[Challenge 14: Game Mechanics] Testimony
Title: Testimony
Game: Fire Emblem 8
Word Count: 706
Characters: N/A
Warnings: Depressing content, non-canon post-game speculation
Game mechanics used: Creature Campaign
As is well-known, archaeological exploration of the area formerly known as the Kingdom of Renais have shed little light on the period of time immediately after the destruction of the Demon King's body and prior to the deaths of its last rulers, Queen Eirika and King Ephraim. Most digs seeking artefacts from that era have found only burned-out husks of villages and looted houses filled with decaying furniture, and nothing else. However, a recent excavation in an area southeast of the ruins of Renais Castle has uncovered a previously-unknown major city, although its identity is still unknown.
Despite this handicap, researchers have made astounding progress. While any physical remains are sure to have been consumed or otherwise destroyed by the foul creatures which swept across the continent during the time, a large pile of military equipment was discovered near the former town square, and, although much of it is broken and of little value even as museum pieces, they still yield valuable insight into the culture and military tactics of the time. Most notable among the finds are: three mostly-intact lances of varying quality, an excellent sword in near-perfect condition, and several tomes which are still at least partially legible, including one tentatively identified as one of the "Sacred Twins" rumored to have existed during the time period.
Needless to say, this is a find of amazing quality. Few sites have been preserved to this degree, as looting was rampant during the panicked evacuations made in most cities in an attempt to escape north and west. By far the most important find made at this site, however, is the discovery of a small personal journal found buried some distance away from the rest, wrapped in a cloak which still bears its original Tyrian purple dye even after all these years spent buried under the ground.
While moisture and age have rendered large portions of the text illegible, it is still remarkably well-preserved, given the circumstances, and the recovery process is ongoing even as we speak. Several segments of this incredible manuscript have been recovered so far, and three of them are reproduced below as a testimony and silent memorial to the person whose existence it bears witness to.
...of old times we were told never end this way. Always, their heroic antics having vanquished the dark lord, the protagonists return home to welcoming arms and a deserved rest.
And so, our intrepid band of heroes defeated Fomortiis, the Demon King, and we all went home thinking that it was all over, that peace would return across the land. In our (misplaced) joy, no one stopped to wonder why five Sac... [this portion of the manuscript is indecipherable due to a large black stain over the text, suspected to be dried blood] ...thout the full seal, the dark creatures continue to roam across the land, causi...
[this fragment of the manuscript ends here, continued below]
...erafew and Renais Castle were both besieged at once, and I went with the others to relieve the garrison, only to be besieged ourselves. So far we have been trapped for six we... [indecipherable due to scorch marks and more black smears] ...solutely nothing of reinforcements, and I fear that we may have to make a stand he...
[this fragment of the manuscript ends here, continued below]
...ost dire fears were correct. Renais Castle has fallen, and even if the dark horde is stopped before it crosses the border into Frelia, the damage has been done. There will be no relief for us, no friendly faces to break the siege. With little food and water and all of our available equipment nearly worn out, I am hard-pressed to find a way to get us out of this predicament. I have accepted this. Our story ends here, bu... [indecipherable] ...ute, can at least ensure that it is remembered...
[this fragment of the manuscript ends here]
Sadly, despite our best efforts, much of the text is likely to remain indecipherable. Even so, this seemingly insignificant manuscript has shed new light on this lost period of history. Treat these words from a dead hand respectfully, for they convey the hopes and dreams of someone who would otherwise have been lost to us forever.
Game: Fire Emblem 8
Word Count: 706
Characters: N/A
Warnings: Depressing content, non-canon post-game speculation
Game mechanics used: Creature Campaign
As is well-known, archaeological exploration of the area formerly known as the Kingdom of Renais have shed little light on the period of time immediately after the destruction of the Demon King's body and prior to the deaths of its last rulers, Queen Eirika and King Ephraim. Most digs seeking artefacts from that era have found only burned-out husks of villages and looted houses filled with decaying furniture, and nothing else. However, a recent excavation in an area southeast of the ruins of Renais Castle has uncovered a previously-unknown major city, although its identity is still unknown.
Despite this handicap, researchers have made astounding progress. While any physical remains are sure to have been consumed or otherwise destroyed by the foul creatures which swept across the continent during the time, a large pile of military equipment was discovered near the former town square, and, although much of it is broken and of little value even as museum pieces, they still yield valuable insight into the culture and military tactics of the time. Most notable among the finds are: three mostly-intact lances of varying quality, an excellent sword in near-perfect condition, and several tomes which are still at least partially legible, including one tentatively identified as one of the "Sacred Twins" rumored to have existed during the time period.
Needless to say, this is a find of amazing quality. Few sites have been preserved to this degree, as looting was rampant during the panicked evacuations made in most cities in an attempt to escape north and west. By far the most important find made at this site, however, is the discovery of a small personal journal found buried some distance away from the rest, wrapped in a cloak which still bears its original Tyrian purple dye even after all these years spent buried under the ground.
While moisture and age have rendered large portions of the text illegible, it is still remarkably well-preserved, given the circumstances, and the recovery process is ongoing even as we speak. Several segments of this incredible manuscript have been recovered so far, and three of them are reproduced below as a testimony and silent memorial to the person whose existence it bears witness to.
...of old times we were told never end this way. Always, their heroic antics having vanquished the dark lord, the protagonists return home to welcoming arms and a deserved rest.
And so, our intrepid band of heroes defeated Fomortiis, the Demon King, and we all went home thinking that it was all over, that peace would return across the land. In our (misplaced) joy, no one stopped to wonder why five Sac... [this portion of the manuscript is indecipherable due to a large black stain over the text, suspected to be dried blood] ...thout the full seal, the dark creatures continue to roam across the land, causi...
[this fragment of the manuscript ends here, continued below]
...erafew and Renais Castle were both besieged at once, and I went with the others to relieve the garrison, only to be besieged ourselves. So far we have been trapped for six we... [indecipherable due to scorch marks and more black smears] ...solutely nothing of reinforcements, and I fear that we may have to make a stand he...
[this fragment of the manuscript ends here, continued below]
...ost dire fears were correct. Renais Castle has fallen, and even if the dark horde is stopped before it crosses the border into Frelia, the damage has been done. There will be no relief for us, no friendly faces to break the siege. With little food and water and all of our available equipment nearly worn out, I am hard-pressed to find a way to get us out of this predicament. I have accepted this. Our story ends here, bu... [indecipherable] ...ute, can at least ensure that it is remembered...
[this fragment of the manuscript ends here]
Sadly, despite our best efforts, much of the text is likely to remain indecipherable. Even so, this seemingly insignificant manuscript has shed new light on this lost period of history. Treat these words from a dead hand respectfully, for they convey the hopes and dreams of someone who would otherwise have been lost to us forever.