#but i am NOT ready for conquest or rev TO BE HONEST

[thislittlekumquat]

Okay here's my review of fefates birthright so far. As of chapter 18. This story deserved a better fucking medium!!!!!!!

[emblemxeno]

JP vs. Localization in Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation

(Okay, for real this time lol)

Again, here’s a link to my sources post.

Fortunately, this route follows suit in terms of good localization quality after Conquest. It’s the shortest out of all the posts, since I don’t really have a lot to talk about. Mostly subtle line changes, references and a few key points of information that were cut out. I also went through Hidden Truths and Heirs of Fate to see if I could add stuff from those on here, but there were no big problems that I found.

Once again, the main part of this post will all be put under the cut. If a chapter isn’t covered, it means I didn’t think there were any differences worth talking about.

I’ll use localized names for characters and locations, unless I feel the need to do otherwise.

I’ll be using she/her when referring to Corrin in this post. (I flipped a coin to decide the gender lol)

Also, note that after Chapter 14, the translation of this route on Fateswartable ends, so I mostly relied on the English patch done by Serenes at that point forward. (I also used PegasusKnight.com as a reference to fall back on if I needed it)

Chapter 7

-A minor gripe I have with localization. The JP version compares Touma (Valla) to hell constantly. To jump ahead a bit, I believe in the JP versions of the End of All Sky/Land/Below tracks are even called The End of All Roads Heaven/Earth/Hell. The Vallites are also often called demons in the JP version, and Anankos himself is known as the ‘Invisible Demon Dragon’.

Another cool thing I just thought of too, is a connection to a popular Japanese short story. Zelda fans might be familiar with the story, “The Spider’s Thread”, which inspired the Ancient Cistern dungeon in Skyward Sword.

The beginning of the story has Buddha walking through paradise (heaven), before coming across a pond. The pond is filled with crystal clear water, and covered with water lilies/lotuses. As Buddha gazes further into the pond, he begins to see the depths of hell.

Sound familiar? “Azura is walking through Hoshido, before coming across a lake. The lake is filled with crystal clear water, and when she gazes into the lake she sees the fallen kingdom of her birth. Valla, the kingdom associated with water lilies/lotuses in the game, has been turned into hell itself.”

This association loses its meaning a bit when the comparisons to hell are a bit toned down, as well as when the Buddhist inspirations were kind of supplanted in favor of Greek renames. It’s not supremely important to the plot as a whole, but it’s something interesting I wanted to bring up.

-In the JP version, while explaining what happened in Valla, Azura eventually says “Using the art of manipulating people’s souls, he (Hydra/Anankos) made the people kill each other.” This bit of the people killing each other was cut in localization.

Chapter 12

-In the JP version, when Corrin asks Flora if she knows anything about dragons, Flora says “Sorry, I don’t know…The ancestral dragon of the Ice Clan has already perished and isn’t part of the legend. I don’t know what role it plays, sorry…” Localization makes her response “I'm sorry, but I can't think of anything... They've been gone so long that we don't even have tales of dragons in the Ice Tribe. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more assistance...”

So, the JP version explicitly says the Ice Dragon is dead (I believe Fates’ second artbook mentioned this as well), whereas the localization only says the First Dragons have been gone for a long time.

Chapter 16

-There’s not really much of a problem that I have with what Ryoma says about Corrin “having leadership qualities at a young age” but I wanted to do comparisons regardless cuz the word choice might lead one to different conclusions. In localization, Ryoma says this:

Ryoma: Huh... So she told us the same thing... I don't think it's in Corrin's nature to lie. And there's a leadership quality about her that just attracts followers. I remember being jealous of her as a child, in fact. Even at such a young age, she displayed the characteristics of a ruler. Silly to be jealous of her, right?

In the JP version, Ryoma says this:

Ryoma: Oh... So, she told you the same thing. …Corrin isn’t one to tell lies. She’s been like that since childhood. She’s always genuine and honest... She has this mysterious appeal that draws people to her. Seeing my younger sister with the qualities of being a ruler... Honestly, it makes me feel envious. …What a ridiculous thing to say, right?

Again, I don’t necessarily have a problem with how it was localized, but some might. The localization version might have people think that Corrin somehow was a fantastic leader at such a young age, but JP is more clear that it was about the qualities she had at a young age that would be valuable as a leader.

Chapter 19

-A minor gripe. In the localization, Azura says that Anankos uses his magic to send Vallites to Nohr and Hoshido to stir up conflict. In the JP version, she says he uses magic, along with the help of a body of water. That’s why whenever you fight Vallites outside of Valla proper, there’s a body of water nearby; Hoshido’s lake (and the ponds shown in Hinoka’s CQ battle which are in the capital) for Chapter 5, the sea for BR chapter 11, the burning falls for BR chapter 21, and the city for Rev chapter 13. Similarly, the consequences of being a victim to the curse are described as “turning into sea foam” in the JP version. Localization as a whole kind of toned down how much water has an influence on the story.

Chapter 23

-Probably the pettiest gripe I have lol. As Arete is fading away from Azura’s arms, Azura has a different reaction in localization and Japanese. In localization, Azura says “Mother? Mother!” while a voice clip of her in-battle pain cries plays. In the JP, she says  “*Sob... Sob*…! Mother... Mother...!”, while a voice clip of her crying plays. Her crying voice clip I don’t recall hearing anywhere else.

This is one of the few times in the you get to see Azura express a heavy and heartfelt emotion, since her rough childhood caused her to remain guarded and stoic around everyone. The equivalents to this scene in other routes is her death scene in Birthright, and her crying with Corrin over Ryoma’s death in Conquest; a normally unflinching and aloof character breaking down is a rarity, and indicates that the cause of it is something to take note of for the character as a whole. Localization softened this aspect, and I take issue with it, despite it probably seeming trivial to most other people.

Chapter 24

-When Corrin is questioning the phantom Mikoto, an exchange happens. In localization, part of it goes like this:

Corrin: But this can't be... Are you truly my mother?

Mikoto: I am. Even as a puppet of Anankos, my spirit at least remains my own.

Corrin: I... I believe you.

In the JP version, it goes like this:

Corrin: It can’t be... …Are you really my mother?

Mikoto: Yes... I became an Invisible servant, controlled by the Invisible King... Even so, I am your mother.

Corrin:  …………

Again, a minor thing that I don’t personally have issue with, but replacing Corrin’s silence with an admittance of belief could make some believe she has “reverted” back to being too naïve.

Chapter 26

-While Gunter is relaying his past, an exchange happens. In localization, it goes like this:

Gunter: I ask myself that, every day. I cannot understand the minds of royals. To you all, we commoners are little more than pawns in your schemes... Or weeds to be killed on a whim.

Corrin: That's not true...

Xander: Is that how people view the royalty?

Ryoma: Such an impression would easily breed powerful resentment...

In the JP version, Corrin, Xander and Ryoma don’t say anything. They just remain silent.

Endgame

-Not a major problem so much as a general thing about the game, but I can think of like... at least three memes that Treehouse inserted into the localization. Now I like memes, but there is no better way to date your media nowadays. One of them was Kana’s “That’s dragon for I love you” which tbh, is kind of cute and isn’t the most well known meme so I guess I can let it slide. Another is Felicia saying “I had one job!” when she messes up in the dining hall, which isn’t that big of a deal since the dining hall is very optional.

The last one I can think of is why I put this specific grievance here, and it’s during Corrin’s speech before facing Anankos.

Corrin: We won't back down! This is my... This is our destiny! Ready your weapons! Fight for your friends! With the Seal of Flames... With the Fire Emblem on our side! We fight for our world!!

Yeah, she says “Fight for your friends” which is everyone’s favorite Ike line from Brawl. Now, this isn’t even a totally inaccurate translation either, but it kind of just... makes the moment funny for the player when it’s supposed to be commanding and serious I guess.

But yeah, not the most important issue by far, but something I’d thought to mention. Hell, it’s not even that bad compared to how they made Peri’s, Effie’s and Hisame’s quirks into exaggerated and tired jokes. And the Beruka-Saizo support. Never forget.

-When Azura and Corrin are by the lake and discuss the latter’s plans to rule, Corrin says this in localization:

Corrin: I'm going to make Valla a wonderful place! In honor of the true last king and for Queen Arete. And everyone who fought... I promise to make them all proud.

In the JP version, she says this:

Corrin: I’ll make the Invisible Kingdom (Valla) into a great land. For the previous monarch, Queen Shenmei (Arete)… And for all of my allies who fought beside me. I promise.

So, JP version only mentions Arete as the reigning monarch of Valla. Which makes sense, cuz unless there was some wild “keeping the bloodline pure” shenanigans in Valla, Arete being the Queen keeps in line with what we know about the rest of Valla’s history. Arete was royalty from birth, as was her sister Mikoto. Arete is the one who passed down Lost in Thoughts and the pendant to Azura.  

[carla-l-love]

Brothersblog by Brother James Key

American Antichrist In this brief article, I'll cover these topics: 1) a possible scenario concerning the general time of our Lord's Second Coming, 2) Christians standing together in an anti-christ world, 3) allegiance to Christ alone in a fallen-away culture, 4) the ungodly nation that leads the world, and 5) the biblical traits that describe the rising Antichrist. A Bit of Biblical Chronology You may be familiar with the research of creationist men of God like James Ussher and Frank Klassen in the field of biblical chronology. These men and many others have come to the conclusion that the biblical record tells us the history of the world is contained within about 6,000 years from the creation account to today. That is so interesting in light of the scripture, "One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (2 Peter 3:8) It could be possible that just as creation happened in 6 days with the one day of rest, the Lord's History (His Story) on earth will last 6,000 years plus 1,000 years (the Millennium). Jesus gave us signs, so we could recognize the general time of His second coming. "When you see all these things, you know that He is near, right at the door." (Matt 24:33) The signs are all around us in these last days. Jesus told us we could not know the day or the hour. But He wanted us to know the general time marked by signs He gave us in scripture. Now that we see the many signs He gave us, we know it will not be very much longer to wait. (Hallelujah!) So here is the striking thing about all this: If we count 6,000 years from the time these students of Bible chronology concluded that creation took place, we come to about the year 2026. That general time frame is also 2,000 years from the time Jesus began His public ministry. The Antichrist could arise on the world stage now in order to amass power over time, and then fulfill the final years of events foretold in scripture concerning his wars and conquests and reign of terror. We have yet to see the establishment of the ten kings who will give him their power and authority. All the prophecies will happen as foretold, and the clock is ticking to God's appointed end. The Importance of This Conversation I believe it's so important that we talk about these things ahead of time - share our thoughts and prayers and feelings with one another. It will help us prepare for these very last days. Many people are saying we can't be 100% sure Trump is the Antichrist at this time. If the watchman stands on the wall and says to himself, "I am 99% sure I see a coming danger, but I won't sound the alarm because I'm not 100% sure" - he has chosen to err on the side of carelessness instead of choosing to err on the side of caution. I will choose to sound the alarm against the danger I see coming - even if some aren't yet 100% sure. The Bible tells us: One of the traits of the Antichrist is that he will persecute anyone who refuses to honor and acknowledge him. Trump comes down hard on anyone who dares criticize him. This is a man who cannot "let it go" when anyone pushes back against his bullying. We've seen him hold unrelenting grudges - and dismantle & destroy opponents. He is commander-in-chief of all the covert agencies of the US govt. How will he use them to deal with a critical news media? CNN and the Washington Post - and eventually even Fox News and Breitbart and Drudge - if they dare criticize him? The only news media survivors will be those who bow to him. When serious persecution begins, the tendency will be for many to say, "You wanted him and you got him! Now deal with it!" But let's not give in to that impulse. We need each other. We need to stand together with anyone Trump comes down on. His strategy has always been to divide and conquer. Serious persecution may begin with news reporters, and Mexicans and Muslims - before he turns his attention toward others who don't bow down. In the end, the Bible warns us that Antichrist will make war on the Christians and execute many - until his appointed day of doom. But let's not go down easy. Let's not let him pick us off one group at a time. Let's pray for anyone persecuted, and stand with them, and stand up for one another. Political differences, our denominational differences, all that won't matter anymore - it will be a time when all that matters is our devotion to Jesus Christ. Our Lord Does The Unexpected Christians have for years expected that when the time came, the Antichrist would no doubt emerge from the socialist-leftwing movement. I can't begin to recall all the times I've been told by Christians on social media that, "Obama is the Antichrist!" And now Obama has gone the way of Carter and Clinton - written into the dusty and seldom read history books. In spite of what was expected, looking at history, anti-christ dictators with an eye on world conquest have almost always emerged from nationalist-rightwing movements. Hitler, as a prime example, began his reign of terror with a patriotic band of zealots. People professing to be Christians in 1930s Germany were ready to follow that nationalist demagogue - because most had long since departed from true biblical Christianity. Christians in America have for years indulged in a worldview that baptizes Christianity in the muddy waters of nationalism. Let's be honest, for the past decade many Christians in the US have woven patriotic-religiosity into their Christian profession. The US constitution has been glorified as if it is divinely-inspired! But Christians are called to exalt only the Bible as the true divinely-inspired Word of God. If America's children are brought up with the notion that God's holy throne in Heaven is draped with the American flag, how will they ever be able to understand that love of God must be far and above love of any country? When all nations unite under an Antichrist world government, how will they understand the separation between what Christ expects of them versus what America expects of them? How will they discern Christ from Antichrist? Be honest: The majority of Americans have forsaken the God of the Bible to follow gods of this world. The policies of their government have long reflected greed and self-indulgence. The prophet Daniel talks about the 4th kingdom that comes upon the earth that is different from every other kingdom in history: It tramples and devours the entire earth (Dan 7:23). That iron kingdom (Dan 2:40) undoubtedly began as the ancient Roman Empire, but the original empire in Europe was only the beginning. America is the Revived Roman Empire, the Final World Empire, of both iron and clay (Dan 2:41). America is the most powerful military empire in all of history, with over 800 foreign military bases around the planet! No other world superpower has ever come close to such total domination over the earth. Donald Trump promises to "make America great again." We can be sure he will make some things look much better. If he is the Antichrist, the Bible says he will succeed in all he does until the appointed day of his destruction. So he will make many things look "great." But is anything really fixed without God's blessing? Is anything great if people are looking to a man and giving glory to man? Trump says, "I'm the only one who can fix it." That is a preamble to, "I AM THE ONE, DONALD J TRUMP, who makes things great. Give me the glory." Traits that Describe the Antichrist Does Donald Trump fit the description of the Antichrist? Depending on what Bible version you read from, the Antichrist is described as having a fierce countenance, a stern face. And he is described as understanding dark sentences - a master of intrigue (Dan 8:23). Some of those closest to Trump have let it be known that he studied the speeches of Adolf Hitler, a master of manipulation who knew how to use words to win over the people: Never defend, always attack. Deny, deny, lie and lie. Repeat slogans, repeat, repeat until the people believe you. Divide the people and blame "those people" for everything. "Truth was thrown to the ground" (Dan 8:12). What matters in Trump's world of propaganda is not the truth, but perception. In Trump's world, it's not about believing in the truth, it's about believing in Donald Trump. "He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does." (Dan 8:24) The book of Revelation says the world's people will ask the question: "Who can make war with the beast?" Who can make war with a military that overwhelms all nations? Donald Trump is the commander-in-chief of the mightiest military in all of world history. He will use it to "go out conquering and to conquer." (Rev 6:2)