Magnus Gallant
Magnus Gallant is the mian character of Ogre Battle Saga Episode VI: Person of Lordly Caliber. Magnus is only a young man when his homeland of Palatinus is thrown into civil war. As the war escalates between the lower and upper classes of Palatinean society, Magnus must choose which side he will take in the conflict.
Early Life
Magnus Gallant, son of Ankiseth Gallant and an unknown mother, was born on the 12th of Trueno in the 232nd year of the Palatinean kingdom. Magnus was born within the Central Region of Palatinus and raised among the nobility. During his early childhood he become close friends with Prince Yumil Dulmare, second son of the royal family, for whom his father acted as bodyguard. Sometime during Magnus' childhood, and for reasons unknown, Ankiseth separated from Magnus' mother. Though the exact circumstances surrounding this event are unknown, it left a long and lasting mark upon Magnus.
One day, while still young, Magnus and Yumil were ambushed by a man attempting to assassinate the young prince. Magnus attempted to defend his friend but was tossed to ground by the superior strength of the adult man. Luckily, the two children were saved from the assassin by the timely arrival of Magnus' father, who slew the assassin before he could kill the prince. However, the man Ankiseth had killed in protecting the prince was a well known nobleman; and instead of explaining about the attempted assassination of the prince, for reasons unknown to Magnus, his father simply took the blame for the murder of the Palatinean nobleman. This event drove a wedge between Magnus and his father, with Magnus unable to understand why his father hadn't simply told the truth of what had happened.
At the age of 13, and some time after the assassination event, Magnus decided to leave his home in the capital. Magnus had chosen to enlist at the Ischka Military Academy in order to get away from his father even though this would also mean leaving behind his long-time friend Yumil. The day before leaving, Magnus met with Yumil in the gardens oustide the royal palace. Yumil didn't understand why Magnus had chosen to enlist in the academy, why he was going to be leaving their friendship behind. Magnus explained to Yumil that he couldn't stand being around his father and that he felt the need to grow stronger so that he could both himself and Yumil in the future, alluding to his failure to defend Yumil from the assassin. Magnus promised Yumil that he'd make him proud before he left.
Graduation and the Southern Division
6 Years later, Magnus completes his training at the Ischka Academy and is deployed with several others to journey to the Southern Region of Palatinus, known as Alba. After traveling for for a little over two weeks, Magnus and his company reach a crest overlooking the valleys of Alba, Akka Castle looming in the far distance.
After arriving at Akka Castle, Magnus, his traveling companions, as well as recruits from several other postings, are all assembled in the main hall of the castle to receive assignments from the General of the Palatinean Army's Southern Division, Godeslas Branic. Magnus is one of the several recruits selected as potential officers. He is assigned to meet with his advisor and prepare for field training. Magnus' adviser is an older man known as Hugo Miller. Hugo doesn't say much to Magnus during their initial interview, but reassures the young soldier. Hugo then tells Magnus to head to the Tenne Plains, a few days south of Akka Castle, to prepare for field training.
Prior to the commencement of the exercises in the Tenne Plains, Magnus, and a fellow officer candidate named Diomedes Rangue, a native Southerner, are both summoned by Hugo in order to go over the details of the training. After going over the details Hugo picks Magnus to act as the exercise commander. Diomedes is none to pleased with what he considers this snap decesion. Hugo, stating the decision is final, leaves the two alone. Diomedes challenges Magnus to a duel outside in the street, confident that he is stronger than Magnus and thereby prove that he is the more capable soldier. Magnus gives in to Dio's taunting and agrees to fight. However, before any swings are thrown, Hugo appears to break up the fight. He chastises both of them and expresses disappointment in Magnus for his decision. Hugo orders the two to get moving towards Theodricus Mine and clear out the local bandits and beasts if they want to make name for themselves.