#rwings

Sultanate Government Personnel Data

Name: Eirikir Lumiere (Erik) Mynhier Codename: Desertbreaker Service: Immortal Flames Unit: Second Flame Brigade, Air Squadron Red (Nickname: The Red Wings) Rank: Flame Captain     Age: 39  Race: Hyur Highlander (50%), Midlander (25%), Elezen Wildwood (25%) Marital Status: Married (Cliodhna Eoghan, First Flame Lieutenant)  Children: Vanya Caladhiel, (First Flame Lieutenant), Lenna Faris Mynhier Nationality: Thanalanian (formerly Gyr Abanian)  Special Notes: Prosthetic Right Eye, Devout of Halone, Sabophobic

Profile History

{The following is a historical record and psychological profile Eirikir Lumiere Mynhier, here after refered to as “Subject” or “Mynhier”.}

Mynhier was born in the Gyr Abanian capitol city of Ala Mhigo in the year 1544 to Ulrich Mynhier (FILE NOTE: Subject’s father was a member of the Corpse Brigade, investigation into possible compromise found no unusual activity.) and Heather (nee. Fortemps) Mynhier.

In 1557 Subject was present for the Imperial invasion of Ala Mhigo. (FILE NOTE: Despite severe trauma at the hands of the Garlean Empire as well as numerous direct and clandestine encounters which have see the Subject receive many commendations, Subject’s spouse is a known former Imperial Operative currently allied to the Sultanate Government, made possible by an arrangement from Immortal Flames in exchange for tactical and technical information.) It was during the city’s counter offensive Subject’s father was killed.

One of the Subject’s two known siblings (Tietra Mynhier) was lost during the invasion. Subject’s mother extracted Mynhier, as well as, according to record, Subject’s maternal grandfather (Tellah Fortemps {FILE NOTE: Data Classified}), as well as two children from another family who lived in the Subject’s household, Cian Cadmus (FILE NOTE: Second Flame Lieutenant, MIA, medical test confirm Cain Cadmus shares fraternity with Mynhier through the Subject’s father.) and Lenna Cadmus. Subject’s mother was also responsible for bringing all listed to Gridania and negotiating sanctuary for the survivors with Stillglade Fane.

In 1560 Subject left The Black Shroud and relocated to Ul'dah, joining a mercenary unit (Crimson Watch) based there. Subject served with distinction both before and after sanctioned ties were established with the Sultanate Government. After sanctioned status, the unit’s specialty of covert action attracted the attention of the Thanalanian government, and the Subject’s record was reviewed and marked for possible commission with the implementation and resurrection of the Immortal Flames.

During this time the Subject’s was implemented in operations including the invasion of Castrum Novum (Operation Details: CLASSIFIED), as well as the Battle at Carteneau (Operation Details: CLASSIFIED). The results of the Carteneau lead to the full sanctioned status of the Crimson Watch, with full integration of the unit and the majority of its staff into the Immortal Flames. Subject’s rank prior to the integration (First Lieutenant) was carried over (First Flame Lieutenant). Subsequently the death of the Commanding Officer of the Crimson Watch, Ser. Juliette Monroe (Sultansworn, Posthumous: Flame Captain) as a result of the battle, making the Subject’s rank Flame Captain and granting command of the unit via Field Promotion.

The Crimson Watch was reorganized immediately, and re-designated Immortal Flames Squadron Red (later Immortal Flames Air Squadron Red), know by the unit’s handle designation “The Red Wings”. The primary missions following Immortal Flames integration were and are covert in nature, however over time the unit has changed and expanded in mission with the introduction of the unit’s five airships as well as technology and expertise obtained from the unit’s clandestine activities on behalf of IF Command and the Sultanate Government.

(UPDATE): Following the events of Operation: Black Eagle (Operation Details: CLASSIFIED), Subject and his remaining unit were granted permission to open selective recruitment.

Educational Data

The Subject has through both military experience as well as academic pursuits, has become very well educated. Maintaining a large base of general knowledge, Subject counts their primary subject mastery as Aeronautics, Military Tactics, Alchemy, and Geological Survey. The subject also maintains basic knowledge in Mammet Theory, Void Theory, Undead Theory, Conjury, and Industrial Manufacturing.

As of this date, Subject maintains a Master rank in the Alchemist Guild of Ul’dah. This rank was achieved following the Calamity. After his induction to the Immortal Flames and promotion to Flame Captain, Subject felt it was wise to “round himself out” beyond military knowledge and began to pursue teachers and classes in his spare time. It was during this time he began his studies in the Alchemist Guild, reaching the rank of Master five years later. (NOTE: Subject’s rank in the guild allowed him to enter his daughter into the guild, who has since become a medical doctor) Subject’s chemical specialty is in a non-medical branch, industrial chemicals and compound reactions.

Both Aeronautics and Military Tactics are an obvious result of his military career. Aeronautics was due in large part to his Unit’s high use of airships. While his Military Tactics, his knowledge of various weapons, as well as large and small strategies are all a result of various commanders, trainers, and leaders through his career.

Geological Survey however is both military and academic in origin. Geology became important to his duties for a year when his unit acted as an engineer corp aiding in natural disasters. To further his knowledge he sought study with the Miner’s Guild, gaining a mastery of land surveying and a basic understanding of geology in general.

Of his lesser knowledge, Mammet Theory is his favored subject. Beginning study at the Goldsmith Guild of Ul’dah as early as seventeen years old, due entirely to his encountering of, and befriending of the mammet Montblanc. Void and Undead Theory are required learning for any armed member of the Sultanate due to the high rate of encounter in Thanalan. Subject studied both subjects in the Arrzaneth Ossuary and the Sultansworn Headquarters respectfully.

His knowledge of Conjury is due entirely to his mother who was a member of the Conjurer’s Guild in Gridania for three years and a long practicing Conjurer before that.

Operational Data

The Subject maintains multiple duties tied to his service indirectly. These duties include, but are not limited to maintaining security of high level cargo, consulting the various Guilds of Ul’dah on request of Flame Command, maintaining open supply and diplomatic lines with contacts in the “Brothers of Ash”, and maintaining active support services (commissary, exchange, chaplain, shipping, postal, banking, and medical services) in his base of operations, Baron Hall.

Technical Data

{Due to the Subject’s unit’s technical expertise, Subject has been augmented using experimental technology based off of Garlean technology, due entirely to combat injuries.

Subject is also in possession of various devices, also based almost entirely by Garlean technology. The exception being two devices which use aethernet and linkpearl technology respectively.}

“Heart Of Stone”

Due to a series of injuries to the Subject, both physical and aetheric, the Subject’s heart had become to damaged to function. Requiring a replacement, a device was developed by the Alchemist Guild under the direction of Lieutenant Eoghan of the Immortal Flames, and Doctor [REDACTED]. Using the aetheric adaptation system used in the Subject’s artificial eye, combined with Garlean medical science, an artificial heart was developed that solves both the issue of pumping blood as well as regulating aether. The heart, nicknamed “The Heart of Stone” by some who worked on the project at the Alchemist Guild, is a marvel of engineering, science, and magic. The inclusion of the new heart has allowed all of the Subjects other augmentations to be re-tuned to the heart allowing for enhanced effects due to a more compatible and direct connection to the Subject’s aether well.

The Subject’s circulatory system is now automatically regulated for top efficiency, allowing the Subject to maintain almost superhyur levels of endurance by means of automatic annalists and corrections of blood pressure, oxygen, and lactic acid levels. This allows the Subject for example to maintain athletic activities for much longer without the need to stop then another of similar build and health.

As for the aetheric regulation, that function is straight forward. Acting like a mammet core or any power regulator in most forms of magitek, the unit prevents and controls power “peaks and valleys”, allowing the Subject full control over their body’s native aether reserves. 

Grimlock

During the battle of Ghimlyt Dark, Subject’s injuries and previously damaged aetheric control left him with few options to defend himself. By luck he survived with the aid of a discarded gunblade. Upon return to Ul’dah, and following his medical recovery, the self same gunblade, updated and modified by the Red Wings’ Chief Engineer was gifted to the Subject.

The gunblade, named Grimlock, is an augmented M-XIV Scaevan model, modified to the Subject’s unique physiology. Modifications include use of the Subject’s artificial aether regulating heart for quick cartridge charging, targeting protocol via his artificial eye, an “aether lock” to prevent use of the weapon by anyone but the Owner, as well as other functions deemed classified by Flame Command.

Outsider

The Subject’s secondary weapon is based off of a Mark-II Garo design. Used as a backup sidearm, the Outsider as its called is far more compact then firearms common to Eorzea. The weapon operates in tandem with a utility pack, as is the case with even common firearms. Like the Grimlock, this weapon interacts with the Subject’s unique body augments in similar ways, including power supply, targeting and owner locking. Of note the utility pack has been enhanced to allow for mammet modification in combat situations

Montblanc

The Subject’s assistant and oldest continually present companion is the mammet Montblanc. The Subject found the mammet during his first mission with the Crimson Watch. Investigating a merchant caravan that had been attacked, Subject found the mammet broken and deactivated. Using free time to study Allagen writings on them and taking up study in the Goldsmith Guild, Mynhier managed to reactivate the mammet a year after finding him. Since then the small being has been a faithful all be it silent partner, due to its damaged and non-operational voice module.

Montblamc’s role in the Red Wings and the Immortal Flames as a whole is as Mynhier’s assistant and company clerk. The mammet is well suited to its purpose, being an expert in correlating, filing, and record keeping. Also it has seen a steady increase in combat due to a device the Red Wings developed that allows for interesting combat applications.

Crystal Eye

Subject lost their right eye due to a combat injury. An eye was crafted under classified contract with the Alchemist and Goldsmith Guilds under the supervision of the Immortal Flames. The eye is based on aetheric theory and a salvaged Garlean medical scanning device. Called the Long Yield Bilateral Resonance Apparatus or L.Y.B.R.A. for short, the device allows the user to scan a target and receive basic medical information. Though originally for medical use it also has combat potential, such as detecting living organisms hidden by magic, technology, or solid objects with an active range of twenty-five fulms. Once the eye is in place in the socket, its crystalline form self glamours by attuning to the Subject’s aetheric aura, making it look real. The aetheric link also allows the eye to function as a normal eye, granting the Subject 20/20 vision in his right eye.

Hearing Aid/Internal Linkpearl

An implanted linkpearl in the Subject’s right ear that allows for full hands-free use of his pearl, as well as at will enhanced hearing, allowing the Subject to hear at a high distance or pinpoint on a single voice in a crowd. Originally augmented due to hearing loss from a ruptured eardrum, the pearl itself was engineered to be undetectable by common scanning devices, and encrypts communications going in and out. The pearl also has basic tap features, allowing the user to tap into non-encrypted channels. This however requires government sanction.

The Red Wings Crest

A company emblem patch worn by members of the unit. Inside it however is a complicated aetheric construct device that utilizes both stored and ambient fire aether to construct what resembles a bird made of fire. The construct is nearly silent and resistant to conventional forms of detection. Though it seems living the construct is not. The ambient aether is used in the formation and no matter how much is present, no amount of aether can extend the charge in the patch. As a result the patch only has enough energy to maintain the construct for six minutes descending, and four minutes ascending, making the constructs only viable as a “ship to shore” transport. After use the patch recharges off the ambient fire aether in the present environment. At maximum charging, ambient charging takes four hours. Charging on a charge device requires only one hour.

Tipping Scales Earrings

A pair of earrings emblazoned with the seal of the Immortal Flames. Both earrings together form a small but powerful explosive device. The right holds half of the chemical mix and the charger, the left the other half and the fuse. Removed and pressed back to back creates the explosive which the Subject can use effectively to enter or exit a structure, remove small threats, or start a larger chain reaction as needed.

Tipping Scales Bracelet

A multi functional device that allows the Subject to conjure holographic displays allowing him to see critical data on the fly. Also embedded is a small emergency device that allows the Subject limited access to the Aethernet Teleportation System. The device is limited as in it can only be used in short range (around five hundred yalms) and only to return to an airship equipment with a receiver. It also only maintains enough of a charge for a single one-way use.

Tipping Scales Ring

A simple ring embedded with a simple heating element powered by a few grains of fire aether crystals. A common issue to Immortal Flames Officers, the self heating ring is used to sign and seal important documents. Subject’s ring has been modified, allowing the ring to burn at a much higher temperature, allowing it to act as a cutting tool.

CLOSING FILE REMARKS

It is the opinion of this profiler, after reviewing all relevant data that Subject Mynhier is fit for active duty and command. However due to numerous trauma both physical and psychological, it is my recommendations that the Subject be examined fully for any signs of functional deterioration.

Also a full review of First Flame Lieutenants Eoghan and Caladhiel in regards to possible corruption due to their unusual backgrounds as well as any undo sway they may have over the Subject. This seems prudent due to the Subject’s access to classified intelligence.

(UPDATE): Following the events of the Horsemen conflict, Subject’s aether was returned to his original levels, however a large degree of instability as been left. This disability has not effected his physical agility and strength, it has however effected the effectiveness of his aetheric combat skills. Subject has been noted to display random moments of drastic overpowered or under-powered effects and even sudden loss of power. This left Mynhier to his sidearm Outsider and his brute strength following a failure of his aetheric skills in sword and shield, his preferred form of combat. The failure occurred during the Battle at Ghimlyt Dark, nearly leading to Subject’s death, forestalled only by the quick acquisition of an Imperial gunblade. 

Injuries during the stated battle have lead to further augmentation of the Subject. Weakening of the Subject’s aetheric control during the Horsemen event as well as the above stated injuries from combat (a grazing of the left atrial chamber of his heart) lead to an elegant solution by the Alchemist Guild and Flame engineers lead by the efforts of the Red Wings’ Chief Engineer. A magitek based artificial heart. Acting as both a biological pump for the Subject’s circulatory system as well as regulator for the Subject’s natural aether.

Selection

Pre-ShB: I have no stake in this fight, but I will stand with you. Post-Shb: This world.... is this a dream? Job: Gunbreaker Weapons: Gunblade (Grimlock)

AI Behavior

Erik is a stark soldier, with a long history of fighting enemies both physical and magical. As the tank of the party he is in quick control of crowds of mobs. His standard plan of attack is to use his AoE combo twice as well as his other AoE skills on the group of mobs to establish strong aggro, then he will begin to attack single targets, adapting to whoever the DPS is focusing on, lessening the numbers of mobs and therefor the incoming damage. He will use his quicker cooldowns only on crowd control, saving his stronger ones for emergencies and bosses.

During boss fights he focuses on control and his cooldowns, timing them out as best he can. Also special attention is paid to the healer, who will recieve his Heart of Stone and Aurora before he will. Heart of Light will be timed out to maximize effect against arena AoEs, while No Mercy will be use off cooldown but only in timed usage with his Wicked Talon/Eye Gouge combo.

As the tank he will not use the Limit Break unless he is the last one standing, in hope that he can survive long enough to clear.

Battle Lines

Combat Start Stay close and keep sharp. - Variation 1 For Coin and Country! - Variation 2 (Rare)

Critical Attack *Grunts* - Variation 1 Well timed! - Variation 2

Victory Halone... it seems we made it. - Victory

Idle Will check his gunblade's chamber and the cartridges on his back. - Idle

Limit Break Brace yourselves! - LB1 (Shield Wall) EVERYONE DOWN!!!  - LB2 (Stronghold) Shields to maximum! -LB3 (Gunmetal Soul)

Health drops below 50% Damn, It will take more then that...

Player HP drops below 50% MEDIC!!!

KO'd  But... I have survived so much worse.... - Variation 1 No... Clio... I am sorry... - Variation 2 (rare)

Revived Thank Halone you were here. - Variation 1 I have seen what is to come, so cold and dark. - Variation 2 (rare)

Bonus

If Cliodhna Eoghan accompanies, texts randomly will trigger with the following;

Combat Start: Just like the old days... Critical Attack: Clio, now is your chance! Victory:  Let us go home.

Clio Dies:   *Roars* - Variation 1 No..No!... NO!!! - Variation 2 (rare)

Clio Revives: I thought I had lost you... - Variation 1 Never scare me like that... - Variation 2 (rare)

Idle: When idle Erik looks on Clio and smiles with a relaxed stance.

2nd Bonus

If Vanya Caladhiel accompanies, texts randomly will trigger with the following;

Combat Start: Vanya, do not be so reckless! Critical Attack: Now girl, like that, now you try! Victory: Well done my girl.

Vanya Dies:   *Roars* - Variation 1 YOU BASTARD! I HAVE KILLED FOR MUCH LESS!!! - Variation 2 (rare)

Erik Revives: Oh my girl... you scared me... - Variation 1 What I would have done had that not worked... - Variation 2 (rare)

Idle: When idle Erik will emote BEAM towards Vanya with his arms crossed in pride.

Here is where this comes from

Erik slipped from bed early that morning. Careful not to wake his wife as he did. Slipping on sensible clothes and forgoing shoes he moved like a ghost up the stairs to the main room, all but tripping over his daughter's toy, very nearly falling down the stairs. Some had called him one of Ul'dah's finest covert agents, but that was unseen and he hopped on one foot, cursing as quietly as possible from the pain in his foot from Lenna's toy Immortal Flame doll, complete with toy sword. "Nearly a thousand to my blade and I am done in by this." he whispered as he inspected his foot."

From the stairs across that lead to the parlor, a pair of pink ears popped out, "Papa?" His younger daughter slipped down the steps and crouched on the bottom step. She was of is previous marriage, half Keeper of the Moon, she favored her mother's race in all but a few points. Her height, her short tail, and curved nose the only hit of her father. And the red and gold mixed "pink" hair that came from both her parents. Only eight, her energy was boundless. "Are you ok?" she asked with a chipper tone, easily the most joyful soul in the household. Erik steadied his pain and nodded with a hint of irritation. "I have told you to pick up your dolls." She giggled and grabbed the doll from him and ran back up to her room, "OK!"

His shoes on he moved to the city gates. It was early morning but the city was still as busy as always. He moved up and down the shop stalls and looked at all the wares they had. one merchant called out, "Ser! See anything you like?" Another as well, "Finest jewelry in Ul'dah!" And another, "Spices, exotic foods! New wares from Ala Mhigo!" Erik saw nothing he liked. It was their anniversary and he wanted something special.... then he saw it.

The Twelve knew the house smelled like a zoo if not for the filtration system Clio had built. The pets and animals outnumbered the people, Clio's fox, panda, and dogs... Lenna's cats, and even his hawk all made a home there. But it was no matter. They loved animals and Clio more then most. He knelt down at the stall where the puppy sat barking his greeting. The shop owner, a Roe with a Limsa accent looked down and smiled, "Ah your taste is to be commended Ser. He is a fine animal." The merchant's flattery was  common weapon in these streets. Erik looked up immune after two decades, "What sort of dog is he?" The larger man placed his hand to his chin, "Very rare, yes... Very rare. He is a Shiba Inu, born and bred in the heart of Doma. Shipped with love and care here to Eorzea so they may find a loving man such as yourself good Ser." Erik all but cracked up at the dramatic delivery but held his tongue as he scratched the very affectionate dog's ears. "He does not seem as aggressive as my wife's other pets." Noting the countless bite marks on his hand. "You are a sweet boy are you not? How much?" The Roe smiled and seemed to calculate n his head, "Well with shipping, total care as well as the overhead from his care.... one hundred thousand seems fair." Erik pet the dog again and stood up, "Seems high friend." The merchant rubbed his hands together, "Well cost as they are you see." Erik looked down at the dog's happy face, "I dislike bartering, I know it is how things are done but I hate it. I know you start high, can we meet in the middle from your highest price and lowest and call it a military discount?"

As the two walked home the dog stopped from time to time to scratch at his bowtie. Erik tapped his linkpearl, "Lenna, is mama awake?" It was barely 0700, most likely he was in time. "No papa but I made pancakes!" "Oh Halone..." he muttered. "That is fine Love. Did you make enough for me?" Lenna laughed over the pearl, "Not at home, I made them at Baron Hall. Nivivi helped!" Erik smiled at that. The mess would be legendary but at least he could have a moment with his wife. Lenna would kidnap the dog if she saw it first.

Inside the house he tension filled the air as the various animals reacted to the newcomer. Caws and barks and hisses filled the air. He shushed them all as he could then lead the dog downstairs, mindful to shut the door and the other animals out. He knelt and patted the Shiba's head and unhooked his leash. "Go wake her up.".................

The rush of Kugane was little different from the ruckus of Ul’dah. The city by the Ruby Sea was beautiful and exotic thought Erik as he disembarked the merchant ship flying the colors of the Sultanate. He had to admit it was very exciting, and chilling as he saw the colors of the Empire on the ship next to his. He had to remind himself of the neutrality of this land. 

It was not long ago that the Garleans were hoisted from Doma, even so they were still welcomed in this land. His briefing had been clear, he was to see to the shipment in the ship’s hall. It was to be taken to the Ruby Bazaar and their security measures were to be reviewed. A full report was to be made of the East Aldenard Company’s operations, a report expected to be delivered to the Flame Hall upon his return. Materials, arms, technology and even magical knowledge was all slatted as aid to the now free and rebuilding Doman Nation. The Sultanate government needed to know all the ends and outs. A good first task for Erik, this a good test for his new role as a government official, before his retirement from the Flames.

The warm sea air felt good on his face and the smells of food from the tower ahead caught his attention. Both Clio and Vanya had spent years in this part of the world and often they cooked food that smelled like this, but not quite. The recipes slightly off as they substituted authentic ingredients for Eorzean ones. He planned to surprise them both with as much as he could bring back. Not just foodstuffs, but clothes, trinkets, and other things as he saw. It was a shame he could not bring them, but it was for the best. He would likely have had trouble dragging them back. That aside a week of dried fish and ale had taken its toll. He eyed the large tower where the pleasant smelling food came from. The crew would be at least an hour unpacking, “Why not.” he muttered and walked toward the tavern.

His mastery of the Othard dialect left much to be desired, fortunately many here knew Eorzean. The tavern was marvelous, a coiled stairway running up the walls for several floors. The scent of exotic drink and savory dishes filled his nose. He was ready to know some fun, finding a waitress who understood him. He ordered several fish sampler dishes, he could eat when he really liked.

The server suggested he find a place to sit and she would bring his food and drink. Overwhelmed by choice he found a table a flight of stairs up, enjoying the view of the tavern below. Sitting in the surprisingly comfortable chair he waited, humming to himself as he looked out. A table over an older man looked up and called out, “Excuse me? You are from Ala Mhigo? Or Thanalan? Your accent is throwing me off.” Erik looked up and smiled, answering simply, “I am from Ul’dah. How do you do sir?” The man nodded and clapped, “A countryman, well met friend. Please join me.”

Erik smiled and accepted the kind offer. Sitting he and the man began to talk. His name was Lexy Marks, a merchant from the Gold Bazaar in the business of insect-spices from Ul’dah, returning with peppers from the Ruby Sea. “So you work for Her Majesty, such a man of importance. What is she like?” Erik laughed, “I am just a cog in the machine. I have never met Her Highness but I hear she is a kind person. Tell me though of yourself. I wonder how long you have been at this business of your’s.” The older man nodded with a grand smile, “Almost fifteen years. These Domans love the antlion spice, I make a good living even just from this end of it. And there are the other benefits of it.”

Erik leaned in smiling, “Oh? What sort of benefits?” Marks smiled and pointed to a waitress at a nearby table who looked back and seemed embarrassed. “The women here friend. They are not like the ones backs home. Look at them….”

“So sweet, passive. They blush at the drop of a hat, not like the rough girls back home. The younger the better too. They are more permissive here of “fresh” girls.” Erik’s brow lifted at this. He began to look for a way to move from the table. He had greatly misjudged this man. As he looked for his polite way out the conversation turned on a point of interest. 

The man sighed, “Though even such perfect pleasures must end. I find myself always in search of perfection I once had. A few years ago, my favorite girl vanished. All this time since has not fulfilled me. No girl can replace my Vanya.” Erik shifted at the name, “As in Vanya silk? That is an Eorzean word, Ala Mhigan in fact. Forgive me, is that a common name here?” he asked, trying to remain calm until he was sure. “Oh not, not common anywhere but most assured not common here, but neither was she. Even as a child, Doman as any other but those emerald eyes. How they pierced you….” he laughed…. “Even as I pierced her. Nothing ever compared to such…… Are you leaving?” he asked as he was startled by the highlander suddenly finding his feet.

Looming over the man Erik spoke, “That I do know, green eyes are rare here, all but unheard of. Tell me, this Doman girl, how old would you say she was when she vanished?” The man smiled up, “A seeker of beauty as well? Kindred spirits are we friend. And you are correct, she is the only green eyed Doman I have ever met. I would say fifteen or so last I saw her. For the record I would say I am the luckiest man, for I had her from the start. I proudly boast my friend, I paid quite the sum over the years for her, starting with her coming out ransom. Nine or ten she was a fairy tender……”

The last moments before the terror began were spent looking into Erik’s eyes as he leaned down to within an ilm of the man’s face. The rage confusing until the color caught his attention. Identical to her’s. His own eyes widening as Erik whispered into his ear of his daughter Vanya. Telling him the tale of her loss, how she was raised and sold as a child and his guilt.

{The following is an ic story of what Erik’s part in the completion of the war was. This is entirely canon for him. It contains some graphic scenes of war. The song above is meant to be played as you read, please enjoy my story, feel free to pass it on, comment, and/or like. Thanks.}

The sun rose and he could be seen on the deck as the rays of light slid across toward him. They were airborne, and two hours in by now. Not long now….

He stood on the edge of the ship and looked out as scenery from his childhood entered his vision. His pet falcon taking his shoulder, he thought on how he had been back before. Classified missions, the battles of the last moons, but this was different. The Alliance was finally moving in on the capitol. The battle would be this day and his former homeland would be free. He had no doubts. He smiled despite himself as the message from one of his crew reached his pearl, “Ser, we are approaching your drop point. ETA ten minutes.” He tapped the pearl, “Acknowledged.” he said as he moved swiftly to his room, suiting up just as fast. His mission was different from his Red Wings. Alliance soldiers with knowledge of the city would be assigned to the invasion force. His Wings would drop him then fall back to Porta Praetoria. The ship’s weapons would provide a defensive wall should the invasion fail, as well as support through their medical and engineering capabilities. Leaving Zoar in his quarters he half told the bird goodbye, “Wish me luck.” he chuckled.

His battle uniform was undeniably Immortal Flames, its colors though, black and red lent themselves to covert activities well. With the capitol in he approached the edge of the deck and called over his pearl, “I am a go.” he yelled as he leapt from the ship as it made a sharp turn to head back. Free falling, Erik tapped the unit insignia on his shoulder, conjuring a fire-based aetheric construct, a large bird, not living but very lifelike. Gliding down to the base of an outcrop he was greeted by a team of men and women, all Flames. One approached saluting as she did. Erik dismounted and the bird faded away. “Sir, we are ready and awaiting orders.” Erik returned her salute and began to speak.

All these troopers were like him, in build or accent, he was not the only one going home today. He looked up and noted the clouds, thick but patchy caused day and night to seemingly shift without warning. He smiled, the code-name for the operation striking him humorous, Stormblood. “Troopers, we can all go home. Our friends and family lost here, will not have died for nothing. We bring with us the ideas of peace, freedom, justice. For years many thought this day would never come. That as we scraped and crawled from our homeland, we were a burden and that to even dream of this day was folly. Well… it was not. It is no folly that I am marching down to that wall, busting through and kicking the ass of the first son of a whore Garlean I see so hard, that the next Garlean is going to feel it. Now I ask you, do you believe this folly, if not, WHO WANTS TO GO HOME WITH ME!” he yelled as he finished, Punching his own chest chest his force cheered. 

“FORWARD!” he cried as they rushed to the south, quickly encountering the first Imperial patrols. Already the linkpearls crackled and buzzed. The main forces including the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, their champion, and the combined forces of the Alliance had all began the assault. They were not here for the frontal assault, their mission he thought on, while separating one poor bastard from his face, was to make it into the residential district before the main force made it through the gates…. One Garlean broke his train of thought as he focused on the him as the ranking officer, and met the tip of Erik’s lance for his trouble. 

Erik called out orders as he noted one of his soldiers about to meet her fate, hurling his spear, he impaled the Imperial to the stone wall before the final blow was struck, “Wipe them out faster! We need to get inside!” he cried out. They needed to be in already, their mission was to secure hidden threats and traps before the main force moved through, then secure behind them as the Alliance moved in deeper. They had no time to waste on trash like this. Swiftly they followed his orders and the Garleans were down. The team moved to the wall. One soldier called out, “Sir! We were told you knew how to get in. What’s the plan?” Erik waved the soldier and the others behind him, “The plan is I make a door….” he said as he drew his gun Outsider and loaded one of the special “caster rounds” Clio had made him and fired.

Their way clear the troopers moved in hard and fast. Wall guards fell fast. Erik moved with his people, war was not heroic. Catching one guard by surprise in an alleyway one of Erik’s men struck them from behind. As he laid there stunned several of the troopers kicked him to death.

As they moved in deeper the enemies became less easy. Armored guards gave way to professional soldiers and mages from the Imperial Foreign Corp. Two of his people had died so far he noted coldly as a ball of fire raged from the upper window of a house, taking a third soldier’s life. Erik’s troopers noted the house and moved to the door. One called, “Its barred!” Erik ran in and pointed his fist out, activating his ring's hidden function. The ring used the principle of aetheric transport, breaking various weapons into aether, but instead of transmitting the energy away it stored it in the ring itself, releasing and reforming the weapon on command. The ring shined as an ax formed from the aether. 

Swinging down hard the splintered the door and his troopers moved in, finding as they did six mages who soon made little more then bloody stains on the walls. “Clear!” called one of his soldiers as they secured the house. Another called out as Erik made his way to the upper room, dismissing the bulky ax. “Negative! One more! He’s making a break for the street!” Erik looked out the window facing the alley and saw the mage, “On him! Move to the next house. I want every building secured, no sniper points!”

Leaping out the window he hit the ground and gave chase. No time to cast the mage ran in terror as the highlander closed in. He had not been stationed in this gods forsaken city long and soon met a dead end. Erik though had lived in this city until his thirteenth year, he had herded the poor mage. Cornered he lifted his staff. Erik had no moment to call forth a weapon, meeting the challenge in a more traditionally Ala Mhigan way.

As a child, Erik was a…. gentle boy. His father, despite his love, often worried for the boy’s soft nature. Often he would enroll Erik in activities with the hope of toughening him up, often in failure. One such was signing him up for classes at a school for the public run by the Fists. Erik withdrew within the week. His soft hands more suited to a healer’s staff then war. Twenty years a soldier for Ul’dah had done what his father had always hoped. The mage could do nothing as Erik showered him with powerful blows. The final kick so hard the mage’s head twisted like an owl’s seeing his way to Thal’s hall would require he walk backwards.

Hearing explosions behind him he turned startled and saw smoke coming from his trooper’s position. Summoning his sword and shield he rushed down the alley toward the noise, the clouds above finally breaking.

At full speed he ran, beams of sunlight following him from out of their clouded prison. As he reached his men he saw a single reaper and at least six of his people dead or injured. The reaper’s guns were firing randomly, the pilot did not seem to be a pilot, most likely a random soldier taking advantage to stay alive with some luck. 

“Hey! You lizard fucking, three eyed, milk drinking, cunt! You want to shoot someone? Try me out fuck hole!” he shouted, giving a gesture as he did.

 Holding up his shield and focusing his aether through it as Tellah taught him so long ago. A barrier of energy flowed out from the shield and over his whole body, the reaper’s rounds deflected as he brought full focus on the Captain. Erik’s people were not his, but they were Flames, well trained and ready to take advantage of his diversion. Several enterprising soldiers of Ul’dah rushed behind the reaper and before the pilot could react was pulled from the war machine and thrown to the grown below. The fall from that height enough to stun him. Looking up the last thing he saw was Erik as he moved in and decapitated him from above.

He could still see him for a few minutes as the world… or his head rolled away. Erik kicked the body and rose as the surviving soldiers gathered round. All tired and bloody. “Report.” Erik commanded. The senior living soldier stepped forward, her arm visibly broken, “The whole area is clear Sir. We lost eight, they lost the rest.” Another chimed in, “Enemy pearl chatter is dead in this sector Sir.” Erik nodded and looked to another, “Have the areas behind us remained clear?” The third soldier answered, “No Sir, as far as I can figure they are busy in the city’s main commerce area and the Palace.” Erik acknowledged him then held up his hand, silencing them all as he pressed his hand to his ear. He listened intently, a smile creeping over his face. “The Palace has fallen….. Zenos is dead…. apparently he used some magic or something, I thought they could not but…. yes the city is our’s…. its our’s!” he said as the men and women began to gasp, cheer, and even cry.” Erik smiled and found a tear escape his good eye. He held his blade high and cried out once more….

As always the dinner was an extravagance. He had grown up in this house and always felt that it was so. These days, most nights he ate stew, with simple bread, some salt and some ale were his preferred diet. He liked it that way much more. As the servants readied the dinning hall he sat with Borghen as they visited. "So you still like that dank tower of yours?" said the priest with a laugh. Leon nodded, "It suites me well Father." The priest smiled slyly, "Oh? Better then here?" he asked, waving his hand about, noting the luxury that was a part of being an Inquisitor. Leon looked about. He had lived well here. Despite not being "of the family" he could have asked for no more a blessing then what he was given. Borghen had always been kind to him, always seeing to his needs. As he had grown from the babe he was, the priest had put him to work, but never once treated him or the other servants with anything but tender love, all of them orphans and foundlings like him. Leon was not like them though. As much as he was grateful, he was no Elezen, no Ishgardian. Something called to his soul, a whisper. And the cold and the rolling air that made its way through his rundown tower made it feel comfortable. "Not better Father, but more suited to my tastes. And also keeps me close at hand to your interests away from home." The priest smiled, "Indeed, and I could ask no more of such a loyal son."

Dinner was soon served. Unlike other houses of such station in Ishgard, once the food was laid out, the servants joined their master for the evening meal. Leon had his place at the left hand of Borghen, and all around them sat the others, lining the long table. As they ate Leon noticed one of his "siblings", as Borghen referred to them, was missing. "Father, where is Fiona?" The priest looked up with a forlorn look on his face, "Oh that poor girl. She has been ill so I have sent her to seek treatment. Her health has been fading swiftly and none here were of help. I have seen to it that she find aid in the Shroud. They are well known for their healing skills. She will return whole soon I am sure." Leon nodded, Fiona had seemed fine the last time he had visited the house, a little under a moon by now. She had seemed fine, and Borghen had not mentioned her illness before this. As the thoughts filled his mind he scolded himself. Father had always looked out for all under his roof. If the house maid was ill, of course he would spare no expense to see to her. "I hope she is well soon Father." The priest smiled as he finished his bite, "We all pray for her Leon." He noted as he looked around there were a few other empty seats.

With the table cleared and the servants off to their tasks, Borghen and Leon sat again in the parlor. Borghen broke the silence, "Leon what of that man for today? What have you done with his body?" Leon thought on it and answered, "Nothing as of yet. I had several petty criminals today, my day was busy. He was placed in the undercroft for now. I do not have much on the schedule tomorrow, so I will deal with him then." The priest nodded with interest, "Very good then. Must not leave the poor man unkept, no matter what his crime."

There was no soft steps. There was no creeping in shadows. There was surprise however as Leon stormed the men before they had even fully entered his home. A bloody mess began the exchange as they saw him marching toward them. They turned and stood ready, but they were not ready as his steps never sped or slowed. As he approached the first man and did not even give him time to speak, swinging his blade, the cutting sound of the metal in air interrupted by the wet thud noise as the blade took the robber's head in a single swing. The second man next moved to stop him but found the headman's blade kissing his shoulder, splitting him into an unnatural form, cleaved to the waist. The third and last did all he could, dropping to his knees to pray.

Leon approached but did not kill him. Grabbing him by the hair he raised the man off the ground and looked deep into his soul, cold emerald eyes peeling back any will the thief had. "Why do you creep into my home?" The robber began to weep, "Demon spare me! Halone help me!" Slamming him into the wall to bring his sense back Leon repeated, "Why are you here?"

The man shook violently, "I will freeze in the frozen hell if I tell you. Please demon, let me flee!" Leon hated being called a demon, a feeling expressed by knocking out one of the man's teeth. Blood poured out and he looked up, "We must see to the body. He told us to be rid of it. We were to take it to the Bone Yard!" Leon raised a hand to strike the man in order to intimidate, "What gives you the right to my bodies? Tell me who sent you or by the Fury I will peel my answers from your flesh." The man looked up forlorn, settling on his thoughts. Drawing out a dagger before Leon could stop him, the robber shoved the blade deep into his heart, falling to the ground limp.

Leon tried to reach him as he did but it was too late. "Fuck it all." he swore in a low voice. He began to dig through their pockets. Only a fool would see this as a coincidence. Nothing was to be found, but they had come for the criminal. To take him to the Bone Yard was what took his mind. The Bone Yard was a terrible place. Where the lowest of all were taken. Destitute beggars with no family, heretics, traitors. Even criminals were given better. Why would they steal the body and take it to such a vile place. His mind returned to the execution, how it was odd a convicted thief was given a heretic's death. He thought to see the body anyway.

Below the tower was the Undercroft. Once a storehouse for the tower's guards, its dark and cold air was perfect for Leon's needs to store those he put to the blade. The only body was the mutilated criminal he had killed the morning before. He opened the man's coat, he knew not even his name. In his breast pocket was a note, folded so many times it seemed wadded trash. Leon read it but found no wisdom in it. [F- 11, B-Y, Cicero] read the odd note. Pocketing the slip of paper he looked over the man head to toe and found nothing. He turned to leave, he would secure the door with a lock and return with a city watchman for the dead above in the stables. As he left he heard what sounded like a cry for help, faint and distant. He stopped and listened hard but heard nothing else.