Ricken (Japanese:リヒトLicht) is a youngmage ofYlisse and a member ofThe Shepherds.

Fire Emblem Awakening

Role

Ricken first appears at the end ofChapter 4. Upon hearing aboutMaribelle's capture, he packs his things and goes to joinChrom. However, Chrom tells Ricken to remain behind and protect the garrison. Ricken instead sneaks out of the castle and joins with the group at the border between Ylisse andPlegia, saving Maribelle from her captor withElwind, and joins the Shepherds forthe chapter's battle and the rest of the game.

Starting stats and growth rates

Mage Level 3 Movement 5

Recruitment:Chapter 5, automatically from turn 1 StatsGrowth RatesCap Modifiers Max HP 20 Speed 5 Strength 3 Luck 10 Magic 8+2 Defense 6 Skill 6 Resistance 3 Max HP 85% Speed 50% Strength 20% Luck 65% Magic 55% Defense 35% Skill 50% Resistance 35% Speed ±0 Strength −1 Luck +1 Magic +2 Defense −1 Skill ±0 Resistance ±0 {{{content4}}} {{{content5}}} {{{content6}}} {{{content7}}} {{{content8}}} {{{content9}}} {{{content10}}} {{{content11}}} {{{content12}}} {{{content13}}} {{{content14}}} {{{content15}}} Inventory Skills Elwind Magic +2 Weapon Levels -- -- -- -- D --

Reclassing options

Ricken Base classes:* Mage Sage Dark Knight Reclass options: Cavalier Paladin Great Knight Archer Sniper Bow Knight

Growth rates when reclassed

Promotion stat gains

MageCavalierArcher

Class	HP	Str	Mag	Skill	Spd	Lck	Def	Res	Mov	Weapon level
Sage	+4	+1	+3	+2	+3	+0	+2	+2	+1	E
Dark Knight	+9	+4	+1	+3	+1	+0	+7	+2	+3	E

Class	HP	Str	Mag	Skill	Spd	Lck	Def	Res	Mov	Weapon level
Paladin	+7	+3	+1	+2	+2	+0	+3	+6	+1	--
Great Knight	+8	+5	+0	+1	−1	+0	+7	+1	+0	E

Class	HP	Str	Mag	Skill	Spd	Lck	Def	Res	Mov	Weapon level
Sniper	+4	+2	+1	+4	+3	+0	+5	+3	+1	--
Bow Knight	+8	+3	+0	+2	+4	+0	+1	+2	+3	E

{{{content4}}}

{{{content5}}}

{{{content6}}}

{{{content7}}}

{{{content8}}}

{{{content9}}}

{{{content10}}}

{{{content11}}}

{{{content12}}}

{{{content13}}}

{{{content14}}}

{{{content15}}}

Skill set

Skill set
Skill		Learned at
	Magic +2	Mage, level 1
	Focus	Mage, level 10
	Rally Magic	Sage, level 5
	Tomefaire	Sage, level 15
	Slow Burn	Dark Knight, level 5
	Lifetaker	Dark Knight, level 15
	Discipline	Cavalier, level 1
	Outdoor Fighter	Cavalier, level 10
	Luna	Great Knight, level 5
	Dual Guard+	Great Knight, level 15
	Defender	Paladin, level 5
	Aegis	Paladin, level 15
	Skill +2	Archer, level 1
	Prescience	Archer, level 10
	Hit Rate +20	Sniper, level 5
	Bowfaire	Sniper, level 15
	Rally Skill	Bow Knight, level 5
	Bowbreaker	Bow Knight, level 15
The above skill list does not include skills obtained exclusively viaDLC.

Analysis

Ricken is a level 1Mage starting inChapter 5. His biggest issue is his somewhat low bases, and measly speed of 5, preventing him from doubling enemies for quite some time. He also has relatively low bulk, making him very susceptible to dying, especially since he andMaribelle starts a decent amount of distance from Chrom's party. Ricken's only good trait is immediate access to tomes that can hit from a distance, allowing him to avoid counterattacks and more safely gain exp. Furthermore, theElwind tome he starts with allows him to make quick work of the manyWyvern Riders in the map. Ricken's only starting skill isMagic +2, giving some more damage to work with. At level 10, he gainsFocus for some additional crit against foes who cannot counterattack, which means he'll be able to activate it against many enemies.

Ricken's two promotion options areSage andDark Knight. Sage has the more obvious benefits of being more magically inclined with the three additional points of magic over Dark Knight's one, and gaining staves to heal other units and gain exp that way. However, it doesn't fix his bulk problems, although he gains more speed than Dark Knight. Skillwise,Rally Magic is good to give him a slight support niche, andTomefaire is incredibly useful for adding additional damage with tomes. Dark Knight's main advantage is movement, having eight over Sage's six. It also improves his bulk much more than Sage. At first glance, swords are not a very good weapon type since tomes will generally be a better weapon for him, especially considering his poorer strength-based combat, but both of his reclass options are physical, and several of his other available promoted classes use swords, which can make it worthwhile to build his rank to better utilize those classes and gain skills from them.Slow Burn is an okay skill for gradually gaining additional hit.Lifetaker is a pretty good skill that allows him to heal damage from killing foes, which lets a healer heal someone else. As something else that should be mentioned, Sage is Ricken's best class if the player isn't aiming to invest in him too much, and still want him to contribute well enough.

On lower difficulties, Ricken can make for a surprisingly goodCavalier if given a good amount of investment. While his damage output can be a bit weak at first, he'll build both his lance and sword rank relatively quickly with gainingDiscipline immediately after reclassing. The process of training him will also be easier if giving some might-forged bronze weapons, or strength-based characters in pair up. His stat gains reclassing are also nothing to scoff at, having his physical bulk and strength increased by quite a lot, as well as gaining more skill and speed. As mentioned before, Discipline allows Ricken to build his weapon ranks faster, which is useful for any character.Outdoor Fighter gives +10 hit and avoid in outdoor maps, which has its niche uses.Paladin is more balanced in stat gains compared toGreat Knight, as well as having overall superior stats and growths to Dark Knight, which is worth mentioning if aiming for Ricken to solely be a physical combat unit.Defender is a great skill with gaining +1 to all non-movement and HP stats while pairing up.Aegis gives Ricken the ability to suffer half of the normal damage he would sustain in combat with certain weapons. Even though Ricken's skill growth is pretty good, Aegis can still be an unreliable skill that may best be skipped while grinding out his skillset. Great Knight fully focuses on physical bulk and strength compared to Paladin, with the biggest advantage being access to axes in addition to his base swords and lances for complete control over the weapon triangle. Great Knight is also statistically similar to Dark Knight, but with less resistance and movement.Luna is another proc skill that halves a foe's defense/resistance for one strike, allowing for more damage. However, it has the same potential procing issues as Aegis.Dual Guard+ gives +10% to the chance for his Ricken's sheltered partner or himself backing up the other to activate a dual guard, which can be good considering dual guard chances aren't particularly high.

Ricken's second reclass tree isArcher, which does offer similar safe combat like Mage with access to bows, and compared to Cavalier statistically, Archer only has three additional points of skill over Cavalier's better bulk, slightly higher strength, and movement.Skill +2 andPrescience are alright skills to use while he gains other ones.Sniper's main draw overBow Knight is generally better bulk, as well as more skill andLongbow/Towering Bow access. However, despite its bulkiness, it has inferior bulk to Dark Knight, Paladin, and Great Knight, although it has higher amounts of speed and skill in exchange.Hit Rate +20 is the best of the Archer tree's accuracy skills by adding an always active boost to hit on both phases.Bowfaire is another great damage stacking skill, but will require Ricken to be in the Archer tree to utilize. Bow Knight has movement as its advantage over Sniper, as well as slightly higher strength and speed, and sword access to be able to manipulate the weapon triangle. Bow Knight's increased strength growth compared to Sniper is another point worth considering since Ricken's strength growth is more average. Compared to his other promoted mounted classes and Sniper, it has the worst bulk, but has the highest amount of speed, and still has a good amount of strength and skill.Rally Skill furthers Ricken's ability to support other units, andBowbreaker is yet another amazing skill by giving +50 hit and avoid when fighting bows.

Fire Emblem Heroes

Role

Ricken is one of the characters added to the game in thePrincess and Prince update, and became available for summoning by players on October 17, 2022. Only one variation of Ricken is currently available inHeroes, based on hisAwakening incarnation.

Ricken: Shepherd Novice

Starting stats

★★★★★★★★★★★★

Rarity ★★★ Weapon type Movement type

Initial StatsLevel 40 Stats Maximum HP 14/15/16 Attack 11/12/13 Speed 7/8/9 Defense 3/4/5 Resistance 6/7/8 Maximum HP 33/36/39 Attack 36/39/42 Speed 32/35/38 Defense 18/21/24 Resistance 23/26/29 {{{content3}}} {{{content4}}} {{{content5}}} {{{content6}}} {{{content7}}} {{{content8}}} {{{content9}}} {{{content10}}} {{{content11}}} {{{content12}}} {{{content13}}} {{{content14}}} {{{content15}}}

Skills Elwind -- --

Rarity ★★★★ Weapon type Movement type

Initial StatsLevel 40 Stats Maximum HP 14/15/16 Attack 12/13/14 Speed 8/9/10 Defense 3/4/5 Resistance 6/7/8 Maximum HP 34/37/40 Attack 38/41/45 Speed 34/37/41 Defense 19/22/25 Resistance 24/27/30 {{{content3}}} {{{content4}}} {{{content5}}} {{{content6}}} {{{content7}}} {{{content8}}} {{{content9}}} {{{content10}}} {{{content11}}} {{{content12}}} {{{content13}}} {{{content14}}} {{{content15}}}

Skills Gronnrabbit -- New Moon

Rarity ★★★★★ Weapon type Movement type

Initial StatsLevel 40 Stats Maximum HP 15/16/17 Attack 12/13/14 Speed 8/9/10 Defense 4/5/6 Resistance 7/8/9 Maximum HP 37/40/43 Attack 40/43/47 Speed 36/39/43 Defense 21/24/28 Resistance 26/30/33 {{{content3}}} {{{content4}}} {{{content5}}} {{{content6}}} {{{content7}}} {{{content8}}} {{{content9}}} {{{content10}}} {{{content11}}} {{{content12}}} {{{content13}}} {{{content14}}} {{{content15}}}

Skills Gronnrabbit+ -- New Moon

{{{content4}}}

{{{content5}}}

{{{content6}}}

{{{content7}}}

{{{content8}}}

{{{content9}}}

{{{content10}}}

{{{content11}}}

{{{content12}}}

{{{content13}}}

{{{content14}}}

{{{content15}}}

Skill set

Skill set
Skill		Unlock	Auto-unlock	SP cost
	Wind	★★★	★★★	50
	Elwind	★★★	★★★	100
	Gronnrabbit	★★★	★★★★	200
	Gronnrabbit+	★★★★★	★★★★★	300
	New Moon	★★★	★★★★	100
	Luna	★★★★	—	200
A	Atk/Spd Form 1	★★★	—	60
A	Atk/Spd Form 2	★★★★	—	120
A	Atk/Spd Form 3	★★★★★	—	240
C	Spur Spd 1	★★★	—	50
C	Spur Atk/Spd 1	★★★	—	120
C	Spur Atk/Spd 2	★★★★	—	240

Personality

Ricken is very sensitive about his height, always complaining when people treat him as a kid. As such, he does his best to train to get taller, even trying to make potions that improve his height,^[1] but also focuses on improving his skills, such as cooking and medicine. Ricken comes from a respected noble home, but it and his family name has lately fallen into serious disrepair, and he joins the Shepherds in order to help bring back respect.^[2][3] Ricken is also fond of animals and stories. Ricken also likes learning new skills, pestering Tharja to teach him how to cast hexes and curses.

Supports

Main article:Ricken/Supports

Endings

Ricken, Upcoming Mage (single ending)
While continuing to study magic, Ricken realized how childish some of his actions had been. The sting of that revelation caused him to redouble his efforts, and soon he was a mage of the highest order.

Ricken, Upcoming Mage & Robin, High Deliverer
Many wrote of Robin's legendary exploits, but accounts of her origins and character varied. Scholars, poets, and bards agreed on one thing alone—she loved her husband, Ricken, above all else.

Ricken, Upcoming Mage & Lissa, Sprightly Cleric
While continuing to study magic, Ricken realized how childish some of his actions had been. He and Lissa learned from these mistakes and grew old and wise together.

Ricken, Upcoming Mage & Sully, Crimson Knight
While continuing to study magic, Ricken realized how childish some of his actions had been. Sully made for a strict, but fair, companion, and the couple thrived together.

Ricken, Upcoming Mage & Miriel, Rapier Intellect
While continuing to study magic, Ricken realized how childish some of his actions had been. Miriel's intellect inspired him greatly, and together they unlocked the secrets of the universe.

Ricken, Upcoming Mage & Maribelle, Dire Damsel
While continuing to study magic, Ricken realized how childish some of his actions had been. Maribelle went on to be a magistrate, and the couple leaned on each other for the rest of their days.

Ricken, Upcoming Mage & Panne, Proud Taguel
While continuing to study magic, Ricken realized how childish some of his actions had been. Panne took him to the wilds, reminding him he was a small part of a greater plan.

Ricken, Upcoming Mage & Cordelia, Knight Paragon
While continuing to study magic, Ricken realized how childish some of his actions had been. Cordelia herself advanced as a knight, and the couple lived for many long years.

Ricken, Upcoming Mage & Nowi, Eternal Youth
While continuing to study magic, Ricken realized how childish some of his actions had been. Behind closed doors, people whispered as to how he aged while his wife, Nowi, never did.

Ricken, Upcoming Mage & Tharja, Grim Stalker
While continuing to study magic, Ricken realized how childish some of his actions had been. Tharja stayed with him and perfected her hexes, and the couple's magical talents soared.

Ricken, Upcoming Mage & Olivia, Shrinking Violet
While continuing to study magic, Ricken realized how childish some of his actions had been. Thanks to Olivia's dances, however, the years hence were full of joy and laughter.

Ricken, Upcoming Mage & Cherche, Wyvern Friend
While continuing to study magic, Ricken realized how childish some of his actions had been. But Cherche's caring and patience saw him through to the end.

Quotes

Main articles:Ricken/Quotes (Awakening) andRicken/Quotes (Heroes)

Other appearances

Fire Emblem Cipher

Ricken is featured on three cards inFire Emblem Cipher.

Fire Emblem Cipher data for Ricken
	Childish Mage, Ricken
		"Captain, I'm coming along too!"
		Attack: 30	Support: 20	Range: 1-2	Deploy Cost: 1
		Class: Mage		Tier:Base	Class Change Cost: --
		Elwind:[Activate][Once per turn] [] Until the end of this turn, this unit gains "Anti-Fliers". (Anti-Fliers:[Always] While this unit is attacking a, this unit gains +30 attack.) Magic Emblem:[Support] Draw 1 card. Choose 1 card in your hand and send it to the Retreat Area.
	Card #S02-005ST • Artist:Marue
	Loyal Young Sage, Ricken
		"So this war is about more than saving the world, at least for me. It's about restoring my family name."
		Attack: 50	Support: 20	Range: 1-2	Deploy Cost: 3
		Class: Sage		Tier:Advanced	Class Change Cost: 2
		Determination to Grow Up:[Trigger][Once per turn] [] When another ally class changes, if you pay the cost, draw 1 card. Little Wind Mage:[Always] While this unit is battling a enemy, this unit gains +20 attack.
	Card #B08-021HN • Artist:Marue
	Adulthood-Aspiring Mage, Ricken
		"I'm tired of being dead weight. I need to grow up in a hurry!"
		Attack: 30	Support: 20	Range: 1-2	Deploy Cost: 1
		Class: Mage		Tier:Base	Class Change Cost: --
		"Don't treat me like a child!":[Always] During your turn, while you have no other allies with a Deployment Cost of 2 or less, this unit gains +20 attack. Magic Emblem:[Support] Draw 1 card. Choose 1 card in your hand and send it to the Retreat Area.
	Card #B08-022N • Artist:Marue
Some card information translation provided by Serenes Forest. For more detailed strategic information on these cards, seetheir TCG wiki article on Ricken .

Flavor text

Meet some of the Heroes entries

Ricken: Shepherd Novice
Ricken is a mage with the Shepherds, the group of volunteers led by Chrom who protect the peace in Ylisse! He looks up to Chrom like an older brother, but hates being treated like a kid.	In fact, Ricken is serious about proving how grown-up he really is. When his fellow Shepherd Maribelle was captured by the Plegian army, he snuck out alone to rescue her by himself!	From what I hear, Ricken also cares a lot about his family. He writes letters back to his parents and is very careful about how he describes his battles, so that they don't get too worried about him.	Ricken dreams of being Chrom's right-hand man one day, standing shoulder to shoulder with his idol. Seeing how hard he works, I'm sure his wishes will come true!
Closely Associated Characters
Chrom Maribelle {{{Related_name3}}} {{{Related_name4}}} {{{Related_name5}}} A prince of Ylisse and descendant of the Hero-King. Leads the Shepherds. Ricken sees him as a big-brother figure. A proud noble from one of Ylisse's most well-to-do houses. A Shepherd and Lissa's best friend. When she was captured by the Plegian army, Ricken came to her rescue. {{{Related_blurb3}}} {{{Related_blurb4}}} {{{Related_blurb5}}}

Choose Your Legends placement history

Round	Placement	Character	Votes

CYL 1 (2017)

203

Ricken Awakening

1,235

CYL 2 (2018)

238

Ricken Awakening

982 (−253)

CYL 3 (2019)

230 (−4)

Ricken Awakening

1,020 (+38)

CYL 4 (2020)

291 (+42)

Ricken Awakening

507 (−513)

CYL 5 (2021)

241 (−50)

Ricken Awakening

408 (−99)

CYL 6 (2022)

208 (−34)

Ricken Awakening

491 (+83)

CYL 7 (2023)

510 (+302)

Ricken Awakening

92 (−399)

CYL 8 (2024)

643 (+133)

Ricken Awakening

54 (−38)

CYL 9 (2025)

683 (+40)

Ricken Awakening

38 (−16)

CYL 10 (2026)

587 (−96)

Ricken Awakening

40 (+2)

Total results		This character has 10 entries across all Choose Your Legends polls.	4,867

Trivia

• Ricken's birthday, May 23rd, matches the North American release date ofFire Emblem: The Sacred Stones in 2005.

Etymology and other languages

Gallery

Official artwork

• 
  Artwork of Ricken fromAwakening.

Portraits

• 
  Portrait of Ricken inAwakening.

Concept artwork

• 
  Concept artwork of Ricken fromAwakening.

Screenshots

• 
  Ricken as aSage inAwakening.

Heroes artwork

Character artwork

• 
  Artwork of Ricken: Shepherd Novice.
• 
  Artwork of Ricken: Shepherd Novice.
• 
  Artwork of Ricken: Shepherd Novice.
• 
  Artwork of Ricken: Shepherd Novice.

Meet some of the Heroes artwork

• 
  Artwork of Ricken: Shepherd Novice.
• 
  Artwork of Ricken: Shepherd Novice.
• 
  Artwork of Ricken: Shepherd Novice.
• 
  Artwork of Ricken: Shepherd Novice.

Cipher artwork

• 
  Artwork of Ricken.

References