Norgard
A vast country in the northern part of Forsena. It was formerly ruled by King Doremiditt, but was killed after the war with Almekia. The throne was given to Vaynard, who was the country's greatest general. The land here is mostly covered in snow. It is also mountainous and very rich in forestland. Their flag is colored blue.
Tropes associated with Norgard in general:
- Blue Is Heroic: Downplayed. Norgard is counted as one of the more antagonistic countries, but between the 'evil' rulers, Vaynard has the most noble and heroic goal.
- Grim Up North: The northernmost country of Forsena and it's occasionally snowing there. And it also houses a lot of powerful knights.
- Jack of All Stats: None of its monsters or knights go past level 20 in the beginning, but they are well spread in competency with the lack of deadweights.
Vaynard (Voiced by Mitsuaki Madono)
The ruler of Norgard, known as 'White Wolf of Norgard', inheriting the throne from King Doremiditt after his fall, and formed a truce with Almekia to rebuild Norgard. The rebellion by Zemeckis provided him the chance to seize the continent, and he attempts with gusto. Aloof, pragmatic, but still puts great care and trust on his subordinates.
- An Ice Person: One of the rare male non-wizards to have the Geno-Frost spell
- Ambition Is Evil: He has an ambition to conquer Forsena and shape a brave new world under Norgard's rule for its people, and because of that, is considered as a villain.
- Anti-Villain: Type I. Sure, he wants to conquer Forsena, but he's definitely not doing it for selfish desires. The good countries condemn him, and he's aware of his limits because of that. Likewise, he also calls out the more evil countries. If Norgard conquers Forsena, Vaynard makes sure that the land is peaceful and declares that the people are free to call him out if he loses his way.
- Asskicking Leads to Leadership: True to Norgard's tradition, Vaynard became king because he's the most kickass knight in the country. When Brangien shows doubt about it and challenges him if he stays holed in his castle without attacking for a period of time, Vaynard proceeds to easily parry her attacks, cut down her sword and act like a Stern Teacher to teach Brangien that if this is a real battlefield, she'd be dead.
- Berserk Button: His sister Esmeree. Badmouthing her is what could make Vaynard start to lose his cool (Zemeckis did, when he insinuates her like just a disposable woman, and so did Brangien, when she insults her as a coward who refuses fighting for Norgard)... but it never goes far because Bulnoil ALWAYS interrupts before that happens.
- Chewing the Scenery: He's usually calm, but defeat him for the first time, and he goes to a RANT on how he will prepare for the next one. Lampshaded by Zemeckis.You like to talk, don't you?
- Driven to Suicide: Implied in his "defeated ruler" cutscene. He and Guinglain toasts the player character's country for defeating him, as his last words are:Vaynard: So the White Wolf sleeps...
- Expy: His devotion to his sister, his need to conquer Forsena and his appearance is almost reminiscent of Reinhard Von Lohenngram.
- The Emperor: In a multiplayer scenario, he proclaims himself as emperor after defeating Leonia and turning Lyonesse into his puppet queen empress. The last multiplayer scenario also has him defeating Zemeckis and conquering the Esgares Empire, turning Norgard into The Empire as the most powerful nation in Forsena.
- Genius Bruiser: Has high INT and STR to prove it. As Vaynard, either his ice spells or his halberd are going to hurt big time.
- Ignored Expert: Before the battle in Lidney, Vaynard already knew that an all-out war with Almekia would be futile, but Doremiditt ignored that advice. As a result, Vaynard backed out from the frontline (while still participating in the battle), and the battle of Lidney ended in a disaster for Norgard, with Doremiditt killed by Zemeckis. When Vaynard became King as a result, he proceeded with his ignored plan to sign peace with Almekia to give Norgard time to recover.
- The Leader: As part of the Five-Man Band of Norgard and its King, this is Vaynard's natural position, he leads the charge of his kingdom.
- Noble Demon: An ambitious conquering warlord who's ruthless against his enemies, but nonetheless cares for the welfare of those under him.
- The Philosopher King: Vaynard's mind is just as sharp as his battle and strategic skills and he is quite fond of dispensing his wisdom to others.(Towards King Cai when he prefers to avoid fighting) Vaynard: Those are the words of the well-to-do. Without rain there is thirst, when crops fall there is hunger. Some must fall so others may live. There are times to fight for what you must have. I am proof of what one can achieve when they stop trying to please everyone.
(Towards Queen Lyonesse when she says that it is pointless to fight) Vaynard: Battle cannot be avoided. Would you rather flee every fight and live at the mercy of every strong thug? Is that a life worth living? Life is battle. Those without a will to live do not deserve to live.
(Towards King Dryst) Vaynard You don't understand what it means to rule. I will explain Mad King. A king do not do as he wishes, he does what he must. - Pet the Dog: His treatment with Noie
- Pragmatic Hero: Vaynard might want peace for Forsena when unification comes under his banner, but he knows that being all nice and peaceful will get him nowhere so he takes on a more aggressive stance since he believes that'll yield him the best result, even when others think he's an evil invader. Likewise, when Norgard loses Doremiditt, Vaynard already knew that further war even for vengeance is futile, so he signed peace to give it time to recover.
- Pride: Averted. While Vaynard is seemingly full of himself and the other characters like King Kai, Dinadan and Coel warn of such, he aknowledges his limits. This is best shown in his conversations with his confidant Guinglain when he says that the later is more qualified to be King of Norgard. He is also unsure whether he will properly rule Forsena once Norgard unites the continent.
- Villain Protagonist: Downplayed. Vaynard is playable and is more Anti-Villain because he is aggressively attacking other countries to secure an era of peace instead of being peaceful.
- Young Conqueror: At the age of 21, he is highly renowned and feared in the continent of Forsena as a powerful swordsman and a great strategist and is acknowledged to be another ruler besides Zemeckis who aims to take over the continent of Forsena.
- Your Approval Fills Me with Shame: He's honestly not amused when Dryst said that he's one of the few honest people in Forsena (the other being Zemeckis). He's definitely not conquering Forsena for the heck of it, but to make sure he can ensure a period of peace for its people.
Brangien (Voiced by Michiko Neya)
The Princess of Norgard who couldn't take the throne because it's against the Norgard laws. As a result, she's bitter at Vaynard and usually doesn't have much nice words to him. However, secretly, she was grateful with what Vaynard did to the country.
- Action Girl: Because she refuses to just Stay in the Kitchen.
- Art Evolution: Brangien art style changed in Grand Edition, making her look more haughty and bitter instead of bratty.
- Green-Eyed Monster: She expressed anger and displeasure at Lyonesse, because the latter gets to be the Queen, and the former can't.
- Jack of All Stats: Brangien is only at Level 10, she's not too weak to fit as a Magikarp Power, but not too strong either. What she DOES have, however, are excellently spread starting stats for her level as well as high enough Rune Power to grow. If raised properly, then Brangien would become one hell of a master class Archer/Artemis that commands tons of high level monsters, sniping enemies from four square while moving and able to support her team with spells like React.
- Like Father Like Daughter: Vaynard himself notes she is just as Hot-Blooded and rather single-minded as her father, King Doremiddt, who decided to attack Almekia head-on.
- Proud Warrior Race Girl: She takes extreme pride at her warrior blood due to being born in Norgard. One of the things she hates the most is if someone insinuates she doesn't have what it takes to be a strong warrior.
- Rebellious Princess: She's a princess that had a resentment towards her own culture that looks down on women like her and fights to prove her worth by being a Pretty Princess Powerhouse in the battlefield.
- Sour Supporter: She has nothing but insults at Vaynard due to her bitterness, but will still fight for her country. She's actually hiding her gratitude and impression at his competence, preferring to act like a bitter Tsundere.
- Stay in the Kitchen: What the Norgard law decreed her to, but she'll have none of it.
- Tomboy Princess: A Princess who'd rather go shoot some arrows to enemies instead of caring about her looks (though she is beautiful on her own, but she does not take flirting kindly)
- Tsundere: Has troubles expressing her gratitude to Vaynard, requiring some like Yvain to give that, and she usually sticks with being haughty, confrontational and dismissive.
Guinglain (Voiced by Tōru Ōkawa)
Vaynard's most trusted vassal who's been by his side since the era of Doremiditt. Aside of a Knight, he's an accomplished strategist, and Vaynard thinks he'd fit better as a King, though Guinglain was perfectly content as advisor/vassal.
- Knight in Shining Armor: Not only he starts out as a Knight, Guinglain is definitely one of Norgard's more chivalrous characters, showing concern to his people and fellow knights.
- Heterosexual Life-Partners: With Vaynard as the two grew up together as if they were close brothers. Guinglain is also one of the few people who Vaynard talks about his own personal issues such his situation regarding Esmeree.
- The Lancer: As Vaynard's Number Two, he's this.
- The Strategist: Usually comes up with whatever Vaynard is planning, and he actually prefers this position than ruling, since it lets him manage the war better like The Chessmaster.
Yvain (Voiced by Hiroki Takahashi)
Another one of Norgard's elite knights, a pretty boy knight who is calm and quite understanding on Vaynard's commands. He's best buds with the much wilder Knight Palomides.
- Deadpan Snarker: Usually at the expense of Palomides, since Yvain is calmer and capable of poking fun at some of Palomides' poor choice of words.
- Knight in Shining Armor: Another one and actually has a touch of chivalrous speech on him.
- Pretty Boy: Long hair and quite the handsome guy.
- Red Oni, Blue Oni: Blue Oni to Palomides, usually the go-to guy to snark at Palomides' Hot-Blooded bravado.
- The Smart Guy: Downplayed, though. While he's no strategist, he certainly is a quick learner and keeps his calm a lot, also tutoring Palomides.
Palomides (Voiced by Nobuyuki Hiyama)
Yvain's best bud and companion in battle, Palomides is the opposite of him, reckless and Hot-Blooded. Despite their differences, they work well as a team and he usually asks Yvain about stuffs he didn't understand about Vaynard's briefings.
- The Big Guy: A bit too hotheaded and has a short attention span, but he makes it up with brute force.
- Red Oni, Blue Oni: Red to Yvain.
Morholt (Voiced by Tetsuo Komura)
A former Almekian magician. After the death of his brother by Zemeckis in rebellion, he fled Almekia, but went to Vaynard instead of Lance, whom he felt not ambitious enough. He ends up being Vaynard's secondary advisor (aside of Guinglain), but eventually retired after unification, thinking that a man filled with revenge is unfit to run a country.
- Face–Heel Turn: As Norgard is one of the 'bad guy' countries and he's from Almekia...
- Ambition Is Evil: Because Lance is too goody-goody without ambition, Morholt left him and joined the more ambitious Vaynard.
- Revenge: His motivation, he wants to avenge his dead brother.
- Sixth Ranger: He's Vaynard's semi-advisor and joins later after the beginning of Norgard, being an Almekian formerly. Also unlike the original Five-Man Band, Morholt stands out for being a magic user.
- That Man Is Dead: He considers his old self, the Almekian Morholt, dead and thus can't be killed, because you can't kill what's already dead.
Luintail (Voiced by Kazuhiro Nakata)
A Norgard Knight who left after Vaynard took the throne, thinking that he is a bad successor to Doremiditt. Once Vaynard proves his worth, he came right back to Vaynard's services. Seems to serve as a rival to New Almekia's Gereint.
- Ain't Too Proud to Beg: Once he came back, he praises Vaynard for his victory and begs to be reinstated even if in the lowest post. Good thing Vaynard already reserved a place for him.
- The Bus Came Back: He's nowhere in sight in the beginning of the game, but once Vaynard scored victory, he came right back begging to join.
- The Rival: For Gereint.
Noie (Voiced by Yuri Shiratori)
A girl blessed with angelic voice and undyingly loyal to Vaynard. However, she secretly hid a fatal sickness that looms to claim her life anytime, but wouldn't reveal that just so everyone are not worried about her.
- Magikarp Power: A Level 2 Cleric which is by default very hard to raise. But she has astronomical Rune Power and quite good stats for her level, making her a very potent investment for the future.
- Morality Pet: For Vaynard and Guinglain.
- Nice Gal: Noie is a sweet girl with Undying Loyalty... to Vaynard, one of the 'bad guys', and she's able to bring on his good side at times.
- Tragic Hero: Noie is a kind girl inflicted with a fatal illness, but insist of going on for Vaynard's sake so others won't worry. In the end, she doesn't live long enough to see the unified Forsena under Vaynard, something he mourned for.
Roadbull (Voiced by Yutaka Nakano)
A minister of Norgard serving from Doremiditt and Vaynard. He's not in full agreement with Vaynard's new methods but eventually came to accept them (of course, being prodded by his daughter might be a reason)
- Boyfriend-Blocking Dad: Say what you will about his grumpiness, but Roadbull really doesn't like it if someone makes a move to his daughter without consent. As Ector would attest in the Grand Edition novels...
- Grumpy Old Man: "Back in Doremiditt's days, the elders get to deal with the politics themselves, now with that young'un Vaynard in charge, he interferes with most of the politics! It's like he doesn't trust us!" He gets better, though, thanks to Elaine.
Elaine (Voiced by Sachiko Kojima)
Roadbull's daughter, sweet and understanding even to Vaynard. She's also a good cook. Beneath her innocent look is a cunning side who's not afraid to sucker her own dad so he can be less grumpy for his own good.
- Crocodile Tears: If it means to get her father to listen to her reasoning, she'd use this with gusto. Alternatively, she has another technique. See below.
- Hopeless Suitor: She had feelings towards Vaynard which became the reason why she defended him a lot. Still, she just knew that she had no chance on him.
- Magikarp Power: Elaine only starts at level 1, the lowest of Norgard. However, she can be raised as a potent and powerful Witch/Sage with decent Rune Power.
- Puppy-Dog Eyes: In one of the Grand Edition novels, Elaine spends some time with Ector, and Roadbull is super suspicious at him. To eventually calm him down and get him to listen to her reasoning again, Elaine then used the trope.
- Supreme Chef: She's a really good cook.
- Wise Beyond Their Years: For a daughter, she's got keen wisdom to know that Vaynard's new policies works for the future of Norgard.
Faticia (Voiced by Youko Sasaki)
A Knight of Norgard who's not really good with Runes, but makes it up with loyalty. She's an aide of Guinglain and probably had a secret crush on him. She also sings well (though not at the level of Noie)
Kirkmond (Voiced by Shigeru Ushiyama)
The mediator of Norgard, bridging the opinions of the old pro-Doremiditt Knights and pro-Vaynard Knights. He is also good friends with Zerafin.
- Defeat Means Friendship: He will join your nation if you beat Norgard, since he still have aims for peace in the land. Unless you're Esgares in Grand Edition.
Zerafin (Voiced by Aruno Tahara)
A survivor of the Battle of Lidney that took Doremiditt's life. He witnessed his King's death with his own eyes and considers himself a failure for it, although he's more than determined to protect his current liege as a result.
- Survivor's Guilt: He's haunted with the lingering guilt of letting Doremiditt die when he was there.
Dillard (Voiced by Takashi Matsuyama)
A hired Knight after Vaynard's rise. He's a man of few words, but usually gets his job done.
- Defeat Means Friendship: He will join your nation if you beat Norgard, simply offering his services as a hired knight. Unless you're Esgares in Grand Edition.
- The Stoic: Enough that if he meets Iria, they exchange "..."s
Ector (Voiced by Koichi Tochika)
The lowest-ranked Knight of Norgard. Despite so, he continues to be bright. He admires Vaynard and dreams on becoming his right-hand man.
- Dogged Nice Guy: According to some of the Grand Edition mini novels, at one point he tried to court Elaine. The romance didn't go very far although they remain as friends, partially because Roadbull is being a persistent roadblock at him.
- Ensign Newbie: He's the lowest ranked knight Norgard, implying that he's very much new in this whole Knighting business.
- Magikarp Power: Much like Elaine, he's this for Norgard's physical class. He's very moldable for a Level 5 Fighter and will come out decent.
