ashenprofessor

[ashenprofessor]

Byleth sighed internally as they heard some of the pink-haired lady's words of advice. While they appreciated her enthusiasm, there was more she needed to learn to become a class assistant. Still it was still possible and sometimes a person in authority believing in you is all one needed to excel.

"There's no need to worry" Byleth assured Hilda when the lady joined them in front of the class. "Yes I'm going to hit you but you're going to block it so it wont hit you at all"

The former mercenary was in two minds whether to actually go for Hilda or not. On the one hand they didn't really want to hurt their student or make them look bad in front of the mice, but they also wanted to show that the enemy wouldn't hold back in a fight. Still undecided, Byleth swung for Hilda's head, slowing just a fraction to give Hilda the chance to block, parry and respond.

squeak squad attack! » hilda & byleth

#thread: squeak squad attack #toa: mission #mission: diminished #ashenprofessor #delicatevalentine #[any skill +1]

[ashenprofessor]

Byleth strolled with purpose through the rows of their impromptu students. The professor couldn't say that they had any experience teaching rodents (Be honest, who does!?!) but a pupil was still one in need of instruction regardless of anything else.

Byleth spotted a pair where one of the mice's block wasn't quite right. "You need to widen your stance so you have a stronger base when you block their attack" They suggested. There was a positive squeak in response as they tried to implement the new stance. " Much better" They praised.

The rest of the troops weren't too shabby. Byleth could see a few bruised tails amongst them but most look determined and slightly exhilarated.

"Gather round" The former mercenary called them all together again. Byleth demonstrated a new technique before calling Hilda over to be their partner to show the move on another person.

squeak squad attack! » hilda & byleth

#thread: squeak squad attack #toa: mission #mission: diminished #ashenprofessor #delicatevalentine #[any skill +1]

[ashenprofessor]

"Ah, professor! I feel I must apologize to you," Harken called out upon seeing the woman once more in the med tent. "If I had been able to react properly sooner in our battle, you might not have been so injured. You have my deepest apologies, my lady-- If ever we find ourselves fighting on the same side again, I shall endeavor to do better so as not to repeat this outcome..."

Byleth started slightly as Harken ran up to them, apologising for their last battle. "It's not you fault, I should have reacted quicker" They reassured hime. It's true though. With their years of experience, the professor should have lasted longer. What would their father say!?! "I shall be glad to have you by my side again" Byleth told Harken "You fought valiantly and I know next time we will succeed over the enemy"

#inbox: ask #toaboel2024 #inserviceto #ashenprofessor

[ashenprofessor]

🧃"Good morning dear, it looks like you took a nasty blow out there."

There was. mumbling of voices above them as Byleth returned to consciousness. It felt like a great effort to open their eyes but curious about where they were (though the professor could already guess). Bright light shining through canvas sheet greeted them. It was the medical tent.

Well that explained the throbbing headache.

"What happened?" They asked the person who woke them up.

#thread: med tent meds #toaboel2024 #ashenprofessor #inbox: ask #maigknightsthorns

[ashenprofessor]

Byleth watched in horror as Forde's javelin came soaring in a perfect through the air to land in their shoulder before he called for Duessel to follow up with their own attack. Under the sudden onslaught, the Professor's sword dropped from their loose grip coming to rest in the dewy grass of the battlefield.

Pain erupted everywhere, filling their senses blocking out the sound of their teammates calls around them. Vaguely, Byleth felt their knees buckle and next aware through they had was that the sky looked pretty before their vision faded to black.

"Get them" They murmured to their allies before loosing conscious, already slightly dreading the awaiting conversation in their mind palace with a certain green-haired girl.

Talon and Claw

BOEL R1 B3

#thread: talon and claw #toaboel2024 #round 1 #ashenprofessor #defeat

[ashenprofessor]

Byleth hesitated, hand hovering above their laid out cards. While the rules weren't the hardest to explain, it had been a few months since they last played and they were uncertain how best to explain.

"Well" They start "there are your character cards which you use to battle each other, energy cards which give you the power to attack and support cards which alter your attack, the field or the cards you can play on your turn" As they say this they indicate an card of the corresponding type. "The trick is to build your deck and strategise the best way to defeat your opponents army "

That was the basics explained, anything else could be clarified as they played. "I'll go first" Byleth said, drawing a card from the top of their deck before examining the field before them. The professor rotated their army leader into the active position and attached an energy card to them.

"That's my turn. Now you can draw and play"

Relax, or draw 25 cards...

#thread: relax or draw 25 cards #toa: mission #mission: recovery #ashenprofessor #brokenelm #[authority +1]

[ashenprofessor]

Byleth did their best to dodge out of the way of the incoming attacks but to no avail. First Forde then Duessel come swinging towards the professor with their respective weapons. Bleeding from the wounds, Byleth readies their sword for their next strike.

"I'm not going out without a fight" They say through gritted teeth. As Forde was the first to strike at the former mercenary, he was the target of their next attack. A wind kicks up as they leap diagonally, sword flashing.

Forde 3/5 hits Byleth 2/5HP with Javelin [Roll: 16, -1.5HP; Byleth 0.5/5HP]

Despite the ferocity of their attack, there is not as much damage wrought as Byleth was hoping. It was the best they could do given their current state. The professor only hoped they remained in battle long enough to strike again.

@renaisguy

Talon and Claw

BOEL R1 B3

#thread: talon and claw #toaboel2024 #ashenprofessor #renaisguy #inserviceto #making-dough #obsidiendo #rafent #round 1

[ashenprofessor]

Another year, another annual tradition with the Battle of the Eagle and Lion upon them. The professor briefly wondered why the Golden Deer weren't included in the name. Especially given that is who they were facing.

Given their history, Byleth was glad that the battle was only a mock one with the drawing of blood minimised where possible. Their teammates had gone before them, showing the professor that their opponents defence was solid.

Raising their sword in a ceremonial gesture before them, they crouch in a battle stance before leaping forward to loose a blast of wind magic towards Duessel.

Byleth 5/5HP barely hits Duessel 5.5/6HP with Wind Sword [Roll: 3, -0.5; Duessel 5/6HP] 

It was only their first strike. Still time to warm up.

@renaisguy

Talon and Claw

BOEL R1 B3

#thread: talon and claw #toaboel2024 #ashenprofessor #round 1 #bad luck professor #inserviceto #rafent #renaisguy #obsidiendo #making-dough

[ashenprofessor]

Byleth stood there awkwardly as the lady looked them up and down. They weren't sure if they should say something to end the silence, when the other person spoke.

The answer was stated matter-of-fact but Byleth put more importance on the words rather than the tone. "That's great" They replied. "It's been a while but I've instructed others in how to play a few months ago"

Leading the witch over to a nearby table and bench, the professor took out their play mat and deck. "Ok, this is how you set up" They said, laying the cards out in a simple pattern and placing the rest to the side. "If you copy this, then we can play a basic game to give you the idea of how to play"

Relax, or draw 25 cards...

#thread: relax or draw 25 cards #toa: mission #mission: recovery #ashenprofessor #brokenelm #[authority +1]

[ashenprofessor]

Byleth stood straighter as they conversed with the leader of the pack of mice. The professor realised that to these creatures both them and Hilda must look strange. Neither of them had any fur for one thing.

"Well we were those 'giants' until a few hours ago" Byleth said, not wishing to go further into the strangeness of their current predicament. The chatter of the mice grew louder once they'd spotted the 'weapon' being held by their companion. It reminded the former mercenary of a group of excited village children whenever Jeralt and his company arrived in a new place for a job. Ogling the glimmering swords and axes they all carried.

The reason for the excitement was soon made clear, they wished to learn how to fight. Noticing the look Hilda gave her, Byleth considered how to go about the task at hand. "We can try our best" They agreed to the mice's request. "If you could all find more sticks like the one Hilda here carries..."

Once gathered once more, Byleth directs the mice to pair up in lines across the clearing. Holding their attention, the professor then instructs them in a few basic techniques, demonstrating them in the air as they narrate the movements. "Now it's your turn. Give it a go"

Turning to Hilda, Byleth makes a request. "Would you mind wandering round and helping any struggling please?"

squeak squad attack! » hilda & byleth

#thread: squeak squad attack #toa: mission #mission: diminished #ashenprofessor #delicatevalentine #[any skill +1] #sorry for taking so long

[ashenprofessor]

Byleth looked up from the card in their hand as a voice interupted their thoughts. "Oh, yes" They admitted somewhat sheepishl, not sure whether that was a good thing to admit or not. Especially not to the imposing figure before them. "I mean, I do know a bit about the game ... from the last time it was popular here."

To say they knew a bit was an understatement. Though they hadn't been used for a while, there was multiple custom built decks sitting in the professor's desk drawer. There had even been a club which Byleth had frequented for trading and duels.

"Is that one of the new decks?" They enquired "I haven't picked up a totally new set but I do have a couple of booster sets to mix into my old deck." Sensing the lady in front of them might not be interested in this, they went back to the original question.

"If you want to know how to play, I can grab a deck and show you" Byleth offered.

Relax, or draw 25 cards...

#thread: relax or draw 25 cards #toa: mission board #mission: recovery #ashenprofessor #brokenelm #[authority +1]

[ashenprofessor]

Byleth gives Alm an approving look at his positive response to their instruction. In the professor's mind there was a logical reason to the type matchups.

They watch carefully as Alm's hands hesitantly flitter over the cards laid out on the table. Ah! Decision seemingly made, the king places a card before the pair of them. "Interesting" They hum. "A soldier card would be safe but I am intrigued by how this will play out. It's good to have the confidence to make bold moves"

They both watch as the cards spring to life. The dark knight on their own card leaps up to charge after the valiant knight on Alm's card. Byleth knows their card is marginally stronger but it could still result in a draw. After chasing each other round the table a bit, Byleth's knight gets a glancing blow and does minor damage to Alm's card but doesn't knock it out of play.

Eyeing up the cards in their own hand, Byleth contemplates how best to respond. They thumb lightly through the cards before them. "I think I'll send some of my footmen in as back up" With that Byleth lays out a soldier card to the side of the knight. "This means next match-up. my knight will have a swordsman to increase the power of his attack as their stats are added together"

yu-gi-oh no!

#thread: yu gi oh no #toa mission #mission: wonderland #ashenprofessor #dracofalchions #[authority +1]

[ashenprofessor]

Precipitation and games return. One noble re-introduces an old deck of cards, each painted with a monster, spell, or trap, to the people of Garreg Mach and the game spreads like wildfire again. Everyone scrambles to dig out their own decks, or gather new ones, and become the most powerful summoner on the continent. Merchants and artists even begin to sell new sets, breathing life into the game for those who had played it the first time, and providing a fresh entry point for newcomers as well. Care for a game? [Grants Authority +1]

Rain gently fell outside the window of their room. Despite the urge to go out and train, as expected for a hardened mercenary, Byleth couldn't find the motivation to actually do so. It seemed unnecessary to get soaked when it would likely clear in a few hours or so. Unfortunately that just left a different problem. Byleth was bored.

There weren't even any lessons to plan or papers to mark. They could tell it was bad when they were even wishing for paperwork just as a way to have something to do. Blyeth pulled open their desk drawer to see if there was any unmarked papers hidden in there when a worn deck of cards caught their eyes. It was their old rune deck they'd spent many hours building up when the card game had been popular a few month a go.

Shuffling through the cards, a wave of nostalgia swept through them. They had had many fun game in that time. Perhaps someone would still be willing to play, the game had been making a bit of a comeback recently. Grabbing the deck, Byleth exited their room.

It didn't take long to reach the merchants in the marketplace who used to stock the decks. It had been a while and Byleth was certain there were new cards to collect. Paying their dues, Byleth ripped into the new pack of cards to see what they'd gotten.

"Yes!" They exclaimed excitedly, unable to resit the urge to fist pump the air. "This card is perfect, just what I needed for my strategy" They glanced around to see if anyone had noticed their uncharacteristic outburst. Now all they needed was someone to play against.

Relax, or draw 25 cards...

#thread: relax or draw 25 cards #toa: mission board #mission: recovery #ashenprofessor #brokenelm #[authority +1]

[ashenprofessor]

The boy's pointless bluff earned an exasperated eye roll from Byleth. It was amazing what some people would say to avoid dealing with the consequences of their actions. They were going to make a move but saw that Raven already had the situation in hand.

"Oh do be quiet" Byleth said "You're not doing yourself any favours with that attitude"

As they said this, they caught the other boy out of the corner their eye raise his arm as though to throw something. In a flash, the sword of Serios was unsheathed and knocked the incoming projectile aside. The group had the conscience to look sheepish as Byleth strode towards them.

"Names" They demanded as each gave their name. "You lot can join your friend over there in his punishment."

Feeling that the situation had been dealt with, Byleth went over to Raven. "Indeed" They said in answer to the question. "I think the church will be interested in hearing what has occurred here, but there's little worry going forward" With that the shot a glare at the group of teens gathered "Right..."

"Shall we head for home?" They asked, preparing for the long trrek back to the monastery and the chance to sleep in their own bed.. "Thank you for your help, I think we've shown them the error of their ways"

No Need for Hunky Boys

The false Roy and Marth in from of them needed dealing with, and quickly. Now they had them outside, Byleth was all for giving them a verbal or physical beat down. Although their weapons ‘looked’ the part, looked was the key word. Up close, the swords were clearly flimsy impersonations of their true counterpart, revealing the copycat king’s inexperience. The crowd might be on their side for now, but could easily be swayed. “Should we?” Byleth interjected. “I feel like you’re the one failing to show wisdom in their situation ‘friend’”Turning to Raven, the Professor indicated their opponents. “I’ll take the loud mouth and you the other?” They suggested before the false Roy took the decision out of their hands but attacking Raven. As the thief dealt with them, Byleth focused on the Blue haired impersonator.  “Guess you drew the short straw” Byleth taunted them, knowing it would rile them up into attacking. They we correct. The decoy Marth blushed bright red, calling out. “You’ll regret that insult when I cut you down with the mighty Falchion” As soon as they’d said this, they rushed forwards entering combat. It was clumsy, fuelled by anger, and Byleth simply side stepped them and gave them a swift walk on the back of the head with their own sword handle as they passed. This drew a laugh from the easily swayed crowd. ‘Marth’ stumbled and almost face planted the dirt but managed to catch themselves. Giving Byleth a furious look, they ran at them again with their sword clearly telegraphing their intent. This time Byleth met their challenge with their own blade. Clearly superior in form and training it wasn’t hard for the Professor to utilise this to manipulate their opponent where they wanted them. With a fancy swirl of the sword, Byleth disarmed ‘Marth’, his Falchion clattering off to the side’ and the blue haired lord found a sword tip at their throat.  “Still feeling like you made a wise decision?” They questioned the boy. Glancing over in Raven’s direction they called out. “How are you doing?”

Even though the boy was down, he didn't seem to stop barking. "Unhand me, knave! I'll have to know that my father is the king of - " 

"No he isn't." Raven nudged the toe of his boot into the boy's side to shush him, before pressing harder to turn him onto his stomach. Sheathing his sword quickly, he kicked the decorative sword away and knelt, tugging the boy's arms roughly behind him to bind before draggling the squirming child upright. 

Another pebble pelted his shoulder, but much as he was loath to say, Raven was beginning to get used to them. The glower that he shot to the group of teenagers was withering and tired – now that their hero was clearly defeated, many of them shrank back a bit, clutching hands to their breasts as they looked on in wide-eyed shock. 

"Leave him be, you bully!" One had the muster to call out to him, but he dismissed it with a disdainful quirk of his eyebrow. 

"Listen," he addressed the teenagers that continued to hover on the scene, "this guy doesn't know anything about Roy, or Roy's father, or where Roy came from, or the sword Roy wields. Look - " gripping the false lord's wig in one hand, Raven plucked it off of the boy's head and tossed it at the girls' feet while they gasped in horror and shock. 

"No! Hey, that's my – you can't just - !" 

"Shut up." Raven wiggled the boy in his grip to silence. "If you're quiet and cooperative, I don't think the Church intends to be too harsh on you. You'll work off whatever damage you've done, at worst. But if you keep struggling like this, my partner and I are going to have to come find you again – and, well, wasn't it embarrassing enough for you the once?" 

The boy flushed and sputtered as he was dragged along, and Raven cocked his head at Byleth. "Finishing up?" 

#thread: no need for hunky boys #toa: mission board #mission: racketeering #ashenprofessor #peerlessscowl #[sword +1] #sorry for such a long delay

[ashenprofessor]

Byleth watches as their teammates repeatably attempt to land a strike on Marienn but every time another illusion steps forwards to take the blow.

"This isn't working" They say in frustration. "Should I try for one of the others?" Getting the nod of confirmation, Byleth's eyes narrow as they scan the battlefield for their new target. The two giant birds had been thorns in their sides recently, eliminating one or at least decreasing it's health would help their team.

"I'll go for the birds" The professor calls as they take off at a run. In no time they have crossed the distance to reach on of the monstrous birds where they promptly pummel it with their gloved fists.

Byleth 10/10HP Hits and Critical hits Giant bird A 7/10HP with Hrungnir [Roll:  4, 19; -7.5, Giant bird A 0/10HP] Giant bird A is defeated

The bird lets out a loud, squawking shriek of pain and rage as the second hit buries itself in the feather chest. Blood blossoms colouring the surrounding feathers red before the bird drops lifeless to the ground. Byleth raises their fist triumphally to let their team know of their success.

"That should even the odds in our favour" They say as they retreat back to the others. However, as they say this they see a flash in the distance as another giant bird pops into view, flying over to join its brethren.

"You've got to be kidding me" Byleth groans out " Sweet Sothis. Time to do this all again I suppose"

murder is a long-term investment

team theta | week three

#t:murder is a long term investment #TOAApollyonOuranos2024 #AOTheta2024 #ashenprofessor

[ashenprofessor]

The battle had been raging for a while now. Despite not being in the heat of it since their last attack on Tieve, Byleth still felt the stress and effects on the enemies abilities which were draining the whole team.

Their mood was boosted with each member of Team Rusalka which their allies took out. It was heartening to observe the teamwork taking place. The professor noticed Hilda attempting to strike Mairenn but something shimmery step in just before the attack to protect the target.

"I'll give it a go Hilda" Byleth called tagging in. Rushing forward they drew back their fist to land a blow on the illusionary maiden. However, their fist felt heavy and sluggish, the strike fell short. Frustrated, Byleth attempted to follow up, putting more of their strength into it. But like with Hilda, another illusionary double stepped in front of the mage once more.

Byleth 10/10HP misses and Critical hits Mairenn 10.5/15HP with Hrungnir [Roll: 4 - 8 = -4, 17 - 8 = 9; -4.5, Marienn 10.5/15HP] ILLUSORY MISTRESS activates! [Roll: 4] The attack hits an illusory double, Mairenn 10.5/15HP.

"Damn" They swore quietly. "I was so sure I had it" Retreating back to the rest of the team. "Hilda's right, it's may take a while to take her out"

murder is a long-term investment

team theta | week three

#t:murder is a long term investment #toaapollyonouranos2024 #aotheta2024

[ashenprofessor]

It had been a difficult week and a difficult decision but Byleth does not regret their choice to leave the 'safety' of the village even though it has lead them to the situation they now find themselves in. A battle with their loved ones, both those slain and those who survived. They spot Jeralt among them, their father gripping his weapon, indicating his intention to do harm to their group.

Thankfully, Byleth is not required to land a hit on their father for they do not feel like they would be able to do so again. Instead they follow Andrei's lead in attempting to finish off Tieve. They saw Tieve briefly go down before coming back to life, meaning they were on their last legs. Time to go for it.

Byleth 6.5/10HP misses and hits Tieve 0.5/15HP with Hrungnir [Roll: 7 - 8 = -1, 17 - 8 = 9; -2, Tieve 0/15HP]

Byleth swung in hard with the first shot but had misjudged the distance. Instead of connecting with their enemy, it was a close miss and Tieve took a micro step backwards. Huffing in annoyance, Byleth followed up with the other fist, now they had a better sense of where to aim. The metal casing of their battle gloves sink into the gap in the armour of Tieve and strike flesh. There's a brief moment where the two of them look at each other before Tieve falls in a boneless heap to the ground.

Tieve is defeated!

Silently cheering in victory, Byleth beats a hasty retreat to the rest of their allies. Even with another foes defeated, there are still plenty more on the battlefield.

"One more down, We can do this!" The professor cries out encouragingly, hoping to inspire the others to keep going.

murder is a long-term investment

team theta | week three

#thread: murder is a longterm investment #TOAApollyonOuranos2024 #AOtheta2024