In Progress Let's play Berwick Saga (PS2 Strategy-RPG from the director of Fire Emblem 1-5)

[Endemic]

Update 23: Chapter 3-2 - Ponies and Thieves (part 1)

Spoiler

Carmal: Sorry, I just can't. Business can't keep up with supply these days, so prices are high. If I gave out discounts to everyone, I'd be out of business fast.

Ward: That's a shame... but I completely understand.

Carmal: Wish I could help, but I can't. There aren't enough horses to go around these days as it is.

Ward: Still, how are we to afford always buying new horses as this war drags on and on...?

Carmal: Hmm...

Ward: If I were to purchase new horses, we would have funds for little else... My liege would be disappointed...

Carmal: Sir Ward! I've got an idea!

Ward: What is it, Carmal?

Carmal: If you're worried about the cost,

Carmal: About half a day north of the city, there's a village with several herds of wild horses roaming nearby. They're tough to catch and even tougher to train, but they won't cost you a thing.

Ward: That may not be a bad idea... I will take it into consideration. Thank you, Carmal.

Carmal: Sure. Just remember, though, they won't be as nice as my horses!

Since there are only 5 deployment slots, I'll need to do some roster and inventory management. The nearly broken longbow that Sherlock was holding goes towards crafting Rossweisse at the atelier:

I hire Faye (500) and Faramir (850). Since there will almost certainly be a catch to this mission, I'm also bringing along Czene, Sylvis and Volo.

There are no good bows left in inventory or the shop, so Sylvis will have to pick her shots carefully. Weapons have a decent chance of breaking on orange durability.

The map is littered with trees, so knights will be hampered considerably. Thieves have no movement penalty in forested terrain, of course. Speed is of the essence here, if you want to retrieve any of the horses.

The leader of this gang is Seamus, a wanted man at the mercenary guild:

While most of his stats are mediocre, 40hp means it will take multiple units to deal with him in 1 turn. The Estoc will bypass shields and counter makes him more of a threat in melee. Incidentally, Estocs were anti-armour swords historically: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estoc

Seamus: After many months of ardous travel, we have finally made it to our glorious destination!

Thief: Months? We've only been on the road for three days...

Seamus: See the bigger picture, lad! With the taking of these horses, we will rise from the ashes!

Seamus' Goon: Three cheers for the boss!

Seamus' Goon: Here, here!

Seamus' Goon: Huzzah!

Czene: I wonder how Dad and the others are doing these days...

A thief catches the pale horse in the northeast:

There is an enemy escape point immediately north of the fort, and one in the southeast. I move Czene up first. The thief that captured the horse moments earlier brings it to Seamus:

Thief: She's just a foal, boss... She'll get bigger.

Seamus: Huh? A-Ah, of course! I knew that! I was simply testing you!

Thief: .....

Seamus: Ahem... Right, then! Bring this captured steed to the shack, and do not allow her to escape.

Heh. Seamus is somewhat memorable, for a minor villain. I split up my team, with Czene and Faramir cutting through the trees:

Seamus and his gang haven't moved yet:

Czene acquires a horse.

The opposition scatters to follow suit.

Faye kills the nearby archer with a critical hit from her cutlass:

A thief picks up another horse.

By the end of the turn, most of the enemies are hidden in the forest:

On turn 4, Czene spots a couple of them, fending off a thief in the process.

As the rest of my units advance, Seamus' goons retrieve a horse:

At the start of turn 5, Seamus gives his men a brief speech.

Seamus: Go forth and capture more horses! ...Capture them, I say!

Three more of his gang emerge from the fort:

One of them has a Mahakali (aka devil axe).

 

[Endemic]

Update 24: Chapter 3-2 - Ponies and Thieves (part 2)

Spoiler

Czene is unable to make any impression on the thief blocking her movement, and takes a hit herself:

Faramir advances through the westernmost path and disposes of an archer in style.

One of the thieves who captured a horse earlier leaves.

A brigand attacks Faramir, but all he ensures is a swift end for himself on the blade of a cutlass:

Another thief flees. As my squad closes in on Seamus's camp, one of his men warns him of our approach.

Seamus: This is our dream, and ours alone! Why would these interlopers-- No, it cannot be... Have the powers that be conspired to destroy my dreams yet again? No, I will not be defeated here! I shall have vengeance!

Faramir prevents a thief from escaping:

Sylvis softens up a brigand, while a thief hits Volo and then retreats from the map. Another thief does the same. Two of Seamus's goons discuss the pale foal that was captured earlier:

Brigand #1: Still, worth a shot, I suppose.

The foal bites and kicks at him, clearly sounding distressed.

Brigand #1: She bit me!

Brigand #2: Hah, rookie mistake... Let me show you how it's done.

The foal kicks him in the leg, audibly displeased at his approach.

Brigand #2: Guaah...!

Brigand #1: Bwahahaha! So that's how it's done, eh? Ha ha ha...

Brigand #2: Filthy animal... I'll teach you some manners!

He swings his axe at the foal, drawing blood as the young horse wails from the blow.

Brigand #2: Wouldn't want this one kicking and biting at the boss, right?

Brigand #1: I suppose that's true...

Seamus arrives, noticing the commotion.

Seamus: Were you or were you not just abusing that young foal?!

Brigand #1: .....

Brigand #2: N-No, sir! We weren't!

Seamus: You... weren't?

Brigand #2: We were disciplining this horse so it wouldn't do anything to hurt you! Isn't that right?

He turns to his comrade, waiting for his creative explanation to be reinforced.

Brigand #1: Wha...? O-Oh, right! He's absolutely right!

Seamus: You were... You were worried about me...? Oh, what kind and caring comrades I have found in you men...!

Brigand #2: (Phew...)

Seamus: However, there is a higher task to which I must call you both. It seems there a band of interlopers is here to steal our quarry! You are to go out and deal with them!

Brigand #1: Y-Yes, sir...

Three more men leave the fort:

Volo deathmatches a brigand, wiping him off the map without taking a hit.

Sylvis and Faramir remove the archer.

Her bow gives out after one more shot:

Faye attacks a brigand, doing moderate damage. As another turn passes, Sylvis switches to her longbow and takes aim at Seamus.

Seamus: How DARE you!

Volo finishes him off, courtesy of deathmatch.

Not the best level-up:

Faye takes out a brigand and picks up the Mahakali.

Faramir cuts down the last thug:

A look at the enemy unit list confirms they're all dead or withdrawn.

Since she's good with horses, I let Czene take care of cleaning up at the objective.

Czene: I suppose I can't expect that slobs like those would have a treasure stash.

She discovers the room with the pale horse.

Czene: Oh...!

Walking up to the horse, she notices an injury:

The foal kicks at her with an anguished whine, and Czene is sent reeling backwards.

Czene: Aaah... Please calm down... I'm not gonna hurt you...

She gingerly steps forward, nursing a sore leg, trying again to calm the horse down.

She is still met with resistance and loud protests.

Czene: No, stop struggling...!

Czene: You'll open your wound more! Easy, there...

The foal slowly responds to her, quietening down somewhat.

Czene: .....(This horse... She looks just like...) There, there, don't cry...

There are still wails of distress, but less kicking and struggling.

Czene: Shh, it's all right now...

Czene strokes the horse's mane, examining the injury.

Czene: ...Come now, girl... We have to treat your wound...

Back in Navaron, Ward and Carmal discuss the other horse that was retrieved during the mission:

Carmal: She seems to be quite tame. I doubt she would put up much of a fuss at all if you saddled her.

Ward: What good fortune...

Czene brings the foal back to Carmal's stables.

The scene goes black as Czene slumps into a heap on the ground.

Some time later, she awakens and walks to Carmal's living quarters:

Carmal: I know you love horses, but you've got to take care of yourself first!

Czene: Hehe... Sorry about that.

She smiles, and then pauses as her expression returns to neutral.

Czene: No matter what I did, I couldn't get her to calm down enough that I could patch her up...Wait!

Czene: You really mean it? Thank goodness...

Carmal: To care even for an injured horse with such a passion...I'm sure your clan would be pround to see the woman you've become.

Czene: .....

(At this point, Czene is 15, not quite at the standard of maturity for this setting)

Carmal: (Oh, drat... Should I not have said that...?) Um... Y-Yes, well... What's most important above all is that both of you are safe, and--

Czene: Mr. Carmal...

Carmal: Yes?

Czene: I have a favour to ask.

Carmal: What is it? Don't be shy.

Czene: That foal... Can I leave her with you for the time being?

Czene: ...You're right, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked.

Carmal: I'd never take money from the daughter of my best friend!

Czene being mistaken for Ward's daughter is both amusing and somewhat sad in equal measure, given what we know about his actual daughter Christine.

Czene: Huh?

Carmal: The stables here are full, so I'll take her to my ranch at home. Is that all right with you?

Czene: Y-Yes! Of course!

Carmal: Although, I've got to manage the shop here...I'll have to leave this to my son.

Czene: Huh?

Carmal summons him.

Carmal: Czene, this is my son Enoch. He's been helping out with the horses here at my ranch since he was a boy. I'll leave your newfound loved one in his capable care.

Enoch is confused at the words being used, apparently unsure if Carmal is referring to a horse or a human.

Enoch: Huh...?

Czene: Thank you, Mr. Carmal!

Enoch: What is going on here?

With that, we're back in the office. Tianna lets Reese know there is a horse waiting at the stables.

I'll give the collector the devil axe:

Ward takes payment.

The bounty on Seamus is received.

Next time, I'll be moving onto chapter 4's main mission. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you there.

 

[Endemic]

Update 25: Chapter 4 - Covering the Retreat (Introduction)

Spoiler

Before advancing the chapter, I hired Esteban (330), Arthur (450), and Derrick (150) for the 0.5 increase to happiness.

Reese is urgently summoned by Lord Roswick to a military briefing room, rather than his estate:

Roswick: The Highland Duchy's capital, Myuhen, fell to the enemy yesterday.

Reese pauses to contemplate, lowering his voice briefly.

Reese: No...! ...Have we heard any news regarding Duke Warrenheit?

Roswick: It seems he fell in battle. They say he stayed to defend the castle to the bitter end.

Reese: How terrible... If we had only sent reinforcements to him in time...

His lamentation is met by silence.

Roswick: .....

Reese: What of the League's troops who were stationed at Myuhen?

Roswick: I'm afraid many of them fell during the attack as well. However, several thousand of them did manage to escape. They are currently fleeing here to Narvia en masse.

Roswick beckons Reese to join him at the map on the wall.

Roswick: ...and we are here in the duchy of Narvia, to the southeast.

Roswick: The Imperial Army will be hot on their tails attempting to rout the retreating soldiers. In addition, there are many bands of savage raiders dwelling in the plateaus who rob travelers. All in all, there is little chance our allies will arrive in one piece...

Reese: Can we not send a force out to escort the retreating soldiers?

Roswick: I asked His Majesty as much, and he was absolutely furious, calling them traitors for leaving the front line.

Reese: I cannot comprehend him... He would forsake his own men who have fought loyally for him? When I went to Myuhen on our mission to deliver supplies, they were fighting desperately to hold the line. So many died for our country, trusting to the very end that King Volcens would come to their aid...

I presume Roswick is concerned a spy for the king might learn of Reese's opinion. I'd be angry too if I heard what Reese did just now. Volcens is very unpopular with the average soldier precisely because of decisions like leaving Warrenheit and his men to be slaughtered.

Reese: ...Forgive me, Your Grace. I spoke without thinking...

Roswick: Despite His Majesty's reluctance, I was able to persuade him to give the retreating forces assistance. He has also agreed to pardon them for fleeing the front lines. However...

Reese: However...? What did His Majesty say?

Roswick: I had intended to send Vanmilion, but my hands are tied... Forgive me.

Reese: You need not apologize, Your Grace. ...It will be the honour of the Knights of Sinon to accomplish this task.

Roswick: I see... There is one more stipulation, from Lord Herman himself. After ensuring the retreating soldiers' safety, you must return here within five days.

Reese: And if I do not, I will be branded a traitor, I presume?

Roswick: Again, I am sorry...

Reese: If that is what His Majesty wishes, I will carry out this mission. Excuse me, Your Grace. I must prepare my troops for battle.

I can agree there, considering he won't have the assistance of Roswick's far more numerous troops. Unlike (for example) Tear Ring Saga, Reese isn't driving events as the protagonist, but is forced to react to them instead. Herman, Volcens and the Imperial generals are the ones that have control over the situation, and it's looking grim for the Berwick League. This particular battle is all but lost whether or not the Sinon Knights intervene - the best they can realistically do is save a few extra soldiers and retreat before they are overrun.

That said, they will have opportunities later on to make a small but significant impact, in the same sense as the Apostle's retrieval in chapter 3. To be fair to Volcens, his paranoia isn't entirely without basis - the rebellion his father put down several years ago likely impacted some allegiances. More details about that will be revealed in due course.

Some time after the briefing, Reese and Ward are visiting the abbey when a girl approaches them:

Saphira: I'm, well... I'm not exactly a sister...I'm just here to help...

Ward: Sister Maria! A moment, please!

Maria: Y-Yes! What can I do for you, Sir Ward?

Ward: Who is this girl? Is she a member of this abbey?

Maria: Lady Saphira is... yes...? I mean, no! No, Sir Ward, Saphira is not a sister at this abbey.

Saphira: R-Right! I used to be here, but then I got kicked out! I'm a... a delinquent! Yes, that's right!

As you probably recall, Saphira (aka Sapphire) is the Apostle Sanacia's middle name.

Maria: Y-Yes...? I mean, no! That is, um... Oh, I have no idea...

Reese: ...Regardless, someone like yourself should not be on the battlefield. I advise finding another line of work.

Saphira: Why, because I'm too young? You seem to have no qualms about taking Sister Izerna with you!

(Izerna is at least 3 years older than Apostle Sanacia.)

Reese: Madam Quescria and I have an arragement with regard to Sister Izerna, and... ...Wait, why should I have to explain myself to you? The answer is no.

Saphira: Fine, then! If you won't take me, I'll find someone else who will! I bet General Palmer from the Verian Army would hire me!

Reese: What would you have me do, Ward? I'm not going to let a little girl like her fight on our front lines!

Ward: She can't be asking for much as a hiring fee, considering her position. We could simply hire her and then keep her in the rear guard. She could help out Sister Izerna and keep her company, as well.

Ward: A-A million?! Are you out of your mind?!

Saphira: Oh, is that too high...? I'm afraid I'm not great with money... How about just ten denarii?

Ward: TEN?! Are you mocking me, girl?

Saphira: Aaah! N-No! I'm sorry...!

Saphira calls Maria aside.

Saphira: Maria! What am I supposed to do?! I have no idea how much to ask for...

Maria: I'm not certain, Your Eminence, but I think most sisters are paid a few hundred denarii per day...

Saphira: Okay! It'll be 300 denarii for today! I'll be waiting here, if you want to hire me!

Ah, gotta love Ward.

Upon returning to the office, Tianna tells us another letter from Lynette has arrived:

So that gives us a total of 46908 denarrii to spend.

We have 10 deployment slots for the mission. I do apologize that the text sometimes overruns the bounds of the UI; being designed for Japanese characters, it doesn't always allow the English text to fit cleanly in the available space. This will likely be remedied by the time the translation patch is final, along with any other miscellaneous errors.

As the info screen confirms, the mission area is in the Goran Plateaus... Hmm... let's consider what a plateau looks like:

(pictured: the Colorado Plateau in the United States)

Uninhabited, rocky, semi-desert terrain punctuated by tall spires, likely difficult ground for mounted units. With that in mind, I'll be focusing on infantry.

First, let's check what the citizen requests are for this chapter:

Reiss: Oh, it's you, General Ward...

Ward: There's no need to be so glum. What ever could be the matter?

Reiss: Man, let me tell you... Just the other week, I buy these three rare axes back in the Highlands. But wouldn't you know it, on the way back, we get robbed!

Ward: That is unfortunate, but at least you made it away with your lives. Some are not so lucky.

Reiss: Not expensive per se, but you can't find anything like them around here, so I paid top denarrii for them. What can I say, I'm an axe connoisseur...and those were fine axes...

Ward: What kind of axes were they?

Reiss: So get this: they're called Volcano, Glacier and Nimbus Axes. Catchy, right? What makes 'em special is that they've been enchanted by an alchemist.

Ward: How interesting! That is certainly a rarity.

Reiss: That's why I was so eager to get my hands on them.

Yeah, I think I'm with Ward here. Reiss's life's work might be trading in axes, but I think he's a bit too attached to these ones.

Reiss: I'd be happy even to just see once of them again. Those blasted Goran bandits...

Ward: Bandits in Goran, you say...?

The next scene takes place in the atelier:

Danton: It's actually a request that I've asked of lots of the knights stationed in the city these days. I've just got to get my hands on those old shields that some of the Imperial troops have been using!

Tianna: Why would you want an Imperial shield, and an old one at that?

Danton: They went obsolete decades ago. Leftovers from a bygone age, you might say. They're made of big sheets of iron hammered and welded together. Thing is, they're so darned heavy, they're hardly worth lugging around.

Tianna: What exactly do you intend to do with such a shield then?

Danton: Melt it down, of course! I'll use the iron to make new and improved shields and such.

Danton: That's right! Iron ore's a rare commodity in these parts, and smelting's expensive. It's much more efficient to just re-use old iron that nobody wants anymore, and make something new from it.

Tianna: Interesting! If that's the case, I will do what I can to help you with this errand. I shall ask Lord Reese's soldiers to keep an eye out for old-looking shields among the Imperial troops.

Danton: You're a doll, Lady Tianna. Thanks for always helping out. Tell those guys I need three of 'em! I'll pay better than the going price for their trouble, too.

Later, Tianna is having a drink at the tavern, when she overhears a man thinking aloud:

He steps over to Tianna.

Adenau: Excuse me, madam... Have you seen a bound volume of poetry lying about nearby? It would be about yea big...

He motions with his hands to indicate what he's looking for.

Tianna: Poetry...?

Adenau: Ah, allow me to introduce myself. I am Adenau, a peddler from the Northern Lands, as you call them. Recently, I lost a book of poetry that I cherish deeply. It is titled "Barker's Poetry". Did I drop it or forget it somewhere along my travels? I know I had it last night, so I can only imagine that I lost it at some point earlier today...

Heh, another eccentric collector. Which means more money is on offer.

Tianna: I see... Have you retraced your steps?

Adenau: Yes, this morning I was peddling my wares at the next town over, and then I went through Goran...I must have dropped it when I sat in the shade of a rocky spire to eat my lunch! I must make haste to Goran!

Tianna: Wait a moment, please.

Adenau: My apologies, but I really must hurry onward...

Tianna: It will soon be too dangerous to go to the Goran Plateaus.

Adenau: T-That cannot be!

Tianna: League troops fleeing from Myuhen are passing through the plateaus while being pursued by the Empire. To go to Goran at the present time would certainly be a fatal mistake.

Adenau: B-But I cannot simply abandon my book of poetry...

Tianna: At the very least, please wait until the Empire leaves the area.

Adenau: But still...Too much could happen to my book between now and then! Now, then... What to do...

Tianna: .....

As usual, the requests can be viewed under the info lists menu option:

Oh, here's the priest Grimm talked to back in chapter 3.

Tianna and Lendel walk through the temple courtyard, when the former stumbles across Owen:

He steps forward, addressing Tianna directly.

Owen: But when I saw your beauty, I could not help but be enchanted. I thought perhaps the Goddess herself had come down from the heavens!

Tianna: Oh, my...

Lendel: Come off it, Owen. Do not bother Lady Tianna with your pointless teasing.

Owen: This is no tease! My lips sing naught but the music echoing from the depths of my soul!

Lendel: To my surprise, he has enthusiastically volunteered to serve alongside the Berwick League's armed forces.

Owen: It is as Father Lendel says. I would be honoured if I could save the life of even a single soldier.

Tianna: How splendid... I will inform my superior.

Owen: ...However! There is a condition to any services that I might render unto you.

Tianna: What is this condition?

Owen: For personal reasons, I cannot work for any stretch of time lasting longer than ten hours*. Please allow me to withdraw from any battlefield conflicts early, so that does not happen. If I do not...

Owen's reply prompts bemusement and laughter from Tianna.

Tianna: How very interesting! I must say, I have never met a priest quite as unusual as you...

Owen [chuckling]: I shall take that as a compliment! I look forward to working with you, my beautiful goddess.

*By ten hours, he means 20 turns per map.

 

[Endemic]

Update 26: Chapter 4 - Covering the Retreat (Battle preparations)

Spoiler

So, let's take a look at the two new clerics available for hire. I'll start with Apostle Sanacia Saphira:

I wouldn't recommend hiring Saphira, given she starts at level 1 with mediocre stats and 0 light skill. There isn't much point to Miracle or Imbue, because Paramythis will be nearby to save her in the event of being reduced to 0hp. Versatile is similarly useless, because she will be too inaccurate to accomplish anything with Holy (which is the only currently available offensive light magic).

Saphira's fee is randomised between 100-1000 at the start of every chapter. Due to her position as the Verian Apostle, promotion and permanent recruitment are linked to story events that happen later on (provided she has a happiness score of at least 1).

Owen: I may not be as fit or as imposing as some, but I thought I'd try my hand at this mercenary business. I am able to use both healing and anima magic, so I am certain I will be able to pull my weight.

Owen, a prepromote, is definitely worth considering as your healer. His fee starts at 760 denarrii for main missions, which is very good value considering his stats and the orbs he comes with. Having 9 magic means healing will be more potent than Izerna can typically manage by this chapter. Physic alleviates clerics' low movement by giving him a 3-range healing option, while Escape comes in handy for getting your people off the map in defend-escape missions. Detoxify (cures poison) and Pacify (cures berserk) can be useful as well.

Owen's anima magic skill is capped at 10 for Fire, Wind and Thunder, but he can still be effective with fire magic in a pinch. Expert means he has effectively no restrictions on spell usage within the aforementioned types, and Return allows him to leave a map without needing an escape point. "Turning into a devil" isn't quite literal, but he will defect to the enemy and become a Raze Priest, attacking any of your units that happen to be in range with Nosferatu, a health-leeching spell. It's best to use the return skill by turn 20 to avoid this.

Let's stop at the library and visit Almuth:

Almuth: It's of no use to me, but perhaps you may want it. Please, help yourself.

That's +5 accuracy to units that can equip it. I'll probably hand it to Aegina.

With a new chapter, comes new equipment in the stores:

The Seax is another historical weapon, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seax , which trades accuracy for more base damage vs the dagger.

Another rapier is available. I'll hold off on buying it for now, since they're rare. The sword shop only restocks one after 3 full chapters have elapsed.

The "quality sword" (aka "high metal sword") is mediocre. You get more durability than the longsword, but lose accuracy which makes it a bad training weapon. The shortsword is better for chip damage with prepromotes.

The new shields are a mixed bag. The square and iron shields lose 10% block rate, for only marginally more defence than the kiteshield\wide shield respectively. The round shield is clearly the best of the bunch because it maintains a 50% base block rate, while offering the same 5 defence as the aspis. Its price is quite reasonable too.

The war pick is the rapier of axes, although shifting the stat balance towards attack. Unfortunately, since Dean and Axel are nowhere near level 9, it isn't of use at the moment.

The mithril axe offers an impressive 17 attack, but at a steep price. As with the war pick, current axe users are several levels below the rank requirement, so they will have a reasonably high failure chance when using it.

Moving on to spears:

The pike has a higher damage multiplier but is restricted to dismounted units. This wouldn't be a big drawback by itself, but a base accuracy of 40% is just too low to be effective.

Longspears forgo accuracy for more damage. Ward starts with one, and it hasn't broken yet, so I don't need a replacement for the time being.

Composite bows are a better version of the longbow with +2 attack and higher durability. You do pay a premium for that, with the base price being 2600.

Brave crossbows are much like their Fire Emblem namesake - good damage, 2 hits. The high weight will completely tank the user's evasion, so good positioning and timing is important.

Ember arrows seem weak on paper, but are very strong against enemies with a weakness to fire damage (typically they gain 10 attack).

Hellfire is the second tier fire spell. Most enemies have 0 resistance, so it's very efficient for dealing with armour knights and the like.

Repairstone is available at the temple. I'll hold off on buying it for now, as the price will come down after more citizen requests are completed.

As I mentioned earlier, infantry will be my core team for the upcoming mission due to the rough terrain. I hire Sherpa (2200), Sylvis (1750), Dean (1050), Volo (2300), Owen (760), and Faye (1000, to get access to Faramir, who costs 1750). After paying the mercenaries, I have 36148 denarrii left to spend. I'll also deploy Czene (for her search skill, and to level her), Sherlock for more ranged support (he will have movement penalties, but less severe ones) and Aegina (to soften up armoured enemies).

After shuffling around existing items and weapons, I picked up a few extra vulneraries to distribute so that units have at least 1 each. In addition, the following were purchased: 2 longswords (for Reese and Sherpa); an iron axe and broadaxe for Dean; a composite bow for Sylvis; an iron bow for Sherlock; and a fire orb for Aegina.

 

[Endemic]

Update 27: Chapter 4 - Covering the Retreat (part 1)

Spoiler

The sector Reese and his soldiers arrive in consists of two roads intersecting the spire-filled wasteland, with allied troops arriving from the north, followed by Imperials in pursuit from the west and northwest. The deployment zone is in the southeast:

Laurus is the Imperial commander here:

Aside from looking like a certain Devil May Cry character, he's quite strong overall. Attacking him with a mage seems like a better bet than physical damage. After some quick rearranging of units, I begin the mission:

Reese: We have a duty to protect as many of these men as we can.

Ward: Very well, milord. I shall ask their commander how their situation fares.

He rides north to do so.

Daoud: Or were you snail-paced idiots just too slow to make it here in time?

Ward: ...I will pretend I did not hear that. How many of your soldiers remain?

Daoud: Get used to it. We've been holding up the rear to secure the escape for the rest of the battalion. The raiders around here attack like hyenas, injuring our men and stealing our equipment. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to actually defending my comrades-in-arms.

Ward: Wait, soldier! You must be exhausted. You should escape and rejoin your battalion. Leave this duty to us.

Daoud: I can't do that. I won't run away while my injured men are still struggling behind us.

Ward: I understand how you feel, but in your current condition...

Daoud: If you want to be useful, you can start by lending me any spare shields and axes you've got. If you've brought a Verian cleric with you, my comrades could really use some healing right about now. At the very least, we've got to get these men healthy enough to walk, otherwise they'll never make it.

Ward: ...I understand. Is there anything else you need?

Ward: By now, he must be well on his way to Navaron. Is he a friend of yours?

Daoud: You could say that. I took him under my wing during the siege at Myuhen.

Ward: You're quite the honourable soldier. What is your name, sir?

Daoud: It's Daoud. I'm a knight from Aragon.

Ward: Well then, Sir Daoud, if you truly intend to keep fighting... you shall answer to my commander, Lord Reese. He is by far the most senior-ranked commander here.

Daoud: If he's the officer in charge, then I'll do what he says. If he can get the rest of my men out of here alive, I'll swear my life to him...

Meanwhile, to the northwest, Laurus gives orders to his troops:

Laurus: It's our duty to clear out all of these remaining stragglers...and I don't leave things done halfway!

Our objectives:

A reminder on how escape maps work:

Daoud has a few useful abilities, although he currently lacks a shield and needs healing.

I'll discuss him in more detail after the mission; for now, he can help defend the road. As Daoud explained, the survivors of his company (marked as green units) are indeed in poor condition. All of them are low on hp and\or crippled (crippled units, as you may recall, have 0 defense, 0 evasion and can't do anything except move slowly). On the first turn, I split my forces up into two groups and move out:

Turn 2, and the aforementioned banditry in the region becomes apparent with some brigands to the southwest:

Another wounded soldier has arrived.

Fortunately, the Imperial soldiers are hindered by the terrain, and will take an extra couple of turns to get into range. Owen makes use of physic's range to heal the mounted Verian knight:

Sherlock advances and gets a hit on the nearest enemy:

Faramir's 5 move allows him to reach the closest brigand and kill him, thanks to the cutlass's two strikes both being on target.

The Imperial vanguard continues to advance eastwards. Situation at the start of turn 3:

Another wounded soldier from Daoud's company moves into view.

The next wave of Imperial troops has begun to arrive.

Sherlock's longbow breaks after his next shot (as a reminder: bows lose durability when used, regardless of whether the arrow hits or not, unlike melee weapons).

Two hits, another kill for Faramir:

Owen continues to heal the retreating allied soldiers. Daoud awaits the enemy near a rock spire. Sylvis and Volo team up to remove the third brigand in the south:

On turn 4, one more soldier from Daoud's unit appears.

A trio of Imperial light cavalry emerges from the wastes.

Sherlock uses double-shot to eliminate the soldier he hit last turn:

An Imperial bowman takes advantage of a gap in the line to hit the wounded knight next to Aegina.

Faramir is dispatched to respond to the new threat, wiping him out with a fortitous critical hit.

As the Imperial Army draws closer, Owen keeps up the healing on the southeastern road, while Reese duels with a spearman:

Reese then uses canto to make way for Dean, who gets the killing blow.

Aegina casts Pallas Riana at a nearby spearman, getting 2 hits. Immediately afterwards, the first allied soldier escapes.

I think that's a good point to take a pause for now. I'll resume the mission in part 28, see you there

 

[Endemic]

Update 28: Chapter 4 - Covering the Retreat (part 2)

Spoiler

Welcome back to Berwick Saga. Continuing where I left off, let's begin turn 5.

The ninth of twelve survivors has come into view. A thief emerges from the south:

Owen patches up Daoud.

The second of his company has made it to safety:

Czene finds the book of poetry.

Reese attacks a bowman, while Aegina's wind magic puts down a spearman.

A third allied soldier escapes. Sylvis puts an arrow into the thief before he gets in range.

The situation is under control for the moment.

Volo moves in to deathmatch the spearman next to Daoud:

Sherlock finds his arrow blocked, resulting in only scratch damage. Dean and Daoud trade blows with the Imperial troops, but no kills this time. Sherpa sticks close to Sylvis, guarding her from any potential melee assailants.

On turn 6, the next allied soldier arrives:

As well as a local thug.

Daoud takes a hit from the spearman he attacked last turn, while Dean finishes off the bowman that Reese hit:

One more wounded ally retreats out of harm's way. Owen heals one of the soldiers that is further north, while Sherlock thins out the group of spearmen courtesy of the one-two skill.

He drops his spear, which I'll put aside for now. I decide to play aggressively and have Faramir engage the light cavalry on the southern flank, which pays off:

Deathmatch allows Volo to cleave through yet another spearman.

This first wave of troops is mostly poorly equipped conscripts, and their numbers are working against them with the terrain chokepoints.

Sherpa and Sylvis move forward to pick off the brigand before he can threaten the escape route.

What's left of Daoud's company is slowly making its way south.

I'll need to keep an eye on the southwestern portion of the map, Imperial cavalry will probably try to bypass my main line:

Laurus seems content to observe the battle from a distance, he hasn't moved yet.

On turn 7, the next allied soldier appears.

Another brigand, too:

He has a vulnerary, so I'll wait for him to take his turn before attacking. Volo is repositioned to support Faramir:

Instead of attacking, the brigand ignores my mercenaries and beelines for the retreating cavalry next to the escape point. I have Faramir fall back, since he's in range of at least 3 enemies.

Dean's axe swing meets a spearman's shield, but still inflicts some damage. Czene is directed to join the fray as well. With his movement hampered by the rough ground, Reese can't attack anyone this turn. Seeing that the Imperial cavalry is moving around the spires, Sherlock is sent to the southwest in support of my infantry there:

Sherpa falls foul of the RNG, missing a 96% sword swing on a brigand. Sylvis has no trouble landing a hit though.

 

[Endemic]

Update 29: Chapter 4 - Covering the Retreat (part 3)

Spoiler

Things start to get busy on turn 8, as a group of thieves appear:

At the same time, the last soldier from Daoud's company arrives.

One more Imperial soldier is seen in the northwest as well. However, my attention is on the two groups of enemies threatening Sherpa and Sylvis.

Let's take a closer look at this gang. Pedro has a swordbreaker and a bag with vulneraries in it:

He also has the Counter skill. Speaking of swordbreakers, I recently learned that they were indeed a type of parrying dagger used in the Middle Ages. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parrying_dagger

Pisaro, who has a bounty on him, is quite dangerous:

High accuracy, adept, counter and an 18% critical chance. The third of this trio has a poison knife and some valuables:

He's far less dangerous overall though, with less health, counter being the only notable skill, and no crit chance. I decide to have Sherpa attack Pedro, who merely responds with hoarse laughter:

Unfortunately, he dodges two of the three strikes from Sherpa's Brymranger.

Sylvis will have to take care of him. Meanwhile, further north, Dean gets a hit on an axe soldier. Another friendly soldier escapes:

Pedro heals himself with a concoction, and to add insult to injury, evades Sylvis' bow shot as well.

Pisaro moves in, taking advantage of the fact that Sylvis can't retaliate with her current weapon at 0 range.

She avoids the attack, even after Pisaro benefits from adept giving him a second attempt. Faramir eliminates the nearby brigand:

Reese and Sherlock move to engage Imperial bowmen in the centre, while Owen heals the injured soldiers retreating on the road. Aegina demonstrates the power of her wind magic, hitting 3 times to kill an axeman:

Dean kills another spearman and picks up one of the old shields Danton asked for.

Half of the allied soldiers have yet to escape:

Turn 9 now, and another thief enters the area from the south.

A pair of Imperial soldiers advance into view in the northwest.

The situation is getting dicey for Sherpa and friends:

Deciding to let the enemy make the first move, I have Owen heal another of Daoud's unit. Sherpa guards Sylvis to shield her from the oncoming wave of attacks. Pedro and the archer both do very little damage, but Pisaro opts to use his dagger on Sherlock, who is by himself:

Teamwork from Reese and Czene dispatches an Imperial bowman.

Sherlock falls back and fires an arrow off at Pisaro, getting lucky and injuring him:

Since he's already used his turn, he'll be completely defenceless against further attacks. Faramir is sent after Ali Baba:

One sword hit later, he's on the ground.

Perhaps realizing that Sherpa will cut them down effortlessly, the Imperial cavalry ignore him and Sylvis, moving around them.

Volo strikes Pisaro with intent to cripple him, but to no avail. I'll have to give it another try next turn. Sylvis again takes aim at Pedro, using a steel arrow to reduce his hp by two-thirds.

The mission is almost at the halfway point, so I'll take a break here. I hope you enjoyed it, stay tuned for more updates next week

 

[baud]

Look like someone was running out of ideas for naming the bandits...

 

[Endemic]

Looks like someone was running out of ideas for naming the bandits...

Those two were ピサーロ and ピサロ in Japanese. There'll be plenty of unique named ones coming up in this chapter though

 

[Endemic]

Update 30: Chapter 4 - Covering the Retreat (part 4)

Spoiler

On turn 10, more Imperial reinforcements enter the area:

Along with another archer, who joins the melee in the south.

Sherpa takes a guard stance once again, while Czene injures a spearman with her knife. Pedro attacks Sylvis, only to meet his own demise as Sherpa's brymranger cuts him down:

Yeah, that guy had a few screws loose. Sherlock and an Imperial bowman trade shots, while Volo disposes of Pisaro.

Sherpa's taking a lot of hits, I'll need to heal him soon:

Daoud finishes off the bowman that Sherlock attacked earlier.

Dean's still the best axe user though.

However, I am soon punished for my overconfidence, as Aegina is struck and crippled by an enemy axeman:

Guess she'll be joining the convoy of wounded... Reese retaliates against said axeman, but doesn't get enough damage to kill.

Time to move Aegina out of harm's way, since I can't fix up her injuries at the moment.

She'll be out of action for the rest of chapter 4. Fortunately mages are of marginal use in the next couple of missions. Owen gets a level from using Physic on her:

Sylvis fires on the cavalry who are attempting to bypass her position.

Another soldier from Daoud's unit escapes, while Faramir cleans up an archer:

Laurus decides to join the battle.

As I progress to turn 11, an Imperial knight arrives:

Another archer with a multi-shot bow enters from the south as well.

Sherpa uses up one of the vulneraries he took from Pedro:

Just a few more friendly soldiers left.

Sylvis smacks down the light cavalry with her usual precision.

Thanks to adept and Carnwenhau's double strike, Czene finishes off a spearman:

The level-up doesn't yield any primary stat improvements, but hey, one step closer to promotion.

Dean dodges, knocking a spearman's weapon out of his hand on the counterattack (axes have a chance to do this without needing to injure the opponent, if you recall).

Aegina slowly limps southeast. Another kill for Dean:

That takes him to level 6.

Owen heals the last retreating soldier in line, as one more withdraws safely. Faramir, Reese and Czene engage more enemies, but no lethal blows are struck. Laurus closes in:

 

[Endemic]

Update 31: Chapter 4 - Covering the Retreat (part 5)

Spoiler

A Raze Priest arrives as turn 12 begins. He has celerity, so he can move 2 hexes per turn in the wasteland terrain.

Sylvis takes aim and notches up another victim:

Czene follows up on her and Reese's attacks from the previous turn, erasing one more Imperial.

As Aegina can no longer fight, I switch to plan B for dealing with Laurus. Volo is traded Reese's rapier.

Owen patches up Daoud so I can get him back in the fight. Aegina continues to retreat. Laurus will be in range next turn:

Sherpa guards Sylvis, in case more enemies arrive from the south. On turn 13, a wyvern knight is spotted.

Hmm, let's check out her stats and skills:

Hmm, Mercy as a skill? I sense a defector...

Volo initiates a deathmatch:

Thanks to the +10 boost from Reese's command radius, he has 96% to hit. Laurus struggles to hit with his cumbersome spear against the agile swordfighter in close quarters, and is fatally wounded:

Nothing personal. You made some widows yourself in this war; we all have.

While another friendly soldier escapes, I check if the objectives have changed since Larentia's arrival:

So she's definitely not here to fight us. On that note, the tactical hints have also been updated to cover the rules regarding flying units.

Makes sense, you can't reach up into the sky with a sword after all.

Fliers cannot wait or mount/dismount on hexes occupied by buildings, fences, etc. Back to the battle, Faramir moves in to flank the Imperial reinforcements:

Dean and Sylvis team up to remove an archer.

That's a nice level-up.

One more soldier left to evacuate.

Larentia moves towards Reese, as Sherpa takes up guard again. More brigands appear on turn 14:

Those are the stolen axes Reiss wants back. This trio have the supporter skill as well.

Sylvis takes aim at Dominic.

The attack is successful. To the north, Reese and company clash with the second wave of Imperial soldiers; Czene gets a crit on an unlucky bowman:

Sand decides to target Dean.

He scores a hit, followed by Gard attempting the same on Sylvis. Sherpa is still guarding and takes the hit:

His counterattack makes Gard regret that action.

Dean uses the desperation skill to put an end to Dominic.

Larentia flies over to Reese and lands nearby:

Larentia: Forgive me for landing so suddenly. I did not intend to startle you. I am not your enemy... I have come to defect, and so I wish to surrender to you.

Reese: You're surrendering? Even though your army is winning? I cannot believe your words. What is your real reason for seeking me out, Imperial Knight?

Larentia: I am not a knight of the Empire. My name is Larentia. I am a knight of the Kingdom of Pesil, which the Empire now occupies.

Reese: Even if you are a knight of Pesil, it makes little difference to me. King Hamill betrayed the Berwick League for the Raze Empire. I hear he has handed over all matters of state to Imperial Prince Faisal. That includes, of course, Pesil's armies. Some of which are wyvern knights such as you. I'm afraid you're going to have to give me a better excuse than that.

Larentia: ...May I ask what country you hail from, sir?

Reese: I'm from the March of Sinon. My name is Reese.

Larentia: Reese of Sinon... I see... Then you are the Margrave's son. Let me ask you this, Reese of Sinon. If your father became a worshipper of Raze and joined the Empire, would you simply abandon all that you hold dear in blind obedience? Destroy the temples of Veria...Burn down entire towns and villages who still believe in the League... Would you really be willing to do all that, even for your own father?

Reese: ...I would not. Even if my father ordered me, I could not bring myself to kill innocents like that.

Larentia: The Pope of Raze's objective is to eradicate all Verian believers. As long as I serve in the army of the Empire, I will be made to kill the children of Veria. But like you, I cannot bring myself to carry out such despicable orders.

Reese: ...I understand. I can see the truth of your conviction in your eyes. I accept your offer of surrender. I will speak to His Majesty on your behalf, but until then, I will permit you to fight alongside my knights.

Larentia: Thank you, Lord Reese. I will assist in protecting the retreating soldiers. Your orders, sir?

That revelation puts the recent meetings with King Volcens in a new light. We've also learned that Pope Urbanus is influential enough to be conducting full-scale purges of the occupied territories, with the help of the Imperial Army.

That said, we're still largely in the dark about the Empire's internal politics. Is the Emperor a puppet? What level of control does he have? Who else is politically powerful in the Empire? It may be a while before we get answers to those questions.

 

[Endemic]

Update 32: Chapter 4 - Covering the Retreat (part 6)

Spoiler

Reese takes out another Imperial:

An Imperial axeman arrives in the northwest as turn 15 begins. Dean falls back to use a vulnerary. Reese evades a spear charge and counters with his broadsword:

After more hits from Reese and Czene, the knight perishes.

Larentia makes full use of her spear's magic damage to get a kill.

Sherpa and Sylvis recover the third and final stolen axe from the brigands.

Faramir continues to demonstrate pinpoint accuracy with the cutlass.

Imperial cavalry joins the battle:

The last allied soldier withdraws. I have two of the old Imperial shields, one more and Reese's units can also withdraw from the battlefield. Volo picks up the bag nearby, which contains a crafting material:

As Reese's movement is slowed by the terrain, I have him begin to fall back to the escape point.

Sylvis holds position and takes up overwatch, with Sherpa remaining nearby. Larentia charges at the enemy cavalry.

More Imperial reinforcements arrive, as the action continues on turn 17.

A horseman is felled by Larentia's spear:

Owen heals Sherpa, while Daoud starts stacking battle cry. Faramir takes on the second spear cavalry unit.

Since this enemy is actually close to Faramir's starting level, he finally gains enough experience for level 11:

He also acquires the enemy's horse in the process. A brigand appears in the south.

Only 6 turns left. A group of Imperials also arrive, including a spearman with the last old shield that drops:

To make matters more difficult, he spawned at the top corner of the map. Not only are there multiple archers and knights in front of him, but the Raze priest accompanying them has Swarm.

Faramir manages to take out one of the knights, thanks to the cutlass's extra strike.

Volo crits the horse archer, courtesy of the Killing Edge:

Sylvis cuts down the brigand before he can get in range.

Faramir continues his rampage.

A crucial hit is scored on the spearman I need to kill:

Larentia takes a hit from a throwing axe. She's in danger of getting killed, although her shield mitigates an arrow hit.

 

[Endemic]

Update 33: Chapter 4 - Covering the Retreat (part 7)

Spoiler

A brigand arrives on turn 19 with a crafting material:

Sherpa takes him on.

The brymranger makes short work of Troia.

With that, I reach turn 20, and another save point (as a reminder, saves are permitted every fifth turn). My first attempt at getting the third shield did not end well:

Anyway, I'll skip that failed attempt since this mission has been long enough

Reese calls for his troops to withdraw.

Larentia dodges a throwing axe, which is fortunate given she is one hit from death:

Volo trades her a vulnerary to heal with.

Now I have to kill that spearman, and get everyone out in time. Sylvis and Dean put down one last brigand in the south:

Owen makes his exit with the Return skill.

Larentia dispatches the spearman on turn 21.

Not enough movement to canto out of range. Time to pray to Mother Veria for salvation from the oncoming Imperials.

Volo dodges one of the cavalrymen and kills him on a counterattack.

A bowman inflicts damage.

The priest was out of range, which bodes well for Larentia.

She flies away:

The rest of Reese's forces begin withdrawing on turn 22.

Volo and Larentia are the last units to escape:

That was quite tense at the end there. Thanks for reading, and see you next time for the post-mission scenes

 

[vazha]

Well done and good read!

 

[Fred]

MOAR !

 

[Endemic]

MOAR !

Working on it. I need to condense the ~650 screenshots down into something manageable

 

[Endemic]

Update 34: Chapter 4 - Covering the Retreat (ending)

Spoiler

I neglected to mention the tactics requirement for this chapter - all of the allied soldiers escaping gives +3 points towards Reese's promotion.

Moving on, the Sinon Knights arrive back in Navaron. King Volcens is in a good mood for a change:

Volcens: Do you, now?

Reese: The Pesilian knight by the name of Larentia who defected to our side... I hear that she has been imprisoned under suspicion of being a spy for the Imperial Army...

Volcens: Yes, what of her?

Reese: Please, release her from confinement. I will vouch for her character.

Reese: It does concern me, Lord Herman. I gave her my word that I would guarantee her safety. To betray that promise would bring shame upon the Knights of Sinon!

Herman: Then it was a promise poorly made. Hold your tongue before you meddle further in matters of the kingdom.

Reese: I am a leader in this kingdom! Do I not have a say in such things?

Herman: Of course not. You and I... we are simply retainers. His Majesty's word is all that matters.

After Roswick interrupts him, Reese reluctantly withdraws his complaint.

Reese: Y-Yes... My apologies...

Roswick: The Pesilian woman's fate will be decided after our formal investigation is finished. If she is truly sincere, as you say, then you need not worry.

Reese: ...I understand. I will leave the matter to your capable judgement, Your Grace.

We've observed quite a few times now, that Reese has let his emotions and personal sense of honour influence his responses at court. Roswick argues from a more pragmatic perspective, seeing the need to tolerate the status quo. It certainly wouldn't do any good to start another civil war, and\or be imprisoned for refusing Volcens' orders or challenging his authority.

Later, Reese and Ward pay Larentia a visit at the castle dungeon:

He turns towards the cell guard.

Reese: Mr. Jung, would you be willing to hand Larentia over to me...discreetly?

Of course he'd be a shady bastard with a portrait like that.

Reese: Yes?

Jung: Y'see, my wife just had our first kid the other day, and now all sorts of expenses have started piling up...

Jung: I think it's only natural that I'd get some sort of compensation for keeping my mouth shut.

Reese: ...How much are you asking for?

Jung: Let's say... 675 denarii?

Ward: 675 denarii? Outrageous! Are you trying to extort us?!

Jung: Take it or leave it. If you don't like the deal, it saves me the trouble of risking my neck. Oh, and one more thing. You've got to bring her right back here once you've returned. If you can agree to that, then I'll take her "bail" off your hands any time.

Reese: .....

At the office, Tianna has an update for us:

That's 5 spare horses waiting in the stables. Let's view the outcomes of the citizen requests.

Since I want to get paid, I'll hand over all of the axes:

Ward: Reiss, are these three axes the ones that were stolen from you?

Reiss: Without a doubt... Those are my axes! How on earth did you find them?

Ward: When we were in the Goran Plateaus on my previous mission, we ran into a group of bandits. As luck would have it, they happened to be carrying some unusual axes!

Reiss: How lucky indeed...

Ward: Naturally, you were the first person I thought of when I saw them.

Reiss: Yes, of course... Thank you so much!

Ward: It was a pure coincidence. Think nothing of it.

Reiss: No, I can't just leave it at that. I have to thank you somehow!

Ward: Very well... I can see you are quite serious.

Reiss: Here, I'll give you the price I paid for the axes. Hope it'll help out with your funds. I know you soldiers are always strapped for cash these days. I'm happy that I can finally hold my precious axes again!

If you only give him one or two of the axes, he pays 2400 for each one. Next, the atelier request:

You can change your mind, but I don't see why anyone would. Nonetheless, the option is there.

The soldier accompanying Tianna brings the shields and hands them over.

Tianna: General Ward tried lifting one, and he said it was far too heavy to be practical, just as you said. These will surely benefit from being melted down and made into something far less bulky.

Danton: You just leave that to me!

Tianna: "It is thanks to the fine craftsmen in this city that we are able to fight to our full potential." Those were General Ward's words.

Danton: Well, that's very kind of him. Leave it to Orlando and Lumiere to make only the very best! Here's the money in exchange for bringing me these shields.

Tianna: I will deliver it to Lord Reese at once. Goodbye for now, Mr. Danton. If you do not mind, I would like to stop by later to watch you and your smiths work with the metal.

Danton: Stop by any time! We'd love to have you here.

The shields are worth 1400 each, in case you bring only one or two. Over at the mercenary guild, the bounty for Pisaro is collected:

Last but not least, the peddler at the tavern.

Adenau: For me? Whatever for?

Tianna: Yes, regarding the book of poetry that you mentioned recently. Could this perhaps be it?

She hands over the book, and Adenau flips through the pages.

Adenau: T-This is... it is! "Barker's Poetry"! How on earth did you find it?!

Tianna: Just as you suspected, it was in the Goran Plateaus.

Adenau: I thought so! These poems are too precious to remain lost.

Tianna: I am glad the book was found. I am not a reader of much poetry, but it seemed quite precious to you.

Adenau: "Eternal strife of man and wife. A loving oath undone by spite. A husband full of jealous vice now makes the world with pain so rife." That's a short stanza from the book.

Adenau: In it, they are portrayed as husband and wife.

Tianna: Husband and wife...?

Adenau: The story goes that Father Raze once looked upon Mother Veria and fell deeply in love with her. However, Raze had a jealous heart that tested the patience of Veria, and she left him. After her departure, Raze regretted his actions, and began to pursue Mother Veria once again. Yet still, she fled from him, no matter how many times he professed his love for her. And so, he chases her across the heavens for eternity, never to hold his beloved in his arms. That is why the heavens spin round each other, turning the night into day and the day into night.

Adenau: And who in heaven or earth could arbitrate their divorce?

He chuckles at the thought, and then reaches for his coin purse.

Adenau: That aside, you have my deepest gratitude for returning this to me. Please, take this as a reward. It is the least I can do for you, for finding my book.

Tianna: I could not help but be interested when you were so anxious to find it...

Adenau: The bartender here told me you are a military secretary. If I hadn't happened to meet someone of your station, I never would have been reunited with my book. I hope this money will be able to help you in some way.

He hands some gold coins to Tianna.

Tianna: Thank you. I will put it to good use. Please take care not to lose your book in the future!

Adenau: Of course. Thank you, madam.

Well, that gave some food for thought. Not bad for a fetch quest.

 

[Endemic]

Update 35: Chapter 4 - Covering the Retreat (Interludes)

Spoiler

Looks like some character-related scenes have popped up. Let's start with Sherpa's one:

Rosalie is serving customers at Alex's tavern, when she notices Princess Aegina walk up to the counter.

Alex: Hey now, what's that supposed to mean?

Aegina: I heard you were helping out here, so I came to pay you a visit.

Rosalie: Please don't tell Lady Tianna that I've been working here!

Aegina: Why not?

Rosalie: If she finds out, I'll be scolded! Even though I just come here to work when I have free time... I know that Lady Tianna would certainly disapprove of me working in a place like this...

Alex: Again, what's that supposed to mean, huh?

Aegina: If you know she would disapprove, why seek work here?

Alex: Exactly what kind of establishment do you two think I'm running here?

Rosalie: I want to be useful to Lady Tianna in some way. You hear all kinds of rumours from across the city in this dingy bar!

Alex: At least have the decency not to badmouth my place while on the job!

Aegina: Oho! That's just like you, Rosalie.

Rosalie: By the way, Princess, did you see Mr. Sherpa over there?

Aegina: Sherpa is here...?

Rosalie: Princess...

A rough-looking man enters the building and steps up to Sherpa, eyeing him with an accusing stare.

Highlander: I heard that someone like you was sucking up to the Narvians... Looks like the rumour was true!

Sherpa doesn't flinch, and says nothing in response. Aegina turns around to look at them.

Aegina: (Sherpa...?)

Highlander: Haven't you got anything to say to your old comrades? Your friends? Do you, Sherpa?!

Sherpa: No... I have nothing to say to you.

Highlander: Don't you have any shame at all?! I challenge you right now, coward! I'll settle this once and for all, for Chieftess Kay's sake!

Sherpa ignores his challenge. The man throws a punch.

Aegina moves in between them, taking both by surprise.

Highlander: Hey, are you and Sherpa here knocking boots or something, girl?

Aegina: What?! How dare you! Why would I have anything to do with a man like--

Highlander: Then keep your trap shut before I shut it for you!

Sherpa: Leave her out of this. She's got nothing to do with me.

Aegina: ...!

Highlander: If Chief Magnard were still alive, he'd be mourning your manhood.

Sherpa: I'm sick of listening to you. Are you going to kill me or not? I'm right here. I won't resist.

Highlander: Hmph... Since your lady's watching, I think I'll let you live for now. But know this, Sherpa... You will never be forgiven. All traitors will be executed. That's the law of the Conoll Clan. Don't forget it!

Sherpa: .....

He leaves, just as Rosalie appears near Sherpa:

Aegina: Rosalie?! Are you all right? And why are you holding full bottles of liquor in both hands...?

:D

Rosalie: Heh, heh... W-Why indeed, I wonder...?

Alex: She was getting ready to break them over that guy's head if he started attacking you, Princess.

Rosalie: H-He's simply joking, of course! I would never do that!

Aegina laughs and holds a smile in the direction of Rosalie.

Aegina: Thank you, Rosalie.

She then turns her attention back to Sherpa.

I like the way this trio plays off each other. Sherpa may be a big gruff guy with an even larger sword, but he's not like Guts in attitude, subverting our expectations somewhat. Why he's a traitor to the Highlanders remains to be seen.

The next scene involves Czene and her pet horse:

Enoch is struggling to calm the mare, and gets a kick to the leg for his trouble.

Czene makes her appearance.

Enoch: Can't you do something about this rotten horse of yours? Every time I get close to her, she bites and kicks at me!

Czene: Really? Hm... Let me give it a try.

Enoch: Hey, watch out!

She steps closer and places a hand on the horse's mane, receiving noises in return that seem to signal a content animal. The flailing and kicking swiftly stop.

Enoch: ...Huh?

Czene: There we go... Good girl... See? It's easy.

Enoch: How...?

Czene: You shouldn't try to restrain her. How would you like being forced around by some strange person?

Czene: This horse was once abused by humans, so she's very sensitive to things like that.

Enoch: Is that so...? I guess I'll have to take extra care when dealing with her, then.

Czene: Please do! I feel so sorry for her. She's been through so much... I don't want her to grow up with her heart closed off to me. Here, I'll show you how to treat her wounds properly...

Enoch: S-Sure, go ahead...

Some time later...

Enoch: Dad and I don't talk much. Not unless we've got something important to say.

Czene: Oh, I see...

Enoch: Hm?

Czene: I'm from a village far to the west. I'm a child of the Tania clan.

Enoch: Really? You're from the Tania clan?

Czene: That's right. As I assume you've heard, horses are a big part of our lives. On our tenth birthdays, we're given our own foal, which we have to care of all by ourselves.

Enoch: I see!

Czene doesn't reply, seemingly deep in thought.

Enoch: ...What's wrong?

Czene: My first horse died. Her name was Tico.

Enoch: .....

Czene: When I was playing with my friends, I took my eyes off of her, and she got seperated from the herd. When we finally found her, she was already dead at the bottom of a cliff. Based on the tracks left behind, we think she must have tumbled over while being chased by a wolf.

Enoch still isn't sure how to respond, staying silent and wearing a look of concern on his face.

Czene: In human years, she was about the same age as I was... Isn't that so sad? She was my first reponsibility, and I couldn't protect her... I just left her there all by herself while I was away playing... It's my fault Tico died... I killed my own horse!

Her voice cracks and she sheds a tear.

Czene: But that's why I wanted to save this horse, who's so much like Tico...

Enoch: .....

We'll see more of these three when Czene gains a few levels. Let's catch up with Daoud:

As it turns out, he's visiting the wounded lad that was mentioned at the start of the mission. I like the music for this one, so here:

Lidran's voice lowers and becomes more hoarse.

Lidran: But there's nothing I can do... to repay you now...

Daoud: Don't talk like that, you fool! You're going to pull through! Don't you want to live?!

Lidran: Sir... Daoud...

Lidran's words tail off, and he closes his eyes.

Daoud: Lidran! Wake up! What's wrong?! Lidran--!

Daoud: No... He can't be... How could this happen?! He's just a kid!

He falls to his knees and punches the floor, shaking with anger and despair.

Ward enters the abbey and pauses. Daoud looks up as Sister Luciana continues from the interruption.

Daoud: This boy's mother was so devout, always praying for her son's safety... and look what happened to him!

Luciana: I do not know what to say...

Daoud stands up and addresses Ward.

Daoud: You're...

Ward: We crossed paths during the battle in the Goran Plateaus. Thank you for your help back then.

Daoud: No, it was you who helped me... Sister Luciana, please forgive me. I lashed out without thinking.

Luciana: Your sorrow is only human. There is no need to be so apologetic.

Daoud: No, my words were inexcusable. You've been nothing but kind and helpful to me ever since we arrived...

Ward: Will you not continue to lend your strength to the cause of justice by joining the Verian Army?

Daoud: The Verian Army?! They're the cowards who ran away to Narvia and abandoned us to die! I'd sooner join the Empire than serve Volcens, that vile excuse for a king...

Ward: I must advise you to keep words of that sort to yourself, Sir Daoud. It is not wise in these current days...

Daoud: What would you have me do, then? Just sit around while good soldiers like you are ordered to their deaths?

Ward: If you do not want to serve the King, at least not directly...I can introduce you to my liege, Lord Reese of Sinon.

Daoud: Are you asking me to join the Knights of Sinon?

Ward: What?

Daoud: I heard that Lord Reese is only 17, just slightly older than Lidran was...

Ward: I see...

As Ward contemplates that last comment, the scene fades to black.

There's at least one variation of this scene, if you don't save all of Daoud's men. Should that happen, he'll become a mercenary instead of joining the Sinon Knights, and his permanent recruitment has an additional requirement.

This scene happens if anyone gets crippled during a mission, or is captured by the Empire and then ransomed back (presumably during the latter they were mistreated in captivity). A mercenary's contract is terminated immediately in either instance.

Luciana: For the sake of their recovery, I must insist that you not ask them to fight until they are fully healed.

Ward: Of course, Sister. I wouldn't want to do anything to endanger their recovery.

Luciana: Thank you for understanding. I want to see them back to their old self as soon as possible. Also, if any of your other comrades are similarly wounded, please don't hesitate to bring them here.

Ward: Bless you, Sister Luciana. You've truly been too kind to us.

Stay tuned for the next mission in a few days. See you there

 

[Endemic]

Update 36: Chapter 4-1 - Colour Chord (Introduction and battle preparations)

Spoiler

I updated to patch v35, which covers up to the end of Chapter 9; some typos and errors in earlier chapters were also fixed.

A quick check of the unit list confirms that Aegina cannot be deployed:

Let's take a look at the new two arrivals, starting with Daoud.

Statistically, he looks to be above average, with a whopping 11 base strength. He has immediate access to both small and medium shields, but can only equip axes as a weapon. Accuracy can be a problem since his axe skill is slow to increase. Daoud can't fight from horseback either, meaning he has below average mobility given the knight movement class. Strength, defense and hitpoints are the three stats that see the most improvement from leveling.

His skills are largely defensively oriented. The combination of Battle Cry and Pulverize can allow for some unorthodox kills on enemy Generals etc, if you position carefully. That said, using battle cry like this will exacerbate the weapon skill problem, should you plan on promoting Daoud (which requires level 15, axe skill at 30, sshields at 20 and mshields at 10). The more defensively minded player can appreciate the niches he excels in, although I probably won't be deploying him much in this lets play.

Off to the dungeon now:

Heh. Anyway, you'll have to pay Jung a bribe of 1350 (for main missions) or 675 otherwise, to release Larentia for missions. The price scales in the same way as mercenaries. Permanently recruiting her (ie, freeing her from imprisonment) requires Reese to be promoted - the earliest this can happen is after the chapter 7 main mission, if you received all 18 tactics points available.

The utility of flight is beneficial throughout the campaign, at the cost of Larentia being below average in direct combat (compounded by low equipment skill growth rates). Her spear is pretty nice with the 70 base accuracy and +5 thunder damage. Oddly enough, it's a reference to a Greek philosophical debate: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euthyphro .

As the name implies, the Lady Shield is locked to female units, and offers 6 defense, along with 50% block rate at a weight of only 2. The catch being that you get access to very few of them. Her wyvern can't be killed, although in practice Larentia would be dead long before then - wyverns are almost immune to non-magic damage. Having just 6 hexes of movement when mounted seems low for a flying unit, but the advantages of being a flier in Berwick Saga offset that, as seen in the last mission.

All skills we've seen before, though it should be noted that Throw is excellent for hit-and-run attacks on melee enemies. Adept won't activate often with base stats and weapon skill, but if Larentia sees a lot of combat, that can be remedied.

There's a choice of two side missions here; I'll do Colour Chord first.

Alex: But what's with this "it's been a while" talk? You were in here yesterday!

Sherlock: All right, you got me...

Alex: I know who you're here to see, you sly dog. In fact, I'm glad you came. Your favourite singer's got something troubling her recently. She's up on the second floor. Let's continue this conversation there - c'mon, follow me.

Alex: Ophelia, this is Sherlock. He's a patron here, and might I say, a big fan of yours.

Ophelia: It's nice to meet you.

Sherlock: Yes, likewise. I've always enjoyed your performances, Miss Ophelia... May I ask what the trouble is?

Alex: I'll give you the short version. It was a few weeks back... She'd just wrapped up here, and she was headed back to the inn. All of a sudden, some man in a dark robe jumps out of the alleyway!

Sherlock: A mugger?!

Alex: Luckily, she didn't get hurt... Seems all that the guy wanted to take from her was her lyre. It was a special one, too. An original Basselin.

Ophelia: But when I was a little girl, he got into an accident that burned his hands terribly. Since then, I have carried on his name as a musician...that lyre was his final work before the accident. He called it his Lullaby Lyre.

Sherlock: I see... Sounds like it's a very important memento to you.

Ophelia: Yes... but I have never used that lyre in my performances. My father's lyre was special. He always played it for me when I had a hard time falling asleep. It was only later that I learned a red string on the lyre was enchanted with a powerful sleep spell. I fear that in the hands of this thief, it could be terribly misused...

Alex: It's not like she can't do her work without that lyre, since it's not for public performances... but it's been a real worry on Miss Ophelia's mind what that dirty thief might be doing with it. We tried going to the mercenary guild for help, and they gave us some information, at least. There've been odd reports of musical pirates over by Port Samoa, a few leagues down the coast.

Sherlock: Miss Ophelia, you've helped me to ease the tension from battle more than a few times with your voice. I feel like this is the least I can do to thank you for that.

Ophelia: T-Thank you, Mr. Sherlock... You are too kind.

Back at Reese's office:

Ward: This mission is to be conducted during the late hours of the night. Would you not be disadvantaged, fighting just with your bow under the cover of darkness? Leave this to the others. You will have other chances to fight.

Sherlock: If I may be so bold, General...I have heard worrying news that these pirates may be employing magical means of attack. If due care is not taken, there could be heavy casualties.

Reese: ...Sherlock, where did you hear this information?

Sherlock: From Alex the tavern owner, milord. He himself heard it from the guild. I believe the information is good.

Ward: Had you not considered that the guild would be the first ones we would ask about this pirate problem? Lord Reese and I are well-informed. However, I appreciate your gumption. You may go on the mission.

Sherlock: Thank you, General!

Ward: But remember, I will not be there to save you this time. Sherlock... you have grown up, certainly, but you still have a long way to go.

:D Well, time to get Sherlock a girlfriend I guess.

This should be a good opportunity to train units, so I'll hire Ruby at the bargain price of 280 denarii, and do some party management. I gave her a new thin horse, since her current one's taken a beating. I bought her a Buckler since there are no better shields to spare, and gave Esteban a Shortbow.

Night-time means a fog-of-war map, so Esteban's extra vision range will be useful here. Christine is lagging behind at only level 3, so she can come along. Czene can spot ambushing enemies and maybe get some experience. Elbert's still working on his spear skill, and I'll bring Dean as backup.

 

[Endemic]

Update 37: Chapter 4-1 - Colour Chord (part 1)

Spoiler

The group starts on high ground overlooking the outskirts of Port Samoa:

There are buildings that may have beneficial events happening in them, and a couple of what look like lighthouses visible. The ship looks like a possible enemy reinforcement point.

This guy could be troublesome:

I move Dean up front and begin the mission.

Zaiath: Listen up, you lot! This town is ours now! Bleed the place dry! Don't leave a single grain of wheat behind when we're gone!

Penelo: Your loud enthusiasm spurs the men in actions great, but in the northern forest, I now fear that evil wakes...

Zaiath: The forest? What are you on about?

Penelo: The blackness hides an evil that mine eyes could never see, but twigs and branches creak as demons stir in--

Zaiath: Knock that off, will you? Don't stir up trouble with your little poetic fantasies again. In fact, why don't you get going? Lend a hand to the men cleaning out the town for loot. I'll be glad to have you out of my hair for a change...

Penelo: You can, of course, entrust this task to me, and I oblige. For I have, as I always do, this lyre by my side!

Zaiath: ...Penelo, does that old piece of junk even work? It looks like it's half-rotted to bits already, not to mention the rusted strings...

Penelo: A piece of junk, you call it? Oh, I strongly disagree!

As he plays the lyre, the nearby archer falls asleep.

Zaiath: Well, well...

Penelo: What say you, doubter of my prowess, after hearing that?

Zaiath: Heh, it is impressive. I'll give you that, Penelo. In fact, I think you can handle this. I'm going to go on ahead.

Ruby and Elbert take point. A thief runs out of FoW to attack Ruby, but she dodges and counterattacks successfully.

Thanks to axebane, Ruby continues to evade incoming enemies, and inflicts some damage on the corsairs:

Sherlock, Christine and Esteban move up to provide ranged support. Dean draws first blood.

An old woman calls out for help nearby:

Citizen: If only I knew how to use this sword properly...!

To start off turn 2, Elbert provokes one of the corsairs. A thief runs at him and attacks with a blood knife, leeching some health.

Christine and Ruby team up to make him regret that action:

Elbert kills a corsair.

Ruby continues to evade corsairs with the help of axebane, and gets some counterattacks in. A priest heals one of the corsairs:

Arrow fire fells another enemy.

A decent level-up for Christine.

On the next turn, Czene checks out the nearest house:

Citizen: Please, take it, and use it to drive away these rotten men!

She gives us a damaged longsword. Elbert moves forward and spots the enemy priest while attacking another pirate.

The priest uses physic again. An archer with broadhead arrows is spotted in a building to the southeast:

Czene scouts towards the western lighthouse, and spots just a sole corsair occupying it. Ruby and Esteban engage the surviving corsair in the east, but don't do enough damage to kill him.

 

[Endemic]

Update 38: Chapter 4-1 - Colour Chord (part 2)

Spoiler

Additional enemies begin swimming to the shore:

Sherlock's arrow proves fatal to this corsair.

Another local laments his goods being stolen.

Citizen: This is all that I have left...

Elbert dodges an arrow and pays him a visit:

Citizen: You're here to help us?! In that case, please take this with you! It's a bit worn, but it should still be somewhat useful.

Ranged attacks against the next enemy are ineffectual, so Dean is sent in.

A lot of broken weapons in this mission.

Next turn, Ruby finally puts an end to the corsair:

Dean clears the lighthouse, getting enough experience for a new level.

As everyone else sweeps eastward, Dean finds himself in a rough spot.

I have him heal with a vulnerary and fall back. Sherlock puts an end to the priest:

Elbert takes care of the archer that was on overwatch.

Ruby gives Dean two vulneraries looted from the pirates, so he can survive dueling with corsair reinforcements.

Czene talks to a man in the southeastern house:

Citizen: Seeing this town being destroyed by pirates... It's just awful! Please, help us! I will give you this medicine as payment for your services.

Nice, that's twice as potent as the basic vulnerary. Ruby notches up another kill:

That takes her to level 4.

Dean still doing what he does best:

Sherlock moves in to attack Penelo:

Penelo: It matters not, you knave, for none resist this melody!

Sherlock: (I don't want to break that lyre...but let's see if I can knock it out of his hands!)

He takes aim and hits the lyre.

Penelo: And now, you sleep, for I can-- Hold on... T-The string... You broke the red string..!

Penelo: How dare you destroy my glorious return to musical fame!

 

[Endemic]

Update 39: Chapter 4-1 - Colour Chord (part 3)

Spoiler

Elbert kills the archer guarding the lighthouse:

Christine and Esteban find a hidden thief in the forest.

Ruby finishes him off.

Penelo is proving difficult to hit, so I try sending Dean in to deal with him. Unfortunately, he gets crippled:

After a rain of arrows on his position, Penelo is finally down.

Sherlock enters the building to reclaim the lyre.

Sherlock: Let's give this town one more sweep to make sure the pirates are gone, and then we can head back. In the meantime, there's something that I need to retrieve...

A short while later, he finds the now broken lyre.

Sherlock: It was around here somewhere...Drat, it really is broken. There's no way that red string is ever going to work again... I can't imagine Ophelia will be happy to see this...

The next day, the party returns to Navaron, and Sherlock meets with Ophelia:

She plays the lyre, surprising Sherlock.

Sherlock: Huh?! How is it still playable...?

Ophelia: Even with a string missing, one can play the same notes by using the other strings. But red string or no, I do not mind. Mr. Sherlock... you brought my father's lyre back to me. I'm truly honoured that you would do such a thing for my sake.

Sherlock: Sure... I-I mean, think nothing of it, Miss Ophelia!

Ophelia: No, I'll never forget your kindness. To tell the truth, I had given up hope of ever seeing this lyre again... but despite that, you came to my aid. I will leave this red string broken as it is, in memory of the generosity you have shown to me.

Sherlock: Are you sure?

Ophelia: Yes... That is what I wish for. Ah, now that I think of it...

Ophelia: I hear that it can also be used as a durable bowstring. Please take it, with my thanks. I know that it is hardly as great of a reward as you deserve, but I...

Sherlock: No, I'm grateful to have it. Really, I am. I look forward to hearing your next performance, Miss Ophelia.

Ophelia: Thank you... Could I ask just one more favour of you, Mr. Sherlock?

Sherlock: Please do!

Ophelia: I've always seen you sitting in the corner of the tavern, far away from where I perform...

Back at the office, Tianna has an update on Dean:

Tianna: Please take this into consideration when reorganising our troops.

That wraps up another successful mission. I'll be back next week with Chapter 4-2.

 

[Fred]

musical pirates

 

[MZeta]

Let's get to the next page

 

[Grimgravy]

bump