game name i cant remember

System: Genesis ok i cant remember this game very well i know its a strategy game like fire emblem but its for this system i can almost taste it. in it you start off with a really strong guy and ur weak loser self. and they get stronger and stronger as u gain more people. and the strong guy eventually dies by a bow shot and then your left with a few measly loser guys compared to him. also if any of ur guys die in a fight then you lose then there gone forever. there are mermaids and other creatures in it the first level is to run away from a battle at your fatherzx castle. plz help me remember my childhood and tell me the name of this game i think it could be on snes though "u can go to mcdonalds and look at the menu as long as u come home for dinner"