Duke Pantarei

Duke Pantarei (デューク・パンタレイ) is the primary antagonist of Tales of Vesperia. Considered to be a hero from the Great War, Duke saw the barbarism of humankind and eventually lost faith in humanity. Due to this, he becomes an ominous, recurring figure throughout the story, who both helps and hinders the protagonists.

Past
Before the events of the story, Duke was an important figure in the Great War, in which humans and the Entelexeia fought. He fought alongside the Entelexeia Elucifer so that humans and the Entelexeia could live in peace. Although they were victorious, some humans no longer trusted the Entelexeia and executed Elucifur. After this betrayal, Duke lost all faith in humanity and cut all ties with them. He only appeared when he felt it was necessary for the protection of the world and the Entelexeia.

Tales of Vesperia
Duke wields the lost sword Dein Nomos, which is able to control the flow of aer, and is proof of imperial lineage. Later in the story, he hands this sword over to Yuri Lowell in hopes that he will fight for identical goals. However, Duke eventually feels their goals do not coincide and reclaims the sword. This change of heart occurs when the barrier of Zaude is destroyed and the Adephagos once again threatens the world. Duke then ressurrects Tarqaron with the intention of trading all human life for the destruction of the Adephagos. Yuri and his companions resolve to put a stop to his plans by offering all the blastia in place of humanity. Duke, however, longs to return the world to the rule of the Entelexeia as recompence for the slaughter of Elucifer, and fights against Yuri and his companions, serving as the story's "final boss". After Yuri and his companions prove victorious, Duke is finally persuaded by their perseverance and assists them through the aid of Dein Nomos, destroying the Adephagos.

Tales of the Heroes: Twin Brave
Duke is a hidden playable character in Tales of the Heroes: Twin Brave, unlocked once the player has completed Tournament Mode on "Hard" difficulty at least once without continuing.