Valkyrie Profile Covenant of Plume
Chapter 1
1) World’s Apart
From the great ash, Yggdrasil, proceed all things. Into the soil deep of the netherworlds its roots sink, and up to the heavens high its treetop soars. On his boughs rests Midgard, the coil upon which mortals dwell, under the celestial watch of the godsrealm, Asgard, at the apex.
Though curiosity and caprice will now and again summon deities to the land of men, those of mortal blood are never to pass beyond their birthworld. Nevertheless, the old legend still speak of portals in Midgard that bridge chasms between realms.
2) The Valkyrie
Upon the field of battle the Chooser of the Slain descends, to claim worthy warrior souls as the All-father commands. On wings of light she carries the chosen, her einherjar, forth to Valhalla on high, where they spar daylong until the cataclysmic clash that waits at world’s end-Ragnarok.
At the graves of those she takes lays the Battle Maiden her feather, and leaves their praises for poets to sing forevermore. Among those devoted to war’s art, no honor is equal, no glory greater.
3) The Kingdom of Artolia
Artolia was born to the cradle of continental civilization as trade flourished, and the routes is traversing its domain have brought wealth and culture into the kingdom ever since. An ever-prosperous economy has let rulers retain their political power over the ages, and while a council of nobles presides at court, they do so in name only, with absolute authority vested in the monarch.
Long Artolia stood the sole dominant continental power, but has in recent times seen its standing challenged by Villnore and Crell Monferaigne, neighboring kingdoms bent on aggressive economic and military expansion.
4) DEPLOYMENT
Many a battle has been won or lost before it even began.
Use deployment to choose who to take into battle and which button will control them in combat. You can also access the menu to use items or you can adjust your arms and armor.
Chapter 2
1) The Serf Rebellion
What was to be a peaceful agrarian assembly in the northwest quickly transformed into an angry mob, and has now evolved into a full-fledged revolt in Camille. The fiefdoms of Artolia await the outcome with bated breath, with widespread insurgencies likely should Camille’s succeed.
Though unsurety concerning the future of the aristocracy was undoubtedly a factor, hostilities erupted under the crown’s levy of new tallages in spite of the on going famine in the region. The Royal War Council has denounced the serfs as traitors and their rebellion as treason, and deploy suppression troops to quell the riots.
2) The Empty Throne
At the root of the civil tumult that grips Artolia lies the question of succession left unanswered at the end of the prior king’s reign. Though common law precedent dictates that the crown prince, Kristoff, assume the throne, never did the former king declare him outright the successor, leaving his claim open to challenge. The king’s silence was at the time deliberate, as he sought to maintain order while proponent’s of installing Kristoff’s elder half-brother, Prince Langrey, grew in number at the royal court. Ironically, his untimely death left the question to linger, igniting the very conflict he had hope to avert.
Various ministries have put forth doctrines advocating the legitimacy of one prince’s claim over the other’s during the interregnum, only to be contradicted by rival factions each time, as partisanship corrupts every corner of governance.
3) The Foreign Menace
Artolia, Villnore and Crell Monferaigne-- the three great kingdoms of the present day. Though traditionally the continent has looked to culturally and historically rich Artolia for guidance and leadership, that role is coveted by its aforementioned neighbors in order to fulfill their imperialistic aspirations.
Despite their ever-proliferating militaries and aggressive border entrenchments both states have been wary of Artolia’s influence, and open hostilities have as yet been avoided. Just how long this uneasy peace might last amid Artolia’s volatile political situation remains to be seen.
4) Camille
Northwestern village whose bountiful harvest once fed Grenssen to the east, Aullewyn to the south and Villnore to the north. Now war calls their young to the cities for mercenary work, and famine claims to those who remain. The crown has recently compounded their suffering by imposing new tallages upon the impoverished villagers, who have assembled to discuss their plight.
5) The Rebel Commander
The violent uprising in Camille has organized with alarming quickness, having turned back the initial dispatch from Aullewyn Keep after a two-day standoff.
Little is known of the leader who has molded these laymen into soldiers, but reports from the front note a lady at the fore.
6) Villnore’s Hand
With the rebel serfs repelling the suppression forces, many take it for granted that they received the support of Villnore.
The serfs were outfitted with arms and armor of a number and make far beyond the Royal War Council’s expectations, and the blood price for that underestimation was exceedingly harsh. What could only have been a knight of Villnore was spotted in the rebel’s midst, leading to speculations the Artolian crown will approve Aullewyn Keep’s request for reinforcements in the interests of securing its borders.
7) TECHNIQUES
The triumph of man over beast lies of the former’s penchant for technique.
Set techniques to have characters use them automatically in battle. You can set as many as your CP limit allows.
8) COUNTER ATTACK
Keep on your toes, and be ready to strike. When an enemy attacks, his defenses are at the weakest.
With the Counter Attack technique set, a well-timed press of the button after dodging will deal your foe his due.
9) Market Marteigh
The southwesterly settlement of Market Marteigh was not known as such before the Great Plague of 7th century (continental calendar). As the epidemic delivered more to their grave than the undertaker could inhumane, out of the south emerge a savior. She it was who conjured the mystical field that encompassed the township, instantaneously purifying all inside as well as all who passed through. Thus was it decided the town would be renamed, in gratitude to the Saintess Marteigh.
10) Unrest and Upheaval
Though prolonged warfare takes its toll upon the welfare of aristocrat and peasant alike, there too exist those who thrive amid the destruction. Those once unfit to wield the serf’s ploughshare or an artisan’s tool now seize the initiative, and take weapon to hand as instability sweeps the countryside, leaving Artolia’s future to rest in savage, artless hands.
11) An Inquisition
The whispers about Market Marteigh speak of mysterious huntsmen questioning locals regarding the whereabouts of a young woman, amid rumors that a recent desertion has unnerved Artolia’s rank and file.
12) Demise of the King
One half-year since the Artolians were told their king had fallen from his horse to his grave, suspicions of conspiracy have surfaced in light of recent revelations. The allegations stem from a long-standing feud between the mothers of the king’s two sons, and have grown to implicate several noblemen in the king’s murder. Yet just who colluded with whom to install which prince varies according to whom one asks.
13) Fall of the Great Houses
For a score of years, Artolia’s peerage has been plunged into a period of intense political infighting and domestic conflict to which no end yet lies in sight.
Beset by an enfeebled crown and the imminent threat of foreign invasion, turmoil befalls several of the high names of old, and more than a few disenfranchised vassals have turned to military service to fend for sustenance.
14) A Bizarre Brigade
Confronted by a dearth of enlistments and pressing urgency, Artolia has begun to fill its suppression force with a mercenary majority. Camille is a region rife with soldiers of fortune to begin with, and recruitment has proceeded favorably. Artolians everywhere have been wont to sell their swords of late. The ranks contain those from all walks of life-- men, women and children.
15) The Suppression
After the initial dispatch from Aullewyn Keep has beaten back by the rebel serfs in two days time, the crown has mandated the formation of an aggressive suppression force in hopes of bringing the matter to a close as quickly as possible. Recruitment, however, has not gone as smoothly as planned, with few noble houses able to spare the men needed for a standing brigade.
16) Aullewyn Keep
Aullewyn Keep, watchtower of the west, was erected over a half-century ago in response to anxieties over deteriorating relations with Gerabellum. Standing against the stark Peak of Liellahan, the keep was constructed at the personal expense of Lord Commander Riveyk Aullewyn as a launching point for campaigns into Gerabellum, and bulwark against invaders from the south. With tensions cooling along the southern border, its focus has turned to preserving domestic peace.
17) Evil in Evernight (Side Quest)
People talk of ghosts in Evernight haunting those nearby. The theories of their origins vary-- some say they are denizens of the dark wood, while others contend they are vengeful wayfarers fallen prey to the bandit raids of recent times.
18) The Curse of Camille Hill (Side Quest)
People talk of ghosts sighted over the battlefield in the highlands of Camille that haunt the vicinity. Theories of their origins vary-- some say they are tormented warrior souls from the Battle of Camille, centuries ago, while others contend they are vengeful wayfarers fallen prey to the bandit raids of recent time.
Chapter 3
1) The Artolian Succession
The controversy surrounding coronation grows ever more grave. While all parties at court concur the throne cannot remain vacant any longer, opinion remains divided on who it shall be to fill it.
Though second in the order of succession, Prince Langrey’s decisiveness in matters of policy has won him great favor among the younger houses, many of whom grow impatient with Prince Kristoff’s ambiguous stances on the issues. Moreover, suspicions of a clandestine meeting between Crell Monferaigne dignitaries and Prince Kristoff’s advisors only days ago have cast aspersions on the atheling’s ability to protect Artolian independence, causing a number of military leaders to defect to the side of Prince Langrey.
2) The Princes Twain
Though sons both of the former king, Prince Kristoff’s claim to the throne supersedes that of his elder half-brother Prince Langrey by virtue of his mother’s reign as queen. Though never holds particular animosity toward the other, the issue of succession has driven a wedge between them, and the nobility of Artolia in turn. The elder has garnered the backing of the up-and-coming with forceful calls for a stronger Artolia, while the heir apparent is rumored to entrust policy decisions to his advisors, stalwarts of the old houses.
3) The Sorcerer’s Scandal
The inquiry into the mysterious and sudden death of Sir Cennair one year ago has closed, concluding that the royal court’s archmagus was in fact assassinated.
Though at first an apparent accident, evidence from anonymous sources later arose to implicate a suspect, leading to a formal inquiry into the matter. Proceedings were further complicated by new accusations leveled against yet another suspect, and the resultant confusion rendered all findings inconclusive. Though the sordid details of Sir Cennair’s death never came to light, the two suspects were nevertheless sentenced to banishment, as it was deemed that they must have been in some way or other involved.
4) The Rebellion Undone
The royal suppression forces dispatched to Camille have silenced the rebel serfs, executing the majority of those involved where they stood. The ten-some found guilty of particularly seditious treason were executed publicly at Aullewyn Keep, though it is yet unknown whether the rebel commander and knight were in their number.
5) Houses Aligned
At present, the majority of noble houses have aligned themselves with either the elder Prince Langrey or the crown prince, Kristoff. Langrey draws the support of the military and lesser houses, expansionists and revolutionaries who seek new opportunities for growth, while Kristoff has won the favor of the great houses, traditionalists and wealthy aristocrats who aim solely to retain their holdings.
Still, there lies yet a third faction-- the undecided. Among them are influential institutions such as House Haughn, who could easily sway the outcome of the dispute.
6) A Saintess in Our Midst
Much ado has been made of a cleric who travels the land offering succor to villages devastated by beasts and demons, with some even going so far as to proclaim her a saintess.
7) Kobold Crisis (Side Quest)
Kobolds maraud outlying dwellings in the eastern borderland. Word has it the beasts are indigenous to Crell Monferaigne, and their crossing is not mere happenstance.
8) Flowery Grave (Side Quest)
A man lost his arm to the giant, carnivorous fish that infest the waters of the Lotus Marsh, and was fortunate to come away with his life. All who enter the marsh are advised to beware.
9) Ill in Iatallagh (Side Quest)
A foul odor so pungent as to induce unconsciousness is said to pervade the Iatallagh Weald. Those who have ventured forth in search of answers have not returned.
Chapter 4
1) Proclamation of War
Prince Langrey has formally declared protest of his half-brother’s claim to the throne, proclaiming hostilities in the process.
The declaration comes following a failed attempt on the elder prince’s life by a messenger under the banner of the younger prince, whereupon the assassin fled the castle. Prince Langrey’s challenge chastises Prince Kristoff and his advisors, claiming “Artolia must be protected from the dastardly schemes of sycophants who would seize the throne only so they might sell it to foreign kings.”
2) The Margrave
Prince Langrey’s present declaration has reverberated throughout the kingdom, its condemning call summoning sympathizers near and far to Aidelrave. In response, Prince Kristoff has recalled border patrols to the capital and solicits military assistance from Crell Monferaigne. It’s no longer a question of “if” but “when” fighting shall break out.
When apprised of the situation, the atheling’s childhood mentor, Margrave Roienbourg, announced he would endeavor to broker a peace. He dissuades the noble houses from rash action at present.
3) Sway of the Houses
Just as they do for Margrave Roienbourg, the leanings of thus-far neutral House Haughn fall under intense scrutiny, with roughly a quarter of Artolia’s military houses honor-bound to follow them. Sir Valmur, Lord of the House, has remained reticent on the issue, concerning himself instead with controlling the increasing number of plunderers in the wake of Artolia’s civil conflicts. To this end, he had dispatched his brother Nicolas, who after a valiant string of battles was felled in combat. Representatives from all the sworn houses will be on hand to pay tribute for Nicolas’ funeral in the coming days, and all eyes will rest upon Sir Valmur in anticipation of decision.
4) Apparent Conspiracy
Though outwardly denied, Prince Langrey’s ties to Villnore and Prince Kristoff’s to Crell Monferaigne are widely accepted as fact. Emissary reportedly pay custom to each with promises of support that go well beyond mere military reinforcements. Among the nefarious “resources” imported are ferocious beast of a like alien to Artolian soil.
5) The Courtier
The absence of a court archmagus created by Sir Cennair’s sudden passing has ended with the appointment of Sir Fauxnel.
Though technically a provisional measure until sanctioned by a duly coronated king, the rise of the young sorcerer should bring with it revolutionary innovations in Artolian thaumaturgy.
6) Grenssen Citadel
Founded initially to found watch over the west as relations with Gerabellum soured, this castle town has since thrived under the crest of House Haughn. Youths flock from far and wide to board at its venerable academies, which have produced some of the finest knights and footmen Artolia has ever known.
7) Crimson Crypt (Sidequest)
Shying from the harsh light of day, vampires sink into the shadows of Evernight, where scarlet eyes gleam before feasting on mortal blood.
8) Molten Mayhem (Sidequest)
Mercenaries campaigning in the Liellahan Lowlands send word of distress. They are overrun by the prey they hunt and require immediate assistance.
9) The Howling (Sidequest)
In the icy climes of Wintergard, there howls more than merely the chill of winds.
10) Wyrm Hunt (Side Quest)
Able men are needed to squelch the plague of vile lizards overrunning the Liellahan Lowlands. The slimy fields devour every living thing insight, leaving nothing for hunters to claim.
11) Icy Grave (Side Quest)
Though the mountain bastion has long been lordless, torch fires flicker as screams ring out each night in the halls of Wintergard.
12) Monster Menace (Side Quest)
Eusiria Crossing has been besieged by monsters, and is all that stands between them and the outlying hovels of peasantfolk. With the military resources diverted to the seemingly-imminent civil war, the commoners will left utterly defenseless.
Chapter 5
1) The Margrave’s Gambit
As the roads to peace draw closed and Artolia inches closer to war’s brink, Margrave Roienbourg has set in motion designs of his own.
The margrave has declared Joshua, eldest son of Duke Valery, brother of the former king, to be the rightful successor to the Artolian throne. In doing so, he calls for the princes twain to lay down their arms. There is little precedent to support the claim, as all recognized Joshua ranks under both princes in the royal order of succession. Only should the two brothers volunteer to step aside could his claim be valid.
What the margrave seeks to accomplish is the subject of much debate. What is not debated, however, is that he has no margin of error.
2) The Imperial March
What has long been whispered can now be said aloud, as the neighboring empires have declared their respective allegiances-- Villnore to Prince Langrey and Crell Monferaigne to Prince Kristoff. Foreign troops now commingle with the princes’ rank and file, and together march under Artolian banners.
3) Castle Artolia
Palace that has for generations been home to the monarchs of Artolia. Its intricate lines and elaborate designs bespeak an elegant, refined culture, while its sprawling courtyard evokes a sublime air of grandeur. Exquisite stained glass windows illuminate the royal court to breathtaking effect bidding all who attend to bask in its resplendent majesty.
4) Veissheit
Eastern castle wherein Margrave Roienbourg resides. Veissheit was built upon utilitarian principles, and while lacking the splendor of Aidelrave, its defenses are nevertheless adequate and its confines able to accommodate the population of Castle Artolia entire should the need arise. The castle is kept in good repair by its diligent guardsmen.
5) Aidelrave
Expressly constructed as an abode for Prince Langrey, the fortress’ appearance inspires both fear and awe, not unlike its lord.
From its foreboding, regale towers to its seemingly impenetrable ramparts, Aidelrave stands a landmark military and architectural achievement of its time.
6) The Angelic Door
There is a place in this world where warriors not of this world convene. A place only the “all-knowing” may enter…
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