Gaius

Gaius (ガイアス), formerly known by his birth name, Erston Outway (アースト・アウトウェイ), is a major character and a major antagonist in Tales of Xillia. He is the powerful and charismatic king of Auj Oule, and 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, the son of the patriarch of the small Outway Tribe. During his youth, 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 the Fezebel Outback, in what would later be known as the Battle of Fezebel. Erston's father was frail and sickly, so Erston led troops out of Outway in his stead under the service of the Long Dau. Their patriarch underestimated Erston due to his age, still being 12 at the time, and did not expect much of him. Despite this, Erston proved to be an excellent leader and soldier, and with his unit, he was able to take out one of the Rashugal army's regiments. Trouble began when Erston sensed a tsunami that had the potential to 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 influential 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, and just leader, who would protect the weak rather than sacrifice them. When his father died of illness, Erston left home, throwing away his name and becoming known as Gaius. By doing this, he sought to protect his sister, Karla Outway, 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 soon began to call him "The Dawn King".

Gaius clashed with the larger tribes, in particular the Long Dau, marking his first major victory when he slew Lars Long Dau, the current patriarch of the tribe, at the age of 15. Taurus and the Long Dau continued to feud, the Long Dau wishing to avenge Lars's death, and the conflict between the two came to a climax at the Battle of Mon Highlands. Once again, Gaius sensed an impending natural disaster: an avalanche that would bury both armies. He personally met with the new tribe chief, Lars's 13-year-old son, Lin, suggesting both armies withdraw. When asked by the boy why he did not simply take advantage of the avalanche to wipe out the Long Dau army, Gaius told him that though they were enemies, when he became king, they would be the warriors who would support his country, and he did not wish to throw their lives away. Gaius's words greatly inspired the young Lin, and he not only withdrew his troops, but surrendered and joined Gaius, and later became his right-hand man, Wingul.

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

Appearance and Personality
Gaius carries a powerful presence, noted for his stoic and inscrutable 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 he often looks into problems personally.

Gaius lives by a 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.

Relationships
Karla Outway - Though he does not get to see her often, Gaius cares deeply for his sister, so much so that in order to protect her, he cast aside his real name, though she still remembers it. Although Karla is kind, the normally unshakable Gaius is scared of her when she is angry.

Trivia

 * In the game's lore, Gaius translates to he who pulls the world behind him, while Outway translates to eternal flame.