-I editted out the teleportation parts where it regards Team C helping fallen comrades or bystanders, and Stage 3 when we leave Julie to finish the job. -Changed Omari's "plasma gun" to a "force field generating gun."
Stage 1: The Delay
GROUP EFFORTS * We surround the Vile and keep circling it, forcing it into the Center. * Teams A and B will stay opposite each other whilst Team C slips in between the Center evasively. * Stay within sight of Julie; we move as one object orbiting her. * Never stop moving, and never attack the Vile when its attention is on you. * We avoid the Vile's area-of-effect attacks by not bunching up together. * Ranged fighters will keep their distance and time their shots carefully. * In between combined ranged assaults, melee fighters will make back-attacks on the Vile when it is distracted. * Ilana will watch for friendly fire and collect it, but no promises. * No goddamn grappling! * If a team mate goes down and can't contribute, Team C will take them out of battle; the same for sudden bystanders. * If you have a knack for illusion alchemy, don't target the environment: copy the person the Vile is focusing currently focusing on, and keep changing it. TEAM A Alistair: Protect Omari and AJ. Use Threads of Fate to guide Team A and Team B's shots into the Vile's legs or means of mobility, along with your own shots. Any explosive rounds, shoot at Ilana.
Omari: Use your force-field generating gun to protect Julie. Time another force field with AJ and Kiara's explosive attacks to contain the Vile briefly with the force so as to multiply damage. Use your boomerang gun to distract the Vile.
AJ: Use your grenade launcher in tandem with Omari's force field generating gun and Kiara's attacks. If at any point you can't do this, launch your grenades into the sky at Ilana. TEAM B Vail: Protect Kiara and Maeve. Fire your plasma rifle at the Vile's legs, along with Omari. Time your shots as a one-two punch. If you use melee, follow Ethan's lead.
Kiara: Use your explosive weapon in tandem with AJ. Use your shadow alchemy to nudge the Vile's melee attacks askew. Otherwise, fire your explosive rounds at Ilana.
Maeve: Follow Ethan's lead and wait to attack.
TEAM C * Ilana will be mostly doing three things: gathering sound, explosive, and splash energy into one giant orb in the sky (contained by air); assisting Ethan with diversionary tactics; combating the Vile's alchemy attacks.
* Ethan will be playing Matador with the Vile, to allow those in melee to dish out quick attacks; shooting at the Vile with ricochet attacks; ripping up the ground and making hardened packs of dirt and rocks for Stage 2. He will also do his best to deflect the Vile's attacks, but always act as if he's not going to. In other words:
Stage 2: Meteor-Cracker
* A very brief stage that requires Julie to tell us she's ready to launch her Exceed. * We obey all points as of before. * Ethan will make a large hole in the ground near Julie, into which Ilana will slam the Vile using the hodgepodge energy orb. * Everyone, except Omari, will use earth alchemy to fill the hole as much as possible, smooshing the Vile with the orb. * Omari will undo all his force fields and, as a final layer, mount a force field that contains the Vile in the hole with the earth mounds we're controlling. * Ilana detonates the orb as we continue to push the earth into the Vile.
Stage 3: Exceed
* We run away from Julie like bats out of hell, our Meteor-Cracker heralding her Exceed as a preliminary attack. * Wait for orders.
Name of Bloodline: The Delacour Bloodline Region: North America Crest:
Industrial Focus: Fashion and textiles.
History: The Delacour family traces its roots back to the old French aristocracy. A minor noble house, the Delacours had little interest in national politics and focused on more insular goals, particularly alchemy, which they practiced in secret away from the prying eyes of the public who might decry their powers as witchcraft. The Delacours have alchemy in their blood, or so it was said, as a powerful alchemist married into their bloodline and taught their descendants in its use, cementing the Delacours as a family with particular alchemical talent for generations to come. They were known as an unusual sort, generally disliked by the other noble families for their unusual hobbies and interest in the unnatural, but rarely hated except by the most God-fearing who suspected their quirks for something more. Despite this, alchemy was not exceptionally well practiced in the family. They knew only what they had taught themselves and so their knowledge of alchemy was shallow, and warnings of a mysterious organisation that hunted alchemists kept them from truly embracing alchemy, although there were usually at least two or three practicing alchemists in the family at any given time.
It wasn’t until 1733 that their alchemical knowledge and skill flourished. The details are scarcely known by any individuals other than the Patriarchs, but the Delacours, previously unaware of such a burgeoning underground community of other alchemists, was introduced to numerous families of alchemists, and even the organisation that they had previously supposed to have feared; A.M.R.O.. As the family grew more and more engrossed in the art of alchemy, even drawing in other alchemists not of their flesh and blood to join them and share in studies, they became less and less concerned with the affairs of the state. The Delacours became closely allied with A.M.R.O. unlike many bloodlines that showed resentment towards them, a loyalty to the organisation that seemed almost suspect. It earned them few friends amongst the bloodlines but established them as a powerful, stable family none the less. Becoming an A.M.R.O. Asylum was seen not as a punishment but as an honour, and many members of the Delacour bloodline have volunteered to become Asylums, only strengthening their relationship to A.M.R.O. and drawing them even further away from the politics of their homeland and leaving them more concerned with the alchemical community.
This finally culminated in the last few decades of the eighteenth century, briefly before the French revolution. Sensing the tension rising in Europe that would later culminate in the French Revolution the Delacour family left, renouncing their nobility and starting a new life in the flourishing city of New York in the recently formed United States. The Delacours expanded their endeavours into trading, using what contacts they had through Europe and with the bloodlines to import luxury goods into the United States, primarily silks and other textiles. Their tiny business would explode before they knew it, expanding into other luxury goods and, more importantly, fashion, which would dictate the Delacour’s economic focus for over a century and a half onwards.
Parts of the bloodline would spread outwards into the rest of North America, such as the west coast and Canada, but the heart of the Delacour bloodline has been based in New York ever since. They remain a modest family among the bloodlines, neither the strongest nor the frailest, although show surprising cunning when needed. They are known for their love of culture and history, and sometimes for preferring style over practicality. Among the bloodlines they are known for producing fine Asylums who embrace their roles as peacekeepers fully, even if their surprising faith in A.M.R.O. is somewhat questionable.
Key Members:
Edmund Mortimer Delacour: Patriarch of the Delacour bloodline, Edmund is a dour and stern individual, a great contrast to most of his bloodline. He cares deeply for his family and his bloodline although rarely shows it, instead keeping a formal, business-minded attitude that makes him seem cold and distant. Edmund is wise, if perhaps sometimes too harsh, and has managed to keep the bloodline stable under his guidance for nearly half a century. However, illness has left the man bedridden for years, and he is exceedingly aware of how limited his time is. While manageable it is incurable, and most day to day management of the Delacour bloodline has been left to his wife and son, and Edmund himself is rarely seen in public outside of the most important gatherings of the bloodlines.
Alistair Florence Delacour Sr: The son of the Delacour’s patriarch, Alistair has taken most of the weight of running the bloodline in his father’s stead. Alistair could not be more different than his father; bright, cheerful, and eccentric, the man is rarely seen without a smile on his face. Despite his whimsical nature he approaches the affairs of the bloodline with the same seriousness that any patriarch should, and is primarily concerned with organising the businesses that provide the Delacours with their wealth.
Delilah Lillian Delacour: Wife of Edmund, Delilah is the warmer and more comforting of the two, and despite their perceived differences they love each other deeply. Along with her son Alistair she is left in charge of most of the Bloodline, focusing on diplomacy and teamwork with the other bloodlines, and despite being in her early seventies she is still a remarkably spritely and refined woman.
Related Members: Cassandra Ophelia Delacour: Prodigy of the Delacour bloodline, Cassandra dedicated herself to becoming an A.M.R.O. Asylum from a young age, and despite no longer being an official member of the bloodline, they are still proud of the surprising progress she has made in the organisation despite her young age. In her childhood she was a close friend of Alistair Jr despite their age difference, and treated each other more as siblings than cousins. She, along with her partner Asylum Margo, are usually first on call whenever there is cooperation between the Delacours and AMRO.
Alistair Julius Delacour Jr: Needs no introduction.
Industrial Focus: Loose focus on accounting and investments, though this is not by any means the occupation of all members. A diverse workforce is the best way to ensure financial stability.
History: A small Russian shtetl gave rise to two alchemists in the 1700s. This pair was lucky, for instead of killing them, AMRO "requested" their help. Scarred by their experiences in this matter, and with a bond from going through things together, the pair eventually married, giving rise to the Krichilsky line. By the late 1800s/early 1900s when things were growing difficult for the Jews in Russia, the entire village was part of the "family" -- if not relations, then trusted friends.
Enlisting the help of the Delacours, they emigrated en masse to America, settling in the New York area at first. Overcoming initial difficulties, the family grew and prospered, with branches settling in other areas in the eastern and midwestern states.
Their relationship with AMRO is strained, with most of the members of the family disliking being used as a ruthless police force, but it is necessary to keep themselves safe.
They are seen as the least pure of the bloodlines, as often a cousin will become the next head instead of a direct descendant of the previous head.
Key Members (i.e. patriarch/matriarch, second in command, spouse of patriarch/matriarch, heirs) please put an * to indicate who will be attending the meeting. Each family is encouraged to bring at least the patriarch/matriarch, their spouse and heir, so that’s 3 people with x number of bodyguards. The max number of people in your entourage (including bodyguards) should be 10.
*Amuné - matriarch, Seer *Emet - husband, lie detector *Maxwell - eldest son (25), med student Evelyn - middle daughter (20), truth teller, recently invested as heir Sarah - (19) younger daughter
Isaac (?)- a trusted advisor to the leaders
*Zoe - triplet *Zachary - triplet Zane - back home with the others
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Maxwell Krichilsky 25 undergraduate med student A compassionate young man with no real gift for alchemy outside of his skill with healing. He dotes upon his younger siblings and cousins, and was always patching up skinned knees and hurt feelings. There is a gap of several years between him and his younger sisters. He has wanted to be a doctor since middle school, and relentlessly pursued that dream. He met Anya Legende in college, and recognized her surname as being that of another Bloodline family. He was intrigued, never having had an opportunity to travel away from home with his studies, and the pair hit it off. Her sharp wit and exotic beauty made her irresistible, despite the rumors he’d heard about her family. Max fell for Anya pretty fast, though it was a while before he worked up enough nerve to ask her out.
Amuné Ris Krichilsky 62 Her mother was very distant cousin of the previous Krichilsky patriarch, and the woman married the son of a converted rogue. At first the girl had difficulty controlling her alchemical abilities, but she has learned to keep them in check. Her level head and talent for organization lead to her becoming a prime candidate for the governing council. She married the eldest child of the previous head of the council to smooth things over when she was picked by the previous patriarch to be leader of the family when he stepped down due to deteriorating health. Fertility issues lead to her not having a child until a couple years later.
Emet Krichilsky 66 Eldest son of Emil Krichilsky, the previous head. While he has the truth-telling ability that is prized by the family, he falls short of being leadership material because he tends to have a narrow focus and more idealism than is desired. Still, he is a valued member of the governing council, and helps provide a balance to his wife’s at times ruthless pragmatism. He had quietly admired her spirit for quite a number of years prior to their marriage, though he regrets not having the right mindset to be a proper leader himself.
Zoe, Zane, and Zachary Mollem 24 Matched triplets with dark brown hair and light brown, nearly golden eyes. The trio surged early, and were found by rogue alchemists. All three are plant alchemists, able to use their skills to inflict a variety of effects upon targets. The most powerful is a total KO. The rogue group that picked them up was not particularly kind, only wanting use of the trio’s powers and not caring about their well-being. When the Krichilskys eliminated the rogues and found children being coerced into helping them, the three were not only spared but taken in. Where the rogues saw only tools, Emet Krichilsky saw children in need of guidance -- and Amuné saw potential. The pair treated the Mollems like part of the family, and after some false starts the youngsters grew into their new position, idolizing their rescuers and the people that gave them a real home. The result is a trio of fanatically loyal elite bodyguards.
EDIT: and as a note, my team and "Zoe" will probably meet up with the main gang around when the Vile explodes. Just to give a timeframe.
The Name: Legende. The Region: Established in the Caribbean, among its 28 island nations and 7,000 individual islands. The majority of employees and servants are indigenous. The Crest: A black flag with a large red blood drop, over which a black cross, a formation of skulls and snakes, and five candles rest. The Industrial Focus: Human Physiology and Anatomy (Medical Virology and Pharmaceutical Research). The Secrets: For GMs only.
The History: It began with an oath - the doctor's oath. The Legendes have long been a line of hard working doctors and courageous medics, especially in various wars on the distant fronts. In 1702, an especially successful (and alchemic) doctor found time to trace his roots back to his homeland in the Caribbean - he sought answers for his power's origin, and craved more of it. He soon found others like him - hiding under the veil of mythos and religions. For a decade, his growing family struggled to heal the land and allay the people's ailments, their reputation spreading as their clan grew.
But then 'rogue' attacks became more frequent. It became apparent to the Legendes that enemies of their faith (the Loa) sought to destroy them. So reluctantly, they made war to these rogues, and the fighting escalated. It was around this time that an unknown entity or group was pulling the strings behind the curtain - the AMRO.
From the get-go, the family resisted the AMRO's influence along with other families in the Caribbean. To them, it was simply just a more organized, more trained group of rogues trying to conquer lands and trade routes. But over time, war became a disgusting, but trivial chore - and peace was sought. It was only under a tense negotiation that the Legendes and the AMRO began to work together, the former paying allegiance and knowledge while the latter protected them from outer threats. It was also explained to them just what really powered their miracles - alchemy. And that their carnal knowledge of the human body fueled it. This step in history also set a pretense for other families in the area, and soon after, they all followed the AMRO's rules.
So it began - the doctors' rise to power and knowledge. From 1715 and onward, the Legendes kept to themselves, putting on false fronts for the ungifted humans that populated the land. On one hand, they were doctors fulfilling their oaths with tremendous success. On the other, they were alchemists seeking to unlock the power of the human body and how it reacted to external forces, especially alchemy. For the next few centuries, the Legendes and other Caribbean families worked together across the ocean waves and islands, slowly building themselves up as a powerful corporation that focused on human physiology and alchemy-inspired pharmaceutical applications.
However, it would soon become a pattern that the Legendes seemed to be the shadiest bloodline among many - with allegedly being tasked to dispose of human bodies, run tests, and research (illegally under the normal human laws), it was not hard for suspicions and allegations to rise and fall throughout the decades. Yet nothing was ever proven, only surmised.
Another problem cropped up. A rift began to separate those in the corporation who merely wanted good business and money, and those who were driven to find out more about the human body at all costs. The former couldn't stand how their alchemy was performed and the latter felt this was a great disrespect to their ancestors. Thus began the divide - and eventual elimination - of Caribbean families. Only the Legendes spearheaded the effort to create a union between different-minded folks, thus arrived the title of Undertaker - the one who delves into the madness and brought back practical fruits for research. And the Patriarch, who managed the business end of the whole operation. Not all families were on board, and some even left for greener pastures. The others, however, fought for control and resorted to violence.
It was only a few months before others realized that the Legendes could not be stopped, for despite their passivity, it seemed this scenario had long been plotted out. One way or another, whether through broken pride, blackmail, or assassination (nobody really knows), those who went against the Legendes had to give up their positions in the company. Thus began the Legendes' reputation as an usurping pawn and untrustworthy bunch.
In 1950, Zidane was born, and his legacy is one of redemption, and a most lonely path. He grew up learning the truth about his family and he sought to correct it - to clean the black stains that discolors his family's escutcheon. Only his father admired his commitment to honor and justice, and soon Zidane himself became a wedge, further dividing those in his family who wanted more power but feared losing it, and those who sought to make things right. (See Zidane's entry below, his Details).
Nowadays, the Legendes' controversies continue to span the board;
Zidane's decision to include medical virology into his company's focus;
His long lost son, John, coming home and taking everyone by storm;
His daughter Anya's second love, 'a Jewish fiance this time.';
And a most strange, mind-boggling criminal case, one that reeks of treason: the murder of an asylum team by Zidane's hands.
Clearly, being a Legende is not a popular life.
The Key Members
Zidane Legende
"In war, not everyone is a soldier." -Regarding accusations of his murdering in Africa.
Description: Age 65. 18th Patriarch and 3rd Undertaker of the Legende bloodline. Doctor.
It is not generally known that leprosy ails his body, but he is often seen wrapped in cotton bandages, over which white garments shroud his features. One might guess. He also moves around in a wheelchair, which is usually pushed by someone; however, it has its own 10-hour motor. Despite his ailments, Zidane is a formidable opponent - nobody who has ever fought him directly has survived unscathed. He is also a complicated man of quiet dialogue and contemplation, his mind full of vague mysteries and weird mood swings; his attention never strays from his work, but his family and employees note that his hobbies and personal interests change with every passing week. As a father, he is full of love and patience, taking care of his own, and always pushing them to greater heights; however, Anya and John are the two apples of his eyes, and he is grateful that the two seldom bicker, let alone clash with each other for power.
His weapon of choice is a wooden cane, engraved with metallic symbols; an oval crystal is fashioned securely at one end. He considers alchemy to be a gift from the Loa (divine beings of Africa and Caribbean) and that the rest of humanity are lost souls in need of discipline and grace. Additionally, he resonates strongly with Damballa (father of the Loa and god of creativity and sexuality) and believes he gives himself over to him when he uses alchemy; in other words, that the god indwells Zidane's body . . .
A glimpse into Zidnae's life . . .
Age 15: Zidane is arranged-married to Bonnie Macrath, a Scottish alchemist from a bloodline based in Edinburgh. His older brothers are sent to serve AMRO as asylums, but he takes care of his younger brothers with love and discernment.
Age 19: A son is born between him and Bonnie. For reasons unknown, she soon leaves without a trace. Her body is found a year later. The son is presumed dead. The AMRO investigates this case, suspecting that Zidane arranged for his wife to be murdered. Nothing conclusive is found.
Age 21: Zidane is selected to take over his father's business and inherits the Undertaker title, a feat not easily achieved, for many have been heirs and patriarchs, but not all have become the Undertaker. He commits himself to his work for 2 decades, siring children out of wedlock; those with alchemy were given over to the AMRO, while ungifted children were sent away with their mothers with a nice inheritance. A few months into this 20 year long embarkment, Zidane's extended family moves out of the Caribbean, having no faith in his ability to manage things. His father stays behind, choosing to spend his last days helping his son understand the Undertaker title.
Age 41: Zidane personally saves Rachelle Imbry and her sisters from a rogue attack. The Imbry bloodline is ended. He marries Rachelle a month later after she becomes pregnant with his child. The AMRO investigates the possibility that Zidane orchestrated this event so that his family could be the sole bloodline in charge of the Caribbean. Nothing conclusive is found, but Zidane is warned to not cause strife.
Age 45: After giving birth to 3 more daughters, including Anya, Rachelle dies from an unknown illness. It is also at this time that Zidane comprehends the truth of Undertaker. He is also diagnosed with leprosy, a fact he keeps secret from everyone but his doctor. He decides to keep Anya, but her 3 older sisters are given over to the AMRO, who again investigates his wife's death and speculated that Zidane used her for medical research. He is warned once again to not waste precious resources such as child-bearing wives.
Age 49: His business is now successful on a global scale. Medical schools are being opened in the Caribbean. He spends more time with 4 y/o Anya. The AMRO pressures him to sire more children, but also praises him for giving them the highest of his miraculous quality medicine and fruitful knowledge, whilst keeping the normal human leaders involved with second-best results.
Age 50: Zidane marries Nadine Renzaho, an African alchemist from a bloodline based in Rwanda. The AMRO investigates Zidane's presence in the bloody African wars. Despite proof that he was only killing rogues, he is suspected of also killing bloodline alchemists. Nothing conclusive is found. 5 y/o Anya begins her alchemy training under her father's appointed tutors.
Age 56: Nadine is killed while visiting her homeland, leaving Zidane with 11 y/o Anya and 8 other daughters, 5 of whom are given over to the AMRO. During his grief, Zidane notices Anya trying to take on more responsibility. He watches her excel academically, passing through entire grades, all while also insisting to her nannies that she will help take care of her younger sisters. Seeing his past in Anya, he decides that Anya should not be burdened with the title of Undertaker. He starts using his connections to set up an arranged marriage so she can be happy and free.
It is also during this time that Zidane meets Mr. G. Knots in Scotland, and later Wylie John Macrath, to discuss a possible business deal for medicine and supplies. After much discussion, Zidane is extremely impressed with Wylie's tight control over rogues and alchemy crimes, all while meeting the superfluous demands of the patriarchs in charge of the territories. Mr. Knots assumes the role of liaison between the two men, both of whom are unaware of the fact that they are father and son.
Age 61: Zidane attempts to wed off (a very pissed off) 16 y/o Anya to a wealthy 32yo Chinese alchemist named Jute Guo, who owned an extensive chain of underground safe-houses for asylums operating in the Beijing area. But then tragedy struck, the day of the wedding. Once again, the AMRO investigated, much at the pleas of the opposing family. Nothing, once again, was conclusive, but Anya's fleeing home soon after not only aroused suspicion, but crushed his heart.
Age 63: Zidane is pleased to hear that Anya is doing well in her travels. He learns of Maxwell, and their situation; a development he had not expected, but happily welcomes. While not pressing her to come home, he asks Anya and Maxwell to escort a couple of men from Scotland to their home. It is during this time that accusations once again rise from other bloodlines regarding the Legendes, and John actually being Zidane's son brought things to a head. However, the long lost son proved himself more than capable of proving his lineage and quelling everyone's concerns and mud-slinging.
Age 65: Zidane feels at peace, for his daughter had finally come home. Arrangements are made for both her and John to operate the business, in a way that makes them both comfortable. Just like with his father before him, Zidane instructs John in the Undertaker title while leaving Anya to try her hand at business. It could not have been a better partnership, and he feels that he can now finally die in peace, when his time comes.
Deceased Nadine Legende: Age 29. Zidane's third wife. Married for 6 years. Maiden name, Renzaho. Rachelle Legende: Age 40. Zidane's second wife, Anya's mother. Married for 4 years. Maiden name, Imbry. Bonnie Legende: Age 18. Zidane's first wife, John's mother. Married for 4 years. Maiden name, Macrath. * Extended and immediate family information classified.
John Legende
"So was your father's condom." -To his stepfather, upon being called a failure.
Description: Age 42. Firstborn. Second in command. Joint partnership with Anya Legende. 4th (and current) Undertaker of the Legendes.
Wylie John Macrath (April 14th 1973), better known now by his business name John Legende, is a licensed attorney, notorious entrepreneur, and a strategic-class rogue killer known as "Glide Storm" according to the AMRO's information database. Like his real father, John is dangerous when roused, except rather than in direct combat, the rogue killer has his ways of indirectly destroying his opponents and foes. His life is proof that rogues in Scotland find it financially hard to thrive, let alone do as they please. He is extremely skilled at walking into poor, suburban areas in need of funding and leaving it a bustling niche for both business and home owners; a feat that quite often means a profitable turnout, not only for the bloodlines who tolerate his work, but for the AMRO that wishes to crack down on rogues.
John never truly fit into the Macrath family, being seen as a black sheep than an actual person. They reveled in open conflict, and coupled with drunken brashness and ceaseless debauchery, he was ashamed to call them 'family'. At a young age, he emancipated himself and never looked back. He began to work the streets, slipping into gangs and looking for rogue alchemists. It was a pastime that he greatly enjoyed, among his other pursuits, which was making money and sticking the law to criminals. For him, the AMRO were no difference than the detectives working in vice and homicide - he was their informant on all things local and they looked the other way, especially when rogues dared to trespass onto his family (and other bloodlines') properties.
His life took a turn for the worse when his wife was killed by rogues - skinned alive, in fact, as he was forced to watch. From that day forward, the use of the courtroom became a tool for propping up a murder, as John no longer considered the law to be good enough. It was a twist in his case that the AMRO saw coming, as there are many like the eponymous 'John' who took things to a personal, vengeful level.
But when his story transitioned him into a long lost son thought to be dead, the AMRO looked into his life even closer.
Having grown up in a different culture, different world... few seriously consider the fact that he is related by blood to the Zidane Legende. But John proved it, just as he did with most things that come to complicate his life. Yet people still don't believe him because he's so different than the rest of the those in the family, both in manner and appearance. The irony of being a white son with a black father is neither lost on him, nor his father; for while the rest of the world (including the AMRO) segregate themselves mentally, they accept the truth that humanity is all shades of the color brown.
John disdains 'weapons of choice', as he prefers to use anything at hand to his advantage. He has had to be incredibly resourceful, both on the streets and the courtroom, in order to survive, let alone thrive. Regarding alchemy, he doesn't share his father's religious interpretation of alchemy being a gift from God, but he respects the dedication behind such a resolve. His personal choice of alchemy is classified, but rumors abound about how awful it is behold.
Deceased Elizabelle Macrath: Age 31. John's wife. Maiden name is Brooks. * Remaining family unknown.
Mr. 'Julian' G. Knots
"Humanity has a marvelous faculty of either dying or adapting to circumstances." -In mid alchemic cast, to an assassin begging for mercy.
Description: First name unknown. Age unknown. Butler & Close Protection Officer. John's right-hand man.
He worked directly for John Legende before being assigned to the patriarch for 24/7 hour care and protection. Just as with the son, Mr. Knots rarely leaves Zidane's side and sees to his every request. He does not speak often, but in stark contrast to the company he keeps, he has quite a cheery, enthusiastic personality, tempered by discipline and knowing his place. Nothing seems to bother him, nothing seems to surprise him; the man is quite the stoic servant.
However, in full-on battles to the death, Mr. Knots takes no chances and will treat small, naive child soldiers the same way he would handle old, bones-aching veterans. He will either kill or be killed, hence he rarely battles of his own accord without consent from his masters. It is for this reason that he seeks to strike a balance in less-than-lethal encounters, which often leaves their enemies armless afterwards.
His weapons of choice are his bare hands, preferably his right; his alchemy, however, is as diverse as it is strange.
Deceased Julian Campbell: Age 25. Mr. Knots' assistant. * Remaining family unknown.
Anya Legende
"I know of only one duty, and that is to love." -To an asylum questioning her heirship.
Description: Age 20. Daughter. Heir. Joint partnership with John Legende.
Anya is fairly quiet and contemplative in polite company. She is sweet and kind, neither going out of her way to smother someone, nor neglecting them. Everyone must be loved at least once a day, after all. When she's not consoling her father or helping her older half brother, she is often alone, lost in her daydreams. But she's no slacker; she is highly committed to academic excellence and knowing everything she must in order to run the family business. With John's presence however, she no longer feels such a heavy burden on her shoulders and treasures the time she has for little things, like romance and fun. She still looks after her younger sisters when she can, however most of them are engaged with their own projects and pursuits.
At the tender age of 16, she was still arranged to wed an older man (Jute Guo) from a well-to-do family from the Far East while her father toiled to solve his company's problems. It had been her father's hope she'd understand him someday. However, that marriage was not to be; the groom died of a heart attack on the day of the wedding, right in front of her. Before she retrieved John from Scotland, her father had been dispirited from ever having a male son to carry on his mantle. As much as she loves her father, she resents the fact that she could not take the lead; she never knew her mother, and her father and relatives were all she had. Even four years later, Anya still seeks real answers for why that happened to Mr. Guo. Being useless at home and feeling contempt from all sides, she left to travel alone, much to her father's protests. She kept in contact with him, but remained adamant that she would not come home until she was at peace with her soul.
During her travels abroad, she met Maxwell Krichilsky in American States; a place that she had never been to before, only read about it in books or seen in programs on TV. The two alchemists hit it off right quick, but romance would be pursued later, for Max's interest in becoming a doctor captivated his attention. She found his way with words and numbers fascinating.
When her departure drew nigh, Anya felt compelled to make a connection for him, so as to take him with her and keep him close. Her father approved of the idea instantly, if it meant his daughter would return home. His heart swelled when he laid eyes on his daughter's eyes, for they were full of love and compassion for Max.
Like her father, Anya considers alchemy to be a gift from the Loa and her aspect to be of Erzulie (goddess of love, compassion, and loneliness). She views most humans to be in her charge and care. As for the AMRO, she doesn't know enough quite yet to make a real judgment on them, but she wrestles with the fact that alchemy must be hidden and secret, plus the fact that her father and brother bows to them so easily disturbs her.
Name of Bloodline: Adesolas (Meaning: The Crown has honored us)
Region: Central Africa
Crest:
Industrial Focus: Farming, specifically within Central Africa, ranging across various countries.
History: The origin of the Adesolas was one of survival and oppression. This family was a tattered group of scavengers forever locked in a losing battle against opposing tribes and slavers. It is during this trying time, an outcast happened to unintentionally trespass upon the Adesolas, being captured that very instant. It had been a time bound tradition for the Adesolas to sacrifice prisoners to their Gods, however before the ritual could take place the tribe came under heavy siege. The annihilation of the tribe seemed inevitable, however as circumstance would have it the very prisoner they sought to sacrifice became their salvation. The outcast easily overwhelmed the opposition, somehow bending the will of the wildlife and with claws and fangs assuring the clan’s survival.
Performing such marvel the man was immediately heralded as their king, marrying the chief’s daughter to sanctify his ascension. A brief time of peace followed where the clan enjoyed their fleeting prosperity, however word of their power travelled across Africa and with it dread. To combat the rise of the Adesolas several tribes united and assaulted the clan, their sheer numbers wrought havoc upon the clan. Despite a valiant display the clan members began to fall, one after the other, there was only so much they could do without their king. It was an act of betrayal by the Chief’s brother, who consumed by jealousy, assassinated their king in his sleep, mere hours before the onslaught. However the clan did not fall, due to the selfless sacrifice of countless; the pregnant queen managed to escape along with a few soldiers and the tribe’s young children. The bloodline’s origin takes place when the Queen’s triplets grow of age with each, inheriting alchemy and with it assuring the clan’s survival.
It is during this endeavor A.M.R.O enlisted the clan and in return promised prosperity beyond their imagination. Once the deed had been done, the clan began to grow in power and size, with alchemists being born in each generation. Soon enough the Adesola’s grew to have a strong influence within Africa, however by choice they refused to empower themselves financially. Their fortune came from the multiple farm lands they occupied, however much of it was offered back to improve Africa’s condition. “To protect one’s own”, this became the motto of the tribe and as such they cherished their people and held every outsider in contempt, the only exception being A.M.R.O to whom the family has remained steadfast and loyal.
Key members:
Matriarch:
Amaka Adesola:
Like the meaning of her name, she is noble both in her cause and her loyalty to A.M.R.O. She treats all members of her bloodline as family, even the rogues who have pledged their loyalty. However the woman is highly vindictive to outsiders and has a strong distrust towards other bloodlines, especially after the murders within her clan. Like her ancestors she is proficient with alchemy that lets her control animals. Her age is 45 and her husband died several years ago, she has refused to marry again in respect to him.
Heir
Name: Folami Adesola
Appearance: Folami is not like her mother. She realizes that the Adesolas family cannot survive if they are forever pushing away and being suspicious of outsiders. She is convinced that the only reason they have survived is that the other families are idiots. Unfortunately, her efforts to convince her mother to open up a tad have been ruined by the recent murders. She is patient, however, willing to wait and watch for the right opportunity to talk and convince her mother again.
Short, sweet and condensed due to being busy. But hey, I got a post up! My CS should be up in the next day or two. It's getting filled out now so it's not a blank sheet anymore
Name of Bloodline: Queen Anne (They rarely reveal this name to the public and go by several Aliases)
Region: They are a regionless bloodline. While they lack a strong influence in any specific region they tend to have minute influence in a multitude of regions.
Crest:
Industrial Focus: Shipping freights. (However they have a habit of delving into the industries of their rivals)
History: They history of Queen Anne dates back to the notorious Black beard aka Edward Teach, the first patriarch. While history declared him dead in 1718, he lived well past that fabricated ruse. The reality of Blackbeard is known but to a select few; that he was in fact a fearsome alchemist and wanted not only by the British Navy but also by AMRO. It didn't take long for it to dawn upon him, the world of piracy was fading and a life of a wanted rogue was a pitiful existence and a curse upon the cherished.
Blackbeard was renowned for inflicting fear into the hearts of his enemies; this had little to do with mortal aesthetics but the fact that Teach was adept in crafting illusions. By utilizing his craft Blackbeard successfully managed to fake his own demise, fooling the Royal Army as well as A.M.R.O for a fleeting moment of peace.
It didn't take long for Edward to settle down in the Caribbean and start another family, marrying an Alchemist like himself and starting a family under the name of 'Q.Anne', all the while missing the thrill of bloodshed. The opportunity which he had yearned for soon enough presented itself, A.M.R.O tracked down the pirate however a complication resulted in them recruiting the Queen Annes for the 'event' and in exchange offering them leniency in the future.
This began their rise to prominence along with other Bloodlines; however the taste for thrill and deceit remained a consistent factor among the descendants of Edward Teach. No amount of illegality and debauchery could quench this thirst, treasure without struggle bought them little amusement. Near the 1800s the Queen Anne began interfering with other Bloodlines, they began not only invading their territories but also their industries, proving to be a trend that has continued to exist to this day. Their continued existence is testament to their guile; their deeds of sabotage always carefully concealed, the bloodshed conveniently blamed onto bystanders and the treaties forged but a camouflage.
Key Members
Patriarch:
Name: Henry
For the most part, the Patriarch of Queen Anne seems like a genial, jolly fellow. He's always smiling, always laughing, and always smoking. He, oddly enough for a pirate, always seems to be willing to go with the flow and doesn't seem intent upon stirring up trouble with the other families. In fact he claims he wants nothing but to work with the other families.
Yet somehow, their shipments still often get set upon by surprisingly efficient, well trained, and ruthless pirates. The recent murders haven't seemed to affected him, as he still appears his jolly self, but there are rumors of more and more Rogues, knaves, and mercenaries being hired by the Queen Annes.
Note: his left hand is removable. It can be replaced with a hook or a gun.
Second Heir:
Name: Apate Queen Anne(First name from Greek deity of deceit and fraud
Appearance: Two years older than her brother, Apate has always been quite a handful for the Matriarch even before the duo started to tag team. With lies being her native language and mischief composing the very essence of her being, very little has changed now that she is entering her adult years besides being more sly with her methodology.
Second Heir
Name: Dolos Queen Anne (His first name is taken from the Greek spirit of guile and trickery)
Appearance: The birth of Dolos is an event that is often discussed at parties and as a matter of fact is what gave him his name. When he was conceived there was a brief period where he wouldn’t breathe, petrifying the entire family. However just when things appeared to be dismal the baby began to move and breathe, the doctors testifying to his perfect health. It is from this very event that his mother realized what a mischievous child had been born to her and lovingly named him Dolos, after the Greek spirit of guile. In this case the Matriarch’s intuition was spot on and Dolos grew to be a conniving 16 year old boy, always plotting things greater than life would allow and forever locked in an endless duel of wits and pranks with his older sister.
The Queen Anne siblings are renowned as being a fearsome duo who very few have ever managed to subdue. Their success in thwarting enemies and competition is credited to their guile and improvisation rather than sheer strength and talent.
There you have it, the second Bloodline is up =D This one will be shared by Rtron, Ryvvy, Kirra and me. Guys get your characters up soon.
Region: They possess no influence in any region, instead they reside within one of A.M.R.O's HQ
Crest:
Industrial Focus: None, they are purely dedicated to research and development of alchemic knowledge. As such they are dependent on A.M.R.O for finances and share the results as part of a treaty.
History: While the Steins always kept themselves distant from others they were not always dependant on A.M.R.O for abode and finance. After the Bloodline's inception they quickly rose to fame and prosperity within the Alchemic world for their research and findings, even A.M.R.O showed a vested interest in the work of the Steins.
For the Stein's it wasn't a mere craving but an obsession, each complex alchemic equation presented would soon be solved and an even harder one desired. It is this thirst that lured the Bloodline to explore forbidden arts, dark alchemy the knowledge of which was purged by A.M.R.O in the days of old.
Their greatest obsession of all was quite possibly the desire to destroy God, they wished to prove man could ascend to Godhood if he could create life, this began the Frankenstein Project. So they delved into dark archaic arts and this began a brutal tale of horror within London where the family once called home. Children would disappear, graves were robbed, organs stolen from living victims all in the pursuit of resurrection and manipulation of life itself, a taboo above taboos.
It is this madness that ultimately brought A.M.R.O's hounds upon them, once the truth was uncovered most of the Bloodline was eradicated, all except the heirs, and their research confiscated. To this day it puzzles the mind as to why A.M.R.O did not annihilate the Bloodline completely despite doing the same to other Bloodlines for far lesser reasons. This led to the rumor that the Stein's had in fact succeeded in their madness and A.M.R.O had sought an interest in it.
----------------------- Key Members
Matriarch
Name: Cassandra Stein
Appearance:
Very little is known about the current Matriarch, aside from the fact she is roughly 48 years old and became the head of the family when she was just 18. In all her time as Matriarch Cassandra has only visited the Meeting of Crests twice before, despite it being mandatory for all Bloodlines. This is no surprise however, the Steins have always been aloof and rarely socialize with other Bloodlines and Casandra is no different.
The only interesting trait known about her is that she has never revealed her face to other outside the family; many speculate this because the woman has experimented on herself. Her personality is stoic and callous when it comes to most Bloodlines, all except the Laveaus whom she severely dislikes.
Cassandra also has multiple charges of experimentation on prisoners of other Bloodlines; however this has never been proven as all victims had their memories altered.
Matriarch's Brother
Name: Williem
Appearance: Willem is considered an odd Stein. Rather than be aloof he is often seen cheerfully talking and mingling with other bloodlines and people. He goes to meetings and parties, creates contracts that will help the Steins, and generally puts a friendly, outgoing face for people to associate with his family.
The fact that wherever he goes people who have met him start to disappear is obviously a coincidence, as is his perpetual habit experimentation with mutation.
Name of Bloodline: Palladinos Region: Italy with the focal point being the Vatican City Crest:
Industrial Focus: Influences within the Catholic Church
History:
Coming from a humble beginnings, the origins of the Palladinos started off with a widowed mother and her two sons living on a farm. The farm and the family affairs was supposed to be passed down to the eldest son as the custom is for most families in the area at the time but instead the son left home to pursue God leaving the younger brother in charge of the farm. It was due to this choice that even to this day that every Palladinos send their first son to get involved in the church in one shape or form while the second son works for the family whether it is being a lowly man working in the stalls or the patriarch's own son becoming the heir.
It was during this time of separation that the two learned about the abilities that they were able to do but instead of calling it alchemy labeled it with the only thing they knew at that point, a blessing from God. The farm flourished with the help of the blessing given to them and the numbers within the family quickly followed suit which was one reason they caught AMRO's attention only after a few generations. Finding out that each party could be mutually beneficial to each other an agreement was formed which provided a steady flow of people joining AMRO as well as the opportunity for the Palladinos to keep the first two sons and traditions as well as not only keep their involvement in church going but furthering their reaches into higher positions to be a subtle guide in the church for AMRO's purposes which also brought in a new source of income to the point that the farm became unneeded which eventually led the formation of the patriarch's homestead.
Conservative in their ways and loyal to AMRO, the Palladinos have better ties with families with similar mindsets and often show their distaste towards families they see as corrupted.
Key Members:
Dante Palladino (35) The fifth child of the former patriarch, Dante was only fifteen when his father died and became his successor due to tradition. As with every generation an older member of the family, which was often an aunt, uncle or older sibling, takes on the role as an adviser. Stefano took on this role and for the first few years took charge of the family affairs until Dante was prepared. During this time he met Francesca and married at the age of 17 which quickly led to their first child.
As long as there isn't the slightest threat of tampering with the truce, Dante is very loyal to AMRO as well as generations in the past. Set in the traditions of his family and the church, Dante holds better relations with the more traditional bloodlines with "proper" trades and businesses. Although passionate towards his beliefs and ideas as his wife, compassion is something he has very little of and only out trying to keep up a businesslike appearance does he hold his tongue.
Francesca Palladino (34) Not too much is known about Francesca prior to meeting Dante but with the rumors that flew around during the first year or two of their marriage within the family, not many people took their time to dig up information of her dull upbringing. Married at the young age of 16 there has been speculation on whether Francesca was getting married out of duty from an arranged marriage or out of blissful young love. Others came to the conclusion that it was to cover up the lustful mistake the young patriarch made seeing how close Irene was born to when she and Dante were married. Nonetheless, Francesca is very loyal to her family and even more so towards her children and isn't a wife that will sit around quietly solely as a figure head and often works alongside her husband to better the Palladino family.
Irene Palladino (18) In terms of importance by birthright, Irene isn't seen as someone of value compared to Luca or even Alfonso. However seeing the great potential the girl had, her father chose her to be Luca's adviser and from a young age has been studying hard both in family affairs and alchemy. Just as Stefano does up until his death, Irene is present for every meeting and affair concerning the patriarch and very little secrets are kept from her. Unlike her parents, Irene has a quieter demeanor such as Stefano and rarely speaks during a meeting. While in public she holds a serious, businesslike demeanor but by the way her siblings treat her and now close she is with them, it is evident that this isn't the norm at home.
Luca Palladino (2) Although the sixth child in the family, Luca is the second brother and by tradition he is the one that will become the next patriarch. Much of his future is planned out for him and great things are expected from the child but only time will tell where things will lead.
Stefano Palladino (52) Dante's uncle and younger brother of the former patriarch, Stefano is Dante's adviser and has been working alongside his nephew even before the death of his father to one day prepare him for the future. He has very close ties with Irene as he worked on teaching her what is needed to become the next adviser. A calm and quiet man, Stefano wasn't a person that would often cause conflict other than being an extra layer of protection for Dante. He was mysteriously killed a year ago and it is suspected that he was murdered.
Other Family Members:
Sonia Palladino (15) A lively girl with a drive to succeed. She spend her life training and preparing for her future with AMRO and joined when she was thirteen and met AJ, her cousin. Although the relationship is a one sided one, she has been working on trying to mend past conflict with AJ and his mother but so far has be unsuccessful.
Alfonso Palladino (15) Following suit with tradition, Alfonso's destiny was with the church and at the age of five left home to prepare for his future. Intermittent contact is made between him and his family but more out of formality than actual kinship although he does have a close relationship with his twin although it is more out of her doing than his own.
Rosella Palladino (13) A quiet, obedient child, Rosella has been working hard just as Sonia did to prepare her life at AMRO knowing that she will be leaving in a few months.
Antonia Palladino (10) Going from the baby sister to just another daughter, Antonia has become more aware recently the cards that have been dealt to her. With her father's constant attention towards her Irene and Luca and her mother needing to care for the baby, Antonia has started to become the jealous older sister and is often trying to steal attention from others. Antonia has started to dabble around in alchemy and shows potential for her future.
Those Attending: *Dante *Francesca *Irene *Luca *Rosella *Antonia *Three bodyguards
Industrial Focus: Premium dolls and antiquities production. (They produce a line of dolls which are regarded as an exceptional work of art by the elites of the world, which is why these dolls and other ambiguous antiquities sell for exorbitant prices)
History: The history of the Laveaus is a tale of oppression and submission, the very first Matriarch of this family was a survivor of the Salem witch trials and the last of her kin. It is no secret that A.M.R.O was in fact behind the slaughter that occurred during the witch hunts and to this day the family has duly offered their subservience with a foul taste in their mouths.
The Salem Witch Trials were a mere ruse to distract the public eye, in reality countless Alchemists were mowed down indiscriminately so as to thin the herd. Devina Laveau was a famous healer within Salem village (Danvers) and soon enough her exploits brought forth the wrath of misguided crusaders. While Devina escaped utilizing her alchemy her mortal parents and siblings were the innocent casualties burned at the stake.
It is during the next thirty years Devina finally settled down with her children and grand children, alchemy all but forgotten along with their roots in the art of witchery. In 1730 A.M.R.O finally managed to track down the Laveaus however, despite the Matriarch’s fears, it was not their termination that the organization sought. Instead A.M.R.O wished for subservience and in exchange leniency would be granted, the alternate however was to watch her second family burn like the first. Swallowing her pride, the Matriarch became a servant to A.M.R.O and in doing so condemned her family to a life of slaves all so as to guarantee their survival.
Nearly a hundred years later, the next generation sought to retake New Orleans and utilizing their Voodoo alchemy played a detrimental role in convincing Napoleon to sell Louisiana to the United States. As recompense Charles Laveau became the acting mayor of New Orleans and from there the family spread their roots throughout Louisiana.
Their relationship with most Bloodlines is of mutual respect, this is mainly because they have actively avoided breaching other territories and have always maintained good faith in terms of upholding treaties. The Steins are the only exception, the relationship between them and the Laveaus has always fluctuated between passive to aggressive violence. Like the Stein’s the Laveaus have also tried to recreate life however each attempt has failed to produce results hence their vendetta against Steins.
Key Members
Matriarch Name: Clair Laveau Age: 54 Appearance:
Clair is a woman who has always upheld tradition and culture and takes great pride in her ancestry and voodoo roots. She has a strong disdain for oppression a trend common among the Laveaus, it is for this reason many opposing Bloodlines believe them to possess rebellious tendencies. She has taken active interests within the Meetings of Crests and has created many treaties among other Bloodlines; Clair has also shown to have a friendly relation with the Queen Anne family. However despite her diplomatic nature, her violent and malicious tendencies have made judging her personality rather ambiguous. Within the last five years alone the Steins and Laveaus have clashed on multiple occasions, she has also shown to issue threats to the Pallindinos, often stating “I will make sure you and your God will burn”.
