===========================================================================
FIRE EMBLEM: SOUEN NO KISEKI
===========================================================================

Character/Unit Guide FAQ
October 28th  2005 Version 0.5

For the Nintendo Gamecube (JPN)
Created by Shadowgar (c) 2005 ([email protected] )

Any of the work displayed in this document should not be used anywhere else
except Gamefaqs without my consent, all information here is my own unless
stated otherwise.

If there is anything you wish to contact me about, if I made some mistakes
or if you've seen this FAQ somewhere else you can contact me with e-mail at.
[email protected]


===========================================================================
-:Table of Contents:-
===========================================================================

I) VERSION HISTORY

II) INTRODUCTION

III) BASIC INFORMATION
1. Skill System
2. Battle Formula's
3. Recruitments

IV) CHARACTERS
1. Lord [Lrd]
2. Paladin [Pln]
3. Warrior [Wrr]
4. Bishop [Bsp]
5. Sniper [Snr]
6. General [Gnl]
7. Sage [Sge]
8. Valkyrie [Vke]
9. Crimean Princess/Falcon Knight [Fkt]
10. Fanged Beasts (Cats/Tigers/Lions) [FgB]
11. Winged Beasts (Herons/Crows/Hawks) [WgB]
12. Halberdier [Hbr]
13. Dragonmaster [Dmr]
14. Thief/Assassin [TfA]
15. Scaly Dragons [SDr]
16. Bezerker [Bzr]
17. Swordmaster [Smr]

V) FAQ

VI) CREDITS AND THANKS


===========================================================================
I) VERSION HISTORY
===========================================================================

VERSION 0.5 (October 28th, 2005)
- Making some more ammendments to names, (spellchecking sucks -_-;)
- Went through and finally added all updated names
- Added English names for skills
- Fixed Marcia's recruitment requirement
- Fixed a mistake with 'Steal' skill requirements
- Fixed Nasir's recruitment requirement
- Added stat averages for everyone
Size : 103 KB


VERSION 0.4 (October 19th, 2005)
- Added a quick reference list of recruitments
- Added the new NOA translated names for characters
- Fixed a wrong battle formula
- Fixed a recruitment screwup on Zihawk
Size : 94.1 KB

VERSION 0.3 (October 7th, 2005)
- Added activation rates for skills
- Changed some ratings and comments
- Also changed some formatting
- Added some battle formula's
- Added a FAQ section
Size : 91.2 KB

VERSION 0.2 (August 15th, 2005)
- Corrections to skill section
- Minor changes to some comments.
Size : 88 KB


VERSION 0.1 (August 8th, 2005)
- First FAQ version released
Size : 88 KB


===========================================================================
II) INTRODUCTION
===========================================================================

Fire Emblem: Souen no Kiseki is the 9th in a series of S-RPG games created by
Nintendo Intelligent Systems and released for the 15th anniversary of Fire
Emblem series.

FE9 as it is sometimes called has been released in US and is still to be
in European states under the name of 'Path of Radiance.'
I've now recently added the new names to the right of the original names
as I really can't be bothered going through and changing everything.
I've now added as well a quick reference list so you can find people easier.

The FAQ is intended as a in depth guide towards units within the game and
written comments are generally my opinions and experiences of playing this
game.

Its not meant to be a full FAQ/Walkthrough as I'm amazed I could even be
bothered making this.  I'm pretty sure its clear enough written and
formatted, (or I could simply be hoping that) and I hope there aren't any
problems navigating.

To make the navigation of the character section easier you can simply use
Crtl + F on your keyboard and insert the quick links to hop to the sections.


==============================================================================
III) BASIC INFORMATION
==============================================================================

#####1. Skill System#####

FE9 sees the return of the Skill system from Seisen no Keifu (FE4) and
Thracia 776 (FE5).  It allows you to equip characters with personal skills
helping them with various things in the game.  Some skills come with
characters, while others may have to be taught through scrolls which can
be used from within the intermission menu's that appears after Chapter 8 in
between each chapter.

There is a limit though as skills use capacity, foot units have 25 capacity,
mounted units have 20 capacity.  Some skills are exclusive to classes only or
enemies.

After promotion it is possible to learn a skill unique to that class by using
a Mastery scroll found throughout the game.  Also its possible to promote
by raising a character to level 21, promotion items are only needed if you
wish to promote them early.

This is a list of the available skills within the game, English names to right
and original japanese translated names on left:-

______________________________________________________________________________

****AWARENESS/NIHIL****
Capacity:-
       15
Who has it:-
       Calill, Nasir
Effect:-
       Negates enemy Battle Skills
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****AMBUSH/VANTAGE****
Capacity:-
       10
Who has it:-
       Mia
Effect:-
       Always attack first on counter attacks
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****CONTINUE/ADEPT****
Capacity:-
       10
Who has it:-
       Soren, Zihawk
Effect:-
       Occasionally activates a consecutive attack
Activation:-
       Skill = Activation %
______________________________________________________________________________

****WRATH/WRATH****
Capacity:-
       10
Who has it:-
       Nephenee
Effect:-
       When HP is below half, the user receives a considerable critical boost
Activation:-
       Always Active, Activates at Half HP
______________________________________________________________________________

****PRAYER/MIRACLE****
Capacity:-
       5
Who has it:-
       Mist, Ena
Effect:-
       Activates when HP is under half, when a fatal attack is inflicted there is
       a chance you'll survive with half your remaining HP.  If you have only 1 HP
       left and it activates you'll receive 0 damage.
Activation:-
       Activates at Half HP, Luck = Activation %
______________________________________________________________________________

****HEROIC LEADER/RESOLVE****
Capacity:-
       10
Who has it:-
       Tauroneo
Effect:-
       When HP is below half, strength, skill and speed is boosted by 1.5x
Activation:-
       Always Active, Activates at Half HP
______________________________________________________________________________

****COUNTER/COUNTER****
Capacity:-
       10
Who has it:-
       Titania
Effect:-
       When hit you may occasionally return half the damage you received as damage
       to your enemy.
Activation:-
       When you are hit, Skill/2 = Activation %
______________________________________________________________________________

****CANCEL/GUARD****
Capacity:-
       10
Who has it:-
       Haar
Effect:-
       Occasionally activates and leaves enemy unable to counterattack
Activation:-
       Skill = Activation %
______________________________________________________________________________

****WEAPON BREAK/CORROSION****
Capacity:-
       10
Who has it:-
       Bastian
Effect:-
       Reduces enemy weapon usuage by 5 when enemy is hit
Activation:-
       Skill = Activation %
______________________________________________________________________________

****ABILITY MATCH****
Capacity:-
       5
Who has it:-
       Lucia
Effect:-
       Negates enemy support and terrain bonuses
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****ONE SHOT GAMBLE/GAMBLE****
Capacity:-
       10
Who has it:-
       Kieran
Effect:-
       When you attack you can sacrifice half your accuracy for double critical rate
Activation:-
       Manual
______________________________________________________________________________

****HARD STRIKE/SHOVE****
Capacity:-
       10
Who has it:-
       Mordecai
Effect:-
       Increases the effect of the 'push' command to 2 spaces, only works when build
       is greater or equal to the targets build.
Activation:-
       Manual
______________________________________________________________________________

****TALENTED PERSON/CELERITY****
Capacity:-
       15
Who has it:-
       Tormod
Effect:-
       Movement +2
Activation:-
       Always Active
_____________________________________________________________________________

****MOODY PERSON/TEMPEST****
Capacity:-
       5
Who has it:-
       Bole, Makalov
Effect:-
       Doubles the effect of Biorhythmn
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****EQUILIBRIUM/SERENITY****
Capacity:-
       5
Who has it:-
       Rhys
Effect:-
       Halves the effect of Biorhythmn
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****PROVOKE/PROVOKE****
Capacity:-
       5
Who has it:-
       Shinon
Effect:-
       Increases the chance of being attacked, has more effect if injured
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****SHADOW/SHADOW****
Capacity:-
       5
Who has it:-
       Ilyana, Volke
Effect:-
       Reduces the chance of being attacked, has less effect if injured.
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****LIFE/RENEWAL****
Capacity:-
       15
Who has it:-
       Elincia, Ena
Effect:-
       Recover a set ammount of HP at the start of each turn
Activation:-
       Beginning of every turn, Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****PROTECTING HAND/SAVIOUR****
Capacity:-
       10
Who has it:-
       Tibarn
Effect:-
       When carrying someone, your skill and speed stats aren't reduced
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****ELITE/PARAGON****
Capacity:-
       15
Who has it:-
       Geoffrey, Astrid
Effect:-
       Unit gains 2x experience
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****REINFORCEMENT/REINFORCE****
Capacity:-
       15
Who has it:-
       Tanith
Effect:-
       Can summon 3 NPC units to help, can only be used twice per battle.
Activation:-
       Manual
______________________________________________________________________________

****SLOW GROWER/BLOSSOM****
Capacity:-
       15
Who has it:-
       Sothe
Effect:-
       Growth rates are boosted by 10% at the cost of reduced experience
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****MOVE AGAIN/MOVE AGAIN****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Reyson
Effect:-
       Allows adjacent friendly units to regain their movement
Activation:-
       Manual
______________________________________________________________________________

****LONG DISTANCE VISION/INSIGHT****
Capacity:-
       0
Who has it:-
       Janaff
Effect:-
       Accuracy is increased
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****HEARING WITH THE WIND/VIGILANCE****
Capacity:-
       0
Who has it:-
       Ulki
Effect:-
       Evade is increased
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****HORRIFY/DAUNT****
Capacity:-
       10
Who has it:-
       Enemy only
Effect:-
       Reduces the accuracy and critical of enemy units within a 3 square radius
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****GODDESS PROTECTION/GODDESS PROTECTION****
Capacity:-
       ?
Who has it:-
       None
Effect:-
       User receives reduced damage from enemy attacks
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****GOING EASY/DISCIPLINE****
Capacity:-
       10
Who has it:-
       Grail, Bole
Effect:-
       Does reduced damage during training
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****LIGHT MAGIC EQUIP/LUMINA****
Capacity:-
       0
Who has it:-
       Bishop
Effect:-
       User can equip Light magic
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****LIGHT TOOL EQUIP/KNIFE****
Capacity:-
       0
Who has it:-
       Calill, Bastian, Sothe, Volke, Theif, Sage
Effect:-
       User can equip light tools and knives
Activation:-
       Always Active
______________________________________________________________________________

****STEAL/STEAL****
Capacity:-
       0
Who has it:-
       Volke, Sothe, Theif class
Effect:-
       User can steal items and staves from enemy units if their strength is higher
       than the item and speed is higher than the victim.
Activation:-
       Manual
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

####MASTERY SKILLS####

These skills are only learnable through Mastery scrolls after promotion.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

****HEAVENS/AETHER****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Lord, Hero
Effect:-
       Sun + Moonlight + Continue, 2 hit strike with a Moonlight hit following a
       sun hit.
Activation:-
       Skill = Activation %
______________________________________________________________________________

****IMPACT/STUN****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Dragonmaster, Falcon Knight
Effect:-
       Occasionally leaves enemy units without movement for one turn when hit
Activation:-
       Skill/2 = Activation %
______________________________________________________________________________

****SUNLIGHT/SOL****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Bishop, Sage
Effect:-
       Occasionally halves enemy magic defense
Activation:-
       Skill = Activation %
______________________________________________________________________________

****SUN/FLARE****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Paladin, Valkyrie
Effect:-
       When it activates, user recovers ammount of HP equal to the damage dealt out
Activation:-
       Skill = Activation %
______________________________________________________________________________

****RYUSEIKEN/ASTRA****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Swordmaster, Stefan
Effect:-
       Initiates a 5 hit attack where each hit does half damage
Activation:-
       Skill/2 = Activation %
______________________________________________________________________________

****MOONLIGHT/LUNA****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Halberdier, General
Effect:-
       Occasionally halves enemies defense
Activation:-
       Skill = Activation %
______________________________________________________________________________

****RUMBLE/COLOSSUS****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Warrior, Bezerker
Effect:-
       If users build is greater than enemy, extra damage may be dealt to the enemy
Activation:-
       Skill = Activation %
______________________________________________________________________________

****SNIPE/DEADEYE****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Sniper
Effect:-
       Accuracy is boosted added with a chance of sending the target to sleep
Activation:-
       Skill = Activation %, Sleep effect activation % = Skill/2
______________________________________________________________________________

****ASSASSINATE/LETHALITY (wtf?)****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Assassin
Effect:-
       Occasionally activates a OHKO, may be ineffective against some enemies
Activation:-
       Skill = Activation %
______________________________________________________________________________

****ROAR/ROAR****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Fanged Beast
Effect:-
       Leaves enemy units without movement for one turn when used
Activation:-
       Manual
______________________________________________________________________________

****WINGED PROTECTION/CANCEL****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Hawk, Tibarn
Effect:-
       Occasionally negates hits against you
Activation:-
       Skill = Activation %
______________________________________________________________________________

****GALE KNIFE/VORTEX****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Crow, Naesala
Effect:-
       Allows the user to perform a Elwind attack from one space away
Activation:-
       Manual
______________________________________________________________________________

****BLESSING OF THE SKY/BLESSING****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Heron, Reyson
Effect:-
       Units adjacent to the user restore HP at the beginning of each turn
Activation:-
       Always Active, Beginning of each turn
______________________________________________________________________________

****BLESSING OF THE EARTH/BOON (...wtf? no.2)****
Capacity:-
       20
Who has it:-
       Scaly Dragon, Ena
Effect:-
       Units adjacent to the user have their status restored at the beginning of
       each turn
Activation:-
       Always Active, Beginning of each turn
==============================================================================



#####2. Battle Formula's#####

Pretty self explanatory......for your reference.

===Attack Speed===

If Weapon weight is greater than your strength.
Attack Speed = Strength - Weapon Weight + Speed

If Weapon weight is less than your strength.
Attack Speed = Speed

If attack speed is 4 points greater than your enemy than you'll be able to
perform a second attack.  If 4 points less you'll be double attacked.


===Damage===

Physical Damage =
Strength + Weapon Might - Enemy Defense

Magical Damage =
Magic + Weapon Might - Enemy Resistance

Critical hit damage =
3*(Damage done to enemy)

Weapon Effectiveness =
2*(Weapon Might) + Strength or Magic - Enemy Defense or Res


===Evasion===

Evasion % =
2*(Speed) + Luck - Enemy's Accuracy


===Accuracy===

Accuracy % =
2*(Skill) + Weapon Accuracy - Enemy's Evade


===Steal===

To steal, weapon being stolen must have a weight less than your theives
strength and your theif must have a greater speed than the victim.



#####3. Recruitments#####



Prologue - Ike
Chapter 1- Oscar, Boyd, Titania
Chapter 2- Rhys
Chapter 3- Shinon, Gatrie
Chapter 4- Soren
Chapter 7- Mia
Chapter 8- Ilyana
Chapter 9- Mist, Rolf, Marcia
Chapter 10- Lethe, Mordecai, Volke, Nephenee, Brom, Kieran
Chapter 11- Zihark
Chapter 12- Sothe, Jill
Chapter 13- Astrid, Gatrie
Chapter 14- Makalov
Chapter 15- Stefan, Muarim, Tormod
Chapter 16- Devdan
Chapter 18- Reyson, Janaff, Ulki, Tanith, Shinon
Chapter 20- Calill
Chapter 21- Tauroneo
Chapter 23- Ranulf, Haar
Chapter 24- Lucia, Bastian, Geoffrey
Chapter 25- Largo
Chapter 26- Elincia
Chapter 28- Ena/Nasir
Chapter 29- Tibarn/Naesala/Giffca

CRTL+ F and than put in the name of the character you want.



==============================================================================
IV) CHARACTERS
==============================================================================

I have split each character into their respected promotion/class lines,
they will be rated on both 'usefulness' and 'power'.  I will also give skill
suggestions that tend to work well with the character.

These ratings are done on the assumption you are playing within the 'Maniac'
difficulty of FE9.

Power ratings are done on the basis of all-round stats and also skills
in consideration.  Usefulness is done on the ease of use of the character,
whether they're helpful for certain parts of the game.

In order to promote you'll need to raise a character to level 21 or use a
promotion item which can be found throughout the game.
To search for a class press crtl+F and type in the appropiate link for the
class and you'll jump to the section.


==============================================================================

#####Ranger => Lord [Lrd]#####

Usuable Weapons:-  Swords
Gained after promotion:- None
Mastery Skill:- Heavens
Class Skill:- Capture Throne

Promotion Bonuses-
       HP: +4  Spd: +2
       Str: +3 Lck: +0
       Mgc: +2 Def: +3
       Skl: +2 Res: +2

Stat Caps-
       HP: 60  Spd: 28
       Str: 26 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 24
       Skl: 27 Res: 22

======Ike/Ike (Ranger)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 1 automatic

Promotion:
Automatic event after Chapter 17 Area 4

Base Stats (Lvl-1)
       HP: 19  Spd: 7
       Str: 5  Lck: 6
       Mgc: 1  Def: 5
       Skl: 6  Res: 0
       Bld: 9  Rescue: 9
Stat Growth
       HP: 75%         Spd: 55%
       Str: 50%        Lck: 35%
       Mgc: 20%        Def: 40%
       Skl: 50%        Res: 40%

Weapons
       Sword

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 52/60       Spd: 28/28
       Str: 25/26      Lck: 19/40
       Mgc: 11/20      Def: 22/24
       Skl: 26/26      Res: 17/22

Basic Skills
       None

Suggested Skills
       Aether
       Resolve and Wrath

Comments:-

Well being the Lord you're more or less forced to use him, luckily Ike also
happens to be one of the strongest Lords ever in a FE game since Sigurd.

He tends to start off well as one of your strongest units and packing a
unusually high defense and res for a main character means he makes a rather
good wall.  High speed and skill helps too.
Although his strength tends to be quite weak even with that growth till
promotion, high HP makes Ike a rather good defensive unit.

Like Leaf from FE5 he gets a early promotion after Ch-17 which means you only
have to bare with him slightly weak for only 4 or 5 chapters. He'll also be
your no.1 candidate for a mastery book getting the overpowered Aether skill
and even more insane Ragnell sword with infinite uses.

I'd give him a 9 for usefulness but hes not always needed to capture the
throne in some chapters, but is definitely frontline material.  Resolve
is only suggested if you want a easier time with the final boss but its not
the best skill for Ike necessarily.
Now if only he'd stop screaming "OYAJI!" and say something else useful.

Usefulness- 8/10
Power Rating- 9/10


==============================================================================

#####Sword/Axe/Bow/Lance Knight => Paladin [Pln]#####

Usuable Weapons:-  Sword, Bow, Axe or Lance
Gained after promotion:- Can select Sword, Bow, Axe or Lance
Mastery Skill:- Flare
Class Skill:- None

Promotion Bonuses (M)-
       HP: +3  Spd: +2
       Str: +2 Lck: +0
       Mgc: +2 Def: +2
       Skl: +2 Res: +3

Stat Caps (M)-
       HP: 60  Spd: 27
       Str: 26 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 27
       Skl: 26 Res: 25

Promotion Bonuses (F)-
       HP: +5  Spd: +1
       Str: +2 Lck: +0
       Mgc: +2 Def: +3
       Skl: +2 Res: +2

Stat Caps (F)-
       HP: 60  Spd: 27
       Str: 25 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 27
       Skl: 26 Res: 26

======Oscar/Oscar (Lance Knight)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 1 automatic

Base Stats (Lvl-3)
       HP: 19  Spd: 7
       Str: 5  Lck: 6
       Mgc: 1  Def: 5
       Skl: 6  Res: 0
       Bld: 10 Rescue: 33
Stat Growth
       HP: 55%         Spd: 50%
       Str: 45%        Lck: 45%
       Mgc: 20%        Def: 35%
       Skl: 50%        Res: 30%

Weapons
       Lance

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 49/60       Spd: 25/27
       Str: 24/26      Lck: 16/40
       Mgc: 10/20      Def: 23/27
       Skl: 25/26      Res: 14/25

Basic Skills
       None

Suggested Skills
       Flare
       Adept and Saviour

Comments:-

The social knight duo is back minus one, Oscar is our green social knight of
this game.  I don't know why but this guy reminds me of that eternally smiling
freak Wendolo from the SRW series, but I'm willing to bet he has a eye
condition like Ishtorre of FE4....

Funny thing is you'd think with such good bases, mounted, coming in first
chapter and using lances he'd be rather 'omg pwnage'.  Unfortunately he gets
rather easily knocked around early on with all the axe users.  He only tends
to start showing his worth around mid game once around level 13 or so.
After promotion is where he begins to shine with good bonuses and he tends to
work well with a bow or sword.

Sword is better if you want a more well rounded Oscar but you'll need a bow
if you wish to use his triangle attack with Bole and Rolf.

Having no skills hurts him abit though, you can give him a Sun Hit but there
are better candidates for a Mastery book.  Adept + Saviour I find
can work quite well since mounted units are now back with FE4 after turn
movement.

A nice well rounded unit who can be good or bad, but will more likely turn out
mediocre.  Although he can prove helpful with his movement in early chapters
and if your sadistic like me, having him smile eternally while killing is
quite satisfying.

Usefulness- 8/10
Power- 8/10


======Tiamat/Titania (Paladin)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 1 automatic

Base Stats (Lvl-1)
       HP: 33  Spd: 14
       Str: 12 Lck: 11
       Mgc: 4  Def: 11
       Skl: 13 Res: 7
       Bld: 8  Rescue: 33
Stat Growth
       HP: 80%         Spd: 50%
       Str: 45%        Lck: 45%
       Mgc: 25%        Def: 40%
       Skl: 60%        Res: 45%

Weapons
       Axe, Lance

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 48/60       Spd: 24/27
       Str: 21/25      Lck: 20/40
       Mgc: 9/20       Def: 19/27
       Skl: 24/26      Res: 16/26

Basic Skills
       Counter

Suggested Skills
       Counter and Adept
       Saviour and Adept

Comments:-

If Oifaye was reincarnated as a woman and without a moustache, she'd be
called Tiamat.  Tiamat continues the recent trend of destructive Jeigan
characters.  Her stats look quite paltry but she grows better than most of
the units in your game and will end up with extremely high res for a physical
unit.

Early on she will be literally life saving in early chapters and with the
ammount of enemies and bonus exp feature in FE9, exp leeching is quite
little concern.  It is virtually impossible to beat early chapters without
her.

Overall statwise she will be a nice rounded unit but will likely be passed up
due to her rather weak starting stats.  As for skills, counter...is rather
worthless, but if you insist on using her, saviour can be helpful for
rescuing or adept if you want her to be more battle orientated.

But don't feel guilty about using her or letting her kill as exp is plentiful
in this game.  Once most units promote around Chapter 17 she'll probably
dissappear from your lineup, but if growing well she can very well make the
final lineup.  If you want to use her, than let her sit back abit for the
middle chapters so she doesn't take up too much experience.

Usefulness- 9.9/10
Power- 6.5/10


======Kevin/Kieran (Axe Knight)======

Recruitment:
Talk with Oscar in Chapter 10 and help him escape, joins in Chapter 11.

Base Stats (Lvl-12)
       HP: 30  Spd: 12
       Str: 11 Lck: 8
       Mgc: 1  Def: 10
       Skl: 10 Res: 1
       Bld: 10 Rescue: 33
Stat Growth
       HP: 60%         Spd: 40%
       Str: 50%        Lck: 25%
       Mgc: 15%        Def: 40%
       Skl: 50%        Res: 30%

Weapons
       Axe

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 49/60       Spd: 24/27
       Str: 25/26      Lck: 15/40
       Mgc: 7/20       Def: 23/27
       Skl: 25/26      Res: 12/25

Basic Skills
       Gamble

Suggested Skills
       Flare
       Gamble and Resolve

Comments:-
And here he is, the other half of the Social Knight duo 10 chapters late,
Kieran comes with rather all-round stats and fantastic growths.  However
by the time he joins Oscar will have surpassed him and Kieran will be being
double attacked occasionally.

His skill....doesn't have too much use unfortunately, his critical doesn't
tend to get too high and halved accuracy for a axe user is next to suicide.
He can be quite a pain to train but will probably end up statistically as the
second best Paladin in the game.  He does benefit from axe being the cheapest
weapons in the game though, plus not being weighed by Iron Axes at all.

Overall his high stats are abit overshadowed by the point of the game he
comes, along with how you can get through the game rather easily without him.
Only should be used if your a big fan of mounted or axe units but I would
just stick with Oscar.

However if you do choose to train him, expect something close to a monster
after promotion.  I highly suggest giving him swords so he can actually make
some use of Gamble.  But it may be worth just giving him Flare.

Usefulness- 6.5/10
Power- 8.5/10


======Stellar/Astrid (Bow Knight)======

Recruitment:
Talk with Ike in Chapter 13

Base Stats (Lvl-1)
       HP: 20  Spd: 7
       Str: 6  Lck: 3
       Mgc: 2  Def: 5
       Skl: 6  Res: 4
       Bld: 7  Rescue: 29
Stat Growth
       HP: 45%         Spd: 50%
       Str: 40%        Lck: 40%
       Mgc: 20%        Def: 30%
       Skl: 55%        Res: 25%

Weapons
       Bow

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 42/60       Spd: 26/27
       Str: 23/25      Lck: 18/40
       Mgc: 12/20      Def: 19/27
       Skl: 26/26      Res: 15/25

Basic Skills
       Paragon

Suggested Skills
       Paragon and Shadow
       Flare

Comments:-
Stellar is one cute bow knight, (I refuse to call her Astrid damnit!)
too bad she starts off rather weak.  Though she does benefit from some decent
growths but what makes her a spetacular unit is the fact she has Paragon.

Stellar will grow like lightning, a pure powerleveling growth stock.  What
makes it easier to use her, as weak as she is, she's a ranged fighter which
means she won't have to get in close to kill.  After promotion you can give
her axes to take care of her strength and use her skill.

In the long term she will probably be a all-round unit but not really
excelling in anything particular, but her promotion bonuses give her a good
boost.  Although not really helping majorly in anything, being an easy to
raise unit gives her alot of credit, but she loses marks as her class won't
let her use the Balfleche.

Usefulness- 8/10
Power- 7.5/10


======Makalov/Makalov (Sword Knight)======

Recruitment:
Talk with Marcia in Chapter 14

Base Stats (Lvl-10)
       HP: 30  Spd: 10
       Str: 9  Lck: 8
       Mgc: 2  Def: 10
       Skl: 7  Res: 2
       Bld: 10 Rescue: 33
Stat Growth
       HP: 60%         Spd: 50%
       Str: 55%        Lck: 25%
       Mgc: 5% Def: 45%
       Skl: 45%        Res: 20%

Weapons
       Sword

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 50/60       Spd: 25/27
       Str: 25/26      Lck: 20/40
       Mgc: 5/20       Def: 25/27
       Skl: 22/26      Res: 16/25

Basic Skills
       Tempest

Suggested Skills
       Tempest and Nihil

Comments:-
URGHHH!!!! URGH! They must have been smoking something strong when they drew
this guy.  This guys face and hair would make grown men cry.  It doesn't help
either that he turns out rather worthless.  Comes late, weak weapon, bad res
and luck in general.  His skill is rather low compared to the other knights,
only real noteworthy good point is that his HP is rather high.

If you wish to use him I'd suggest throwing on Nihil to take advantage
of his good defense and rather high HP.  In short he's best described as like
Lowen from FE7.

Although you should probably be using Kieran if you have the time for
this guy.  And a certain other Paladin makes Makalov's strong points rather
neglectable.

Usefulness- 4/10
Power- 7/10


======Geoffrey/Geoffrey (Paladin)======

Recruitment:
Must survive Ch-24 and will join Ch-25

Base Stats (Lvl-11)
       HP: 43  Spd: 19
       Str: 18 Lck: 12
       Mgc: 9  Def: 21
       Skl: 17 Res: 9
       Bld: 11 Rescue: 35
Stat Growth
       HP: 65%         Spd: 55%
       Str: 50%        Lck: 20%
       Mgc: 25%        Def: 45%
       Skl: 55%        Res: 45%

Weapons
       Lance, Bow

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 50/60       Spd: 24/27
       Str: 23/26      Lck: 14/40
       Mgc: 11/20      Def: 25/27
       Skl: 22/26      Res: 13/25

Basic Skills
       Paragon

Suggested Skills
       Paragon and Provoke
       Nihil and Provoke
       Adept and Guard

Comments:-
Theres only one thing to describe Geoffrey, God....  This guy is more or
less the reincarnation of FE6's HM Percival with a vengeance.  If it ain't
enough that he already begins with great stats and especially that defense!

Added with all-round growths and actually good growth in res, only stat
that will seem low is luck, but generally all FE9 units suffer from that.
He may have only 9 levels left but with those growths and the fact he comes
with Paragon makes him grow like a unpromoted unit, expect an easy time using
him.  But the beauty is with Paragon you can simply force feed him bonus exp
in the intermission menu and control his all-round growths.

The only downside probably is that its a rather massive pain keeping
him alive within Maniac mode when trying to recruit him.  As for skills he
only has room for a weak skill, so maybe a Provoke to turn him into a mounted
wall for baiting.  However its very easy to get through the game without ever
touching him, but it sure helps if you do use him.

Usefulness- 8/10
Power- 8.5/10


==============================================================================


#####Axe Fighter => Warrior [Wrr]#####

Usuable Weapons:- Axe
Gained after promotion:- Bow
Mastery Skill:- Colossus
Class Skill:- None

Promotion Bonuses-
       HP: +6  Spd: +1
       Str: +2 Lck: +0
       Mgc: +1 Def: +2
       Skl: +2 Res: +2

Stat Caps-
       HP: 60  Spd: 27
       Str: 30 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 25
       Skl: 28 Res: 20



======Bole/Boyd (Axe Fighter)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 1 automatic

Base Stats (Lvl-2)
       HP: 30  Spd: 6
       Str: 7  Lck: 4
       Mgc: 0  Def: 5
       Skl: 4  Res: 0
       Bld: 10 Rescue: 10
Stat Growth
       HP: 75%         Spd: 45%
       Str: 60%        Lck: 35%
       Mgc: 20%        Def: 25%
       Skl: 50%        Res: 25%

Weapons
       Axe

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 59/60       Spd: 23/27
       Str: 29/30      Lck: 17/40
       Mgc: 3/20       Def: 16/25
       Skl: 24/28      Res: 11/20

Basic Skills
       Tempest

Suggested Skills
       Tempest and Colossus

Comments:-
Your first and only Warrior of the game, unfortunately he's rather mediocre
at best.  All he tends to gain is strength and HP, skill and speed starts off
abit too low and even with his good skill growth is abit low.  However he
does tend to get decent luck which is abit rare within FE9.

Rather weak promo bonuses don't help him since his HP already grows fine and
starts with half the max anyway.  What really hurts him is the bad
skill, coupled with axes bad accuracy.

Due to the new formula when using an iron axe he has essentially only 3 speed.
Basically anyone who hated FE6's Sophia should stay away from him.  He's a
similar case of a potentially awesome unit who will be a pain to raise.
If you get lucky with growths, due to the Warrior's fantastic caps he can be
a great unit.

This requires abit more explanation, but basically although his skill and
speed aren't bad and strength grows brilliantly.  Axes are extremely heavy
and most enemies have alot of HP and defense.  Sticking with low level axes
will waste his strength and most lance and sword users can do more damage.

Going with higher level axes will take Bole into minus speed for a long time
till he promotes or late levels before promotion.

You are forced to use him early on and with the lack of numbers he does
help alot in terms of man power and simply a spare hand.  But keep close
watch on his stats as theres a good chance he will begin to fall behind.

He is also able to do a Triangle attack after promotion.

Usefulness- 6/10
Power Rating- 7.5/10


==============================================================================


#####Priest => Bishop [Bsp]#####

Usuable Weapons:- Staff
Gained after promotion:- Light Magic
Mastery Skill:- Sunlight
Class Skill:- Light Magic Equip

Promotion Bonuses-
       HP: +3  Spd: +2
       Str: +1 Lck: +0
       Mgc: +3 Def: +2
       Skl: +2 Res: +3

Stat Caps-
       HP: 60  Spd: 25
       Str: 15 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 29 Def: 20
       Skl: 22 Res: 30

======Kilroy/Rhys (Priest)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 2 automatic

Base Stats (Lvl-4)
       HP: 20  Spd: 4
       Str: 0  Lck: 6
       Mgc: 8  Def: 0
       Skl: 7  Res: 12
       Bld: 8  Rescue: 8
Stat Growth
       HP: 40%         Spd: 40%
       Str: 5%         Lck: 50%
       Mgc: 60%        Def: 25%
       Skl: 50%        Res: 55%

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 37/60       Spd: 20/25
       Str: 3/15       Lck: 24/40
       Mgc: 29/29      Def: 11/20
       Skl: 22/22      Res: 30/30

Weapons
       Staff

Basic Skills
       Serenity

Suggested Skills
       Counter and Guard, Provoke or Corrosion

Comments:-
Your first healer and the only Light magic user in the game, I'm not sure
what to say about him except that he's bad.  He will be double attacked
nearly always, low HP, and overkilled res and magic which maxes way too
early with virtually nothing in the other areas and overkilled skill.

Unfortunately since healers are so awful in this game, Rhys is actually
one of the better ones.  Having high magic does mean he can do good
damage with his spells and also heal fully using only heal staves.

Another word of note is Light Magic maxes weapon level insanely quick
compared to other weapon user levels who grow at a snails pace.  Mainly
because Light Magic level is equal to your stave level.

Serenity is a awful skill which does more damage than it helps.  Counter
is an awful skill but with the ammount of damage he takes he can return
heavy damage since hes almost guaranteed to be hit most of the time and
being double attacked, when couple with Guard, you can usually return high
chip damage and avoid being 2x attacked.

This can actually be an advantage though as long range magic users will do
0 damage to him for 2x wasting their long range spells and Provoke can make
him a lightning rod for staves and magic, or Corrosion to speed up
things, if you have a Purge spell.

He will also probably be the subject of most of your bonus exp you get and
chances are he'll need an early promotion with the items instead of waiting
for level 21.

On a sidenote though Rhys is the second highest grower for luck which
is his only real big selling point.  His only use will be using the high
level staves since most Sages can do a better job of frontline healing.
Overall he can do heavy chip damage when guarded and gives great support
but keep him off frontlines at all costs.


Usefulness- 9/10
Power Rating- 6/10


==============================================================================


#####Archer => Sniper [Snr]#####

Usuable Weapons:- Bows, Ballistae, Stone Throwers
Gained after promotion:- None
Mastery Skill:- Snipe
Class Skill:- 15% crit boost (English version only)

Promotion Bonuses-
       HP: +3  Spd: +2
       Str: +3 Lck: +0
       Mgc: +2 Def: +2
       Skl: +2 Res: +2

Stat Caps-
       HP: 60  Spd: 28
       Str: 25 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 25
       Skl: 30 Res: 23

======Rolf/Rolf (Archer)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 9 automatic

Base Stats (Lvl-1)
       HP: 18  Spd: 6
       Str: 5  Lck: 4
       Mgc: 0  Def: 6
       Skl: 8  Res: 2
       Bld: 4  Rescue: 4
Stat Growth
       HP: 60%         Spd: 50%
       Str: 40%        Lck: 40%
       Mgc: 20%        Def: 30%
       Skl: 45%        Res: 25%

Weapons
       Bow

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 44/60       Spd: 26/28
       Str: 23/25      Lck: 19/40
       Mgc: 10/20      Def: 19/25
       Skl: 27/30      Res: 14/23

Basic Skills
       None

Suggested Skills
       Deadeye
       Gamble

Comments:-
What do I say about Rolf?  Well for starters he the cutest little kid ever,
looks like 8 years old and makes you want to pinch his cheeks and go AWWW!

Growth wise hes okayish, of notice though is high rather good defense base
and defense growth with good HP growth, he also gets his own personal bow
and comes early which helps.

He can be a pain to level up but is probably the best bow user in the game.
The Snipers mastery skill is a must for him as accuracy boost with a chance
of sleep is too good to pass up along with high skill.  Not to mention
snipers now get a 15% crit boost unlike the japanese version which can add
to the activation of Deadeye.

Although to use him in Maniac mode you need to be making sure that his
strength grows for his first few level ups.  He will also be a good dodger
with good luck and speed and most noteworthy can take a beating.

Although what makes him worth using is hes the prime candidate for the
Balfleche bow along with a excellent starting bow and good speed and luck.
Not a vital unit but if you do train him abit he can prove very useful
especially with his big pool of inbuilt support bonuses.

He also has a triangle attack with Oscar and Bole.

Gamble is also suggested for players of the English version for a 30% crit
chance.

Usefulness- 8/10
Power Rating- 8.5/10


======Shinon/Shinon (Sniper)======

Recruitment:
Chapter-3 automatic
Chapter-19, talk with Rolf in Ch-18 than kill with Ike in the same chapter

Base Stats (Lvl-1)
       HP: 32  Spd: 13
       Str: 9  Lck: 9
       Mgc: 6  Def: 9
       Skl: 15 Res: 6
       Bld: 9  Rescue: 10
Stat Growth
       HP: 75%         Spd: 65%
       Str: 65%        Lck: 35%
       Mgc: 20%        Def: 50%
       Skl: 70%        Res: 40%

Weapons
       Bow

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 46/60       Spd: 25/28
       Str: 22/25      Lck: 16/40
       Mgc: 10/20      Def: 19/25
       Skl: 28/30      Res: 14/23

Basic Skills
       Provoke

Suggested Skills
       Provoke and Paragon
       Deadeye
       Gamble

Comments:-
Shinon....has monstrous growths, he may be promoted and have relatively low
stats.  But he gets better defense than most units in the game along with
growths that put him on par with most of the Laguz.  However he would be the
best bow user in the game if he didn't dissappear for half the game and when
he returns is outclassed by everyone.

By the time you get him back Rolf will probably be promoted and have far
surpassed him.  Although having an A in bows is noteworthy as weapon skills
grow slow in this game.  His usefulness is also detracted by the fact Gatrie
almost always appears along with him so his worth in early chapters isn't
as vital.

If you do choose to use him expect him to easily come close or max everything
minus magic and luck.  When Shinon does grow he will be the strongest Sniper
in the game period.  If you want ease of use, go Rolf, or if you have time
Shinon for raw power.

Gamble is also suggested for players of the English version for a 30% crit
chance.

Usefulness- 6.5/10
Power Rating- 9.5/10


==============================================================================


#####Armour Knight => General [Gnl]#####

Usuable Weapons:- Lance
Gained after promotion:- Sword
Mastery Skill:- Moonlight
Class Skill:- None

Promotion Bonuses-
       HP: +3  Spd: +2
       Str: +3 Lck: +0
       Mgc: +2 Def: +1
       Skl: +2 Res: +3

Stat Caps-
       HP: 60  Spd: 24
       Str: 29 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 30
       Skl: 27 Res: 25

======Gatrie (Armour Knight)======

Recruitment:
Chapter- 3 automatic
Chapter- 13, talk with Astrid

Base Stats (Lvl-9)
       HP: 31  Spd: 5
       Str: 12 Lck: 5
       Mgc: 0  Def: 14
       Skl: 6  Res: 0
       Bld: 12 Rescue: 16
Stat Growth
       HP: 80%         Spd: 25%
       Str: 55%        Lck: 25%
       Mgc: 5% Def: 60%
       Skl: 55%        Res: 30%

Weapons
       Lance

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 57/60       Spd: 15/24
       Str: 29/29      Lck: 12/40
       Mgc: 4/20       Def: 30/30
       Skl: 24/27      Res: 13/25

Basic Skills
       None

Suggested Skills
       Resolve and Shove
       Adept and Shove

Comments:-
Gatrie is quite frankly one of the powerhouses of the game, early on hes also
the most useful unit after Titaniat and it can be near impossible to do early
chapters without him.  In the long term Gatrie does begin to suffer from
rather bad speed, luck and meh Res and having no skills.

Although if you slap a Resolve on him it can fix alot of his stat
problems but theres probably better options for it.  Shove comes useful
with his higher than normal build allowing him to push alot of units in the
game.  Or even Adept so he can 2x attack since his skill is rather good.

But he does max his best stats well and can become a pure physical wall and
more than likely will not be weighed down due to high strength and lances.
However due to a certain other unit by the name of Tauroneo, Gatrie's long
term usuage seems doubtful.  Although he can always go back to wasting
Shinon's money...

Usefulness- 9/10
Power Rating- 7.5/10


======Chap/Brom (Armour Knight)======

Recruitment:
Talk with Ike in Chapter 10 and help him escape, joins in Chapter 11.

Base Stats (Lvl-8)
       HP: 28  Spd: 7
       Str: 10 Lck: 4
       Mgc: 1  Def: 13
       Skl: 9  Res: 2
       Bld: 13 Rescue: 17
Stat Growth
       HP: 75%         Spd: 25%
       Str: 45%        Lck: 20%
       Mgc: 10%        Def: 55%
       Skl: 50%        Res: 25%

Weapons
       Lance

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 54/60       Spd: 17/24
       Str: 27/29      Lck: 10/40
       Mgc: 6/20       Def: 29/30
       Skl: 26/27      Res: 13/25

Basic Skills
       None

Suggested Skills
       Heroic Leader and Hard Strike
       Continue and Hard Strike

Comments:-
The guy looks like a farmer, a fat farmer, they should call him FATCHAP just
because......um well they should!

According to some, they've found FatChap rather decent due to higher speed,
although I don't think its really worth that much.  He more or less ends up
inferior to Gatrie in almost every way and even with some res base will
get just as easily tossed about as Gatrie by magic users.

He seems more like a optional character if you want an extra armour otherwise
there are better options out there.  More or less the same skill set as
Gatrie works but with Gatrie around and Brom's ugliness and only 1 set
of the skills.  Chances are Brom won't see the light of day, leave him in his
prison.

P.S. CURSE YOU NOA! NOW FATCHAP DOESN'T WORK ANYMORE!  Now he's a Brommy!

Farmer Rating- 10/10 (I had to get it out of my system)
Usefulness- 6/10
Power Rating- 6/10


======Tauroneo/Tauroneo (General)======

Recruitment:
Talk with Ike, Soren, Mist, Sothe or Tormod in Chapter 21

Base Stats (Lvl-14)
       HP: 48  Spd: 13
       Str: 22 Lck: 14
       Mgc: 5  Def: 22
       Skl: 18 Res: 14
       Bld: 10 Rescue: 15
Stat Growth
       HP: 60%         Spd: 30%
       Str: 55%        Lck: 60%
       Mgc: 5%         Def: 40%
       Skl: 50%        Res: 15%

Weapons
       Lance, Sword

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 51/60       Spd: 15/24
       Str: 25/29      Lck: 15/40
       Mgc: 11/20      Def: 26/30
       Skl: 21/27      Res: 17/25

Basic Skills
       Resolve

Suggested Skills
       Resolve and Paragon

Comments:-
This guy is a powerhouse, for starters he is the only General in the game
who will not be tossed around by magic.  Unfortunately he can't max defense
or strength naturally due to his high level but with those growths and also
as slow as he is, he'll still end up fastest General probably with good luck.

What makes this guy edge out in power over Gatrie is that he comes with a
natural Heroic Leader.  That skill will turn Tauraneo into a monster at
half health.  Paragon may help your leveling woes if you can spare it.

Overall hes not vital but will be a help and his skill alone will make
him outclass the other Generals if they don't have it.  But if you want a
General whos not afraid of being hit by magic, Tauroneo is your man.
Or if Gatrie's res managed to grow I'd stick with Gatrie then.
Do keep in mind though he does have bad speed obviously.

Usefulness- 7/10
Power Rating- 7.8/10


==============================================================================


#####Mage => Sage [Sge]#####

Usuable Weapons:- Wind, Thunder and Fire magic
Gained after promotion:- Can select from Knives or Staves
Mastery Skill:- Sol
Class Skill:- Knife

Promotion Bonuses-
       HP: +4  Spd: +2
       Str: +2 Lck: +0
       Mgc: +1 Def: +2
       Skl: +2 Res: +2

Stat Caps-
       HP: 60  Spd: 28
       Str: 15 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 30 Def: 20
       Skl: 28 Res: 28


======Senerio/Soren (Mage)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 4 automatic

Base Stats (Lvl-1)
       HP: 18  Spd: 8
       Str: 0  Lck: 5
       Mgc: 6  Def: 2
       Skl: 8  Res: 7
       Bld: 6  Rescue: 6
Stat Growth
       HP: 45%         Spd: 40%
       Str: 5%         Lck: 30%
       Mgc: 60%        Def: 15%
       Skl: 55%        Res: 55%

Weapons
       Wind, Thunder and Fire magic

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 39/60       Spd: 25/28
       Str: 4/15       Lck: 16/40
       Mgc: 29/30      Def: 10/20
       Skl: 28/28      Res: 28/28

Basic Skills
       Adept

Suggested Skills
       Adept and Renewal or Vantage

Comments:-
Senerio, a halfling born of both Beok and Laguz blood, quite basically his
very living is considered heresy and is shunned by everyone, until Ike was
the first one who showed friendship to him.  Possibly Ike is now his best
friend, he also does the after mission status report for you.

He has great character development but how does he stand as a unit?
Well he will probably be the most valuable unit you have in your army being
able to use all 3 magics giving him bonus vs fliers, dragons and Laguz.
He will be a awful pain to train early on though due to his low magic base
and having only the weak Wind magic early on.

However his magic grows at a frightening pace along with res and good speed
due to his high base.  Although he lacks defense and HP, decent luck will
let him dodge abit.  But his low strength may mean he will be weighed down
quite easily by his books, meaning he can't use much besides wind magic.

But the lack of early magic units and ammount of low res enemies make Senerio
absolutely vital.  I highly suggest training him in Thunder and Wind Magic so
he can get a high Wind level with at least a C in Thunder so he can use the
Thunderstorm spell.

Continue has received a massive upgrade from the other games, now activating
frequently and will give Senerio a whole slew of one round knockouts at high
levels.  After promotion he can also make one of the best frontline healers
with his high magic.

Adept with Vantage works well for some quick counter attack kills or
Renewal so he can concentrate on healing and support without worrying
about damage.

(Yes I know he Soren now but I prefer Senerio >_>)

Usefulness- 9/10
Power Rating- 8.5/10


======Elaice/Ilyana (Mage)======

Recruitment:
Talk with Ike in Chapter 8

Base Stats (Lvl-6)
       HP: 20  Spd: 9
       Str: 1  Lck: 6
       Mgc: 8  Def: 3
       Skl: 10 Res: 10
       Bld: 5  Rescue: 5
Stat Growth
       HP: 45%         Spd: 30%
       Str: 25%        Lck: 45%
       Mgc: 50%        Def: 15%
       Skl: 45%        Res: 50%

Weapons
       Wind, Thunder and Fire magic

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 40/60       Spd: 21/28
       Str: 11/15      Lck: 21/40
       Mgc: 25/30      Def: 10/20
       Skl: 26/28      Res: 27/28

Basic Skills
       Shadow

Suggested Skills
       Shadow and Adept
       Shadow and Sol
       Shadow and Corrosion
       Sol

Comments:-
*Steps on something*......"Please give me something to eat..." o_O
That about sums her up character wise I think, talk about intense metabolism.

Anyway Ilyana would probably be more useful if Soren didn't pass her up
so easily because of her level.  She really doesn't excel in anything
particularly but does pack good luck and slightly more defense and HP and
strength.

But she is pretty next to useless as the point she comes she won't be able to
double attack much added with low speed growth.  Shadow doesn't tend to be
much good of a skill as it means she can't be used for baiting magic users,
but she will probably stay out of trouble.  If you really want to use her as
magic bait it may be worth deleting Shadow after promotion.

Adept can sort out her speed problem, but honestly I would stick with
Soren and some of the later magic users can be better, plus you don't need
that many fragile units around as you'll probably have Rhys who's enough
of a pain as it is to keep alive.  Though one thing to note is Ilyana has
less chance of being weighed down since shes slightly stronger than Senerio.

Although if you do use her shes still good for dealing heavy damage with
her ElThunder spell due to the ammount of low res enemies.  If you add
Corrosion she could even serve as a stave/long range spell breaker.
If she does grow though she could be quicker than Senerio since shes less
likely to suffer speed penalties.

Usefulness- 6/10
Power Rating- 8/10


======Topack/Tormod (Mage)======

Recruitment:
Clear Chapter 15

Base Stats (Lvl-7)
       HP: 20  Spd: 9
       Str: 2  Lck: 8
       Mgc: 10 Def: 4
       Skl: 9  Res: 9
       Bld: 9  Rescue: 9
Stat Growth
       HP: 50%         Spd: 45%
       Str: 20%        Lck: 35%
       Mgc: 45%        Def: 25%
       Skl: 40%        Res: 45%

Weapons
       Wind, Thunder and Fire magic

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 40/60       Spd: 25/28
       Str: 10/15      Lck: 19/40
       Mgc: 25/30      Def: 14/20
       Skl: 23/28      Res: 25/28

Basic Skills
       Talented Person

Suggested Skills
       Talented Person and Continue

Comments:-
Of immediate note is the this guy gets a unique skill being Celerity
which lets him move like a mounted unit.  This is incredibly helpful in
certain situations.  Unfortunately he suffers from even lower stats and
growths than Ilyana and having pretty average growths.  Although he does
tend to end up with abit more defense and does have proficiency in fire magic.

Although in some aspects I find him better than Ilyana once raised abit due
to the all-round stats, some HP and also his unique trait.  But Ilyana will
be weighed down less than him.

Just don't expect him to excel in anything, if he must be compared than think
Hugh from FE6 after paying him half price, with high movement.  He will be a
pain to raise though.

Usefulness- 5.5/10
Power Rating- 7/10


======Calill/Calill (Sage)======

Recruitment:
Go to 'Mysterious Girl' report in intermission before chapter 20

Base Stats (Lvl-6)
       HP: 32  Spd: 18
       Str: 8  Lck: 16
       Mgc: 19 Def: 8
       Skl: 18 Res: 17
       Bld: 7  Rescue: 7
Stat Growth
       HP: 50%         Spd: 45%
       Str: 25%        Lck: 30%
       Mgc: 45%        Def: 40%
       Skl: 45%        Res: 35%

Weapons
       Knives, Wind, Thunder and Fire magic

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 39/60       Spd: 24/28
       Str: 11/15      Lck: 20/40
       Mgc: 25/30      Def: 14/20
       Skl: 24/28      Res: 22/28

Basic Skills
       Nihil, Knife

Suggested Skills
       Nihil, Knife and Shadow

Comments:-
This girl is scary, too much makeup damnit.  AND THE NEON PINK DRESS!
Anyway she unfortunately is probably the second best magic user you get in
the game.  Although she can't use staves, she can use knives not that its
anything special given the max attack a Sage can have is 15.

What is of note is she gets high all-round stats with some of the highest
defense growth for a magic user.  Also she has a B in all magics, that alone
warrants using her as she can use all 3 element long range magics and also
easily reach a A/S rank for anyone one of them.

Best of all is she packs Nihil which negates any enemy battle skills
and with her good HP can become useful.  A very good addition for magic
support since she is also very rarely weighed down by magic thanks to good
strength.

Most notable is she has some of the best supports in the game, Geoffrey,
Nephenee and Tormod, all decent to excellent units.  Although her average
growths can hurt her abit, so you might want to levelup during intermission.

Usefulness- 8/10
Power Rating- 8/10


======Ulysses/Bastian (Sage)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 24 automatic

Base Stats (Lvl-13)
       HP: 35  Spd: 16
       Str: 12 Lck: 15
       Mgc: 19 Def: 12
       Skl: 21 Res: 20
       Bld: 10 Rescue: 10
Stat Growth
       HP: 50%         Spd: 65%
       Str: 40%        Lck: 30%
       Mgc: 65%        Def: 35%
       Skl: 65%        Res: 50%

Weapons
       Knives, Wind, Thunder and Fire magic

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 38/60       Spd: 20/28
       Str: 14/15      Lck: 17/40
       Mgc: 24/30      Def: 14/20
       Skl: 25/28      Res: 24/28

Basic Skills
       Corrosion

Suggested Skills
       Corrosion and Guard

Comments:-
"He looks like Merlinus's long lost brother and therefore that makes him
awesome!" In the words of a certain someone.

I will start by saying that he is pretty useless despite his great starting
stats and high growth.  Why?  Look at his level, he has virtually no room
to grow unlike Calill and will be regularly double attacked with his late
joining.  Great strength and knives! Why?  He only has 15 strength tops
and again will be double attacked.  Although thankfully he won't be weighed
down.

Having a pretty awful skill that requires him to attack isn't much help
either, although he does make a good magic wall.  Despite his great growths
he has a bad skill and high level making him not really worth using.
Unless you somehow killed off Soren, Ilyana and Calill I wouldn't suggest
using him.

I really want to make a unnecessary, immature jab at his new name >_>

Usefulness- 5/10
Power Rating- 6.5/10


==============================================================================


#####Cleric => Valkyrie [Vke]#####

Usuable Weapons:- Staff
Gained after promotion:- Sword
Mastery Skill:- Flare
Class Skill:- None

Promotion Bonuses-
       HP: +3  Spd: +3
       Str: +2 Lck: +0
       Mgc: +4 Def: +3
       Skl: +1 Res: +2

Stat Caps-
       HP: 60  Spd: 26
       Str: 20 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 26 Def: 20
       Skl: 24 Res: 29

======Mist/Mist (Cleric)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 9 automatic

Base Stats (Lvl-1)
       HP: 16  Spd: 7
       Str: 1  Lck: 6
       Mgc: 4  Def: 2
       Skl: 4  Res: 7
       Bld: 5  Rescue: 5
Stat Growth
       HP: 50%         Spd: 40%
       Str: 35%        Lck: 60%
       Mgc: 50%        Def: 15%
       Skl: 25%        Res: 40%

Weapons
       Staff

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 38/60       Spd: 24/26
       Str: 15/20      Lck: 29/40
       Mgc: 25/26      Def: 10/20
       Skl: 14/24      Res: 24/29

Basic Skills
       Prayer

Suggested Skills
       Prayer, Shadow and Cancel

Comments:-
'Hello I'm Mist and I'm one of the most worthless piece of rubbish in this
entire game!'  Is what she should say because Mist is really an absolute
waste of your time.  Okay so she gains the highest luck in the game but her
speed is pretty average.  Her class itself has hideously low caps with only
average growths and low bases.

She so pathetic in everything she does, as a healer she can barely heal for
14 HP while Rhys will be doing full heals with only heal staves.  Her awful
HP makes it so even Prayer is worthless as she needs to be on low HP, but she
virtually dies in one hit.

Shes a physical weapon using class with a strength base of 1!  Even Cass of
FE6 in normal mode would be laughing at her right now.  Even if her strength
by some miracle grows shes stopped by a strength cap of 20.

She starts with higher defense than Rhys, but that means little with her bad
HP and defense growth.  In all honesty the only people who should be using
Mist are people who by some miracle forgot you can buy vulneries from the
shop, that there are other healers or Mist fanboys/girls.

Some say shes necessary to help beat Dark Knight, but honestly Elixirs do the
same thing and all you need her to do is heal Ike anyway.

She fails at healing, fails at pushing, fails at fighting and generally fails
at life.  Once promoted all she can do is dodge and heal which alot of units
can by then without crumbling horribly in one hit.

Usefulness- 3/10
Power Rating- 2/10


==============================================================================


#####PegasusKnight => Falcon Knight/Crimean Princess [Fkt]#####

(Falcon Knight)
Usuable Weapons:- Lance
Gained after promotion:- Sword, Lance
Mastery Skill:- Stun
Class Skill:- None

Promotion Bonuses (Falcon Knight)-
       HP: +3  Spd: +3
       Str: +2 Lck: +0
       Mgc: +4 Def: +3
       Skl: +1 Res: +2

Stat Caps (Falcon Knight)-
       HP: 60  Spd: 28
       Str: 23 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 24
       Skl: 26 Res: 27

(Crimean Princess)
Usuable Weapons:- Sword
Gained after promotion:- Sword, Staff
Mastery Skill:- Stun
Class Skill:- None

Stat Caps (Crimean Princess)-
       HP: 60  Spd: 28
       Str: 20 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 25 Def: 24
       Skl: 26 Res: 27

======Erincia/Elincia (Crimean Princess)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 26 automatic

Base Stats (Lvl-1)
       HP: 27  Spd: 18
       Str: 9  Lck: 15
       Mgc: 12 Def: 11
       Skl: 16 Res: 15
       Bld: 6  Rescue: 23
Stat Growth
       HP: 60%         Spd: 40%
       Str: 30%        Lck: 60%
       Mgc: 80%        Def: 25%
       Skl: 45%        Res: 35%

Weapons
       Staff, Sword

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 38/60       Spd: 26/28
       Str: 15/20      Lck: 26/40
       Mgc: 25/25      Def: 16/24
       Skl: 24/26      Res: 22/27

Basic Skills
       Renewal

Suggested Skills
       Renewal and Shadow

Comments:-
Considering shes more or less a sword/staff using Falcon Knight she kind of
belonged here.  You'd think after ripping apart Mist earlier I'd do the same
to Erincia.  Unfortunately for the Mist lovers, Erincia despite the late
joining is in a completely different league.  Her caps aren't too special
really along with horrible strength.

However she gets overkilled magic growth that is reminiscent of FE4's Diadre.
What makes her really stand out is she is basically a flying healer, which
means she can heal and fly off some unreachable safe place like the stave
using FE4 Falcon Knights.

She also gets her own personal weapon the Amity with infinite uses and +3
to both Res and Def making her alot more durable.  Don't expect her to become
an unstoppable warrior princess.  But if you need a durable and easy to take
care of healer she comes in handy, her good luck and speed helps.  But being
able to fly keeps her out of trouble alot.

Usefulness- 7/10
Power Rating- 5.5/10


======Marcia/Marcia (Pegasus Knight)======

Recruitment:
Talk with Ike in Chapter 3, than she'll appear as NPC in Chapter 9
and talk to Ike.


Base Stats (Lvl-5)
       HP: 20  Spd: 11
       Str: 8  Lck: 4
       Mgc: 0  Def: 8
       Skl: 7  Res: 6
       Bld: 6  Rescue: 22
Stat Growth
       HP: 55%         Spd: 55%
       Str: 40%        Lck: 40%
       Mgc: 20%        Def: 25%
       Skl: 50%        Res: 30%

Weapons
       Lance

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 43/60       Spd: 28/28
       Str: 22/23      Lck: 18/40
       Mgc: 29/20      Def: 19/24
       Skl: 25/26      Res: 19/27

Basic Skills
       None

Suggested Skills
       Stun

Comments:-
Why couldn't she join back in chapter 3?  She'd probably be easier to use if
she did.  Anyway she is abit average and not really special, she is your
first flier but unless she grows shes going to fall behind very easily.

Don't expect her to be doing masses of damage either, unfortunately there
are much better choices than Marcia and not enough early bad terrain missions
to take advanatage of her flying ability till Jill joins.

Although if you like Falcon Knights then she isn't a bad one but till
promotion she will need looking after.

Usefulness- 6/10
Power Rating- 6/10


======Tanis/Tanith (Falcon Knight)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 18 automatic

Base Stats (Lvl-10)
       HP: 32  Spd: 24
       Str: 16 Lck: 18
       Mgc: 10 Def: 15
       Skl: 18 Res: 13
       Bld: 8  Rescue: 25
Stat Growth
       HP: 60%         Spd: 40%
       Str: 40%        Lck: 30%
       Mgc: 35%        Def: 25%
       Skl: 70%        Res: 30%

Weapons
       Lance, Sword

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 38/60       Spd: 27/28
       Str: 20/23      Lck: 21/40
       Mgc: 14/20      Def: 18/24
       Skl: 25/26      Res: 16/27

Basic Skills
       Reinforce

Suggested Skills
       Reinforce and Miracle

Comments:-
Oh my...Tanith is a wonderful unit, she comes with high magic and a magic
sword and well rounded stats and mid game.  What makes her a fantastic unit
is her skill exclusive to her and possibly the most useful skill in the game.

Being able to summon 2 rounds of 2 Pegasus and 1 Falcon Knight with near max
stats as NPC reinforcements is amazing.  Those NPC's can even take down
Dragonmasters in Hard mode with relative ease and dodge like crazy.

Tanith herself is quite capable of getting very well rounded stats in all
areas, although I still suggest keeping her out of the main action still.

On some chapters having her do reinforcements and getting Ike to command
them to rush the enemy or distract them can speed up the chapters by 2 or
more turns netting you more bonus exp.

Usefulness- 9.8/10
Power Rating- 7.5/10


==============================================================================


#####Fanged Beasts (Cats/Tigers/Lions) [FgB]#####

Usuable Weapons:- None
Gained after promotion:- None
Mastery Skill:- Roar
Class Skill:- Transform

Promotion Bonuses-
       None

Stat Caps (Cat M)-
       HP: 70          Spd: 35/38
       Str: 29/35      Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20         Def: 30/35
       Skl: 34/38      Res: 24/27

Stat Caps (Cat F)-
       HP: 70          Spd: 35/39
       Str: 26/32      Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20         Def: 27/32
       Skl: 34/38      Res: 27/30

Stat Caps (Tiger)-
       HP: 75          Spd: 34/37
       Str: 30/37      Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20         Def: 30/35
       Skl: 33/37      Res: 24/27

Stat Caps (Lion)-
       HP: 80          Spd: 33/36
       Str: 32/40      Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20         Def: 35/40
       Skl: 35/39      Res: 27/30


======Rethe/Lethe (Cat F)======

Recruitment:
Will join in Chapter 10 if she survives Chapter 9

Base Stats (Lvl-3)
       HP: 34  Spd: 12
       Str: 12 Lck: 15
       Mgc: 4  Def: 9
       Skl: 10 Res: 7
       Bld: 6  Rescue: 21
Stat Growth
       HP: 130%        Spd: 70%
       Str: 50%        Lck: 50%
       Mgc: 5%         Def: 40%
       Skl: 65%        Res: 25%

Weapons
       None

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 56/70       Spd: 24/36
       Str: 21/26      Lck: 24/40
       Mgc: 5/20       Def: 16/27
       Skl: 21/34      Res: 11/27

Basic Skills
       None

Suggested Skills
       Roar

Comments:-
Despite her lack of weapons, the Laguz are their own weapons, they simply
attack like wild beasts after transformation gaining massive stat boosts as
well, hence the 2 sets of stat caps.  Lethe is a pretty good unit and comes
handy but unfortunately suffers from the fact Laguz get reduced experience.

Despite having massive caps and growths nearly all the Laguz suffer from this
and you end up constantly using temporarily and then dumping them.  They're
mainly more skill stock as they have 25 points to use for skills but theres
not really enough skills to go around.

Lethe though being an early transformer, she starts chapters transformed and
can be good for early chapter rushes.  Not much else can be said.

Obviously all Laguz will probably score high in power but low in usefulness,
of note is that they are treated as mounted units stat wise, but do keep them
away from fire mages.

Usefulness- 7/10
Power Rating- 8/10


======Mordy/Mordecai (Tiger)======

Recruitment:
Will join in Chapter 10 if he survives Chapter 9

Base Stats (Lvl-2)
       HP: 42  Spd: 8
       Str: 15 Lck: 10
       Mgc: 2  Def: 13
       Skl: 8  Res: 4
       Bld: 14 Rescue: 25
Stat Growth
       HP: 150%        Spd: 50%
       Str: 65%        Lck: 40%
       Mgc: 0%         Def: 40%
       Skl: 55%        Res: 20%

Weapons
       None

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 70/75       Spd: 17/28
       Str: 27/30      Lck: 17/40
       Mgc: 2/20       Def: 20/30
       Skl: 18/33      Res: 8/24

Basic Skills
       Shove

Suggested Skills
       Shove
       Roar

Comments:-
Lethe's father I believe, Mordy.  Mordy is a late transformer and this
actually somewhat hurts him badly.  Added with getting double attacked alot
later on, he'll be handy for massive damage dealing and tanking around
Chapter 10-12 or so but he just can't keep up with that speed and again
the exp problem for Laguz, since your bonus exp is better reserved for others.

Although Hard Strike can be useful for those situations where somebody is
just barely out of range from being pushed or attacking and speeding up turns.
He does also tend to turn out to be one of the best Laguz if you do train him
but honestly he will fall behind due to the speed he grows at.

Usefulness- 5.5/10
Power Rating- 8/10


======Muarim/Muarim (Tiger)======

Recruitment:
Clear Chapter 15

Base Stats (Lvl-9)
       HP: 45  Spd: 15
       Str: 16 Lck: 11
       Mgc: 4  Def: 12
       Skl: 13 Res: 5
       Bld: 5  Rescue: 5
Stat Growth
       HP: 150%                Spd: 50%
       Str: 65%        Lck: 40%
       Mgc: 0% Def: 40%
       Skl: 55%        Res: 20%

Weapons
       None

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 61/75       Spd: 21/28
       Str: 23/30      Lck: 15/40
       Mgc: 5/20       Def: 19/30
       Skl: 21/33      Res: 10/24

Basic Skills
       Shove

Suggested Skills
       Shove

Comments:-
A mid transformer, I generally find Muarim much more practical despite his
noticeably lower stats than Mordy although he obviously won't be anywhere
near as good as Mordecai in the long term.  Although if you didn't train
either Rethe or Mordy, Mwarim is a good substitute.  Now if only he'd join
quietly instead of you having to kick his ass and haul him into your army.

Take his semi-transform ring and run I say, because he will be dumped soon
enough, hes only good for a spare unit in the Ch-17 gauntlet.

Usefulness- 5/10
Power Rating- 6.5/10


======Lay/Ranulf (Cat M)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 23 automatic

Base Stats (Lvl-9)
       HP: 46  Spd: 17
       Str: 19 Lck: 13
       Mgc: 4  Def: 17
       Skl: 17 Res: 6
       Bld: 9  Rescue: 24
Stat Growth
       HP: 130%        Spd: 55%
       Str: 50%        Lck: 35%
       Mgc: 0%         Def: 35%
       Skl: 55%        Res: 20%

Weapons
       None

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 60/70       Spd: 23/35
       Str: 25/29      Lck: 17/40
       Mgc: 4/20       Def: 21/30
       Skl: 23/34      Res: 8/24

Basic Skills
       None

Suggested Skills
       Roar

Comments:-
And Lay is back after his humiliating ass kicking at the hands of generic
random NPC villager #1979730!  Seriously though that was the single most
amusing scene ever seeing those villagers going all Rasengan and Kamehameha
on him.

Aaaaanyway.....Lay is more or less a mid transformer and quite frankly I find
he is one of the best Laguz out there although that still doesn't give any
real reason to use him...hes still just a leveled up version of the others.

But luckily by now all enemies are high leveled promoted units, so Ranulf
doesn't tend to leech experience as much and with his higher stats he won't
get thrown around.....except maybe by some NPC villagers >_>

Usefulness- 6.5/10
Power Rating- 8/10


======Giffca/Giffca (Lion)======

Recruitment:
Choose him during the beginning of the Final Chapter or halfway through in
Normal.

Base Stats (Lvl-20)
       HP: 68  Spd: 25
       Str: 32 Lck: 22
       Mgc: 10 Def: 25
       Skl: 28 Res: 16
       Bld: 7  Rescue: 37
Stat Growth
       HP: 160%        Spd: 60%
       Str: 75%        Lck: 40%
       Mgc: 5%         Def: 50%
       Skl: 70%        Res: 30%

Weapons
       None

Basic Skills
       None

Suggested Skills
       None

Comments:-
The General of Caineghis the Beast King's army I believe and one of what most
call the 'Big 3.'  This is more or less the ONLY Laguz you'll be using in your
final lineup.....probably because he joins in the final chapter duh.
He is a monster...and luckily those playing Maniac will get to use him more!
Yay!
He's also one of the only characters who can hurt the final boss.

Usefulness- 9.5/10
Power Rating- 9.5/10


==============================================================================


#####Winged Beasts (Herons/Crows/Hawks) [WgB]#####

(Heron)
Usuable Weapons:- None
Gained after promotion:- None
Mastery Skill:- Blessing
Class Skill:- Transform

Promotion Bonuses-
       None

Stat Caps (Heron)-
       HP: 60          Spd: 26/30
       Str: 10         Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20/25      Def: 15/16
       Skl: 17/20      Res: 35/40

(Hawk)
Usuable Weapons:- None
Gained after promotion:- None
Mastery Skill:- Cancel
Class Skill:- Transform, Sing

Promotion Bonuses-
       None

Stat Caps (Hawk)-
       HP: 65          Spd: 36/39
       Str: 26/32      Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20         Def: 26/30
       Skl: 35/40      Res: 26/30

Stat Caps (Tibarn)-
       HP: 75          Spd: 36/39
       Str: 33/40      Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20         Def: 32/35
       Skl: 35/40      Res: 29/30

(Crow)
Usuable Weapons:- None
Gained after promotion:- None
Mastery Skill:- Vortex
Class Skill:- Transform

Promotion Bonuses-
       None

Stat Caps (Crow)-
       HP: 65          Spd: 34/38
       Str: 25/30      Lck: 40
       Mgc: 21         Def: 25/28
       Skl: 31/35      Res: 31/35

Stat Caps (Naesala)-
       HP: 70          Spd: 37/40
       Str: 29/35      Lck: 40
       Mgc:24/25       Def: 27/30
       Skl: 34/38      Res: 32/35


======Rieusion/Reyson (Heron)======

Recruitment:
Go to the First Report, complete Chapter 17,
than accept his help in Chapter 18

Base Stats (Lvl-3)
       HP: 22  Spd: 14
       Str: 1  Lck: 15
       Mgc: 10 Def: 2
       Skl: 11 Res: 20
       Bld: 8  Rescue: 5
Stat Growth
       HP: 65%         Spd: 50%
       Str: 5%         Lck: 60%
       Mgc: 40%        Def: 15%
       Skl: 50%        Res: 50%

Weapons
       None

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 33/60       Spd: 23/26
       Str: 2/10       Lck: 25/40
       Mgc: 17/20      Def: 5/15
       Skl: 17/17      Res: 29/35

Basic Skills
       Blessing, Move Again

Suggested Skills
       Blessing, Move Again

Comments:-
Possibly one of the most useful support units in the entire game, he's more
or less the 'dancer' unit for this game a pure pretty boy too.

What makes him possibly awesome is he has the FE4 dancer effect, when
transformed he can give all units surrounding him an extra turn!  Added with
that he makes a great semi-healer, as his class skill allows him to heal all
units around him for a significant ammount of HP at the beginning of a turn,
more when hes transformed. Oh yeah and did I mention he can fly and gains
extra movement while transformed?

Also he can make a pretty damn good magic bait as well thanks to his
fantastic resistance, an absolute must use unit, just keep him out of trouble.
He's also useful for getting the legendary S rank stave.

Usefulness- 9.8/10
Power Rating- 6/10


======Janaff/Janaff (Hawk)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 18 automatic

Base Stats (Lvl-8)
       HP: 39  Spd: 17
       Str: 13 Lck: 16
       Mgc: 5  Def: 11
       Skl: 15 Res: 10
       Bld: 6  Rescue: 6
Stat Growth
       HP: 130%        Spd: 65%
       Str: 55%        Lck: 40%
       Mgc: 10%        Def: 30%
       Skl: 70%        Res: 25%

Weapons
       None

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 55/65       Spd: 25/36
       Str: 20/26      Lck: 17/40
       Mgc: 6/20       Def: 15/26
       Skl: 23/35      Res: 13/26

Basic Skills
       Insight

Suggested Skills
       Gamble and Insight
       Cancel and Insight

Comments:-
Sad thing is most of the birds make the Beasts next to worthless for using,
way stronger and better movement and actually come with skills.  Janaff is
more an offensive unit and a early transformer.  He packs a decent but not
great skill that can be of use with One Shot Gamble although given the fact
he won't get that high a crit unless maybe leveled up, you should probably
stick with Cancel.

Usefulness- 6/10
Power Rating- 8/10


======Vulci/Ulki (Hawk)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 18 automatic

Base Stats (Lvl-7)
       HP: 41  Spd: 12
       Str: 15 Lck: 10
       Mgc: 4  Def: 14
       Skl: 14 Res: 9
       Bld: 10 Rescue: 10
Stat Growth
       HP: 130%                Spd: 60%
       Str: 60%        Lck: 35%
       Mgc: 15%        Def: 35%
       Skl: 65%        Res: 25%

Weapons
       None

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 59/65       Spd: 20/36
       Str: 23/26      Lck: 14/40
       Mgc: 5/20       Def: 19/26
       Skl: 22/35      Res: 12/26

Basic Skills
       Vigilance

Suggested Skills
       Vigilance, Cancel

Comments:-
Vulci is probably the better of the 2 hawks unfortunately his late
transformation does make his use abit limited.  He does have the skill
which gives him unparalleled dodge but...well no good if he can't use it.

Usefulness- 6/10
Power Rating- 8/10


======Naesala/Naesala (Crow)======

Recruitment:
Choose him during the beginning of the Final Chapter or halfway through in
Normal.

Base Stats (Lvl-17)
       HP: 57  Spd: 31
       Str: 25 Lck: 19
       Mgc: 15 Def: 21
       Skl: 26 Res: 16
       Bld: 11 Rescue: 10
Stat Growth
       HP: 130%        Spd: 75%
       Str: 60%        Lck: 55%
       Mgc: 40%        Def: 35%
       Skl: 70%        Res: 20%

Weapons
       None

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 61/70       Spd: 33/37
       Str: 27/29      Lck: 20/40
       Mgc: 16/24      Def: 23/27
       Skl: 28/34      Res: 17/32

Basic Skills
       Vortex

Suggested Skills
       Vortex

Comments:-
The second of the 'Big 3' and only Laguz in the game with a ranged attack.
Generally he tends to be the weakest of the 3 but nevertheless is still far
stronger than anyone in your army.  At least hes not stealing from you
anymore.  He is one of the only people who can hurt the final boss.

Usefulness- 9.5/10
Power Rating- 9.3/10


======Tibarn (Hawk)======

Recruitment:
Choose him during the beginning of the Final Chapter or halfway through in
Normal.

Base Stats (Lvl-18)
       HP: 63  Spd: 24
       Str: 30 Lck: 24
       Mgc: 11 Def: 26
       Skl: 31 Res: 19
       Bld: 11 Rescue: 10
Stat Growth
       HP: 130%        Spd: 75%
       Str: 60%        Lck: 55%
       Mgc: 40%        Def: 35%
       Skl: 70%        Res: 20%

Weapons
       None

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 66/75       Spd: 25/36
       Str: 31/33      Lck: 25/40
       Mgc: 11/20      Def: 27/32
       Skl: 32/35      Res: 20/29

Basic Skills
       Cancel

Suggested Skills
       Cancel

Comments:-
The third of the 'Big 3', its Tibarn!  He's back after helping you back in
Chapter 17 Area 4 against Oliver's army.  Generally he is the best of the 3
available units.  Use him, you have no excuses.
Also one of the only people who can hurt the final boss.

Usefulness- 9.8/10
Power Rating- 9.8/10


==============================================================================


#####Soldier => Halberdier [Hbr]#####

Usuable Weapons:- Lance
Gained after promotion:- None
Mastery Skill:- Moonlight
Class Skill:- None

Promotion Bonuses-
       HP: +4  Spd: +2
       Str: +2 Lck: +0
       Mgc: +1 Def: +2
       Skl: +2 Res: +2

Stat Caps-
       HP: 60  Spd: 26
       Str: 25 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 28
       Skl: 28 Res: 25


======Nephenee/Nephenee (Soldier)======

Recruitment:
Talk with Ike in Chapter 10 and help her escape, joins in Chapter 11.

Base Stats (Lvl-7)
       HP: 22  Spd: 11
       Str: 8  Lck: 6
       Mgc: 2  Def: 9
       Skl: 10 Res: 3
       Bld: 8  Rescue: 10
Stat Growth
       HP: 55%         Spd: 55%
       Str: 40%        Lck: 25%
       Mgc: 20%        Def: 35%
       Skl: 55%        Res: 25%

Weapons
       Lance

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 61/60       Spd: 26/26
       Str: 23/25      Lck: 20/40
       Mgc: 9/20       Def: 22/28
       Skl: 28/28      Res: 13/25

Basic Skills
       Wrath

Suggested Skills
       Vantage and Wrath
       Resolve and Wrath

Comments:-
Okay I'll start off by saying Nephenee is cute......okay maybe I might need
to say more.

Using soldiers again whoo fun!  And they finally get a promotion yay, well
although she starts off quite weak Nephenee becomes an extremely well rounded
unit.  She tends to get good defense too, strong weapon plus can equip Knight
protection item which turns her into a multi-purpose unit.

One thing to note is Nephenee is extremely fast, this is hindered abit by her
rather low cap but with her promotion, you get a very good strong all-round
unit who can take hits and dish out hits 2x almost always.

What makes her an absolute exceptional unit is Wrath....throw on Vantage
which does come early and you have what can only be described as mayhem.
I once saw her decimate nearly 20 enemies in a row in 1 turn with that skill
combo taking no hits simply because she was always attacking first and
criticaling on it.  Resolve and Wrath could even turn her into a one woman
army at half health.

A speedy armour knight with no weaknesses, all-round stats and killer skill.
You are missing out on alot if you dont' use her, she made my Maniac run
through extremely easy once promoted.

Usefulness- 8.5/10
Power Rating- 8.5/10


======Dalahowe/Devdon (Halberdier)======

Recruitment:
Talk with Soren in Chapter 16

Base Stats (Lvl-4)
       HP: 36  Spd: 13
       Str: 14 Lck: 16
       Mgc: 7  Def: 11
       Skl: 15 Res: 10
       Bld: 12 Rescue: 16
Stat Growth
       HP: 75%         Spd: 35%
       Str: 60%        Lck: 40%
       Mgc: 30%        Def: 45%
       Skl: 40%        Res: 25%

Weapons
       Lance

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 48/60       Spd: 19/26
       Str: 23/25      Lck: 22/40
       Mgc: 12/20      Def: 18/28
       Skl: 21/28      Res: 14/25

Basic Skills
       Serenity

Suggested Skills
       Luna
       Shove and Resolve

Comments:-
Hey and here we have the first african style black guy in a FE game.  Too bad
hes not particularly useful, he starts promoted with low stats he does though
get massive HP and good luck, but his speed is pitiful as his defense.

Despite good defense growth Nephenee will already pass him up simply by
promoting which is sad.  He does however have high strength but this is
overlooked by the fact his classes strength cap sucks and his high level and
for some odd reason has overkilled magic growth. o_O

Shove and Resolve is kinda a waste on him but its that or Luna, heck any
skill on him is a waste.

Usefulness- 5/10
Power Rating- 6/10


==============================================================================


#####Dragon Knight => Dragonmaster [Dmr]#####

Usuable Weapons:- Lance
Gained after promotion:- Axe
Mastery Skill:- Stun
Class Skill:- None

Promotion Bonuses-
       HP: +5  Spd: +2
       Str: +2 Lck: +0
       Mgc: +1 Def: +2
       Skl: +2 Res: +1

Stat Caps (F)-
       HP: 60  Spd: 27
       Str: 27 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 27
       Skl: 26 Res: 25

Stat Caps (M)-
       HP: 60  Spd: 26
       Str: 29 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 29
       Skl: 28 Res: 22


======Jill/Jill (Dragon Knight)======

Recruitment:
Let her talk to Ike as a NPC in Chapter 12

Base Stats (Lvl-8)
       HP: 24  Spd: 9
       Str: 11 Lck: 6
       Mgc: 0  Def: 11
       Skl: 10 Res: 2
       Bld: 7  Rescue: 35
Stat Growth
       HP: 60%         Spd: 45%
       Str: 40%        Lck: 25%
       Mgc: 30%        Def: 35%
       Skl: 45%        Res: 30%

Weapons
       Lance

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 48/60       Spd: 25/26
       Str: 25/27      Lck: 14/40
       Mgc: 10/20      Def: 24/27
       Skl: 25/26      Res: 12/25

Basic Skills
       None

Suggested Skills
       Nihil
       Guard and Vantage
       Stun

Comments:-
What did they do to my poor Dragonmasters?! They NERFED THEM! HOW DARE THEY!
*cough* Anyway Jill...isn't a spetacular sight, in fact shes rather poor
compared to Dragonmasters of the past, why the hell has she got magic growth
anyway?

Unfortunately she also happens to be one of the most useful units early on
coming with a Beok Guard and also if you equip her with a Full Guard from
Ch-16 her defense still grows high enough to make her a good physical
wall with high movement and also a good wall for arrows.

She also happens to be a excellent Laguz killer as well especially if you
throw on a Laguz Lance as well.  But still even if she does have Res, keep
her away from magic even with the Full Guard equipped.  Unfortunately she is
the most 'decent' flier you get for most of the game.

On another note in Chapter 20 don't allow her to have any contact with her
father at all otherwise she will be recruited back onto the enemy side and
leave you.  Although I'm told that if she has A support with anyone she can
be persuaded back on your side.

Usefulness- 8.5/10
Power Rating- 7/10


======Haar/Haar (Dragonmaster)======

Recruitment:
Talk with Jill in Chapter 23

Base Stats (Lvl-11)
       HP: 47  Spd: 17
       Str: 21 Lck: 12
       Mgc: 8  Def: 20
       Skl: 19 Res: 10
       Bld: 13 Rescue: 42
Stat Growth
       HP: 65%         Spd: 35%
       Str: 60%        Lck: 15%
       Mgc: 5% Def: 45%
       Skl: 60%        Res: 20%

Weapons
       Lance, Axe

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 53/60       Spd: 20/26
       Str: 27/29      Lck: 13/40
       Mgc: 9/20       Def: 25/29
       Skl: 25/28      Res: 12/22

Basic Skills
       Guard

Suggested Skills
       Guard and Saviour or Vantage
       Stun
       Nihil

Comments:-
Haar is awesome, not only does he look like a Pirate ("Yaaarrghh!") he also
has the highest rescue in the entire game meaning he can rescue anyone, plus
being a flying unit.

Statwise, he is much better than Jill, a powerful skill Guard, great stats
and HP with growths in the right areas.  He will be very weak and slow when
he first joins but a level or two and he'll already be on or above Jill.
Give him a Angel Robe and Holy water and he could be tanking quite easily.
Oh and did I mention he comes with an Hero Axe?

Saviour is great for him since he can rescue anyone in the game and
fly off with them.  A great unit who should be used, if you feel you can give
him the Full Guard instead.  If his speed actually grows it may be worth
replacing his Guard skill since it has little use without Vantage then.

Great unit overall though one must guess though what is he smiling at?
But knowing Haar he'll probably just want to go to sleep.

Usefulness- 9/10
Power Rating- 8/10


==============================================================================


#####Thief =>Thief/Assassin [TfA]#####

Usuable Weapons:- Knives
Gained after promotion:- None
Mastery Skill:- Lethality (Volke only)
Class Skill:- Steal, Knife

Promotion Bonuses-
       HP: +2  Spd: +2
       Str: +2 Lck: +0
       Mgc: +1 Def: +2
       Skl: +3 Res: +2

Stat Caps (Assassin)-
       HP: 60  Spd: 30
       Str: 23 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 22
       Skl: 30 Res: 20

Stat Caps (Thief)-
       HP: 60  Spd: 20
       Str: 20 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 15 Def: 20
       Skl: 20 Res: 20


======Sothe/Sothe (Theif)======

Recruitment:
Go to 'Mysterious Youth' report in intermission before Chapter 12

Base Stats (Lvl-1)
       HP: 20  Spd: 11
       Str: 5  Lck: 5
       Mgc: 1  Def: 4
       Skl: 7  Res: 0
       Bld: 6  Rescue: 6
Stat Growth
       HP: 60%         Spd: 65%
       Str: 55%        Lck: 55%
       Mgc: 10%        Def: 35%
       Skl: 70%        Res: 30%

Weapons
       Knives

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 31/60       Spd: 20/20
       Str: 15/20      Lck: 15/40
       Mgc: 9/15       Def: 11/20
       Skl: 19/20      Res: 6/20

Basic Skills
       Blossom

Suggested Skills
       Blossom and Paragon
       Shadow

Comments:-
Sothe when I saw his art originally looked badass, he has a potentially
awesome skill which is 100% false advertisement.

Lets begin with his stats, they're rather decent?  No?  No indeed, at the
point he joins Laguz are running completely rampant which will quite frankly
kill any chance of him fighting.

He has an average damage of 0-1 on Mages which his horribly sad, his use only
exists for 2 chapters which aren't even major.  Chapter 15 to find items
quicker or Chapter 16 to open those doors faster but they're not something
nobody else can do in both cases.

However he has to be commended on brilliant false advertising, Blossom
boosts those already fantastic growths at the cost of less exp.
Sounds awesome, but he gains less experience than Titania from hitting an
enemy, gets pratically OHKOed by even the weakest enemies.  What should be
an almost automatic level up becomes no more than 30 EXP, Paragon scroll
comes so late, he'd be dead by then. (Not that hes worth anything else)
Even if you somehow by a damn miracle make him grow its utterly fruitless
as he CANNNOT promote.

Only decent way to use him is to delete Slow Grower which also defeats the
point of using him.  Let him rot along with Mist in the deepest part of your
roster, he should never see the light of day again.

Definitely stick with Volke unless you somehow managed to pull off something
close to impossible and not hire him.

Usefulness- 4/10
Power Rating- 2/10


======Volke/Volke (Theif)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 10, hire from the Start

Promotion:
Automatic event after Chapter 19

Base Stats (Lvl-10)
       HP: 25  Spd: 13
       Str: 12 Lck: 7
       Mgc: 0  Def: 7
       Skl: 13 Res: 3
       Bld: 11 Rescue: 11
Stat Growth
       HP: 65%         Spd: 65%
       Str: 50%        Lck: 35%
       Mgc: 5%         Def: 20%
       Skl: 55%        Res: 10%

Weapons
       Knives

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 46/60       Spd: 30/30
       Str: 23/23      Lck: 17/40
       Mgc: 2/20       Def: 15/22
       Skl: 30/30      Res: 8/20

Basic Skills
       Shadow

Suggested Skills
       Shadow and Lethality
       Resolve and Adept

Comments:-
Volke himself is quite the shady character suddenly appearing to help Ike,
later on he reveals himself as a former employee of Grail and the only
surviving person who witnessed the true story behind Ike's mothers death.

Volke is the only theif who can promote during a special event after
Chapter 19 into Assassin and also get the Assassinate Mastery skill.
Statwise, he has overkilled strength which is brilliant due to the weak
weapons of the theif class, once he gets a knife Volke will level much easier.
Also being able to steal staves is highly helpful, Steal now allows you to
steal staves as well as items.

Once he promotes though, Volke will become a brilliant frontline fighter,
Shadow makes it so most enemies tend to ignore him which is good since as
strong he is hes still no engine of destruction.  Although if you feel like
making him good for even final chapter you can give him Resolve for
some hillarity.

I find its best to combine him with Reyson's move again so he can steal,
unlock doors and chests quicker.

Lethality is a wonderful skill, with the ammount of tank like enemies in
Maniac, add this skill with his high skill and a Stilletto and watch the
OHKO's fly.

Oh and did I mention he has something close to frickin awesome for his
Assassinate animation?  An absolute must use unit.

Extra rant: 'LETHALITY!' Somehow doesn't have the same effect as Assassinate
or 'FATALITY!', its like some bad translation from a pirated Mortal
Kombat game -_-;

Usefulness- 9.8/10
Power Rating- 8.5/10


==============================================================================


#####Scaly Dragons [SDr]#####

Usuable Weapons:- None
Gained after promotion:- None
Mastery Skill:- Boon (What the...royal ****?)
Class Skill:- Transform

Promotion Bonuses-
       None

Stat Caps (Red Dragon)-
       HP: 75  Spd: 31
       Str: 35 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 36
       Skl: 31 Res: 30

Stat Caps (White Dragon)-
       HP: 80  Spd: 32
       Str: 30 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 25 Def: 35
       Skl: 30 Res: 35


======Ena/Ena (Red Dragon)======

Recruitment:
Automatically joins in Chapter 28 if Dark Knight was not defeated in
Chapter 27

Base Stats (Lvl-10)
       HP: 52  Spd: 15
       Str: 20 Lck: 14
       Mgc: 9  Def: 23
       Skl: 17 Res: 21
       Bld: 6  Rescue: 11
Stat Growth
       HP: 145%                Spd: 60%
       Str: 35%        Lck: 40%
       Mgc: 10%        Def: 40%
       Skl: 50%        Res: 30%

Weapons
       None

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 67/75       Spd: 21/31
       Str: 24/35      Lck: 18/40
       Mgc: 10/20      Def: 27/36
       Skl: 22/31      Res: 24/30

Basic Skills
       Boon, Miracle and Renewal

Suggested Skills
       Boon, Miracle and Renewal

Comments:-
So if you don't beat Dark Knight he runs off and kills Nasir, joy....
Funny thing is even if you do beat him he apparentally escapes regardless,
which leaves a major loose end hopefully a FE9 sequel can tie up.

Anyway as for Ena, shes more or less a old skool Mamkute, after running off
when you threw her about in Chapter-21 she now joins you.  Ena is quite the
handy unit unfortunately she won't be doing much damage wise with rather
low speed even when transformed and mostly is just a fast tank.

She can levelup alot but her growths aren't fantastic like the Laguz and as
I mentioned receives reduced exp but at this point in the game thats less of
an issue.  What is an issue is even if she does level her strength won't grow
much.

On the other hand Blessing of the Earth is a fantastic skill for mass status
healing and Prayer seems to activate alot with her, Renewal also helps.
Not really a frontline unit but very helpful cleric of sorts that also makes
a good wall.

Extra Rant: Boon?! BOON?!  Sure definition wise it works...but WHO THE HELL
WOULD USE 'BOON?!'  Anyone who likes it automatically fails...-_-;

Usefulness- 8/10
Power Rating- 9/10


======Nasir/Nasir (White Dragon)======

Recruitment:
Automatically joins in Chapter 28 if Dark Knight was defeated in Chapter 27

Base Stats (Lvl-18)
       HP: 56  Spd: 22
       Str: 20 Lck: 17
       Mgc: 9  Def: 24
       Skl: 23 Res: 27
       Bld: 12 Rescue: 17
Stat Growth
       HP: 145%                Spd: 45%
       Str: 50%        Lck: 35%
       Mgc: 10%        Def: 60%
       Skl: 55%        Res: 25%

Weapons
       None

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 59/80       Spd: 23/32
       Str: 21/30      Lck: 17/40
       Mgc: 11/25      Def: 25/35
       Skl: 24/30      Res: 28/35

Basic Skills
       Nihil

Suggested Skills
       Nihil, Boon

Comments:-
And if you do beat the Dark Knight, Nasir lives and finally joins after
freeloading in your army for much of the game.
Anyway Nasir I find is a much better unit despite his higher level, hes
generally near maxed in most areas and has the brilliant Awareness skill
which negates other battle skills used against him.  Have a problem with
Wrath?  Throw him in.
A Blessing of the Earth can also be highly helpful as it saves on your
healers running around healing and also removing status.  Ena will easily
pass him up but really both are good units either way.

Usefulness- 9/10
Power Rating- 8/10


==============================================================================


#####Bezerker [Bzr]#####

Usuable Weapons:- Axe
Gained after promotion:- None
Mastery Skill:- Colossus
Class Skill:- 15% crit bonus (English version only)

Promotion Bonuses-
       None

Stat Caps-
       HP: 60  Spd: 28
       Str: 30 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 26
       Skl: 24 Res: 20

======Largo/Largo (Bezerker)======

Recruitment:
Go to 'Mysterious Man' report in intermission before Chapter 25

Base Stats (Lvl-7)
       HP: 52  Spd: 20
       Str: 21 Lck: 12
       Mgc: 4  Def: 10
       Skl: 21 Res: 3
       Bld: 15 Rescue: 17
Stat Growth
       HP: 80%         Spd: 45%
       Str: 70%        Lck: 30%
       Mgc: 5%         Def: 25%
       Skl: 45%        Res: 20%

Weapons
       Axe

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 60/60       Spd: 26/28
       Str: 29/30      Lck: 16/40
       Mgc: 5/20       Def: 12/26
       Skl: 24/24      Res: 6/20

Basic Skills
       None

Suggested Skills
       Wrath and Vantage
       Colossus
       Gamble (Eng version only)

Comments:-
Bezerkers return in FE6 style with the short end of the stick this time round.

Largo is the only Bezerker you get and has completely overkilled strength,
skill and speed.  Good thing?  Yes and no, for starters when I said they
returned in FE6 style that also meant they came back with the hideous 24
skill cap.

Largo being the only Bezerker you get isn't entirely a good thing, despite
that excellent HP he is fragile as hell.  In all honesty I think most mages
could end up with more defense than him.  His Res is virtually non-existant
much like Geese of FE6.

However with that speed and strength he has several good skill options.
If you want overkill theres Wrath and Ambush, in fact Ambush alone would
fix his problem with being a crappy frontline fighter due to his defenses. Or
Rumble for extra damage is always nice.

Overall Largo is complete offense, but he will be fish food once people start
hitting him., especially in Maniac where everyone hits hard and Bole would
last longer than him.

Extra:
English version Largo is receives a higher rating simply because of his crit
bonus.  Gamble can be added too for a big bonus, but isn't suggested due to
his skill plus Axes.

Usefulness- 6/10
Power Rating- 8/10

JPN version-
Usefulness- 5.5/10
Power Rating- 7/10


==============================================================================


#####Swordfighter => Swordmaster [Smr]#####

Usuable Weapons:- Sword
Gained after promotion:- None
Mastery Skill:- Ryuseiken/Astra (Ryusseiken is more badass >_>)
Class Skill:- 15% crit bonus (English version only)

Promotion Bonuses-
       HP: +4  Spd: +2
       Str: +1 Lck: +0
       Mgc: +2 Def: +2
       Skl: +2 Res: +2

Stat Caps (F)-
       HP: 60  Spd: 30
       Str: 22 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 22
       Skl: 29 Res: 25

Stat Caps (M)-
       HP: 60  Spd: 30
       Str: 24 Lck: 40
       Mgc: 20 Def: 24
       Skl: 29 Res: 22

======Mia/Mia (Swordfighter)======

Recruitment:
Talk with Ike in Chapter 7

Base Stats (Lvl-6)
       HP: 21  Spd: 13
       Str: 7  Lck: 6
       Mgc: 0  Def: 7
       Skl: 10 Res: 2
       Bld: 6  Rescue: 6
Stat Growth
       HP: 50%         Spd: 60%
       Str: 40%        Lck: 45%
       Mgc: 5%         Def: 20%
       Skl: 45%        Res: 25%

Weapons
       Sword

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 42/60       Spd: 30/30
       Str: 20/22      Lck: 21/40
       Mgc: 12/20      Def: 16/22
       Skl: 27/29      Res: 12/25

Basic Skills
       Vantage

Suggested Skills
       Vantage, Miracle and Wrath

Comments:-
Swordmasters just continue to be weakened game after game and it pains me
being a fan of Swordmasters.  Anyway of immediate notice is she starts with
rather nice high defense base but a low growth but does get a nice
promotion bonus.

Her HP is near abysmal.....however I personally find if you give her the
recomended skill set she can become one of the strongest fighters on your
team.  She has good speed and luck, Miracle will almost always activate as
will Wrath and you have quite an awesome unit here.

Her strength will be rather paltry but with 2x attack she still ends up
doing more than most other units early on.  Giving her a custom sword might
be ideal to help train her.

Although if you don't plan on giving her that exact skill set I wouldn't
bother with her, but seriously her use is high as shes one of the only units
who can double attack early on with good dodge.

Long term I find her use is actually more than Zihawk with his better stats
as Mia does have the tendency to dodge much better.

Extra:
Vantage + Wrath is highly suggested now Swordmasters got their crit bonus in
english version.

Usefulness- 8/10
Power Rating- 8/10


======Zihawk/Zihark (Swordfighter)======

Recruitment:
Talk with Rethe or Mordy in Chapter 11

Base Stats (Lvl-10)
       HP: 25  Spd: 13
       Str: 10 Lck: 6
       Mgc: 0  Def: 7
       Skl: 10 Res: 2
       Bld: 9  Rescue: 10
Stat Growth
       HP: 55%         Spd: 60%
       Str: 45%        Lck: 40%
       Mgc: 5%         Def: 30%
       Skl: 50%        Res: 20%

Weapons
       Sword

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 47/60       Spd: 30/30
       Str: 23/24      Lck: 17/40
       Mgc: 7/20       Def: 18/24
       Skl: 28/29      Res: 8/22

Basic Skills
       Adept

Suggested Skills
       Adept and Gamble
       Resolve and Adept

Comments:-
Zihawk is more or less the Navarre of FE9, he's actually pretty pitiful with
bad HP and even worse res.  He grows much better than Mia at least but does
start 4 levels higher with more or less the same stats.  Does eventually
manage to end up with much higher strength, defense and skill.

I find he tends to do really well with his high skill, kill sword and if you
throw in Gamble it can work rather well with the good accuracy of swords.

Zihawk is really only worth using if you love swordmasters like me, your
Mia is pretty bad or she somehow got killed.

Extra:
Gamble is now highly suggested on him with the return of the crit bonus

Usefulness- 7.5/10
Power Rating- 8.5/10

JPN Version-
Usefulness- 6/10
Power Rating- 7/10



======Soanevalcke/Stefan (Swordmaster)======

Recruitment:
Move Lethe or Mordecai onto the Varg Katti space in Chapter 15
(Located in top right corner of the map in a small alcove, see FAQ section
below for extra detail)

Base Stats (Lvl-8)
       HP: 38  Spd: 25
       Str: 19 Lck: 5
       Mgc: 8  Def: 12
       Skl: 27 Res: 9
       Bld: 13 Rescue: 13
Stat Growth
       HP: 70%         Spd: 55%
       Str: 50%        Lck: 25%
       Mgc: 20%        Def: 35%
       Skl: 40%        Res: 30%

Weapons
       Sword

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 47/60       Spd: 30/30
       Str: 24/24      Lck: 8/40
       Mgc: 10/20      Def: 17/24
       Skl: 29/29      Res: 13/22

Basic Skills
       Ryuseiken

Suggested Skills
       Ryuseiken
       Adept and Resolve
       Gamble and Resolve

Comments:-
Oh my.....oh my indeed....I think this is the best thing I've ever laid eyes
upon.  If you do not use Soanevalcke I will hunt you down, or your regret
for not using him will.

Soanevalcke comes with next to maxed stats with amazing growths, a legendary
S rank sword with massive critical and +3 defense, high HP, mastery skill and
he has awesome hair too!  The english version 'Stefan' now even has a 15%
crit boost.

Seriously if you ever wondered what FE6 Karel would turn out like if he came
early mid-game, with levels to grow here he is, although Karel would still be
king in defenses as well.  Soan's luck will be horrendous but luckily has
a great support in the form of Soren which boosts his evade, skill and
attack.

This guy will max strength, skill and speed in only 5 levels and will also
probably end up with decent defense, res and high HP.  He is a secret
character of sorts as his recruitment is not obvious at all.

My only major complaint is despite coming with his mastery skill they NERFED
it!!!  Ryuseiken used to be 5 hits in a row.  Its still the same but only
does half damage per hit, that adds up as 0.5x less damage than a critical
which he tends to do alot on counter attacks.
(I have no idea why, but who cares?)

If you want utter overkill, Soan is also the only character in the game who
can One round kill the final boss more or less.  Thanks to the overkilled
skill and speed of Swordmasters and his Soren support and if you replace
Ryuuseiken for Resolve.

With Resolve you could have a Swordmaster with 36 strength, 43 skill
and 45 speed at half HP with 35 base critical.  He can easily 2x attack with
high chance of criticaling thanks to the overkilled skill and if you have
Continue a high chance of murder...

Badass Rating- 9/10 (He lost points with his new name :_:)
Usefulness- 9.9/10
Power Rating- 9.8/10

JPN version-
Badass Rating- 11/10
Usefulness- 9.8/10
Power Rating- 9.6/10



======Luchino/Lucia (Swordmaster)======

Recruitment:
Chapter 24 automatic

Base Stats (Lvl-12)
       HP: 36  Spd: 23
       Str: 15 Lck: 16
       Mgc: 12 Def: 10
       Skl: 21 Res: 8
       Bld: 8  Rescue: 8
Stat Growth
       HP: 70%         Spd: 65%
       Str: 50%        Lck: 50%
       Mgc: 30%        Def: 40%
       Skl: 70%        Res: 40%

Weapons
       Sword

Expected 20/20 Average Stats
       HP: 42/60       Spd: 28/30
       Str: 19/22      Lck: 20/40
       Mgc: 14/20      Def: 13/22
       Skl: 27/29      Res: 11/25

Basic Skills
       Ability Match

Suggested Skills
       Ability Match and Ryuuseiken
       Ability Match, Vantage and Guard
       Gamble and Ability Match

Comments:-
*cries* I hate being brought back to earth and we're back in the realms of
sanity.  Lucia comes late, weak and with a high level....

On the other hand she has some of the most amazing growths and does end up
with some of the best evade in the game.  Unfortunately you need 8 perfect
levelups to max skill, 7 levelups to max strength and speed but she is highly
capable of it.

What does hurt her is starting with only 15 strength this late in the game,
theres little reason to use her with Soanevalcke around.  However she will
still end up better than Zihawk in evade but be unable to take any hits.

Her only real purpose is if Mia or Zihawk died and you need a good evading
sword user since she does have some of the highest evade in the entire game.

Usefulness- 6/10
Power Rating- 8/10

JPN version-
Usefulness- 5.5/10
Power Rating- 7/10




==============================================================================
V) FAQ
==============================================================================


Q)
What kind of game is this?
A)
It is a Turn based Strategy RPG game or Simulation RPG if you want to go
by the Japanese genre's.


Q)
What console is it for?
A)
I'm surprised you haven't been run over by a train yet if you're reading this.


Q)
What is Maniac Mode?
A)
It is a final mode where all the enemy units stats take on the appearance of
what can only be described godly and you'll almost always be outnumbered
50 to 1.  However rumour has it that the US release of FE9 has completely
removed Maniac mode and replaced it with a Easy mode...much to my dismay.


Q)
So doesn't that make your ratings worthless?
A)
Well take them with a pinch of salt...if you want them to apply to Hard mode
I guess you could add a point to everyone's ratings...but my ratings were
based on the ultimate difficulty.


Q)
Will this game have connectivity to any GBA fire emblems?
A)
Yes I believe it can connect upto Sacred Stones and Fire Emblem for some
extra unlockable art and maps in FE9.  However I imagine they'll be removing
the connectivity to Sword of Seals.


Q)
Is there any Dark Magic?
A)
Unfortunately no, he's been removed for this game, the current weapon
triangle is Wind > Thunder > Fire > Wind and Light is neutral to everything.


Q)
Why can't I hurt DarkKnight?
A)
He has god powers......no honestly, I'm serious, he has the Goddess
Protection skill on his sword Etnard which can only be negated by Ike with
Ragnell.


Q)
Does this have any connection storywise to previous FE's?
A)
Not at all, this has absolutely no connection to any current Fire Emblem's.
It is a brand new unrelated story.


Q)
Whats this I hear about a Triangle attack and how do I do it?
A)
Bole, Oscar and Rolf can perform a Bow Triangle attack after you watch
a certain scene involving the 3.  It allows you to do 3x damage on a first
strike.  To perform it you must surround the enemy with all 3 units from
1 space away and all 3 must be able to use a bow.


Q)
Jill left my team! Help!
A)
During a certain chapter its possible for her father to recruit Jill back
onto the enemy side.  In order to prevent it, either keep Jill far away from
him or get her to have a A level support with any of your other units and
they will be able to re-recruit her.


Q)
What does Biorhythm do?
A)
When its high it adds 5% to evade and hit and when low, you lose 5% to
evade and hit.  Its completely random to when its in effect.


Q)
Why has everyone got wierd names?
A)
At the moment this game is available only in Japanese, I might change the
names at a later date but for now till the game is released, deal with it.


Q)
How do I recruit Stefan/Soanevalcke?
Also where are all the items in Chapter 15?
A)
I've gotten alot of question regarding the specifics of this.
Please refer to this map, the Varg Katti space is the top area with the
2x2 box with 1 more box.
Also you can find all the hidden items in the desert with this map, you'll
need a theif for a 100% chance at grabbing them.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v405/Mjeh/FE9Desertmap.jpg


Q)
OMG THE NEW NAMES SUCK!!
A)
As much I don't like them too...go away you and complain it to NOA or
whine about it on the Message Board's.


Q)
How the hell do I damage the final boss?!
A)
Unfortunately he has a special ability which makes him immune to anything
except S rank weapons, the 'Big 3' and Ike's Ragnell.  He is actually easier
in the English version as they removed his final form from the game.


Q)
I heard about secret unlockable characters after you beat the game?
A)
Once you beat the game or you can unlock several trial maps much like FE6
and depending on your number of playthroughs can unlock many normally
unplayable characters like Greil, Oliver and Ashnard for use in them.


Q)
Where can I find more information about this game or other Fire Emblem's?
A)
I suggest you give this forum a visit
http://s7.invisionfree.com/FESS/index.php?
There is a large source of information there about the entire series, I'am
also known as Seti over there.


==============================================================================
VI) CREDITS AND THANKS
==============================================================================


-Thanks to www.PegasusKnight.com for most of the data and info that I was not
able to gather myself.

-Intelligent Systems for making this great game

-Myself for writing it

-Phlogistic for his generally evil acts of criticism

-Anyone else who isn't mentioned here who helped look over it

-Gamefaqs for hosting this