Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Character Creation and Discussion (second reincarnation)

[PhoenixFlare]

*delurks*

Hello, everyone! I know this is unexpected, but ...

*fires launcher without warning*

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha GuardianS

Transition, Part Three—Paradox

Spoiler for Transition, Part Three—Paradox:

[Non-administrated Planet #109, Miliene] [No official date and time]

The world is a fallacy.

For those who live within its protective cradle, the world is their everything. From life to death and the eternal loop of beginnings and endings, the world is a constant, the invariable perpetuity. After all, where else can a human go but the world in which they live? There may be differences, even direct opposites in a new world, yet it remains the same: everything is shackled to the design of the beings we have all come to acknowledge as gods. Try as they might, humans may never transcend destiny, the foundations of existence laid down by the hands of the creator. Even death lies within their domain. Escaping one world is pointless, for the unseen path, however twisted, eventually leads to another. The act merely delays the inevitable and prolongs the suffering.

Why should there be suffering when everything is guided by the hands of destiny, one may ask.

For the world is a paradox.

As an unwavering entity in your entire life, the world protects and harms, reveals and hides, nurtures and annihilates. Mortals are the finest being sculpted in the forges of the heavens, birthing the tinkers and the shapers, the philosophers and the sages. Yet, they are also the destroyers and the demolishers, the apostates and the deviants. In the constant called the world, they vie for their own survival, challenging their oppositions to ensure their own continuity. Mortality is itself an eternal sentence of creation and destruction, that which is unbreakable, inescapable.

And what of the world? It is content to bask in the mortals’ struggles, for its existence lies in the balance of life and death, of beginnings and ends, of the subsistence of victors and losers. Such was, is, and will always be the way. For it is wrought by the gods to be the designated battlefield of truths and illusions, virtue and evil, the grand stage where everything and everyone is bound by their wills and changed at their whims. Destiny is but a flavorful word used by the ignoramuses who chose to submit their lives to beings who can understand nothing about pain or suffering, disease or deaths. How should these proud yet deceitful angels guide the living when they themselves are devoid of human qualities, when they are eternal existences oblivious to the ravages of time and age, when all dictated destinies are as mere experiments to them?

Indeed, the world is the paradox.

The creators high above in their aloof thrones are clever creatures of unfathomable intellect. They have long foreseen that a perfectly utopian world will lead to its own destruction—no world will survive on peace alone, nor will it thrive through war. A world at peace leads to decadence and complacency, to the hidden vestiges of dark jealousy and ill will, thus to wars. And yet the world cannot continue on warring forever because it demands the presence of physical entities with which to seed and cultivate itself. The constancy and irony of the world is thus ordained within the divine paradox, and the creators, ever so subtly, weave it in such a way that it is impossible to break free from the eternal loop even as they hid within their lofty palaces, untouched and unseen.

For a mere human living on the playful palm of the celestial beings, I was supposed to be content, living my life as that which has been destined for every other human. But, I was dissatisfied, restless at being made the pawn of some unseen gods toying with the lives of humans expecting obediently to be smothered and crushed in the end, like the puny flame of a melting candlewick that lingered feebly around before being blown out by the slightest of breeze. Or, if there was never to be the fateful breeze, it would still flicker and vanish when its wax was consumed. Why should we suffer at the whims of others?

And so, I rebelled against they who created me.

The price for that rebellion, even when it was done when I was yet out of my mother’s womb, was steep. I see only darkness since I was born, the brilliance of light and the luxury of colors denied me at birth. The joy of sound reached my ears, yet never out through my lips. The blood of nobles may flow in my veins, but I was regarded as no more than the filth of the kingdom. Of three brothers, I was the littlest and also the outcast; they had never talked or played much with me, leaving me to the silent solitude of abandonment and loneliness. No one could understand me, and me them, for communication was impossible with my infirmity.

Fortunately, some benevolent, perhaps mutinous angel, tired of the creators’ little game, understood my unfair predicament, and had so granted me another form of vision: the revelations of the world’s events through thoughts and memories. It was erratic at first, the ability manifesting in pieces of vague mental pictures, but as I aged, it became progressively easier to rifle through a person’s thoughts and literally see the world through him. Young though I was, I saw more than anyone else could as I easily pierced through the illusions of words and façades. In my tower room, separated and without physical contact with the world beyond, I saw all and heard all.

The kingdom was in turmoil. My mother became mentally unstable after the death of my father and the throne of the empire’s policymakers was assumed by my stepmother, a beatific high priestess of some obscure religion whose deity concerned me not. Historically, no Queen has ever wielded direct ruling power before, but this was a special circumstance. My elder brother was in line for the throne, but because he had yet to complete his royal education, the high council ruled for an extraordinary clause: under the constitution of the kingdom, granted that there are no suitable candidates to hold the throne when the King is deceased, a Queen may be bestowed as a temporary ruler. And since my mother was ill, the high priestess was thrust the mantle of rulership in her stead.

Whilst being Queen entitled her to some degree of privileges, it was no more than a tiebreaker to decide on what decision to embark on for the empire. She sat in between the gnashing teeth of nobles and commoners, the protectorate of both the rich and the poor, the lords and the serfs. Her task was very simple yet infinitely difficult, and I sometimes found myself pitying her. For all her fragility and delicate appearance, she was a good and efficient Queen, making clipped arrangements and decisions without flinching from the overbearing nobles and the demanding citizens. Yet, perhaps her strangest characteristic was her mind: it was peculiarly impenetrable to my mental prowess, and as such, I had never been able to glean anything within.

It was not until much later that I discovered why.

Unable to perform the duties of a prince myself, my two brothers were to take the helm of the country when they completed their edification. Fate’s twisted machinations never ceased to take root in this world: in accordance to the precepts of royal education, the nobles are allowed to choose who they want to serve at the end of their training—the aristocrats or the commoners. While most families tend to stay close to their birthright, there were those who occasionally received the inner calling to serve the citizens. Whether it was out of sympathy or gallantry, it was never made known, but they who worked for the lesser people also served the Circle, one of the most powerful entities in the world allied with the great Church and the polar opposite of the Conclave, the council of nobles. And the two were always at each other’s throat.

What was more ironic was the fact that my brothers had different appeal to serve one of the two groups.

Coincidence? Nay, it was pre-destiny, the inescapable wheel of conflict.

Forasmuch as they were my brothers as they were between themselves, their mind was disgusting, filled with lust and desire for power, murderous thoughts at those who bar their path to the throne. Their gap in age was small; the elder was only two years older. But, that was reason enough for the conflict to dig its inexorable claw deep into their hearts—the second was simply not content for the eldest to step down from the throne some years later and be sidelined. Their struggle for supremacy had begun the moment they had their rites of passage, and had continued so throughout their adolescent life. Never were they in agreement on anything, save perhaps their passion, if misguided and ill-borne, for the country.

The sacred Royal Hall of Wisdom was always filled with bickering, debates, arguments, banters, but none more so than when the two brothers met. On occasions, infightings broke out and, if not for the firmness of the Queen, deaths would have readily occurred. Serenely, she swept through them like a silent yet ferocious wind, demanding acquiescence when disagreements surfaced, offering solutions when negotiations failed. She stood like an unwavering pillar amidst the political storm, loved and hated at the same time.

And so, the wound, deep, unseen, and untended, quietly festered, until it turned gangrenous.

Ninety days into her service, the Queen made a startling announcement: she was four-months pregnant. The entire high council went into a furor—they had not expected such a turn of event. The eldest prince was not due to complete his education for at least another year, and should the Queen enter a state of maternity recuperation, the weekly meetings would be thrown into chaos. While regents and advisors could make decisions on her behalf, most of them were truly cowards; they were incapable of holding their stance for long without being swayed to the other side. And, unlike the Queen, they typically served one of the two groups. The truly neutral ones, teetering on the dangerous precipice, would likely fall to pressure and vote for either side before long.

But, far from seeing it as trouble, the two brothers, perhaps seized by the same angel of malicious fortune, thought it was a god-sent opportunity. With the correct plan of action and right timing, they could, in one fell swoop, eliminate the obstacle to their own agendas—they would be free to call the dignitaries to fuel their ambitions, thereby raising themselves as the legitimate ruler. Blood assassination, the term used when kin employed dark, underhanded means with which to remove barriers to their personal power, was not new in the kingdom, but it was not uncommon, either. History has a strange way of repeating itself and, driven by the confusion caused by the unexpected death of the King and the tumult of an heir to the throne, the stream began its turn anew, its waters black and foreboding.

In the dark corners of hidden chambers, the brothers plotted the death of the Queen. Many were the ways thought of, with cruel, brutal intelligence added in between to make the … transition, as they called it, as smooth as possible. As my mind flitted on the surface of their thoughts, there flashed the horrible images of the Queen, draped in snowy white, smeared with her own blood as the assassination manifested. I retched once, twice, then vomited as the mental pictures turned even more gruesome. There was only so much brutality before a murder became a pointless savagery, the latent nature of humankind that lay dormant while reason held sway. And as days progressed, reason could do naught but fail.

As sudden as it was alarming, something quite unexpected occurred. Something perturbed the eldest prince such that his mind was peculiarly distant most of the time and, several days later, became totally unreadable. It was revealed to me later, after searching through the minds of his loyalists, that the eldest prince, who cavorted with the lords and nobles of the Conclave, came into possession of a powerful relic with unknown ability. A pure black armor, glinting with a sheen so dark as if to devour all lights. It granted him some incredible powers—enhanced magical aptitude and capabilities far greater than what was normally achievable at his age. But, the most dangerous aspect was probably his mind: it became impregnable to my ability, and when I tried to force myself through, I was blocked by a powerful mental presence that brushed off my scan easily. The spirit possessing the prince, if I may refer to it as such, was strong and domineering, slowly eating into his individuality as it tried to take over its host completely.

It managed to frustrate all my attempts, but at the one try in which I was successful to have a slight glimpse, I regretted it. There was nothing in the mind except a terrible void, a vast hollowness that spread like a mindless plague, encompassing and consuming everything it came into contact with—it had so devoured half the sanity that was left of the prince. Deeper within its empty heart rolled a boiling, overpowering hatred, of loath and wrath mixed with deep-seated resentment. So overwhelming was its abhorrence that even my softest touch at its edge set my nerves on fire, a burning tingle that caused my blood to surge like white-hot liquid. Yet, in the tangled web of unnatural mindscape, there was a great well of loneliness, confusion, and sadness. Its feeling of abandonment and denial was so vivid it wrenched my heart.

And always, always present, were the blazes of brilliant pink and gleaming yellow that seemed to be understandable to no one but the being itself. Though curious, the pull of its negativity was so strong, so relentless that it was sucking my conscience into its own, the twisted warp of its own personality threatening to distort my own. I fled and never again returned to the condemned mental landscape thereafter.

Yet, with the discovery also came a startling revelation of what chaos that might follow in its wake. Feeding on the lust and rapture for power with which the prince so desired, the entity would unleash a catastrophe upon this world, destroying everything as it sought to achieve that one wish. The destiny of this world was already set in stone. As much as I loathe this disabilities inflicted upon me, this was the world I was born in, and also the one with which I would perish; I myself was an insect trapped in the golden amber that was the divine paradox. I would not let the gods decide the end of my world as they saw fit. Against all reasoning, I rebelled against the destined choice, defying the fate wrought by the creators for this world.

And so too began the rhythms of destruction shaped by my own hands.

Truly, the creators are magnificent beings, unsurpassed in both cunning and grandiloquence. In so introducing an element that threatened the balance of this world, it sought an opposite force to restore the tipped scale. Yet, there was no escaping the writ of fate that was already set in motion: the end of our world. The alternative of one way held the same result in the end, only from a different perspective. It was too late when I realized what their intent was: that I was destined to be the both angel of death and redemption for this world.

And, clueless as I was determined, I set down the path to annihilation and rebirth.

In my struggle against the eldest’s newfound abilities, I had to find someone as influential as he was and held the same, if not greater, position as he did. There was simply no point in hoping that a typical councilor would be able to hold his own against such a figure of power. And amongst the candidates, only one seemed to stay prominently above the rest …

It had never occurred to me in the beginning that my gift—or perhaps a curse in disguise—would allow things as powerful as complete mind control; there were times that I had strongly wished for something to happen, and those who ‘heard’ the call apparently went out of their way to make it come true. There had been mention of suggestion and hypnosis in the days of old, but my ability far transcended them all. It was surprisingly easy, effortless even, and it felt oddly … fulfilling.

From mere peeks and glances and skirting around the edges of men’s minds, I could now make them beholden to me, become the physical self to do what that I could not, in reality, perform. It was a sweet, triumphant discovery, one that made me feel truly remarkable. And so, like a master leashing a dog, I held my second brother’s mind hostage and, with him, the entire Circle under my command, just as the eldest had the Conclave for his own. Fortunately, some things were already planned in line against the influence of the nobles’ secret society; it appeared that my mundane brother had not been entirely resting on his laurels.

Deep within the catacombs of various cathedrals and churches throughout the Empire, experiments were being carried out to vastly improve the magical powers of common mages, a secret project known as AISHA, the namesake in honor of the First Lady of the Empire who was rumored to be one of the strongest mages ever seen in history. The Churchdom was in charge of one of the largest military forces in the Empire: the Astral Templars, time-honored warrior castes who eschewed typical magic for control over the very powers of nature. Using certain forbidden magic, researched under the codename Nexus Link, members of the Churchdom implanted false memories and hypnotic suggestions into these guardians of the sacred temples. Some were even skilled enough to directly control a select group of Templars and passively influence the thoughts of others through gradual conditioning. Bell towers and observatories were surreptitiously converted to armed bastions, with a number of strategic locations housing the dread cannon Elreana’s Reach, each one driven by the Churchdom’s most powerful spellcasters, the breathing, living composites that survived through AISHA’s torturous experiments.

The Circle was long ready for war; it was just waiting for the ripe time to do so.

My efforts were thus shifted to more productive endeavors: to find the source of the entity’s powers. In the incipient research, there were notes and vellums scattered around the libraries with which the eldest prince had perused. Silently searching through both physical and mental records held by the custodians, it became apparent that the armor the prince found was a relic of old, wrought during the bygone eras of extraordinary magic and technology. The knowledge of the craft was lost, yet its artifacts remained.

Among some mentioned most prominently were the Regalia of the Thirteen Stars, once worn by the fabled God-King Bryvon Chalcordan the Betrayer who single-handedly plunged the old world into chaos. It took the lives of twelve armies from various kingdoms, a contingent of the still-nascent Astral Templars two hundred strong, and some of the most powerful mages the world had ever seen, to finally overwhelm the Betrayer and destroy him. His corpse, mangled beyond recognition from the combined destructive forces of magic and weapons, was not even interred; it was duly cremated where he perished using pure fire conjured from mana, and his ashes were left to disperse in the winds. There was no tombstone to mark the place he was defeated, but the legacy of the destruction he wrought remained in the Plains of Despair.

After his death, the Regalia was scattered and kept by the seers of the Order of Elreana, so that its tremendous power would not be harnessed again. It was not known whether the following event was intentional, but the Order of Elreana and their homeland Songhaven then vanished from the face of the world, leaving only a template from which would be born the powerful Churchdom as well as the new order of Astral Templars, self-governed avatars of the goddess Elreana who abandoned control over conventional magic to mastery over the powers of nature. Perhaps they thought that with their disappearance, the secrets of the Regalia would follow as well.

What foolishness! Humans are, by nature, both curious and greedy beings, and some, though staunch advocates of courage, honor, and justice, are just as easily compelled by power—and the Regalia was power enough to subjugate even the strongest of wills. The Seers of Songhaven might have been devout in their duty, but such could not be said for every single one of them. The mortal flaw of a human had always been his mortality, and the unholy might of a God-King was as seductive as a sweet to a child.

The gullible was prey to the wily, and the secret had not died with the Seers.

And so, one simply need but only look in the right direction and place to flesh out information about the legendary artifacts. Ancient tomes that survived the purging following Chalcordan’s death, cleverly rewritten and made into clandestine manuscripts and discreet grimoires, told of these magnificent items secretly hidden within antediluvian vaults and ruined reliquaries. And, as was the capricious nature of fate, the eldest prince stumbled across one by chance.

According to lore, the entire Regalia was made by the legendary Brotherhood of the Forge, a group of twelve extremely talented master crafters who had fashioned various instruments and equipment famed for their exquisite design, unsurpassable durability, and most of all, the powers hidden within each and every item they created. It was said that a mundane-looking sword the Brotherhood made could become the sharpest and strongest blade capable of cleaving through a fortified castle wall if it was in the hands of the proper person designed to wield it. It was not known how true the claim was, but rumors were abound that the master crafters were also mighty wizards who enchanted the items with powerful, ancient magicks as they were being shaped.

The Regalia, a full set of voidsteel armor covering the head to the feet and complete with its accessories, was said to be the Brotherhood’s most historic endeavor, along with the renowned Titans, two hundred of them all. How different they were, no one knew, but it was said that the Brotherhood had used alien craft dating back to the Dawn Age and artifacts from that accursed era to empower the Regalia. There was rumor that King Chalcordan had somehow gained an ear into what the Brotherhood was doing at that time and, coveting the Regalia for himself, tampered with the process and then stole them from the Brotherhood’s mountain forge.

With his death, the power of the Regalia had supposedly become broken and would no longer function. The Titans, retrieved from the fallen bodies of the pioneer Astral Templars, went into the custody of the newly-founded Church, who gave the highest order of their Astral Templars access to them so that they might harness the power to defend the kingdom—or so they say. The passage of time stopped for none, and the Titans, for their existent appearance and undeniably formidable power witnessed by many, soon became the deepest desire of warriors and mages alike. The Regalia was forgotten, scoured from the tablets of history.

Yet, the legends of the Regalia, forbidden by imperial law to be spoken publicly, remained on the lips of the bards and storytellers and the elders, and it was mentioned only in the smallest of passing whispers and darkest rumors. Even they were guarded and wary of telling anyone—even their own family—for defiance warranted the irrevocable sentence of death. Why so heavy a punishment for something that might have been a figment of one’s imaginations, spun and embellished as the time rode past?

Because the ruling powers of the Empire truly believed that it was real even until now, and they fear it.

For in the whispers and rumors of bardic songs and fireside tales, it was said that just one piece of the Regalia can make you lord over all of mankind. And should you have all the pieces together, you would become …

I unearthed one of the Regalia in the northern arctic lands of Rhalestia after several months of searching, beneath a crumbling stone ruins buried by snow. There, upon the cadaverous skull of a seemingly sneering ancient king, hung the most dazzling crown I had ever seen. It was not so much that the entire artifact was glowing so brightly than it was the large gem set into the central crest of the simple black crown. It was a diamond that seemed to give off light on its own; there was very little illumination to be reflected, for the interior of the ruins was very dim, and the only other light source came from a magical orb I summoned just enough to show me the path.

In the darkness, the Crown of the Diamond Star was a sun.

I—that is, my physical body that was linked with that of the host through my ability—was transfixed and involuntarily shivered. It was not because of the scintillating light casting long, ghostly fingers of shadow with its brilliance, or for the fact that the relic would finally be in my grasp. I quavered because I felt a deep, towering presence pressing down on me, an overwhelming manifestation of something huge and that dwarfed my physical form, threatening to crush me with its invisible weight. I could move not a muscle, and all activities controlled by the brain seized to a halt.

All the while, the diamond pulsated with a pure white light, washing over me, engulfing, teasing, probing … as if it were a living thing, and I the subject of its experiment …

For an indefinite amount of time, I stood in the awesome presence of the crown, motionless. I could not pry my eyes from staring into the inquisitive illumination. Not even an attempt to pull my mind out of the host was possible. It was as if I was trapped in time, rendered inert by forces that deserted me when I needed them most. And for the first time in my life, fear snuck its way into my heart. It would not be long now, before it finally struck at the string of my existence, erasing me from the face of …

As sudden as it had happened, the probing aura vanished, and with it the crushing sensation that pressed on my body. I fell to my knees, breathless. Even the dank crypt air suddenly felt refreshing, and I sucked in huge gasps greedily. It took a few moments to adjust to the near comatose condition I experienced just moments before. Slowly, I rose. Whether it was driven by pure whimsical notion or some greater foolishness, my eyes raised up to stare at the crown again.

The brilliance of the jewel did not dull, but it seemed to be so strangely warm now, welcoming even. In fact, it seemed as if the light was … pulling at me, beckoning that I come closer?

The first step was taken, then the next. There was a clear, vibrant hum as I approached, growing louder and higher each passing second. Soon, I stood just beneath the dazzling crown. I could now see the design of the black metal that made the crown, the ornate carvings and etchings and grooves. The diamond, inlaid on the crest, was smaller than my closed fist. Its radiance felt pleasant, like the touch of spring breeze. It was so close to the touch …

And touch it I did.

I cried. I screamed. A light so blindingly pure burned through my eyes and my second sight, sweeping away all colors until everything became blank. The world fell away from me, its dizzying hues blending and mixing into unrecognizable entities. Immeasurable power surged through the innocent gem, a shot of bright lightning so tremendously overwhelming it blocked out all senses and yet still kept me conscious. It was so unbelievably powerful that it pulsed relentless through the mental connection I had with the host and seared my physical body miles away. The holy conflagration was consuming my soul. In that instant, I thought I would finally die.

Perhaps I did.

And in the course, I gained the clarity of the universe.

Incredible! I stood, a diminutive being, in the center of the celestial throne, home to the gods who manipulate destiny and direct fate. I saw with untainted lucidity the rise and fall of stars, the birth and destruction of planets. I held the sun of my world in my hands, and the suns of multiple universes in my bosom. With a twiddle of my finger, I could bring life to an uninhabitable world, or dictate the death of civilizations. In the nexus of dimensions, I saw all—the past, the present, and the future. Everything was possible, miracles that were not beyond my abilities to perform. I witnessed all without flinching, marveling at the newfound powers that would allow me the control of …

Abruptly, colors returned. The universe disappeared, the stars vanished. The suns burned out and the lives I put to existence were snuffed. In the instant that the vision had happened, everything was gone. The dark ruins returned to focus. I dropped to my knees for the second time, gasping. My body trembled violently and sweat dripped from my forehead. Gingerly, I raised my hand to wipe the droplets and touched something heavy and metallic.

I did not know when had I put it on, but the crown was on my head. I lifted it off and brought it down level to my face. The diamond that had so dazzled and sparkled just now no longer did so; now, it looked like a dull glass crystal. Yet, the hum of power within it was still present. No, the power trapped inside was resonating with mine. I could feel the tingle of energy coursing through my entire being, like liquid fire flowing in my blood. And …

Wait, something was different, but I could not quite place what. Slowly, I pulled myself up, dusting myself as I did with my other free hand. Something caught in my eyes, a mote of dust perhaps, and I blinked. A pause. I blinked again. The vision was clear. And that was what was different.

[PhoenixFlare]

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha GuardianS

Transition, Part Three—Paradox

Spoiler for Transition, Part Three—Paradox (Continued):

[Non-administrated Planet #109, Miliene] [No official date and time]
=Continued=

My mind was no longer in my physical body.

As an infirm, when you placed a mental link on another person, it was more like an invisible, spiritual guidance rather than an acute voluntary movement. Everything that was to be done with the host required a sort of mental instruction. Walking your own physical body was different from walking another’s body; though it seemed natural enough, I had to command the movement into the other person instead of myself. If I were to pick up a book, it would need a message to be sent through the link to the host’s brain, which then activated the action. Even though I see things through another’s eyes, the essential information was still passed through the connection, and controlling the host’s actions and reactions was part of the practice.

But now, everything was natural. Commands were no longer necessary, and all actions that in the past required instructions were now reflexive. Why? For my mind was now one with the host, and anything I simply thought of triggered the expected reactions. I did not know how it happened, but the best speculation was that the power that surged through the mental connection destroyed the link and caused my mind to slip out of my physical body and reside permanently in the host’s. Or, as I would discover later, my old body was gone, a pile of ashes upon the rich carpeting of the tower room, scattered by the slightest breeze that whispered through the vaulted windows.

The purifying fire I felt earlier was not a farce. The weak, imperfect vessel that was my original body could not contain the vast powers of the relic and, as if acting with a mind of its own, the crown decided then that my host would serve me better. It pulled my consciousness out through the mental link and, by some extraordinary force of magic, unified my mind with that of my ill-fated brother.

Thus was the phoenix reborn from the ashes of its demise.

A chill wind seeped through the cracks on the ancient walls. But, its presence was unmistakable. Turning around slowly, I called out, “Who are you?”

There was no immediate answer. The shade, however, stood where the crown had been before it was removed. Pale and ghostly, the visage seemed to appraise me with her empty eyes. Translucent, gossamer robes and cloak fluttered in an otherworldly breeze, and damp fog clung to the ground. Though I could not claim that I had seen her before, somehow a name sparked into my mind and the words rolled out unbidden.

“A Seer.”

The shade smiled, a thin, cold curve of those full but colorless lips. “Vile desecrator,” she hissed, pointing with her crooked, talon-like finger. “Ye hath thus chosen to inherit the possession of the fallen Betrayer. Know ye that thy life no longer belongeth to thee as the will of the Betrayer corrupts thee. The Curse of the Seers layeth heavy upon thee even as ye bear the crown’s power of prescience. And divine wrath shalt be visited upon thy soul on the Day of Judgment, and ye shalt be cast from redemption into eternal suffering!” The winds swirled as her sepulchral cadence rose. “Know this, o’ ye blighted child, bearer of doom, the Mother Earth shalt engrave death upon thy dark spirit—”

Such inane prattling from one so long dead. The threat was foolish, puerile. “The only wrath I’ll be seeing …” I said slowly, “… is the one I visit upon you now!” I gave a quick sweep of my hand, and a wave of magical energies—of such great magnitude that even I was taken completely by surprise—crashed into the catacomb. Walls broke and shattered, sarcophagi exploded, and the gold-finished steel stand that held the king’s skeleton crumpled, the skull disintegrating completely. Everything fell before the onslaught of magic. The visage vanished in a swirl of dark mists as the magic tore through the ancient edifice. The blast burst through the end of the ruins, breaking through layers of hard-packed earth until it made a clean path out into the open lands of Northern Rhalestia.

Slowly, I stepped through the broken hall into the brilliance of the winter sun. A wide, blackened path lay before me, smoking as if burned by white-hot fire. Half a mile in front stood a wall of strong pines, the trunks rough and sturdy. The simple magic had rushed through them unheedingly, leaving rows of those ancient pines in chunks of burning cinders, the embers hissing like serpents as they contacted the snow-covered ground. Thin, white plumes of smoke spiraled lazily into the clear, almost cloudless sky. I watched the ephemeral ribbons passed momentarily through the face of the sun, slicing through the fiery orb like the claws of a monstrous beast.

Like mine.

Something moved within me that I did not notice then, but at that moment, I smiled. Power, as the wise men of old had perceived, was a strange entity in many ways. It was, in one aspect or another, a manifestation of the qualities ordained in the divine paradox: that power can protect and also destroy. The desire to save something did not immediately exempt you from the clutches of the pre-destiny; in fact, you were thrown directly into the face of that which you wished to avoid. To protect someone or something meant that you had to do something against the forces opposing your will. That in choosing the life of one means forfeiting that of another. Power simply was an instrumentation to achieve that which you desire. And it was boiling, churning like a storm-tossed sea within me, eager to be unleashed.

But, no, it was not yet time. If I was to achieve my deepest desire, that grand stand that none could ever hope to acquire, then I must be patient—for wars among the mortal-kind were trivial, but wars against fate were more far-reaching and decisive. Failures were not tolerable. And so I must make all the necessary preparations before the final battle, all the while vigilantly watching against the agents of the celestial throne even as the future of the world unrolled before my eyes. Led by the crown’s power of prescience … Yes, that was where I would find the second piece. And the third. And the fourth …

In quiescence, the hidden angels above laughed, their facetious spirit soaring exuberantly—I was, by their fickle guidance, meant to found the artifacts and wield the great powers they offered. Powers that I seek to enthrall and bind to my own will desired the same thing upon me, two forces struggling against their own destinies. And, ever so deceptively, just as I was destined to be the victor, I was also meant to use it to my own ends …

Time and distance were mundane phenomena in my glorious pursuit of the artifacts. I crossed the continents and countries with an unmatched vigor, a relentless drive, seeking ancient locations that housed pieces of the Regalia. As if the heavens knew of my secret intent and sought to thwart my ascension, some of the centuries-old holding places had been changed multiple times and the relics together with them. Still, the third eye that was the crown led me forward, tracing the familiar link between itself and the rest of the artifacts. And so had I journeyed, the golden sands of time ever falling, moving the world slowly, but surely, towards the fated day …

I returned to the capital one haze-covered morning, enshrouded by the gossamer mist and a thick black cloak. The usual hustle and bustle of the main city touched me not, for quotidian sounds were but the noise of insignificance against the thrums of power running in my veins. The second and third artifacts were clasped on my wrists, resonating with the crown, amplifying the magic inherent within, magnifying the future of which I dreamt. I was herded along the unseen path by the portentous sight that pierced all falsehoods laid by either angels or devils. After days spent in unfamiliar territories, it finally brought me back to the place of my origin, ever closer to my goal.

My birthright.

Even so, I could notice the deadness that permeated the air, a stillness that was unnatural of a capital city in the morning. The apparent tranquility that surrounded the kingdom was but a façade to hide a deadly lethality waiting to be sprung. My heightened senses tingled with anticipation, as if something important was drawing nearer. There was a tinge of bloodlust in the air, a touch of ravenous hunger … It was as if the capital had fallen to an invisible catastrophe.

Something darted from the edge of my eyes, hoping that the morning mists would hide its action. With a simple gesture, I parted the natural screen as a knife would on butter. Smoothly, I twisted my outstretched hand, and the escaping object flew into my grasp. There was a terrified yelp. I caught hold of long, greasy hair. It was a woman, alive, but thin as if malnourished. And very afraid of something. With large eyes, she pleaded, “No, please, spare my life!” She coughed violently, and a burst of crimson blood splashed from her mouth, splattering onto my black tunic. “I am of no use to you …”

Oh, but how mistaken she was. Seizing her by the hair, I pulled her face up so that her bloodshot eyes met mine. My physical sight flared. Immediately, images and sounds flowed into my mind, telling me everything that had happened from the woman’s view. There was a loud, strident declaration by the eldest prince, a castigation and an exile, mutiny, bloodshed, civil war, the cries of deaths … When I had had enough, I released the woman from my grasp, who fell limply like a lump of dead flesh.

Has it been that long?

Twenty years … Twenty long years had passed since I began my search for pieces of the Regalia. The marching hands of time were undiminished even by the stupendous powers I wielded. In my fervor, I had forgotten about the dark passion of my brother, who, when the surrogate queen was barely out of her labor, had seized the chance and put into motion his insidious plans. Cleverly, he—or perhaps the hidden entity within—had engineered a deadly plague that attacked priestesses of the ancient sisterhood whom the queen was a part of. When it spread and killed others by the hundreds, deaths that could not be cured either by magic or herbs, he sowed dissension by manipulating the people’s desperation for convalescence and emancipation.

And the liberation was to be gained through the complete attenuation of they who were first found to borne the disease: the plague’s ‘origin’.

Fortunately, a handful of counselors and advisors deeply loyal to her intervened and managed to convince an order of isolation instead of massacre. The queen and her sisters were to be secluded in a lone island where a magical seal would be cast, preventing their escape or the entry of others. There, they were to fend for themselves, away from the touch of civilization.

Ironically, it sounded just like a death sentence, one way or another.

With the chief obstruction out of the way, the eldest prince smoothly turned the tide against members of the Circle. When the high council was frantically looking for a viable successor to the throne, he took to task inciting turmoil in the citizenry, claiming that the plague had not been solved, for it was a well-known fact that members of the great Churchdom mingled freely with the formerly esteemed sisterhood, particularly in the exchange of scholastic and philosophical insights among the learned. Unlike the nobles of the Conclave who viewed commoners and those who serve them as disdainful inferiors, some Churchmen, indeed, were married to the priestesses from the sister church. The White Goddess, after all, was celebrated as the Earth Mother, the giver and nurturer of life. Such communication, once respected, was twisted and misled into being greatly perilous for contagion.

And the citizens, ever the fearful fools, took the clever bait and clamored for the same sentence for them.

The allied forces of the Circle and the Church retaliated. Declaring the nobles to be sacrilegious and heretical seekers of forbidden arcane knowledge and, perhaps by some random stroke of ingenuity, the engineers of the black plague, the Circle vowed to eradicate them and restore the old order that had been forcefully usurped by the Conclave.

Thus was a holy war born.

Thus was the world headed towards its destruction.

The clash between the two factions was horrific. Both sides controlled some of the most powerful armies the kingdom had ever known, and each had made sufficient preparations prior to the declaration. Battalions were deployed, machines of war readied. Across the once bucolic plains and forests were wars waged, blood spilled, life destroyed. Magic washed over the lands and the elements swept into the battlefields. The world raged as its balance was torn apart even as armies lusted for the blood of their enemies. Templars perished alongside Highkeepers, ballistae and catapults and arbalests broken and burning. Order fell before chaos and anarchy.

And the angels of death reaped their bountiful harvests even as they sang and urged the combatants on.

So had the gods saw fit to end the world. My world.

Yet I would not allow them the satisfaction. Even with just three pieces of the Regalia, I was more than a match for any forces the world could muster, and I would end this senseless war swiftly. I would deal with the betrayer that was my brother no more, restore order to this world in pain, and become king. The people would come to know me as one of the legendary rulers graced in songs and paeans. And then only I would seek out the gods and—

The sounds of broken twigs cut my reverie short. Half a dozen unfamiliar faces, hidden behind strange steel helms, appeared from behind the disappearing mists. Their black-and-gold armor shone bright, and their lances, the design of which I did not recognize, gleamed with power. In precise but wary steps, they formed a circle and surrounded me, their lances pointed toward my chest. The largest of the six, the leader, spoke in a harsh voice, “Halt!”

My eyes flared. But, instead of sending bolts of destructive energies into their ranks, I began to analyze them. Their armors were of a strange mineral that escaped my knowledge, but their weapons … something about them stirred the hidden depths of my memory. Years of catatonia spent in my tower room encouraged the habit of reading, even through the eyes of others. And it proved to be quite useful at times.

The design was altered, but there was no mistaking it—the lances were called Surge Needles, an ancient form of weapon widely used in the Dawn Age, where technology and magic were so intertwined it had led to the destruction of the civilizations back then when alien entities came and took complete possession of them. Such dangerous knowledge was long been forbidden by the kingdom, even made punishable by death, but somehow someone had managed to resurrect it. And the only plausible conclusion led to …

“Halt! Cease your struggle and surrender peacefully,” the leader spoke again, louder this time.

“Identify yourself, strangers.”

“Strangers?” Apparently, he felt offended that someone did not know them. “You impertinent fool, I am the captain of the Seventh Contingent of the Highkeeper of the Conclave, under the command of Her Grace the Lady Mirrel Felina—”

He never finished, but that was all I needed to know. So, both sides in the war had saw fit to reignite that which was forbidden by our ancestors. That history had shown how painful the suffering our forefathers had gone through was insufficient to deter their ambitions. No matter, all would be settled in good time, now that I had returned.

It was in good grace that I gave the captain the briefest of smiles before it ended effortlessly. The last thing I remembered as I stepped into a dimensional fold was their wail of agony as their heavy armors caved in on their body, shattering their ribs and crushing their hearts and lungs …

Something stirred within me. It was inexplicably terrible … but at the same time pleasurable. There was a peculiar sensation to it, a deep, resonating feeling of exhilaration that sent my blood racing, my breaths faster. The cries of those Highkeepers in their death throes rang in my head, so much that it became almost unbearable. I stared down at my hands, the fingers of which twitched on their own accord, as if they, too, sensed the wrongness that I had committed.

Was this what it felt to have powers over the lives of others? This was not my first initiation in ending the life of others, but in many occasions, I had done so through the help of others. My hands were soaked deep in the blood of the dead, but the stains were never mine to cleanse. It had been easy then, with murders, both within and beyond reason, unfixable as a crime upon me. But, now …

I laughed, surprised at the absurdity of my consternation! What was there for me to fear or doubt? There was no one in this world whose power rivaled that of mine. If even the authority was obtuse enough to muster the might of an entire nation—nay, the entire world!—in the singular objective of capturing me, of desiring judgment upon my sins, they were as nothing before the power of the Regalia. With my strength, I shall guide the world into wars transcending flesh and blood. The heavenly hosts would be faced with the unified might of the ones whom they had long oppressed in their celestial seats. They who would not join with me would find their suffering great indeed.

And the first to suffer would be …

Time and distance flowed differently in the dimensional fold. Every step I took equaled miles in reality. In the timelessness of the space, I walked with determined precision, always heading southeasterly. For a journey that would have taken lesser men days of relentless riding on the best horses to accomplish, it took but mere minutes in the real world for me to reach my destination. Battles raged in the plains below, the din of steel against steel and explosions of magic and ammunition rocked even the grounds, but touched not the plane within which I walked. In the distance, upon a smooth, large hill that was silhouetted by the overcast skies, rose impeccable towers of pristine white, ancient bronze bells hung silent in their alcoves.

The Ivory Spires, the magnificent structures that framed the cardinal sides of the Grand Cathedral.

It was easy to recognize the Cathedral from afar, for it was a kingdom unto itself, built upon the ruins of the ancient citadel of Mystari, capital of technological and magical research in times of old. It was said that Mystari was utterly destroyed in an attempt to annihilate the alien race from a distant star, leaving not even its remnants behind. Rebuilt after its destruction, the Cathedral took the mantle of its former ancestor, though technological research was harshly forbidden, thereby leaving only philosophical and theological pursuits for the monastery’s servants. But, out of prying eyes and away from listening ears, magic thrived in the sacred halls of the Cathedral, as were technologies long forgotten.

Such as was being displayed at this particular moment.

Protected by fortified walls just as strong as the faintly shimmering dome encircling the land around it, the Cathedral sat serenely in the center of the hill, unmarred by the battles being waged around it. My magical sight detected the presence of various magical forces playing around the alabaster capital, but none more so than the energies dancing near the four towers standing guard like ageless phalanxes. The ancient bells, their resonant rings of which were said could be heard across miles around the Cathedral, had disappeared, replaced by slender rods that turned mechanically. Bubbles of mana coalesced at the tapered tip of one rod with astonishing rapidity, then—

A section of the battlefield exploded in a shower of dust and fire. In the split second, casualties had numbered by the hundreds from both sides. There was a stunned silence as everyone tried to take in what had just happened. The consternation cost them. A second beam, thin as bamboo, sliced through the air. Thunder paled in comparison to the din caused by the magical blast. Chaos broke as both side tried to flee from the onslaught of attack. Cries of pain and fear rose in the air. In the confusion, enemies became ephemeral allies.

Still the attacks came. Within seconds, the Cathedral had brought more deaths in a single day than the years of attrition between the two sides.

Such was the power of Elreana’s Reach, the unseemly cannons built based on the ancient technologies of Mystari, the magical might of which were sourced by the strongest of all of the subjects of AISHA, the bastardly females possessing the best magical aptitude empowered further through only the most painful of experiments. Indeed, in a society where females were predisposed toward superior potentials in the arcane, so too were they paradoxically destined for the agonizing pain that followed.

This was the highest masterpiece created by the gods, the princesses born under a cursed fate.

A smile came to me unbidden. Sinister though the ways of the Circle could be, and mayhap it was pure evil to some, it was necessary for the fruition of the plan. After all, only a strong army could rise against the forces of the heavens. The Circle had proven themselves capable of upholding the balance without falling to extremities. It was a sign of greatness, one fit for the grand rebellion. The Conclave had tried eroding the influences of the Circle, even initiated the war, but fortune had fled them. Only the strongest would survive, and that would not be the Conclave.

Thus had I chosen.

And so had I tore through the magical barrier effortlessly and even more effortlessly put the entire Circle under my command. It had been so simple it was almost laughable. For as much as mental connections could strengthen communication and enforce obedience, it also made the initiator the weakest link. That had been the premise upon which the Nexus Link was founded, and it had been that also which made things simpler. I merely seized control of the Archbishop’s mind, and the Circle was all but mine.

In the days following my dominance, members of the Circle methodically began purging the defilers from the lands. It was simple with the great power of foresight at my beck and call. Hidden sites of rally and secret rooms were but the thinnest curtains to my sight. And the Highkeepers and their noble lords scurried away from my wrath, back to the ancient capital that was the home in which I was born.

The home where my memories had all been but bitter.

There was nothing left worth salvaging in this useless building of weathered stones. With a single mental command, the castle was torn down like a sand-palace by a wave. Elemental forces wielded by the Templars ravaged the archaic stones. Rain washed down in torrents, quakes rippled on the grounds. Fires leapt hungrily, burning everything they could touch. In mere minutes, it was no more, its histories buried in broken rubbles.

And my defiant eldest brother was nowhere to be found. In fact, even after the fleeing pests were taken care of, I had not been able to sense his presence anywhere close.

A deep feeling of wrongness touched me. Immediately, I reached out with my senses, stretching them out as far as my powers would allow. Images flooded my mind, which I filtered quickly. There! A large band of prissy-looking humans with gaudy attires was fleeing to the north, the unmistakable banner snapping wearily in their journey. Ahead of the contingent was a smaller group of black-cloaked personae, one of them no doubt being my brother, and … wait, was that a group of Astral Templars I saw? What were they doing there?

And more importantly, how had they escaped from the Nexus Link?

There was no time to deliberate. A section of the band of Highkeepers detached itself from the main group, and immediately pursued the Templars. It would certainly mean their end, but their sacrifices were small. My senses were also touching a font of magical energies from somewhere farther in the direction they were heading to, the familiarity of it so comforting and thrilling. So, my brother planned to seize one of the Regalia artifacts, in the dire hope of turning the tide of this war?

Foolishness.

Yet, they were much closer to the location than my army was, and mobilizing all of them would take more time than was allowable before they got to the relic. I would not need an army against the motley crew of self-serving nobles, and though my brother and his Conclave councilors would be a challenge, they would not be a real threat. Not unless the artifact fell into my brother’s hands, anyway …

And so, I slipped into the dimensional fold again, striding the miles without much effort. I closed the distance between us so quickly I ended up farther ahead of them. As I reappeared into the real world, the thrum of power hit me instantaneously, so overwhelming it was that I nearly passed out. It took a few moments to orient myself.

A thick overgrowth had taken over the side of a sheer mountain cliff, with moss and ivy clinging to the rocky outcroppings. I stood upon a level promontory, which dipped slowly downward in a gentle slope. There did not seem to be any place to hide a Regalia … hold on, there seemed to be a small opening gouged into mountainside, covered in a veritable amount of shrubs. The gap was just big enough for a small child, certainly not an adult, so how did the artifact get placed inside in the first place …?

The sound of footsteps behind me alerted me to the arrival of the band I was expecting. Slowly, I turned around, a thin smile on my lips. “Hello, brother.”

“Who are you?” the lead figure, apparently disheveled, rasped. It seemed that the entity had taken complete control of his mind and body; he had no memory of me left. Or perhaps he never had me in his mind before.

I pulled my cowl back, revealing my face. A number of Highkeepers and the nobles gasped in disbelief. Of course, I had taken the visage of my second brother, which most had believed dead. Only my brother seemed unperturbed.

“Get out of my way!” he growled like a wounded animal.

My smile deepened. “And if I would not?”

A wave of magic clawed in my direction, but which I easily dissipated. The surge of power split apart and struck the overgrowth behind, immolating the dry plants. At the same time, a second explosion happened at the lower path just next to the promontory. The group of Templars had engaged their foes, it seemed.

“What do you desire here, brother?” I asked.

“Nothing that concerns you!” He raised a hand, and black lightning snaked forth. Surprisingly, the gathered nobles and Highkeepers had finally regained enough of their wit to attack as well. I gestured, and a glowing blue barrier materialized. Their attacks struck the shielding magic, and they rebounded. As quickly as they had stood united, it was just as quick that they fell to their own spells. Only my brother and his elite Magi had been swift enough to raise their own protection.

I smiled again. “That was not particularly well-mannered, o’ nobles. What would the people say, that the noblesse had fallen to such cheap tactics as attacking a single person in a large group?”

My brother had not reacted to the taunt, but had chosen a simpler route of direct assault. Blades of light shimmered in the hundreds and as one, they sped forward, aiming for my throat. The Magi struck with a myriad of other spells. It would have been easy to deflect these attacks, but it would be pointless to prolong the encounter. I pulled my barrier down and retaliated. A large, pulsing ball of fire blazed into life in my palms, and I launched it with unerring accuracy at the group.

The Highkeepers, surprisingly, took upon themselves to counter my attack. A combined blast of icy wind and water surged forth, dousing the sphere of flame. Interesting, so they had enough strength left to defy me. In defense, I vanished into mists, my brother and the Magi’s attacks passing through my intangible body harmlessly. Frustration colored their expressions, but they gathered themselves together for another assault.

Enough is enough! As I rematerialized, my eyes flared. Brilliant ribbons of energy surrounded me as I drew upon the magic of the Regalia. The air sizzled as heat poured off my body, lightning crackling around my being. Raising both hands, I held a ball of pure light at least half the size of a mature star. The group paused in their incantations as they witnessed what I had summoned. It did not matter if I incinerated these imbeciles off completely together with their worthless corpses, they were nothing more than annoyances, less than even gnats. It was time to end this. I threw the ball as mightily as I could—

And the angels dropped the guillotine of fate on the world.

I had no recollection if my spell had struck true as the mountainside exploded into fragments. I turned up just in time to see a rain of silver light coming through the overcast sky. The creators had finally sent their heralds to cleanse the world, heralds that bore the sleek form of metallic birds. From their grim beaks came celestial lightning that struck the ground so hard the aftershocks of the explosions rocked the entire mountain. A second rain came down, this time blasting the mountain directly, the beams penetrating deep into the edifice.

Deep into the resting place of the artifact.

The Regalia reacted violently. My whole body convulsed in extreme pain as if my body was being torn apart. Magical energies immolated my very being. I did not know if I cried then, for the agony blotted out all senses. The last thing I remembered before losing consciousness was a pure radiance that washed out all color, washed out all things.

Washed out my existence.

I awoke to the pinprick of light that stayed at the edge of my sight. It was dim at first, but grew brighter with each passing second. As it reached unbearable brilliance, I had no choice but to open my eyes.

I stared into the darkness of the void, shapeless forms and faceless entities spiraling past in silence. I tried to move, but seemed held immobile by an unknown force.

I looked down, and gasped voicelessly.

What had happened during that incident, I could not remember clearly. But, because of it, I am no longer a being of this world. Or rather, a being recognizable as another existence in the world.

My body was gone, burned completely perhaps by the conflagration that followed. In replacement, I existed as a shadow, a cluster of tangible, yet untouchable consciousness that existed between life and death, illusion and reality. None could see me, but I could see them with lucidity unmatched. None could talk to me, but I could speak with their minds. And none could listen unless I wished to be listened to.

Gone, too, were the sources of my incredible powers, the Regalia. The dark material, rumored to be indestructible, had melted in the onslaught of magical energies. But, rather than disappearing completely, the Regalia’s powers had merged together with this shadow form of mine, its mystical might coursing through my existence. If I but will it, I could summon the same wondrous magic that had been at my command before my demise, perhaps even better than ever now that the powers had become one with me.

Before, I was mortal. Now, I was much more.

Whichever guardian angel had seen fit to rescue me from my dire fate, I was profusely thankful. For in her compassion, she had also saved my brother and his Magi from certain death. Unconscious they were before me, upon which I easily preyed on their weakened mind. Only my brother was resistant to my control, but it would not matter. When he awakened, he had no choice but submit to my superiority.

Yet, my purpose remained unachieved, my rebellion uninitiated. For the sole reason that I was spared the gallows was surely so that my goal could be attained. The vagrant angel had deemed it worthy to grant me an army, small though it was, and I intended to honor that. So had we wandered the timeless space, searching for the way.

It came at last in the form of a small distortion in the void. A small window opened up to the multiple universes available, across various timelines—the hub of the worlds. Within each lay a different path toward achieving my goal.

And the first dimension that came into sight leapt out for my attention—and surprisingly, that of the entity residing in my brother’s body as well. It seemed to recognize that which we had seen: a world of advanced technology and magic intermingling with one another. A meld of the modern and the ancient. A young yet thriving planet. And most of all, the unmistakable form of the heralds of my world’s destruction that flew in the blue expanse of sky.

A world called Mid-childa.

I laughed like a child first given candy. This was surely the sign! The creators had executed their plan flawlessly, guiding me secretly to the enticing power of the Regalia and then plotted my inevitable death. They had thought that I would perish then and there, ending the threat to their peace forever, but they had missed the imperfection in their design.

Indeed, the imperfection had been that which they sought to destroy all along.

The imperfection was I, the Black Prince, the Cursed One.

The imperfection was I, the Paradox within the paradox.

Had they simply erased my existence without going through the trouble of experimenting with fate, it would have saved them. Now, there was nothing they could do to change the course of their own destiny. My being tingled with excitement, for my inner sight had shown that the relics—all pieces of the Regalia—had also been brought to the world that was chosen to be the grand stage. Fate had chosen to abandon them!

Now, the rebellion would continue.

Indeed, when I have gained the complete set of Regalia, I would use this world to show what defiance would cost the unbelievers of my cause. Then, I shall ascend the heavens and challenge the beings who called themselves gods. I would smash their palaces, rip their thrones apart. And then …

And then I …

I myself will become …

God.

*runs and hides*

P/S: As always, Transitions are full of metaphors and allusions. My hobby and failure on that part. >.>

[MeisterBabylon]

Just so you know... Not even if Cathedral Belka were a battalion strong, not even if the 1000 Chapters stood together twas before the Heresy, not even if every man and woman of the Saint Guard died for the Sankt Kaiser, not even if the combined might of the Imperium of Belka visited this daemon, not even that could assure victory.

Much less a young infantile of species that had just made its first toy and was waving it in the faces of the Old Ones who thus have have only been smiling in bemusement like watchful grandparents?

The only way Humanity is to survive, is that only if the lesson of the Great Apocalypse was learnt. Adolescence would at least stand them a better chance.

The Coming Dialogue has been foreseen by die Sankt Kaiser, and Her Plan has been put into action. I can only pray to the Light and Her Grace that the childhood of Man has ended, and that our heroes, greatly weakened in favor of "logic" and "common sense", can withstand the Descent into Madness, and face Yogg-Saron-- the God of Black.



Two can play the game of metaphors and allusion. <.<

[AdmiralTigerclaw]

Originally Posted by MeisterBabylon

-Snip-

Sun Tsu: Bah! He's causing trouble again? Send in Lancemaster Megumi.

[MeisterBabylon]

I was calling Yogg-Saron haxx, and so anyone who can solo him is also haxx.

[LimitedEternal]

Originally Posted by MeisterBabylon

I was calling Yogg-Saron haxx, and so anyone who can solo him is also haxx.

Yogg-Saron, Old God of Death...responsible for corrupting multiple watchers, bringing general chaos to a not insignificant part of the world, and who very nearly broke his prison and made good on his namesake.

Then ten random people killed his minions for a few weeks and bludgeoned him to death. ()

[Reiji Tabibito]

Can you hear it...?

The voice of the wind...?

It speaks, once more, declaring...

Spoiler for LE SIZE!!:

I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!

Post to be updated later, with stuff from the previous thread...and things to come!

Reiji's OC/Story Central

~Rim Advance Force~

Spoiler for About the RAF:

About the RAF:
As much as the Bureau are scientists and warriors, they are also explorers. The Rim Advance Force, or RAF, is the Bureau’s exploration arm. Established in Mid-Childia Year 0047, the RAF serves in multiple roles throughout the galaxy – though their duties are primarily as peacekeepers or diplomats. Each squad is composed of four to seven mages of mixed styles to allow for flexibility. At present (year 0075) there are a total of 93 RAF squads operating throughout the galaxy.

Operation Principles of the RAF:
As stated before, each RAF squad is made up of four to seven mages of differing styles. Each squad also has their own long-range patrol ship; these differ according to the needs and size of the unit. RAF squads work on a 9:3 yearly basis – they spend nine months out on the frontier, and then three months back at the Core Worlds serving with the rest of the Bureau. Note: RAF Squadrons, due to both the nature of the job, and the size of their unit, are exempted from the limiter requirements imposed on regular Bureau forces.

82nd Squadron, the "Noble Phantasms"

Spoiler for About the 82nd:

About the 82nd Squadron:
Established in Mid-Childia Year 0063, the 82nd Squadron has served with distinction on the frontier ever since its inception. The 82nd is the RAF special purpose squad: they fight pirates, solve crimes, make treaties, and recruit would-be mages. The only units more highly regarded than the 82nd are the 1st RAF Squadron, “The Big Red Ones,” and the “Fighting 17th” RAF Squadron. The current 82nd call the Delphinus home – a top-of-the-line patrol ship equipped with long-range drives and an advanced AI developed at TSAB HQ on Mid-Childia. The nickname “Noble Phantasms” comes from the fact that they are some of the most honorable mages in the Bureaus, but hardly ever around. The handle was adopted by the 82nd only one year ago – proposed by a mage who’d spent too much time on Earth.

The 82nd RAF Squadron’s Roster
Commanding Officer: Major Sevasti Secastan, aka Archer
Executive Officer: Lt. Commander Arcasaviel Emira, aka Variable
Member: 1st Lt. Thomas MacFarn, aka Boomer
Member: Warrant Officer Melinia Yoshitaka, aka Saber

Active Members of the 82nd

• Melinia Yoshitaka
• Sevasti Secastan
• Thomas MacFarn
• Arcasaviel Emira

31st Squadron, the "Ghost Riders"

Spoiler for About the 31st:

About the 31st Squadron:
Established in Mid-Childia Year 0051, the 31st Squadron is the RAF’s fugitive pursuit unit – they specialize in the tracking and capture of criminals. Though not one of the premier units of the RAF, the Ghost Riders are nonetheless a formidable unit. The home of the Ghost Riders is the patrol vessel Black Pearl - equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and an experimental drive system. Their nickname comes from their tendency to (at least to their targets) appear out of nowhere.

The 31st RAF Squadron’s Roster
Commanding Officer: Captain Sylvia Saganami, aka Banshee
Executive Officer: 1st Lt. Horatio Cochrane, aka Rocketeer
Member: Warrant Officer Aileas Miyamura, aka Wondergirl
Member: Warrant Officer Kannon Ecco, aka Searchlight
Member: Command Sergeant Major Dirk Sanderson, aka Golden Boy

Active Members of the 31st

• Sylvia Saganami
• Horatio Cochrane
• Aileas Miyamura
• Rio Ecco
• Dirk Sanderson

~Other Characters~

Upcoming...

Stories

Noble Phantasm Stories

Pre-Seven Days

• Introducing the 82nd...
• No Place Like Home
• At Dawn We Trained
• Situation Report
• Messages in the Night
• A Visitor From Afar

~Seven Days~

• Part I
• Part II
• Part III
• Part IV
• Part V
• Part VI
• Conclusion - "There in the Falling Rain"
• Epilogue

Post-Seven Days, Pre-LegendS

• Combined Assault
• A Quiet Evening
• Good Morning
• Face to Face, Eye to Eye, Heart to Heart
• Good Girls

~Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha LegendS~

• Episode 1, "Break-In"
• Episode 2, "Dispatch"
• Episode 3, "In the Land of the Nobility"
• Episode 4, "Opening Night"
• The Legend Continues...

Ghost Rider Stories

In Time...

[FlameSparkZ]

Originally Posted by Reiji Tabibito

Can you hear it...?

The voice of the wind...?

It speaks, once more, declaring...

Spoiler for Long shout is long:

I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!

Post to be updated later, with stuff from the previous thread...and things to come!

Well, well...welcome back, Reiji

[AdmiralTigerclaw]

Originally Posted by Reiji Tabibito

Can you hear it...?

The voice of the wind...?

It speaks, once more, declaring...




I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!



Post to be updated later, with stuff from the previous thread...and things to come!

*Watches Reiji fly his F-18 right into the maw of the Alien Death beam and blows up the alien destroyer.*


Somebody forgot what happens in ID4...

[Reiji Tabibito]

Originally Posted by FlameSparkZ

Well, well...welcome back, Reiji

Good to see you, too...

And, to kick things off...my first set of profiles...the 82nd!

Spoiler for Warrant Officer Melinia Yoshitaka:

Personnel Dossier: Melinia Yoshitaka

Name: Melinia Yoshitaka
Seiyuu: Horie Yui (a combination – Sawachika Eri of School Rumble when serious; Tsukimiya Ayu of Kanon when comic)
Age: 20 (as of StrikerS)
Birthday: August 14th
Height: 158 cm
Weight: 57 kg
Hair/Eye Color: Auburn/Green
Homeworld: Mid-Childia
Position in TSAB: Member of 82nd – Rank Warrant Officer.
Callsign: Saber
Magic Rank: S+
Device: Armed Device Esperacchius
Magic System: Neo-Velka
Magic Color: Platinum

General Dress: Various when not in her Knight Armor – which appears as, surprise, surprise - medieval armor (with a green color motif).

Personality: Mel’s a very happy-go-lucky person, and highly resilient emotionally. Even when she’s depressed, it never lasts for more than a couple of hours. Despite her combat ability (she once dueled Signum to a draw), she can be fairly klutzy (and incredibly dense). But those who know her warm up to her rather quickly. As Boomer and Arcas would both say, when the going gets tough, the tough go find Mel.

Background: Born in Mid-Year 0055 to Dirk and Petra Yoshitaka, members of the TSAB 108th Ground Battalion, Melinia grew up with the culture of the Bureau. Both her parents, Enforcers, hoped that she would follow in their footsteps as a member of the Bureau. She delighted and surprised them by saying the she wanted to become a mage, but become part of the forces of Secretariat rather than the Bureau.
She entered the academy at age 12, and graduated in the top third of her class. Shortly before graduation, however, she was sought out by the legendary Gianna of Ircis, who was seeking for a successor to her device, Esperacchius, and the burden that came with it. While Mel was not the only candidate, she was the favorite among the professors of the academy. The candidates were put through rigorous testing, physical, emotional, and magical. In the end, only three candidates remained: Mel; Teija Asdis, the class valedictorian; and Esther Linden, scion of a long line of knights. During the final test, Teija was injured, and implored both Mel and Esther to go on. Esther, her eyes on the prize, took off without hesitation. Mel, on the other hand, helped Teija up and the pair made their way to the end. Esther was there waiting – as was Gianna. After treating Teija’s injury, Gianna announced that she had found her successor – Mel. Esther became outraged, demanding to know why she had been passed over. Gianna replied: “The war I fight is not a war for medals, or glory, or acclaim. It is the people’s war that I fight – and if one does not care about the people, then one cannot fight my war.” That said, the legendary swordswoman handed over the device to Mel.
Once she graduated, Mel found that she had been granted her first choice assignment: the RAF of Secretariat’s Diplomacy Corps, the 82nd Squadron. She’s been there ever since.


Relationships w/Others: Melinia isn’t all that well connected within the Bureau, a result of being assigned to the RAF right out of the Academy. Still, she has had the chance to meet a few key figures.
On Sevasti: “Shosa can be mean sometimes; he’s a very serious person. But a lot of what he says is true – especially about our job. And while he’s not the nicest person, the fact that we have Arcas-kun and Boomer-san more than makes up for it. That, and the fact that Shosa’s tactics are second to none within the RAF. Although he tries to deny it, and hides it under a mask of discipline, I know that deep down, Shosa’s a good person.”
On Arcas: “Arcas-kun is almost the polar opposite of Shosa. Where Shosa is mean, Arcas-kun is kind. I know that he’d say that I’m the one who keeps the unit’s morale up, but the truth is that he’s the one who keeps my morale up. He’s the reason that I’m still here – I was considering transferring out of the RAF when he arrived. He’s made me glad that I decided to stay. Arcas-kun has a gift for people; he understands them almost instinctively – a great gift to have out here in the Black. He’s not a bad fighter either, though I’ve had to save him from time to time. I care very much for Arcas-kun.”
On Thomas: “Boomer-san’s like the older brother I wanted, but never should have had. He knows that Arcas-kun and I are somewhat close, and never misses an opportunity to tease us both about it. I know that Boomer-san loves his work, but also that he misses his home – he generally goes back for a week or two at the end of the year to visit and say hello. He’s scarily good at what he does, though I suppose anyone who’s served onboard the Silvana would have to be. Plus, he’s kept Shosa and Arcas-kun from strangling each other. Without him, our team might fall apart.”
On the Ivanovs: “Alex and Cass. Two mages who found love on the job, with each other – it’s something out of a fairy tale. The fact that they have to spend so much time apart is tragic – hopefully one day someone will come to their senses and put these two in the same unit. Excellent mages, good commanders, nice people.”

Devices:
Armed Device Esperacchius
History: Esperacchius was created during the twilight of Ancient Velka. It was one of the few relics that actually survived the civil war, thought it was lost for a very long time. It was rediscovered by the Scrya tribe in Mid-Year 0017. Restored to the Velkan people, it remained enshrined for another thirty years. Thieves raided its resting place, hoping to sell the famed device on the black market. Unfortunately for them, someone was there, paying homage to the device. Though she was trained, she was currently unarmed, and picked up the closest weapon: Esperacchius. The woman, Giana of Ircis, then claims to have heard a commandment from the God-Empress, telling her to “give hope to the people in this dark time.” And so she did, becoming famous across the galaxy for her crusade against crime. Fifteen years (0062) after Giana took up her crusade, she retired, and, following the God-Empresss’ command, sought out her successor. It took her almost ten years, but Gianna succeeded – she found the girl Melinia Yoshitaka of Mid-Childia, the current holder of Esperacchius.
Modes:
Standard Mode: In this form, Esperacchius appears as a slightly curved sword, with the Velkan rune for “Hope” stamped just above the hand guard.
Only Hope Mode: This is Esperacchius’ ultimate mode, a greatsword. Esperacchius’ blade straightens out and thickens, and the blade changes to a bright blue-white color.

Unique Spells:
Offensive:
Saint Saber: Esperacchius’ standard attack magic, similar in nature to Kha der Kleriker’s Göttliches Rapier.
Shield Breaker: The attack was developed after watching Vita train new mages in defense-breaking spells. This spell has proven consistently effective against most defense magic, though it seems to work best against shields, hence its name. Mel will sometimes use cartridges to boost Shield Breaker’s power.
Blade Blitz: The spell from which Sevasti’s spell Havoc Slash was derived. It uses two cartridges to deliver a hailstorm of blows to an opponent.
Sacred Edge: This spell is similar in nature to Signum’s Storm Wave, using a cartridge to project a wave of energy at an opponent.
Holy Lance: Esperacchius’ single ranged-attack spell – a single particle beam lances out of Mel’s outstretched hand.
Trinity Strike: Requiring one cartridge, this spell is Mel’s favorite. Mel will attack a target (or group if close enough together) with rapid move-by attacks from three different directions. Her approach directions generally resemble those of the corners of the Velka Triangle.
Grand Cross: Esperacchius’ area-effect spell, which uses two cartridges. A glowing cross appears beneath her feet, and shines with a brilliant light which hurts her enemies.
Divine Ascension: Available in Only Hope Mode, this spell utilizes four cartridges to deliver a single, massive blow to Mel’s target.
Light of Hope: Esperacchius’ ultimate attack, available in its Only Hope Mode, one of its three signature “Hope” spells, and a Breaker-class spell. Requiring the use of a Full Cartridge Load, this spell directs seven Holy Lances onto a single target, obliterating it.
Defensive:
Sanctuary: Esperacchius’ auto-guard magic.
Shield of Hope: The second of Esperacchius’ “Hope” spells, this shield uses four cartridges to generate a 360° shield capable of stopping any magic directed at it – not even Nanoha’s Starlight Breaker has been able to destroy it.
Ace Guard: A powered-down version of Shield of Hope, requiring only two cartridges. Mel taught this spell to Arcas when he first joined the 82nd.
Movement:
Wings of Light: Esperacchius’ flight magic – a pair of glowing white wings extend out of Mel’s back.
Afterburner: Uses two cartridges to provide a speed boost – taught to Mel by Arcas as repayment for learning Ace Guard.
Support:
Prayer of Hope: This spell uses one cartridge, and boosts all of Mel’s abilities. The third of Esperacchius’ three “Hope” spells.

Quote: “Uguu~!”

Spoiler for Major Sevasti Secastan:

Personnel Dossier: Sevasti Secastan

Name: Sevasti Secastan
Seiyuu: Toshiyuki Morikawa (as Alex Row of Last Exile)
Callsign: Archer
Age: 33 (as of StrikerS)
Birthday: October 25th
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 77 kg
Hair/Eye Color: Silver/Brown
Homeworld: 38th Non-Administrated World - Gaelica
Position in TSAB: Leader of the 82nd RAF - Rank Major
Magic Rank: AAA
Device: Intelligent Device Arbalest / Armed Device Callandor
Magic System: Mid-Childia / Ancient Velka
Magic Color: Red
General Dress: Sevasti is never seen out of his Barrier Jacket, which is comprised of a midnight blue bodysuit, greaves on both arms, and clamshell armor over his torso.
Personality: No-nonsense to the bone. Sevasti is honest and brutal; he’s not exactly the type one has over for dinner and a pleasant time. He’s a bit of a loner as well – but that’s understandable – he’s commander of a unit whose purpose is to explore the unknown; no telling when you might lose someone.
Background: Sevasti Secastan was born to Jowan and Emile Secastan on Gaelica in Mid-Year 0042. Though he knew of the Bureau, he had no desire to join – until his parents were killed at the hands of pirates at the age of 14. Seeking revenge, he sought out the Bureau, and begged them to train him as a mage. He graduated from the Academy, given the Intelligent Device Arbalest and promptly became an Enforcer. After six years as an Enforcer, he finally ran down his parent’s killers and killed them when they attempted to flee.
Sevasti’s actions, however, bought him a court-martial. While he was eventually acquitted due to “extreme emotional distress,” (and one hell of a lawyer) Sevasti realized that he has to be by-the-book from now on because he might not be so lucky next time. He served as an Enforcer for another two years, then transferred to the RAF, hoping to get away from the Internal Affairs Department of the Bureau. He was first assigned as the Executive Officer of the 43rd Squad, and then after a year, became the Commanding Officer of the 82nd RAF Squadron. He remains there to this day.

Relationships w/Others: Practically the only relationships Sevasti has are his comrades in the 82nd, and Admiral Hallaoun. He knows of the others; he merely chooses not to interact with them on a non-official basis.
On Arcas: “Emira’s the newest addition to our little band – 2 years and counting. And while he’s made great accounting of himself so far, it’ll be the next three or four years that’ll make or break him. Sad to say, I’m afraid he’s going to end up broken, like so many out here. Emira has a trait which is dangerous for a soldier – he worries too much. He has to learn that there are things you can’t control, and sometimes all you can do is put your head down and plow through to the end. Despite his problems, he’s got a major gift: he understands people a great deal more than anyone I know – and I’ve worked with a lot of Enforcers over the years. The only thing more accurate than his gut is Boomer’s aim. A great kid, but still rough, and needs a lot of work.”
On Melinia: “An airhead – no two ways to say it. But she’s an airhead with one hell of a device. How she managed to find it I’ll never know, but it’s turned her into the worst nightmare of perps and peepers alike. Still, despite her general lack of knowledge, she’s shown remarkable intuition in battle – Yoshitaka’s not your common soldier – she reads the tide of battle and is willing to act if it needs changing. But, she’s grown rather attached to Emira – an attachment which can only lead to trouble. Bottom line: she’s a pain, but I’m not complaining.”
On Thomas: “‘Boomer’ MacFarn. No one I know of in the Bureau can snipe like he does. I don’t know what it is they do on Earth, but it turns out snipers of lordly caliber. MacFarn’s a peacemaker – someone who’s able to smooth ruffled feathers and put fears to rest. Gael knows what I’d do without him – he’s settled more than a fair share of arguments between me and Emira. In short, a man I hope to have around for a good, long time.
On Chrono: “Adm. Hallaoun’s a good man. Young, but good. It is through soldiers like him that the common Enforcer knows to keep fighting because you never know; you just might make it to the top.”

Devices:
Intelligent Device Arbalest
History: Arbalest was created in Mid-Year 0055 at Bureau HQ. The device was conceived as a primarily long-range weapon, but sturdy enough to serve as a melee weapon if needed. It was given to mage Sevasti Secastan upon his graduation from TSAB Academy.

Modes:
Inactive: When not being used, Arbalest appears a bracer with an arrow motif on his right arm.

Standard Mode: Arbalest takes the appearance of a metallic red longbow in this form.

Arrow Hail Mode: Arbalest changes form to become a recurved bow, and shifts colors from red to black.

Armed Device Callandor
History: Callandor was created in Mid-Year 0070. It was given to Sevasti when he requested to be trained in the Velkan style of magic.

Modes:
Inactive: When not being used, Callandor appears as a playing card with two crossed swords on it.
Standard Mode: In this form, Callandor appears as a normal broadsword, but the cartridge system is attached to the base of the blade rather than the hilt

Unique Spells:
Offensive:

Arbalest

Arrow Volley: Similar in nature to Fate’s Photon Lancer or Nanoha’s Divine Shooter, this spell is Arbalest’s multi-shot attack magic.
Spiral Shot: This is Arbalest’s standard attack magic. It fires two arrow-like projectiles at the target.
Blitz Variant: This uses one cartridge to double the speed of Spiral Shot.
Flash Shot: Similar in nature to Vita’s Eisengeheul, this technique stuns the enemy, giving Sevasti time to reposition himself.
Straight Shooter: This single-shot attack trades control for power – it’s capable of penetrating most auto-guard magic and some shields, but is only capable of traveling in straight lines or wide arcs.
EX Variant: This variant of Straight Shooter uses two cartridges, and is capable of shooting through AMF generated by Gadget Drones.
Stardust Rain: This is Arbalest’s ultimate attack magic, requiring the use of four cartridges. Similar in nature to Crossfire Shoot, it fires over two dozen projectiles into a given area.

Callandor

Havoc Slash: The spells enables Sevasti to attack a single target with multiple slashes in quick succession. It uses two cartridges.
Wind Cutter: A wind-elemental attack similar to Signum’s Storm Wave. It uses one cartridge.
Defensive:
Phalanx: Arbalest’s auto-guard magic.
Arrow Guard: A single directional shield capable of stopping attacks, and reflecting weak ranged attacks (a single Photon Lancer shot, for example)
Movement:
Dance of the Wind God: Increases Sevasti’s maneuverability – although the spell requires none, Sevasti will frequently use cartridges to boost the spell effect.
Support:
Crack Shot: Increases accuracy of Arbalest’s arrow shots – Sevasti frequently uses it in conjunction with Straight Shooter.

Quote: “Will you quit screwing around? We’ve got work to do!”

Spoiler for 1st Lt. Thomas MacFarn:

Personnel Dossier: Thomas MacFarn

Name: Thomas MacFarn
Seiyuu: Hiroaki Hirata (as Jack Hefner of L/R: Licensed by Royalty)
Callsign: Boomer
Age: 26 (as of StrikerS)
Birthday: January 22nd
Height: 175 cm
Weight: 72.5 kg
Hair/Eye Color: Brown/Blue
Homeworld: 97th Non-Administrated World (Ireland)
Position in TSAB: Member of 82nd – Rank 1st Lt.
Magic Rank: AAA+
Device: Intelligent Device Elsior
Magic System: Mid-Childia
Magic Color: Cobalt blue

General Dress: Long-sleeved shirts and dress pants when not in his Barrier Jacket – which appears as army fatigues with a predetermined camouflage pattern.

Personality: “Boomer” is equal parts investigator and socialite – when he’s on duty, he does his job. When he’s off duty – he has fun like there’s no tomorrow. He loves interacting with people, especially the other elite units of the Bureau. Boomer knows that as a member of an RAF squad, each day that you wake up could be your last – and he’s resolved to make the most of what time is given to him.

Background: Thomas Boomer was born on the 97th Non-Administrated World in Mid-Year 0049, in the nation of Ireland, to Sean and Margaret MacFarn. The third son of four, Thomas had a great deal of time to himself. At the age of eight, he took up target shooting, and soon became of the best shots in his county. At the age of twelve, he started making hunting trips into the Irish countryside.
On one of his trips, he came across a TSAB operation which sought a Lost Logia. Knowing the local area, he offered his service as a guide to the Bureau operatives. With his assistance, the operation was a success. Afterwards, Thomas expressed interest in the Bureau, and asked the leader if he could come to his home to talk with his family. Warily, they agreed. Their worry was needless: not only did Thomas’ parents take the news of the Bureau’s existence without shock, they told the Bureau team that they had always known. As Thomas’ father Sean put it: “Ya’d have ta be blind, dumb, and deaf to think that there’s no one else out there in the sky.” Thomas was given permission to join the Bureau after finishing at his current school.
At age 14, Thomas left Earth, and was admitted to TSAB Academy on Mid-Childia. After graduation, he spent a year working as an Enforcer. It was then that his sniping prowess came to the attention of Adm. Kyla Scrya, who recruited young MacFarn to the Silvana, where he was given Elsior, his current Device. After two years onboard the Silvana, he transferred to Secretariat’s RAF, and was assigned to the 82nd Squadron.

Relationships w/Others: Boomer, for all the time he’s spent on the frontier, is fairly well-connected. Prior to his assignment with the 82nd, he served with distinction onboard the Silvana, and to this day he remains connected with Adm. Scrya, and the Zakum Troopers.

On Sevasti: “Secastan is… something. I don’t know. He’s dedicated, but I’ve seen dedication lead to obsession, and I worry that he’s following that path. Don’t get me wrong, his tactics are amazing, and he can make the tough calls without fretting about it – but he tends to treat people less kindly than they should be. That’s why I’m glad Arcas is here – but more on him later. I know that to the rest of the group, I’m the peacemaker who settles arguments, but I’ve been tending to side more with Arcas as of recent. I know that Secastan isn’t happy, but in the GDI, we take care of our own – even if it means saving them from themselves.”

On Arcas: “Emira – there are days when I’ve thanked heaven and days when I’ve cursed it since he’s come here. But for the most part, I’m thankful that he’s part of the 82nd. He’s got guts – the kid stands up to Secastan on a regular basis and he’s still managed to gain the Major’s respect. He’s claimed that he has no desire to be a hero like the Aces, but I think that that’s the road he’s headed down. He’s got that one key factor – he wants what’s right for the people; a desire made easier by his uncanny gift at understanding human nature. No one else knows, but I’ve been working with him to try and bring the Major around to our way of thinking. In short, a good kid.”

On Melinia: “If the 82nd were an acting group, Mel would be the comic relief. Everyone gets all serious – and then Mel trips over a bucket and we all end up having a big laugh. Plus, she’s grown rather fond of Arcas. They may think that I’m teasing when I call them newlyweds, but in actuality, they’d make a good match. Mel’s the ray of light for us – don’t know what we’d do without her.”

On Kyla Scrya: “Adm. Scrya is a person I admire immensely, and that’s in spite of her rather…erratic nature. I learned my shooting skills on Earth, but it’s Scrya who turned me into the monster sniper that I am. I owe her a great deal.”

On the Zakums: “I left around the time they came to the Silvana, but I’ve had opportunities to work with them since. All I can say is that that armor can make even the most mediocre mage dangerous – and these guys are far from mediocre. They live up to their reputation, every inch of it.”

Devices:
Intelligent Device Elsior:

History:
Elsior was given to MacFarn when he came aboard the Silvana. Designed as a long-range sniping Device, MacFarn uses its abilities with devastating effect as the long-range attacker of the 82nd.

Modes:
Inactive: When not being used, Elsior appears as a bullet which hangs as the end of a chain, which Thomas keeps in his pocket.

Standard: In this form, Elsior takes the appearance of a staff which an elliptical-shaped head, which opens to fire projectiles.

Obliterator: Elsior takes the shape of a massive antipersonnel cannon in this mode.

Unique Spells:
Offensive:
Arc Shooter:Like Nanoha’s Divine Shooter, this is Elsior’s rapid-attack magic.
Arc Laser:Elsior’s defense-piercing spell. Standard use requires 1 cartridge.
Arc Ray: Elsior’s version of Divine Buster. This is Elsior’s strongest standard pell, having approximately 175% of the power of Divine Buster.
Arc Sniper: Similar to Chrono’s Stinger Snipe, this attack has a longer range than Arc Ray, and more control, but less power.
Shooting Star: This is Elsior’s long-range attack magic. It uses one cartridge, and has twice the range of Arc Sniper.
Flash Freeze: Elsior’s binding magic – similar to Durandal’s Eternal Coffin.
Hyper Cannon: Elsior’s ultimate spell, available only in Obliterator Mode. This attack combines the power of Arc Ray, the control of Arc Sniper, and the range of Shooting Star. Its use requires five cartridges.
Defensive:
Force Shield: Elsior’s auto-guard magic.
Point Defense: A single-directional spell which generates multiple projectiles to shoot down incoming attacks.
Sniper Cover: This spell bends light around Boomer and Elsior, making them invisible to the naked eye. Similar to Optic Hide.
Movement:
Adrenaline Rush: Provides Thomas with a temporary boost in evasion.
Support:
Target Designator: This locks Elsior onto a single specific target. Unless canceled, all attack magic will head towards the target.
Eagle Eye: This spell boosts Boomer’s visual perception – he frequently uses it in conjunction with Shooting Star.

Quote: “If I can see it, chances are I can blow it up.”

Spoiler for Lt. Commander Arcasaviel Emira:

Personnel Dossier: Arcasaviel Emira

Name: Arcasaviel Emira
Seiyuu: Tomokazu Seki (as Van Fanel of Escaflowne)
Callsign: Variable
Age: 22 (as of StrikerS)
Birthday: June 17th
Height: 170 cm
Weight: 70 kg
Hair/Eye Color: Black/Violet
Homeworld: Mid-Childia
Position in TSAB: Executive Officer of 82nd – Rank Lt. Commander
Magic Rank: S
Device: Armed Device Ascalon / Intelligent Device Apalis
Magic System: Neo-Velka / Mid-Childia
Magic Color: Violet

General Dress: Arcasaviel is always seen in one of three forms of dress: one, his Knight Armor – matching black pants and turtleneck with a long red coat. Two, his boxers – and nothing else. Three, khaki pants plus a sky blue short-sleeved button down shirt – which he wears when the girls are dragging him about town.

Personality: Arcasaviel (or Arcas for short) is a thinker and voice of caution – a trend only boosted by time spent with Keroko and Rogue Squadron. He’s the skeptic of the Phantasms. He respects Sevasti’s battlefield tactical prowess, but Arcas knows that you can win fight after fight and still end up losing. When he is not working, however, he is kind and fairly affectionate, especially to girls, and Caro Ru Lushe in particular. One of his major problems is that he has trouble saying no to girls (though he has proven to be somewhat immune to the Aces’ “Onii-chan!” Attack), so they end up dragging him all over Mid-Childia to do who knows what.

Background: Born in Year 0053 to Kaname and Mana Emira, Arcas grew up as a middle-class kid in the suburbs of Mid-Childia. At the age of twelve, however, he closely watched the exploits of the knight Lawrence of Gaelica, and felt drawn to join the TSAB, so that one day, he might fight side-by-side with the courageous knight. He applied and was accepted, but was only halfway done when he heard the news that would end his dream – Lawrence was retiring. Desperate to try and keep him in the Bureau, Arcas volunteered to be part of Lawrence’s candidacy search, hoping he could get close enough to make a plea to the Gaelican knight. Little did he know that when the search was over, it was he who would be chosen by Ascalon, and therefore trained by Lawrence himself. He finished training at the age of 16, and promptly went to work with the Bureau.
Arcas’ first assignment was as a Tactical Instructor with Nanoha Takamachi – Arcas lasted two months. The constant tests, reports, and endless paperwork gave him a massive headache. He then transferred to work as an Investigator, where he met Fate T. Hallaoun and Hayate Yagami. He enjoyed his work at first, but after about a year of cases, Arcas became bored. He requested a transfer to work with Secretariat’s RAF, but was told that no positions were currently available for someone without Special Ops experience, so he worked a six-month stint with Keroko Takamachi and Rogue Squadron, after which he reapplied. He was denied again, but told that there currently were no positions open within the RAF; however, he could transfer to one of the Frontier stations and hope for a vacancy – which he did. It was during this time that Arcas encountered Kha der Kleriker and the 21st Trinity as well as Cassandra Ivanov and the Blue Flame Squad. After two years, a position as the Executive Officer of the 82nd RAF opened up, and Arcas took it, which is where he has served for two years and counting.

Relationships w/Others: Being the most recent arrival to the 82nd, Arcas is the most well-connected of the Phantasms – he’s personally met Kha der Kleriker and the 21st, the Four Aces of the Bureau, the Wolkenritter, Aurion Dauer and the Phantoms, the Ivanovs and the Blue Flame Squad, and both Admirals Hallaoun; he’s heard of just about everyone else of significance within the Bureau (the Wind Talkers, David Brown, the Zakums).
On Sevasti: “Major Secastan is a great tactician, and a good leader, but his bedside manner leaves something highly to be desired. Plus, he has trouble seeing the consequences of our actions – he acts without thinking of what it might do in the long run. Wherever I’ve gone, people have told me that I have a gift for understanding people – well, the Major defies that gift. I’ve been here for about two years, and I still have trouble understanding him. I don’t know why he changed, but from what I’ve seen, and heard from Boomer, the Major and I have something of a kindred spirit in the other. In summary, he’s not the world’s smoothest talker, but he makes up for it with superior tactics and experience.
On Melinia: “Dear Mel. She’s the Phantasms’ ray of sunshine out here in the black expanse of space. It takes a lot to make her depressed, and even then she bounces back pretty quickly. In contrast to that, though, is her ‘battle personality.’ Maybe it’s just her device, but she turns into an absolute monster when she’s fighting – it’s almost like she flips a switch and transforms into this deadly, crazy berserker. I’ve seen her take out half a dozen B rank pirates with a single swing of her sword – practically the only more dangerous place to be would be in Boomer’s scope. She’s a good mage – a little ditzy, but she’s got a heart of gold, and power to spare.”
On Thomas: “Boomer. What can I say about Boomer MacFarn. He’s from Earth, like Nanoha and Hayate, and he’s the best shot I’ve ever seen. He’s also a thinker – he can see both sides of an argument, and find a solution that’ll satisfy everyone. He has also, I’ll admit, been responsible for keeping me out of hot water with the Major a few times, but he’s also called out the major a few times when he was being really difficult. He’s the voice of reason that speaks when tempers flare.”
On Kha: “Kha der Kleriker. One of the big names in both the Church and the Bureau, for good reason. He and Sakura have done things that I can only dream of doing – feats of heroism beyond your wildest imagination. He and I worked a great deal together before I was posted to the 82nd, so I got to know him pretty well. He’s a great guy, though Sakura can be a little hard to get used to, given her somewhat erratic nature – which I entirely blame on Hayate and her seku-hara, cosplaying-obsessed personality. If the Bureau is to reach its full potential, it will need men like Kha at the helm.”
On the Aces: Nanoha, Fate, Hayate, and Keroko. The Four Aces of the Bureau, who need no introduction. I’ve worked with all of them at one time or another – my last assignment before I joined the RAF was a six-month stint with Keroko and the Rogues, before that I was an Investigator with Fate and Hayate, and my first assignment was as a Tactical Instructor with Nanoha. So, I know them at least fairly well. Nanoha – you’d never believe that someone so gentle and honest could wield such frightening power. Fate – even now, she still blushes like a schoolgirl with her first crush, but she’s a good kid. Keroko – serious, dedicated, and strong as hell. They don’t call her “Deathwing” for kicks. Hayate - <shivers> Scary, scary, scary. And I’m not talking about her power – I’m talking about her. She was the person who finally convinced me that leather pants are a bad investment – after wearing them for two days straight in 90 degree plus weather for one of her crazy cosplay gigs. On top of that, let’s just say that I’m very glad that I’m a guy.
On Aurion: “I personally owe Dauer a lot for what he’s done for both Ascalon and I – that, and the fact that he keeps Hayate the Cosplay Maniac on her toes. As a person, Dauer can be somewhat – erratic – at first, but then you realize that his madness is to preserve his sanity. He’s made great strides in weapons development – some of the new mages will get to see the fruits of his work.”
On the Hallaouns: “Both Admirals are commendable, but I always prefer Lindy over Chrono. Chrono’s admirable, but he’s a great deal like the major – he doesn’t know when to sit back and try to enjoy life. Lindy seems to have realized that – she’s forceful and commanding, and knows what card to play but most importantly, to wait for the right time to play it. Lindy’s style is leadership is something I aspire towards.”

Devices:
Armed Device Ascalon
History: Ascalon was discovered on the world of Visalia, home the famed Device Excalibur, in Mid-Childia Year 0058. It was found in a shrine in the Valley of Orion, where, Visalian legend tells, a lone knight slew a dragon to save his kingdom. The knight died shortly afterwards of his wounds, but the monks who cared for him preserved his sword, for “…there would always be dragons to slay.” The RAF squad who found it brought it back to TSAB HQ, who put the Device thru numerous tests, and tried it on countless knights, but none could activate it. Until one day, in Year 0062, when knight Henry Lawrence of Gaelica, mistaking it for his Device, which was in for repairs, picked it up. The sword responded instantly, and the Device was brought out of retirement. In the hands of Lawrence (who became famous as ‘Lawrence of Gaelica’), Ascalon became the bane of dimensional criminals everywhere. Five years after he obtained Ascalon, however, Lawrence felt called to retire from active duty, and find a successor. And he did – the knight Arcasaviel Emira of Mid-Childia, the current wielder of Ascalon.

Modes:
Standard Mode: In this form, Ascalon takes the shape of a one-and-a-half-handed sword. The blade is entirely black, and is approximately three feet long. It has no hand guard to speak of; the cartridges are reloaded via a tube which is inserted into the hilt.
Dragon Slayer Mode: Ascalon’s Full Drive Form, a greatsword. The weapon drastically changes in appearance: it grows to be almost six feet long; it gains a hand guard, off of which two foot-and-a-half long blades extend; the sword changes from black to a light blue color, with runes written in black all along the blade.

Unique Spells:
Offensive:
Knight’s Blade: Ascalon’s standard attack magic, which boosts attack power.
Dragon’s Fang: Ascalon’s defense-piercing spell. It uses only one cartridge, but Arcas will frequently use two, just to be sure.
Dragon’s Fire: Ascalon’s main ranged spell – a fire-elemental attack similar to Nanoha’s Divine Buster.
Dragon’s Bane: A powered-down version of Ascalon’s Crusade, this spell requires the use of two cartridges. It has two variants, either the paired horizontal attacks, or the expanding cone of energy.
Riot Edge: Ascalon’s crowd-control spell, which requires one cartridge. Arcas spins around, unleashing a wave of energy which knocks down everyone within a short distance.
Crusade: Ascalon’s ultimate attack spell, rated as Breaker-class. With an attack strength of SSS, this spell requires the usage of a full cartridge load and is only available in Ascalon’s Dragon Slayer Mode. Ascalon’s blade shines with a brilliant light, and Arcas swings it twice horizontally. Then, Arcas follows up with an overhead slash that projects an expanding cone of energy in front of him, obliterating any targets caught within the attack. It goes without saying that Arcas has only used this attack when he’s stood alone against long odds.
Defensive:
Saint’s Protection: Ascalon’s auto-guard magic.
Fortress: A single-directional shield similar to Nanoha’s Round Shield.
Ace Guard: A defensive spell Arcas learned from Melinia, requiring the expenditure of two cartridges. It generates a 360° shield capable of stopping almost any magic directed at it.
Movement:
Wings of the Dragon: Ascalon’s flight magic – a pair of ethereal red wings extend out of Arcas’ back.
Afterburner: Uses two cartridges to provide a speed boost to Arcas – he frequently uses it in chase situations.
Support:
Dragon’s Fury: One of Ascalon’s most potent spells – it triples Arcas’ speed and doubles his strength. The price is costly, though – it requires two cartridges to start, and one cartridge every twenty seconds afterwards to maintain. Available in Dragon Slayer Mode only.

Quote: “I’ve been from one end of the known galaxy to the other and back, and it’s taught me one very important thing: out there, WE are the aliens.”


CLASSIFIED INFORMATION:
Testing of Emira’s magical disposition shortly after his graduation from TSAB Academy revealed that he is a Dunamist, a rare type of mage that was driven to the brink of extinction centuries ago.

Dunamists possess two unique abilities: first, they are capable of wielding any type of Device. Devices have proven uncannily pliable within the hands of Dunamists; it is theorized that Aurion Dauer, due to his affinity with Devices, may have had a Dunamist ancestor.

Second, Dunamists have an instinctual grasp of magic. They are capable of quickly picking up spells from any source – the most feared Dunamists were renowned for being attacked with a given spell, and then using that same spell against the Dunamist’s opponent within the same battle. This same grasp accelerates the Dunamist’s healing factor – they have proven capable of healing injuries that should have taken weeks in mere days.

The Dunamists were nearly wiped out around the time of the creation of the Tome of the Night Sky – where there was one Dunamist for approximately every five hundred mages. A group of powerful mages, the Sky Watchers, who understood the destructive potential of a group of Dunamists equipped with the Tome, launched their crusade. The war took the lives of thousands of mages, but at the end, all known Dunamists were dead. It is currently unknown how the Dunamists survived to the present.

Additional Device:
Intelligent Device Apalis
History: Apalis was created in Mid-Year 0065, by the same technical staff who created the legendary Storage Device Durandal. After testing its abilities, however, the Device was placed into storage – it was too dangerous to be issued to any rookie, and few veterans had any desire to train with a new Device. So there it remained, until Mid-Year 0075, when Aurion Dauer, on a request from Lt. Com. Arcasaviel Emira, brought the Device into active use. Upon modifying it with a permanent version of his Roulette Cartridge System, it was issued to Emira, the current holder.

Modes:
Note: Though Apalis does possess a Full Drive Mode, it does not change appearance in Full Drive.
Inactive Form: In this mode, Apalis appears as a silver playing card with the outline of a red diamond at its center.
Standard/Full Drive Form: In this mode, Apalis appears similar to the Storage Device Durandal, but with a silver and crimson motif as opposed to white and blue.

Unique Spells:
Note: Lt. Com. Emira has, in a crash course training, learned many of the common spells of Mid-magic. This entry covers the spells unique to Apalis.
Offensive:
Fire Shooter: Apalis’ rapid attack magic.

Flame Buster: A spell similar to Ascalon’s Dragon’s Fire, but with a longer range and slightly more power.

Blazing Arrow: A single-shot spell designed for defense-breaking. Standard usage requires 1 cartridge.
Blazing Arrow Ray Storm: Similar in nature to Fate’s Photon Lancer: Phalanx Shift, this spell generates a multitude of flame-ray arrows. Requires 4 cartridges for standard use.

Blazing Snipe: Similar to Chrono’s Stinger Snipe, this spell fires a beam of magic that can be directionally controlled.
Flare Arrow: Analogous to Chrono’s Snipe Shot, with fire elemental properties.

Heat Viper: A long, snake-like flame grows out of Apalis’ tip. It can be controlled to attack anything within distance. Requires 2 cartridges.

Inferno Zweihander: A flame blade forms on Apalis’ head for melee use. Requires 1 cartridge.

Whirlwind: A multipurpose magic which requires three cartridges. This spell generates high-speed winds which can be used to bind a target, or to scatter multi-shot magic spells.

Burst Inferno: Apalis’ head is slammed into the ground, and a line of flame pillars shoot towards the target in rapid succession. Requires 3 cartridges.

Heat Wave: An area-of-effect attack akin to Durandal’s Eternal Coffin, this spell roasts anything within its target area. Requires 5 cartridges.

Storm Cannon: A spell which requires the use of five cartridges, this is Apalis’ most powerful known spell. It fires a massive beam of energy at its intended target. Analysis of the spell rates its attack power is currently weaker than Flight Lt. Takamachi’s Starlight Breaker, but possesses more speed.

Burning Over Storm Breaker: Crafted by Lt. Com. Emira while on a mission, this spell requires the usage of 7 cartridges. A fire-elemental Breaker-class spell on par with the infamous Starlight Breaker.

[MeisterBabylon]

Originally Posted by LimitedEternal

Yogg-Saron, Old God of Death...responsible for corrupting multiple watchers, bringing general chaos to a not insignificant part of the world, and who very nearly broke his prison and made good on his namesake.

Then ten random people killed his minions for a few weeks and bludgeoned him to death. ()

Heroic difficulty is where all the canon progression is at, that means 25 Aces go and somehow bludgeon him to death. Not many have done that. Why do you think PF had to go and nerf the encounters, like increasing the amount of time between mines dropped by a certain Astral Templar, and making them have an arming time and not explode immediately? I know Fate and Signum had experiences where they were bombed to bits as Karl and the other melee were running back after avoiding V0-L7-R-0N's AoE.



Granted given their post-Force gear, GuardianS 10man is hell lot easier than when it first came out.



*imagines the Aces bickering about who should ride Demolisher Warships or Siege Cruisers, with Vita stubbornly insisting on a Storm Raider for her [Three Ship Dock] achievement during the Flame Leviathan encounter*



Vice: Don't we enough people for GuardianS 25 man? I need the gun off Nargolok.
Hayate: No, many of the Forwards are still undergeared. And their 10man group is stuck on Ayairua.

Originally Posted by Reiji Tabibito

Can you hear it...?

The voice of the wind...?

It speaks, once more, declaring...

Yo, kid. How's married life been?

[Kyral]

Originally Posted by Evangelion Xgouki

Ooo...that's gotta sting a bit

A bit?

Originally Posted by Keroko

That was the Yuuno-harem shop, right? Good to see her making her appearance.

I'm happy I was finaly able to let them appear in the story. (Ok... they had some 'mysterious appearance' two chapters ago).
Well I didn't wanted to rush things...

Originally Posted by Comartemis

It isn't possible....

It can't be...!

BUT IT IS!

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha
StrikerS ReduX

Prologue

Spoiler for Prologue:

*snip*

Comar... this was great!

Originally Posted by Reiji Tabibito

Spoiler for Ah, Sorry Tempest, since I have a new monitor I tend to oversee something like that :( :

I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!

Welcome back! ^^w

[Tempy]

Oh god stop quoting that I'm back line. It keeps warping the site layout for me. At least put it in spoilers or something.

[Wild Goose]

So Reiji came back.

*considers*

How is this time any different from before?

[NorthernFallout]

Chapter 7 is underway and below is the OC that is to be introduced later on. Also, as a extra, the spells/abilities for Angelika is also introduced. You can see them below or on her updated profile.
She is somewhat of a...unknown card in this so...

Spoiler for Ragnar:

Name: Ragnar Illiante
Gender: Male
Age: 24
Northern Beskanti Army Rank: Knight Errant
Mage Rank: Unknown.
Family: Both parents deceased.

Spoiler for History:

Ragnar is somewhat opposed to talking about himself so not much is known about his upbringing. After he joined the army and served there some time he managed to get into a position of second-in-command, or somewhat sarcastically becoming a Knight Errant, in Sigrid’s squad. He therefore knows her closely and can easily push her buttons, much to his pleasure and her irritation.

Spoiler for Personality:

A teaser, a fighter and a trouble-maker, Ragnar has a lot of sides to him. His biggest positive however is that he can always be relied upon, no matter the task. He doesn’t care how the job gets done, just that it gets done and he doesn’t have much over for traditions or the Norfolk Code of Honor. This puts him in a bad light in his superior’s eyes and it’s often Sigrid that has to save him from situations where he is at risk losing his position. Naturally, Ragnar just shrugs it off, gives Sigrid a pat on the shoulder for helping him out and just irritates her more.
However, despite that, Sigrid, to whom he is still extremely loyal to, just can’t seem get rid of him as he proves his worth over and over and is a very reliable friend. Ragnar is of course aware of that fact and takes advantage of it in a lot of different ways, usually at the cost of Sigrid.

Spoiler for Appearance:

Combat

Spoiler for Device:

Name: Alkajen (Gun) & Rykatin (Melee)
Types: Ranged/Melee
Modes: One

Dual-wielding devices are an oddity on Cancri and make Ragnar a versatile figther in both melee and range. Alkajen looks like an older type of a traditional pistol with a few modifications. Rykatin is a sort of claw-glove combination replacing Ragnar’s right hand. He lost his original one in a battle long ago.
Rykatin also has a rotating powerfield on the top, enabling piercing attacks. Excellent for piercing barriers or shields.

Both devices posses their own personalities and quibble between themselves at times. They both call Ragnar ‘My Lord’.

Spoiler for Combat Style:

As versatile as Ragnar is, he decides where the battle is drawn. For melee he hefts Alkajen on his belt so he can use his right hand freely in combination to Rykatin. For ranged assaults, he simply uses Alkajen as seen fit.
While he is versatile, he doesn’t pack a powerful punch in any range and is more of an overall fighter. He is excellent at supporting his squad though, with various manoveours that is easily pulled off thanks to his extremely high speed and agility. Hit-and-Run tactics is one of his favorites as he can tease the opponent at the same time.

Spoiler for Spells:

Both devices have their own spells and Ragnar cannot use any spells at all without them. If he in any case loses them in some way (Rykatin being literally attached to his right arm makes a feat like that almost impossible) he has to rely on his allies or traditional martial arts to survive.

Rykatin
Power Barrier: The powerfield on Rykatin also functions as a small barrier when it’s needed. Standard protection spell.

Thunder Claw: Gathering energy in the tips of Rykatin’s claw, this spell unleashes a minor electricity charge coupled with a quick punch. It may temporarily cause extra discomfort for the opponent.

Burrower: The rotating powerfield on top of Rykatin increase its rotating speed and helps piercing objects such as barriers, shields or armor.

Phantom Claw: To activate this, Alkajen needs to be unwielded. A type of illusion magic, this produces a second identical Rykatin on his left hand, making him dangerous in close quarters. While being an illusion, it can’t hit for much before breaking, but it does improve his overall speed by a lot and allows for more precision strikes.

Alkajen
Precision Shot: Very standard spell that throws away power for homing and precision. Multiple shots can be controlled at the same time.

Phantom Gun: In similarity to Phantom Claw, this gives Rykatin the ability to fire magic bullets with the help of its powerfield. It has the same power as Alkajen, so it doubles his damage output in theory.

Phantom Blaster: With Phantom Gun in effect, Ragnar can bring the devices together and temporarily form a more powerful, single weapon that focus on destruction over a somewhat larger area. It requires some time to charge and he is immobile while charging and firing.

Spoiler for Angelika's Abilities:

Despite not having a barrier jacket or any official education, Angelika is in a class for herself. Her right eye is something of an anomaly, possessing powerful psychical powers which are further increased by her abnormally strong Linker Core.
She has no combat experience, training or skills to speak of and is extremely vulnerable out on the field.

Depending on the layer of protection a victim has, her abilities might be interfered with. Barrier Jackets has a minor natural defense and various countermeasures exist.

Telepathy: Opposed to her sister, she is capable of telepathy much in the same way Nanoha, Fate and the rest is.

Mind Read: Another person’s thoughts become visible for Angelika. It can be used on multiple targets simultaneously, but has a heavy psychological effect on Angelika if she chooses to do so, due to the massive information surge.

Memory Erase: She is capable of erasing herself out of someone else’s memories, either permanently or just for certain occasions to keep the memory of her vague. She has full control of which part to erase, but only if she is contained within them.

Memory Manipulation: Angelika can manipulate memories of a person, but needs to be in close contact with the victim and preferably no protection in the form of clothes. Exposed skin is preferred.

Body Control: Takes control of another one’s body. Thought processes remains, but depending on if Angelika lets them, they cannot speak to warn anyone. This also inflicts a natural psychological effect on the victim, as he/she is aware of what they are doing, but they have no control to change it.
Angelika can during this time not move by herself and initially needs to touch the person in question to establish contact.
There is also a limit of how far away the body can be controlled; the further away, the harder it becomes to retain control.

Mind Hell: Breaking down her opponent by twisting their minds so much, that they became shivering wrecks or daydreamers, incapable of doing anything. What the victim sees or experience is not known except for themselves.

All of these abilities affect Angelika in some way or another and if she goes too far, she begins to lose control. Emotions might flame up, her persona might change and her spells might increase in effectiveness.

[Reiji Tabibito]

Originally Posted by MeisterBabylon

Yo, kid. How's married life been?

Um, good...who are you again, exactly?

Originally Posted by Kyral

Welcome back! ^^w

Thanks! To continue with the updates...the 31st!

Spoiler for Captain Sylvia Saganami:

Personnel Dossier: Sylvia Saganami

Name: Sylvia Saganami
Seiyuu: Houko Kuwashima (a combination of Yurika Misumaru of Nadesico (comic), Sango of Inuyasha (serious))
Callsign: Banshee
Age: 28 (as of StrikerS)
Birthday: December 21st
Height: 167 cm
Weight: 66 kg
Hair/Eye Color: Sky Blue/Earth Brown
Homeworld: Mid-Childia
Position in TSAB: Commanding Officer of the 31st RAF - Rank Captain
Magic Rank: AAA
Device: Intelligent Device Pallas
Magic System: Mid-Childia
Magic Color: Grey

General Dress: Sylvia wears precisely one outfit if she’s not in her Barrier Jacket: a black minidress with a red jacket thrown over it. Her Barrier Jacket is a black sleeveless tanktop, with gauntlets, pants, boots, and a waist-skirt similar to what appears in Nanoha Takamachi’s Aggressor Mode.

Role in the 31st: Sylvia is the Commanding Officer, and thus comes up with the strange (but usually effective) tactical plans used on operations. She is also one of the 31st’s two primary ranged attackers, though she does have a few more melee spells than your standard Mid-user.

Personality: “Quirky” is perhaps the one word that sums up Sylvia. For instance, she insists upon kissing the unit insignia that is located on the side of the cockpit before takeoff. She also has EXACTLY 1.3 beers a day – one in the morning, and the 0.3 before she goes to bed. Under that, however, lurks a scarily hyper-competent mage and officer.

Background: Sylvia grew up as the kid of working-class parents. The eldest of five, she had to play mom while both of her parents worked to support the family. Even so, eventually the family’s finances started to run out. That was when Sylvia convinced her brother Howard to join the Bureau alongside her, in order to relieve some of the burden. She joined the Academy at age 14, and graduated in the top third of her class. Her first assignment was in Disaster Management, where she showed a penchant for devising “unorthodox” and “brilliant” solutions to crises. Those same solutions, however, were labeled as “highly dubious” and “crazy” by jealous superiors. After three years of dealing with said superiors, Sylvia requested a transfer to the Interstellar Navigation Bureau, hoping her talents would be more appreciated there. It was there, however, that she met an Enforcer by the name of Samuel Simons. The two hit it off from meeting one, and fell in love not long after. In Year 0073, however, Simons took part in the disastrous Operation Desert One, and was KIA. Heartbroken after his passing, Sylvia looked for a transfer out, and found one as the CO of the 31st. She took it, hoping the long time spent out in the Black would help her forget Samuel, and she’s been there ever since.

Relationships w/Others: Most of Sylvia’s contacts are within the Interstellar Navigation Bureau, though there are a few she keeps up with from her Disaster Management days.

On Horatio: “I’m glad the kid’s around to help keep us all straight – Empress knows we’d never get anything DONE if it weren’t for him. Still, he could afford to be just a LITTLE less serious.”

On Aileas: “I like her. She’s spunky, and not afraid to show a little girl power here and there. But her attitude with the boys could result in some major heartache down the road…”

On Rio: “Rio’s not been here that long, and she’s usually so very QUIET that I can hardly get a sentence or two out of her. But, she follows orders, and does things with the Pearl that I’d never have thought possible…”

On Dirk: “Dirk’s reliable, to say the least. But he’s got major pride issues, and half the time he tries to take on the world by himself. I’d say there’s a 50/50 chance of him surviving the next year or two…”

Devices:
Intelligent Device Pallas

History: Created in Year 0060, Pallas was issued to Sylvia when she joined the Interstellar Navigation Bureau.

Specifications:
Device Type: Intelligent
Elemental Affinity: NONE
Cartridge Capacity: 6

Modes:
Inactive Mode: In this form, Pallas appears as an owl charm which hangs around Sylvia’s neck.

Standard Mode: In this form, Pallas appears as a spear with an arrow-shaped head.

Full Drive Mode: In this form, Pallas appears as a spear with a hook-bladed head.

Unique Spells:
Offensive:
Star Lancer: Similar to Fate’s Plasma Lancer.
Ray Disaster: Pallas' Buster-type spell.
Chevalier Lance: Similar to S2U’s Break Impulse, this concentrates magic power in a single melee swing.
Athena’s Arrows: Available only in Full Drive Mode, this attack requires a Full Cartridge Load, and bombards a given area with a multitude of guided projectiles.
Diamond Edge: Available only in Full Drive Mode, this attack requires 4 cartridges and is capable of piercing thru strong AMF.
Defensive:
Aura of Athena: Pallas’ auto-guard magic.
Movement:
God Speed: Boosts Sylvia’s movement speed. Does not require cartridges. Example cast: 3 cartridges = 2x base movement speed.
Support:
NO UNIQUE SPELLS

Quote: “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” (This is reportedly what she says after her morning…wake-up drink.)

Spoiler for 1st Lt. Horatio Cochrane:

Personnel Dossier: Horatio Cochrane

Name: Horatio Cochrane
Seiyuu: Koichi Yamadera (as Togusa of Ghost in the Shell)
Callsign: Rocketeer
Age: 21 (as of StrikerS)
Birthday: June 30th
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 75 kg
Hair/Eye Color: Black/Green
Homeworld: Bowman’s Paradise, 47th Administrated World
Position in TSAB: Executive Officer of the 31st RAF - Rank 1st Lt.
Magic Rank: AAA+
Device: Intelligent Device Persuader
Magic System: Mid-Childia
Magic Color: Forest Green

Role in the 31st: Horatio is the one who keeps everyone on the task at hand, keeping the 31st grounded. He’s also the fastest mage of the squad, and is used in high speed pursuits of targets.

General Dress: Horatio typically wears khakis and long shirts when off duty – though whatever he wears, he’s got a navy blue plaid scarf on. On-duty, he wears his Barrier Jacket, which appears as black boots and pants, over which is worn a garment which could best be described as part shirt, part cloak.

Personality: Amongst a group of crazies, Horatio is the straight man.

Background: Born to Matthew and Emily Cochrane, a pair of Diplomatic Corps mages, Horatio grew up in the culture of the Bureau. He joined the Bureau at the age of ten, and graduated in the top five percent of his class. Horatio worked in the Navy for two or three years, then was recruited to go work for the Special Operations groups in the Intelligence Division. That lasted until Year 0073, when he left Intelligence for “reasons unspecified.” He then transferred into the RAF, where he was dumped in the 31st because Diplomatic Corps brass feared that he had been sent to conduct an internal investigation, and that the hectic schedule of the 31st would prevent such an occurrence. He’s been in the 31st ever since.

Relationships w/Others: Horatio doesn’t have many contacts in the Bureau – at least, not ones he can talk about.

On Sylvia: “The Captain’s a good officer, but she has…issues. Still, she has a capable, if quirky, head on her shoulders.”

On Aileas: “She can be rather annoying sometimes, with her attempts at poking into my past. But, she is the powerhouse of the squad.”

On Rio: “She gets quiet very easily – though her attitude in a combat situation makes me wonder if there are really two people inside that body.”

On Dirk: “His behavior will either make us famous – or get us all killed.”

Devices:
Intelligent Device Persuader

History: Created in Year 0067, Persuader was issued to Horatio Cochrane upon his graduation from the Academy.

Specifications:
Device Type: Intelligent
Elemental Affinity: NONE
Cartridge Capacity: 8

Modes:
Inactive Mode: In this form, Persuader takes the shape of a playing card with a pair of pistols crossed.

Standard/Full Drive Mode: In this form, Persuader takes the shape of a 97th NAW weapon – the C96 Mauser.

Unique Spells:
Offensive:
Blast Shooter: Persuader’s version of Divine Shooter.
Bayonet: A six-inch energy blade extends from the barrel of Persuader.
Meteor Bolt: A red-orange, defense piercing spell. Requires 2 cartridges.
Wave Cannon: A long-range spell, similar to Teana’s Phantom Blazer. Requires 3 cartridges.
Infinity Raid: Requires Full Drive Mode, and a Full Cartridge Load. Fires one of four types of attack: 3 dozen Blast Shooter projectiles, a quartet of Meteor Bolts, a trio of Wave Cannons, or a single Meteor Bolt/Wave Cannon combo shot.

Defensive:
Deflector: Persuader’s auto-guard magic.

Movement:
Rocketeer: His namesake, this allows Horatio to travel at high velocity, but only in straight lines or very wide arcs. Requires 4 cartridges.

Support:
Blast Bind: A shot which does no damage, but binds the target upon impact.

Quote: <sigh>

Spoiler for Warrant Officer Aileas Miyamura:

Personnel Dossier: Aileas Miyamura

Name: Aileas Miyamura
Seiyuu: Ryou Hirohashi (as Kyou Fujibayashi of CLANNAD)
Callsign: Wondergirl
Age: 18 (as of StrikerS)
Birthday: October 15th
Height: 165 cm
Weight: 61 kg
Hair/Eye Color: Blonde/Brown
Homeworld: 67th Non-Administrated World, Kithrup
Position in TSAB: Member of the 31st RAF - Rank Warrant Officer
Magic Rank: AAA+
Device: Synchronization Device Nero
Magic System: Kithruvian
Magic Color: White (Argent) / Red (Retribution) / Dark Grey (Welkin)

General Dress: Aileas is the front woman of the 31st, and like her male counterpart, Dirk, wears what the moment dictates. ALSO like Dirk however, she tends to wear T-shirts and jeans when off duty. Her Synchro Form appears as a minidress with a winged headband, and large gloves – the colors are dictated by the specific form.

Role in the 31st: Magically, Aileas is the powerhouse of the 31st, which would not be possible if not for her magic style. Otherwise, she is Dirk’s female counterpart, using her feminine charms in undercover work, and to draw out the target.

Personality: Aileas is a tomboy, but she’s also a flirt. The fact that men drool over her wherever she goes doesn’t hurt either. She’s also Rio’s protector, and beats up Dirk whenever he decides to have a laugh at her expense – her favorite weapons are large, heavy books, which she throws and/or whacks with.

Background: Born in Year 0057 to Hiro and Cordelia Miyamura, Aileas grew up as the child of marine biologists – an understandable thing on a planet that was 94% water. Her life would have gone as most lives on Kithrup do – grow up, inherit the family business, continue on – if not for a chance encounter. On an expedition, she and her family were attacked by hostile wildlife, and their standard self-defense weapons proved useless. It would have been the end for them, had not Aileas’ abilities awakened. Tests conducted on her showed that she was capable of using Kithruvian magic, which only occurs in less than 1% of Kithruvian natives. Upon learning this, she immediately chose to leave Kithrup and join TSAB at the age of 10. She graduated from the Academy, and promptly became an Enforcer – one of the youngest ever. She continued her work in the Navy until Year 0074, when, citing “personal reasons,” she left and joined the RAF. She was assigned to the 31st, her current post.


Relationships w/Others: Most of Aileas’ contacts are in the Interstellar Navigation Bureau from when she worked as an Enforcer, but she knows a few other people.

On Sylvia: “Captain Saganami’s a good officer, but she’s endlessly quirky. Truth be told – I’ve not been here that long, so I don’t have a full view on her.”

On Horatio: “Horatio’s a stiff. He needs to learn how to loosen up on enjoy himself – it’s always mission this, supplies that – he never stops for a moment to just smell the roses.”

On Rio: “Rio-chan’s simply the cutest thing to cross my path EVER.”

On Dirk: “Golden Boy’s got a head too big for his shoulders – the idiot thinks he can take on the world. His arrogance is second to none, and I don’t like the fact that he picks on my Rio-chan either.”

Magic Style: Kithruvian
Kithruvian magic is one that affects the self. It utilizes a type of Device, known as a Synchronization Device, that is similar in nature to Unison Devices. Synch Devices, however, transform the user into an alternate form, known as the Synch Form. A user can have access to multiple Synch Forms, which have the same basic appearance, but slight difference in details. Synch Form abilities may be further enhanced by the usage of special Runes, which are inserted into slots in the Synch Device. To date, since the opening of relations between the Bureau and Kithrup (Year 0055), only 6 magic-capable individuals have been discovered on Kithrup, and all of their Linker Cores have had an output of AAA+. It is theorized that this power level may have some connection to Kithruvian magic...
That is, to say, however, that Kithruvian magic does not have its drawbacks. Changing Synch Forms mid-battle is next to impossible, due to the side effects caused by de-Synching. These include: intense cephalagia, large amounts of fatigue from the strain placed on the body (which typically manifests as unconsciousness), and nausea. Due to these side-effects, only one Form may be assumed per combat.

About Synch Devices:
Synch Devices are all the same – a forearm guard with special slots in it. The slots take two different shapes – spherical and triangular. The spherical slots are meant to hold the special stones who contain Synch Forms. The triangular ones, on the other hand, are used to hold the ability-enhancing Runes. Most Synch Devices allow for 3 forms and two Runes; Miyamura’s Nero is special – it allows for twice as many forms and Runes as a standard Synch Device.

Devices:
Synchronization Device Nero
History: Not much is known about Nero, only that it was discovered in Year 0064 by the Scrya family, and was restored to the people of Kithrup. It was then given to Aileas in Year 0067.

Forms:
Note: Due to the nature of Kithruvian magic, Aileas has access to nearly one dozen different forms – these are merely the most commonly used.

Inactive: In this Form, Nero appears as a forearm guard on the right arm.

Argent Form: This is the standard, basic form used by Nero, which boosts all attributes equally. The clothes in Argent Form are a bright white color. In this form, up to 4 different Runes may be used simultaneously.

Retribution Form: This form focuses on physical strikes. The clothes in this form are colored red. Only 2 Runes may be used in this form.

Welkin Form: This form focuses on speed, sacrificing both defensive and offensive power, relying solely on accuracy. In this form, the clothes are colored black. Furthermore, only 1 Rune may be used at a time. Lastly, Aileas has proven capable of assuming Welkin Form for only 3 minutes.

Runes:
Note: Aileas has access to nearly 2 dozen Runes. These are simply the most common.

Rune of Acceleration: This stone doubles the standard base speed of the user.
Rune of Flight: This stone enables the user to fly.
Rune of Recovery: This stone provides the user with a healing factor.
Elemental Runes: This stone enables the user to make elemental attacks. Aileas has 4: Fire, Water, Thunder, and Wind.

Unique Spells:
Note: Kithruvian magic provides for a near endless amount of spells or spell-like abilities. To record them all would exceed the data space limits of a profile.

Quote: “Good women don’t die.” Or, when she’s assaulting Dirk: “KORA!”

Fun (?) Fact: Aileas once met Aurion Dauer in person, and has developed a massive crush on him from that one single meeting.

Spoiler for Warrant Officer Rio Ecco:

Personnel Dossier: Rio Ecco

Name: Rio Ecco
Seiyuu: Ayako Kawasumi (a combination: Lafiel Abriel from Banner of the Stars when in a combat situation, Kazumi Yoshida from Shakugan no Shana otherwise)
Callsign: Searchlight
Age: (as of StrikerS)
Birthday: July 3rd
Height: 155 cm
Weight: 54 kg
Hair/Eye Color: Brown/Blue
Homeworld: 8th Administrated World, Mesa
Position in TSAB: Member of the 31st RAF - Rank Warrant Officer
Magic Rank: AA
Device: Storage Device Aquarius
Magic System: Mesian
Magic Color: Blue

General Dress: Ecco is rather girlish, and tends to wear dresses and skirts when she’s not clad in her Barrier Jacket, which appears as black pants and a white shirt, over which is worn a long red-orange cloak.

Personality: It depends. Usually, she is shy, almost painfully so. Around the rest of the 31st, she is comfortable and at ease – though still easily embarrassed. But in a combat situation, Rio is a pillar of resolve, making moves with the Black Pearl that would send even the steely Dirk Sanderson running.

Role in the 31st: Rio is the support specialist, which is made possible by her magic style, which focuses on tracking, divination, and other areas rather than combat. She is also the de facto pilot of the Black Pearl, and shows remarkable talent, pulling maneuvers that the ship designers say should be impossible.

Background: The second child of Ralf and Seraphina Ecco, Rio is the daughter of stunt pilots. From an early age, her parents taught her the ways of flight – and were delighted to find that Rio had an aptitude for it. They had their hopes pinned on her taking over the family business, since her older brother was no pilot (airsickness problems), but all that changed when Rio announced at the age of ten that she wanted to join the Bureau. When asked why, she replied that: “they fly the REAAALY big planes.” Surprised, but still happy that their daughter had wanted to spend her life flying, they agreed to send her to TSAB Academy. The real reason Rio wanted to go, however, was much more simple: she had a crush on the boy next door (figuratively), one Cadfael Brynn, and he had told the class that he was planning to join the Bureau soon. It eventually turned out to be untrue, but by that time, Rio was already at the Academy – and loving every minute of it. Once she graduated, she joined the Air Force’s Flight Corps, and learned to pilot the various spacecraft of the Bureau. Then, hearing that the RAF was looking for good pilots, she transferred, and was assigned to the 31st in September of 0074.

Relationships w/Others: Rio’s main contacts lie within the Flight Corps, her only assignment before joining the RAF.

On Sylvia: “Taichou is nice, but a little crazy. Plus, some of the stuff she insists on doing with the ship is just plain WEIRD.”

On Horatio: “Horatio-san’s so serious all the time. I wish he’d talk to us more often...”

On Aileas: “Ai-chan’s a friend – though she can be very clingy sometimes.”

On Dirk: “He always teases me – though Ai-chan beats him up for it. Other
than that, though, he’s not a bad man.”

Devices:

Storage Device Aquarius

History: Aquarius was created in Year 0067, and was issued to Rio Ecco upon graduation from TSAB Academy.

Specifications:
Device Type: Storage
Elemental Affinity: Water/Ice
Cartridge Capacity: NONE
Other: Optimized for support spell casting, especially tracking spells

Modes:

Inactive Mode: In this form, Aquarius appears as a small sapphire which hangs from around Rio’s right wrist.

Standard Mode: In this form, Aquarius appears as a staff similar to Chrono Hallaoun’s S2U, but with a blue-and-white motif rather than black-and-blue.

Unique Spells:
Offensive:
Aqua Lancer: Analogous to Fate’s Photon Lancer, but with water-elemental properties.
Frost Ray: An ice-elemental Buster-type spell.
Diamond Dust: Aquarius' most powerful spell – freezes everything within casting range of Rio. Longer casting time means more area. Typical cast requires 3 minutes, and freezes everything within a 100 foot radius.
Tracking Shot: Attaches a magical tracking beacon to the target.
Defensive:
Obscuring Mist: Rio is surrounded by mist, which boosts her evasion.
Movement:
Water Slider: Allows her to make a move-by melee attack.

Support:
Arcane Eye: Allows Rio to project her sight in a direction of her choosing.
Area Search: Like Nanoha’s, except quicker, and if her target has been hit with Tracking Shot, Rio can order Aquarius to provide updates on the target’s location.
Daylight: Aquarius projects a powerful light that illuminates everything in a 50 foot radius.
Night Vision: Allows Rio to see in the dark.
Tracking Shot: Attaches a magical tracking beacon to the target.


Quote: “Ano…eto…uhh…” <blush>

Fun Fact: Rio likes talking to “the machine spirit” of the Black Pearl.

Spoiler for Master Sergeant Dirk Sanderson:

Personnel Dossier: Dirk Sanderson

Name: Dirk Sanderson
Seiyuu: Nobutoshi Canna (as Ban Mido of GetBackers)
Callsign: Golden Boy
Age: 27 (as of StrikerS)
Birthday: March 31st
Height: 173 cm
Weight: 68 kg
Hair/Eye Color: Brown/Green
Homeworld: 97th Non-Administrated World – Earth (Region: North America)
Position in TSAB: - Rank Master Sergeant
Magic Rank: AAA-
Device: Armed Device Tallhammer
Magic System: Neo-Velka
Magic Color: Electric Yellow

General Dress: As the point man for the 31st, Dirk wears whatever the situation necessitates. However, he has shown a preference for wearing jeans and T-shirts whenever he has a choice of clothing. His Barrier Jacket appears as what he terms “Ghost Rider” grab: black leather pants jacket, and T-shirt, with a 1 meter metal chain wrapped around the jacket.

Role in the 31st: As a Neo-Velka user, Dirk is the main frontline fighter of the 31st. He is also the ship’s engineer, a duty he splits with Warrant Officer Ecco. He also is the male counterpart of Aileas, and goes undercover to draw out a target when said target is female.

Personality: Dirk is smug, and oozes confidence. He never second guesses himself, and is always sure of his decisions – which one would not expect from someone who is wrong as often he is right. He enjoys teasing immensely, and frequently targets Rio, who runs to Aileas, who beats up Dirk, which is stopped by Horatio.

Background: Born in Year 0048 to Hiram and Summer Sanderson, Dirk grew up in the middle of adventure. His parents both worked for a private covert operations group simply known as the Corporation. It was during one of these adventures that the Corporation found themselves dealing with an otherworldly threat, which a group of Enforcers had been dispatched to deal with. Since TSAB did not want knowledge of their existence to become widespread across a non-magic world, the Corporation and the Enforcers struck a deal: in exchange for not having their memories of the event erased, the Corporation would do the following. 1 – they would put their considerable resources at the Bureau’s disposal WHENEVER they operated on Earth. 2 - no mention of the Enforcers was EVER to be made in ANY report. 3 – the Enforcers would take back some of the Corporation’s personnel in order to keep them quiet. Dirk was one of the people chosen – most people suspect that because of his young age at the time, and the fact that he was not officially part of the Corporation, he was picked because most of them saw him as a son, and therefore would be unwilling to do something that would result in harm to him. So, at the age of 14, Dirk left the only home he’d known, and found himself on a new, strange world. Essentially under house arrest, Dirk would probably have grown up to hate the Bureau, if not for his keeper: Tactical Instructor Linus Goddard. Goddard had Dirk evaluated by the Bureau, and upon discovery of his magic potential, asked Dirk if he wanted to be trained as a mage. The simple act took Dirk, used to a life of being told where to go, what to do, and having little to no freedom, completely by surprise, and it earned Goddard the boy’s absolute loyalty. Responding that he did, Goddard himself trained Dirk in Neo-Velkan magic. A former field engineer, Goddard also schooled Dirk in engineering and ship repair. Four years later, and now an adult in the eyes of Mid-Childian law, Dirk announced his intention to join the Bureau. He did not attend the Academy, but joined right away. His first assignment, due to his time with Goddard, was as a field engineer aboard Goddard’s old vessel: the Asura. That lasted for about three years, and then he applied for a transfer to the RAF. He was given a choice of RAF assignments, and picked the 31st, starting his time there in Year 0071. He’s been there ever since.

Relationships w/Others: Dirk is the veteran of the 31st, and therefore doesn’t have many connections, though he still keeps up with some old friends from his field engineer days.

On Sylvia: “The Captain’s quirky – but quirky often equals fun. Example: she insists we all go out and get smashed after a successful capture. And THAT provides loads of comic value.”

On Horatio: “No fun – none whatsoever. Though it IS fun to see just how gullible he can be – I once had him convinced that right WAS wrong, just by making statements in a completely serious manner.”

On Aileas: <glowers> “She’s no fun either, whacking me like that when I’m just trying to relieve some boredom. When she’s NOT hitting me, however, she’s not so bad to be around…better then some OTHER people.”

On Rio: <laughs> “So shy, it’s almost like she’s BEGGING to be teased. But it’s probably a trick. I mean, the fact that the whole male population, and half of the female one, feels some compulsion to protect her, that’s gotta be intentional.”

Devices:
Armed Device Tallhammer

History: Tallhammer was created in Year 0067, and was issued as a replacement for Dirk’s previously destroyed Storage Device Purgatory.

Specifications
Device Type: Armed
Elemental Affinity: Electric
Cartridge Capacity: 4 per gauntlet (8 total)

Modes:
Inactive Mode: In this form, Tallhammer appears as a lightning bolt on a chain which Dirk keeps tied around one of his pants’ belt loops.

Standard Form: In this form, Tallhammer appears as a pair of large gauntlets, the dorsal parts of which are capable of opening to deliver ranged attacks. Reloading takes place via insertion of cartridges on the inside of the wrist, near the thumb. This appearance does not change in Full Drive Form.

Unique Spells:
Offensive:
Lightning Strike: The standard attack magic of Tallhammer.
Rolling Thunder: Tallhammer’s defense-breaker magic, and an elemental attack. Requires 1 cartridge.
Thunder Lancer: One of Tallhammer’s two ranged spells, which fires beams of electricity from both gauntlets. Requires 1 cartridge per beam.
Sonic Boom: A stunner spell.
Thunderstorm: Tallhammer’s ultimate attack magic. Unleashes 7 bolts of lightning. Requires a Full Cartridge Load, and Full Drive Form.
Defensive:
Surge Protection: Tallhammer’s auto-guard magic.
Shocker: Electrifies the air around Dirk, and shocks anyone who comes in close. Requires 2 cartridges.
Movement:
NONE
Support:
Lightining Rod: Boosts the power of Tallhammer’s elemental attacks. Requires 1 cartridge.

Quote: <laughter> Ow! Hey! Miyamura, stop hitting me!

Fun Fact: Dirk enjoys Earth “superhero” entertainment. His self-professed favorite program is “Steven Spielberg’s Freakazoid!”.

[Tempy]

Originally Posted by Reiji Tabibito

Um, good...who are you again, exactly?

That's Kha. Or used to be him. Supposedly he wants to separate himself from the stigma that comes from Kha der Kler--I don't know how he spells it. But suffice to say, it's supposed to be a fresh start for him.

[Tk3997]

Originally Posted by Tempest Dynasty

That's Kha. Or used to be him. Supposedly he wants to separate himself from the stigma that comes from Kha der Kler--I don't know how he spells it. But suffice to say, it's supposed to be a fresh start for him.

Cept he still answers to the name Kha and uses it on IRC which sort of makes the entire thing a tad silly.

[Tempy]

Originally Posted by Tk3997

Cept he still answers to the name Kha and uses it on IRC which sort of makes the entire thing a tad silly.

For me, Kha is infinitely easier to type out in IRC than MeisterBabylon is. Three letters VS fourteen? Laziness prevails here. Though considering his behavior, there's no real change from then and now.

[MeisterBabylon]

One can't happen without the other. If people insist on using Kha on IRC, I can't help it. Also why all the nonsense of old is there, and I'm a lot more serious here.