Forde (Japanese:フォルデForde) is a knight who appears inFire Emblem: The Sacred Stones. He is acavalier in theRenais army, accompanyingEphraim in his war campaign againstGrado. He isFranz's older brother and a good friend ofKyle.

Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

Role

Forde first appears in Chapter 5x, in which he,Kyle, andOrson help PrinceEphraim take Fort Renvall, a heavily guarded Grado fort. Despite their small numbers, the four manage to take the fort. However, they are forced to escape when GeneralValter of Grado arrives at the fort. They attempt to escape to the east.

Their escape being successful, they appear in Chapter 8 soon after Eirika arrives at Renvall. Sometime between Ephraim's capture of Renvall and escape from Valter, Orson betrays Renais. Forde, Kyle, and Ephraim originally attempt to strike a blow at Emperor Vigarde himself but circle back and arrive to help Eirika in her assault on Renvall. Afterwards, Forde goes with either Eirika or Ephraim after they decide to split up. He serves the army loyally to the end.

Starting stats and growth rates

Cavalier Level 6 Affinity

Recruitment:Chapter 5x, automatically from the start Reappears inchapter 8, automatically from turn 2 StatsGrowth Rates Max HP 24 Luck 7 Strength 7 Defense 8 Skill 8 Resistance 2 Speed 8 Constitution 9 Movement 7 Aid 16 Max HP 85% Luck 35% Strength 40% Defense 20% Skill 50% Resistance 25% Speed 45% {{{content3}}} {{{content4}}} {{{content5}}} {{{content6}}} {{{content7}}} {{{content8}}} {{{content9}}} {{{content10}}} {{{content11}}} {{{content12}}} {{{content13}}} {{{content14}}} {{{content15}}} Inventory Steel Sword Javelin Vulnerary Weapon Levels D C -- -- -- -- -- --

Promotion stat gains

Class	HP	Str	Skill	Spd	Lck	Def	Res	Con	Mov	Weapon level
Paladin	+2	+1	+1	+1	+0	+2	+1	+2	+1	+30
Great Knight	+3	+2	+1	+2	+0	+2	+1	+4	−1	D

Analysis

Forde first becomes available in Chapter 5x with decent bases in all areas. He is durable enough to survive two hits from all enemies in his joining chapter, and while he cannot double all of them, he can still contribute offensively as well. Being aCavalier benefits him greatly; it is among the best unpromoted classes inThe Sacred Stones, thanks to its high movement, rescue-dropping utility,Canto, weapon triangle control, and ability to useJavelins. Forde has a base C rank in lances and a D rank in swords, allowing him to use the aforementioned Javelins from the start and fight enemies at 1-2 range.

Forde's main problems stem from his competition. While his bases and growths are decent, neither are amazing, and he will often be unable to meet one-round thresholds against enemies. The other cavalier available in Chapter 5x,Kyle, has superior strength and defenses, allowing him to deal more damage and take less damage. At first, the difference is marginal, but the gap will increase over time. Furthermore, while Forde initially has a minor speed advantage over Kyle, both will eventually reach doubling thresholds if used for a few chapters, negating Forde's superiority. Forde's speed is also inconsistent: switching to a more powerful but heavier weapon can cause him to fail to double. Kyle is not even Forde's only competition;Franz, who joins earlier, has much more time to gain levels, and his stats will almost certainly be better than Forde's when they are both available.Knight Crests are a limited resource, and it may be difficult to justify promoting Forde over the other choices. He is not a bad unit by any means, but he struggles to stand out.

Forde's best promotion choice is definitelyPaladin. WhileGreat Knight's statistical bonuses are better, and he receives an additional weapon type in axes, the class decreases Forde's movement. Paladin grants an additional point of movement instead, which translates to higher utility throughout the game. Even if Forde is promoted to Great Knight to make his stats better than his competitors', it will also make his movement around the map much slower, preventing him from taking advantage of these stats.

Fire Emblem Heroes

Role

One version of Forde is currently present inFire Emblem Heroes. The normal variation of Forde was added on July 16, 2024.

Forde: Unfettered Knight

Starting stats

Forde: Unfettered Knight is only available at 5★ rarity.

Rarity ★★★★★ Weapon type Movement type

Initial StatsLevel 40 Stats Maximum HP 17/18/19 Attack 11/12/13 Speed 14/15/16 Defense 3/4/5 Resistance 2/3/4 Maximum HP 36/40/43 Attack 41/45/48 Speed 42/45/49 Defense 33/37/40 Resistance 15/18/21 {{{content3}}} {{{content4}}} {{{content5}}} {{{content6}}} {{{content7}}} {{{content8}}} {{{content9}}} {{{content10}}} {{{content11}}} {{{content12}}} {{{content13}}} {{{content14}}} {{{content15}}}

Skills Wild Wind Sword -- New Moon

Skill set

Skill set
Skill		Unlock	Auto-unlock	SP cost
	Iron Sword	★★★★★	★★★★★	50
	Steel Sword	★★★★★	★★★★★	100
	Silver Sword	★★★★★	★★★★★	200
	Wild Wind Sword	★★★★★	★★★★★	400
	New Moon	★★★★★	★★★★★	100
	Luna	★★★★★	—	200
A	Spd/Def Bond 1	★★★★★	—	60
A	Spd/Def Bond 2	★★★★★	—	120
A	Spd/Def Bond 3	★★★★★	—	240
A	Spd/Def Unity	★★★★★	—	300
B	S/D Near Trace 1	★★★★★	—	60
B	S/D Near Trace 2	★★★★★	—	120
B	S/D Near Trace 3	★★★★★	—	240
B	S/D Near Trace 4	★★★★★	—	300

Personality

Forde is a easygoing knight, enjoying days even on the battlefield. He is quite artistic, painting even while in a battle. Unfortunately, he is lazy and sometimes even sleeps while he should be fighting^[1]. However, it often seems that Forde is very understanding of those around him. According to Franz, he often jokes around to cheer up the other soldiers, he is an extremely skilled fighter, and he paints to better understand geography. In response to these statements, Forde denies them.^[2] He has quite a keen sense of people's emotions and motivations, such as when he is easily able to tell that Vanessa has a crush onInnes.^[3]

Forde is the older brother ofFranz and a longtime friend ofKyle. He and Franz's parents have been dead for years. His father often traveled, and his mother, according to Kyle, was very kind. She paid more attention to Forde for his paintings than his fighting skill.^[4] His father was a legendary Renais knight who was killed by an infamous assassin ten years before theWar of the Stones, placing his death in theyear 793. After they died, Forde took care of Franz.

Forde and Kyle have been friends since they were children. In his youth, Forde won a swordfighting tournament, in which Kyle took second place; this shows his fighting skill.^[5] He and Kyle both are loyal Renais soldiers. As well as friends, they are rivals, and despite their close bond, Kyle often scolds Forde for his non-serious attitude toward fighting and war.

Supports

Main article:Forde/Supports

Forde Cavalier Kyle Cavalier Initial: 30 Per turn:+3 Ephraim Lord Initial: 20 Per turn:+3 Eirika Lord Initial: 20 Per turn:+2 [[{{{support7}}}]] [[]] [[File:Is gba {{{affin7}}}affin.png|link={{{affin7}}} (affinity)]] Initial: {{{initialpoints7}}} Per turn:+ [[{{{support9}}}]] [[]] [[File:Is gba {{{affin9}}}affin.png|link={{{affin9}}} (affinity)]] Initial: {{{initialpoints9}}} Per turn:+ Vanessa Pegasus Knight Initial: 5 Per turn:+2 Franz Cavalier Initial: 25 Per turn:+3 [[{{{support6}}}]] [[]] [[File:Is gba {{{affin6}}}affin.png|link={{{affin6}}} (affinity)]] Initial: {{{initialpoints6}}} Per turn:+ [[{{{support8}}}]] [[]] [[File:Is gba {{{affin8}}}affin.png|link={{{affin8}}} (affinity)]] Initial: {{{initialpoints8}}} Per turn:+ [[{{{support10}}}]] [[]] [[File:Is gba {{{affin10}}}affin.png|link={{{affin10}}} (affinity)]] Initial: {{{initialpoints10}}} Per turn:+

Endings

Forde, the Wild Knight
Upon Forde's return to Renais, his secret hobby of painting was discovered. He was commissioned as a court artist. His work grew popular, and his days became so busy that he often regretted his career change.

Eirika and Forde
After the war, Eirika and Forde returned to Renais. Eirika spent her days toiling in the reconstruction of Renais, and he was her faithful supporter. His portrait of Eirika captured the smile he had thought lost forever.

Forde and Vanessa
Forde's love for Vanessa grew after the war, and although she loved him as well, she placed her duty to Frelia first. Undeterred, Forde moved to Frelia himself. Over time, the two were wed.

Kyle and Forde
Sometimes, the greatest friends also differ greatly in personality. When Kyle and Forde returned home, they were celebrated in song and story. They lived their days in happiness, as dearest friends and toughest rivals.

Quotes

Battle quotes

Defeat quotes

Heroes quotes

Main article:Forde/Quotes (Heroes)

Other appearances

Fire Emblem Cipher

Forde is featured on two cards inFire Emblem Cipher.

Fire Emblem Cipher data for Forde
	Lax Red Paladin, Forde
		"Everyone needs a little space to think, even on the battlefield."
		Attack: 60	Support: 10	Range: 1	Deploy Cost: 3
		Class: Paladin		Tier:Advanced	Class Change Cost: 2
		Easygoing Influencer:[Trigger] If this unit is in the Front Line, non-lord enemies in the Back Line cannot inflict critical hits. Gallant Prince's Twin Knights:[Always] If you have an allied "Ephraim" or "Kyle", this unit gains +10 attack.
	Card #B11-025HN • Artist:Cherokee
	Wild Knight, Forde
		"It's moments like these that keep me by your side, my prince."
		Attack: 40	Support: 10	Range: 1	Deploy Cost: 1
		Class: Cavalier		Tier:Base	Class Change Cost: --
		Renais's Green and Red:[Always] While this unit is being supported by "Kyle", this unit gains +30 attack. Attack Emblem:[Support] Until the end of this battle, your attacking unit gains +20 attack.
	Card #B11-026N • Artist:Cherokee
Some card information translation provided by Serenes Forest. For more detailed strategic information on these cards, seetheir TCG wiki article on Forde .

Flavor text

Meet some of the Heroes entries

Forde: Unfettered Knight
This is Forde, a Hero from the continent of Magvel! He’s a retainer to Ephraim, prince of Renais, and one of the kingdom’s cavaliers.	Optimistic and carefree, Forde has a natural artistic talent, and you’ll often find him painting on the battlefield, or maybe even taking naps.	One of Forde’s tightest bonds is with his long-suffering friend Kyle. The two appreciate each other’s strengths, though Kyle sometimes has some stern words for his comrade in arms.	Renais was a peaceful kingdom until the Grado Empire suddenly invaded. And so, Forde took to the battlefield, following his lord, Ephraim!
Closely Associated Characters
Ephraim Kyle {{{Related_name3}}} {{{Related_name4}}} {{{Related_name5}}} Prince of Renais. Eirika’s twin. Cares deeply for his sister. His confidence has sometimes put him in danger. Forde’s lord. A knight of Renais who serves Ephraim directly. He is eager and known for his sternness. Forde’s friend and comrade. {{{Related_blurb3}}} {{{Related_blurb4}}} {{{Related_blurb5}}}

Choose Your Legends placement history

Round	Placement	Character	Votes

CYL 1 (2017)

334

Forde The Sacred Stones

563

CYL 2 (2018)

485 (+151)

Forde The Sacred Stones

260 (−303)

CYL 3 (2019)

448 (−3)

Forde The Sacred Stones

303 (+43)

CYL 4 (2020)

440 (−30)

Forde The Sacred Stones

258 (−45)

CYL 5 (2021)

374 (−66)

Forde The Sacred Stones

211 (−47)

CYL 6 (2022)

320 (−56)

Forde The Sacred Stones

277 (+66)

CYL 7 (2023)

306 (−14)

Forde The Sacred Stones

191 (−86)

CYL 8 (2024)

308 (+2)

Forde The Sacred Stones

195 (+4)

CYL 9 (2025)

582 (+274)

Forde The Sacred Stones

57 (−138)

Total results		This character has 9 entries across all Choose Your Legends polls.	2,315

Trivia

• By the time Forde is usable, all of the characters he can support with have been recruited. However, for most of his time he cannot support with Eirika or Ephraim, depending on which route the player chooses.

Etymology and other languages

Gallery

Sprite Gallery
Cavalier Paladin Great Knight Sword Lance Lance Sword Sword Lance Basic axe Ranged axe

Official artwork

• 

  Artwork of Forde fromThe Sacred Stones.

Battle animations

• 

  Forde attacking with asword as aCavalier inThe Sacred Stones.

• 

  Forde performing acritical hit with a sword as a Cavalier inThe Sacred Stones.

• 

  Forde attacking with alance as a Cavalier inThe Sacred Stones.

• 

  Forde performing a critical hit with a lance as a Cavalier inThe Sacred Stones.

• 

  Forde attacking with a sword as aPaladin inThe Sacred Stones.

• 

  Forde performing a critical hit with a sword as a Paladin inThe Sacred Stones.

• 

  Forde attacking with a lance as a Paladin inThe Sacred Stones.

• 

  Forde performing a critical hit with a lance as a Paladin inThe Sacred Stones.

• 

  Forde attacking with a sword as aGreat Knight inThe Sacred Stones.

• 

  Forde performing a critical hit with a sword as a Great Knight inThe Sacred Stones.

• 

  Forde attacking with a lance as a Great Knight inThe Sacred Stones.

• 

  Forde performing a critical hit with a lance as a Great Knight inThe Sacred Stones.

• 

  Forde attacking with anaxe as a Great Knight inThe Sacred Stones.

• 

  Forde performing a critical hit with an axe as a Great Knight inThe Sacred Stones.

CG images

• 

  CG image ofSeth, Forde,Kyle, andFranz inThe Sacred Stones.

Portraits

• 

  Portrait of Forde fromThe Sacred Stones prototype.

Heroes artwork

Character artwork

• 

  Artwork of Forde: Unfettered Knight.

• 

  Artwork of Forde: Unfettered Knight.

• 

  Artwork of Forde: Unfettered Knight.

• 

  Artwork of Forde: Unfettered Knight.

Meet some of the Heroes artwork

• 

  Artwork of Forde: Unfettered Knight.

• 

  Artwork of Forde: Unfettered Knight.

• 

  Artwork of Forde: Unfettered Knight.

• 

  Artwork of Forde: Unfettered Knight.

• 

  Forde in artwork ofKyle: Zealous Knight.

Cipher artwork

• 

  Artwork of Forde.

• 

  Artwork of Forde.

• 

  Forde in artwork ofCain.

References

This article is part ofProject Characters, a project focused on writing articles for every character present in theFire Emblem series.