Let's Play Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon

[Yoh]

I MEANT THE MANLY OLD MAN

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Mar 1, 2013 21:52:46 GMT -8 Yoh said:

I MEANT THE MANLY OLD MAN

Jagen doesn't even need weapons. He just impales his enemies on his MAN SPIKES!

[Yoh]

Still, i still regret it..

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Fire Emblem: Archanea Saga

BS Fire Emblem

These were four short standalone games that could be downloaded for the Satellaview add-on for the Super Famicom (SNES). The games were originally broadcast from September to October 1997 and were rebroadcast some time during 1999.

As the name suggests, the games take place on the continent of Archanea- in fact some time before the beginning of Ankokuryuu to Hikari no Tsurugi, the first game in the series. Each game comprises of just one map, similar to the Trial Maps in recent titles. The aim of each map is to gain as many points as possible before time runs out. Points are rewarded for fighting enemies, opening chests, visiting villages and etc. In each game, you control a different main character (sometimes two). That character acts as the item storage and if they die, the map resets.

The Monshou no Nazo (the third game in the series) engine is used for this game, although there is no background music (as it was streamed) or battle animations. The majority of the dialogue was originally voice-acted and streamed.

Years later, Monshou no Nazo was remade as Shin Monshou no Nazo: Hikari to Kage no Eiyuu, the 12th game in the series that was never localized. The chapters were released as free DLC, most likely as a test for Fire Emblem: Awakening DLC.

These chapters are great because they provided some much needed characterization to the characters as well as telling the player what is happening in the continent of Archanea while Marth seeks exile in Talys.

The 4 chapters are:
1) The Fall of the Palace
2) The Crimson Dragoon
3) Thieves of Justice
4) The Beginning

And I will be playing through them and posting all story content here along with a few gameplay scenes.

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Fall of the Palace shows us the closing moments of the Dolhr-Grust alliance’s siege of the capital of Archanea, the largest country in the continent that shares the name. It details Nyna, Princess of Archanea, attempt to hold the castle but eventually being convinced to try and flee.

(King Archanea gives his orders to Bishop Boah)



We must escape from here at once.
But, what about my father...? I cannot just leave him.
Princess, this is His Majesty's order. If you manage to escape, we will be able to restore Archanea at a later date... So, please, Princess. For Archanea's future...
Even if it's my father's orders, I refuse to escape alone. I shall remain in the palace, together with my father till the very end.
Princess Nyna... Please consider His Majesty's feelings. We are fighting against time, now.
No. No matter what you may persuade, I shall remain here.
Bishop Boah! Princess Nyna! There you are! The enemy is fast approaching. Please make your escape, quickly!
I see... It cannot be helped. Dolph, Macellan. Take Princess Nyna away from here.
Yes sir.
No, Boah! Father! Father...!
...Forgive me, Princess. Now, everyone, hurry!


(Boah takes Nyna to safety)



Oh dear... So is this it...?
Bishop Boah, where are we?
In a chamber inside the palace. I'm sad to say... we're completely surrounded by imperial soldiers... It seems it was poor judgment from my part. Princess, I brought you here in such a rude fashion... What I did was truly unforgivable.
Not at all. I was behaving like a spoiled child. I am the one who should apologize. Either way, bishop, what is our recourse now?
Unfortunately, at this point... We have no choice but to surrender. I shall negotiate with the enemy so they won't lay their hands on you.
Bishop Boah! Are you telling us to surrender without a fight? I refuse! I will not accept the possibility of surrendering to the likes of them!
Midia, don't be selfish. Do you intend to involve Princess Nyna in this battle? The princess is the last hope of the people of Archanea. What would you tell them, should anything befall her?
I... I see... Forgive my rashness.
Bishop. I agree with Midia. No matter what grim fate awaits us, I want us to hold our heads high with pride until the very end. If Midia and the others say they'll fight for me, then I want to entrust them with my final desire. Bishop, please allow my wish to become true.
Princess... If you're ready to go that far, then there is nothing I can say. Everything shall be as you wish... May our guardian deity Naga protect us.
Thank you, Bishop Boah. Midia, please do what you must. I'll burn the image of your valorous figure in my mind.
Princess...
Dolph, Macellan, Tomas. Please assist Midia. I shall never forget any of you.
Yes m'lady!
Alright, let's go! Let us show those imperial soldiers that Archanea still has true knights! First, we should all move towards that small treasure room nearby. If Dolph, Macellan and myself guard the entrance, the interior will be safe. Let us hurry there!

So begins Archanea Chronicles 1. I won’t be showing all the gameplay but only highlights of it. Firstly, all our units:




So we’ve got Princess Nyna and Bishop Boah, both of whom are Bishops with a Mend and a Heal & Rescue respectively. The Rescue staff can be used to bring back an allied unit from anywhere on the map back to the staff user.

We’ve got 2 Knights, Dolph and Macellan who have a lot a defence but not much else. They’ll do their job of guarding the treasure room really well so no complaints. We’ve also got Tomas who will be shooting things from behind the knights. Pretty handy.

Lastly, there’s Midia who is your best unit in this chapter. But she isn’t as tanky as the 2 knights so watch out for her.



Defending the treasure room against an onslaught of knights, archers and mages. The mages are the biggest threat but there aren’t too many of them.

Princess Nyna can talk to both Boah and Midia for more plot stuff.

Boah... How is the battle going?
Hmm... We are at quite a disadvantage. I'm afraid I'm getting too old for this.
Bishop... Please rest here for a moment. I shall take care of everyone's wounds in your place.
But, Princess...
I cannot just do nothing when everyone else is in danger. I shall fight, too.


Princess!　Are you safe?
Yes, I am fine. Midia, should anything happen to me... Forget about me. Just escape with everyone.
But...
I don't want to lose anyone. Not a single one of you. Midia, listen to me! You are still searching for Astram, correct? So, don't worry about me. Escape by yourself!
There is no worse disgrace than to abandon you and the palace, Princess. Please be patient for a little longer. I shall defeat every enemy, without fail. You have my word.

Midia and Boah can also talk to each other.

Are you doing well, Midia?
Yes, of course. There is no way I'd fall before we bring Princess Nyna to safety. Bishop Boah. We paladins fare well against magic. I'll take care of the enemy mages.



After a long and hard battle, our troops manage to defeat the forces following us. We must make our way towards the boss. Midia got 3 Chest Keys from the enemies which she will use to open the chests located in the map.



This goes to Boah.



Midia will keep this.



And Nyna takes this tome.

All 3 weapons are for boss killing. We lure out him and his remaining troops.




Killing the boss ends the chapter.



Oh shit!

Princess Nyna is 'ere! We need reinforcements! Bring the entire battalion 'ere and surround 'em! Don't let 'er escape!
No! This can't be... Even more reinforcements!
So... is this the end?
Listen well, Archanean scum! You cannot 'ope to win. Surrender or suffer the pain of death.
......

Elsewhere…

Oh, it seems I've arrived just in time. Alright, that's quite enough. Both sides, lower your weapons.
You're... General Camus! Why are you 'ere...?
I hear that the princess of Archanea is in this room. Is this true?
Yes sir! They are but few in number, yet, some knights are 'ere with 'em. They gave us some trouble, but the princess's capture was inevitable.
I see. Good job. But you've done enough, you may leave the rest to me.
Yes sir!
Listen well, Archaneans. I am Camus, captain of the Grustian knights. I respect your prowess in battle, but further bloodshed is of no value to you or I. May I request that you lower your weapons? I wish to speak with you. I have no weapons on my person. I swear upon the honor of Grust that I will not deceive you.

Well, he seems like a cool guy.

Camus of Grust... The one they call Camus the Sable. He brought about the downfall of Archanea, and is responsible for the deaths of many...! Bishop... He is a hated enemy! I shall never forgive him!
Princess, please leave it to me. I shall kill Camus. He killed my parents. Nothing would make me happier than to do battle with him, as my final stand.
Wait, Midia, don't be hasty. Do you know what tragedy would befall the princess should you do that? Camus may be our enemy, but I hear he is a proud, exceptionally strong knight. He may even be able to protect the princess...
Bishop! I do not wish to be protected, especially by that man!
Shh! Camus has come!


(Midia attacks Camus)

Diiiie!
Hah...! ...A woman? It happened so sudden, I couldn't hold back. My apologies. However, I see Archanea's paladins are fond of dishonorable tactics. To think they would ambush an unarmed foe. Not only is the Archanean army thoroughly disappointing, but even the knights have no pride? No wonder your kingdom has fallen.
Damn you! You're one to talk! I would not resort to such means if my opponent were anyone but you! Pride, you say...?　Surely you jest! Your country betrayed Archanea and degraded itself as Dolhr's slave! What are you!? The captain of Dolhr's dogs, that's what! ...Enough of this. Kill me! You don't need to hold back!
I have no intention of killing you. More importantly, Princess Nyna...
If it has come to this, then...
Princess, what are you doing!? Please stay your hand!
Bishop, don't stop me! Now that Midia has failed, I have no desire to live...
You are Princess Nyna, I presume? Not only your knight, but you as well... are all Archaneans this irresponsible? In Grust, this kind of behavior is reserved for spoilt children only.
Insolent cur! On what grounds are you calling me irresponsible? And what do you mean by spoilt!?


(Camus talks to Nyna)

You are a member of royalty. Now that your king has passed away, you must shoulder responsibility of Archanea. Wishing to throw away your life without considering the consequences... Please spare me of this selfishness. ...Dying is easy. However, what would become of the people you would leave behind? Do you truly intend to throw away your responsibility as royalty?
How dare you try and lecture me! Y-you drove my father to his death...!
Forgive me for what I am about to say... But your father was a failure of a king. He drowned in pleasure, neglected politics, and ultimately abandoned his people. Archanea's miserable defeat was his doing. The one who led your people to the abyss of despair was none other than King Archanea himself. It is the king's duty to protect his people. King Archanea may have been a good father to you, but he was an incompetent king to his people. My words may be harsh, but I only speak the truth.
...I feel pity for my people. I warned my father time and time again, but he never listened. However, Archanea has already fallen. What do you suggest I do at this point!?
At the very least, Emperor Medeus currently does not wish to kill you, Princess. So, you must continue to live on, to your fullest, and bring hope to the citizens of Archanea... I hear your citizens love you. To them, you embody the hope of Archanea.
Ohh...!
Princess, this unfortunate war is now over. I must now return to Grust, but, in a few months, I shall return as the commander of the occupation army. I am no politician, but watching this desolate land brings pain to my heart... I wish for the kingdom of Archanea to become the verdant land it once was, as soon as ideally possible. Princess Nyna, may I ask for your assistance? Would you deign to rebuild Archanea, together with your people?
...Very well. I shall give you the benefit of doubt. However, don't think my hatred towards you has disappeared.
If you wish to take my life, you can have it anytime. If that's what it takes to satisfy you.
No. I shall endure for now, for my motherland, Archanea. However, one day, I shall lead the Archanean League's army and fight Dolhr. Should you stand in my way when that time comes, I shall display no mercy. Remember that.
Understood. ...Princess. I thought your people adored you because of your beauty, but it seems there's more to it than that.


Camus, stop flirting with her!

...You speak rather impolitely, but I'll accept your praise graciously.
Hahaha, please excuse my rudeness. As but a soldier from the borderlands, I can only manage this rustic manner of speaking, so please forgive me.
No, it is fine. I, too, must become stronger.
Bishop, Midia, everyone, please heed me. I have made my choice. No matter how thorny that path might be, one day, assuredly, I shall take back our motherland Archanea from the empire. I know it'll be difficult for everyone, but for now, please endure. So that one day, we may reunite in this very palace!
Princess...
Hail Princess Nyna...!


At end, the game scores you on how well you did.



Mine is pretty average.

And that’s it for Chronicles 1. Its very plot heavy isn’t it. It alone has more dialogue then the whole prologue.

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You all should hear Eddy read some of these updates out loud on skype. Gonna make him read all 4 bonus chapters due to their plot heavy-ness.

[Deleted]

... Damn you, Tushy.

Anyway, SNARF.

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I made a huge error. I've been spelling the name of the continent and largest country wrong this whole time. It's 'Archanea' not 'Archaenia'

[Deleted]

It's still pronounced as "Archay-nea", right?

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Yeah, same pronunciation

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Heh heh heh... Jus' come o'er 'ere already.
Please, I beg o' you, leave her be! She's me girlfriend!
Shut yer trap!
Nngaaah!

Elsewhere…



Aiyee! The Macedonian army is here as well?
Wait, what's going on here? What are those men doing?
Ehh? You ain't on their side? In that case, I beg o' you! Please drive those foul demons away. They kidnap women, loot everythin', and act like this town's theirs... We just can't keep livin' like this. So, please, you have to help us!
To think the Macedonian army houses such shameless scoundrels... I demand an explanation.
I've heard rumors that deserters from our army are in cahoots with the local bandits... And they've been committing atrocities using the Macedonian army's name...
I wonder if those men are the ones you're describing?
Either way, we cannot just let them be.
Oh, Commander! Please look over there!

Meanwhile…

......
W-what the hell is wrong with you!? Stay outta our way if you value yer life!
Your vile deeds... cannot be overlooked.
T-these guys... Damn you... We'll remember this!



Sir, what is your name?
I have no name worthy of note.
Bah... I see. Well, fair enough. The actions of those men offended me, too, but I see you were faster to the hunt.
By any chance, are you... Dame Minerva of Macedon?
Indeed I am. But how did you know?
I heard the Macedonian army had a beautiful woman, clad in scarlet armor. Rumors say she's a gifted soldier, nicknamed the Crimson Dragoon.
Heh... Those rumors are grossly exaggerated.
Either way, I presume those men weren't official Macedonian soldiers? Are they deserters?
As much as it shames me, that seems to be the case.
I see. Then, I believe I have a firm grasp of the situation.
Where do you intend to go, now?
I am heading towards the fortress near here. According to the villagers, the scoundrels we saw before are using it as their base and ravaging the nearby villages. Apparently the kidnapped village maidens were taken there as well. There isn't a moment to waste.
What in heavens!? There's a large group of them? I don't believe it...! That can't be...
So, if you'll excuse me, I must hurry ahead! Wolf, Roshea, let's go.
Ah, wait! ...They're gone.
Commander, what are our orders?
Palla... I'll follow them, together with Catria and Est. You are to go ahead to the castle and bring reinforcements.
Yes, understood. The castle isn't far from here. I shall return as soon as I can, so please don't push yourselves. Catria, Est. Take care of the commander.



Yes, sister.
Leave it to us!
Catria, Est, let's follow them at once.
Understood!

Somewhere…

Father Frost. Have you made your decision?
No matter how many times you ask, my answer is the same. I will not betray Macedon...
What? You still spouting that rubbish? That's fine by me. If you can't obey my orders, then I'll have your head on a plate. And not only your head, but the heads of your family and relatives as well. That's a lot of plates I'll be needing.
D-damn... Just what... am I supposed to do...?

Back to our crew…

Catria, Est. There are archers nearby. Beware their attacks or it could cost you dearly.
Dame Minerva, leave the archers to us. We shall make mincemeat of them. You fly on ahead.
Very well. I'll leave that in your hands. Then, let's go.

Archanea Chronicles 2 has begun. New unit time:




Minerva is a Dracoknight with great stats. We’re looking at an MVP character right here. Catria and Est are Pegasus Knights. Neither of them are really good but Catria is decent.

Hardin may be our other contender for MVP status. He has Silver Lance and Silver Sword, 2 really good weapons. Roshea is much like Catria. He’s decent. Wolf will be helping out here and there but his true purpose os to be the boss killer since the boss is also a Dracoknight against whom, Bows have 3 times their power.




Minerva can eventually recruit Bishop Frost to our cause.

Oh, this dracoknight is...
Father Frost, so it was you... Why are you aiding those vile excuses for people?
Princess Minerva... Forgive me... The truth is, Ruben threatened me. If I didn't do what he wanted, he said he would do away with my family and I...
I see... Father Frost, you may rest at ease. We shall destroy the bandits. We won't let them lay a single finger on you or your family. I swear upon my honor.
Oh, Princess Minerva... I'm glad I could count on you. Please, protect my family...

There are also 2 villages that our crew visit. Unlike the main game where only Marth can visit the villages, here, anyone can.

Oh gosh... You're the people from before... I beg of you. Please, please save our village. We can't do anything to help... But at least, take this vulnerary. Please take care...

We get a Vulnerary.

Oh-ho, it's you again! The ones who are goin' to exterminate those fiendish ruffians! Please have this. I beg o' you, avenge us!

Hardin and Minerva talk:
Dame Minerva, are you unhurt?
Yes, you needn't worry about my well-being. What about you, sir?
No issues here, either. However, the enemies are many, so we mustn't lower our guards.
To think so many shameless scoundrels would claim to be part of the noble Macedonian army... The misdeeds of Macedon are my responsibility. Do not interfere.
With all due respect, Dame Minerva, a battle cannot be won alone. As we share the same contempt towards the enemy, it would benefit both of us to join forces against them.
...Very well. However, don't overwork yourself.
Your worry is superfluous. I am at home, here. Well, let us go!

Minerva also talks to Catria and Est.

Catria! The enemy general is mine. I shall leave the other soldiers to you. However, don't underestimate them. Be sure to finish each of them in one blow.
Understood, Commander.
Est. This battlefield is wide, but don't go too far ahead by yourself. And keep an eye out for enemies as you proceed.
Yes ma'am! I'll do my best!

Once we get close enough to Ruben…

Lord Ruben, it's an enemy attack! An unknown force led by a dracoknight is headin' this way!
Did you say a dracoknight? Who would want to come to a backwater place like this...? But they don't seem that dangerous. Don't worry about them. Should they approach this fortress, I'll make short work of them.

After a while…
Hey, you there. How does the battle fare?
Sir, the enemy is fast approachin' this fortress.
Damn... What a bunch of annoying rats. Alright, send thereinforcements. Call back everyone who left for the other villages!
Yes sir!

Finally, all but Ruben are down and out.

Munchin' Manaketes! Am I surprised to face you directly in the battlefield, Princess Minerva.
You're... Ruben. I didn't think I'd find you here, not after you were banished from the army for your acts of brutality against civilians. ...So you lead the deserters. Surrender. If you don't, I shall strike you down as an enemy of Macedon!
Heh...! I don't take orders from you anymore. For some reason, the folks at Macedon worship you royals as if you were gods. Yet, the crown prince fancies himself a patricide, the older sister is a charmless buffoon... and the younger sister is a brat whose only talent is getting kidnapped. Who on earth could put up with the stupid military, when even the country's like that too? Wouldn't you agree, Minerva the Buffoon!
Dastard... How dare you belittle us! I believe you've just shown your readiness to accept your fate.
Heh! Not if I kill you first!



A combination of Frost chipping away a bit of his health and Wolf destroying him with his Bow defeats Ruben.



And we’re done.

Commander! Are you alright?
Palla. Don't worry about us, we're fine. What of the reinforcements?
They are almost here already.
Good job.
Princess Minerva, please leave the rest to us! We shall deliver a heavy punishment to the criminals who dared to sully Macedon's good name! But, Princess, there's something important... Isn't that knight Hardin of Aurelis?
What do you mean?
Why, he's the spitting image of the infamous Coyote, leader of the rebel army. Should we capture and interrogate him...?
...Nonsense. There is no way that man is Hardin.
But as I said, he's the spitting...
I said he isn't. Now leave us!
P-pardon me, ma'am!
Dame Minerva, so the rumors were true. The Crimson Dragoon is truly a wise, courageous and able commander. Hahaha! I look forward to seeing you again in the battlefield! Now, if you'll excuse me.
Coyote... Hardin.
Commander, did you say something?
No, nothing. Let's go.
Understood.





I forgot to screencap the final score for all the remaining bonus chapters but my final score was somewhere above 500. Again, average.

[Deleted]

This game looks pretty detailed, but it's cool to follow along as it progresses since I can't play it myself. Nice work

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This is actually not from the game I'm Let's Playing. Its from the sequel. These bonus chapters were basically free dlc serving as prequels for Shadow Dragon.

[Deleted]

Sadly, I couldn't read one without the "SNARF" because the bishop isn't there.

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Just outside the royal palace of Archanea…



Wooow! So this is the fabled palace. They say it's been standin' for a millenium. It's huuuuge! Hey, Lena. There must be a millenium's worth of treasure inside.
...Rickard, must you continue your thieving ways?
Are you kiddin' me? Don't forget we're NOBLE thieves. We put our lives on the line stealin' not for our own pockets, but so we can shower the poor with gold!
B-but...
Hmm, I guess a palace of this size will be absolutely teemin' with guards. It ain't gonna be easy sneakin' in. Well, Lena. I'll go and scout for a bodyguard, so you just wait here for a moment. I'll be riiiight back!
Oh, please don't be long!
Well, hello there lovie, how's about you an' I share a moment together? Y'know what I mean?
P-please leave me alone! I'm waiting here for someone.
C'mon, even a littl' moment would do.
N-no! Let go of me!
Hey. You... Release this woman.
Who's there? This ain't got nothin' to do with ya!
...I see. Then, I have no choice.
H-h-hey... You kiddin', right? W-wait, d-don't tell me you're... Navarre...! S-somebody, save meee!
...

Well then, this guys is a no nonsense kind of guy.

So you are Navarre, sir? My name is... Lena. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
...It's dangerous here. Be careful.
Oh, Navarre! Please wait a moment. Ah, err... I wonder if you would agree to be our bodyguard?
Bodyguard?
Yes. We, er, have our reasons, so we've been looking for somebody capable to be our bodyguard.
...I'm expensive.
I-if it's gold you want, then Rickard should be able to... Oh no, I mean... How expensive? I don't have much gold on hand... However, we need more help if we are to save the people in the village...
... Fine, tell me the details.
Ah! Thank you, Navarre!

Elsewhere…

Heeey! You alright? It's just a light wound, pull yourself together!
W-water...
You want water? Here ya go!
Slurrrrrrrp. Ahhhh...!
Ugh, you're kinda dirty. Hey, you alright?
Huff... Thanks. Me name is Castor. You are?
I'm Rickard. You're not gonna live long if you stay in a place like this. What happened to ya?
I desperately needed gold for me mother and young siblings back home. When I heard there'd be people willin' to hire me in this city, I came here without thinkin' to eat or drink...
Hmm, I gotcha. Oh, in that case, why doncha join us? We'll have gold if everythin' goes well.
Really? Then, let me come along!
Rickard! Are you there, Rickard!
Eh? Lena! Len...... What the? Err, who's that guy with you?
Rickard, this is Navarre. He rescued me from a tricky situation.
...
Whoa, he's mighty scary! Oh right, Lena. I found somebody willin' to join us.
I am Castor, a hunter. Rickard saved me life.
Saved your life? C'mon, you're exaggeratin'!
Teehee. Rickard, it seems I have misunderstood you. I was unaware of how thieves operate, so I thought they were all bad people. But you're different, aren't you? You desperately seek gold, but only so you can save people. Am I right?
W-well, sorta! Y-yeah, it's somethin' like that. Hahaha...
I-I need gold for me ill mother...
You guys... better not be lying... Or I'll slice your tongues off.
Ah-ahahahahaha... A-anyway, we have enough people now. I reckon it's time we set up a plan!



Here, this is a rough sketch of the palace.
Oh my gosh, Rickard. How did you come by this?
Huh? Oh, er, I got this... From a traveler. Yeah, a traveler.
Rickard, show me your tongue.
Eeeeeeeek! No, no, I remembered wrong. Errr... I found it lyin' around as I passed by a nearby room, so I, er, borrowed it for a bit.
Rickard! Taking things without permission is a terrible thing to do. No wonder people mistake you for a bandit. I'll go apologize for you later, so don't do it again. Am I clear?

Says the woman who’s about to go rob a palace…

Yeah, I won't do it again. Promise.
Rickard, tell us the plan already.
Huh? Oh yeah, sure. Lessee... First, there's a rampart HERE. We'll cross it and open the door. Then, once we're HERE, Navarre will take the lead. Meanwhile, Castor and I will stay close behind. We'll take care of any guys who escape from you, Navarre.
Though I hardly think there's anyone who'd survive my blade...
Eeek! No, no, gotta focus. Either way, I'll show 'em my moves as soon as we encounter the treasure.
...Don't forget I'll be watching. Always.
C-c'mon, Navarre! Whadya think I'm gonna do? Run off with all the treasure?
Yes, exactly.
Sigh... Even though I'm workin' sooo hard to save people in need... My own comrades don't even trust me... Oh, woe is me... Sniff, sniff, waaah!
Oh, Rickard! Don't cry... Navarre, you went too far this time. Rickard is but a fragile child whose feelings are easily hurt...
Uwaaaah! Lenaaaaa!
It's okay, Rickard. I believe in you.
Hmmmmm... I see... So that's how you get people to trust you... Very clever...
...Rickard, get off the cleric.
Eeeep! Alright, I got it. Then, uh, back to the plan! Lena, you stay behind us, alright?
I'm coming along too?
Well, if you don't, who's gonna heal us when we get all battered an' bruised? Besides, Navarre here said he wouldn't come with us unless you were comin'.
I don't remember saying that...
You don't need to say anythin'! I can tell these things! Navarre, you're the type that has a soft spot for a pretty face and the right features. C'mon, you can't fool me. I can see in your eyes aaaall the troubles you've had with women.
You... You sure like spouting nonsense.
Huh? Castor, whatcha you doing? Have you been taking notes of our conversation?
What? Oh no, this is, err... Reference. Yes, it's for reference.
...Don't tell me, you're planning a con act, with Rickard as the base.
No way! I'm so cute and cheerful that everybody forgives me if I just smile! But I don't think copyin' my style would suit a serious guy like you, Castor!
Excuse me... Why is everyone talking about conning and thievery again?
Ahaha. 'Tis nothing, my dear Lena. Anyway I'm gonna catch some shut-eye. Good night y'all!
...How irresponsible. Sister, I'm going to rest as well.
Alright. Good night, Navarre.
It seems even Navarre--the Scarlet Swordsman--completely fell for Rickard's smooth talk.
Do you really think so? To me, it just seems like he's bullying poor Rickard...
Haha, you're too good of a person. Anyway, I'll rest for a bit, too. How about you?
I'll stay here a little longer.
I see... But, don't blame yourself too much.
... Is saving people really so difficult...? Am I just a step away from committing a sin? Oh, gods! Please protect our weak souls...

At least she means well. The next day, the chapter begins. But we’re not the only thieves seeking the treasure of Archanea Royal Palace. Fun fact: in the original Monshou no Nazo fan translation, “Archanea Palace” (or “Akaneia Palace” as it was called) was translated by fans as “Akaneia: Pales” Cue facepalm…

Let’s check out our units.




We’ve got Rickard who has terrible stats but is the only one who can open all these chests lying about. Lena is our staff user and she has both Warp and Rescue. She can teleport any adjacent unit to anywhere on the map and also bring them back from anywhere. Very useful.

Navarre is your best unit here. He’s got boss killing duty. Castor can do some stuff. Not a lot but eh.



So that’s a lot of knights. Thankfully, the boss carries an Armorslayer. We use Lena to Warp Navarre onto a chest so that thief can’t take the contents for himself. That chest is also just in range of the boss. We can effectively take out the boss in 2 turns. Rather pathetic.



Man, I'm ravished... Hey, Pops. I just can't get along with this. Do we really need to work so hard for these disgusting thugs?
Well ya see, we got no gold on hand. Not even enough to buy bread. If we wanna eat, sometimes we gotta do jobs we don't like.
But, employing both of us for a measly 250 gold... They're just taking advantage of us.
Damn straight. If only somebody would pay us 500, I'd work for them in a heartbeat...
Sigh... Being hungry makes me angry. I don't care who, just come here. I'll make my sword rust with your blood.

We’ve also got these 2 people. Maris has been localized as Malice in Awakening and I’ll be using that name. To recruit her, you need to have 500 gold and talk to her with Rickard. To recruit her father Dice, just talk to him with Malice after recruiting her. This is why it is important to move fast and kill the thieves before they get to the treasure. If they steal gold, it is gone for good.

On the enemy phase, the boss rushes towards Navarre.



Oh wow, Navarre got a critical and took out the boss of this chapter in one turn.

We scurry around with Rickard, using Warp and Rescue to get the treasures before the enemy thieves. Lena also obtains a Thief Staff which allows her to open a chest from long range and recover its contents.

Slowly, we take all the treasure we can get enough gold to recruit Malice.

Heey!　Lady!
What the hell, don't frolic around kid. This ain't no childrens' playground.
I'm not a kid. I'm a thief. Say, why doncha join us?
Wait, what?
Since I'm a thief, I can open treasure chests like I eat breakfast. There ain't anybody who can earn gold faster than me. Impressed?
Hey kid. Are you telling me the truth?
I told you, I'm not a kid. Well, if you don't trust me, I guess I'll look for someone else.
Hmm, you're pretty interesting. Alright, I'll believe you. However, you'll pay in blood if you betray me. Got it?
Alright. Then, we're set. How about I give you 500 gold in advance and a contingent fee later?
500 gold? Heh, sounds fine to me. Alright, I'll join you then.

Then Malice talks to Dice.

...So that's what's going on, Pops.
I see, sounds interesting. Alright, gotcha. I'll come along, too.
Yes, I figured you would, Pops.
Damn straight. That's mah daughter for ya. Life's a gamble: it's always sink or swim... Betting on the unknown is more interesting than a sure win.

We slowly finish the chapter by luring out the knights one by one and killing them.



But we’ve got trouble.

General Camus, thieves have invaded the palace!
What? They are fearless men for sure, if they've come to assault the palace's treasury. Very well. Capture all of them!
Get them! There they are! This way!
Uwah! L-let go of me! Nooo, stoooooop!
Oh...!
L-Lena! ...Who-who are you!?
I am Camus of Grust. I am the one in charge of this palace. Are you the thieves who intruded here? Hmm... and a cleric too? Sister, what is the meaning of this? Why are you aiding these pack of thieves?



So you are General Camus. Indeed, we came here to steal treasure. However, we're only doing this for the people of Archanea. Don't you know... how much suffering the Dolhrian army is causing to the people of this sacred land of Archanea...? Ever since the Dolhrian army invaded, Archanea has changed for the worst. Many have had their houses razed, lands stolen, and are now suffering from hunger even. General Camus! Do you take joy in seeing everyone so miserable!?
Sister, 'tis true that Archanea's misery brings pain to my heart. However, I am a soldier. So long as my motherland Grust obeys Dolhr, I, too, must follow the empire's orders.
General! Then, are you nothing but Dolhr's pawn?
I suppose... regrettably, that's the only way one could describe me.
Please wait! General Camus, you are no pawn of Dolhr. Think about it! You defied Emperor Medeus's orders, allowing me to keep my honor and freedom as a princess. I am certain that, deep inside, you despise Dolhr as much as we do...
...Perhaps you're right. However, just what do you expect I do...!?
You could turn a blind eye once again and let these people walk free.
Sister, I'll let you keep the treasure you've obtained. Please distribute it among the poor and needy.
You're... Princess Nyna? Oh, thank you so much! With this gold, we'll finally be able to begin rescuing the poor.
Camus, I beg of you. Take these people to somewhere safe.
Haha, if it's an order from you, Princess, then what choice do I have?

And so…

There should be a village ahead of here. Now, go!
How lucky of us! Well, seeya!
Thank you very much, General Camus. Please extend my thanks to Princess Nyna. I shall never forget this favor.
Lena, let's hurry, hurry! C'mon, I'm leaving you behind!
Please, stay well!
...



You know what? I get the feeling that Camus is actually a fairly good guy. Shocking isn’t it?




Only 1 more left and that was is scarily difficult. All 4 are much harder than the actual game but the 4th one is ridiculous.