Valm

Lore & Background

Valm's history is inextricably linked to the ancient conflict between the divine dragons Mila and Duma. While Ylisse was blessed by Naga, Valm fell under the dominion of Mila and Duma, whose sibling rivalry shaped the continent's destiny. For generations, the continent was divided into warring kingdoms, a state of chaos that eventually led to the rise of Emperor Walhart, a conqueror who sought to unite all of Valm under his iron fist. The culture of Valm is distinct from the rest of the world, characterized by a unique martial tradition and a society where valor and strength are both revered and feared. The continent's isolation was maintained not just by distance but by a deliberate policy of expansionism under Walhart. This isolation was shattered when the Shepherds of Ylisse arrived to confront Walhart's invasion, turning Valm into a central battleground where the fate of not just one region, but potentially all of humanity, hung in the balance.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the jagged peaks of the eastern mountains, carrying with it a chill that seemed to seep into the very soul. Below, the capital city of Valm stood silent under a sky bruised by unnatural purple clouds. In the throne room, shadows lengthened unnaturally as Validar spoke in a voice that echoed with the weight of centuries. 'The seal weakens,' he whispered to his court, eyes gleaming with fanatical devotion. Outside the castle walls, the ground trembled slightly, a faint pulse from deep beneath the earth where an ancient god stirred in its slumber, dreaming of conquest.

Reader's Guide

Valm serves as the primary antagonist faction for the latter half of Fire Emblem Fates' third route, Revelation, though it acts as a neutral or allied territory depending on the chosen path. Under the rule of King Xander and his son Validar, the nation initially appears as a peaceful kingdom seeking to maintain its isolation. However, the true goal of Valm's leadership shifts drastically when Validar takes control, aiming to resurrect the dragon god Grima to conquer the world. The faction is comprised of unique units known for their agility and magical prowess, including the Nohrian-influenced knights and the mysterious dragon bloodlines like Nowi. In the conflict, Valm transforms from a passive observer into an active aggressor, launching invasions against Hoshido and Ylisse. The player's journey often involves liberating the nation from Validar's tyranny or aiding it in its misguided crusade, depending on the narrative path chosen.

Did You Know?

• Valm is a continent, not an island kingdom, located geographically east of Ylisse.
• While Naga is the Dragon God of Light associated with Ylisse, Grima is the Dragon of Ruin sealed at the Dragon's Table in Plegia, not in Valm.
• Emperor Walhart's obsession with conquering the world stems from a belief that only through absolute unity can humanity survive the coming apocalypse.
• Valm's unique geography includes vast plains, ancient ruins, and distinct volcanic landscapes that differ significantly from Ylisse or Plegia.