cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
Week 28: Smoke On The Water
Elodie opts to attend.
I could use some familiar heads on the wall!
We can't have her being too happy-go-lucky, though.
From what I gather, there's no benefit to story from this, just an undesirable stat alteration.
Easily led automatons.
Luckily, your bodyguards are well-prepared for such an event and manage to drive off the attackers. You are inconvenienced and annoyed, but not harmed.
Heads. Spikes. Walls. NOW.
Guess that prediction was accurate!
Except, of course, for the new Duke of Elath. Matters there are too unsettled to be left unattended.
Understatement of the year.
Uncle Laurent and your younger cousins are here, but Charlotte and her mother are not. Apparently Charlotte was ill.
Arisse, the Duchess of Lillah, is present, but she somehow always manages to avoid talking to you when you draw near.
There are refreshments and dancers and musicians and polite conversations... and one or two not-so-polite.
Mother, it's my domain now. I need space for myself. You have your own lands to manage. Get off mine.
Just because you're of age doesn't mean you know everything, young lady. You need my advice. And my suitor recommendations.
This is my home. It has never been yours. Could still bury you here, though.
Before you can back away, their gazes fall on you. They wait expectantly for you as near-queen to settle the dispute.
Oh hell.
Whose side should she take?
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ani_game_bumOptimistic, Rule-Breaking Nice GuyThe Final World/DestinationRegistered Userregular
Side with Gwenelle
Haven't seen this part of the game yet so it's a totally blind decision.
Well I had been hoping for an answer... and it's the one with pardoning criminals for glorious Novan Warfare.
Well, I don't think it hurts, given what that choice being available means.
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cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
Working on the next update now, though honestly I have little to no knowledge of how to avoid a very dire bad end happening before long. How we roll with that is up to you!
I'll do what I can to keep her alive as long as possible.
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
edited July 2014
Weeks 29-30: Shattered Armistice
Only I get to boss around my subordinates!
Thank you! Can I have her hung?
Is this what your father will face upon your coronation? Cast aside without another word? I guess I'll settle for the rebound.
You'd be surprised how little I care.
A bit later, Briony catches up with you.
Hello, Elodie. It's so wonderful that you're going to be Queen now.
I mean, I am sorry about your mother... Sorry that I didn't get more information out of her, that is.
Thanks. ...does Michiru know you've stolen her hair color?
...but think of the opportunities you're going to have! You're so lucky. For you, at least.
(That's an odd way of putting it... Can't obliterate her now, too many eyes.)
Anyway, I was wondering, now that you're almost Queen and everything... have they told you all the secrets? You know, the whole Illuminati thing.
What secrets? The vault full of sugar cookies?
Like, how to get into the old palace! I've heard it's packed full of treasure. Some duck goes swimming in there on the weekends.
The one I live in? It's pretty empty.
The one at Kathre Lake! Where the Kings and Queens of Nova used to live. I told them that suffrage movement was a bad idea, but NOOO, let the princesses rule they said!
I don't know anything about it. I thought this was the only one!
Oh. She bites her lip and frowns at you.
Well, never mind, then. (Time for plan B...)
She walks away. So much for wanting to talk to you!
Maybe I should have bought more than that pack of ramen...
Finishing up her mahou shoujo warring abilities:
And making nice with the canines:
This will end badly, mark my woofs.
Matters have come to a crisis. Arisse, the Duchess of Lillah, has declared civil war. Via paid courier and everything.
What?!? No really, who is that? I've lost track.
Apparently she feels that you are a weak leader, unfit to be Queen, and has managed to sway several others to her banner. As to why, I can only imagine.
Who is against me? In BRIEF.
A number of minor earls and countesses. The Duchess of Mead and the Duke of Kigal.
The situation in Hellas and Maree is less clear. You're pretty screwed.
Good thing we have that canine army.
what.
We have four battalions, one company, and two platoons.
The naval side is, of course, useless in this conflict.
By my estimate, Arisse can field three battalions, two companies, and one platoon. You want a coffin or cremation?
That's not good. Have we considered nuclear deterrence?
It will come down to a question of strategy. There are ways to increase the number of soldiers you have available.
You could offer to pardon various imprisoned criminals in exchange for military service. Meanwhile, I have a very nice resort several countries away, which I will be visiting post-haste.
Without much reason to decline...
All right, let's do that. Criminals probably already know how to fight. If not, there's always catapulting them at the enemy.
Can we go back to jail instead?
Very well. Forces are in motion, but they will take time to reach their peak. If you'll excuse me, I have a boat to catch.
Time to start catching up on foreign affairs...
This unlocks some swag attire:
And some weapons training can't hurt either.
Before long...
The negotiator for the rebels has arrived to speak with you. Ciao!
Surrender now and I will be lenient. The guillotine instead of the racks.
We are not here for our surrender. We are here for yours. You have one chance to avoid needless bloodshed.
Agree to marry one of Duchess Arisse's sons. She will become your regent and guide the domain into stability.
You will be allowed to maintain a figurehead title. And you get a nice broom! One time only!
I don't expect much of a run-off here, but what the heck:
Working on the next update now, though honestly I have little to no knowledge of how to avoid a very dire bad end happening before long. How we roll with that is up to you!
I'll do what I can to keep her alive as long as possible.
If we can't win the coming fight, perhaps the most minimalist way of avoiding this is on week 18 we do Noble Plots instead of Assassins, take the... opportunity that comes up, and not go to the birthday party.
That will get us to this week with no civil war, without having to change any of the classes we took.
Which will require doubling down on that magic. Because, you know, it never hurts to be prepared and all. Also, I like the idea of convenient natural disasters whenever someone masses forces on the border. I mean, it's probably coincidence that one country had it happen twice, but we should probably invest in encouraging nature some more.
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
Weeks 31-32: Fire In The Sky
War it is!
I'll be giving the threats here.
Since we cannot come to an agreement, we will meet you on the battlefield. Well, 'we' meaning 'the army'.
Fine. By the way...
How do you plan on getting back to them?
Hey, you put that wand down this insta- [Agonized Screaming]
Was that wise?
Perhaps not, but it was damn sure fun.
Good practice for offense, too!
With that, and this:
Wield Magic is maxed out.
Good timing, too!
As defending Queen, you are required to take personal control of your forces.
Your control of magic enhances your claim to divine right of rulership.
Like stepping on ants.
Majesty, the final outcome... is a victory for our side.
Your forces have swept through the rebellious duchies and are being met with cheers by the local population.
What of the ringleader, Arisse?
She has been executed, and the other rebels forced to pay tribute to keep their holdings.
Of course, there is also a cost paid in lives.
Total casualties were a half of a battalion on our side and two and three quarters battalions among the rebels.
Of course, there are no more rebel soldiers now - they are once more your loyal subjects.
Splendid. And father?
I may have been overzealous in my departure.
With that behind us, back to the books!
I'd love for her to get in some history practice, but I need to bring down her willifulness a lot.
Seems a good alternative.
Things have been so unsettled lately... Everyone's on edge. We need something cheerful. Anyone left to execute?
You could hold a tournament. With wine. And feasting. Mostly wine.
What a good idea! Knights, jousting, musicians... all sorts of competitions. Everyone loves a contest. And you can be our jester.
What will you offer as prizes to the winners? Wait... what?
What spoils should the victor receive?
Also, Elodie is required to compete, and though she'll likely fail given her lack of knowledge in the categories, here are her options:
Jousting seems like it would involve a polearm, which is the only weapon Elodie has any skill in. Of course she probably only has just enough skill in horses that she'll manage to sit on it facing in the right direction...
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cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
The good news is that a good end is possible. But oh she's gonna have to work for it.
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cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
edited August 2014
Weeks 33-34: A Sword to a Gun Fight
It's a recruitment drive! More bodies!
Very well. I will draft the announcements. Don't expect much turnout.
You leave him to his work. As you move through the hall, your eye falls upon a vase of flowers.
Pretty, but apparently not getting enough water. The leaves on one blossom have shriveled.
With bones.
You continue up the stairs to your room, where a maid is waiting for you.
My lady, a gift has arrived from Kigal. Pay no mind to the red wrapping.
From the Duke? A wedding ring!?
No, my lady. A merchant house, I believe. It was sent with a shipment down the Cavalla River. I don't think I want to know what's inside.
Elodie tears open the brightly colored paper, to find:
Chocolates! And with a nice green smoky aura!
How nice of them!
You would deprive me of sweets, too? Wretched monarch.
Bad dog! Chocolate isn't good for you! Well, your bowels'll hate you later.
Wow, these are pretty go-*HACK*
Silly thing, making such a fuss.
I don't feel like candy right now. Maybe later. I suppose he choked. Good riddance. Clean that up, would you?
At once, m'lady.
May as well brush up on her fencing skills.
This will get her a boss outfit down the line.
This is the week of the general tournament.
Nobles and commoners alike have turned out to compete against each other.
The people will be pleased if you participate in their games. However, it would expose you to danger.
What event do you wish to take part in? I will watch from far, far away.
Bring me my sword!
Here the devotees of the blade can challenge each other to duels fought only for points, not blood and honor.
CHEATER! OFF WITH HER HEAAAAD!
I'm not sure you're allowed to-
*THWAK*
...yeeesh.
All the winners are announced and displayed to great cheers. (Aside from those Elodie had slain.)
As near-Queen, the queen places flower garlands around their necks. All of a sudden, a man approaches the winner's platform.
It's Kevan, the Earl of Io. In one hand, he carries an armored gauntlet. In the other, a sword.
Self-defense? Never heard of it.
(Arisse, the ringleader of the rebellion... She was his mother. And obviously her stupidity was contagious.)
He casts the metal glove to the ground with a clatter and raises his sword, pointing it at you.
I challenge you, Elodie! A life for a life! I've used a sword before! It wasn't really this sharp, though. Or made of iron.
He's challenging you to a duel?
Without a further word, you direct the full force of your magical wrath at the Earl of Io.
Nova Flame Sniper!
HEY!
FOUL PLAY!
Kevan's sword falls to the ground beside his gauntlet. He won't be needing either anymore.
After the tournament, a minor tragedy is revealed.
One of the stewards apparently had an incredible sweet tooth and dared to steal a piece of your recently-received chocolates.
He had a sweet tooth... the chocolates were poisoned.
Back to the Intrigue-books.
This may be undone in future updates if proven necessary.
My lady, your father wishes to speak with you. He says it's urgent. Also, he wasn't happy about the dead canine thing.
Fine, I'm coming. It's not like I killed his. Yet.
You find your father standing over a map of the coastline, his face grave.
Ships have been sighted on approach from Shanjia. Not tradeships - this is a warfleet. Guess I'm going on holiday again.
Maybe they want to join us?
Within a week they will be in Novan waters. Within two they could reach the capital. Within three I'll be gone.
Then we will fight to defend ourselves. ...get back here!
You can try to use the treasury funds to hire additional soldiers, but it may be difficult on short notice. Somehow I don't think they exactly think of you as the safest of bosses.
You will need to draw up a naval strategy for our ships to carry out.
You could choose to act as admiral and lead the fleet in person, but the danger to you would be very great.
Unless you think your personal skills will make the difference, I would strongly advise against it. I'll be far away in either case.
I assume we don't get the magical option if we go with the fleet? If so, then it's stay in the capital
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cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
Endgame: The War of the Crystals
Elodie knows what has to be done.
Besides, I get seasick.
We learn all there is to know about other countries:
And with war on the horizon, there's one weapon she knows best.
It hits home all too soon.
Danger on the high seas!
The Shanjian forces greatly outnumber the Novans. This is unlikely to end well.
If only we had more soldiers available. Or if only you hadn't scared them off with your Draconian method of rule.
Everyone's a critic.
The eventual outcome... ... is not in our favor.
The Novan ships have been sunk or scattered, and the Shanjian forces press towards landfall.
Many good soldiers were lost today, and Nova's troubles have not ended.
So... close-quarters burning time?
I doubt you have the might to repel an army.
I can damn sure try!
Since we have failed to repel the invasion, the Shanjian fleet will soon land and their troops will begin to progress towards the capital city.
Our remaining soldiers will hold them off as long as possible, of course, but the main strength of the military has been exhausted.
Nova's future looks bleak.
Deuces!
I loathe that man.
Sadly, Elodie only has a little time left, which brings us to her temporary limit:
Not enough time to meet the prereq to boost her swordsmanship any higher.
Visitors!
The invasion of Nova is proceeding. The coastline is under Shanjian control.
Soldiers have marched through villages, trampling fields and frightening citizens.
A diplomatic delegation from Shanjia has requested access to the castle to discuss terms - most likely, for your surrender.
We lack the strength to hold off their armies, and surrendering now will save many lives.
It would seem that we have no choice. So be it, he can burn with the rest.
Did you even kill that other one?
Does it matter?
Not particularly.
You prepare yourself as best you can to meet with the representatives from Shanjia.
You expected diplomats and a military representative, a general or an admiral.
You did not expect the handsome man decked in jewels who now stands before you.
Madam... Togami, King of Shanjia seeks an audience.
Inspirational!
Usurping is so much more fun, do try it some time.
Only I get to do that!
Temper, temper, Princess. After all, I am here to save your people.
War benefits no one, don't you think? Such a terrible waste. Better to settle things in a civilized manner.
A contest. A game, so to speak, with Nova as the stakes.
Should I win, then your domain will submit and accept me as Overlord with no further resistance.
Should I lose, then my army will leave your domain in peace and shed no more blood. Unless they get bored, I suppose.
What sort of game? Novan Roulette?
It is well known that Nova is ruled by Lumens. As it happens, I too possess the powers of a Lumen.
I propose a formal duel. My powers against yours. The winner takes control of Nova, the loser... dies. Screaming, ideally.
Your game by your rules, for my life? That doesn't sound fair to me. Fun, yes. Fair, no.
The rules of formal dueling have been passed down for centuries and must be upheld.
It is important that we do this by the ancient codes. Also, more marketable.
Why should I? Burning you on the spot seems more fun.
If you refuse, then the war will continue.
I'll sweeten the deal. If you meet me in a formal Lumen challenge, I'll call off the invasion even if I win. Can't promise we don't commit wholesale slaughter on our way out, mind you.
Really? That sounds really boring.
I swear it by the gods. Nova will be free and safe. Depending on the breaks.
Why take that risk? You're winning the war. Until I begin the scorched earth strategy.
It's not your land that I want. It's your crystal.
To gain your power, I am willing to wager my own. Shall we begin? I have tea time soon.
Though I think with the stats as they are, you need to be wearing the Magical Girl Outfit to have a chance
Even if we could win without the outfit, I say use the outfit. Sure Harry Dresden can set people on fire without his staff, blasting rod and duster, but it just doesn't feel right.
Posts
That happens pretty much all the time though. You just kinda become numb to it eventually.
I could use some familiar heads on the wall!
We can't have her being too happy-go-lucky, though.
From what I gather, there's no benefit to story from this, just an undesirable stat alteration.
Easily led automatons.
Luckily, your bodyguards are well-prepared for such an event and manage to drive off the attackers. You are inconvenienced and annoyed, but not harmed.
Heads. Spikes. Walls. NOW.
Guess that prediction was accurate!
Except, of course, for the new Duke of Elath. Matters there are too unsettled to be left unattended.
Understatement of the year.
Uncle Laurent and your younger cousins are here, but Charlotte and her mother are not. Apparently Charlotte was ill.
Arisse, the Duchess of Lillah, is present, but she somehow always manages to avoid talking to you when you draw near.
There are refreshments and dancers and musicians and polite conversations... and one or two not-so-polite.
Mother, it's my domain now. I need space for myself. You have your own lands to manage.
Get off mine.
Just because you're of age doesn't mean you know everything, young lady. You need my advice.
And my suitor recommendations.
This is my home. It has never been yours.
Could still bury you here, though.
Before you can back away, their gazes fall on you. They wait expectantly for you as near-queen to settle the dispute.
Oh hell.
Whose side should she take?
Haven't seen this part of the game yet so it's a totally blind decision.
Penny Arcade Rockstar Social Club / This is why I despise cyclists
Which choice is that, exactly?
Also, when is our next update @cj iwakura ?
Well I had been hoping for an answer... and it's the one with pardoning criminals for glorious Novan Warfare.
Well, I don't think it hurts, given what that choice being available means.
I'll do what I can to keep her alive as long as possible.
Only I get to boss around my subordinates!
Thank you!
Can I have her hung?
Is this what your father will face upon your coronation? Cast aside without another word?
I guess I'll settle for the rebound.
You'd be surprised how little I care.
A bit later, Briony catches up with you.
Hello, Elodie. It's so wonderful that you're going to be Queen now.
I mean, I am sorry about your mother...
Sorry that I didn't get more information out of her, that is.
Thanks.
...does Michiru know you've stolen her hair color?
...but think of the opportunities you're going to have! You're so lucky.
For you, at least.
(That's an odd way of putting it...
Can't obliterate her now, too many eyes.)
Anyway, I was wondering, now that you're almost Queen and everything... have they told you all the secrets?
You know, the whole Illuminati thing.
What secrets?
The vault full of sugar cookies?
Like, how to get into the old palace! I've heard it's packed full of treasure.
Some duck goes swimming in there on the weekends.
The one I live in? It's pretty empty.
The one at Kathre Lake! Where the Kings and Queens of Nova used to live.
I told them that suffrage movement was a bad idea, but NOOO, let the princesses rule they said!
I don't know anything about it.
I thought this was the only one!
Oh.
She bites her lip and frowns at you.
Well, never mind, then.
(Time for plan B...)
She walks away. So much for wanting to talk to you!
Maybe I should have bought more than that pack of ramen...
Finishing up her mahou shoujo warring abilities:
And making nice with the canines:
This will end badly, mark my woofs.
Matters have come to a crisis. Arisse, the Duchess of Lillah, has declared civil war.
Via paid courier and everything.
What?!?
No really, who is that? I've lost track.
Apparently she feels that you are a weak leader, unfit to be Queen, and has managed to sway several others to her banner.
As to why, I can only imagine.
Who is against me?
In BRIEF.
A number of minor earls and countesses. The Duchess of Mead and the Duke of Kigal.
The situation in Hellas and Maree is less clear.
You're pretty screwed.
Good thing we have that canine army.
what.
We have four battalions, one company, and two platoons.
The naval side is, of course, useless in this conflict.
By my estimate, Arisse can field three battalions, two companies, and one platoon.
You want a coffin or cremation?
That's not good.
Have we considered nuclear deterrence?
It will come down to a question of strategy. There are ways to increase the number of soldiers you have available.
You could offer to pardon various imprisoned criminals in exchange for military service.
Meanwhile, I have a very nice resort several countries away, which I will be visiting post-haste.
Without much reason to decline...
All right, let's do that. Criminals probably already know how to fight.
If not, there's always catapulting them at the enemy.
Can we go back to jail instead?
Very well. Forces are in motion, but they will take time to reach their peak.
If you'll excuse me, I have a boat to catch.
Time to start catching up on foreign affairs...
This unlocks some swag attire:
And some weapons training can't hurt either.
Before long...
The negotiator for the rebels has arrived to speak with you.
Ciao!
Surrender now and I will be lenient.
The guillotine instead of the racks.
We are not here for our surrender. We are here for yours. You have one chance to avoid needless bloodshed.
Agree to marry one of Duchess Arisse's sons. She will become your regent and guide the domain into stability.
You will be allowed to maintain a figurehead title.
And you get a nice broom! One time only!
I don't expect much of a run-off here, but what the heck:
War or peace?
Yes, it is War.
And for our next class, double dose of Wield Magic
That will get us to this week with no civil war, without having to change any of the classes we took.
Which will require doubling down on that magic. Because, you know, it never hurts to be prepared and all. Also, I like the idea of convenient natural disasters whenever someone masses forces on the border. I mean, it's probably coincidence that one country had it happen twice, but we should probably invest in encouraging nature some more.
3DS: 0473-8507-2652
Switch: SW-5185-4991-5118
PSN: AbEntropy
I'll be giving the threats here.
Since we cannot come to an agreement, we will meet you on the battlefield.
Well, 'we' meaning 'the army'.
Fine. By the way...
How do you plan on getting back to them?
Hey, you put that wand down this insta-
[Agonized Screaming]
Was that wise?
Perhaps not, but it was damn sure fun.
Good practice for offense, too!
With that, and this:
Wield Magic is maxed out.
Good timing, too!
As defending Queen, you are required to take personal control of your forces.
Your control of magic enhances your claim to divine right of rulership.
Like stepping on ants.
Majesty, the final outcome... is a victory for our side.
Your forces have swept through the rebellious duchies and are being met with cheers by the local population.
What of the ringleader, Arisse?
She has been executed, and the other rebels forced to pay tribute to keep their holdings.
Of course, there is also a cost paid in lives.
Total casualties were a half of a battalion on our side and two and three quarters battalions among the rebels.
Of course, there are no more rebel soldiers now - they are once more your loyal subjects.
Splendid. And father?
I may have been overzealous in my departure.
With that behind us, back to the books!
I'd love for her to get in some history practice, but I need to bring down her willifulness a lot.
Seems a good alternative.
Things have been so unsettled lately... Everyone's on edge. We need something cheerful.
Anyone left to execute?
You could hold a tournament.
With wine. And feasting. Mostly wine.
What a good idea! Knights, jousting, musicians... all sorts of competitions. Everyone loves a contest.
And you can be our jester.
What will you offer as prizes to the winners?
Wait... what?
What spoils should the victor receive?
Also, Elodie is required to compete, and though she'll likely fail given her lack of knowledge in the categories, here are her options:
Cast a falcon-curse on a dog?
Didn't she take a fencing-lesson, once?
I second the Employment and make the contest Fencing
Also, where is Elodie in terms of skills/mood?
Jousting seems like it would involve a polearm, which is the only weapon Elodie has any skill in. Of course she probably only has just enough skill in horses that she'll manage to sit on it facing in the right direction...
It's a recruitment drive!
More bodies!
Very well. I will draft the announcements.
Don't expect much turnout.
You leave him to his work. As you move through the hall, your eye falls upon a vase of flowers.
Pretty, but apparently not getting enough water. The leaves on one blossom have shriveled.
With bones.
You continue up the stairs to your room, where a maid is waiting for you.
My lady, a gift has arrived from Kigal.
Pay no mind to the red wrapping.
From the Duke?
A wedding ring!?
No, my lady. A merchant house, I believe. It was sent with a shipment down the Cavalla River.
I don't think I want to know what's inside.
Elodie tears open the brightly colored paper, to find:
Chocolates!
And with a nice green smoky aura!
How nice of them!
You would deprive me of sweets, too? Wretched monarch.
Bad dog! Chocolate isn't good for you!
Well, your bowels'll hate you later.
Wow, these are pretty go-*HACK*
Silly thing, making such a fuss.
I don't feel like candy right now. Maybe later.
I suppose he choked. Good riddance. Clean that up, would you?
At once, m'lady.
May as well brush up on her fencing skills.
This will get her a boss outfit down the line.
This is the week of the general tournament.
Nobles and commoners alike have turned out to compete against each other.
The people will be pleased if you participate in their games. However, it would expose you to danger.
What event do you wish to take part in?
I will watch from far, far away.
Bring me my sword!
Here the devotees of the blade can challenge each other to duels fought only for points, not blood and honor.
CHEATER! OFF WITH HER HEAAAAD!
I'm not sure you're allowed to-
*THWAK*
...yeeesh.
All the winners are announced and displayed to great cheers. (Aside from those Elodie had slain.)
As near-Queen, the queen places flower garlands around their necks. All of a sudden, a man approaches the winner's platform.
It's Kevan, the Earl of Io. In one hand, he carries an armored gauntlet. In the other, a sword.
Self-defense? Never heard of it.
(Arisse, the ringleader of the rebellion... She was his mother.
And obviously her stupidity was contagious.)
He casts the metal glove to the ground with a clatter and raises his sword, pointing it at you.
I challenge you, Elodie! A life for a life!
I've used a sword before! It wasn't really this sharp, though. Or made of iron.
He's challenging you to a duel?
Without a further word, you direct the full force of your magical wrath at the Earl of Io.
Nova Flame Sniper!
HEY!
FOUL PLAY!
Kevan's sword falls to the ground beside his gauntlet. He won't be needing either anymore.
After the tournament, a minor tragedy is revealed.
One of the stewards apparently had an incredible sweet tooth and dared to steal a piece of your recently-received chocolates.
He had a sweet tooth... the chocolates were poisoned.
Back to the Intrigue-books.
This may be undone in future updates if proven necessary.
My lady, your father wishes to speak with you. He says it's urgent.
Also, he wasn't happy about the dead canine thing.
Fine, I'm coming.
It's not like I killed his. Yet.
You find your father standing over a map of the coastline, his face grave.
Ships have been sighted on approach from Shanjia. Not tradeships - this is a warfleet.
Guess I'm going on holiday again.
Maybe they want to join us?
Within a week they will be in Novan waters. Within two they could reach the capital.
Within three I'll be gone.
Then we will fight to defend ourselves.
...get back here!
You can try to use the treasury funds to hire additional soldiers, but it may be difficult on short notice.
Somehow I don't think they exactly think of you as the safest of bosses.
You will need to draw up a naval strategy for our ships to carry out.
You could choose to act as admiral and lead the fleet in person, but the danger to you would be very great.
Unless you think your personal skills will make the difference, I would strongly advise against it.
I'll be far away in either case.
What's our strategy?
best use of Magic and one-liners in the game.
As for the choice
Elodie knows what has to be done.
Besides, I get seasick.
We learn all there is to know about other countries:
And with war on the horizon, there's one weapon she knows best.
It hits home all too soon.
Danger on the high seas!
The Shanjian forces greatly outnumber the Novans. This is unlikely to end well.
If only we had more soldiers available. Or if only you hadn't scared them off with your Draconian method of rule.
Everyone's a critic.
The eventual outcome... ... is not in our favor.
The Novan ships have been sunk or scattered, and the Shanjian forces press towards landfall.
Many good soldiers were lost today, and Nova's troubles have not ended.
So... close-quarters burning time?
I doubt you have the might to repel an army.
I can damn sure try!
Since we have failed to repel the invasion, the Shanjian fleet will soon land and their troops will begin to progress towards the capital city.
Our remaining soldiers will hold them off as long as possible, of course, but the main strength of the military has been exhausted.
Nova's future looks bleak.
Deuces!
I loathe that man.
Sadly, Elodie only has a little time left, which brings us to her temporary limit:
Not enough time to meet the prereq to boost her swordsmanship any higher.
Visitors!
The invasion of Nova is proceeding. The coastline is under Shanjian control.
Soldiers have marched through villages, trampling fields and frightening citizens.
A diplomatic delegation from Shanjia has requested access to the castle to discuss terms - most likely, for your surrender.
We lack the strength to hold off their armies, and surrendering now will save many lives.
It would seem that we have no choice.
So be it, he can burn with the rest.
Did you even kill that other one?
Does it matter?
Not particularly.
You prepare yourself as best you can to meet with the representatives from Shanjia.
You expected diplomats and a military representative, a general or an admiral.
You did not expect the handsome man decked in jewels who now stands before you.
Madam... Togami, King of Shanjia seeks an audience.
Inspirational!
Usurping is so much more fun, do try it some time.
Only I get to do that!
Temper, temper, Princess. After all, I am here to save your people.
War benefits no one, don't you think? Such a terrible waste. Better to settle things in a civilized manner.
A contest. A game, so to speak, with Nova as the stakes.
Should I win, then your domain will submit and accept me as Overlord with no further resistance.
Should I lose, then my army will leave your domain in peace and shed no more blood.
Unless they get bored, I suppose.
What sort of game?
Novan Roulette?
It is well known that Nova is ruled by Lumens. As it happens, I too possess the powers of a Lumen.
I propose a formal duel. My powers against yours. The winner takes control of Nova, the loser... dies.
Screaming, ideally.
Your game by your rules, for my life? That doesn't sound fair to me.
Fun, yes. Fair, no.
The rules of formal dueling have been passed down for centuries and must be upheld.
It is important that we do this by the ancient codes.
Also, more marketable.
Why should I?
Burning you on the spot seems more fun.
If you refuse, then the war will continue.
I'll sweeten the deal. If you meet me in a formal Lumen challenge, I'll call off the invasion even if I win.
Can't promise we don't commit wholesale slaughter on our way out, mind you.
Really?
That sounds really boring.
I swear it by the gods. Nova will be free and safe.
Depending on the breaks.
Why take that risk? You're winning the war.
Until I begin the scorched earth strategy.
It's not your land that I want. It's your crystal.
To gain your power, I am willing to wager my own. Shall we begin?
I have tea time soon.
He seems burnable...
Not your brightest idea.
What should Elodie do?
No pressure.
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What's her magic burning-stat, again? Maybe she doesn't need to sense well.
wield magic stat is at max. resist is at 90
BURNINATE HIM. SEIZE HIS POWER FOR OUR OWN!!!
I would like to scare him with song, though.
Even if we could win without the outfit, I say use the outfit. Sure Harry Dresden can set people on fire without his staff, blasting rod and duster, but it just doesn't feel right.
And it is not enough fun.
Remember the Tao of Pratchett Elodie!
BURN HIM. OFF WITH HIS HEAD!
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