A New Future/Claude: Almyra's King

Claude: Almyra's King - C

Claude	You know, Commander Anna... The more I think of it, the more you look like a merchant friend of mine. You're sure you've never been to Fódlan? The name Garreg Mach doesn't ring a bell?
Of course I know it! Never been there though, despite every student of the Officers Academy asking me that.		Anna
Your merchant and I may look alike, and even have the same name, but we're different people.		Anna
Claude	Be that as it may... I've got a favor to ask, if you're feeling charitable.
How can I help?		Anna
Claude	Askr's home to all sorts of Heroes, but I'm looking to get acquainted with a certain kind. I'm looking for those who'll do what it takes to win no matter what. Who won't balk at unusual methods.
We've definitely got some people who favor unconventional tactics. I can introduce you to a few. Eccentric tactics usually come from eccentric people, though. You going to be OK with that?		Anna
Claude	That's perfect, actually. Wouldn't have it any other way. Don't get me wrong, I know standard tactics are standard for a reason. And there's honor in fighting fair. But Askr's a diverse place. There are bound to be ideas kicking around here I'd have never dreamed up. To waste such a learning opportunity would be incredibly foolish of me.
Well, I'm happy to help, but...don't say I didn't warn you, OK?		Anna
And don't go starting any fights.		Anna
Claude	Trust me—I know what it's like to be an outsider. You've got nothing to worry about from me. I'm just looking to expand my repertoire of tricks, that's all.

Claude: Almyra's King - B

Narcian	So. You come before me, Narcian, because you wish to increase your prowess in battle. Is that it?
That's it. I've heard great things about Bern's Wyvern Generals. You most of all.		Claude
Narcian	Naturally! The dauntless strength and infallible wisdom of Narcian are second to none. You are obviously a man of taste. Allow me to share with you but a small portion of my greatness. Listen well. To attack one's enemy head-on is the height of foolishness. No need for such pointless risks. To achieve victory, one must entirely obliterate one's foe without any tarnish upon one's own magnificence.
Of course. That stands to reason.		Claude
Narcian	To that end, a weapon in hand, no matter how skillfully wielded, is never as effective as a silver tongue. Persuade your enemies to betray their allies, and you weaken their forces while padding your own.
Sounds efficient.		Claude
Narcian	Very much so! There's nothing better than expendable fodder! Speaking of fodder, always ensure you have disposable underlings to assume blame for every mistake. In this way, you make certain that not even the smallest failure can ever besmirch your reputation. Not that I, Narcian, ever have need of such things. Narcian is without flaw. Still...Narcian is always prepared.
That's pretty sharp. I agree that preparation is key. Thanks, Narcian. This has been very educational.		Claude
Narcian	No need for thanks now. When the wisdom of Narcian brings you true greatness...then we shall see! Ha ha!

Claude: Almyra's King - A

Iago	You want to learn strategy from me?
That's right. I've heard you're the most shrewd general in Nohr. King Garon's finest, they say.		Claude
Iago	Heh. At its heart, it's a simple thing. The one left standing at the end is the victor. All else is irrelevant. No matter what world you fight in, that basic truth is the same.
Makes sense to me. The dead don't protest, at least.		Claude
Iago	Precisely. Survival is all that matters, so you can't afford to be picky about your methods. And since survival is all we care about, the best outcome is to defeat your enemy without fighting at all. To do that, deceive them into fighting with themselves and each other. Trick them into traps and ambushes. Sow enough confusion, and you can walk away from the battle without so much as sullying your own hands.
Pulling off a stunt like that requires careful preparation, I'll bet.		Claude
Iago	Oh, yes. The careful spread of misinformation is essential to making your enemies doubt each other. From there, a few artfully placed illusions will have them tearing each other apart in no time.
That's clever.		Claude
Iago	Another important component of victory is remaining focused at all times on the objective. To that end, you can't afford to get distracted by petty things like saving civilian lives. If you lose, they're dead anyway. Better to sacrifice them to win...not that such tactics are permitted here.
No? Well, I see where you're coming from. This has been a big help. Thanks, Iago. It's clear to me you'd do whatever it takes to secure victory. I respect that.		Claude
Iago	Heh. I'm glad you understand. Honor, decency... Considering those things is the privilege of the living. So make sure you stay alive.

Claude: Almyra's King - S

Gangrel	If you want to win, make your enemy powerless. If they can't make a move, they can't beat you. Simple. Once they're helpless, all that's left to do is crush 'em! Bwa ha ha!
So taking hostages gives you leverage and keeps the enemy from acting. Looking at it like that, it seems a logical way to win an engagement.		Claude
Gangrel	... Yeah. Now let me ask you something.
Me? I'm the student here. I'm afraid I don't have much wisdom to offer.		Claude
Gangrel	Cut the act! I'm not falling for it. You've been going around asking lots of these questions lately. So, out with it. What exactly are you up to?
Like I said, I consider myself to be a student here. Right now, I'm studying schemes. They say if you know yourself and your enemy, you've got nothing to fear from battle, right? I want to learn the most despicable schemes I possibly can, down to the smallest detail. That way, when I go to battle, I'll be prepared to counter even the most dastardly moves from my opponent.		Claude
Gangrel	...
A model student like myself would never come up with such wicked stuff, so this has all been very useful.		Claude
Gangrel	Bwa ha ha! I don't buy that for a second. There's no way these plans never occurred to someone like you. No, these wicked ideas are already in your head. You just want to hear how effective they are.
Think what you will.		Claude
Gangrel	Know what else I think? The Heroes you've been talking to are all thought of as outcasts in Askr's order. I think it'd be a shame if you were planning to use such poor outcasts for your own selfish ends!
You sure have a lively imagination. In any case, you have my sincere thanks. This really has been a help. I won't take up more of your time.		Claude
Gangrel	Heh... He's a slippery one. Barely gave me a single straight answer. You never know what a guy like him is thinking...except to win. Yeah, we've got that much in common... Claude, huh. I'll be keeping an eye on him for sure. From a safe distance, obviously...

Scenario
← Claude		Lysithea →
A New Future
Lysithea	Claude	Edelgard	Dimitri

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