Ash Lambert

The protagonist of Vandal Hearts and leader of the resistance against tyranny.

Table of contents

  1. Overview
  2. Background Story
    1. The Truth About His Father
    2. The Journey Begins
  3. Class Progression
    1. Hero (Starting Class)
    2. Champion (First Advancement)
    3. Paragon (Second Advancement)
    4. Vandalier (Ultimate Class)
  4. Strategic Analysis
    1. Usefulness Rating
    2. Strengths
    3. Weaknesses
  5. Strategy & Tips
    1. Leveling Strategy
    2. Combat Usage
    3. Equipment Priorities
  6. Trials of Toroah
  7. Quotes
  8. Related Pages

Overview

Attribute Details
Age 24
Starting Class Hero (Level 5)
Class Path Hero → Champion → Paragon → Vandalier*
Joins Starting character
Unique Only character with Hero class line

* Vandalier class requires completing all six Trials of Toroah

Background Story

Ash Lambert grew up believing he was the son of a traitor. When everyone looked down on him, Clive Beckett helped him for reasons unknown. Despite his deceased father’s status, Ash was able to rise to the position of Platoon Leader in the Ishtaria Security Forces.

His skills were so exceptional that his name caught the attention of many, including Kane (Defense Minister Hel Spites’ son and commander of the Crimson Guard), who considers Ash a rival that needs to be “dealt with.”

The Truth About His Father

In truth, Ash’s father was never a traitor. He sought to safeguard the life of Arris the Sage from an assassination attempt and was labeled a traitor so others could use it as political leverage.

The Journey Begins

When Ash is sent to investigate the disappearance of General Magnus, one of Ishtaria’s most respected war heroes, he uncovers a hidden coup d’état by Hel Spites and Dolf Crowley. He falls victim to the power of the Magic Stone, sending him into Time Limbo.

When he reemerges three years into the future, Hel rules as emperor. Ash leads his allies to correct the state of affairs. During the course of events, Dolf assassinates Hel and usurps power for himself.

With limited options, Ash journeys north to obtain the Vandal Heart, a power capable of pacifying the Flames of Judgement, preparing for his final confrontation to end the madness.

Class Progression

Hero (Starting Class)

  • Advancement Level: Level 1
  • Base Stats: Balanced physical and magical capabilities
  • Equipment: Swords, light armor
  • Spells:
    • Faerie Light (healing, 2 MP)
    • Ice Storm (attack, 4 MP)

Champion (First Advancement)

  • Advancement Level: Level 10
  • Stat Bonuses: Improved attack and defense
  • New Spells:
    • Rolling Fire (attack magic, range 2/field 1, 8 MP)
    • Faerie Star (healing, level 18, 5 MP)

Paragon (Second Advancement)

  • Advancement Level: Level 20
  • Stat Bonuses: Further stat improvements
  • New Spell:
    • Delta Mirage (attack magic, level 23, 10 MP)

Vandalier (Ultimate Class)

  • Requirement: Complete all six Trials of Toroah
  • Advancement Level: After Paragon, at any Dojo
  • Special: Access to EVERY spell in the game
  • Equipment: Exclusive ultimate equipment
    • Vandal Heart (sword, 40 ATK)
    • Vandal Helm
    • Vandal Armor
  • Unique Spells (Available only as Vandalier):
    • Plasma Wave (damages every enemy on board, 15 MP)
    • Life Orb (restores all HP & MP, 0 MP cost!)

Strategic Analysis

Usefulness Rating

Class Stage Rating Notes
Hero 8/10 Strong balanced class
Champion 8/10 Versatile offensive options
Paragon 8/10 Solid throughout
Vandalier 10/10 Most powerful class in game

Ratings from Jeff Chan’s Character & Job Class Guide

Strengths

  1. Versatile Spell Selection: Mix of healing and attack magic
  2. Strong Physical Combat: Matches normal characters hit-for-hit
  3. Anti-Armor Capability: Spells effective against heavily armored enemies
  4. Ultimate Potential: Vandalier class makes Ash unstoppable

Weaknesses

  1. Game Over Risk: If Ash falls in battle, it’s instant defeat
  2. Trial Dependency: Keeping Ash low-level for easier Trials limits his usefulness
  3. Required Deployment: Can’t bench him even if you want to

Strategy & Tips

Leveling Strategy

For Trial Completion: Keep Ash as your LOWEST level character until all Trials are complete. Trial enemy levels scale based on Ash’s level only.

Recommended Approach:

  1. Use Ash minimally in battles before completing all Trials
  2. Let other characters do the heavy lifting
  3. Position Ash safely in the back lines
  4. After obtaining all six Prisms, advance to Vandalier and let him dominate

Combat Usage

As Hero/Champion/Paragon:

  • Use Ice Storm and Rolling Fire against groups of enemies
  • Save Faerie Light/Faerie Star for emergencies
  • Position in mid-range (not frontline tank, not back-row support)
  • Protect him carefully (his death = game over)

As Vandalier:

  • Spam Plasma Wave to damage all enemies simultaneously
  • Use Life Orb for full party recovery (it’s free!)
  • Lead from the front - he’s nearly indestructible
  • Access to enemy-exclusive spells like Kane’s Plasma Wave

Equipment Priorities

  1. Early Game: Keep him equipped with best available swords and armor
  2. Mid Game: Balance defense and attack based on positioning
  3. Late Game: Save best equipment for after Vandalier advancement

Trials of Toroah

Ash must equip each Key and enter a Dojo to access the six Trials. See the Trials of Toroah section for detailed strategies.

Keys Required:

  1. Nova Key → Nova Prism
  2. Earth Key → Earth Prism
  3. Mana Key → Mana Prism
  4. Chaos Key → Chaos Prism
  5. Logos Key → Logos Prism
  6. Heaven Key → Heaven Prism

Missing even ONE Prism means you cannot advance Ash to Vandalier class. Plan accordingly!

Quotes

“I won’t run away anymore. I’ll fight for what I believe in!”

“My father wasn’t a traitor… and I’ll prove it!”

Copyright © Konami Co., Ltd. | Guide compiled from FAQs by Jeff Chan, Lancel0t, Shotgunnova, Syonyx, Richard Uyeyama, and Wolverine Inc.