fire-emblem-supports

[fire-emblem-supports]

Reviving Classic Seasonal Banners

I thought it was interesting that FEH not only brought back an old seasonal theme with the August yukata banner this year, but also basically duplicated its original lineup (aside from the Harmonic, which the original predated) -- Fates princes (Ryoma and Xander/Takumi and Leo) + Tellius girls (Micaiah and Elincia/Mia and Lucia). So I wanted to see what it may be like if they were to take a similar philosophy with some other lost banner concepts.

Starting with the oldest seasonal banner to have never returned -- the original Performing Arts banner, separate even from the other "dancer" banners we got (ballroom and the OG yukatas), focused on canon dancers and their sons in outfits inspired by Azura's Cyrkensian songstress outfit from Conquest. If we pivot from sons to other relatives, we get pretty easy candidates out of Tethys, Ewan, Ninian, Nils, Reyson, and Leanne, giving us a nice mixture of popular but underrepresented characters (+ Ninian). Pair off two of them as the duo -- my vote would be Nils + Ninian, keeping the most represented character on the banner on the sidelines, but Leanne + Reyson would at least keep Ewan, who is the closest in concept to the original banner's Inigo and Shigure as a non-dancer -- and you have a banner that I think would go over pretty well.

Duo Nils + Ninian

5-star Tethys

5-star Leanne

Demote Ewan

Tempest Reyson

Performing Arts's sister concept, Ballroom, got two runs before being deleted. While both focused on Jugdral, the first combined it with Valentia + one Tellius guest star while the second stuck to a full Genealogy line-up. Since copying the setup of the latter would probably land pretty similarly to the later Scions banner, we'll stick to the former. Take a canon Valentian couple (Berkut and Rinea become Clive and Mathilda) and a doomed romance from Thracia (Ishtar and Reinhardt become Linoan and Deen) and you've already got a strong list of characters. The advent of duos allows our random third wheel to get a dance partner of her own, so we switch out Nephenee for Sheena (in honor of her gorgeous Cipher card) and let Samson tag along. (Alternatively, sticking to Tellius, you could get Elincia + Geoffrey or Lucia, Ilyana + Zihark or Mia, Mia + Rhys, Mist + Boyd or Jill, or, God forbid, Astrid + Malakov. Personally, I like Sheena's Cipher card, lol.)

Duo Clive + Mathilda

5-star Linoan

5-star Sheena

Demote Deen

Tempest Samson

Next, we have the first of two experimental banners from 2019, and by far the more controversial: Hot Springs. This banner was lambasted for bringing in more alts of the Fates royals during a time when they had the monopoly on alts, having oversexualized younger(-looking) characters, skipping over male candidates aside from one, and slotting its most popular candidate into the Tempest Trial with bad art. With the strongest Fates candidates for a similar setup already covered, we pivot to the new overrepresented group and slot its most popular character in as a backpack (and for fun, let's say drawn by cuboon) for:

Duo F!Byleth + Edelgard

5-star Dimitri

5-star Sothis

Demote Flayn

Tempest Rhea

The second 2019 banner is Picnics, which was generally better received but whose weirdness couldn't compete with the following year's anniversary celebration of Archanea children. Picnics gave some much-needed representation to Valentia in addition to some underrepresented Fates characters (with Felicia and Flora's first alts and Leo's second, after he was left out from Hot Springs). A similar concept with the addition of a Harmonic gives us:

Harmonic Selkie + Delthea

5-star Clair

5-star Subaki

Demote Setsuna

Tempest Valbar

Pirates, the deceased sister to the ongoing Ninjas concept, also saw two runs before being unceremoniously killed off, making it difficult to perfectly recreate; however, it did have a few consistent elements: Heroes villains (Veronica followed by Surtr), Tellius birds (Tibarn followed by Naesala and Vika), Fates royals (Xander followed by Hinoka and Camilla), canon pirates (the original line-up in its entirety minus the Harmonic, but carried by Lifis in the second year), and a mostly mixed setup (year 2's duo and Tellius birds being the only duplication). We keep the Fates royal duo (Takumi and Leo over Xander/Hinoka and Camilla), keep going in chronological order for Heroes villains (Hel over Veronica/Surtr), bring along the last canon member of the Pirate class (Dart), and let Tibarn's boyfriend match him (Reyson over Tibarn/Naesala). The last slot is a wildcard that could go to another bird (probably Janaff, Ulki, or Nealuchi) or a random character (maybe Edain, Dew, or Patty to match Brigid?), but because this is a male-heavy banner already and there's not enough of a pattern to definitively recreate (though there is something to be said for Vika being another character with no base version, supporting Janaff/Ulki/Nealuchi), I'm going to double up on Heroes villains to give Eitri a spot. (Should probably go to Freyja, but she's gotten an alt before.)

Duo Takumi + Leo

5-star Hel

5-star Eitri

Demote Reyson

Tempest Dart

September's dancers became, for one year only, a celebration of all things Genealogy (+ a little Thracia), which would eventually morph into the "tribal" banners (I guess they're all celebrations of culture, but I wish they hadn't committed so hard to Fates... hopefully this year?) Unlike it's tribal counterparts, the Festival of the Twelve focused entirely on Jugdral's cast, with no characters invited along to experience the different culture, and also making it basically a Gen 2 equivalent to the Jugdral Ballroom banner (as I alluded to above). As such, a 1:1 recreation switching in Gen 1 equivalents would be pretty boring (duo Sigurd/Quan, 5-star Eldigan, 5-star Ayra, demote Deirdre, Tempest Ethlyn). So we'll stick just to the idea of Gen 2: bring in the last remaining son of the school trio (Ares over Seliph), a character who counts as both Thracia and Genealogy in the Harmonic (Ced over Leif), and a Gen 1 character who returns as a mentor (Finn over Lewyn), then fill in the rest with other Crusader descendants, and you get:

Harmonic Tine + Ced

5-star Ares

5-star Finn

Demote Altena

Tempest Saias

Next, Pirates' first replacement: Thieves. The Thieves banner was another pretty poorly-received banner because of its odd lineup, overly sexualized outfits, and most popular character getting a demote slot seemingly just because he was male (his only competition being the duo's backup). That said, the weirdness of it makes it pretty fun to recreate, lol. We've got a moderately (or at least relatively) popular unit who was a demote on her debut banner (switch Cath for Patty), an NPC outshining her playable counterpart[s] (switch Leila for Ursula), a male thief who generally outranks the females on the banner but gets demoted anyway (switch Sothe for Gaius), a male thief without a base version (switch Rickard for Astolfo), and a Duo with so little cohesion it might as well be a Harmonic including one arguably overrepresented character as the backpack (switch Nina/Kagero for Petra/Ingrid).

Duo Petra + Ingrid

5-star Patty

5-star Ursula

Demote Gaius

Tempest Astolfo

And lastly, our other Pirates replacement. Teatime has very similar energy to Picnics both in its character choices, reception, and overall feel, and I could see it coming back this year considering the Yukata banner didn't do great. It gave us alts from an underrepresented game (Genealogy) as well as underrepresented characters from an overrepresented game, much like Picnics did. We can pretty much do the exact same lineup by switching in a different CYL winner with surprisingly few alts (Marianne over Lysithea), a male Three Houses character closely associated with one of the lords (Dedue over Ferdinand), the poster child for Genealogy alts but Gen 2 version this time (Julia over Sigurd), a popular Genealogy character who's been treated pretty poorly (Seliph over Tailtiu), and a Genealogy character who is long overdue for their first alt paired with a tangentially similar Three Houses character (Finn and Rodrigue over Ayra and Mercedes). Personally, I'd rather see the hypothetical next Teatime lineup tackle a different pair of games (Valentia and Engage, please), but this feels more in the spirit of this post.

Harmonic Finn + Rodrigue

5-star Marianne

5-star Seliph

Demote Dedue

Tempest Julia

[fire-emblem-supports]

Don't mind me, just felt like word-vomiting some general predictions for Heroes coming up.

Getting the upcoming summer banner out of the way first before silhouettes in a few hours prove me totally wrong -- we know that the harmonic lead should be Engage (unsurprisingly), and my money is that the rest of the banner will be Archanea (shows up on summer semi-frequently but hasn't gotten any alts in a while), specifically a F!Alear/Marth harmonic (yeah yeah males in a harmonic, but it's the most logical pair, and we've been due Summer Marth). I also think Goldmary is very likely since she's probably a ways off of getting a base form but is popular + easy appeal for a summer banner, and bringing back Archanea for summer means they can close out all of the female avatars getting summer alts by throwing F!Kris on there, as well. The last two slots are a bit harder to predict and could be realistically any male or unpopular female Engage or Archanea character, but I'm going to put my bet on Diamant (popular, appealing, and follows up Ivy last year and Groom Alcryst earlier this year) and Clanne (easy Tempest slot, Japanese voice actor was recently used for Leonardo, and follows up Spring Framme) for a total line up of Harmonized F!Alear/Marth, 5-star Diamant, 5-star Goldmary, 4-star F!Kris, and Tempest Clanne.

The summer Tempest should also kick off our Book V Returns series, with the first character/alt from it on the New Heroes banner. History shows we will likely get 2 new characters (ally and enemy) and 2+ new alts; I think safe money is on Mama Jotun and a new sage, with either being in either slot (Eitri successor as ally fighting against Mama Jotun's attempted hostile takeover, or Mama Jotun as ally fighting against Eitri's new form), alongside Reginn and Dagr alts, maybe something for Fafnir or Nott -- we have seen a recurring theme of characters getting revived with Laegjarn, Fjorm, Eir twice, and Freyja, but I don't really see a justification for that plotline this time around (though I would have said the same thing for Freyja).

The July or September New Heroes banner should be our Solm banner, with probably Attuned Timerra (avoiding our third Arcane Lance or Bow for a bit), Fogado, Panette, and insta-demote Pandreo. I've seen a lot of people predicting both Pan siblings getting demoted, but I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they demoted Fogado (as the least popular royal by a wide margin) or just went Abyss and kept them all as 5-stars because Panette is such an easy and appealing godaxe candidate. Regardless, we'll get either Griss or Marni as the GHB. (Anyone else hoping for Okuma Yugo Griss?)

It's hard to say whether the August Special Heroes banner will stay teatime or if they'll bring in a new concept, but I will say that teatime feels like a good option for the overdue Valentia alts as well as being a good place to slot in Eitr, since she didn't get in for summer unlike Nifl and Ymir. I could see a Celica/Celine, 5-star Mae, 5-star Eitr, 4-star Louis, and Tempest Boey lineup, though that's heavily copium-influenced. The safest bets are definitely Celine and Louis, but Celine could easily be paired with any of Hortensia (full Engage lineup), Lachesis (Engage/Jugdral), Annette (Engage/3H), Eitr herself (Engage/Heroes), or others, or be a standalone 5-star while someone else gets the harmonic/duo, or they could ditch the teatime concept entirely. Not putting any money on any predictions here, but I'll hold onto my Celica/Mae/Boey cope.

I suspect Brave Alfonse in August will open the floodgates for more Tatsuhisa Suzuki alts now that he's back in the studio, specifically Resplendent and/or New Hero alt Berkut (alongside Rinea and some combination of Nuibaba/Jesse/Deen/Nomah), seasonal Ranulf and/or Tibarn slotted into some random banner (desert? maybe New Year's Ranulf since Nidhoggr handles Year of the Snake for us?), and a Heroes child banner featuring Young Alfonse come next April. For that banner, I could see a line-up of Duo Fjorm/Kiran (a la Mark/Lyn), 5-star Alfonse, 5-star Veronica, demote Sharena, and Tempest Anna or Eir. Another possibility would be a full Book I lineup with Duo Bruno/Alfonse, but I have a hard time seeing Alfonse backpacking especially to Bruno, and he's already gotten his duo lead.

Conversely to teatime, I do think September will hold onto its tribal theme and wrap up with Ice Tribe, just because it's such an easy banner to fill. Duo Felicia/Flora is free (and a modern version of Felicia's mage tank/adaptive damage and/or Flora's DC tank niches from their OG versions could be quite influential on the meta); an Ice Tribe Gunnthra could have been recorded alongside Fee the year prior; and other icy or ice-wielding characters like Ninian, Nils, Marianne, Bruno, Brunnya, Innes, etc. give a solid lineup.

Getting Felicia's voice actress in the studio also sets up the potential for Resplendent Felicia, Resplendent or random seasonal Oboro, and random seasonals for Brunnya (if not on the Ice Tribe banner) and Sue, all of whom I could see happening pretty shortly afterwards.

I do think we'll get another Ivy alt before the year is out, and my money is on December: either Legendary Ivy (taking the same slot as Azura, Celica, Lilina, F!Byleth, F!Shez, and Camilla before her) or Winter Ivy. I'd say her main competition for the December 8% slot is Emblem Lyn, who would also fit the current cycle of Emblem/Mythic/Legendary (though who knows how long IS will hold to that anyway). If that's the case, then a fully Engage winter lineup seems like the best bet to follow the 3H lords last year anyway -- I don't think it'll be all royals (especially if we do get Summer Diamant), but I could see Duo Lumera or Veyle with M!Alear (following up Summer F!Alear like Winter M!Robin, New Year's M!Corrin, and Halloween Sothis/M!Byleth before him) where either could be the lead, 5-star Ivy, 5-star the other of Lumera or Veyle, 5-star or 4-star Alfred (depending if they want to go no demotes like last year), and Tempest Vander.

I saw someone predict a Double Mythic Hero banner this month to knock out both Eikthyrnir and Heidrun, followed by Hraesvelgr in probably October and Laeradr/Nidhoggr sharing in November; that makes the most sense to me given the amount of units left to get through, and I don't really see them skipping over anyone this time a la Njordr/Elm/Fafnir/Freyr (all five are relatively well-received, actively involved in the plot, and all but Heidrun have been/should be fought, and Heidrun's definitely not getting skipped). That does mean we're probably getting no more mythics from regular games this year (rip Athos), nor Fafnir a la Freyr last year (maybe on the next Fallen banner buddy), but that's sort of a given at this point even if Eikthyrnir and/or Laeradr get the chop. August should be a red legendary (M!Shez or Diamant?) and September should be a blue or green emblem (Lucina or Corrin?).

So to sum up:

July Seasonal - Engage/Archanea Summer

Harmonized F!Alear/Marth

5-star Diamant

5-star Goldmary

Demote F!Kris

Tempest Clanne

July or September New Heroes - Book V Returns + possible Solm lineup

Rearmed/Attuned Mama Jotun or New Dvergr Sage, or Rearmed/Attuned/Ascended Reginn

Attuned Timerra

5-star or demote Fogado

5-star or demote Panette

Instant demote Pandreo

GHB Griss or Marni

July 8% - Double Mythic

Eikthyrnir

Heidrun

August Seasonal - Valentia/Engage/Heroes Teatime

Harmonized Celica/Celine

5-star Mae

5-star Eitr

4-star Louis

Tempest Boey

August 8% - Legendary

Red Dagger/Sword M!Shez or Sword Diamant

September Seasonal - Ice Tribe

Duo Felicia/Flora

5-star Gunnthra

Any of Ninian, Nils, Marianne, Bruno, Brunnya, Innes, etc.

September New Heroes - Book V Returns if not with Solm

Rearmed/Attuned/Ascended Reginn

Possibly Attuned Fafnir

September 8% - Emblem

Lance/Blue Bow/Green Bow Lucina or Blue Dragon/Green Dragon F!Corrin

October New Heroes - Book V Returns + other game

Rearmed/Attuned/Ascended Dagr

Possibly Attuned Nott

October 8% - Mythic

Hraesvelgr

November New Heroes - Book V Returns + other game

Rearmed/Attuned Mama Jotun or new form of Eitri

November 8% - Double Mythic

Nidhoggr

Laeradr

December Seasonal - Engage Christmas

Duo M!Alear with Veyle or Lumera (any could be lead)

5-star Ivy (if not Legendary)

5-star Veyle or Lumera

5-star or demote Alfred

Tempest Vander

December 8% - Legendary or Emblem

Tome Ivy or Bow Emblem Lyn

April Seasonal - Heroes Children

Duo Fjorm/Kiran

5-star Alfonse

5-star Veronica

Demote Sharena

Tempest Anna or Eir

Future New Heroes - Valentia

Rearmed/Attuned/Ascended Berkut

5-star Rinea

Nuibaba, Jesse, Deen, and/or Nomah split other 5-star, demote, and GHB slots

Other Future Seasonals/Resplendents

Resplendent Berkut

Seasonal (New Year's or Desert?) Ranulf

Seasonal (Desert?) Tibarn

Resplendent Felicia

Resplendent and/or Seasonal (Desert or Spring?) Oboro

Seasonal (Desert, Spring, or Bridal?) Sue

Seasonal (Desert, Spring, or Bridal?) Brunnya

[fire-emblem-supports]

Fire Emblem Engage Paired Endings

A few concepts for paired endings from Fire Emblem Engage based on supports I wound up with in my playthrough. May do more of these if I have time, lol.

Rising Power Diamant & Snow Queen Ivy After the war, Diamant and Ivy began efforts to end the tension between Brodia and Elusia. These diplomatic meetings grew in frequency, until one day it was announced that they would be uniting the kingdoms under one banner. Their newfound love was so strong, even the most cynical could not deny it, and the country enjoyed many years of peace under their combined rule.

Affable Prince Fogado & Calm Steward Clanne Fogado traveled aimlessly, even after Timerra's coronation. When he eventually landed in Lythos, he was reunited with Clanne, who had grown in strength and maturity over the years since the war, and invited him to join his travels. The two's skills complemented one another perfectly, and tales of their adventures would be passed down in stories and songs for centuries.

Affable Prince Fogado & Hidden Mask Yunaka With Fogado's guidance, Yunaka continued her efforts to let down her guard and learn to trust people. When she eventually made her grand public debut, it was with Fogado as his new bride. It is said that the happy couple's parties would last for weeks at a time, and their lives were filled with joy and laughter.

Affable Prince Fogado & Mighty Flower Lapis After the war, Fogado began regular visits to Lapis's home village. At first, he traveled only to learn more about their bear-scaring efforts, but soon all pretense was dropped and an earnest courtship began. When Fogado asked Lapis's parents permission to marry her, they were shocked to learn he was the prince of Solm.

Little Charmer Hortensia & Calm Steward Clanne

After Hortensia graduated from Elusia's academy, she wrote to Clanne in Lythos. With the Divine Dragon Monarch's blessing, Clanne joined her in Elusia, and they were soon wed. Some Elusian nobles hesitated to accept a former steward of the Divine Dragon, but none could deny Hortensia the support of her biggest fan.

Hidden Mask Yunaka & Mystic Dancer Seadall Seadall and Yunaka started their own theatre troupe shortly after the war ended. They continued to perform well into their old age, eventually being joined onstage by their children, then grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. Their descendants continued to spread the performing arts around the continent for centuries.

Mighty Flower Lapis & Elegant Talent Goldmary Lapis and Goldmary remained in touch through letters after the war. Lapis brought her family to visit Goldmary's parents' inn, and Goldmary brought her family to Brodia to taste Lapis's parents' yams. The two families became close friends, and their bond was seen as a symbol of the newfound peace between Brodia and Elusia.

[fire-emblem-supports]

Young Lyon & Young Ilyana: C - S Supports

C Support

Lyon: ...

Ilyana: ... Mm.

Lyon: Ah! O-Oh, um, hello.

Ilyana: Smells... good.

Lyon: W-What? Oh, this? It's chocolate. A merchant sold it to me.

Ilyana: Looks good, too...

Lyon: Well... um, would you like a bite?

Ilyana: Yes please!

Ilyana: Mm... *munch*

Lyon: Wow, you sure gobbled that up quick.

Ilyana: Thank you. It was very good. What's your name?

Lyon: Oh! Um, Lyon. That is, I'm--

Ilyana: It's nice meeting you, Lyon... I'm going to look for more food now...

Lyon: --the prince... she's gone. Wait, I didn't catch her name...

B Support

Ilyana: So... hungry...

Lyon: Oh! It's you again.

Ilyana: Hi... um, Lyon?

Lyon: That's right.

Ilyana: Do you have more chocolate today?

Lyon: I, um, don't. Sorry.

Ilyana: Nngh... Okay...

Lyon: W-Wait! I could show you where the merchant was who sold it to me.

Ilyana: I don't have money...

Lyon: Well, that's okay. I can pay for it.

Ilyana: You'd do that? That's so kind...

Lyon: W-Well, yes, I'd... um, but there is one thing. You never told me your name.

Ilyana: Oh... I'm sorry. My name is Ilyana. Can we go find the merchant now?

Lyon: Y-Yes, of course. This way.

A Support

Ilyana: Mm... *munch, gobble* Yum!

Lyon: You sure do eat a lot, don't you?

Ilyana: Yes... Commander Anna says I eat too much and she can't afford to feed me.

Lyon: Oh, th-that's... not very nice of her.

Ilyana: A lot of people have told me that... It's okay... I know I eat a lot.

Ilyana: *grumble* Oh...

Lyon: You're still hungry after all that? I wonder if that merchant is still around.

Ilyana: You've already spent so much money on me...

Lyon: O-Oh, it's nothing, I...

Ilyana: You're very odd... How do you have so much money? And why are you so kind to me?

Lyon: Ah! Um... Well, that is...

Lyon: Th-The truth is, I'm the prince of the Grado Empire.

Ilyana: I see... That explains the money...

Lyon: Y-Yes, well... as prince, I don't really... have a lot of friends my own age.

Lyon: I thought... if I kept buying you food, you'd maybe... I don't know. Want to be friends with me.

Ilyana: That's true... I do like being friends with people who give me food...

Ilyana: So we're friends, then?

Lyon: We are? I mean, if you're asking, um...

Ilyana: That's nice. You're a very kind person.

Ilyana: And it's really okay that you buy me so much food?

Lyon: Y-Yes, well... my funds aren't unlimited, but I'm happy to help you best I can.

Ilyana: Wow... You're a really good friend... I'm glad we met, Lyon.

Lyon: I-I am, too, Ilyana.

Ilyana: *grumble* Ah...

Lyon: Hee hee... Let's look for that merchant, shall we?

S Support

Ilyana: *gobble, munch, crunch*

Lyon: Hm...

Ilyana: Hm?

Lyon: Ah! Um, don't mind me. I was just... thinking.

Ilyana: What about?

Lyon: Well, um... After the war is over... when the Summoner sends us all home...

Lyon: Do you think the heroes will still be able to visit each other somehow?

Ilyana: Oh... That's a good question... I hadn't thought about it.

Lyon: It'd be terribly sad if... well, I'm sure lots of heroes have made friends here, and, um...

Ilyana: I would go home to Daein, and you'd be in Grado without friends again. That's sad.

Lyon: R-Right.

Ilyana: *munch*

Lyon: Um... Ilyana...

Ilyana: Yes?

Lyon: If... I mean, supposing we could visit each other still...

Lyon: Do you think you'd like to come stay in the palace in Grado from time to time?

Ilyana: Hm... With lots of palace food?

Lyon: Y-Yes, that's right.

Ilyana: And also my friend, Lyon...

Lyon: Um, y-yes, that too.

Ilyana: Yes... I think I would like that a lot.

Lyon: Really?! Um, well... That's good to know.

Ilyana: You really are a good friend, Lyon... I like having you around.

Lyon: I-I... thank you. I like having you around, too.

Ilyana: *munch, crunch*

Lyon: Hee hee hee.

[fire-emblem-supports]

Múspell & Freyja: C - S Supports

C Support

Múspell: Aha! So the Goddess of Love has fallen under [Summoner]'s spell as well, I see.

Freyja: Múspell. Good day.

Múspell: Now, is that how you treat a dear, old friend?

Freyja: Friend? Is that how you remember our youth?

Múspell: Harsh. Have you no love for me, O Goddess of Love?

Freyja: None at all, O God of Flame. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave.

Múspell: HAH! Then the game's afoot.

B Support

Múspell: Well, well, look who we have here.

Freyja: Múspell, I have no patience for your tomfoolery today.

Múspell: Your words burn me, O Goddess. Good thing I like a little fire...

Freyja: Aren't there any mortals for you to incinerate? Must you continue to waste my time?

Múspell: Ouch, now there's ice. Come, now. What did I do to deserve this treatment?

Freyja: I see right through you, God of Flame. Your kind words are paper-thin, and they have no effect on me.

Freyja: I ceased caring what you thought of me long ago.

Múspell: Are you accusing me of being ingenuine? You wouldn't call me a liar, would you?

Múspell: The God of Flames is many things, but a liar is not one of them.

Freyja: The term sycophant comes to mind, actually. Good day, Múspell.

Múspell: Ouch. Now that's what I call a burn...

A Support

Freyja: Oh, Freyr... *sniff*

Freyja: ...

Freyja: Come on out, Múspell. I've already heard you, there's no sense in leaving now.

Múspell: Hmph... Didn't mean to disturb.

Freyja: Too late for that. *sniff*

Freyja: Did you need something, or were you simply here to mock me in my moment of weakness?

Múspell: Your brother's really special to you, huh?

Freyja: Of course.

Freyja: Freyr is my closest friend, my dearest supporter... There is room for none in my heart but him.

Múspell: And how'd he get to be so lucky?

Freyja: Do you truly not remember, God of Flame?

Freyja: When we were younger, I had a large birthmark on the underside of my nose.

Freyja: I was subjected to endless ridicule for it at the hands of you and your compatriots. Only Freyr abstained from the mockery.

Freyja: You are kind to me only because you now consider me beautiful and worthy of your kindness.

Freyja: But Freyr never judged me by physical appearance. For that, I am eternally in his debt.

Múspell: Hmph. Guess I didn't realize how hurtful that was for you.

Múspell: I teased you then because I thought you were cute, birthmark and all.

Múspell: I didn't know how to express my feelings in any other way.

Freyja: I've never seen you blush before, mighty God of Flame. How endearing.

Múspell: ...

Freyja: I appreciate your honesty. Perhaps if you could have been honest then, I would be more accepting of your kindness now.

Múspell: Maybe I've changed and you just haven't given me a chance.

Freyja: ...

Freyja: I suppose that's fair. Very well, Múspell. Perhaps we can attempt a friendship.

Múspell: Friendship, huh?

Freyja: Unless you would prefer that I return to giving you the silent treatment.

Múspell: No! No... Friendship. Sounds great.

Freyja: I wholeheartedly agree.

S Support

Freyja: Ah, Múspell! There you are. I wanted to show you something.

Múspell: Freyja.

Freyja: The summoner was showing me an image he/she created of Freyr.

Freyja: I haven't a clue how he/she makes these images, but doesn't he look simply gallant?

Múspell: Mhm...

Freyja: Look at how the sunlight glints off his horns...

Múspell: Mhm...

Freyja: ...and the way he holds his staff with such confidence. Isn't it divine?

Múspell: Mhm...

Freyja: Oh, and of course--

Múspell: AARGH!

*attacking sound effect*

Freyja: Oh my. And now it burns...

Múspell: I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!

Múspell: This petty idea of friendship sickens me to my core. What a waste of time!

Múspell: I thought it may prove worthwhile, but I should've trusted my instincts and rejected you on the spot.

Múspell: This foolishness is not what I desire from you, Goddess of Love. I won't waste my time on it any longer.

Múspell: If that means I have once again earned your silence, then so be it.

Freyja: Hmmhmmhmm...

Múspell: ... What. Is this funny to you?

Freyja: How pleasing it is to see your fire burn with such fervor again... I'd missed the heat.

Freyja: I confess, God of Flames, that I have been intentionally toying with you. I wanted to see how far you would bend for me.

Freyja: But this... your raw power, your burning passion... I crave it.

Múspell: Do you now?

Freyja: Your efforts at kindness have been cute, but it is your true, honest self that I deeply admire.

Freyja: Swear to me that you will not try to hide it from me again, and I shall be yours.

Múspell: That easy, huh? Deal.

Freyja: I don't recall saying I'd make it easy for you, beloved.

Freyja: Can I call you that? Beloved?

Múspell: I suppose I'll allow it.

Freyja: How kind of you. Oh, how I shall enjoy toying with you for the rest of our existence... beloved.

[fire-emblem-supports]

CYL5 Predictions & Hopes

I ALMOST FORGOT I USUALLY DO THESE not that i think anyone really cares, but i'd feel weird if i didn't

Expect Three Houses spoilers but also it's been two years man go play the game

Marianne: White Heron Dancer

"I won this garb in a contest five years ago... I still can't believe someone like me won."

I don't know that I consider this particularly likely, but I think it would be more interesting than the sword or magic cav she's likely to get, and it could maybe even break the curse of the red units being the worst, seeing as support units are powercrept at a much slower rate than nukes. This Marianne would be a Sword Flier wielding Blutgang and she would also have the Dance skill. Blutgang gets Beast Fang's effectiveness against dragon and cavalry units and has adaptive damage, but also gets the +4 to all stats from Dancer Berkut's weapon. I think an interesting adaptation of her signature Animal Friend skill would be to allow Beast units to transform when next to her, while also healing 10 HP to herself and all cavalry and flying allies at the start of each turn when she is on a team with two or more cavs/fliers. Letting it heal her allies helps solidify her role as a support unit, though Blutgang and her self-healing means she can be offensive if need be, like Triandra. It would be her B-skill.

For art, I'll put forward Kurahana Chinatsu as decently likely to do either hers or Gatekeeper's, since they like to use the original artists where possible (they didn't last year, but that was probably to avoid showing favoritism to Edelgard, Dimitri, or Claude). I'd lean Marianne is more likely since she's more of a "canon" character. If not, though, Niji Hayashi (Summer Hilda/Marianne, a Marianne Cipher card), Konfuzi Kokon (Faye, Fiora, Marianne's Cipher card as a Dancer), or Fujikawa Akira (Marisa, Celica, Fallen Celica) are all good options.

Gatekeeper: Sworn Protector

"I'll keep this castle safe as long as I'm here, promise! Right now, there's nothing to report!"

Gatekeeper is a bit tough to theorycraft, since there's obviously... not a lot to go off of, lol. I think that, like Brave Lysithea, he'll probably end up with an outfit based on one of the Master Classes, so I'll put forward a version of him that is Axe Cavalry based on the Great Knight class and wielding the Axe of Ukonvasara. The Axe of Ukonvasara is effective against armored foes, heals 10 HP every hit like the Sol Lance, and enables [ Canto (3) ]. Whatever his special skill is called, I predict it being an omni-Save (Near and Far) that grants Atk/Spd/Def/Res+3 when Savior triggers.

Like Marianne, Kurahana Chinatsu is a decent prediction for art, but it's worth noting that Kita Senri is actually the only one who's drawn official art for Gatekeeper (for Cipher) and thus could be considered his "original" artist; I'd personally rather see Kita Senri do Gatekeeper and let Kurahana Chinatsu do Marianne. If neither of them, I'd also like to see Tobi (Azelle, Winter Bernadetta, the Morgans), Asatani Tomoyo (Eirika, Ephraim, Berkut), or lack (Beruka, Silque, Brave Dimitri) try their hand at him.

Eirika: Sacred Twin Lady

"Siegmund and Sieglinde... Twins, like my brother and I."

Eirika is hard to come up with anything interesting for because most good ideas have been taken by her legendary and Anamnesis alts and Ephraim's brave alt. So here's what I got: she's a Lance Cavalry, but she wields both Sieglinde and Siegmund. This grants her weapon triangle advantage against blue foes, but doesn't affect the weapon triangle against red or green foes. So basically:

Vs. Red Foe: Eirika gets +20% damage, foe gets -20% damage

Vs. Blue Foe: Eirika gets +20% damage, foe gets -20% damage

Vs. Green Foe: Eirika gets -20% damage, foe gets +20% damage

Vs. Colorless Foe: no effect

On top of that, she gets the dual-phase Brave effect that is now assumed with dual-wielding characters (like Altina and the ninjas). I'm conflicted on whether or not she could get a third effect since both of those are decently broken, but if she does, it would probably be some combination of Sieglinde/Siegmund's skills.

For art, I can't see it being anyone but Wada Sachiko as her original artist and the artist for Brave Ephraim. If it's somehow not, it'll be Asatani Tomoyo, but... come on, it's gotta be Wada Sachiko.

Marth: Hero Lodestar

"This sacred tome was forged from two of the Fire Emblem's spheres. I wield its guiding light against darkness."

And finally, Marth. I'm honestly a little lost on an outfit for him, but I agree with most people that he'll probably be a Blue Mage Infantry wielding Starlight, which would grant him effectiveness against magic foes as well as Odd/Even Recovery's penalty erasure at the start of the turn. I also think he'll probably come with Fire Emblem, even though it's a little unfair to Eirika. Unique special and assist skills tend to be treated differently, like Brave Micaiah's Sacrifice and Lif's Open the Future.

Like Eirika, I think Marth's art is pretty guaranteed: Daisuke Izuka, as artist for the Shadow Dragon/Mystery remakes and Legendary Marth. If it's somehow not him, it'll probably be Mayo (Groom Marth), Tobi (Resplendent Marth), or (if Eirika doesn't get the art she deserves) Wada Sachiko (normal and Young Marth). Maiponpon (Lucina and Masked Marth) or Kozaki Yusuke (Brave Lucina) are also decent possibilities. I'd personally prefer Tobi, Wada Sachiko, or Kozaki Yusuke, but... come on, just let it be Daisuke Izuka.

That's all I got. Once again, I think basically anything for these units would be fine. The biggest travesty would be if Marth just gets Falchion like how they screwed over Alm, and I'd personally be a little upset if Gatekeeper was an armor unit without any movement shenanigans, but generally speaking I doubt any of these characters will get anything too terribly disappointing, and I'm sure art will be fine no matter what. Can't wait for Bravekeeper!

[fire-emblem-supports]

i love her

[fire-emblem-supports]

I’M DEAD WE DID IT

BRAVE GATEKEEPER  BRAVE GATEKEEPER BRAVE GATEKEEPER

[fire-emblem-supports]

Chrom fans, I am deeply sorry

but not much

[fire-emblem-supports]

i’m unironically voting for gatekeeper and no one can stop me

[fire-emblem-supports]

All I’m saying is I love Plumeria

[fire-emblem-supports]

Would you be okay with folks using some of the supports you wrote here in like, mods/romhacks and stuff? Fates modding is pretty bustling right now.

Hi sorry these two notifications totally slipped through the cracks and idk how long ago they came in but yeah, I’d totally be fine with that as long as I was given proper credit! That’d be super cool!

[fire-emblem-supports]

CYL4 Predictions & Hopes

hi i know this account is 99% dead but I’ve done one of these for the last two years and it felt weird not to do one this year

First things first: obviously all four of the characters will be in their timeskip designs (since those got the most votes), and I’m fairly confident Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude will have their New Game+ hair. It’s also safe to assume the lords will not just have their normal timeskip outfits because of Legendary Edelgard; I doubt we’ll get Legendary Lysithea, but we may get a different timeskip alt of her, and regardless I don’t suspect they would shaft her design that badly.

Also! Spoilers ahead. You’ve been warned.

That aside, let’s get into specifics:

Edelgard: Empress in the Dark

“These robes were gifted to me by my uncle. I don’t support his actions, but the magic he taught he is invaluable.”

I predict Edelgard will be an Armored Colorless Tome unit, wearing an outfit inspired by Those Who Slither in the Dark. This ties into her familial relationship to Thales as well as her hidden talent in dark magic. Her weapon could be a variant of Hades (since it’s already on normal Lysithea) or something unique; either way, I think its ability will be inspired by the Agarthan Technology skill (dropping nearby foes’ attack). Her unique skill will probably be Twin Crests; it could either be a powercrept (or just alternative) version of Raging Storm, or perhaps a Legendary Leif-esque Super Galeforce special.

As for art, I think she’ll likely be drawn by Chinatsu Kurahana. I’m sure she’ll be brought in for one of them (we’ve never had multiple brave heroes drawn by the same artist, though, so I doubt she’ll do any others) and the safest bet seems like Edelgard or Dimitri. If Kurahana does draw Dimitri instead, I’d like to see Edelgard done by Kita Senri, Miyajima Haru, or Yamada Kotaro.

Dimitri: Brave King

“I wear this armor in honor of my father, a far worthier king than I.”

I think Dimitri will end up as an Infantry/Cavalry Axe unit, wearing an outfit based on Lambert’s. His weapon could be either the Axe of Zoltan (which would conveniently grant him armor effectiveness...) or some other, new axe like Eliwood’s lance. His skill’s a little harder to predict since all he has is Atrocity, which will definitely be on his legendary form. He could get a powercrept version of that (oh that’s a terrifying sentence), which would be weird since Legendary Dimitri isn’t even out yet, or he could get something new. Maybe a damage-reduction skill based on Commander (but named King of Faerghus or something like that?)

Again, I think it’s possible he’ll be drawn by Chinatsu Kurahana, though I’m leaning towards her for Edelgard. If not, I’d like to see him drawn by Daisuke Izuka, AKIRA, Wada Sachiko, or Soeda Ippei.

Claude: Wayward Hero

“This is traditional garb in my home of Almyra. You like it?”

Claude I could see as a Flying/Cavalry Lance unit. His outfit would be similar to Nader, but in general just based on traditional Almyran garb. His weapon would be something to the effect of “Almyran Lance” and could have a beast-slaying effect as well as built-in Poison Strike or Savage Blow.

I think Claude would be fantastic in Kozaki Yusuke’s style, but Meka, Might O, and sachie are also great options.

Lysithea: Brave Prodigy

“What are you staring at? No, this sword is NOT too big for me! Some people...”

And lastly, i think Lysithea will be a Flying Sword unit. Her outfit is harder to predict since she has less to work with in her own story and no notable family, but I suspect it will be a variation on the Gremory or Mortal Savant outfits. Her weapon will probably be a powercrept Thunderbrand (which, again, is kind of sad since Catherine isn’t even in the game yet), functioning as a legendary brave weapon with some form of Foudroyant Strike built in.

My top pick for Lysithea’s art is Tobi, but I think Yoneyama Mai, kiyu, or Maiponpon could also do really well.

Overall, I’m not too terribly concerned for how any of these units will turn out. Edelgard is the only one I particularly care for and I can’t see them screwing her over, but I also can’t think of anything they could do badly for Dimitri, Claude, or Lysithea, either. Lysithea is probably the most in danger just because of how often the sword and mage metas shift (which are basically the only two classes she stands any chance at having), but considering the current state of both, I think she’ll be fine. I am a little concerned that her art will be disgustingly chibi, but again, I don’t care that much about the character, so I’ll be fine regardless lol.

[fire-emblem-supports]

i love how i predicted Fjorm’s stalking from the Forging Bonds

Joshua & Fjorm: C - S Supports

(Requested by anonymous)

C Support

Fjorm: Hm…

Joshua: What? I got something on my face?

Fjorm: Oh! My apologies. I didn’t mean to stare.

Joshua: So, what is it? Why were you staring?

Fjorm: Well, I haven’t much to do lately, so I thought I’d ask around and see why some of the different heroes around here joined the Order.

Fjorm: It seems your intentions are a mystery, though, so I suppose I’m rather curious.

Joshua: Oh, is that the case? Hm… How about a wager?

Fjorm: A wager?

Joshua: I’ll flip a coin. If you win, I’ll tell you why I’m here. If I win, you owe me… a favor.

Fjorm: I’m not sure I like that sound of that.

Joshua: Hey, I’m a fair man. It won’t be anything too bad.

Fjorm: Well… Alright. Tails.

Joshua: Then I got heads. Here goes.

Joshua: …Aw, looks like I win this round.

Fjorm: …

Joshua: Something wrong?

Fjorm: Ah! No. I suppose I owe you a favor now, don’t I? What do you want me to do?

Joshua: Haha. We’ll figure that out later.

Fjorm: Oh? Very well…

B Support

Joshua: Fjorm.

Fjorm: Hello, Joshua. Are you here to cash in your favor?

Joshua: That’s right. You got your lance?

Fjorm: Of course. I always keep Leiptr by my side.

Joshua: Then let’s spar.

Fjorm: What?

Joshua: Lances are more effective against swords, yeah? So I’ll have to train against them if I want to survive.

Joshua: What are you waiting for?

Fjorm: You wish to use the favor… for sparring? Joshua, I would have sparred with you any time.

Joshua: Doesn’t matter. Now you have to.

Fjorm: Very well. Let’s begin, then.

(scene transition)

Fjorm: Another victory for me.

Joshua: Hmph. Start again.

Fjorm: You’re a strange man, Joshua.

Joshua: Can’t say that’s the first time I’ve heard that one. What are you waiting for? Let’s go.

Fjorm: You seem so carefree, so aloof… And yet… 

Fjorm: You’re quite intent on bettering yourself in battle. Why is that?

Joshua: Hey, I won the bet, remember? I don’t owe you any information.

Fjorm: I also seem to remember that the bet was for one favor. I don’t owe you any further sparring. Farewell.

Joshua: Hold on! …Damn it.

A Support

Fjorm: Joshua. I wish to have another wager with you.

Joshua: Eh? Alright, then.

Fjorm: Same rewards as last time. If I win, you tell me what you’re doing here. If you win, I owe you a favor.

Joshua: Works for me. Call it.

Fjorm: Tails.

Joshua: Then I got heads again. Up she goes…

Joshua: …and down she–

(freezing sounds)

Joshua: The hell?! The coin’s frozen to my palm.

Fjorm: Why, look at that. It’s tails.

Joshua: …Yes, I suppose it is.

Fjorm: It was tails last time, too, wasn’t it? You flipped it in your hand after it landed.

Joshua: You got a sharp eye. I’ve fooled talented archers with that trick.

Fjorm: I barely saw it. I didn’t call you out on it then because I wasn’t sure what you had done.

Fjorm: I decided the best course of action was to make it impossible, hence the ice.

Fjorm: Oh… Sorry about that. It should thaw in a few hours. Faster if you put it in hot water.

Joshua: Yeah… Great. Guess I gotta tell you why I’m here, then.

Fjorm: That was the wager.

Joshua: You ever heard of a place called Jehanna?

Fjorm: No, I can’t say that I have.

Joshua: It’s a desert kingdom from my world. The truth is, I’m the prince.

Fjorm: The prince?!

Fjorm: I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be so surprised. It’s just that you…

Joshua: I know. I don’t tell many people. But you beat me, fair and square.

Joshua: I left when I was young. If I’m to be king someday, I gotta be stronger. I gotta understand the people better.

Joshua: So there’s your answer. Satisfied now?

Fjorm: Hm… We’re not so different, you and I.

Fjorm: I, too, am here to gain strength to save my kingdom. I believe I may understand how you feel.

Fjorm: If I were stronger then, perhaps I… I could have…

Joshua: Hey. You can’t beat yourself up over what’s happened. Life’s a game of chance, you know. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

Joshua: What you can do, is stack the deck in your favor for the future.

Fjorm: You’re right. Well, then there’s only one thing left to do. Let’s spar.

Joshua: But I lost.

Fjorm: We both need the strength we’ll gain from fighting together. Why should we only fight as a favor earned through luck and chance?

Joshua: Heh. Alright, then.

Joshua: Errr, it might be tough to fight with this coin frozen to my hand, though.

Fjorm: O-Oh. Of course. We’ll spar later, then…

S Support

Fjorm: Hello, Joshua. Here for another sparring session?

Joshua: No. I want to make another wager with you.

Fjorm: Oh? Go on.

Joshua: I’m gonna flip a coin. If I win… I want you to marry me.

Fjorm: What?!

Joshua: You don’t have to agree to the terms if you don’t want.

Fjorm: W-Well… Go ahead. I choose tails.

Joshua: And I get heads.

Joshua: …Damn it.

Fjorm: It’s tails.

Joshua: Guess you’re off the hook then. Forget I said anything.

Fjorm: Wait, Joshua.

Fjorm: We never covered what I would get if I won.

Joshua: Yeah, I guess not. Well, what do you want?

Fjorm: I… I want you to marry me.

Joshua: Huh?

Fjorm: I never expected it to happen so fast, and yet… I love you, Joshua.

Fjorm: I guess your little wager gave me the bravery I needed to admit it. So… will you marry me?

Joshua: Hey, you won. I don’t have a choice.

Fjorm: Oh.

Joshua: But… even if I did, I’d say yes. I love you, too, Fjorm. You give me strength. And you understand me in a way few people ever have…

Joshua: I want nothing more than to help you rebuild Nifl, and to have you by my side as we rebuild Jehanna.

Fjorm: But Joshua… We’re from two different worlds. How–?

Joshua: It doesn’t matter. We’ll find a way. Together.

Fjorm: Oh… I believe it.

[fire-emblem-supports]

Felix & Manuela: C - A Supports

C-Support

(only available after Chapter 5 but before the timeskip in the Blue Lions route)

Felix: Manuela.

Manuela: Oh, hello, Felix. Do you need something?

Felix: Don’t play coy with me.

Manuela: Pardon?

Felix: I saw you with my father just now.

Manuela: Did you?

Felix: Consider this your first and last warning. Whatever you’re planning, stay away from him.

Manuela: Felix, what--

Manuela: And he’s gone... What a peculiar boy.

C+-Support

(only available before the timeskip)

Felix: Manuela.

Manuela: Good afternoon, Felix. Isn’t today just--

Felix: Didn’t you listen last time we talked? I told you to stay away from my father.

Manuela: Oh, we’re still on that, are we?

Manuela: Listen, Felix, I don’t know what you think you saw, but...

Felix: I know exactly what I saw. The two of you drinking together, you hanging all over him...

Felix: Disgusting.

Manuela: Disgusting? Now you’ve gone too far.

Manuela: That is... It’s not at all what you think.

Manuela: I knew you would be upset, but... I just couldn’t bring myself to break his heart.

Felix: What?

Manuela: He practically begged me to come back to him. Showered me with gifts and pretty words...

Manuela: I’m sorry if this hurts you, Felix, but your father and I are truly happy.

Felix: Enough! I’m out of here.

Manuela: Ahaha! Oh, perhaps that was too much. Maybe he’ll learn to mind his own business.

B-Support

(only available before the timeskip)

Felix: Manuela.

Manuela: Well, Felix. It’s been awhile since we’ve had one of these chats.

Felix: Yes, I... decided I owe you an apology.

Manuela: Yes, I know it was--

Manuela: ...Excuse me?

Felix: If you and my father are happy... it’s none of my business.

Manuela: I... see.

Felix: To be frank, I don’t have any reason to care at all what or who my father entertains himself with.

Manuela: Entertains himself? Do you think of me as a plaything?

Manuela: No, wait, that’s beside the point. Felix, I--

Felix: That’s all I had to say. Consider the matter resolved.

Manuela: Felix!

Manuela: There he goes again. Oh, Manuela, what have you gotten yourself into...

A-Support

(only available after Chapter 17)

Manuela: Felix?

Felix: What do you want?

Manuela: You’ve hardly spoken to anyone about... your father.

Manuela: How are you doing?

Felix: I suppose I could ask you the same, couldn’t I?

Manuela: Felix... there was never anything going on between your father and I.

Felix: What?

Manuela: I merely said that to play with you. I never thought you’d believe it.

Manuela: Honestly, I thought you’d talk to your father about it yourself.

Manuela: But I do have to know... You said you didn’t care who your father “entertained” himself with.

Manuela: So why were you so upset when you thought there was something going on?

Felix: *sigh* Fine. The truth was...

Felix: I was... afraid to accept a new mother.

Felix: She died when I was young.

Manuela: I had no idea.

Felix: It was bad enough my father moved on from Glenn’s death so quickly.

Felix: To think he had moved on from her as well...

Manuela: I’m sorry to have upset you. My little prank seems quite insensitive now.

Felix: It’s fine. After thinking about it, I decided... maybe it wouldn’t be all bad.

Manuela: Why, Felix. I’m honored. I had no idea you thought of me that way.

Felix: Wait, that’s not--

Manuela: You know, just because I’m not marrying your father doesn’t mean I can’t be your mother.

Felix: What?

Manuela: Yes, this seems like a wonderful idea! I’m a little young, but...

Manuela: You can just call me Mother. Or would you prefer Mommy?

Felix: Goddess...

Paired Ending

Even after becoming Duke Fraldarius, Felix maintained contact with Manuela. Despite her best efforts, she was never able to find him a bride, but she was welcomed into his home when she herself eventually settled down and had a child. Servants report that it would always bring a smile to Manuela’s face when she watched her daughter play with “Uncle Felix”.

[fire-emblem-supports]

no one else had made it...

[fire-emblem-supports]