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Fire Emblem Engage Xenologue

The Emblem Bracelet of Firene: The Brash General

In the Xenologue, the Emblem Bracelet entrusted to Firene is Hector; The Brash General. It could be argued that Hector's experiences in Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade and Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade make him the perfect Emblem to represent the country. 

The first experience that connects Hector to the royalty of Firene; Alfred and Celine, is the death of a parent from illness. Hector's parents both died of disease and a similar fate struck his brother; Uther. Alfred and Celine's father died from illness as well. Hector shares the grief and experience of what it feels like to lose family to illness with the two royals.

Xenologue Firene’s citizens are known for being warmongering and quick to anger. In Xenologue Chapter 2: Seeds of Unrest, Alfred is seen being easily angered by his sister's suggestions about Nel and Nil turning people into the Corrupted. In response he threatens to set Alear free by killing them. At the start of his journey Hector let his emotions get the best of him such as when Leila is killed by the Black Fang, he goes to kill all of them because he doesn't know the individual responsible. He also lashed out at Oswin for keeping his brother's death a secret, despite the fact that he was under strict orders to do so. 

Xenologue Alfred and Hector both had strong bonds with the main protagonist of their respective worlds. Xenologue Alfred had a strong bond with Xenologue Alear. His dying words in Xenologue Chapter 6: Seven Bracelets, reveal his relief at being able to join his friend in a beautiful field of flowers. Hector had a strong bond with Eliwood, the pair became blood brothers by shaking cut hands. They constantly sparred together and Eliwood would often be the one to cool Hector's temper. 

The Bracelet of The Brash General: Hector is a defensive Emblem; anyone who wears the bracelet is given improved defence and resistance. A defensive Emblem might seem a strange pick for a warmongering country. His buffs to the defence and resistance allow the attacker to aggressively attack without the concern about being hurt. 

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Fire Emblem Engage Xenologue

Zelestia and Zephia - the influence of magical power

Zelestia and Zephia have different personalities due to the effect their power has had on their life. Zelestia was born a mage Dragon with modest power while Zephia was born a mage Dragon with immense power which she struggled to control. This resulted in Zephia killing her family when she was very young. In Chapter 24; Recollections, Zephia wonders what it was like to be loved by her parents. She killed them when she was very young so did not grow up nurtured by them. Zelestia did not suffer the same tragic fate as Zephia. She does not have the power to wipe out a settlement of mage dragons. This meant that she got to experience parental love before she escaped an attack by Xenologue Sombron. Zephia ended up serving Sombron while Zelestia ended up serving Lumera. The experience of their different parenting styles also shaped their personalities. As a father Sombron did not love his children, to him they were tools, a means to an end. He doesn't even remember the names of the majority of his children. In Chapter 24; Recollections, he remarks that his children owe him ‘their love, their lives, their absolute dedication.’ The children who disobeyed or failed him were punished in cruel ways such as: being fed to the Corrupted, burned alive and drowned. Sombron was Zephia's only role model on how to be a parent. On the other hand Zelestia had the love and affection of Xenologue Lumera and witnessed her nurture a child to adulthood. Lumera's love and kindness planted the seeds of Zelestia's love and kindness. 

Sombron disposes of those individuals who are of no use to him. Zephia was always under pressure to be successful in anything she did. This pressured environment is a contributing factor to Zephia's anger. The need to be successful is important because of a half promise by Sombron; she believes that he will consider giving her a child of her own once his ambitions are served. She is desperate for the unconditional love of a son or a daughter, failure takes her further away from her dream. Zelestia does not get angry or violent when she is upset, instead she is more likely to cry. She is seen crying over the death of the Divine Dragon of her world in Chapter 4; Seeds of Unrest and again in her support conversations with Mauvier and Nel. 

Zephia's cruelty and anger are not just a result of the death of her family and Sombron's influence and manipulation, it partly stems from her loneliness. She gives all her effort and affection to Sombron who only acknowledges her when he needs to. His interactions with her are cold and functional. The opportunity to get close to the rest of The Four Hounds and Lady Veyle could not be taken because of her lies, manipulation and indifference to them. She doesn't see the potential family because she is blinded by Sombron‘s half promise. Zephia has witnessed the death of most of Sombron's children and his mates. To protect her heart from sadness she does not get close to anybody because they might expire. Zelestia is not lonely because she is surrounded by The Four Winds along with Nel and Nil. Of course she is sad when her loved ones die but due to the togetherness of her found family she is able to mourn and then move on with them still in her heart. Xenologue Lumera, Xenologue Alear and Xenologue Mauvier all die but their deaths does not deter her from getting close to others because she knows the joy a true bond can bring. 

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Fire Emblem Engage Xenologue

Zelestia vs Zephia - Different Circumstances

There are several differences in the circumstances around Zelestia and Zephia:

Life with the Mage Dragons

 Zelestia got to experience the love of her parents before Sombron recruited or destroyed the Mage Dragons of her village. Zephia never got to experience the love of her parents, she barely remembers them because she was the one who killed them, by accident, with her power. 

Difference in Power

 Zephia is a mage dragon of great power. She is powerful enough to create time travel crystals. Zelestia does not have as much power. She has enough to protect her allies and be a reliable commander in the battlefield.

Different Founders of the Four/Hounds/Winds

 Zephia founded the Four Hounds and recruited the most devout worshippers of Sombron to awaken and serve him. Mauvier founded the Four Winds from survivors of the war and appointed Zelestia as leader. 

Sombron and Lumera

Zephia is loyal to Sombron partly due to the belief that he may give her a child of her own. She only shows affection for him. He only wants her because she is powerful. Zelestia was given Lumera's pact ring and they had a close relationship. Lumera did not want her for her power but for her heart. Zelestia shows affection to everyone. 

Punishment vs Kindness

Zephia is seen punishing Mauvier, Veyle and Marni when they fail or defy her. These punishments include powerful magic attacks, smacking and murder. Zelestia never punished any of the Four Winds. She tries to understand and explain different situations and offer comfort when needed. When Nel is frosty to Alear, she tries to explain the behaviour and defuse the situation. Marni cries when they speak of Xenologue Mauvier's death and Zelestia comforts her.

Mauvier's Death and The Death of The Three Hounds.

In the main story Mauvier is the only survivor of the Four Hounds. Zephia, Griss and Marni have been manipulated and used by Sombron and only realise the error of their ways when it is too late. In the Xenologue Mauvier dies so that the rest of The Four Winds can live. He sacrifices himself for the family he loves. Zelestia is one of the survivors and deeply mourns the loss of Xenologue Mauvier. When Marni dies in the main story, Griss and Zephia laugh at her demise. 

Griss and Gregory

Zephia appoints Griss as her second in demand. Gregory is appointed second in command by Mauvier just before he dies.

Lady Veyle

Zephia had to serve Lady Veyle because she was the child of the Fell Dragon Sombron. She was occupied by looking after, protecting, manipulating and serving a child she had no interest in bonding with. Zelestia never knew Xenologue Veyle because she died in the war. All her attention could be spent on getting to know her friends and allies. Zelestia's non biological ‘child‘ was Xenologue Alear who she raised together with Lumera and their allies. 

Alear

 Zelestia was an ally of the Divine Dragon from her world, helped to raise them and was devastated by their death. Zephia wanted to kill Alear because they stood in the way of Sombron's ambitions.

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Fire Emblem Engage Xenologue

The Similarities Between  Zelestia and Zephia

Zelestia and Zephia have a few similarities worth noting:

Mage Dragons

They are both mage dragons who were raised in a small settlement of their own kind in Elusia.

Wyverns

They both ride wyverns into battle and use magical tomes.

Leaders

 They are both the leaders of their respective quartets; The Four Winds and The Three Hounds. 

First encountered in Firene

 In the main story and the xenologue story, they are both encountered for the first time in Firene. They are both the first members of their respective quartets that are met by Alear. 

Family of Winds and Hounds

 They both think of their group as family. In the dynamic of their groups they both play the role as the mother.

Laughter

 They are both seen sharing laughter with other members of their group. Zelestia jokes about who plays which role in the Four Winds family and warmly teases Gregory in their support conversation. Zephia shares laughter over cruelty with Griss, such as when Marni is stabbed to death in Chapter 21;The Return. 

Servants to Fell Dragons

 Zelestia serves two Fell Dragons in Nel and Nil. When Nel tries to dismiss her from the role in their support conversations, she continues to serve. Zephia serves dragonic Veyle and Lord Sombron. The only times she shows disloyalty is when she realises she has been abandoned by Lord Sombron in Chapter 23; The Four Hounds. 

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Fire Emblem Engage Xenologue

Zelestia‘s name and outfit

Zelestia's name in Japanese is Seresuteia. I am going to cut up her name to derive the meaning behind it. The first part of her name is ‘Sere’ In Latin, ‘Sere’ comes from ‘serere’ which means to entwine, interlace or string together. As leader of The Four Winds she entwines the Winds together with Lord and Lady Nil and Nel. The last part of her name is ‘Teia’ In Latin ‘Teia’ means ‘wide-shining’ and in Greek Mythology is the child of Uranus and Gaia and one of the twelve Titans. She was the goddess of sight and vision. With her powers she could endow precious metals and gemstones with shine and brilliance. The middle section ‘Su’ which is a variant of ‘thou’ in Latin. Her name means that by intertwining with you she makes you shine. 

In Japanese ‘teia’ means to ‘make radiant‘.

Her name Seresuteia keeps with the visual/colour theme of the Four Hounds and The Four Winds. Zephia's name in Japanese is ‘sepia'. 

In the translation her name is Zelestia, which is a variant of ‘Celestia'. A Celestia is a flower, similar to the other characters' names from Elusia. Celestia also means ‘of the sky's or ‘heavenly’ in Latin.

The Outfit Changes

Zelestia loses the hint of purple in her body armour, instead it is charcoal black. This could be because the colour purple is associated with Elusia and the Fell Dragon. Her allegiance is with neither nor is she using the Elusian army. In the Xenologue Zelestia's loyalty is with the Divine Dragons (Xenologue Lumera and Xenologue Alear) as well as Nil and Nel who sought sanctuary there. In Buddhism black is believed to repel evil spirits as well as absorb light.

The colours of the feathers at the base of her hone change from blue to pink while the tassels and ribbon around them change from pink to yellow. The colour of the cape skirt changes from pink to yellow. Yellow is a positive colour associated with joy, energy and sunshine. Pink is seen as a feminine colour associated with love, nurturing and romance. In Buddhism yellow is the colour of renunciation and rootedness. It is believed that if you meditate on the colour yellow then you turn pride into wisdom and separate yourself from material desires. The Buddhist symbol of a lotus flower coloured pink symbolises an open heart. Zelestia is emotional, loving and tends to mother and cares for those around her. Her heart is open, so much so that it sits upon her sleeve. She has no desire to possess a family or a child, unlike Zephia, instead her family could be anyone. She has ascended beyond the material and has become love. The colour yellow is also associated with the earth whilst Zephia’s blue represents the sky and divinity, many Buddhist gods are depicted in blue, mainly angry and protector gods. In Christianity the colour yellow represents hope and light while pink represents love, compassion and beauty. 

The pose

Zephia's portrait pose has her arms crossed and head slightly down. The arms create a barrier to her heart, a defensive measure to stop anyone from getting close to her. She doesn't look people in the Eye because she has no interest in letting people look into her soul or communicating earnestly. A small smile and a narrow eye suggest she is lost in her thoughts. The whole pose is designed to be closed and unapproachable. Zelestia has no such barriers over her heart. Her pose is open and friendly. She tilts her head towards you with a toothy smile and an open eye to display her interest in you. 

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Fire Emblem Engage Xenologue

The other characters of Xenologue Firene

Jean

Xenologue Jean is not recruited when Nel, Nil, Alear and Zelestia finish collecting the Emblem Bracelet of Firene. There are not the resources to spend on detours nor is there the time to deviate from their goal. There is no way of knowing what Jean was like or how he met his end. Jean is given the opportunity to move on from his father's tutelage and grow as a young doctor by Alear in the main story. In Xenologue Firene, the ill tempered and warmongering atmosphere may have created a more rebellious Jean or a fighter instead of a healer. 

Boucheron

Boucheron is/was Alfred's retainer and friend in both universes. Xenologue Boucheron died defending his liege despite the fact he was confident of victory.

We learn that Xenologue Alfred cherished the memories of fighting alongside his retainer when Boucheron of the main story fights him.

 “I wanted to see you on the battlefield one more time.“

This is a contrast to the support conversations where Alfred joins Boucheron on his day. Alfred wants to relish moments fishing and just spending time with Boucheron, not fighting. This leads me to the conclusion that Boucheron spent more time training than reading and fishing. 

Etie

Etie is/was Alfred's retainer and friend in both universes. Xenologue Etie died in battle despite being confident of victory. 

We learn that Xenologue Alfred thought she was a noble and strong retainer. This hints at her being interested in body building in the Xenologue as well as the main story. Etie used to bring flowers to Firene Castle, in the Xenologue Alfred brings flowers to her grave instead. The flowers Wore brings in the main story are beautiful and bring great joy while Xenologue Alfred cannot even look at the ones he laid at Etie's grave. 

Etie and her Xenologue counterpart were both friends with Celine and both enjoyed drinking tea together. 

Louis

Louis was/is Celine's retainer, friend and brewer of fine teas in both universes. Xenologue Louis died in battle despite being confident of victory. 

We learn that Xenologue Louis, just like his counterpart, used to brew special teas for Celine and it brought her happiness to drink them. Xenologue Celine has been unable to drink the tea Xenologue Louis made for her since his death. This mirrors the support conversation between Celine and Louis where she cannot bring herself to drink the special tea made for her when she learns that he hurt himself collecting them. 

Chloe

Chloe was/is Celine's retainer and friend in both universes. Xenologue Chloe died on a reconnaissance mission. She never returned home.

Chloe may believe in fairytales but when she spoke to Xenologue Celine she did not weave a fairytale of hope that her counterpart was alive, instead she spoke of the reality of her likely death. 

Queen Eve

Queen Eve is dead leaving all the stress and pressure of ruling a country on her children. 

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🎀 ✨ 👑 ✨ 🌸

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Fire Emblem Engage Xenologue

Celine vs Xenologue Celine

The portrait

Celine's main story portrait is approachable and friendly. She wears a smile upon her face  which is tilted towards whoever is in front of her to show her interest and her eyes are wide, bright and fully open. A hand tests in a loose coil just above her head. The gesture is delicate and feminine. Her shoulders are relaxed with one arm rested by her side.

Xenologue Celine's portrait has a completely different air to her counterpart. There is no smile, an disinterested expression is engraved on her face. Her eyes are slits of suspicion rather than wide and bright and look away from whoever is in front of her. Her posture is tilted backwards and defensive rather than being open and approachable. In fact she looks a bit like a snob. The hand across her chest is held rigidly, like a barrier and a hand is placed upon her hip. 

Gentle flower vs Weed Cutter

Celine is gentle, kind and thoughtful. She listens to what people have to say and gives a carefully considered response. She would rather not be violent and is tormented by such duties but she will do anything to ensure Firene enjoys peace its people are accustomed to. This means that she worries that hardening her heart to perform such duties could leave her cold hearted, thankfully that never happens. The search for happiness is something that concerns her, she is worried that if she finds true happiness once that she will never find it again. Her worries weigh down on her, she worries about her heart, her duties as a princess and her brother. In certain circumstances she displays caution, especially when Fogado invites her to tea. 

Xenologue Celine does not share the concern about how gardening her heart could lead to a cold heart. She relishes violence and finds happiness in it. Just like Celine she will do anything for her country, that includes blackmailing her brother and attacking former allies, they are things her counterpart would never do. The kindness shown by Celine is gone in her counterpart, instead she is cruel, manipulative and easily agitated. In her pursuits she displays little caution. Rather than scolding her brother for barbarian behaviour, she encouraged his violence. 

Polite vs Rude

Celine always maintains a standard of etiquette no matter who she deals with. She scolds her brother for his casual demeanour, especially around the Divine Dragon and for his barbarian mindset that means he digs  instead of finding less physical solutions. 

Xenologue Celine is rude and paranoid, she throws insults and delusions at Nel and her companions. 

Similarities

Celine and her counterpart share a few similarities:

They both enjoy tea.

They would do anything for their country.

They both cared for their retainers.

Happiness

Both Celine and her counterpart seem to have difficulty finding true happiness. Celine does not consider happiness a life goal but due to the stresses of war, her father's death, Alfred's illness and her duties as a princess she finds it hard to be continually happy. Xenologue Celine promises her mother that she was happy in her death quote in Chapter 6: Seven Bracelets. The death of her mother and her retainers, Alfred's indecision and Firene's lack of fertility seem to be a burden that makes it difficult to be happy. 

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Fire Emblem Engage Xenologue

Xenologue Alfred vs Alfred

The portrait

Alfred stands at ⅔ angle with one hand rested upon his hip and the other one rested by his side. He is looking to the side and wears a smile. This pose is meant to show that he is a happy, relaxed and confident prince who greets everyone with a smile. There is no barrier of arms across his chest so he is open and easy to approach, and many do go to him with their concerns such as Diamant and Veyle. 

Xenologue Alfred does not have the open and friendly pose of his counterpart, instead he is closed and aggressive. He does not look at you with a smile, rather he has his head lowered as he peers up at you. The smile and open body is replaced with a clenched fist, straighter lips and his body turned away. 

The Floral Protector vs The Prince of Strewn Flowers.

Alfred‘s unofficial title of ‘The Floral Protector’ demonstrates his peaceful nature. He doesn't start wars or go on the offensive; instead he seeks aid when Firene is attacked or defends the peace his country enjoys. Xenologue Alfred has an aggressive sounding name; The Prince of Strewn Flowers, which was given to him because of his violent nature on and off the battlefield.

Celine, in their support conversations, refers to Alfred as a ‘barbarian‘ when he digs rather than considering solutions that are less physical. He isn't really a barbarian, just a little bit more casual than expected of royalty. Xenologue Alfred actually has the violent  qualities associated with a barbarian.

Easygoing vs Stressed

Alfred is an easygoing, positive thinking and happy prince. He tries to see the best in people and keep the mood light and joyful. When he gets stressed he goes for a run so he doesn't burden anyone with negative vibes. He only gets angry in extraordinary circumstances and even then he doesn't let it consume him. When he falls into despair it is because of the suffering of innocent people. His trusting nature, his positive light and his small frame are not really built for war. He can actually be rather sage and thoughtful when he needs to get into heavier conversations and listens well to others. 

Xenologue Alfred is easily agitated and upset. This makes him easy to manipulate. Celine manages to manipulate him to declare war on Brodia by saying that she would go alone and she manages to convince him that Nel had turned the Divine Dragon into the Corrupted. Being King of a country where the lack of fertility is causing starvation and the death of Xenologue Alear has taken its toll. He is burdened by stress and this stress causes him to be unable to think straight. His delusions caused him to confuse Alear for Xenologue Alear several times despite being told otherwise. Alfred listens and gives his opinion whereas Xenologue Alfred doesn't truly listen and jumps to conclusions. Stress, agitation and delusion means that he is paranoid and unable to trust anyone but his sister. He doesn't run when dismayed, instead he turns violent. 

Love

There are five very important similarities between the two Alfreds. 

They both are very pious and love the Divine Dragon. 

They both love flowers

They both want to protect their family

They both do not want to be alone.five

They both are unable to gain body mass.

Despite his violent nature; Xenologue Alfred still appreciates beauty, is still close to his family, is sociable and is a valuable friend and ally of the Divine Dragon, just like his counterpart. He doesn't want to go to war with his old allies; Brodia, he still longs for the days when they all travelled and fought together with their Divine Dragon. 

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The Five Man Band is among one my favorite tropes in media. Why? IDK why, it just is. I used to be a Power Rangers fan, five is usually among the highest these teams get to. In which case it becomes a Three plus two scenario where a Power Trio becomes a Five Man Band (Ninja Storm, Dino Thunder, and Jungle Fury come to mind).

I bring up this trope to talk about Fire Emblem Engage specifically, Alear, and the Four Primary Royals fit this trope. And it’s not just in team composition, IMO, the Emblems they are best known for (specifically in the Prologue cutscene) best give idea on why they fit the role in the team.

Alear the The Hero/Leader of the team; because obviously they are the Fire Emblem Lord, they are the Divine Dragon: the only one who can summon the Emblems who can save the world from the Fell Dragon. And just like any other Fire Emblem Lord in the franchise, if they are defeated, it’s a game over. Pretty typical Fire Emblem knowledge.

Alear’s most common Emblem is Marth. Marth is the first ever Fire Emblem Lord in the franchise, the idealistic leader that his loved ones trust and follows. Marth is the first of many sword wielding heroes in the franchise. Swords are a very common weapon type for heroes (Micaiah is the only Emblem in the main game that canonically never uses swords).

Alfred is the Lancer. Who usually acts a foil to the Hero/Leader, usually is their first/best friend/companion, and/or is the first to question any decision the leader/hero makes. Not every character of the archetype has to be a rival or a jerk (or in most cases both), Alfred is one of those examples. Alfred is the first Royal to join. Firene has the closest ties with Lumera, and Alfred appears in more cutscenes than any other Royal in the game. (Double points for having Lances as his primary weapon type).

The Emblem he uses in the Prologue is Lucina. Lucina is the not the central protagonist of Awakening, Chrom is. Even still, Lucina is a character who acts as an emotional foil to Chrom. More importantly, Lucina is the descendant of Marth, who happens to be Alear’s most associated Emblem.

Diamant is the big guy/muscle of Alear’s team. Brodia is the Kingdom of Might after all. Diamant is the most physically imposing with his main stats being his HP, Strength and Defense. Diamant is also the tallest and oldest member of the team (age being 25, Alfred is 21, Ivy is 20, Timerra is 18 and Alear is physically 17).

Diamant’s national Emblem is Roy, who gives Sword Power as an inheritance skill that allows Diamant to hit harder with a sword, but at the cost of avoid. Rise Above (Emblem Roy’s Engage skill) increases his level and stats along with them. Ironically, Roy was 15 years old in his games, Diamant is the oldest Royal, yet Roy is one of the younger FE lords next to Leif.

Next is Ivy, befitting of Elusia’s title of the Kingdom of Knowledge, she is the smart girl. Ivy has gone to school and was at the top of her class. (Studying is also one of her hobbies and likes items regarding them) Ivy is the most level headed of the Royals. Ivy is the only member of this main team that uses magic, and her ability to fly and heal is invaluable in a Fire Emblem game.

Ivy is associated with two Emblems rather than one. Lyn (the Emblem entrusted to Elusia) has the ability to summon doubles that can be used to distract the enemy. While Leif is an Emblem that switches between your current weapons it best suit the situation (often for the worst, unfortunately). It’s also worth noting that Soren is the DLC Emblem entrusted to Alt. Elusia. Soren is the Tactician of the Greil Mercenaries.

Finally, Timerra acts the emotional core to the team as the heart. Despite being far more politically savvy than what her peppy personality might suggest, she still is a genuine mood-maker in her supports where she attempts to get Ivy to open up and give perspective to Diamant on their ways of leading their countries. Her Queendom represents Freedom and is a very accepting person.

Her Emblem is Ike, and even if people mainly see him as a snarky guy, Ike is a very compassionate person. I mean, Ike would have to be a nice guy if he is the only person Soren is unfailingly kind to and is devoted to above everyone else. Ike’s Resolve (pun intended) is the thing that keeps the Greil Mercenaries from falling apart after his father’s death. Gameplay wise, Timerra with Ike act as a Critical Hit fighter with Wrath and Sandstorm. It takes a lot of effort and a bit of luck to make the most of her.

And finally, Veyle rounds out the team as the Sixth Ranger (doubles as 11th Hour Ranger, she is the last recruit in the main game). Sixth Rangers often comes joining in the team after a rivalry dispute and or brainwashing (Tommy Oliver (trope namer) and Zuko from Avatar comes to mind), Veyle is no exception. Veyle is the only other Non DLC Dragon units in the game. Most Sixth Rangers often (like the Red Ranger) have a power no other Ranger does.

Veyle doesn’t have a designated Emblem outside of Marth (who her evil self used, and she has boss dialogue with Emblem Marth in his Paralogue), but I consider Emblem Alear to be the closest thing Veyle will get to a designated Emblem. Her evil self also wears Alear’s Ring in the bad ending.

The major difference between Alear’s team, and the Four Hounds led by EVeyle is that the Hounds were already formed long before the story began. Alear and the Four Royals don’t officially form until more than halfway through Engage’s main story chapters. And yet these guys became a real team where the Hounds failed.

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Fire Emblem Engage Xenologue

Similarities and differences in Xenologue Firene

The Role of Zelestia and Zephia

In the main game's story Zephia is introduced to the protagonist when she invades Firene Castle with some soldiers to steal the Emblem Ring from Queen Eve. She is the first member of The Four Hounds that is introduced and is shown to have great power when she kills Nelucce in Chapter 5: Retaking the Castle. Zelestia is introduced in Xenologue Chapter 2: Seeds of Unrest, like Zephia, she is the first of her quartet to be introduced. Compared to Zephia she greets Alear with great affection and joy. She even runs over to the protagonist in excitement. She mistakes Alear for the Divine Dragon of their universe and is shown to be very emotional when she remembers the death of Xenologue Alear. Zephia greets Alear with hostility and surprise. She fails to recognise Alear as the Divine Dragon or the child of Sombron. All of her emotions are kept under control, even when she kills Nelucce for his failure. 

Alfred is not your guide. 

In Chapter 4: A Land in Bloom, Alfred is Alear's friendly guide, the one who introduces Firene and the rest of Elyso to them. He visited Lythos often and was there to help Alear defeat the Ring Vault from an attack by Elusian soldiers. Xenologue Alfred and his sister Xenologue Celine have failed to visit Lythos since the Divine Dragon died. Xenologue Firene is a land struggling with feeding their people, instead of asking for assistance in Lythos, war is considered whereas in the main story Alfred is sent by his mother to request and from Lythos. 

The honest, spirited, open minded and open hearted Alfred that welcomes Alear to Firene in Chapter 4: A Land in Bloom is replaced in the Xenologue by Nil. A genuine personality is replaced by a pretender. 

A land of plenty and a land of red

In the main story Firene is a land of greenery, flowers, orchards and fertile fields. The ruler: Queen Ève, promoted peace and tolerance. The people have a reputation for being good natured and friendly. Philanthropy and piousness are also associated with the country. Xenologue Firene is almost the opposite of those traits. The Blue sky is replaced by a cloudy sky of red and the abundance and beauty of the land are replaced by red flowers.  In the introductory poem Zelestia describes Firene as a “savage garden of blood and steel”, the red of the land fits this description. It is as though the petals have been painted red with blood. The flower could be the poppy since they are one of the few flowers hardy enough to grow in a battlefield. The good natured and peaceful population are replaced with what Nil describes as “ill tempered” and “vengeful and quick to violence.” The royalty of Xenologue Firene stopped visiting Lythos when the Divine Dragon died because of their disdain for Fell Dragons. 

When Xenologue Alfred and Celine are introduced, Alfred is on the verge of declaring war, a striking contrast to the main story where Firene value peace. This creates an atmosphere of suspicion and hostility compared to the warmth and deference shown in the main story. 

Rings vs Bracelets

In Chapter 5: Retaking the Castle, Queen Eve gives the Emblem Ring of the Caring Princess, with “Love and Trust.” The Emblem Brash of the Brash General is reluctantly handed over after a battle. Xenologue Alfred and Celine are paranoid about invasion and believe that Firene would be vulnerable without it.

Do not accompany

Alfred, Celine and their retainers accompany Alear in their journey to collect the Emblem Rings in the main story. Alear has no authority in the Xenologue. When Alfred and Celine offer their aid, Alear is eager to accept until Nel rejects the offer. Nel then scolds Alear for their presumption. 

No authority 

Alear is accustomed to picking and choosing who comes with them. We witness them denying Vander's rejection about recruiting the merchants and blacksmiths to start trading in the Somniel. In the Xenologue Nel makes it perfectly clear that Alear is just help and has no right to make important decisions. 

No allies

In Firene, in their universe, Alear is given the time and opportunity to recruit people not connected to the military nor the royalty; Jean, Anna and Yunaka. This is because everyone in Xenologue Elyso is corrupted. There is no Jean, Anna nor Yunaka to recruit. The urgency and the directness of Nel's orders allow for little time to admire the scenery or make allies. The only addition to Nel's army is Zelestia, who they had arranged to meet. 

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I just believe they should dress in their sisters’ outfits too

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Shall we do some gardening?

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FE art scuffle attack for my bestie @/nikdoingart 🥰⚔️

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Birthday boi with his BF 🌸💙🌼❤️

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FE7 Rath

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wrong sommie NOOOOO