Hadrian Blackwater is one of the two protagonists of the Riyria Revelations series by Michael J. Sullivan. He is the optimistic half of Riyria, a former soldier with a strong moral compass and exceptional combat skills.
Before becoming a thief, Hadrian traveled the world as a mercenary, learning fighting styles from many cultures. He is big, friendly, and quick to smile, the kind of person who makes friends easily and believes the best of people. This stands in sharp contrast to his partner Royce, which is part of what makes their dynamic work.
Personality
Hadrian genuinely likes people and wants to help them. He often has to talk Royce out of more violent solutions, and he insists on considering whether their jobs might hurt innocent people. He has a strong sense of right and wrong that sometimes complicates their work.
Despite his idealism, Hadrian is not naive. His years as a mercenary showed him plenty of cruelty and suffering. He chooses optimism and decency anyway, seeing them as deliberate choices rather than ignorance of how bad the world can be.
Skills
Hadrian is one of the most skilled swordsmen alive. He carries three swords and can use all of them with equal expertise, adapting his style to any situation. His training includes techniques from across the known world, making him unpredictable and versatile in combat.
Beyond combat, Hadrian has practical skills from his travels: sailing, riding, survival in the wilderness. He is the more physically imposing half of Riyria, often serving as the visible threat while Royce works unseen.
Partnership with Royce
Hadrian and Royce complement each other perfectly. Where Royce sees threats, Hadrian sees people. Where Hadrian hesitates over ethics, Royce acts decisively. Together they balance each other, and their partnership gives both of them something they lacked alone.
Reading Order
See the complete Riyria Revelations reading order for all books in the series.