You insist that the Archbishop is evil, but have you considered the possibility that she just might be... you know... insane? I've heard reports of what happened inside the Holy Tomb and she sounds completely unhinged. If anything turning into a dragon made her look MORE rational. Where does the corruption ends and where does the madness begins?
Insanity is not inherently evil. One may be mentally unstable and not necessarily wicked. However, it is entirely possible that Rhea is unwell. I don’t see how that would pardon her. Jeritza has a divided personality, and he is self-aware enough not to establish a church with a standing army to subjugate humanity. That is substantial enough evidence that her corruption is independent of her madness, and while one may exacerbate another, she cannot be absolved of her deeds on account of her insanity. Most particularly that her draconic form seemed more rational than not, as proof that Rhea is capable of calculating, logical thought when she wishes to be. There is no reason to pardon her or diminish her crimes on what is essentially hopeful conjecture.
I heard that his father did some really messed stuff Sylvain. I hope that he someday finds peace from his past, also the same for you cutie.
You know, I believe it. Most noble families leave something to be desired. A lot, actually. And if Jeritza can find his way to a peaceful life after whatever happened to him, it’d be an inspiration, really.
Anyway, thanks for the reinforcements! ;) You’ve always got a flattering compliment on hand, don’t you?
Does Edelgard really stand for humanity when she invaded 2 separate nations and then got upset when they defended themselves? (The whole "must you reconqer" quote dosnt exactly paint her as a "hero" to me, especially in her own route) If she really wanted to stand for humanity then she should have worked on her own countries problems first before forcing her ideals on everyone else. The Empire is the one with the least Church presence and I don't understand the logic of "The Church rules all" when they havnt really been shown to be involved in anything but their own stuff.
When you pull a weed, you must be sure to pull it up by its roots. If there was another option to rid these nations of the Church and Those Who Slither in the Dark, we would have pursued that. Unfortunately, our oppressors have gone unchecked for hundreds of years. We don’t have the luxury of being squeamish about the stakes they’ve set.
...While I don’t necessarily agree with her comment on reconquering, the point of her purpose lies beyond the simple surface meaning of the phrase.
“Must you continue to reconquer? Continue to kill in retaliation?“
Despite the necessity of our path, there is a part of Her Majesty who wants this war over so we can proceed with rebuilding society to be equal and reward its people on their merits, nothing more. The resistance mounted by the Kingdom and Alliance have only served to prolong the harsh realities of war. If they would lay down our arms, our task would be over sooner. I understand this doesn’t present neatly as heroism, but I would note there are no true heroes in war. Only victors and the conquered.
But I can be lenient with you. Based on your thoughts that it would be possible to address the issues within the Empire without going beyond its borders, you are unaware of the grim truth. Perhaps by will. But it doesn’t take much effort to indicate that while the Insurrection of the Seven was taking place, Lady Edelgard was removed to Fhirdiad. As you know, Fhirdiad is not in the Empire. Yet it was instrumental in the schemes of those behind the horrors that Her Majesty would later face.
The problems we work on span borders. So we must as well. We simply don’t have the years it would take to negotiate and cater to the coddled rich while we addressed these issues with diplomacy. The people are the ones who suffer in the meantime. The Lysitheas and Jeritzas of Fódlan would endure ever-worsening tragedies as nobles sought to bolster their profits on our charity.
No. This is the only way.
If your ideals include ignoring the suffering of the masses for the convenience of the few, perhaps it is you who should analyze your perspective and whether or not you support humanity. I haven’t the time to explain why a false religion exerting its power over multiple regions, enforcing their imaginary beliefs with militant force, is hardly minding its own business. That, you will need to examine on your own time.
Ok Hubie spill the beans. What’s one embarrassing thing about all of the Black Eagles plus Jeritza?
I suppose this sort of lighthearted teasing is considered standard for building rapport through duress. Less severe duress than battle, but the fact remains... Very well. I’ll disclose what I can, but don’t expect a tale for every Black Eagle. I safeguard our allies closely and without exception.
Bernadetta von Varley: I categorically refuse to engage in any manner of embarrassing Bernadetta. She fought to achieve the social comfort and courage she has attained over the years, and I will not jeopardize that.
Caspar von Bergliez: I doubt he’d consider this tale embarrassing. Caspar was pursuing yet another thief in a village and, in an attempt to head him off using a shortcut, Caspar ran through a chicken coop. That led to the chaos and mess you might anticipate, and then the fool had to go and tackle the thief as she turned to run. They both tumbled into a feed trough, knocking the thief out cold. Fortunately for her, as she was spared Caspar’s victory shouting.
Dorothea Arnault: In contrast to Caspar, I don’t believe Dorothea should have been embarrassed by this. She is in the challenging position of resenting nobility and aspiring to financial security. With our society how it was before Her Majesty started this war, to choose financial stability was to chose nobility, and the nobles knew that. So when she attended a dinner with a minor noble’s son and he mocked her for the incorrect silverware selection, her irritation made a reasonably dependable cover for her wounded pride. We all knew who truly ought to ashamed in that exchange.
Edelgard von Hresvelg: Her Majesty is very particular about who witnesses her pastimes. Most particularly, the more important someone is to her, the less she wants them to see her casually. At least at first. Therefore, when the professor saw one of Lady Edelgard’s artistic works in progress, she was significantly flustered by it. It became gossip in the ever-changing social circles of Enbarr for a time, even Byleth was absent. The story twisted through retellings to even milder or more embellished versions of the reality, but it is a source of shyness for Her Majesty in all its forms. Regrettably.
Ferdinand von Aegir: He did not win the White Heron contest, but Ferdinand quite obviously wished he had. To his credit, he successfully concealed the purchase and sizing for the dancer costume he commissioned for himself. It was the delivery that did him in, as the tailor was so proud of his work and saw Ferdinand’s enthusiasm in the process. He took that excitement as evidence that this was no secret and delivered the attire as we left the war table. He accepted graciously, of course, but his blush was deep enough to be noticeable at a good distance. Excluding the tailor, who seemed entirely oblivious as he presented the many glittering accessories and revealing panels.
Hubert von Vestra: There is one common thread with these stories I’ve shared: they are already public knowledge to some extent or another. No such story exists in my case. And if you wish to know my secrets, you will have to earn it for yourself. At a high personal cost.
Jeritza von Hrym: He doesn’t quite experience embarrassment as most would acknowledge it. His alter ego doesn’t appear to particularly shame him, nor should it. It’s not as though he chose it. He grapples with the Death Knight perpetually and resents him, understandably. But I wouldn’t refer to it as embarrassment. His fondness for the soft and sweet is no humiliating experience to him either, and Jeritza work throughs his social shortcomings with straightforward efficiency. I would say he forgoes the emotion altogether.
Linhardt von Hevring: To be embarrassed, you must care how others perceive you. I remain skeptical that Linhardt is capable of the sentiment. To his merit, of course. There have been several circumstances in which society at large would consider him deserving of embarrassment, however. More than once, he went to the library in his nightclothes to the surprise and even bashfulness on the part of the librarians. In that sense, this story is more embarrassing to them than to him. I’m certain he would agree.
Petra Macneary: Bearing in mind that this was at no fault of her own, there is one story. Cultures vary in many regards. Greetings are no exceptions. When Petra first arrived in Adrestia, if that is what one would call it, she was far too rattled to consider such things. But as she settled into her life there, becoming companions with myself and Lady Edelgard, Petra grew more comfortable. It was that familiarity that led her to greet me as close friends do in Brigid. No one in Enbarr expected her to cup my face and hold her nose and forehead against my own. It was some small mercy that she cared more for my perspective than that of the nobles laughing at her expense, at least. I could offer her the reassurance that the likes of those spoiled cretins could never hope to.
Hubert, if you ever do participate in the Harvest Festival, who or what will you dress up as? (not a vampire please?)
Also do you like tricking people or treating them? As in trick-or-treat
Her Majesty has been trying to persuade me to dress as a scarecrow for years now. The Black Eagles have since joined in her agenda, and they seem oblivious to their own laughter and grins as they continue making the suggestion. I’m aware that it’s good-natured, which is why I tolerate it... Although I truly cannot think of another costume now that I consider it. It would seem their badgering is more effective than any of us realized.
I would say a reaper, but I’m certain Jeritza would not appreciate that.
I’m content to wear colors suited to the festival and leaving it at that. Trade black for burgundy, perhaps ask Bernadetta to make a flower pin more fitting for the occasion... Simple efforts that show holiday spirit without going overboard.
Truthfully, I would prefer not to engage in either. I attend the festival to make an appearance for the people of Adrestia and the leadership of the Empire, nothing more. The children receive treats, naturally, and I support that wholeheartedly. Beyond that, I see no reason to choose.
Although... Prior to the war, Claude and I had made something of a game of skill out of tricking one another. I can’t say either of us was particularly successful, but we enjoyed the pastime.
I've recently started playing dnd and yes I'm that one bard who sucks at vicious mockery :') but anyhow, it made me curious which dnd class would you assign each member of the BE including yourself obviously ?
That is has. I trust you've found yourself pleasantly occupied in your absence? You could likely guess I'm doing well.
...A bard? As in a musician and storyteller? I imagine you would have a difficult time making such a role combative, but I can admire your attempt to do so regardless. If it's advice on mockery you're after, I happen to have some. It is something of an instinct after a time.
As for assigning classes to the Black Eagles for this pastime, I’d presume that their preferences would be as much a factor as the tactical potential.
Bernadetta von Varley: Ranger. Pretending or not, it’s fair to assume Bernadetta would prefer to keep her distance from opponents whenever possible. Archery would likewise suit her inclination toward the storytelling aspect of the game rather than intense combat. Although, in time, she would prove as efficient and deadly with a bow in the game as she is in reality.
Caspar von Bergliez: Barbarian. It’s widely known that Caspar values sheer strength, and living out a fantasy of might beyond what is attainable would be quite enjoyable for him. I may even recommend the game to him following this, giving it more consideration. He’ll bring considerable enthusiasm to the table, and his strategic prowess has grown over the course of the war. He’d be a valuable party member.
Dorothea Arnault: Bard. I can only assume she would have no hesitation to choose this class above all others. It features the magic casting she favors, along with a greater emphasis on the performing arts she is so dedicated to. Perhaps she might give you advice on capitalizing on the class’s more caustic attributes as well.
Edelgard von Hresvelg: Fighter. Her Majesty would prefer a cuter class, I’m certain, as the purpose of this game appears to be to pursue ideal situations over pragmatic ones. While she does appreciate the values of decisive combat, Lady Edelgard does enjoy a wide selection of elegant gowns often enough to suggest she’d rather abandon suits of armor altogether as soon as possible. At least the fighter class would grant her that.
Ferdinand von Aegir: Paladin. As if there was any doubt. His chief cause may not be religious in nature, but he does exemplify his own code of ethics sufficiently to still classify as a paladin in his own right. The class cuts a radiant, glorious image that he would likewise be partial to. Ferdinand takes to combat on horseback readily and I presume he would rather that be carried over to the game.
Hubert von Vestra: Wizard. Further magical power gained through persistent research and an observant nature suits me. Being less imaginative than my peers by and large, I’m not inclined to substitute a fantasy for a reality I know to work well. For the sake of our friendship and morale, I could play along otherwise.
Jeritza von Hyrm: Dark Paladin. There could be other options for him, I suppose, but few capture the trajectory and tragedy of his life as well as this. A harbinger of death on horseback as he’s made himself, the imagery certainly fits. He might be persuaded to sit at a table where Mercedes also played, but I can’t fathom that he would otherwise.
Linhardt von Hevring: Cleric. I’d hardly be surprised if he managed to mix artificer in somehow, merely for the ability to design contraptions as he went along. The time spent on them in reality would be excessive, I’m sure. A fictitious battle is infinitely more likely to capture Linhardt’s attention over a real one. It’s less of a strain when the blood isn’t present and the stakes are imaginary.
Petra Macneary: Druid. Such a class could help comfort Petra with any residual homesickness she might feel in these difficult times. No matter how long has passed, she does miss Brigid intensely from time to time. The similarities the class shares with her homeland’s reverence for nature are sparse, I’d expect, but even a small connection is better than nothing. Besides which, it could pose a compelling tactical challenge for her. Petra has a bright intellect, after all.
