Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders Character Spotlight

Kingdom Under Fire: A War of Heroes was a strategy game released in 2001 on the already strategy-glutted PC, so don't be surprised if you may have overlooked it back then. However, the upcoming sequel, Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders, is coming to a platform where strategy games are somewhat underrepresented: the Xbox. The new game is set 50 years after the original game, and it will see the return of the Dark Legion to once again terrorize the land and generally cause a whole lot of havoc. Whereas the original game used a typical overhead RTS-style approach, The Crusaders will present a much more action-oriented view of the clash between the humans and the Dark Legion.

In light of Kingdom Under Fire's impending fourth-quarter release, we're taking a look at the characters that will play prominent roles on both sides of the game's bloody conflict between good and evil. Keep an eye out for more coverage of Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders in the coming months.

The Human Alliance

Gerald
Rank: Hero
Main Skill: Melee
Main Weapon: One-Handed Sword

A captain in the Hironeiden Eastern Defense Force, he joined the Hironeiden Army six years ago as a mere soldier. He attained the rank of Captain of the Eastern Defense Force, 4th Division, two years ago when he demonstrated unrivaled bravery during the Hexter invasion. He excels at analyzing a situation accurately and realistically, and values one's skill over rank or bloodline. Because of his unbiased nature, he is well liked among his colleagues and soldiers. By showing exceptional valor and power during the War of Bersia, he was promoted to Captain of the entire Eastern Defense Force. Equipped with a clever mind and quick wit, Gerald has the ability to execute unconventional tactics swiftly and efficiently.

Kendal
Rank: Hero
Main Skill: Melee
Main Weapon: Spear and Hammer

A general of the Second Division Ecclesian Holy Knights, Kendal was born in Azilia, a tributary of Ecclesia. He now defends the Holy Ground against the Dark Legion. As an Azilian, he must maintain strict faith in God. He has issues with this assignment of defending the Holy Ground, but his honor prevents him from objecting.

A champion for his cause, as well as a precise tactician, Kendal can lead his troops to greatness.

Rupert
Rank: Officer
Main Skill: Melee
Main Weapon: Two-Handed War Hammer

A close ally of Gerald, Rupert has been through countless ups and downs since they joined the army together. His huge body and enormous power enable him to wield the 50-pound hammer in the aid of Gerald.

He puts on a rough exterior, but his sarcasm and frequent jokes with Ellen mask the affection he really feels for her.

Ellen
Rank: Officer
Main Skill: Melee
Main Weapon: Bow

About two years ago, Ellen appeared from nowhere to join Gerald's army. It might seem odd to find such a beautiful woman among the rough and crude soldiers of Hironeiden. But, be warned--that pretty face holds a quick and foul tongue.

Should you attempt to get too friendly even after enduring the curses, insults, and abuse, her quick and deadly sword will make certain you mind your manners.

Duane
Rank: Hero
Main Skill: Melee
Main Weapon: Morning Star

Duane is a knight from the honorable, but fallen, house of Ecclesia Colonok. He volunteered to join the defense force of the Holy Ground to reestablish the honor of his house's name.

For this reason, Duane continuously works to distinguish himself through extreme feats of bravery and skill on the battlefield.

Thomas
Rank: Officer
Main Skill: Melee, Rider
Main Weapon: Flail

Thomas is Kendal's friend. He is also the son of Walter (Head of Papal Security) who asked Kendal to drag Thomas along so he can learn the ways of battle.

The Dark Legion

Lucretia
Rank: Hero
Main Skill: Melee
Main Weapon: Rapier

Lucretia is a Dark Elf and a captain in the Vellond troop. Her mission is to investigate why Regnier invaded the villages near the Holy Ground while she simultaneously provides aid to his troops.

A bit short tempered and prone to hysterical outbursts, Lucretia prefers quick and effective assaults over long, drawn-out battles. Lucretia, who considers the Dark Elves the most prestigious race of all, hates Morene because she is half-vampire.

Regnier
Rank: Hero
Main Skill: Melee
Main Weapon: Two Handed-Giant Sword

About two years ago, the mysterious and brutal Lord of Hexter, Regnier, appeared from nowhere to aid Valdemar in crushing the rebellions. Compared to humans, he has monstrous strength. The Orcs and Ogres who recognize his terrible, overwhelming power serve him with total and absolute loyalty.

Cirith
Rank: Officer
Main Skill: Melee, Magic
Main Weapon: One-Handed Sword

Self-centered and pretty, Cirith takes a somewhat airheaded pride in her heritage as a Dark Elf. She plays the part of Lucretia's butt-kissing lackey, but her true intention is to spy on Rithrin.

Morene Strident
Rank: Officer
Main Skill: Melee
Main Weapon: Iron Chain

A cold-hearted beauty who is despised by Lucretia for her overwhelming good looks and her heritage as a half-vampire, Morene works as a supervisor just like Leinhart. Morene's lovely face hides a cruel and unfeeling heart. She sheds no tears over the pain or death of others, especially those who suffer at her hands.

Urukubarr
Rank: Officer
Main Skill: Melee
Main Weapon: Bare Hand

Simple-minded Urukubarr the Ogre was once Chief of Gorzanik, the most powerful of all Orc-Ogre tribes. He now defends the land of Hexter. Recognizing Regnier's overwhelming power, Urukubarr pledged his allegiance to Regnier on the condition that Regnier rule Hexter.

Urukubarr will serve Regnier with absolute loyalty--even until death.

Leinhart
Rank: Officer
Main Skill: Melee
Main Weapon: One-Handed Sword

Sent by Vellond to watch over Regnier, Leinhart was mesmerized by Regnier's power and charisma, and he now works covertly as his right arm. Although supervisors typically get reassigned to new areas every year, Leinhart remains in place because of King Valdemar's trust of Regnier.