The benevolent rulers who ask for your help to protect their people from the Big Bad. They most often have heard of your reputation and hire you, providing things for you at the start; and hugely rewarding you at the end. Sometimes, they just let you travel through their domain and provide major help or critical info or a McGuffin. Note that to be mentioned here, they must have some influence over the plot.
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Allansia
Elokinan
Appears in: Tower of Destruction
An old, wise and extremely powerful elf mage, ruler of the magical Ice Palace. To his misfortune, he taught Zeverin, who repaid his tutelage by killing him and all his people and cursing them to haunt their now derelict palace as ghosts for eternity.- The Archmage: A supreme wizard, surpassing even the exceptionally talented elves of his community, from a species noted for their superior magical potential.
- Benevolent Mage Ruler: Elokinan ruled one of the most magical places in all of Titan, and was a wise, caring and gentle man, more than ready to impart knowledge and assistance. Too willing in fact...
- Big Good: Even dead and reduced to a spirit, he is this, being the powerful and benevolent leader of the elves who provides priceless guidance and power boosts.
- Horrible Judge of Character: Trusted Zeverin of all people, one of the most demented Evil Sorcerers of the series. Either that or the sod was really good at hiding his true intention when he still needed it.
King Gillibran Ironhelm III
King Gillibran, celebrating with Yaztromo
The noble and highly respected king of the dwarf village of Stonebridge, nearing the very dangerous Darkwood Forest, proud owner of a uber powerful war-hammer, and good friend of the Great Mage Gereth Yaztromo. He might be very old, but he still rules his kingdom and gives all he has got to make it thrive. In The Forest of Doom, his war-hammer is stolen and his kingdom is threatened by hill trolls, but you find and the trolls are soundly defeated. He makes cameos in other books.
- Badass Family: Descendant of one of the most famous Dwarf Kings: Nadarul Kazorian of Redweed.
- Badass Normal: No fancy powers and still a great warrior in a world where Magic Knights can be found pretty much at every corner.
- Beard of Barbarism: His most striking feature, befitting a powerful leader and warrior.
- Braids of Barbarism: Styles his hair that way, for dwarves like him share this custom with barbarians.
- The Cameo: He appears at the end of Eye of the Dragon.
- Celebrating the Heroes: When you bring him his precious hammer at the end of The Forest of Doom, he wastes no time in giving you priceless treasures, and lets you stay in Stonebridge as long as you want.
- Cool Crown: Gillibran is described wearing one in his first appearance.
- Cool Old Guy: A Reasonable Authority Figure he is above all, but Gillibran is a jolly good fellow who enjoys a good party and is pretty friendly and approachable all together.
- Elves Versus Dwarves: Completely averted, the elves and dwarves of Darkwood Forest are in excellent terms, albeit not frequent contact. The Stonebridge dwarves have problems with evil dwarves of the nearby village of Mirewater, and the hill trolls. Elves on the other hand are in permanent conflict with the main dark elven kingdom of Tiranduìl Keltas.
- Empowered Badass Normal: Undeniably badass on his own, but his Infinity+1 Hammer sure helps...
- Frontline General: Leading his people against the hill trolls with his war-hammer in hand.
- The Good King: Gillibran is wise and benevolent, and really wants his subjects to thrive. He deeply mourned the loss of Bigleg, and was worried out of his mind by the loss of his hammer and the threat posed by the hordes of hill trolls.
- Heroic BSoD: You find him in the middle of one in The Forest of Doom, of which he immediately snaps out when he sees his war-hammer.
- Infinity +1 Sword: Did we mention the Hammer? It is a weapon so powerful that wielding it alone is enough to ensure the dwarves' victory against the surrounding hill troll tribes. It is the only thing that can smash the Dragon Statues in the sequel.
- Interspecies Friendship: Gillibran is pretty chummy with Gereth Yaztromo.
- King Bob the Nth: Gillibran the Third.
- Magical Weapon: His hammer. What else?
- Miniature Senior Citizen: Even more so being a dwarf.
- Modest Royalty: There is no doubt that he is the king upon seeing him, but fancy clothing and the like are not his thing.
- Old Soldier: Don't let his great age fool you, he is still fully willing and fully able to lead his people to war, and fight in the front-line.
- Only the Chosen May Wield: It is implied that only Gillibran can use the war-hammer's power to its full potential. It must be in his hand for the dwarves to defeat the trolls.
- Our Dwarves Are All the Same: Dwarves of Titan are less gruff, rough, greedy and susceptible than in most Fantasy fictions, being friendly jolly-good fellows. Other than that. Beard? Check. Love for beer? Check. Skilled ingeneers and blacksmiths? Check. Wield axes and hammers? Check and checkmate. Gillibran of course is no exception.
- Rank Scales with Asskicking: Despite his age, Gillibran is implied to be one of the most powerful warriors of his people, thanks in no small part to his often-mentioned hammer.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: If you're friendly to the dwarves, he welcomes you. If you did a great favour to his people, he rewards you. No question asked.
- Royals Who Actually Do Something: Gillibran protects his people and fights for their sake in every battle.
- Universally Beloved Leader: Gillibran is widely beloved by his subjects. Bigleg, for instance, was more worried about retrieving the war-hammer than about his own imminent death.
Owen Carralif
Appears in: City of Thieves
The mayor of the opulent Merchant City of Silverton. When Elite Mooks of the Big Bad came to demand his daughter, he refused to send his flesh and blood to what was clearly A Fate Worse Than Death. Said Big Bad reacted as poorly as one could imagine, and cursed his entire city, sending Hellhounds to kill everyone each night. So when you, a fabled monster slayer came to town by chance, he jumps on the occasion to ask you to save his people and his daughter.
- Adipose Rex: Not a king but still the supreme authority of a wealthy city state, quite fat and clearly out of shape. He's sweating after having just jogged a bit.
- Aerith and Bob: Owen Carralif is a normal-sounding name, contrary to the more fantasy-sounding ones that will become common place later in the series.
- Celebrating the Heroes: When you return successful, he throws you a party for days and gives you a golden orb worth a small fortune.
- Did You Just Flip Off Cthulhu?: He basically told the Mouth of Sauron of a highly powerful Lich Lord to get bent... And he sorely regrets it, because the baddie does not like being told "no" at all.
- Fat and Proud: Doesn't seem to mind being overweight, which in medieval times is a symbol of wealth and abundance. And while he does eat with gusto, he does without excess.
- Formerly Fit: Considering that he was an adventuring comrade to the notorious Badass Nicodemus, he is bound to be this.
- Nice to the Waiter: Played with. Snapping his fingers at the innkeeper without a word is not very nice, but standard for a medieval setting, and aside from that he is not especially dickish.
- Old Friend: To Nicodemus, one of the most famous mages in the world (and a world-weary recluse).
- Parents as People: Even knowing that refusing would bring very bad news to him and his city, he could not bear to send his beloved daughter to certain doom. And hey, who could really blame him?
- Quest Giver: Owen Carralif tasks you to find the Legendary Mage Arakor Nicodemus, to learn of a way to kill the Big Bad and dispatch him.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: He is the mayor and he wants the best for his people.
- Retired Badass: Doesn't really seems like it, but this fat, wealthy man was once a fearsome adventurer back in the days.
- Sadistic Choice: Owen Carralif was given one, either sacrificing his daughter or watching his people get slaughered night after night. He ends up Taking a Third Option as soon as you enter the picture.
- Simple, yet Opulent: He is clad in a rich red tunic to show his status, but nothing exceedingly fancy.
- Ultimate Authority Mayor: A given since he rules a feudal city state with no higher authority around. He shows it by ordering food to the innkeeper by a snap of his fingers, but he means well.
Baron Sukumvit Charavask
The lord of the city-state of Fang, Baron Sukumvit inherited the throne from his father, snubbing his brother Lord Carnuss in the process. At the time, Fang was simply a sleepy little fishing town, until Sukumvit created the Deathtrap Dungeon, a deadly and mysterious maze beneath the town, and issued a challenge - 10.000 gold pieces for any man who can successfully complete the dungeon. Anyone who entered forfeited their lives. Only twice has the dungeon been beaten, once by a passing adventurer, and second, by a slave belonging to his hated brother.
- Anti-Villain: Sukumvit is definitely amoral and opportunistic, but he doesn't seem to be particularly tyrannical, and his Dungeon revitalized the town of Fang.
- Badass Armfold: He is represented folding his arms under his sleeves, giving him an air of quiet and poised authority.
- Badass Longrobe: An imposing and dignified ruler merits an equally impressive robe.
- Batman Gambit: At the end of Trial of Champions, he quickly notices that you hate Lord Carnuss even more than he does, and adds to grant your wish as a second reward. As he correctly guessed, you wish nothing more than killing Carnuss, leading to the Final Battle.
- Blue Blood: The scion and heir of a powerful and influential noble family.
- Bread and Circuses: The purpose of his Trial of Champions is to provide entertainment in his city and most of Allansia. And it works, as people come from every corner of Allansia and even from the other continents to try their luck and assist to the show.
- Cain and Abel: His brother Lord Carnuss hates him and tried to assassinate him, leading to Sukumvit exiling him. Sukumvit finally has him killed by granting the winner of Trial Of Champions any wish he wants, correctly guessing that what the character wants is revenge again Carnuss.
- Cool Crown: Like every member of royalty.
- Dare to Be Badass: To sum it up "Will you be badass enough to succeed where so many failed? Enter the labyrith to find out. Though the direction declines all responsibility if you never come back."
- Evil Old Folks: Calling him "evil" is a stretch, but he looks quite old, and he can be ruthless.
- Feudal Overlord: Fang being a city-state, he has supreme authority over it.
- Foolish Sibling, Responsible Sibling: He is a pragmatic and concerned Reasonable Authority Figure,in stark contrast to his vile, petty Smug Snake of a brother.
- Good Is Not Nice: While neutral, he is ultimately a good ruler. Yet, he is ruthless and a Sore Loser.
- Good Is Not Soft: Once again, more neutral than good, and certainly not someone to be triffled with.
- The Heavy: Without his Trial of Champions, there would be no story in both gamebooks.
- Names The Same: Phra Bisal Sukhumvit was an ingeneer who boosted sanitation, irrigation and especially road infrastructure in Thailand from the 30's to the 40's. He took part of the resistance against Japanese occupation during World War II and the reconstruction effort. A district of Bangkok and a major highway are named after him.
- Out-Gambitted: He came on top of his brother's gambit in their youth, as the assassins Carnuss sent after him were in fact spies he planted to keep an eye on him.
- He does this again in Trial of Champions, as you was Made a Slave by Lord Carnuss and sent to win the titular Trial for him to pocket the reward, he offers to grant your wish, correctly guessing that you want to kill Carnuss.
- Quest Giver: Indirectly, by opening his virtually unbeatable trial.
- Rank Scales with Asskicking: He is old, and a respected and imposing ruler that can prove formidable if need be. Granted, he is never seen fighting so exactly how badass he is can only be judged by his fearsome reputation.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: Fang thrives under his rule.
- Sibling Yin-Yang: While ruthless and willing to have the first winner of his Trial of Champions assassinated, Sukumvit is a
True Neutral Reasonable Authority Figure, who made Chiang Mai thrive and cares about his subjects. Carnuss on the other hand redefines Stupid Evil, Evil Is Petty and Revenge Before Reason.- Heck, Sukumvit was mature enough to swallow his pride and take the first win as a challenge to make his labyrinth even more Unwinnable by Design, and takes profit of the situation to cut his losses when you win this one in turn. As for Carnuss, he simply cannot let go of a grudge and is far too petty and overconfident for his own good, which naturally and satisfyingly comes to bite him in the rear.
- Sore Loser: He sent assassins after the first winner of the Trial of Champion. In vain...
- True Neutral: He does what is good for him and for his city-state. While he did try to kill the first winner of his trial, and rewarded further the second for he had something to gain, he did reward them.
- The Unfought: Since he never serves as an actual antagonist, you never fight him.
- Unwinnable by Design: The raison d'etre of his labyrinth. Only an exceptionally powerful and clever adventurer could stand a chance. Will you be the one?
- Villainous Friendship: For a certain view of "villain", but he is good friends with Lord Varek Azzur, one of the most reviled villains of the franchise.
Thyra Migurn
Appears in: Siege of Sardath
An immortal lady with considerable Shock and Awe powers and a Hair-Trigger Temper to match, who rules from the Sukh Tower in Allansia. Her tower being named after the God of Thunder of the local Fantasy Pantheon, she is all but stated to be a demi-goddess, probably his daughter. You will need her help against the Dark Elves threatening the land, but good luck getting out of her claws in only one piece.
- Badass Longrobe: Thyra Migurn wears one, floating in the wind caused by her storms.
- Berserk Button: Many of them.
- Not kneeling before her for instance.
- Dwarves set her off, for they delve too much in the mountains she regards as her property.
- Though she loathes Dark Elves above all else. Convenient when the Big Bad is one. She only helps you if you tell her that you set out to destroy them.
- Big Good: Irascible and lightning-happy as she is, she is still a protector of the land, and being the most powerful force of Good (or at least neutrality) around whose help is mandatory to save the day, she still qualifies more than Badass in Distress Corianthus.
- The Blank: When she lifts her hood, only a ball of plasma is seen. And that's not even her true form.
- Blood Knight: She enjoys a good fight, and respects those who beat her.
- Defeat Means Respect: If you defeat Thyra in a Sword Fight, she electrifies your sword granting a nifty bonus against dark elves.
- Divine Ranks: Either a blessed mortal, a demi-goddess, or a minor deity, it is not exactly clear. Still, Thyra Migurn wields divine powers and serves the gods.
- Do Not Taunt Cthulhu: Don't return to see her after she sent you away, or you're toast. Literally.
- Elemental Embodiment: Thyra Migurn is pretty much lightning given life. Her very presence when she unleashes her full power can be dangerous.
- Elemental Weapon: Her sword crackles with lightning. She can make your sword one as well.
- A Form You Are Comfortable With:
- She manifests as a robed woman In the Hood with a plasma body underneath.
- For battled, she assumes the aspect of a tall, silver-haired woman in a shinning silver armour, armed with a sword crackling with lightning.
- Good Is Not Nice: Thyra might serve the gods and help the few she deems worthy, but she has horrible temper and a pride to match.
- Hair-Trigger Temper: Very easy to anger, which considering how powerful she is is a horrible idea to have.
- In the Hood: She hides her face that way.
- It May Help You on Your Quest: Thread carefully with her, and she gives you a Lightning Sphere mandatory to survive against the Praetorian Guard of the Big Bad.
- Kneel Before Zod: Thyra zaps you with lightning if you speak to her without kneeling. Refuse to comply again and you're toast. Literally.
- Lady of Black Magic: Well, to be precise, Lady of divine control over lightning, but that's too long. Still more than able to fry any annoyance with supernatural powers, so the point still stands.
- Lady of War: Thyra Migurn is a supreme warrior when the situation calls for it.
- Master Swordsman: Mistress Swordswoman to be picky. She's very good with one.
- Misanthrope Supreme: Let's just say that social skills aren't her forte...
- Optional Boss: Battling Thyra Migurn is optional, and skill 10 stamina 12 make her a powerful foe. But you can yield if you bit off more than you could chew, and winning grants you a power-up.
- Psycho Electro: Saner than most examples, but just as deadly when rubbed off the wrong way.
- Riddle for the Ages: Who she is, mortal, ascended or divine, and how long had she been around is left unsaid.
- Shock and Awe: Thyra controls lightning and uses it with abandon.
- You Cannot Grasp the True Form: For the love of Titan, don't ask what she really looks like. Or you're toast. Literally.
Khul
Baron Tholdur
On the throne, Tholdur, in the hood, his advisor
Appears In: Beneath Nightmare Castle
The benevolent Margrave ruling the city state of Neubourg in Khul, and an Old Friend of yours, to whom you decide to pay a visit.
Maior
Unsurprisingly, the noble-looking crowned guy is Maior and the creepy snake-thingy is the local treacherous advisor
Appears in: Black Vein Prophecy, The Crimson Tide
The lawful Emperor of the Isles of Dawn, the verse's equivalent to the Ming Dynasty, previously the main player character of Black Vein Prophecy; he appears in the sequel, The Crimson Tide, but no longer himself for reasons unknown until late in the story.
- Amnesiac Hero: In his debut, Maior is absolutely unaware whom he is, how he ended in a mausoleum, and his eventual fate as the ruler of the Isles.
- Brainwashed and Crazy: Courtesy of his Treacherous Advisor, Pantu, who's also The Corruptor who turns Maior into a mindless slave Pantu can control.
- Cain and Abel: The heroic Abel to his wicked brother, Feior's Cain.
- Cool Crown: Wears a golden one during his reign as Emperor. Oddly enough, his crown looks Westernized despite the Ming Dynasty-esque setting.
- The Good King: He's a noble ruler who cares for his people before Advisor Pantu took over his mind.
- Puppet King: He's am empty shell under his advisor's control, leading to the Isle of Dawn plunging into sheer chaos.
- You're Not My Father: He disowns his wicked father Benzieval after realizing he's to be raised as a tyrant.
The Old World
Count Siegfried Heydrich
You never meet him alive.
Appears In: Vault of the Vampire | Revenge of the Vampire
The late count of Mortvania, a noble ruler and mighty warrior beloved by everyone, who was murdered by his wretched younger brother Reiner, who would then become a Vampire Monarch and a loathsome Evil Overlord, making the live of everyone a living nightmare. But Siegfried might be dead, he returned as a ghost, being the only benevolent undead to haunt the Haunted Castle, waiting for a hero brave enough to end his torments and free his beloved domain from his brother's tyranny.
- Ascended to a Higher Plane of Existence: He gains the Afterlife of the Just after you purge his sibling's evil in the first book.
- Too bad he is brought back on Titan along with his brother, noting that they cannot be disociated. You must help him ascend for good.
- Badass Normal: He had no special power but he is strongly implied to have been a fearsome warrior. Weapons as powerful as his own are rarely owned by wusses in a World of Badass such as Titan.
- Beauty Equals Goodness: As handsome as he is noble and gentle, further contrasting with his evil siblings, especially the Hot Witch Katarina.
- Big Good: He might be long dead, but he remains the mightiest force of good around. His weapons in the first book and his advice in both, are priceless. Downplayed though, for as a ghost there is little he can do aside playing the Spirit Advisor.
- Blue Blood: Siegfried comes from an old and very noble lineage.
- Cain and Abel: The Abel to Reiner's Cain, down to the being murdered part.
- Cool Sword: Siegfried wielded the powerful Magical Weapon Nightstar, deadly against undeads, the best weapon you could use against Reiner.
- Due to the Dead: Despite loathing his existence, and you know, murdering him for the title, Reiner embalmed his corpse and gave him a proper burial in the crypts, instead of destroying it or defiling his vault. Given that he violently destroyed paintings of him, it is surprising.
- Empowered Badass Normal: His sword, chainmail and shield are magic, and all very powerful.
- Feudal Overlord: A good one, betrayed by his power-hungry brother.
- Foil: Siegfried and Reiner Heydrich form a complete contrast. See Sibling Yin-Yang below for details.
- Friendly Ghost: As noble and gentle in death as he was in life.
- Ghostly Goals: He wants someone to destroy his vile brother to avenge his death, and especially to purge the castle of his brother's monsters, to make his county as peaceful as it was during his reign.
- Good Counterpart: To his vampire brother, being The Paladin and The Good King (count) against the Vampire Monarch and straight out Evil Overlord Reiner. Siegfried lampshades it in the second book, stating that Reiner is Darkness while he is Light. He returned because Reiner is back...
- The Good King: The Good Count moreso, but still fondly remembered and praised by all.
- Hair of Gold, Heart of Gold: As you might have gathered, he is someone you can trust.
- Hunk: Tall, strong, muscled and very handsome, Siegfried was very easy on the eyes.
- Knight In Shining Armour: He totally looks the part, clad in gleaming chainmail, and being noble as can be.
- Lantern Jaw of Justice: A square, handsome face and a noble hero.
- Light Is Good: Glowing with a pure ghostly halo, clad in white, and the closest thing to a Big Good.
- Long-Haired Pretty Boy: Siegfried wears his hair long, in typical medieval fashion, and is a gorgeous young man, in a rugged way.
- Luckily, My Shield Will Protect Me: He owns the Shield of Faith, which comes in handy but is the least useful of his weapons.
- Magical Weapon: Nightstar. It is especially powerful against undeads, which is convenient when the Big Bad is a Vampire Monarch.
- Mr. Exposition: In the second book, he tells you about Reiner's Evil Plan, where to find his accomplices, and the steps to take to thwart him.
- Named Weapon: Nightstar again. And with quite the cool name to boot.
- Our Ghosts Are Different: Of the murder victim seeking justice and the Spirit Advisor variety.
- The Paladin: Siegfried looks the part, with shiny magic weapons and even a cross-ornate shield.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: This and more.
- Religious and Mythological Theme Naming: "Siegfried" is the most famous hero of Norse and German Mythology (think Hercules but German). In further contrast with his brother who is named after one of Germany's worst war criminals.
- Royals Who Actually Do Something: Downplayed as he was "merely" a Feudal Overlord, though still holding pretty much absolute authority in his domain. And he could hack any threats to his subjects to bits.
- Sealed Good in a Can: In the second book, Reiner traps him in a Pocket Dimension where his meddling would be minimal. You can only meet him after beating Reiner in Mortus Mansion, but he still provides priceless intel on how to defeat his wretched brother.
- Sibling Yin-Yang: Siegfried and Reiner Heydrich could not be more different if they tried. Siegfried was blond, stalwart and generous, a powerful Knight In Shining Armour and an excellent and popular ruler. Reiner on the other hand has raven black hair, is selfish and rotten to the core, a Vampire Monarch and a loathsome tyrant with a 0% Approval Rating. Siegfried even returns as a ghost, the only benign type of undead while vampires are arguably the worst.
- Spirit Advisor: His role summed up.
- Supernatural Light: He emits one as a ghost, though one of a vibrant white indicating his good alignment, instead of the Sickly Green Glow prevalent with ghosts in fiction.
- Universally Beloved Leader: Siegfried was a fair, generous and wise ruler, beloved by everyone. Now, people are still willing to praise him, but a storm breaks out when they do.
Tantalon
- Attentive Shade Lowering: Tantalon is depicted doing this, as if he was peering into your character, highlighting his role as The Chooser of the One.
- Badass Bookworm: A highly intelligent man, with the vast mastery of magic to back it up, whose knowledge and smarts did more than thousands of swords.
- Benevolent Mage Ruler: Regent of Gallantaria in its hour of need, with the kingdom's best interests at heart.
- Big Ol' Eyebrows: Big and bushy.
- Blue Is Heroic: Wears robes of a rich navy blue, and is one of the most benevolent wizards to ever walk Titan.
- The Chains of Commanding: Winning the war has done a serious number on the poor guy, who is depicted exhausted when signing the armistice at last. He was worried that the newfound peace would not survive him for long. Fortunately, this is noted as "a rare instance of Tantalon being wrong".
- The Chessmaster: An unequivocally good one, so talented that his calculations stopped the wars, eased all troubles and put an end to the Succession Crisis. Way to go!
- The Chooser of the One: After the war, Tantalon set a series of trials to place a worthy new king on the throne, to halt the scheming of ambitious knights.
- Cool Old Guy: One of the coolest that could be found in such a dire time.
- Court Mage: His initial position, which enabled him to take matters in hand when needed.
- Cincinnatus: Tantalon only accepted the charge of Regent because no one else could. He devoted most of his tenure to make sure a worthy successor could rule in peace.
- Expy: He's basically Merlin from The Sword in the Stone set upon Titan. Down to testing The Hero to determine whether they could sit on the throne.
- Feeling Their Age: He knew that he had few years left to live when he became Regent, thus his hurry to solve everything when he still could. After the new king was crowned, he peacefully passed away, satisfied that his duty was accomplished.
- Hyper-Competent Sidekick: Tantalon was this to the king, and is universally recognized as having pretty much single-handedly ended the war.
- The Good Chancellor: The most loyal servant of the realm, even when in command.
- Good Hair, Evil Hair: Unquestionably good, long and white, befitting the wise and noble man he is.
- Guile Hero: A very smart man, who saved Gallantaria during its Darkest Hour.
- Old Master: A very elderly and very powerful wizard, and a master strategist whose tactics and sorcery pretty much saved the day.
- Quest Giver: Tantalon set up Twelve Tasks to bring justice back to the realm, that only a worthy hero could perform. Mostly by retrieving lost treasures, killing monsters, catching traitors and saving missing nobles who could make valuable vassals. The hero who succeeded them all was crowned king.
- Religious and Mythological Theme Naming: Tantalon's name evokes King Tantalus from Classical Mythology. However, Tantalus was The Caligula, punished for killing his son to defy the gods, in glaring contrast with his characterisation as The Good Chancellor.
- Robe and Wizard Hat: Starry hat if you please. Tantalon could not look more the part if he tried.
- Shout-Out: His Twelve Tasks call into mind the Twelve Tasks of Hercules, apologies for aiming so low. Same as with his name's origin, he was definitely much worthier than King Eurystheus though.
- Smart People Wear Glasses: This one does, and a really smart one he is. Of course, he needs them due to his eyesight deteriorating with old age, but they do make him look wise.
- Specs of Awesome: A bespectacled wizard whose glasses indicates that he saved the day with his brains above all else.
- The Strategist: So good at it that his tactics ended one of the worst wars in History.
- Wizard Beard: And quite the impressive one to boot, long, white and flowing.
- Wizard Classic: Any more classic and he would burst.
Vanestin
Appears In: Stealer of Souls
The greatest mage of Pollua, capital city of the Kingdom of Lendleland, and one of the few major characters without a single illustration. His position is unclear but he seems to be the kingdom's Court Mage, and fights tirelessly against the evil Mordraneth and his plans for world domination.
- Arch-Enemy: He is this to Mordraneth, who concentrates all his effort to take him down before he can finally Take Over the World. How long they fought is unknown, but it is hinted to have lasted for years.
- The Archmage: The most powerful benevolent mage this side of Lendleland, more than likely a match for the Big Bad who bears the title.
- Benevolent Mage Ruler: Vanestin does not rule directly, but he clearly has a huge deal of influence in the royal court, enough to command soldiers, and is a wise and generous protector.
- Big Fancy House: Lives in one, befitting his high position.
- Big Good: As the one who recruited you and the leader of the forces of good, protecting the world from one of the most dangerous Sorcerous Overlords Titan ever knew, he fits all criteria.
- Court Mage: All but stated to hold the title. Though Vanestin does not live in the royal palace and is the only figure of authority involved. Probably justified as the foe is an Evil Sorcerer equally powerful if not more, leaving him the most qualified.
- Excellent Judge of Character: He selected the most apt warrior to the task, skilled enough to see The Dreaded Big Bad as a trophy to be gained, and he knows how to treat them well and how to entice them.
- Expecting Someone Taller: Vanestin is the recipient of this from the playable character, as the narration notes that you are suprised to see him so young and fit.
- Foil: Vanestin and Mordraneth are both enormously powerful wizards who enjoy luxury and finery. But the former is polite and generous and strong-looking, and protects the world the latter wants to dominate, while his enemy is cruel, Faux Affably Evil and a Squishy Wizard par excellence.
- Gentleman Wizard: As powerful as he is courteous and refined.
- Good Counterpart: The Big Good and Benevolent Mage Ruler, opposition to Mordraneth who plays the Big Bad and Sorcerous Overlord cards straight as an arrow.
- Good Witch Versus Bad Witch: A male variation. He leads benevolent wizards against a quintessential Evil Sorcerer and his wicked disciples.
- Hunk: He's described as tall and strong. A trait that would follow with Keith Martin's next Big Good, Siegfried Heydrich above.
- Laser-Guided Amnesia: Vanestin states that he will do this to you if you refuse his mission, for he cannot afford anyone not involved in the know.
- Lord Country: He is referred to as "Vanestin of Pollua", the capital city where he lives. He might be no lord but he does have strong authority.
- Man of Wealth and Taste: A rare, heroic example. Vanestin lives in a Big Fancy House and enjoys finery, such as the wine he treats you with.
- Quest Giver: The one who hires you, one of the best mercenaries around, to save his Badass in Distress follower Alsander and learn priceless intel about the Big Bad. He does not hire you to kill said Big Bad, though Genre Savvy players know that you will do it. Even he notes it as a strong possibility.
- Out-Gambitted: He sends an expedition of mages and warriors on Mordraneth's main lair as a diversion, to enable you to go undetected. But it turns out that Mordraneth baited him, in order to strike from behind without him being able to react.
- Rank Scales with Asskicking: The mightiest among the good mages
- Seers: Vanestin and his mages used Scrying Magic to locate Alsander, captive but alive in one of Mordraneth's outposts.
- The Strategist: He sure knows how to lead a war. His assessments of the situation and tactic are very good. Too bad Mordraneth is even better than he is at that game.
- Wizard Classic: A notable aversion. When speaking of a Fantasy wizard, people tend to expect an elderly and frail man living in the woods, this one is young, tall, powerfully built and lives in a luxurious mansion in the capital of a great (albeit impoverished) nation.
- Young and in Charge: Vanestin is still young, but is a powerful Benevolent Mage Ruler and a certified war leader. However, this might be a case of Older Than They Look, given that Wizards Live Longer on Titan.
- Worf Had the Flu: Why does such a powerful archmage does not take on the Big Bad himself? Simple. The Big Bad is Genre Savvy enough to cancel any magic but his own in his lairs.
The Watcher of the Gate
Appears in: Night of the Necromancer
The Fighting Fantasy counterpart, though identical twin would be more precise, to the Grim Reaper. The Watcher resides in the Spiritual Planes of Existence, in the Land of the Dead. As his title implies, he stands by the gates to the Afterlife, judging dead souls and sending them to their eternal reward or damnation.
After you get killed by an acolyte of a Cult of Death and return as a ghost, searching for your assassin, you might meet him if you are sent beyond the Veil. Fortunately, as you were killed before your time, he allows you to continue your quest. And since he loathes those who cheat death or corrupt his forces, he will help you against the Big Bad who does both.
- Afterlife Antechamber: He resides there, and is implied to rule it, ensuring that every soul get the Afterlife they deserve.
- Badass Longrobe: As expected given what he is, he wears a billowing, shroud-like one, as gloomy as it is impressive.
- Balance Between Good and Evil: The Watcher of the Gate maintains the Balance between Life and Death.
- The Battle Didn't Count: Literally. Even if you strike him down, he laughs it off because no-one can kill Death. That being said, if you do strike him, he is impressed enough to hear you out.
- Berserk Button: Do not tamper with the forces of Life and Death, do not cheat Death, and for the love of Titan, do not doom other souls for your gain. Yes, he does not meddle with the Earthly Planes, but he will get you sooner or later and then... Sucks to be you...
- Big Good: He rules over the dead and takes no sides, but he's strictly on the side of Good, willing to help those who were wronged before their demise and seek revenge.
- Dark Is Not Evil: A powerful caped skeleton and he's a fair, benevolent ruler.
- Death's Hourglass: He owns those representing the life expectancy of everyone. He can give you the Necromancer's if you name him, which can kill him without fight by shattering it in his presence.
- Dem Bones: Comes hand-in-hand with being The Grim Reaper.
- Divine Ranks: What he is remains unclear, but as the Keeper of the Afterlife, he is bound to be a demi god at least, if not a deity.
- Do Not Taunt Cthulhu: While the Watcher is on the side of good, if you try to taunt him... your funeral.
- Don't Fear the Reaper: He's the Lord of Death, and a powerful ally if you get on his good side.
- God of the Dead: While he looks like The Grim Reaper and his Divine Ranks are unspecified, he plays this role by lording over the Afterlife Antechamber and sending departed souls to their designated afterlife.
- Good Counterpart: He is this to the Shadow King, the evil power behind the titular Necromancer, who embodies pretty much every cliché about death-themed villains.
- Good Is Not Soft: The Watcher is a benevolent keeper, but as a divine being it is a very bad idea to get on his naughty list.
- The Grim Reaper: He serves this role in Titan and looks exactly the part.
- Mysterious Past: How he came to be and what exactly is his rank among the Stock Gods is never explained. Most of all, his conflict with the Shadow King and other villains stepping on his back garden, not the least of which the local God of Evil, who perverts his domain and often takes his aspect.
- Neutral No Longer: The Watcher cannot stand the Necromancer who had you killed, for he is Living on Borrowed Time. If you can tell him that he is behind all your woes, not only does he sends you back no questions asked, but he gives you his Hourglass of Life.
- Optional Boss: You can challenge him, but with skill 12 he is a very powerful fighter, and implied to go easy on you. The duel is solved in a single attack round, and prevailing merely raises his opinion of you.
- Our Spirits Are Different: A divine denizen of the Spiritual Planes, who watches over the souls of the dead and the entrance to the different Afterlives.
- Psychopomp: The Watcher does not personally fetch dead souls, but still welcomes them and sends them to the Afterlife that they earned.
- Sinister Scythe: Like all depictions of the Grim Reaper, the Watcher comes armed with a scythe.
- True Neutral: He ends life and sends those who lived their time to the other side, no matter who they are and what they did. He does take side when the balance is disturbed though.
- Before he was introduced, Death was thought as a malevolent force, with the God of Evil bearing the name and most death-themed Big Bads being demonic Evil Overlords. Now we know that Death is a neutral (if much misused) cosmic force of which he is the guardian, and that said Big Bads are Evil Counterparts of sorts to him.
