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“Mark? Is something wrong? Oh, you were worried about me. I apologize for all of the trouble. I'm fine now. I have my friends to lean on. Hector, Lyndis, and you, Mark... Thanks to all of you, I'm getting stronger. I am coming to believe that together, we can overcome anything!”
Eliwood in Chapter 20 of The Blazing Blade

Mark is portrayed as a mysterious traveler who is found unconscious on the plains by Lyndis at the beginning of Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade. They are the first custom character to appear in the Fire Emblem series.

Mark was introduced to give the player an actual role in the game and help introduce players to Fire Emblem gameplay. This is particularly notable given that The Blazing Blade was the first Fire Emblem to be released internationally.

Profile[]

Mark is an enigmatic person whose history is unknown. Their name, personality, and birth date (and blood type in the Japanese version) is determined by the player. While unable to fight, Mark is an aspiring tactician, traveling across Lycia to improve their tactical skills. Aside from a few side glimpses in some CGs, Mark is never directly seen aside from their field sprite which is merely an NPC. During cutscenes where they are involved, Lyn, Eliwood, and Hector look directly to the player during their direct interactions with Mark.

Lyn's Tale[]

Lyn and Tactician meet Caelin Knights

Sain and Kent talking to Lyn and Mark, who is barely visible on the right border.

Mark was found on the wayside by Lyn and nursed back to health by her. Immediately the two are attacked by bandits and Lyn charges into battle with Mark guiding her through the fights. Impressed, Lyn asks Mark to accompany her on her journey to exact revenge on the bandits that slaughtered her tribe. During her travels, Lyn become acquainted with some knights of Caelin, learning of her heritage. Mark also meets a slew of knights as well as Eliwood and Hector. Mark continues to assist Lyn to quell the planned usurping of the throne by the power hungry Lundgren.

With the uprising quelled, Lyn is reunited with her maternal grandfather Hausen. Mark decides to leave on a journey alone, but Lyn is sure that they will meet again one day.

Eliwood/Hector's Tale[]

A year after Lyn's tale, Mark is recruited by Eliwood/Hector to help them during their stories. They are reunited with Lyn's allies and prove to be an valuable asset during the course of The Blazing Blade.

FE7StrategyGuideIllustration17

Mark with Afa's Drops in an image from the FE7 Japanese Strategy Guide.

At the end of Eliwood or Hector's stories, they are summoned by the featured Lord to attend their coronations as Marquess of Pherae and Ostia respectively. Depending on which route is taken, the focused Lord speaks to Mark in private alongside their wife. Having formed a strong bond, Eliwood/Hector asks for Mark to be the godparent of their future child and requests a name for them. For Eliwood, Mark gives him the name Roy for his son. For Hector, Mark gives him the name Lilina for his daughter. After their coronations, Mark leaves again once more on a journey, disappearing completely with no one seeing them afterwards.

Historians for many years would analyze Mark's tactics during their journey. Depending on their rank, they are remembered differently. At the lowest rank, the puzzling strategies of Mark are so incomprehensible, few are even sure how they ever could have lead to success. At better ranks, many nations, namely Bern, Lycia, and Etruria, spent years in search for Mark to use their brilliant tactics. At the highest rank, historians have stated that their flawless tactics influenced the very course of history. Bern and Etruria coveted their skill so much that the two nations would eventually go to war against each other. Regardless of the ending, Mark was never seen again and goes unmentioned in The Binding Blade.

Awakening[]

While they do not make a direct appearance, in Fire Emblem Awakening, at the end of Smash Brethren 3, Lyn's Einherjar speaks to Robin. Due to seeing similarities between the two tacticians, Lyn believes Robin to be her old friend. She asks Robin if this is so, and the player is given a yes/no choice that Lyn will respond to accordingly. If yes, Lyn vows to bring them back to Lycia to meet their old friends. If no, Lyn decides to follow them anyways just to try and confirm her suspicions.

Personality[]

Despite never having a set appearance or any dialogue in the story, some snippets of Mark's personality are seen in conversations with other characters. They are compassionate, willing to let Lyn journey with them and help her take back her land, family and inheritance. They can be rather incredulous at times, shown when Serra wonders why Mark is giving her a strange look at her "generosity" when offering to heal Erk. They are also willing to go to any lengths for their friends, shown when they even join the final battle against Nergal.

Some characters will respond to Mark differently depending on their gender. For example, Sain will try to flirt with both Lyn and the player if Mark is a female and Florina will hesitate to speak to the player if Mark is a male, but will talk in a more comfortable manner when speaking to a female Mark. Nonetheless, everyone in the army respects Mark greatly, offering suggestions and putting their faith in his or her orders.

Gameplay[]

Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade[]

Tactician Stars[]

Mark will never appear on the field of battle, but they can contribute all the same. Starting in Chapter 11, the game will keep a hidden tally (only revealed in the results screen) measuring the player's overall aptitude throughout the campaign. Each chapter has four hidden 'thresholds' for each of the five criteria featured in the ranking screen:

  • Tactics: Turncount for the current chapter. Some chapters, namely Hector-exclusive chapters, have an unreachable '0' for its easiest threshold, making it impossible to score above 1/5 in this area.
  • Combat: Number of enemies killed vs. number of battles fought. Roughly 40% of all battles should end in an enemy dying, for a 5/5. Many enemies are frail and tend to die in two battles or less, so this rating is trivially easy to score well in, as long as the player doesn't Boss Abuse.
  • Experience: Number of Experience points gained in the current chapter.
  • Funds: Change in net worth during the current chapter, including the buy value of all items in the player's inventory. Because an item's sell value is always lower than its buy value, selling items (particularly Gems) will always hurt a player's funds rank.
  • Survival: Number of units, if any, that died during the current chapter. A unit's death will instantly prevent a 5/5 score for the chapter.

The game will calculate a total score for the chapter, based on the best threshold the player reached for each area. Depending on the player's score, they will be assigned anywhere from 0 to 5 points. 0 Points corresponds to an overall 1/5 ranking in virtually every area, with none of the lowest pars reached. 5 points corresponds to a perfect 5/5 in every area, with all of the hardest pars reached. It should be noted that achieving a perfect 5/5 score is literally impossible in some chapters, primarily bonus missions from Hector's campaign and Survival missions in which killing the boss will not end the chapter, as a 5/5 tactics ranking is impossible in both cases.

For every 12 points the player earns this way, Mark will be afforded a tactician star, up to a maximum of 10.

Tactician Stars-effects[]

Units whose affinity is identical to Mark's receive an additional point in both hit and avoid for each star Mark earns. For all units, regardless of affinity, an additional point is added to critical evasion for each star that's earned. If the player decides to not use Mark at all, no units will receive this bonus. Because all units receive a boost to critical evasion as a result of Tactician Stars, enemy criticals are extremely rare in The Blazing Blade, usually only achieved by Swordmasters or enemies with dedicated critical-hitting gear. This boost can be compared to Leadership Stars from Thracia 776. Depending on the player's aptitude, the player can expect to receive an additional star anywhere from once every three chapters to about once every ten chapters.

Affinity[]

The affinity of Mark is determined by Mark's chosen birth month. In the Japanese version of the game, an option exists to choose the Mark's bloodtype, which will also factor into determining affinity. Due to a lesser cultural importance of bloodtypes, this isn't included in the English version and affinity is determined purely by birth month. If the player elects not to use Mark, NO units will receive an affinity boost. Some affinities are generally considered better or worse than others. The Dark affinity, for example, only has four representatives, two of whom are rarely used prepromotes and one of whom is Merlinus and should never see combat to begin with. Wind, on the other hand, has nearly twice as many representatives, including a Lord, a Thief, and a powerful cavalier who would very much appreciate the accuracy boost.

Other[]

If the player elects not to use Mark at all, they will never receive Afa's Drops.

Fire Emblem Heroes[]

Winds of Hope
A master tactician with the power to change history and the girl from the Lorca tribe who became the staunchest of allies. They appear in Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade.

Base Stats[]

Rarity: ✯✯✯✯✯

Mark Winds of Hope Heroes spriteTitle
Winds of Hope
Group
Heroes Infantry Infantry
LevelHPAtkSpdDefRes
1
40
17/18/19
36/40/43
13/14/15
41/44/48
2/3/4
24/27/30
4/5/6
17/20/23
10/11/12
43/46/49
SkillsWeapon
FEH skill offense Total War Tome
FEH skill special Chilling Wind
FEH Thunder Tome Tome

Skills[]

TypeNamePrerequisiteDefaultUnlocked
FEH skill offenseLight---
Ellight---
Shine---
Total War Tome--FEH Star Rarity 5
FEH skill specialChilling Wind---
IcebergChilling Wind--
AFEH Warding Blow 1 Warding Blow 1--
FEH Mirror Strike 1 Mirror Strike 1FEH Warding Blow 1 Warding Blow 1-
FEH Mirror Strike 2 Mirror Strike 2FEH Mirror Strike 1 Mirror Strike 1-
FEH Remote Mirror Remote MirrorFEH Mirror Strike 2 Mirror Strike 2FEH Star Rarity 5
BFEH Sabotage Res 1 Sabotage Res 1--
FEH Sabotage Res 2 Sabotage Res 2FEH Sabotage Res 1 Sabotage Res 1-
FEH Sabotage Res 3 Sabotage Res 3FEH Sabotage Res 2 Sabotage Res 2-
FEH Sabotage A R 3 Sabotage A R 3FEH Sabotage Res 3 Sabotage Res 3FEH Star Rarity 5
CFEH Canto Control 1 Canto Control 1--
FEH Canto Control 2 Canto Control 2FEH Canto Control 1 Canto Control 1-
FEH Canto Control 3 Canto Control 3FEH Canto Control 2 Canto Control 2-

Overall[]

Secret Book (Artwork)
Subjective: The following part of this article is based upon the editor's personal experiences and opinions, and therefore may not be applicable for all readers.
Base Set[]
Counters[]
Skill Inheritance[]

Meet Some of the Heroes[]

Winds of Hope Mark
Mark winds of hope pop01 A young Mark and Lyn have come to visit Askr! I'm not sure where Mark came from exactly, but I know Lyn was living a nomadic life in Elibe at this age!
Mark winds of hope pop02 Mark's face is almost completely hidden by that big hood. It's a nice hint at the distant, enigmatic look of this future star tactician!
Mark winds of hope pop03 Meanwhile, Lyn's wearing the traditional attire of the Lorca, a nomadic tribe who wander the plains of Sacae. She's been practicing with a sword so that she can become a master swordswoman one day!
Mark winds of hope pop04 Mark and Lyn didn't know each other until they got here, but it already feels as if they've known each other for years. I know their friendship is going to keep them strong!
Closely Associated Characters
Eliwood A sincere noble of Pherae. His friends Lyn and Hector serve him loyally. Aided by Mark, who serves as his tactician.
Hector Eliwood's friend and brother of the marquess of Ostia. Prefers action to court formality. Aided by Mark, who serves as his tactician.

Quotes[]

Heroes[]

Mark/Heroes Quotes

Tactician Conversations[]

Eliwood's Story[]

“Here we go again, eh, Mark? Just like old times... Seems our fates are bound. Natalie? Oh, she's still in Pherae. I'm working for you this time, so she's not too worried. Guide my axe, Mark.”
Dorcas's conversation in Chapter 12
“Nice to be working with you, Mark! As a journeyman knight of Pherae, I'm here to serve Lord Eliwood and you, Mark! I await your command!”
Lowen's conversation in Chapter 13
“Mark! Let me take the point. There may be many of them, but numbers are meaningless! We are knights of Pherae. These mice of Laus will never defeat us!”
Marcus's conversation in Chapter 14
“Pherae's new tactician... It was you all along, wasn't it, Mark? Me? I'm still traveling in pursuit of knowledge. I'll never outstrip my tutor, but I'm getting a bit closer... Well, Mark, tell me what you need me to do.”
Erk's conversation in Chapter 15
“Mark. The captured Caelin soldiers are most likely exhausted. I'd like to protect them and keep them from having to fight. I realize that makes it difficult for you to plan a strategy, but... I will do my best to take up their share of the fighting. Now, please tell us what we should do, Mark.”
—Eliwood's conversation in Chapter 16
“Good to see you again, Mark. Our reunion is surely the work of blessed Elimine. I'm most pleased to travel with you once more. Your commands, please.”
Lucius's conversation in Chapter 16x
“Ohhh... I'm going to be sick. Doesn't this bother you, Mark? This ship moves too much... I... I can still fight, though. My sword arm's fine!”
Guy's conversation in Chapter 17
“You're Mark, right? I'm Dart, leader of Fargus's suicide squad! The captain's ordered me to follow your commands. So, who do you want me to take care of?”
Dart's conversation in Chapter 18
“Mark! The final battle is approaching. That traitor, Laus... He harmed Lord Hausen, caused grief to Lady Lyndis... As a true knight of Caelin, I will make him pay! Leave him to me!!/Mark my words!”
Sain's conversation in Chapter 19
“You're Mark, correct? Lord Eliwood has told me much about you. I'm a knight in service to House Pherae. My name is Isadora. I'm under your command. Please instruct me.”
Isadora's conversation in Chapter 21
“Actually, this is quite fascinating. Mark, the Nabata wasteland is a bit of a paradise to magic adepts. Stories tell of the many magical artifacts lost in these sands. I'll keep my eyes open. Of course, I'll be fighting as well.”
Canas's conversation in Chapter 22
“Bern... Hm? Oh, Mark. I have few fond memories of my homeland. I'm a deserter. Yet... I can't say I'm not a little glad to be here. I hope that, someday soon, I can clear my name and return home.”
Heath's conversation in Chapter 23
“You're Mark, is that right? Please ... forget about my title and standing in my country. You are our tactician, and I will do as you command. Well then, I hope we'll work well together.”
Pent's conversation in Chapter 24
“Come on, Mark! Do you really want me? Oh, bother. I really hate the cold. What? Everyone's counting on me? ... Oh, fine ...”
Geitz's conversation in Chapter 25
“Are you our tactician, Mark? I am Harken. I beg your forbearance. Lord Eliwood has ordered me to follow your commands in combat. I care not where I meet death. Just guide me wisely.”
Harken's conversation in Chapter 26
“Mark! Let me go! I can talk to my brother! I know it might not work, but ...”
Nino's conversation in Chapter 27
“Listen, Mark. You know how Eliwood is. Never wants to burden anyone else... Takes all responsibility on himself... Now, more than ever, we have to support him. Let's go, Mark!”
—Hector's conversation in Chapter 28
“Look at that! Bowmen as far as the eye can see! Mark! Do you have something against me? Heh, you know better than that. Let me tell you, Vaida is not your average wynern rider! Mark! Sit back and watch me perform!”
Vaida's conversation in Chapter 29
“Mark... If you're worried about me, I'm fine. You know all about my flute song, right, Mark? I'll do my best to do Ninian's part, too!”
Nils's conversation in Chapter 30
“Mark, this is it. The last battle. Lord Athos spoke the truth about Nergal... Average men cannot hope to stand against him. Ordinary weapons hold no power against him. Those who go with us... They must be chosen carefully. ”
—Eliwood's conversation in Final Chapter
“Ah! Mark, you, too?”
—Eliwood's conversation in Final Chapter

Hector's Story[]

“Say, Mark. not sure how to say this... You're a full-blown tactician now, aren't you? Not just an apprentice like before. Ha ha... No need to be so modest. My lord tactician! I humbly await your no-doubt brilliant orders!”
Matthew's conversation in Chapter 13
“Uh-oh! I think we've been surrounded! Uh... but I'm not worried a bit. I'm with you after all, Mark. We make quite a team. Right. Come on, Mark! Let's get started!”
Serra's conversation in Chapter 14
“Mark. If the goal is to defend, knights are your best hope. We can use our thick armor to form a living shield. I await your orders, Mark.”
Oswin's conversation in Chapter 15
“Uh... Mark... Um... It's me... Florina. Um... I'm... I'm over here. ”
—Florina's conversation in Chapter 16
“Mark. We can't count on the captured Caelin soldiers to be able to fight. We'll have to protect them as much as possible. What!? That chill feeling... Someone's watching... and wants me dead! No sense in worrying, though. I'll deal with it when it happens. Let's go, Mark!”
—Hector's conversation in Chapter 17
“So you're the tactician, huh? I'm Raven. I'm just a mercenary. I work for these guys now, so it looks like I'll take your orders. What are you waiting for? What do you need me to do?”
—Raven's conversation in Chapter 17x
“Mark? What is it? No, I'm fine. I'm not seasick at all. Thank you for your concern.”
Priscilla's conversation in Chapter 18
“Um, Mark. Can I ask you something? Do you think Dart and I...have anything in common? What? Not at all? Hmmm... I don't know, there's something about him.”
Rebecca's conversation in Chapter 19
“Mark, let me take the point. I will break through, even though it may cost me my life. If something does happen to me, Mark... Lady Lyndis... Please watch over her. Now, Mark, give me my orders!”
Kent's conversation in Chapter 20
“Shall I join the battle this time, Mark? I can't wait! Ah, this brings back memories, doesn't it? Kind of like we're back with Lyndis's Legion again. OK, Mark! Guide my arrows true!”
Wil's conversation in Chapter 22
“Mark... It's been a long time. No... I have no other business. Command me as you've done in the past.”
Rath's conversation in Chapter 23
“...... Who? Oh, it's you, is it, Mark? You caught me unawares and looking stupid. It's just that I AM a former Black Fang member. And I was a bit wrapped up in some silly emotions. Nothing for you to worry about. Direct me as you will.”
Legault's conversation in Chapter 24
Florina: Oh, Mark.
Fiora: We're moving out, too, right, Mark? Let's go, Florina.
Florina: OK... But there are so many of them. If only Farina were here with us...
Fiora: Florina, it's not helping us to talk about her now. Now, Mark. Give us our orders.”
—Florina and Fiora's conversation in Chapter 25
“Mark, you are the tactician for this company, are you not? May our battles together be successful ones.”
Louise's conversation in Chapter 26
“Huh huh huh huh. You've done well to choose me for this, Mark! Weaklings! Their pathetic attacks mean nothing to me! I'll cut through this snow like a new-forged blade!”
Wallace's conversation in Chapter 27
“Your name is Mark, correct? A tactician? I see. You use wisdom as your blade... Interesting... Mark... I will remember your name.”
Karel's conversation in Chapter 28
“Do you need something, Mark? That's right. They're Black Fang. The man he named, like me, is one of the Four Fangs. He is an assassin, my equal... Or better... .....”
Jaffar's conversation in Chapter 29
“Mark... I'm sure you already know, Hector's as strong as they come. But... I'm worried. I've known him since we were kids, and... you've probably seen it, too. The weakness hidden within the heart is his strength. Mark, we have to protect Hector. I'm sure he'll stomp and yell about it, but ...we're friends. Let's go, Mark!”
—Eliwood's conversation in Chapter 30
“Wow! Why do there have to be so many archers? Oh well... As long as I've been paid, I can't complain. This is my chance to show you what Farina of the Great Wing can do! But listen, Mark... This goes beyond hazard pay!”
Farina's conversation in Chapter 31
“You are Mark... This army's general, right? What? A tactician? Well, either way, don't be shy. If you need work done, use me. I do not enjoy battle, but I have my skills.”
Karla's conversation in Chapter 32
“You... Your name is, Mark, isn't it? I'll wager you don't trust me. You think I look shady, don't you? Don't let it bother you. It's the truth... Mark... Nergal is powerful. But he is still human, and these morphs were made by that same human... Victory is not impossible. ...I know this to be true.”
Renault's conversation in Chapter 32x
“Mark, now this definitely is the last battle. Like Athos Graybeard said about Nergal... Average people and ordinary weapons won't be enough to oppose him. You've got to choose who goes with us carefully.”
—Hector's conversation in Final Chapter
“Oh! Mark, you, too?!”
—Hector's conversation in Final Chapter

Eliwood/Hector's Story[]

“Aaaiiieeee!!! You! They call you Mark, am I right? I am Merlinus, a humble and lowly merchant. I know nothing of combat. Please! You must protect me!”
Merlinus's conversation in Chapter 13x
“Honored tactician... Your name is Mark, correct? The enemy commander is readying his troops beyond that mountain. I can fly over the mountain and direct you, but... Getting too close could prove to be dangerous. Bear that in mind when you give me my orders.”
Fiora's conversation in Chapter 18xE/19xH
“Mark, please tell me what you want me to do. I cannot fight, but... I can aid with my dance. I ask for your understanding and assistance.”
Ninian's conversation in Chapter 20E/21H
“Mark, is it? I must see you all safely back to my master. If you have need of it, I will lend you my strength.”
Hawkeye's conversation in Chapter 22xE/23xH
“Will you look at that! It's an arena! That is a battleground for men to test their strength! Come on, Mark! We can fight to our heart's content!!”
Bartre's conversation in Chapter 29xE/31xH

Possible Endings[]

Note: Mark is the default Tactician's name. You are given the choice to replace "Mark" with a name of your choosing.

Lyn's Story[]

Mark - The Tactician
Mark leaves Lyn to continue his training. He plans on traveling throughout Lycia. Lyn refuses to say good-bye, believing in her heart that she will see him again.

Eliwood/Hector's Story[]

Mark - Superb Mind (Tactician Rank A or S)
A tactician whose brilliance changed the course of history. Bern and Etruria so desired this skilled mind that they went to war.
Mark - Famed Genius (Tactician Rank B or C)
The tactician vanished after the battle. Bern, Lycia, and Etruria all sought those famed skills, but none ever found the tactician.
Mark - Suspect Mind (Tactician Rank D or Lower)
To this day, historians look back and question how these incomprehensible strategies ever led to victory.

Affinities of Birth Months[]

  • January: Light
  • February: Ice
  • March: Wind
  • April: Thunder
  • May: Wind
  • June: Anima
  • July: Fire
  • August: Dark
  • September: Fire
  • October: Anima
  • November: Ice
  • December: Thunder

Etymology[]

Mark is a variation of the name Marcus and comes from the Latin Mart-kos, or a dedication to Mars, the god of war in the Roman pantheon.

Trivia[]

  • In Chapter 24E/26H of The Blazing Blade, when entering one of the houses, a villager will ask the unit who enters the house if they know Mark. She will tell how she helped out a traveler who happened to be a tactician who cared for their soldiers and won several battles without casualties. This implies that they had been in Bern before, since the chapter takes place there, and that Mark served an army before joining Eliwood's group.
  • In Fire Emblem Awakening, Lyn suspects that Mark and Robin might be the same person. This is an allusion to the possibility of Lyn remembering the player from The Blazing Blade. This isn't the only allusion made to the Tactician in Awakening; the Japanese name of Morgan is Marc.
    • This is further explored upon in Fire Emblem Warriors, where Lyn mentions in both History Mode and support conversations with them that Robin looks very much like Mark and that they have many similarities.
  • In Fire Emblem Heroes, Lyndis (Bride), upon reaching level 40, mentions that Kiran reminds her of Mark, the tactician she traveled with and the friendship they shared.
    • Also, Lyndis (Brave) mentions how Kiran resembles Mark in one of her quotes on the Info Screen.
    • Strangely enough, the regular version of Lyndis doesn't mention Mark in any way.
    • In the Paralogue Brave Echoes, Eliwood (Brave) also mentions that Kiran reminds him of Mark.
  • Mark is the first character to be playable in Fire Emblem Heroes without voice lines.
  • In Fire Emblem Warriors, Lyn mentions how Mark can somehow command others without speaking, remarking that there always seems to be an invisible arrow that helps them understand, referencing how the player controls the characters.

Gallery[]

See main article: Mark/Gallery.
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