Rumplestiltskin

Over

THE BLOODLINE

The Name: Legende.
The Region: Established in the Caribbean, among its 28 island nations and 7,000 individual islands. The majority of employees and servants are indigenous.
The Crest: A black flag with a large red blood drop, over which a black cross, a formation of skulls and snakes, and five candles rest.
The Industrial Focus: Human Physiology and Anatomy (Medical Virology and Pharmaceutical Research).
The Secrets: For GMs only.

The History: It began with an oath - the doctor's oath. The Legendes have long been a line of hard working doctors and courageous medics, especially in various wars on the distant fronts. In 1702, an especially successful (and alchemic) doctor found time to trace his roots back to his homeland in the Caribbean - he sought answers for his power's origin, and craved more of it. He soon found others like him - hiding under the veil of mythos and religions. For a decade, his growing family struggled to heal the land and allay the people's ailments, their reputation spreading as their clan grew.

But then 'rogue' attacks became more frequent. It became apparent to the Legendes that enemies of their faith (the Loa) sought to destroy them. So reluctantly, they made war to these rogues, and the fighting escalated. It was around this time that an unknown entity or group was pulling the strings behind the curtain - the AMRO.

From the get-go, the family resisted the AMRO's influence along with other families in the Caribbean. To them, it was simply just a more organized, more trained group of rogues trying to conquer lands and trade routes. But over time, war became a disgusting, but trivial chore - and peace was sought. It was only under a tense negotiation that the Legendes and the AMRO began to work together, the former paying allegiance and knowledge while the latter protected them from outer threats. It was also explained to them just what really powered their miracles - alchemy. And that their carnal knowledge of the human body fueled it. This step in history also set a pretense for other families in the area, and soon after, they all followed the AMRO's rules.

So it began - the doctors' rise to power and knowledge. From 1715 and onward, the Legendes kept to themselves, putting on false fronts for the ungifted humans that populated the land. On one hand, they were doctors fulfilling their oaths with tremendous success. On the other, they were alchemists seeking to unlock the power of the human body and how it reacted to external forces, especially alchemy. For the next few centuries, the Legendes and other Caribbean families worked together across the ocean waves and islands, slowly building themselves up as a powerful corporation that focused on human physiology and alchemy-inspired pharmaceutical applications.

However, it would soon become a pattern that the Legendes seemed to be the shadiest bloodline among many - with allegedly being tasked to dispose of human bodies, run tests, and research (illegally under the normal human laws), it was not hard for suspicions and allegations to rise and fall throughout the decades. Yet nothing was ever proven, only surmised.

Another problem cropped up. A rift began to separate those in the corporation who merely wanted good business and money, and those who were driven to find out more about the human body at all costs. The former couldn't stand how their alchemy was performed and the latter felt this was a great disrespect to their ancestors. Thus began the divide - and eventual elimination - of Caribbean families. Only the Legendes spearheaded the effort to create a union between different-minded folks, thus arrived the title of Undertaker - the one who delves into the madness and brought back practical fruits for research. And the Patriarch, who managed the business end of the whole operation. Not all families were on board, and some even left for greener pastures. The others, however, fought for control and resorted to violence.

It was only a few months before others realized that the Legendes could not be stopped, for despite their passivity, it seemed this scenario had long been plotted out. One way or another, whether through broken pride, blackmail, or assassination (nobody really knows), those who went against the Legendes had to give up their positions in the company. Thus began the Legendes' reputation as an usurping pawn and untrustworthy bunch.

In 1950, Zidane was born, and his legacy is one of redemption, and a most lonely path. He grew up learning the truth about his family and he sought to correct it - to clean the black stains that discolors his family's escutcheon. Only his father admired his commitment to honor and justice, and soon Zidane himself became a wedge, further dividing those in his family who wanted more power but feared losing it, and those who sought to make things right. (See Zidane's entry below, his Details).

Nowadays, the Legendes' controversies continue to span the board;

Zidane's decision to include medical virology into his company's focus;

His long lost son, John, coming home and taking everyone by storm;

His daughter Anya's second love, 'a Jewish fiance this time.';

And a most strange, mind-boggling criminal case, one that reeks of treason: the murder of an asylum team by Zidane's hands.

Clearly, being a Legende is not a popular life.

The Key Members

THE FATHER

Zidane Legende

"In war, not everyone is a soldier."
-Regarding accusations of his murdering in Africa.

Description: Age 65. 18th Patriarch and 3rd Undertaker of the Legende bloodline. Doctor.

It is not generally known that leprosy ails his body, but he is often seen wrapped in cotton bandages, over which white garments shroud his features. One might guess. He also moves around in a wheelchair, which is usually pushed by someone; however, it has its own 10-hour motor. Despite his ailments, Zidane is a formidable opponent - nobody who has ever fought him directly has survived unscathed. He is also a complicated man of quiet dialogue and contemplation, his mind full of vague mysteries and weird mood swings; his attention never strays from his work, but his family and employees note that his hobbies and personal interests change with every passing week. As a father, he is full of love and patience, taking care of his own, and always pushing them to greater heights; however, Anya and John are the two apples of his eyes, and he is grateful that the two seldom bicker, let alone clash with each other for power.

His weapon of choice is a wooden cane, engraved with metallic symbols; an oval crystal is fashioned securely at one end. He considers alchemy to be a gift from the Loa (divine beings of Africa and Caribbean) and that the rest of humanity are lost souls in need of discipline and grace. Additionally, he resonates strongly with Damballa (father of the Loa and god of creativity and sexuality) and believes he gives himself over to him when he uses alchemy; in other words, that the god indwells Zidane's body . . .

A glimpse into Zidane's life . . .

Details

Age 15: Zidane is arranged-married to Bonnie Macrath, a Scottish alchemist from a bloodline based in Edinburgh. His older brothers are sent to serve AMRO as asylums, but he takes care of his younger brothers with love and discernment.

Age 19: A son is born between him and Bonnie. For reasons unknown, she soon leaves without a trace. Her body is found a year later. The son is presumed dead. The AMRO investigates this case, suspecting that Zidane arranged for his wife to be murdered. Nothing conclusive is found.

Age 21: Zidane is selected to take over his father's business and inherits the Undertaker title, a feat not easily achieved, for many have been heirs and patriarchs, but not all have become the Undertaker. He commits himself to his work for 2 decades, siring children out of wedlock; those with alchemy were given over to the AMRO, while ungifted children were sent away with their mothers with a nice inheritance. A few months into this 20 year long embarkment, Zidane's extended family moves out of the Caribbean, having no faith in his ability to manage things. His father stays behind, choosing to spend his last days helping his son understand the Undertaker title.

Age 41: Zidane personally saves Rachelle Imbry and her sisters from a rogue attack. The Imbry bloodline is ended. He marries Rachelle a month later after she becomes pregnant with his child. The AMRO investigates the possibility that Zidane orchestrated this event so that his family could be the sole bloodline in charge of the Caribbean. Nothing conclusive is found, but Zidane is warned to not cause strife.

Age 45: After giving birth to 3 more daughters, including Anya, Rachelle dies from an unknown illness. It is also at this time that Zidane comprehends the truth of Undertaker. He is also diagnosed with leprosy, a fact he keeps secret from everyone but his doctor. He decides to keep Anya, but her 3 older sisters are given over to the AMRO, who again investigates his wife's death and speculated that Zidane used her for medical research. He is warned once again to not waste precious resources such as child-bearing wives.

Age 49: His business is now successful on a global scale. Medical schools are being opened in the Caribbean. He spends more time with 4 y/o Anya. The AMRO pressures him to sire more children, but also praises him for giving them the highest of his miraculous quality medicine and fruitful knowledge, whilst keeping the normal human leaders involved with second-best results.

Age 50: Zidane marries Nadine Renzaho, an African alchemist from a bloodline based in Rwanda. The AMRO investigates Zidane's presence in the bloody African wars. Despite proof that he was only killing rogues, he is suspected of also killing bloodline alchemists. Nothing conclusive is found. 5 y/o Anya begins her alchemy training under her father's appointed tutors.

Age 56: Nadine is killed while visiting her homeland, leaving Zidane with 11 y/o Anya and 8 other daughters, 5 of whom are given over to the AMRO. During his grief, Zidane notices Anya trying to take on more responsibility. He watches her excel academically, passing through entire grades, all while also insisting to her nannies that she will help take care of her younger sisters. Seeing his past in Anya, he decides that Anya should not be burdened with the title of Undertaker. He starts using his connections to set up an arranged marriage so she can be happy and free.

It is also during this time that Zidane meets Mr. G. Knots in Scotland, and later Wylie John Macrath, to discuss a possible business deal for medicine and supplies. After much discussion, Zidane is extremely impressed with Wylie's tight control over rogues and alchemy crimes, all while meeting the superfluous demands of the patriarchs in charge of the territories. Mr. Knots assumes the role of liaison between the two men, both of whom are unaware of the fact that they are father and son.

Age 61: Zidane attempts to wed off (a very pissed off) 16 y/o Anya to a wealthy 32yo Chinese alchemist named Jute Guo, who owned an extensive chain of underground safe-houses for asylums operating in the Beijing area. But then tragedy struck, the day of the wedding. Once again, the AMRO investigated, much at the pleas of the opposing family. Nothing, once again, was conclusive, but Anya's fleeing home soon after not only aroused suspicion, but crushed his heart.

Age 63: Zidane is pleased to hear that Anya is doing well in her travels. He learns of Maxwell, and their situation; a development he had not expected, but happily welcomes. While not pressing her to come home, he asks Anya and Maxwell to escort a couple of men from Scotland to their home. It is during this time that accusations once again rise from other bloodlines regarding the Legendes, and John actually being Zidane's son brought things to a head. However, the long lost son proved himself more than capable of proving his lineage and quelling everyone's concerns and mud-slinging.

Age 65: Zidane feels at peace, for his daughter had finally come home. Arrangements are made for both her and John to operate the business, in a way that makes them both comfortable. Just like with his father before him, Zidane instructs John in the Undertaker title while leaving Anya to try her hand at business. It could not have been a better partnership, and he feels that he can now finally die in peace, when his time comes.

Deceased
Nadine Legende: Age 29. Zidane's third wife. Married for 6 years. Maiden name, Renzaho.
Rachelle Legende: Age 40. Zidane's second wife, Anya's mother. Married for 4 years. Maiden name, Imbry.
Bonnie Legende: Age 18. Zidane's first wife, John's mother. Married for 4 years. Maiden name, Macrath.
* Extended and immediate family information classified.

THE SON

John Legende

"So was your father's condom."
-To his stepfather, upon being called a failure.

Description: Age 42. Firstborn. Second in command. Joint partnership with Anya Legende. 4th (and current) Undertaker of the Legendes.

Wylie John Macrath (April 14th 1973), better known now by his business name John Legende, is a licensed attorney, notorious entrepreneur, and a strategic-class rogue killer known as "Glide Storm" according to the AMRO's information database. Like his real father, John is dangerous when roused, except rather than in direct combat, the rogue killer has his ways of indirectly destroying his opponents and foes. His life is proof that rogues in Scotland find it financially hard to thrive, let alone do as they please. He is extremely skilled at walking into poor, suburban areas in need of funding and leaving it a bustling niche for both business and home owners; a feat that quite often means a profitable turnout, not only for the bloodlines who tolerate his work, but for the AMRO that wishes to crack down on rogues.

John never truly fit into the Macrath family, being seen as a black sheep than an actual person. They reveled in open conflict, and coupled with drunken brashness and ceaseless debauchery, he was ashamed to call them 'family'. At a young age, he emancipated himself and never looked back. He began to work the streets, slipping into gangs and looking for rogue alchemists. It was a pastime that he greatly enjoyed, among his other pursuits, which was making money and sticking the law to criminals. For him, the AMRO were no difference than the detectives working in vice and homicide - he was their informant on all things local and they looked the other way, especially when rogues dared to trespass onto his family (and other bloodlines') properties.

His life took a turn for the worse when his wife was killed by rogues - skinned alive, in fact, as he was forced to watch. From that day forward, the use of the courtroom became a tool for propping up a murder, as John no longer considered the law to be good enough. It was a twist in his case that the AMRO saw coming, as there are many like the eponymous 'John' who took things to a personal, vengeful level.

But when his story transitioned him into a long lost son thought to be dead, the AMRO looked into his life even closer.

Having grown up in a different culture, different world... few seriously consider the fact that he is related by blood to the Zidane Legende. But John proved it, just as he did with most things that come to complicate his life. Yet people still don't believe him because he's so different than the rest of the those in the family, both in manner and appearance. The irony of being a white son with a black father is neither lost on him, nor his father; for while the rest of the world (including the AMRO) segregate themselves mentally, they accept the truth that humanity is all shades of the color brown.

John disdains 'weapons of choice', as he prefers to use anything at hand to his advantage. He has had to be incredibly resourceful, both on the streets and the courtroom, in order to survive, let alone thrive. Regarding alchemy, he doesn't share his father's religious interpretation of alchemy being a gift from God, but he respects the dedication behind such a resolve. His personal choice of alchemy is classified, but rumors abound about how awful it is behold.

Deceased
Elizabelle Macrath: Age 31. John's wife. Maiden name is Brooks.
* Remaining family unknown.

THE SERVANT

Mr. 'Julian' G. Knots

"Humanity has a marvelous faculty of either dying or adapting to circumstances."
-In mid alchemic cast, to an assassin begging for mercy.

Description: First name unknown. Age unknown. Butler & Close Protection Officer. John's right-hand man.

He worked directly for John Legende before being assigned to the patriarch for 24/7 hour care and protection. Just as with the son, Mr. Knots rarely leaves Zidane's side and sees to his every request. He does not speak often, but in stark contrast to the company he keeps, he has quite a cheery, enthusiastic personality, tempered by discipline and knowing his place. Nothing seems to bother him, nothing seems to surprise him; the man is quite the stoic servant.

However, in full-on battles to the death, Mr. Knots takes no chances and will treat small, naive child soldiers the same way he would handle old, bones-aching veterans. He will either kill or be killed, hence he rarely battles of his own accord without consent from his masters. It is for this reason that he seeks to strike a balance in less-than-lethal encounters, which often leaves their enemies armless afterwards.

His weapons of choice are his bare hands, preferably his right; his alchemy, however, is as diverse as it is strange.

Deceased
Julian Campbell: Age 25. Mr. Knots' assistant.
* Remaining family unknown.

THE DAUGHTER

Anya Legende

"I know of only one duty, and that is to love."
-To an asylum questioning her heirship.

Description: Age 20. Daughter. Heir. Joint partnership with John Legende.

Anya is fairly quiet and contemplative in polite company. She is sweet and kind, neither going out of her way to smother someone, nor neglecting them. Everyone must be loved at least once a day, after all. When she's not consoling her father or helping her older half brother, she is often alone, lost in her daydreams. But she's no slacker; she is highly committed to academic excellence and knowing everything she must in order to run the family business. With John's presence however, she no longer feels such a heavy burden on her shoulders and treasures the time she has for little things, like romance and fun. She still looks after her younger sisters when she can, however most of them are engaged with their own projects and pursuits.

At the tender age of 16, she was still arranged to wed an older man (Jute Guo) from a well-to-do family from the Far East while her father toiled to solve his company's problems. It had been her father's hope she'd understand him someday. However, that marriage was not to be; the groom died of a heart attack on the day of the wedding, right in front of her. Before she retrieved John from Scotland, her father had been dispirited from ever having a male son to carry on his mantle. As much as she loves her father, she resents the fact that she could not take the lead; she never knew her mother, and her father and relatives were all she had. Even four years later, Anya still seeks real answers for why that happened to Mr. Guo. Being useless at home and feeling contempt from all sides, she left to travel alone, much to her father's protests. She kept in contact with him, but remained adamant that she would not come home until she was at peace with her soul.

During her travels abroad, she met Maxwell Krichilsky in American States; a place that she had never been to before, only read about it in books or seen in programs on TV. The two alchemists hit it off right quick, but romance would be pursued later, for Max's interest in becoming a doctor captivated his attention. She found his way with words and numbers fascinating.

When her departure drew nigh, Anya felt compelled to make a connection for him, so as to take him with her and keep him close. Her father approved of the idea instantly, if it meant his daughter would return home. His heart swelled when he laid eyes on his daughter's eyes, for they were full of love and compassion for Max.

Like her father, Anya considers alchemy to be a gift from the Loa and her aspect to be of Erzulie (goddess of love, compassion, and loneliness). She views most humans to be in her charge and care. As for the AMRO, she doesn't know enough quite yet to make a real judgment on them, but she wrestles with the fact that alchemy must be hidden and secret, plus the fact that her father and brother bows to them so easily disturbs her.

A Patchwork World [Worldbuilding and Exploration]

^_^

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Let's get this par-tay started!

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C'mon guys, we need to get a move on before XoXo wraps this up with subliminally inferior narration!

Over

THE BLOODLINE

The Name: Legende.
The Region: Established in the Caribbean, among its 28 island nations and 7,000 individual islands. The majority of employees and servants are indigenous.
The Crest: A black flag with a large red blood drop, over which a black cross, a formation of skulls and snakes, and five candles rest.
The Industrial Focus: Human Physiology and Anatomy (Medical Virology and Pharmaceutical Research).
The Secrets: For GMs only.

The History: It began with an oath - the doctor's oath. The Legendes have long been a line of hard working doctors and courageous medics, especially in various wars on the distant fronts. In 1702, an especially successful (and alchemic) doctor found time to trace his roots back to his homeland in the Caribbean - he sought answers for his power's origin, and craved more of it. He soon found others like him - hiding under the veil of mythos and religions. For a decade, his growing family struggled to heal the land and allay the people's ailments, their reputation spreading as their clan grew.

But then 'rogue' attacks became more frequent. It became apparent to the Legendes that enemies of their faith (the Loa) sought to destroy them. So reluctantly, they made war to these rogues, and the fighting escalated. It was around this time that an unknown entity or group was pulling the strings behind the curtain - the AMRO.

From the get-go, the family resisted the AMRO's influence along with other families in the Caribbean. To them, it was simply just a more organized, more trained group of rogues trying to conquer lands and trade routes. But over time, war became a disgusting, but trivial chore - and peace was sought. It was only under a tense negotiation that the Legendes and the AMRO began to work together, the former paying allegiance and knowledge while the latter protected them from outer threats. It was also explained to them just what really powered their miracles - alchemy. And that their carnal knowledge of the human body fueled it. This step in history also set a pretense for other families in the area, and soon after, they all followed the AMRO's rules.

So it began - the doctors' rise to power and knowledge. From 1715 and onward, the Legendes kept to themselves, putting on false fronts for the ungifted humans that populated the land. On one hand, they were doctors fulfilling their oaths with tremendous success. On the other, they were alchemists seeking to unlock the power of the human body and how it reacted to external forces, especially alchemy. For the next few centuries, the Legendes and other Caribbean families worked together across the ocean waves and islands, slowly building themselves up as a powerful corporation that focused on human physiology and alchemy-inspired pharmaceutical applications.

However, it would soon become a pattern that the Legendes seemed to be the shadiest bloodline among many - with allegedly being tasked to dispose of human bodies, run tests, and research (illegally under the normal human laws), it was not hard for suspicions and allegations to rise and fall throughout the decades. Yet nothing was ever proven, only surmised.

Another problem cropped up. A rift began to separate those in the corporation who merely wanted good business and money, and those who were driven to find out more about the human body at all costs. The former couldn't stand how their alchemy was performed and the latter felt this was a great disrespect to their ancestors. Thus began the divide - and eventual elimination - of Caribbean families. Only the Legendes spearheaded the effort to create a union between different-minded folks, thus arrived the title of Undertaker - the one who delves into the madness and brought back practical fruits for research. And the Patriarch, who managed the business end of the whole operation. Not all families were on board, and some even left for greener pastures. The others, however, fought for control and resorted to violence.

It was only a few months before others realized that the Legendes could not be stopped, for despite their passivity, it seemed this scenario had long been plotted out. One way or another, whether through broken pride, blackmail, or assassination (nobody really knows), those who went against the Legendes had to give up their positions in the company. Thus began the Legendes' reputation as an usurping pawn and untrustworthy bunch.

In 1950, Zidane was born, and his legacy is one of redemption, and a most lonely path. He grew up learning the truth about his family and he sought to correct it - to clean the black stains that discolors his family's escutcheon. Only his father admired his commitment to honor and justice, and soon Zidane himself became a wedge, further dividing those in his family who wanted more power but feared losing it, and those who sought to make things right. (See Zidane's entry below, his Details).

Nowadays, the Legendes' controversies continue to span the board;

Zidane's decision to include medical virology into his company's focus;

His long lost son, John, coming home and taking everyone by storm;

His daughter Anya's second love, 'a Jewish fiance this time.';

And a most strange, mind-boggling criminal case, one that reeks of treason: the murder of an asylum team by Zidane's hands.

Clearly, being a Legende is not a popular life.

The Key Members

THE FATHER

Zidane Legende

"In war, not everyone is a soldier."
-Regarding accusations of his murdering in Africa.

Description: Age 65. 18th Patriarch and 3rd Undertaker of the Legende bloodline. Doctor.

It is not generally known that leprosy ails his body, but he is often seen wrapped in cotton bandages, over which white garments shroud his features. One might guess. He also moves around in a wheelchair, which is usually pushed by someone; however, it has its own 10-hour motor. Despite his ailments, Zidane is a formidable opponent - nobody who has ever fought him directly has survived unscathed. He is also a complicated man of quiet dialogue and contemplation, his mind full of vague mysteries and weird mood swings; his attention never strays from his work, but his family and employees note that his hobbies and personal interests change with every passing week. As a father, he is full of love and patience, taking care of his own, and always pushing them to greater heights; however, Anya and John are the two apples of his eyes, and he is grateful that the two seldom bicker, let alone clash with each other for power.

His weapon of choice is a wooden cane, engraved with metallic symbols; an oval crystal is fashioned securely at one end. He considers alchemy to be a gift from the Loa (divine beings of Africa and Caribbean) and that the rest of humanity are lost souls in need of discipline and grace. Additionally, he resonates strongly with Damballa (father of the Loa and god of creativity and sexuality) and believes he gives himself over to him when he uses alchemy; in other words, that the god indwells Zidane's body . . .

A glimpse into Zidnae's life . . .

Details

Age 15: Zidane is arranged-married to Bonnie Macrath, a Scottish alchemist from a bloodline based in Edinburgh. His older brothers are sent to serve AMRO as asylums, but he takes care of his younger brothers with love and discernment.

Age 19: A son is born between him and Bonnie. For reasons unknown, she soon leaves without a trace. Her body is found a year later. The son is presumed dead. The AMRO investigates this case, suspecting that Zidane arranged for his wife to be murdered. Nothing conclusive is found.

Age 21: Zidane is selected to take over his father's business and inherits the Undertaker title, a feat not easily achieved, for many have been heirs and patriarchs, but not all have become the Undertaker. He commits himself to his work for 2 decades, siring children out of wedlock; those with alchemy were given over to the AMRO, while ungifted children were sent away with their mothers with a nice inheritance. A few months into this 20 year long embarkment, Zidane's extended family moves out of the Caribbean, having no faith in his ability to manage things. His father stays behind, choosing to spend his last days helping his son understand the Undertaker title.

Age 41: Zidane personally saves Rachelle Imbry and her sisters from a rogue attack. The Imbry bloodline is ended. He marries Rachelle a month later after she becomes pregnant with his child. The AMRO investigates the possibility that Zidane orchestrated this event so that his family could be the sole bloodline in charge of the Caribbean. Nothing conclusive is found, but Zidane is warned to not cause strife.

Age 45: After giving birth to 3 more daughters, including Anya, Rachelle dies from an unknown illness. It is also at this time that Zidane comprehends the truth of Undertaker. He is also diagnosed with leprosy, a fact he keeps secret from everyone but his doctor. He decides to keep Anya, but her 3 older sisters are given over to the AMRO, who again investigates his wife's death and speculated that Zidane used her for medical research. He is warned once again to not waste precious resources such as child-bearing wives.

Age 49: His business is now successful on a global scale. Medical schools are being opened in the Caribbean. He spends more time with 4 y/o Anya. The AMRO pressures him to sire more children, but also praises him for giving them the highest of his miraculous quality medicine and fruitful knowledge, whilst keeping the normal human leaders involved with second-best results.

Age 50: Zidane marries Nadine Renzaho, an African alchemist from a bloodline based in Rwanda. The AMRO investigates Zidane's presence in the bloody African wars. Despite proof that he was only killing rogues, he is suspected of also killing bloodline alchemists. Nothing conclusive is found. 5 y/o Anya begins her alchemy training under her father's appointed tutors.

Age 56: Nadine is killed while visiting her homeland, leaving Zidane with 11 y/o Anya and 8 other daughters, 5 of whom are given over to the AMRO. During his grief, Zidane notices Anya trying to take on more responsibility. He watches her excel academically, passing through entire grades, all while also insisting to her nannies that she will help take care of her younger sisters. Seeing his past in Anya, he decides that Anya should not be burdened with the title of Undertaker. He starts using his connections to set up an arranged marriage so she can be happy and free.

It is also during this time that Zidane meets Mr. G. Knots in Scotland, and later Wylie John Macrath, to discuss a possible business deal for medicine and supplies. After much discussion, Zidane is extremely impressed with Wylie's tight control over rogues and alchemy crimes, all while meeting the superfluous demands of the patriarchs in charge of the territories. Mr. Knots assumes the role of liaison between the two men, both of whom are unaware of the fact that they are father and son.

Age 61: Zidane attempts to wed off (a very pissed off) 16 y/o Anya to a wealthy 32yo Chinese alchemist named Jute Guo, who owned an extensive chain of underground safe-houses for asylums operating in the Beijing area. But then tragedy struck, the day of the wedding. Once again, the AMRO investigated, much at the pleas of the opposing family. Nothing, once again, was conclusive, but Anya's fleeing home soon after not only aroused suspicion, but crushed his heart.

Age 63: Zidane is pleased to hear that Anya is doing well in her travels. He learns of Maxwell, and their situation; a development he had not expected, but happily welcomes. While not pressing her to come home, he asks Anya and Maxwell to escort a couple of men from Scotland to their home. It is during this time that accusations once again rise from other bloodlines regarding the Legendes, and John actually being Zidane's son brought things to a head. However, the long lost son proved himself more than capable of proving his lineage and quelling everyone's concerns and mud-slinging.

Age 65: Zidane feels at peace, for his daughter had finally come home. Arrangements are made for both her and John to operate the business, in a way that makes them both comfortable. Just like with his father before him, Zidane instructs John in the Undertaker title while leaving Anya to try her hand at business. It could not have been a better partnership, and he feels that he can now finally die in peace, when his time comes.

Deceased
Nadine Legende: Age 29. Zidane's third wife. Married for 6 years. Maiden name, Renzaho.
Rachelle Legende: Age 40. Zidane's second wife, Anya's mother. Married for 4 years. Maiden name, Imbry.
Bonnie Legende: Age 18. Zidane's first wife, John's mother. Married for 4 years. Maiden name, Macrath.
* Extended and immediate family information classified.

THE SON

John Legende

"So was your father's condom."
-To his stepfather, upon being called a failure.

Description: Age 42. Firstborn. Second in command. Joint partnership with Anya Legende. 4th (and current) Undertaker of the Legendes.

Wylie John Macrath (April 14th 1973), better known now by his business name John Legende, is a licensed attorney, notorious entrepreneur, and a strategic-class rogue killer known as "Glide Storm" according to the AMRO's information database. Like his real father, John is dangerous when roused, except rather than in direct combat, the rogue killer has his ways of indirectly destroying his opponents and foes. His life is proof that rogues in Scotland find it financially hard to thrive, let alone do as they please. He is extremely skilled at walking into poor, suburban areas in need of funding and leaving it a bustling niche for both business and home owners; a feat that quite often means a profitable turnout, not only for the bloodlines who tolerate his work, but for the AMRO that wishes to crack down on rogues.

John never truly fit into the Macrath family, being seen as a black sheep than an actual person. They reveled in open conflict, and coupled with drunken brashness and ceaseless debauchery, he was ashamed to call them 'family'. At a young age, he emancipated himself and never looked back. He began to work the streets, slipping into gangs and looking for rogue alchemists. It was a pastime that he greatly enjoyed, among his other pursuits, which was making money and sticking the law to criminals. For him, the AMRO were no difference than the detectives working in vice and homicide - he was their informant on all things local and they looked the other way, especially when rogues dared to trespass onto his family (and other bloodlines') properties.

His life took a turn for the worse when his wife was killed by rogues - skinned alive, in fact, as he was forced to watch. From that day forward, the use of the courtroom became a tool for propping up a murder, as John no longer considered the law to be good enough. It was a twist in his case that the AMRO saw coming, as there are many like the eponymous 'John' who took things to a personal, vengeful level.

But when his story transitioned him into a long lost son thought to be dead, the AMRO looked into his life even closer.

Having grown up in a different culture, different world... few seriously consider the fact that he is related by blood to the Zidane Legende. But John proved it, just as he did with most things that come to complicate his life. Yet people still don't believe him because he's so different than the rest of the those in the family, both in manner and appearance. The irony of being a white son with a black father is neither lost on him, nor his father; for while the rest of the world (including the AMRO) segregate themselves mentally, they accept the truth that humanity is all shades of the color brown.

John disdains 'weapons of choice', as he prefers to use anything at hand to his advantage. He has had to be incredibly resourceful, both on the streets and the courtroom, in order to survive, let alone thrive. Regarding alchemy, he doesn't share his father's religious interpretation of alchemy being a gift from God, but he respects the dedication behind such a resolve. His personal choice of alchemy is classified, but rumors abound about how awful it is behold.

Deceased
Elizabelle Macrath: Age 31. John's wife. Maiden name is Brooks.
* Remaining family unknown.

THE SERVANT

Mr. 'Julian' G. Knots

"Humanity has a marvelous faculty of either dying or adapting to circumstances."
-In mid alchemic cast, to an assassin begging for mercy.

Description: First name unknown. Age unknown. Butler & Close Protection Officer. John's right-hand man.

He worked directly for John Legende before being assigned to the patriarch for 24/7 hour care and protection. Just as with the son, Mr. Knots rarely leaves Zidane's side and sees to his every request. He does not speak often, but in stark contrast to the company he keeps, he has quite a cheery, enthusiastic personality, tempered by discipline and knowing his place. Nothing seems to bother him, nothing seems to surprise him; the man is quite the stoic servant.

However, in full-on battles to the death, Mr. Knots takes no chances and will treat small, naive child soldiers the same way he would handle old, bones-aching veterans. He will either kill or be killed, hence he rarely battles of his own accord without consent from his masters. It is for this reason that he seeks to strike a balance in less-than-lethal encounters, which often leaves their enemies armless afterwards.

His weapons of choice are his bare hands, preferably his right; his alchemy, however, is as diverse as it is strange.

Deceased
Julian Campbell: Age 25. Mr. Knots' assistant.
* Remaining family unknown.

THE DAUGHTER

Anya Legende

"I know of only one duty, and that is to love."
-To an asylum questioning her heirship.

Description: Age 20. Daughter. Heir. Joint partnership with John Legende.

Anya is fairly quiet and contemplative in polite company. She is sweet and kind, neither going out of her way to smother someone, nor neglecting them. Everyone must be loved at least once a day, after all. When she's not consoling her father or helping her older half brother, she is often alone, lost in her daydreams. But she's no slacker; she is highly committed to academic excellence and knowing everything she must in order to run the family business. With John's presence however, she no longer feels such a heavy burden on her shoulders and treasures the time she has for little things, like romance and fun. She still looks after her younger sisters when she can, however most of them are engaged with their own projects and pursuits.

At the tender age of 16, she was still arranged to wed an older man (Jute Guo) from a well-to-do family from the Far East while her father toiled to solve his company's problems. It had been her father's hope she'd understand him someday. However, that marriage was not to be; the groom died of a heart attack on the day of the wedding, right in front of her. Before she retrieved John from Scotland, her father had been dispirited from ever having a male son to carry on his mantle. As much as she loves her father, she resents the fact that she could not take the lead; she never knew her mother, and her father and relatives were all she had. Even four years later, Anya still seeks real answers for why that happened to Mr. Guo. Being useless at home and feeling contempt from all sides, she left to travel alone, much to her father's protests. She kept in contact with him, but remained adamant that she would not come home until she was at peace with her soul.

During her travels abroad, she met Maxwell Krichilsky in American States; a place that she had never been to before, only read about it in books or seen in programs on TV. The two alchemists hit it off right quick, but romance would be pursued later, for Max's interest in becoming a doctor captivated his attention. She found his way with words and numbers fascinating.

When her departure drew nigh, Anya felt compelled to make a connection for him, so as to take him with her and keep him close. Her father approved of the idea instantly, if it meant his daughter would return home. His heart swelled when he laid eyes on his daughter's eyes, for they were full of love and compassion for Max.

Like her father, Anya considers alchemy to be a gift from the Loa and her aspect to be of Erzulie (goddess of love, compassion, and loneliness). She views most humans to be in her charge and care. As for the AMRO, she doesn't know enough quite yet to make a real judgment on them, but she wrestles with the fact that alchemy must be hidden and secret, plus the fact that her father and brother bows to them so easily disturbs her.

Over

-I editted out the teleportation parts where it regards Team C helping fallen comrades or bystanders, and Stage 3 when we leave Julie to finish the job.
-Changed Omari's "plasma gun" to a "force field generating gun."

THE BATTLE PLAN

Stage 1: The Delay

GROUP EFFORTS
* We surround the Vile and keep circling it, forcing it into the Center.
* Teams A and B will stay opposite each other whilst Team C slips in between the Center evasively.
* Stay within sight of Julie; we move as one object orbiting her.
* Never stop moving, and never attack the Vile when its attention is on you.
* We avoid the Vile's area-of-effect attacks by not bunching up together.
* Ranged fighters will keep their distance and time their shots carefully.
* In between combined ranged assaults, melee fighters will make back-attacks on the Vile when it is distracted.
* Ilana will watch for friendly fire and collect it, but no promises.
* No goddamn grappling!
* If a team mate goes down and can't contribute, Team C will take them out of battle; the same for sudden bystanders.
* If you have a knack for illusion alchemy, don't target the environment: copy the person the Vile is focusing currently focusing on, and keep changing it.

---

TEAM A
Alistair: Protect Omari and AJ. Use Threads of Fate to guide Team A and Team B's shots into the Vile's legs or means of mobility, along with your own shots. Any explosive rounds, shoot at Ilana.

Omari: Use your force-field generating gun to protect Julie. Time another force field with AJ and Kiara's explosive attacks to contain the Vile briefly with the force so as to multiply damage. Use your boomerang gun to distract the Vile.

AJ: Use your grenade launcher in tandem with Omari's force field generating gun and Kiara's attacks. If at any point you can't do this, launch your grenades into the sky at Ilana.

---

TEAM B
Vail: Protect Kiara and Maeve. Fire your plasma rifle at the Vile's legs, along with Omari. Time your shots as a one-two punch. If you use melee, follow Ethan's lead.

Kiara: Use your explosive weapon in tandem with AJ. Use your shadow alchemy to nudge the Vile's melee attacks askew. Otherwise, fire your explosive rounds at Ilana.

Maeve: Follow Ethan's lead and wait to attack.

TEAM C
* Ilana will be mostly doing three things: gathering sound, explosive, and splash energy into one giant orb in the sky (contained by air); assisting Ethan with diversionary tactics; combating the Vile's alchemy attacks.

* Ethan will be playing Matador with the Vile, to allow those in melee to dish out quick attacks; shooting at the Vile with ricochet attacks; ripping up the ground and making hardened packs of dirt and rocks for Stage 2. He will also do his best to deflect the Vile's attacks, but always act as if he's not going to. In other words:

Stage 2: Meteor-Cracker

* A very brief stage that requires Julie to tell us she's ready to launch her Exceed.
* We obey all points as of before.
* Ethan will make a large hole in the ground near Julie, into which Ilana will slam the Vile using the hodgepodge energy orb.
* Everyone, except Omari, will use earth alchemy to fill the hole as much as possible, smooshing the Vile with the orb.
* Omari will undo all his force fields and, as a final layer, mount a force field that contains the Vile in the hole with the earth mounds we're controlling.
* Ilana detonates the orb as we continue to push the earth into the Vile.

Stage 3: Exceed

* We run away from Julie like bats out of hell, our Meteor-Cracker heralding her Exceed as a preliminary attack.
* Wait for orders.

---

Putting it here so it's on a fresh new page.

Over

THE BATTLE PLAN

Stage 1: The Delay

GROUP EFFORTS
* We surround the Vile and keep circling it, forcing it into the Center.
* Teams A and B will stay opposite each other whilst Team C slips in between the Center evasively.
* Stay within sight of Julie; we move as one object orbiting her.
* Never stop moving, and never attack the Vile when its attention is on you.
* We avoid the Vile's area-of-effect attacks by not bunching up together.
* Ranged fighters will keep their distance and time their shots carefully.
* In between combined ranged assaults, melee fighters will make back-attacks on the Vile when it is distracted.
* Ilana will watch for friendly fire and collect it, but no promises.
* No goddamn grappling!
* If a team mate goes down and can't contribute, Team C will take them out of battle; the same for sudden bystanders.
* If you have a knack for illusion alchemy, don't target the environment: copy the person the Vile is focusing currently focusing on, and keep changing it.

---

TEAM A
Alistair: Protect Omari and AJ. Use Threads of Fate to guide Team A and Team B's shots into the Vile's legs or means of mobility, along with your own shots. Any explosive rounds, shoot at Ilana.

Omari: Maintain a barrier to protect Julie. Time another barrier with AJ and Kiara's explosive attacks to contain the Vile briefly with the force so as to multiply damage. Use your plasma rifle to keep taking out the Vile's legs. In between those three tactics, shoot your plasma rounds at Ilana.

AJ: Use your grenade launcher in tandem with Omari's barrier alchemy and Kiara's attacks. If at any point you can't do this, launch your grenades into the sky at Ilana.

---

TEAM B
Vail: Protect Kiara and Maeve. Fire your plasma rifle at the Vile's legs, along with Omari. Time your shots as a one-two punch. If you use melee, follow Ethan's lead.

Kiara: Use your explosive weapon in tandem with AJ. Use your shadow alchemy to nudge the Vile's melee attacks askew. Otherwise, fire your explosive rounds at Ilana.

Maeve: Follow Ethan's lead and wait to attack.

TEAM C
* Ilana will be mostly doing three things: gathering sound, explosive, and splash energy into one giant orb in the sky (contained by air); assisting Ethan with diversionary tactics; combating the Vile's alchemy attacks.

* Ethan will be playing Matador with the Vile, to allow those in melee to dish out quick attacks; shooting at the Vile with ricochet attacks; ripping up the ground and making hardened packs of dirt and rocks for Stage 2. He will also do his best to deflect the Vile's attacks, but always act as if he's not going to. In other words:

Stage 2: Meteor-Cracker

* A very brief stage that requires Julie to tell us she's ready to launch her Exceed.
* We obey all points as of before.
* Ethan will make a large hole in the ground near Julie, into which Ilana will slam the Vile using the hodgepodge energy orb.
* Everyone, except Omari, will use earth alchemy to fill the hole as much as possible, smooshing the Vile with the orb.
* Omari will undo all his barriers and, as a final layer, mount a barrier that contains the Vile in the hole with the earth mounds we're controlling.
* Ilana detonates the orb as we continue to push the earth into the Vile.

Stage 3: Exceed

* We run away from Julie like bats out of hell, our Meteor-Cracker heralding her Exceed as a preliminary attack.
* Wait for orders.

---

Just as a reminder, all of this information has been ingrained into the participants' brains: even if you have questions (ask them in Skype or here), just don't ask them IC. There's no time.

I will have the Vile respond accordingly to everyone's posts in chronological order, but to help make sure this is all fun and good, let others have a chance. If mini collabs are how you want to do that, throw 'em at me. ^^; But I'm still sticking with a post by post, as Xo wanted.

Good luck! Hopefully nobody here will get too vilelated...

Over

[Previous Post]

TEAM MISCHIEF MAVEN

The Sciencer (1100) --------------------- The Air Jew (500)

---

'Those two...' Julie thought, taking in the image of team Mischief Maven with a rather despondent smile.

Pleasantries would have to wait until later – if there even was a 'later.' Despite Ethan's constant dicking around, the Chrono and her husband understood him well enough; Underneath all that jovial demeanor coiled a strict, calculating mind of utter seriousness. Ilana would have to keep remembering that, Julie knew. That scowl in hunter's eyes proved it. Perhaps Ethan had gotten her worked up, knowing what was ahead.

The Chrono glanced at Vail, Alistair, and Omari, then AJ, Kiara and Maeve as her brow furrowed. Their attacks, combined with the speedboat tactic, managed to grant them a minute respite from the Vile. 'This won't be enough,' she thought, taking advantage in order to brief Ethan and Ilana, and address their mental inquiries.

'But… is hope a stranger to me?'

Julie locked eyes with Ilana and Ethan's odd glasses. Discipline fell into place as their personal affiliations were soldiered away.

'Keep the Vile at bay. If you can,' Julie telepathed to them, allowing the other six to listen in.
'Yeh, you got it, hon,' Ethan replied, missing the memo on personal affiliations.
'Understood, ma'am,' Ilana nodded, cringing inwardly at her partner.
'Because I'm going to prepare for my Exceed,' Julie continued, glancing at the fiery carnage behind them.

'And put that stogie away!' The Chrono hissed at Ethan, causing him to nearly drop it out of his mouth.
'Yah, ain't heard no fat lady!' he snapped to attention, which excited Ilana; her hairs even bristled.

Julie then locked eyes with Alistair and Vail – the only other bonafide Asylums in this battle. The ground beneath her shoes rose, bringing her up onto some kind of hardened earthen pillar, about 3 meters high. A firm mental grip reassured their minds, impressing upon them the sheer weight of Ethan and Ilana's years of experience; that they should simply follow their lead without question. The chain of command established, she then knelt, the tips of her fingers touching the ground beside her for balance. Her eyes closed as she loosed a sigh pass her chapped lips. It was nothing personal, but it was difficult to trust them all . . .

Inspired by Julie's rising pillar, the Sciencer smirked. 'We gonna do a Meteor-Cracker,' Ethan said to Ilana and Julie's minds, the latter merely nodding whilst the former perspired with a bit of trepidation.

'With a delay, yes?' Ilana asked him, to which he nodded.

That was all she needed to know – Grimacing, Ilana burst off her feet with a clenched fist and gritted teeth, her entire body nearly gliding like a razor across the burning grass towards the Vile's regenerating mass. Her partner had to take a step back to avoid falling into a crevice she'd left. But it didn't bother him none. He was Ethan.

No sooner than when she'd darted out, the Sciencer pulled a motem of his own, by raising his right hand towards the two asylums and four students, as well as hipping at them with his right hip. Six red lasers, barely seen except through bits of dust in the air, extended from tiny devices on each of his fingers (and hip) and made contact with their bodies somewhere – be it forehead, hand, chest, crotch, etc.

And in that moment, time seemed to have snailed down to slowly ticking milliseconds; Ilana's fist a few inches away from the Vile . . .

The world around them blackened, as though light had been snuffed out. But the light was replaced, for endless legions of data from the terrain, lifeforms around them, each other, sans the Vile, lit everything up with a soft, captivating glow. Equations flitted in between everything, changing as variables shifted and interacted with other complexities. Such a sight was not meant for the human mind.

But just before this onslaught would fatally overwhelm them, Ethan's dominant presence slammed a filter down between their minds and his field. Irrelevant details vanished, and the human pressure to understand everything was debilitated. Given how Alistair's Threads of Fate guided one's actions, as well as displaying information in the mind's eye, one could now see the source of that guidance, and why it made sense – and especially how they could be manipulated beyond making one's actions swift and sure.

The filter allowed them to grasp the Battle Plan: Meteor-Cracker. It was as though Ethan had downloaded his plan into their brains, transcending all need for communication, time to explain, and more importantly, the interpretation of data. It wasn't merely a detailed telepathic message, which normally conveyed vague emotions and echoing voices in real time. No, everyone had the same information in their head simultaneously, while understanding that they were all sharing a moment in time.

Now, imagine a football game plan, a technical blueprint, or raised tokens and flags on a war map, or whatever – Take your pick! Their brains would understand the Battle Plan just as though they had devised it. And they'd know that others understood it too. Everyone would understand the plan in their own way, their own terms. But their actions would be synchronized, if they followed through with it, cascading all of their efforts towards the same estimated result.

The Battle Plan has 3 Stages . . .

"Here we go!" Ethan shouted, brandishing a Wily Ringer in one hand and his Aegis in the other.

Ilana bounced back, her shoes skidding roughly against the ground a few feet away from her partner. Her face, bloodied and bruised, stained what remained of her tank-top (her black, lacy bra showed through). Her eyes had spiraled into pure determination and grit, so the feeling of shame no longer mattered.

"That thing's really fuckin' gropey!" she spat, causing Ethan to smirk as he dashed towards the screaming Vile.

She could not believe the strength and speed of this Vile; her skill level was trivial. Everyone's were... and the only thing she could do was...

Flee.

That was it. She could barely mount an attack, but that had been the point: while Ethan had ingrained his battle plan into everyone's head, her entire situation with a Vile had been a contrast in front of them, just to show how certainly pointless it was to engage it head on, alone. The only way to mount an attack was to pass the torch onto others, all while running away . . .

She caught her breath, glancing at the group under their command, before leaping into the air . . . just as the Vile slammed Ethan into the ground with outstretched arms and claws . . . the Hybrid carefully rolled away, coming to a kneeling position as the Vile prepared to charge him like a rhino.

---

Meanwhile . . .

At the pier

Bits and Sparks had been dealing with the chaos of the evacuation. Fortunately, it was almost over - the last remnant of survivors ushered onto the docks mercilessly. To that point, an old nanny, wizened by years of asylum child training, held a 9yo mulatto girl and a 10yo Mexican boy by the hand. She was trying to be careful, to guide them into the boats since all other entries had been blocked. She attempted to slip past a group of teens, but she panicked and lost her footing. Her pince nez flew off as she cracked her head. The boy fell to his feet, about to be trampled by another group of kids.

But the girl screamed, her body hurling towards the water. As a last moment of desperation, a pink yoyo slipped out of her hand, in an attempt to snag the rigging on the dock. But it was to no avail.

Her eyes caught Sparks' at the last second, before a wave Bits was trying to control consumed her.

Tossing, turning, lungs filling, only one thought remained: 'Daddy . . . I'm sorry . . .'

[Next Post]