RD Part 4 Prologue Base: Strong rulers

Everyone without a name. And also all the civilians without names.

There's actually a save prompt between the end of the "Intermission" and this. I feel like that's just for people reading this through something like this.

Sanaki and Naesala weren't in the "Choose Armies" list, but they are here and we get them before the battle starts.

Also, that "And others".

Micaiah is going south, and despite this arrow, is going to wind up being the one to pass through Grann. The exact route each character takes turns out to matter only for "which Army gets Grann" and slightly for Ike's route's second map.

Remember that Ashera's Judgment applies only to the beorc and the laguz. Any non-sentients like birds and foxes and the like survived.

To... the war? In Begnion? I guess there is the rebellion, but...

Chaos Named? I really don't get this title.

Sienne? Why are we in Sienne? Who is there even to-

YOU SON OF A-

Always lands on his feet, doesn't he?

Well, I guess if Yune wasn't around to explain it, that's the impression one could get.

Ashera has explicitly un-petrified Lekain and the soldiers he is currently orating to. The natural assumption from this line is that petrified people are, in fact, aware of their existence. And that kinda depresses me.

Well, I guess there really isn't much reason to come away with an alternative conclusion, but... actually, I don't have an ending to that sentence.

Yes, the fact that "Order" in JP is "Positive" means these guys get called something along the lines of "the Knights of Positive". It's hilarious.

The world may have stopped, but our biology has not. We still need to eat and sleep like human beings.

みなさま、お疲れ様でした。
今宵はこの町で夜を明かしましょう。
これまでの通り、食料などの補充は
各自、町の中で行って下さい。
お代は後ほど神使様のほうから
この町に支払われますので、
お気になさらずとも構いません。
それでは、翌朝まで解散とします。
明日に備え、
十分に休養をとってください。

The apostle will pay for whatever goods we wind up stealing.

This extended opening, beyond the first line, only happens if Nealuchi is in the Silver Army. It still happens without him (and gets referenced), which is kind of weird.

This isn't just about Naesala being a bad guy, this is something multiple characters comment on about the nature of a world that's unnaturally full of Order. Tibarn's the guy to ask about that, though, we have Naesala to talk about.

[What did you say, Naesala?]

Naesala's brooding. It's an important part of a morally gray, black-wearing pretty boy's daily routine.

I wonder what Nealuchi's opinion is on the Naesala/Leanne ship. He loves both characters and I see no reason for him to oppose them becoming a romantic item, but you'd think an old man who keeps calling Naesala his nestling would tease Naesala about it at least once, this is Nealuchi's only real chance during the story, and he... kinda doesn't take it? I don't really say it was necessary, but...

Considering what Naesala has done, it's weird that he's also got to deal with an obsessive nanny arc. It feels disparate, in a way. Although hilariously, "brooding" in a bird context does kinda describe Nealuchi's treatment of Naesala.

Leanne:

[ワタシモ テツダウ]！

Naesala:

リアーネ、おまえは
手伝わなくていいから。

Leanne:

[ドウシテ？
オイシイコノミ イッパイ
サガシテクルノニ。]

Naesala:

俺はおまえと違って
木の実じゃ腹は膨れないんだよ。

Oh boy, Ancient Language is involved in an Extended cut line. From Naesala's context, Leanne is volunteering to help cook and Naesala tries to talk her out of it, since as a raven, he's not partial to the heron diet of nuts and berries.

Skrimir has no real reason to do this, but no real reason not to do this, either.

Naesala happily accepts the blame.

I'm not sure if he's talking about the Phoenicians or if Naesala did something to Gallia.

[Wait…]

I don't think Leanne honestly expects to pose much of a threat to Skrimir, but I wonder if she's so fragile that she wouldn't even stop Skrimir from lunging right through her to Naesala.

I do think that's largely on Leanne's Modern vocabulary. Although calling Skrimir a bully for this is innately hilarious.

Naesala's got his own problems, and the decision to betray the Laguz Alliance was not made lightly on his part. He feels just as guilty as he should.

"Can you at least not blab the contents of my soul to other people?"

And Skrimir considers Naesala's pain not good enough. There's solid arguments on both sides with our current knowledge of the situation.

And Skrimir shows no compunction about killing Nealuchi and Leanne to get to Naesala.

Naesala changes his mind. The formatting on this quote obfuscates his reasoning slightly.

This is very true on both counts.

(Also, I love the way Leanne got drawn hugging Naesala on this CG. I think that's just "Leanne cute" on top of the Naesala/Leanne cling.)

This is what Naesala says is his reason for changing his mind. It's not even that bad of an excuse.

"Greater right to the kill". Of course that's how he says it.

Honestly, I'm not even sure why Naesala pushes his luck here. I kinda think this is intended as a back-handed manner of praise for Skrimir. I think Skrimir at the start of the game would not have considered doing what he just did.

[That was very brave, Naesala.]

Brave... yes, that's a word. Methinks Naesala bolted to make sure Nealuchi and Leanne didn't become lion food.

Sigrun got the MVP. I honestly wonder how many of those 80 kills were ours.

Starting last chapter, the Base has a new music theme: Comfort's Call. I think the title of the song really applies best to the mood and setting of Part 4, and while it was musically appropriate for 3-E, the title kinda led me to put it here.

Four base conversations today. The last two are relatively formulaic but still interesting, while the first two have some interesting context and content.

"Rulers" is between Sanaki and Naesala.

This is where the game mentions the opening skit. This line is not edited if Nealuchi isn't in the Silver Army. One can assume Skrimir still got angry, but this really does feel like a follow up to that scene in particular.

"Sometimes the people I hurt get so mad about it that they try to kill me. It's just a day in the life of being me. So how was your day?"

Sanaki, who knows Naesala's reasons, offers to tell Skrimir to back off.

Naesala doesn't want out of Tibarn and Skrimir's anger. Once his affairs are in order, he's perfectly willing to go down a villain for what he did.

But he's got a duty to his people- wait, his people? Naesala's reasoning for betraying the Laguz Alliance is based on his affection for Kilvas, a logical deduction if you know what both of these characters know, but not if you're an external viewer missing the key point of context.

Sounds a lot like some of the best Fire Emblem rulers I know.

I feel like the extent of Sanaki's self-doubt in Part 4 goes underestimated, even by me on occasion. Imagine being Sanaki Altina and going "...am I a good Empress?". Especially comparing yourself negatively to Naesala.

For one thing, she proved herself a beacon that led the people of Begnion to demand her insistently when Lekain tried to usurp her.

Sanaki's problem? She's worried she doesn't have the birthright.

Not being able to sing the galdr of release is huge (well, in hindsight) for someone claiming to be Altina's descendant.

This is the key to Sanaki's arc for Part 4. Well, I say "arc", but one can be challenged on calling it that. It's certainly a long character-centric piece about Sanaki as a character at what it means to be in her position.

...Do you think Micaiah is any better informed?

The Apostle of Begnion is able to hear the Goddess's voice.

And Sanaki never has.

Who knows what answers lie down inquiring? I get the feeling we're going to find them out.

"Homecoming" is a very peculiar Base conversation between Micaiah and Sothe. The reason why will become more apparent as we get further in.

They comment on the Ordered world. Micaiah appears quite fond of it.

This is one of those things I think many players are going to struggle to imagine, but it's certainly a mood that I think they communicate well enough for something so alien. Just how many people can truly imagine a world that's too peaceful?

This is basically most people. Micaiah can't use words to pin down the emotion, but the general feeling is communicated sufficiently.

"Mummy's here. You're safe now. Forever."

The conversation, as available on this file, ends here. But the story of Homecoming does not.

There are two versions of this conversation, and the difference between the two is based on whether or not Pelleas is dead. Pelleas being dead triggers the longer conversation.

The rest of the conversation still happens, this bit is added onto the end.

Micaiah is going to bear this burden to her dying day.

Honestly, I thought Pelleas was many things, but I never took him for a coward. A coward would never have taken Izuka's offer in the first place. A coward would've let Micaiah become Queen in his place. A coward would flee from Daein and leave it to die rather than take his own life to save it.

You're going to have to explain that one to me too, Sothe.

...That's... a choice in comparison. I definitely think Pelleas is taking notes from Micaiah on how to conduct himself as a Good King.

That's gotten Micaiah all flustered.

You still only fight for yourself and Micaiah.

...Honestly, both can be true.

Sothe's seen the pressure these two have been under to save Daein. And he's lived a bit of it, thanks to Tibarn.

...Honestly, while an interesting character study (to an extent), it's kind of weird that this is locked behind Pelleas's death. If you put this on the "Pelleas lives" track, there are no continuity errors. That's because this scene is exclusive to the European version.

Micaiah: …Hey.
Sothe: What is it?
Micaiah: Here, look at this.
Sothe: The mark of the blood pact? It’s faded a lot…
Micaiah: Do you think it’s because of the air? Or Yune’s influence on my body?
Sothe: Maybe. Could it be something else?
Micaiah: I don’t know. With all that’s happened, I’d forgotten about the blood pact. But I shouldn’t forget. The people of Daein are still in danger.
Sothe: Maybe it’ll fade away completely.
Micaiah: Mmm, wouldn’t that be nice? I have a few other wishes you can grant, as well. 

This is the extension to the conversation in the American version, and it's much clearer why this is exclusive to when Pelleas is dead. Why the blood pact has faded is an interesting question that I don't think gets touched upon, but the fact that Daein is largely stone might be a good candidate- Ashera's magic has clearly caused the Blood Pact to lose its power. Some have also theorised that Lekain's petrification, revival, and slight character change might be due to circumstances that shattered his control over the Blood Pact, and those theories aren't without merit. I think we can all agree about exactly what that last line is hinting at, though.

Micaiah:

………あ…

Sothe:

なんだ？

Micaiah:

サザに見せたいものがあったの。

Sothe:

！　誓約の"印"。
けど…ずいぶん薄れて……

Micaiah:

この空気のせいかしら？
それともユンヌの影響…？

Sothe:

もっと別の何かとか？

Micaiah:

こんなことが起きて うやむやになってしまったけど……
この誓約のことも
忘れていてはいけないわね。

Sothe:

あぁ、このまま自然に
消えてくれると世話がないんだが。

Micaiah:

どうかしら……

The Japanese version, for the curious. It's basically the same thing as the American version, except Micaiah doesn't flirt with Sothe.

Muston gets a Base Conversation. It doesn't really come up in the narration or elsewhere in the dialogue, but the Merchant Convoy has also split itself into the three groups. Muston travels with Silver, Aimee went with Greil and Jorge and Daniel went with Hawk. The earlier assertion that only Daniel can Forge weapons still holds true- only the Hawk Army can make new Forges. Not that I've been making many this run.

Muston has (somehow) acquired a new goodie.

The SS Thunder Tome, to be precise.

When he says "it's a trade secret", that's how you know it's either "magic" or "I picked it up off the ground".

One can also challenge the title of "best thing for sale", but for Muston specifically, not that much.

Micaiah looks at it and goes "want".

An SS tome would make a fine addition to our arsenal to ensure we avoid utter disaster.

This tome will be invaluable against one particular enemy. Well, assuming we get the chance to use it.

...

I have two questions. A) Why would you do that? and B) Wait, why are you charging us in the first place?

You think what Ashera's Judgment has done to humanity is bad, you should see what it's done to the economy!

Muston is ready to put his faith in Micaiah to lead them to victory.

We must.

Rexbolt, the ultimate Thunder spell. Our first SS ranked beorc weapon, come to think of it (well, to an extent).

That's +3 Might over Thoron, +15 Hit over Thunder, equal Crit to Arcthunder (and the highest of all Thunder spells). 14 is a very manageable weight for Ilyana. It also comes with +3 Skill for holding it. The downsides are that low durability and the fact that Ilyana is the only character in the game who can achieve the SS Thunder cap. For us, that's not a downside, but considering what you have to do to raise Ilyana, many casual runs don't actually wind up being capable of using this.

So what's Skrimir getting up to?

He's found a Satori Sign, and is wondering why the game keeps handing these out.

There's three Base conversations, one for each team, that have this as a theme. This is a hint to the game's buried items mechanic several chapters too late, although it is important to keep in mind, considering the JP version's differences, that all three of the next three maps have a hidden Master Crown on them.

Micaiah isn't surprised by the idea of a buried Satori Sign.

I've had weirder dreams. I think.

"Good luck finding them". Later games would return to the idea of map tiles having items to dig up, but would, you know, actually make them glow.

If we haven't got more of these than we can possibly use now, we will by the end of the game.

Micaiah did make it to A Rank with Fiona! She's just... not in the same party, so we can't confirm it.

Might as well pair up these two, I guess? They have the Fastest Support speed and are generally agreed to have romantic interest in one another, but honestly, aside from the whole "Sanaki's two mums" dynamic they sort of have, there's little evidence for this in the game itself. They've definitely got the Haruka/Michiru aesthetic, though.

Muston, I'm sorry, but you're not as good at this as Aimee. ...Remembers Aimee has delivered worse never mind.

This is indeed the first opportunity I've had to use the Boots on Leanne. Aside from the habit of putting Boots on Dancers among FE players, Leanne's base move is 5, and it only goes up to 6 on transformation. There's no good reason not to do this. Although why exactly Boots make Leanne fly further is another question.

I also decide now is the time to sell off all my Irons and Steels, leaving one Steel Axe for Meg.

This is also the first opportunity we've possessed to harvest Resolve, Provoke and Wrath from these two. These will make fine additions to my collection.

It's time for Micaiah to become a goddess! ...Again!

Two BEXP levels later, and...

Capped everything but HP. The game will force her to get HP from a combat level up. Unfortunately, she won't reach her Tier 2 HP cap, but still, we capped everything else early.

I definitely overbought Steel Poleaxes. Considering my Steel Blade situation, I think I definitely need to tweak my All Girls Silver Card shop route.

We'll be back.

A morning raid! This won't affect our stats in any way.

Sothe can still wake up tired. Although considering how NA Homecoming ended, I think these two did stay up late.

The enemy is on their way.

...Apparently.

Micaiah has no proof except her Farsight!

You know, there's never actually been a plot point where characters doubt Micaiah's Farsight visions. This is a fairly standard plot point for a character who has visions of the future, along with "character has vision, attempts to act on it alone, nearly fails, learns to teamwork". Farsight has been used entirely for other narrative purposes.

And even here, Skrimir isn't so much doubting Micaiah's Farsight as questioning how exactly to reconcile "the enemy is approaching" with "there aren't any enemies in noseshot". If both of these facts are true, it is important we figure out how.

They're here, though!

The camera focuses on this bit of land, the soldiers just... pop in, and then it pans out to show the whole map is full of them. Normally, the appearance of these enemies has a visual effect, but presumably either the Wii or Dolphin is unable to render this animation happening dozens of times at once.

Skrimir is on it! He can actually do all right untransformed if you want to grind his Strike rank. Skrimir doesn't have Formshift, but the Lion tribe laguz have the best grasp on their transformation among all non-dragons. Be warned, however, that they're less good at gaining it from 0.

Sigrun offers to get Sanaki to safety.

Sanaki says it's time she joined the front lines.

...That's your counterargument?

Sanaki is of the mind that she should fight alongside the people who count on her.

Honestly, I don't know where she gets that from, considering the group of people who taught her politics, but she truly is a gift.

Sigrun, of course, insists on being Sanaki's bodyguard. I'm not sure who is the better unit between Naesala and Tanith.

…と言うわけじゃ。
キルヴァス王、そなたの
手を煩わせる気は毛頭ない。
すでに、そなたは両腕とも
塞がってるようじゃしな。

Sanaki assures Naesala that his services will not be required and Naesala can go protect Nealuchi and Leanne instead.

Sanaki would rather this conversation be over.

Skrimir wonders why it was even allowed to go that long.

Don't worry, Skrimir, we have time to reorganise our party. So yes, now Sanaki and Naesala have been added to our team.

Sanaki is my favourite character in the story, but mechanically, she's... well, for one thing, she's the Micaiah of anima magic, meaning she's big on Mag/Res and weak on Speed. She's also quite likely to melt on contact with physical damage. The big thing to keep in mind is that her already middling Speed is being crushed even further by her tiny muscles- she needs +2 Strength to hold Elwind, let alone the heavy stuff she starts with. The people on the fence about Sanaki typically aren't fond of having to bring this character to Endgame (in which she is mandatory), and considering all the other royals are badass characters, I have to feel like this shaky gameplay performance reflects on her character. This isn't a phenomenon exclusive to Tellius, of course, but it's part of the reason I'm showing gameplay (even if the All Girls challenge kinda obfuscates some of the gameplay-story integration).

Cymbeline is a tome PRF to Sanaki, and it kicks ass. 13 Might (one shy of the SS tome), 95 Hit (beats everything except the SS tome), 10 Crit (more than any other Fire tome) and 5 Weight. Sanaki will love this for general purposes, and unless I bring Calill to Endgame, she can use the SS Fire tome afterwards!

Sanaki wields all four major schools of offensive magic, with Fire as her specialty. She can gain one rank in each tome. Relatively interesting that she doesn't get Dark, but I assume that Dark is exclusively special interest in this world.

She's a Flare user, of course.

Four Authority Stars? And this girl has imposter syndrome?

Naesala has three, incidentally. Pretty good for a slimy backstabber.

...Although while we're talking about the mechanical implications of Naesala's backstabbing, Naesala has Support maluses with Tibarn, Janaff and Ulki, but no other laguz. For some reason, his malus with Janaff is the largest one. On the other hand, it's Janaff, are we really surprised?

...You mean to tell me I don't have any Disciplines over here? Dangit.

Naesala also comes with two Skills to harvest, including one new one. Maelstrom is the bird tribe's version of Quickclaw, and honestly, it's probably worse because the beasts don't have to worry about Bows. It's still good enough, though. Kinda interesting that both Hawk and Raven Masteries from PoR turned into normal Skills in RD (although to be fair, PoR Cancel was always a normal Skill in FE terms).

Sanaki will wear Daunt and Paragon today.

Tanith's also got Nullify.

I think Sothe will have Celerity in the next mission, but at any rate, I definitely want the Celerity scroll to stay with the Silver Army.

And Sigrun probably still needs Imbue.

So then, let's deal with this attack.