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Masquerade Ethlyn

Analysis by Chibi_Chu
Masquerade Ethlyn - Glimmering Lady

5

Obtainable as a 5 only

Hero Stats

Max Avg Total Stats at Lvl 40
158
HP 37
ATK 36
SPD 41
DEF 16
RES 28

Stat Variations

Level 1 Stat Variation
5★
HP ATK SPD DEF RES
Low 14 7 7 2 5
Middle 15 8 8 3 6
High 16 9 9 4 7

Level 40 Stat Variations
5★
HP ATK SPD DEF RES
Low 33 33 37 12 24
Middle 37 36 41 16 28
High 40 39 44 19 31

IV Sets

Key stats worth increasing through nature if possible.
Complementary stats that matter, but not to the point of picking them over key stats for nature increase.
Relatively worthless stat that can safely be decreased through nature.
HPATKSPDDEFRES

Skill Sets

Not-so-Courtly Fan (Vantage Sweeper)

Build by Chibi_Chu
Recommended
Broadleaf Fan+ (+Atk) A Close Foil
Alternate: Close Counter
Positional Assist
Alternate: Dance
B Vantage 3
Miracle C Pulse Smoke 3
IVs

+ATK / -HP or -DEF

SHeavy Blade 3
Alternate: Iote's Shield

Show Explanation/Analysis

Weapon: Broadleaf Fan+ (+ATK) 

Assist: Positional Assist / Dance 

Special: Miracle

Passive A: Close Foil / Close Counter

Passive B: Vantage 

Passive C: Pulse Smoke 

Sacred Seal: Heavy Blade / Iote’s Shield 

  • A high-Attack Dagger unit? You know what that means: a generic Broadleaf Fan set! Broadleaf Fan grants Ethlyn bonus Attack during combat equal to the sum of the enemy’s debuffs, making it one of the best weapons in the game at OHKOing. As with any other Dagger, Broadleaf Fan inflicts -7 Def/Res to the target and enemies within 2 spaces after combat, effectively granting +21 damage.
  • A positional Assist may be preferred over Dance, as Ethlyn may appreciate receiving a refresh herself for increased flexibility.
  • The combination of Close Foil and Vantage is key for Broadleaf sets; with this, Ethlyn has the opportunity to OHKO melee initiators before they damage (and potentially KO) her when her HP is ≤ 75%. Even though this is a primarily Enemy Phase set, initiating is key to apply both Broadleaf Fan’s debuffs and Pulse Smoke, the former for damage output and the latter to prevent her from being nuked by enemies with their Specials ready. Infantry Pulse Defense teams are ubiquitous, making Pulse Smoke all the more valuable. Close Foil is preferred due to its +5 Atk/Def; its drawback of Ethlyn being unable to counterattack against Dragons is negligible given how uncommon they are on Defense.
  • With Broadleaf Fan’s Attack increase, Ethlyn can almost always activate Heavy Blade, allowing her to use an unusual Special choice: Miracle. Miracle is greatly appreciated, as Ethlyn could occasionally miss out on OHKOs against units that KO her. Alternatively, she can use Close Foil to ensure she doesn’t get OHKO’d by Archers.
  • Ideally, Ethlyn has a partner with Temari or Sabotage Atk and/or Sabotage Spd; this is because they inflict Attack and/or Speed debuffs on enemies, both of which Ethlyn lacks.

Rebellious Masquerader (Support)

Build by Chibi_Chu
Recommended
Temari+ (+Res) A Fort. Def/Res 3
Alternate: Fury (3 or 4)
Dance B Wings of Mercy 3
Alternate: Aerobatics 3
Iceberg
Alternate: Glacies
C Guidance 3
Alternate: Ground Orders 3
IVs

+RES / -DEF

SPhantom Res 3
Alternate: Fortress Res 3

Show Explanation/Analysis

Weapon: Temari+ (+RES) 

Assist: Dance 

Special: Iceberg / Glacies 

Passive A: Fort. Def/Res 3 / Fury (3 or 4)

Passive B: Wings of Mercy / Aerobatics / Sabotage Def

Passive C: Guidance / Ground Orders / Flexible 

Sacred Seal: Phantom ResFortress Res / Flexible

  • While her 28 Resistance may not be appealing, Ethlyn can still stack Resistance high enough to consistently utilize Temari, a weapon that inflicts -5 Atk/Spd to enemies adjacent to each other if Ethlyn’s Resistance surpasses theirs by at least 3. The combination of Dance, Temari, Chill Res soaking, and potentially mobility skills makes Ethlyn a great support choice for Aether Raids Offense.
  • Since Temari relies on Ethlyn’s Resistance being high, skills that increase Resistance such as Fort. Def/Res and Fortress Res are fantastic options. Phantom Res works wonders as well, granting Ethlyn a whopping +10 Resistance for skills that compare Resistance (such as Temari and Sabotage Def). Alternatively, Fury preserves Ethlyn’s offensive presence while still increasing her Resistance and can even allow Ethlyn to soak Chill Atk, Chill Spd, and Bright Shrine. Iceberg and Glacies are strong Specials given Ethlyn’s high Resistance after skills.
  • Ethlyn’s B slot is primarily up to player preference. Wings of Mercy is a great choice for any refresher, allowing Ethlyn to warp adjacent to an ally with ≤ 50% HP to help them escape a sticky situation or continue an offensive push. Aerobatics, Flier Formation, and Sabotage Def are strong options as well, with the former 2 granting Ethlyn extra mobility and the latter inflicting -7 Def to enemies with the same condition as Temari.
  • Like her B slot, Ethlyn’s C slot is also up to player preference. Guidance and Ground Orders are particularly strong choices, both of which grant her allies extra flexibility and mobility.

Dance to the Doors of Destiny (Offensive / Aether Raids Defense)

Build by Chibi_Chu
Courtly Fan+ (+Spd)
Alternate: Starfish+ (+Spd)
A Swift Sparrow (2 or 3)
Alternate: Sturdy Impact
Dance
Alternate: Positional Assist
B Wings of Mercy 3
Alternate: Desperation 3
Glimmer
Alternate: Luna
C Joint Drive Atk
Alternate: Ground Orders 3
IVs

+ATK or +SPD / -HP or -DEF

SHeavy Blade 3
Alternate: Swift Sparrow 2

Show Explanation/Analysis

Weapon: Courtly Fan+ (+SPD) / Starfish+ (+SPD) / Flexible

Assist: Dance / Positional Assist

Special: Glimmer / Luna 

Passive A: Swift Sparrow (2 or 3) / Sturdy Impact / Heavy Blade 4

Passive B: Wings of Mercy / Desperation / Windsweep / Watersweep / Flier Formation / Aerobatics

Passive C: Joint Drive Atk / Ground Orders / Flier Guidance / Air Orders

Sacred Seal: Heavy Blade / Swift Sparrow / Flier Formation / Aerobatics

  • With 36 Attack and 41 Speed, Ethlyn can become a very potent offensive force. Her base Courtly Fan is excellent for a Player Phase set, granting her +5 Atk/Spd and neutralizing effects that prevent her follow-up attack on initiation (making Windsweep and Watersweep, skills that normally prevent Ethlyn from performing a follow-up attack in exchange for preventing counterattacks from certain weapon types, great choices). Given that initiation is the name of the game for Player Phase sets, Swift Sparrow, a skill that grants +4/6 Attack and +4/7 Speed on initiation, works wonders.
  • Despite the offensive nature of this set, Wings of Mercy is excellent for any refresher, allowing them to warp adjacent to allies with ≤ 50% HP. Alternatively, Ethlyn could even drop Dance for a positional assist so she herself can receive refreshes; in this case, she can instead use Desperation, which allows Ethlyn to perform her follow-up attack before the enemy can counterattack if her HP is ≤ 75%. She could also use Starfish instead of Courtly Fan, which has Desperation built into it; this allows Ethlyn to use a different B slot.
  • The combination of Heavy Blade and a 3-cooldown Special allows Ethlyn to activate her Special on her follow-up attack if the enemy counterattacks and no Guard effect is active; the same goes for a 2-cooldown Special, but without the need for a counterattack, which synergizes especially well with Starfish and Desperation. Joint Drive Atk benefits both Ethlyn and her allies, granting +4 Attack to herself (assuming an ally is within 2 spaces) and all allies within 2 spaces of her.
  • Alternatively, there are some alterations to this set for Aether Raids Defense purposes:
    • Ethlyn can use Sturdy Impact to add some extra punch and physical bulk when she initiates.
    • Ethlyn’s B, C, and S slots can all be shifted towards mobility skills to grant some tricky movement to her allies, whether they be grounded or flying.

Strengths

Excellent offenses

Ethlyn not only boasts extreme dancing talent, but also excellent 36 Attack and stellar 41 Speed. 

  • She can deal high amounts of damage, along with consistently performing/avoiding follow-up attacks, especially with support. 
  • An impressive offensive spread can also have supportive use, as Ethlyn can soak debuffs from the Bright Shrine in Aether Raids and skills such as Chill Atk and Chill Spd.

Workable Resistance

Although 28 Resistance is only okay for today’s standards, Ethlyn is still capable of taking advantage of it via tanking a magical attack or two when necessary. In addition, she can stack her Resistance high enough to utilize skills such as Temari and Sabotage Atk to support her allies from across the dance floor.

Fantastic support capabilities; flier advantages

While Flier status is commonly poked fun at for a lack of strong B slots, it still has a variety of noteworthy perks, especially for a Dancer.

  • Ethlyn has access to a myriad of excellent mobility skills, including Flier Formation, Aerobatics, Guidance, Flier Guidance, Ground Orders, and Air Orders, all of which increase both her and her allies’ flexibility. 
  • In tandem with Dance, investment in Resistance, and/or investment in her offenses, Ethlyn can become one of the strongest support units in the game and help her allies move to the music.
  • For offensive purposes, Ethlyn has an easier time sniping dangerous backline nukes, as she can fly over Water, Forest, Mountain, and Lava tiles, which are present in all Aether Raids maps except Spring Breeze.

Flexible and versatile

The combination of the previous 3 points makes Ethlyn a very flexible and versatile unit capable of fulfilling both a combat and a support role (and even both at the same time).

Weaknesses

Awful physical bulk

Unfortunately, great offenses and workable magical bulk come at a cost of physical bulk, with Ethlyn having only 52 physical bulk. Because of this, she’s very prone to being OHKO’d by physical enemies without support and stat bonuses from Blessings.

Flier weaknesses

Unfortunately, being a Flier has its drawbacks.

  • Despite her paper-thin physical defenses, with enough investment, support, and Blessing stat bonuses, Ethlyn could have been able to survive an Archer’s arrow were it not for her status as a Flier. 
  • Losing her A slot or Sacred Seal for Iote’s Shield is a substantial loss, meaning she may have to choose between patching her arrow weakness and stronger combat/support performance. 
  • In addition, Ethlyn also lacks access to fantastic skills such as Flashing Blade, Null Follow-Up, and Lulls such as Lull Spd/Def, all of which could have bolstered her combat capabilities.

Weapon Skills

Weapons SP Rng. Mt.
Iron Dagger

After combat, inflicts Def/Res-3 on foe through its next action.

Learns by default at 1 ★
Unlocks at 1 ★
Dagger users only.
50 2 3
Steel Dagger

After combat, inflicts Def/Res-3 on foe through its next action.

Learns by default at 3 ★
Unlocks at 2 ★
Dagger users only.
100 2 5
Courtly Fan

If unit initiates combat, grants Atk/Spd+5 during combat and neutralizes effects that prevent unit's follow-up attacks during combat. Effect:【Dagger 5】  【Dagger 5】 After combat, if unit attacked, inflicts Def/Res-5 on target and foes within 2 spaces of target through their next actions.
 

Learns by default at 4 ★
Unlocks at 3 ★
Dagger users only.
200 2 8
Courtly Fan+

If unit initiates combat, grants Atk/Spd+5 during combat and neutralizes effects that prevent unit's follow-up attacks during combat. Effect:【Dagger 7】  【Dagger 7】 After combat, if unit attacked, inflicts Def/Res-7 on target and foes within 2 spaces of target through their next actions.
 

Learns by default at 5 ★
Unlocks at 5 ★
Dagger users only.
300 2 12
Available Rearmed Weapons
Arcane Void
Weapon Evolution
Weapon Upgrades
Weapon Upgrades

Support Skills

Support Skills Rng. SP
Dance

Grants another action to target ally. (Cannot target an ally with Sing or Dance.)

Learns by default at 4 ★
1 150

Passive Skills

Passive Skills SP Slot
AR-D Atk/Spd 1

If defending in Aether Raids, grants Atk/Spd+X during combat. (Calculates X based on number of your defensive structures: ≥5 structures grants +4; 4 grants +3; 3 grants +2; ≤2 grants +1. Destroyed defensive structures are not counted.)
 

Inheritable by all units.
Unlocks at 3 ★
60
A
AR-D Atk/Spd 2

If defending in Aether Raids, grants Atk/Spd+X during combat. (Calculates X based on number of your defensive structures: ≥5 structures grants +7; 4 grants +5; 3 grants +3; ≤2 grants +1. Destroyed defensive structures are not counted.)
 

Inheritable by all units.
Unlocks at 4 ★
120
A
AR-D Atk/Spd 3

If defending in Aether Raids, grants Atk/Spd+X during combat. (Calculates X based on number of your defensive structures: ≥5 structures grants +10; 4 grants +7; 3 grants +4; ≤2 grants +1. Destroyed defensive structures are not counted.)

Inheritable by all units.
Unlocks at 5 ★
240
A
Windsweep 1

If unit initiates attack, no follow-up occurs. Against foe with sword, lance, axe, bow, dagger, or beast damage, if unit’s Spd - foe’s Spd ≥ 5, foe can’t counterattack.

Non-inheritable by Staff-wielding units.
Unlocks at 1 ★
50
B
Windsweep 2

If unit initiates attack, no follow-up occurs. Against foe with sword, lance, axe, bow, dagger, or beast damage, if unit’s Spd - foe’s Spd ≥ 3, foe can’t counterattack.

Non-inheritable by Staff-wielding units.
Unlocks at 2 ★
100
B
Windsweep 3

If unit initiates attack, no follow-up occurs. Against foe with sword, lance, axe, bow, or dagger, or beast damage, if unit’s Spd - foe’s Spd ≥ 1, foe can’t counterattack.

Non-inheritable by Staff-wielding units.
Unlocks at 4 ★
240
B
Spur Spd 1

Grants Spd+2 to adjacent allies during combat.

Inheritable by all units.
Unlocks at 2 ★
50
C
Drive Spd 1

Grants Spd+2 to allies within 2 spaces during combat.

Inheritable by all units.
Unlocks at 3 ★
120
C
Drive Spd 2

Grants Spd+3 to allies within 2 spaces during combat.

Inheritable by all units.
Unlocks at 4 ★
240
C
Joint Drive Spd

Grants Spd+4 to allies within 2 spaces during combat. If unit is within 2 spaces of an ally, grants Spd+4 to unit during combat.

Inheritable by all units.
Unlocks at 5 ★
300
C

Other Info

Origin
Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War

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