Gaius

Gaius (ガイアス) (real name Erston Outway (アースト・アウトウェイ)) is a major character and primary antagonist in Tales of Xillia. The powerful and charismatic king of Auj Oule, While his intentions are good, Gaius clashes with the party over the methods with which he intends to save the people of Rieze Maxia. One year later in Tales of Xillia 2, Gaius is the king of all of Rieze Maxia (working alongside Prime Minister Rowen J. Ilbert) and is a playable character.

History
Gaius was born Erston Outway, son of the patriarch of the small Outway Tribe. At that time, strife between tribes was common, and the Outway tribe was under the control of the Long Dau tribe, one of the larger tribes close to the king. Erston showed his potential from a young age, being unofficially the youngest person to win in the coliseum at the age of 12, doing so even without a lilium orb. As his victory in the finals was against the son of an influential tribe chief, it was not properly recognized as his win.

When King Milan Fenn's death threw Rashugal into turmoil, King Merad took the opportunity to invade Rashugal. The two countries clashed on Fezebel Plains, in what would later be known as the Battle of Fezebel. Erston's father was frail and sickly, so Erston led the men of Outway in his stead. Under service of the Long Dau, their patriarch underestimated Erston because of his age (still being 12 at the time) and did not expect anything of him. Despite this, Erston showed to be an excellent leader and soldier, and with his unit took out one of the Rashugal army's flanks. Trouble began when Erston sensed an tsunami that could wipe out both armies. He attempted to warn the patriarch, but was ignored due to the counsel of his sister's fiancé, a Long Dau insider. The tsunami came as he had warned, and wiped out the majority of both armies, ending the war.

This left Erston angry with the current way of things in Auj Oule. It was a system of command that gave power to the people born into the "right" tribes, not the people who were worthy of running the country. He envisioned a new Auj Oule, one that would be united under a single, strong, just leader, who would protect the weak rather than sacrifice them. When his father died of his illness, Erston left home, throwing away his name, instead taking up the name of Gaius. By doing this he sought to protect his sister, Karla, so that she would not be harmed by his future ambitions. He formed the group Taurus, separate from the tribe system. He gained followers quickly, who began to call him "The Dawn King."

He clashed with the larger tribes, in particular the Long Dau, marking his first major victory when he slew Lars Long Dau, the current patriarch at the age of 15. Taurus and the Long Dau continued to feud, the tribe wishing to avenge Lars' death, and it came to a head at the Battle of Mon Highlands. Once again, Gaius sensed an impending natural disaster, an avalance that would bury both armies. He personally met with the new tribe chief, Lars' 13 year old son Lin, suggesting both armies withdraw. When asked by the boy why he didn't just take advantage of the avalance to wipe out the Long Dau army, Gaius told him it was because though they were enemies now, one day when he became king they would be his citizens as well, and he did not wish to throw their lives away. Gaius's words struck a chord with the young Lin, and he not only withdrew his troops, but dissolved the tribe entirely, joining Gaius, later to become his right hand man, Wingul.

Four years later, when Gaius was 22 years old, Taurus finally seized Kanbalar, an incredible feat given the cities natural defenses. The ousted King Merad attempted to retake his throne, but was summarily defeated at the Battle of Arklund.

Appearance and Personality
Gaius has a powerful presence, noted for his stoic and inscutable disposition. Despite how imposing he seems, Gaius is well-loved among his people for being a kind and hands-on ruler. He takes large amounts of time each day to have open audiences with anyone who wishes to speak with him, and often looks into problems personally.

Gaius lives by his philosophy that it is the duty of the strong to protect and guide the weak. He cares deeply for the well-being and happiness of his citizens, whether that be the people of Auj Oule or later all people of Rieze Maxia, and in his own words, will "crush anyone who dares to harm (his) people." He is passionate when it comes to his beliefs, going to great lengths to uphold them.

Trivia
-The name Gaius means "he who pulls the world behind him." -Gaius seems unusually used to the cold climate of Kanbalar. -Though he rarely sees her these days, Gaius cares deeply for his sister, and apparently finds her scary when she is angry. - In Tales of Xillia 2, Gaius is shown to struggle to use technology, and sometimes requires Rowen's help to use his GHS.