Archer

EMIYA, also known as Archer, is a cynical yet dedicated Heroic Spirit and Counter Guardian summoned as a Servant. A future version of Shirou Emiya, he's renowned for his unparalleled Projection Magecraft and Reality Marble, Unlimited Blade Works, which allows him to conjure countless weapons. Despite his outwardly pessimistic nature, he possesses a strong sense of justice and protectiveness.

Quick Facts

  • What is Archer's true identity?

    A future version of Shirou Emiya from an alternate timeline.

  • What is Archer's class?

    Archer

  • What is Archer's height and weight?

    187cm, 78kg

  • What is Archer's alignment?

    True Neutral

  • What is Archer's most notable skill?

    Projection Magecraft

  • What is Archer's Noble Phantasm?

    Unlimited Blade Works

  • What is Archer's most recognizable feature?

    Red coat

  • What is Archer's role in the Fate universe?

    Counter Guardian

Description

Personality

Archer, the Heroic Spirit summoned as Rin Tohsaka's Servant in the Fifth Holy Grail War, presents a complex and contradictory personality. He is deeply cynical and nihilistic, a consequence of his existence as a Counter Guardian tasked with preventing humanity's self-destruction, often at great cost. This cynicism is tempered by a fierce loyalty and protectiveness towards those he cares for, particularly Rin, and a surprising childlike side that makes him unexpectedly endearing. He is not inherently cruel, but his experiences have left him deeply disillusioned and sarcastic, often masking his genuine concern with a detached exterior. His internal conflict between his past ideals and the harsh realities of his current role as a Counter Guardian is a central aspect of his character. Despite his bitterness, Archer is not without compassion. He harbors a deep-seated regret for his past failures and a quiet admiration for those who strive for their ideals, even if he disagrees with them. His relationship with Shirou, his younger self, is particularly fraught with tension and complex emotions, ranging from disdain to a begrudging respect and even a desperate hope for his past self to avoid the path he himself has taken. His interactions with other Servants and Masters reveal a nuanced personality that defies simple categorization, oscillating between detached observation, sarcastic wit, and unexpected moments of warmth and protectiveness. His dedication to his duties as a Counter Guardian, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness and ideals, underscores his unwavering commitment, however flawed it may be. His personality evolves throughout the various Fate narratives. While initially driven by a desire to kill his younger self, he gradually mellows, accepting the validity of his past ideals while acknowledging their immaturity. In later appearances, he displays a more protective and even somewhat paternalistic nature, particularly towards younger Servants and Masters. His fondness for housework and cooking, a stark contrast to his grim existence as a Counter Guardian, further highlights the multifaceted nature of his character.

Abilities

Archer's abilities stem from his mastery of Projection Magecraft and his unique status as a Counter Guardian. His physical parameters are relatively low, but he compensates with exceptional skill and strategic thinking. **Class Skills:** * **Magic Resistance (D Rank):** Offers minimal protection against magic. * **Independent Action (B Rank):** Allows him to remain in the world for two days without a Master, crucial for his role as a Counter Guardian. **Personal Skills:** * **Clairvoyance (C Rank):** Enhanced vision, allowing for precise long-range attacks. * **Mind's Eye (True) (B → EX Rank):** Exceptional combat intuition and precognitive abilities honed through vast experience. * **Magecraft (C- Rank):** Competent in basic magecraft, but his true strength lies in Projection. * **Projection Magecraft (A Rank):** His signature ability, allowing him to create near-perfect copies of weapons, including Noble Phantasms, albeit at a lower rank. This skill is further enhanced by "Trace On: Circuit Connection" in *Fate/Grand Order*, allowing for near-limitless creation of weapons. **Noble Phantasm:** * **Unlimited Blade Works:** A Reality Marble containing countless projected weapons, primarily copies of Noble Phantasms. He can utilize these weapons with devastating effect, often employing the "Broken Phantasm" technique to enhance their destructive power by sacrificing the weapon itself. Notable projections include Kanshou and Bakuya, Caladbolg II, Rho Aias, and even a degraded version of Excalibur. Archer's combat style is highly adaptable, utilizing both ranged and close-quarters combat effectively. His long-range attacks are exceptionally precise, while his swordsmanship is honed to a deadly level. He is a master tactician, capable of devising intricate strategies and exploiting his opponent's weaknesses. His ability to project weapons allows for incredible versatility and adaptability in combat. He is not a physically powerful Servant, but his skills and strategic prowess make him a formidable opponent.