Arlan Strauss

Arlan Strauss is the current Director of the Maridian Institute of Defense. Despite his retirement from fighting, he is still considered among the finest swordsmen in the world.

Early Life
Arlan was the fourth of six children born to Rolland and Lucia Strauss. Because Rolland operated the forge in service of several lords of Genestria, Arlan spent much of his childhood surrounded by steel. For his labor at the smith by night, the Genestrian lords paid him with an education and sword fighting lessons by day.

In the famine of the winter of 1447, the people of Genestria revolted against the lords of the city. Although the rebellion was crushed, several noble families were defeated, including the few that the Strausses served. Liberated, Arlan left home with the hope of making a difference in the world like those who died fighting for his freedom. He knew from the Genestrian lord's hatred of Maridia that that was the place that he needed to go.

Maridian Institute of Defense
Arlan rose to the rank of Commander in 1458. Despite being the most formidable leader when the posts of Director and Lord Commander opened in 1461, he was only granted the position of Director. The position of Lord Commander remained vacant until it was granted to his apprentice, Shi-ka Wen, in 1464, at which time she also assumed the position of Director. Following her death in 1468, he arose to both positions.