What's the harm in a little reckless besieging? Let's Play FE: The Sacred Stones

I thought I was the only one who played through the entire game never knowing Cormag could be recruited.

I thought Valter just killed him offscreen or something.

In a game like Fire Emblem, fun and frustration are positively correlated. If the game is easier, that means it's less fun.

After much trouble and a few mishaps, I finally have the next update ready. Also, since I am no longer coaching a soccer team, I should be able to do 2 updates a week from now on. On to the the Fire Emblem.

Let’s Play Fire Emblem:The Sacred Stones Chapter 3: The Bandits of Borgo



Of course we have to deal with those bandits we heard about at the end of the last battle.



The is another fairly small battle, but it introduces indoor battles to this game. Not much too this one, but we do get two new characters.



Eirika: Bandits… here in Renais, our homeland. I had no idea. Burning villages… Stealing from our people without fear of reprisal?
Seth: It wasn’t always like this. The knights used to protect the citizenry… However, with Renais in ruins and her army tattered, law and order are hard to find. It doesn’t look like the Grado army is interested in maintaining order here. If nothing changes, Renais will continue this sad plunge into savagery.
Eirika: …

I don’t know about you, but Law and Order is easy to find if you have TNT or USA.



Eirika: Why do you ask?
Girl?: P-p-please, you have to help Colm. You have to! I told him it was too dangerous, but he wouldn’t listen to me!
Eirika: Please, you must calm yourself. Start at the beginning, and speak slowly.
Neimi: All right… Sniff. I’m Neimi. I’m from… I used to be from a village named Lark…
Eirika: Gone? What do you mean?
Neimi: Bazba’s Bandits burned it down. Only Colm and I escaped. The other villagers… The bandits attacked them and…
Eirika: …
Seth: Neimi, what are you doing here?
Neimi: Bazba’s Bandits… They have a hideout here in these mountains. That’s where Colm… Um, Colm’s my…uh… We’ve known each other since we were kids. He went to steal back something the bandits took from me…
Eirika: He went alone? That’s a very dangerous thing…
Neimi: Yes, I know. Th-that’s what I told him, but he wouldn’t listen to me. If I lose Colm, too, I don’t know… I… I’ll…sniff…
Eirika: Wait, please don’t cry. Don’t worry. We’ll find your friend and see that he’s not harmed.
Neimi: Really? Really and truly? Oh, thank you! Thank you!!! I… I don’t have much money, but…I’ll do anything to help.
Seth: Your Highness? What will it be?
Eirika: If the thief we’re after has gone to the bandit’s lair as well… Well, it seems as though we share a common cause with Neimi. And isn’t it our duty to defend our countrymen? I’m only sad that we weren’t here to protect her friends and neighbors… So, yes, I feel we must help her.
Seth: Very well. Neimi, I trust you can lead the way?
Neimi: Er, yes… It’s this way.



Despite Seth doubts about her archery skills, Neimi joins as our first and only archer.



Looks our storming it through the front door has alerted the bandits to our presence.

This is the third chapter and the forth battle and it is still incredibly simple. Look



Ten enemies. I have nine units, plus one to recruit. There are four chests and some breakable walls and that’s about it. It is the first time we see thieves in this game, as well as chests. Even so, there is little to worry about on this map.

First lets get a look at Neimi



Neimi’s growths are almost identical to Rebecca’s from FE7, except with a slight increase in her Str growth and a small hit to her HP growth. If you like archers then congratulations, she’s the only one. She has some good supports and is good unit overall. Plus she is the only option if you want a Ranger. (No, Gerik can’t be a ranger. I won’t allow it.) She does cry a lot, that is no lie.

And because you guys wouldn’t quit whining here are Vanessa’s and Moulder’s stats.



Vanessa is the usual Pegasus Knight. Good speed, poor strength and great mobility. The only real problem with Vanessa is that, unlike many characters in Sacred Stones, you do another Pegasus Knight and she is much better. I usually use both, because I love Peg. Knights, but unless you get some great level ups or like green hair Tana is just better.



Moulder has an awesome moustache and I don’t use him. Natasha and L’Arachel handle my healing needs. His Luck growth is notably bad. I’ll use him until I get someone better, and afterward only if people really want to see him.



After Neimi moved I had Garcia break the wall, freeing up Franz to attack the bandit on the other side.

Franz gets another pretty poor level. 2 levels in its not a problem, but I hope he gets some strength and speed soon.

After Franz’s level, Seth knocks out the other wall so my beastly Eirika can get the other bandit.



That ends the first turn. No enemies are in range, so they do nothing. Before the start of the 2nd turn Colm shows up.



Obviously he’s the thief who stole Eirika’s very important bracelet. And our first and only thief. I move Neimi up to talk to the guy and recruit him.



And Colm joins up.



Colm is a thief. He steals things and picks locks and is statistically a bit inferior. Sacred Stones does introduce another option for Thief promotion, Rogue, so you can keep stealing and not have terrible stats. You need a thief, and Colm is the only one, so I will use him. I would consider promoting him to Assassin after I get Rennac, but the small advantage of the Assassin skill is not worth the loss of thieving abilities.

Assasin's are pretty much the most worthless class in the game.

Hey, you know that Thief you had? Well, he promoted with that really expensive item! And... he can't steal anymore, and he can't pick locks either. And, well, his strength is so low he's basically a glorified Myrmidon.

But he has an instant kill ability! That... activates at 1/3 his critical chance... so... yeah...

Despite the easiness of the level I’m taking this a little slowly and having Garcia take down the walls. Using the key that the Bandit dropped her and I did not note earlier Eirika grabs a Javelin from the chest.



Colm takes a stab or two at this bandit on the top side, but is unable to kill him. Meanwhile the rest of the team files into the open room.



On the enemy turn that I did not get any pictures of, that bandit that Colm attacked came after him and killed for his trouble. I begin to loot the chests and Franz is not quite strong enough to take out the guy on the other side of the newly demolished wall. I move the rest of my team around to try to get past this broken wall choke point.



Another enemy turn suicide for last rounds attack survivor. Now Franz gets to take a not quite strong enough swipe at this poor archer and Garcia follows up with the assist.



Eirika moves through the now opened passage and takes out the remaining guy on the other side. And Moulder heals the slightly injured Garcia for the experience.

The opponents thief suicides against the increasing awesome Eirika, who picks up another outstanding level up.



Colm got the 2nd chest on the last turn, but I missed the picture. It was a Hand Axe. Also among the missing pictures of how one of the remaining bandits. I am certain Eirika took him out. Now Colm opens the door for the north team.



Franz trades blows with the mercenary and nets another disappointing level. I think his stats must be going to Eirika and I’m not complaining. I don’t need Franz, Cavalier is the one class where we have plenty of options.



On the enemy turn the bandit hiding in the corner takes a shot at Moulder, but misses.




The guys who have not got much action this battle team up to take that bandit down.



And Franz finishes off the mercenary and Seth, eager to actually be useful rushes for the boss.



On the next turn Franz takes his best shot, but it is into even close to enough.

Seth, though, has more than enough power to take this guy down. I am not too happy with how this battle went. Too much done by Franz and Eirika, too little Ross and Neimi. Also I’m not satisfied with how many pics I managed to lose, because I know I had them.




Colm: I could’ve robbed these bandits blind on my own, thank you very much.
Neimi: I was... worried...
Colm: H-Hold on! I'm sorry! C'mon! Don't start bawling!
Neimi: Aaah...sniff... No more...dangerous stuff... by yourself...
Colm: Fine, fine. I promise. But you have to stop crying all the time. All right?
Neimi: Uh-huh...
Colm: Oh, yeah. Take a look at this.
Neimi: Hm?
Colm: I got your mirror back. Remember how you cried when we left Lark? You thought you'd lost this. I knew it was your mother's, and I knew those thugs had taken it. So I went and got it back! See what happens when you give me a job? Guaranteed results!
Neimi: Colm... Aa...Waaah... Colm...
Colm: Hey Wh-why are you crying this time? C'mon! Stop! Knock it off! Please, Neimi...





Colm: Whoa! Whoa there! Hold it! It's right here! Take it!
Seth: ...... Tell me, boy, is this the path you've chosen for your life? If this girl matters to you, you must quit this dark road.
Colm: Uh, yeah...Right.
Seth: We're leaving. Do not expect to be rescued again. Farewell.
Colm: ...Hey, wait! Let us go with you. You can't just leave us here.
Seth: Pardon?
Colm: Neimi and I... We've got no home to return to. No matter where we go, there's just gonna be more fighting. You're mercenaries, right? Well, then take us with you. I'm a handy guy to have around. I know I can help you out.
Seth: I would prefer not, but I'll agree with Eirika's decision. Our duty is a grave one however. We've no time to waste shepherding you.
Colm: That's fine with us You just wait-- I promise you won't regret your decision.



Seth: Lady Eirika, you must take care never to lose that bracelet. It is the proof that King Fado entrusted the future of Renais to you, his children.
Eirika: Seth...What is it you're not telling me?
Seth: ...I apologize, Your Highness. When the times comes, I will tell you what I know. Until then, I...
Eirika: I see. If you tell me it must wait, then it can wait. I trust you.
Seth: Then we should get moving again. We're safe from bandits for now, but I can't guarantee for how long.
Eirika: This... This is just the beginning, isn't it? If we hope to free out homeland, it will take battle after battle...
Seth: I'm afraid so, Your Highness. The day you and Prince Ephraim win back the freedom and honor of Renais will come. But I fear it lies at the end of a long and treacherous road.
Eirika:I know. I must fight for that day. In the names of all those I could not save, I'll lead us home. Let's go. My brother awaits!

Meanwhile, at Grado Keep



Duessel: Tell me, how fares the campaign in Renais?
Selena: Signs of chaos abound. Brigands ride without fear, and the peasant's cries fill the air.
Duessel: Hmm... If Grado's troops do not enforce public order, the situation will only worsen. And still, His Majesty has given us no orders. Perhaps, just this once, I should take the lead...
Glen: What could His Majesty be thinking? Breaking our long-held alliance with Renais--invading without warning... He's never been this way before. He abhors violence.
Selena: ......
Glen: And have you noticed the recent promotions? Who are they are going to? Certainly not to the soldiers who have Grado's best interests at heart. I feel this invasion is the prelude to a much larger war. I feel as though His Majesty is no longer the man we knew him to be.
Selena: Glen, it doesn't matter what any of us might think of our orders. We are his servants, and we will not question His Majesty's intentions.
Glen: I know that, Selena. And yet...
Duessel: That's enough. Both of you. His Majesty summons us. Let's hope we can learn a little during our audience.



Vigarde: You will continue to operate ...without hesitation... wherever I send you.
Duessel: By your command.
Selena: In Your Majesty's name.
Glen: Yes, sire...
Vigarde: ...However, I know this... You, my Imperial Three, lack the strength to conquer the remaining nations alone. In the invasion of Renais, certain soldiers performed beyond expectation. I have chosen them to join you as new generals in the empire's service. ...Come.




Duessel: Understood.



Selena: …..

Duessel: Peace, Glen.
Vigarde: Selena. Caellach. You will bring me Frelia.
Selena: Yes, sire.
Caellach: Sure. Good as done.
Vigarde: Riev. Duessel. You are charged with the defense of the empire. ...I will speak to you individually with more details later.
Riev: Heh heh heh... Understood, Your Majesty.
Duessel: By your command, sire.
Valter: And me?
Vigarde: Valter, Glen... I have other duties for you...
Glen: Yes, Your Majesty?
Vigarde: Renais has fallen, but Princess Eirika still eludes us... Her brother, Prince Ephraim, leads a resistance within our borders. Bring the siblings to me.
Valter: Ha ha.. Of course.
Glen: ......

Hmm, something is rotten in the state of Grado.

Yay, Colm! Yay, Neimi! Boo, Moulder! More like Mold-er, amirite?

I'm pulling for Sniper and Rogue for the two, personally. Call me crazy, but abusing ballistas is fun and Assassins are kinda bleh in comparison anyway.

Hey, Moulder is pretty awesome. Poor luck aside, he's an all-around good cleric, and his high Constitution score means he can rock some of the really awesome tomes without penalty to speed after he promotes, something that can't be said for the other slack-wristed casters that are available in this game. Plus he has facial hair in a jRPG. That has got to count for something.

I think you are overestimating the amount it is necessary to maximize your characters potential as well as underestimating the value of "looks cool". Assassins are much cooler than rogues.

You are right about rogues actually being better, but I'm not turning Marisa or Joshua into an Assassin, so Colm is the only option. Plus, despite his inferior stats, Rennac essentially just as good at stealing stuff. Still, the plan right now is for Rogue Colm.

The Rogue critical is a knife buzzsaw.

It doesn't get much better.

This man speaks the truth.

Rogues are amazing. Or, really, Colm is amazing as a rogue. Foreals.

I actually enjoy using Moulder. He's good Sage material, and has a really nice HP stat, relatively good magic and speed (although in my current playthrough, he's not doing too hot, so I may use L'Arachel instead).

Vanessa is pretty amazing. I almost always use her, if I'm not using Tara, but generally I end up using both. Maybe it's just me?

I usually use this battle to shoot Ross right out of his Trainee class.

I kind of held Ross back because I knew I'd be several chapters in before I started posting and I wanted to allow some input on class changes.

We should probably have a vote.

I say he becomes a Hero.

It's what he's always wanted to be, right? Oh, wait, that was Shirou.

...Damn it, now I'm imagining a Fire Emblem game with TYPE-MOON characters.

I stand by my original suggestion of Warrior. As a bonus, he can take whichever middle promotion he wants.

I would argue that nobody in this particular game who can become a Bishop is good non-Bishop material. Bishops just rule too much, with their Slayer skill.

If only Ewan could become a Bishop...

Ross must be a BERSERKER.

Dude. Now I'm imaging Battle Moon Wars in a Fire Emblem style and that's awesome.

*WHOO! WHOO!* ALL ABOARD THE PAINTRAIN!

Valter is the best villain.

I stand by my original idea of Warrior. Neimi is too tiny and flimsy to make good use of a bow.

Promotion from Pirate to Ross is the only proper avenue for our Berzerker.

Yes! Warriors are-

...

I am going to KILL YOU AND KILL YOU AND KILL YOU.