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The Golden Scheme/Taking Fort Merceus

From Fire Emblem Wiki, your source on Fire Emblem information. By fans, for fans.
Taking Fort Merceus

Cm fe16vw 18.png

Location

Fort Merceus

Boss(es)

Death Knight

Previous chapter(s)

To War at Gronder

Next chapter(s)

The Enbarr Infiltration

Taking Fort Merceus (Japanese: メリセウス攻防戦 Meriseus battle) is the main battle map of the eighteenth chapter on the Verdant Wind route in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. In this map, Claude leads an sneak attack against Fort Merceus, bringing along Almyran allies to aid him.

Beginning log

Fort Merceus, said to be impregnable, lies between you and Enbarr, the Imperial Capital. Seizing the sturdy fortress will require a carefully devised strategy.

Map data

Normal Hard/Maddening

Chapter Data
Conditions
Unit Data
Victory: Defeat the Death Knight or rout the enemy if he escapes Player Partner Other Enemy
Defeat: Byleth or Claude dies* or the player's army is routed* 2–11 {{{partner}}} 0+5 30+∞

Initial Escape routes

Cm fe16vw 18.png
Map dimensions:
30 columns by 30 rows

Character data

Characters
New units

None

Required characters
Byleth f 02 ​Claude 02 ​
Available characters
Lorenz 02 ​Raphael 02 ​Ignatz 02 ​Lysithea 02 ​Marianne 02 ​Hilda 02 ​Leonie 02 ​Ferdinand 02 ​Linhardt 02 ​Caspar 02 ​Bernadetta 02 ​Dorothea 02 ​Petra 02 ​Felix 02 ​Sylvain 02 ​Mercedes 02 ​Annette 02 ​Ingrid 02 ​Constance 04 ​Balthus 02 ​Hapi 02 ​Yuri 02 ​Anna ​Catherine ​Shamir ​Cyril 02 ​Flayn ​Hanneman ​Manuela ​Alois ​Seteth ​Ashe 02 ​

Item data

Items
Name Obtainment Method
Is ns01 seal.png Dark Seal Dropped by the Death Knight
Is ns01 axe.png Brave Axe Dropped by Caspar*/enemy Warrior*
Is ns01 ring.png Evasion Ring Dropped by enemy Swordmaster
Is ns01 shield.png Aurora Shield Open northern chest
Is ns01 stat booster.png Speedwing Open southern chest
Is ns01 potion.png Vulnerary Steal from Linhardt*
Is ns01 potion.png Elixir Steal from Caspar*/enemy Warrior*

Enemy data

Normal Hard Maddening

Enemy Units
Name Class Lv # HP Str Mag Dex Spd Lck Prf Def Res Cha Lck Con Mov Inventory and Skills
Ma ns01 death knight enemy.gif Death Knight Death Knight 45 1 55 32 19 14 28 12 27 21 7 7 Scythe of Sariel* Brave Lance* Dark SealThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Murderous Intent Canto Lancefaire Commander Counterattack Mastermind Poison Strike Lance Prowess Lv 4
Immobile until one of the following conditions are met:
• a player or NPC unit enters the central area of the fortress;
• an NPC Cavalier or Wyvern Rider enters the area north of the center;
• the northern, southwest, and southern reinforcements are halted;
• the northeastern fire orb and two ballista units are defeated;
in any such case, he prioritizes escaping via the northwest.
Ma ns01 bishop linhardt enemy.gif Linhardt Bishop 36 1 41 10 26 16 14 21 12 35 8+7 4 Seraphim Training Sword Vulnerary Heal Physic Nosferatu
Catnap White Magic Uses x2 White Magic Heal +10 Terrain Resistance White Magic Avo +20 Defiant Res Unsealable Magic
Hevring Prayer Troops Lv 4: Blessing
• Bears the Minor Crest of Cethleann
• Replaced by an Imperial General Bishop if he was recruited.
Ma ns01 bishop enemy.gif Imperial General Bishop 36 1 42 11 21 16 15 21 12 32 8+8 4 Seraphim Physic
White Magic Uses x2 White Magic Heal +10 Terrain Resistance White Magic Avo +20 Defiant Res Unsealable Magic
Empire Holy Magic Users Lv 4: Blessing
Replaces Linhardt if he was recruited.
Ma ns01 warrior caspar enemy.gif Caspar Warrior 36 1 61 33 8 16 18 18 21 8 9+7 5 Brave AxeThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat. Elixir
Born Fighter Axefaire Axe Crit +10 Axe Prowess Lv 4 Desperation Battalion Wrath Pass Lancebreaker+
Helm Splitter
Bergliez War Group Lv 4: Onslaught
• Begins moving if the nearby Swordmaster is provoked.
• Replaced by an Imperial General Warrior if he was recruited.
Ma ns01 warrior enemy.gif Imperial General Warrior 36 1 58 30 8 16 18 18 17 8 9+7 5 Brave AxeThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat. Elixir
Axefaire Axe Crit +10 Axe Prowess Lv 4 Desperation Battalion Wrath Pass Lancebreaker+
Helm Splitter
Imperial Guard Lv 4: Blaze
• Begins moving if the nearby Swordmaster is provoked.
• Replaces Caspar if he was recruited.
Ma ns01 demonic beast enemy.gif Demonic Beast Demonic Beast 35 2 49
49
74
26 5 17 9 0 20 8 0 4 Artificial Crest Stone S
Renewal Seal Strength Barrier Vital Defense Vantage Latent; active starting from health bar 2 Strength +2 Latent; active starting from health bar 3
Flame Breath
Is ns01 weakness sword.png Weak to Swords.
Ma ns01 fortress knight enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Fortress Knight 35 3 49 19 11 12 2 10 35 7 14 4 Silver Axe
Axefaire Weight -5
Each begins moving if any of them are provoked.
Ma ns01 fortress knight enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Fortress Knight 35 1 50 19 9 12 2 10 34 7 14 4 Silver Axe
Axefaire Weight -5
--
Ma ns01 paladin enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Paladin 35 6 42 19 11 15 16 10 24 10 14 8 Silver Lance
Canto Lancefaire Terrain Resistance
--
Ma ns01 paladin female enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Paladin 35 1 42 19 11 15 16 10 24 10 14 8 Silver Lance
Canto Lancefaire Terrain Resistance
--
Ma ns01 archer enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Archer 35 1 30 17 11 17 17 10 8 5 14 - Silver Bow
Bowrange +1
Mans a Ballista.
Ma ns01 archer female enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Archer 35 1 30 17 11 17 17 10 8 5 14 - Silver Bow
Bowrange +1
Mans a Ballista.
Ma ns01 fortress knight enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Fortress Knight 35 2 50 19 9 12 2 10 34 7 14+3 4 Tomahawk
Axefaire Weight -5
Empire Armored Co. Lv 4: Impregnable Wall
--
Ma ns01 paladin enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Paladin 35 1 42 19 11 15 16 10 24 10 14 8 Spear
Canto Lancefaire Terrain Resistance
--
Ma ns01 swordmaster enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Swordmaster 35 1 41 21 11 16 31 10 18 8 14 5 Silver Sword
Swordfaire Sword Crit +10
Begins moving if Caspar*/the nearby Warrior* is provoked.
Ma ns01 assassin female enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Assassin 35 1 37 18 11 21 32 11 17 8 12 6 Killing Edge
Swordfaire Locktouch Stealth
Begins moving if the nearby Assassin is provoked.
Ma ns01 assassin enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Assassin 35 1 37 18 11 21 32 11 17 8 12 6 Venin Edge
Swordfaire Locktouch Stealth
Begins moving if the nearby Assassin is provoked.
Ma ns01 dark mage enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Dark Mage 35 2 30 10 17 12 17 8 7 16 12 - Miasma Δ
Miasma Δ Heartseeker
Mans a Fire Orb.
Ma ns01 dark mage enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Dark Mage 35 1 30 10 17 12 17 8 7 16 12 4 Miasma Δ
Miasma Δ Heartseeker
Begins moving if the nearby Dark Bishop is provoked.
Ma ns01 dark bishop enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Dark Bishop 35 2 37 12 21 14 17 10 12 23 12 4 Banshee Θ Miasma Δ Death Γ
Miasma Δ Fiendish Blow Heartseeker
--
Ma ns01 swordmaster enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Swordmaster 35 1 41 21 11 16 31 10 18 8 14 5 Silver Sword Evasion RingThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Swordfaire Sword Crit +10
--
Reinforcements
Name Class Lv # HP Str Mag Dex Spd Lck Prf Def Res Cha Lck Con Mov Inventory and Skills
Ma ns01 paladin enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Paladin 35 42 19 11 15 16 10 24 10 14 8 Silver Lance
Canto Lancefaire Terrain Resistance
--
Ma ns01 armored knight enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Armored Knight 35 37 17 11 11 5 8 26 4 14 4 Silver Axe
--
Ma ns01 dark mage enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Dark Mage 35 30 10 17 12 17 8 7 16 12 4 Miasma Δ
Miasma Δ Heartseeker
--
Ma ns01 fortress knight enemy.gif Imperial Soldier Fortress Knight 35 49 19 11 12 2 10 35 7 14 4 Silver Axe
Axefaire Weight -5
--

Reinforcements

  • Each of the following will appear in a given pattern, each starting turn 1; if a reinforcement is blocked by an enemy or NPC or there are three of the particular reinforcement present, they will appear on the next turn and the pattern will resume from there (e.g. if an Armored Knight is blocked from arriving on turn 3 but not turn 4, it will appear on turn 4 and the next on turn 6)
    • 1 Paladin from the northwest corner of the map every third turn.
    • 1 Armored Knight from the northern border of the map every second turn.
    • 1 Dark Mage from the southwest corner of the map every second turn.
    • 1 Fortress Knight from the southern border of the map every turn.
  • Note: Reinforcements are halted if a player unit reaches the spaces where they come from.

NPC data

Normal Hard Maddening

NPC Units
Name Class Lv # HP Str Mag Dex Spd Lck Prf Def Res Cha Lck Con Mov Inventory and Skills
Reinforcements
Name Class Lv # HP Str Mag Dex Spd Lck Prf Def Res Cha Lck Con Mov Inventory and Skills
Ma ns01 wyvern lord other.gif Nader Wyvern Lord 36 1 58 42 10 26 35 12 29 12 20 8 Silver Axe Aurora Shield Concoction
General Canto Axefaire Avo +10 Axe Prowess Lv 4 Keen Intuition Defiant Avo
--
Ma ns01 cavalier other.gif Almyran Soldier Cavalier 35 2 43 25 16 20 20 15 20 6 21 7 Silver Lance Steel Shield Concoction
Canto
--
Ma ns01 wyvern rider other.gif Almyran Soldier Wyvern Rider 35 2 50 29 15 19 24 15 27 8 21 7 Silver Lance Steel Shield Concoction
Canto Axefaire
--

Reinforcements

  • At the start of turn 1
    • Nader and a group of four other units will appear nearby Claude in the northeast corner of the map

Boss data

Main article: Death Knight

Normal Hard Maddening

Small portrait death knight fe16.png
Ma ns01 death knight enemy.gif Death Knight
Level 45
Movement 7
Crest --
Stats
Max HP 55 Luck 12
Strength 32 Defense 27
Magic 19 Resistance 21
Dexterity 14 Charm 7
Speed 28
Inventory Abilities
Scythe of Sariel*
Brave Lance*
Dark SealThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Murderous Intent
Canto
Lancefaire
Commander
Counterattack
Mastermind
Poison Strike
Lance Prowess Lv 4
Combat arts Spells Battalion
-- -- --
Skill Levels
Swords Lances Axes Bows Brawling Reason Faith Authority Heavy Armor Riding Flying Class mastery
B A C+ D C+ D E C E A E FE16ClassMasteryEmpty.png

Sub-bosses

Note: The sub-bosses become mandatory fights should the Death Knight escape.

If Linhardt wasn't recruited Otherwise

Main article: Linhardt

Normal Hard Maddening


If Caspar wasn't recruited Otherwise

Main article: Caspar

Normal Hard Maddening

Small portrait caspar 02 fe16.png
Ma ns01 warrior caspar enemy.gif Warrior
Level 36
Movement 5
Crest --
Stats
Max HP 61 Luck 18
Strength 33 Defense 21
Magic 8 Resistance 8
Dexterity 16 Charm 9+7
Speed 18
Inventory Abilities
Brave AxeThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Elixir
Born Fighter
Axefaire
Axe Crit +10
Axe Prowess Lv 4
Desperation
Battalion Wrath
Pass
Lancebreaker+
Combat arts Spells Battalion
Helm Splitter -- Bergliez War Group Lv 4
Onslaught
Skill Levels
Swords Lances Axes Bows Brawling Reason Faith Authority Heavy Armor Riding Flying Class mastery
E E A E E E E B E E E FE16ClassMasteryEmpty.png

Strategy

This section details unofficial strategies that may help with completion of the chapter. This may not work for everybody.

The goal of the map is to defeat the Death Knight and you start surprisingly close to him. If you attempt to approach him via conventional means without using Stride or Warp, the Death Knight will begin to flee to the Northwest exit; however, with properly trained units you should be able to take out the Death Knight in two turns. The first method is to use Lysithea's Dark Spikes Τ spell to one-shot the Death Knight. The minimum stats needed for Lysithea to exactly one-shot the Death Knight are 23/36/49 Magic plus Fiendish Blow and an equipped battalion bonus of +8 to magic which is granted by a max level Alliance Sages battalion from the Battalion Guild. To get Lysithea to the Death Knight, have a mounted unit use Stride on Lysithea, a Warp User, and a Dancer then move that unit to the left with Canto. Move Lysithea as far to the northwest as possible and take out the enemy Fortress Knight. Dance Lysithea and move her closer to the ballista directly to the north. Move your Warp user as close to Lysithea as possible then end your turn or move your other units however you like. On the next turn, use stride on Lysithea, and your Warp user if necessary, and Warp Lysithea as close to the Death Knight as possible. With Stride, and a magic-range increasing staff, either the Caduceus Staff or Thyrsus should do, Lysithea can reach the Death Knight and one-shot him, ending the chapter before he can even think of running away.

If your Lysithea is too weak to one-shot the Death Knight, there is an even easier method to kill him quickly. If you have the Lance of Ruin and a unit with Knightkneeler (preferrably a Wyvern Lord or Falcon Knight), as long as they have at least 14/26/35 Strength combined with Death Blow and a +8 bonus to strength granted by the Immortal Corps, they can one-shot the Death Knight on the first turn. Start by using Stride on your dancer and your flying Death Knight-killer. Move the flier as close to the Death Knight as possible but within your dancer's movement range then wait with that unit, dance them so they can move again, then have that unit one-shot the Death Knight. In addition to this method, there is an even easier method. If you have a Seteth, Sylvain or Ferdinand that has learned Swift Strikes and have the Spear of Assal, you essentially have a guaranteed one-round kill against the Death Knight. As long as those units have at least 1/7/11 (yes, the strength requirement is actually that low) Strength, or 13/19/23 if the unit in question lacks Death Blow, they one-round the Death Knight. You can use the same methods mentioned earlier if the Swift Strikes user is a flier; alternatively, if they are a Paladin without any flying class certifications, add a Warp user to the mix to warp them past the line of axe-users to the south of the Death Knight.

Etymology and other languages

Names, etymology, and in other regions
Language Name Definition, etymology, and notes
English

Taking Fort Merceus

--

Japanese

メリセウス攻防戦

Meriseus battle

Spanish

La toma de Fuerte Merceus

The taking of Fort Merceus

French

L'inexpugnable fort Merceus

The impregnable fort Merceus

German

Eroberung von Merceus

Conquest of Merceus

Italian

La presa del forte Merceus

The taking of fort Merceus

Korean

메리세우스 공방전

Battle for Merceus

Simplified Chinese

梅利赛乌斯攻防战

Merceus siege battle

Traditional Chinese

梅利賽烏斯攻防戰

Merceus siege battle

Gallery

← To War at Gronder • Taking Fort Merceus • The Enbarr Infiltration →
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Playable characters Black Eagles BernadettaCasparDorotheaEdelgardFerdinandHubertLinhardtPetra
Blue Lions AnnetteAsheDedueDimitriFelixIngridMercedesSylvain
Golden Deer ClaudeHildaIgnatzLeonieLorenzLysitheaMarianneRaphael
Other AloisAnnaDLCBylethCatherineCyrilFlaynGilbertHannemanJeritzaManuelaSetethShamir
Ashen WolvesDLC BalthusConstanceHapiYuri
Non-playable characters AbysskeeperDLCDuke AegirFlecheGatekeeperDuke GerthIonius IXJeraltJudithLadislavaNaderRandolphRheaRodrigueSothis
Bosses AcheronAelfricDLCAloisLord ArundelBiasBlaiddydCasparCatherineCharonChilonClaudeCorneliaDaphnelDedueDeath KnightDimitriDominicBaron DominicEdelgardFelixFerdinandFlame EmperorFlaynFraldariusGautierGloucesterGonerilGwendalHubertIngridThe Immaculate OneThe ImmovableJudithKostasKronyaLadislavaLamineLinhardtLonatoLorenzMercedesMetodeyMiklanMysonNaderNemesisBaron OchsDLCOdessePallardóPittacusRandolphRheaRieganRodrigueSetethShamirSolonSylvainThalesWandering BeastThe Wind Caller
Background characters Lord ArundelCount BergliezCorneliaMargrave GautierGlennCount GloucesterCount HevringHolstLambertMonicaPatriciaRufusSeirosSitriTomasTianaCount Varley
Personal weapons and regalia Aegis ShieldAreadbharAsclepiusAthameAxe of UkonvasaraAymrBlutgangCaduceus StaffCirce StaffCrusherFailnaughtFetters of DromiFreikugelThe InexhaustibleLance of RuinLúinOchain ShieldRafail GemScythe of SarielSeiros ShieldSpear of AssalSword of BegaltaSword of MoraltaSword of SeirosSword of the CreatorTathlum BowThunderbrandThyrsusVajra-Mushti
Chapters Part I
White Clouds
P: An Inevitable Encounter • 1: Three Houses • 2: Familiar Scenery • 3: Mutiny in the Mist • 4: The Goddess's Rite of Rebirth • 5: Tower of Black Winds • 6: Rumors of a Reaper • 7: Field of the Eagle and Lion • 8: The Flame in the Darkness • 9: The Cause of Sorrow • 10: Where the Goddess Dwells • 11: Throne of Knowledge • 12: To War Black Eagles, if Byleth sides against EdelgardBlue LionsGolden Deer / Outset of a Power Struggle Black Eagles, if Byleth sides with Edelgard
Part II Silver Snow
Silver Snow
13: Reunion at Dawn • 14: A King Without a Kingdom • 15: Valley of Torment • 16: The Rose-Colored River • 17: The Impregnable Fortress • 18: The Chaos of War • 19: Conclusion of the Crossing Roads • 20: The City Without Light • 21: Following a Dream
Azure Moon
Azure Moon
13: Reunion at Dawn • 14: The Delusional Prince • 15: Valley of Torment • 16: The Rose-Colored River • 17: Blood of the Eagle and Lion • 18: The King's Triumphant Return • 19: The Golden Deer's Plea • 20: The Impregnable Fortress • 21: Our Chosen Paths • 22: Oath of the Dagger
Verdant Wind
Verdant Wind
13: Reunion at Dawn • 14: The Alliance Leader's Ambitions • 15: Valley of Torment • 16: The Rose-Colored River • 17: Blood of the Eagle and Lion • 18: The Golden Scheme • 19: The Chaos of War • 20: Conclusion of the Crossing Roads • 21: The City Without Light • 22: Fódlan's New Dawn
Crimson Flower
Crimson Flower
13: Beyond Escape • 14: The Master Tactician • 15: Tempest of Swords and Shields • 16: Lady of Deceit • 17: Field of Revenge • 18: To the End of a Dream
Paralogues Paralogues Part I Black Market SchemeDLCA Cursed RelicDLCDeath TollDividing the World Black Eagles, if Byleth sides against EdelgardBlue LionsGolden DeerFalling Short of HeavenThe ForgottenLand of the Golden DeerAn Ocean ViewOil and WaterRumored NuptialsThe Secret MerchantDLC Blue LionsGolden DeerSword and Shield of SeirosTales of the Red CanyonTrue ChivalryWar for the Weak Blue Lions
Part II Darkness Beneath the Earth Crimson FlowerDividing the World Silver SnowAzure MoonVerdant WindEternal Guardian Silver SnowAzure MoonVerdant WindThe Face Beneath Silver SnowAzure MoonVerdant WindForeign Land and SkyForgotten HeroInsurmountable Crimson FlowerLegend of the LakeRetribution Silver SnowAzure MoonVerdant WindThe Secret MerchantDLC Crimson FlowerThe Silver Maiden Azure MoonThe Sleeping Sand Legend Verdant WindWeathervanes of Fódlan Azure Moon
Cindered Shadows
Cindered Shadows
1: The Fourth House • 2: What Lies Beneath • 3: The Rite of Rising • 4: Danger in the Dark • 5: Betrayal • 6: Return to Me • 7: Wolf Pack
Locations FódlanAdrestiaFaerghusGarreg Mach Monastery (Abyss) • LeicesterAlmyraBrigidDagdaSrengZahras
Groups, objects and concepts 10 ElitesAshen WolvesBlack Eagles (Black Eagle Strike Force) • Blue LionsChildren of the GoddessChurch of Seiros (Knights of Seiros) • Crests (Crest Stone) • Divine PulseGolden DeerHeroes' RelicsInsurrection of the SevenMonstersThose who slither in the darkTragedy of DuscurWar of Heroes
Lists AbilitiesChaptersCharactersClasses (Class change) • Hidden treasureItems (Monastery items) • QuestsScriptsSupportsWeapons
Related topics Music LibraryName chart • Other games (Warriors: Three Hopes) • Pre-release informationUnused contentDownloadable contentClass mastery