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Scenario 8
See you next fall!

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Thanks for all the warm messages - so let's get this big ol' train started down the tracks. So the thread was going for Royal Guard for Leon, which is fair enough - it is his canon class for every other route in the game and makes the most sense for him character-wise as well. However, no one specified what path he was to take to get to this promotion so...





He's now a Swordsman, with a Lord promotion under his belt. That nabs him Heal1 and will make him much tankier as a Royal Guard, which is desirable given our lack of healing at the moment. It also opens up his unit selection quite a bit as he can hire Lancers, Pikes, Soldiers, Bandits & Elves. That is all the bases classes aside from monsters, fliers & monks. Not too shabby there, Leon! Plus his sprite really shows off the armor he's wearing better and maybe even Kotetsu as well. And lastly, there can only be one Highlander! I'm not holding my breath though but it is the first time I've taken Leon down this path, so fingers crossed Now, onto the preamble.





Invited by General Leon of the Blue Dragon Knights, Octavian, Hein and Rohga resolve to join the Empire. The three believed that El Sallia would only emerge from its age of war once united under strong Imperial rule. But Octavian's decision found new enemies in old friends, who now oppose him as the Descendants of Light. While searching for the ruins of Baldea, the barrow of Light's Blade, former friend Lester awaited them on the opposite side of a ravine.









Leon gets the leftover weapons of Laird... too bad we couldn't just be given his old Long Sword & Platemail to equip him with... alas. Still a War Hammer & Dragon Scale is still pretty good and Leon is our first commander to have a higher DF then AT stat! He will be great at holding the line for this map. Speaking of the map, here it is - does it look familiar?



If you said, this is the same bridge as in Scenario 8 Light then you sir/madam, would be right. However, rather then a mass aerial ambush Lester appears to have gone with a more straight forward assault force of 2 cavalry, 1 pike, himself and a healer in the rear. I expect reinforcements of an aerial nature though since it appears too easy otherwise. Let's look at the plan for this map:



Quite simple since it's all land-based bridge combat from first appearances. We just push forward, hole up any vulnerabilities that appear in our line as we push and swiftly take out Lester's forces. Should be easy, right? Anyway, rather then saying "Sortie" again and again as it was in the Light Path, I feel Octavian deserves his own call to arms - feel free to suggest one in the thread but for now, based on the initial suggestion for his name I will give this cry:

For Pax Romana! Men, move out!





(CC:87)

Lester, don't badmouth Octavian so harshly. Octavian decided that the best way to bring peace is through Imperial rule.
His goal is still peace...

Lester has every right to be angry, but we shouldn't waste time slandering Octavian.
We must think of a plan to prevent Octavian and the Imperial Guard from getting their hands on the Holy Sword.

Keith is right! We don't know what may happen if the Empire holds both legendary blades!
Besides, its my duty as a Descendant of Light to protect Langrisser from being used for greed and power!

Yeah, yeah. I know already! You don't have to yell.

This turn of events is quite a dilemma. I had such high hopes for young Octavian...
We must formulate a plan to prevent the Empire from reaching Baldea.

What about the Sky Bridge over the Railem Ravine? It's the main route. If we take out the bridge, the Empire would have to detour.
That should give us a significant advantage in beating them to Baldea and finding Langrisser.

Keith... you don't mean...

Can you think of another way? It's our best option and this is serious business.
The Princess and I must rally our divided forces around the nation. We need a volunteer for this important mission...



Leave this to me, Keith. If you can't do it, aren't I the only one left fit for the job?

B, but...

Don't sweat it. After all, what are friends for?

Lester... Thank you.





Well, the bridge is better constructed than we originally guessed, but we're working.

Well speed it up, if we don't finish soon, those Imperial jackasses will show up! (CC:88)



Leon, how much further until we reach Castle Baldea?

Hmmm... Regrettably, we don't know its exact location.
However, the ancient records we've acquired strongly indicate it lies beyond this valley.

Ha ha... So we're on a wild goose chase as far as you know.
I suppose you have Colonel Laird and some advance scouts finding out the specifics?

Exactly. Our first priority seems to be crossing this bridge, though.

Sir Lester, the Imperial Army!

Son of a bitch! We need more time... Workers, hurry the hell up, we don't have all day! (CC:89)

Octavian, they look like they're trying to cut down the bridge!

If they succeed, we won't reach Baldea before Jessica's group!

We still have time! We must beat Jessica's group to Baldea and obtain Langrisser first!

Heh, with a force that small we'll be able to slice through them with ease.
Hell, they'll probably scatter before the bridge collapses anyway.

Okay, let's break through! Keep your guard up, they could be planning something.

It looks like they still plan to advance! Prepare to intercept!

Just leave it to us, boss.

And don't let up on the bridge! Don't be distracted by the fight - just keep working.

Understood, Sir.

And the Imperial path proper begins. Turn 1 like the last bridge map is rather uneventful. I've put Rohga up front, Leon behind with his Elves and Hein with Ballista behind that. Octavian brings up the rear and so now, our turn ends.



Now, let's see if Lester is going to ambush us from the air.



We are off to intercept the enemy.

Don't be on the bridge when it collapses!

Yes, Sir!

The cavalry charge onto the bridge but the rest of Lester's forces just hole up. Interesting that he gets Morgan's Theme here but I guess out of all the Descendants of Light, Lester would be the closest to Morgan - uncivil, antisocial but not a total creep and narcissist though. We're up!



If we don't make it in time, we'll lose our chance at beating Jessica's group!
It might be asking a bit much, but give me your all! We must win!

Don't be impatient, we're going our fastest.

We're going, we're going! Come on everyone, hurry!



Turn 2 is also uneventful minus the fact that I forget about the difference in MV between various units. It shouldn't matter next turn when the cavalry crash against Rohga, but it's something to always keep in mind. Back to you, Lester! Or not... as they did nothing but move up or just stand stock still. Kinda sad buddy, I expected you to beserker rage and charge us for our transgressions against your beloved Jessica. Oh well.



Made a mistake and noted the commander as dead when I just knocked him down to 5HP. Hein goes for the ranged attack.







And that's Turn 3... no ambush yet and we're easily taking care of this bridge business. C'mon Lester, your units may be tier 3 but your tactics are tier 0... though the man is a Pirate, so I guess land-based combat really isn't his forte.



What? Reinforcements?



Sorry, bud... Before we could finish, someone stuck their noses in.

We'll take care of them. In the meantime, please bring down the bridge.

Leave it to us, Keith!

Even if it means I lose my life, I shall not let you through! Attack!

And they proceed to heal up and not attack at all. Easy fodder for us next turn.

Inform every aerial squad! Flank the Imperial troops on the bridge and attack! Go!

Yes, Sir! Hurry up! Follow Sir Keith!

Keith is a Dragon Knight but his allies are all Hawk Knights aka tier 1 class. We can strike and obliterate the remaining cavalry forces... hopefully we can get the jump on Keith as well before he can hurt us too badly.





Level up! AT+1, DF+1, MP+1



Gaahh!

Level up! AT+1, DF+1





Sir Lester, please take care of the rest...

Damn guys... Don't just throw away your lives. Damn it!
Our assault troops have been fucked. The only people left to handle this are us. These guys are too much. (CC:92)







So, Hein has a successful artillery barrage and injuries Keith quite badly, though his Angel is still untouchable... for now. I worry about his Elf and potentially Leon taking some major damage but we'll wait and see.



Sir Lester, accept my apologies for putting a sea veteran like yourself up to this. I came as soon as possible to assist you, but...

It's no big deal, Keith! Besides, we're pals, aren't we?
Plus, seeing the Kalxath Aerial Knights in full action over this terrain is awesome.

When Keith comes under attack...

Don't get in my way!

Witness the might of the Kalxath Aerial Knights!



When Rohga comes under attack...

If you wish to die, then come at me!





So lost one Elf but otherwise no major harm done. RIP a true Imperial hero, Clarence the Young. We're in a strong position to take out the aerial forces next turn.







So Hein casts a wicked Fireball, dealing a total of 41 damage. Now the anti-air assault can begin in earnest.



Move aside!

You're pretty good, aren't you?



Keith, get out of the way!

I'm afraid I cannot comply with your command. Otherwise, you gentlemen might obtain Langrisser.
This is our, the people of Kalxath's duty. In the beginning, I fought with you to protect Langrisser, but...
The princess is also saddened by this turn of events... We have no choice but to battle.

If that's the only way, then so be it!

So that last image was a bit of a jumbled mess, but let's take a look at the aftermath of our AA efforts, shall we?



Utter destruction. Keith has no minions and almost all the enemy commanders will be forced to heal up. Next turn will a continuation of this reckoning, though ideally the rearmost air commander will move in and make his forces vulnerable to Rohga's men. You may have noticed only Octavian's cavalry could do any significant damage to Keith's Angels, this is due to their glass cannon nature over the Phalanxes tanking nature. Still, Angels can be very annoying at this stage of the game. Anyway, Turn 5 is complete and as expected they heal and reinforce but do no damage.





General Imelda of the Imperial Water Dragon Navy has come to lend a hand?

The chick General of the Water Dragon Navy? God damn it-!
Reinforcements at a time like this are the last thing we need. (CC:93)

All right boys, its time you learnt a little lesson!

Well then, let's get back to work. Everyone, do your best!

So, you're that redheaded upstart who gave Leon so much trouble...
Let's see what you're made of, little man. Give me some orders!



When we select Imelda...

Don't worry about the pixie loving insects in the air. I brought a detachment of High Elves with me.
They'll snipe those pigeon riders right out of the sky!

Damn...! It would be wise to not get too close to that woman! (CC:94)

Level up! Class Change!





Surprisingly, Imelda doesn't really get the holy route instead opting for an Assassin/Swordswoman route as an alternative. We'll be going for her canon route, Sorcerer -> Saint, for this run.

Level up! AT+1, MP+1, Decrease was learned!
Level up! DF+1, MP+1
Level up! MP+1, Mute was learned!
Level up! AT+1, MP+1
Level up! MP+1



She actually kinda sucks as a Tier 2 Class, LV 6 with a meh aura and only one attack spell. I guess my ignore everyone that isn't our hero, Hein or Rohga strategy had an unintended consequence. Oh well, I'll get her up to strength in due time - I did it for Aaron, I can do it for her. Now, our AA barrage can continue in earnest.



Hein leads from the rear with another well placed Fireball. Let's hope the follow-up attack can match his intensity and heat - clearly this version has had the influence of the Aniki rub off on him moreso then in the alternate Light world.



And then, he kills another weakling Fairy before attacking Keith.



Not bad, Hein! Leon, send them packing with a nicely timed face full of bodkin arrows - the Empire don't play.





To ease up on just spamming the same smiley for the dead Hawk Knights, I've combined their death quotes into one. It actually works quite well.

I... Im, impossible... You're strong, too strong...!

Level up! AT+1, MP+1



Turn 6 has passed and the remnants of the Kalxath Aerial Knights are at our mercy. I'll save Keith for last. Imelda is nowhere near the middle of the bridge and will probably see no combat unless the DoL get more reinforcements from the rear or top. C'est la vie.



Workers! What's the news on the bridge!?

I'm very sorry, Sir! It will only be just a little bit longer!

I see... Well, we have to do something before we're cut down here!

Yes, Sir!

We'll stop their advance here! Continue the operation, Lester!

Keith, you're a life saver! Go kick some ass for me, too! (CC:95)

Keith proceeds to do nothing of the sort as we have come to expect from the Elf killing bastard stains of the sky formerly known as the Kalxath Aerial Knights - currently known as Octavian's bitches. Time to move towards a conclusion of this valiant if foolhardy stratagem.





The Empire's troops... are... well... trained.



Obtained Shield.

Ugh-! Forgive me, Master Lester. It seems I was of no help...

Keith! Are you all right? Buying us this much time was more than enough!
Don't be stupid, just get out of here!

Forgive me... my friend. I'll return the favour someday, I promise!



What the hell is keeping you guys!?

Just a little longer! Just wait a little bit longer!

Get the lead out, guys... At this rate, we aren't going to make it.

If you're going to come, hurry up!



Ugh, strong...

Don't be rash! Those guys are very powerful!





And so, we have broken into Lester's lines - two things remain wiping out everyone except him and sending Octavian down to get that secret cave tile. Turn 7 is all wrapped up.



Looks like I have to fill in for Keith now, too...

If you continue this, you won't have any hope of victory, you know!
Why not relent and let us pass?

Fat chance. I'm staying until the bridge falls! Octavian, I never thought in a million years... You would team up with the Empire...

People can be easily separated by their ideals...

Well, that's life! Every person walks his own path, after all. Now, fight!



Hey! Who said you could cross without paying the toll? The troll is coming to collect!











Somehow, Lester knows a spell but isn't very powerful as you probably expected. That or Octavian's got some sweet MDF. Let's go and give Lester a good ol' fashioned Roman welcome.





Level up! AT+1, DF+1



Yeah, I can end this next turn but Octavian needs his sweet secret tile. Turn 8 is done but all that Lester's forces do is heal up as expected. Time to take out everyone that remains.







I wanted to... protect... Les... te-

Level up! DF+1



Another turn done and let's just rush through to the end. After all only Lester and the Cleric & 2 Monks remain. Easy pickings for our glorious Legion.







H, hurry... Hurry, drop the...

I can't believe this... I'm the only one left... However, I won't give up so fast!
I'm seeing this through to the end!

Aye, sir! We'll aid you with all our strength!

Please! All right, Octavian. Come on!

Level up! AT+1

Hmm? There's an entrance to somewhere here... But, we can't worry about that now! We'll explore it later.

Now that we have that... guess what Lester, ol' buddy, ol' pal?



Obtained War Hammer.

Ugh... Shit! Just as I thought... I couldn't pull it off by myself. Workers! The plan's a bust! Let's get amscray! (CC:96)





Level up! MP+2, Blast was learned!

Level up! MP+1

Lester...

Hmmm... indeed. You've lived up to my expectations, Octavian!
From now on, let's work hard for the glory of our Empire!

That means a lot to me, Leon. However, just exactly what am I fighting for...?



Choose "To end all wars":

That's right. The way to end the war is to unite the continent, just like the Empire is doing.

Exactly, Octavian. In order to accomplish that, we must first quickly obtain Langrisser.

To end the wars, Octavian is going to lend his strength to the Rayguard Empire!

All right, let's get moving. We need to obtain Langrisser quickly.

Choose "To obtain power:

That's right. If one possesses tremendous power, one can end wars quickly by crushing opponents.
Once stopped, other countries would capitulate on our terms and war would cease out of fear of retribution!
It's only natural I take up arms with the Empire in a situation like this.

Indeed, the Empire is mighty. And foolish are the weak who would bear arms against the mighty.

And if we have Langrisser...

Exactly... If we allow Langrisser to fall into the hands of our enemies, this war will last indefinitely.

Choose "I don't know yet...":

I don't know. Why did I turn against my friends for my selfish reasons? Am I dedicated to the Empire, or to myself...?

Well, if the Empire succeeds in this war, they would unite the continent under one ruler.
With only one ruler, there would be no state to bear arms against another.
Is it not peace and the end of war on El Sallia's soil your goal?

So far, this is the proper course of action...

And if we have Langrisser...

Exactly... If we allow Langrisser to fall into the hands of our enemies, this war will last indefinitely.

The choices link up back here... For Octavian, we'll be going with "To end all wars" by the way.

All right! Let's go, everyone! For the sake of claiming the legendary holy blade!
Oh, before I forget! I found a weird opening before, but what should I do about it?



Yes, I want a chance to level up Imelda, No, she's a goddamn terrible person and deserves no delicious EXP.

The truth is, I found a weird entrance while we were in the midst of fighting.
There may be something in there that will aid the Empire. Let's go in!





Not too shabby, but let's go back and look at the extra dialogue that we missed from not waiting out the rest of the scenario. So, after Turn 13...

Guys, what the hell is taking so long!?

Just a little longer! The supporting ropes have all been severed! The only thing left are the main ropes!

Come on, get the lead out and drop it already!

Yes, Sir!

After Turn 17...

Isn't it about time to get out of here?

Right now, we're in the middle of severing the main ropes.
If we cut two more, then the bridge is sure to fall! We beg your patience!

After Turn 19...

Mission accomplished! The bridge has been cut down!

Ha ha ha! Eat it, shit wads! See you next fall, Octavian! (CC:97)

Damn! Everyone withdraw! The bridge is going to fall! (CC:98)

And that's all for this one! No fancy bridge collapsing animation this time, just a straight GAME OVER. Next time, we don't deal with men or quizmasters... we're taking out a witch's coven!