Register a SA Forums Account here!
JOINING THE SA FORUMS WILL REMOVE THIS BIG AD, THE ANNOYING UNDERLINED ADS, AND STUPID INTERSTITIAL ADS!!!

You can: log in, read the tech support FAQ, or request your lost password. This dumb message (and those ads) will appear on every screen until you register! Get rid of this crap by registering your own SA Forums Account and joining roughly 150,000 Goons, for the one-time price of $9.95! We charge money because it costs us money per month for bills, and since we don't believe in showing ads to our users, we try to make the money back through forum registrations.
MonotoneMorgan
Nov 20, 2013

The saddest day in Octavian's life was the day he was asked to shave his mustache.
--------------------------
Scenario 16 :commissar:
The Squelchening

--------------------------





Velezeria, the forbidden land, was said to seal the true powers of the Demon Tribe, a race of monsters who tried to cover the world in darkness. Deep in the bowels of Velezeria, a dimly lit stone slate was once again glowing at the eerie altar in the Temple of Darkness. As the company drew near, they spotted a great sword atop the altar with two young maidens on each side - both resembling Liana. At the foot of the altar, a man clad in black mumbled an incantation of evil. The revival of Alhazard was at hand.





No new items in the shop I'm afraid, then again only the bravest/stupidest of merchants would set up shop in the 'bowels' of Velezeria. Let's take a peek at the map this time, it should be quickly familiar to most readers.



A bit different to the Light path though since we start in the middle (making those ruddy ballistae much easier to take out) and we have a straight path up to Böser, wherein we can fulfill our destiny as the Emperor's backstabbing right hand. Of course, I doubt it will be that simple and this very cautious strategy illustrates that thusly:



I expect based on previous experience, duplicity and teleportiness from our foe. Reinforcements will most likely appear in the south and we'll have to chase after Böser's pale sun-hating behind. Does this mean no Alhazard for us to wield? Maybe, but instead of speculating let's jump in and find out!






Böser moves towards to Liana...

Don't wear yourself out, girl... This will be quite taxing.





His Majesty ordered our presence here, so why is Böser unsealing the blade?

This too is one of our orders. We are to leave things to him and observe.

Hmmm...

I'm still shocked to find out about Lána. How could Liana have had a twin?

It is simply the destiny of the one born to be the Maiden of Light.
There must be balance, and hence, a Maiden of Darkness.
Böser abducted Lána while she was very young for his own ends...

So he was planning this for quite a long time.

The shrine maidens will dissolve the seal, but that is not enough. The sword requires energy, and Lána must offer hers.

Ultimate darkness lies within this blade. Embrace your darkest desires, Liana...
AND UNLEASH ALAHAZARD'S MIGHT!!





Is, is the seal broken?

Heh heh heh...
What terrific energy!

Aaahhh... Such power!
Now I am truly the Prince of Darkness...

Congratulations! Your Böser has evolved into a Prince of Darkness... maybe he should start a band? :rock:

Empire, you've served, or rather, outlived your purpose.

You'll find you're wrong about that.

No, with Alhazard in my hand, you're all highly unnecessary. Not that it wasn't fun to toy with you, but...
Arise, my servants!





Ah, Sonya. Alhazard is now mine.
Please, be a dear and slaughter these Imperials while I recover from the ritual. Use this rod if you like.

Y, yes... Thank you, Master!

Sonya obtained the Dark Rod.

No... Sonya...? Why?

Listen, everyone. Either we take Alhazard or Böser will fill this world with misery.

That's right. Under his control, everyone will die or become demonic.

Por que no los dos, Hein? :ese:

Everyone, our mission is to retake Alhazard!

You'll pay for your deception, Böser!

You're damned right he will! (CC:116)
Against the Empire, he's as good as dead... just like anyone who would oppose the Kaiser!

It is good of you to gather here for us. It will make the fight that much more interesting!

Maybe the "Prince of Darkness" can entertain us longer than the Descendants of Light were able!

:iceburn:





And it begins, the all-out fight between Grey and Black. My money's on whoever has the biggest balls. :haw:
And here's my case in point:




Imelda's just out of range for her follow-up fireball, so we move up and choke up with her and Egbert on the east side. Meanwhile, Hein's High Elves and Vargas secure the west side chokepoint.





Time for some blood to be spilled, Octavian is up!



Err, make that oil. Since the last few Iron Golems are out of range for now, I opt to kill the commander and leave myself an easy sweep of the other units next turn.



:psylon: Ughh...

Level up! No stats or spells for you!

Too easy. So here's how the remainder of our forces stand - we have Octavian ready to smash the centre with his Griffins...



And Rohga ready to blunt Sonya's charge whilst Leon hangs back, ready to charge when the moment's right...



And that's Turn 1, over and done.






You'll all be butchered and humanity will be enslaved. Nothing can be done.
My servants... Begin the slaughter and do not leave a single soul standing!

Gyo hoh hoh!

Aaahh-!

...



That prick meteor'd me! Also, Osto should really look into getting something for the chronic pain he's suffering.

Stop it, Sonya. What have you become, darkness's lackey?

Brother...!

Don't you understand? Böser's world will be a living hell!

But I...

Sonya, please focus. That maggot fears our new world. Do not listen to him.

Y, yes...! Master Böser...

Yes, do not be confused. You know what humans are.

drat you, Böser... (CC:117)



And then, Sonya meteors Rohga. Bloody mages.


Don't get in my way!



You're just like the other humans!
You'll never listen to me and you'll never understand!

And after such an emotional outburst, Sonya's minions attack hoping to finish what she had begun...



They fail, miserably. Just like their master, I suppose.






That was somewhat more effective though. And E/Osto move up and Turn 2 has arrived. Time for some payback, sibling style.

Sonya...

That's right! Sonya is Rohga's little sister. :downs:

It's painful when siblings are at each others' throats. Can we attempt persuasion instead?

I'm sorry for the trouble. I'm going to her now. Watch my back!

All right, everyone! Rohga's going to talk Sonya into joining us!

It can't be helped... I'll give you a hand.



And Leon chimes in with a 'me too' as he fires off a Heal1 for himself and Rohga to bask in. But yeah, the game ain't playing around - multiple mages are serious business at this stage of the game. Oh well, time to bloody Sonya's nose so that she can't meteor me no more.

Sonya, I don't want to fight you, but...

So it seems brother Rohga is just like everyone else...
I am ordered to crush all humans, big brother. I suggest you flee!
No one will trust a half-breed like me except Lord Böser!



Not too shabby, if she's hurt she'll focus on healing herself rather then meteoring Rohga's face off. Now to the south where some well placed magic will turn the tide as always. But this time, let's do it as a BEFORE/AFTER style shot for Hein's Meteor Mash.

BEFORE:



AFTER:



Level up! AT+1, DF+1, MP+2

And now, let's let Imelda/Egbert have a go at informercial fame - as the super hot Fireball duo, Egmeldabert. :downsrim:

BEFORE:



AFTER:



Ugh, even seeing you makes me sick!





And with that the line holds on the east side. Vargas will hold the line and not strike out this turn, so the west side looks very similar to this. However, it's now Octavian's turn to smash the centre with his flying bipedal bird brigade!



Turn 2 finito!






Hmm... So the Descendants of Light have decided to show?

Böser! Al, Alhazard... is it?

Yes, you're late... Alhazard was reborn at this altar. You'll all be gutter lining when I'm through with you!

Hmmm... Böser has Alhazard, Octavian has Langrisser...
Do we stand a chance here?

Someone's growing up into a fine young princess... :allears:

The stakes are too high. We have to fight!

Yes, naturally. I'll watch for an opportunity to take one of the swords.
We must defend humanity!

For a world worth living in, we must defeat both the Empire and the forces of darkness!

So they took this long before they could mobilize...
Heh, my old Master must believe she can simply wait things out...
Well, that suits us just fine. I've decided to take Alhazard.
We'll see how this figures into her little ploy.

Stay your ground until the Descendants move in, and they shall inadvertently aid us.
They can engage the Imperials and let us slaughter all our enemies at once!
Gwa hah hah!

He then meteors me in the face again, such a prick. Though his plan is a good one given his current circumstances. So does a Vampire Lord, leading to this unfortunate exchange:



I lost two Griffins to this bastard of a vampire. He's probably mocking me right now, the vampire bastard :drac:

Böser, your treachery ends here!

Hmmm... Hah hah. Do your worst, old hag.

:iceburn:

The Empire is our sworn enemy, but... I'd sooner help humans than darkness!

Alright, you sea swine! Show your captain what you're made of!



KILLSTEALERS :argh:
2 Gargoyles go down to the forces of light. Taken untimely by a surprise attack, you both deserved better than that. Anyway, it's time to dole out a bit more pain - finish off Sonya and open the path to big bad Böser. The rest will hold regardless. Leon heals up again and it's back to Rohga.




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



Sonya is finished now, just need one turn to let Rohga coup de grace her - I was hoping for a special conversation when I moved him next to her but no such luck I'm afraid. Back to the mages and then Octavian.







Fireballs are served up with a side helping of volleys - the big bolt kind and the elvish kind. 2 Gargoyles go down and that Spectre is badly hurt. Soon Octavian will rectify that.



:drac: I, I don't...

Even lift? I know and so does Hein, who finally moves down with a Vargas escort. Things will get real interesting, real soon.





That's the Imperial turn done, but the question remains - what will the Descendants of Light do? Focus fire us? Target the forces of darkness as #1 priority? Let's find out.





OH poo poo - I forgot Spectres are like Ghosts in that they can go through walls! I thought that Griffin was safe and would receive heals from Octavian next turn but I've gone and done it... I've done goofed :downs:

Tasty morsels, come!



This is your ability? Pathetic! Hah hah!





It's time to finish off the centre and then get Octavian's unit back in fighting shape. To mete sweet poetic vengeance upon Jessica's face.





:drac: You cursed humans!

Level up! AT+1

Cursed with awesomeness, maybe? Now, Hein/Vargas will reap what they have sown.



Humans! Hope I don't kill you in your sleep! I'll be back!

:byewhore: Now, it's Esto's turn.







Hmm... needs more magic. Maybe next turn, assuming Jessica doesn't killsteal like the trollop that she is. Alas, time to finish off Sonya then.



Why... Why can't I best humans?
The next time, surely...



And here's how Turn 4 ends, we are so close to smashing in the Prince of Darkness's royal behind and have the Descendants of Light up our Imperial behinds. I hope that the DoL don't kill Esto, cause Imelda/Eggy need that sweet exp right now.









Well shoot. Rohga lost all his Phalanxes and Eggy nearly lost a High Elf. Jessica also cast Earthquake which is odd given it affect barely anyone at her current location. Cherie does the same and manages to kill a Kraken.

What a shocking enemy turn (for me... far out)! Time for a bit of payback.




At last, my plan bears fruit. Alhazard is unsealed and lies in my hand.
You humans, especially the Descendants of Light, have caused me much trouble.
But now, that's impossible. I'm sending you all to hell.



Level up! AT+1

It's a start, Leon heals up everyone and it looks like that poser Böser is on his last legs. He can only cast 1 more meteor and Leon's ready to shred his foot soldiers. Now back to Eggy 'n' co.



This grudge I'll never forget!

Level up! AT+1, MP+2

Having dealt with Esto, Eggy banishes the Iron Golem and summons Sleipnir to replace him. Otherwise, together with Imelda they shore up their defences and prepare for Jessica's assault. Similarly, Octavian bands together to heal his Griffins and moves towards the west chokepoint where our forces are going to bleed.



I do what I can with Hein & Vargas, but Krakens are very much not suited to cavernous fighting. At best they will soak up an assault and give Hein's ladies a chance to pincushion the enemy. That is another turn done - I'm going to skip through the next couple turns since it's quite a slog.





Now that Lester is in spell range, we can slowly pick him off with magic and ballista fire. Imelda will level up, dagnamit! Also, when Leon moves near Lána this happens:

...

My apologies, Lána. Please, hold on.



Overkill much, Jessica? Though she did just cripple Imelda's ballistas...
Regardless, the plan is going well so far - not much longer to go.








Hein does a great first strike and cuts Cherie's forces by 2 and significantly wounds her. Well done old chap! And now, it's time to show the Prince of Darkness how feeble he truly is.





Just like that, he's isolated and alone. Just as it should be.





Alas, they will get some payback next turn before I close out the map. Hein casts Attack2 on Vargas and they all run rampant.



With only a few more men... I could have...
There's no helping it. I must retreat.

Level up! MP+1



As it turns out, I delay Vargas attack due to being at a movement disadvantage. Instead I get Leon to whittle down Böser's HP and am reminded why he is such a prick. Insane AT + first strike = big middle finger to the player. It does however make it easy to not kill him given that should a unit survive his attack they can easily deal 1-2HP damage. Now, lets just follow the highlights for the rest of the map.



Hein almost dies due to my poor positioning.



And to think before this, only in Fire Emblem have I been so glad to see so many 1s all together. Knowing the AI, I think this means our west side is safe. The east side continues it's attrition and surprisingly, Rohga gets a level up from healing of all things.


Level up! MP+1





:gibs: gently caress this...! I can't move! (CC:118)

Level up! AT+1, DF+1, Class Change!





We are going for Serpent Lord given it gets T5 boosts to troops and water maneuverability. Plus, I pretty certain enemies won't know whether to crap themselves in fear of the giant Water Serpent or piss themselves in fear of Vargas. Also, WEST SIDE IS SECURE!









drat this useless blade! Let's escape! (CC:119)

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

One more enlightened fool to go before giving our former buddy, good ol' Böser, the coup de grace.



Picture this happening 6 times in the space of two turns. Imelda likes her kills like she likes her men, on fire and full of holes.




Argh... Both the Imperials and monsters are against us.
This might be too much... Some of us are still injured.

EAST SIDE SECURE... finally. All that remains is...



Aaahhh... The ritual was very demanding...
I wish it were otherwise, but we must withdraw for now. Humans, savour a few more breaths...
When I fully recover, I'll wipe you from this world!

Wait, Böser! What in the hell...?
That ceremony really took it out of him.





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

Level up! Again was learned!

Ugh... Am I... Is this it-?

The Dark Princess is acting pretty strange.

Ah ha! With Böser's injury, her mind is free again.

Lána...! Sister!

Liana! Why... are we here?

Are you okay, Lána? Get a hold of yourself!

Leon! Why are you... here?
Aahh... I see. I've been under Böser's spell. The power of darkness...
Ugh!

Sister Lána, are you okay?

Be patient. Lána's exhausted from the unsealing ritual. We must see her cared for at the castle.

Oh, oh yes, where's Böser...?

Hmph. It appears neither of our enemies were disabled...
I wonder whom we should finish first? Octavian, I entrust this decision to you.

We should stop to think about this lest we make any rash mistakes...



So here's where that vote came in - do we chase royalty (the Prince of Darkness) or skirts (Jessica)?
The final results were Royalty: 3, Skirts: 2. How unsurprising :rolleyes:


How else can we seize Alhazard...? We should hunt him down immediately!

Hmmm, a wise decision. But we need to revive Langrisser to secure our victory.

This is amazing! Are you saying Langrisser can be unsealed as well?

Yes, we must unlock every ounce of this blade's power.
How unfortunate... we have everything necessary save for the Holy Rod.

Laird has been searching for it. We should consult him.

Remember Laird? No? Good, because I certainly forgot. His impact in the Imperial story is much more reduced given Octavian basically usurps him as Leon's BFF.

Liana... Lend me your power. Break Langrisser's seal and help us capture Alhazard!

B, but...

...
Aren't we taking back Alhazard because it's too dangerous? Won't Langrisser be the same?

Shh, Sister!

If you aid us, I promise both of you will be well-protected.

I understand, Octavian. Let's work together.

Thank you. Now all that remains is to seek out Böser and seal his darkness forever!

We'll finish off Böser after we revive Langrisser.

Err, thanks for that Vargas... anyway, mission complete! Now, what would have happened if Octavian had declined to pursue Böser?

IN AN WORLD SIMILAR TO THIS ONE...[/i]



Yes, Böser will be recovering for a while yet. We should strike the Army of Light while they're off balance.

That sounds like the logical choice. Let's hunt them down.

There's not much time. We should depart.





And that is that. I must say the dialogue for going after Jessica is much more dry and most importantly, why isn't Liana protesting such a decision? Alas, an opportunity for character development gone to waste.

Anyway, coming up - the final showdown with Sonya!
Will Rohga be able to sway his sister? If recent history is anything to go by, the answer is almost certainly no.

Join me next time as we deal with the menace of Everlasting Love.

MonotoneMorgan fucked around with this message at 13:14 on Dec 26, 2014