[b][u]The Inner-Workings of M.A/I.D[/u][/b] ​ [i]Regina: Guns, bombs, and whacked out martial arts is my specialty. Sephra: Etiquette, house-care, cooking, and child-care - the far more civilized specialty. Regina: Aw, fuck that - wait, who are we referring this information to? Sephra: You started by stating your specialty, so I just followed your cue. Regina: Something's rotten...[/i] [hider=Maidsong Academy] Maidsong Academy Staff (NOTE: This is not every staff member) Additional note, the color legend does not apply here and is only done for contrast. [color=ed1c24] Annie Bakshi (Status=Alive): "Oh, this thing on? Uh! Hi! Glad to meet you! Name is Annette, but just call me Annie. I gave up the stuffy life of a lady-in-waiting to become an experimental mech-pilot cause apparently I had "aptitude" - well we all know how the mech-program went, boom! Outlawed by the reformed Geneva convention a few years ago. Geez, least Shadow manged to get Vindictive up in the shed along with a crew to maintain him. She says he will be useful in the coming years, so yeah, still waiting. In the meantime, I teach all things tech-related due to my families background in the software industry - really wanting to be able to rip and tear across the battlefield in Vindictive again though." Age - 29 Height - 5'3 Weight - 50 KG Race - Indian Ethnic Background - Daughter of First-Generation Immigrants to Australia. Profession - 'Cyber Warfare' instructor Likes - Snakes, mechs, anime, crushing bugs Dislikes- Restriction, hard set rules, alcohol[/color] [color=0054a6] Regina Hicks (Status=Alive): "What up! Once in a life-time opportunity teaching my craft here at this academy that totes' should not exist, but I'm not paid to ask questions. Really owe it to Queeny who acknowledged my talent and got me pardoned of my 'crimes against humanity.' One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter after-all. Eh, well regardless, left that life behind in-favor of a quiet life up here in maple-town (Aka: Canada) teaching cute-girls how to consistently put a seven-six-two five hundred yards down range into some sorry-fuck's gullet. Oh, also being able to tease Seppy is a big plus to the job too." Age - 36 Height - 5'10 Weight - 70 KG Race - Caucasian Ethnic Background - Appalachian-American Profession - Combat instructor at Maidsong Girls Academy Likes - Weapons, 'activism', hunting, camping, food, Seppy. Dislikes - Authority, colleges, pacifists, idleness[/color] [color=ed1c24] Sephra (Status=Alive): "Hello, my name is Sephra and I have been tasked with carrying on the tradition of etiquette within the spirit of feminine being; Which has unfortunately been lost amidst the current trends of 'twerking' 'facebooking' and 'memeing' or whatever the miscreant outsider wearing the skin of a maiden is up to. Additionally, I teach espionage, counter-intelligence, and touch on assassination from time to time. If I may be so bold, I feel as if I have the broadest range of lessons to teach; however, this does mean those, such as Regina, have any less value. Although, I would humbly state that etiquette comes before firearms." Age - ? Height - 5'3 Weight - 45KG Race - Caucasian Ethnic Background - ?? Profession - Etiquette, ethics, and espionage instructor Likes - Tea, dresses, talking Dislikes - Pop-culture, music, television, uncultured 'maidens'[/color] [color=0054a6] [color=8dc73f]Sensei Qiuyue ([@Unparakeet]) "Hello. My name is Qiuyue. But as long as you are under my instruction, you will refer to me as Sensei. I'm going to teach you how to fight with your hands, feet, and melee weapons. How to improvise weapons from your environment, and how to understand tactics and focus in hand to hand combat situations. If any one of you masters the basics of our style to a high proficiency level, and with time to spare, I may have some more powerful techniques that I can teach you... You will have to be tested, however." Age - 32 Height - 4'9 Weight - 50 KG Race - Chinese and Korean Ethnic Background - Daughter of two Second Generation immigrant parents to London, UK. Profession - Martial Arts instructor, also coordinates the student run fencing club and chess club Likes - Discipline, politeness, reading, rich sensory experiences, strategy games like chess and go, hearing the sweet sound of someone begging her for mercy when they realize they have no other viable options left Dislikes- Arrogance, pettiness, materialism, stupidity, quitting, lies[/color] Te'l Juniper "Te'l, pronounced like "tell" is my name. Witch by birth. Exiled from my coven. I teach about the occult and methods to deal with said things." Age - 42 Height - 5'5 Weight - 72 KG Ethnic Background - Eastern European Profession - Counter-Occult instructor Likes - Reading, vodka Dislikes - Too many to list....[/color] [/hider] [hider=M.A/I.D Rankings and Commands] [u]Ranking Structure[/u] The organization of M.A/I.D and how ranks are distributed has been changed countless times throughout history to match with demands of any given time period. For example, during time periods of destabilization within the organization (due to outside or interior events) the command structured was adjusted to be more loose with focus on The Shadow Queen's authority. On the other hand, stable time periods tend to create more democratic multi-layered renditions of the M.A/I.D command structure. Currently M.A/I.D is undergoing a transitional period to a more monarchical-structure due to the Shadow Queen invoking the "Shadow Authority" command. The current ranking structure is divided into two major sections "council" and "operators" which dictates what side of work involved individuals will be in. Operators are concerned with on the ground work, while council invokes policy and diplomatic decisions. -council ranks- Shadow Queen: The highest rank within M.A/I.D that can only be obtained by being born into it. Oddly enough, the method of being "born" is unclear considering the Shadow Queen has never had a "king" of any sort. The Shadow Queen wields absolute authority that is seldom wielded unless the organization is under extreme circumstances. Tribune: Only five Tribune's can exist at any given time and can only be appointed by the Shadow Queen herself. These five vote and determine what edicts the courtier members propose are important and worthy of making a decision on. Although, the Tribune's current purpose is null due to the Shadow Authority command being invoked at the current moment. Courtier: Depending on the time period and stability different amounts of Courtiers exist at any given time. At the most peaceful and stable times around 500 courtiers are given place to debate and propose decisions. During more drastic times the number can shrink down to as little as 50 courtiers (and theoretically even less). Although, at the current moment the Shadow-Court is suspended. Officer: When a courtier is not serving in the Shadow-Court then they are demoted to the rank of Officer. The rank of Officer has several authority levels from one to nine with less and less individuals serving at each rank. Officer's usually occupy their time with making sure edicts are carried out and M.A/I.D is operating at absolute efficiency. Furthermore, officers of level 6-9 might be assigned a Maiden squad to command. -operator ranks- Astre: Despite being the highest operator rank, this rank is stripped of all authority, but is highly revered. Members of the Astre are direct guards of the Shadow Queen and are the most elite M.A/I.D has to offer. Recently, the Astre have been used offensively against various targets of interest. If you know they are coming for you, then you are better off just killing yourself before they reach you. Instructor: Educators of M.A/I.D, regardless of past affiliations, are treated as having more authority than any graduates unless they become council-ranked members. Instructor's seldom are deployed for operations, but it is becoming a growing possibility in the current year. Maiden: This is the brunt of M.A/I.D - these individuals are distributed to notable people all over the world to serve under them. Maiden has a substructure of squads with their own pecking-order of authority. Maiden squads can be assigned to an Officer if they are to be activated for any given reason. Student: The lowest "official" rank of M.A/I.D. that is divided based on the school structure at any given time. Finally, there is an understood rank of no name because it holds no authority in the organization. Commissioned staff members, weapon maintainers, janitorial staff, cooks, and all other things stemming from the outside world fall into this nameless rank. This is to not say that they are not respected, but they are not seen as having a place. [u]Commands[/u] The following is a brief list of "authorities" that the Shadow Queen can invoke. This is not the limit of her authority, but simply an efficient way of giving certain commands with merely a command (nor is it all of the commands - just a choice few of the more dramatic ones). Shadow Authority: This command essentially means that the Shadow Queen is pulling all decision making power to herself and suspending the court for the time being. If this command is invoked, it usually means something is very wrong. Nox: The "Nox" command has never been issued before in the history of M.A/I.D and is only known by the Shadow Queen and Tribunes. This command dictates that all Maiden's are to kill their current Masters, or if a "Nox Modus" command is issued then a certain group of squads will be given this order. Flower: A more abstract command that is understood through much training within M.A/I.D - it has been invoked and it has been carried out, but no-one knows what it did. Suspend: Upon hearing this command Maiden's are to go into hiding for the time being and abandon all duties to their masters until the order is lifted. Regicide: Another command that has never been issued, but it carries a scary implication. This command orders all members of M.A/I.D to seek out and kill the Shadow Queen herself. Why this command would ever be invoked is not known. Hobble: Only ever initiated once during WW2 - this command tells members of M.A/I.D to abandon duties to their master and cripple the infrastructure of the surrounding area. Exodus: This command orders a mass-recall of all members of M.A/I.D to a designated location, or designated locations. Crucifixion: All members of M.A/I.D or set members will kill themselves. [/hider] [hider=Standard Issue Equipment of M.A/I.D and Optional Equipment] M.A/I.D has seen many different versions of their equipment throughout the years. The optional equipment of M.A/I.D resembles that of British SAS with several modifications to maintain their "maid-like" appearance. On the other hand, their day to day "standard issue" equipment resembles everyday housekeeping items with duel purposes. [u]Standard Issue Equipment[/u] M.A/I.D Uniform: This uniform resembles that of the "typical" french maid uniform. It is important to note that the current design is not that of the original modest french-maid uniform and merely resembles it in a black and white pattern along with aesthetic-direction. The first thing to note that the fabric of a M.A/I.D uniform is a weave known as "Steel-Silk." Despite its name, it does not contain steel nor silk, and rather is a artificial fabric made in a tedious and laborious process. The fabric is malleable and grants flexibility while being firm to the touch. Although, this fabric makes the uniform (without any equipment or additions) weigh 15 KG (33 lbs). The added weight grants ballistic-resistant protection and fire-proofing fully around the uniform in equal measures of resistance. Any portion of skin covered by fabric is equally protected. The current weave is graded to resist a 7.62×39mm round and below (barring various unique properties to the round). However, a repeated impact within a two inch radius from a firearm (speaking of a 7.62x39mm) have an approximately 25% chance of puncturing the uniform, and the chance only increases with repeated impact. The M.A/I.D uniforms skirt falls nearly completely to the floor to give a maximum area of protection. The interior of the skirt has optional slots to stow firearms and equipment if additional gear needs to be transported. A M.A/I.D uniform has two accessory pieces of equipment that may or may not be worn - a choker and apron. Both are made of the "Steel-Silk" weave and offer additional protection, but some choose to not wear said additions (or only choose to wear the apron when on cleaning duty). Members of M.A/I.D are falsely believed to wear high-heels - this is not true. Typically, members of M.A/I.D wear black combat boots. Furthermore, all members of M.A/I.D wear gloves, but this piece of equipment will be detailed later. Clot-Sponge: A clot-sponge operates as a normal sponge would (and a damn fine one at that) but when torn and inserted into a wound it can stop bleeding and temporarily bridge arteries to continue blood-flow. This effect is not permanent. Needle-Duster: A feather duster that operates normally until the bottom of the duster is pressed for one-second. This generates a mild electrical current that stimulates strands of the duster and cause them to become erect. These follicles are made of "Steel-Silk" and turns the once harmless duster into a deadly club capable of cleanly spattering through the skull of a man. Some members of M.A/I.D also pluck these fabrics from the Needle-Duster while they are stimulated with electricity and throw them as precise projectiles. The strands stay stimulated for about ten-seconds after the current stops. Tox-Cloth: Polishing cloth that has a duel purpose. It is non-reactive to many materials that need to be polished (Example: cups, windows, and so on) and said materials are safe to handle/use afterwards, but if contacted with human skin it temporally locks up muscles via some classified property. These muscles stay locked for 3 seconds to a full minute depending on the targets physical-fitness, conditioning, and willpower. This item is central to many of the M.A/I.D originated martial arts. M.A/I.D Gloves: Despite the standard name - these gloves have a multitude of purposes. Despite being slender in appearance, each weigh a staggering 2 KG (Approx 5 pounds) (Making the total weight of M.A/I.D members standard uniform shoot up to 19 KG (Approx 41 lbs) which is why members tend to avoid scales while in uniform). The added weight allows for several neat features - these gloves are coated in a classified substance that is nigh-impossible to cut or alter. Therefore, the rare power weapon, which relies on breaking down particles, has no effect on these gloves. These gloves are another key aspect of M.A/I.D martial arts allowing them to grab blades, cover gun barrels with their hands, and so on. Furthermore, M.A/I.D gloves allow them to scale surfaces with some rivets in them, but not enough to climb on (This effect does not apply to smooth walls). Finally, a M.A/I.D has a choice to get these gloves in either white or black. Lance Mop: The most straight forward standard issue item in the M.A.I.D, but arguably the most reliable weapon. These come in two forms - projectile or blade (or sometimes hybrid forms). Blade forms have an extendable bladed tip that can extend from where a mop head would normally be attached. On the other hand, the projectile form loads a magazine of pellet-like ammunition. Using magnetic propulsion, the pellets are propelled up the "mop's" shaft through several other magnets at such a pace that alters the pellet into a state of "energy" which can penetrate most standard-issue armors of the current era. Unfortunately, the recoil and lack of sights makes accurately firing a projectile version of the lance-mop a daunting task. [u]Optional Equipment[/u] Flower: A hair-clip in the design of a rose. These are special gifts given directly from the Shadow-Queen. It seems these items have some sort of unknown effect, but no one knows the exact use of said items. MLMR 5.56/.45: The "Multi-loaded Magnetic Rifle" is a compact bullpup rifle/submachine gun hybrid capable of loading 5.56x45mm and .45 ACP with seamless transition. The rifle utilizes a magnetically charged barrel to further propel bullets at a greater speed. This is coupled with the MLMR's unique bullets which are not the standard bullet/case combination - bullets are contained within an ultra-light plastic shell with minimal gunpowder. Essentially, the gunpowder merely acts as a propellant to get the bullet into the magnetically charged barrel that propels the projectile at super-sonic speeds with nearly no recoil. The advantages of the MLMR are the ultra light ammo, minimal recoil, comparatively quiet sound (Slightly louder than a silenced rifle), and the armor penetration enabled by the super-sonic speeds. These particular advantages make it the ideal weapon for quick operations in an urban environment. The disadvantages are the MLMR only accepts ammunition specifically designed for it, high-velocity grants armor penetration yet the speed in-which the bullet travels usually causes the round to pass directly through the target with minimal internal damage, and the magnetic mechanism is battery powered so the weapon is vulnerable to EMP pulses (The battery lasts for a substantial amount of time and is easily replaced). Furthermore, field-stripping the MLMR is quite complicated and cleaning is a finicky task. If the magnetic barrel loses power, the MLMR is still operable, but to a substantially weaker effect. The weapon loses rapid-fire capability and the velocity of the rounds is cut down by 3/4ths. A unique feature granted in later models of the MLMR (Known as the MLMR-2) is the ability to field-strip and modify the weapon-system to accept conventional ammunition; however, this modification causes the weapon to lose the ability to seamlessly transition between 5.56x45MM and .45 ACP - one ammunition type must be selected. In-conclusion, M.A/I.D utilizes this weapon either in defense of a location, or a blitz operation that will not be an extended deployment. These two uses fit the primary combat use of M.A/I.D which makes the MLMR the preferred battle-rifle of M.A/I.D. Royal-Carapace: A particular rare item of alien origin. It is a small metallic chip that connects to the nape of the neck. With a single thought, the individual is enveloped in skin-tight, flexible, resilient black metal that has very little weight. Extended use of this item can prove fatal considering the item physically exhausts the body, but it makes the user nearly invulnerable to most conventional weapons. M.A/I.D possesses approximately 302 Royal-Carapace chips and an additional 12 chips that are a golden-variant with no (known) additional benefit. Royal-Carapaces can be worn on the neck at all times with no ill-effect. Particularly valuable members of M.A/I.D are gifted a Royal-Carapace directly from the Shadow Queen and are expected to never take them off. If a member wearing the Royal Carapace dies, then it is of the utmost priority to retrieve the chip. [/hider]