As a child, the rescue of his brother from certain death made Athelstan realize that his life's work would be to do good for others: protecting the weak, bringing order to chaos and defending the deep convictions instilled by a loving family. He could be nothing other than a paladin, living his life with righteous enthusiasm. In another man, this bold self-confidence would seem arrogant, but without it he would not be Athelstan. He has become the role-model for an entire generation of youngsters in his homeland, more well-known than even its rulers. Although his knightly vows do not prohibit marriage, he is shy with women and so stresses the avoidance of unnecessary temptation (especially complicated by his feelings for the beautiful magicuser Triladir). Athelstan considers undead to be the greatest abomination inflicted on the world and seeks to destroy them with single-minded determination. Unfortunately for his compatriots, the paladin often lets his emotions dictate his actions.