A former member of the Blackfoot tribe, the first to "join" the Legion, Canyon Runner rose to the rank of Slave Master, specializing in breaking people captured by the Legion and turning them into slaves. He is a zealous follower of Caesar (not that he has a choice in the matter, being himself a slave) and firmly believes that conquering and enslaving people is saving them from themselves by giving them purpose and virtue.[1][2]
His only chagrin is that the Cove is merely a holding area, so all he can do is assess the fitness of captures before they're sent over the Colorado.[3] His latest captures are particularly problematic, as not only are they poor candidates for slavery, excepting the daughter, the matron also has a tendency to talk back. He'd much rather sell them back for caps, but a lack of offers means he has to keep them penned up until they can be shipped out.[4]
↑The Courier: "It doesn't bother you, enslaving people?" Canyon Runner: "Why would it bother me to enslave these wretches? They have no purpose, no creed, no honor. They live in pitiful squalor, undisciplined, intemperate. To enslave them is to save them - to give them purpose, and virtue. Honestas, Industria, Prudentia - even the virtues of slaves are beyond the Dissolute on this side of the river." (Canyon Runner's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "How did you join Caesar's Legion?" Canyon Runner: "I have Blackfoot in me, the first tribe that Caesar ever led in battle - the tribe that formed the Legion. If not for him, we'd still be living in tents or shacks, scavenging for food like animals. If we were alive at all." (Canyon Runner's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "By "captures," do you mean "slaves"?" Canyon Runner: "No, no, no - they haven't yet earned the right to be called "slaves"! Those three in the pen are captures, nothing more.I'm a Slavemaster, so I know what I'm talking about. Back at the Fort, I'd have those three half-broken and well on their way. But this is just a holding area, so all I do is assess their fitness and decide whether to send them on." (Canyon Runner's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "How much would it cost to buy the three "captures"?" Canyon Runner: "It's a weak bunch, to be honest. I'd rather have extra currency to buy supplies or better captures off traders. There's a boy, too old to be trained as a Legionary. Normally they have to die, but he's too frail to make trouble. The old woman's dried up, but she could keep house or do gardening - if she can learn to keep her mouth shut. The girl's the only one of real value, young enough to breed, not hideous to look at. What's your offer for the lot?" (Canyon Runner's dialogue)
