General Lu

Lore & Background

Throughout the conflict, General Lu remains loyal to the Republic's chain of command even as morale fractures among the lower ranks. He is often depicted in strategic councils where military necessity clashes with political expediency. His presence underscores the difficulty faced by conventional soldiers when pitted against the supernatural capabilities wielded by warlocks and the overwhelming industrial might of their enemies.

In Their Own Story

The map on the table was stained with tea and old ink, marking lines that had already been crossed in blood. General Lu stood over it, his uniform crisp despite the dust choking the command tent outside. He traced a finger along the northern border, where the Xianzhou advance threatened to swallow another province whole. 'We hold here,' he said, though his voice lacked the conviction of a man who had seen too many retreats. Around him, aides shuffled papers that were already obsolete before they could be read.

Reader's Guide

General Lu serves as part of the military opposition Rin encounters during her rise through the ranks and subsequent rebellion. He represents the institutional inertia of the Nankin Republic, often acting as an obstacle or a witness to the shifting power dynamics. His key relationships are primarily with other high-ranking officers within the Republic's chain of command, bound by duty rather than personal loyalty. He is distinct from the revolutionary forces that eventually overthrow the old order. Ultimately, General Lu's fate is tied to the collapse of the Nankin Republic's military authority. As the war turns against them and the political center crumbles, his position becomes untenable, symbolizing the end of an era for the traditional army.

Did You Know?

• General Lu commands troops within the conventional Nankin Army structure rather than the specialized magical units.
• His tenure overlaps with the period when Rin Jiao is manipulating military outcomes from behind the scenes.
• He represents one of many officers struggling to maintain discipline during the Republic's decline.