Site News
Warning: This wiki contains spoilers. Read at your own risk!

Social media: If you would like, please join our Discord server, and/or follow us on Twitter (X) or Tumblr!

Outset of a Power Struggle/Script

From Fire Emblem Wiki, your source on Fire Emblem information. By fans, for fans.

This page has been marked as a stub. Please help improve the page by adding information.

Note: Some story events may be slighly modified depending on what characters have previously fallen in battle (Classic Mode only).

White Clouds
Lone Moon

Outset of a Power Struggle

Opening Narration FETH Adrestia banner.png

 
Together, the people of Fódlan relish the beauty of the brilliant moon overhead as another year ends. They recall sad partings and new acquaintances alike, but each person must still walk their chosen path alone. With each day, the presence of spring grows stronger and yet a lone moon still haunts the sky. A silent reminder, perhaps, of some inescapable truth...
— Chapter 12 opening narration

Event - Path of Thorns

Imperial Army Provisional Camp*

(Byleth, Edelgard and the Black Eagles have arrived into what looks to be a fortress.)
(Flayn is nowhere to be seen...)
Edelgard: We somehow managed to escape.
Hubert: This is one of the Imperial army’s provisional camps. Here we can organize our forces.
Edelgard: Before we go any further, I want all of you to really ask yourselves if you’re certain you wish to join us.
Edelgard: As expected, Flayn has chosen to leave our ranks.

(The camera then focuses on the Black Eagles.)
Caspar: When I saw our professor running off, I ran about as fast as I could to catch up.
Petra: Caspar. Death finds those who run without thinking. You gave no thought to the war fog.
(Caspar sweats nerviously.)
Petra: My grandfather was the leader of Brigid, and I hope for us to be allies with the Empire. I will be staying.
Bernadetta: W-Was this a good idea? Did I make the right choice? Oh, but my family is part of the Empire, and our professor is here...
Caspar: You’re fine here with us, Bernie. Though it’s true that certain houses were against the Imperial princess...
Ferdinand: I assume you are referring to my family. I must believe that the conclusion I came to was the correct one.
(Ferdinand looks at Edelgard.)
Ferdinand: You are the emperor now... I am the only one left who is qualified to guide you at this point.
Linhardt: I’m only here because I know it would be troublesome to stand against you.
Dorothea: I’m not just here for you, Edie. I’m here to follow our dear professor. Of course, I don’t have any territory to offer... so Hubie may not even want me here.
Hubert: The greater our numbers, the better. Your reasons for being here are of no consequence.
Edelgard: I think I understand where you are coming from. But now, I wish to hear of your resolve.
(Edelgard then begins talking to everyone as the camera focuses on her.)

Edelgard: Like you, I have risen to meet my destiny. I cut this path, and I will see it through to the end. Following me is akin to pointing a sword to the goddess herself. One misstep, and we fall to ruin. You have now witnessed the archbishop’s true self. She is a cruel beast. Those who rule this world use that beast’s power to fabricate miracles, all to control those who blindly believe in the goddess. They conceal the truth and force their lies on the nobility. They mercilessly annihilate anyone who defies them. I know this because I have lived it. After what you have seen, is there any room for doubt?
Edelgard: The Church of Seiros has great influence and power. Their control over the lords of the Kingdom and the Alliance is nearly absolute. We are the only ones who can stop this indomitable enemy that has plagued our world for ages. We fight for humanity! For all of Fódlan! If you dare walk this path with me, take your first step. It’s now or never!
(The sound of the Black Eagles' stepping forward is heard.)
Edelgard: Thank you, my friends. We are the true face of the Empire, and we will triumph!

Event - The Black Eagle Strike Force

Outer Camp Walls*

(Edelgard and Hubert are seen alone, outside of the fortress.)
Hubert: That was incredible, Lady Edelgard.
Edelgard: Thank you.
Edelgard: Honestly, I'm relieved. They really chose to follow me... I was resolved to move forward alone if I had to, but in my heart I hoped it wouldn't come to that.
Hubert: So long as I am here, you will never be alone. Please do not forget that.
Hubert: And...it would seem that the professor also has a key role to play in this.
Edelgard: You're right. Now, I must speak with our teacher. Please, make preparations. The messenger should be here shortly.
Hubert: Consider it done.

Imperial Army Provisional Camp*

(Edelgard reaches Byleth in private.)
Edelgard: Professor, may I speak with you?

Of course.

Edelgard: I appreciate it.
Edelgard: I...

What’s wrong?

Edelgard: I’m just...anxious. It feels like the weight of this burden is crushing me.
Edelgard: At this very moment, on my orders, I’m starting a war. An army far larger than the one that attacked the Holy Tomb last month will soon be locked in battle. Long-devised strategies are unfolding across Fódlan. Leaders are deciding their loyalties and preparing to fight... So many generals and soldiers will die. It’s inevitable that civilians will get caught up in the chaos as well. There will be countless casualties. With a single command, the flames of war will rage across all corners of this realm.
Edelgard: And I am the one who is giving the order.

Choice 1 Choice 2
This is the path you chose, isn’t it? Do you wish to stop?
Edelgard: Yes, it is. There is no turning back. Edelgard: No. There is no turning back now.

Edelgard: No matter how much blood flows at my feet, I will not relent. We must break the bonds that the depraved church has placed on Fódlan. These sacrifices will allow us to create a future where we never need sacrifice again. It may seem contradictory, but it’s the only way.
Edelgard: Heh. Listen to me. I made up my mind long ago. Yet here I am, seeking your approval.
Edelgard: Tell me the truth, my teacher. Are you happy with your decision to stand by my side.
Edelgard: Unlike me, you can still walk away from all of this. This path leads to the death of the archbishop and the servants of the church. Can you live with that?

I chose this path too.

(Edelgard's face turns red.)
Edelgard: I never thought...
(Edelgard quickly recovers her composure.)
Edelgard: I’m sorry. It was a foolish question.
Edelgard: I believe in you, professor. And you believed in me. With that knowledge, I have the strength to keep fighting.
Edelgard: Let’s go... There’s something I need to say to Hubert.

(Sometime later, Edelgard and Byleth reunite with Hubert.)

Hubert: Your Majesty, the latest report indicates that our main army is advancing as planned. Also, the preparations for your manifesto are almost complete.

Manifesto?

Edelgard: We will distributing our manifesto to every lord within Fódlan. We will expose the dark side of the Church of Seiros and the foul practices of the nobles from the Kingdom and the Alliance.
Edelgard: We will force the people of Fódlan to open their eyes to the truth and relinquish any remaining conviction to unite against the empire. Certain nobles have already offered their support.
Hubert: There are other nobles who oppose the church. We will condemn those who deserve condemnation and forgive those who deserve forgiveness. We have already purged some of the Imperial nobles who are morally rotten.
Hubert: My father among them. How unfortunate.
(Hubert laughts silently...)
Edelgard: And soon we will invade and conquer Garreg Mach. Our main army has already departed the Imperial capital. They will arrive at the monastery in two weeks’ time. There, we will join forces with them.
Edelgard: As for us, I’d like your opinion on how we should be positioned within the army.

Choice 1 Choice 2
We are the Imperial shield. We are the Imperial sword.

Hubert: Your majesty wishes to fight alongside the professor, correct? In that case, you will not be incorporated into the Empire’s main army. Your squad can move freely about the battlefield under supervision of the Imperial forces... That would be most prudent.
Edelgard: Now that I’m the emperor, we can’t let it slip that I’m following your command in battle, Professor.
Hubert: I fully object to the notion of you fighting on the front lines.
Edelgard: Hubert. We’ve already discussed this.
(Hubert bows down.)
Hubert: My apologies... I overstepped.
Edelgard: Now that the details are settled, all that’s left is to come up with a name for ourselves.
Edelgard: In honor at our time at the academy, how about we call ourselves the Black Eagle Strike Force?

Choice 1 Choice 2 Choice 3
I love it. I hope we can live up to that name. Isn’t that a bit much?
(Support points with Edelgard go up.)
Edelgard: I’m so happy you feel that way. I must confess that I spent all night thinking about it.
Edelgard: With you as our leader, I’m confident we will. To me, that name represents us soaring toward a new dawn, freely as an eagle. (Support points with Edelgard go down.)
Edelgard: It seems we have differing tastes. I suppose we’ll have to agree to disagree.

Edelgard: I’ll leave it to you to prepare the Black Eagle Strike Force for departure.

Exploration: Outset of a Power Struggle

Date: 3/30

This page has been marked as a stub. Please help improve the page by adding information.

Event: Against the World

(The day has arrived for the Imperial strike against the Church of Seiros...)
Edelgard: We will soon arrive at Garreg Mach Monastery. Forcing a surrender here is extremely significant, both strategically and symbolically.
Edelgard: Of course, this is personal as well. This is where we all came together to learn and grow. I have no intention of yielding to our former classmates, so I ask that you prepare yourselves for anything.
Linhardt: I’m not thinking about friends right now, and I’m certainly not prepared.
Caspar: Damn it, don’t go around saying things that lower morale before we even get started! I’m ready! Let’s go! Let’s fight!
Dorothea: I have nothing to lose aside from my friends who are here with me. Does that answer satisfy you?
Petra: I have been ready for this since leaving my land of home. I will fight and win!
Bernadetta: How can you prepare to fight? Maybe I can prepare to prepare...
Ferdinand: There is no reason I cannot be prepared. It is my duty to stand up and battle!
Edelgard: Thank you all. Now, let’s talk strategy.
(Edelgard looks at Hubert so he may do his part. He nods and begins.)

Hubert: As the raiding force, we will attack the area nearest to the monastery. The Knights of Seiros certainly won’t stand down after they catch sight of Her Majesty and the professor. At the same time, the remaining areas will be surrounded and annihilated by the main army.
Hubert: In other words, we are the decoy that must suppress the enemy’s most elite soldiers.
Edelgard: We know more about the area near the monastery than anyone else in the Imperial army. Still, we must prepare for the worst. It’s possible we will have to face the archbishop’s true form––the Immaculate One.
Edelgard: Fight with all you have, but don’t be reckless. As promised, I will leave the command to the professor.

Choice 1 Choice 2
We will not lose. I will protect you all.
Hubert: Naturally. With both Her Majesty and yourself on our side, defeat is impossible. Hubert: Not only will we all survive this, but we will undoubtedly emerge victorious.

Edelgard: This will be our first battle as the Black Eagle Strike Force. All the more reason to prevail!

Battle: The Battle of Garreg Mach

Date: 3/31
Monastery (Outer Wall)

Before Battle

Seteth: Friends! Our opportunity for victory will come, but first we must see to our defenses!

Hubert: The city's defenders are trying to stall for time. We must crush them swiftly. We should be wary of ambushes as well.

Player Phase 1

Edelgard: Ladislava is being pushed on the left flank. We must push back with equal force.

If a Playable Unit Triggers the Hidden Reinforcements

(Multiple Church Soldiers spawn on the middle of the map)
Knight of Seiros: Now! Hidden soldiers, attack!

Rhea Opens the Monastery's Walls

(Rhea spawns on the top of the map)

If Seteth, Flayn or Gilbert still remain on the map...

Rhea: Seteth, Flayn, Gilbert... You have done well to hold out as long as you have. Now it is time to deploy our strongest military power. The counterattack begins!

However, if Seteth, Flayn and Gilbert have been defeated

Rhea: Seteth, Flayn, Gilbert... You put your lives on the line to protect us. I would have preferred to have more time to prepare, but we cannot delay any longer.

Regardless

Rhea: Come forth! Protect Garreg Mach Monastery from those despicable rebels!

(Multiple reinforcements arrive, with Catherine and Cyril taking position on the top left and right of the map)
Catherine: I’ll crush them all.
Cyril: Her enemies are my enemies.

Ally Reinforcements Arrive

(The Death Knight arrives on the left side of the map as an ally, along with an Armored Knight.)
Death Knight: We will lend the Empire strength...
Byleth: ?!
Edelgard: Don't worry. We're allies now... I understand you must have many questions, but they'll have to wait until after the battle.

Ally - Ladislava

Talked with Anyone:

Just what we need! I knew Her Majesty's allies would help us out.
— Ladislava, if talked with Anyone

Talked with Edelgard:

Apologies for the trouble, Your Majesty!
— Ladislava, if talked with Edelgard

Sub Boss - Gilbert

Vs Anyone:

Unfortunately, you must die here. You should never have defied the goddess.
— Gilbert Vs Anyone

Vs Byleth:

If you side with the Empire... If you turn your sword on the church and on the Kingdom... I care not who you are. I will end you just the same.
— Gilbert Vs Byleth

Vs Annette:

Gilbert: Annette, throw down your arms!
Annette: I'm sorry, Father. But I have made my choice. I'm not going back to the monastery, to the Kingdom, or to you, Father!
Gilbert: Forgive me, Goddess. Annette. If you side with the Empire, I will have no choice but to kill you.

— Gilbert Vs Annette

Defeat Quote:

In my master's name, I cannot allow myself to fall here... I must withdraw.
— Gilbert's Defeat Quote

Sub Boss - Seteth

Vs Anyone:

I will show no mercy to anyone who attacks Rhea!
— Seteth Vs Anyone

Vs Byleth:

Traitor! I will not forgive you for turning on Rhea!
— Seteth Vs Byleth

If Gilbert is defeated before Seteth:

You will survive this hardship! Just hold on!
— If Gilbert is defeated before Seteth

If Flayn is defeated before Seteth:

Seteth: Retreat while you still can, Flayn! I beg you!
Flayn: Understood... Stay safe, Fa—Brother!

— If Flayn is defeated before Seteth

Defeat Quote:

I cannot yield...
— Seteth's Defeat Quote

Sub Boss - Flayn

Vs Anyone:

You shall not pass! I will protect Garreg Mach!
— Flayn Vs Anyone

Vs Byleth:

Professor, why?! Do you not see the cruelty of this?
— Flayn Vs Byleth

If Seteth is defeated before Flayn:

Flayn: Seteth! Please, do not overextend yourself! I am still in this fight!
Seteth: I'm sorry, Flayn. Withdraw if you must!

— If Seteth is defeated before Flayn

Defeat Quote:

Must protect...Garreg Mach... I must protect...everyone...
— Flayn's Defeat Quote

Sub Boss - Catherine

Vs Anyone:

I am Thunder Catherine, and I will slay all of Lady Rhea's enemies. Including you.
— Catherine Vs Anyone

Vs Byleth:

I trusted you. Lady Rhea trusted you. I won't let you live after what you've done.
— Catherine Vs Byleth

If Catherine is defeated:

Catherine: Lady Rhea, I'm sorry. Please stay safe.
Rhea: All is well, Catherine. You must not die here...

— If Catherine is defeated

Sub Boss - Cyril

Vs Anyone:

I gotta kill you!
— Cyril Vs Anyone

Vs Byleth:

I'll protect Lady Rhea against anyone! Even if it's you, I'll fight ya as hard as I can!
— Cyril Vs Byleth

If Cyril is defeated:

Cyril: Lady Rhea, I couldn't fight hard enough. I'm sorry...
Rhea: Cyril... Your sacrifice will not be in vain.

— If Cyril is defeated

Boss - Rhea

Vs Anyone:

So you have sullied yourself by joining the rebels? I hope you came prepared to breathe your last.
— Rhea Vs Anyone

Vs Byleth:

You... How dare you betray me... You worthless piece of garbage... I will punish you myself!
— Rhea Vs Byleth

Vs Edelgard:

Rhea: No matter your reasons, I cannot permit you to go on living any longer!
Edelgard: The feeling is mutual. I must put a stop to your reign of tyranny!
Rhea: You must know what a fool you are. The greatest of sins is to make an enemy of the goddess herself!
Edelgard: I have only made an enemy of the church, not of the faith.

— Rhea Vs Edelgard

Defeat Quote:

Raaaargh!
— Rhea's Defeat Quote

After Battle

Rhea: I will not...allow Garreg Mach...or my mother to fall!

Event - The Immaculate One

Rhea has been defeated. However...

Rhea: Arrrrgh!

The archbishop gathers green light around her, allowing her to assume a draconic and monstrous form: The Immaculate One.

 

The white dragon stands up, with her massive height towering over Byleth. Just then, she begins to charge a breath attack as she speaks...

The Immaculate One: You will not be forgiven!

The dragon launches her attack towards Byleth.

Edelgard: Professor, look out!

As her attack lands, the scene cuts to black. Garreg Mach has begun to collapse.

Imperial Soldier: The castle is crumbling! We must escape!

While everything is shaking and dust rises rises from the ground, Hubert is trying to look for Byleth.

Hubert: Professor, take cover!

The camera then focuses on Edelgard.

Edelgard: Professor!

Ending Narration

In Imperial Year 1181, the new Adrestian emperor, Edelgard von Hresvelg, led a strategic assault against the monastery at Garreg Mach. Though her own losses were great, her foes had no choice but to surrender.
Archbishop Rhea commanded the Knights of Seiros, leading from the front lines against the Imperial army. After a hard fought battle, she was forced to retreat to Fhirdiad, the capital of Faerghus, where she must now plan her next move.
With this single attack, the Adrestian Empire officially launched its offensive against the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus and the Leicester Alliance. The unification of Fódlan has begun.

— Ending narration