| Sir Astral | |
 | |
| Vital statistics | |
| Race | Human |
| Class | NPC |
| Gender | Male |
| Faction | Ally and tutor to the Shining Force |
| Birthplace | Possibly Granseal |
| Relatives | Unknown |
| Appearances | Shining Force II, Comics |
Sir Astral is a non-playable character (or NPC) in Shining Force II. Astral is a 70-year-old human male. Although a non-playable character, Astral's actions are nevertheless central to the plot of the game, and even though he is not a member of the Shining Force, he is their greatest ally.
Background
Nothing is revealed of Astral's family or earlier life, although it is said that throughout his life he has traveled throughout the world of Rune and had many adventures and was even a great warrior in his youth. During the events of the game, Astral is already some seventy years old, marked by his gnarled features and flowing white beard. He is now well beyond the age of physical combat, and thus he is never a fighting member of the Shining Force, although he has spent a greater part of his later life in books and study becoming one of the greatest receptacles of knowledge in all of Rune, and he shares this knowledge and wisdom with the Force as an advisor.
Astral has gained his name for his affinity for the ethereal, and also magic, although Astral rarely makes a display of his prowess in magical ability. More so, Astral is renowned all over Grans Island for his exceptional wisdom, and he has been knighted by King Granseal for whom he occasionally acts for in the capacity of an adviser or counselor despite the fact that the King already has official advisers - Astral's guidance is second to none. Astral is even well known and respected in the Kingdom of Galam. At the beginning of the game, Astral is in charge of the school in Granseal, where he departs his wisdom and knowledge to the youths of Granseal. He also teaches something of his knowledge of combat gained in his youth to his pupils, and something of his magic to Bowie and Sarah, sowing the seeds of the Shining Force.
Astral in the game
Personality
Although very wise, Sir Astral is a bit absent minded. He is regarded with great esteem by all of those in Granseal.
Trivia
- Astral seems to be based off of Gandalf from Lord of the Rings who was in turn based on the Nordic god Odin. This can be seen with their wide brimmed hat, long beard, robes, walking staff, skills in magic and role as the wise mentor/teacher.
- He also says a variation on Gandalf's "You Shall Not Pass!" to the Gizmo when confronting it!
Powers & Magic
Something of a magician, Astral nonetheless rarely displays his magical abilities. He is capable of various feats, such as creating fireballs for offense, although such an act drains Astral due the energy and concentration required by such an elderly man. Astral is more so capable of defensive magic, such as exorcising demonic entities from possessed individuals, although this too is an exhausting act for Astral. Astral is capable of sensing potential within youths, and is also adept at bringing out this potential, and is the reason why he eventually sets up a school in Granseal.
Quotes
- "Bowie, take it easy"
- "I've never experienced anything like this in my seventy years of life" - Astral when inside the Nazca Ship as it takes to the skies.