Character 6 – Mantis

Note: Characters are numbered in order of in-game appearance.

Also Note: [Character X] can mean one of two things.  It either means <insert character here>, or it means that the character is a spoiler.

Full Name: Mantis Sei Dirgan
Age: 20
Sex: Male
Height: 5′11″ (180 cm)
Weight: 144 lbs. (65.5 kg)
Hair: Dark brown, long
Eyes: Brown
Blood Type:A

Character Summary:

Mantis is encountered relatively early in the game (about the middle of the first arc), but he does not join the party until much later (after [Character 7], [Character 8], and [Character 9]).  He is skilled with rapiers and light swords and comes from a faraway place called Enles.  Because his hometown is in fact a self-governed nation under the jurisdiction of the fire phoenix, the people there have learned to distrust outsiders, especially those with powers granted by the water phoenix.  Since his father is a very important person, Mantis is put through an extensive amount of training in order to become a powerful warrior.  His chance to prove himself comes at the annual “Champion of Zanoa” tournament held on the main continent.  He reveals that he must win or his father will view him as a disgrace to all of Enles.  Unfortunately, [Character X] of Ivan’s party defeats him in the tournament, as the prize money is needed for an urgent matter.

The next time Mantis is encountered is in Enles, where he is somehow in a coma.  His father is distraught, worried that he will fade away to nothing.  He is rescued from the coma by [Character X], and it is later revealed that he was put under a curse when he discovered a hatching plot that would result in Enles being handed over to evil men.  After everything has been resolved, he becomes a permanent part of the party as thanks for the salvation of his hometown.  He also hopes to become stronger in order to be accepted by his father, and he wishes to help protect other places against the growing influence of [Spoiler!...Ok, well, "evil" works here too.] .

Mantis is similar to Ivan in some respects, but completely different in others.  He is a bit on the quiet side and has a competitive nature that drives him to test his skills against other swordsmen, even those of greater ability.  His sword style is one that was devised in order to combat the former fighting style of the water mage bloodline.  He gets along well with Ivan and considers him a friendly rival.  He is trustworthy and earnest, and he can be counted on to get things done.  He also possesses fire magic, and he seems to have feelings for Alexandria.

Author’s Notes about this Character:

There’s not much to be said about him that wasn’t included in the character description.  He’s fun to work with because he provides a much-needed, unbiased voice of reason to the mix when it seems like everyone else is falling apart at the seams.  I also like this type of character…the noble young warrior who seeks to become stronger.  I think I watch a little too much anime. ^^;