Lurcanio was an Algarvian colonel during the Derlavaian War, serving mostly in Valmiera on occupation duty. Personally a courteous and civil man, Lurcanio participated in a number of atrocities and war crimes against the Kaunian population there. As time wore on, Lurcanio found himself remaining in the prisoner of war camp while most of his men were released. His enquiries about this resulted in unpleasant news: the Valmierans wanted to prosecute him for war crimes against their citizens.