Clint Picard
The calm, level-headed soldier whose quiet strength anchors Ash’s party through tragedy and triumph.
Table of contents
- Overview
- Personality & Character
- Background & Story
- Relationships
- Combat Role & Strategy
- Character Development Arcs
- Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Gameplay Recommendations
- FAQ Authors’ Perspectives
- Trivia & Additional Notes
- Recommended for Players Who Like
- Next Steps
Overview
Clint Picard is one of Ash’s closest companions and a founding member of the resistance. A soldier in the Ishtarian Domestic Security Force, Clint serves as the party’s voice of reason - calm, analytical, and perceptive where others rush ahead.
Quick Stats
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 27 years old |
| Starting Class | Soldier |
| Joins Party | Start of game (Chapter 1, Section 1) |
| Starting Level | 4 |
| Japanese Name | Keith Bardeaux (キース・バルドー) |
Personality & Character
Core Traits
Calm and Level-Headed
- The antithesis of Diego’s impulsiveness
- Rarely acts without thinking things through
- Voice of reason when tensions run high
Keen Observer
- Usually the first to understand the true implications of events
- Very well-informed about political situations
- Possesses sharp analytical mind
Solitary but Loyal
- Somewhat closed-off emotionally
- Deeply respectful of authority
- Outspoken against injustice
- Fiercely loyal to friends
“Respectful of authority, and outspoken against injustice.” - Syonyx
Background & Story
Tragic Past
Traumatic Event: Clint witnessed his lover murdered in front of his eyes by someone with a grudge against him.
Impact:
- Unable to stop the murder despite being present
- Left him feeling powerless and weak
- Created deep-seated fear of helplessness
- As a result, worries constantly about others’ reckless behavior
Character Development:
- This tragedy shaped his cautious, protective nature
- Explains his concern when Ash or Diego act impulsively
- Drives his desire to be strong enough to protect those he cares about
Journey Through the Story
Chapter 1: Initial Mission
- Serves under Ash in platoon
- Investigates General Magnus’s disappearance
- Uncovers the brewing coup by Hel and Dolf
Chapter 2: The Time Rift
- Present at Castle Ruins when Magnus and Dolf clash
- Witnesses creation of space/time rift
- Captured when Ash falls into time void
- Taken prisoner by Hel Spites
Chapter 3: Three Years of Imprisonment
- Held in prison for 3 years under Hel’s regime
- Shares cell with Eleni and Amon
- Endures torture and interrogation
- Meets old man Darius in captivity
Critical Event: Kira Wulfstan, overcome with guilt, helps Clint and the others escape from prison.
Chapter 3-5: Resistance Fighter
- Rescued by Ash’s timely return
- Rejoins party after prison break
- Fights in resistance against Dolf
- Witnesses Ash’s transformation with Vandal Heart
Chapter 6: Final Battles
- Confronts Kane and Xeno
- Learns the truth about Ash’s father (Aldor)
- Final push to stop Dolf and the Flames of Judgement
Relationships
With Ash Lambert
- Role: Trusted subordinate and closest friend
- Dynamic: Clint’s caution balances Ash’s determination
- Loyalty: Unwavering faith in Ash’s leadership
With Diego Renault
- Role: Perfect foil/counterbalance
- Dynamic: Clint’s calm vs. Diego’s impetuousness
- Tension: Friendly rivalry, complementary personalities
With Kira Wulfstan
- Initial: Trusts her as comrade (unaware she’s a spy)
- Betrayal: Captured partly due to her actions
- Redemption: Quickly forgives her when she helps them escape
- Final: Mutual respect after she proves herself
With Huxley & Eleni
- Prison Bond: Shared 3 years of captivity together
- Protection: Feels responsible for their safety
- Dynamic: Protective older brother figure
Combat Role & Strategy
Class Progression
Soldier Path:
- Lv.1-9: Soldier
- Lv.10: Advances to Swordsman or Guardsman
- Lv.20: Advances to Duelist or Dragoon
Recommended Class Path
Knight Path (Recommended)
Soldier → Swordsman → Duelist
Why Knight/Duelist:
- Balanced offensive and defensive capabilities
- Good mobility (better than Armor path)
- Access to powerful sword techniques
- Can wear heavy armor while maintaining speed
Avoid Armor Path! Multiple FAQ authors rate Armor/Guardsman as 1/10 due to terrible mobility. Keep Clint on the Knight path for optimal performance.
Battle Tactics
Early Game (Soldier)
Role: Front-line fighter
- Position in front of mages and healers
- Absorb damage with armor
- Physical attacks on enemies
- Block chokepoints
Equipment Priority:
- Best available sword
- Heavy armor (Chain Mail → Scale Mail)
- Iron/Steel Helm
Mid Game (Swordsman/Duelist)
Role: Mobile heavy hitter
- Strike hard and fast
- Flank enemy formations
- Take on tough enemies (bosses, armored units)
- Protect ranged units
Equipment Priority:
- Great Sword → Master Sword
- Kevlar Armor
- Dragon Helm
Late Game (Duelist)
Role: Elite frontline warrior
- One of your strongest physical attackers
- Can solo tough enemies
- Excellent tanking capabilities
- High damage output
Equipment Priority:
- Master Sword (best non-unique sword)
- Best heavy armor available
- Dragon Helm or Royal Crown
Party Composition Tips
Clint Pairs Well With:
- Ash - Dual frontline fighters
- Eleni/Zohar - Protects mages from melee
- Huxley/Sara - Stays in healing range
- Archers - Creates space for ranged attacks
Optimal Formation:
[Archer] [Archer]
[Healer] [Mage] [Healer]
[Clint] [Ash] [Diego/Grog]
Character Development Arcs
Arc 1: The Powerless Soldier (Past)
Theme: Tragedy and helplessness
- Lost his lover to violence
- Could not protect someone he loved
- Haunted by feelings of weakness
Arc 2: The Captured (Chapter 2-3)
Theme: Endurance and survival
- Three years in prison
- Maintains hope despite torture
- Bonds with fellow prisoners
Arc 3: The Freed Warrior (Chapter 3-5)
Theme: Second chances
- Rescued by Ash’s return
- Given chance to fight back
- No longer helpless - now empowered
Arc 4: The Veteran (Chapter 5-6)
Theme: Wisdom and strength
- Understands the cost of war
- Provides counsel to younger members
- Has grown from tragedy into strength
Quotes & Memorable Moments
Clint’s Wisdom
Clint is “usually first to understand true effects and impacts of events.” His insights often drive the plot forward.
Key Story Moments
Chapter 1 Scenes:
- Discussions about Clint’s mysterious past
- Referenced as having a tragic history
Chapter 3 Prison Escape:
- Kira’s redemption through helping Clint escape
- Reunion with Ash after 3 years
Chapter 6 Revelation:
- Learning the truth about Ash’s father Aldor
- Clive’s confession about killing Aldor
- Ash’s father was NOT a traitor
Gameplay Recommendations
Leveling Strategy
Early Game (Ch. 1-2):
- Use Clint extensively - reliable fighter
- Advance to Swordsman at Level 10
- Focus on STR and DEF stat growth
Mid Game (Ch. 3-4):
- Continue Knight path progression
- Advance to Duelist at Level 20
- Equip best swords and heavy armor
Late Game (Ch. 5-6):
- Clint should be Level 28-32
- Fully equipped with Master-tier gear
- One of your strongest physical units
Equipment Progression
| Chapter | Weapon | Armor | Helm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ch. 1-2 | Iron Sword → Long Sword | Chain Mail → Scale Mail | Iron Helm |
| Ch. 3-4 | Steel Sword → Great Sword | Scale Mail → Kevlar | Steel Mask → Dragon Helm |
| Ch. 5-6 | Great Sword → Master Sword | Kevlar → Best available | Dragon Helm |
FAQ Authors’ Perspectives
Jeff Chan (Atom Edge)
Focus: Character background and tragedy
- Emphasizes Clint’s traumatic past
- Notes his cautious nature stems from loss
- Highlights his role as Ash’s trusted advisor
Syonyx
Focus: Gameplay characteristics
- “Solitary and closed, possesses quiet strength”
- Recommends Knight path over Armor
- Notes his analytical personality
Uyeyama
Focus: Game data
- Age: 27 years old
- Japanese name: Keith Bardeaux
- Starting level and statistics
Trivia & Additional Notes
Name Differences
- US/Canada: Clint Picard
- Japan: Keith Bardeaux (キース・バルドー)
- Completely different names between versions
Age & Experience
- 27 years old - Older than Ash (24) but younger than Grog (26)
- Second-oldest of the original trio
- Most emotionally mature despite Ash being leader
Character Archetype
- The “wise advisor” / “cautious friend”
- Common JRPG archetype: logical counterpoint to impulsive hero
- Diego completes the trio (reckless counterpoint)
Story Role
- Catalyst for Kira’s redemption - His imprisonment drives her guilt
- Bridge between timelines - Experiences both pre- and post-timeskip
- Voice of the player - Often voices questions players are thinking
Recommended for Players Who Like
✓ Strategic, thoughtful characters ✓ Tragic backstories with growth ✓ Reliable frontline fighters ✓ Character-driven storytelling ✓ “Lancer” archetype (hero’s right hand)
Next Steps
- Continue reading about Diego Renault - Clint’s opposite
- Review Knight Class Guide for Clint’s optimal path
- Check the Walkthrough to see Clint’s story moments
- Plan your Party Composition around Clint’s strengths
“Calm in the storm, strong in the fight.”
Clint Picard - The Steadfast Soldier