Let's Play Fire Emblem The Blazing Sword

[Dais]

Oifaye?

Like a Jeigan, only an Oifaye has growths a lot closer to a normal unit's and therefore remains useable in the later parts of the game. If you've read Arm's LP of Sacred Stones, Seth is an Oifaye. The original Oifaye comes from FE4 but it's not like I ever got close enough to show him as a useable unit, much less one who was useful at the end of the game (which he definitely is).

[Red709]

I truly and sicerly hope Eliwood gets good levels because I've experienced the horrors of many an RNG-cursed Eliwood. they're not fun.

I think the worst one was when he ended up with like 9 str and 13 spd at level 20.....

he maxed defense tho....

[ArmsAreLoud]

Like a Jeigan, only an Oifaye has growths a lot closer to a normal unit's and therefore remains useable in the later parts of the game. If you've read Arm's LP of Sacred Stones, Seth is an Oifaye. The original Oifaye comes from FE4 but it's not like I ever got close enough to show him as a useable unit, much less one who was useful at the end of the game (which he definitely is).

There really haven't been any true Jeigans in the more recent games. I guess Sothe kinda counts.

[Red709]

There really haven't been any true Jeigans in the more recent games. I guess Sothe kinda counts.

I think IS is trying to make EVERY unit viable for use. the...problem is they still have Est and "endgame sage" archtypes like Renault. so uh GOOD WORK IS...

[Chirality]

Can't promote Sothe in path of radiance. Little reason to use him over Volke, unless you want link bonus for radiant dawn...

[g1nf1zz]

14) Axing people


Eliwood and company set their sights on Laus. The road from Pherae to Laus passes through Santaruz.











Not Evil Person: Yes. He has set up camp on a hill south of here. He seeks permission to enter Santaruz. He seeks an audience with you.

Helman: Could it be... Do you think Eliwood's come to ask of his father? If that’s the case… I... I know not what to tell him.

Not Evil Person: Tell him you know nothing, and let him be on his way.

Helman: Yet... I know young Eliwood well. His father, Elbert, and I are old friends. I've no children of my own, and I've always treasured Eliwood... I do not believe I could look him in the eye and... I could not lie to him. I could not.

WHY ARE YOU TELLING HIM THIS?

Not Evil Person: We've no choice then. Let us chase the boy away. If you do not speak with him, you need tell no lies.

Helman: Wait! Do you mean to harm Eliwood?

Not Evil Person: Not harm. Frighten. A scratch or two will leave no scars. He will run home to Pherae and be done with his adventure. He is, after all, all that Pherae has left...

Yes, you can TOTALLY trust this guy.


TOTALLY.




Marcus: we should meet with Marquess Santaruz and request his assistance... I see the sense in that. It's a good plan, Gin.

You heard Marcus. I totally earned credit for that plan!

Eliwood: Truly so. I tell you again, I'm pleased to have you with us. Lord Helman... He's not only my father's friend. I've known him since I was a child. I'm sure that he will help us.

Marcus: What? Lord Eliwood! Beware!


Yay. More bandits.


Wow. What a fatass.

Marcus: Poor villager? You look nothing like an honest man. Clear the road. Step quickly or...

Fatass: Step quickly? Heh heh... Good advice. Maybe it's you who should follow it!

Marcus: What?

Fatass: Someone wants the boy in an early grave. A shame if you ask me, but he'll die here today. C'mon, boys! Earn your keep!


Of course. Anyone getting a sense of nostalgia?


Thank you, Dorcas.

Dorcas: Just like old times... Seems our fates are bound. Natalie? Oh, she's still in Pherae. I'm working for you this time, so she's not too worried. Guide my axe, Gin.


Eliwood’s team starts off in the southwestern corner. Marcus’ll be hitting the village as soon as he can. The rest will head out and annihilate all enemies.


The majority of our enemies will be in the northeastern corner, so they’ll be moving down towards us. Our objective is to rout all 15 enemies. Shouldn’t be too difficult.

Let’s take a look at the boss now. There’s a reason why.


Fatass’s only special quality is that he’s fat as fuck. He’s a Fighter, which gives him better Speed and Defense than a Brigand, and he’s wielding a Steel Axe that’s going to hurt if it connects.

[g1nf1zz]

First thing we do is have Marcus visit the village.


Old Man: No need to conceal it. I've fought in many a battle in my time, I assure you. Let me tell you one thing about combat, though. The most important thing is technique. If you've no skill, you'll rarely strike your enemy. My instructor gave me this secret book long ago. It will improve the fighting prowess of the one who reads it. I'm too old to make use of it, so why don't you take it?


Thanks, old man! Secret Books increase a unit’s skill by 2. That’s handy for axe-wielders, shamans, or otherwise inaccurate people. We’ll hold onto it for now.


Eliwood and Lowen park in the frontlines with Rebecca behind them.


Enemy turn: Brigands start moving down. I have Lowen and Rebecca weaken the brigand. Lowen levels up through his attack.


Ffffff-


Eliwood cleans up after Lowen’s failure.

Enemy turn: A Mercenary attacks Lowen, but Lowen comes out on top, weakening the mercenary down to 10.


Lowen weakens the mercenary once more and Rebecca goes in for the kill.


Strength!


We move everyone north and east and end our turn there.


Fatass: It’s up to me to finish him.

That’s the cue when Fatass here starts to move. From here on now, any boss that isn’t parking their fat ass on a “Seize” tile will be able to move around. In this case, Fatass here will move towards us. Some wait until units enter their attack range. Nevertheless, watch out for bosses that can move.

Fatass begins moving south while enemies start lining up to get killed.

I missed a screenshot of this, but Eliwood quips as our turn begins.

Eliwood: How many are there? This looks—




Badass: You! Soldier! Are you just going to stand there and watch?

Soldier: Who do you think you are? This is Santaruz. What occurs here is no affair of any foreign lordling!

Badass: I believe I'm going to have to disagree with you. You see, the man they're attacking happens to be a friend of mine.

Soldier: A friend? What? ...Urrrgh!!


Like a boss.









Badass: Chastise me later, Oswin. First, we deal with these brigands! Come, we must help Eliwood!

Oswin: Help Eliwood? Sounds like a convenient excuse for more violence.

Yes, Oswin. Violence is ALWAYS the answer.

Badass: Oswin!

Oswin: Yes, yes, I'm coming.

Badass: Matthew! Take Serra and find someplace to hide.



Serra: No! I'm going with you!

Badass: You are not! You'll slow us down!

Serra: Oh! How rude!

Badass: Oswin! Let’s go!


Timely reinforcements to our side from the northwest! And good ones too!

Taking a look at our new Badass Lord!

show spoiler

hide spoiler

Growth Rates:
HP: 90%
Strength: 60%
Skill: 45%
Speed: 35%
Luck: 30%
Defense: 50%
Resistance: 25%

Hector is our final Lord and arguably the best out of the three. Hector, in a nutshell, is an axe-wielding Lord with Knight-level defense, Fighter-level offense, standard movement, good base stats, excellent growths, and a decent speed stat. He’s not perfect, due to the fact that he can get speed-screwed. But by the RNG, he’s still one of the best Lords in the entire Fire Emblem series. He will, no doubt, have high HP, Strength, and Defense. And that’s with Axes, the strongest weapon in the game!

Wolf Beil is Hector’s personal axe, and it’s a damn good axe. It’s reasonably accurate and slightly weaker than a Steel Axe. Keep in mind that it has an astounding 20 MT when dealing with Knights and Cavaliers.

And his trusty orange sidekick!

show spoiler

hide spoiler

Growth Rates:
HP: 90%
Strength: 40%
Skill: 30%
Speed: 30%
Luck: 35%
Defense: 55%
Resistance: 35%

Remember Wallace? No? Well, that's okay because Oswin here completely outclasses him. Oswin’s growths are unspectacular, but his base stats are sky-high. His defense is also the best in the game, and he’s also a huge damage sponge with a 90% HP growth, tied with Lowen and Hector for best in the game. The rest of his growths are rather unimpressive, but fuck that. Oswin’s only real weakness is that his mobility sucks. Other than that, he’s arguably the best tank in the game.

Rebecca parks herself on the fortress while Eliwood and Lowen surround her to protect her from incoming attacks.


While attacking a Brigand, Eliwood gets this pretty good level.

At the top of the level, Oswin stabs an archer, putting him at 1.


And Hector takes out a northern soldier.

Let’s end our turn there, shall we?

Enemy turn: Soldiers suicide themselves against Hector. Eliwood and Lowen each counter-kills a brigand. Soldiers plink Oswin for nothing while Oswin jams an iron lance in their torsos twice.


Our turn. Hector takes out the remaining Archer. Everyone continues to hold their position. Eliwood equips Marcus’s Steel Sword so he can save some kills for Rebecca.

Enemy turn now. Mercenary plinks Marcus for zero damage. A Fighter attacks Eliwood, but Eliwood puts him down to 7.


Rebecca immediately puts out a Fighter out of his misery.


Eliwood weakens a Mercenary and Lowen javelins him to finish him off.

Enemy turn. Archer and Fighter go for Eliwood, but he dodges like a boss.


Rebecca does what she does best.


Oswin stops by the armory to pick up an Iron Sword for Eliwood, an Iron Axe for Hector, and an Iron Lance for Lowen.

Lowen finishes off this turn by weakening an Archer even more.

Enemy turn has an Archer plinking Dorcas for 2.


Which puts him in range for Rebecca.


While moving everyone around, Hector talks to Eliwood.



Eliwood: Hector! What are you—

Hector: Later! First, let’s take care of these louts!

Eliwood: Right!

Hector always has the right idea. Always.

Enemy turn. Fatass goes for Dorcas.


Fatass: Let me show you boys how it’s done!

Dorcas takes 19 damage. Ouch. He hits back for 12 at least.

A mercenary ineffectually hits Marcus for zero damage.


Dorcas takes off ASAP.


Lowen chips off a bit of Fatass’s health and dodges his attack.


He gets a…unspectacular level. Again.


Rebecca plinks Fatass for 5.


It gets her more Strength! Wonderful!


And Hector cleans up.


Fatass: This...was not...so easy...as it seemed...


And Hector starts off with a fantastic level. Strength and Speed is good!

There’s only a single mercenary left, who still keeps attacking the weaponless Marcus. We send Hector since he’s on the verge of leveling. He hits.


And Hector gets the EXACT SAME LEVEL. STRENGTH AND SPEED.


And Rebecca cleans up.

[g1nf1zz]

Eliwood: Hector! Where did you come from?

Hector: Well met, Eliwood.

Eliwood: Yes, but…what are you doing here?

Hector: You wound me!

Eliwood: How do you mean?

Hector: You're looking for your father, right? Why didn't you send word?

Eliwood: Your brother was just named Marquess Ostia. He's going to be very busy setting up his court council. Lord Uther must need your support. You are his brother, after all.

Hector: My brother is not so weak. Oh, he has mentioned some things in public, but…He knew exactly what I was planning, and he let me go.

Eliwood: Is that so? Well then, it would be unwise to refuse his kindness! It does me good to see you, Hector. Thank you.

Hector: Think nothing of it.



Oswin: Well met, Lord Eliwood.

Eliwood: It is good to see you again, Oswin. So you came as well?

Oswin: Yes. Lord Uther was worried about Lord Hector traveling alone. I've been ordered to keep a close eye on him.

Eliwood: Ha ha ha! Of course! Good to have you with us.


Serra: Why didn't you tell me the fighting was done!?



Eliwood: Are these your companions, Hector?

Hector: Oh…Yes, I suppose they are. One might have hoped for better, but…


Serra: Matthew, did you hear what he said about you?

Matthew: Me? He was talking about you!

Eliwood: Hector, why don't you introduce us?

Hector: The noisy one is Serra. Believe it or not, she's a cleric.

Serra: Yes, I am Serra, my lord. Pleased to meet you.

Hector: And that's Matthew. He does a lot of…sneaking around.

Matthew: My lord.

Eliwood: Sneaking…around.

Matthew: Well…I, er…gather information, open doors, chests, and such. I've got…nimble fingers.

Eliwood: That sounds…like a thief's work…

Hector: Well…Don't let it worry you.

Eliwood: But…

Hector: This journey…I suspect it will be harder than you imagine. You may have to accept things like this if you want to survive.

Eliwood: What is it, Hector? Do you know something?

Hector: Nothing specific. Rumors abound, though. A league of assassins from Bern has been moving around in Lycia. Experienced bounty hunters and mercenaries are vanishing…

Eliwood: That reminds me. One of the men who attacked us said something odd.

Hector: What was it?



Hector: Marcus! Good to see you!

Marcus: Lord Hector, it's been far too long. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Hector: Come now, Marcus. No need for such formalities. Tell me what you heard.

Marcus: Of course. The apparent leader of that gang of thugs…He indicated that someone was watching Lord Eliwood…That someone needed him dead.

Hector: Hmm…That is troubling. Actually, a captain of the guard was watching the fight when we arrived. He was a knight of Santaruz, and yet he just stood there and let a lord be attacked. I think he was planning on seeing you die.


...we need to hurry the fuck up?

Eliwood: …You might be right. Something may have happened to Lord Helman, too. Come! We must hurry to the castle!

Hector: Eliwood! Who is this?

Eliwood: This is Gin. I required tactical aid in the search for my father, and…

Hector: Oh, I see. So this is who directed the battle plan back there, hm? You know, Gin, you're very young. We've many strategists in Ostia, but none so young. Eliwood, are you sure about this one?

I’m older than you, you know.

Eliwood: Gin is still a student of military strategy, but…We've received nothing but sound advice so far. Gin has my trust.

Hector: All right. I suppose I shall witness your skills firsthand. Well met, Gin.

Didn’t I just command you a second ago?


hai matthew

Matthew: Eh? My secret's revealed? Oh, that. Yes, it's true. My guise as a common thief was but a ruse. I've served House Ostia for some time as a spy of sorts! Surprised? Well, regardless, it looks like we'll be traveling together again. Here's to our mutual survival!


Oh god.


Serra: You missed me, didn't you? Of course you did. I knew it. Hm? Didn't I tell you before? I'm in the employ of Ostia, Lycia's ruling territory. I'll be here to help you just like before! Aren't you lucky!

yeeeeeaaaaahhhhhh. no.

Next up: The worst betrayal ever.

[g1nf1zz]

Interlude: Supports. “Hey, instead of seizing that tile, let’s stand next to each other and do nothing for 20 turns!”

The final weapon that Fire Emblem gives us is “Supports”. And you can easily abuse it to hilarity. Available right after Lyn's Story, the Support System allows you to take two compatible characters and give them ludicrous bonuses in combat within three tiles.

To support, two compatible characters must stand adjacent to one another for a number of turns. Each turn, both characters get a set amount of “support points”. Once they have enough “support points”, a support conversation can be initiated and a rank of support will be earned by those two units.

The numbers of “support points” required are as followed:

80 points are needed for a C support
160 points are needed for a B support (80 points to go from C to B)
240 points are needed for an A support (80 points to go from B to A)

Let’s take Eliwood and Hector for example. Eliwood and Hector have a base of 72 support points. Every time they stand next to one another, they gain 3 support points.


So once 3 turns have passed, Eliwood and Hector will have a grand total of 81 support points and can have a support conversation.


Like so!


And a rank for both of them is earned.


So now you see in the Weapon Ranks and Supports page that both Eliwood and Hector have a C-rank Support with one another.

This is where Affinity now comes into play. Eliwood has Anima while Hector has Thunder. This affects what combat bonuses for both these characters will get when they are standing within 3 tiles to one another.

For each individual bonus for 1 rank of supports are as follows:

Fire: Attack + 0.5, Accuracy + 2.5, Avoid + 2.5, Critical + 2.5
Thunder: Defense +0.5, Avoid + 2.5, Critical + 2.5, Critical Evade + 2.5
Wind: Attack + 0.5, Accuracy + 2.5, Critical + 2.5, Critical Evade + 2.5
Ice: Defense + 0.5, Accuracy + 2.5, Avoid + 2.5, Critical Evade + 2.5
Dark: Accuracy + 2.5, Avoid + 2.5, Critical + 2.5, Critical Evade +2.5
Light: Attack + 0.5, Defense + 0.5, Accuracy + 2.5, Critical + 2.5
Anima: Attack + 0.5, Defense + 0.5, Avoid + 2.5, Critical Evade + 2.5

So both Eliwood and Hector, for having a C-Rank Support, will get a:
Attack +0.5, Defence +1, Avoid +5, Critical +2.5, Critical Evade +5

But the game doesn’t count decimals, so really we’ll be getting a:
Full Bonus= Attack +1, Defence +1, Avoid +5, Critical +3, Critical Evade +5

So now you see why the support system can snap the game’s balance in half. Those are very significant bonuses.

Now there are two major limitations to the support system:

The first one is that a unit can only support up to five times. An A-rank is 3 times, a B-rank is 2 times, and a C-rank is one time. So you can only have 1 A and 1 B, 1 A and 2 Cs, 2 Bs and 1 C, and so forth. Supports are permanent too. The only way to take back a support is to kill off that unit, resetting all supports with that unit, or preferably, go back to a save file.

There is also a pair of units that we’ll be getting that already have an A-rank support. There’s also a pair of enemy units that have an A-rank support. I’ll touch on that when we get there.

The second limitation is explained in the title’s quote. If you couldn’t tell, the support system is pretty monotonous. The only reason anyone bothers? That’s why. Now if you were playing a ranked run, you’d be fucked, because then your Tactics rank, the rank that looks at the number of turns you used, will be completely in the shitter. Good thing we’re not playing a ranked run.

Furthermore, you can only support one pair of units each chapter. Sit all you want, but you can’t get the next rank until you kill that boss and capture that tile. You can however support the same character several times. For example, Eliwood can get a C-rank Support with Marcus, Hector, and Lowen in the same chapter.

Supports, besides the bonuses, are the primary way of characterization. The main Lords get a lot of screentime, but this is where every other unit shines. Almost all of your unit’s characterization will happen through supports. Some units have their endings changed if they have an A-rank Support, such as getting married, having kids, being eternal buddies, and so on. Most of these endings are with couples, but there are exceptions.

By the way, this is why everyone…hated? No, hated is a strong term. Disliked Radiant Dawn. By taking away the support conversations, Radiant Dawn ended up with extremely weak characterization, and us not really giving a crap about the Dawn Brigade.

--

Here’s where you readers come in. You people get to decide every unit’s A-rank supports. For obvious reasons, you guys will be voting on CURRENT units, NOT FUTURE units. If you know a future unit is coming and you want an A-rank support for that character, save it for later until we get the actual unit.

There will be one exception: Eliwood’s A-Rank Support. This is because Eliwood’s A-Rank Support changes the entire ending. So you won’t be voting on that.

--

You may vote on the following:

Eliwood/Hector
Eliwood/Marcus
Eliwood/Lowen
Lowen/Marcus
Lowen/Rebecca
Dorcas/Bartre
Dorcas/Oswin
Hector/Oswin
Hector/Matthew
Hector/Serra
Oswin/Serra
Oswin/Matthew
Serra/Mathew

[Dais]

Ooh, support time? Excellent. Going to push Matthew and Hector first off because why not? This is of course assuming Matthew doesn't get wrecked by the RNG any more than he already has been. More later, when more characters have appeared. I'm also assuming you're not planning on using Lowen, although I have heard he is not really bad at all. Can't compare to Kent or Sain unless he gets a little lucky I suppose.

I am wondering though: will there be a list of who can support with whom or will we be expected to use the wiki or have played the game ourselves to know?

[g1nf1zz]

Oh yeah. Whoops.

Have an edit at the support interlude.

[PumpkinMan]

For now, I will say Oswin and Serra. My choice for Rebecca's support hasn't come up yet.

[ArmsAreLoud]

I also support Oswin/Serra.

[Red709]

Oswin/Serra... save our good friends the lords for their mates

have Hector support one of the pegasus knights. Florina's is entertaining. "uh Uh UH UH UH"

[Mustavus]

Lowen/Marcus, simply because I doubt you'll be using either of them for long. The more supports the better!

[Red709]

also we ARE using Canas when we get him. RIIIIIGHT???

[g1nf1zz]

15) Better late than never


In a desperate moment, he is rescued by a childhood friend, Marquess Ostia's younger brother, Hector. The assailants' leader reveals that unknown party seeks Eliwood's head... Eliwood cannot help but think this is related to his father's disappearance. In search of more traces of his father's footsteps,








Helman: What is the meaning of this?

Ephidel: Peace, Lord Helman. Whatever is wrong?

Helman: You said you were just going to frighten Eliwood! Your men almost killed him! My patience is at an end! I've decided I must tell Eliwood everything and apologize.

WHY ARE YOU TELLING HIM THIS?

Ephidel: …..You would betray us?

Helman: I am tired of you and the Black Fang! Now, remove yourself from my castle! Your presence pains me!

Ephidel: Lord Helman…Is there nothing I can do to change your mind?

Helman: Nothing!

Ephidel: In that case…you're no longer of any use.

Helman: What!?


And then Ephidel murders the poor bastard. That’s kind of expected when you’re telling someone that you’re betraying them right in their face.





Eliwood: We have to speak with Lord Helman...



Eliwood: Who are you?

Green Beard: Who am I? Ah, boy, you'd do better to worry about yourself. You'll be worm's meat before much longer.

Hector: You think so? I think my axe'll change your mind.

Green Beard: Ha! The cub thinks he's a wolf! Does your bite match your bark? Tell you what: If you make it to the castle alive, we'll find out, eh?









Swordsman: I know, I know. I just got this job! I don't want to lose it! 'Course, the smart thing to do would have been not to get involved with this ugly bunch. Got to have gold if I want to eat, though. I was too picky before. If I think about the time I passed out in Caelin…Ooooh. Nothing funny about that!


Swordsman: If it hadn't been for him, I would've starved to death…

Ratface: What are you mumbling about? Get over here now!

Swordsman: Yes, yes, I'm coming! At least I've got work!

That was subtle.




Lowen: As a journeyman knight of Pherae, I'm here to serve Lord Eliwood and you, Gin! I await your command!


Tactics time!


First off, most of the crew is going to head south, hitting an easy village on the way. Matthew then needs to collect on a favor from his Myrmidon friend. From turns 3-4, the fort next to the Myrmidon will spawn Brigands. From turns 5-6, the forts directly south of the village will spawn Soldiers and Archers. At turn 7, the fort near the castle will spawn a Soldier. We’ll be killing them for experience.

You noticed that there’s another beeline towards the northwest village. That’s a trigger for a sidequest, so we’ll be sending Bartre, Dorcas, Marcus, and Oswin there. I’ll have them pick up some gear too.

Before we start, we have some familiar faces:

show spoiler

hide spoiler

Matthew’s back!


As is Serra.

[g1nf1zz]

Alright, let’s begin.


Rebecca starts off a critical. Good girl.


Marcus passes an Iron Lance and Vulnerary to Lowen. Lowen parks in between two trees with a Javelin, so the archers can’t get to them. The rest of the team moves to their designated directions.


We start moving the two crews according to plan.

Enemy turn. Two archers move up and attack Lowen and Rebecca, but they both miss and get jabbed by pointy objects, leaving them at 2 hp each.


Our turn now.




Rebecca and Lowen clean up, with Lowen doing an unnecessary critical.

On the northern area, Oswin brings down the snag, so Bartre, Dorcas, and Marcus can go on through. Again, we keep moving everyone down.

Enemy turn. The brigand near the myrmidon’s position spawns.




We bundle our group into a forest. The northern group does nothing, but move.

Enemy turn. Brigand begins heading towards the village. An archer hits Lowen for 1 damage. Another Brigand spawns from the same area.


No problem at all.


Lowen gets rid of the archer.


Everyone positions themselves like this, so the brigand doesn’t get Serra.

Marcus visits the northwestern village.


Funny Man: I must leave for Caelin now, or my business will be ruined. Time is money, after all. Hurry hurry! Rush rush rush!

Marcus: Huh? What's this? That man must have dropped it...


Wonderful. A torch. And that’s the trigger for the sidequest too! These things can’t be related to one another whatsoever! No Fog of War map coming up, indeed! i hate you, IS.

Enemy turn. A soldier attacks Eliwood, but misses. The brigand misses Matthew with a Hand Axe. Dido with Hector.

The southern reinforcements of soldiers and archers begin here.


Our turn! Time to get slaughtering. We take out the Archer with Hector and Matthew. Eliwood finishes off the archer. Rebecca takes shelter in a fortress and hurts a Hand Axe Brigand for a level up.


Hey, doesn’t this look familiar?


We send Serra to the village.


Old Woman: It's an invention of a great witch! Me! It's a mine. It contains some very explosive magic. Hide it on the ground, and when an enemy steps on it…KA-BOOOOM!!! Hee hee hee…I'm still testing them, so that one's free. Come back and tell me how it works.


Mines are not really that useful. Drop it on a tile and if an enemy steps on it, they’ll stop in their tracks and take an unconditional 10 damage. Kind of underwhelming. Its true power is that it’s the source of an absolutely ridiculous glitch that I’ll show much further into the game.

We end our turn there.

Enemy turn now. The brigand and soldier attack Rebecca, but miss. And the archer also tries to attack Matthew, who dodges.


Our turn! Lowen starts off by finishing off the brigand.


He gets a good level out of it too!

Rebecca moves up to attack the soldier and Eliwood quickly occupies the fortress. Matthew takes out the Archer.

That’s it. Enemy turn. A soldier attacks Matthew.


Matthew gets more dodgier and hardier.

Archer goes for Matthew, but he dodges.


Alright, the reinforcements have stopped, so now we can concentrate on recruiting the myrmidon.

Before anything, Serra heals Matthew and Eliwood takes out the soldier.


And a mediocre level for Eliwood.

Hector quickly takes out the archer and we move Matthew to talk to the myrmidon.





Guy: It's--Is that you, Matthew?

Matthew: What a pleasant surprise! How's your swordwork coming?

Guy: You are aware this isn't the best place to be catching up, aren't you? You and I…We're on opposite sides here.

Matthew: What? Are you saying you're going to fight me?

Guy: I…Well, yeah. I'm much improved. You can't beat me.

Matthew: You're quite a terror, Guy. Well then… Hold on! I'd prefer it if you repaid what you owe me.

Guy: Huh?

Matthew: Last time I saw you, I gave you food. If I remember correctly, you said you owed me your life.

Guy: I only said that 'cause you said you'd feed me if I did! I hadn't eaten in ten days, and you were cooking meat! You… This… This isn't fair!

Matthew: The people of Sacae never lie. Isn't that right, Guy?

Guy: Grrr… Fine! I finally find work, and now I have to throw it away! This is all your fault!

Matthew. The best asshole.

Guy regrettably joins the party!

show spoiler

hide spoiler

Growth Rates:
HP: 75%
Strength: 30%
Skill: 50%
Speed: 70%
Luck: 45%
Defense: 15%
Resistance: 25%

Guy is our first and only Myrmidon, and we’re not getting another like him for a long time. His job is to hit enemies with criticals and dodge whatever counterattacks they have. His bases are standard, but Guy is tied with having the highest Speed growth in the game with Nils and Matthew. His Defense and Resistance are low, but that’s not much of an issue when you have high avoid. The real problem with Guy is that all myrmidons in general live and die by the amount of Strength they get, and Guy’s 30% growth is not good. If any stat’s going to be screwed, it’s that one.

Guy comes in with a Killing Edge, a nasty, but fragile C-rank Sword with a base 30 critical chance. You do not want to be at the end of a Killer weapon, because the RNG loves to fuck you over with double digit critical chances.

Guy’s not going to do any fighting for now, mostly I don’t want to waste uses on that killing edge.

Enemy turn. Soldiers and the Archer begin moving to our position.


Our turn now.


Remember these people? Oswin finally breaks down the snag.


We rearrange our group so the frontlines take most of the hits.

Enemy turn. A mercenary ineffectually hits Oswin. Lowen lances a soldier to death, but an archer comes and arrows Matthew.


The first thing we do is have Serra heal Matthew. Then Hector moves up the attack range for the soldiers. Oswin takes out the mercenary. Eliwood and Rebecca then kill the archer.

Enemy turn. The soldiers begin suiciding themselves against Hector.


Then Hector gets this pretty good level.

The secondary team stops by and picks up some equipment and we take the time to equip everyone with fresh equipment.

Now we’re ready for the boss.


Boies’ only purpose is to be murdered by Hector’s Wolf Beil. His Steel Lance might hurt, but seriously. Just drop Hector on him and you’ll be fine.



Boies: Well, well, well! You survived, I see. You'll find I'm a bit tougher than those fools you faced before!

Hector: What have you done with Marquess Santaruz?

Boies: You want to know? You'll have to best me first!

And Hector comes in with 16 damage to the face. Twice.


Boies: Too...too bad, eh, laddie? Geha ha...geha!


And Hector gets yet another good level! Whee!


At this point, we stand around and do nothing while Serra and Oswin begin to support. They begin with 10 Base Support Points and get 1 each turn.

Gah.


GAH.


YOU GUYS HAPPY?

Oswin/Serra C-Rank Support:

show spoiler

hide spoiler

Serra: Please ensure that no one dies in this battle. Please grant me speed to heal my allies’ wounds. And, um, what else...



Serra: I want Hector to give me a lot of gold, and I want to get all the food and only ever have to do the fun jobs, and I want a servant who does whatever I say, and everyone should worship me and give me things, and...uhh...

Oswin: This is an unorthodox prayer. Does it go on much longer?

Serra: Lord Oswin!? Ohhh... Were you listening that whole time?

Oswin: I have orders for you from Lord Hector. You must join the healers on the front line...

Serra: What!? You’re joking.

Oswin: Joking?

Serra: You want me to be right up in the front, where all the swords and axes and spears are? Why should I be up there?

Oswin: . ..In a normal fight, you wouldn’t. But this time’s different. Lord Hector and Lord Eliwood are on the front line. If we, their retainers, do not help them, then what are we? Perhaps you convinced Hector to go easy on you last time? Not this time. Go to the front lines and do as you are told.

Serra: ...Yes, m’lord...

…that was sure out of context. ANYWAY.


Let’s just seize this and end this chapter.

[g1nf1zz]

Eliwood: Hold on, my lord!

Helman: I… I must apologize… Your father… He…

Eliwood: Do you know something, sir?

Helman: I… … If I hadn't told Elbert…about…Darin's plans…This would…never…have…Cough cough…

Eliwood: Lord Helman!

Helman: …..Go to Laus…Darin…the marquess of Laus…knows all.

Eliwood: Marquess Laus?

Helman: I'm sorry, Eliwood…I…I can't…

Eliwood: Hold on!


The Black Fang? Now where have we heard that before?





Eliwood: It can’t be…


Eliwood: Why……Why did this happen?

Hector: Blast! What is going on?!?

Eliwood: …..We go to Laus. We must speak to the marquess of Laus, Lord Darin.

Hector: You're right. We should leave quickly. I'm not sure how far we can get today, but…I can't sit still.

???: Pardon me…

Hector: Hm?



Eliwood: Who are you?

Steward: I'm the steward of Santaruz. With our lord gone, what are we to do?

Hector: First, you give Lord Helman a proper burial. After that…I'm sure the Lycian Council will have to meet. Stay here and defend the castle until you hear more.

Steward: I understand.

Eliwood: Let's go. We must keep moving.

Hector: Yes…and now we seek answers for Marquess Santaruz, too.





Next up: Fog of war AND an escort mission. Wonderful.
-

What we missed!

If we had sent Eliwood against Boies, we would have gotten this:

Boies: You've done well to come this far, laddie!

Eliwood: Where is Marquess Santaruz?

Boies: I imagine he's on his way to a better place. Gehah! Geh heh hehhh!

Eliwood: Wretched cur!

But we didn’t.

Boies’ regular boss conversation was:

Boies: What's this? You've made it this far? Ah, I paid too much for that worthless pack of sellswords!

-

Current Supports:
Oswin/Serra C

You may vote on the following:

Eliwood/Hector
Eliwood/Marcus
Eliwood/Lowen
Lowen/Marcus
Lowen/Rebecca
Dorcas/Bartre
Dorcas/Oswin
Hector/Oswin
Hector/Matthew
Hector/Serra
Oswin/Serra
Oswin/Matthew
Serra/Mathew
*Guy/Matthew

[Siegmundfried]

RE: Support bonuses

Actually, decimals always round DOWN, not up. C level support between Hector and Eliwood nets +1 Def, +5 Avoid, +2 Crit and +5 Crit Evade. Correspondingly, A is +1 Atk, +3 Def, +15 Avoid, +7 Crit and +15 Crit Evade. Still extremely powerful in the right hands.

[Red709]

true.

also guy can mitigate his ridiculous STR problems if you give him good +atk & +skl supports. after all, if he's getting two crits a battle he's pretty much annihilating anything that lives