WHAT MAKES A HERO?

FLAVIUS FRANCISCUS: A Special breed of Knight called Paladin, Fearless Warrior, Determined, Gallant, Hero of the Battle of the Great Stone Bridge, Slayer of the Great Dragon Golgoleth, Leader of the Free Companies, Champion of Justice, Defender of the Faith, Upholder of Righteousness

Great deeds of courage and valour are the staple of any person of greatness; But, a true hero has something more...

⬆ Digital (Blender™), 2017
A MAN OF PRINCIPLES & DEEP FAITH

Being a paladin is more than just being a great fighter; It is about being a humble servant of the most high God, Ā-nak. The devout Flavius always starts and ends his day in prayer, kneeling before the altar of Ā-nak.

THE HOLY SWORD

A powerful ancient artifact some say was created by Ā-nak Himself, this magnificent weapon radiates the shekinah (the radiant glory of Ā-nak) which repulses undead & demonic monsters, inflicting pain on them.

IT IS ALL ABOUT CHARACTER.

FLAVIUS FRANCISCUS: God-fearing, Humble, Wise, Penitent, Compassionate, Quick to act, Slow to Anger, Gracious, Charitable, Diplomatic, Tactful, Courteous, Chivalrous, Strong Leader, Generous Benefactor, Protector of Widows and Orphans, Devout Servant of the Most High God Ā-NAK.

The Pax Valorum: Flavius will live and die by this code of honour, considered by most to be the Chivalric Ideal.

⬆ Flavius, Penitent --- Digital (Blender™), 2015
ARMOUR OF GOLD = ARMOUR OF GOD

Inspired by the Holy Sword Deus Irae, Flavius sought out a new armour that could withstand the dragon's acid breath. Gold, it was argued, was good against acid but far too soft & heavy to be viable armour. Flavius needed a miracle to beat the dragon, so he sought one out. It would come in the form of an analog: The gold armour, divinely hardened & lightened, was a physical counterpart to 'spiritual armour', sacred protection, divine providence.

Digital (Blender™), 2014

⬆ Flavius seeks out and finds one of the twelve ancient Sentinels of Eternity. The Sentinels are everlasting entities which monitor the doorways of the Nexus Omniversum, the Gateway to All the Worlds.

SKILLS:

Combat/Fighting:
Stealth/Thievery:
Magic (Sacred):
Turning Undead:

80%
0%
10%
10%

WEAPONS:

Bastard Sword
Horseman's Flail
Heavy Lance

(Mastery)
(Proficient)
(Specialized)

GUEST BOOK:

Please sign.

Digital (Photoshop™), 2010

⬆ Whilst on his way to a rematch with the dragon, Flavius encounters the newly-hatched young dragons (Wyrmlings). Being every inch the carnivore, the little beast gives our brave knight yet another rough ride. Flavius does manage to inflict enough pain to drive off the aggressive and hungry young reptile without killing it, but the noise draws the attention of the mother dragon, Golgoleth.

SEARCHING A RUINED LAND...

⬆ Flavius Among the Ruins of Vythunia #1
Digital (Blender™ & Photoshop™), 2014

Flavius searches the ancient ruins for any clues to the location of the lost tomb of King Dringomel.

The Shield of Faith
Digital (Blender™), 2014

⬆ This powerful magical shield, made along with the golden armour, helps protect our hero's newly regenerated arm.

The Divine Steed Alcegon
Pen & Ink, 2007

⬆ The initial sketch of Flavius's great white steed, Alcegon, a Caelohippus, a horse-like being sent from Bascelestia, the first heaven. Alcegon can also appear as a normal earthly horse.

... SEEKING AN ANCIENT SECRET.

⬆ Flavius Among the Ruins of Vythunia #2
Digital (Blender™ & Photoshop™), 2014

Flavius explores the many ruins, seeking the final resting place of Dringomel, last king of ancient Vythunia.

FROM TAKING ON A DRAGON...

⬆ THE CHALLENGE OF FLAVIUS
Acrylic on Canvasboard, 1989

Flavius, in his first encounter with the great wyrm Golgoleth, finds himself once again in trouble. The ancient sword of power, Deus Irae, lies just beyond his grasp. This painting was done in 1989, before Paladin was written, and thus shows Flavius wearing the gold armour. In the novel, he has not yet acquired the the magical gold armour when this fight takes place. Needless to say, the dragon crushes his shield and devours his arm but still, somehow, Flavius manages to escape to later take on the ogre and plan a rematch with this great serpent.

... OR AN OGRE...

⬆ Having lost his shield arm in the first encounter with the great red dragon Golgoleth, Flavius must single-handedly (pardon the pun) take on the Ogre. Here, the ogre gives our hero a rough ride. Really rough.

THE ADVENTURES OF A

Flavius found adventure and intrigue far and wide across most of western Varzuun. Everywhere he went in those ancient and mystic places there were battles and monsters, miracles and wonders.

... TO FACING SUPERNATURAL FOES

⬆ IN TOUGH
Acrylic on Canvasboard, 1991

Flavius, with his holy sword Deus Irae, and his loyal friend and comrade-in-arms Branco Vasquez find themselves in tough against a horde of Glaigoll (minor demons inhabiting the hellish nether-realm of Pandeimos. The shekinah (the radiant glory of Ā-nak) repulses the monsters, inflicting pain on them, while Branco stands ready with his frost-sword, Aquilón. Will our heroes have what it takes to survive this onslaught?

SOME MEN ARE
BORN TO BE HEROES

THE ORIGINAL DESIGN

FLAVIUS FRANCISCUS,
PALADIN.

⬆ Acrylic on Canvasboard, 1988

The first appearance of Flavius in a painting, 1988. Note the 'frog'-style jousting helm, full-length surcoat and lack of toe-spurs. The armour has developed a bit since this painting was done. Note also the classic dungeon-type setting, to which Flavius is no stranger.