Colonel Frank Archer (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
determinator) wrote2011-09-06 11:30 pm
determinator) wrote2011-09-06 11:30 pm
Entry tags:
ROUTE 29 APP
Player
Name: Redd
Livejournal Dreamwidth Username: pokerap
E-mail: pokerap.redd @ gmail.com
AIM/MSN: AIM: writersblockredd
Timezone: Eastern Standard Time
Current Characters in Route: None
Character
Name: Frank Archer
Series: FullMetal Alchemist (2003 anime)
Timeline: Right after the array is activated in Liore, post episode 42 (prior to Archer being fit with the automail).
Canon Resource Links: FMA Wiki. All of the information here applies - though it is worth mentioning that in the first anime the city is named "Liore" instead of "Reole." There are several differences between the first anime and the manga/Brotherhood when it comes to the names of places and people - I will be using the dub of the first anime for these. Again, Archer is taken before the automail is attached, meaning that he is actually mentally stable (to some extent).
Personality: Archer's personality depends on who you are, or rather, if you're in a position of power or not. To his superiors he's a charming, hard-working officer with a more reserved look on government and society at large. To anyone he doesn't consider useful, he's a complete jerk. The two sides don't seem to properly fit together until one realizes that Archer is a cunning manipulator. His smarts lead him to believe he's superior to everyone, including those he's quite charming toward. Even if he must push his ego aside, it's only for a limited time. Archer doesn't seem to hold a high level of respect for the Fuhrer (due to the fact that he knows the Fuhrer is a Homunculus; something that immediately gives him an edge over the Fuhrer), and is often contrary to the point of defiance in discussion with him. He shows less and less respect toward his superior officers as the series goes on.
War is Archer's favorite thing. His determination to start a war in Liore is only further proof of this. While war has strengthened his nation in the past, Archer does not seek to start a war for that prospect. He loves strategy and planning, but especially loves the thrill of a fight. Any excuse to kill without reprecussions is one he is willing to take. He passes it off as wanting to be a "war hero" like Mustang, but in reality he simply "likes war," according to one of the soldiers who worked under him. This seems to be common knowledge within the military, but Archer hasn't actually done anything that could be considered illegal. Archer knows his views aren't common and are definitely not normal; he's very careful not to say anything that could get him thrown in prison. Kimbley is the only person he's met who shares any of his beliefs, and he was in prison for ten years for killing his superior officers during the Ishbal War. He obviously doesn't want to end up like Kimbley, and spends the majority of his time attempting to appear normal. While he can pass for normal, he does give off an inherently creepy vibe. He doesn't seem to notice this.
Archer has a severe lack of morals in most areas of life. Society's "morals" concerning life and war scarcely affect him. He's willing to use others as tools to achieve his own ends. He tends to come off as inhumane and cruel when discussing those morals, but it's not entirely without benefit. He can actually argue that without morals to "get in his way" he's not forced to think about "what's right." This makes him (in his opinion) the perfect soldier. His lack of morals make him dangerous, but he would be right at home on the battlefield. Unfortunately (in his opinion), he's never seen battle.
Archer is easily angered and frustrated, but most other emotions are hidden under an outer layer of cool detachment. While he is usually level-headed and takes the time to think his actions through, when he's angry Archer doesn't stop to think. Archer doesn't like showing any weakness whatsoever, and he considers most emotion to be a weakness which can be used against him. Likewise he considers friends to be similar and keeps very few. Allies, on the other hand, are always useful (at least until he decides they aren't, in which case friendy fire is always a suitable option). His cruel ruthlessness both on and off the battlefield are terrifying, leading many to whisper behind his back that he's not only a warmonger but a sadistic, inhumane monster as well. As long as they can't prove it, Archer considers himself safe. He finds it rather ironic that they call him a monster while working for one.
Those that work under him would indeed describe Archer as a monster. He's ruthless when it comes to his officers and works them to the bone. Perfection is expected and even a small mistake (be it grammatical or a numerical error, or perhaps even spelling when Archer's really in a foul mood) can result in severe punishment. His own paperwork is known for being error-free, and he expects the same of his subordinates (even though he is ultimately sure that they are incapable of it). It's more of an ego-booster than anything else (not that he needs one).
Strengths/Weaknesses: ✔ Archer is a very skilled orator. He's quite good at talking - be it convincing others, speaking to large groups, or lying through his teeth. He can hide (most) emotions behind an eloquent speech. He is usually very blunt and to the point though, which can make him seem rude or insensitive. He is.
✔ Archer is smart - he's well educated and clever. His "street smarts" are severely lacking though. There are very few situations that Archer cannot get himself out of. He confronts the Fuhrer about Laboratory Five without showing any sort of fear about possible repercussions (at that time, it's heavily implied he knows that Fuhrer Bradley is not human). While this may make him seem reckless or even fearless, it's really more of a matter of knowing how to get what he wants (in this case, Kimbley and Tucker's reinstatement into the military). What he lacks in experience he makes up for in knowledge. He's quick to learn and even quicker to try and find answers to any questions he has. Archer can't stand not knowing what's going on around him. Hughes, Archer's former superior officer, was killed because he discovered what was going on within the military. Archer figures out what's going on not long after Hughes's death; he is one of the few who does know what is going on within the military.
✔ Though he isn't well-known for it, Archer is good with firearms. He tends not to think before pulling his gun though (evidently Edward Elric's short rants are just enough to get him ready to shoot - even if Edward is a child, not that he cares much about that). Of course, that doesn't really serve any purpose in Johto, since he can't get his hands on a gun.
✔ When it comes to sucking up, Archer can't be beat. Well, okay, he can, since his huge ego can only take a certain amount of debasing. Archer will form "friendships" with anyone he deems capable of helping him achieve his goals. He won't hesitate to toss his friends under the bus should it aid him though. That might be literal. It's difficult to tell with him.
✘ Friendship has always been a problem for Archer. He doesn't have any close friends - nor does he need them - but there are times when having supporters would be useful. He tends to use those he does consider "friends" and is quick to rid himself of them. The closest person to him would be Kimbley, and unfortunately he got himself killed. Archer is a skilled leader and can actually get along well enough with those to work under him - several of his soldiers actively worry about him when the array goes off in Liore (not that he was capable of noticing this). Archer has difficulties trusting anyone, which is another reason why he doesn't make fiends.
✘ Archer is typically good at reigning in his emotions - save anger and frustration. He's quick to get pissed off, and even quicker to lash out (usually verbally, but if he's pissed enough he will lash out physically). He can go from perfectly calm to furious in a matter of seconds if the right buttons are pushed. He doesn't deal well with any emotions that aren't smug satisfaction. He's not very good at identifying his emotions as what they are and tends to read too deeply into them. This usually results in anger. ...Though most of his emotions circle back around to anger at some point anyway.
✘ A lack of "special" abilities hinders Archer in his homeworld. He's incapable of alchemy. Had he been capable of using the science he would have used it to achieve a higher ranking in the military early on. Instead he had to work his way up as a pencil-pusher. Archer thinks quite highly of himself, but his inability to use alchemy is the one thing that he really hates. He tends to be jealous of everyone who does have any "special" abilities, and that jealousy tends to turn into hatred. Possibly the only exception to this is Kimbley, who had the same twisted world view as Archer. That, and Kimbley can make anything explode.
✘ Archer tends to come off as cold and aloof. It isn't far from the truth. He doesn't interact with anyone he doesn't think he can use. This is especially detrimental within this world, as Archer doesn't know anything about this world or how it works. It also doesn't help that he dislikes his Team Rocket superiors. He refuses to be considered a "Grunt" due to the fact that he worked his way up from such a position back in Amestris. The fact that his "boss" has the name Archer is an irony that only serves to infuriate him further.
✘ He's very fickle. Archer will go after whatever he believes will aid him most in the long run. His goal is to become Fuhrer of Amestris - or at least go down in history as a war hero. Either way, he changes his mind repeatedly. Within the course of an episode he changes his mind four times (original goal was to find the Elric brothers and question them about the events at Laboratory Five. Then he found a chimera and wanted to capture it. Then he found a Homunculus child capable of using alchemy and wanted to capture him instead. Then when everything starts going wrong he decides to recruit Kimbley to work for him within the military.) Even when he gets what he wants, he's quick to change his mind about it and find something else worth pursuing.
✘ When it comes to fears, there really isn't much that holds Archer back. While he dislikes being seen as useless or weak, neither of these qualify as "fears." About the only thing Archer genuinely fears is dying before he's made a name for himself. Death itself doesn't scare him (though he isn't fond of physical pain of any sort), it's just the idea that he won't be remembered for anything and will have lived a "pointless" life.
Pokémon Information
Affiliation: Team Rocket
Starter: Zubat ♂. The perfect Pokemon for a Rocket Grunt, isn't it?
Password: Taco Bell.
Samples
First Person Sample: [The PokéConnect clicks on, revealing an unremarkable field complete with tall grass. Archer's Zubat is currently flying in circles. This could almost be considered normal if it weren't for the fact that the bat is nearly colliding into the PokéConnect at times. Archer's voice comes from somewhere behind, sounding as scathing and sarcastic as usual.]
I wasn't aware these chimeras could confuse themselves.
[Yes, he's referring to the Pokémon as chimeras. It's the only logical explanation he can think of. If these aren't Tucker's reject chimeras, he has no idea what they are. Of course, he shouldn't have woken up in some completely unknown place after the array was activated in Liore, but that's not important now. The bat circles close again, and this time Archer reaches out to smack it over the head. It doesn't seem to stop the bat's chirps of confusion any.]
Does anyone have any idea how to fix it? It's useless enough as it is. I don't need it harming itself whenever I order it to attack.
Third Person Sample: The last thing he remembers is the red glow of the array being activated. Edward must have been right - Scar had managed to create an array and led them all into a trap.
He should have died.
But the fact that he can reflect on that clearly proves that he isn't dead. Archer moves to shield his eyes from the light - it's bright and he's tired, can't he wait a little longer to move and have to face whatever life has thrown at him now? - but a jolt of pain through his left arm causes him to hiss and force his eyes open.
He's not greeted with a familiar sight. This isn't the military's headquarters in Liore. He's upright in a flash, panic all too obvious. This can't be Liore. It's too cold. Liore is practically a desert town. He's still fully dressed in his uniform (and he was asleep in it? it will be horribly wrinkled now...!) and he finally moves to get up, wincing again as pain strikes his entire left side. It's not as sharp this time, and by the time he finally stands it's gone.
Archer glances out the window first, frowning when he realizes there isn't much to see. It looks as though he's in some small town in the middle of nowhere. He doesn't recognize it, but judging from the cold, he's probably somewhere up north. Certainly not as far north as Briggs, there isn't enough snow for that... but how would he have gotten here anyway? It doesn't feel like very much time has passed since the array went off... but it's impossible to tell.
He returns his attention to the room, finding that there really isn't much aside from a change of clothing, a note, and a red and white ball. He studies the note first - Team Rocket? - and quickly dismisses it. That leaves the uniform (a terribly droll ensemble he wouldn't be caught dead in, much less while his loyalty still belongs to the Amestrian military), and the ball. He finally picks that up, finding it lighter than he expected and absently touches the button in the center.
It clicks and opens, revealing some complicated machinery inside, closing before he can get a good look at it. Archer doesn't know an awful lot about technology, but this certainly seems very advanced. Before he can attempt to open the ball again and get a better look at it, something screeches in his ear.
Floating before him is a bat - but it certainly doesn't look like any bat from his world. It's much larger, an odd blue-and-purple color combination, and doesn't appear to have any sort of eyes. It shrieks again and Archer backs up a few steps, immediately reaching for his gun. His hand meets the empty holster and he cusses aloud. Where the hell is his gun? How is he supposed to protect himself from whatever the hell this thing is without it?
The bat doesn't appear to want to harm him though, instead settling on the nightstand beside the bed and folding its wings. If it had eyes, Archer would believe it was watching him. Instead it seems perfectly content to tilt its head and let out strange little squeaking noises every now and then. "What the hell...?"
Chimera. The word pops into his head unbidden, but it is the only thing that makes any sort of sense. Tucker's chimeras were certainly anything but normal, and the ones Archer looked after in the basement of Liore's military headquarters were oddly colored. They were capable of speech too, and though none of them were bats, he wouldn't be surprised if this was Tucker's doing somehow. "Tucker," He turns toward the door, half-expecting the chimera-man to enter. "Tucker! What the hell have you done now!?" At least now he has some idea what's going on - even if it makes no logical sense. It's something he can focus his frustration on, at the very least.
Name: Redd
pokerapE-mail: pokerap.redd @ gmail.com
AIM/MSN: AIM: writersblockredd
Timezone: Eastern Standard Time
Current Characters in Route: None
Character
Name: Frank Archer
Series: FullMetal Alchemist (2003 anime)
Timeline: Right after the array is activated in Liore, post episode 42 (prior to Archer being fit with the automail).
Canon Resource Links: FMA Wiki. All of the information here applies - though it is worth mentioning that in the first anime the city is named "Liore" instead of "Reole." There are several differences between the first anime and the manga/Brotherhood when it comes to the names of places and people - I will be using the dub of the first anime for these. Again, Archer is taken before the automail is attached, meaning that he is actually mentally stable (to some extent).
Personality: Archer's personality depends on who you are, or rather, if you're in a position of power or not. To his superiors he's a charming, hard-working officer with a more reserved look on government and society at large. To anyone he doesn't consider useful, he's a complete jerk. The two sides don't seem to properly fit together until one realizes that Archer is a cunning manipulator. His smarts lead him to believe he's superior to everyone, including those he's quite charming toward. Even if he must push his ego aside, it's only for a limited time. Archer doesn't seem to hold a high level of respect for the Fuhrer (due to the fact that he knows the Fuhrer is a Homunculus; something that immediately gives him an edge over the Fuhrer), and is often contrary to the point of defiance in discussion with him. He shows less and less respect toward his superior officers as the series goes on.
War is Archer's favorite thing. His determination to start a war in Liore is only further proof of this. While war has strengthened his nation in the past, Archer does not seek to start a war for that prospect. He loves strategy and planning, but especially loves the thrill of a fight. Any excuse to kill without reprecussions is one he is willing to take. He passes it off as wanting to be a "war hero" like Mustang, but in reality he simply "likes war," according to one of the soldiers who worked under him. This seems to be common knowledge within the military, but Archer hasn't actually done anything that could be considered illegal. Archer knows his views aren't common and are definitely not normal; he's very careful not to say anything that could get him thrown in prison. Kimbley is the only person he's met who shares any of his beliefs, and he was in prison for ten years for killing his superior officers during the Ishbal War. He obviously doesn't want to end up like Kimbley, and spends the majority of his time attempting to appear normal. While he can pass for normal, he does give off an inherently creepy vibe. He doesn't seem to notice this.
Archer has a severe lack of morals in most areas of life. Society's "morals" concerning life and war scarcely affect him. He's willing to use others as tools to achieve his own ends. He tends to come off as inhumane and cruel when discussing those morals, but it's not entirely without benefit. He can actually argue that without morals to "get in his way" he's not forced to think about "what's right." This makes him (in his opinion) the perfect soldier. His lack of morals make him dangerous, but he would be right at home on the battlefield. Unfortunately (in his opinion), he's never seen battle.
Archer is easily angered and frustrated, but most other emotions are hidden under an outer layer of cool detachment. While he is usually level-headed and takes the time to think his actions through, when he's angry Archer doesn't stop to think. Archer doesn't like showing any weakness whatsoever, and he considers most emotion to be a weakness which can be used against him. Likewise he considers friends to be similar and keeps very few. Allies, on the other hand, are always useful (at least until he decides they aren't, in which case friendy fire is always a suitable option). His cruel ruthlessness both on and off the battlefield are terrifying, leading many to whisper behind his back that he's not only a warmonger but a sadistic, inhumane monster as well. As long as they can't prove it, Archer considers himself safe. He finds it rather ironic that they call him a monster while working for one.
Those that work under him would indeed describe Archer as a monster. He's ruthless when it comes to his officers and works them to the bone. Perfection is expected and even a small mistake (be it grammatical or a numerical error, or perhaps even spelling when Archer's really in a foul mood) can result in severe punishment. His own paperwork is known for being error-free, and he expects the same of his subordinates (even though he is ultimately sure that they are incapable of it). It's more of an ego-booster than anything else (not that he needs one).
Strengths/Weaknesses: ✔ Archer is a very skilled orator. He's quite good at talking - be it convincing others, speaking to large groups, or lying through his teeth. He can hide (most) emotions behind an eloquent speech. He is usually very blunt and to the point though, which can make him seem rude or insensitive. He is.
✔ Archer is smart - he's well educated and clever. His "street smarts" are severely lacking though. There are very few situations that Archer cannot get himself out of. He confronts the Fuhrer about Laboratory Five without showing any sort of fear about possible repercussions (at that time, it's heavily implied he knows that Fuhrer Bradley is not human). While this may make him seem reckless or even fearless, it's really more of a matter of knowing how to get what he wants (in this case, Kimbley and Tucker's reinstatement into the military). What he lacks in experience he makes up for in knowledge. He's quick to learn and even quicker to try and find answers to any questions he has. Archer can't stand not knowing what's going on around him. Hughes, Archer's former superior officer, was killed because he discovered what was going on within the military. Archer figures out what's going on not long after Hughes's death; he is one of the few who does know what is going on within the military.
✔ Though he isn't well-known for it, Archer is good with firearms. He tends not to think before pulling his gun though (evidently Edward Elric's short rants are just enough to get him ready to shoot - even if Edward is a child, not that he cares much about that). Of course, that doesn't really serve any purpose in Johto, since he can't get his hands on a gun.
✔ When it comes to sucking up, Archer can't be beat. Well, okay, he can, since his huge ego can only take a certain amount of debasing. Archer will form "friendships" with anyone he deems capable of helping him achieve his goals. He won't hesitate to toss his friends under the bus should it aid him though. That might be literal. It's difficult to tell with him.
✘ Friendship has always been a problem for Archer. He doesn't have any close friends - nor does he need them - but there are times when having supporters would be useful. He tends to use those he does consider "friends" and is quick to rid himself of them. The closest person to him would be Kimbley, and unfortunately he got himself killed. Archer is a skilled leader and can actually get along well enough with those to work under him - several of his soldiers actively worry about him when the array goes off in Liore (not that he was capable of noticing this). Archer has difficulties trusting anyone, which is another reason why he doesn't make fiends.
✘ Archer is typically good at reigning in his emotions - save anger and frustration. He's quick to get pissed off, and even quicker to lash out (usually verbally, but if he's pissed enough he will lash out physically). He can go from perfectly calm to furious in a matter of seconds if the right buttons are pushed. He doesn't deal well with any emotions that aren't smug satisfaction. He's not very good at identifying his emotions as what they are and tends to read too deeply into them. This usually results in anger. ...Though most of his emotions circle back around to anger at some point anyway.
✘ A lack of "special" abilities hinders Archer in his homeworld. He's incapable of alchemy. Had he been capable of using the science he would have used it to achieve a higher ranking in the military early on. Instead he had to work his way up as a pencil-pusher. Archer thinks quite highly of himself, but his inability to use alchemy is the one thing that he really hates. He tends to be jealous of everyone who does have any "special" abilities, and that jealousy tends to turn into hatred. Possibly the only exception to this is Kimbley, who had the same twisted world view as Archer. That, and Kimbley can make anything explode.
✘ Archer tends to come off as cold and aloof. It isn't far from the truth. He doesn't interact with anyone he doesn't think he can use. This is especially detrimental within this world, as Archer doesn't know anything about this world or how it works. It also doesn't help that he dislikes his Team Rocket superiors. He refuses to be considered a "Grunt" due to the fact that he worked his way up from such a position back in Amestris. The fact that his "boss" has the name Archer is an irony that only serves to infuriate him further.
✘ He's very fickle. Archer will go after whatever he believes will aid him most in the long run. His goal is to become Fuhrer of Amestris - or at least go down in history as a war hero. Either way, he changes his mind repeatedly. Within the course of an episode he changes his mind four times (original goal was to find the Elric brothers and question them about the events at Laboratory Five. Then he found a chimera and wanted to capture it. Then he found a Homunculus child capable of using alchemy and wanted to capture him instead. Then when everything starts going wrong he decides to recruit Kimbley to work for him within the military.) Even when he gets what he wants, he's quick to change his mind about it and find something else worth pursuing.
✘ When it comes to fears, there really isn't much that holds Archer back. While he dislikes being seen as useless or weak, neither of these qualify as "fears." About the only thing Archer genuinely fears is dying before he's made a name for himself. Death itself doesn't scare him (though he isn't fond of physical pain of any sort), it's just the idea that he won't be remembered for anything and will have lived a "pointless" life.
Pokémon Information
Affiliation: Team Rocket
Starter: Zubat ♂. The perfect Pokemon for a Rocket Grunt, isn't it?
Password: Taco Bell.
Samples
First Person Sample: [The PokéConnect clicks on, revealing an unremarkable field complete with tall grass. Archer's Zubat is currently flying in circles. This could almost be considered normal if it weren't for the fact that the bat is nearly colliding into the PokéConnect at times. Archer's voice comes from somewhere behind, sounding as scathing and sarcastic as usual.]
I wasn't aware these chimeras could confuse themselves.
[Yes, he's referring to the Pokémon as chimeras. It's the only logical explanation he can think of. If these aren't Tucker's reject chimeras, he has no idea what they are. Of course, he shouldn't have woken up in some completely unknown place after the array was activated in Liore, but that's not important now. The bat circles close again, and this time Archer reaches out to smack it over the head. It doesn't seem to stop the bat's chirps of confusion any.]
Does anyone have any idea how to fix it? It's useless enough as it is. I don't need it harming itself whenever I order it to attack.
Third Person Sample: The last thing he remembers is the red glow of the array being activated. Edward must have been right - Scar had managed to create an array and led them all into a trap.
He should have died.
But the fact that he can reflect on that clearly proves that he isn't dead. Archer moves to shield his eyes from the light - it's bright and he's tired, can't he wait a little longer to move and have to face whatever life has thrown at him now? - but a jolt of pain through his left arm causes him to hiss and force his eyes open.
He's not greeted with a familiar sight. This isn't the military's headquarters in Liore. He's upright in a flash, panic all too obvious. This can't be Liore. It's too cold. Liore is practically a desert town. He's still fully dressed in his uniform (and he was asleep in it? it will be horribly wrinkled now...!) and he finally moves to get up, wincing again as pain strikes his entire left side. It's not as sharp this time, and by the time he finally stands it's gone.
Archer glances out the window first, frowning when he realizes there isn't much to see. It looks as though he's in some small town in the middle of nowhere. He doesn't recognize it, but judging from the cold, he's probably somewhere up north. Certainly not as far north as Briggs, there isn't enough snow for that... but how would he have gotten here anyway? It doesn't feel like very much time has passed since the array went off... but it's impossible to tell.
He returns his attention to the room, finding that there really isn't much aside from a change of clothing, a note, and a red and white ball. He studies the note first - Team Rocket? - and quickly dismisses it. That leaves the uniform (a terribly droll ensemble he wouldn't be caught dead in, much less while his loyalty still belongs to the Amestrian military), and the ball. He finally picks that up, finding it lighter than he expected and absently touches the button in the center.
It clicks and opens, revealing some complicated machinery inside, closing before he can get a good look at it. Archer doesn't know an awful lot about technology, but this certainly seems very advanced. Before he can attempt to open the ball again and get a better look at it, something screeches in his ear.
Floating before him is a bat - but it certainly doesn't look like any bat from his world. It's much larger, an odd blue-and-purple color combination, and doesn't appear to have any sort of eyes. It shrieks again and Archer backs up a few steps, immediately reaching for his gun. His hand meets the empty holster and he cusses aloud. Where the hell is his gun? How is he supposed to protect himself from whatever the hell this thing is without it?
The bat doesn't appear to want to harm him though, instead settling on the nightstand beside the bed and folding its wings. If it had eyes, Archer would believe it was watching him. Instead it seems perfectly content to tilt its head and let out strange little squeaking noises every now and then. "What the hell...?"
Chimera. The word pops into his head unbidden, but it is the only thing that makes any sort of sense. Tucker's chimeras were certainly anything but normal, and the ones Archer looked after in the basement of Liore's military headquarters were oddly colored. They were capable of speech too, and though none of them were bats, he wouldn't be surprised if this was Tucker's doing somehow. "Tucker," He turns toward the door, half-expecting the chimera-man to enter. "Tucker! What the hell have you done now!?" At least now he has some idea what's going on - even if it makes no logical sense. It's something he can focus his frustration on, at the very least.