[OOC] [♛] 𝓡equiem. // the rise of soldier.

[Rockette]

@FantasyChic - Wonderful. You can post her up whenever!

[yoshua171]

So this is where you two slinked off too *smirks*

Provided I can come up with an idea and have the time (it looks like I will, but we shall see) I'll be throwing my interest in here as well. Still gotta look over the locations, but with the characters so far as samples to help give me a better idea of how SOLDIERS work, in addition to the Opening Posts, well...hehehe, I could make some interesting things.

We shall see. Regardless, I hope this does very very well ^_^

[Damiann47]

Well I'm right in the middle of making a character and I got a few questions now. First, what exactly are the differences between the SOLDIER classes? I get that Commanders are the most powerful, but how much more than say a Third rank? Then I'm wondering what the normal military is like. Would it be comparable to a modern day army just using more advanced technology? Also how do average citizens go about joining, if at all?

[Rockette]

_{/guilt trip.}

Nah. Kidding. Or am I?

Looking forward to what you come up with, I know it'll be fan-flipping-tastic!

[yoshua171]

Naw, just poking fun :P

[Rockette]

@Damiann47 - All right, good questions, first of all.

The difference is mostly dependent on power, yes, and how deeply bonded and integrated they are with their Aeon. First Class SOLDIERS and Commanders are top of the line due to this, along with their psychical strengths and years in the programme. To compare a Third Class SOLDIER and a Commander would be like.. a infant to an adult? In terms of their status of bonding with an Aeon and how long they've been training. It can also be compared to the rise in traditional military ranking by certain actions and capabilities.

You're correct about the normal military. Using more advanced technology and tactics, and given a lot more political tug and pull in regards to power and influence.

Average citizens can be either selected by military officials or the Govern, like drafted. In terms of volunteering, the plausible way to do this is joining the military and selecting for "further training" - which is a glamoured rumour that the individual in question will be "promoted" - the public is unaware of SOLDIERS at this time.

[Rockette]

@yoshua171 - Poking fun at my feelings, but that's okay.
If you got questions, 'lemme know. ♥

[Damiann47]

@Rockette Cool thanks, but heh as for joining I was looking for an answer for how people join the regulars and not becoming a SOLDIER. From the general grist I'm getting I assume at this point that one would just enlist into the army like normal. Unless I'm misunderstanding you. Anyway the background I got in mind for my character is they were pulled from the military so I'm making sure its plausible for someone without much political pull to even be enlisted in the first place, and yeah I think "volunteering" is how they become a SOLDIER.

Also thanks for the explanation about the ranks. For a Third class I imagine their powers would be relatively weak, maybe even not having a full arsenal of powers to use either. Still would be a hell lot more powerful than a squishy human though. Am I wrong on anything here?

[Rockette]

@Damiann47 - Oh I'm sorry, you're fine in that regard though, to the background you have in mind.
Yes, even Third Class SOLDIERS have a lot more strength and durability than a regular human. Third Class SOLDIERS are basically fresh candidates that have just begun the long process of Aeon integration. I imagine they'd have at least one, or two, methods of power to use.

[yoshua171]

@yoshua171 - Poking fun at my feelings, but that's okay.
If you got questions, 'lemme know. ♥

@Rockette

*Waves you away, smiling all the while* Silly~

As to questions, I'm going to ask some clarifying questions and then some other ones regarding...possibilities. Best have both of you present or looking this over.

Ain't that right @icmasticc? :3

Clarification

So it appears that while each SOLDIER's Aeon may only have a maximum of two colors, such is neither required (they can have just one I presume) nor does it appear that the colors are terribly limited, is this correct?

To clarify what I mean by "limited," I'll say that based on the characters I've seen so far and the examples of ideals/elements/aspects assigned to each color it appears there are any number of ways one could interpret said colors and thus the sorts of abilities they could bestow--within reason of course. Is this correct?

I noticed that in the CS there is a section for abilities (which are much like spells of a sort), I would like to know if a given SOLDIER is limited to exerting/manifesting their Aeon's power through ONLY those spells/skills/abilities listed, or if they are capable of accessing and bringing to bear a measure of their power in a more general sense--or conversely if their power could manifest in that manner rather than in more structured spells/skills.

Oh...and is there any particular limit to the amount of spells a SOLDIER could potentially have (so long as the amount remains within reason and their power is not ridiculously overwhelming even individually)?

How long has the SOLDIER program/initiative been going on?

By the above I'd like to know the following:
>When did the Aeon "crash land" as it were? How long ago was that?
>At what point did the first Prototype come into being?
>At what point did the first "successful" SOLDIER come to be?
>How many "generations" of successful SOLDIERS have come after that first one (metaphorically or literally, whichever is more applicable)?

Moving on from that, how long would you say it takes your average Commander/First/Second/Third takes to train and/or raise to that level/rank?

In regards to the "Monsters" you mentioned appearing more recently, what sorts of capabilities should I/we expect? What sorts of appearances? Do they act with any noticeable intelligence, rhyme, or reason?

(I'm asking because if anyone's characters have been deployed out prior to the beginning of the RP, it'd be good information to have. Just so they aren't super surprised when they see a creature that looks like a bunny, but is capable of leveling a city block :P)

What is the current status of technology, military, medical, and commercial if you don't mind my asking. I know I'm giving a wealth of questions—some of which are much more complicated—but it is just my nature to want to know stuff ^^;

Hmm, that's all I can think of for now.

Possibilities

Would it be possible for an experiment to have been done inutero or prior to conception? After all, splicing genes would likely be even more effective if the individual was born that way. Perhaps an initial introduction of only a very small amount of Aeon DNA, with more being added over time increasing the amount of harmony between “host” and “doner,” as it were. Conversely, since there doesn't seem to be any shortage of Aeon tissue (since they regenerate even in their “death-like sleep) could someone have run experiments over a few generations. Mutating a lineage (accelerating their growth perhaps, since medical technology is likely superior to our present day Earth by many leaps and bounds) and thus creating something that was—while still human—a more capable host, more receptive, due to being closer in nature to the Aeon.

It was a cool idea I had...so yeah, just thought I'd ask, though I figure neither is terribly likely (I imagine they tried it, but either it wasn't viable, they didn't do it long enough to find a viable “lineage,” or they found an easier method and so scrapped that aspect of the SOLDIER initiative/project), but better to try and ask, then to not do so and regret it.

Could someone live in the desolate ghettos of Ground Zero? I'm thinking someone “homeless,” who was born there. A scavenger, a survivor, as it were.

Conversely, could someone have just started much younger than is normal (7 at the earliest I'd think)?

It seems most would start, at the earliest, in their late teens (17-19), but more likely in their early twenties. Correct me if I am wrong of course as that's just the impression I got.

[Rockette]

@yoshua171 - //cracks fingers.

Here we go.

x

So it appears that while each SOLDIER's Aeon may only have a maximum of two colors, such is neither required (they can have just one I presume) nor does it appear that the colors are terribly limited, is this correct?

To clarify what I mean by "limited," I'll say that based on the characters I've seen so far and the examples of ideals/elements/aspects assigned to each color it appears there are any number of ways one could interpret said colors and thus the sorts of abilities they could bestow--within reason of course. Is this correct?

You can have one colour associated to an Aeon, yes. The colours are up for interpretation in relation to the information I've given on them. Within reason, as you say. You're correct on this. This is why the colours are "idealisms" in relation to the element related to them and the Aeon.

I noticed that in the CS there is a section for abilities (which are much like spells of a sort), I would like to know if a given SOLDIER is limited to exerting/manifesting their Aeon's power through ONLY those spells/skills/abilities listed, or if they are capable of accessing and bringing to bear a measure of their power in a more general sense--or conversely if their power could manifest in that manner rather than in more structured spells/skills.

Oh...and is there any particular limit to the amount of spells a SOLDIER could potentially have (so long as the amount remains within reason and their power is not ridiculously overwhelming even individually)?

Yes, there are others way one can bring forth power from their Aeon. The abilities and spells are more like specific skills and powers that have been collected from training. A SOLDIER can gain new abilities along the way and through increasing amounts of stress and such through the story. I designed the abilities to be listed the way they are to assist in battle scenarios and to go along with the overall juncture of bonding - as the abilities are, more or less, watered down versions of an Aeon's true might and blessing.

There is not a limit. But I advise it be kept within reason. But the power available should go along with the ranking of the SOLDIER in question.

How long has the SOLDIER program/initiative been going on?

By the above I'd like to know the following:
>When did the Aeon "crash land" as it were? How long ago was that?
>At what point did the first Prototype come into being?
>At what point did the first "successful" SOLDIER come to be?
>How many "generations" of successful SOLDIERS have come after that first one (metaphorically or literally, whichever is more applicable)?

Allow me to give you a timeline I used in the first Requiem, to help with this.

x

3056 I. — Aeon meteors impact Viera; landing throughout the various continents.
3061 A.I. — Scientists of the Dalmastice government capture all the Aeons within a span of five years.

3063 A.I. — First experiments on the Aeons begin two years following their extraction.

3078 A.I. — Fifteen years of research yield the finding of Aeon cells that slow aging, repair cells and grant vitality and strength.

3079 A.I. — The following year they begin the pharmaceutical campaigns to benefit all mankind.

3081 A.I. — Suddenly, the Aeons are "sealed" away and the cells no longer offered within medicines. Fort Lullin is built.
3086 A.I. — Five years of debates and disputes leads to the first rebellion and initial divide of the government.
3089 A.I. — The first battles begin, and the slums of Archadia are attacked, revealing the monsters and terrible creatures in the first massacre in prelude to the wars. This is the present time of events.

The first Prototypes came into being when they first began experimenting and found the unique structure in Aeon cells.
The first successful SOLDIER came to be when Fort Lullin was built. But they were still proved to manic and uncontrollable.
Our SOLDIERS are the first to be deemed tame and sane enough to venture out onto actual missions, now that the war is increasing gradually and the ghettos of Faelan were attacked.

Moving on from that, how long would you say it takes your average Commander/First/Second/Third takes to train and/or raise to that level/rank?

It honestly depends on how fast the individual wishes to rise and how much they are able to withstand the process required to rise within rank.

In regards to the "Monsters" you mentioned appearing more recently, what sorts of capabilities should I/we expect? What sorts of appearances? Do they act with any noticeable intelligence, rhyme, or reason?

This is actually related to the plot story, so I can't really say without revealing spoilers. Our SOLDIERS are the first ones to be deployed.

What is the current status of technology, military, medical, and commercial if you don't mind my asking.

This was sort of answered previously, as we are giving quite a bit of leniency in regards to this. To give another example, there was a question regarding cyber enhancement, which would be considered in infant status, not quite yet explored. But this is sci-fi influenced, so anything is plausible. Within a certain reason.

Would it be possible for an experiment to have been done inutero or prior to conception? After all, splicing genes would likely be even more effective if the individual was born that way. Perhaps an initial introduction of only a very small amount of Aeon DNA, with more being added over time increasing the amount of harmony between “host” and “doner,” as it were. Conversely, since there doesn't seem to be any shortage of Aeon tissue (since they regenerate even in their “death-like sleep) could someone have run experiments over a few generations. Mutating a lineage (accelerating their growth perhaps, since medical technology is likely superior to our present day Earth by many leaps and bounds) and thus creating something that was—while still human—a more capable host, more receptive, due to being closer in nature to the Aeon.

It was a cool idea I had...so yeah, just thought I'd ask, though I figure neither is terribly likely (I imagine they tried it, but either it wasn't viable, they didn't do it long enough to find a viable “lineage,” or they found an easier method and so scrapped that aspect of the SOLDIER initiative/project), but better to try and ask, then to not do so and regret it.

This is a wonderful idea, and was sort of used for a previous character in the first Requiem. However, with this current plot line, it's not entirely viable just yet.

Could someone live in the desolate ghettos of Ground Zero? I'm thinking someone “homeless,” who was born there. A scavenger, a survivor, as it were.

A survivor, maybe, of the attack. As Ground Zero has been deemed forbidden by Faelan for anyone to enter the grounds and some of those labeled missing have not been found.

Conversely, could someone have just started much younger than is normal (7 at the earliest I'd think)?

Mm.. Depends on how they came to be used at such a young age. I'd imagine the pain and process of bonding with an Aeon could possibly kill a child, unless used in small doses. The only plausible conclusion I can think of is that they're related to one of the scientists directly involved with the Aeon projects.

It seems most would start, at the earliest, in their late teens (17-19), but more likely in their early twenties. Correct me if I am wrong of course as that's just the impression I got.

More or less, you're correct on this.

[Hellis]

_{29 | 22nd of December | 197 cm | First Class.
theme.}

Kain Bradwell

_{A P P E A R A N C E.}

---

Kain is built like a locomotive from hell. He stands 6'4, 220 lb of muscle and grit. This towering specimen of a man is the ideal SOLDIER in some ways. He is physically powerful, athletic and with a a cut figure that was made for recruitment posters. Kain does his best to ruin this illusion by wearing the most unflattering of clothes. All that hard work to keep his body in tip top shape is wasted on ill fitting combat fatigues and what ever he find comfortable to wear. His eyes are a dark almond color, his skin is weather bitten and scarred in many places. His hair is cut short, and he keeps his beard trimmed to a neat, manageable 5'o'clock shadow.

_{P S Y C H E.}

---

Kain is the living embodiment of a locomotive. He has been known to wade trough brawls flinging people aside in persuit of a single target. Coming from a background where toughness is survival, wit is a asset and grudges are kept for far to long, he carry that mindset with him everywhere. He does not let go of a grudge, he do not easily forget mistakes, even if he forgive them. He has a almost feral way to him, that is carried in everything from the way his eyes flicker and his gait is that of rugged street predator. A boy from the slums, he is quick to violence as well.

Kains time with the gangs was one of abuse and abusing. It left deep scars with him, making him naturally mistrust humans just as mcuh as monsters. But he also learned to consider other then blood, family. And he becomes protective of this "Family". So protective in fact, that has spent time behind bars for assaulting a particularly offensive and abusive officer. His temper is nothing impressive for a big man who spent so much of his life fighting, he flies of the handle far to easily to be considered entirely stable and has been described as nearly feral. However, despite his size and thuggish appearance, Kain is very keen and surprisingly intelligent. He is no way a gentle giant but he has good heart beneath all those scars.

_{B A C K G R O U N D.}

---

To live is to fight, to fight is to survive. Surviving isn't living, but it is close enough. - Kain, SOLDIER psych evaluation interview.

Kain has suffered the cruelty of being a outsider his entire life. Born in the slums, he was on the street by the age of five. His parents, a junkie mother and a father he never met, werer hardly rolemodels. He didn't have a family, as far as he knew and before the streets he had lived a life in squalor with his parents. They had to scrape for food, and Kain was a fast growing kid who needed more then what ever meager meals they could acquire. His mother spent what little they had on fast fixes and so Kain ended up on the streets, pennyless when his mother died of an overdose.

It was these desperate years that would help shape him to become what he is today. A ferocius, focused fighter and a survivor. HIs salvation would come in the form of Ortega Maurice Santiago, or Wits as he was called by the miscreant of a alley gang that he belonged to. Part of the Slums considerable underground with its gangs, thieves and hustler, Ortega came across a 11 year old Kain fighting a dog over a scrap of food. When the dog bit Kains leg, he punched it to death, eyes wild a snarl on his lips. Ortega, 13 years of age at the time, was terrified and amazed. He approached Kain, and with some coaxing, the poorly fed but still rather large boy followed to meet with the others.

But a tall, big boy such as Kain was a prime target for the smaller but more vicious who saw a big dumb kid to bully. His first year was spent being pushed around, becoming a beating bag for older boys who wanted to put the feral kid in place.But Kain, as it happened, had a limit. Not sure what to do, he bottled his anger until it overflowed and he beat one of the kids half to death. This impressed the leader of the gang, Merciulos. Mercioulos, also known simply as Merc, declared his newfound foot soldier off limits and began to teach him how to really fight. He also made sure Kain ate well and had Wit teach him to read, write and the basic of math.

Kain and Wit grew close. Really close. Two were all but inseprable, with Kain as the wild muscle and Wit as.. well the wit. Not that Kain wasn't intelligent, he was hound for information and read as much as he could, partly to atleast pretend he could keep up with wit. When they were 15 Wit tried to make a move on Mercs position as a leader. Merc killed him, brutally and in front of everybody else. Kain, knowing he could not take on Merc surrounded by all his goons, would spend the next to years targetting them on their lonesome seeing how he knew all their local haunts and hangouts. Sometimes, he would sustain severe damage, yet he would come out on top. After two years of a systematic fight, Kain finally saw the futility of his actions. Having little skills but fighting, Kain was picked up by the army. At first he only trained and helped with logistics, but soon he began gearing up. As soon as he hit 18 he started participate in patrols under a particulary abusive Officer.

After assaulting said superior officer after the man had berated and verbally abused his comrades, Kain was put in a detention cell. It was then SOLDIER approached him. They considered that due to his passionate nature and his strong will, he was a prime specimen for the project and he was chosen to carry Balils genes. As a soldier, he found a outlet for his rage, and his feral nature and wild fighting styled was honed and sharpened into a form of shock trooper. He rose in rank fairly quickly, but once he reached 1st class, he was barred from reaching commander due to his short fuse, his inability to let go of personal grudges and his quite problematic tendency to lose himself in combat. He was an exellent battleram and inspiration on the battlfield, just not commander material.

_{R E G A I L I A.}

---

What comes to mind when you see the human behemoth of a man is not the fast and agile type. And in some ways, you would be right. But far from slow, Kains style is all about the pursuit of a single threat or target. A true berserker, his solution is to put a end to the threat even at the cost of his own health and well being. Something of a human stampede, you aim him at the target watch everything around him either get out of the way or get trampled underfoot.

_{S H R O U D O F F L A M E S [Punishing, Protective, Passion] Wrapping his fist of fire, the flames climb up his arms to eventually encompass all of his massive frame. The flames sear and latch onto anyone he hits, causing continues burning damage if not put out. The flames eventually start hurting him, but this takes a while to happen. But it still acts as a effective limiter to the power.}

_{I N N E R F L A M E [Vengeful, Rage, Destruction]. For each blow he takes in a fight, for all the damage he sustains, the power in his fists grow and the more determined he grows. His power grows exponentially the closer to death he is. This means that trading blows with him is a losing battle as his punches don't grow weaker by wearing him down, they grow more powerful. However, he doesn't have any means of keeping himself healthy, so while he does grow more powerfully offense wise, he is in fact still being beat down or dying.}

_{C O M E T R U S H [explosive. Relentless. Destruction.] A single target, single focus, single purpose attack. The searing rush is aptly names, as he shoots forward like a great ball of fire, leaving burning trail in his path an knocking aside allies and enemies that are in the way of him and his target.}

_{C O R E.}

---

Berserker

_{A E O N.}

---

_{Balil, The Fire of Retribution
White and Red┊ Destruction, Justice, Temperamental}

Best described as a temperamental embodiment of justice, Gibil does not care about collateral in the quest for punishing those it deem wicked. Balil is described as a massive, towering demon with a charred black carapace with endless fires burning inside it. Possessing six arms and a burning maw it makes for a intimidating sight. Scienstists have complained that it is hard to harvest dna from a creature constantly on fire.

_{O V E R D R I V E.}

---

J U S T I C A I N F E R N A L I S: _{When pushed to near death, a overwhelming urge to pull his offender down into the fiery pits of hell with him emerges. It manifests as four extra arm, made out of molten fire charred black metal. HIs own actual arms are also covered in molted flames and metal as well. HIs breath comes out as scorching steam and his body seem to glow from the inside. Each of his punches are delivered with devestating force and sends shockwaves of scorching flames.}

---

Trivia

Kain has tried to give up smoking 4 times in his life. Each time his life as gotten worse shortly after. He is now convinced there is something supernatural going on

Kain doens't know it, but his Aeon cells burn the toxic and tar of cigarettes. And also light his cigarette for him. Scientists believes this is part of of his powers manifesting subconciusly.

Kain has the current SOLDIER record for bench press, dead lift and squats.

The SOLDIER program also use him as the theoretical outlier for their cost and efficiency protocols regarding food. Or as a certain Sentinel Commander said: "If all Soldiers ate like Kain, we'd be bancrupt in two months."

The old sheet. will update as needed. WIP

[DJAtomika]

OH H E L L O

@Hellis

H E Y Y O U

[icmasticc]

@yoshua171 - Well, hot damn. This is completely unexpected. Nice to see your potential interest. Rockette knocked out every question, but I do want to add to the power structure question you asked about using the spells/skills and how power manifests.

You were asking if the spell list is the only way to manifest an Aeon's ability? I'd think my character is a perfect example of this. I looked at the spell list as special attacks, if you will, specific offensives that are used when in desperate need or some such. In truth, my character's actual ability is an over-complicated version of teleportation which he can use at will within the limitations I laid out. In that case, an Aeon's power, in my own opinion, bestows the SOLDIER with a special ability of their own and the following list of spells are just specific attacks that fall in line with the theme of the ability. This is how I interpreted the matter, personally.

As I said though, good to see you again - a nice surprise.

[Hellis]

I am of two minds. DO NEW!Kane punch things?

Or do he wield a Gladious style, giant blade?

[Noxious]

I am of two minds. DO NEW!Kane punch things?

Or do he wield a Gladious style, giant blade?

@Hellis

I really like his abilities, maybe for the overdrive have Kain release a field of fire that scatters over the battlefield (whatever space that may be) and burns the "wicked" (obviously wicked being defined by Kain, not actual morality, since he partially embodies justice.) I don't know though, you always come up with good stuff on your own.

The sword *was* pretty awesome.

On a side note, one I post my char (today, hopefully) you'll see how much our aeons look alike. Kindred spirits, always <3.

[yoshua171]

@Rockette and @icmasticc thank you for the swift responses, they have been helpful. Oh, one other thing. So Rockette did say that there are minor mutations/scars and whatnot on a given SOLDIER's body, but nothing so bad that they'd appear inhuman. Could, perhaps, ones ability make them appear inhuman during use?

Conversely, could it manifest something? Akin to a summoner calling forth things to fight for them. It's not something I'm likely to do, but I like to know the breadth of my options.

[Hellis]

The more i consider hi weapons. The more i like idea of clawd gauntlets. Make him a goddamn bear.

Edit : damn saw thosw were allready taken

[Noxious]

I'm almost done and GAWD, it's a little TL;DR. u.u; I can't help it.

[FantasyChic]

I'd just like to point out that I got my sheet done first (apart from the GMs of course) so I am obviously the favorite. Thank you, it is an honor. I will try to live up to these great expectations put up for me