Lancer

Biodata

Appearance

Lancer is a weapon-bearing Heroic Spirit who first appears carrying twin guns; in a later confrontation, he wears blue light armor and fights with a spear. 16 40

• Carries paired guns/polearms during his initial encounter with Saber. 16
• Uses a spear in close combat. 16 40
• Wears blue light armor during his assault on Xia and Shirou. 40

Personality

Lancer values a hero's pride and refuses to interfere in Saber's duel with Xia, instead stepping aside to observe. He speaks with a playful edge, but is perceptive enough to recognize unusual restraint in another fighter's technique. 18

His patience deteriorates under pressure. Trapped in Eternal Throne's desert, he becomes increasingly frustrated by the heat, mana drain, and isolation, exposing himself to Xia's guards when he calls out in anger. 31 He is also described as arrogant and prideful, reacting violently when Xia calls him a “stray dog.” 40

Abilities & Skills

Polearm Combat

Lancer is an experienced close-range fighter who challenges Saber and engages her with his weapons during the opening clashes of the Holy Grail War. 16

• Wields twin guns/polearms in his first confrontation with Saber. 16
• Uses a spear against Xia and Shirou. 40
• Was sent by his Master to test the strength of other Heroic Spirits. 16

Combat Analysis

While watching Xia duel Saber, Lancer identifies that Xia never directs his spearpoint toward Saber's vital areas. He also notices that Saber instinctively avoids lethal attacks against Xia. 18

• Recognizes deliberate nonlethal targeting amid a high-speed spear duel. 18
• Assesses Xia's explosive speed and frontal combat ability as a serious threat. 19

Resistance to Magecraft

Xia briefly traps Lancer with Pre-Magic: Crucifix Stone Prison, a spell Xia believes should restrain even a Grand Magus for some time. Lancer breaks free within minutes and resumes his attack. 40

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Twin guns/polearms — carried during his initial encounter with Saber. 16
• Spear — used against Xia and Shirou. 40

Relationships

• Saber / Artoria — initially faces her as an enemy Servant and prepares for a formal duel before Xia interrupts. 16
• Drake D. Xia — observes Xia's restrained fighting style against Saber, later becomes trapped and killed by Xia's guards in Eternal Throne. 18 31
• Alice — stands near her while observing the duel between Xia and Saber. 18
• Unnamed Master — orders Lancer to test the capabilities of other Heroic Spirits. 16

Story Role / Major Arcs

Initial Holy Grail War Encounter

Lancer emerges in a park as Saber arrives with Alice. He denies making a rude remark toward Saber, then accepts her challenge after explaining that his Master ordered him to test other Heroic Spirits. Their duel is interrupted when Xia throws the Dragon Crest Golden Spear between them. 16

Xia and Saber's Duel

Lancer watches Xia fight Saber from a distance. He realizes Xia is intentionally avoiding Saber's vital points and later reveals his true name as Diarmuid Ua Duibhne after Saber and Rider disclose theirs. 18 19

Eternal Throne

After Xia activates the Eternal Throne Reality Marble, Lancer enters its desert region. The barrier's sunlight suppresses his magical detection, drains his mana at three times its normal rate, and leaves him exhausted and impatient. 31

When Lancer calls out for Xia, five of Xia's golden-coated guards ambush him, piercing his throat and four vital organs before beheading him. A larger force of Xia's guards emerges from beneath the sand after his disappearance. 31

Emiya Residence Assault

In a later confrontation, Lancer attacks Xia and Shirou in the Emiya Residence warehouse. He impales Shirou and seeks to kill him again before targeting Xia, but Xia temporarily catches him in Crucifix Stone Prison. Lancer breaks free and continues the pursuit. 40