[CHAR] Broken Skies: War in the Eversky

[Bazmund]

The Cast

and other minor characters

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Please put your app here, in a hider, when it is accepted. I will also keep a log of active NPCs in this post right here, as much as I can. They'll be given a curtailed app to explain them, and their nature.

Lt. Daniel Hunt

Lt. Daniel Hunt

"The peace will last. I will ensure it."

Name: Lieutenant Daniel Hunt
Age: 24
Race: Human

Appearance:
Tall, standing at 6"3, and lithely built, his body has been strengthened by the rigours of the World Court's intensive peacekeeping force fitness programme. He bears a few scars,
under his shirt - from training exercises mostly, though at least one can be attributed to pirates - but is otherwise pale, with unblemished skin. As you can see, his hair is dark, and his eyes are blue,
and most would describe him as handsome - but he does not often smile. Additionally, he is missing the tip of his left ring finger - an injury from his first skirmish with pirates. But you should've seen the other guy.
Nation of origin: The City of Solace - the World Court.

Personality: Primarily cold and businesslike, Daniel Hunt's devotion to the cause of the World Court is absolutely without question. He reserves a special disdain for the Heavens' Eyes,
and is quick to anger when faced with them, though hesitant to resort to violence. In his time off, he's more relaxed and talkative - and certainly enjoys a good pint, or rum - but still isn't an overtly social individual, and tends to sit and absorb the experience of his friends' interactions rather than participate actively himself. He can easily be made to laugh, when he's not stressed - but he's usually stressed. Overall, good company when he's on your side, and cold and distant when he isn't - and not usually trusting, or quick to make friends, either way.

Biography: Lt. Daniel Hunt was born in Solace, to a fairly well to do middle class family. He was the middle child, and lived a happy and comfortable childhood. It was in this childhood that he came to appreciate the work of the World Court - after all, without them he could never have had such an excellent upbringing, complete with a full education, good healthcare, and complete solidarity with his fellow men. The City of Solace combined the best parts of the Three Nations; the work ethic and industrial capability of the Iron Dominion, the honour and goodwill of the Oakheart Sovereignty, and the passionate incorruptibleness of the Red League's politics. For 17 years, this was his life, and he was happy. He graduated well from school, with a steady boyfriend and an honourable diploma in the scientific arts, and he was ready to go to university too - to the Whiterock College, to study Diplomacy and become a mediator.

Life... was good.

Three years into that diplomacy degree though, his faith in the solidarity between the Three Nations was utterly shattered.

A group of Red League extremists, calling themselves the People's Fist, bombed the city center, killing three hundred innocent people. Their leader made a great speech about the evils of accepting feudalism and fascism, going so far as to denounce the Prime Minister of the Red League herself for accepting the existence of the other two nations. Daniel's boyfriend, a boy named Nathan, was amongst the hostages kept alive as bargaining chips.

Only... it didn't go that way.

The Iron Dominion's embassy had been the secondary target, you see, and although the World Court's peacekeeping forces had been deployed to contain the terrorists and negotiate for the release of the hostages once the People's Fist had holed up there and taken more innocents prisoner... the Iron Dominion took it personally.

Dominion Special Forces, a highly trained group of military specialists, were deployed on the Prime Minister's demand - after the threat of withdrawal from the World Court had been made, they had no choice but to allow it. The issue with this turn of events is that the Iron Commandos had never been trained for rescue missions, as it was the World Court's department. No. They'd been sent in for revenge, and to make examples of the aggressors.

To their credit, both the Red League and the Dominion sent their best physicians and surgeons for the few who survive the embassy incident - and indeed, not a single surviving hostage was allowed to perish of their wounds - but Daniel would never be sure who exactly had killed Nathan. The People's Fist, having been extincted that day, were more than capable of executing their prisoners, and more than willing to as well - but the Iron Commandos are ruthless and unfeeling, so much so that some people suspect they are either constructs of metal, or so heavily drugged with combat stimulants that they cease to be human either way.

But Nathan was dead, and the peace was tense again.

Jane Oakheart, of the Red League, made her official apologies. Apparently the extremists were supposed to have been rounded up and imprisoned a long time ago, but some had slipped through their fingers. The Iron Dominion simply forced a grin and demanded reparations.

And the Oakheart Dominion were silent on the matter.

Daniel Hunt continued his studies as a changed man, and entered military service as soon as he graduated. He was a star in his class, with nobody besting him in negotiations practice - thanks to his degree, no doubt - and only a few surpassing him in the firing range, or the swordsman's pit. He was an excellent tactician too, it seemed, combining the right amount of ruthless will to enforce international law with the right amount of strategic cunning - indeed, it seemed that the only career for him would be as an officer, a leader of men. He would hunt down pirates, and enforce boundaries when border disputes arose, and never would he ever accept that the rules of the World Court were wrong, or to be changed, or incorrect.

But that didn't happen.

In another strange twist of fate, he was instead picked out from the rest upon his graduation, by General Andius Ponta - the World Court's chiefest authority on international relations, and former member of the intelligence council - to become his new aide. Far from leading men, or captaining airships to do away with pirates, and menaces to public safety, he would become this man's assistant in all things. He would be a jumped up organiser, nothing more. There were perks, yes - the pay was good, and it afforded him the ability to travel the world all the same - but... Gods, it was... it was all wrong.

He was outraged.

This was no way for him to protect the Eversky. This was no way for him to make sure that things stayed as they were meant to. This was a sham.

What would Nate think of him now?

The General found him with his fists clenched, and tears in his eyes, on just the third day of the job.

"Lieutenant. What is the meaning of your state today?"

"I am angry, sir."

"Angry at what exactly, Lieutenant?"

"You, sir. For condemning me to a life of servitude rather than a life of duty."

The General sighed.

"Son, you really have no idea what we do in this department, do you?"

As it turned out, Daniel didn't. The International Relations and Intelligence Office (or rather, the IRIO) was an organisation within the World court conducting operations both public and clandestine in every major city in the Eversky, to gather information about possible disturbances before they happened, and thwart them thoroughly. It had been a facet of the World Court's activity since the first day of the Court's operation, but only since the terror attack in which Nathan had been killed had their operations been this massive. According to General Andius Ponta, they had illuminated and destroyed three groups similar to the People's Fist, as well as seven more on a smaller scale, since the fateful day that has pressed Daniel into service. These groups had been identified, investigated, and absolutely dissolved, before they had even a single chance to act.

And now Daniel - Lieutenant Daniel - was all but being groomed to take it over when the General retired.

Of course, that wasn't about to happen - not since the Heaven's Eyes began to take over.

But for three or four good years, Lt. Daniel Hunt fought the good fight in a way he'd never even been creative enough to dream of.

Skills:

• Shrewd Diplomat - A cool talker, when he's in the kind of situation he'd studied to master, Lt. Daniel Hunt is a master of the spoken word. He's stopped wars before, just by talking -although, they were only small wars. If it's a situation where talking might help, his talking is sure to help. Probably.
• A Worldly Man - In part due to his training as an agent of the IRIO, but also due to his personal experiences of traveling the Eversky with the good General, Lt. Daniel Hunt is a man who knows his way around most major ports on the Cloud Sea, and who can at least roughly speak most of the languages native to them. He's by no means able to pass as a native, but he's also unlikely to offend, or draw attention.
• Always a Soldier - His military training has stayed with him. Whilst he's no commando, he's more than a match for most people, be it with gun, sword, or hand. His bad side is not a good bad side to be on, and attacking him is certainly a poor move.
• The IRIO taught me well - He understands spies. He's worked with many. If there is more to someone that at first there seems, he's likely to notice.

Weaknesses:

• Intolerance: Heaven's Eyes - If at any point, you should be simultaneously in the company of this man, and an agent of the Heavens' Eyes, be prepared to separate them. This will, naturally, hamper his ability to blend in when there are Heavens' Eyes agents about - and beyond that, he's likely to start a fight he cannot win.
• The Elaborated Code - Whilst he'll never have trouble communicating with an educated man, he's got some issues getting himself understood to the lower working class. He's not classist,
  but he was raised to speak well, and his university eduation and military training have only made it worse. He can't speak to the poor properly, they don't usually understand him. It's a big point of embarrassment for him, and he's working on it as best he can.
• The Pain that Does Not Fade - Nathan. The memory of Nathan has stayed with him. He's trying to open himself up, find someone new, and move on... but it's hard. It's... very hard.

Equipment:

• The White Standard - A regular, bog standard, Peacekeeper carbine rifle. It's bolt action, and based loosely on the Lee Enfield pattern, but noting fancy.
  
  The White Standard

  
• Peacekeeper's Sidearm - A remarkably unremarkable repeating pistol, based on the same design as the Iron Dominion standard naval sidearm, though lacking in some ways as it is not the original, and was designed by someone else. It is also chambered in a more common but less powerful cartridge.
• Peacekeeper's Sword- A Peacekeeper's short sword, forged in the Oakheart Sovereignty for the World Court's peacekeeping efforts. One of the few instances of a truly quality product being willfully and freely given to the peacekeepers by one of the Big Three.
  
  Peacekeeper's Sword

  

Other: He is decidedly bisexual - though he has only ever been with Nathan.

Additional Characters and NPCs

The IRIO

General Andius Ponta

General Andius Ponta

A stern and businesslike, but progressive and deeply committed leading officer of the IRIO, the World Court's intelligence service - and the most advanced network for the gathering and processing of information to have ever existed in the Eversky. He is also one of the few officers still on the World Court's executive board that has not succumbed to the influence of the Heavens' Eyes, and was one of the first to realise the true threat they present.

It is under his orders that your mission began - and under the supervision of his personal aide and protegé, Lt. Daniel Hunt, that the mission was carried out.

Lucille Bordeaux

Agent 'Lucy' Bordeaux

Lucy Bordeaux, a young and occasionally maverick agent of the IRIO, is just as dedicated to the job as her handling officer, Daniel Hunt. Her loyalty is without question - though that is not to say her methods are equally untouchable. She has a tendency to overcommit to her roles, or to act unpredictably and in ways that defy her initial orders. In her file with the IRIO, she is noted as employing some very extreme tactics in her work - something which could easily be both a huge advantage, and a huge pitfall. However, working more closely with her handler, Lt. Hunt, has given her more stability in recent years, and she is now one of the IRIO's premier field agents.

The Heavens' Eyes

Inquisitor Cunningham

Inquisitor Cunningham

A mysterious and resolute man, Inquisitor Cunningham is one of the most terrifying faces a heretic can come to see - even though his full face has never been seen, much like any Inquisitor. Though the abilities of the Inquisitors are scarcely known, and it can be easily assumed that what we do know is not even nearly the full extent of it, we are aware that Inquisitors are able to sense, amongst other things, the presence of magic, the tells of a liar, the ideation of betraying the Eyes, and heresy. How exactly they do this is largely unknown, but as they must remove their masks - exposing only their eyes, with their mouths and noses covered still - to do so, it can be assumed that their so called extrasensory perception does lie within the realm of humanity, at least roughly. Cunningham, however, takes this even further - through his own fanaticism and zealous devotion to the Eyes, he has become even more powerful than most other Inquisitors, and his history with Lt. Hunt has made him particularly driven to see the doom of this mission.

The Iron Dominion

The Oakheart Sovereignty

The Red League

[vietmyke]

Samuel Thomas

Samuel Lynn Thomas

"Aw blast! I mean- That's supposed to happen!"

---

Name: Samuel Lynn Thomas
Age: 22
Race: Human

Appearance:
Standing in at roughly 5'10" or 178cm, Samuel is a stocky young man with broad shoulders and grime-and-sun stained skin. He weighs in at a solid 200 lbs or 71 kg, and sports the lithe and sinewy build of someone used to manual labor. His dirty blonde hair is kept short and out of the way, and his eyes are a cool grey. He has few scars or marks on his body, though the few he has are typically burn marks or scars found on his arms due to work related accidents. He can often be found in thick, tough, workers clothes of typically muted colors and commonly stained by oil and grime, and his waist is often weighed down by a tool-laden belt.

Nation of origin: The Iron Dominion

Personality:
Headstrong and optimistic, Samuel is the kind of person to talk with his heart, and rarely beats around the bush when it comes to expressing his opinions. Stubborn and independent, but hardworking and earnest, Samuel embodies the idea of an airship grease monkey, and often lets his work ethic speak for him in lieu of conversation. Despite his relative lack of culture and uncouth tendencies, Samuel is far from unintelligent. Samuel posses an uncanny talent for all things mechanical, pneumatic, or similar. He learns fast and has incredible memory recall. A kinesthetic learner by heart, Samuel is inventive yet practical and does best his best when he's in the thick of things, working through problems with his hands. A bit of a tinkerer, Sam often busies himself by fiddling with equipment- be it weapons, engines- anything made of metal really, and rarely likes to sit still for too long.

Biography:
Born to a pair of lower class laborers, Samuel was born with very little and had to fight for everything he's had in life. The middle child of five, there was a motto at the dinner table of the Thomas family: "You eat fast, or you don't eat!". Most of Samuel's childhood was spent in the streets of the Iron Capital, running through the urban slums with his brothers and other Lower children, getting into trouble and causing a general ruckus. Schooling for the lower class children of the Iron Dominion was never a particularly strong priority, and most of what the lower class children learned in their youth was the lessons they learned in the streets- with mathematics, letters and reading being a skill learned at their extremely limited time at school and while they were in their homes after dinner.

Once Samuel turned 14, he joined his brothers in the local factory, while his sisters started working in other smaller cottage industries. In the factories, Samuel worked on airships for the Iron Dominion Navy, and it was here that he discovered his interest with airships. Like his brothers, Samuel kept his head down, worked hard, and worked long often taking on extra hours like his siblings so they could have a modicum of spending money whilst also helping feed their growing family. A bit of a free spirit, Samuel often got in trouble with the factory foreman for doing things that weren't in regulation to Iron Dominion military doctrines, but interventions from his brothers and father often meant Samuel got off with only a few lashings here and there.

When he turned 19, Samuel expressed a desire to leave the city and experience the Eversky. With his family's blessing, Samuel joined the Iron Dominion Navy, and was taken on as a crew mechanic for the DNS Ferrous, a line frigate in the Dominion Navy. Samuel underwent basic training like all military recruits, and found his place in the sky. Despite the strictness of the Navy's regulations and doctrines, Samuel enjoyed his time onboard the DNS Ferrous. The ship's engineering crew were blue collar workers like himself, and the Captain, a lower class citizen that had jumped the his way to the upper rungs of the social ladder appreciated an engineering crew with ingenuity and the ability to make do with that resources they had in the sky. Over the next two years, Samuel learned the inner workings of airships and the all important task of how to keep them afloat- and even snuck in one or two flying lessons from the Captain and pilot of the ship. Writing letters to his family, Samuel was happy to discover that his family had managed to climb the social ladder as well- his father becoming a manager for the factory he had worked at in his childhood, and his eldest brother becoming the foreman.

Towards the end of his two year career in the Navy, the DNS Ferrous made port in the city of Solace, the dominion of the World Court. Instantly taken by the city, Samuel was astounded by the technologically advanced city- having never seen any city as this developed- save his hometown, the Iron Capital. With the permission of his commanding officer, Samuel was honorably discharged from the Iron Dominion Navy, and used his saved up funds to purchase himself a small flat in the city of Solace.

He has since signed on with a new crew- airship mechanics being a common, but important commodity in Solace, and has been working with them for the past year, as their lead engineer. He still writes to his family back home regularly.

Skills:

• Mechanical Prowess - A dedicated and talented grease monkey, few know the inner workings of an airship or can take apart (and usually put back together) a machine like Sam does. Sam also fancies himself a bit of a gun-nut, and knows how to machine and manufacture ammunition for various types of weapons-
  albeit on a much smaller scale than a factory.
• Scrappy - Thick skinned and hardy, while not a dedicated combatant by any means, Sam is no slouch when it comes to a fight, and knows how to throw a punch, and shoot a gun.
• Handyman - Trained by the Dominion Navy in a variety of tasks, Sam is fairly versatile, and is capable of most manual tasks- though doesn't necessary excel at any in particular.
• Natural Pilot - With his natural love of airships, it is only natural that Sam has attempted to pick up flying. Turns out, he's pretty good at it. He's still new to the thing, but has his spurts of goofs and genius.
• Man of the People - Sam gets along well with the lower and working class populations of the world- no matter where you go, some blue-collar tendencies and attitudes just stay the same.

Weaknesses:

• Uncouth - Sam is a blue collar at heart and his personality reflects it. He's blunt, doesn't entirely understand the culture of others, and doesn't lace his words with rosy politicalness. Its not uncommon for him to accidentally offend someone of a stuffier disposition.
• Magically inept - Sam has no talent for the craft, and regards it with suspicion and distrust.
• Hard headed - Stubborn and headstrong, Samuel's habitual bluntness and bull-like stubborness has gotten him into trouble more than once.

Equipment:

• Mechanic's Toolbelt - A thick leather belt that wraps around his waist, it seems to weigh his pants down more than secure them in place. It is filled with all manner of tools and gadgets- some plain, others more fantastical. Used for all manner of repairing, tinkering, breaking, or modifying
• Dominion Navy Sidearm

  
  Though Sam was required to turn in his military provided weapons and equipment when he left the Navy, he 'accidentally' kept his sidearm. The Iron Dominion CS-12 is a rugged, reliable pistol meant for personal defense in close quarters- such as in the confines of an airship. It lacks accuracy at range, but is sturdy enough to be dropped from great heights, thrown in a pool of mud, and still fire.
• Airship Shotgun

  
  A short combat scattergun made to be used in close confines, the airship shotgun, along with handguns are among the most popular weapons onboard an airship. Useful for fending off boarders, and short enough to used in close confines and corridors, the typical airship shotgun has a decent spread, and can cut an unarmored man in half at ranges under 10m, but can still effectively kill or maim at ranges up to 20m. The pellets loaded into these shells are notably less effective against heavily armored soldiers, but can cause serious injury to the lightly armored home-invader or pirate boarder. This particular model is also solid and sturdy enough to be used as a bludgeoning implement, and has a mounting point for a short knife at the front. The internal tubular magazine fits 4 shells.
• Steel Lighter - A simple, flipping steel lighter, this was a gift to Samuel from his oldest brother before he joined the Dominion Navy. It has his initials engraved into the bottom, and the image of a hawk pressed into the side.

[Deadnaut]

Aura Lockheart

Aura Lockheart

"While you draft that treety, I'll keep you safe!"

Name: Aura R. Lockheart
Age: 44
Race: Dryad

Appearance: Aura stands at the diminutive height of 5'2, with a slight frame and a body kissed by the sun. Weighing in at a healthy 140 lbs and with a thin frame, Aura doesn't quite look the part of a sharpshooter. With hair the color of a red maple's leaves and eyes like cool rain, she does at least seem quite the looker, as most dryads do. She is most often found in simple peasant's clothes spun from wool, unimpressive and unflattering, the only exception to this being the weapons about her person.

Nation of origin: Red League

Personality: Aura is carefree, as many Dryads are, despite her professed profession of "Sharpshooter Extrordinaire". She is a jokester, frequently attempting to make a play on words or a pun in order to keep the mood light. She is a hopeless romantic, often speaking of the love stories that have played out beneath her tree (though the veracity of some of these tales is very much in doubt). She is an optimist at heart, often professing belief in the best possible outcome long past when a more reasonable person may've given up. She has great confidence in herself and her friends, and merrily tries to play the part of team morale officer.

Biography: Aura was born in the woods of the Red League, though she knows not to who. Her earliest memory is of herself lying alone on the upper branches of her tree, staring at the sky. She raised herself with little aid from others, though she at least had the pleasure of not going uneducated. A passing hunter in the woods found the little Dryad in her tree, and there he laid camp for thirty days. He was a superstitious man,
and swore that with the blessing of the little Dryad his hunt would go infinitely better. So, in exchange for her 'blessing' (a concept Aura didn't understand at the tender age of eight), the hunter spent his time in camp teaching the little girl to read. When he departed, she though she'd seen the last of him, but the hunter continued to grace the deep woods that Aura called home with his presence. Each time, he brought books and taught her of the world outside, and of the implements he carried.

Aura's true exposure to the culture she would come to know was when she was seventeen, still but a child by the standards of the Dryad but at least a grown one. The hunter stumbled to her tree, bleeding and battered, where Aura found him on death's door. Steeling her resolve, she did as her instincts said and took a clipping from her tree, weaving it into her hair and gently hefting the hunter, straining to carry his bulk. She brought him back to his town, where a doctor treated him. As thanks for her kindness, she was taken in by the villagers as something of a communal daughter, with each teaching her something. From them she learned to hunt, though she was careful never to kill more than she could make use of, she learned to knit and of the world around her.
The young Dryad was made endlessly curious by their tales, of ships that could embrace the sky, of other nations and other peoples. So, driven by these tales, she resolved to see it all. The village sent her away with a bundle of clothes and a hunter's gear, telling her bits of sage wisdom she still endeavors to make use of.

Travelling the Eversky, some heard of a dryad with hair like a dragonkin whose aim seemed unerring, who would work for strangely low prices. It was this reputation, for skill not low prices, that lead to her being on occasion hired by the World Court. They found the young, naive Dryad not only provided security, but showed some ability to aid diplomatic negotiations, even if only by not appearing intimidating. It was this reputation for both diplomacy and mastery of her rifle that lead to her being sought for this newest mission of the World Court, in its hour of desperate need.

Skills:

• Child of Nature: Having grown up in the wilds, along with her innate connection to nature, Aura is a natural survivalist. In nearly any environment, save a desert, she can keep a party alive.
• A Hunter's Aim: Aura is a great shot, able to place a bullet wherever she wants it under most reasonable circumstances. Any target from a deer's lungs to a man's heart, she doesn't miss her mark.
• Nature's Artistry: Aura is something of an accomplished artist, at least in the field of woodcraft and canvas. She can paint a pretty picture to be sure, but she is far better at inscribing it in wood.
• Treety Maker: Aura is something of an amateur diplomat, and often tries to disarm situations.
  However where most diplomats use shrewd political maneuvering, Aura has only an earnest demeanor and a ready smile.

Weaknesses:

• A Child's Naivete: Even with her travels, there is much and more Aura hasn't experienced.
  As a result, she is blind to the culture of many places, and sometimes offends with little gestures she doesn't realize should be offensive, this issue is only compounded by her first nearly twenty years being spent alone.
• A Natural Mistake: Aura is forgiving to a fault, and as a result she finds it hard to cling to a grudge, even those she should keep. She'll be the first to insist against hurting someone for stealing and the last to assume the worst of anyone she meets.
• A Friend to Nature: Aura, as most Dryads do, shares a connection to the environment around her. As such, she cannot bring herself to condone any real harm to it. She will not stand for those who would destroy the land for pure profit or expedience, and can be difficult to hold back when confronted with such a person.

Equipment:

• A Hunter's pack: A backpack filled with a hunter's necessities, a camouflaged net, a skinning knife, animal calls and other assorted pieces of equipment.
• Hunting Rifle
  
  The Weapon's Unengraved Form

  
  
  A reliable weapon whose name and model number Aura never learned, this is the rifle she has carried since she was first taught to use it. She has long since lovingly carved not only her own name, but various depictions of the forest in which she grew, making the weapon very distinctly hers
• A hunter's belt:A simple leather belt which carries spare magazines, a scrimshawer's blade and other eccentricities Aura likes to keep at hand.

Other: N/A(for the moment?)

[13org]

Ekaterine Volkov

Ekaterine Volkov

"How do you expect me to have fun if you keep saying "no casualties"?"

Name: Ekaterine Volkov
Age: 24
Race: Human

Appearance: Yellow eyes, brown, short hair and standing at 1,90m, Ekaterine is a very intimidating woman, her muscular, yet curvy body shows the amount of training that it took to turn her body in a weapon. Don't let the fact that she is a woman fool you, she can hold herself best than many soldiers in a fight, be it with her bare hands or with her signature trench knife. You've better don't even try to flirt with her if you're not prepared to deal with her.
Regarding clothes, Kat's usual "uniform" is composed of red pants, military boots, a black top and a small coat over it and a red, military type beret.

Nation of origin: The Red League.

Personality: Ruthless, reckless, efficient and with obvious sociopathic tendencies, Kat is the type of woman you certainly wouldn't want as your enemy. Killing and even torturing are common things to her. Differently from normal soldiers, who do it because its their duty, she kill by choice. She lives for it. The adrenalin, the sensation of your blood boiling in the battlefield, she always loved it. Ekaterine is a very straightforward person. Differently from what her looks make others think, she actually cares about her team. Between people who know her, she is very lively, loving to drink, party, and especially a good sparring match to help get the blood flowing. But on combat, her cruel and ruthless side shows up, prowling inside the enemy lines and killing them one by one with a grin on her face. Almost like a tiger playing with its prey before killing it.

Biography: Ekaterine was born into the military. Quite literally. Born in an age where the tension between the nations is constant and the threat of war is approaching faster and faster, Ekaterine was trained to be a weapon since she was a kid. Silent and lethal. The Red League always were in a very delicate spot regarding technology. Using a mix of Sovereign and Dominion technology, they were always a step behind of both of the other nations regarding technology.
Differently from their leader, some influent people on the Red League thought that they should start preparing to take arms again. These individuals were certain that the war was unavoidable. And there is a better way to win a war than have a knife pointed at your enemy's throat even before the war begins? As such, a special unit was formed, the Infiltrators. Trained tirelessly to be the eyes and ears of the Red League, their function was venturing behind enemy lines, inside the heart of their cities, gather information and steal their secrets without being noted.

As an Infiltrator, Ekaterine was amongst the very first and best infiltrators trained, but was also one of the most problematic. Ignoring orders and ignoring hierarchy, she used her own means to complete her mission. Although it made her superiors want to kill her, her efficiency was undeniable. But for her superiors, the result wasn't the only thing that mattered, and after some time, she was deemed "unfit" for being on the Infiltrators and was expelled from the force. One of her last missions was going into the Iron Dominion and stealing the schematics to their new rifle, that was being presented. Together with a small unit of 5 other infiltrators, Ekaterine successfully got inside the Iron Dominion territory. Their orders were clear: get in and get out without letting even a strand of your hair behind. The existence of their unit was a secret, even to the own Red League, and only a select few knew of it. The mission was a success, and the Red League had the schematics of the Dominion Subsonic Rifle MKI, which was modified by the Red League's scientists to create the Infiltrator Modular Rifle MKII. But to Kat's surprise, instead of being praised by completing her mission, she was expelled, with the excuse of her being too "volatile" and unfit to be in the infiltrator unit.

Ekaterine was furious with that, but she had nothing to do but accept and quietly get out of the infiltrators. But one thing she wouldn't accept: she was one of the responsible for stealing the schematics, at least she demanded to have the fruit of her efforts. Taking a copy of the new and improved schematic, she took to a gunsmith she knew well, someone that she trusted and could keep his mouth shut. Ironically enough, a common gunsmith was the first one to build the Infiltrator Modular Rifle MKII. The rifle that should be a complete secret now was in the hands of a common gunsmith. Unemployed and without anywhere to go, Ekaterine did what she knew best to survive and earn money. She became a Bounty Hunter/mercenary. At first, she worked solo, but during one of her contracts, she met a person, which would later become her partner.

Ekaterine and Ariah

Just another job. Nothing fancy. She was indeed getting paid, but what really moved Ekaterine was the killing. What could she say? She was born with a weapon in her hands. Its only natural that one gets a certain taste for killing after doing it for so long. The target? An Elf named Tanoui. She didn't care about him, what he had done or who he was. He was a target, he was her prey, and she was ready to pounce on him. The streets bellow were dark and empty, the Elf's mansion lighting up the horizon. It was almost ridiculously bright. Using the rooftops to make her approach, Ekaterine quickly dropped the two front guards using her rifle. The only sound that could be heard was the thump of their lifeless bodies falling on the ground. Getting inside was easy, almost too easy. She wondered if she really needed to kill both of the guards, as it was impossible they would notice her jumping on the mansion's roof and getting inside using the windows... The red mist that got out of their heads after the heavy bullet hit them straight between the eyes was beautiful. The red and the pink contrasting against the artificial lights... Yes, it was worth it.
Already inside, she was ready to have some fun with the poor Elf. On her hand, the wicked trench knife that was her signature weapon reflected the light from the lamps, she wouldn't kill him straight away without first satiating her bloodthirst. That was until the howling wind alarmed the paranoid Elf.
"Damn wind... " she muttered to herself, quickly hiding behind a sculpture on the corner of the room. A few meters away from her, she spotted a peculiar sillhouette. Was it... a man wielding two swords? Who the hell he was and what he was doing there? With an agile and silent movement, she moved near the man, wielding her knife and pointing to his throat.
"Who the fuck are you?" Ekaterine asked, menacingly.

"I don't know who you are, but i won't let someone who interrupted my hunt go away that easily." she said with a grin, doing a cartwheel and kicking his sword away from her, throwing a punch directly to his face. The vision of the sharp spikes coming directly on his direction and her wicked smile wasn't something pleasant to look at. He could easily see that Ekaterine wasn't trying to kill him with one strike, instead she was trying to hurt him. To inflict as much pain as she could, before killing him.

His ridiculously fast reflexes got Ekaterine by surprise as he dodged her punch. Any normal human couldn't have possibly dodged that, yet he did and even used the same momentum to strike her with his second sword. Bending her torso back on the last second, still surprised with his reflexes, the sword would miss her by millimeters, only if he had continued the swing. The next thing she saw when she sprung back up, ready to attack him again was the bust which was behind them flying to the ground, breaking in a million pieces in a thunderous sound. "Shit..." she said with her eyes wide open, sheathing the big curved knife in a very fast movement and getting her rifle, aiming a shot at the Elf. Just as she was almost pulling the trigger, the guards shot at her direction, missing her face by millimeters, cutting her cheek.
"Hey, whoever you are, be a kind guy and be my meat shield will ya? If he runs now we wont be able to get him again." she said, trying to line up a shot on the elf, who was taking cover on the other side of a couch, shooting at their direction with a pistol.
"Just distract the guards. That couch is practically a sheet of paper to this gun." She said as he complained, telling her to stand out of his way.

"I still don't like you, but we need each other now! Make your shots count or I'm going to kill you!" The man said, grabbing his pistol

"Don't worry. I'll need only one bullet." she sad with a grin, loading a normal, non subsonic round on her rifle. Using the remnants of the pilar where the bust was on, she used the underbarrel stand to steady her aim. As she pulled the trigger, the heavy recoil made the silver spike at the end of the stand make a hole on the marble pilar. The loud shot echoed in the room, as loud as a small explosion, making an obscenely large hole in the couch that the Elf was taking cover on, hitting the elf and painting the wall behind red with his blood. It was ironic that the same gun that made literally no sound when shooting before had just fired that shot.
"Armor penetrating bullets." she whispered to herself, smiling as the blood dripped down the wall.
"I don't think its a good idea to look behind that couch." she yelled over the sound of the bullets hitting the marble pillar as she quickly took cover behind it, mocking the guards.

"Hey, meat shield, try keep up." Ekaterine said, looking to Ariah as she lunged towards the big window, jumping and using the iron support to throw herself up, falling on the roof of the mansion. "Damn that was quite messy... But I have to admit, it was fun." she said as she jumped towards the other building, using the steel pipes and windows to climb it like it was nothing.
A few seconds later, Ekaterine looked back, only to see the man following her.

A few minutes later, already far away from the mansion, both of them stopped to regain their breath after all that.
"Look... You're out of your damn mind. But I'll admit... That was pretty awesome." he said, panting.

"Do you think i do it only for the money?" she asked, still with a smile on her face.
"If you weren't there, it would be way easier... The guards were so focused on "securing the perimeter" that they wouldn't notice me just behind them. Slowly killing their boss. A quick stab under his windpipe, and then just wait  until he bleeds out, unable to cry for help." she said, unsheathing her knife and using it to take out a shard of glass that was buried in her thighs, revealing a very muscular, yet curvy body.
Obviously, Ariah would have noticed that Ekaterine was a cruel and sadistic person by now.
"Ekaterine Volkov." She said, extending her hand, still dirty with some of her own blood to Ariah.

"You're crazy, reckless, and probably insane, but I can deal with that. Name's Ariah Lusias."
"You may not be in it for the money, but there's a bounty on that man we just killed and I think you're entitled to some of it." The man replied, shaking her hand.

"I said i don't do it only for the money. I still need it to buy ammo and other things..." she said with a grin.
"Anyways, next time we should at least coordinate it better, don't you think?" she said, making an offer for them to work together.
"Oh, and don't worry. If i was hunting seriously, and if someone didn't interrupt me, my target would be dead before hearing or seeing anything." she said with a playful wink.
"So, what do you say? Predators usually work better in a pack..."

Skills:

• Prowl: Kat is extremely silent and able to move around quickly and easily. Her flexible, strong and trained body coupled with her parkour techniques (fruit of growing up on the Red League's suburbs) make her very hard to be spotted or caught.
• Lethal Precision: Be it either with her trench knife, her throwing knives, her unique rifle or even bare handed, Kat always aims for weak points, quickly and silently killing her target or inflicting as much pain without killing it.
• Guerilla Tactics: Working alone means that Ekaterine has no one to slow her down, but she also has no one to count on if things go bad. Improvising new strategies and plans on the fly is something essential to keep herself alive.
• Predator: Fruit of years of brutal and constant training, her body is in the peak of its physical condition. Fast, agile and lethal, running away from her isn't an option, and even if her prey does, its almost impossible for a normal human to shake her off. If by some chance her target is faster than her, she can easily track her target, changing her course to intercept it or lead him to a dead end.

Weaknesses:

• Bloodthirsty: "No killing" is a word that isn't on Kat's dictionary. If she cant kill, she will at least inflict as much pain as she can without killing her target.
• Specialized Weaponry: Her rifle uses a very special caliber. Using a heavier caliber than normal rifles, both the subsonic and the normal ammo are extremely hard to find outside of the Iron Dominion.
• Talk less, Act more: Ekaterine doesn't have patience for diplomacy and political discussions.

Equipment:

• Infiltrator's Modular Rifle MKII
  
  Infiltrator Modular Rifle MKII

  A rifle that was originally captured from the Iron Dominion, and modified by the Red League. Its design is marked by the efficient and beautiful ironwork that the Iron Dominion is famous for. It uses specially produced ammo, making it a rather expensive rifle to maintain. Differently from its predecessor, the Dominion Subsonic Rifle MKI (which was originally developed by the Iron League), it can use either subsonic or normal ammo. That change was made when the army realized that the scouts and infiltrators needed a more flexible rifle. Capable of either lethal, completely silent shots using subsonic ammo, and powerful, penetrating shots using normal ammo. The gun was designed to use subsonic rounds, that's why it uses a caliber far heavier than normal hunting rifles would. By using normal, non subsonic ammo, the rifle has the same range of a hunting rifle, but the sound it makes is very loud, distinct and the kick makes it almost impossible to shoot it without deploying the folding stand, fixing it on a stable surface.
  
• Custom Trench Knife: Bites hard and deep. Its dented, curved edge makes gruesome wounds, and the sharp spikes on the knuckles... In all senses, its a terrifying knife. You wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of it.
• Throwing Knives: Regular, weighted throwing knives. Nothing fancy.

Other:

[CollectorOfMyst]

Cole Arkus

Cole Arkus

"Those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it. Or have you forgotten?"

Name: Colman "Cole" Arkus
Age: 20
Race: Half-Elf

Appearance: Born to a human mother and an elven father, Colman stands at 5’7, and is quite thin from years of forgoing meals in favour of study. His hair is already a pale silver, despite his young age, and his eyes are green like the lake near where he grew up. Due to his heritage, he naturally has a greater amount of dexterity, but also not as much as a true elf. The same holds true with human strength. As far as clothes go, he generally wears formal clothing in dark colours, and is not often seen without his coat. (minus tattoo shown in picture)

Nation of origin: The Oakheart Sovereignty

Personality: Lucky enough to be born into a knight’s family – his uncle’s, to be specific - Colman’s name means ‘little dove’, and he lives to it, seeking peace with all. While he is often serious, Cole goes about his life in a light-hearted way, trying to smile when others are down. He has a great passion for knowledge, and the preservation of, considering himself an amateur scholar. He also has great respect for all the world, and all walks of life. The only things he will not tolerate are outright murder, taking advantage of the weak, and hurting his friends – the only ways you can get him to lose his temper.

Biography: Colman is one of the many examples of half-elves who come from Oakheart. However, due to his ‘hybrid’ status, there were a number who looked on him with distrust. His mother and father also bore the brunt of this attack, given that their marriage was sudden and unexpected. Unfortunately, it was also short.

In his sixth year, whilst walking with his parents alongside the lake they lived near, his mother suddenly became aware of people following them. The treeline was too far away, and no boulders or bushes provided cover to hide behind. So she pushed young Cole into the reeds of the lake, and told him to stay there and not make a sound until she or her father said so. There he witnessed the act that he will carry with him for the rest of his life – the murder of his parents. But he did not make a sound. His uncle’s men later found him at the scene, shivering and cold, still waiting in the reeds for his mother’s say so. Despite his protests, they took him back to his uncle, Terrence Arkus, squire of the knight before him. Finding himself charged with his dead sister’s son, the knight had no idea how to raise the boy, having neither children nor a wife of his own. He was able to bring the murderers to justice, though, by Cole’s detailed description of their appearances.

Left to his own devices, Cole grew up mostly secluded, the only interaction he and his uncle shared being mealtimes. Despite the knight’s attempts to reach out to Cole through offering to train him as a knight, the child responded only with cordial politeness, and would leave soon after, showing no interest in the ways of the sword. In fact, the only person who truly seemed to connect with him was the healer of the estate, a dryad of many years, who never seemed unhappy to see him drop by. It was this dryad who first awakened his interest in learning, and she taught him many things, even lending him some of her small library of books from time to time.

In Cole’s fifteenth year, Terrence finally married, and the first new lady of the estate came to live there since Cole’s mother died. She was a young and beautiful woman, charming everyone around her, and she even seemed to love Cole despite his standoffish behaviour. Despite this, Cole now felt like he was intruding, given that one day his uncle would one day soon, have children of his own. And during an argument over this with the healer, her tree fell. She died the next day, causing Cole a severe amount of grief, only greatened when he found that her worldly possessions had been left to him. Due to the pain he felt after her death, he swore to never end a life, lest he cause someone as much pain as he himself was feeling.

The moment Cole turned sixteen, he received his parent’s small inheritance, and used most of it to buy passage to Solace, where he sought to learn all he could, being the centre of the Eversky’s knowledge, and forget his past, with little success. He ceased contact with his uncle, and despite himself, finds that his new life brings him a modicum of comfort and happiness. In the four years since, he has made a living primarily as a tutor for the children of the city, though he has been known to hired as a secondary tactician against pirate attacks, or as a neutral party for negotiations between businesses, and the occasional members of state. Now, though, with the rise of the Heaven’s Eye, he is reluctantly once again preparing to leave his home – but where he will go, he cannot decide.

Skills:

• Committed to Memory - Anything Colman sees, he will likely never forget. Whether he wants to or not.
• Magical Potential - Given his elven blood, Cole most likely has the potential for magic, but has never attempted it, given his proximity to the Heaven’s Eyes.
• Healing Hands - Years of friendship with the dryad taught him many things, and one thing she knew very well was medicine. Cole, though he’d rather leave it to professionals, can perform medical practices, from illnesses and injuries of minor levels, to devising a medicine and giving treatment to a severe wound, to providing quick emergency care that gives someone just a little more time, provided he has the right supplies.
• Better Safe than Sorry - Due to his hours of study, Cole, among other things, knows battle tactics and politics, and can apply both to his situation should he need to.

Weaknesses:

• Oath of Peace - Cole has sworn never to kill, should it come to it, and as such is only barely able to defend himself in a fight. Nor will he stand aside if someone is injured and in need of help. It binds him together as much as bone, muscle and sinew
• Sore Thumb - Cole is unusual, and often finds himself the centre of people’s attention. His appearance, his way of dress, and the way he acts are all rather unique. Thus, he’ll draw a bit more attention than he wants. He can pass for human or elf, but either way, he's most likely going to have eyes on him.
• Experience Trumps Education - Despite everything he’s learned, Cole has never put much of it to practice, and should he find himself in an unfamiliar or extreme situation, he will become agitated and unable to remember what to do.

Equipment:

• Basic Medical supplies: Allows him to provide aid quickly and easily to the injured.
• Journal: Cole records many things in journals, so that even if he forgets, or he falls, what he has learned will not be forgotten. His current study is airships.
• His mother's ring He received his mother's wedding ring alongside his inheritance, and wears it on his non-dominant right hand.
• Rock Island Revolver Even if he’s sworn an oath, it doesn’t mean he can’t disable them. It’s better to be carry and be ready than unarmed and face conflict. Holds seven bullets compared to the usual six.
  
  Rock Island Revolver:

  

Other: In accordance to his oath, Cole is a vegetarian and will only eat meat again if he is on the brink of starvation.

[13900IpForThis]

Adrion Lingway

Adrion Lingway

"Wouldn't it be cool if we could CURVE an arrow?!"

Name: Adrion Lingway
Age: 17
Race: Human

Appearance: 5'5", Adrion is relatively short with a small build weighing no more than a 150 lbs. What he misses in size though, more than makes it up with a fierce glare from his eyes. Though small, he is rather well built from years of haunting in the wilds. The wilds though are not kind, riddling Adrion's young body with a few considerable scars. Most noticeable is small dash across his left eyebrow from a claw a few inches too close to his eyes, as well as half a pinkie's slash above his right eyebrows. His eyes are of a light brown, with dark hair usually grown to his shoulders, though for the first time in forever he had cut it upon joining the World Council.

Nation of origin:The Oakheart Sovereignty

Personality: Adrion is a trickster at heart, a fool who loves to laugh loudly, albeit a bittoo loudly, and make companions as much as he adores hunting a beast for days on end, his life hanging on a thread as thin as his bow's. Oddly enough, though Adrion enjoys a habit of breaking norms, he is a disciplined hunter and a hard worker, most likely because of his Master, Tawarthion Lingway. Spending most of his time in the forests, Adrion has grown a found love for animals.

Biography: Adrion was an orphan, his parents forsaking him in front of a monastery for reasons unknown to him when he was three years young. The people of Oakheart detest such irresponsible acts, yet they could not simply turn the little child away. Reluctantly, they named the boy and began to teach him there ways.

It did not work. Adrion grew into a stubborn and violent kid, which was odd considering his peaceful environment. At the little age of 10 he showed defiance and hostility to quite nearly everything, most of the time without reason or due cause. The monks had grown entirely frustrated with the boy, yet they knew not what to do with his kin. They are no mothers after all. Adrion made trouble, skipped out on his duties as a brother, and most often than not made attempts at mockery; something the order highly disproved of. Their efforts at educating Adrion were all in vain, their teachings of peace and calm not finding residue in the little boy. The boy spent most of his time in the forest, alone and without companionship. The monks feared for him, and called to the assistance of Tawarthion Lingway, one of the Elvish Masters whom are regular visitors of the monastery, proposed to utilize this boy's ardent energy. "Give him something he could play with." Tawarthion told the monks, in which he was only returned with a perplexed look. Tawarthion, sighing, took the matter upon himself and taught the boy how to hold the bow with the correct form, of which Adrion promptly disregarded with the utmost annoyance. The firsts arrows flew horribly off the mark, even when Tawarthion customized the bow for Adrion's small body. Disappointed with the poor results, Tawarthion left the undisciplined kid to his own devices. He succeeded in making the kid busy, but as a Master Of The Bow, he was extremely unsatisfied with the sub-par results. You either have it or you don't.

Thus Tawarthion's surprise was in the following year, when he would return and see the radical transformation. It wasn't in his aim, as Adrion was far from a natural. It was the change of character. The hostility of Ardiot's hazel eyes had regarded Tawarthion with vanished, replaced by an unquenchable curiosity. A stark hunger was evident in Ardiot.

In the year that Tawarthion had gone, the boy had fallen in love with the bow, playing with its strings until his soft fingers bled. His usual pranks in the monastery gave away, his blatant disregard of the order dwindled as he became increasingly enthralled with the bow, as well as history of wars and their tactics, something the peace loving monks also disproved of, yet they could not bring their hearts to forbid it from Adrion. The boy truthfully seemed alive, smiling and laughing and always seeking the assistance and guidance of his brothers, which was in turn repaid it with gratitude and a completion of his duties.

In and out, every few long months Tawarthion would visit the monastery, guiding Ardiot's path in marksmanship, hunting, knowledge, tactics, and medicine. When Adrion reached the age of thirteen, Tawarthion decided on his second apprentice.

Seven years later, after many adventures and nights in the wilds, Tawarthion truly grew attached to the boy, as did the boy, taking Tawarthion's last name to his. Yet Tawarthion could not simply drag him for the rest of his life. He must let the boy live experience life on his own. Reluctantly, and after imparting most of his knowledge onto the boy, he had sent Adrion to the World Council with a recommendation.

Skills:

• Deft: A hunter requires judgment, speed, precision, and a great deal of luck. Adrion’s senses are enhanced greatly, through his young body is yet to match them.
• Bow Expertise: A ruthless Master Hunter, the love of the bow, and an endless energy--the perfect concoction to Mastery
• Forest Affinity: Adrion has the knowledge, had haunted the beasts and made his nest in the tallest of trees. No home is a greater to him than the dirt and mighty beasts of a great forest.
• Beast Lover: Spending most of his life in the forests had forbid him the chance at true companionship, the beasts of the forest being one of his only allies. Adrion handles most sane beasts exponentially well, avoiding confrontation and sometimes befriending them. This skill of course, does not work well when the beast is hungry.
• Immune System: Growing in the forest has its advantages. Adrion’s body is well guarded against sickness and poison.

Weaknesses:

• Primitive: Though Adrion loves exploring a variety of interests, machines are not one of them. A disdain towards the damage it had towards the forest renders Adrion extremely distasteful of using such vile machines. Tawarthion attempts at teaching the boy the rifle was met with stark rejection, one of the only few instances of Adrion blatantly refusing his Master.
• Viscous and Tempered, Yet Muscle Lacking: Just like the general population of The Iron Dominion, Adrion is quick to get into a brawl that he can not win.
• Merciless: Adrion quick temper, combined with an instinctual and zoned mind is bound to get one (or many) of his arrows stuck in the neck of malicious entities, most particularly when the situation does not necessarily call for it.

Equipment:

Composite Longbow

Mighty bows exist for Masters, not Apprentices.

• Arrows and Daggers: One needs little else to make a living

[Deos Morran]

Ariah Lusias

Ariah Lusias

"Nothing like that wooshing sound wind makes when you go really, really, really fast."

Name: Ariah Lusias
Age: 20 (Claims to be 22)
Race: Dragonkin

Appearance:

Maskless

At a standing height of 5' 8'' Ariah is a bit short, especially for a Dragonkin. Similarly he's quiet lanky and thin, while also maintaining a firm and toned body, given and maintained by his unusual method of living and fighting. His frame doesn't contain many blemishes and marks which is somewhat surprising given his chosen career path, but thanks to his style it makes a bit more sense.

His face shows just how young he is and looks even younger yet. His unblemished skin mixed with his blue eyes and his dark, ragged hair all adding up to honestly make him look like he's in his late teens. Of course this matter has been one that irks him quiet a large bit as he constantly claims to be older than he looks.

Nation of origin: Red League

Personality:
Ariah embodies a sort of live and enjoy it lifestyle and personality. To him and in his mind the world may be a powder keg waiting to blow, plunging the great expanse of the Eversky into bloody and depressing conflict... but since we aren't there yet, so let's enjoy it. True life isn't exactly easy and Ariah knows plenty about that, but as long as you smile through the shit you'll be better for it... right? Often aloof and happy, Ariah enjoys talking, chatting, and joking. If not for his questionable sanity, then for the others as there's enough sadness in the world already, so why add to it when you can make people smile! Just tread lightly when commenting about how young he looks...

Biography:
Ariah grew up as part of a life in exile. Being born to a mother that joined Jane Oakheart in her split from the Oakheart Sovereignty. While his father left the Iron Dominion with Jack Kinz's revolution, breaking off from their heavy handed rule to join the Red League. This twin rebellion giving an opportunity for love to bloom in the shape of marriage and the eventual child that was Ariah. Born of warring factions as a nobody in a world they were only starting to claim a space in.

Still despite the odds, circumstances, and challenges Ariah grew up in a happy life, changing and learning about the world around him through his tiny eyes. His parents so in love that despite their origins stayed together to keep Ariah happy. Sure growing up was a bit of a challenge especially with all the mean kids he had to deal with since he was so early born of different worlds, but it didn't change him. In fact it gave him an appreciation for life, that he was able to come to be from what had to pass for it to happen.

As he grew up on his island home he found a fascination for dragons and specifically their mighty flight. The way they soared and swam through the air, commanding the skies was something Ariah envied. This is what made his mind run wild and as she ran around the fields and streets of his home, 'flying' in his mind with the dragons he felt a deep connection with. Being Dragonkin he felt it was destiny to one day take wing with his fellows. That day came when his parents brought him on board an airship that they were using to help build their home town. Taking flight in the craft Ariah felt like he was a dragon running around on the deck of that airship.

From that point on Ariah had a new found love for airships as they were his connection to the skies and the dragons. From there on and even before he hit 10 he was flying them with the guidance of his parents at first but before long he was flying on his own, with the help of a box to stand on of course.

Much into his life he continued this trend, learning more and more about all types of airships he possibly could and loving each moment of it. When he could he'd even sneak off with one to go and sail into the setting sun, pretending he was a dragon, feeling the wind washing through his hair. This was a life worth living.

Though as life continued on and time progressed reality came knocking and when it left it took Ariah's Mother. Made sick from a storm and destined to die he watched as his mother passed on to a better world, leaving him with his father. It hurt to be sure, but at the end of the day Ariah was ok with it. Death was just another part of life. His father on the other hand was devastated and one would say that it ruined him. Taking to drink and joining a crew of mercenaries he became an absent father.

Being left alone for so long left Ariah to his own devices and with how little his father was around, he found a new father in the shape of a band of mercenaries. Being only 14 it was a little rough to hang around such a crowd, but he stuck to it. After all... he was walking in his father's footsteps... for what that was worth. Taking to swords and pistols as his method of combat he showed to be quiet the weakling among his fellows, but one thing he outmatched everybody in was the fact that he was the fastest of them all. Using this speed he became a lethal swordsman, dodging and slashing faster and more precisely than any other.

When he was 18 though his father's band came back and he was not among them. Asking around he wasn't given a clear answer which could only mean one thing, he wasn't coming back. With no more ties to keep him stationary Ariah decided it was time to set out on his own, using the skills he was given to make a name for himself and seek out a new life.

Taking to contact and mercenary work it wasn't long before he pick up bounty hunter jobs, taking him to dangerous places to track down dangerous people one of which would soon become a good friend.

Ariah had picked up a contact to take out a rather obnoxious and dangerous Elf by the name of Tanoui. It was just another bounty and wasn't chocked up to be anything to crazy. Well that was until he found the pesky Elf... Turns out another had taken the contract as well and just as Ariah was closing in to to mark he found her... Ekaterine Volkov. Tenacious, aggressive, and kind of a bitch. Kat, as he'd later start calling her, had tracked down his mark to the same place at the time.

The Elf was doing pretty good for himself, having a neat little mansion to call home. On the outside though it wasn't as guarded and as he moved up the yard, keeping his head low and his blades at the ready he used his augmented speed to guide him to the buildings left side wall. Peering around and through the structure he found his way in through a guarded door. Well at least it was sometimes guarded as their patrol routes left it empty for a usable chunk of time.

Passing through the door and getting inside he waited for another opening to progress further. That was when he found her... or more appropriately she found him. Running up to him on silent steps and threatening his throat with a knife and asking who the fuck he was. Drawing back and whipping his sword her to her neck, ready to return the threat in a hushed whisper, "Who the fuck am I? Who the fuck are you!" He started by returning, not exactly caring for her tone, "Get that toothpick out of my face before you regret it!" He finished, not wanting to be put down by some stranger.

True to fashion she took her blade away from him, only to then try and pull a fast one, trying to open up his defense and send a rough, spiked set of knuckles for his masked head. Well one thing she couldn't have expected was his speed and reactions. Using his opened sowrd he contorted his body, moving his head to the side like a bolt of lightning and using the same momentum to bring around his second sword, Umbra. It was going to be a cold, and precise slash, however that all changed when he saw where her fist had struck. Landing firmly on a bust, sending it tipping away towards the ground. His eyes went wide as he took his sword away from her to try and move to catch the statue. Yet in the end he wasn't able to loop back around to prevent the loud and thunderous crash of stone on marble.

After the bust fell to the floor it was like all Hell came with it and as Kat swore quietly, the air was filled with a hail of lead. Ducking down so fast it was almost like he pulled his feet from under himself to fall to the ground, he took cover with Kat to deal with this situation she just put them in. Before he could get a sense of the situation Kat was already shouting at him to take bullets for her. Like he'd ever... "No way in Hell. Just stay out of my way!" He called back to her, drawing up his swords and rounding the corner to dash from cover to cover in the hopes of closing the gap to take them out. However, almost as soon as he rounded the corner a torrent of bullets flew at him and it was a miracle he only took one grazing shot in the arm before he rolled back into cover with Kat. He couldn't close the gap as going at them in any agnle would only prove to be unhealthy.

"Fucking Hell!" He cursed out padding the new wound his arm now had. In fact it was an incredibly rare day he even got hurt, so this was truly unusual for him. "I still don't like you, but we need each other now! Make your shots count or I'm going to kill you!" He yelled over the hail to Kat. From there he put Umbra back in it's sheath, drawing Slugger and taking a deep breath. Taking but a few moments to center himself before dashing out with a streak of lightning and firing sporadically at the guards, managing to actually kill one as he drew their fire towards him. All while running like a bat out of Hell towards a nearby marble pillar to seek shelter behind.

Thankfully she took her chance and while he was dodging bullets she had her shot, cascading red into the room. Her voice rang out over the sound of gunshots, mocking the guards that were trying to kill them. The worst part though was when she moved towards the window, leaping out of it to leave him alone with a bunch of pissed off trigger happy guards. If she thought she would leave him with her mess, she was wrong.

Running towards the same window she went through and following suit he leap from it to take chase, watching her scale the structure with ease. Again not to be shown up... or shot at by more angry goons, he ran after her, taking to the building and climbing up the side of it. Even though he was quick on his feet he wasn't exactly experienced in building climbing, about keeping pace with her. At least until he reached a level space on the rooftops. That was when he could shine and doing so in full force he dashed after her, leaping from rooftop to rooftop, gaining on her until he was side by side. Continuing on their path until they were save from the angry men.

From there he slowed to a halt and started to catch his breath, panting a bit. Turning to face the woman who just about cost him his life he chimed up to say, "Look... You're out of your damn mind. But I'll admit... That was pretty awesome."

That was when Kat proved just how cruel and cold she really was, talking about pain, torture and lord knows what else almost like it was nothing, but at least she wasn't trying to kill him again. Really though she was twisted in way to many ways, but it was almost... fun how much she seemed to enjoy her craft. For her of course, and while it wasn't something he respected he did have a little respect for her skill and what they just did on their mission. Looking down at her bloody hand he wiped his hand on his sleeve, picking up some of his blood before firmly clasping her hand to shake. "You're crazy, reckless, and probably insane, but I can deal with that. Name's Ariah Lusias." He confessed. "You may not be in it for the money, but there's a bounty on that man we just killed and I think you're entitled to some of it." He finished, nodding and taking his bloody hand back.

Despite the rough start it was the beginning of a partnership. Signing on with a crazy sadist who knew her way around a sniper to give some fire support to his close ranged specialty. Not exactly the more likely of pairs but it worked and as they worked together racking up successful bounties and missions it only left one question. What was next?

Skills:

• Dual-Swordsmanship Mastery - Using twin swords by the name of Argeance and Umbra with incredible dexterity and great lethality. Using speed over brute strength to make his style swift and accurate.
• Augmented Agility - Ariah may not be the strongest, he may not be the most durable especially for a Dragonkin, but one thing he has is his incredible speed and reflexes. Running, dashing, climbing, and thinking quickly are his greatest strengths.
• Pistolaro - While not as skilled with rifles, shotguns, and even larger weapons. His skill with a pistol is the exact opposite, able to pull off close range, rapid, and deadly shots with ease.
• Outstanding Pilot - It's a rare day when Ariah finds a ship he can't fly and fly very well, and fast.

Weaknesses:

• I Don't Lift Bro - While Ariah may be the fastest man in the world he isn't as strong as many others leaving him rather weak when it comes to test of raw strength.
• Low Constitution - Much like his strength he isn't very durable, looking to avoid any attack sent his way rather than tank through it. It doesn't take much to gravely wound him.
• No know how - Ariah has a very specific set of talents, mechanical knowledge is not one of them. Fixing, repairing, or even working some machines leaves him more lost than an airship in a storm.

Equipment:

• Argeance -
  Argeance Appearance

  
  Well forged to be strong, dense, and lightweight. While lacking the board size of larger swords, this one is specifically designed for rapid, fast slashes.
• Umbra -
  Umbra Appearance

  
  Much like it's brother blade, Argeance. Umbra is lightweight and lethal, made for speed and precision.
• Banded Leather Armor (Masked) - Dark shaded and padded with wind-resistant leather. Inlaid with metal bands to help protect the wearer. Maximizing mobility over defense it doesn't provide as much protection as other armors. Ariah also has a mask that he often wears when out on missions or in the heat of combat. The mask has lenses built into the mask to reduce the effects of wind on the wearer's eyes.
• Slugger -
  Slugger Appearance

  
  A dual chambered revolver with twin magazines located in the weapon to increase bullet capacity. Chambered in a medium sized common round to pack a punch, while still keeping recoil down to a manageable level.
• Mercenary's Pack - A side slung pack of goodies featuring a lighter, pouches for smokes, a day-trip pouch, and a very small medical pouch containing some bandages, gauze, and antibacterial paste.

Other: Ariah considers himself straight and has followed that code up to this point in his life. He feels close to Ekaterine given their history, even if she is a little... aggressive and weird.

[CollectorOfMyst]

And here we go. It's not finished yet, but it should be most everything at the moment. A note on the Crew Page; once Cole learns their name, they will appear in the codex.

The Journal

C's Journal

Missions

Missions

• Mission 1: Defusing the Dominion; The Dominion is currently in a state of civil and political unrest. Your current objective/s are;
  
  Objectives

  • Obj.A - Stop the War Before it Starts; Evidence shows that the current Prime Minister of the Iron Dominion may start a war in order to keep in term. Recommended Deployment; Samuel Thomas
• Mission 2: Requested by Royalty; King Ralen has asked us for assistance. We will provide. Your current objective/s are;
  
  Objectives

  • Obj.A – Stationary Sovereigns: Solidify King Ralen’s rule, or find a favourable heir. Recommended Deployment; Lt. Daniel Hunt, Aura Lockheart, Colman Arkus
  • Obj.B – What Warmonger? – Ensure that the Sovereign Council does not vote in an unfavourable successor to the throne. Recommended Deployment; TBD
• Mission 3: Look to the League; IRIO and Red League operatives have both been sending cryptic messages. Find out what this means. Your current objective/s are;
  
  Objectives

  • Obj.A - Rumble the Red: Discover who and why the messages were sent.

The Crew

The Crew

Lt. Daniel Hunt

Daniel Hunt

The Crew first met Daniel when he burst out of the back room of the Sun Sailor. They neither knew it was him, nor met the real him, until they were safely behind closed doors. During the briefing, he was focused solely on instructing them of their three targets and their route. He also appears to have a good relationship with the general.

C’s Notes: From our initial meeting, he seems to live for his work. However, there’s more to the lake than the surface… I saw something in his eyes, when he thought attention left him. I’ve seen it before, but only when I look in a mirror.

Samuel Thomas

Sam Thomas

As with Lt. Hunt, the Crew met Sam first when they entered the briefing room. Quite clearly born in the Dominion, he is the Crew’s main pilot and lead (only) engineer. His expansive knowledge of airships ought to be enough to keep them afloat. Though he’s not quite affiliated with the IRIO, he has a long history with them. Sam is also a key part in their first mission – due to his family, and their ties to the working and middle classes.

C’s Notes: From what I can tell, this Sam is a good sort, if a bit rough around the edges… I am not fond of his smoking habit. He appears to be on first-name terms with the Lt., but I can’t tell if that is from camaraderie or a lack of formality on Sam’s part. I also wonder about this Lucy they kept mentioning. Presumably the woman who left. What lies between them?

Colman Arkus

Cole Arkus

Colman Arkus has had a thirst for knowledge for as long as he can remember. He never lost his childlike curiosity – it just matured into an adult form. His nature as a ‘walking encyclopaedia’ can be a blessing and curse both, but mostly, he’s just Cole. He can be a little stiff around certain people, but he’ll probably get used to them and relax.

C’s Notes: Should I really make a note on myself? Whatever I say might well be considered arrogant, or too modest. All I can say is that my actions have reasons and my reasons are just.

Ekaterine Volkov

Ekaterine Volkov

Ekaterine Volkov is well known in some circles – not by name, of course. But by legend. Even minor bounty hunters must have one, after all. She is ruthless when it comes to her targets. In a matter of minutes, she convinced several members of the Crew that she was dangerous, and perhaps not to be trusted.

C’s Notes: I don’t like her. I don’t trust her. It’s up to her to change that.

Aura Lockheart

Aura Lockheart

Aura is a dryad, who lived in a forest. That’s the simple part. Over her forty years, she has changed but a little, always sunny, always smiling, and a near-unparalleled rifle shot. While some might think this attitude is foolish, others will appreciate it, because like the sun, her smile will shine through the storm. Oh, and she likes tree puns.

C’s Notes: Aura… I am afraid to speak to her. I have known only two dryads in my life… and I fear a repeat performance. But, if we will be working together, then I will have to at least speak to her occasionally. And I will take care not to lecture her on her actions… despite her personality, I don’t doubt that it will become vital for us to have her.

Ariah Lusias

Ariah Lusias

The dual-sword partner of Kat, as he calls her. Given his rather unique way of fighting, he’s a rarity. Younger than he claims, but older than he looks, he’s a little less reckless than Ekaterine, and a lot more willing for peace. When it comes down to it, he’s a mercenary and an idealist, and you can be sure as hell he’s good enough for both.

C’s Notes: Ariah, I believe, is much more stable than his partner. As for his motivations… even if I do not agree with his methods, I am glad that he signed up with little second thought. Will he be able to rein in his partner?

Locations

Locations

Solace, the World Court

Solace itself is a grand city, combining the best parts of the Big Three. It stands as a neutral place where anyone may go freely - provided they're not fugitives or criminals - and all nations are granted free hearing.

• The Sun Sailor: The pub where you first met the people you were to be on the mission with. Unbeknownst to many, it doubles as an IRIO safehouse.

The Iron Dominion

The Iron Dominion is the technological capital of the world, and boasts the heart of New Pierstrand. Much of the technology we possess is due to the inventors that were born, raised and lived in the Dominion, but the others have contributed just as much.

The Oakheart Sovereignty

The Red League

Persons of Note

Persons of Note

The IRIO

The General

General Andius Ponta: A stern and businesslike, but progressive and deeply committed leading officer of the IRIO, the World Court's intelligence service - and the most advanced network for the gathering and processing of information to have ever existed in the Eversky. He is also one of the few officers still on the World Court's executive board that has not succumbed to the influence of the Heavens' Eyes, and was one of the first to realise the true threat they present.

It is under his orders that your mission began - and under the supervision of his personal aide and protegé, Lt. Daniel Hunt, that the mission was carried out. He was arrested the following day by the Heaven's Eye's.

Lucy

Agent Lucille Bordeaux: Lucy Bordeaux, a young and occasionally maverick agent of the IRIO, is just as dedicated to the job as her handling officer, Daniel Hunt. Her loyalty is without question - though that is not to say her methods are equally untouchable. She has a tendency to overcommit to her roles, or to act unpredictably and in ways that defy her initial orders. In her file with the IRIO, she is noted as employing some very extreme tactics in her work - something which could easily be both a huge advantage, and a huge pitfall. However, working more closely with her handler, Lt. Hunt, has given her more stability in recent years, and she is now one of the IRIO's premier field agents.

The Heaven's Eyes

Inquisitor Cunningham

A man dressed in a black coat, like all inquisitors. Our first encounter with him was at the Docks of Solace. He has a chilling presence. And he spoke to us of our fears, our doubts, our weaknesses. Who is he?

Objects of Note

Objects of Note

The Ascendō

"Normally, these ships are cramped and uncomfortable, as crew typically have to share space with cargo, but seeing as we're not traders, we've got it lucky. I've taken the liberty of bringing on a few crates of weapons, medical supplies, and ship parts so we at least look the part of traders if someone decides to check us out. We've got food and water for a few weeks, and I gutted and replaced the engine and turbines, so it should be able to outrun almost any ship we come across- which is good, because it doesn't have much in the way of weapons."

Sam Thomas

The Nautilus is a fairly common sight in the sky, most often used by merchants and pirates. Making it a good choice for this mission.
DAMAGE LEVELS:100%
Codes:
The Ascendō is in near-perfect condition.
Routine maintenance and repairs are advised.
We appear to have suffered minor damage. Seek immediate repairs.
Damage is moderate, and may affect flight stability. Attempting flight in this condition is not advised.
Large amounts of damage sustained. Land immediately.
The Ascendō has been destroyed.

C's Journal

The very journal that you now hold in your hands. Within it, you will find information on places you may have come across, people you may have met, and tasks that are vital to the safety of our world. Don't worry, though. It will never fall into enemy hands.

Entries

Entry 1

It is the 12th of the First Month of Tempus Solis. Or perhaps the 13th, given that I have no access to the time. I have met with the IRIO agents, General Andius Ponta and Lieutenant Daniel Hunt. I have also met with the others on the mission. And frankly... I cannot quite understand any of them. The General and Lt. alone I can make sense of. The IRIO is the only reason I feel I am still alive, really. If I had never become one of their assets...
It is best not to think of it. As for the others... this Samuel Thomas is the only one formally introduced. He seems to be between two worlds. The world of the 'greasers' who work for their love of the machine, and that of espionage. If he is either one, then the other has a solid grasp on him as well. I did not appreciate his smoking, however.
Then there was that archer... I recognise his accent. The Sovereignty has one of the smallest hands in this mission... and yet, when it comes to our homeland, we have no clue why the king wishes us to be there. But the boy...he looks young. Well, much younger than any of the rest of us... I think only one of us has reached the age of thirty, and she looks far from it.
A Dryad. Were it not for her manner of dress, her weapon and her voice, I'd have thought her my kinswoman, but she is from the Red League. A sunny disposition not many mercenaries possess just pours out from her... and I am not sure I wish to approach her. Painful memories alone rest with Dryads for me.
And then the other two. A pair, clearly, from the way they interact. The woman, who said her name is Ekatereene Vulkoth - I admit to not knowing the correct spelling, so I write what I heard - I find it difficult to imagine myself working with her except in the most extreme situations... unfortunately, this situation is incredibly so. And thus I'll have to put up with her. But her companion... he decided to join for peace. I admire that in him. I cannot truly agree with the methods I have little doubt he will employ, but at least his aim is true.
Our mission appears simple. Restore peace. But I cannot help but wonder if Mistress Fate will decide that she will cast the dice in, or against, our favour.