House Osborne

Lore & Background

Chancellor Giliath Osborne is the leader of the Reformist faction in the Erebonian Empire, a position that puts him at the center of the political conflict between the aristocratic Nobles and the working class. His policies and actions are a primary driver of the game's plot, as the power struggle between his Reformists and the Noble Alliance escalates into the Erebonian Civil War. After that war ends, Osborne is shot by Crow Armbrust—revealed as the masked leader 'C' of the Imperial Liberation Front—during a speech about the annexation of Crossbell. While his apparent death shocks the Empire, it does not trigger the civil war, which has already concluded. In truth, Osborne survives this assassination attempt and continues his schemes, ultimately meeting his end later during the Great Twilight. Osborne's influence is felt throughout the game, as Class VII's field studies expose them to the reality of the Empire under his leadership, though they ultimately oppose his methods and goals.

In Their Own Story

Chancellor Giliath Osborne is assassinated by Crow Armbrust, the masked leader 'C' of the Imperial Liberation Front, during a speech regarding Crossbell's recent bid for independence from Erebonia and the neighboring Republic of Calvard. This event triggers a civil war between the Noble Faction/Provincial Armies and the Reformists/Imperial Army. Osborne's death is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the conflict that follows, with Trista being invaded by the Provincial Army and Imperial Liberation Front. Rean Schwarzer, Osborne's son, becomes an Awakener and pilots the Divine Knight Valimar to defend Trista, but is defeated by Crow, who pilots his own Divine Knight, Ordine.

Reader's Guide

Chancellor Giliath Osborne is the leader of the Reformist faction in the Erebonian Empire. He is a key figure in the political landscape, leading the Reformists against the aristocratic Nobles who command the Provincial Army. His assassination by Crow Armbrust, the leader of the Imperial Liberation Front, during a speech about Crossbell's independence, sparks a civil war. Osborne is also the father of Rean Schwarzer, the protagonist of Trails of Cold Steel. Rean is a commoner who was later adopted into a noble family. The game's plot revolves around Class VII's experiences in this political turmoil, as they witness the conflict between the Nobles and Reformists firsthand. Osborne's death is a major turning point, leading to the invasion of Trista and Rean's awakening as a pilot of the Divine Knight Valimar.

Did You Know?

• Chancellor Giliath Osborne is shot by Crow Armbrust, who is revealed to be the masked leader 'C' of the Imperial Liberation Front, but he survives that attempt and dies later during the Great Twilight.
• Osborne's attempted assassination occurs during a speech regarding the annexation of Crossbell, not its bid for independence.
• The assassination attempt does not trigger the civil war; the Erebonian Civil War ends before Osborne is shot.
• Osborne is the father of Rean Schwarzer, the protagonist, who was adopted into a noble family after being taken in by the Schwarzer family.
• Class VII is not an ally of Osborne; they oppose his methods and goals throughout much of the series.

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