Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Character Creation and Discussion

[Aaron008R]

Originally Posted by USB500

Alex: someone's making fun of me...
Anna: don't worry, oneechan! I will make him pay! Miata, Vios, Meteor!
Miata/Vios: Admis d'Ordre.
*Annabelle casts Meteor and aims it at Aaron008R. Leonidas palms his face in disgrace.*

AAARRGGHHHH! *gets fried by Meteor*
*Clambers out of wreckage and coughs out black smoke*
I'm sorry! I just had a slip of mind because of worrying about my exams for the next day. And I was also in a hurry to type. I never meant to change Alexandra's name! Promise! I'll hammer it to my skull later so I'll never forget.

JOSHUA MERLIN

Spoiler for click:

The youngest person ever to take the seat of Royal Institution Wizardry’s vice president, (he is 25 during the Glastonbury Attack) Joshua is appointed by his late father to conduct a study on Arthur’s history and its impact on the modern Britannia. He is, however, more interested in the king’s Intelligent Armed Device and its importance in part of Arthurian legend. For seven years he studies Excalibur and even attempts to vainly unlock it. He soon realizes the device won’t respond to other people and suspects it has something to do with the Arthur’s last will on his dying day. His theory is that Excalibur will only respond to the king’s descendant who inherits his true blood, but for 900 years it has been a belief that Arthur and Guinevere never had a child. Only when Alexandra activates the Device during the AMF machines’ raid on Avalon does he believe the king did have a descendant. On top of that, he sees Alexandra’s eyes turning colour when she invokes Excalibur; Arthur had been known to change his eye colour every time he summoned Excalibur.

Much in the same way Arthur taught by Merlin, Alexandra is tutored on Excalibur’s abilities and art combat by Joshua. After appointed by Alexandra’s parents to become guardian, Joshua vows he will do anything to keep her out of harm, raising concern whether he is intending to put his life on the line for the king’s heir.

Joshua is a Support-type mage. He never enters battlefield and chooses to provide support for friendly units from safe distance. His abnormally high magic defence and evasion rates make him a tough opponent to take out in duel; he is often referred to by colleagues as “The Untouchable Tank” for this reason. Unlike other Support-class mages, Joshua is also an accomplished lancer and has once led the Royal Cavalry Regiment before retiring to concentrate on the wizardry institution.

Joshua’s ultra-great-ancestor was responsible for teaching “Wind Walker” to Arthur, and for 900 years it has been the Merlin Clan’s trademark ability. His magic colour is scarlet.

Joshua’s abilities are as follow:

• Wind Walker: deployed, this ability enhances Joshua’s agility and increases his evasion. It is characterized by contrails that mark her movements. Unlike Alexandra’s version, his version is top-notch.
• Evolution Lance: this ability explains how Joshua uses his lance (named Estima) in simultaneous strokes at the same time, protecting him from oncoming attacks while at the same time delivering ferocious attacks on the opponent. This is considered the most challenging and demanding of all lance combats, requiring intense focus, high level of skill and mastery of other lance forms.

TRIVIA

Spoiler:

These are trivia on Alexandra (there are also some for Anna thrown in).

• While never actually activated Lionheart Form along his lifetime, Arthur had been known to use Noble Illusions more than once.
• Arthur once had a pet lion he acquired from the ambassadors of the Serengeti Empire. He named it Richard. Interestingly enough, Alexandra also has a plush lion doll she got on her 5th birthday. It, too, is named Richard.
• Arthur’s full title, when transliterated from Old Briton, means “Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot, Master of Excalibur and Unifier of Britannia.”
• Alexandra knows nothing of rock music, yet one of her original abilities is named “The Midnight Carnival”. She says she remembers listening to a “peculiar song” while waiting for the bureau to pick her up at the airport. Inspired by the song, she uses the song’s title as the namesake for her ability.
• Alexandra likes chocolate.
• Despite being a shy girl, Alexandra already has a fan club dedicated only for her back at her hometown. The trait continues after she moves in to Mid-Childa, where she unconsciously becomes a man’s magnet. She is described by many as “the true village girl.”
• Joshua has twelve sisters, and all of them are named based on flowers.
• Excalibur has what is considered to be the finest sense of sarcasm, and often quarrels with Reinforce Zwei even over minor issues.
• Annabelle states that she wants her future husband to have the charming quality of a Spanish matador, a knight of virtue who will protect her from danger.
• Annabelle enjoys cosplaying, and this puts her on endless argument with Leonidas. Her favourite character is May from Guilty Gear XX Slash.
• Annabelle hates mice, and she despises of Gundam SEED.

These are only a few. I don't know what else I should throw in.

So Merlin's a lancer? that was a bit unexpected. I was expecting more along the lines of artillery support spellcaster. In any case, its fine either way.

Well, it would seem like the random information and trivia about characters is on the rise now. Interesting info, I must say. Just a question though, how does Excalibur get along with RH?

Are you going to put trivia sections for your other characters too? If so, I'll be looking forward to them.

That reminds me, I got to start working on more info about my character too. I'll try posting something tomorrow or the next.

[LoweGear]

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

Well, it would seem like the random information and trivia about characters is on the rise now. Interesting info, I must say.

A trivia section is often the best way to write about minor character quirks that'll distinguish them from other characters, as opposed to the main profile that needs to focus on the larger aspect of the character (although, that'll depend on the writer's preference). And besides... it's fun thinking up and reading the trivial things that make a character tick

(Like how USB500's Annabelle hates Gundam SEED, which might put her at odds against Kay if they ever met ).

EDIT:

More of Kay's Biography, and also shifting to a new style of profile writing...

Spoiler for length:

Biography of Kaylin “Kay” Mathis: Miscellaneous Part II

- Despite her extensive travels to various worlds and countries, Kay is proficient in only 5 languages, her primary being Midian (Midchild English), since she primarily uses translation matrix magic from her device Khaydarin in most native interactions. (This type of magic acts similarly to a talking dictionary, limited by the languages it is programmed with). However, she can converse in 50 different languages, albeit on a limited level restricted to guide-book like questions and conversations.

Shinji: Konichiwa! Annyong ha shimnikka! Ni Hao!
Asuka: Guten Tag! Hola! Kalimera!
Rey: Namaste. Jambo. Al salaam a'alaykum.
Kay: Erh… Hello?

- Due to her rogue status, Kay does not receive the same amount of respect from mainstream archaeological circles, and most of the senior Meisters in the Midchilda Geographic Society regard her unrestrained methods with criticism. Nonetheless, Kay has written several journals and papers that have been well received, and three have garnered critical acclaim. These acclaimed works all document the development of ancient Belkan and Midchildan techno-magic during various points in Midchild pre-history.

- Kay has a very passionate love of noodles; noodle dishes from various worlds are much sought after by Kay during her expeditions. Her favorite of them all comes from the 88th Non-Administrated World “Maelos”, where the local specialty is a flat-noodle dish with a 20-syllable name, shortened by many as “Lauakjon” (pronounced lake-wan). This is a milky yet spicy noodle dish similar to Laksa, from the 98th Non-Administered World “Earth”. Kay has taken a liking to this dish so much that she has tried multiple times to replicate the dish – to no avail, as the ingredients for Lauakjon is native to Maelos, and the central government has strict trading regulations regarding export of said ingredients.

Speaking of which…

- Kay’s cooking skills can be considered top-notch for someone whose whole life is spent in non-ideal locations, having refined her cooking using non-standard utensils and techniques on various worlds. She has been known to offer her services as a chef to various clients in order to supplement her income, and she has graced the tables of many 5-star establishments, including the famous Leron Grand Hotel in Karagura Capital. Her specialty are noodle dishes and exotic meat viands, and also exquisite chocolate desserts. She has yet shown no interest in working full time as a chef, despite the multitude of job offers.

Thankfully. Continuing…

- Although working a lot with religious artifacts, Kay is officially unaffiliated with any religion. While still holding a belief in a higher power, Kay does not affiliate herself with any religious organization or group spreading religious beliefs. This was brought about as a consequence of seeing secondhand the destructive effects of religious zeal on various ancient civilizations.

God Bless for that…

- Among her many mannerisms and habits, one of Kay’s strangest is her habit of balancing a pencil upright on her middle finger when she is in the middle of solving a problem. This apparently requires little conscious effort on her part.

- Kay’s interest in music include Bossa Nova, R&B and ballads, although she has taken a healthy interest to a genre called “J-pop”.

Rey: Haruka sora hibiiteru…
Asuka: Inori wo kiseki ni…
*Shinji cries tears of manliness*

- To date, Kay has visited 290 different worlds and dimensions, often via less-than-credible methods and routes.

Which I cannot report unfortunately, or I’ll be busted as well

TSAB 2nd Lieutanant Glock Heckler, logging out.

[Saint X]

While i'm still here and not heading to work, might as well pitch in with a character background and history.

Spoiler for Kyla's History, Arc I: Before there were 'Aces', there were 'Recruits' Part I: First day.:

Kyla Kiramena, the 'simple, "country" girl' who had expressedly wished to become a Midchildan mage was at the final stretch of her dream, after years of spending time in the system- she was finally at the front door of the bureau recruitment center. Bureau recruitment procedure then was not different as it is now, that's why we find her in Lane 1, the accepted line, as months previously, a bureau recruiting team had visited her school and conducted written, physical and magical exams- she received a folder bearing all the recommendation letters, data discs (don't blame me, it was decades ago) bearing all of her statistics and pertinent data, and the formal letter of acceptance into the newly formed recruitment center, created under the premises of an order called 'D.O. 120', an order to separate and transform the bureau, from a military extension of the galactic military, to a totally civilian agency with its own armed forces. After proper procedures and paperwork, a week passed.

First day of Training. After the customary welcome speech by the center's dean, the new recruits have now gathered in the halls of their respective dormitories (boys separated from girls of course), looking for their room assignments. Kyla was at the second floor, looking at the roster there. She then spots her name in the assignment of Room 214, one of the largest rooms of the female dorm.

Team 14 Assignment: Room 214

Kyla Kiramena, Central-Tour 2.
Lindy Marks, Central-Tour 7.
Momoko Kagurazaka, N.A. 97-Mission 3.

"Hi there..." a voice suddenly stopped her at looking and turned her head to the right, where a green-haired girl with a top ponytail was looking at her. "You at 14 too?"
Kyla could only nod.
"Lindy Marks... Nice to meet you."
"Kyla, Kyla Kiramena... Same." the girl quickly replied.
"Say, who's this Kagurazaka character?" Lindy then asked. "Strange sounding name..."
At the far end of the hallway, the elevator door opens, revealing a girl with brown hair, and violet eyes, wearing what seemed to be a terran kimono, and on her neck, a spherical red ruby jewel.

-- To Be Continued --

yes, it was short for an intro but i'll update it when i come back from shift

[USB500]

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

So Merlin's a lancer? that was a bit unexpected. I was expecting more along the lines of artillery support spellcaster. In any case, its fine either way.

Well, it would seem like the random information and trivia about characters is on the rise now. Interesting info, I must say. Just a question though, how does Excalibur get along with RH?

Are you going to put trivia sections for your other characters too? If so, I'll be looking forward to them.

Question 1: yes, Merlin is a lancer. As a matter of fact, he's the member of the Freelancers Council, ranked as a Knight. (note that his lance ability is a direct reference to Star Wars' light sabre combat)

Question 2: this is a tough question to answer, but...

Spoiler for click:

Excalibur: I am most displeased to be teamed up with a piece of crystal ball.
RH: I find the moniker an indirect insult, oversized sword.
Excalibur: you dare making fun of me, Falling Heart?
RH: you cynical, sarcastic masochist! I challenge you!
Excalibur: let us kung-fu fight. On Guard!
Bardiche: I better steer away now...
*Excalibur and RH start arguing*
Reinforce Zwei: *swats Excalibur's & RH's head with harisen* stop arguing! We have works to do.

Imagine the horror if Excalibur demands for a humanoid form

Question 3: I'm currently working on my Lyrical of Time, so the trivia might take a while to come up.

[dkellis]

So I finally came up with the idea for a random unit which hypothetically specializes in capturing moderately dangerous interdimensional criminals, and stuck Ivey in there.

This may turn up in a story someday, if I find the time to write it.

First, Lieutenant Ivey de Lorien, Special Investigator and main female protagonist. This is only slightly modified from the original version. (Character template: Konata Izumi from Lucky Star, ie laid-back with weird tastes.)

Spoiler for Ivey de Lorien:

Name: Ivey de Lorien
Gender: Female
Age: 23 as of StrikerS ((Author's Note: Revised her age upwards by two years. This does not really affect much, but, in the ironic way of the Nanoha-verse, makes her seem a bit more experienced. Additional AN: Revised again further by three years, to 23.))

Mage Rank: A
Magic Type: Midchilda
Magic Colour: Azure Blue (Hex Code: #10ACD0) ((AN: Yes, I'm nitpicky like that.))
Favoured Element: Ice (in a manner of speaking)
Specialty: Binds
Device: Mistral - Storage Device ((AN: When I came up with the name, I swear I did not, at the time, know of the existence of the Maserati Mistral sports car. This was actually supposed to be a mere City of Villains reference with the character Ice Mistral.))

Rank: Special Investigator (1st Lieutenant)
Unit: 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension (Squad A) ((AN: No, there's no Squad B.))

Build: Very slightly but still noticeably shorter than average, somewhat skinny. Not much of a figure.
Hair: Silver; mid-length, not particularly high-maintenance, occasionally tied with a ribbon.
Eyes: Grey; usually bored or sleepy-looking

Clothing:
Usual - Whatever uniform she's supposed to be wearing at the time. Generally starts out neat and professional at the start of the day, degenerating into wrinkled scruffiness by the end of it. For casual wear, Ivey is partial to dresses, either white or blue, with substantial frills and lace.

Barrier Jacket - Black base sleeveless top, white long-sleeved jacket with blue trimmings, white-and-blue shoulder plates, blue armoured gloves, black miniskirt, what I can only describe as that "hip-cape" thing Nanoha and her team has, black boots with blue trimmings. Her hair is tied into a ponytail, and she gains a pair of goggles (which, apart from protection of the eyes, do nothing). I've uploaded the best I can come up with in City of Heroes here, but due to the limitations of the character creator, the blue trimming on the jacket isn't there, and the hip-cape should be detached from the upper jacket. (I had to use the Trenchcoat option, since CoH doesn't even have dresses.) Just use your imagination.


Personality:
Ivey has immense magical talent; that much, everyone can agree on. Sadly, her magical talent may well be wasted on her attitude, which isn't bad as such, but more that it isn't well-suited for the military culture of the TSAB. She is apathetic by nature, often choosing to do things that do not interest her at the last possible minute rather than properly preparing. Interpersonal relationships are seen by her to be a sort of necessary evil, and her social life tends to revolve around a few close friends, while she can often barely remember other people's names.

She is far, far more enthusiastic about things which do interest her, however, sometimes to the point of obsession. Ivey loves to take things apart, discovering how they work, although the occasional inability to put them back together after she's done precluded her joining the Engineering Corps. She has displayed a passion for research, and spends most of her spare time reading up on old cases and analyses thereof. This has given her both an extensive (if highly unreliable) knowledge of criminal methodologies, as well as a great deal of respect for the utter depths of human depravity.

Generally described as a cheerful cynic, Ivey works in contradictions: she has little patience for TSAB politics, but is not above using it for her own ends. She believes that everything will be all right in the end, if only because they can't possibly get any worse now. She hates being sent out on a mission, but she will do her utmost best to make sure it succeeds. She is professional and polite to her colleagues, but sloppy and disorganized to her friends. She has a calm facade when faced with immense danger, but she actually panics easily. She stubbornly argues endlessly for her side in disagreements, but easily and honestly admits that she's wrong when proof is provided.

And even though she often prepares for the worst case scenario, she has a deep and innate belief in the best case.

Ivey's biggest dream, as she tells others, is to someday visit the 97th Non-Administered World (aka Earth), or rather to visit it in very specific circumstances: namely, to repeat Yuuno Scrya's feat of finding a talented mage of the opposite gender in a suitably dramatic manner. She also realizes that this makes no sense whatsoever. (Chances are her actual dream is something completely different, but she's not telling.)


Background:
Born to a wealthy family, Ivey was "scouted" for her magical talent when she was a young child (around the time of the Precia Testarossa incident). Her rise through the mage ranking exams was remarkable mostly in how her examiners all noted that she could be more powerful than she was bothering to be. She displayed an aptitude for battle tactics in a way that minimized the effort needed to win for maximum results, although she sometimes makes some incredibly bone-headed moves for some reason.

Ivey formally enlisted at age sixteen. Her time in the TSAB is marked by personality evaluations expressing frustration at her inability to work well with others or with paperwork, as well as glowing praise for her success in apprehending dangerous criminals and bringing them in alive. Ivey was passed around from department to department, with many wanting her skills but not many wanting her personality. Finally, she was dropped into the 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension unit, where she seems to have found a temporary home, at least.

Ivey maintains a close friendship with one Rancer LaSalle, whom she had met through circumstances both describe as "unusual". The two dated for a while before breaking up, but are still seldom seen apart. In fact, if one transfers to a new unit, the other will almost certainly request a transfer there as well. Oddly, the two do not work especially well as partners, even if they are passably competent enough.


Armament: Mistral generally takes the form of a small clear crystal hanging from a silver chain on Ivey's neck. Ivey has to activate it with the following pass phrase:

"As all things fall into order, so shall all deeds be done. I cast in the name of justice; release your power to me! Mistral, set up!"

Ivey has, by now, learned to say it as quickly as possible, but getting interrupted is still a problem. Ivey is currently training to activate Mistral without the pass phrase, but little progress has been made.

When set up, Mistral takes the form of a long chain made of (unbreakable, or at least not easily damaged) ice of variable length, which it can change on the fly. Ivey is highly skilled at manipulating this chain, and can also protrude spikes from any number of links on the chain at her choosing. The chain can undergo an immense amount of transformations and configurations, sometimes appearing to defy the laws of physics or even pass through itself. One chain may turn into three, and then eight, before going back to two, coming back the way it came.

Ivey also has some advanced training in what may be broadly called martial arts, but are mostly concentrated in evasion techniques. She's quicker than most, but not superhuman.


Powers
Ivey does not so much use ice as ice crystals. The ice is merely a convenient way of obtaining crystals, which are the real point of her powers. By the time the crystals get repurposed, they bear a resemblance to solid water only in appearance, and have more in common with diamond in indestructability. Adding more crystal links to the chain depletes Ivey's magical stamina bit by bit: fifty links is perfectly fine. Five thousand links at one go would exhaust her for a week.

Ivey works best as a close-range combatant, and her long-range capabilities are weak at best. Ivey relies a great deal on dodging attacks rather than blocking them, but since her Device does not provide her with any speed upgrades, she is at a marked disadvantage against speedy melee fighters like Fate or Signum.

Ivey's abilities may not seem that impressive on their own, but Ivey has learned to do them very well. Her binds often take less than a second to execute.


Offensive:

- Hitting things: Ivey can use Mistral to smack things around. Being whacked with anywhere from ten to fifty feet of spiked chain can be painful, especially if you don't know where it's coming from.

- Shard Stream: Mistral can lose several links of its chain to be flung at enemies. This is relatively slow and weak, and Ivey generally uses it mostly as a distraction tactic, or in preparation for Mistral Bind. Ivey has limited control over the direction and speed of the projectiles.

- Shard Rain: An upgraded version of Shard Stream, with Mistral losing even more links to cover the battlefield with small spiky projectiles. Velocity and penetration power remain the same; the upgrade is in volume only.

- Mistral Bind: Mistral can reconfigure its links to turn into a separate binding chain on enemies. For example, Ivey hits an opponent with fifty feet of chain, and twenty feet of that suddenly turns into a bind, while Ivey collects back thirty feet of chain. Binds can also be made from the severed links from Shard Stream/Rain, even those seemingly discarded on the ground. Breaking the bind would require both a Bind Break spell to overcome the A+ rank bind, as well as enough physical strength to break (or loosen) the diamond-hard chains.

- Mistral Cage: The upgraded version of Mistral Bind, with the target(s) being completely immobilized and covered in chains.

- Spikes: At any time, even when the links are being used for a bind, Ivey may extend spikes from them. She has been known to "seed" a site with links beforehand, and then spike them for instant caltrops.


Defensive:

- Chain Intercept: Ivey may intercept any attack by deflecting it with her chain. (Whether this attack stays deflected is another matter.) She has been known to do this easily against bullets and other physical projectiles. This does not help if the projectile explodes on impact, which makes things like Vita's Swallow Flier a significant danger.

- Dispersion Field: Ivey maintains a field of special tiny crystals which will help dissipate some of the energy of ranged magical attacks. This does nothing for melee, and things like Divine Buster will cut through it easily, but anything D-rank and below will find itself at least slowed down, if not completely negated. (Imagine it to be a very low-powered Anti-Magic Field.) It is possible for Ivey to accidentally move too quickly for her field to catch up.

- Crystal Cube: Ivey encases herself in a thick coccoon of crystal (which, despite the name, is not exactly a cube, or even a hexahedron). This is able to deflect most magical and physical attacks up to AA+ rank without taking any damage. (Barrier breaker attacks have a distinct advantage.) The drawbacks to this are that Ivey has limited air inside the cube (about seven hours), is unable to receive any communications while inside the cube, and is unaware of what is going on outside the cube: she has to guess for herself the best time to de-cube, which will give a free shot to anyone waiting for her outside. Also, the cube is all-or-nothing: either it (and Ivey) will take no damage, or it will shatter and Ivey will be hit with almost the full power of the attack. Ivey only uses this as a last resort, when she is absolutely certain the enemy will not simply pick up the cube and dump it into the ocean.

- Crystal Wall: Like the Crystal Cube, except a wall. This is formed more slowly than the Cube, and generally Ivey can erect a wall two meters square (and half a meter thick) on a moment's notice, but anything more would take something like one round of combat per addition.


Support:

- Flight: Ivey can fly. She can't fly very quickly, but she can fly. So far she has not developed any acceleration spells, although she is experimenting with a few. She does not need to have Mistral set up to fly.

- Quick Bind: If Ivey does not have time to set Mistral up, she can still bind targets with a regular magic bind. This is rather weaker (C+ rank), and has to be a direct binding rather than tricky delayed binds or such, but can work in a pinch.

- Reform: Ivey is able to completely reform Mistral from just a single link. She does not actually need any water or water vapour to do so. Ivey can also discard any and all of Mistral's chain links as she wishes, and either let them melt (well, more accurately vapourise into ambient magical energy rather than water) or leave them there for a future Mistral Bind.


Excerpt:

Spoiler:

Ivey continued sketching diagrams on the paper. "No, you see, you cannot deny the possibility that in some unknown and uncertain part of the vast multiverse to which we are tasked to protect, there is a portion of reality that is just correct enough to- oh, hi, Rancer."

"Morning, Ivey," Rancer said, stepping through the doorway. "Morning, Reiz."

"Anyway, as I was saying, if the multiverse is infinite, then, almost by definition, it should have everything in it, and that includes everything we can conceive of. And this, in itself, contains the subset of the concept of a mechanical genius or a scientist of some sort who wishes to, shall we say, have a clean laboratory while enjoying something pleasing to his eyes."

Reiz whimpered.

Rancer looked at her with sympathy. "You tried to doubt the existence of robot maids, didn't you?"

Trivia:

Spoiler:

Potential Voice Actress: Ryou Hirohashi (Izen, Gadget Trial)

- Ivey is able to pilot and operate a surprising number of vehicles and machinery. This appears to be a natural talent, since she has never bothered applying for licences for most of them.

- Ivey has a motorbike she is moderately fond of, and which she actually has a licence for.

- Nobody, and this means absolutely nobody, has thus far been able to beat Ivey in a drinking contest. Her tolerance for alcohol is well-nigh infinite, and very probably superhuman.

Next, Captain Rancer LaSalle, second-in-command of the unit, and Ivey's longtime friend. (Character template: mix of Kyon and Koizumi from Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, or perhaps Major Mihara from Gadget Trial. Serious, long-suffering, complains a lot, sarcastic, but extremely organized and willing to speculate with Big Words.)

Spoiler for Rancer LaSalle:

Name: Rancer LaSalle
Gender: Male
Age: 24 as of StrikerS

Mage Rank: AA
Magic Type: Midchilda
Magic Colour: Aquamarine Blue (Hex Code: #7AD7AD)
Favoured Element: Energy
Specialty: Barriers
Device: None

Rank: Special Investigator (Captain)
Unit: 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension (Squad A)

Build: Best described as "healthy", in that he's not too thin or too buff, but he evidently works out regularly. A bit taller than normal, with a wiry frame.
Hair: Black, kept neat
Eyes: Pale blue

Clothing:
Usual - When not wearing his uniform, Rancer chooses to don nondescript clothing, preferably something with lots of pockets. He doesn't have any colour preferences, but usually gravitates towards plain white or black. He is also one of the few people who really know how to look good in a suit.

Barrier Jacket - Basic white shirt and slacks, over which is a dark long coat, trimmed in blue. Matte-grey metal gloves and round shoulder plates, with a vambrace on the left forearm. Sturdy boots, with the same matte-grey steel toes and heels.


Personality:
Some people are made to be heroes. They charge courageously into the fray, inspire armies with impassioned speeches, and generally provide an example for more impressionable followers.

And then there are those who are made to watch over these heroes and make sure that they don't fall over from forgetting to eat.

Rancer is a very serious fellow, who would treat humour as some sort of inefficient aberration to be pointedly ignored, if he hadn't already resigned himself to the basic absurdity of the world. Rancer views life as a sort of bad movie, and the only way he can stay sane is by copious amounts of sarcasm. He's usually too polite to vocalize any of his mental comments, although standard mage telepathy can pick them up as a sort of low-volume muttering. Occasionally he loses control and snarks in public.

In more relaxed situations, Rancer likes to speculate and hypothesize on random things, mostly because he simply likes to let his mind wander. When duty calls, though, he is no-nonsense, organized, and very sarcastic.


Background:
Little is known about Rancer's life prior to joining the TSAB, and he refuses to talk about it. He did, however, join at a relatively young age, just after the Book of Darkness incident. He was sponsored by a mysterious "relative" who did not appear to have left any records of his existence, did little more than fund Rancer's education through a secure anonymous account, and then disappeared entirely when Rancer passed his A rank certification exam. For all intents and purposes, Rancer does not appear to have a family.

Rancer's career in the TSAB can be summarized as "distinguished, yet unexceptional". He has a reputation for doing almost everything by the book, but has been known to temporarily set aside the rules if he feels it is justified. Described largely as a loner, he somehow met and dated one Ivey de Lorien, but the two technically broke up, although they remain somewhat close friends. Neither Rancer nor Ivey are willing to talk much about it; "it didn't work out" is the usual reply given to any queries.

His transfer to the 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension unit was entirely following Ivey, and he was quickly made the vice-commander of the (very small) unit. He seems to be happy enough in his current position, although sometimes it is hard to tell.


Armament:
Rancer has no special Device he can call his own. He has been trained to use the standard staves issued to Midchilda mages, but he has not shown any particular talent or proficiency in such. In fact, his ranged blasts are weaker than the standard, but his barriers tend to be slightly but noticeably stronger when using a standard-issue Device.

If all else fails, Rancer is perfectly willing and able to pick up the nearest heavy blunt object and beat his opponent about the head with it.


Powers:
Most of Rancer's powers are traditionally defensive, but Rancer has managed to vary them enough that he can hold his own offensively. Rancer has a gift for improvisation, and he can generally come up with new spells on the fly. In fact, these spells will be so improvised that it is not a given that Rancer remembers how to do them the next day.

While Rancer's barriers are top-notch, his barrier-breaking skills leave quite a lot to be desired. He generally resorts to brute-force assaults on opponents' barriers and shields.

Offensive:

- Barrier Blast: Like the usual Barrier Purge spells (which voluntarily dispels one's own barrier violently to deal damage), except upgraded by a few orders of magnitude. Any unfortunate enemies surrounding the barrier and in the blast radius are likely to be thrown back with great force. This has been known to cause significant damage to the environs (craters et al). This can be applied to almost every form of shielding Rancer uses, except for Sanctuary.

- Barrier Inverse: Rancer uses a barrier to keep something in, rather than keep things out. While essentially an innovative use of barriers to capture enemies or contain explosions, Rancer can also use Barrier Blast on an Inversed barrier. This would theoretically reduce the contents to some chunky salsa and a fair amount of paperwork, which is why Rancer has never actually done it.

Defensive:

- Barriers: Rancer is able to put up any number of protective barriers (or shields, if he wishes) at any time, and even at range. Also, Rancer has the relatively rare ability to stack barriers.

- Force Barrier: Rancer can set up a barrier that repels physical objects and forces. Generally this allows only forces larger than a hundred newtons to penetrate, but Rancer can weaken or strengthen (the latter taking more magical energy) it as needed. The repelling causes objects to bounce off, as though elastic. This works best against "instant" impacts, rather than sustained application of force: a concentrated effort on a person's part can penetrate, although it is very difficult. Also, Rancer is unable to differentiate the barrier to let in some things (or people) but not others.

- Sanctuary: Rancer encases himself (and only himself) in a near-impenetrable shield, capable of withstanding S rank magical strikes. Unlike Ivey's Crystal Cube, Rancer is able to see (and hear) everything that is going on, and move around freely (theoretically, anyway). This uses up a great deal of magical energy, and Rancer cannot keep it up for very long. Sanctuary cannot be Barrier Blasted.

Support:

- Flight: Rancer can fly.

- Repulsor Fin: Standard acceleration spell. Faint rings the colour of Rancer's magic form around his legs.


Excerpt:

Spoiler:

"And I believe that's all for today." Rancer looked at his two subordinates. "Any questions?"

Ivey opened her mouth.

"No, Ivey," Rancer interrupted, "you may not bug Requisitions for a Lost Logia. You may not challenge the Aces to a friendly duel, even if you think you'll survive with the same amount of limbs as before. You may not borrow Staff Sergeant Reinforce Zwei. And you may definitely not molest Reiz ever again, no matter how 'irresistably cute' you think she is. Now, are there any other questions?"

Ivey closed her mouth.

"Good."

Trivia:

Spoiler:

Potential Voice Actor: Tomokazu Seki (Touya Kinomoto, Card Captor Sakura)

- TBA

The third member of the forward team, Corporal Reiz Astra, the newbie. (Character template: Mikuru Asahina from Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. No self-confidence, easily panicked, loli-face-with-big-breasts, clumsy.)

Spoiler for Reiz Astra:

Name: Reiz Astra
Gender: Female
Age: 16 as of StrikerS

Mage Rank: A+
Magic Type: Belka
Magic Colour: Tangerine Orange (Hex Code: #FFA100)
Favoured Element: Fire
Specialty: Melee combat
Device: Impulse - Armed Device

Rank: Special Investigator (Corporal)
Unit: 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension (Squad A)

Build: Small, and usually trying to make herself look smaller. She does have a pretty good figure for her size.
Hair: Blonde, short
Eyes: Green; usually looking nervously hopeful

Clothing:
Usual - Reiz tries to keep her uniform perfect, and it shows, sometimes too well. Strangely, she seems happiest when she is out of uniform, and her clothes tend to be casual T-shirts and denims, usually in some bright colours.

Barrier Jacket - Black form-fitting sleeveless legging-less bodysuit with a white trim, with a black miniskirt. White suit jacket with long swallowtail coattails, with a red trim. Red leather fingerless gloves. Silver belt with an orange gem inset. White thigh-high stockings with a red trim, black metallic heeled boots. Finally, a white fedora hat.


Personality:
Reiz's psych profiles have many phrases in common: "low self-esteem", "lack of self-confidence", "needs to believe in herself", and "recommend immediate self-image course". She is one of those who have no confidence whatsoever in their own abilities, and is easily embarrassed, preferring to fade into the background whenever possible. This, needless to say, had adverse consequences on her training and subsequent postings.

In a fight, Reiz tries her best, and her best is very good. One cannot help but feel that she'd much rather be somewhere else, though, and only her vaguely-formed sense of duty keeps her fighting, instead of running away. She is always willing to help others, and will sometimes go through great lengths to do so, but has no expectation that she will actually succeed, and her depressive attitude has engendered feelings of both pity and frustration.

Despite her affinity for fire magic, Reiz does not actually like fire. In fact, outside of battle, she's a little scared of it.

Strangely, even though she looks as though she might be on the verge of breaking down into tears all the time, nobody has actually seen her really cry.


Background:
Reiz would have had a much brighter future ahead of her if she weren't so, well, depressive. With indifferent grades in school and almost no social skills to speak of, Reiz enlisted in the TSAB at the age of fifteen, and promptly created a headache for administrators: where should they post a candidate who was obviously incredibly skilled in combat, but was completely unsuited for actual life in a frontline unit?

Fortuitous chance landed her in the 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension department. In the first ten minutes of her formal introduction to the unit, she was playfully assaulted by Lieutenant Ivey de Lorien, and then rescued by Captain Rancer LaSalle. This set the tone for the rest of her time in the 37th CIAA.


Armament:
Impulse is a staff, meaning a quarterstaff. Reiz received it from her father, who taught her everything she knew about staff fighting. How he came to own it, and why he has surprising amounts of knowledge for a convenience-store owner, is a mystery nobody has been able to unravel yet.

When not set up, Impulse is stored as a small rod, pencil-sized. Reiz does not need a pass phrase like Ivey to set her Device up, only requiring "Impulse, set up!" This turns Impulse into a six-foot quarterstaff (as well as giving Reiz her Barrier Jacket), with optional flames at the ends.

The slot for cartridges is in the middle of the staff, and Impulse can hold up to five cartridges at once. Reiz tends to carry around ten more spares; she is conservative with her cartridge use, mainly because she doesn't like requisitioning for more.

Impulse either cannot talk or does not want to talk. Since it cannot provide verbal action triggers, Reiz has to do it herself.


Powers:
Surprisingly, Reiz can not only dish out a beating, she can also take one. She has proven to be rather resilient, with a good knowledge of battlefield tactics that none of her instructors remember teaching her.

Being an Armed Device, the more cartridges Impulse consumes, the more powerful Reiz's powers are. She has never used more than three cartridges at once.

Reiz is a very skilled staff fighter. She has, in sparring sessions, been able to hold her own against Signum, provided high-level magic spells are not used, and the contest is purely with weaponry. She didn't win, but she held out for an impressive twenty-three minutes before Signum overwhelmed her. (The contest was conducted with wooden training weapons.)

Offensive:

- Hitting things: Reiz hits enemies with six feet of quarterstaff with fire on the ends. That's got to hurt.

- Flares: With a swing of the staff, Reiz can send a blast of flame at enemies, at respectable range and speed. If she continues spinning the staff, she can effect a rapid-fire mode. Reiz only has very limited control over these fire blasts.

- Fireball: Reiz concentrates a large ball of flame on one end of the staff, and then lobs it at an enemy. This ball of flame is relatively slow, but more easily controllable, and it can detonate in a large explosion on impact or command. The more cartridges used, the more powerful the Fireball.

- Extension: Impulse can be extended to poke enemies at range. The largest range thus far recorded is sixty meters, although it is likely that it could have continued indefinitely.

- Burning Hand: Reiz can touch someone and cause an explosion of flame. This generally is not enough to break through most barriers of rank A or above, but can be dangerous to an unprotected opponent.

Defensive:

- Defensive Arc: Reiz can extend a shield to encompass a one hundred and eighty degrees arc, and maintain this while fighting. This takes a fair amount of magical energy, though, and Reiz can only do so for a minute or so.

- Impulse Spin: Reiz spins Impulse rapidly, blocking just about every form of attack from one direction (up to AA rank).

- Firewall: Reiz can summon a wall of fire to block attacks or attackers. She can do so in a sizeable radius, generally enough to encompass herself and her friends. This wall of fire is easily penetrable by barrier-breaker spells or thermal-hardened armour. She is currently learning how to reverse the Firewall to trap foes inside.

- Warmth: Reiz can heal wounds, either on herself or others.

Support:

- Flight: Reiz can fly. She needs her Device to be set up in order to do so.

- Rocketstream: A standard acceleration spell. Reiz's boots appear to have rocket flames, and she makes an interesting smoke trail in her path. This smoke is not true smoke, being made of tiny magical particles, but Reiz can make use of it to blind a pursuing foe.

- Recall: Reiz can summon Impulse to her hand, provided she knows where it is.


Excerpt:

Spoiler:

Reiz looked down at her spoon. "Captain LaSalle made this?"

"I learned to cook when I was living on my own," Rancer said, ladling more curry onto his plate. "It's not that hard, if you pay attention."

Reiz seemed to shrink in on herself. "I, um, I can't make something like this, and, um, it's really good, and I don't think I'll be able to cook as well as you can, or anyone can, and I don't think I can cook at all, ever, and I don't think-"

"Everyone has something they're good at," Rancer added hurriedly. "I'm sure, uh, I'm sure you have your own good points that we can look up to." He looked desparately at Ivey. "Right?"

"Mmhm," Ivey said. "For one, Reiz has bigger boobs than I do."

Reiz squeaked, and reflexively hugged her chest.

Rancer covered his eyes with a hand. "Accurate, Ivey, and yet thoroughly unhelpful."

Trivia:

Spoiler:

Potential Voice Actress: Ai Nonaka (Mika Inamori, Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight)

- TBA

And finally, Major Nova Alto, commander. (Character template: Belldandy from Ah! My Goddess. Unflappable, somewhat air-headed, extremely kind/motherly, peaceful and soothing.)

Spoiler for Nova Alto:

Name: Nova Alto
Gender: Female
Age: 34 as of StrikerS

Mage Rank: Formerly A+, currently D-
Magic Type: Midchilda
Magic Colour: Chartreuse Green (Hex Code: #7FFD00)
Favoured Element: Energy
Specialty: Ranged Blasts
Device: None

Rank: Unit Commander (Major)
Unit: 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension

Build: Average height, slim, attractive, fairly good figure ((AN: Yes, she's a MILF-type.))
Hair: Light brown, wavy, tied in a low ponytail
Eyes: Violet, usually behind glasses

Clothing: Standard uniform. For casual wear, generally simple dresses, of light green and white. She does have a favourite loose white jacket top which she loves to wear.


Personality:
The word most often used to describe being around Nova is "peaceful". Always ready with a kind smile and a cup of tea, Nova seems to be more suited for teaching elementary school students or running a cozy family restaurant than being the commander of a special investigations unit. Those meeting her for the first time feel soothed by her gentle demeanour, her quiet optimism, and her willingness to help anyone...

... and then the conversation turns to business and they are met with a wall of steel will and intelligence. Anyone who mistakes Nova's soft-spoken nature for weakness have been quickly disabused of that grave error, and learn why she holds the respect of those under her command.

Nova projects an easy-going, carefree air, the sort to remain perfectly calm in the face of an emergency. She also has a wicked sense of humour, and loves to pretend to be easily-flustered over the tiniest problems, acting the absent-minded airhead.


Background:
Nova might have been described as a promising young mage in the TSAB Enforcer ranks, and had indeed been part of several successful arrests of notorious interdimensional criminals, but her career as an enforcer was tragically cut short when she was assigned to the first team sent to take down the mad mage Precia Testarossa. Although she was transported back to the medical facility quickly enough to save her life, her Linker Core was damaged, perhaps irrepairably. Without her magical power, she could no longer be an enforcer, and the TSAB offered to give her an honourable discharge, with full compensation.

Nova declined the offer; she felt that she could still contribute to the TSAB in her own way. (The fact that she had spent four months prior in deep depression is often overlooked.) A series of transfers landed her in the Special Investigations part of the Bureau, where her keen intelligence and analytical skills were a tremendous help in solving several key cases. Her achievements brought her newfound respect, and unfortunately promotion.

Faced with someone who is technically entitled to her own unit, but did not have the actual magical power or field experience (or command inclinations) to lead one, the TSAB shuffled her off to the 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension department, which was not a bad place as such, but was mostly... boring. It was an undistinguished and fairly minor unit, far outshadowed by its more glamourous sister units. When Nova took over the unit, the last of the full-time members was just transferring out. Nova was left with an office, the shared resources of fellow minor units, and transfer notifications for one Rancer LaSalle, and one Ivey de Lorien.

Rancer proved to be a capable second-in-command, and Ivey had her own share of skills which made her ideally suited for capturing dangerous criminals alive for trial. After a few significant arrests, the 37th CIAA was no longer referred to entirely as a dead-end unit, which is in itself a sizeable achievement.

Nova engages in magical therapy sessions every day, and has shown marked signs of improvement, enough to climb back up a few mage ranks from her tested score directly after the Garden of Time incident. Her greatest hope is that she can achieve her original Mage Ranking prior to the Garden of Time incident, so that she can join her subordinates in their missions.


Powers:
Currently, Nova has been told quite firmly not to use any of her magic powers. She can use basic spells up to D- rank, but any more would be straining her Linker Core. She can theoretically unleash her full power at A+ rank, but doing so would likely burn out her Linker Core permanently, or even kill her.


Excerpt:

Spoiler:

Nova took a sip of her tea. "Is there anything else, Rancer?"

Rancer flipped through his clipboard. "Not a lot, really, ma'am. It's been a quiet week so far."

"Well, let's hope it stays that way." Nove picked up the teapot. "Tea?"

"No, thank you." Rancer continued flipping through the clipboard as Nova poured him a cup anyway. "The three outstanding cases, especially S-703, have made some considerable progress, thanks in no small part to-"

The door slid open. "Um, Corporal Reiz Astra repor-UWAAAH!" The tray of doughnuts Reiz was carrying went flying as she tripped. Ivey dashed forward and caught the majority of them before they hit the floor, including one in her mouth. One final errant doughnut, however, traced a mathematically precise arc in the air before plopping into Rancer's tea.

"- the efforts of Lieutenant de Lorien and Corporal Astra," Rancer finished, without missing a beat.

"That's nice," Nova said.

Trivia:

Spoiler:

Potential Voice Actress: Kikuko Inoue (Belldandy, Ah My Goddess)

- TBA

UPDATE 19/06/2007: Added Trivia sections, even if there is no actual trivia yet. Added Potential VA info.

UPDATE 31/12/2007: Minor changes to ages and mage rankings.

[USB500]

Originally Posted by dkellis

The third member of the forward team, Corporal Reiz Astra, the newbie.

Spoiler for Reiz Astra:

Name: Reiz Astra
Gender: Female
Age: 16 as of StrikerS

Mage Rank: A
Magic Type: Belka
Magic Colour: Tangerine Orange (Hex Code: #FFA100)
Favoured Element: Fire
Specialty: Melee combat
Device: Impulse - Armed Device

Rank: Special Investigator (Corporal)
Unit: 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension (Squad A)

Build: Small, and usually trying to make herself look smaller. She does have a pretty good figure for her size.
Hair: Blonde, short
Eyes: Green; usually looking nervously hopeful

Clothing:
Usual - Reiz tries to keep her uniform perfect, and it shows, sometimes too well. Strangely, she seems happiest when she is out of uniform, and her clothes tend to be casual T-shirts and denims, usually in some bright colours.

Barrier Jacket - Black form-fitting sleeveless legging-less bodysuit with a white trim, with a black miniskirt. White suit jacket with long swallowtail coattails, with a red trim. Red leather fingerless gloves. Silver belt with an orange gem inset. White thigh-high stockings with a red trim, black metallic heeled boots. Finally, a white fedora hat.


Personality:
Reiz's psych profiles have many phrases in common: "low self-esteem", "lack of self-confidence", "needs to believe in herself", and "recommend immediate self-image course". She is one of those who have no confidence whatsoever in their own abilities, and is easily embarrassed, preferring to fade into the background whenever possible. This, needless to say, had adverse consequences on her training and subsequent postings.

In a fight, Reiz tries her best, and her best is very good. One cannot help but feel that she'd much rather be somewhere else, though, and only her vaguely-formed sense of duty keeps her fighting, instead of running away. She is always willing to help others, and will sometimes go through great lengths to do so, but has no expectation that she will actually succeed, and her depressive attitude has engendered feelings of both pity and frustration.

Despite her affinity for fire magic, Reiz does not actually like fire. In fact, outside of battle, she's a little scared of it.

Strangely, even though she looks as though she might be on the verge of breaking down into tears all the time, nobody has actually seen her really cry.


Background:
Reiz would have had a much brighter future ahead of her if she weren't so, well, depressive. With indifferent grades in school and almost no social skills to speak of, Reiz enlisted in the TSAB at the age of fifteen, and promptly created a headache for administrators: where should they post a candidate who was obviously incredibly skilled in combat, but was completely unsuited for actual life in a frontline unit?

Fortuitous chance landed her in the 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension department. In the first ten minutes of her formal introduction to the unit, she was playfully assaulted by Lieutenant Ivey de Lorien, and then rescued by Captain Rancer LaSalle. This set the tone for the rest of her time in the 37th CIAA.


Armament:
Impulse is a staff, meaning a quarterstaff. Reiz received it from her father, who taught her everything she knew about staff fighting. How he came to own it, and why he has surprising amounts of knowledge for a convenience-store owner, is a mystery nobody has been able to unravel yet.

When not set up, Impulse is stored as a small rod, pencil-sized. Reiz does not need a pass phrase like Ivey to set her Device up, only requiring "Impulse, set up!" This turns Impulse into a six-foot quarterstaff (as well as giving Reiz her Barrier Jacket), with optional flames at the ends.

The slot for cartridges is in the middle of the staff, and Impulse can hold up to five cartridges at once. Reiz tends to carry around ten more spares; she is conservative with her cartridge use, mainly because she doesn't like requisitioning for more.

Impulse either cannot talk or does not want to talk. Since it cannot provide verbal action triggers, Reiz has to do it herself.


Powers:
Surprisingly, Reiz can not only dish out a beating, she can also take one. She has proven to be rather resilient, with a good knowledge of battlefield tactics that none of her instructors remember teaching her.

Being an Armed Device, the more cartridges Impulse consumes, the more powerful Reiz's powers are. She has never used more than three cartridges at once.

Reiz is a very skilled staff fighter. She has, in sparring sessions, been able to hold her own against Signum, provided high-level magic spells are not used, and the contest is purely with weaponry. She didn't win, but she held out for an impressive twenty-three minutes before Signum overwhelmed her. (The contest was conducted with wooden training weapons.)

Offensive:

- Hitting things: Reiz hits enemies with six feet of quarterstaff with fire on the ends. That's got to hurt.

- Flares: With a swing of the staff, Reiz can send a blast of flame at enemies, at respectable range and speed. If she continues spinning the staff, she can effect a rapid-fire mode. Reiz only has very limited control over these fire blasts.

- Fireball: Reiz concentrates a large ball of flame on one end of the staff, and then lobs it at an enemy. This ball of flame is relatively slow, but more easily controllable, and it can detonate in a large explosion on impact or command. The more cartridges used, the more powerful the Fireball.

- Extension: Impulse can be extended to poke enemies at range. The largest range thus far recorded is sixty meters, although it is likely that it could have continued indefinitely.

- Burning Hand: Reiz can touch someone and cause an explosion of flame. This generally is not enough to break through most barriers of rank A or above, but can be dangerous to an unprotected opponent.

Defensive:

- Defensive Arc: Reiz can extend a shield to encompass a one hundred and eighty degrees arc, and maintain this while fighting. This takes a fair amount of magical energy, though, and Reiz can only do so for a minute or so.

- Impulse Spin: Reiz spins Impulse rapidly, blocking just about every form of attack from one direction (up to AA rank).

- Firewall: Reiz can summon a wall of fire to block attacks or attackers. She can do so in a sizeable radius, generally enough to encompass herself and her friends. This wall of fire is easily penetrable by barrier-breaker spells or thermal-hardened armour. She is currently learning how to reverse the Firewall to trap foes inside.

- Warmth: Reiz can heal wounds, either on herself or others.

Support:

- Flight: Reiz can fly. She needs her Device to be set up in order to do so.

- Rocketstream: A standard acceleration spell. Reiz's boots appear to have rocket flames, and she makes an interesting smoke trail in her path. This smoke is not true smoke, being made of tiny magical particles, but Reiz can make use of it to blind a pursuing foe.

- Recall: Reiz can summon Impulse to her hand, provided she knows where it is.


Excerpt:

Spoiler:

Reiz looked down at her spoon. "Captain LaSalle made this?"

"I learned to cook when I was living on my own," Rancer said, ladling more curry onto his plate. "It's not that hard, if you pay attention."

Reiz seemed to shrink in on herself. "I, um, I can't make something like this, and, um, it's really good, and I don't think I'll be able to cook as well as you can, or anyone can, and I don't think I can cook at all, ever, and I don't think-"

"Everyone has something they're good at," Rancer added hurriedly. "I'm sure, uh, I'm sure you have your own good points that we can look up to." He looked desparately at Ivey. "Right?"

"Mmhm," Ivey said. "For one, Reiz has bigger boobs than I do."

Reiz squeaked, and reflexively hugged her chest.

Rancer covered his eyes with a hand. "Accurate, Ivey, and yet thoroughly unhelpful."

I like Reiz. It might be her "breakdown" status that attracts me

[Meophist]

dkellis, I enjoy the characters of your team, though I'm not sure how well they're work together.

In any case, I don't know much, but reading the names:
de Lorian… Doesn't the car in Back to the Future have a similar name?
Rancer… I can't help but read this as "Lancer". "Rancer" doesn't compute well in my brain.
Astra… I have a feeling I've heard this before, but I can't remember from where.
Nova Alto… Aren't these both names of cars?

[dkellis]

Originally Posted by Meophist

dkellis, I enjoy the characters of your team, though I'm not sure how well they're work together.

In any case, I don't know much, but reading the names:
de Lorian… Doesn't the car in Back to the Future have a similar name?
Rancer… I can't help but read this as "Lancer". "Rancer" doesn't compute well in my brain.
Astra… I have a feeling I've heard this before, but I can't remember from where.
Nova Alto… Aren't these both names of cars?

They work rather poorly together. Just about the only reason why they're in the same unit is because they're the only ones who can stand each other for extended periods of time.

de Lorien = DeLorean, and yes, it's the car from BTTF.

Rancer = Yeah, I took the "Lancer" and Engrished it. The LaSalle is also a car reference, from General Motors, if I remember correctly.

Astra = I took it from the name of a car, the Opel Astra, although I think there are others with the same name. It's a fairly common term, meaning "star" or something ("ad astra" = "to the stars"). There's also a car called the Toyota Reiz.

Nova/Alto = Both popular names for cars, with two or more cars sharing the name.

My automobile knowledge is severely lacking. I just went to Wikipedia and searched for major car manufacturers (Toyota, Honda) and followed links from there.

[Kha]

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

*Imagines a psycho-Kha*
That girl really got her priorities as being the best device possible. But, on a more realistic note, if Kha and Sakura somehow pulls of that crazy combination, I'm willing to bet that it would be infinitely safer than a technology-forced sync like Aurion's; given Kha and Sakura's fluid cores.

Hmmmmmm... That's a nice thought. But I think I need to rephrase. I was more worried about Sakura having an independent device form like Rein does then the Unison form for she can really run amok cut free from her Meister, and seeing what humanform RH of R's doujin made a mess of the training facilities...

Having said that, this set up would be something I see for the future, after meeting Hayate and RZ close up enough for him to "see" how they do it, and rip them of, to put it bluntly.

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

Oh I see. Interesting points you've got there. (And more of Sakura's craziness ) Especially the Space Magazine part. Makes me wanna see it.

This was the original Time magazine cover I based it on:

Spoiler for Time magazine:

Oh and I heard Hayate's going to star in a MC reality TV series looking for more prospective Riot 6 officers.

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

Heh. Nice interactions you've got there. Then it would seem to be safe to assume that Kha is all professional around the two Forward Stars, right? And maybe I should think about more teasing from our resident nutcase for your two lovebirds there, eh?

I suppose so. It would be a course of a week, when Kha does an introduction and test, then over the next few days picks them out one by one to focus on their weaknesses while the others remain in Nanoha's schedule. Might be room for a sudden deployment against a different Client, and we'll get to see Kaempfer for the first time.

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

Wow... Nice design you've got there. Too bad I can't really draw decent images so I won't be able to show Reishiki and Almaria properly.

No worries. My skill is practically non-existant too. TK was done with rulers and is just a simple blueprint. Anything more complicated than that, like an isometric perspective, and it'll turn out weird. Sigh...

Originally Posted by USB500

JOSHUA MERLIN

Spoiler for click:

The youngest person ever to take the seat of Royal Institution Wizardry’s vice president, (he is 25 during the Glastonbury Attack) Joshua is appointed by his late father to conduct a study on Arthur’s history and its impact on the modern Britannia. He is, however, more interested in the king’s Intelligent Armed Device and its importance in part of Arthurian legend. For seven years he studies Excalibur and even attempts to vainly unlock it. He soon realizes the device won’t respond to other people and suspects it has something to do with the Arthur’s last will on his dying day. His theory is that Excalibur will only respond to the king’s descendant who inherits his true blood, but for 900 years it has been a belief that Arthur and Guinevere never had a child. Only when Alexandra activates the Device during the AMF machines’ raid on Avalon does he believe the king did have a descendant. On top of that, he sees Alexandra’s eyes turning colour when she invokes Excalibur; Arthur had been known to change his eye colour every time he summoned Excalibur.

Much in the same way Arthur taught by Merlin, Alexandra is tutored on Excalibur’s abilities and art combat by Joshua. After appointed by Alexandra’s parents to become guardian, Joshua vows he will do anything to keep her out of harm, raising concern whether he is intending to put his life on the line for the king’s heir.

Joshua is a Support-type mage. He never enters battlefield and chooses to provide support for friendly units from safe distance. His abnormally high magic defence and evasion rates make him a tough opponent to take out in duel; he is often referred to by colleagues as “The Untouchable Tank” for this reason. Unlike other Support-class mages, Joshua is also an accomplished lancer and has once led the Royal Cavalry Regiment before retiring to concentrate on the wizardry institution.

Joshua’s ultra-great-ancestor was responsible for teaching “Wind Walker” to Arthur, and for 900 years it has been the Merlin Clan’s trademark ability. His magic colour is scarlet.

Joshua’s abilities are as follow:

• Wind Walker: deployed, this ability enhances Joshua’s agility and increases his evasion. It is characterized by contrails that mark her movements. Unlike Alexandra’s version, his version is top-notch.
• Evolution Lance: this ability explains how Joshua uses his lance (named Estima) in simultaneous strokes at the same time, protecting him from oncoming attacks while at the same time delivering ferocious attacks on the opponent. This is considered the most challenging and demanding of all lance combats, requiring intense focus, high level of skill and mastery of other lance forms.

TRIVIA

Spoiler:

These are trivia on Alexandra (there are also some for Anna thrown in).

• While never actually activated Lionheart Form along his lifetime, Arthur had been known to use Noble Illusions more than once.
• Arthur once had a pet lion he acquired from the ambassadors of the Serengeti Empire. He named it Richard. Interestingly enough, Alexandra also has a plush lion doll she got on her 5th birthday. It, too, is named Richard.
• Arthur’s full title, when transliterated from Old Briton, means “Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot, Master of Excalibur and Unifier of Britannia.”
• Alexandra knows nothing of rock music, yet one of her original abilities is named “The Midnight Carnival”. She says she remembers listening to a “peculiar song” while waiting for the bureau to pick her up at the airport. Inspired by the song, she uses the song’s title as the namesake for her ability.
• Alexandra likes chocolate.
• Despite being a shy girl, Alexandra already has a fan club dedicated only for her back at her hometown. The trait continues after she moves in to Mid-Childa, where she unconsciously becomes a man’s magnet. She is described by many as “the true village girl.”
• Joshua has twelve sisters, and all of them are named based on flowers.
• Excalibur has what is considered to be the finest sense of sarcasm, and often quarrels with Reinforce Zwei even over minor issues.
• Annabelle states that she wants her future husband to have the charming quality of a Spanish matador, a knight of virtue who will protect her from danger.
• Annabelle enjoys cosplaying, and this puts her on endless argument with Leonidas. Her favourite character is May from Guilty Gear XX Slash.
• Annabelle hates mice, and she despises of Gundam SEED.

These are only a few. I don't know what else I should throw in.

Joseph runs, runs and after that runs some more. I see Erio wishing Caro to be more like that, instead of jumping out in between the tank and the mob. As a suggestion, you might want to add some threat lowering skills like "Vanish" or the Blizzard interpretation of Wind Walk as one of his skills to make an annoying fly even more annoying. And yay for chocolate lover too! Maybe I should add Kha's favorite food is Terran Southwest Sector (Brazil) dark chocolate (hence Hayate's suggestion to Fate about what to where to Kha's birthday celebration: Just coat herself with it. )

I see Excalibur not agreeing with Sakura too, with Sakura making a fool of herself because of her blunt speech.

I see Annabelle fighting for Erio with Caro. Does Old Velka valor and combat finesse count? And while Kha might disagree on SEED Destiny, he's undivided about SEED, and Sakura's totally nuts about "New God" Kira, I see some interesting discussions between Kha and Anna.

~~~~~~

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

Woah. Saber, Cloud and Squall in one package, eh? Now if only Omnislash were there. But what the heck, I certainly don't mind. I'll be looking forward to more info on Sabe- I mean Alexandra. Sometimes, you just gotta love these borderline-broken but nontheless appealing characters, ne?

Kha: I wouldn't say that if I were you--

Originally Posted by USB500

Alex: someone's making fun of me...
Anna: don't worry, oneechan! I will make him pay! Miata, Vios, Meteor!
Miata/Vios: Admis d'Ordre.
*Annabelle casts Meteor and aims it at Aaron008R. Leonidas palms his face in disgrace.*

Kha:
Sakura: [There's a Velka saying to "Always beware the cute lolis".]
Kha: I think that was a post to a Terran forum...

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

AAARRGGHHHH! *gets fried by Meteor*
*Clambers out of wreckage and coughs out black smoke*
I'm sorry! I just had a slip of mind because of worrying about my exams for the next day. And I was also in a hurry to type. I never meant to change Alexandra's name! Promise! I'll hammer it to my skull later so I'll never forget.

Sakura: [Click!]
Kha: *dispells Gotteliches Schield* You took a picture?!
Sakura: [Payback time! Whee~~]
Kha: Justice and retribution are aspects of a Cleric-knight but...

~~~~~~

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

Well, it would seem like the random information and trivia about characters is on the rise now. Interesting info, I must say. Just a question though, how does Excalibur get along with RH?

Yeah it's really fun when you got something to say. . I wonder how she fares too...

Originally Posted by LoweGear

A trivia section is often the best way to write about minor character quirks that'll distinguish them from other characters, as opposed to the main profile that needs to focus on the larger aspect of the character (although, that'll depend on the writer's preference). And besides... it's fun thinking up and reading the trivial things that make a character tick

(Like how USB500's Annabelle hates Gundam SEED, which might put her at odds against Kay if they ever met ).

EDIT:

More of Kay's Biography, and also shifting to a new style of profile writing...

Spoiler for length:

Biography of Kaylin “Kay” Mathis: Miscellaneous Part II

- Despite her extensive travels to various worlds and countries, Kay is proficient in only 5 languages, her primary being Midian (Midchild English), since she primarily uses translation matrix magic from her device Khaydarin in most native interactions. (This type of magic acts similarly to a talking dictionary, limited by the languages it is programmed with). However, she can converse in 50 different languages, albeit on a limited level restricted to guide-book like questions and conversations.

Shinji: Konichiwa! Annyong ha shimnikka! Ni Hao!
Asuka: Guten Tag! Hola! Kalimera!
Rey: Namaste. Jambo. Al salaam a'alaykum.
Kay: Erh… Hello?

- Due to her rogue status, Kay does not receive the same amount of respect from mainstream archaeological circles, and most of the senior Meisters in the Midchilda Geographic Society regard her unrestrained methods with criticism. Nonetheless, Kay has written several journals and papers that have been well received, and three have garnered critical acclaim. These acclaimed works all document the development of ancient Belkan and Midchildan techno-magic during various points in Midchild pre-history.

- Kay has a very passionate love of noodles; noodle dishes from various worlds are much sought after by Kay during her expeditions. Her favorite of them all comes from the 88th Non-Administrated World “Maelos”, where the local specialty is a flat-noodle dish with a 20-syllable name, shortened by many as “Lauakjon” (pronounced lake-wan). This is a milky yet spicy noodle dish similar to Laksa, from the 98th Non-Administered World “Earth”. Kay has taken a liking to this dish so much that she has tried multiple times to replicate the dish – to no avail, as the ingredients for Lauakjon is native to Maelos, and the central government has strict trading regulations regarding export of said ingredients.

Speaking of which…

- Kay’s cooking skills can be considered top-notch for someone whose whole life is spent in non-ideal locations, having refined her cooking using non-standard utensils and techniques on various worlds. She has been known to offer her services as a chef to various clients in order to supplement her income, and she has graced the tables of many 5-star establishments, including the famous Leron Grand Hotel in Karagura Capital. Her specialty are noodle dishes and exotic meat viands, and also exquisite chocolate desserts. She has yet shown no interest in working full time as a chef, despite the multitude of job offers.

Thankfully. Continuing…

- Although working a lot with religious artifacts, Kay is officially unaffiliated with any religion. While still holding a belief in a higher power, Kay does not affiliate herself with any religious organization or group spreading religious beliefs. This was brought about as a consequence of seeing secondhand the destructive effects of religious zeal on various ancient civilizations.

God Bless for that…

- Among her many mannerisms and habits, one of Kay’s strangest is her habit of balancing a pencil upright on her middle finger when she is in the middle of solving a problem. This apparently requires little conscious effort on her part.

- Kay’s interest in music include Bossa Nova, R&B and ballads, although she has taken a healthy interest to a genre called “J-pop”.

Rey: Haruka sora hibiiteru…
Asuka: Inori wo kiseki ni…
*Shinji cries tears of manliness*

- To date, Kay has visited 290 different worlds and dimensions, often via less-than-credible methods and routes.

Which I cannot report unfortunately, or I’ll be busted as well

TSAB 2nd Lieutanant Glock Heckler, logging out.

Selamat malam! Least expected that Malay greeting to show up. She has the makings of a rogue journalist, and is the successful kind that brings in the big scoops thus making people ambivalent about according her respect or just plain hating her. The EVA trio's having fun as always! Really wondering if they've ever been to the 57th NAW (Non-administrated World) on which Green Planet is set on.

Originally Posted by Saint X

While i'm still here and not heading to work, might as well pitch in with a character background and history.

Spoiler for Kyla's History, Arc I: Before there were 'Aces', there were 'Recruits' Part I: First day.:

Kyla Kiramena, the 'simple, "country" girl' who had expressedly wished to become a Midchildan mage was at the final stretch of her dream, after years of spending time in the system- she was finally at the front door of the bureau recruitment center. Bureau recruitment procedure then was not different as it is now, that's why we find her in Lane 1, the accepted line, as months previously, a bureau recruiting team had visited her school and conducted written, physical and magical exams- she received a folder bearing all the recommendation letters, data discs (don't blame me, it was decades ago) bearing all of her statistics and pertinent data, and the formal letter of acceptance into the newly formed recruitment center, created under the premises of an order called 'D.O. 120', an order to separate and transform the bureau, from a military extension of the galactic military, to a totally civilian agency with its own armed forces. After proper procedures and paperwork, a week passed.

First day of Training. After the customary welcome speech by the center's dean, the new recruits have now gathered in the halls of their respective dormitories (boys separated from girls of course), looking for their room assignments. Kyla was at the second floor, looking at the roster there. She then spots her name in the assignment of Room 214, one of the largest rooms of the female dorm.

"Hi there..." a voice suddenly stopped her at looking and turned her head to the right, where a green-haired girl with a top ponytail was looking at her. "You at 14 too?"
Kyla could only nod.
"Lindy Marks... Nice to meet you."
"Kyla, Kyla Kiramena... Same." the girl quickly replied.
"Say, who's this Kagurazaka character?" Lindy then asked. "Strange sounding name..."
At the far end of the hallway, the elevator door opens, revealing a girl with brown hair, and violet eyes, wearing what seemed to be a terran kimono, and on her neck, a spherical red ruby jewel.

-- To Be Continued --

yes, it was short for an intro but i'll update it when i come back from shift

Oh so the TSAB was founded rather recently? But that means Graham was transferred from another department, however I do recall him saying that he found a TSAB clerk when he was 10, and if you wind the clock back that far the Gold Squad members weren't even born yet. Might be a plot hole here?

~TO BE CONTINUED due to post limit.

[Kha]

Originally Posted by USB500

Question 1: yes, Merlin is a lancer. As a matter of fact, he's the member of the Freelancers Council, ranked as a Knight. (note that his lance ability is a direct reference to Star Wars' light sabre combat)

Ah uh... Somehow that reference escaped me. Forgive me!

Just to point out for those who missed it, these were the Star Wars references in my depiction of Old Velka:

Jedi Padawan = Velka Page
Jedi Knight = Velka Knight
Jedi Master = Velka Meister
Force *skill name* = Flash *skill name*

And I never mentioned it, but in my mind, and in the full releases, Sakura powers up her Gotteliches Rapier with a buzz, hums when swung around, and retracts the blade with the trademark *twoop*. Same goes for any of the Old Velka who appear in my fics using energy sabre devices, like Tou and Artei (Appearing in chap 3).

Originally Posted by USB500

Question 2: this is a tough question to answer, but...

Spoiler for click:

Excalibur: I am most displeased to be teamed up with a piece of crystal ball.
RH: I find the moniker an indirect insult, oversized sword.
Excalibur: you dare making fun of me, Falling Heart?
RH: you cynical, sarcastic masochist! I challenge you!
Excalibur: let us kung-fu fight. On Guard!
Bardiche: I better steer away now...
*Excalibur and RH start arguing*
Reinforce Zwei: *swats Excalibur's & RH's head with harisen* stop arguing! We have works to do.

Imagine the horror if Excalibur demands for a humanoid form

Yaay for Mini Boss! But I'm least expected the Kung-fu fight bit. Almost like Sakura trying to stare down a certain scientist without having a pair of eyes to stare with.

Oh and yaay for Engrish. As for the last bit

Chrono: Don't do it! At that rate the TSAB base will--

Avatarform RH + Avatarform Excalibur + Avatarform Sakura = the SOS Devices Against Normalcy (DAN)

Originally Posted by dkellis

So I finally came up with the idea for a random unit which hypothetically specializes in capturing moderately dangerous interdimensional criminals, and stuck Ivey in there.

This may turn up in a story someday, if I find the time to write it.

First, Lieutenant Ivey de Lorien, Special Investigator and main female protagonist. This is only slightly modified from the original version.

Spoiler for Ivey de Lorien:

Name: Ivey de Lorien
Gender: Female
Age: 20 as of StrikerS ((Author's Note: Revised her age upwards by two years. This does not really affect much, but, in the ironic way of the Nanoha-verse, makes her seem a bit more experienced.))

Mage Rank: A+
Magic Type: Midchilda
Magic Colour: Azure Blue (Hex Code: #10ACD0) ((AN: Yes, I'm nitpicky like that.))
Favoured Element: Ice (in a manner of speaking)
Specialty: Binds
Device: Mistral - Storage Device ((AN: When I came up with the name, I swear I did not, at the time, know of the existence of the Maserati Mistral sports car. This was actually supposed to be a mere City of Villains reference with the character Ice Mistral.))

Rank: Special Investigator (1st Lieutenant)
Unit: 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension (Squad A) ((AN: No, there's no Squad B.))

Build: Very slightly but still noticeably shorter than average, somewhat skinny. Not much of a figure.
Hair: Silver; mid-length, not particularly high-maintenance, occasionally tied with a ribbon.
Eyes: Grey; usually bored or sleepy-looking

Clothing:
Usual - Whatever uniform she's supposed to be wearing at the time. Generally starts out neat and professional at the start of the day, degenerating into wrinkled scruffiness by the end of it. For casual wear, Ivey is partial to dresses, either white or blue, with substantial frills and lace.

Barrier Jacket - Black base sleeveless top, white long-sleeved jacket with blue trimmings, white-and-blue shoulder plates, blue armoured gloves, black miniskirt, what I can only describe as that "hip-cape" thing Nanoha and her team has, black boots with blue trimmings. Her hair is tied into a ponytail, and she gains a pair of goggles (which, apart from protection of the eyes, do nothing). I've uploaded the best I can come up with in City of Heroes here, but due to the limitations of the character creator, the blue trimming on the jacket isn't there, and the hip-cape should be detached from the upper jacket. (I had to use the Trenchcoat option, since CoH doesn't even have dresses.) Just use your imagination.


Personality:
Ivey has immense magical talent; that much, everyone can agree on. Sadly, her magical talent may well be wasted on her attitude, which isn't bad as such, but more that it isn't well-suited for the military culture of the TSAB. She is apathetic by nature, often choosing to do things that do not interest her at the last possible minute rather than properly preparing. Interpersonal relationships are seen by her to be a sort of necessary evil, and her social life tends to revolve around a few close friends, while she can often barely remember other people's names.

She is far, far more enthusiastic about things which do interest her, however, sometimes to the point of obsession. Ivey loves to take things apart, discovering how they work, although the occasional inability to put them back together after she's done precluded her joining the Engineering Corps. She has displayed a passion for research, and spends most of her spare time reading up on old cases and analyses thereof. This has given her both an extensive (if highly unreliable) knowledge of criminal methodologies, as well as a great deal of respect for the utter depths of human depravity.

Generally described as a cheerful cynic, Ivey works in contradictions: she has little patience for TSAB politics, but is not above using it for her own ends. She believes that everything will be all right in the end, if only because they can't possibly get any worse now. She hates being sent out on a mission, but she will do her utmost best to make sure it succeeds. She is professional and polite to her colleagues, but sloppy and disorganized to her friends. She has a calm facade when faced with immense danger, but she actually panics easily. She stubbornly argues endlessly for her side in disagreements, but easily and honestly admits that she's wrong when proof is provided.

And even though she often prepares for the worst case scenario, she has a deep and innate belief in the best case.

Ivey's biggest dream, as she tells others, is to someday visit the 97th Non-Administered World (aka Earth), or rather to visit it in very specific circumstances: namely, to repeat Yuuno Scrya's feat of finding a talented mage of the opposite gender in a suitably dramatic manner. She also realizes that this makes no sense whatsoever. (Chances are her actual dream is something completely different, but she's not telling.)


Background:
Born to a wealthy family, Ivey was "scouted" for her magical talent when she was a young child (around the time of the Precia Testarossa incident). Her rise through the mage ranking exams was remarkable mostly in how her examiners all noted that she could be more powerful than she was bothering to be. She displayed an aptitude for battle tactics in a way that minimized the effort needed to win for maximum results, although she sometimes makes some incredibly bone-headed moves for some reason.

Ivey formally enlisted at age sixteen. Her time in the TSAB is marked by personality evaluations expressing frustration at her inability to work well with others or with paperwork, as well as glowing praise for her success in apprehending dangerous criminals and bringing them in alive. Ivey was passed around from department to department, with many wanting her skills but not many wanting her personality. Finally, she was dropped into the 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension unit, where she seems to have found a temporary home, at least.

Ivey maintains a close friendship with one Rancer LaSalle, whom she had met through circumstances both describe as "unusual". The two dated for a while before breaking up, but are still seldom seen apart. In fact, if one transfers to a new unit, the other will almost certainly request a transfer there as well. Oddly, the two do not work especially well as partners, even if they are passably competent enough.


Armament: Mistral generally takes the form of a small clear crystal hanging from a silver chain on Ivey's neck. Ivey has to activate it with the following pass phrase:

"As all things fall into order, so shall all deeds be done. I cast in the name of justice; release your power to me! Mistral, set up!"

Ivey has, by now, learned to say it as quickly as possible, but getting interrupted is still a problem. Ivey is currently training to activate Mistral without the pass phrase, but little progress has been made.

When set up, Mistral takes the form of a long chain made of (unbreakable, or at least not easily damaged) ice of variable length, which it can change on the fly. Ivey is highly skilled at manipulating this chain, and can also protrude spikes from any number of links on the chain at her choosing. The chain can undergo an immense amount of transformations and configurations, sometimes appearing to defy the laws of physics or even pass through itself. One chain may turn into three, and then eight, before going back to two, coming back the way it came.

Ivey also has some advanced training in what may be broadly called martial arts, but are mostly concentrated in evasion techniques. She's quicker than most, but not superhuman.


Powers
Ivey does not so much use ice as ice crystals. The ice is merely a convenient way of obtaining crystals, which are the real point of her powers. By the time the crystals get repurposed, they bear a resemblance to solid water only in appearance, and have more in common with diamond in indestructability. Adding more crystal links to the chain depletes Ivey's magical stamina bit by bit: fifty links is perfectly fine. Five thousand links at one go would exhaust her for a week.

Ivey works best as a close-range combatant, and her long-range capabilities are weak at best. Ivey relies a great deal on dodging attacks rather than blocking them, but since her Device does not provide her with any speed upgrades, she is at a marked disadvantage against speedy melee fighters like Fate or Signum.

Ivey's abilities may not seem that impressive on their own, but Ivey has learned to do them very well. Her binds often take less than a second to execute.


Offensive:

- Hitting things: Ivey can use Mistral to smack things around. Being whacked with anywhere from ten to fifty feet of spiked chain can be painful, especially if you don't know where it's coming from.

- Shard Stream: Mistral can lose several links of its chain to be flung at enemies. This is relatively slow and weak, and Ivey generally uses it mostly as a distraction tactic, or in preparation for Mistral Bind. Ivey has limited control over the direction and speed of the projectiles.

- Shard Rain: An upgraded version of Shard Stream, with Mistral losing even more links to cover the battlefield with small spiky projectiles. Velocity and penetration power remain the same; the upgrade is in volume only.

- Mistral Bind: Mistral can reconfigure its links to turn into a separate binding chain on enemies. For example, Ivey hits an opponent with fifty feet of chain, and twenty feet of that suddenly turns into a bind, while Ivey collects back thirty feet of chain. Binds can also be made from the severed links from Shard Stream/Rain, even those seemingly discarded on the ground. Breaking the bind would require both a Bind Break spell to overcome the A+ rank bind, as well as enough physical strength to break (or loosen) the diamond-hard chains.

- Mistral Cage: The upgraded version of Mistral Bind, with the target(s) being completely immobilized and covered in chains.

- Spikes: At any time, even when the links are being used for a bind, Ivey may extend spikes from them. She has been known to "seed" a site with links beforehand, and then spike them for instant caltrops.


Defensive:

- Chain Intercept: Ivey may intercept any attack by deflecting it with her chain. (Whether this attack stays deflected is another matter.) She has been known to do this easily against bullets and other physical projectiles. This does not help if the projectile explodes on impact, which makes things like Vita's Swallow Flier a significant danger.

- Dispersion Field: Ivey maintains a field of special tiny crystals which will help dissipate some of the energy of ranged magical attacks. This does nothing for melee, and things like Divine Buster will cut through it easily, but anything D-rank and below will find itself at least slowed down, if not completely negated. (Imagine it to be a very low-powered Anti-Magic Field.) It is possible for Ivey to accidentally move too quickly for her field to catch up.

- Crystal Cube: Ivey encases herself in a thick coccoon of crystal (which, despite the name, is not exactly a cube, or even a hexahedron). This is able to deflect most magical and physical attacks up to AA+ rank without taking any damage. (Barrier breaker attacks have a distinct advantage.) The drawbacks to this are that Ivey has limited air inside the cube (about seven hours), is unable to receive any communications while inside the cube, and is unaware of what is going on outside the cube: she has to guess for herself the best time to de-cube, which will give a free shot to anyone waiting for her outside. Also, the cube is all-or-nothing: either it (and Ivey) will take no damage, or it will shatter and Ivey will be hit with almost the full power of the attack. Ivey only uses this as a last resort, when she is absolutely certain the enemy will not simply pick up the cube and dump it into the ocean.

- Crystal Wall: Like the Crystal Cube, except a wall. This is formed more slowly than the Cube, and generally Ivey can erect a wall two meters square (and half a meter thick) on a moment's notice, but anything more would take something like one round of combat per addition.


Support:

- Flight: Ivey can fly. She can't fly very quickly, but she can fly. So far she has not developed any acceleration spells, although she is experimenting with a few. She does not need to have Mistral set up to fly.

- Quick Bind: If Ivey does not have time to set Mistral up, she can still bind targets with a regular magic bind. This is rather weaker (C+ rank), and has to be a direct binding rather than tricky delayed binds or such, but can work in a pinch.

- Reform: Ivey is able to completely reform Mistral from just a single link. She does not actually need any water or water vapour to do so. Ivey can also discard any and all of Mistral's chain links as she wishes, and either let them melt (well, more accurately vapourise into ambient magical energy rather than water) or leave them there for a future Mistral Bind.


Excerpt:

Spoiler:

Ivey continued sketching diagrams on the paper. "No, you see, you cannot deny the possibility that in some unknown and uncertain part of the vast multiverse to which we are tasked to protect, there is a portion of reality that is just correct enough to- oh, hi, Rancer."

"Morning, Ivey," Rancer said, stepping through the doorway. "Morning, Reiz."

"Anyway, as I was saying, if the multiverse is infinite, then, almost by definition, it should have everything in it, and that includes everything we can conceive of. And this, in itself, contains the subset of the concept of a mechanical genius or a scientist of some sort who wishes to, shall we say, have a clean laboratory while enjoying something pleasing to his eyes."

Reiz whimpered.

Rancer looked at her with sympathy. "You tried to doubt the existence of robot maids, didn't you?"

Next, Captain Rancer LaSalle, second-in-command of the unit, and Ivey's longtime friend.

Spoiler for Rancer LaSalle:

Name: Rancer LaSalle
Gender: Male
Age: 21 as of StrikerS

Mage Rank: AA
Magic Type: Midchilda
Magic Colour: Aquamarine Blue (Hex Code: #7AD7AD)
Favoured Element: Energy
Specialty: Barriers
Device: None

Rank: Special Investigator (Captain)
Unit: 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension (Squad A)

Build: Best described as "healthy", in that he's not too thin or too buff, but he evidently works out regularly. A bit taller than normal, with a wiry frame.
Hair: Black, kept neat
Eyes: Pale blue

Clothing:
Usual - When not wearing his uniform, Rancer chooses to don nondescript clothing, preferably something with lots of pockets. He doesn't have any colour preferences, but usually gravitates towards plain white or black. He is also one of the few people who really know how to look good in a suit.

Barrier Jacket - Basic white shirt and slacks, over which is a dark long coat, trimmed in blue. Matte-grey metal gloves and round shoulder plates, with a vambrace on the left forearm. Sturdy boots, with the same matte-grey steel toes and heels.


Personality:
Some people are made to be heroes. They charge courageously into the fray, inspire armies with impassioned speeches, and generally provide an example for more impressionable followers.

And then there are those who are made to watch over these heroes and make sure that they don't fall over from forgetting to eat.

Rancer is a very serious fellow, who would treat humour as some sort of inefficient aberration to be pointedly ignored, if he hadn't already resigned himself to the basic absurdity of the world. Rancer views life as a sort of bad movie, and the only way he can stay sane is by copious amounts of sarcasm. He's usually too polite to vocalize any of his mental comments, although standard mage telepathy can pick them up as a sort of low-volume muttering. Occasionally he loses control and snarks in public.

In more relaxed situations, Rancer likes to speculate and hypothesize on random things, mostly because he simply likes to let his mind wander. When duty calls, though, he is no-nonsense, organized, and very sarcastic.


Background:
Little is known about Rancer's life prior to joining the TSAB, and he refuses to talk about it. He did, however, join at a relatively young age, just after the Book of Darkness incident. He was sponsored by a mysterious "relative" who did not appear to have left any records of his existence, did little more than fund Rancer's education through a secure anonymous account, and then disappeared entirely when Rancer passed his A rank certification exam. For all intents and purposes, Rancer does not appear to have a family.

Rancer's career in the TSAB can be summarized as "distinguished, yet unexceptional". He has a reputation for doing almost everything by the book, but has been known to temporarily set aside the rules if he feels it is justified. Described largely as a loner, he somehow met and dated one Ivey de Lorien, but the two technically broke up, although they remain somewhat close friends. Neither Rancer nor Ivey are willing to talk much about it; "it didn't work out" is the usual reply given to any queries.

His transfer to the 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension unit was entirely following Ivey, and he was quickly made the vice-commander of the (very small) unit. He seems to be happy enough in his current position, although sometimes it is hard to tell.


Armament:
Rancer has no special Device he can call his own. He has been trained to use the standard staves issued to Midchilda mages, but he has not shown any particular talent or proficiency in such. In fact, his ranged blasts are weaker than the standard, but his barriers tend to be slightly but noticeably stronger when using a standard-issue Device.

If all else fails, Rancer is perfectly willing and able to pick up the nearest heavy blunt object and beat his opponent about the head with it.


Powers:
Most of Rancer's powers are traditionally defensive, but Rancer has managed to vary them enough that he can hold his own offensively. Rancer has a gift for improvisation, and he can generally come up with new spells on the fly. In fact, these spells will be so improvised that it is not a given that Rancer remembers how to do them the next day.

While Rancer's barriers are top-notch, his barrier-breaking skills leave quite a lot to be desired. He generally resorts to brute-force assaults on opponents' barriers and shields.

Offensive:

- Barrier Blast: Like the usual Barrier Purge spells (which voluntarily dispels one's own barrier violently to deal damage), except upgraded by a few orders of magnitude. Any unfortunate enemies surrounding the barrier and in the blast radius are likely to be thrown back with great force. This has been known to cause significant damage to the environs (craters et al). This can be applied to almost every form of shielding Rancer uses, except for Sanctuary.

- Barrier Inverse: Rancer uses a barrier to keep something in, rather than keep things out. While essentially an innovative use of barriers to capture enemies or contain explosions, Rancer can also use Barrier Blast on an Inversed barrier. This would theoretically reduce the contents to some chunky salsa and a fair amount of paperwork, which is why Rancer has never actually done it.

Defensive:

- Barriers: Rancer is able to put up any number of protective barriers (or shields, if he wishes) at any time, and even at range. Also, Rancer has the relatively rare ability to stack barriers.

- Force Barrier: Rancer can set up a barrier that repels physical objects and forces. Generally this allows only forces larger than a hundred newtons to penetrate, but Rancer can weaken or strengthen (the latter taking more magical energy) it as needed. The repelling causes objects to bounce off, as though elastic. This works best against "instant" impacts, rather than sustained application of force: a concentrated effort on a person's part can penetrate, although it is very difficult. Also, Rancer is unable to differentiate the barrier to let in some things (or people) but not others.

- Sanctuary: Rancer encases himself (and only himself) in a near-impenetrable shield, capable of withstanding S rank magical strikes. Unlike Ivey's Crystal Cube, Rancer is able to see (and hear) everything that is going on, and move around freely (theoretically, anyway). This uses up a great deal of magical energy, and Rancer cannot keep it up for very long. Sanctuary cannot be Barrier Blasted.

Support:

- Flight: Rancer can fly.

- Repulsor Fin: Standard acceleration spell. Faint rings the colour of Rancer's magic form around his legs.


Excerpt:

Spoiler:

"And I believe that's all for today." Rancer looked at his two subordinates. "Any questions?"

Ivey opened her mouth.

"No, Ivey," Rancer interrupted, "you may not bug Requisitions for a Lost Logia. You may not challenge the Aces to a friendly duel, even if you think you'll survive with the same amount of limbs as before. You may not borrow Staff Sergeant Reinforce Zwei. And you may definitely not molest Reiz ever again, no matter how 'irresistably cute' you think she is. Now, are there any other questions?"

Ivey closed her mouth.

"Good."

The third member of the forward team, Corporal Reiz Astra, the newbie.

Spoiler for Reiz Astra:

Name: Reiz Astra
Gender: Female
Age: 16 as of StrikerS

Mage Rank: A
Magic Type: Belka
Magic Colour: Tangerine Orange (Hex Code: #FFA100)
Favoured Element: Fire
Specialty: Melee combat
Device: Impulse - Armed Device

Rank: Special Investigator (Corporal)
Unit: 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension (Squad A)

Build: Small, and usually trying to make herself look smaller. She does have a pretty good figure for her size.
Hair: Blonde, short
Eyes: Green; usually looking nervously hopeful

Clothing:
Usual - Reiz tries to keep her uniform perfect, and it shows, sometimes too well. Strangely, she seems happiest when she is out of uniform, and her clothes tend to be casual T-shirts and denims, usually in some bright colours.

Barrier Jacket - Black form-fitting sleeveless legging-less bodysuit with a white trim, with a black miniskirt. White suit jacket with long swallowtail coattails, with a red trim. Red leather fingerless gloves. Silver belt with an orange gem inset. White thigh-high stockings with a red trim, black metallic heeled boots. Finally, a white fedora hat.


Personality:
Reiz's psych profiles have many phrases in common: "low self-esteem", "lack of self-confidence", "needs to believe in herself", and "recommend immediate self-image course". She is one of those who have no confidence whatsoever in their own abilities, and is easily embarrassed, preferring to fade into the background whenever possible. This, needless to say, had adverse consequences on her training and subsequent postings.

In a fight, Reiz tries her best, and her best is very good. One cannot help but feel that she'd much rather be somewhere else, though, and only her vaguely-formed sense of duty keeps her fighting, instead of running away. She is always willing to help others, and will sometimes go through great lengths to do so, but has no expectation that she will actually succeed, and her depressive attitude has engendered feelings of both pity and frustration.

Despite her affinity for fire magic, Reiz does not actually like fire. In fact, outside of battle, she's a little scared of it.

Strangely, even though she looks as though she might be on the verge of breaking down into tears all the time, nobody has actually seen her really cry.


Background:
Reiz would have had a much brighter future ahead of her if she weren't so, well, depressive. With indifferent grades in school and almost no social skills to speak of, Reiz enlisted in the TSAB at the age of fifteen, and promptly created a headache for administrators: where should they post a candidate who was obviously incredibly skilled in combat, but was completely unsuited for actual life in a frontline unit?

Fortuitous chance landed her in the 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension department. In the first ten minutes of her formal introduction to the unit, she was playfully assaulted by Lieutenant Ivey de Lorien, and then rescued by Captain Rancer LaSalle. This set the tone for the rest of her time in the 37th CIAA.


Armament:
Impulse is a staff, meaning a quarterstaff. Reiz received it from her father, who taught her everything she knew about staff fighting. How he came to own it, and why he has surprising amounts of knowledge for a convenience-store owner, is a mystery nobody has been able to unravel yet.

When not set up, Impulse is stored as a small rod, pencil-sized. Reiz does not need a pass phrase like Ivey to set her Device up, only requiring "Impulse, set up!" This turns Impulse into a six-foot quarterstaff (as well as giving Reiz her Barrier Jacket), with optional flames at the ends.

The slot for cartridges is in the middle of the staff, and Impulse can hold up to five cartridges at once. Reiz tends to carry around ten more spares; she is conservative with her cartridge use, mainly because she doesn't like requisitioning for more.

Impulse either cannot talk or does not want to talk. Since it cannot provide verbal action triggers, Reiz has to do it herself.


Powers:
Surprisingly, Reiz can not only dish out a beating, she can also take one. She has proven to be rather resilient, with a good knowledge of battlefield tactics that none of her instructors remember teaching her.

Being an Armed Device, the more cartridges Impulse consumes, the more powerful Reiz's powers are. She has never used more than three cartridges at once.

Reiz is a very skilled staff fighter. She has, in sparring sessions, been able to hold her own against Signum, provided high-level magic spells are not used, and the contest is purely with weaponry. She didn't win, but she held out for an impressive twenty-three minutes before Signum overwhelmed her. (The contest was conducted with wooden training weapons.)

Offensive:

- Hitting things: Reiz hits enemies with six feet of quarterstaff with fire on the ends. That's got to hurt.

- Flares: With a swing of the staff, Reiz can send a blast of flame at enemies, at respectable range and speed. If she continues spinning the staff, she can effect a rapid-fire mode. Reiz only has very limited control over these fire blasts.

- Fireball: Reiz concentrates a large ball of flame on one end of the staff, and then lobs it at an enemy. This ball of flame is relatively slow, but more easily controllable, and it can detonate in a large explosion on impact or command. The more cartridges used, the more powerful the Fireball.

- Extension: Impulse can be extended to poke enemies at range. The largest range thus far recorded is sixty meters, although it is likely that it could have continued indefinitely.

- Burning Hand: Reiz can touch someone and cause an explosion of flame. This generally is not enough to break through most barriers of rank A or above, but can be dangerous to an unprotected opponent.

Defensive:

- Defensive Arc: Reiz can extend a shield to encompass a one hundred and eighty degrees arc, and maintain this while fighting. This takes a fair amount of magical energy, though, and Reiz can only do so for a minute or so.

- Impulse Spin: Reiz spins Impulse rapidly, blocking just about every form of attack from one direction (up to AA rank).

- Firewall: Reiz can summon a wall of fire to block attacks or attackers. She can do so in a sizeable radius, generally enough to encompass herself and her friends. This wall of fire is easily penetrable by barrier-breaker spells or thermal-hardened armour. She is currently learning how to reverse the Firewall to trap foes inside.

- Warmth: Reiz can heal wounds, either on herself or others.

Support:

- Flight: Reiz can fly. She needs her Device to be set up in order to do so.

- Rocketstream: A standard acceleration spell. Reiz's boots appear to have rocket flames, and she makes an interesting smoke trail in her path. This smoke is not true smoke, being made of tiny magical particles, but Reiz can make use of it to blind a pursuing foe.

- Recall: Reiz can summon Impulse to her hand, provided she knows where it is.


Excerpt:

Spoiler:

Reiz looked down at her spoon. "Captain LaSalle made this?"

"I learned to cook when I was living on my own," Rancer said, ladling more curry onto his plate. "It's not that hard, if you pay attention."

Reiz seemed to shrink in on herself. "I, um, I can't make something like this, and, um, it's really good, and I don't think I'll be able to cook as well as you can, or anyone can, and I don't think I can cook at all, ever, and I don't think-"

"Everyone has something they're good at," Rancer added hurriedly. "I'm sure, uh, I'm sure you have your own good points that we can look up to." He looked desparately at Ivey. "Right?"

"Mmhm," Ivey said. "For one, Reiz has bigger boobs than I do."

Reiz squeaked, and reflexively hugged her chest.

Rancer covered his eyes with a hand. "Accurate, Ivey, and yet thoroughly unhelpful."

And finally, Major Nova Alto, commander.

Spoiler for Nova Alto:

Name: Nova Alto
Gender: Female
Age: 34 as of StrikerS

Mage Rank: Formerly A+, currently C-
Magic Type: Midchilda
Magic Colour: Chartreuse Green (Hex Code: #7FFD00)
Favoured Element: Energy
Specialty: Ranged Blasts
Device: None

Rank: Unit Commander (Major)
Unit: 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension

Build: Average height, slim, attractive, fairly good figure ((AN: Yes, she's a MILF-type.))
Hair: Light brown, wavy, tied in a low ponytail
Eyes: Violet, usually behind glasses

Clothing: Standard uniform. For casual wear, generally simple dresses, of light green and white. She does have a favourite loose white jacket top which she loves to wear.


Personality:
The word most often used to describe being around Nova is "peaceful". Always ready with a kind smile and a cup of tea, Nova seems to be more suited for teaching elementary school students or running a cozy family restaurant than being the commander of a special investigations unit. Those meeting her for the first time feel soothed by her gentle demeanour, her quiet optimism, and her willingness to help anyone...

... and then the conversation turns to business and they are met with a wall of steel will and intelligence. Anyone who mistakes Nova's soft-spoken nature for weakness have been quickly disabused of that grave error, and learn why she holds the respect of those under her command.

Nova projects an easy-going, carefree air, the sort to remain perfectly calm in the face of an emergency. She also has a wicked sense of humour, and loves to pretend to be easily-flustered over the tiniest problems, acting the absent-minded airhead.


Background:
Nova might have been described as a promising young mage in the TSAB Enforcer ranks, and had indeed been part of several successful arrests of notorious interdimensional criminals, but her career as an enforcer was tragically cut short when she was assigned to the first team sent to take down the mad mage Precia Testarossa. Although she was transported back to the medical facility quickly enough to save her life, her Linker Core was damaged, perhaps irrepairably. Without her magical power, she could no longer be an enforcer, and the TSAB offered to give her an honourable discharge, with full compensation.

Nova declined the offer; she felt that she could still contribute to the TSAB in her own way. (The fact that she had spent four months prior in deep depression is often overlooked.) A series of transfers landed her in the Special Investigations part of the Bureau, where her keen intelligence and analytical skills were a tremendous help in solving several key cases. Her achievements brought her newfound respect, and unfortunately promotion.

Faced with someone who is technically entitled to her own unit, but did not have the actual magical power or field experience (or command inclinations) to lead one, the TSAB shuffled her off to the 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension department, which was not a bad place as such, but was mostly... boring. It was an undistinguished and fairly minor unit, far outshadowed by its more glamourous sister units. When Nova took over the unit, the last of the full-time members was just transferring out. Nova was left with an office, the shared resources of fellow minor units, and transfer notifications for one Rancer LaSalle, and one Ivey de Lorien.

Rancer proved to be a capable second-in-command, and Ivey had her own share of skills which made her ideally suited for capturing dangerous criminals alive for trial. After a few significant arrests, the 37th CIAA was no longer referred to entirely as a dead-end unit, which is in itself a sizeable achievement.

Nova engages in magical therapy sessions every day, and has shown marked signs of improvement, enough to climb back up a few mage ranks from her tested score directly after the Garden of Time incident. Her greatest hope is that she can achieve her original Mage Ranking prior to the Garden of Time incident, so that she can join her subordinates in their missions.


Powers:
Currently, Nova has been told quite firmly not to use any of her magic powers. She can use basic spells up to C- rank, but any more would be straining her Linker Core. She can theoretically unleash her full power at A rank, but doing so would likely burn out her Linker Core permanently, or even kill her.


Excerpt:

Spoiler:

Nova took a sip of her tea. "Is there anything else, Rancer?"

Rancer flipped through his clipboard. "Not a lot, really, ma'am. It's been a quiet week so far."

"Well, let's hope it stays that way." Nove picked up the teapot. "Tea?"

"No, thank you." Rancer continued flipping through the clipboard as Nova poured him a cup anyway. "The three outstanding cases, especially S-703, have made some considerable progress, thanks in no small part to-"

The door slid open. "Um, Corporal Reiz Astra repor-UWAAAH!" The tray of doughnuts Reiz was carrying went flying as she tripped. Ivey dashed forward and caught the majority of them before they hit the floor, including one in her mouth. One final errant doughnut, however, traced a mathematically precise arc in the air before plopping into Rancer's tea.

"- the efforts of Lieutenant de Lorien and Corporal Astra," Rancer finished, without missing a beat.

"That's nice," Nova said.

Sakura: [Her Excellency Lives! Wii~~]
Kha: the character models are there, and so are some of the quirks, but they don't exactly match the SOS Dan... Makes you wonder if there's going to be a Verossa cameo here...

Very indepth, and certainly very funny. They exactly work together, but I'm sure they get the job done. The anime "group of talented misfits" team model if ya will. And most of all I like your language. Very catchy phrases there.

I'd certainly love to see them in action for once! I can see that they aren't the SOS Dan, but they certainly do resemble them, probably from the Ivey-Reiz-Rancer relationship mechanics. I hope Ivey doesn't start forcing the poor Corporal into weird Barrier Jackets in their spare time, or interrupt her henshin strategically, if you catch me my drift. BUT, I definitely look forward to:

Reiz: *stammering* Re- Re- REIZA BEAM!!!

*whoosh*

Kha: Whoa...

[dkellis]

Originally Posted by Kha

Sakura: [Her Excellency Lives! Wii~~]
Kha: the character models are there, and so are some of the quirks, but they don't exactly match the SOS Dan... Makes you wonder if there's going to be a Verossa cameo here...

I did not originally intend to create the SOS-Dan, but I had a look at Rancer's and Reiz's personalities after I finished and went: "... isn't this Kyon and Mikuru all over again?"

And while Ivey isn't Haruhi, she's certainly Konata. (Close enough.)

I'm definitely going to try sticking Verossa in there, although I tried to make Rancer a bit of a mix between Kyon and Koizumi. Might have to wait a few anime episodes first, though.

Reiz: *stammering* Re- Re- REIZA BEAM!!!

*whoosh*

Kha: Whoa...

Hee. I did not originally intend that pun, but after I realized that Reiz was Mikuru, I though about this, and it was just too perfect not to use.

"Reiza Beam" indeed. (I wonder if I'll come up with a "Reiza Blade" of some sort...)

EDIT: Random thought: I wonder if I'm technically at a disadvantage for references because I don't like mecha anime.

I do pepper my creations with a fair amount of other random references (there's several D&D ones in there), though, so I suppose it balances out.

[USB500]

Originally Posted by Kha

Joseph runs, runs and after that runs some more. I see Erio wishing Caro to be more like that, instead of jumping out in between the tank and the mob. As a suggestion, you might want to add some threat lowering skills like "Vanish" or the Blizzard interpretation of Wind Walk as one of his skills to make an annoying fly even more annoying.

note taken. thanks for the suggestions! *now adding to Joshua's ability; maybe I should refer to him as Merlin instead *

Originally Posted by Kha

And yay for chocolate lover too! Maybe I should add Kha's favorite food is Terran Southwest Sector (Brazil) dark chocolate (hence Hayate's suggestion to Fate about what to where to Kha's birthday celebration: Just coat herself with it. )

Alexandra: I never thought some people will go as far as immersed in a fountain of chocolate...
Fate: *blushes* that... that was Hayate-chan's suggestion! Honest!
Excalibur: *sarcasm* then what is the thing behind your back?
Fate: *quickly hides chocolate sauce* you didn't see anything! You DIDN'T see anything!
*insert ORLY-YARLY between Excalibur & Fate*

Originally Posted by Kha

I see Annabelle fighting for Erio with Caro. Does Old Velka valor and combat finesse count?

Anna: my future husband! *glomps Erio*
Erio: what the-- *is choked* get off me!
*standing behind them are jealous, cute-looking Caro & Lutecia*
Leonidas: this is utter madness... *shakes head in disgrace*
Yuuno: *drinks coffee* ah, the beauty of multi-side love affair... *cackles*

It indeed is.

Originally Posted by Kha

And while Kha might disagree on SEED Destiny, he's undivided about SEED, and Sakura's totally nuts about "New God" Kira, I see some interesting discussions between Kha and Anna.

Kha: if you don't like SEED, then what about SEED-Destiny?
Anna: it was worse than SEED! And I hate Shinn! He's such an emo!
Kha: what else makes you hate both series so much?
Anna: Kira!
Kha: anything else?
Anna: Kira! Kira! and KIRA!
Kha: this is getting ridiculous...

You don't want to win argument with a loli, do you?

Originally Posted by Kha

Avatarform RH + Avatarform Excalibur + Avatarform Sakura = the SOS Devices Against Normalcy (DAN)

Prepare for the end of the world.

Now for Hikki's (some) trivia:

Spoiler for click:

• Hikki owns a Rickenbacker 4001 bass guitar. It is painted in his trademark red/white colour scheme.

• Once cheerful, ignorant care-for-nothing, Hikki is now calm, quiet person. This is due to yet another “personality switch” after his retirement from Bougainvillea Brigade.
• Hikki is a proficient musician. He learns his skill along his service time as a Bougainvillea protégé. He can play any genre of music, but is an expert on jazz, blues and rock.
• He no longer cosplays, although he doesn’t mind helping Hayate with costume design. He even suggests that Nanoha cosplay as Kawasumi Mai from Kanon for the bureau’s first cosplay party (which is rather strange, since he’s asking her to cosplay as his wife. Note the seiyuu pun Hikki’s playing on).
• Hikki isn’t assigned with anyone in the bureau or Lost Property Riot Force 6. He chooses to work as a ‘one-man’ team to avoid putting his partners in risk. Because of this he gains the moniker “Lone Wolf.”
• Despite cold reception by senior officers, Hikki is very well-received by younger recruits. He is, especially, fond of befriending Erio and Caro, both of whom remind him of his twin daughters back in Kiev.
• Almost anyone in the bureau (including the three Aces) is never revealed on Hikki’s background. This is due to request by General Armstrong to Admiral Chrono to keep the matter “as confidential as possible”. The only other person after Armstrong to have access to Hikki’s database is Yuuno (in the beginning of Lyrical of Time, Yuuno is investigating an ancient relic he believes to originate from Narulia, Hikki’s home-planet).
• Hikki never regards himself as a part of the bureau. He states that as soon as his trial ends, he will return to his family.
• Hikki’s fighting style is a mirror to Geese Howard’s Kobojutsu (Reppuken, his variation of Atemi Nage, Time Halt and Crescent Typhoon, a direct copy of Raising Storm).
• After gaining humanoid form, Halcyon acts as Hikki’s maternal guardian, often treating him as if he is her daughter. It is safe to say that Halcyon is the reincarnation of Greek Goddess Alcyone.
• Halcyon is known to be only Device to request for a full-sized humanoid form.

I see if I can post more on Halcyon (since it, too, has its own story to tell).

@ dkellis: I can now imagine Rancer's monologue

[LoweGear]

With real life success (running an internet business) comes less time for writing long character profiles (and commenting on them). But those are some nice profiles, and Ivey's back! I don't think even Kay would want to mess with Ivey after that lecture on the possibility of robotic maids And as already pointed out, there is an air of SOS-dan in Ivey's unit. Lacks a Nagato Yuki though :P

All these scenarios are killing me (in a good way :P), need MOAR

*buys more chocolate*

[Kha]

Originally Posted by USB500

note taken. thanks for the suggestions! *now adding to Joshua's ability; maybe I should refer to him as Merlin instead *

Well to differentiate between the two mages, I suggest not. Sakura might call him Josh-san, though Kha might use Magister Merlin, as I'd see him use as a title for Britainna mages.

Ever thought about Joshua being the self-sealed form of the REAL Merlin, having done so to conserve his life force for the second coming of Arthur, but the Josh half has absolutely no idea of his other half's existence? I'm thinking of Yue/Yukito combo of CCS fame on this. Just a random thought again.

Originally Posted by USB500

Alexandra: I never thought some people will go as far as immersed in a fountain of chocolate...
Fate: *blushes* that... that was Hayate-chan's suggestion! Honest!
Excalibur: *sarcasm* then what is the thing behind your back?
Fate: *quickly hides chocolate sauce* you didn't see anything! You DIDN'T see anything!
*insert ORLY-YARLY between Excalibur & Fate*

Kha: Erm... *Whispers humming as his right eye changes color, then returns to normal when the scan is complete* Why is there a bottle of Hershey's Dark Delight on inside back of your dress?
Fate: Well... Umm...

*meanwhile*

Nanoha: You know because she's not Terran, Fate took it seriously, not to mention literally...
Hayate: I know but... *chuckle*

then...

Aurion: Didn't you say you could see the magic flowing through a place? Does that mean you just saw Fate with nothing on but that magic bottle of hot chocolate?
Kha: !!!
Fate: *turns red*
Sakura: [Father can see any magic through 30 feet of lead so it's no surprise! But no worries, Father's an innocent person.]
Fate: *overheats*
Kha: Sakura not now--
Kay: When I researched Earth culture, I came across that the idea to cover one in chocolate is an mating ritual of sorts, when both parties eat the brown stuff off each other...
Fate: *faints*
Sakura: [Oh she passed out.]
Kha: KAY!!!

What mayhem...

Originally Posted by USB500

Anna: my future husband! *glomps Erio*
Erio: what the-- *is choked* get off me!
*standing behind them are jealous, cute-looking Caro & Lutecia*
Leonidas: this is utter madness... *shakes head in disgrace*
Yuuno: *drinks coffee* ah, the beauty of multi-side love affair... *cackles*

It indeed is.

Chrono: *Hayate-thumb* G-job!
*turns round to see a flaming Kha with Sakurazaki deploying Gotteliches Rapier*
Kha: Ne I heard you tutored my page in my absence and I haven't thanked you for it...
Chrono: W-wait I can explain. Chaos you snitch!

Originally Posted by USB500

Kha: if you don't like SEED, then what about SEED-Destiny?
Anna: it was worse than SEED! And I hate Shinn! He's such an emo!
Kha: what else makes you hate both series so much?
Anna: Kira!
Kha: anything else?
Anna: Kira! Kira! and KIRA!
Kha: this is getting ridiculous...

You don't want to win argument with a loli, do you?

Actually its a mistake in my phrasing. Kha thinks SEED is okay, but totally despised SEED Destiny, thinks Shin is screwed, laments that Athrun, his favorite char in SEED, lost his spine, Kira is uberhaxx and doesn't think much of the upcoming Eternity either. Sorry!

Originally Posted by USB500

Now for Hikki's (some) trivia:

Spoiler for click:

• Hikki owns a Rickenbacker 4001 bass guitar. It is painted in his trademark red/white colour scheme.

• Once cheerful, ignorant care-for-nothing, Hikki is now calm, quiet person. This is due to yet another “personality switch” after his retirement from Bougainvillea Brigade.
• He no longer cosplays, although he doesn’t mind helping Hayate with costume design. He even suggests that Nanoha cosplay as Kawasumi Mai from Kanon for the bureau’s first cosplay party (which is rather strange, since he’s asking her to cosplay as his wife. Note the seiyuu pun Hikki’s playing on).
• Hikki isn’t assigned with anyone in the bureau or Lost Property Riot Force 6. He chooses to work as a ‘one-man’ team to avoid putting his partners in risk. Because of this he gains the moniker “Lone Wolf.”
• Despite cold reception by senior officers, Hikki is very well-received by younger recruits. He is, especially, fond of befriending Erio and Caro, both of whom remind him of his twin daughters back in Kiev.
• Almost anyone in the bureau (including the three Aces) is never revealed on Hikki’s background. This is due to request by General Armstrong to Admiral Chrono to keep the matter “as confidential as possible”. The only other person after Armstrong to have access to Hikki’s database is Yuuno (in the beginning of Lyrical of Time, Yuuno is investigating an ancient relic he believes to originate from Narulia, Hikki’s home-planet).
• Hikki never regards himself as a part of the bureau. He states that as soon as his trial ends, he will return to his family.
• Hikki’s fighting style is a mirror to Geese Howard’s Kobojutsu (Reppuken, his variation of Atemi Nage, Time Halt and Crescent Typhoon, a direct copy of Raising Storm).
• After gaining humanoid form, Halcyon acts as Hikki’s maternal guardian, often treating him as if he is her daughter. It is safe to say that Halcyon is the reincarnation of Greek Goddess Alcyone.
• Halcyon is known to be only Device to request for a full-sized humanoid form.

I see if I can post more on Halcyon (since it, too, has its own story to tell).

@ dkellis: I can now imagine Rancer's monologue

Hikki probably IS going to get in trouble with Mai if she finds out what he suggested.

Interesting... Isn't a big Device assistant a little unwieldy? I suppose that's why most devices don't request that (A loli is still rather compact to a full-grown lady ), but then persocons from Chobits are big assistants.

[USB500]

Originally Posted by Kha

Well to differentiate between the two mages, I suggest not. Sakura might call him Josh-san, though Kha might use Magister Merlin, as I'd see him use as a title for Britainna mages.

Ever thought about Joshua being the self-sealed form of the REAL Merlin, having done so to conserve his life force for the second coming of Arthur, but the Josh half has absolutely no idea of his other half's existence? I'm thinking of Yue/Yukito combo of CCS fame on this. Just a random thought again.

Again.... note taken?

Originally Posted by Kha

Kha: Erm... *Whispers humming as his right eye changes color, then returns to normal when the scan is complete* Why is there a bottle of Hershey's Dark Delight on inside back of your dress?
Fate: Well... Umm...

*meanwhile*

Nanoha: You know because she's not Terran, Fate took it seriously, not to mention literally...
Hayate: I know but... *chuckle*

then...

Aurion: Didn't you say you could see the magic flowing through a place? Does that mean you just saw Fate with nothing on but that magic bottle of hot chocolate?
Kha: !!!
Fate: *turns red*
Sakura: [Father can see any magic through 30 feet of lead so it's no surprise! But no worries, Father's an innocent person.]
Fate: *overheats*
Kha: Sakura not now--
Kay: When I researched Earth culture, I came across that the idea to cover one in chocolate is an mating ritual of sorts, when both parties eat the brown stuff off each other...
Fate: *faints*
Sakura: [Oh she passed out.]
Kha: KAY!!!

What mayhem...

at faraway...

Yuuno: the usual day of the TSAB officers... *grins and slurps coffee*
Joshua: I don't understand these people....

Originally Posted by Kha

Chrono: *Hayate-thumb* G-job!
*turns round to see a flaming Kha with Sakurazaki deploying Gotteliches Rapier*
Kha: Ne I heard you tutored my page in my absence and I haven't thanked you for it...
Chrono: W-wait I can explain. Chaos you snitch!

Chrono, you got owned! XD

Originally Posted by Kha

Hikki probably IS going to get in trouble with Mai if she finds out what he suggested.

The possibility is endless....

Originally Posted by Kha

Interesting... Isn't a big Device assistant a little unwieldy? I suppose that's why most devices don't request that (A loli is still rather compact to a full-grown lady ), but then persocons from Chobits are big assistants.

that's why I'm working on Halcyon's background ATM. Its story is as interesting as Excalibur, except that Halcyon's past was as a Greek Goddess. Spoiler: Alcyone actually did have a child, but he died due of illness. She didn't tell her husband Ceyx of the matter, fearing that it would devastate him.

Hmm... Chii-like assistant....

[LoweGear]

Originally Posted by Kha

Kha: Erm... *Whispers humming as his right eye changes color, then returns to normal when the scan is complete* Why is there a bottle of Hershey's Dark Delight on inside back of your dress?
Fate: Well... Umm...

*meanwhile*

Nanoha: You know because she's not Terran, Fate took it seriously, not to mention literally...
Hayate: I know but... *chuckle*

then...

Aurion: Didn't you say you could see the magic flowing through a place? Does that mean you just saw Fate with nothing on but that magic bottle of hot chocolate?
Kha: !!!
Fate: *turns red*
Sakura: [Father can see any magic through 30 feet of lead so it's no surprise! But no worries, Father's an innocent person.]
Fate: *overheats*
Kha: Sakura not now--
Kay: When I researched Earth culture, I came across that the idea to cover one in chocolate is an mating ritual of sorts, when both parties eat the brown stuff off each other...
Fate: *faints*
Sakura: [Oh she passed out.]
Kha: KAY!!!

What mayhem...

Rey: *Plays wav file "OWNING"*
Shinji: They really do that?
Asuka: Probably another one of Kay's fabrications or something...
Rey: Asides from chocolate, Earth people are also known to use other edible substances like whipped cream and maple syrup.
Shinji/Asuka:... wha...
Rey: It was part of our research on Earth mating culture.
Asuka: Somehow, I don't believe you...

I think a combined fic with the characters here is in order

Chrono: *Hayate-thumb* G-job!
*turns round to see a flaming Kha with Sakurazaki deploying Gotteliches Rapier*
Kha: Ne I heard you tutored my page in my absence and I haven't thanked you for it...
Chrono: W-wait I can explain. Chaos you snitch!

Chrono, may your soul rest in pieces

[/QUOTE]

[Saint X]

Originally Posted by Kha

Oh so the TSAB was founded rather recently? But that means Graham was transferred from another department, however I do recall him saying that he found a TSAB clerk when he was 10, and if you wind the clock back that far the Gold Squad members weren't even born yet. Might be a plot hole here?

Well not founded recently, only the civilian recruitment center- since in my space, the TSAB was a military extension of the galactic military- then gradually became a semi-military agency, with part civilian additions (D.O. 52), to the now paramilitary bureau (D.O. 120, 153, and 175- the formal establishment of the bureau), made up of civilian and private individuals.

Directive Orders (D.O.s) - in brief:
52: The Time-Space Protectorate Forces was renamed the Time-Space Administration Bureau, outlining it's new function- doing multiversial administration and monitoring, primarily by military with civilian advisers. Adm. Graham may be one of the last pure military trained bureau agents.
120: The bureau order to transition from military to paramilitary begins with the reduction of the military staff in the lower levels of the directorate, thus opening the door to civilians to join- and hence the recruitment centers. Even though they use military ranks and systems and the overall strength is almost equivalent to the entire galactic military, the bureau is still regarded as a civilian paramilitary group because of the administrative functions it does.
153: The bureau will now further reduce the number of military officers, as the number of civilian agents increase, thus allowing the opening of the commandership positions to civilians- in the later stages of the act, only 2 of the 11 seats of the commandership are occupied by military officers.
175:The formalization of the bureau as a civil paramilita group- only one seat- the Chief Director is occupied by a military officer- coincidentally the Galactic Military Supreme Commander- though his/her powers in the bureau are very limited- the real power lies in the other 10 seats of the commandership- which in AlternateS I, includes Lindy and Carim and in AlternateS II, replaces Lindy with Kyla.

- Expect me to churn a ton of lines tomorrow night

---

Kyla: Chocolate...
Minerva: Oh dear, the captain's bitter again- after that A-C-E thing back on Earl with Lady Mashiro.

[Nightengale]

I thought the seats was Board of Directors which Carim has a position in, not seats of commandership. I don't think Carim possesses any military powers in Mid-childa, just self=autonomy of Belka.

Wait...Gil found the clerk at 10!? NOOO~! Now I have to re-rectify my ARIA and Flora timelines!

....Maybe. If I have the time, just maybe I'll do my fanon modification of a canon character, namely my favourite Gil Graham. Maybe I'll make it so his real name was Gilbert Graham or something. :{

[LoweGear]

Originally Posted by Saint X

Well not founded recently, only the civilian recruitment center- since in my space, the TSAB was a military extension of the galactic military- then gradually became a semi-military agency, with part civilian additions (D.O. 52), to the now paramilitary bureau (D.O. 120, 153, and 175- the formal establishment of the bureau), made up of civilian and private individuals.



- Expect me to churn a ton of lines tomorrow night

---

Interesting backgrounds here, would explain why despite being more of a military organization, the TSAB somehow uses civilian terminology (clerks). Although a concrete timeline would make this background much better IMHO GJ btw.

And for another in Kay's Biography... this time, I'll be doing an unusual thing in profiles, introducing another key character in the process of profiling Kay, having written about him in the previous profiles, since as I discovered you get to know more about the character through how they interact (which is why I just love all these short stories you crazy guys do ).

Anyways, continuing with the profile, now covering Part I of AI's, and a little character intro:

Spoiler for length:

Personal Log of TSAB 2nd Lieutenant Glock Heckler, 79th Army Battalion

I am now in my 197th day of my present assignment of observation and security watch over civilian Archaeologist Kaylin Mathis. Ms. Mathis has been working here at the Moldiva badlands, on the examination of a weapons vault believed to be several hundred years old. She is currently in the process of cataloging any relevant artifacts and paraphernalia in the area. No significant events for notation, most of the items being harmless trinkets, physical blunt and bladed weapons, with little or no extra-dimensional qualities. Will hand more detailed relic and artifact reports for processing by LPRF 6 by the fortnight, and also to the 37th Criminal Investigation And Apprehension unit for further examination, as per new orders. In the meantime, I shall be continuing my current personal notations regarding Ms. Mathis’ biography.

Ah screw this. All I really wanted to say is: Kay is the most amazing person I’ve met in my entire life, awesomeness incarnate. I think I’m becoming her biggest fan… wait, I AM her biggest fan…


-----------------------------------------------------------------------
- :Hey, why are you hijacking my log?!
- : Eeh I’m not, I’m just finishing it up for you. You should thank me for my consideration!
Glock: Writing in what you want me to feel for you is not what I consider “finishing up”!
Kay: You’re no fun.
Glock: I prefer it that way, now please hand me back my log.
Kay: Alright… Shinji, Protect Save!
Shinji: Hai! PROTECTO SAVE!!!!!
*log disappears*
Glock: Sofia, get my log back!
Device Sofia: Alright, Data Reco…
Shinji: Ima da!
Asuka: Achtung! LOGIC EXPLOSION!!!
*Logic Bomb > Sofia*
Glock: Kay….
Kay: *sweatdrop* The logic bomb was not my idea...
Rey: Data Recovery complete. Sofia system restoration complete, backup initiated.
Glock: Rey, you truly are the best of your siblings.
Rey: I’m only doing my best to quell any further ill-will, but thank you.
Glock: That’s a good girl.
*virtual blush by Rey*
Asuka: I’m telling you blue-girl, you’ll pay for this treachery…
Shinji: Asuka, not now…
Kay: No Logic Bombs Asuka, or I’ll have you do defrag duty!
Asuka: Ja!
Kay: Seriously stiff guy, your logs can be more insightful if you’re going to write anything about me. And some attitude. I should have a say if you’re gonna be my biographer.
Glock: I’d rather not have any more love-love delusions on my logs, but I’ll think about it.
Kay: Well, don’t take my “love-love” delusions seriously, it’s not like you’re my type.
Glock: I love you.
Kay: *Does triple spit-take* Omae wa baka…
Glock: Now we’re even. Don’t take that too seriously. Now where was I… *goes back to log*
Shinji: You alright Kay? You look flushed.
Asuka: Not to mention owned.
Kay: This sucks…
Rey: *plays wav file “OWNING”*
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Biography of Kaylin “Kay” Mathis: Artificial Intelligence Part I

One of Kay’s most significant non-archaeological field accomplishments was the creation of her three Artificial Intelligence programs, the K.A.I. series. These sentient programs were single-handedly created by Kay six years ago to serve as field companions, each adept at their own individual skills necessary for her work. The AI’s basic program subroutines are based off data from the Reinforce Zwei Project undertaken by TSAB engineers 8 years ago, which Kaylin somehow managed to uncover and…

Can you please stop looking over my shoulder? Thank you.

…retrieve. This information was used in the development of advanced personality, learning and adaption subroutines that ensure that AI’s develop with experiences they undergo over time, as self-learning entities. Also, they are programmed with universal program drivers, meaning they are not restricted to a single device, but can be uploaded unto different devices for them to use, and due to their enhanced compression abilities can be uploaded unto even low-end devices that can handle basic AI. They can also remotely interface with other devices through a variety of means, from simple radio to techno-telepathic link. And finally, all of the AI’s are able to autonomously cast their own spells using Kay’s Linker Core as their energy source. Unlike most AI’s, the three have their own humanoid visual avatars to visually distinguish them from each other when interacting with Kay or each other on data monitor displays. These avatars can also be projected into space via holographic magics, although they have yet to be equipped with tactile interaction abilities, i.e. the ability to manipulate physical objects via touch (although the AI’s can manipulate objects using magic), and tactile, olfactory and taste senses. Kay has expressed the hope that with more time and resources, that the KAI series can be given solid matrix projection bodies, similar to the one used by Master Sergeant Reinforce Zwei of LPRF 6, which’ll allow their avatars to interact with the physical world to better assist Kay in her field work, and also to give them more horizons on which to expand and develop their personalities.

The three AI’s are named Rey, Shinji and Asuka, as per Kay’s preference. (It is noted that she lifted these names from characters from another one of her favorite anime titles, Neon Genesis Evangelion.) Like most AI, Kay used blank personality templates as a starting base for all three AI. Despite this, the AI’s have developed completely divergent personalities, which may have been caused by the pre-programmed specialization of their roles. (Although suspicions point to Kay having had a slight hand in molding them to who they are today).

KAI-00 “Rey” – Rey is the first of the AI’s to be created, and thus is the oldest of the AI siblings. Residing inside the storage device Khaydarin, her specialty is in assisting Kay in artifact research, using her extensive knowledge of archaeological materials and information she learns from various sources to aid Kaylin in the examination and analysis of paraphernalia; and her second role is in the cleaning and restoration of relics to their proper form, using her database to calculate the best possible methods and techniques of restoring a particular item. She can also partake in restoration jobs herself by using various small-scale manipulation magic.

Her avatar is that of a 15 year old Caucasian girl, with long, shoulder-length straight blue hair and red eyes. Her avatar is often seen wearing a white lab coat with blue trim. Strangely enough, Rey has recently added a pair of thin-framed eyeglasses to her avatar’s look, despite the enhanced vision granted her by Khaydarin’s systems. She also talks in a somewhat hushed, yet firm voice.

Personality-wise, Rey is mostly the shy, quiet girl who prefers her own company over socialization, although with the birth of Shinji and Asuka, Rey has been playing the role of the strong yet silent eldest sister. Her calm, unassuming nature makes her the most objective of the three siblings, always assessing the situation and never performing an action without thinking it through, and the least likely to have her temper provoked. She is also the least likely to socialize with strangers, although she can get along with work-related matters. As the most rational of the siblings she is also the problem solver of the group, to the point that Kay relies on her for her problem-solving skill in various matters. Whether due to her programmed specialty, or her own innate preference, Rey has inherited Kay’s passion for archaeology and anthropology, and can be found categorizing and analyzing new artifact data in her spare time, even without Kay’s orders.

That doesn’t mean she is void of any hobbies. She is known to join in on making fun of Kay in her own concise and silent manner, and she is also the avid video game player, playing mostly real-time strategy games. Her favorite game is an Earth-made online game called DoTA Allstars, and she goes by the handle “Frozen Ministra”, playing the character “Rylai Crestfall, the Crystal Maiden”. (She manages to connect via Earth-based servers through the TSAB Psycommu Network, with Shinji’s assistance). It is during gameplay sessions that an unusual transformation takes place, with Rey’s demeanor changing from cool, calm and collected to cool, yet passionate and fiery, often being extremely loud and vocal during gameplay sessions, but without losing her judgement. She is also known to neuter her AI multitasking skills during gameplay in order to reduce the odds of being taken as a cheater when playing against human players– nonetheless Rey still manages to win most of her matches using various strategies and cunning. Her video game involvement goes so far as her using lexicons, terminologies and random sound files from various games in normal situations (her oft-used sound being “Owning” from DoTA Allstars).

Next part will be concerning the two other members of the KAI series.

Log shut down.

I think it’s time to challenge Frozen Ministra and get her back for that one time… Sofia, set up game for me please.

Yes boss.

Time to meet your maker…

[dkellis]

While I love reading backgrounds and character specifics, I suppose what irks me the most about them is that I can never remember which page such-and-such character's most-recent updated background is on, and I can barely keep track of who owns which character.

Anyone have an easier way? Apart from copy-and-paste into a text file (and losing all formatting like bold and such)?