I honestly don't know if this goes here or in the contest/games thread with the rest of the drafts. Simply because it's not really a tournament or any prizes, and is just simply Sue and I having a casual Draft run together for the fun of it. (So if it does indeed go elsewhere, let me know and I'll move it. Or if you're crew/admin you're allowed to move it since Idk if I can without just deleting this post and putting it in the correct forum. O_o)
ANYWAY, I decided to post this up on my birthday because A: it is my birthday and B: because Sue and I just recently started this two days ago and why not?
Some of the rules and things may be a tad different and we worked it out this way so it'd be challenging but comfortable and fun for us. So, if it's not your standard or cup of tea, sorry.
So to give you a rundown on our Draft:
FE8 "Lords" Draft Run
Participants: Shinon/Mandi and Sue.
Rules:
-Done like a usual Draft: A small competition on who can complete the game with the fewest turns--no time limit to complete it. (Because we're both super derps and what is time? |D)
-Normal Mode Setting (Since we're both still working on our skillz, and we wanted to stay casual about this and enjoy the run.)
-All "Lords" are mandatory. (Eirika, Ephraim, Joshua, L'Arachel, Innes, and Tana)
-One of us will go Eirika's Route, the other, Ephraim's.
-Natasha is free for both of us.
-Colm is free for both of us.
-Seth is Banned because of his OP Tankyness (We DO have to have some restraint and challenge |D *shot*)
-Tower of Valni is only allowed for the Trainee-classes and only until they promote from 10/1.
-Arena abuse is discouraged, but not penalized, mainly because it's not like the Tower of Valni in the sense you can go there whenever you want.
-Skirmishes are banned. If there is a Skirmish in our way, we can activate it, then immediately run/retreat from it to get rid of it and continue on.
-Our team will consist of the Lords and their Support Partners, with some exceptions.
-As most of the team is comprised of the Lords, some WILL have to Support one another as the usual map limit is 8-12 units.
-Draft Team Size: 16. 12 units max for endgame, and 4 units that can be alternatively raised and swapped about as needed for situations.
-The chapter you play as Ephraim before you choose your route are Free, you can use all 4 characters without penalty.
-Non "drafted" units may only come along to recruit/be a mule/enter villages and absolutely must not see combat/take action, if they do, we take a penalty.
-None of the lords can die. If a Lord falls, we must restart the chapter.
-Likewise, none of the Lord's A-Rank supports can die.
-If a Lord or their A-Rank support dies, the chapter must be restarted. These are the only two exceptions to resetting.
-If any other drafted units die, they must stay dead and a replacement unit may be brought in, instead. (Said replacement are chosen from the list of supportable units. Example: Colm. If his support was Neimi and she dies, you can replace her with one of his other supports for the rest of the run, so long as those units aren't already drafted.)
-Lords *MUST* Get A-Rank with their chosen Support Partner before endgame, preferable as soon as possible. Additional supports with other units is okay, too.
-Using the Divine Weapons are banned until the Endgame battle.
-Green units can do whatever the hell they want and take no penalties until you recruit them.
-We don't have to recruit Red Units if they're not on our draft team (We can just kill them for the EXP and be done with it. Unless of course, we want their items. |D)
-Penalties are taken if a unit does die.
-Penalties are taken if a non "drafted" unit gets attacked/does anything other than what we've clarified as being within reason.
-The exceptions to what non-drafted units may do: rescue other non-drafted units to minimize casualties and targets, they may not rescue drafted units. Likewise, they may be used as mules, carrying extra weapons/items for the rest of the party and can visit villages and armories/shops as long as it does not directly put them in harms way or any risk of earning a penalty.
-Auto-join units that are not drafted must be kept out of harms way, weapons unequipped/tossed/put in the convoy/traded to another unit and may not do anything except move to keep out of harm's way or take a penalty.
Penalties:
-A Lord/Lord's A-Support dies: 15 turn penalty. (Applied to the overall turncount total for each time a Lord dies and a reset done.)
-Unit dies: 10 turn penalty.
-Non-Drafted Units Acting (Unless it's the formerly listed exceptions)/Seeing Combat: 5 turn penalty.
And with that, people, I hope you stick around to read this. It's been fun so far, we'll be posting our drafts up as we go~ <33
Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 4:24 am
Lords 'n' Consorts, oh my~ Otherwise known as: Shinon/Mandi's Fire Emblem 8 Draft Log. Part 1
Well, the time has come once again that I take up the gauntlet of a Draft Run. I came up with the idea for this draft last year with Sue, but due to ineffability and life and other things, we did not get around to starting it til recently! We've gone back and ironed out most of the details of the Draft, and have finally started this. Let me say, I am very excited! This is a Casual Draft, meaning we're not really competing toe-to-toe, but to play to the best of our abilities and push ourselves to get better, and face the challenges, but still have fun with it. Sue had expressed she wanted to replay FE8 and make it a bit challenging, so I came up with the majority of the Draft Rules and we ironed it out together.
This Draft is gonna be alllll me. <3 Stef may tag along for commentary, but I'm gonna be pulling all the weight. Some of you may know I managed to beat my old endgame file on Eirika's side I'd talked about in the Blast. I'm doing Ephraim's route this time to conquer it as well! <3
Well, that all said, let's begin! I hope you'll stick around!
=============
And so, here we begin this Draft with me watching the intro and hearing the story of the Sacred Stones where darkness engulfed Magvel and five Legendary Heroes sealed the evil Demon King away.
And now we learn of the Kingdoms and their current rulers:
King Fado of Renais, the Warrior King.
King Hayden of Frelia, the Sage King.
Queen Isamaire of Jehanna, Queen of the White Dunes.
Mansel of the Theocracy of Rausten, the Divine Emperor.
King Vigarde of Grado, the Silent Emperor.
These nations hold the 5 Sacred Stones.
The other "nation" to speak of, is the Republic of Carcino, a center of trade and mercantile.
Grado suddenly declares war and begins an invasion of Renais.
Surprised and unable to properly mount resistence, area after area falls to Grado's might. To make matters only worse, King Fado's son, Prince Ephraim, has gone missing.
And now, Grado's might is finally upon Castle Renais itself...
It is here, our journey and story begins.
The cutscene starts with a Soldier telling King Fado that Grado's forces have entered breached the Gates.
The King orders them to lay down their arms, and asks his daughter, Princess Eirika, if she is still wearing her Bracelet.
With acknowledgement, Fado orders his General Knight, Seth, to take Eirika to Frelia, to seek safety with King Hayden.
Upon being asked what he is going to do, the answer is simple:
"I shall stay. Grado has been long time allies of us, and yet now, they attack? I must know the answer."
And with that, Seth takes Eirika and flees the castle, telling his Knight, Franz to ride ahead of them to bring word to Frelia of their coming.
Before they can get much farther, they are intercepted.
A Wyvern Knight flies up and demands the Princess.
As he attacks, he declares himself the name of Valter, the Moonstone, and general of Grado.
He strikes a grevious blow to Seth, but the General grabs Eirika and makes a retreat.
They make it a ways away, enough where Grado's men can no longer be seen, earning a moment of rest.
Eirika and Seth discuss their next destination of Frelia, Eirika worrying of her father and brother.
Seth tells her she must not despair or let anything happen to her, so she can be Reunited. He also gives her a Rapier to defend herself with and as he does so, Grado's men catch up to them and battle is enevitable.
Upon defeating the soldiers, Seth asks a shaken Eirika if she is alright. She is not used to seeing such horrors, exclaiming it is nothing of the games she would play with her brother. Upon lamenting on if words are useless, and strength is all that matters, she resolves to press onwards to Frelia.
Soon after making their way near Boarder Mulan where Princess Tana of Frelia is waiting for their arrival, Grado's forces beseige them.
The base falls, and Princess Tana is taken hostage just as Eirika and Seth arrive. Unable to turn a blind eye and continue onward, Eirika vows to save them.
Upon retaking Border Mulan, Sir Gilliam finds Princess Tana, who apologizes for causing him trouble.
Uniting with Eirika, Tana expresses her happiness that she is well and unharmed, but worries alongside of her about Ephraim's well being. Knowing her father may know more, she escorts them to Castle Frelia to see her father, King Hayden.
Upon meeting with the King, she learns that her own father, King Fado, was killed. Hayden also brings words that Ephraim has led his forces straight into the heart of Grado, fighting at Renvall.
Eirika thanks the King, and says she cannot stay. With her father gone, and her brother in danger, she cannot sit idly by.
Upon seeing her conviction, the king Grants her command of three of his vassals, Vanessa the Pegasus Knight, and Moulder the Priest, and Gilliam the Knight.
He supplies us with some gold for item purchase and a supply cart. Tana sees Eirika off, expressing her concern. Both wondering why such events are happening, Eirika sets off for Renvall.
Our first stop along the way is the small remote village of Ide, once a part of Renais. Vanessa asks our Princess if she may scout the area. Given the go-ahead she witnesses the bandits' descent upon the villages and views a man and his son fleeing, the son injured.
Reporting back to Eirika, the Princess decides she must take action, as the horrors of war are still fresh in her mind and the thought of her people suffering compels her to do what she can to save them.
[Chapter 2 battle start!]
Took a 5 turn penalty cause of a booboo I made in moving Vanessa. Oh well, no real big thing, I was only on my 3rd turn anyway.
Turns taken: 6
Penalty: 5 turn
Total turncount: 11.
I didn't manage to make it to the bottom village tho I did keep it from getting decimated, huzzah. Thank god for Franz. These two were wonderful. I pushed Franz forward aggressively to keep the lower bandits preoccupied while Eirika took care of the top villages and the other two bandits before moving to join Franz. Wooot.
Not bad, not bad. Gotta pick up da pace tho. Franz you need some levels, boi. XD
===============
And so after saving Ide, the man and son, whose names are Garcia and Ross, join our merry ragtag band of derpderps and the villagers offer us a place to stay, but we decline because we are late for a very important date! No time to say hello--goodbye! We're late, we're late, we're late! -shot- So as we go to leave, the villager warns us against the bandits and notices Eirika's bracelet and cautions her not to show it to people lest she come under attack for it. Ooh, foreshadowing! -shot again- and laments that Renais is doomed now because of Grado. And foreshadows about Ephraim.
So that night out on the road, Eirika's troubled with worry for her brother. And as she's lost in reverie, some douchebag I mean greasy I MEAN SHADY DUDE bumps into her. Seth arrives and notices her bracelet is gone. And then Seth urgently presses her to go retrieve it. So now we're off on a wild goosechase.
So, our chase leads us into the mountains where Bazba's Bandits pillage and plunder as they will, a fierce, deadly band of cutthroats and brigands await us, but Eirika is determined to put a stop to them.
Discussing her surprise that such things existed in Renais to Seth, the two are interrupted by a pink haired girl running up to them and asking for their help. She begins her tale, telling us her name is Neimi, her town was ransacked and set ablaze by the bandits, only she and her childhood friend, Colm, escaped. She explains he made his way into the lair to steal an item the bandits took from her. Eirika reassures the girl that they will help, and they also have a common goal in taking out the bandits, and Eirika says she's a citizen of Renais and its their duty to help their countrymen.
Neimi leads us to the hide out, and not wanting to endanger them needlessly, offers her skills with the bow to aid us. The Leader of the Bandits hears our approach and tells his men to "Give us a warm welcome".
Ughhhhh having only Eirika, Colm, and Franz for this level was extremely challenging and I used a lot of turns to get through this place. On the upside I got all the chests and looted everything from the enemies with Colm.
Actually very pleased that Colm gained the str, skill, and spd gain he did.
Franz is coming along nicely, too. Here's hoping I can continue making decent progress.
============
AND SO we kick a**, take names, Neimi and Colm reunite, he gives Neimi back her mirror the bandits stole, Seth manhandles shakes Colm down and takes Eirika's bracelet back, and before things are completely settled, Colm and Neimi join up with us cuz they figure since they got no home to return to, and there's just gonna be endless fighting anyway, may as well give their skills to us for a shot at surviving.
So, Seth gives the bracelet back to Eirika, they discuss more repetitiveness of "I will restore Renais" crud, and oooh now we get a cutscene of Grado! Yippee -shot-
And here we see three of the Grado Generals, Duessel, Selena, and Glen discussing the events of Grado invading, claiming it's not like their Lord at all, and implying that the newest promotions of generals "do not have Grado's best interests at heart", and Selena then says "It matters not what we think of our orders, we serve our Lord without question.". Before the discussion can turn heated between Glen and Selena, Duessel interrupts, reminding them that the King has summoned them.
His Majesty says that during the invasion, three other individuals rose above expecatations and he has named them Generals as well, calling them forth. The first introduces himself as Riev, the Blood Beryl.
The second is Caellach, a former mercenary from Jehanna, now called the Tiger Eye.
The last is Valter, a former Grado General, now re-promoted and given the title of Moonstone. He gives the six their orders: Selena and Caellach will conquer Frelia, Reiv and Duessel are to prioritize Grado's defense, and he orders Valter and Glen to find Eirika and Ephraim and bring them to him.
With these new events taking place, Eirika continues her march toward towards Renvall...
Our next destination takes us into Za'ha Woods, near Grado's boarder. It's a little too quiet, however, as they near the town of Serafew. However, monstrosities are now prowling out of the shadows. As Eirika and group wonder what these foul beings are that block their path...
Our scene opens with two new figures, a male and female discussing that these new creatures are monster spawn of the Demon King, the male wonders why suchs events are occurring since the lands are still protected by the sacred stones.
Even so, he sets out to warn us, telling the girl to stay behind. She also states the obvious that any FE player knows that magic can rend through armor and tough hides like nothing. And like the arrogant brat she is, says "only magic is worthy of me". Pffft. Ego trip much? Anyway, the man approaches us and also states the obvious that the forest is dangerous.
He introduces himself as Artur, and claiming the Temple has send him to cleanse the area of these impure fiends. Eirika questions if these are the same as the ones that served the Demon King. Artur shares in her disbelief, but confirms that they are indeed the dark creatures of Lore.
And before much more can be said, a Mogul creature attacks and Artur crits it like a boss. Seth says Artur cannot possibly handle them alone and suggests we help him out.
Sounds like a plan. Let's get ready to tango, folks~!
[Chapter 4, battle start!]
This chapter....man. I was mildly worried but everything pretty much went my way. Sent Eirika, Franz, and Colm in different directions and watched them just clobber everything. Had a mishap in forgetting about the enemy reinforcements and Artur took a hit so I took a penalty, but holy s**t, all in all? So very pleased with this. COLM CRITTED TWICE LIKE A BOSS AND DODGED ABOUT. WOOOO.
Recruited Lute, then shoved her in the corner and told her to stuff her ego up her arse and stay there.
I'M TOO HOT, HOT DAMN. CALL THE POLICE AND A FIREMAN. -shot- Srsly, these growths are amazing to me and Colm and Franz were my MVP's, they went down the respective left and right sides and took the majority of the hoarde out on their own. <333
============
With the battle over, Seth suggests we burn all the bones and shiz to ashes. Why, Seth, I didn't know you were a pyro. Are you by any chance related to Frederick? |D
Eirika once more expresses her disbelief at the events happening, and Seth adds his two cents in that the Revenants were the weakest of the Dark Hoarde and yet they're twice as strong as a mortal man and could out match them easily. And then Lute flaunts off her knowledge again. Seth suggests we regroup back in Frelia, but Eirika is determined to press ever onwards.
And just as we're about to head out... A Divine woman rides up, claiming she shall smite all the evil doers! ...Only to find we just finished them off. "The Heavens must be rejoicing! I am...a tad disappointed however. After all, I did rush all the way here to show you the splendor of my might."
Pfff, her name is L'Arachel, even when she was told not to reveal her identity. Oops? "Oh, I get so careless sometimes! Now, I must ride off in anonymity. How, how beautifully romantic!" xDDDDDDDDD Bless you, woman. Bless you and your awesomeness.
After this momentary comedic relief, we set out once more, heading into Serafew, entering into Grado territory. What awaits Eirika there, we shall soon see!
The town of Serafew was a boarder town and used as a meeting place between Renais and Grado, standing as a testimony to the friendship between the nations. Now, however... Grado's troops are stationed there.
And as we begin the cutscene, we see a new face: A redheaded man speaking of his luck that the town has an Arena. But before he can, a Cleric runs into him, but is gone in a flash. Oooh, symbolism everywhere!
And then we see General Glen speaking to another soldier named Captain Saar. He gives him orders: To capture and bring Eirika to the King. And that there is a traitor to Grado hiding in town and to take them out.
Annnnd then Glen has a moment of expressing his doubt before leaving. Then Eirika and Seth lament about Serafew and someone interrupts, asking if they'd seen a girl with Indigo hair. Replying no, he leaves, and they wonder. Something about him was peculiar. Oh dear, what ever could it be? I FORSEE HE WILL JOIN US AT A LATER DATE BUT FOR NOW ALL WE'RE STUCK WITH IS FORESHADOWING!
Unable to lament further, they hear a commotion ahead and go to investigate. The Soldiers have found the Cleric woman from earlier, calling her a traitor. Her name is Natasha. Eirika steps to her defense, no time to talk! We must fight!
[Chapter 5 battle, start!]
So Joshua is an enemy unit we have to recruit...this could be tricky. But I think I can handle this.
Colm you lovable b*****d, you come through for me every damned time. <3333 And for a moment there I thought for sure I was gonna lose some of the villages but I didn't. Ahahaha, this is awesome. I am ROCKIN' now.
Eirika forked the Armorslayer over to Joshua who put it to good use and sliced and diced Saar up right good~
Very pleased with this, very pleased. Things are shaping up~! <3
========
So after we end the battle, Natasha tells Eirika and Seth her tale, her mentor had been arrested without warning. They excuted him and claimed he was a traitor. It was to keep him silent. He told her with his dying breath, the empror planned to destroy the Sacred Stones.
After hearing such tales, one of the Renais citizens recognizes Eirika and gives her a Guiding Ring and tells her they all await the day of Liberation with fervored Hope.
Meanwhile, in Grado...
Valter makes a visit to Renvall castle, consulting with the man he stationed there, Tirado. They discuss a plan to lure Ephraim out into the open, since he has managed to ellude their efforts so far.
The next scene pans to Ephraim and his knights, Forde and Kyle. Unaware his father has died and if Eirika is safe, he fights on, believing he can keep them distracted.
They beseige Renvall. Woop woop.
"I don't pick fights I can't win." Bold words, Ephraim. Let's hope I'm tactician enough to prove your statement right. |D
Managing this chapter can be a hassle, esp if you don't wanna drop all your items and still make out with the goodies. But I did it. Ephraim rocked that Javelin and Kyle soaked up most of the exp and I tried not to have Forde do a lot since he's not a drafted unit so he only saw minimal combat, aka doing the first damage to gain minimal exp while Kyle finished them off, ect.
Looted everything, ganked Orson's s**t, and huzzah, carried the day.
Honestly, that is a record for me. I usually end up going well over 30 turns when I play because I normally don't play as aggressively and push the envelope. And hot damn look at those growths. =D I'm happy. <3
===============
So after seizing Renvall, Ephraim says this was merely a distraction and they should press on to Grado Keep. Before they can, Forde informs everyone that bad juju has happened and they're surrounded. Running out, Valter and his forces have them surrounded. Not falling for the man's baiting, Ephraim boldly declares they'll knock them around a bit, and before Valter can even give the word to attack, they bolt to the east for cover.
Now back with Eirika after that little side-trip, we'll be making our way to Adlas Plains next. Stick around, everyone. I'll be covering that part next! <333
Overall Turncount: 96
I gotta say, I'm pleased and happy. Yea, I took some penalties, and they were careless mistakes, but honestly I'm going to keep the penalties instead of doing it over because it helps me learn/grow. The important thing was that no one actually died or I had to start over cause said Lord/Lord's support died. |D;;;
Gotta say, watching Mand do this has been interesting and showing me how much she has grown. o_o;; Even compared to the FE7 draft, she's improved.
I think that's partly because of me playing FE4 and keeping my brain more or less in FE-gear'd mode with Awakening. But I am seeing my own improvement. Still, there's always more room to grow, so I'ma keep at it! =D
Charge of the Noble Brigade Sue’s log of the FE 8 Lords Draft
Route Taken: Eirika's
Hello, FEF! I know I’ve been in and out but I’m back to join in some excitement! After much discussion and deliberation, Shinon and I have finally decided to challenge one another in a casual normal mode draft! The “no resetting unless one of your main characters or their supports fall in battle” was a new thing for me, but I am doing the best I can! With faith, determination (and probably quite a bit of cursing at my DS as I play), I know I will see this through.
Prologue: The Fall of Renais (4 turns) Renais has fallen and Eirika faces a horde of bandits alone! And as if things weren’t bad enough, Seth is attacked and then the knight and his liege are accosted by bandits! It’s BATTLE TIME! For Eirika.
Seth trades his Steel Sword to the Princess, and then runs away to the back of the map because he’s a sissy coward. -shot- I play it safe for this chapter – I never have Eirika strike first. It’s never worth the risk. I always let them crash into me – and Eirika herself scores some critical hits. On all three bandits! Sweet!
Eirika had a great start to this file with an awesome level up.
Chapter 1: Escape! (14 turns) The Border Mulan has been besieged by Grado troops! With Tana held captive, it’s up to Eirika to fight her way through to save her friend and liberate the castle. So can Eirika be a one-man army and stomp her enemies into submission? With me as a tactician, you can bet on it!
Seth, Gilliam and Franz are in their corners and they’re staying there the rest of the time.
The lesson to be learned here, my dear readers, is to stay on terrain. Just because your foes wield axes doesn’t mean they can’t mess you up. Don’t count on triangle advantage all the time – I’ve had game overs on other runs/files because somehow, my sword wielders unexpectedly take axes to the face.
There are plenty of houses, forests, and even a fort on this map though. Even if you’re not playing a draft, it’s always good to utilize them, as you never know when the RNG is going to pull a fast one on you.
Eirika deals with the soldiers, bandits and even the boss like a champ. I took my time but it was worth it. I seized the fort and won the day after one-rounding that armor knight with Eirika’s rapier.
And so the day is saved! Along with getting Tana home safely, I get a few (non-drafted) units to join me, Moulder, Vanessa and Gilliam. Thanks for the free healing items and the 5 G’s, King Hayden! I shall put all of it to good use.
Chapter 2: The Protected (No Final Turncount yet, 5 Turn Penalty for Moulder healing Ross) A village comes under attack by bandits! Ross and Garcia are in trouble, but Eirika’s in time to help! There’s also a few more villages that need visits. Time to roll up my sleeves. It’s going to take a lot of work to lay more bandits to waste!
Eirika and Moulder visit villages the first turn, while Vanessa moves in with her swift wings to rescue Ross from the danger. Garcia remains green while I carry his son to safety to get him healed. I get my first drafted unit! And after he’s recruited, I get a few good shots in with my new Journeyman. While green unit Garcia hacks away at the archers and stragglers on the right side of the map, Vanessa visits a village, but I make sure she’s out of range/harm’s way.
Eirika and Ross continue to hold off bandits. I really wanted to get a load of exp for Ross and/or Eirika, but NPC Garcia picked off Bone before I could reach him.
After this, a cutscene happens where Garcia and Ross thank us for helping the village, and both decide to join us. Hooray! Free Iron Axe and Hand Axe for Ross!
A mysterious thief swipes Eirika’s bracelet! While her journey to meet up with her brother continues, it’s time to retrieve it. I guess it’s pretty important, but Seth’s being vague as ever…
The chase is on!
Chapter 3: The Bandits of Borgo (15 Turns) As the chase continues, we’re led to the hideout of Bazba’s bandits. There, a young archer named Neimi is distressed that her friend Colm went in there alone to get back something of hers. Perhap’s he’ll be in there when we find and catch our bracelet thief! Who knows? The only way to find out is to fight our way through!
Everyone who hasn’t been drafted by me is stuck in the corner. They stay there for the remainder of the map and see no action. That’s probably a given.
Eirika and Ross work on breaking a wall apart, while Neimi moves north – as I know who’s coming next. Sure enough, her friend Colm shows up as a green unit and he’s set on snatching some chests before he exits. Well, not if I have anything to say about it.
Next turn, Neimi recruits him, and the two support. Meanwhile, Eirika and Ross make quick work of the axe fighters to the south. They each earn a Chest Key and a Door Key, and they’re able to seize that southern chest.
Colm and Neimi both carve through the remaining enemies for some much-needed experience – as Eirika is a bit over-leveled at this point. Ross gets in some pot-shots too.
After Colm personally delivers the final blow to Bazba, and Eirika seizes the throne for victory. The bracelet is retrieved, and so is Neimi’s prized mirror. The thief and archer join Eirika’s mini-army, and they have no way of knowing what lies ahead as they continue onward to Grado in hopes of meeting Prince Ephraim.
Chapter 4: Ancient Horrors (20 turns, 5 Turn Penalty for Artur seeing Combat) Monsters from the ancient lore have appeared in reality! A young monk named Artur tells Eirika and company to run for it, but we’re not going to let him face them all by himself! These fiends are truly nasty though and if you’re not careful, this chapter is going to have you for breakfast. It’s given me quite my share of troubles, but I finally devised a strategy that works thanks to playing a casual, not-restricted run of Eirika’s story on the side for practice.
What I found works for me is to keep to the right side of the map. There are fewer enemies there, and it takes the fiends on the left more turns to reach my party, giving me time to measure their strength and deal with them accordingly.
I picked off the Evil Eyes first, as they gave me no end of trouble in other runs of this map. Eirika was a great asset as her resistance was quite high enough to take them on without much worry. My notes about terrain in previous chapters also still apply here. Forests cover this map, and it’s best to stay on them before the enemy does (giving them the defense and avoid bonsues.)
There was one time I had to bring in Artur to help out. I took the penalty gracefully as it was better than losing one of my units permanently.
Colm really soaks up the exp in this chapter, but the others gets their fair share. Ross is about three levels from classing up to Fighter!
Eirika lands the final blow on the monster boss, giving her some much needed exp.
When they’ve saved Lute and Artur’s village, Eirika’s group continues on into Grado territory. Their journey takes them through the border town of Serafew, where they will see even more of the war’s consequences.
Chapter 5: The Empire’s Reach (27 Turns, 15 Turn Penalty for Joshua getting KO’d) A redheaded mercenary (and one of my future recruits) is hanging around the arena in Serafew. He happens upon a cleric being chased by Grado troops, who plan on executing her! Eirika and company come to her aid. And I, as a player recognize two more units of my roster.
Time to fight! For justice, for glory, for … more party members! 8D
I used a similar strategy this time to the one I did for chapter 4 – I stayed on the right side of the map with my units, ignoring the fighter and the archer on the left. Colm and Neimi went down to the south village to visit it before the bandits laid siege to it. Eirika took them on when they lost interest in the closed gates. Ross got in his potshots again, getting up to level 8 journeyman before everything was said and done.
Colm, equipped with a Slim Sword moves to a tile just below the stairs in order to draw the fighters’ fire. He was a crit MACHINE with a slim sword and Neimi’s C support. With everything basically in the clear for my units on this side of the map, I camped Colm on the forest with Neimi nearby, and his handy Slim Sword equipped.
As if to get revenge for one of my other files, Colm critical hit Joshua down to 3 HP. Thankfully Natasha was in range to recruit him and he got to heal himself.
Bandits appeared on the next turn, wanting to lay siege to that village to the north. I had to take a chance to try and save it. The first time didn’t pay off – Joshua took not just one, but two axes to the face at a 29 percent hit rate, making me reset and take a 15 turn penalty. Hng. JOSHUA, Y U NO DODGE!?
During my next try though, Colm had much better results with his Slim Sword + support bonuses. Eirika made her way up to the north village, getting a Secret book for my troubles.
When it was boss time, Joshua parked himself on a forest, and critical hit the boss into submission.
As a reward for saving the villages, I score a Guiding Ring! =D This will help Natasha later when she's ready for it. ~
All's well that ends well for this chapter.
Chapter 5x: Unbroken Heart (37 Turns, 15 Turn Penalty for Forde getting KO’d) The story shifts from one twin to another. Ephraim is storming the very heart of Grado. It’s down to him and his most faithful knights, Forde, Kyle and… well, I’m not too sure about Orson. He looks kinda fishy to me. They’re running low on supplies, so what are they to do? A reckless siege, of course! It’s a last-minute, desperate chance so it has to work! What have they got to lose?
As I move through the chapter, I fight off the archers, cavaliers, and soldiers who greatly outnumber my small troop. I make it a point to trade Orson’s stuff to the others (because let’s face it, everyone who’s played Sacred Stones knows exactly what happens next.) Forde and Ephraim get most of the experience, stabbing things with steel lances and steel swords.
Forde took a Flux spell that ended up offing him, so I reset, and took a penalty. Can’t have Eirika’s future husband biting the dust on us!
My second run I’m a bit more careful, and I also sweep around to the lone archer camping on the right side of the map. He’s got an Elixir, and I want it! Forde runs him through and the extra treasure is mine.
Ephraim walks up to the boss, one-rounding him with a critical hit from his handy Reginleif. I just love that weapon! The throne is seized next turn.
Grado’s forces still surrounded Ephraim and company, and Orson (you guessed it!) turned out to be a mole. Valter even wanted to get up close and personal to our Prince. Our dashing trio decides to make a feint when Ephraim calls for it! Did they escape unharmed? Only time will tell. But for now, the story switches back to Princess Eirika and her merry band of mercenaries.
That’s all for now, readers!
See you next time, when I conquer more chapters, gain more levels and make more bosses grovel at my feet! 8D
Til then, Auf Wiedersehn!
Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2015 4:47 pm
Charge of the Noble Brigade Sue’s log of the FE 8 Lords Draft
Route Taken: Eirika's
Supports: Colm/Neimi - B Joshua/Natasha - C Forde/Eirika - C
Good day, FEF! While we go on with our lives I am doing a bit of a fun challenge with my friend and partner in crime, Shinon. Our rules and units can be found in our first posts.
Here’s a bit more of my progress for everyone to see. <3
Chapter 6: Victims of War (No Final Turncount, No Penalties) (Sheesh, I still need to start taking better care to get my turn counts! I just get so into the game that it escapes me! I’m a Pisces. We have our heads in the clouds often. 8D)
The story returns to Eirika and her quest to meet halfway with Ephraim on the battlefield. The group’s mission grows ever the more urgent as time goes by! But it looks like Grado’s soldiers will try and get the princess’s bracelet by any means necessary. A sinister dark mage named Novala (that’s almost “novella”, I almost expect him to say “Maria, por que?” -shot-) wants fame enough to be named a general.
And he’s using some rather underhanded means to do so. He’s taken a civilian hostage! How low can you go?
It’s battle time!
And this is a fog of war map too. I hate Fog of Wars, but I devised a way to beat this one.
As I’ve done in previous maps, I used the terrain to my advantage. There are tons of forests, some mountains and even a fort for the player to use as a means to hold off the enemies to the north. My idea was to rush and cut through to Novala, before the spiders reach the civilians.
Eirika led the charge, with Joshua close behind. With Colm’s torchlight I was able to see the cluster of units in the middle. Joshua’s Rapier and Eirika’s Rapier pierce through the knights’ armor, while Neimi and Colm pick off stragglers. Ross gets the singular village, scoring an antitoxin, but doesn’t see a lot of combat.
Eirika and Colm close in on Novala, and Eirika lands the final blow.
With the civilians safe, I score an Orion’s Bolt for Neimi! Awesome!
Chapter 7: Waterside Renvall (16 Turns) So the outside of Renvall is surrounded by lakes, and to top it off, there is a pretty nasty siege weapon off to the right of the map. But Eirika is still determined to do a B n E to bust Ephraim out of the fortress and bring him to safety. Of course, Colm, Neimi, Ross, Natasha and Joshua are here to help. With my dream team, anything is possible!
Neimi took on the archer and fighter that were to the north, with Colm hanging around to give her support bonus. She two-rounds them, while the rest of my forces proceed to the right.
Joshua and Eirika took the lion’s share of exp, while Ross continued to get in potshots with his hatchet. Eventually he got enough experience to class up next map!
Colm caught up to my main force, since that single mage has an energy ring to swipe (which I did get eventually.)
Neimi picked off two soldiers with with her own ballista off to the left of the map, netting her some more exp. Colm baited the ballista, dodging every hit til he closed in on the archer and did away with him. Joshua and Eirika cleaned up the fighter and others who were left behind.
After taking care of a couple of archers and gaining another level, Eirika skewered the boss with her rapier. From there, her troops filed into Renvall! Of course, every player of FE: Sacred Stones knows what’s going to happen next…
Chapter 8: It’s a Trap! (20 Turns) Yeeep. You guessed it. Even people who haven’t got this far could see this a mile away. This was all a trap to get Eirika and her bracelet. Orson is also rubbing me the wrong way. And Ephraim’s not with him. Honestly? I’d trust the guy about as far as I could throw him.
And soon enough, Seth reveals Orson for the traitor he is.
I guess our turncoat knight could sing…
“The jig is up, the news is out, they finally found me~” 8D
And it’s totally battle time again. Luckily, Eirika’s group is not going to be alone on this map with so many units!
I split my group up into two fronts. Ross (with his newfound power as a Fighter) went with Colm, Neimi and Eirika, while Natasha and Joshua went to the left to reinforce Ephraim’s group.
Soon enough, Eprhaim and company arrive! I take care to keep Kyle out of the way and once again let our lance-wielding Lord and Forde get some action. My forces reunite after I’ve broken the left-side wall, allowing Colm quick passage to those two left treasures.
Ephraim and his handy Reginleif both starts and ends the boss battle. It was rather efficient, and enjoyable. <3
When this battle’s over, our merry band heads back to Frelia.
Daddy Warbucks… I mean, King Hayden gives us more gold. 10k to be precise! Hooray! I also choose the route I’m going to (Eirika’s, all the way to Rausten through Carcino.)
A new journey awaits!
Chapter 9: Distant Blade (17 Turns) And so here we are, starting the first of many chapters that I will follow on Eirika’s route to Rausten! Apparently we’re passing through Carcino, the merchant state that is supposed to be an ally of Frelia.
Tana insists on joining our merry band. And not a moment too soon. I trade her some much needed weapons – a Slim Lance, a Javelin and an Iron Lance. They’ll serve her better than a Heavy Spear in these early levels.
L’arachel took her time to appear again, but sadly, she did not join us yet. She did however, clue us in about something plot important – there are no ships that will give us passage from Carcino to Rausten. The overland route will have to be taken, even though it is a more treacherous path.
With treacherous paths come more exp and rewards though! So, let’s do it!
Thanks to Mandi/Shinon, my fellow draft runner and a brilliant tactician, I was able to use a strategy that worked to beat this map. (Unfortunately, she met challenges on her own chapter 9 by having Joshua bite the dust too. I should pray for us both to have better RNGs. XD)
I charged, full speed ahead! Forde pushed through the enemy units with his Javelin equipped. Even the pesky archers and the single pirate with a hand axe were hit by his projectiles. The others slowly mad their way across the bridge, picking off the mercenaries and the archers as they go. Ross scored the kill on that sniper, gaining a level!
After dealing with the mage and fighter reinforcements, I moved Tana and Forde in range to Javelin strike that myrmidon with a Killing Edge. I’d learned my lesson from before – attack this guy indirectly, and there’s no chance for him to crit. Tana scored the killing blow with her Slim Lance – a surefire hit.
I disarmed Eirika, putting her in Amelia’s range. The Recruit could only deal one point of damage to the Lord before being talked over to our side the next turn.
I mopped up the mercenaries with a combination of Tana and others, while Colm and Neimi began a charge up north for the one village still left to visit. It was worth all the trouble to fend off the pirates. I got a Rapier from that one, while scoring a Dragonshield from the other!
Eirika, Colm, and Forde gang the boss for exp. Forde lands the killing blow because he’s the one playing catch-up to the other two.
After I clear the chapter, dire news has come!
Innes is in trouble! He’s come under siege by Carcino’s forces, who have turned against Frelia over to Grado’s side. Seems like a little coin was enough to turn their coats. Sad, really.
So onward my group rides, to rescue the sniper prince! Will we make it in time? How can we not? Last minute chances always work!
Chapter 10: Revolt at Carcino (30 turns, 10 Turn Penalty for Tethys seeing Combat) And so our story continues! Back in Grado, Emperor Vigarde orders Glen and Valter to crush Eirika, who (according to him), led the rebellion in the merchant state of Carcino. Totally false info, man. I ought to get Phoenix Wright to call an Objection!
In the meantime, Innes and Gerik are holding out in a fort. They are surrounded along with the dancer Tethys, and the whole situation looks hopeless for them. Innes wants to fire Gerik’s mercenaries to send them on their way, but our gallant swordsman stays to join the sniper Prince in his last stand.
Innes gives a clue that any aid would come to the north.
And surely enough, that’s where me, Eirika and our ragtag team of drafted units come in!
All for one, and one for all! Let’s reinforce the Prince of Frelia!
This chapter is somewhat a relief compared to the challenges I have faced on other maps. There is no fog of war, and the enemy units are a lot easier to battle than those on maps past. Plus, I get two new units added to my party from here, one that’s a dodge master and the other that’s a freaking tank with a sword. Amelia has also been trained to be a level 1 Cavalier in the Tower of Valni, so she now rocks swords and lanes. <3
In order to succeed in this chapter though, planning is still necessary. I split my forces up according to what kind of enemies I’d face. Colm, Neimi and Tana off to the fort where Innes and Gerik are performing their last stand, while Eirika, Amelia, Ross, Forde and Natasha went to the right. There was a TON of bandits on the mountains, who I let crawl to Amelia so she’d get the much-needed exp and weapon training with her sword.
Forde and Eirika take care of that one Ranger and his Cavalier cronies when they arrive, with Joshua also helping out once in a while.
Within the second turn, recruiting happens! First Tana flies down and talks to Innes, and then Innes continues the game of telephone by passing on the message to Gerik to join my team. Let me tell you, this guy is a great asset to my drafted units. He starts off with great bases that are practically RNG proof, and he’s got a Steel Blade to boot!
Enemies approach the fort. They break my defenses and a soldier scores a few (un)lucky hits on Tethys, before Tana pokes him to death and shows him who’s boss.
Innes and my sword-fortress Gerik give the rest of the enemies the heave-ho, but I make sure that the Mercenary leader recruits Marisa. I can’t let a good Shamshir go to waste!
Pegasus knights show up on my southern front while Eirika’s company is still fighting in the north.
I lure them in, because I want the exp, and I also want a Talisman one of them is carrying. They’re drawn to Innes because he has no weapon, but he dodges them no problem. When Colm snatches the loot, the others pick up the slack and that group of pegasi is wiped out no time flat.
Eventually, my two fronts meet up at the door, where they deal with the final enemies before reaching Pablo.
While my team approaches the boss, I squeezed in a few arena rounds for the exp and the much-needed war funds.
Innes was phenomenal as an arena fighter. Hey, Innes, ever thought of ditching the courtly life and being a gladiator instead? |D No? Oh, well.
I drew in a Myrmidon that’s close to Pablo with Innes when he got up there, so Colm could swipe the Red Gem he’s carrying.
Finally, it was boss time! Eirika and Forde picked off Pablo, Eirika using a Silver Sword that I got from one of those treasure chests a while back.
We seize the throne, and watch a cutscene where Innes and Eirika have a conversation with Klimt, one of the Carcino leaders who is still on Frelia’s side.
And with this chapter behind us, we press forward, beyond Carcino and continuing to Rausten in our next installment!
After losing my units too many times and deciding that I needed to give myself another chance, I have started over from scratch in an effort to get better at my strategies of survival.
My turn counts and unit stats will change. But I must tell you all I am satisfied so far with the results!
Thank you all for reading. =)
Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2016 6:48 pm
DRAFT UPDATE
Right then, it's been an assload of time since I updated this, mainly cause of the revamping being done and the forums locked down and also the fact Sue and I both fell out/stalled for a while due to life. I do have part two done, it has been done for a while, and will soon be working on part three.
To save myself (and you all) from stretching the page further, you may read the Draft log Here - Part two..
So eventually hope to see some more posts in a somewhat soonish time-frame. Unless life decides to steamroll us again. But rest assured, the draft will continue.
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