failnaughted

[failnaughted]

The thing with battles, wars and invasions was that they tended to leave a whole lot of damage behind. And while Claude, in theory, knew that from the start, this one was destructive beyond what his imagination was capable of, even though he would definitely consider it to be quite colorful. There was so much rebuilding to do, so much reconstruction to take care of, so much healing that the people needed - and all with way fewer hands than they used to have.

Of course, it wasn't long before it all became too much for his already ailing gramps, forcing Claude to take up several tasks even while he was still at the monastery - or, well, what remained of it. Luckily, most of the Alliance's fastest messengers survived the onslaught, and they were now working overtime, sending commands and reports there and back while the Riegan got things organized at Garreg Mach, so that the Golden Deer House would stay more or less together while he was gone.

Just as he walked out of the office after handing in some papers, he heard a well familiar voice calling to him. He smiled, opening his arms to accept Hilda's warm gesture.

"Heh, thanks. This is where I'd probably be expected to say something like Piece of cake, it takes more than that to bring the great descender of the House of Riegan down!, but really, that was hell out there, and I can't really pretend otherwise." He huffs, eyeing her from head to toe once she let go, and nodding in approval. "Right back at you, by the way."

He paused then, hearing her out and matching the content of her words with that look in her eyes to get the full picture of the situation, including that which was left unsaid. Right. He got it.

"You look like you think you're asking something outlandish. I'm going to Alliance territory anyway - the Roundtable is calling for my help organizing, because my old man didn't last long with this workload," he informed her with a smile. "I'm sure they don't mind if I check in on Goneril first, since I'll already be easier to reach at that point than I am now."

Granted, they'd probably prefer if he swung by Derdriu first, and he imagined Hilda could guess that, but you know what? They can wait. He could read the worry in her eyes. He knew what it was about.

"And it just so happened that I wrapped up everything I needed before leaving, so we can go whenever you're ready."

go hard then go home » claude & hilda 

Many people are still missing after the Fall of Garreg Mach. Now with the monastery reclaimed and a sense of burgeoning tranquility for the next while, the Church is able to spend time sending search parties to look for these missing persons. With formal classes put on hold, this just might be the time to look for your loved ones and reunite with them, letting them know that there shall be a place to return to soon.

[failnaughted]

If there's one thing that Claude would readily and willingly admit he was not well versed with, it was magic. Yes, he was a man of many talents, but flinging fireballs with his bare hands was not one of them, and to be honest, he didn't see it changing much. Which was okay, really. Certain areas could remain in the domain of others. That's what allies are for, right?

Above all else, he highly doubted his most recent encounter with magic will encourage him to try using magic for himself. It was, to put it diplomatically, freaky.

So what was he doing at the School of Sorcery, one might ask? Claude smiled as Dimitri spoke.

"My reputation really does precede me, huh. My sleeves are nice and empty this time, I promise. It's as you say, a show of solidarity that's important in the current day and age." Granted, it could hardly be denied that deep down, he hoped - or expected, perhaps, would be the better word if one wanted to be honest - that Dimitri would remember that and respond in kind when time came, but personal gain of some kind was not what brought the Riegan here, and in that, he was truthful.

"... And, well, a small spark of personal curiosity," he admitted after a short pause. "But we can chat about that later."

He greeted the Headmaster with a polite smile. "A pleasure to meet you, sir. This is my first time here, as I'm sure you know, and I must say - the School looks just as impressive as its reputation claims. I'm sure its fame regarding its achievements is equally accurate." He paused then, glancing towards Dimitri to judge his reaction to the suggestion. "I'm not that tired, personally, but maybe the tea could be a good time for whatever news and reports you have to share, if there's anything. I'm happy to leave the choice to Dimitri, though."

all we have is legacy

[failnaughted]

The quick gesture of closing one of the journals did not go unnoticed by Claude, though he gave no sign of it. He wouldn't necessarily say that what he came to study today qualified as "snooping" or "sticking his nose into other people's business", but now the mental note to check this one out just in case was made and recorded.

Unfortunately for everyone around him, that was simply how Claude operated; how he had no choice but to operate to get where he was today alive.

"Sorry about that, sir. Honestly, it goes both ways," he says with a light bow, successfully suppressing the nervous hint in his voice. His gaze wanders from the books, to the man perusing them, and then back to them again.

"You could say that, yeah," he answers the question once he has chosen his words. "I've only been legitimized recently, while Edelgard and Dimitri have been preparing all their lives. I've got some catching up to do, and that includes learning about our neighbors and future allies, just as they learn about us."

Future allies. He speaks the term with both confidence and hope, or at least, tries to make it sound that way.

On that note, he should probably be polite, considering this guy looks to be above average in terms of importance.

"On that note... Claude von Riegan, leader of the Golden Deer House. And, of course, future leader of the Alliance. I do hope I am not intruding you in the middle of something important."

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

Let's talk politics || @cielenruine

[failnaughted]

Well, doesn't this guy sound like an absolute joy. Alas, Claude is not so easily deterred. He wouldn't be here - he likely wouldn't be alive - if he was.

"No can do, Professor. Archbishop's orders and all," he explains, the shrug he adds to his words hopefully a fitting substitute for the addition of "I wouldn't be dragging myself and this horse all the way out here if I didn't have to and I'm certainly not dragging us all the way back now" that there isn't enough time for amidst a skirmish with a dozen or so freaked out and desperate bandits.

Much as Claude can and will get snarky when he deems it necessary, he knows better than to distract an ally one too many times in the middle of a battle. If this guy needs to find out that he (probably) isn't as high and mighty as he thinks, it can happen at a more convenient time, preferably when it doesn't cost someone their life. Yes, including him, because Claude is nice like that.

And so, whether Rafal wants him here or no, the Riegan remains. A few of the bandits, evidently hoping that he will prove an easier target, switch their focus on to him, but three arrows later, they are proven very wrong and pay for it, silenced once and for all. Even as he fights, Claude does continue to catch glances of the Professor's handiwork, and the strength and accuracy of his swings leave a deep impression. Alright, he really is good.

On that note, however, a realization soon comes to him.

"Mind trying to leave one alive?" He calls to the Professor. "I want to get some info out of them."

After all, neither he nor this guy would have been sent all the way out here just to fend off a single ragtag bandit group. Their order of business was to try and find out why these guys have been multiplying.

You Have My Axe 🙄 I Guess 🙄 || Claude & Rafal

[failnaughted]

Luckily for Mitama, Claude can definitely sense that. Unluckily for her, he's just going to smile through and ignore it. Anyway,

"Hmm. Diamond, circle, swirl, squiggle," he echoes as she lists the symbols she had found. "What I found is a set of arrows. Down, left, right and up, in that order," he fills her in.

(Isn't he sooo nice, Mitama? Isn't it sooo kind of him to explain everything instead of making you walk all the way over there to see for yourself? Doesn't it make you want to contribute and make sure his efforts are rewarded?)

(No? Well, that's fine,)

"Now the question would be, where to put them in. Hmm." The door they used to enter this room doesn't feel like the solution - he remembers being told that the puzzle would have three stages, so (to Mitama's dismay) he doubts the solution is to Just Walk Out. Well - of course they could, but he wants to try and solve this thing.

So he goes back to tracing the walls, to see if he finds another concealed piece of wall that he can peel off, a button to press, anything of the sort. "Let me know if you see anything," he shoots towards her, as if he's still expecting - or hoping for, depending on one's optimism levels - her to contribute.

Unstoppable Force vs Immovable Object vs Literal Wall || Claude & Mitama

[failnaughted]

Though some time has already passed and a whole lot more has happened since then, the image remained crisp and clear at the back of Claude’s mind all that time, reminding him repeatedly and incessantly that, out there, there is a mystery that he has not yet solved.

The image of that tall blonde man, whose mannerisms spoke of some kind of higher standing, whose features reminded him of something he couldn’t quite place - who at one point picked and scooped up a Wolf Crest Beast in his arms as though it were a regular dog, displaying extraordinary, almost superhuman strength.

Now, it’s not like Claude to have no ideas or theories for his questions, and surely enough, he does have a couple, with one in particular standing out in terms of pieces that fit. At least, if one were to ignore one major issue.

That man has been dead for years.

It bothers him. There’s already enough mysteries and secrets kept from his sight for his liking, and he doesn’t like having to add to that list.

As if the gods of fortune heard his complaints, Claude finds himself running into that very individual during a stroll he had taken when a rare opportunity arose to get some rest from the restoration efforts.

Thinking about it now, this really is only his second time running into his man. He’s never seen him before around the monastery. Not that Claude would have ever believed a story about him just being Random Refugee No. 26394, but still, it was nice to get his first confirmation.

“Good day, sir!” He greets casually as he approaches, his mind kind of making the decision for him on the spot. He may not know his name, but that has never stopped him from keeping up a conversation if he so desires.

“Hard at work with reconstruction, I take it?” He inquires, eyeing the man from head to toe. Bandages peeking out from beneath his clothes here and there don’t escape his notice. “Are you sure you’re well enough for labor? Best to be careful not to re-injure yourself.”

Vibe Check || Claude & Lambert

In Which Claude Decided Lambert Is Sus || @egittae || Mission Season: Restoration

[failnaughted]

It’s not like Claude, who is now being prepared to both inherit the leadership of the Alliance and also maybe sorta kinda just in case run a war or at least be ready for one, doesn’t know how vital it is that the army be prepared with adequate arsenal of weaponry. Of course he knows that. Duh.

But perhaps that’s precisely the problem. It feels like such a blatantly obvious thing that it might just not receive the depth of thought it reserves and requires.

It’s both this idea and also just newfound curiosity that lead Claude to the marketplace when he hears a few blacksmiths have arrived to the monastery to help with the reconstructions and forge new weapons. Of course he knows that, should he ever actually run an army (wouldn’t it be craaaazy if that had to happen one day), no one would expect him of all people to do this work. But hey, new information is always good to have, right?

At the grounds, Claude stops in surprise, blinks, then smiles and waves in greeting as he spots a familiar face headed in the same direction.

“Good to see you, Teach? Already rested after that whole show? You’re not an easy one to break, huh.” He pauses a little, grinning as he eyes her. Yeah, she looks great, considering everything they’d gone through.

“What brings you out here on this fine day?”

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

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

[failnaughted]

“… And the merchant guild has offered to provide whatever support they can. However, while their ships have remained mostly intact, they lost a lot of people, and will need assistance.”

Claude nods. “That’s all good. We got some personnel from the monastery helping out. Get the announcement out to the civilians as well - most residential areas didn’t suffer that much damage, so there should be plenty of free hands. Make sure they hear and remember that the stability of the Alliance needs the hearts and efforts of all.”

“Yes sir!” The soldier salutes, before heading off to carry out his orders. Claude follows him with his eyes for a moment, before sighing quietly and offering Dorothea a somewhat apologetic smile.

“Sorry about that. Didn’t think I’d arrive just to instantly hear I have to stand in for gramps and coordinate things.” Best out of a bad situation, he supposes - they’d be sending for him anyway, so he spared them the need to waste time with a messenger, but still. All he wanted to do was check on things, not run the whole show.

“Still, it looks like I’m finally done with everything, at least for now. How about I show you around?”

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

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

[failnaughted]

Activity Check: January 2025

Status: passed

Skill points gained: - Activity (Flying: E → E+) - Knowledge Gem (Flying: E+ → D)

Total: 2; 8 → 10

Obtained: - Knowledge Gem, Vorpal Bow, Blank Pages, Shard of Melanthios (Epiphany 2025)

Class mastery: - Lord class mastered! Obtained: Charm, Subdue

[failnaughted]

Just as the enemies prepare a new onslaught against their group, they are met with a wave of attacks from their allies. Claude smiles as the Knights cheer to celebrate and inspire one another; and before long, the enemies are crushed, not a single hooded invader allowed to flee.

"Great job, everyone!" The Riegan calls loud and clear for everyone to hear and heed. "The monastery grounds are almost ours. Now, for one final push! Divide into units and check every corner of this area. Hunt down any freaks that remain. Let none escape!"

As he said, so they do, cheering for the reclamation of the Goddess' home. For his own part, he isn't super enthusiastic about that detail in particular, but it sure does feel good to be back and get back at the enemy that thought themselves better. He gestures for the group to get on moving, following the direction set by Teach. A misshapen monster here, a pale figure there - a well-placed arrow or sword slash render them silent for good quickly and easily.

It's almost over.

Moves 1 space Up-Right.

(Through Gritted Teeth) I’m Once Again Feeling So Attacked Right Now

TOA Epiphany 2025: Team 9 || @ashenprofessor @luminousrider @cotharach

[failnaughted]

After rendezvousing with team 5, Claude feels his spirits rise up. It's always refreshing to see a few allies on the battlefield, yet still alive, standing and fighting strong.

"Alright. Let's see about springing the plan we agreed on," he offers, and they move forward.

Not very far forward, however, when Claude has to signal for everyone to suddenly stop, frowning as another messenger comes running towards them.

"Report! The last enemy unit is on the move! We are about to meet them for combat!"

That's... "Faster than I thought they'd move." Welp, every once in a while someone pulls a fast one on him and a scheme falls through, forcing him to improvise. This just means things got a little more complicated than he'd wanted them to.

"Brace yourselves, everyone!" He calls. Almost as if on cue, a shadow begins to emerge behind the messenger, who rushes to join the flank. Then another. Then another -

"Fire!"

Attacks Unit 3: Mage Artillery [Roll 4d10+2+2: 9, 5, 1, 1 = 20] VS [Roll 4d10: 8, 6, 5, 5 = 24] -1HP to all enemies, -1HP to all players.

The enemies are a bit better prepared for this assault than he expected - they'd probably heard the messenger calling to them - and respond in kind, and battle erupts anew.

(Through Gritted Teeth) I’m Once Again Feeling So Attacked Right Now

TOA Epiphany 2025: Team 9 || @ashenprofessor @luminousrider @cotharach

[failnaughted]

Ooooh that feels good. Claude smiles as he feels his muscles, tensed up from the pain of the magic strikes they had to endure, relax.

"Whew, that was great. Thanks, Flayn! Alright. If everyone's had enough rest, then it's time we get going."

The steady beat of the giant piece of otherworldly machinery is unsettling, but whatever happens, they have to face it. And perhaps, that means it's time for a little scheme.

"One of you, with fast legs!" Claude calls to the Knights, and luckily, a candidate quickly steps forward.

"Some of our allies are currently stationed near the greenhouse. Go find them and let them know we are about to move south, towards the lake, and draw the attention of the mechanical sentry. If you're quick enough to reach them, we can coordinate a pincer attack - that thing is big and dangerous, it would be best if we can take it on with support. Hurry!"

The young squire nods and takes off in a sprint. Claude follows him with his eyes for a moment, before nodding to his allies.

"Let's see if we can make this work. Forward!"

Moves 1 space Down.

(Through Gritted Teeth) I’m Once Again Feeling So Attacked Right Now

TOA Epiphany 2025: Team 9 || @ashenprofessor @luminousrider @cotharach

[failnaughted]

Gritting his teeth, Claude raises his arm to shield his face from the attack - before quickly following up with a strike of his own. Together with his allies, they push the enemy back, their numbers dwindling and the surviving opponents now wounded and struggling.

"We're okay for now!" He calls in response to Flayn's question. "Hang on - we need to finish this first. Luckily, I know just the thing!"

His iconic smirk returns to his features as he raises his hand. The squadron of Knights fighting beside them knows to answer his command when he gestures to order an attack. Another arrow is pulled out of his quiver with a twirl and loaded onto his bow as he aims; mirroring his gesture, the men, determined to fight for their monastery, do the same, and within two seconds, the strike is ready.

"Fire!"

Attacks Unit 6: Mage Artillery with Ranged. -1HP to all enemies. Invader 0/3HP Invader 0/3HP Invader 0/3HP Invader 0/3HP

Unholy screeching erupts as the barrage of arrows descends upon the enemies with merciless abandon. In a show of training and professionalism that gives the chance at victory, almost every arrow finds a meaningful mark.

The onslaught ends, and just like that, the area that saw a ruthless battle just a moment ago goes quiet, a little eerily so.

"Whew. Good job everyone," Claude says, turning to the others. "Take this opportunity to catch your breath and bandage any injuries. It's not gonna last long."

His smile fades. Through the silence they can hear it - the ominous clanking of rotating gears in one of the enemy's machines.

"We're far from done."

(Through Gritted Teeth) I’m Once Again Feeling So Attacked Right Now

TOA Epiphany 2025: Team 9 || @ashenprofessor @luminousrider @cotharach

[failnaughted]

The giant Demonic Beast before them falls to their onslaught, though not without difficulty on their part. Claude pants, for the first time in a while feeling the weight of Failnaught in his hand.

Luckily, just as they debate on using Flayn's nearly exhausted healing powers, a wave of rejuvenation comes towards them. Claude looks up at the spectacle above them, before shooting everyone a thumbs up: yeah, they're fine for now. They need to keep going.

He turns on his heel and nocks another arrow onto his bow as another enemy squadron of strange, shadowy figures charges towards them -

but they're faster, stronger, and have more to fight for.

Attacks Unit 6: Pale Invaders [Roll 4d10+5+2+2: 5, 4, 4, 1 = 23] VS [Roll 4d10: 3, 3, 3, 1 = 10] -2HP to all enemies. Invader 0/3HP Invader 0/3HP Invader 0/3HP Invader 0/3HP

And just like that, another enemy unit falls. There's no time to celebrate - a new one is swiftly approaching right behind them - but there's juuust enough time for the Riegan to shoot his companions a confident smile.

"We can do this. Hang in there!"

(Through Gritted Teeth) I’m Once Again Feeling So Attacked Right Now

TOA Epiphany 2025: Team 9 || @ashenprofessor @luminousrider @cotharach

[failnaughted]

He remembers many times when he would return to the monastery after a mission or a hunting trip, and the sight of Garreg Mach's towers always filled him with awe, even after he had seen it multiple times. It was something to behold for sure, especially for one such as him, who once didn't dream of such things.

Even now as they charge forth to retake the monastery, they stand tall and proud - and yet, at the same time, it's a sight reminiscent to someone holding out their arms desperately for help - almost akin to a beacon.

Claude isn't a fan of the Church, and never will be, but this time he is certain and determined - they have to get it back.

He and his allies enter the monastery grounds and as soon as they do, chaos ensues as the first group of enemies - a small squad of strange, misshapen, malformed beasts - takes note of them.

What the hell did that Melanthios guy bring in here?

"Charge!" He calls as they strike at the enemies, multiple allies descending upon them without mercy - not unlike how it happened the other way around on that fateful day.

You'll feel what it's like. And we'll get rid of you once and for all.

(Through Gritted Teeth) I’m Once Again Feeling So Attacked Right Now

TOA Epiphany 2025: Team 9 || @ashenprofessor @luminousrider @cotharach

[failnaughted]

It still sticks in his mind - the sight of them back during those dark outings, with only a campfire to give insight to the foes they could face. He remembers scrambling to find any lost arrows to be repurposed for the other's bow, and the struggle they had when the enemy forces came to be too much. So, better overprepared now than under, right?

"It's good to see that you and Shamir are still ok." Hugh says - he'll need to circle back with her sometime, too. But for now, he presents Claude one of the weapons he was able to snag before they had to turn tail and make a dash for it:

Hugh gives Claude a Longbow!

"I know you're plenty armed now, but I think this one's built for those especially far folks. Think it'll be worth keeping around just in case?"

"Right back at ya. Things got pretty bad out there, didn't they? Good to see you in one piece."

In their current predicament, greetings and pleasantries unfortunately have to be kept brief, so that's all they've got time here and now - but Hugh has something else for him, and Claude smiles, letting out an impressed whistle at the sight of the bow.

"Hey, that's a good quality one," he says, taking it and weighing it in his arms. Imperial make, for sure - and one can say what one wants about the Empire and all their problems, past, present and future - the quality of their weaponry rarely if ever leaves room for complaint.

"This will do great, yeah. Longbows are made specifically for faraway targets, offering more precision than a standard bow. Thanks a lot! I'm sure it'll come in handy."

Though he does eye Hugh a bit more attentively as he accepts the new weapon. "I do hope you've still got enough spell power and whatever else you use for yourself. I think we managed to snag some resources, so if you need anything, don't hesitate, okay?"

[failnaughted]

If she had a nickel for every time she'd been in a near death situation with Claude von Riegan, she'd have two. Which isn't a lot, but it's really weird that it's happened twice. This time, however, it's somehow.... worse. Carrying Claude back to the bunker had certainly been an interesting feat to accomplish, and ensuring that his treatment went swimmingly had been its own type of stress-- but knowing the emotional toll that these events would take on a majority of their group was different. He's harder to read than most, she's come to find; but there's certain tells of his that give his thoughts away. To a degree, anyways. The man is smart-- he knows to conceal just enough to keep himself safe. Shamir leans against the nearest wall, a tired sigh escaping her. Her entire body aches, her muscles burn, and she wants nothing more than to sink into a nice, warm, soft bed. "Is this how you felt before I dragged you to the infirmary?" She mumbled, only the slightest hint of amusement laced in her tone. It's barely there, masked by the sheer exhaustion that encompasses her. "Maybe it's your turn to carry me, then."

Whoa, someone suddenly looks a lot less valiant than normal.

In all honesty, Claude's first reaction is that of uncertainty as to how to feel about it. On the one hand, in a way, it's almost reassuring, in some sick and twisted way, to find out that she is in fact human like the rest of them and will also run out of energy and get tired, instead of simply moving on once the rest of them have croaked.

(What prompted thoughts like that? Best not to ask.)

On the other though, it's unsettling, because if Shamir of all people has had enough, then it's gotta be bad.

Still, he tries to keep up at least a semblance of a high spirit.

"Well, I was out cold. Whether that was a good or a bad thing for me, I leave for you and the witnesses to judge," he offers with his usual playfulness, or at least some of it. He wouldn't want her thinking he's making light of her exhaustion, after all. He's not that rude.

"Hah, perhaps I could, though as a warning, it probably won't be any more comfortable than it was the other way around. Still - if you do need help, let me know. I've got some bandages and whatnot on me."