Soren

"Bad news. Something big is happening, and we need to formulate a plan of action."

- Soren

Soren (セネリオ Senerio, romanized as Senerio in the Japanese versions) is a playable character in Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance and Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn. He is the staff officer and strategist of the Greil Mercenaries. He starts out as a mage. Initially, Soren was suspected to be a Spirit Charmer — one who has made a special pact with the supernatural; in actuality, he is Branded — someone born with both beorc and laguz blood, and has experienced prejudice from both societies. Since Ike rescued him from starvation, Soren has been rooted to the commander with unwavering loyalty.

In Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, he gives Ike a report of their most recent battle outcomes.

Profile
Soren was not raised by his parents, but by an unknown woman who was said to raise him "out of duty". At roughly the age of four, he was adopted by an old sage who mistook him for a Spirit Charmer due to the permanent mark on his forehead. The woman was delighted to be rid of her burden and to receive monetary compensation. The sage taught him the ways of magic. After the sage died, Soren sought aid from a nearby beorc village, but was forcibly chased away. Furthermore, he discovered that despite being adept in listening, reading, and writing, he could not speak. When he was near death, a young Ike discovered him, gave him his lunch, and promised to feed him again the next day. However, on the following day, Soren would discover the carnage left by Greil's berserk rampage. Soren checked the corpses for Ike. When he did not find his body, Soren assumed Ike was safe and traveled to Crimea in search of him. He took refuge in a church, under the guise of a Spirit Charmer, where the church workers instructed him in basic matters such as speech. After wandering Crimea for several years, he rediscovered Ike, and so on leading to the beginning of Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance. (Details of these events are outlined in the B and A support of Path of Radiance, and in the 4-F-5 Base Conversation in Radiant Dawn.) During roughly chapter 14 of Path of Radiance, he discovers that his mark is that of a Branded, not a Spirit Charmer.

In a special conversation in the epilogue of Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn, it is revealed that he, and not Pelleas, is Almedha's son; this means that Soren is Ashnard's son and is, by blood, the true Prince of Daein. Sadly, Soren is never told these facts and remains unaware of his lineage.

If he shares an A-rank support with Ike in Radiant Dawn, Soren will join Ike as he sets out on a journey from which he never returns. In the conversation that Ike and Soren have in Radiant Dawn when having an A grade support level, Soren vowed to stay by lke's side even if it meant death. By using Clear Data from Path of Radiance containing an A rank support between Ike and Soren, obtaining another A rank in Radiant Dawn, and recruiting Lehran, a special base conversation for Soren can be unlocked at Part 4 Endgame, Stage 5.

Personality
Soren is typically rude and cold, preferring to be alone than with the rest of the company, and as a result is described as high-strung. Titania thinks that this is actually because Soren is "a very empathetic young man." He acts upon logic and thinks from a cynical viewpoint, putting the feelings or circumstances of others aside if it benefits the mercenaries and suggesting not to help others if it hinders them. Though sometimes criticized for this, his tactics are still regarded as impeccable by many, including Ike, who views him as "essential" to the company. Soren's tactics also earned the attention of Skrimir, who, due to his reckless nature, never even thought of tactics prior to their meeting.

In the beginning of Path of Radiance, Soren displays a rather obvious dislike for laguz, but, with Ike's assurance, is able to hold back. His hate of the laguz stems from the treatment he recieved as a child -- from when he was wandering the land in search of Ike. The laguz he encountered would notice him, sneer, and proceed as if he was not even there (due to his Brand). He claims that this was even worse than how the beorc treated him -- that is, with violence. His resentment towards laguz is also present during Radiant Dawn, albeit not as strong as it was in Path of Radiance. Though his personality is a result of his difficult childhood, his father, Ashnard, and his maternal grandfather, Dheginsea, also have similar personalities.

Soren does show great compassion towards Ike, however, whom he seems to have devoted his life to. Reasons for this are revealed in a special conversation which can be unlocked if Ike and Soren share A-Support Bonds in both Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn. Ike seems to have great insight into Soren's personality, calling him a "softie" who tries to put on a strong face in one of their conversations in Path of Radiance. His extreme loyalty to Ike can be compared to the devotion which his mother, Almedha, has towards her children. Throughout the game, Soren is regarded by other characters, including Yune, as being "the boy always by Ike's side."

Soren also seems to dislike being interrupted, as seen when he is explaining battle plans with Skrimir, and when he is receiving the Hammerne staff from Aimee.

Appearance
Soren is particularly short despite his age, likely because his aging processes only recently began to slow down. He is actually a bit taller than Mist. In Path of Radiance, he wears a long grey Mage robe, and later a purple sage robe with tights and high boots as a Sage. Radiant Dawn shows him grown in height, and a different dark grey robe (that appears much like a combination between his two classes in Path of Radiance). As an Archsage, he wears a greenish-white robe that flows out towards the end. Soren is also paler than most Black Dragons, has darker green hair, and has somewhat lighter red eyes.

His Brand is on his forehead, bordered by his bangs. It resembles a backwards N with a vertical line through its center and somewhat rounded edges, varying slightly between the art styles of Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn.

Recruitment

 * Chapter 4: Automatically from the start.

Base Stats

 * FE9 Soren Mage Sprite.png Mage
 * FE9Dark.gif
 * 1
 * 18
 * 0
 * 6
 * 8
 * 8
 * 5
 * 2
 * 7
 * 6
 * 6
 * 7
 * FE9 Wind.png - D FE9 Fire.png - E FE9 Thunder.pnger - E
 * FE9 Adept.gif
 * FE9wind.gif
 * }

Growth Rates

 * 45%
 * 5%
 * 60%
 * 55%
 * 40%
 * 30%
 * 15%
 * 55%
 * }

Support Conversations

 * Ike
 * Stefan

Promotional Gains
'''Promotion to Sage * Depends on the choice made by the player.
 * HP: +4
 * Strength: +2
 * Magic: +1
 * Skill: +2
 * Speed: +2
 * Defense: +2
 * Resistance: +2
 * Con: +1
 * Move: +1
 * Cap: +5
 * FE9 Knife Skill.gif skill*
 * E FE9 Staff.png Rank*

Overall
Soren is the first mage available to the player in Path of Radiance. Many think of Soren as being the best potential Sage available. Very few players have failed to reach his stat caps in magic, skill, and resistance, and he oftentimes has impressive speed as well. Also, because he is the first mage available, he can easily get an S-rank in a magic type. Upon promotion, Soren can choose a new specialization: staves or knives. He is not well-suited to knives due to his low strength. Therefore, staves is the better choice. His high magic makes him an excellent healer. His defense though, is very low, even compared to other sages. You should keep him away from any physical unit with a higher movement that could attack him head-on. That being said, his avoid is quite high.

Availability
◎=Forced　○=Available
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Base Stats

 * FE10 Soren Wind Sage Sprite.png Wind Sage
 * FE10Dark.png
 * 5
 * 28
 * 9
 * 23
 * 21
 * 18
 * 11
 * 9
 * 21
 * 6
 * 6
 * 7
 * FE10 Wind Magic.gif - A FE10 Fire Magic.gif - B FE10 Thunder Magic.gifer - B
 * Adept.png
 * FE10elwind.pngd FE10thunder.pnger FE10fire.png FE10vulnerary.pngrary
 * }

Growth Rates

 * 40%
 * 25%
 * 80%
 * 60%
 * 35%
 * 35%
 * 25%
 * 70%
 * }

Bond Support

 * Ike: 5%

Promotional Gains
Promotion to Archsage
 * HP: +4
 * Strength: +4
 * Magic: +2
 * Skill: +2
 * Speed: +2
 * Defense: +4
 * Resistance: +2
 * Con: +0
 * Move: +0
 * E FE10 Staff.gif Rank
 * Flare.png skill

Overall
Most players may think of Soren as the best potential Archsage, as he can reach his stat caps in magic, skill, and resistance easily, but Soren has a rather questionable speed and strength growth. Once he caps Magic, Skill, and Resistance, BEXP can help him max out his other stats. Of all potential Archsages, Soren (along with Bastian) has the highest cap in Magic but the lowest cap in Strength. Also, his Speed (which is the same cap as Bastian, Calill, and Tormod) is the highest among archsages.

Base Stats
* Enemy only, joins unequipped
 * Mage
 * 12
 * 25
 * 2
 * 15+2
 * 17
 * 15
 * 8
 * 4
 * 13
 * 5
 * Magic +2.png +2 Concentration.png Warknowledgeicon.pngan
 * TomeIconFE13.png - D
 * Elwind*
 * }

Path of Radiance
Maijin: ''A mage, eh? I'll have to keep my guard up around you, no matter how young you look.'' Soren: ''You forced this combat. We cannot allow you to return home. Are you ready to die?''
 * Vs. Maijin

Radiant Dawn
Soren: Our last battle, in the valley. Was that your strategy? Micaiah: ... Soren: That was impressive. You killed thousands of beorc soldiers with your little ambush. Well done. Micaiah: I... Soren: The Maiden of Dawn... What are you? One of the Branded, that's for sure. But there is something else about you... Power. Yes, I can feel it in you. You possess great power. Micaiah: Yes, and you would know. There's something very different about you, too. Your energy feels so...ancient. You and I seem to have so much in common. Soren: That doesn't matter in the slightest. The only thing that does matter is that you are a dangerous adversary. You are also in Ike's path, so it falls to me to remove you. It's almost a shame. Farewell, Maiden of Dawn. Micaiah: So, you fight for someone, as well. So very much alike... But I will defeat you. I will protect the ones I love!
 * Vs. Micaiah (Chapter 3-13)

Soren: The new king of Daein, Pelleas. How convenient. I can end this farce right now. Surrender or die. Pelleas: Who are you? That mark on your forehead... Is it a mark of Spirit Protection? Soren: No. It's something rather different. Pelleas: But that shape... It looks so much like mine! Soren: Is that so? You might still more powerful than you let on. Still, I doubt this changes anything. Prepare yourself, Pelleas. Pelleas: But wait! There's so much I want to ask you!
 * Vs. Pelleas (Chapter 3-E)

Path of Radiance
(Escape Quote) Soren: I don't like it, but I'll follow your orders and go ahead... But, Ike, watch yourself!

(Chapter 17 and before) Soren: Oof! That was... poorly done. Ike: Retreat, Soren! You've done all you can here! Soren: But, Ike... Ike: You heard me. Fall back! You can still help us with our planning. Besides, if you tell us all what to do, we'll be better off, right? Soren: I... I understand... Please... be careful!

(Chapter 18 and after) Soren: Oh... Ow! Ike: Hold it, Soren! You're not staying in this a moment longer! Withdraw! Soren: Ike, I can still-- Ike: Our tactician isn't allowed to make faces like that. Ever! Listen, we need you planning our strategies at base, so leave that attitude behind. That is, unless you have a problem with the two of us in command. Soren: Of-of course not! I didn't see... ... I understand. But listen... Stay safe, Ike.

(Endgame) Soren: Argh! Not now... It's the last battle... How could I be so careless? Ike: Soren! Just fall back! This may be the last battle for Crimea, but it won't be the last battle for us, will it? Soren: What? Ike: We're mercenaries. After this battle, there will be hundreds, maybe thousands of fights ahead. Am I wrong? Soren: I... No... Ike: Right. So get out of here. Our little group needs you! Do you understand? Soren: Ike... I understand. I will withdraw... Ike! Don't let me down!

Radiant Dawn
"I've been commanded to scout ahead, so I'll withdraw... Be careful, Ike!"

- Escape Quote

(Retreat Quote) Soren: ...Ugh... What a terrible place...to die... Ike: Soren, retreat! Soren: But, Ike... Ike: Aren't you supposed to be my strategist? Use your head! I need your help. Soren: ...I see. As you command... (Soren Retreats)

"Ike... Please live... Even if all the cities burn, and the seas swallow Tellius... You mustn't die... Not you..."

- Death Quote in Part 4

Epilogue
Though his tactical genius was unmatched, Soren never used his talents for anyone but Ike. When peace had settled on the land, Soren packed lightly and set off with the only person he had ever trusted.
 * Silent Master of Winds (静寂の風使い Seijaku no kaze-zukai)
 * (A support with Ike)

Trivia

 * Although Soren's hair appears black, it is actually a very dark shade of green, much darker than his mother or other relatives. It is possible that this was done to hide his relation to them or as a result of blending with Ashnard's hair. It can also be noted that his Branded mark has changed slightly between the artwork of Path of Radiance & Radiant Dawn. In Path of Radiance, the sides were curved inward; in Radiant Dawn, the sides are straight yet curve outward a little.

Etymology
'Soren' is a Danish given name originating from Latin Severinus, derived from severus "severe, strict, serious". Søren Kierkegaard was a nineteenth-century philosopher and theologian whose work was the foreground for twentieth-century existentialism.

Interestingly, there is a Pope Severinus who lived in the seventh century who, when he refused to validate the Byzantine Emperor's latest religious decrees, was besieged by Isaac, the Exarch of Ravenna, an ally of the Emperor's. Later, an attack on the Byzantines by the Lombards, one of the Germanic tribes living in northern Italy, probably resulted in Isaac's death.

Gallery
Soren