Lucas Montbarron

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, four brave legionnaires have risen to take back their lives. Over the course of their long journey, these four champions of vengeance and virtue will grow to develop powers and abilities beyond anything Ehb has ever seen. Each legionnaire possesses their own array of unique talents and abilities, and knowing how to best utilize these skills is vital to overcoming the many challenges that await them in Ehb.

Lucas Montbarron

• Relentless melee warrior
• High defensive capability
• Lacks ranged attacks

Lucas Montbarron is the son of the former Grand Master of the Legion. He is the last of a noble and respected line. Raised in a series of safehouses by families loyal to his father's memory, Lucas will not rest until the Legion is rebuilt and his family's honor is restored.

Developer Commentary

Lucas was the very first character that we developed on Dungeon Siege III. He actually was the character that we used to prototype all our basic gameplay—attack combos, weapon stances/forms, blocking, dodging, etc. As a result, he probably has the largest cache of discarded ideas that seemed cool when they were at the idea stage, before we got them in and decided they didn't fit or were just plain not fun. These are some of my personal favorite things we tried that will never see the light of day:

• An ability where Lucas raised his sword to the heavens, much like He-Man would when calling on the power of Greyskull, and directed a beam of light on his enemies. This one looked pretty darn cool, but just wasn't that fun to use in practice. We ended up re-using the technology, though, on one of the attacks for the end boss!
• A "hundred hand-slap" move, where the player could mash the Attack button to repeatedly lunge at an enemy with the sword. This just didn't mesh well with the gameplay of all the classes, and felt incongruent with how our combat system ended up working out. It also looked a bit silly. So, it ended up on the cutting room floor.
• A crazy move where you had to hit another button immediately as you connected with an attack, and it would add a status effect to the initial attack. That was just a bit too timing-dependent, so we dropped it.

– Nathaniel Chapman, Lead Designer

Playing as Lucas

Lucas is a skilled swordsman and a master of two combat stances. He can fight with a sword and shield, which allows him to attack quickly, deal heavy damage, and interrupt and stun single targets. When outnumbered, Lucas wields a massive two-handed sword—although it's slower to swing and less practical for one-on-one combat, he can use this ample blade to strike multiple foes and knock them back, making it an ideal weapon for crowd control.

Lucas is a close-combat juggernaut, but he has few ranged attacks—this means he is vulnerable to long-range foes. Roll to quickly close the distance on elusive enemies, and try to back such adversaries into walls or corners to prevent their escape. Then assail them with furious sword strikes until they fall.

Lucas's Abilities

As a frontline warrior, many of Lucas's talents and abilities focus on dealing fast damage to one or more targets, and on restoring his Hit Points (HP) so he can remain in the thick of things. Lucas also has a number of abilities that can help him score critical hits far more often, or to regenerate Focus significantly faster than normal—either will improve the young Montbarron's aptitude for slaughtering mobs of foes.

Shield Pummel

Lucas bashes the enemy with his shield, dealing 20 percent of normal damage and stunning his opponent for three seconds. When empowered, Shield Pummel affects all enemies in an arc in front of Lucas.

Proficiencies

Brutal Pummel : Shield Pummel does an additional 20 percent damage per rank in Brutal Pummel.

Impetuous Slam : Shield Pummel gains a 20 percent chance per rank in Impetuous Slam to knock down opponents.

Developer Commentary

The animation for Shield Pummel used to be part of Lucas's default combo, but we decided it felt better as a special ability.

– Nathaniel Chapman, Lead Designer

Blade Dash

Lucas dashes forward in the blink of an eye, slashing through any enemies in his path. An empowered Blade Dash causes Lucas to repeatedly dash from one enemy to the next until he runs out of Power or enemies.

Proficiencies

Hemorrhage : Blade Dash deals an additional 20 percent damage per rank in Hemorrhage to bleeding targets.

Lightning Precision : Lucas learns to instantly target vital areas, gaining a 10 percent chance to critically hit with Blade Dash per rank in Lightning Precision.

Blade Dash is Lucas's first multi-foe combat ability, and a very good one at that. Unleash Blade Dash to zip forward and slice through bands of foes, laying waste to whole enemy groups. Blade Dash helps Lucas quickly close on elusive foes, which adds to the ability's value. Blade Dash is well worth upgrading, and although both of Blade Dash's proficiencies can be quite useful, we recommend devoting all five ranks to Lightning Precision—this ensures critical hits will score quite often, letting you easily massacre groups of weaker foes.

Graceful Repose

Lucas enters a state of repose, regenerating 50 percent of his health over the next 30 seconds. The benefits of Graceful Repose are applied to the entire party when the ability is empowered.

Proficiencies

Live by the Sword : While under the effects of Graceful Repose, Lucas gains 5 percent life steal per rank in Live by the Sword.

Combat Rage : Disruption of Lucas's Graceful Repose enrages him, granting 5 percent more Power from damage taken per rank in Combat Rage.

Lucas will learn Graceful Repose when he reaches level 2. This vital ability is Lucas's primary means of recovering Hit Points, but it requires one full Power Sphere to activate—block enemy attacks to build Power, then activate Graceful Repose to begin recovering HP. (You also gain Power whenever you take damage.)

Both of Graceful Repose's proficiencies have merit. If you're new to Dungeon Siege III , max out Live by the Sword—25 percent of the damage that Lucas inflicts will then be transferred back to him as additional healing. Or rank up the Combat Rage proficiency to help Lucas regain Power much faster than normal—this will allow you to activate his Graceful Repose and other defensive abilities more often, and also comes in useful later in the adventure, when Lucas's abilities start to become empowered.

Heroic Charge

Lucas charges into battle, delivering a powerful strike. An empowered Heroic Charge knocks down Lucas's target and inflicts significantly more damage.

Proficiencies

Willful Charge : Lucas gains an additional 20 percent bonus Ability DPS (damage per second) per rank when using Heroic Charge.

Executioner's Charge : Heroic Charge automatically critically hits any target with less than 10 percent health; with two ranks in this proficiency, the critical hit is automatic on a target with less than 20 percent health, and so on with each additional rank.

While Shield Pummel plays its part in the early stages of Lucas's adventure, Heroic Charge soon becomes Lucas's go-to single-foe combat ability. This is because Heroic Charge boasts incredible single-target damage—purchase this ability after you've gained a few levels to obtain a useful weapon against powerful adversaries, such as bosses. Max out the Executioner's Charge proficiency and you'll always score critical hits when using Heroic Charge against weakened adversaries—this helps you bring down mighty foes with all speed. Or devote ranks to Willful Charge and add plenty of bonus damage to every Heroic Charge you unleash. Avoid spending many proficiency points on Shield Pummel—upgrade Blade Dash and Graceful Repose instead while you await the chance to purchase Heroic Charge.

Wind Shear

Lucas slashes through the air, creating a vortex that cuts through enemies in his path. After hitting eight enemies, the shear dissipates. When it's empowered, every enemy struck by Lucas's Wind Shear blast is knocked down.

Proficiencies

Wounding Gale : Wind Shear gains a 20 percent chance per rank in Wounding Gale to apply the bleeding status effect to opponents.

Slowing Shear : Creatures affected by Wind Shear are slowed by 10 percent per rank in Slowing Shear.

Wind Shear is Lucas's second-tier multi-foe combat ability, and it combines beautifully with its first-tier cousin, Blade Dash. Fully upgrade Wind Shear's Wounding Gale proficiency, along with Blade Dash's Hemorrhage proficiency, to deliver a lethal one-two anti-group assault: first unleash Wind Shear to cause damage and inflict enemies with bleeding status, then let loose with Blade Dash to cut all enemies down with vast amounts of Hemorrhage-based bonus damage!

Shield Wall

Lucas shrugs off blows by force of will, increasing armor by 20 percent for 30 seconds. Shield Wall's benefits are extended to the entire party when empowered.

Proficiencies

Deflecting Shield : While under the effects of Shield Wall, Lucas's Block value goes up 20 percent per rank in Deflecting Shield.

Reflexive Defenses : While under the effects of Shield Wall, Lucas reflects 10 percent per rank of melee damage inflicted upon him back to his attacker.

Shield Wall is a valuable defensive ability that helps Lucas hold the front line longer, even against overwhelming odds. Combine Shield Wall with Graceful Repose to transform Lucas into a nigh-unstoppable melee juggernaut. Max out the Reflexive Defenses proficiency to punish swarming enemies and slay them all the faster. Boost Deflecting Shield to block enemy attacks for longer periods without losing much Focus—this makes building Power much easier, which in turn lets you unleash defensive and empowered abilities more often.

Vanguard's Strike

Lucas leaps into the air and dives down, delivering a punishing attack. When empowered, Vanguard's Strike knocks down Lucas's target, as well as any nearby enemies.

Proficiencies

Vanguard's Gale : Vanguard's Strike pushes nearby enemies 1 meter and slows them by 10 percent for five seconds. Each additional rank adds 1 meter pushback and 10 percent slowness.

Valorous Renewal : When Lucas defeats an enemy with Vanguard's Strike, he regains 5 Focus per rank in Valorous Renewal.

Vanguard's Strike is Lucas's top-tier single-target combat ability. Think of it as a more powerful and versatile version of Shield Pummel—it can be used to punish powerful foes, or to slow and hamper enemies by pushing them back or knocking them down. While Vanguard's Strike has its advantages, stick with a fully upgraded Heroic Charge as your primary single-target combat ability—it's available much earlier and it inflicts tremendous damage when fully ranked.

Developer Commentary

This ability started its life as an animation for one of the First People enemies in the game. We liked it so much, we decided to do a more "Lucas-appropriate" version—and that became this ability.

– Nathaniel Chapman, Lead Designer

Earthrending Strike

Lucas slams his sword into the ground, causing an eruption of energy from the earth, damaging all enemies in a cone in front of him. An empowered Earthrending Strike extends in a full circle around Lucas and knocks down all affected enemies.

Proficiencies

Tremor : Enemies affected by Earthrending Strike have a 20 percent chance per rank in Tremor to be knocked down.

Magnitude : Each rank of Magnitude extends the range of Earthrending Strike by 2 meters.

Earthrending Strike is Lucas's top-tier multi-foe combat ability, and it's very effective at both wounding enemy groups and keeping them at bay. We recommend maxing out the Tremor proficiency to ensure you knock down all enemies struck by Earthrending Blast—this leaves multiple foes defenseless for several seconds while you recover Hit Points and pile on the damage.

Unbridled Wrath

Lucas taps into his inner wrath, regenerating 200 Focus over the next 30 seconds. The entire party benefits from Unbridled Wrath when the ability is empowered.

Proficiencies

Unstoppable Wrath : While under the effects of Unbridled Wrath, Lucas has a 20 percent chance per rank in Unstoppable Wrath to ignore interruption from enemy attacks.

Endless Wrath : While under the effects of Unbridled Wrath, Lucas's Focus regeneration is increased by an additional 10 percent per rank in Endless Wrath.

While active, this fantastic ability allows Lucas to use his combat abilities far more often in battle. Purchase Unbridled Wrath as soon as possible and spend points on its Endless Wrath proficiency to greatly enhance its Focus-restoring benefits. Unleash plenty of combat abilities while under the effects of Unbridled Wrath—don't let all that spare Focus go to waste!

Lucas' Talents

You've tough choices to make when deciding upon Lucas's talents, because so many are worthy of investment. Consider the abilities and proficiencies that you've chosen, and try to pick talents that best complement those selections. When in doubt, remember that Lucas's primary duty is to draw the enemy's aggression away from his comrades—favor talents that help keep him alive and fighting against all odds.

Devastating Criticals

Critical hits deal an additional 10 percent bonus damage per rank.

This is one of Lucas's best talents and pairs perfectly with his excellent Blade Dash ability when Blade Dash is upgraded with ranks in Lightning Strike. Upgrade Devastating Criticals as you upgrade Blade Dash to become an early bane of enemy groups.

Force of Will

Lucas gains 10 percent of his Will as Attack DPS. Each rank grants an additional 10 percent.

Force of Will is another exceptional talent that greatly enhances Lucas's damage output when fully upgraded. Max out Force of Will, then look for gear that boosts Lucas's Will. Normally, Will simply increases Ability DPS—but with Force of Will, it also significantly increases Lucas's regular attack damage, granting up to a 50 percent Attack DPS bonus! Force of Will makes Will a very valuable stat for Lucas to enhance, for doing so increases his damage output across the board.

Victory Rush

When Lucas defeats an opponent, there is a 4 percent chance per rank in Victory Rush that he will regain 10 percent of his health.

An easily overlooked talent, Victory Rush can help transform Lucas into an unstoppable killing machine. First, upgrade Lucas's multi-foe combat abilities, such as Blade Dash and Wind Shear, so that he becomes lethal to enemy groups. Then, with full ranks in Victory Rush, Lucas will enjoy a 20 percent chance of recovering significant HP each time he slays an enemy—this allows Lucas to quickly recover HP as he annihilates swarms of weaker foes.

Wrathful Might

Lucas receives a 4 percent bonus to attack per rank of Wrathful Might.

Damage seekers, look no further! Wrathful Might is an easy way to add up to 20 percent bonus damage to every normal attack Lucas unleashes. If no other talents seem particularly enticing, you can't go wrong by slotting a few ranks into Wrathful Might.

Focused Strikes

Lucas gains a 4 percent chance per rank in Focused Strikes to generate additional Focus when attacking enemies.

Focused Strikes is another worthy talent that can have Lucas gaining 5 bonus Focus Points each time he slaughters a foe. More Focus means Lucas can unleash his crushing combat abilities more often, so this is a worthy talent to invest in.

Rejuvenation

Whenever Lucas is healed, the amount of healing is increased by 4 percent per rank in Rejuvenation.

Keeping Lucas in good health is important, for his lack of ranged attacks forces him to do battle on the bloody front line. Fortunately, Lucas can recover HP in multiple ways—make sure to upgrade Rejuvenation so that each point of healing he receives is increased. This can help Lucas remain in the heat of battle for extended periods, which is not good for his adversaries.

Trade Master

Lucas is able to sell items for 4 percent more gold per rank in Trade Master.

With so many other valuable talents to invest in, Trade Master is easy to overlook. Consider this talent's usefulness at fattening Lucas's coin purse when selling goods to merchants, however. Loot is plentiful in Dungeon Siege III , and valuable items sell for respectable coin—a 20 percent boost in profit can be quite significant. More gold means better gear—an easy way for Lucas to greatly enhance his combat prowess.

Cull the Weak

Lucas gains an additional 2 percent chance per rank to critically hit enemies with less than one-third of their health remaining.

Cull the Weak can help Lucas cut down wounded adversaries with greater efficiency, which can mean the difference during tough battles. Lucas can increase his chances to inflict critical damage in multiple ways—stacking these can make him a lethally accurate swordsman.

Death Defying

Lucas gains a 7 percent chance per rank in Death Defying to shrug off attacks when he is under 25 percent health. Shrugged-off attacks deal no damage.

Death Defying offers Lucas a good chance of negating damage from attacks when near death. Depending on the abilities and talents you've previously upgraded, and how challenging you're finding Lucas's foes, this late-stage talent may or may not have its appeal. If you find Lucas is able to hold his own in most battles, then there's little need to invest in Death Defying. Spend points on this talent only if Lucas is commonly slain.

Focused Rage

Lucas gains a 5 percent chance per rank in Focused Rage to generate Focus when damaged by enemies.

Focused Rage pairs well with Lucas's many other talents and abilities that cause him to regenerate extra Focus, such as Focused Strikes and Unbridled Wrath. Place points in Focused Rage so that Lucas can unleash his mighty combat abilities even more often.

Party Planning

Lucas will first meet Anjali in Stormsong Cavern, followed by Katarina when his journey leads him into the swamps. Reinhart will join Lucas in Stonebridge (under certain conditions), much later in the adventure.

When playing as a character other than Lucas, consider the beneficial Deeds that Lucas can provide you when set as your active companion. Keep Lucas by your side and make choices during dialogue sequences that impress him. This will cause you to gain Influence with Lucas—and the more Influence you gain with Lucas, the more beneficial Deeds you will acquire.

Tier 1 Deed: Montbarron Ally
(2 Influence Gains)

You have earned the trust of Lucas Montbarron.

Player Gains: +2 Stamina

Tier 2 Deed: Loyal Guardian
(10 Influence Gains)

Lucas is impressed by the choices you have made, and you have earned his steadfast loyalty.

Player Gains: +3 Stamina

Tier 3 Deed: Comrade in Arms (15 Influence Gains)

Lucas regards you as a true exemplar of Legion principles. His loyalty to you is absolute.

Player Gains: +5 Stamina

Sample Builds

Consider the following sample builds of Lucas Montbarron—these are level-by-level examples of the abilities, proficiencies, and talents that one might invest in to make Lucas truly shine in battle.

Lucas—Tank Build

Lucas's talents and abilities can be upgraded to make him nearly impossible to slay, even when faced with overwhelming odds. Craft Lucas into this sort of "tank" so he can charge into the fray without fear, slaying hordes of weaker adversaries to recover health while keeping enemies occupied and drawing their ire away from Lucas's companion.

Stats to Max: Armor, Stamina, Block

Useful Chaos Effect(s): Vampire, Warding, Retribution, Weakening

Lucas—Focus Build

When properly upgraded, Lucas' talents and abilities can allow him to recover Focus at a fantastic rate. This allows Lucas to unleash his powerful offensive abilities far more often, annihilating enemies with furious multi-foe assaults.

Stats to Max: Attack, Will, Armor, Stamina

Useful Chaos Effect(s): Bloodletting, Momentum