Lucian

Biodata

Background

Lucian served alongside Manuel Salian and was awarded the rank of Banneret for his service as a knight-commander after the Time of Troubles. He felt guilty about Manuel’s death, helped Manuel’s son Aaron, and repeatedly offered to become his knightly mentor 22.

When Aaron entered Purple Dragon training, Lucian stopped his fight with Disma and reprimanded Disma for aiming a hand crossbow at him. Aaron later chose Lucian as his mentor. Lucian welcomed him into the order, showed him his parents’ memorial shields, and made clear that his viscountcy would bring no special standing inside the fortress 31 32 33.

Lucian also arranged Aaron’s introduction to his magic tutor, Charlotte Caradnay. When Aaron later proposed an expedition against a Goblin camp near Eveningstar, Lucian approved it but secretly sent Reynard and Disma to follow him and intervene if necessary 38 39 48.

Appearance

Lucian has a powerful build and an imposing, lion-like bearing 31 32.

• Long, curly brown hair and an exceptionally thick brown beard 22 31.
• Bushy brows and stern gray eyes 31.

Personality

Lucian is stern about discipline, rank, and knightly conduct, but protective of the people he trains. He refuses to pass trainees merely because they meet an official standard, and he worries that Disma’s temper could undermine his strength. With Aaron, he pairs strict expectations with practical support and cautions him not to let magical talent or noble birth become an excuse for arrogance 30 33 34 38.

Abilities & Skills

Knightly training

• Lucian is a master-level fighter and Purple Dragon Knight 30.
• His trainee assessments are demanding and individualized; more than half of his trainees fail, and he sometimes tests them in areas where they are weakest 30 36.
• He treats close combat as a means to victory rather than something Aaron must rely on when magic would serve him better 38.

Equipment

• Adamantium splint armor inscribed with protective runes 31.
• Baronet’s ceremonial robes, worn when accompanying Aaron to meet his magic tutor 38.

Relationships

• Manuel Salian — close friend and former comrade. Lucian honors his memory and feels guilty about his death 22 33.
• Aaron Salian — Manuel’s son and Lucian’s trainee; Lucian trains him strictly while looking out for his safety 32 33 48.
• Disma — a child Lucian found abandoned beside the Dragonmere and raised. Lucian is proud of his strength but concerned by his temper and disregard for rules 34.
• Reynard Grosskreutz — Lucian’s first apprentice, entrusted to his care by Reynard’s father. Lucian later praises his progress as a full Purple Dragon Knight 34 44.
• Ian Hartson — fellow senior officer whose willingness to let recruits fight draws Lucian’s criticism 31 32.