LSM

From @VincentASM's coverage we have a list of lost items. Any guesses? White Gloves - A few characters wear these. Hubert and Ferdinand seem the most prominent. Raitei Replica - Presumably a swordsman/woman. Felix? Needle and Thread - Mercedes strikes me as someone who likes to sew. Red Artificial Flower - Lorenz Handwritten Map - Adventurous character... Ashe or Caspar? Or maybe Bernadetta's hobby is treasure hunting? Motion Sickness Herb - Marianne appears the most like she needs medicinals. Dodgy Handkerchief - I would have said Lorenz... Sylvain? Feather-stuffed Pillow - Linhardt Holey Jacket - Leonie? Magic Academy Textbook - Annette? Archbishop’s Portrait - I'll guess Ingrid (she does have that faith proficiency...)

I don't mind the chin strap, but I do find Claude's War-Phase clothing to be extremely ugly. Beige is tricky to pull off, and it's not helped by the random splashes of disparate colours. Yellow and black, some random green splotches thrown around, and then those weird white and red pom-poms. Such a disappointment.

User Wala_Emi_Waka over on reddit has translated many of the text boxes:

They did get the pronunciation of Leicester correct (unlike most Youtubers...), but weird old English has nothing on Irish letter combinations. Hopefully you don't... craic... too bad...

I guess it's time for a re-rank now that we have abilities and biographies for everyone. (I'm going to try to ignore the time-skip designs as a ranking criteria until we get all of them.) S Tier Claude: The best looking lord in the School-Phase. (Unfortunately I hate his costuming in the War-Phase, so he'll drop in my next rankings.) The cunning rogue is also a very solid personality, and his skin tone suggests foreign ties which are attractive for storytelling. Skill in the Bow and Swords opens up Archer, but he might make a good Thief as well, as funny as that is. The possibility of him being a Flying lord is also very exciting. Petra: I love Petra's look. The purple, the braids, the tattoo (?). Top tier. She has a great backstory, and attending the Academy as a political consideration creates tons of story. I also like the Gaelic touches. Hunters' Law might be useful against bosses, but generally when an enemy is below 50% HP you don't need a crit that bad. While I thought at first that she'd definitely be a Swordmaster or Pegasus Knight, the strengths she has in Axes and Bows is very interesting. A wyvern mount could see her becoming a real flying fortress. Sylvain: One of the top tier guys looks wise. Absolutely dashing. Big brother to the other students, and flirty. On the other hand, the fact that his own elder brother was disinherited in favour of him (and turned to thievery) means that he'll have his complexities as well. Ladies' Man is a solid ability, and his skills are solid for a Cavalier. I might make him a brigand instead though. Ingrid: Love her look, and the hint at her family being in rough straits financially is interesting. Also like that her, Dimitri, Felix, and Sylvain grew up as friends. Lady Knight's boost to Gambits is useful, and while she seems to be the consummate Pegasus Knight. It seems like she might also excel in Faith, suggesting she'll eventually make for a good Falcon Knight, if something like that returns. Edelgard: A very striking design - it's easy to see why many people gravitated to her. She also has the theme song, and seems like a driving force behind the plot. It's going to be interesting to see how someone else having her family crest effects things. The hidden talent in Reason is intriguing, while I won't weep for her weaknesses in Bows and Faith (though the latter is ironic, considering she has the crest of Seiros). We know she's neutral in Flying and suspect a strength in Armour, so I'm probably going to try to get her a Wyvern. A Tier Lysithea: Cute character, with some mischievousness in her. A modest child prodigy sounds nice, and hopefully the prickliness she has about being treated like a kid isn't off-putting. Prodigy is an amazing Ability for a game where Weapon Proficiency is used for promotion purposes. While she's seems set up to be a mage, she'll have a ton of possibility. Ferdinand: While his design is pretty non-descript, his background and personality are huge pluses to me. Being the son of the Adrestrian Prime Minister and suggesting that he should accede to the Imperial Throne himself should contribute to a lot of drama. Confidence is fine, but wow - his skills are nuts. Strong in Swords/Lances/Axes/Riding, hidden talent in Armour, and no weaknesses. Master Knight material right here, and who knows? Maybe one day... Emperor... Bernadetta: A character who's design has gone up for me over time. Her shyness seems fun. Paranoia could be very good, and her strengths being Lances/Bows/Armour means she could end up being an effective lure as an Armoured Knight. She'd be capable of taking hits and responding to enemies with big return volleys. Bit of an odd combination, and I'll acknowledge that her War-Phase costume is more suggestive of a Sniper. B Tier Ashe: Seems like a nice kid, and has the design to match. The background of being a street rat adopted by an honourable lord whom he tries to emulate is great, and it's going to be fascinating watching him deal with his father's rebellion. Wisdom to Live is an amazing ability, and while the strengths in Bows and Axes make him seem like a good Warrior type, I'm hoping that his hidden talent in Lances signals that he'll make a fair Bow Knight. Leonie: Her visual design has grown on me a lot - I like the short hair. Her backstory as the only "true" commoner in the cast helps her stand out, and I feel like wanting to live up to her village's (financial) sacrifice makes for a pleasing character. Hates to Lose is a useful skill. And we've seen her using Bows, Lances, and Riding so she should make for a great Bow Knight. She was also used to show off the Fortress class, so she might have Armour too? Caspar: Looks like a little aqua-coloured ball of energy, with a certain deviousness to him. He's blunt and honest and believes in justice. High five. Quarreler is handy for someone in the thick of the fighting. I'll be interested in what his skills are like beyond Axes and Brawling. As is, I'll be going down the Berzerker line with him, but the Black Eagles do need a Thief. Felix: The Swordmaster in all aspects. Look, personality, skills. Thumbs up all around. Solitary Wolf synergises well with having a weakness in Authority. I probably won't make much use of the brawling strength, but the one in Bows means I might let him flex into an Assassin once and a while. I'm also intrigues by the hidden talent in Reason. Maybe He's the Blue Lions' secret magic weapon? C Tier Dedue: Love his oft-seen in anime dark skin/white hair combo. I'm also fond of the big boys, and the ear-ring is a nice touch that speaks of a common ancestry with Claude's people (I assume that he's like a Fodlan equivalent of the Romani). Seems a bit boring though, personality wise. Leige's Shield is a pretty great ability for an Armoured Knight, which Dedue's skills really push him towards. Dimitri: Worst looking lord in the School-Phase, but not that bad. (War-Phase ranking will be much higher.) Personality seems to be very interesting, dealing with past and future tragedies. Skills are for a Cav-Lord, which is solid enough, though we don't know about Armour or Flying yet. We also haven't seen a hidden talent yet, and as Edelgard got one I assume he might as well. If he does, I'd imagine it's in Armour, seeing how he's consistently the lord who wears the most of it. Linhardt: I like his refined, androgynous, dandy-like appearance. The "incredibly lazy" personality is a little worrisome, but hopefully it's a pampered, lounging-around type of laziness and he's not a slob. It doesn't seem like he is, at least. Doze Off is a poor ability, and I can't imagine too many cases where it wouldn't just be a better idea to use a vulnerary. His skills are pretty wide open - I'm just glad he's not weak in Bows or Riding (because the meme is going to be fulfilled). Dorothea: A pretty, trendy young woman. I like the jauntily worn military cap, but don't feel as strongly about it as some do. Background as an idol is... odd. Not bad, but not particularly appealing to me. Songstress is okay - would be better if it were more than a 10% heal. The hidden talent in Faith might be useful, but her skills are a little boring as is. Marianne: I like her hair, and she seems nice, but the extreme tiredness of her appearance is not super appealing. Her being very devout is also a knock for me, but her crest being that of Hræsvelgr hints at fascinating story potential. Animal Lover isn't bad, and riders do have the ability to Canto next to her to get use out of it. Haven't seen too much of her proficiencies beyond healing to say how interesting her set up is, but I recall we saw her once with an Axe? That could be neat. Mercedes: Pleasant design, and the shawl is a nice touch. Her mellow disposition is neither here-nor-there for me, but I am intrigued by why an Adrestrian noble ended up a Faerghus commoner. Live to Serve is nice for a healer to have, though I'd expect it to be granted by classes as well. Maybe it will stack? We know she doesn't have a strength in Reason, but have seen her wielding Swords and Bows so she has some interesting set ups possible. Annette: Middle-of-the-road design. Personality is nice, and the whole "works hard but ends up going in circles" is charming enough. Hard Worker could be a good ability, but I tend to under-utilise rallies. Mage skills are needed in Blue Lions, but not overly interesting. D Tier Ignatz: Weird hair, but the glasses are a nice touch and being an art lover is a plus. There's some good story potential in both being a second son, and friction between all the nobles and his newer mercantile wealth. His Hit Rate +20 is pretty great for any class, but the only Strengths we know about currently are Bows and Swords. While this pushes him towards being an Archer, he could also make for a learned-assassin. Raphael: While the shirt-busting muscles are still fun I've come to find something about his eyes to be disturbing. Also not a fan of the thick-as-a-brick personality, but the E3 presenter seems to love him so I won't get too down on it. Scavenge seems somewhat poor. Raphael also seems to be the poster boy for the brawling classes, which... I'm not feeling in general. So that's a negative. Hilda: Middling design for me (which seems to be very love/hate for others). A love of fashion and the finer things is ingratiating, whininess is not. While Plead is far from great, and her Strengths in Lances and Axes seems weird, as we haven't seen her on horse and I have trouble imagining her armoured. Hard to get a bead on her. Lorenz: Terrible hair is a big drag on his ranking. (Yes, his War-Phase look will see him rise.) But I like the flair with the rose, and the haughtiness. Far less enamoured by the unwanted advances towards every woman in the Monastery. Prestigious Noble is solid, and while he's so far been presented as the stereotypical Cavalier, that's a solid trope to be. Hubert: Don't care for the greasy hair and lack of eyebrows. He also seems oddly old. I know Edelgard vouches for him, but... gives off bad vibes. Strategist should help him get the most out of his Battalions. Not sure about his Lances hidden talent and strength in Bows - they don't seem too useful to a sorcerer like himself. I guess one or the other might be good to have on hand, as a physical option.

Keeping in mind that I don't really care too much for the Brawling stuff: Byleth: Seen some shots where they have a hidden talent in Faith, so might make that a strength. But focus skills on Swords, Authority, and a bit of Riding (to recruit Petra). Myrmidon to start, into a Thief and then Swordmaster/Assassin. (I figure I'll always want to be able to potentially Steal from enemies, so it's good if at least one of my units can always switch into Assassin before a mission.) Black Eagles Edelgard: Use Axes while focused on Authority and Flying (plus Group Task). Fighter, into Armoured Knight and Brigand, eventually a Wyvern Rider. Hubert: Reason and Authority, with some work at his hidden talent in Lances for a physical fall-back weapon, and maybe work on Riding if expert classes have a mounted Reason user. Monk, Dark Mage, Warlock. Dorothea: Hang onto a Sword for emergencies, but unlock hidden talent in Faith to go with her Reason. Monk, Mage, Warlock (or Priestess and Bishop). Ferdinand: Emperor-I mean... umm... unlock his Armour hidden talent, but then focus on Lances, Authority and Riding. Soldier, Cavalier, Paladin. Bernadetta: Lances and Bows early on, picking up some Flying with Edie. Fighter into Archer/Pegasus Knight, and Wyvern Rider/Sniper. Caspar: Drop the Brawling and go for Axes and Swords, provided the latter's not a weakness. Myrmidon, Brigand/Mercenary and Warrior/Hero. Petra: Swords up to a C early, then switch to working her Axes, Bows and Flying. Myrmidon, Thief, Assassin/Wyvern Rider. Linhardt: Focus on Faith early along with Reason. Monk, Mage, Warlock. (Would turn into Bow Paladin, but appears to be physically weak.) Blue Lions Dimitri: Let him join Ashe in a Riding Group Task, then focus his Goals on Swords and Authority while he wields Lances. Soldier, Lord/Cavalier, Paladin. Dedue: His ability makes for a good lure, and his weaknesses are limiting. Axes, Lances, and Armour. Fighter, Brigand/Knight, Warrior/Fortress. Felix: Swords trained with his Bows used for range. Hidden Talent in Reason might get Tutored. Myrmidon, Mercenary/Thief, Swordmaster/Assassin. Mercedes: Boring healer, unless a reveal of something interesting in her skills opens up other possibilities. Monk, Priestess, Bishop. Ashe: Hidden talent in Lances unlocked, worked on with Riding and Bows. Fighter, Archer/Cavalier, to Sniper/Paladin to act as a mobile lockpick. Annette: Reason and Faith trained, letting her potential Axes lapse. Monk, Mage, Warlock. Sylvain: Once Lances are C and Riding D, drop them and focus on Axes and Flying (unless it's a weakness). Soldier, Brigand/Cavalier, Wyvern Rider. Ingrid: Lances, Authority and Flying. Might try to up her Faith if Falcon Knights returns to support Sylvain. Soldier, Pegasus Knight, Wyvern Rider. Golden Deer Claude: Swords to a C, then Bows, Authority, and Flying. Fighter, Lord/Thief, Assassin/Wyvern Rider. Lorenz: Lances, Authority, and Riding focused on. Soldier, Cavalier, Paladin. Hilda: Depends on her Armour/Riding/Flying skills. Could see dropping the Axes after C and focusing on Lances and Flying. Soldier, Brigand/Pegasus Knight, Wyvern Rider. Raphael: Depending on his skills, maybe a Fortress or Hero. But probably just focus on Axes and go Fighter, Brigand, Warrior. Lysithea: Ability means she can be anything she wants. I'll let her use Reason and Faith while training things for Expert classes. Until then, Monk, Mage, Warlock. Ignatz: Focus on Swords and Bows with a dash of Authority. Fighter, Archer, Assassin/Sniper. Marianne: Designated healer. Maybe play up the Flying/Lances to end up a Falcon Knight? (She likes animals...) Monk, Priestess, Bishop. Leonie: Lances, Bows, and Riding. Fighter, Archer/Cavalier, Paladin.

The kind of question future Emperors are made of!

Hah! That's a hilarious "anonymous" question. Going to be honest, that just boosted my appreciation for Ferdinand a lot.

From this Famitsu article we can also see that: Ashe has Strength in Bows and Axes, Weakness in Reason, and Hidden Talent in Lances. Hilda has Strength in Lances and Axes, Weakness in Faith and Authority. Petra has Strength in Swords, Axes, and Bows, and Weakness in Reason and Faith. // Confirmation of Mercedes being Faith/Reason strong, Swords/Lances/Axes weak, and Bows as a Hidden Talent. // Caspar, from the JapanExpo stream: // From looking into Seminars: Sylvain is Neutral in Brawling. Ingrid is Strong in Swords, Neutral in Brawling. // From looking at the Combat Forecasts (and assuming that a student's starting Prowesses must be Strengths), new Strengths to add: Annette: Axes Claude: Swords Lorenz: Lances and Reason Lysithea: Reason and Faith Marianne: Swords and Reason Leonie: Lances and Bows

I disagree. I'm thinking that in the War Phase their out-of-battle dress will be close to the "cannon promotion" costumes of past games. Reason being... those all look similar to what I'd expect the actual class costumes to look like... (And I'll stress similar. We've already seen Paladins, for example and they have armoured legs whereas Lorenz is wearing some snazzy pants.) Edit: with the new Famitsu web-article giving us full pictures, it seems that Caspar does just have kind of a small head. He's shorter than Byleth.

I think it has to do with the size of Capsar's head. Either he has a noticeably small noggin, or he's matured into a noticeably tall, lanky young man. Most people are making the latter assumption. // What I'm wondering is if any of these costumes can give us hints as to what the 3rd/4th tier classes will look like. Bernadetta: In the EurogamerSpain E3 video, we can see that the female Archer costume shows some skin at the upper chest and thighs. A female Sniper or Marksman. Ashe: has the classic Fire Emblem left-pectoral armour and a riding coat. Strikes me as a Bow Knight? Lorenz: reminiscent of a Paladin or Gold Knight. Hilda: has similar shoulders and neck to the Brigand, but is lacking the fur and has fancy sleeves... War Priestess? Caspar: similar details to the Brigand, but much more armoured than you'd expect a Berzerker. Maybe a Warrior or Wyvern Rider? Felix: fur trim and extra swords. Swordmaster or Trueblade. Lysithea: the veil makes me think Saint. Edit: it occurred to me that Caspar could well be closer to a Hero/Vanguard type.

I'm pretty sure there was an interview where they mentioned that SoV was considered a quick little release while they prepared for Switch specs to finalise (so that they could get to work on what has become 3H). So I'm pretty sure this wasn't designed initially with 3DS hardware in mind. It definitely carries over a lot of the design sensibilities of the 3DS titles though, in a way that feels less like fully taking advantage of the Switch than using that extra power to be able to do what they wanted to on the previous couple of titles (explore 3D environments, have the combat camera zoom in to an accurate spot on the map, etc).

Oooh, good call. Thani did mix up Cyril and Alois' names... Did we see that Marianne can't be recruited?

Hate to double post, but it's been a while... Bernadetta seems to have Strengths in Lances and Bows, with weaknesses in Swords, Axes, and Fighting. Armour, sadly, can't be seen. Neither can a hidden talent (though I wonder if it's in flying, with how we have seen her put in the Air Patrol Group Task in a bunch of footage). Edit: now that there's a clearer look at it, she has a C in Lances, C+ in Bows (almost a B), E+ in Reason, and a D in Authority. The latter two are flat, which suggests she may start with them that way. Likely begins with a D in Bows and E+ in Lances.

This is speculation on the politics of the three Fodlan nations, but it's based on some of what Thani leaked, so I'm going to post it here: I don't think it's been confirmed, but I take it that the entirety of Fodlan was once united as one nation (The Adrestrian Empire). The Holy Kingdom of Faerghus may have been the first to split. As we know, the area prides itself on its knights. I'd speculate that the north-west is historically a victim of raids from Sreng and so had a history of building tall castles and maintaining more of a war footing than the rest of the Empire. It may have also been the power centre for Nemesis' faction, pre-unification. Either way, the Imperial family would require a strong, trusted hand to lead it, and so a family member would have been given regional control. Over generations their power solidified and the area's military might allowed them to shift into being semi-autonomous, before officially breaking away. They name themselves a Holy Kingdom to add legitimacy, as their royal family is, just like the Adrestrians, descended from Seiros. The Leicester Alliance is based in the area that was formally an economic hub, where traders from overland to the east would come to buy and sell. From here, goods would flow into and out from the rest of the Empire and the Holy Kingdom. As such, the area became disproportionately wealthy to the rest of the continent, and ties with the eastern neighbour of Almyra grew. I'd also venture that Aegir, to the south, is also a reasonably prominent trading town. Much like the real world, where the wealthy Catalonia region is trying to secede from Spain, the eastern lords likely felt that their taxes going to the rest of the country was an unwarranted drain on them. This eventually led to the prominent personages deciding that the Empire had grown weak, and that a split might be possible. To tip the scales, the von Riegans then sealed a deal with Almyra for military support via marriage, and that support led to them being voted the head of the Leicester Alliance. This would have happened only a generation ago, and while it is nominally a more democratic nation they have yet to actually have a change of power from the von Riegans. Many see Claude as a natural successor, but their is a lot of tension as many others expect a new vote. The von Aegir's may have had a chance to break away as part of the fledgling Leicester Alliance, but instead used that fact as leverage to force the Emperor to give them, or create the position of, Prime Minister. As we know that Brigid pays homage to Adrestria (rather than having been absorbed) and that Petra is attending the Officer's Academy as a show of fealty and to engender positive relations, I think this arrangement might be recent. As such, I speculate that after the Church of Seiros organised a peace with Leicester, Ferdinand's father organised a show of the Empire's strength, and attacked Brigid. The victory would have brought him much renown, and internally he would have a huge power block over the Emperor (who lost the Leicester region, and is seen as weak). After the success of the Leicester Alliance's breakaway, most Almyrans would have gone home, but many would have stayed. They likely faced racism and xenophobia in most of Fodlan, and a large number spread throughout the continent similar to the Romani people in Europe. While some no-doubt turned to banditry, many are likely just trying to live. We know that Dimitri "has a great shadow" and that Dedue "owes Dimitri a great debt". Thani said that Dedue's people were bandits that killed the royal family, with Dimitri the only survivor, and that Dedue's people were killed in response. Only Dedue was spared, at the wishes of the young Dimitri. So I'd say Dedue is one of the Almyran diaspora, and also that while Prince Dimitri is the rightful ruler of Faerghus he has a regent or council of regents actually ruling until such time as he reaches his majority. My main speculation here is that Dedue's family did not murder Dimitri's, but were framed in order for the regents to take over. I'd also suggest that some of the villainous members of the Church of Seiros are the ones acting as regent, and the ones who acted out the murders. Once again, that's just speculation. But I was thinking about it over the last few days, and thought I'd jot it down.

On Canto: while it has a singing flair, it doubles as a sort of wordplay for mounted units (as horses move at either a trot, a canter, or a gallop). I rather like it. On Nosferatu: we have seen that it's a Faith spell in this game, so I'm for a renaming to Resire (or what you will).

Just because someone is lazy and chafes at restraints does not preclude them from being a fastidious, uptight jerk. And based on Linhardt's dialogue with Caspar and general well-kempt appearance I'd venture that he'd fall more into that personality. Think less happy-go-lucky lay-about, and more classic Dandy: "a man who places particular importance upon physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies, pursued with the appearance of nonchalance in a cult of self." Regard Oscar Wilde or Lord Byron.

Hah! Very clever.

From the Kotaku article we got a few new hints. At level 7, Caspar has C's in Axes and Fighting, and E's in everything else. Those two are very likely Strengths, and as Axes are close to a C+ he probably starts with a D in Axes and an E+ in Fighting. Bernadetta, at only level 3, has a C in Lances, C+ in Bows, and E+ in Reason and Flying. The Flying is easily accounted for: in the video it perfectly matches Edelgard's Flying exp, and the two have been paired in Group Task's Air Patrol. The Reason... she does have exp beyond the base, and at level 3 is unlikely to have been using magic, so I'm assuming that she's been tutored. Petra, at level 4, has a C+ in Swords, a C in Axes, a D in Flying, and an E+ in Bows. The Bows seems like it might also be a base proficiency, as there's no exp into it. The Axes being so high is a bit of a surprise, being only level 4. It suggests to me that it's also a Strength and probably starts with an E+ or even a D rank.

I'm going to call Ferdinand and Sylvain continuing a gentleman-cavaliers' subtle rivalry, with both gaining moustaches. Ferdi will end up with a stately Tom Selleck, while Syl gets the dashing Errol Flynn. Edit: I forgot Lorenz! Okay... he'll get the Errol Flynn, and Sylvain will have... the Hulk Hogan handlebar. Sylvamania running wild, brother.

I was just thinking the other day (what with people making Edelgard Targaryen jokes) that one historical-political-fantasy trope that we haven't had in the cast yet is the illegitimate child. (Think less the John Snow, and more the Gendry). Maybe Leonie showed up with a crest, and is the result of a Duke of Daphnell's indiscretion. (Or... oh man, can you imagine if she were to have the Major Crest of Gloucester? Just dunk on Lorentz.)

If she is a McNeary/McNealy, and they're going for generic North American Hollywood accent for the rest of the cast, maybe they'll go with a thick Newfie accent? "How are you Petra?" "Best kind, b'y. 'Ow's she cuttin' me cocky? Is ya 'ard at it all de time or wa?" "Ummm... well, I was wondering if you want to join me in the mess hall..." "Yes b'y, I dare say. Just 'bout gutfounded. Do you want some taken up?" "Okay... Well I'll see if I can make something..." "Tell ya wa, I'll put da 'ol slut on, you fire up a scoff." "..." "..."

The guy in the top right, who's missing an eye, also appears to me like he's missing skin on a third of his face. It's blurry, but it looks like exposed muscle.

Here's an idea: if you could arrange the students into your own "dream team", how would you go about it? I'd say that you should head the class with a lord, and try to maintain close to an even gender split. Eight students (plainly). My own: Claude: My favourite looking lord, and seemingly an entertaining personality. He also brings an interesting toolset, gameplay wise. Edelgard and Dimitri's unique strengths (Axes/Armour and Lances/Riding) are more reproducible by other students. If the speculation plays out and he has a Flying strength, then that makes him a pretty unique combination. I also feel like the other lords' Sword proficiency will be ignored in favour of their Axes/Lances, whereas it could come in handy for Claude. Sylvain: One of my favourite designs. I can't wait to learn more about him, but his look is strong enough to get him on my team already. And it appears like he'll make a good Cavalier, which are always useful to have around. Especially as Canto is back. Ingrid: Another of my favourite designs, and that little inkling we got about her (potentially) being betrothed in an attempt to rebuild her family's fortunes sounds like she'll be a compelling character. Like Sylvain, seems like a strong contender for a Cavalier or a Pegasus Knight. Seems to have a strength in Faith, so could provide some secondary healing. Ashe: The fact that he has Locktouch for a personal skill is huge. Lets me get away with not having a dedicated Thief on the team. So unless the Thief-ish classes turn out to be really good, having Ashe as a Bow Knight who can open chests and doors sounds great. Petra: I love her look, and am interested in how her being from Brigid will effect her character and interactions. I feel like I need a dedicated Sword user, and while I also like Felix, Petra trumps him. It helps that her apparent Flying strength is more interesting to me than Felix's Bows and Fighting. Marianne: While little is yet known about her, I wanted a dedicated Faith user on the team and she seems to fit the bill. I also like what little we have seen. But if my opinion sours as more info is revealed, this spot could easily go to Mercedes. Lysithea: I also wanted a Reason user. While I like a lot of the Black Eagles mages, Lysithea's design wins out. One potential hiccup is Dark Mage being male-only, but there are enough female Reason focused units (her, Annette, Dorothea) that I'm going to assume that there'll be a "Sorceress" or some sort of female-only/gender-neutral high end Mage. Dedue: I am lacking an Axes user, and I have a soft spot for the big beefy boys too. Raphael is an option, but Dedue just edges him for me design wise. Once Raph's strengths become known that could flip. Specifically, I'd be looking at flying (which Dedue has as a weakness). If Raphael could make for a good Wyvern Knight that would move him up.

Something interesting I just noticed about this image: If you look at the icons, Marianne is equipped with a Faith tome, and Lysithea with Reason (the diamond). I think a lot of us had assumed that Faith would be Light magic plus Healing staves, and Reason would be Dark magic, Anima magic, and Cursing staves rolled together. But Lysithea healed Hilda. So... Reason tomes have healing too? That's interesting.