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From Fax Encyclopedicus

'''Messy Plot Outline!''' ==Backstory== ===The Plot of Lannast=== The three sons of Aroldain Lannast, a noble of Zeltennia, are not well loved by their father, who plots to use them as political capital. The eldest son is intelligent, but is a weak man, easily cowed by his father. The second son is strong-willed, idealistic and stubborn, with lofty ideals about the nobility and Knighthood. The youngest is a staunch believer in the Church, but despite his charm and cleverness has no head for the whorls and eddies of politics. Duke Lannast wishes to marry off a son to Melodesse Danroth, daughter to Duke Danroth of Gallione, the King’s cousin. As Danroth’s sons are both ineligible, such a marriage would put a Lannast seventh in the line of succession, barring the Queen’s remarriage. Further, the political power to be wielded by such a union would give Lannast great clout in the Parliament, and allow him to manipulate the law such that his son could accede to the throne. Lannast also owes a son, by tradition and oath, to the Glabados Church. He cannot and will not break the vow he made to his old friend, Bishop Cassius Merachai. He plans to give the weak eldest son to the Church and press his second son into the marriage. ===The Plot of Merachai=== But Cassius Merachai had designs within the Church, designs that required a stronger, more loyal man than the eldest Lannast. Merachai is the leader of a secret faction within the Church, and his policies are fiercely opposed (though unknowingly) by the Cardinal of Zeltennia. The treacherous Merachai knows that he is well positioned to accede to the office of Cardinal. He therefore needs a certain way to remove the Cardinal if the wrong side wins the debate. Merachai has been like a second father to the youngest Lannast; he has raised him to be canny, quick and faithful. The Bishop seeks to plant this young hawk among the Cardinal’s Templarate, in service to Glabados and, more importantly, to the Bishop himself. Bishop Merachai needs to remove the middle son from Lannast’s power; else he would be given the eldest. Merachai thus offers the middle son placing within the Order of the Sun, the Knighthood in far Lionel. With the middle son removed, Lannast has no choice but to offer his eldest for the marriage, as his youngest is not of age. The younger, therefore, is given to Merachai. ===The Plot of the Cedar Lords=== The Cedar Lords are a secret brotherhood of nobles, mages, clergy and trade barons, who seek to wrest Imperial power from the royal family and bring war to other nations. Through controlled acts of burglary, arson and various skullduggery, as well as painstaking research, the Cedar Lords have discovered some of the secrets of the Dark; a dangerous power that they believe will help them take Romanda and Ordalia. Certain Cedar Lords, among them Marquis Lombrey Danroth, son of Duke Danroth of Gallione, have high standing in Parliament. They plot to obtain Parliament’s Zodiac Stones and use them to open a portal for the Dark, causing a “pooling.” This “pool” of the Dark could then be used to empower soldiers and commanders, and with its power the Lords could seize control of Ivalice. The Lords have made many under-the-table deals, and have acquired almost everything they need for the ritual. All that is missing are a few lines of text, a pretext for taking the Zodiac Stones and the location: At the heart of Lesalia. ===The Plot of the Whisperer=== Two decades after the end of the Lion War, the Sagittarius Stone was found by a group of deserters from the newfound Order of the Wave during the Issue of Larner. They used its powers for selfish ends across Fovoham and eastern Gallione for over a year, until they were finally apprehended and routed. One among them, a lady mage, Dame Cresseda Morgaunt, had wielded the Zodiac Stone during the battle, and when the Aster Knights withdrew, she yet survived, albeit very close to death. In her final moments, the Stone itself contacted Dame Morgaunt. It promised her life, youth and power over men in exchange for treating with it. The Blood-Pact was made, and the Lucavi Shemhazai, the Whisperer, subsumed Cresseda Morgaunt. Over the next fifteen years, the Whisperer walked the lands of men, seeking the Zodiac Stones and the heroes who had returned them. As the Cresseda identity was compromised due to that woman’s history, Shemhazai magically transformed her human host and took on the alias “Mullenkamp,” after a human priestess she admired. The Whisperer found the Aries, Aquarius and Pisces stones, and tracked the Libra Stone to its protector, Lady Meliadoul Danroth. Lady Meliadoul fought valiantly, forcing Shemhazai to reveal herself. The Lady’s retainers arrived, and though Meliadoul was slain, her efforts led to Shemhazai being transfixed by a Paling. Baron Sage Ronal Pryst led the Paling, and while it held, the demon reverted and tried to flee. Pryst’s knights struck the Stone from her, and using its power, he called forth Dark magics to create a permanent warding. The keeping of Shemhazai was entrusted to Borrand, a retainer of the Danroth family and a distinguished military commander in the War of Lions. The Danroth estate moved south, and knowledge of the sealed demon lay dormant with Borrand’s line and with a few Danroths. From within the binding, “Mullenkamp” could still summon certain magics. She made sendings and worked to gain power within various groups. Eventually, the ambitious souls she found came together as the Lords of Cedar, and they presumed upon the sickly son of Duke Danroth, Lombrey, Marquis of Vinneberge, to use his estates to host their brotherhood. The naïve young Danroth craved importance, recognition and power, and so these men met Shemhazai. Since that time, the Whisperer has advised the Cedar Lords, teaching them of the precepts and aiding them in their discovery of the rituals. Sage Pryst gifted the Stones she found, less the Sagittarius, to Parliament. Shemhazai plots to unleash her brethren, fomenting a dreadful three-nation war, a civil war and a religious war simultaneously to conceal the return of the Lucavi until it is far, far too late. ==Chapter 1== ===Skirmish in Vallence Pass=== • '''Lionel''', Vallence Pass<br> 5 '''Squires''', 1 '''Chemist'''<br> Guests: 1 Knight, 2 Archers, 2 Chocobos Brandt Lannast's caravan to Lionel is ambushed by dissidents just past Balias Tor. Duke Lannast receives a missal that his son, who he had summoned to Lesalia from Zeltennia, has run off to join the Order of the Sun. Furious, he makes arrangements to travel to Lionel immediately. Brandt arrives at Lionel and gives the Headmaster of Arms a letter of introduction from Bishop Cassius Merachai. He is accepted as a squire to the Order of the Sun, under Lord Knight Urien Gala. The Lord Knight and his troop are given an immediate mission: to seek out a crime lord in Warjilis who has been supporting dissident uprisings across Lionel. ===Treachery in the Swale=== • '''Lionel''', Balias Swale<br> 3 Squires, 2 '''Scouts''', 1 Chemist<br> Guests: 1 Lord Knight (Urien Gala) Sir Gala's troop has been infiltrated by traitors, who join with scouts of the uprising in an ambush against the knight. With the main roads to Warjilis being watched and the territory swarming with rebel activity, the troop is forced to divert itself to a shoreline approach, taking them through the town of Lion's Gate. ===The Thieves of Lion's Gate=== • '''Lionel''', Lion's Gate<br> 4 '''Thieves''', 3 Squires, 1 Chemist<br> Guests: 1 Lord Knight (Urien Gala) Brandt and Sir Gala discover that the dissidents have taken over the local thieves' guild and plan a nighttime raid to disrupt weapons smuggling activities. On the road to Lionel, Bishop Merachai demands of Lannast that he honor his pledge to give one of his sons to the Church. Lannast hedges, but is forced to relent and offer his youngest, Naithan. Naithan eagerly agrees, and Merachai determines to take him before the Cardinal. ===The Landing Point=== • '''Lionel''', Bugross Shoreline<br> 2 Thieves, 2 Squires, 1 Scout, 1 '''Soldier'''<br> Guests: 1 Lord Knight (Urien Gala) On the shores of the Bugross sea, dissidents are moving troops and gear from shortboats under cover of darkness. Ser Gala and company eliminate the recruits. ===Ambush at the Cliffs=== • '''Lionel''', Warjilis Cliffs<br> 1 '''Archer''', 2 Soldiers, 2 Thieves, 2 Scouts<br> Guests: 1 Lord Knight (Urien Gala) Alerted by the disruption of schedule, the crime lord's men stage an attack along the cliffs. In Warjilis, two men, Conrad and Rickard, oversee the crime lord’s handling of their shipments to the dissidents. Conrad mentions that the "Blue Moon Rebellion" is ready to be formed once the ire of the populace grows great enough to let them break past Zaland. ===Strike at the Dockhouse=== • '''Lionel''', Warjilis Trade City<br> 3 Archers, 2 Thieves, 3 Soldiers, 2 Squires, 1 ''Criminal''<br> Guests: 1 Lord Knight (Urien Gala, unable to battle) At the Warjilis Abandoned Warehouses, Ser Gala is wounded by an archer. Brandt takes command and leads his fellow squires against the dissident workers, the crime lord and his reinforcements from an external faction. Brandt returns to Lionel with the wounded Sir Gala. Lannast arrives and demands to speak with Gala. He tries to coerce the Knight to release Brandt from his apprenticeship, but Sir Gala refuses, telling Lannast that his son is becoming a better man in the Knighthood. Brandt arrives and challenges his father. ===Measure of a Man=== • '''Lionel''', Lionel Castle<br> 1 ''Duelist'' (Aroldain Lannast)<br> Guests: 1 Priest (neutral, will raise protections on either combatant if the other cheats. Lannast will not cheat unless the player does)<br> Special: This battle cannot result in a game over. If either combatant is reduced to less than 50% of their hit points, the battle is ended. If the Priest is attacked, the attacker automatically loses. Brandt is set to a Fencer with Duel learned for this battle, even if he cannot access the job. His current skillset is retained. Using offensive skills from other jobs will cause the priest to reinforce Lannast, and will cause Lannast to retaliate with Time Magic. Father and son clash in anger as Lannast tests his son’s sword skills in the courtyard of Lionel Castle. Aroldain Lannast grudgingly admits that his son has the right to decide his future. He releases Naithan to Merachai and rides for Lesalia, sending a messenger to Zeltennia to bring Alberde for the introduction at court. Sir Gala asks the Headmaster to grant Brandt a rank in the Knights, and have him lead the squires to Zaland, where the secret faction’s leaders have been tracked. The dissidents, backed by Conrad and Rickard's group, manage to cut Zaland off from the rest of Lionel. Conrad assigns Rickard a strong contingent to hold the Ward of Lionel barricade at Balias Tor. ===The Ward of Lionel=== • '''Lionel''', Balias Tor<br> 4 Soldiers, 2 Scouts, 2 Archers, 1 ''Brigand'' (Rickard Prossiper)<br> Special: Rickard Prossiper will exit the battle if reduced past 50% hp. Brandt's troop must break past Rickard Prossiper's forces, which are already strongly entrenched. In Zaland, Conrad's forces enter the city, where he stokes the flames of popular unrest as he works to weaken the military presence. ===The Riot Erupts=== • '''Lionel''', Zaland Fort City<br> 4 Thieves, 2 Chemists, 2 Archers, 20 ''Rioters''<br> Guests: 6 Knights (equipped with Peacemaker cudgels)<br> Special: Attacking a Rioter gives an XP penalty. Killing a Rioter causes a large loss of XP, Brave and Faith. The Rioters may attack the enemy, but will focus mostly on your troops and the Knights. As Brandt's forces enter the city, they find the local military presence trying to cope with Conrad's riot, while rebellion troops target them. While the riot distracts the knights, Conrad's forces seize the main barracks and move on the north gatehouse. ===Heart of Unrest=== • '''Lionel''', Zaland Fort City<br> 2 '''Knights''', 2 '''Wizards''', 4 Soldiers, 2 Archers<br> Guests: 2 Knights<br> Special: If the battle takes too long, Conrad will appear with 2 Soldiers and a Wizard, battling two new guest Knights. All will be at varying levels of HP. If Conrad goes below 50% HP, he will exit the battle. Conrad's forces take to the walls as the knights press them, with Brandt's forces coming through the barracks to apprehend them. Despite the efforts of the Order of the Sun, the uprising has found popular favor, weakening Zaland and Warjilis and forcing a concentration of troops in Lionel. In this state of weakness, dissident forces are able to help push Conrad past Zaland; however, though he escapes, most of his forces are trapped in Lionel, spread too thin by the pressure of the centralized Knights. Brandt returns to Lionel to regroup and be reassigned. Conrad and Rickard withdraw north into Limberry, promising vengeance against Brandt for interfering with the formative moment of the Blue Moon Rebellion. Leaderless, dispersed and fighting without organization, the dissident activists in Lionel see their activities decline despite their hold of the public sentiment. At court in Lesalia, Alberde Lannast is introduced to Melodesse Danroth. Naithan Lannast rises through the ranks of the acolytes and is promoted to the Cardinal of Limberry's Crimson Templarate. Bishop Merachai requests Naithan be assigned to his own service, and the Cardinal obliges. Brandt Lannast is knighted by the Order of the Sun, and is given an assignment in the west, to keep Goug's ports secure in the wake of the uprising. Conrad’s contacts bring him their latest find: a gemstone with the Cancer symbol inscribed within. Conrad goes to meet with one of his financial backers: Bishop Merachai. ==Chapter 2== A Moogle engineer named Pierrot arrives in Goug, having been diverted from his landing in Gariland by a blockade of privateers. Brandt is given the charge of escorting the Moogle to Gariland. He is given a Writ of Passage through Lesalia and Gallione. ===The Genius of Romanda=== • '''Lionel''', Goug Machine City<br> 3 Thieves, 2 Chemists, 2 Squires, 1 '''Red Mage'''<br> Guests: 1 Artillerist (Pierrot)<br> Special: The Red Mage will leave the battle after having taken three turns. If prevented from escaping, he will always attack again before trying to leave. While departing Goug, Brandt’s company is attacked by a band of beaten dissidents. They are incited by a man dressed in Crimson Templarate colors. The Moogle, Pierrot, shows his skills with a gun. Pierrot shows his contract to Brandt: he was commissioned to help engineer a new pharos for Gariland, and believes that the complexity of the design hints at a powerful sorcerous purpose, one which would make the Magic City a threat to certain interests. Two Red Mages, agents of the Crimson Templarate, approach the mercenary company Gold Wolf with an offer. ===Shadows of Zeirchele=== • '''Lesalia''', Zeirchele River<br> (Monsters)<br> Guests: 1 Artillerist (Pierrot) On the shores of the river Zeirchele, monsters appear, led by a Shadow Elemental who demands Pierrot accompany it. ===Clash on Zeirchele Plain=== • '''Lesalia''', Zeirchele Plain<br> 2 Scouts, 2 Soldiers, 2 Knights, 1 Wizard, 1 Archer, 1 ''Brigand'' (Rogegon), 1 ''Lanista'' (Roser)<br> Guests: 1 Artillerist (Pierrot)<br> Special: Roser and Rogegon will each give +1 PA to all their troops whenever reduced to 75% HP or less. This will happen every time, and since Rogegon and one of the Knights can use White Magic, it is important to remove them before heavily targeting the leaders. Each will leave combat if reduced to 25% HP or less. On the Zirekile Highland, the Gold Wolf Mercenaries, led by Roser and Rogegon, attack. A messenger flying the colors of the Crimson Templarate arrives, bearing a missal from the Cardinal of Limberry. He offers sanctuary and safe passage through Limberry and Zeltennia. Harried by the Gold Wolf band, Brandt reverses course and flees for Limberry. At a stop in Besselat Front City, Brandt chances to pass the outing of his brother Alberde and his betrothed, Melodesse Danroth. He also meets the sickly Marquis of Vinneberge, Lombrey Danroth, who mocks Alberde for having a brother who goes to war for his living. ===Darkness of Dorvauldar=== • '''Limberry''', Dorvauldar Swamp<br> (Monsters)<br> Guests: 1 Artillerist (Pierrot) In the marshes of Dolbodar, the poisonous air takes its toll, as swamp monsters rise to attack the troops. Bishop Merachai, along with Conrad, arrive at Fort Besselat. They are brought in to meet with the other Lords of Cedar. Young Danroth officiously tries to reign over the gathering, but the main speakers are a mysterious, hooded Duke and a Sorcerer, Norca Zantaire. Arriving in the oasis city Tortalon, Brandt is separated from Pierrot, who is placed under arrest by the Order of the Sky. ===Challenge in Tortalon=== • '''Limberry''', Tortalon Sun City<br> 1 Red Mage, 2 '''Priests''', 4 Knights, 2 Archers In Tortalon, agents of the Crimson Templarate arrive. They challenge Brandt for a Writ of Passage through Limberry, then summon the Order of the Sky to arrest the troop. As Brandt's conflict with the Order of the Sky escalates, an Inquisitor arrives with the Crimson Templarate to speak with Pierrot. The fighting in the streets rises onto the walls and into the Hall of Civics. Pierrot escapes in the confusion, and is pursued onto the roof, where he meets with Brandt. As Alberde sees off the Danroths before returning to Zeltennia, Merachai arrives with Conrad and Naithan to deliver a secret message to Lombrey Danroth and to allow the brothers a chance to catch up. Conrad does not catch the brothers' family name; rather, he is quietly smitten with young Melodesse. The Danroths depart for Gallione and Alberde parts ways with the Bishop and his younger brother. ===Flight from the Rooftops=== • '''Limberry''', Tortalon Sun City<br> 2 Red Mages, 2 Priests, 3 Knights, 1 ''Inquisitor'', 1 ''Red Cavalier''<br> Guests: 1 Artillerist (Pierrot)<br> Special: Units knocked off the rooftops cannot reenter battle. Killing the Inquisitor or the Red Cavalier will each bring a Red Mage and two Knights into the battle, on the balconies or at the back of the roof. On the rooftops of Tortalon, Brandt challenges the Inquisitor, as well as the Red Cavalier. Roser and Rogegon arrive at Tortalon in pursuit. As they dismount to acquire lodging for the evening, Brandt’s fleeing troop passes by and steals their Chocobos. ===Battle Across the Salt Flats=== • '''Limberry''', Poescas Salt Flats<br> 4 Knights, 2 '''Alchemists''', 2 Priests, 2 Archers<br> Guests: 1 Artillerist (Pierrot)<br> Special: All units begin mounted on Chocobos. Dismounting is not possible. The terrain changes each round, rendering any charge effect targeting a square useless. Crossing Poescas Salt Flats on Chocobo, the Order of the Sky is in hot pursuit. ===The Mouth of Darkness=== • '''Limberry''', Poescas Caves<br> (Monsters), 3 undead Knights, 1 undead Wizard<br> Guests: 1 Lanista (Roser), 1 Brigand (Rogegon), 2 Soldiers, 1 Artillerist (Pierrot) At Poescas Caves, the power of the Dark incites the spirits to rise to consume living flesh. Roser and Rogegon arrive as well, but are forced to help fend off the undead. ===Where Shadows Lie=== • '''Limberry''', Poescas Caverns<br> (Monsters)<br> Guests: 1 Artillerist (Pierrot) In Poescas Caverns, a small pooling of the Dark has raised undead and vile monsters. ===Lair of the Beast=== • '''Ordalia''', Deep Poescas Caverns<br> 1 Gray Dragon, (Monsters)<br> Guests: 1 Artillerist (Pierrot) <br> Special: Killing the Gray Dragon wins this battle. Deeper in Poeskas Caverns, the squad’s encounter with cave monsters awakens a large and angry Dragon. Fleeing the chasm, the troop are aided by Ordalian Hoplites from Bailar, south of Rasalhague. The Lords of Cedar convene in Vinneberge. Taking their seats, they are uneasy as the chamber floor drops down slowly. As it settles at the end of its chains, the Lord Mage and an Archbishop speak the words of a dark cant. A soft but penetrating red light glows in the darkness, illuminating the reclining figure of a woman upon a divan. The woman traces a great scimitar across her bared calf and thigh. This is the advisor of the Lords, the mastermind of their plots. “Mullenkamp.” ==Chapter 3== Aroldain Lannast receives a chest containing the items he has sought: items of the Queen’s possession, received from the home of a lord of Fovoham. He orders these presented to the King, knowing it will force the King to disinherit the Queen’s sons and the Queen herself. The first Queen’s sons, Irgan, Trencian and Galen, would then be the only legitimate successors before Duke Danroth and Melodesse herself. Lady Lannast asks her husband to consider carefully the hurt he may do to his King. ===Battle at the Border=== • '''Ordalia''', Ordalian Border<br> 2 Archers, 3 Knights, 4 Soldiers, 1 Wizard, 1 '''Hunter''', 1 Chemist<br> Guests: 1 Hoplite (Seanan Falstes), 1 Knight, 1 Artillerist (Pierrot) Brandt is given escort to the border, near to Zarghidas, by Seanan Falstes, a Hoplite captain. She spots her countrymen protecting a diplomatic caravan at the border crossing, and Brandt must defeat the Ivalician soldiers. Brandt discovers writs of border closure and letters authorizing war actions, authorized by Parliament. Certain prominent Senators are among the signatories, as well as Prince Trencian. Brandt resolves to take the writs to his father for confirmation. ===Sorcery in Stochwode=== • '''Zeltennia''', Stochwode<br> 4 Wizards, 2 '''Magi''', 2 '''Mystics'''<br> Guests: 1 Artillerist (Pierrot) The servants of Zantaire discover the missing writs at the border. They attempt to slay Brandt and reclaim the documents at Stochwode. A letter from Merachai reaches Forst Straffe der Lidelse, Commander of the Order of the Crescent, in Bervenia. Lidelse sends a command of Knights to Zeltennia. ===Wolves of Sal Ghidas=== • '''Zeltennia''', Sal Ghidas Trade City<br> 4 Thieves, 2 Soldiers, 1 Hunter, 1 Alchemist, 1 '''Monk''', 1 ''Lanista'' (Roser)<br> Guests: 1 Artillerist (Pierrot)<br> Special: Roser retreats if his HP drops to less than 25%. In Zarghidas, Roser recognizes a disguised Pierrot and summons the Gold Wolves. Brandt is forced to drive them off. Merachai meets with Naithan at the cathedral in Limberry, as the Crimson Templarate are setting out to complete the Cardinal's mission. He gives Naithan slightly altered orders from those the Cardinal gave. ===The Moon over Zeltennia=== • '''Zeltennia''', Zeltennia Castle<br> 4 Knights, 2 Hunters, 2 Monks, 2 Mystics<br> Guests: 2 Knights At the outskirts of Zeltennia, a blockade of Crescent Knights attempts to bring Brandt to trial in Bervenia. Brandt fights them off with the aid of his father’s guards. At Zeltennia Castle, Brandt has a sleepless night. He goes to see his mother, then returns to his room. On his way, he bumps into Alberde trying to sneak a woman out of his chambers. The brothers have a discussion, in which Brandt shows Alberde the secret writs and the names inscribed therein. Alberde recognizes some of the names from Lombrey Danroth's gatherings and promises to meet Brandt in Bervenia with any information he can gather. Brandt feels the need to have the King warned sooner, so he consults his father, who sees him only reluctantly, using as a bribe the documentation that would remove yet another from the line of succession. Aroldain would prefer both removed, however. He tells Brandt that as a Knight, and not a noble, it is up to Brandt to prove his worth by his actions. He does, however, add that he has secretly named Brandt his heir, and master of the Duke’s estates upon the elder’s death. Reviewing the writs, Duke Lannast confirms them to be unauthorized by Parliament or the King. At the Iron Road terminus in Zeltennia, as Alberde departs for Gallione and Brandt for Lesalia, he is stopped by a messenger from the Order of the Winds, begging forgiveness and saying that he cannot board the coal engine. When Brandt asks why, he is hailed by the Paladin Soralel, of the Golden Templarate. She “invites” him and Pierrot to see the Cardinal at Limberry. ===Shadows on the Path=== • '''Zeltennia''', Finnath River<br> (Monsters)<br> Guests: 1 Paladin (Soralel), 1 Artillerist (Pierrot) Crossing the great bridge over the river Finnath, the air turns still and dark. A powerful demon, the Pathic Shadow, emerges from a dark rift, and its power calls forth unholy beasts. With the Knights of the Winds who were assisting her dead, Lady Soralel concedes she has not the power to bring Brandt in by force. He, however, surprises her by keeping his vow to go to Limberry. ===Brothers in Arms=== • '''Zeltennia''', Mount Germinas<br> 2 Thieves, 2 Monks, 1 Red Mage, 1 Wizard, 2 Alchemists, 2 Hunters, 1 ''Lanista'' (Roser), 1 ''Brigand'' (Rogegon), 1 ''Red Cavalier'' (Naithan Lannast)<br> Guests: 1 Paladin (Soralel), 1 Artillerist (Pierrot)<br> Special: Reducing Roser, Rogegon or Naithan to less than 25% HP will cause that character to retreat. Roser and Rogegon will each be replaced by a Thief and 2 Soldiers; Naithan will be replaced by two Knights and a Red Mage. If all units except these characters are slain, they will also retreat. The Gold Wolves spring an ambush at the pass through Germinas, lead by Roser, Rogegon and Naithan Lannast, the new Red Cavalier. At Limberry Castle, the Crimson Templarate, with Naithan at its head, halts Brandt’s passage, but Lady Soralel forces them to grant passage. The Cardinal warmly welcomes the party, dismisses Lady Soralel and explains to Brandt and Pierrot the nature of Norca Zantaire, a previously unidentified name on the writ. The Cardinal states that the mages are becoming a faction too powerful in national affairs, and that for ordinary people, there is no way to retaliate should the mages push for greater prominence. The Cardinal requests that Pierrot return to Romanda bearing the Church’s order for guns. Pierrot agrees, and is escorted back to Zeltennia to board a ship. Brandt is less forgiving of some of the Cardinal’s actions, but with assurances that he will no longer be pursued by the Crimson Templarate, he departs. As Brandt leaves, he crosses the path of Conrad and Rickard. Conrad realizes and moves to attack him, but is stopped by Rickard. He calls to Brandt, shouting accusations about his involvement in the Zaland riots. Brandt counters, and as they are about to duel, the Cardinal stops them, stating that Brandt has been promised passage unmolested. An acolyte runs up to the Cardinal, and gives word that a beast has breached the Paling and the Celebrant leading the rite is slain. The Cardinal gives a hasty elevation to Bishop Merachai, and sends the order to continue to hold the Paling. ===Unlikely Allies=== • '''Limberry''', Limberry Castle<br> 1 Zombie Dragon, (Monsters)<br> Guests: 1 Paladin (Soralel), 1 Red Cavalier (Naithan Lannast), 1 Banneret (Rickard Prossiper), 1 Prelate (Conrad), 1 Celebrant (Merachai), 3 Priests<br> Special: Merachai and his Priests maintain a Paling. If a Priest is available, then he will use curative magic on any ally in range. If Conrad is incapacitated, Rickard and Naithan will enter Traitor status and focus their attacks on Brandt. If the Paling falls, Merachai will retreat. Celebrant Merachai and three Priests sustain the Paling while Soralel, Conrad, Rickard, Naithan and Brandt ascend to the walls to repulse the beast, a zombie dragon, and the creatures in its wake. Merachai sends Naithan on a new assignment in the west, and provides Brandt with a letter for Forst Lidelse when he arrives in Bervenia. Conrad and Rickard depart out with Brandt. Riding out to Poescas, they find the origin of the fiends, where great demons are slaughtering villagers as the power of the Dark throbs around them. As the villagers escape from their town, Brandt orders the fields and houses torched to destroy the undead and demons. Conrad protests, stating that the people need their homes and crops to survive. As the flames rise, Conrad swears that he will send Brandt to Hell. Brandt responds that he saved people. Conrad and Rickard ride west, and Brandt continues on. At Bervenia, Alberde meets with Brandt and tells of a dark council he witnessed while in Gallione. The Lords of Cedar have plotted their treasonous ritual for within the week, at the center of Lesalia. Brandt goes to Forst Lidelse to deliver a warning, as well as Merachai’s letter, which unknown to him requests Brandt’s execution. ===Who Bears Notice of Treachery=== • '''Lesalia''', Bervenia Free City<br> 5 Knights, 2 Monks, 2 Mystics<br> Guests: 1 Duelist (Alberde Lannast) As the brothers depart the city, a cadre of Crescent Knights approaches to fight. Brandt disarms them and shows them the validation from the Cardinal. Brandt discovers afterwards that on orders from Prince Trencian, Dugeura Pass has been closed off. He is forced to divert through the Beddha Sandwaste to reach Lesalia. ===The Banner of Strife=== • '''Limberry''', Beddha Sandwaste<br> 2 Scouts, 2 Soldiers, 1 Chemist, 2 Alchemists, 1 Wizard, 1 Magus, 2 Archers, 1 ''Banneret'' (Rickard Prossiper)<br> Guests: 1 Duelist (Alberde Lannast)<br> Special: The battle is won should Rickard fall below 25% HP In the Beddha Sandwaste, Rickard Prossiper leads a militia corps towards Zeltennia, hoping to disable or weaken it to stanch aid for a planned Blue Moon Rebellion riot throughout Lesalia. Brandt defeats Prossiper, but he escapes. ===The Wanderer=== • '''Lesalia''', Farmeria Steppe<br> (Monsters)<br> Guests: 1 Duelist (Alberde Lannast), 1 Ranger (Ljsl) On Farmeria Steppe, a Viera, Ljsl, fights against the creatures who come to prey on her. Brandt helps drive them off. ===The Might of Cedar=== • '''Lesalia''', Gollund Coal City<br> 5 Knights, 2 Monks, 1 Mystic, 1 Red Mage, 1 Priest, 2 Archers, 1 Magus, 1 '''Summoner''', 1 ''Red Cavalier'' (Naithan Lannast)<br> Guests: 1 Duelist (Alberde Lannast), 1 Ranger (Ljsl)<br> Special: Alberde will target Naithan if at all possible. While Brandt or Alberde is nearby, Naithan will only use his attacks and Sword Arts, and only on Brandt and Alberde. When Naithan is reduced to 50% or less HP, he withdraws. In Gollund, a final defense has been cobbled together via Merachai: overwrit Knights of the Crescent, the Celebrant's Honor Guard and Naithan Lannast, as well as two mages courtesy of Zantaire. They seek to slow Brandt. Alberde decides to leave Brandt to pursue affairs in Lesalia, but has difficulty choosing which direction to go: to follow his heart and return to the peasant girl in Zeltennia, or to follow his vow and return to Melodesse in Gallione. It is the night of the King’s ball. Though Prince Trencian, Merachai and some other conspirators are not present, Lombrey Danroth and Norca Zantaire lead the congress. Preparing the runes, Zantaire speaks the cursed words of the ancient precepts, opening the locus to the Dark. ===The Darkening Cloud=== • '''Lesalia''', Imperial Capital Lesalia<br> Famfrit As Brandt arrives, the plaza cracks, and the envious Lombrey Danroth, knowing himself to be the mockery of the men he would have as peers, rushes to its center bearing the Aquarius stone, calling the power of the Dark to him. This awakens the Lucavi Famfrit, waiting at the threshold, and she breaks through the seal of the Holy Stone, subsuming the Marquis most terribly and unleashing herself upon Ivalice. Zantaire’s mages bombard the demon with powerful magics, but she slays them, as does the wicked Zantaire. The priests present raise a Paling, with Brandt’s party trapped within. Though terrified beyond measure, the mortals slay Famfrit before the dawn. The resulting damage to reality begins to seep, resulting in the rising of many undead and Dark creatures. Lesalia is evacuated. Goland and Bervenia become refugee camps, and set up garrisons to protect their borders. As many factions are blamed for the disaster in Lesalia, distrust seeps into the people. The Royal Family flees to safety in Bethla. Pierrot arrives with the first shipment of guns and cannon from Romanda. The ships are seized and half the crew slain, then sent back to Romanda. Ivalice closes the Ordalian border and seizes all foreign goods and persons within the boundaries. As rumors of Lesalia's fall spread like wildfire across Ivalice, the Blue Moon Rebellion makes its move throughout the nation. While Conrad departs for Gallione, the rebels lead an all-out popular riot against the Order of the Sun. Calum Tiesland is killed. Rickard Prossiper begins war against the Order of the Aster. Aroldain Lannast seizes control of Parliament, demanding that the armies of Ivalice go to war to restore order, including the eldest Prince and Commander Lidelse. Melodesse Danroth feels abandoned by her betrothed, who is in Zeltennia, and saddened by the loss of her brother. Meeting Conrad by chance late that night, they begin an affair. ==Chapter 4== Three months later, both Romanda and Ordalia are at war with Ivalice. However, both are weakened due to the prior war between those two powers. Ivalice’s weaker naval fleet gives Romanda an advantage, and presently Romandan armies are pressing inwards. As Lannast's star has risen through the political strength of the Danroth alliance, so too have the Lords of Cedar weakened considerably in Parliament. With Lombrey Danroth and many of his fold dead in the debacle at Lesalia, the Lords have lost all pull in Gallione. Now, the remaining senators in their number push for the princes Irgan, Trencian and Galen to take an active part in the stability of Ivalice, hoping that their ally Trencian will retake Lesalia and become king. Aroldain Lannast is only too happy to agree, as he hopes for the King's heirs to die in the war. Zantaire has returned to Gariland, pulling back the bulk of wizards and making demands in exchange for cooperation. The Glabados Church lashes out against the veiled threat of magocracy, and calls a conclave of its officers in Mullonde. Further, the Church has spoken out publicly against the international conflict, turning public opinion against King and Parliament and stoking the flames of the Blue Moon Rebellion. Forst Straffe der Lidelse awakens from yet another dream-vision, knowing that the power promised him awaits in Riovanes. He redirects the bulk of the northern forces to the west, and pulls the Order of the Crescent back from Yardow to send them to Riovanes Castle, where he hopes to find the Stone of his visions. In this weakened state, Yardow's cardinal departs for the conclave, and rioters overwhelm the city and turn it over to the rebellion. Brandt Lannast is now a Knight without an Order. After the disaster in Lesalia, he and his troops have skirmished against rebel forces several times to keep Zeltennia stable. By request of his brother Alberde, who has taken greater interest in parliamentary activities, Brandt has joined the armies of Ivalice on the Romandan front, which Alberde hopes will keep his fiancée in Gallione safe. ===Northwestern Plains=== • '''Fovoham''', Fovoham Prairie<br> 6 Soldiers, 3 '''Gunners''', 1 Priest, 1 Wizard Brandt’s forces have been fighting throughout Fovoham. They seek to reclaim vital farmland and push back a wave of Romandan invaders over Fovoham Prairie. In Gallione, Conrad meets Rickard, who has arrived from Limberry. With the Blue Moon Rebellion hiding within the aegis of the Romandan forces, they aid in the occupation of Riovanes. Conrad delegates his friend responsibility over Riovanes, the "first bastion of the rebellion." For the first time, the two men realize the scope and gravity of their ambitions, as they have a rather solemn parting. Understanding that Rickard needs all the help he can get, Conrad gives him the Cancer stone and tells him he is now a "Zodiac Brave." The forces of Ivalice lay siege to the Romandan forces at Riovanes. Brandt’s group must choose a side to break. ===The Siege of Riovanes=== ====The Siege of Riovanes (North)==== • '''Fovoham''', Riovanes Castle<br> 5 Soldiers, 4 Gunners, 2 Knights, 1 '''Cannoneer''', 2 Wizards, 1 Magus<br> Special: The North siege takes place in front of the main gate, as in the original game. ====The Siege of Riovanes (West)==== • '''Fovoham''', Riovanes Castle<br> 6 Soldiers, 2 Gunners, 2 Knights, 2 Cannoneers, 1 Priest, 1 Wizard, 1 Magus<br> Special: The West siege takes place over the highest wall of the keep, with only two narrow access points to get inside. ====The Siege of Riovanes (South)==== • '''Fovoham''', Riovanes Castle<br> 6 Soldiers, 4 Gunners, 4 Knights, 1 Wizard<br> Special: The South siege takes place on the bridge across the moat. Rickard Prossiper arrives outside Riovanes. With the Crescent Knights and the forces of Ivalice crushing the opposition at Riovanes, he withdraws rebel forces from the Romandan army and awaits the outcome outside. Forst Lidelse leads a small squadron of Crescent Knights into a second breach, ignoring the conflict in an effort to reach the treasury of Riovanes. Behind him follow mercenaries running a false flag operation. ===Rebellion's Prize=== • '''Fovoham''', Riovanes Castle<br> 2 Archers, 2 Soldiers, 2 Knights, 2 Wizards, 2 Priests, 1 ''Anarchist'' Within Riovanes, rebel troops have gained power. Brandt must face one of the commanders. As the Blue Moon forces under Rickard Prossiper flee Riovanes to regroup at Yardow, Forst Lidelse sends a mercenary squadron, disguised as Romandans, to assualt homeland forces holding the castle. He dispatches his soldiers throughout the keep to find the Taurus Stone. ===Treason in Riovanes=== • '''Fovoham''', Riovanes Castle<br> 4 Knights, 1 ''Eclipse Knight'' (Forst Lidelse)<br> Special: The Knights and Forst Lidelse are all very high level. This is a battle for survival, not a battle that can be won. You must endure for ten rounds as reinforcements arrive until Lidelse surrenders. In the depths of Riovanes Castle, Forst Straffe der Lidelse is leading a personal search through the treasury to find the Stone. Brandt’s group encounters him and is pressed into combat against this superior knight, fighting to survive as reinforcements arrive to clear out the traitor’s forces. Lidelse believes Brandt to be a traitor to the Order of the Sun and a criminal, as reports of the rebel triumph have reached him and Brandt has been targeted by Merachai in the past. Reinforced with Ivalician soldiers, Brandt convinces the Lord Knight of the truth, and the Order of the Crescent withdraws. Interrogating the anarchist commander, Brandt discovers that Rickard Prossiper is holding forces nearby and orders a sweep. ===Masked Retreat=== • '''Fovoham''', Yuguewood<br> 4 Scouts, 2 Archers, 2 Hunters, 1 '''Illusionist''', 1 ''Anarchist'' Brandt's intuition pays off as his brigade finds a detachment of rebels in the Yuguewood, who are trying to conceal Rickard Prossiper's fall back to Yardow. ===The Battle of Yardow=== • '''Fovoham''', Yardow Fort City<br> '''Romandan Forces:''' 4 Soldiers, 2 Gunners, 2 Knights, 2 Cannoneers<br> '''Rebel Forces:''' 2 Scouts, 2 Archers, 1 Alchemist, 2 Wizards, 1 Thief, 1 Monk, 1 '''Fencer'''<br> Special: The battle is won when the Romandan forces are defeated. The rebels are shored up inside the city walls and will attack your troops and the Romandans. Pursuing the rebels, Brandt leads Ivalician forces against the seized Yardow Fort City. However, a Romandan spy had told them of Lidelse's retreat, and now their army advances with a similar goal. Prioritizing the threat of a major Romandan incursion, Brandt sends runners to the Ivalician commanders and heads north to push back the Romandan fleet. At the conclave of cardinals, the assembled clergy debate the merits of declaring magic to be heresy and rendering Gariland apostate, or retaining the use of magic themselves and restoring Lesalia under the aegis of Glabados. Though Merachai presses for the latter option, he is silenced by the Cardinal of Limberry, who would prefer that magic be treated as a gift from God. The Cardinal's position meets resistance from his peers, however, who declare that magic's threat in the wake of the Lesalian calamity prove it to be the work of the Dark and move to declare Gariland heretics. Zantaire appears in an illusion and states that if the Church will make itself an enemy of the mages, then Gariland will declare itself autonomous and move against its oppressors. Conrad leaves to rally the people in Dorter against the threat of magocracy, and Merachai dispatches Naithan to see the Cardinal safely back to Limberry. ===The Battle of Rhana Shore=== • '''Fovoham''', North Rhana Coast<br> 6 Soldiers, 3 Gunners, 2 Knights, 7 Cannoneers, 1 ''Astrologer'', 1 ''Commodore''<br> Special: Three Cannoneers are on the deck of the far ship, which probably cannot be reached except via summons. However, only the ground forces and crew of the front ships need to be defeated to win the battle. Brandt's brigade comes upon the Romandan army disembarking to attack Yardow and destroys the landed ships, buying the forces of Ivalice more time. Prince Trencian receives news that the forces of Ivalice have driven back Romanda along the coasts of the Rhana Strait and are preparing to retake Yardow. Asked if his forces should join the attack, he suggests they delay slightly and wait until the prize has been dragged within reach. ===The Second Battle of Yardow=== • '''Fovoham''', Yardow Fort City<br> 2 Archers, 3 Knights, 1 Wizard, 1 Priest, 1 '''Orator''', 1 Thief, 2 Monks, 2 Fencers, 2 ''Anarchists''<br> Guests: 2 Knights, 2 Archers<br> Special: The battle is won when both Anarchists are defeated. Returning to Yardow, Brandt leads Ivalician forces in taking back the captured fortress. Prince Trencian leads a legion into Yardow in the closing hour of the siege, utterly routing the rebels and forcing Rickard Prossiper to abandon Yardow entirely. The Prince wastes no time claiming the victory as his own, and boldly declares his intent to regain Lesalia. Rickard Prossiper sacrifices many soldiers to escape Yardow, sacking a village for supplies in an ascent up the Grogh Heights, from where he hopes to descend to Rebellion-sympathizing territories around Lesalia. The viciousness of his assault causes several followers to abandon him. ===Press Through the Heights=== • '''Lesalia''', Grogh Heights<br> 2 Scouts, 2 Hunters, 2 Thieves (mounted), 2 Wizards, 1 Monk, 2 '''Defenders''', 1 ''Banneret'' (Rickard Prossiper, mounted), 3 Chocobos<br> Special: When Rickard Prossiper is reduced to 25% HP or less, he flees the battle. Brandt pursues Prossiper into the Grogh Heights, intending to arrest the second-in-command in order to discover Conrad's whereabouts. However, the panicked banneret has other ideas. Rickard's forces have been shredded to ruin. Fearful, he moves to flee south into Lesalia, only to find that Trencian's forces have cut him off. Trencian received word from Shemhazai in a vision that forcing the rebels east will aid in the death of his elder brother. With no other recourse, therefore, Rickard rushes his forces up through Duguera Pass and sends down a messenger offering the rebels' surrender to Brandt Lannast. ===The Condemner=== ====The Condemner, Part 1==== • '''Lesalia''', Duguera Pass<br> 2 Hunters, 2 Wizards, 1 Magus, 2 Monks, 2 Defenders, 1 Illusionist, 1 ''Banneret'' (Rickard Prossiper)<br> Special: When Rickard Prossiper is defeated, part 2 begins. Brandt arrives at Duguera Pass and leads a small party away from his main brigade up to where Rickard waits, offering clemency and pardon for the rebels in exchange for Prossiper's peaceful surrender. Instead, Hunters and Defenders seal the pass behind Brandt, and Prossiper and his Illusionist reveal their true position. Now is the time for the banneret to take vengeance against the cause of his failures. ====The Condemner, Part 2==== • '''Lesalia''', Duguera Pass<br> Zeromus Dying, Rickard Prossiper's blood awakens the Lucavi spirit within the Cancer Stone, which offers him the power to crush those who have slighted him and impose his will and choices on other men. Prossiper accepts to save his own life, and becomes Zeromus the Condemner. The rebels scatter in terror at the sight of the demon, who strikes dead several of them, executing them for failure and weakness, before turning to Brandt and attempting the same. However, the newly crossed-over demon does not have the power, and so resorts to calling forth the shades of the deceased to fight alongside him. The death throes of the Condemner cause the pass to collapse, burying the path in an avalanche. This disaster cuts off the legions under Prince Irgan on the Ordalian front, forcing them to remain in action without sorely needed reinforcements. Conrad's forces expand north through Zeirchele to Dorter, bringing the rebellion to a new territory and forming a bulwark against Gariland. In retaliation, Zantaire sends Gariland troops west, sweeping Mandalia and Igros but remaining unable to claim Gallione Castle. Brandt returns to Yardow, where Prince Trencian presses him and his troops into the royal retinue for escort back to Golland. The army advances to Riovanes, which is being fortified in the wake of the rebel attacks. Forst Lidelse receives a new vision and moves to Fort Zeakden, preparing to break into Gallione, defeat Zantaire's armies and find the Taurus stone. A messenger arrives from Prince Irgan stating that the armies of Ordalia have overrun Limberry and that his forces are badly outnumbered. As Parliament, now seated in Fort Besselat, debates what action to take, Aroldain Lannast departs to secure Zeltennia, sure that Alberde's duties to his fiancée forcing the eldest Lannast son to push for a strike against Gariland instead of sending reinforcements for the Prince. As predicted, Alberde takes on his father's seat in Parliament and joins Duke Danroth in pushing for the elimination of the mages' threat, sending overtures to the Glabados Church for aid. The furor in Limberry stirs the rebel presence into action, sending the entire region spiraling into chaos. In the tumult, the Cardinal of Limberry is killed. The Crimson Templarate departs for Mullonde for the appointment of a new Cardinal in his place. Meanwhile, Naithan Lannast plants evidence in the Cardinal's chambers to incriminate someone. In Fort Besselat, the King worries about the fate of his sons. A few senators, members of the Lords of Cedar, suggest that with Irgan's fate uncertain, Trencian should be reinherited, as his heroism and valor have won him popular acclaim even in rebel territories. The King dismisses them, saying that Trencian's lust for power would put Ivalice at greater risk, and mulls making a deal with Zantaire in order to be able to fend off Ordalia. As he thinks, he turns the Libra stone over in his hand. ==Chapter 5== Two weeks later, there has still been no word from Prince Irgan. Reports suggest that the Ordalian army has subjugated the rebel occupation in Limberry, and spies tell Parliament that a strike against Fort Besselat could come at any time. Having had their efforts stymied at Zeakden and with open war across Lenalia, the third front at Dorter is proving resistant due to the occupation of the Blue Moon Rebellion. The White Templarate has been dispatched on behalf of the Glabados Church, and their leader brings a suggestion of negotiation with Conrad - an alliance to wipe out the western threat so that the armies of Ivalice can concentrate on Ordalia. ===A Plan for Disaster=== • '''Lesalia''', Bervenia Ashenlands<br> 4 '''Geomancers''', 2 Wizards, 2 Summoners<br> Guests: 1 Noble Courtier (Prince Trencian)<br> Special: The battle is lost if Trencian falls. While crossing the Bervenia Ashenlands with the royal retinue, Brandt's troop encounters a group of geomancers flying the Ordalian colors, who are attempting to reawaken Bervenia Volcano to destroy local farmland. Prince Trencian tells his retinue to stay back from the magma flows and rushes in, forcing Brandt to accompany. Scouts arrive to meet with the retinue, sent by Trencian's younger brother Galen. ===Desertion=== • '''Lesalia''', Zeklaus Desert<br> 2 Scouts, 8 Knights, 2 Monks<br> Guests: 2 Noble Courtiers (Prince Galen, Prince Trencian)<br> Special: The battle is lost if Trencian or Galen falls. Galen arrives with his knights to meet Trencian and Brandt in Zeklaus Desert, but someone has paid Galen's retinue to turn on the Princes. Brandt and the royal brothers must defeat the treacherous knights. Brandt attempts to interrogate the leader of the traitors, but Trencian takes over and gets too rough, killing the prisoner. Galen is upset by this, but Trencian shrugs it off. Galen relays the news that Ordalia has occupied Bervenia and has seized all safe routes through the Beddha Sandwaste. If the armies are to reach Fort Besselat in time, they will need to go through rebel territory - the conflict zone around Dorter. Arriving on the outskirts of Dorter, Prince Trencian sends a runner to call the White Templarate to provide safe passage through rebel-controlled territory. The Valor Guard arrive shortly afterwards with instructions from Conrad to bar passage to Brandt Lannast, but Prince Galen insists upon accompaniment. ===Princes' Peril=== • '''Gallione''', Merchant City of Dorter<br> 4 Hunters, 4 Thieves, 4 '''Assassins'''<br> Guests: 2 Priests, 2 Knights, 2 Knights (fallen), 2 Noble Courtiers (Prince Galen, Prince Trencian)<br> Special: You are permitted only two soldiers in addition to Brandt. The battle is lost if Trencian or Galen falls. While passing through Dorter, a team of assassins assaults the Valor Guard escort protecting the princes. With Brandt having only a minimal retinue, he must send back a runner to call for aid and deal with uneven odds while protecting the princes. Reinforcements arrive as rebel forces swarm Brandt and the princes, causing a standoff. Conrad arrives and defuses the situation, saying that the assassination attempt violated the safe passage and that as a lawful society, his followers have no choice but to respect their promises. However, he cautions Brandt angrily that the next time the two should meet, there will be bloodshed. In a tavern in Dorter, Roser and Rogegon sit looking uneasy, as they debate the moral implications of turning to assassination work. Rogegon is uncomfortable with what they have done, but maintains that it is a legitimate business. Roser feels differently. ===Hordes in the Darkness=== • '''Lesalia''', Araguay Woods<br> (Monsters - lots of monsters)<br> Guests: 1 Noble Courtier (Prince Galen) The Araguay Woods have become a haven for creatures fleeing from battlegrounds. As the Princes' retinue travels to Besselat, the vanguard encounters a number of monsters serious enough to impede them at night in the deep woods. Though Trencian remains with his men, Galen joins Brandt in the fight to break through in time. Brandt and the princes arrive at Fort Besselat only hours before the Ordalian army. At a hasty war council, survivors of the Order of the Sun, including Urien Gala, organize the battlefield, and Brandt is recommended as one of the captains by both the Lord Knight and new Senator Alberde Lannast. With the armies of Ivalice concentrated in Zeakden and Besselat, Gariland forces overpower the Order of the Aster at Gallione Castle. Zantaire arrives to speak with Shemhazai and is presented with a prisoner: Melodesse Danroth. Casting a simple spell, Zantaire looks into her eyes and sees her marked as a Zodiac Brave. He takes her and drags her to the demon's sealed chamber, where demon and wizard inscribe her with a Blood-Sin tattoo, a glyph that will let them use her as a key and a sacrifice to tap the wellspring in Lesalia. ===The Battle of Besselat=== • '''Lesalia''', Fort Besselat<br> 10 Soldiers, 5 Archers, 2 Wizards, 5 Knights, 3 Monks, 2 Defenders, 4 '''Samurai''', 4 ''Hoplites''<br> Guests: 10 Soldiers<br> Special: The largest battle in the game. The first appearance of Samurai has them prepared with better katanas than will be seen for quite some time, and all Knights, Monks and Hoplites have strong skillsets and complete Masteries. On the eastern plains outside Fort Besselat, Brandt's forces take up their positions as the Ordalian army begins its strike. Ordalian reinforcements arrive, forcing Brandt to retreat into the fortress. The other commanders have already pulled their forces back. ===The Siege of Fort Besselat=== • '''Lesalia''', Fort Besselat<br> 2 Wizards, 6 Knights, 2 Mystics, 2 Magi, 2 Monks, 4 '''Dragoons''', 2 Samurai<br> Guests: 5 Archers<br> Special: The battle is lost if ten or more enemy units make it within the curtain wall. After four rounds, the main gate will fall, making it more difficult to secure. Within the fortress, with attacks coming in from all sides, Brandt's forces must hold the front curtain wall and gate against the Ordalian forces until their strength is spent. Shemhazai learns via divination that Ivalice has won the day at Fort Besselat. She tells Zantaire to bring the Taurus stone to Forst Lidelse at Fort Zeakden, and Zantaire rises to leave. However, a second divination shows the Golden Templarate making a move against Gariland, and the paladins are a threat important enough to force the archmage back to the Magic City. The mood is considerably lighter at Fort Besselat as the Ordalian army has retreated. Several people, including the princes and Brandt, receive accolades as war heroes. The good cheer breaks, however, when a messenger from the Order of the Aster arrives, badly injured, bearing news that Gariland has taken all of Gallione, including Gallione Castle, and is waging war against Mullonde and the Golden Templarate. With Parliament now in a panic, Alberde asks Brandt to lead an eastern offensive against the mages to rescue his fiancée, and with the help of Duke Danroth and Church representatives manages to arrange for a temporary detente with Blue Moon forces in Dorter in support of the common cause of breaking the threat in the west. Outside of Dorter, Brandt and Conrad meet again, exchanging a very brief and uncomfortable handshake to demonstrate truce, then head into the Sweegy Woods for the attack on Gariland. ===The Alliance Advances=== • '''Gallione''', Sweegy Woods<br> 4 Knights, 2 Wizards, 2 Magi, 2 Summoners, 2 '''Blue Mages''', (Monsters)<br> Guests: 1 Crusader (Conrad Gallis) Gariland forces led by Blue Mages have blockaded the Sweegy Woods, bringing forth monsters to support them. Brandt and Conrad share a rare candid moment as they discuss their own failures and guilt in the war. Conrad reveals himself to be heir of Fovoham, and why he left his title behind. Zantaire orders his wizards to the walls and tells them to fight in the streets as well if necessary, causing some to mutiny. He kills these without a thought, and orders Gregor Brecht to bear an important parcel to the Lord Knight of the Order of the Crescent. He then turns his attention to the battles below, and begins casting. ===At War with Wizards=== • '''Gallione''', Magic City Gariland<br> 6 Wizards, 2 Magi, 2 Summoners, 2 Illusionists, 2 Blue Mages, 1 '''Sorcerer'''<br> Guests: 1 Crusader (Conrad Gallis)<br> Special: Norca Zantaire is effectively a hidden, untargetable unit in this battle; he takes turns and can cast spells anywhere on the battlefield. His defeat is not required (or possible) to win the battle. The combined brigades of Brandt and Conrad storm the walls of Gariland, combating powerful arcane energies and the wrathful power of Norca Zantaire from above. Though some wizards remain in the streets fighting, most flee or surrender as Zantaire's rage crashes around them. In the chaos, the Golden Templarate break through from the south, and Brandt and Conrad encounter Lady Soralel as they storm Zantaire's tower. ===The Archmage=== • '''Gallione''', Magic City Gariland<br> 6 Wizards, 2 Magi, 2 Summoners, 2 Illusionists, 2 Sorcerers, 1 ''Archmage'' (Norca Zantaire)<br> Guests: 1 Crusader (Conrad Gallis), 1 Paladin (Soralel)<br> Special: Reducing Zantaire to 10% HP or less wins the battle. Zantaire awaits within the tower at the heart of Gariland. He is surprised to see not one, but two more Zodiac Braves amongst his challengers, and mocks their efforts at "heroism." Zantaire realizes that Brandt holds the Cancer stone and teleports up to the top of the tower. Soralel descends to make sure the people are being evacuated safely, earning her Conrad's respect. Reminded that Brandt must have killed Rickard, Conrad again restates his hatred of the Lannast son, but the two agree to set aside their differences and bring Zantaire to justice. ===Top of the Tower=== • '''Gallione''', Magic City Gariland<br> Zalera<br> Guests: 1 Crusader (Conrad Gallis) Atop the tower, Zantaire reveals that he has sent the Taurus stone to Forst Lidelse to bring him into the Lucavi plot. When Brandt demands to know what Zantaire's motive is, the archmage reveals that he knows Brandt defeated Famfrit in Lesalia, and must also have stopped Zeromus in the north, making him a threat to be eliminated. He also states that Conrad's usefulness has run out as the rebellion is now self-sustaining and Conrad's idealism is an obstacle to the bloodshed Zantaire seeks. He further explains that in Gallione, the manipulators have found the key they need to triumph, in the form of the Danroth girl, and that with their deaths, the plan will be unstoppable. So saying, Zantaire pulls out the Gemini stone and reveals himself to be Zalera, the Death Seraph. With Zalera's demise, the tower begins to crumble. Conrad pleads for Brandt's aid in liberating Gallione from Zantaire's plot and the sinister hint of a supernatural peril lurking in the west, but Brandt tells him that the threat of Lidelse joining the Lucavi is more serious. Once again, the two men part ways, and Soralel joins Brandt's cause. The siege of Fort Besselat has left the bastion with significant damage. The King accepts an offer from the Glabados Church to take sanctuary in Orbonne Cathedral. With the Church advancing across Gallione, Zantaire's cronies realize that the archmage has fallen. Lord Vesperine and Eric Séraphin capture Melodesse, planning to force her to yield Zantaire's "key" to them. Conrad arrives as Séraphin is beginning the ritual, and Vesperine holds him off. However, when Séraphin moves to sacrifice Melodesse to seal the ritual, Conrad throws off Vesperine and runs Séraphin through with his sword. Séraphin's death catalyzes the ritual and transfers the Blood-Sin to Conrad against his will. As Vesperine flees, Conrad brings Melodesse to Church officials, releasing her into their care as he runs away from his own terror. ==Chapter 6== One month later... In Zeltennia, Aroldain Lannast receives a visit from Merachai, newly appointed to the post of Cardinal. The two men debate the place of the Church to dictate to men, and Lannast informs Merachai that Brandt, and not Naithan, will inherit Zeltennia, keeping it out of the Church's hands. Merachai cautions the Duke not to rest his plans on that outcome, as Brandt is to be tried for heresy in regards to the assassination of the previous Cardinal. He also reveals that the Glabados Church has moved to seize and "pacify" Gallione. Lidelse and Trencian have consolidated the forces of Ivalice under their command. Trencian plots to rout the Blue Moon Rebellion, simultaneously pacifying the kingdom and confirming his rightful inheritance. Lidelse has been informed by Shemhazai that the Blood-Sin now resides with the rebel leader, and so he is desperate to capture Conrad. As their forces concentrate to retake Lesalia, Trencian departs for Mullonde to receive the Church's blessing. Lidelse issues orders for a crackdown on the rebellion. In Zeltennia, Brandt Lannast, Soralel and Prince Galen are going over plans to establish a new Order from the remains of the Orders of the Winds, Sky and Sun. Aroldain Lannast considers making a move against Galen, but decides that as the King's current favorite he has far more value as a tool and pawn. Scouts arrive reporting the approach of an Ordalian diplomatic convoy, and Brandt and Galen ride out, hoping for news of Irgan. ===Heirs to the Throne=== • '''Zeltennia''', Zeltennia Castle<br> 2 Hunters, 2 Thieves, 4 Assassins<br> Guests: 1 Noble Courtier (Prince Galen), 1 Hoplite (Seanan Falstes), 1 Champion (Prince Irgan)<br> Special: The battle is lost if Irgan or Trencian falls. The Ordalian convoy has been decimated by a band of assassins attempting to murder the ransomed heir of Ivalice, Prince Irgan. ==Game System== ===Mastery=== Upon reaching level 10 in a Job, a character is entitled to Master that Job. Mastery provides permanent bonuses to the character, which may include stat bonuses, inherent Support abilities or special bonuses to specific Job abilities. Each character may only Master three Jobs in total, and a Job once Mastered cannot be changed. The sole exception is that your main character may discard '''one''' Mastery during the game. Defeating the game allows a second change; further achievements may unlock additional Mastery rewards, such as a fourth Mastery for one character, or the ability to reverse all Masteries on one or all of your troops. ===Elements=== There are ten magical elements in FFT2; six basic elements, two advanced elements and two special elements. Though the six basic elements form a cycle of strengths and weaknesses, each has a reverse subversion, as follows: '''Fire''' defeats '''Ice''', but '''Ice''' defeats warm creatures (e.g. Bombs)<br> '''Water''' defeats '''Fire''', but '''Fire''' defeats water-dependent creatures (e.g. Plants)<br> '''Lightning''' defeats '''Water''', but '''Water''' defeats electric creatures (e.g. Machines)<br> '''Earth''' defeats '''Lightning''', but '''Lightning''' defeats large grounded creatures (e.g. Trolls)<br> '''Wind''' defeats '''Earth''', but '''Earth''' defeats swift creatures (e.g. Fairies)<br> '''Ice''' defeats '''Wind''', but '''Wind''' defeats fragile creatures (e.g. Crystalkin)<br> '''Holy''' and '''Dark''' are strong against/weak to one another; certain powerful creatures of either element have a partial resistance to their opposed element, however. '''Poison''' deals additional damage to humans and humanoids, and normal damage to other living creatures. Unliving creatures are immune to '''Poison'''-elemental damage, and undead creatures (and some others) may absorb the damage as HP. '''Gravity''' deals additional damage to flying and floating creatures, and normal damage to small to moderate sized creatures. Larger creatures may be highly resistant or immune to '''Gravity'''-elemental damage, and heavy or dense creatures (and some others) may absorb the damage as HP.

Return to FFT2 notes.