Forde

Forde is a knight in Ephraim's service whose skill in battle is only matched by his remarkable laziness - he tends to be the first to opt out of Ephraim's risky plans, and is known to fall asleep in battle. Forde, though, claims this is merely a plot to lure foes within range. He has gone so far as to equip his horse such that he can fall asleep in the saddle without falling over. He is the elder brother of Franz, and is a rather accomplished painter in his spare time. When Forde was young he won a sword contest and his mother was happy, not for his contest, but for the painting he had made for her early that day. She kept it with her even when she died, it was only then that Forde took the painting back. He hung it, in his house, as a reminder of how he must continue to make people happy, not with his sword, but with his brush. Forde is speculated to have feelings for Princess Eirika.

Death Quote "Prince Ephraim...it was fun, while it lasted."

Initial Stats

 * Lvl 6
 * HP 24
 * Str 7
 * Skill 8
 * Spd 8
 * Luck 7
 * Def 8
 * Res 2

Promotion Gain
Cavalier to Paladin
 * HP +2
 * Str +1
 * Skill +1
 * Spd +1
 * Def +2
 * Res +1

Cavalier to Great Knight
 * HP +3
 * Str +2
 * Skill +1
 * Spd +2
 * Def +2
 * Res +1
 * Axe Skill E

Grow Rates

 * HP 85%
 * Str 40%
 * Skill 50%
 * Spd 45%
 * Luck 35%
 * Def 20%
 * Res 25%

Overall
Forde is probably the most balanced knight but that works out well since Paladins and Great Knights both have pretty low caps and spread out promotion gains. He's only an average character earlier in the game, he's far from bad, but a little far from good too. If the player likes, the support of Forde and Erika will boost his Str,Hit and Crit rates.

Possible Endings
Default ending: 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.

Forde and Kyle ending: 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.

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

Other Supports

 * Ephraim
 * Franz

Etymology
A ford is the shallow place where a river can easily be crossed, or 'forded.' Kyle's name also refers to a river.