Benedict Pascal

* Current
* Young

**Benedict Pascal** is a playable character in *Triangle Strategy*. He is a member of the House Wolffort War Council.

## Profile/Story

### Background

Benedict was a bannerman of Symon Wolffort during the Saltiron War. Benedict was a feisty soldier, always eager to jump into battles and make a name for himself. His comrade, Erador Ballentine, often butted heads with him over tactical matters. Despite the two having opposing personalities, Erador and Benedict were still close friends, and protected one another with their lives.

One day, House Wolffort killed an enemy village known as the Jackes clan. Even though the Jackes clan was an enemy of House Wolffort, Benedict took it upon himself to give fallen warriors of the clan proper burials. A sole infant had survived the Jackes clan's extermination, and had been hidden away at the Jackes clan's hideout. Benedict took it upon himself to adopt this child as his own, and gave her his surname. This child was Anna Pascal.

Over time, Benedict became an invaluable strategist to House Wolffort. His rashness from his early years had faded away, and he was now Symon's level-headed right hand man. When Destra Wolffort dies, Benedict takes it upon himself to visit her grave frequently and adorn it with Snowbell Blossoms. He swears to protect Serenoa Wolffort with his life, and to give the young lord immeasurable power.

### House Wolffort Steward

Benedict has been the steward of House Wolffort since the Saltiron War. He has the absolute trust of his liege, and has overcome countless difficulties with his intelligence and level-headed judgement. Benedict is first seen in Chapter I: A Young Hawk Soars reigning in an estatic Serenoa concerning Serenoa's marriage to Frederica Aesfrost. Because of Benedict's forethought, Serenoa is able to save the arriving Frederica from bandit duo Trish and Travis.

After Serenoa Wolffort becomes head of House Wolffort in Chapter II: To Arms, Brave Warriors, Benedict follows wherever Serenoa's convictions lead him, and uses his strategical wisdom to help the young lord. One such strategy involved faking Prince Roland's death in Chapter IX, Part I: Dwindling Light, in order to divert Aesfrosti attention away from House Wolffort.

Despite his best efforts however, he was hampered by two major concerns, Benedict's antagonistic relationship with Regna Glenbrook who abandoned his lover Desra who Benedict had helped in courting Regna and using his influence to undermine Roland's influence at any opportunity. And Exharme Marcial, the newest member of the Saintly Seven who coerces House Wolffort to aid him with a mixture of force and charm in hopes of becoming the most influential member among the Saintly Seven. Exharme would be prove to be a dangerous adversary for Benedict as he either forces House Wolffort to investigate House Ende's smuggling as well as demand the return of the Roselle living in their Demense and taking credit for the defeat of Aesfrosti armies despite Wolffort blood being shed to retake it.

### Return to House Wolffort

Once Serenoa helps Roland retake the capitol and Glenbrook begins to rebuild, Benedict was concerned over the state of of health Symon was in and wanted to visit him to bring him up to speed. Should Serenoa travel alongside Benedict for the journey, Benedict see Serenoa's actions have made him a worthy contender for the crown as a salt shipment was given to the Wolffort Demense and he was considerably more popular than Roland.

*(Should Serenoa join Benedict)*

Going to pay his respects to Destra, he feels that Serenoa has proven more than capable to lead and tells Serenoa his plan to retire from his position after Symon's feast to serve as Symon's caretaker as Serenoa attempts to sway Benedict to stay as his advisor even though Benedict felt he had done all he could for Serenoa and planned for Anna to take over his duties. At the banquet, Patriette makes his move against Lord Symon and Serenoa as one of the royalists lands a grievous blow on Symon as the Royalists attempt to kill the Wolfforts. Benedict, Symon, Erador and Serenoa fight together one last time to put down the Royalist assassination attempt but Symon succumb from his wounds and exertion. Before he dies, Benedict and Symon tells Serenoa the truth that he was actually Lord Regna's son and thus first in line for the throne but because of Destra's commoner status and was instructed by Benedict to protect Serenoa at all costs. Benedict then learns that the Royalists wanted to keep Roland as a puppet ruler and wanted to make sure the official story was Symon died of illness rather than by assassination. With both Destra and Symon dead, Benedict became more determined than ever to see Serenoa succeeds, even if at the cost of happiness of either Serenoa's peers, Frederica or Roland who also now contend with their own revelations.

*(If Serenoa didn't joint Benedict)*

Benedict arrives at the harbor to speak with Serenoa personally. He tells Serenoa that Symon was murdered and that Patriatte planned the assassination to get rid the Wolfforts and told Serenoa to hide the reason behind Symon's death as illness. He reveals the truth of Serenoa's birth and how he kept the secret with Symon and give him the signet ring to prove his birthright. Serenoa knowing he could not betray Roland during such a difficult time wanted to keep the secret safe for the time being.

## Endings

In Chapter Chapter XVI: Sleep, My Friend, Benedict and the rest of House Wolffort uncover salt crystals in the Grand Norzelian Mines. As the first ever non-Hyzantian source of salt in Norzelia, what Serenoa Wolffort and his war council choose to do with the crystals could shape the future of the entire continent.

Benedict's plan is to negotiate an alliance with the Grand Duchy of Aesfrost, defeat the Holy State of Hyzante with Aesfrost's Deathsknell, then distribute the salt crystals fairly across Norzelia. A possible consequence of Benedict's plan that he hopes for is that Serenoa Wolffort usurps the throne from Roland Glenbrook.

### Frederica

Serenoa assents to Frederica’s strategy, and formulates a plan to go along with it. He decides House Wolffort will offer refuse to offer the salt crystals to Hyzante as a diversion, sneak into Hyzante to liberate the Roselle, and then sail off for Centralia. Benedict, believing Centralia to be naught but an irresponsible fairytale, refuses to accept Frederica’s plan. He furiously duels Serenoa for his irresponsibility and was beaten, but ultimately stays behind in House Wolffort to watch over the demesne while Frederica and Serenoa set their plan into motion. With no way to defend the demense, he takes the subjects of Wolffort and Glenbrook to Aesfrost to shelter them from the wraith of Hyzante's armies, unaware of Serenoa's final fate as he sacrificed his life to stop Idore.

In the epilouge, Hyzante is plunged into civil war by the Rosellan uprising, and Exharme has taken House Wolffort. Benedict is seen serving as a strategist for Aesfrost, and cooperates with Gustadolph Aesfrost. He hopes to one day reclaim the Wolffort demesne and achieve ownership of the land even long after the Wolffort line was extinguished and the sons of Regna disappeared to parts unknown.

### Roland

Serenoa assents to Roland’s strategy, and formulates a plan to go along with it. He decides House Wolffort will offer the salt crystals and Glenbrook to Hyzante, then unite with Hyzante for a full frontal assault against Aesfrost. Although Frederica leaves, House Wolffort is able to conquer Aesfrost with the might of Hyzante and Glenbrook at their backs. Serenoa is appointed as the consul of Glenbrook, and Roland as the Minister of Salt.

In the epilouge, Benedict is not mentioned, although it can be assumed he continues to dutifully serve Serenoa, happy that Wolffort set the foundation of an everlasting peace between the nations.

### Benedict

Serenoa assents to Benedict’s strategy and devises a plan alongside him. Serenoa and Benedict decide to first negotiate an alliance with Aesfrost, then utilize Aesfrost’s Deathsknell to breach the goddess’ shield and charge into Hyzante. Although Roland leaves the party in rage, Benedict uses this opportunity to have Serenoa ascend Glenbrook's throne. King Serenoa holds a meeting with Archduke Gustadolph Aesfrost, which ends with the archduke being humbled and agreeing to help conquer Hyzante. Benedict devises a strategy to draw out Hyzante's main force while Gustadolph aims the Deathsknell at the Goddess' Shield. First, Benedict cuts off trade with the Norzelia Consortium. Next, he sends a copy of incriminating evidence to Minister Tenebris Mistel and threatens to expose the minister to the hierophant. Lastly, he forges a letter using Roland Glenbrook's name and royal stamp, saying that the dethroned king will help Tenebris destroy House Wolffort by bringing reinforcements the battle against House Wolffort. When the day to conquer Hyzante arrives, all of Benedict's pieces begin to fall into place. Tenebris sends consortium merchant Clarus Brokker out onto the battlefield as a commander and sends the bulk of Hyzante's forces with him. When Clarus' forces are easily felled by House Wolffort and it becomes clear that the letter from Prince Roland was forged, Tenebris reports the situation to Minister Idore Delmira. Exharme Marcial is sent out in the meanwhile to deal with House Wolffort.

After House Wolffort slays Exharme, Gustadolph finally finishes readying the Deathsknell. He fires it at the Goddess' Shield and holds off Ministers Lyla Viscraft and Kamsell Pharant while House Wolffort goes in to deal with The Hierophant, Tenebris Mistel, and Idore Delmira. Idore Delmira flees Hyzante, and The Hierophant kills Minister Tenebris Mistel. Although it takes great effort, House Wolffort bests the hierophant and liberates Hyzante.

With Serenoa as Glenbrook's king and Hyzante put down, Benedict visits Destra's and Symon's graves one last time for his role in manipulating Serenoa to avenge Destra's failure to become queen of Glenbrook because of her station in life. He attempts to commit suicide, before Serenoa snaps Benedict out of his stupor ask him to remain as his advisor despite his crimes.

In the epilogue, Benedict serves as the steadfast advisor to King Serenoa. He explains that while Roselle will be freed, no substantial aid will be given to the Roselle nor people left poverty by Glenbrook's newly implemented meritocracy. Although Serenoa and Benedict have much work to do to stabilize Glenbrook's government, Benedict continues to serve his king with all his might.

### Golden

Serenoa considers all three strategies laid before him, and deems them all to have dreadful downsides. After careful consideration, he formulates a strategy where the salt crystals would not be relinquished to any one nation, nor abandoned altogether. Serenoa splits his allies into three regiments.

Benedict’s regiment drives Exharme Marcial away from House Wolffort, utilizing their knowledge of the terrain and tactical prowess.

Benedict is seen rallying the forces Serenoa had ordered to protect the Wolffort Demense as Roland and Frederica complete their tasks at hand. As Exharme's forces gathered around the demense seeking to intimidate the forces to surrender. Benedict remains stalwart and refuse to give in to Exharme's demands unlike the previous encounters. Despite Exharme's overwhelming show of force, Benedict hands Exharme his first taste of actual defeat as the Hyzante army was routed with or without the aid of the wildfire.

Roland’s regiment makes an alliance with Svarog Aesfrost regarding the Deathsknell, and kills Gustadolph Aesfrost in the proccess.

Frederica’s regiment heads for the Source and incites a Rosellan uprising, killing minister Kamsell Pharant in the process. Minister Tenebris Mistel is also implied to die in the ensuing Rosellan chaos.

The three regiments converge outside of Hyzante, and kill minister Exharme Marcial while Svarog readies the Deathsknell. After the Deathsknell breaches the goddess’ shield, House Wolffort charges into the Holy State, defeating minister Lyla Viscraft in the process. Although Minister Lyla begs for death, House Wolffort spares her, explaining she has a chance to atone for her inhumane research by releasing the truth to the world. With 5 ministers dealt with, House Wolffort marches into the Hierophant’s Palace to face off against the final two Hyzantian leaders: Idore Delmira and The Hierophant. When the party looks into the hierophant's chamber, they are shocked to discover the hierophant is naught but an automaton controlled by Idore. Absorbing the power of Aelfric, Idore and his mechanical hierophant face off against Serenoa in one last clash of convictions. House Wolffort is triumphant, freeing not only Norzelia but the Roselle once and for all.

Shortly after the final battle, Benedict resolves to leave House Wolfort out of shame for his selfish ambitions just before the final vote that split Serenoa's forces. Serenoa is able to intercept Benedict just before he steps out of the domain. Serena forgives Benedict and humbly asks him to remain, knowing that Wolfort will be better off with him still present to support him. Moved by Serenoa and seeing just how much he had grown, Benedict newly resolves himself to remain at Serenoa's side as his most trusted advisor.

In the end, Roland Glenbrook remains king of Glenbrook, Svarog Aesfrost becomes archduke of Aesfrost, and Lyla Viscraft serves as the head of Hyzante. The three dignitaries all convene for the momentous wedding of Serenoa Wolffort and Frederica Aesfrost and toast to a brighter future for all of Norzelia. As Serenoa and Frederica marry, Benedict looks upon his young lord happily, knowing that Serenoa has forged a future that respects Symon's wishes.

"This is the end of the spoilers in this section."

## Character Stories

### Memories of Younger Days

*While working on the riverbank, Erador recounts tales from his and Benedict's youth.*

* **Benedict**: Once we have stacked those sandbags, we should be well fortified against even the fiercest deluge.
* **Erador**: Leave it to me—this ol' wolf has some vim in him yet!
* **Erador**: Phew! Haven't used some of those muscles since before I can remember.
* **Geela**: I must say, when I saw the enormity of the task before us, I did not think we would finish in mere bells.
* **Geela**: I had braced myself for a full day of labor, at the very least.
* **Anna**: Thank Benedict for that. We'd still be searching for weaknesses in our perimeter had he not been guiding us.
* **Geela**: Indeed, but let us not understate Erador's feats of strength.
* **Benedict**: Come now, Erador! How many times must I tell you to be delicate with the sandbags. We only have so many at hand!
* **Erador**: I hear you, I hear you. I'll treat 'em as delicately as my lady love, in the absence of one!
* **Benedict**: Now is not the time for jests, Erador!
* **Erador**: If you don't want me complainin', and you don't want me jestin', then I guess I'll just shut my mouth!
* **Geela**: To hear them trading barbs like children, you would never think they work so well together.
* **Anna**: Wisdom and strength. Two pillars that keep House Wolffort standing strong.
* **Erador**: Wisdom, eh? He wasn't always that way. Took him plenty of failin' to get where he is now.
* **Anna**: I find that difficult to believe.
* **Benedict**: Is there something you wish to share with us, Erador?
* **Erador**: Might be. Maybe you've forgotten the folly of twenty years past, but my mind is a steel trap!
* **Erador**: And what's our task for today?
* **Benedict**: We are to deliver this message to Lady Destra with all haste.
* **Erador**: Seems simple enough. Send a bird.
* **Benedict**: I would not trust a bird in this rain. A horse would be more reliable, and swifter besides.
* **Erador**: Is that so? I respectfully disagree, my friend. Either way, I'm not gonna be the one nursin' you back to health if you catch the chills.
* **Benedict**: Shall we make it a wager, then? Send a bird, and we shall see who reaches Lady Destra first. You had best hurry!
* **Erador**: Wha—!? Benedict!
* **Erador**: Off he goes... Well then, where are those damned hawks?
* **Erador**: As I recall, Benedict arrived at around the same time as the hawk. If it were a sunny day, he might've won.
* **Benedict**: Ah, the folly of youth. Many of our best days were spent in Lord Symon's service.
* **Benedict**: We made many such wagers in an attempt to get into Lord Symon and Lady Destra's good graces.
* **Erador**: Heh, I remember when—
* **Benedict**: I believe we have had enough reminiscing for one day, Erador.
* **Erador**: Don't be such a harsh taskmaster, Benedict. Where's the harm in a story?
* **Benedict**: Ask me that again when the floodwaters break through our meager fortifications. There is much to do, and little time to do it. Wouldn't you agree, Anna?
* **Anna**: M-me? I... Ah...
* **Geela**: Old friends...or old enemies? Sometimes it is hard to tell with those two.
* **Erador**: Whatever the case, our work's done for the day.
* **Erador**: An' there's nothin' like a hard drink after hard labor. You two care to join me?
* **Geela**: I would love to. Please, regale me with more tales of your youth.
* **Anna**: I see no harm in one drink...
* **Erador**: Let's be off then!
* **Geela**: Shall we invite Benedict along?
* **Erador**: You'd only be wasting your breath.
* **Anna**: Now that you mention it, I do not believe I have ever seen you two sharing drinks.
* **Benedict**: Spirits cloud the mind, so I rarely drink.
* **Benedict**: When I do partake, however, I prefer to do so in quiet. I fear Erador would only spoil that.

### A Toast to the Future

*Benedict and Erador uphold a custom they have shared for thirty years.*

* **Erador**: All right, lads an' lasses, lay down your arms. Let your bruises remind you of the lessons learned today.
* **Geela**: Ah, what fortuitous timing.
* **Geela**: I still owe you for the drinks from the other evening. I wondered if I might treat you tonight.
* **Erador**: Apologies, lass, but I've got places to be. Perhaps another time.
* **Geela**: He seemed...troubled by something. Perhaps I am overthinking it.
* **Benedict**: Let us end our day's work here.
* **Anna**: It is early, is it not? Is something amiss?
* **Benedict**: No, nothing at all. Just...my attention is required elsewhere, for a time.
* **Anna**: Elsewhere? Curious...
* **Benedict**: How many have you had?
* **Erador**: Not enough. Just one for you, I take it.
* **Benedict**: Yes.
* **Erador**: Went by in a flash. Can you believe it's been thirty years?
* **Benedict**: The time has escaped us. The memory of that day, however, I doubt ever will.
* TITLE CARD: Thirty years ago, during the Saltiron War...
* **Erador**: Thrice-damned... Can't move...
* **Erador**: Always thought I'd meet my end with a beautiful lass by my side...
* **Benedict**: You have many days ahead of you yet, Erador! We will see you returned home!
* **Aesfrosti Soldier**: Don't try to run, you curs!
* **Erador**: Leave me be! I'll just slow you down...
* **Erador**: It was my cursed pride that got us into this... Only I should suffer for it!
* **Erador**: We don't all need to die today. Run!
* **Benedict**: Even in the face of death you refuse to set aside your foolish pride.
* **Benedict**: I followed you into this hell of my own will. And I will see you delivered from it!
* **Erador**: You fool...
* **Aesfrosti Soldier**: Charge!
* **Benedict**: Come! Come and die! Yaaaaaah!
* **Benedict**: That would have been it for us, had Lord Symon not met their charge in time.
* **Erador**: Aye, and the only punishment for my pride were these aches that keep me awake at night.
* **Benedict**: We hungered for glory all those years ago, without a care for how it would serve us later on.
* **Erador**: A couple of would-be heroes, who couldn't be convinced they weren't invincible.
* **Benedict**: Yet here we are. Drinking, to celebrate the end of that war.
* **Benedict**: I do not wish to reminisce upon the past. A toast, that I may never again repeat the mistakes of my youth.
* **Benedict**: Ah, but before that...
* **Erador**: Yeah?
* **Benedict**: You have served House Wolffort well, Erador. That said, I've a feeling we'll need your sturdy shield even more going forward.
* **Erador**: You need me to lead a charge, I'm your man. I'll leave anythin' fancier than that to you.
* **Erador**: For House Wolffort!
* **Benedict**: For House Wolffort!

## Mid-Battle Conversations

### Chapter VIII, Part II: In the Eye of the Storm

#### vs. Avlora

* **Avlora**: I understand your desire to see your home safeguarded. However, I must cast doubt on the path you lead your young charge down.
* **Benedict**: Do not condemn me for choices I was forced to make. Choices which were shaped by your very hand!

### Chapter XV, Part II: When Our Paths Part

#### Upon defeat

* **Symon**: Withdraw yourself at once, Benedict! I trust none other to look after my son!
* **Benedict**: Be safe, my lord...

### Chapter XVI: Sleep, My Friend

#### near Travis

* **Travis**: Might use the chaos of battle to slip in a little work, if you catch my drift.
* **Benedict**: So long as you understand the consequences, should your sticky fingers sully Wolffort's good name.
* **Travis**: What do you take me for, an amateur? These fingers know better than to get caught!

### Chapter XVIII, Part I: Of Fire and Blood

#### vs. Exharme

* **Benedict**: Numbers are no guarantee of victory, Minister Exharme. Every soldier you deploy means more blood on your hands.
* **Exharme**: Those who forsake the Goddess's grace will not find peace so long as they live.
* **Exharme**: I'm here to deliver you that peace. You should thank me.

### Chapter XVIII: Harden Thy Heart

#### vs. Clarus

* **Benedict**: Clarus, I knew you would join hands with Hyzante.
* **Clarus**: Once I defeat your lord, the last seat of the Saintly Seven shall be mine.
* **Benedict**: ...You have yet to realize your strings are being pulled by another. What a fool you are.
* **Clarus**: Enough! I shall be the victor here, not you! Do not speak to me of pure intentions! If you were anything but a liar, then I would not have the deaths of my allies to mourn! Enough!

### Final Chapter: The Bell Tolls for No One

#### vs. Svarog

* **Benedict**: I admired your sense of honor, but you have let it consume you...
* **Benedict**: You have my sympathies, Lord Svarog. Things did not have to end this way.
* **Svarog**: No. This is the only possible end for me and my beloved home.
* **Svarog**: As such, I must end it with honor.

### Final Chapter: Dance of the Automaton

#### vs. The Hierophant

* **Benedict**: Striking down the hierophant should put a stop to this madness. I will cut us a path through!
* **Benedict**: To think Norzelia bent to the whims of this unspeakable creature, human only in appearance.
* **The Hierophant**: ......
* **Benedict**: If it isn't human, then we've no need for mercy. Let us destroy it, and end its tyranny.

### Final Chapter: For Norzelia

#### vs. The Hierophant

* **The Hierophant**: ......
* **Benedict**: You are naught but a soulless husk, and you have no voice with which to speak. Norzelia ill needs a leader such as you.

#### vs. Idore

* **Benedict**: So long as there are people to subjugate, your appetite shall never be sated. This cruel crusade of yours will never end.
* **Idore**: Such is the purpose of the Church. If the wise do not guide the meek, they shall squabble endlessly without aim.
* **Benedict**: See where your guidance has led them, Idore! No longer shall they suffer for your sake!