Let's Play Fire Emblem The Blazing Sword

[g1nf1zz]

They shared a peace forged in wisdom, a peace that lasted many generations.


this balance in a sudden onslaught.


that shook the foundations of their world. This war was called the Scouring.















Fire Emblem: The Blazing Sword, or just Fire Emblem in the United States, is the seventh game of the Fire Emblem series and the first one to ever be localized. It’s the prequel to Fire Emblem: The Sword of Seals, which stayed in Japan unfortunately.

Now I just had a sudden urge to replay Fire Emblem. Let’s just say I played the crap out of Fire Emblem in the past, and I still play the crap out of it today. It’s just a great game and if you haven’t play it, go play it.

I’ll be going through Normal Mode, and then I’ll see if I can do the infamous challenge of Hard Mode later on I WILL do that Hard Mode.

You may also enjoy these Fire Emblem-related threads:
Dais's Fire Emblem: The Crumbling Courts
Dais’s Let’s Play of Genealogy of the Holy War [FE4] on Hard Mode, aka the one with incest.
Mustavus' insane Let's Play Sword of Seals [FE6], aka the one with Roy.
ArmsAreLoud's Let’s Play Sacred Stones with no Valni Hard Mode [FE8], aka the one with vague incest.
The Fire Emblem General Chat

Table of Contents:

Lyn's Story
Prologue: A Girl From the Plains
Chapter 1: Footsteps of Fate
Chapter 2: Sword of Spirits
Interlude: Stats
Chapter 3: Band of Mercenaries
Chapter 4: In Occupation's Shadow
Chapter 5: Beyond the Borders
Chapter 6: Blood of Pride
Chapter 7: Siblings Abroad
Chapter 7x: The Black Shadow
Chapter 8: Vortex of Strategy
Chapter 9: A Grim Reunion
Chapter 10: The Distant Plains

Eliwood's Story
Chapter 11: Taking Leave
Chapter 12: Birds of a Feather
Interlude: Supports
Chapter 13: In Search of Truth

[g1nf1zz]

1) Good Morning, Tactician.


First things first, we make a tactician. This serves pretty much as a way for the game to address the player without any fourth-wall breaking shenanigans. For the most part, we’re not very important to the storyline. In fact, we’re optional for two other stories, but not for this one.


Well, let’s get started.






Lyn: Who are you? Can you remember your name? Your name is Gin? What an odd-sounding name… But pay me no mind. It is a good name. I see by your attire that you are a traveler. What brings you to the Sacae Plains? Would you share your story with me? Hm? What was that noise?




Welp.


Lyn: They must be planning on raiding the local villages. I... I have to stop them! If that's all of them, I think I can handle them on my own. You'll be safe in here, Gin.


Lyn: Ah, I see... So you're a strategist by trade? An odd profession, but... Very well. We'll go together!

Darn right we will.


Lyn: If you want to help, Gin, I could use your advice. I'll protect you so stay close to me.

That green guy there is our tactician, but he doesn’t fight. At this point, we enter tutorial mode. Blue units mean playable and red units mean hostile and experience. There are green units which are neutral but we’ll get to them when they show up.

Let’s take a look at Lyn, shall we?

show spoiler

hide spoiler

Growth Rates:
HP: 70%
Strength: 40%
Skill: 60%
Speed: 60%
Luck: 55%
Defense: 20%
Resistance: 30%

Lyn is our first of our three Lords, meaning that if she dies, the game is over. She’s essentially our Myrmidon Lord: fast, but fragile. Despite her fragility, she’s a solid enough unit to carry you for the rest of the game.

When we select a unit, we can see the unit’s movement and attack range. For now, the tutorial forces us to move up to the point above, so let’s do that and end our turn there.


For the enemy’s turn, the brigand moves toward us. So we’re going up to attack him.


When we attack an enemy, we have to pick a weapon to attack with. Each weapon has a set durability, which means that if we attack and hit with Lyn’s Iron Sword 46 times, Lyn’s sword will break. We can also see our weapon’s attack power, critical chance, hit rate, and how well we can avoid with it.


The combat preview window shows us each combatant’s hit points, Mt (Might), Hit, and Critical chance. The x2 on the Mt stat means Lyn will hit the Brigand twice due to having 4 more Speed than he does. The brigand also gets to counterattack after we hit him.

But enough talk, let’s get to killin’.


We hit him twice for 14 damage and dodge his counter. On his turn, he hits us, but we murder him back with our counterattack.

We get a bit roughed up so let’s heal up before we fight the boss.


Lyn: You don't know what a ger is? It's a type of round hut. Many nomads live in huts like those.


Good to know, Lyn. Anyway, we select Lyn and pop open her inventory, spending a use of a vulnerary for 10 HP.

Let’s take a look at the boss.


He’s not very strong, being the tutorial boss and all.


But he is on that ger thing, giving him a boost of 2 defense and 20 avoid. Most bosses like to sit their asses on terrain bonuses.




Batta: You think you can stand up to Batta the Beast?


That didn’t go well.


Lyn: It all comes down to this next blow. Gin, if I fall, I want you to flee. You must escape!


On the start of the enemy’s turn, Batta regenerates a small amount of hit points. Your units can do it too if they stand on a fortress or a seize target such as thrones or gates.


Batta whiffs his attack, and we counter with a critical. Criticals do triple damage and that’s handy. It’s always a joy to see them done.




And our first level up!


Whenever a unit earns 100 experience, he or she levels up. Lyn gets a pretty good level up. Which stats go up is completely determined by the unit’s growth rates and the RNG. It’s possible to get a stat point in everything. And it’s possible to get absolutely nothing.

hopefully, that won’t happen to us.


Lyn: I sorely underestimated him. Sorry if I worried you. I'll need to be stronger if I'm going to survive... Strong enough that no one can defeat me.


After Lyn’s done with her little vow, we seize the gate and wrap this chapter up.






Lyn: Say, Gin... I want to talk to you about something. You have some experience in the ways of war, I can see. Would you allow me to travel with you?

No, go ask your parents. Then we’ll see.



Yes.

Lyn: My mother and my father…died six months ago.

Oh.

Lyn: My people - the Lorca - they don't... I'm the last of my tribe. Bandits attacked, and... they killed so many people. The tribe was scattered. My father was our chieftain, and I wanted to protect our people. But I'm so young, and our people were old-fashioned. They wouldn't follow a woman. No one would follow me. Sniff… I’m sorry. I’ve been alone for so long… No, no more. I will shed no more tears … … … …

Yes, they put four ellipses in a row there.

Lyn: Thank you. I’m better now. Gin, I want- I must become stronger, so that I may avenge my father's death! Yesterday's battle taught me something I won't become stronger by sitting here alone.



…sure?

Lyn: You will? That’s wonderful! Thank you! Oh, thank you! We'll be better off working together, I know it. You'll be my master strategist, and I'll be your peerless warrior! We can do it! Right?

yep

Next up: Bandits! Tutorials! Two cavaliers!

[Dais]

I am surprised a Blazing Sword LP was this long coming. But, I'm glad it's being done by someone who's even more informative than I am. Also that is indeed a good Lyn level up(any with +str is in my book), do you know if it's fixed like a lot of that prologue?

[g1nf1zz]

2) In which a certain Cavalier derps


The apprentice tactician Gin and the young swordfighter Lyn. A strange pair on an even stranger journey. To prepare for the long road ahead, they go to Bulgar, the commercial center of Sacae.






Lyn: This is Bulgar, the biggest city in all of Sacae. We should purchase supplies for our journey.



Lyn: Hm?


Cad: Would you not favour me with your name? Or better yet, your company?

Lyn: Where are you from, sir knight, that you speak so freely to a stranger?

Beast: Ha! I thought you’d never ask. I am from Lycia. I hail from the Caelin canton, home to men of passion and fire!

Lyn: Shouldn’t that be “home to callow oafs with loose tongues”?

Ouch! Nice burn there, Lyn.

Pervert: Ooooh... You’re even lovely when you’re cruel.

Lyn: Let’s go, Gin. I‘ve nothing more to say.





Sain: Ah, Kent! My boon companion! Why so severe an expression?

Kent: If your manner were more serious, I wouldn’t have to be so severe! We still have a mission to complete, Sain!

Sain: I know that. But how could I remain silent in the presence of such beauty? It would have been discourteous!

Kent: What do you know about courtesy!?



Kent: Of course. My apologies...

Lyn: Thank you. You, at least, seem honourable enough.

Kent: Hm? Pardon me, but... I feel we’ve met before.

Lyn: I beg your pardon?

Sain: Hey! No fair, Kent! I saw her first!

Lyn: Tsk! It seems there are no decent men among Lycia’s knights! Let’s go, Gin! I’ve run out of patience!


Kent: ...... Sain, you lout!

Sain: Huh? Not like that? I thought you were...

Kent: I am NOT you!!! Come, we must follow her! I suspect she might be—

Sain: Be what? She’s our mission? You’re joking! Wait!


Lyn: Could it be those knights from town? No... It’s not them. These men are out for blood!


Creep: Your name is Lyndis, is it not?

Lyn: What did you call me? ...Who are you?

Creep: Such a waste. An absolute waste. The things I’d do for gold... Ah, well. Time to die, darlin’! C’mon out, boys!



Oh no. Whatever shall we do.



No, not really, Lyn. All we have to do is get you some good levels and you’re good to go!



Creep: Huh?

Lyn: What?



Or we can get two cavaliers from town. That works too.

Sain: Hold! You there! What is your business? Such numbers against a girl? Cowards, every one of you!

Lyn: You! You’re from—

Kent: We can discuss that later. It appears these ruffians mean to do you harm. If it’s a fight they want, let them look to me!

Sain: Stand back! I’ll take care of this!

Lyn: No! This is my fight! Stay out of my way!

Sain: Well, I can’t just stand here and do nothing...

Kent: I have a solution. You there, command us. I am Kent, a knight of Lycia. My companion is Sain. We will follow your orders in this battle. Is that acceptable, milady?

Lyn: Yes, it is. Gin and I will lead! Let’s go!

Well said, Lyn. But that “I” there needs to go.



Yes?

Sain: I want to impress my beauteous one! Let me attack first!

Well before that, I want to get you and Kent some analysis.

show spoiler

hide spoiler

In every Fire Emblem, there has always been a red and green cavalier. They are known as the Cain and Abel archetype, respectively. Cain or the red cavalier has high strength and luck. Abel or the green cavalier has high speed and skill.


Growth Rates:
HP: 80%
Strength: 60%
Skill: 35%
Speed: 40%
Luck: 35%
Defense: 20%
Resistance: 20%

Sain, despite being green, is actually the red cavalier, as you can tell by that Strength growth. However, everything else is pretty average. Despite this, I actually prefer Sain over the other cavaliers because for me, Sain ends up being similar to Kent statwise, just with more Strength.


Growth Rates:
HP: 85%
Strength: 40%
Skill: 50%
Speed: 45%
Luck: 20%
Defense: 25%
Resistance: 25%

Kent, despite being red, is actually the green cavalier, with the more balanced growths. Kent has higher Skill and Speed than Sain, so some people prefer Kent because of his reliability. However, Kent needs Strength to remain viable for long-term use.

All in all, it’s really a matter of preference for which cavalier to go with. Hell, take both if you want to go that way.

We let Sain try to impress the ladies.


He, of course, misses and gets hit. Real smooth, Sain.



Kent: Sain! Why aren't you using your sword?

Sain: The lance is more heroic. A knight should look heroic, don't you think?

I always thought heroes preferred swords.

Kent: You're hopeless. If you don't take fighting more seriously, you're going to find yourself on the end of a blade!

Sain: Truth be told, I...forgot to buy a sword.

Kent: Forgot? Or were you simply too busy dallying with the ladies?

Sain: Don't be so mad! I'll be fine with a lance. I'm that good!

Kent: I'd prefer to rely on your skill, not your empty bragging! Take my spare blade and use it to attack next time!

Sain: Are you sure? My thanks, Kent!

Kent: You're almost more trouble than you're worth. Almost. Gin! Allow me to make up for my companion's blunder. I am at your command!


This time, we send Kent to attack the brigand Sain just missed. As you can see, Kent’s hit rate is a lot higher than that of Sain’s. Sure, his skill factors in it, but now the game introduces us to the Weapon Triangle.

Essentially, weapons share a rock-paper-scissors formula. Swords beat axes, axes beat lances, and lances beat swords. In terms of mechanics, when you use a sword against an axe, the sword wielder will get a +1 to MT and a +15% to Hit. The axe wielder will get a -1 to MT and a -15% to Hit. It’s not a huge deal to go against it, but it sometimes does hurt.


Kent demonstrates with his sword, hitting the brigand and dodging the counterattack. We send in Lyn to finish him off.

On the enemy’s turn, the bandits above and below have moved towards us. No biggie.


Well, alright Sain. We send Sain down to the lower bandit.


As you can see, Sain’s chance of hitting the brigand with his sword is a lot higher than his chance of hitting with his lance.


He still fucks up, but this time, he’s able to avoid the counterattack.



Kent: Sain! Are you all right?

Sain: Yes. Yes, I am. I was able to dodge in time. I can't believe he evaded my sword stroke so easily. This is no jest.

Kent: Look closely. The enemy is hidden in the woods. The branches make it difficult to attack, don't they?

Sain: You're right. I was so focused on attacking... I didn't see.

Kent: Your lack of attention may someday cost you your life!

Sain: Fine! I understand already! Let it go, Kent!

Kent: If you truly understand, then act like it!

Sain: Kent worries too much. ...He's going to grow old before his time.

As Kent pointed out, certain tiles give bonuses to defense and avoid. But you already knew about that from the gates and thrones. Forest tiles give a +1 bonus to Defense and a +20 to Avoid.


Kent strikes the brigand and dodges the counterattack. We’ll leave the lower bandit to the cavaliers and move Lyn up to the forest tile.





Lyn: If you insist... Why have you not healed yourself?

Sain: Huh? Hey! I've been injured? What a cad I am! To wrinkle that perfect brow of yours with worry for me...

Lyn: Uh... I was thinking of giving you a vulnerary, but... It looks like you're fine. So, never you mind.

Sain: No, wait! I'll take it! Please! I'll take it!!


Sain: The healing power of love awaits with yon angel! Gin! Tarry no longer!


We send Sain next to Lyn and trade her used vulnerary to Sain. You’ll have to do this time to time, since each unit is limited to only five inventory slots, weapons and items included. By the way, you can trade any number of items over and once you trade an item, you can immediately use it.

Sain heals up and moves again.


Wait, moves again? That’s right. All mounted units have the skill “Canto”, which allows them to move again after doing a non-combat action. Essentially, mounted units are able to move the number of spaces left in their movement range if they haven't done so already. Needless to say, this skill is very, very helpful.

Kent murders the bandit below, Lyn moves to another upper forest, and we end our turn.


The brigand goes for the exposed Sain and hits him. On our turn, Sain murders him right back. Lyn moves closer to the boss and Kent moves into the forest near the remaining brigand.


The brigand attacks Kent, but misses. Kent counterattacks. We send in Sain for the kill.

Let’s take a look at the boss.


Zugu here, to say the least, is not very impressive. We park Lyn right next to the boss and end our turn.


Zugu hits Lyn, but Lyn hits him for 14 damage, leaving him at 9 hp.

We let Lyn retreat and let Kent hit Zugu once. Then we let Sain get the kill.


Zugu: There was only...supposed to be a lone...girl...


Strength and Defense are good. But Sain needs Speed. Oh well, I’ll take what I get.

[g1nf1zz]

Kent: Yes.



Lyn: Lycia... That’s the country beyond the mountains in the south-west, isn’t it?

Kent: Correct. We’ve come as messengers to the lady Madelyn, who eloped with a nomad some 19 years ago.

Lyn: Madelyn?

Kent: Our lord the marquess of Caelin’s only daughter. He was heartbroken his own daughter would abandon him so. Eventually, the marquess simply declared that he had no daughter.


Sain: It said she, her husband, and their daughter were living happily on the Sacae plains. The marquess was ecstatic to learn he had a granddaughter of 18 years. I remember the smile on his face when he announced that he’d suddenly become a grandfather. The granddaughter’s name is Lyndis. This was also the name of the marquess’s wife, who passed away at an early age.

Lyn: Lyndis?

Sain: That she should bear this name thawed the marquess’s heart. Now, his only wish is to meet his daughter’s family at least once. This is why we’re here. We didn’t know that Lady Madelyn died a few days after sending her letter... We only learnt this shortly after arriving here in Bulgar.



Lyn: Why would you think that...

Kent: Your resemblance to your departed mother is remarkable.

Lyn: What? Did you know my mother?

Kent: I’m sorry to say that I never met her directly, but I saw her portraits in Castle Caelin.


Lyn: But when I was with my parents... When it was just the three of us, I was Lyndis. It’s all so strange. I was all alone in the world, and now I have a grandfather. Lyndis... I never thought I would hear that name again.

Kent: ...

Lyn: Wait!


That he did.

Kent: What? How could he have—

Sain: He was a henchman of Lord Lundgren, wasn’t he?



Kent: He’s the marquess’s younger brother. Everyone assumed the lady Madelyn was gone forever. This made Lord Lundgren heir to the marquess’s title.

Sain: To be blunt, milady, your existence is an obstacle to your granduncle’s ambitions.


I don’t think that excuse has ever helped anyone.

Sain: Unfortunately, your granduncle is not the sort of man to believe that. I believe the attempts on your life will persist.

Lyn: What should I do?

Kent: Accompany us to Caelin. Continuing on this way is dangerous.




Lyn: What do you want me to do, Gin?

You decide, sheesh.

Lyn: You... want me to decide? Of course, your companionship would do much to ease my journey, but... It’s going to be so dangerous.

We laugh at danger. Plus, we’re still in tutorial mode. So yes.


Lyn: Let me ask once again for your friendship and your aid.

An emphasis on aid.

Next up: More bloody bandits.

[g1nf1zz]

I am surprised a Blazing Sword LP was this long coming. But, I'm glad it's being done by someone who's even more informative than I am. Also that is indeed a good Lyn level up(any with +str is in my book), do you know if it's fixed like a lot of that prologue?

I'm pretty sure it's fixed, but I'll take it anyway. It's still a good level for Lyn.

[g1nf1zz]

3) Subtle Tutorials


This ancient temple, sacred to the people of Sacae, has long been known for its powerful bond to the world of spirits. Before starting their journey, our travelers come here to pray for their well-being.







Lyn: There is a sacred sword enshrined in an altar east of here. The people of Sacae go there to pray for safety at the onset of a long journey.

Sain: Oh, how quaint!

Kent: The teachings of Elimine have the most followers in Elibe. It is nice to see that, here at least, the ancient customs are still observed.


Of course, things go right into the shitter.



Priest: Threaten me as you will, but I’ll not give up the Mani Katti. The Mani Katti is a sacred blade, under divine protection. It cannot be removed from its place of rest!

Douche: You’re a fool, old man. What good’s a sword if you don’t use it?

Priest: Use it? In combat? Sacrilege!

Douche: Sacrilege? I am Glass! The gods fear my name! My swordplay is peerless! And if I want this sword, this sword I shall have! Now, get out of my way!

Bold words from a level 3 Mercenary.

Priest: Oof!





Glass: This sword was made for a swordsman of my skill. Hmm? What’s this? I can’t… draw the sword… from its scabbard?

Priest: The spirits of the blade have judged you. You have been found waiting. They have rejected you.

Glass: What? Listen, you senile old fool, if you value your own life, you’ll get out of my sight!!!


Glass goes ahead and locks the poor priest inside.


Glass: I care nothing for you! I’ll tear this altar down stone by stone!


Finally, the citizen here comes to the group. Took your sweet time there.


Woman: Are you headed east? To the altar?

Lyn: Yes, we are indeed.

Woman: Then you must hurry and help the priest there. I saw a band of local ruffians head in there not too long ago. They seemed intent on stealing the altar’s sacred sword!

Lyn: The Mani Katti… They’re going to steal it? I cannot allow this to happen!

Woman: You look like a virtuous group. Please, help him!

Sain: Lyndis, what are you planning?

Kent: If you go to the priest’s aid, you’ll need to prepare.

Lyn: You’re right... Say, Gin… There are some homes to the south of us. Perhaps we should go there and question the residents. Shall I take the lead? All right. Tell me what you would like me to do, Gin.

And we begin the chapter proper. As Lyn suggested, visiting homes gives us some information, valuable or not.


Since the tutorial practically forces us, let’s go ahead and follow it, shall we?


Woman: Oh! You’re going to help the priest! Well, perhaps you could benefit from something I saw earlier… The bandits may have the main entrance guarded. However, one of the altar’s walls is cracked and in poor repair. You might be able to create another entrance by hitting that section with your weapons. We’re all counting on you!

If you haven’t noticed, there is indeed a cracked wall tile to the right of the party. We’ll get to work on that later.


Man: but they’re difficult to traverse. If you’re riding on horseback, you can’t cross them at all. Be careful.

This technically isn’t true. Once promoted, Paladins have a movement of 7. Mountains have a movement cost of 6. So they can move one space. However, for practicality, he’s right and you’re better off finding another way around mountains. Mountains grant a bonus of +1 Defense and +30 Avoid.


Lady: It’s called the Mani Katti, blessed by the spirits. According to the priest, the Mani Katti is waiting for the right owner to appear. It’s so odd, don’t you think? The idea that a sword can choose who will wield it?

OH GEE I WONDER WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF THE CHAPTER


After we visit the homes, we end our turn. The brigands move north and east towards the party. Not very exciting.


We shove Lyn and Kent on forest tiles and Sain on a fortress tile, and end our turn there. Fortresses, by the way, grant a bonus of +2 Defense and +20 Avoid.


The bottom brigand moves up. The upper brigand whiffs an attack on Kent and in response, gets counterattacked back in the face.


We move in Lyn to take out the brigand.


We make some progress on the chapter by making Sain hit the cracked wall with his sword. Walls tend to have a lot of hp and you can’t critical them, but you always hit for maximum damage.

We park Kent near the brigands and end our turn.


Kent dodges and counters the brigand, giving him a Kent level.


We send in Sain to finish off the brigand Kent fought.


Kent weakens the brigand below him, and Lyn follows up with a kill.


Damn. Well, strength, I guess.


On our next turn, Sain destroys the wall with his lance. We park Kent at the corner and Lyn body-blocks the wall, so Sain doesn’t get hit.

The brigand between the pillars goes for Lyn and misses. Lyn weakens him. On our next turn, we move Lyn back and go for the kill with Sain.


Strength and Skill is nice, but we need SPEED, Sain.


Let’s have Kent take care of that last brigand. We park him at the entrance of the temple.


It takes a turn, but Kent takes out the last brigand.

Let’s see the boss of the chapter.


Glass is our first sword-wielding boss. He’s not at all spectacular as he claims to be. He has a vulnerary with flashing green text. Flashing green text means an item that is obtainable after you kill an enemy.

We throw Sain at him first.


Glass: What chance do you think you have against me?

Sain weakens him down to 7 hp. We let Kent get the kill.


From his demise, we get his vulnerary.


Nice! Kent shows us how to finish a chapter with a great level!


And we’re done here.



Lyn: I’m Lyn, the chieftain’s daughter. Are you hurt, sir?

Priest: Thanks to you, I am unscathed. You have my gratitude.

Lyn: And the sword? Is it safe?

Priest: Yes, I have sealed the sword safely away. Until I remove my spell, the sword cannot be drawn. Now, as a token of my gratitude, I shall allow you to lay hands upon the Mani Katti. Touch the blade’s pattern, and pray for a safe journey.

Lyn: Oh, thank you so much!



Priest: Hm?

Lyn: What? Did—


If you didn’t see this coming, you obviously haven’t read enough fantasy books or played enough RPGs.

Priest: Ah. Hm… It’s the power of the spirits. Lyn, they have looked into your soul, and they call out to you.

Lyn: What does that mean?

Priest: You are its rightful owner. You are to wield the Mani Katti.

Lyn: No… I can’t… I couldn’t…

Priest: It is the sword’s wish. If you require proof, draw it from its sheath.

Lyn: Um… ...


SCHWING.

Priest: I never dared hope that I might meet the wielder of the Mani Katti in my life. I am indeed fortunate to see your sword reach your hands.

Lyn: My sword?



Priest: It is time for you to go, Lyn. You face a great many ordeals. Grip this sword, and meet your destiny head-on.

Lyn: Yes… Yes, sir!



Sweet.



Lyn: This is all so unbelievable. Perhaps the most famous sword in all of Sacae… in my hand.

Kent: It’s not so strange. In fact, many legends tell similar tales… Special blades all over the land call out to their proper owners. And yet, when I saw you draw that blade, Lyndis… I felt something extraordinary. That sword was waiting for you. You were meant to draw it.

Lyn: Stop it! I… I’m nothing special!

Sain: Think of it this way: Some weapons feel more comfortable in your hand, right? Well, the Mani Katti itself feels very comfortable with you. Does it make it any easier for you to accept? It doesn’t appear that either of us can use it.

Lyn: It… does feel right in my hand. A blade that only I can wield. That seems reasonable enough. I can understand that. Look at it, Gin. This is the Mani Katti. This is… my sword. I must care for it well.

And so ends the tutorial on WHY ONLY LYN CAN WIELD THE MANI KATTI.



In a land far, far, away….



This dude is definitely not evil.

NotEvil Dude: Madelyn’s daughter is still alive?

Soldier: Uhh… Yes, Lord Lundgren. The girl is traveling with Kent and Sain. What are your orders? If we let them be…

Lundgren: Bah! I’ve heard that northern Bern is full of bandits. She’s just a girl. She’ll not survive her journey here. I’m more concerned with my older brother. His life must be ended quickly. The poison… There must be no blunders.

Soldier: Yes, m’lord. He suspects nothing and continues to drink it. The marquess’s death, due no doubt to “sudden illness,” is not far off.

Lundgren: Heh heh heh. Soon…


Nope. Not evil at all.

Next up: Guess what? More bandits.

[Siegmundfried]

I'm pretty sure it's fixed, but I'll take it anyway. It's still a good level for Lyn.

The level up is the only thing that isn't fixed in that level. Entirely up to the RNG.

[g1nf1zz]

The level up is the only thing that isn't fixed in that level. Entirely up to the RNG.

Really? Cool. Lyn did need that level.

[g1nf1zz]

Interlude: Stats. What the hell do they mean?

If you know your numbers in Fire Emblem, there will be no surprises to you whatsoever. I’m going to get a little in-depth here, so if you played Fire Emblem before and know all your numbers, go ahead and skip this session. Otherwise, hear me yammer on.


Let’s look at Lyn here.

Level (LV): What level this unit is. Level caps at 20.
Exp (E): Current experience. Experience caps at 100, bringing a unit 1 level up.
Hit Points (HP): How much punishment a unit can take. If this hits 0, this unit is dead. Permanently. Don't let that happen.
Strength (for physical units): increases unit’s Physical damage done
Magic (for magical units): increases unit’s Magical damage done
Skill: increases unit’s hit and critical rates
Speed: increases unit’s avoid and ability to hit twice
Luck: increases unit’s avoid, hit, and critical evade
Defense: decreases Physical damage taken by unit
Resistance: decreases Magical damage taken by unit
Move: How many movement spaces a unit has. Different tiles have different movement costs.
Constitution: Determines which weapons units can carry without taking a speed penalty
Aid: Unit's ability to rescue another unit
Traveler (Trv): What unit is being rescued by this unit
Affinity (Affin): What affinity this unit has. Used in supports, which we will get into later.
Condition (Cond): Standard RPG afflictions, such as Poison or Sleep. Very rarely will this change.


Weapons have their own stats as well.

Weapon Type: What type of weapon this item is here. The Mani Katti is a Sword here obviously.

Weapon Level: What weapon rank a unit needs to wield it. The Mani Katti here has a Prf rank, which means only Lyn can use it. Ranks can range from E to S.

Range: How far a unit can attack with the weapon. Most weapons have a range of 1. Some weapons (like the javelin and handaxe) have a range of 1-2, meaning they can both attack from a range and counter in melee combat. Bows have a range of 2 (or sometimes 3), meaning they can attack at a range, but cannot counter in melee combat.

Weight (Wt): how heavy the weapon is compared to unit’s constitution

Might (Mt): the base damage of the weapon

Hit: how accurate the weapon is.

Critical (Crit): what the weapon’s critical chance is. Most of the time, this stat is 0. But Slim weapons have a crit of 5. Killer weapons have a crit of 30. Unique weapons have their own unique critical range.

“Effective”: What classes this weapon is effective against. For instance, if Lyn here attacks a Cavalier or Knight with her Mani Katti, the Mani Katti’s Mt will be tripled, having an astounding 24 Mt against these foes.

All these numbers add up to the bottom rectangle on this screen. This is our “actual” numbers when in combat.

Atk: how much base damage this unit will do. [Strength or Magic] + [Weapon Might] = Atk. So Lyn’s Base Atk would be 6 (Strength Stat) + 8 (Mani Katti Might) = 14.

Hit: what the unit’s base accuracy is. [Luck / 2] + [Skill x 2] + Weapon Hit = Actual Hit. So Lyn’s Base Hit would be 3 (6 / 2, Luck Stat) + 16 (2 x 8, Skill Stat) + 80 = 99.

Rng: Range, already explained.

Crit: what the unit’s critical chance with the weapon will be. [Skill / 2] + [other bonuses] = Crit. So Lyn’s Crit would be 4 [8 / 2, Skill Stat] + 20 [Mani Katti Critical] = 24.

Avoid: how well we can avoid with this weapon. [Attack Speed x 2 (see below)] + [Luck] + [Terrain Bonus] = Avoid. So Lyn’s Base Avoid would be 22 [11 / 2, Attack Speed] + 6 [Luck] = 28. It says 38 here because Lyn was standing in a village tile (giving her a +10 to avoid) when I took the screenshot.

There are a LOT of redacted bonuses, but don’t worry about them. For now, the bases will do just fine.


This screen explains Lyn’s weapon and support ranks.

Weapon Rank increases as a unit uses a weapon. You never really have to worry about Weapon Rank because the game gradually throws you better and better weapons later on.

Supports aren’t available until we reach a certain point and they’re an entirely new mechanic that I’ll explain later.


I didn’t open this up before because I rarely play with it, but this is the Advanced Attack Preview. There’s a stat here that doesn’t appear normally.

That stat is Attack Speed (AS) and it’s ludicrously important. Attack Speed is used for Avoid, but it more importantly determines whether or not a unit gets to attack twice. Attack Speed = Speed – [Weapon Weight – Con]. If Weight – Con turns out negative, it’s simply 0. The unit gets to attack twice if his or her AS exceeds the AS of his or her opponent by 4.

When it comes to combat, the stats will be calculated into results logically. Attack minus defense is actual damage dealt. Hit minus avoid is actual accuracy. You get the gist.

Keep in mind that the Weapon Triangle is still in effect. Weapon Triangle bonuses are +/- 1 Mt and +/- 15% Hit.

That’s it for the stats primer. Stay tuned for another update.

[g1nf1zz]

4) More Bandits!


The secrets of her past revealed in the words of two Knights of Lycia. Now, to meet her grandfather, Lyn heads west, to Lycia, and to her destiny. A mountain range separates the Sacae Plains from Bern. There are many bandits lurking here, the cruelest of which are the Taliver. They wreak havoc on both Sacae and Bern, and their savagery knows no bounds.






This place isn’t looking too good.



Sain: The entire area is in ruins. Why doesn't their marquess do anything to help?

Lyn: Taliver Mountain is home to a gang of vicious, ruthless bandits. No marquess holds power here. My village was near here, on the other side of the mountain. My people were... The Taliver bandits came at night. It took only one night. The survivors numbered less than ten, including me. They're soulless beasts. I will never forgive them. Never.

Sain: Lyndis...

Kent: ...

Lyn: I am not running away. I will be back...someday. I'll be stronger...I will break their swords beneath me like twigs beneath a stallion's hooves. I will avenge my people. I'll do everything in my power.

Sain: When the time comes, bring me with you.

Lyn: Sain.

Kent: Don't forget me, either.

Lyn: Kent...Oh! You, too, Gin? I... You're...Thank you.

Glad you remembered us, Lyn.


Hey look! More bandits! Wonderful.


Asshole: What are you going to do to apologize? Huh?

Shrinking Violet: Uh... I...That is, I...


Asshat: I bet the boss'd give us a pretty penny for her.

Asshole: Yeah. She roughed me up a bit, so I figure fair's fair. It's no more'n she deserves.

Shrinking Violet: I... I...

Asshat: What are we gonna do with her flying mule?

Not-so-Shrinking Violet: Don't you dare touch her!

Asshat: What? You just watch your mouth, girlie!

Back-to-Shrinking Violet: Do what you will with me, just...Let her go. Please, I beg of you.

Asshole: Ha ha ha! Silly twit! Pegasi can only be found in Ilia. They're rare beasts, worth more than you by far! We can sell it for a mountain of gold. Let it go? HA!

Shrinking Violet: No, you can't...

Asshole: C'mon! Let's move!


Kent: There seems to be some sort of commotion over there.

Lyn: That's... That's a pegasus. Could it be?

Lyn: Florina?


Florina: Ah! Lyn?

Lyn: Florina! What are you doing in a place such as this?

Florina: Lyn! Is it really you? I...I...

Lyn: Come now, no crying!

Florina: I’m sorry.

Kent: You are acquantainces?

Lyn: She's my friend. This is Florina, a pegasus knight in training from Ilia. She's a little uncomfortable around men. Tell me, Florina, what happened here?

That’s a bit of an understatement there, Lyn. But go ahead, Florina.

Florina: Well...um...When I heard that you had left...I decided to follow you. Then I saw this village... I flew down to ask if they had news of you. I didn't see these two, and...well...

Kent: Did your pegasus land on them?

Florina: Well, I... A little...


Jesus, man. Chill.

Asshat: She admits her fault! She stepped on my friend, and now she's got to pay!

Lyn: Did you apologize, Florina?

Florina: Yes. I told them I was sorry many times over. They just wouldn't listen....

Lyn: Don't cry. It's all right.

Florina: Lyn...

Lyn: Listen, she's obviously sorry. Can't we just let this pass? You don't appear to be injured or anything.

Not going to work.

Asshole: No chance. The girl goes with us--by force if need be!


Asshole: The men are fair game, but don't put a scratch on the girls!


Called it.



Florina: Lyn... I...

Lyn: You're a pegasus knight, aren't you? You can fight, can't you?

Florina: ...Yes!

Lyn: The layout around here might make it difficult to fight. The same holds true for our foe, too. If we use these walls just so, they may ensure our victory.

Florina: Lyn...Who's that?

Lyn: This is Gin. He's still an apprentice, but he's my tactician.

Oh hai Florina.

Florina: Oh, I see...Uh...Gin, I'm pleased to meet you.

And we’re pleased to meet you too.

show spoiler

hide spoiler

Growth Rates:
HP: 60%
Strength: 40%
Skill: 50%
Speed: 55%
Luck: 50%
Defense: 15%
Resistance: 35%

Florina is the first out of the two Pegasus Knights we’re going to get in this mode. Pegasus Knights are extremely mobile and fast, but fragile fliers that wield lances. Florina here is our top pick for a Pegasus Knight. She has no bad growths other than Defense and she has high base stats for her level. Florina’s a great pick for any team.

Now, you see the two red roofed houses? Those are villages. Unlike homes, when we visit them, we get good rewards. However, if any brigands reach the entrance of any village, the village will be destroyed and we’ll lose out on the rewards. We don’t want that.

We’ll start off by sending Lyn to the nearest village.



Voice 1: Leave us alone, you thugs!

Voice 2: Go away! Go away! We've no more gold for you!

Lyn: No, wait! Please! We're not bandits! We want to help the village. Please listen!

???: Remain inside, everyone. I'll go see what's happening.



Lyn: My name is Lyn. My colleagues and I are just traveling through here. We saw some bandits about. We're going to deal with them, but... We need you to go and warn the villagers.

Wil: Hey! Wait! The name's Wil. I'm a traveler of sorts, too. Listen, these villagers have been kind to me. Mind if I fight with you?

Lyn: Not at all. We need all the help we can get! Welcome aboard, Wil!

And we net ourselves a new unit!

show spoiler

hide spoiler

Growth Rates:
HP: 75%
Strength: 50%
Skill: 50%
Speed: 40%
Luck: 40%
Defense: 20%
Resistance: 25%

Wil is one of the three Archers we get in the game. Archers, well, wield bows to attack from a range. Wil is the strongest and toughest out of the three, but he’s not very remarkable. I prefer another archer we get later on. For now though, Wil here will hold his own.

We send Wil to plink the upper mercenary…


Then we send Florina over the wall to finish him off.


We move Kent to slaughter the archer that’s flanking the wall.

Then we move Sain next to the forest. Finally, we move Lyn further east.

Enemy’s turn. The brigands move up towards Sain’s chokepoint. An archer attacks Sain.


He doesn’t do very well however.

Our turn now.



Lyn: What? Where!? Oh, that's Wil.

Say hi to Wil everyone.

Wil: Hi! You're one of Lyn's friends?

Florina: Um...

Wil: What... What is it? Are you unwell?

Lyn: I'm sorry, Wil. Her name is Florina. She's timid around men, and you...you've got a bow.

Wil: Oh! I see! You must be a pegasus knight! I apologize for frightening you, but I do understand your fear of bows.

Florina: I...um.....I'm sorry... Even looking...at a...bow...frightens me ever so much....

Wil: Of course, I understand. But you should really only fear the enemy's archers, not your own.

Florina: Yes...of course...

I think Florina’s done using her share of ellipses. But yes. Florina does have a point. Bows are considered “effective” against fliers, such as Pegasus Knights, which means triple damage. So unless a flier can take out an archer in a single round, keep them away.


We send Florina to the last village.


Villager: That's good. With so many bandits, I wasn't sure what to do. It's not much, but please, take this money. There is an armory to the southeast of us. Equip yourself as you see fit, and help us, please.


Sweet shiny gold! Finally! Florina’s a bit underequipped with a Slim Lance so we’ll be buying her an Iron Lance from the southeast armory.

For the remaining units, we move all our units forward and send Sain in the forest chokepoint to attack the brigand. Thanks to that forest, he’s protected.

Enemy turn now. Ineffectual archer continues to be ineffectual. Sain kills the brigand on his counterattack unscathed. He takes minor damage from the incoming mercenary though, but Sain still deals good damage on him.


On our turn, we send Wil to snipe the remaining mercenary.

Then we move Kent towards the armory. Sain maintains his position. We move Lyn and Florina closer now.

Enemy’s turn. Ineffectual archer still is ineffectual. Enemy attacks remain ineffectual.

Our turn now. We sweep the floor of the bandits.








Well, beside the Archer, we’ll save that for Florina.


The Armory is where you can buy new weapons and sell stuff that you don’t need. We have Kent buy an Iron Lance for Florina.

Ineffectual archer plinks Sain for 0 damage. Moving on.


Florina puts ineffectual archer out of his misery.


Kent throws Florina an Iron Lance. We’re ready for the boss now.


What an ugly mug. Anyway, Migal here isn’t that big of a deal, since he’s similar to all the bandits on this map. However, he has a Steel Axe, which makes him dangerous.

However, he doesn’t move. At all. So we send in Wil.


Migal: We're not listening to any of your stinking apologies!

Wil hits him for 7 damage. We could actually keep doing this and let Wil have all the experience.

But we send up Lyn there instead. Some bosses have conversations with certain characters. It could provide certain insight on the story.



Migal: Begging for your life so soon, wench?

Lyn: Are you... Taliver bandits?

Migal: Taliver? Those greedy monsters? We're nothing like them!! Those fiends will even kill women and children! We're from Ganelon, and we know a little something of honor. We don't harm women, for one thing. Heh heh heh. After all, why kill what you can sell?

Lyn: If you're not Taliver, then there's no reason for you to die here today. If you would like to tuck your tails and flee, do so now.

Migal: You... You... No more courtesies! You're going to learn to watch your tongue!!!

Like how this guy is a douche and an idiot! Anyway, Lyn hits him twice, putting him at 3 hp, and dodges.

I think Florina gets the honors of the final blow here.


Migal: Huh? It's you! So, you changed your mind about coming with us, eh?

Florina: Well...no... But...this really is... my fault... Really... So, can we...

Migal: What?! C'mon, lass, out with it!

Florina: I'm sorry. Can we... Can we just stop fighting now?

Migal: You've got to be kidding. After I've been made to look like a fool? No way!

Florina: Eeek!

Migal: You're coming with us! I promise you that!! Now, if you don't want to get hurt, give yourself up!

Florina respectfully declines him with a lance to the face.


Migal: You'll live to regret this... My brothers... The Ganelon bandits will not let this stand...

Bring it on. They’ll end up feeding Florina power.


As you have just demonstrated.



Florina: Lyn!

Lyn: Florina... Why did you follow me? It's so dangerous.

Florina: Do you remember the knighting ceremony of the Pegasus Knights of Ilia?

Lyn: Yes, you join a band of freelance soldiers to further your training. Is that what brought you here, Florina?

Florina: Uh-huh. I wanted to talk to you before I set out. But when I went to Sacae, I heard that you had left with some strangers, and...

Lyn: You were worried for me? Thank you, but I'm more worried about you.

Florina: Me?

Lyn: Listen, most mercenaries are men, right? Bands of men? I can't imagine you being at all comfortable around them.

Florina: I know, I know. It's just... I've always dreamt of being a pegasus knight. I imagined I would just...work it out. Somehow. After today, I'm not so sure. Maybe I should just...give up...

Lyn: Florina...Don't cry...

Sain: Yes! There's no reason to give up your dream!

Lyn: Hm?



Kent: Sain!

Sain: You should come with us! With the addition of Wil here, we're a fine group of soldiers, and freelance to boot!

Wil: Wait, did you just include me?

Sain: Of course! We were destined to meet here! It's fate! Come now, Lyndis's band of mercenaries is as good a training group as you will find anywhere!

Kent: Sain...This is no joking matter!



Well, we did get 2000 gold out of it. That’s mercenary work, right?

Lyn: I can give you details later. This is all a bit rushed. However, Sain is right. Will you come with us, Florina?

Florina: Travel with you, Lyn? Truly? I would be so...so happy!

Sain: Fantastic! Beauteous Florina! I am a knight of Caelin. My name is Sain...

Florina: Eeek! Stay back! Don't get so close.

Sain: Ah... Beautiful, and yet so modest!

Kent: I beg your forgiveness. Calling us mercenaries...

Lyn: No, I approve. We can't leave Florina on her own. She requires special attention, though. Can I count on you? Yes! You have but to ask.



Wil: Is it really all right if I travel with you?

Lyn: Oh, yes. Of course! If you're willing, Wil.

Wil: Actually, I'm very grateful. Truth be told, all of my money was stolen, and I'm...at a bit of a crossroads. I would be honored to count myself one of Lyndis's Legion!



A suitable name, Lyn. We will show the might of our Legion all over Lycia. All will fear our name, and those who challenge us will be trampled by our feet!

Lyn: This is getting stranger with every day.

For victory! And experience!

Next up: Hey guess what? Bandits!

[Red709]

Yo Gin - you going to list the battle formulas for the number cruncher nuts?

[Mustavus]

Oh man, I forgot how unnatural Kent's facepalm looks in that last picture. Can't put my finger on why, but I guess the armor's probably a lot of it.

Also, fuckbeagles. I keep meaning to get back to my LP (does it even count as an LP? I have no fucking idea what I'm doing), but now this makes me want to play Blazing Sword instead.

You should do everything I would do so I can play vicariously through you. First step: Kill off Wil.

[Chirality]

You don't facepalm exactly half your face with your other arm being completely straight down. :P

WHY ARE YOU NOT PLAYING HARD MODE ALREADY? COWARD! FOUL BEAST!

[g1nf1zz]

Yo Gin - you going to list the battle formulas for the number cruncher nuts?

I already did. It's in the first Interlude. I'll be doing more number crunching thingabobs when we're introduced to them.

Oh man, I forgot how unnatural Kent's facepalm looks in that last picture. Can't put my finger on why, but I guess the armor's probably a lot of it.

Also, fuckbeagles. I keep meaning to get back to my LP (does it even count as an LP? I have no fucking idea what I'm doing), but now this makes me want to play Blazing Sword instead.

You should do everything I would do so I can play vicariously through you. First step: Kill off Wil.

Ha ha ha, no. I have a policy of not killing off units, even if I dislike them.

It's Shadow Dragon that wants you to kill your own units.

You don't facepalm exactly half your face with your other arm being completely straight down. :P

WHY ARE YOU NOT PLAYING HARD MODE ALREADY? COWARD! FOUL BEAST!

I would be playing on Hard Mode if IS didn't think Americans were a bunch of pussies. When we started on a fresh file, it immediately sends us straight to the tutorial. No option for choosing Normal or Hard Mode.

Rest assured, Chira, we will be doing...that certain character's Hard Mode. *shiver*

[Red709]

OH GOOD
WE'LL BE DOING THE BEAUTIFUL WORK OF ART
YESSSSSSSSSSS

[snoomanwaff]

OH GOOD
WE'LL BE DOING THE BEAUTIFUL WORK OF ART
YESSSSSSSSSSS

Alright. Yer scaring me. What hard mode are you reffering to exactly?

[g1nf1zz]

5) i herd u liek bandits


She and her colleagues stop for the night at a ruined fortress. The Ganelon bandits are in a rage after their brethren fell to Lyn's swords. They race in pursuit of the companions.







Sain: This mildewy old fortress? Is this the best we can do? Come, Wil! Surely you jest!

Wil: The bandits keep everything in turmoil around here. No one has time to worry about travelers. And there are rather a lot of us.

Lyn: This will be fine. Who wants to be stuck inside, anyway? I prefer a place where I can feel the wind blow.

Florina: As long as I'm at Lyn's side, I'll be fine.

Man, Lyn and Florina have a…close relationship.

Sain: And for your protection, your man-at-arms Sain will be right here by your side, ladies.

Kent: Sain, both you and I are to remain awake. We will alternate the watch.

Sain: Ah, alas...



Poor Village Woman: Your pardon, milady…

Lyn: Who’s there?


Natalie: My name's Natalie. I'm from a village not far from here...Ah! Ow...

Lyn: Are you all right?

Natalie: Hm?

Lyn: Your leg…

Natalie: It's fine. Don't worry. It's from a childhood sickness...I can't travel far on it, but it doesn't trouble me much.

Lyn: What are you doing here all by yourself?

Natalie: I'm looking for my husband...I heard he was in this area. He said he was going to raise money to have my leg mended. He left the village and hasn't returned. He's a kindhearted man, but I think he might be involved in something dangerous. I got so worried...Here's a sketch of him. It's a poor likeness at best, but...His name is Dorcas. Do you know of him?

Lyn: I'm sorry. I don't believe I've seen or heard of him.

Natalie: I see...If you do meet him, please give him a message. Tell him that Natalie is looking for him.

Lyn: I will tell him. I promise.


Right on time.



Ratface: So they've decided to hole up in this ruined fortress. Perfect. We'll wait 'til it gets dark, and then...

Fugly Dude: You're an idiot! There are only a few of them, and some are women! If we attacked them at night, I'd be a laughingstock! Besides, we might hurt the women by mistake! I will not be so wasteful!

Ratface: You're right, Carjiga! You're so smart!

Carjiga: We'll avenge Migal and get some pretty souvenirs to boot. Who knows, maybe I'll be a leader after all. Ha ha ha! Let's go! Spread out and encircle the place, you rogues! Let's finish this before it gets too dark to see!


Good. Lyndis’ Legion requires a vat of fresh blood every day to be sustained.



Carjiga: Hey, you! Your name's...Dorcas, right?


Hey, this guy doesn’t look ugly or bandit-y at all.

Carjiga: You haven't done much since you joined us. If those weapons of yours aren't just for show, today's the day to let us see what you can do.

Dorcas: …

Carjiga: I want you to attack from the back entrance to the east. There's supposed to be a woman inside. I want you to capture her. Do that, and I'll increase your share of the take. If you want gold, you'll get the job done.


Dorcas: It would break Natalie's sweet heart to see me sink so low.

There is no foreshadowing here whatsoever. None at all.


Kent: Outside the fortress! Bandits!

Lyn: What did you say?

Oh come on, Lyn. We’ve been doing this for 4 chapters straight now. You'd think there was a pattern.

Sain: Persistent bunch, aren't they? What do you think? Shall we go out and face them?

Lyn: No... Natalie cannot move well, and that would put her in danger. Let them come to us. We'll fight here, within these walls. Gin, take over. The command is yours. All we have to do is hold out until they tire and leave.

Command was always mine, but sure thing.

Natalie: Oh...

Lyn: Rest easy, Natalie. No one will harm you! Listen, everyone! Fight with caution!





This is the map, and it’s a bit bigger than the others. Not a big deal however. This chapter introduces a new objective, other than Seize (Capturing a certain tile) or Rout (Kill everything that’s red). This is a defense chapter, in which we have to protect a person/tile/whatever from enemies for a certain amount of turns. Natalie, who’s conveniently inside a fortress with chokepoints, has to live for 7 turns. She only has 10 hp, so she dies immediately if an enemy reaches her. Nevertheless, this is not a hard chapter.



This is our defense plan for the chapter. Wil takes cover at the western cracked wall tile. Sain and Kent take the chokepoint at the south. Florina and Lyn take the eastern chokepoint.

Enemy turn. The mercenary starts working on the wall tile. The bandits start attacking Kent and Sain, but most either die or are wounded heavily by their counterattacks. The fighter goes for Lyn.


Well that was easy. Looks like we found our loving husband.


While being assaulted by bandits, Kent gets this rather defensive level.


Lyn: Doesn't he look somewhat like that picture of Natalie's husband?

Lyn, we weren’t shown a picture, but I’ll take your word for it. And the fact that we can see his name in plain sight.

This chapter also introduces us to the gimmick of recruiting enemies to our side. Basically, any hostile unit with a suitable portrait can be converted into a playable unit if we sent the correct unit to talk with them. Most of the time, it’s your main lord. But exceptions do occur.


So we send Lyn to have a chat with Dorcas.



Dorcas: ......How do you know my name?

Lyn: Natalie told me. What are you doing with these rogues?

Dorcas: I need money...

Lyn: That may be, but...joining up with mercenaries?

Dorcas: It's the only way to earn gold in these parts. I'll do anything...even this.

Lyn: For gold? Anything? Would you hurt your wife? Natalie is here! We're protecting her within this fortress!!

Dorcas: What!? Natalie's...She's here?

Lyn: She was so worried that she came looking for you. Think, Dorcas! Would your actions please your wife?

Dorcas: .........You're right.

Lyn: Well?

Dorcas: I understand. I can't do this. I'm done with these bandits. Here and now.

Lyn: Really?

Dorcas: Yes...And I would repay you for your kindness toward Natalie. Allow me to fight for you.

And Dorcas joins our side!

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Growth Rates:
HP: 80%
Strength: 60%
Skill: 40%
Speed: 20%
Luck: 45%
Defense: 25%
Resistance: 15%

Dorcas is our first of the two Fighters we get in the game. Think Fighters as guys who hit hard with axes and have lots of hp. Dorcas here is pretty terrible, as his defenses are crap and his Speed is unacceptable. The next Fighter we get completely outclasses Dorcas. The only reason you’ll ever use Dorcas is because he comes higher-leveled and trained thanks to the experience from Lyn’s story.

We send Dorcas and attack the brigand above with his hand axe. Hand axes are nifty because they’re one of the few weapons with a range 1-2. Hand axes aren’t accurate, but they’re still handy to have.


I would be excited if it wasn't for the fact that this critical wasn’t scripted. The brigand was also nice enough to drop his iron axe for Dorcas to use.

We send Florina to the northeastern corner and have Wil continue his plinking on the mercenary.

Sain and Kent attack the bandits, killing the wounded ones and making way for the uninjured bandits.


Yes! Speed! A sparse, but good level for Sain.

On the enemy’s turn, the mercenary continues chipping away at the wall, but he’s not finishing up anytime soon, doing only 8 damage per attack. Sain and Kent continue to block the chokepoint.


Carjiga: Grrr! Get more men up here now!

The chapter introduces the last of the new mechanics: reinforcements. In this chapter, a mercenary appears at the northeast corner and a brigand appears at the southwest corner every turn. Usually, killing a boss will stop reinforcements, but not always. This is also why I sent Florina towards the northeast corner. There’s a forest tile there that keeps Florina safe, taking only 1-2 damage per turn, while spearing the mercenary with her lance. A good opportunity to earn experience for her.

Same deal as last turn. Only except Florina lances the mercenary on the northeast. And we send Lyn to the south to deal with the boss.

Enemy’s turn now, the mercenary does piddling damage on Florina. Florina shoves back.


Nuts. Well, at least she’s a bit tougher now.

Enemies continue their useless charge. Our turn now.

Sometimes you can get friendly units to chat with one another, such as Dorcas and Natalie here.



Dorcas: Are you all right? What were you thinking, coming out all this way?

Natalie: I was worried about you. Please, don't let my leg trouble you anymore. You mustn't put yourself in such danger. Please!

Dorcas: I'm sorry. I must have been out of my head. I didn't realize...That girl Lyn made me open my eyes.

Natalie: Lyndis brought you here?

Dorcas: I'll explain later. We've got to drive back these bandits first. Listen, stay put. Don't move from here.

Natalie: All right. As long as you're here, I know I'm safe.

Aw, how sweet. We have Wil finish off the mercenary.


God DAMMIT, Wil.


After that disappointment, we send Lyn into the forest near the boss and end our turn.

The archer near the boss attacks Lyn, but thanks to the woods, Lyn’s safe. Everyone else continues their job of counterattacking fools.


On the way, Kent gets this GREAT level.

The bandits break in through the western wall tile. Wil, however, is right there to stop them.

Our turn now. We have Wil kill the brigand who broke the wall tile. Lyn murders the archer with her Mani Katti.


Balls. Another piddling level. But Lyn’s got more Strength!

Alright, let’s see the boss.


Carjiga is only a threat because he has a Steel Axe. And that threat is immediately neutralized because there’s a forest tile right next to him.

Welp, we park Lyn next to the boss and end our turn.


Carjiga: You! Bring more men here right away!

Fun fact: he’s clocking in a 13% hit rate. Spoilers: he misses.

Florina finishes off yet another mercenary and levels up.


Florina nets another scarce level, but at least this level has Strength.

Our turn now. We finish off the boss of the level.




And Lyn profits from his death with Strength, Skill, Speed, AND Resistance!

We clean up the near-dead for experience and finish up this chapter.


Ratface: Listen up, rogues! Retreat! Pull back!


Lyn: Gin! We've won!!!

And the Legion’s first victory is rightfully claimed!



Dorcas: I'm so sorry, Natalie.

Lyn: All's well that ends well. Right, Natalie?


Dorcas: I'll take Natalie home and return tomorrow.

Lyn: Hm? Why can't we just say our farewells today?


What? No, you didn’t.

Dorcas: I... I've been invited to join your group.

Lyn: But we're going to Lycia.

Dorcas: I have to go somewhere to earn money. If you think I'll be of use, I'd like to fight for you. You helped my wife... I owe you.

Lyn: Dorcas...

Natalie: Please, Lyn. We are both in agreement on this. Watch over my husband.

Hey, who’s the tactician here?!



Kent: We'll continue taking turns keeping watch. Please rest easily.

Lyn: Is that all right? Are you sure? Sain?

Sain: Oh! Er, yes! Of course!

Lyn: Let me warn you. If bandits sneak up on you, they'll cut you down without mercy. Do you understand that?

Sain: What, do you doubt my bravery? Am I not a knight? There's no need to worry! Right, Kent?

Kent: If there's anything suspicious, we'll take care of it. Rest assured.

Lyn: Really? Well, good night then. See you tomorrow, Gin.

Kent: Let's go.

Sain: Ha! No one ever trusts me...

Get some more Speed. That’ll be a good start.

Next up: You tired of bandits yet? Apparently IS doesn’t think so.

[Chirality]

I hate how you are an actual tactician in that game. It just feels like unnecessary fourth wall breaking.

[g1nf1zz]

I hate how you are an actual tactician in that game. It just feels like unnecessary fourth wall breaking.

Yeah, it ends being awkward and doesn't really amount to anything.

[Red709]

Alright. Yer scaring me. What hard mode are you reffering to exactly?

Hector Hard Mode, bud. HECTOR HARD MODE

also it actually sort of makes more sense in my opinion, Chiral - I mean there's no way that Hector, Eliwood, or Lyn had the kind of tactical genius required to beat entire armies. Most lords aren't actually tactical fucking geniuses according to their stories so it's a mystery how they win. In Blazing Sword it was because your character, the Tactician, literally lead them through the entire campaign.

that and it also explains who's actually giving the orders in battle. Like in FE9 is it ike that's giving orders or what here; and if he's giving orders how the fuck does he give orders to people who are literally half-way across the map

[g1nf1zz]

Hector Hard Mode, bud. HECTOR HARD MODE

also it actually sort of makes more sense in my opinion, Chiral - I mean there's no way that Hector, Eliwood, or Lyn had the kind of tactical genius required to beat entire armies. Most lords aren't actually tactical fucking geniuses according to their stories so it's a mystery how they win. In Blazing Sword it was because your character, the Tactician, literally lead them through the entire campaign.

that and it also explains who's actually giving the orders in battle. Like in FE9 is it ike that's giving orders or what here; and if he's giving orders how the fuck does he give orders to people who are literally half-way across the map

By yelling. Really loudly.

We're going to have SO MUCH FUN with Hector Hard Mode.

[Chirality]

Yeah, but it's like, done awkwardly to the point that is feels unnecessary. People already take turns to move and accomplish actions, I am willing to suspend disbelief and pretend that Ike shouts orders like dovakhin.

Also because that would be hilarious.

EDIT: God damn stole my joke.

[g1nf1zz]

Yeah, but it's like, done awkwardly to the point that is feels unnecessary. People already take turns to move and accomplish actions, I am willing to suspend disbelief and pretend that Ike shouts orders like dovakhin.

Also because that would be hilarious.

EDIT: God damn stole my joke.

Well Ike CAN issue orders in the game. And it affects every ally on the field.

[Red709]

eh I guess. Tho having the tactician basically be the brains is p'funny imo especially with the endings "NATIONS WENT TO WAR OVER THIS BRILLIANT MIND... WHO DISSAPPEARED FOREVER" (S-Rank ending)

WELP

it does get akward at times I'll give ye that