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Michael is the Commander of the Knights Templar, the military branch of the Chronos Order. A human male with blond hair and brown eyes, Michael is responsible for the armed defense of the Order and its members. The Knights Templar are tasked with protecting the Chronos Order, preserving its doctrine, and opposing the Void.

Combat style

Michael stands apart from the typical image of a holy warrior. Unlike most paladins and templar knights who favor polearms or maces in close combat, Michael excels in ranged weaponry. This makes him a unique and formidable fighter within the Order's ranks, capable of engaging threats from a distance while his knights hold the line. His combat approach is more tactical and precise than the brute-force style common among templar forces.

Personality

Michael's demeanor shifts sharply depending on who he is dealing with:

• Toward non-believers: Cold and dismissive. He has little patience for those outside the faith and makes no effort to hide it.

• Toward the faithful: Reserved but professional. He respects fellow believers but maintains emotional distance.

• Toward Theophanes V and Gaiana: Noticeably softer. His loyalty to Pope Theophanes V and Saintess Gaiana is unwavering, and around them his rigid exterior relaxes. This suggests a deeper personal devotion beyond mere duty.

This layered personality makes Michael a complex figure within the narrative. He is not a simple zealot or a straightforward military commander. His coldness toward outsiders and warmth toward his inner circle suggest someone who has drawn sharp lines about who deserves his loyalty and who does not.

Role in the Chronos Order

The Knights Templar serve as the Chronos Order's sword arm. While Gaiana provides spiritual guidance and Romek carries prophecy to the common folk, Michael and his knights handle the Order's military concerns. This includes defending Order holdings against Deathless incursions, protecting pilgrimages through dangerous territory, and enforcing the Order's authority when diplomacy fails.

Gameplay encounters

Players interact with Michael through quests connected to the Chronos Order's military operations. His attitude toward the player may depend on the player's relationship with the Order. As the Sentinel of Setera, the player carries a Chronotector that connects them to Chronos directly, which may earn Michael's grudging respect even if the player is not a formal member of the faith.