Chase

If being up to date isn't an issue, I would recommend Nickaboo92's older playthrough over Shofu's due to it being -nearly- full and he being less .....awful at the game, along with secret hunting of his own. However, his playthrough is dated, and his newer attempt was very short-lived. If you want something more current, Shofu's your best bet. At least he's funny. Sometimes.

I mean, we could make the argument that Corrin is just the player and that means they are the most important character in the game and that they are gifted with -all- of the extra characters as retainers of sorts...but that's not much fun. However, I didn't know the game explicitly Edited with Ikaru in mind.

Hi guys! Now that Fire Emblem: Fates is available in Europe, and it's my muse at the moment, I wanted to expand on something I do normally with Pokemon games only up to this point. Open a thread to talk theories. I'm not the only one who can contribute a theory of course - just be mindful of spoiler tagging so to salvage the innocence of our European friends and those who haven't had access to all of the routes (like myself!) yet. Royal Retainers and Corrin - The Canonical Relationships Between Servants and Liege spoilers for Fire Emblem: Fates from this point forward. Read at your own risk.

Chesnaught is just about everything that I stand for. Grass and Fighting are my two favorite Pokemon types, and Chesnaught's signature position in the Kalos trio is that of the bulky armored unit (as all three Kalos starters mirror typical RPG classes.) This makes Chesnaught really good at the act of protection - and if anyone knows me best, protecting others is what I'm all about.

There's a few things I can appreciate about myself - but nothing stands out as an absolute favorite. In no particular order then. I am either considerably brave or considerably foolish. I don't typically associate "brave" as the opposite of "cowardly" even though I probably should. There are things that are certifiably terrifying but my way of dealing with them typically isn't with avoidance. This means that I am able to overcome scenarios that are not only just scary, but also undesirable or that have an adverse affect on myself personally. I think taking on trials head on qualifies as bravery, and there are quite a few trials I can learn to be proud of as of late. ... In other words, I'm probably a huge chicken who has a knack for running INTO trouble as opposed to AWAY from it. I am capable of sacrifice. One of the things modern humanity seems to struggle with is compromise - and while I am one who is quite steadfast in personal opinion and a strong defender of self and others, I am able to set myself aside in order to work towards completion of a task. It's not easy all the time, admittedly - but when it works out, I generally feel better about it afterwards. I am able to separate myself from a situation to view it from the perspective of someone else. Another thing people struggle with today is understanding the issues others face. I have both a gift and a work history that supports working on behalf of other people, and it's allowed me to see the benefits and problems of a particular situation another person with a different stance or opinion or whatever would have as opposed to always referring to my own vantage point. I am consistent. Right or wrong, I pride myself on being ever steady. If I fall in love with someone, that someone resultingly owns my heart (for better or worse.) If I believe in something, there's a solid chance I'm believing it until proven otherwise. If I'm committed - I am so for the long haul. I make myself laugh. Often. Humor is something I can sometimes strike gold on. I wouldn't call myself a comic, but I do have a degree of wit, snark, and the ability to tell a few jokes. My friends sometimes refer to me as a "clown" as well - and a good laugh is never a bad thing. I often overthink things, and that sometimes causes deeper experiences with hobbies and conversations with other people. A double-edged sword of traits if you will - but one of my favorite things to do is theorize over various things. This has made a game like Pokemon super entertaining because it allows me to write my own story, as well as see if I came close to some of the deeper details of the games themselves.

There was a time when Ame was very much invested -whether she would admit it or not...- in what the community was expecting. I assure you, it's to the point where she wouldn't go back to that when determining whether she should get back to grindstone or not - so it's safe to take Ame's own care for the project into account now. When the cells that compose your body start to protest vehemently about something, it's one of two things depending on the action. - You are finally working hard enough (in the event we're talking about sports or physical conditioning) - You are working too hard (for virtually anything else, especially things that are supposed to be enjoyable and not stressful.) My rule of thumb though has always been that Reborn is a free experience meant to be enjoyed as players see fit. Yes, their input matters - but because the majority haven't paid for the game, Ame has the most amount of leeway to do what she wants both in content development and in procedure.

Guess I'm stable enough bite the bullet here and own it. I was the enigmatic King of Diamonds - with Diamonds being reserved for the girls of this here place due to being a red suit. (Geez, that made it difficult to for me to guess!) "K♢: Yet another ambiguious one. Ups and downs is what it's been with you, and I trust that things are a little more stable the last few months. On one side any sign of you being ambitious around here makes me wary. On the other side I can appreciate a conversation sparker like you quite a lot. Although I often disagree in the ways you think about things, it's always nice to have someone vested in other matters." I think there's something really cool about being the 'King' of diamonds though. It actually introduces a bit of acceptance. My masquerade has caused myself and (hopefully not too many) others to go through the the Kubler-Ross cycle of grief - and while many of those I affected have moved on, I was most definitely still kicking myself over it because it seemed like the problem was persisting be it people who would ask about the former 'queen' to people who fairly like to hold a grudge. My philosophy had been since the confession - as a method of rushing to put the real me in her place in as many broken-but-not-ruined areas as I could - to put her 'to death.' She was always certain, but more perhaps more graceful than I was. I - in contrast - have been polarizing from the start in virtually everything I post. Every time she was brought back up, my heart sank, or would flare up in rebuke, or would slink away. I'm okay with admitting it now - perhaps as I should have been back then (and OBVIOUSLY well before then.) Ody. Thanks for finding it in your heart for appreciating me for who I was -and- yet at the same time who I am. It's creative, clever, and most importantly, it's real.

Personally, I truly believe this will result in a better end product for both the developer -and- we the players. That's the thing for independent devs. If you don't want to do something, you're not going to be able to provide any passion to your work. Part of what makes Reborn appealing is that it's almost a form of art - much like the novel Ame was writing prior to the project. Yes, episodes don't come out as quickly as some of the earlier ones do (and with a growing project, there's always more touch up to do anyway, as previously said) - but the result is when the dust settles, a game that was made with a fully committed heart and a rejuvenated backbone. There really is a difference there.

Amaria is a character that more or less is someone I've become begrudgingly fond of due to Titania's shocking amount of impunity considering she's supposedly a badass, along with the fact that I again relate to something like that all too well. However, I don't think Amaria on her own is a strong character as a result. She lives and dies by this amnesia facet. Something tells me that won't be the case at the end of the journey - for both of them. I hope.

Alright, see, Camilla is worthy of her own discourse first and foremost. Frankly, I absolutely HATE what Intelligent Systems did to her as a character - especially so in Birthright as a means of shaming the more... base population of the consumer base. She's a very strong and unique character without the boobs. Her 180 that she employs between being a doting sister and being a merciless warrior is actually incredibly well done. She's even a great character -with- them assuming Intelligent Systems only makes Camilla seem older and doesn't try to cash in on her asset- "Oh, I guess you missed your big sister- Mmm, you're so cute..." .... And supposedly the same thing happens when you DO pick Nohr of Hoshido as well. IS deliberately turned Camilla from an excellent character who "happens" to be physically well endowed, to a character that they WANT you to acknowledge is physically well endowed through the use of provocative Live3D cut-scenes with the sole purpose of objectifying her and tantalizing the player. In Birthright - even when she goes a bit off the reservation when it comes to both caring for you as a longtime family member (Camilla genuinely DOES care about Corrin - often times past the point where Corrin's opinion matters, which is the whole point of the opposing forces.) as well as being the highest known woman of nobility in Nohr. Camilla is an adversary that is supposed to guilt trip you, and the story does a good enough job of doing so sans provocative cutscene. in the first two battles I've had with her, these are her defeat quotes: Sounds a lot like family to me - even if misguided. That being said, I do understand your grievances with regards to fan-service. --- If the gameplay where the same across all three routes (let's say it's as it is with Revelation, where the unlimited grinding, support development, and wealth accumulation comes packaged WITH multiple win conditions) It would be a very tough decision. Obviously storywise, siding with Hoshido feels like it's the "right" thing to do. The decision is being made on a Hoshidan meadow where the Nohrian forces are an invading army - and King Garon is legitimately bad news. However, I'm more of a fan of Nohr's background than I am Hoshido's - and while Camilla isn't my cup of tea, I already know the types of units and characters I would run into along the way on the Nohr path would be more interesting. However, one of the biggest themes in the game regarding the decision is that you have to choose what matters more - Blood or Presence? My life narrative features a noteworthy family scenario - my father cheated on my mother, the pair of them argued at least three times a week, and eventually he walked out on our family leading to divorce. To me, the Nohrian siblings hold a lot of value because even though they weren't Corrin's blood relatives, Corrin is supposed to represent to some degree -ME-. My father walked out on me. My mother was loyal. (Yes, she also is my actual mother, I understand the difference) - but to me - family is seemingly more akin to those who are not absent in your life than it does those who fathered and mothered you into this world. If -I- am supposed to answer the question on that theme alone - I would have strong reason to turn my back on my newly found blood family. After all - when I needed them, they weren't there for me. (Again, that's Nohr's fault too, and if the Nohrian siblings were anything less than siblings, it would be enough to make Hoshido the "clear cut" better choice.) ....I honestly don't know how to answer that question. I like when things are revealed - or "brought to light", but I prefer the night over the day. I prefer to be moral over immoral - but I also hold respect for those who break the compass as a result. If I were as strong as Revelation Corrin seems to be - turning down both family's and lone wolfing it is probably the "best" option for me. The two other routes are a very big coin-flip. --- I don't think you can use King Garon as the standard barrier for Nohr's general demeanor - but I'd advise you to play Conquest to discover why on your own. --- Also, I like the "new-school" Fire Emblem formula AND Silas too. It sounds like you're a lot like me, Cephus.

@ Cephus - Once you pay for a game cartridge, you can get the other routes at a cheaper price as DLC from the game itself. So, if you bought Birthright - you would select 'Branch of Fate' in the opening menu and from there you can purchase Conquest and Revelation - saving you a few bucks and completing 'Fates' as a whole if you want - or just pay for the other two routes as you complete the previous one. @ Cobalt - A little argument is healthy. I don't think Cephus would take offense to dialogue that merely disagrees with them. Just be mindful to avoid spoiling the route for him in the process!

Hoshido isn't exactly filled with sunshine and rainbows either (Azura being kidnapped at all in retaliation doesn't exactly show that Hoshido is treating this in the best faith possible.) - that being said, those that side with Nohr usually don't grip their moral compass as tightly as those in Hoshido do. Starting with the most obvious of reasons people go Conquest - it's a higher stakes, strict return to previous titles in the franchise pre-Awakening. People enjoy the challenge, and to be quite frank, the many various objectives the Conquest route offers as opposed to 'Rout the Enemy' or 'Defeat the Boss' all the time is more engaging to some players. For people that dislike grinding - Conquest is a game that punishes you for doing so much in the same way Reborn does. You can S-Support Camilla in this route, and you can't in Birthright (having to actually defeat her - twice - instead.) Apart from Camilla, the rest of the Nohrian roster is as a much deeper in contrast to your Hoshidan army in terms of options and character depth. Finally, I will say this. You're judging Conquest based on the characterization of the Nohrian royal family as your enemy (or the 'Birthright' interpretation) - Without revealing the skinny - Conquest's storyline will explain Conquest Corrin's value and likewise those of your adoptive family and nation. TL:DR - Birthright and Conquest are very much arguably "different games" within the same cartridge - with differing mechanics -and- rosters -and- a story that even those that side with the Light over the Dark can appreciate. However, both of us should probably kill Garon with our Hoshidan pals first. ^^

Clearly, because I missed sign-ups. :C

GET DUNKED ON, DITTO-.... oh wait, I'm not competing. Nevermind.

The following contains explanatory information for Fire Emblem: Fates, as well as a soundtrack from the game. If you don't want the explanation or the song spoiled for you - Do NOT click on the spoiler tag. You have been warned.

... I mean, over Keldeo sure.... ...but yeah, Arcanine is where it's at here.

Dan, Man, where do I even begin with this one. Starting with basic minimal facts: You were the first person to make me feel welcome You were the first person to make me feel like I belonged here and brought so many others forward in doing so. You are someone that knows a little more about me than the average member - and I think it's fair to say that might be the case the other way around. You would think that adds up to being best friends - and I would think that it means it should mean that. There are obviously limitations, like my utter inability to open up to just anyone, possible debris from previous spats, and my utter inability and unwillingness to play League of Legends.... ... none of those things change how grateful I am for who you are and what you have done for this community and for me personally. I hope your day is one that brings you rest and amusement - and let's stop being strangers soon, alright? Happy Birthday.

That's it right there, ICSW - along with Amaria's whole arc in itself. Before anyone complains, I don't think this is a poorly written scenario either. It's just one that personally hurts to experience. Tania's hypocrisy is preceded by a cruel charade that overrides the Tsun badassery that she falls into for me. She doesn't have a reason to be on any kind of a high horse - yet she rides one anyway. She ends up right back in the cycle again too.

My reasons for disliking Titania are more attributed to her love life and not so much playing Miss Murder. ...and before anyone asks, it's not because she and Amaria are lesbians. That's perfectly fine.

Cool thread.... Vero: Our Caucasian male character's most striking detail to me is that amulet looking thing that seems to be shaped like a dollar sign or something. Essentially, Vero looks like a straight up "G." and an urban foot-soldier needs a companion that is just as stylistically rugged. That being said, I give you the head honcho of a gang himself. When you think the gangs of today your mind might stray to "Bloods and Crips". Squirtle not only is a serviceable gangster in it's own right, but a very good mascot Pokemon for any blue bandannas in Reborn City. Alice: With the advent of ethnic variance and gender fluidity, Alice now comes off as rather "plain Jane", making her appropriate partner one that isn't going to be too flashy, but one that is formidable all the same. Piplup is a Pokemon that mirrors Alice's simplistic elegance to a tee - and Empoleon is no slouch after the growing pains of training have been hurdled. Kuro: Honestly, this cool cat is a Treecko user for sure. Maybe it's due to a piece of fan art I saw with the two of them in close proximity. Maybe it's just because they both give off the same slick vibes. Treecko is a partner that will always fit Kuro's aesthetic throughout the evolutionary line. Lucia: I get the feeling that Lucia is someone who is very capable of defending herself and is unafraid to fight for those she cares about. If there was ever a place for one of our FireFighters, Lucia's team might be the most serviceable. I went ahead and went with the liveliest of the three options in my opinion - Chimchar. This evolutionary line appears to match resolution and spirit the best - although Torchic and Tepig are arguable. Alternatively, Chespin offers a solid case of it's own. Ari Ari gives off a very "hardcore" "life on the edge" feel. Froakie is a pokemon with attitude. It doesn't seem fitting at first - but it takes time for a Pokemon to develop into a best friend, and by the time Greninja is a thing, these two seem like excellent fits for each other. Decible Reserved, yet still noticeable. Decible is all about accents, so a pokemon that is just as accented as xe seems to be the best fit.

Look, with characters like Cain - it's never that he has to do anything. Cain is a memorable character and a "good" one in that there's a lot we see of him that helps the story move along (as opposed to Victoria who is only good at helping the story grind to a complete halt.) However, Cain is a significantly weaker character in that, despite his screen time, he is much more static than he probably should be. It's a common fate shared by generic Pokemon rivals even. They start off as a person that is a catalyst for the story and occasionally they themselves don't change until the very end. ...going back to my argument about male characters - they are as a whole much more "stock" than their female counterparts, who almost always have a dynamic arc about them. For some, it's intentional, for others, it's because their place in the story hasn't been released yet, and for still others, they are doomed to be a stock character from the beginning. If Cain's just now coming around, then I'm not saying end-product Cain is destined to be as weak as Episode 15 Cain - but you're not going to be able to say that just because he's finally getting a shot at a dynamic that he automatically is comparable to Cal or Zero in strength. Until Ame proves otherwise with more story, Cain just doesn't have enough - which I will continue to find questionable considering his amount of time on the screen already. Finally, stock characters still can be catalysts, but that doesn't make that all that much stronger. Characters gain strength through personal growth - not repeatedly appearing in the story and doing what you expect them to.

Perhaps I was a little -too- strict when looking at Cain, but there's one thing that gives him an advantage in character development (and also raises MY expectations of him as a result)... He -is- a main rival. One that yes, may be better off than Fern, but feels very one-note when taking into consideration the sheer amount of screen time our pansexual friend gets. Yes, there are several parts of the story where we find out his sexuality has caused him to run from home - and we get to see both sides of that. Yes, he does try to mend the fences with Aya later on, Then there's Cain taking a Water type despite generally using Poison Pokemon, and the ordeal with Heather. Heather's episode aside (which is the -best- written arc Cain is involved in because it feels like Cain can relate to Heather when it comes to feeling alone.) - everything genuinely seems to be expected from Cain - either deep story about his sexuality that we've already had hammered into our skulls before, or his classic double entendre delivery in a situation that didn't really ask for it. Cain's biggest glaring weakness - a part from being laid on thick as you put it, Ama - is that he either doesn't have much room or seemingly refuses to grow, despite having the largest amount of screen time of any other male character in the game. This is why Zero is better than Cain when it comes to comparison. Zero does more with less.

I just remembered this gripe I had from long ago that may or may not be very relevant to this thread, now that it's back. One of the biggest things this game suffers from is a lack of strong male characters. Given how much I know the developer personally this isn't a surprising thing about Reborn, but it's one of the things that stand out in a game that otherwise picks your approach apart fairly and has a surprisingly strong cast and storyline elsewhere. For example, if you were to ask me who the strongest male character in the game is, it's Cal. Cal is a character that up to this point in the game has made a substantial journey from everyone's first impressions. He is a character that makes a very dear mistake to many players and characters - and resultingly has to tell his side of the story as an outcast individual who was previously in cahoots with the wrong crowd. However... The next best characters - Dr. Connal, Zero, and Radomus, are characters that thrive on the theme of the unknown in various degrees - while other males such as Hardy, Fern, Samson, Cain, etc are shoehorned into tropes, seemingly for the sake of filling the League roster. Male representation in the story is something Reborn does no better than the original Pokemon series on, which is harsh criticism from a game that is much more rewarding and above average in most other areas.

Objectively, my resolution comes from the fact that human life itself is worth defending from all threats - even if that threat is one's own decision-making. The lone exception being if one life threatens many others. I say this because in my experience, when one passes it wasn't just the one person that was taken away from me - but the part of me that attached myself to that person. Family, Friend, Acquaintance, and even Foe hold a bond of at least some degree of strength with me. While I understand that life is fleeting, there are many facets of life lost where it feels like that part of me was stolen. In other words, keeping those around me with me is enough fuel for my resolution. If I were to sit idly by and let a piece of me be destroyed, it would genuinely cause me great anguish. I guess if you want to take it to the ethical standards of topics such as assisted suicide - I oppose such notions because of my point. You're taking the part of me that is attached to you with you. Selfish? Possibly - but if there's a chance someone in a constant vegetative state or a coma can be brought back among the living, I'm one that will fight tooth and nail, from defense to encouragement to keeping the plug in the wall. - to the death, depending on who it is. --- Unobjectively though - is the degree. I wish I could say that I would die for my enemies as equally as I would those I love. That's not rational or possible because there's more of a strength and dependence on those who I've opened up to. Loyalty isn't cheap with me, and it's one that if I do give it to you, I tend to make good on it whether wanted or otherwise. There's more hesitation with those that oppose me in comparison.