Post by riza hawkeye on Jan 4, 2012 15:56:28 GMT -5
Here at Shape of This Country, we would love to have original characters join us, even if you don't know the series! Some people might like a little clarification on the basics, so here they are. This is not required reading, but is helpful if you're not sure where to start. If you don't find an answer to your question here, please just get in contact with a staff members.
An alchemist is a person capable of alchemy. It is an understanding of the chemical relationships and alchemical theories. Part of the ability is also inherited, so chances are at least one parent or grandparent was capable of the science. Most alchemists use their science for the people. They follow the concept of "equivalent exchange" - to obtain, something of equal value must be lost. A corresponding 'circle' must also be drawn (unless the character has performed human transmutation). Generally, an alchemist is specialized. Some examples would be Roy Mustang, the Flame Alchemist (specialized in flame alchemy), and Solf Kimblee, the Crimson Alchemist (specialized in using the philosopher's crimson red stone to kill).
What does Human Transmutation entail? What are the consequences?
Human transmutation is an attempt to bring a dead person back to life. First off, it is never successful and is often a desperate attempt. Depending on the age of the person performing it, dire things can happen. The younger, the more vulnerable. The person that performs the ritual generally loses something that is key to their ultimate goal (for example: Roy Mustang lost his vision, which was connected to his goal to see Amestris revitalized and reconstructed. Izumi Curtis lost a good deal of her internal organs, incapable of ever giving birth again). Original characters may attempt this, but it must be well explained and connected to their ultimate goals.
For Xingese characters, what is alkahestry? What makes it different from alchemy and is it limited to only Xingese characters?
This concept is centered around the "Dragon Pulse", the earth's constant flow of chi. It is mainly of medical use, much stronger than typical medicine practices. Alkahestry is much stronger in this sense than Amestrian alchemy. This ability can be used as a form of combat, but not to the effects of alchemy. It can be learned by any character race, though it would've had to been taught by someone of Xing that has the ability.
What is the state of the country at the start of this site? What sort of technology is available?
Amestris is under the rule of Grumman. It is working on rebuilding itself and the relationships with neighboring countries. The military still keeps order, but no full-out wars are occurring. Most transportation is done by train, though there are cars freely available. Phones are in full operation, but they are simply land-line/house phones (so no cell phones here!). The extent of technology is likely automail - prosthetic limbs that are far more advanced than our world. Many people in Rush Valley specialize in this field and even the craziest ideas can be developed. This is often the best option for someone who loses/has lost a limb in battle or through transmutation, though it requires rather frequent maintenance to begin with.
What about the other countries? How do they come into play?
Drachma and northern Amestris (namely, Briggs) are still fighting for the control of the mountain range. Although it is not a full out war, there are skirmishes between the military front. Amestrians shouldn't be traveling to Drachma, though there are probably a few Drachma citizens in Amestris. The Amestrian military has sent over a few men to help Cretan tribal affairs (so there are tribal wars occurring there). Amestris is strictly trying to help out, so they haven't gotten physically involved. Friendly trade routes have been established with Aerugo and Xing. Xing is not as obsessed with immortality. Some Xingese alkahestrians are learning the ways of Amestrian alchemy and vice versa. Aerugo's monarchy is thriving with the successful, new trade routes with Amestris.
What are the ranks of the Amestrian military? The Drachman military? Can an original character take any position?
Because sometimes Wikia sites are very helpful, you can find a link to the rankings of the Amestrian military here. As for the rankings of the Drachman military, there is no such convenient file. So, we'll follow the Soviet Army's rankings, which can be found here. Any original character can claim any position with justification. Just explain in the history how they rose to that position. You also cannot claim canon/singular positions, such as the position of the fuhrer. As for the canons, many were likely promoted or even demoted following the Promised Day. So long as you justify, your canon military rank can differ from that chart.
What occurred on the Promised Day?
Please note the answer to this question is a spoiler for the series. You have been warned.
This is also just a brief summary of the main events.
The Promised Day was brought about because a man, "Father", obtained an "immortal" body (constantly renewed through the absorption of philosopher stones) and wanted to become god. He created Homunculi, creatures that embodied the Seven Deadly Sins, who manipulated various cities in order to create a country-wide transmutation circle that would create an ultimate philosopher's stone. This circle was supposed to collect everyone's souls for said creature to become 'god', but this was counteracted by Hohenheim that caused Father's body to reject the souls and send them back.. This all occurred in Central. Everyone lost consciousness and was technically dead, aside from those located at the dead center of the country, Central Command. These people, primarily Edward Elric, destroyed him.
Overall, ONLY the few Briggs soldiers and the main canon characters were located at this spot of Central Command. In general, everyone will remember the suffocating feeling of their souls being taken, following which they fell unconscious. They regained consciousness shortly after. This all took place during a solar eclipse that many people were looking forward to (if that may be relevant to your character).
Overall, ONLY the few Briggs soldiers and the main canon characters were located at this spot of Central Command. In general, everyone will remember the suffocating feeling of their souls being taken, following which they fell unconscious. They regained consciousness shortly after. This all took place during a solar eclipse that many people were looking forward to (if that may be relevant to your character).
How is a philosopher's stone obtained? What is it?
Please note the answer to this question is a spoiler for the series. You have been warned.
To create a philosopher's stone, you must sacrifice human lives (and be an alchemist to perform the transmutation). The philosopher's stone is a collection of human souls (the more souls, the stronger it is and the longer it lasts). These stones are capable of virtually anything, including human transmutation and "immortality". Said immortality must be renewed with relatively frequent philosopher's stones to remain "immortal". These stones simply bypass the law of "equivalent exchange".
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