refulgence;

eirika, fe8, black eagles student at toa. written by nic.

[luneirika]

december activity check; passed

total skill points 7 -> 9 authority rank up!  d -> c from monthly activity and arena event participation item recieved: prayer ring battalion unlocked: seiros holy warriors classes unlocked: lord, tactician

[luneirika]

as my life is done in watermelon sugar

In spite of getting dragged from your Academy beds and made to solve problems in the middle of nowhere, these weeks spent in the village have given you all the best sleep of your lives. Tonight, you and your friends are whisked off to shared a dream of the past, what is now an idyllic world that adapts easily to your desires and expectations. Your mistakes, the pain others have inflicted on you, the things you’ve lost… everything you wish you could have changed or have control over, this dream gives you the chance to correct the course and make things right again. But as you feel your mind and body getting weaker with every minute you remain asleep, you realize that tearing yourself away from a world where everything is perfect takes a lot more will than simply kicking yourself awake. [Grants Faith +1]

Eirika arrives at Grado Keep late in the evening. The household staff waiting outside for her is to be expected; to settle her into bed after a brief audience with Emperor Vigarde to announce her arrival. She was not expecting him. Her heart soars in her chest when she sees him. Eirika scrambles to get out of the carriage as fast as she can. All thoughts of propriety fly from her mind as she dashes towards Lyon, teal hair blowing behind her in the wind. Wrapping her arms around his neck she laughs, joyful and warm. Oh, she had truly missed him!

“Lyon! What are you doing out here in the cold?” Eirika scolds, though her tone belies her real feelings. It feels like it’s been so very long - an eternity almost. Holding on to him like this feel so much like relief, a balm for a wound she didn’t know marred her heart. “It’s so good to see you again! It’s been--”

How long had it been? Eirika finds the words disappear, right on the tip of her tongue. She can’t bring herself to finish the sentence; something about this feels off but she just can’t place her finger on it. Wonders why it makes her heart ache so. After all, there’s no reason for her to feel like this moment is a miracle. One she hasn’t earned. Eirika shakes her head, stepping back to take a good look at her dearest friend.

“Well it’s been a while. I’ve missed you greatly,” she tries to ignore the strange feeling in her chest. Focusses instead on the present moment. “I can’t believe you managed to prevent such a terrible quake! You really are a hero, Lyon.”

@sacretic​

[marichive]

An Extremely Self-Indulgent Meme

Physical prompts based around some of my favorite tropes / physical actions in threads. Send this   + reverse   to change which muse does which action.

tw for implied violence in some

❰❰ PIN ❱❱ sender pins receiver during a fight/training

❰❰ HURT ❱❱ sender is hurt protecting receiver

❰❰ CARRY ❱❱ sender carries receiver bridal style

❰❰ LIFT ❱❱ sender carries receiver over their shoulder

❰❰ MEDIC ❱❱ sender bandages receiver’s wounds

❰❰ SUPPORT ❱❱ sender comforts receiver after a loss / traumatic event

❰❰ THREAT ❱❱ sender holds a weapon up to receiver as a threat

❰❰ SAVE ❱❱ sender saves receiver’s life

❰❰ CRY ❱❱ sender cries in front of receiver

❰❰ DANCE ❱❱ sender invites receiver to slow dance

❰❰ HAND KISS ❱❱ sender kisses receiver on the hand or wrist

❰❰ CHEEK KISS ❱❱ sender kisses receiver on the cheek

❰❰ HEAD KISS ❱❱ sender kisses receiver on the forehead

❰❰ EMBRACE ❱❱ sender embraces receiver

❰❰ HANDS ❱❱ sender’s fingers graze the receiver’s fingers

❰❰ CUDDLE ❱❱ our muses cuddle

❰❰ BED ❱❱ our muses share a bed

❰❰ BRUSH ❱❱ sender plays with / brushes receiver’s hair

❰❰ GAZE ❱❱ our muses make extended eye contact

❰❰ ALMOST ❱❱ our muses almost kiss but don’t or are interrupted before they do

❰❰ ARGUE ❱❱ sender ends an argument with receiver with a kiss

❰❰ ARM ❱❱ sender puts their arm around receiver

❰❰ PULL ❱❱ sender pulls receiver close to them

❰❰ BACK ❱❱ sender touches receiver on the back

❰❰ SHOULDER ❱❱ sender touches receiver on the shoulder

❰❰ LEAN ❱❱ sender leans against receiver

❰❰ CARESS ❱❱ sender caresses the receiver’s cheek

❰❰ HAIR ❱❱ sender pushes receiver’s hair away from their face

❰❰ TILT ❱❱ sender tilts the receiver’s chin with their hand

❰❰ CHIN ❱❱ sender tilts the receiver’s chin with their weapon

❰❰ LEG ❱❱ sender’s leg touches the receiver’s leg under the table

❰❰ FOOD ❱❱ sender feeds the receiver

❰❰ WALL ❱❱ sender pushes the receiver against a wall

❰❰ FREE ❱❱ sender frees the receiver from restraints

❰❰ TACKLE ❱❱ sender hugs the receiver so hard they almost fall over / do fall over

❰❰ DYING ❱❱ sender finds the receiver near death

❰❰ PANIC ❱❱ sender comforts the receiver as they have a panic attack or get overstimulated

[luneirika]

the wisdom of birds

Exploring the dense, forested land surrounding the town leads you to the yawning mouth of a cave, one that you don’t recognize from the villagers’ explanations of their territory. Carved stone steps invite you into a manmade bunker, an underground web of hallways and rooms that are too well-maintained to be abandoned. Eventually your group manages to stumble their way into a treasure trove of information, a library stocked with books on a variety of magical topics from taming spirits to exorcising them. You read a book on barriers intended to block out wayward spirits from corrupting the mind, learning how the writer’s people would build labyrinthine strongholds underground to trap them in for the rest of their days. An underground maze… hallways that twist and turn… “no way home”? This may be time to trace your steps before this place becomes your grave. [Grants Any Skill +1]

It’s a long, tiresome hike through the forest and up towards the cave. Made even more wearisome by the grumbling and groaning of her companion. Eirika sets her jaw, swallowing down anything unkind she might be tempted to say. She does not know Linhardt well enough to pass judgement about him and any irritation really stems from her own exhaustion too. As they get closer, stone steps are carved into the gaping mouth of the cave. Eirika stands at the bottom in awe as Linhardt catches up, face red from exhaustion.

She takes pity on him, offering a soft smile.

“I’ll head up and look inside. Take a break to catch your breath,” one foot on the steps, she looks back at Linhardt. “I’ll call for you if I need back up, okay?”

The sun beats down on her relentlessly as she makes her way up. It’s brutal, especially with the stitch already forming at her side. But she’s been through far worse before. Trekked through Jehanna’s deserts, so empty of  the sparks of life. Of birdsong and verdure, to offer shade and respite. With that in mind she endures, walks faster and taller until she reaches the apex of her journey. 

Eirika’s jaw drops. What she expected to find, she is unsure. It is certainly not this. Grand hallways, carved into stone as if by the hands of giants. Each wall lined with heavy tomes stretching as far as she could see. Some of them were clearly ancient, their spines written in spindly, flowing letters that were completely unrecognisable. Others appeared newer - not recent but written in legible text at least. Magical tomes, compendiums, records perhaps of civilisations long since passed. A treasure trove of arcane knowledge.

She is no expert in magic. Knows the basics, thanks to her dear friend. Can feel it prickling in the air as she steps forward. Knows enough to honestly say she’s out of her depth. Eirika returns to the cave’s maw.

“Linhardt! Sorry to cut your break short but... you might be interested in this. I think we’ve stumbled on some ancient library,” should be enough to stoke his interest. Still, there’s more to it and more to entice her companion with. “It feels enchanted too. I’m certain there’s plenty of interest to uncover here but I won’t get far alone I’m afraid.”

@pridelessdaydreamer​

[luneirika]

"Lady Eirika!" Vanessa greets, a poorly hidden box behind her back. "I'm not much for gift giving--still, here you go." She thrusts out her present, movements a little awkward.

"...oh, and Happy Midwinter."

Her gift is simple; an unadorned yet well crafted leather sword belt, made for the thinner blades Eirika prefers.

"Vanessa?" Eirika blinks in surprise, her stomach dropping slightly. Try as she might, Vanessa isn't hiding that box from anyone. She has nothing to offer in return though. The box is passed to her and Eirika finds herself smiling slightly. Clearly she isn't the only one feeling a little awkward right now. "Thank you. It's very kind of you--" she may not have a gift but she can at least offer her hospitality.

"Would you like to join me for tea and cake? I'm afraid I haven't had time to go gift shopping but," a hand reaches to tuck a lock ofhair behind her ear. An inelegant attempt to hide. It's the least she can offer Vanessa who has been so kind and courteous towards her. "I'd love to treat you all the same, if you have the time."

[luneirika]

i’m fuckin’ invincible! - team 9 gold round

making-dough​:

♠  - Thankfully, this was mostly a dream. Otherwise, well, it wasn’t as though a random trip into a snake’s belly was just something you just came back from. Granted, it wasn’t particularly pleasant experience either way and one she’d really prefer not to think much about. Instead, she figured it’d be a lot more useful to take stock of their situation this round. Let’s see, well, nothing too strange seem to be happening, aside from the miles-high metal giant on the other side and Mister Show-off on another pegasus over there.

Speaking of the guy, he had just finished spouting off another round of nonsense and charged off to fight…”Oh, no.”, she muttered, wide-eyed. “Oh, no. no nonono.” It was some of those stupid machines from a few rounds before. The ones that liked to explode at the slightest provocation and from seeing him fight, there was no way he was going to be able to slow down enough to keep them from exploding.  “Stoooooppp~!”, came a desperate cry as the blonde’s rampage knocked the smaller mechs around until… they were caught by the bigger titan. Instead of exploding, the larger giant simply torn them apart and added their extra bits to itself. The whole process looked super gruesome but…at least there was no explosion. “Oh. Well, I guess it’s not so bad, then.”, she admitted, sounding a little sheepish. Well, almost anything would be better than being exploded on, at this stage. 

“Right then. Here we go, Mur-”, Farina declared, almost on the verge of calling the dream-mount by her own trusty partner’s name before she cut herself off. It probably wasn’t. Didn’t matter how real the feathers and her dream-mount’s mane felt, this was just a dream and the sooner it was over with, the better.

So, she may as well just attack and get this whole thing over with. Swooping down onto the nearest ‘drone’, the mercenary simply thrust her spear downwards in a heavy stab.

Farina attacks Scrap B with Harmony Lance! - 16(+4)! Hit! - Scrap B takes 2 Damage. Scrap B counters with Juggernaut Strike - 17(-4)! Hit! - Farina takes 6 Damage! Scrap B takes 4 recoil damage.

It struck with loud clang, prompting the drone to retaliate with a sharp bolt of something zappy. There was a sharp yelp of pain as Farina flew upwards once again to safety…but not without smacking the butt of her spear against the ‘drone’ in a more wild attempt at getting it away from her than anything. 

Farina attacks Scrap B with Harmony Lance again. - 13(+4)! Hit! - Scrap B takes 2 Damage. Farina recovers 2 HP from Damage Dealt. Scrap B HP: 12/20 Farina HP: 6/10

It worked, leaving the mercenary hovering in the air on her dream-pegasus and still hissing in pain at the newly inflicted wound. Alright, so those things can pack a punch even outside of that explode-y thingies. She’ll be fine. She just needed to remember. This was just a dream, no matter how real it felt.

It is with great surprise and joy, that Farina and Forsyth find their way to their feet once more. That joy however is short lived indeed as Eirika finds herself blasted with a swift and painful array of bullets

Alloy Arsenal: Revengeance attacks Eirika with Gatling Gun Roll d20+2: 20, 3. Hit and miss. Eirika takes 2.5 damage. Eirika counters with Aureola. Roll 2d20: 14, 2. Crit and miss. Deals 4 damage to AA:R. Eirika takes 1 recoil per hit Eirika has 6.5/10 HP remaining AA:R has 46/50 HP remaining

Aureola heeds her call, at least at first. It strikes the behemoth so hard it’s pushed back from the force and Eirika feels the warm glow of pride in her chest. Alongside a smarting pain, reminding her that every victory has a price. Her jaw falls open, slack with horror as it eats it’s three smaller companions, seeming to get stronger from the cannibalistic snack. Three more of it’s terrifying little minions appear, summoned to it’s side. 

AA:R restores 3 HP. 49/50

Vaguely, Eirika wonders if this is the consequence of drinking tea so late at night. This simply has to be a dream. A painful, warped and twisted dream. No matter how hard she tries though, she can’t seem to wake up. Deciding to waste no more time on inaction, she steps forward. Tall, proud and focussed. 

Eirika attacks AA:R with Aureola Roll 2d20: 12, 10! Two hits, 2 damage dealt to AA:R. Eirika takes recoil damage. AA:R counters with Heavy Stomp Roll d20+2: 9! Hit. 4 damage. Eirika has 0.5/10 HP remaining AA:R has 47/50 HP remaining

Perhaps foolhardy, too. Aside from the searing pain of her own attacks, the monstrosity threatens to grind her into dust. She survives the assault by the skin of her teeth, crawling away and gasping for breath.

Eirika’s Galeforce triggers. Eirika casts Fortify. Roll d20: 12! 8 HP restored to whole party. (Live to Serve!) Eirika has 8.5/10 HP remaining

She refuses to be helpless though. Hands shaking, it takes all her concentration to summon a healing spell. The light bathes the four of them, restoring their health in near an instant. 

“Odin! Destroy them.”

@teneguine​

[teneguine]

i’m fuckin’ invincible! - team 9 gold round

The cave crumbles, its rocky exterior giving way to the open air. Dust clouds whip up as the arena does away with its drab and dreary setting, but they do not last long, for a deluge of rainfall immediately snuffs them out. They are high in the clouds now, our heroes, situated atop a concrete plateau just barely beneath petering droplets. As Owain looks down, he can see roads and buildings, but not any kind of road or building from his world. No, this technology is foreign, almost alien. Were it not for his adventures in Eden, he wouldn’t have a name for his setting. A city is what he knows it as, despite it contrasting with the preestablished definition of the word. They are atop a skyscraper: another word he has come to know through that book. As his eyes scan the horizon he notices several more sprouting from the ground he can barely make out, though none are as tall as the one he fights on.

His head then snaps to his enemy, and his gear is exchanged for a new set. A pegasus’ wings lift him into the air, and all that heavy stuff from last round has disappeared to make room for a pair of gauntlets in his hands. He scoffs at his foe, for he knows it will be taken down in spite of its gargantuan size. It is a metal titan of near-unimaginable design, standing on two legs and sporting a pair of protrusions he can only guess are meant to be arms. But they connect into no sort of hand, and are positioned up and out of the way of the creature’s body–almost like a bird’s wingspan. Its giant metal face opens and lets loose a mechanical roar, shattering the glass on floors below, and causing a smaller triad of drones to cling to their stadium. It then goes silent, and a translucent veil envelops its body. It disappears, though perhaps blending in would be a better way of stating things. Its body is now the same color as they grey sky and falling rain–a target impossible to hit, again in spite of its gargantuan size. 

“Hmph,” Dark smirks, pulling his weapons on tighter, “you dare make an enemy of me? You will meet your end, fiend, for I have been reborn as the Fist of the South Star! Watch as I unleash my fury!” 

Owain uses Brave Knuckles! Roll 4d20+6 = 11, 9, 17, 17; hit, hit, hit, hit! -6 HP, -6 HP, -6 HP, -6 HP; Radio Scout: Scrap A 0/20 HP

Self-Destruct activates! Roll 1d4-1 = 2, -2 HP; Owain 7/10 HP

“My first four forms collide against your tin-can flesh! URAAHH!”

“Fall to the might of my Blade of Light!”

“Garden of Gaiden will leave you reeling!” 

“Taste my Mystery of the Emblem!”

“Genealogy of Infinite Pain! It hurts so bad, your grandchildren will be wincing for years after your death!” 

Of note is the fact that robots do not have children. They do, however, explode. And this one, after taking a beating of four deadly punches from the Scion of Legend, does just that. The kill switch in its body detects that it has taken sufficient damage, and lights the blasting fuse that will be this world’s end. Instantly Owain’s fist is wreathed in explosive flame. He recoils, flying back a few feet with his mount, but is ultimately undeterred. When another bot climbs up to replace the first, he is quick to strike it down just as he did its predecessor, spouting another quartet of special moves.

Summon Scouts activates! Radio Scout A is replaced!

Owain uses Brave Knuckles! Roll 4d20+6 = 7, 24, 15, 17; hit, hit, hit, hit! -6 HP, -6 HP, -6 HP, -6 HP; Radio Scout: Scrap A 0/20 HP

Self-Destruct activates! Roll 1d4-1 = 3, -3 HP; Owain 4/10 HP

“Had enough yet? You will after a Thracia Thrashing!”

“Binding Beatdown!” 

“Blazing Beat-Up!”

“This move I know well, so cower in fear! Sacred Stones Strike!”

Any unfortunate enough to watch would have the misfortune of bearing witness to a near-identical fight. Each ramming of his fist puts another dent or break in the small scout’s hull, and after he shouts his last move, it explodes like the first. 

Again the roof of this building is covered by a dazzling burst of light and fire. This time it feels stronger against Owain’s flesh, knocking him and his mount onto the ground. He holds on, just barely, but his effort is futile. Another scout comes to replace his second kill, creating a dip in his ego and a falter in his resolve. Is there even a point to fighting these things?

Dark backs off, deciding he’s had enough with the pyrotechnics for now. His plan is to wait for the big one’s cloak to wear off, and give it a taste of his next eight sacred forms.

UP NEXT: @luneirika @viridescent-lance @making-dough

[luneirika]

Odin Dark is surely a man of terrible power, hidden just behind a radiant, courageous smile. How one man could be born with so much vitality is a mystery. The man charges in, cocksure and blazing whilst Eirika tries to make sense of her surroundings. Roads in strange, geometric patterns. Buildings that dared to touch the skies, hulking behemoth’s made of metal. It was enough to make one’s head spin.

Yet the Hero of a Grand Dark Epoch is unstoppable as he launches a ferocious assault on the smaller robots. One after another fall to a flurry of blows. Sparks fly in every direction and the cacophony produced is immense and disorienting. The sound of metal, tearing and crushing beneath the man’s rapid and relentless fists is only broken by two things. His triumphant screams, roaring out his own name and the techniques he uses and the explosive sound of shrapnel flying off in all directions.

It’s carnage, in all it’s horrifying glory. A bloodless massacre.

At least until blades of metal come flying back at them, their team trying to dance and weave their way between the tempest of shards. Years of sword training have prepared her well for this. Swift and graceful, she’s able to avoid the worst of the onslaught. A slight scratch on her arm is the only new injury she has to contend with.

Calm settles, and Eirika’s jaw drops. Her hands tremble at the bloodbath around her. Forsyth and Farina both lay silent and motionless on the ground. A tragic and terrible price to pay. 

“Odin-- stop! Please, just stop this!” Eirika pleads, hoping she can at least do something to mend broken bones and broken skin. It’s too late though, healing magic can no longer reach the pair of them. It might just keep Odin whole and live though. Brave, brilliant and brazen Odin, who would either be their salvation or damnation in this place. “Let me help, please. Before you hurt yourself any more. I--”

“I don’t want to be left here alone.”

Eirika casts Fortify. Roll d20: 12! 8HP restored to Odin. Live to Serve triggers, 8HP restored to Eirika too. Odin and Eirika both have 10/10 HP remaining

[viridescent-lance]

im so full from weapons yum

One moment Forsyth is trying to defend Odin’s fallen form from nefarious paintings, the next he is in a strange cavernous arena, the rocky ground beneath him a stark contrast from the neat floor of the art gallery.

He’s a healer again, this time, but mounted on a curiously easy-to-handle steed. Odin’s alive, but worse for wear. They’re alone for now, so if he takes advantage of this downtime he can–

SCREEEEEEEE

Oh. So much for that.

Primordial Serpent uses Earthquake on the party! Roll 1d20 = 4 on Forsyth, miss!

The cavern’s walls echo with an earsplitting cry, and the ground beneath Forsyth shakes violently. He manages to maintain his footing, but Odin, burdened with heavy armor, falls to the ground with a resounding clang.

Primordial Serpent uses Poison Spit on Forsyth! Roll 1d20 = 1, miss!

“Woah!” A huge crimson serpentine beast slithers from the depths, lobbing acidic spit in Forsyth’s general direction. It misses him cleanly, but eats away at the ground it finds instead. That’s bad news. “Odin, are you alright?”

As he turns, Odin is hit with a glob of poisonous slobber himself. His armor protects him from the worst of it, but it sizzles dangerously. Their latest foe is formidable indeed.

Forsyth uses Recover on Odin (5.5/10 HP). Roll 1d20=2. +5 HP to Odin (10/10 HP)

“Please, allow me to ease your wounds.” Forsyth can’t cleanse him of toxins, but he can at least get him into better shape from last round’s grievous wounds. “I shall not allow harm to come to you!”

Forsyth attacks Primordial Serpent with Ivaldi! Roll 1d20+3 = 20, hit! -1 HP to Primordial Serpent (39/40 HP). Seal Resistance activates! This round, Serpent’s Resistance buffs are negated.

“Back, foul villain!” Forsyth raises the holy tome he’s been gifted with, strange chants in a language foreign to him coming naturally to his lips. A blast of searing, cleansing light magic pours forth, illuminating the cavern and causing the serpent to rear back in confusion.

Primordial Serpent counters with Poison Spit! Roll 1d20 = 20, crit! - 0 HP. Forsyth is afflicted with Serpent’s Poison!

Too late, Forsyth realizes it’s on him, its foul spit drenching him–but strangely enough, there is no immediate pain. Some sacred aura bars the poison from directly searing his flesh, though the poisonous exhaust lingers in his lungs.

@luneirika next!

[luneirika]

Ivaldi, in her own hands? Eirika’s eyes widen, half expecting L’Arachel to trot up next to her brandishing her very own Sieglinde. That does not happen and whilst a familiar face would be welcome, it’s probably for the best. Her heart would surely falter from the shock.

Instead she sidesteps the fissures and cracks that bloom on the ground beneath them. Or rather, her horse does as her hands find purchase on the reins. Forsyth’s voice, loud and resonant, draws her attention instantly as he fights back against the Serpent before them. With the self-same tome as the one sat in her own hands.

“Odin sir, are you well?” she asks, navigating her horse through the chaos before her. Forsyth makes his way back to them and she turns her attention to Farina. “Please, take care my lady. I can only imagine our foes grow ever stronger and more bloodthirsty. We require your strength at our side.”

Her eyes flicker across rough paper pages as she turns through the tome to find her spells. Words before her, printed on these pages are squashed in tiny font and tell of a language she knows not how to speak. If she hadn’t heard them spoken before, she doubts her tongue would not simply tie itself in knots. The Serpent rears it’s ugly head at her though and all hesitation flies from her mind in an instant. Her voice is crystal clear as radiant light heeds her call.

Eirika attacks Primordial Serpent with Ivaldi Roll d20+4: 22! Hit. 5 damage to Primordial Serpent Primordial Serpent counterattacks with Poison Spit Roll d20: 12! Hit. 0 damage. Eirika is Poisoned Eirika follows up with Ivaldi Roll d20+4: 22! Hit. 5 damage to Primordial Serpent Primordial Serpent has 29/40 HP remaining Eirika has 10/10 HP remaining

It spits some vile, viscous liquid at her. There is no pain, at least not immediately. She’s simply drenched in some disgusting bodily fluid that she’d really rather think as little about as possible. Other than the instant revulsion though, there seems to be no real effect. The skin on the back of her hands starts to itch, just slightly as she raises her hands to the heavens once more, requesting their might to strike her foe.

What happens next is so odd, she finds herself momentarily frozen. It lunges at her, gaping maw ready to swallow her whole. Her mind stops, clouded with fear. It retreats. Leaving her completely unharmed, although something isn’t quite right. She feels as though her guard has dropped and as the snake licks it’s lips, temporarily sated, Eirika struggles to piece together what just happened to her.

@teneguine

[luneirika]

Everyone’s A Critic - Team 9 Steel Round

viridescent-lance​:​

The dreamscape has not deemed to assign Forsyth any weapons this round; he wears a priest’s robes, carries a staff, and the thrum of magic fills his veins. Some offensive magic, at least, but the intent for him is clear: he is to be a healer.

Python’s going to have a field day when he recounts this. Brave Sir Forsyth, relegated to the back lines in Python’s own armor the last round, consecrated to the Goddess to ease wounds the next. A part of Forsyth wants to rush forward and support Owain in his onslaught, and a year or two ago, he might have done just that.

Instead, he turns to Eirika. The poor girl carried them on her wyvern’s back the last round, and she looks ready to charge into battle yet again.

Forsyth uses Recover on Eirika! 1d20 = 13, +8 HP to Eirika (10/10 HP)

“Thank you, Lady Eirika.” Forsyth pats her on the back, letting healing magic flow. “We shall vanquish our foes, and I will not allow you to fall again!”

A bold statement, but Forsyth’s never been one to shy away from such proclamations. Their foe is fearsome and strange indeed, haunted paintings protecting a shadowy artist, but he has faith in his team. They will prevail!

“Thank you, sir,” Eirika replies, jolted forward by the hand clapping against her back. Her arms pitch forward slightly to steady herself before she steps forward, and out of the way, lest it happen again. “Watch my back, friends. I promise not to disappoint.”

Her eyes are drawn to the strange, sepia tone portrait of a man being hanged as a public spectacle. Something about it, the man’s humiliated expression and the morbid joy of the crowd makes her stomach twist uncomfortably. It disgusts her, frankly and the longer she looks upon it, the more her blood boils. She supposes it will make as good a target as any.

Excalibur, she had known it as Jehanna’s sacred tome and yet she finds it in her own hands. Little made sense in this dream world however, and Eirika was learning, slowly but surely, to simply accept what came her way.

Eirika attacks Portrait of the Hanged Man with Excalibur Roll 2d20: 20, 13! Crit and hit. 12 damage dealt to Portrait of the Hanged Man Portrait of the Hanged Man’s Miracle triggers. All further attacks are nullified. Portrait of the Hanged Man has 0.5/10 HP remaining. Portrait of the Hanged Man sacrifices itself. Heals all other paintings for 5HP Portrait of the Hanged Man has been defeated (??)

Despite her preference for swordplay, magic seems to sing for her as a barrage of wind flows from her. Tears through canvas as easily as any blade would. Pride flickers across her face only to be replaced by an expression of true horror. It falls not by her hand but it’s own, before being devoured by the Portrait of the Sword. Eyes wide she steps back towards her teammates but cannot tear away her gaze.

“I can’t believe what I’m seeing... please be careful. These are no ordinary enchanted paintings.”

@making-dough​

[luneirika]

raiden turn the game console off right now! | team 9 iron round

making-dough​:

♠  - The stray missile was followed shortly by a series of loud bangs as the smaller ‘mechs’ began to explode one after another. What followed next was nothing but confusion as the arena filled with a massive cloud of smoke. 

The Radio Scouts begin to explode! Farina takes 8 Damage from the series of explosions.  Farina HP: 1.5/10

Somehow, she was still standing by the time the dust cleared. Coughing, slightly singed and very much not alright but still standing. Barely from the feel of things but holding. “Gah! Ack! Why?”. she groaned weakly, giving voice to her sheer disagreement with so many things blowing up around her. Which probably was half the point of them exploding in the first pla..which was roughly the point the mercenary mentally told her tactical side to shut up, she doesn’t want to hear it. “Ugh! Soo…any of you still alive back there?”, Farina managed to call out. She didn’t hear a long-winded speech in return so that likely meant Mister Show-off Dark is down. Well, at least all those explosions looked like they’ve been taking their toll on the bigger ‘mech’ as well. Just about the only good thing in this scenario. Well, that and at least one of its accompanying ‘drones’ looked like it was about to blow as well.

…

Oh, she was seriously going to regret this, Farina mentally declared as she raised her bow once more. If she can get that ‘drone’ to explode closer to the metal giant, she might be able to hurt it more than them. Might, being the operative word here. Well, it wasn’t as though she had much of a better plan here. “Oh, I hate you so so much.”, she managed to mutter as she once again took aim and fired.

Farina attacks Radio Scout A with Shining Bow. - 12(+4)! Hit! - Deals 2 damage to the Radio Scout. Farina heals 2 HP from damage dealt.

Radio Scout A cannot counterattack!

Farina attacks Radio Scout A again - 10(+4)! Hit! - Deals 2 damage to the Radio Scout. Farina heals 2 HP from damage dealt. Radio Scout A has been destroyed.

Her shots, a pair of energy bolts, struck true this time, causing the struck ‘drone’ to stop in its movements and begin to glow an eerily familiar glow. She’s had these things blow up on her way too many times this round to not attempt to duck and, uh, try to secure some (non-existent) cover. Well, least she could do was duck, anyway. “Oh, it’s gonna blow!”

Radio Scout A explodes! Dealt 3 Damage to the Alloy Arsenal! Dealt 2 damage to Scout B! Dealt 2 damage to Scout B! Dealt 1 Damage to Farina!

Alloy Arsenal HP: 9/20

Scout B HP: 8/10

Scout C HP: 7/10

Farina HP: 4.5/10

As the dust from the explosion cleared once more, Farina picked herself up and surveyed the damage. Looks like the bigger ‘mech’ (not to mention, its compatriots) took more of the blast this time than they did, which meant things went as planned. For once. Is it enough? Are they done with this dream? Well, she just had one request to whatever gods were in charge of this dream. Please, no more explosions next time.

Her lips twist into a jagged snarl as Owain falls. Eirika wants to scream, shout, swear bloody vengeance for their sweet, silly friend who had kept their spirits buoyant for so long. Amidst the chaos and confusion though, there’s little she can do beyond clinging to the reins of her pegasus for dear life, desperate not to fall. The dust settles and she grips her lance as tight as she can.

Blessed Lance restores 1HP Eirika has 6/10 HP remaining.

When the smaller, twisted monsters formed from scrap metal explode, they injure friend and foe alike. It may well be the only way to chip through the Alloy Arsenal’s supreme armour.

It’s a reckless move, one far more her brother’s style than her own. Twisting the lance in her hands, Eirika soars higher, gaining some much needed distance between herself and the enemy. Lining up her jabbing arm with the prize, she strikes, speeding down with the point of her lance focussed upon her target.

Eirika uses Hit and Run against Radio Scout C Roll d20+8: 10! Hit. Effective damage. 6 HP damage dealt. Radio Scout C has 4/10 HP Radio Scout C cannot counterattack Eirika follow-ups with Blessed Lance Roll d20+6: 21! Hit. Effective damage. 5 HP damage dealt. Radio Scout C has been defeated. Radio Scout C explodes.

Continuing with her momentum she strikes again before racing away. It’s not enough to get off scot-free, but she’s able to mitigate most of the blast with distance. Eirika curses under her breath as the heavily armoured behemoth escapes with little more than a few scratches.

Alloy Arsenal loses 1 HP 12/20 HP remaining Eirika loses 1 HP 5/10 HP remaining

-round end!​

[luneirika]

raiden turn the game console off right now! | team 9 iron round

making-dough​:

Only some quick reflexes and some speedy ducky and rolling had saved her from the worst of the blast, although just about nothing could save her from the huge cloud of smoke kicked up by the explosion. “Ack! Hack!”, she managed to cough out, waving her hands back and forth as if trying to wave away the smoke. 

“Okay, didn’t expect that.”, she admitted as the cloud finally started to disappear. “The rest of you, alright?”, she asked, checking her allies’ health. In fairness, that explosion looked a big one. Also, in fairness, expecting something to be crazy enough blow itself up as its first move was a bit much to ask. Still, if they’re going to nice enough to destroy themselves for them, well, she wasn’t about to refuse. It’d make this battle way faster, anyway. And the other two smaller ‘mechs’ look decently banged up to boot. Perfect!

Well, just in case they decide to try the exploding thing again, well, she’s got a bow. May as well pick them off from range and keep those things from exploding too close to them. “Like taking candy from a baby.”, Farina smirked to herself as she raised her bow once more, took aim at the most banged-up-looking of the smaller ‘mechs’, drew and fired. 

Farina attacks new Radio Scout C with Shining Bow - 20(4)! Crit! - Dealt 4 damage to the Radio Scout. Farina restored 4 HP from damage dealt. 

The Radio Scout cannot counterattack.

Farina attacks new Radio Scout C with Shining Bow again - 3(+4)! Hit! - Dealt 2 damage to the Radio Scout. Farina restored 2 HP from damage dealt. Radio Scouts HP (A, B, C): 2/10, 3/10, 4/10

Farina HP: 9.5/10

What ended up taking her shots was not the mech she was originally targeting but a newer drone that had ended up popping out of the metal giant, sailed through the air and ended up right in the path of her attacks. There was a slight nervous twitch in her eyebrow. Well, that ended up explaining why they were so willing to blow them up. They simply had the numbers to make that plan work. 

“Oh, you have got to be kidding me.”, the mercenary groaned at the sight. Well, this round was turning out to be a long game of whack-a-mole. Guess the most they could do at this stage was get ready for when those things start exploding again. 

@luneirika​ or @viridescent-lance​

Her arms quiver under the stress of the blows that rain down on her. Teeth clenched, Eirika does all she can to stay aloft, clinging to the reins of her pegasus for dear life. The lance almost slips out of her hands, caught just within her fingertips.

Blessed Lance restores 1HP to Eirika Eirika has 3/10 HP remaining.

Odin approaches, a healing spell at the ready. Turquoise eyes flutter closed in relief. Injuries recover at a rapid pace, the shaking of her arms slows to a standstill and her energy rushes back to her. The colour returns to her face and she flashes Odin a bright smile in thanks. “That’s much better, thank you. What would we ever do without you?” The benefits of fighting alone fall from view, but Eirika decides to pass on the good favour to an injured teammate before preparing their counter attack.

Odin casts Recover on Eirika Roll d20:6! 6 HP recovered Eirika has 9/10 HP remaining

“Sir Forsyth? You’re hurt, hold a moment please,” her last attempt at healing had been... frankly embarrassing. Eirika was relieved a certain princess of Rausten hadn’t caught her in the act. Heart buoyant with gratitude though, she channels that into her spellcraft. “This should help, if only a little.”

Eirika casts Recover on Forsyth Roll d20:20! 8 HP recovered Forsyth has 10/10 HP remaining

This time however, her works is more than satisfactory. It’s impossible to fight back a prideful grin as she places a hand lightly on his shoulder.

“Give them hell, sir.”

[luneirika]

raiden turn the game console off right now! | team 9 iron round

Feathered wings beat rhythmically beneath her, keeping her both afloat and her nerves from fraying. The arena hasn’t changed at all but where one foe once stood now are four. Her head still aches from the cold and the deep slumber she had been pulled beneath. One she feared would never end. Her right hand clasps around the weapon she holds, not her reliable, trusted sword but a lance. Just like Ephraim and Tana. 

She can do this, she’s sure of it. The lance seems to respond to fond thought of her brother and best friend as warmth surges through her hand and into her body.

Blessed Lance restores 1 HP to Eirika Eirika has 6/10 HP remaining

With a steadying breath, she urges her pegasus to fly forward, carrying her over to Odin. Equipped with healing magic, she wonders if this too, is something she can make use of.

Eirika casts Recover on Owain Roll d20: 5! 3HP recovered Owain has 6/10 HP remaining

Eirika frowns, despondent and irritated by her meager display of skill. She’s never used white magic before but it feels as though the spell is trying to taunt her. Regardless, some of the colour returns to Odin’s face, a sign that his wounds are healing at least. “I’m sorry, that seems to be the limit of my ability right now,” Eirika confesses, struggling to look the man in the eyes. “Please, be cautious. We cannot do this without you.”

@making-dough, @viridescent-lance & @teneguine

[luneirika]

Eat your heart out, Eusine! - Team 9 Bronze Round

teneguine​:​

1, 2, and… … … Ta-da! 

Odin forgot how to use Thunder.

And…

…Odin learned Ice Punch!

“Struggling with the cold? HAH! Foolish mortals!” A booming voice marks the entrance of another, its heroic lilt easily mistaken for madness. “Oberon Dark has no such weakness! Where i go, hailstorms follow. I am the abominable frost tree of devastation; the peaceful mountain hermit turned mega blizzard cannon!“

But really, he’s just a blonde dude in monk robes. The guy doesn’t even have a weapon with him. No sword to brandish, no lance to twirl in the air, no bowstring to ruin with fancy tricks. He appears to possess only the clothes on his back, his hands folding over his chest for a lack of other options. Yet as he alluded to earlier, he is unbothered by the cold. Surely this, too, is a mark of his strangeness.

“Step aside!” he shouts, striding to the shimmering beast with more confidence than care, “I will show you how it’s done! With my Subzero Slammer, not even the very heavens themselves stand a chance against me!” 

Odin uses Fading Blow! Roll 2d20 = 6 and 1, miss and miss! -0 HP; Aurora Beast 2.5/10 HP

Frost wraps around an open palm, bestowing it with the fortitude of an iceberg, and the strength of a thrown iceberg. Dark’s fingers then curl into a mighty fist, his opposite hand doing the same once it has been sufficiently charged with cold. And finally, he is ready to strike. Steps break into full sprint as he makes for the monster, his hands brought to the sides of his head to punch…

…and they miss. 

Each punch thrown is met with the swift poise of Odin’s foe. It darts backwards against the first, and sideways against the second, when he tries to add more lunge to his hit to cover for a backstep. It has outsmarted him, this beast. And as he tries to fade away after his attack, it decides to show him the real power of ice.

Aurora Beast uses Howling Winds! Roll 1d20 = 17, crit! -5 HP; Odin 5/10 HP

Odin is frozen!

Winds sharper than razors whip up at his feet and assault his body. With one fierce roar, they explode into diamond dust, chilling even his bones and gnawing away at whatever flash it can. Odin’s arms freeze up. Then his legs, then his chest… Soon it is only his mouth that retains motion, and even then, it is a chattering mess as he speaks,

“H-hey… Guys? Did s-s-someone… Open a window in here??” 

UP NEXT: @making-dough​

What a fool she was, to rest on her laurels so. Convinced she had dodged the brunt of the brute’s attack, Eirika fell back to catch her breath and prepare herself to continue the fight. Thinking she was out of the beast’s line of sight, she had allowed her guard to drop. An amateur mistake.

It finds her, corners her with sharp fangs and roaring winds. Eirika tries to steady herself, tries to prepare a spell but finds herself frozen mid-chant. Quite literally, as a blizzard catches her, draining her strength as swiftly as one snuffs out a candle. Her limbs refuse to obey her, she cannot run and she cannot hide. Wide-eyed and terrified, there’s nothing she can do but stare in horror, screams muffled by ice as the beast wreaks havoc on her teammates. 

Aurora Beast attacks Eirika with Howling Winds Roll d20: 20! Critical hit. 5HP damage Eirika has 3.5/10 HP remaining. Eirika is frozen!

Someone, somewhere, calls out to her. Wants to save her, but Eirika knows it’s already too late.

Aurora Beast is under 50% HP. Aurora Beast attacks with Surging Waves. Frozen status guarantees a critical hit against Eirika. -4HP.

A cyclone of snow, ice and wind crashes into her, tearing at skin and shattering the ice that held her in it’s tight embrace. Finally, her scream is liberated for all to hear as she drops to the ground, pale and unmoving.

Eirika has been defeated.

@viridescent-lance​

[luneirika]

Eat your heart out, Eusine! - Team 9 Bronze Round

lionsword​:

Roy was so confused.

He was staring down a creature that though beautiful, was using its icy, captivating form to attack him and everyone around him. Their surroundings were not the sort of frigid tundra this creature belonged in… no, it was more like a coliseum. A staged battle. Alright, yes. He’d volunteered for this, he remembered.

So why was he holding a jar of honey?

He glanced around, trying to ground himself. No sword, not even an axe or lance was lying around. Roy kept glancing between the honey jar and the giant ice beast, trying to make things add up. He could throw it, but…

There was another object, in a satchel at his side. By the weight and shape of it, he had a decent sense of what it was. A weapon.

Roy withdrew the tome carefully, as if uncertain if it would explode if he held it wrong. Cecilia had told him he didn’t much have the aptitude for magic, though he’d always wanted to try. The beast roared and icy winds blew around them, hitting a girl on his team. The tome in his hands practically glowed with warmth, as though Roy was holding a warm beverage. The solution was clear, if he could sustain it. The tome even seemed like it wanted to be used, urging him to open it. Fire.

He opened the tome and to his own surprise, read an incantation he’d never studied, the runes simply making their meanings known to him and the sounds familiar on his tongue once his eyes traced over them.

Roy Fire roll: 9, hit. With bonuses, -3HP. Aurora Beast HP: 5.5/10.

Roy stared with amazement as he conjured a fireball, knowing full well that it was only due to the nature of the arena that he’d understood the tome at all. It would take studying and practice to be able to so much as light a candle in reality, he knew. Still, it had almost felt like his Binding Blade, the energy within obeying his command when he drew upon it.

He was too amazed to dodge properly when the beast again sent a blizzard of wind at him, the screech of it pounding against his eardrums.

Aurora Beast Howling Wind Roll: 11, hit, -2.5HP to Roy. Roy HP: 7.5/10.

He grimaced but stayed standing, clutching the warm tome to his chest.

“Don’t worry about me, I’m alright. We can do it, everyone!” Anything was possible, apparently.

Instinctively, Eirika wraps her arms around herself to fight off the chill. Where was she? How had she got here and who were these people?? Vaguely, she recognises a few faces from around the academy but-- hold that thought.

A beast approaches - far more beautiful than any of the monsters and undead beings that had plagued Magvel, that much was for certain. It’s very presence however seemed to invite the snowfall around them, slowly sapped her of energy with it’s icy aura. Part of her wishes to stay, transfixed by the ever changing lights that danced around it. Wind and snow whip around them in a flurry though as it bites with rushing gales. If it means them harm, then she must act.

Before she steps forth though, her hand reaches out for the red-haired young man. He insisted he was fine of course but she couldn’t help but worry.

“It’s okay, I’ll take it from here. Take a moment to catch your breath, you did splendidly.” It’s her turn now, to push it further back. Already, she feels an urge to protect these people, without even knowing their names. Eirika prepares her spell, trying to keep her nerves at bay. Just like Lyon taught you, simple and easy.

Eirika had never actually fought with magic though, despite her friend’s encouragement. The praise heaped upon her. It was now or never.

Releasing swarm, a hive of dark entities race from her hands, colliding with the Aurora Beast. Their energy shoves it backwards several paces and leaves it reeling in disarray. It takes a while for it to get back to it’s feet and when it does, it lunges at her with Howling Winds. Eirika isn’t quite fast enough to dodge it full, but it grazes her side, leaving her teeth clenched and brow furrowed.

Eirika attacks Aurora Beast with Swarm Roll d20+2: 9! Hit 1.5 damage Aurora Beast counters with Howling Winds Roll d20: 7! Barely Hit 1.5 damage Eirika has 8.5/10 HP remaining Aurora Beast has 4/10 HP remaining

It isn’t too painful, smarting only slightly. It’s her pride as a swordswoman that is really bruised as she retreats to the backline.

“It’s weakened! Be cautious, that means it’s also desperate.”

@viridescent-lance​

[luneirika]

dungeon dice monsters

There’s a new game taking the school population by storm. It involves collecting small art prints of various monsters controlled by powerful summoners with spells and traps. They can be combined to form decks to be pitted against other players in head-on battles. Are you interested in playing and collecting? Or are you perhaps more interested in grabbing the rarest, powerful cards and selling them for a profit? [Grants Authority +1]

A new craze had seized Garreg Mach, one that had managed to pique Eirika’s interest. At first it had been the art on the cards that had attracted her, drawn her here to the marketplace in order to buy her own set. Sat inside a small cafe, the swordswoman sips on a cup of coffee whilst carefully reading over the descriptions of each card and it’s effects. A cursory glance told her that using them in battle required both luck and strategy. If only she had someone to play with. As if on cue, a familiar face sits down at the table next from her. Lifting her head, Eirika smiles gently and waves.

“Pelleas, is that you? It’s been quite a while,” she says softly, not wishing to disrupt the quiet atmosphere of the place. Still, it was quite exciting to see a familiar face. “I hope you’ve been well. It’s nice to see you again.”

“Would you like to sit together? I can move these out of the way if you like.” Eirika offers, already gathering her cards back together. She pauses, hands mid sweep, when she spots the deck of cards in his own hands. It seems she wasn’t the only one bitten by the Dungeon Dice Monsters bug.

“Ah, unless you’d like to play a little while? I’m a complete novice but it would be nice to learn the ropes with a friendly face. Assuming you aren’t otherwise preoccupied of course! If you have better things to do, please don’t let me keep you.”

“I’m just glad to see you again!”

@pirrhyc

[luneirika]

disney princess storybook tea party playset

arcaeda​:

“oh…. i’m terribly sorry for your losses. war is a horrible thing. it takes far too much from far too many people.” she knows from experience, so it is easy to place herself in eirika’s shoes— to show genuine empathy and compassion for the woman. she’s not quite sure what eirika has lost but she can take quite a few guesses. “my beloved’s home was once ravaged by war as well, and i fought by his side during that time. so i know how devastating it can be. i am sure that you are not alone eirika—and i’m also sure the people of renais wholeheartedly support you.”

the pegasus knight’s chest rises and falls with the weight of the conversation, and eventually her shoulders fall from their previous rigid state. “phew—right then. that’s quite a heavy topic. i think it would do us better to look to the future with this tasseomancy stuff now, don’t you agree?” her previously grief stricken gaze is replaced with brighter eyes in attempt to move the conversation to something more positive. “have you done this before? this is my first time even hearing of the concept.”

“Indeed, let’s focus on lighter topics. Besides, we must focus on this seminar if we hope to learn anything. Hmm, I have tried of tasseomancy before. With a dear friend of mine actually,” L’Arachel had insisted upon reading her tea leaves many a time before. Pointing out odd shapes and objects and assigning meanings that seemed to change every time. It would perhaps be unfair to suggest that she made it up as she went along but it was definitely in the princess of Rausten’s nature to be mercurial. “She’s a little eccentric, her descriptions often seemed rather fanciful. Oh, but she’s a wonderful person with a heart of gold! Truthfully, I think rather than reading the leaves, she was telling me what I needed to hear.”

The fingers of her left hand graze the guidebook, as her right reaches out for the cup. Eirika takes a cautious sip at first, testing the heat, before letting herself truly enjoy the floral notes. Her shoulders drop from their tense, upright position as the sweet scent of roses floods her lungs.

“At least we have the guide to help us. Hmm...” Eirika flicks a few pages near the front, skimming the text for instructions. “It says we should drink between three quarters and nine tenths of the cup before draining it on a saucer. We must flip it quickly and turn it three times anticlockwise.”

[luneirika]

disney princess storybook tea party playset

arcaeda​:

“i don’t believe that a selfish thought. not one bit.” caeda easily inserts herself, voice carrying her confidence with it. “to simply want to be treated as any other person is not selfish at all. it’s quite important actually— to me at least.”” she chuckles, waving off any  potential awkwardness.

“you do not need to apologize, eirika!” she shakes her head in fond exasperation. though, the pegasus knight perks up at the mention of her homeland, archanea. “as for my reason for being here, it’s the same as anyone else’s i would think. i know that studying here would be a great benefit to me… and my beloved also attends the academy as well. it is only natural i follow him.” a warm smile graces her features thinking of marth, and her hand settles against her teacup, cupping it gently so as not to burn herself. “you said you were of renais? what is it like where you come from?”

Caeda’s words are spoken with sincerity and quiet confidence. They touch Eirika’s heart in spite of her own misgivings. Even if Eirika doubts she deserves such kindness. Drumming her fingers lightly against the table, she smiles sheepishly

“You’re very kind, Caeda. Remarkably so,” her hand pauses in it’s movements as she lifts it up, tucking a strand of hair out of her face as she listens. Watches as Caeda’s face alights with joy and her tone softens when she speaks of her beloved. It’s almost enough to strike a chord of jealousy within her, but Eirika pushes those feelings down as swiftly as they arise. Instead she focuses her attention on Caeda’s delight. “Oh, you’re here with your beloved? You simply must tell me all about him! Heehee, I’m sure your tea leaves will reveal a blissful future for the two of you.”

“Renais is a wonderful place. The lands are beautiful and the people filled warmth and good cheer. Or at least, they used to be - things have been difficult in recent years. War takes the most from those with least to give,” Eirika allows her heartache to show clearly for a moment. The grief she felt for her subjects, for her friends, for the loss of her father was palpable. Yet there was no sense dwelling in despair, for it would not mend that which had been broken, or bring back those who were lost. A shy, quiet smile comes to her face. “Our people are resilient though. Renais is recovering, which is why I’m here. To learn what I need in order to lead our people, no, the people of Magvel, to a bright future.”