FallenFedora

Basic Info: [*]Characters: Stroud Forscythe, Char Lohengrin [*]Main: Stroud Forscythe [*]Servers: Balmung [*]Main: *See Above* RP Style: [*]Experience: WoW, Forum-Based, WC3, ToR, Gaia (ugh); I can fit into any sort of plot and setting, but really enjoy darker stories filled with deception, intrigue, and tragedy. [*]Amount: Heavier than Metal [*]Views on IC Romance: I enjoy a good romance sub-plot, and everything that goes with it. 8-) [*]Views on IC Families: I'm not the biggest fan of playing relatives, or adopted members of actual player families. [*]Views on Lore: A good foundation and general knowledge are a must, but feel free to bend it. [*]Views on Chat Functions: Be distinct with OOC and IC tells. I prefer the (( x )) method. Other: [*]Country: 'Murica [*]Timezone: Central [*]Contact Info: Send all fan-mail through my messages.

It's always awesome when someone looks to step into our little niche and give RPing a go. Reminds me that we aren't quite the free loading basement dwellers that I envision us to be. All joking aside, welcome to Balmung! I'm a part of the Wayfarers of Eorzea - they're a small group, but very friendly and from what I've seen they do some light end game content, though it isn't in the form of dedicated teams. Even if you don't throw your hat in with us, shoot RiniKett a message over the forums and introduce yourself. She doesn't bite very often, and you can never have enough RP contacts. ICly we run an inn/bathhouse (in the traditional Japanese style) that's open to the public, so I'm sure you could get your social fix on the weekends - and who knows? You might even stumble into my on-going plot. They fall somewhere in the neutral good aspect of things, and they're very flexible. Looking forward to seeing you around the server buddy! Any questions about roleplay in general, just shoot me a private message and I'll hook you up as best I can!

The obligatory tall, dark, and mysterious guy.

0079 (The Original Gundam), Zeta, Double Zeta, Char's Counter Attack. I'm all about the Universal Century timeline... Which is probably why I also really enjoyed SEED and Seed-Destiny. Can't say I'm big on the model scene though, but it's cool to see what people come up with.

Honestly I'm in the same boat you are - As I understood from the introduction quest associated with the class, the DRK derives his/her power from their inner-self. They pull from their own hate, suffering, and other negative emotions in such a way that they physically manifest themselves. I'm also of the thought that these emotions (given I also think DRK's are gifted -and- cursed) can literally consume them and swallow them up. (though to a much more violent result than the WAR demonstrated with their 'inner beast' bit) Via Reddit: This is all of course subject to interpretation on the player's part, of course and this being my own. Stroud is, medicated because he's incapable of managing the 'darkside' on his own; My own idea is that it causes excruciating pain and lends itself to a descent into dementia (he develops extremist tendencies in keeping with the emotional instability) due to how far he's gone 'to the other side'. (tapped his own inner-hate and negative emotions.) but that's also because I prefer to have several negative qualities to my own characters rather than one overall badass or average joe. I also have a friend whole plays it off as a split-personality of sorts, where they are just rendered numb and indifferent rather than emotionally engrossed in their power. I honestly think there's several ways one could go about portraying a DRK.

[align=center]Corporate Sabotage?[/align] [align=center]Earlier this month, the head of a weapons corporation, Laughing Armaments, gave a private demonstration of it's revolutionary magitek devices behind the closed doors of Ul'dah; What began with such promise has fallen to utter catastrophe and left it's recent investors with profound and lingering doubts. [/align] [align=center]The Eorzean branch of the corporation had no sooner established itself than had it been, as addressed in a public statement by spokesman Windel Higgs, 'the victim of corporate espionage'. He began by stating that several key development plans and prototypes had either been stolen or destroyed, the issue only compounded with the disappearance of the primary object in the company's magitek research - a crystal the spokesman referred to only as 'unique unto itself' and 'vital to the study and creation of it's [The Magitek Armament's] regulatory devices'. Several of it's employees were injured and even more confirmed dead in the aftermath of the attack.[/align] [align=center]'Clearly this is an act that goes against the name of progress.' Higgs began firmly in the press statement, expressing no shortage of fury. 'This unprovoked attack, and the unnecessary destruction of internal facilities clearly demonstrate a lack of professional or personal concern for our tradesmen - had it not been orchestrated in the lesser hours of the evening, it is highly probable that an even greater number of our men and women would have been needlessly harmed in the pursuit of their art. To those criminals I can only damn you to the Seven Hells, and pray you feel the gravity of the sins and the pain you've caused to those you've injured in your brazen and violent act.' [/align] [align=center]The President, Char Lohengrin, refused to comment beyond the statement that 'measures are being taken to ensure this does not happen again - and that our company's assets are located and returned'. It is speculated that rival weapons corporations, and even Garlemald itself, are to blame but at present there is far to little evidence to indicate any party in particular. Higgs confirmed that Laughing Armaments would continue it's work despite the loss, 'as anything less would be an admission of defeat on our part'. Regardless, the theft of such prototypes and objects cannot bode well for anyone.[/align] [align=center]A substantial reward has been offered by the company for any and all information regarding the theft that leads to the capture of those responsible, and the reclamation of it's stolen property. [/align] Story: Sorrell Blanth

If you're looking for contacts, I'd shoot RiniKett a message or check out Wayfarers of Eorzea. I myself would be interested in chasing a story with you as well - if you don't care terribly to have casual interactions with a Xaela that keeps odd hours, wears a mask -everywhere-, speaks like a well-educated nobleman, and has some shady motives that is.

I'd recommend shooting either RiniKett a PM or looking into Wayfarer's of Eorzea. I myself have already pitched a plot to her that's going to fall under the morally ambiguous side of the spectrum and she's more than open to the idea - it's a small but very friendly and drama free community in-so-far as I've seen. Best of luck!

Stroud would be a well spoken and charismatic influence on the party, likely driving the needlessly complicated plot (Don't deny it SE. It's your gimmick.) He would often provide critical or key information - but only at times it was immediately required. He would be a powerhouse with a high leveling curve encouraging players to use him - only to do a 180 towards the end, leave the party - snatching whatever plot specific object it was the party was seeking to avert some catastrophe just to cause it himself - and ending up as a three phase boss fight.... Where it would be revealed that he was only the penultimate boss paving the way for the final boss that you've never even seen or heard of. :dazed: (SQUARE!!!!)

[align=center]The Last Laugh[/align] [align=center]Laughing Armaments President and CEO Char Lohengrin stood today among the wealthy elite of Ul'dah last eve to deliver a private demonstration of his company's latest contributions and prototypes dedicated to the pursuit of battlecraft to members of the Monetarist party within the Syndicate in hopes of securing additional investors within Eorzea. Though a closed display, this reporter had the privilege and fortune to be invited to observe the proceedings.[/align] [align=center]The President started first by addressing those present with the concern of his heritage - choosing not to beat around the Chocobo and admit plainly that he was of Garlean upbringing but felt little inclination to settle on any one banner or customer base. 'I will not claim loyalty to be my strongest suit. I am, after all, an arms broker. I create weapons and weapons in turn may create suffering or confidence in equal measure. I aim not to forge such misfortune in the sale of my product, but I make no apologies for it's use in such capacity either.' He was quoted as saying before presenting a variety of innovative weaponry.[/align] [align=center]While many are familiar with Garlond Ironworks and their motto 'Freedom through technology' Laughing Armaments has built itself to the inverse; The former President saying oft that 'Freedom is an investment of what is purchased in it's own security.' His adopted son has continued forward with this very same philosophy as he laid bare the latest designs for a set of prototype magitek armor he claimed to be powered by both ceruluem and '...crystals maintained within a controlled environment for peak results...' Though he did not venture deep into the why of it, he did respond to inquiries into the redundancy of using what is essentially raw and processed forms of the same energy.[/align] [align=center]'Ceruleum in and of itself is a volatile substance; while capable of fueling anything from Garlemald's airships to it's magitek juggernauts, it comes with it's own unique risks. Take for instance what happened with Migardsormr and the Argrius... It proved that raw aether can affect ceruleum to catastrophic results, the like of which can be observed over the breadth of Mor Dhona in the form of it's crystallized landscape. Introducing deaspected crystals as regulatory devices minimizes the risk to the individual significantly, as they are naturally responsive to ceruleum, though in-so-far only one in every three hundred or so demonstrates the potential we require to regulate the flows of energy.' He then displayed what was declared as the '...latest in defensive developments...' in the form of unadorned armor built for the individual combatant. Affixed to it at points were small ceruleum tanks which regulated a defensive field, directed at points through smaller crystals which were bathed at intervals in ceruleum.[/align] [align=center]During his demonstration he produced a firearm and began shooting at it, demonstrating it's effectiveness. The field would resonate in response to objects in excess of speed or overly aggressive aetheric resonance and mitigate their effectiveness significantly; President Lohengrin openly admits that the increased defense against modern magicks was an '..unforeseen benefit..' due to the inclusion of the crystals. He then drew a magitek blade, the edge humming dangerously as he activated it - deriving a telltale cerulean glow as the weapon sparked to life. [/align] [align=center]'...The deaspected crystals allow for better control and more stability when it comes to the weapons and armor. Rather than encasing the individual whole as one might suspect from the outset with the knowledge I just shared of Midgardsormr - They serve to regulate the flow of energy and concentrate it at key points...' He then struck at the armor, the blade held at bay mere inches from the breastplate as a blue aura held it firmly in place. '...Even when faced against itself...' He then allowed members of the Syndicate to handle the various weapons themselves to ensure it was not an orchestrated ruse. The event concluded in the later hours of the night, leaving President Lohengrin - and the various Monetarists - exceedingly pleased.[/align] [align=center]Though he has not announced any plans to begin mass production, President Lohengrin has left assurances that he is far from finished with his weapons and armor, stating in his own words that he was 'Far from securing the last laugh' but would be chuckling merrily on his way to the company's budding Eorzean branch with future revelations 'Just around the corner'.[/align] Story: Aliq Q'shirra

(Updated - Last Chapter)

I'm looking to expand my list of contacts exponentially and lead an on-going personal story with a group of interested people over a (very) long course of time. The pretense of our meeting is meant to be 'by chance' and cement the overall flavor and tone of the story I want to tell. It will be dark, full of intrigue, and gritty; The character himself however isn't entirely unpleasant. He will lie to the FC or exaggerate the truth, but for the most part in a non-threatening manner. He is not the stereotypical 'I have a chip on my shoulder. I'm broody all the time now. Don't try to help me.' but more of a 'I detest that this happened, and those that allowed it to happen, but it will not own me.' archetype. He is a morally grey, unapologetic and well spoken man. The initial plot elements involve the use of a Dark Crystal in his possession to suck up his definition of 'Tainted Aether' (of course, to his own benefit justified through deceit.). I don't have any intent of taking any negative actions towards the FC from the onset, giving time to develop both the character, the story, and even integrate with the FC's own plot as it allows. Things to Expect: DM style adventures with encounters and more questions than answers. The influence of your own choices will directly impact the character as he develops and his own willingness to reveal information (or a lack thereof.), and of course a shiny brand new amigo to run around FF 14 when OOC comes around!

(Updated - Chapter 5)

Stroud examines the render of the female Miqo'te at length before reading over the fine print regarding the reason and reward for her capture. He tilts his head quizzically at the scarce details such as the issuing authority, where she was last seen and vague location of delivery. As he turns his head upright to question the robed Elezen - to his chagrin - she had already long gone. "...Ten million gil, huh?" He adjusted his mask just-so before folding the paper a few times and placing it inside of his waist pouch.

Proof my sanity -and- mind have both already fled me. Yep. I'm definitely in the right spot.

Welcome to Final FantasyXIII. Before you begin your descent into madness, I'd like to ask that you deposit your soul and sanity in the provided receptacle; With this done, you are free to proceed into general pop... Though you may want to invest time in a shank. It's a vicious life in here.

This is something I've encountered across every medium of RP I've seen, and unfortunately, the overused archetypes of 'I'm the coolest, and the strongest' and 'The Spotlight' don't seem to be going anywhere. While I by no means plan to dictate how a person rolls a character, or how to play them, I do expect common courtesy and a regard for choice/consequence ICly... but usually they boil down to an OOC spat in which you're wrong for X number of reasons and why this naked little man overcomes adversity and one shots this hulking monster in full armor.... The only real ways to deal with these situations are to have literal numerical superiority (Enough people either ICly or OOCly expressing that the situation is as such that there is sufficient security present to bar entry, or explain that the person is being disruptive and/or irrealistic if contesting it in such a manner that they begin to circumnavigate every attempt to secure the scene in progress which they insist on intruding on.) Open RP is some of the best I've found, it's where I get a lot of good contacts - but I also understand there are some scenarios that I won't be allowed entry to ICly for fear of actually getting dumped in a river by that hulking Roe with the eyepatch and imposing sword. Unfortunately these same archetypes fit the same type of person that either troll or feel entitled to their own story at the expense of others. Which is shitty however you look at it. I've lost all the patience for it, unfortunately, over the years spent in the hobby encountering this type of person... I usually just put them on the ol' blacklist once they've identified themselves as disruptive OOCly for the sake of being disruptive or overly entitled to their own designs, without regard for the actions their choices would bring within reason. (I.E. Start a bar fight, by yourself with six bouncers in the room. Sorry. You're probably getting thrown the fuck out, and I don't care how strong you think your dude is unless you've got hell'a good dice rolls.) But all of this is just me regurgitating what's already been said...

Oh! I totally misunderstood. You should be right as rain then! ^.^ Good luck with it just the same though.

I've found myself in this conundrum once before - though thankfully it had more to do with mana addicted Elves that the plot of the game itself more than suited - However, I'd like to weigh in just a bit. Roleplaying a plot filled with intrigue is something I don't see very often, wherein the characters -will- lie, cheat and push their way to the top - I would suggest anyone you start involving be informed ahead of time that your character is going to lie and do some shady under the table stuff ahead of time, as I've run into the issue of people accusing me of meta-gaming my own character by claiming that I should have mentioned he had lied earlier on to justify the disadvantaged situation they then found themselves IC. (How I'd do that, I don't know. Maybe I could buy a blue police box? I thought it apparent considering my character at the time was a well established politically savvy antagonist.) I say this if only to help you avoid unpleasantness down the road, and to be generally courteous to your fellow RPers. The lore itself, at least as it is demonstrated during the main scenario quests throughout Coerthas as I've seen, doesn't do much to discredit the idea of pseudo-political power struggles between history's most debaucherous caste. I would suggest using the lore to set the boundaries and your own understanding of crime and punishment if you get caught IC to determine where you might progress from there (or perhaps, to establish a pretense to frame your would-be adversary. ) When all else fails, a little google search for comparisons to the real world never hurts either, so long as you find a way to either keep it lore friendly, or revamp it that it would better suit Hydaelyn. If you get this idea off the ground, I'd love to see where you go with it and hope this takes you to some awesome stories. Feel free to add me (Stroud Forscythe/Char Lohengrin) if you would care for a few casual encounters with someone that does a character like this regularly - I personally look forward to seeing your character development. But to answer the immediate question posed at the outset; It's never really been a stretch to make assassinations to one's own gain - So long as they don't conflict with any of the established characters, or other NPC's outside of those conceived of our own mind - I don't see much issue with that in and of itself so long as it isn't done in the fashion of 'A walked up to B and shot him in the face point blank in front of a thousand people he had never met before and then got away with it'. But as the above mentioned - Ishgard is full of some unpleasant voices, reinforcing my opinion on the matter.

[align=center]xJc22RKhI-4 [/align] [align=center]Chapter 6[/align] Char had taken it upon himself to personally oversee the transfer of the Au Ra prisoner that had unsettled him only two weeks before. The Miqo'te adjusted his tie and folded his arms, as two men exchanged one pair of shackles for another, revealing worn and bloodied wrists - he'd clearly been there longer than Char had first thought. There was another blindfold wrapped tightly over his eyes - despite this he could feel the Au Ra looking at him, without a word exchanged. He allowed the security guards to lead ahead, as he followed in their footsteps, stopping only to observe the now empty research room which had once been filled to bursting with technology incomprehensible to his mind. Ashorea stood in a corner, likewise fixated on the departure of the sole subject of 'Project Dark Immortal'. Unlike the President, there wasn't even the faintest hint of uncertainty. Her eyes shined with all the intent of a religious zealot on a pilgrimage. Char moved to stand beside her, looking up the spiral of stairs as the three figures ascended beyond view. "I must admit that you're certainly radiant this evening." A smile filled the Elezen's features as she nodded her head in agreement. "I'm very excited to be a part of all this. We're practically pioneering a new field of aetheric research. Imagine how history might see it... Doctor Ashorea Mo'Thana, the woman whom ushered in the next generation of warrior. Ancient Allag, Garlemald... Neither will compare should we see success in this venture." The Miqo'te brushed his tail along her leg as he wandered past her and up the stairs. "Just you remember whom it is that had the vision and foresight to appoint so brilliant a mind to the project." He moved through the desolate office, up another flight of stairs and stood now just outside of the lobby. Men and women moving back and forth - completely oblivious to the changes taking place just beneath their feet. He could only shake his head as he pushed past them to stand outside among the grey clouds towering overhead, casting rain over all they stood over. 'Ever your son, even in direct defiance.' He thought to himself, as his hair grew matted and stuck to his face in clumps. In the distance, he could see the airship that promised to deliver the foundation of his desires. "President Lohengrin!" A voice called from behind - it was the new 'Chief Director' of 'Dark Immortal'. "Ah, Professor Hoerner. I did not think we'd speak again before you departed." The Hyur whom had been confined and beaten only weeks ago, stood now in perfect health... save for the noticeable absence of two front teeth. "N-neither d-d-did I, in t-t-truth." He replied, holding out a clipboard upon which sat a single paper. "W-we needed your a-approval to transfer the crystal to Eorzea... You'll f-find it also covers our more discreet shipment." "Ah, but of course." He plucked a pen from along Hoerner's breast pocket and signed his name in flowing letters before returning it whence it came. "I do hope you and Ashorea do not find yourself wanting for anything upon your arrival - though if you should find establishing yourselves to be too much trouble, you need but send word and I will respond swiftly to your needs... I do also hope that you might forgive the lengths to which I went in order to solicit your compliance." The man shook his head, still stuttering as he replied. "N-not at all... Y-you were m-most agreeable once we'd moved past the unpleasantness. In t-truth I d-d-didn't think that I would be g-given such a prestigious responsibility." He tucked the clipboard under an arm and nodded happily as he rushed off into the rain. "I'll have our first report ready before month's end!" He called out over the downpour. The Miqo'te could only smirk, as he turned about and returned to the confines of his office. From his vantage point some several stories above the landscape he awaited the departure of the airship Absolution with a single glass of bourbon in hand. Tonight it began... The sweeping shadows that were his desires would follow beneath that lone ship as it skulked along darkened skies. As it lifted into the air, all he could make out was it's silhouette... Though distorted and hidden by both the cover of night and the torrential downpour of rain, to him it was the brilliant rays of change. The artificial crystals, Project Dark Immortal, and the brilliant minds charged with both could only herald, as Ashorea had said, a new age for weapons and the revolution of private security. He toasted the distant airship as it vanished into the clouds, laughing at how fortuitous and easily his fortunes had been laid within his lap.

[align=center]BhmcpOtS4W4 [/align] [align=center]Chapter 5[/align] Blood dripped along the floor, pooling into several small puddles as it collected at the base of a thin Hyur's bound feet. "I will ask again. What did you do with the Auri tucked in the basement below?" Char made a motion with his hand, indicating the Roegadyn conducting the interrogation alongside him should strike again - he obliged, rewarding his zeal with another tooth flung across the floor. "Gyuh...guh..nya..." The Hyur stumbled over his tongue, trying to form the words and collect himself from the past hour's proceedings. "I'm sorry. I didn't quite hear that. Can you speak up?" The Roegadyn scooped the thin man up by the hair and held him upright with one hand, suspended just over the floor. His feet kicked back and forth as he struggled. "...W-we j-just put him in 'The Vial'! That's all! S-studied the effects it had, the ideal parameters of exposure... t-t-the explosive gain of muscle mass and raw power." The President waved his hand, tail wrapping about his waist as he moved to pull a chair from the corner for the Hyur. His Roegadyn companion lifted him up even further before slamming him down forcefully into the hard metal chair, soliciting a satisfying yelp from the significantly smaller man. "...And what of the others? Surely he wasn't the only subject." Char rested his back against the wall and perked a brow alongside his question. "T-they... died of their own accord... or were disposed of as the chief determined... Some g-grew irrational, even f-for prisoners." Char pulled a worn paper from within the first fold of his blazer and inclined his head. "Yes, we read as much... but what was done with the bodies?" The beaten Hyur lifted his head to gaze up at the Miqo'te, tears welling in his eyes and running down his swollen lips. "W-what we did was... horrible. W-we took the aether-rich subjects, a-and w-w-we had them 'processed'... We took the vast reserves of aether we pumped them full of, rent them asunder and had it refined into ceruleum; After that... there wasn't much to actually d-d-dispose of... The ceruleum was then in turn placed in storage to further develop personalized weapons and armor for the subjects that would eventually p-progress past testing stages." "Were any of these 'personalized' effects ever actually developed, or was that still just in the planning stages?" Char motioned to the Roegadyn that he might leave. The larger man grunted, and departed - closing the two inside of the enclosed room. "...N-no... The designs themselves were drafted, but we only had the one v-viable subject b-before your father's death... We never had the time to develop the weapon or the armor..." The Hyur wiggled against his bindings a moment as he tried to push himself upright. "So your Auri prisoner was ready for further testing and observation?" His tail unwound itself and began bobbing back and forth in front of him. "Y-yes... though he has exhibited the signs of mental instabilities frequent in the others... They are not as profoundly taxing on him, and with proper medicinal treatment they may even be regulated... T-though I doubt we'll ever stabilize his mind in it's entirety..." "How plausible do you think it, if we decided to relocate this project and your... 'Vial'?" The Hyur tilted his head to one side, confused. "We're going to continue the project, and to have a former member of the development team as it's new chief director... That would be a boon in and of itself." Char moved to cut the man's binds. "...Where?" The Hyur asked after considering the offer. "...Eorzea. We've no shortage of potential customers... or subjects... in that region. T'is time for a change my good doctor... You and I are just the men to bring about that change." There was another pause before the thin man replied in defeat. "...I will make the necessary preparations... But..." He inhaled sharply, before asking a question he thought certain to purchase further pain. "The morality of the matter does not trouble you?" The man grasped at his wrists and rubbed at them, as Char removed the rope holding his feet. "Morality is a grey area. You can claim good, or you may claim evil... But you will never indefinitely act on one or the other because society's views on how they are defined shift with time. The only true defining object is the currency with which our morals - and society's - may be bought." The President moved to knock on the door. "What does 'Project DI' stand for?" Char asked, peering over his shoulder. "...Dark Immortal; Fitting... for through our dark hearts did we commit such atrocities." The Roegadyn reappeared within the doorway, holding it aloft for Char. As he exited the room, Ashorea stood on the opposite side of the door, looking up expectantly. "He spoke truly, and added further insight into what we already knew... He'll be joining you as the chief director of this 'Project Dark Immortal'... In Eorzea." She blinked, surprise taking her eyes. "What?" He nodded in affirmation. "Yes. I'm already in the process of arranging passage for you, our friend in there, and the related materials vital to the project."

((OOC - In keeping with my own shamelessly advertised story here this could also be used to broach RP with me while on Char Lohengrin. Cheers!))

[align=center]Laughing Armaments President Assassinated![/align] Garlemald - President and Chief Executive Goenfal Lohengrin of Laughing Armaments was brutally murdered within the confines of his own office, despite the numerous security divisions the company employs within it's regional headquarters. At the time of this writing it is believed that the President of the weapons corporation was shot pointblank in the head. At present the assassin is believed to have acted independently, however authorities suspect Eorzean rival competitors to have been behind the attack. The assassin is still at large, well armed and versed in his or her craft. Citizens are advised to report any and all information related to the attack to the local authorities. Rewards are pending for those whom provide sufficient guidance leading to the capture or death of the offending party. He is survived by his adopted Miqo'te son, Char Lohengrin, who will soon take the reigns of the company as it's new President. Char has vowed to continue his father's work in the research and development of Magitek weapons and armor for the use of the common man without regard to what flag they may claim, much to the disapproval of many within the Empire. He is planned to deliver a demonstration within the coming weeks as he finalizes his transition and attends to his father's mortuary affairs. Though unconfirmed, it's likely Char Lohengrin will deliver his presentation directly from the heart of Ul'dah in defiance of the suspected Eorzean aggressors. Story: Hardwin Cantrell

[align=center]LdNOrLNakfM [/align] [align=center]Chapter 4[/align] Ashorea pushed at an inconspicuous button hidden along the underside of a dust covered desk towards the back of an office which had long been left derelict and without purpose. The wall behind her slender Elezen frame shifted, before sliding backwards and then to the left revealing a dimly illuminated stairwell. "How cliche." Char chided as his lips pulled into an amused smirk. "I rather think so too, but I should think the secret the former president Lohengrin wished hidden warranted it." She replied, leading the way down into the depths. Ceruleum lights pulsed along the walls as they descended, a stagnant scent of decay filled their noses and the air grew heavy with humidity. "Seven hells... They think to build a secret room, but neglect air filtration of any sort. Let's just cut every corner we can." Char stuffed his hands into his pockets and voiced his frustrations cynically as they emerged from the spiral of stairs into a small enclosure housing a single cylindrical containment unit filled with remnants of concentrated aether lingering visibly within. Circling it were all manner of scientific impliments the like of which Char had never seen before. Ashorea, anticipating his question, began to speak as he circled the apparatus. "As far as I can tell, this device was designed to forcibly 'bath' individuals in raw and unprocessed aether. You might say it's akin to force-feeding a child that refuses to eat... only in this instance, there is the very real potential of death if the appropriate levels of exposure are not maintained... While scarce, the documentation we have regarding early tests of the device indicate that it hasn't met with a high success rate. Only one in ten survive and of those only one in every five demonstrated the potential the former President had laid out his criteria for... However..." Char reached out and tapped at the glass, the flows of aether reflected in his mismatched eyes. "However?" He turned his head to gaze up at her expectantly. "...Those that met the criteria had either fallen into dementia or later suffered from a spontaneous and complete failure of their vital organs." Ashorea moved to examine a clipboard that had been collecting dust in the corner of the room. "With some time to familiarize myself with the technology, and your permission, I might be able to improve upon those results." The Miqo'te laughed in an amused fashion, regarding her with a wry grin. "You're getting much to far ahead of yourself. I'm only here because this piques my curiosity - I have yet to express any interest in furthering his work." She moved to the back of the room, opening a door leading down a narrow hallway in which two security personnel had been assigned earlier yesterday. "You may change your mind when you see our friend." She replied softly, as she maneuvered around the two and into the room - Char sauntering idly behind her into a holding area afforded only the barest amount of light. This was where the foul odor originated, and he suddenly wished he was wearing a mask of some sort as the stench of fecal matter and death battled against his keen nostrils. Ashorea showed little signs of care about it as she stood beside the last set of iron bars on the left, motioning for him to look inside. Within the enclosed space was a single Au Ra male clamped in irons about his wrists with both arms spread aloft as if suspended in place. He rested on his knees, breathing softly with locks of blue hair falling along his face which was angled downward. Despite looking remarkable given the amount of time Ashorea had said he went without food or sustenance, something about him seemed sickly all the same. Above him a thin ray of moonlight shined down upon him from a shaft reaching some several fifty or sixty feet above him, also cast in iron bars at the top like a drainage system. Drops of water announced themselves as they fell from above and plopped along the floor. Char studied the young man from outside of the cell for the longest time, before the silence was broken by the Au Ra''s surprisingly soft voice. "...What have you need of..? More questions in pursuit of broken answers?" He turned his head slowly upright, revealing a ragged cloth wrapped over his eyes. "...Or come you now to continue my pain? It's absence is noticed and raises questions on my part as surely as my very presence has on yours..." The Miqo'te rested his arms along the bars and leaned forward, as if getting closer to a zoo animal that captivated a child's imagination. "I'm not sure what I'm going to do with you yet, if that's what you mean to ask. Until just recently I hadn't any inkling of your existence... or anything down here for that matter." "It is of little consequence. The woman has explained that my fate is in your hands, as it seems you have inherited all that my jailers would have claimed for themselves... Carry you the lusts and greeds they did as they destroyed the others that have occupied the now silent rooms beyond this one?" The Au Ra tilted his head to the side, indicating that he was awaiting an answer. "I will admit that I do find their studies to be fascinating, Au Ra." He looked to Ashorea, and then moved from the bars. "Open it." She blinked in sudden confusion. "What?" His eyebrows furrowed. "Open. The. Cell." He reiterated as if insulting her intelligence. She stared at him in disbelief before moving to press several buttons along a keypad beside the cell - the iron bars slowly pulled to the right and allowed for entry. Char took a breath as he crossed the threshold and approached the man at the back of the cell. "What would you do, were you me?" The Au Ra's cracked lips pulled into something of an amused smile. "I would do as the other's, for I know nothing else... I survive in this darkness, when all other's have lost their light and faded away... The rest have come, and their voices gone... I always remain." Char perked a brow. "You do not desire to be let free to roam the world?" The Au Ra shook it's head. "I know not what the word means beyond one's own navigation of a world I do not comprehend... Even if I admitted to such a desire, would you agree to set me loose upon this world?" The question sounded rhetorical and damning as the Au Ra craned his neck to further look up in Char's direction. "No. I would not. At best I would see you disposed of in as painless a manner as possible. I don't know what would come of letting you free of your bonds." "The first to loose me from the irons was broken after time in the machine. I felt pain, and it held to me for a very long time. The scientist that shared with me his time, his words, and his companionship examined me... For all he gave me... I wanted to return; I shared with him my pain, and now he shan't hurt again." His tail began bobbing back and forth, skittering against the loose stones of the floor, his answer devoid of any humor or remorse - a neutral and unapologetic tone. "You killed him to share your pain?" Char repeated, lost in thought that someone like this was kneeling before him. "Yes. That is what friends do... They share their joys and burdens alike - he claimed to be my friend and so I wished proof of that fact... He was a very good friend." Ashorea eyed the two warily from the hallway, wearing her concern for the president's safety openly. "It has been dark since then... since he looked into my eyes and saw me as I am for all their collective poking and prodding... Stared into the sea of the soul they had spent so much time molding... From then forth I have not seen as you do. I bid you now, if it please you, remove this veil that I might look upon you, within you as they within me... To know my intent as I would know yours." Char reached out to pull the blindfold from the Au Ra, and what met him was a glowing set of eyes - eyes that pulled at him as he met their gaze. From the depths of his heart he felt a growing despair, the weight of a fear only just realized of some unknowable force pulling at his very being. He felt his body begin to tremble, and he dropped the blindfold to the floor. "What see you, fate-bearer? What see you within me?" The Miqo'te stumbled back, a lump catching in his throat which refused the passage of words. "What see you!?" The Au Ra demanded, standing upright, lurching forward to the extent his bonds would allow, staring him down. There was a silence that filled the air before Char answered upon shutting his eyes tightly. "Power unknowable... And the fear such power stirs." His breathing grew labored as he turned to leave the cell, looking now to his feet as the iron bars shut behind him. "You will not go free. You will remain as you have; At my word, we will see this project upon it's feet once more in due course. You promote the need for study - of this experiment, and of the mind." Ashorea set a hand upon Char's shoulder, only to be brushed off. "Lock him in, and see that he's monitored with an especially mindful eye... then bring the lone researcher assigned to this project to me. We'll see just what they wanted with him, and what we might make of everything left to us... I want to proceed with this project." He strode off down the hallway at a brisk pace leaving the woman to gaze now upon the Auri looking in her direction. "And what do you see, woman?" Her reply wasn't as delayed as the Au Ra seemed to expect. "I see nothing more than a broken plaything in want of reconstruction." The Elezen regarded him with a tilted chin. "...Something I will take delight in rebuilding." The Au Ra could only smile in reply as he turned his head to gaze up at the moon, seemingly content with her answer. "As I expected. Pain and darkness do not relent. The faces and voices change, but the dark shadows are ever present." She turned on her heels and set away from the man shackled to the walls, his voice following after her. "Carry me back to them as you will, woman. Carry me back to my shadows."

[align=center]Bldq3LH3glU [/align] [align=center]Chapter 3[/align] The Miqo'te adjusted his cravat before pulling his knees to his chest that he might squat upright in his chair, something his father would have fumed over and worked intently to break him of. His feline eyes bounced from one senior manager to the next. "Thank you for taking the time to attend this meeting, first and foremost; I know you all lead busy lives so we'll skip the formalities and dive headlong into the grit." He opened a polished wood humidor sitting at the corner of his desk and retrieved a cigar that smelled profoundly of expensive tobacco. He rolled it between his fingers idly, never averting his gaze from the expectant members of each associated branch of Laughing Armaments. "Each of you is to reduce his or her work force by no fewer than thirteen people - preferably the least productive within their field; This trend will continue, every two weeks with the same quota to meet, until such time that our staff does not exceed five hundred and fifty individuals total." He set the cigar along his lips, sucking at it gently as he produced a lighter and ignited the tip as the Chief Development Officer spoke. "Mister President... The unrest this will create will put us in a predicament... some may not be so compliant as to just lay down everything they've done up to a point in favor of the streets... Could we not just reduce the amount of gil we're paying each man?" Char's ears twitched as he exhaled a cancerous smog into the air and sighed. "If we acted on your suggestion to reduce the pay allocated per employee, we'll see an even larger upset than if we simply began cutting personnel numbers. When people lose gil they feel entitled to - they riot. If they feel productivity is being monitored, and they also bear witness to what happens to the less capable among them... They will strive to do what is expected of them, and beyond, to maintain their due coin." He took another drag on the cigar before continuing with smoke flooding from his nostrils. "I'm more than aware that there are many who will be reluctant to surrender their source of income but the choice is ultimately out of their hands. If they wish to contend that fact, have security beat them over the head with a blunt object and hurl them into the street." "Our Financial Managers report that at present we only demonstrate a two percent overall profit. This is unacceptable. Under Goenfal's leadership, we saw several unnecessary bonuses paid out to the higher echelons of this corporation - that is to say - the lot of you sitting in this office. While I'm certain you worked tirelessly to curry his favor and kindled friendships in hopes of doing so - I want to make it clear that such pandering will not take place under my charge of this organization. I expect results - and I expect them hastily. I don't care to further your financial claims out of an obligation of friendship. I expect you to reaffirm your own pockets with the results -I- am due." He moved the cigar from one side of his mouth to the other with his tongue. Ashorea sat silently among her colleagues, staring blankly at figures she'd already reviewed in her notebook. Her associates, however, were not as compliant. "Your father would-" Char slammed his left hand against his desk, rising suddenly. "I am not Goenfal Lohengrin. I do not care what he would, or would not, do. I likewise do not care whom assumes the general management position you currently occupy either. Consider that, before you think to lecture me. At present - I dictate the flow of power -and- money. For all intensive purposes, when you go home at night and pray for success... When you call out to your Gods... You should be calling out to me because in this building? So long as you work for Laughing Armaments? I AM YOUR GOD." Char moved to stand upright and stare the portly Hyur down, who slowly sat back in his chair, looking to the ground. The others looked among themselves, unsure and slightly rattled. Char slowly eased himself back down into his chair and inclined his head. "I apologize. That was rather loud. I shouldn't have taken that tone with you..." He smashed the tip of his cigar into the ashtray sitting next to a thin stack of folders as if to signify the topic was at rest. "That will be all. I await your bi-weekly reports. If anything of note comes up, pass it along through my secretary." They all rose to exit. "Ashorea... If you'd be so kind, I've some additional terms to be relayed throughout research and development." The female Elezen sat down, feeling the eyes of the four other senior leaders appraising her searchingly before they left. Char began rubbing at his temples, exhaling as if exhausted. "Politics... how trite." He flipped open the folder on his desk and began looking over the picture of the Au Ra's figure. "What have you brought me?" He asked expectantly as he turned the paper over and looked over hastily written notes regarding the nature of aether and it's countless applications on the battlefield. "The majority of the development team assigned to 'Project DI' have come up as either having their contracts terminated, resigned immediately after the former President Lohengrin's death, or simply deceased. I only found one that retained his position within the company, and he swears to secrecy whenever I ask." She moved to set a single page upon his desk before sitting back down. "This was the initial concept regarding the project submitted to the former president. Rather simplistic, really. I can't see why he would allocate the amount in funding that he did." Char set his fingers upon the paper and drew it forward, studying the paragraph written in flowing letters. He read the proposal aloud. "Pending the approval of the board, the development team would pursue the battlefield application of subjects that have been appropriately 're-educated' via hypnosis, magical suggestion, and physical reinforcement before infusing them with aether in efforts to enhance their physical, mental, and magical capabilities beyond what was previously conceived as possible. To accompany each infused soldier will be a tailored set of weapons and armor to ensure maximum results on the field of battle. The projected revenue per capita is estimated at 100,000;1. It is believed that the technology already present in modern society is sufficient to achieve the desired results." 'Approved' was written in his father's hand just to the top right corner, with an accompanying seven figure budget allocation just beneath it. "I should hope this seems as mad an idea to you as it does to me, Ashorea." He looked up at her, expecting a response. She did not break her silence. "I imagine you already knew about this, didn't you?" She nodded, looking up towards him. "I was aware of it before I was appointed as the senior manager of R&D, but not the extent to which it was intended or the reasons why the former president would want to spend such a ridiculous sum on a theoretical pursuit. I didn't want to say anything when you first inquired as my knowledge was so limited, I'd have hated to steer you wrong." She turned her eyes back to her feet. "No. You didn't want me to start asking too much of you, for fear I'd be dissatisfied with what you -did- know, meager though it may have been." He stood up and closed the folder, holding onto the render of the Auri figure as he moved to gaze out the window that had only days earlier been washed of his adopted father's blood. "I will assure you that I will not be so inclined to speak with you as I did Davyd. I will take all that you say with a measure of doubt reasonable to your own insight." He looked over his shoulder and smiled at her before looking back out over the dimly lit streets. "Well sir... I only knew that a handful of candidates were selected for trials, mostly prisoners with an acceptable physique. They were purchased under the table and transferred here. We have a subdivision within R&D that houses monsters for testing purposes, so it isn't as if we weren't equipped to house them... However, what I discovered when I crossed the manifests with the number of cells and the maximum capacity, there were inconsistencies." Char's tail bobbed back and forth as he listened intently. "So... the papers reflect more holding facilities than we actually have? Or perhaps, have direct access to?" She nodded. "We crossed that with the concept for the building prior to it's construction and found that there are in fact, four more cells of smaller sizes hidden deeper below the development floor at the basement... To say it plainly, sir, there is a secret door leading to a hidden holding compound underneath this building." The Miqo'te turned to look at her, perking a brow in interest. "The most interesting fact, however, is that the date those ideas were penned - coincide with the date the idea for 'Project DI' was proposed... which falls -prior- to the company's founding." He returned the drawing to his desk as she finished speaking. A smile crept along Char's features as he asked with thoughts mirroring his words; "So you mean to imply that Goenfal Lohengrin's entire reason for building this company from the ground up - was to fulfill a twisted, and rather poorly written, concept for some manner of 'super soldier'?" She shook her head. "I hadn't thought on that, sir. Only that it was all we had at present." He moved to stand behind her, setting his hands upon her shoulders. Ashorea tensed up, as his fingers dug into her skin - before he began to lightly massage them. She relaxed slightly. "I trust you had this hidden room inspected?" He asked, working the stress along her muscles out with skilled hands. "Yes. I had one of the security detachments clear it out; there wasn't much in the way of written documentation, but there was an Au Ra prisoner still inside, malnourished and absent minded... I've since taken measures to ensure he is attended. I have no way of knowing how long he's been left to his lonesome, but I don't feel it a stretch to imagine it wasn't long after the former president's passing - given the recent appearance of the anatomy papers." "How long until he's ready to speak, do you think?" He asked, breathing along the back of her neck intentionally. "A w-week or t-two..." She stuttered, feeling her cheeks flush. "Then we have all night to form some theories of our own."