Update 84: He's Bigger, Faster, and Stronger Too



♪ No music ♪


Well, that took a bit.

Adan/Dimitri C.
♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪


What's the favor?
It's in regard to sword training. Not for myself, but... Well... To be honest, I've been teaching swordsmanship to the orphans at the monastery for a while now.
How unexpected.
I must agree. Frankly, I'm not great with children. Some of them saw me sparring with the knights one day.
They started pestering me to teach them. They were so earnest... I couldn't help but oblige.
There's much I wish to show them, but due to my own studies and training, I'm afraid my time is rather limited.
Which brings me to my favor. Your swordsmanship is unmatched. I hate to ask this of you, but... Would you consider lending me a hand?
You can count on me.
Thank you, truly. I am in your debt. And I always repay my debts, I'll have you know.
All of these children lost their families and homes to war or illness. This may sound a bit arrogant, but...I feel it's my responsibility to help them.
I lost my parents without warning too. In that way, we're the same. In Duscur, I lost my father, stepmother, and closest friends. I didn't have many allies at the castle after that. In truth, I had only Dedue for companionship.
Have you no other family?
I'm afraid not. My birth mother fell ill and died shortly after I was born. And my uncle...suffice to say we don't get along.
Ah, but there were those outside the castle walls I was close to. Such as Rodrigue!
Rodrigue?
Heh, pardon my rudeness. I meant Lord Rodrigue. He is my father's old companion, and the father of Felix. On the occasions he would visit the capital, he'd take me out hunting or on long horse rides.
While Dedue is like a brother to me, Rodrigue is more like a second father.
It might sound ridiculous, but...he's the kind of man I hope to become one day. Someone who helps others... Someone who can reach out and save a lost soul. Oh... Please accept my apologies for boring you with my life story.
In any case, don't forget your promise, Professor. I'm counting on you.



♪ No music ♪


Sounds like Rodrigue understands Dimitri better than he understands his own son.


♪ A Dark Sign ♪


The knights will certainly have their hands full protecting Lady Rhea. And perhaps our enemy is counting on that...
I agree.
Your Highness. I am curious as to what you mean by that. Please, elaborate.
Why would Lord Lonato be carrying around a secret note with an assassination plot written on it? Isn't it possible he hoped to monopolize everyone's attention with this alleged plot...in order to distract from his true aim?
Maybe they're after the treasure vault. There's also lots of valuable stuff in the library and Professor Hanneman's quarters!
True. The monastery undoubtedly houses many weapons that rival even the Heroes' Relics.
Whatever their aim, we can't allow any harm to come to the ladies of the monastery. I mean, what would I do with my spare time?
You mean to say we should search the monastery. Try to find what the enemy is truly after.
Yes. And we should be prepared to fight them as well, should it come to that. I wouldn't mind getting in some training, just in case.


Oh, we've seen this bit two times now, I'm gonna skip it.
♪ A Lonely Figure ♪




It's the Hapi power hour.
♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪


Dimitri/Annette C.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Oh, it's not too terribly early. And what about you?
Oh, I'm just going for my morning walk. Hey, maybe you'd like to join me. It's a great way to start the day!
A morning walk? Funny, Gustave always kept the same habit. You really do remind me of your father, Annette.
So, you can see the resemblance? I hear that a lot.
Father was always busy with work, so he wasn't around much. But when he was home, he'd often take me with him for his walks.
Annette... Something's been weighing on me. Something I've done terribly wrong. Your father... He worked tirelessly. I don't know if I ever saw him take a rest. I feel as though, in a way, we stole him from you.
I'll admit, it was a bit lonely growing up...but I understand. Father loved his work. No one ever doubted that.
Actually...I've been thinking recently that I'd like to talk to you more, Your Highness.
Oh? Any reason in particular?
Father was a man of few words, both with myself and my mother. But sometimes he would tell me about you. So...you don't really feel like a stranger to me. In a way, it's like I've known you for a long time... Almost as though you're my big brother.
Your...big brother?
Oh! Uh... I'm so sorry. I don't know why I let that slip out. That was rude of me.
No, nonsense! I promise you, I don't mind at all. It's certain that my days would have been filled with more fun if I'd had a little sister like you. What kind of things did Gustave tell you about me? I'd love to hear more on this topic.
Do you really want to know? Well, for one, he used to tell this story about when you were a child and...
You know what? Never mind. I have a bad feeling about where this is going. How about you forget we had this talk altogether? And don't mention it to anyone...



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪


Y'know, I wonder if we'll get to see more of Gilbert now that we're actually playing as the Blue Lions.

Ooh, now this is interesting...

Dimitri/Hapi C.
♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪


Hapi, you must know that it's rather uncomfortable to be the subject of such an unflinching gaze.
You'll have to put up with it for a little while longer. I feel like I can almost remember...
Apologies, but I'm not sure what you're referring to. Care to elaborate?
I have this sense that we met somewhere...before we were students. But you're the prince of Faerghus, so how could I have met you?
I do not recall meeting you previously either. Although... Long ago, I sometimes accompanied my father as he traveled the Kingdom. Perhaps we crossed paths...
Unlikely. I lived in an isolated village in the forest. We didn't have contact with outsiders.
After I ran away, I was kidnapped, and my kidnapper kept me locked up all day and night. I think I'd remember if the royal family had stopped by for a visit.
Kidnapped? What do you mean by that?
A lady found me, a helpless runaway, and offered to take me in. She promised to keep me safe. Instead I became her test subject. She experimented on me with all kinds of spells and rituals. I had a roof over my head and plenty to eat. But otherwise, it was...a pretty bad experience.
...This may be unwelcome from a stranger like myself, but I want you to know that it's perfectly acceptable to be angry about such unfortunate circumstances. I can't fathom why someone would cause you pain like that. I'm sorry you had to endure such a thing. You have every right to feel anything you need to feel toward the person responsible for your suffering.
Oh! That's weird. Hmm, I wonder...
What's the matter? Was it something I said?
It's just that I've heard those words before.
I think it was someone else who said them, but... I can't remember who.
Maybe I'll figure it out some day. In the meantime, see you around.
Yes, of course. If our meeting again can help you in any way, you need only ask and I'll be there.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪




There was a lot of time that passed between that last screenshot and this. A lot. I don't think you understand just how much of the monastery sections I'm skipping over at this point, since we've just...already seen all of it.

Dimitri/Mercedes C.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


I certainly won't, but thanks for your concern, Mercedes. It's more of a hobby than anything, so don't worry too much.
A hobby? How wonderful! I would probably get tired of it, but that's just me.
Hmm... Didn't you say you hoped to take the sword test soon?
...
You're right! I completely forgot that's coming up! What should I do?
To be honest, I've been a bit worried, as I haven't seen you at the training ground much.
Why didn't you say something sooner if you were so worried about me?
It didn't occur to me that you could have forgotten... But you're right, I should have mentioned it.
As an apology, why don't you let me help you with your swordsmanship?
You would do that for me? I'd really appreciate your help!
OK, but keep in mind that since we're short on time...we may have to "overdo it" a little.
I don't like to overdo it, but if we must. I'll try my best.
It's settled. Let's begin!




I usually just hold the sword without thinking about my grip, you know? Let's see what happens now that you've shown me the proper way to handle it.
I was nervous at first, but just look at me now! Hya!
Ugh...




I-I'm so sorry! I don't know what happened!
I just meant to swing the sword. I didn't think it would go flying like that! I'm impressed with how quickly you can dodge!
Yes... I know you didn't intend to murder me. Though that scare likely took years off my life...
Maybe I'm not cut out for this whole sword-fighting thing.
Nonsense. It's far too early to give up. The first time I picked up a sword, I was much like you. It's true that different people are better suited to different things, but if you keep at it and refuse to give up, you're certain to improve.
Do you really think so? Thank you, Dimitri. It's very kind of you to— Oh!
There's a rip in your cuff, Dimitri. How do you think—
Hm, it seems I didn't dodge your sword fast enough. Don't worry, I can easily repair it.
I'm the one who tore it, so I'll be the one who mends it. How does that sound?
No, please don't worry yourself over it. Just focus on your exam.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪


Oh dear.
♪ No music ♪


Adan/Dedue B.
♪ Recollection and Regret ♪


...
Here you are again.
I came to check on the flowers.
I see. The flowers you helped to water are in bloom now. Have a look.
Aren't they lovely?
Indeed. My sister was fond of this one in particular.
Where is your sister now?
Dead.


But seeing this blossom brings back memories.
...I do not know why I am telling you all of this.
I'd like to hear more.
There is little to tell. But if you are from Fódlan, you must know what became of the people of Duscur. The people who betrayed their allies from Faerghus. The ones who were punished for regicide. The Duscur are shunned for their crimes, even now. It would be in your interest not to spend any more time around me than necessary. His Highness is an exception. You may think little of it now, but your reputation will eventually suffer. But...to be completely candid... It pleases me to be able to speak with you like this. If you truly do not mind, I would be glad to receive more visits from you in the future.



♪ No music ♪


Man, hearing Dedue talk about his trauma is...quite unlike any other character in the game. To use a kind of clumsy metaphor, a lot of the other characters' traumas are still open wounds. Dedue's is more like a really tough scab.
♪ Corridor of the Tempest ♪


I decided to go do battles on this week, instead of doing more monastery stuff.

That's a good level! Missed Spd, but Str, more physical bulk, and a point of Cha combine for a nice increase in power.

Excellent. Even got a point of Cha, somehow.

I'm trying magic Adan. Evidently, he doesn't like it.

I'd have gladly taken this last run, but I'm trying for a more magic-oriented Yuri this run, so... Eh.

Oof. You'll need more than that to be good, Dedue.

Annette's gonna end up being a dancer again, but I'm still posting this because goddammit why can't you have more levels like this, Annette, I really like you as a character, I want to use you in battle.

Yes!

Kinda odd.

Nooooo, you only need Mag.

Good, good, got what you need.

Hmm, yes. nods sagely
♪ A Guide for the Future ♪


Unsurprisingly, we've got some supports.

Dedue/Annette B.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Everything was ready in time for dinner, and we all agreed the food was really tasty!
I barely did anything.
That's silly talk! With just a few ingredients, you made an amazing meal! I could never have done it, no way. You deserve all the praise in the world!
I still have much to learn. Truly delicious food brings a smile to people's faces. Until I see His Highness smile in that way, I will spare no effort to improve.
Well if that's your aim, you're in luck! I've seen him shovel in your food with gusto. You must be really ambitious if you're not satisfied with that meal. I'd love for you to teach me your ways. I want to be a great cook too!
Your skills are not the problem. You merely make errors of negligence.
Well, sure... I know that. But how can I stop making those errors? No matter how hard I try, I always seem to mess things up. The pan explodes when I cook. I forget my purse when I go shopping. That's just how life is for a scatterbrain like me. Just the other day I was nearly laughed off the training ground for wearing mismatched shoes!
My uncle used to sigh in despair when he saw me messing something up.
You simply fail to pay attention to your surroundings. Ensure the pan is on the flame, and that the knives are put away properly. Look at yourself in the mirror before you go out to make certain you have what you need. Everyone makes mistakes, but yours should be easy enough to correct.
That's all great advice. Thank you, Dedue! You really have a kind heart.
At first I thought you were so stern all the time.
Am I that imposing?
Uh. Well. A bit? Maybe if you smiled sometimes. All you have to do is lift up the corners of your mouth, like this. See?
I see. I—will try it.





♪ A Guide for the Future ♪


Excellent face.

...Caspar and Ashe's support goes up to A? Huh.

Caspar/Ashe C.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


I only just heard, myself. Looks like a thief got into the pantry and made off with some of our food supply.
Stealing from a monastery? What kind of monster would do such a thing?
Come on! We gotta get that dirty thief!
Definitely! I'm sure we can capture the culprit if we work together.
Capture? What are you talking about? Why bother?
This is the kind of person who would steal from a monastery. We gotta take this guy out as soon as we see him. How do you expect to get rid of the evil in this world if that's how you're gonna treat it?
What?! I should be the one asking you that!
The first thing we need to do once we've caught this person is hear what they have to say.
They might have been forced into a life of theft by some awful circumstances.
You really don't get it, do you? If you let people get away with stuff like this, it's only gonna get worse.
If we're gonna uphold justice, then we gotta stop evil. Simple as that.
I'm all for the rule of law, but indiscriminate slaughter isn't going to solve anything.
You can't just execute someone on a wild assumption and call it justice!
And you can't just hide behind your fancy words! You have to take action!
You know what? Forget it. There's no point in arguing this with you. We're gonna have to fight this one out.
Whoever wins gets to make the plan. Got it?
Uh, what?
How is fighting supposed to decide who's wrong and who's right?
We're not barbarians, are we? Just take it easy and we can talk this over.
We don't have time to take it easy! The thief is getting away and all you wanna do is talk and—


Aw, come on! You hear that? You just cost me my chance!
H-hey! If they've already been caught, let's just leave it at that.



♪ A Guide for the Future ♪


A true mystery...

Sylvain/Leonie C.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪












Oh, hey, Leonie. Sorry, but I'm kind of in a hurry right now.
Hey. Hey! Get back here!
Whoa. No need to yell. Do you need something?
You chat up all the girls like that, don't you?
What a terrible thing to say!
I see a girl, I figure it would be rude just to pass her by without at least a wink...or a nice word. But you knew that. So I'm going to get going now. See ya, Leonie.
Now, hold on! How come it's not rude for you to just pass me by?!
Me? Pass who now?
Look at me! I'm a girl, you know!
Uh...


Sorry. I know it's true in theory, but it looks like my brain just didn't want to accept it.
But you're correct. You are a beautiful girl in your own right. Yes. That is a statement with which I agree. I am ever so terribly sorry for being so rude, my lady. How can I ever make this up to you?
Uh, hang on, back up. Don't get the wrong idea.
Seriously, I feel just dreadful about how I acted! This is the first time I've done anything like this. It's shocking that I'm capable of such low behavior.
Even if you are a somewhat crude—I mean, spirited girl, that doesn't excuse my...
What did you just call me?
R-right... Of course... I'm sorry. I can't believe I was so thoughtless.







♪ A Guide for the Future ♪


Can't say I'm a fan of the "why don't you see me as a girl/woman" shit in any context, and this support is no exception.

Bernadetta/Raphael C.
♪ Funny Footsteps ♪


Hrraaggh! Yrraagh! Hyaaaggh—huh? What's that noise?


Someone's playing a horn. Or something. I confused a french horn with a tuba once in high school and made an instant enemy of my school's band once my friends in the band relayed it to everyone.





Good thing I found such an out-of-the-way spot to play. Only the pretty flowers heard me here.
Isn't that right, little flower? You're the only one who heard, aren't you? What did you think?


Ah! Why's your voice so deep?!


Oh no. Raphael, you heard it all, didn't you?
I did! What kind of instrument was that?
I could hear it all the way over at the training grounds. It was great. I didn't know you could play!
All the way from the training grounds?! Ugh!
That's right. Then I came here to tell you how good you sounded!
Good? No. No, I'm on to you.
First you flatter me, then you get me to perform on stage in front of everyone to humiliate me!
Uhhh...no? But that's a great idea. Everyone should be able to hear your music!


I don't know what just happened, but I think I might have scared her...



♪ A Guide for the Future ♪


Funny Footsteps doesn't feel right there.

Bernadetta/Yuri C.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


I gotta evaporate! Maybe if I just curl into a ball, I'll pass as a boulder. Or a...pebble.




Ah! You can see me?!
Clearly... You're a tricky one. Always trying to hide when I'm around.
S-sorry! Please forgive me!
If you want forgiveness, then explain yourself. But make it quick. You always ramble on.
Um! Well, when I was little, my mother and father, they—
You've gotta be kidding. Cut to the chase, please.
Uh... You remind me of one of my old friends.
Oh, come now. Whoever this friend of yours is can't possibly compare to me.
I'm telling the truth!
All right, all right. What was this friend like, then?
The way you run and hide from me, they must've been a real piece of work.
That's not it at all!
He was the assistant to the gardener at our estate. My friend was gentle, trustworthy...gorgeous.
And...well, he was the only person who was ever nice to me. We used to run around the gardens playing together.
And why is it you keep running away from me?
That's... Uh... Do I really have to say? We hardly even know each other!
You never have to do anything. But if you don't, you and I won't have a shot at knowing one another, and you'll carry on avoiding me forever.
But that's no good either! OK! OK! I'll tell you! The thing is, because of me, he got in trouble. After that, I never saw him again.


He's probably dead now! And it's all my fault! It's 'cause of me! He must have hated me!
That... Ugh. That doesn't sound right to me. Why would you think all that?
Nothing you did would make his death your fault. And hating you for something that isn't your fault is absolutely absurd—delusional, even.
You're wrong! He'd definitely hate me if he knew! How would you know, anyway? What, did you know my friend or something?
In a manner... Right.
So, remember back when you were a kid? You tripped while holding some gardening shears. And your friend got cut pretty badly.
Hmmm... Oh yeah! I remember. But...how did you know about that?
If I bore you any ill will, it would have only been for cutting my face with those damn shears.
Cutting your face... Shears... But! There's no way!
But there is. That friend? That was me, Bernadetta.


Let's spend time together later and chat about the good ol' days. Get to know each other again.





♪ A Guide for the Future ♪


Well, that's a hell of a thing to drop in a C rank.
♪ A Lonely Figure ♪


I've got decent luck for finding stat boosters in the Holy Tomb.

Dedue/Sylvain C.
♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪


Does it?
I just wanted to stop by and ask... It was your turn to cook last night, yeah?
Uh, yes.
Well, it was great. I was wondering if you could give me some tips. You know, teach me how to cook.
I hear a girl loves a man who can cook.
Sylvain.
Yeah?
You are from Faerghus. You must understand how it appears for you to spend time with one from Duscur. To be near me is to invite tedious misunderstanding.
Oh, please. I don't care who misunderstands what about me. I talk to who I want. Besides, I believe the Duscur people are innocent.
You do?
Faerghus and Duscur have been friendly since, heck, forever. So why would our old friends from Duscur just up and assassinate our king? It doesn't make sense. Sure, there are probably folks from Duscur who don't like Faerghus. But do I think there's enough of 'em to mount an attack and slaughter the king and his whole company of elite guards?
It is difficult to believe, considering the discrepancy in skill and number.
Right? At most, I can see a misguided group of people from Duscur conspiring with someone else who had plans to dethrone the king. Maybe they were even lured into participating and used as scapegoats. Regardless, it doesn't concern you or the rest of your people. A person can't be judged by the worst of their kind... Or where would any of us be? Besides, people like to talk about me anyway. So let them talk.
...
OK... You're making a weird face. What did I say?


Heh heh... Well, I'm glad I've cleared up that misunderstanding. But really, there's no way I'm the only person who figured all that out.
There must be people who think like me in Fhirdiad, including His Highness.
Agreed. But whatever the truth, we are still perceived as traitorous assassins.
Once a misunderstanding takes hold, it isn't easy to clear the air, not without solid evidence of the truth. But even if we found evidence that your people are innocent, those negative sentiments wouldn't disappear overnight.
The only thing that can change that is time and effort. Depressing, isn't it?
Time and effort. Yes, I believe you're right.
Man, that got serious. Shouldn't we lighten things up with a nice cooking lesson?
Very well.



♪ A Lonely Figure ♪




Ingrid/Yuri B.
♪ Words to Believe In ♪


I need you for something. Have a seat. I won't take much of your time.
Okaaay...






I may not seem like much of a chef, but I know a thing or two about cooking. Looks tasty, hm?
Can I, uh...eat it now? I'm famished after all the training.
Have at! That's why I asked you here.
I see! Well, thank you! Don't mind if I do!
Mmm, this dish is divine! The first bite just melts in your mouth, and these vegetables are perfect! The flavors are interwoven together like...like a dance of swords between two Myrmidons!
Heh heh! Calm yourself, Ingrid. I'm in no need of a critique. I just want you to enjoy it and take a load off.
Aww, thank you! I will! Whew! That was delicious, Yuri. I cannot thank you enough.
I'm glad. Then it was worth all the toil that went into preparing it.
You...haven't eaten anything for yourself?
I figured I'd eat something a bit later. I didn't make the meal for me.
You cooked only for me?
Mm-hm. The innkeeper provided me with some of his finest meat and told me to feed you. I figured if I was going to do it, I'd better do it right. So I popped into the kitchen and got working.
That won't do at all, Yuri. Meals are meant to be shared.
It seems my stomach got the better of me this time, though, and I scarfed everything before remembering that.
Why bother yourself with such trivialities? The meal was a gift. Seeing you enjoy yourself like that is all the reward I need.
What way is that...
A bit like when you had all that meat stuffed into your cheeks at the marketplace...like some kind of chipmunk. Hm-hm! I like seeing the contentment on your face when you cut loose.
You do?
The innkeeper couldn't have said it better. "She's got a real foodie face, that one!"
I'm not quite sure how to feel...
Heh, really though! There are few things I enjoy as much as seeing a woman indulging herself.
...


I didn't mean it that way!



♪ A Lonely Figure ♪



♪ No music ♪


Then it was mission time.
♪ Tactics ♪


Leave it to me. Professor, are you in as well?
Of course.
We've narrowed down their objective...kind of. So, let's show everyone that we can carry out our duties better than anyone!
We're counting on you, Professor.
The scene's intro has a variant if you didn't do the quest where you surmise that the thieves are after the Holy Mausoleum.
The Goddess's Rite of Rebirth is finally here. Yet we still don't know what the enemy is after... I suppose all we can do is try to cope with whatever should occur as we're patrolling the monastery.
Heh. Nothing like being a step behind, eh?
Oh! I thought we might get hungry during our patrol, so I baked up some yummy treats for us.
I may have messed them up though...just a bit.
Annette... Don't tell me that explosion in the kitchen last night was—

While we are in the Goddess Tower, we are relying on you to secure the locations that are lacking in defense.
May I let you in on something, Professor? My brother can be a bit...callous.

♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


That was said in jest, Flayn. And in confidence. Please just remain by my side and do not cause any more trouble.
As a professor, you would do well to remember that it is your duty to guide your students down the path of righteousness.
Please excuse us, everyone. We shall see you again after the ceremony has concluded!


It's time.
All right. Let's stick to the plan, and go hide where we can watch over the entrance to the Holy Mausoleum. If anyone suspicious enters, we'll follow them in and take them down. Got it?



♪ As Swift as Wind ♪


Rite of Rebirth is very, very similar to Hard. Enemy positions are unchanged, there's no extra enemies, no extra reinforcements—the added difficulty of the map comes entirely from buffed-up enemy stats.

Oh, this guy's still here. He's got +1 Def, +2 max HP, +2 Str, +2 Spd, and +2 Cha compared to Hard.

Also, he moves.

Okay, that's misleading. To be specific, on Normal and Hard, the Death Knight only checks tiles adjacent to him for player units. If any units are within that range, he will attack them, and go aggro, turning him fully mobile. Maddening is somewhat similar, but this time he checks his entire movement + attack range for player units. He will not actually move until you put someone in that aggro range, but this still means that an entire eight tile-wide area near the center of the map is a no-go unless you have a plan for taking him down. Which, in and of itself, is harder than on lower difficulties not just because of his increased stats, but because your options for safely approaching him or drawing him out are severely limited compared to just sauntering up within arm's length of him. Still very doable, though! If you can get past the approach issue, most of the strategies you can use for the Death Knight on Hard should work okay on Maddening too.

The boss mage has received some notable buffs. +5 max HP, +3 Str (lol), +5 Mag, +2 Dex, +3 Spd, +4 Lck, +3 Def, +4 Res, and +4 Cha.

Here's the team we're using. No points for guessing what Lysithea is going to do.
♪ No music ♪



♪ Fódlan Winds ♪


I'm gonna do something a bit reckless here. Stride helps with those.

Dedue takes point way up there.

He barely takes damage from the archer, but unfortunately, Poison Strike.

Adan positions right next to Dedue, and uses the Sothis Shield to buff up everyone's Res.

Fun fact, Sothis is, technically, a complete player unit, entirely so she can show up in the Sothis Shield animation. I don't think she has any of the necessary voice lines, but she has a functioning battle model, functioning stats and "growths," and even has the Crest of Flames, which can activate when using the Sothis Shield. No, the Crest of Flames activating on Sothis Shield does not do anything.

Hello.




Not even a full level for that? C'mon.



Spd is nice, but that's a pretty bad level otherwise.



Seeing Ashe have 5 more Str than Spd is a bit odd (stat boosters will do that to you), but hey, I'm not complaining.


Even with a full-effect Sothis Shield, enemy magic attacks are non-trivial.







Evidently, the possibility of the player killing the Death Knight on the first turn wasn't accounted for.





Too close!





Thanks for lining up for me.


Always good to have a bow on hand, even for units that aren't trained in it.








All of this would be much more annoying if I had to deal with the area of the map the Death Knight controls.

Rea like.






Even if I wasn't feeding Dimitri stat boosters, he'd still be very good for drawing attacks.

Ingrid isn't doing too badly, either.


...Okay, then.



Ouch.



Another ouch.






Nice, nice. Like that Def, every point of it is useful for archer counterattacks.



Excellent! No complaints.

Also excellent!









lol no damage



Don't have Close Counter quite yet.





Wrong.



Don't complain about Str, my boy.






You're damn right it isn't. How do you keep missing Def?

Hey, look, deliberate activation of Rivalry.



Ouchie. For as strong as Dimitri will get, magic attacks will always remain his bane.



Well, Rivalry ended up being useless.





Still very weak to magic attacks, but a good bit more capable in combat.











"Why did you do that?" Skill experience and class mastery experience.









Really glad that enemy healers aren't that common.

Okay, that's not good.

Neither is that...

Rivalry saved Leonie from 4 extra damage there.



Adjutant heals...good.


Bye-bye.

Oh, jeez, no, don't do that.


Enemy magic users' bane: Curved Shot.












Now that's what I like to see. Who knows, maybe that stray point of Spd will have some benefit down the road.

No actions on the enemy phase.

There's the reinforcements, though.

Took the intermediate seal from the eastern chest. Saves me some gold.

Dorothea's out of Physic uses, but that doesn't matter much, since she's right up against Dimitri now.




Oh, come on.




Flashy, yes. Useful, no.





Okay, Dimitri might be a bit too powerful. Whatevs.








Almost at the end.

Enemies just moved around.

The reinforcements are approaching the center.



Did it again.



Not bad.

Good!





It's worth a shot, at least. I've got rewinds if it doesn't pan out.


Marvelous.

...Except for the part where two of them are on Avo tiles. Whoops.


Whatever.



Magic doesn't care about tile defensive bonuses.

Except for the Res +2 tiles, for obvious reasons.




Ashe grabs the much-more-valuable-than-the-intermediate-seal spirit dust from the west chest.






Deliberately had Dimitri tank his AS with the steel sword so Dorothea could get a kill.

It was of dubious usefulness.








Ah, Curved Shot, I love you.


The boss may have threatening stats, but non-Spd offensive stats don't mean shit when you can't counterattack.




♪ No music ♪


We're done here.

No variation in the cutscenes that follow, so...

Next time: Miklan.

This update brought to you by the wonderful patrons of my LPs on Patreon:

Next Update
Previous Update
Table of Contents
Support the LPs on Patreon