Chris

Biodata

Appearance

Chris has short blond hair and is introduced wearing full scale armor, with a kite shield on his back 14.

• Carries a longsword and uses a hand crossbow 17 36.
• Uses a kite shield in battle; its iron facing is dented during the fight with the Gray Dwarves 49.

Personality

Chris is sociable and quick to welcome a capable newcomer. Once he realizes Rain can cast a spell, he eagerly introduces him to the captain, then jokes with him and proposes a celebration 14 15. He takes pride in his shield skills, but concedes gracefully when Rain defeats him in a spar 39.

He remains committed to the team under pressure. Despite a broken arm, he helps distract the Boarfolk Warrior so Rain can keep attacking; later, he exhausts himself holding off a Gray Dwarf while his companions focus on another target 18 20 50.

Abilities & Skills

Shield Fighting

Chris serves on the front line, using his shield to hold enemies in place while his teammates attack 16 40.

• Iron Wall — braces behind his kite shield against a Boarfolk Warrior’s charge. The impact sends him flying and breaks his shield arm 18.
• Practices Shield Block with Rain and Grand 48.
• His defenses have limits against Gray Dwarves using Gigantification: one blow knocks him down and dents his shield 49.

Weapons and Team Tactics

• Fights with a longsword and helps hold an ordinary Boarfolk in place for the team’s attacks 17.
• Uses a hand crossbow, including to distract the Boarfolk Warrior during Rain’s assault 20.
• Suggests nets and poison as a safer alternative to fighting Giant Vampire Bats deep inside a cramped cave 32.

Relationships

• Rain — Recruits him for the Whistling Hunters’ Boarfolk mission and grows to respect his fighting ability. The two later spar and arrange to exchange combat tips 14 36 39.
• Leia — His captain. She checks on his recovery before the team resumes its activities and directs him in frontline formations 29 40.
• Grand — Fellow shield fighter who protects Chris during the Boarfolk battle and trains alongside him 17 37.
• Fabian — Teammate who joins Chris in ranged attacks and frontline support during missions 17 20 36.
• Illys — Whistling Hunters teammate whose advancement to full priestess Chris celebrates, though he worries their team may hold her back 31.

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Recruiting Rain: Initially doubts that a spear-and-shield novice can fill the party’s ranged opening, then brings Rain to Leia as soon as he learns Rain can cast a spell 14.
• Boarfolk mission: Helps execute the party’s ice-and-crossbow ambush. A surprise Boarfolk Warrior breaks his arm, but Chris continues directing support for Rain. His injury puts team quests on hold for two weeks 16 18 20 23.
• Training and bat hunt: After recovering, Chris joins the Giant Vampire Bat mission. Impressed by Rain’s Shield Bash, he proposes a combat-tip exchange; Rain later defeats him in a friendly shield spar 29 35 36 37 39.
• Azure Mine investigation: Holds the front line with Rain and Grand against Gray Dwarves. He is eventually left nearly unable to fight after delaying one while the team attacks another 47 48 49 50.

Trivia

• Chris has been afraid of spiders since a fist-sized spider climbed onto his bed when he was a child 41.
• His attempt to recreate Hearthfire Bar’s ale-roasted pork ribs failed; Rain later identifies seasonings Chris had missed 30.