[IC] Fire Emblem: Ashes of Sacrifice [Fall of the Empire]

[Sho Minazuki]

INSIDE THE FORT!

• x3 Bandit Pugilist
• Armored Bandit
• x6 Brigands
• Bandit Leader Rolgo

THE BREACH
@Savo Einar
@Lugubrious Artemisia
@CriticalHit Kyran
NPCs: Sumire, William, Alnard, Hadrick

SOUTHERN ENTRANCE
@Typical Branna
@Yankee Belisandre
@Haeo Trace
NPCs: Wes, Gerrian, Rin

Battle Map

---

The situation was incredibly bad for the bandits. If they committed to the defense of the southern entrance, then they left themselves open to the attack from the broken wall. If they committed to the defense of that, then those coming in the south had free reign over targets with the space they had. Thus it appears they were forced to split their defenses.

The Armored Bandit with a war cry moved towards the south to face the oncoming attackers, while a few Brigands sat back to keep their open flank occupied. The Bandit Leader Rolgo stood up from his chair to prepare for the oncoming attack. He'd occasionally had mercenaries or hired hands try and take this place, and none have gotten beyond the gates, and having been told of the force that was coming in just a few minutes ago he thought he could sit back and relax. They were just kids he was told, it was just going to be another day, or at least he thought. He wasn't sure whether to be angry or impressed, but being as he was, he was probably going to be a bit angry.

The battle was nearing it's end, it wouldn't take long to get rid of the Brigands, the only real obstacles were that of the Armored Bandit, and the Leader himself.

[Haeo]

Trace Retloth
Inside the Fort

The other lancer was not taught in the same style of combat but did seem to read the situation well enough to take the correct position. The ladies and their mounts were also prepared and beginning to move. It was time. Trace gave a single nod of his head to the other lancer before swinging around the corner of the gate and spotting the locations of the enemy. Sure enough, there were enemies positioned on each flank. Trace also noticed the heavily armored lancer and two other bandits flanking him. However, those three were too far away to immediately be a threat. That is, they wouldn't be able to stop the flanking bandits from being killed. Trace had been holding back before, not a lot... but enough. This was the time to stop doing that. He lead with a well executed Heartstopper. With the number of enemies around and his existing injury, he wasn't in a position to allow unnecessary enemy attacks. After his strike, he kept his feet light. He might need to dodge sooner than planned and wanted to be ready. Unless he was exceptionally lucky, this attack wouldn't kill a bandit. But, it would hurt and distract him enough that the archer coming through the gate behind Trace would have an easy time finishing him off. It might be reckless, but Trace was counting on that. He planned on shifting his target to the bandit that was to the left of the heavy lancer immediately, rather than waiting till the first enemy was dead. Archers frequently filled one of two roles in battles. They could weaken the enemy before the close combat started, or they could finish off the wounded enemies after the initial clash had tired them. Either route was an effective use of their range and a good way to give them combat experience that they might be lacking.

_________________________ Status: Lightly Injured Class: Recruit Inventory: Iron Lance 2/3 Vulnerary 3/3 Exp:85

[Yankee]

Belisendé
Daybreak | Inside, Southern Entrance

As the melee units dashed in, Belisendé too advanced. It didn't take more than the barest flick of the reins for Sunbeam to gallop inside. The horse's hooves fell heavy on the fortress' stone floor and he gnashed his teeth - surely if he were a wyvern he would take to biting in a direct challenge to Mors. Hells, he looked ready to bite even as a horse, but though painful it wouldn't have quite the same deadly effect. The animal squeezed through the entrance and stamped proudly into the large open room as Bel took quick stock of the situation in the interior. There were bandits to either side of the group, and dead ahead. She couldn't see the other half of their forces, but she trusted they were alright. Before the young archer could even think about selecting a target, Trace had whirred from the axeman on their left to the group in front of them. On the opposite side she could only assume that their other lancer was doing the same thing. However, he'd left the man wounded but alive. Had he made a mistake, thinking his blow to be a killing one and moved on? Or... maybe a skilled solider trusted their allies to cover for them? The thought made a little spark of pride well in Bel's chest. She lined up her arrow, letting it loose to swiftly finish off the axe bandit before looking for another target.

_________________________ Status: Alive Currently: Attacking Class: Squire EXP: 60 Inventory: Iron Bow (2/3) Vulnerary (3/3) Stats END: E STR: E MAG: D DEX: C (+2) SPD: D DEF: E RES: D LCK: C Supports N/A

[Lugubrious]

Artemisia

Alymere Fort Interior

Her sorcery came through just in time. Artemisia gasped as her enemy's glancing blow left a small tear and a light cut in her robe, but the trade went far worse for the bandit. Her destructive energy rocked his world, leaving him barely able to stagger to his feet, and before he could go about paying the dark mage back, an ally blocked the way. With his focus divided and his adrenaline frustrated, the vagabond proved easy prey for a quick Mire that bubbled to life around him, a miniature storm of caustic toxins. With that sorted out, just one foe remained. Before moving on Artemisia muttered a quick, yet still over-elaborate thanks to Hadrick. “I am grateful your succor arrived at such a fortuitous moment.” Starting to feel the fatigue of depletion owing to her many spells used, Artemisia nevertheless prepared to advance. Alnard and Einer dispatched the last brigand, which left the way clear for her force to proceed. She let out a hearty breath, appreciative of even a quick reprieve. Unlike these trained soldiers, she didn't possess the stamina to just keep wading on through battle. The clatter of hooves heralded the arrival of Kyran, no doubt having fought through a similar situation near the fort's proper entrance. He seemed ready to proceed, pausing only to ask the plan. Artemisia gave a blank look, not exactly sure herself. Following wherever the prince went seemed like a good option. She rubbed at the cut on her shoulder, waiting for whatever came next while Einar offered his view on the group's position. While she did not particularly appreciate phrasing her magnificent, ancient magical arts as harassment, she felt confident she could obliterate anyone who found a way past the front lines, even if a little winded. Soon enough, Artemisia heard the tramp of hasty feet and the shouts of rough voices, the bandits' reckless behavior indicative of their mounting desperation. A few bodies on the floor, a couple feet of hole in the wall, and their shoddy plans had gone to hell. The dark mage grinned, feeling magic coursing through her. “Our victory is certain. Let us seal the deal.”

__________________________ Status: At the ready Class: Occultist Inv: Vulnerary, Book of Secrets

[Savo]

Einar

Kingdom of Reynes || Alymere Fort || Morning

Einar smirked at her astute observations, turning is head slightly behind him and glancing at the lady "Sky is blue, grass is green, and yeah." He quipped a bit chuckling before returning his focus to the door, raising a hand and waving it off lazily. "Sorry 'bout that, but I think that's more than obvious to all of us," he proudly proclaimed, though no longer gazing behind him. Despite the ruckus that he heard, another sound stood out to him, his ears twitching as clanging sounds banged from behind the derelict door. His vision sharpened, a cry was heard, yet nothing. His eyes widened for a second before realizing that it was getting farther away. He scowled for a moment before realizing those were the only footsteps he heard. "OK, timeout Einar, sounds like none of them are coming to investigate, now what?" It was a snap judgement as he frowned and bit his lower lip. Soon after, he began running through ideas in his head before gulping and sheathing his blade. This was going to be dumb, but with allies, he could take a considerably larger risk. "OK, from what I can tell, they're either waiting for us to make the first move or are focusing on the ones up front, so a slight alteration to whats planned," he announced reaching his hand towards the door. Honestly, if there was someone right behind it, he could always get behind his more armored ally after taking a hit. "If I start boasting, get out of sight and get ready to skewer or obliterate the bandits that enter this room, if not, I'll... say help or something, alright?" Regardless of what was said or done, they couldn't just loiter about, so it was time to take action. The young mercenary slightly tipped the door ajar, peeking out to get a good idea of what he was seeing, all while maintaining what he thought was a healthy distance from getting one of his eyes stabbed out. He could barely see the tin bandit lumbering away from the door and addressing something to the south of him while two others protected his flank. He couldn't exactly see if there were any others to his left without sticking his entire neck out and making himself completely known, so Einar instead popped the door open. Just as quickly, the mercenary closed it, leaving it open just slightly to make his plausible retreat easier. Looking to his left he saw at least four bandits and some jackass standing behind what looked to be some sort of throne. That frown soon turned into an almost self-gratifying smirk as he began to snigger to himself, slowly building up to a reverberating laugh, taking a few steps away from the door but generally remaining by it in case any of the bandits wanted to attempt to block his escape. "Wow, now this is just pathetic. The leader of these bandits is holed up at his throne, hiding behind a buncha' weak, ineffective peons," he roared boisterously, placing a hand on his blade and drawing it once again and twirling it for a second. "Seriously, do you morons think you even have a chance to beat us? Would be smarter just to give up and beg for your worthless lives," as he continued shouting, Einar gauged primarily if they were closing in on him and took a bit of their facial expressions as well. The moment two or three tried to engage him, he would move back for the door and retreat into the room, where he was confident his allies would make quick work of them all... ... well, if none of them decided to follow him out.

_________________________ Status: Einar Used Bravado! Information Class Page Inventory Iron Sword [2/3] Vulnerary [3/3] Experience 45/115 Fortune 0 Stats END: D STR: D MAG: C DEX: C SPD: D DEF: E RES: E LCK: E Action Readying to Retreat Primarily Focused on Dodging Supporting Alnard (@Sho Minazuki) Artemisia (@Lugubrious) Kyran (@CriticalHit)

[Sho Minazuki]

INSIDE THE FORT!

• x3 Bandit Pugilist
• Armored Bandit
• x5 Brigands
• Brigand
• Bandit Leader Rolgo

THE BREACH
@Savo Einar
@Lugubrious Artemisia
@CriticalHit Kyran
NPCs: Sumire, William, Alnard, Hadrick

SOUTHERN ENTRANCE
@Typical Branna
@Yankee Belisandre
@Haeo Trace
NPCs: Wes, Gerrian, Rin

Battle Map

---

The southern entrance burst with activity as Trace and Bel made the first move, the defending axeman may have survived Trace's advance, but the arrow found it's mark just as he was catching his breath. The front remained strong, but perhaps not for too long as the armored bandit marched towards the wyvern rider in the center. Branna found herself being advanced upon as the big bandit made his attack, while the remaining axe bandit accompanying him brought up his rear.

The breach was under a fair amount of duress as the bandits by the throne advanced. The leader didn't seem phased by Einar's taunt, but his peons seemed to take it a bit harder as they swung at him, fighting for the dignity of their now tattered crew. Given the difference in weapons, the bandit's attacks were limited in how they could viably swing it in this thin doorway. It would be very simply for Einar to simply thrust, an action not available to axes. Furthermore even if he had to retreat, both Artemisia and Alnard had the rear with their magic.

One such bandit made himself vulnerable as he attempted to strike at Einar.

[Lugubrious]

Artemisia

Alymere Fort Interior

After a little provocation from Einer, the goons approached. Artemisia exhaled sharply, then breathed in, trying to focus. In a matter of moments the first couple of bandits reached her allies, and a frenetic fight in the confined space ensued. From her position in the back alongside Alnard she could enjoy relative safety, but she knew that lasted only as long as the front line held. As such, the dark mage refused to stand by. She whipped up and shot Flux after Flux, spacing them out evenly to take careful aim, trying to weave them around her allies to explode on the ground among the enemies. It was a tricky maneuver, not without the risk of friendly fire, but Artemisia was no ordinary spell-slinger. Whatever her quirks, she was a professional with a job to do. These thugs would not stand in her way.

__________________________ Status: Embattled Class: Occultist Inv: Vulnerary, Book of Secrets

[Haeo]

Trace Retloth
Inside the Fort

The sound of an arrow striking home decisively punctuated Trace's footfall as he closed the last of the distance between his first target and his second. This time, he didn't strike in a straight line. The next bandit was too close to the heavy armor for a straight line approach to be smart. Instead, Trace curved his path further north and west before lunging in for the leading blow. This way, the bandit was between him and the heavy. It wasn't much protection, but it was better than nothing. Also, the heavy was looking at the wyvern rider. If possible, Trace would strike him from behind while his attention was elsewhere after his archer companion finished off this second bandit. If it didn't look like he'd be able to do much good against this heavy then he'd head across and assist the other lancer with the remaining bandits. With the fast pace of the attack, Trace hadn't had the chance to check on how the lancer who had gone right after passing the door was doing. As soon as his blow was complete, however it turned out, he kept his feet light and glanced toward the other side of the room to check on that other lancer. He really didn't want to be flanked at this point.

_________________________ Status: Lightly Injured Class: Recruit Inventory: Iron Lance 2/3 Vulnerary 3/3 Exp:85

[Yankee]

Belisendé
Daybreak | Inside, Southern Entrance

Things seemed to be going well, for now. That armored soldier might prove a problem though. If she recalled correctly from her studies back in the capital, the easiest way to take down a heavily armored enemy was through magic. What poor luck that His Highness Prince Alnard and that other mage, Artemisia, were on the other side of the fort! I don't think my arrows will be able to get through that armor, Bel thought to herself as she nocked another and aimed for the axeman behind the armored man. Trace was still ahead of her, striking out at the target before Bel let her arrow loose to once again clean up and fell a bandit. Once that was through, mount and rider came to a halt, turning back toward the armored bandit. The man was making his way toward Branna, would she be alright? Could Mors' teeth get through the thick plating? Even if her help would be minimal, Belisendé wanted to lend it. In quick motions she fired arrows at the heavy armor wearer, watching most of them bounce off but hoping at least some would find their mark.

_________________________ Status: Alive Currently: Attacking Class: Squire EXP: 60 Inventory: Iron Bow (2/3) Vulnerary (3/3) Stats END: E STR: E MAG: D DEX: C (+2) SPD: D DEF: E RES: D LCK: C Supports N/A

[Typical]

---

Branna Naves

---

^{Lothian Empire: Alymere Fort || Midday}

The moment it took for Mors to get situated inside the fort was the moment the bandits needed to launch an attack. Two of them advanced on the rider and wyvern duo, the larger one bringing up the front with a thrust of his spear, which sunk into Mors’ side, prompting a snarl from the wyvern as he whipped around to face his attacker. In one swift, coordinated motion, Mors and Branna struck, Mors grabbing the spear shaft with his jaws and pulling the bladed tip out and away from the bandit and Branna aiming a thrust towards the man’s neck area from her elevated position. While armor was a good defense, it also tended to make people feel powerful—invincible—and therein lay the risk: Charging in without the raw power to take down the opponent meant the opponent would be able to strike back, and strike back Branna did. From chainmail to plated armor, every sort of metal defense had built-in weaknesses to allow for movement. Whether or not she actually pierced the neck was irrelevant as long as she struck for the neck, where either a gap or chainmail would likely be. As she struck, the sound of a few arrows glancing off the bandit’s armor reached her ears, and her grin curled a bit. Hopefully some of the others would take the cue and pick off the weaker bandits around the room, who were more pests than obstacles in this match. Taking on the biggest threat in the room was nothing new or wholly unwanted.

_________________________ Status: Injured Class: Wyvern Flier Exp: 40/110 Inventory: Iron Spear (3/3) Vulnerary (3/3) Stats END: D STR: C MAG: E DEX: D SPD: C DEF: E RES: E LCK: D Skills Voracity Fortune Actions Attacking the spear-wielding bandit by 1) attempting to pull the spear away from him (Mors) and 2) aiming a spear strike to the neck area (Branna)

[Savo]

Einar

Kingdom of Reynes || Alymere Fort || Morning

"Hmph, morons," he uttered under his breath with a sardonic grin, tightly grasping his blade as they began encroaching on him. Einar's eyes lazily drift about, watching them brandish their weapons as he took a small step back towards the door. Squeezing a part of his heel between the door and its frame, he opened it outward, just a bit, preparing to make his feint. Of course, despite his relaxed appearance, he kept a close eye on them all, making note of the bandit closest to him. The man was holding it straight up, looking ready to carve his face in with the axe. As much as he wanted to parry and piss him off, Einar had a plan to follow-through with. Instead of drawing his sword in their direction, he sighed dismissively, sounding quite bored as he slipped his foot in between the frame and the door. And then, with one quick flick, he kicked it open, pivoting his body so it was facing away from the door as it caught onto the wood with a solid wumph! Peering behind him for a second, he noticed the edge of the axe was embedded in the door frame, "Yeesh, someone is gonna have to fix that." While that brigand was busy tearing his weapon out, Einar continued to feign disinterest, clicking the roof of his mouth as he fell back into the room. What followed was plenty hysterical to the mercenary, constantly thinking gotcha' the moment they began to file into the supposedly empty room, only to find, well... That it wasn't empty. "You really are morons." Following that was the barrage of attacks as Einar held his blade high and swung down at the first bandit who entered, well, if he wasn't dead. If he was, either by spell or by spear or blade, he would just step on the fallen body and cut down whoever came in next.

_________________________ Status: Heel-Face Door Slam Information Class Page Inventory Iron Sword [2/3] Vulnerary [3/3] Experience 45/115 Fortune 0 Stats END: D STR: D MAG: C DEX: C SPD: D DEF: E RES: E LCK: E Action Using a Door as a Shield Feinting and Attack Supporting Alnard (@Sho Minazuki) Artemisia (@Lugubrious) Kyran (@CriticalHit)

[Sho Minazuki]

INSIDE THE FORT!

• x3 Bandit Pugilist
• Armored Bandit (Engaged with Branna)
• x3 Brigands
• Brigand (Belisandre, Trace +10/5 EXP)
• Brigand (Belisandre, Trace +10/5 EXP)
• Brigand (Artemisa, Einar, Alnard +10/5 EXP)
• Bandit Leader Rolgo

THE BREACH
@Savo Einar
@Lugubrious Artemisia
@CriticalHit Kyran
NPCs: Sumire, William, Alnard, Hadrick

SOUTHERN ENTRANCE
@Typical Branna
@Yankee Belisandre
@Haeo Trace
NPCs: Wes, Gerrian, Rin

Battle Map

---

The door managing to funnel the bandits ensured that they could only really enter one at a time, and thus it was a simple matter of luring them into a barrage of dark and flame magic, courtesy of Alnard and Artemisia. Einar's blade was but icing on the cake. Even if the bandits did not enter, they were almost forced to pressure this door, as if they turned away then Alnard and his forces would be free to pincer the last of the bandits minus the leader who stood back.

Meanwhile at the front of the fort, the combined efforts of Trace and Belisandre felled the bandit there, leaving only the armored bandit. However, that situation did not seem so dire.

Branna's strike found it's mark, yet fell well short of a fatal blow. She had the right idea, but without an intent to strike certain vitals it would not end the bandit's life right then and there. Still, it halted his advance for the moment, forcing him to stop and pull the spear out from his shoulder, before doing a clumsy swing, the axe not quite long enough would only manage to graze Mors around the neck, fraying against his stone-like scales. (Crit attempt failed)

The Armored Bandit huffed as he prepared to return anything they would throw at him again, he was wary of the Wyvern Rider's high elevation too.

[Haeo]

Trace Retloth
Inside the Fort

With the common bandits in the southern room finished off, the only local threat was the heavily armored bandit. His armor had proven its worth, saving his life several times against the attacks of both the rookie archer and the wyvern rider. Still, he was bloodied and cautious after these exchanges and his attention seemed heavily focused on the rider in front of him. His back was open. Trace continued his pace, swinging around behind the armored bandit and examining his armor for weaknesses. The underarm, neck, hip, and the back of the knee were all places were the armor was weak. Of those locations, the underarm and neck were the most likely strike points to produce an immediate kill. The hip and the back of the knee were likely to cripple but less likely to kill. Trace intended to kill. This enemy needed to die before he could do more damage to the wyvern. The neck would be difficult to strike with a spear because of the shape of the armor. But, the underarm was exposed whenever the armored bandit attacked. Trace focused on the armored bandit's movements and struck for the armpit with a strong lunge. If his strike landed properly it would be in line to pierce the enemy's neck on the far side, severing several major passages in the body where blood flows in abundance. It could easily kill in moments... if it hit.

_________________________ Status: Lightly Injured Class: Recruit Inventory: Iron Lance 2/3 Vulnerary 3/3 Exp:85

[Sho Minazuki]

INSIDE THE FORT!

• x3 Bandit Pugilist
• Armored Bandit (Engaged with Branna)
• x2 Brigand
• Brigand (Alnard, Einar, Artemisia +10/5 EXP)
• Brigand (Belisandre, Trace +10/5 EXP)
• Brigand (Belisandre, Trace +10/5 EXP)
• Brigand (Artemisa, Einar, Alnard +10/5 EXP)
• Bandit Leader Rolgo

THE BREACH
@Savo Einar
@Lugubrious Artemisia
@CriticalHit Kyran
NPCs: Sumire, William, Alnard, Hadrick

SOUTHERN ENTRANCE
@Typical Branna
@Yankee Belisandre
@Haeo Trace
NPCs: Wes, Gerrian, Rin

Battle Map

---

With yet another bandit at the door being slain, they had few enough numbers that the attackers could emerge. The two bandits left there backed away as Alnard led a charge out of the door, standing in formation with Einar and Artemisia, with Kyran relegated to support. Now out onto a more open space, Alnard fired a blast of Fire at the bandit in front, all while bringing everyone's attention to the Bandit Pugilists standing just to their left.

"Cover the left flank Haddrick, I'll take the brigands in front with Einar, Artemisia go to the right and assist our forces", he ordered quickly and concisely. Victory was at hand, only a few short moves and it would be theirs. He noticed a door in front and wondered what lay beyond it, but for now he should focus on the attackers.

Meanwhile at the Southern Door, the Armored Knight proved to be able to survive the onslaught of a group of physical attackers, tired but far from defeated. Branna's axe and intimidating wyvern would still prove to be unable to end it immediately. She was taking a fair bit of damage, but nothing Wes was unable to keep up with, yet at this rate it could prove dangerous.

Trace however would make his attempt, striking for the armpit of the Armored Knight. The movements of the knight proved to be challenging for this attempt, he managed a good position, the thrust almost striking true yet the timing was not quite right. The result was a graze against the knight, lowering his ability to lift his arm, with an injury like that the knight would know his end was at hand, even if there weren't two magic users behind him already. (Crit attempt failed)

[Lugubrious]

Artemisia

Alymere Fort Interior

Another fresh corpse hit the ground, and with their built-up momentum the insurgents swarmed into the hall. Despite her fatigue Artemisia wore a broad grin. At this point triumph seemed almost assured. Only a little chaff remained between her allies as the bandit leader. She rallied to Alnard as he led inside, and when he issued her an order she obeyed without question. While the swordsman attended to the fistfighters, she relocated to a position where she could rain fire from safety. She slid to a stop in position, her heart pounding in excitement. 'Assist our forces' made for a purposely vague order, one she could accomplish in the manner she saw fit. To receive such trust from her allies already, especially after Artemisia went ahead and showed off her dark arts without a care in the world. “Agh!” she realized. Stupid! What, had she started blasting minute one? Great work being discrete there, Arty, she chided herself. But dealing with the fallout could come later. Sending some brigands to the great beyond came now. The other squad was making its grand entrance to her right. An armored lancer, his plate no doubt plundered from the corpse of a far nobler man, and two axelings stood sandwiched between the two groups. Unfortunately for the unknown forgotten knight, fallen victim to treachery on some long road perhaps, his armor would not be around much longer to stand as testament to his tragic fate. The ne'er-do-well would cook in it. Feeling just a bit unoriginal at this point, Artemisia began to cast. “O howling void! Let your hunger gnaw away the foolish! Flux!” She hurled the dark magic at the back of the 'knight'. Through his gear the man had made a trade-off of extreme physical defense for negligible magic defense, and her abyss would chew him up.

__________________________ Status: Embattled Class: Occultist Inv: Vulnerary, Book of Secrets

[Haeo]

Trace Retloth
Inside the Fort

The attack landed, but it wasn't enough. Trace knew that this enemy was done for. But, an enemy facing death could suddenly do things that were unpredictable. Many people, even veterans of many battles, had died due to underestimating a person in such a position. He would not make that mistake. As soon as he withdrew his lance from his attempt on the armored bandit's underarm, he shifted his position toward the enemy's other side while staying behind him. Then, just as he was about to move, a familiar spell began to take shape. Artemisia and her group had come this far at last. Heavy armor meant an inability to easily manage magical attacks. The bandit's moment of realization was an opportunity for Trace's lance as well. He crouched low and struck hard for the upper portion of the inner thigh of the bandit's far leg and the large blood vessel housed there.

_________________________ Status: Lightly Injured Class: Recruit Inventory: Iron Lance 2/3 Vulnerary 3/3 Exp:85

[Sho Minazuki]

INSIDE THE FORT!

• Armored Bandit (Artemisia, Branna, Trace +20/15 EXP)
• Brigand (Hadrick, Einar, Alnard +10/5 EXP)
• Brigand (Gerrian, Einar, Alnard +10/5 EXP)
• Brigand (Alnard, Einar, Artemisia +10/5 EXP)
• Brigand (Belisandre, Trace +10/5 EXP)
• Brigand (Belisandre, Trace +10/5 EXP)
• Brigand (Artemisa, Einar, Alnard +10/5 EXP)

• x2 Bandit Pugilist
• Brigand Pugilist (Alnard, Einar, Kyran +10/5 EXP)
• Bandit Leader Rolgo

THE BREACH
@Savo Einar
@Lugubrious Artemisia
@CriticalHit Kyran
NPCs: Sumire, William, Alnard, Hadrick

SOUTHERN ENTRANCE
@Typical Branna
@Yankee Belisandre
@Haeo Trace
NPCs: Wes, Gerrian, Rin

Battle Map

---

The armored knight didn't stand a chance. Even if he were to miraculously survive the Flux, which would rend his body and flesh as if nothing protected it, the incoming strike from Branna and Trace would be sure to push him into an even worse spot and eventual death. The death of this armored wall would ensure the rest of their forces can advance and immediately clean up the remaining bandits.

Meanwhile behind her, Alnard, Einar, Kyran, and Hadrick were wreaking havoc, with Gerrian moving up quickly and scoring a swift kill of his own. The Brigands fell like flies to a barrage of blade and magic, while being unable to penetrate the wall posed by Hadrick.

A Pugilist decided to sprint forward and attack Hadrick, all in vain as Alnard moved up behind Hadrick's guard to score the kill himself.

In front of them there was only one Pugilist and the Bandit Leader himself.

"You welp! Who do you think you are?! You don't look like some hungry mercenary, nor do you wear the garb of Reynes... No wait! I recognize that armor. You are a noble of Lothian?! Hah! Perhaps I can ransom you... No wait, I'm not in that kind of position right now aren't I? I bet your men will scatter on your death. In that case I'll just come for your head then!"

"Foolish man, I suppose reasoning with you won't be an option, as you made your choice before I could speak. Give him a swift death, we shall take this fortress", there was an uneasy and somewhat wavering conviction to his voice, it was clear this kind of scenario was still something he was not used to. That being said... It appears news of Lothian's fall didn't reach bandit ears just yet. Or rather... Was this one just lazing about in this nice fortress too big for his men? Regardless...

To the side there was a door containing a treasure chest, as some of the people moving up behind him might notice as they turn their head.

[Haeo]

Trace Retloth
Inside the Fort

Trace's attack was far from the final blow but he had no problem holding the enemy in place for a better suited ally. He'd been doing the same for the archer girl, now he'd achieved the same effect with Artemisia by accident. But, with the southern part of the fort cleared out, there was no reason to hesitate or gloat. He simply took a brief moment to confirm that the rest of the southern foes were truly dead before turning to assess the northern part of the fort. He started moving even as he revised his knowledge of the situation, heading toward the north. The boss remained, along with one supporting pugilist, and there was one other unsecured space that needed to be dealt with. From their initial information, the remaining enemy in that room should be a pugilist as well. A close combat specialist in a small room would be a challenge for a lance fighter like Trace so he decided to keep his focus on the main room and assist in controlling the bandit leader. By the time he reached the northern engagement, his decision was made. Trace's lance pierced the pugilist through the neck from a blind angle before the man even realized that forces from the south were moving in on him. Then, the next step was to prepare to assist in controlling the bandit leader that was focusing on Trace's coin purse... the prince, that is. So Trace moved to make his second Heartstopper Lunge of this battle. Hopefully, he would distract the bandit boss enough for his allies to attend to the other remaining objectives.

_________________________ Status: Lightly Injured Class: Recruit Inventory: Iron Lance 1/3 Vulnerary 3/3 Exp:85

[Lugubrious]

Artemisia

Alymere Fort Interior

Like wheat to the scythe, the knight fell to Artemisia's magical onslaught. She didn't think twice about it; all was as it should be. Anyone who sought to cut short her life's story would be erased from it, staining its pages no more. With no target in mind, the dark mage took a moment to observe her allies' progress. The bandits were essentially routed, with many of their number dead. What were they thinking, holding their ground against what obviously constituted a professional military force? Insipid louts. Then again, Artemisia saw that the one still standing appeared to be the vagabonds' leader, evidently setting the example when it came to idiocy. With but one underling left, the number-one bandit declared his intent to drive off the entire force by killing the prince, which to Artemisia rang of despair-induced delusion. Alnard made no bones about the fate awaiting him, and his soldiers advanced. Right away Trace slaughtered the pugilist, leaving just one man standing against a whole squad. Artemisia couldn't exactly lend a hand since any magic in a situation like this would be hurting more allies than enemies, so she stood by and watched as the others surrounded the head goon to send him to hell.

__________________________ Status: Embattled Class: Occultist Inv: Vulnerary, Book of Secrets