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Scenario 4
MERMAIDS!
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Having sustained considerable damage in the attack, Estool's Shrine of Light could adequately defend Liana no longer. Cherie, a young lady from Kalxath, extended to the companions the protection of her country - one of the few countries still resisting. Accepting Cherie's invitation, Fighter and his companions began their march to Kalxath. They arrived in the nick of time, for Castle Kalxath had come under assault by the Blazing Dragon Army. Even with Kalxath's great strength, the walls surely will not hold long against the onslaught of General Vargas and his forces. Only from the bloody wake of battle will a victor emerge.





For today's scenario we will be reinforcing the Kalxathians who are currently being assaulted by the Blazing Dragon Army led by none other than General Vargas himself. Does this mean that Morgan & Zurom's attack was only a diversion for this one? But first we need to get some equipment for our newcomers and sort out some of the older inventory. Also, please note that Fighter is now a Lord - like so many main characters in FE before him... though I'm surprised no-one has made a 'High' Lord joke yet...





Equipping Hein with the Magic Wand we got off Morgan - it'll increase his range by 2 and his magic damage by 1. Everyone else gets armor and weapon upgrades though we give Hein's Swift Shoes to Fighter as he'll need it much more for this map. We sell the obsolete equipment and then have a look at the map to determine our troop hiring - which is a part of the strategy in itself. Know your opponent, know the environment and know yourself - you know?



So, Castle Kalxath's walls are almost breached - they have a significant moat for our Mermaids to splash around in - hence the Mv boost. We want to get our ladies into water ASAP whilst Fighter can float along. This is also denote our first flying enemy smack bang in the middle of their lines. Shouldn't be too big a problem if we whittle away with our newly powered up Hein. This is gonna be an interesting siege breaking attempt and there'll be a few class changes as well if all goes to plan.

Basic strategy - get to those lines ASAP, break through - ideally on the West side, due to the mountains and forests cutting off the enemy cavalry more effectively than on the East side, so that we get Fighter and Mermaids in the water and then envelop our opponent in a flanking maneuver. Vargas must be treated with caution given his rather high stats but we must also focus on keeping our allied commanders alive by blocking enemy access to them as much as is possible without putting our own at major risk. Also have caution when trying to take out the enemy Assassins as they are evolved Gladiators.



Here are our positions and men before we begin - Liana is kept safe in the rearguard and Scott & Cherie due to their high mobility are also put there so they can rush out. Let us Sortie.







Somehow... we have to hold out until the princess returns.



Kalxath took the bulk of its forces to defend the shrine. The garrison left will be no match for us.



Just no... don't. They were terrible together! Seriously, Vargas, I like you but you should just kill Morgan and be done with it. Also, yes that Shrine attack was just a diversion for this one as confirmed by that cavalryman tooting his general's own horn.

Soldiers of the Blazing Dragon Army, the time has come to end Kalxath's meddling!

Yes, Sir!



What-!?



It looks like we're not too late.

It's the princess! Everyone, our princess has returned!

Huzzah!

Wha-!? The princess...?

Keith, everyone! Thank heaven you're all safe! It's just like Rayguard sleaze to attack while I was away.

"Rayguard sleaze"? Miss, it seems you have no clue as to what "strategy" is.

A helpful reminder for those who have forgotten what exactly strategy is like poor Cherie here, as according to dictionary.com:

Strategy -
"The science or art of combining and employing the means of war in planning and directing large military movements and operations. Usually involves a plan, method, or series of maneuvers or stratagems for obtaining a specific goal or result."

In this case, Vargas utilized part of his army as a diversionary force to distract and maneuver the majority of the enemy away from his actual intended target - Kalxath Castle, which he can now overwhelm with his superior forces.

If you can't recognize such basic tactics, then you are indeed a moron.



M, moron...!? You muscle-bound creep, I won't forgive such an insult!

So you mean... Cherie is... the princess... of Kalxath...!?
*sigh* My image of a princess is thoroughly smashed...

What was that-!?

Oh... N, nothing...

Enough bickering. We must attack immediately!
Without any backup, the castle soldiers can't repel Rayguard for long.

Thank you! I appreciate your help.



Here is Vargas's stats - as you can see he's quite balanced with no real weaknesses - good AT, good DF. A tough nut to crack.



And here is Keith, who is basically a better Cherie - higher level, higher stats.

When selecting Cherie:

We do better when we cooperate. Fighter! For this battle, I'll follow your orders.
What would you have me do?



That's turn 1 over - we're pushing up and hard. Also interesting fact - your hired units can have higher Mv then the commander which is usually better once your commander has a bigger CR - since it gives more flexibility and allows for great tactical positioning in order to strike hard.

We'll fight to the last man!

Yeah!

Then they do nothing but hold their position, rearranging their units a bit... bloody Kalxathians.



All elite units, there's no time to waste! Take the castle, double quick!

:hoot: Yes, Sir!

All other troops, engage the enemy at our rear!
We must keep them out until we have taken the castle!

:hoot: Understood!

Kalxath is the dominant force in the League of Anti-Imperialists. If Kalxath falls, its allies will capitulate, one by one, to our Empire's power.
If we succeed here, it will only be a matter of time before all of El Sallia is united under Imperial control.
Give it your best, men! For the glory of the Rayguard Kaiser!

What this means is those Assassin units will attack the border guards whilst all other enemies will attack us - except Vargas, he sits around for a bit. When the first Assassin attacks:

Let me through!



Such power is expected of the Empire... but we shall not fall!

When the other Assassin attacks:

Well then, let's see what you're made of!





Had to show this off, it's just so damn cool. They really did a damn good job making it so that whilst you can see a lot of the same combat screens (Fighter solo challenge anyone?) in various scenarios it all gets changed up in different ways beyond just a new backdrop.







I knew that flier was trouble! Once the Mermaids hit the water... it shall run red, I swear it. Also, I didn't mention this but Rohga can only hire Barbarians which are weaker and cheaper Soldiers but great fodder.



Vargas will just block the central bridge - healing and using his Elf unit to plink away at the border guards. Which works for us I guess, since we can just bypass him altogether until we save the guards then sandwich him in a flank attack. When he attacks with his Elf:

Show me the might of Kalxath's army.





Finally, a chance to put all my years of study to use. The Blazing Dragon Army, the Blue Dragon Knights, the Dark Dragon Sorcerers and the Water Dragon Navy...
These four divisions constitute the main force of the Rayguard Imperial Army. General Vargas is an extraordinary military officer and a man to be feared.
If such a major division of the Imperial Army has been sent here, the Empire must be set on crushing Kalxath.

Of all nations in El Sallia, only Kalxath is a strong enough power to oppose Rayguard.
As long as our kingdom holds strong, the Empire will never be able to conquer El Sallia.



With that Magic Wand, Hein's fireballs can do up to 3 damage for a total of 33 damage (11 units hit) - that is great stuff from our village boy. Time to strike fear into the heart of these 'non-elite' forces. I move Fighter up to take a dip and Rohga fires off the opening salvo against those sneaky birdbrains.

God damn it, move! You weaklings are in my way! (CC:21)



Level up! MP+1









So yeah, our Rohga strike force is great at dealing damage but sucks at taking it. Also Hawk Knights on their own are usually pretty weak as our Barbarian proved, though he really should have died - got lucky with RNG that time. Now to not leave my strike force so vulnerable, I'll have Liana heal them up.



Level up! DF+1, MP+1

When Scott attacks:

Imperial troops! Don't be so haughty!











Level up!

Scott does a great number on that Hawk Knight unit and now he is one level away from class changing Time for Cherie to show us what she's made of.







Level up! DF+1, MP+1









Yeah, Cherie and her Faeries just rip Cavalry to shreds at this stage of the game - they even had a 25% boost for being on mountainous terrain! The Western front is mostly secure with one remaining normal infantry unit that should be a breeze to take out but I do worry about the East flanking us and wiping out Rohga's strike force. Well cross our fingers and pray, I suppose. Here's the damage we've done to the West. Next turn Fighter can roll in the waves and just wreck the 's shit, no questions. Turn 2 over.



We can't lose now that our princess has returned!



















This was brutal - 2 allied soldiers down and Rohga lost most of his Barbarians to a cavalry charge. Absolutely vicious business this.

Don't relax your guard! Even if Kalxath is just a frontier country, they're no stranger to battle!





Fuck Elves. Seriously, we are getting vengeance next turn and then the threat of the Elves will be dealt with for this scenario.



When the enemy attacks, try forming a wall using troops that give us an advantage.
Don't try to be a hero by engaging the enemy alone. You'll only receive damage instead of dealing it.

After you guys block them, I should cast Fireball and Attack, right?

That's right. Every enemy loss will increase of chances of victory.

That's a great idea but the order is wrong, Hein - you should cast Fireball and then we should attack and mop up these poor bastards.




Well, I'll be - Mermaids can't climb over a wall - it makes sense in context but you forget these things in the heat of battle - so Fighter will need to cut through Vargas's troops to give his terrain dominance. It shall be done.

Let's go!

Bah! I'll take you all down!











I may have mentioned it or not, but mermaids count as basic infantry and as such have an edge over spearmen and bowmen which is great against Vargas. As the mermaids and Fighter get sweet revenge and one manages to finally wet her tail - now the counter assault is in full swing. Next turn, we attack from the moat where they least suspect us... Now it is time for Rohga's revenge.











:hoot: G,General Vargas...



Here is the aftermath of that bloody affair - we utterly destroy that cavalry and heal up with Liana but our men are still reeling from the fight. Hopefully they won't be suffering another attack next turn and will fully recuperate by then. Cherie continues her justice from the skies routine in the West.



She gets a kill and softens up another whilst strengthen the line with her and Hein. All in all - we've done some major damage to their forces and most importantly taken out half of Vargas's troops including those damned Elves. Turn 3 is done. Keith still does nothing - lazy bum.

I'll show you what the Kalxath army can do!











As you can see, not much happened which is good - means Fighter can push on to save the guards on the Eastern side and Cherie can push on to the Western side - that way the remainder of our forces eliminate the enemy at the gates. Huzzah for flying & water based units!



Somehow... everyone is still holding out.

We need to hurry!

Since the enemies are strong, we'll need to use magic attacks.
Unleashing a magic attack from a distance will weaken them enough to give our soldiers an opportunity to strike.
If we rush in and count on our strength alone to overpower them, many of our men will die in vain.

A bit late for that, Scott... those Barbarians were umm... good people? They didn't steal or pillage us at all.

I see.





Liana heals Scott back up and gets an empty level up for it. Cherie presses the Western elite forces.





Level up!





She does a pretty good job - this should relieve some of the pressure the Western guard were feeling and she can wrap up next turn. Hein lines up another Fireball and does a whopping 39 damage in total, including 1 kill as seen below. His men nab him a second kill.





Scott follows and gets a level up which mean class change time! You've all wanted him to first get to be a Highlander - so I'll be shooting for that till we get to Dragon status. Which means Silver Knight for this one.



Level up! Class Change!



It is done and now his men go to mop up this pathetic wretch of a commander.











Well, we couldn't quite finish him off, but we've neutered his unit pretty thoroughly - so next turn will finish it off. As you can see, Turn 4 has been good to us - breaking through the enemy lines and smashing their regular forces. Next turn, it'll be their 'elites' turn to suffer the blade.









Ouch! I wouldn't have come here if I had known this would happen.

Hein, what are you saying? You're a man, aren't you? Hang in there!

I'm a magician. Actual combat isn't my thing. Cherie, I think the reason you're okay is because you're manlier than most men.

"M,Manly"!? How cruel! I will never ever help you again, Hein - even if you need it!

He's... not wrong you know. I don't buy this whole "be a man" business, cause Hein is right - he's a mage, not a frontline combatant. It's only out of desperation and manpower shortages that Fighter has to use him in this way. Anyway, Cherie is a temperamental nitwit at times - as if you wouldn't help your ally in a time of need. Vargas was right.



We lose another brave soldier of Hein's and Vargas casts Heal1 again to limited effect. Sorry buddy







Level up! AT+1, DF+1, MP+1, Heal1 was learned!

All of Vargas's men are now dead. We can focus solely on saving the guardsmen now and then surrounding Vargas and forcing him to capitulate. The plan now is to utilize Cherie & Scott to soften up some people on the Western front so Hein can fireballs the them all - his range & AoE is quite something now. Whilst Rohga goes on a rampage









The shockwave travels vertically down the ladder in case you were wondering.

Level up! AT+1





I just don't want to die...



The fireball lands and the game goes straight from the animation to the death dialogue NOT the on-field HP numbers, which is what I wanted to screenshot *sigh* Hein gets 4 kills in total - very nice.



Level up! Class Change!

I'm going to go Paladin since there was a request for Sword Masters on the "Fighting Pirate" ship. And even if I change my mind, it'll be okay later on. Here's the two screens for each - if you compare, Paladin gets more troops, gives better bonuses, learns more spells, gains more stats (except MP) and has a higher Mv. Plus it means Hein can Attack & Defence buff our units now.







All good, so I get Scott's trooper to make Vargas suffer a little before we rescue our men.





They do good work and we're now in a very strong position to win within two turns with minimal causalities. Very good strategy results in a very comfortable situation now. Turn 5 has been executed.

This is not a place for you to trepass. Go away!











There just really isn't much the Blazing Dragon Army can do at this point - we've got every possible advantage and are pressing them mercilessly. Time to finish them off in true Fighter style.





Firstly a fireball is applied to the West, so that Cherie may have an easier time.









She comes close but doesn't get to finish off the commander. Now it's Fighter's turn.











I take some risks but we've almost won, so why not? Turn 6 has reached completion - next turn should be the last.





I lose two good Mermaids because of my actions... they shall never be forgotten and they shall be avenged with blood. Fighter knows what to do.







I've served for the glory of the Rayguard Empire!

Level up!

The job is done. There is no fanfare but there is relief - this cutthroat bastard shall plague us no longer. Cherie moves in to finish off her own problem.





Gah-!

Level up!





And now we finish off the man himself - Rohga can have the honours after we first soften him up a bit.

So, you're General Vargas of the Blazing Dragon Army! Let's see how skilled you really are!

I like your spirit, boy! By what name are you called? I'll carve it on your gravestone.

Fuck you! The name is Rohga.
I'll be sure to inform your wife that was the name of the man that killed you! (CC:22)

Ha! What a brazen lad!

Unfortunately, Rohga's Barbarians did quite poorly and so I figured Rohga wouldn't be able to kill Vargas (his AT = Vargas's DF), so I used Scott to kill him - affinity advantage and all that guff. It worked.



Obtained War Hammer.







Ugh... not this... thing. Told you that he'd be back before you knew it...

Shit! How could we have failed to take Kalxath...? (CC:23)

It seems the General has withdrawn. We have no choice then, but to take this girl to the Imperial Capital by ourselves.

For once, we're on the same page. Okay, Morgan, let's go!

Hee hee hee!

We do nothing much but regroup at the gates... since we are now actually defending them against an invading force. How the tide has turned - though Morgan & Zorum combined ain't worth jack compared to Vargas.

Even General Vargas retreated. It won't help if I stay here...
I wasn't planning to die here... I wonder what else I can do...

After moving his unit:

Now, go! Teach them a lesson!

:y: Yes!





We heal and regroup at the gates - I plan to push out and hard, striking commanders and the like to quickly rout our foe. Turn 8 is completed.



Oh, I just remembered. There's this report I've been meaning to make to Egbert.

Commander Morgan!?

Hey you! Cover me, I'm departing.

Wh,wh,what!? If you leave things like this...

Don't worry, we still clearly have the advantage. Just keep fighting.

Then... why are you fleeing battle, Commander Morgan?



I'm not running away! I just have a very, very, very urgent report to make.
Now hurry and get back to die-err... "securing" my departure!

You can't be serious...



Yeah, I mean she actually called you Commander Morgan like you dreamed, you twat! New objective: Kill Morgan before he leaves the field. We counter-charge with everything we have. Scott makes first contact.





Will I catch up to Morgan in time? I can only hope so. Turn 9 is done. Nothing of interest happens on the enemy turn though Morgan doesn't run very far, so that's a good sign. Let the killing begin anew!





Level up! AT+1 MP+1















Scott, Rohga and Liana get a turn in the killing game and we have pocketed Zorum - but we still need to focus and take out Morgan before he flees. Next turn... it will be as it should... that is our role... it shall our time.



Gwa ha ha! Well, let me thank you for our last encounter...



Poor Scott, he just ain't no Fighter - that's for sure.

Damn it! Stop following me! It's your job to fight these nincompoops so that I have time to retr-uh, to depart!
Fight them... Or you'll regret it. (CC:25)

Y,yes, Sir...

Let's go!







That bitch! She killed one of Scott's boys and hurt another. She'll pay even if she's already in hell, stuck working for Morgan. Blood for Capt' Lushiris!









When we catch up to Morgan:

Shriek! Y, you caught up with me already!?









The power of Lushiris compels you!



Liana can do a surprising amount of damage if you line her up against right kind of targets, which is nice given she is the designated healer.









Rohga finishes poor off, she really did deserve better than Morgan and being used a sacrificial pawn to protect him. Unfortunately, she killed our men and that is unforgivable.

Eh? What useless subordinates!



Obtained Cloak.



Gah-! Master Egbert...!



Level up! AT+1

Well I didn't expect that to work - I just wanted to weaken Morgan and show off the Sorcerer's anti-air fire cluster bomb attack. Still, this means that only Zorum is left and he's easy prey. This was Turn 11.



Oh lordy, I guess Fighter was too much of a fighter for Zorum. You could say he lorded it over him. And that is the scenario done - no more reinforcements, no more horrible bosses and their unfortunate subordinates, no more.

Obtained Dagger & Buckler.





Isn't he by virtue of being from Rayguard, an El Sallian as well? Since El Sallia is the whole continent that they are fighting to unify? Then again, Zorum isn't the sharpest weapon in the armory.





Level up! DF+1

Level up! AT+1, DF+1, MP+1, Turn Undead & Heal1 was learned!

Level up! MP+1

Level up!

Level up!

Nobody's hurt?

It's amazing we're safe.

Thanks to Fighter, we were able to repel Rayguard's assault.

Princess... you should properly thank Fighter.

Ah, yes. I present you this suit of armour from our ancestors.
It's probably not the strongest armour, but it's very light and provides very good defence.

Obtained Dragon Scale.

I've heard Kalxath described as an enormous castle. Would Liana be safe within its walls?

Certainly! You can leave her care to us.

Well, then... I have fulfilled my duty. I must return home now.

What a pity! Scott, if you leave, who will tutor me in strategy?

Yeah... You can't depend on other forever.

Curses... I guess I have no choice. It seems I'll have to study troop affinity on my own.

Well then, take care...

I really must be on my way...



Sir Fighter, a guest has requested to see you.

We meet again, Fighter.

Your Holiness! Welcome.

I've been investigating some ancient manuscripts archived in our shrine.
It seems I've found the source of the Dark Blade's power.

That's good... What do you mean it's "power"?

Alhazard houses an even more terrible power than we first suspected.
Not only does it raise its user's abilities, but it also allows him to contact the demon world.

The demon world!? But it is said no magician in El Sallia possesses such power.

Indeed, you are correct. However, the manuscript says when the sword combines with the Dark Rod, it will become capable of commanding demons.

The Dark Rod? Legends say one blast from this wand can level a kingdom.

If such a weapon is used, we would have no way to resist. What can we do?

There is more to tell. Alhazard has yet to reach its full power. The Dark Rod is necessary to completely revive it.

I see... That's why the Imperial Army is searching so desperately for the ancient scrolls.

Couldn't Alhazard be used without the Dark Rod...?

I don't think so... I have yet to discover where the Dark Rod is enshrined.

Then let us make haste to Rall River. It's said a powerful magician over seven hundred years old lives there in seclusion.
If anyone in El Sallia knows about this "Dark Rod", it must be she. Fighter, let's go together!

Are you sure? It may be better if you stay here to defend Castle Kalxath.

Unfortunately, the Empire's new ambition is our priority. If the power of Alhazard is released, this castle won't matter any more.

Indeed. I will accompany you as well.

What? You plan to come, too?

Of course. My charge is to defend the princess of Kalxath.



Then... I guess you shall be away to the river now...

We cannot allow the Empire to do as it pleases.

Yes, let us depart at once.

I'll lend a hand, too! I want to see this legendary magician. I wonder what kind of person she is...

Okay. Troops, prepare to set out.



Fighter...

Liana, please stay here. The castle guards will be able to protect you.
Within Castle Kalxath, you needn't be afraid any more.

That's right! While you remain with us, you'll be treated like a guest!

No... that's not it... Fighter... I wish to go with you.

What! Liana, it will be dangerous...

Even a girl like me can fight! I can't stand having to sit by while others fight! Fighter, please let me come with you!

...

Fighter... don't worry. The Rall River is a fairly stable region that has gone unclaimed by any kingdom for over several hundred years.
Could it be... you fear you cannot protect her...?

...

Fine... Liana, you must promise me one thing. If we are forced to engage the Empire, you must flee and return to Kalxath. Understood?

Thank you... I'm sorry to make such an unreasonable request...

Princess, I'm ready.

Well then, let's move out!





That was a lot of at the end there! Well, we get the idea - there's an annoying love triangle forming and all that guff. Let's just press on to find the several hundred year old mage. Now one thing I did miss, that I'll get off camera is a DF+1 secret tile in the top left corner, that only Cherie or a Hawk Knight Hero could possibly get. Otherwise, that's all folks!

Next time - only you can prevent forest fires... are you up to the task? Der Langrisser presents In Flames!