Unlocking the Grim Reaper: A Comprehensive Guide to Recruiting the Death Knight in Fire Emblem
Yes, you can recruit the Death Knight in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. However, the method and availability depend heavily on the specific route you choose. Recruiting this enigmatic and powerful unit isn’t a straightforward process, adding to the mystique surrounding this character. Understanding the specific conditions and route requirements is crucial for successfully adding the Death Knight to your roster.
Recruiting the Death Knight: A Route-Specific Breakdown
The Death Knight’s recruitment is primarily tied to the Crimson Flower route, the path where you side with Edelgard as part of the Black Eagles house. Let’s delve into the specifics:
- Crimson Flower (Black Eagles – Edelgard Route): This is the only route where the Death Knight, revealed to be Jeritza, can be permanently recruited. He will automatically join your army in Chapter 13, assuming your game is up to date.
- Azure Gleam (Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes): Enacting a specific strategy during the battle, “Persuade Death Knight,” at the end of the battle will allow players to recruit the Death Knight at the end of the fight but only if Mercedes is with you on the battlefield.
- Other Routes (Blue Lions, Golden Deer, Church Route): In these routes, the Death Knight remains an antagonist. You will face him in battles, but recruiting him is impossible. He serves as a recurring, formidable enemy, wielding his signature scythe and powerful magic.
Understanding Jeritza/The Death Knight
The Death Knight’s identity is intertwined with Jeritza, a teacher at Garreg Mach Monastery. This adds a layer of complexity to his character and recruitment.
- Emile von Bartels: The Death Knight’s true name is revealed to be Emile von Bartels, the younger half-brother of Mercedes von Martritz. This connection to Mercedes is significant for both story reasons and recruitment possibilities in Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes.
- Edelgard’s Influence: After a traumatic event, Emile was taken in by Edelgard, who erased his past, changed his name to Jeritza, and placed him in a new House. The Death Knight persona is a manifestation of his inner turmoil and serves Edelgard’s agenda.
The Allure of the Death Knight
The Death Knight is a highly sought-after unit due to his impressive stats and unique abilities.
- Powerful Unit: He is a formidable combatant, possessing high strength, defense, and magical abilities. His signature skill, Death Blow, significantly increases his attack power when initiating combat.
- Dark Seal: Defeating the Death Knight yields the Dark Seal, an item that allows male characters to become Dark Mages or Dark Bishops.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Death Knight
Can I recruit the Death Knight on any route besides Crimson Flower?
No. The Death Knight, in his Jeritza guise, is exclusive to the Crimson Flower route. He cannot be recruited in the Blue Lions, Golden Deer, or Church routes. While you encounter him in these paths, he remains an enemy.
Do I need DLC to recruit Jeritza/the Death Knight?
No, you do not need any DLC to recruit Jeritza in the Crimson Flower route. He was added as a recruitable character in a patch.
Is the Death Knight always available for recruitment in Crimson Flower?
Yes, as long as your game is up to date. He will automatically join your army in Chapter 13. There are no specific requirements beyond being on the Crimson Flower route.
Does Mercedes influence the Death Knight’s recruitment in Three Houses?
No, Mercedes presence has no effect on the Death Knight’s recruitment in Three Houses. However, in the title Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes, Mercedes must be on the battlefield for the strategy, “Persuade Death Knight” to become an option at the end of the battle.
What happens if I defeat the Death Knight before Chapter 13 in Crimson Flower?
Defeating the Death Knight before Chapter 13 simply yields experience and the Dark Seal. It does not prevent him from joining your army later.
What are the Death Knight’s strengths and weaknesses as a unit?
The Death Knight boasts high strength, defense, and magical abilities. He excels in both physical and magical combat. His main weakness is his relatively low speed and resistance.
Can I romance Jeritza?
Yes, Jeritza can be romanced as both male and female Byleth if you’re playing the Crimson Flower route. His S-rank support ending is romantic.
Why is Jeritza so obsessed with Byleth?
Jeritza’s fascination with Byleth is complex. The Death Knight persona, a manifestation of his suppressed emotions, is drawn to Byleth, but Jeritza himself struggles to understand these feelings.
Can the Death Knight be reclassed?
Yes, once recruited, Jeritza can be reclassed into other classes, though his strengths lie in classes that utilize his high strength and magic.
How does Jeritza’s backstory influence his behavior?
Jeritza’s traumatic past and Edelgard’s manipulation have a profound impact on his personality. He is emotionally detached, prone to outbursts of violence, and struggles with his identity.
What is the significance of the Dark Seal?
The Dark Seal is an item dropped by the Death Knight that allows male characters to reclass into Dark Mage or Dark Bishop, powerful magic-focused classes.
Can the Death Knight use magic?
Yes, the Death Knight has access to a range of dark magic spells, making him a versatile combatant.
Is the Death Knight undead?
While the Death Knight is associated with death and darkness, there’s no concrete evidence that he is undead. He exhibits traits of living beings, such as eating and bleeding. There are in-game references to death knights enjoying food, benefiting from sleep, and even bleeding.
Where does the Death Knight rank among the strongest units in the game?
The Death Knight is undeniably a strong unit, particularly in the early and mid-game. His high base stats and access to powerful abilities make him a valuable asset to any team.
What kind of learning can be found in Fire Emblem?
The Fire Emblem franchise is known for including many different types of learning through gameplay, which can be further explored through research by associations like the Games Learning Society and on their website at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Unlocking the Death Knight requires strategic planning and a commitment to the Crimson Flower route. His strength, unique backstory, and the complexity of his character make him a compelling addition to your army.