failnaughted

[failnaughted]

Somewhere deep down, Claude doesn't like how utterly unsurprised he is that things are going downhill this fast. He looks around as Shamir checks on the kid, all while hearing him out; she then runs off before he can point out that they shouldn't leave the boy alone.

"This area's clear, so stay around here for now, okay?" He says quickly, putting his hand on the child's shoulder. "We'll come back for you as soon as it's safe."

The boy holds back a sob, but nods, and Claude rushes off to reinforce the mercenary in whatever peril they're running into.

And it sure is peril. The village is reduced to a screaming mess, villagers running for their lives as starving beasts stop at nothing, tearing down even doors and windows just to get to the people and their livestock. Shamir swiftly dispatches one monster; Claude removes another, an arrow shot right in between the vertebrae of a mangy wolf chasing a young woman.

"Right—" He wastes no words on disputing or discussing the plan, there's no time for that. He hurries instead, trying to gather the villagers more or less together in spite of the panic. "Don't spread around! Run to the east - that area's clear!" He instructs loudly, pointing them in the right direction. One of the older men - the village chief, he guesses - follows his lead, directing the others to do as they're told and repeating the order to those who did not hear it among the screams.

Bow still in one hand, Claude quickly unsheathes his sword with the other and plants it right into the maw of a beast that attempts to jump the guy from behind.

The villagers will run - the starving wolves will follow. But, perhaps - however wrong it would be to say it out loud, they may be able to, in a sense, use those people as bait to pick off the monsters while they're distracted.

They better hurry with it, though. Most of those people are children or the elderly, panicked, tired, or just not running very fast for all sorts of reasons.

"We've gotta cover them," he calls to Shamir. He's sure he's saying nothing she doesn't know, but important stuff is still better assured out loud. Sword back in sheath, he pulls out two arrows at once and aims.

This is gonna be a bloodbath.

big bad wolf

Starving Beasts w/ @failnaughted

[failnaughted]

Claude had to hold back laughter at the pretty boy remark - well gee, thanks, he tries to look presentable no matter what - but in the end, said nothing on the matter except letting out an amused huff. In a fluid motion, he swapped places with Teach, handing them the hammer as well as he passed by them on the way to his new station.

Prof was handling the hammering with considerably more ease than he did, which was both mesmerizing and interesting to watch. He knew that they were strong, stronger than they looked for sure; sometimes, given their age difference, smaller than one would expect considering their job as a Professor, Claude had to remind themselves that they were a seasoned mercenary and had far more experience and expertise than their age and appearance would suggest on their own.

He, for his part... still had ways to go, for sure. But he would always say that no matter what.

Anyway. He had a task to perform again, so it was time to get on it. "Yep, I've got it," he assured, getting to work. The first use of the bellows took some effort, but once he got it going, it became a lot easier and the movements came a lot more naturally.

He kept a regular pace, all while splitting his attention between his work and what they were doing, curious to see progress.

101 New Ways to Stab People || Claude & F!Byleth

Mission: Axe +1 || @ashenprofessor || Mission Season: Restoration

[failnaughted]

It looks like he was able to set the guy a bit more on ease, and Claude is glad to see it. Gaius was really good at playing tough and casual in the beginning, but the moment he saw the defensive wall for what it was and brought it down - that was when he would say that he truly met and got to know him.

(When you know what it is you're looking for, it's not too hard to recognize a part of yourself in someone else.)

"Alright, then I believe we've got ourselves a deal," he nods with a smile. "And likewise, naturally. If I can lend you a hand with something, I will. As long as it's something I can do, of course."

Right on time, too - looks like they got through the tea and snacks ordered for this little meeting. Oh well, time and resources well spent, as far as he's concerned. Nothing like a lil bit of good ol' networking.

"Well then," he says as a matter of summing up, offering Gaius a small wink, "I believe I'll be seeing you around."

— Thread End

I identify as a problem

[failnaughted]

Ahhhh, there it is. Well, there was a brief moment where Claude thought the guy was ready to jump at him and start throwing hands, so he'll at least count his blessing that that isn't happening.

"Well, I can think of a few reasons," he says with a light shrug as he hangs the bow on his back. "For starters, where I'm from, we have strong traditions of archers fighting from atop wyverns. With the kinda eye and arm that requires? Firing from the ground at a wall does indeed become kind of a joke. And if I made it look easy, well," he shakes his head with a quiet huff and a smile. "I doubt I started training much later than you did. I've got a whole lot of hopes and expectations sitting on my back, too."

The too is added as a subconscious afterthought. Innes may not have gone into details about himself, but his introduction alone, what he has said about his upbringing and achievement, combined with the way he has behaved, is enough for someone as well-versed in reading people as Claude to pick up the pieces, even ones that he originally didn't know were there.

"But also," he has a distinct feeling Innes is not gonna like this, but he asked, so what's a guy to do but to answer? "I just... wasn't sweating it, I guess? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I felt like you took this full on seriously, like your honor was at stake or something. I mean, sorry about the paint on your jacket, but other than that... we were shooting paint at a wall. I just approached it as a bit of a warm-up. A few arrows to lose and nothing to gain, you know?"

He isn't going to say that out loud, but he does secretly wonder just how much Innes knows about the concept of just having fun.

I Don't Think This Is About House Pride Anymore || Claude & Innes

[failnaughted]

Ah, there's what the guy didn't want to say. And Claude can certainly understand why — this kind of stuff tends to sit heavy on a person.

The feeling that you can't contribute as much as other people. The feeling that maybe, just maybe, what you did isn't enough. The feeling that maybe your shortcomings can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Why do so many people struggle with ridiculous thoughts like that? And why does he call them ridiculous in his head when he relates to the feeling as well?

"There's nothing wrong with preferring to focus on things on a smaller scale," Claude says with a nod. "Not everyone's made for conquest and burdens of rulership and all such grand ideals, and not everyone has to be. Some people just want a quiet life and food on their plate — and as far as I'm concerned, that is the true end goal for a good ruler, or at least should be. If we have to fight a war, it should be to achieve peace, not to just start another one immediately after, right?"

Gaius gets himself another cup, and Claude follows up, pouring himself what's left of the tea. He gives the redhead a friendly smile as he does.

"So I'll tell you what. As far as issues of Fódlan's political nonsense go, you're welcome to leave that to me. I'll handle the thinking and worrying about big ideas part — and you just help me with what you specialize in when I need it. Does that sound good?"

I identify as a problem

[failnaughted]

Claude smiles in response to her understanding. Granted, he had a feeling she would, given their previous interactions. Dorothea seems like a kind and gentle soul all around, feeling for others far more than herself. Though she certainly has a tough exterior that manifests when necessary, he believes that she does not want to be that way, and simply has to.

That's, at least, the energy he has felt from her thus far, and he more often than not trusts his abilities in reading people.

(Does someone like her truly belong in the Empire, one has to wonder?)

"It's no biggie, we might just get stopped here and there along the way. But, well, I should make the rounds anyway, and obligations are always easier to handle in lovely company."

Compliments tend to usually leave Claude's lips with the ease natural for someone experienced and proficient in the art of lowering people's guard to win them over — and yet, this time around, it feels a lot more genuine than on most occasions, to the point of even making the Deer himself briefly ponder about this significance, before ultimately shelving it for later before he gets overly distracted.

The streets of Derdriu are brimming with activity, as though the life that had been threatened and nearly extinguished now wished to strike back with doubled force to send a signal to the world — we have survived, we will persevere, and we will flourish no matter what. Architects discuss plans with their superiors and employers alike, workers hurry there and back with parts and materials needed to put their reality back together; merchants and street vendors advertise their wares as they would on any other day, and children laugh as they run around, pieces of debris and abandoned leftovers of building equipment having replaced the twigs and branches they would normally brandish as toy swords.

Regardless of the tragedy, life does its best to keep going as normal.

They have not been disturbed yet, and so Claude can ponder on Dorothea's question, deciding how much information he is willing to divulge. He doesn't think she realizes just how loaded this seemingly innocent inquiry is.

"Oh yeah, they know. There was a whole formal delegation that came for me and brought me here and all." The words formal delegation are spoken with a hint of irony — a clear indication of his thoughts on the matter of overblown noble customs. "I'm sure they would have gotten info on what happened — and also the update that I'm just fine, so there's nothing to worry about." Well, except for one particular guy who would like to see him dead.

He pauses here as someone calls his name, and turns to offer a smile and a friendly wave to an elderly merchant and his family. No business here, thankfully — just a greeting.

It gives him the moment he needs to consider his options, before ultimately deciding to go for it — and turn the question to her.

"What about your family? I hope they've stayed safe through this?"

And We Welcome a Tomorrow After All || Claude & Dorothea

Meeting in Derdriu || @encantresse || Mission Season: Restoration

[failnaughted]

"Thanks, sir. It's alright - we do what we can. It happens to far more than just us, after all."

It's probably a more appropriate response of I didn't know the guy who died, anyway. Hell, he barely knows his gramps, too. A random elderly guy who popped into his life some months ago - it's family and that's great, sure, but... proper bonds and attachments and all that aren't built overnight, especially when your name is Claude.

Still, he keeps those thoughts to himself, believing them somewhat unfitting for this particular chat.

"Ah - an honor to meet you, sir." So this would be Sylvain's dad, wouldn't it? An interesting fellow to get to know, for sure.

Upon receiving the invitation, Claude nods, sitting in the next chair. He wanted to learn and gather information anyway, after all - may as well see what he can find out from the source in person.

Just means he has to be more respectful than he would be simply browsing books, records and archives that he maybe shouldn't be as interested in as he is.

"If I can help somehow, I'm happy to try. It'll be good for me too, I'm sure - as I said, I have to catch up on everything I should know. As far as Faerghus goes... I don't think I know much more than an average student would at the moment," he admits. Definitely something to change.

"So I should be able to judge how understandable or confusing some information is."

"Um... Whatcha Got There?" (Hides Faerghus Intel) "A Smoothie" || Claude & Matthias

Let's talk politics || @cielenruine

[failnaughted]

Oooh, he's about to be doing teamwork with someone he just met. Not something he signs up for on a regular basis, but hey, it isn't as though he came here not knowing this could happen. Practical demonstration was meant to be part of the program, after all.

So, Claude picked up the hammer pointed out to him. Luckily, between wielding bows and axes, he had the strength it took to both firmly hold the thing, and comfortably swing it.

(Even if he was still fairly certain Jacky could snap him in half if she so desired.)

Well, at least he thought he could wield this hammer well. But as Jacky pounded the sword for the first time and he followed suit, the knockback of hammer against metal caught him so off-guard that he nearly got sent flying back. He saved himself with an unsteady step backwards, eyes wide as he did.

"Hah - didn't expect that, did ya?" Jacky laughed; not in a mocking way, per se, but Claude still felt warmth increasing in his cheeks. "Well, not sure what you did expect, but yes, you gotta get used to the knockback, or else it'll get ya good. Not to worry, just try that again. C'mon, we need to get the work in before the metal grows too cold."

Claude nodded, stifling a quiet wheeze. "Yeah, I got it," he assured, throwing Teach an amused glance.

The second attempt went far better, thankfully; after all, Claude very rarely allowed himself to make the same mistake more than once. Now that he knew what to expect, he quickly worked out a steady rhythm with Jacky, and before long, the blade began to take on a brand new shape.

101 New Ways to Stab People || Claude & F!Byleth

Mission: Axe +1 || @ashenprofessor || Mission Season: Restoration

[failnaughted]

Heh. "Sure, let's roll with that."

Ain't like Claude is particularly in the zone to be arguing with the guy on the subject of needing the support of others and how it's not possible to be an entirely self-sufficient island among the sea of people. Setting aside not being in the mood, he's not the right person to be doing it either.

After all, it isn't as though he hasn't tried it himself, even if unwillingly and subconsciously. For different reasons than Innes, most likely - then again, how would he know for sure? that's just the vibe, if you will, that he's getting from the guy.

But whatever the case, Claude never wanted to not trust the people around him. He never asked to be conditioned to search everywhere for concealed knives. It just kind of happened. And yet, at the end of the day, even he learned that one simply cannot live alone in this world full of people - that eventually he will have to turn his back to someone and simply believe that they won't stab him.

Is that where Innes is? Claude doesn't know, and he's fine not knowing for the time being. Whatever the case may be, the guy will find out that he can't do everything alone one day. Or perhaps - probably, really - he already knows that.

But hey. Dude's business, not his. Sweeping the thoughts aside with one smooth gesture in his mind, Claude simply loads up another arrow.

Roll: 20

Singing its cheerful tune, the arrow flies at the Black Eagles' wall - and beautifully splatters yellow paint all over the place, covering almost all traces of other colors, be it the Lion blue from some previous "duel", or whatever red had been used to try and save the Eagles' honor.

"... Aaaand the Golden Deer strikes back in style," Claude announces with all the enthusiasm of a sleep deprived office worker. "How will the sniper from the Black Eagles respond?..."

I Don't Think This Is About House Pride Anymore || Claude & Innes

[failnaughted]

Activity Check: March 2025

Status: passed

Skill points added: - Unstoppable Force vs Immovable Object vs Literal Wall (with Mitama) - finished (Authority: C → C ½) - Battle of the Eagle and Lion (Bow: C ½ → C+) - Activity (Authority: C ½ → C+)

Total: 3; 11 → 14

Class mastery: - Archer class mastered! Obtained: Hit+

[failnaughted]

Claude what am I looking at

am a ghostie!

oooOOOOOOooooOOOOOoooOo

[failnaughted]

Claude is it true they put you in the same ring as Edelgard and Dimitri? How are you handling the fact that purgatory has essentially put you in a roommate situation?

bro it is DIRE I can handle roommates but being permanently stuck in the prologue cutscene with these two is HELL

[failnaughted]

Erm

Guys?

Anyone else feel weirdly... incorporeal today?...

[failnaughted]

She is fighting way too much, and Claude keeps his hand on her shoulder to make sure that, even if she attempts to get up, she doesn't get far. Not that stopping her is, to put it brutally, particularly hard right now; the spirit is strong, but the body just can't keep up.

He doesn't say much on the matter, though. In a way it is incomprehensible - and yet, in another way, he also fully gets it.

Anyway.

"It's been a while already, yeah. If the last round hasn't begun yet, it'll do so very soon." Normally, the House Leader would be duty-bound to cheer his classmates on and help coordinate their movements even after he himself had been eliminated - but, suffice to say, he's had a sudden forced shift in priorities, so there he is.

"I thought she'd only taken it to give to the staff, but, uhhh... it does seem like she still had it when she left?" His eyes wander towards Professor Lambert for confirmation. They're "fellow Professors" - (or, well, let's pretend that's the case for now, as he promised Lambert he'd do) - maybe he'd seen her leave and can confirm.

In the meantime, when the apples are ready, he takes a single piece himself, before placing the plate in Professor Lachesis' reach.

Something about the way she'd spoken piques his interest.

"Do you know her well?... Do you, uh, think she'd be reckless enough to try using that bow herself after she saw what it did to you?"

@egittae

deer of fear

boel2025 | post-ko

[failnaughted]

It takes way too long for Claude's liking before Professor Lachesis finally begins to stir.

Actually, no, it doesn't actually take that long at all, as he'll realize a bit later once he thinks about it with a clearer head. It's just in that moment, as they're waiting and don't yet have the next battle to distract themselves with, that it feels like forever.

But what matters is that she finally begins to wake... And the first thing she asks about is the battle.

... Really?

Well, he supposes people don't necessarily think clearly after getting knocked out like that. At least, he hopes that's what going on. Whatever the case may be, she doesn't get far with her question.

"Hey hey hey Prof, slow down - Oi, can someone get us some water?" He calls, turning towards the clerics, while putting his hand on her shoulder. A glass of fresh liquid soon arrives, and Claude looks at her, before meeting Lambert's eyes.

"Can you help her up a bit? I'll help her with the water." Then, back to Professor Lachesis - dayum, good thing that he's always been pretty good at multitasking with the everything going on here right now. "Water first, chat later, okay? One thing at a time."

deer of fear

boel2025 | post-ko

[failnaughted]

It looks like he was able to offer Rosado some reassurance, and he's happy for it. To Professor Lambert's theorizing, he can only nod thoughtfully at the moment, his mind still attempting to process the everything that had transpired.

"Magic rush overload..." He echoes quietly. He doesn't recall hearing of many such incidents, no - Fódlan's magic system has always been safe, and that included both spells and magic-infused weapons, didn't it? The only risk he's heard of would be Crest-less people trying to use Relics, and even then... Firstly, he doesn't know exactly what that "risk" would entail, and secondly, well, Professor Lachesis might not have a Crest, but that thing was (supposed to be) a perfectly normal bow. He sure as hell did not see a Crest Stone in that thing.

So... what exactly could that have been?

He doesn't know, but also, he keeps all those musings to himself. The last thing he'd want to do right now is destroy that small spark of confidence they've helped Rosado regain.

Lambert's decision to stay with them is, truthfully, met with quiet appreciation on Claude's part. He fine - he thinks himself to be - he has no choice but to be - but Rosado could probably use some extra company.

... Honestly, maybe he could too, actually.

"We'll leave the investigation to the Church," is all he says out loud to cut off the thought he'd voiced earlier. "Let's get some rest, and wait for Professor Lachesis to wake up. And then we can cheer on the others." He smiles at them. "That'll be nice, yeah?"

Claude 3.5/6HP hits Lambert 1.5/6HP with Flaming Axe [Roll: 1d20 + 2 = 13, -1.5HP, Lambert 0/6HP] Lambert has been defeated!

THIS IS FOR MY REPORT CARD!

✩ .　BOEL 2025⠀∶⠀round 2, battle 17.

[failnaughted]

... And then, things go COMPLETELY off the rails. Just as Claude considers pulling back a bit to regroup and strategize, Professor Lachesis attempts to use her bow again - only to let out a scream, before crumpling down in a cloud of miasma.

Um.

Eh.

What?

"Professor!" Bow and freshly drawn arrow clatter to the ground as Claude rushes towards her. Behind him, he hears the clank of the axe.

Professor Ayra cushions her fall, while Claude gets a hold of her wrist and presses his finger on her skin, breathing a sigh of relief feeling the pulse under them; he catches eye of her chest rising and falling with a breath, too. "It's okay - she's fine," he calls quickly over his shoulder towards the panicked Rosado.

At the very least, their opponents' reaction has been reasonable - though, he would hope that most people would react in such a fashion to... whatever that was just now.

He winces, glancing at the bow the blonde Professor dropped, lying beside her on the ground, fading remnants of dark miasma still seeping from it.

"Iiiiii'm not picking that thing up," he mutters. "I'll report this to the Knights and someone can get it later. Or just burn in here on the spot, that's fine by me too."

With Professor Ayra taking care of Professor Lachesis, Claude gets back up, running towards Lambert and Rosado to join them on the way to the med tent. Towards Shez, he gestures with his head, inviting him to join them - there was little else to do here.

In all honesty, he isn't sure what he should say to the pastelhair right now. It's not really often that he doesn't know what to say, and it feels all the more awkward. He puts his hand on his shoulder.

"... She's fine, don't worry. Something was wrong with that bow. I'll report it and we'll find out what happened, okay? Let's go rest."

Claude 3.5/6HP hits Lambert 3/6HP with Flaming Axe (Helmsplitter activates!) [Roll: 1d20 + 4 = 18, -1.5HP, Lambert 1.5/6HP]

THIS IS FOR MY REPORT CARD!

✩ .　BOEL 2025⠀∶⠀round 2, battle 17.