SD) Sierra Mikain (Suikoden II)

Art by Ferilily

"It's quite easy to throw your own life away...

However, you must think of all who will mourn if you do!"

Introduced in Suikoden II, Sierra is the Tenei Star, which generally serves as the "Sworn Protector", often protecting the protagonist or some other character, usually willing to risk their lives for them. Sierra wields the Moon Rune, one of the 27 True Runes, which form the backbone of the Suikoden universe which allow it to exist. The intense power connected to the True Runes has led to many conflicts, though by the time we're introduced to her, Sierra has wielded the Moon Rune for over 800 years. Representing destruction and compassion, the Moon Rune turns those who bear it into a vampire, and it carries a great curse by dominating their mind until they gain mastery over it.

Though unable to call upon its power in battle, the Rune makes Sierra immune to aging, bloodlust, religious figures and artifacts, as well as sunlight. Despite having once been human, she regards humans as being inferior to vampires, only bothering to ask for names once she's been thoroughly impressed. In her original game, she joins with the player's forces to aid in taking down Neclord, who had stolen the Moon Rune from her. After having defeating Neclord and being reunited with the Moon Rune, she sticks with the group to repay them for their aid, as well as a sense of curiosity. Despite being a vampire herself, she is determined to stop renegade vampires that wish to cause suffering to humans.

In combat, she primarily relies on her magic, though she can also attack with her claws. She's a somewhat fragile character, serving mainly as a glass cannon. She's capable of using the Unite Attack known as "Servant Attack", which sees her drain life from her allies in order to command them to attack an enemy for her, though this is limited to those of a weaker mind. Though capable of turning into a white bat, she only does so upon being knocked out. Though she could likely take the form at will, this is never shown and its effectiveness in battle or for mobility is never made clear.

In Shattered Destinies, she would likely view the reality shattering event with a detached curiosity, initially being more inclined to observe than to act. Still, she would likely try to protect those who are either powerless or those who pique her interest. She would likely battle the party initially, if only to gauge their strength and resolve. Once impressed, she would join the group, seeing it as a way to help protect those who cannot do so themselves.

She would initially view the party as being inferior to her, which would likely cause a bit of friction with a few of the more prideful members. She would likely gravitate toward Minthara, who shares a similar view and who is likely the closest in age to her, though only barely in the grand scheme of things. She would also develop a fascination with Fenris, whose abilities and demeanor make him a unique creature. Though he would allow her to prove herself, Fenris would be exceptionally wary of Sierra due to her use of magic and her being a vampire. Though she may dance around the subject, Sierra isn't known to hide her vampiric nature, and her forthrightness regarding the subject would most likely come as a surprise to the party. Still, once driven to action, there is no denying Sierra's loyalty and dedication to a cause she views as just.