[Lex Talionis] Fire Emblem: Echoes of Valtheris

Hello again everyone,
I made a post recently in my old project thread discussing whether or not I might continue it, and at best, rework it completely. As I’m still thinking it over, I’ve recently come up with a more original story. Since there is a concept section here, I’ve decided to post it here. Below, you’ll find the backstory of the setting where this takes place, the main character and their parents, and what they’re doing now. I’ve also included the supposed conversation before the first chapter.

Story:

Summary

In the land of Valtheris, a continent divided by ancient rivalries and fragile alliances, an age-old prophecy whispers of a war that will shake the very foundations of the world. For centuries, the Empire of Eldros has ruled with an iron grip, enforcing order through strength. But in the shadows, resistance brews—led by the fallen Kingdom of Lysara, whose rightful heir was thought to be lost to time.

As the imperial forces tighten their grasp, rumors spread of a warrior wielding the Blade of Echoes, a legendary weapon said to belong to the forgotten bloodline of Lysara. Some say this warrior is a mere myth, a symbol of false hope. Others claim they have seen the heir rallying rebels in the desolate lands beyond the empire’s reach.

Meanwhile, a darker force lurks beneath the surface—an enigmatic cult known as The Veilborn, manipulating the conflict for their own sinister agenda. Whispers of ancient, forbidden magic and beings that predate humanity send shivers down the spines of even the most hardened warriors.

Will the lost heir rise and reclaim their throne? Will the empire crush all opposition? Or will the world be consumed by an unseen terror?

This is the tale of war, betrayal, and destiny.

Early Life in the Fallen Kingdom

Summary

Freya was born in the rugged, decaying regions of the Fallen Kingdom, where war and chaos were the only constants. Her parents, though once highly respected within their respective communities, lived a life of isolation due to their refusal to pick a side in the ongoing conflict between the Kingdom and the Empire.

Her father, Eirik, was a formidable Great Knight. Once a proud soldier in the fallen Kingdom’s ranks, he had long ago abandoned his post, disillusioned by the Kingdom’s fall into madness and its descent into tyrannical power. Eirik refused to take part in the endless cycles of war that continued to plague the land. He raised Freya with the belief that strength should be used to protect, not to conquer. His discipline, honor, and stalwart defense of those who could not defend themselves became core tenets of Freya’s upbringing.

Her mother, Maelis, was a powerful Necromancer, known for her deep understanding of life and death. Unlike most of her kin, who sought to manipulate the dead for power and control, Maelis sought to understand the natural cycle of life, death, and rebirth. She despised the Empire’s rule, seeing it as an unnatural corruption of the natural order. She never used her powers for evil, instead choosing to act as a protector of the land’s lost souls, providing guidance for the dead to find their rest. Though her practices were misunderstood by most, Maelis instilled in Freya a deep respect for the balance of life and death.

Together, Freya’s parents raised her in a home where the values of neutrality, self-reliance, and balance were paramount. They never engaged in the power struggles of the Empire or the Kingdom, yet they quietly watched as both sides bled the land dry, fueling their hatred of the endless cycle of war. They taught Freya that no matter what, their family would never align with the Empire’s corrupt reign or the fallen ideals of the Kingdom.

Opening Scene: A Letter and a New Bond

Summary

The game begins with a dimly lit room in the Church. Freya sits at a desk, the quiet rustling of parchment the only sound in the still air. She opens a letter from her parents, her eyes scanning the familiar script. Her brow furrows as she reads the urgent words, the gravity of the message settling in her chest. The warnings about the growing dangers in the Fallen Kingdom have never been clearer. The cultists are stirring again, and something darker is lurking, waiting to strike.

Suddenly, the door creaks open. The Head Priestess enters, her footsteps heavy but deliberate. She is an older, wise woman, draped in the ceremonial robes of her position. She holds an aura of calm and authority, though there is a hint of concern in her eyes.

Head Priestess: “Freya, I see you’ve received the letter. The signs are growing, and we must act swiftly. But there is something more… something I’ve sensed nearby.”

Freya looks up, her hand still clutching the letter from her parents. She stands, her face marked by resolve but also concern.

Freya: “Yes, my parents’ letter warns me of a rising storm in the Fallen Kingdom. I feared this was coming… the cultists have always lingered in the shadows.”

She pauses, her gaze steady, then places the letter on the desk as she looks at the Priestess.

Freya: “I’ve been with the Church for many years now. I swore to protect the innocent, even when it meant stepping away from my past. But now… this threat cannot be ignored. I’ll defend the Church and help however I can.”

The Head Priestess nods, her expression grim.

Head Priestess: “Good. Your resolve is as strong as I’ve come to expect. But there is another matter… a bond, an unknown presence nearby, something that ties directly to what we face. I cannot yet explain it fully, but I sense its importance.”

Freya: “A bond? What do you mean?”

The Head Priestess looks at her carefully, searching for words before speaking.

Head Priestess: “I do not know all the answers, but I believe this bond will guide you through what’s to come. It could change the course of this conflict. Stay vigilant, Freya. The road ahead is perilous, but I trust you will make the right choices.”

Freya takes a deep breath, her fingers brushing the hilt of her weapon as she steels herself for what’s ahead.

Freya: “I’ll trust in the Church’s teachings, Priestess. And in the guidance of my parents. If something is stirring, we must act before it’s too late.”

With a final nod, the Priestess exits, leaving Freya alone to ponder the ominous sense of an unknown bond—and the darkness it could bring.

Freya turns to the window, looking out at the distant landscape, knowing her life is about to change forever. The quiet peace she’s known is over. It’s time to fight once more, but this time, it’s for something greater.

This is all for now that has been written up.
Let me know what YOU think about this Idea.

2 Likes

the name sounds too similar to shadows of valentia idk it just feels like it

1 Like

I’m not familiar with your original story but this one looks great! I would try it.