Roland Fortis serves as the Sixth Paladin within the Church's Chasseur organization, bearing the green Jasper gem signifying his rank. Initially an adversary to Vanitas and Noé Archiviste, he acts upon the Church's doctrine that vampires are inherently evil. His fanatical dedication drives aggressive tactics: flash bombs to disable vampires, traps to ensnare threats, and the versatile weapon Durandal, capable of shifting between spear, dual swords, and chain whips. Yet beneath this fervor lies sharp intelligence; he manipulates situations by omitting details from reports and strategically isolating targets. Physically imposing at over six feet tall with a muscular build, Roland possesses fair skin, short blond hair, and round green eyes. He wears the standard Chasseur uniform: black pants, a cassock, a white harness, and a purple ribbon-like belt, complemented by his green jasper rosary. Specialized drugs administered by the Chasseurs grant him enhanced speed, strength, and stamina, enabling combat with vampires. Orphaned in the slums, he rose within the Chasseurs to become vice-captain under Olivier before commanding his own unit. Caring for younger siblings instilled a strong protective instinct and sense of responsibility, leading him to treat younger associates like Astolfo Granatum and Vanitas with brotherly concern. Years prior, he rescued Astolfo from vampires but arrived too late to save Astolfo's sister Louisette, fueling Astolfo's hatred. Roland maintains calm composure despite this animosity. A pivotal shift occurs in the Paris catacombs during the Hunters of the Dark arc. Witnessing Noé's genuine compassion and his bond with Vanitas shatters Roland's rigid beliefs. He allies with them against the mad scientist Moreau and later aids their escape, declaring to Olivier that vampires are not inherently evil and deserve God's love equally—heresy within the Church. This ideological turn stems from self-awareness; he acknowledges believing only "what he wants to believe" and commits to verifying truths firsthand. Later, in Gévaudan, he researches vampire-human coexistence history while covertly supporting Vanitas and Noé against curse-bearers, prioritizing saving lives over kill orders. When Olivier warns his radical views endanger his family, Roland defiantly questions how many Paladins he could defeat if threatened. His protective instinct deepens during the Amusement Park arc, where he comforts a distressed Vanitas, expressing unconditional love and fearing Vanitas will "shatter" if unsupervised. This compassion extends to Mikhail, whom he guided years earlier after the boy's parents died; Roland wept while praying for the child's mercy, earning the nickname "Bandage Man" due to his injuries. Relationships define his complexity. He shares deep mutual loyalty with Olivier: Roland nearly dies protecting him, and Olivier vows to leave the Church if Roland succumbs. Conversely, Gano despises Roland as a "tattered urchin," accusing him of hypocrisy and joining the Chasseurs for money rather than faith. Roland responds with polite distrust. His obsession with Vanitas evolves from viewing him as a victim to an object of fascination and unwavering support, often expressed through unsettlingly exaggerated declarations. Internally, Roland grapples with contradictions between his vows and personal desires, experiencing envy and lust toward those he admires, leading to intense prayers for forgiveness. Symbolic associations link him to the Canna Lily (passion, suspicion) and Goldenrod (vigilance), reflecting his fervent idealism and resilience. His commitment to coexistence mirrors historical figures like Ruthven, though his methods prioritize empathy over manipulation. Ongoing tensions with the Chasseur hierarchy underscore his arc, as defiance risks his position and family's safety. Yet he remains steadfast in protecting both human and vampire lives, embodying his hard-won belief that "humans and vampires can coexist."

Titles

Roland Fortis

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