>>6235569An older man, though one of impressive stature and physique, enters the gauntlet. Immediately, there is no mistaking that he is from Fodlan. While his heavy plate armor and cloak were likely impressive at one point, you do not fail to note that they both appear to be old and worn. Likewise, the pommel of his sword, though ornately made, appears to have had a jewel pried out of the hilt. Interestingly, two women join him in the gauntlet. Both have the look of Mayas, dressed in the usual silk finery. However, they look far thinner than average, and you note the presence of a few bruises dotting their bodies.
“Hailing from the Dark Continent, we have ourselves a former noble of the once legendary Adrestian Empire! Don’t let his age fool you, folks. This man is a veteran of a long-ago war that ravaged the land of Fodlan! A master of spell and steel both, Baron Martin von Barnabas has travelled across the sea, and he seeks to reclaim his lost fortunes here in Morfis!”
“Tristain d’Rusalka.” The man evidently known as Martin says your name with no shortage of venom.
>“Am I supposed to know you?”“No, you wouldn’t. For my faithful loyalty to Empress Edelgard and House Varley, I was stripped of my titles and land following the Unification War. I was cast out and made a laughing stock. All while contemptuous nobles like Prime Minister Aegir and Blair d’Rusalka were rewarded for their treachery to the Empire.”
>“Oh, you’re familiar with my aunt? That’s interesting.” You say, feigning interest.“Yes, I’m familiar with that upjumped peasant whore.” Martin sneers. “That a low-blood turncoat like her would usurp the throne of your noble grandfather is just one of many proofs that Fodlan has fallen. I suppose the fact that she still rules in your place means she pulled one over on you, eh?”
>“She’s welcome to have Rusalka.” You yawn, not rising to Martin’s provocation. “I’m after a prize a thousand times greater. Rather than agonize over the past, you should use these last remaining moments of yours to make peace with the Goddess. I believe some repentance is in order. Did you leave those bruises on those two?” You ask, gesturing towards the dancers that hide behind Martin.“I did. What of it?” Martin asks. “This is not Fodlan. These women are raised to be property. Their dances are for more than just show. The power they will grant me will be more than enough to slay the three of you single-handedly. Perhaps I’ll send your head to that aunt of yours after I’m done.”
Martin was deserving of death, that much was certain. But you’d hate to kill those two women. Judging by how he’d called them “property”, there was a good chance they were being forced into this against their will.
>A): Fight Martin, while attempting to leave the two dancers alive.>B): Leaving those dancers alive might be too dangerous. You had to look out for the survival of you and your friends first.