bethany81707

Depends on how you define 'mounted'. Sigurd was a pre-promote, and Seliph, Eliwood, Eirika and Ephraim all promote to mounted lords. If you want someone who starts mounted, that'll edge more into 'we don't have one yet'. Though a pegasus Lord does sound interesting... what with the weakness to arrows and more efficient way to seize. I always loved playing Florina in FE7, and having a Lord able to do that...

Chapter 4: A Daein the Life The downpour has calmed, but what the Circlet has seen has left the feeling behind. An unknown force is summoning soldiers from beyond the grave, for reasons unknown. Elena decides to pursue the matter, heading directly to Sienne to get to the bottom of the matter. Until they arrive, it is all they can do to wonder why the unknown Charmer is making his assault. “How far?” Janiyah asked. She had taken to riding double, her endurance being tested by the long, arduous walk with little breaks for resting her transformation. “Not too far… at least count your blessings we didn’t have to pass Grann Desert,” Emilyn said. Janiyah kept quiet from there. Wright looked around, and quickly changed course to meet Livia. “Your highness…” Wright started. “Call me Livia. Princess Livia if you must,” Livia said. “Right, Princess Livia… how are you finding the battlefields?” Wright asked. “Terrifying. If it weren’t for my Renewal, I think I wouldn’t set foot on one. But with Renewal, I can pluck up the courage to step on to the field and heal you lot. Without me, you’d be stuck with vulneraries, and those don’t exactly grow on trees,” Livia said. “They’re pretty cheap, but it is nice to have a healer on hand…” Wright said. “So, did you have a purpose for coming to talk to me, Wright?” Livia asked. “Livia… I don’t know how to put this into words… but… would you like to fight alongside me in our next battle? I think it might be helpful for you learn how to heal on horseback,” Wright said. “Riding a horse in combat? …I will give it a try. My mother rode a pegasus and healed… it can’t be that hard, can it?” Livia asked. Elena and Astrid’s horses stopped, and everyone else came to a stop behind them. A large squadron of ebon-clad soldiers stood before them, a variety of classes represented. At the army’s back sat a dragon-rider, with massive chuckles echoing from him. “The Mad King Ashnard!” Astrid cried out. “You know him?” Elena asked. “He was a great warrior. In his time, he won almost every battle he fought with a high distinction. The only time he lost is against your father,” Astrid said. “…I can take him!” Elena said. “It’s nice to hear you with such confidence, but Ashnard wore armour that repelled all attacks but those of Ashera’s blessing. While your blade, the Wo Dao, does have Ashnard’s blood on it, it’s minor Yune’s blessing might not cut it…” Astrid said. “That seems odd…” Elena said. “Long story,” Astrid said. “Um, Wright… did you call Reinforce?” Kalen asked. Wright shook his head, and Zard looked in the direction Kalen was pointing. “Oh yeah! I forgot to tell you guys that Queen Elincia sent reinforcements for us! Some of them are headed directly for Sienne, but she also called upon a flying troop for us,” Zard said. The leader of the troop approached Elena, the two other soldiers behind her in a triangle pattern. There were two pegasi, and a wyvern carrying two soldiers. “Hello, Elena,” Mist said, beaming. “Aunt Mist!” Elena cried out. “Nice to see you. But the formalities can wait. What the heck is Ashnard doing here?” Mist asked, her head jerking in Ashnard’s direction. “No idea. He’s a Deadlord, but we don’t know who created him or why. We just need to take him down,” Elena said. “Against Gurgurant? You girls will need all the help you can get. Rolf! Boyd! Sheeta! Help the girls. I’ll go take on Ashnard. Rolf, if I look like I’m losing, peg Ashnard with as many arrows as possible!” Mist said. “Understood, Mist… keep safe,” Rolf said. “I don’t intend to die to someone who’s already dead, Rolf,” Mist said. She shot forward on her pegasus, and started swinging her twin swords. Sonic and Runic blasted wind and light alike, while she dodged Gurgurant. “To think I wanted to protect her…” Rolf said. He pulled out his bow, and began firing at the Daein Risen. Sheeta let Boyd off her wyvern, and the pair began lancing the enemies. Elena took that as her cue to add her Circlet’s might to the effort. Mist’s swords flicked out and about, her squalls and beams of light littering the battlefield. Any Risen nearby would, and did, easily die from splash damage alone. Ashnard, however, was holding on fiercely. He was flinching, but it’d have taken Mist’s trained eye of combat to notice. Mist took in a breath, before taking into the high skies. Ashnard followed her. “The strong… the strong take everything. The weak perish…” Ashnard said. “You mean like you?” Mist asked. She generated a pair of small tornadoes, launching them at Ashnard. Ashnard dodged the tornadoes, and pulled back. Gurgurant was spinning around with an eeire whirr-whirr-whirr-whirr, before it slammed down on Mist’s pegasus. Mist dodged to one side, the blow grazing across her cheek, arm and leg, while chopping clean off one of her pegasus’ wings. She grabbed the reins with her left hand, the Sonic and Runic swords dropping to the ground. She couldn’t care: she was too busy trying to help her pegasus make a safe landing. She was spiralling about, trying to take control, when she heard the faint song of an arrow. She pulled out of the path, terrified of its strike, before she caught a faceful of something soft. “Mist… are you all right?” the voice of Rolf asked. Mist shook her head, tearing up as Rolf pulled her around into a more comfortable position, before turning and diving after Mist’s pegasus. Mist noticed Ashnard dropping to the ground, having fallen off his mount. Dragon laguz, wyvern, Mist wasn’t sure, but whatever it was, served Ashnard right. Sheeta was attacking the Daein forces with ferocity unmatched, her talent on a wyvern given to her by Jill. The Risen Daein had far inferior tactics, and were rather easy pickings. Sheeta was only distracted by her mother’s Sonic Sword appearing in the ground in front of her. The Runic Sword appeared a short distance away a few seconds later. Sheeta picked both up, before hurriedly dodging. A blast of lightning had struck the ground in front of her. Sheeta looked up, to see a Deadlord wyvern knight, a soldier named Gromell, before her. “Glory to Daein!” Gromell said in triumph, brandishing his Bolt Axe. Sheeta growled, and pulled out her lance. She looked at it briefly, before putting it back, and brandishing the Sonic Sword. She wasn’t entirely clear on how to use it, but she didn’t expect lances to do a lot of good. “I will show you the true power of Daein,” Sheeta said. She raised the Sonic Sword, focusing intently as she used its power to launch a squall at Gromell. Gromell deftly dodged the squall, before shooting a wicked bolt of lightning at Sheeta. Sheeta dodged, pulling all she had into it. “Sheeta…” a voice cried out. Sheeta turned, to see Boyd run up to Gromell, and run him through with his lance. Sheeta smiled in gratitude, as Gromell began fading away. “Sheeta, are you all right? You had me going there…” Boyd said. “I’m fine, Boyd. Really, I am. But I’ll need to check on Mother,” Sheeta said. She grabbed the two magic swords, and started flying into the sky, looking for her parents. Ashnard was brought down upon the Risen beneath him, and what little stragglers were left by this point became easy pickings. Although Astrid was still terrified of their ability to appear without warning, she was starting to think of them as nuisances rather than threats. Deadlords, of course, were still powerful in their own right, but generic Risen had little going for them. “That’s not…” Livia said, looking up at the pegasus approaching them. Rolf slipped off, holding Mist out to Elena and Livia. “Aunt Mist? Aunt Mist? Are you all right?” Elena asked. Livia pulled out her staff, and started furiously waving it. “Ashnard… his power was tremendous, even in death. Your father was a great warrior, and Ashnard was one of his toughest opponents… I’m surprised Mist made it out with as few injuries as she did,” Rolf said. Mist started coughing, opening her eyes. “You didn’t have confidence in me?” Mist asked. Rolf opened his mouth to argue back. “Just kidding, Rolf. I know what you meant… and I was just as terrified,” Mist said. “How bad is she hurt?” Elena asked. “…Her right side of her body got majorly cut by that sword… she won’t be as hurt as Dame Mia, but I’d recommend she stay off the battlefield for a while,” Livia said. “No fighting? But the only reason I came along was to help you girls out with these undead guys!” Mist said. “Aunt Mist, you must remain calm. That was a powerful sword you got hit by…” Livia said. “…Mother,” Sheeta said simply. Mist looked up, to notice Sheeta with Mist’s pegasus behind her. The pegasus’s missing wing was painful to see. “Kara!” Mist cried out. She ran from Rolf’s arms, and stroked her hand across Kara’s wound. She reached for her staff, and started waving it. The wound began stitching across. Mist began stroking Kara’s side, hoping the wing would return. “Impressive… she takes care of her mount, that one,” Astrid said. “Of course. Our mounts are our partners, brothers-in-arms!” Kalen said. Elena was just watching Mist, tears in her eyes. Although Livia had assured them that Mist’s arm would heal, seeing someone else going through the pain of losing an arm… it was hard. Added edit: Forgot that I needed to manually fix the line breaks.

Chapter 3: No Rest With The Wicked Taking Zard’s word on the happenings of Begnion, the Circlet of Tellius decides to head to Sienne rather than Melior. The exact nature of Gangrel and his soldiers remains an unknown, but the entire endeavour on the part of the Circlet is filled with unknowns. These unknowns set Astrid on guard, but she remains confident that the Circlet should have the ability to judge the appropriate course of action. A rainstorm on the way south redirects the Circlet to an abandoned manor house in Begnion. According to Astrid, the home belonged to one of the senators, but fell into disuse after the senate’s true motives became apparent during the World War. Nevertheless, the warmth and shelter it provides offset any stigmas associated with the long-dead senator. “Hey, Emilyn…” Elena said, peering into Emilyn’s room. Emilyn shivered slightly upon seeing Elena, but Elena approached with an odd gentleness about her. “Elena?” Emilyn asked. “I would just like to ask… why were you so scared, back against that Gangrel fellow? Something about you just… I want to make sure you’re all right,” Elena said. “Really? You’d… you’d do that for me? I’m…” Emilyn stuttered out. “Calm, Emilyn… just remember that I’ll be there protecting you in battle,” Elena said. “Really?” Emilyn asked. “What are sisters for?” Elena asked, smiling as she held out her hand. Emilyn shook it. “Sisters?” Emilyn asked. “Us. The Circlet of Tellius. You’re all like family to me. We’ll argue by day, but we’ll protect each other by night. That’s what we’re for,” Elena said. “Family…” Emilyn said. Elena smiled. Livia smiled nervously, as she watched Janiyah prepare for her sleep. Janiyah turned into her cat form, and curled up, yawning in a cute cat way. Livia giggled, and Janiyah looked up. “Come in, Livia,” Janiyah said. Livia entered the room nervously, before walking up to Janiyah. “Whatever is the matter, Livia?” Janiyah asked. “Your fur… it feels so… so soft…” Livia said, stroking Janiyah’s side. “So I’ve been told, yes,” Janiyah said. “May I… may I sleep with your soft fur?” Livia asked. “…Now that’s a weird request to make,” Janiyah remarked. “Please? I’m… I’m a little nervous, around here… I just want someplace nice and comforting to sleep,” Livia said. “Well then, hop in. Hope you’re comfortable curling up,” Janiyah said. She opened up her body slightly, allowing Livia to squeeze in to the gap in her middle. She pulled her arms around until they were comfortable, before eventually falling asleep. Janiyah swept about Livia’s hair with her tail, before closing her own eyes. Yune, meanwhile, wasn’t heading to bed. Instead, she was walking about some of the hallways of the mansion that would no doubt have been well hidden back in the days when this place was occupied. A few skeletons, some laguz, some beorc, littered the ground, and there were a lot more cobwebs than things worth stealing. Just as Yune was about to give up, she noticed a tome lying on a bookshelf, much less dusty than its surroundings. She took it, and began to read it, grateful that her mother had taught her Ancient Tongue. “Spirit Charming is done by tutorial, tutorial, tutorial… The Spirits are plot, plot, plot… dangers of breaking a pact with Spirits, warning, warning, warning… I doubt this is a spellbook. Although… hm… soldiers of all times and places. Soldiers are known as Risen, officers are known as Deadlords… and then… E-I-N-H-E-R-J-A-R… that makes absolutely no sense… and what does it mean there…” Yune asked, reading the tome. She sighed, closed the book, and stashed it away. Penelopy might make sense of it, and something that clean could only be helpful. As she made her way up the stairs, she heard a clatter. She started looking around carefully, wondering where the sounds were coming from. “Nwee hee hee… sneaking about another’s house… did your mother never teach you manners?” a voice asked. “Who are you?” Yune asked. “Me? How quaint… you do not know the name of the owner of the house in which you rest?” the voice asked. “I know that voice… VALTOME! Show yourself!” Astrid’s voice yelled. Yune heard the sounds of people rising. Elena, Aderyn and the cavaliers, at least, though everyone else was not out of the question. A few more sounds of soldiers- enemy troops. A myrmidon appeared beside Yune, and she realised there would be fighting for her to do. She shrugged philosophically, before lunging forward. She dodged the myrmidon’s sword, and touched the myrmidon in the neck. It seized up, and dropped to the ground. Vitality coursed through her body, and she was ready to at least sneak around the mansion. Janiyah awoke with a start, causing Livia to fall out of her bed. “What happened?” Livia asked. “We’re under attack… stay in here, Livia,” Janiyah said. “No… I’ll keep you healed. I promise not to stand in front of an enemy and not do anything,” Livia said. Janiyah nodded, smiling, and she led her along the hallways. Livia was looking around, wondering what was happening to everyone else. Now that she was awake, the sounds of shouting and metal-on-metal were everywhere. She could only hope that everyone was all right… that Yune, Penelopy and Emilyn weren’t getting mobbed… “Nwe he he… so this is the daughter of that queen…” Valtome said. “Uh oh… this could be trouble…” Janiyah said. She stepped in front of Livia, her hackles raised. “Ack! What an ugly little thing… sub-human? But you… I’ll enjoy this,” Valtome said. Janiyah lunged forward, right at Valtome’s neck. Valtome swung with his staff, knocking Janiyah away. Livia focused, and swung her staff at Valtome as hard as she could. Valtome let out a grunt, before swinging his staff at Livia. Livia was knocked back, a lot harder than her own swing. Livia was moaning, trying to allow her Renewal to take effect. Aderyn heard the yelps of her friends, and was rushing through the mansion, looking for everyone. She heard the cavaliers fighting off some soldiers: they’d be fine. Elena was fighting rather viciously, so she was probably all right. She’d just be looking for Yune and Penelopy. And she would probably not find Yune by hearing. She started flying frantically, hoping to bump into one of them and help keep them safe. Preferably Penelopy. *thud* Aderyn was knocked from her course of flight by the appearance of another bird. Aderyn pulled herself off the ground, and allowed her eyes to adjust to the arrival. “Z… Zard?” Aderyn asked. “Aderyn? Funny stopping by the same place to take shelter,” Zard said. Aderyn let out a nervous giggle. “Zard… enemies…” Aderyn said. Zard turned, and noticed a soldier approaching. He shrieked, and charged at the soldier, clawing at its face and tearing at its armour, before returning. Aderyn transformed, shrieked, and added her own attacks on top of his. The soldier vanished into nothingness, and Aderyn and Zard reverted. “So… how bad?” Zard asked. “I don’t know… but I don’t know where everyone else is! Livia, Yune, Emilyn, Penelopy… anyone could be overrun!” Aderyn said. “Let’s split up, and fly about the house. Tell everyone to converge at this foyer, and we’ll make our fight-or-flight there,” Zard said. Aderyn nodded, and the two transformed. They shot like ballista bolts through the house. Livia groaned, trying to get to her feet. Valtome was punting her with his staff quite often, but she had to get up and retreat. Or at least heal Janiyah. The next time Valtome prepared a strike, Livia pulled out her staff, and attempted to catch it in a lock. The rings did catch, but only briefly, and only blocked a single blow. Nevertheless, Livia could now get to her feet, and dodge the blows more properly. *Shriek* Livia turned, dodging the predictable blow. Zard had burst into the room, opening the door opposite its hinges, and charged through Valtome. Valtome was sent flying across the room into a bookcase, sending the tomes crashing down upon Valtome’s head. One such tome flipped about and about, before landing in front of Livia. Livia picked it up, and began reading it. “Interesting… this is an Ӕther tome,” Livia said. She looked up, and remembered to quickly heal Janiyah before continuing on. However, she found herself stumped, and closed the book, pocketing it. “Livia, Janiyah, we’re organising in the foyer. And Livia… Queen Elincia had this for you,” Zard said. Livia took it. ‘It’ was a silver ring, with the Crimean crest etched into the ruby. “This…” Livia said. “I’m told it’s a symbol of your role as Princess of Crimea. Queen Elincia saw fit to pass it down to you. According to her, it will guide you on your way to Begnion. A guiding ring… I prefer using my eyes,” Zard said. Livia smiled, her eyes going back to the Ӕther tome. Something inside her clicked, and she was reading quite thoroughly as Janiyah led her to the foyer. Elena was running through the halls. She knew that Yune would have gone looking for things to steal, and knowing her, she’d probably be laying low. As such, while Elena was hurriedly searching for the girl, she was making sure to methodically search, ‘leaving no stone unturned’, as it were. Of course, all that was rather unnecessary, as she came across Yune in the centre of a larger room, being assaulted by lightly-armoured enemies like myrmidons and mages. She was tossing kunai about like mad, jumping in and out of combat to retrieve the kunai to be thrown again. She snuck forward, and saw a fighter appear. She struck it down, and ducked a kunai. “Elena! You scared daylight out of me!” Yune said, before grabbing the kunai from the wall, and firing at another myrmidon. Elena looked over, and quickly ran a pair of priests through, clearing out the last of the rabble. “Sorry for being worried about you,” Elena said. “Elena… look. I know you’re the warrior princess. But next time you want to give me a hand, give me a shout first,” Yune said. “I didn’t know you fought,” Elena said. “My father was a thief and my mother was a priestess. Your parents were the world’s greatest swordsman and swordswoman. Very big difference,” Yune said. “Fascinating. But you haven’t addressed my point,” Elena said coolly. “It’s my talent. Leeching vitality from these folks seems to make a bit more bloodthirsty and effective than leeching vitality from a normal human being,” Yune said. “…Odd,” Elena said. “I found this book… it looks like it might mention something about the nature of these guys. I think I’ll show it to Penelopy, or someone else who knows Ancient Tongue better than I,” Yune said. Elena nodded, and the pair went to the foyer. “Elena! Yune! That makes all of us!” Astrid said. Elena gave a short curtsey as the group had amassed together. “We’ll have to stay on guard until the downpour clears up. That was quite the shocker,” Astrid said. “You said it. Penelopy… I have something here,” Yune said. She searched through her pack, pulling out a Speedwing, a Knight’s Crest, and an axe before she pulled out the tome she had found in the cobwebbed room. She bent down to scoop up her treasures, but Elena had already claimed the Speedwing. Yune shrugged, reasoning that the wing might boost her talent. “A tome? Why?” Penelopy asked. “You can read it, can you not? Some of it looked relevant,” Yune said. Penelopy opened the tome, and started scanning the pages. “Spirit Charming… the Spirits… ah. Calling upon the power of Spirits can grant abilities that are otherwise impossible for beorc. For example, necromancy- the art of raising the dead- can be performed by a well-studied beorc, but the result is a Phantom with little identity. Spirits can enhance the abilities of necromancy, as well as drastically reducing the Essence required to perform. Small armies may be made in a single sitting. In these armies, soldiers are known as Risen, and officers are known as Deadlords. In addition, there is a third kind of necromantic effort that can be performed, although the technique is more draining. This is the art of crafting Einherjar, a topic so complex that it will be elaborated on later. Spirit corpses…” Penelopy said. “Undead soldiers? That explains why they look so thin and wiry…” Elena said. “A blasphemy,” Livia spat. “Besides, after my father, who even charms Spirits anymore?” Emilyn said. “…Emilyn… don’t take this the wrong way… but I think your father might be at the source of this mess,” Wright said. “He’s probably not summoning them… but whoever is has some connection.” “Very astute, Wright. We must get to Sienne quickly, and ascertain what intent this mysterious Charmer has. I can only hope there’s no Lekain Deadlord…” Astrid said. She checked the rain- still torrential. Astrid volunteered to take first watch, as the group hit the hay out in the foyer. Posting earlier because I won't be available at the usual time. This won't be a common thing, but at least it was known beforehand and brought forward (because pushing it back would've made it and Chapter 4 come out around the same time).

My bad for the delay on this: this is my first time here, and I didn't quite realise I'd have to make one of these. Makes sense in hindsight, but still... Anyway, if you have anything to say about this story, you're welcome to say it. I aspire to write professionally one day, so any criticism is appreciated. Keep in mind, though, that as a personal preference, this story is pre-written, so consider this when offering suggestions. I will take on board minor ideas, but probably not anything major.

Chapter 2x: A Bad Choice After being a deciding factor in many wars, Ike is widely regarded as Tellius’s lord of the battlefield. Nevertheless, he is far more content to wander the land of Tellius, helping those in need, and occasionally supporting his home of Crimea, his wives Mia and Elincia, and his daughters Elena and Livia, in the stead of serving as Crimea’s King. Zard’s arrival at Melior comes at an opportune moment. Ike is currently within Melior, and a battle like this is a battle he would be more than willing to participate in. Elincia elects to dispatch him and a small retinue of knights, hoping to stamp out the bandit leader and prevent attacks for a significant time period. Zard himself is sent in aid of the Circlet of Tellius, as Elincia awaits Ike’s success. Ike stopped the party’s movement atop a cliff. He peered over the cliff, noticing smoke appearing from a village. “That must be where the bandits have struck,” Kieran said. “It’s all good to know that… but where are they coming from?” Oscar asked. “We’ll have to go closer to figure that out. But they’ll hardly lead us to their base if we approach like this,” Titania remarked. Ike thought about Titania’s comment. It was true, but there wasn’t much there could be done. “Ike, less thinking and more moving!” Geoffrey said in annoyance, slapping Ike on the back callously. Ike, not expecting it, fell to the ground. Ike got to his feet, his face covered in dirt and mud. “Very funny, Geoffrey,” Ike dryly remarked. “Well?” Geoffrey asked. “Ike… lay off him,” Oscar said, the mood suddenly changing. Everyone else, too, had realised what about a village being set alight did to Geoffrey. “…You look like a bandit with a face covered in dirt, Ike,” Kieran said, part to break the tension. “Very funny, Kieran,” Titania sighed. “No, it’s perfect. Marcia, grab some rope. I have a plan,” Ike said, suddenly all business. Marcia looked between Ike and the village, the plan needing no explanation. “…Fine. This is all your fault, Kieran,” Marcia said. “What is my fault?” Kieran asked, looking around. Ike, his face covered in mud and some other things that distorted his image a bit more effectively, led behind him Marcia, bound at the wrists and disarmed. Her pegasus, along with the Royal Knights, was following on at a discrete pace. Ike arrived at the village, to thankfully note the bandits were still there. “Er, hey, who might be the leader of this band?” Ike asked in a low, gruff voice to the nearest bandit. “Aye, that’d be him, Bazba,” the bandit said. Ike nodded, and led Marcia along to Bazba. “Oy! Who are you, and who’s she?” Bazba asked. “Crimean pegasus knight. Caught her snooping about. Figured you’d want to take her to your hideout and work with her,” Ike said. “…Don’t know much about what a ‘Crimean’ is, but I think I could work with this lady. A little older, but certainly not past her prime,” Bazba said. He reached for Marcia’s rope, but Ike’s grip was iron. “I was thinking I could come with you? I was the one who did the capturing, after all, and I’m interested in joining you lot,” Ike said. “Yeah… that’s not possible. Besides, we’re all here… there’s nothing we can’t do here that we can there,” Bazba said. Ike and Marcia let in a breath. “TITANIA!” Ike yelled. Titania, Geoffrey, Kieran and Oscar all rushed into the village, with Marcia’s pegasus appearing beside her. Ike cut the ropes on Marcia’s wrists quickly, and she hurriedly hopped on her pegasus, grabbing Alondite from the satchel and brandishing it. “No good… soldiers! Abandon the village! Because whoever the queen of this land is won’t be too happy to see us!” Bazba said. Kieran, Oscar and Titania spread around, using their swords and axes in order to try and catch the bandits making their way out of the village. Ike walked up to Bazba, and wiped the muck off his face. “Who are you?” Bazba asked. “Wow, you’ve been locked out of the loop, haven’t you? My name is Ike,” Ike said. He tossed Ragnell into the air, and came down with an Aether strike. He backflipped away, and Bazba dropped to the ground. Ike turned to Marcia. “You OK?” Ike asked. “Of course, Ike. But I’d rather we focused on making sure these bandits don’t make their escape,” Marcia said. Ike nodded, and the pair bolted off to where the paladin’s efforts were thinnest. Marcia bolted about the west end of the village, her shockwaves from Alondite taking on even the furthest bandits. Ike’s eastern efforts had a similar effect, but with Ragnell in his case. The party only stopped once they had run out of bandits to fight. Whether they had all been killed or one or two had slipped away was a different matter entirely. “So, was this a success?” Ike asked, as the party reconverged. “Probable. There might still be bandits operating in this area, but any bandits serving Bazba will likely be suffering the drawbacks of a power vacuum,” Titania said. “Plus, I was a little terrified with that opening manoeuvre… can I veto ever doing that again?” Marcia asked. “Sure, Marcia. I probably blew the idea in when I heard the base was empty,” Ike said. “Nevertheless, this was an effective blow to the bandits. Let’s head back to Melior,” Titania said. Oscar and Kieran bowed, and the three paladins started on their journey. Ike and Marcia remained, watching Geoffrey look over the village. “Is he all right?” Ike asked. “Probably bringing back bad memories of the Great War,” Marcia said. “Destroyed villages? What exactly happened?” Ike asked. “Remember when Valtome cut through Crimea to get to you guys in Gallia? Well, there was this village they ransacked for the supplies Ellie rightly refused them, and we Royal Knights were dispatched to stop them. I came so close to dying that day… anyway, we tried our hardest to save the village once that halberdier started ordering the houses burnt, but there were some that we couldn’t reach in time. Geoffrey blames himself, even to this day, for that… but I can feel it in my heart. It was my fault. I could’ve flown up there and stopped the fire… but I was fighting the halberdier,” Marcia said. “Ah… should we leave Geoffrey to help the village? Or do we keep him company?” Ike asked. Marcia looked in the direction of Melior, a shiver passing over her spine. “What is it?” Ike asked. “We have to get back to Melior… if Geoffrey wants to help the village, that’s his choice. But you’re needed at Melior. I don’t know exactly why…” Marcia said. “…That must mean… Marcia, let’s go!” Ike cried out. He started bolting in the direction of his horse, before Marcia let him aboard her pegasus, and she flew him in that direction. Say hello to Ike's Story. Ike's Story takes place exclusively in the Gaiden Chapters, while Elena's story is main-chapter only. The only exceptions are 17x and 19x, but we'll get to those much later. If you see a chapter number with the letter 'x', you can expect to catch up with Sir Ike. Also, I have only recently realised that I should probably be putting up a feedback box. My bad.

Chapter 2: The Awakening Elena led the girls out of Greil’s Retreat for their return to Melior. The meetings of the Circlet of Tellius were just that- meetings. The girls were starting to shoulder their various responsibilities. Astrid and the Knights escorted the group on their way to Melior. “So, Dame Elena…” Kalen said, slowing his horse down to trot alongside Elena’s. “…I’m not a Dame yet. I’m just a page,” Elena said. “That doesn’t matter to me. You fight with the strength of Dame Mia. I would be honoured to serve you,” Kalen said. “You give me too much credit. I’m not much of a leader,” Elena said. “But you seek to become Commander of the Crimean Royal Knights. Isn’t that a leader? Plus, you are also the leader of this Circlet,” Kalen said. “In name only, Kalen. There are no leaders in the Circlet, and plus, I don’t actually have any power over anyone but Janiyah and Penelopy. Actually… I might not… anyway, I could never get the hang of directions. I just fight, and let everyone else play to their strengths,” Elena said. “You may want to reconsider that policy…” Kalen said. Elena nodded. Astrid looked up to the sky, and spotted a winged shape overhead. She gave a whistle, and the bird’s momentum changed. The raven appeared before the group, reverting to base form. “Hey, it’s the Circlet! I was hoping to see you in Melior, but it looks like I cut out the middle-man!” Zard, Penelopy’s brother, said, smiling at the group. He had a boyish charm and a few feathers about him outside his wings. “Zard… what tidings do you bring?” Astrid asked. “Not good ones, sadly. Archduchess Emilyn of Begnion… Sienne is in danger,” Zard said. “What?” Emilyn asked. “It happened so suddenly… there was this red cloud, and a bunch of things started appearing, and then all of a sudden, there were a horde of beorc! I didn’t stay to look, but not the friendly kind, either,” Zard said. “Beorc… Could you tell me anything about them? Allegiance? Experience?” Emilyn asked. “That’s the thing. I saw lots of colours of armour in there. Red, white, black, blue, green, yellow… but there were two things all of them had. One was an emaciated bearing about them… the other was a faint red trim highlighting them all,” Zard said. “Thank you. Emilyn, we will accompany you to Sienne,” Elena said. “…What makes you say that?” Astrid asked. “That’s what heroes do. It’s send us or send her home alone,” Elena said. “If things look too tough, we can always send for reinforcements,” Aderyn said. “Better yet, send me to Melior! I’ll tell your escorts about this and direct ‘em Sienne’s way!” Zard said. “…Thanks,” Livia said, curtseying. “While you’re at it, Zard, could you possibly alert Ike about the bandits we encountered? They seemed like a small party… I don’t want Crimea in danger while we’re gone,” Wright said. “Bandits? Ike’ll eat ‘em for breakfast. I’ll leave a note,” Zard said, before darting off in the direction of Melior. Aderyn smiled lightly, before the group changed course for Sienne. “Stop,” Astrid commanded. Everyone complied, their ears tuning in to their surroundings. An unnatural silence had descended… “He he… A bunch of girls. This doesn’t seem all that hard,” a voice said. Appearing before them were exactly what Zard had described- an odd array of figures that definitely looked uncanny, all with a red trim about them to set the teeth on edge. At the groups head, surrounded by a red glow, was a monstrous looking man with a crown and a kunai. “Name yourselves!” Astrid said. “My name? You can call me Gangrel. I once served as the King of Plegia. But alas… things didn’t go too well, and I found myself at the end of Chrom’s sword. I guess I kinda deserved it, though,” the man said. “That doesn’t tell us much,” Elena said. “Yeah! Explain Begnion, or at least what these weird words you’re using are!” Emilyn asked. “Huh… Begnion… never heard of it,” Gangrel said. “My… my homeland… the epicentre of Tellius… you…” Emilyn said. Fire started appearing in her hands. “Well, looks like I touched a nerve. …While I’m at it, I pushed your exalt off a cliff!” Gangrel said. “…Is he… touched in the head? Or just… is he a dead man brought back to life with only pieces of his brain?” Livia asked. “I’m putting money on him coming from a faraway continent,” Yune said. “…Let’s just put him out of his misery,” Elena said, pulling out her sword. Gangrel rearranged himself so that most of his army was in between the Circlet and him. “Typical,” Astrid remarked. “Wait, Emilyn!” Penelopy said, as the footsoldiers dismounted and prepared for battle. Emilyn was raring to go, but Penelopy had stopped her. “He… I just… something about him…” Emilyn said. “I understand. But a mage flying into the thick of things isn’t the smartest plan,” Penelopy said. “I know, but… wait, what?” Emilyn asked. Penelopy sung a beautiful song. Vigour, the tune of one soldier doing the work of two. “Huh?” Emilyn asked. “I just want to see things cooked,” Penelopy said, grinning sheepishly. “You’re your mother’s daughter, all right,” Emilyn said. She turned on her heel, and started roasting things. Elena and Aderyn followed after her, eager not to be left out of the action. Astrid, Kalen and Wright took another route- a much kinder route for horses, and also took out a chunk of the enemy soldiers to boot. Janiyah slipped into the woods, using her training with Donaregin to slip in and out of the enemy unit’s attention. Livia and Penelopy started following the cavaliers, realising neither of them had a proper attack nearby. Kalen and Wright looked about, and noticed a large number of units suddenly charging in the direction of Emilyn’s party. Kalen yelped, and Wright looked up. He reached to his belt, and pulled out a horn. “Are you sure that’ll work?” Kalen asked. “We best be sure,” Wright said. He breathed in, and let out a long, mournful note. Five seconds passed, and a trio of pegasus knights appeared. “It worked,” Wright said. The pegasus knights immediately began attacking soldiers standing near Emilyn’s party, clearing up their surroundings. Emilyn nodded in gratitude, approaching the thief. “Hello there, girl. I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced,” Gangrel said. “The name is Emilyn, Archduchess of the Begnion Empire. However, considering you have about five seconds before I set you alight, Emilyn will do,” Emilyn said. “Wow, you really touched a nerve there… she’s not normally this intense,” Elena said. Emilyn’s flames faded. “You mean…” Emilyn said, a note of fear in her voice. “…If I sounded bad, that’s not what I meant at all! Emilyn, attack him!” Elena said. Emilyn pulled up an Elignis, and slung it at Gangrel half-heartedly. Gangrel raised his sword, and Elena hurriedly pulled Emilyn out of the path of a thunder strike. “Watch yourself!” Elena said. Emilyn started shivering again, and looked Gangrel dead in the eye. “This is my flame!” Emilyn said, spinning on her heel, and slinging the Elignis at Gangrel. Elena charged up to him, and struck with her sword to add to the damage. Gangrel was sent staggering backwards. Livia and Penelopy ran up behind them, the cavaliers not too far behind. “Girls… whatever it is I have done, I can undo!” Gangrel said. “Save your breath, Gangrel. Now who are you and what are you here for? Why attack Begnion? What do you gain? Who is calling the shots?” Livia asked, Elena’s sword pointed at Gangrel’s neck. “I assure you, many of those questions are ones I ask, myself. I remember little that happened after Chrom killed me. I suddenly wound up leading this army of… things, and a sudden urge to try and stop you,” Gangrel said. “Great. Just great. We can’t interrogate this guy because he knows nothing! Our first potential war, and it’s against an opponent who knows common weaknesses,” Elena said. She stepped forward, and ran her sword through Gangrel’s neck. “So, what now?” Elena asked. “We continue as we have been. We must make it to Begnion sooner, rather than later. Our goal is to find someone who actually knows what they’re doing,” Astrid said. “Agreed. I’d rather not look at those things for much longer than I have to...” Livia said. Elena turned, to see Emilyn breathing heavily, wiping sweat off her brow. “Are you all right? If these guys get to you, you’re always welcome to hang back,” Elena said. “Elena… I… unless they’re really nasty… I can’t bring myself to…” Emilyn said. “Pacifistic?” Elena asked. “Yeah… I learned magic mostly because my parents love it. All I want to do with it is entertain kids,” Emilyn said. “And that’s all you need to do with it. Remember, we’re here for a reason. You don’t need to feel obligated to fight with us. After all, you’re meant to be the mediator, daughter of Sanaki, you know, calm and such,” Elena said. “But… I want to make you proud!” Emilyn said. “…Yeah, come to think of it, those were impressive fireworks,” Elena said. “Elena!” Livia said. “Emilyn, just live your life the way you want. Not what I want, what you want,” Elena said. Emilyn held her heart to her chest, as Elena turned to get back to her mount. “…I want what you want…” Emilyn muttered to herself, before following the group back to the mounts. Introducing some new character's abilities in combat, and showing that I am now caught up with the update schedule I have set. From now, they will be released around this time once every two days, unless circumstances demand another time be chosen.

After playing my first FE, I quite like how good Lyn was, and if I had to choose a lord, I'd make it somewhat like Lyn (a good unit, but of a fragile class to help encourage defending her), or a unit with non-combat utility, so I don't have to keep using my slots for other units to fill those niches. ...Now I want a thief Lord.

Chapter 1: Passive Ability “Uh oh… that looks like trouble,” Astrid said, peering into the horizon. Wright appeared behind her, and took his time looking. “Yep. They don’t look friendly…” Wright said. “Odd… well, get Kalen up, and we’ll go protect the Circlet,” Astrid said. Wright nodded, and entered the shed to rouse Kalen. Astrid looked up at the building in which the Circlet was currently meeting. “I heard something about battle?” a familiar voice said. Astrid’s eyes cast down towards the door, and she saw Elena, standing there in what little combat armour she chose to wear, and the Wo Dao at the ready. “Elena… this might not be a fight you want to participate in. The Circlet does depend on your legendary blood, after all,” Astrid said. “Really? Ike’s blood matters that much? Astrid, one day, I will serve as the Commander of the Royal Knights of Crimea. If I can’t take on a bunch of bandits, how am I supposed to serve in my duties?” Elena asked. “Of all the times to take your duty seriously…” Astrid said. “Dame Astrid? I am not a princess, like the rest of the Circlet. I am born to commoners who became legends by their actions, and not their blood. My duty is not to sit in a castle and rule from the rear. I will stand on the front lines, and bleed with my comrades,” Elena said. “…OK…” Astrid said. “Oh… and you’ve got another two comers,” Elena said. Astrid looked around Elena, to see Livia and Aderyn. “Really?” Astrid asked wearily. “Aderyn lives by similar principles to me, except she’s got Tibarn’s honour to defend and all that. Livia’s just here because she thinks we’re irresponsible, and she has staves for that,” Elena said. “I am not normally one to turn down a healer… but if you do not desire to join this battle, Livia, you are welcome to remain behind. No need to face axes if you do not need to,” Astrid said. “I would like to accept your offer… but I cannot sit back and let my sister be destroyed,” Livia said. “You say that like I can’t handle myself. I am quite decent at dodging,” Elena said. Astrid led the group to the source of the problem. Bandits were raiding a village, looting supplies and killing villagers… the worst thing that would ever happen over the past few decades on Tellius. Elena took to the lead of the party. “Remember, Elena, I can take on these bandits easily,” Astrid said. “Yeah, but how am I to learn how to be a true Knight of Crimea if I let you do all the work?” Elena asked. “Besides, these guys have axes… I have the upper hand.” Elena charged into battle immediately. She struck a nearby bandit with the Wo Dao, killing him easily. His anguished screams alerted the nearby bandits to the arrival of the knights, and they hurriedly assumed more defensive stances. Elena approached the next bandit, and struck him as she had the first. The bandit hung on, and swung his axe. Astrid fired her bow, sending him reeling for Kalen to take the kill. “I had that!” Elena exclaimed. “Aderyn?” Wright asked, looking at the hawk. “Sorry… that flight was a little exhausting… I just need to get my strength up a little before I can fight,” Aderyn said. Wright nodded, satisfied, before charging in. His sword struck the bandits, weakening them for Elena and Kalen to take the finishing blows. A glancing strike caught on Elena’s sleeve, tearing off her shoulder guard and leaving an ugly scrape. Livia rushed over and waved her staff, making sure that the scrape was healing itself, before Elena could rush in to more combat, the shoulder guard forgotten. Livia picked it up. “One of these days, she’s going to get herself killed,” Livia said. She looked up, and noticed a myrmidon heading her way. Livia started quickly trying to figure out a way out of her predicament, before the myrmidon struck. She had dodged to one side, but the blow had dealt quite a bit of damage. In retaliation, Kalen came up and lanced the myrmidon. “Are you OK, my lady?” Kalen asked. Livia muttered to herself, renewing herself. “Give me a few moments,” Livia said. Elena strode purposefully up to the leader of the bandit group, a quite nasty looking fellow by the name of Gazack. Gazack grinned at her approach. “What a nice village we’ve raided, boys! The women just walk on up to us! Batta, bind her!” Gazack said. Elena smirked. “Didn’t you see her sword, boys? The name’s Elena, daughter of the hero Ike himself! If you know what’s good for you, you’ll retreat now. But I do prefer fighting to letting pillagers go… oh, decisions,” Elena said. Batta came charging at her. “Decision time is over,” Elena said simply. Batta swung his axe forward, and Elena’s eyes narrowed. She raised her sword slightly, and charged forward with an impressive blow, a slice that went straight from groin to head and left Batta a corpse. “Advantage, Elena. Your move,” Elena said, smirking. Gazack reconsidered attacking the girl after seeing her strike. “Aw… did I scare the widdle bandit?” Elena asked, before charging in with her sword. Gazack swung his axe about, his blows being evaded easily by Elena, while her blows all struck true. Gazack swung about, sending Elena back a little, before swinging his axe down. It bit the gap between her legs. Elena started scrambling to her feet, as Gazack wound up his swing… The cry of a hawk! Elena had never been so grateful to see Aderyn swooping in. The bird of prey charged forward, clawing at Gazack’s eyes and face. Gazack swung his axe about, shooing the bird away, but the damage was done. Elena raised her sword, and charged through Gazack, defeating the bandit at long last. “Thanks for the help, Aderyn,” Elena said. Aderyn reverted to base form, and smirked. “Just glad I got a piece of him before your critical strikes,” Aderyn remarked. “Indeed, we can be grateful for your victory…” Astrid said, approaching alongside Kalen, Wright and Livia. Livia was holding Elena’s shoulder guard. “…Let me guess. Another lecture on how I should be learning to take hits instead of dodging them?” Elena asked. “It’s nice that you have reasons for fighting as you do, but if you’ll be killed by any blow, you can’t count on dodging everything,” Livia said. “Elena, this is why you can’t defeat Renning. You don’t plan ahead for being hit,” Astrid said. “But if I wear all that heavy armour, I can’t dodge. I’d rather dodge: that’s just the way my mother taught me to wield a sword,” Elena said. “…We’ll discuss this further later, Elena. For now, I suppose it’s just as well to resume the meeting of the Circlet,” Astrid said. Aderyn, Livia and Elena gratefully jumped onto the backs of Astrid, Wright and Kalen’s horses, and the six headed back to Greil’s Retreat for a nice rest. The first chapter, with an actual confrontation. I will try to make this seem like it could (with a little effort and maybe a few minor overhauls) be seen as a feasible FE game. In a vacuum. Without worrying about continuity, just on gameplay and individual story with call-backs to the other FEs.

Prologue: The Circlet Peace has come to the continent of Tellius. The heroes of the Divine War travel home to their respective countries to foster their respective dreams, and live out the life their actions protected. However, this is not the end of their story. Empress Sanaki of Begnion brings about an array of treaties to unite the various countries of Tellius- the theocracy of Begnion, the might of Daein, the academia of Crimea, the wilds of Gallia, the forests of Serenes, and the plains of Goldoa. As the various meetings took place, the children of their rulers began to mingle and bond. Queen Elincia of Crimea decides to gather the ruling daughters of each kingdom, to form the Circlet of Tellius. At the group’s head is the daughter of Sir Ike and Dame Mia, the page Elena. Although she is no princess, she is the oldest of the girls, and has the neutral reputation of Sir Ike behind her. Elena is a fierce warrior, a blazing sword on the field of battle. However, she has much to learn before she can consider defeating Lord Renning in battle and claiming the title of Commander of the Crimean Royal Knights. Elena’s half-sister, born of Sir Ike and Queen Elincia, is Livia, Princess of Crimea. She is unlike her sister in every way, a pacifistic woman with a heart to match. Although the two sisters are often at odds, they are as close as, if not closer than, a pair of full sisters. Representing Daein is the daughter of Micaiah and Sothe, Princess Yune. Picking locks since the age of two, Yune fits the role of a prankster to a tee. However, the morals imparted by her mother have stayed close by her heart, so she will never use her talents unless she believes it justified. Or she’s really bored and steals something to return later. Representing Begnion is the daughter of Tormod and Sanaki, Archduchess Emilyn. As the next in line for the title of Empress of Begnion, she would once have borne the most prestigious title in all of Tellius behind her mother. However, as both changing values in Tellius and her family have shaped, Emilyn is nothing of the kind. She is modest, almost to a fault, and admires the work done by her companions and the people around her. Representing Gallia is the daughter of Ranulf and Lyre, Janiyah. Although she is not a princess, Skrimir bore no daughter, and the laguz tribes choose their leaders based on might anyway. Janiyah enjoys spending time as a cat almost as much as she does in base form, and has studied holding her transformed state under Volug. Although it is unlikely she’ll make Queen of Gallia, she is a figure worthy of admiration regardless- and she’ll probably prefer serving as the future King’s consultant, as her father did before her. Representing the Union of Serenes is Aderyn, daughter of Tibarn and Gavina. As a female hawk, she bears the burden of keeping the hawk race alive, like her mother before her. However, she does not use that as a means in which to slack in her training, sparring and learning under Tibarn’s wing everything it means to be a hawk, to be a bird laguz. She is much more likely to make Queen of Serenes, and keeps her practice going. Although Goldoa has borne no daughters, Penelopy of the heron clan, and daughter of Naesala and Leanne, is often considered Goldoa’s representative. Penelopy is gentle and swift, uniting the ideals of heron and raven without any of the stigma associated with the Shipless Pirates or… well… Leanne. She has studied the Old Lore of Goldoa in great detail, learning more galdrar than has been passed down in Serenes. The Circlet of Tellius has been admired as a symbol of the peace that Tellius has come to bear. It is understood that the girls’ bonds with one another will greatly shape the continent in the future. Elena conceded in her fight against Renning. She stepped back, and wiped the sweat off her brow. “I consider this an improvement, Elena,” Renning said. “But how? I gave up like a quitter,” Elena said. “No, you had the sense to know when to fold, and conceded before you lost. If I had been a real foe, you would have died at my hand, and that would have been the worst possible outcome,” Renning said. “But…” Elena said. “Enough. It looks like your mother is here to see you,” Renning said. Elena nodded, and turned around to see her mother, Dame Mia. She had seen her right arm every day since she was two, but it never failed to send a pang down her heart. “Elena… Princess Yune has arrived,” Mia said. “Just her? Or have the other girls arrived yet, too?” Elena asked. “They shouldn’t be too far away. You should really make sure you are ready to depart before they do. From what I heard, Yune only got in because she picked the lock,” Mia said. “Sounds like her. So where are we going this time? And who’s coming with us?” Elena asked. “Greil’s Retreat. It should be plenty comfortable this season, and you’d need that comfort. Quite a few of you are reaching the ages where you’ll be shouldering a lot more responsibility, and that’ll be something you need to worry about. As for your escort? Considering some of you are capable fighters in your own right, I’ve decided to take you up on your earlier request. Dame Astrid shall accompany you… though, at her personal request, she will be accompanied by Kalen and Wright,” Mia said. “Kalen? …Wright, I understand, but is Kalen really ready for a responsibility like this? Protecting literally all the princesses?” Elena asked. “According to Astrid, the responsibility of this task should shape him up. Going just to Greil’s Retreat and back should not be too difficult a task, but the sheer responsibility of the job will make sure Kalen straightens up. And, if he fails, there always is Astrid to back him up,” Mia said. “…Thank you, Mother. I’ll go tell Livia, then,” Elena said, grabbing the Wo Dao on her way up to her quarters. Mia watched the sword that was once hers go. She reached over, and grabbed a stock Bronze Sword. She swung it about in her right arm, watching both the sword and her arm drop lifelessly. “You really must accept that your sword arm will not be serving you well,” Renning said. “I am the mistress of the swords. That is what makes me stand out over Queen Elincia. I will not let this injury stop me,” Mia said, picking up the Bronze Sword, and trying again. The second attempt went about as well as the first. “I can see where your daughter inherits her stubbornness,” Renning said, quietly. It wasn’t long before everyone had gathered outside Melior, and begun their journey to Greil’s Retreat. Much like any other journey, the group was travelling to peace and the occasional greeting from a passing villager. Emilyn looked up at Elena. “So, how has your swordswomanship improved since I saw you last?” Emilyn asked. “I think it might have gotten worse. I’m seeing Renning’s sword descend upon me, and I’m bailing out of the fight. How am I supposed to do anything if I can’t stand up to something like that?” Elena asked. “There are worse flaws than knowing when to quit,” Astrid remarked. “Really?” Aderyn asked, looking up. “Of course, Aderyn. I can restore your health, but I can’t revive you if you die,” Livia said. “Which is why you’ll never get me on one of those battlefields,” Yune said. “Well, what use will you be? All you do is pick locks,” Aderyn teased. “Aderyn!” Livia chastised. Janiyah bounded up to Astrid. “So, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Janiyah asked, looking up at Astrid. “I’m getting an idea for training, if that’s what you’re asking,” Astrid said. She pointed forward. “There’s Greil’s Retreat,” she said. Elena and Aderyn immediately charged forward, Aderyn transforming into hawk form and leaving her horse behind to gain the advantage. Janiyah sighed, reverted to base form, and took the mount. “One of these days, those two will learn patience,” Janiyah said, sighing. “I think that’s competitiveness…” Yune said, peering at their competition. Aderyn seemed to be relishing in her victory, while Elena was looking up in anger at her. “Same,” Penelopy said simply. Astrid watched the girls enter the Greil Mercenary’s old fort, before setting up her own camp outside. “Aw… we don’t get to go in?” Kalen asked. “Kalen, think. If we remain out here, on guard, then we’ll have a better warning of when people approach,” Wright said. “That, and I don’t think the girls would appreciate a boy in their midst,” Astrid said knowingly. Kalen groaned. “If you must, I believe the old shed has some blankets, if you want to sleep indoors,” Wright said. “Just make sure you’re not on watch,” Astrid told him. Kalen went into the shed, and Wright turned to Astrid. “Are you sure you can instil knightly responsibility into that?” Wright asked. “…Was your father there when Kieran was knighted, again?” Astrid asked. “I’m going to take that as a no,” Wright said. “He’s got too much of his father in him… and his mother wasn’t all rigid like a knight. She made a good soldier, one whom I have placed my faith in many times, but…” Astrid said. “Oh, crackers! Where’s the hamper?” Kalen yelled from the shed. “You, on the other hand, have had a much better upbringing for becoming a Knight,” Astrid remarked, smiling. Wright saluted at that comment. This story has 24 chapters, not counting this prologue, the epilogue, or the eight Gaiden chapters. With one exception, the Gaiden chapters do not actually focus on the main Lord, Elena, instead serving as more of a side-story within a story. I will attempt to field any questions about the background of the characters in these notes as they come, which I plan to do on a regular basis (barring any foreseen mishaps in the near future, and unforeseen in the far future).

4 hits per round x5 per Astrum x2 per Brave effect. (I'm not sure on the specific order, but I presume it's won't affect the number of blows). You'd eat a fresh Brave Sword in one round of combat. Since you're going up against an armour or the final boss, might as well have used an Armorslayer or the S-Rank weapon. Good thing there's no durability in Fates.

This is the strategy I developed for clearing Battle before Dawn on my first run. It got Nino and Jaffar, as well as all four treasure chests, but I suspect Lady Luck had a hand in clearing it (mostly in regards to one element, which I can see being easily remedied). Prerequisites: * Have a unit with a B-rank in staves and at least 10 magic. If you have 18, you could make it simpler. * Have Merlinus promoted. This is a must if you intend to use the 10-magic strats (or at least highly recommended), and is probably a part of this strategy that Hector mode makes easier- you need to get all the Gaiden chapters and not let Merlinus die once to have it happen in Eliwood mode. *Having two thieves is helpful. Ideally, one of these thieves should have enough speed to steal from the enemy thieves on the map. Strategy: * Rush down the right corridor with at least one Lord and one Thief. Make sure that there is enough spare gear in this party to fill an inventory. ** (The other party needs to go down the left corridor, but the exact makeup isn't really that significant- only that it's good.) * Obtain the Rescue staff with a unit with a full inventory, and send it to Merlinus. * Have your staff unit in the corridor between Zephiel's throne room and your starting position, and take the Rescue staff from Merlinus. ** If you have an 18 magic unit, this is where it can be simpler- the extra four tiles of Rescue allow you to use the staff directly from the starting position. * Rescue Zephiel! Gaiden: * You can also use the properties of Rescue (both the staff and the regular technique) to get Nino and Jaffar into the corridor or starting position, and talk to activate the Gaiden chapter. Any half-decent unit should be able to take care of the shaman that appears in the corridor. Thanks to this, I could beat Battle before Dawn with a first-playthrough powered, admitted low-level team (a whole bunch of units got early promotions trying to beat this chapter legitimately, and those that are promoted are level 4-5 at max, and mostly at level 1-2). I apologise if the strategy isn't the most original you've ever seen, but it deals with the part of the chapter I find most difficult to account for: Ursula's Bolting. The Fog-of-War doesn't bother me nearly as much with the regular enemies. It's just not being able to tell how far she can zap that does.

I don't normally call him Zahn either. I don't know where that came from. Galle and Brenya/Brunnya are just names that I see elsewhere. I have seen Idenn, but Idoun just sounds cooler.

Figured as much, but I was hoping I could maybe have something to choose a more correct and/or accurate name. That does remind me that Sophia was mentioned (but didn't appear), though. Zephiel's also in the story, but he was in FE7, so I didn't list him.

I need help determining which names are the most accurate in terms of the Binding Blade exclusive characters in my story. I've been seeing conflicting sources, and I'm not sure which sources are more 'true' than others. I don't exactly need all of them, just the ones below: Some of these characters are more clearly named than others, I'm just listing them for the sake of completeness. (hopefully I remembered them all)

This was something I realised after seeing the plot point show up a few times, but... How, exactly, did Naesala's attack on Phoenicis count as a 'genocide'? The narrative states that the elderly, women and children were spared, and considering Phoenicis's army was currently mobilised, that doesn't leave a lot of people to kill back at Phoenicis. The only fighting-age males one would expect would be scholars, tacticians, and other thinking-type people, seeing as the laguz are, by nature, more prepared for battle than other races. And this plot point- that laguz are not thinkers- suggests that the number of such laguz would be very low. There's nothing to farm on Phoenicis, there's no evidence that manpower is needed for anything other than fighting in Phoenicis, and considering the army was just going up on Begnion... How does Naesala's attack count as anything more than a serial homicide, a massacre at worst?

Yeah, I meant couldn't. ...Or there could be a restriction of one dancer per map. That could work, too.

Chapter 12x of Thracia. That was also the chapter one of your thieves turned into the resident dancer. The map had thieves, treasure, and the dancers would have ushered the thieves along. If you didn't kill them and waited a while, you could get dancers with good stuff to steal to appear. I still see no reason why dancers could appear in a Fire Emblem game that is not actively trying to kill the player.

Thracia says hi. Yes, enemy dancers would be nice to see again.

Option one would make sense from a game design perspective- maybe making a flat X units survive, where X is chosen from the units who have received the most levels/been in the most battles/whatever is appropriate. After all, the prior explanation that the Tellius units get buffs depending on how levelled each unit was (a trained Ayra* could easily double the stats of an untrained Lucia) uses essentially the same principle. Option two is a bit overkill, since playable units being arc antagonists has been a running trend, with Lute, Ewan, Raigh, Nino and the Merric character for this story all being bosses. (That Merric character pulling an Orson would easily be a more jerkish gameplay move, actually...) And option three is meaningless, since this is the final chapter to begin with, and you can't rotate out through it. It's a map similar to FE3Medeus, Idoun and Ashera, anyway. *Not actually from Magvel or Elibe, but recruitable regardless.

Thanks for this comment, it really got me thinking. The main problem is that the villain had created all of the non-Tellius units, and by defeating him, the creations lose their power and cease to exist in Tellius. The real question for destroying them was never 'if', but 'when'. And when you're a villain, before the heroes attack you makes more sense than after. In terms of thematic reasoning, I think, when it comes to gameplay, that this scene does a really good job of actually hammering home how extreme the villain's actions get. Most games will only go so far as to sock the player in the gut emotionally. It is very rare (and this might just be my taste in game, but I can't name an actual example) where the villains atrocities include directly impacting the player's ability to play the game. Precisely because so many sympathetic characters had been completely destroyed for little more than a tactical advantage... Or I could just be talking nonsense and the gimmick should remain as a story plot point and should never be translated to gameplay.

I'm currently writing an FE story, with an interesting twist on a large quantity of units. Basically, the villain has summoned Magvel and Elibe to join Tellius, and as a result, units from Magvel and Elibe join the party to help defeat the villain. Shortly before the final battle, however, the villain destroys all of his summons, including the playable roster. Of course, in an actual game, this would be a massive slap in the face (the first unit like this joins in Chapter 5, and the loss happens in Chapter 24), so I've developed a compromise that fits all right into the plot: The units add a flat bonus to characters that don't disappear, plus whatever stats they've gained since recruitment. Would this be considered a fair compromise, in terms of gameplay? Most characters give bonuses to characters of the same or similar class (Lyn gives her bonus to the Lord, Hector gives his to Ike, and so on in such a fashion), and I believe that the army you'd get out of this would be serviceable, even if you had used nothing but these units as soon as possible (and even then, you'd get a lot of experience out of the early levels), and there are a handful of good units near the end... I'm just fishing for thought, really. Would this kind of final chapter be all right in gameplay form?

Well, it's about as big an impact as the weapon triangle in hit/avoid chance, and slightly changes skill activation and finding hidden item chances, so it really isn't that big a deal unless you're playing Maniac mode.

I think I like Genealogy quite a bit because it really sold the idea that it was a story of a war. The chapters and story spanned decades, and even required you to have children to continue fighting once the first generation died off. The system was much neater than Awakening and Fates "give you the children whenever" (Fire Emblem is not a non-linear game), and the characters, despite this predating supports, were still fleshed out and lovable in their own right. Ishtar quickly became my favourite character in the entirety of FE after seeing that game for the first time.

Well, you're really asking two questions there... The first takes me back to when I actually enjoyed playing Ike in Brawl. I had read that Ike's games were in English, so I decided to find a playthrough online of a Fire Emblem game... and lo and behold, a favourite LPer of mine had done Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn- so I learned Tellius mythology. Surprisingly recently, I was rewatching the Runaway Guys playthrough of Brawl, and was laughing derisively at the fact that Proton Jon didn't know much about the character of Ike, despite him being his Brawl main. I quickly realised that my Smash 4 main was Roy, and I hadn't branched out from Tellius yet. Luckily, Slim was also starting Sacred Stones around this time, so I started burrowing around. I eventually found playthroughs of every main game apart of Fates to familiarise myself with the games. Oddly, I learned Marth's story from FE1 and FE12. The second question, the one you're really asking, is the first Fire Emblem I personally played. When I was younger, my step-father frequently procured what I now assume were pirated DS games on R4 cards. Me and my brothers used cheats, so I dipped my nose in Shadow Dragon with cheats to trivialise levels and gold... but still somehow turned up poorly, as well as getting cold feet when I learned about the killing guys to unlock stuff thing. However, recently someone had pointed out that it was weird I was an FE encyclopedia with no real experience, so I resolved to get an FE once I knew how much money the Hyrule Warriors Legends DLC needed. Now that that's done, I'm on my way to finishing my first Fire Emblem game, Blazing Sword. ...So sorry for carrying on...

Well... the game does already have something similar, and this is basically Supports, to a primitive extent. Or maybe just bumping down the amount of necessary love points in general. Depends on exactly how support-grindy the 3DS games actually feel.