House Osborne

The iron-willed chancellor who reshaped an empire.

The Jive Master · CC BY-SA 4.0

Chancellor Giliath Osborne is the leader of the Reformist faction within the Erebonian Empire, as depicted in The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel. He is the head of the Imperial government and a central figure in the power struggle between the aristocratic Nobles and the working class Reformists. Osborne is described as the leader of the Reformists, and his attempted assassination by Crow Armbrust occurs after the Erebonian Civil War has ended during a speech about the annexation of Crossbell. He survives this attempt, only to die later during the Great Twilight. He is also the father of protagonist Rean Schwarzer, who was adopted into a noble family after being taken in by the Schwarzer family.

Quick Facts

Leader: Chancellor Giliath Osborne
Debut title: The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel I
Key ally: The Imperial Army and Reformist Faction

Lore & Background

Chancellor Giliath Osborne is the leader of the Reformist faction in the Erebonian Empire, a position that puts him at the center of the political conflict between the aristocratic Nobles and the working class. His policies and actions are a primary driver of the game's plot, as the power struggle between his Reformists and the Noble Alliance escalates into the Erebonian Civil War. After that war ends, Osborne is shot by Crow Armbrust—revealed as the masked leader 'C' of the Imperial Liberation Front—during a speech about the annexation of Crossbell.

While his apparent death shocks the Empire, it does not trigger the civil war, which has already concluded. In truth, Osborne survives this assassination attempt and continues his schemes, ultimately meeting his end later during the Great Twilight. Osborne's influence is felt throughout the game, as Class VII's field studies expose them to the reality of the Empire under his leadership, though they ultimately oppose his methods and goals.

Reader's Guide

Chancellor Giliath Osborne is the leader of the Reformist faction in the Erebonian Empire. He is a key figure in the political landscape, leading the Reformists against the aristocratic Nobles who command the Provincial Army. His assassination by Crow Armbrust, the leader of the Imperial Liberation Front, during a speech about Crossbell's independence, sparks a civil war. Osborne is also the father of Rean Schwarzer, the protagonist of Trails of Cold Steel. Rean is a commoner who was later adopted into a noble family. The game's plot revolves around Class VII's experiences in this political turmoil, as they witness the conflict between the Nobles and Reformists firsthand. Osborne's death is a major turning point, leading to the invasion of Trista and Rean's awakening as a pilot of the Divine Knight Valimar.