Ieyasu/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

Is a battle upon us?

On Entering a Room

I will use my strength to create peace.

When Quest Begins

Let us take up our arms and go forth!

Are your preparations complete?

Response to Beginning of a Quest

I shall hold nothing back!

My preparations are flawless!

When Controlling Character in Quest

Permit me to handle this.

When Receiving a Heal

My thanks.

You have my gratitude.

When Entering a Boss’ Room

Only their general remains. We must take it down!

To victory!

Response to Entering a Boss’ Room

Victory is ours for the taking!

Let us seize this victory!

Upon Getting to Low Health

This is a challenge I did not expect to face...

I can still endure.

Upon Opening A Chest

That is quite the find.

That is for all to share.

Boss on Low Health

Seize our victory!

This is the decisive moment. Do not let it pass!

Boss Enters Break State

Grab this chance and never let it go!

Take their general's head!

Rare Enemy Spawns

What an unusual foe.

How peculiar...

Upon Death

How regrettable...

This life is fleeting...

Upon Revival

I will not yield.

When Using Weapon/Shared Skills

Damage: Prepare yourself!

Buff Self: I will not hold back.

Buff Ally: We strike as one!

Debuff Enemy: Stand down.

Heal Ally: Stay alert.

Heal Self: I can still fight on.

Player Uses Damaging Skill

A splendid feat of strength!

Simply spectacular!

When Shape Shifting is Ready

I am already one with my dragon!

The power of my soulpact is ready to be utilized!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

Behold the power of a soulpact!

Idle During Quest

Haste breeds mistakes— advance with caution.

I smell flowers in the air.

Quest Clear

The most satisfactory conclusion.

Quest Failure

I accept full responsibility for this outcome.

Home Screen Walking

May this be yet another fine day.

I believe it is time to eat.

I must take up my pen once more.

Perhaps I should make some tea.

The darkness of night encroaches upon us...

I must polish my blade.

Home Screen Inside

A kotatsu in winter is like nothing else. When you feel its warm embrace, you will understand.

Anger and impatience do a man no good. One must remain calm and composed at all times.

I find little Notte most fascinating. Indeed, this is the first time I have beheld a faerie.

I would love to hold a tea ceremony with everyone in the courtyard one day. I will provide the tea.

I have quite the sweet tooth, believe it or not.

Nothing calms the spirit like flowers. I especially love those that triumph over winter's chill.

Home Screen Portrait

The heads of the Twelve Wyrmclans each worship a different animal. Mine is the boar.

The cherry blossoms in Hinomoto are a sight to behold. I would love to show them to you one day.

Those bound by soulpacts have short lives. Which is all the more reason we must live to the fullest.

I will do what I must to bring about an age of peace. Even if that means fighting.

Collection Portrait

Botan's recklessness causes no shortage of headaches. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Pray, keep that to yourself.

I taught Addis the swordsmanship of Hinomoto, and was astounded at how quickly he picked it up.

Sazanka is like a sister to me. You would do well to avoid her fury.

Marishiten is a dependable companion, although a bit too hot-blooded when it comes to combat.

I look forward to the day you become a fine ruler and bring peace to your country.

At The Halidom

Can I help you?

This castle is ever so lively.

I ought to go and greet the dragons here.

New Mana Circle Unlocked

I must always strive to be a worthy head of my clan.

On Mana Circle Fully Unbound

I will show you the true strength of a soulpact!

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

Pactbound with a War Dragon

Oh baby, today's snacks look gooood. I'm diggin' in! Yeah. We don't have any fiend-eliminating assignments to worry about, so let's enjoy it while we can. Yep! Nothing better than a peaceful day and a face full of food. *chomp* Now that I'm thinking about it, we've had a lot of days like this recently. Hey, yeah. Maybe the world finally stopped going bananas or whatever. The villages haven't reported any trouble, either. Hmm... I wonder... Uh oh. You've got your thinky face on. Well, don't you think it's a little odd? It's not like we've solved all of Alberia's problems recently or anything. It's just too...peaceful. I can't believe you're complaining about a LACK of fiends. I'm not complaining! I'm just... Wait a sec... Wait just one hot second! You don't think this has anything to do with those rumors, do you? Er, what rumors? The rumors, man! The ones about a super awesome dragon that's going around layin' the hurt on bad guys and fiends alike! Maybe our vigilante dragon friend has all the evildoers on the run. Huh. I'd like to meet this dragon. Well then, let's go! Not like we've got anything else to do today. It might even be willing to work with us in some kind of permanent arrangement. Right then—we're off to find a dragon! ...Okay, so the first time I heard the rumor was in this village here. Hmm... Nope. No dragon. Everything looks to be nice and quiet around he— EEEEEEEEEK! A scream! It came from over there! Hurry, Euden! Bwa ha ha! Just lookit all the coin ya gots in this here shop'a yours! Folks spend more what when they ain't scared—and that means there's more for us to take! Bwaaaa ha ha ha! Please, no! I need that money to put food on my family's table! Whazzat, little girl? You backtalkin' us? The scream came from this shop! Then let's get in there and save— The hell's goin' on here? Couple of thugs beatin' up on a young shopkeeper? Pathetic. Oy, we ain't pathetic! I'll show ya who's... Blimey, but this thing's huge... and it gots a TAIL?! Them horns on its head ain't clip-ons... If it's a fight you're looking for, I'll happily give it to you. I'm Marishiten, by the way. Folks call me the dragon of battle. Run awaaaay! It's gonna eat uuuuuus! Oy, don't leave me 'ere! Waaaaait! Please. I'd never eat you. I don't enjoy chickens. Th-thank you for saving me, O mighty dragon! Here's the money they tried to take. That was nearly a disaster, eh? I cannot thank you enough! Right then. Looks like we're done here. Excuse me. Marishiten, was it? Yeah? Whatcha want? ...Hey, wait. I know you. You're that Alberian... Ah, how wonderful to see you again, Prince Euden! "Boar of the Twelve Wyrmclans: Ieyasu"

Those of the Wyrmclans pledge themselves to dragons in the form of a soulpact. This allows them to harbor the power of the dragon within. Ieyasu has made a soulpact with Marishiten, also known as the dragon of battle.

Ieyasu! When did you arrive here?! Several days ago. We were actually on our way to your castle, but... Well, I could not idly stand by and permit such an injustice to occur. I'd expect nothing less from you. But why turn yourself into a dragon? The greatest victory is one gained without bloodshed. There's no need for me to cross swords with a local oaf when I can scare him away with a mere glimpse of my dragon. Wait a second... The dragon we keep hearing about in rumors is YOU?! There are rumors of me? Stories are flying about a dragon that's been punishing fiends and criminals. Well! How very delightful. But Ieyasu, you're the candidate to be the next shogun. Is it really okay for you to be so far away from Hinomoto? I have left my territories in more-than-capable hands. After all, it is necessary to learn of other countries in order to develop one's own. When I visited this land over the new year, I became quite interested in your concept of nation-building. If it's not too much trouble, I'd hoped to spend some time with you in order to learn a few things. You're more than welcome. I thank you most humbly.

Episode 2

A Fleeting Life

Alberian food truly is delightful. Cleo will be happy to hear that. By the way, Ieyasu, what do you want to do today? You said you came here to learn things, right? I did indeed. Perhaps we might start by looking at surrounding towns and villages. I didn't have much time to do so over the new year, you see. I'm happy to play tour guide in that case. Let's go to a village that's new to you. You have my gratitude. This is truly a beautiful country. I'm happy to hear you say that. Still, I wish you could have seen it before the war; that was Alberia at its finest. I suppose you'll just have to wait until I put the country back together again. I will do everything in my power to help you realize that day. Thank you. That's very encouraging. ...Hmm? Why is that person sitting on the ground over there? Owwww... My leg... Pardon me, sir. Are you injured? I think I sprained my leg... Er, but who are you? My name is Ieyasu, and I am a traveling warrior from the land of Hinomoto. Why don't you let us help you home? Oh no! I couldn't possibly impose on a pair of weary travelers. We won't hear of leaving you by the side of the road, sir! Now climb on my back. W-well, I suppose if you insist... Thank you so much for seeing me home. It was no bother. Our aid was proffered freely. I am lucky to have met such kind and generous people. Thank you again. May your travels be saf—OWWWW! What now?! I attempted to put weight on my leg, but... Well, as you can see, it was a poor idea. Do you have family here with you? It's naught but me, I fear. I know I asked you to show me around your lands, Euden, but... Well, would you mind overmuch if we stayed here and tended to this man? I was going to suggest the same thing. Is that acceptable to you, sir? May we look after you? Would you? Oh, thank you! ...The sun has nearly set. Thank you for humoring my selfishness, Euden. Apologies again for the change of plans. You don't have to apologize. I wanted to help. You're a truly kind person, Ieyasu. You thought only of helping that man, no matter the cost to yourself. Kind? Oh no. All that I do, I do for selfish reasons. I don't understand. Do you remember how we of the Wyrmclans—the candidates to be future rulers of Hinomoto—have such short lives? Because you made a soulpact to gain the power of a dragon. Just so. We use our own souls as a medium—essentially giving up our lives in order to wield a dragon's power. Because of that, we are burdened with the fate of a short life. I carry this burden, as did my father before me. Your father also had a soulpact? He did—which is why I carried on his legacy and forged one myself. I've heard this is why my father left the world when I was but a child. I see... I'm sorry; I didn't mean to make you keep talking about it. My apologies. I did not mean to cause you any distress. After all, if I am not sad about it, there is no reason for you to be. You're not sad about it? Oh, I was sad at the time, of course. But my feelings have moved on. My father knew he did not have long, so he treated me with great affection. It was the same love he showed to all his people, in fact. In this way, he left the world without regret, and allowed those who stayed behind to face an optimistic future. Your father sounds like he was a wonderful man. I am proud to be his son—even though I was never able to return the love my father showed for me in full. Helping that elderly gentleman, however, makes me feel like I'm doing for him what I could not do for my own kin. That is why I called it selfish. The old man didn't think it was selfish. And even if it came from a selfish place, the fact that you reached out to help someone in need still makes it a kind act. Thank you, Euden. Now then, I suppose we should be getting back at some point. You're right. (The Wyrmclan leaders forge soulpacts with dragons, cursing themselves to live shortened lives... How did they come to take on such a role?)

Episode 3

The Wyrmclans' Resolve

My apologies for barging into your room in such a way, but there is a matter I wish to speak about with you. Of course. What is it? I would know more of this "shapeshifting" within the Alberian royal family. It seems to have similar power to that of the soulpact, but I'm sure there must be differences. What do you want to know? So within the Alberian royal family, shapeshifting is made possible due to the ties between human and dragon, yes? That's right. Only those with dragonblood can shapeshift—and that blood has run through our family for generations. Fascinating. Though our powers be similar, their foundations are so very different. Can I ask you about the Wyrmclans' soulpact now that we're talking? Yes, of course. Ask anything you like. What is it like when you're in the dragon's form? With Marishiten, I mean? Because it seems like your personality and way of speaking are...very different. Heh. It is something of a surprise the first time you see it, isn't it? To put it simply, when I transform, I become Marishiten body and soul. For all intents and purposes, I AM her. The Ieyasu that you know is gone. So I suppose it's not surprising that I appear to be a different person. I just find that hard to imagine. That's not surprising; it is a very different experience from your shapeshifting. Ieyasu, can I ask you something else? Why does the soulpact shorten your life? Is it because the dragons demand it? I can't believe they would ask such a price. Hmm. You place more trust in dragons than I thought. I can see by your face how much you do not wish such a thing to be true. No, that's not... Then let me put your mind at ease. The shogun's family makes this choice of its own free will, and with open eyes. We are most resolute. Resolute? It is true that we have built a peaceful era in Hinomoto. However, the past was a troubled time where war followed endless war. Our first shogun looked to Amaterasu, the leader of Hinomoto's dragons, for help ending this chaos. Amaterasu was powerful beyond measure, but had long refused to meddle in mere human affairs. But something changed her mind. Yes—the shogun's resolve to surrender his soul. To prove how dearly he wanted peace, the shogun offered to form a soulpact with great Amaterasu. Together, they quelled the wars that plagued our land. Ever since, his descendants have been tasked with preserving this fragile peace. I had no idea Hinomoto had such a history. The price of a soulpact is a heavy one. But it is just that—a price. It is the manifestation of the resolve to protect Hinomoto's precious peace, even at the cost of one's life. But how can you accept such a fate? Doesn't it make you angry? I am a warrior—and a true warrior has the courage to act according to their beliefs. If my life is given for those beliefs, then I am content. You're strong to accept this fate so readily. As you are strong in my own eyes. You must have something you would give your life to protect, no? I do. My country, my people, my friends... and my sister. I would give everything to see any and all of them safe. No. I WILL give everything for that. My resolve burns equally bright. The only difference is how immediately obvious its cost is. From what I have seen, you are the kind of man who acts without regard to your own safety. Is this accurate? I suppose I've been accused of that. ...Er, by pretty much everyone. Then we are the same. I understand. And I apologize if my first impression of the soulpact was negative. There is no shame in placing value on life. After all, life thrives in a land whose ruler thinks it precious. So never forget your feelings thus!

Episode 4

An Ideal Leader

Help! Haaaalp! What is it?! What happened?! The Empire has seized our village! The new lord levied heavy taxes on us and drafted our men to fight—and now he's sent soldiers to see his will done! We'll starve to death before the winter is out if he sees this plan through! We don't know what to do! All right. I'll take care of it. Pray allow me to accompany you. I cannot overlook citizens in trouble. We'd better hurry. That's our village there. Look at all the destruction... The lord said he wanted to teach a lesson, so he did. Said he'd use us as an example of what happens to those who defy him. This is naught but base tyranny! Please, sir! Please lessen our taxes just a little! We're but a poor village! If you can't pay with coin, you'll pay with your service. Take him to the militia! Yes, sir! I can't just stand here and watch this! Wait. I understand well your rage, but now is not the time to interfere. You are an enemy of this Empire, yes? If you were to interfere, it would go badly for this village in the future no matter how things end today. But if I don't... It would be better for an outsider to take on this task. Pray allow me to do so. Patience wins wars, not anger. Do not let your feelings control you. Wait and watch, then seize the opportunity to do as you must. He's walking right toward those soldiers! They'll kill him dead, so they will! Let's trust he knows what he's doing. Please, sir! If you take my son away, there's no one left to work the fields! Would you prefer we burn your pathetic hovel to the ground instead? Nooo! It ill befits a lord to threaten his own people. Ah ha ha! Who are you supposed to be, and what are you WEARING?! My name is Ieyasu, and I am a traveling warrior from the land of Hinomoto. That dinky little island to the east? Well, I don't care where you hail from— outsiders shouldn't meddle in affairs that don't concern them. You are a lord, yes? You rule over these people and this land? A lord should serve always the needs of the people, and yet you bring naught but pain and hardship. I could remove your head from your shoulders for such insolence—but as you are clearly some foolish outsider, let me enlighten you instead. Those of low birth are duty-bound to aid their social betters, much as a farmer guides oxen with the yoke. I come from a great line; these people should be GRATEFUL to serve me. That's something a wandering fool like you could never understand! You are correct. I do not understand... I do not understand how you can speak words so lacking in honor! What did you say to me?! You lack all sense of honor and decency. You life is devoid of meaning. Those blessed to stand atop the world must live a just life—and that means thinking always of the less-fortunate. You, however, think of naught but yourself. That makes you no different from a wild beast that exists moment to moment, seeking only to satisfy its instinct. You may be a stranger here, but my mercy will only go so far! Guards! No! P-please! Why do you point your weapons at us?! We've done nothing! What do you hope to achieve by threatening your people so? These people owe their fair share of tax. ...Unless YOU mean to pay it for them? They say a sword is a warrior's soul, do they not? And the one you carry is fine indeed. If you wish to save these people so badly, give me your sword in their stead. You would hostage your own people in order to gain my soul? Very well. It is yours. Why would you pay such a price for mere rabble that you don't even know?! There is no price being paid here. You seek to claim my soul, but you cannot take from me what I have already given. What the... He transformed! Hello there, boys! ...Let's dance. Eeep! D-don't let this one scare you! Attaaaaack! Huh. Point for courage, I suppose. Guess we'll do this the old-fashioned way! Yaaargh! Graaaagh! You men! What's wrong with you?! Why are you all falling over?! Those lacking in skill can't even see my sword in action. Pathetic. S-stay away, you...you murderer! I'm the dragon of battle! Your words are wind to me! Now run, unless you wanna die here. Run and never look back. Th-this village is madness itself! I'll never come back here again! ...He's a surprisingly fast runner for a nobleman. P-please, sir! Spare our lives! My apologies for frightening you. Rest assured I am on your side. You saved us! But what will happen to our village now? Worry not, good people. There is someone here that will vouchsafe your safety. Euden! Come forth! From this moment forward, I will protect this village in the name of the Alberian royal family. Wait, who are YOU? Mother of mercy! It's the prince himself! The seventh scion of the Alberian throne! Oh, this is wonderful news! I understand now what you meant when you said I would do as I must. Indeed, for you are the only one fit to watch over this villa... Hmm? Owww... I'm...I'm alive? Ah, yes. While I could have cut all of you down, I chose instead to strike with the blunt of my blade. Marishiten is violent, but she has never slain a person against my express will. Now that you have escaped death, think carefully about how you will make use of your lives from now on. ...... Well! I believe that is, as they say, that. Why didn't you finish those men off? The greatest victory is one gained without shedding a drop of blood. It seems Marishiten understands this as well. And you only emerged victorious because you understand each other so well... Thank you for coming today, Ieyasu. This story would have ended very differently if not for you. You are an ideal leader; I hope to learn much more from you in the future. I am nothing so special. However, I would be glad to impart what wisdom I may to you. And I would be glad to listen.

Episode 5

Two Wise Rulers

What are you doing out in the courtyard at this hour, Ieyasu? I was merely examining the night sky. The stars above must be the same as the ones we see in Hinomoto, no? How is it that such different countries can exist beneath the selfsame sky? Mind a little company? Please, join me. I wanted to thank you for earlier. At the village, you mean. You found a way to save everyone without catching the Empire's eye. You also spoke to that lord of honor. Can you tell me a little more about honor in Hinomoto? I've been wondering if it's some special way of thinking. Honor is the most important virtue on the path of the warrior. What is the path of the warrior? They are the rules that govern all in a warrior's life. We are tasked to carry out justice bravely and correctly. In order to do so, there must be a code that we can follow. A correct way to live, if you will. Swords and dragons have the power to cause great harm, and the common people rightfully fear them. Justice obtained through fear is no justice at all—which is why it must be tempered always with honor. So that's why you think the greatest victory is one gained without bloodshed... Indeed. I cannot abide the sight of blood. It...frightens me. Wait, really?! Spilled blood means that someone has been injured. This is the antithesis of the peace I've fought for all my life. The best war is the one that never occurs. I'm really surprised to hear this. Oh? How so? It just doesn't sound like something you'd hear from a man who made a pact with the dragon of battle. I assume Marishiten enjoys fighting? She does indeed—and we are not compatible in this at all. I knew it... Yet you still managed to form a soulpact? It wasn't easy... She refused to give me so much as the time of day at first. Marishiten loves battle, but I hate it. In fact, I so loathe it that it nearly led to my destruction on several occasions. Then why did you choose Marishiten for your soulpact? Because I am greedy; I lusted after the power necessary to keep the peace. More than anything, I wanted that peace to continue into eternity. I could never fulfill such an unreasonable wish on my own. And so, I sought out the most powerful and bloodthirsty dragon that I knew of. —Flashback— ...I don't get you at all. You hate war, but you're so damn GOOD at it! If you hate fightin' so much, throw your weapons away and just stay home! But then I could not protect the people's peace. You wanna use my power for PEACE? Bwa ha ha! You ARE a strange one! Everybody who's approached me up to this point has been some power-hungry tyrant lookin' to rule the world. Ruling the world is incidental to me. I seek your power only to save it. So the world's just...what? A side-dish? Bwaaa ha ha! But sure, okay. I'll take a spin on this whimsical ride of yours. —End Flashback—

So that's why she made a soulpact with you... She's a wonderful partner now, but in the beginning she was merely bemused. In truth, I cannot blame her for this. She'd probably feel exactly the same way about what I'm trying to do here. But I'm still not going to give up. If I just keep moving forward, I'll eventually accomplish things that once seemed impossible. You, too, are a strange one— and yet there is power to your words. They almost make me feel as though my goals can become reality. Your goals will be achieved because YOU make it so. They won't just happen. You just need to be confident and keep following your warrior's path. Well said, my friend. Then as one who shares your desire for peace, I swear this to you... I will continue to follow the way of the warrior until I see my peace realized! And I won't stop until my people know the same peace that Hinomoto does. It is good to have met an honest royal like you in a strange and foreign land. And yet, we still have much to accomplish...