Part 6: Warrior Realm

Chapter 3: Warrior Realm



Hey, is that what I think it is?



*tries to get near*



Captain, one moment!

Music: Shh... Easy now girl. I won't hurt you



Sumia! Are you all right? ...Those boots of yours again?

No! I mean, yes! I mean...*sigh*

Well, come no closer. This beast is crazed!

It's okay, Captain. I can handle this...

Shhh...Easy now, girl. I won't hurt you.



Shhh...

How did she calm it so quickly?

That's incredible, Sumia!

I've never seen anything like it.

Oh, it's...it's nothing. Really. I just have a way with animals, I guess.

I should say so!

You all go on ahead. I'll dress her wounds and catch up as soon as we're able.

We can make time to wait for you.

Thank you, Captain. But I can manage. Every moment is precious when all of Ylisse is in danger.

Right, then. Be safe, Sumia.

As you command, sir.



Let's talk to some Ferox.





Stand beside my horse, milady. She'll shelter you from the wind.

So this is the fortress?

Yes, the Longfort. It stretches along the border of Ylisse and Regna Ferox.

The khans that rule Ferox have grown quite wary of foreigners. Still, don't mistake a lack of hospitality for open hostility. This simply calls for a bit of diplomacy.

Negotiation's not my strong suit, but I'll do my best. Remember, everyone: your actions here reflect back upon Ylisse.



What?! Why?

So much for that.

Who can say? But they look ready to let fly at a moment's notice.

We'd best prepare for combat, just to be safe. Perhaps we ought pool our supplies and select which Shepherds to deploy? Loath as I am to trust her, Robin might offer some valuable insight in this...

Indeed, she IS our tactician, after all. So, Robin? What do you suggest?

Music: We'd best prepare for combat, just to be safe



Preparation unlocks now. We can switch around items, choose to deploy which characters fight for the mission, and save the game. Exit backs out of the mission consequence-free, so for future missions we can scout ahead and back out to buy the needed items or level up our characters a bit.



The Inventory screen is separated into 8 categories (5 weapon types, staffs, stones, and items). If an item is in somebody's inventory, their portrait will be in the background to indicate.



Sully will get the Iron Lance we got from the last mission, and Robin will take Miriel's Fire in case we want to save on some Thunder usage.





In the name of House Ylisse, I seek audience with the khans!

Not another step, my bold lad! I've lancers at the ready!

Hold, milady! We are not your enemy! Exalt Emmeryn herself sent us to discuss matters of mutual interest.

My only interest is keeping you out of Regna Ferox, brigand!

B-brigand? Now see here-

You think you are the first "Ylisseans" to try and cross our border? I have the authority to fell such imposters where they stand.

How dare you! You are in presence of Prince Chrom, the exalt's own blood!

Ha! Yes, indeed-and I'm the queen of Valm! You do realize impersonating royalty is a capital offense, yes? Mmm...then perhaps we should settle this the Feroxi way. You claim to be the prince of Ylisse? Then prove it on the battlefield!

Rgh...Emmeryn won't like this at all...Please, good lady! if you'd just listen-

I've heard quite enough! Attack!

Music: Rival:

Watch this fleeting cutscene!

Oh, Captain, I'm so relieved I made it in time.

That goes double for me, Sumia! And this-is this the same ornery pegasus we met on the road?!

Oh, she's a sweetheart, isn't she? ...Once you really get to know her...

Well, many thanks to you both.

I think the pegasus is blushing!

And I think we had all best focus on the situation at hand!





Battle Music: Duty

Don't worry, girl. I'll watch out for archers for both our sakes!

So, two things. First, this is our first "Defeat Commander" mission, meaning defeating Raimi ends the battle. Second, make sure flying units like Sumia stay the hell away from the vicinity of Bows. Her low health will get her killed in one shot, and she's not nearly dodgy enough to push her luck.



Sumia is a Pegasus Knight, an archetype for super-high movement and great speed. They're a little weak on Str and Def, but their high Res makes them great units to fight on the slower guys to double and Mages without Wind Tomes. Flying characters are not affected by terrain, both positively and negatively. They aren't hampered by forests and can even cross over places that foot soldiers can't like rivers, but they don't get the defensive benefits of terrain like Forts (just healing).



What have we here?

Why do I feel like I'm being watched...?

Um, sir? ...! Right here, sir!

Who's there? Show yourself!

I'm standing in plain sight, sir. Right he-

BWAAAH! Oh! I-is that you, Kellam? When did you arrive?

...The same time as you. I've been with you all along. Er, I AM still a Shepherd, right? It's quite the honor, after all. I'd hate to lose it. Sometimes I-

Of course, Kellam. Forgive me. You're just so...quiet, I completely-

Quite all right, sir, quite all right. I've been told I'm easy to miss.

At least the Feroxi didn't find you.

I've been calling to you and waving my arms for several minutes...I don't think they've so much as glanced this way.

Gameplay-wise, the enemies won't attack Kellam if he's not recruited yet.

You almost sound disappointed.

Well, I just...I'm glad you finally saw me! Just try to keep an eye out from now on?



After talking, Chrom can still trade and pair-up with a unit. We'll move Chrom and Kellam out of range, then transfer Kellam onto Sully.



Kellam is a Knight. High defense, very low movement characterizes these types of units, with lance weapon-types. Kellam's starting defense along with his Def+2 ability puts him on par with a level 1 Frederick, while also giving a bigger boost in Def for Support Bonus (along with +2 in Str).



Since Kellam doesn't want to be forgotten, we're going to give him the attention of all the enemies to the left. He equips a Javelin to counter everyone, including the Archers. The rest of the team scoots to the left, edging the enemy range.



Kellam's high defense stacked with the Cavs' defensive bonus weakened everyone without a scratch.



Hm...

What is it, Robin?

I've been thinking about how you rode with Sumia earlier...Do our units always have to fight one-on-one?

Are you suggesting we pair up? That's an interesting thought...I admit, I'd resemble a pincushion now if it weren't for Sumia and her mount.

Exactly. By pairing up, units could lend each other added offense and defense...It might also allow quicker soldiers to ferry slower units great distances...Yes...Yes! I'm sure of it. This opens up all sorts of strategic possibilities! We should try it whenever the opportunity presents itself.

So this is when pairing-up finally opens up if you have the tutorial on. That's a lot of missed extra EXP for Robin, and probably a lot tougher to build Supports before now. Just switch the "whenever the opportunity" to "Do it 24/7."



Vaike pairs up with Sumia to fix that lack of Str and starts the wipe-out.



Kellam weakens a full strength soldier, while Chrom takes out the weakened one.



THAT IS NOT PROGRESS! GAIN MAGIC ALREADY



Killing the Archer drops a key. We need these to open either the left or right doors that block our way.



Virion cleans up, then the team then starts moving to the right.



It's funny how fighting alongside someone speeds friendships along...And the more we fight side by side, the more valuable those friendships become!

We already saw your naked poster to see that Supports work, Chrom.



Same strategy, same results. Kellam is awesome, and the weakness of Knights are mostly negated by pairing him with high-move units like Cavs, Peg Knights, and units that give bonus to Movement.



Robin starts clearout #2 with a snipe. Chrom takes out a weakened soldier.



Both Stahl and Kellam get their own kill for the turn, unfortunately still leaving a healthy Mercenary alive.



So Sumia plugs up the hole and forces a counterattack since she's the easiest target to damage.



And Virion gets the kill because why not. Second door key is achieved, and we can proceed to the upper area.



After this Event Tile, of course. Superior Edge is a B-rank, 11 Mt sword that gives +50 Hit/Avoid when facing an opposing sword. Only 10 uses, though.



Virion trades his key to Chrom, who opens the gate. Sully rushes past and switches with Kellam to take on the opposing Knight.



Spd is excellent for Kellam, especially since he can now double the Knight. The rest of the team moves up.



The Knight is taken care of, and Lissa heals again for a level-up and a D-rank Staff.



Is...is the game trying to tell me something?



We repeat the Kellam plan for the Mercenary and Archer, while keeping away from that one Fighter's range.



This Fighter is our first encounter with Effective Weapons. Pretty much an auto-kill against Kellam since he has enough speed to double, and can put a nasty dent on Frederick since Great Knights count as Armor.



Robin and Chrom safely neutralize the Hammer Fighter, and get the weapon for ourselves as a bonus.



And you'd better keep gaining Strength! You're still getting out-gained by your sister.



Sumia finishes off the Archer, and Sully gets some action herself with a Mercenary's death.



That leaves 5 enemies left, including the boss.



Sully will bait out the Archer while staying out of the other Figher's range.



Sumia takes out the Archer and gains more Spd. More isn't bad, but Sumia isn't exactly the strongest unit in the land...



Robin and Virion safely hit the Fighter, though he's still left alive thank to its HP+5 ability.



Magic?!



Uh...anyways, Sully chips the Mercenary on the far left and gains C rank lances for her troubles.



Chrom switches his partner with Virion's, then switches to Stahl for him to gain some EXP on the kill.



Robin gets the kill on the enemy phase, then Sully gallops across and plants Kellam in position to take out the last Knight.



Kellam, Virion, and Sumia combine forces to defeat the Knight, with Sumia getting the kill. Lissa spends some time healing everyone.



Gotta get everything.



Chrom shows the might of Effective Weaponry and equips his Rapier. Raimi is sitting on a fort-like terrain, so if you take too long she'll heal back up the damage.



Chrom, what are you doing?! That's not how you use a Rapier!



And don't shove it into the ground!



Music: Negotiation's not my strong suit



But no frauds could ever wage a battle as you just have!

I will send word of your arrival to the capital and escort you there personally.

That would be most appreciated, thank you.



In Ferox, strength speaks louder than words. I should have known better than to overestimate the value of diplomacy here...

So can we get going, Chrom?

Yes, it's not getting any warmer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDhc-8HMqv4

Next time: Two Falchions

extras


Sumia
Starting Class: Pegasus Knight
Weapon Ranks: Lances (D)
Abilities:
-Speed+2

Peg. Knight Support Bonus: +3 Spd/Res

Base Stats (Growth Rates)

HP-18 (75%) Spd-11 (70%)
Str-6 (45%) Lck-8 (60%)
Mag-3 (25%) Def-5 (30%)
Skill-11 (70%) Res-7 (40%)

Sumia is all about speed. Her high Spd base along with her ability makes her in prime condition to double immediately. Pairing her up with a Str-boosting Support like Vaike goes a long way to helping her kill things fast and hard. She also works well with slow units like Kellam that need to move over a long trek, and she benefits from his defensive boosts.

Official Bio: An absentminded, klutz Shepherd with a shocking lack of self-worth. However, she exhibits a one-of-a-kind talent, particularly when to comes to working with animals. The best at tripping over nothing.



Kellam
Starting Class: Knight
Weapon Ranks: Lances (D)
Abilities:
-Defense+2

Knight Support Bonus: +2 Str/+4 Def

Base Stats (Growth Rates)

HP-21 (100%) Spd-5 (45%)
Str-10 (65%) Lck-3 (35%)
Mag-0 (15%) Def-12 (70%)
Skill-7 (55%) Res-2 (30%)

"Tank" is an understatement when it comes to Kellam. He has the best defensive growths in the game, which is good because his terrible Spd base would otherwise make him vulnerable to be on the battlefield. If you need a unit to scout ahead and bait all incoming enemies, Kellam's your man.

Official Bio: A loconic, blank-faced Shepherd whose infamous lack of presence causes him to pass by the others as if invisible. Despite his protests, he is actually quite proud of that. The tallest while seated.