Chapter 22: Emissary from Afar

Chapter 22: Emissary from Afar

Chapter 22, "Emissary from Afar," marks a pivotal moment in the campaign as the Shepherds receive a diplomatic envoy from the distant, isolationist nation of Flavia. This chapter introduces **Basilio**, a formidable warrior and the King of Flavia, who arrives seeking an alliance against the Risen and the growing threat of the Grimleal. The map itself is set in a serene yet strategically important location: the **Sacred Grove**, a place of spiritual significance to Flavia, which Basilio has opened to Chrom and his allies.

Chapter Overview

The primary objective of this chapter is to **defeat all enemy units**. However, the presence of Basilio, who acts as a temporary ally unit under your command for this map, significantly alters the tactical landscape. Basilio is a powerful warrior with high stats, capable of engaging multiple enemies. The map features a mix of terrain, including forests that offer defensive bonuses and open fields. The enemy composition includes several units, with a particular emphasis on those who can counter Basilio's strengths or exploit his weaknesses if not managed carefully.

Map Layout and Enemies

The Sacred Grove is a relatively open map with several patches of forest. The enemy forces are positioned to defend key areas and to intercept your advance. Expect to face:

• Fliers: Wyvern Riders and Griffon Knights are common, posing a threat to your mages and archers.
• Armored Knights: Their high defense makes them resilient, but vulnerable to effective damage from lances and magic.
• Mages: Nosferatu users can be dangerous due to their healing capabilities.
• Bow Users: Archers and Snipers can pick off weaker units from a distance.

The boss of this chapter is a **General**, a powerful armored unit with high HP and defense. He is typically located near the center or northern part of the map.

Basilio: The Emissary

Basilio is a unique ally unit for this chapter. He possesses:

• Class: Warrior
• Weapon Proficiency: Axes
• High Stats: Basilio boasts excellent Strength, Skill, and Defense, making him a potent offensive and defensive force.
• Personal Skill: Rally Strength - Grants +4 Strength to adjacent allies for one turn.

It is crucial to use Basilio effectively. He can often tank hits from multiple enemies and deal significant damage. However, he cannot be permanently recruited in this chapter; he is a temporary ally for the duration of the battle.

Walkthrough and Strategy

1. Initial Deployment: Deploy your strongest units, prioritizing those with good mobility and combat prowess. Units with high Resistance are also valuable against mages. Consider bringing units that can counter fliers, such as archers or mages with Wind magic.
2. Advance with Basilio: Immediately move Basilio forward. He can draw enemy aggro and begin thinning their ranks. Position your other units to support him, either by attacking enemies he engages or by clearing out threats that might target your weaker units.
3. Control the Forests: use the forest tiles for defensive bonuses. Units positioned in forests gain +20 Avoid and +10 Hit. This is especially useful for your less durable units.
4. Prioritize Threats: Identify and eliminate dangerous units quickly. Mages who can heal or deal heavy magic damage, and fliers that can bypass your front lines, should be dealt with before they become a major problem.
5. Boss Encounter: When you approach the General, be prepared for a tough fight. Use your strongest physical attackers and mages. Lances are effective against armored units. Consider using a Levin Sword or similar magic-infused weapon if available.
6. Protect Vulnerable Units: Ensure your healers and mages are protected. Keep them behind your front-line units or in defensive positions.
7. use Rally Skills: If Basilio is adjacent to units engaging enemies, his Rally Strength can provide a significant damage boost.

Item and Reward Information

• Victory Reward: 10,000 Gold
• Recruitments: Basilio is a temporary ally for this chapter.
• Potential Loot: Enemies may drop various items, including vulneraries, tomes, and sometimes valuable weapons. Keep an eye out for any dropped Levin Swords or potent axes.

Recommended Loadouts

• Physical Attackers: Units with high Strength and good weapon ranks (e.g., Chrom, Frederick, Cordelia) are excellent for taking down armored units and the boss.
• Magic Users: Mages with strong offensive spells (e.g., Lissa with Physic for healing, Miriel with Thunder or Wind magic) are crucial for dealing with fliers and softening up tough enemies.
• Support Units: Clerics and Troubadours for healing are essential.
• Pair-Up: use the Pair-Up mechanic to boost the stats of your frontline units and provide defensive support. A strong unit paired with a weaker one can make the latter much more survivable.

Common Pitfalls and Missables

• Overextending: Do not send individual units too far ahead without support, as they can be quickly overwhelmed by the enemy's numbers.
• Ignoring Basilio: While powerful, Basilio is not invincible. Ensure he is not left to fight alone against a large group of enemies without support.
• Underestimating the General: The boss is a formidable foe. Do not engage him with weak units or without a solid plan.
• Losing Units: While there are no permanent recruits to miss in this chapter, losing any of your core units can make the rest of the battle significantly harder.

Chapter 22 is a testament to the growing threat and the need for broader alliances. Successfully navigating the Sacred Grove and securing Basilio's support is a crucial step in preparing for the challenges ahead.