Editing Chaldion Oliwing

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{{Infobox_character
|name = Chaldion Oliwing
|species = [[Drakes|Drake]]
|gender = Male
|status = {{Status|Alive}}
|age=106
|occupation = Strategist
|residence =*[[Pallass]] (formerly)
*[[The Wandering Inn]]
|first appearance = [https://wanderinginn.com/2019/08/17/6-38/ Chapter 6.38]
|aliases = Grand Strategist Chaldion<br />
Cyclops of Pallass<br />
One Eye Cyclops
|affiliation = [[Pallass]]
|family = [[Saliss Oliwing]] (''Grandson'')
|image=Chaldion_by_DemonicCriminal.jpg
|caption1=By [[Fanworks/Demonic Criminal|Demonic Criminal]] (Cut-out)}}
'''Chaldion Oliwing''', also known as the '''Cyclops of Pallass''', is [[Pallass|Pallass']] [Grand Strategist] and one of the foremost military minds in the world. 

== Appearance ==
He is an elderly Drake who looks like he is in his seventies,<ref name=":7.17 S">[https://wanderinginn.com/2020/04/12/7-17-s/ Chapter 7.17 S]</ref> with nearly completely grey scales, having only a hint of yellow in them. He has several scars on his face and misses some teeth,<ref name=":6.38" /> with the remaining ones being yellow but still sharp.<ref name="7.02">[https://wanderinginn.com/2020/01/26/7-02/ Chapter 7.02]</ref> An eye patch covers his missing right eye, which he replaced with a prosthetic one made of sapphire.<ref name=":6.38">[https://wanderinginn.com/2019/08/17/6-38/ Chapter 6.38]</ref>

== Personality ==
One of the  craftiest people in Izril. he is often referred to as a "bastard" for his ruthless nature.<ref>{{VERef|Chapter 8.50}}</ref> Exceedingly crafty and amoral even by [[Lucifen]] standards, he is brutal in both battles and politics, and is willing to sacrifice people for the sake of Pallass and the Walled Cities (in that order). An example of his mercilessness was during the battle at the Meeting of Tribes, when he ordered a squadron of Pallass [Soldiers] to martyr themselves by deliberately charging Fissival's forces.<ref>{{VERef|8.83}}</ref> He can be stubborn, but is willing to compromise to get what he wants. Despite disliking Turnscales to the point of refusing to acknowledge Saliss as 'Onieva,' he orders the Watch to lay off discrimination of Turnscales as a negotiation tactic with him.<ref>{{VERef|Interlude – Saliss the Adventurer}}</ref>  

Chaldion is one of the greatest [Strategists] in the world, and is essential to the Walled Cities. However, his decades of experience means that there is no one worthy of replacing him. Chaldion is too aware of his inevitable demise, and looks for someone who can unite and inspire the Drakes.<ref name=":7.17 S" /> While he is buying time at great costs with Saliss's Potions of Age Reversal, his advanced age means that his mental faculties isn't as sharp as it once was.     

== Background ==
He killed someone for the first time when he was still a [Tactician], when Pallass was attacked simultaneously by Chandrarian forces and the north. Afterwards he carried the deceased body of his friend Inriss for twenty miles with a burnt leg.<ref name=":0">[https://wanderinginn.com/2023/04/16/interlude-levels/ Interlude- Levels]</ref>

He was in his seventies or eighties when Saliss started giving him Youth Potions and Potions of Age Reversal.

== Chronology ==

=== Volume 6 ===
He is first introduced as a [Veteran Strategist] whose [Path to Victory] Skill allowed him to beat [[Erin Solstice]] at chess.<ref name=":6.38" />

=== Volume 7 ===
When Erin is thrown in prison for using a mass-effect Skill in public, Chaldion arranges her to be released on [[Rufelt Owelt|Rufelt's]] and [[Lasica Feltail|Lasica's]] behalf. When a Frost Wyvern weyr attacks Pallass, Chalion activates the city-wide alarm.<ref>{{VERef|7.02}}</ref> He confronts the [[Frost Wyvern Lord]] with [[Grimalkin Duveig]], [[Saliss Oliwing]], [[Duln|General Duln]] and 1st Army, while using his Skills to empower the other fighters in the city. Using [Path to Victory], he foresees [[Bird|Bird's]] involvement; though startled, he orders 8th Floor to be evacuated so that the Antinium could enter Pallass unimpeded.<ref>{{VERef|7.03}}</ref>

After the Wyvern attack on Pallass, Chaldion takes a greater interest in Erin, becoming a regular guest at [[The Wandering Inn]]. He is involved in several events, such as the unveiling of the [Garden of Sanctuary],<ref>{{VERef|7.07}}</ref> and the party with the Minotaur's Punch drink.<ref>{{VERef|Burning Alcohol – Interlude}}</ref> 

When he is at the [Healer's] after falling down the stairs and breaking his leg, he is visited by his grandchild [[Saliss Oliwing]], who brings him food, including a mincemeat pie containing a Reverse Aging Potion. Knowing the sheer cost of the potions and his inevitable demise, Chaldion tries to convince Saliss to become a hero for the Walled Cities; however as this would require Saliss to forsake being a Turnscale, he refuses. Later, he comes back as Onieva. Though Chaldion deliberately ignores her, he is forced to acknowledge her when Onieva reveals Erin's level and Skills, and that [[Xrniavxxel|Xrn the Small Queen]] is currently at The Wandering Inn. Though Chaldion is uncertain if Erin is an ally or enemy, he is determined to find out.<ref>{{VERef|7.17 S}}</ref>

After [[Magnolia Reinhart]] reveals the extent of the [[Free Hive]]'s size and numbers, she enters Pallass to have a conversation with Chaldion.<ref>{{VERef|7.20}}</ref> He is present during a multi-scrying meeting between the Walled Cities, Liscor's Council and High Command.<ref>{{VERef|7.23 LM}}</ref> 

He is informed about the possible ramifications of the Golden Triangle scam by [[Palt Fenrisol]] on behalf of the [[Ullsinoi]] faction of [[Wistram Academy]]. Though he takes swift action to try to contain the situation in Pallass, high-ranking members start being assassinated.<ref>{{VERef|The Gecko of Illusions – Interlude}}</ref> When the fallback of the Golden Triangle leads to riots across multiple cities, Chaldion forcibly puts down Pallass's riot with a few thousand [Guards] and [Soldiers].<ref>{{VERef|7.31}}</ref> He tries to enter The Wandering Inn to see the epic chess match between Erin and [[Eldavin|Grand Magus Eldavin]], but Saliss locks the portal door.<ref>{{VERef|A Meeting of [Druids] – Interlude}}</ref> 

Via [[Troydel]] and [[Leon]], Chaldion is made aware of the existence of [[Earthers]].<ref>{{VERef|7.50}}</ref> When two hundred [[Raskghar]] emerge from the dungeon and "surrenders" to Liscor, Erin makes an arrangement with Chaldion to have Pallass take custody of the Raskghar.<ref>{{VERef|7.52}}</ref> However, he makes arrangements to turn the Raskghar into shock troops, though he still intends to execute the ones responsible for kidnapping and killing Gnolls. He later meets with Erin after she kicks Grimalkin out and bans Pallass for being "jerks" when the Walled City shuts Liscor out of the Raskghar situation.<ref>{{VERef|7.53}}</ref> 

Based on Wistram's intel, the Walled Cities organizes a covert mission to take out the new Steelclads from the [[Armored Antinium|Armored Hive]]. Though Saliss is reluctant to participate, Chaldion bribes him by taking six Turnscales' names off the wanted lists and redirecting the Watch's attention for three months. He watches the assault via scrying orb.<ref>{{VERef|Saliss the Adventurer – Interlude}}</ref>

After the Veltras children are poisoned by the Assassin's Guild and the [[Circle of Thorns]], Saliss makes the antidote and publicly challenges a Runner to deliver it. When Ryoka decides to take the delivery, Erin asks several people, including Chaldion, to help the Runner get past the Assassin's Guild in Invrisil. During their meeting, Erin's ring from [[Ilvriss Gemscale]] starts glowing, startling the [Grand Strategist].<ref>{{VERef|7.58}}</ref> During Saliss's, Ryoka's, and [[Maviola El|Maviola El's]] run, Chaldion uses his Skills to boost the [Alchemist's] attacks against the [Assassins] chasing the trio.<ref>{{VERef|7.59}}</ref> The day after the delivery is completed, Chaldion and his retinue enters the inn, where he has a brief face-off against [[Altestiel|Earl Altestiel]]. However, the tense situation is defused by Erin, who challenges them to a chess match.<ref>{{VERef|7.60}}</ref>

After Erin's shooting by a hit squad from [[Hectval]], Liscor goes to war against the Hectval-Drisshia-Luldem alliance. Chaldion watches the battles via scrying orb. He has Pallass sever diplomatic ties with the alliance, though otherwise unwilling to get Pallass involved. When [[Olesm Swifttail|Olesm]] summons the Antinium as reinforcements, Chaldion prevents the other Walled Cities from interfering, forcing them to observe only.<ref>{{VERef|7.62}}</ref>  

=== Volume 8 ===
He is present for the attempted healing of Erin Solstice.<ref>{{VERef|8.14 N}}</ref> When Eldavin is broadcasting a historical narrative of Archmages [[Az’kerash]] and [[Zelkyr Amerwing]], Chaldion tries to stop the broadcast.<ref>{{VERef|Paradigm Shift (Pt. 2) – Interlude}}</ref>

In the aftermath of [[Belavierr Donamia|Belavierr's]] attack on The Wandering Inn, Chaldion meets with his top [Generals] and [Strategists] in his home, discussing the Stitch Witch, [[Pawn]], and the [[Niers Astoragon|Titan of Baleros]]. He makes arrangements for a squad of Pallasian soldiers to be stationed at Liscor, while also trying to get a few of the other Earthers to go to Pallas for residence.<ref>{{VERef|8.29}}</ref>

When Grimalkin's student [[Ferkr Shallenside]] publicly disavows her [Mage] class, the Sinew Magus tries to go the Meeting of Tribes to investigate. He is ordered not to go by Chaldion, who implicitly confirms the Walled Cities' involvement in surpressing the Gnoll species' capacity for arcane magic. However, it is made moot when [[Khoteizetrough]] unearths and breaks a massive magical magicore crystal buried under the Meeting of Tribes' location, allowing a fraction of Gnolls to reclaim their lost magic.<ref>{{VERef|8.42}}</ref> During a televised worldwide trial against the Walled Cities, Chaldion is chosen as the representing defendant. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Chaldion manages to stay on the offensive, revealing that at least one Gnoll tribe was involved in the conspiracy though is reluctant to name the direct perperators.<ref>{{VERef|8.49 M}}</ref> Pending a public hearing, Chaldion is placed under house arrest though he continues to perform his duties in an advisory fashion.<ref>{{VERef|8.52 MN}}</ref> When Belavierr reenters Pallass, Chaldion activates an alarm, warning citizens to remain indoors while 1st Army gets into position. Using Duln as an intermediary, he bans Belavierr from Pallass under the laws of hospitality in exchange for a deal to transport Niers Astoragon back to Baleros.<ref>{{VERef|8.66}}</ref><ref>{{VERef|8.80}}</ref>

Possessing Erin's revived body, [[Sserys|General Sserys]] heads straight to Pallass and tracks down Chaldion, informing him of Az'kerash's survival.<ref>{{VERef|8.81}}</ref> During the battle between the Walled Cities and the Gnoll tribes at the Meeting of Tribes, knowing that a broadcast of the battle would be later analyzed, Chaldion orders a detachment of Pallassian soldiers to martyr themselves by attacking Fissival's army. However, his plans are upended by Ilvriss, who premptively leads Salaszar's forces against Fissival in the "world's most magnificent backstab."<ref>{{VERef|8.84}}</ref>

=== Volume 9 ===
Chaldion and Rufelt are at [[The Noble’s Fancy|The Noble's Fancy]], investigating the new Quests. He is in the midst of a literal battle plan to interrogate Erin Solstice, when the [Magical Innkeeper] posts a Mythical and Heroic Quest, which every [Innkeeper] in Izril hears.<ref>{{VERef|9.00}}</ref> He, along with Chaldion and Saliss go to The Wandering Inn, where they attend an impromptu bonfire gathering. He continues to be a part of major inn events, including the discovery of more [Gardens of Sanctuary],<ref>{{VERef|9.07}}</ref> the worldwide chess tournament<ref>{{VERef|9.20}}</ref> and Zeladona's Trial of a Thousand Blades.<ref>{{VERef|9.30}}</ref> During this time, he begins exhibiting signs of his advanced age, including forgetfulness. While Erin is reluctant to ally with Chaldion due to his ruthlessness, in the winter, she is forced to ask him for help with delivering food and supplies to villages struck by fires and famine caused by [[Tolveilouka Ve’delina Mer]]. During their meeting, he reveals his desire for her to "make another Saliss," citing the people she's interacted with have grown via the trials she dragged them into, though stops when he sees her disgust of him.<ref>{{VERef|9.41 (Pt. 1)}}</ref> 

Chaldion is one of the many people invited to Erin's new beach built in one of the new [Gardens of Sanctuary], though the [Grand Strategist] is taking more of a work vacation.<ref>{{VERef|9.42 E}}</ref> He attends the Christmas celebration.<ref>{{VERef|9.55 (Pt. 1)}}</ref><ref>{{VERef|9.55 (Pt. 2)}}</ref>

In anticipation of the upcoming Winter Solstice, Chaldion is one of the attendees to Erin's debriefing of the [[Kasigna|enemy]]. While he was supposed to organize it, he had forgotten it, though tries to hide the fact from the others.<ref>{{VERef|9.60}}</ref> During the battle of the Winter Solstice, Chaldion takes command of the combined army. When Kasigna appears, he is unable to appraise her. When the goddess summons a hundred thousand Draugr, Chaldion activates his capstone Skill [By My Unquestioned Authority, Fire Support] - which [[Xitegen Terland|Lord Xitegen Terland]] is able to recharge via his Skill [Again, and Again, and Ever Again] - destroying hundreds of Draugr.<ref>{{VERef|9.66}}</ref> Chaldion leads a suicidal charge against Kasigna, hoping to get the stupider Drakes to follow him and get killed, while counter-leveling the ones who survived. However, the goddess forces Chaldion to stay alive, even with his body torn to shreds, while General Duln killed trying to save the [Grand Strategist].<ref>{{VERef|9.67 (Pt. 2)}}</ref> 

=== Volume 10 ===
After the battle, Chaldion is initially pronounced dead before the [Healers] realized that the Drake wasn't dying, but still in agony. Despite being healed of his injuries, he is unresponsive. While capable of eating, choosing his clothes, or playing chess, he has become a shell of former self. Effectively retired, he now spends his days in his rooms or The Wandering Inn, tended to by his minders.<ref>{{VERef|10.00 L}}</ref>

When he senses the return of the Goblin King, he starts laughing convulsively. He is wheeled out of his apartment and begged for orders, but he ignores them, and just waits.<ref>{{VERef|10.36 - Pt. 1}}</ref> Afterwards, classified information is leaked to the public regarding [[Edellein Blackwing|General Edellein Blackwing]]'s ill-fated orders to attack [[Goblinhome]]. Mrsha suspects Chaldion, though it is still unconfirmed.<ref>{{VERef|10.37 GDI - Pt. 2}}</ref>

== Powers and Abilities ==

=== Classes/Levels: ===
* [Grand Strategist of Victory]<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2020/11/22/7-60/ Chapter 7.60]</ref> Lv. ? (50+)<ref name=":7.03">[https://wanderinginn.com/2020/01/29/7-03/ Chapter 7.03]</ref>
**Advanced from [Tactician]<ref name=":0" />

=== Skills: ===
* [Battalion: Arcs of the Swallow]
* [By My Unquestioned Authority, Fire Support: (''Walled City'')] / [Fire Support: (''Walled City'')]
** The City of Magic, Fissival
** The City of War, Manus
*[Charge of the Lion]
*[First Forwards, First Out]
*[Hold Until The Last]
*[Long-Range Command]<ref name=":7.03" />
* [Marked Target]<ref name=":7.03" />
* [Path to Victory]<ref name=":6.38" /><ref name=":7.03" />
* [Projectile Shield]
* [Rapid Retreat]<ref name=":7.03" />
* [Speed Formation]<ref name=":7.03" />
* [Steelscale Advance]<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2022/02/09/interlude-hectval-pt-1/ Interlude – Hectval (Pt. 1)]</ref>

==== Army Skills: ====
Skills that apply only to Armies.
* [Duplicate Projectiles]
*[Veteran’s Knowledge]

== Possessions ==

==== Enchanted Gemstone Eyeballs ====
Chaldion has a variety of false eyeballs for his missing right eye, made of different gemstones, and each is enchanted with a different Spell, which he switch depending on the occasion needed. Known ones are:
* '''Sapphire Eyeball:''' Enchanted with [Truesight] / [True Seeing],<ref name=":6.38" /> [Appraisal],<ref name=":7.07">[https://wanderinginn.com/2020/02/16/7-07/ Chapter 7.07]</ref> and [Eye of Mana].<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2023/11/22/9-66/ Chapter 9.66]</ref>
* '''Ruby Eyeball:''' Enchanted to shoot a [Fireball], that is strong enough to blow a [[Wyverns|Wyvern]] head.<ref name=":7.03" />
* '''White Eyeball Gemstone:''' Enchanted with [Scrying].<ref name=":7.06">[https://wanderinginn.com/2020/02/12/7-06/ Chapter 7.06]</ref>
* '''Topaz Eyeball:''' Unknown effect<ref name=":1">[https://wanderinginn.com/2023/11/26/9-67-pt-2/ Chapter 9.67 (Pt. 2)]</ref>
* ???: Enchanted to creating a bubble of privacy for talking.<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2020/03/01/7-11/ Chapter 7.11]</ref>

==== Other Artifacts ====
* Ring enchanted to create a space around the wearer to prevent eavesdropping while talking.<ref name=":7.06" />
* A Walking Cane enchanted to release a glowing magical spear from the tip. Activated by tapping it twice.<ref name=":7.07" />
* An ornamental sword, close to relic-class in quality.<ref name=":1" />

== Trivia ==
* His surname was revealed in [[Chapter 7.17 S|Ch 7.17 S]].
* While he is one hundred and six years old, he appears to be in his seventies. thanks to regularly imbibing [[Saliss Oliwing|Saliss']] Potions of Reverse Aging.<ref name=":7.17 S" />
*He is named the '''Cyclops of Pallass''' because of his one eye, and also under his leadership, Pallass had developed organization, competent leadership, and intelligence that didn’t fight with the military for seniority.<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2021/06/22/8-29/ Chapter 8.29]</ref>
*The Chaldion's Eye is a cocktail of Firebreath Whiskey and an Ultasian bitter made from the Ultasa flower mixed with lime,  with an eye-shaped ice ball containing syrup. The drink is popular among [Strategists] in Pallass.<ref>{{VERef|Chapter 7.11}}</ref>
*Chaldion is one of two people to have been elevated to the Waleld nobility of Pallass in the last millenia.<ref>{{VERef|Halfseekers (Pt. 8) – Interlude}}</ref>

== Quotes ==
* ([https://wanderinginn.com/2019/08/17/6-38/ To] [[Venim]]) “That’s for me to decide! Hands off! And if Rufelt made it, I’ll like it. Don’t bother me. I’m playing. And keep those pesky [Tacticians] and [Strategist] brats out of my spines for a bit!”
* ([https://wanderinginn.com/2019/08/17/6-38/ To] [[Erin Solstice|Erin]]) “Sweet! Just the thing for brain food. Wonderful sweets you have here. Who am I? Chaldion. A humble old Drake too stubborn to retire.”
* ([https://wanderinginn.com/2019/08/20/6-39/ To] [[Erin Solstice|Erin]]) “That annoying [[Grimalkin|muscle-head]] is at it again. You set him on that [[Horns of Hammerad|adventuring team]], did you? You must either love or hate them, girl.”
* ([https://wanderinginn.com/2020/02/16/7-07/ To] [[Grimalkin]] and [[Saliss Oliwing|Saliss]]) “It’s uncanny. [[Erin Solstice|She’s]] rather like an enigma wrapped up in a bottle inside an aggravating pot enchanted to annoy you.”
* ([https://wanderinginn.com/2020/03/01/7-11/ To] [[Grimalkin]]) “Magus, you’re conflating the issues. The actions of the King of Destruction or other nations across the world <em>cannot</em> be the product of [[Erin Solstice|one]] [Innkeeper]’s Skills.”
* ([https://wanderinginn.com/2020/03/18/7-13-k/ To] [[Noass]]) “I believe I predicted this. Would you like a breakdown of exactly how badly Belchan’s army was beaten? Because <em>that</em> is why he is called the King of Destruction.”
* ([https://wanderinginn.com/2020/04/12/7-17-s/ To] [[Walled Cities]]) <em>Pallass. ‘Go to Rhir’s hell and stop spreading gossip.’ From Grand Strategist Chaldion, verbatim. Exiting shared [Message] spell.</em>
* ([https://wanderinginn.com/2020/04/12/7-17-s/ To] [[Saliss Oliwing|Saliss]]) “[[Erin Solstice|She’s]] not a bystander either. You may stay out of it. This is my decision as a [Strategist]. <em>You</em> are a busybody that Pallass deigns to call on and suffer.”
* ([https://wanderinginn.com/2020/04/12/7-17-s/ To] [[Saliss Oliwing|Saliss]]) “You can’t keep me in this world forever, Saliss. I’m too old for it. And I am no hero. Just a [Strategist]. Someday, even your age potions will stop working, just like the healing potions.”
*([https://wanderinginn.com/2020/11/22/7-60/ To] [[Altestiel]]) “The Earl of Desonis, the Knight Marshal of Rains. It has been a while since I met a Terandrian of such note.”
*([[Chapter 9.01|To]] [[Jelaqua Ivirith|Jelaqua]])  “Happiness? Happiness is—ignorance. It is not for everyone. Happiness for a city or a people is something the few sacrifice so the many may achieve. It is the luxury of safety. Of victory. It has a high cost.”

== References ==
{{refbox}}
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Drakes]]
[[Category:Strategists]]
[[Category:Izril]]
[[Category:Pallass]]