The release ofFire Emblem: Three Housessaw yet another beloved Nintendo franchise come to the Switch in 2019, and its critical acclaim led to strong sales. It’s another reason why theNintendo Switch is a must-have console, and though titles likeThe Banner Saga,Valkyria Chronicles, andXCOM 2also make up its strategy-RPG offerings, Intelligent Systems' most recent release may go down as the most memorable.
Fire Emblem: Three Houseshas an eclectic cast of characters, intricate battle mechanics, and engaging side activities, all resting in some of the best worldbuilding the series has seen yet. Fodlan, the war-torn setting of the game, has distinctive locations and interesting characters that feel specific to the area they’re from. The regal subjects of Faerghus and citizens of the Adrestian Empire are wholly unique, and rounding out the three states is the Leicester Alliance, a nation that is perhaps the most intriguing of all.
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The History of The Leicester Alliance
Long before the events ofFire Emblem: Three Houses, the nation of Fodlan was united under the Adrestian Empire. Its rule was uncontested until the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus seceded, and not long after the eastern side of the continent followed suit to form the Leicester Alliance. After the Kingdom saw an opportunity to seize more control, it launched an attack on the Alliance and ruled until the death of the first archduke, resulting in victory for the noble houses of the Leicester Alliance. House Reigan, the familywhich Claude would later be born into, would forge a new path, opting to rule as a confederacy rather than a monarchy.
Almyra, a powerful nation from the east, would invade the Alliance later, but with the assistance of the Adrestian Empire, Fodlan would remain unconquered. House Riegan oversaw the fate of the Leicester Allianceuntil the events ofFire Emblem: Three Housesand beyond, with the responsibility eventually falling upon the fan-favorite Golden Deer house leader.
The Leicester Alliance In Fire Emblem: Three Houses
The Leicester Alliance’s philosophy and approach to governance is at the center of its charm once the events ofFire Emblem: Three Housesroll around. Its people are humble, overachieving, and responsible, as can be seen from Leonie’s quest to become amercenary fitting of Jeralt’s lofty legacy, and Ignatz' brave bidto become a knight despite his talents as an artist. Whereas the people of the Adrestian Empire are seen to be stoic and calculated, and the Kingdom of Faerghus' inhabitants are considered passionate and dutiful, the Alliance are likely perceived to be more laid back - though much of this is down to Claude’s carefree attitude.
On the battlefield, the Leicester Alliance is known for having a military that’s proficient with a bow, though its forces are efficient in a number of combat styles. Byleth’s eclectic expertise fits with the Golden Deer house, where players having the ability to alter their approach to skirmishes with relative ease. Furthermore,Claude’s personality in a sea of compelling charactersmakes a friendship more convincing than with the unemotional Edelgard, or devoted Dimitri. Claude’s responsibility to the Leicester Alliance is significant, as he was also born to the King of Almyra, meaning his distant nature is a direct result of the way he was shaped by the Alliance.
Fodlan’s Least Devout Nation
The colors of the Garreg Mach Monastery houses convey distinct feelings: the Golden Deer, Blue Lions, and Black Eagles. The Golden Deer house gets its name from the Alliance’s banner, being a coat of arms that dons a golden-yellow color palette. Though theChurch of Seiros has a substantial handin the way both the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus and the Adrestian Empire conduct themselves, the Leicester Alliance remain somewhat apathetic and uninterested in the religion. With the organization’s heavy involvement in the Garreg Mach Monastery’s day-to-day operations, this makes students in the Golden Deer house - with the exception of Marianne - feel more mission-focused, rarely letting faith get in the way of their achievements on the battlefield.
The Leicester Alliance is perhaps the nation that feels the most relaxed, with its distancing from the Empire, ditching of a monarchy, and its approach to faith. A detailed history of war, political unrest, and uncivil invasions has made the Leicester Alliance an engaging element ofFire Emblem: Three Houses' landscape. There is a chance theupcomingFire Emblem: Three Hopeshas a self-contained story, but the Leicester Alliance is proof that Fodlan’s worldbuilding still has more to give.
