FMA Brotherhood: Wahrheit (Current Arc: A Small Peace)

[Magoose]

FMA Brotherhood Quest:

The sun rose… a simple thing that carried so many meanings… so many wishes and hopes.

That was not the case… for it only filled you with a sense of dread, and horror.

The Day always meant new challenges... a new beginning.

There was always something in the air, something dark and disturbing… but this felt different.

But your thoughts were broken as you looked into the mirror

What is your name:
[]Write in here

What do you Look Like?:
[]Place Image here (Appearance must be that of a teenager or young adult)

You turned to face the door… and smiled.

The Paper was here... that meant something was finally

"Something happened?" you said to yourself, and looked at the morning paper, and muttered to yourself.

Where in the Timeline do you Begin?:

[]1901: The Ishvallen Civil Conflict: "Civil Strife has consumed the region… a soldier shot and killed a child, and that seemed to break any peace in the region… They are Bringing in the Military. So much for peace" (Start 13 Years Prior to the Brotherhood Series)

[]1908: An Uneasy Peace: "The Conflict is over... Ishval... is now under total Amestrian control... the war bears its scars... on everyone." (6 Years Before Brotherhood)

[]1911: Arise O' Youth: "Edward Elric. Bradly just let a kid into the State Alchemists... the youngest in History." (3 years Before Brotherhood Starts)

[]1914: The Awakening: "I don't know what happened, but Central was Attacked by Macdougal… You remember him… that Kid Elric, Mustang, and Armstrong stopped em. I wonder what's next for them?" (Begins at the Beginning of Brotherhood)

What is your Backstory:
[]The Journalist: You were just a man looking for the Truth… whether it be on criminal, on the lives of the citizens of your home… or something evil.

[]The Adopted Child: You had been adopted by a man whom you grew to respect as a father. And were made a part of his family in turn... for better and for worse.

[]The State Alchemist: You joined the military for the research Grants and the possibility of making your life better. But you are reminded that this life was… something far more.

Do you Preform Alchemy:

[]No: I Will never use Alchemy again.

[]As A Combatant: You have learned how to use Alchemy to fight in your battles, allowing you to do the impossible on a regular basis. It helped you stay alive in your line of work

[]As A Utility: The wonders of Alchemy is that it can help with many things that may seem a bit… unusual. Making industrial-grade goods in only a few minutes, make a phone, a radio… helping with Crops and irrigation? That is the way Alchemy should be used… As a way to help people.

[]As an Art Form: You use alchemy as a way to create Art… to supplement your income, and to express yourself as a person.

[]Through the Gate: You never should have tried human transmutation… but you were young… a fool… a grave, stupid naive fool.


AN: I only have myself to blame...

Well that and @undead frog masterpiece (My opinion), Watching brotherhood for the sixth time got the sparks going... and... Well...

You'll see. when the beginning is finished, and certain options are chosen.

Also, Please Vote in plan format.

 

[Magoose]

Spoiler: The Reporter

Spoiler: Appearence

Name: Alfred Ailtree

Age 16 (Born July 16th, 1886)

Title: Reporter for the News Journal: War Stories.

Traits:

The War Journalist: You are a man who does one thing… cover wars for the sake of the masses. You are a profiteer of conflict… and possibly, the only one sane enough to see War as it is… A Terrible Hell. (+20 to Story Quality when covering Wars, civil conflict, and military actions. +10 to investigation rolls, -10 to Interview rolls)

The Gate: You committed Alchemy's Greatest Sin...You attempted Human Transmutation to bring back someone you loved. (You can Use Alchemy without a Transmutation Circle.)

School of the Lion (Trained): You are a trainee of the School of the Lion, but you have a long way to go before you can be called master. (+10 to combat rolls.)

Energy Manipulator (Skilled): You are a skilled practitioner of Energy Manipulation, and have control over your power in a way that most consider impossible. (+20 to all combat rolls. +20 to???)

Combat Alchemist (The Generalist: Untrained): You are a practitioner of combat Alchemy, and of a style that is more general, for terrain modification, projectile, and repair. (+15 to combat rolls against all opponent due to having Gateless Alchemy)

 

[Magoose]

Spoiler: Johan

Name: Johan Liebert

Age 38 (Born June 11th, 1863)

Appearance: A Tall man with dark hair, pale complexion, and piercing eyes.

Title: Contributor for the News Pamphlet: War Stories. Colonel of the Amestrian Army (Ret.), The Butcher of Bellview.

Traits:

Veteran: You are a Veteran of the Military, and that alone gives you friends, both in and out of service. (+10 to all interview rolls with soldiers, and covering wars.)

Advocate (Soldiers mental health): You are a man who advocates for soldiers' mental health. (+10 to all articles about mental health and soldier's)

Traumatized: You have seen… and done, things that would destroy lesser men. And you still cannot sleep at night. (-20 to all rolls involving ???.)

The Butcher of Bellview: You are the Butcher of Bellview… a war criminal whose unit killed an entire city in one night. No one knows how you did it… but they fear your strategic and tactical ability nonetheless. (Unknown Effect. +20 to combat rolls.+20 to interviews for everyone.)

Repentant: All you want is to repent for your sins. But They will not let you. (Unkown effect)

Spoiler: Scar

Name: Joshua

Alias: Scar

Age 24 (Born April 12, 1877)

Title: Grand Master of the School of the Lion, Monk of Ishvalla.

Traits:

Monk(Ishval): You are a monk, a man sworn to your god. (+10 to all rolls in Ishval)

Grand Master (School of the Lion): You are a grand master of the school of the lion, and a man with the highest authority of martial arts in that discipline, and among the greatest fighters in the world. (+50 to all combat rolls, +30 to training rolls in this discipline. +50 to learning new disciplines)

Diligent: When you set your mind to it, you will not stop until it's completed. (+10 to all rolls)

Cynical (Alchemy): You do not trust Alchemy, and believe that it can only lead to ruin (Unknown effect)

 

[Magoose]

War Stories:


Popularity: Internationally Recognized Journal


Your Articles on War Stories have been met with Critical Acclaim, and the continent knows the name of War Stories and their reporters, giving the Truth Light.


Staff:


Editor in Chief/Owner: Arthur Ailtree (Relation: 100/100: He will Publish Anything you send to him)

Editor in Chief: Sarah Morgan (Relation: 90/100: She won't stop you from hunting the Truth)

Reporter: Marshel Miller: (Relations 70/100: He is your rival... his words, not yours)

Contributor (Fiction Section): Jon Snow (Relation: 50/100: The man doesn't know you at all, and you have never met him... but he holds you in high regard)

Contributor (Biographies) Col(Ret.) Johan Liebert (Relation: -10/100: You have only met the man once... but you hate him, and he hates you. He thinks your work slanders the men he served with.)

Articles:

Interview with General Olivier "The Iron Wall of Briggs" Amrstong

Hundreds of innocent dead on the Streets of Ishval!!

Questionable conflict in Ishval Ends

Stolen Gold Finally Recovered!!!

Resources on Hand:

Camera

400,000 Cene
​

 

[Magoose]

Scheduled vote count started by Magoose on Jan 31, 2021 at 12:44 AM, finished with 80 posts and 14 votes.

• ---

  6 people have voted

  [X]Plan War investigations

  • SpaceSloth
  • gale
  • helios33
  • UNKNOWN01
  • armentho
  • TheWoo

  3 people have voted

  [X] Plan: Purge the Corruption
  -[X] Atreus Alende
  -[x]1901: The Ishvallen Civil Conflict:
  -[X]The Adopted Child: You had been adopted by a man whom you grew to respect as a father. And were made a part of his family in turn... for better and for worse.
  -[X]As A Utility:

  • radioxaxa
  • WilyMachineKing1
  • palebow

  3 people have voted

  [X] Plan: The veteran
  -[X] Micheal Vershevik
  -[X] Appearance-
  -[X]1908: An Uneasy Peace: "The Conflict is over... Ishval... is now under total Amestrian control... the war bears its scars... on everyone." (6 Years Before Brotherhood)
  -[X]The State Alchemist: You joined the military for the research Grants and the possibility of making your life better. But you are reminded that this life was… something far more.
  -[X]No: I Will never use Alchemy again.

  • Martin Noctis
  • WanderingTwix
  • Solarstream

  1 people have voted

  [X] Plan the soldier
  -[x]1901: The Ishvallen Civil Conflict:
  -[x] John McMurdo
  -[x] The State Alchemist:
  -[x] As A Combatant:

  • Havalt300

  1 people have voted

  [X] Plan: Guardian Wolf of Victory
  -[X] Garen Wulfsige
  -[X]Place Image here (ignore horns and tattoo)
  -[X]1901: The Ishvallen Civil Conflict: "Civil Strife has consumed the region… a soldier shot and killed a child, and that seemed to break any peace in the region… They are Bringing in the Military. So much for peace" (Start 13 Years Prior to the Brotherhood Series)
  -[X]The Adopted Child: You had been adopted by a man whom you grew to respect as a father. And were made a part of his family in turn... for better and for worse.
  -[X]As A Utility: The wonders of Alchemy is that it can help with many things that may seem a bit… unusual. Making industrial-grade goods in only a few minutes, make a phone, a radio… helping with Crops and irrigation? That is the way Alchemy should be used… As a way to help people.

  • LuckyShadowWolf

 

[Magoose]

Part 2: The Man, The Reporter, and the Paper

You still remembered the great pain that you felt when they died… it was a sudden thing… you were sad, scared… Confused.

Completely unable to process your guilt by not being there… dying with them… So much so that you forgot everything and anything involving the gravest of sins in alchemy.

Human Transmutation.

You still remembered who you wished to give everything for, to see again.

Who was it you wished to bring back?:

[]Your Father: Your father, Vic was the one you wished to bring back. He was the one who taught you to use Alchemy as a child, for making your own toys and goods for yourself and your brother to sell at market… and as a way to pass on what little notes survived the fire that destroyed your home. When he died, you wanted to bring him back… so that you could have that piller that could help you through your darkest time.

[]Your Mother: Beautiful Mother… soft and sweet. Your mother died in childbirth when you were 11… your little sister never seeing the light of the world. There was so much blood… Now you needed her… she was the only one who could make you remember your humanity… to remember that there was a life that you could live.

[]Your Brother: Your Brother was a soldier serving near Drachma. He was such a shining beacon, of humanity, light, and duty for you. His death destroyed you. You wanted him back because he reminded you hope could still exist.

[]Your Sister: She never lived past the day of her birth… something died with you, cradling her limp corpse more than your mother did. She had so much to live for… so much would remain unsaid, memories lost and… broken. She could have been better than you. She would have been better than you… you wanted to give her a chance at life… a chance that fate stole away.

But you were a fool. Everything had a price for Equivalency Exchange.

Everything had value… and what Value could you exchange for that of a human soul…

And it cost you…

For when you played God

You saw the Truth.

And he wasted no time taking the most important thing to you.

[]Your Hands (You flew to close to the Sun, to touch it with total confidence… and you Fell)
[]Your Arm (You cannot take hold of the world you so desperately wish for)
[]Your Sight (You will never see the future that you wish for the World)
[]Your Voice (No longer can you voice the Truth that you know can be seen.)
[]Your Sound (You can no longer hear the world… and the Truth that is in it)
[]Your Legs (You have no morals to Stand on, for you willingly broke the laws of Alchemy)
[]Your Future (You will be the last of your line. A Thousand years of history dies with you, in your hunt for the Truth.)
[]Your Mind. (Your Mind is Fractured… To Never Be Whole Again to find the Truth)
[]Your Nerves (Parts of your Nervous System. You will never feel how liberating the Truth is)
[]Write in
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Despite the hell you went through… Life moved on. You learned that man could not play god.

But he could hunt for the Truth… in what little ways you could.

So you became a reporter for

[]Write in Paper Name here (Motto Optional)

It was steady work, and you eventually grew famous in that lovely Job… By being a purveyor and hunter for the Truth…

Earning you a name:

[]The Bloodhound: You were a damn fine detective. Military Police are routinely baffled by your ability to piece together crimes from the evidence that they sometimes bumble around with, making Wave in even Central by… discovering that Barry the Chopper was a serial killer and bringing him to Justice.

[]The Muckraker: For all the good that Amestris still stands for, no one denies it has a problem with the abuse of the industrial workforce on the Homefront. Even when border conflicts and "stories" flooding tabloids and the Heroics sections of many a newspaper, you always focused on the Homefront… making many enemies in the industrial complex…

[]The Alchemist Fan: You cover the State Alchemists who work on the many breakthroughs in science, that make the lives of Amestrians better. This has earned you praise from the Government… though a few high ranking officials think you dig too deep sometimes… and meddle in things you do not understand.

[]The Whistle Blower: You make it a fact to never reveal your sources… because they fear for their lives. Many times you have been taken to a police station to be interrogated… threatened to give up names of those you have allowed to speak out against the government. The Masses Love you… and the Government wishes to silence you.

[]The Correspondent: Whenever there is a conflict brewing in Amestris… you are there to cover it… in all, it's gory details. After all, war sells papers more than anything else… and you sell papers faster than they can print them. Making you quite a rich man… despite being a reporter… and constantly risking your own life for the kicks.

[]The Freelancer: No Gods no masters... You sell your story to the Highest Bidder, no matter who wants it... who wishes for it to be printed... and who does not wish their dirty laundry to be all over the press. Journalistic Integrity is dead to you... and only the God of the Cens keeps you going.

AN: Enjoy...

Please vote in plan format.

 

[Magoose]

Scheduled vote count started by Magoose on Feb 1, 2021 at 10:09 AM, finished with 93 posts and 20 votes.

• ---

  6 people have voted

  [X] Plan The War journal
  -[X]Your Sister: She never lived past the day of her birth… something died with you, cradling her limp corpse more than your mother did. She had so much to live for… so much would remain unsaid, memories lost and… broken. She could have been better than you. She would have been better than you… you wanted to give her a chance at life… a chance that fate stole away.
  -[X]Your Voice (No longer can you voice the Truth that you know can be seen.)
  -[X] War Stories
  -[X]The Correspondent: Whenever there is a conflict brewing in Amestris… you are there to cover it… in all, it's gory details. After all, war sells papers more than anything else… and you sell papers faster than they can print them. Making you quite a rich man… despite being a reporter… and constantly risking your own life for the kicks.

  • TheWoo
  • Hex123
  • mrsean22
  • Grimsby
  • Balerion
  • Inverted Fallecy

  4 people have voted

  [X] Plan: Golden Experience
  -[X]Your Sister
  -[X]Your Future
  -[X] The Passione Print
  -[X]The Whistle Blower

  • radioxaxa
  • WilyMachineKing1
  • Fanhunter696
  • Doctor Elsewhere

  3 people have voted

  [X] Plan Crouching Reporter, Hidden Badass
  -[X] Your Mother: Beautiful Mother… soft and sweet. Your mother died in childbirth when you were 11… your little sister never seeing the light of the world. There was so much blood… Now you needed her… she was the only one who could make you remember your humanity… to remember that there was a life that you could live.
  -[X] Your Nerves (Parts of your Nervous System. You will never feel how liberating the Truth is)
  -[X]The Amestrian Tribune
  -[X]The Alchemist Fan: You cover the State Alchemists who work on the many breakthroughs in science, that make the lives of Amestrians better. This has earned you praise from the Government… though a few high ranking officials think you dig too deep sometimes… and meddle in things you do not understand.

  • americanCaeser
  • UNKNOWN01
  • Solarstream

  2 people have voted

  [X] Partmetal Alchemist
  -[X] Your Father
  -[X] Your Arm (You cannot take hold of the world you so desperately wish for)
  -[X] The National Hermetics Journal (The future is not now... but soon!)
  -[X]The Alchemist Fan

  • palebow
  • Whenyouseeyou

  1 people have voted

  [X] Wanting to forget

  • SparrowAlone

  1 people have voted

  [X] Where is my mind:
  -[X]Your Sister: She never lived past the day of her birth… something died with you, cradling her limp corpse more than your mother did. She had so much to live for… so much would remain unsaid, memories lost and… broken. She could have been better than you. She would have been better than you… you wanted to give her a chance at life… a chance that fate stole away.
  -[X]Your Mind. (Your Mind is Fractured… To Never Be Whole Again to find the Truth)
  -[X]The Amestris Times
  -[X]The Alchemist Fan: You cover the State Alchemists who work on the many breakthroughs in science, that make the lives of Amestrians better. This has earned you praise from the Government… though a few high ranking officials think you dig too deep sometimes… and meddle in things you do not understand.

  • armentho

  1 people have voted

  [X] Plan: Truth and its cost.
  -[X]Your Brother: Your Brother was a soldier serving near Drachma. He was such a shining beacon, of humanity, light, and duty for you. His death destroyed you. You wanted him back because he reminded you hope could still exist.
  -[X]Your Mind. (Your Mind is Fractured… To Never Be Whole Again to find the Truth)
  -[X] The truth is here (The Truth will come in time)
  -[X]The Whistle Blower: You make it a fact to never reveal your sources… because they fear for their lives. Many times you have been taken to a police station to be interrogated… threatened to give up names of those you have allowed to speak out against the government. The Masses Love you… and the Government wishes to silence you.

  • gale

  1 people have voted

  [X] Wanting to forget
  -[X]Your Sister
  -[X]Your Arm
  -[X]The Amestrian Tribune
  -[X]The Bloodhound

  • Ryden1

  1 people have voted

  [X] Hopes last leg, Covering the Alchemists
  -[X]Your Brother: Your Brother was a soldier serving near Drachma. He was such a shining beacon, of humanity, light, and duty for you. His death destroyed you. You wanted him back because he reminded you hope could still exist.
  -[X] One of your eyes and legs (You will never be able to see the full wisdom of Truth and will forever trail behind those on the path you thread.)
  -[X] The Amestrian Times (Bringing the Truth to you one day at a time!)
  -[X]The Alchemist Fan: You cover the State Alchemists who work on the many breakthroughs in science, that make the lives of Amestrians better. This has earned you praise from the Government… though a few high ranking officials think you dig too deep sometimes… and meddle in things you do not understand.

  • LuckyShadowWolf

 

[Magoose]

The Ishvalen War: The Beginning.

April 3rd, 1901. Central, Amestris.

You heard the telephone rang before your uncle did. You always had the knack for noticing the things that Arthur deemed too unimportant to look up from the stacks of papers that were on his desk, much less from the still-novel invention that he wished was never installed into his office in the first place.

"By God, could you please pick that up Alfred, and hang it up, I do not want to deal with this crap!" Your uncle stated as you sighed.

Once again, to busy editing the paper to even care about the news happening right now. The thought did have some comedic value you suppose. A newspaperman obsessed with the news… being behind on the news.

Alright, just be yourself, answer the phone, be silent, and then hang up like a crazy person… Everyone expects Marshel or Sarah to answer the phone, but no one ever expects the Mute.

You walked over to the phone and answered it, remaining silent, but preparing a notepad, a pencil and prepared to write down the name of the caller, and then hanging up.

"Hgh." You scratched, making the only noise that you were sure could get someone's attention. Forcing the air from your lungs to make a sound in your dry throat.

"Well, It seems I have the mute…" there was a grunt on the other end of the line. A male grunt, who clearly did not want to be delayed. "Put your Uncle on, we have important business to discuss." The voice on the other line stated as you sighed.

What you would give for a device that could talk for you… or someone who could actually understand Amestrian Sign language.

So you could make your displeasure known. You picked up the receiver and then thought of a better idea to get your uncle Arthurs's attention. You drew a small transmutation circle on the notepad, tore out the paper, and allowed the electricity to flow through your body… and then, the wood paneling lifted up… just so slightly, so you could do… well

You always hated it when he ignored you… and the loud banging he did to get your attention and to make sure you paid attention.

You then, stomped on the wood panel, lifting it up, to shake his desk.

"Goddammit boy!" He shouted as he jumped up from his desk. "I am-!"

He then saw you hold up the phone… and smiled at him.

You then signed with one hand. "Payback Uncle… It's important."

Arthur then let out a sigh. Thankfully, he understood part of the message. "Dammit boy, I'm still too used to you just hang up the damn phone… must be important."

You raised an eyebrow. Either he did not see you sign the word, or he was trying to get a rile out of you…

Or was testing you again, trying to make sure your instincts were still sharp. After all, they had to be sharp… otherwise, you might be dead.

"Hand it over… and get to Sarah, she wants to talk to you about the story you have about that new recruit that joined… Mustang… We're not a political paper, edit his grandiose ideas out. We don't want to suffer another raid after that Armstrong incident."

Huh… he still remembered that? That fact you weren't killed for that interview was certainly the highlight of your very young career…

And it put War Stories on the Map. Who knew that all you needed to do was post a harrowing account from the North… and the woman who led it.

The Iron Wall of Briggs was a force to be reckoned with… and the fact you managed to get an interview with without dying was… commendable.

Your uncle took the phone, and you walked to Sarah's office, as she was crossing out several pages of your typed up notes. She looked up as you stomped your feet, a habit you had gotten into to get attention as you walked into any room at work.

She looked up, not surprised it was you. "The Mustang Story needs to change… we don't need another raid."

Okay… now you definitely know she heard the conversation outside.

You sat down and sign. "He was young, passionate. With a desire to help the nation, what is the matter with expressing such desires?"

It took Sarah a moment to translate your hand signs… and shook her head. "We've gained popularity with the Mainstream, the masses love this little paper of ours… and that means we're under scrutiny of the Central Command. After that stunt with General Armstrong, they want to make sure we don't air any more of their dirty laundry."

"Freedom of the Press isn't dead yet." You sign. "And we have a duty to report the news. Even if it's unsavory to those in power."

"Tell that to General Bradly… there are rumors going around that he might take command... Central command thinks he's the man to take over from President Howitzer." She replied.

You gave a small shake of your head in response. Another military dictatorship. Howtizer was the Parliament choice when he first came to power, the first democratically elected president in the nation's history… He thought peace was an option… that somehow there would be no more dead children of Amestris…

He had somehow, held for a decade… and the long peace he brought, along with many of his liberalization reforms were met with negative reception from the high command.

They thought he was weak… ineffective, unable to make a decisive decision.

Now with his retirement, and the chaos that his reign left… the military retook control. The only reason the Parliament existed was bureaucracy… and give the people an illusion that they could affect the nation.

Amestris was, and always shall be an authoritarian state. Anyone who thought otherwise was a fool. Even a reprieve from that was based on appeasement to the masses.

A Grand Strike was perhaps the only thing the central government feared… well that… and rouge state alchemists.

Has been since the Monarchy… has been since the chaos of the civil wars that founded the state itself… has been since the rise of the Führer and military strong men and the expansion period.

Always was… You weren't a politician or a historian but the military was always in control of the state and wielded the influence of despots and tyrants.

Interregnum… before another master takes command of the Army, and the State.

What I would give for some more banned literature. The Drachma Republic deserves to be more studied here in the country… it certainly has an interesting form of government.

You were staring off into space again, and Sarah said. "Alfred promise me you will try to get the stories that will keep us in business, and not act upon some ideals of the Truth… We aren't in the business of reporting the truth."

Truth… what did she know of Truth?

You wanted so desperately to bring her back. That you ignored the truth… the laws… even your own morality for a simple chance.

And the Truth let you know how stupid it was.

After all, it robbed you of your voice. Your ability to speak the truth.

No… now is not the time to be bitter.

But you never stopped hunting for it.

You showed your hands. "And lie to people… that's not what made us famous. The Truth pays bigger than the lies."

Sarah sighed. "Well, that doesn't mean that we'll live to see that profit. Especially when you make enemies with everyone who will read the publication."

Her grin showed you everything that you needed to be reminded of. She may be looking for a paycheck… but by God, she was just as nosey as you when it came to getting a scoop.

And Marshel just wanted the good pictures. Hopefully, he's back from the parade soon, the new uniforms needed to be shown in the next issue.

Then, Uncle Arthur opened the door. "To my office, both of you."

You stood up immediately, and Sarah followed close behind as you walked to the office of your uncle…

He shut the door behind the both of you… and pulled out a bottle of Brandy.

Oh no. That only came out when something happened… Bad.

"Just got word from Marshel. Ishval has exploded, a kid got killed, murdered in cold fucking blood, now there's rioting everywhere in the region… and the military is coming in to clean up the mess."

You raised an eyebrow. What?

Why would someone kill a child for no reason?

Sarah however, voices her thoughts loudly. "Murdered?"

Uncle Arthur sighed and poured a drink for you, and himself. "Kid was playing in the street… soldier walked in front of him, and blew his brains out."

Sarah looked cold. "Was there any justification? Any at all?" She was grasping at straws… for some kind of meaning.

"No… at least, not that we know of now." Arthur stated.

Sarah took a deep breath, tears streaming down her face… She never had the stomach for such news… told so bluntly.

She drank the brandy meant for you… and stole your uncle's glass as well, before storming out.

Dammit. You thought quietly, as Arthur looked to you. "You know what I'm going to ask you… right?"

Into the fires of Hell… Yeah… I know. You gave a short nod.

You wanted to say something, but you then went to your notebook… and then wrote what you needed to say.

"When do I leave?"

Your uncle didn't need to read it to understand it. "Tomorrow… first Train to the east. 7:23." He than poured another glass. "Stay safe boy… I can't lose you to."

He than raised a glass, and you nodded.

You needed to get packed.
---------------------------------------------------

You needed to get a few things packed. Some light Cotton clothes for the Desert and dry regions. And extra hat or two… boots, shoes.

Extra paper, pens, pencils, stamps for mailing interviews, press, and identification papers… Moms wedding ring… Dad's Alchemy notes… Alister's dog tags…

Maria's Broach… the only thing you were able to make for her before she died…

The items were on your desk same as the suitcase.

You had enough room for one more item… Maybe you can squeeze in… something.

What do you take?:

[]A Radio: THe Radio was your brothers, and thankfully for you, could connect back to Central on a Morse Frequency… meaning you can send interviews through wireless… but in a warzone, it might not work.

[]Fake Alchemist Papers: You forged them during your interview with General Armstrong… one glance at that Alchemist there was enough to copy and make a new identity… Atreus Alende, The States Newest Alchemist.

[]A Portable Camera: A picture is worth a thousand words… and it might just give more documentation to this… War.

[]The Lion School Headband: You needed to see if there were any masters of the Form in Ishval… you still wished to learn the ways of hand to hand combat.


AN: enjoy.

 

[Magoose]

The Ishval War 2: The Train, and the East

Central Train station, Platform 12 A, Eastbound Train to Ishval, April 4th, 1901

Sarah was waiting for you, a small bag in front of her. "Alfred." She stated as you stood in front of her. "Sorry that everyone else can't see you off, but we've got work to do."

It's fine… I expected to be leaving alone… but this… is nice.

You gave a small nod. You stepped forward to see that she gave you a hug. "Stay safe kid… Your the best damn reporter we have… be a shame to lose you."

You felt the tears but wisely chose to not notice them. Or at the very least, try to not let her know you noticed them…

By God… you wished this was going to stop.

You pushed away and wicked up the bag. The Sachel was loaded with some canned food, survival food in case you needed to… camp in the woods, and some extra…

You looked at the Cene bills that were all neatly stacked, from the bank, not even unwrapped from the sleeves.

Bribe money. You raised an eyebrow as she noticed you looking at it. "Just in case Alfred. Please."

You gave a nod, before running towards the train. The Ticket in your pocket was something you needed to remember to show… after all… Couldn't get to Ishval without it.

But the Dangling Camera remained something people fixed their eyes on…

After all, why would a boy with a Camera warrant anything other than a tourist.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

April 6th, 1901. Ishval.

The sun beat down on you as you felt the heat of the desert and Grassland hit your skin. You had prepared as best you could, but that did not mean you were the best equipped.

But from the looks of the soldiers pouring out of the trains, from other units… but they were mostly from central, and Eastern command. They were prepared but they were ill-equipped.

An oxymoron. Rifles and other heavy combat equipment… check.

But desert wear? Uniforms that were capable to withstand the climate of the desert?

No, they were wool and leather… possibly even some cotton socks if they were lucky.

This force was prepared for combat… not riot control and quelling the unrest.

You stepped off the train and put on your hat. You were a civilian, and you knew damn well they would stop you from continuing.

But no one molested you. No-one stopped you. The fortification of the Trainstation was almost complete, but people still walked to the station...the Native Ishvalans quietly watching, fear in their eyes… total fear.

If you didn't need to bribe the men soon, you could possibly get a hotel room.

But why wasn't there more rioting? Ishval exploded into chaos?

But it was quiet… too quiet.

As you walked out, however… you found out your answer. Two machine-gun emplacements on the main road… And well over a hundred corpses, riddled with bullets.

The Blood was still stained on the street.

Well, it appears that Eastern Command wasted no time pulling out machine guns.

The Riots may have been quelled for now, and in this city… but you suspected it would only get worse.

The smell won't be any better… best get to a hotel… quickly. You doubted that the Military wanted any passerby wandering the streets.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hotel was still standing and with no damage. The rioting must not have come there yet when the shooting started.

It had a basement, and you could use it as a Darkroom… if you could pay for it.

You rang the bell and set down your bags, the manager… or the owner walked out, fear in his eyes. He was beaten, but not shot. "Oh… I'm sorry, can I assist you?" He asked.

You showed your bags and signed. "Can I have a room?"

The man did not understand.

You coughed, forcing air out of your lungs, making a sound.

That made the man realize that you were mute. "My apologies." He then pointed to a room. "500 Cene a week" He stated.

You then signed "I need your Basement as a Darkroom for my pictures…" You showed your camera. "will that be acceptable?"

"Of course...but that may cost a few Cene more." The man replied, bowing his head. It was nice to have someone understand Amestrian Sign.

Should have expected it from the Ishvalans… they would proselytize with anyone, even the Deaf. They care a lot about their neighbors… and their people and God.

You nodded and handed over a ten thousand. You needed a place for a long time… might as well get cozy.

"Oh… Thank you." He stated as you walked towards the stairs, key in hand. "May God bless you on your travels."

You gave a nod, before climbing the stairs.

Rom 509…

Your new home away from home.

You set your bags down, and saw a typewriter on the table… and lots of paper.

You must have been lucky.

But now the Work Began…

You have 5 Actions:

The News Actions:

[]Reaserch (The Cause): You needed to do some research into the man who fired that fateful shot… perhaps there was something wrong with him?

[]Investigate (The Cause): Something doesn't feel right about this. A kid being murdered in the middle of the street while Playing… There must be something more?

[]Reaerch (the Shooter): The Shooter, Willie Hitchman… You need to know more about the man.

[]Interview (The Shooter): Corporal Willie Hitchman… the Fateful shooter of the child. Three Years served, no commendations… and currently in Military custody. You need to interview the man.

[]Interview (The Victims): There are over six hundred people with gunshot wounds in the hospital right now… you need to know what their Story Is.

[]Photo's for the Future (The Aftermath of the First Week): You need to get pictures… of everything you can set your lens on. Hopefully, it won't lead to your arrest.

[]Write: You need to write a story and sent it to the Paper… The more you know, the Better. (You must line tail what you want to write about. The More thorough and well-written, and using the information you gain from investigation/research/interviews, the better. Writing about anything without doing the research may hurt the Papers Popularity, and ruin your fellow staff members relationships)


Personal Actions:

Current Money: 250,000 Cene.

[]Humanitarian Aid (A WAter Crisis): The Military is threatening to cut off the Water Supply to the city, attempt to make the more militant rioters surrender into internment. You need to get some water for the people here. (Note: If you take too many Humanitarian Actions, you may be arrested for helping the enemy.)

[]Bribe Officials: You want to get more pertinent access into the Military Camp, find out Strategy, resources… what the government is wishing to do. (Increase Interview, Research, and Investigation rolls into certain events) Costs 20,000 Cene.

[]Request Help (Back Home): You need more manpower to cover this entire thing… your just one man… Maybe you can send a Telegram to Uncle, maybe he can send Marshel down here to help.

[]The Alchemy Preparation: You need to prepare this hotel for a raid, make sure that no one but the Staff and yourself gets your notes. Don't want to go to jail for spilling state secrets.

[]Train: Your hand to hand skills are getting Sloppy… you need to practice more… the work at the desk is making you sloppy…

[]Remember the Gate: What did Truth Say to you when he took your voice? You need to Remember.

[]Messages from Home: You need to see if you have anything from home… maybe from Uncle, Sarah or Marshel?


AN: Enjoy and please vote in plan format.

There is also a Moratorium on voting for 2 hours for discussion and Planning.

 

[Fanhunter696]

Drunken Notes about the Gate.

To any aspiring Alchemist who reads this...I will repeat something that you have surely heard hundreds of times STAY AWAY FROM HUMAN TRANSMUTATION!!!

You are surely wondering, who is this guy and why does he think that he can apport something valuable to such an essential axiom of all Alchemy? Well, I am someone that, with the knowledge that only experience can give, will do something that none of your masters or codex have done, I will speak clearly without any of the metaphysical bullshit that usually accompanies this axiom.

As any aspirant who study alchemy will, without a doubt, have perceived at some point the dual and almost schizophrenic nature of this practice: On one hand Alchemy is an extremely hard science that requires not only deep knowledge of chemistry, physics, material science, mathematics and engineering; but also the mental agility of recalling that knowledge at an instant and improvise within those parameters... And on the other hand, Alchemy is a collection of mysticism, philosophy and other metaphysical stuff that has nothing to do with science, but whose knledge is essential to transform those formulas on your head into an actual result.

The problem with this is that all the warnings about human transmutation fall under the second part, using some cheap excuses like "there are some things that humanity is not meant to know", "it is a sin against the gods", "or you cannot play god" (I must point out that I still consider these arguments bullshit that has been used for generations for the powerful to keep their subordinates in the dark) but they never enter into details of why Human Transmutation is such an awful mistake... Well allow me to correct that and give you the two best reason of why you should never try it:

First of all, if you ever perform human transmutation you will discover an awful truth, and that is that there is a fucker up there who loves to smite people who dares cross his really arbitrary lines in the sand, this presence will literally laugh at you fucking face and rip a part of you, and it will send you back at your world, and if you are lucky like me, you won´t die from your injuires.

But the second reason is the most important, and it is that even if you are willing to sacrifice your body even your life to resurrect that loved one... YOU WILL FAIL!!! No matter what you try, the results of your sacrifice won´t survive even a couple of minutes, and you will have to live with the knowledge that, you have killed your lover, your sibling, your parent, or your friend again.

So believe when I say it DON´T EVER TRY THIS!!! It is never worth it...

Well, @Magoose this is my omake...