Eleni Dunbar
The powerful young mage whose stubborn determination and mystical connection span across time itself.
Table of contents
- Overview
- Personality & Character
- Background & Story
- Relationships
- Combat Role & Strategy
- Character Development Arcs
- The Time Loop Explained
- Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Gameplay Recommendations
- FAQ Authors’ Perspectives
- Trivia & Additional Notes
- Recommended for Players Who Like
- Spell Priorities
- Next Steps
Overview
Eleni Dunbar is the party’s primary offensive mage and one of the most pivotal characters in Vandal Hearts. Orphaned by war and adopted by General Magnus Dunbar, Eleni wields powerful magic while harboring a mysterious connection to the past that becomes central to the game’s plot.
Quick Stats
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 19 years old |
| Starting Class | Mage |
| Joins Party | Chapter 1, Section 3 (Palace Ruins) |
| Starting Level | 7 |
| Japanese Name | Elina Sorn (エリナ・ソーン) |
Personality & Character
Core Traits
Stubborn and Determined
- Once she decides on a course of action, nothing stops her
- Willful and independent
- Won’t be kept out of danger or “protected”
- Makes her own decisions
Powerful Magic User
- Exceptional talent at young age
- One of strongest mages in Sostegaria
- Natural affinity for arcane arts
- Frightening potential
Emotionally Driven
- Deep love for adoptive father Magnus
- Loyalty to those she cares about
- Can be headstrong when emotions run high
- Passionate about justice
“A powerful magic user at a young age, she is stubborn when she decides on a course of action.” - Syonyx
Background & Story
The War Orphan
Tragic Origin: Eleni’s parents were killed in war, leaving her as an orphan with no known origins.
Discovery:
- Found as war orphan 15 years before game starts
- No clues to her origins or family
- No one knew where she came from
- Would remain mystery… until much later
Adoption:
- General Magnus Dunbar found and adopted her
- Gave her love, home, and family
- Not blood-related, but deeply bonded
- Magnus hired Huxley Hobbes as her tutor
Name Connection: In the US version, both are “Dunbar.” In Japanese, both are “Sorn” - emphasizing family bond despite lack of blood relation.
The Time Loop Mystery
Major Spoiler: Eleni’s true identity is revealed in Chapter 5!
The Truth:
- Eleni is actually Leena from the past
- Leena = young girl in Frontier Village (Chapter 5)
- Time travel caused by Vandal Heart and space/time magic
- Eleni IS the orphan from 15 years ago…
- …because she traveled back in time and lost her memory
The Revelation (Chapter 5):
- Party meets young Leena in Frontier Village
- Leena has uncanny mastery of mystical arts
- Leena quickly befriends Eleni (herself!)
- When Vandal Heart is used, Leena is pulled through time
- Leena becomes the orphan “Eleni” that Magnus found
- Closed time loop - Eleni’s origin explained
Mind-Bending: Eleni befriends her younger self without knowing it. The orphan Magnus found 15 years ago was Leena from the future/present.
Journey Through the Story
Chapter 1: Left Alone
- Magnus sent to investigate Magic Stone
- Eleni and Huxley left to their own devices
- Initial mistrust of Ash’s party
- Eventually joins to search for Magnus
Chapter 2: The Castle Ruins
- Present when Magnus and Dolf clash
- Witnesses creation of space/time rift
- Arrested as traitor when Hel’s coup succeeds
- Magnus proclaimed enemy of state
Chapter 2-3: Three Years of Prison
- Held captive for 3 years with Clint
- Endures interrogation and hardship
- Maintains hope despite circumstances
- Learns of Magnus’s death while imprisoned
Devastating News: During captivity, Eleni learns that Magnus was killed. This crushes her spirit.
Chapter 3: The Escape
- Kira’s guilt leads to prison break
- Rescued by Ash’s timely return
- Reunites with Huxley
- Prison destroyed behind them
Chapter 4-5: The Quest
- Fights in resistance against Dolf
- Searches for way to defeat tyranny
- Journeys to Frontier Village
- Meets Leena (her past self!)
Chapter 5: The Revelation
- Witnesses Leena pulled through time
- Realizes the orphan Magnus found was Leena
- Understands she IS Leena from the past
- Comes to terms with her origins
Chapter 6: Final Battles
- Armed with truth about herself
- Fights to stop Dolf’s madness
- Honors Magnus’s memory
- Sees journey to completion
Relationships
With Magnus Dunbar (Adoptive Father)
- Bond: Deep love despite no blood relation
- Role: Father figure, protector, mentor
- Loss: His death devastates her
- Legacy: Fights to honor his memory and justice
With Huxley Hobbes (Tutor)
- Role: Teacher and guardian
- Dynamic: Huxley tries to keep her out of trouble (fails often)
- Bond: Like family - he’s her grandfather figure
- Prison: Shared 3 years of captivity together
With Ash Lambert
- Initial: Mistrust (stranger investigating Magnus)
- Growth: Develops trust and friendship
- Role: Comrades in shared cause
- Dynamic: Both lost father figures, fight for justice
With Leena (Her Past Self)
- Meeting: Befriends young girl in Frontier Village
- Connection: Immediate bond (unknowingly herself)
- Revelation: Realizes Leena is her younger self
- Impact: Understanding of her origins
With the Party
- Role: Powerful magical support
- Impact: Her spells often turn tide of battle
- Personality: Stubborn, but they come to appreciate it
Combat Role & Strategy
Class Progression
Mage Path:
- Lv.1-9: Mage
- Lv.10: Advances to Sorcerer or Monk
- Lv.20: Advances to Enchanter or Ninja
Recommended Class Path
Mage Path (Strongly Recommended)
Mage → Sorcerer → Enchanter
Why Pure Mage:
- Rated 10/10 by multiple FAQ authors (highest rating!)
- Devastating area-of-effect spells
- Can eliminate groups of enemies
- Essential for difficult battles
- Monk path wastes her potential
DO NOT go Monk path! Eleni’s strength is powerful magic. The Monk path dilutes this into hybrid healing/magic. Keep her as pure Mage for maximum effectiveness!
Battle Tactics
Early Game (Mage, Lv.7-9)
Role: AOE damage dealer
- Position behind frontline
- Cast Dark Star on enemy groups
- Target clustered enemies
- Stay out of melee range
Key Spells:
- Dark Star - AOE damage, 3x3 area
- Blast - Single-target damage
- Basic elemental spells
Equipment Priority:
- Best available staff (Iron Staff)
- Light armor (Wool Robe)
- Light Band
Mid Game (Sorcerer, Lv.10-19)
Role: Battlefield controller
- Use Phase Shift on large groups
- Eliminate dangerous enemies before they act
- Soften up tough bosses
- Save MP for critical moments
Key Spells:
- Phase Shift - Massive AOE, can hit 5-6 enemies
- Roman Fire - Fire elemental AOE
- Meteor - Heavy single-target
- Dark Star - Still useful
Equipment Priority:
- Magic Staff → Spirit Staff
- Master Robe → Mystic Robe
- Steel Band
Late Game (Enchanter, Lv.20+)
Role: Ultimate offensive mage
- Salamander - Devastating fire AOE
- Can solo groups of enemies
- Essential for Trial battles (golems!)
- One of your most powerful units
Key Spells:
- Salamander - Ultimate fire spell
- Phase Shift - Still excellent
- Meteor - Boss killer
- Full elemental arsenal
Equipment Priority:
- Arkstaff (best mage weapon)
- Mojo Robe (best light armor)
- Rune Crown
Party Composition Tips
Eleni Requires:
- Frontline Protection - Keep fighters between her and enemies
- Positioning - She must have line of sight for spells
- MP Management - Stock Mage Gems and Elixirs
- Healing Support - She’s fragile; keep her healthy
Eleni Pairs Well With:
- Clint/Ash/Grog - Protect her from melee
- Huxley/Sara - Healers keep her alive
- Zohar - Dual mages = unstoppable
- Archers - Cover what spells can’t reach
Optimal Formation:
[Fighter] [Ash] [Fighter]
[Eleni] [Healer] [Zohar]
[Archer] [Archer] [Archer]
Character Development Arcs
Arc 1: The Adopted Daughter (Past)
Theme: Love and family
- Found as orphan
- Given home by Magnus
- Deep bond despite no blood relation
- Happy childhood with mystery origins
Arc 2: The Abandoned (Chapter 1)
Theme: Uncertainty and determination
- Magnus disappears on mission
- Huxley and Eleni left alone
- Decides to search for him
- Won’t be left behind
Arc 3: The Prisoner (Chapter 2-3)
Theme: Endurance and loss
- Three years in prison
- Learns Magnus is dead
- Grieves while captive
- Maintains hope for rescue
Arc 4: The Revelation (Chapter 5)
Theme: Identity and understanding
- Meets her past self (Leena)
- Witnesses time travel event
- Realizes her true origins
- Comes to terms with who she is
Arc 5: The Complete Person (Chapter 6)
Theme: Purpose and legacy
- Knows where she came from
- Understands her place in time
- Fights to honor Magnus
- Fulfills her destiny
The Time Loop Explained
PAST (15 years ago):
↓
Magnus finds orphaned girl → Names her "Eleni" → Raises her
↓
PRESENT (Game Events):
↓
Eleni (19) travels to Frontier Village → Meets Leena (young girl)
↓
Vandal Heart/Magic causes time rift
↓
Leena pulled back 15 years → Becomes the orphan Magnus found
↓
CLOSED LOOP: Eleni IS Leena, Leena IS Eleni
Paradox: Eleni exists because she traveled back in time to become herself. Who was she before the loop? Unknown - time loop has no beginning!
Quotes & Memorable Moments
Key Story Moments
Chapter 1 - Initial Meeting:
- “I’m searching for General Magnus Dunbar”
- Initial mistrust of Ash
- Eventually: “I’ll join you to find my father”
Chapter 3 - Prison:
- Learning of Magnus’s death
- Shared suffering with Clint
- “I thought I’d never see the sun again”
Chapter 4 - Revealed Truth:
- “Magnus wasn’t my blood father… but he was my father”
- Coming to terms with loss
Chapter 5 - Leena Meeting:
- “There’s something about this girl…”
- Immediate connection to Leena
- Revelation scene - realizes the truth
- “I AM Leena… Leena is me”
Chapter 5 - Nightmare:
- Eleni dreams of being sucked through fissure
- Premonition of Frontier Village burning
- Dreams come true - village attacked
Gameplay Recommendations
Leveling Strategy
Early Game (Ch. 1-2):
- Eleni joins at Level 7 (already ahead!)
- Use her extensively - mages are critical
- Advance to Sorcerer at Level 10
- CHOOSE MAGE PATH, NOT MONK!
Mid Game (Ch. 3-4):
- Eleni should be one of highest levels
- Learns Phase Shift (game-changer!)
- Advance to Enchanter at Level 20
- Focus on MAG stat growth
Late Game (Ch. 5-6):
- Eleni should be Level 28-32
- Has full spell arsenal including Salamander
- Essential party member for all battles
- One of your three “must-have” units (Ash, Mage, Healer)
MP Management
Critical Tips:
- Stock Mage Gems - restore MP in battle
- Stock Elixirs - full HP/MP restore
- Save big spells for tough enemies
- Don’t waste MP on weak foes
- Trials require lots of MP - prepare accordingly
Equipment Progression
| Chapter | Weapon | Armor | Helm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ch. 1-2 | Iron Staff → Magic Staff | Wool Robe → Master Robe | Light Band → Iron Cap |
| Ch. 3-4 | Spirit Staff → Arkstaff | Mystic Robe | Steel Band → Rune Crown |
| Ch. 5-6 | Arkstaff (best mage weapon) | Mojo Robe (best light armor) | Rune Crown |
FAQ Authors’ Perspectives
Jeff Chan (Atom Edge)
Rating: Mage class 10/10 (highest possible!) Quote: “Mages are absolutely devastating” Emphasis: Eleni’s story arc with Magnus and time loop revelation Recommendation: Pure Mage path essential
Syonyx
Focus: Stubborn personality and power Quote: “Powerful magic user at a young age, stubborn when she decides” Recommendation: Mage or Monk path (but Mage preferred) Story: Highlights Leena connection
Uyeyama
Data: Age 19, Japanese name Elina Sorn Details: Starting level 7, joins Chapter 1 Connection: Both Eleni and Magnus share “Sorn” in Japanese
Trivia & Additional Notes
Name Differences
- US/Canada: Eleni Dunbar
- Japan: Elina Sorn (エリナ・ソーン)
- Magnus Dunbar = Berasco Sorn (Japanese)
- Both share surname in both versions (showing family bond)
Age & Development
- 19 years old - Young but powerful
- Among younger party members
- Already accomplished mage despite youth
The Leena Connection
- Leena = Eleni’s past self
- 15-year time gap between versions
- Leena appears age 4-5
- Time travel creates closed loop
Character Archetype
- “Powerful young mage” archetype
- “Mysterious origins revealed” trope
- Time travel paradox character
- Tragic past with adoptive family
Story Importance
- Central to plot - time loop revelation
- Emotional core - Magnus relationship
- Magic user - essential gameplay role
- One of most important characters in game
Recommended for Players Who Like
✓ Powerful magic users ✓ Time travel and paradox stories ✓ Father-daughter relationships ✓ Characters with mysterious pasts ✓ High-damage AOE gameplay
Spell Priorities
Must-Learn Spells (Level Order)
| Level | Spell | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early | Dark Star | HIGH | First AOE spell |
| 10+ | Phase Shift | CRITICAL | Best AOE spell |
| 15+ | Roman Fire | MEDIUM | Fire AOE |
| 20+ | Salamander | CRITICAL | Ultimate fire spell |
| Various | Meteor | MEDIUM | Boss killer |
Phase Shift and Salamander are Eleni’s most important spells. They trivialize many battles!
Next Steps
- Continue reading about Huxley Hobbes - Eleni’s tutor
- Review Mage Class Guide for Eleni’s optimal path
- Check Chapter 5 Walkthrough for the Leena revelation scene
- Plan your Party Composition around Eleni’s magic
“Through time and tragedy, power and purpose.”
Eleni Dunbar - The Timeless Mage