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Battle before Dawn

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Battle before Dawn


Location

Queen Hellene's manse inBern

Weather

Fog of war

New units

Nino,Jaffar

Boss(es)

Ursula,Maxime

Previous chapter(s)
Next chapter(s)
Side quest conditions
  • Nino is recruited, is alive, and talked to Jaffar
  • Jaffar is alive

Battle before Dawn (Japanese:夜明け前の攻防Battle before Dawn) is the twenty-sixth chapter ofEliwood's tale and twenty-eighth of Hector's tale inFire Emblem: The Blazing Blade. To play theside quest after, the player must recruitNino and have her speak withJaffar, and both must survive to the end of the chapter.

Plot

Main articles:Battle before Dawn/Script (Eliwood) andBattle before Dawn/Script (Hector)

Nino andJaffar infiltrateZephiel's manse. Before they enter Zephiel's room, Nino assures herself that this is an easy mission. Outside his door, Nino and Jaffar hear Zephiel praying forhis father's acceptance and for his family to live as on in happiness. Jaffar silently breaks into the room and knock Zephiel unconscious; Jaffar then tells Nino to finish him off. However, Nino sympathizes with Zephiel's desires and cannot bring herself to kill him. Jaffar then decides to flee the manse with Nino; however,Ursula andMaxime appear to halt their escape. When Ursula notices that Nino is still alive, she immediately understands that Jaffar has failed; she then orders for the lights around the manse to be put out and for the deaths of Jaffar, Nino, and Zephiel. Jaffar tells Nino to flee the battlefield while he holds off theBlack Fang, and runs off before Nino can protest. At that time,Eliwood,Hector, andLyn arrive to the sounds of an ongoing battle; they prepare to join the battle and save Prince Zephiel's life.

Over the course of the battle, one of the lords may talk to Nino. Nino begs the lords to save Zephiel. The lords recognize Nino and explain to her how the Black Fang has become pawns forNergal; Nino struggles to believe it, but joins their company when invited. Nino can then talk to Jaffar; she begs him to join her in Eliwood's company, but he refuses as he believes his is not a life worth saving—Jaffar insists that she flee, but Nino refuses to leave without Jaffar. Additionally, one of the lords may talk to Zephiel. The lords inform Zephiel that they are there to protect him; he is hesitant to trust them, but chooses to when he reasons they could have killed him if they wanted to.

After the map objective is cleared, the lights in the manse are relit. Zephiel thinks to check on his mother beforeBern soldiers attend him. If Jaffar and Nino talked and neither were defeated, they reunite after the battle in the company of the lords. Jaffar asks why they have not killed him, and Hector threatens to; however, he decides it would be a waste to kill a potential ally against Nergal. Jaffar, to protect Nino, accompanies the lords. Inside the manse,Limstella finds Ursula and collects herquintessence for Nergal.

The following morning, Eliwood, Lyn, and Hector report toHellene. They try to inform her of the assassination attempt, but she brushes it off and insists that they give her theFire Emblem immediately. Before Hellene informs the group of how to reach theShrine of Seals, Eliwood berates her for being so callous to her son. Disgusted with the politics of Bern, Eliwood takes his leave of the queen alongside Hector and Lyn. After the group leave,Murdock arrives to inform Hellene of the events of the night before. Outside, Eliwood regrets angering the queen, though the others pay it little mind and begin to consider their other options. Suddenly, Queen Hellene approaches them and gifts them a book detailing the road to the Shrine of Seals as well as aHeaven Seal; she expresses her gratitude for them saving her son. When Hellene returns to the manse, she apologizes to Zephiel for being a poor mother and tells him that she wants the royal family to live together in happiness. Hellene acknowledges that Desmond may never forgive her discourteous behavior, but promises to make an honest attempt for the sake of her son's happiness.

Chapter data

Eliwood NormalEliwood HardHector NormalHector Hard

Chapter Data
Conditions
Unit Data
Victory: ProtectZephiel for 15 turnsPlayerPartnerOtherEnemyThird
Defeat:Eliwood,Hector,Lyn, orZephiel dies1–14+1{{{partner}}}3−128+20{{{third}}}
Map dimensions:
30 columns by 28 rows
Chapter Data
Conditions
Unit Data
Victory: ProtectZephiel for 15 turnsPlayerPartnerOtherEnemyThird
Defeat:Eliwood,Hector,Lyn, orZephiel dies1–10+1{{{partner}}}3−135+30{{{third}}}
Map dimensions:
30 columns by 28 rows
Chapter Data
Conditions
Unit Data
Victory: ProtectZephiel for 15 turnsPlayerPartnerOtherEnemyThird
Defeat:Hector,Eliwood,Lyn, orZephiel dies1–14+1{{{partner}}}3−134+22{{{third}}}
Map dimensions:
30 columns by 28 rows
Chapter Data
Conditions
Unit Data
Victory: ProtectZephiel for 15 turnsPlayerPartnerOtherEnemyThird
Defeat:Hector,Eliwood,Lyn, orZephiel dies1–10+1{{{partner}}}3−139+36{{{third}}}
Map dimensions:
30 columns by 28 rows

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Character data

Eliwood's taleHector's tale

Characters
New units
Nino
Mage
HP
19
Inventory
Elfire
Elixir
Level
5
NPC, talk to withEliwood orLyn
Jaffar
Assassin
HP
34
Inventory
Killing Edge
Elixir
Level
13
At the end of the chapter, ifNino talked to him, both she and he survived the chapter, and the side quest is not accepted
Forcibly deployed characters
Eliwood ​
Available characters
Marcus ​Lowen ​Rebecca ​Dorcas ​Bartre ​Hector ​Oswin ​Matthew ​Serra ​Guy ​Merlinus ​Erk ​Priscilla ​Lyn ​Florina ​Wil ​Kent ​Sain ​Raven ​Lucius ​Canas ​Dart ​Fiora ​Legault ​Ninian ​Isadora ​Rath ​Heath ​Hawkeye ​Wallace ​Geitz ​Pent ​Louise ​Karel ​Harken ​
Characters
New units
Nino
Mage
HP
19
Inventory
Elfire
Elixir
Level
5
NPC, talk to withHector orLyn
Jaffar
Assassin
HP
34
Inventory
Killing Edge
Elixir
Level
13
At the end of the chapter, ifNino talked to him, both she and he survived the chapter, and the side quest is not accepted
Forcibly deployed characters
Hector ​
Available characters
Matthew ​Eliwood ​Marcus ​Rebecca ​Lowen ​Dorcas ​Bartre ​Oswin ​Serra ​Guy ​Merlinus ​Erk ​Priscilla ​Lyn ​Florina ​Wil ​Kent ​Sain ​Raven ​Lucius ​Canas ​Dart ​Fiora ​Legault ​Ninian ​Isadora ​Rath ​Heath ​Hawkeye ​Wallace ​Geitz ​Farina ​Pent ​Louise ​Karel ​Harken ​

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Item data

Items
NameObtainment Method
Door KeyDropped by(Normal Mode) or steal from(Hard Mode) enemyKnight (Eliwood's tale only)
Door KeySteal from(Eliwood's tale) or dropped by(Hector's tale) enemyFighter
Steel LanceDropped by enemyKnight if he used his Door Key (Eliwood Normal Mode only)
LockpickDropped by enemyHero (Normal Mode only)
Elysian WhipDropped by enemyBishop (Normal Mode only)
Door KeyDropped by enemyMage (Hector Normal Mode only)
LockpickSteal from enemyThief (Eliwood's tale only)
LockpickSteal from enemyThief (Eliwood Hard Mode only)
Earth SealSteal from enemyDruid (Hard Mode only)
LockpickSteal from enemyThief (reinforcement; up to four)
BootsOpen leftchest in western room
Brave LanceOpen rightchest in western room
RescueOpen leftchest in eastern room
Delphi ShieldOpen rightchest in eastern room
Heaven SealAutomatic at end of chapter

Enemy data

Stats with two figures separated by a ~ are presented as a range, representing stats that vary due to random growths. The figures to the left and right of the ~ are the stat's minimum and maximum possible values respectively.

Eliwood NormalEliwood HardHector NormalHector Hard

Enemy Units
NameClassLv#HPStr/MagMagSkillSpdLckPrfWlvDefResChaLckConMovInventory and Skills
UrsulaValkyrie1513618192212122878BoltingElfire
Does not move
MaximePaladin61401412135915118Silver Lance
--
Black FangKnight13225~289~115~71~3011~132~3134Steel Lance
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangMercenary13626~298~1012~1411~1305~72~395Steel Sword
• The southern one and the mid-right one of the northwest five move towardsZephiel.
• The other four move to attack units in range.
Black FangArcher13225~287~97~96~804~61~375Steel Bow
• The southern one moves to attack units in range.
• The northern one moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMage13621~246~96~86~803~46~865Thunder
• The western two and eastern one move to attack units in range.
• The middle-northern two move towardsZephiel.
Black FangHero13134~4111~1514~1813~16011~145~8106Silver Sword
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangKnight13225~289~115~71~3011~132~3134Steel LanceDoor KeyThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
• The western one moves to attack units in range, or to unlock the door to the western treasure room if no enemies are in range. If he unlocks the door, his Steel Lance becomes droppable.
• The eastern one moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangFighter13228~3210~135~77~903~51~3115Steel Axe
• The western one moves towardsZephiel.
• The eastern one moves to attack units in range.
Black FangHero13134~4111~1514~1813~16011~145~8106Silver SwordLockpickThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangFighter13128~3210~135~77~903~51~3115SwordslayerDoor Key
Moves to attack units in range; moves to open a door until all doors are opened or theDoor Key is no longer in his inventory.
Black FangMonk13123~254~64~65~701~39~1165Shine
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangBishop6125~297~106~95~903~512~1676ShinePhysicElysian WhipThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangThief13121~233~45~813~1502~32~366Iron SwordLockpick
Ignores combat; moves to openchests and doors, then moves to escape to the stairs once all chests and doors are opened or after his inventory is filled.
Reinforcements
NameClassLv#HPStr/MagMagSkillSpdLckPrfWlvDefResChaLckConMovInventory and Skills
Black FangMage13621~246~96~86~803~46~865Thunder
• The one from the southeast moves to attack units in range.
• The ones from the southwest move towardsZephiel.
Black FangShaman13721~237~94~65~703~47~975Flux
• The one from the southeast moves to attack units in range.
• The ones from the stairs and the southwest move towardsZephiel.
Black FangThief13121~233~45~813~1502~32~366Iron SwordLockpick
Ignores combat; moves to openchests and doors, then moves to escape to the stairs once all chests and doors are opened or after his inventory is filled.
Black FangFighter13128~3210~135~77~903~51~3115Steel Axe
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMonk13123~254~64~65~701~39~1165Shine
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangHero6130~359~1212~1511~1509~133~7106Steel Sword
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMercenary13126~298~1012~1411~1305~72~395Steel Sword
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangKnight13125~289~115~71~3011~132~3134Steel Lance
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangGeneral5128~3311~145~83~6014~184~8155Steel Lance
Moves towardsZephiel.
Enemy Units
NameClassLv#HPStr/MagMagSkillSpdLckPrfWlvDefResChaLckConMovInventory and Skills
UrsulaValkyrie1513618192212122878BoltingElfire
Does not move
MaximePaladin61401412135915118Silver Lance
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangFighter13128~3210~135~77~903~51~3115SwordslayerDoor Key
Moves to attack units in range; moves to open a door until theDoor Key is no longer in his inventory.
Black FangFighter13328~3210~135~77~903~51~3115Steel Axe
• The eastern two move to attack units in range.
• The western one moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMage13821~246~96~86~803~46~865Thunder
• The easternmost one and westernmost two move to attack units in range.
• The middle four move towardsZephiel.
Black FangBishop6129~3410~149~127~1104~615~2076ShinePhysic
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangMonk13123~254~64~65~701~39~1165Shine
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangShaman13123~254~64~65~701~39~1165Flux
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangKnight13225~289~115~71~3011~132~3134Steel LanceDoor Key
• The western one moves to attack units in range, and moves to open a door until all doors are opened or theDoor Key is no longer in his inventory.
• The eastern one moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangKnight13225~289~115~71~3011~132~3134Steel Lance
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangArcher13225~287~97~96~804~61~375Steel Bow
• The northern one moves towardsZephiel.
• The southern one moves to attack units in range.
Black FangHero13241~5013~1816~2115~18013~167~10106Silver Sword
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangMercenary13626~298~1012~1411~1305~72~395Steel Sword
• The southern one and the mid-right one of the northwest five move towardsZephiel.
• The other four move to attack units in range.
Black FangThief13221~233~45~813~1502~32~366Iron SwordLockpick
Ignores combat; moves to openchests and doors, then moves to escape to the stairs once all chests and doors are opened or after his inventory is filled.
Black FangFighter13128~3210~135~77~903~51~3115Hammer
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangDruid8128~3318~238~139~1205~813~1786LunaEarth Seal
• Not present duringpreparations.
• Does not move.
Reinforcements
NameClassLv#HPStr/MagMagSkillSpdLckPrfWlvDefResChaLckConMovInventory and Skills
Black FangThief13221~233~45~813~1502~32~366Iron SwordLockpick
Ignores combat; moves to openchests and doors, then moves to escape to the stairs once all chests and doors are opened or after his inventory is filled.
Black FangFighter13228~3210~135~77~903~51~3115Steel Axe
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangShaman13921~237~94~65~703~47~975Flux
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMonk13223~254~64~65~701~39~1165Shine
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMage13721~246~96~86~803~46~865Thunder
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangHero6237~4411~1514~1813~17011~155~9106Steel Sword
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMercenary13226~298~1012~1411~1305~72~395Steel Sword
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangKnight13225~289~115~71~3011~132~3134Steel Lance
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangGeneral5235~4213~177~104~7016~207~11155Steel Lance
Moves towardsZephiel.
Enemy Units
NameClassLv#HPStr/MagMagSkillSpdLckPrfWlvDefResChaLckConMovInventory and Skills
UrsulaValkyrie1513618192212122878BoltingElfire
Does not move
MaximePaladin61401412135915118Silver Lance
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangBishop6125~297~106~95~903~512~1676ShinePhysicElysian WhipThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Moves to attack units in range; begins moving unprovoked on turn 9.
Black FangMage13121~246~96~86~803~46~865ThunderDoor KeyThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangFighter13128~3210~135~77~903~51~3115SwordslayerDoor KeyThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
--
Black FangHero13134~4111~1514~1813~16011~145~8106Silver SwordLockpickThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Moves to attack units in range; beings moving unprovoked on turn 3.
Black FangMonk15124~264~65~75~801~39~1265Shine
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMage13521~246~96~86~803~46~865Thunder
• The left southern one moves to attack units in range.
• The mid-northern two move to attack units in range; begin moving unprovoked on turn 9.
• The right southern one moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangKnight13325~289~115~71~3011~132~3134Steel Lance
Moves to attack units in range; the northern one begins moving unprovoked on turn 9.
Black FangArcher13225~287~97~96~804~61~375Steel Bow
• The southern one moves towardZephiel.
• The northern one moves to attack units in range; begins moving unprovoked on turn 9.
Black FangMercenary13426~298~1012~1411~1305~72~395Steel Sword
• The southeastern one moves towardsZephiel.
• The northern one moves to attack units in range; begins moving unprovoked on turn 9.
• The southwest two move to attack units in range; begin moving unprovoked on turn 3.
Black FangMercenary15427~318~1112~1511~1406~72~495Steel Sword
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangFighter13428~3210~135~77~903~51~3115Swordreaver
• The northernmost one moves towardsZephiel.
• The middle two move to attack units in range.
Black FangFighter13228~3210~135~77~903~51~3115Swordslayer
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangFighter10126~299~114~66~803~41~2115Iron Axe
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangFighter13128~3210~135~77~903~51~3115Hammer
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangFighter13128~3210~135~77~903~51~3115Steel Axe
Moves to attack units in range; begins moving unprovoked on turn 9.
Reinforcements
NameClassLv#HPStr/MagMagSkillSpdLckPrfWlvDefResChaLckConMovInventory and Skills
Black FangThief13321~233~45~813~1502~32~366Iron SwordLockpick
Ignores combat; moves to openchests and doors, then moves to escape to the stairs once all chests and doors are opened or after his inventory is filled.
Black FangArcher13225~287~97~96~804~61~375Steel Bow
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangSniper5228~3110~139~126~906~83~686Steel Bow
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMage13621~246~96~86~803~46~865Thunder
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangShaman13721~237~94~65~703~47~975Flux
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMonk13123~254~64~65~701~39~1165Shine
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangHero6130~359~1212~1511~1509~133~7106Steel Sword
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMercenary13126~298~1012~1411~1305~72~395Steel Sword
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangKnight13125~289~115~71~3011~132~3134Steel Lance
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangGeneral5128~3311~145~83~6014~184~8155Steel Lance
Moves towardsZephiel.
Enemy Units
NameClassLv#HPStr/MagMagSkillSpdLckPrfWlvDefResChaLckConMovInventory and Skills
UrsulaValkyrie15137~3919~2020~2123~251212~132878BoltingElfire
Does not move until turn 13, when she begins moving unprovoked.
MaximePaladin6157~6320~2418~2316~19511~1418~24118Silver Lance
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangFighter13831~3712~176~98~1103~61~4115Swordreaver
The three just south ofZephiel's room and the two one row aboveMaxime's starting location move to attack units in range.
Black FangFighter13231~3712~176~98~1103~61~4115Steel Axe
• The northeast one moves to attack units in range; begins moving unprovoked on turn 9.
• The southwest one moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMage13623~288~137~117~1003~57~1065Thunder
• The left southern one moves to attack units in range.
• The mid-northern two move to attack units in range; begin moving unprovoked on turn 9.
• The right southern one and northwest one move towardsZephiel.
Black FangBishop6130~3711~1610~147~1304~716~2376ShinePhysic
Moves to attack units in range; begins moving unprovoked on turn 9.
Black FangMonk15126~295~86~96~1001~410~1565Shine
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangFighter10129~3411~155~87~1003~51~3115Iron Axe
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangKnight13328~3310~146~91~4012~152~5134Steel Lance
Moves to attack units in range; the northern one begins moving unprovoked on turn 9.
Black FangArcher13228~328~118~127~1004~71~475Steel Bow
• The southern one moves towardZephiel.
• The northern one moves to attack units in range; begins moving unprovoked on turn 9.
Black FangHero13144~5514~2017~2315~20013~187~12106Silver Sword
Moves to attack units in range; beings moving unprovoked on turn 3.
Black FangMercenary13329~349~1313~1712~1505~92~595Steel Sword
• The northern one moves to attack units in range; begins moving unprovoked on turn 9.
• The southwest two move to attack units in range; begin moving unprovoked on turn 3.
Black FangFighter13131~3712~176~98~1103~61~4115Iron Axe
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangFighter13131~3712~176~98~1103~61~4115Hammer
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangFighter13131~3712~176~98~1103~61~4115Swordslayer
Moves to attack units in range.
Black FangMercenary15430~369~1413~1812~1606~92~695Steel Sword
Moves to attack units in range; begins moving unprovoked on turn 13.
Black FangFighter13131~3712~176~98~1103~61~4115SwordslayerDoor KeyThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
--
Black FangDruid8129~3620~279~1510~1405~914~1986LunaEarth Seal
• Not present duringpreparations.
• Does not move.
Reinforcements
NameClassLv#HPStr/MagMagSkillSpdLckPrfWlvDefResChaLckConMovInventory and Skills
Black FangThief13423~263~56~1114~1802~42~566Iron SwordLockpick
Ignores combat; moves to openchests and doors, then moves to escape to the stairs once all chests and doors are opened or after his inventory is filled.
Black FangArcher13228~328~118~127~1004~71~475Steel Bow
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangSniper5235~4213~1812~178~1307~115~1086Steel Bow
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMage13823~288~137~117~1003~57~1065Thunder
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangShaman131023~269~125~86~903~58~1175Flux
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMonk13225~285~85~86~901~410~1465Shine
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangHero6240~4912~1715~2013~19011~175~11106Steel Sword
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangMercenary13229~349~1313~1712~1505~92~595Steel Sword
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangKnight13228~3310~146~91~4012~152~5134Steel Lance
Moves towardsZephiel.
Black FangGeneral5238~4714~197~124~8017~228~13155Steel Lance
Moves towardsZephiel.

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Reinforcements

All reinforcements are halted whenUrsula is defeated.

Eliwood's tale
  • Turn 2 (Normal Mode only)
    • 1Mage and 1Shaman from the southeast edge of the map
  • Turns 2(Hard Mode) and 3
  • Turns 5, 8(Hard Mode), 9, and 11(Hard Mode)/12(Normal Mode) – 14
    • 1Mage from the southwest corner of the map
    • 1Shaman from the stairs
  • Turns 4(Hard Mode) and 5
    • 1Shaman, and 1Monk from the southwest edge of the map
  • Turns 5(Hard Mode) and 6
  • Turns 7(Hard Mode) and 8
Hector's tale
  • Turns 2 – 4(Normal Mode)/5(Hard Mode)
  • Turns 4 and 7
  • Turns 5, 7, 8(Hard Mode), 9, and 11(Hard Mode)/12(Normal Mode) – 14
    • 1Mage from the southwest corner of the map
    • 1Shaman from the stairs
  • Turns 4(Hard Mode) and 5
    • 1Shaman, and 1Monk from the southwest corner of the map
  • Turns 5(Hard Mode) and 6
  • Turns 7(Hard Mode) and 8
    • 1Knight from the southern edge of the map
    • 1General from the southwest corner of the map

NPC data

NPC Units
NameClassLv#HPStr/MagMagSkillSpdLckPrfWlvDefResChaLckConMovInventory and Skills
ZephielPrince11120778581375Silver SwordElixir
Moves to the pillar two spaces to the left on turn 1. Does not act otherwise, except to heal.
NinoMage51197811104735ElfireElixir
Does not act, except to heal.
JaffarAssassin1313419252410151186Killing EdgeElixir
Moves to attack units in range until his weapon breaks. Does not act except to heal after his weapon breaks.

Boss data

Stats with two figures separated by a ~ are presented as a range, representing stats that vary due to random growths. The figures to the left and right of the ~ are the stat's minimum and maximum possible values respectively.
Main article:Ursula

Normal/Eliwood HardHector Hard

Valkyrie
Level15
Affinity--
Stats
Max HP37~39Luck12
Magic19~20Defense12~13
Skill20~21Resistance28
Speed23~25Constitution7
Movement8Aid13
Inventory
Bolting
Elfire
Weapon Levels
Swords--Lances--Axes--Bows--
Anima magicALight magic--Dark magic--StavesB

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Main article:Maxime

Normal/Eliwood HardHector Hard

Paladin
Level6
Affinity--
Stats
Max HP57~63Luck5
Strength20~24Defense11~14
Skill18~23Resistance18~24
Speed16~19Constitution11
Movement8Aid14
Inventory
Silver Lance
Weapon Levels
SwordsDLancesAAxesEBows--
Anima magic--Light magic--Dark magic--Staves--

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Strategy

Nils's Augury

Price:Free
Intro:I see... shades of the battle yet to come...
Augury:A moment, please... ... ... ... You want to aid the Prince of Bern? He has a protector... but you must hurry. Time is short. I see someone... a girl... wielding magic? She's not evil... Speak to her, and she may become an ally.

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There are numerous methods for completing this chapter, all of which depend on multiple moving factors--including which units you've trained, whether or not you care about the side quest/recruitingNino, and what level of risk you're willing to engage in. This is Fire Emblem at its best.

Some helpful strategies in all cases:

If you can, bring both of your thieves equipped with atorch and alockpick each. Send one down one side, and one down the other, using their torch on the first turn. Sight is the most challenging factor of this level, and they will ease this challenge greatly--not to mention ensuring that this way there is athief ready to get to both sets of chests without being cramped for time. Atorch (staff) or two won't go amiss either.

Nino can survive on her own for a few turns, but not forever. Her AI also tends to run around unpredictably whenever she tries to use herElixir, and sometimes this causes her to walk intoUrsula'sBolting range and die before you could possibly reach her. Bring high-mobility units to reach her as soon as possible, so as to minimize this risk.

Jaffar has the potential to be incredibly annoying in this chapter. Strong though he is, he consistently makes decisions that put him in mortal peril. To save him and achieve the side quest, a strong high movement unit must rescue him soon and continue on into Zephiel's room where they together can defend at a more reasonable pace while the rest of your party catches up. No matter how you achieve Jaffar's rescue, it will be risky and may depend heavily on luck. So don't be alarmed if you need to restart and regroup a few times.

If playing Hector mode, bewareMaxime. While on Hector Normal, Maxime is only really a threat if he can pick off a wounded unit, the same cannot be said about Hector Hard Maxime. Due to a programming oversight, HHM Maxime received a massive amount of additional autolevels, and as such he is by far and away the most powerful unit on the map, and even more dangerous than Ursula herself. It is highly recommended to avoid him if at all possible, as he will not move until you are in his range. If you still intend to fight him, you will likely need multiple good physical attackers in the area before even baiting him out, as his durability is immense. As much as 16 AS may be required to avoid being doubled by Maxime (19 in the Japanese version), far higher than what most units want for the rest of the game; as such, it's best to use fast units likeIsadora,Harken or evenLancereaverKarel to lure him out. Once he is lured out, your only option is to dogpile him with your every soldier, as Maxime will likely kill someone if left unchecked for another turn.

Ursula has a Bolting tome, which she can use to hit you from the fog of war. On Eliwood mode she's in the bottom left of the map, while on Hector mode she's in the bottom right. In both cases, as soon as your units enter her range, it's imperative to rush her down before her Bolting breaks. Bolting cuts Ursula's AS by an additional 10 points compared toElfire, and as such, makes her much easier to kill through her already high Speed. On Eliwood mode, this requires that you kill Maxime on the way to Ursula, while on Hector mode, Ursula is instead protected by 4 Mercenaries. As with Maxime, use physical damage to kill Ursula as her Resistance is capped.

One significant strategy, assuming you have the training and resources, is to sendCanas first, equipped withNosferatu, down the right to bolster Nino. He will be able to soak up Ursula's bolting without too much issue. This also gets Nino and Canas' support going as soon as you get her, which can make her easier to train if you wish.

Overall, if you have the advantage of having trained your high movement characters and have the capability to give them extra resistance using Pure Waters andBarrier staves, you will have a much more pleasant time. If you have stuck with the infantry, however, this will be a challenge and no mistake. The best advice is to have fun with it! Restarting the chapter is the name of the game with a level like this. Enjoy the process as you discover the tricks this chapter has up its sleeve.

Trivia

  • In both routes, this chapter is the last to feature Fog of War.

Etymology and other languages

Names, etymology, and in other regions
LanguageNameDefinition, etymology, and notes
English

Battle before Dawn

--

Japanese

夜明け前の攻防

Battle before Dawn

French

Attaque furtive

Sneak Attack

German

Kampf i. d. Dämmerung

Battle at Dawn

Italian

Lotta prima dell'alba

Fight before dawn

Gallery


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References

← Pale Flower of Darkness (Kenneth) •
← Pale Flower of Darkness (Jerme) •
Battle before Dawn• Cog of Destiny →
• Night of Farewells(side quest) →
Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
Playable charactersAthosBartreCanasDartDorcasEliwoodErkFarinaFioraFlorinaGeitzGuyHarkenHawkeyeHeathHectorIsadoraJaffarKarelKarlaKentLegaultLouiseLowenLuciusLynMarcusMatthewMerlinusNilsNinianNinoOswinPentPriscillaRathRavenRebeccaRenaultSainSerraVaidaWallaceWil
Non-playable charactersBramimondDesmondElbertEleanoraEphidelFaeFargusGuinivereHannahHausenHelleneHelmanIgorJahnJakeJanKishunaLeilaLilinaMarkMurdockNatalieReissmannRoySophiaUtherZephiel
BossesAionBattaBaukerBernardBeyardBoiesBoolBrendanBugCameronCarjigaDamianDarinDenningDragonEaglerErikEubansFargusGeorgGlassGroznyiHeintzJasmineJermeKaimKennethKishunaLimstellaLinusLloydLundgrenMaximeMigalNergalOlegPascalPaulPuzonSealenSoniaTeodorUhaiUrsulaVaidaWireYogiZaganZoldamZugu
Background charactersAenirAeshaAthosBariganBramimondDayanDurbanElimineGeeseHanonHartmutHassarHughIgreneKellesMadelynNiimeRoland
Legendary andpersonal weaponsArmadsAureolaBasilikosDurandalEreshkigalExcaliburForblazeGespenstLuceMani KattiRapierRegal BladeRex HastaRienflecheSol KattiWolf Beil
ChaptersLyn's TaleP:A Girl from the Plains • 1:Footsteps of Fate • 2:Sword of Spirits • 3:Band of Mercenaries • 4:In Occupation's Shadow • 5:Beyond the Borders • 6:Blood of Pride • 7:Siblings Abroad • 7x:The Black Shadow • 8:Vortex of Strategy • 9:A Grim Reunion • 10:The Distant Plains
Eliwood's Tale11:Taking Leave • 12:Birds of a Feather • 13:In Search of Truth • 13x:The Peddler Merlinus • 14:False Friends • 15:Noble Lady of Caelin • 16:Whereabouts Unknown • 16x:The Port of Badon • 17:Pirate Ship • 18:The Dread Isle • 18x:Imprisoner of Magic • 19:Dragon's Gate • 20:New Resolve • 21:Kinship's Bond • 22:Living Legend • 22x:Genesis • 23: Four-Fanged Offense (Lloyd,Linus) • 24:Unfulfilled Heart • 25: Pale Flower of Darkness (Kenneth,Jerme) • 26:Battle before Dawn • 26x:Night of Farewells • 27:Cog of Destiny • 28:Valorous Roland • 29:Sands of Time • 29x:Battle Preparations • 30:Victory or DeathF: Light (part 1part 2)
Hector's Tale11:Another Journey • 12:Birds of a Feather • 13:In Search of Truth • 13x:The Peddler Merlinus • 14:False Friends • 15:Talons Alight • 16:Noble Lady of Caelin • 17:Whereabouts Unknown • 17x:The Port of Badon • 18:Pirate Ship • 19:The Dread Isle • 19x:Imprisoner of Magic • 19x pt 2:A Glimpse in Time • 20:Dragon's Gate • 21:New Resolve • 22:Kinship's Bond • 23:Living Legend • 23x:Genesis • 24: Four-Fanged Offense (Lloyd,Linus) • 25:Crazed Beast • 26:Unfulfilled Heart • 27: Pale Flower of Darkness (Kenneth,Jerme) • 28:Battle before Dawn • 28x:Night of Farewells • 29:Cog of Destiny • 30:The Berserker • 31:Sands of Time • 31x:Battle Preparations • 32:Victory or Death • 32x:The Value of LifeF: Light (part 1part 2)
LocationsElibeBern (Shrine of Seals) •EtruriaIliaLycia (AraphenCaelinCornwellKhatheletLausOstiaPheraeSantaruz) •Nabata Desert (Arcadia) •Sacae (Bulgar) •Valor (Dragon's Gate) •Western Isles
Groups, objects and conceptsBlack Fang (Four Fangs) •Elimine ChurchFire EmblemGenerals of EtruriaMorphsQuintessenceThe Scouring
ListsChaptersCharacters (Availability chart) •Classes (Class change) •Hidden treasureItemsScriptsSupportsWeapons
Related topicsList of version differencesMario Kart: Double Dash!! bonus discMinor charactersName chart • Other games (The Binding Blade) •Pre-release information (Pre-release build 0206Pre-release build 0219Unused content) •Sound RoomTimeline