[OOC] The Spirits Within

[Mirandae]

@EurmalEye
No worries. There's no rush here as long as nobody is waiting for you.

You can put a few more spaces between first and last name of the character. Put 'Research' instead of 'Research Division (Medical Specialization)'. Your character's chosen interests will become apparent in the story.

Here's the big one, though: the augmented eyes due to Stigma. Spirits possess humans to stay away from harm and weakness. If a person has been infected once, that person will never possess spirits. This is why a few, select people get such a huge influx of them. However, there are two ways we can sell this to the people in charge in my head! 1. The augmented eyes were a personal choice rather than due to Stigma. 2. Jomen got infected through the eyes era, but he or someone else was fast enough to gauge his eyes out and prevent further infection. The details for the rest would have to be up to you, through flashbacks.

[Mirandae]

Updated the Combat section with revised and new Added Effects: roleplayerguild.com/posts/4378640
Added a few non-player characters: roleplayerguild.com/posts/4378645 (Design inspired by lovely @Rockette)

[Mr Rage]

@EurmalEye@71452K@Rizza Below is what I put in my Kinship section, let me know if you want me to change anything or if you want to expand on anything further. Once character sheets are approved and in the character sheet section, I'll link to them directly. Feel free to copy paste and reuse, or put your own characters opinion/twist on it.

My Hider

D U K E: Ajax and Duke have a long intermingled family history of unfavorable interactions. They have opposing view points on many subjects. Despite this, the two have come to have a close friendship. Even if they have to keep it hidden from their parents. As to who is stronger between the two? Who can say, they keep sparing anyways.

M O N T E R O: Ajax and Montero knew each other from younger days in the academy. Back when you first had to choose your division, Montero was also in the Warfare division. They weren't terribly close, but they did take some classes together.

J O M E N: Ajax has a habit of getting himself hurt and getting to know the people that are supposed to help put him back together. So it is of no surprise that Ajax searched out the person that everyone claimed to be the best. This search brought him to Jomen. The two have trained together in their downtime between classes, trying to come up with techniques and skills to protect other members of their team. Ajax views Jomen as a friend, but isn't certain if Jomen holds Ajax in the same regard... might have something to do with calling him 'green eyes' from time to time...

@Prisk I changed my ideology section some. It is below in the hider. Lemme know what you think.

My Hider

V A L U E S: Ajax will always attempt to do what is best. This does not always follow the rule of law. He does believe in the sacrifice of the few for the good of the many. He finds honesty and loyalty as very favorable traits in other people.

M O R A L S: Ajax, if he had to use an alignment to describe himself, he would call himself Chaotic Good. Whenever possible, he tries not to kill humans or guardians and will focus more on the defense of the team, though he has no issue with the lesser beings and monsters that they come across on their missions. He has been taught through his faith that the more spirits a body contains the more value that life has. He always tries to be honest with everyone, come what may.

T H O U G H T S: The corruption brought on by the Jenova is bad news and must be stopped. While he feels that he shouldn't kill other humans or guardians, he has come to terms with the fact that sometimes it must be done in order to defeat Jenova. Ajax does generally believe in the direction of the military run government, but he does think for himself and will voice any concerns he has, in a meaningful and respectful way.

-More thoughts and theories as they become relevant-

[EurmalEye]

@Mr Rage For your kinship post I think you got it just about down - lemme write a quick corresponding one just to ensure we are on the same page

@Mr Rage

A J A X: While training at school, Jomen was approached with a large man from with warfare who seemed to have long, rich history of getting injured. This was, of course, Ajax. To Jomen, he seems a useful training partner as the large variety of injuries gave Jomen plenty of live practice to hone his talents to where they are now. In addition, without Ajax's warfare based insight, Jomen would have had a far diminished capacity to defend himself. Jomen respects his ability and skill on the battlefield, but thinks of Ajax as too unprofessional to reach his full potential in the warfare division. Out of respect and gratitude (though Jomen is unlikely to admit it), Jomen attempts to sway Ajax to a more professional attitude in order ensure that the future soldier has a better career later. Jomen, also constantly reminds Ajax that his name is not "Green Eyes", in the most professional way possible. He has also yet to laugh at any of Ajax's jokes.

[Panko]

I've been really swamped lately but I'm going to work on my character soon!

[Mirandae]

So, I thought I'd go through Celise's kinship here, briefly, and make some suggestions based on posted character sheets. If I don't see any clear connection, I'll just leave it at "known by name". As in, she knows your character's name and what your character looks like, but nothing beyond that, as it is with all Guardians at the academy.

@Mr Rage
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I figure that Ajax is the kind of guy that would spend a considerable amount of time at the academy gym or obstacle courses. Celise would most likely frequent such places, but not as often perhaps. Maybe she has received some advice on workouts and diets, and spotting by Ajax during heavy lifts? It would be an isolated acquaintance, though. Thoughts?

@71452K
No ideas sprung to mind with Montero, so I'll leave it as known by name for now! If you have any other suggestion, do tell!

@deadpixel101
I see a bit of antonyms in Roland and Celise. Roland seems to be focused on the collective and greater good, while Celise is the direct opposite. Perhaps they've clashed in previous debates during lectures? They're in different divisions, so they wouldn't have seminars together. Or, this could be something to expand upon in the story.

@WanderingSpirit
I hope you're still with us! So, Celise and Robert are in the same division, which means that they're bound to know each other more than just by name alone. Maybe they've done some group projects together and such?

@Rizza
I'm thinking Celise and Duke will be mostly by name. She'll definitely know who he is because of the distinct physical appearance. If you have any other suggestions, fire away!

@EurmalEye
We spoke earlier about this! All settled.

@Panko
No worries! We're in no rush here.

[Mr Rage]

@EurmalEye sounds perfect to me!

@Prisk Seems likely. I'll throw a thing in my profile about it. Did you take a look at the other adjustments I made to my sheet?

[71452K]

I'm good with that, it's unlikely they will know each other too well and my character's not a medic, he knows a little anatomy and chemistry that could help medically ...but that's just about it. :/. @Mr Rage

I'm not the kind to mind playing a character that isn't well known or very popular, I am cool with the idea of having nothing to do with your character until they are put on a mission together. I mean,
at most I just have nothing meaningful to post meanwhile! :D. @Prisk

My internet got interupted for the past few days, server is complete nonsense. I don't think I have a starbucks nearby either to steal internet from. But I'm back!

I think it's best to leave my character's relationship post sparse, then build impressions off on the first time he meets anyone. It gives me a chance to write. This is the reason why I've been avoiding reading other's profiles (other than the very basic things like index, division and pressence) so far, I don't want it influencing. I also think no one really wants to relate to him OOC so far, so that works out.

There's always that one quiet guy at school, yeah?

Time to get to work on those changes (intend to change his strife to something else), right?

[71452K]

THERE DONE!

My Hider

This is my preview, very simple, draft of my character I intend to play. The details are not set in stone (pressence, Ideology and strife) and are expected to grow and change but these are the starting lines. Here's Montero.

–--------------------------------------------------------

_{Montero Timberson
✚ 23 ✚ Male ✚ 5'11" ✚ Research}

_{P R E S E N C E}

---

Montero Timberson is a dark haired young man with an air of mystery that draws the attention of those who are primarily lead by their curiousity. Perhaps it's his pokerfaced nature, that keeps a focused gaze just to hide what he really thinks. That long overcoat that hides away most of his body. Or that greatsword on his back, unbecoming and unseemly to the posse of a Researcher.

Rugged and broad, though not excessively tall, with somewhat handsome features. Montero speaks with deep, punctuated voice. That is, if he has to around strangers. He holds himself with some noblesse, prefering not to engage in rowdy circumstances and is quick to point out the boundaries of his personal space (and how intruders should remove themselves from it) while still trying to keep the cool and collected facade.

However his colder demeanour seems to change quite quickly when Montero gets to be around Humans and Spirits he knows, to something ...brighter and more willing to crack a joke.

-------

_{I D E O L O G Y}

---

"All it takes for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing."

Montero Timberson came from neither a local or military background, his main reason for taking part in Oakridge's curriculum is one of morals -and because he can.

As a Guardian, he is peculiar in that he actively avoids possession. Best as he can, that is. Strongly believing that a Soul must be kept as pure as possible, Montero sets restrictions to the spirits that he gives providence to, 'house rules' in simpler terms and is sometimes heard chiding them for not listening. But he cares for them greatly, especially the little ones, often talking to them and encouraging them to partake in his work - so they learn new experiences and the Human language. Suprisingly, they understand him. Unsuprisingly, this is considered rather irrational behaviour to some, even in Oakridge.

Montero also feels that there is something wrong with the concept of Whaling and he does get vocal about it academically when given the chance, it's not just that hunting gentle giants is morally antagonistic and all. It is. But that is not what bothers him, there is a 'darkness' to the act that he cannot point out. Like a gut feeling of dread that he cannot shake away. Seeing raw Whale oil is like seeing blood, jars and jars of blood.

He is seeing a professor to discuss the possibility of alternative fuels as well as to create devices that grant Spirits autonomy, though neither projects are seeing much support right now. Interesting as concepts they might be, who would support an idea that could harm the local economy?

_{S T R I F E}

---

Though Montero wielded a Greatsword during his years as a warfare student, in his time in Research, he has found that he had a tendency to improvise in any sort of combat. Sometimes even tossing his sword as a projectile. Much to the chargrin of the instructors of Weaponary.

There is no one best solution for everything. Isn't that what Science encourages us to explore?

Montero switches his weapons and gear as situations change, not that Researchers are combatants anyway. Long as the school permits his use of their resources, he will prepare accordingly for each mission. He has yet to specialize in any weapon.

But if there's any continuity in the way he handles a duel, it is Montero's gratituos application of Spirit arts and Science -which he does not see as a weapon.

In The Spirits Within, he uses a deck centered around cunning, self-triggering traps and ultimately summoning Alexander, the Machine Tyrant, to end his opponent's life points.

_{K I N S H I P}

---

Perpetual Work In Progress.

Montero has taken a few classes with Ajax during his years in warfare.
--------
"The word 'Voyeur' seems to subtly accompany this individual, flashbacks of varied classmates looking 'grossed out'."

He works in the Research division, so might have seen other Researchers once or twice.
--------
Shadowy silhouettes,
Amidst a concrete jungle,
Shuffling constantly.

_{C O N T A C T S}

---

Perpetual Work In Progress.

_{C H R O N I C L E}

---

Perpetual Work In Progress.

_{P R O P E R T Y}

---

Here you list valuable possessions such as items, catalysts, and currency whenever you receive them. These items are only given by the Game Master. You will have to continuously revisit this section to edit it.

BTW, will they be put on field work based on their own choosing or what the school roster thinks is best? Granted, if missions are early plot situations - if not, I shall whip out my solo fiddle and play the night away. ...that came out wrong

[EurmalEye]

@71452K Given that we are both in the research division, it is entirely possible our characters know each other. Would you like to establish a more detailed kinship or leave it at they have seen each other once or twice?

[71452K]

I have maybe some ideas, but honestly, would your rather sociable character have a good relationship with someone like Montero Creepy McJudgerson? I myself wouldn't. :S.

...jokes aside, I'd like to hear your ideas. :).

R.I.P. My Haiku.
@EurmalEye

[EurmalEye]

@71452K Lol you massively overestimate my characters sociability. The other kinships my character has are from others approaching him or offering him a fantastic deal. Honestly with the personality I have in mind your personality would not really matter to him so long as you were competent. Plus he would respect the way you interact with your spirits.

But if you want to develop it later in game that's cool too just lemme know or you can PM to discuss in further detail.

[Mirandae]

@Mr Rage
I did! I think I gave it a thumbs up. You can put your sheet in the character tab and work from there instead.

@71452K
Heh, you will be able to choose missions in the beginning. After that, the story will become increasingly linear. You can also put your sheet in the character tab and continue to work from there!

@EurmalEye
You too! Sheet into character tab. It will be easier to find and edit things from there.

[71452K]

I opt to develope it, but our characters should meet soon so we can get to work on it. @EurmalEye

:)! Cheers! Btw, I can imagine someone like Celise in the school, such an adventurous spirit. @Prisk

[Rizza]

@Prisk Fixed to just Warfare and reworked his Strife. Sorry it took a while to get back, been helping a friend help his people move states and i haven't been able to focus. I'm back now though. As for Celise and Duke, she may have had a few encounters with him, if she's hung around Ajax. More so, if it involves training. Duke is the type that believes there is always something that could be improved. Thus, he is constantly training. Ajax is a valuable training partner because they can spar going all out. He is the only one who is suitable to be Duke's rival! Lol

D U K E

_{D U K E K N I G H T IV
✚ 22 ✚ Male ✚ 6'8 ✚ Warfare}

_{P R E S E N C E}

---

Duke is a young man, of mixed descent, with powerful features; seemingly, having been sculpted by the gods themselves. He has tawny (yellow-brown) skin, is muscular and extremely tall. He has dirty blonde curles and sports a standard militaristic haircut; the high fade. His chiseled jawline is sharp enough to slice through diamond. Perpetually shuttered, dead, light-green hues analyze and scan the world with laser focus. His piercing gaze would feel as though Duke is looking beyond ones physical form and stares directly at the soul. Full, thick lips hide not only a set of perfect teeth, but project a voice of power. He also has a tattoo on his right hand, symbolic of his family name.

Duke's style can be defined as "athleisure"- casual, comfortable clothing designed to be suitable both for exercise and everyday wear. There a few constants in his style: 1)Pants will always be in the form of joggers. 2)Shorts will always be netted gym shorts or sweatpants shorts. 3)Shoes will always be running shoes or resemble basketball shoes. There is also a hint of minimalism. You will only find black or white clothing in Duke's closet. He is tastefully simple.

Duke exudes an aura of confidence. He stands with proper posture and his head is always held high. When he walks, Duke's arms are almost always relaxed at his sides. They move as he moves, directly in front of him. His hands are also relaxed rather than tight-fisted. His head is parallel to the ground. His eyes look straight forward, too. His feet are at shoulder width. Most of all, his shoulders move, almost in a rolling figure-8 motion; like a puma stalking it's prey. Duke maintains a low and steady tone of voice, when speaking. He speaks at a slow and relaxed paced, without tension. He speaks just loud enough for others to hear, never too loud or too soft. Filler words are non-existent in Duke's speech. Should he need a moment to think of what to say next, he will simply pause and hold that silence until he is ready to speak again.

_{I D E O L O G Y}

---

Values

L O Y A L T Y

• Bear true faith and allegiance in the organization.
• Work within the system without manipulating it for personal gain.
• Observe higher headquarters priorities.

---

D U T Y

• Fulfill obligations-professional, legal, and moral.
• Carry out mission requirements.
• Meet professional standards.
• Set the example.
• Comply with policies and directives.
• Continually pursue excellence.

---

R E S P E C T

• Treat people as they should be treated.
• Create a climate of fairness and equal opportunity.
• Be discreet and tactful when correcting or questioning others.
• Show concern for and make an effort to check on the safety and well-being of others.
• Be courteous.
• Don't take advantage of positions of authority.

---

S E L F L E S S S E R V I C E

• Sustain team morale.
• Share hardships.
• Give credit for success to others and accept responsibility for failure themselves.

---

H O N O R

• Don't lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those actions by others.

---

I N T E G R I T Y

• Do what is right legally and morally.
• Possess high personal moral standards.
• Be honest in word and deed.
• Show consistently good moral judgment and behavior.
• Put being right ahead of being popular.

---

P E R S O N A L C O U R A G E

• Show physical and moral bravery.
• Take responsibility for decisions and actions.
• Accept responsibility for mistakes and shortcomings.

---

N E V E R G I V E U P

• Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.

---

B E I N G T H E B E S T

• Hard work beats talent.
• Solve real-time challenges.
• Create competitive advantages.
• Join with fellow guardians to create and identify competitive advantages.
• Go above and beyond expectations.

---

C H I V A L R Y

• Come to the aid of those in need, in order of those least able to defend themselves and least responsible for their situation before others.
• Treat a lady with respect.
• Be Honourable. Follow proper procedures in all things. If challenged, either accept, or concede that the challenger is better in martial matters. There is no loss of honour in understanding that someone is more skilled, there is always someone more skilled, but one should openly acknowledge their skill, to give them just credit.
• Do not challenge someone who is obviously lower skilled without just cause. To do so is dishonourable and makes one look petty.

---

D O N O T K I L L N E E D L E S S L Y

• Killing an evil monster is ok, killing a neutral animal that is just hungry is only needed if there is a high likelihood that others will die if one does not.

---

P H Y S I C A L F I T N E S S

• Having sound health, strength, and endurance, which sustain emotional health and conceptual abilities under prolonged stress.

---

C O N F I D E N C E

• Projecting self-confidence and certainty in the ability to succeed.
• Demonstrates composure and outward calm through steady control over emotion.

Core Competencies

L E A D S O T H E R S

• Provides purpose, motivation, inspiration
• Enforces Standards
• Balances mission and welfare of guardians

---

E X T E N D S I N F L U E N C E

• Builds trust.
• Understands sphere, means and limits of influence.
• Negotiates, builds consensus, resolves conflict.

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L E A D S B Y E X A M P L E

• Displays character.
• Leads with confidence in adverse conditions.
• Demonstrates confidence.

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C O M M U N I C A T E S

• Listens actively.
• states goals for action.
• Ensures shared understanding.

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C R E A T E S A P O S I T I V E E N V I R O N M E N T

• Set the conditions for positive climate.
• Helps build teamwork and cohesion.
• Encourages initiative.
• Demonstrates care for people.

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P R E P A R E S S E L F

• Ensures he is prepared for expected and unexpected challenges.
• Expands knowledge.
• Maintains self awareness.

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G E T S R E S U L T S

• Develops and execute plans.
• Accomplishes tasks consistently.

The Warriors Ethos

"I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade."

Views

J E N O V A

• The world has been f'ed up since the arrival of this extraterrestrial body.
• Anyone who wants to allow it's continued existence is dumb. Why should we allow something to live when it's destroying us? For the sake of science?
• Things will only get better when we stop trying to understand whatever this thing is, cut our losses, and destroy it.

---

_{S T R I F E}

---

"Time to Duke it out!"

Duke is a practitioner (1 of just 3 known) of the Fist of The Iron Knight. The Fist of The Iron Knight is a hybrid martial art, exclusive to the Knight family, created by Duke's grandfather (Duke Knight II). It is said that the best defense stems from strong offense. This style is designed to eliminate threats quickly and efficiently. Maximized force seeks to end the battle quickly due to the amount of damage inflicted upon the opponent and rapidity aims to reach the target before the opponent can react. One of the premises that was incorporated into this style was combat realism. The belief is that martial arts techniques should be incorporated based upon their effectiveness in real combat situations. This would differentiate the style from other systems where there was an emphasis on flashy techniques. Flashy techniques arguably "look good", but would often prove ineffective in street survival and self-defense situations.

An aspect of realistic martial arts training fundamental to FTIK is "aliveness". This is the concept of training techniques with an unwilling assistant who offers resistance. Circumstances in a fight change from millisecond to millisecond. Thus, pre-arranged patterns and techniques are not adequate in dealing with such a changing situation. For someone to attack another hand-to-hand, the attacker must approach the target. This provides an opportunity for the attacked person to "intercept" the attacking movement. The principle of interception may be applied to more than intercepting physical attacks; non-verbal cues may also be perceived or "intercepted", and thus be used to one's advantage. This perspective of combat realism and aliveness, combined with his deep-seated desire to be the best, is reason Duke is constantly searching for the strongest opponents; effectively allowing him to train going "all out". He smiles in the face of adversity because nothing brings greater joy than a good challenge.

Duke fights in a southpaw stance, meaning he is a left-handed person who leads with the right. He has learned many defensive concepts such as forearm blocks. He considers himself to be a "reactive fighter". He will often wait for his opponent to make a move and react accordingly; intercepting an opponent's attack with an attack of his own instead of simply blocking it (often blocking a punch/kick with one of his own). He utilizes a nimble and agile, skipping-like- footwork technique to easily maneuver around and evade enemy strikes. Simultaneous parrying & punching combines attack and defense into one movement, thus minimizing the "time" element and maximizing the "energy" element.

Being that he is a frontline fighter, Duke focuses on absorbing spirits which enhance his physical abilities. He does sacrifice some tankability for strength and speed- so that he may defeat opponents quickly and efficiently. This makes him a lot faster than what some may percieve him to be, because of his rather large build. As far as weapons go, he is a weapon. Thus, he will refuse use of weapons because he views them as "unmanly". Though, he does use gauntlets crafted from rare metals that are extremely durable and lightweight. Which were designed to further enhance the speed and explosiveness of his punches. Duke is also capable of infusing spirits with his gauntlets, to add an elemental effect. Which he uses to gain an advantage (IE. Flame fists against an opponent using ice). Though, the magical damage is actually minor, when compared to the damage from the physical impact.

On the battlefield, there is only one person which Duke concerns himself with, and that is the strongest one. He firmly believes that cutting off the head of the snake is the quickest way to secure victory. He will eliminate weaker enemies as quick as possible, while conserving energy, until he can identify and engage the strongest opponent.

Duke, in many ways, could be thought of as the superhero-type, saving the world with a smile and his fists. He comes complete with catch phrases and action poses. "It's time to Duke it out!" is one of his more famous, if not most famous, catch phrases. It's an obvious play on his name, but also means it's time to handle business and get to fighting. After defeating an opponent, he will shoot his teammates a thumbs up and cross his arms, saying something like "It's over"or "Target annihilated". He also cannot resist an opportunity to take an unflinching pose in front of an explosion. Duke's confidence in his, and his teammates, ability to get the job done can be a source of inspiration for comrades on the battlefield.

_{K I N S H I P}

---

This concerns your character's relationship with the other player characters. If your character has had nothing to do with the others until this story, you need not fill this out right away. However, this should be edited as time passes. You can add trivia and notes that only another character of your choice knows about, background history if there is any, and so on.

_{C O N T A C T S}

---

Here you list your secondary characters, if you choose to have any. They must be associated with your main character, however. This is why this section is named 'contacts'. The relation between your character and secondary character can be whatever you want, but there must be some kind of connection between them. Completely separate characters need a new character sheet.

_{C H R O N I C L E}

---

This is where you will add 'flashbacks' once they have been written. You do not need to do this prior to the story. Whenever you discuss something, in-character, that is relevant to your character's background, you can either summarize or copy it into this section of the character sheet. So, you will have to continuously revisit this section to edit it.

_{P R O P E R T Y}

---

Here you list valuable possessions such as items, catalysts, and currency whenever you receive them. These items are only given by the Game Master. You will have to continuously revisit this section to edit it.

As for the other guardians, I am open to ideas on how they know each other.

[Mirandae]

@Rizza
Cool, we can work with that. What if Celise has timed Duke and Ajax's sparring session, maybe even broken things up when it has gone too far?

Very cool Strife section, by the way. Is that Doomfist from Overwatch? You can put your sheet into the character tab at your leisure.

[Rockette]

Time to make myself known!
I've gleaned and glanced over the characters thus far, nothing concrete in terms of some kinship, but I figure once I read in earnest, something will come about. Regardless, I know some naturally form within writing.

[EurmalEye]

@Rockette Just to make sure you cleared your character with Prisk?

[deadpixel101]

@Prisk

Oh absolutely. The first thing I noticed after comparing our characters was the polarity. I'd assume whenever/if ever they've spoken they might not get along the best lol They're driven by opposite ideals. I'm interested to see how they interact.

[Rockette]

@EurmalEye - Of course! I concluded such within a PM, I don't usually discuss concepts in 'public' for the sake of the reveal, unless requested otherwise.