So I hit a real tough chapter in FE8:
Eirika's chapter 10, where Innes and his band appear.
I usually send Tana down south to recruit her brother (since she'll move faster than Eirika), then I can recruit Tethys and Gerik.
The freaking ballista make this chapter a little tricky, since sometimes they like to target the same unit. I nab the key, then have Kyle, Forde, and Franz rush the upper section to take them out. Vanessa heads east and destroys the mountain brigands with a Axereaver.
But there's more. Recruiting Marisa is dicey, since she has a sword to boost her critical. Gerik has to do it, and luckily he and Innes are made of stronger stuff (usually send the Innes group up to bottleneck the bottom enemies following me). Don't think they can survive her criticaling? One time I accidently killed her. :X
Then there's the reinforcements, which make this chapter a mad dash. Gerik and Innes usually eat the peg squad for breakfast, but cavaliers are nasty and so is the bow knight that spawns. (he killed Gilliam, the knight)
Don't get me started on this asshole:
Sages can use light magic in this game, which is surprising. Divine hurts because it can critical, and Kyle was his first victim. His defense is pretty tough, and not even Vanessa can off him in one turn. It seems Innes will be the one (or Seth, maybe I should bring him) is the one to end him.
Should I bother training Amelia this chapter? I could bench her this time and let Lute or Seth come in.