twistedintern

[twistedintern]

A Magic Historian Put to the Test!

It should go without saying that following several upgrades I hastened to put Professor Trein through the burner as I had with Headmaster Crowley and Professor Crewel previously.

The nature of the tests in rotation at the time of writing were not as ideal as Crewel's, which, if you recall, yielded a S5 score. Trein is simply not quite as versatile as the former, which I'm loath to admit is a tad frustrating. On the other hand, gauging his success in those battles not suited for his particular skill set is extremely gratifying in its own right.

The only test I could utilize Professor Trein in was Cosmic Defense. It's not as cut-and-dried as one might think, as there is little to stay the onslaught of neutral damage wrought by the enemy side.

My team composition was as follows:

SSR Cerberus Gear Ortho Level 110/110 | 10/10(/10) | 10/10/10

SSR Raven Jacket Crowley Level 102/110 | 10(/10)/10 | ?/?/?

SSR Dorm Uniform Idia Level 90/105 | 5/10(/5) | 10/10/10

SSR Strict Suit Trein Level 105/107 | (10/)10/10 | 10/10/10

SSR Rich Fur Coat Crewel 102/110 | (10/)10/10 | ?/?/?

I know: I only have myself to blame for struggling with this one because none of my units except Cerberus Gear Ortho are maxed out. The test in question featured Curse, leading to multiple false starts. Furthermore, optimal conditions required Crowley and Trein to use their third spells out the gate, and internal RNG makes it so their appearance isn't guaranteed. From there, Ortho must use his first spell on turn two.

The good news is that the best case scenario produces wonderful results!

This is actually my first Cosmic S4 score! Not too shabby, eh?

[twistedintern]

For all the days spent yearning; for all the uncertainty that plagued my mind with anguish and despair to dissipate in but an instant....

It wasn't a mistake to believe in something like love, I suppose.

What a blessed and magnificent start to the year!

Graced by divine splendor, the choirs of heaven herald the coming of the stuff of dreams...!

For far, far too long have I suffered without--but hark! Now I proudly face each new day with vigor and vim: conviction bolstered by treasure of immeasurable worth.

Aha... my apologies, visitors. I simply couldn't resist indulging my childish fantasies. To feed delusion and humor dalliance with something to suggest that maybe, just maybe, there could be more between us....

I have plenty more footage to share, but I am limited to one recording per post. Instead, I'll share some key highlights from my photo reel.

[twistedintern]

Salutations, visitors!

Now, I know what you all are thinking:

"Are you alright? If so, why didn't I see you screaming on the fifteenth?"

I assure you that I would have done so and indeed planned to do so, but setting my alarm for the end of maintenance robbed me of sleep on a particularly busy workday, completely bleeding my energy reserves dry. I've been occupied with offline matters since.

However, I do fully intend to devote not one but several posts to my experiences over the last few days, as I have taken entirely too many screenshots and recorded much too much footage of Professor Trein between then and now. I'm very eager to share my sentiments and thoughts with you!

Sadly, Professor Trein was nowhere near as kind to my gems as Professor Crewel (or even Headmaster Crowley, for that matter). He took me to what is affectionately known as "hard pity" (two hundred pulls). I suppose it's only fitting that the universe bestow upon my person a most heinous tribulation. Even so, I cannot bring myself to be angry with him or the cosmic forces to be. I'm just glad--nay, overjoyed--that after 1,765 days, my dream came true.

His new poses and gestures were easily worth nearly five years' wait tenfold. As he has become more expressive, so too is he all the more endearing--whenever I see him on my home screen, I feel myself swoon, and I find myself wearing a smile most warm and tender. I've never experienced anything quite like this.

[twistedintern]

Immaculate. The pinnacle of perfection. O wondrous image of the divine, one which mortals' gaze could only hope to appreciate in all its splendor!

Now... let us proceed with the SSR Strict Suit meta analysis, followed by enlightening theorycraft.

It should come as little surprise that the developers chose to bestow upon our esteemed historian a defensive kit the likes we have never seen previously.

His card boasts the highest HP of any card; a most fitting and perfect foil to Professor Crewel's beastly POW stat

Speaking of which, his duo buddy is none other than Crewel, following the established pattern among NRC cards (this suggests he will be Coach Vargas's duo partner)

Much like his colleagues, Professor Trein's third spell has a unique buff that benefits others, which in this case is a large boost to damage resistance--an enduring one lasting five turns, at that! His is, however, the first of the staff to grant a boon to all members of a team, as opposed to a single ally

Speculation comes into play in order to understand his elemental attribute. Why only Flora spells? Realization struck a few shrewd acquaintances of mine almost instantly--whereupon they lauded praise upon the developers, who expertly wove lore and symbolism into practical application. You see, the answer lies not primarily within Trein himself, but instead his card kit's design in relation to an entirely different character's SSR that exists in the game.

That character is none other than Rollo Flamme. For Trein figures most prominently not in the main story, but in the former's Glorious Masquerade.

Rollo's SSR is a pure Fire Attack card that behaves in a selfish manner to unleash powered-up spells upon foes

This is not only representative of his Unique Magic, Dark Fire, but the fire lotuses which drained mages of their magic reserves

Rollo set in motion the catastrophe for illogical, self-serving ends--he cared not for any incidental victims who he possibly hurt in doing so

Professor Trein, ever a selfless and sacrificing soul, acted to protect his students and strangers despite the immediate risk the flowers posed to his life

He would have confronted Rollo himself were it not for his students' insistence that doing so was reckless and that he would be of greater use to the townspeople

This behavior furthermore parallels Lady Tremaine's determination to protect her fortunes at any cost; the element of bounty is best represented by nature (Flora) and the color green is sometimes said to symbolize wealth.

There is yet another, more ribald implication that Flora's elemental advantage over the Water element might be a nod to Trein's romantic forays with his late wife during their honeymoon within the City of Flowers's waterways....

Isn't it fascinating? I certainly never would have thought of something so nuanced myself!

Yes, dear visitors. What you see is a new pose: one very unlike others; speaking to authority, to duty, to propriety. How cruel that he should look so unbearably handsome and stately....

All that remains is the wait with bated breath for the arrival of my date with destiny....

[twistedintern]

Trein Station Ad!

[twistedintern]

🚨 THIS IS NOT A DRILL! 🚨

THE PROPHESIED DAY WILL SOON BE UPON US, VISITORS.

Allow me, if you would be so kind, a moment to put aside my everyday formalities for a time....

Deep breaths. Deep, deep breaths--come now, Kyuu! You've been waiting nearly five years for this very moment. You mustn't--no, absolutely cannot--lose heart!

And yet... still. I simply... don't know what to say. Or rather, I cannot find the words (not without spending hours waxing poetic).

I feel as though I've been thrust somewhere between providence and a waking dream. I am well aware that this is indeed real life and not some fabrication of my whimsy.

I'm trembling as I type this. Not once has this smile gracing my features vanished with the passage of the day.

I'll be certain to update you all as details are made available.

On a quasi-relevant note, I adopted a tuxedo kitten back in September. He's so darling and lovable!

I don't suppose any of you would care to guess his name?

[twistedintern]

A Treasure Most Scent-acular!

Thanks to a winning formula equal parts know-how, careful planning, and the abundant kindness of good friends, the stars aligned in my favor and I've long last come into proud possession of this year's NRC staff Valentine's goods!

Although I'm by no means nose-blind (figuratively speaking), I have very little experience with artificial perfumes. When I had to chance to sample these scents in proper, I found myself unable to describe their nuances in words. I know well these aromas were concocted to evoke several things, but I'm afraid I cannot precisely determine what those components are. I must therefore apologize in advance if my analyses of these fragrances are inadequate.

DIRE CROWLEY

A very aggressive, bold scent that feels almost contrived. It's evocative of grandeur and fancy parlors. Because it's louder than the other four fragrances, it takes some getting used to.

DIVUS CREWEL

A bold yet sophisticated scent that mellows out at the end. It's quite elegant despite its assertive bearing.

MOZUS TREIN

My personal favorite of this batch; a pleasantly warm and domestic scent which soothes and comforts. As it permeates the senses, it introduces a subtle spice to the calm.

(No, this is not my bias speaking--I practically melted into my seat when I sampled this fragrance for the first time.)

ASHTON VARGAS

A delightfully proud and distinguished scent that lacks the overwhelming pretense one might expect from man it represents. Its musky fragrance and confident finish are among its defining qualities. I could see myself using it as one would cologne.

SAM

An elusive, charming scent that's a touch reminiscent of Crewel's fragrance. Chief among its notable traits is its poignant edge, which lends its profile amiable flair.

[twistedintern]

An Alchemy Professor Put to the Test!

As had previously been the case with Crowley's SSR following his release, I had begun doing my utmost to harness and--in doing so--properly gauge Professor Crewel's Rich Fur Coat SSR's usefulness in rotation test builds.

Suffice to say, it should probably come as no surprise that he has not only met but far exceeded my lofty expectations!

As of this correspondence, my Crewel SSR's parameters are as follows:

Level 102/110

Magic 1 @ Level 10/Magic 2 @ Level 10/Magic 3 @ Level 10

Magic 1 & Magic 2 selected

Buddies @ Level 1/Level 1/Level 6

Max Limit Break

Groovy

After several tries, a few minor upgrades, and plenty of prayers to the manifold deities of fortune--

It was by Professor Divus Crewel's graces that I realized my very first Water S5 score!

I am truly beside myself with feelings of elation. I am confident Professor Trein will continue this trend of extraordinary success in combat.

[twistedintern]

Tremendous--nay, terrific--news, kind visitors!

Professor Trein's furniture has finally been added to the game!

(...As of five days ago. I had planned to report upon this sooner, but I was swamped with chores during that time.)

Although it was dreadfully early, know that I nevertheless rushed to the Mystery Shop the minute they were added.

Let's take a closer look, shall we?

Professor Trein's preferred taste in furnishings is Elegant/Basic. He is the only individual who is partial to this particular style combination

The furniture was fashioned to resemble household goods that appeared in Cinderella (with the obvious exception of the Lucifer statue; he was a living, breathing feline in the source work)

Situated atop his desk are two picture frames: one of his daughters (who we now know number two), and a second turned away from the viewer. (Which likely contains a photo of his late wife...)

With this, I surmise Professor Trein's SSR will manifest during the holiday season--December, perhaps January or thereabouts!

The time is nigh!

[twistedintern]

ANOTHER WONDERFUL DAY THAT SHALL GO DOWN IN HISTORY HAS ARRIVED!

(It's also one for the record books, as Professor Crewel was uncharacteristically amenable and came on the first 10-summon!)

Something spectacular that caught me wholly off-guard was the addition of several new gestures and expressions to the Alchemy Professor's previously limited range of motion! Observe--

Simply incredible, is it not?

[Forgive me: I completely forgot to screenshot his Dog Candy; my mind was abuzz with excitement!]

Second verse, same as the first!

MAY YOU AND I AND ALL IN THIS BLESSED REALM MAKE MERRY ON THIS WONDROUS OCCASION!

[twistedintern]

MY WORD! HOW TIME FLIES AND THE MIRACULOUS AGAIN COMES TO PASS!

HERE HE IS... THE PROFESSOR DIVUS CREWEL IN ALL HIS POSH SPLENDOR!

A few quick meta points concerning his new "Rich Fur Coat" SSR:

His is officially the strongest card in the game! Prior to this, SSR Dorm Uniform Riddle held the title. (He also boasts far more HP than Riddle; I suspect all staff SSRs will have higher raw stats simply by merit of being, well, the staff!)

His M3 is once again unique! Although similar to SSR Dorm Uniform Malleus's "critical chance to allies" buff, his has the added bonus of lasting three turns as opposed to one.

His duo with Crowley is very telling of what's to come, as it would suggest Professor Trein will duo with him....

[twistedintern]

After many failed tries, I scored the S5 I'd been aiming for!

All it required was strengthening Lilia slightly!

[twistedintern]

...By the Seven! How is this possible? My team is much too weak to be toeing the S5 score bracket!

(Default art for those who wish to remain unspoiled.)

Yes, all but Jamil are MLB, but not a one of them is Level 110! Jamil is neither Level 80, nor are his spells max strength!

Sebek is truly the MVP....

[twistedintern]

Of Catching Tails and Catching Up

Greetings and salutations, dear visitors! Allow me to regale you with a tale of two men: one a war veteran, the other a royal chamberlain; both hailing from the Sunset Savannah.

A few notes before we proceed...:

I have chosen to ignore the EN game translation's rendering of Sebek's grandfather's and Leona's brother's names

The characters' relationship can be understood as either platonic or romantic; I've left it up to the readers' discretion (in case you were curious, I have come to actively ship them)

“My word! Such a rich panoply of flavor; I don’t believe I’ve had anything quite like it. What did you say it was called again?” The other man’s lips curled into a small smile, his expression softening as he studied his companion over the rim of his spectacles. “It’s called rooibos, though this particular blend is a specialty of the capital.” The other shook his head in good humor, jostling evergreen locks slightly against rows of scales lining his lower jaw. “As expected of Afterglow’s finest—“ “Baul.” “Yes, Kifaji?” “Before you ask, no: the prince did not put me up to this.” Baul gave the bowl in hands a quizzical glance. “The tea, or…?” “While I won’t deny our meeting was political in nature, I hoped to catch up with you. Personally.” The nocturnal fae blinked, his sharp features creasing in mortification a beat before a deep yet gentle peal of laughter erupted forth. “To think you would deceive his majesty to further your own agenda—my, how the years have changed you, friend!” “N-now, now! That is certainly not true,” Kifaji nearly leaped out of seat at the accusation, his tail feathers ruffled in visible agitation. He planted his hands at either side of the table to steady himself, then righted his posture and cleared his throat, perhaps in hope of saving face. Baul nodded, arms crossed—an otherwise sagely gesture, were it not for the lingering grin that betrayed his mirth. “Yes, yes, my mistake.” The hornbill beastman gave an indignant hmph. Seconds ticked by; only when the silence that stretched between them grew uncomfortable did he speak. “…How are things with the family?” Baul tilted his head, his fingertips ghosting scales absentmindedly as he mulled over the query. “My daughter is still hopelessly enamored with that pathetic human dentist.” The other man returned to his seat, his countenance a touch exasperated. “Baul…” “Do not misunderstand: I am nothing if not overjoyed that she has found true happiness with another. Theirs is the perfect marriage. Although I could ask for something more in a son-in-law, he has given me the precious, irreplaceable gift of marvelous grandchildren.” There was a knowing twinkle in Kifaji’s eyes, but he was quick to mask its warmth with a look of measured stoicism. “The youngest is around the second prince’s age, correct?” Baul shot him a bewildered glance. “The second prince… he is in his twentieth year? My youngest grandson is his junior, though not by much. You’re as sharp as ever!” “Well,” the wizened bird man puffed his chest out in pride. “You expected less of the Kingscholar house’s head chamberlain?” “Hardly! While we’re on the topic, what of the royal family?” “Yes… first, please allow me to apologize for Prince Cheka’s unceremonious behavior earlier. As you know, children are wont to be rambunctious and brimming with curiosity in their tender years—” It was Baul’s turn to jump from his chair. “That small lad was the first prince’s son? How disgraceful, callous! I rebuked the boy as though he was common raff!” Kifaji blithely removed his glasses from his face and held them against the light, unbothered. “You were entirely in the right. Life lessons are better learned the hard way for some; Prince Cheka needs to understand how to respect others’ personal space.” “I grabbed him by the nape and chastened him, Kifaji…!” “After he had clambered up your cloak and began prodding your scales.” Baul gave a long-suffering sigh. “Promise me you’ll apologize on my behalf next you see the boy.” “We shall see,” the bird beastman snorted, pushing his glasses up along the bridge of his nose. “As for the rest of the family?” “…The king is, as you know, still bedridden; Prince Farena has proven himself a reliable and competent ruler in his father’s stead. I wish I could laud similar praise upon his brother; alas, Prince Leona had taken it upon himself to reject court tradition and complete his education elsewhere.”

Baul offered a wry smile. “‘Elsewhere’ being one Night Raven College, correct?” “Indeed! How did you know?” “It just so happens my youngest grandson is currently enrolled there. He’s an especially hard worker who shows much potential; he fancies himself a bodyguard to Prince Malleus. If memory serves, he once spoke of another prince who treats Briar Valley’s esteemed heir with particular belligerence—” Kifaji frowned, bringing fingers to massage either temple. “Good grief… that sounds like Prince Leona. He has a terrific competitive streak and a complex to match, to say nothing of his ego….” “Rest assured,” the nocturnal fae gave his companion’s shoulder a reassuring pat. “I do not believe Prince Leona has incurred the young master’s wrath.” The chamberlain murmured to no one in particular. “That explains who the “lizard” he spoke so disparagingly of during his visit was….” Baul roared in revulsion, brows knit and fangs bared. “L-LIZARD?” “I-I-I m-mean—!” “The nerve, what obstinance! That anyone—especially royal youth of another nation—knowingly disrespect the young master in such a crass manner!” Kifaji swallowed hard. His voice was shaking as he hastened to collect the other man’s hands in his own. “Settle down, friend!” A pair of white-knuckled fists slammed into the table in response: their owner was visibly seething. “Does that young man have a death wish?” “He knows n-not the implications of his behavior! I swear on my honor and my life that Prince Leona will be thoroughly reprimanded for his conduct within the coming days!” Baul loosed one final guttural growl before going silent. His expression remained pinched in righteous fury for several terse moments; he was veritably straining to reign in his anger. “Had I known, I would have punished the second prince while he was still in the capital. Just lecturing him in the presence of his schoolmates would have driven the point home!” Baul paused to regard Kifaji as the latter frantically dabbed at his brow with a kerchief before he at last spoke. “…Schoolmates?” “Oh, yes!” Kifaji offered, nodding. “He was accompanied on his last visit by a very colorful group of adolescents.” “Was my young Sebek among them?” The birdman stroked his beard, shaking his head. “None of them bore any resemblance to you. There was a wolf beastman, the eldest son of a renowned merchant family, a celebrity of sorts… oh!” “Hm?” “There was one other lad in the prince’s retinue, he had pointed ears and a pale complexion—yes! I’m certain he was a fae like yourself.” Baul’s former ire was all but forgotten at this revelation. “How interesting… Night Raven College’s fae population is rather scant.” “He was quite the eccentric character; formidable despite his small build, with the most peculiar old-fashioned affect to his speech.” Baul was struck by a sense of deja-vu coupled with dread. “Kifaji… what was his name?” “Vanrouge? Yes, that was it! Lilia Vanrouge.” The nocturnal fae’s expression contorted in mortification, aghast with pure horror. Kifaji hadn’t even been able to fully process Baul’s reaction before the man’s body went slack and he fell over onto the floor. And this is how the royal chamberlain of Afterglow Savannah spent the entirety of an evening at an envoy’s bedside in the royal infirmary.

[twistedintern]

Oh, goodness me!

Better late than never, as the saying goes (perhaps a consequence of my unannounced hiatus at the time, who knows?)--it recently occurred to me that I neglected to share photos of last year's NRC staff Valentine's messages and macaron-style compact mirrors!

Allow me to amend that oversight right this instant.

[twistedintern]

THE PROPHESIED DAY IS UPON US!

Yea! Let it be known, that which was foretold many moons past has become actuality with midnight's arrival!

Hark, let none know despair on this occasion, for we as community have been blessed by a development team--a collective of programmers and writers on high--to herein partake in merriment and festivities aplenty!

--What is this "prophecy" of which I speak so fondly?

A TWISTED WONDERLAND ANNIVERSARY DEVOTED TO NONE OTHER THAN THE AWE-INSPIRING, MAGNIFICENT, AND OH-SO-WONDERFUL NIGHT RAVEN COLLEGE FACULTY (AND RAMSHACKLE GHOSTS)!

To revisit a proclamation last uttered two years prior:

MANIFOLD FELICITATIONS! JOYOUS TIDINGS, AND ALL THINGS GOOD VISIT YOU AND YOURS ON THIS SPECIAL OCCASION!

HAPPY FOURTH ANNIVERSARY, TWISTED WONDERLAND!

HERE, HERE! LET’S FOLLOW THE STAFF'S EXAMPLE AND ONCE MORE RAISE OUR GLASSES TO ANNIVERSARIES IN THE YEARS AHEAD!

[twistedintern]

A Headmaster put to the test!

As someone who rather enjoys the challenges of team-building--a player who aims to score high in her test battles each and every day--I simply could not resist experimenting with the Headmaster in today's daily bouts.

My Crowley SSR's stats of this battle were as follows:

Level 78/106

Magic 1 @ Level 10/Magic 2 @ Level 5/Magic 3 @ Level 5

Magic 1 & Magic 3 selected

Buddies @ Level 1/Level 1/Level 1

Max Limit Break

Groovy

I also used the following in my team:

SSR Cerberus Gear Ortho

SSR Masquerade Dress Idia

SSR Dorm Uniform Azul

SSR Dorm Uniform Kalim

All are at or slightly above Level 80, with the exception of Cerberus Gear Ortho, who is completely maxed at Level 110.

Luck was on my side in battle three (as they say, "third time's a charm"); despite my lower total HP from previous bouts, I was able to score higher thanks in large part to our magnanimous gakuenchou's double HP regen applications activating on Turn 1, unhindered by Freeze or Curse debuffs at the opponents' disposal.

I cannot stress how elated I was with the results! Not only is Dire Crowley able to pull his own weight (and then some) in the new event, but he managed to go a step further and prove his integrity and utility in general combat as well.

In closing, I sincerely hope the rest of the staff SSRs receive the same careful treatment paid to the Headmaster's card. (Even if they don't, I'll make certain that they see use--that's a promise!)

UPDATE

We're not done yet, it would seem!

FINAL RESULT

Splendid!