Which lords would you field voluntarily...

[ping]

...if they weren't forced anyways? And if you wouldn't field them - what would have to be changed to make you change your mind?

Of course, I'm assuming no indirectly forced deployment either, for example being the only unit able to seize the throne. For me...

• FE6: If Roy promoted normally (or at least earlier), I'd probably keep him in my team. If the story promotion was kept in, I might still get him to Lv.20, just to wreck havoc with the Sealed Sword in the endgame.
• FE7: In my first playthroughs, I always had all three lords fielded, unless they had hit Lv.20 before I got the Heaven Seals. I still try to give both of them enough levels to get to Geitz' chapter, but after that, I usually drop Lyn and occasionally Hector/Eliwood.
• FE8: I always use both twins, full stop. It helps that I have a bias for non-cavalier mounted units.
• FE9: Ashnard pretty much falls under forced deployment for Ike, because screw the dragon laguz. ;) In that case, I'd probably drop Ike in favour of another foot unit, just to get a bit of variety in my team.
• FE10: Same here, actually. I'd probably use Laura as my primary healer from time to time and the Mercs in part 3 have more than enough badass units to choose from, anyway.
• FE11/12: For thief utility, probably. ;) I like to play around with reclassing a bit, so Marth isn't really my favourite unit in either game.

[Anacybele]

Ike and Ephraim since they're my favorites and really good units. I don't think I'd use any others. I either don't like them as characters, they're not very good units, or both. So they'd need to get some better character writing and better growths and stats.

[Gradivus.]

FE3!Marth, Sigurd, Seliph, Ephraim, Ike (both games), Chrom and Corrin would probably all get used for being good units. Leif, Hector and Eirika would still have some special utility early on and would be mainstays if they could promote with regular promotion items, while Roy, Lyn, Eliwood and DSFE!Marths would only find a place on my team when I'm in the mood for it because aside from like, forged Rapier in H5/Loony earlygame, they don't really bring anything special to the table.

Edited September 24, 2016 by Gradivus.

[MCProductions]

I'd field Roy, Nohrrin, and Lyn because bias. I'd prolly field Ike, Marth, and Lucina as well because Smash Bros

[The Draco Knight]

Sigurd, Seliph, Ephraim and Corrin for being really good unit.

Leaf, Eliwood, Roy and Shadow Dragon!Marth because I like them a lot as characters

[Magical Glace]

Roy - If his promotion was actually reasonably timed, use. If not, get him to Level 20 for future Idoun wrecking in the first ten chapters, bench until promotion, then have him wreck more.

Eliwood - I use him whenever I play, regardless of Eliwood/Hector mode. Bias!

Lyn - LHM levels and Mani Katti are great so use.

Hector - Eh, I would bench him, but Linus FFO calls

Eirika - I MUST USE MY FAVORITE FE8 CHARACTER

Ephraim - He's too good to not use, his support with Eirika is quick, so.

Ike (FE9) - ...Because the Tellius games are stupid and force the him to be one of three who can even damage the final boss/force him to kill the final boss, the game doesn't give much choice in the matter...

Micaiah - She's my favorite Tellius character, so I'd use her either way.

Ike (FE10) - Screw this Gary Stu... but because the game forces him to kill Ashera, not much choice.

Marth (FE11) - Eeeeeeeeeeeeh... Yeah, let's have him warm the bench. There are far better units in this game and a trained Tiki can take Medeus.

Chrom - ...Yeah, he doesn't have enough skills available (Archer and Cav are pretty meh in the skills department). I'd use him early, but bench him as second sealing becomes common.

Robin - Shameless Mary Sue (s)he may be, they're too good to not use.

Edited September 24, 2016 by Glaceon Mage

[Michelaar]

Roy - If his promotion was actually reasonably timed, use. If not, get him to Level 20 for future Idoun wrecking in the first ten chapters, bench until promotion, then have him wreck more.

Eliwood - I use him whenever I play, regardless of Eliwood/Hector mode. Bias!

Lyn - LHM levels and Mani Katti are great so use.

Hector - Eh, I would bench him, but Linus FFO calls

Eirika - I MUST USE MY FAVORITE FE8 CHARACTER

Ephraim - He's too good to not use, his support with Eirika is quick, so.

Ike (FE9) - ...Because the Tellius games are stupid and force the him to be one of three who can even damage the final boss/force him to kill the final boss, the game doesn't give much choice in the matter...

Micaiah - She's my favorite Tellius character, so I'd use her either way.

Ike (FE10) - Screw this Gary Stu... but because the game forces him to kill Ashera, not much choice.

Marth (FE11) - Eeeeeeeeeeeeh... Yeah, let's have him warm the bench. There are far better units in this game and a trained Tiki can take Medeus.

Chrom - ...Yeah, he doesn't have enough skills available (Archer and Cav are pretty meh in the skills department). I'd use him early, but bench him as second sealing becomes common.

Robin - Shameless Mary Sue (s)he may be, they're to good to not use.

Robin is not forced though

Edited September 24, 2016 by Michelaar

[Magical Glace]

Robin is not forced though

Oh right.

[Shadow Mir]

Probably all of them except Sigurd (bland Gary Stu whom I also happen to despise), SD Marth (doesn't bring anything special to the table), and Roy (see SD Marth). Out of those, the only one I can think of a way to encourage me to field then if they weren't mandatory is Roy.

Edited September 24, 2016 by Levant Mir Celestia

[NinjaMonkey]

Ike and Chrom.

[EricaofRenais]

Ike and Hector are the two I would willingly have on my team every time because they end up being some of my best units.

[KMT4ever]

Roy: No. Rutger's faster and Dieck's stronger. Combined with cavaliers there's no room for Roy.

Eliwood: No. Same issue as his son. Too balanced when there are better specialists around.

Hector: Yes. Actually has defense and skill unlike other axe users, plus enormous Con when promoted.

Lyn: Yes. She's basically another myrmidon, which is one of my favorite classes. Short/Killer bows when promoted is cool too.

Eirika: Maybe. She's fast, but the cavaliers and Gerik kill things so much better. I do like her character though.

Ephraim: Hell yes. Strong character, lance infantry that's not slow as a rock, horse when promoted.

FE10 Ike: Yes. He's got enough speed to use his strength properly, plus Ragnell is OP.

FE11 Marth: Yes. Great growths, doesn't need a promotion item, high move for a foot unit, gets Falchion. Good character too.

Chrom: Yes. He's a decent unit, but Exalted Falchion makes him great.

Robin: Hell yes. Amazing unit in every respect.

Corrin: Yes. Good growths, great skills, a selectable alternate class.

[Rezzy]

Roy: Not after the Western Isles, and he's sitting at the level cap for half the game. If he got an earlier promotion, maybe.

Eliwood, Hector, and Lyn: Yeah, I'd probably use all of them, although I might bench them if they get RNG screwed

Eirika/Ephraim: I'd field Ephraim since he's usually OP and Eirika because I like her.

PoR Ike: I'd use him regardless

Micaiah, Elincia: I'd still field both and curse RD's army changing perspective and terrible availability issues. After part 1, Micaiah's availability is pretty terrible.

RD Ike: I might use him, but there's so many other OP units in his group that I might cycle him out for unit variety

Marth: If other units got his magic lockpick, I'd bench him

Chrom: I'd bench him once I got some kid units and he became overshadowed by literally everyone on my team

Corrin: I'd still field her, since she's usually my best unit

[Hezul]

Marth: I'd use him for sure in FE3 but I'd bench him in FE11/FE12. There are plenty of units in FE11 that are good for combat and Tiki can take care of Medeus. In FE12, Kris is pretty broken.

Sigurd/Seliph: Sigurd is OP for first generation and while Seliph does need some babying at the beginning, he turns into a very powerful unit.

Leif: If it wasn't for the support bonuses, I'd probably bench him.

Roy: I'd bench him after early-game.

Eliwood/Hector/Lyn: I'd use them because bias.

Eirika: Yes, but I'll bench her if she gets strength screwed.

Ephraim: He's too OP to bench

Ike: I'd bench him as soon as I can because I don't like him as a character.

Micaiah: Yes, because Mage Lord bias.

[Darrman]

3-Marth: Everyone is good with the power of star shards! Would sometimes use.

Sigurd: He's awesome, would use every time.

Celice: You can use everyone in 4, so... Were it traditional FE, I'd use him sometimes for the awesome after he promotes.

Leif: See ya in benchville, bud! Come back when you're in FE4 form.

Roy: Even with a sane promotion time, you're still riding the bench.

Eliwood: Bench!

Hector: You're cooler, you can get used.

Lyn: Meh. Indifferent.

Eirika: Come back when you actually have some strength.

Ephraim: You can join the team, you're pretty good.

Ike: He's good, on the team.

11-Marth: Oh, the star shards aren't a thing... Sorry, you're meeting the bench.

(Haven't played 10, 12. Not enough 1, 2, Fates to pass judgement. I've never played Awakening outside casual mode.)

[Fire Emblem Fan]

I'll also assume that if they were required to kill the boss or were one of only a few units that could damage the boss, that that is no longer the case. With that said...

FE4: I'd use both Sigurd and Seliph, yeah. Sigurd is an awesome unit, and Seliph is pretty good too. I like them both as characters, especially Sigurd!

FE6: I'd definitely use Roy. Aside from just liking him as a character, he gets my favorite sword in the entire series. I wish he promoted earlier, though.

FE7: Lyn? Yes. Eliwood? Yes. Hector? Also yes. Am I biased? Probably.

FE8: I would also use both Eirika and Ephraim, although Eirika might take a bit of a backseat, Ephraim is just that awesome of a unit!

FE9: Eh...I dunno. I mean, I like Ike well enough, but...he needs better character writing. But...I suppose I'd use him, sure.

FE10: I would likely bench both Ike and Micaiah. Ike's character is not written very well at all here and his little ending speech to Yune really bugs me, plus there's plenty of other overpowered units I can use, or make myself through heavy usage and bias! Micaiah is just too frail and weak. I'd just have Elincia as the head of my army!

FE11: I would use Marth, yes. Thief utility, with better durability!

FE12: Again, yes, I'd use Marth.

FE13: I'd probably bench Chrom in favor of Lucina, but I'd keep using Robin because he's just so good.

[Troykv]

I would still use Micaiah because she I love her (and has cool utilites with her Thani and Staves).

Probably I would bench Ike for a while if he maxed out his Class Level too soon xD

[Yedknowsall]

FE7: Eliwood and Hector are really good units IMO and would always be on my team. Lyn, I'd probably use her depending on her Strength.

FE8: Ephraim, yes. One of the most fun units in the game IMO, up their with Lute, Tana, and Gerik. Eirika, again, depends on her Strength. I don't have much luck with sword users in the GBA games. I mean, I like both of them, they're both beautiful as well, but you can't use a unit if they don't do damage.

FE9: Ike was godlike in my playthrough. One of the best Lords stat-wise, IMO.

FE10: Micaiah is one of the hottest girls in the series. I could never bench her. I really don't like Ike in this game. His speed is too low, and his character was so much better in PoR.

FE13: Chrom is a horrible unit, worst Lord of all FE games I've played. Benched. Are we counting Robin and Lucina? I'd use both of them. Both are rather hot, and rather OP.

FE14: As much as I hate Corrin as a character, she is so very useful with her Dragonstone, especially in Conquest. I'd use her. Take that away and she's spending some quality time with RD Ike.

[Luchi]

Only Sigurd and Hector. I'd bench everyone else.

[Topaz Light]

1. Marth: Yep. He's a pretty good swordfighter, and Rapiers are always nice. Plus, that half-Thief Utility is also pretty sweet.
2. Alm: Ehhh, probably? He's a pretty bland unit, but his stats are pretty good, so...

   Celica: Definitely. Swords, offensive magic, and healing magic, with pretty competent combat? That's some versatility that can't be passed up.

3. Marth: Haven't played the game yet!
4. Sigurd: Honestly, is there any reason not to field him, other than the self-imposed challenge of trying to beat as much of the maps as possible without him?

   Seliph: Haven't reached FE4 Gen 2 yet!

5. Leif: Haven't really played the game yet!
6. Roy: Ehhhh... sometimes, maybe. He's okay, I guess, and as before, Rapiers are nice. Really hit-or-miss with his growths, and his promotion time is obscenely late, besides. I'd probably still get him to level 20 so he could be at his best for endgame and getting the best ending, but for most of the game there's really nothing he can do that a good Myrmidon or Mercenary couldn't do better, so...
7. Lyn: She's basically a Myrmidon who gets Bows on promotion. I like Myrmidons, usually, so I'd probably end up using her.

   Eliwood: Pretty middle-of-the-road most of the time. I'd probably use him for story reasons, but he wouldn't be a VIP or anything.

   Hector: Absolutely, if only by virtue of the fact that he's got the most unique class out of all the Lords'. He's also been pretty reliable as a unit; a bit like a pretty balanced Knight, with Axes instead of Lances. Shame about that lack of movement bonus on promotion, though.

8. Eirika: In a similar vein to Lyn, she's also basically a Myrmidon, except she gets a horse instead of Bow access. I'd probably use her.

   Ephraim: My weakness for non-armored, on-foot lancers dictates that I'd use him, completely regardless of how good he is as a unit (although he is pretty solid).

9. Ike: Basically a Mercenary, and you can rarely go wrong with Mercenaries, so I'd probably use him.
10. Haven't played enough of this game to feel comfortable answering for it!
11. Marth: A bit less of a juggernaut than in FE1, due to a change in how doubling works, but I'd probably still use him. He's hardly bad, at least in my experience, and the boons of Rapier access and half-Thief Utility still apply, although the latter isn't quite as prominent now that the infinite Locktouch skill has replaced the finite-use Lockpick items.
12. Marth: See FE11 Marth.
13. Chrom: Well, sure. Pretty solid swordfighter with perfect availability, and an Iron Sword replica that has infinite uses, with a side of Wyvern-slaying properties on top of that. He's also got access to the Cavalier class line, so he can grab a horse, too. Also, like Marth, you can't go wrong with Rapier availability, especially not in a game with an upgraded form of the weapon.
14. Corrin: I'd field them mostly because I'm not gonna put time into customizing the appearance, stats, and secondary class option of a character only to not use them. They also get a bit of a lead on most of the other characters to pick up some early level ups and get a good head start, so they'll probably be pretty solid by the time the preparations menu would bring the possibility of benching them into the picture.

Edited September 26, 2016 by Topaz Light

[Knight Falchion]

I would definitely field Marth no matter what since the favoritism game is strong and he's actually quite good in 1 and 3. I'd also willingly field Alm, Celica, Sigurd, Seliph, Ephraim, and RD Ike. I might field Chrom since he's at the very least a decent support unit for Robin.

[Valkarian]

FE 2 Alm bcoz 5 range bows

FE 4 Sigurd because Sigurd is god on wheels. If you don't field Sigurd it was either a mistake or a self-imposed Challenge. Also props to Celice for basically becoming Sigurd 2.0 with the right inheritance.

FE 8 Eirika because she's hot and Ephraim because he is a bad ass and because wincest

FE 10 Ike bcoz he fights 4 his frends

FE 12 Marth bcoz lol growths and I guess you could count Chris since it's game over if he dies and he is a god

FE 13 Robin bcoz lol Robin

Edited September 27, 2016 by Valkarian

[Lord Tullus]

Sigurd, Roy, Marth, Michiah, and I guess Eliwood

[Kirie]

Honestly, I think the only time I wouldn't field a Lord is if they've level capped and can't promote yet. Lords are often pretty good characters, even the ones that get a lot of shit. I mean, Roy is pretty good early- to mid-game before he hits a promotion wall, and SD!Marth is useful for villages and chests even if everyone else is doing the fighting. Can't speak for FE3/FE5 since I haven't played those, though.

[whase]

Roy - Even without the late forced promotion, I'm not much of a fan. Swordmasters and mercenaries are far cooler swordusers. Now if he were to get the sword of seals earlier, had a proper promotion, and his sword wouldn't break, then I'd definetely field him.

Eliwood - I'm not a fan of sudden horse on promotion, but somehow it fits him. Give him acceptable stats and I'd probably field him occasionally.

Hector - He is awesome, I love fielding him. Promotion is a little late, but luckily not too late.

Lyn - speed based lord who gets to use bows beside swords? Yes please. Just why did they have to give her a sword that slows her down so much?

Eirika - Yeah, no. Just no.

Ephraim - Why, why did he have to get a horse on promotion? Finally a fast unmounted lance user and they give him a horse. Take away the horse and I'm sold. Otherwise nope. (Or until he promotes)

Ike - Ike fanboy present =3

Micaiah - A mage as a lord is awesome, sadly the Dawn Brigade chapters are no place for her defense stat.

Marth - Meh, don't care much for him, but he's okay I guess.

Chrom - Lance lord without mount FTW! Now if only he would get some good skill choices, and didn't have that clearly superior unbreakable falchion that steals the spotlight from those flimsy breakable lances =/