War of Shadows: Difference between revisions

|world=[[Archanea (continent)|Archanea]]

|date=Archanean years 600–605

|combally={{cl|{{Color2}}|Archanean League}}

|combenemy=• [[Dolhr]]<br>• [[Grust]]<br>• [[Macedon]]<br>• [[Gra]]<br>• [[Khadein]]

|bossally=• {{cl|{{Color2}}|Marth}}<br>• {{cl|{{Color2}}|Nyna}}

|bossenemy=• [[Medeus]]†<br>• [[Gharnef]]†<br>• [[Camus]]<br>• [[Michalis]]<br>• [[Jiol]]†

<!--|contemporary=-->

|appearances=*{{title|Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light}}

*{{title|Mystery of the Emblem}} Book I

*{{title|Archanea Saga}}

*{{title|Shadow Dragon}}

*{{title|New Mystery of the Emblem}} bonus content

The '''War of Shadows''' (Japanese: {{hl|暗黒戦争|Ankoku sensō}} ''War of Darkness'') was a war that lasted six years on the continent of [[Archanea (continent)|Archanea]] depicted by {{FE1}}, {{title|Mystery of the Emblem}} Book I, and {{title|Shadow Dragon}}, as well as {{FEBS}} and the [[New Archanea Saga]] bonus chapters of {{title|New Mystery of the Emblem}}.

The War of Shadows was a conflict instigated by the empire of [[Dolhr]] against most other nations on the continent of Archanea. Dolhr was lead by [[Medeus]], the last [[earth dragon]] revived by the sorcerer [[Gharnef]]; Dolhr allied itself with a number of the continent's strongest nations before launching its invasion of the country of [[Archanea (country)|Archanea]], eventually conquering most of the continent by Archanean year 604. Prince [[Marth]] of [[Altea]] fled when his country was conquered, and began a revolt against Dolhr in 604. Marth's army formed the [[Archanean League]] and liberated the nations conquered by Dolhr, defeated its allies, and reclaimed the [[Falchion (Archanea)|Falchion]] with which Marth then defeated Medeus, ending the war in the year 605.

Most nations were weakened by the War of Shadows. Archanea underwent a significant reconstruction effort, becoming the strongest country on the continent. Gharnef used the [[Darksphere]] to twist its emperor [[Hardin]] into a tyrant; Hardin then led Archanea to conquer the continent, starting the [[War of Heroes (Archanea)|War of Heroes]] over one year after the War of Shadows ended.

Note that this article adheres to canon as defined by ''Mystery of the Emblem'' Book II and its remake. In ''Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light'' and its remakes, some events—such as recruiting [[Tiki]] or creating [[Starlight]]—are not required in gameplay, but are implied or required to have occurred in ''Mystery of the Emblem''{{'}}s story; such events are noted as appropriate. Additionally, all playable characters in ''Shadow Dragon'' reappear in ''New Mystery of the Emblem'' and are presumed to have been recruited—including [[side quest]]-exclusive characters—and survived, with three exceptions: [[Arran]] and [[Samson]], where it is left ambiguous which character was recruited; and [[Nagi]], where it is implied she was not recruited.<ref>{{cite|'''Marth:''' You're...<br>'''Kris:''' Another ally from the previous war, sire?<br>'''Marth:''' No, I don't believe we've ever met. But, why...? I have the strangest feeling that I know her...|[[Marth]] and [[Kris]] in [[The Dragon Altar|Chapter&nbsp;22]]|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref>

Prior to the revival of [[Medeus]] and the start of the war, [[Gharnef]] studied alongside [[Miloah]] at [[Khadein]] under [[Gotoh]] for some time.<ref name="arlen"/> When Gotoh appointed Miloah as the next pontifex of Khadein, Gharnef, driven by jealousy, stole the [[Darksphere]] and fled the city.<ref name="arlen"/> Using the Darksphere's power, Gharnef created the tome [[Imhullu]], sealing his soul within the Darksphere in the process.<ref name="arlen">{{Cite|Gharnef, along with Pontifex Miloah, were Lord Gotoh's best pupils. But Lord Gotoh saw Gharnef's weakness, and so he left Khadein and the Aura tome to Pontifex Miloah. Gharnef, overcome by jealousy, stole the Darksphere from Lord Gotoh, and created the Imhullu tome. As a result... His heart was trapped within the Darksphere for all eternity.|[[Wendell]] to [[Arlen]] in [[Two Sorcerers|Chapter&nbsp;10]]|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref>

In the year 597, Gharnef revived Medeus, who reestablished the empire of [[Dolhr]] and began amassing an army.<ref>{{Cite|597: The Earth Dragon Medeus is resurrected in the region of Dolhr. He begins to gather the Manaketes once again.|Perfect ending timeline|Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|However, after a century's passing, the Shadow Dragon returned. He forged an alliance with a fiendish sorcerer who sought to rule the world, and their combined might toppled kingdom upon unsuspecting kingdom.|Opening narration of a new save file|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> Soon after, Gharnef killed Miloah in battle and seized control of Khadein, appointing himself its new pontifex.<ref name="Linde">{{Cite|'''Marth:''' I read Miloah died in a battle with Gharnef, soon after the fiend sold his soul to Dolhr...<br>'''Nyna:''' Alas, Miloah did die... But his daughter, Linde, yet lives. I am told she inherited her father's skill with Aura magic—but since the battle with Gharnef none have seen her. Wherever she is, it cannot be pleasant. ...Marth, please. Find Linde. With her father gone, we are the only family the girl has left.|[[Marth]] and [[Nyna]] in [[Princess Minerva|Chapter&nbsp;10]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Khadein, city of magic. Ever since Gharnef named himself ruler of this mecca for the magically inclined, the sands surrounding it had run red.|Opening narration of [[An Oasis of Magic|Chapter&nbsp;15]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> He then captured and hypnotized [[Tiki]], the daughter of the [[Divine Dragon|divine dragon]] king [[Naga]], and placed her in the [[Fane of Raman]] to protect the [[Starsphere]] and [[Lightsphere]] from anyone who would gather them to make [[Starlight]].<ref>{{Cite|With the dragon-goddess right where I want her, in the Fane of Raman, there is no way for Gotoh's Starlight to disperse the shadows that guard me.|[[Gharnef]] in [[An Oasis of Magic|Chapter&nbsp;15]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref>

In order to increase Dolhr's might, Gharnef began to manipulate the leaders of various nations. Gharnef captured the twin heirs of [[Grust]]—[[Yuliya]] and [[Jubelo]]—and imprisoned them in Khadein in order to blackmail King [[Ludwik]] into forming an alliance between Grust and Dolhr.<ref name="Grust royals">{{Cite|The late King Grust had two children. Princess Yuliya and Prince Jubelo. They're still young. Maybe thirteen, or fourteen; cute little twins, both of them. In the last war, Gharnef, the Dark Pontifex, kidnapped the twins to blackmail the king. They were taken to Khadein, the city of magic, and locked away in a pitch-black room. At great personal risk, Pontifex Wendell saved them. He took them to a monastery to protect them.|An old man from Grust in [[The Grustian Expedition|Chapter&nbsp;1]]|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref> King [[Osmond]] of [[Macedon]] and his son [[Michalis]] disagreed on the country's course for the coming war, between an alliance with [[Archanea (country)|Archanea]] or Dolhr;<ref>{{Cite|'''Minerva:''' So you truly were under the control of Gharnef's dark magic.<br>'''Michalis:''' No, it wasn't that. Wanting to destroy that prideful Archanea, and allow Macedon to become the conqueror of this world, was my own idea. I originally planned to ally with Dolhr to destroy Archanea, and then later join forces with Grust's Camus to defeat Dolhr. But father didn't agree with me, and finally he sent me away.|[[Minerva]] and [[Michalis]] in [[Sanctuary of Sorcery|Chapter&nbsp;9]] of Book II|Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref> Gharnef persuaded Michalis into killing his father, becoming King of Macedon, and forging an alliance with Dolhr, to the chagrin of his sister Princess [[Minerva]]<ref>{{Cite|'''Gotoh:''' But instead, you let Gharnef trick you into destroying your family, and your kingdom with it.<br>'''Michalis:''' ...I cannot undo what is done. My father's blood will always be on my hands, just as Minerva's betrayal of her brother and country will be on hers.|[[Gotoh]] and [[Michalis]] in [[A Knight-Filled Sky|Chapter&nbsp;22]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> who objected to Dolhr's actions.<ref name="maria"/> At some point, Gharnef convinced King [[Jiol]] of [[Gra]] to ally with Dolhr and betray [[Altea]].<ref>{{Cite|Betraying Altea was Gharnef's idea! Let...let him fight the brat!|[[Jiol]] in [[Land of Sorrow (Shadow Dragon)|Chapter&nbsp;14]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref>

==Start of the war==

In the year 600, war began;<ref>{{Cite|600: The Dolhr Empire confronts Archanea and begins an invasion. Start of the War of Shadows.|Perfect ending timeline|Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref> the armies of Dolhr, Grust, and Macedon made much progress on their respective fronts. By 602, Dolhr had reached Millennium Court, the capital of [[Archanea (country)|Archanea]], and began a siege on the castle<ref>{{Cite|602: The Dolhr Empire's troops led by Medeus lay siege to Millennium Court.|Perfect ending timeline|Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref> which, along with an intervention from [[Camus]] of Grust's [[Sable Order]], resulted in its occupation and the capture of Princess [[Nyna]] and a group of Archanean Knights.<ref>Events of [[The Capital Falls]], {{FEBS}}</ref> Camus was placed in control of occupied Archanea and Nyna was considered to be in his custody; members of the Archanean royal family began to be exterminated, but Camus's authority saved Nyna from execution.<ref>{{Cite|'''Nyna:''' When the Dolhr-Grust allied forces seized control of Archanea, the entire royal family was killed, save me. I was given into Grust's custody—the custody of the Sable Order, to be more specific. I am told Dolhr wished for my execution—and with it the end of the holy lineage of House Archanea—and Grust was willing to comply.<br>'''Marth:''' But you are not dead.<br>'''Nyna:''' That is right. I was not put to the sword. The Sable Order's captain came to my defense. His name...was Camus.|[[Nyna]] and [[Marth]] in [[Camus the Sable|Chapter&nbsp;20]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref><ref name="beginning">{{Cite|Two years have passed since the millennial palace was seized by Grust's Camus the Sable. Emperor Medeus of Dolhr ordered Camus to take full control of the palace. However Camus defied his orders, by continuing to shelter Princess Nyna. As time passed, Medeus lost his patience with Camus and ordered his men to take Nyna captive.|Opening narration of [[The Beginning]] bonus episode|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref>

Also in 602, King [[Cornelius]] of Altea took the [[Falchion (Archanea)|Falchion]] and marched to confront Grust alongside the armies of Altea and Gra, leaving at home his family and a garrison of Gra soldiers.<ref>{{Cite|It fell upon the king of Altea, sole descendant of the dragon-slayer hero, to sally forth with the divine blade and fulfill his blood destiny. His son, Prince Marth, remained at home with the boy's mother, his elder sister, and a garrison manned by Altea's neighbor and ally, Gra.|Opening narration of [[Prologue I]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> Upon confronting Grust, the Gra army attacked the Altean force, annihilating the Altean army and taking the Falchion.<ref>{{Cite|My condolences, sire. The king died valiantly on the fields of Gra. The traitors took from him the divine blade Falchion and gave no quarter to those of our soldiers who remained...|[[Cain]] in [[Prologue III]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> At the same time, the Gra garrison began to attack those within the castle. Princess [[Elice]] stayed within the castle to buy time for Marth to escape alongside a retinue of knights and a court advisor.<ref>Events of [[Prologue III]].</ref> Marth and company were pursued by Jiol,<ref>{{cite|Listen, men. Your target is the prince. Find the prince of Altea and bring me his head served on a shield!|[[Jiol]] in [[Prologue IV]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> but manage to escape by boat to [[Talys]]<ref>{{Cite|From here, we will cross out of Altea and begin our escape to Talys. I trust you are prepared? [...] I've arranged for a boat to take us from the northeast shore.|[[Malledus]] in [[Prologue IV]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> when [[Frey]], one of the Altean knights, served as a decoy.<ref name="frey">{{cite|You took that wound when Prince Marth, still a child, was forced to escape Altea Castle... In the jaws of death, surrounded by enemies, you alone became a decoy, in order to protect Prince Marth...|[[Kris]] in their and [[Frey]]'s [[Frey/Conversations#Third conversation|third conversation]]|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|In {{title|Shadow Dragon}}, the player may select any living recruited unit other than [[Marth]] (i.e. [[Abel]], [[Frey]], [[Jagen]], [[Cain]], or [[Gordin]]) to serve as the decoy in [[Prologue IV]]; alternately, if Gordin is killed rather than recruited, a decoy does not need to be selected. Frey is implied to be the unit selected to be the decoy if the prologues are skipped—as he is the only unit recruited before the decoy selection to be absent—and is stated to have been the decoy in {{title|New Mystery of the Emblem}}.<ref name="frey"/> |group="Note"}} The King of Talys, [[Mostyn]], harbored Marth in the country's east fortress.<ref>{{Cite|Talys was a small border kingdom, with no grand order of knights to boast of, but its king selflessly gave Marth use of the isle's eastern fortress|Opening narration of [[Marth Embarks|Chapter&nbsp;1]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref>

Over time, the Dolhr Empire grew to control most of the continent, facing continued resistance from [[Aurelis]]—Macedon's march into the country was slowed by its prince [[Hardin]] and the [[Coyote's Men]].<ref>{{Cite|Trace a line around the continent's north-eastern plains, and you have Aurelis. This kingdom alone had somehow resisted Dolhr's attempts to conquer it, but only by some miracle. By the time Marth arrived in Aurelis, much of its territory had already been carved up by Dolhr's ally Macedon. Still, the king's younger brother, Hardin, refused to give up without a fight. The people called him Coyote, and he intended to live up to the name.|Opening narration of [[Champions of Aurelis|Chapter&nbsp;5]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> In order to ensure Minerva's compliance with Dolhr, Princess [[Maria]], the youngest sister of the Macedonian royal family, was held prisoner in [[Castle Deil]].<ref name="maria">{{Cite|Prince Marth. I am Catria, of the Whitewinged Order of Macedon. I have come with a request from our mistress, the princess Minerva. She is planning to lead us against Dolhr in rebellion; however, her hands are tied so long as the enemy holds her younger sister, the princess Maria, captive.|[[Catria]] in [[The Pyrathi Dragon|Chapter&nbsp;9]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> Two years after the fall of Millennium Court, Camus's continued intervention in Medeus's attempts to execute Nyna forced Medeus to send soldiers to the palace to take her by force.<ref name="beginning"/> Camus decided to take Nyna to Aurelis and the protection of Prince Hardin to save her from Dolhr.<ref>{{Cite|I know. We must escape the palace at once. Sir Hardin, in the northern state of Aurelis, has the power to protect you. I'm sure he will extend you his courtesy.|[[Camus]] in [[The Beginning]] bonus episode|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref> Camus and a small retinue of knights deserted from the Sable Order<ref>{{Cite|Then, at least take us three with you. We'll desert the army. That way, we won't bring trouble to our motherland, Grust.|[[Roberto]] in [[The Beginning]] bonus episode|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref> and escorted Nyna to the Aurelian border, but were attacked by a contingent of the Dolhr army on the way.<ref>Events of [[The Beginning]] bonus episode, {{FE12}}</ref> Upon Nyna reaching the border and entering Hardin's protection,<ref>{{Cite|Princess Nyna, I presume? I am Hardin, younger brother of King Aurelis. I heard the news and I came for you, Princess. You need not worry any loger. I shall protect you, even at the cost of my life.|[[Hardin]] in [[The Beginning]] bonus episode|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref> Camus surrendered to the Dolhr army<ref>{{Cite|'''Medeus:''' All hope turns in fear before me... Give up. Surrender quietly.<br>'''Camus:''' ...Very well. As you wish. ...I have fulfilled my duty...<br>'''Medeus:''' Men, seize him!|[[Medeus]] and [[Camus]] in [[The Beginning]] bonus episode|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref> and was taken back to Dolhr where he was imprisoned at Medeus's behest.<ref>{{Cite|After that, Medeus stripped Camus of all his rights and privileges, confining him to a dungeon in Dolhr.|Epilogue of [[The Beginning]] bonus episode|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref>

In 604, when a group of pirates attacked Talys, Marth left the east fort and routed the bandits from the island at the behest of its princess [[Caeda]].<ref>Events of [[Marth Embarks|Chapter&nbsp;1]], {{FE11}}</ref> After clearing out the pirates, Marth and company departed the island for Aurelis, travelling with mercenaries provided by the King of Talys—lead by [[Ogma]]—through Galder Harbor<ref>Events of [[The Pirates of Galder|Chapter&nbsp;2]], {{FE11}}</ref> and the Samsooth Mountains, where they met the cleric [[Lena]] and the thief [[Julian]].<ref>Events of [[A Brush in the Teeth|Chapter&nbsp;3]], {{FE11}}</ref> Upon their arrival in Aurelis, Marth met his old friend [[Merric]],<ref>{{Cite|'''Merric:''' Whilst studying magic in Khadein, I caught wind of a war brewing and decided to seek you out.<br>'''Marth:''' I see... Thank you, then. I need friends like you on the battlefield. You will fight with us, of course?<br>'''Merric:''' Of course! 'Twould be a passing shame if you didn't get to see me flex a little magic muscle.|[[Merric]] and [[Marth]] in [[Battle in the Lea|Chapter&nbsp;4]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> as well as Merric's teacher [[Wendell]],<ref>{{Cite|Come, Merric. We'll fight together. Tell your prince of Altea that Wendell is at his service.|[[Wendell]] in [[Champions of Aurelis|Chapter&nbsp;5]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> and joined forces with Hardin before routing the Macedonian forces without and within Aurelis Castle.<ref>Events of Chapters [[Champions of Aurelis|5]] and [[Fire Emblem (Shadow Dragon chapter)|6]]. {{FE11}}</ref> Once the Macedonians were driven from the castle, Marth met Nyna, who gave him the [[Fire Emblem (Archanean item)|Fire Emblem]], hoping that with it, he would save the world from Dolhr.<ref>{{Cite|Thank you, Marth. Then let me give you this. This crest is called the Fire Emblem. House Archanea bestows it only upon a true champion, one we believe has the power to save the world.|[[Nyna]] in [[Fire Emblem (Shadow Dragon chapter)|Chapter&nbsp;6]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref>

With Aurelis liberated, the newly-christened [[Archanean League]] set out for Archanea.<ref>{{Cite|Aurelis was free, but Marth and his army—now known as the Archanean League—still had much work ahead of them.|Opening narration of [[Lefcandith Gauntlet|Chapter&nbsp;7]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> Passing through the Lefcandith Valley,<ref>{{Cite|They followed the Middleroad south, bound for Archanea Palace—a perilous route, for it took them right into Lefcandith Valley and the jaws of trouble.|Opening narration of [[Lefcandith Gauntlet|Chapter&nbsp;7]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> Marth met the Manakete [[Bantu]], who was searching for Tiki and joined Marth to do so more effectively.<ref>{{Cite|You there. Have you come across a young girl, one by the name of Tiki? She must be found, boy! Tiki is the last of the Naga, the divine-dragon clan. [...] ...You will be traveling much, yes? I wish to go with you. Perhaps together we can find Tiki.|[[Bantu]] in [[Lefcandith Gauntlet|Chapter&nbsp;7]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> The League entered Archanea at Port Warren,<ref>{{Cite|The League had reached Archanean soil, so Marth gave himself leave to recuperate in Port Warren, a harbor town known for commerce.|Opening narration of [[Port Warren|Chapter&nbsp;8]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> but was forced to divert, first to [[Pyrathi]] by the Grustian Army,<ref>{{Cite|Grust had caught the League unawares, forcing them to flee to Pyrathi.|Opening narration of [[The Pyrathi Dragon|Chapter&nbsp;9]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> then to Castle Deil to free Princess Maria at the behest of Minerva.<ref>Events of [[Princess Minerva|Chapter&nbsp;10]], {{FE11}}</ref> On the way to Millennium Court, Marth rescued [[Linde]], the daughter of Miloah and inheritor to [[Aura]], at Nyna's request;<ref name="Linde"/> once at Millennium Court, the League ousted the occupying Grustian army from the palace.<ref>Events of [[The Ageless Palace|Chapter&nbsp;12]], {{FE11}}</ref> With Archanea freed, the League headed for Altea, first diverting to Gra to retrieve the stolen Falchion; after defeating King Jiol and forcing Gra's surrender, the Falchion could not be found, and it was discerned that Gharnef had taken possession of the sword in Khadein.<ref>{{Cite|'''Marth:''' Falchion isn't here.<br>'''Nyna:''' The divine blade? Was it supposed to be?<br>'''Marth:''' Yes. When one of my knights returned from the battle where my father, Cornelius, fell... he said Gra had stolen Falchion. And if we are to defeat Dolhr and the Shadow Dragon, Medeus... we need that blade.<br>'''Malledus:''' Prince Marth!<br>'''Marth:''' Did you find it, Malledus?<br>'''Malledus:''' No...it seems Gharnef made off with it.<br>'''Nyna:''' Gharnef? Then, to find Falchion—<br>'''Marth:''' That's right. We'll need to go to Khadein, the kingdom of magic, where he resides.|[[Marth]], [[Nyna]], and [[Malledus]] in [[Land of Sorrow (Shadow Dragon)|Chapter&nbsp;14]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> Once there, however, Archsage Gotoh, through magical means, informed Marth that Gharnef was protected by the spell Imhullu, thus making him invulnerable to damage,<ref>{{Cite|'''Gotoh:''' As you suspect, Gharnef has made off with Falchion. With Imhullu and Falchion in the sorcerer's grasp, Dolhr now must think twice before challenging him. [...]<br>'''Marth:''' Is Imhullu so powerful a magic, then?<br>'''Gotoh:''' Yes. The mage who wields it cannot be killed; cannot be so much as scratched.|[[Gotoh]] and [[Marth]] in [[An Oasis of Magic|Chapter&nbsp;15]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> and the League returned to Altea without the Falchion.

[[File:Cg fe11 evt 07.png|thumb|The people of [[Altea]] celebrating [[Marth]]'s triumphant return.]]

Upon reaching Altea, the League confronted Grust defending the land and Dolhr within the castle, eventually defeating both armies.<ref>Events of Chapters [[The Battle for Altea|16]] and [[Star and Savior|17]], {{FE11}}</ref> While battling in the exterior, Marth rescued [[Xane]], a man with the ability to transform.<ref>{{Cite|Hey there, princey. Thanks for settin' me free! The name's Xane. I hail from a land few have heard of an even fewer have seen. I won't trouble you with the details. Me and my folk have the power to transform into other people. We can shape-shift, you see.|[[Xane]] in [[The Battle for Altea|Chapter&nbsp;16]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> In the interior, [[Morzas]], the general presiding over Altea Castle, revealed that he had killed [[Liza (Shadow Dragon)|Marth's mother]] and sent his sister to Gharnef.<ref>{{Cite|Your mother, Liza, is dead; I killed her myself. Your sister Elice lives only because Gharnef wanted her.|[[Morzas]] in [[Star and Savior|Chapter&nbsp;17]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> The League then set out for the Fane of Raman in order to obtain the materials required for Gotoh to forge [[Starlight]]—the Starsphere and Lightsphere—and defeat Gharnef.<ref name="Raman">{{Cite|For Gotoh to create the magic that could defeat Gharnef, he needed two orbs: the Lightsphere and the Starsphere. Marth and company set off to Chiasmir and the Fane of Raman to find them, but in their path stood a cohort of Grustian knights known as the Sable Order.|Opening narration for [[The Sable Order|Chapter&nbsp;18]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> The League fought against a detachment of the Sable Order before entering the tower;<ref name="Raman"/> once inside the Fane of Raman, they discovered the Starsphere and Lightsphere,<ref>{{Cite|'''Nyna:''' Marth! Tell me, was it a success? Did you locate the Lightsphere and Starsphere?<br>'''Marth:''' Never fear; I have them. We need to take these to Gotoh so he can undo Imhullu's magic...|[[Nyna]] in [[Manakete Princess|Chapter&nbsp;19]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|Collecting the [[Starsphere]] and [[Lightsphere]] and creating the [[Starlight]] are not required in {{title|Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light}} or its remakes; however, in {{title|Mystery of the Emblem}} Book II and its remake, the creation of Starlight during the War of Shadows is referenced.{{#tag:ref|{{cite|You have seen the "Starsphere" [...] In order to pierce Gharnef's shadowy veil, Lord Gotoh created a sacred spell named "Starlight" from that orb.|[[Wendell]] in [[The Nest of Evil|Chapter&nbsp;6]]|New Mystery of the Emblem}}|name="starlight"}}|name="orbs"|group="Note"}} as well as Tiki, whose trance was broken by Bantu.<ref>{{Cite|'''Bantu:''' Tiki! Tiki, my child! At last, I have found you!<br>'''Tiki:''' No... Stop... Come no closer...<br>'''Bantu:''' Hm? ...Gharnef has put you in some sort of trance, poor thing. Peace, child. Peace. Awaken.<br>'''Tiki:''' ...Mmm? ...Ban-Ban? Is that you? Where am I? What happened?|[[Bantu]] and [[Tiki]] in [[Manakete Princess|Chapter&nbsp;19]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> With the materials to make Starlight, the League made preparations to end the war.

The Archanean League had to march south to take on Macedon and Dolhr, but in order to do so safely, they had to first defeat Grust.<ref>{{Cite|We must defeat Grust once and for all. If we march south without finishing them off, we have our rear exposed.|[[Marth]] in [[Manakete Princess|Chapter&nbsp;19]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> The final clash between the Archanean League and the Grustian army occurred at the Grusthold, and resulted in victory for the League. Two Grustian generals were present in the battle: [[Lorenz (Shadow Dragon)|Lorenz]], an old friend of the King of Talys who defected to the League,<ref>{{Cite|'''Caeda:''' General Lorenz! My name is Caeda. I hail from Talys. My father has told me quite a bit about you.<br>'''Lorenz:''' Princess Caeda! My, look what a lovely young woman you've grown into. Your father was a good friend to me, many years ago. [...] You win, Princess. I yield! I will join you, in the interests of king and country. Har!|[[Caeda]] and [[Lorenz (Shadow Dragon)|Lorenz]] in [[Camus the Sable|Chapter&nbsp;20]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> and Camus, no longer a captive of Dolhr who was routed with the Grustian army.<ref>Events of [[Camus the Sable|Chapter&nbsp;20]], {{FE11}}</ref><ref group="Note">In {{FE11}}, depending on the player's actions in [[Camus the Sable|Chapter&nbsp;20]], [[Camus]] can be presumed dead if he is defeated in battle or reported missing if he is not; in either case, his ultimate fate in [[Valentia]] is the same. This choice is not present in {{title|Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light}} or {{title|Mystery of the Emblem}}, where Camus stands on the seize point and defeating him is a ''de facto'' requirement to clearing the chapter.</ref> The League then moved into Macedon, where they confronted and defeated its king Michalis,<ref>Events of [[A Knight-Filled Sky|Chapter&nbsp;22]], {{FE11}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|In {{FE1}} and {{title|Mystery of the Emblem}} Book I, defeating [[Michalis]] is not a requirement to clearing [[A Knight-Filled Sky|Chapter&nbsp;22]]; however, there is no difference in the story if he is left alive or not, and his defeat by Minerva is referenced in ''Mystery of the Emblem'' Book II.{{#tag:ref|{{cite|That's enough, Minerva. I'm not stupid. When I was struck by your lance, I was just outside death's door.|[[Michalis]], to [[Minerva]] in [[Sanctuary of Sorcery|Chapter&nbsp;9]] of Book II|Mystery of the Emblem}}}} In {{title|Shadow Dragon}}, Michalis stands on the seize point, making defeating him a ''de facto'' requirement to clearing the chapter.|group="Note"}} and Marth located Gotoh and gave him the Starsphere and Lightsphere in order to make Starlight.<ref>{{Cite|You have the Lightsphere and Starsphere with you? Well done! Now I can create Starlight for you. ...There. It is finished. Take this with you; it is the only magic capable of breaking through Imhullu. Use it to stop that fiend Gharnef once and for all.|[[Gotoh]] in [[A Knight-Filled Sky|Chapter&nbsp;22]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref><ref name="orbs" group="Note"/>

Once the fighting in Macedon concluded, Gotoh transported Marth and the League to the city of [[Thabes]] to confront Gharnef at the city's temple.<ref>{{Cite|With the aid of the White Sage Gotoh's powerful Warp magic, Marth and company were transported to the faraway city of Thabes. Once, Thabes was an advanced civilization; but only its decay advanced now. The League traced the lifeless streets to the temple at the city's heart, somewhere within its walls Gharnef was waiting, and now, Marth must wrest Falchion and his sister, Elice, from the fiend's grip.|Opening narration of [[Dark Pontifex|Chapter&nbsp;23]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> Within the Temple of Thabes, Marth found and rescued his sister<ref>{{Cite|'''Allied Soldier:''' Sire! We found Princess Elice up in the Tower of Thabes! She's on her way to see you right—Ah, here she is!<br>'''Marth:''' Elice!!!<br>'''Elice:''' Marth! Oh look at you. A man grown!|[[Marth]], [[Elice]], and an allied soldier in [[Dark Pontifex|Chapter&nbsp;23]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> and, through the use of Starlight, defeated Gharnef and retrieved Falchion.<ref>Events of [[Dark Pontifex|Chapter&nbsp;23]], {{FE11}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|Defeating [[Gharnef]] is not required in {{title|Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light}} or its remakes, but his defeat is referenced in {{title|Mystery of the Emblem}} Book II and its remake.{{#tag:ref||name="darksphere"}}|group="Note"}} The League then fought through the Dolhr army to storm Dolhr Keep, where Medeus laid in wait;<ref>Events of [[The Dragonkin Realm|Chapter&nbsp;24]], {{FE11}}</ref> the League stormed the fort and defeated Medeus,<ref>Events of [[Chosen by Fate|the Endgame]], {{FE11}}</ref> who swore revenge upon his defeat.<ref>{{Cite|Know this, Altean prince... That light which surrounds you is only a temporary respite. So long as the darkness in your hearts continues to sustain me... I cannot be...destroyed......|[[Medeus]] in [[Chosen by Fate|the Endgame]]|Shadow Dragon}}</ref>

The war ended in the year 605.<ref>{{Cite|Medeus is defeated by Prince Marth, and the Dolhr Empire collapses. End of the War of Shadows (600–605).|Perfect ending timeline|Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref>

Following the defeat of Medeus, the Dolhr Empire lost power and dissolved.<ref>{{Cite|After Medeus's demise, Dolhr would relax its shadowy grip on the land and fade into obscurity: the Empire was finished.|Epilogue|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> The war, however, had devastated the continent, requiring great efforts from each nation towards their own restorations.<ref>{{Cite|The warriors who had united under the Fire Emblem returned to their own lands, devoting themselves to the reconstruction of their homelands. Among the nations that made up the "Seven Kingdoms of Archanea", Gra and Grust were devastated. Altea, Aurelis, Macedon, and Talys were left deeply scarred, and even the mighty Kingdom of Archanea was undergoing restoration.|Introduction to [[The Grustian Expedition|Chapter&nbsp;1]]|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref> Princess Nyna, as the last living member of the Archanean royal family, was forced by circumstance to choose a husband to be king of Archanea, eventually choosing Hardin.<ref>{{Cite|As you know, two years ago... Hardin and Princess Nyna were wed. In order to restore Archanea to glory, a king was needed. There were but two suitable individuals: King Aurelis's younger brother, Duke Hardin, and you, Prince Marth of Altea... Princess Nyna begged me to wait just a while longer, but once I insisted on its absolute urgency... She said that it could not be you, for Princess Caeda would grieve. In the end, Hardin was our only choice...|[[Boah]] in [[The Last Decisive Battle|Chapter&nbsp;19]]|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref> Hardin quickly managed to restore Archanea to power, reinstated it as the Holy Empire of Archanea, and became its emperor.<ref>{{Cite|After ascending the throne, Hardin aggressively restored the country in the twinkling of an eye, and formed a powerful army by gathering many soldiers. He then proclaimed the restoration of the Holy Archanean Empire, and himself Emperor.|Introduction to [[The Grustian Expedition|Chapter&nbsp;1]]|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref> Where other countries struggled to restore themselves, Archanea became the single most dominant nation on the continent.

The Archanean League dissolved, as there was no longer a need for a unified army. Marth returned to Altea to begin rebuilding it, where he would be engaged to Princess Caeda of Talys.<ref>{{Cite|The war-ravaged kingdom of Altea was finally starting to regain stability thanks to Prince Marth's efforts. Prince Marth's engagement to Princess Caeda was announced, and the people of Altea rejoiced, sharing their happiness.|Opening narration of [[The Grustian Expedition|Chapter&nbsp;1]]|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref> Princess Elice, too, would return to Altea to support in its reconstruction.<ref>{{Cite|Elice returned to Altea with Marth. Ever serene, she stood by her brother and watched him grow into a fine leader.|[[Elice]]'s ending|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> Princesses Minerva, as the eldest member of the Macedonian royal family, was left to lead Macedon;<ref>{{Cite|After the War of Shadows, Macedon was led by Minerva, who exiled the oppressive generals and attempted to reform the military.|Opening narration of [[Rebellion at Macedon|Chapter&nbsp;2]]|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref> Princess Maria,<ref>{{Cite|After studying in Khadein for a while, Princess Maria returned to Macedon to serve her people as a cleric.|[[Maria]]'s ending|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> Julian,<ref>{{Cite|Julian gave up thievery for good and found an honest job in Macedon.|[[Julian]]'s ending|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> and Lena<ref>{{Cite|Lena cared for orphans at a convent in Macedon and doled out love in equal shares to all she met.|[[Lena]]'s ending|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> each returned to Macedon as well. Jiol's daughter, Princess [[Sheena]], was instated to lead Gra.<ref>{{Cite|Hardin found King Jiol's daughter, Princess Sheena, and allowed her to take the throne, providing support to Gra. Sheena received fanatical support from her people. To them, Sheena was their only hope.|Opening narration of [[Gra's Sun Sets|Chapter&nbsp;17]]|New Mystery of the Emblem}}</ref> Princess Yuliya and Prince Jubelo were rescued by Wendell—who was appointed pontifex of Khadein—and kept safe within its walls<ref name="Grust royals"/> until they were retrieved by Lorenz, and Jubelo inherited leadership of Grust with Lorenz serving as regent.<ref>{{Cite|Lorenz put Grust's prince upon the throne and became his regent; but he and Archanea did not always see eye to eye.|[[Lorenz (Shadow Dragon)|Lorenz]]'s ending|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> Merric returned to Khadein to further his studies;<ref>{{Cite|After helping Marth stamp out the fires of war, Merric returned to Khadein where he continued his magical studies.|[[Merric]]'s ending|Shadow Dragon}}</ref> Linde joined the court of Archanea.<ref>{{Cite|Linde entered Princess Nyna's protection and became a lady at court.|[[Linde]]'s ending|Shadow Dragon}}</ref>

{{names

}}