Velthomer- Original name, likely utilizes the name Vala(Fala) as a source such as Falaflame Belhalla- Corruption of Valhalla, the Norse afterlife for heroes and warriors, seems to fit in with the name Grand-bell Verdane- Original name, draws from adjective “verdant” meaning green with plants. A reference to the forested terrain of the country Evans- English/Welsh last name meaning Son of Evan, where Evan is the Welsh version of John Genoa- City in Italy and capital of the region of Liguria Marpha- Unsure, name of a small village in Nepal Verdane- Capital shares name with country Agustria- Original name, likely drawn from Augustus, first Roman Emperor or corruption of Austria Nordion- Original name? Likely draws from “nord” meaning north or of the north Heirhein- Original name, drawn from hein, diminutive of Heinrich or more likely a corruption of Highland Mackily- Original? Unknown Anphony- Original? Unknown Madino- Unkown, possibly drawn from Medina, a holy city for Islam in Arabia Silvail- Original? Unknown Orgahill- Original? Unknown Agusty- Likely Original, shortened version of Agustria Silesse- Corruption of Silesia, a region in Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany Sailane- Original? Possibly a corruption of Silesia Thove- Original? Unknown Zaxon- Corruption of Saxon or Saxony, a region in eastern Germany Lubeck- Slight corruption of Lübeck, a port city in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany Silesse- Capital named after country Isaach- Corruption of Biblical name Isaac, patriarch of the Israelites Tirnanog- Corruption of Tír na nÓg meaning “land of the young” and is another name for Otherworld in Celtic mythology Ganeishire- Unknown, likely drawn from some English/Scottish shire Sophara- Original name? Possibly drawn from Sofia, capital of Bulgaria Rivough- Original name? Possibly drawn from an Irish/Welsh place name Isaach- Capital named after the country Yied Desert- Corruption of Aed, Irish god of the underworld Phinora- Original? Unknown Darna- Original? Unknown Yied- Same as the region Manster District- Corruption of Munster, ancient kingdom in Ireland and currently one of its provinces Melgen- Original name? Unknown, possibly an Irish/Scottish/Welsh place name Alster- Corruption of Ulster, old Irish kingdom and current province Leonster- Corruption of Leinster, old Irish kingdom and current province Conote- Corruption of Connacht, old Irish kingdom and current province Manster- Same etymology as the country Thracia- Named after region in the Balkans inhabited by Thracian people Mease- Corruption of Meath, old Irish kingdom and current county Kapathogia- Original? Unknown, likely a Greek place name Luthecia- Corruption of Lutecia, Roman name for Paris Grutia- Thracia- capital named after country Miletos District- Named after ancient Greek city Miletos(Μί̄λητος) Peruluke- Original name? Unknown Chronos- Named after Greek primordial god of time Rados- Original name? Likely Greek person/place name Miletos- capital named after country Weapon names Tyrfing- Named after the magical sword in Norse mythology associated with three tragedies Balmung- The name used in Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle for the sword of the Norse hero Sigurd called Gram Mystletainn- Named after the magical sword of the Norse hero Hrómund Gripsson, possibly also in reference to the weapon used by Hodr to accidentally kill Baldur in Norse myth Gungnir- Named after the magical spear of the Norse god Odin Gae Bolg- Named after the magical spear used by the Irish hero Cu Chulainn Valflame- Combination of character name Fala and flame Forseti- Named after Norse god of justice Mjolnir- Named after the Norse god Thor’ hammer Helswath- Combination of Hel, Norse goddess of the underworld and swath, “the space covered by the stroke of a scythe” Named Swanchika originally, a corruption of sanskrit “svastika” known as manji in japanese Yewfelle- Named after yew, a material often used to make bows and fell, to knock down or defeat, as Ichaival, the name of a bow used by Odin that could fire ten arrows at once Valkyrie Staff- Named after Valkyries, Norse warrior women who carry fallen warriors to the afterlife Book of Naga- Named after character Naga who in turned is named after serpent deities in Hinduism and other Indian religions Character Names Twelve Crusaders: Baldur- Norse god of light Odo- Corruption of Od or Odin, Norse gods Hezul- Unknown, possibly a corruption of Hodr, Norse god and brother of Baldur Dain- A dwarf listed in Norse texts Noba- Unknown, possibly named after Roman city in Africa or Latin word for “new” Fala- Named for volva, also said vala, Norse mystic women, also possible reference to Norse goddess Freya Ced- Corruption of Forseti, Norse god of justice Tordo- Corruption of Thor, Norse god of lightning Neir- Unknown etymology Ulir- Corruption of Ullr, Norse god of hunting and archery Blaggi- Named for Bragi, Norse god of poetry Heim- Corruption of Heimdall, Norse god and guardian of the rainbow bridge Bifrost Playable Characters: Sigurd- Norse hero who killed the dragon Fafnir with the sword Gram(Balmung) Naoise- Irish knight and nephew of King Conchobar mac Nessa Alec- Short version of name Alexander Arden- The brother of Naoise in Irish mythology Azelle- Hebrew name meaning “noble” Lex- Shorthand of Alexander or, as Rex, Latin for “king” Quan- Corruption of Cian, the father of the Irish hero Lugh Ethlyn- Corruption of Ethniu, wife of Cian and mother of the Irish hero Lugh Finn- Irish hero Finn MacCool(Fionn Mac Cumhaill), the leader of the Fianna Midayle- Corruption of Midir, an Irish god who is the son of the Dagda and lover of Etain Dew- Likely named for “morning dew” Edain- Irish heroine and lover of the god Midir Ayra- Corruption of ira, the Latin word for “wrath” Deirdre- Irish heroine and tragic lover of Naoise Jamke- Corruption of Jamukha, Mongolian political rival of Genghis Khan Chulainn- The Irish hero Cu Chulainn, wielder of the magic spear Gae Bolg, also possible reference to Chulainn, the man who gave Setanta(Cu Chulainn) his name Lachesis- Greek goddess of fate and middle sister of the Moirae(fates), she measures the length of the thread that defines a person’s lifespan Beowolf- Corruption of Beowulf, Norse and Anglo-Saxon hero Lewyn- Possibly a corruption of Welsh Llewellyn or Old English Leofwine Sylvia- Latin name in reference to Roman nature god Sylvanus Erinys- Greek goddess of vengeance also known as a Fury or the Furies Tailtiu- Irish goddess and foster mother of the hero Lugh Claud- Alternate form of Roman name Claudius Briggid- Irish goddess of fire Seliph- Original name Julia- Roman name, feminine form of Julius Lana- Unknown Larcei- Corruption of Irish god Luchtaine Ulster- Named after Irish province, As Skasher, his name is a reference to Scathach, the Irish warrior woman who trainned Cu Chulainn Oifey- Corruption of Aoife, Irish warrior woman Diarmuid- Irish hero of the Fianna and lover of Grainne Lester- English name derived from city of Leicester Fee- Diminutive of Fiona or Phoebe Arthur- Named for King Arthur of Camelot Iuchar- Irish figure, brother of Iucharba and Brian, who killed Cian and Iucharba- Brother of Iuhar and Brian, killed Cian Shannan- Corruption of Shannon, a river in Ireland Patty- Diminutive of Patricia Leif- Norse name such as in Leif Erikson Nanna- Sumerian goddess of the moon Ares- Greek god of war Lene- Unknown Tine- Derived from Tini mac Conri, Irish king of Connacht Febail- Irish hero Bran mac Febail Ced- Corruption of Forseti, Norse god of justice Hannibal- Carthaginian general who fought against Rome in the Punic Wars Cairpre- Medieval Irish name with various associated figures Altena- Possible combination of Greek goddesses Athena and Artemis Arion- Possibly from Greek poet Ἀρίων Villains: Alvis- Corruption of Alviss, a dwarf whose name means “All-wise” Andorey- Likely a corruption of the name André Lombard- Also known as Langobalt, both are names in reference to the Lombards, a Germanic people who lived in northern Italy Reptor- Unknown, likely original Travant- German word “trabant” meaning satellite Manfroy- Unknown Loptyr- Name used for the Norse god Loki Story Characters: Eldigan- Original name Grahnye- Corruption of Grainne, Irish heroine and lover of Diarmuid Kurth- Corruption of the name Kurt Cigyun- Corruption of Sigyn, wife of the Norse god Loki Azmur- Original? Mananan- Corruption of Manannán mac Lir, Irish sea god Mariccle- Corruption of mac Lir from Manannán mac Lir EDIT: New etymologies for Friege, Lopty, etc. thanks to comments
  2. I wasn't able to find an explicit discussion thread for FEHeroes story. Therefore the purpose of this thread is to discuss FEHeroes main plot as well as nuances in the chapters, paralogues and other worldly missions as well as character development and such. I hope the spoiler in the topic, will be enough to make people aware, that there might be spoilers here.
  3. So, I recently got into a discussion with someone about Fates: Conquest, and they made the claim that the only ones who could technically be held accountable for Nohr's atrocities in that game are Garon, Hans, and Iago. They claimed that since they rule through fear and have an "infinite army of Faceless," that the heroes, and the entire Nohrian army, can't really be held accountable for only acting when they did. Now, as someone who's forgiving of a lot of the more recent games' shortcomings, I still can't really buy into this conceit, so I want to know, is there a way for Xander, Corrin and company to stage a military coup against Garon, Hans, Iago, and the Faceless while keeping civilian casualties to a minimum?
  4. Note to mods: If you feel like this topic is better suited for the "Entertainment" forum, feel free to move it there. I wanted to start this topic ever since someone asked, "How would you compare the writing and story telling of Fire Emblem to say Final Fantasy Tactics or Tactics Orge?" However, I wanted to wait until I had a better understanding of both Fates' story and ASOIAF/GOT (I haven't read all the books, I haven't watched all the episodes, and I haven't played Fates or seen a transcript or Let's Play), but other things in life got in the way (I still don't have a complete understanding of either story), but with the impending Nintendo Switch presentation (and the possibility of a new Fire Emblem announcement), I feel like this might be my last chance to speak up before Fates is overshadowed by a newer Fire Emblem. Anyway, Nintendo seemed to really hype up the story in their marketing of Fates. If I recall correctly, in a Nintendo Direct, they said that Fire Emblem is known for its "complex story and memorable characters." When I think of a "complex story and memorable characters," one of the first things that come to mind is A Song of Ice and Fire, which seems to be the current "gold standard" for fantasy. I'm genuinely curious of what you guys think when Fates is directly compared against ASOIAF/GOT. The most important aspect of a story for me personally is the ending. I prefer a generally bad story with a satisfying ending over a generally good story with an unsatisfying ending, unless the bad story was exceptionally bad or the good story was exceptionally good. I don't really know the ending for any of Fates' three paths, but I can safely guess the ending for the Revelations path, Assuming Revelations is the canonical path, if my guess is correct, then Fates, in my opinion, has a satisfying ending. On the other hand, it seems like ASOIAF might be heading towards an ending where humanity is forced to shake hands and sing kumbayah with the white walkers. If this really becomes the ending for ASOIAF, then I'm going to be very pissed off. The white walkers have no redeeming qualities to deserve such an ending. Even the fucking Titans from Attack on Titan have more redeeming qualities (especially if you know who the Titans really are). One might argue that the white walkers have redeeming qualities that we don't know about yet, but my counterargument is that if GRRM really wanted us to have some sympathy for the white walkers, he would have shown us some redeeming or sympathetic qualities already. And the white walkers are even more villainous in the show than in the books. If GRRM follows through with a white walker kumbayah, then I hope David Benioff and Dan Weiss go down a different path and have Dany's dragons exterminate all the white walkers or something. I wouldn't be satisfied with anything less than the total annihilation of the white walkers, or their eternal banishment to another plane of existence (preferably a fiery Hell). "Well, what if GRRM simply wants to teach us the lesson that humanity is simply too weak to ever truly defeat the white walkers?" Well, I've already spent too much time talking about ASOIAF (and too little time talking about Fates), so instead of answering that question, I'll end it here.
  5. Hi guys! It's been a VERY long time since I've been to serenes forest and I've recently played both tellius games again. As a result, I've been able to pinpoint exactly what made the previous games so great from a story-standpoint...character development. Bare in mind these are just my opinions as I'm not claiming they're objectively good or even better than modern fire emblem...these are just my opinions. WARNING! I HAVEN'T YET PLAYED FATES (though I've seen a lot of it) SO THIS REALLY ONLY APPLIES TO AWAKENING! Elincia-in path of radiance she eventually gains the courage to fight on the battlefield and lead her country. In RD she is a first a weak and naive ruler who can't keep order as she's too caring for her own citizens. She learns the hard way through Ludveck that sometimes you have to sacrifice your own citizens to benefit the overall population (spend lives in order to avoid a bloody civil war). She becomes stronger in this way as a character. Shiharam-not only do I believe he's the best Camus in the franchise but the fact that they show you what the villagers and his own soldiers think of him makes his battle a very emotional one (as he was a valuable asset and a good friend to many people). I found that Mustafa in awakening pales by comparison as we don't get nearly as much information about him. Overall, while Shiharam didn't really get any development, I still cared a lot about him and was legitimately saddened when I had to kill him in PoR. The fact that you can have his own daughter kill him is pretty gruesome and the fact that the game takes the time to flesh out his death makes it FAR more interesting than any Mustafa or Camus I've ever encountered Skrimir-what starts off as another hot-headed, arrogant commander turns out to actually get some interesting development. After he loses to general Zelgius he's forced to reconsider his attitude towards strength and his overall confidence in his ability. He essentially finally sees the strength in planning and intelligence rather than brute force only and I found this pretty interesting to watch him grow as a character like this. Jill-this character is probably my favorite in the entire series. She starts off as another glory-seeking soldier who wants nothing more than to bring fame to her family's name. After defending Ike from the laguz pirates out of her hatred for the laguz she sticks around for a while and, slowly but surely, overcomes her racism towards the laguz. She even becomes so loyal to Ike's cause that she can (if you make her) kill her own father because he was in the way. And the way she reacts was heart breaking seeing her cry like that. The fact that she can potentially even join her father's side only adds more depth to her as a character. Ultimately, THIS is why I prefer the older games' stories to the modern ones as they actually had meaningful character development. Sure the tellius series had fan service and one note characters as well but it certainly was no where near as bad as awakening. Characters like Owain or Inigo, while they have "depth" (mainly tragic excuses for their annoying behavior), aren't nearly as interesting to me as some of the older characters. Sadly, not many people still care about great characters or interesting stories in games as, as long as MUH GAMEPLAY is handled correctly, nobody gives a shit anymore. As for that competitor to fire emblem I was working on...it's canceled (for now). While I do want to play a fire emblem game with good stories again I don't have the skills necessary to make such a thing. Because, if fates doesn't have a good story and the future games don't have good stories or characters either... *stares at noose* It's time....
  6. So, we all know Zephiel is the bad guy in Binding Blade/Sealed Sword. He is also the same person that you need to save in Blazing Sword/Rekka no Ken. If Jaffar and Nino killed Zephiel, FE6 WILL NOT EXIST and Roy wouldn't have to venture out Pherae. So, whose fault was it? The fault that made the FE6 storyline happen? Here is my observation: Jaffar and Nino was ordered to kill Zephiel right? And they didn't kill him. So, it's their fault. But, they are members of The Black Fang and the King of Bern, Desmond, had contact with the group, so, he sent out an order to kill his own son, so it's his fault right? No, it isn't. Desmond didn't treat Zephiel as his own "son" because they were "not alike". So, whose fault was it? Enough of that for now, let's move on to Eliwood and his army. The Queen of Bern, Helene, ordered Eliwood and his army to save Zephiel from the "assassination" attempt, so they saved him and blah blah blah, it's their fault because they intervened with Jaffar and Nino. No, it isn't Eliwood's fault either. Right now, there are a few suspects: Desmond Helene Black Fang as a whole Jaffar and his change of heart Nino for changing Jaffar's heart Eliwood's army And the tactician for ordering Serra/Priscilla to use that rescue staff on Zephiel. And IntSys for making FE7 ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Short Note, Feel free to ignore: I've been really delighted of the people replying to my thread but there's a point when we have to stop, it's not right now since more points need more discussion. Short Note #2: Please respect each others opinions in this thread, I created this for discussion, not for disCUSSion (Bad pun, I know, I know.)
  7. So I've been playing FE11 and FE12 lately. And this one chapter in FE11 had me send one of my units, so I sent Frey, and apparently, he dies. So, if I send in Frey and he "dies". That would leave Cain and Abel. But in FE12, Abel doesn't appear, but Frey does. Meaning, that the game itself made Abel die. But since I sent out Frey, I messed up the timeline. Did IntSys. screwed up on the FE11 and FE12 timeline? You decide.
  8. If your not a fan of long posts and stories scroll down to the Hey Listen! Thing to get a sense of what I mean when I say Re-vamp. It might be confusing at first but the story cleans up some of that. I dive into this a bit deeper on the authors notes on the doc, if you want to hear more of my rambling check it out. Hello there! So I've decided to embark on a little fun project that I wanted to do. As you may see the title what do you mean revamp? First let me say that I was not happy with the story nor its characters as there was no lore or background information to be given besides the small tid bits here and there. Nothing sufficient enough, I felt that the characters were husks and much more could have been done with that. As such when i "betrayed people" or I "killed off" someone, I never really felt anything for. It was just a feeling of not me caring at all about any of these characters. Especially when some of the chars die, you might know whom I talking about. What made me say "hey, that's not cool man" and feel bad for them? As such I think lore and background information is key! As well as battle and base conversations to slowly unravel even more about the characters instead of Effie stuffing her face or Keaton trying to find a bone hole. So, this is what the project I made intends to do. You'll see that some characters have new and enhanced backgrounds in their relationship to Corrin, and the world. But feel similar to the player in terms of speech and mannerisms.Locations and chapters from the game might be changed somewhat and situations happening at other places. Some of the main story plots will be changed some as well, but made so it can be more concrete with an actual resolvable reason. But it will be a new feeling and a new look at how awesome this game could have been! For starters I can say that all characters will have a much more concrete background and have reasons for what they do, and yes! That includes Lilith remember her? the two lines in the game dragon right? I feel that characters needed a bump in order to make the game boom in my opinion. Things that make us the player have second thoughts about what we're about to do. They should have their own dreams and resolve and reasons for doing what they do. I want Azura to play more of a key role as she just tends to be on the sidelines, i want her to have more impact. Same goes for Corrin's siblings and those around him! I have plans for Shura and other people whom didn't get spotlight but actually were pretty relevant to the story. As such when you make the ultimate choice, the characters on the other side should change drastically and show that anger that you've betrayed them! As such I plan to do battle conversations and boss conversations! I haven't done them quite yet as I'm finishing up the pre birthright chapters. I have written the background of the main characters and some of the support chars, sorry if your's isn't up yet I'm trying to find a balance of keeping them similar but relevant to the story. I say this because well, you see.. Arthur... As for the game as a whole, I don't think the themes were substantially presented. When you think of conquest you think of conquering.. weird right? As such Corrin should be more seen as a dark figure who has lost his way going against his family. Essentially he is killing his own people so he should reflect that over time. As such i've planned for the dragon form to come into much bigger play in my re-vamp but that discussion is for another day. If we take a look at birthright, we can see that they lived a pretty bright sky in their home. As such I thought of themes to reflect this and i came up with a Blinded by light sort of thing. IN which Corrin thinks the world is so bright like the home he grew up in and thinks he can apply that to everyone. As such I want Corrin int he birthright route to be more of a controlled person and as such maybe controlling his dragon powers a little cleaner unlike compared to conquest Corrin whom might have a little anger due to other things in the story. So to stop your suffering here Is the link, its essentially a hub for all the work. Please NOTE that my story will be something like this in terms of order. 4 PRE-birthright story chapters(not finished) > pre-5 Conquest story chapters(Finished) > 1-2 lined chapters(Mikito's chapters)> CHOICE and then they stem off into separate games. so the choice will be around chapter 11. Its 13k words, for pre-conquest as they are the ones I finished and there is a prologue for pre-birthright as well. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t31AWtOyM28YnKb3IAFi9E4rgI_PhHUaukfhxdpquPM/edit Hey Listen! :What If i don't want to read all this junk? Well, okay maybe it might be long but I feel its important to create lore and feeling with these characters. If it will interest you into reading it try reading the biographies first! They are basically small biography pages for characters and their beginnings on respective sides and will add more as the story goes on. You can find them here or continue onto the docs page. Sorry if your characters aren't here yet!! They'll be probably soon enough. Conquest:https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BxL4sS-E7exGb3hIdGJjX0Z6NDA&usp=sharing Birthright:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BxL4sS-E7exGUDNDbEc5VnI1WHc DISCLAIMER: I am not focusing on a game play perspective as of yet, but I have included some battles just so I could get sense of break and such. Please ignore them okay!? It isn't like i'm trying to sell a new game here. Grammar o Grammar oh my. There might be a few mistakes here and there so please bear with me. Also google docs tends to auto correct my Out's to Our's for whatever reason, so if you stumble upon them my apologies. I might change lines every now and then so if you spot me on a page yeah that's what i'm probably doing so some smaller things are subject to change. If you have any questions or just want to talk to me about stuff lemme know!
  9. Two aspiring writers and friends of mine recently put together a 40 minute review for Fire Emblem Fates Birthright, Conquest and (part of) Revelation, only recently released in the UK. They discuss the new features that help improve the "Awakening" formula, others they aren't so fussed about, and the character writing that made the all important decision so difficult for them. Hope you enjoy! https://youtu.be/-bpqjAsbXEg?t=28m45s
  10. What should the Central Theme in next Fire Emblem be about? What should the player learn and get out of the Theme FE15 wants to portray? 1. My simple rewrite of Revelations has Hoshido and Nohr on various shades of gray while his/her own faction is morally white. Corrin, when confronting both sides will have no problem spouting the phrase "If there was a right side, I would've found it by now" would be the central theme and lesson if Revelations was a one and done FE Fates. As a person not into that pick between the lesser of two evils type, this theme resonates with me the most. 2. The Importance Friendship and Trust and Bonds. Over the course of the story, our emo protaganist learns to trust his/her comrades and believe in the power of friendship and that by being alone and trying to do all all by ones self, it will take him nowhere.
  11. So I've been juggling a few ideas for the affinities in my hack, Book of Eden, and I was wondering what you guys think about the affinities? In the few games that had affinities in them, there were generally two versions of them: GBA era: Fire, Thunder, Wind, Ice, Light, Dark, Anima Tellius era: Fire, Thunder, Wind, Ice, Light, Dark, Earth, Water, Heaven In my hack, much of the lore is inspired from things like Golden Sun, Avatar (element bending one), The Forbidden Kingdom, Chinese Zodiac, and Sun sign horoscopes. I wanted to come up with a 'horoscope' system of sorts for my universe and so far, thinking of sticking with just Earth, Wind, Water, Fire, Light, and Darkness. As for the affinities stats, I'm going to change them for each affinity so they better match the element in my opinion. Currently for the GBA era, stat wise, I noticed each affinity always have two sections that are always empty. For example, Fire has 0's in both Def and Critical Evasion bonuses, where as, Light has 0's in Evasion and Critical Evasion. Should I stick with this or go with something else? In your experience of the games, do you think the affinities accurately reflect the characters, their personalities, and their stats? Though, I know most people don't give much thought to the affinity system, much less their impact on the character's personality and related. It's just something that's always been interesting to me, kind of like the Myers Briggs personality charts, nothing to live by but fun to think about. What do you guys think? I'm eager to hear what everyone else's thoughts on this are.
  12. https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12034499/1/As-Fate-Decrees Summary: Anankos was defeated a century ago. Hoshido, Nohr, Valla, and the rest of the continent enjoyed a long lasting peace under the reigns of their hero kings and queens. As fate decrees, however, peace is destined to be undone. Now their descendants must struggle not only to maintain order against an ever increasingly chaotic world, but to survive. - Artorias Growing up in Valla, one grew accustomed to the cold. The country was a combination of Hoshido and Nohr's northern lands, gifted to King Corrin a century ago by the hero kings Ryoma and Xander. The Hoshidan half was bountiful and fertile, and the vast majority of Valla's harvests were grown on it. The Nohrian half was rich in ores and minerals, and as such many Vallites made a living through either farming or mining. Summer and Autumn had good harvests, more often than not but the winters were always bitter and harsh. Even inside the relative warmth of Valla's "Hall of Kings and Queens", Artorias could feel winter's bite. Fitting for such a grim day. The young man was kneeling before the largest statue in the stoney hall, built in it's center and ever so carefully maintained. It was a statue built in the likeness of the first king of Valla. The new Valla, at least. His golden eyes were set not on the features of the statue, but on the name engraved upon it's base. "King Corrin-Kamui Arianites I..." Artorias read aloud, his voice heavy and somber. "I wonder what you would make of this. During your good years you were considered an excellent ruler. During your best years, a hero." Even behind the stone doors that sealed the Hall, Artorias could not shut out the fevered cries of his people. "But then there were your later years. I suppose even the greatest of heroes cannot remain as such, whether through their own will or cruel circumstance." Artorias had never been able to relate to his great-grandfather. Many tales were told to him, but from what Artorias could gather he was a very different man from Corrin. He would likely be a very different King, as well. Gazing at the statue's features then, Artorias noted that he only scarce resembled the First King. Queen Azura Arianites' blood ran stronger through him, by his grandfather King Shigure-Socrates Arianites. Artorias stood tall, as he did, and was built strong yet agile as well. He bore the same aqua blue hair as his grandfather and great-grandmother, and shared his fair complexion with many Vallites. The Northern country had many sun-less days and long winters, after all. "Brother..." Yes, many traits of Azura's blood indeed. However he did not have the red eyes of Corrin or Kana. He was not born a dragon first, for only Corrin himself and Kana were born as such, and thus his dragonstone unleashed significantly less power compared to them. The gift the two shared came with a deadly curse, however, and they had bore to their end. "Brother. It's time." He could not even awaken the sacred sword of their house through his will, like his great aunt Kana-Korrinus could. Yet, as Artorias rose to his feet and turned his gaze on his twin sister, their golden eyes meeting each other in the dimly lit hall...he knew he must wield it all the same. The Yato lay flat along Astraia's palms, safe within it's golden sheath. Artorias took the blade with a nod and strode towards the doors of the Hall, leaving his musings on the First King behind him. The sound of his and Astraia's boots echoed throughout the stoney hall. "Brother, must it really be you that does this? Sir Drusus volunteered the moment of the sentencing. This is not-" "I must do this, sister." Artorias interrupted her, his voice blunt. "It is my duty as Valla's King." Just before he reached the stone doors he felt Astraia's hand clasp his left shoulder. Once again their golden eyes met, but this time the empathy and fear in his twin's gaze rang true for him. They, too, were very different people, but they were siblings all the same. Astraia had the kindness and empathy their ancestors were so well known for. "Astraia." Artorias' voice was softer now, as he gently moved Astraia's hand. "It is the duty of a Vallite Royal. I'd...not have it fall to you." Perhaps, in a way, Artorias had these traits as well. "You need not bear this burden alone!" Astraia tried to put anger in her voice, but she could find none. There was only sorrow and pain in it, pain that Artorias felt as well. All he could do was try to reassure his sister. "It's just...it's not right that this be your first act as King. This should not be a mark for what your reign will entail." "I know, and I do not." He stroked her arm gently before turning to the doors one last time. "But it does matter whether it is right or not. It is simply my duty, and I must carry it out." For one such as Artorias, this was a far more emotional display than normal. He could not afford to have such emotion make itself present outside of the Hall. He did not do this out of emotion, but of duty. They were right at the doors now, and the voices were louder than ever. The emotionally charged cries of their people. They called for blood. They called for peace. They called for revolution, and they called for order. Artorias would not be able to give them either. "The prisoner is in position, your majesty." The moment Artorias opened the stone doors he was met with the dutiful Edelfelt siblings. Edric was Astraia's caretaker, and Eris was his own. The silver-haired Edric had been the first to speak, and he fell right in line with Astraia as the two walked the stone path towards the city square. "Sir Drusus remains on stand-by. If you ever choose to change your mind, simply-" "Give the word. I know, Edric. Astraia informed me, and I must thank sir Drusus for his kind offer." Artorias needed to focus now, even if those closest to him wished otherwise. Ashen haired Eris was not so quick to speak as her older brother, as she often was, but she gave her liege a look similar to the one Astraia had, back in the Hall. The quarter was amongst the people now. Lined up against the houses and buildings that were so prevalent in the city of Valla. Not all of them could fit into the city square, but all the same they wanted to witness the events that were about to unfold. This was the first execution held in Valla since the earliest days of the First King. Artorias supposed he could not blame them for their eagerness. It was also...a heavily controversial event. Artorias was genuinely surprised, and relieved, that the common-folk had not stormed the wooden platform set up in the square. It was guarded by Sir Drusus and his men, armoured and armed for any possible threats. No doubt he had other soldiers set up throughout the city, scouting to make sure nothing would make this day bloodier than it was already bound to be. Artorias appreciated it, more than he could ever show. The King ascended up the steps of the platform, his sister and retainers behind him, with the mumblings and cries of his people soaking into the back of his mind. They were not what was important right now. All he needed to do was perform this duty, and get to work on restoring Valla's peace. Once atop the platform Artorias set his golden eyes on the prisoner. He was forced onto his knees, feet and hands bound tight, and he did not even look up to his King. Instead he rested his neck on the block of wood provided. He already accepted his fate, it seemed. Sir Drusus, of course, stood just behind the prisoner, halberd in hand. He was clad in the silver and black Valla's finest near always wore. The golden Vallite star was painted onto his breastplate, that all who faced such a warrior knew which country he hailed from. With his short, soft lilac hair, but hardened face, Sir Drusus was the very picture of a fine general. Artorias gave the older man a meaningful look, and with but a word he raised his halberd and banged it's base against the wooden platform. Once, twice, and on the third bang the common-folk quieted. "High Priest Thasus Quent." Artorias' voice carried throughout the square as he spoke. "You have been charged with Treason, Sacrilege, Murder, and Queenslaying." He paused, letting the last and greatest crime hang in the air to compose himself. "You have been found guilty of these crimes by the Court of Valla. Crimes punishable by death." Artorias unsheathed the golden Yato from it's sheath, the blade gleaming beneath the Vallite sun. In his hand rested the sword of a hero. The "Crux of Fate". The "Seal of Flames". It was said that it was only to be wielded by the greatest hero of a given era. Artorias could not help but note that he did not feel much a hero, especially with that blade in hand. "Do you have any last words?" "We are a godless nation!" Thasus cried out. "Heathens and damned, the lot of us! Valla had true king. A true god! And your ancestor slayed him!" Artorias said nothing. He would not interrupt the man's last words, regardless of how much he wished to. Again, though, his sister Astraia was not the same person as he. "You speak of the Silent Dragon? He was no King, and scarce a god. He was mad man! A dragon perhaps, great and powerful indeed, but degenerated beyond all hope." Astraia spoke with fire in her voice. "A pitiable soul, one that needed to be put to rest. Our ancestors are no god-slayers. Our people are not heathens. We live only because they chose to act." "God-slayers we are! Descendants of god-slayers and worshipers of god-slayers, and damned we shall remain! For it is a crime far, far worse than Queenslaying!" Thasus retorted, looking not to Astraia but to the crowd before him. Artorias felt his eye twitch at the statement. The rage that swelled in his chest at the condemned's words was such he needed to bite his lip to keep his silence. "Without the Silent Dragon who do we worship? To whom to we look to in prayer? We have no Dusk Dragon of Nohr. We have no Dawn Dragon of Hoshido. No god cares for Valla! No god cares for us!" He raised his head off the block, and even such a subtle movement was enough to have Sir Drusus ready his halberd. Artorias raised his hand, however, giving the knight the command to stand down. Thasus would have his last words. And then he would die. "I implore you, my good people. With no gods to care for us we are at the mercy of our mortal rulers. Each and every one of us is on a platform. A block! With royal blade hanging above our heads. How long before you find yourself speaking your final words? How long before you find yourselves in my position?" Thasus laid his head back along the block, and he closed his dark eyes. "What I have done, I did for the Silent Dragon. For our True King and our God." He took a calming breath, and he sighed. "What I have done, I did for Valla." What were the words of his grandfather, Shigure-Socrates? "From my experience, it is the maddest of men that oft give the greatest of speeches". Artorias believed his words then, and he believed them now. Gripping the Yato's hilt with both hands, King Artorias-Akihiko Arianites I took his position alongside the condemned. Artorias raised the Yato above his head and, with but a moment's hesitation, he let out a single whisper. "This is for Mother." The Yato cut clean, and the traitor's head rolled.
  13. So, I hear a lot of people complaining about the story of all three campaigns for Fates. The same also applies to Awakening. So I thought to myself for a while, and realised that the plot can be barebones, because it's not where the bulk of the story lies. Note that plot and story are separate things here. Fire Emblem games more recently have been making more of a shift in terms of story telling, and whilst a game like 7 might develop everything using the plot and have supports be less important, Awakening and Fates do the reverse. Say what you will about the quality of writing in the supports (personally I don't see anything wrong), but the development of characters is now done through supports, and to an extent we learn more about the world. An example would be in Awakening where we find out the reasoning behind all of the children characters personalities and why they are how they are, but we also find out more about the future where they come from too, we find out how the parents die, and I think this kind of narrative suits a FE game. When you go back to look at a game like FE7, you'll find that the plot has just as much depth as Awakening or Fates, but the difference is how they develop that world and those characters. Heck, I'd go as far as saying that FE7 isn't as good as Fates, but that's because Fates has three stories that play off of one another, which is why I like it so much.
  14. Hi, I'm requesting active participation for the story in this link: http://serenesforest.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=63004 I'm working on polishing my story and I need your help in making it beautiful.
  15. I have been making a story concept in mind that I hope to pass to IntSys. However, it seems improbable so, for the first time, I'm sharing my incomplete story. I'll be needing your help in polishing the story but I don't want it to be too far from the plot outline I've made. You can post your feedback here: http://serenesforest.net/forums/index.php?showforum=35 So, here's the map description I suck at making maps: Our first hero lives in a southern archipelago akin to South East Asia, and it is the trade capital of the continent. The main land has at least four known nations, two of which are the archipelago's biggest trade partners: East of the Great Wall is a martial arts country named Juiyo inspired by East Asia (3 kingdoms China, warring states Japan, and Korea); West of the Great Wall is a romance and arts country named Gemran inspired by west Europe (Spain, Portugal, UK, Ireland, and France). The religious center of the continent is Yeshuo inspired by the Mediterranean Countries, here lies the Temple of the Dragon King (while a temple is there, the real temple is the people). [spoiler=The Fourth Nation] As for the other nation, they are at the back seat for now Part One (the Rose Guild) The Prologue may start at the training section: Sheena Jade Rosas Daughter of Senator Kin and Chef Josephine . She is a very charitable salesperson and talented sword fighter. She wishes to establish trade networks in the continent for the benefit of the people. Class: Apprentice Well, she will be training with her father Kin Rosas (currently a very popular Senator) Watching from the sidelines: Ghin Rosas The hot blooded brother of Sheena, despite his efforts to train with swords he doesn't seem to handle it as good as throwing axes. He shows of the most often. Class: Journeyman Then followed by a scene in their mother's restaurant where Bandits attack. Here joins: during battle Shmuel Habagat A fresh graduate of law enforcement. His family is close to the Rosas. He speaks very little unless necessary. class: Archer lv 10 (yes overleveled) After battle (I haven't polished the story yet) Anika Amihan A mage from a family of apothecaries. She is usually snarky and mean but is surprisingly sweet to her good friends. Class: (Wind) Mage Genny Bianca Best friend of Sheena. A novice preacher. She is exceptionally knowledgeable of the Scriptures and seems to know better than present priests. Class: Cleric/Deaconess Andy Narra A shy inventor from a family of blacksmiths. He keeps a book of drawings of his designs for future inventions. Class: a unique crossbow class And they formed the Rose Merchants and set off to an adventure. Why? Well, Sheena's mother, Chef Josephine wanted to cook a rare dish she hasn't cooked in a long time. It requires a rare ingredient form an outlying island. Yeah, a silly plot device I will update the story time after time. Country names by Hylian Air Force
  16. How did you get into Fire Emblem? For me, (like with a lot of other people) it was Smash Bros. I just looked up Fire Emblem after I played Smash Bros. because I wanted to find out where Marth and Roy came from, and I downloaded the FE7 ROM. But I don't remember it appealing to me, so I didn't really get into it. It was not until I downloaded FE8 on 3DS (when it was offered on the eShop for free along with 9 other GBA games back in 2011) that I really got into it. So, what's your stories?
  17. I don't know if we already have a thread like this or there's a better place for this thread, but I wanted a place to talk about different ideas someone else or I might have as to how the story could've gone/ what would make a better story. This is all opinion based of course, but I'd like to see some speculation and maybe some people's head canon get unleashed... My own ideas... What would the ramifications on the story be if Corrin and Azura were legitimate hostage exchanges for the sake of peace rather than mutual kidnappings? Would this lead to their adopted siblings treating them more or less the same or with a greater distance between the two? How would this effect a Corrin's choice to side with the nation of their birth or the nation that has been their home for as long as they can remember? [spoiler=Conquest Spoiler]Would it be "more" justifiable if instead of doing it to sit Garon on the throne, the Conquest!Corrin fought Hoshido to build support in Nohr for Xander's cause. Or basically, Xander plans to revolt but can't do it in the middle of a war? Just some thoughts If anyone has ideas on these thoughts or their own feel free to share, and if there is a better place for me to discuss these types of ideas please feel free to direct me as such.
  18. So I have been bouncing ideas for my book that i've been working on and off for the last several years and I decided last year to make a hack based off my story. Problem is, I'm not a good writer, at least I dont think i am, and was hoping the fine lads and lasses here would give me some feedback and help me sort through my ideas into coherent writings and sentences. As for the story, I've always had trouble summarizing the story in a few sentences. But the basics are, hero ends up in new realm/dimension/universe, has to solve political problems as well as personal problems in order to be able to go back to his own realm/dimension/universe. He ends up on the continent of Eldrahgo where the five kingdoms are currently on the verge of war. The reason our hero, Richard, is important to the plot is because his arrival to the continent triggers the impending war that will wipe out life on that continent. I do have various names, backstories of characters, and historical information about various locaitons in this worl dof mine. I can also tell you what the main character does when and where and what happens. I can also list big name historical events and upcoming battles, events, names and information on various factions and groups. I just can't seem to summarize everything into a few sentences. I already made a topic on my hack over at concepts in the fan project selection. It will be updated shortly as I'm finalizing the next patch update. Are there questions I can answer that would enable others to better understand my story? If there are more details that I can/should list, please let me know. I'm pretty sure what I written above is rather confusing but I hope that those who read it are able to help me sort out my story. Thanks for taking the time to read and if anything doesn't make sense, just post here or PM me.
  19. I have a few questions, please try to answer them without spoiling anything. Do you have any other choices after the big one where you pick your side? Or is it just one choice and bam. Are there any avoidable deaths or do people die no matter what on both sides? Thank you.
  20. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dQWezQpURcWjdXkLKoJxh9qBea9LBK5q0ZtiDSFE5zg/edit
  21. The Answer "Ya've heard o' 'im, haven't ya?" He didn't stop his hands from peeling spuds. "Tha' one down in the dungeons." "Him who?" Hermes didnt dare look up. If he did, he was sure to get clobbered by the cook. "Tha' old Druid, emperor's last teacher." The teacher, imprisoned in the dungeons? He kept his hands busy, thinking of the day before last. He took a meal down there for the wizened old man. Blind, smelly, and very, very old. He grunted, hoping to hear more without looking up. "He was a-ravin' this morn. Wouldn't stop talkin' bout it." It. So it was this story again, about the it. Grados old beloved national treasure, spirited away by the Demon Kings servants. There was no other explanation. But that was years ago, years and years before even Hermes grandfather was born. And he told him the story about the Fire Emblem, it was only proper. People still remembered it faintly, about the hero Grado sealing the soul of the Demon King in the stone. They had to. Because the monsters ravaged the edges of the cities and towns still. "Do ya think he's right 'bout it?" He stopped, raising his eyes just a little. "Dat it ain't no more." "Who knows." The people had rallied together, each nation gave soldiers to an order called the Magvellian Alliance, and they fought to keep the monsters away. His father was out fighting now, same with his mother. They'd be out for a few years still. "It's been s'long. Stories are just for kids, y'kna." "He says he knows how'a get peace." Hermes went back to peeling. "He's just raving senile things. Poor 'im." [line-break] As Hermes descended into the dungeons, he shivered as the chill cut him to the bone. He didn't like it. His boots stepping on stones set older than him, in dirty pools of water and droppings of creatures. He didn't know what lined the walls and he didn't think he wanted to know. It was never clean down here, Gus never did his work. He said it didn't need to be clean for no one. No one was down here. Except for the emperors teacher, Galalilei. He hurried to the cell, the torches throwing enough light for him to find his way. There wasn't even a guard in front of his cell, and there weren't any chains. Chains were for the dangerous ones, his father had said. But what could a blind man do to anyone? He had to be down here for something, but what? Just as he turned the corner, a cry startled him and he dropped a roll of stale bread. Cursing, he left the morsel where it fell. Rats feasted better on those than on the old man, he didn't deserve that. "You the boy?" The wail was ghostly, but Hermes would not show fear. Fear was a trick, to stop and delay people from doing their work. He was not afraid. "Erick, you've come! Come to reason, have you!" A shuffle of robes, he could see the rich cloths hanging off the thin mans frame through the bars. He grit his teeth, keeping his mouth a stern line as he reached for the keys on his belt. "It is what we need, the Fire Emblem--everything was created by it, do you know? Do you know! The power--the Demon King stole it. Stolen it from the dragon-kind, he is the last. The last of them, of them all!" The rasping voice, strong in conviction and weak in volume. It brought another shiver down his spine as he opened the door. Thank the gods he couldn't get up from off the ground, but could feed himself as a young child was able to do. "He is not gone, his body may be destroyed, but he is not gone. You need the stone Erick, the Fire Emblem--get it back. Get. It back. Get it back get it back get it back." The old man worked himself into a frenzy. And still Hermes stayed aloof. It was Emperor Erick's merciful decision to let him live, he didn't do anything deserving death. And the ravings would stop. They always stopped, he was sure of it, after he was gone. He set the soup down, shoving a spoon in a gnarled hand and left. Locking up behind him. [line-break] "Can there be peace?" The weeks wore on, and Hermes still did not hear from his parents. It was the first he'd spoken to the old man, since bringing him meals. The laughter that answered him did not sound promising. "There is peace now. Do you hear anything Erick? Do you hear it?" He stood, muttering to himself about senile old men. He nearly fell when those bony hands grasped his foot. But Hermes didn't yell--what could the old man do other than grab at him? "That is what the Demon King brings, he brings peace to us. There is no greater peace than in death! Everything, all things die and he brings it to us, wrapped up as gifts. His servants bear his will and, and Erick we receive them with weapons swinging and magic flung. How can you do that, to such a generous master?" He wrest his leg out of the grip and left. [line-break] "I told you, I've found these notes. Knoll's life's work, and he was a good one. Took lots of notes, just like you did Erick, he took many notes. He discovered the secret of the Fire Emblem, you see. He knew the power that the Dark One had--it could raise the dead from their graves, it could heal people, it delayed the peace he would bring but his power is just. You need to get it Erick, you need it. Grado needs you to find it again. You know the legends, you know them well boy. I taught them to you. The new heroes, that silly L'Arachel had hundreds of songs composed of good winning against the Demon King. They destroyed his body, you know they did Erick, but his soul. The fount of his power Erick! If Grado had its power, can you imagine? If Grado had its power and used it? You would become the greatest emperor of all Erick, the greatest! They made us weak, they said we were vile. Lyon was a rash youth--I've taught you better than that. You could do what he could not. You can be great, Erick. You! And only you..." To Hermes' surprise, the prisoner wasn't just raving to himself. There was someone else by the cell, as he brought the meal down. He lowered his gaze, and swallowed hard, muttering the proper greetings. He waited. His neck began to hurt when he caught the end of a whisper. Lifting his head a little, he kept his back straight and stared at the cobbled stones. The emperor watched him lay down the tray of bread, cheese and old meats. He could still feel the emperors eyes as he rounded the corner, walked down the dungeon hall, and reached the surface.
  22. How many ages hence Shall this our lofty scene be acted over In states unborn and accents yet unknown! William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar Through fire and death this army had ventured to finally reach this point. The road behind them was paved with the corpses of friends and enemies alike. Yet at last Doluna Keep loomed before the armies of the Akaneian League, its spires and battlements cleared of enemies while forces inside still awaited the final struggle for the future of the continent. While tents and gear had been pitched outside, there would be no long siege of the final bastion of evil. The Earth Dragon had to be stopped now while there was still a chance, the threat Medeus posed was too great to simply try and contain him within his fortress. So preparations for a final assault on Doluna Keep to be undertaken upon the next morrow were underway. The assembled forces of an entire continent from almost every nation, profession, background, and motivation were on display here as all but the most unaware knew the deadly seriousness of the situation. It would seem a strange thing to look upon this army if you were an outsider, for rather than a uniform force it seemed no one soldier was alike with this band. Knights and mages, clerics and thieves, royalty and even legends themselves walked among this army. It was like no army the lands had seen since the time of their ancient legends, and it would probably not see it’s like again for generations. At this time however, the entire camp was all action and bustle, preparing for the final battle that would decide everything for themselves and those they cared about. Many dealt with the tension and fear of the coming storm in different ways. Some sought the company and laughter of others, a few sharpened their weapons and practiced their strikes with all the diligence and care they could muster, the religious among them felt called to prayer and contemplation of their gods and goddesses, and a some among the group simply readied their weapons prepared to treat this as just another job or battle that needed doing. No matter how they chose to prepare for battle, all were filled with a sense of finality about the whole affair. This task ahead of them was hard fought for by the struggles behind them, and all their weapons, power, and skill would be brought to bear one last time for one final test of resolve and courage. However, no more could a feeling of worry and despondency be felt than in the largest of the army’s tents. Inside a blue colored construct of canvas and cord sat Prince Marth of Altea, Lord and Leader of this might host of colorful characters. He of all people knew the destruction that could be brought by the forces of darkness, of what could be lost if evil was not vanquished and defeated from the lands. A tender lad of 14 he had been, when he had seen his home put to the torch, his family killed or captured, and his homeland torn asunder by greed and evil ambition. It was hard to imagine that here he was now, only 16 years of age leading the greatest army on the continent and having the command of men and women of far greater age and experience. Yet here he was, the boy prince come back to finally redeem the land and lead the forces of good against the earth dragon once again. Here he was showered with accolades and the praises of his men and the people, here he was hailed as Anri come again, but still why was he so uneasy? Why in his sleep did he still dream of endless fires and of the faces of the dead on his side and the enemies? Resolve wasn’t a thing he was lacking in, quite the contrary, he knew what he had to do and how to do it, before him on the table was the legendary blade Falchion, and next to it was the symbol granted unto him of the Fire Emblem. Still though the prince’s mind was uneasy as he scoured over books on military strategy, planning, and logistics. This last battle would be the defining moment of this generation, and maybe for a thousand generations to come. Perhaps that’s why this was how Jagen found his liege lord hunched over his desk as the sun began to set low over the mountains. The stalwart paladin witnessed that the desk of the leader of the Akaneian League had innumerable books and ledgers scattered across its surface. However, there was only one book that was clenched in the hands of the young hero he’d seen grow from a child in the castle gardens to a warrior of great renown and skill. It was an old book from the libraries of the Capital of Altea, one Genealogy of the Holy War. Jagen remembered that book well, as did nearly all who studied history and legends. A story of faraway lands, of bloodshed, of treason, of tragedy, love and loss, of the bitterness of defeat and the grim exaltation of victory won at a heavy cost. Jagen could see plainly that his lord was engrossed wholly in the book, barely noticing his entrance even as he heavy armor clanked unsubtly. Rather than simply stand waiting for a response Jagen cleared his throat rather loudly, Marth was startled out of his reading stupor and quickly turned to face his knight, standing as he did so. “Oh, Sir Jagen. I apologize, I was wrapped up in my thoughts. I should’ve noticed your entrance.” “Think nothing of it my lord.” The Paladin waved off good naturedly, “The troops are preparing diligently for the battle to come, and everyone is ready to give everything to end this war.” “Yes, to end this war... At last it will all be over” There was a heavy step to his voice, and though he tried to mask it beneath the layers of command and decorum drilled into him through study and experience Jagen could see right through the image his old ward wished to project. The old man’s eyes softened and once again Jagen had to remind himself this Hero-King as some were calling him, had not yet seen 20 winters. Speaking more as a friend and mentor than as an advisor and warrior Jagen allowed himself to relax and ask a simple question. “Are you alright my lord?” It was a simple enough question, but one that people still sometimes had to learn to be willing to ask. “You seem troubled and ill at ease.” There were a few thoughtful moments of silence that hung in the air before Marth once again took the tome of the faraway Holy War and held it his hands. “I was tired after looking over the various paperworks that plague me even to this day, and i decided to set my eyes upon this old book. I read it remembering as a boy how much I would relish my father reading to me stories of Prince Seliph or Lord Sigurd.” Prince Marth began to pace around his tent, a steady gait that somehow shone with purpose despite its apparent aimlessness. “I was a young man on the run in Tayls before I read of just calamities as the Battle of Belhalla. Of all that Prince Seliph had suffered to redeem the name of his father and restore his kingdom. Heh, when looked at in its entirely my own troubles seem very small indeed.” The smile that once adorned his face faded after a moment though. “I then got to the end, wherein much is set to rights, but the struggle against the Lopto is not ended in its entirety. From what the book says there was times of great peace but almost as if it was routine, the continent was plunged into terrible war once again and again.” There perhaps lay the crux of the matter Jagen understood now. The feeling of some who have seen war at its worst and wonder if there will ever come a day without such struggle. It is for those who have kind hearts and have seen the worst of the world, and it is for them to wonder if despite all their works and deeds there will never be a day they and their children would not need fear war and death. It was a question he himself grappled with at times, but though the answer he found for himself was not one he found until he was ready to accept it. “And what did you take away from all this, my Prince?” “I’m.. I’m not sure really, I’m not sure what I was hoping to find or to think after everything.” There was another pause, and Marth’s eyes lingered on the Fire Emblem and Falchion. “The road to get here has been a long one indeed, father dead, mother dead, countless others fallen upon the sword of my foes and mine own alike.” “I suppose I’m just thinking... will this really be the end of it all? Can there ever exist a lasting peace? I want to believe that somehow after this war so vast and terrible that we can lay down our swords, but can that truly ever be?” A grim but firm countenance set itself upon the head of the Champion of Altea, and with tones more fatherly than knightly he spoke. “If there is an end, I do not know if I will live to see it, I do not know if any of this generation shall see a day without war. It is for us and our descendants both however to try and build towards that day no matter how far away it must seem. The future that you speak of and dream of must be built with your own bravery and the bonds of yourself and others, even if none of you may see that glorious day.” “Somehow I think I knew you would say that, and perhaps deep within myself I already knew the answer.” The prince said as he held the blade Falchion in his hands, “Perhaps what I was wondering in the end is, after we win, and I believe we shall prevail because I have faith in this army. How long before with blade must once again be used in anger with the fate of the world on the back of the one who wields it?” “In how many lands will other rally around their own “Fire Emblems” with everything at stake? In the hands of how many unknown men and women will holy weapons be placed as they must charge into fire and death because no one else can?” The answer was simple, concise, and it came without hesitation. “I do not know.” The words echoed somehow in the tent, “I do not know, you do not know, we cannot know. Only the gods themselves will ever know the sufferings of all and the plight of those beyond our sight and knowledge. It is not however for us to fret over what we cannot control with our minds or know with our hearts. It remains only to us to do what we are able in the moment. In that way we work ever so harder to a day without war.” The old knight began to feel the weight of age and tiredness upon him suddenly, as was becoming the case more and more as the years dragged on. He was not so young as he once was, but perhaps age had given him wisdom even as it sapped strength from his body. The prince’s eyes once again turned to the old paladin’s and rather than speaking like a prince or a king he spoke like a boy once more, a young man forced to grow older before his time. “Thank you Jagen, for listening to my inane ramblings of nothings while their are much greater things at stake that you and I should prepare for.” “No, they are not nothings my prince, and do not think of them as such. Keep those questions in your heart, even knowing the answer know that you must do your part every day, as other do, and as I will until the end of my years.” “I shall take that into my mind and keep it there till the end of my days Sir Jagen.” The prince turned back to the book once more, “I think I should like to be alone for a little while once more.” “As you command, your grace.” Jagen responded ever dutifully as he moved to step out of the tent. Before he left one last bit of word’s left the prince’s mouth as the knight moved the blue tent flaps. “Jagen,” He said, “Thank you, for everything.” Another rare smile cross the normally stern old man’s face. “You are most welcome, Prince Marth.” With that he turned to the rest of the camp to begin his own preparations for the final battle. With a loud and triumphant voice the bard spoke the last line with a flourish and a sigh. The final part of this little side story to one of her larger epics completed at the end of a long storytelling session. There was a great roar of applause from the crowd as the redheaded bard stood from her stool and bowed before the audience. In particular the children in the front of the crowd seemed particularly enthused by the whole thing, many of them begging for more or for another retelling of a previous story and song. Some clamored for the oldest of the bard’s thirteen ballards, others for those she had only recently begun to sing across the lands, and there were always those who begged for the bard to tell her their favorite story as loudly as they could even if others tried to shout them down or deride their choices. The bard smiled sweetly at them all, for all their arguing wasn’t born of hatred for others but pride in their own choices and their own loves. (It also didn’t hurt that they and their parents paid good coin.) Though for her part, there was another song he had yet to sing for crowds she had just learned from other bards across the ocean. She decided there was always time for another song, and looked through her books for the notes. Before she could begin singing though, one of the children dared to move in close and tugged at the bard’s cloak and looked up at her with beady eyes. “Miss Anna,” The child said, “Did Prince Marth win?” This must’ve been a child she had not performed for before, but that didn’t matter too much to her, it was always good to have new customers. “Of course they did!” She said with a smile “We’re all here aren’t we?” “Yeah, I guess so, but he didn’t get to see people stop hurting each other did he?” “No, no he did not, but until the end of his days Prince Marth and those who came after him worked to see peace and prosperity come back to their lands. And most of the time, they ruled peacefully and happily till the ends of their days.” The mood of the child’s face brightened a bit, bringing a smile to Anna’s face. “Oh, okay, than I guess it’s still a good story...” “Yeah, it is. Now, do you wanna hear another story?” “More than anything!” The child decreeded loudly. “Alright then,” The bard continued, “Now this story begins in the land of Hoshido....” FIN “There is no real ending. It’s just the place where you stop the story.” ― Frank Herbert
  23. (This is dedicated to Shin Kobayashi, Intelligent Systems, and Nintendo for spinning such a driven, gripping, and thought provoking scenario that had me near crying while trying to write this. And I haven't even played the game properly here yet. So I do apologize if the events in this story aren't portrayed quite the same as they may be in the game; I'm going mostly from conjecture and what I know and have seen of the game up to the choice in Ch. 6.) Keep being an awesome place to be SF! :) The Impossible Choice "Come to Hoshido, Corrin!" She knew. "No Corrin! Nohr is your home!" She had known this moment would come. Since the day her life was turned upside down when she was taken to her birth nation Hoshido. Since her mother's arms had encircled her lovingly, welcoming her home. Since the point she had begun to feel something for her estranged Hoshidan family. Since she had heard the news that Nohr was invading. Nohr. The place she had always known as her home. Where she had spent years growing up sequestered, yet cared for by an unconventional family of siblings and servants who loved her just as much as her blood family. Two nations. Two families. And Corrin knew the time had come to choose. Why? They were all in view before her. Ryoma, offering her a beckoning hand and urging her to come to his side, while Sakura called for her as Hinoka and Takumi stood slightly behind, apprehension in their expressions. Her Hoshidan family. Her blood siblings. The ones who were there during her early days and months, the ones she should have grown up alongside with. The people she was kidnapped from. In the short time she had spent so far in Hoshido, she had come to care for it and it's people. The peace it was blessed with made it seem like another world, one she had never truly known in Nohr. Everyone was so open and friendly, and this was reflected in its rulers. Queen Mikoto was the mother she had never known she had, her kindness and compassion boundless and endless. Ryoma, her elder brother, was honorable and loyal to all he held dear, and would defend them no matter what. Hinoka, her elder sister, had shown underneath her fierce demeanor was a girl mourning the loss of a family member; she had cried tears of joy upon finding her lost sister returned. Takumi, her younger brother, though not quite as welcoming and affectionate as the others for understandable reasons, was still a true and honest person who only wished for his family's and nation's safety. And Sakura, her younger sister, was perhaps one of the sweetest and most considerate people to ever exist. Despite the fact that she was practically a stranger to them, they had opened their arms and hearts to her. And Corrin could not deny in her heart that she wished to know them even more and make up for the lost years. Why? But she also could not deny the other half of her heart. She turned to the other side and saw Xander upon his horse, reaching an arm down towards her that she might come to his side, with Elise entreating her name next to him. Camilla and Leo stood nearby, concern for her wellbeing flitting across their faces. Her Nohrian family. Her adopted siblings. The ones who were with her during her life, the ones she grew up alongside with. The people who raised her to this day. In all the long years she had spent living in Nohr, she could not deny that the nation was not the friendliest of places or the brightest. It didn't have the bountiful resources of Hoshido, and the warlike culture put it in direct conflict with them. And yet, it was her home. She knew what a hardy breed of citizen it took to live in Nohr, and she respected them for it. Though King Garon did not bequeath much, if any, love for her during her life, what love that was lacking from him was made up tenfold by her siblings, who knew that love in general was a preciously rare gift in the Nohrian Royal Court. Xander had been both her elder brother and the kind father figure she always wanted. Camilla was her elder sister but acted more like a protective and indulgent mother to her and the others. Leo, her younger brother who was definitely more intelligent and probably more mature than even her, taught her things about the world and about life that she may have never known otherwise, cultivating her healthy desire to learn. And dearest Elise, her all loving and impossibly innocent little sister who brought light into their lives when none thought it possible in such a place. She had absolutely no blood relation to them, no prior connection to their family that would endear her to them after she was brought to Nohr. Yet she knew nothing but love and adoration from them for all the days of her life and every echo from her memory. Why? "This way," called her brother Ryoma. Called Hoshido. Hoshido was under attack from Nohr. The peaceful nation that had known no war and struggled to avoid it under the benevolent rule of their Queen. But now she was gone and they could no longer avoid bloodshed. Corrin tried to think with her head, like Leo had taught her. Objectively in her mind, Hoshido was in the right. They were the victims in this; their lands were invaded, their queen murdered, their peace destroyed. It is only natural to believe that their side is the side that should be defended. But was she, a complete stranger despite her heritage and from the enemy nation no less, a person suited for this task? Moreover, could she stand against Nohr? Was she prepared to fight and even kill her own siblings, the people she had loved and who had loved her for all her life despite their lack of blood relation? Could she tear out her own heart? Why? "We're your family," entreated her brother Xander. Entreated Nohr. Nohr was dying. Its land was resource depleted. Even she knew from history that Nohr had developed it's warmongering nature for conquest due to a need for survival. No matter what machinations their King had planned, she couldn't turn her back on this fact. Corrin tried to reason with her heart, like Elise had shown her. In the tempest of her feelings, she felt she had every right to return to Nohr. Kidnapped or no, they were still the family she was raised by and loved without end. The Hoshidans, in comparison, were almost complete strangers who captured her and took her away from the life and family she'd known and been so far content with. Why should she risk life and limb for them against her own adopted family, who have been by her side through thick and thin. But after everything she saw and experienced in Hoshido, could she really turn her back on such injustice from Nohr? Could she forget the horrible events leading to her birth mother's death? Would she be ready to fight and kill the family who only wanted to reconnect with her after having been so cruelly torn apart? Could she abandon her own morals and beliefs? Why? Why?Why?Why?Why?WHY?WHY?WHY?WHY?! "It's not fair!," Corrin thought, lowering her head. What terrible, horrible, awful thing did she do in another life that such cruel fates would offer such a choice? That she should be made to choose between her blood and adopted families, her mind and her heart. She began to feel the same anger, the same indignation that caused her first dragon transformation at the sight of her mother dead in her arms. In her rising fury and frustration, she wondered why her siblings, both Hoshido and Nohr, why they all would put such a choice on her. Did they not care for her own feelings or realize what choosing meant for her?! It was an impossible choice. Her feelings raged internally to a boiling point, and at that moment she simultaneously loved them beyond measure and despised them beyond words. She started to feel the familiar surge of draconian power as it flowed to her arms, her legs, her back, and her head----- A face appeared in her mind, accompanied by a clear and soothing melody that promised calm, serenity, sanctuary, safety. The memory of Azura and her song, echoing from the haze of her mind as she had raged from loss and grief over her mother as a dragon. Corrin reached for the dragonstone that hung from her neck like a pendant, a gift from her fellow sister of circumstances Azura. In that moment she felt no love, no hatred. Only clarity. Clarity of thought. "Was there ever really a true choice to begin with?" She raised her head to face her siblings, both sides waiting for her answer. All the time she had spent ruminating in her mind must only have been a few moments, for they appeared as she'd last seen them. Concerned, apprehensive, expectant. Corrin glanced between them both, and looked her elder brothers each in the eye. She, eyes brimming with human sadness and draconic fury, a sister's love and a soldier's conviction, answered. And Corrin chose. ~~~~~~~~
  24. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aT84ig1W_52nBgGlgJ3wVKXxpGFsi1DojuNq4EAqLAY/edit?pref=2&pli=1
  25. The Path Thereafter Hoshido had always been a land of peace and prosperity. But tonight, it was a country in the midst of recent devastation. Everything is Kamui’s fault, Takumi thought viciously as he shot arrow after arrow into the trunk of a large tree – imagining it were the face of his former brother he was striking. It’s his fault that all of this is happening to Hoshido right now – this war, the capital, and Mother – A fresh surge of anger ran through Takumi’s body as he gripped the Fuujin Yumi tighter, keeping the bow pointed at the tree but unable to muster the concentration to summon an arrow. If Kamui had never come to Hoshido, then Mother and all of the villagers would still be alive. Shirasagi would not be in ruins. His siblings would still be whole. Ryouma-niisan, Hinoka-neesan, and Sakura had always wanted Kamui to return to them. They’d never forgotten him, had trained for the day when they could see him again. And Sakura, who had been too little to truly remember Kamui, had grown up hearing stories of a long-lost brother from everyone – from their siblings, from Mother, from Yukimura-san. Sakura had always wanted to meet the brother that she had never had the chance to know. Takumi hadn’t felt the same as them. He was not, nor had he been, close to Kamui in the same way as Ryouma-niisan and Hinoka-neesan. Any of his recollections of Kamui were hazy and poor; too young to have formed meaningful memories. Rather, it was the loss of his father; the absence of his presence and the impact it’d had on his family that affected him more strongly. His older siblings had been devastated by the assassination of their father, naturally, but then they’d learned that Kamui was possibly alive in Nohr. Hinoka-neesan had become obsessed with getting him back. She trained feverishly as a tenma warrior – she lived and breathed for the day she was strong enough to singlehandedly rescue Kamui from Nohr’s clutches. Even though they’d never been very close, Takumi noticed her grow distant after that. No longer did she take the time to play with him – or Sakura – anymore. It were almost as if everything that didn’t involve Kamui or training had suddenly become a waste of time … as if he were too much of a useless weakling to be of use to her and for her to notice. And of course she’d remain close to Ryouma-niisan, the strong elder brother who was more than worth her time. But his older brother had changed, too. Ryouma-niisan had seemed to grow up overnight after their father’s assassination. The fun-loving brother who had always made time for his younger siblings had suddenly been replaced with a more stoic, more adult version of his brother – one who hadn’t completely mastered his emotional, adolescent tendencies yet but seemed more “father” than “brother”. He had less time for idle activities and he spent more time helping Mother run the country, or training either his swordsmanship or his political knowledge. Nohr hadn’t just killed his father and kidnapped his brother; in doing so, they’d taken the rest of his family too – Ryouma-niisan and Hinoka-neesan, Mother, Sakura, Hoshido’s sense of security … and Takumi could do nothing. In the end, he was helpless to make a difference. So he did the only thing that he could – he hated Nohr with everything that he was, for taking everything that was important. And then, Kamui had come back to Hoshido – just walked back into their lives as if he hadn’t left everyone wondering for years. Mother had been so happy to see him again, as were the rest of his siblings. Had none of them considered that Kamui could be an enemy spy? That the time he had spent in Nohr could have turned him against the country of his birth, poisoned by lies the Nohrians had told him about Hoshido? It’d be a foolish move to accept him back with open arms so soon. (He would never admit it, but there was a small part deep inside him that hated seeing everyone fawn over Kamui like he was the most precious child in the world – the same people who had always disregarded and overlooked him, no matter how hard he tried to be someone worthy of their approval. But he’d never admit it was there, and perhaps he wasn’t even aware of the true reasons for his resentment.) In the end, their trust had cost them. That sword Kamui had been carrying on him, it had been a Nohrian trap and had exploded during his homecoming celebration – taking with it a good portion of the capital, the lives of innocent civilians who had done nothing wrong other than being in the wrong place that day, and their mother who had sacrificed herself to protect Kamui! The pain and grief had clouded his mind with a deep-seated hatred, but Ryouma-niisan and Hinoka-neesan were more upset with him for yelling at Kamui, with nary a word about Mother or the townspeople! That had only worsened his mood. And yet, that hadn’t been the end of it. After the attack on Shirasagi, they had received word that the Nohrian army was assembling at the border, and so he and his siblings and Kamui had gone to confront the enemy – led by none other than the crown prince of Nohr himself, a man who called Kamui his brother. And when forced to make a decision, the traitor sided with Nohr! The country that had just killed his mother, and his father years ago, both of whom had died to protect him! Kamui had, during his short return to Hoshido, indirectly caused the deaths of the queen and innocent civilians, the destruction of the capital, and had demoralized not only all of Hoshido but his siblings as well. Takumi had to wonder if it’d all been an elaborate ruse by Nohr to cripple Hoshido to begin with. “Takumi.” The voice of his elder brother – his only elder brother – startled him out of his thoughts. Ryouma approached him, and from a distance he looked just as confident as he always was, even in the midst of hardship. But as he drew nearer, Takumi could see even in the darkness of the night the exhaustion in his brother’s face; a hint of sadness in his eyes. “You should be resting,” Ryouma said. “That wound won’t heal if you overexert yourself.” A faint blush coloring his cheeks, Takumi slowly rubbed his lower arm. Thankfully, it wasn’t his dominant hand that had been injured, but during the skirmish earlier that day he had battled against one of the Nohrian princes. He had received the injury when his enemy had gotten too close. In his anger he’d barely noticed the pain, but now his arm protested the results of letting out his pent-up rage. “Tomorrow morning we shall begin planning our next move from hereon in,” Ryouma went on. “Nohr’s actions are an act of war, and we cannot let them go unpunished.” “Nohrian scum,” Hinoka hissed, from where she stood behind Ryouma – Takumi hadn’t even realized she was there until he heard her. “I’ll never forgive them for what they’ve done! They turned Kamui against us, his true family …” “It is regrettable, but Kamui has sided with Nohr.” Ryouma closed his eyes, as if his next words physically pained him to say. “He is our enemy now, and the next time we meet on the battlefield we must fight.” “Why … why is any of this happening? For so long, I’ve dreamed that Kamui would return to Hoshido … return to us. That we could all live happily in the castle together like we used to …” “Neesan, what are you saying!” Takumi shouted at Hinoka, unable to bear listening to her mourning for any longer. “Kamui’s been lost to us for years! We don’t know who he is anymore! If it weren’t for him, Mother would still be alive!” “Shut up, Takumi! You wouldn’t understand!” Hinoka snapped back at him, gripping her naginata so tight that it seemed to be on the verge of breaking. “Kamui has always been a kind-hearted child. He’s our family! How can you just cast him aside like he’s nothing?” “How can I – neesan! He’s the one who turned his back on us! He chose Nohr over us – like Hoshido never meant anything to him! Like Mother hadn’t died to protect him!” “Maybe he didn’t want to come back to Hoshido because of the way you’d been treating him this entire time! Maybe Kamui would be here with us if you hadn’t been so terrible to him for no reason!” “P-please stop!” The sound of Sakura raising her voice, especially at her older siblings, was enough to make them both stop and turn to her. At some point unbeknownst to them, Sakura had joined them in the courtyard, probably drawn out by the sound of Hinoka and Takumi’s arguing. She was standing beside Ryouma, wringing her staff in her hands as their elder brother held her in a supportive one-armed hug. “Sakura …” Hinoka had the decency to look embarrassed – as did Takumi; upsetting Sakura was the last thing either of them wanted to do. “I-I’m sorry, but I can’t stand to see you fight like this, not now.” Despite the tears that were pooling in her eyes, Sakura’s voice never wavered. “Mother and Kamui are gone, and we shouldn’t be fighting! We need to stay together, now more than ever.” “She’s right,” Ryouma said, his commanding tone essentially shutting down any possible disagreements. “Today has been tiring for all of us, but we must not forget what is truly important in this venture. We must protect Hoshido and the peace that Father and Mother had died for. Now, let us all turn in for tonight. May tomorrow bring light on Hoshido.” With softly muttered agreements, Hinoka and Sakura headed back into the castle while Ryouma followed them inside. But Takumi remained standing in the courtyard, mulling over his brother’s words. Something had struck a nerve. It wasn’t for peace that Father and Mother had died. It had been for Kamui. Everything that they had done leading up to their deaths had been for that person – who had all but spit upon their sacrifice by choosing the country that had killed them. He may have been right in his distrust, but he felt no satisfaction from it. And why should he? Mother was gone. Central Shirasagi was in a crater. They had lost many soldiers and civilians by the end of the day. And his siblings were broken. They were broken, and yet they still were in love with the idea of Kamui; their long-lost precious brother who would come back if they could bring him back to his senses and all would be as it should be. Kamui had destroyed Hoshido’s morale, and he’d hurt his siblings in the worst way that he could. Takumi vowed to make him pay for it. - He’d had nothing but bad dreams that night. The scene from earlier that day kept on replaying in his mind: the sword exploding, the buildings crumbling, Mother throwing herself in front of Kamui to her death – Sometimes the scene would change. He would be at the border – or sometimes inside the castle. He and his siblings would be standing alone, against an army of faceless Nohrian soldiers – led by none other than Kamui. Ryouma-niisan was still as Kamui brought up his sword, the stolen Yato no Kami that had chosen a traitor, professing that he could not fight the younger brother that he had loved so dearly, even as the sword plunged into his body – Other times, it was Hinoka-neesan instead of Ryouma-niisan. Or Kamui killing Sakura in cold blood even though she couldn’t fight back against him. Sometimes they would all be dead, and Kamui would be taunting him that Father and Mother had loved him best, that he was too weak to defend anything as he raised his sword over his head – Takumi didn’t feel like sleeping for the rest of that night. A soft knock on the door pulled him out of his racing thoughts, and Oboro stepped inside the room – her naginata at her side and a concerned expression on her face. “Milord, are you well?” “Oh, Oboro …” Takumi felt the blood rushing to his cheeks, and he immediately went to look at anything other than her. He didn’t want her to see him like this – like a child that needed to be comforted after a nightmare. What would she think of him? “I’m all right. I apologize if I troubled you.” “Not at all, milord.” She placed her naginata against the wall and sat down next to him, not looking at him but at some point directly ahead. “I understand what it’s like … to lose a parent. To lose your family to Nohr. I’ve hated them … for as long as I can remember. I understand how you feel, Takumi-sama. No matter what lies ahead of us, I will always be by your side and I will always protect you.” Despite everything that had happened, Takumi couldn’t help but smile – just a little. She was right – if there was anyone who could understand how he felt, it was Oboro. And she had always been at his side ever since she pledged her service to him. Even if the rest of the world turned against him, Takumi felt that he could at least count on her to be there. Maybe, once they’d won the war, they could – “Oboro, if it’s not too much trouble … could you stay with me tonight?” “Yes! I-it’s no trouble at all, milord!” He could almost see the grin on her face. “I would be honored to!” It wouldn’t make everything in the world right again, because Mother was still gone and Hoshido had still suffered a massive blow. But for now, it was enough to let him pretend that nothing had changed, that his family was still whole and the world wasn’t crumbling around them.
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