Presentation of Grado in the prologue
Grado (グラド帝国 Gurado Teikoku lit. Grado Empire in the Japanese version) is a locaton from Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones. It is the largest individual monarchy in the continent of Magvel and occupies a southwest position on the continent. At the start of Sacred Stones, Vigarde is Emperor of Grado, and his son, Lyon, is crown prince, heir to the throne of the nation.
Profile[]
The country's eponymous founder, Grado, was one of the Five Heroes who sealed away the Demon King 800 years past. His descendants, the royal family of Grado, live in the imperial palace, Grado Keep. The palace is also home to the Fire Emblem, the Sacred Stone that carries the Demon King's spirit. The dark magic tome Gleipnir and the black axe Garm are the Sacred Twin weapons of Grado, once used by the nation's founding hero. Under Prince Lyon's direction, scholars in Grado push the boundaries of possibility with dark magic.
Geography[]
Grado borders Frelia to the northwest, Renais to the north, and Jehanna to the northeast. It is divided into the agricultural north and the more commerce-focused south. The fringe cities along Grado's borders are sparesely populated and mostly pastoral. Meanwhile, the emperor rules from the capital city of Grado Keep, deep in the southeast. Water dominates the country: Castle Renvall near Renais-Grado border is known for its lake, the Za'albul Marsh covers western Grado, and the port city of Tai'zel is a major trade hub on the southern coast. Multiple rivers run throughout the land; alongside them are forests and fertile plains. The Borgo Ridge, Za'ha Woods, and another unnamed mountain range form a natural border with Renais. Grado sits on a fault line and is known for its frequent tremors, though they are often small and barely cause any damage.
Military[]
Grado has the most powerful military in Magvel, due in no small part to its Imperial Three, Generals Duessel, Glen, and Selena. At the war's beginning, they are supplemented by another three Generals: Caellach, Valter, and Riev.
Grado's military has a large amount of Fighter and Shaman units, befitting of Grado's Sacred Twins, the axe Garm and the dark magic tome Gleipnir. They also have a wide array of Soldiers, Cavaliers, and Archers, making for a well-rounded army. However, the most notable features are their Wyvern Riders and Shamans. Using the high mobility of Wyvern Riders and Cavaliers, and the heavy firepower of Shamans, Grado's military force was able to swiftly defeat Renais. Grado's military reputation is perhaps overestimated due to this victory. Renais was not expecting an attack from its southern neighbor and ally, and thus was an easy target. However, Grado was unable to defeat Frelia, only captured Jehanna through the betrayal of Carlyle, who led Jehanna's army, and their presence in Carcino was greatly aided by Pablo's faction.
Nevetheless, Grado was able to briefly claim control over four of the nations of Magvel (Grado proper, Renais, Carcino, and Jehanna) before finally being defeated by a coalition of Frelia, Rausten, and exiles from the annexed nations.
Notable People from Grado[]
Royalty[]
- Vigarde - The emperor of Grado and Lyon's father
- Lyon - The prince of Grado and childhood friend of Eirika and Ephraim who is not fond of fighting.
Imperial Three[]
- Duessel the Obsidian - One of Grado's oldest generals who has a strong sense of honor.
- Selena the Fluorspar - A commoner from out of a desolate village who used her magic ability to become part of the Imperial Three.
- Glen the Sunstone - A general of Grado and Cormag's older brother
New Generals[]
- Valter the Moonstone - A general of Grado whose cruelty intoxicates him; formerly one of the Imperial Three.
- Caellach the Tiger Eye - A general originally from Jehanna who rose from mercenary life doing whatever it takes to achieve his goals.
- Riev the Blood Beryl - A heretical priest originally from Rausten who is shrouded in mystery.
Military[]
- Amelia - A young soldier from the village of Silva who's honest and sincere.
- Cormag - A Wyvern Rider of Grado and Glen's younger brother who fights with love and pride for his homeland despite leaving his army behind.
- Saar - A commander of Grado posted at Serafew
- Tirado - A general of Grado and the aide of Valter
- O'Neill - A squad leader in the Grado imperial army
- Novala - A shaman who serves as Riev's aide
- Murray - A cavalier and Tirado's lieutenant
- Breguet - A knight who takes Tana as a hostage
- Gheb - A commander of Grado in charge of Fort Rigwald
Others[]
- Melina - Amelia's mother who was saved by Duessel from bandits.
- Natasha - A gentle cleric and a woman of beauty and grace.
- McGregor - A priest of Grado.
- Knoll - A Royal mage of Grado and researcher of dark magic who knows the secret of Prince Lyon's change and the Dark Stone's creation.
Etymology[]
Grado is Italian for "grade" i.e. the degree of something on a slope or scale. To be in grado is to be capable of a task.
Gallery[]
