Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon/Chapter 16

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ The Battle for Altea [CHP16] _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

"Still smarting from their bitter experience with Gharnef and the dark magic Imhullu, Prince Marth and the League regrouped and march south- home to Altea. Once Marth's kingdom had been beautiful, blessed with rich soil and clear waters; now the eyes tended to notice instead the barren farms; the ruins; forlorn stares. Marth vowed to free Altea from its torment without any further delay."

Pick your best units as normal, trade around units and get ready for some fighting.

Start the battle and start moving...but wait! First...

DIALOGUE

Nyna: You've done it, Marth. We're here. That's Altea beneath our feet- your home.

Marth: Countless days have passed since Doluna took my kingdom from me- days I would never have lived had it not been for my sister Elice's sacrifice, and the sacrifices of so many others...

Nyna: What became of your sister? And the rest of your family, what of them as well?

Marth: My father, as you know, died in Gra. I last saw my mother and sister the day the castle fell. I do not know if they still live...but I hope that they do

And if the enemy has them, I will rescue them. You can be sure of that.

(Enter Malledus)

Malledus: Sire, our preparations are complete. We are ready to march.

Marth: Thank you.

(Marth moves to address your group)

Marth: Alteans and friends of the League! Join me now! Help me set Altea free, and ensure today's is the last battle my people must endure!

END DIALOGUE

There are many houses in the area...and naturally...

HOUSES

1) You can only choose between one of the two characters from the village, the paladin or the hero.

2) VIP card grants you access to secret shops, whose location is...secret.

3) Xane, a recruitable character, is locked up and has some power, he's not sure [oh, the gossip of today!]

4) The orbs are enshrined at this place...the orbs are mysteriously powerful.

5) House citizen says, "YAY!" to Altean army.

6) Devil sword might kill you instead of your enemy...

7) Elisa, the princess, was teleported somewhere instead of killed.

END HOUSES

Now that is out of the way, we can finally get to the real part of the guide. Leave a group of units to deal with the few immediate threats, then move Marth and about three other strong units to the left.

When you get to the villages, PAY ATTENTION! You can only get one of the two units here. There is a choice between a paladin (to the left) and the hero (to the right). I personally like Heroes better so I chose that.

Then again, I don't recommend using these pre-promoted units, just pick one.

Here is Samson's (the hero) dialogue:

DIALOGUE

Samson: My name is Samson. Once, I was a swordfighter of some renown...but that was then, and this is now. I'm happy enough with my life here in the village, but if you need another man, I will fight. Unfortunately, there has always been bad blood between our village and the next one over. They'll have closed the gates to you the moment they saw you come here. Guess that means the paladin Arran won't be fightin' with you. Them's the breaks.

END DIALOGUE

Here is Arran's (the Paladin) dialogue: (CREDIT GOES TO SuperArc)

DIALOGUE

Arran: Sire, my name is Arran. Once I was a captain to many knights... but, things change, and I came to live here in this village. If you need warriors for the coming struggle, I would be honored to fight. Unfortunately, there has always been bad blood between this village and our neighbors. No doubt they closed their gates to you as soon as they saw you come here. You won't be able to recruit the hero Samson now, I'm afraid.

END DIALOGUE

Anyhow, keep moving your units to the left. You can consider using Beck the ballista to attack the units in the middle island.

At the end of turn 10, leave no unit alone in the area of the villages. Enemy reinforcements appear in the four forts above. I would recommend having split your party in two:

1) The mass of your army is still sitting at your base. 2) Marth and 3-4 others are near the castle (but I wouldn't attack just yet, let the reinforcements run out)

Let the four reinforcements charge toward the main part of your army. They should die relatively fast.

Two reinforcements should attack your small army. They also should die fast. I would recommend staying put and waiting until the enemies stop coming in (a little less than Turn 20 - note that they come every 2-3 turns)

Barge into the jail on the east and talk to Xane with Marth...

DIALOGUE

Xane: Hey there, princey. Thanks for settin' me free! The name's Xane. I hail from a land few have heard of an even fewer have seen. I won't trouble you with the details. Me and my folk have the power to transform into other people. We can shape-shift, you see. When Doluna caught on, they started threatenin' me. Told me to join their army or "face my doom." Hah!

Well, I wasn't about to waste my considerable talent on those evil coots! You, on the other hand...You've got character. Say, why don't we team up? I do owe you for savin' my hide. And I think you'll find my consider talents are...quite considerable.

END DIALOGUE

Let me explain what Xane does: he can transform into an ally unit and have their abilities, stats, levels, class, everything! After a few turns he will go back to his old self, but he is useful if you have a favorite character that you want to "duplicate".

Xane is his own special class: the Chameleon. Note: Only thing he doesn't duplicate are the weapons and current experience.

(Xane's class is called "Freelancer" in the American version)

Now, all units but the boss should be out. Let us go, proceed with caution as the boss is dangerous.

Boss: Hollstadt HP: 37

Weapon: Killer Lance + Killer Bow Drop: Dracoshield

Beginning Quote: "Well done, rabble. Anyone else would be dead by now. A shame you must end your campaign right here, before your own gates!"

Death Quote: "Rrgh! General Camus... The rest...is in your...hands..."

After this, feel free to use the arena to level up a bit. Also note that you have should put the master seal you got this level to good use.

When done, seize the gate.

DIALOGUE

Malledus: Well done, sire! The enemy has ceased their resistance. Victory is ours!

(Nyna enters)

Nyna: Bravo, Marth. On behalf of House Akaneia, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations.

Marth: Thank you, Nyna. But it's still too soon to celebrate. We haven't freed the castle yet.

Malledus: Sire, your soldiers have assembled for the castle raid. Perhaps you could say a few words first...

(Malledus backs off and let's Marth address the soldiers)

Marth: Altean warriors... Brave comrades. The road has been long, but at last we have driven Doluna from my homeland. There are not words to express my gratitude to you all. You gave Altea back to me. Thank you...Thank you.

...An army of foes still haunt my castle. I mean to kick them out. Ready, my friends? Let's send these varlets scurrying!

END DIALOGUE