Secret Santa for Voltz! CYH: The Strength to Overcome

Hey, what's up everyone? Kima here, and Merry early Christmas, Happy Holidays, whatever the fuck you celebrate! It's soon to be Chistmas, and I'm the secret Santa for Voltz here who specifically requestes anything (but edits) regarding any male FE8 characters. It's been a while since I've touched on Sacred Stones since it's one of my more polarizing games, but I was excited to touch on some characters I never really addressed.

The characters that I selected are primarily the ones I found interesting and have no current iteration in FEH so far. Stats are calculated using average BST of the most recent units of their weapon and movement class, and stats around what I would expect based on their bases and growth rates in-game.

So, I hope y'all are ready for a sausage fest.

Saleh: Meditative Sage

Throwing aside material possessions, of calm disposition and protects the Great Dragon with all his being. Appears in Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones.

Summoning Quote

"My name is Saleh, protector of the Great Dragon, and a man of spirit. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Stats

Superboons: N/A

Superbanes: HP, Def

Now, normally he would be based solely on his stats from Sacred Stones, but that originally made him almost identical to his pupil, so I decided to change his stats to make him even more offensive at the tradeoff of defensive stats, with the exception of HP which was raised by 2 points. He also has a point higher in BST, to show how the teacher is still mightier and more knowledgeable than the student.

Skills

Weapon: Raourfox+

Mt: 12

If unit initiates combat, inflicts Atk/Spd/Def/Res-4 on foe during combat.

Since I decided to build him more offensively, giving him additional Player Phase potential just kinda made since to me. He's able to capitalize on his Spd, and make it harder for the enemy to survive.

Assist Skill: Draw Back

Unit moves one space away from target ally. Ally moves to a unit's previous space.

This conencides mainly with his B skill.

A Skill: Swift Sparrow 2

If unit initiates combat, grants Atk/Spd +4 during combat.

Once again, this mainly optimizes his offensive Player Phase potential.

B Skill: Atk/Spd Cooperation 3

If a movement Assist skill (like Reposition, Shove, Pivot, etc.) Is used by unit or targets unit, grants Atk/Spd +3 to unit and target ally or unit and targeting ally for one turn. If unit and ally are within two spaces of each other, grants Atk/Spd/Def/Res +3 to unit and ally during combat.

Time to impart in jolly cooperation! I wanted to try something new with the movement based Assist skills, so I wanted to see what would happen if I took Links to a different level, and this is what I got. It basically permits Saleh and his ally to get some visible buffs for stuff like AoEs and Bladetome stuff, but still use the invisible buffs to avoid stuff like Dull Ranged and Lulls a bit.

Status Screen Quotes

"Hm? Apologies, I was in the middle of meditation. Did you require my aid?"

"My duty is to protect the Great Dragon. Sometimes that means taking a greater length of precautions for her wellbeing."

"You seek knowledge? I would be happy to assist you. Ask whatever you wish, and I'll answer the best to my abilities."

"Ewan is a good student. He learns quickly for someone so young. I expect him to equate or perhaps sur me. That simply means my teachings must be stricter. A relaxed mind cannot grow ever stronger."

"Would you care to show me the library, or perhaps other documents? Anything regarding the mythology of Askr would certainly pique my interests."

Movement Quotes

"What shall I do?"

"As you wish."

"I will not disappoint."

Although he does not have a Special innate to him, I feel its only natural to give him some quotes.

Special Quotes

"The weak-minded cannot prevail."

"I'm afraid this is the end."

"Even I have people to protect."

"Still my mind..."

Defeat Quote

"I have much to learn..."

Level 40 Conversation

"I see... truly fascinating. I'm impressed by your diversity of tactics. Are you self-taught?

Even more impressive if I say so myself. And everyday you learn more and more.

With so much on the line, I can only imagine how quickly learned it all. Perhaps forcibly so.

I never cared for material goods much, and I live in a remote area in the mountains, so I have little to protect.

Perhaps that is why, I do not learn as much as I wish as quickly as I can. But as those words left my mouth, I know that's not the right way to think.

While knowledge is important, cherishing those close to you is another equally important endeavor... One I respect.

For that reason, if I must slow my quest for knowledge to help protect what is dear to you and I, I happily oblige."

Duessel: The Obsidian

One of the six generals of Grado, and close to Ephraim, training him from a young age. Known for his power and strong sense of honor. Appears in Fire Emblem: the Sacred Stones.

Summoning Quote

"I am Duessel, a general of Grado, although you may know me by the name "Obsidian". If your objective is to protect, then I shall aid."

Stats

Superboons: HP, Def

Superbanes: Atk, Spd

If theres one thing Duessel can do, its tank a hit, and dish it back out. Despite the BST of Cavs being largely lower than most movement types, it's still enough to make him work fairly well as a physical tank and/or powerhouse. Unfortunately, I could not really add more Res like I wanted to be more faithful to this physical stats. I suppose it's a tradeoff worth making.

Skills

Weapon: Great Halberd

Mt: 16

Grants Atk +3. Effective against Cavalry. If a bonus granted by a skill like Hone or Rally is active on unit, grants Atk/Def +6 during combat.

Normally, I would give him Garm, as that's a popular choice for him on Ephiram's route, but I couldn't think of a good rename and rewark of the weapon, so I figured a different weapon was in order. The name is and effective against Cavalry effect is based loosely on the GBA weapon with the same weapon and effect. The additional effect was influenced by Arthur's recent refine that provides a similar effect at base but for all stats. I figured the Spd and Res buff would be virtually useless, so I figured a more potent specific buff would be better suited for him.

Special: Bonfire

Boost damage by 50% of unit's Def.

Pretty standard stuff.

A Skill: Steady Stance 4

If foe initiates combat, grants Def +8 during combat, and inflicts Special cooldown charge -1 on foe per attack. (Only highest value applied. Does not stack.)

Finally, someone who's not Surtr to have this skill! For his bulk and weapon, I figured an enemy phase build would work better on him, thus this skill. His bulk will shoot through the roof, and enemies will have a harder time activating Specials.

B Skill: Quick Riposte 3

If foe initiates combat and unit's HP >= 70%, unit makes a guaranteed followup attack.

Enemy phase amazingness. Makes up for his shit Spd.

C Skill: Odd Def Wave 3

At the start of odd-numbered turns, grants unit and adjacent allies +6 Def for one turn. (Bonus granted to unit even if no allies are adjacent.)

Not only adds to his overall bulk, but adds an innate way to activate the Halberd's main effect.

Status Screen Quotes

"When we attacked Renais, I originally thought it was to protect Grado... oh how naïve I was then."

"When Ephraim was but a young boy, I trained him in the way of the lance. He has come a long way; a fine prince even."

"I do what I need to do to protect the people. I will not allow anyone to die for some self-righteous goal."

"Lyon... Emperor... why are you doing all this? What is your true goal that so many people get killed?"

"My axe shall serve you for as long as you need it. I know your heart to be in the right place."

Movement Quotes

"I will lend my strength."

"Your orders?"

"I'd be honored."

Special Quotes

"Your end has come."

"Coming through!"

"This injustice shall end!"

"This is what it means to lead."

Defeat Quote

"An embarrassing... defeat."

Level 40 Conversation

"Today's tasks are complete, and our mission a complete success. Wonderful job as always, Summoner.

You... want me to call you by name? An odd request, but I suppose I shall abide by it.

As a general, its expected of my station to show utmost respect for those above me, and while tough to my soldiers, lead with a steady and even hand.

That's why it feels odd to address you by name. I suppose you could call it old-fashioned, but I value not only a just cause, but honor as well.

Even though you lead us all, you see us as equals, something I find unusual. However, it's not unpleasant.

Perhaps, then, we may speak over a drink? *laugh* Don't worry, my treat, ____."

Colm: Chivalrous Thief

A thief who endured many hardships in his life. Stole only from the wealthy to ensure the survival of himself and his companion Neimi. Appears in Fire Emblem: the Sacred Stones.

Summoning Quote

"Well, hello there. Got some treasure? Just pulling your leg. The name's Colm. As long as you can provide the food and goods, my dagger is yours."

Stats

Superboon: Atk, Res

Superbanes: HP, Def, Res

While Colm starts with low Str, he has a pretty solid Str growth, and I focused on him become a glass cannon, with mediocre at best Def and poor Res, but excellent HP, Atk, and Spd. I originally intended to have more HP and less Atk to be more faithful, but I felt as though he needs the extra power to keep up with more modern daggers.

Skills

Weapon: Assassin's Blade+

Mt: 12

Effective against infantry. If unit initiates combat, grants Atk +6 during combat. After combat, if unit attacked, inflicts Def/Res -7 on target and foes within two spaces of target through their next actions.

This if for me, honestly. The Poison Dagger we deserve, but not the one we got. I originally intended to leave it at effective against infantry, but other inheritable daggers have additional effects, so I settled for something that any dagger unit could benefit from. If this ever makes it into the game, hopefully the poison dagger can refine into it.

Special: Silencer

Cooldown: 5

If unit initiates combat and can inflict at least 1 damage to foe, reduce foe's HP to 0. Otherwise, deal 0 damage.

I love using the Silencer and Lethality skills despite their low trigger rate. However, unlike other iterations, I made sure that two conditions must be met. In tandem with the longer cooldown, this makes sure that the special can't be spammed under normal conditions. And in stuff like Solos, you can't Vantage Silencer. Good for tanks, despite the cooldown issue.

A Skill: Atk/Spd Solo 3

If unit is not adjacent to any ally, grants Atk/Spd +6 during combat.

Standard stuff really.

C skill: Rouse Atk/Spd 3

At the start of turn, if unit is not adjacent to any ally, grants Atk/Spd +6 to unit for one turn.

A true soloist of culture I see. :relieved: sorry not sorry.

Status Screen Quotes

"I was dealt a pretty bad hand at the start, but I made due. Don't worry; I don't steal for the sake of stealing."

"Neimi is a bit whiny, and it gets on my nerves... but she's my close friend. I won't abandon her after all we've been through."

"I see you're stocked with royal treasure mind if I... sorry, old habits die hard."

"I'm not used to this luxury. Until now, survival was all that was on the brain. I wish Neimi could come here, put her mind at ease."

"Trying to spook me? Heh, it won't be that easy."

Movement Quotes

"Try me."

"I got it, already."

"Its a living, I guess."

Special Quotes

"A few coins couldn't hurt."

"Nothing personal."

"A fight for survival."

"Give it up already."

Defeat Quote

"I'm dying? Here...?"

Level 40 Conversation

"Its a bit of a relief being here. I don't have to worry about morality because I don't need to pick pockets.

Hell, I don't even have to worry about survival at all. You command everyone in way that prevents us from dying off. Much appreciated, by the way.

"But I don't really have a sense of purpose anymore. All I did was steal from rich folk to scrape by. Both Neimi and I, I mean.

Without her by my side and basic necessities met, it's hard to imagine what life to live now. My sense of morality is probably murky now too.

I have an idea: I technically don't have to work for my food and coin. So why not make it so I earn my living?

Yes, I essentially become a wandering mercenary, but I sense you have good judgment. You won't kill for the sake of killing or personal benefit.

You already have a sense of purpose, as do many Heroes. Pay me for in accordance with the work I do, and I'll have mine."

Seth: Beloved Retainer

Faithful retainer and advisor to Princess Eirika of Renais, putting his duty above all else. Despite his cold exterior, he acts with fortitude and fairness. Appears in Fire Emblem: the Sacred Stones.

Summoning Quote

"Good day to you. I am Seth, retainer to Princess Renais. Pray tell, can you escort me to Princess Eirika's side?"

Stats

Superboons: Atk, Spd, Res

Superbanes: HP, Def, Res

His original appearance sees him to be incredibly well rounded, with his only troubling stats being Luck and maybe shaky Res. Heroes originally took this too far by making too evened out. Using the additional BST of a gen 3 cav, and taking away a small amount of Res, he's able to maintain decent Spd and HP, but his Atk and Def get a huge boost in turn.

Skills

Weapon: Silver Greatspear

Mt: 16

Unit can counterattack regardless of foe's range. If foe initiates combat, grants Atk/Def +4 during combat, and inflicts Special cooldown charge -1 per attack on foe.

Seth is efficient in lances, so granted him a really nice spear like weapon that follows the norms of a javelin and spear in the normal series felt like something that should be done. Since no weapon out there grants just DC anymore, I just gave him Steady Stance and enemy phase only Guard to keep him afloat.

Special: Ignis

Cooldown: 4

Boosts damage by 80% of unit's Def.

Pretty standard. Only the beat for Seth.

A Skill: One With the Horse

If foe initiates combat, grants Atk/Spd/Def/Res +3 during combat, and grants Special cooldown charge +1 per attack.

When a rider becomes one with their horse, they are able to understand each other's thoughts and act accordingly. Being not only a strong warrior and trusted companion, I figured he would have a strong with his mount as well. (Plus a signature skill that's essentially Spectral Breath sounded awesome.)

B Skill: Quick Riposte 3

If unit's HP >= 70% and foe initiates combat, unit makes a guaranteed followup attack.

Great foe player phase and makes up for his mediocre at best Spd.

C Skill: Def/Res Oath

At the start of turn, if unit is adjacent to an ally, grants Def/Res +5 for one turn.

While his Res is not the best, he's a enemy phase tank unit through and through. Therefore, I thought anything that could bolster his defensive stats would give him a greater advantage. Between this, the Res superboon, and his signature skill, he's not dying to a mage that quickly.

Status Screen Quotes

"Its been a pleasure to work by your side."

"You probably know this of me, but I take my duties very seriously, even if that makes other positions... difficult to express."

"That vile Valter sees Eirika as nothing more than a plaything for his sadistic tendencies. Had I not a duty to fulfill, I would've killed him myself."

"I've been entrusted the secret of the Twins' bracelets by their late father. I had hoped they never learned it, but under those dire circumstances... how could I not?"

"The lance's reach on horseback is a bit difficult to maneuver, but provides an advantage a sword may not otherwise provide."

Movement Quotes

"I will protect everyone."

"At your command."

"You're safe with me."

Special Quotes

"I will lay down my life for Renais!"

"I will show you no mercy!"

"You'll not harm the Princess!"

"I shall not abandon my duty."

Defeat Quote

"Do not weep... for me..."

Level 40 Conversation

"You have gratitude for accepting my invitation. Please sit. I'll serve you the tea.

I see you have ensured the Prince's and Princess's protection in my stead. For this, you have my thanks.

From where I hail, I act as their retainer, although I'm specifically assigned to Princess Eirika.

After the fall of Renais, I took Eirika into my arms and fled the capital, willing her to stay out of harm's way.

However, she would have none of it, practically begging me to help her reclaim her home.

This would put her in danger, so of course I was reluctant, but I could not refuse my liege.

For her sake, and the sake of Renais, I grew ever stronger to protect them all, even if that meant becoming a bit disconnected.

But I see the value of bonds as well. After all, if I'm fighting for someone and a cause, what am I fighting for?

I wish to become closer with those cherish; you included. Perhaps then, I'll become strong enough to achieve peace and the goals of Eirika.

Um... Princess Eirika. Even if I was permitted to speak her name without a title, I'm not sure I'm ready for it.

A journey of a thousand steps starts with a single one, I suppose. I hope you will aid me on that journey, ____."

It was a lot fun going down memory lane with these characters, and I'm glad to learn more about them (or relearn in some cases) who they are and why they are. I'm still sure there are improvements to be made with my CYH making, but I feel good about them.

I hope you like it Voltz! #SethAltForFEH