((Here we go, into the last battle of the chapter. While this may be a bit risky, I've doe some job changes so people can be further along the way they're going.



Ramza L.10 / Squire L.4 w/Steal
Gwynn L.11 / Thief w/Equip Crossbow L.2 (On way to Dragoon)
Lilly R. L.12 / Geomancer L.1 w/Steal (On way to Ninja) *Did Not Deploy*
Zappa L.12 / Thief L.3 w/Punch Art (On way to Dragoon as well?) *DND*
Olive L.12 / Summon L.2 w/Black Magic *DND*
Yuu L.7 / Monk L.1 w/Item (on way to... a job)
Jacqueline (Jacky) L.14 / Oracle L.2 w/White Magic (On way to... a job)
And Delita doesn't matter because guests don't matter aside plot! (but he's not just a chump at least).
Most of the characters I have a long term plan for, and personalities, to which I'm slowly remembering as I spend more time thinking about this LP again!  Yuu is intended to be 'gender fluid' despite being the male character portraits.  The joke is "Uh... hey you!" since their class is quite shrouded...when they get there.



Dragoon, guh, I mean LANCER, now that we see, has taken in a huge overhaul in action skills since Vanilla (the regular PSX/PSP version). No longer just a bunch of vert/height 1,2,3 etc, but now there's an innate range of 3 for jump targeting, as it should be, with the pentultimate being limitless height.  Reaction, Movement, and Support skills are the same.))

-January 27

Fortunately Ramza's suggestion was spot on; Teta was at Fort Zeakden, but she was also very much being held at knife-point.  At first I felt relieved that Zalbag and a squadron was also there, but then we spotted Algus.  Worse still, Zalbag ORDERED Algus to fire...



...on Teta!  He fires again on Golagros. A messenger came and led Zalbag away, leaving Algus behind.  Nobody would stop Delita from giving chace, aside Algus himself who has chosen to lump the rest of us in as 'common animals'.  Ramza included.  I'm certain nobody will miss him.  If anyone, he has nobody to blame but himself, or God.


((Well, maybe she's okay?))



((Okay fine? How about Chumpy?))



((Chumpy, I mean Algus, has double archer power! And I forgot to bring Steal Weapon?! [I'm actually lacking it, only Steal Armor so far].  He has some SICK jump range too, and he makes use of all the roofs that typically you won't touch unless you over-level earlier on, which I'm avoiding.  He makes good use of Timed Strike and Heartache Strike too but... his problem is getting close to him, not really his damage.))







Algus spent far too much time berating Ramza and preaching to him how a Beoulve should act.  How his family is nothing but to use and be used.  Be used to protect while keeping high status.  though none of us had ears for him, I believe Delita finally had heard enough.





((Interestingly, since Delita was already down, he gets back up with 1HP. I don't recall if this happens in Vanilla.))

But who would blame him; to watch a man whom was near family to him, Zalbag, order his sister to be killed?

It truly is all unfortunate to hear and see.  The fact that that's just how things really truly are, one class, one family, to just use another for their own gain.  Even if one person aims to do good, in the end it still comes down to whom is serving themselves more.  

While we still aim to to what is right and good by man... I'm afraid to say that I feel Ramza doesn't quite understand this.  It just feels like more than simple disbelief, or denial of the truth; but that he genuinely doesn't...  then again, whom am I to say what he does and doesn't think.  At the least, he tries to be a good man, class and status be damned.





Once we took care of Algus, may he rest in Hell, we were finally able to tend to Teta's body.  Or we would have would Delita let us near.  However as he approached, I realize only now that we'd forgotten Golagros had retreated into the fort, where he'd threatened explosives lay in wait.  A blast took myself and Lilly off our feet, while Ramza went to Delita's aid.

...

...



Unfortunately we all saw him engulfed in flame as the rest of the fort went up in a fantastic display of chaos.  We more or less scattered from there.  I did what I could to keep up with Ramza, but I've yet to see any of the others.  It's only been a day, but I still worry.  They know the task I've undertaken, and... hopefully when we meet again their hearts won't have swayed.  They're all good people, I would loathe to hear they've fallen to some poor fate.



((So yeah, there's some graphical errors that go on, like the menus...

Now at the end of this chapter we're skipping ahead some time.  Thus far, I've been using Jacky's journal dates alongside in-game dates, but... I refuse to believe that literally only ONE DAY passes 'in game'.  Naw.  So over the course of... a while... I'll be posting spread out entries, mostly random dates with meeting up, and meeting, the other 'generics' we'll keep using along the course of the game!

Thank you for reading and, coming soon, Chapter 2!))

-January 21

We return to Igros to report our success, only to find that the Death Corps had attacked the castle while we were away.  What inconvenient timing, as I fathom many things could have been prevented had we not been so eager for a little piece of glory.  Though none of us are truly to blame in any fashion.



Until, yet again, Algus opened his mouth.  Judging by the expressions, our group was about half-and-half on going to resuce Delita's sister, Teta, who'd been taken hostage.  Watching Delita and Ramza argue, hearing it, I think we saw both sides, but how we wanted to act... we were split.

However, Algus once more projected his disdain for 'the commoner', and was promptly rewarded with Delita's right hand.  Only Ramza moved to stop him from furthering the beating.  Myself, and us others, I do not think many, if any of us are born of true noble blood.  I too have grown weary of writing about Algus's foul words. 



After Delita stormed off, Ramza sent Algus on his way. And good riddance. However he parted with actual advice for  once; the Death Corp's base.  In hopes of finding Teta, we head there.

-January 24

We find a squadron of Death Corps trying to flee. It's impecible what timing we have.  However we've run into Miluda as well, and they were determined to run us down and through in order to escape us. As much as Ramza truly tried to come to terms with them, there was no reasoning, and we had to put them to death, lest we ourselves fall.  A name was spoken; Golgoros, during the fight. 









At least we know now who has Teta, and can better track her.




-------------------

(I'd promised a character update but... it was lost as it was supposed to go at the TOP of this entry, not the bottom. Here's the jist of things so far)

Ramza - Lv 8 (Lv 4 Thief w/Poach)
Gwynn - Lv 11 (Lv 5 Knight w/Eq Crossbow)
Lilly R. - Lv 11 (Lv 1 Geomancer w/Steal)
Zappa - Lv 10 (Lv 4 Thief w/Punch Arts)
Olive - Lv 11 (Lv 2 Summoner w/Black Magic)
Yuu - Lv 8 (Lv 1 Marksman 3/14 progress to Mime)
Jacky - Lv 11 (Lv 1 Oracle w/White Magic)

-January 11

It took an unfortunate amount of time, but we were finally able to find the "Sand Rat Cellar" that was mentioned to us. We'd hoped that there was only the one, and our search would be ended swiftly.



The number of guards were surprisingly small, and smaller still were the ones that did not outright flee when we arrived. The shift in numbers was quite the boon. I know now that Algus, unsurprisingly, did very little to aid us, and we found him feigning injury once more. Though nobles we aren't, I begin to wonder if he thinks us as lowly as the Death Corps themselves.









When we got to the Marquis, he was unconscious. Both the leader and captain of the Death Corps were there, though only their leader Wiegraf stood. He insisted we take the Marquis back, much to our surprise.





As were his words, it was not his intention to take the Marquis at all, rather, it was this Gustav's undertaking, as a desperate resort for living funds.

Wiegraf bartered his own life for the Marquis, but despite Algus's objection, we took the offer. Even if outnumbered, *I hear a wild beast is most dangerous when backed into a corner.



With the Marquis in our custody, we've nothing but the long trip back to Igros. I can only hope without incident.

*That sounds rather disgusting of me to say, and it's not my intention to call the man a wild beast, but compare his situation so.

-January 16

Tomorrow we arrive in Igros with the Marquis. With him around, I've seen Algus's attitude change drastically. He cooperates and is kind, surely to save face. Aside bandits and monsters along the route, nothing has occurred of note.

We are becoming more learned in battle as well. Miss Lilly has shown amazing speed, and Gwynn fantastic accuracy no matter the situation. Zappa continues to charge into battle recklessly, but always seems to come out on top somehow, and like myself, Olive as taken to the magical arts.

I feel that if another long, uneventful trek occurs, I may transcribe a personal talk with one of our own. If this task is to become as grand as Professor Darlavon and I believe, recording their lives and thoughts will be just as important as Ramza's activities.


--- ---

((This time we've gotten access to two new classes, but nothing about their commands has changed at all.  Oracle and Time Mage.))






Now let's take a look at our Einherjar, as of entering Irgos:
Ramza (lv.5) Lv.1 Thief
Gwynn (lv.8) Lv.2 Knight (Lv.4 Marksman) w/Equip Crossbow
Lilly R. (lv.8) Lv.2 Knight (Lv.3 Thief) w/Steal (Heart/Helm/Weapon)
Zappa (lv.7) Lv.2 Marksman (Lv.3 Monk) w/Punch Arts
Olive (lv.8) Lv.2 Time Mage (Lv.4 Wizard) w/Black Magic
Yuu (lv.3) Lv.2 Squire (Lv.3 Chemist)
Jacky (lv.9) Lv.3 Wizard (Lv.5 Priest) w/White Magic

-January 9

We have reached Doreter, a trade city that's fallen into a bit of disarray after the war, but, still the city thrives. We'd chosen to split up for the sake of getting more information faster. Hopefully someone had seen the Marquis. Of course Algus was off in a hurry to find the Marquis and we could not let him be by himself. Ramza and Delita took with him while the rest of us split into other groups to ask around.



We were lucky to come across two of the Death Corp fighting amongst one another, and luckier still that Delita recognized one of them on the spot. And from so far away at that. Yuu claimed to recognize him as well as Olive but... we know well that Olive doesn't not speak up often.





While we'd split up, I wish I knew what manner of conversation the three of Ramza, Algus, and Delita had, because the boy was eager for a fight once more of the Death Corp arrived to cover the escape of their leader, Wiegraff.



I'd not seen him so eager for a fight before, and yet, considering Algus's mannerisms, I would not put it past Ramza to need to let off some steam, and whom better than those who are troubling the peace.

Between our two teams, we managed to scatter or kill the Death Corps, as well as capture one of them as well. Of course Algus insisted on seeing to his interrogation. Ramza, Delita and I made sure to accompany him. I had no interest in interrogating him myself but, for the sake of observation I went along. At least twice now I've missed out on things Ramza has done. He was considerate enough to share with us his conversations, but I feel that may not last for much longer.

Or at least not with Algus in our company. I believe we would do well to rescue the Marquis without him, even if it is not our place.



Again, Algus shows no respect for his fellow man, bandit he may be. The man spent more time beating our captive than he did asking him questions. Had I the power, I'd have stopped him. Fortunately Ramza was considerate enough to at least put in effort. I'd have liked him to put hands on Algus but... At least we got the information we were ideally after.



We make way north for Zeklaus Desert.




Go here for an extension to the entry.  All about some of the classes not previously mentioned or featured.

-January 4

Due in large part to Algus's company and his curious inability to get along with others. It's a wonder how it is he was the ONLY one that got away while the rest of his squad was slaughtered and the Marquis Elmdor was taken captive. The way he speaks to belittle everyone... Did he flee on his own, or sell out his friends for his own sake.

Or perhaps I'm simply not at ease with his attitude. He speaks ill of others when he thinks he cannot be heard. Zappa has had to be held back from assaulting him.

The night before we arrived at Igros, we were accosted by thieves. I wonder if they were reinforcements to those we'd saved Algus from earlier.




((Look at that level disparity! My team is only level 1-3!))

-January 5

We have reached Igros Castle. While Ramza took Delita and Algus to see his brother, the rest of us reported for guard duty, as was our assignment. They didn't seem to be any short on guard, but they appreciated the support from Gariland.


It was during us settling into the barracks that Ramza had returned. He spoke with us, telling that at first we would be here but, one of his brothers had tipped him off to the Marquis's presence. He wants to help Algus, but going on their own would mean certain death.

I cannot say for certain, but I feel that when I agreed to go along, I swayed the opinion of my companions. Perhaps they are just as dedicated to my task as I am. And they know well that I cannot do it alone.

Before we left the barracks, the head of the guard asked that we take one more with us. Their name is Yuu and, I'll be perfectly honest, I cannot discern their gender at a glance, and I feel most awkward to just ASK. However they seem capable, and more manpower, the better.


((Yuu is actually a slot-filling place holder. New characters are added into missing numbers. When other characters were cleared out, it left a gap between Olive and Jacky. Later on, if this isn't filled, Rad, Alicia, or Lavian would be put here, or any other guest-gone-recruit. Because I'm too organized, I filled the slot with Yuu (because, hey you, they're not supposed to know what kind of person, even gender, they are). Yuu was randomly picked to be male (alternating male to female searching for good Brave/Faith scores), and their job will be changed at random after every battle they take part in. We'll see if they make it to Mime by the end of the game!))

-January 6

I was wrong about the thieves from the night before. They were simply thieves. We came across more of the Death Corp today, whom were looking for yesterday's patrol which we'd had it out with to save Algus.



Algus refused, outright, to leave the safety of the caravan. Yuu fought along with us but told us, before we returned to the group, that he heard Algus speak "Let the low-born fight amongst themselves. He'll save his strength for those who took the Marquis."

We returned to see Algus nursing a blow to his cheek. I suspected Zappa or Gwyn, but it was Olive who'd struck him!

-January 7

We have returned to Gariland, and simply stopped by to restock and better arm ourselves. It's impressive how much more we learn through true trials of battle, rather than mock combat and textbooks.


((We can see here that "Archer" is now renamed "Marksman" and comes with entirely more useful skills. Timed strike is much like Charge +2, and Stunning Strike will INTERRUPT casting!))


((Knight is still largely the same, but the 'Ruin' skills are now MP based, with a range of 2, rather than the weapon's range. It's different, but not necessarily better or worse.))


((Having forgot to show this before, Squire has a slew of new skills. Wish is now a common skill that revives allies. Beat Down is a low-accuracy hit with probably +1 physical assigned to it. Cheer Up grants regen on a target. Accumulate now has a charge time!))



((And with that I leave you with this curious mistake in the coding!))

-December 28

I went to Instructor Darlavon to discuss a dream I had. However one of the other instructors he was with was there, and as I began to explain, describing one of our classmates Ramza, they all found my dream more interesting. I thought it concerning since, dreams often seen as a sign of the future and this one was awfully vivid, the feeling of the air, the magic flying around me, seeing Princess Ovelia kidnapped.

They, too, had the same dream, and though many of the other faces were unclear, they all saw Ramza there. So it was decided that I should try to stay near him, since we are in the same squadron here at Gariland Akademy. Something great and important may be happening, if three unrelated people are having visions of his future.

I do not know how well I could help him in a real battle but, at the least I can watch, and record. This is all I need to do, is it not?

-December 30

I've convinced some of my squadron to stick with me, should something truly happen. It's good to know I have this support. But for now, we celebrate the incoming new year.

-January 1

With the new year, our squad, Ramza and his friend included, were to be assigned defense of Igros Castle. However, shortly into the announcement, we received word thieves sneaked into the city, and we were tasked with defending it before anything else.

Though our groups were split up to cover the city, we, along with Ramza, were the lucky... no... the unlucky ones to find the thieves.


Myself, a purveyor of healing arts, though I do like to dabble around. ((And our scribe we're reading from.))


Gwynn. He's rather good with a bow.


Olive. Also good with a bow, but she seems reluctant about it.


Celine. She was fairly quick on her feet, and observant.


Neilson. He's always try to help others in other squad study. Smart for sure, but not the most... dexterous.


McGyle. He was always scheming something, but I never really spoke with him much.

I make mention of everyone to remember them as... not all of us made it through that day. And not all of us were quite privy to my intentions either. I daresay that I'm at fault for Celine's passing. Had she known my intentions, perhaps she'd not reacted the way she had and taken an arrow in my stead. Neilson was lost to us as well, hoping that nobody had to die that day, even the thieves. One of them took a knife to his back while he was tending to one of their friend's wounds. McGyle... curiously vanished during the confusion. I don't know if he fled or was captured but he neither reported in, nor was his body found afterward.

Ramza and his friend Delita held their own for a while, but managed the get themselves both knocked out. I tended to him quickly, and he soon saw to his friend rather than continue subduing the thieves afterward.

After the matter, we were joined by two other cadets from other squads, or... so they say at least.


Zappa, or so he says his name is. He seems eager and capable. ((Why yes, this is a self-insert!))


Lilly. She's rather... erm... mature, but she seems quite experienced. ((And yes, my OC. I only have the one really.))

Ramza went off to have a talk with his family, so in the meantime I had a talk with our new ranks, bringing everyone up to speed. Olive and Gwynn were aware of my objective, but at least now I've brought the rest up to speed, with good responses as well. I'm very fortunate that even strangers would support me in such a curious endeavor.