Saber Lily
Altria Pendragon (Lily) initially debuted as a special alternate costume in the fighting game Fate/unlimited codes before receiving a fully expanded identity in Fate/Grand Order and other franchise titles. Representing the legendary Arthurian figure at the very beginning of her royal journey after drawing the Sword of Selection, Caliburn, she is depicted as a novice knight princess learning the duties of ruler. Filled with hope and romantic ideals, she travels the land to gain life experience before carrying the weight of a nation.
Overview
Altria Pendragon (Lily) initially debuted as a special alternate costume in the fighting game Fate/unlimited codes before receiving a fully expanded identity in Fate/Grand Order and other franchise titles. Representing the legendary Arthurian figure at the very beginning of her royal journey after drawing the Sword of Selection, Caliburn, she is depicted as a novice knight princess learning the duties of ruler. Filled with hope and romantic ideals, she travels the land to gain life experience before carrying the weight of a nation.
Appearance
She is characterized by her blonde hair featuring a distinct cowlick, styled into a high ponytail fastened with a prominent black hair bow, alongside vivid green eyes. Unlike her traditional full-plate armor, her outfit consists of a predominantly white dress paired with metallic armor pieces. The garment features an open back, bare shoulders, and exposed armpits, accompanied by detached sleeves and armored gauntlets.
Personality
Exceedingly earnest, pure-hearted, and trusting to a fault, she views the world without suspicion. Her gullible and slightly clumsy nature often leaves her vulnerable to sweet-talking individuals with ill intent, yet her unfettered innocence and radiant optimism often end up winning over even the most cynical souls. Modest about her own capabilities, she remains dedicated to self-improvement and enjoys friendly competition. She takes profound joy in simple pleasures like caring for horses and participating in local village festivals.
Abilities
In battle, she wields the Sword of Selection, Caliburn, performing fluid, dance-like sword movements and releasing beams of light from its tip. Utilizing the massive mana reserves generated by her dragon heart, she can temporarily boost her physical attributes using Mana Burst. Her acute intuition grants her sharp combat reflexes, reducing the effectiveness of enemy optical and auditory distractions. She also possesses Magic Resistance capable of neutralizing standard spells, as well as riding skills to command trained mounts.
Background
Created as an incarnation of a dragon through the orchestration of King Uther and the magus Merlin to save Britain from ultimate decline, she drew the sacred sword from the stone to begin her path toward kingship. To prepare herself for the throne, she embarked on a journey across the countryside accompanied by her adoptive brother Sir Kay and her tutor Merlin. Helping those in need along the way, she earned the affectionate title of Knight Princess. Within the lore, her bright depiction represents an alternate timeline of her formative years.
Relationships
Sir Kay acts as her dependable foster brother who routinely cleans up the messes caused by her well-intentioned meddling and Merlin's mischievous antics. Merlin serves as her magic instructor and traveling companion. Upon joining Fujimaru Ritsuka, she forms a strong bond of mutual trust with her Master, while enjoying a friendly peer-like relationship with Mash Kyrielight. She also views Mysterious Heroine X as a sword mentor, effectively tempering her instructor's erratic tendencies through pure innocence.
Trivia
Her visual concept stems from the dress worn by Saber when bound by Caster in the UBW route of Fate/stay night, reflecting illustrator Takashi Takeuchi's artistic preferences. Though her Noble Phantasm Caliburn can unleash destructive power comparable to holy swords when its True Name is released, its ceremonial construction is not built to withstand her full magical output, risking the blade's destruction if overexerted.