Erador Ballentine

* Current
* Young

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

## Profile/Story

### Background

Erador was a soldier of Symon Wolffort during the Saltiron War. Erador was a cautious man, and often had a blunt outlook whenever a problem arose. His fellow soldier, Benedict Pascal, was the exact opposite of Erador, and had a fierce and rash way of dealing with his problems. The two often butted heads, despite Erador's strength and Benedict's intellect working hand in hand. After the a near-death experience, the two formed a mutual understanding of one another, and were willing to protect one another with their lives.

### House Wolffort Armsmaster

Erador is the Armsmaster of House Wolffort, and the holder of a token of conviction. He is good friends with both Benedict Pascal and Symon Wolffort, and his jovial nature helps to lighten the heavy mood of House Wolffort on many occassions. In contrast to when he was younger, Erador is now proud and headstrong, willing to defend House Wolffort with everything he has.

## Max Stats

### Movement

4

Joining in Chapter II: To Arms, Brave Warriors, Erador's base class is Shieldbearer, which gives him high physical yet low magical defense. He wields a Kite Shield at Weapon Rank 1, a Guardian Shield at Weapon Rank 2, and a Lion's Shield at Weapon Rank 3. Erador possesses the following classes and abilities:

### Shieldbearer

 0
 5
 9

## Character Stories

### Friends, for Lack of a Better Word

*Erador relaxes at the encampment when Hughette comes to him with a question.*

* **Erador**: Seems as if the troubles never cease. I'd kill for a drop of ale...
* **Hughette**: I take it you and Benedict have seen your share of trouble. You have both served House Wolffort for many years, yes?
* **Erador**: Aye, we've both served Lord Symon since we were green between the ears. Through the good times and the bad.
* **Erador**: To see him now, you wouldn't believe the stories of what we got up to in our tender years.
* **Erador**: Even then, though, he was always the schemer. Always drawin' me into his fanciful plots.
* **Hughette**: Has so much changed since then?
* **Erador**: Hah... I don't reckon so.
* **Erador**: In any case, was there somethin' you wanted to ask me?
* **Hughette**: There was. The other day, Benedict posed quite the strange question to me...
* **TITLE CARD**: Several days ago...
* **Hughette**: ...Where snowbell blossoms bloom?
* **Benedict**: Indeed. I thought perhaps you had seen trace of the flowers while scouting with Flugie.
* **Hughette**: I've spotted clusters of them in the deep mountain passes before, but not of late.
* **Benedict**: ...So it is as I thought.
* **Benedict**: They have ever been a rare sight. Even more so in recent years.
* **Benedict**: I had thought to procure one, but it may be wise to temper my expectations in that regard.
* **Hughette**: Life always finds a way to flourish. I am certain Anna and I can find one before long.
* **Benedict**: I would not have you chasing my idle fancies. You both have more vital duties to attend to.
* **Hughette**: I... Of course.
* **Erador**: So, Benedict's lookin' for a snowbell blossom. What's so peculiar 'bout that?
* **Hughette**: ...Nothing, if it were anyone else asking.
* **Hughette**: However, I think you'd agree that Benedict is not the type to go picking flowers on a whim.
* **Hughette**: They say that when a snowbell blooms...
* **Erador**: ...That moment is frozen in time. Aye.
* **Hughette**: Precisely! You and Benedict both never fail to surprise.
* **Hughette**: But of all flowers...why the snowbell?
* **Hughette**: Does he have some lady love I'm unaware of?
* **Erador**: I can't speak to that, but I'll tell you one thing, Hughette. We've all got moments locked away an' placed close to our hearts.
* **Erador**: You...me...even a stubborn-headed mule like Benedict.
* **Erador**: Like the snowbell, we want 'em frozen like that forever. An' like the snowbell, they're liable to shatter if we let another handle 'em carelessly.
* **Hughette**: I...understand. I apologize if I was too forward. Let us forget the matter.
* **Erador**: No, it isn't you that needs to apologize. I'm always tellin' Benedict no one likes bein' lectured.
* **Hughette**: It was...enlightening. I see you and Benedict are true friends.
* **Erador**: For lack of a better word, aye.
* **Erador**: Bring me a draught o' ale and I'll tell you all about our younger days...least what I can remember. I recall Benedict wasn't nearly as capable as he is now.
* **Hughette**: Hmmm, I may have to take you up on that offer.
* **Erador**: Do you really reckon snowbells are still bloomin' somewhere out there?
* **Hughette**: Perhaps. Though I've not seen them in this region, they may still bloom in the southern reaches.
* **Erador**: In other words, a trek and a half from here.
* **Erador**: Don't give up the search, my friend.

### For an Eternity

*Erador brushes off the subject of Benedict's sought-after flower. But why?*

* **Erador**: Made it in time... Milord!
* **Serenoa**: Erador. You came.
* **Erador**: Lady Destra...your mother was loved by one an' all, milord. Honorin' her this day is the least we can do.
* **Erador**: Is it just you here, milord?
* **Serenoa**: We are beset on all sides by tasks large and small. I would not impose my familial obligations on the others.
* **Erador**: Heh, spoken like a true leader. Me an' your mother may not've been family by blood, but duty bound us just as close.
* **Serenoa**: I am sure she would have been overjoyed to see you by my side.
* **Serenoa**: I never had a chance to know her. My only memories are from stories others told me...
* **Serenoa**: And still, I somehow can feel the warmth of her embrace. Hear the loving sound of her voice...
* **Erador**: She was smitten, that is true. She held on to you so tightly I reckon not even the Dawnspear could've pried you from 'er.
* **Serenoa**: Did she...
* **Erador**: Lady Destra's smile was brighter than the sun, an' near as constant.
* **Erador**: She treated young Benedict an' I like little brothers, though at times we weren't so deservin' o' her care.
* **Erador**: Even so, she always had a kind word, and worry enough to spare. There weren't a woman like 'er in all of Norzelia.
* **Serenoa**: I did not know the bond between you three ran so deep. Benedict never mentioned it.
* **Erador**: His lips aren't as loose as mine, 'specially when it comes to Lady Destra.
* **Erador**: Speakin' o' which, here. Your mother would've loved to get one o' these from you.
* **Serenoa**: A snowbell? My father mentioned her fondness for these flowers.
* **Serenoa**: Every year when I visited her, without fail one of these would be placed in front of her grave. Was that you all this time?
* **Erador**: Ah, well... Not exactly, my lord...
* **Serenoa**: They're quite rare, are they not? I often search for them, but I have yet to see one in bloom.
* **Serenoa**: Where did you find it?
* **Erador**: Ah, well...I made a journey down south. Benedict insisted.
* **Erador**: Apologies for my absence, milord.
* **Serenoa**: There is naught to apologize for. 'Twas a thoughtful gesture, and I thank you for it.
* **Serenoa**: Somehow, I can feel Mother smiling down upon us.
* **Erador**: ...Heh. More than I deserve, if I'm bein' honest.
* **Serenoa**: Huh? There's already a snowbell? Who could've...?
* **Erador**: Should've known. Nothin'll stop him from his duty.
* **Serenoa**: What was that?
* **Erador**: Hm? Uh, it was nothin', milord.
* **Erador**: Seems we're not the only ones carryin' a torch for Lady Destra.
* **Serenoa**: Indeed. We are fortunate to be part of such a close-knit house.
* **Serenoa**: And that is thanks to those who serve it. I trust I'll see you here again in a year's time, Erador.
* **Erador**: O' course, milord. Snowbells might capture a moment in time, but your mother inspired loyalty for an eternity.

## Mid-Battle Conversations

### Chapter VII, Part II: Fate in Flames

#### vs. Landroi

* **Landroi**: And you, Erador! I thought you a soldier true! You would let this disgrace happen under your watch!?
* **Erador**: I trust in the young lord's judgment. A shame you couldn't.

### Chapter X, Part II: A Treacherous Soul

#### Sorsley Low Health

* **Sorsley**: Huff, huff... They're closing in...
* **Sorsley**: It will take more than this farce of a trial to destroy me!
* **Sorsley**: You will pay... You will all pay!
* **Erador**: Cornered beasts are wont to lash out with surprising strength. Do not let your guard down just because you think Sorsley is beaten.

### Chapter XV, Part II: In the Wake of a Dream

#### vs. Travis

* **Erador**: What happened to that daughter of yours? I thought you two were joined at the hip.
* **Travis**: Grr... Stop pokin' yer nose where it don't belong.

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

#### Upon defeat

* **Erador**: I always said I'd lay down my life to protect Lord Symon... And today...I might just...
* **Symon**: I order you to retreat, Erador! Who else could serve as Serenoa's shield?
* **Erador**: But they'll overrun—ngh, yes milord!

### Chapter XVIII, Part III: For Freedom

#### vs. Kamsell

* **Erador**: Lay down your arms, Kamsell! There'll be no quarter for those who insist on throwin' their lives away!
* **Kamsell**: You seem a worthy opponent. Before I skewer you on the end of my spear, tell me your name.
* **Erador**: Erador Ballentine, shield bearer of House Wolffort.
* **Kamsell**: Erador Ballentine. Remember to bow your head when I deliver you to the Goddess.

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

#### vs. Svarog

* **Erador**: Was this truly the only way, Svarog?
* **Svarog**: I would rather end it here than have everything taken from me.
* **Erador**: A pity, that. I had hoped our paths would cross again someday.

### Final Chapter: For Norzelia

#### vs. Idore

* **Erador**: I'll be the first to admit I ain't much for words, but even a fool can see what sets milord apart from the likes of you.
* **Erador**: When Serenoa speaks of Norzelia, of its future, I feel hopeful. With you, I feel only the cold cruelty of a man who thinks he's better than me.
* **Idore**: What use is hope? A poison that rots people's hearts and gives them false pretenses. And when those ridiculous ideals aren't met, they suffer.
* **Idore**: Hope must be stamped out. The flock must learn to be led.