How It Began
For over six years now, Fire Emblem has been one of my favorite video game series; although it's had its' ups and downs with Awakening leading into Fates, Echoes began a vitalization that the franchise really needed, and Three Houses truly drove it home. The story, the characters, the history - it was all amazing, in my opinion. It had its flaws, but overall, was a really solid game that I highly recommend for anybody getting into the series.
Although it didn't click at first, the high fantasy-medieval style of all Fire Emblem games really started to remind me of Magic - my favorite game franchise ever. Although there weren't any direct crossovers (and likely will never be), that doesn't stop the dream of one! Taking inspiration from Three Houses, I'm seeking to create the ideal deck that symbolizes the characters, lore, and gameplay from the perspective of Magic, all in my favorite format: EDH.
The Basic Story
For anyone who hasn't played the game, this is a brief summary: Three Houses takes place in a continent known as Fodlan, a land split into three countries seemingly at peace - The Leicester Alliance, The Kingdom of Faerghus, and The Adrestian Empire. You play as a mercenary-turned-teacher named Byleth, who is recruited by the country's dominant religious force, The Church of Seiros, after saving a group of teenagers from an ambush by bandits - these teenagers, as fate would have it, would actually be the three leaders of the three classes representing each major country. Claude of the Golden Deer/Leicester Alliance, Dimitri of the Blue Lions/Kingdom of Faerghus, and Edelgard of the Black Eagles/Adrestian Empire. You are able to choose one of these classes to join and teach, watched over by the Archbishop, Rhea, and siding with them as the plot grows. Restlessness creeps across the continent, and over the course of the next few months from your character's introduction, you must side with your chosen class/country against the other two in an all-out war. How the plot grows from there is different for each path, as are every character's individual fates and stories; after all, if a character dies, they're gone forever.
I won't go into too much detail to preserve the game's own surprises, though some cards will definitely be spoilers to anybody who hasn't played the games yet. So, be warned!
The Choices
1. Characters
Beginning with the deck's commander, it was clear that the colors had to be W/B/R in order to be as flavorful as possible with the game itself. Making the deck "competitive" was not going to be very possible, considering the restrictions of character choice - I would attempt to make sure that it could win, though the emphasis was more on symbolism than actual victory.
Numot, the Devastator (Commander): The Immaculate One
This is the legendary dragon of Three Houses, the one which was said to have been descended from the original goddess herself, and is revered by the Church of Seiros. Though their location and fate is unknown, it is greatly hinted that they are still alive somewhere, waiting to bring judgement on those who betray the Church.
Archangel Avacyn
: Archbishop Rhea
Throughout the first half of the story, Rhea is seen as a force of good, one that keeps order and devotion of her followers. It isn't until the second half that you learn of her true identity, and depending on your route, see just how far she's willing to go to retain order throughout Fodlan.
Tomik, Distinguished Advokist: Seteth
Right-hand to Rhea, Seteth is a powerful force in Three Houses, both when fighting with or against you. He's seen a lot in his years, and though is committed to The Church, would give his life for his little "sister," Flayn.
Ajani Vengeant: Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd
Although it doesn't appear to be at first glance, you learn on the Blue Lion's route that Dimitri's primary driving force in life is to find and slay the person (or people) responsible for the death of his parents, particularly, his father. In the second half of the game, he is transformed completely into a beast-like man with tunnel vision for that goal, having shut all other thoughts and allies out of his life. Also, both are blind in one eye!
Dack Fayden: Claude Von Riegan
If there's one thing Dack was famous for, it was being one of the most handsome smooth-talkers in the MTG multiverse. Yes, he was a thief - but he was a great strategist to carry out those thefts, above all. Although Claude isn't a thief (or dead), he certainly fits the smooth-talking, slick, scheming persona of Dack very well; and in that, certainly deserves that reflection in the game.
Chandra, Torch of Defiance: Edelgard Von Hresvelg
Chandra and Edelgard are alike in many ways, though they aren't overtly obvious. Both were subject to immense cruelty as children, and even after growing up to conquer that part of their lives, they still use it as fuel to make change to the forces that caused that harm in their lives. Although Edelgard is certainly more of a thinker than Chandra, both have a tendency to try and be a dominant force that cares for allies and burns away their enemies - even if it can backfire at times.
Teferi, Master of Time: Byleth Eisner
Although Byleth isn't exactly a "master" of time, the ability of the PC to turn back time and restart turns you might've screwed up certainly deserves recognition. Not to mention the fact that Teferi is consistently a powerful planeswalker, just as Byleth is as a character. Also, the time-spirals on Teferi's art even looks similar to the Divine Pulse in Three Houses!
2. Locations
Ancient Tomb: The Holy Tomb
Beneath Garreg Mach Monastery, there exists a tomb that is said to contain the corpse of the Progenitor god herself. What you find here through the course of the story is a cruel twist on what the corpse actually is.
Wasteland/Strip Mine: The Red Canyon
Historically, this was the site in Three Houses where The ancient Nabatean Race (a race of animal-shifting people) were eradicated, marking one of the darkest days in the continent. Some say there were survivors, but they haven't been found since...
Hallowed Fountain/Sacred Foundry/Steam Vents: Various locations in Garreg Mach
As you explore your new home between battles, you find that there are actually many places to visit and do activities in across the Monastery. From the lowest lying regions to the tops of spires, the map is considerably sized, with plenty of details to match.
3. Events
- For this, I will specifically leave out descriptions to avoid spoilers for the game's events, but those who've played the game will certainly understand the references!
Blasphemous Act: to War
Day of Judgment: Blood of the Eagle and Lion
Bend or Break: Field of Revenge
Rout: To The End of A Dream
Gamble: The Golden Deer's Plea
Austere Command: Oath of the Dagger
Swords to Plowshares: Conclusion of the Crossing Roads
Path to Exile: Following a Dream
War's Toll: The overall cost that all three countries endured in the five-year war
Rhystic Study: Teaching your students
Mystic Remora: Fishing!
Wrapping up
War devastates the people, countries, and most importantly, the lands it is waged on - and there was no better commander to represent Fire emblem Three Houses than Numot, for both its symbolism, and the possibilities. Land destruction isnt' the greatest or most appreciated archetype in EDH; I've been on the receeiving end a few times myself. But just like the deck's symbolism, land destruction is all about sending a message, and the opponents will definitely pick up on what you're getting across pretty fast.
In all, Three Houses was an amazing game, and what better to represent a great game than another great game? If anybody has any recommendations on how to improve either the symbolism in the deck or the deck itself, please feel free to give any and all advice! Thank you for looking!!!
**I'll be updating the description as I find cards to replace/more symbolism in the existing additions as well!
