Dunban ~ Dramatis Personae (A Xenoblade Character Study)

Sorry for the audio quality hiccups! Unfortunately, the place I normally record was closed, so I had to make do with an alternative for some redone lines.
Enjoyed the video? Feel free to like, subscribe, or leave a comment letting me know that you'd like more Xenoblade Chronicles content!
One of my favorite characters has always been the man, the myth, the legend, Dunban. Every aspect of it from his design to the development of his character over the story have resonated with me and served as a reason for why I love Xenoblade Chronicles so much. In Dramatis Personae, we'll be examining individuals characters through different sections, such as design, gameplay, specific scenes, and their character arc, to find out why they are so fantastic.
Special thanks to my friend Luke for helping me think of a name for this series!
Check out my Twitter for video updates, stupid edits, and random posts!
/ kayjulers
Google Doc for this video's script:
docs.google.com/document/d/16...
Credits to:
Helsionium (Extra Xenoblade Footage)
/ @helsionium
AdamFisher (Extra Xenoblade Footage)
/ penguinsparadise
AreaEightyNine (Spongebob Clip)
/ @areaeightynine
FREE MOVIE CHANNEL (Cherry Blossoms)
/ @freemoviechannel9605
Kamidogu (MK4 Jax Ending)
/ @kamidogu
Xenoblade Wiki (Arts Icons)
xenoblade.fandom.com/wiki/Xen...
Nicktoons Animation (Avatar Intro)
• "Avatar: The Last Airb...

[@geistgrace6452]

BORN IN A WORLD OF STRIFE!

[@tipi1599]

AGAINST THE ODDS,

[@themonadoman116]

WE CHOOSE TO FIGHT!

[@richardsonrichly8456]

(B)

[@koyomiararagi7658]

THAT'S DUNBAN OVER THERE!

[@indigoecho9016]

Good work, everyone!

[@xaleypoo4779]

All of Dunban's levels he gains throughout the game are just for his left arm.

[@Kirusei]

"He who shall not be named" You mean our lord and savior, Juju?

[@Kirusei]

Also, another great Xenoblade video. These analysis videos on XC1's character and story are one of the reasons why I'll love XC1 more than XC2. Stuff like this always reignites my passion for this game.

[@KayJulers]

-_- Why must you do this to me, friend? I might have to make that April Fool's Juju gag a reality. And thank you! I'm always happy to hear that these videos have given people something to take away.

[@cadas2366]

KayJulers juju for smash

[@Hmorte14]

Dunban and Melia definitely feel real, because they're relatable and lose so much.

[@KayJulers]

Agreed. I think the final cutscene does an excellent job in showing how the journey has affected those two characters, especially.

[@knowledgeseeker4614]

KayJulers I hope you do one for Melia since Future Connected was released.

[@jeh8944]

Melia and nia are the same character they both are women with grey hair they both get friendzoned HARD by the protagonist c h a n g e. m y. m i n d.

[@Hmorte14]

@@jeh8944 well Nia loses basically nothing, compared to melia losing everything soo

[@EgotisticalAltruist]

Hmorte14 Nia only loses her family, friends, homeland and love interest

[@PTp1ranha]

It never occurred to me just how... finished with everything Dunban is by the time he has to kill Dickson. Poor guy.

[@rhettmitchell]

Me

[@tugaygunes4816]

Dunban is a badass, yes

[@TheGloryXros]

The cutscene with Dunban being pissed at Mumkhar & wanting to push Shulk aside to kill him is always one of my favorite cutscenes of the game....Just the fact that he never showed much emotion surrounding Fiora's death up until NOW makes you really feel for his character.

[@Sam-sb7ce]

Just appreciate that Dunban spends the entire game using his off-hand. That is how awesome he is.

[@spiderdude2099]

I feel like Dunban if push came to shove, would never give into revenge as much as shulk. He gives into his emotions at times, but he always does the right thing even and has a super strong sense of duty and making sacrifices for the greater good. I wonder if that’s why the monado rejected him. Zanza knew he’d be impossible to completely corrupt into an avatar. He let Dunban use it just so the Homs could beat the mechon at sword valley, but no further than that

[@ethanhancock462]

Then why did Shulk stop dunban from killing mumkhar, and not vice versa?

[@spiderdude2099]

Ethan Hancock I mean, I dunno. Tbh, not sure if shulk even made the right call there. I wanted Mumkhar to die and it wouldn’t have really mattered if Dunban did imo. He died anyways so..

[@PantsaBear]

@@spiderdude2099 It definitely would have mattered if they had just given into the philosophy that faced mechon were unsalvagable and needed to be killed. The gang would have then really attempted to kill Fiora, with or without Dunban's help, obviously changing events for the worse. Even if they made that one exception and didnt do that, the ending of the game where you beat Zanza and Shulk and the others' personalities decide on what to do with the world, there isnt much of a jump in philosophy from "we need to kill anyone that stops us from beating the bad guy and making the world better" to "the world can be better if I take the role as god and never let the bad guys take over again" for Shulk. So yeah, Mumkhar died anyway, but actively murdering him would have been less about Mumkhar's death and more about altering what they were fighting for. Its a trope in other anime/games for sure, but it really fits the overall theme of the game in this case. A lot of subtle moments like that in Xenoblade 1 ( I never played Xeno X or XC2)

[@SBaby]

@@spiderdude2099 I guess it doesn't make a difference, since Mumkhar does himself in right after that. But the reason they did this is because the creator of the game wanted a main protagonist that didn't kill anyone (outside of random monsters and Mechon, which are robots anyway).

[@SlyJMan]

My absolute favorite line from Dunban, in both word and delivery, has got to be “Never. I shall strike you down and all that you have become, you wretched fool.” It’s just SO COOL! The eloquence in his speech as this heroic figure is fighting for the first time, not to save others or for a just cause, but to satisfy his rage and selfish desire for revenge! Riki will always be my favorite character, but Dunban’s always gonna be the coolest in my book.

[@softnoobgirl73]

I'm disabled irl and I appreciate how well Dunban's disability is treated. The characters treat it very casually. Well except for when he was first hurt. But that was because they were worried for his life. He adjusted to it very quickly. They all treat it like an it is what it is thing. He got his disability from being a bad ass and his disability makes him more of one

[@geistgrace6452]

DON'T FORGET ME! Also, Dunban Climbs, swims, and fights with one arm. And i can hardly draw a stick figure.

[@KayJulers]

I will never let the Ardainian Guards be forgotten lol. I can relate. Dunban truly is the stuff of legends.

[@Sam-sw2pf]

bro his name is duncan how could you get this wrong?

[@kingspheal363]

Another good video, I don't really expect good editing from smaller channels but you do it well. They do a great job of showing Dunban as the big brother of the group.

[@KayJulers]

Thank you! I want to make sure these videos are something I can be proud to put out and I'm looking into upgrading software at some point.

[@Bogan360dude]

I loved watching your breakdown on Dunban as a character. He's easily one of my all time favorite characters in any game, and hearing your positive thoughts on him was genuinely satisfying.

[@themonadoman116]

thank you for this 2019 xenoblade content my friend

[@KayJulers]

Of course, and thank you for watching!

[@themonadoman116]

KayJulers I’m still hoping for a switch port so xenoblade stuff will be more popular 🙏

[@KayJulers]

@@themonadoman116 That right there is the dream. I'm assuming X2 is likely the next Xeno content we'll be getting, but I'd love the original to come over too.

[@gaupnekaren5920]

You thought Shulk had future sight, but it was I, the monado man

[@heropontorchic1979]

That’s Dunban over there!

[@matt81864]

Hero dunban back with a vengeance (Great video btw)

[@KayJulers]

Underrated quote right there and thanks!

[@SneakyFoxHound]

What an amazing video, I love character analysis videos and I'm so suprised someone did one of my favourite Xenoblade character and a recent video no less so thank you! To add my own interpretation of the relationship between Dunban and Dickson, I firmly believe that in the end, Dickson did form a friendship with Dunban or at least, a form of admiration. Dickson had lived for hundreds, even thousands of years and many of those as a disciple of Zanza, however, there is one scene in particular I want to point out between Dunban and Dickson and it is in the introduction. At a point, Dickson clearly calls out for Dunban with concern in his voice, Dickson even throws himself on top of Dunban to take a mechon attack himself and defends Dunban, yes, many could take this as, let's say, Dickson ensuring that everything goes according to Zanza's will and that the Monado ends up safetly in Colony 9's lab for Shulk to observe and obtain later, but Dickson could have just easily let Dunban fall as Mumkhar tried and collected the Monado himself but he doesn't, in fact, he stays during the whole entire fight. Now, while people also may say that was simply Dickson's love for battle that he stayed, I feel he sensed Dunban's thirst for winning and ending the battle and respected that, following and listening to what Dunban wanted. Just food for thought really, I guess to add on like you said, Dickson did somewhat regret his course in life, maybe Dunban and his time as a Homs was apart of that aswell? Thanks for the amazing video once again!!!!

[@vaclavkadlec23]

18:20 Actually Reyn is the first one to turn around... It's perfect to showcase how Reyn always have Shulk's back

[@baiterfish7901]

I stumbled across this channel today and I've been binging through everything on here. I love it man

[@thebeast3448]

God your scrips are sooo good

[@KayJulers]

Thank you so much!

[@Asian_ross323]

How does this video not have more likes. It has so much great information great job on the vid and thank you

[@richardsargent4444]

I never really got into Dunban as a character too much in the game. Thank you for really breaking down his character and I look forward to seeing this in my next play through.

[@TainoMoya]

wow really loved this video. great analysis on Dunban, made me appreciate him more. would appreciate if you included the sounds for when you mention things like "his voice in this moment really emphasis this" "the music in this moment helps bring forward this message".

[@EmilXOM]

This was just incredible. Great work!

[@randomreferencer2336]

Amazing work. I can feel the love you put into this. Good luck on your future projects.

[@KayJulers]

Thank you so much!

[@PengaPenguin]

Your Xenoblade videos are so good, I'm addicted to them... I hope you become so successful in the future

[@Otavio1702]

I started playing the Xenoblade series last year, I'm now playing through Xenoblade 3, and Dunban still my favorite character in the series. He's just peak, and his voice in japanese is also incredible.

[@Zxanonblade]

Yeah Dunban's definitely my favorite character. He also has some of the best music when you get him as a party member.

[@JazzyBassy]

This is a great series idea! My favorite part about Dunban is that his dialogue and presence is that of a very theatric and confident swashbuckler, and I always admire those types of characters. His motto about destiny is also taken as the party's ideals at the end of the game. Also any reason why your latest two videos haven't gotten many views? Is the youtube algorithm screwing you over? Cause I never saw 'em in my notifications.

[@KayJulers]

I'm with you on that. I think what you said about theatrics definitely comes across in lines like "Dance with me!" and his delivery is fantastic. I thought that my 999 video wouldn't do as well due to the game's niche audience and that the religious references just didn't hit the algorithm like the previous ones, but I'm actually mad that KZbin didn't notify you and possibly others about those videos. Thank you for pointing that out! I'll make sure to remind people to click the bell button in the future.

[@JazzyBassy]

@@KayJulers I love 999 too, a shame.

[@matts.6661]

This is pretty neat! Dunban is a great character. I hope you get to do more videos like this for characters throughout all the games, especially Xenoblade Chronicles X. :D

[@KayJulers]

Thank you! I'll also be touching on characters from others series, but there will for sure be more Xeno characters. I actually just started a new playthru of X yesterday, so I'm going to be paying close attention.

[@matts.6661]

KayJulers awesome. I hope you enjoy the game. Be sure to check out the missions beyond the story mission (affinity and normal missions). Also, don’t forget to check out the Heart-to-Hearts. They’re easily missable, but definitely worth checking out. 🙂

[@Human_01]

Great analysis!

[@travisjulian5941]

Another great video!

[@zacbenson3291]

man this was such a good video.

[@platypus5560]

Shulk! True power comes from within. Remember that.

[@eddy7346]

This is the reason why I have this incredible man as the leader of the party, he's so fun to play as

[@littlekookamoo]

This was amazing and I can't wait for whatever you've got planned next! On a sidenote Dunban is daddypon. ;)

[@KayJulers]

Thank you so much! I see what you did there lol

[@xenix4347]

awesome video!

[@stigurna]

This was amazing

[@fink_rat]

My favorite moment happens on Mechonis, spoilers below. When he's caring for Fiora while making the climb to the central factory, there's a small scene of him using his Monado scarred arm to give Fiora water. At the beginning of the game, we see him trying and failing to lift a spoon, and at this point in the game he manages to fully undo a thermos and give Fiora water. It goes to show that even when faced with a heavy injury, you can overcome it.

[@joachimoyalegan6573]

I love Dunban, I finished DE yesterday and it was amazing!! XC2 & Torna were great too. I love this series!!!

[@62049]

"If they kill a faced mechon, what makes them any better than the faced mechon?" IDK maybe because metal face openly enjoyed killing dozens of innocents in what started as a quest for power?

[@thiccum2668]

“Blossom dance is the best talent art” Activate Monado:

[@tinotcg5815]

I just want to say that was a beautiful video and you deserve more. Love ya

[@KayJulers]

Thank you so much, Augustine! I really appreciate the kind words.

[@FuegodeInfierno]

Dunban is bae

[@ahalffullbag7332]

The sentiment about Dunbans' introduction I concur with, it does a stellar job at establishing his character. The framing of the scene having focus on the character at the front of the party emphasising the conflict between mumkhar and Dunban makes the standoff more impactful. You'd think shulk would be the one buckling from the rage he's held against mechon and metal face for what he took away from him but in fact it's in this scene it displays shulk's levelheadedness that he had before he lost Fiora. The roles are reversed and this scene shows Shulk's character as well as Dunbans. Before when Dunban reappears to save the group with the glorious unfinished battle theme bellowing as he charges in, he's the one who's level-headed and holds shulk back from giving into his emotions, but now it's the other way around. They could of easily made Dunban a flawless hero but that would take away from what makes him such a fantastic character, he is flawed much like everyone else in the group. Only stumbling on these videos now but I can tell the passion that's put into them as someone who also deeply loves the games and video making (Moreso my main channel not this memeposting one) Thanks for putting the work into these introspections!

[@SBaby]

His most endearing trait by far, is the fact that he is over there.

[@waterdagger3198]

I mean heat haze soaring tempest is the reason why Dunban is the most fun to play as.

[@nicocchi]

*Especially* in the middle of a big crowd and a Chain Attack

[@ChoiceSnarf]

Excuse me! We ordered room service an hour ago!

[@62049]

"Wow! That's Dunban"

[@jamesa.646]

Amazing video man!!! Can you do one on Zeke?

[@KayJulers]

Thank you! I do love me some Zeke...

[@brennethd5391]

Dunban is my favourite protagonist and mumkhar my favourite antagonist

[@captnBill_]

He's over there

[@jaythedstyr]

The Hero of Sword Valley!!!

[@LeonardoRodrigues-uj1sm]

He's my favorite fictional character ever

[@KayJulers]

You have good taste.

[@johnchitwood3328]

I been playing xenoblade chronicles definitive edition on the switch console Lots brighter colors and brighter contrast Picture perfect great cut scenes

[@oneish7454]

You know what I relly hope they do for Definitive Edition? I hope Unfinished Battle plays for every subsequent Metal Face boss battle

[@eulefranz944]

5:30 Bae aka Melia is Sharla confirmed?:O

[@agent_8167]

WHO'S READY FOR SOME HD NAKED DUNBAN STATEGY

[@celeryman14]

That's dunban over there

[@Fish-ep4cn]

Really digging this new series, been waiting for some deeper analysis on the series’ cast for quite a while. I’ve been working on an analysis of Nia, Rex, and the Aegis’s relationship myself, which has really brought my affinity for these characters up a whole hell of a lot. Also sorry for rapping at you on Twitter and then asking for stuff, I was uh, *really* high.

[@KayJulers]

That's awesome! I've found that going back and doing the research for these videos brings a whole lot of stuff to light I didn't see originally. Oh, it's totally fine haha. I was originally just confused what was happening, but I just looked back at it. If you actually want me to do something regarding Melia and Shulk then let me know.

[@Fish-ep4cn]

KayJulers For the purposes of a video talking about Rex, Nia, and the Aegis’s relationship from a polyamorous perspective, I’d really like something from you analyzing Shulk, Melia, and Fiora’s relationship.

[@Pwrplus5]

I'm of the opinion that Dunban refusing to kill Mumkhar is the only real flaw he has, and Shulk was full of shit in stopping him. Yes, things are different after finding out there's people inside the Faces, and yes, he obviously wouldn't want to kill Fiora, but using that as a deterrent is ridiculous when Fiora and Mumkhar are as different as any 2 characters could be, and Mumkhar has done things that should give no pause in retaliating against. Acting like suddenly they shouldn't be striking someone down just because 'he's one of us' is such a bad trope to apply to this scenario and just paints Shulk as a hypocrite.

[@heehomgee4671]

when you mentioned that the party morally can't kill face mechon, i felt really bad. 5... at least 5 times my party killed mass produced faces in mechonis. Thanks now I won't sleep tonight.

[@richardsonrichly8456]

2:05 first thing ?? Well he reminds me of my cousin who also played this game

[@dasfaodfadsfanfklawe]

ah yes, duncan from the hit game xenoblade chronicles

[@richardsonrichly8456]

I feld so fucking bad for him after finding out that both war buddy's betrayed him

[@joshua376]

I love Dunban because at first I didn't like him because he was an adult who thinks he's cool cos he can temporary wield the Monado but his in game moveset (or arts) are so unique and I love his understanding of politics, he wasn't angry when the High Entia didn't help him at Sword Valley reminds me of the strong morals of Morag And everytime I shout 'BORN IN A WORLD OF STRIFE...' when using Blossom Dance

[@KayJulers]

I definitely love his playstyle and exactly what you mentioned about his composed nature with the High Entia. There's a line where he says something along the lines of "You sure know a lot about a battle you never showed up to," which I love. It's so savage that you would think he's upset, but he's pretty understanding. Blossom Dance has to be one of the most quotable lines from the game. It's way too good.

[@vaclavkadlec23]

So... ign's Duncan is like Riki's Dundun 17:30... it's a manifestation of their love calling him by nicknames

[@mistysidorov189]

I've never been able to bring myself to pick up another Xeno game after I had to see Jin die in the end of the third Xenosaga. And now that I've watched this, I seem a damn lot of parallels to him and Dunban. I feel like the fact I stayed away from this game may have been a good idea.

[@UnlikeRelic]

You had me at the beast him self then lost me at dunban and not riki which is crazy since riki likes fighting easy monsters

[@mike-w]

this video is not amateurish - it's.. expetrish!

[@KayJulers]

Thank you, Mike!

[@guusthomassen9945]

7:50 actually, 3 main questions, the 2 you named, and WHERE IS COLONEL VANGARRE?

[@omarreyes7626]

fun fact: Dunban's Japanese VA also voices Vegeta from dragon ball

[@efeve4547]

and captain falcon

[@matfhju]

Can you plese do Dikson next?

[@MonadoBoyFlameRock]

Unfinished battle plays

[@Flamelance_Accendo]

@2:50 Where is the word cool or badass? lol I barely see anyone calling him "suave".

[@mylesobrien7477]

Dunban is the ultimate wingman and Fiora is cool, but Melia is best girl hands down. She was Nia before Nia poor girls.

[@MonadoBoy42]

Next time, a video on the one character that outshines all others in terms of character development, relationships, motivation and reason to be in the party... Riki! Just joking. I love how you have amazing characters like Shulk, Dunban and Melia, then there's Riki who pretty much has no character development and is only here because Dunga made him.

[@KayJulers]

Dunga made the right choice. Riki is the Heropon we deserve, but not the one we need. I kind of like how Riki breathes some fresh air into the group by playing drastically different and offering some comic relief while still feeling like he's a part of the group.

[@MonadoBoy42]

@@KayJulers Same. I love how Riki's just there for lols and doesn't change over the course if the story. It's kind of his charm.

[@auburn_flare]

I know that I'm going to get a lot of backlash but I can't help but feel disappointed with this vid. While I think you tackled the framework of his character and his role in the main story, I feel that you should have dived into other topics and demonstrate how fleshed out Dunban actually is. Before I go on, please understand that I only say this to give positive criticism and help you construct better videos. I hope my words won't discourage you from making quality content. The visuals and script are presented well and clearly thought out. There's a lot of love that you've put in and it's great to see a thorough analysis. My main issues are the lack of diving into his optional dialogue in side quests and heart-to-hearts, lack of criticism, and a more balanced opinion. My disappointment mainly lies with how you didn't touch on how he interacts with NPCs, because it's some of the most savage shit that's ever told in the game. While you mentioned that he has a brash sense of humour, Dunban will sometimes say some God awful stuff to people's faces (like saying to a chef's face that his cooking is shit, calling a girl a spoiled brat). I'm also very surprised that you didn't mention that he used to be a severe alcoholic. It's something that's pretty hard to find, but there's so many implications and struggles from a man who had to raise his baby sister, became an alcoholic, and eventually rose from it and attained status and fame. I think because of this, I was somewhat upset to begin the video saying "Dunban is hype" and ending the video with "Dunban is hype" instead of concluding that he's forlorn and still struggling beneath the surface of his heroics. Criticism on the story would've been a welcome topic for this video. While you did mention the positives of the final Dickson fight, you could've been on a more neutral position and say that Dunban could've had a bigger role in those cutscenes. He does have a regretful look as Dickson dies, just... Would've been nice if more was said about it, y'know. Same applies to Mumkhar because holy hell, did Mumkhar's presence just get deleted after he dies aside from some heart-to-hearts. Another thing that I wanted to see was a more balanced opinion and acknowledging his negatives. It may go against your style on this series and if so, feel free to ignore. When I go into an analysis video, I expect some sort of opinion to go beyond what the author thinks so it's not just a total circlejerk and regurgitated info. For example, my criticism on Dunban would be how the main story portrays him as an infallible icon to look up to, when he's low-key a savage tryhard who has a katana collection and would probably burn down the house by cooking Mac and cheese. Dumb example, but something like that. I know this comment is a year late, but I figure that I need to share my thoughts with you because something about this video rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it's because I don't see Dunban as a hero. Maybe it's just *me*. But I left the feeling that Dunban is the epitome of a classic hero and after spending way too much time analysing this game, I just couldn't agree with that finale. To me, he's someone that carries his burdens in secret and refuses to acknowledge his limitations. He's brave, reckless, and sassy, but that doesn't make him a hero to me, it makes him a *person*. Nonetheless, I hope you don't completely dismiss my comment because I meant was I said in earnest. I hope you continue making content into the future. I'll be happy to clarify anything if you need but... This is just the ramblings of a weird fangirl. *Edited some sentences because grammar. Also this comment is still too long :(

[@zeke2388]

Is this pre-DE?

[@delireent.3960]

Yes, the Wii version

[@epicberrymode3575]

Hey this video is pretty cool. Subscribe!

[@gumbahasselhoff]

8:14 3/10, no eyepatch

[@kiamosky4340]

He’s also a daddy

[@lancestriker0111]

A dislike from Mumkar

[@Yhares]

Mumkhar disliked this

[@jaircontreras468]

Mumkhar disliked this video

[@Nerathim]

why do you like metal face? He's a pretty bad character, he talks like a saturday morning cartoon villain, lacks depth and his motive is pretty shallow as well.

[@ggson1338]

That's dunban over there