#idk i'd love to be a fly on the wall of his psychoanalyst. which he doesn't have. but you get me.

[vonlipvig]

i still really love how lucian will only tell you a bit about his past if you lose against him in chess, whereas if you beat him he offers absolutely nothing. aside from being a neat little bit of gameplay (and you're probably gonna lose your first time anyway, what would the odds be of actually beating him first try? he is really good after all!), it's just a really good way of showing us his character, and even foreshadowing possible events.

he's a prideful guy! he keeps his emotions in check and is obviously a graceful winner, but he's really fucking pleased with his victory! he knows he's damn good, and having anton see that and acknowledge that must be pretty exciting for him, enough to lift his spirits and offer up pieces of his mysterious life to him. not only does he get anton's respect and admiration--something, to me, that is reciprocated, at least for now--, but he sees how important he is to anton, to the administration. his spot is secured.

but if he loses...well, he's kind of a petty bitch! again, he respects anton, of course, but...losing? him? suddenly he's not in a generous mood to offer any information anymore. it doesn't matter, obviously, but the fact that it bothers him just a biiiiit more than it should is so telling, and very subtly shows that the potential for betrayal is there, even now that he's completely on anton's side still.

i don't know, i love his petty, opportunistic ass so much.