Screenshot TheMoniker plays Death or Glory

[TheMoniker]

Hello everyone! Time to dive into...

The CHAPTER 3 PRELUDE!

Well, they aren't unexpected ANYMORE now, are they?

Donwick: The one and only.

Donwick: The gates open, too.

Yup, they got owned.

Ragnar: …I’ll bring the men up.

Suddenly, Donwick starts freaking out, because he found one of his dudes!

Donwick: Easy there. You’re okay. Alright? You’re okay? Ragnar!

Donwick: Don’t speak. Please just hang in there.

Ragnar: Rinoa! Someone get Rinoa!

Purp derp #4: They’re all dead Commander… All dead…

Donwick: Enough, boy. Enough.

Purp derp #4: I hid, sir. I ran and hid. I-I… I…

Donwick: …

Ragnar: He’s dead, Donwick. Donwick?

Wait, if he ran and hid, then how did he die? Did he take a serious wound before hiding, and happened to bleed out JUST AS we found him?

Ragnar: Don’t go deep, who knows what’s waiting for us.

Vidar: Aye, sir.

Here they are, in the conquered ally fort. There doesn't seem to be anyone around...yet.

Vidar: And I can’t say I’m surprised.

Tero: You have to be nervous, Vidar? Who knows what’s in there.

Vidar: If I were a boy in my small trousers I might be a little nervous.

Tero: Hah! I can imagine you as a boy, fighting every person who looked at you sideways, even though you were two foot high. Angry little boy with a chip on his shoulder.

Vidar: I also punched a horse who pissed near me.

Tero: Did he get it on your boots?

Vidar: Little bit, yeah. Though, most of the reason was because he looked at me sideways. Nobody looks at me sideways.

Tero: …Sometimes, Vidar, I think you have sense of humor.

Vidar: …

Tero: It is certainly eerie here.

Vidar: Hmm.

Tero: There are bodies everywhere. It’s like a hurricane tore through here.

Vidar: Hmm.

Tero: I think we’ve gone deep enough, don’t you?

Vidar: Shut it.

Tero: You heard the lieutenant-

Vidar: Shut up, Tero.

Tero: …Crap.

Uh oh.

Tero: Silvatica?

Vidar: Yeah. Everywhere.

Tero: Not another step, alright? There’s a line that could be crossed right now, and for the love of the Gods, do not cross the line.

This is sorta accurate in-gameplay but not really.

Vidar: Maybe I’ll push you through? Trial by fire. Perhaps you might overcome your little fear of everything.

tbh he kinda needs it.

Tero: I like to think of it as an obsession regarding the art of living.

Vidar: Oh! You’re finally owning up to your failings?

Tero: Hardly. I’ve just found a new love of breathing, seeing as though

ANOTHER TYPO. YYYYYY

Vidar: Gotta say I agree, pal. For once.

Tero: Then we run?

Vidar: Oh yeah-

Too late!

Wait, why are they using gun expressions?

Oh, never mind. They're archers.

And of course they don't even wait to start hitting us. Tero, naturally, doesn't dodge.

Tero: My leg. They got my damn leg!

Oh come on, you get like, 10 of those injuries every chapter! Why are they suddenly plot-important NOW?

Vidar: Ride, Tero! Now!

That's...a very vivid image...

Vidar: You’d do well to be afraid.

Ragnar: What the hell happened? I told you not to go deep! I gave you two a DIRECT order!

Vidar: We didn’t go deep, sir. They must have a damn good archer out there somewhere.

Tero: Agh… I’m sorry, sir. It was my fault.

Vidar: What? They came out of nowhere, Tero. This was nobody’s bloody fault.

Ragnar: …No, I’m sorry. I should ‘ve known better than to doubt you two.

Vidar: …Hmph.

Tero: It’s fine, sir. And if it’s not too much trouble… Can someone pull this arrow out of my leg?

Ragnar: Go find Rinoa. Vidar, help him.

Vidar: …Sure, sir.

Ragnar: …Yes. Yes, I’m fine.

Donwick: Good. ‘Cause it looks like we got trouble.

I think that was a bit more than a warning shot...

Donwick: Once you answer my question.

Red derp #120: You are in no position-

Donwick: Another threat and I’ll snap your damn neck.

Get 'im!

Red derp #120: Ugh… Ah…

Donwick: What the hell happened to Zera?

Red derp #120: D-Drogan…

Donwick: Speak!

Red derp #120: You’re surrounded. You’re dead and you don’t even know it.

Donwick: No. You’re the one who’s dead.

I think there's some sound effects here, actually.

Donwick: Kai! Return fire!

Ragnar: Everyone fall back!

Donwick: Like hell!

Ragnar: Control yourself, Donwick.

Donwick: They were my men, Ragnar. They have to answer for it!

Ragnar: And who will they answer to if you’re dead?

Donwick: …Dammit!

Kai: I’ve got an arrow for every one of those Silvaticans in there.

Ragnar: No. Tend to your commander.

Agro: We’re going in there whether you want it or not. We can make it through these archers.

Ragnar: I said TEND to your commander. I am your acting superior and you will obey my orders.

Well, looks like we have no choice to attack a fort FULL of enemy soldiers, having like 7 people of our own! This is SURE to go well!

Hello, new guy! Yeah, we won't have to actually fight him QUITE yet, and for GOOD REASON.

Drogan: Send word to Thorir.

Red derp #169: Yes, my Lord.

Drogan: Yes. Soon we’ll be swimming in the stench. Naive platoon.

So, he's a slightly more sane Rashka. Okay.

Thorir: Hah! Even with Drogan here? Those fools.

Red derp#169: Sir, what if Lord Drogan leaves?

Thorir: He’ll not leave. And so long as he stays, they’ve no chance of taking this place.

Thorir's totally wrong.

About that too.

END DIALOGUE

And then we're thrown into gameplay! You'll notice Donwick is on our side now. But more importantly, the map...

It's kinda a maze. With tons of enemies. In the old patch, it was this linear path to the boss that went on for a REALLY LONG TIME. The linearity problem is more than gone, but this chapter will still take quite a long time to complete, so we're in for the long haul!

Drogan's over here, and it's VERY CLEAR that he is NOT TO BE MESSED WITH. I think it might be possible to reach him before he leaves, but I doubt we could even deal 1 damage to him at this point.

Oh, and he has an A support with Rashka for some reason. I...find that immensely disturbing.

Thorir, the REAL boss, is hanging out up here. He might look weak, but he's not. The throne makes him hard to hit, he has good weapon triangle coverage, and plenty of defense and HP.

There are plenty of droppables around, which is good news for many of our units. I really do appreciate it when droppable stuff is spread among the enemies so you don't have to buy EVERYTHING. Hacks like DoF don't have any of those, and while I was playing them I ended up wishing for them back.

A few new weapons/renamed weapons/new icons around too. I think they're pretty cool. I just wish we had an Onager bow for Kai, it's be way better than that silly Kimera bow...

Oh, and a fighter has this. This, plus the fact that there's two doors on the map but only one key, make it VERY OBVIOUS what new character we're gonna get this chapter.

I'm fairly certain that the battle axe is the same as the one from FE8, btw.

I totally get the wine. Any suggestions for who deserves to get drunk?

[TheMoniker]

Hello everyone! Time to dive into...(is this intro annoying enough yet?)

Death or Glory: Episode 4: Chapter 3: Part 1: This Fort Design Makes no Sense

We all TEAMWORK to take out that stupid archer. YOU WON'T BALLISTA ME

I only manage to hurt the other one. I think it might be because Donwick missed.

Also, note that the archer can deal an entire 5 damage. To our knight. Donwick is kinda weak, because he doesn't have enough defense that he can really tank enemies. At the moment, he's only SLIGHTLY more of a tank than everyone else.

The archers are gone, and Agro got a bad level. I'm beginning to have my doubts about his usefulness...

Vidar tanks out the initial wave of dudes.

Thorir: They know not to charge until the ambush point has been breached?

Red derp #203: Of course, sir.

Thorir: Good. Dismissed.

So, that shows this chapters "gimmick"...except its so under-implemented it doesn't really do anything, and when it DOES show up its kinda BS.

I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL I GET A PREP SCREEN

JUST SO I CAN BENCH YOU

Rinoa's heal is running out. And we still haven't had access to shops...

Give Ragnar your good lance, Tero. YOU DON'T DESERVE IT.

We're moving ahead kinda slow, waiting out the enemies. This chapter gives you no reason to hurry, which is kinda bad, but at least it makes my job easier.

Suddenly, RASHKA!

Drogan- Rashka.

And he's still the best character.

Drogan- What do you want?

Rashka- FUN! I want to have fun. Fun fun fun fun!

Drogan- Fine. Stay for all I care.

Rashka- But we can’t stay. No we can’t. He beckons, Drogan. HE!

HE WHO MUST NOT BE NAMED DUN DUN DUUUNNNN

Drogan- At a time like this? I’ve some pests to take care of.

Rashka- We gotta go, Drogan. Gotta see him. Gotta gotta gotta!

Drogan- Can it not wait?

Rashka- He knows. He knows everything, Drogan. EVERYTHING!

Drogan- . . . Fine.

Rashka- Yay! Drogan’s coming! Drogan’s coming!

And then they leave. This is also the point where I'm officially switching to the text stuff PureHeaven(turns out he's the hack's writer) provided, so if it looks a bit different that's why.

TERO'S SO BAD HE BROKE THE GAME

But seriously 4 damage

Reinforcements. How cute.

Donwick gets his first kill. Seriously, how does he even do that to the poor horse?

*shakes fist*

PERFECT TACTICS

See? It all pays off. With defense!

Agro will tank out the next cavalier.

And then this guy comes. This is all he says for now. He's the only encouragement you have to hurry, but he comes good and late and he's VERY easy to catch.

Abner is just your standard weak thief. He isn't USELESS for combat, but he's going to be hard to train if he doesn't at least get a little strength. His speed isn't that high either, but it's at least good enough.

I'd like to give props to the Iron dagger for being the most useless weapon in the game. It has the exact same Mt and Hit as the iron sword, 2 less weight when Abner already has enough CON to wield the iron sword just fine, and not even 5 crit to make up for it. Oh, and it's a D-rank weapon while the iron sword is E-rank.

In other words, it's a great copy of FE10/11 daggers! Great job! The only difference is that thieves can use normal swords as well, making it more balanced!

GET MAGIC!

Ragnar runs up to go get that thief! If we're lucky, Abner will steal his potion and then be really close to him!

Agro gets a-

DANGIT!

I'm so reluctant to throw anything out that I savestate and have Donwick get the kill and the lance instead.

Bleh.

Excellent, excellent!

Abner unfortunately doesn't go for the potion and guns it for the chests. Of course, it's easy to corner him while he's in that chamber, we just gotta get Ragnar over there.

This is how it's looking so far. Most of the enemies are scattered and don't move, which isn't a good thing.

This is me, discovering that the Kimera bow doesn't work on armors.

(notice anything odd here?)

Well, at least they both got one worthwhile stat each...

I have to do rescue stuff because tactics.

EPIC DODGE

Oh! OH! WE NEED THAT! GIVE IT!

We...don't really need that! You can keep it!

More from the stairs.

Oh, and cavs from here.

Phew, finally caught up!

Thief dude- . . .

Ragnar-. . . I can see you.

(Thief guy faces Ragnar)

Thief dude- . . . Bullocks. Alright, let us just lower that spear, matey.

Ragnar- How about you do the same with the dagger in your cloak?

Thief dude- Hah! I like you, sideburns. But. . . no. This dagger is staying trained on your heart until my loot and I are of a very far distance from this hell hole.

Ragnar- You’re a thief?

Thief dude- Mayhap. . . Who are you?

Ragnar- Lieutenant Ragnar of the-

Thief dude- Don’t care, sideburns. Are you going to let me go?

Ragnar- . . . Depends.

Thief dude- On what?

Uh oh.

Thief dude- More than you can afford.

Please don't tell me we're going to have to spend all our money on this!

Ragnar- Name your price.

Thief dude- Hah! The size of the

Phew, that's way too expensive for us to afford, which by video game logic means it won't cost a penny!

Ragnar- How about you get to keep whatever you can carry. Obviously not from our own coffers.

Thief dude- What about gold?

Ragnar- We can sort that out when this campaign is over.

Thief dude-. . . Stuff it. You got yourself a deal, sideburns.

And just like that, we got a thief!

The group is going this way now.

Abner enters combat. I like the palette.

Eventually, he kills his target.

NEXT TIME: The gimmick shows its face...

[Xtremekiwi]

Are the growths just that bad or are you just that unlucky with levels? I mean honestly...

[Kao]

You know who should get the wine?

Tero.

[HF Makalov Fanboy Kai]

i like this thief, he's thiefy

[TheMoniker]

You know who should get the wine?

Tero.

It would fix him...for all of 10 seconds. So no.

i like this thief, he's thiefy

I actually do think he did a good job with the personality.

Hello everyone! Time to dive into...

Death or Glory: Episode 4: Chapter 3: Part 2: REINFORCINGMENTS

That fighter in the pillars has the wine, time to go-

Oh, what?

So, THIS is the line that the enemies and allies were talking about earlier. There's one more later. Honestly, I kinda think it's BS. These guys aren't much better than trollreinforcements, since they come out of nowhere. What if someone had sent Abner up there alone, on the assumption that he could handle the fighter? When normal FE7 did it it was okay because the reinforcements were spawned FAR AWAY from your guys.

Anyways, this staircase(the maximum of the fighter's reach, naturally) seems to be the furthest back tile to spawn them.

Also, both cavs have reaver weapons, because this needed to be more "surprising".

But the good news is MAGIC LEVEL!

Everyone does okay in combat.

I'd complain, but I know that the game normally gives me worse levels, and he did need that speed...

The other reinforcements from before are almost here now.

But we got this!

Strength AND speed? JOY!

Man, I'd like to say that the Mend in the chest was PERFECTLY timed. Good job.

Abner falls down instead of hitting his target.

HOLY CRAP

KAI

YOU ARE ThE TEAM FOR EVER AND EVER

Not so sure about you though, Abner...nak, kidding, we all know that we can't sacrifice the thief. Just keep getting speed.

Come on Donwick! Get more defense! Your bases are NOT good enough for you to act like Oswin!

Ugh, I can't wait until magic users start appearing just so I can have her tank them out and that RES can have an actual USE.

And yes, I'd like to point out that no magic users have appeared this far on either side, with the possible exception of Rinoa of course. It's actually a plot point.

Okay, now we're circling back around.

KAI WILL LURE THEM OUT WITH HIS GROWTHS

I honestly wasn't expecting that to hit.

Ooooh! Defense! And lots of other things! I'll take it!

We get stuff.

Can you at least get some speed?

Wa-AGAIN? Do we seriously need gold right now? We STILL haven't had a chance to spend any!

It's not even that much, either!

Totally okay with this. I love how the archer is the only one really doing well.

Not sure what happened here. I think Agro almost died.

Skill and strength are important, but could you please stop getting fighter levels and get knight levels? And if you're determined to get fighter levels can you at least get speed?

Magic and speed! Just what I wanted!

Boss time!

SO SCARED

Also, good news! With the new text I've been given I can show off all the boss quotes!

Versus Ragnar-

Ragnar- You’re the commander of these forces?

Boss- And what if I am?

Ragnar- . . . What happened here? Who truly did this?

Boss- Hah! That is not the concern of a dead man.

Versus Donwik-

Donwik- You! What is your name?

Boss- Names mean nothing. Not when you’ll be dead soon.

Donwik- . . . If you are Drogan, I’ll not make your death fast.

I kinda doubt he's Drogan. Also, while looking through the text, the thief says something if he gets all the treasure, apparently:

Abner- Smell that unguarded treasure! Glorious. Positively glorious.

Anyways, Agro...MISSES. Thanks a lot, buddy! The hammer is a good solution for beating the boss, but it's so inaccurate that NOT REALLY.

I decide to wait until next turn to try again. It's a mistake.

YOU LEAVE ME NO CHOICE

Also, I just noticed that ballista. Huh.

Kai still the best.

Okay Agro, PLEASE hit!

Thank you!

Thorir: I wasn’t . . . w-wasn’t supposed to die. . .

Speed and defense! He really needs both of them right now, but I also find myself wishing for some SKILL. The guy won't be able to hit anything soon!

Alright, this guy has the Barrier, time to k-

Oh, what? Well, this is the other reinforcement line I talked about. I head down there and they go off to block the exits.

I decide to kill these guys first. I try to tank out the ballista, but they've had their uses buffed or something, because it takes a crazy long time, so I just kill him instead.

Okay, let's handle them for real this time. Yeah, the fighter pretty much walked through Abner.

BECAUSE WE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH REAVER WEAPONS

Yeah Donwick. Rub in how much better you are.

Huh, the guy with the barrier doesn't move. Okay then.

Dangit, left an opening.

Strength! A few more points of that, and he's set until the end of the hack!

And we got this too. Another staff for Rinoa, but there won't be any more magic users for a little while yet.

All clear! Let's leave!

[TheMoniker]

Hello everyone! Time to dive into...

The CHAPTER 3 CONCLUSION!

TIME TO INTERROGATE!

Donwik- Argo, stand him up.

If Agro was killed: He’ll not struggle, your arm won’t be a problem.

Argo- You wouldn’t want me to start taking a few inches off them?

There's consistently a typo in the text log. Too lazy to correct it. Sorry.

Thorir- Dogs. Damn dogs.

Argo- I’m breaking a finger for that.

Thorir- Argh! Go to hell!

We apparently subscribe to the "PAIN" school of interrogation. I suddenly feel less heroic.

Donwik- Shut your mouth!

Thorir- . . .

Ragnar- Who is Drogan?

Thorir- A damn freak of nature.

Donwik- Answer him!

Thorir- It’s the truth! I don’t know who he is; I only know what he’s capable of.

Ragnar- Speak some sense.

Thorir- I’m telling the truth. He showed up with the rest of them.

Ragnar- Them?

Thorir- The Lords.

Donwik- What the hell are you talking about? What’s going on in Silvatica? What is King Iiro thinking?

Does this guy really know?

Thorir- . . . I’ll not speak.

Donwik- Argo.

Thorir- Argh!

Argo- This little finger said hello-

Thorir- Ugh. . . Ah. . . Ah

Argo- And this little finger-

Thorir- Okay! Okay!

Ragnar- Speak!

Thorir- King Iiro is dead. He’s dead okay!

Donwik- Lies! The whole damn world would know if he died.

Thorir- I’m telling the truth. Two months ago he succumbed to an illness- I know not what it was.

Ragnar- How does nobody know about this?

Thorir- Only the higher ups know. Those who used to see him. . . He said if anyone spread the truth than we’d face execution. He always knows. He ALWAYS knows.

Ragnar- Who is ‘He’?

Thorir- No. No! I’ll not say. You can’t make me!

Donwik- Tell him!

Thorir(from offscreen)- No! You can’t make me!

So, first, Donwick says this, then Kai comes in from the side, stops, an arrow sound plays, and then he turns and things end up like this. Once again, I'd like to say the dialogue events are really good.

If Kai is dead: Donwick- Ragnar! The javelin!

Kai- . . . Finished.

Donwik- . . . Clean as shot as always, Kai. Dismissed.

Kai- Sir.

If Argo was killed: Ragnar-Gods, I know Argo was injured, but the man was-

Ragnar- He was badly beaten, bleeding and had three broken fingers on one hand. And he still broke Argo’s grip.

Yeah, that's kinda insane.

Donwik- Aye. He was a special kind of terrified.

Ragnar- Who do you suppose this ‘He’ is?

Donwik- Trouble. Is King Iiro really dead?

Ragnar- It makes sense. King Erec spoke so highly of him once. He said Iiro was kind and just and everything Erec wished he was. I couldn’t have imagined a man like that to be this twisted.

Donwik- . . . I’d heard about these Lords, you know.

Ragnar- Hmm?

Donwik- The first day of assault on Xinus. . .

Ragnar- Donwik?

Donwik- Sorry. . . I lost a lot of good men that Gods forsaken day.

Ragnar- We all have.

Donwik- Aye. Anyway. That first morning I went head to head with a Silvatican, just a boy with a sword in his hand, and I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t kill him. I told him to run. Hah! I’ve never seen a boy smile so widely! And before he turned tail he said to me ‘look out for Lord Rashka’.

Ragnar- A Lord?

Donwik- I assume so. He said Rashka was the worse of the six.

Ragnar- So there’s six out there. . .

Donwik- What’s this war about, Ragnar?

Ragnar- I don’t know anymore. Between the Lords and ‘He’, I just don’t know.

Donwik- . . .

Ragnar- What little I know is that Silvatica isgone; along with King Iiro and every bit of knowledge we had about the country. We’re fighting monsters now, Donwik.

It would be nice if we could see some of the monstrous stuff in gameplay. Maybe we will, later.

Donwik- I think that’s very close to the truth.

Ragnar- Yes. We’re going to need every bit of help we can get.

Uh oh.

Vidar- A Silvatican contingent is about half a click away. It looks to be about two or three thousand strong.

Two or three THOUSAND? That's a bit off-scale...

Donwik- That’s not possible! This damn fort wouldn’t even hold them.

Vidar- Orders, Lieutenant?

Ragnar- Round everyone up, we’re getting the hell out of here.

Too late, dudes on our doorstep!

Donwik- . . . Straight out the rear exit. We’re a smaller group, we should lose them, right?

Ragnar- I really don’t want to find out.

Yeah, let's get out of he-

OH NO! BERSERKER TIME!

Well! That's a nice portrait! Berserkers with helmets isn't that new, but this one looks great!

Donwik- Gods! Can you feel it, Ragnar? Can you feel it?

Ragnar- Argh. . . What is that pressure?

Donwik- I can’t move my arms. My legs. . . Ugh.

Ragnar- H-He. . . Donwik, run. Run, Donwik!

Uh oh. Looks like our characters can't move! Not like they'd stand a chance with their bad levels...

Donwik- It can’t be possible. How is he doing this?

Berserker with Helmet- . . . Fall to your knees, Ragnar. Beg for your life, Ragnar. Give me EVERYTHING, RAGNAR!

Ragnar- D-Donwik. . . Donwik, I can’t m-move.

Donwik- Ragnar! He’s coming for y-you. Move d-dammit!

BHM - Ragnar. . . Ragnar. . . Give me your heart, Ragnar.

And then the berserker moves to attack...

WHEN A GREEN GUY TELEPORTS IN AND SHOVES RAGNAR OUR OF THE WAY

It's GUNTRAAAAM! He's here to save us! And he can totally own this guy! Seriously, it isn't even a matter of who attacks first, since Guntram can survive two hits but berserker guy can only survive one!

Oh come on! Why do rigged battles ALWAYS have to go this way?

Ragnar- Guntram?

Guntram- Listen to me, Ragnar, and listen well. . . Move. Your. Legs.

Ragnar- I-I can’t.

Guntram- You can! Remember what you wanted, Ragnar? Remember everything you fought for? It’s leaving. It’s leaving you there on your knees. It’s leaving you all alone like you’re nothing again. Now move your legs! Chase it like you did before!

Ragnar- I can’t move them, Guntram. I-I don’t know-

Ragnar- . . . Yes, sir.

Guntram- Now, drag your friend away. I’ll hold this creature back for as long as I can.

Ragnar- But, General-

Guntram- That was an order.

Ragnar- Please be safe, Guntram.

Guntram-I’m sorry, Ragnar.

Ragnar and Donwick exit, leaving this guy alone to epicly pwn the berserker. Unless the berserker crits. Guntram should really get his hands on an Iron Rune. Naturally, it fades to black before we can see the battle.

Well, that's the end. You know, I really like Guntram, because he's such a powerful character and he's ON YOUR SIDE. And he has an awesome helmet too.

[X-Naut]

Man, your Kai has more defense than mine's gained since chapter 8. :( (then again my character's levels weren't complete shit the first two chapters)

[HF Makalov Fanboy Kai]

KAI IS THE BEST 2015

[TheMoniker]

Hello everyone! Time to dive into...

The CHAPTER 4 PRELUDE!

This is sorta innacurate.

We start with Ragnar appearing, starting to wander forward, then Donwick shows up behind him.

Ragnar- Evening, Donwik.

Donwik- Aye, she’s a pleasant one at that.

Ragnar- Yes. The quiet is something I sorely miss.

Donwik- Between the continuous marching and this Gods damned war looming over our heads, a peaceful night seems like a dream.

Ragnar- . . .

Donwik- . . .

Ragnar- . . . How did it know my name, Donwik?

Donwik- Seems likely it heard myself, or one of the men.

Ragnar- No. I don’t think so. It didn’t just know my name, Donwik, it knew me. Almost like it was looking for me.

Donwik- You don’t know that for sure, Ragnar. Don’t work yourself-

Yeah, I'd be freaking out a bit too.

I wouldn't be so worried about that second one, since it just means Guntram is awesome.

Ragnar- Nothing makes sense!

Donwik- And what do you want of me? Shouting won’t calm your mind, and you know that. Get a hold of yourself, Ragnar.

Ragnar- . . . Why didn’t Guntram tell me? He knows something, Donwik, and he wouldn’t tell me.

Donwik- He’s more than just a general, isn’t he?

Ragnar- He is a friend. My first and best.

Donwik- . . . Are you still in control?

Ragnar- . . . Yes.

Donwik- I’m going to talk with the lookouts. Try and get some sleep, Ragnar.

*Donwick leaves*

Ragnar- . . . Damn this war, damn it to hell.

Donwik- Report.

Kai- The shadows are still, Commander.

Vidar- Beyond the occasional owl fart, things seem peaceful enough.

Donwik(Downcast face)- . . .

Kai- You’ve the face of a troubled man, Commander.

That's...actually a hilarious thought...

Donwik- Hah! I’m sure we all dread our mothers in the barracks. Remember Argo’s? . . . Kai?

Kai- . . . Have you forgotten how much you preached about talking to your fellow man, sir? Regardless of rank or problem, we’re all here to support one another. Sound familiar?

Donwik- Quite the memory, Kai.

Vidar- It’s Ragnar, isn’t it? After he nearly lost it at Tero and me, he’s distanced himself.

Donwik- . . .No. No, it’s not Ragnar. Our fearless leader is fine. Truthfully, it’s the waiting that’s bothering me. We should be gathering allies, not escaping in the night and biding our time.

Kai- Patience is free. But rashness. . . its price is unknown until she knocks on your door, there to claim her just rewards.

Vidar- Ugh, Tero’d love you.

Donwik- We can’t wait forever, Kai. Sooner or later we’ll have to move.

Vidar- This war won’t wait for us.

Donwik- Aye. War waits for no man. . . I’ll send your relief around soon. You two oughta get some sleep.

Uh oh, they showed a map. That means we're DEFINITELY fighting.

Yup, it's BANDIT TIME!

Loser with iron headband- Word is our favorite riverside town just received some more supplies. What’er say to relieving them of it, aye?

They've got the whole town covered, of course.

Oh, nice, another new character! This is the peg lady, and in addition to having a totally awesome design, she also has multiple personality disorder!

Pegasus lady- Ought to slit his throat.

Bandits(?)- Damn near the size of me brother’s head!

Pegasus lady(Downcast face)- Huh? Oh. . . Oh, no! Bandits? I-I have to warn the Elder.

So yeah, she revolves between confrontational to meek. Every 10 seconds.

Pegasus girl- making up for the lack of something else?

IHM- Egh? What’er you getting at, girl?

Pegasus girl- Hah! You know it’ll never make up for your tiny prick.

IHM- WHAT? You little whore! I’ll fucking kill you.

Pegasus lady- You ain’t ever touching a woman like me with a little prick like that, honkey.

IHM- . . . Actually, I’m going to make you watch while we stew that fancy horse of yours, whore.

Pegasus lady( Downcast face)- Hmm? Oh! A-A bandit! Fly, Arion!

(Pegasus lady portrait moves to the side a little.)

IHM- Someone grab the stupid little whore!

Too late to escape! A bandit already stomped all over her face.

Pegasus girl- Someone help! Help!

Jerkdit- scream all you like, lovely; you’re ours now.

And then they take her away, although they'll lose her.

Vidar- I can’t hear it, Kai.

Donwik- Neither can I.

Kai- To the south-west, a woman is screaming.

Donwik- . . . Aye, I hear her. Quite the set of lungs.

Vidar- I’ll gather the others and tell Ragnar.

Donwik- Hold, Vidar. Leave Ragnar be. We can handle this.

Uh oh. Don't tell me we'll be without the guy who can't gain any strength or other decent stats! ...Actually, I think we'll live.

Kai- Yes, it looks to be a group of bandits. Under armed and low in number. They’re brazen though, I’d say more are on the way.

Donwik- How many do you think you can take out before they rush us, Kai?

Kai- . . . Three. Perhaps one more thanks to the darkness.

Donwik- Alright. Kai opens fire on my word. Vidar, once they’re charging we’ll intercept and hold them off. If there is enough for me to handle alone, Vidar can get the girl. Otherwise it’s up too Kai. Everyone understand their orders?

I guess this is a working strategy, but obviously our real strategy will be different.

Donwik- Aye, Lieutenant. We’ve a plan to rescue the girl.

Ragnar- . . . Good. But, we’re wiping these bandits out. I don’t want a single one left alive.

Donwik- What? The men are tired and stressed, Ragnar. We can get the girl back and facilitate an escape, but that’s it. Let the bandits have the village. There’s naught there anyway.

Ragnar- There’s naught in this village because the bandits harass it endlessly. Can’t you see the scorch marks from their torches?Can’t you see the buildings are in shambles? The people are terrified. Even the muds knee deep from these bastards running around.

Donwik- . . . I’ll not disobey your orders, Lieutenant, but I’ll not keep quiet about them either.

Ragnar- . . . We are engaging the bandits, and that’s your final order.

(Exit Vidar)

Kai- We were soldiers, Commander. We were supposed to protect the people with our lives. . . Last I checked, that hasn’t changed.

END DIALOGUE

We don't get a prep screen QUITE yet, unfortunately.

We've got another big map to deal with. Lots of enemies around, too. But we'll kill them all, just like always!

Melanie is hanging out down here.

Melanie is a pretty okay pegasus knight. Her reaver weapon greatly increases her usefulness, unless you think it would do better in the hands of somebody else(and in all honesty, it probably would).

Rambus is our boss, hiding in the corner of the map he came in. He hits hard but not often.

There are lots of thieves in the enemy ranks, set to actually attack you/steal from you. One of them has a steel dagger, and while the weight difference seems enough to make it worthwhile, it has 1 less Mt to make up for it. Nice. Not.

A SHOP? AND ARMORY? YESSSS! FINALLY! FINALLY WE CAN SPEND OUR GOLD!

Oh, hello.

Iivari is...kinda pathetic. Not that great speed, terrible strength, his starting weapon weighs him down(and it's NOT a killing edge)... Not sure if I'll try to train him.

Alright, next time we'll liberate the town from these foolish bandits!

[HF Makalov Fanboy Kai]

....wait

your telling me that the person who's perfectly set up to be "the enemy mymidon who joins you and has a killing edge" doesn't have a killing edge?

gg worst mymidon never, noone's ever gonna use him.

[Kon]

I like using Iivari tho ;-;

Also somehow Tero has managed to be my best unit so far, which doesn't bother me a bit~

[Baldrick]

He doesn't even have a Blood Sword!

[Xtremekiwi]

no killing edge worst starting myrmidon 0/5.

In more seriousness, this village is appearantly said to be uber run down and poor as hell because of the bandits...who wants to bet that the items the houses give will be worth >10000 gold together?

[HF Makalov Fanboy Kai]

no killing edge worst starting myrmidon 0/5.

In more seriousness, this village is appearantly said to be uber run down and poor as hell because of the bandits...who wants to bet that the items the houses give will be worth >10000 gold together?

if so i think i might've found the first chapter i have a problem with, combining this and no killing edge.

"but its different!"

yeah and blademaster made currupt theocrazy to make it a 'different" type of FE hack.

[TheMoniker]

no killing edge worst starting myrmidon 0/5.

In more seriousness, this village is appearantly said to be uber run down and poor as hell because of the bandits...who wants to bet that the items the houses give will be worth >10000 gold together?

I don't think the items here are THAT valuable, and they aren't just going to dump gold on us like no tomorrow, but they do definitely have trinkets.

if so i think i might've found the first chapter i have a problem with, combining this and no killing edge.

"but its different!"

yeah and blademaster made currupt theocrazy to make it a 'different" type of FE hack.

Tbh, "village being attacked by bandits" AND "village being attacked by bandits at night" are really not that uncommon level templates. I think this one has actually been one of the better of those that I've played.

Hello everyone! Time to dive into...

Death or Glory: Episode 5: Chapter 4: Part 1: Bandits Attack, Things Happen, Much Original

Did you see the myrm in the forest next to our position? He's annoying to take out, but taking him out is what we do.

We can't visit the Inn. Huh.

Agro gets a level. Strength is nice, but I think he could really use some other stats too right about now...

Suddenly, the first village is destroyed!

Bandit leader- Haven’t they heard of us? Of the Vangol bandits? We’ll rip out their tongues and make ‘em lick their own asses!

That.,.is still a very vivid image...

Oh hey, suck-myrm is talking.

Iivari- This village has nearly been bled dry. Ugh, the things I’ll do for gold.

Melanie is attacked! ...Not that she's in any trouble.

Kai is still the best.

Stupid thieves! this basically describes what they do the whole chapter. I know we have a healer, but all the enemies mean she constantly finds herself overloaded, and potions are useful in this hack.

Man...why can all my units gain nothing but strength? I'm not sure if it's a blessing or a curse!

Melanie is safe until we can get to her now.

I think Agro hits his counterattack, too.

Wha-Dangit, Ragnar! Just when I thought you were genre savvy to FE ways, you go and say this! Darkness NEVER plays to our advantage! EVER!

Donwik- Aye, but these bandits have spent a lot of their time here, Ragnar.

Abner- better than I can smell them. Trust my keen eyes, sideburns.

That's...actually a good point. Hah.

Ragnar - Between him and your man Kai, we’ll see them before they see us. (If kai is dead, take away this last piece by Ragnar)

Here's the dialogue if Abner is dead:

Ragnar- Let us hope this darkness plays to our advantage.

Donwik- Aye, but these bandits have spent a lot of time here, Ragnar.

Ragnar- . . . Your archer, his eyes are keen to this darkness, are they not?

Donwik- Seems we’ll be relying on Kai more than I’d like.

Here's the dialogue if both Abner and Kai are dead:

Ragnar- Let us hope this darkness plays to our advantage.

Donwik- Aye, but these bandits have spent a lot of time here, Ragnar. . . Pray we smell them first.

I gotta check...

Nope, Kai definitely doesn't have thief vision. Pity, would make him a much more useful archer even when he doesn't get good levels.

Tero's gonna be the guy who wastes all his time visiting houses.

Tearjerker girl- We’re starving because of these bandits. Please help us. Please. They take and take until nothing is left. Gods. Please help us.

Yay, MORE defense! And speed, too! This guy's gonna be the tankiest archer ever!

Agro's holding his own too.

Ragnar- Are you okay?

Melanie- I-I. . . Who. . .?

Ragnar- Hmm, she’s in shock. Tell me your name?

Melanie- . . .W-Who are you?

Ragnar- My name is Ragnar. Do you know where you are?

Ragnar- Yes. Then what?

Melanie- . . . Oh, Gods. They scared me! They scared me so!

Ragnar- It’s alright, my lady, you’re safe now. Fly away from this area, we’ll defend the town.

Melanie- Keep your dick pulling hands off me. Touch other men with them, do you? Pull their little pricks? Ugh, forget you. I’ll rip THEIR honkey throats out!

Ragnar- . . . That was unexpected.

I think I actually like Melanie.

She's definitely gonna need some training to keep up, though, being 3-4 levels lower than everyone else. In this hack, basically ever new character joins way below the curve.

ESPECIALLY WHEN SHE DOESN'T DODGE

Strength! I'll take it! Also, he can double like everyone on the map now.

Magic! I'll take it!

But seriously, why are my units all only gaining their offensive stats! Except for Kai, of course.

Haha...eh heh...eh...

...You know, what Abner really needs is defense.

Is that an innuendo?

NO RNG ABUSE OR ANYTHING, TOTALLY TACTICS

Dangit, I HAVE to restart the turn, don't I?

There! This should work! Even if it's inconvenient!

Bandit leader- up your own drawers without my help? Ah! To hell! Get more men out here.

And then reinforcements in the fog.

There are a LOT of enemies out there, and rest assured we won't be moving to claim Iivari anytime soon. I put up a wall of the three best nearby defenders instead.

IT WORKS

Then I do it again, but with Vidar replacing Kai.

77...a lucky number...FOR ME!

Finally, we can move forward! ...I guess it wasn't THAT long.

Dangit, more!

And MORE!

And then more reinforcements, too!

More magic...I guess I can't complain...

This is the best chokepoint ever.

Gah, knew I should've used the sword.

And Donwick;..DOESN'T take steps to correct his accuracy!

WHY. WILL. YOU. GAIN. NOTHING. BUT. STRENGTH.

Ragnar can still handle himself, but he's gonna be in trouble if he doesn't get himself together soon.

So many enemies! And from the back now, too!

LOOKS LIKE WE'LL NEED SOME HELP

Iivari- E-Ella?

Melanie- What was that, pretty boy?

Iivari- For the last time, I’m not a. . . Oh. Yeah. Boy.

Melanie- What do you want, honkey boy?

Iivari- I thought you looked like an old flame of mine.

Melanie- Like one of your boyfriends? Fuck you, honkey.

Iivari- W-What? No, that’s not-

Melanie(Downcast face)- Oh! Hello. I didn’t see you there. How may I help you?

Melanie- I wasn’t staring off into space again, was I? I’m terribly sorry. Sometimes I just forget myself.

Iivari- Are you feeling okay, miss?

Melanie- Yes, yes. I’m quite fine. Are you allied with the bandits?

Iivari- Yes. . . well, no. I’m just a sword for higher.

Melanie- Hah! Look at this honkey! Selling your soul for a dime? Do the same with your boyfriends, honkey?

Iivari- I don’t have any-

(Melanie faces away from Iivari)

Melanie- That bandit eye-ballin’ me? Hey! HEY! You! You want to touch a real woman?

(Exit Melanie)

Iivari- . . . What am I getting myself into, Ella?

Ragnar can recruit him too, here's his convo:

Ragnar- A female bandit? Odd.

Iivari- Gods. This is getting ridiculous.

Ragnar- Pardon?

Iivari- I’m a man, okay?

Ragnar- Ah, than forgive me. Still, you don’t look like a regular bandit.

Iivari- They pay well.

Ragnar- Yes. I see that morals are up for purchase nowadays.

Iivari- You can get anything for the right price, my friend.

Ragnar- Indeed. If you’ll excuse me.

(Exit Ragnar)

Iivari- Soldier!

(Enter Ragnar)

Ragnar- Yes?

Iivari- Allow me to join you.

Ragnar- May I ask you a question?

Iivari- Of course.

Ragnar- Why would you join our cause?

Iivari- I. . . I never thought something could weigh on my conscience. All of this though, it’s so heavy. The gold is good, no denying it. But no amount of gold could warrant what I’ve done these past weeks. I want out.

Ragnar- . . . You’ll find a home amongst my platoon.

(Exit Ragnar)

Iivari- . . . Heh. Now, where’s the bastard who kept grabbing my ass?

Well, he's on our team now! Guess I'll cut it here, on a bit of a cliffhanger. CAN I HOLD OUT?

NEXT TIME: Moniker fails at something because of the STUPID FOD

[TheMoniker]

Hello everyone! Time to dive into...

Death or Glory: Episode 5: Chapter 4: Part 2: The Best Worst Myrm Ever?

Naturally, we start things off with a TERRIBLE level.

Give Iivari a sword that doesn't completely mitigate his above average speed, please.

This is the best formation ever.

So much STRENGTH! But at least he got speed too!

I kinda changed my mind about Donwick. He's actually been pretty helpful, although I do hope he'll nab some defense levels soon...

OH NOOO

Dangit Melanie, that's your stupid meek personality leveling isn't it?

Just look at this. Pathetic.

Of course, it could be caused by him being 3 levels lower than the rest of the team. But whatever.

With his steel sword(his starting weapon), he can't double the bandits. With his iron sword, his damage is too pathetic!

This guy is the worst myrm ever!

Give it back you jerk!

Man Ragnar, are you going to become a myrm soldier? is that your goal? Why do you keep getting speed?

PAIN

Oh, dangit! Yeah, remember the thief down there at the start? After a certain turn, he decides to move and destroy the village, just to give you an arbitrary time limit. It doesn't work though, because you can't see it ticking down and I had no idea I needed to hurry. I think this is the dialogue for that village:

Villager- I may not look it now, but back in my day they called me Hurricane Joe. Trust my word when I say that everyone shit their breaches when I hit the field. . . Of course that changed when they took my leg. Going on the knee down. . . Bah! Forget the ramblings of an old man. Here, take my axe and mess those bastards up real good.

Yeah, I think that he gives you the Naunbafu, the sword-reaving axe, to make Agro more awesome. I'm not exactly HAPPY to lose it, but I think we get another one later, and I don't want to go back for it because I'd have to restart basically the whole chapter.

FINALLY! SHOPPING TIME!

These guys have a VERY nice selection! I grab a steel dagger for Abner(you know, their lower buy price makes them economical if nothing else), and a javelin for the lance-users.

We move forward, and of course stumble upon enemies who can kill Abner.

And they totally do. Worst thief ever.

There's the stupid thief, coming away from his destruction!

And then reinforcements come. Dangit, I thought they were done!

Oh, what? I didn't notice that thief. Did he come on enemy phase? Either way, it's a bit late for him to destroy the other village!

HE'S STILL ANNOYING THOUGH

I have Kai visit the shop next. As you can see, his steel bow and Kimera bow aren't doing too great, so I sell the red gem and pick up the iron bow that you can see. I also replace that old steel bow.

Also, the Kimera bow has 1 LESS Mt than the iron bow. It is not completely useless. Except against cavaliers.

MORE strength? The speed is nice, but can you please at least get 1 point of skill?

STOP TAKING MY POTIONS

RIOT

THIS IS THE WORST MYRM EVER

Villager- These louts been harassing us folk way to long now. Take this as thanks for spillin’ their blood.

"Thanks for spilling their blood! Have MORE blood!"

Okay, let's see what it is.

A...much less angelic angelic robe? Okay. I've already given this out, don't bother suggesting anyone.

Village elder- Speak up. Can’t see mah damned nose hairs in this darkness. . . Stay safe girl.

This is the dialogue if Melanie actually visits:

Village elder- Who goes there? Ah say, Ah say! Who goes there? Darn this wretched darkness! Darn it to hell!

Melanie- I’ll be back soon, Elder. I promise.

No magic, but defense! Defense is good for her!

Kai too! I kinda wish he would gain more strength, though. Not that he doesn't have enough already,

Goodbye and good riddance!

I CHANGED MY MIND

IIVARI BEST MYRM

Also, the IRONY! He gained everything BUT luck!

Okay, we're almost done. The boss is hiding in that corner somewhere...

STRENGTH! THANK YOU! FINALLY!

THERE HE IS

I guess he doesn't move. That makes him easier to handle.

I grab a bunch of heal staves. Also, did the price of Mend get increased? It seems a bit expensive...

Oh, what?

10 defense and sitting on a forest. On a bandit. I honestly can't blame Iivari for that one.

MORE magic! Seriously though, she's gonna hit level 20 soon. I wonder if we'll get promotion items? At the rate we're leveling, we may actually need them!

Rambus: We are STRONG! FAST! And devilishly handsome.

Melanie's just going to chip with her Naginata. Oh, and she gets ANOTHER bad level. I have to use her because flier utility, but...she BETTER improve at some point!

During the battle, she gets hit by the battle axe once, gets healed, and then gets hit AGAIN. Pegs are supposed to be more dodgy than this!

Eventually, I finish with Iivari...

Ivari- . . . I’ve never spoken to you. Ever.

Rambus- But I have seen you from afar, and have been taken in by your beauty!

Ivari- You must realize I am a man?

Rambus- Do not jest, my love. For I shall win your heart yet!

Ivari- No. No, you won’t.

Okay, that's hilarious, ah hah. Anyways, Iivari totally wins.

AND DEAD

NEXT TIME: The villagers are quite grateful.

[X-Naut]

Yeah, I think that he gives you the Naunbafu, the sword-reaving axe, to make Agro more awesome. I'm not exactly HAPPY to lose it, but I think we get another one later, and I don't want to go back for it because I'd have to restart basically the whole chapter.

spoilers: he removed the second Nanbanfu

Man, my Kai is a glass cannon while yours is just a cannon :( Then again I do have Super Tero/Rinoa/Mil and Fast!Donwik, plus most of my units have stats.

[Xtremekiwi]

Looks like staff prices in general have been ramped up, probably to try and make the "Heal 1 HP to give levels to healers" less effective. OF course, that presents it's own set of problems, namely underleveled healers...

[RandomSwordmaster]

Looks like staff prices in general have been ramped up, probably to try and make the "Heal 1 HP to give levels to healers" less effective. OF course, that presents it's own set of problems, namely underleveled healers...

That's just because staff uses have been buffed.

[Kao]

I think either Abner or Melanie might get that +7 HP boost.

It should've gone to Tero though.

[HF Makalov Fanboy Kai]

some nice level ups from people not named Kai

[TheMoniker]

spoilers: he removed the second Nanbanfu

Man, my Kai is a glass cannon while yours is just a cannon :( Then again I do have Super Tero/Rinoa/Mil and Fast!Donwik, plus most of my units have stats.

No Nanbanfu? NOOOOOOwe'll be fine.

Looks like staff prices in general have been ramped up, probably to try and make the "Heal 1 HP to give levels to healers" less effective. OF course, that presents it's own set of problems, namely underleveled healers...

Rinoa's actually way above the rest of my units in level. And staff uses have been buffed, so that probably explains it.

Hello everyone! Time to dive into...

The CHAPTER 4 CONCLUSION!

Ragnar- Seems anyone who can pick up a weapon is resorting to banditry.

Ragnar- Yes. Are you alright now, my lady?

Melanie- I was scared. I really was. But I’m okay, now. And the village is safe! Thank you so much.

Ragnar- Think nothing of it.

Melanie- So why’d you do it, honkey? Lookin’ to honey up your fingers?

This lady.

Ragnar-. . . What is this?

Melanie- What?

Melanie – I’m sorry, Elder. I tried to help-

Elder- You did no such thing, Ah say!

Melanie- Elder-

Elder- Not a word more, Melanie. You could’ve been killed! Or worse!

Melanie- But I-

Elder- Ah say-

Ragnar- Forgive me, Elder, but the girl only wishes to explain herself, perhaps you would let her?

Melanie- Please, Elder, I only wanted to help. I was trained how to fight, not to hide away like a frightened girl. There’s something inside of me, Elder, and it will always wield my lance against those that would do me harm. And if that upsets you, I’m sorry. I can’t change it.

Elder- . . . It seems you inherited quite a lot from that mother of yours. Ah believe she’d be smiling down upon you now as she dines with the Gods. Won’t you forgive a stubborn, foolish old man, Melanie?

Melanie- Yes, Elder. Of course I’ll forgive you.

Elder- Now, you ought to go wash up, Melanie. Before the stench sinks in.

Melanie- Yes. Farewell, Ragnar.

Ragnar- My lady.

Elder- is in your debt.

Ragnar- No one is in my debt, Elder. Once upon a time, it was my duty to quell groups like those.

Elder- You speak like a man who’d rather live in the past.

Ragnar- . . .

Elder- Ah say, it seems this old man has let his empty head do the talking.

Ragnar- . . . No. Forgive my silence, Elder.

Elder- Ain’t nothin’ to forgive. While the night is still young Ah would ask if your men might join us in celebration. Of course the inn would be open to you – and free of charge. Also, we’ve plenty of wine and quite a few caches the bandits could never find.

I guess that's where they got the stuff they gave/would have given us from.

Ragnar- The men may do as they please, the night is their own.

Elder- Hm, and what of you? The folk will be asking after their savior.

Ragnar- . . . Yes. A good meal and roof over my head would be appreciated. Thank you, Elder.

Elder- Than come, Ragnar, and allow meh the honor of pouring for you.

Donwik- Ragnar. . . I want to apologize. When you gave the order, I shouldn’t have questioned you.

Ragnar- Last I checked, Donwik, you were the commander of all of Zerenus’ armies, and I am just a lieutenant turned envoy. You should be leading us.

Nah, he'd slow us all down! Armor knights trail behind the group, then catch up when the enemies get us at a chokepoint!

Donwik- Aye, perhaps I should. . . but, no. I’d give my life to you, Ragnar. So would the men. You’re our leader, whether you want it or not.

Ragnar- Did I do the right thing? Pushing the men to engage the bandits?

Donwik- The right thing shouldn’t matter. You give orders, and we follow them. . . but, yes. I believe it was the right decision.

Ragnar-. . . I used to protect the people exactly like that, Donwik. . . Maybe I was still stuck in the past.

Donwik- Seems to me, being stuck in the past saved at least fifty lives. War or no war, we’re still here to protect the people.

Ragnar- . . . What are we to do now, Donwik?

Donwik- We have a war to prepare for.

Ragnar- . . . I want to chase after Guntram.

Donwik- Are you sure that’s wise?

Ragnar- Yes. I’ve arranged an alliance with Zerenus. We’ve attempted to collect more men, and tell me, do you know of any other free holds that might have soldiers to spare?

Donwik- No. With Zera lost, Zerenus is reduced to her main army.

Ragnar- Than I am relieved of my envoy duties, and am once again Lieutenant of Azalias First Platoon.

Donwik- Our orders than, Lieutenant?

Ragnar- Guntram will report back to the

Alright guys! Time to head back to the allied nation!

Donwik- So we are to march to Azalia?

Ragnar- Yes. Guntram knows something. In fact, I’d say he knows a lot of things. He knew we were at Zera. He knew exactly what that monster was capable of. . . And he knew why it was after me.

Donwik- I’ll inform the men. We’ll march when we’re able.

Ragnar- . . . Thank you, Donwik.

Donwik- Heh. I think I make a good second in command.

And so, with that ominous comment, we go to...somewhere else.

Elder- Ah’ve never seen a fella scoot like that.

Melanie- Many of the women blushed when he looked at them. Some of them were married, too, Elder.

Elder- Ah’d say it’s the effect of wine and reverence.

This dialogue by itself was good, but while looking through the text, apparently if Kai is dead he's supposed to be replaced with Ragnar. I guess we don't know quite everything about his character!

Melanie- . . . They’ll be leaving us soon.

Elder- They’re soldiers, Melanie. Ah’d say they have a king to serve somewhere.

Melanie- I’ll miss them dearly, for all that they’ve done for us.

Elder- . . . Go with them, girl.

Melanie- B-But, Elder-

Elder- No buts, little lady. Ah’d say you’re just about the deadliest woman with a spear that Ah’ve ever seen. . . This life may be enough for meh, but you’re needed elsewhere. Just like your mother.

Melanie- What if they won’t have me?

Elder- Hah! They’d be fools to turn you away. Ah reckon they’d just about beg to have wings in their ranks.

Melanie- I-I. . . W-What about the village? What about Rowan? Clara?

Elder- They know as well as Ah do that you’re sick of being here. You can say your farewells, but make it quick. Word has it Ragnar and his men are leaving come sunrise.

Melanie- B-But. . . Thank you, Elder! Thank you so much.

(exit Melanie)

Elder- Watch over your girl, Sara. Watch her well.

And that was the story of how our army had its first lady join up, unless you count Iivari.

Also, there's one more text scene in the notes, but I didn't see it and I'm not sure where it's supposed to go. Probably has something to do with Melanie's recruitment.

(Enter Ragnar)

Ragnar- Midnight must be another two hours away at the least. . . Gods. Seems anyone who can pick up a weapon is resorting to banditry.

(Enter Donwik)

Donwik- The village is clear. The men are digging graves as we speak. Some of the villagers have come out to help as well.

Ragnar- Good. What of the girl they had captive?

Donwik- . . . Foul mouthed. But, alive. Looks as though one got her over the head. The bleedings stopped and she’s being looked at as we speak. I’ve seen worse.

Ragnar- So she’ll be fine?

Donwik- Aye, come morning she’ll have a headache, but that should be all.

Ragnar- Good. You ought to watch over the men, Donwik.

Donwik- With your leave, Lieutenant.

(Exit Donwik)

Ragnar- . . .

(Enter Elder)

Elder- Ah say, are you the fellow in charge of those men?

Ragnar- You are the village Elder, correct? The one who they come to for advice and guidance?

Elder- Ah’d say that’s about right.

Ragnar- . . . Allow me to apologize. One of your own was injured, perhaps if we’d been faster-

Elder- Fret not. That girl has a certain attraction to danger. Now, you’ve done us a great service, Ragnar. Ah’d say this village is in your debt.

Ragnar- No one is in my debt, Elder. Once upon a time, it was my duty to quell groups like those.

Elder- You speak like a man who’d rather live in the past.

Ragnar- . . .

Elder- Ah say, it seems this old man has let his empty head do the talking.

Ragnar- . . . No. Forgive my silence, Elder.

Elder- Ain’t nothin’ to forgive. While the night is still young Ah would ask if your men might join us in celebration. Of course the inn would be open to you – and free. Also , we’ve plenty of wine and quite a few caches the bandits could never find.

Ragnar- The men may do as they please, the night is their own.

Elder- Hm, and what of you? The folk will be asking after their savior.

Ragnar- . . . Yes. A good meal and roof over my head would be appreciated. Thank you, Elder.

Elder- Than come, Ragnar, and allow meh the honor of pouring for you.

(Exit Ragnar and Elder)

Well, looks like we'-OH CRAP SURPRISE ENEMY CUTSCENE

Zidar-. . .

Oh! Uh... I guess this is "him"?

Your text is looking a bit...brown, buddy.

EVIL BAD GUY- And Guntram?

Drogan- Ask Zidar.

EVIL BAD GUY- Did Guntram trouble you, Zidar? Did he stop you from getting what you wanted?

Zidar- . . .

Drogan- . . . Guntram will forever be a thorn in our side. I’d like permission to squash him.

EVIL BAD GUY- Oh, you can try, but he’d kill you, Drogan.

He's that awesome.

Drogan- None have stood against me before, and Guntram won’t either.

EVIL BAD GUY- Are you doubting me, Drogan? Do you dare question what I tell you?

Drogan- . . . No, Your Majesty.

EVIL BAD GUY- My Drogan. My silly Drogan. Tell me, silly Drogan, of this platoon. It interests me.

Drogan- It’s an Azalian unit. Led by a Ragnar. Zidar seemed particularly interested in that one.

EVIL BAD GUY- Is that true, Zidar? Please, elaborate.

Zidar- . . .

The ELABORATION...

Drogan- It would seem Ragnar is under Guntram’s protection.

EVIL BAD GUY- My, that is very interesting. . . Ah, Ragnar. Ragnar.

Drogan- Who is this Ragnar?

EVIL BAD GUY- . . . I want him.

Drogan- Sire?

EVIL BAD GUY- Would you kindly inform the Lords and generals that I’d like to have Ragnar. Alive, of course.

Looks like now this guy "wants" our poor soldier lord.

Zidar- . . .

EVIL BAD GUY- No, you may not. But, before you attend that task, would you bring me Guntram? There is no greater threat than he, and I would very much like to have him.

Drogan- Did you not just tell me that I’d never be able to match him?

EVIL BAD GUY- Silly Drogan, why would I expect you to engage him in a contest of prowess? Come and use that head of yours.

Drogan- . . . What do you suggest I do?

EVIL BAD GUY- Take away what he loves. Guntram may be able to protect one man, but can he protect a kingdom? I think not.

That's kind of true...one dude, no matter how hilariously awesome, can't stop a whole army.

Drogan- Am I to prepare for another assault on Azalia?

EVIL BAD GUY- Yes, you are. Bring them all to your heel and he’ll be yours.

Drogan- What if he-

EVIL BAD GUY- You are dismissed, Drogan.

Drogan- . . .

EVIL BAD GUY- Lakota is proving to be quite bothersome.

So, I guess there are other nations being attacked too? It's not just Azalia?

And on that more-ominous note...

We're done for now. Man, is "Trouble Afoot" really the best name available? It's a bit of an understatement...

NEXT TIME: MAGIC USER!

[TheMoniker]

Just realized I forgot to include a link to the main hack thread in the first post. It's fixed now.

Hello everyone! Time to dive into...

The CHAPTER 5 PRELUDE!

Ragnar- Yes. . . Donwik, for what it’s worth, I’m sorry.

Donwik- Hm? For what?

Ragnar- Hah! Don’t play dumb, Commander. . . I let it all get to me. The pressure, I mean.

Donwik- You’re an extraordinary man, Ragnar. Truly. Would a weaker man own up to his failings? Would a proud man admit his wrongs? I think not.

There's lots of spacing in the text here. I think it makes things better.

Ragnar- . . .

Donwik- When a man can lose himself, get beaten down, and still rise, smiling and apologizing through the pain? Heh. . . that sort of man is rare- one in a million. And here he is leading the only hope for a doomed nation.

Ragnar- I-

Ragnar- Speak freely, Tero.

Tero- We’re nearing the Quan, sir. Once we cross her waters it’s another day’s worth of travel to the capital.

Ragnar- What of the men, Vidar?

Vidar- Marching happily, sir. I’d say they’re eager for the luxuries of home.

Ragnar- As am I. Dismissed.

Vidar & Tero- Sir.

Donwik- Things seem to be going to plan, Ragnar.

Ragnar- . . . I’ve grown unused to the feeling.

It won't last for long, of course.

See? Red soldiers already!

Red derp #2,076- Hah! I haven’t even been paid yet.

Red derp #2075- I’ve been considering it-

Red derp #2,076- Oh look out.

Red derp #2075 - - and I think we ought to find some mercenary work.

Red derp #2,076- I’m already risking my life for a one pittance, I ain’t prepared to risk it for two.

Red derp #2075- At least think about it. I’ve heard of one mercenary group; contracted by a damned princess! That’s royalty, my friend. Can you guess how well royalty pays?

Red derp #2,076- Quite good I’d imagine. So me tell who this princess is that you have line up for us? How many bags of gold does she have?

Red derp #2075- Don’t be a smartass. I know we’ve both got families to feed,and I know right now they’re worried about starving. Hell, I’m worried about starving.

Red derp #2,076- . . . So we should just leave? Desert?

Red derp #2075- Damn it! Not so loud, man.You don’t want the superiors to hear about this, do you?

Red derp #2,076- Of course I don’t! I just think we should give it some more time.

Red derp #2075- . . . You’ve always been good with this sort of stuff, so I’ll let it lay.

Red derp #2076- I’ll tell them to find a different route.

Red derp #2075- No. Let me.

Well, they've spotted us. It's an interesting conversation, if kind of inconsistent. So far, the dialogue has consistently attempted to dehumanize the red dudes and make them seem totally evil, and then this dialogue does the opposite and shows that some are clearly unhappy about their jobs. It just feels a bit out of place.

Ragnar- Description?

Tero- They bear the Silvatican mark, sir. We’d do well to bypass them.

Ragnar- Yes. If only I couldn’t see them rising over the crest as we speak. Tero, inform the men that they’re to hide their weapons, and act. . . like they haven’t killed a handful of Silvatican units.

Hah, hah.

Tero- Sir. . . I’ll tie Vidar to a tree further down the track.

Okay, that actually is pretty funny.

(Exit Tero) (Ragnar moves to Tero’s previous position)

Ragnar- Ready to try our hand at persuasion, Donwik?

Donwik- Let’s hope we get the empty-headed louts.

Oh, hello there, thiefy thief!

Abner- Sounds like you need someone to. . . waggle a silver tongue at some idiots. Care for an experts help?

Ragnar- Donwik?

Donwik- Why not? We’ll probably have to kill them anyway.

That's the spirit!

Red derp #2075- By order of Lord Rashka, you are to desist and travel by another route.

Abner- Sirs, we would, if only we weren’t in such a dreadful rush! As of right now we’re fleeing a bandit pack. Terribly cruel and wickedly evil.

"wickedly evil"?

Red derp #2076- There are other paths you can take if you’re to double back.

Abner- Perish the thought! For the merchants we work for know that this is the quickest route too our delivery destination. They won’t have it any other way.

Red derp #2075- And that is not our problem.

Abner- Oh, but it will be. I can assure you the wares my lovely merchants are carrying do affect your Silvatican brethren directly.I’d even go as far as to say that your commander would be upset if you were to delay us.

Red derp #2076-. . . What is it you’re transporting?

Abner- Nothing but the finest of wines and cheeses. . . I . . . believe. . . they’re to be used as compensation for some lousy wages. . .

Oh, nice! Abner's persuasion is actually working!

Red derp #2075- We’ve been living off of the critters we catch ourselves.

Red derp #2076- Maybe you could see a bit of it our way? Surely they’d not miss a bottle?

Abner- I’m afraid that’s against orders. We mercenaries have a certain code we must follow.

Red derp #2075- What’s the mercenary life like, friend? I’ve had in interest in it for quite a while.

Abner- She’s a wondrous thing to those who know her well. Yet, some just can’t adept. Personally, I’d take this life over that of a soldiers.

Red derp #2075- What’s the pay like? Decent?

Abner- Decent enough, if you know how to pick ‘em. Now, I hate to be pushy, but we really must report back to our contractors and get the convoy moving.

Red derp #2076- Of course, of course.

Uh oh, it's the captain guy. He might be smarter.

Red derps- Sir!

Super derp #1- Why are my maggots lollygagging?

Red derp #2076- A merchant convey is requesting use of the road, sir. They have wares for our troop.

Abner- We were told to be discreet, but some things refuse to stay silent.

Super derp #1- . . . Nothing gets through here with my knowing. Who made the order?

Abner- ‘Twas a rough fellow, I believe-

Super derp #1- I wasn’t talking to you, smooth lips. You! Hiding back there in the armor. Come forward so we might hear your explanation.

Welp. A real negotiator knows to use "John", because it's literally the most common name ever.

Red derp #2076- . . . Oh, shit! That’s Ragnar!

Abner- Well! Goodluck, sideburns.

And he abandons us. Not that the negotations could really be repaired at this point.

Also, the dialogue is totally different if Abner is dead:

Ragnar- Ready to try our hand at persuasion, Donwik?

Donwik- Let’s hope we get the empty-headed louts.

(Enter soldier 1 and 2)

Soldier 1- By order of Lord Rashka, you are to desist and travel by another route.

Ragnar- We merely seek refuge in Azalia.

Soldier 2- There are no exceptions.

Ragnar- Please, kind sirs, we have the sick and elderly amongst us. We cannot afford the travel.

Soldeir 2- Go back the way you came, you’ll not be getting through.

Donwik- . . . Would some gold change your minds? We have gold.

Soldier 1- . . . How much are you willing to put up-

Soldier 2- You idiot! What are we going to do? Fill our pockets and lead them through the main camp? We’d be hung without notice.

Ragnar- Please, sirs! Can’t you find it in your hearts?

Soldier 2- No. Even if we wanted to. . . wanted. . . you look- oh, shit! That’s Ragnar! Get the commander!

(Exit Soldiers 1 and 2)

Donwik- Seemed unavoidable.

Nice job, though. You make a good beggar.

Ragnar-. . .

So, we fail either way. The two branches continue the same afterwards:

Ragnar- If we’re let though, there needn’t be any bloodshed.

Red derp #2075- We-

Super derp #1- Do not speak, maggot!

Ragnar- No doubt you’ve heard about our exploits. I’m telling you; think this through.

Super derp #1- Hah! Well you’re to hear of our commander’s own exploits! Men! Inform Commander Boor of our company.

(Exit Red derp #2075) (Soldier 2 at the back, soldier three forward)

Ragnar- Like hell! (Rushes towards soldier 3)

(Exit Ragnar)

Red derp #2076- . . . That’s someone I won’t miss.

Too late though, the other soldier is gonna alert the boss guy.

He happens to have some civilians with him?

Red derp #2077- Seventy-two, sir.

Bore- Good. The Lords will be pleased for the moment. Have the next shipment of slaves readied.

Red derp #2077- When would you like them to be shipped, sir?

Bore- Sunrise-

Bore- . . . Lovely. Soldier, would you kindly take those seventy-two slaves to the front-line?

Red derp #2077- Of course, sir.

(Exit soldier) (second soldier moves back a spot)

Red derp #2076- What are we to do about Ragnar?

Bore- He’ll want to pass through here, and I say we let him.

Red derp #2076-. . . And the slaves?

Bore- Fodder. If we catch that bastard now, the Lords won’t care for some lowly slaves.

Red derp #2076- Sir.

Yeah, FOR US!

The soldiers and civilians go into the forts and then dudes go out everywhere.

Ragnar- . . . My gut tells me that our original course is foul with Silvatica. Seems likely we need another path.

Donwik- Aye, so we’re to escape?

Ragnar- . . . Yes. The road branches towards the forests. They’re thick and like a maze to those not familiar with them. We’ll clear a path and escape.

Donwik- Can we spare the time?

Ragnar- Seems we don’t have a choice.

Doesn't look like that many enemies, but believe me, this chapter won't be easy.

Donwick- They’ve deployed a whole damn army! Why do they have such numbers?

Ragnar- . . . No. Don’t you see, Donwik? They’ve taken the road. They’re-

Donwik- They’re marching on the capital again.

Ragnar- We have to push through.

Donwik- Is there another route we can take? A faster one?

(Ragnar faces away)

Ragnar- Yes. If we push through and continue on the highway, we can turn off and over take the main army some leagues before the capital.

Donwik- If they haven’t already arrived, you mean.

Ragnar- Either way we have to push through, here and now.

END DIALOGUE

So, we FINALLY have a prep screen! This is great!

It means we can finally exclude Tero! Look at that minimug. He looks so angry with me. But it's his own fault!

I give the Red Wine to Ragnar. He really needs the strength, and he's the main lord, we gotta keep him useful!

This is a bit of a risky investment, since it's based on one good level, but I think I'm gonna use Iivari. This HP should let him survive plenty of hits, especially with that good-for-a-myrm defense.

Here's our position. The game seems to want us to split into two groups, and so that's what we'll do.

Also, note the fighter. He's on top of a "Ruins" tile, and there's a few more around the map too. I think NYZgamer is trying to imply that Silvatica hasn't been that nice to the locals. Gameplay and story integration!

I was wrong earlier. There are lots of enemies.

Custom portraits for female generics? That's...really cool!

This, plus the barrier staff we got two chapters ago, should evidence what's gonna happen this chapter...

Boor has super high defense, but is otherwise not all that threatening.

Starting the chapter...

Melanie: Hah! Dumbass honkies! Come get some! Come get a taste of a real woman.

You know, I think the writer intended for Melanie to have 2 portraits to show her personalities shifting. But, she doesn't, and I think her gimmick would work much better if she did.

Iivari: The way of the blade is all I know, now. . . Perhaps one day its dance shall cease.

NEXT TIME: BRIDGES OF DOOOOOOMMMM!

[Kon]

He didn't tell me about the personality change and didn't have me make a separate portrait. I'll see what I can do about another mug for her though, since I'm working on revamping her mug anyways~

Really I'm planning on revamping most of the mugs, but I have to prioritize newer folks first c: