Fiore dei Liberi

Overview

Fiore dei Liberi is an Eidolon swordmaster and one of The Seven Blades, the legendary warriors who accompanied The Drifter to the City of Scholars. He was an Italian fencing master, son of Benedetto dei Liberi, who served as diplomat, free noble, mercenary, and master of the dueling arts.

Appearance

Fiore manifested as a towering man with long brown hair beneath a wide-brimmed hat topped with a white feather, sporting a magnificent curled mustache and thin goatee. His attire included an elegant blue doublet, white ruffled shirt, remarkably polished high boots, an exquisitely made rapier, and an enormous red rose in his buttonhole. Kojo Oduro later admitted responsibility for influencing this musketeer aesthetic, having read too many books about Musketeers during leave on The Ouroboros. The look reflected Kojo’s imagination rather than historical accuracy, though Kojo acknowledged Fiore’s style was “the complete opposite of humble.”

Historical Identity

Fiore dei Liberi was an Italian master of arms and fencing whose expertise made him worthy of inclusion among The Seven Blades. His father was Benedetto dei Liberi. Like the other members of the Seven Blades, Fiore’s individual name was forgotten over centuries, surviving only in the collective title until Atsadi rediscovered it through research.

Imprisonment in the City of Scholars

The Drifter asked Fiore to remain behind in the City of Scholars as a sacrifice. The Drifter imprisoned Fiore within a stone sepulcher in the city’s memory library, promising that one day a worthy opponent would come to challenge him. Fiore accepted this fate willingly, stating he could wait an eternity for the promised duel against the worthiest of opponents.

Awakening and Duel with Atsadi

393 AC - Manifestation

When Atsadi and Kojo Oduro entered the cylindrical memory chamber in the City of Scholars, Fiore’s Eidolon form awakened from centuries of slumber. He introduced himself formally: “Fiore dei Liberi, son of Benedetto dei Liberi. Diplomat, free noble, mercenary, and master of the dueling arts. Knight of the Seven Blades.”

393 AC - The Duel

Fiore recognized Atsadi as the one promised by The Drifter and eagerly accepted his challenge. He requested time to warm up and test the rapier Atsadi’s imagination had provided, noting that “Maupin” (referring to Julie d’Aubigny) usually fought with such blades.

The duel took place in the pit of the memory chamber. Fiore demonstrated flawless technique—impeccable guard, perfect stance, and unbreakable defense. He exploited Atsadi’s one-armed handicap and his mortality as tactical advantages, testing the swordsman with various techniques including molinello attacks and De Liancour maneuvers.

Despite his technical superiority, Fiore was defeated when Atsadi revealed his true nature as an Alterer, erupting in flames. The battle devastated the chamber—cracking the floor, shattering stone steles, and fissuring walls. Had Fiore been mortal, the final blow would have been fatal.

393 AC - Aftermath

After his defeat, Fiore examined the gaping tear in his coat with courteous calm. He honored the terms of their wager by revealing two names of fellow Seven Blades members: Julie d’Aubigny and Joseph Bologne. He then faded away, but not before removing his hat and giving a pedantic bow.

Fighting Style

Fiore displayed mastery of classical European fencing techniques. During the duel he employed:

• Disengagement and counter-attacks
• Molinello (circular cuts)
• Coupé maneuvers
• Environmental tactics using stone steles for cover
• Exploitation of opponent weaknesses

He demonstrated knowledge of multiple fencing masters and traditions, referencing Giganti’s stoccata lunga and De Liancour’s techniques during combat.

Relationships

• The Drifter: Leader who imprisoned Fiore in the City of Scholars, promising a worthy opponent would come
• The Seven Blades: One of seven legendary swordsmen who accompanied The Drifter
• Atsadi: Defeated Fiore in duel, received names of Julie d’Aubigny and Joseph Bologne (393 AC)
• Julie d’Aubigny: Fellow Seven Blades member; Fiore noted she “usually fights with rapiers”
• Joseph Bologne: Fellow Seven Blades member whose name Fiore revealed after defeat
• Kojo Oduro: Witnessed Fiore’s awakening and duel with Atsadi (393 AC)
• Benedetto dei Liberi: Father