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in no particular order:

one

Outside of battle, Alcryst rarely has a reason to summon Lyn. Today, as he fits the ring on his finger, a question burns in his chest and the only way he can think to relieve it is to ask her, "Do you remember anything from the day King Morion was captured?" "No" she responds mournfully. She remembers the cold haze and darkness, remembers clinging to the little warmth that King Hyacinth had left in his heart. Fulfilling her duty, so she thought. "I see." The burning in his heart doesn't stop. "I'm..." Alcryst clutches it, nauseated. "It's not your fault." -- from Alcryst & Lyn drabble series

two

Thankfully Forsyth is upon Python immediately, granting Lukas the chance to hide his ugly reaction into his beer before it shows on his face. Soul of tact, that one. -- from backstreet's back, alright!

three

Lukas runs a hand through his hair. “Yet I think it’s fair to say that we are ill-prepared for whatever dangers might face us. And if all roads lead to death… what truly separates these choices for us? What really matters?” What difference does it make? We have nothing more to lose. But Lukas keeps that to himself. He’s no king, no one of consequence. -- from winners stay winning

four

“…He’s gone?” The gravity of the words, the consequences of this new reality going forward, threatens to knock Alcryst off his feet. His once-invincible brother, the new King of Brodia, breathes no more. To think the day would come… To think the day… would finally come…! -- from ask meme: [diamant] just died, [alcryst] finds out (but make it fell au)

five

The big boar that was wheeled into the castle was certainly impressive, but what truly made Alcryst happy was the sound of his brother’s voice calling out to him. “Deemont!” Alcryst dashed away from his mother’s side, completely ignoring his father as he threw himself into his brother’s arms. His father’s protests fell on deaf ears. (“Oh, come on! Nothing for Papa? Didn’t you miss me?) -- from ask meme: 10. holding their hand (flashback to when alcryst was 4 and diamant was 12)

reblog this post and add your 5 favorite lines you've written this year

[redmessenger]

The titan falls, and from its shell rises another adversary. Sludge spills from its innards, corrupting everything in its path. While Lukas and Sakura are safe thanks to their flying mounts, their allies won't be so lucky.

Kris gets caught. A swordsman like him relies on his speed and quick movements. Ares and Camilla are more than capable of wearing this new monster down, so there is no reason not to save their ally. Sakura is of the same mind—good, this will go faster with two hands. If only it were that easy.

Alligatorid Husk 43/50HP uses Quake on all players: Lukas 10/10HP is hit [Roll: 18 + 4 = 22, -5HP; Lukas 5/10HP]

Lukas knows well from the fight with Duma: not even fliers can escape the wrath of Quake. Here the monster flings large chunks of stone, striking Lukas and his mount with enough force to nearly knock him off the saddle. Still, he holds on. Sakura, however...

Death in the arena is only temporary, but witnessing it never gets easier. "You've earned your rest, Sakura," Lukas calls down to the younger girl as she fades from this world. He'll carry on for her. He knows what must be done.

Lukas 5/10HP attempts to end Kris’s 10/10HP Toxic Sludge status [Roll: 1d20 = 11] Kris 10/10HP is no longer stuck in the Toxic Sludge!

Lukas weaves through flying projectiles as he dives to Kris' position. "Hold on!" His hand grabs at Kris' arm, gripping him tightly as his wyvern flies away from the immediate battlefield. There's a clean patch of tall grass that remains untouched by toxic sludge. Lukas drops him off there.

The foul substance dripping from Kris' clothes leave black marks in the grass, as though burnt. "Are you okay?"

A magic armour with a toxic attitude (Gold Round – Team 3)

[redmessenger]

The final battle already? Privately, it’s a bit of a relief. And the armored titan that stands before them seems no stronger than their previous enemies.

Though, they lost against the last one… Lukas sincerely hopes he isn’t making a habit of dying at least once in the arena. Hopefully they can end this on a good note.

Sakura’s strange weapon paralyzes the beast, and a powerful blast from Ares brings it to its knees. Lukas dives down on his wyvern, aiming for a finishing blow.

Merciless activates! Lukas 10/10HP hits Titanus 9/15HP with Solemn Confiteor [Roll: 12, -3HP]

Pavise activates! [Roll: 12 + 2 = 14, success] Damage halved. [3 / 2 = -1.5HP, Titanus 7.5/15HP]

A spray of blood and ice magic punctuate his first hit. Yet in spite of the flashy display, Lukas can tell he hardly punched through that tough armor. He tries another hit,

Lukas 10/10HP misses Titanus 7.5/15HP with Solemn Confiteor [Roll: 6, -0HP]

Titanus 7.5/15 HP cannot counterattack!

Trample activates! [-2HP; Titanus 5.5/15HP]

But it shifts at the last second, resulting in his axe merely scraping against its stony skin. Dissatisfied, Lukas pulls away from the monster. “My apologies! Still, I don’t think it’s able to move!”

A magic armour with a toxic attitude (Gold Round – Team 3)

[redmessenger]

Sakura can't be faulted for celebrating early. Seeing the dragon stagger like that, Lukas thought that it was finished too, that they could turn their attention to the other enemy.

If only. For the next time he sets his eyes on the monster, he sees that the mortal wound has become nothing more than an old scar. It stands tall and proud once more. Recovered, revived. And its first act is to release that horrifying energy that nearly killed them all again.

It's like the Emblems, huh? The wounds they've suffered are too serious, and with no healer among them—

Unbeaten activates! Areadbhar 15/15HP uses Atrocity on all players! Slaughterer activates! [Roll: 9 & 15, -2HP & -3HP = -5HP; Lukas 0/10HP]

Knocked off his wyvern, hurtling towards the ground, there was no way he would survive this one. There was nothing to be done. Lukas tries to make his peace with that as he makes impact with the sea of roses.

Lukas has been defeated!

@unsungblade

'Cause Sometimes What's Meant to Break You Makes You Brave

silver round

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Once again Lukas finds himself alone in the sky, while his allies are forced to contend with the new terrain they find themselves in. Solid ground is an improvement, but it won't be pleasant to fall upon a bed of gravel and shattered glass, no matter how intriguing the sight is.

One monster keeps its distance for now. The other...

Duma? No, accompanying the leader of the Blue Lions, surely not. But its form is that of a rotting dragon, twisted grotesquely into the shape of a weapon. A creature that defies the laws of nature and lives in spite of it, suffers because of it.

 Areadbhar 15/15HP* attacks Everyone with Atrocity! Slaughterer activates! [Roll: 17 & 10, -3 & -2 = -5HP; Lukas 5/10HP] Lukas is debuffed [Roll: 5, 5, 4, 3; -4SPD-1RES-1DEF] through next combat.

The sheer force of Areadbhar's atrocious spell sends Lukas and his mount flying back, weak and shaking as dark magic saps at their strength and energy. His eyes widen. What power! And without a healer in their midst, there's no doubt these two will make quick work of their team given the chance.

They'll need to play it smart. So when Camilla and Ares place their efforts and curses on the dragon, Lukas sees no reason to deviate. "Understood!" He calls out to Camilla. Axe in hand, Lukas spurs his wyvern onward, seeking retribution.

Lukas 5/10HP hits Areadbhar 12/15HP* with Vengeance [Roll: 15 + 6 = 21, -2.5HP + 1 (Vengeance bonus) = -3.5HP; Areadbhar 8.5/15HP*] Areadbhar 8.5/15HP* is Broken! Cannot attack, counterattack, or use abilities until next combat/current phase ends. Trample activates! -2HP, Areadbhar 6.5/15HP*

Got it! A solid hit. Wyvern claws scratch and scrabbles against the dragon's hide as mount and rider flee a potential counterattack. When Lukas looks back, he sees it's still reeling. "This could be our chance!"

'Cause Sometimes What's Meant to Break You Makes You Brave

silver round

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Watching one of his teammates get swept away in the waves again, Lukas knows that he can’t sit idly by now. The other man washed out with her is a strong swimmer from what he’s seen. Between the two of them, Lukas hopes that the man will be able to sort himself out.

His pegasus dives down, hovering as close to the water’s surface as they can afford to be. Two of the smaller turtles converge on the archer’s position,

Sophi F 3/3HP hits and misses Lukas 8.5/10HP with Bite [Rolls: 19 - 8 = 11 & 4 - 8 = -4, -0.5HP & -0HP; Lukas 8/10HP]

Lukas 8/10HP hits Sophi F 3/3HP with Trident [Roll: 18, -3HP; Sophi F 0/3HP]

Sophi F is defeated!

Sophi G 3/3HP misses and misses Lukas 8/10HP with Bite [Rolls: 2 - 6 = -4 & 6 - 6 = 0, -0HP & -0HP; Lukas 8/10HP]

Lukas 8/10HP hits Sophi G 3/3HP with Trident [Roll: 12, -3HP; Sophi G 0/3HP]

Sophi G is defeated!

Though one manages to break skin, two swift jabs of the trident are enough to dispatch them. Lukas leans down, one hand clutching the reins while the other pushes into the water, searching for his ally. Once he feels her fingers, he grabs her arm tightly. Pegasus beats its powerful wings, pushing up into the sky and soaring over their team’s boat. There’s no time for Lukas to sit her down and make sure she’s okay—he’ll have to rely on the others for that. “I’ll need to drop you off,” Lukas calls down, apologetic. “It would be unwise for me to stay on the boat when our enemy is preparing its next attack… Please be careful, young lady.”

Lukas lets go of Sakura as he flies across the deck, hoping that the pile of sailclothes will cushion her fall. Trident in hand, he tries his hand at wounding the massive beast.

Lukas 8/10HP misses Sophrosyne 8/20 HP with Trident [Roll: 5 -6 = -1, -0HP; Sophrosyne 8/20 HP]

FOLLOW UP: Lukas 8/10HP misses Sophrosyne 8/20 HP with Trident [Roll: 10 -6 = 4, -0HP; Sophrosyne 8/20 HP]

No luck. And it will only grow stronger as time passes…

overhead birds cry in a sideways sky [ team 3 bronze round ]

[redmessenger]

Watching the others regroup, helping one another return to the boat, Lukas suddenly feels rather... odd, being the only one up here. He is used to both feet on the ground, shoulder to shoulder with his fellow soldiers. As an armored knight, Lukas is the one braving the front lines and blocking the enemy's path.

All this flitting around really doesn't suit him. Where he truly belongs is down on the boats with the rest of his teammates. And yet... it'd be foolish, right? Flying provides his team with an advantage they might not have otherwise had. And if none of them are able to come up and help him here, then so be it. Lukas will have to do it himself.

The massive monsters slips back into the water, becoming naught but a shadow lingering beneath glittering waves. Lukas squints down, trying to judge his aim. He dives down, net and trident in hand once more. Entangling it in the net again should make it easier to hit...

Lukas 9.5/10HP misses Sophrosyne 16/20 HP with Trident [Roll: 1d20 = 9 - 6 = 3, -0 HP; Sophrosyne 16/20 HP] FOLLOWUP: Lukas (9.5/10) hits Sophrosyne 16/20 HP with Trident [Roll 1d20: 13 - 6 = 7, -3 HP + 1DEF (Immovable check: 2) = -2 HP; Sophrosyne 14/20 HP] Sophrosyne 14/20 HP is inflicted with BIND until Round 2 Player Phase

Only one of his blows manages to strike true, but with the monster bound in ropes once again, Lukas considers it a victory.

Sophi E (3/3) hits Lukas (10/10) with Bite [Roll: 1d20 = 14 - 8 = 6, -0.5HP; Lukas 9.5/10] Lukas 9.5/10 hits Sophi E 3/3HP with Trident [Roll: 1d20 = 13, -3 HP; Sophi E 0/3HP]Sophi E is defeated!

One of the smaller turtles leaps up in a useless attempt to help its mother; a single swing of the trident brings an end to its life. As its lifeblood spills into the ocean water, the monster wails, a mother scorned.

overhead birds cry in a sideways sky [ team 3 bronze round ]

[redmessenger]

starter for team 3! @lionscion @unsungblade @maligknightsthorns @gentlenekomata

Lukas has never heard of a pegasus in Valentia tha accepted a male rider. So he knows that he's within the arena's dream again when he finds himself on the back of one, a mild creature that listens to his commands with an unnerving obedience that he's not used to from his mounts.

They think and fly as one, a natural extension of himself. Lukas stays aloft above his allies heads, free to move where he pleases while they are limited to their wooden vessels. It'll be difficult to coordinate his attacks with them then... Still, Lukas can find ways to be of use. The trident in his hands is just the tool he needs.

This time their enemy is a giant... turtle? Lukas has seen little turtles swimming through rivers, but never the sea. But given this is a dream, it's only natural that there would be a fantastical element to their enemies. "I'll see if I can restrain it," he calls down to his allies.

[ Roll 1d4 - 1 = 2, Sophis 4 and 5 join the fight ]

Smaller offspring flank either side of the turtle, summoned by their mothers' cries. Lukas focuses his attention on the biggest one, diving down and aiming for its weak spot.

Lukas (10/10 HP) critically hits Sophrosyne(20/20 HP) with Trident [Roll 1d20+6 - 6 = 20, -6HP + 1DEF = -5HP / 2 [immovable] = -2.5HP; Sophrosyne 17.5/20HP]

Tough skin and gristle soften the blow for their enemy, but Lukas still pierced flesh unprotected by its mighty armor. The trident's net entangles its limbs, restricting its movements. Yet the monster still fights fiercely. It breaches the ocean's surface, summoning waves to support its ascension.

Sophrosyne (16.5/20 HP) attacks Everyone with CRUSHING WAVES: [Roll: d4-1 = 0; Lukas 10/10HP]

Lukas deftly flies out of range. His allies, however, are not so lucky. And...

There were four of them there. But now only two...

The sight of pink and lavender heads bobbing in the ocean spurs Lukas to action. Those two will be easy targets out here, so he aims to distract the monster again.

Lukas (10/10HP) hits Sophrosyne (17.5/20 HP) with Trident [Roll 1d20 = 13, -3HP + 1DEF = -2HP / 2 [immovable] = -1HP; Sophrosyne (16.5/20 HP)]

A good hit, but not as good as the last. Still, it's better than nothing. "I'll try to keep it distracted...!"

overhead birds cry in a sideways sky [ team 3 bronze round ]

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🍪 "The candy coating is way too sweet for me." The words that follow are a bit more difficult to parse, mumbled around a biscuit perched between clenched teeth. "Why don't you ha'e th' resht o' it?"

Lukas looks incredulously at Python. Offering him a pocky biscuit after putting it in his mouth? There's plenty of ways to respond, but all Lukas can say is, "...Isn't that chocolate? What did you expect?"

But those pocky biscuits are incredibly good, just the right amount of snap and sweetness that makes for a very addictive snack. There's also that game associated with it... certainly a possible explanation for why Python would even consider putting candy in his mouth.

Deft fingers brush past Python's lips to pinch the biscuit. Lukas easily snaps it in two, pulling away his end and leaving his friend with what remains. He takes a bite, savoring the rich sweetness of chocolate. Another bite and it's gone.

"I heard that there's a game you can do with those biscuits, by the way," Lukas comments with an innocent tone.

[redmessenger]

It’s Pocky Day! Send a  🍪 for my muse to react to yours offering to play the Pocky Game!

[redmessenger]

After the events of the past few months, seeing the skies torn overhead proves to be the last straw.

“I’m planning to put together a meeting to discuss recent events at the academy,” Lukas announces at the end of his classes. It’s his intention to create a safe space for those looking for community during these uncertain time… but also to create a forum where they could get to the bottom of what’s happening. He knows little of Fodlan’s troubles, as would many other international students and faculty he imagines. Pooling together their shared experiences and finding patterns seems to be a logical path forward.

Lukas takes over a classroom for the afternoon as soon as classes end for the day. Refreshments sit out on the teacher’s desk for anyone to take, tea and snacks he bought from his own pocket. After a moment’s pause, he decides to leave the shades alone. What point is there in hiding the skies they live under? The natural light will do them good anyways.

Despite his hopes, he doesn’t expect many people to join. So Lukas welcomes every newcomer with a warm smile and gratitude. “Welcome. I’d like a few more people to come in before we begin in earnest, but please make yourself comfortable.”

tagging: @astrasword @lionscion

i fear there is a heaven above

note: this thread is for muses to discuss the events of kke and sv and speculate about the torn clouds in the sky. anyone welcome at any time!

[redmessenger]

Lukas nods. "I understand. My previous partners have a similar mindset to yours, so I don't mind allying." Though he doesn't show it, he's more surprised that Felicia is so willing to go ally in this final round. Of course, she could be lying, but...

"You actually remind me of them a bit. I was with Ewan in the previous round and Forsyth the one before." Lukas smiles fondly at the thought of those two and their merry dispositions. "Spirited, those two. Do you have friends here too?"

didn't i tell you? i'm santa claus

@maeido witch's accord round 3!

With his exchange with a certain someone finished, Lukas rejoins the group in search of his new partner. A young lady with a pink ponytail... ah, there she is.

"Felicia, I presume? My name is Lukas. Seems that we've been paired up for this round." He looks down at the bracelets Felicia wears, bearing her previous votes. Ally. Ally. Lukas lifts his own bracelets as well. "It seems that we're of like minds," he comments kindly. "My apologies for being so late to introduce myself."

[redmessenger]

didn't i tell you? i'm santa claus

@maeido witch's accord round 3!

With his exchange with a certain someone finished, Lukas rejoins the group in search of his new partner. A young lady with a pink ponytail... ah, there she is.

"Felicia, I presume? My name is Lukas. Seems that we've been paired up for this round." He looks down at the bracelets Felicia wears, bearing her previous votes. Ally. Ally. Lukas lifts his own bracelets as well. "It seems that we're of like minds," he comments kindly. "My apologies for being so late to introduce myself."

[redmessenger]

"The worst of the worst?" Lukas pauses on that thought, because it's so rare for Fernand of all people to haunt his mind after so long. The highborn knight accused him of betraying the Deliverance's morals and values, only to trample Zofia underfoot as he fled to Prince Berkut's side. At the time, Lukas had far less kind words to say about that man than...

Without thinking he lets out a small laugh, an amused smile. "Jerk? Heh, I guess it's hard to argue with that." Worst of the worst may be a touch extreme within the game, but to each his own. "Very well. I'll be expecting an 'Ally' outcome from you then. And you can expect the same from me this round as well."

"there are moments when a single snail can make the world go extinct. you are that solitary snail."

@eagerfutureflame witch's accord round 2!

With two more candies in his total, Lukas finds himself quite pleased with how things are turning out for him. Forsyth kept his word as promised, but it looks like a handful of pairs that haven't been truthful. For as many people walked away from the last round with an early lead, their victims barely hold onto their last piece.

The young boy here is one of them: his partner last round walked away with Betray on his bracelet, while this one still bears Ally. The same decision as Lukas, but with the opposite outcome.

In the younger man's shoes, Allying would simply not be an option this round. Lukas frowns as he approaches his new partner, concerned. "My apologies for the poor outcome last round... are you alright? My name is Lukas, by the way."

[redmessenger]

Hmm... Allying when you only have one candy left isn't smart at all. Regardless of what the other person chooses, betraying allows you to survive until the next round. It may not give you any candies. Or it can give you three and save you from the brink of elimination. Ewan has little room for error, or so Lukas thought... he can't dismiss the possibility of this being a lie.

"You wouldn't choose to betray?" Lukas asks. It's a silly question in hindsight, given the game of lies they're playing, but he finds himself wanting the answer regardless. "You didn't seem very happy with how that turned out last time."

"there are moments when a single snail can make the world go extinct. you are that solitary snail."

@eagerfutureflame witch's accord round 2!

With two more candies in his total, Lukas finds himself quite pleased with how things are turning out for him. Forsyth kept his word as promised, but it looks like a handful of pairs that haven't been truthful. For as many people walked away from the last round with an early lead, their victims barely hold onto their last piece.

The young boy here is one of them: his partner last round walked away with Betray on his bracelet, while this one still bears Ally. The same decision as Lukas, but with the opposite outcome.

In the younger man's shoes, Allying would simply not be an option this round. Lukas frowns as he approaches his new partner, concerned. "My apologies for the poor outcome last round... are you alright? My name is Lukas, by the way."

[redmessenger]

"there are moments when a single snail can make the world go extinct. you are that solitary snail."

@eagerfutureflame witch's accord round 2!

With two more candies in his total, Lukas finds himself quite pleased with how things are turning out for him. Forsyth kept his word as promised, but it looks like a handful of pairs that haven't been truthful. For as many people walked away from the last round with an early lead, their victims barely hold onto their last piece.

The young boy here is one of them: his partner last round walked away with Betray on his bracelet, while this one still bears Ally. The same decision as Lukas, but with the opposite outcome.

In the younger man's shoes, Allying would simply not be an option this round. Lukas frowns as he approaches his new partner, concerned. "My apologies for the poor outcome last round... are you alright? My name is Lukas, by the way."

[redmessenger]

not even jupiter can find a lost opportunity

@viridescent-lance witch's accord round 1!

Lukas has no intention to be soft to Forsyth. Within this game his friend is simply another player, in this round a direct opponent that can spell his undoing as much as anyone else. For now, though, he greets his old ally like any other time, with a warm smile and a clap on the shoulder. "How fortunate we are to find each other here."

Forsyth is a known quantity compared to many of the other people in this game. Lukas is fairly confident his friend will decide to Ally, but whether he'd be willing to lie to win... "What are you thinking for this round?" he asks curiously.