Moblin Major General

Glendwr spoke when Alex had asked about Lua's whereabouts. "She got up and ran towards the horizon, right in the middle of brunch. Her plate of eggs was sitting there, basically untouched, so I ate them." He then looked over at what he could assume was Misea's new pet project. "A pleasure, I guess. I am Glendwr Silver-Steel. I doubt that means anything to you, or indeed anyone around here, so don't think too much on it. Tell me, what makes a well to do man such as yourself want to go adventuring with 3 vampires and their mercenaries? You don't seem too worried about the stipulations or consequences, but then again, if any of us have, we've been putting those thoughts at the back of our mind. Well, except Lua, but she's long gone by now." He then turned to Jackson. "Which ones are ours, again? I don't want to intrude on someone's private business, or anything."

No. I thought that was evident when I said it was unnecessary. I don't like nukes as weapons, today. Too even seek to make one marks just how dangerous a country is, and it only adds to global tension every time a nation decides to join the ~2% of countries that have them, with half of them being known global superpowers at one point. I wish that total nuclear disarmament was possible, but that would only embolden countries that seek them, as that means there would be nothing short of a military invasion that could stop them, especially if the government only cares about power, and not about the people they serve.

Nagasaki was a major military industrial target. Hiroshima was the site of a naval academy. Neither of those could have, in that time, been referred to as anything less than justifiable military targets. Nowadays? Carpet bombing and especially nuclear bombing aren't necessary to tear down the enemy's infrastructure. Standards have changed, and I doubt Truman having foreknowledge on what exactly would happen would change his decision to bomb either city. It was a tragedy, but it was the last out of a period of 6 years and 1 day of tragedy. It's barbaric and fortunately has not been repeated, but do you think the war-weary US was going to do anything else?

Growlithe

"Surely you desire to make your peers envy you? How many outsiders could manage to get a Magonsaetan Warlord to not only learn, but want to learn? Few, if any. You can show that this land isn't the untamed wilderness of ages past, but a land ready to embrace the future, especially if Malaphar's machinations are disrupted." Astaroth paused briefly. "It does not have to be much of your time, as I cannot allow it to be much of mine, as I have... responsibilities." Astaroth saw Barry and Paul standing about idly, but said nothing and turned back to Alain. " I'm sure you can find some way to turn this to your advantage. At the very least, I have spoken my desires. " Astaroth cradled the blade in his arms and turned to leave, looking back at Alain. "Well, I'm off to do whatever has to be done around here, if anything. Consider all that has been said, and maybe you'll find a reason to care." Astaroth walked away, hoping Alain still had at least a modicum of respect for him.

Mareep

If you're interested, you can hack in a Vannilite, but no modfing stats and movesets, that goes against the spirit of the draft. But if you are still interested, that's 6. Also, since I'm already in the Draft, I'm playing White 2.

Glendwr looked at Alex as she went over to see where Mina and Astrid had gone. He asked a simple question after she said something to them, one he honestly didn't expect a clear answer too. "What's going on over there?" He didn't really know if he wanted to know, or if he really cared, but apparently it caused Mira to come back quickly and piqued Alex's interest, which was fascinating to say the least.

Thank God. I knew sanity existed somewhere in the US.

Ike is understandable, but remember that Seliph and Leif's games are 22 and 19 years old, respectively, and they haven't yet hit the West in any official capacity. Given that the latter 2 exist in a much darker time than even Marth, they could be given similar characterization if and when their games get remade.

Gimli moves to O14 Simón moves to N13 and heals Jeanne Raven moves to J7 and attacks Wizzrobe

Astaroth took Alain to the edge of the camp, still well within sight of people, but away from the ears of both Kelbara and the princess. "What I'm about to say will probably shock you. Engel... spoke to me. I knew he was able to, but to think that he would even deign to speak to me... But it wasn't for any sacred duty, at least it didn't start out that way. I have done a terrible thing in striking the priest that hurt Naiman. However, I still live, somehow, probably because I told him why. I told him of Malaphar, and how we were trying to kill him. To say he changed his mind would be an understatement. When he left, he left this at my side." Astaroth unsheathed the blade a small amount. It glowed gold, and he quickly sheathed it again. "That's what I was afraid of. It wasn't glowing before, but knowing the relationship between your God and mine, I don't think it was meant as a peace offering." Astaroth looked directly at Alain. "Engel said my actions carve the path. That was the last thing he said to me, before giving me this. The path I want to take is one of peace, but all I've ever really known was violence, and that certainly isn't the path to peace. I can see what is, however, and it is power over words. You have that power, and so does the Princess, in some aspects, at least. I must have it, if the mistakes of this day are to be avoided in the coming days. If you will pardon this blade being in my possession, Sir Duhamel, I humbly ask that you teach me the way of words. I can read, and I can write, but beyond that, I don't have much in the way of knowledge. I know how to survive, and the ways of war, but little else." Astaroth stood holding the blade behind him, pointed away from Alain. He hoped Alain would help him, even if he didn't have any reason to, especially after the recent revelations.

"My actions carve the path. So be it. I have greatly erred, and I will certainly not raise my blade at them again. I thank, my lord, for speaking to me. I can claim to know you true, now that I have shed my ignorance. " Astaroth had ultimately realized he hadn't truly lost his savage nature, and that mere platitudes had caused a great sin. However, Engel was ultimately forgiving, and had bestowed a sort of gift upon him. "I hope the princess can forgive me for having this, but compared to Engel, I could survive without it." He took the blade and held it carefully. He had the force to back up Engel's strength, more than the priests ever did. Astaroth left the church holding the blade in its sheath. He soon saw a small group of tents. He rode over to them, blade in hand. He didn't know how the blade would respond. He finally made it over, and then dismounted his horse. He didn't want to waste any time. Only one person, as far as he knew, had ever talked to a god, and it was Alain. He found his way to him and Kelbara, and while he initially thought of keeping his distance, he knew they weren't really gonna try to convince him of anything. He had to tell someone what happened, that Engel was real, and was watching. "Sir Duhamel, I request your presence. Alone." He hoped Alain wouldn't suspect anything of it, but given the circumstances, he couldn't help but be concerned that Alain might react poorly to his new weapon.

Gimli discards of Herb and moves to Q13 Raven moves to J12 Simón move to M13 and Heal Vanessa

Glendwr had at last returned to the Half Calf and found the rest of everyone save Misea. He was surprised that Astrid, though having left after him, had gotten to the rest before he did. Especially since he didn't see her pass him. How did that happen? Oh, nevermind. He walked over to where Alex and Sephtis were, where a farmer was apparently talking to Alex about something. He saw the amount of stuff Seph had been carrying. "Been a long day so far?" It was quick and to the point. He didn't feel it need to be any more than that, especially if everyone had been as tired as he was, which he didn't doubt.

Astaroth rose up to the light. "I do acknowledge it! I cannot in good faith leave the lost ones to die against one who would overthrow you! That only knows absolute destruction! I drew my blade in defense of the goal of stopping Malaphar, not blaspheming you! The priests only stood in the way of that goal! And they revealed themselves charlatans when they refused honor! These are not lies, but truths! You can judge me, and damn me once I'm dead, but don't think for a second that I would dare abandon you! If you want to strike me down, so be it! But even if I stand in Belial's presence for what I have done, I will defend you! Even if I am brought eternal torment for it!" He waited for Engel to finally have had enough of him and his reasoning. Whether Engel believed the battle inevitable or not didn't matter now, all that did was whether Astaroth was going to live another minute.

Astaroth slowly found his way to the altar. His rage had subsided. He knelt at the altar and began thinking harder about what exactly happened in the last few hours. They weren't the only ones at fault. Both sides made mistakes today. And our common enemy only gained from it. Astaroth then began uttering a prayer. "Would you listen to the ramblings of an errant soul? Many of your own have died today, and for what? Power? Faith? No, it's not that simple, and far more sinister. Fear has driven this skirmish, and all but 2 of now lay dead because of it. And they might not be alone, either." Naiman. Damn it! Why didn't I go see?! A fellow chieftain, and I didn't even see if he lived! What have I done?! Astaroth slams his fists on the floor, disgusted with his neglect of the gravity of the situation. Could he have done something to stop it? Was she supposed to die, there? He was confused, and here lay the opportunity to ask someone who knew, even if the answer never came. "Why did this happen? I know all must eventually die, but why her? And why now? Don't punish her for the mistakes I made, or the mistakes the Princess made. It isn't fair to her after all she's suffered. I would have gladly taken her place and rid the princess of a burden. But... I don't... decide... who lives... and who... and who... " Astaroth couldn't hold back anymore. Again like a babe, he cried, but this time he was alone only in person, as he felt that at the very least Uuliin, if not almost everyone, was pleading for Naiman's life. Belial possibly could bring her back, but what would the cost be? No, Astaroth couldn't confide in anyone but Engel in this moment. "I will remain, for now. I am all too aware the power of the plains storms. If I must, I will read by the candlelight. To know you even better, and to find out if I have learned enough about you. " He opened the book and began reading, something he hadn't done in a while, and something he needed to do again.

@This boi uses Nino You do realize the Ocean Seal is actually a buried treasure in Chapter 22/23, right? You have to just get Matthew or Legault to the general area it's in. The Secret Shop is only there if you missed it in Chapter 22/23.

Tennessee got trashed by Green Bay, but it's Green Bay, so it's not a big loss because we weren't probably gonna win. Tomorrow we play a much worse team in the form of Tampa Bay. Looking forward to watching the Bucs drown.

After the Shove, Gimli moves to Q18 and attacks the Wyvern Rider with Hand Axe. Raven moves to K16. Simón promotes to Priest and uses Heal on Vanessa.

Astaroth said nothing for some time. Everything hurt after the battle: his body from the fighting itself, his mind from the bizarre nature of Alain's creatures, and, most of all, his heart, after both priests had been so arrogant as to dismiss anything other than their own self-righteousness. The first one in particular foolishly thought Astaroth would actually turn his blade on Princess Cassandra on principle alone. How deluded must one be to expect that? How arrogant?! No, I wouldn't ever. Then he remembered they supposedly proselytized the Aega even though they gave no indication of being changed for the better, unlike those who came willingly to Engel from the Asarai. He came to the conclusion that they probably didn't truly care whether the conversion was genuine or not, just that they had followers to bend to their will, good or ill, and probably just the latter. Given the swiftness with which Hera surrendered to the group once Alain confronted her probably meant the priests themselves had a bearing on her judgment. And what damned them above all else was their absolute willingness to not only fight, but fight without honor, something even Hera didn't do. It was with this that Astaroth concluded that this farce was not glorifying to Engel, doctrine or not. Astaroth turned to the Princess. "I see now why you bear no love for the Church of Engel. Cowardly are they, and blinded are they by their own self-righteous arrogance. This cannot continue, as the innocent are brought to heel by this despicable hypocrisy. They must be exposed as the serpents they are, and the evil they have done made right. Say what you will about Engel himself, I care not. But at least on the actions of his priests, we are agreed." Astaroth dismounted his horse and stood in front of the body of the priest near the bridge. He picked up the tome he was carrying. "Sickening. This sort of power shouldn't be held by anyone, much less a snake such as he. It may have indeed claimed the life of someone dear, without remorse or a second thought." Astaroth then opened the book and began fileting the pages with his sword. He then threw the skewered and scratched tome into the river. "Now it can't be used for evil ever again." He then looked across the river back to where near he met the first priest. They must have gathered there. Engel preserve me, I don't know what I'll find, or, even worse, what I won't. I only can ask forgiveness for this from you, Lord Engel, as those who would suffer the most from this are already among you. Mounting his horse once more, he rode off to the building in question. Coming up on the body of the first priest, he moved past it to approach the doors of the surprisingly majestic building. It was then he opened the door. "Engel above!" He briefly looked down and to the side in embarrassment. "Sorry."

RIP Mekkkah.

"If you say so, Lady Astrid." Glendwr picks up the box with his old boots in them and leaves the cafe. Knowing it had been a somewhat long day, he headed for the Half Calf. Perhaps everyone would be there when he got back. Or not, and even if they weren't, Jackson seemed personable enough just on his own. Besides, a little rest couldn't hurt, especially since Misea and Astrid told him he needed to relax more.

"Alright, then. If that's all, then I can be satisfied with that. As for the sun, I forgot about that. Perhaps it would be a good idea to retire for the time being, as I'm not really certain I want to be out much longer right now. Besides, I'm sure the bed is going to be much better than the ground anyday." Glendwr finished up his eggs and stood up from the table. He took some extra coin out of his pocket and put it near where he sat. "Whenever you're ready to go back, Lady Astrid, we can. "

Glendwr looked at Astrid directly. "So, I guess this means we'll have to finish up what we have to do on our own, then. I still think we need probably a case full of pitch, maybe something else if we find it. For right now, though, we should eat. Tell me, besides curiosity, what made you decide to stay with us? Was it your relationship to Sir Misea? Or was it something more personal?" Glendwr was sure it wasn't really any of his business, but the more he knew about everyone, the more he could depend on them. Or exploit them, if he had to, but he certainly didn't want to. Astrid was both the closest, and also, besides the departed Lua, the wildcard in this situation. He already said he wasn't a gambler, but Astrid didn't seem to have any tells in this circumstance. "If you don't want to tell me, that's fine, I won't pry, but I still don't really know what I'm dealing with here, specifically."