Letter Bee

~ Valkyria Chronicles - Changing of the Guard ~

Archibald Andrews - Sapper

Archibald's first impulse was anger, anger that Michael had refused his request. The next impulse was to acknowledge the truth, and continue on with his summary of the plan for attack as though nothing had happened. The impulse after that was to consider how much time had been lost attempting to help someone who only looked like he needed his help. Finally, all the aforementioned impulses gathered together to compel him to say, "I'm sorry; I shouldn't have assumed. And you're right."

This was a bad omen; causing unecessary conflict with a fellow soldier. His attempts to help had become annoying, and it had been seen by the rest of his squad. He looked at the Lance Corporals, hoping that their attention had not been diverted by the the minor dispute. If they had been, Archibald will take one last moment to say, "I'm sorry, sir, it will not happen again."

A promise that he wanted to keep; a promise he was going to keep. Archibald heard the slight tremble of Jean's voice and knew where it came from, but sympathized with it instead of the contrary. Fear made his commanding officer human, and right now, humanity was what he sought for in said commanding officer. But enough thoughts about that, it was time to charge that hill before the enemy's artillery was ready.

As he ran up said hill, his strong legs proving that indeed, he was able to move fast despite the weight of his equipment, the Sapper drew his rifle while the Lance Corporal reached the foxholes - the reason why it didn't take so long from his perspective, while it took a long time from Jean's, was because, with all due respect, Archibald was suppressing his urge for melodrama.

The Shocktroopers had reached the foxholes, covered by the Gunners' machine gun fire. Grenades were being thrown into the enemy trenches, and all Archibald can do was follow the other troops as they were in their element - Close Quarters Combat. A glance at Jean; the Sapper worried about his Lance Corporal. From his looks and demeanor alone, Jean looked like someone forced into battle; courageous and determined, certainly, but would deny it when pressed. What could have happened to force him into such a bloody conflict?

Shots whizzed above his head, a sign that it wasn't safe to think. In fact, the fact that he can spare time to think at all was the result of the Sappers still having a few seconds to get into shooting range.

Yet he can't help himself, even as he ducked down to keep a low profile, running in zig-zags like his father taught him in order to increase his chances of survival. Humanity was cruel, innately cruel yet at the same time innately kind. The cruelty of humanity had made this conflict in the first place; whether Cruxian or Yggdist or even Atheist, no religion or lack of can deny that Humanity was a mass of virtues and sins, and those combined to make this war a reality.

As he finally got into close quarters, shooting at any Imperial unlucky enough to survive the Shocktroopers' onslaught, Archibald finally realized the truth his father had tried to teach him: War was Hell. That was why his family had chosen to embrace the Good News, the Good News of the Cruxian Faith, and its promise of salvation and redemption for those who would reach out and take it.

The Purpose of War Is Ultimately Peace, he thought to himself, managing to spell out the capitals in his own head. If I survive this, I will teach my children how to avert such a conflict from happening again. May The Savior bless -

An Imperial Soldier rose up of a heap of corpses, bayonet swinging up to skewer Archibald. Shots fired as the Sapper lifted up his rifle, shooting the enemy over and over again in order to ensure that he was truly dead. At last it was done; he had killed his first man, his first fellow human. It had to be done, Archibald thought. I hope that Yggist or Cruxian or Non-Believer, he is in a better place now.

There was no time for further prayers.

Final Fantasy: Reverence [Interest]

I might join.

Innocence Lost: Space Western Science Fantasy (Temporarily Open Again!)

Innocence Lost

Eldrid and Natasha

N/A, waiting for Bartimaeus and Crowvette

John Green and Orky

John didn't show it, but things were moving too fast for him as well. Yes, it was bad leadership for him to not be able to absorb new developments quick enough, but things were still moving too fast! So first, he spoke to Dante, "Your code checks out; you're accepted!"

Then Kelan's words came to him, and John said, "We're watching each other to see if he's an enemy - He says he's against the Ascendancy as well. Do you mean that he isn't?!" His face met his palm as he turned to Rachel and Narvia and said, "You two and Orky keep watch on him while we get to the bottom of this." Then to Dante, whose type of power armor he recognized, "Newcomer! If your sensors are sophisticated enough, look for snipers and bombard them with artillery!"

All the while, he was still in his 'liquid form', a liquid form that was a countermeasure to most forms of attack, but was of limited effectiveness against attacks that can just scatter said liquid form all over the deck. And by that, a punch from Rook can do that.

Orky didn't need to wait; he had stepped ahead, then turned around to face Rook, sizing him up to see if he was truly the worthy opponent he seemed.

Snow Cecil

"Either Moonstrike or the mercenaries used a jamming field to cut off communications - that's why I had to go back to my Starfighter in order to report," Snow Cecil said. "As I said, the mercenaries are only presumably in Ascendancy Service; I suspect they belong to someone trying to keep their dirty laundry secret, but it's more plausible that someone's just trying to steal the glory."

A pause, "Also, from what I gathered from the trajectory of the mercenaries - who wear the armor of the Incubus group - as well as Moonstrike, they are heading for the chamber of an AI called Realist, a high-priority prisoner with information relating to the Ascendancy." An idea then came to him, "It seems that their prime priority is Realist itself; not to be overconfident in my skills, but I can calculate the exact position in the AI’s chamber where Monarch, their leader, is confronting Realist. You might be able to drop an ‘Anvil’ on his head, then."

Snow smiled at that; this idea isn't likely to succeed, but it will inconvinience Incubus. And on the off-chance it did succeed, it would save Realist. Granted, gaining access to Realist afterwards would still be a pain, but it was all worth it.

@Gentlemanvaultboy@Starlance@Bartimaeus@Stern Algorithm@Crowvette@KillamriX88@The Jest@CriticalHit@Araby264@Landaus Five-One@AtomicNut@Senhara

Royal Rumble: Side-story

Still might not have time, but I am interested.

Royal Rumble!

This RP still isn't dead!

~ Valkyria Chronicles - Changing of the Guard ~

Archibald Andrews - Sapper

Archibald had charged towards the hill, the hill where the enemy artillery was situated. Many of his fellow men and women had fallen - cut down in the prime of their lives, their potential to enrich the world forever ended. Was it the same for the Imperials as well? How many potential inventors, artists, and poets had been cut down in the prime of their life, in order to fight against the tyranny and absolutism slowly engulfing the continent? Then he grit his teeth as he reached the ruined church being used as cover; it mattered not: They had to come back victorious, or they were going to die, either by enemy hands or at the hands of the officer tasked with shooting deserters.

On arrival at the church, he nodded in acknowledgment as their remaining Lance Corporal thought up a plan. It was going to require coordination, grit, and above all a determination to live. As he saw the late arrivals - another Sapper and a Rifleman - running towards them, Archibald looked at Jean and said, "I'm with you, Lance Corporal!"

Facing Michael and Diana as they arrived, Archibald spoke to the former, "Give me your equipment, kid! You'll need to be as light as possible if you're gonna live!"

Archibald didn't need to give a reasoning as to why he said that; he felt it was self-evident and that his words told enough.

Once Michael had handed his equipment over to his fellow Sapper - Once, not if; Archibald planned to take the equipment if Michael insisted on carrying the extra weight - Archibald will continue as briefly as possible, "We're charging from the hill; Shocktroopers here," he gestured to Kalisa and Daniel, "Will throw grenades and clear a path." A pause as he continued, "Our other Lance Corporal - Isaac, I think his name is - will shoot along with our other Gunner; their Machine Guns will provide covering fire."

A last pause as the metaphorical clock ticked down. "My name is Archibald Andrews, by the way; I'm from Vinland."

There were no more words to say, no more elaboration on his life story to give. All that there was is to wait for the charge.

~ Valkyria Chronicles - Changing of the Guard ~

Character Sheet for EW2

---

Artwork Originally of Jason Levasseur from Moonlight Apparition, a webcomic made by one Darkhalo4321; all credit given to her.

---

Name
Ashton Andrews

Gender
Male

Age
16

Sexuality
Bisexual

Race
New Vinlander Volunteer

---

Appearance
Though Ashton's relatively short height prevents him from passing himself off as someone older, his fit and athletic build shows that he fits at least some of the requirements to be a soldier. Although his expression is generally kind and soft, it can be firm when confronted with a challenge, firm and determined. When in uniform, he looks only just big enough to fit in his clothes, due to the fact that those were made for much older people, and Ashton has not modified any of his clothing other than roling up his sleeves and pant legs.

Height
5'6

Personality
Ashton Andrews is a rare breed: He didn't join the war for glamour, or glory, or for money. Rather, he joined because he genuinely believes in the ideals of the Atlantic Federation versus the Imperials. Said ideals were these: The belief that a man's deeds, not their race, were what defined them. That equality of opportunity and a minimum of respect are an innate right of all thinking beings. That Democracy is the best way to guarantee the rights of all thinking folk. And so he ran away from home, even knowing deep inside that the horrors of war would scar him forever, even knowing that death might await him at the end of it all.

---

Rank
Private

Role
Shocktrooper.

Equipment
- Rainfire Mk.3
- Various Explosives

Potentials
True Believer: Ashton truly believes in the ideals of the Federation, not blindly, but because of a clear comparison between the Federation's democratic ideals and the beliefs of the Imperial Alliance. As long as he is confident that his comrades would fight beside him for the same ideals, he would lay down his life for them expecting them to do the same. This true belief in the ideals of the Federation drove him overseas in the first place, running away from a happy home and good prospects in life, and his desire to make a difference gives him a well of much-needed strength. Or so he hopes.

Agile: Ashton is fast, even in combat armor, and has learned to maximize his speed by running in zig-zags, drawing his guns as fast as possible, throwing grenades or even throwing them back, and generally tries to use as much cover as he could. Nevertheless, his energy isn't infinite, and so his fast movements put him in danger of getting exhausted the longer the battle continues.

Charmer: Ashton knows he looks adorable. Ashton is also kind, brave, precocious and idealistic. Ashton is also someone who wants everyone to be happy (or at least equally unhappy), and he knows how to maximize the effect those traits have on others should he be put in peril. If captured by the enemy for whatever reason, Ashton is confident he can charm the guards into giving him relatively kind treatment so that he can help fellow prisoners...

---

Biography
Ashton was born in a small city in the northeast of United States of Vinland, a small city that was nevertheless booming because of the timber and fish trade, and later Ragnite when deposits of it were discovered in the nearby hills. His father was an inkeeper who was soon able to upgrade his establishment into an actual hotel and restaurant, while his mother was a schoolteacher who gave her son extra lessons at home after school. At school, he made friends with everyone he met, including the Darscen immigrants from Europa who came as miners and engineers. His life was happy, then, and he learned that kindness and friendship were precious, yet free to give.

Then war came to the lands across the ocean, and Ashton decided to know more. It was then that he learned of authoritarianism, of reactionary movements that denied the conceptof equality of opportunity, that promoted themselves above others, that believed it was their right to oppress and spread suffering. And for the first time, he felt anger. Anger that such people can be so misguided. He also learned about how Ragnite, the source of wealth for his city, was a source of strife elsewhere, and how Darscen, including kin of his friends, were being predjudiced against. Ashton knew what he had to do: He had to go to war, even though his parents won't approve.

So he secretly packed his things, sent his parents a note, then went off to the nearest riverboat to the nearest port, where he picked up a ship to Edinburgh. There, he went to the nearest recruiting office, pleaded his case, and after his first examination, was allowed to enter the ranks of the Edinburgher army, where his skills as a potential shocktrooper came to the fore of his training. That was when he was finally allowed to enter the war. By then, Ashton had seen some of the horrors of conflict: Maimed and ruined people, corpses in the morgue, soldiers devoting themselves to drink and drugs. But even then, he won't quit: Better to be dead or ruined than do nothing.

Affiliations
Archibald Andrews (Father)
Madeline Liana Andrews (Mother)
Cyrus Ascot (Darscen Best Friend - Darscen are allowed Surnames in Vinland!)

Relationships
None yet.

Character Theme
None yet

~ Valkyria Chronicles - Changing of the Guard ~

Character Sheet

---

Artwork Originally of Antonio Levasseur from Moonlight Apparition, a webcomic made by one Darkhalo4321; all credit given to her.

---

Name
Archibald Andrews

Gender
Male

Age
17

Sexuality
Bisexual

Race
New Vinlander

---

Appearance
The first impression that one gets when staring at Archibald's face is 'determination', determination echoed by the firm set of his body. Athletically-built from years of hunting and trapping, Archibald is more than physically fit to be a soldier. His uniform is only minimally modified, staying as close to its original form as possible. He is tall for his age, but still evidently smooth and youthful, and it's clear he isn't a full adult just yet. His expression is often stern, as if disciplining other kids while forgetting that he himself is one.

Height
5'7

Personality
Archibald, being the son of a Union Veteran of the Vinlander Civil War, has heard tales of both the necessity and brutality of war. Like his future son, Ashton, Archibald knows what he believes in and how and when to fight for it. A kind, yet serious and stern young man, Archibald cares for his comrades and is compassionate to those who ask for it but will not hesitate to kill an enemy. Or at least he thinks that he is capable of killing when needed.

Nevertheless, Archibald has a secret belief that he would survive this war, a secret belief that his life is charmed and that he would come out of this prepared to raise a new generation to live a life free from horror.

---

Rank
Private

Role
Sapper

Equipment
SM-Longfield Rifle

Potentials
Lady Luck's Gift: Archibald is really, really, lucky. Not to the point where he evades all injuries and overcomes all impediments; nor is he protected from every stupid decision he might make in the future - rather, he just has a buffer protecting him from death or greivous, physically-crippling injury. But this potential, founded on a destiny, does not save him from the prospect of psychological trauma or the prospect of tears from the loss of friends in this war.

Strong: Archibald is gifted with great physical strength that is hidden by his long-sleeved fatigues, which allows him to carry his Rifle, explosives, barbed wire, and cutting tools with less inconvenience than normal Gunners. This skill also helps him in unarmed combat, as he can knock a person unconscious with a single punch. And of course, he can carry heavy weights as well, making him a good aid post-battle.

Last Man Standing: Archibald hates retreating unless there is a strategic and tactical justification for it, and even then he would not hesitate to let loose a few last shots before finally going. Not just that, but when covering for others' withdrawal or routing, Archibald will make it his goal to make sure that no enemy gets past him, even though it risks his capture or even death (as Lady Luck's Gift isn't all-powerful).

---

Biography
Archibald was born in the northeast of the United States of Vinland, to a trapper who was a Civil War veteran and a local doctor. They lived on the outskirts of a small town that made its living in the timber, fur, and fishing trade, and Archie grew up hearing tales of his father's Civil War exploits. He loved his father and he loved hunting, and he always thought that he'd follow in his footsteps. Then, one day, his uncle died, leaving his parents the inn he owned. His father, though grumbling, decided to keep said Inn instead of sell it, because it was the last connection he had to his brother And so, he moved his family into the nearby small town.

It was a new world for Archibald, buzzing with new sights and sounds. There were books to read, newspapers and magazines, and visitors to regale him with tales of the outside world. And he knew this; that the world was larger than he had thought. As for his father, he adapted to life as an inkeeper well, while his mother found new patients to treat. So life continued to be good to them, even as Archibald's mind was slowly widened. Then came the Europan War, a distant conflict that nevertheless brought new challenges and new ideas to their home.

The loans that the Vinlanders granted the Atlantic Federation boosted the Vinland economy to new heights, spurring new prosperity and new immigrants to their town. One of those was a Darscen prospector who discovered Ragnite in the hills near the city.

Said Darscen prospector was named Elias, and Vinlander laws allowed him to take a last name unlike in Europa - Ascot. He and Archibald's Father became friends, and same for Archibald himself. Then, one day, news came of the Imperial Invasion of the neutral country of [Insert Country Here], and Vinland, including the small town Archibald lived in, was outraged. Something needed to be done. And so Archibald volunteered to go to Europa to make war; his father opposed it, but knew that despite the horrors of war, a just cause is a just cause. So with his reluctant blessing, he allowed Archibald to go across the sea, to foriegn lands, to fight.

Affiliations
Bernard Andrews (Father).
Matilda Andrews (Mother).
Elias Ascot (Darscen Prospector and friend; has a last name as it's the United States of Vinland).

Relationships
N/A

Character Theme
Not necessary, but can be used if wished.

~ Valkyria Chronicles - Changing of the Guard ~

Character Sheet

---

Artwork Originally of Antonio Levasseur from Moonlight Apparition, a webcomic made by one Darkhalo4321; all credit given to her.

---

Name
Archibald Andrews

Gender
Male

Age
17

Sexuality
Bisexual

Race
New Vinlander

---

Appearance
The first impression that one gets when staring at Archibald's face is 'determination', determination echoed by the firm set of his body. Athletically-built from years of hunting and trapping, Archibald is more than physically fit to be a soldier. His uniform is only minimally modified, staying as close to its original form as possible. He is tall for his age, but still evidently smooth and youthful, and it's clear he isn't a full adult just yet. His expression is often stern, as if disciplining other kids while forgetting that he himself is one.

Height
5'7

Personality
Archibald, being the son of a Union Veteran of the Vinlander Civil War, has heard tales of both the necessity and brutality of war. Like his future son, Ashton, Archibald knows what he believes in and how and when to fight for it. A kind, yet serious and stern young man, Archibald cares for his comrades and is compassionate to those who ask for it but will not hesitate to kill an enemy. Or at least he thinks that he is capable of killing when needed.

Nevertheless, Archibald has a secret belief that he would survive this war, a secret belief that his life is charmed and that he would come out of this prepared to raise a new generation to live a life free from horror.

---

Rank
Private

Role
Sapper

Equipment
SM-Longfield Rifle

Potentials
Lady Luck's Gift: Archibald is really, really, lucky. Not to the point where he evades all injuries and overcomes all impediments; nor is he protected from every stupid decision he might make in the future - rather, he just has a buffer protecting him from death or greivous, physically-crippling injury. But this potential, founded on a destiny, does not save him from the prospect of psychological trauma or the prospect of tears from the loss of friends in this war.

Strong: Archibald is gifted with great physical strength that is hidden by his long-sleeved fatigues, which allows him to carry his Rifle, explosives, barbed wire, and cutting tools with less inconvenience than normal Gunners. This skill also helps him in unarmed combat, as he can knock a person unconscious with a single punch. And of course, he can carry heavy weights as well, making him a good aid post-battle.

Last Man Standing: Archibald hates retreating unless there is a strategic and tactical justification for it, and even then he would not hesitate to let loose a few last shots before finally going. Not just that, but when covering for others' withdrawal or routing, Archibald will make it his goal to make sure that no enemy gets past him, even though it risks his capture or even death (as Lady Luck's Gift isn't all-powerful).

---

Biography
Archibald was born in the northeast of the United States of Vinland, to a trapper who was a Civil War veteran and a local doctor. They lived on the outskirts of a small town that made its living in the timber, fur, and fishing trade, and Archie grew up hearing tales of his father's Civil War exploits. He loved his father and he loved hunting, and he always thought that he'd follow in his footsteps. Then, one day, his uncle died, leaving his parents the inn he owned. His father, though grumbling, decided to keep said Inn instead of sell it, because it was the last connection he had to his brother And so, he moved his family into the nearby small town.

It was a new world for Archibald, buzzing with new sights and sounds. There were books to read, newspapers and magazines, and visitors to regale him with tales of the outside world. And he knew this; that the world was larger than he had thought. As for his father, he adapted to life as an inkeeper well, while his mother found new patients to treat. So life continued to be good to them, even as Archibald's mind was slowly widened. Then came the Europan War, a distant conflict that nevertheless brought new challenges and new ideas to their home.

The loans that the Vinlanders granted the Atlantic Federation boosted the Vinland economy to new heights, spurring new prosperity and new immigrants to their town. One of those was a Darscen prospector who discovered Ragnite in the hills near the city.

Said Darscen prospector was named Elias, and Vinlander laws allowed him to take a last name unlike in Europa - Ascot. He and Archibald's Father became friends, and same for Archibald himself. Then, one day, news came of the Imperial Invasion of the neutral country of Gallia, and Vinland, including the small town Archibald lived in, was outraged. Something needed to be done. And so Archibald volunteered to go to Europa to make war; his father opposed it, but knew that despite the horrors of war, a just cause is a just cause. So with his reluctant blessing, he allowed Archibald to go across the sea, to foriegn lands, to fight.

Affiliations
Bernard Andrews (Father).
Matilda Andrews (Mother).
Elias Ascot (Darscen Prospector and friend; has a last name as it's the United States of Vinland).

Relationships
N/A

Character Theme
Not necessary, but can be used if wished.

Re: Zero: The High Council

Flame frowned, went back to where Ashton was, and said, "See? That Japanese girl is not a nice person."

Ashton nodded as he listened to both Yuuki and Mono and said, "Oh, right! Hopefully we can retrace our steps and stick to the main roads while it's light out. Let's go, Flame."

The brown-haired boy then took Flame's wrist and dragged him outside, knowing that the latter might not be able to resist being nasty to Chieko. Nevertheless, Ashton noted Captain Crunch talking to the girl, Aki, and a suddenly free Wisp, and decided not to be there when the inevitable chase scene began.

Instead, the two boyfriends began to make their way back to the Donovan clinic, with Flame asking Ashton, "So, can't wait to learn the basics of Demi-Human biology?"

The smile from Ashton spoke volumes about everything. "Oh, yes! This is going to count as free practice for my medical degree! And you, want to experiment with exotic herbs?"

Flame frowned, "You make me look like a druggie." A pause and a smile. "But yes; it seems new horizons await us all."

"Heh!" Ashton smiled, "Whatever happens, we're going to find our own path, blaze our own destiny!"

The passive demeanor had faded somewhat, now Ashton was expressing infectious optimism as he walked. He then said to Flame, "That said, there is still a mystery behind this somewhere. Keep your guard up and don't get distracted by petty arguments."

Flame turned to Ashton as they went closer and closer to Doctor Donovan's place, assuming they had been given the directions. "Petty arguments aside, that girl burns with ambition, as we do. She's also a mean-spirited, selfish, and prideful brat... Who nevertheless has the drive to get the importance and power that she wants. And my actions have opened a breach with her early." A pause. "Not that I don't regret it, but I get what you mean; we shouldn't make too many enemies."

Ashton nodded as they finally arrived to where Doctor Donovan was supposed to be, noticing the Warrior Monks that Flame had apologized to earlier. Grinning in mischief, showing his teeth, the young man said to Flame, "Hey, look, here are your friends!"