Okay, this shouldn't be that surprising that I went with this topic. Nope. Nope. NOPE!

For the weekly community blog, I decided to create a twist of a compilation that I initially wanted to work with, which involves the topic of the various classes in Fire Emblem. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, but they also serve a niche in the midst of battle! I'm also going to highlight some of my favorite characters of these classes as well! I hope you will enjoy reading this!

Now for some honorable mentions:

Light Mages & Monks - They are basically the glass-cannon class of the series that can tank against other magic users, due to their high resistance, and can dish out some serious damage themselves. However, they have terrible physical stats, and they can usually become one-hit K.O'd by powerful foes with high strength. Their promotion makes them a better support character with their new-found access to staves. Most noteworthy characters: Lucius, Linde, and Micaiah

Shape-shifters -  Whether they be Laguz, Manaketes, or Taguel, these humanoids have the ability to transform into the creature they share physical characteristics with. Their transformations give them huge stat boosts, but they are either limited as to how many times they can change or how long they can retain their powerful forms; the Laguz also suffer from slower experience gains compared to their kindred from other titles. Most noteworthy characters: Tiki, Ranulf, Panne, and Myrrh

Knights & Generals - Stalwart units that usually carry the highest defensive caps of all the classes, and they're most likely than most to survive an enemy offensive. They are the truest definition of a tank! Most noteworthy characters: Horace, Gatrie, and Oswin. I don't think I'm forgetting someone here...

Now for the top 10!

Disclaimer: I did not make any of these fantastic works! Credits go to their respective artists!

10. Wyvern Riders and Lords

Character: Batman Gerome

Wyvern riders have some of the best mobility of all units, next to Pegasus Riders, due to being able to fly across all terrain and obstacles. Unlike their fellow aerial counterpart, these guys and gals are pretty durable and can last an onslaught of attacks. On the other hand, they share similar weaknesses of wind and arrows (except in Radiant Dawn), and they aren't as speedy or magic tolerant as the Pegasus Riders. Depending on the title, they'll start out with either an axe or lance but will gain one of the other two upon promotion.

Most notable characters: Heath, Jill, Minerva, and Cormag.

9. Tactician and Grandmaster

Characters: Robin(s) and Morgan(s)

A class type found only in Awakening, the tactician wields the unique combination of tomes and swords, which allows them to adapt to both close and long-ranged combat. While players can choose what asset and weakness their character will have, Tacticians generally have the most balanced stats, and their access to both strength and magic ensures they'll dish out massive damage with their signature skill, Ignis!

8. Axe Fighters and Warriors

Character: Hector

Guys with this class will usually boast the highest strength stat of all the other units. Their raw power and deadly axe can smash through just about any formidable defense, and their great HP and decent defensive capabilities will provide them some durability. Unfortunately, they are plagued with sub-par speed and atrocious resistance growths, but they can also easily overwhelm their magical adversaries with a single attack.

Most notable characters: Boyd, Nolan, Ross, and the Vaike!

7. Calvary and Paladins

Character: Seth

As one of the most prolific classes of the series, these characters can roam across large fields with relative ease, and like most mounted-units, they can quickly rescue units in dire need of assistance; with well-rounded stat growths, there's no immediate worry of them becoming trounced by incoming enemy forces. Their only weakness are the special weapons that are specifically designed to take them out!

Most notable characters: Sigurd, Titania, Geoffrey, Sain, and Stahl.

6. Mages and Sages

Character: Soren

Characters that fall under this class will boast the highest magical potency, with having access to all three elements of Anima magic. These units will absolutely destroy anyone with low resistance, and they also have advantages towards units with a specific elemental weaknesses, such as airborne units with wind damage and beast Laguz with fire damage. Unfortunately, like most magic users, they aren't well-equipped for a physical confrontation and can easily be overcome by powerful enemies.

Most notable characters: Ewan, Miriel, Merric, Emmeryn and Bastian.

5. Lords and Great Lords

Character: Lucina

Lords tend to be the main protagonist of the game, so they'll have various buffs to keep them relevant throughout the plot-line. For the most part, their weapon of choice is a sword unless they fall under a different class archetype or given a secondary weapon. Nonetheless, they are almost guaranteed to be a reliable unit for their mainstay!

Most notable characters: Chrom, Marth, and Eliwood.

4. Assassins

Character: Volke

Thieves really don't become awesome until they reach their promotion, which is the Assassin class! Unsurprisingly, they carry the ability, Lethality, that allows them to eliminate their foes with a single fatal strike. While they aren't very durable units themselves, their lithe constitution also makes it difficult for opponents to land a hit on them. Strangely, it's only in Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn where they can use daggers; everywhere else is just swords!

Most notable characters: Jaffar and Gaius

3. Myrmidons and Sword Masters

Characters: Say'ri and Yen'fay

In stark contrast to Knights, Myrmidons have the highest speed stats of all class archetypes, which makes them even harder to inflict damage on them than most units. They don't have the offensive ability to completely wipe out an opponent, but they can easily make numerous strikes that will seriously wear them down! As the header suggests, these units are true masters of the sword and their only weapon of choice!

Most notable characters: Lyn, Mia, Edward, and Joshua.

2. Soldiers and Halberdiers

Character: Ephraim

Soldiers are a rare breed of playable units that are available in a limited amount of titles. However, even though they are more versed in their physical capabilities, their resistances are greater than most non-magical units, making them one of the most balanced of classes. Playable or not, they only use lances as their professional weapon.

Most notable characters: Nephenee and Aran

1. Mercenaries and Heroes

Character: Ike (in both Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn)

Mercenaries fit in this wonderful balance between the Myrmidons and Axe Fighters, giving them great speed and strength growths. They can not only unleash some serious damage with every attack, but their agility allows them to assault their opponents incessantly. While they don't have impressive magical stats either, their promotion to the hero class allows them access to throw-able axes, which gives them both short and long-ranged offensive abilities. Combining these assets with substantial HP and defense growths, the Hero class is truly a force to be reckoned with!

Most notable characters: Raven, Gerik, and Ogma.