WARNING: Some spoilers are unmarked!!!
Albert
Voiced by: Yuu Urata (JP) / Yuri Lowenthal (EN)
The 18-year-old son of Lord Rudolph, the master of Isthmus Keep. As his heir, Albert has endured strict training in swordcraft, academics and sorcery. He dreams of becoming a royal knight and upholding justice; however, he's very naive, and a bit insecure due to how his older sister Diana has consistently proven his better. He cannot be in the same party as her, due to plot reasons; the only exception is during Albert's first quest.
- And Your Reward Is Clothes: If he finds Mirsa's Armor, his appearance changes to..... attempt to look more knightlike.
- Break the Cutie: The fall of Isthmus Keep, witnessing the Heroic Sacrifices of his parents and sister to keep him safe, really does a number on him. Especially when you play through his scenario, as he's desperate to reach allies who can send aid, only to learn that the keep has already long been overrun and his efforts were All for Nothing.
- Doomed Hometown: No, my Beloved Fortress Chokepoint!
- Impossibly Cool Clothes: His wing-cape... thing.
- Light 'em Up: In the Super Famicom original, an Albert with sufficiently-magical parentage will start the game with basic Light magic. In Minstrel Song, he always starts with a rank in Cosmology, regardless of whatever class you select for him when starting.
- Leitmotif: 'Hope For Justice'
- Mutually Exclusive Party Members: With Diana. Save for the opening of his scenario, it's impossible to have both of them in the party at the same time.
- Sheltered Aristocrat: An unfortunate side-effect of how heavily he's focused upon his training, and how he's rarely ever ventured beyond the boundaries of the Keep.
- "Well Done, Son" Guy: Eager to prove himself to his father, despite seeing his sister as being superior in all respects.
- Wide-Eyed Idealist: Believes that justice always wins the day, and is shocked whenever that doesn't prove to be the case.
Aisha
Voiced by: Yumiko Kobayashi (JP) / Carrie Savage (EN)
The sixteen-year-old granddaughter of Nizam, and a member of the Taralian nomads. Carefree and energetic, she's very curious about other cultures, and doesn't understand why her grandfather seems so worried about the idea of leaving the Steppes of Galessa to go mingle.
- All Girls Like Ponies: And in this case, she actually gets to bring her horse with her, as she starts with the ability to ride them around as she pleases on the plains.
- Braids, Beads and Buckskins: Incorporated into her design for Minstrel Song, with several braids and beads woven into her hair, while dressing in colorfully dyed leather.
- Dishing Out Dirt: In the Super Famicom original, sufficiently-magical parentage will start Aisha off with basic Earth magic. In Minstrel Song, her starting "Herbalist" Class includes expertise in Terrology Magic. As it turns out, this is actually a little bit of Gameplay and Story Integration, since her tribe is dedicated to Nisa, the Earth goddess.
- Early Game Hell: Invoked. Aisha starts out the weakest of the eight protagonists; carrying a flimsy weapon she's no good with in an area chock-full of enemies that can down her in two or three turns. The usual result is Prince Neidhart jumping in to rescue her or Wuhan's carriage snatching her up to South Estamir.
- Genki Girl: Her Genki Power could probably lift an airship, were she in her cousin franchise. As it is, very little gets her down.
- Leitmotif: 'Feel The Wind'
- The Pollyanna: Notably copes quite well with her problems, keeping her optimistic attitude no matter what.
- Stripperiffic: A lot of modern takes on her Minstrel Song design can be, shall we say, rather daring
◊; even some of the art of MS itself suggests her flanks are indeed exposed and she's, ahem, wild and free. Notably, this is in pointed contrast to her original design from the SNES version, which was, if anything, the most conservative of the ladies' designs and didn't show any skin below her neck, save for her hands. (It's also worth noting that the concept/promotional version, while still showing a bit of skin around the hips◊, is a good deal more reasonable.) - 10-Minute Retirement: A very brief one after discovering her home completely abandoned, where she leaves the party only until the leader walks over and gives her a brief pep-talk, helping her regain her usual pluck.
- Wide-Eyed Idealist: Due to being somewhat sheltered, she doesn't understand her grandfather's concerns, and her willingness to trust and curious nature can lead her into trouble.
Hawke
Voiced by: Unshō Ishizuka (JP)/ Gerald C. Rivers (EN)
The thirty-year-old captain of the Lady Luck. An experienced Pirate with a magnetic personality and a notorious reputation, as well as a rivalry with 'The Butcher'. As his ship's name and Leitmotif imply, he trusts in his own fortune, and makes his own luck.
- Blow You Away: In the Super Famicom original, sufficiently-magical parentage will start Hawke off with basic Wind magic.
- Free-Sample Plot Coupon: He gets a hand on the Silver's Treasure Map during a quest. Letting him join the party gets you the map for free. Otherwise, you have to pay for it.
- Leitmotif: 'My Comrade-In-Arms, Lady Luck'
- The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: Partly averted; his scenario opens with Hawke and his crew attacking ships — and even choosing whether or not to execute everyone onboard... but that's the only time you're allowed to do it.
Sif
Voiced by: Mika Doi (JP) / Megan Hollingshead (EN)
A twenty-eight-year-old warrior from the frozen wasteland of Valhallaland. Incredibly strong, due to constantly hunting monsters and being personally trained by the chief of her village, Gato. Because of this, he assigns a very important task to her in her Quest Arc.
- Amazonian Beauty: One of the tallest characters, with a Heroic Build and plenty of emphasis on her being one of the strongest warriors Valhallaland has to offer.
- Leitmotif: 'Courage Becoming Resolve'
- Mighty Glacier: Her initial stat-spread points her in this direction.
- Skeletons in the Coat Closet: Used in Minstrel Song to invoke Horny Vikings: wears a skull with massive horns on the back of her head.
- Soul Power: In the Super Famicom original, sufficiently-magical parentage will start Sif off with basic Spirit magic.
Gray
Voiced by: Isshin Chiba (JP)
An accomplished swordsman at a mere twenty-four-years old, he travels the world searching for treasure. Said to be unaffected by promises of riches or power, or appeals to morality: he does as he pleases, honing his mind and body through constant battle. If the situation calls for it, he won't hesitate to kill.
- Dull Surprise: "Hey. You guys. You're thieves, right." He sounds monotone no matter what his lines are supposed to be.
- Ineffectual Loner: Isn't particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of traveling together with anyone else, preferring to go it alone. Even when it's incredibly dangerous to be by himself.
- Informed Ability: While people are mouthing off on how accomplished adventurer he is, Gray's stat growth isn't actually as strong compared to the other protagonists.
- Infinity +1 Sword: Complete his questline in his scenario and The Demonbrand becomes one.
- Leitmotif: 'Absolute Freedom'
- Master of Illusion: In the Super Famicom original, sufficiently-magical parentage will start Gray off with basic Mirage magic.
- Master of None: Gray's stat-growth is middling, yet relative; he can adopt any combat role without suffering for it.
- The Stoic: To the point where in the extra cinematics after you beat all scenarios, he and Claudia, the other stoic, are the only ones whose conversation you can keep track of, since they speak so little.
Claudia
Voiced by: Yuko Minaguchi (JP) / Karen Strassman (EN)
A twenty-two-year-old ranger who was raised in the enchanted forest of Mazewood by the witch Eule. Her two best friends are the wolf Sylvan and the bear Brau; prior to her story, she hasn't had much contact with other people. Of course, it turns out there's a reason she was adopted by Eule, though, of course, the old witch doesn't see fit to explain to her right away...
- Better with Non-Human Company: Due to growing up isolated in Mazewood, with only Eule and the animals for companions, she doesn't know how to interact with others.
- Leitmotif: 'The Pure Guardian'
- Locked Out of the Loop: Completely unaware that the king of Melvir is her father, and that she's actually royalty.
- Making a Splash: In the Super Famicom original, sufficiently-magical parentage will start Claudia off with basic Water magic.
- Secret Legacy: As the princess of Melvir, raised by Eule to evade assassins who have been after her since infancy.
- The Stoic: Tends to be a Terse Talker that rarely shows much emotion. Like Gray, she speaks so little during the extra cinematics that it's much easier to keep track of her dialogue compared to everyone else.
Jamil
Voiced by: Hiroyuki Yoshino (JP) / Ted Sroka (EN)
A twenty-year-old thief from the slums of South Estamir. Despite his tough life, Jamil is surprisingly optimistic, and completely determined to make things better for everyone he cares about, no matter how much he has to steal in the process. Dowd is his best friend, while Farah is his Love Interest.
- Deadpan Snarker: Jamil approaches most situations with snark and indifferent skepticism.
- Disguised in Drag: To rescue Farah from being sold as a slave, he disguises as a woman and sneaks into the prison.
- Gameplay and Story Integration: In Minstrel Song, Jamil comes off laidback yet rather cold. He has a very low base Compassion stat.
- Glass Cannon: Jamil starts out with a mid-tier Foil that can one-shot most starting enemies. He can barely even take more than two hits before clocking out.
- Leitmotif: 'I'll Take All The Treasure!'
- Perpetual Poverty: Like all the residents of South Estamir, he scrapes and struggles to make ends meet, facing prejudice and oppression from their northern counterparts
- Pointy Ears: In Minstrel Song. Actually appears to be a fairly common trait in Kjaraht.
- Pure Energy: In the Super Famicom original, sufficiently-magical parentage will start Jamil off with basic Sorcery magic.
- Roaring Rampage of Revenge: If you let go of Dowd early on and rest at a certain Inn during the Assassin's Guild quest, an assassin ambushes Jamil in his sleep; after dealing the fatal blow, Jamil finds out that the assassin was a Brainwashed and Crazy Dowd; he then vows revenge against the Assassin's Guild, and in effect, Saruin.
- Self-Deprecating Humor: "The best thieves stay out of trouble. Then there's me..."
Barbara
Voiced by: Emi Shinohara (JP)
A beautiful twenty-six-year-old dancer who loves to entertain others. Part of a travelling troupe, she has a wagon of her very own. The Minstrel takes a particular interest in her...
- Dance Battler: Pretty much the only way she knows how to fight. All her animations involve dancing.
- Flat Character: The only thing known about Barbara is that she's a dancer. Her responses to others are also generic and noncommittal, even by the standards of the other seven protagonists.
- Free-Sample Plot Coupon: The Amethyst, she will get it at the start of her quest and will be equipped with it when you recruit her.
- Leitmotif: 'Pupil of Passion, Dance of Enchantment'
- Playing with Fire: In the Super Famicom original, sufficiently-magical parentage will start Barbara off with basic Fire magic.
- Waif-Fu: Starts with the 'Entertainer' class, meaning she always starts with at least some Martial Arts skill.
The Minstrel
Voiced by: Richard Cansino (EN)
A mysterious wandering bard who shows up in every pub you visit: wherever you go, there he is. A talented singer and storyteller, he's always willing to relate some anecdote which just happens to hold some connection to whatever you've doing at the moment. Listen to his tales, and he's even willing to travel with you for a while... at least, until you reach the next pub...
- Mister Exposition: When talked to, he tells tales about the people and events in Mardias, as well as playing songs.
- Permanently Missable Content: Clearing the Trial of Elore removes him from pubs permanently. This also strips you an option to leave a party member.
- Promoted to Playable: He was simply an NPC in the original SFC version, though hacking the game showed that he was originally planned to be recruitable; Minstrel Song allows the player to recruit him at any pub.
Diana
Voiced by: Satsuki Yukino (JP) / Michelle Ruff (EN)
Albert's older sister, and the fiancée of Prince Neidhart. A talented soldier, much to her overly traditional father's distress... though it's implied that's exactly what caused her to catch the Prince's eye. Can't be recruited into the same party as her brother, due to plot reasons.
- The Ace: Albert worries about her being a better fighter than him, and that he'll never be able to measure up to her skill.
- Aloof Big Sister: It's mentioned that she has some trouble relating to Albert at times, and used to bully him to the point of making him cry.
- Mutually Exclusive Party Members: With Albert. If you have one in your party, you can't recruit the other.
- Rebellious Princess: As much as her father despairs over her insistence upon learning how to fight, believing it 'unbecoming of a lady', she sticks to her training, and excels.
Prince Neidhart
Voiced by: Koichi Asuka (JP)
The handsome, but rather aloof Prince of Rosalia. A talented and well-trained knight whom Albert idolizes, and is well-beloved in his own kingdom, despite his apparent detachement. Due to his father's illness, is more or less running Rosalia already.
- Guide Dang It!: Not just recruiting him, but preventing him from slaying the Dragon Knight.
- Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: His abruptly showing up to slay the Dragon Knight.
- Secret Test of Character: He's one of the few people who ascended Mt. Scurve aside from another family member King Karl I.
Raphael
Voiced by: Soichiro Hoshi (JP) / Liam O'Brien (EN)
An idealistic young squire of the Knights of the Dominion; much like how Albert longs to impress his father and Prince Neidhart, Raphael works tirelessly to prove his worth to Lord Theodore and Lord Heinrich. Also hopelessly in love with Constance.
- Clear Their Name: One mid-game questline sees him wrongly accused of cowardice and imprisoned, as he was ambushed and attacked from behind, and his wounds are misinterpreted as proof that he tried to run away from battle.
- Justice Will Prevail: Like Lord Theodore and all the other Knights of the Dominion, he firmly believes that truth, justice, and chivalry will always win the day.
- Miscarriage of Justice: His fate if the player doesn't rescue Constance so she can testify about what really happened during her abduction.
- Weakness Turns Her On: Said about him by one of the chattering women in Eugenstadt. "That's his charm! He just makes you want to take care of him!"
Guella Ha
Voiced by: Kousuke Okano (JP)
A Geckling from Walon Isle. Unlike most of his kin, he doesn't hold any resentment or hatred for humankind, and seeks to prove to others their kindness and compassion. Serves as Hawke's first mate.
- Lizard Folk: The only recruitable Geckling to be found in the game, since most of them don't care too much for humans.
- Odd Friendship: With Hawke. Most Gecklings are resentful of humans, viewing them as self-centered, greedy and cruel; while Guella Ha wishes to disprove this, perhaps throwing his lot in with a Pirate isn't exactly the best way to go about that.
Galahad
Voiced by: Dai Matsumoto (JP)
A paladin from Rosalia who starts out traveling with Gray in his scenario. A devoted follower of Mirsa, he wishes to follow in the ascended hero's footsteps and become a truly noble warrior. Regardless of whether you recruit/use him or not, he takes an interest in the Ice Sword...
- Holier Than Thou: If the player has a lot of favor with the evil Gods, he will refuse to join you, insulting your 'unclean hands' and insisting that he could never associate with one such as you.
- Video Game Cruelty Potential: Killing him to get the Ice Sword. Also, one of the alternatives — recruiting him and taking him to Pyrix, forcing him to watch as the Elemental Lord destroys it — can feel like a real Kick the Dog moment just because he looks so depressed.
Myriam
Voiced by: Yūko Gotō (JP)
A talented witch who also starts out traveling with Gray in his scenario. Thinks quite highly of herself, especially when it comes to her appearance; however, she's also a skilled spellcaster.
- Cute Witch: How she dresses, with a big witch's hat and colorful, eye-catching attire.
- Playing with Fire: Starts out with a natural knack for Pyrology, knowing some of its skills by default.
Brau
A big brown bear, that's one of Claudia and Eule's animal companions. Incredibly powerful, he provides Claudia with raw muscle during the early parts of her scenario.
- Crutch Character: Both he and Sylvan serve as these for Claudia, fighting alongside her early on in her scenario. Don't get used to having him around.
Sylvan
A beautiful white wolf, one of Claudia and Eule's animal companions. Swift and agile, she helps protect Claudia early on in her journey.
- Crutch Character: Like Brau, she accompanies Claudia from the start of her story, only to leave once a certain point in the game is reached.
- The Reveal: This wolf is actually Eres in a disguise.
Gian
Voiced by: Takeshi Sasaki (JP)
A knight of Melvir who works directly under Nelville's command. Friends with Monica, and also happens to be a friend of Gray's. In fact, he actually asks Gray to look after Claudia in both their scenarios, though whether he accepts is up to the player.
- Distressed Dude: In Claudia's scenario, they meet when he's surrounded by monsters in Mazewood. In another, optional scenario accessible by all characters, he needs to be bailed out of trouble again. If he runs into Gray, he can mention that Gray saved him once before. Given the amount of times he has to be bailed out of trouble, you almost have to wonder how he managed to become an Imperial Knight.
- Expy: An interesting example. His design in Minstrel Song is based off of Julian from Romancing SaGa 3, and he knows a woman called Monica, who resembles her counterpart from that game.
Patrick
Voiced by: Kousuke Okano (JP)
The snooty treasurer of the Bafal Empire. Startlingly laid-back and unconcerned by things that you would assume he'd be worried about, like gold being stolen from the mine... Becomes recruitable after getting framed for embezzlement and placed under house arrest.
- Squishy Wizard: Fits the bill to a tee. Rather low defenses, coupled by an utter lack of a repertoire until you buy him spells.
Dowd
Voiced by: Toshinobu Iida (JP)
Jamil's best friend, despite their drastically different personalities. While not nearly as skilled a thief as Jamil, he does his best to keep up, though he worries constantly about what could happen if they actually got caught. In Jamil's scenario, ends up Brainwashed and Crazy for a Player Punch — one that's required if you want to make him recruitable.
- Cowardly Sidekick: Serves as one for Jamil, being far more concerned about what sort of consequences could befall them as a result of their thievery.
- Guide Dang It!: He automatically accompanies Jamil when starting his scenario, but how can you recruit him with other characters? Well, you have to play Jamil's scenario, then let Dowd leave your party when he asks. Agree to help destroy the Assassin's Guild once the opportunity arises, then sleep at the Inn at South Estamir. The Guild sics a Brainwashed and Crazy Dowd on you; Jamil kills his best friend, and that unlocks him for other scenarios. Remaster fixes this by having him available from the first playthrough at the Slave Trader's house as soon as Wuhan's Secret is finished.
- Not Quite the Right Thing: Can be the victim of a Zig-Zagged version of this. While Jamil listening to him and letting him leave the party/stay in South Estamir is the right move on a meta level, as it's a step in unlocking him as a potential recruit for other heroes, it's not the best move for him personally, as it makes him vulnerable to kidnapping and brainwashing by the Assassin's Guild.
Farah
Voiced by: Satsuki Yukino (JP)
Jamil's might-be girlfriend. Pretty, but sharp-tongued, and much more capable of taking care of herself than one might think... though for some reason, you can't recruit her during Jamil's scenario.
- I Will Wait for You: At the end of Jamil's scenario, argues with her mother that she hasn't waited long enough for him to get back.
- Mutually Exclusive Party Members: Only in Jamil's scenario. There's nothing keeping you from having her in the same party as Jamil in other stories, but she refuses to join him when he's the main hero. Probably because her remaining in South Estamir plays a role in his ending.
Herman
Voiced by: Daisuke Sakaguchi (JP)
A loud, obnoxious member of Barbara's troupe. Starts out traveling with her; otherwise, he spends all his time in at the pub in Weston, at the very edge of the Frontier.
- Joke Character: His growth sucks in basically all areas. He's got high LP, though. A Stone Wall build is his only viable option, really.
Captain Silver
Voiced by: Mikako Takahashi (JP)
A legendary Pirate captain who is said to have humiliated a king, stolen the Opal Fatestone, and hidden it away with the rest of her treasures.
Red Mage
An adventurer searching for the treasures hidden deep within Frosthold Fortress. Willing to join any travelers who wouldn't mind having his impressive magical talents on their side, but only for as long as it takes to find what he seeks within the Fortress...
- Adventurer Archaeologist
- The Mole: Like it wasn't obvious?
- Even more obvious in the SNES version as he shares the same sprite with the Minions themselves.
Frielei
Voiced by: Kaho Kouda (JP)
The guardian of the treasure of Frosthold Fortress: The Obsidian Sword.
- Guide Dang It!: You only have one chance to get her and that means you have to traverse Frosthold Fortress and defeat her with only 4 characters, you can only get her once.
- Human Popsicle: The Obsidian sword allowed her to go into a state of suspended animation.
- Mutually Exclusive Party Members: You cannot have her and Flammar in the same party, much like Albert and Diana.
Darque
Voiced by: Keiji Fujiwara (JP) / Kirk Thornton (EN)
A wanderer who has lost his memories, with no clue who he is. Thus, sets out on a Quest for Identity with any hero who's willing to have him in their party. As it turns out, his identity is more complex than one might think, given how he's had a powerful soul trapped inside of him; which soul eventually comes to the forefront depends on the player's actions...
- Acquired Poison Immunity: Subverted. In his attempt to be guild leader of the Assassin's Guild, one must successfully perform a revival from death, to do so, he has been drinking small amounts of poison to build up tolerance to it. However, it backfires as someone switched the poison for the test with one Darque was not resistant to.
- Gameplay-Guided Amnesia: Though a slightly different form, as how Darque's stats develop determine which memories he recovers...
Aldora
A powerful sorceress from a bygone age.- Ascend to a Higher Plane of Existence: When you complete the game with her in control of Darque's body it's assumed that she becomes a star like Mirsa's comrades.
- Curtains Match the Window: Orange Hair and Eyes.
- Guide Dang It!: You have to clear the main story with her as Darque's dominant personality.
- Promoted to Playable: Although she was technically playable in -Minstrel Song- as Darque's other personality, the Remastered version upgrades her to a full character with a unique model, as confirmed by this trailer. She even has her own unique questline like Darque does.
- Sealed Good in a Can: Before you can unlock her she will be sealed inside Darque, she was first sealed in Purgatory.
- Split-Personality Takeover: Once Darque hits 50 INT, she becomes the dominant personality. The requirement in the remaster is 40.
Dragon Knight
A sword-wielding dragon straight out of the legends of the Dominion. Exclusive to Minstrel Song.- Awesome, but Impractical: Only has 5 LP, and can't equip anything aside from rings and amulets. But he's a sword-wielding dragon.
Lord Rudolph
Master of Isthmus Keep, and Albert and Diana's father. Stern and highly traditional, he disapproves of Diana's training as a soldier and frequently implores her to act more ladylike (something she ignores), while also working to mold Albert into a more suitable heir.Lord Theodore
Voiced by: Manta Yamamoto (JP)
The baron of Mirsaburg and commander of the Knights of the Dominion. Known as the 'Sword of the Dominion', he laments the fact that the order no longer lives up to its once glorious reputation, and has taken it upon himself to singlehandedly restore that prestige. Unfortunately, he tends to go a bit over the top with this... Can temporarily join your party during one quest, but can't be recruited.
- Honor Before Reason: Well aware that most of the other Knights of the Dominion only pay lip service to the concept of 'Justice Will Prevail'. Unfortunately, this leads to him overcompensating, striving to uphold the letter of the law over the spirit, to the point where he is willing to let Constance remain in the clutches of her kidnappers rather than do anything to aid her and execute Raphael on false charges.
- Knight Templar: Can be incredibly unreasonable and inflexible, especially after he's replaced by a Fake King.
- Lawful Stupid: While the corrupt nobility of Mirsaburg deserve his scorn, Theodore is so rigidly defensive of his concept of chivalry that he is willing to execute the loyal and devout Raphael on charges of cowardice... for being slashed In the Back. In his mind, this is proof that Raphael must have tried to run away from a fight, as opposed to, say, an ambush... and the knights never run from battle.
Constance
Voiced by: Junko Minagawa (JP)
Theodore's beautiful daughter and Raphael's Love Interest. The two of them put the 'Romance' into Romancing SaGa. Thankfully a lot more sensible than her father.
- Only Sane Man: When her father cranks up his Lawful Stupidness during the late game, while several comment on how strange he's acting, she is the only one in the Domininon willing to directly defy his orders with the heroes' help, and the only one to recognize that he's been replaced by a Fake King.
- Pimped-Out Dress: Has an impressively frilly, pink and blue dress which gives her one of the widest character models in Minstrel SaGa.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: Repeatedly proves herself to be much more reasonable and sensible than her father.
Lord Heinrich
The baron of Eugenstadt and Lord Theodore's long-time friend and ally. Known as the 'Shield of the Dominion', he does his best to keep Theodore from going overboard in his attempts to reform the Knights of the Dominion. Also, Raphael's father.- Reasonable Authority Figure: Much more reasonable and considerate than Lord Theodore, and strives to encourage him to think things through rather than interpreting the Dominion's code in the most unhelpful ways imaginable.
Lady Flammar
Voiced by: Kaho Kouda (JP) Barbara Goodson (EN)
A powerful and wise sorceress who rules over Weiserheim. She serves as the keeper of the Ruby of Fire, one of the Fatestones, and is willing to teach any who visit her the strongest Pyrology spells. Takes an immediate interest in the hero upon meeting them.
- Mutually Exclusive Party Members: In the remastered version, she will refuse to join if you have Freilei in your party.
- Promoted to Playable: In Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered, she can be recruited once the player is bequeathed the Ruby of Fire by her. This however locks the player out of buying Pyrology's strongest spells while she's in your party, but she herself comes with those spells learned by default.
Nizam
Chief of the Taralian nomads, and Aisha's grandfather. Raised Aisha himself after the tragic loss of her parents. Strangely, he isn't very interested in forging any connections with other lands, preferring to wander the Steppes of Galissa and have their small band keep to themselves...
Gato
Voiced by: Daisaku Shinohara (JP)
The chief of the aptly named 'Gato's Village', Sif's hometown. Despite his age, is still regarded as a great warrior and wise leader.
Eule
Voiced by: Shouko Tsuda (JP)
The witch of Mazewood, and Claudia's foster mother. Legends abound about her vast magical powers, and many of the Bafal Empire fear her wrath, avoiding her forest... just as she likes it, apparently. Cares for Claudia as she would her own daughter, though she keeps the truth of her origin hidden until the time is right.
- Wicked Witch: Seen as such, but has a Hidden Heart of Gold
Emperor Fel VI
The ruler of the Bafal Empire. Has dealt with several power plays and tragic losses in recent years; politics have been a harsh mistress, indeed, yet he has endured thus far...
- Luke, I Am Your Father: Claudia's biological father.
Nelville
Captain of the Royal Guards of the Bafal Empire, and steadfastly loyal to his liege. Nelville has many agents scattered throughout the empire and is constantly on alert for plots against the king. He certainly isn't above hiring mercenaries to help protect the empire.
Sofia
Head Priestess of the Temple of Elore in Melvir. Devoted to the Gods and to her emperor, serving as one of his most trusted advisors.
Monica
Voiced by: Yūko Gotō (JP)
A lovely young woman who lives in Loban.
- Expy: Oddly, she strongly resembles Monica from Romancing SaGa 3...
- Promoted to Playable: In Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered, as confirmed by this trailer.
Wuhan
The potentate of Kjaraht. While very rich and quite powerful, he's also a bit short-sighted and greedy, and has plenty of exploitable weaknesses...
- Killed Off for Real: If you choose to execute him during 'Wuhan's Secret'.
Tuman
Voiced by: Takaya Kuroda (JP)
The viceroy of Tarmitta. Tries to encourage his people to take up the old ways once more, including the worship of their guardian deity Strom.
- Virgin Sacrifice: Part and parcel of the whole 'worshipping Strom' thing.
Nataly
Barbara's friend and fellow entertainer. Barely mentioned in the game, but plays a much larger role in the Ultimania volumes. May have been intended as a playable character, only to get cut.
Marina
Voiced by: Kumiko Nishihara (JP)
A pretty young woman devoted to the sea god Yucomb. Always appears walking along the coast or the docks, whenever she's out looking for help.
- Promoted to Playable: In Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered, as confirmed by this trailer.
Schiele
Voiced by: Junko Minagawa (JP)
A mysterious, beautiful woman who appears haunted by some terrible tragedy. When she isn't telling everyone to leave her alone, she relates depressing tales of loss and despair. Eventually revealed to be the mortal form of Schirach, the Goddess of Darkness, kept in check by the Diamond Fatestone.
- Promoted to Playable: In Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered, after completing her quest at least once (which takes multiple playthroughs to accomplish).
Elore
Voiced by: Masanobu Kariya (JP)
Known as the father of the gods; became their leader after the war between the gods and the departure of the ancient ones. Saruin, Schirach and Death are all his siblings. Governs Light and Cosmology; his temple is in Melvir, capital of the Bafal Empire.
- God Was My Co-Pilot: The true identity of The Minstrel.
Nisa
Voiced by: Reiko Fujita (JP)
Goddess of the Earth, and mother of most of the pantheon. Benevolent and nurturing, and governs Terrology. A temple devoted to her worship is located in Crystal City. Guided the ancestors of the Taralians and Terranites to Merholm during the war with the three evil gods, sheltering them in her underground temple so that they survived After the End. When Saruin stirs, guides the Taralians back to safety; the Terranites never left.
Yucomb
God of the seas, he governs Hydrology and Aerology, with temples dedicated to him in Melvir and South Estamir. Has a thing for Disproportionate Retribution; this is not a guy you want to anger.
- Disproportionate Retribution: Against the family who fished up the Nymph Statues and tried to sell them. Possibly Justified by the Backstory myth that implies the statues are three of his daughters.
Cyril
God of the wood. Reclusive, he has no temple, preferring instead the forest of Mazewood.
Eres
Voiced by: Tomomi Imai (JP)
Cyril's lover and Goddess of beasts and the Silver Moon; like Cyril, she has no temple dedicated to her followers.
Amut
Goddess of love who governs the power of Illusions, as well as some Bewitchery. Her temple is located in North Estamir. In fact, Wuhan hid his secret harem inside her temple.
Mirsa
Human hero of the last war with Saruin. Sacrificed himself in the final battle, and was rewarded by Elore raising him to godhood. Now considered the patron of knights, paladins and heroes everywhere. In fact, the Knights of the Dominion were founded in his honor. Governs Bewitchery. A temple dedicated to him can be found in Crystal City.
Adyllis
One of the four Elemental Lords created by Saruin, being of the earth element. She is met and spoken to during the Elemental Lords quest where the player has to go around and find certain items and give them to each of the four in exchange for another. Once the quest is complete, Adyllis can later be summoned into battle to help out.
- Optional Boss: In subsequent playthroughs, her quest can be failed, leading to her possession by a minion of Saruin. Defeating her as "Kyllis" grants players the Destroyer.
- Elemental Embodiment: Of Earth.
- No Indoor Voice: In Minstrel Song, Adyllis's dialog is delivered in a loud booming voice.
Pyrix
The Lord of Fire, residing in the depths of Mt. Tomae. Polite and sociable, yet has a paranoid side. The most approachable of the four.- Barrier Change Boss: Pyrix has the spell Self-Immolation permanently cast on him, letting him reflect close-range attacks performed on him at random.
- Optional Boss: In subsequent playthroughs, defeating him as "Pyrocantis" grants players the Cosmo Egg.
- Elemental Embodiment: Of Fire.
Avi
Master of Wind, he sits atop the highest peak on Mt. Scurve. Approaches situations diplomatically, and respects courage. Comes off as cold.- Optional Boss: In subsequent playthroughs, defeating him as "Gigavi" grants players the Epic Hero.
- Deadpan Snarker: Is skeptical of the idea his feathers are badges of courage.
- Elemental Embodiment: Of Wind.
Strom
Serpent of Water, residing in the Water Dragon Temple on Lake Malar. Holds contempt for most Humans, and can be selfish at times. Eerily calm disposition.- Affably Evil: Rather selfish, but is polite to the hero and keeps his end of any bargains.
- Optional Boss: In subsequent playthroughs, defeating him as "Slask" grants players the Chaosbringer.
- Boss Rush: The optional boss of a fight-chain with Tuman and his soldiers. It's much easier to talk to him instead.
- Elemental Embodiment: Of Water.
- Fantastic Racism: Toward Humans.
Saruin
Voiced by: Jin Horikawa (JP)
The Big Bad Evil God. Created all the monsters on Mardias, and led his siblings Death and Schirach against the other gods. Things didn't turn out quite the way he planned, and he ended up sealed away. Now, obviously, he wants out, and plans to go on a Roaring Rampage of Revenge the moment he gets loose.
- Big Bad: Saruin, his worshippers, and many of his monstrous creations serve as the overarching antagonistic force in the game, although they're not involved in every single scenario.
- Dynamic Difficulty: You can purposely make him stronger by offering him the Fatestones or the Obsidian Sword. In the Super Famicom original, however, the latter action actually cracks his AI like an egg and causes him to mimic the action of the last character in your party lineup every turn, rather than buffing his physical attack power as was intended.
- Sealed Evil in a Can: Mirsa defeated him and sealed him away long before the events of the game.
-
Wangst: The first thing he does after he appears is complaining how he lost his power.
Death
Voiced by: Keikou Sakai (JP)
Saruin's older brother, and ruler of the Netherworld.
- Enemy Mine: Helps the hero seal away the Soulgutter when it gets loose by teaching them the proper rite.
- Human Sacrifice: Which can be performed by the player, sacrificing the second in your party line for power.
Schirach
Voiced by: Junko Minagawa (JP)
Sister of Saruin, Death and Elore. Was turned human by Elore following the last war, and had her powers sealed away by the Diamond of Light. Eventually became a Broken Bird, and gradually befriends the heroes, before one of Saruin's Minions tracks her down...
- Optional Boss: And she definitely lives up to her reputation, her Intellect (INT) and Charisma (CHA) stats are maxed out and her attacks and magic can inflict status ailments or even instant death, also said attacks rely solely on INT and CHA
- Evil Makeover: It's positively Stripperiffic!
- Restraining Bolt: The Diamond Fatestone
- Weakened by the Light: In the Ultimania, it required the moonlight of both Eres and Amut to weaken Schirach so she could be subdued
Scorn, Strife and Spite
Three agents of Saruin working towards his revival. Interested in gathering the Fatestones for their own ends. Mainly, offering them up to their master to make him even stronger. Responsible for most of the problems currently plaguing Mardias.
- Goldfish Poop Gang: Subverted; these guys are tough! Try Fighting all 3 at once
Saiva
The Goddess of Destruction who fought Marda long ago.- All There in the Manual: Her existence is only mentioned in the Ultimania.
- Big, Screwed-Up Family: She's Marda's wife, yet started a massive war.
- Hoist by His Own Petard: She created Elore to help turn the tide of the First War of the Gods, but Elore sided with Marda instead.
The Butcher
Voiced by: Takahiro Yoshino (JP)
A ruthless, bloodthirsty pirate with a massive grudge against Hawke, due to their conflicting views on just how a pirate should live. Wants to raid and conquer various towns for treasure, and believes they have the numbers to pull off attacks on even the capitals of countries.
- The Rival: To Hawke
Cornelio
Voiced by: Koichi Asuka (JP)
The highly ambitious Duke of Loban. As he is married to the Emperor's sister, Matilda, he would assume power if anything should ever happen to his majesty. Also has his eyes on Isthmus Keep, as his city is right on the keep's southern border.
- Obviously Evil: Just barely keeps up a pretense of civility; to their credit, it doesn't seem like anyone's really fooled, but politics make everything complicated.
Ewei
A Mad Scientist who resides on the aptly named Isle of Evil in search for Immortality. Never strays outside his tower, preferring to let any fools who dare venture near come to him. The Ultimania states that the storm was never lifted around the island and the old man he released had magic on him so that he acted as a key to break through the storm.
- Awesome Backpack: Ewei essentially carries a giant cooler on his back
- Fashionable Asymmetry: White on his left side and Black on his right side of his clothes.
- Gone Horribly Right: His test subjects were able to stop aging, but are in an irreversible coma as a side effect
- Professor Guinea Pig: The Ultimania states that he infused monster cells into himself to slow the aging process.
