Here's a neat idea inspired by the current discussion.
An Asian themed Fire Emblem, lets say Japan because the Shogunate and Warring States period is very similar to European Medieval times.
What are the classes and such?
Here's what I got:
Lord- Like the FE lords, can derive from just about any class, though Swords, Spears, and Bows make the most sense here. Perhaps a Shikigami. But considering most Lords were Samurai, then...
-Shogun- The class change for Lords. Once again, specialize in their original weapon. Can mount and dismount horses.
Archer- Uses the Japanese Bow, it is MUCH larger then the European Bow, thus shoots farther.
-Yabasame- Horseback Archers, more mobility, shorter range.
-Armored Archer- Better range and more power than the previous class. The Sniper per say.
Tactician- Carry a War Fan and a Sword, not combat focused can boost or drop the stats of allies and foes by rallying support.
-Commander- The class change here, allow autonomous command of units.
Onmyouji- Essentially the mage, there is no Magic triangle here as the Magic has no element. Very strong against Youkai. Can also summon shikigami familiars to change attack traits.
-Dai Onmyouji - The sage, gains stat boosts. Can summon a larger variety of Shikigami and even have them fight for him.
Ninja- The Assasin class, high speed and ATK. Uses a wide array of Shuriken and Kunai. As well as smoke bombs.
-Grandmaster- High Ninja class, gains access to some swords.
Foot Soldier- Slower but with high DEF, use spears.
-Yari General- Not like the FE general, the slow and bulky tanks didn't exist in Japanese warfare. This is more like the Spearsoldier class in FE9.
-Mounted General- Less DEF, more mobility. Essentially the Paladin of this game.
Bushido- Use a Katana, the Myrmidon of this game and the most common class.
-Samurai- Armored Bushido, gain higher DEF and access to bows. Can also mount or dismount Horses.
-Ronin- Rougue sword users. Self trained. The Swordmasters essentialy. Mad SPD and ATK.
Monk- Weaponless, they use chants and prayers to heal friendlies. Also are able to fight using their fists.
-Souhei- Armored Monk. The most versatile class. Can gain access to almost any weapon upon change and then specialize in it. Also retain their ability to heal.
Miko- Beautiful women, specialized healers.
-Fujo- Class change for Miko, gain access to some magical attacks like the Onmyouji.
Pirate- Access to a wide array of swords, have great mobility in water. High ATK.
-Mercinary- Very mobile across all terrain. Access to a wide variety of swords and are able to exclusively use Broadswords.
Special Classes:
Pyrotechnic- Fire specialists. The heavy artillery, specializes in Seige weaponry with Fire works and bombs.
Judoka- Jiujutsu master. Defeats foes at close range by grappling.
Sumo- What it sounds like, a fat guy that slaps, pushes and throws.
Tengu- The flying units. Assasins with wings that wear masks. Like to live in Mountains.
Blacksmiths- Forge weapons for you. You must gather the resources for them though. Muramasa is among the blacksmith you can recruit. He'll forge legendary weapons for you.
Princess- Special class, composed of sexy women.
Bandits- **** and pillage.
Youkai: Youkai are like Manaketes and beastfolk of FE. Derived from legends and folklore.
Kitsune- Fox women, that can transform into foxes, very deceptive, but prone to falling madly in love. Exellent Mages. Tamamo no Mae, the Kyuubi is one of them.
Tanooki- Racoon dogs that like to steal ****. Very cunning little guys.
Hanniwa- Pottery, because why not.
Oni- Huge buff demons. Come in a large array of different forms and monsters.
Nekomata- Forked tail cat. Bring good luck.
Jurougumo- Spider monsters
Hebi- Snake mosters
Tengu- the ACTUAL goblins, not the bandits with masks.
Mononoke- Ghosts and spirits.
Giant Squid- It's a giant Squid.
Deities:
Orochi- Giant multiheaded snake.
Kuroakami- Water Dragon
Amaterasu- Sun Goddess
Susanoo- God of the Storms and Seas
Izanagi and Izanami- Sibling gods
Kagatsuchi- Fire God
Tsukiyomi- Moon Goddess.
You fight ALL of them.
Weapons:
Katana- You can find the and buy run of the mill ones, but having your blacksmith forge them is a better idea.
Yari- Spears, come in many variations, including throwables. You can also find these:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Great_Spears_of_Japan
Yumi- Larger than Europeans bows, they have better range and more power. Come in a number of variations. Including scatter shots and Fire Arrows.
Kunai- Throwable Knives
Shuriken- Come in a wide array of forms sizes, shapes and uses. Larger ones do more damage.
Prayer Beads- Enhance powers of Monks
Hanabi- Fire works and other pyrothecnics
War Fans- Large fans that enhance the powers of Tacticians.
Shikigami Paper- Allow Onmyouji to summon certain shikigami
Pentagrams- Allow Onmyouji, Monks and Miko to use different spells.
Other: Whatever I missed. This includes bladed fans, Broadswords and such.
Oh yeah, you can also get small boats for naval combat.
I dunno, anyone else wanna add to this? This would make an awesome game tbh. I'd make it a mix of Rance's Risk-like strategy, with FE's tactical gameplay. Something like FE4 as well (which I've yet to play).