The Luminar
Basic File
Personal Info
Member of the special organization "Hymnus." Of steadfast temperament and decisive in action, she walked the Abyss with the conviction that evil must be erased so that peace might endure.
Her methods differed markedly from certain other members of Hymnus. When confronted with injustice or wrongdoing, she seldom offered warning or counsel, and more often chose to resolve matters through force.
For this, some unscrupulous explorers accused The Luminar of "excessive force" and "intimidation," attempting to hinder her work through rumor and public slander.
She remained unmoved. Time and again, she declared herself irreconcilable with evil; whoever stood among the wicked, no matter how great their strength, would find that she did not retreat.
Chronicles
When we were being extorted by a band of disreputable explorers, it was Miss Luminar who came to our rescue.
She is so gentle and kind by nature, yet when faced with the wicked, her hand is swift and without hesitation.
Perhaps it was only my imagination, but when she confronted those ruffians, there was something almost too cold in her bearing.
That day she saved us, had we not intervened, I believe she might have utterly crippled them.
Though the sight of Miss Luminar delivering justice with her full strength is worthy of admiration, if she were to show just a little more mercy, perhaps she would be even more beloved.
— A Rookie Explorer
Her father once served as the sheriff of our town. On one occasion, he showed mercy and released several thieves. In return, they came back for vengeance, and his entire family was...
She was but a child when she endured such a calamity. It is little wonder she came to loathe evil as she does.
The tragedy that befell their household was not his fault alone. We too bore responsibility. We pitied those thieves and agreed when he chose to let them go.
So we find nothing improper in the path she walks now. At times, we even think her too gentle. For criminals, nothing short of complete eradication would suffice.
— A Town Sheriff
When meting out judgment upon the wicked, The Luminar can indeed appear exceedingly cold, almost like a herald of the infernal realms spoken of in rumor.
Yet in her daily bearing, she is altogether different. Toward all she meets, she shows gentleness and unfailing patience, which has earned her remarkable popularity among the supporters of "Hymnus."
Tell me, is such contrast now the fashion? If I were to become as stern and unfeeling as she when confronting evil, would my own renown rise just as swiftly?
— The Hymnkeeper from Hymnus
Record
After a time spent in her company, the members gradually came to understand the depth of The Luminar's hatred toward evil.
Yet though her eyes could suffer no injustice, her actions were never those of blind fury, nor of one eager to exterminate all who had erred.
In cases of unintended fault, or when repentance was sincere and the will to atone genuine, she was known to grant a chance for redemption.
As the days passed and familiarity grew, her bond with the others deepened, and with it came a fuller understanding of her past.
"Her loathing of evil is not directed at wickedness alone, but at the weakness she once found within herself."
"She fears failing to protect what she holds dear. That is why she appears so cold."
"Miss Luminar, gentle as she is, surely does not regret the choice her father once made. She simply has yet to wake from that nightmare."
Their conjectures were not without merit. No matter how steadfast or courageous one might be, an ordeal so akin to hell could never be forgotten with ease.
Anecdote
On the eve of a festival, The Luminar traveled to an orphanage within a certain Settlement to deliver provisions.
To the teachers and children alike, this renowned member of Hymnus was a figure held in deep admiration.
During a moment of rest, the children gathered eagerly about her, asking that she, so seasoned in the ways of the Abyss, recount tales of explorers.
...
"...That explorer was exceedingly brave. He risked his life to bring us vital intelligence on the monsters."
"Because of him, my companions and I were able to devise a precise plan of action, and we swiftly eradicated the rampaging creatures."
...
"...To cover the retreat of his wounded comrades, that explorer chose to remain behind alone. After slaying many monsters, he fell when his strength was spent."
...
"...At that time, the outpost was surrounded by a vast host of monsters. By our strength alone, we could not have saved everyone."
"In that dire hour, many explorers came of their own accord to lend aid. Through the combined efforts of all, we at last drove the monsters back."
...
As her final tale drew to a close, most of the children seemed satisfied. Yet a few wore expressions of doubt and quiet confusion.
During the time set aside for questions, they voiced their thoughts.
"Lady Luminar, in your stories, the explorers all sound like people worthy of trust."
"Yes. Aren't many explorers said to be cunning and treacherous?"
She gave a faint smile. "Such individuals do exist. Yet we must not let the failings of a few unscrupulous explorers blind us to the light found in many others."
"Countless explorers hold fast to their own ideals and principles. Even when faced with peril or temptation, they stand by what they believe."
"That is why the true mission of Hymnus is to give voice to what is noble, and to kindle hope."
"As for those who stray into corruption, Hymnus will devote itself fully to their redemption—or their chastisement."
"So long as more explorers are willing to strive for justice and compassion within the Abyss, evil will, in time, recede."