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 Hello and welcome to an LP of Triangle Strategy! What is this game? Released in March, 2022 for the switch (and like 2 weeks ago for PC) Triangle Strategy is a turn-based tactical RPG ala Final Fantasy Tactics or Tactics Ogre. As might be expected, the actual gameplay is broadly similar to those, though obviously with some key differences that will be shown in time. It has a wide cast of relatively well written characters, but what really makes it stand out is the huge number of branches in its story path, with almost every chapter having a decision that will affect the mission or the story at large. This ends up with a total of four different endings, and the goal (as of now and subject to change) is to show off all of them. Because of that, there will be NO SPOILERS. If I absolutely miss something, then feel free to chime in, but give me a shot to cover it first. Updates: 1: Introduction 2: Beset by Bandits 3: Conviction Vote 4: Side Story 1 and More 5: To Arms, Brave Warriors 6: Banquet Night 7: Abdication 8: Whiteholm Festivities 9: The Whiteholm Tourney 10: Whither the River Flows 11: Character Update 2 12: A Land of Salt and Sun 13: Exploring Hyzante 14: Apprehending the Rebels 15: A new Dawn 16: Character Update 3 17: Visiting the Mines 18: Character Update 4 19: Defending Dragan 20: Encroaching Darkness 21: More Characters 22: Storming the Gardens 23: Remember Me 24: Battle at the Big Bridge 25: A Soul Upon the Scales 26: A Soul Upon the Scales-2 27: Not a Word, My Friend 28: Mad Bastards 29: Avlora Aftermath 30: Character Update 4 31: Weather Vane OOrochi fucked around with this message at 17:05 on Jan 18, 2023 |
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Oct 22, 2022 22:53
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[Reserved if needed]
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Oct 22, 2022 22:54
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Update 1: Introduction Welcome to the title screen of the game. It shows our protagonist wandering through a number of locales that we’ll visit in due time.  For now, we’ll be playing on normal. The game is actually pretty well tuned to give some challenge on both normal and hard, but normal has enough wiggle room that I’ll be able to show off things that might not be as viable on hard. After selecting the difficulty, an intro movie starts up.          And it finishes with the title of the first chapter before fading out.   We fade back in on the Wolffort Castle Town as our protagonist strides through the gates.   As he walks through town, a kid comes out to greet him, and he starts conversing with the townspeople. Wolffort Townsperson: Congratulations, my lord. The future of Wolffort is looking brighter than ever. Wolffort Townsperson 2: Today’s the day, is it not? We’re all ready for the big moment!  Thank you, everyone. A voice calls out from behind us and an exclamation point pops up over Serenoa’s head.  Ah, Benedict. It would seem that word has reached the people already. You can thank Erador for that. He couldn’t refrain from blabbing the news to anyone who would listen. I’ll have a talk with him after.This is a momentous day. Not merely for our demesne, but for all of Glenbrook. I do not think it possible to keep it a secret. This is well and true, my lord, but you must consider your betrothed’s lineage.I am well aware of the situation, Benedict. I cannot say for sure wat repercussions this may have. What I do know is that the people rejoice for us, and harbor hope for the future. As the future lord of House Wolffort, I must rise to the occasion. Fine resolve, my lord. As house steward, I will do all in my power to assist.Thank you, Benedict. It is heartening to have the support of my father’s right-hand man. Shall we head to the port then, my lord?So soon? I had thought that we might have more time. The river’s waters have risen with the heavy rainfall earlier this week. And given the wind, I think it likely that Aesfrost’s ship will arrive ahead of schedule.You never cease to amaze. Very well then, let us be on our way. After that, the scene fades out and we go to the world map. There’s a neat little touch in cutscenes out here, where groups of people are represented by wooden blocks that get moved around. It makes it feel a little bite more like you’re looking at an actual map or a table, instead of just a game-y representation of one.  On the map, there are two types of events to care about. Main ones are obviously story chapters, while green sides events can range from side character stories to showing different perspectives on the actual plot.  We also unlock the ability to look at a number of different options. There will be more later, and these are pretty self-explanatory. The only odd one might be “War Chronicle,” which is just where the story notes, background, and tutorials can be accessed.  As might be expected, a new main event has popped up at Wolffort Harbor.   The scene comes in on a docked ship, where a pink haired woman dismisses her escorting soldiers. Aesfrosti Soldier: But Lady Frederica…there is no one here to receive you.  He will be along shortly, no doubt. If I have heard true, he is not the type to keep a lady waiting.Aesfrosti Soldier: By your leave, then. We wish you everlasting happiness, my lady. Thank you. I shall work hard-both for my new home, and for my motherland. Please let Brother-the archduke know that.Aesfrosti Soldier: As you command, my lady. We leave the rest to you, Geela.  I shan’t let you down. Geela, Frederica, and two Aesfrosti soldiers disembark and the ship departs. Phew, Glenbrook at last. Finally we can take a moment of respite from our long journey. … That said, it would appear that we’ve arrived ahead of schedule.I much prefer it to being late. This is a momentous day for Aesfrost – and for the entire realm. We cannot afford to make a bad first impression. I agree. Which is why we cannot have you looking so tense. Why don’t we go for a bit of a stroll?A fine idea. After all, this may be the last time in a while that I am free to do as I please… Most are not inclined to grant liberty to one of Rosellan heritage such as me. Frederica grabs at a pendant on her neck. You brought that pendant after all? Of course. It is the only memento I have of my mother… Suddenly, something comes flying out of nowhere and takes out one, and then both of the Aesfrosti guards.  The camera pans over to reveal two bandits with bright red hair and a great theme.  Who are then joined by yet further bandits.  Lettin’ a whole boatload o’ guards go back home was a stroke o’ genius! We heard tell ye’d be here and we wanted t’be the ones to welcome ye! The winds of fortune are blowin’ today, aren’t they, Pa?Brigands!? The scene fades out on this predicament.  And goes back to the world map, where a red enemy chit has appeared by the harbor. However, we’ll leave that fight for next time. OOrochi fucked around with this message at 02:24 on Oct 23, 2022 |
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Oct 22, 2022 22:54
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Yay, Triangle Strategy LP. Although now when I browse the forums for updates, I'm going to get irrationally angry every time because I have to read the FE13 reference in the title.
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Oct 22, 2022 23:22
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That is some excellent pixel art.
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Oct 22, 2022 23:39
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I love the "History Channel Miniseries" vibe this whole game gives off
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Oct 23, 2022 00:09
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Delphisage posted:Yay, Triangle Strategy LP. In case you missed it in the other thread you complained about this thread title in for some reason, I'm going to throw a "Don't be weird in this thread" flag on the field or I'll start throwing my red rubber IK mallet around, just because you have a propensity to... be you, that I've been informed about from multiple sources now. Please don't ruin a promising new LP.
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Oct 23, 2022 00:26
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After posting my last comment I picked my Community rewatch back up and the first episode was "Pillows & Blankets" so now this game will forever be about Troy and Abed to me
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Oct 23, 2022 00:37
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Oh, Triangle Strategy! As someone who 100%ed the game, I'm looking forward to this. Do you plan to cover all routes/chapters?
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Oct 23, 2022 00:59
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OOrochi posted:Hello and welcome to an LP of Triangle Strategy! So my only quick bit of advice just to carry over from the Sandcastle is that you should probably re-run whatever downscale process you did on your screenshots for all of your talking head portraits now too. Because they all look incredibly janky now vis-a-vis all those beautiful screenshots. So like this  compared to 
nine-gear crow fucked around with this message at 02:03 on Oct 23, 2022 |
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Oct 23, 2022 01:59
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Rabbi Raccoon posted:After posting my last comment I picked my Community rewatch back up and the first episode was "Pillows & Blankets" so now this game will forever be about Troy and Abed to me Ha! I love that episode and love the association. Quackles posted:Oh, Triangle Strategy! As someone who 100%ed the game, I'm looking forward to this. As of now I'm planning on it. But the first goal is to get through one playthrough and then see where we're standing. nine-gear crow posted:So my only quick bit of advice just to carry over from the Sandcastle is that you should probably re-run whatever downscale process you did on your screenshots for all of your talking head portraits now too. Because they all look incredibly janky now vis-a-vis all those beautiful screenshots. Ah, right. I didn't even think of that. That's an easy fix, though, so I'll do that real quick. Thanks!
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Oct 23, 2022 02:28
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Neat, I've heard very good things about this game. How much blaming ourselves or God will there be?
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Oct 23, 2022 03:52
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Tried playthrough 1 on hard and burned out, looking forward to this!
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Oct 23, 2022 04:35
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Definitely looking forward to this. I never finished my playthrough because there was way too much talking and I got frustrated with some of the plot. The main characters are really well-written, hoping this will motivate me to pick up the game again.
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Oct 23, 2022 07:39
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Aside from the skewed translation this seems like it would get interesting, and I really appreciate the wargame/strategic planning aesthetic.
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Oct 23, 2022 07:45
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This is the perfect kind of game for a screenshot LP for me - I would utterly loathe playing it but would like to read the story parts. 
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Oct 23, 2022 11:49
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Oh, look at the time! This is one of those games I was meaning to play before I lost all control of my life, looking forward to seeing how it plays!
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Oct 23, 2022 13:30
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I've heard a lot of good things about this game but know literally nothing beyond that people like it. This should be interesting.
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Oct 23, 2022 14:39
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I'm definitely looking forward to this LP! I've been wanting to play it for a while, but life hasn't permitted the spare funds or time for any new games!
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Oct 23, 2022 19:50
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Count me in as looking forward to this as well! Heard about it but never got around to playing it.
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Oct 24, 2022 05:32
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This game is pretty neat I would say, definitely looking forward to this.
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Oct 24, 2022 05:46
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Ah, drat. Got beat to this! I was going through the game and was considering doing a full fledged LP myself.  TriStrat is a good game I haven't finished but it compels the mind of read-along of a good strategy RPG.
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Oct 24, 2022 08:39
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Well, at least they're going to have an easy time naming the sequels. I look forward to when we get to Septagon Strategy. Very Final Fantasy Tactics-y in appearance so far, is it going to be just as fun to break? 
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Oct 24, 2022 11:49
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Update 2: Beset by Bandits Welcome back! Last time we left Frederica and Geela at the mercy of a group of bandits.   Make ye our little hostages, is all! And wring every last coin out o’ the duchy and House Wolffort! What’s with that pink hair, though? Ye a Rosellan? And that lady looks like she’s from Hyzante… Did we go after the wrong boat? Impossible! The shop was full of Aesfrosti soldiers! Enough! I am without a doubt-   But before Frederica can finish her sentence, Benedict and Serenoa arrive, and Serenoa just instantly mercs one of the bandits before using the confusion to sprint through.  And just who in the hell are you? After Travis asks that, we get a choice of three dialogue options. This marks our introduction to the Convictions mechanic of the game, but I’ll explain that later. For now, I just pick the top option. Got ye curious, eh? Ye can call me Travis! Leader of the fiercest band o’ brigands this realm’s ever seen.! An’ I’m his daughter, Trish! We’ve a hundred men at our beck and call. Ye’d be wise to surrender while ye have the chance! A bluff, to be sure. I doubt the man would lead his own daughter into battle if he truly commanded such an army. Most astute, my lord. This is doubtless the extent of their might band. Enough of yer whisperin! Now tell us who you are, ye bloody cowards! Only a fool would reveal such previous knowledge to his foe. Hey! Who are ye callin’ a fool!? At that, Travis takes his club out and starts swinging it around. Enough o’ this! Ye’ll regret ruining our plans! To arms, my lord! No. We fight together. I brought this upon us through my indiscretion. Pray allow me to help. My lady… I am a teacher of the arcane arts, and Frederica is a most apt pupil. I can assure we shan’t be a burden. Then I ask for your support from the back lines. and you shall have it.  But before the fighting actually starts, one more person joins the fray.  Let us talk later. Now, I believe we have some lawless ruffians to rout.   After this quick intro sequence, we get a few blurbs about our party. All we need to know about them right now is that Serenoa and the horseman are frontliners, Benedict is a support unit that can buff people, Frederica is a fire-based black mage, and Geela is a healer. I hope ye dolts are ready to learn a hard lesson! Ye’ll need more than numbers to beat us! Their confidence is admirable, at least. Orders, my lord? Give them no quarter. We cannot allow brigands to have the run of Wolffort. Just who are these people, anyway? Now, Benedict! Give ‘em a fight, men! Distinguish yerself in battle and ye’ll receive your due reward!Despite his bravado, all Travis does is move forward a few squares before passing the turn over to Serenoa. We do not take kindly to thievery here in Wolffort. You will pay for your crimes! Since Serenoa’s the first one up, we can actually take a look at how to play the game. For movement, any blue squares are totally safe from enemies, while purple squares are in range of one or more enemies. When a purple square is selected, a red line will connect the current unit and whoever is in range to attack them. A bright red line signifies a normal unit, while a dark red line signifies a named unit and/or boss.  I move Serenoa up next to the rogue and we get to see the actions menu. Right now, everyone just has two actions: their basic attack at the top, and their basic ability right below it. The yellow diamond in the ability’s box is its Technique Point or TP cost. The TP system is essentially Triangle Strategy’s equivalent to an MP system. At base, everyone starts a fight with three TP and gains one at the start of their turn. Serenoa’s Delaying Strike is slightly weaker than his basic attack, so I just have him attack the rogue normally.  And thus start off the LP perfectly with a 4% miss. Less than ideal. Up next in the order is Trish. Ye think ye’re all high-an’-mighty, eh? Well, we’ll show you we’re no slouches ourselves! We’re just tryin’ to make a living here. As was probably evident from the bow, she is an archer and she pings Serenoa before moving over by the net, and then passes the turn to Benedict. Our land has no place for those who disregard the law. Benedict’s starting ability is a pretty significant attack/magic attack buff, so I have him throw it on Frederica before moving up to block enemies with Serenoa.  And he is followed up by our cavalier friend. His main benefit is that, because he has a spear, he has an attack range of 2 squares and can pierce enemies to hit two in a row. Despite that, I opt to get right up in this rogue’s face instead. Shall we make it a contest, my friend? Let us see who brings down more of these ruffians. I think not! Whatever would I tell your father if harm were to befall you? These are no ordinary men…The enemies then whale on Serenoa for a little bit before Geela’s turn comes up.  Like I said earlier, she’s a healer, so I just have her heal Serenoa back to full while staying a bit back from the front line. Directly after her is Frederica. We must defend ourselves from this danger that threatens us.  Her ability, Scorch, is a fire spell that does damage in a cross. It’s pretty powerful in its own right, and thanks to Benedict’s buff we can do nearly 3/4 of the basic enemies’ health in a single shot. However, thanks to that starting miss, it does not kill either of the bandits.  And that is unfortunate, because it means that Serenoa is now flanked. Triangle Strategy has a mechanic called Follow Up Attacks, where if a unit has enemies on opposite sides (either front/back or side/side), and one of those units attacks, then their opposite number gets to do a free basic attack at ~50% power. This can make getting flanked a dangerous proposition as damage can pile up very quickly.  Especially when both flanking enemies go in sequence and you get hit 4 times or more. However, Serenoa is bulky enough so that he’s not in real danger of going down right now, even if he does take a pounding.  As you might expect for a beginning or tutorial fight, it’s not particularly interesting or difficult in general. Mostly, the enemies blob up on the bridge while the cavalier fights some stragglers up above. Here, I manage to take advantage of poor positioning and use his extended range to hit both rogues in the back for an automatic crit.  While Frederica gets an almost ideal cast of Scorch off, killing two bandits outright and doing a significant amount of damage to Trish and another generic.  Travis also eventually joins the fray, where he demonstrates his ability to just pick someone up and chuck them over his shoulder. But in relatively short order, the generics,  Trish,  And then Travis himself go down.  Afterwards, we get a victory screen that shows the money we earned, the spoils that enemies dropped, and the kudos we earned. Kudos won’t be super relevant for a little while, so I will wait to explain them until then.  Wait! I know that face! That’s the Wolffort lordling! What’s that ye say!? Wolffort? It can’t be… What’re they doin’ here so drat soon? This ain’t what we planned for. Lets’ get out o’ here! And the bandits all skedaddle. For a bunch of no-good thieves, at least they know when they’re in over their heads. I would have preferred to apprehend them and see them atone for their crimes, but… so be it. Your bride-to-be is safe. Isn’t that what matters? My… bride-to-be? My sincerest apologies. I had no idea we were being trailed by bandits.But where are my manners? I am Frederica, of the Grand Duchy of Aesfrost. I have come to fulfill our agreement. I am honored to join you in marriage, and to call House Wolffort my new home. The honor and pleasure is mine, Lady Frederica. Pray forgive me for not introducing myself sooner… Ahaha! To think you’d fight at each other’s side in battle before exchanging your vows! Though I daresay that it bodes well for Wolffort that its new lord and lady make such a fine team! At that, someone else calls from offscreen.  And a Glenbrook soldier comes rushing over. Did you sneak out of the castle again, Roland? When I heard my best friends’ betrothed was arriving in Glenbrook, I simply couldn’t miss the occasion. While we appreciate the sentiment, perhaps you should have said something to the king. Hah! I’m the least of my dear father’s concerns. …Though I suspect Hughette will think otherwise. I suppose I’d best be on my way back… Rest easy my dear Lady Frederica, you are in good hands. Roland and the soldier then take their leave.  But as he goes, Frederica notices that he’s wearing a certain ring.  His ring bore the insignia of Glenbrook’s royal family. Could that have been …? Prince Roland… King Regna’s younger son. So a lord and a prince drove off a band of brigands by their own hand. What a fascinating nation we’ve come to, Frederica. This is Geela, my tutor and attendant. Famed is the martial prowess of the Wolfforts. It was an honor to be able to witness it first-hand. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Serenoa of House Wolffort. And this is Benedict, trusted steward of my family. It is my honor to serve Lord Serenoa in any and all matters. On behalf of House Wolffort, I welcome you to our demesne.  Frederica pauses for a moment. You may think this is an odd question, milord, but I ask it nonetheless. What does the color of my hair mean to you? And we’re given another Convictions choice. This time I pick the bottom one for no particular reason. You are kind to say so. And yet, there are some who would say that this hair is proof of my ancestor’s sins, and shun me for it. Rest assured that no one in House Wolffort would say such terrible things. There is nothing you need worry about here. Thank you, milord. Lady Frederica, everyone awaits. Allow us to escort you back to Castle Wolffort. Thank you, Benedict. It would be my honor With that, Frederica and Geela join our party and the scene fades back to the world map.  On the map, Roland’s chit moves off to the southwest while our group approaches the castle. Once we arrive, some more narration starts up.    And that question is where we will leave things for now.
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Oct 24, 2022 14:35
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When you mention getting a crit when attacking the rogues from behind, is that an automatic thing? Does facing matter? Or is it just a lucky coincidence?
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Oct 24, 2022 14:42
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PurpleXVI posted:When you mention getting a crit when attacking the rogues from behind, is that an automatic thing? Does facing matter? Or is it just a lucky coincidence? Yes, facing does matter. I guess I didn't say it explicitly, but attacking someone from the front gives you a slight accuracy penalty, and any attack that hits a unit's back will automatically be a critical hit. That includes follow up attacks, so having an enemy get behind you can end up being deadly very quickly. The other relevant mechanic that I glossed over was height advantage. Attacking an enemy from high ground gives you a damage and accuracy boost.
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Oct 24, 2022 15:13
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Roselle, huh? Is this game so British that gingers are considered an actual ethnic minority in this setting?
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Oct 24, 2022 15:15
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Cythereal posted:Roselle, huh? Is this game so British that gingers are considered an actual ethnic minority in this setting? Pretty much, yeah.
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Oct 24, 2022 15:19
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It will become more plain later on, but there's a very, very obvious real-world ethnicity that the Roselle are standing in for.
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Oct 24, 2022 20:51
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I just bought this on the Switch sale because I can't resist anything that looks like Tactics Ogre even though my RPG backlog is double-digits. I'm a loving jackass. Fake Edit: Yes, of course I'm buying the TO remake next month.
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Oct 24, 2022 23:45
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Well. Here we go. This'll be a trip.
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Oct 25, 2022 01:02
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Monathin posted:It will become more plain later on, but there's a very, very obvious real-world ethnicity that the Roselle are standing in for. Wild guess: they're a Jewish stand in? That or Roma are my guesses. Either way I guess we'll find out!
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Oct 25, 2022 01:37
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IthilionTheBrave posted:Wild guess: they're a Jewish stand in? That or Roma are my guesses. Sylphosaurus fucked around with this message at 17:08 on Oct 25, 2022 |
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Oct 25, 2022 13:30
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Sylphosaurus posted:They are probably also assumed to be behind a great war or cataclysm as well back in ancient times. Let's see how many bingos we get further into the plot. So basically same as Darcsen from Valkyria Chronicles is what we're both guessing at!
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Oct 25, 2022 16:47
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Sylphosaurus posted:They are probably also assumed to be behind a great war or cataclysm as well back in ancient times. Let's see how many bingos we as we get further into the plot. As a Jew, I'll start being pre-offended.
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Oct 25, 2022 17:23
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JustJeff88 posted:As a Jew, I'll start being pre-offended.   that's how we do most things.
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Oct 25, 2022 17:37
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By popular demand posted:
We will, of course, not post-do anything about it. We just like to kvetch.
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Oct 25, 2022 17:41
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could be worse. The JRPG!Jews tend to be sympathetic, what with being oppressed. JRPG!Christianity, aka the churches, are as likely to be the ultimate villains of the story as they are to be set-dressing.
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Oct 25, 2022 18:13
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Update 3: Convictions Vote So, in the previous update I mentioned the Conviction system. Throughout the game, Triangle Strategy will keep track of three invisible stats: your commitment to Morality, Liberty, and Utility. As might be expected, and according to the game, “Morality is associated with honorable and just choices, Liberty is associated with forthright and free-spirited choices, and Utility corresponds to logical and self-serving choices.” Depending on your stats, different characters will join you and it can be easier or more difficult to sway people to your side at certain points in the story. The system itself is a flat accrual system where certain actions will get you points in a specific conviction. These actions can range from buffing allies in combat, to talking to tons of NPCs, to purchasing items in the shop, and even to actively deploying non-recommended units on a mission. However, all of these get you pretty minor numbers of points. The main way to gain points is through the dialogue and story choices. Because of this, it is essentially impossible to max out all three stats in a single playthrough. Or at least without absurd levels of grinding and farming which I will not be doing. In the interest of keeping the thread interactive, there will be votes at all of the route splits/important story choices. However, there are simply too many dialogue choices for it to be remotely feasible to vote on every one. Instead, we’re going to have a vote now for how we want to focus our convictions for this playthrough. The options I’m putting out are to focus on a specific conviction, a combination of two, or to try and keep all three broadly equivalent. No matter what we choose, we should end up with about the same number of people, so that shouldn’t be a factor or worry in the decision. So, just to reiterate and for emphasis, How do we want to focus our convictions? Post your votes and I’ll call it in a few days.
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Oct 26, 2022 05:25
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Let's go with Morality and Liberty.
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Oct 26, 2022 06:11
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