Berdly

Berdly is a Lightner from Hometown. Berdly is the self-proclaimed "Number 1" student in School, Kris's classmate in Alphys's class, and Noelle's study partner.
He plays a minor role in Chapter 1, but becomes a major character in Chapter 2. In Chapter 2, he initially appears as the secondary antagonist who is allied with Queen, but ultimately becomes an ally.
== Profile ==
=== Appearance ===
Berdly resembles a large avian with blue feathers, a yellow beak, and yellow legs. He wears black framed glasses, a collared white button-up shirt with striped sleeves, and a black shirt layered underneath.
In the Dark World, Berdly's feathers are a lighter shade of blue, and the whites of his eyes are bright green. He wears a "Smart Scouter" on his head that consists of an orange tinted lens and two white and green pointed headsets. His ensemble consists of an orange cape, futuristic white armor with pointed shoulder guards, bracers and leg armor. He wears a black bodysuit underneath this armor, and has green cloth wrapped around his waist. In battle, Berdly uses a green laser halberd with a yellow ax blade and yellow eyes embedded into the blade's head.
=== Personality ===
Berdly is sarcastic, arrogant, projects great self-esteem, and considers himself one of the smartest students of his class. He is shown to be very disdainful of his fellow classmates (especially Susie), but has respect for Noelle, whom he considers the actual smartest student. Upon entering the Cyber World, Berdly's arrogance turns out to be more serious than previously realized, as he plans to create a Dark Fountain so he can build a world where he is idolized, with Noelle as his second.
Berdly is very unaware of how others perceive him. For instance, he is oblivious to Noelle's contempt and thinks she is in love with him and also fails to understand that Queen views him as her minion rather than an ally.
Despite his arrogant and annoying disposition, Berdly is shown to not be as clever as he says he is, as demonstrated by his inability to solve puzzles. He eventually confesses that he never really thought he was as intelligent as he claimed, and that he was only able to get good grades because Noelle helped him with his homework. His insecurities begin to eat him alive to a point where he feels everyone's expectations of him are so high, he can't imagine how it feels if he can't live up to them, or even what happens if he can't get along without Noelle's, or anyone else's, help. After Susie reassures him that he doesn't need to be smart, Berdly decides he wants to be an idiot instead, much to her annoyance. Once he wakes up from his "dream" in Dark World (though still unsure whether or not what he experienced was a dream), his opinion of Kris and Susie begins to soften somewhat, even going so far as to develop a crush on Susie and view her as some form of role model.
Berdly is also a huge video game fanatic and seeks a partner who shares this interest. He does, however, despise mobile video games.
During the Snowgrave Route, upon meeting Berdly after the Annoying Mouse Puzzle Room 3, Berdly shows capacity to understand the situation Noelle is in, and that he cares about her enough and is brave enough to fight the party and attempt to free her from Kris's wrongdoings, unbeknownst to him that they are under the player's influence. His attacks are stronger on this route.
== Main Story ==
=== History ===
As a child, Berdly was considered forgettable to his peers, and few even bothered to remember his name. His only friend was Noelle Holiday, his classmate and study partner.
One day, at the school spelling bee, Noelle and Berdly were the final two contestants standing, as they had studied together the night before in preparation. However, Noelle suddenly became nervous and couldn't speak when spelling the word "December," handing the victory to Berdly. Berdly did not believe he deserved to win, but found he enjoyed the attention and praise he received from his peers, and quickly became addicted to the idea of "being smart."
Since then, Berdly always worked to be "Number 1" in his class, worrying that he may not live up to everyone's high expectations. He secretly knew that Noelle was smarter than him, and continued studying with her over the years to maintain his good grades.
=== Chapter 1 ===
When Kris first enters the classroom, Berdly is at his desk along with the other students. If spoken to, he chastises Kris for being late and says he is already partnered with the second smartest student, Noelle, implying that he is the smartest. When Noelle asks Alphys for permission to let Kris join them and make a group of three, Berdly vehemently objects, believing that Kris would prevent them from getting an A. Before the matter can be settled, Susie enters the room and Kris is partnered with her instead.
After school, Berdly works as a volunteer assistant at the Librarby. If spoken to there, he congratulates Kris on surviving Susie, sarcastically offering a discount on their "family debt" of 2583 days of overdue fines for How to Draw Dragons. If addressed after Kris visits the Hospital, Kris apparently asks him to go by the hospital window, presumably so that Rudy can throw something at him. Berdly declines the offer.
=== Chapter 2 ===
At some point between class and Kris and Susie leaving Castle Town, Berdly enters the Cyber World, where he and Noelle are captured by Queen. Queen plans to use Noelle's powers as a Lightner to open more Dark Fountains and create a "perfect world", but Noelle is reluctant to join her. However, Berdly likes the plan and joins Queen against her will. Later, at the end of the Cyber Field, Kris, Susie, and Ralsei fight Berdly in bumper cars, resulting in Berdly's coaster exploding and him falling off the rails.
Unable to find Queen or Noelle, Berdly explores Cyber City to search for them, and he makes a truce with Kris until they find their respective teams, unaware that Queen and Noelle are both nearby hiding from him.
==== Normal Route ====
During his search, Berdly bakes a battery acid pie (which he calls a "Gamer's Delight") and commissions Sweet Cap'n Cakes to build a giant golden statue of himself in hopes of impressing Queen, who continues to avoid him. Later on, Berdly finds Kris again in the Annoying Mouse Puzzle Room 3 while Noelle is on the platform of the puzzle. He continues to talk to Kris, completely oblivious to the fact that Noelle is right next to him.
Eventually, Berdly spots Kris and Noelle together and immediately jumps to the conclusion that Kris has taken Noelle captive. He proceeds to battle them, ignoring Noelle's protests. After the battle, he once again leaves to find Queen, who narrowly avoids him.
When Kris reunites with Susie and Ralsei, the player has the choice to give a gift to Berdly. If so, Berdly appears, bewildered that Kris has abandoned their truce to team up with Susie. Regardless, he thanks Kris for the gift, which is a Berdly plush. He also joins the party for that room before leaving once again to search for Queen.
Right before the party enters Queen's Mansion, Queen stops them and tries to take Noelle captive, threatening that "A Certain Bird Might Take A Ride In The Acid River" (implying Berdly) if she refuses. After Kris and Susie escape their rooms, Berdly joins them; however, he does not help at all. He attempts to solve the puzzles that follow, but is repeatedly upset when Kris continues to find the answer first. After the third room, Berdly tells Kris, Susie, and Lancer his backstory. Realizing that his own delusions of "superiority" and a perfect world put Noelle in danger, Berdly confesses that he's really not that smart after all. Susie and Lancer forgive him and tell him it is okay to make mistakes, but Berdly misinterprets this and thinks they are asking him to be stupid, which to their annoyance he gladly accepts. Regardless, he changes for the better and is on the party's side for the rest of the journey.
Fearing for Noelle's safety, Berdly comes up with a plan for him and Susie to rescue her using his knowledge of a secret passageway. Berdly meets Susie and Noelle on the roof and intends to take the latter to safety while the others battle Queen. However, this plan goes awry when Berdly confesses his crush on Susie to Noelle, which infuriates her. The two are then recaptured by Queen off-screen, and she places Berdly under mind control using a face plug, forcing him to once again battle against the Lightners.
Defeating him during Queen's second battle by loosening the cable on his face allows him to unplug it without much effort. Noting on the party's courage and mercy, Berdly officially declares himself to be on their side, causing Queen to retreat. However, his energy is already drained by the cable, so he is unable to assist in the final battle.
Unable to fight, Berdly instead gathers Sweet Cap'n Cakes, Rouxls Kaard, and the other Darkners to construct the giant Thrash mech, which allows the party to battle against GIGA Queen. Afterwards, Berdly attempts to open another Dark Fountain at Noelle's request, but is stopped by Ralsei, who informs them all about The Roaring, which also convinces Queen to abandon her plan. When Kris seals the Cyber World Fountain, Berdly wakes up in the Librarby believing the adventure was all a dream, but considers studying with Kris and Susie again in the future.
If Berdly is defeated through fighting in any of his battles, or if Queen is defeated through fighting, the fight against Queen ends differently as he tries to pull the plug off his face prematurely. This results in him being electrocuted and his right arm being injured. If he injures his arm this way in the Dark World, when the Lightners wake up in the Librarby, he realizes that he cannot move that arm, prompting Noelle to carry his books for him and dismissing his arm as merely being asleep.
==== Snowgrave Route ====
Berdly's encounter with Kris and Noelle after Annoying Mouse Puzzle Room 3 goes much differently. After noticing that Noelle is acting unusual and expressing genuine concern for how Kris is treating her, Berdly attacks Kris. Kris convinces Noelle to use the SnowGrave spell on Berdly, which immediately encases him in a large prism of ice. He does not appear for the remainder of the adventure in the Cyber World.
After the Dark Fountain is sealed and the computer lab returns to normal, Kris, Susie, Noelle, and Berdly appear at one of the tables, but Berdly does not wake up. Noelle assumes that he fell asleep during their studying and leaves him behind. Interacting with Berdly displays the text "(He doesn't seem to be awake.)" When Kris cleans up and leaves the computer lab, Berdly does not appear with them.
Berdly's condition and fate in the Light World at the end of this route are unknown. However, the SnowGrave spell is noted as "fatal" during battle.
=== Chapter 4 ===
In the Holiday Newsletter 2024, it was confirmed that Berdly will appear in Chapter 4, and ask someone out to the festival.
== In Battle ==
=== Attacks ===
* Tornado 1: Berdly summons walls of four tornadoes that fly to the left. Each wave has one of four patterns: one-by-one top to bottom; the first and third, then the second and fourth; or one of these patterns, but with the order reversed.
* Tornado 2: Berdly summons four tornadoes that fly towards the center. This attack is only used on the second encounter, and it is replaced by Tornado 1 when a Werewire is present.
* Chirashi: Berdly shoots papers with "A+" written on them. In the Snowgrave Route, Berdly shoots more papers per wave, with reduced time between waves.
* Spear Blast: Berdly shoots a trail of projectiles in a curvy line, telegraphed by a thin red line. The trail stays for a moment, before releasing small projectiles that point in the direction they will fly. In the Snowgrave Route, the number of projectiles is doubled and this attack is also quicker than usual.
Berdly's attacks during the first encounter cycle between Tornado 1, Chirashi, and Spear Blast in that order.
In the second encounter, Berdly cycles between, in that order, Tornado 2, Chirashi, and Spear Blast, similarly to his first encounter, with the exception of the second turn, in which he will choose randomly between the three attacks. He will also summon two Werewires before his third attack in the normal route. If any Werewires are present, Berdly will choose randomly from Chirashi, Spear Blast, and Tornado 1.
=== Strategy ===
To win the first battle by ACTing, the party needs to bump into Berdly's car. Each individual bump gives +6% Mercy. BumpX gives 18% Mercy. 
To win the second battle, the party can continuously use ACTs. Kris's Play Dumb grants +8% Mercy, Act Smart with Noelle grants +16% Mercy, and N-Action with Noelle grants +10% Mercy. Once the mercy bar is full, the battle automatically ends. Play Smart grants +16% Mercy; however, a better combination may be Kris's Play Dumb along with Noelle's N-Action for +18% Mercy. The two Werewires that Berdly summons can be instantly spared with Noelle's Sleep Mist. 
On the Snowgrave Route, the second battle's ACTs are different. Kris can either Glare, reducing Berdly's defense (the first time) and granting +13% Mercy, or tell Noelle to Wake, increasing her Magic. Spare and N-Action do not grant any Mercy, so repeated Glares are the only way to spare Berdly in this battle, which gives a special cutscene and cancels the Snowgrave Route. Alternately, using IceShock and normal attacks to defeat Berdly cancels the Snowgrave Route immediately. To continue the Snowgrave Route, it is required to have Noelle equip the Thorn Ring, gather 100% TP, and make her use the SnowGrave spell. Berdly will use Spear Blast on the first turn, then choose randomly between it, Chirashi, and Tornado 2 on subsequent turns.
In the battle with Queen, the party can continuously loosen the plug on his face while the Queen is defenseless.
Defeating Berdly by depleting his HP in any of Berdly's first two fights prevents the party from freeing Berdly from Queen's cable without hurting him in the first Queen fight.
=== Quotes ===
==== Pre-Battle ====
; Cyber Field
* Fear not, my beloved Noelle!!
* This valiant warrior of brave intelligence
* Will be your knight in glow in the dark armor!
* [Susie] Berdly!? You asked BERDLY to be on your team!?
* [Queen] (I Did Not Ask Him I Did Not Ask Him I Did Not Ask Him)
* That's LORD Berdly to you simpletons!!
* And soon... SUPER Lord Berdly!
* [Susie] ... the hell does that mean?
* [Queen] (I Have No Damn Clue Just Go With It)
* You see, thanks to our WONDROUS Queen...
* WE... will soon RULE the WORLD!
* And turn this Land of Fools... into a Smartopia.
* A true Scientocracy, where the Geniuses of the world,
* Can bathe freely in pools of fresh fruit and ambrosia.
* No longer held back by protozoans like YOU!
* And the key to that? Is US. Noelle and I.
* Our power... The "Light Nerd's" power...
* [Ralsei] You mean... "Lightners?"
* Um, NO. Queen said "Light Nerds."
* [Queen] I Actually Did
* [Ralsei] Berdly, Queen's just manipulating you!!
* Heh... that's what she SAID you'd say to me!
* [Queen] I Actually Did
* Now, Kris!
* I must admit, I feel pity for you.
* Unlike Susie, I always saw some potential in you.
* Join our side, and I might let you scrub our royal toilet!
* What!? Don't say it so incredulously! [Join]
* Ah, Kris. I suppose I knew you would never amount to much. [Do not join]
* Well, if you're dead-set on proving your inferiority...
* Allow me to assist you!!
; Cyber City
;; Normal Route
* [Noelle] Uh-uh oh--
* Noelle!? What are you doing with Kris!?
* [Noelle] Um, I... um... I... I...
* [Noelle] We... have a truce...?
* A... truce!? With... Kris?
* Hahaha!! That's impossible!
* That would be double trucies.
* [Noelle] Huh?
* Worry not, my dearest Noelle.
* I know what you really want to say.
* [Noelle] You.... you do?
* Going along with all this...
* You feel... forced, don't you?
* It's why you're not with Queen right now.
* [Noelle] Berdly... you get it?
* Yes!! I do!!
* Kris is FORCING you to be on THEIR side!!
* Kidnapper!! Kris, our truce... is OVER!!!
* Noelle!! This may hurt, but it's to help you!!
* [Noelle] W-wait, just listen to me---!!!
;; Snowgrave Route
* Noelle! There you are!
* Just in time! We can both go back to Queen and--
* ...
* Noelle?
* [Noelle] Kris, it looks like another enemy.
* [Noelle] Should I freeze them?
* N... Noelle?
* Noelle, it's me, don't you recognize me!?
* [Noelle] ...!?!?
* [Noelle] B... Berdly!?
* Noelle, are you okay...?
* What... what are you doing with Kris?
* [Noelle] I'm just, we're just...
* [Noelle] ...
* [Noelle] Getting... stronger.
* Getting stronger... how? Kris, what are you doing!?
* [I'm protecting her from you!]
** From... me!?
** [Noelle] (Th... that's right, what was I thinking just now?)
** [Noelle] (That's right... Kris is my friend, right?)
** What absurdity!!! Kris!!
** Did you leave your IQ points at home!?
** Noelle is only going to be protected BY ME!
** And I'll FIGHT HER to PROVE IT!
** [Noelle] W-wait, just listen to me---!!!
* [Proceed]
** Wh... what? Proceed... where?
** Noelle, what are they talking about!?
** [Noelle] ...
** Th-that's it, Kris! I don't know what you're doing...
** But if you're hurting my friend Noelle...
** Then I have no choice but to stop you by force!
** Kris, ready yourself!!
** [Noelle] W-wait, Berdly, stop!
** [Noelle] Run away!
==== Battle ====
* Holy Halbird! Grant me strength! [Spear Blast]
; Cyber Field
* Kris, I get why you're getting in my way! You're jealous, aren't you!? [Turn 1]
* Kris, you're tired of being the class No.3, gazing distantly at Noelle and I's fruited figures... [Turn 2]
* So rather than ever STUDYING, you'd enlist SUSIE to take us down! [Turn 3]
* Kris... you are truly depraved. Playing in the mud with the class hellion. [Turn 4]
* [Turn 5]
** But Kris, I am a kind and brave hero! If you come to our side...
** You may be a slightly less distant No. 3! Haha... slightly.
* [Turn 6 or afterwards, if he is either at half health or his MERCY bar is at 50% or more]
** What? My car is breaking!?
** Fools! This is Smart Smoke! It means my car is getting stronger!
* [Turn 6 or afterwards, if he has been bumped, can follow the previous line]
** Ha! Go ahead, "bump" me, bumpbarians!
** I'll show you "bumper cars" is a game of INTELLECT, not skill!
* Look, Susie! The closest you'll ever get to an "A"! [Turn 6 or afterwards, Chirashi]
* Partake, Kris! The zephyr of punishment! [Turn 6 or afterwards, using Tornado]
* W-what...? My coaster, it's...! [End]
; Cyber City
;; Normal Route
* Kris! I get it! Your head's gotten big from solving that puzzle by DUMB LUCK! [Turn 1]
* [Turn 2]
** So now you think it's your chance to usurp me at my weakest...
** By taking my most precious thing... Noelle!
* [Turn 3]
** But guess what, Kris! I have one or more things you will NEVER have!
** Behold!!! Comrades!!!
* [Turn 4]
** That's right, Kris! Unlike YOU, I have a LOVING TEAM behind me!
** And you'll never beat US fighting alone!
* [if the Werewires are defeated]
** ... h-hey, wait, where'd the other guys go!? [Turn 4]
** [Turn 5]
*** My... my allies are gone? Ha! They're probably just... Helping Queen search for me!
*** Sh... shut up, Kris! Shut up! I don't care if you're not saying anything!
** [Turn 6]
*** S-summon more guys!? I... I don't need to do that!
*** Just WAIT! The original ones are gonna come back any minute now!
* [Turn 5, if at least one Werewire is present]
** Kris... you're outmatched! My team is rich in natural resources!
** Intelligence, yes. Smarts, yes. Nipples, future YES.
* [Turn 6, if Berdly is not alone and Noelle is not downed]
** Noelle, this might hurt, but it's to save you!
** [Noelle] (Help.)
* [Turn 7 or afterwards, if Noelle has taken damage]
** Don't worry, it's part of my calculations! 
** [Noelle] WHY ARE YOU HITTING ME!?
* Ahh, Kris... A shame I must defeat someone so lowly... [Play Dumb #1]
* [Noelle] (Why me!?) [Play Dumb, subsequent times, randomly, only once]
* [N-Action #1]
** [Noelle] Umm, Berdly, I'm glad you're trying to help me...
** No need to thank me, dearest Noelle!
* Partake, Kris! The Zephyr of Punishment! [Tornado]
* See if you can dodge this, Kris! [Chirashi]
;; Snowgrave Route
* [Glare #1]
** Wh... what!? Trying to psyche me out, Kris!?
** W-well... It's not working!!
* [Noelle] Concentrate on what...? [Wake #1]
* [Kris is down for first time]
** N-Noelle, look! Kris is down!
** Now's your chance to come back over here!
** ...
** N... Noelle?
** [Noelle] (I can... still... hear... their voice...)
* [SnowGrave #1]
** [Noelle] S... Snowgrave?
** [Noelle] I... I don't know that spell.
* [SnowGrave #2]
** [Noelle] I'm telling you, I... I...
** [Noelle] I don't know what you're talking about.
* [SnowGrave #3]
** [Noelle] I'm telling you, stop!
** [Noelle] I... I don't know what you're talking about!
* [SnowGrave #4]
** [Noelle] ...
** [Noelle] Fine. You want to see what happens so bad?
** [Noelle] Watch what happens when I cast a spell I don't know!
* [SnowGrave, successful]
** [Noelle] ...
** [Noelle] What...
** [Noelle] What happened?
** [Noelle] There was so much snow, I couldn't see anything...
** [Noelle] I... 
** [Noelle] I don't feel so good.
** [Noelle] I think
** [Noelle] I'm going to go home.
==== Post-Battle ====
; Cyber Field
* Wh... what!?
* That's not fair!!!
* M... My Queen... Save me...!!!
* [Queen] In A Minute Dear
; Cyber City
* D-damn it!
* [Noelle] Berdly, are you okay...?
* [Noelle] Kris, maybe we should have gone easier on him...
* Go easier!? Ha! Haha! Hahaha!
* The only one going easy mode, was me!
* [Noelle] You look... Exhausted.
* I'm only tired of HOLDING BACK MY TRUE POWER!
* Ah, Noelle. It'd be too simple to save you now.
* Kris! Go ahead and train your strength values.
* Try hard, and maybe someday you'll be a worthy rival.
* Heh! Sometimes I can't believe how cool I am...
* [Noelle] (He hit me in the face with a tornado...) [If Noelle is not at full HP]
* [Noelle] (If he would just listen to me...) [If Noelle is at full HP]
* [Sparing Berdly on Snowgrave Route]
** [Noelle] Kris...?
** [Noelle] ...
** [Noelle] Um, about just now...
** [Noelle] ...
** [Noelle] (Seems like whatever was happening.)
** [Noelle] (They snapped themselves out of it...)
** [Noelle] (Proceed...)
** [Noelle] (Why... did they keep saying that...?)
** [Noelle] ...w-wait, I get it!
** [Noelle] You were just trying to make Berdly mad, weren't you?!
** [Noelle] Come on, that's not nice, Kris.
** [Noelle] ... Though, it's not like I don't understand the feeling.
** [Noelle] Fahahaha.
** [Noelle] I guess we both kind of got carried away...!
** [Noelle] ...
** [Noelle] (Really though, what... was I thinking?)
=== Flavor Text ===
; Cyber Field
* Go! Use your roller coaster cars to play "bump of chicken"! [Check]
* Berdly rides in! [Encounter]
* Berdly gives the secret sign! But Queen is busy with a coloring book! [Neutral]
* Berdly calls Queen for help! But Queen is pretending to be on the phone! [Neutral]
* Berdly asks Queen what snacks they have at home! Queen nods! She has earbuds in! [Neutral]
* Berdly summons Queen! Queen calls in sick! [Neutral]
* Berdly shows Queen his card collection! Queen escaped successfully. [Neutral]
* Smells like fried chicken. [Neutral]
* You/Susie/Ralsei will attempt to bump into Berdly's car! [Bump/Bump/Bump]
* You/Susie and Susie/Ralsei will attempt to bump into Berdly's car! [A combination of two of Bump, Bump, and Bump]
* The whole gang will attempt to bump into Berdly's car! [BumpX/Bump+Bump+Bump]
* Berdly asks Queen for healing! She says "You're Doing Great Honey" [Low HP]
* Berdly's coaster car thing looks sick. [More than 75% Mercy]
; Cyber City
* Berdly blocks the way! [Encounter]
;; Normal Route
* He usually only gets this mad when you play games together. [Check]
* Berdly laughs and goes to his mind palace. [Neutral]
* Berdly crushes his Smart Scouter out of frustration. [Neutral]
* Berdly tries to entice Noelle to his side by gyrating his hips! [Neutral]
* Berdly preens condescendingly. [Neutral]
* Berdly thanks Noelle profusely. [Neutral]
* Smells like frozen chicken. [Neutral]
* [Play Dumb #1]
** You acted like you were an idiot next to Berdly's genius!
** Berdly liked that!
* [Play Dumb, subsequent times, randomly, only once]
** You pretended to spill your IQ points on the floor!
** You got Noelle to pretend to pick them up!
** Berdly liked that!
* [Play Dumb, subsequent times, randomly]
** You pretended to knit a home-made dunce cap!
** Berdly liked that!
* [Play Dumb, subsequent times, randomly]
** You did several math problems incorrectly!
** Berdly liked that!
* [Play Dumb, subsequent times, randomly]
** You grunted like a primitive animal!
** Berdly liked that!
* [Play Smart #1-2]
** You encouraged Noelle to use her mind!
** Her MAGIC increased! Berdly found her smarts appealing!
* [Play Smart #3+]
** You encouraged Noelle to use her mind!
** Noelle acted smart!
* [N-Action #1]
** Noelle tried to talk to Berdly!
** Noelle accidentally complimented Berdly!
* Noelle accidentally complimented Berdly! [N-Action #2+]
;; Snowgrave Route
* Enemy Weakness: ICE. Try your strongest ice spell. [Check]
* [Glare #1]
** You glared at Berdly!
** Berdly's DEFENSE dropped!
* [Glare #2+]
** You glared at Berdly!
** His DEFENSE dropped!
* [Wake #1-10]
** You told Noelle to concentrate!
** Her MAGIC increased!
* [Wake #11+]
** You told Noelle to concentrate!
** But nothing happened!
* [N-Action]
** Noelle tried to talk to Berdly!
** But it failed.
== Relationships ==
=== Noelle Holiday ===
Noelle is Berdly's school partner and the only student he doesn't snub, as he views her as his only friend. Regardless, he continues to boast his condescending front and calls her the second smartest student, showing that he still views himself as superior. Berdly rarely takes her actual feelings into consideration, as seen when Noelle asks if Kris can join their project in a group of three, which he immediately objects, firmly stating that Kris would only weigh them down.
During their time in the Dark World, Berdly tries without success to rebuild a perfect world with the help of Queen, but Noelle doesn't play along, leading to a fight between them.
After joining the party, he eventually reveals that Noelle actually helps him study, and that, deep down, he views her as better than him. Berdly, completely oblivious to Noelle's crush on Susie, assumes that Noelle is helping him because she has a crush on him. Berdly doesn't return this perceived crush, telling Noelle not to be jealous as he has a crush on Susie instead.
When telling Noelle about his crush on Susie, Noelle grabs and shakes him, but this small rivalry doesn't last long and after exiting the Dark World, the two, thinking they had a dream, seem to be on good terms. If Berdly's arm is injured, Noelle carries his books for him, and he remarks on how she's always helping him, implying he may be more grateful in the future.
Despite the feud between him and Noelle, he still cares about her. This is prominent in the Snowgrave Route, where he notices the unbalanced power dynamic Kris has over Noelle and attempts to save her.
=== Kris ===
Little is known about Kris and Berdly's history before Deltarune. During Chapter 1, it is clear the two like to tease each other. While Berdly looks down on all his classmates, he seems to take particular joy in tormenting Kris. He memorized their brother's overdue library fees, and laughs at the idea of working with Kris in a group project. Additionally, if the two speak after Kris visits Rudy, Kris tells Berdly to stand outside the Hospital window. Berdly mocks Kris in response, and suggests they should be "CONTRIBUTING TO SOCIETY." In Chapter 2, Kris's second "Check" ACT states that Berdly becomes very angry when playing games with Kris, implying that Kris often defeats him in said games.
In the Dark World, Berdly and Kris's rivalry continues when he sides with Queen against the party. He accuses Kris of being jealous of his academic success. Even during their brief truce, Berdly constantly mocks Kris's intelligence for seemingly no reason. However, it soon becomes apparent why Berdly dislikes Kris: he considers them to be the "Number 3" student behind himself and Noelle, and though Berdly insists on his own superiority, he secretly fears that Kris might actually be smarter than him at solving puzzles, something he finds humiliating. He is also implied to be jealous of Kris for being Noelle's "lifelong neighbor." When he discovers Noelle is with Kris, he immediately assumes they "kidnapped" and "forced" her to be with them.
He also seems to have some, albeit limited, regard for Kris. He wants Kris to join him and Queen, while he only feels disdain for Susie. And he seems to be offended that Kris prefers Susie over him.
Despite this, once Berdly reforms and becomes allies with the party, he is shown to have developed a begrudging respect for Kris, even going so far as to refer to them as a comrade and "fellow bluebird." Upon waking up in the Light World, he considers the possibility of studying with Kris and Susie in the future, showing he may be nicer to them going forward.
=== Susie ===
At first, Berdly shows a low opinion of Susie for being a low-scoring student. Unlike the others students, he doesn't seem to be afraid of her. This becomes especially clear in the Dark World where he starts antagonizing her, using his newfound powers. When he realizes that Queen feigned camaraderie with him and traps him along with Kris and Susie, Berdly finally decides to side with them so he can free Noelle.
During this time spend together, it is shown that Berdly is trying his best to impress Susie (whom he calls Susan), wanting to show how cool he is. But his inability to solve puzzles while simultaneously pretending to be smarter gets on her nerves. Eventually, Berdly tells the truth about him and Noelle, explaining that he knew he wasn't as smart as he made himself out to be. Susie tells him that she could not care less about his reputation and that it is okay to be an idiot sometimes. Berdly misinterprets this and starts proudly proclaiming himself an idiot, much to her annoyance.
He also starts looking up to Susie as a role model and even develops a crush on her after learning she plays video games, much to Noelle's dismay. However, Susie herself seems unaware of this and still holds a rather low opinion of him.
=== Queen ===
Queen initially captures Berdly alongside Noelle in hope of making them her minions for her scheme. Unlike Noelle, Berdly is very enthusiastic at the idea, wanting to build a "new world" for him and Noelle. However, he does not understand that Queen views him as a pawn, rather seeing himself as the lead. Queen, realizing how out of control Berdly is, gives up on using him and instead runs away from him for the most part, though she does eventually attach a plug to Berdly's face to finally gain full control of him. Berdly later realizes that he and Queen are not on the same side, but this hostility does not last long, as Queen finally makes peace with the heroes.
== Gallery ==
 Berdly battle idle.gif | In-battle animation (normal)
 Berdly battle idle serious.gif | In-battle animation (Snowgrave Route)
 Berdly battle super jump.gif | Using Spear Blast (normal)
 Berdly battle super jump serious.gif | Using Spear Blast (Snowgrave Route)
 Berdly battle hurt.png | Hurt
 Berdly battle kneel.png | Defeated during his second encounter
 Berdly battle plug.png | Controlled by Queen's plug
 Berdly overworld broken arm.png | Right arm injured
 Berdly overworld frozen.png | Berdly fatally frozen to SnowGrave in the Snowgrave Route
 Berdly overworld young silhouette.png | Berdly as a young child (silhouette)
 Noelle overworld Berdly shake.gif | Berdly being shaken by Noelle
 Berdly overworld statue.png | The statue of Berdly built by Sweet Cap'n Cakes
 Berdly overworld Dark World unused.png | An early version of Berdly's Dark World sprite
 Berdly artwork concept.png | Concept art of Berdly's expressions
 Berdly artwork LINE sticker.png | Berdly LINE sticker
== Trivia ==
* Berdly is able to turn his head around backwards similar to an owl, as shown when he is spoken to from behind in the classroom.
* In the UNDERTALE 6th Anniversary stream, Berdly has unique dialogue in the modified Chapter 1, where he jeers Kris regarding the "Smashing Fighters moss-percent speedrun." He claims that he has been working on a forty-minute documentary on how Kris cheated and spliced their run.
* It is suggested in one of the encounters with Queen that Berdly has no nipples, and that he wants them. This may be a reference to the fact that he isn't a mammal.
* Berdly's Dark World outfit is a possible reference to Falco Lombardi, a character from the Star Fox franchise. However, the outfit is more visually similar to outfits worn by Fox McCloud (also from Star Fox), including the HUD eyepiece similar to the one Fox has worn in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, 3DS, Wii U and Ultimate and the Scouter worn by Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z.
** The prism he gets frozen in after his fight in the Snowgrave Route could also be a reference to Fox and Falco's Reflector in the Super Smash Bros. series, a gadget that creates a blue hexagonal energy shield.
* Berdly appears to be a fan of a Super Smash Bros.-like series of fighting games (Super Smashing Fighters), as he references wavedashing when calling Kris a cheater after completing a puzzle. In the Snowgrave Route, after Noelle mentions she fell asleep in the library, her father remarks it must have been Berdly boring her with his theory on the "inequality of children's fighter games."
* Berdly's condescending personality is also reminiscent of how Revali, the Rito prodigy of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, treats Link.
* The Check text in his first encounter mentions playing "bump of chicken", which is likely a reference to the Japanese band Bump of Chicken.
* The flavor text in his second encounter mentions that he crushes his Smart Scouter. This is likely a reference to the famous "It's Over 9000!" scene from Dragon Ball Z, where Vegeta crushes his Scouter in similar frustration.
* Berdly's second battle is the only instance where Kris's solo ACT grants less Mercy than a party member in Chapter 2.
* His tornado attack in the second battle resembles an unused attack for Jevil.
* Berdly's flavor text mentioning his "mind palace" is a reference to the method of loci, a technique where one pictures memories in a spatial environment to enhance recall.
* His weapon in the Dark World is a play on words, considering he, a bird himself, wields a similarly named halberd in battle. The pun is further played upon with Berdly referring to the weapon as a 'halbird.'
* Berdly's quote "May the smarts... NOT be with you!" is a reference to the common Star Wars quote "May the Force be with you."
* The eye on Berdly's halberd is not visible in his Snowgrave animations.
* Berdly becomes uniquely serious and stops smirking during his Snowgrave Route battle.
* During the Spamton Sweepstakes 2022 charity event, Berdly was mentioned in some pages that were added to the official Deltarune website. These pages are implied to be from Noelle's blog:
** deltarune.com/code/comments/: It is implied that Berdly is the commenter with the username beginning "smartgenius555" (followed by random digits) and later also "smartgeniusnewadmin". Berdly complimented her post regarding the "Dragon Blazers" website update, and asked if he could be an admin or moderator. He also complained about a prank caller, to which Noelle mentioned that his username should not have his phone number in it. He changed his username, and asked again for privileges, though Noelle apologized as "the admin panel isn't working." Berdly kept receiving prank calls, and Noelle mentioned that his prior posts has his previous username. In an attempt to delete his posts, he accidentally deleted "Minecrap," though his prank caller helped reinstall the game. In the same post, Berdly shared the server details, though a moderator removed it.
** deltarune.com/the_n3w3st_g1rl_g1rl/: A private post from Noelle, where she mentions that Berdly frequently gives Alphys apples, though she does not eat them.
*Berdly shares some similarities to Susie:
**Both are the only two Lightners (as of now) with Boss fights.
**Both initially dislike Kris, but ended up becoming friends at the end of adventuring through a Dark World together.
**Both care deeply about Noelle.
**Both wield axe type weapons in battle.
== References ==
Category:Boss Enemies
es:Berdly
ru:Бёрдли
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