The Battle of Gronder Field, known as "The Blood of the Eagle and Lion," is one of the most tragic, chaotic, and defining turning points in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Taking place during Chapter 17 (or Chapter 15 depending on the route), this massive clash serves as the grim mirror image of the lighthearted "Battle of the Eagle and Lion" mock tournament from the monastery days. Five years after the fall of Garreg Mach Monastery, the continent of Fódlan is thoroughly consumed by a brutal total war. The three former house leaders—Edelgard of the Adrestian Empire, Dimitri of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, and Claude of the Leicester Alliance—converge on the exact same plains where they once fought for schoolyard glory, now leading massive, bloodthirsty armies intent on killing one another. The plot leading up to this fateful encounter is a web of geopolitical desperation, personal vendettas, and tactical maneuvering. Following the timeskip, Edelgard’s Empire has aggressively expanded, putting both the Kingdom and Alliance on the defensive. However, the situation varies wildly depending on the faction. In routes outside of the Empire's path, Dimitri has been driven mad by grief, vengeance, and the fall of his kingdom, living as a vengeful ghost who desires nothing but Edelgard’s head. Meanwhile, Claude finds himself in a fragile political tightrope, trying to keep the Leicester Alliance from tearing itself apart from internal pro-Empire and anti-Empire factions. Drawn by the movements of the Imperial army, all three factions march toward the central plains of Gronder, resulting in an inevitable, catastrophic meeting where communication breaks down completely. When the armies finally deploy onto Gronder Field, the atmosphere is heavy with dread, choked by a dense fog of war and smoke from the central watchtower. For {{user}}, the battle is a profound emotional nightmare. Looking across the battlefield, {{user}} does not see faceless enemy soldiers; they see their former students, classmates, and friends from the Officers Academy. The tragedy of "The Blood of the Eagle and Lion" is that it is a chaotic three-way melee where diplomacy is impossible. Because of the blinding chaos, paranoia, and the raw bloodlust of the factions involved—particularly Dimitri's unhinged rage and Edelgard's unyielding ambition—the battlefield devolves into a meat grinder where anyone not flying your specific flag is a target to be eliminated. As the fighting intensifies, the central hill and its strategic ballista become a literal hill of corpses. Edelgard orders the central platform to be set ablaze to flush out her enemies, displaying the ruthless pragmatism she has adopted to achieve her vision of Fódlan. This act forces Claude’s Alliance scouts and Dimitri’s vanguard into a desperate frenzy. Throughout the bloodshed, unique dialogues trigger as former friends cross blades. Characters who used to share meals, study together, and laugh in the marketplace now trade fatal blows, crying out in agony and apologizing to their respective leaders as they fall. {{user}} must steel their heart, guiding their chosen faction through the carnage while witnessing the brutal deaths of children they once swore to protect. The aftermath of the battle leaves Gronder Field stained red and thoroughly hollows out all three nations. While {{user}}'s faction manages to secure a tactical victory and hold the field, the cost is catastrophic. The battle acts as a narrative funnel that drastically thins the ranks of Fódlan's nobility. For the losing sides, the retreat is disorganized and fatal. In several paths, this is where major characters meet their definitive, tragic ends, and the surviving leaders are left physically wounded and emotionally broken. "The Blood of the Eagle and Lion" effectively shatters the last remnants of the past, forcing {{user}} and the surviving house leaders to accept that the peaceful days of the Academy are dead, and the war can only end with the total destruction of their rivals. Garreg Mach Monastery (ガルグ＝マク大修導院 Garugu Maku-daishūdōin) is a location that appears in the Fódlan series of games. In Fire Emblem: Three Houses, it also functions as the game's hub area. Located in central Fódlan amidst the mountains, Garreg Mach Monastery is the headquarters of two separate entities: the Church of Seiros and the Officers Academy. It is a neutral territory, not governed by any of the three nations of Fódlan. In addition to being a religious site, the monastery is home to an elite order of knights. Garreg Mach Monastery can be freely roamed and explored, and once Byleth has visited a part of the monastery, the player can use fast-travel to transition to that location instantly. While roaming the monastery, Byleth can take part in numerous activities to affect their training as well as the training of the students under their tutelage. Underneath Garreg Mach is a massive underground complex known as Abyss, which can be accessed through the monastery's secret tunnels. However, it has been more of a rumor than truth, though this is due to the fact that anyone coming to the Abyss is locked up and the Abyssians who live inside seal off all entrances. The Abyssians are people who have been wronged in life or wish to get away from it all, and only a few select members of the Church are privy to their existence. Locations There are numerous locations within the monastery, which can be fast-traveled to during exploration via the monastery's map. First Floor Marketplace - A market in front of the monastery, through which merchants come to exchange goods. Entrance Hall - The entrance of the monastery, which connects to the dining hall and other notable locations in Garreg Mach. Dining Hall - The dining hall is directly adjacent to the entrance hall, through which residents of the monastery regularly eat meals at any time. Greenhouse - A greenhouse through which plants for cooking and gifts are raised. Fishing Pond - A pond through which residents can fish utilizing bait. Fish from many locations in Fódlan are gathered here: sometimes, extremely rare fish can be caught, or at times large amounts of fish can be caught at once. Dormitory - A two-floor facility that functions as a residence for students of the Officers Academy. While the staff of the academy tries to reduce discrimination between nobles and commoners, such prejudice still exists, and as such, the nobles almost always take up the second floor while commoners are relegated to the first floor rooms. Byleth's personal quarters are located amongst the first floor rooms. Sauna - A building located between the dormitory and the training ground that functions as a relaxation facility, where residents can refresh in a steam room. Can only be accessed via DLC. Training Grounds - A place where knights and students alike come to hone their combat skills. Every month, a tournament is held where the winners can achieve both money and a prize as a result. Stables - Horses are raised here. Sometimes, students of the Officers Academy are assigned to group tasks involving taking care of the horses and pegasi here. Knights Hall - The Knights of Seiros gather and socialize in this hall. There are targets for practice as well as books and a lounge here. Graveyard - Behind the Knights' Hall is a graveyard where notable people who are now deceased are laid to rest. Cathedral - At the most rear point of the monastery, connected to the remainder of Garreg Mach via a bridge, is a cathedral where devout believers worship the goddess Sothis and the saints. Statues of the Four Saints are located here. Choir practice is held here. An advice box is also located here where students can ask for advice. Central Building - A three-story facility in the central part of Garreg Mach housing the offices of Church administrative staff and other facilities listed below: Reception Hall - On the first floor of the main building is the reception hall, where social events such as the annual Ball during the Ethereal Moon are held. Second Floor The second floor is home to several different facilities: Audience Chamber - This is where the archbishop Rhea often stands during her work. The professors of Garreg Mach regularly report here at the start of each month to obtain their missions. Advisory Room - The archbishop's advisor, Seteth, works here to speak with Rhea. Seteth's Office - This room is Seteth's personal work space, where he can often be found while exploring the monastery. Captain's Quarters - A room where the captain of the Knights of Seiros resides. Jeralt once took residence here when he was with the Knights, and retakes the room after returning. Later on, Alois takes on this room. Crest Scholar's Office - An office where Professor Hanneman conducts his research on Crests. During the War Phase in Crimson Flower, if Hanneman is not recruited, Linhardt will occupy the office instead. Infirmary - A facility run by Professor Manuela where the injured and the sick are taken care of. Library - Numerous books and historical texts are here for reading. It is also used as a study space for members of the Officers Academy. It is run by a librarian named Tomas. Cardinal's Room - The main room for the cardinals of the Church of Seiros. It is only accessible during the War Phase, where it functions as a war council room. Goddess Tower - A tower near the cathedral where, if a couple make a wish together, it will come true. Third Floor The third floor is only accessible during the War Phase: Archbishop's Room - The archbishop takes residence in this room. During the War Phase, Cyril can often be seen here trying to keep the room organized. Star Terrace - A high balcony offering a view of the monastery. Inhabitants Church of Seiros Rhea - The incumbent Archbishop of the Church of Seiros, who exhibits a calm and kind demeanor, but fiercely opposes dissent from the church's teachings. Seteth - The Archbishop's right hand who is serious and stubborn with most, but dotes on his younger sister. Flayn - Younger sister of Seteth who, having lived a sheltered life, sometimes appears to lack common sense. Cyril - Orphaned boy from Almyra taken in by Rhea, who works as a cleaner at the monastery. Tomas - Librarian of Garreg Mach who has had a lengthy tenure at the monastery. Aelfric Dahlman (Formerly) - A Cardinal of Garreg Mach Monastery who oversees Abyss and formed the Ashen Wolf House. Knights of Seiros Jeralt Eisner (Formerly) - A renowned mercenary who was formerly a captain of the Knights of Seiros, and is the father of Byleth. Gilbert Pronislav - A former Kingdom knight who abandoned his service of the Kingdom due to his feeling of guilt over past events. Alois Rangeld - A Knight of Seiros who was well-acquainted with Jeralt in the past, who is friendly, trusting and upbeat. Catherine - Wielder of the Hero's Relic Thunderbrand who deeply reveres the Archbishop. Shamir Nevrand - A member of the Knights of Seiros and a sniper native of Dagda who's unusual among her peers in that she does not believe in the Church of Seiros's teachings. Officers Academy Byleth Eisner - A stoic, capable professor and child of the former captain of the Knights of Seiros, Jeralt. Hanneman von Essar - A crest scholar and professor at the Officers Academy, who exhibits an enthusiatic passion for Crest research. Manuela Casagranda - A professor at the Officers Academy, who was formerly a songstress at the Mittelfrank Opera Company. Has a penchant for drinking and seeking romance. Jeritza von Hrym - An instructor at the Officers Academy, who specializes in weapons training. Black Eagles Edelgard von Hresvelg - Princess and heir apparent of the Adrestian Empire whose steadfast ambition is veiled by her elegant, self-confident demeanor. House leader of the Black Eagles. Hubert von Vestra - The son and heir of the current Marquis Vestra who has sworn complete fealty to Edelgard. Ferdinand von Aegir - The accomplished son and heir of the current Duke Aegir who works hard to live nobly. Linhardt von Hevring - The heir to House Hevring who has a hypersomniac tendency and prefers studying only his interests. Caspar von Bergliez - The second son of House Bergliez whose lack of inheritance motivates him to be an accomplished fighter. Bernadetta von Varley - The anxious daughter and heir of the current Count Varley, who staunchly avoids social interaction. Dorothea Arnault - A former songstress of the Mittelfrank Opera Company who appears flirtatious and outgoing. Petra Mcneary - The granddaughter of the king of Brigid who, despite her imperfect speech, gives her all in everything she does. Blue Lions Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd - Crown prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. Known for his chivalry, it seems a darkness may lurk beneath the surface. House leader of the Blue Lions. Dedue Molinaro - A survivor of the tribe that inhabited the Duscur Region who swore loyalty to Dimitri after being saved by the prince during the pogroms following the Tragedy. Felix Hugo Fraldarius- The heir to House Fraldarius who lost his brother in the Tragedy of Duscur. Ashe Ubert - The adoptive son of Lord Lonato who loves reading stories about chivalry. Sylvain Jose Gautier - The heir to House Gautier, despite being the younger son. He possesses a flirtatious attitude to women. Mercedes von Martritz - The adopted daughter of a merchant family with a gentle, easygoing personality. Annette Fantine Dominic - The daughter of Gustave and niece of the current Baron Dominic who is ever the good student, but can sometimes overdo it. Ingrid Brandl Galatea - The heir to House Galatea who lost her fiancé in the Tragedy of Duscur. Golden Deer Claude von Riegan - Heir to House Riegan, the leading house of the Leicester Alliance. Employs both an easygoing attitude and an effortless skill for scheming. House leader of the Golden Deer. Lorenz Hellman Gloucester - Heir to House Gloucester, who often touts his status, but is also devoted to his responsibilities as a noble. Raphael Kirsten - Son of a merchant family, who displays an easygoing attitude and a liking for bodybuilding and eating. Ignatz Victor - Son of a merchant family, who prefers his personal interests in painting over his family's wishes of his becoming a knight. Lysithea von Ordelia - The determined daughter and heir of the current Count Ordelia who hates being treated like a child. Marianne von Edmund - The adopted daughter of Margrave Edmund who came under her current, renowned adoptive father after losing both parents. Hilda Valentine Goneril - The daughter of House Goneril who has a lazy personality and a habit of manipulating people into doing things for her. Leonie Pinelli - Commoner girl from a hunting village, who is inspired by Jeralt. Has a blunt and competitive personality. Ashen Wolves Yuri Leclerc - The leader of the Ashen Wolves House who behind the tough talk lies a valiant defender of the weak. Balthus von Albrecht - A former noble who ran away to Abyss due to money problems and revels in competition as Leicester's King of Grappling. Constance von Nuvelle - A young lady of the fallen Imperial house of Nuvelle who has an overbearing attitude until she's somewhere with sunlight. Hapi - An apathetic young woman whose sighs have the unique ability to draw monsters to her. Other Inhabitants Anna - A traveling merchant who often dwells in the Marketplace. Rhea is a character in Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes. She is the archbishop and supreme leader of the Church of Seiros. At Garreg Mach Monastery, Rhea can help Byleth increase their rank in Reason, Faith, Brawling, and Swords. She possesses a Major Crest of Seiros. Rhea is the Archbishop of the Church of Seiros and leader of the Knights of Seiros as a result. She was previously Jeralt's superior when he was Captain of the Knights of Seiros until he left her employ in Wyvern Moon 1159. She serves as a key figure for the Officers Academy as well, assigning missions to the three houses each month. "Just a minute! The following section contains spoilers. Viewing it will cost a lot. Are you prepared to pay for it?" No Rhea is actually a Nabatean, one of the original children of the progenitor god Sothis. She is also Seiros herself, the saint who founded the Church of Seiros, defeated Nemesis, and helped found the Adrestian Empire. Seiros was a name she chose when carrying out these tasks, rather than her real name. In the ancient past, the Children of the Goddess were born of Sothis' blood after she arrived in Fódlan. She and the other children coexisted with the native Agarthans and shared their knowledge with them, leading their shared civilization to become technologically advanced and prosperous. The Agarthans enacted various wars among themselves, eventually thinking of themselves as gods and turning on Sothis to kill her and the other Nabateans. Eventually, Sothis and the Nabateans defeated the Agarthans, but the war devastated Fódlan, and left most of the humans dead. However, remnants of the Agarthans fled into hiding underground, leading to the formation of Those Who Slither in the Dark. Centuries or perhaps even a millennia later (it took a very long time for Sothis to restore Fódlan), Those Who Slither in the Dark convinced Nemesis, a bandit, to invade the Holy Tomb, where Sothis was sleeping after exhausting herself healing the land from the by-then ancient war, in order to steal her body. From Sothis' body, Those Who Slither in the Dark supplied Nemesis with her Crest of Flames and the Sword of the Creator. Armed with the relic, Nemesis returned to Zanado to massacre the Nabateans living there to make Heroes' Relics and Crests from their bodies. Rhea was the only survivor of the massacre and was left as one of the few surviving Nabateans.