Magicae Tenebris

#“of course you meant to do that.” [threads]#magicaetenebris #tomestudyholic #kliff fire emblem #lysithea fire emblem #support: lysithea

Mmm … this is a pretty good snack to be walking around with. Slightly sweet but also savory … I might have to pick some up.

The pair of young and admittedly younger mages slipped their way through the halls of the monastery, stepping and steering almost as if it were a playground game of hide and seek. The once tight, narrow, even claustrophobic halls now seemed like towering passages leading to a great dungeon boss. It’s amazing what a slight change in perspective can do to your general outlook.

What the younger mage also noticed (unsurprisingly yet also mildly disappointing) was the fact that the rest of the path to the library was also filled with children. Perhaps, however, the one place society recognized as a spot for quiet would remain as such even in this chaos. Of course, even if it was, their mission to discover any information about said chaos …

It’s entirely unlikely we’ll find anything, like … “she” said earlier. I doubt this has ever happened before.

“We haven’t properly introduced ourselves, have we? I’m Kliff.”

Kliff was grateful that his newfound ally hadn’t been babying him just because he de-aged—she honestly looked a bit young herself, but not that much younger than the young mage was meant to be.

Good. This would make her easier to talk to.

“… thanks. For the thing. It was good, and I might get some for myself.”

kids don't watch kids [any +1]

tomestudyholic

Lysithea was... not sure what happened, really.

She heard the sounds of children in the dorms - voices lighter than her own, and...

...

...Was it bad to laugh first thing when she heard what happened?

Because she did.

A lot.

"Y-you're telling me... almost half the students and staff... are kids now?"

'Oh, you're so naive.'

'Oh, you're so childish'

'You'll see the system makes more sense when you grow up.'

Ha! Ha! Ha! Look at them, those who called her immature, called her a kid, called her incapable of doing what she wanted to do.

Even younger than her!

After getting out her (deserved) laughs at the goddess (if she even did any shit,) finally siding with her, Lysithea immediately recognized the consequences. And they were dire.

"Ok..."

Standing outside her dormroom, Lysithea tries to rack her brain on what to do - this could pose a problem if there's no way to undo it. There's so many important people attending the monastery, and if they stay aged down, that'd put almost every noble house a decade behind schedule. And that threatens complete anarchy.

"..."

Well, there's one of them. From what the staff told her, the kids had... varied recollections - some woke up like it was another day, others awoke as if they were the people they were back then.

"...What do you remember from last night?"

Lysithea asks tentatively, trying to see if this is someone she needs to send to the staff, or someone she can actually find some answers from.

#“of course you meant to do that.” [threads]#magicaetenebris #tomestudyholic #kliff fire emblem #lysithea fire emblem

It appeared the academy had already sent to people to handle the issue, staff and students alike, as the young mage happened upon another young mage (although one could only assume the title of “young” wasn’t particularly applicable as of the moment). She was short … or tall—it was fairly difficult to tell, but the mage had a face that said she stood on her own ground. At least the first “caretaker” he had encountered seemed to be someone he could level with. She began not with an introduction, but got straight to business.

Someone he could level with indeed.

“Well, I remember it being a typical day. I was … up late studying magic as usual, so I went to bed pretty late. I only ended up like this after waking up, though.”

Kliff stared forth with a newfound curiosity, a curiosity that perhaps had been birthed from his newfound youth, and had come to a resolution.

“My goal for today is to find out why!”

The younger mage began to march down the dorm halls, taking big strides as if to appear larger, before being interrupted by a thunderous growl loud enough to be heard over all the adolescent uproar.

“Perhaps that can wait until after breakfast, though. That said …

“They don’t really let kids into the kitchen, do they ..?”

to go further beyond [faith +1]

#“of course you meant to do that.” [threads]#magicaetenebris #beholdenning #kliff fire emblem #denning fire emblem

Students weren’t meant to handle such staves. Higher level spells and tools were mostly kept for those who had experience enough to wield them—and with good reason. Even if students were technically capable of wielding such a staff had they proven their merit, the young mage was most certainly not one of them.

And yet here he was with the curious mind that defined him holding a staff that he had managed to sneak out of the academy’s stores. It had already been tested to a degree, but most of the tests had resulted in fairly strong reactions from those who received its power, earning it a dangerous label. Nevertheless, Kliff sought to crack the code behind this mysterious staff and curve the staff’s effects more favorably towards its wielder, hence why he temporarily borrowed one and made his way to the wilderness surrounding Garreg Mach.

At first, he tested it on animal’s of varying degrees. When cast on smaller fish, they managed to compete with larger ones. Rabbits jumped higher and birds flew faster. In all cases it appeared to increase physical ability, just like the academy’s reports. And just like the academy’s reports, each animal had a tendency to start conflict with even its own kind.

… but this is no good. I can’t debunk the anger issues without understanding their thought process. It’d only work if I could speak with the creature that ends up going wild.

And that means I need a creature that can speak in the first place.

But for now, the young mage would elect to continue exploring its effects on other subjects, shifting his focus to larger creatures. He had managed to hunt down a lone deer, unaware of his approach. Kliff knelt in the low-hanging bushes, staff in hand, and began to chant the incantation.

The steel grew hotter and hotter, almost as if the tool itself was burning with rage. His mumbles were soft, but the earth began to rumble beneath his feet. The power radiating from the staff was so strong that the flora around the young mage shifted as if consciously cowering in fear.

A final word was met by a ring of magic bursting forth towards the creature, but perhaps the sounds of rustling petals caught the beast's attention, as it just barely dove out of the spell’s path. The deer made a hasty getaway, and the ring flashed deeper into the foliage, marking its spot on a separate area altogether.

Agh, I missed it … maybe I’ve played around with this thing enough. I think I’ll head back.

But just as the thought arose, sounds of motion within the trees grew louder and louder—closer and closer. Maybe the young mage would have his second shot.

kids don't watch kids [any +1]

#“of course you meant to do that.” [threads]#magicaetenebris #tomestudyholic #kliff fire emblem #lysithea fire emblem

People often tend to revisit memories of their own childhoods wishing that they could perhaps return to those easier times. Less responsibilities, always receiving what you needed without much work—it was an ideal time where one could focus on their growth, at least for most. Kliff didn’t have many fond memories that led him to wish for a return to the past, as he believed that being older came with more intellectual respect and freedom to pursue various studies. To him, it was an advantage to be older.

However, for the first time in a few years, the young mage had woken up and found himself to be … well, for lack of a better word, young. He sat up in his bed, and it seemed infinitely more vast than before. He sank into the ocean of sheets that typically was never that soft. He rubbed his eyes, eager to wash away the illusions of a dreary mind, and slid to the edge of the bed.

But as he began to stand, his feet began to fall. Much further than he was used to.

What is going on right now ..?

The young mage rummaged around his room, searching his many jackets for his old pocket mirror, each one seeming a little bit more oversized than the last. After around four different outfits, he finally managed to pluck the old looking glass, and upon opening it he witnessed something he never imagined he’d see again.

Is that me? I look like …

“I look like a child—! … And my voice is weird, too.”

I guess I ought to go find someone to ask about this, huh? But how did this happen in the first place …

Of course, the young mage would think on the move, throwing on a not-so-medium white t-shirt and some shorts and reaching towards the door out of his dorm and into the monastery halls. But as he opened the towering entryway, the sounds of cries and giggles and worried calls rang out.

It appeared he wasn’t the only one, but that only made him all the more interested in how this issue arose in the first place.

warriors of the mind

…aka Kliff and Valter playing Chess ( The Board )

“ Hm? Is that so? ”

He laughs, amused by the boy’s prior assessment of him. Wits and cunning were his preferred method, but if his enemies expected him to be naught more than a brute—it wasn’t the reputation he would like to have, but it was always particularly vicious to have one underestimated stab you whilst your eyes were averted.

“ Most here aren’t the sort, ” he remarks, thinking of some choice individuals in particular.

Pawn is set forward, and knight imagines the next move to be one of a few—most likely, a fianchetto was in the books. (A good move to strengthen, so long as it was played at the right time.) Valter was ahead, if just slightly—he would capitalize on that momentum.

Valter plays c3.

A simple pawn push with a plethora of options following. It is only then that Moonstone replies to the mage.

“ It is a game of wits; it is war diluted into wood upon a board. ” A note to ponder the second query. “ As for why I’m here, ”—(a roll of his eyes)—“ my roommates are boring. ”

Well, that was kind to them. (His dislike was much worse than he was advertising.)

#“of course you meant to do that.” [threads]#magicaetenebris #knighteclipsed #kliff fire emblem #valter fire emblem #TOAHappyland2024

So he was the witty type. The young mage found it unsurprising, given his almost ghastly air, but it was interesting nevertheless. And the game was getting interesting as well.

“I take it you're not like most people here—neither am I, though I wouldn’t say I can judge myself.”

The tactics would truly begin to unfold with the next move. Either take more control, or play more defensive. The young mage found aggressive games entertaining to read, but he wasn’t particularly good at playing them himself. The move was obvious.

Kliff plays bg7.

A fianchetto is the play here. Threatening his knight would be an interesting idea, but I don’t know how I would follow that up.

The young mage slid his pegasus down a step, being careful to ensure it didn’t topple over as he placed it down.

He wasn’t aware of how exactly the lunar knight would like to play, so playing his own game was his only option.

warriors of the mind

…aka Kliff and Valter playing Chess ( The Board )

“ We’re talking to each other already, aren’t we? ” (Not to mention that Valter was unafraid of any threat a child could seek to pose.) “ But seeing as we’re teammates, I don’t see why not. ”

Pawn seeks to control the center, and in another circumstance, he might’ve considered a weaker move—but this was not his preferred way to start a game, and he would rather keep things even than let his opponent take the lead so quickly and so clearly.

(The boy calls himself Kliff, a mage—one who uses knowledge to fight. That was not so different from the tactical application of a sword or spear; but it means it’s unsurprising that he would favor such a game of clever sharpness.)

There is only one correct move, truly, and so the pegasus moves to recapture.

Valter plays Bxd4.

“ My name is Valter…, ”—(a twinkle in his eye as wood meets the board)—“ …a fellow rat. ”

#“of course you meant to do that.” [threads]#magicaetenebris #knighteclipsed #kliff fire emblem #valter fire emblem #TOAHappyland2024

“A rat as well? I do think I caught a glimpse of you when we first landed, but, to be honest, you didn’t necessarily strike me as the … intellectual type.”

The lunar knight played a fairly straightforward move, but this marked the end of the young mage’s own knowledge of the opening. Naturally, using the book would be cheating as he was no longer practicing—this was a genuine game. Kliff did what he thought was best in playing a solid game—his board was weak and underdeveloped, so naturally he needed to catch up. His next move would prepare for that change.

He slowly raised the wooden piece, before pausing a moment to genuinely take in his opponent’s nature. He couldn’t know much, but it was clear he was witty based on his prior response. Maybe he was invested in tricks, and that’s what drew him in? Maybe he was just fond of games in general? Or maybe he just moved the pieces on the board in a way that appeared to make sense. But of course, assumptions wouldn’t get Kliff anywhere, so he decided to just ask.

“I’m curious. What got you into chess?”

Kliff plays g6.

“And while you’re at it, why are you even here? Most of the rats are back in their rooms. If you’ve confidence enough to just play a piece on a random person's board, surely you aren’t running away from the others for social reasons.”

warriors of the mind

…aka Kliff and Valter playing Chess ( The Board )

Enough of the roommates business.

Talk all they may about strength and capabilities and performance within the games, their final score hinged on more than just the four of them—which is not Valter’s real reason for leaving the room, but if he was asked, that was the answer he was going to provide. (In truth, he simply did not want to be in their company; he was moderately okay with one of them—Lambert?—at best. Nothing strong enough to keep him trapped there, that is to say.)

Eyes catch sight of another not too long after he leaves, settled at a table with a board and pieces (chess, it reminds him of, except, the two-player game, though begun, seemed to lack a second player). Perhaps everyone else was just busy, or the boy’s previous opponent had to leave suddenly and/or without purpose—regardless, there is just the boy (a fellow rat, judging by the green) and the way his gaze seemed so focused on the game.

Someone else who values wits, I see.

Moonstone approaches silent, examining the board from the side—purposefully outside of the rat’s periphery—before taking one of the white pieces (for the child faced the black side) and making a move of his own.

Valter plays O-O.

(Etiquette would have one ask before enacting such a maneuver; or at least, introduce themself, announce their presence.)

He doesn’t recognize the design of the pieces, but he knows the layout of the board, can deduce their reference by position and frequency. King and castle cross paths and Valter situates himself in the seat opposite his newfound opponent; only after it is played, he smiles:

“ Mind if I join in? ”

your turn, @magicaetenebris

#“of course you meant to do that.” [threads]#magicaetenebris #knighteclipsed #kliff fire emblem #valter fire emblem #TOAHappyland2024

The young mage left his roommates and upon ending his search for the lost girl, found himself alone once again. Nothing out of the ordinary, of course—he had planned for this sort of occasion. He might have even been hoping for it.

While magic was one of his favorite pastimes, Kliff also rather enjoyed tests of wits. The young mage found himself a nice, cool spot under a lone tree and rested himself on the grass. From his bag he pulled out one of the few things he had brought to entertain himself, a chess board he had acquired not too long ago.

Kliff began to arrange the pieces—armors, then knights, then pegasi, the rulers, and the gods, from left to right. The finely carved wood was cool to the touch, a nice break away from the island sun. While he wasn’t particularly skilled, Kliff had a keen interest in the challenging aspects of this game of wood and wits. The opening he was studying was reserved for masters, but that made it all the more enjoyable, and the young mage had every intention to learn all its variations.

First, give up the center. Then, solidify your own defense. Bring the knight to prepare a counter attack. Get more aggressive under pressure, develop normally, and trade the pieces. They have to retreat, and that’s your time to take the center back. And then …

He had already memorized a decent way in. The pieces glided into place like a perfectly designed light show, each spot methodically designed and carefully executed—not too fast, not too slow.

So engrossed was he that the young mage didn’t perceive the arrival of a new character into the area. He was tall, towering over the ants that lay upon the smooth wooden surface, and while he wasn’t particularly large, one could tell that he was firmly built. His rough appearance would suggest that the game in front of him was completely out of his tastes.

And yet, just as Kliff had placed his own hand over the armor knight to the far corner, the unknown figure lifted Mila and moved her two spaces over. Naturally, the young mage followed through with the move, drawing the piece across the board almost as smoothly as the rest of the game had flowed, but that didn’t mean that the young mage was any less surprised that the lunar knight had just played the best move according to the books.

“You can join in. But maybe an introduction should proceed? ‘Don’t talk to strangers’ and all that?”

The young mage followed with the last move that he knew by heart, securing control over the center game, but something told him this encounter was going to get a lot more interesting.

Kliff plays dxe4.

“I’m Kliff. A mage.”

pryings

𝙖 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙩𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙩 | TEAM RATS ; ROOM D

ulircursed

Knoll's statement is sufficient warning for Andrei to not outwardly startle when a figure hurls herself out form underneath one of the beds, but his eyes still widen at the sudden turn of events, hand twitching towards his bow in case their fourth proves hostile.

She, in fact, does not, flipping herself up and out of a window before any of them could do a thing to stop her. Not that Andrei would've, exactly. Why on earth would he seek to dictate whether everyone remains in the room or not?

(He does, in the flurry of movement, feel a spark of recognition. Isn't this the girl he saw at the Ethereal Ball? The unconscious one?? Somehow, some way, their current exchange seems to serve as what paltry explanation for the last he could possibly have gotten. Not that he asked for one in the first place.)

After a semi-incoherent explanation wailed through the open window, this 'Bernie' seemingly disappears into the wild, leaving a silence in her wake. A silence that Andrei feels compelled to fill when it begins to grow awkward.

"...I stand corrected." But really, he isn't, because they are now well and truly short a person in the dormitory. Walking over to the bed she'd occupied (underneath), Andrei plucks up the bear, inspecting it and finding nothing out of the ordinary. One of the girl's possessions, then, forgotten in the harried escape. He turns back to Knoll and Kliff.

"I imagine she would like this to be returned," he comments, "While her choice of sleeping arrangement is not something necessary to control... it might be helpful to have something on hand that might be exchanged for her cooperation, if we are ever in desperate need of it."

#“of course you meant to do that.” [threads]#magicaetenebris #pryings #hermidetta #ulircursed #kliff fire emblem #knoll fire emblem #bernadetta fire emblem #andrei fire emblem #toahappyland2024

… huh.

The young mage’s perception granted a keen awareness of the girl, but he never could have even imagined such an outcome—and he was a thinker. The grace with which she leapt through the window could only be compared to that of a dancer who had trained since birth, leaving everyone else in the room stunned.

But she had left something—a teddy bear—and the bow knight retrieved it once the shock had settled. In all truth, the young mage was rather unsurprised that one such as her held such a possession, but he was curious as to why she even came in the first place. Kliff considered himself an awkward person, but he could at least ignore people if needed. Then again, it wasn’t his place to worry about, even if he couldn’t help feeling a tiny bit bad for her …

“I can go after her … I’ll leave you two to the sleeping arrangements since this housing isn’t exactly 5 stars. I’ll take the floor if it comes to it—prioritize everyone else.”

The young mage set his stuff down in a relatively out-of-the-way corner and made for the exit.

… what am I about to do ..?

Do you recall the young mage’s thoughts regarding interaction? Well, he actually came with a minor intention of trying to break through his shell, so ignoring people (even if he wanted to) wasn’t necessarily on the table.

With a deep breath, Kliff prepared to go hunt down the lost roommate with one last take as he made his way out.

“You can if you want,” the young mage began, pointing towards the teddy bear, “but I’m not particularly sure taking that thing for ransom is the best way to deal with our own teammate.”

“Not my problem, though.”

Even on a beach island vacation, Camilla would find a way to keep her title of “juice lady.” Where she found the supplies, for both non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, or the cart she managed to hitch to Barbie to drag everything along with her was unimportant. It was juice time.

“Here dear! It’ll help you cool off.”🍹

The arrival was a fair bit loud, but now the young mage found himself tired out, sat with legs outstretched in the open grass. Just as he was imagining a fine glass of champagne, a lady approached him, offering a drink.

“Oh, thanks … what’s this about?”

Being approached by just anyone and being given a gift at first meeting was something new to Kliff, but he did accept the offer. He peered down into the cup first, swirling it around before taking a sip.

I’ve never liked orange juice … too sweet.

The young mage stared at the glass with a rather disappointed expression, but he drank it nonetheless. Upon finishing, he rose to his and dusted his clothing.

“Thanks again. I’m Kliff.”

#“don’t talk to me unless you need something.” [asks]#magicaetenebris #maligknightsthorns #kliff fire emblem #camilla fire emblem #toahappyland2024 #//(kliff is a bad child)

pryings

𝙖 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙩𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙩 | TEAM RATS ; ROOM D

ulircursed

Andrei can't shake the foreboding feeling that something is just... wrong.

It's the same prickle in the back of his spine when he is on the battlefield, an enemy's unseen eyes fixed on him from the shadows. His instincts had always tended to be sharp, so why did such a feeling persist with nothing to prompt it?

It's surely just paranoia. The unease that stemmed from being trapped on this months-long mission in the middle of the ocean had only compounded when he and the others were herded towards the straw huts, assigned to teams and welcomed to this... 'Happyland', as though offered some sort of enjoyable vacation. The word 'happy' had been repeated enough times to lose all meaning in the process. It's natural, Andrei thinks, to feel uneasy in such a surreal situation.

At the very least, he is not fully surrounded by unfamiliar, hostile faces. "My name is Andrei," he says, directing his introduction at the younger man who had yet to speak, "And I am a Bow Knight." Surely, it is clear from such a statement what skills he could offer if necessary, even if there is no battle on the horizon. They might have even seen him leading Buttermilk by the reins on the path here. With no one having protested the horse's presence and nowhere else to safely leave him, the stallion is currently tied up a few feet away from their hut, grazing on what little foliage is present so close to the oceanside.

A creak of the floorboards has him suppressing a flinch — paranoia, mere paranoia, he repeats firmly to himself — before his eyes flicker around the room and towards the fourth bed. "We are short a person, are we not?" he comments, "It seems all the other rooms on our team were filled, from what I could see."

That would make fifteen of them, fighting for... happiness. What a foolish game they had been roped into.

The foreboding sensation of being watched lingers still.

@magicaetenebris

#“of course you meant to do that.” [threads]#magicaetenebris #hermidetta #pryings #ulircursed #kliff fire emblem #bernadetta fire emblem #knoll fire emblem #andrei fire emblem #toahappyland2024

This place was … interesting, to say the least. The Officer's Academy had sent people to help with construction, but it seemed that those tasks were already completed. From grand gazebos for the “Naughty or Nice” event to a worn out ancient temple for the “Stone Cog” challenge—they had even built residential areas, albeit temporary ones.

And they wanted the supposed-to-be workers to participate in a form of show? This is not what the young mage signed up for.

But alas, he was here, and he found himself in a room with three other participants; a dark mage, a bow knight, and … someone else (she appeared to be at a loss for words at the moment). Having gone through the list, it was now his turn to introduce himself.

“I'm Kliff. I'm just a mage, to be honest. Nothing fancy.” The young mage glanced around the room, recounting each person's stated strengths. “As for what I bring to the table … I'm fairly perceptive—but don't ask me to do much physical work.”

"Congratulations on surviving the arena." Mitama could not say the same for herself, but she would rather not acknowledge the lingering soreness that impacted her day. The sting of failure was enough, even if the team had won without her. "It was your first time participating, correct? A rather impressive display of skill, you should be proud."

[GOLD ROUND]

Arena was officially over. The young mage had managed to pass two out of three rounds of his first ever arena, which was supposedly fairly decent.

—At least, that’s what Mitama, one of his allies, had to say.

“To be fair, I did fall in the second round, so I’m not that different from everyone else. Plus, I was first in that one, so I might be to blame for that loss.”

—

“Thanks.”

“You did have some impact yourself—don’t discount your worth just because you couldn’t stay on your feet the whole time. I mean, if I took that axe to the face after just waking up, I think I’d lie back down, too.”

#“don’t talk to me unless you need something.” [asks]#magicaetenebris #verseandrhyme #kliff fire emblem #mitama fire emblem #support: mitama #TOAArena2024Summer

Citrinne keeps some distance from Kliff after he rises back up from his post-battle nap. She wonders if he minds her company, if the student is still tired from their recent battle. Still, she closes the distance between them slightly, enough to throw some praise that she believes is much deserved.

"Kliff, you never told me you hold skill in casting and bows alike!" Citrinne cheers. It is true that she knows little of the boy in the first place, even after two previous encounters. But to her, the art of magic and archery are night and day. At least, that's how she feels about it when she can barely get the bowstring to extend fully.

"Your marksmanship and blizzards were both invaluable assets to our victory. Can you continue to watch over us in the coming rounds?"

[BRONZE ROUND]

The dizziness the young mage was experiencing was finally beginning to wane. He hadn’t sustained any physical injuries, but the battle was tiring nonetheless.

If this is how all of arena is going to be, I don’t know what I’ll do.

As Kliff dusted himself off from his stay at Mother Mila’s hotel, one of his allies approached—the noble, Citrinne.

—She complimented Kliff’s skill with the variety of weapons he used that round.

“I did practice archery a small amount back home—I’m not that good, though. I hit a lucky shot.”

—

“Let’s not pretend you didn’t provide any value. Even without a weapon, your tactics helped us clean house. Though I would recommend standing behind your armed allies next time. You can count on me for that if nothing else. I did survive this round without taking a single hit.”

#“don’t talk to me unless you need something.” [asks]#magicaetenebris #mmoneystones #kliff fire emblem #citrinne fire emblem #support: citrinne #TOAArena2024Summer

hydrogen bomb vs. coughing baby

summer arena 2024 - gold round (team 13)

mmoneystones

The good news is that only one more foe remains, after Forde recovers from his previous magical blunder. The bad news? It comes at the cost of one of their forces, specifically the one that Emma had just managed to get back up.

"I don't suppose you have more of that reviving concoction?" Citrinne sighs as she asks the rhetorical question to Emma.

The blue-haired axe wielder strikes are harsh, but the noble is at the very least not concerned of Mitama's safety for the most part. If she is strong enough to endure one fatal blow, Citrinne can only hope that she can survive a second. Not that Citrinne wants Mitama to withstand that pain.

Nevertheless, with the green supporter down, the shadow of a blue woman is their final enemy. For the sake of Mitama and Emma, Citrinne hopes to make this quick.

Resonance activates! Citrinne 10/10HP hits Ashen Demon 10/10HP with Aureola! [Roll: 12; 2+1=-3HP; Ashen Demon 7/10HP] Citrinne 10/10HP takes -2HP of recoil! [Citrinne 8/10HP] Lifetaker activates! Citrinne 8/10HP recovers 3/2=1.5HP. [Citrinne 9.5/10HP] Resonance activates! Citrinne 9.5/10HP misses Ashen Demon 7/10HP with Aureola! [Roll: 3; -0HP; Ashen Demon 7/10HP] Citrinne 9.5/10HP takes -2HP of recoil! [Citrinne 7.5/10HP]

But perhaps she tries making it a bit too quick. Under the false hope that casting the spell thrice before, Citrinne goes for a double-shot of light magic to overwhelm the target. The first summon of light surrounds her enough to strike true. However, the second spell attempts to crush the opposing woman in holy light like the last two fallen foes. She must be a quick learner, as the same trick does not work thrice.

Along with that, the fatigue of constant magic use begins to pile onto her upon whiff. There is always the potential loss in adrenaline for underperformance...but this tiredness feels too real.

"Emma, Kliff!" Citrinne calls for the strength of her other allies to make up for the strength she lacks. "I must withdraw momentarily to collect myself. May I trust you to finish the job?"

@magicaetenebris @shiningfalcon Next!

#“of course you meant to do that.” [threads]#magicaetenebris #kliff fire emblem #TOAArena2024Summer

While the young mage may have been distracted early on into the battle, he was still vaguely aware of the threat posed by the Axe-Wielder. She had put Mitama on the ground in one blow and nearly brought her pegasus knight pair to the ground as well. It was with this knowledge that he had targeted the saint earlier, but now, the Ashen Demon was all that remained. Citrinne had already done a decent amount of damage, but the foe still stood tall. When the noble called out to the young mage and the blonde knight, Kliff took it upon himself to act first.

He now believed he truly grasped the purpose behind his set of weapons, and with that the ability to wield it. Of course, the only way he could truly test was to attempt to control—no, guide the lightning he had failed to earlier.

Kliff 10/10 HP strikes Ashen Demon 7/10 HP using Nova! [Hit: 21 = {19 + 2 [dex mod]}] — HIT! [Damage: 3 = {3}] [Hit: 21 = {19 + 2 [dex mod]}] — HIT! [Damage: 3 = {3}] Ashen Demon takes -6 HP [1/10 HP].

The young mage envisioned the point of contact and began to feel the surge. This time, however, he didn’t directly influence the arc of electricity. What began as a frantic charge gradually shifted to a growing wave of energy, until eventually the flood gates could no longer restrain it. The air crackled, followed by a sharp boom!—much more forceful than that of his first attempt. Rings of electricity burst from the target—her hair frazzled, clothes charred—but it wasn’t enough. Seemingly at the end of her strength, the Ashen Demon still brought out the counter attack.

Ashen Demon 1/10 HP counters Kliff 10/10 HP using Helswath! [Hit: 14 = {8 + 6 [dex mod]}] — HIT! [Damage: 5 = {4 + 1 [str mod]}] Kliff takes -5 HP [5/10 HP].

The blow was just as powerful as the young mage had expected, sending him reeling backwards.

Another one of those and I’m done for.

Both of the fighters were at risk of falling at their next encounter, and a stalemate was created as a result.

But the young mage had an advantage—the blonde knight was still in play.

Next. @renaisguy

hydrogen bomb vs. coughing baby

summer arena 2024 - gold round (team 13)

mmoneystones

Panic melts onto Citrinne's face as the newfound faculty friend solidifies herself as a newfound enemy by plunging her relic blade right into Mitama. Nothing fatal, fortunately, but the pinkette is unable to remain standing after the previous thrashing. The third of the opposition, another lady with sea blue hair, makes things worse with an axe throw toward Emma. She at least survives the encounter, though with some much deserved words of terror.

However, Citrinne removes some concern from her appearance after Emma serves as "Medic" of their team, pouring something into Mitama's mouth that snaps her right back up. The bride seems not too pleased to return so quickly, but the Brodian would prefer to fight by her side for just a little longer.

Unconsciously this desire is achieved, Mitama drawing aim at the illusionary Camilla. An arrow of light pierces her shoulders, leaving a bright mark that Citrinne believes she can capitalize on. Without another remark or delay, the sage proceeds to answer Mitama's selfish call.

Resonance activates! Citrinne 10/10HP critically hits Bewitching Beauty 7.5/10HP with Aureola! [Roll: 20; (2+1+2)*2=-10HP; Bewitching Beauty 0/10HP] Citrinne 10/10HP takes -2HP of recoil! [Citrinne 8/10HP] Lifetaker activates! Citrinne 8/10HP recovers 7.5/2=3HP. [Citrinne 10/10HP] Bewitching Beauty has been defeated!

"My apologies, Lady Camilla!" Citrinne devoutly cries in the unforeseen chance this truly is the same lady she only meant recently. But with a silent cast and third sway of her hand, a rainbow flash dives from above to claim another unfortunate victim. She looks away from the fallen woman and instead turns toward the well-dressed Mitama.

"The deed is done. I presume you were fine with me dealing the finisher?" Citrinne questions, partially curious for if she has overstepped. The other part of her is happy that she is finally showing her weight in battle, even if it has taken far too long.

@magicaetenebris @renaisguy Next!

#“of course you meant to do that.” [threads]#magicaetenebris #kliff fire emblem #TOAArena2024Summer

While his teammates were hard at work battling the foes at hand (rather well, admittedly), the young mage was practicing his lightning control. It was difficult—extremely difficult. In fact, he hadn’t actually felt competent enough come the time for his second duel.

Only two foes remained, and most of Kliff’s allies had already acted. He figured he would pick up the magic later on, and decided to test what other resources he had. One in particular seemed to call out to him, that being the Hagakure Blade.

Kliff was unsure how he knew the name, or why he felt the way he did regarding the sword, but that intrigued him even more. Arena had already shown him a wide variety of things he had yet to even imagine, and while his stamina may have been running low, his curiosity was at an all time high.

The young mage placed one hand on the hilt of the blade. He drew it slowly. A click—then it was smooth. As he brandished the blade he laid eyes upon one of the remaining opponents, a saint with long, green hair. With a deep breath, he focused once again on feel. It appeared that nothing gifted to him this round was meant to be driven by himself alone. The weapons were allies that would guide him to victory. At least, that’s the picture the young mage drew as he prepared to strike.

Kliff 10/10 HP strikes Devoted Queen 10/10 HP using Hagakure Blade! [Hit: 9 = {7 + 2 [dex mod]}] — CRIT! [Damage: 3 = {1.5 * 2 [vs magic]}] [Hit: 5 = {3 + 2 [dex mod]}] — CRIT! [Damage: 3 = {1.5 * 2 [vs magic]}] Devoted Queen takes -6 HP [4/10 HP].

It was as if the world slowed down.

Drawing on what he had done as far back as bronze round, the young mage envisioned the battlefield once again, though with far more clarity this time. In a flash, Kliff had closed the distance between himself and the saint, striking clean and true while remaining in motion. He managed to land yet another strike before the foe could react, taking advantage of the speed. His attacks would not go unpunished however, as the saint drew her tome.

Devoted Queen 4/10 HP counters Kliff 10/10 HP using Luce! [Hit: 3 = {3}] — BARELY HIT. [Damage: 0 = {1 - 3 [warding blow]}] Kliff takes -0 HP [10/10 HP].

A brief flash of light followed a blast of rays towards the young mage. He made an attempt to dodge it, but the sheer size of the beam combined with his lack of control over his own speed allowed the attack to find its mark.

But the young mage didn’t feel it.

Perhaps he really was gifted with a band of unique allies, as that same magic he had been attempting to control earlier had jumped in to bolster his magic resistance, preventing the attack from having any effect. The enemy was still in front of him, but she couldn’t do anything to him, Kliff felt.

However, it appeared that Kliff and his newfound crew were growing tired, so he would once again have to rely on the aid of one of his long standing teammates to seal the deal.

“It’s all on you, blonde knight.”

Next. @renaisguy

hydrogen bomb vs. coughing baby

summer arena 2024 - gold round (team 13)

Oh. Ow. Mitama really does not want to get up.

She already knows combat has started when she wakes up without looking. She feels it. In her gut. In her very sore body. In the way she is now holding a bow when she had definitely not been holding one before.

(There is also the obvious hint that when she takes a moment to look over herself, she realizes she is wearing a shiromuku. She is not going to think about that right now. She hopes Claude is not watching. She really hopes Shiro does not tell him what the outfit is intended for.)

Mitama closes her eyes and lets out a slow sigh, listening to the sound of her team rising to their feet. Okay. One more round. That’s it. Just one more round, and she can go to sleep, and she will not have to think about this stupid forest or rose petals or…whatever was next for another year. Hopefully. Maybe.

Opening her eyes, Mitama tilts her head to look towards where she hears their approaching foes.

She sees what looks to be the princess of Nohr. Oh Dusk take her, no. No, she is definitely not standing up for this, actually. Her eyes go to an unfamiliar target instead.

Mitama 10/10HP critically hits Mending Hand 10/10HP with Freeze. [Roll; 19] Mending Hand 10/10HP is frozen until the end of the phase. Mending Hand 10/10HP is unable to counterattack due to Freeze.

There is a staff lying next to her which she reaches for. Not knowing what spell it might be, Mitama raises it and aims towards the opponent. Whatever it is, it takes, and Mitama lets out a relieved sigh as the other freezes in place.“Go ahead now team / do whatever you want to / I lie here longer.” The forest floor was surprisingly comfortable, all things considered. “Preferably do something that does not require me to do anything again.”

#“of course you meant to do that.” [threads]#magicaetenebris #kliff fire emblem #TOAArena2024Summer

The young mage had finally awoken. That last battle very well could have been his last battle had it not been for his set of armor, which was sadly gone now. Now, in his hands he wielded a blade—two, actually—and featured plates of armor that were nowhere near as flashy as the previous set.

But there was a benefit to this; the young mage could finally be a young mage again.

No time for dwelling on the past, I guess—though perhaps it would be wise not to blindly charge at the enemy.

Luckily, he didn’t have to. Mitama was already quick to her feet, freezing one of the foes ahead. She didn’t appear to want to act, but she had done all the set up necessary for the young mage. There was no tome this time—only thunder coursing through his body as if he were a storm on his own.

Kliff 10/10 HP strikes Mending Hand 10/10 HP [Frozen] using Nova! [Hit: 16 = {14 + 2 [dex mod]}] — CRIT! [Damage: 6 = {3 * 2 [crit mod])}] [Hit: 3 = {1 + 2 [dex mod]}] — miss… Mending Hand [Frozen] takes -6 HP [4/10 HP].

Of course, a storm is very, very hard to control. It was Kliff’s first time in a long time dealing with such advanced magic—not only that, but he also lacked the instructions typically notated in a tome. The spell was cast through feel alone, and it was unpolished. Sparks flew, almost like a ring of light surrounding the Sun. The lightning grew stronger and stronger before unleashing itself on the frozen foe.

The first bolt struck hard and true—it’s not particularly hard to strike a frozen target. But there is a rather famous saying;

Lightning never strikes the same spot twice, I guess.

Deep down, however, Kliff felt that it was due to his own inexperience in this form of casting.

And that was a good thing; he still had more to learn about the arcane arts.

But the rings of electricity blooming from the point of contact served as a reminder that the young mage was no rookie, each separate circle expanding almost like a supernova. The foe wasn’t defeated, but they were weak.

And it won’t be like that next time—I’ll have this figured out by the end of my second duel.

shiningfalcon

Can I Phone A Friend Too 🥺

summer arena 2024 silver round (team 13)

mmoneystones

Pygmalion 17.5/25*HP uses God’s Living Likeness on all players. Misses Citrinne 8.5/10 HP (Roll: 10-8=2, -0HP, Citrinne 8.5/10HP) Image of Beauty 6/10 HP uses Body in Flight on all players. Misses Citrinne 8.5/10 HP (Roll: 4+2-8=-2, -0HP, Citrinne 8.5/10HP)

The ever-growing cast of adversaries continue to crowd around their five, the creator now having enough statues to match their numbers. Both the winged statue Citrinne nearly chipped and the ringleader unleash attacks on her entire party. Stone erupts toward the swordfighter, but she anticipates the approach and sidesteps the quake nearing herself. As for the statue's pursuit-

"Woah!"

She is forced to release the heavy blade to properly duck. When the statue is clear from sight, Citrinne lowers down to collect the sword. One huff, two huff...no luck.

It's a cruel joke, this weapon. It holds the strength to protect those close to her, and yet she still lacks the strength to rightfully wield it. The noble might as well be back to where she was on those hills, a burden to the team. Not even confident enough to tank a blow this time around.

But just as before, those souls surrounding her continue to fight, despite the unfavoring odds. Mitama and Forde ensure the safety of each other, whereas Kliff continues to push forward while suggesting their next target. Kliff had to listen to her commands in the previous round. Perhaps it is time for her to listen to his own command.

Citrinne lifts her hands from the sword's hilt for a moment, closing eyes in focus. Think, think and feel. Her closest comrade in arms can lift a blade like this without a second thought. She is strong. Citrinne has to be strong too, even if it is not in the same way.

With proper reflection, Citrinne finds the ability to hold the blade with (some) comfort once more, setting her sights on the mastermind. She can swing a sword, and she will!

Pygmalion 12/25* HP misses Citrinne 10/10HP with Revisionist History! [Roll: 2-8-2=-8 -1.5HP; Citrinne 7/10HP] Death Blow activates! Citrinne 8.5/10HP hits Pygmalion 12/25* HP with Georgios! [Roll: 14; 3+1-1=-3HP; Pygmalion 9/25* HP] Pygmalion 9/25* HP is inflicted with Break! -1HP [Pygmalion 8/25* HP]

They are able to perform another attack before she is within range, but Citrinne gracefully hops to the right. Keeping up her pace leaves her with some strain, but she maintains a steady breath this time around. Enough breath to put full force into her downwards slash, resulting in clean contact and the foe staggering back. She...did it? She really did it!

Celebration is brief and kept silent, as the opponent looks for their own opening after being opened up themselves. Their sights land on one of their weakened allies, and leaves Citrinne with fear.

"Kliff! Look out!" is the only warning Citrinne can give out before the ranged blast is released.

@magicaetenebris oh god oh fuck

#“of course you meant to do that.” [threads]#magicaetenebris #kliff fire emblem #TOAArena2024Summer

There would not be a true round three.

Kliff watched as his allies continued the fight. Healers sprinted across the battlefield, restoring the team’s worsening condition as much as they could. Swords were raised and brought down to the ground in hefty strikes as the fighters attempted to leave a scratch on the foes in front of them. While it was clear they were struggling, no one was backing down in the face of such strong adversity.

But the adversity could only get stronger, it seemed.

Honor (Souldfreed) A 10/10 HP uses Hero Rising on Pygmalion 8/25* HP. Honor (Souldfreed) B 10/10 HP uses Hero Rising on Pygmalion 8/25* HP. Pygmalion 8/25* HP gains +2 to final damage dealt and +4 luck for the next combat instance.

And the adversity would once again find Kliff, as Citrinne shouted a warning directed towards him. The cards were on the table—the young mage was set for a round three.

But it wouldn’t be a true round three. The young mage never stood a chance.

Pygmalion 8/25* HP strikes Kliff 4.5/10 HP using Days Long Gone! [Hit: 18 = {18 + 4 [luck mod] + 4 [avo mod]}] — CRIT! [Damage: 5 = {2.5 * 2 [crit mod] - 2 [def mod] + 2 [hero rising]}] Kliff takes -5 HP [0/10 HP]. Kliff has fallen …

A meteor shower is what that looks like as the recipient, huh?

A hail of jagged rocks struck the young mage. The scale of the attack itself was enough to put any soldier in the ground—to even think he had survived the first two encounters was a miracle. Kliff was sent to the ground for the last time in this battle; he wouldn’t be getting up this time.

Image of Beauty 6/10 HP uses Body in Flight on all players.

[Hit: -2 = {4 + 2 [dex mod] - 8 [avo mod]}] — miss… Emma takes -0 HP [6.5/10 HP].

[Hit: -1 = {1 + 2 [dex mod] - 4 [avo mod]}] — miss… Forde takes -0 HP [10/10 HP].

[Hit: 16 = {18 + 2 [dex mod] - 4 [avo mod]}] — HIT! Mitama takes -3.5 HP [2.5/10 HP].

[Hit: -4 = {2 + 2 [dex mod] - 8 [avo mod]}] — miss… Citrinne takes -0 HP [8.5/10 HP].

There was no point struggling to keep his eyes open, but as he did, the young mage witnessed yet another barrage of attacks from the angel statue. His allies were mostly successful in dodging, but Mitama looked like she might end up joining Kliff soon.

“Systems failing. Switching to auxiliary mode.”

“Guess this was a bit … much for me to handle. It might be … rude to say, but … I’m kind of glad I get to sit this one out. I’m never … picking up an axe … again …”

shiningfalcon

Can I Phone A Friend Too 🥺

summer arena 2024 silver round (team 13)

renaisguy

New round of the arena, new equipment! The jump from one battlefield to the next is easy for Forde, he’s thankful that they all survived their last encounter. So, two books - white magic. He’s playing the role of healer again. What a wonderful turn of events, and can he just say-

It is incredibly rude to attack a group before they can attack you!

Image of Beauty 10/10 HP uses Body in Flight on all players. Hits Forde 10/10HP (Roll: 8+2-4=6, -3.5 HP, Forde 6.5/10 HP)

Forde takes a moment to assess the situation, to decide what ally is in the most critical condition. Emma is… bad, she’s doing bad. But he agreed he’d split the responsibility of healing with Mitama, and she’s already taking care of her. Citrinne’s been scratched, but is holding on…

A loud boom solidifies the decision.

“That was one hell of a jump.” He smiles, standing over Kliff. “Try to stick the landing next time, yeah?” Forde double, triple checks he’s holding the right book, as he places a hand above Kliff. A faint glow appeared in his palm, and slowly spread over the armoured man. “Just stay still for a moment, I’ll have you good as new.”

Part of the glow split off, enveloping Forde’s own wounds. He breathed his own sigh of relief as the pain faded.

Renewal activates! Forde 6.5/10HP heals 2HP, Forde 8.5/10HP Forde 9.5/10HP uses Recover on Kliff 4.5/10 HP [Roll: 14; +6HP; Kliff 10/10 HP]

Before he did anything else, he should probably take a moment to check what they were fighting. One big statue, three- four lil guys. Every battle they had here, Forde got to see the most incredible things.

The statue raised its arm, and a deep voice shook the battlefield. It was not a language Forde spoke, but the meaning was clear - danger.

And yes, when he said the voice shook the battlefield, he meant it. Forde could barely stay on his feet as the ground rocked around them. Earthquake procedure flashed before him - head north, take only what you need… Agh, there was no north!

From the ground rose 5 statues, each bearing the shape of the big one. Each one found a target, and flew towards them.

Pygmalion 17.5/25*HP uses God’s Living Likeness on all players. Critically hits Emma 2/10HP (Roll: 20-4=16, -0HP, Emma 2/10 HP) Hit nullified by Light Rune! Hits Forde 8.5/10HP (Roll: 10-4=6, -4HP Forde 4.5/10 HP) Hits Mitama 10/10HP (Roll: 18-4=14, -4HP Mitama 6/10HP) Misses Citrinne 8.5/10 HP (Roll: 10-8=2, -0HP, Citrinne 8.5/10HP) Misses Kliff 10/10 HP (Roll: 1+4-5=0, -0HP, Kliff 10/10 HP) Hits 2 targets! Pygmalion 17.5/25*HP gains +4 luck until EP3.

Petals flew up around him, as Forde hit the ground. A moment later, he realised the shaking had stopped, and those five replica statues had vanished as quick as they’d entered. At least that wasn’t 5 more enemies to fight.

Speaking of, what were those little guys doing?

Image of Fealty uses Devotion’s True Kiss on Pygmalion 17.5/25*HP Pygmalion 17.5/25*HP has immunity to next attack/counterattack Image of Honor (Soulfreed) 10/10HP uses Hero Rising on Pygmalion 17.5/25*HP! Pygmalion 17.5/25*HP gains +1 to final damage dealt and +2 luck (+6 total) for the next combat instance. Image of Honor (Soulfreed) B 10/10HP uses Hero Rising on Pygmalion 17.5/25*HP! Pygmalion 17.5/25*HP gains +1 to final damage dealt (+2 total) and +2 luck (+8 total) for the next combat instance.

More words that Forde couldn’t understand, but got the messaging of. “I think they’re… his cheerleaders.” He said, failing to find a better descriptor. Whoever the big guy attacked next was in trouble. “Watch out!”