This article is about the chapter from Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light and its remakes; for the History Mode map from Fire Emblem Warriors, see The Dark Pontifex.
Marth arrives at Thabes, and is confronted by Gharnef. Gharnef reveals that he planned for Marth to defeat Grust and Macedon so his own conquest of the world would be easier, much to Marth's horror. Marth and his companions battle and defeat Gharnef. Afterwards, Elice arrives, and the Altean royal siblings joyously reunite. Elice explains that Gharnef intended for her to use the Aum Staff, which was discovered in a temple in Dolhr and can be used to bring a single warrior back from the dead. Marth prepares to invade Dolhr and bring an end to the War of Shadows.
Chapter data
Shadow Dragon & the Blade of LightMystery of the EmblemShadow Dragon
• Two false Gharnefs and one real; which is which is determined at random. • Real inventory of the False Gharnefs: Elfire • Steel Sword • All move to attack units in range; return to their starting positions if no one is in range.
• Two false Gharnefs and one real; which is which is determined at random. • Real inventory of the False Gharnefs: Elfire • Steel Sword • All move to attack units in range; return to their starting positions if no one is in range.
• Two false Gharnefs and one real; which is which is determined at random. • Real inventory of the False Gharnefs: Elfire • Steel Sword • All move to attack units in range; return to their starting positions if no one is in range.
• Two false Gharnefs and one real; which is which is determined at random. • Real inventory of the False Gharnefs: Elfire • Steel Sword • All move to attack units in range; return to their starting positions if no one is in range.
• Two false Gharnefs and one real; which is which is determined at random. • Real inventory of the False Gharnefs: Elfire • Steel Sword • All move to attack units in range; return to their starting positions if no one is in range.
• Two false Gharnefs and one real; which is which is determined at random. • Real inventory of the False Gharnefs: Elfire • Steel Sword • All move to attack units in range; return to their starting positions if no one is in range.
This section details unofficial strategies that may help with completion of the chapter. This may not work for everybody.
Identifying and Engaging the Real Gharnef:
In Shadow Dragon, only one of the three Gharnefs is authentic, with the other two being decoys. The identity of the real one is randomly determined.
The fake Gharnefs can be harmed without using Starlight and will drop a Steel Sword. Imhullu makes the real Gharnef impervious to all damage.
Using the Geosphere doesn't affect the real Gharnef, thereby distinguishing him from the fakes. However, using it also damages friendly units. Using the Fortify staff will counteract this.
Alternatively, a Ballistician's long-range attack can also help identify the real Gharnef, as it won't inflict any damage on him.
If you don't have Starlight, you may need to restart this chapter until the Gharnef in the northeast corner is verified as a fake, as encountering the real one there forces a battle with an invincible foe.
The real Gharnef is not a mandatory target though; players can bypass him and capture the throne with Marth. However, doing so means forgoing the Falchion, making the final boss more challenging.
Combat Strategy:
On Hard-4 and below, using all three Geosphere charges will kill every enemy on the map, except the Gharnefs, Heroes and Snipers, using Fortify to prevent friendly casualties. Do note that enemies killed by the Geosphere will not drop their items; this can end up destroying the second Fortify in the game. On Hard-5, Lv10 Bishops and the Lv15 Thief can round up to 40 HP and survive, but if they don't, they die with the rest.
Secure the chests in the northwest early but move with caution.
Eliminate individual enemies in one turn since they'll be healed with the enemy's Fortify staff.
After clearing the southeast area, you will face two waves of reinforcements at the tower's summit.
A secret shop sells Master Seals but it's not likely that you will need them at this point.
Players should primarily use Legendary, Silver, and Killer weapons, as well as Ballisticians, to quickly defeat the low-defense mages. Legendary Weapons can be repaired with the Hammerne staff if their usage gets low.
Acquiring the Falchion for Marth significantly boosts his combat prowess for upcoming challenges.