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Cleobulus
- "Cornelia" redirects here. For the character Cleobulus impersonates, see Cornelia (backstory character).
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Cleobulus (Japanese: クレオブロス Cleobulus), also known as Cornelia Arnim (pronounced /kɔɹˈniliə ˈɑɹnɪm/[key]; Japanese: コルネリア=アルニム Cornelia Arnim), is a non-playable character appearing Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes. He is a member of those who slither in the dark.
Biography
Pre-games
While Cleobulus's past is unknown, it is implied in Three Houses he began impersonating the Imperial scholar Cornelia Arnim sometime between Imperial years 1165–1167, right before she was granted the title of Court mage in the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus by King Lambert,[4] all so he could take advantage of the position and connections with Anselma, the king's new wife, to further his group's goals, all while showing himself as "Cornelia" in public ever since. In 1168, Cleobulus found a young Hapi who had run away from her village, and provided her shelter and food while also subjecting Hapi to many painful experiments.[5] During the Insurrection of the Seven in 1171, Cleobulus helped Volkhard von Arundel and Edelgard, Anselma's brother and daughter respectively, arrive to Faerghus concealed from the public, and once word reached Anselma of Edelgard's whereabouts, Cleobulus claimed to the woman that Lambert had been deliberately keeping her away from her daughter, causing her distress.[6] In 1176, Cleobulus freed Hapi[7] and eventually persuaded Anselma into taking part on the Tragedy of Duscur, promising she would be able to see her daughter again who had left the Kingdom territories along with her uncle 2 years prior.[8]
Three Houses
In 1181 of the Silver Snow, Azure Moon and Verdant Wind routes, Cleobulus murders Rufus, the Kingdom's regent, frames Dimitri for the deed and publicly announces his execution, when in reality the crown prince had managed to escape from his predicament thanks to his vassal's support. With him gone, Cleobulus pledges loyalty to the Empire and turns the Kingdom territories loyal to him into the Faerghus Dukedom, as he supports Adrestia's goal of unifying Fódlan. On Azure Moon, Dimitri and Kingdom Army eventually make their way towards Fhirdiad, which causes the oppressed citizens in Cleobulus's rule to revolt against him. Unable to divert forces to suppress the rebellion, Cleobulus grumbles about how Dimitri and Edelgard should have just killed each other, and deploys Titanus as well some Viskam to face the enemy. Once he is defeated and mortally wounded, Dimitri asks Cleobulus if he has any last words, giving Cleobulus the opportunity to reveal Dimitri's stepmother Anselma's involvement with the tragedy before drawing his last breath. Meanwhile, on the Silver Snow and Verdant Wind routes, it is mentioned "Cornelia" suddenly vanished from the Faerghus Dukedom right after Edelgard's death,[9] leaving his whereabouts after the war unknown.
On the Crimson Flower route, Cleobulus is unable to pull his scheme from other routes and, along with Rodrigue, Gwendal and non-recruited Felix and Ingrid, guards Fort Arianrhod during the war. When he get the news Edelgard and the adrestian army are about to besiege them, Cleobulus' at first shocked as he had not been given any prior intel of the Empire's sudden change of plans, but later calmly accepts this situation and chooses to prepare for the upcoming fight by unleashing the Titanus on the upcoming enemy army, secretly hoping some of the Kingdom forces would end up killed in the ensuing chaos as well. Once he is finally defeated, Cleobulus takes his death with grace and simply laughs, murmuring everything had gone exactly as planned, calling it a "delightful dance". After his demise, Lord Arundel reveals to the Adrestian Emperor that "Cornelia" had served him and was planning to sabotage Faerghus before his attempts were cut short due to Edelgard's sudden change of plans.
Warriors: Three Hopes
In early 1180, Cleobulus is informed by Thales of the recent events in the Empire's capital, and is ordered to remain alert and escape if necessary. Frustrated by his superior, Cleobulus then manipulates Rufus into starting a coup of his own in Fhirdiad under the pretext the Kingdom's House Fraldarius is trying to install his nephew as a puppet ruler. The coup ends up in failure due to the intervention of Dimitri and the Knights of Seiros, forcing Cleobulus to escape to parts unknown.
She reappears during the war against the Adrestian Empire, forcing Dimitri to return to Fhirdiad and taking him hostage. She forces Dimitri to submit, threatening to kill the city's inhabitants should he refuse. Although Shez and their army manage to rescue Dimitri and the city's inhabitants, Cleobulus manages to escape, and incites a rebellion by the Western Faerghus lords against their king. She commands the rebellion herself with the help of Count Rowe, and is captured by the kingdom army. She dies due to her wounds sustained in battle while Dimitri attempts to interrogate her.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Role
Cleobulus, presenting himself as Cornelia Arnim, is the boss of Chapter 18 of the Azure Moon route and one of the bosses of Chapter 16 on the Crimson Flower route.
Stats
Enemy - Azure Moon Chapter 18
- See also:
Reclaiming the Capital
Normal Hard Maddening
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Enemy - Crimson Flower Chapter 16
- See also:
The Siege of Arianrhod
Normal Hard Maddening
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Stats as Cleobulus - Unused
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Fire Emblem Heroes
Role
One variation of Cleobulus is present in Heroes, under his Cornelia identity; he was added to the game in the World of the Past update, and was made available to players in a Grand Hero Battle, which initially ran April 18–26, 2023.
Cornelia: Saint Consumed
Starting stats
★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★★
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Initial Stats Level 40 Stats
Note: This unit requires the usage of Trait Fruit to access any flaws and assets. |
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Skill set
Skill set | ||||
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Skill | Unlock | Auto-unlock | SP cost | |
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Assault | ★★★ | — | 50 |
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Asclepius | ★★★★★ | — | 400 |
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Heal | ★★★ | ★★★ | 50 |
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Reconcile | ★★★ | ★★★ | 100 |
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Rehabilitate | ★★★ | ★★★★ | 200 |
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Rehabilitate+ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 300 |
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Imbue | ★★★ | ★★★★ | 50 |
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Miracle | ★★★ | ★★★★★ | 100 |
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Atk/Res Solo 1 | ★★★ | — | 60 |
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Atk/Res Solo 2 | ★★★ | — | 120 |
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Atk/Res Solo 3 | ★★★★ | — | 240 |
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Sabotage Def 1 | ★★★ | — | 60 |
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Sabotage Def 2 | ★★★★ | — | 120 |
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Sabotage Def 3 | ★★★★★ | — | 240 |
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
Role
Cleobulus, impersonating Cornelia, appears as a recurring boss during the Azure Gleam route. While she is not seen on the other routes, her actions are implied to occur regardless of the player's route choice.
Stats
Enemy - Azure Gleam Chapter 3
- Main article:
Crisis in Fhirdiad
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Enemy - Azure Gleam Chapter 7
This section has been marked as a stub. Please help improve the page by adding information.
Enemy - Azure Gleam Chapter 8
This section has been marked as a stub. Please help improve the page by adding information.
Personality
While presenting a front of an affable servant of the Kingdom, Cleobulus is in reality a cruel and sadistic person who is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure his dominance of the Kingdom should the situation present itself, and views the Dukedom forces as nothing but pawns and has no care for the people living in it.
Quotes
Battle quotes
“ | Oh my, what a charming guest. Let me take care of you... | ” | — Cleobulus as Cornelia, as an enemy in Azure Moon Chapter 18 and Crimson Flower Chapter 16. |
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“ | Hm. I can't quite say that I'm pleased to meet you. Though I do know quite a lot about you. It would be nice if we could catch up a little... But I'm afraid it's time for you to die. | ” | — Cleobulus as Cornelia, fighting Byleth in Azure Moon Chapter 18. |
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“ | Cornelia: My, it's been a long time hasn't it, Your Highness? You've grown awfully strong. Dimitri: How shameless. I bet it was you who killed my uncle and set me up. Am I right? Cornelia: Hah! Too true! I'd already forgotten about all that loveliness. Dimitri: I'll kill you, you monster! You will pay for all that you have done! |
” | — Cleobulus as Cornelia, fighting Dimitri in Azure Moon Chapter 18. |
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“ | Cornelia: Ah, your face brings back memories... Still alive, are we, Gustave? Gilbert: Prattle on, Cornelia. Faerghus will not be cowed by the likes of you. Cornelia: How very dull... |
” | — Cleobulus as Cornelia, fighting Gilbert in Azure Moon Chapter 18. |
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“ | Ah. Such a shame... I always thought we'd end up being good friends. But you're here as an enemy... The only thing left to do is to kill you. Right? | ” | — Cleobulus as Cornelia, fighting Byleth in Crimson Flower Chapter 16. |
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Critical quotes
“ | I'll take good care of you! | ” | — Cleobulus as Cornelia |
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“ | Don't look at me like that! | ” | — Cleobulus as Cornelia |
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“ | Muahahaha! | ” | — Cleobulus as Cornelia |
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“ | Sweet dreams! | ” | — Cleobulus as Cornelia |
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Death quote
“ | Gah! So this is as far as I could get... | ” | — Cleobulus's defeat quote as Cornelia in Crimson Flower Chapter 16 and Azure Moon Chapter 18. |
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Heroes quotes
- Main article:
Cornelia/Quotes ( Heroes)
Flavor text
Game | Text (English) |
Text (Japanese) |
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Heroes | A mage from the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus.
She was once considered a saintly figure before one day becoming something quite different. Appears in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. |
ファーガス神聖王国の魔道士。
聖女と言われていたが、ある日を境に豹変する。 (登場:『ファイアーエムブレム 風花雪月』) |
Meet some of the Heroes entries
Choose Your Legends placement history
Round | Placement | Character | Votes |
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CYL 4 (2020) |
135 | ![]() Cornelia Three Houses (War arc) |
1,159 |
CYL 5 (2021) |
162 (+27) |
![]() Cornelia Three Houses (War arc) |
612 (−547) |
CYL 6 (2022) |
124 (−39) |
![]() Cornelia Three Houses (War arc) |
794 (+182) |
CYL 7 (2023) |
155 (+31) |
![]() Cornelia Three Houses (War arc) |
404 (−390) |
CYL 8 (2024) |
537 (+382) |
![]() Cornelia Three Houses (War arc) |
83 (−321) |
CYL 9 (2025) |
517 (−20) |
![]() Cornelia Three Houses (War arc) |
74 (−9) |
Total results | This character has 6 entries across all Choose Your Legends polls. | 3,126 |
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Trivia
- Even though the Cornelia Arnim seen in Three Houses is implied to be impersonated by Cleobulus, his name was not revealed up until Three Hopes.
- Despite this, unused character data indicates Cleobulus was intended to appear in Three Houses as himself at one point before being cut for unknown reasons.
Etymology and other languages
Names, etymology, and in other regions | ||
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Language | Name | Definition, etymology, and notes |
English |
Cleobulus |
From Cleobulus, an ancient Greek poet who is considered to be one of the Seven Sages of Greece. |
Japanese |
クレオブロス |
Cleobulus |
German |
Cleobulus |
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Gallery
Artwork of Cornelia: Saint Consumed from Heroes.
Artwork of Cornelia: Saint Consumed from Heroes.
Artwork of Cornelia: Saint Consumed from Heroes.
Artwork of Cornelia: Saint Consumed from Heroes.
Artwork of Cornelia: Saint Consumed from Heroes.
Artwork of Cornelia: Saint Consumed from Heroes.
Artwork of Cornelia: Saint Consumed from Heroes.
Artwork of Cornelia: Saint Consumed from Heroes.
Artwork of Cornelia for Heroes's seventh anniversary, drawn by PenekoR.
References
- ↑ "Send word to the kingdom and see that Cleobulus is informed. Tell him to remain prudent. If he must go into hiding, so be it." — Thales under Lord Arundel's guise in Chapter 3 of Black Eagles, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cornelia - Personal Information, fedatamine.com, Retrieved: July 4, 2020
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Credits
- ↑ "People praised Cornelia as a saint for ending the epidemic. But there came a day when she completely changed. Her behavior, mannerisms, likes, dislikes...everything. Despite all that, Father still appointed her to a high post. After all, she had saved the Kingdom from ruin by that disease..." — Dimitri during monastery exploration in Azure Moon Chapter 19, Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑ "I lived in an isolated village in the forest. We didn't have contact with outsiders. After I ran away, I was kidnapped, and my kidnapper kept me locked up all day and night. [...] A lady found me, a helpless runaway, and offered to take me in. She promised to keep me safe. Instead I became her test subject. She experimented on me with all kinds of spells and rituals. I had a roof over my head and plenty to eat. But otherwise, it was...a pretty bad experience." — Hapi in her & Dimitri's C-Support, Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑ "Hapi: This might not be related, but I remembered something else about your stepmother. She had a daughter. Her daughter was staying in the Kingdom at one point, but Anselma couldn't see her.
Dimitri: Her daughter... Neither my father nor I knew that the Imperial princess was in Fhirdiad at the time.
Hapi: Oh, that's not what I heard. I heard the king wanted to keep the child away from Anselma. So he hid the fact that their daughter was nearby." — Dimitri and Hapi in their A-Support, Fire Emblem: Three Houses - ↑ "1176: After being freed, finds refuge in a church in Faerghus." — Hapi's personal history in the roster menu, Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑ "I have an old tale that I would like you to hear, if I may. About something that happened ten years ago... Something Patricia said about how she wished to see her real daughter again, no matter who or what she had to sacrifice to do so... And about how I made her wish come true, at the cost of the king's head..." — "Cornelia" in Azure Moon Chapter 18, Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑ "Cornelia of the Faerghus Dukedom seems to have disappeared from the palace...and rather swiftly. [Cornelia and Count Bergliez] must have realized that the revival of the old Kingdom was a real threat." — A merchant in Garreg Mach Monastery during Verdant Wind Chapter 21, Fire Emblem: Three Houses
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This article is part of Project Characters, a project focused on writing articles for every character present in the Fire Emblem series. |
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