The Silent Treatment: What Happens When You Ignore Edelgard in Fire Emblem: Three Houses?
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In the intricate tapestry of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, your choices resonate profoundly, shaping the narrative and dictating the fate of Fódlan. One seemingly simple decision, whether or not to engage with Edelgard during a crucial period, can drastically alter your game experience. So, what exactly happens if you choose to give Edelgard the silent treatment?
If you don’t speak with Edelgard during the designated month while exploring the Monastery, you effectively close off the path to Part Two: Crimson Flower, Edelgard’s unique route within the Black Eagles house. Instead, you are locked into the Part Two: Silver Snow route, a path centered around the Church of Seiros and Rhea. This means you will be fighting against Edelgard and her ideals for the remainder of the game. Your opportunity to side with the future Adrestian Emperor will vanish, forever changing the course of your adventure. The game will proceed as though you never had the chance to understand her motives or support her vision.
Unraveling the Consequences: The Path Not Taken
Choosing to ignore Edelgard is more than just a missed conversation; it’s a commitment to a specific ideology and a rejection of another. Here’s a deeper dive into the consequences:
- Locked Route: As previously mentioned, the most immediate consequence is being locked into the Silver Snow route. This route provides a different perspective on the war and places you firmly on the side of the Church of Seiros.
- Missed Story Content: Edelgard’s route, Crimson Flower, delves into her personal history, her motivations for rebelling against the Church and the nobility, and her plans for a new Fódlan. By ignoring her, you miss out on this crucial narrative perspective.
- Different Allies and Enemies: Siding with Edelgard means fighting alongside her against the Church and other opposing factions. Conversely, the Silver Snow route pits you against Edelgard, changing the composition of your allies and enemies throughout the second half of the game.
- Unique Battles and Maps: Each route features unique battles and maps, offering different challenges and strategic scenarios. Ignoring Edelgard means you’ll never experience the battles and maps specific to the Crimson Flower route.
- Altered Character Arcs: Many characters have different interactions and resolutions depending on which route you choose. By not siding with Edelgard, you’ll miss out on the unique character development and support conversations that are exclusive to her route.
- No Opportunity for Understanding: Perhaps the most significant consequence is the missed opportunity to understand Edelgard’s perspective. Her motivations are complex and driven by a desire to dismantle a corrupt system. Ignoring her prevents you from fully appreciating her goals and the sacrifices she makes.
Making the Choice: Knowledge is Power
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to speak with Edelgard is a personal one. However, it’s essential to make this decision with a full understanding of the consequences. If you are curious about Edelgard’s side of the story and want to explore a different perspective on the conflict, then engaging with her is crucial. If you believe in the Church of Seiros and its ideals, then ignoring Edelgard and remaining on the Silver Snow route might be the right choice for you. The most important thing is to be aware of the impact of your decision and to choose the path that resonates most with you. Engaging with narratives that allow you to see things from a variety of perspectives is a crucial component of learning within games, as it encourages understanding and empathy. This is an area actively researched at organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Edelgard and Route Choices
Here are some frequently asked questions about Edelgard and the route choices in Fire Emblem: Three Houses to provide a more detailed understanding:
What happens if I talk to Edelgard but don’t go to the capital with her?
If you talk to Edelgard but refuse to accompany her to the capital, you will still remain on the Silver Snow route. Going to the capital is a critical step in unlocking the choice to side with her later on.
Do I have to be in the Black Eagles house to side with Edelgard?
Yes, you must be a member of the Black Eagles house to unlock the option of siding with Edelgard and pursuing the Crimson Flower route. If you are in another house, you will not have the opportunity to choose her path.
If I choose the Crimson Flower route, will I lose access to other characters?
Yes, choosing the Crimson Flower route will result in losing access to certain characters who are loyal to the Church of Seiros, most notably Seteth, Flayn, and Catherine. These characters will leave your party and become enemies in later battles.
Can I recruit Seteth and Flayn back if I side with Edelgard?
No, you cannot recruit Seteth and Flayn back if you choose to side with Edelgard. They will remain opposed to her and will be unavailable for the remainder of the game.
Is Edelgard a villain if I don’t side with her?
Whether Edelgard is a “villain” is a matter of perspective and depends on the route you choose. In the Silver Snow, Azure Moon, and Verdant Wind routes, she is portrayed as an antagonist due to her war against the Church and the other nations. However, in the Crimson Flower route, you see her motivations and goals from her perspective, which paints a more nuanced picture.
What are Edelgard’s motivations for starting the war?
Edelgard’s primary motivation is to dismantle the corrupt system of the Church of Seiros and the nobility, which she believes perpetuates inequality and injustice. She seeks to create a new Fódlan where individuals are judged on their merits rather than their Crests or social status.
Does Edelgard have a tragic backstory?
Yes, Edelgard has a tragic backstory. She was subjected to brutal experiments as a child, which involved the forced implantation of Crests. These experiments left her with physical and emotional scars, fueling her desire for change.
Can I romance Edelgard as a male Byleth?
No, Edelgard can only be romanced by a female Byleth. If you are playing as a male Byleth, you will not have the option to pursue a romantic relationship with her.
What is the significance of Edelgard’s white hair?
Edelgard’s white hair is a result of the Crest experiments she underwent as a child. These experiments caused her hair to turn white and shortened her lifespan.
Who is the Flame Emperor, and what is their connection to Edelgard?
The Flame Emperor is Edelgard’s alter ego during the first part of the game. She uses this identity to manipulate events and orchestrate the war. The reveal that Edelgard is the Flame Emperor is a major plot twist.
What are the differences between the Crimson Flower and Silver Snow routes?
The Crimson Flower route focuses on Edelgard’s perspective and her efforts to reform Fódlan. You fight alongside her against the Church and other opposing forces. The Silver Snow route, on the other hand, centers around the Church of Seiros and Rhea, and you fight against Edelgard to protect the Church’s ideals.
Does siding with Edelgard affect the ending of the game?
Yes, siding with Edelgard leads to a unique ending that focuses on her vision for a new Fódlan. The ending you receive will vary depending on your support rank with Edelgard and other characters.
Is there a “canon” route in Fire Emblem: Three Houses?
There is no officially designated “canon” route in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Each route offers a different perspective on the conflict and has its own unique story and characters. The choice of which route to play is ultimately up to the player.
How does my choice of house affect my overall experience?
Your choice of house significantly affects your overall experience, as each house has its own unique story, characters, and perspectives on the conflict. Being in the Black Eagles house is essential for experiencing Edelgard’s route, while being in the Blue Lions or Golden Deer houses offers different viewpoints on the war.
Is Edelgard the only character with a unique route?
No, Dimitri, the leader of the Blue Lions, also has a unique route called Azure Moon, which focuses on his personal struggles and his efforts to bring peace to Fódlan. Claude, the leader of the Golden Deer, also has a unique route named Verdant Wind.