Cordelia

"Our only limits are the ones we place on ourselves."

- Cordelia in her support conversation with Sumia.

Cordelia (ティアモ Tiamo, Tiamo in the Japanese version) is a playable character in Fire Emblem: Awakening, and is the mother of Severa.

According to the official Japanese website, she is voiced by Okada Eimi.. She is voiced by Julie Ann Taylor in the English version.

Profile
Cordelia is a member of Ylisse's Pegasus Knights, and is a childhood friend of Sumia. Her duty is to protect the royal family, though she also guides Sumia when the latter is in trouble.

Cordelia was fighting off Plegian forces in the capital with the rest of her Pegasus Knight squad. However seeing how they were all doomed, her senior squad members sent her away to warn Phila, Emmeryn, and the Shepherds; as well as to preserve their legacy. Due to their sacrifice, Cordelia was the only one to survive. When Emmeryn decides to go back to Ylisse to parley with Gangrel, Cordelia volunteers to accompany them back to Ylisse; however, Phila orders her to stay with Chrom and his army, which she reluctantly agrees to.

In Paralogue 10, Chrom's army arrives at a castle to reclaim stolen goods from a band of thieves led by an ex-Valmese general. Among the band of thieves is a young girl, Severa. If Cordelia speaks to her, Severa immediately recognizes her, though Cordelia does not know her. She tells her to either stay out of her way or else she will have to cut her down for Chrom's sake. Severa angrily responds that she seems to care about Chrom only and that the only thing she wants to do at that time was to speak with Holland, a man working for the thieves. Cordelia and the others help Severa infiltrate the base and talk to Holland while defeating the thieves inside. After the battle, Cordelia thanks her for helping out. Severa tells her that she only fought to reclaim something important that Nelson stole: a ring. Cordelia takes a closer look at the ring, notices that it matches her wedding ring, and realizes that Severa is her future daughter. Severa asks her why she had to die as she assumed that she fought to protect Chrom when she said that she fought for "something that mattered". However, Cordelia believes that Severa is who she fought and died for. Severa cries onto her mother, happy to be reunited with her. Cordelia promises not to leave her this time and Severa joins the army.

After the war, if Cordelia remains unmarried, she continued her service as a pegasus knight and became a figurehead to all Ylissean warriors. Some say it was because of her unrequited love for someone, though she never stated who that person is.

In her supports with the Avatar, she feels remorseful that her squad gave up their lives for her, however she decides to live and fight on in their memory. It is revealed in her supports with Stahl that she plays the harp, and one day hopes to be as good as Phila was. In her support with Severa, she reveals that she became a Pegasus Knight because she is a poor runner.

Cordelia in Roster Rescue and Summer Scramble, and Severa in Hot-Spring Scramble, reveals that she has a small bust and is quite embarrassed by this fact. She prefers to keep her breastplate on to hide this fact.

Personality
Unlike Sumia, who is considered a klutz, Cordelia is considered to be a genius who can do most things flawlessly, though she hates being referred to as such. She is aware of her prodigious talents and as a result is seen as a prideful individual. She holds feelings for Chrom, but hides them as she believes the relationship would be impossible. This is reflected in the game with Chrom and Cordelia being unable to support one another. Because of this characteristic, the game developers liken her to Catria, who had an unrequited love for Marth. Based on her supports, she is not satisfied with the term "average", as she aims to be perfect in mastering her skills. Her perfectionism caused many of the other Pegasus Knights to dislike her, believing that she looked down on them. She sighs the most in the army. Her birthday is July 7th.

Growth Rates

 * 90%
 * 60%
 * 20%
 * 60%
 * 60%
 * 45%
 * 45%
 * 35%
 * }

Max Stat Modifers

 * +1
 * -1
 * +2
 * +2
 * -1
 * 0
 * -1
 * }

Supports
Romantic Supports
 * The Avatar (Male)
 * Frederick
 * Virion
 * Stahl
 * Vaike
 * Kellam
 * Donnel
 * Lon'qu
 * Ricken
 * Gaius
 * Gregor
 * Libra
 * Henry

Other Supports
 * The Avatar (Female)
 * Sumia
 * Panne
 * Severa
 * Morgan (Only if Cordelia is her mother)

Class Sets

 * Pegasus Knight - Promotes to Falcon Knight or Dark Flier
 * Mercenary - Promotes to Hero or Bow Knight
 * Dark Mage - Promotes to Sorcerer or Dark Knight
 * Bride - Requires Wedding Bouquet

Overall
Cordelia is the second aerial unit you will receive, appearing a little later after Sumia, which means she may have some ground to make up. Cordelia has higher strength growths than Sumia but slightly lacks the speed and skill growths that Sumia has, but they, along with her other stats, still fill out nicely. Her magic growth is also lower than Sumia, making her better off as a Falcon Knight rather than a Dark Flier to capitalize her strength growths. Like Sumia she is especially good for units that need the extra mobility when in Pair Up situations. Regardless, Cordelia should spend some time as a Dark Flier to grab Galeforce regardless of what class she ends up as. If keeping Cordelia a Pegasus Knight related class, Falcon Knight's Lancefaire helps boost her already high strength. It is also a good idea to give her children the galeforce skill as they can benefit from it, and gain experience faster.

Reclassing
Cordelia's two class options are Dark Mage and Mercenary lines. Cordelia is not suited to be a Dark Mage or a Sorcerer due to her low magic growth rates and caps, leaving her offensively inferior to Tharja and Henry. As a Dark Knight though, she is better strength wise over Tharja but tied with Henry, but still is magically inferior. However Cordelia can grab Vengeance and Tomebreaker skills from Sorcerer to pile damage after taking a few hits and deal with wind mages in her Pegasus Knight classes respectively. From the Dark Knight, Slow Burn will increase her dodging skills in the long run and Lifetaker can give her health relief, though it cannot be activated during the opponent's turn. Cordelia should be able to kill most enemies during the players turn allowing her to recover half of her maximum health through this skill.

Cordelia does make a good Mercenary having only 1 point less in her strength cap over Gregor but is slightly faster than him and matches him point for point in almost every other stat. Cordelia should grab Armsthrift, as it is one of the most useful skills in the game since it prolongs weapon usage. As a Hero, Cordelia will learn Sol and is a great healing skill since this can activate during either turn. Though not as effective as Lifetaker, Cordelia should activate Sol fairly often with her high skill. As a Bow Knight, Cordelia can grab Bowbreaker to deal with Archers better. Cordelia makes a very capable Hero and should be the main reclass option if you prefer her not to be a Pegasus Knight related class.

Due to having access to both the Mercenary & Dark Mage class lines, Cordelia can use an interesting technique only she, Severa, Morgan and the Avatar have access to barring inheritance, which involves using the Sol skill alongside the Nosferatu or Aversa's Night tomes as a Sorcerer. If Sol activates while attacking with these tomes, their effects stacks, which effectively recovers 100% of the damage dealt to the enemy. Combined with Armsthrift, Cordelia can make multiple uses of this technique. However, as Cordelia's Magic stat cap is 1 point less than the default maximum for the Sorcerer's Magic cap, the Avatar may be able to have better damage output if their asset is Magic. The same goes for Severa if her father doesn't have a malus in their Magic cap.

Event Tiles

 * "Oh, did someone lose this? Perhaps I might deliver it..." (item)
 * "I just finished my copy of "Make Him Fall for You in a Fortnight." So embarrassing..." (exp)
 * "I snuck in some training. Effort is the start of excellence." (weapon exp)

Asking - Normal

 * "We all have to work hard to fulfill our dreams. What are yours?" (Dreams)
 * "Did you just meet the love of your life? You look so happy!" (Happy)
 * "Why don't we fight together next time? You don't have to do everything alone." (Team Up)
 * "I haven't seen you around camp in a while. What have you been up to? (Free Time)

Replying - Normal

 * "I just want my days to be filled with joy. You never know which will be your last." (Dreams)
 * "Ha ha! Where did you get that idea? I just like being in good company, that's all." (Happy)
 * "Of course. I would welcome the change of pace." (Team Up)
 * "Oh, I'm always running errands to town. My pegasus is suited for that sort of thing." (Free Time)

Asking - With Chrom

 * "What kind of things do you dream of, Chrom?" (Dreams)
 * "You look so happy, Chrom. Did you just sweep another woman off her feet?" (Happy)
 * "Er, Chrom, I was wondering if... Well, it would honor me to fight together." (Team Up)
 * "Ah, Chrom! I haven't seen you around camp. How have you been passing the time?" (Free time)

Replying - With Chrom

 * "I have more dreams than I can count, but I know some are not meant to be." (Dreams)
 * "No, Chrom... The thing I like is just a bit further out of reach." (Happy)
 * "YES! That would be... I would be honored! Truly!" (Team Up)
 * "Oh, I'm always running errands to town. Can I pick anything up for you?" (Free Time)

Asking - Married

 * "(Name), look me in the eye and promise you’ll stay safe for me." (Promise)
 * "(Name), why is it you only captivate me more as time goes on?" (Compliment)
 * "I love you, (name). You’re the only one I don’t have to be perfect around." (Love)
 * "Oops! (Name), you dropped this. ...Wait, what is it?" (Gift)

Replying - Married

 * "Peace. You know I’m not an easy woman to kill. I won’t leave you." (Promise)
 * "Thank you. I strive to be the best woman I can for the man I love." (Compliment)
 * "I love you too. I’ve never been happier!" (Love)
 * "It’s medicine to heal any wound. You’re always putting yourself in danger." (Gift)

Asking - Child

 * "Severa/Morgan, come spar with me. I know you’re capable of greater things than I." (Train)
 * "Are you all right, Severa/Morgan? You look completely out of it." (Concern)
 * "Is there anything you need, Severa/Morgan? Don’t be afraid to ask your mother." (Gift)
 * "How did you spend your time in the future, Severa/Morgan? (Story)

Replying - Child

 * "All right. But don’t underestimate your mother." (Train)
 * "Ha ha! I’m fine. Don’t worry so much! Your mother is a tough woman." (Concern)
 * "Really? Thank you. Why don’t we get matching hair ornaments? I’ll pay!" (Gift)
 * "Well, I used to be painfully lonely and in love with a man I could not have. I even dreamt of death... But I found another man who sustains me and a daughter I can be proud of. So trust me—no matter how dark things seem, you will always pull through it." (Story)

Level Up

 * "I would do all this and more to be with him..." (6-7 stats up)
 * "I hardly knew I had such strength!" (4-5 stats up)
 * "There. Now I must do it again." (2-3 stats up)
 * "I'll prove myself in time." (0-1 stat up)
 * "I must find my strength within from now on." (0-1 stat up, most stats capped)

Class Change

 * "I am yours to mold as you see fit."

Armory

 * "Please don't get anything too expensive..." (buying)
 * "Help yourself. These items belong to all of us." (selling)
 * "Strength should come from the wielder." (forging)

Alone

 * "Sigh... Oh gods! Did I truly just say the word "sigh" out loud? I'm getting worse..." (misc)
 * "I'm really outdoing myself today. I wonder if he'd notice..." (surge)

Greetings - Normal

 * "Good morning, Avatar. Here to sneak one last nap?" (morning)
 * "Avatar! Here for a break? I get sleepy as the day drags on." (midday)
 * "Evening, Avatar. Taking a break? We all need to." (evening)
 * "What’s wrong, Avatar? Can’t you sleep?" (night)
 * "Happy birthday, Avatar!" (birthday)

Greetings - Married

 * "Hello, Avatar. Nice day we’re having." (morning)
 * "Hello, Avatar. What’s in store for you today?" (midday)
 * "Hello, Avatar. The days feel short, don’t they?" (evening)
 * "Hello, Avatar. Why don’t we retire for the night?" (night)
 * "Happy birthday, Avatar!" (birthday)

Roster
''An Ylissean pegasus knight who has been friends with Sumia since child-hood. Her beauty, skill, and record are surpassed by few, but she cannot seem to win Chrom's heart. The deepest, most frequent sigher. Born on July 7th.''

Confession
"Thank you... I thought nothing could warm my heart again. I shall love you above...all others...for the rest of my days."

- Cordelia's confession quote.

Final Chapter
"We’re all right here by your side!"

- Cordelia's final chapter quote

"My good prince... My joy has no bounds..."

- Cordelia's quote after Grima was defeated by Chrom

"The day you proposed to me was the happiest day of my life. I want nothing more than to keep you close until the end of my days."

- Cordelia reassuring the Avatar for their choice if she is his wife.

"Too many times now have I watched loved ones give their lives for me... I must hold on to faith that this time will be different."

- Cordelia's quote after the Avatar's sacrifice of killing Grima

The Golden Gaffe Pre-Battle
"So everyone else was keeping the gold they found for themselves... I always deliver what I find to Chrom. It gives us a chance to talk! *Siiiiiiiiigh* Wait, this is no time to get dreamy! Focus, Cordelia, focus!"

- Cordelia's pre-battle quote.

EXPonential Growth Pre-Battle
"Interesting... These dead things would make exceptional training dummies. Though personally, I'd prefer to better myself using more challenging methods. But if my lord needs faster results, I am certainly happy to oblige."

- Cordelia's pre-battle quote.

Infinite Regalia Pre-Battle
"Are these warriors really the dead given life again? Then my friends, my family, the pegasus knights... No, such thoughts are folly. The dead deserve to rest in peace."

- Cordelia's pre-battle quote.

Death's Embrace Pre-Battle
"How terrible. You were just going about your lives peacefully... And then HE came along and took it all away. I wish we could have arrived sooner and saved you from all this."

- Cordelia's pre-battle quote.

Five-Anna Firefight Pre-Battle
"I know full well the agony of facing life without my kin... I won't allow Anna to be cast into that heart-wrenching abyss. In the name of the knight-sisters who died for me, I will prevail!"

- Cordelia's pre-battle quote.

Roster Rescue Pre-Battle
"So what fascinating secrets have you uncovered about me? It says I'm compensating with this breastplate, doesn't it? ...Well, that's one secret I'm afraid you're going to have to take back to the grave!"

- Cordelia's pre-battle quote.

Summer Scramble Pre-Battle
"The blue water, the rhythm of the waves... The ocean is so romantic. Or at least it would be if you rogues weren't fouling it up. You'll pay for sowing these happy sands with strife!"

- Cordelia's pre-battle quote.

Hot-Spring Scramble Pre-Battle
"They say these waters do wonders for the skin... I wonder if it's true. I suppose I could make time to soak later, but... No. I am a knight. I am sworn to higher ideals than smooth, beautiful... *sigh*"

- Cordelia's pre-battle quote.

Dual Support

 * "It's you and me."
 * "Focus!"
 * "Stay calm."
 * "I'm here."
 * "Stay with me."
 * "I'll keep you safe."
 * "To victory!"
 * "Won't be long."
 * "Shall we mop up?"

Dual Strike

 * "Face me!"
 * "Have another!"
 * "My turn!"
 * "I got this!"
 * "All too easy!"
 * "I gotcha!"

Dual Guard

 * "No!"
 * "Watch out!"
 * "I'll keep you safe!"
 * "There!"

Critical

 * "Now, you've angered me!"
 * "Out of my sight!"
 * "I can do this!"
 * "That's quite enough!"

Defeated Enemy

 * "I must prevail!"
 * "Over already?"
 * "Sigh..."
 * "As it must be."
 * "Ah heh heh."

Partner Defeated Enemy

 * "That was something."
 * "Thank you."

Defeated By Enemy

 * "Too...weak..."

Death/Retreat
"Nngh! Curse me, I am weak! I must retreat..."

- Cordelia's defeat quote in Chapter 7

"I was given this life by my friends... It is not mine to throw away... Sorry, Chrom, but I have to retreat...and save myself"

- Cordelia's retreat quote (classic mode)

"I did my best, but that wasn't good enough. I'm leaving now..."

- Cordelia's retreat quote (casual mode)

Possible Endings

 * Cordelia - Knight Paragon
 * Not even peacetime could dull the lovely Cordelia's knightly edge, and she became a figurehead for all Ylissean warriors. It was unrequited love that drove her, many said—though she never stated for whom.


 * Cordelia and the Avatar
 * Many wrote of Avatar's legendary exploits, but accounts of his origins and character varied. Scholars, poets, and bards agreed on one thing alone--he loved his wife, Cordelia, above all else.


 * Cordelia and Frederick
 * As Ylisse's new knight captain, Frederick took charge of keeping the peace and training new recruits with his wife. Teaching was hard for Cordelia, however, as she was forced to neglect her own gifts.


 * Cordelia and Virion
 * Virion returned home to Rosanne where he was labelled a traitor and a coward, or else ignored entirely. But Cordelia defended her husband vehemently and ultimately won him a second chance with his people.


 * Cordelia and Stahl
 * Stahl continued his service as an Ylissean knight and led crucial missions across the realm. Cordelia accepted her husband, scatter-brained gaffes and all, and the two built a happy life together.


 * Cordelia and Vaike
 * Vaike returned to the streets that raised him and was welcomed as a hero and brother to all. Still, he was never a match for Cordelia, whose shining talents and beauty tended to make her husband look dull.


 * Cordelia and Kellam
 * Not even peace could dull the lovely Cordelia's knightly edge, as she became a figurehead for all Ylissean warriors. Her husband's name has been lost to history.


 * Cordelia and Lon'qu
 * Lon’qu returned to Regna Ferox and served as Basilio’s right-hand man. Cordelia exibhited her usual resilience toward Ferox’s cold winters and enjoyed a peaceful, happy life with her husband.


 * Cordelia and Ricken
 * 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.


 * Cordelia and Gaius
 * Gaius never lost his sweet tooth, though he ultimately returned to less savory enterprises. As his wife, Cordelia, was in charge of keeping law and order, Gaius dreaded the thought of seeing her on the job.


 * Cordelia and Gregor
 * After the war, Gregor briefly sank into a life of excess, but when he saw Cordelia working diligently as a knight of Ylisse, he decided to clean up his own act and fight by his wife's side.


 * Cordelia and Libra
 * Many an unfortunate child found joy in the small orphanage Libra and his wife built after the war. The children loved Libra like a mother and respected Cordelia like an elder sister.


 * Cordelia and Henry
 * Henry settled down with Cordelia and turned out to be a surprisingly good father. Their newborn daughter grew up in a peaceful world with two loving parents and was said to be a likeable girl.


 * Cordelia and Donnel
 * Donnel returned to his tiny village and built a happy life with his mother and his wife, Cordelia. The latter, however, continued to train hard as a knight and often answered the exalt's call.

Etymology
Cordelia is a feminine given name, popularly associated with Latin cordis "heart". It was born by the tragic heroine of Shakespeare's King Lear. In the play, the character is unwilling to profess her love to her father, stating "Love, and be silent", reflected in Cordelia's situation with Chrom.

Cordelia's Japanese name, Tiamo, comes from the Italian phrase "Ti amo", meaning "I love you", likely referencing her unrequited love for Chrom.

In conjunction with her daughter, their names reference "love and peace" in the Japanese version.

Trivia

 * In the concept art in the Knights of Iris she had blue hair instead of red hair and she greatly resembled Lucina.
 * Cordelia's birthday, July 7th, is the same day as the Japanese star festival, Tanabata, which is inspired by a folklore story about two lovers that were separated and could only meet once a year on that day.
 * Cordelia's English voice actress, Julie Ann Taylor, also voices her daughter Severa.
 * Cordelia is the 4th most popular female character in the Japanese Fire Emblem: Awakening popularity poll.
 * Cordelia's official artwork depicts her wielding a Brave Lance.
 * In Cordelia's S-Support with the Avatar, Id~(Serenity), is not played. Instead "Ha ha! Yes, it will take some getting used to!" is played, the standard S-Support theme for any S-Support not involving the Avatar. Cordelia shares this trait with Ricken.