screenshot 404'd! I play MageKnight404's FE7 hack

[Acacia Sgt]

Well, to be fair, even Yggdra Union itself classifies it as an axe for gameplay purposes. So I guess it was fine either way there. XD

[BBHood217]

Chapter 22x: Creation

No opening narration this time, so let's skip the intro and get straight to it.

Everyone finds themselves in a mysterious place.

It fascinates Chris.

He, on the other hand, would prefer to escape it.

But there appear to be no immediate exits around.

They also sense a familiar presence.

It's our old pal, Kishuna.

And his motives are as mysterious as ever.

But combat seems to be among them as the place suddenly becomes populated.

The only way out seems to be through him.

Chris hangs back as his playable debut is still a couple of chapters away.

You heard him. Let's match their strength.

Also, Hannah finally calls it quits as she's getting too old for this.

It seems weird that she leaves here when there's supposed to be no way out, but I prefer to think that she stayed with the group for a little longer until they finally ended up back in civilization. Then she parted ways there.

Anyway, Nils is the fortune teller now.

The auguries are still mostly the same.

However, I'm more interested in the reading. Now I can see who supports with who.

And I can finally check something that's been bugging me for a long while now.

There it is. Leaf and Merlinus do support, but for some reason it just refuses to happen. I'm thinking about trying again, but I'm not sure if I can fit Leaf into the team anymore.

Also, I can see that she's still a mage. Now the question is, is she still Nino...?

As the battle begins, Eliwood suggests sticking together.

Kishuna, however, has other ideas. They have no choice but to split up.

You've already proven that you can steal.

Let's see if this works too...

It does! He can use lockpicks. Now I definitely want your skills, though I still have to test if you have thief vision in fog.

Anyway, welcome to the team Milanor.

The rest of the map goes by without incident. They're all promoted enemies, but our own practically overwhelm them. And there are also no reinforcements.

There is nothing Sanger cannot cut.

Levels.

Loot.

More levels.

And just like that, he's the only one left.

That's amusing, though there's really no way to get it. Even attacking him at all will make him leave before combat even starts so it doesn't even get used.

More loot.

And a couple of supports.

Ninian is fascinated by Lord Bugeyes' tale of Arcadia, the hidden village where humans and dragons coexist.

And the other one.

Trust me, he's survived far worse.

Knock knock, it's

Oh, never mind.

Kishuna leaves never to be seen again, and we're left with these guys with droppable silver weapons.

Dancer level.

Darn, now I have to bench her. Fortunately, it's only for the next chapter.

Huh, Milanor really does use Hector's animations.

And with that level, the map's finished.

Eliwood wonders what they just barely saw before he warped away.

Ninian enters a mysterious trance.

And leaves it just as mysteriously.

It's just gonna have to remain as one of those unexplained mysteries.

Although Ray is free to completely spoil everyone on Kishuna if he wants to.

Whatever, it's finally time to get back on track.

And if you're wondering how they escaped, I refer you to the staircases in Kishuna's chamber.

Milanor says something here only because Hawkeye did so in the original.

Plot stuff later.

[BBHood217]

Chapter 22x cutscene

Eliwood finally meets the living legend.

Lynoan is obviously not a Elibean native.

So Eliwood gives her a quick cultural exchange.

It's almost like they're from the same game franchise.

Athos introduces himself, which obviously leaves Eliwood in disbelief.

It's magic, Athos ain't gotta explain it.

But he will, at least, explain how to defeat Ingram.

Whoops, I think Ray should've spoken that line.

Like a giant robot.

Several giant robots, actually.

Athos warns of the grave consequences of their actions.

But they only care about the end result of defeating Ingram.

One fade to black later...

They've received their new quest, and it starts at Bern.

And as for these two...

Introductions all around.

Including him too.

Oh yeah, she's still here.

Ellen and Jenny are cousins,

giving them the opportunity to hitch a ride with them to Bern.

It's almost time to set off.

But first, Athos sets me aside for a private talk.

And then gives me this:

There's really only one person who ever gets that.

Also, look at the map. Jenny's also a sage. Geez, this hack is drowning me in magic units.

I don't mind because I love magic too, but I'll have to remember to buy a lot of tomes later. I've actually been neglecting to mention this, but magic tomes in this hack have far less weight than in the original so magic users retain their high speed most of the time. It's neatsome, but I can't forget that it also applies to enemies as well.

The warp is ready to go.

Athos bids farewell to the children of Roland.

And the daughter of Heim.

And the other children of their own gods.

...and the son of Washington.

Everything goes black...

At Pherae, Eleanora is deep in prayer.

And it seemingly got answered.

As much as he'd like to stay, Eliwood has a quest to do.

Eleanora, however, insists that their reunion last at least overnight.

And they really need to rest anyway.

Eliwood eventually agrees.

Later, Ray and Jenny have their own private talk.

Huh, Desmond and Zephiel got replaced?

I doubt that'll change the game's very last lol vision, though.

Ray is concerned about Bern.

He has an idea on the perpetrator, but a fade to black keeps it mysterious.

And yet another private talk.

I know all about Bern, but they're major spoilers.

Sure, you deserve that much. I'll start with *fade to black*

Next time: Not Mel, that's for sure.

[Acacia Sgt]

Admitedly, I do find amusing the idea of Hannah going on her own back to Laus once they emerge from the ruins. Then again, if her Druid sprite isn't for show, crossing the desert wouldn't actually be that hard for her. Then again, it's not like she fights or anything, so as far the original game goes, it seems she was just put there in the beginning to hold the job until Nils rejoined and could take the job himself. More so since she uses generic old lady mug instead of having a unique one.

On the subject of, I wonder if Ray considered having Hannah be replaced with someone else. It's not like right now they don't have tagalongs that could use a job, hehehe.

Regarding those supports... from what I remember about who replaces who, I'm pretty sure those icons aren't up to date. Maybe they'll change once those characters join, but for now I find it quite strage they're still showing the vanilla ones. Maybe it is because they haven't joined yet, who knows.

[Mage Knight 404]

I never thought to replace Hannah because that would mean potentially writing new dialogue for the auguries, which I didn't want to deal with, so I let that sleeping dog lie.

[BBHood217]

Chapter 23: Four-Fanged Offense

Long before it went on a world conquering spree, Bern was a nice empire.

But even back then, it's been having some internal trouble.

Necessitating Eliwood to disguise his identity during the trip to avoid any possible ramifications.

So this map has two versions depending on the lords' total levels.

It was over 50, so we get this one.

As they're not Elibean, Lynoan and Raymond have no real reason to disguise themselves like Eliwood.

And also, it saves time by not needing to make separate disguised portraits for the two when there's really no need for them.

Anyway, they need to get to the Shrine before Ingram recovers.

But getting there won't be easy. Chris mentions that security around the Shrine was recently tightened, so they'll need to get permission from the royal family without somehow revealing their motives.

Jenny comes up with a possible plan that might work.

It's not taking credit for her idea when he wrote her to say that idea in the first place.

The plan might go awry.

But it's the best chance they've got right now.

As the two head out, Milanor shows them something given by Athos.

Can I have it now? Lynoan really needs it.

But it's not yet time. Milanor entrusts it to Chris as he'll know better than him when to give it.

Meanwhile across the map, a sniper waitasec.

Sniper? She's a sniper?

Oh! It's Kyosuke's partner, Excellen. While Kyo runs up and stabs enemies, she specializes in hanging back and shooting at them so it'd make sense that she's a sniper here.

Anyway, she seems to be trying to get Eliwood's attention here.

But the Fang quickly intercept her.

This is very different from the original scene, but the music is still soft and serene like in the original which really clashes with what's going on.

The hack has changed the music in some maps and opening narrations, so why couldn't the music be changed here too?

So instead of Nino being all nice and innocent, we get a hostage.

Who's a sniper.

Which is a promoted unit.

Great, now who am I gonna use Afa's Drops on? I guess if I don't find a woefully underleveled unit by the time Eliwood promotes, it'll be going to him.

Speaking of Eliwood, he feels the need to pass the time with something productive.

Mia suggests getting information on the Fang, so they'll have a better idea of what they're up against.

I guess Viper's just chopped super mushrooms after all.

As the heroes split up (and Eliwood takes a liking to Ninian's laughter),

Jack and Madelyn spot them.

Unexpected, as the most recent reports placed them all the way over at Nabata.

No matter, they're here now.

Or maybe it does matter, as their current location would involve innocents if they strike now.

Madelyn suggests that Jack reports back to Sonia while she handles Eliwood alone.

Jack reluctantly agrees.

She has a plan to do battle while minimizing civilian casualties.

And she really wants to prove herself as well.

The Fang make their challenge.

And Eliwood accepts.

More later.

[BBHood217]

Chapter 23 part 2

Today's participants.

The other shops only have basic stuff, so this is the only one of interest to me. During the battle, I buy enough to have a couple of each reaver.

I also notice this weird glitch going across the map. What's that all about?

As the fighting gets underway, a new face shows up.

That's the wrong side. Never mind, I'll fix that soon enough.

Also, I tried moving a unit onto one of the glitched tiles. And the game, maybe predictably, glitched out.

One hard reset later, the glitch was gone. At least I won't have to worry about it anymore.

Heather achieves maximum thief.

While Matthew achieves minimum everything else.

Over at the house, the scene plays out very differently from the original.

Two generics keep watch over their prisoner.

They flaunt their superiority.

They know not what they do.

Oops, I didn't deploy him. It won't matter anyway.

The two finally have enough of her sass and knock her out.

Meanwhile, we get a new recruit.

That rings no bells, and he's not on the OC list. Who is this guy?

I've also been meaning to ask: Is Katherine also an OC or not? She's not on the list, but she has relations with one so I'm unsure.

Did I just recruit another Sain?

After asking for her name, Kyle decides to fight on the same side as her.

She sort of wishes he didn't.

Looks promising, but I think I have an upcoming hero who'll become better.

Y'know, you might end up getting all the dracoshields.

That sucks.

This one doesn't.

So let's get to that information gathering, shall we?

This is a far cry from the original.

But somehow there's still a problem.

Maybe this might help fix it.

Oh, fell contracts don't work on them?

Milanor scores an item.

So does Matthew.

I think she needs to read a secret book or two.

Altenna sets off by herself to clear the lake of the two siege units (the valkyrie has bolting).

A druid has eclipse, which is as useless as ever. It's really only good for wexp training.

The two pegs are leveling up nicely.

Eliwood attempts a rescue.

But the two goons immediately kick out all trespassers, preventing him and anyone else from learning about their prisoner.

And that's an A rank. I should work on Edmond next, and Lynoan and maybe Kathy too.

As the fliers gain levels, more info is gathered.

Fang was once good, but something happened. That's about it.

This one's actually a different house.

Upon seeing the promotion item, Bugeyes quickly tries to convince me that he should get it.

This portraitless Lycian posing as a Fang member suggests using this item on Sonia.

Yeah, it'll work on her.

For all of one turn, if it even hits.

Some levels as the enemy count dwindles down to the single digits.

More later.

[BBHood217]

Chapter 23 part 3

Oh look, an arena.

Defenses are good.

Time for another cameo.

...or not?

There's no Murdock this time, just villagers concerned about Bern's current state.

Er, no. It's just a stray cat.

Meow. Meow.

The Bugeyeses level up, one from gladiator games and the other from flying reinforcements.

Behold, Tempest's first level up.

Blah blah blah arena grinding.

Y'know, he could become better than Luna if I decide to continue using him. But he might not see any action in the future due to a lack of a good support partner and the fact that I'll be getting another sniper soon who might be better than him.

Let's browse Anna's wares here.

They suck. And again, no pirate.

Gotta dance fast.

I'm not sure why I'm bothering, though that 13th level looks promising.

Let's wrap this up.

That's gonna take a couple more decades, give or take.

I change my mind. Get out, Rath.

I was gonna support you with Bugeyes, but now you can forget about it.

Gotta dance faster.

Marcia searches for her brother in the arena, but only finds a crappy level up.

So, what are we up against?

Eh, she's not so tough.

Marcia maxes her level from one of Madelyn's guards.

Maybe Steena will be a good partner for Bugeyes.

Who's that? And why is Raymond mad at him?

Might as well do this one too.

Kyle tells Dan how bored he is.

I don't know his name yet, so he's Dan until further notice.

That's everything, time to finish.

We prove her wrong.

And Mia gets magic tankier from the win.

Madelyn is cornered.

Which quickly turns into desperation.

This gives Eliwood the chance to question her about the Fang's honor and morals, and how those seem to be at odds with their current mission.

Causing Madelyn to start second guessing her orders.

So she'll retreat for now to clear up everything.

Plot stuff later.

[BBHood217]

Chapter 23 cutscene

The battle has taught them that the Fang have become mere tools for Ingram.

They're optimistic about being able to help them.

Ray almost spoils that they're already beyond help.

But quickly backtracks.

Meanwhile, Madelyn has her doubts about Sonia.

But she won't live to tell anyone about it.

STEALTH MODE ACTIVATED

QUINTESSENCE OF TRAITOR ACQUIRED

FOUR - ONE = NEO THREE FANGS REMAINING

Back at the house, Excellen wakes up long after the battle has ended.

But she still insists on escaping.

It seems like she actually will.

But the goons manage to recapture her.

Try again in a couple of chapters.

Jack returns to find her partner dead, with the true culprit long gone.

And he makes an incorrect yet understandable assumption.

Oh boy, it's time once again to watch the drama and turmoil of the royal Bern family.

...which seems to have been replaced with Sophia The First.

Damn you, outdated TV guide! Where's my half hour of King Desmond and Queen Hellene yelling at each other?

Bern's a lot nicer than I remember.

No no no, this is all wrong! Royal families of empires are not supposed to be living happily ever after!

Fortunately despite all the saccharine, they have the same problem as the original.

The Fire Emblem still got stolen.

Cath probably stole it. Lemme just go talk to her three times oh wait she's not even born yet at this point.

Anyway, no Emblem means no ceremony.

She was really looking forward to becoming queen.

King Reggie doesn't want to deprive Bern of its future queen.

So he'll do everything he can to locate the Emblem.

Ellen's party plans are completely ruined.

Maybe her cousin can cheer her up.

Upon seeing Chris and Jenny, Ellen tells them of her troubles.

That night, the two return with a subquest for Eliwood.

Ellen will help them, but only if they find and return the Emblem in time.

Quest accepted.

Next time: The uber spear... I think.

[Acacia Sgt]

Kyle is from the Lunar series, same game as Luna, Tempest, and Mel. I suppose it's fitting that if a Lunar character was exclusive, his counterpart would be from Lunar as well.

Speaking of exclusives, looking at those character levels, seems you are on the way to get Kenneth's version of Ch25 (if I remember right which character slots are for which). I know one is very different from the vanilla game, but I forgot which one, his or Jerme's.

Anyway... well, one plus of Bern being changed that way is that now the story of Binding Blade seems unlikely to happen. Unless Yahn finds someone else to help with a continental conquest campaign. Who knows.

Edited November 23, 2016 by Acacia Sgt

[BBHood217]

Chapter 24: The Mighty Bern

Hellene apparently has about as much presence here in this hack as she did in FE6.

I guess it didn't dawn on him to just replace her portrait with a completely blank one if she was gonna be not used at all ever.

But I digress. We have a titular artifact to find.

With no Hector to sidetrack them into some random swamp, Eliwood heads straight for the palace.

Which is a shame, because I had a few Shrek and All Star-related jokes prepared. Oh well.

The group arrives at the imposing castle.

With its numerous wyverns and mountainous terrain, Bern boasts the mightiest military in all of Elibe.

Prepare to be disappointed 20 years later.

They need to figure out how the Emblem got stolen and where it got taken to.

Lynoan suggests the Metal Gear Solid option.

Heather tags along for no real reason other than "the upcoming plot involves her".

So let's go see just what that plot is.

Less sightseeing, more hiding.

Ellen is still moping over the ceremony being possibly canceled.

Ooh, a new face. Looks important.

Derek informs Ellen of their progress in finding the Emblem.

That should cheer her up a little.

Derek makes a very good point.

But King Reggie wants more time first before committing to it.

As it turns out, Derek was speaking the truth from a certain point of view.

If not outright stealing it himself, he helped the Fang steal the Emblem who have now hidden it in their snow fortress.

He seems to have no love for Bern, opting to side with Grandbell instead.

Perhaps he feels that Ingram's side is the winning side.

Whatever his motives are, he looks forward to watching Bern burn.

Oh, crap.

Phew, false alarm.

Her business with him finished, Sonia takes her leave.

Leaving Derek to plan out more of Bern's downfall.

The group goes over the vital information they just learned.

Heather is especially incensed over Derek's involvement.

Raymond gives a quick backstory that explains her outrage.

To summarize: Derek is a major jerk.

Now it's become even more imperative to prevent Ingram's master plan from happening.

They need to recover the Emblem, and fast.

Outside, Ninian worries over Eliwood.

So much so that Nils knows something's up.

He warns her that they should not become so familiar with them.

But Ninian just can't help herself.

The group makes it outside in time to see wyverns in the sky.

They quickly rush down to rescue the wyverns' target.

Oh man, that's one mean-looking Bugeyes.

He's come for the siblings, but would prefer to fight his way to him.

His patience is soon rewarded.

Now he can indulge himself.

Just look at him. He screams "final boss" to me.

...is he the final boss of his game?

Some banter is thrown around, but we all know it ends in battle.

So let's do the battle already.

Well, later actually.

[BBHood217]

Chapter 24 part 2

The participants plus Milanor, Ninian, and Edmond.

And the initial setup. The lords are isolated above them.

I don't really need killers, but those tomes on the other hand...

Chris and Jenny finally join the fray.

He also gives Eliwood the heaven seal.

Which does nothing for him.

I know someone that it will work for, though.

Thanks. Now let's see the stats of these two.

Chris is as overpowered as ever.

And Jenny's not too far behind either.

And being Pent and Louise's replacements, they also inherit their preset A support with each other.

The boss is right there so let's look at him right now.

Ray really meant it when he said not to fight him.

And instead of the uber spear, he wields this very dangerous piece of flaming metal.

Worst of all, he starts much closer to us than Vaida did. The lords and Chris & Jenny have no choice but to hole up by the shops.

It won't work for him yet,

but it does for Lynoan.

No, she doesn't get dark magic. Instead, her existing weapon ranks are boosted so now she can finally use elfire.

I wonder if Milanor and Gulcasa have any history with each other.

There's no whip, so this'll have to do instead.

But what about Heather? Don't worry, I got that covered.

Also, I'm stupid and forgot to screenshot Marcia's combat sprite.

Lynoan's promoted sprite isn't too special, it's just the sage animation except with extra frills.

That much speed on a general should be illegal.

So why screenshot Luna overkilling a random falconknight?

Because it dropped this.

Seeing as the story now involves her a little more, she'll probably be seeing more action now.

On a side note, I think we saw in the opening cutscene some snippets of what that planned FE game starring Heather might have for its story. I wouldn't mind seeing and playing that story as a standalone game instead of it being mashed into FE7 here.

Decent levels.

Marcia uses her advanced steed to swoop into and out of the village before the nomads notice.

Uh oh, it's Alastor.

But he's not here for a fight. Instead, he's grumbling about Emperor Bugeyes.

There is some jealousy going on among the Fang's ranks.

Anyway, we got the magic repair kit.

Staff animation. Again, just sage but with frills.

Now here's an odd sight. What's the story behind this? Did this pirate try to class change into a brigand?

He's still annoying to take down like the other brigands on mountains, but a crit finally ends him.

Raph shows his opponent how it's done.

More accuracy is good for all that dark magic.

This enemy fails to make a dent.

Kyo on the other hand, well...

Thanks for the killer weapon.

Halfway done, and only the bare minimum number of enemies remain.

Now I can finally shop. I stock up on several elfires and shines because they give lots of wexp.

Houses are also visited.

Heh. Well, I don't wanna brag...

I wonder which Neo Four Fang is that. Is it Bradley?

Finally, I was getting bored.

Lynoan proceeds to burn the lot of them.

Nice.

Also nice. Now she can use bolting, if I can find one.

Sadly, those reinforcements only lasted two turns. And then it was empty the rest of the way.

These two refuse to move, and I'm not about to test whether Gulcasa moves or not.

So the map ends with them alive.

He realizes that he's not going to win this war of attrition and falls back.

Gulcasa was apparently enhanced a little by Ingram's slowly returning power.

Their time limit seems to get tighter and tighter.

Forgot to mention this before, but Gulcasa mentioned before the battle that Bern's soldiers wouldn't interfere. Still not really clear on why even in the original, and why after the battle they're now all up in arms about it.

Anyway, they gotta bail right now.

But Lynoan has another idea.

Now if we only had some kind of green-haired Sacaean tracker...

But a thief works just as well, making such a tracker completely unnecessary.

I should be glad that I didn't make a drinking game out of all the times that this hack dumps on Lyn.

What are Matthew and Milanor? Chopped super mushrooms?

There Kid, you contributed. Now back to the bench with you.

I wonder which fortress I'm getting next time. I think I know, but I'm not so sure...

[Acacia Sgt]

With all those scenes, I can only imagine how hilarious things would get if you failed to recruit people... or they died with no reset to get them back. The hack certainly seems to have been written with the "standard" way to play in mind (recruiting everybody and not letting anyone die).

Yeah, now I see it's definite you're getting Kenneth's, considering who replaced who and which ones are the ones taken into account. On the other hand, looking over in the site's database, it's determined by EXP gained, and anything before Ch11 doesn't count. On the other hand, that might still not mean much and you're still getting Kenneth's. Well, that will be seen soon anyway.

Edited November 24, 2016 by Acacia Sgt

[Mage Knight 404]

Damn the consequences of people playing with permadeath or no.

Also, seeing as how Jenny has joined, this post about her and Megan is now relevant.

[BBHood217]

Interesting read as always. Still looking forward to how Megan who's been doing nothing important suddenly gets all the magics at the end.

Also, I peeked ahead to see which fortress I got. And I have to ask, what happens to Bradley if you don't fight him? Wouldn't it have been better to make him the boss of both fortresses since they're mutually exclusive anyway? After all, he seems important enough that you have to fight him.

[Acacia Sgt]

If I remember right, he replaces Brendan for that scene in Ch26x (I think regardless if you fought him in Ch25). Now, if I'm right, what happens to him if you don't get Ch26x then... well, beats me, unless it's mentioned, like with Brendan's, I think.

Edited November 25, 2016 by Acacia Sgt

[Mage Knight 404]

It is as Acacia Sgt says, Bradley meets the same fate as Brendan in vanilla, and left ambiguous if you didn't get 26x just as well.

[BBHood217]

Chapter 25: Fiendish Goals

The chase is on.

Megan apparently occupies Disguised Lyn's portrait slot. Neat trick.

Within the snowy mountains, the group reaches the Fang's fortress.

Now which version of the fortress will it be...?

At the fortress, Sonia berates Gulcasa for his failure.

But he turns it around on her, asking where her own contributions are.

He finally tells her off and takes his leave.

She doesn't take it very well.

The puppet thing really struck a nerve with her.

But she eventually recomposes herself.

Milanor isn't too pleased with Gulcasa's new partnership.

I wish I could say the same about your support partner.

Moment of truth time.

It's.....

Kenneth's version! I think it was a close race, and I probably would've gotten the other version if I hadn't dropped Kid and Karsh.

Just to clarify, the version of this map is determined by the total gained exp in Eliwood/Hector's story of Erk, Serra, Priscilla, and Lucius (Sakura, Mia, Raphael, and Luna) compared to that of Guy, Dorcas, Bartre, and Raven (Altenna, Kid, Karsh, and Kyosuke). You get Kenneth if the former group had more gained exp, and Jerme (or Bradley in this hack) if the latter group had more gained exp.

And with that regurgitating info from Serenes out of the way, let's get back to the story.

Our heroes sneak up and eavesdrop on Sonia putting her plan in motion.

She has an assignment for her captive.

Who doesn't really give two hoots about some evil empire she's never heard of.

But Sonia has no choice since Jack and Madelyn have gone missing.

The assignment isn't hers alone as Jaffar joins her.

Eliwood feels out of the loop once again. Why is it that he doesn't know any of these people who apparently all already know each other?

Excellen's ceaseless chatter is starting to get to Sonia.

Jaffar has his orders.

But for some reason, he doesn't want Excellen involved with him.

But Sonia insists and hopes that he keeps her in line.

Now there's a familiar name to her.

It's probably the exact same as for when she actually succeeds.

Now that you mention it, Brendan's been a complete no show in this hack.

He seems to only be a name here and nothing more.

Anyway, Sonia leaves the fortress to Kenneth.

With another evil plot uncovered, they put recovering the Emblem on hold.

Saving Ellen takes top priority now.

But they have to get past Kenneth first.

Who's clearly off his rocker.

And clearly empowered by Ingram.

There's clearly no reasoning with him.

So it's time to resort to violence once again.

There's a lot of snow to trudge through.

Which I'll do later...

[BBHood217]

Chapter 25 part 2

Alright, later is now. Let's continue.

With a refresh from Ninian, Heather starts off by taking out a long range artillery before it could get off a shot.

And now it's mine.

Only 6 away from luna doing maximum damage.

There are more promoted enemies here than in the original, but there are still only three designated promoted enemies that'll determine which recruitable character shows up in this map. This sage was one of them, indicated by his blank death quote here.

That bolting mage wasn't the only siege tome user in this map. This bishop has to go, and I now have a plan on how to take her out.

The snow really bogs down Kathy's horse, so she passes the time by spamming barriers.

Gotcha. Putting the injured Marcia at the very edge of the purge's range puts the bishop right where I want her.

And that's both siege tomes taken care of. The bishop was also a designated enemy, so with two dead I'm now on the path to getting Karel or whoever his replacement is.

And that's an A rank in staffs. Now to work on Kathy and Edmond.

Strength is nice, but other stats would be nice too.

I might have bought too many of these.

Finally. We gotta get indoors fast.

There's so much exp being gained because this is only normal mode.

Also, Raymond's finally capped his level.

Kyo's so overpowered that effective damage and triangle disadvantage mean nothing to him.

Knock knock, it's Edmond. He's gonna solo the interior here with the magic reinforcements and two knight guards.

Backdoor reinforcements attempt to pull a fast one again.

But all they do is make Heather stronger.

Edmond's solo spree continues.

Oh yeah, there was an eclipse. Now there isn't.

That was the third and last designated enemy.

More levels.

And more snow. That tells me two things: Get inside now, and prepare to receive the new recruit.

Next turn, Karel's replacement flies in.

She's already on our side.

Let's make it official.

Um, I can see that.

And this here is Eliwood. He's a lord.

Oh, it's another character from Heather Emblem.

She somehow already knows about the missing Emblem and assassination plot.

Which makes it easier for her to join up.

Not bad. Her stats are between those of Marcia and Heather.

A free lockpick for me? Don't mind if I do.

As the thief gives Luna this okay level, I have to mention that he actually had 20 speed.

But Milanor has 24 speed.

Time to loot.

Now he can spam physics.

Who am I gonna use this on? Nanna?

Kyo has actually already capped skill. Let's see if he'll cap more.

Another stat booster for the pile.

I wonder if this will work...

It does! That's awesome.

That, on the other hand, is not.

Instead of Aura, Kenneth has this modified Aura. He's also a sage instead of a bishop, but sages can use light magic anyway so there's little difference.

Getting nuked and poisoned gives Edmond some sweet stats.

And Ninian has achieved maximum thief.

Another round finally allows Edmond to equip elfire. And yes, Valaura does poison.

Lynoan cuts Kenneth down to size.

Until he's small enough for Eliwood to finish off.

Yes, yes it does.

That's a decent finish.

I could give it to Lynoan and then it'll be the Poison Pillar.

Kathy uses up the rest of the mend staff.

And finishes her support with Raphael.

Looks like Angry Linoan has an actual reason to be angry here.

Okay, we're done.

Kenneth apparently had the Emblem on him. Now they don't need to waste time looking for it anymore.

And they can fully focus on rescuing Ellen.

They better hurry.

Because two lives are at stake now.

Excellen really has no reason at all to go along with their evil plan.

Sonia simply lords her superiority over her.

She wouldn't be so smug if she knew of Excellen's past exploits, though.

Even Jaffar has his objections about the mission.

And I'm still not really sure why.

Regardless, he still has to follow Ingram.

Don't worry, help is on the way.

Next time: Hoping that the RNG doesn't screw over Jaffar too much.

[Acacia Sgt]

I suppose it could've been brought up way back in Ch2 with the guy tending the temple, but at this point it's clear the Bishop (M) class is no more in this hack, with both Kenneth and that guy being Sages now. Mostly due to the class slot and both animations (generic and Lucius's custom) being used for other stuff.

Now I'm curious as to what happens to Brendan here, since I don't remember. I thought he, and probably his sons as well, were already dead, but it seems he's still alive at this point. Maybe it gets brought up later.

Also, you may probably have already found out, but I think Harken's replacement is also a Falcoknight.

Edited November 26, 2016 by Acacia Sgt

[BBHood217]

Chapter 26: Twin Angels

Early GBA FE hacking limitations rears its ugly head once again. This trick isn't quite as neat as the previous one.

I guess it kinda makes sense that Sakura would be in Nino's portrait slot.

After seeing other similar portraits like Luna in Rebecca's slot and Katherine in Lucius' slot, I wonder if they were originally just gonna appear in the same chapters as the original characters before it was decided that they should be shuffled around instead.

Oh right, the story. Er, assassins must be stopped and stuff.

The twin angels, one of death and the other of platinum, arrive at the oddly unguarded manse.

All according to plan, it turns out. Maybe Derek was also responsible for distracting the palace soldiers during that battle with Gulcasa.

I have to bring up something. If she's just gonna be killed either way, then why is she still going through with it?

This might be a whole new can of "quintessence-don't-understand".

However, the target is apparently still awake.

I can't help but feel that this would be much more fitting if said country was anything other than Bern.

I tried searching for "Ellen" in Ray's blog but nothing came up, so I wonder what the story behind her is.

Actually, that goes for all the OCs in this hack. We've already seen the detailed posts about Heather, Megan, and Jenny, but what about the rest? How were they conceived, how did they end up in their roles in the game, and are there plans to use them elsewhere in the future? I don't expect long detailed blogs about them if they're only minor characters, but I'm still curious about them.

Okay, enough rambling. Jaffar makes his move.

He swiftly knocks out Ellen.

And leaves the rest to Excellen.

Who, unsurprisingly, refuses to do the deed.

Yeah, can you? Let me tell you right now, she's extremely skilled with

Oh, you mean like that. Never mind.

That is true. Jaffar has been uncharacteristically less violent than when he was at Valor.

And the trend continues as he abandons the mission, leaving both targets alive.

But their escape is cut off.

Alastor had been right behind them to make sure that the mission was carried out.

And it obviously wasn't.

Go ahead Jaffar, yell at him that this is Elibe.

I apologize, but where did this come from?

At what point did he soften up from his previously heartless personality? Because I didn't see it.

At any rate, Alastor has taken up the task of completing the mission and eliminating the traitor as well.

Jaffar takes Excellen to the opposite side to let her escape while he slows them down.

Don't worry, she's just teasing you.

See?

Not like that Leila girl.

I have to rant again. Jaffar's change of heart here is completely out of left field. In the original, Nino took care of his injuries back at that house despite his insistence to be killed off instead. That along with how horrible Sonia treated her is what changed him, defying the Fang in order to protect Nino.

No such thing happens here. All that happened at that house was that two goons kept Excellen captive there. Jaffar was nowhere to be seen and thus was not developed. So the only reason he turns here is because he did so in the original, and nothing more.

It all just makes Jaffar into a plot device with no character at all. It's probably just as well considering how this chapter ends.

I've ranted too much that I have little to say here. Eliwood's here, gameplay starts, more later.

[BBHood217]

Chapter 26 part 2

Merlinus finally hits level 20 and autopromotes.

Some hacks give him promotion gains, but this isn't one of them.

What he does get however is 7 move. He can actually keep up with the group now.

The thief vision proves that except for the guaranteed item finding in the desert, Milanor is a fully functional thief.

Who uses axes.

So of course he's in, along with all these guys, Eliwood, and Lynoan.

The group will split in two. Eliwood, Lynoan, and everyone else to their right will head for Excellen while the rest rush to Jaffar.

He starts out surrounded by some nasty-looking enemies.

But as it turns out, he has the stats to handle them. And look at that, the assassin's strength cap has been raised.

He also has the tools as well.

This especially will help him survive.

Excellen is no slouch either. She has comparable stats to Luna but with more defenses.

However, she has something that Luna doesn't:

A personal bow.

Let's light up the place, and train that staff wexp at the same time too.

Sakura makes it harder to catch her, and good thing too considering that tissue paper of a def stat.

More lighting up.

Oh boy, that's a lot of mean enemies to power through.

The twin angels can handle themselves fine for now.

Ellen wakes up to the sound of battle. She considers running.

But decides to hole up in her room instead.

And wait for help to arrive.

I think she'll be able to take care of herself just like the other two.

Well, it's official. There's no Nino in this hack, both Excellen and Ellen have high stats and are both promoted.

So I guess the Drops are going to Eliwood.

Milanor is like the best thief I've ever had in an FE game.

That's a very knightly level.

As usual, Maxime suicides right into Jaffar.

That's awesome. I hope I get to keep it.

Fortunately, Jaffar is still in no great danger.

Excellen, on the other hand, might be in trouble.

So the use of bolting is justified here.

Eh, it's okay.

This one's a little better.

And this one's great.

Jaffar cuts off this thief here. Thanks.

Over at the other side, we reach Excellen.

The Howling Bow's slightly used, but now it's all mine. Now to get her to Jaffar.

This sneaky bishop drops an elysian whip. Lynoan will solo her.

Now here's something interesting. Nino and Raven normally can't support with each other at all.

It's a brand new support conversation! It's been ages since I've seen one.

So his knight armor really is a mini mecha.

Generals using bows? That's an idea so outlandish that it could only come from another continent.

...called Archanea.

He doesn't tell her that a similar thing happened to him, also getting captured and forced to work for bad guys until Eliwood recruited him.

The two are together again. All is right in the world.

If there's more to that support chain, we won't see it because Kyo's support slots are all full now.

That's okay, I already have a different support partner planned for Excellen.

Gah, no, where are you going?!

An intruder breaks into the room, but Ellen's already ready for him.

Now that's just astronomical.

Now look what you did, Jaffar.

Alastor is no walk in the park. Jaffar's in major trouble now.

Apparently, he has something that belongs to Altenna. I should try to get it back, but I gotta get Jaffar out of there first.

Ursula didn't move in the original, so Jaffar shouldn't be in too much

OH GOD HE MOVES

[MisterIceTeaPeach]

Idk if it was only a thing in Hector mode, but Ursula moved in HHM.

As for the other modes Idr.

[Acacia Sgt]

Well, might as well.

So Excellen's animation was an edited Blade Lord's... well, the bow ones at least. And what, the bow wasn't named Oxtongue? XD It's a shame you already capped Kyosuke's supports, since Kyosuke and Excellen's are among those that were finished, complete with paired ending (well, of course they would have one).

Well, if it's any consolation, Alastor won't use the Gaebolg to attack Jaffar so it can still keep it as his drop weapon. Unless Jaffar procs a lethality it may not be that bad, since he still has equipped the Earth Sword, judging from how he attacked the Knight. Then again, I don't remember if you can trade items with green units. On the other hand, Ellen there missed a 97, so what do I know. lol

Edited November 26, 2016 by Acacia Sgt

[BBHood217]

Chapter 26 part 3

Like Ursula, Alastor has a special battle quote with Jaffar. But you don't want to see either one, because that means afterwards you have to either restart the chapter or skip the sidequest.

Against all odds, Jaffar dodges both attacks. Yes, both attacks because the master sword and master lance really do have a brave effect like their descriptions say.

I still have a chance at this.

Meanwhile, Ellen's second berserk hits its mark. But it's pointless because she's the only unit in range of him.

Enemies are closing in on him and his earth sword's already broken. He needs an extraction badly.

But first, who do we have here?

This sneaky guy doesn't move, but he'll snipe you from the darkness.

Lynoan's still busy with the bishop.

Okay, let's get Jaffar out of there. First we heal him.

Then we rescue him.

And then Raphael blocks Alastor.

He's really the only one among his group who can comfortably take him on because everyone else will die horribly to him if both of his attacks hit them.

Oh hey, he's almost capped his HP.

Darn, combat animations are off for berserked units. Eh, Ellen's combat animation is probably just simple hand waving like unpromoted Lynoan anyway.

I have no choice. The map's only halfway done, but Alastor needs to go right now.

I get where they're going with this, but even in the original either Jaffar or Zephiel would be long dead before you could get this.

Raph scores a double critical on Alastor. That's exactly what I needed.

Lynoan finally takes down the bishop.

I just realized, I have no one to use this on.

You're next, bolting man.

No, that's a Delphi shield. This is Elibe, not Magvel, and around these parts we call that a Delphi shield.

Anyway, Altenna will love it.

Just in case I wanna use Tempest again or something.

You guys are right, that is a blade lord animation. That's cool.

This, however, is not.

Kathy delivers the finish that her partner provided the opportunity for.

It's well earned.

Ooh, Altenna will love this too.

With Alastor defeated, the reinforcements stop so it's just a matter of mopping up the remaining enemies.

Aw, thanks. She'll keep doing that even to full HP units.

Now I can loot in peace.

That's fine, this is the last map of the game with fog anyway.

Keep it up.

And sidequest gotten.

Even in hacks, Jaffar's a lot of trouble to keep alive.

So what will he do now?

Well first, he'll killsteal the last enemy of the map who looks very similar to a girl that's very close to him in another parallel universe.

These normally go to Hector. Fortunately, I have another 5-move unit that can make use of it.

No Megan, this princess is not in another castle.

Ellen defies the common trope of the knight rescuing the princess.

Like a lot of other princesses this past decade.

She really loves Bern, even though it's... Bern.

There, everyone's staff rank is at A. Now I gotta be careful not to push any to S.

I break the barrier staff getting this level up for Edmond. Don't worry, I'm not out of barriers yet.

Maximum luck.

The last few turns go by in peace with no enemy in sight.

It's done. The princess is rescued.

So am I.

Sanger welcomes back Excellen. Team ATX is finally together again.

As for Jaffar, he's easily forgiven.

Despite his past transgressions.

Of course Ray doesn't care, they're all only fictional video game characters after all.

Pah! Hector cares not for your petty potshots, little man. He no longer has any attachments to his former life, as he now lives a far better one and is currently involved in things far more important than you can possibly imagine.

So keep running your mouth, little man. Your words mean nothing to him...

We finally get to the recruitment.

Which Jaffar turns down this time.

He's decided to completely stop fighting and killing, and I have no problems with that. After the first impression that he gave in this hack, I had absolutely no intention of using him anyway.

So fare thee well, Jaffar. In this hack, you won't be missed.

ALASTOR TERMINATED. QUINTESSENCE EXTRACTED.

ROBOT LIMSTELLA IS FUNNY. LAUGH.

MORE LATER.