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Sheriff of Pure Hearts (They/Them)

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In Tyrant Shell: The Answer of Rain [CANCELLED] → 5 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
THE NEW ZEALAND BEACH
VULTURE SQUAD

The sound of pouring rain hitting the thick armor of the ancient shell was quite relaxing to listen to in the cockpit. On this gloomy night, Ijsvogel decided to scout ahead without notifying the squad upon landing on the beach. Barn Owl will definitely give them shit about it for sure, but their assistance was not necessary from a simple ambush. Hell, they weren't exactly made to be sneaky in the first place. The noise from their footsteps would've certainly given the enemy plenty of time to set up their own ambush. So, in hindsight, they were doing everyone a favor by maintaining a distance. It also allowed them to do any last-minute system checks and then reflect on- "The terrain has been surveyed. No hostiles detected."

THEIA's monotonous, feminine voice echoed through the cockpit, catching the pilot off-guard as they were distracted by the rain. They mumbled something about giving a heads-up before speaking up and then shifted focus to the control board.

Ijsvogel made their way into the dense rainforest with their cherished heavy machine gun on their hands. Nothing in particular but the sound of wildlife stood out. It was frightening, to say the least. The pilot was reminded of life back in the wilds, where quietness was usually followed by seemingly coordinated attacks from mutants and always ending with the loss of life. Death was just as common as surviving in the wilds—it was unchangeable. Fortunately, the sound of explosions and gunfire stopped them from getting too deep into their thoughts. Ijsvogel began to stomp towards the noise for what seemed an eternity while their teammates were using comms effectively. It helped that the signal amplifier was turned on upon arrival.

But it wouldn't have mattered if Ijsvogel wasn't there to help out the team with the fighting. Though they had to find their way out of that godforsaken rainforest first. Conveniently, a Murakumo Robotics transport aircraft was falling from the sky, likely towards or—at very least—near the firefight. So they ran in the general direction and just had enough time to witness it hit the ground hard. But before having the chance to respond accordingly, the hostile fighter jets enacted a scorched earth policy on the entire battlefield. Ijsvogel took full advantage of the chaos to sneak upon the crash site, which was being guarded by capable enough drones. It made too obvious that there were survivors almost certainly calling for help.

That was never going to happen if Ijsvogel could help it.

Having activated the signal jammer (after significantly reducing the amplifier), Ijsvogel got their machine gun ready for use and aimed it toward the crashed aircraft. And only then spoke up with enthusiasm into the comms:

"Kingfisher online and finally ready for action."

Ijsvogel made sure that their machine gun's rounds were switched into armor-piercing before opening fire. One of the drones didn't stand a chance as it was torn into sheds before exploding. Three of them were severely damaged but still able to open fire with the remaining drones. "Engaging hostiles at crash site." Ijsvogel stated to their teammates by using comms while taking out another drone and dodging the micro-missiles. Although they remained stationary, those drones were still dangerous enough to maintain distance, made abundantly clear when some of the surviving ground forces joined in with what appeared to be- the warning indicator lit up the control board as it bleeped on repeat for a few seconds until...

There was barely enough time to react as the micro-missiles headed towards Ijsvogel. Most of them flew past and struck the trees behind; the shock wave being strong enough to send the shell stumbling to the ground. They were able to use a nearby tree bark to grab onto it by dropping their machine gun. But that was enough time for a micro-missile to hit them directly. For a quick second, things in the cockpit were blurry as red lights from the control board flickered, an indication that the shell took damage. After a moment to regain composure, the pilot attempted to run a diagnostic on the spot; but of course, the drones had to be such an inconvenience with their missiles. Godverdomme...

Ijsvogel quickly stood up and began running around the rainforest's edge without their weapon in hand. At this moment, retrieving it was going to be quite a tricky task because they were the center of attention. The drones resumed their missile barrage as the shell started to circle around the crash site. Ijsvogel knew where the machine gun was within the dense rainforest (thanks to the tracking device), but its weight made snatching it somewhat difficult. Both hands were going to be required for the retrieval; otherwise, they would've fallen backward in a humiliating fashion. And it was already embarrassing enough to have dropped their weapon in combat. Of course, they weren't alone and had several other shells to call for help.

"Vultures, requiring some assistance at the crash site." Ijsvogel said over comms, not making any effort to hide their irritation from the team. "Just need a moment out of someone's time to shoot at the hostiles while I take a much-needed breather."

In Tyrant Shell: The Answer of Rain [CANCELLED] → 6 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
In Mao Mao's Rambling Concepts → 6 mos ago Forum: Character Sheets
HEIGHT:
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Eleven meters


WEIGHT CLASS:
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Heavy


SPEED:
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Medium


ROLE:
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Skirmisher, strategic support

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DESCRIPTION:
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IJSVOGEL, or KINGFISHER in English, is one of three shells designed by the remnants of the Operational Support Command Land before the Royal Netherlands Army was integrated into the Grand Union. It was incorporated into military service a few months later after succeeding in various tests assigned to the shell. But shortly into its service, the original designs of the three shells were merged into one simplified infantry support shell. Ijsvogel then found itself under the service of Wolfhound LLC and assigned to its current role of skirmisher with strategic support.

As a skirmisher shell, Ijsvogel doesn't necessarily appear to look like one with its heavy armored plates and rather sluggish speeds. However, the head designer wanted to revolutionize its potential as a harasser of the enemy. By sacrificing its speed slightly in favor of firepower and durability, Ijsvogel is easily able to provide suppressive fire and serve as a distraction for hostiles. And when it's done being a nuisance or starts to get overwhelmed by its adversaries, the shell is still able to rapidly retreat to safety (or to a distance) if necessary so it could live to fight another day.

Another role that Ijsvogel serves is providing strategic support to ground forces. With assistance from THEIA, the shell is able to provide real-time information on the field to squadmates and command. And help from its pilot guarantees that it's able to perform efficiently under intensive pressures. It also has a military-grade signal amplifier and jammer in its back, able to boost or silence any given signal at will. Ijsvogel has been given a coat of orange and white paint in tribute to the former country known as Nederland, or The Netherlands in English.

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ARMANANTS & EQUIPMENT:
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ONS VOLK, or OUR PEOPLE in English, is a heavy machine gun crafted by the finest Belgian firearms manufacturer designed specifically for Ijsvogel. It requires the shell to use both of its hands for proper use in combat. And its large weight makes any shoulder-based weaponry obsolete. But to make up for the shortcoming, Ons Volk can swap to three different ammo types in the field: armor-piercing, high-explosive, and incendiary. In addition, it carries around 250 bullets per round with 20 magazines on reserve within the shell's right arm (the other ammo types are housed in the shoulder).

THEIA is a complex artificial intelligence designed exclusively for Ijsvogel located in the lower back. Originally programmed as an urban search and rescue response for the NCTV (National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism) in the Netherlands, it was heavily modified for military use while Ijsvogel was being constructed. Its current purpose is to analyze in real-time the combatants and terrain on the frontlines to squadmates and headquarters. THEIA, in its essence, is an advanced spotter with an understanding of social cohesion within its assigned squad.

In the upper back of Ijsvogel lies a signal amplifier and jammer. The amplifier can boost the signal strength of friendly communications. But if there are more signals to amplify, the weaker the device's capabilities before it gets overwhelmed. While the signal jammer disrupts any communications deemed hostile to a certain range. Its effectiveness is upon a fifty foot range with a maximum range of one hundred feet. Both devices are located in the upper back of the shell. Furthermore, Ijsvogel can withstand any climate and weather with its protective layer.

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OTHER:
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Our People takes inspiration (mainly its appearance) from Etilka from Halo Reach.

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In Mao Mao's Rambling Concepts → 7 mos ago Forum: Character Sheets
══════||DOSSIER||══════
"Je Maintiendrai."

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BASIC INFORMATION
► FULL NAME || Valentijn van Zalingen
► CODENAMES || Krielkip
► PRONOUNS || He/They
► TYPE || Cyborgs
► ETHNICITY || European
► AGE || 25
► HEIGHT || 5"11
► WEIGHT || 160
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SKILLS
► [Resilient] || Valentijn is one resilient, or veerkrachtig in Dutch, bastard. Ever since joining military boarding school at 12, he overcame the setbacks and challenges imposed upon him by his peers and faculty. And then, after being rejected by the Grand Union at 18. Perhaps it has something to do with his childhood in the wilds. Or his hardened father. There isn't a concrete answer out there to uncover from the swamps.
► [Salvager] || Being a berger was necessary in the swampy wilds of the Low Countries. Valentijn had to salvage to survive at a young age, going from ruined cities to the remnants of long-forgotten battlefields. And even though he isn't part of the wilds anymore, that aspect of him will truly never fade out of existence—even if they were corrected in some way.
► [GU Strategist] || Under the guidance of the Grand Union, Valentijn was quickly assigned to the role of strategist at the age of 14. He received training til he was eighteen, when he had to apply for permanent residency. Upon his failure and deportation, all forms of education were suspended, but Valentijn somehow managed to learn more on his own.
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EQUIPMENT
► [Kracht, Bayard 20X7] || Gifted to Valentijn on their sixteenth birthday, the Bayard 20X7 is a semi-automatic pistol first mass-produced during the Judgement War. Unlike the standard-issue model, this variant has been modified to have engravings on the handle. Kracht translates to vigor or strength in English.
► [Bronze Pendant] || A faded, bronze pendant of the Leo Belgicus Dutch coin with a chain. it has been with Valentijn ever since he was first found in the wilds all of those years ago. And despite its being valueless (and quite frankly junk), it clearly has been cherished and treasured by its current and previous owners.
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══════||APPEARANCE||══════
"Ga niet op het uiterlijk af."

Standing at the height of 6ft and weighing 152 pounds, Valentijn still maintains an athletic body long after boarding school. But unlike the enforced appearance standards from there, their light brown hair has grown quite long, reaching past the shoulders. And they have gotten several tattoos all over their body in recent years, specifically after being deported from the Grand Union. Although some aspects remain apparent, like in the way Valentijn presents themselves—wearing semi-casual wear often.


══════||PERSONALITY||══════
"Meten is weten."

Valentijn is a curious person, almost daring to question their surroundings light-heartedly. Ambitious to a fault, willing to overwork themselves to the point of exhaustion. They want to make up for past failures while under the guidance of the Grand Union. It's what contributes to their low self-esteem from growing up in both the wilds and military boarding school. But that aspect of themselves is hidden well due to their adventurous spirit. More eager to spend time with others rather than being confined to their room for a day.
══════||BACKSTORY||══════
"Nood breekt wet."

Valentijn van Zalingen was presumably born in the wilds and raised by their parents for much of their childhood. Obtaining such information from them directly has proven difficult or borderline impossible. But for our own independent investigation, we have gathered that their grandparents were residing in Rotterdam when the sea defenses across the Low Countries instantaneously failed in the midst of the Judgement War. Their father was sixteen when the floods devastated the entire region, making him a lone orphan. Rescue efforts began almost immediately before it was discovered that the water had been contaminated in some manner. And with the Judgement War getting bloodier every day, the European Union announced that all rescue operations beyond Amsterdam, Brussels, and The Hague were to be suspended, citing health and security concerns. Millions of survivors, including their father, were left to fend for themselves as conditions worsened across the region.

Not much information could be found on their mother, but we think that she actually was in Amsterdam when the flooding happened. But for some peculiar reason, she chose to leave in favor of The Wilds. Eventually, both of them met and spent years together while having five children. Valentijn, the middle child of the large family, was forced to grow up at an early age in a hostile environment that was out to kill. Mutants killed the oldest sister at ten while the youngest brother got a crippling birth defect. But it wasn't til the father developed lung cancer that the decision was made to send one of their children to safety with the Grand Union. At the age of eleven, he chose to apply his middle child to a Grand Union boarding school at the cost of crippling debts. It wasn't til a year after random inspections and extensive testing that Valentijn was able to bed enrolled at the city of Brussels. The Grand Union provided them with basic needs in exchange for service to the corporation (that included inserting experimental cybernetics for trial usage only).

During their time at military school, Valentijn was selected for personalized learning in strategic studies at fourteen. The Grand Union took an interest in them due to excelling in the Strategy and War course offered by the boarding school. And for four years, the instructors contributed to steering toward the career of being a military strategist for the corporation. Then, Valentijn turned eighteen. All orphans are forced to apply for permanent residency in the Grand Union upon turning eighteen years old. So it was their turn. Unfortunately, they were rejected. Upon rejection, all failed applicants have access to basic needs and services suspended and are ordered to leave Grand Union territory. And to add insult to injury, a massive debt was issued to them with expected monthly payments in the hundreds of Universal Credits—some sort of parting gift. Valentijn retreated into the wilds to find work in scavenging long abandoned cities. But then, they went back to civilization just one year after their deportation to work from Wolfhound LLC.

Working for the largest private military company in the world paid well enough to live, but it wouldn't ever be enough to pay off the debt. So, upon hearing of openings in a nearby shell academy, Valentijn took a calculated risk and applied for a spot at the cost of accumulating more debt to their name. But thanks to their time at a boarding school, they were easily accepted and then graduated a few years later. And during that time, they managed to buy the entirety of Ijsvogel, a heavy skirmisher and strategic supporter shell (some by saving up and others by collecting more debt). Fortunately, being a pilot from Wolfhound paid slightly better than their previous jobs could ever. But it still wasn't enough to be debt-free. So Valentijn had to do better in their missions, often at the cost of their own well-being. But two years into being a mercenary, it finally paid off when they were invited to join the elite Vulture Squad. For the first time in a long while, Valentijn felt like all of the blood and sweat would finally pay off; however, this was only the beginning of a long bloody chapter.


══════||AUGMENTATIONS||══════
"Cybernetica is de grootste schat."

Ever since Valentijn was twelve years old, cybernetics were mandatory to combat the elements of the wilds. Although they were essentially a guinea pig for experimental cybernetics, the Grand Union only allowed a select few to remain. Bioartificial organs were medical necessities with constant updates to prevent a particularly nasty death. When they were selected for personalized training, the corporation allowed for bionic eyes that enhanced their performance while analyzing or planning. And their brain was subjected to clinical trial implants, which were temporary for a brief time period. It wasn't til recently they received an implant from Wolfhound LLC that established a connection between shell and its pilot. In addition, their limps still surprisingly remained made out of flesh and bone since leaving the wilds. Valentijn liked their augmentations and never rejected them outright if presented, but they weren't actively pursuing to be completely cyborg.


══════||WEAKNESSES||══════
"Een held op sokken."

An obvious issue made pretty clear from the get-go is the fact that Valentijn was raised in the wilds. That hostile environment has made them somewhat hesitate to trust others even after living under the Grand Union protection for seven years. That suspicion is specifically directed toward those with authority, not that they won't follow orders given to them. Then, there's the pressing fact that much of their cybernetics are getting closer to being obsolete. Unable to afford the necessary upgrades after being deported, a sizable fund is still required to be completely updated with the current augmentations. And, of course, Valentijn hides the fact they have low self-esteem very well. But it's still there and hard to forget when you realize it. They also hide that they are deep in debt, paying hundreds of UCs on a monthly basis or risk the debt collectors' wraith.


══════||OTHER||══════
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet."

TBD.
In Mao Mao's Rambling Concepts → 8 mos ago Forum: Character Sheets

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

"It's called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it."

HISTORY
After eight years of fighting in Western Europe, an armistice was declared in autumn between the major European powers involved in the bloodstained war. Even though they fought aside the Allied Powers, the United States of America was chosen to manage negotiations for peace. President Woodrow Wilson set forth with several key points for enduring peace, including plans for a "general association of nations," the abolition of secret diplomacy, and the decrease of armaments. But before having the chance to finish composing his speech, the 28th President died after suffering a severe stroke that left him comatose while in the White House. With a lackluster Thomas Marshall assuming the presidency and a population keen on normality, the Republican Party won the 1920 election by a landslide. Soon after, the United States withdrew its delegates from the talks and signed separate treaties with the Central Powers, officially ending their involvement in "European matters."

While President Warren Harding was able to uphold his campaign slogan of a "return to normalcy," it was anything but normal in the states. The post-war recession gripped the country while labor unions conducted strikes to prevent the loss of gains made during the war. Harding sought compromises in those strikes, which often benefited the companies more than the workers. But it wasn't until the collapse of the 1922 Great Railroad Strike that labor decided to escalate matters. Labor groups settled aside their differences to unite under a general strike across all major industry sectors. President Harding, convinced that organized labor was acting viciously against business, began efforts to combat it. And yet it didn't deter the union throughout the twenties as memberships reached all-time record highs despite aggressive pushback from local authorities and state and federal government crackdowns (regardless of political affiliation).

By the 1924 election, the United States saw economic growth and widespread prosperity, making it the world's richest country per capita at the time. So it wasn't much of a surprise that the Republicans won again, with Vice President Calvin Coolidge securing the nomination (Harding intended to run for a second term but died of a heart attack before the start of his re-election campaign). While not as fierce as Harding, President Coolidge considered matters regarding labor the responsibility of state and local government and even weakened regulatory agencies in the federal government. But he opposed farm subsidies and providing Great War vets with bonuses using his veto power when both bills reached his desk, angering struggling farmers and veterans. Nonetheless, the public still very much admired Coolidge, thanks to the booming economy and a $300 million surplus. It made his refusal to seek out a second elected term evermore shocking to the nation.

The Republican Party retained the White House in 1928 with a landslide by Herbert Hoover. His optimism for a bright tomorrow freed of poverty was shattered when the stock market collapsed, followed by a worldwide economic depression. President Hoover, not wanting direct federal intervention, concerned it would've caused more panic on Wall Street, chose to strengthen businesses and sponsored public works projects which ultimately did nothing to rebound the economy. In fact, it was worsened by the passage of the Tariff Act of 1930 (a law that implemented protectionist trade policies in the nation) and his continuous refusal to approve relief measures. It caused Republicans to suffer substantial losses in the midterms, losing control of the House to the Democratic Party. With the rise of shanty towns and homeless encampments across the country, the unemployment rate reached 24% when the "Bonus Army" set up camp in the nation's capital during the early summer.

Two months later, on July 28th, federal troops marched on the camp after riots erupted over the death of two veterans at the hands of the District police. Under orders of President Hoover, General Douglas MacArthur began advancing upon the campground alongside the troops, intending to only evict the marchers and their followers across the nearby river. But things took a violent turn as gunshots erupted and fires engulfed shacks injuring hundreds and killing dozens. According to eyewitness testimony, MacArthur ordered troops to open fire without notice upon a crowd of veterans and their loved ones. MacArthur later testified in a committee hearing that he witnessed a group of individuals exiting out of a shack with weapons, believing them to be part of a syndicalist conspiracy ready to open fire upon the federal troops. Regardless, the event known as the Anacostia Massacre squashed any chance of a second term for the Hoover administration in the 1932 election.

With leverage from labor unions and Great War veterans, the Democratic Party selected former mayor Jacob S. Coxey to be the Vice President nominee while farmer Henry A. Wallace was nominated to the ticket (a compromise made to please moderates in the party).

In Star Wars Invasion [A Multiverse Spaceship RP] → 9 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
@Mao Mao so all our ships (bar one) got here by the intervention of an Ascended being known as Daniel who brought everyone together.

Would Daniel have done so without asking? Just pluck the ship out in an attempt to save them? Or would he have personally asked for assistance (or tell a little white lie)?
In Star Wars Invasion [A Multiverse Spaceship RP] → 9 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
In Star Wars Invasion [A Multiverse Spaceship RP] → 9 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
So I assume that the Normandy S-R2 is taken?
In REZORT: VACATION FROM HELL → 9 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
A celebrity going to a resort island. Would it be normal for the resort to get a ton of celebrities?
In OBLIVION → 9 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay

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"Uh, you think you can make a few trips? We got a few men down over here!"

Lucas scanned the field to see just who required assistance, which was basically everyone from the reunion. It was like a warzone. And the sound of sirens signaled that help was coming.

What are you waiting for?! Help them already!

Is your safety really worth discarding a friend?
Lucas surveyed the field to see just how bad the situation was, and it was horrible. Looked like a bomb went off. And sirens blaring through the night indicated the danger wasn't over yet.

Leave them be less you want to be caught!

Is your freedom really worth saving a nobody?
Lucas took a deep breath to calm his racing thoughts and carefully made his way across the wrecking parking lot toward the field. When he approached Jack, he got a clearer idea of just how injured her leg was based on the amount of blood alone. There was no way she was walking on it any time soon or even put any sort of pressure on it. So that meant doing things slightly differently. Lucas didn't intentionally answer the first aid kit question and said bluntly, "Just... lean on me for support while I bring you to the car. The asphalt's slightly uneven because of that freak earthquake."

Carrying someone through the uneven asphalt was quite the challenge—more so if said person was hurt. Lucas had to make sure that the injury was manageable, at least until he got to the vehicle. But then there was another problem: it was locked. The driver in question, Ivory, was seemingly preoccupied with god knows what at the worst time possible. And with the sirens getting ever so close to the school, Lucas carefully told Jack to lean on the car and then yelled out at Ivory (and everyone else still on the field indirectly). "We need the keys to LEAVE before it's too late from Jack!"

Jack was a somebody to someone once. A friend that offered smokes during the bad days. Unlike everyone at that high school, she was just there sometimes. And now look at her, a somebody in desperate need of help in this little, nostalgic town. How funny.

How funny indeed.
Jack was a nobody to someone once. A loser that provided beer during the good days. Like everyone at that high school, she kept her distance often. And now look at her, still a nobody in a small, forgotten town in need of your help. How funny.

How funny indeed.

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█ #1.02 CAUGHT IN THE CLUTCHES
too young to burn - sonny and the sunsets
ritman high football field ▸
interacting with: jack @skidcrow, ivory @californiastate
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