Know Your Units (Arthurian Edition)
Sept 20, 2018 13:41:17 GMT
KOTails, Baldini, and 2 more like this
Post by meriada on Sept 20, 2018 13:41:17 GMT
Hello! It's Meriada here, with a very long overdue (haha) KYU on all the Arthurian units that I've found in this game! Please let me know if I've missed anyone!
First of all, what do you mean, Arthurian units? Well, I'm talking about the ones based on characters from Arthurian legend. You probably have already heard of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table from some extent, but here's an overview!
We shall be covering Arthur, Guinevere, Mordred, Lancelot, Merlin, Nimue, Morgan, Balin, Ywain, Iseult, Laudine, Bedivere, Kay, Gawain and Hellawes
This thread shall be continually updated until completion.
Arthur Who?
King Arthur is a legendary king of Britain that may or may not have actually existed (we're not really sure)! What we know of him is mostly from folklore or literature, and some of the characters involved in his saga weren't added till later. The original story (courtesy of Geoffrey on Monmouth) was that he was a peerless warrior that defended Britain from all sorts of threats, be they humans or not-so-human nasties. His father was Uther Pendragon, who while in disguise slept with his enemy's wife and conceived Arthur, and he succeeded the throne after Uther's death and pulled out a magical sword from some stone proving his right to be king. He also apparently had some magical adviser by the name of Merlin. After which, he started defeating people and making an empire, along with some of his trusty warriors. By the time he was ready to try his hand at taking Rome, however, he found out his nephew had married his wife and taken his throne back at home (oops). He fights and kills his nephew, but is heavily wounded in the process, and is taken to the legendary Isles of Avalon in order to recuperate with the help of Morgan le Fay (who at this point was not an antagonist), never to be seen again.
If you're wondering where Camelot is, that didn't appear till later versions of Arthurian Legend. That was the name of the Castle and Court associated with King Arthur.
Ok, So Who Are These Other Schmucks?
Well, Arthur was a pretty cool guy. I mean, who doesn't love kings that happen to be excellent warriors as well? But, uh, why limit it to Arthur? He had cool warriors and other people in his life too, right? And so, later writers added more tales and whatnot about all those wonderful people surrounding Arthur and all the stuff they did, such as finding the holy grail (or did they)? There's quite a lot of them. Notably his Knights of the Round Table (fantasized version of his warriors), his lovely wife (lol), his wise old magician and said magician's (mis)adventures, his wonderful nephew, the increasingly antagonistic Morgan le Fay, and anyone else they may have met! I'll go into more depth as we get to each unit.
First of All, Arthur!
OG
In the base form and +1, we see Arthur walking towards us, with what is probably Rome in the background (note the pillars). In the +2, Arthur is in full battle, and the 12 swords representing the Knights of the Round Table are behind her. There is a sword-shaped mark in her clothing, perhaps a symbol of the betrayal she faced.
Quote:
"Usurper, you have no real power!"
"For the fallen! The insurgents die here!"
"And so the asp bares its fangs!"
Skills: Rhongomyniad - 25% Rush
Excalibur - 25% Multi
In Welsh tradition, Arthur had multiple weapons, and one of them was a spear called Rhongomyniad. Excalibur (Or sometimes known as Caliburn), of course, is his magic sword!
Description: The round table is split, the bodies of our fellow knights and enemies are still spread across Camlann. My god... Logres is about to fall... Lancelot... try not to be so crushed with guilt. We have no regrets for that would shame both fallen friend and foe. We settle this now! I am the Once and Future King!
This is probably a reference to Arthur's return to face Mordred after realizing what Mordred was up to. As for why Lancelot might be crushed with guilt, we'll get to that later :^ )
In any case, Arthur here plans to retake the throne after the coup.
New Year's
Umm. Well, Happy New Year's, I guess? Rather than Arthur as a character, this version is more focused on New Year's symbolism and waifu-fying Arthur as much as possible, yikes. Nothing really to talk about here. Well, if Arthur's inviting you to a shrine visit, might as well go, right?
Quote: "Let me paint you a picture."
"Almost there..."
"Ready to get going?"
Skills: Stroke of Power - 30% Rush
A King's Vow - 30% Boost to Self Skill/Atk/Def
Description: Winter is finally here. Knight. Meru. Salix. If it wasn't for the three of you, I wouldn't be here right now. I, and all the rest of the Knights of the Round Table, appreciate your never ending support. I only hope that this year will be even better than the last one.
-The Once and Future King
Remix
This is mostly the same as OG Arthur + 2 with one difference I think is rather amusing. Hey look, Arthur's got 2 swords in her cape now, one for Mordred, and one for Lancelot, hahaha.... She also looks rather refreshed, although she seemed much sterner in her original.
Quote: "I will become a just king!"
Skills: Straight from Avalon - 30% Multi
Nine Maiden's Might - Immensely boosts team ATK (40%)
Seems like Arthur here's already been healed at the Isles of Avalon. In the original version, Morgan le Fay was the leader of 9 magical women who lived there, and oversaw Arthur's healing.
Description: I am sorry Mordred... If only I could have understood what you were going through, maybe you would not have had to go through all the things you have. So I ask you. Not as a king, but as your friend. Let us bare the burden of this sin together, and try to move forward as best we can.
Hey look, Arthur is apologizing towards Mordred! Not that it would've been possible at this point, since canonically Arthur killed Mordred, but I guess Mordred is still alive in the Ishtaria-verse!
Christmas
T-They've waifu-fyed Arthur again! Argh, in what world does Arthur even use a whip? By the way, if anyone is wondering about those blue flowers yet, they're probably blue roses, which have a whole variety of meaning. Some cultures make an analogy between blue roses and the Holy Grail. They can also represent an impossible love, fighting against all odds, or something unattainable. Make sense yet?
Quote: "Such splendid finery, though a bit bare for winter?"
At least you're self-aware.
Skills: A Saint's Awakening - 30% MultiRush
A Sword in Snow - When an Ally receives a HP heal, that same ally will get a DMG boost for 1 turn (100% unique)
King Arthur was no saint (wrong Arthur!). I guess she is in Ishtaria though. I guess "A Sword in Snow" is some kind of wordplay off "A Sword in Stone" xd.
Description: 'Head to the island that floats on the mist and you will be saved.' The sisters that greeted ushered her inside where she soon fell into a deep slumber. When she awoke, the holy day was upon her and the snow fell in droves, smothering the world in silence.
Hmmm, so Arthur wakes up on Avalon on Christmas? And apparently it snows there too!
Arthur's Wonderful Wife Guinevere
So, Arthur was married to this lovely woman named Guinevere who is portrayed sometimes as just a dumb traitor and sometimes as a proper lady with an unfortunate flaw. Early on, she doesn't play much of a role, but later authors rather enjoyed playing around with her character. She is a noble lady of Roman descent and one of the most beautiful in Britain, as well as the daughter of King Leodegrance. She is most known for getting seduced by Mordred while Arthur is away on his exploits. Later works have her getting abducted in various versions, with a certain version (Chrétien de Troyes) being the first to say that it was not Arthur, but Lancelot that saved her, leading her to have an affair with him... Well, that was just the first version to do so.
Later takes on Guinevere suggest that she was betrothed to Arthur early on, but ends up falling in love with Lancelot on first sight. They have an affair, which is eventually exposed by Morgan le Fay, who herself might've been Lancelot's lover (yay Medieval drama). Arthur kind of halfheartedly sentences Guinevere to the stake for her adultery, while Lancelot escapes. Arthur and his other knights fight against Lancelot as he comes with his forces to rescue Guinevere, resulting in the deaths of two of Gawain's brothers and a couple other round table knights. Lancelot runs away again to France, and in this version, it is while Arthur is chasing after him to fight him that Mordred seduces Guinevere and steals the throne. Or, in some versions, she escapes and hides in the Tower of London and then a nunnery to avoid Mordred. Man, that sure went well. After he goes to Avalon mortally wounded, Guinevere meets with Lancelot once more before retiring to a convent for the rest of her life (get thee to a nunnery!).
OG
She sure looks sweet and innocent.... haha, no. It's a trap; don't make this one your waifu. That probably won't end well. Her base and +1 have a more Roman clothing style while her +2 is more European, maybe showing her noble descent and queenhood? The welsh form of her name, Gwenhwyfar, means "white enchantress," whicih is probably why she looks somewhat cleric-y (that and she ended up in a convent in the end).
Quote: "Arthur... What happened..."
"Lancelot... What should I do..."
"This is all I can do right now..."
Oh boy. See that two-timing? That's two-timing right there. Three-timing, possibly, since her +2's homepage quote is regarding the Knight, and, well,
"I worked so hard on this...
Don't tell Arthur or Lancelot, ok?" I guess if you're into that, getting that kind of secret present might be nice. Lel.
Skills: Holy Reinforcements: 30% Multi
Blinding Blessing: Immensely boosts Team DEF. Slightly boosts own hp. (30%)
Well, I guess she did join the clergy in the end. As for who she's giving that blessing too, is it Lancelot, Arthur, or Mordred? ?_?
Description: Life doesn't always go as planned... She was supposed to die that day... My plan... RUINED! That little brat, look what she did! Who cares... There's always next time!
This is an interesting description, and it's probably from the point of view of Morgan le Fay, who in later Arthurian tradition seriously hated Guinevere's guts. Maybe she's salty that Guinevere didn't die from burning at the stake?
King Arthur's Lovely Nephew Mordred
Really, who could ask for a better nephew? Or maybe illegitimate son. In the Welsh versions though, he was only ever a nephew, but in some, Mordred was born to Morgause who slept with King Arthur and hid it from her husband, Lot, welp. In the versions after the Post-Vulgate cycle (later French tradition), Arthur heard a prophecy that said a child born from him would destroy him, and thus took all his children (illegitimate ones included) and put them on a boat to die. And apparently, Mordred lived and may have had a bone or two to pick with Arthur after that. In some accounts, Mordred was originally named Arthur's successor anyways, but the other people didn't really like that and so Arthur changed his successor to Constantine, thus sparking Mordred's future actions. In any case, some way or another, Mordred eventually becomes one of Arthur's knights. And one that Arthur was pretty trusting of, you know, for him to leave the guy as regent after he went off to do whatever. And as we all know by now, that ended well.
OG
The edgy-evil-character feel is strong in this one. She's got the villainess armor, and these wonderful red backgrounds reminiscent of hell to boot! Interestingly enough, Mordred does appear in Dante's Inferno in a pretty low level, because you know, traitors end up in hell. Her base and +1 seem ready to draw her sword on Arthur, while her +2 is embroiled in battle....? I'm not too sure about that one myself.
Quote: "Finally! Though our swords may cross, you WILL acknowledge me!"
"Look at this, Arthur! The end of everything! Isn't it beautiful!?"
"You won't even call me by my name. You're pathetic Arthur!"
Well. Mordred's been wanting this confrontation with Arthur, and maybe her lines are a nod to seeking to be recognized as Arthur's son/heir/whatever that the Mordred in the actual legends may have felt to some extent. The second quote is a nod to the mutual destruction that occurs, and while I don't think the third one has much historical basis, it sure is spicy.
Skills: Broken Vows: Multi (20%)
Sword of the Usurper: Rush (20%)
By betraying Arthur, Mordred broke whatever vows she took as a knight. The Sword of the Usurper probably refers to Clarent, which was King Arthur's "peace" sword for knighting and ceremonies. Mordred in the legends stole it, and later used it to fight Arthur.
Description: The fools fall over themselves to please Arthur -- NO MORE! I will make her see me if I have to wretch her pretty head off myself! She will watch as I break everything she holds dear. Only then will I kill her.
Pretty self-explanatory. Mordred is rather upset with Arthur, as you can see. Maybe her designation as heir got revoked?
Remix
Looks like a re-draw of Mordred's OG+2 form. It is rather clear now that she is standing in a sea of blood, which might be expected if she is fighting a war against Arthur. The scar on her eye is maybe one she got in the battle that has ensued thus far.
Quote: "Even I can be nice sometimes!"
Not really sure what this is all about, but Mordred hasn't always been depicted as a villain. In some accounts, he was a pretty decent guy that died tragically at his father's hand for some unchronicled reason. In some others, apparently people actually preferred Mordred as a ruler, because unlike Arthur he didn't want to wage wars all the time.
Skills: Chains of Camelot - 30% Rush
Morgause's Magic - Immensely lowers ATK of foes (40%).
Perhaps being a Knight was more of a burden on Mordred? I am not really sure on that one. But Morgause's magic is probably a nod to the fact that Morgause, like Morgan, was an enchantress.
Description
Arthur... I've never been one to ask what others think, always doing whatever I please, whenever I please. I tried to ask the others, but - What am I doing? This isn't like me! Well I guess this is what they call rock bottom, huh? There's only going up from here!
It seems like Ishtaria's Mordred, unlike the original one, was doing some self-reflection during the battle instead of actually killing Arthur. Maybe this will end better than it did in the lore!
Arthur&Mordred
So, after Arthur and Mordred duke it out until the bitter end (?), they end up... taking a vacation on the summery beach island of Avalon. And for some reason, they're getting along again!
Quote: "Arthur! What are we doing here!? Our battle can wait... We need a vacation."
"This rain... It's making my shirt... !
Well played Knight... Well played..."
"Give me that lotion now, Arthur! How about you let me take care of it!?"
So, the reason they're here is because Arthur was like, screw this, I need a break. And dragged Mordred with her. Right. And like always, the Knight is involved, and Arthur is forcibly applying lotion onto Mordred. L-lewd....
Skills: Battle of Camlann - 30% Rush
Eternal Illusion - 30% Multi
The Battle of Camlann is that final battle of King Arthur's where he kills Mordred and finds himself in a pickle. Except neither of them died in Ishtaria. Eternal Illusion probably refers to the Isles of Avalon, which were really damn hard to find.
Description: Avalon. The perfect place for a knight to come and rest their sword. The perfect place for that Brave Warrior, or even THAT TRAITOR, to come for a much needed vacation after the Battle of Camlann. Wait... Why would they be... Together!? No... A treaty? It's not possible!
Well, a vacation is a vacation. No need to be fighting when you can be sunbathing, right?
Hot Springs
So after being dragged on that vacation, Mordred ends up deciding she needs a break and goes for a nice, long bath in a hot spring. The water in her +2 looks kind of... reddish, though, maybe implying blood... Overall, the artwork itself is very waifu-fying, much like what happened with Arthur in her Xmas and NY versions.
Quote: "This battle... It has run down
not only you, but me as well."
"Don't even get me started about the
boat we rode here... Ugh, feel sick."
"Curse you, Arthur... Fighting and fighting, dragging me to that island, ugh! I still have so much to say but I'm not going to waste my breath now."
So, Mordred's kind of annoyed at the aftermath of all this. She feels it hasn't really been resolved, but can't do anything about it.
Skills: Baths of Camlann - Multi 30%
Where the Blade Belongs - Temp. dec. foes' HP
. Immensely boosts team ATK (40%)
You didn't see wrong. Not battle, baths. It's baths now.
Mordred's sword, Clarent, was originally a peaceful sword. It must be quite happy it's not fighting anymore!
Description: The spear pierced the blade, breaking that sword in half. Pain and resentment, they flow with the blood of her enemies leaving nothing but pure thoughts behind. On an island fit for the end of a journey, she sat in that hot spring... Will it melt out some of those words frozen in her heart?
Remember how Arthur had a spear? Seems like she was the winner of their battle, and Clarent may have just been broken in the fray (moment of silence). Now, Mordred is reflecting on it all...
Maid
The waifu-fication continues! At least it seems like Mordred got her sword back.
Quote: "Arthur! What were you
thinking with this outfit!?"
Punishment game. It's clearly a punishment game. Did you think you could get out of what you did? (lol)
Skills: Maid of Camlann - MultiRush (30%)
Burning Bashfulness - Boosts self ATK every time self lands a non lethal attack on a foe
So after Camlann, Mordred is now a maid. Wew. I'd be embarrassed in that outfit too, Mordred.
Description:
Arthur and the other Knights of the Round Table... They remained in Avalon while Mordred was sent on a special...cleaning mission? Clad in a uniform conjured by Merlin and Morgan, this outfit is set to come off if she doesn't fulfill her duties...
So, while everyone else is relaxing and having a good time, Mordred is forced to do the cleaning. And if she doesn't, she'll go stark naked...? Yup, this has punishment game written all over it. More like, you're using magical powers to make lewd clothing? I'm sure Japan approves.
Well, the Arthur-Mordred drama ended a lot better in Ishtaria than it did in the old tales. Maybe because they're both genderbent.
Lancelot
Sir Lancelot, one of the Knights of the Round Table, is frequently featured as Arthur's closest companion, as well as the greatest swordsman and jouster of his age. He was born to King Ban, and Elaine, who were driven from their Kingdom by foes. While Elaine is tending to the wounded Ban, he is carried off by the Lady of the Lake, where he gets his surname (full name Lancelot du Lac). His cousins are afterwards also taken by the Lady of the Lake. I guess she has a tendency to kidnap children. In any case, he entered Arthur's court under Sir Gawain, and more or less falls in love with Guinevere at first sight. And then, he gets sent on a mission to save her from kidnappers, which might have made Guinevere fall in love with him too. In some versions, this doesn't happen till later. Afterwards, he helps out Arthur in a war versus some chump named Galehut, who is so impressed with Lancelot's skill that he offers him a wish. Lancelot, being a loyal knight, wishes for Galehut to surrender peacefully, which he does. But Galehut wasn't so happy to be working under Arthur because he's the one who convinced Guinevere it was alright to be act on her love for Lancelot.... Lancelot also participated in the quest for the Holy Grail, and overall seems like a pretty cool guy till you realize he's cuckolding you which leads to a downward spiral of unfortunate events that end in you and your nephew effectively killing each other. Uh.... well, then. At least he was repentant. Upon meeting Guinevere for the last time, when she declares her intention to remain in a nunnery and never see him again in her lifetime, he says he'll do the same, and joins a hermitage. And he did never see her again in her lifetime, since she died before he could visit her (after he dreamed that she was dying) and he ended up being the priest conducting her rites. Oof.
OG
Lancelot looks ready for battle... and rather upset. I expect Arthur's already found out what she's been doing behind her back, and she may very well be on her way to save Guinevere.... or something. The Ishtarian version doesn't quite fit the history too well, since every male pretty much got genderbent (I guess they're all lesbians?)
Quote: "This lake..."
"...flows with my tears..."
"My blade will cut through this despair!"
The quotes probably are a reference to the lake where Lancelot was raised, and his conflicted feelings upon being discovered.
Skills: Arondight's Blessing - Rush (30%)
Arondight's Fury - Multi (25%)
Arondight is the name of Lancelot's sword, although it was re-named fairly recently (20th century). Originally the sword was named Seure or Secace, but some chumps over in the design team of Sonic and the Black Knight thought Arondight sounded cooler, apparently Silicon Studio agreed, and in Ishtaria and many other games Arondight is the name that stuck.
Description: Gazing upon his hometown, guilt ridden, he let out a sigh. He knew what he did was wrong, shame dwelling in his blade. A punishment, a curse... It was time... Time for his ultimate atonement.
Ah, yup. There's that guilt. I don't know why the description refers to Lancelot as 'he' when the art clearly has boobs, but I guess that's more or less what the actual Lancelot would have felt.
First of all, what do you mean, Arthurian units? Well, I'm talking about the ones based on characters from Arthurian legend. You probably have already heard of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table from some extent, but here's an overview!
We shall be covering Arthur, Guinevere, Mordred, Lancelot, Merlin, Nimue, Morgan, Balin, Ywain, Iseult, Laudine, Bedivere, Kay, Gawain and Hellawes
This thread shall be continually updated until completion.
Arthur Who?
King Arthur is a legendary king of Britain that may or may not have actually existed (we're not really sure)! What we know of him is mostly from folklore or literature, and some of the characters involved in his saga weren't added till later. The original story (courtesy of Geoffrey on Monmouth) was that he was a peerless warrior that defended Britain from all sorts of threats, be they humans or not-so-human nasties. His father was Uther Pendragon, who while in disguise slept with his enemy's wife and conceived Arthur, and he succeeded the throne after Uther's death and pulled out a magical sword from some stone proving his right to be king. He also apparently had some magical adviser by the name of Merlin. After which, he started defeating people and making an empire, along with some of his trusty warriors. By the time he was ready to try his hand at taking Rome, however, he found out his nephew had married his wife and taken his throne back at home (oops). He fights and kills his nephew, but is heavily wounded in the process, and is taken to the legendary Isles of Avalon in order to recuperate with the help of Morgan le Fay (who at this point was not an antagonist), never to be seen again.
If you're wondering where Camelot is, that didn't appear till later versions of Arthurian Legend. That was the name of the Castle and Court associated with King Arthur.
Ok, So Who Are These Other Schmucks?
Well, Arthur was a pretty cool guy. I mean, who doesn't love kings that happen to be excellent warriors as well? But, uh, why limit it to Arthur? He had cool warriors and other people in his life too, right? And so, later writers added more tales and whatnot about all those wonderful people surrounding Arthur and all the stuff they did, such as finding the holy grail (or did they)? There's quite a lot of them. Notably his Knights of the Round Table (fantasized version of his warriors), his lovely wife (lol), his wise old magician and said magician's (mis)adventures, his wonderful nephew, the increasingly antagonistic Morgan le Fay, and anyone else they may have met! I'll go into more depth as we get to each unit.
First of All, Arthur!
OG
In the base form and +1, we see Arthur walking towards us, with what is probably Rome in the background (note the pillars). In the +2, Arthur is in full battle, and the 12 swords representing the Knights of the Round Table are behind her. There is a sword-shaped mark in her clothing, perhaps a symbol of the betrayal she faced.
Quote:
"Usurper, you have no real power!"
"For the fallen! The insurgents die here!"
"And so the asp bares its fangs!"
Skills: Rhongomyniad - 25% Rush
Excalibur - 25% Multi
In Welsh tradition, Arthur had multiple weapons, and one of them was a spear called Rhongomyniad. Excalibur (Or sometimes known as Caliburn), of course, is his magic sword!
Description: The round table is split, the bodies of our fellow knights and enemies are still spread across Camlann. My god... Logres is about to fall... Lancelot... try not to be so crushed with guilt. We have no regrets for that would shame both fallen friend and foe. We settle this now! I am the Once and Future King!
This is probably a reference to Arthur's return to face Mordred after realizing what Mordred was up to. As for why Lancelot might be crushed with guilt, we'll get to that later :^ )
In any case, Arthur here plans to retake the throne after the coup.
New Year's
Umm. Well, Happy New Year's, I guess? Rather than Arthur as a character, this version is more focused on New Year's symbolism and waifu-fying Arthur as much as possible, yikes. Nothing really to talk about here. Well, if Arthur's inviting you to a shrine visit, might as well go, right?
Quote: "Let me paint you a picture."
"Almost there..."
"Ready to get going?"
Skills: Stroke of Power - 30% Rush
A King's Vow - 30% Boost to Self Skill/Atk/Def
Description: Winter is finally here. Knight. Meru. Salix. If it wasn't for the three of you, I wouldn't be here right now. I, and all the rest of the Knights of the Round Table, appreciate your never ending support. I only hope that this year will be even better than the last one.
-The Once and Future King
Remix
This is mostly the same as OG Arthur + 2 with one difference I think is rather amusing. Hey look, Arthur's got 2 swords in her cape now, one for Mordred, and one for Lancelot, hahaha.... She also looks rather refreshed, although she seemed much sterner in her original.
Quote: "I will become a just king!"
Skills: Straight from Avalon - 30% Multi
Nine Maiden's Might - Immensely boosts team ATK (40%)
Seems like Arthur here's already been healed at the Isles of Avalon. In the original version, Morgan le Fay was the leader of 9 magical women who lived there, and oversaw Arthur's healing.
Description: I am sorry Mordred... If only I could have understood what you were going through, maybe you would not have had to go through all the things you have. So I ask you. Not as a king, but as your friend. Let us bare the burden of this sin together, and try to move forward as best we can.
Hey look, Arthur is apologizing towards Mordred! Not that it would've been possible at this point, since canonically Arthur killed Mordred, but I guess Mordred is still alive in the Ishtaria-verse!
Christmas
T-They've waifu-fyed Arthur again! Argh, in what world does Arthur even use a whip? By the way, if anyone is wondering about those blue flowers yet, they're probably blue roses, which have a whole variety of meaning. Some cultures make an analogy between blue roses and the Holy Grail. They can also represent an impossible love, fighting against all odds, or something unattainable. Make sense yet?
Quote: "Such splendid finery, though a bit bare for winter?"
At least you're self-aware.
Skills: A Saint's Awakening - 30% MultiRush
A Sword in Snow - When an Ally receives a HP heal, that same ally will get a DMG boost for 1 turn (100% unique)
King Arthur was no saint (wrong Arthur!). I guess she is in Ishtaria though. I guess "A Sword in Snow" is some kind of wordplay off "A Sword in Stone" xd.
Description: 'Head to the island that floats on the mist and you will be saved.' The sisters that greeted ushered her inside where she soon fell into a deep slumber. When she awoke, the holy day was upon her and the snow fell in droves, smothering the world in silence.
Hmmm, so Arthur wakes up on Avalon on Christmas? And apparently it snows there too!
Arthur's Wonderful Wife Guinevere
So, Arthur was married to this lovely woman named Guinevere who is portrayed sometimes as just a dumb traitor and sometimes as a proper lady with an unfortunate flaw. Early on, she doesn't play much of a role, but later authors rather enjoyed playing around with her character. She is a noble lady of Roman descent and one of the most beautiful in Britain, as well as the daughter of King Leodegrance. She is most known for getting seduced by Mordred while Arthur is away on his exploits. Later works have her getting abducted in various versions, with a certain version (Chrétien de Troyes) being the first to say that it was not Arthur, but Lancelot that saved her, leading her to have an affair with him... Well, that was just the first version to do so.
Later takes on Guinevere suggest that she was betrothed to Arthur early on, but ends up falling in love with Lancelot on first sight. They have an affair, which is eventually exposed by Morgan le Fay, who herself might've been Lancelot's lover (yay Medieval drama). Arthur kind of halfheartedly sentences Guinevere to the stake for her adultery, while Lancelot escapes. Arthur and his other knights fight against Lancelot as he comes with his forces to rescue Guinevere, resulting in the deaths of two of Gawain's brothers and a couple other round table knights. Lancelot runs away again to France, and in this version, it is while Arthur is chasing after him to fight him that Mordred seduces Guinevere and steals the throne. Or, in some versions, she escapes and hides in the Tower of London and then a nunnery to avoid Mordred. Man, that sure went well. After he goes to Avalon mortally wounded, Guinevere meets with Lancelot once more before retiring to a convent for the rest of her life (get thee to a nunnery!).
OG
She sure looks sweet and innocent.... haha, no. It's a trap; don't make this one your waifu. That probably won't end well. Her base and +1 have a more Roman clothing style while her +2 is more European, maybe showing her noble descent and queenhood? The welsh form of her name, Gwenhwyfar, means "white enchantress," whicih is probably why she looks somewhat cleric-y (that and she ended up in a convent in the end).
Quote: "Arthur... What happened..."
"Lancelot... What should I do..."
"This is all I can do right now..."
Oh boy. See that two-timing? That's two-timing right there. Three-timing, possibly, since her +2's homepage quote is regarding the Knight, and, well,
"I worked so hard on this...
Don't tell Arthur or Lancelot, ok?" I guess if you're into that, getting that kind of secret present might be nice. Lel.
Skills: Holy Reinforcements: 30% Multi
Blinding Blessing: Immensely boosts Team DEF. Slightly boosts own hp. (30%)
Well, I guess she did join the clergy in the end. As for who she's giving that blessing too, is it Lancelot, Arthur, or Mordred? ?_?
Description: Life doesn't always go as planned... She was supposed to die that day... My plan... RUINED! That little brat, look what she did! Who cares... There's always next time!
This is an interesting description, and it's probably from the point of view of Morgan le Fay, who in later Arthurian tradition seriously hated Guinevere's guts. Maybe she's salty that Guinevere didn't die from burning at the stake?
King Arthur's Lovely Nephew Mordred
Really, who could ask for a better nephew? Or maybe illegitimate son. In the Welsh versions though, he was only ever a nephew, but in some, Mordred was born to Morgause who slept with King Arthur and hid it from her husband, Lot, welp. In the versions after the Post-Vulgate cycle (later French tradition), Arthur heard a prophecy that said a child born from him would destroy him, and thus took all his children (illegitimate ones included) and put them on a boat to die. And apparently, Mordred lived and may have had a bone or two to pick with Arthur after that. In some accounts, Mordred was originally named Arthur's successor anyways, but the other people didn't really like that and so Arthur changed his successor to Constantine, thus sparking Mordred's future actions. In any case, some way or another, Mordred eventually becomes one of Arthur's knights. And one that Arthur was pretty trusting of, you know, for him to leave the guy as regent after he went off to do whatever. And as we all know by now, that ended well.
OG
The edgy-evil-character feel is strong in this one. She's got the villainess armor, and these wonderful red backgrounds reminiscent of hell to boot! Interestingly enough, Mordred does appear in Dante's Inferno in a pretty low level, because you know, traitors end up in hell. Her base and +1 seem ready to draw her sword on Arthur, while her +2 is embroiled in battle....? I'm not too sure about that one myself.
Quote: "Finally! Though our swords may cross, you WILL acknowledge me!"
"Look at this, Arthur! The end of everything! Isn't it beautiful!?"
"You won't even call me by my name. You're pathetic Arthur!"
Well. Mordred's been wanting this confrontation with Arthur, and maybe her lines are a nod to seeking to be recognized as Arthur's son/heir/whatever that the Mordred in the actual legends may have felt to some extent. The second quote is a nod to the mutual destruction that occurs, and while I don't think the third one has much historical basis, it sure is spicy.
Skills: Broken Vows: Multi (20%)
Sword of the Usurper: Rush (20%)
By betraying Arthur, Mordred broke whatever vows she took as a knight. The Sword of the Usurper probably refers to Clarent, which was King Arthur's "peace" sword for knighting and ceremonies. Mordred in the legends stole it, and later used it to fight Arthur.
Description: The fools fall over themselves to please Arthur -- NO MORE! I will make her see me if I have to wretch her pretty head off myself! She will watch as I break everything she holds dear. Only then will I kill her.
Pretty self-explanatory. Mordred is rather upset with Arthur, as you can see. Maybe her designation as heir got revoked?
Remix
Looks like a re-draw of Mordred's OG+2 form. It is rather clear now that she is standing in a sea of blood, which might be expected if she is fighting a war against Arthur. The scar on her eye is maybe one she got in the battle that has ensued thus far.
Quote: "Even I can be nice sometimes!"
Not really sure what this is all about, but Mordred hasn't always been depicted as a villain. In some accounts, he was a pretty decent guy that died tragically at his father's hand for some unchronicled reason. In some others, apparently people actually preferred Mordred as a ruler, because unlike Arthur he didn't want to wage wars all the time.
Skills: Chains of Camelot - 30% Rush
Morgause's Magic - Immensely lowers ATK of foes (40%).
Perhaps being a Knight was more of a burden on Mordred? I am not really sure on that one. But Morgause's magic is probably a nod to the fact that Morgause, like Morgan, was an enchantress.
Description
Arthur... I've never been one to ask what others think, always doing whatever I please, whenever I please. I tried to ask the others, but - What am I doing? This isn't like me! Well I guess this is what they call rock bottom, huh? There's only going up from here!
It seems like Ishtaria's Mordred, unlike the original one, was doing some self-reflection during the battle instead of actually killing Arthur. Maybe this will end better than it did in the lore!
Arthur&Mordred
So, after Arthur and Mordred duke it out until the bitter end (?), they end up... taking a vacation on the summery beach island of Avalon. And for some reason, they're getting along again!
Quote: "Arthur! What are we doing here!? Our battle can wait... We need a vacation."
"This rain... It's making my shirt... !
Well played Knight... Well played..."
"Give me that lotion now, Arthur! How about you let me take care of it!?"
So, the reason they're here is because Arthur was like, screw this, I need a break. And dragged Mordred with her. Right. And like always, the Knight is involved, and Arthur is forcibly applying lotion onto Mordred. L-lewd....
Skills: Battle of Camlann - 30% Rush
Eternal Illusion - 30% Multi
The Battle of Camlann is that final battle of King Arthur's where he kills Mordred and finds himself in a pickle. Except neither of them died in Ishtaria. Eternal Illusion probably refers to the Isles of Avalon, which were really damn hard to find.
Description: Avalon. The perfect place for a knight to come and rest their sword. The perfect place for that Brave Warrior, or even THAT TRAITOR, to come for a much needed vacation after the Battle of Camlann. Wait... Why would they be... Together!? No... A treaty? It's not possible!
Well, a vacation is a vacation. No need to be fighting when you can be sunbathing, right?
Hot Springs
So after being dragged on that vacation, Mordred ends up deciding she needs a break and goes for a nice, long bath in a hot spring. The water in her +2 looks kind of... reddish, though, maybe implying blood... Overall, the artwork itself is very waifu-fying, much like what happened with Arthur in her Xmas and NY versions.
Quote: "This battle... It has run down
not only you, but me as well."
"Don't even get me started about the
boat we rode here... Ugh, feel sick."
"Curse you, Arthur... Fighting and fighting, dragging me to that island, ugh! I still have so much to say but I'm not going to waste my breath now."
So, Mordred's kind of annoyed at the aftermath of all this. She feels it hasn't really been resolved, but can't do anything about it.
Skills: Baths of Camlann - Multi 30%
Where the Blade Belongs - Temp. dec. foes' HP
. Immensely boosts team ATK (40%)
You didn't see wrong. Not battle, baths. It's baths now.
Mordred's sword, Clarent, was originally a peaceful sword. It must be quite happy it's not fighting anymore!
Description: The spear pierced the blade, breaking that sword in half. Pain and resentment, they flow with the blood of her enemies leaving nothing but pure thoughts behind. On an island fit for the end of a journey, she sat in that hot spring... Will it melt out some of those words frozen in her heart?
Remember how Arthur had a spear? Seems like she was the winner of their battle, and Clarent may have just been broken in the fray (moment of silence). Now, Mordred is reflecting on it all...
Maid
The waifu-fication continues! At least it seems like Mordred got her sword back.
Quote: "Arthur! What were you
thinking with this outfit!?"
Punishment game. It's clearly a punishment game. Did you think you could get out of what you did? (lol)
Skills: Maid of Camlann - MultiRush (30%)
Burning Bashfulness - Boosts self ATK every time self lands a non lethal attack on a foe
So after Camlann, Mordred is now a maid. Wew. I'd be embarrassed in that outfit too, Mordred.
Description:
Arthur and the other Knights of the Round Table... They remained in Avalon while Mordred was sent on a special...cleaning mission? Clad in a uniform conjured by Merlin and Morgan, this outfit is set to come off if she doesn't fulfill her duties...
So, while everyone else is relaxing and having a good time, Mordred is forced to do the cleaning. And if she doesn't, she'll go stark naked...? Yup, this has punishment game written all over it. More like, you're using magical powers to make lewd clothing? I'm sure Japan approves.
Well, the Arthur-Mordred drama ended a lot better in Ishtaria than it did in the old tales. Maybe because they're both genderbent.
Lancelot
Sir Lancelot, one of the Knights of the Round Table, is frequently featured as Arthur's closest companion, as well as the greatest swordsman and jouster of his age. He was born to King Ban, and Elaine, who were driven from their Kingdom by foes. While Elaine is tending to the wounded Ban, he is carried off by the Lady of the Lake, where he gets his surname (full name Lancelot du Lac). His cousins are afterwards also taken by the Lady of the Lake. I guess she has a tendency to kidnap children. In any case, he entered Arthur's court under Sir Gawain, and more or less falls in love with Guinevere at first sight. And then, he gets sent on a mission to save her from kidnappers, which might have made Guinevere fall in love with him too. In some versions, this doesn't happen till later. Afterwards, he helps out Arthur in a war versus some chump named Galehut, who is so impressed with Lancelot's skill that he offers him a wish. Lancelot, being a loyal knight, wishes for Galehut to surrender peacefully, which he does. But Galehut wasn't so happy to be working under Arthur because he's the one who convinced Guinevere it was alright to be act on her love for Lancelot.... Lancelot also participated in the quest for the Holy Grail, and overall seems like a pretty cool guy till you realize he's cuckolding you which leads to a downward spiral of unfortunate events that end in you and your nephew effectively killing each other. Uh.... well, then. At least he was repentant. Upon meeting Guinevere for the last time, when she declares her intention to remain in a nunnery and never see him again in her lifetime, he says he'll do the same, and joins a hermitage. And he did never see her again in her lifetime, since she died before he could visit her (after he dreamed that she was dying) and he ended up being the priest conducting her rites. Oof.
OG
Lancelot looks ready for battle... and rather upset. I expect Arthur's already found out what she's been doing behind her back, and she may very well be on her way to save Guinevere.... or something. The Ishtarian version doesn't quite fit the history too well, since every male pretty much got genderbent (I guess they're all lesbians?)
Quote: "This lake..."
"...flows with my tears..."
"My blade will cut through this despair!"
The quotes probably are a reference to the lake where Lancelot was raised, and his conflicted feelings upon being discovered.
Skills: Arondight's Blessing - Rush (30%)
Arondight's Fury - Multi (25%)
Arondight is the name of Lancelot's sword, although it was re-named fairly recently (20th century). Originally the sword was named Seure or Secace, but some chumps over in the design team of Sonic and the Black Knight thought Arondight sounded cooler, apparently Silicon Studio agreed, and in Ishtaria and many other games Arondight is the name that stuck.
Description: Gazing upon his hometown, guilt ridden, he let out a sigh. He knew what he did was wrong, shame dwelling in his blade. A punishment, a curse... It was time... Time for his ultimate atonement.
Ah, yup. There's that guilt. I don't know why the description refers to Lancelot as 'he' when the art clearly has boobs, but I guess that's more or less what the actual Lancelot would have felt.