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{{Quote|I wish I could be shocked at this, but the dead rose all the time in my future. Friends, neighbors—they all became Risen... And then they had to be taken down.|[[Inigo]]}}
{{Quote|I wish I could be shocked at this, but the dead rose all the time in my future. Friends, neighbors—they all became Risen... And then they had to be taken down.|[[Inigo]]}}


The '''Risen''' (Japanese: {{hover|屍兵|Shikabanehei}} ''Undead'') are a type of undead [[monster]], created from [[human]] corpses reanimated through the sinister power of the Fell Dragon [[Grima (character)|Grima]]. Brutally antagonistic toward humanity by nature, they primarily serve as an army for Grima and his followers, [[The Grimleal (cult)|the Grimleal]].
The '''Risen''' (Japanese: {{hover|屍兵|Shikabanehei}} ''Undead''), also known as '''Death Masks''' (Japanese: {{hover|死者の仮面|Shisha no kamen}} ''Mask of the Dead'') are a type of undead [[monster]] created from [[human]] corpses. Originating as the creations of the alchemist [[Forneus]] in the ancient history of [[Archanea (continent)|Archanea]], these creatures became known and feared for their brutal antagonism toward humanity as the servants of the Fell Dragon [[Grima (character)|Grima]], Forneus's other creation. They primarily serve as an army for Grima and his followers, [[The Grimleal (cult)|the Grimleal]].


==Overview==
==Overview==
===Characteristics===
===Characteristics===
While the link between the Risen and the dark power of Grima is clear, the process of their creation is unknown; it is likely similar to the similarly undefined process of creation used for the [[Deadlords]] of the [[Loptyrians|Loptyrian Order]], and indeed the Deadlords are considered to be Risen when recreated in the service of the Grimleal. [[Brady]] states that, when Grima is at full power as he was in the doomed future whence he came, the process of converting a corpse or even a still-living wounded individual is automatic.<ref>{{Cite|In the future, our wounded often turned to Risen just as we were tryin' to heal 'em. It really stinks havin' to kill the very people you've been fightin' to save... Ya just gotta remember these folk ain't turnin' back, no matter what.|[[Brady]]|Awakening}}</ref> With the exception of [[Revenant]]s and [[Entombed]], Risen practice [[Class|the same forms of combat]] as humans.
All Risen sport a set of characteristic physical traits: mottled purple skin, glowing red eyes, and a skull-like face mask presumably covering injuries or decay to the host corpse's face. Risen frequently exhale or belch a dark purple smoke, likely tied to the dark magic fuelling their existence, and evaporate into said smoke and leave no physical trace behind when slain. Though undead, Risen appear to have finite "lives" and can be killed in similar ways to humans without necessitating that the body be damaged beyond continued function or repair. Likely as a result of being decaying corpses with a lack of sensation, Risen are capable of certain feats of physical dislocation which no human could successfully do, such as rotating their head a full 180 degrees. With the exception of [[Revenant]]s and [[Entombed]], Risen practice [[Class|the same forms of combat]] as humans.


All Risen sport a set of characteristic physical traits: mottled purple skin, glowing red eyes, and a skull-like face mask presumably covering injuries or decay to the host corpse's face. Risen frequently exhale or belch a dark purple smoke, likely tied to the dark magic fuelling their existence, and evaporate into said smoke and leave no physical trace behind when slain. Though undead, Risen appear to have finite "lives" and can be killed in similar ways to humans without necessitating that the body be damaged beyond continued function or repair. Likely as a result of being decaying corpses with a lack of sensation, Risen are capable of certain feats of physical dislocation which no human could successfully do, such as rotating their head a full 180 degrees.
For the most part, the Risen appear to have no sentience of their own.  They are driven solely by aggression, "living" to fight humans with no other drive.  They are capable of speech, albeit extremely limited to simple broken sentences slurred through their unfamiliarity with language, though the Deadlords in [[Infinite Regalia]] are able to speak fluently. However, they do appear to have a sense of hierarchy based around the dominance of the strong: the Risen's [[Risen Chief|leaders]] in combat are dictated by their power over their peers,<ref>{{Cite|The Risen's apparent leader, judging by strength.|Help description for [[Risen Chief]]s|Awakening}}</ref> and [[Walhart]] inadvertently caused a horde of Risen to follow him as a leader through sheer force in his efforts to fight them as practice.<ref>{{Cite|Useless husks! Do you bend the knee to me already? Pah! I've no use for blind obedience. I need you to face me!|[[Walhart]]|Awakening}}</ref>  Certain Grimleal individuals such as [[Validar]] and [[Aversa]] appear to be capable of directly controlling Risen; when under somebody else's command, as opposed to their usual mindless and wild behavior, Risen appear to be capable of practising simple tactics in co-operation with each other.<ref>{{Cite|They made a stealthy approach, milord. I've never seen Risen behave like this. Either they are learning our ways, or someone is commanding them...|[[Frederick]]|Awakening}}</ref>


For the most part, the Risen appear to have no sentience of their own.  They are driven solely by aggression, "living" to fight humans with no other drive.  They are capable of speech, albeit extremely limited to simple broken sentences slurred through their unfamiliarity with language, though the Deadlords in [[Infinite Regalia]] are able to speak fluently. However, they do appear to have a sense of hierarchy based around the dominance of the strong: the Risen's [[Risen Chief|leaders]] in combat are dictated by their power over their peers,<ref>{{Cite|The Risen's apparent leader, judging by strength.|Help description for [[Risen Chief]]s|Awakening}}</ref> and [[Walhart]] inadvertently caused a horde of Risen to follow him as a leader through sheer force in his efforts to fight them as practice.<ref>{{Cite|Useless husks! Do you bend the knee to me already? Pah! I've no use for blind obedience. I need you to face me!|[[Walhart]]|Awakening}}</ref> Certain Grimleal individuals such as [[Validar]] and [[Aversa]] appear to be capable of directly controlling Risen; when under somebody else's command, as opposed to their usual mindless and wild behavior, Risen appear to be capable of practising simple tactics in co-operation with each other.<ref>{{Cite|They made a stealthy approach, milord. I've never seen Risen behave like this. Either they are learning our ways, or someone is commanding them...|[[Frederick]]|Awakening}}</ref>
In ancient times, Death Masks were created manually through the use of a species of shelled insect which were named '''thanatophages''' (Japanese: {{hover|屍蟲|Shikabanemushi}} ''corpsebug'') by [[Forneus]]. When presented to a corpse, a thanatophage would lay down roots within, and assume control of, that corpse. Forneus took advantage of the thanatophages' ability by creating masks containing these insects, then placing them on corpses.<ref name="forneus2">{{Cite|The critical component in the death mask is a particular shelled insect.<br>I have come to call these marvels of nature thanatophages.<br>Placed on a cadaver, thanatophages set down roots and assert control.|[[Forneus]], as recorded on tablets in the Thabes Labyrinth|Echoes: Shadows of Valentia}}</ref> As of the era of ''Awakening'', this manual process was no longer necessary as Grima's dark powers created Risen through some unexplained process. According to [[Brady]], when Grima is at full power as he was in the doomed future whence he came, the process of converting a corpse or even a still-living wounded individual is automatic.<ref>{{Cite|In the future, our wounded often turned to Risen just as we were tryin' to heal 'em. It really stinks havin' to kill the very people you've been fightin' to save... Ya just gotta remember these folk ain't turnin' back, no matter what.|[[Brady]]|Awakening}}</ref> There may be some relation between the creation of Risen and the creation of the [[Loptyrians|Loptyrian]] [[Deadlords]]; indeed, the Deadlords who serve the Grimleal are stated to just be powerful Risen.


===History===
===History===
====Origins====
The Risen originate in the ancient [[Archanea (continent)|Archanean]] city of [[Thabes]], where the alchemist [[Forneus]] kept a workshop in the lower levels of [[Thabes Labyrinth|its labyrinth]]. Forneus's work was focused on two goals, one of which was finding the ability to resurrect the dead to serve as warriors.<ref name="forneus1" /> His discovery of thanatophages resulted in the creation of the original Risen, which he called the Death Masks.<ref name="forneus2" /> However, the ruling senators of Thabes opposed Forneus's experiments, and when their attempts to stop him - first by convincing him, then by sending soldiers after him - failed, they chose to seal Forneus and his creations away in the depths of the Thabes Labyrinth. They used the [[Sage's Shield]] to establish a seal meant to last beyond the collapse of Thabes itself, to ensure that Forneus's Death Masks and his other creation, a [[Grima (character)|perfect lifeform]] created with [[Divine Dragon|divine dragon]] blood, would never be disturbed.<ref name="forneus1">{{Cite|In Thabes lived an alchemist named Forneus, much praised for his genius. In time, he would be feared by all.<br>Two matters consumed Forneus, and he spent his life in their pursuit.<br>The first was how to wake the dead and control them as his army.<br>The second was the creation of a singular, perfect being.<br>We senators sent forth messengers to Forneus. None returned.<br>Next, the Council dispatched soldiers. Still none returned.<br>Thus, the Council chose to seal Forneus's workshop with him inside it.<br>The seal they used was made to last until the city crumbled to sand.<br>Here lies sealed the workshop of the demon alchemist Forneus.|Tablets in the Thabes Labyrinth|Echoes: Shadows of Valentia}}</ref>
Eventually, the Thabes Labyrinth was visited by [[Alm]] and [[Celica]], the rulers of [[Valentia]] at the time. They took the Sage's Shield and broke the seal on Forneus's workshop, in which they encountered the Death Masks, still wandering the depths of the labyrinth. They fought and defeated both the Death Masks and the perfect lifeform, containing their threat for a time. At some point after many years since Alm and Celica's encounter had passed, both the perfect lifeform - now calling itself Grima - and the Death Masks emerged from Thabes to conquer the world.
====Grima's reign====
{{sectstub}}
{{sectstub}}
In the ancient past, the alchemist [[Forneus]] worked at the labyrinth of [[Thabes]], with two goals in mind. The first was to bring the dead back to life to serve as warriors, and the second was to create a [[Grima (character)|perfect lifeform]] using [[Divine Dragon|divine dragon]] blood. He discovered insects which he named "thanatophages", which, when presented to a corpse, would lay down roots within, and assume control of, that corpse. Forneus created masks containing these insects and placed them on several corpses, thus creating his army of the dead, the "Death Masks". The senate of Thabes attempted several times to convince Forneus to cease his experiments, even sending in soldiers, but their attempts proved fruitless, and they eventually decided to seal Forneus and his creations in the depths of the Thabes Labyrinth, never to be disturbed. Several years later, however, the seal on the lower floors of the Thabes Labyrinth was broken by [[Alm]] and [[Celica]], then rulers of [[Valentia]]. Alm and Celica encountered the Death Masks, still wandering the depths of the labyrinth, and eventually fought and defeated "the Creation", the "perfect life" created by Forneus aeons earlier, containing its threat, and that of the Death Masks, for a time.
The name "Risen" was coined by officials of the [[Ylisse|Halidom of Ylisse]] in a war council shortly after their first appearance in the world, and subsequently entered common usage in describing them, both in the actual timeline and in Lucina's doomed future.<ref>{{Cite|'''Chrom:''' Gods, have the Risen spread this far?<br>'''Robin:''' "Risen"?<br>'''Frederick:''' We needed a name for this new threat, so the council gave them one.|[[Chrom]], [[Robin (Awakening)|Robin]] and [[Frederick]]|Awakening}}</ref>


In the doomed Grima-ruled future from which [[Lucina]] and the other children originated, the Risen were the dominant force, constantly terrorizing and hunting the surviving remnants of humanity in Grima's name.<ref>{{Cite|In the future, almost no corner of our world is safe for humans. Risen prowl the land as masters of all. The people cower in terror, helpless.|[[Lucina]]|Awakening}}</ref>  At roughly the same point as Lucina's arrival in the past to avert Grima's future, they began to also appear in the past,  time-travelling with Grima in pursuit of Lucina and her friends and first dropping onto Ylissean territory through portals in the sky.  In the aftermath of their first appearance west of Ylisstol and their subsequent attack on Prince [[Chrom]] of Ylisse, Risen started spreading across both the Ylissean continent and neighboring [[Valm]], terrorizing the people both autonomously and, on occasion, under Grimleal command. The name "Risen" was coined by officials of the [[Ylisse|Halidom of Ylisse]] in a war council shortly after their first appearance in the world, and subsequently entered common usage in describing them, both in the actual timeline and in Lucina's doomed future.<ref>{{Cite|'''Chrom:''' Gods, have the Risen spread this far?<br>'''Robin:''' "Risen"?<br>'''Frederick:''' We needed a name for this new threat, so the council gave them one.|[[Chrom]], [[Robin (Awakening)|Robin]] and [[Frederick]]|Awakening}}</ref>
In the doomed Grima-ruled future from which [[Lucina]] and the other children originated, the Risen were the dominant force, constantly terrorizing and hunting the surviving remnants of humanity in Grima's name.<ref>{{Cite|In the future, almost no corner of our world is safe for humans. Risen prowl the land as masters of all. The people cower in terror, helpless.|[[Lucina]]|Awakening}}</ref>  At roughly the same point as Lucina's arrival in the past to avert Grima's future, they began to also appear in the past,  time-travelling with Grima in pursuit of Lucina and her friends and first dropping onto Ylissean territory through portals in the sky.  In the aftermath of their first appearance west of Ylisstol and their subsequent attack on Prince [[Chrom]] of Ylisse, Risen started spreading across both the Ylissean continent and neighboring [[Valm]], terrorizing the people both autonomously and, on occasion, under Grimleal command.


===In gameplay===
===In gameplay===
Unlike the monsters of earlier games, most Risen function identically to usual generic human enemies. They almost universally possess the same classes, stats and weapons as their human counterparts, and are distinguished primarily with semi-unique portraits and battle models granting them their undead physical appearance.  The exceptions are [[Revenant]]s and [[Entombed]], which function using their exclusive talon weapons; while the [[Blessed Lance]] and [[Blessed Bow]] deal [[effective damage]] to Revenants and Entombed, Risen of any normal class do not receive bonus damage and are treated as normal human units in terms of effective weapons.
Unlike the monsters of earlier games, most Risen in ''Awakening'' function identically to usual generic human enemies. They almost universally possess the same classes, stats and weapons as their human counterparts, and are distinguished primarily with semi-unique portraits and battle models granting them their undead physical appearance.  The exceptions are [[Revenant]]s and [[Entombed]], which function using their exclusive talon weapons; while the [[Blessed Lance]] and [[Blessed Bow]] deal [[effective damage]] to Revenants and Entombed, Risen of any normal class do not receive bonus damage and are treated as normal human units in terms of effective weapons.


Risen comprise almost all of the enemy units in Chapters [[Unwelcome Change|1]], [[Shepherds (chapter)|2]], [[Of Sacred Blood|13]], [[An Ill Presage|22]], [[Awakening (chapter)|24]], and [[To Slay a God|25]], Paralogues [[A Strangled Peace|3]], [[Disowned by Time|12]], [[Daughter to Dragons|16]], [[The Threat of Silence|17]], [[Irreconcilable Paths|19]] and [[Ghost of a Blade|21]], and in the [[Downloadable content in Fire Emblem Awakening|DLC]] episodes ''[[The Golden Gaffe]]'', ''[[EXPonential Growth]]'', ''[[Infinite Regalia]]'', ''[[Harvest Scramble]]'', ''[[Hot-Spring Scramble]]'', ''[[Death's Embrace]]'', ''[[Five-Anna Firefight]]'', ''[[Roster Rescue]]'', and the ''[[The Future Past 1|Future]] [[The Future Past 2|Past]]'' [[The Future Past 3|series]].  Additionally, hordes of Risen appear on the [[world map]] to be fought in [[skirmish]]es, and can be summoned through use of a [[Reeking Box]].
In ''Awakening'', Risen comprise almost all of the enemy units in Chapters [[Unwelcome Change|1]], [[Shepherds (chapter)|2]], [[Of Sacred Blood|13]], [[An Ill Presage|22]], [[Awakening (chapter)|24]], and [[To Slay a God|25]], Paralogues [[A Strangled Peace|3]], [[Disowned by Time|12]], [[Daughter to Dragons|16]], [[The Threat of Silence|17]], [[Irreconcilable Paths|19]] and [[Ghost of a Blade|21]], and in the [[Downloadable content in Fire Emblem Awakening|DLC]] episodes ''[[The Golden Gaffe]]'', ''[[EXPonential Growth]]'', ''[[Infinite Regalia]]'', ''[[Harvest Scramble]]'', ''[[Hot-Spring Scramble]]'', ''[[Death's Embrace]]'', ''[[Five-Anna Firefight]]'', ''[[Roster Rescue]]'', and the ''[[The Future Past 1|Future]] [[The Future Past 2|Past]]'' [[The Future Past 3|series]].  Additionally, hordes of Risen appear on the [[world map]] to be fought in [[skirmish]]es, and can be summoned through use of a [[Reeking Box]].
 
In ''Echoes: Shadows of Valentia'', Death Masks are encountered in the [[Thabes Labyrinth]] dungeon in [[Act 6 (Shadows of Valentia)|Act 6]], starting from the sixth basement floor. They function exactly the same way as they do in ''Awakening'', except that Death Masks are among the strongest generic enemies in the game. All Death Masks have very high [[HP]], and those in infantry classes tend to have enhanced [[movement]], and they often wield [[Status conditions#Poison|poisoning weapons]].


==Other appearances==
==Other appearances==
Line 88: Line 96:
* Despite the Risen taking on a variety of classes, the only classes shown in cutscenes are [[Fighter]], [[Archer]], and [[Dark Knight]], the latter two only in ''Awakening's'' opening sequence.
* Despite the Risen taking on a variety of classes, the only classes shown in cutscenes are [[Fighter]], [[Archer]], and [[Dark Knight]], the latter two only in ''Awakening's'' opening sequence.
* Risen classes that wear full-face helmets, such as [[Cavalier]] and [[Warrior]], do not have the traditional Risen mask in their battle models; instead, they have a red glow within the grills to symbolize their affiliation. Oddly, the [[General]] and [[Great Knight]] classes still have the Risen masks, despite wearing full helmets.
* Risen classes that wear full-face helmets, such as [[Cavalier]] and [[Warrior]], do not have the traditional Risen mask in their battle models; instead, they have a red glow within the grills to symbolize their affiliation. Oddly, the [[General]] and [[Great Knight]] classes still have the Risen masks, despite wearing full helmets.
* Despite the Risen not being officially named by characters in Chapter 1, selecting one with the cursor will reveal their name prematurely.
* In ''Awakening'', despite the Risen not being officially named by characters in Chapter 1, selecting one with the cursor will reveal their name prematurely.
* A Risen mask makes a cameo appearance in [[Thrust to the Future]] of {{TMSFE}}.
* A Risen mask makes a cameo appearance in [[Thrust to the Future]] of {{TMSFE}}.
* In ''Echoes: Shadows of Valentia'', the player is able to obtain the Death Masks' mask as the [[Dubious Mask]] item. When equipped by any unit, they wear that mask in battles.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 95: Line 104:
File:Ss fe13 fighter risen cutscene.png|A [[Fighter]] Risen in a cutscene in {{title|Awakening}}.
File:Ss fe13 fighter risen cutscene.png|A [[Fighter]] Risen in a cutscene in {{title|Awakening}}.
File:Ss fe13 algol's risen.png|A unique [[Soldier]] Risen created by [[Algol]] in ''[[Death's Embrace]]''.
File:Ss fe13 algol's risen.png|A unique [[Soldier]] Risen created by [[Algol]] in ''[[Death's Embrace]]''.
File:Ss fe15 death mask.jpg|A [[Villager]] Death Mask in {{title|Echoes: Shadows of Valentia}}.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Etymology and other languages==
==Etymology and other languages==
===Risen===
{{Names
{{Names
|eng-name=Risen
|eng-name=Risen
Line 111: Line 122:
|ital-name=Risorti
|ital-name=Risorti
|ital-mean=Resurrected
|ital-mean=Resurrected
}}
===Death Masks===
{{Names
|eng-name=Death Mask
|eng-mean=Probably refers to the masks used to create them.
|jap-name={{hover|死者の仮面|Shisha no kamen}}
|jap-mean=Mask of the Dead
|fren-name=Masque funèbre
|fren-mean=Funerary mask
|ger-name=Totenmaske
|ger-mean=Deadmask
|span-name=Máscara letal
|span-mean=Lethal mask
|ital-name=Maschera morte
|ital-mean=Dead mask
|dut-name=Doodsmasker
|dut-mean=Deadmask
|chin-simp-name={{hover|死者的面具|Mandarin: Sǐzhě de miànjù; Cantonese: Sei2ze2 dik1 min6geoi6}}
|chin-simp-mean=Mask of the Dead
|chin-trad-name={{hover|死者的面具|Mandarin: Sǐzhě de miànjù; Cantonese: Sei2ze2 dik1 min6geoi6}}
|chin-trad-mean=Mask of the Dead
}}
}}



Revision as of 07:09, 28 May 2017

A Risen in the guise of a Fighter.
I wish I could be shocked at this, but the dead rose all the time in my future. Friends, neighbors—they all became Risen... And then they had to be taken down.
— Inigo

The Risen (Japanese: 屍兵 Undead), also known as Death Masks (Japanese: 死者の仮面 Mask of the Dead) are a type of undead monster created from human corpses. Originating as the creations of the alchemist Forneus in the ancient history of Archanea, these creatures became known and feared for their brutal antagonism toward humanity as the servants of the Fell Dragon Grima, Forneus's other creation. They primarily serve as an army for Grima and his followers, the Grimleal.

Overview

Characteristics

All Risen sport a set of characteristic physical traits: mottled purple skin, glowing red eyes, and a skull-like face mask presumably covering injuries or decay to the host corpse's face. Risen frequently exhale or belch a dark purple smoke, likely tied to the dark magic fuelling their existence, and evaporate into said smoke and leave no physical trace behind when slain. Though undead, Risen appear to have finite "lives" and can be killed in similar ways to humans without necessitating that the body be damaged beyond continued function or repair. Likely as a result of being decaying corpses with a lack of sensation, Risen are capable of certain feats of physical dislocation which no human could successfully do, such as rotating their head a full 180 degrees. With the exception of Revenants and Entombed, Risen practice the same forms of combat as humans.

For the most part, the Risen appear to have no sentience of their own. They are driven solely by aggression, "living" to fight humans with no other drive. They are capable of speech, albeit extremely limited to simple broken sentences slurred through their unfamiliarity with language, though the Deadlords in Infinite Regalia are able to speak fluently. However, they do appear to have a sense of hierarchy based around the dominance of the strong: the Risen's leaders in combat are dictated by their power over their peers,[1] and Walhart inadvertently caused a horde of Risen to follow him as a leader through sheer force in his efforts to fight them as practice.[2] Certain Grimleal individuals such as Validar and Aversa appear to be capable of directly controlling Risen; when under somebody else's command, as opposed to their usual mindless and wild behavior, Risen appear to be capable of practising simple tactics in co-operation with each other.[3]

In ancient times, Death Masks were created manually through the use of a species of shelled insect which were named thanatophages (Japanese: 屍蟲 corpsebug) by Forneus. When presented to a corpse, a thanatophage would lay down roots within, and assume control of, that corpse. Forneus took advantage of the thanatophages' ability by creating masks containing these insects, then placing them on corpses.[4] As of the era of Awakening, this manual process was no longer necessary as Grima's dark powers created Risen through some unexplained process. According to Brady, when Grima is at full power as he was in the doomed future whence he came, the process of converting a corpse or even a still-living wounded individual is automatic.[5] There may be some relation between the creation of Risen and the creation of the Loptyrian Deadlords; indeed, the Deadlords who serve the Grimleal are stated to just be powerful Risen.

History

Origins

The Risen originate in the ancient Archanean city of Thabes, where the alchemist Forneus kept a workshop in the lower levels of its labyrinth. Forneus's work was focused on two goals, one of which was finding the ability to resurrect the dead to serve as warriors.[6] His discovery of thanatophages resulted in the creation of the original Risen, which he called the Death Masks.[4] However, the ruling senators of Thabes opposed Forneus's experiments, and when their attempts to stop him - first by convincing him, then by sending soldiers after him - failed, they chose to seal Forneus and his creations away in the depths of the Thabes Labyrinth. They used the Sage's Shield to establish a seal meant to last beyond the collapse of Thabes itself, to ensure that Forneus's Death Masks and his other creation, a perfect lifeform created with divine dragon blood, would never be disturbed.[6]

Eventually, the Thabes Labyrinth was visited by Alm and Celica, the rulers of Valentia at the time. They took the Sage's Shield and broke the seal on Forneus's workshop, in which they encountered the Death Masks, still wandering the depths of the labyrinth. They fought and defeated both the Death Masks and the perfect lifeform, containing their threat for a time. At some point after many years since Alm and Celica's encounter had passed, both the perfect lifeform - now calling itself Grima - and the Death Masks emerged from Thabes to conquer the world.

Grima's reign


This section has been marked as a stub. Please help improve the page by adding information.


The name "Risen" was coined by officials of the Halidom of Ylisse in a war council shortly after their first appearance in the world, and subsequently entered common usage in describing them, both in the actual timeline and in Lucina's doomed future.[7]

In the doomed Grima-ruled future from which Lucina and the other children originated, the Risen were the dominant force, constantly terrorizing and hunting the surviving remnants of humanity in Grima's name.[8] At roughly the same point as Lucina's arrival in the past to avert Grima's future, they began to also appear in the past, time-travelling with Grima in pursuit of Lucina and her friends and first dropping onto Ylissean territory through portals in the sky. In the aftermath of their first appearance west of Ylisstol and their subsequent attack on Prince Chrom of Ylisse, Risen started spreading across both the Ylissean continent and neighboring Valm, terrorizing the people both autonomously and, on occasion, under Grimleal command.

In gameplay

Unlike the monsters of earlier games, most Risen in Awakening function identically to usual generic human enemies. They almost universally possess the same classes, stats and weapons as their human counterparts, and are distinguished primarily with semi-unique portraits and battle models granting them their undead physical appearance. The exceptions are Revenants and Entombed, which function using their exclusive talon weapons; while the Blessed Lance and Blessed Bow deal effective damage to Revenants and Entombed, Risen of any normal class do not receive bonus damage and are treated as normal human units in terms of effective weapons.

In Awakening, Risen comprise almost all of the enemy units in Chapters 1, 2, 13, 22, 24, and 25, Paralogues 3, 12, 16, 17, 19 and 21, and in the DLC episodes The Golden Gaffe, EXPonential Growth, Infinite Regalia, Harvest Scramble, Hot-Spring Scramble, Death's Embrace, Five-Anna Firefight, Roster Rescue, and the Future Past series. Additionally, hordes of Risen appear on the world map to be fought in skirmishes, and can be summoned through use of a Reeking Box.

In Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, Death Masks are encountered in the Thabes Labyrinth dungeon in Act 6, starting from the sixth basement floor. They function exactly the same way as they do in Awakening, except that Death Masks are among the strongest generic enemies in the game. All Death Masks have very high HP, and those in infantry classes tend to have enhanced movement, and they often wield poisoning weapons.

Other appearances

TCG Fire Emblem 0 (Cipher)

There are currently three cards in Fire Emblem Cipher which feature generic Risen. The Risen cards are governed by special rules that are shared by no other card in the card game, in that they have zero deployment cost and the player is allowed to both possess in their deck and deploy into battle as many as they want at once, the idea being to have an overwhelming number of them. They have no attack or support power of their own, but they can enhance or be enhanced by certain cards depicting Chrom, Aversa, and Grima.

Fire Emblem Cipher data for Risen
TCGCipher B08-047aN.png Grotesque Soldier, Risen
Ylisse

Male

Sword

It TCGCipher Monster.png
"~~~~!!"
Attack: 0 Support: 0 Range: 1 Deploy Cost: 0
Class: Mercenary Tier: Base Class Change Cost: --
Army of Risen: [Special] You may deploy this card even if there is already an ally "Risen" in play. You may have more than 1 "Risen" in play.
[Special] You may have more than 4 copies of this card in your deck.
Is TCGCipher Attack.png Despair Emblem: [Support] Deploy one "Risen" from your Retreat Area.
Card #B08-047aN • Artist: aogachou
TCGCipher B08-047bN.png Grotesque Soldier, Risen
Ylisse

Male

Axe

It TCGCipher Monster.png
".....!!!"
Attack: 0 Support: 0 Range: 1 Deploy Cost: 0
Class: Fighter Tier: Base Class Change Cost: --
Army of Risen: [Special] You may deploy this card even if there is already an ally "Risen" in play. You may have more than 1 "Risen" in play.
[Special] You may have more than 4 copies of this card in your deck.
Is TCGCipher Attack.png Despair Emblem: [Support] Deploy one "Risen" from your Retreat Area.
Card #B08-047cN • Artist: aogachou
TCGCipher B08-047cN.png Grotesque Soldier, Risen
Ylisse

Male

Lance

It TCGCipher Monster.png
"........."
Attack: 0 Support: 0 Range: 1 Deploy Cost: 0
Class: Soldier Tier: Base Class Change Cost: --
Army of Risen: [Special] You may deploy this card even if there is already an ally "Risen" in play. You may have more than 1 "Risen" in play.
[Special] You may have more than 4 copies of this card in your deck.
Is TCGCipher Attack.png Despair Emblem: [Support] Deploy one "Risen" from your Retreat Area.
Card #B08-047cN • Artist: aogachou
Some card information translation provided by Serenes Forest.
For more detailed strategic information on these cards, see their TCG wiki article on Risen .

Trivia

  • Despite the Risen taking on a variety of classes, the only classes shown in cutscenes are Fighter, Archer, and Dark Knight, the latter two only in Awakening's opening sequence.
  • Risen classes that wear full-face helmets, such as Cavalier and Warrior, do not have the traditional Risen mask in their battle models; instead, they have a red glow within the grills to symbolize their affiliation. Oddly, the General and Great Knight classes still have the Risen masks, despite wearing full helmets.
  • In Awakening, despite the Risen not being officially named by characters in Chapter 1, selecting one with the cursor will reveal their name prematurely.
  • A Risen mask makes a cameo appearance in Thrust to the Future of Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE.
  • In Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, the player is able to obtain the Death Masks' mask as the Dubious Mask item. When equipped by any unit, they wear that mask in battles.

Gallery

Etymology and other languages

Risen

Names, etymology, and in other regions
Language Name Definition, etymology, and notes
English

Risen

Used in the context of describing the rise of the dead into an undead state.

Spanish

Resurrectos

Resurrected

French

Ombre

Shadow

German

Untoter

Undead

Italian

Risorti

Resurrected

Death Masks

Names, etymology, and in other regions
Language Name Definition, etymology, and notes
English

Death Mask

Probably refers to the masks used to create them.

Spanish

Máscara letal

Lethal mask

French

Masque funèbre

Funerary mask

German

Totenmaske

Deadmask

Italian

Maschera morte

Dead mask

Dutch

Doodsmasker

Deadmask

References

  1. "The Risen's apparent leader, judging by strength." — Help description for Risen Chiefs, Fire Emblem Awakening
  2. "Useless husks! Do you bend the knee to me already? Pah! I've no use for blind obedience. I need you to face me!" — Walhart, Fire Emblem Awakening
  3. "They made a stealthy approach, milord. I've never seen Risen behave like this. Either they are learning our ways, or someone is commanding them..." — Frederick, Fire Emblem Awakening
  4. 4.0 4.1 "The critical component in the death mask is a particular shelled insect.
    I have come to call these marvels of nature thanatophages.
    Placed on a cadaver, thanatophages set down roots and assert control.
    " — Forneus, as recorded on tablets in the Thabes Labyrinth, Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  5. "In the future, our wounded often turned to Risen just as we were tryin' to heal 'em. It really stinks havin' to kill the very people you've been fightin' to save... Ya just gotta remember these folk ain't turnin' back, no matter what." — Brady, Fire Emblem Awakening
  6. 6.0 6.1 "In Thabes lived an alchemist named Forneus, much praised for his genius. In time, he would be feared by all.
    Two matters consumed Forneus, and he spent his life in their pursuit.
    The first was how to wake the dead and control them as his army.
    The second was the creation of a singular, perfect being.
    We senators sent forth messengers to Forneus. None returned.
    Next, the Council dispatched soldiers. Still none returned.
    Thus, the Council chose to seal Forneus's workshop with him inside it.
    The seal they used was made to last until the city crumbled to sand.
    Here lies sealed the workshop of the demon alchemist Forneus.
    " — Tablets in the Thabes Labyrinth, Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  7. "Chrom: Gods, have the Risen spread this far?
    Robin: "Risen"?
    Frederick: We needed a name for this new threat, so the council gave them one.
    " — Chrom, Robin and Frederick, Fire Emblem Awakening
  8. "In the future, almost no corner of our world is safe for humans. Risen prowl the land as masters of all. The people cower in terror, helpless." — Lucina, Fire Emblem Awakening

See also

Fire Emblem Awakening
Playable characters AnnaAversaBasilioBradyChercheChromCordeliaCynthiaDonnelEmmerynFlaviaFrederickGaiusGangrelGeromeGregorHenryInigoKellamKjelleLaurentLibraLissaLon'quLucinaMaribelleMirielMorganNahNoireNowiOliviaOwainPannePriamRickenRobinSay'riSeveraStahlSullySumiaTharjaTikiVaikeVirionWalhartYarneYen'fay
Non-playable characters HollandMaidenNagaOld HubbaPhila
Bosses AlgolAnguillaArdriAversaBovisCampariCanisCassiusCervantesChalardDalenDaltonDracoEquusExcellusEzraFarberGallusGangrelGarrickGeckoGrimaGyralIgnatiusJamilLepusMarthMorristanMusMustafaNelsonNombryOrtonOvisPherosPorcusPriamRaimiRisen ChiefRoddickRugerSimiaTigrisValidarVastoVictorVincentWalhartXalbadorYen'fayZanth
Background characters First exaltKe'riMarth
DLC characters AlmCatriaCelicaEirikaEldiganElinciaEphraimEstIkeKatarinaLeifLynPrince MarthMicaiahPallaRoySeliph
SpotPass characters Shadow Dragon CaedaGharnefLindeMerricMinervaNavarreNynaOgmaPrince MarthTiki
Gaiden AlmBoeyCelicaClairCliveDeenLuthierMycenNomahValbar
Mystery of the Emblem AthenaCatriaEtzelHardinHoraceKatarinaKing MarthLegionMaliceNorne
Genealogy of the Holy War G1 ArdenArvisAyraDeirdreEthlynJamkeLewynQuanRaquesisSigurd
Genealogy of the Holy War G2 AltenaAresArthurCedFeeJuliaJuliusLarceiSeliphUlster
Thracia 776 DagdarEyvelFinnLeifMareetaNannaOlwenRaydrikSaiasSalem
Binding Blade CeciliaLilinaLughPercevalRaighRoyShannaSophiaWoltZephiel
Fire Emblem EliwoodFlorinaHectorJaffarKarelLynMatthewNergalNinoSerra
Sacred Stones AmeliaEirikaEphraimInnesL'ArachelLuteLyonMarisaMoulderSeth
Path of Radiance AshnardElinciaGeoffreyIkeLuciaMiaMistSorenTitaniaZihark
Radiant Dawn Black KnightBromEdwardLeonardoMicaiahNepheneeSanakiSephiranSigrunSothe
Others CamusIshtarLinusLloydNarcianOliverPetrineSelenaTravantUrsula
Regalia and personal weapons AmatsuArmadsBalmungBook of NagaDouble BowExcaliburFalchion (Exalted FalchionParallel Falchion) • ForsetiGáe BolgGoddess StaffGoetiaGradivusGrima's TruthGungnirHauteclereHelswathMercuriusMissiletainnMjölnirMystletainnNidhoggNoble RapierParthiaRagnellRapierSol KattiTyrfingValflameWolf BergYewfelle
Chapters Main story Pm: Invisible Ties • P: The Verge of History • 1: Unwelcome Change • 2: Shepherds • 3: Warrior Realm • 4: Two Falchions • 5: The Exalt and the King • 6: Foreseer • 7: Incursion • 8: The Grimleal • 9: Emmeryn • 10: Renewal • 11: Mad King Gangrel • 12: The Seacomers • 13: Of Sacred Blood • 14: Flames on the Blue • 15: Smoldering Resistance • 16: Naga's Voice • 17: Inexorable Death • 18: Sibling Blades • 19: The Conqueror • 20: The Sword or the Knee • 21: Five Gemstones • 22: An Ill Presage • 23: Invisible Ties • 24: Awakening • 25: To Slay a GodE: Grima
Paralogues 1: Sickle to Sword • 2: The Secret Seller • 3: A Strangled Peace • 4: Anna the Merchant • 5: Scion of Legend • 6: A Man for Flowers • 7: Noble Lineage • 8: A Duel Disgraced • 9: Wings of Justice • 10: Ambivalence • 11: Twin Wyverns • 12: Disowned by Time • 13: Rival Bands • 14: Shadow in the Sands • 15: A Shot from the Dark • 16: Daughter to Dragons • 17: The Threat of Silence • 18: The Dead King's Lament • 19: Irreconcilable Paths • 20: A Hard Miracle • 21: Ghost of a Blade • 22: The Wellspring of Truth • 23: The Radiant Hero
Xenologues Champions of Yore 1Champions of Yore 2Champions of Yore 3The Golden GaffeEXPonential GrowthInfinite RegaliaLost Bloodlines 1Lost Bloodlines 2Lost Bloodlines 3Smash Brethren 1Smash Brethren 2Smash Brethren 3Rogues & Redeemers 1Rogues & Redeemers 2Rogues & Redeemers 3Death's EmbraceFive-Anna FirefightRoster RescueHarvest ScrambleSummer ScrambleHot-Spring ScrambleThe Future Past 1The Future Past 2The Future Past 3Apotheosis
Locations YlisseFerox (Arena Ferox) • Outrealm Gate (Outrealms) • Plegia (Dragon's Table) • YlisseValmChon'sinRosanneValm
Groups, objects, and concepts AwakeningEinherjarFire EmblemGrimleal (Deadlords) • RisenShepherds
Lists ChaptersCharactersClasses (Class change) • Hidden treasureItemsScriptsSkillsSupportsWeapons
Related topics Ancient LettersBirthdayDouble DuelDownloadable contentName chartNintendo Dream comics • Other games (GaidenGenealogy of the Holy WarShadow DragonNew Mystery of the Emblem) • Pre-release information (Unused content) • Unit Gallery (Soundtrack) • SpotPassStreetPassTimelineWorld map
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
Playable characters Alm's Party AlmClairCliveDeltheaFayeForsythGrayKliffLukasLuthierMathildaMycenPythonSilqueTatianaTobinZeke
Celica's Party AtlasBoeyCatriaCelicaConradDeenEstFayeGennyJesseKamuiKliffLeonMaeNomahPallaSaberSonyaValbar
DLC EmmaRandalShadeYuzu
Non-playable characters HalcyonIrmaMassenaMilaPeddlers
Bosses ArgentumAurumBarthBerkutBlakeBrigand BossCerberusThe CreationDeenDeltheaDesaixDolthDumaFernandGarthGarciaGazelleGharnGriethHadesHestiaJamilJarth*JedahJeromeLawsonMagnusMarlaMikhailMuellerNaberiusNuibabaRineaRudolfSlaydeSonyaTatarrahWolffXaizorZaksonZeke
Background characters ForneusLima IVLiprica
Regalia and personal weapons Beloved ZofiaFalchionGradivusMercuriusParthiaRoyal Sword
Acts and Battles Prologue Alm and Celica
Act 1 1: Ram Woods Battle • 2: Fleecer's Forest Battle • 3: Thieves' Shrine • 4: Storming of Ram Valley • 5: Attack on the Southern Outpost • 6: First Battle of Southern Zofia • 7: Second Battle of Southern Zofia • 8: Deliverance Hideout • 9: Liberation of Zofia Castle
Act 2 1: Skirmish • 2: First Pirate Raid • 3: Second Pirate Raid • 4: Assault on the Pirate Throne • 5: Third Pirate Raid • 6: Beast Hunt • 7: Seabound Shrine • 8: Fourth Pirate Raid • 9: Fifth Pirate Raid • 10: Zofia Castle Battle
Act 3 Alm 1: Northern Zofia Battle • 2: First Battle of Zofia Forest • 3: Forest Crossroads Battle • 4: Siege of Desaix's Fortress • 5: Second Battle of Zofia Forest • 6: Sylvan Shrine • 7: Forest Northside Battle • 8: Retaking of the Sluice Gate
Celica 1: Zofian Coast Battle • 2: Skirmish • 3: Attack on the Desert Stronghold • 4N: Northern Desert Battle • 4S: Southern Desert Battle • 5: Attack on Grieth's Citadel • 6: Storming of the Valley Approach • 7: Dragon Shrine • 8: Liberation of the Temple of Mila
Act 4 Alm 1: Border Battle • 2: Rigel Forest Battle • 3: Fear Mountain Battle • 4: Fear Mountain Shrine • 5: Siege of Nuibaba's Abode • 6: Rigel Plains Battle • 7: Fight at the Dragon's Maw • 8: Rigel Falls Battle • 9: Secret Shrine • 10: Attack on the Last Bastion • 11: Attack on Rigel Castle
Celica 1: Dead Man's Mire Battle • 2: Skirmish • 3: Attack on Dolth Keep • 4: Lost Treescape • 5: Storming of Duma Gate • 6: The Swamps of Duma Battle • 7: Duma Tower
Act 5 1: Duma Temple • 2: The Final Battle
Act 6 1: Archanea Seaway 2 Battle • 2: Archanea Seaway 4 Battle • 3: Archanea Seaway 6 Battle • 4: Thabes Labyrinth
amiibo Duma's OrdealsMila's Ordeals
DLC The Astral TempleThe Inner SanctumBand of BandagesLords of the GraveWretches and RichesWealth Before HealthAltar of the DestrierAltar of the TitanAltar of the SkylordAltar of the SorceressAltar of the FaerieAltar of the OgreAltar of the MarksmanAltar of the SavantAltar of the QueenAltar of the King • 1: Battle of Zofia Harbor • 2: Outpost Rescue • 3: Flight from the Ruins • 4: Siege of Zofia CastleCipher Legends ICipher Legends IIMila's Bounty 1Mila's Bounty 2Mila's Bounty 3Mila's Bounty 4Mila's Bounty 5
Locations ValentiaRigel (Fear Mountain ShrineSecret ShrineLost TreescapeDuma TowerDuma Temple) • Zofia (Deliverance HideoutDragon ShrineNovisRamSylvan ShrineTemple of MilaSeabound ShrineThieves' Shrine) • ArchaneaThabes
Groups, objects and concepts Death MasksBook of Valentian RevelationsDeliveranceMila ShrineMila's TurnwheelTerrors
Lists Base conversationsActsCharactersClasses (Class change) • ItemsScriptsSidequestsSkillsSupportsWeapons
Related topics Ancient LettersName chartDownloadable content • Other games (GaidenShadow DragonNew Mystery of the EmblemAwakening) • Pre-release information (Unused content) • Sound TestTimelineWorld map