[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

[AndrewJTalon]

For the Mistralian Civil War I want to accomplish a few things:

1: To show Salem is a cunning villain who has made good use of her assets like the White Fang, Lionheart, and others to cause chaos, destruction and misery. She needs the nations of the world divided and fighting amongst themselves to empower her Grimm and herself.

2: To test our heroes. They will have to make it to Haven to try and find Cinder and reconnect with Lionheart, Ozpin's ally. They'll have to have a lot of adventures on the way there and going through a war zone knowing that it's all a plot by Salem will test them severely. Ruby will hit a moment of despair at this senseless waste, not helped by a confrontation with Tyrian where he mocks her convictions of heroism. It is a challenge for her to overcome, to find hope in this darkness and senseless brutality.

3: To show that Salem just used existing conflicts between these factions and made things worse, pushing them into open warfare.

4: To have Ruby and our heroes make a real difference in the world against Salem. They will fight hard, get victories, little ones that add up. Spread the word and the truth that this conflict is being pushed and everyone's being manipulated, ultimately being able to prove this to the people in charge so that some kind of peace can be made. It will be a temporary peace, yes, but ending the conflict and giving people the chance to forge alliances to eventually fight back against Salem would be a huge victory. It makes Ruby and her friends' travails much more meaningful: They aren't just out on a solo revenge mission, they are actively doing good in the world and making a real difference.

5: To PROPERLY develop the theme that CRWBY kept yapping about but didn't actually show: To keep going and still have hope no matter how hard things get. It wasn't until VOLUME FUCKING NINE that Ruby had a breakdown and that led to her committing FUCKING SUICIDE for all intents and purposes. Here? Ruby and her friends get a look at the brutality of humans and Faunus making war, confront how brutal they can be, ask if it is worth it to continue... And they KEEP. GOING. They find hope in the darkness. And they make. Things. BETTER.

A theme for a story is not just something the author SAYS is in the story, the theme is IN THE STORY. It's a KEY part of it. Having Ruby and her friends go through this terrible conflict, have to make hard decisions, suffer, feel despair but find hope and TRIUMPH: THAT is how you execute and explore a theme of a story. Just saying the theme is "to keep pressing on" is meaningless: The show keeps going, that does NOT mean the theme is in the show especially when there is NO EXPLORATION OF IT.

At least that's what my aim with the Mistralian Civil War is. And yeah it would take more Volumes than in the canon to show off all this: So what? It's fanfiction, I can expand things as I like! And more would happen in these fanon volumes than actually occurred in the real ones!

The thing is, yes RWBY is an action show and yes this story of mine would be punctuated by action. But the action would have a point, it would serve the theme of the story. The Apathy would be drawn by the despair of the war to try and cause more of it, they wouldn't just be a random ass encounter. Tok is fighting as a mercenary for one of the factions in the conflict who doesn't care about their ideals, just in money. Cordovin is seeking glory and using Atlasian assets to escalate the conflict for her personal gain, and she's not a servant of Salem. Kurokuri is being wrecked by the war and the Nucklavee and Ren has to decide between saving his friends and innocent lives or throwing his life away for vengeance. There's a LOT you can do with a war going on in the background, and that's why I am putting it into my fan canon. For anyone to use.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Alas, due to me mentioning my Patreon on a number of my stories on Ao3, those stories are now hidden. So I've been doing a lot of editing to ensure those stories are not permanently deleted. Sigh.

Anyway! This is a commission I did on my Patreon for a member. I can do commissions for this and many other fandoms if you wish, just contact me on my Patreon. I'm currently unemployed so every little bit helps.

- - -

"This final championship bout has exceeded all expectations! As we enter the fourth overtime round, it's astonishing how these two prodigies refuse to yield!"

The announcer's voice blended into the background noise Pyrrha Nikos tuned out. The crowd's roar, the background music, the birds chirping in the arena's rafters—all faded as blood pounded through her veins, her lungs drew in air, and blood dripped from a wound on her arm.

Her opponent was her sole focus. His white-and-black armor bore as many cuts, scrapes, and dents as hers. His blond hair, slick with sweat, mirrored her crimson locks. His intense blue eyes locked onto hers as he gripped his sword and shield with effort. His Aura still crackled, a storm of power, just as her own soul's energy thrummed through her body.

No other opponent had been as difficult to fight. No other fighter had been more of a challenge. And given how many times they had clashed? It was not a stretch to call him her greatest rival. She was the Invincible Girl… But he? He was the Implacable Boy. Their fights were popularized as the most bitter of rivalries, hated enemies both competing for the top spot.

The reality was somewhat different… Though there were times he could be a bit infuriating.

Between labored breaths, her opponent flashed a cocky smirk.

"Gotta say, Pyr… you're tough to bring down."

"Y-Yeah," Pyrrha replied, measuring her breaths, "I'm actually enjoying myself… for once, Jaune."

Jaune shook his head slowly, his eyes never leaving hers. He was too skilled to make such a mistake.

"What? Our earlier fights weren't good enough for you? Sore loser," he teased.

She flushed.

"Must you… Tease me?" She asked.

"You're beautiful when I do," Jaune replied easily. She blushed, and hid her smile.

Pyrrha then tensed slightly, and he adjusted his stance in response. She sprang forward, swinging Milo in a flurry of strikes. Feinting toward his throat, she aimed Akuo at his knees, but his shield met hers, deflecting it with a shower of sparks. She darted to the side, leveraging her superior mobility despite her exhaustion, but he swung his sword into her path. She parried with Akuo and attempted to bash his shield.

He met her force with equal strength, and she felt his shield give way. Her smile widened… then turned to shock as he surged forward, sending both shields flying. He threw a punch while pushing her sword aside, the impact jarring her side and straining her Aura like cracking glass. Reflexively, she drove her fist into his gut with all her strength, and he coughed up blood as his own Aura faltered.

They staggered apart, clutching their sides, swords trembling in their hands.

"Good trick," Pyrrha managed.

"Lucky," Jaune replied modestly and breathlessly. He adjusted his grip, wielding his sword with both hands. Pyrrha mirrored him. They charged, exchanging probing strikes—or rather, strikes fueled by whatever energy they could muster. They searched for any weakness, any opening to end the fight.

"You can't outlast me, Pyr," Jaune gasped.

"Really, Jaune? I think… we're both feeling this fight," Pyrrha shot back, forcing a cocky smile despite her exhaustion. Jaune chuckled, thrusting his blade in a quick feint toward her face. She anticipated it, parrying his true strike at her side. She lunged to capitalize, but his renowned footwork allowed him to recover and defend. Their swords clashed like hammers on an anvil.

The crowd fell nearly silent, heightening the surreal atmosphere.

"We are," Jaune agreed. His eyes locked onto hers as he shifted to a higher stance, raining blows down on her. She deflected them, though his brute strength made it challenging. She might be faster, but he was a tank, an unstoppable force.

Pyrrha licked her lips, her heart racing. She tried to trap his Crocea Mors against Milo's guard, mechashifting her weapon into rifle mode as Jaune flexed his wrist. She pushed forward, and both weapons flew from their hands, clattering onto the stone arena floor.

They stood panting, staring at each other. She flexed her hands, curling and uncurling her fingers. Jaune mirrored her, his shoulders heaving with deep, slow breaths as sweat dripped from his nose. He shifted into a boxing stance, and she adopted her Pankration stance.

He took a deeper breath, his brilliant blue eyes fixed on hers.

"Before this ends… I need to tell you something, Pyr," he said.

Pyrrha frowned slightly. "What?"

Jaune's smile warmed. She had always loved his warm smiles, even when he smirked cockily—still so handsome.

"Whatever happens… will you come to Beacon with me? Become Hunters? Together?"

Pyrrha flushed. "T-Together?" she stammered.

Jaune nodded. "Yeah. I got into this to prove I could fight and support my family… but I want to make a difference. I want to make the world better. And I… I know you do, too."

Pyrrha's cheeks burned brighter. She held her guard but felt a warmth unrelated to her Aura flood her body.

"I do," she said, nodding. Her smile turned dreamy. "I mean… I would like that."

His smile matched hers, warm and wistful.

Jaune charged, and so did she. He threw quick jabs, which she dodged and deflected with her forearm. His haymaker swung up, but she caught it, pushing herself to flip over his head while gripping his wrists. He let her, his arms loose, then turned and broke her hold. She gasped as he pulled her against his chest, his arms encircling her waist, pinning hers to her sides. His breath was hot against her ear.

"I'm so glad," he whispered. "I can't imagine my life without you anymore. And I don't want to."

Pyrrha nearly swooned but turned it into a move, using her feet to trip him while grabbing his arms to throw him. His impeccable footwork saved him, and he spun her away, catching her hand to halt her. It felt like a dance.

Their smiles were wide and genuine. She yanked his hand, raising a fist. He pulled back, his own fist ready.

"Sorry," they muttered in unison, just before their fists connected with each other's cheeks. Their Auras shattered simultaneously, and they collapsed to the arena floor. The crowd erupted, screaming with riotous cheers.

"And… that's it! IT'S A TIE! THEIR AURAS BROKE AT THE SAME TIME!" the announcer bellowed. "INCREDIBLE! A CROSS-COUNTER KNOCKOUT! BOTH ARE DECLARED CHAMPIONS! THIS IS THE MOST ASTOUNDING TOURNAMENT FINAL I'VE EVER SEEN!"

Pyrrha slowly opened her eyes, the shock of her broken Aura fading, leaving aches and pains. She looked at Jaune, who grinned back, though his expression was pained.

He slid his hand toward hers. Smiling, she reached out to grasp it.

"You okay?" he gasped softly.

Pyrrha nodded, smiling. Her mother might be upset about the fact she was sharing the title, and the pain was intense… but honestly?

"I've never been better."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Jaune: "Wait. Why do I have to drive?"

Weiss: "Because you are the only one with a valid permit to do so and Yang is busy out buying supplies."

Jaune:" Why didn't she take the car then?"

Ruby:" It was only supposed to be a short run and she had to have something checked on Bumblebee. She's afraid that new Garage, Torchwicks totally honest garauge and not a front, may have done something too it."

Jaune:" Uh huh. Anything else?"

Ruby looking at Weiss both speak up[ far too quickly: "Nothing."

Jaune: "Anything. Else?"
[7:03 PM]typhonis1138: Weiss looks nervous.

Ruby poking fingers together.

Ruby: "Just one tiny, pretty insignificant thing."

Jaune:" Yes?"

Ruby: "We need to pick up Zwei from the Vet along with Blake."

Jaune: "Okay... Wait. Blake's at the vet with Zwei?"

Ruby nervous smile

Ruby: "Yeah. She was with me when I took him to the Vet. You know how she doesn't like him. Well....they kept her over night for observation. Something about her temperature being too low for her breed. Plus she needed some shots."

Jaune: "She's a Faunus, not an actual cat! Oh God... Did she insist on it?"

Ruby and Weiss: Nervous laugh.

Ruby :"Yang....doesn't know. Please don't tell her!"

Jaune: "I promise I will keep it secret."

Ruby: "An Arc promise, right?"

Jaune: "No. It's too funny for that. Though..." Stares at Weiss "Why aren't you going to tease the hell out of Blake for this?"

Weiss: "Future blackmail."

Jaune: "Ah, that makes sense."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Technical Profile: M-77 Chimera

• Type: Main Battle Tank
• Manufacturer: Kalvis Motors
• Origin: Vale
• Role: Anti-Grimm operations, armored assault, border defense, mobile fire support
• First Deployment: Year 69 Post-Great War
• Cost: Moderate (designed for mass production with modular components)
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 10.2 meters (including barrel)
  • Width: 8.5 meters
  • Height: 5.7 meters (turret roof)
  • Weight: 40,000 kg (combat-ready)
• Crew: 3 (commander, gunner, driver), four passengers on the outside
• Powerplant: Wayland Motors D-12 Hybrid Combustion Dust Engine (1,500 horsepower, augmented with Gravity Dust for enhanced torque and a hybrid electrical powertrain for stealth mode)
• Performance:
  • Top Speed: 65 mph (72 km/h) on roads; 40 mph (48 km/h) off-road
  • Range: 360 miles
  • Ground Clearance: 0.5 meters (adjustable via active suspension)
• Armament:
  • Primary: 1 x Vasagus MG-90 120mm Dust-Accelerated Smoothbore Cannon (Fire Dust high-explosive rounds, Lightning Dust armor-piercing rounds; 40 rounds, mechashift autoloader at 15 rounds/min)
  • Secondary: 1 x Coaxial 7.62mm Machine Gun (Gravity Dust-enhanced, 2,000 rounds)
  • Tertiary: 1 x Commander's 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (roof-mounted, remote or manual, 800 rounds)
  • Optional: 2 x Redeye Dust Missile Launchers (4 missiles total, 500 lb capacity, mounted on turret sides)
• Defenses:
  • Reinforced composite armor (titanium-steel with Ceramic plating, resistant to Grimm claws and 105mm rounds)
  • Reactive Armor Plating System
  • Anti-Grimm Sonic Emitters (50-meter radius, disorients lesser Grimm)
  • Countermeasure Drones (Fire Dust flares to deter aerial Grimm)
  • Smoke and Grenade Launchers (Various Dust Versions)
• Electronics:
  • "Deadeye" Sensor Suite (thermal, Dust-signature, and motion detection; tracks up to 30 targets)
  • Secure Comms Array (encrypted links to VDF units and Huntsmen teams)
  • Terrain Mapping System (real-time analysis for Vale's rugged landscapes)
• Special Features:
  • Four-Bogie Suspension: Complex, independent bogie system for enhanced mobility over Vale's mountainous terrain; allows climbing steep gradients and navigating rocky paths
  • Hybrid Powertrain: Extends range, allows for stealth mode.
  • Fast Autoloader: Mechashift-based system enables rapid firing (15 rounds/min) to counter Grimm swarms
  • Modular Armor Panels: Replaceable sections for quick repairs and mission-specific upgrades.
  • Amphibious Kit: Optional sealing for shallow water crossings (up to 1.5 meters)
  • Aircraft Deliverable

---

Background and Development

Kalvis Motors, a cornerstone of Vale's industrial sector, has a storied history dating back to the Great War, supplying rugged tanks, transports, and civilian vehicles to the VDF and Vale's populace. Known for blending affordability with reliability, Kalvis has long competed with Atlas' high-tech manufacturers like Nachfolger Industries, prioritizing practical designs suited to Vale's diverse terrain and Grimm-heavy threats. The M-77 Chimera was commissioned in response to the VDF's need for a versatile main battle tank to replace aging models, capable of tackling both Grimm hordes and potential human adversaries while navigating Vale's mountains, forests, and valleys.

The four-bogie suspension, though complex, was deemed essential for Vale's rugged landscapes, allowing the tank to traverse steep slopes and rocky outcrops where Atlasian vehicles struggled. The fast autoloader, developed with off the shelf mechashift technology, addressed the VDF's need for rapid response against swarming Grimm, enabling sustained fire without sacrificing mobility. Tested extensively in Vale's Forever Fall and mountain border regions, the Chimera proved its worth against Beowolf packs and larger Grimm like Death Stalkers. Its modular design and cost-effectiveness made it a mainstay of the VDF, with variants adapted for urban defense, anti-air roles, and even civilian recovery operations. Despite its success, the Chimera faces competition from Atlas' more advanced (and pricier) armored platforms, though its rugged reliability keeps it a favorite among Valean tank crews and Huntsmen. While not as heavily armored as Atlas' armored weapons, the Chimera's advanced sensors, mobility and gunnery keep it competitive and it has been exported to other independent kingdoms.

---

Capabilities in Remnant's Context

• Anti-Grimm Operations: The Chimera's 120mm Dust-accelerated cannon delivers devastating Fire and Lightning Dust rounds, capable of obliterating mid-tier Grimm like Ursas or crippling elder Grimm with sustained barrages. The fast autoloader ensures rapid engagement of swarm targets, while sonic emitters scatter lesser Grimm, creating space for Huntsmen.
• Mobile Fire Support: Designed to support VDF and Huntsmen teams, the Chimera provides direct fire with its cannon and machine guns, coordinating via its "Deadeye" suite. It can also elevate its gun and use special munitions to provide indirect fire support with the aid of data links, allowing it to function as mobile artillery in a limited capacity.
• Stealth and Mobility: The hybrid motor's electric mode enables silent approaches, ideal for ambushing Grimm or bandits in Vale's urban, forest or mountain terrain.
• Terrain Adaptability: The four-bogie suspension excels in Vale's mountainous and forested regions, climbing gradients up to 40 degrees and navigating uneven terrain. The amphibious kit supports operations near rivers or lakes, critical for Vale's border patrols.
• Survivability: The composite and reactive armor withstand Grimm assaults and light enemy fire, though it's less durable than Atlasian tanks. Countermeasures like smoke and Dust grenades provide evasion options, ensuring survival in chaotic battles.
• Psychological Impact: The Chimera's sleek yet rugged design and rapid-fire cannon boost VDF morale, symbolizing Vale's resilience. Its presence deters bandits and smaller Grimm, though elder Grimm require coordinated efforts.

Yes it's basically the M820 Scorpion. But I thought it would be fun to add to the universe.

Spoiler

Tell me Ruby wouldn't be drooling over this thing.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

An old but fun idea of mine: Roman helping Jaune get into Beacon is a popular trope. So he now cashes in the favor:

Roman: "Listen kid. This crazy redhead with a scythe and this nutty catgirl in black keep attacking my deals. They're your classmates. Any way you could, ya know, get them to stop being vigilantes?"

Jaune: "Have you thought about not committing crimes on a level that get them to notice you?"

Roman: "Assume that isn't an option."

Jaune: "Aw geez, Roman. I don't wanna hurt them, they're my friends."

Roman: "Hurt-!?! For Pete's sake, boy! Did the theatres and arcades stop working when I wasn't looking? Take them out for freaking dinner or something when they look like they're bored so they stop looking for crime to stop!"

Roman trains Jaune how to sweep the girls off their feet so he can do crime in peace.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

• Technical Profile: AV-88 Dragonet
  • Type: Heavy-Lift Transport Airship
  • Manufacturer: Wayland Air Motors
  • Origin: Vale
  • Role: Heavy cargo and troop transport, disaster response, anti-Grimm operations, power projection
  • First Deployment: Year 72 Post-Great War
  • Cost: Moderate (uses off-the-shelf components and modular design for cost efficiency)
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 30.5 meters
    • Width: 23.3 meters (including stub wings for stability)
    • Height: 10 meters (approximately 33 feet), or 10.5 meters with landing gear extended)
    • Weight: 50,000 kg (unladen); 95,000 kg (max takeoff)
  • Crew: 8 (2 pilots, 2 navigators, 2 gunners, 2 technicians); up to 40 passengers (Huntsmen, VDF troops, or support personnel)
  • Cargo: 45,000 kg (99,208 pounds; capable of transporting 1 M-77 Chimera tank or equivalent heavy equipment)
  • Powerplant: Four Brigid Electric DPS-33 Dust Reactor Thrusters (primary lift and stability, augmented with Combustion Dust for thrust)
  • Performance:
    • Top Speed: 200 mph (322 km/h)
    • Service Ceiling: 18,000 feet
    • Range: 800 miles (extendable to 1100 miles with external Dust pods)
  • Armament:
    • 1 x Winchester M-79 25mm Dust-Accelerated Autocannon (retractable, ventral turret, Fire and Lightning Dust rounds, 650 rounds/min)
    • 6 x External Hardpoints (10,000 lb total capacity: Fire Dust missiles, Ice Dust cluster bombs, Blast Dust guided rockets)
    • 4 x Side-Mounted Machine Guns (14.5mm, Gravity Dust-enhanced, 2,000 rounds each, crew or remote operated)
    • 1 x Anti-Grimm Sonic Disruptor Array (100-meter radius, disorients lesser Grimm)
  • Defenses:
    • Reinforced composite hull (titanium-steel with Ceramic Dust plating, resistant to 20mm rounds and Grimm claws)
    • Anti-Grimm Sonic Field (continuous low-frequency pulse, 150-meter radius, deters smaller Grimm)
    • Flare, Chaff and Dust Munition Launchers (Fire Dust for IR seeking missiles, Ice Dust-based for concealment)
  • Avionics:
    • Orb-33 Sensor Suite (thermal, Radar, Dust-signature, and motion detection; tracks up to 30 targets)
    • AI-Assisted Navigation System (optimizes for Vale's terrain and Grimm threats)
    • Secure Comms Array (encrypted links to VDF command, Huntsmen teams, and air support)
    • Terrain Mapping System (real-time analysis for Vale's mountains and forests)
  • Special Features:
    • Heavy-Lift Capability: Sling-load system for 1 M-77 Chimera tank (40,000 kg) or equivalent cargo (e.g., vehicles, Dust containers)
    • Modular Cargo Bay: Configurable for troop transport, medical evacuation, or mobile command post
    • Dust Refueling Probe: Mid-air Dust canister swaps for extended range
    • Amphibious Sealing: Gaps in superstructure allow water landings and limited buoyancy
    • Four Landing Thrusters: Enhanced stability for precise landings in rough terrain
      

      ---

• Background and Development
• Wayland Air Motors, a leading Valean manufacturer, has a storied history of producing versatile aircraft and vehicles for the VDF and civilian markets, competing with Atlas' high-cost manufacturers like Nachfolger Industries. Following the success of the AV-47 Tigertail, Wayland was commissioned to develop a heavy-lift airship to address the VDF's need for transporting heavy assets like the M-77 Chimera tank across Vale's mountainous terrain, supporting disaster response, and bolstering anti-Grimm operations. The AV-88 Dragonet, named for a small dragonfly, was designed to embody the Tigertail's cost-effective, modular philosophy while scaling up for heavy-lift capabilities.
• Developed in three years, the Dragonet leveraged off-the-shelf avionics and Dust systems from the Tigertail, ensuring affordability and rapid production. Its four Gravity Dust reactors and robust thrusters were optimized for lifting 45,000 kg, enabling transport of a Chimera tank or equivalent cargo. Testing in Vale's Forever Fall and border highlands proved its ability to navigate rugged landscapes and deliver payloads under Grimm attack. The airship's modular design made it a favorite for VDF logistics, disaster relief, and even civilian applications (e.g., construction or resource transport), though its combat capabilities ensure it remains a battlefield asset.
• Despite its success, the Dragonet faces challenges from Atlas' advanced airships, which boast superior armor and tech but at a higher cost. The Dragonet's balance of speed, capacity, and affordability keeps it competitive, reflecting Vale's scrappy resilience.

---

• Capabilities in Remnant's Context
  • Heavy-Lift Transport: The Dragonet's 45,000 kg capacity allows it to sling-load an M-77 Chimera tank or heavy equipment, supporting rapid deployment in Vale's remote regions. Its cargo bay accommodates 40 Huntsmen or modular command units, ideal for disaster response or troop insertions.
  • Anti-Grimm Operations: The 25mm autocannon and hardpoint munitions provide defensive firepower against aerial Grimm like Nevermores, while sonic arrays scatter lesser hordes. The side-mounted machine guns allow passengers to engage threats during landings.
  • Terrain Adaptability: Four landing thrusters and a robust stabilization system ensure stable landings in Vale's mountains and forests. Amphibious sealing supports water landings, critical for coastal or riverine missions.
  • Survivability: The composite hull and Aura shielding withstand moderate Grimm attacks, though less durable than Atlasian designs. Countermeasure drones and Ice Dust smoke enhance evasion, ensuring cargo delivery in hostile zones.

I realized I didn't have a vehicle that could transport the Chimera-tank around Remnant, which is a big selling point. So I made one, which fulfills a similar role as heavy lift helicopters in today's militaries. Basically imagine a version of the AV-47 Tigertail that's bigger with four engine pods, and that's a Dragonet. It can also be used as a gunship.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

For worldbuilding I have an idea for a sub-kingdom on the continent of Solitas. This is a government and military that a buddy and I fleshed out for a SWN game that didn't go anywhere and adapted to Remnant, removing anything space-based and replacing psions with Hunters.

Balto: Originally established by exiled remnants of Mantle's army following the Great War, Balto is located to the South-East of Mantle/Atlas, along the coast.

Despite militaristic origins, the government of Balto is split in two between civilian and military leadership.

Civilian government is inspired by an idealized United States comprised of a Senate, Council of Judges, and President. All elected by popular vote for 10 year terms, with a hard single-term limit.

Military government follows a similar model to Atlas with a council, only all members are Commanders and Generals. The military council elects a representative every 5 years to act as "Grand Commander" and interface with the civilian ggovernment. Due to a smaller pool of candidates they do allow re-elections, just not more than 2 terms, and no consecutive terms.

Balto does not emphasize hunters nearly as much as other nations, instead they operate similarly to Atlas with a relatively small but well-trained and well-equipped military. Though hunters do operate in and around Balto, they are treated more like mercenaries.

The Balto Armed Forces (BAF) consist of 6 armies, each specialized for specific tasks.

1st Army: Logistics - These are the pencil-pushers, mechanics, transport, and all other rear-echelon staff that keep a military moving. Still trained and armed to fight.

2nd Army: Medical - Doctors, nurses, psychiatrist, therapists, ect... The medical corps. can fix every ailment short of death. More of a "Do no harm, but take no shit." approach to the hippocratic oath.

3rd Army: Scouts - Land/Air/Sea recon. Snipers. Cartographers and Outriders. These men and women push the boundaries of settled land to track Grimm and other threats.

4th Army: Regular Ground Forces - Infantry, Mechanized Infantry, Armored Cav, Artillery. If a target needs to be softened or captured, the Fighting 4th has what you need.

5th Army: Air Force - Close Air Support, Air-to-Air Combat (dogfighters), Air-Navy. Used primarily for clearing out aerial Grimm and force-projection should Atlas, or anyone else, cast a jealous gaze on Balto.

6th Army: Naval Forces - Patrolling trade routes, culling seafaring Grimm, and fending off more traditional pirates are the norm for these folks.

7th Army: Officially does not exist. This is where the soldiers with aptitude for counter-terrorism, black operations, and all other things best not bragged about, go. Unlike the other armies, these men and women have their Aura awakened as a requirement to join, and they are not trained with Grimm in mind.

Click to shrink...

A did have some ideas for a few more sub-kingdoms that made up Altas/Mantle. In addition to the Republic of Balto:

Rana Niejta: Named for the Sami Goddess of Spring, this nation is Finnish in character with a large native Solitas population that converted to the Tablebreaker religion and formed a constitutional monarchy that joined into the larger kingdom of Mantle.

Midgard: A Germanic/Norse culture with some influence from Mistralian immigrants, it is technically a democracy but has heavy corporate influence at its head. Functionally ruled by its electric company. Uses the name of Earth in Norse mythology and the city from Final Fantasy VII.

Sedna: Based on some aspects of Inuit culture, this former Valean/Mistralian colony became a regional naval power with influence from the Hellenic Confederacy. They were a commonwealth that voted on their kings and command most of the fishing and sea industries around Solitas. Named for an Inuit Goddess.

Hyperborea: A Vacuoan and Valean colony that became a very rough republic with a culture similar to Colonial Spain and Rome. A republic that elected dictators in times of crisis and required all members of the government to be capable of fighting. Some influence from Conan the Barbarian's Cimmerian culture and named for both the land of Conan and the Greek word for a land of "Utter north".

Indrik: The oldest and most advanced civilization on Solitas when it began to be colonized, which is believed to have been a Mistralian/Hellenic colony that interbred with the natives. While it took many wars, it was eventually respected as a fellow power. It advanced into a great monarchy and became a major power. It has however suffered many violent revolutions but it pulled itself back together and became a backbone of Mantle/Atlas, showing incredible resilience against cold, the Grimm, humans and Faunus. Heavily based on Russian culture with the name being of the Russian mythical "King of Beasts" Indrik.

Any thoughts?

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Jaune Arc froze in the bustling courtyard of Beacon Academy, his eyes locked on a peculiar sight bouncing towards him and Ren.

"...Is that Lisa Lavender in a school uniform?" he muttered, disbelief coloring his voice.

Ren, ever composed, glanced over with a slight nod. "Looks like."

Jaune's brow furrowed as the woman strutted toward them, her Beacon uniform improbably snug and her lavender hair barely contained under a beret.

"And… no one's stopping her?"

"Looks like," Ren repeated dryly.

Lisa Lavender, Vale's most relentless reporter, closed the distance with a dazzling smile, her notepad clutched like Ruby clutched Crescent Rose.

"Hello, fellow students! Are you Jaune Arc and Lie Ren?"

Jaune exchanged a wary glance with Ren. Ren gave the barest shrug possible before Jaune answered.

"...We are."

"Can I have a moment of your time?" Lisa chirped, her voice syrupy sweet. "Just to confirm some rumors? Since I'm a transfer student I wanna stay on top of the social sea!"

Jaune sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "We know it's you, Ms. Lavender."

Lisa's jaw dropped, her composure crumbling.

"Wha—But—My disguise is perfect!"

"I mean, it's very…" Jaune hesitated, his face flushing, "um, sexy, but that's also the problem since you're clearly not a teenager."

Somewhere, Cinder Fall sneezed, her own undercover schemes momentarily disrupted.

Lisa's confidence faltered, but she rallied with a desperate edge.

"Oh, come on! Look, I need a case. A story. I'm desperate here!" She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"I'll even let you touch my boobs?"

Jaune's eyes widened, his hands flailing in panic.

"N-No thanks! I mean, it's—Uh, no!"

Lisa tilted her head, batting her lashes.

"Oh? Are you sure~?"

"Very sure! I-Ren?" Jaune turned, only to find empty air where his teammate had stood moments ago. "Traitor," he grumbled under his breath.

Lisa, undeterred, whipped out her recorder, her reporter's instincts kicking into overdrive.

"Sooo… You're the leader of Team JNPR, with Pyrrha Nikos on it. How's that going for you?"

Jaune shifted uncomfortably.

"Fine, thank you."

"Are you and Pyrrha romantically involved?" Lisa pressed, her pen poised like a dagger.

"Wha—No!" Jaune sputtered, his cheeks flaming. "Of course not! We're just friends!"

Lisa held up a stack of grainy photos, her grin wicked. "Are you sure? She's definitely hugging on you a lot in some of these!"

"She's holding me up after training!" Jaune protested, his voice cracking.

Lisa's eyes gleamed as she pivoted.

"All right, what about you and local bad girl, Yang Xiao-Long?"

"Also friends!" Jaune said, his patience fraying.

"Her little sister, Ruby Rose?"

"FRIENDS!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the courtyard.

The interrogation dragged on, Lisa firing names like bullets—Blake, Weiss, Nora, even Velvet. Jaune's responses grew increasingly frantic, each denial more emphatic than the last. Finally, she threw a curveball.

"And your father and Isabel Arc?"

Jaune blinked, utterly baffled. "Happily married!"

Lisa snapped her notepad shut with a triumphant flourish.

"Okay, that's all I need! Thanks, Jaune! See you again soon~!"

"Haha, yeah, I don't think so," Jaune said with a forced smile, waving back at her nervous.

He sagged with relief, wiping sweat from his brow as she disappeared behind a pillar.

"Phew… Finally. It's all over," he muttered. He had been as boring as possible, and truthful. What would she possibly make out of that?

That evening, Teams JNPR and RWBY sprawled across the common room, laughter and chatter filling the air as they unwound. Jaune was on the couch, reading through the latest issue of X-Ray and Vav. Ruby collapsed next to him, sighing in exhaustion.

"Scoot over, gimme," she mumbled, scooting up against him to read the comic over his shoulder. Jaune chuckled and patted her shoulder.

"What a week, huh?" Jaune asked. Ruby groaned.

"Ugh… Tests are evil. Pure evil."

"Tell me about it," Jaune chuckled. Pyrrha was trying to play a video game with Yang, and losing. Pyrrha's eyebrow twitched even as her smile remained.

"One more round," Pyrrha stated.

Yang looked over at her.

"Uh, Cereal Girl, you all right there-?"

"One. More. Round," Pyrrha said tightly, her smile downright terrifying. Yang coughed.

"S-Sure! Sure!"

Jaune winced.

"It's amazing that Yang can bring out her competitive side," he muttered.

"She can bring all sorts of things out of other people," Ruby giggled.

Weiss was eating some candy while reading a book. Blake was reading across from her. Weiss sighed and finally looked up at Blake.

"I will admit the prose is… Good. The narrative is well constructed and the characters are well defined… But…" She blushed deeply. "Is… Is all the smut necessary?"

"Erotica," Blake said flatly, "And while I admit I can appreciate the classics, is The White Whale really something you need to read three times over? It feels rather dated in many ways."

Weiss sniffed.

"Oh, a story about the dangers of obsession. I can see why you would miss the point."

Blake and Weiss began to argue again. Ruby giggled.

"Like clockwork," she murmured.

"Yeah," Jaune sighed. Ren and Nora were cooking. Well, Ren was cooking. Nora was hovering around, eagerly awaiting his latest pancake-based creation.

Jaune smiled and leaned back. This? This was what it was all about. These happy moments at peace with all his friends.

The holoscreen, which was showing the end of some trashy TV show that was serving as background noise, switched to Vale National News, and Lisa Lavender's polished voice cut through the room like a siren.

"Lisa Lavender of VNN! Our top story: Is Beacon Academy a hotspot of teenaged debauchery?" Several images of various students with their eyes and faces blurred appeared, including Jaune, Weiss, Pyrrha, Yang, Blake, Ruby, and Ren.

"Excerpts from a student reveal he is in a polyamorous relationship with his team, another team, and a boy on his own team! In this newscast, we will explore the spicy and steamy underbelly of Vale's elite Hunter training school!"

"Oh… Shit," Jaune muttered.

His eyes widened and his face paled as his friends' heads all swiveled toward him. Pyrrha's game controller clattered to the floor. Yang choked on her soda. Weiss's face paled in unfathomable rage as Blake's jaw dropped. Nora cackled uncontrollably, while Ren, the traitor, merely raised an eyebrow.

Jaune slowly looked to Ruby, hoping for some kind of help. No such luck: She was staring intently at him, her face caught between confused and appalled.

"Jaune? What did you do?"

"...Fuuuuuuuuuck!" Jaune groaned, burying his face in his hands as the common room erupted into chaos, Lisa's broadcast blaring on, oblivious to the storm she'd unleashed.

 

[SharkCultist]

Goodwitch is not having a good time.

Fucking Ozpin has decided that instead of doing his paperwork and taking care of all his other responsibilities he should instead spend all his time ( and a sizable portion of the budget) simping over a new Vtuber.

Goodwitch doesn't know who PaleMagic is but she hates her.

---

Meanwhile Salems goons (not those kinds of goons.) aren't having a good time either.

The queen of darkness has sequestered herself away and isn't giving them instructions anymore. She also hasn't been reminding the Grimm that they are allies so they have to either fight for their lives to go anywhere or just stay in the castle.

At least she's got a new stream of money coming in (quite a bit). It's at least letting them pay off the surprisingly competent delivery people who are keeping them from starving to death.

---

Salem is quite enjoying this streaming thing. She can interact with people without actually having to be around them, and they keep suggesting new things for her to try out.

And one of her fans is both surprisingly generous and charming.

Perhaps one day she'll meet TimeKnightO in person.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Lilac Arc and the Bull

---

The White Fang's operations often involved taking hostages, and this time, Adam Taurus himself led the mission. He seized a woman from Radian, bringing her to their hidden headquarters with a clear purpose.

"Her mother is holding three of our agents in her hospital after they were captured," he told his guards right outside the cell in the abandoned building, his voice cold and commanding. "We use her to compel their release. Keep an eye on her, but do not harm her."

"Sir!" the guards responded in unison.

Adam departed for another mission, leaving the guards with Lilac Arc, who sat calmly in her cell, her demeanor surprisingly serene for a hostage.

One of the guards coughed harshly, the sound grating in the dim corridor. Lilac tilted her head, her expression softening with concern. "That sounds bad," she said gently. "I know a remedy for it, if you have a kitchen."

The second guard snorted, his eyes narrowing. "Ha! Nice try! What's the remedy, rat poison?"

"No, of course not," Lilac replied, unfazed. "It's too salty."

The first guard coughed again, wincing. "Ugh…"

"You can keep suffering, or you can feel better," Lilac said, her tone earnest. "I much prefer people to feel better. Besides, I would never poison someone."

The second guard's scowl deepened, but the first guard's pitiful coughing grew worse. With a heavy sigh, the second guard relented. "Fine…"

They escorted Lilac to the kitchen, where she gathered local herbs with practiced ease and brewed a fragrant tea. As she worked, she glanced at their meager supplies. "Hmmm… You all look like you could use a good meal," she mused, her face brightening. "Do you have any venison? I can make a great stew!"

The second guard scoffed. "Oh, please, like we're going to fall for that!"

The first guard, however, took a cautious sip of the tea. His eyes widened as he inhaled deeply. "Wow! It… I can breathe! Cough's gone! And… And it tastes great! Try it!"

"Oh, come on, you can't be serious!" the second guard snapped.

"Serious as a heart attack," the first guard insisted. "Besides, she's one woman without her Aura activated. What could she do even if she poisoned it?"

Grudgingly, the second guard sipped the tea. His skeptical expression melted into disbelief. "It… It's amazing!"

Lilac smiled warmly. "Old family recipe! Like this stew!" She was already stirring a pot, the rich aroma filling the kitchen. Other White Fang members drifted in, drawn by the scent.

"Oh! Hello!" Lilac greeted them cheerfully. "Grab a bowl, it should be done soon!"

The first guard hesitated. "Hey, hang on a second, even if it smells good, we should test it!"

"Come on," Lilac said, her voice light but firm. "I would never poison food! Then you wouldn't get to enjoy it."

The second guard's eyes narrowed. "You… Do realize you're our hostage, right? If you don't cooperate, we'll kill you."

"I am cooperating," Lilac replied simply.

The first guard nodded slowly. "She's got a point."

"Wonderful!" Lilac beamed.

When Adam returned, he found his guards noticeably relaxed, their usual tension replaced by an odd ease. "Sitrep?" he demanded.

"Oh! Lord Adam!" the second guard said, straightening. "Uh, everything's fine, sir! The hostage is safe and compliant."

"Good," Adam said, his tone clipped. "Her mother is proving difficult. We'll need to make a video to show how serious we are."

"Errr… I see, Lord Adam," the first guard mumbled, exchanging a glance with his partner.

Lilac approached, her demeanor as warm as ever. "Hello, Lord Adam! Let me take your coat. It's freezing out there, hm? Here, have some hot tea!"

Adam accepted the cup absentmindedly. "Ah, thank you." He took a sip, then froze, spitting it out. "Wha—Why are you out of your cell?!"

"Well, I couldn't finish my knitting in there, My Lord," Lilac said, presenting him with a red scarf. "Here you are! Goes with your hair."

The first guard let out an involuntary "Aw…"

Lilac turned to him with a playful wink. "I didn't forget you, sweetie!" She handed him a green scarf. "Goes with your scales!"

"Oh, sweet!" the guard said, catching Adam's furious glare. "I-I mean, um… Thank you, you pathetic human!"

"You're welcome!" Lilac said brightly.

---

A day later, Adam found Lilac in the kitchen again, cooking for the entire camp. She hummed a soft lullaby under her breath, unaware of his approach until he stood beside her, alone. "Oh. Hello, Lord Adam," she said, pausing. "Is there something you wish of me?"

He studied her for a long moment. "If they refuse to pay the ransom, your life is forfeit."

"I know, Lord Adam," she replied calmly.

"You aren't afraid of that?" he pressed.

She shrugged, her eyes steady. "I am."

"Yet you still persist like this."

"Yes, Lord Adam."

"Why?" he demanded, his voice tinged with irritation.

"Your men needed good food," she said simply. "Your men need kindness. Everyone does."

"We are holding you hostage," he snapped.

"Yes."

"We are criminals by your estimation."

"Yes."

"We are Faunus, and our goal is to overthrow your oppression and tyranny."

"Have I oppressed you, Lord Adam?" she asked softly.

He faltered, then glared. "You annoy me."

"I'm sorry, Lord Adam."

His patience snapped. He seized her long hair, forcing her to her knees with a yelp. Drawing Wilt, he pressed the blade to her throat. "I could end your life in an instant."

"Yes, Lord Adam… I-I know," she whispered, trembling.

"So drop the act," he snarled. "You're just trying to manipulate us with lies and deceit!"

"No, Lord Adam! I-I assure you, I am not—!" she pleaded.

"Then why this?!" he roared, the blade digging into her skin. "Why all of this?! You're trying to make us drop our guard! Allow you to escape!"

Lilac winced, her voice strained. "Even if I tried… I know I'm too far away from anywhere civilized to escape. I'd be killed by Grimm or brought back."

"Then why?!" he shouted. "WHY ACT LIKE THIS?!"

She closed her eyes, taking a shuddering breath. "Because it's the right thing to do!"

Adam froze. "What?"

"I firmly believe…" she said, her voice steadying, "that people in pain need help and kindness. That it's the right thing to do to help others, even if they want to—to kill me or hurt me. To try, at least."

"What makes you think I'm in pain?!" he growled.

"You are," she said softly. "We all are… It is why the Tablebreaker came, is it not? To heal the hurt of the world—?"

"That religion is nonsense!" Adam spat. "Just a means of control of the masses! It turns a Faunus into a martyr, just to try and pretend to be fair! All the while the church and governments oppress Faunus!"

"No… No, it isn't," Lilac countered. "Corrupt priests and churches can do bad things in the name of the Emperor Above, but it doesn't change the good at its core!"

Adam's voice dripped with venom. "And so you would do this? Be kind, even to your captors? Even if it meant your death?! All because of your belief?"

Lilac, shaking, met his gaze. "Y-Yes… Yes, I would."

Silence hung between them. Adam's grip slackened, and he pulled the blade away, stepping back. "You're confined to your cell," he said, his voice low. "You will not do anything else but sit and be silent."

"As you wish, Lord Adam," she replied, rising slowly.

---

Days later, Adam summoned her from her cell. Three Faunus escorted her to a small chamber where a camera waited. "On your knees," he ordered.

Lilac complied without protest. Adam turned to his guards. "The negotiators are trying to buy time. We need to send a stronger message. We have other hostages… We'll kill her to show we mean business."

The first guard hesitated. "S-Sir… Um, she is the most prominent. Maybe we need to—"

"Those are my orders," Adam snapped. "Set up the camera."

Reluctantly, the guards began preparing. Adam waited until the camera was ready, then spoke, his voice cold. "You have ignored our demands. This is the price you will pay."

Lilac's voice broke the tension, soft but steady. "Lord Adam… May I have a request, please? W-Well… Two requests?"

He glared at her. "What?"

She reached into her dress pocket, producing a small photo. Adam snatched it, his eyes widening behind his mask as he saw it. "You—!"

"My fiancé… Mercer," Lilac said, her voice trembling. "He… If you could return that to him…"

"You… You're engaged?! To a Faunus?!" Adam demanded.

"Yes, Lord Adam…" she said, wincing.

He glared, his jaw tight. "And the other?"

"May I please pray?" she asked. "Before you… You execute me?"

Adam gritted his teeth but stepped back. Lilac bowed her head, folding her hands. "Tablebreaker, merciful Lord… Please… Forgive them. They know not what they do… And… And please look after my family. I… I won't be there for them anymore…"

The room fell silent. One of the guards sucked in a breath. "Sir… Lord Adam, please," he said. "We-We don't need to kill her."

"Are you questioning my orders?!" Adam roared.

Another guard spoke up, voice shaking. "Sir, she—Please! Yes, humans are our enemy, but—Please, maybe she's one of the good ones—!"

"There are no good ones!" Adam snarled. "It's a trick! A deception! She's still trying to manipulate you for her life! SHE'S THE ENEMY!"

Lilac continued praying, her body trembling but her voice steady. A third guard stepped forward. "Sir, please! Look… I've known many a bad human, but she's done nothing!"

"Humans have done plenty to us!" Adam shouted. "Especially when we did 'nothing'! YOU THINK SHE ACTUALLY CARES?! YOU THINK THIS IS REAL?!" He struck Lilac, sending her sprawling to the floor. "SHE'S A LIAR! A TRICKSTER!"

He seized her by the collar, lifting her off the ground as she choked. "You're just manipulating us! You don't believe we're good! You don't believe a word! Say it! SAY IT!"

"N-No!" Lilac gasped. "I won't! And I won't stop!"

Adam's grip tightened, but he sensed the growing unrest among his men. They were on the verge of turning against him. After a tense moment, he dropped her to the floor. "Take her back to her cell," he ordered, his voice low.

"Yes, sir…" the first guard said, helping Lilac to her feet.

---

The next day, Lilac awoke in a forest clearing, the air cool and quiet. Adam stood nearby, his expression unreadable. He tossed a canteen at her feet. "You're a day's walk from Matron Village. There are no Grimm around. They'll get you home."

Lilac blinked, stunned. "… You're letting me go?"

"You're too disruptive as a hostage," Adam said coldly. "My men are threatening to mutiny. Your manipulations are too strong… You're too dangerous to keep. So… Go."

Lilac smiled softly. "Thank you, Lord Adam—"

"Stop that," he snapped. "I don't believe you for a second. This was all an act to get me to release you… And you won."

"No… No," she said, her voice gentle. "I mean… I'm glad to be free… But you're still in pain. And still lost."

Adam scoffed. "I don't need you to save me."

"We all need someone to save us," she replied. "We're all in this together, human and Faunus."

He stared at her, silent for a long moment.

"If more humans thought as you do…" he said finally, his voice quieter, "… maybe I wouldn't have to do what I do."

Lilac nodded. "I know."

Without another word, Adam turned and vanished into the woods, leaving her alone in the clearing.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

A fun and silly idea: In My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Earth Ponies can channel their magic into the Earth to make plants grow stronger and better.
Not only that but imbue the food with, essentially, status effects. Good ones. Improved health and such (mainly in the MLP RPG but hey). Earth Ponies also live for a VERY long time. Granny Smith, the matriarch of the Apple Family, is well over 200 years old but she only looks like she's in her 70s or 80s.

Might be amusing if the Arc Family is like that. They just have ridiculously powerful Auras but they've mainly been using it for farming. And they didn't know what they were doing, just putting energy into the ground and the food. Which made it grow stronger, better, and more delicious.

Ruby: "Uggghhh... I tried to grow my own mint for cookies but it's dying!"

Jaune: "Hang on..." He pushes a hand down onto the potting soil, and the mint plant springs back to life, practically glowing "There you go! Though try not to water it so much from now on."

Ruby: "... Wait what?"

Jaune: "Well I did grow up on a farm. I did this all the time with my family when he grew stuff on our farm. Though, this was a lot easier! Usually it takes me like an hour to get a plant back up. Maybe it's because my Aura is unlocked, huh? Cool!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Jaune was busy cleaning his guns and relaxing in the JNPR common room. Nora was making a card house, while Ren watched. Pyrrha was doing some weapon maintenance... Which is when Weiss charged in.

Weiss: "JAUNE!"

Nora's card house collapsed.

Nora: "NO! MY BABIES!"

Weiss: "I'm sorry, but um... Jaune? I need some help."

Jaune: "You do? What with?"

Weiss: "Um... First... Please, forgive me. I got a little... Carried away."

Jaune: "... Carried away how?"

Weiss: clears her throat "Um..."

A blue haired young man in fancy clothes walked in, the very picture of foppish arrogance.

Henry Marigold: "Well well well! You're the man I have to kill for Weiss's hand in marriage, are you?" sniffs "You don't look like much to me!"

Jaune: "And you are, sir?"

Henry Marigold: "Henry Marigold, of the Atlas Marigolds. And Weiss will be my wife, you-you homewrecking barbarian!"

Pyrrha: "What?!"

Nora: "What?!"

Ren: "What."

Weiss: clears her throat "Henry, please wait outside. Jaune will... Will be out soon."

Henry: "He'd better hurry! I want to have lunch after I kill him!"

Henry walked off. Jaune glared at Weiss, as did the rest of JNPR. Weiss wilted.

Pyrrha: "... Weiss? Explain."

Jaune: "Quickly."

Weiss: "He's courting me, my father approves of him, I do not, I told him you were also courting me-Again, courting, nothing more formal! But under Atlasian and Valean law, he can challenge you to a duel! And I... I am sorry I didn't tell you, Jaune! I will do anything you want after, but please... Please... Do not let this man take me away. Please?"

Jaune takes a long, deep breath. He lets out an equally long, deep sigh.

Jaune: "... Do I have to kill him?"

Weiss: "I... N-No, I don't think so. Just beat him in a duel."

Jaune: "All right. That makes things simpler."

Five minutes later, JNPR and Weiss leave the dorm for the quad. Henry is standing there, looking smug.

Henry: "I'm looking forward to ending this, but first... Jaune Arc, was it?"

Jaune: "Yes sir."

Henry: sniffs "Of the former Royal House of Gallia? Your family's been long fallen from grace. I hear your mother's some quack with an ancient hospital and your father's a brute with more swords than brains. And you! A cowboy? A lowlife, ignorant cowhand?" He looked to Weiss, shaking his head "My dear, your tastes have been corrupted by this... Huntress lifestyle. Come back to Atlas, and become the Lady of Beauty and Grace you were meant to be! My wonderful wife! Free of responsibility, care... And ruffians like this."

Jaune: "..." takes a deep breath "Mister Marigold, was it?"

Henry: smirk "Yes?"

Jaune: "As much as I would like to start shootin', I would like to politely offer you to withdraw."

Henry: "Oh? You're giving up Weiss?"

Jaune: "Weiss is my friend and her own person. I would never make her do anything she didn't want to. I'm just saying that you have the opportunity to walk away from her and this situation, sir."

Henry: "And why would I do that? I will slay you in this duel and resolve everything!"

Jaune: "All right then. Draw." In flash, Jaune draws his gun and shoots Henry in the knee.

Henry: "GAH! WHA-YOU-YOU DIDN'T EVEN WAIT FOR THE DUEL TO BEGIN! DON'T YOU KNOW ANYTHING?!"

Jaune: "My mistake. By all means, draw your piece sir."

Henry tries to draw his gun, and Jaune promptly shoots the gun out of his hand and then in the other knee.

Henry: "ACK! YOU-FINE! YOU WIN, YOU WIN!"

Jaune: "Would you like me to go three for three, Weiss?"

Weiss looks severely tempted for a moment, before shaking her head.

Weiss: "I-I... No, that's... That's quite sufficient. I have no interest in you, Henry. You've lost, so please leave."

Henry: "ARGH! YOU-YOU CHEATED!"

Jaune: "Ah, you'll have to forgive me, sir. I am, after all, just an ignorant cowhand." He twirls his gun and holsters it. "Weiss, I do believe you have some explaining to do."

Weiss: "I... Y-yes... Yes, I do..."

Jaune: Lower voice "But I understand how it is to be put into a desperate situation and need to ask forgiveness rather than permission. So I ain't holdin' that against you, especially when the matter of your freedom was at stake."

Weiss: "Really?"

Jaune: "Weiss... I ain't lettin' anyone I care about get sold off like cattle. Hell, I'd shoot him again on principle."

Weiss: smiles warmly "Thank you Jaune..."

Pyrrha: "You know, I would also be willing to shoot him."

Weiss: "Hm? What's wrong, Pyrrha? Jealous that Jaune would maim a man for me and not you?"

Pyrrha: terrifyingly plastic smile "He'd do it for me in a heartbeat without being coerced."

Nora: "Renny, when are you going to maim a man for me? It's so romantic!"

Ren: "I'll get around to it."

Nora: "Yay!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Jaune enters an ancient temple his great-grandmother brought him to.

Jaune: "What's this?"

Nana: "A test. One all Jedi must face."

Jaune: "What's in there?"

Nana: "Only what you take with you." frowns "I sense... Someone else is within... But how?"

They enter together... But the walls shift, and suddenly Jaune is cut off from his Nana.

Jaune: "Nana?! NANA!"

He takes deep breaths... Calms himself... And then hears footsteps in the ancient temple. He turns... And sees him.

Adam: "... To think, I would once have been content with power over this small world. That is a good start... But only a start."

Jaune: "Adam... How did you find this place?!"

Adam: "My mother left me a memento. Before a human killed her." He held out a pyramid shaped object that glowed red. Jaune sucked in a deep, horrified breath.

Jaune: "A Sith holocron?!"

Adam: "Yes... Did you really think your great-grandmother was the only one to survive? Did you think this world untouched? Long ago, Force Users unto the Gods fought on this planet, and above it. Shattered the moon, devastated civilization. This Temple was left by the Jedi... But the Sith left one behind, too. The Force flows through this world. It is strong... With the Darkside of the Force."

Jaune: "The Light is still stronger! The Grimm are nothing but distortions of the Force! The Darkside twisted life into something horrible, unnatural!"

Adam: "Unnatural? Or the next step in evolution? You are locked in the old ways. The Jedi create order... It become complacent, corrupt, weak and feeble. The Sith, sensing weakness, seize upon it and the galaxy is torn apart in war. Foolish Jedi... We are part of an unending cycle. But... We can end it."

Jaune: "... How?"

Adam: "Join me. Our combined strength can end the Dark Witch AND the feeble Wizard. Can end the conflict between Man and Faunus! We command the Force! The greatest power in the universe! Why suffer these weaklings to hold any power? They abuse it! Together, Light and Darkside, we can prove we are the true rulers of this world! We can bring peace, order-"

Jaune: "Tyranny! Slavery!"

Adam: snorts "Weak people, who cannot hear or feel the heartbeat of creation, are responsible for those things."

Jaune: "Like the Sith?!"

Adam: "The Sith I have been learning from had a similar, revolutionary spirit. She saw the endless conflict for the stupidity it was. Her conclusion was wrong though. This power cannot be destroyed... But it can be used to bring about true balance. You are soft, weak... But kind. I am cruel and strong... But willing to compromise. We would be the perfect choices to rule this world!"

Jaune: "... Oh no... The holocron of Darth Treia?!"

Adam: smirks "The same... But where she betrayed, I offer my hand. My friendship. What do you say?"

Jaune: ignites his lightsaber

Adam: "... So be it." Ignites his own red lightsaber, and the battle is joined

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Jaune fought Adam... But despite his training, Adam was still the better swordsman. Their sabers clashed, burning in the temple, their scream of static as they forced their blades against eachother.

Jaune tried to use the Force to get the upper hand, but Adam matched him, blow for blow.

Adam: "You seem to have some assumptions, Jaune. You think I'm just another Force user driven mad by the revelation of my power. Intoxicated by the Darkside. No... No, I see things clearly, Jaune."

Jaune: "Do you?!"

He flips over Adam, striking from above. Adam blocks the strike, and swings behind him. Jaune uses the Force to dive out of the way and launch stones at Adam. Adam deflects them with his lightsaber and charges, forcing Jaune back.

Adam: "Yes! I see the battle for what it is! It is not human and Faunus, it is not Grimm versus the Souled, it is not Grimm Witch against Ancient Wizard! It is order versus chaos! The Force gives us the power to bring true order and freedom! FREEDOM from this endless conflict!"

Jaune: "Haa... Haaa... People will fight you! I will fight you!"

Adam: "We could stand together! As brothers in the Force! Darkside, Lightside, what does it matter?!"

Jaune: "It matters to me! It matters to the people of this world!"

Adam: "So does freedom from this war! Think of it! Our powers combined could free the people of this world from the Witch and Wizard's squabble! And we could guide them! With the power of the Force, there is nothing we could not do!"

Jaune: "We still have limits, even with the Force!"

Adam: "We are blessed with the power of the universe! Its very essence! We should be in charge! We should rule!"

Jaune: "Then you've learned NOTHING!"

Adam: "And you are still bound by the Jedi's chains!"

Adam knocks the lightsaber out of Jaune's hands, and knocks him down a chasm.

Jaune: "AAAAHHHHH-!"

He slows down. He comes to a stop in another part of the temple. Tall pillars stand over him. Nearby, there is an man with angular features, black hair, with a short trimmed beard sitting in Jedi robes.

Man: "You all right?"

Jaune: "I... Yeah... Thank you for saving me."

Man: "It's all right... It has been a while since anyone came here."

Jaune: "Who... Who are you?"

Man: "... I have borne many titles... Jedi Hero, Savior of the Galaxy. Dark Lord of the Sith."

He stands, and for a moment he is dressed in Sith armor with an ominous mask over his face. Jaune's eyes widen in disbelief.

Jaune: "... Revan...!"

The specter returns to the older man with a soft smile.

Revan: "Yes... You know me?"

Jaune: "I do! But... Aren't you dead?"

Revan: "Yes... And no. I became one with the Force long ago. My teacher was the Jedi Master who became Darth Traya. Her holocron being activated... Alerted me, for lack of a better term."

Jaune: "So... Can you help me win?"

Revan: "Perhaps... That all depends on how you define winning."

Jaune: groans "Look, I'm not... I'm not some Jedi Master sitting in a temple contemplating stuff isolated from the universe! I'm here! In the real world! You can't just quibble over crap and think you're wise!"

Revan: grins "Yes... That sounds like your Nana all right."

Jaune: flush "Uh, sorry-"

Revan: "No... There is something to be said for that. The Jedi become locked in a cage of dogma, weak and stifled. The Sith though become locked in a cage of endless betrayal and self destruction. The Jedi seek peace and create stagnation, the Sith seek freedom and create tyranny. It is the tragedy of both Orders."

Jaune: "So... What's the answer?"

Revan: "A fool would say that it is some arbitrary middle ground between the philosophies. The truth is... The Force is. It is infinite, far more beautiful and terrifying than can be put into two arbitrary boxes. The Darkside can destroy you through corruption... But the Lightside can destroy you through stagnation. You must feel the Force, understand it, embrace the greater mysteries of it. Let go of your prejudices and truly seek answers without preconceptions. Only then can you truly know the Force, and yourself. Only then can you be what a Jedi is meant to be."

Jaune: "That still sounds like the Sith are the enemy."

Revan: "They are. But the Jedi too can be an enemy. But if you define a Jedi as one who masters himself while trusting the Force, to do what is right and necessary? Then a Jedi you will be, Jaune Arc. Are you willing to delve into these mysteries, Jaune? To truly understand the Force and yourself?"

Jaune: "... I am."

Revan: "Then let us begin..."

 

[SharkCultist]

Sometimes Ren loves his semblance. The coolness and clarity of mind suppressed emotions brings comes quite in handy sometimes.

Like when mercilessly hunting down his friends.

Ruby and Jaune were first. Too trusting, they were down before they even realized it.

Yang was the second easiest to take down, just had to taunt her a bit and she literally ran face first into his attacks. She even dragged Weiss down with her.

He had to cheat with Blake and Pyrrha, he couldn't catch Blake and there's no way he could beat Pyrrha. So he led them into some tripwire traps and let them do the job for him.

And now was the hardest battle. Nora.

"Please don't do this renny, we can talk this out."

"You know that's not the case."

"But I don't wanna fight!"

"Oh Nora."

He points the barrel at her chest.

"This was never a fight."

And pulls the trigger.

Her clothes are splattered with pink paint.

"Nooooo my sloth shirt."

[Beeeeep]

"The exercise is over. Lie Ren is the victor of the survival exercise. He will be exempt from the next exam. Meanwhile the rest of you will have extra lessons this Saturday because of that frankly embarrassing defeat."

"Aww miss Goodwitch come on!"

"You're the ones who thought you could win a 7 v 1 against the stealth specialist. And miss Valkyrie the next time you don't want to get a shirt ruined perhaps you shouldn't wear it to the paintball maze."

"This was my favorite shirt....."

"Nora you have 9 more."

"silence betrayer! How could you mercilessly gun down your childhood friend."

"There are no friends in paintball. Only targets."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Technical Profile: LRV-22 Dart

• Type: Light Reconnaissance/Support Vehicle
• Manufacturer: Eglin Vehicle Company
• Origin: Vale
• Role: Scout, rapid troop transport, light fire support, anti-Grimm operations, border patrol
• First Deployment: Year 72 Post-Great War
• Cost: Low (designed for mass production with modular components)
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 6.2 meters
  • Width: 2.4 meters
  • Height: 2.1 meters
  • Weight: 3,200 kg (combat-ready)
• Crew: 3 (driver, commander/gunner, passenger/gunner); up to 4 additional passengers
• Powerplant: Eglin D-8 Combustion Dust Engine (400 horsepower, augmented with Electric Motor System for silent mode)
• Performance:
  • Top Speed: 90 mph (129 km/h) on roads; 55 mph (89 km/h) off-road
  • Range: 400 miles (extendable to 500 miles with external Dust canisters)
  • Ground Clearance: 0.4 meters
• Armament:
  • Primary (Standard Variant): 1 x Winchester 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (turret-mounted, Gravity Dust-enhanced, 1,200 rounds, crew or remote-operated)
  • Optional Variants:
    • Anti-Grimm Grenade Launcher: 40mm Grenade Launcher
    • Missile Pod: 4 x Redeye Dust Missiles (200 lb capacity, anti-armor or anti-air)
    • Rocket Launcher: 6 x Fire Dust Rockets (150 lb capacity, high-explosive)
• Defenses:
  • Light composite armor (titanium-steel with Ceramic Dust plating, resistant to small arms and Grimm claws)
  • Anti-Grimm Sonic Emitters (30-meter radius, deters lesser Grimm)
  • Smoke Launchers (Ice Dust-based for concealment)
• Avionics:
  • "Deadeye" Sensor Suite (thermal, Dust-signature, and motion detection; tracks up to 20 targets)
  • AI-Assisted Navigation System (optimizes for Vale's terrain and rapid scouting)
  • Secure Comms Array (encrypted links to VDF command, Huntsmen, and air support)
• Special Features:
  • All-Terrain Suspension: Independent four-wheel system for Vale's mountains and forests
  • Hybrid Dust/Electric Mode: Silent electric mode for stealth reconnaissance
  • Modular Weapon Mount: Swappable turret for machine gun, launcher, or missile pod
  • Dust Refueling System: External canisters for extended range
  • Amphibious Kit: Optional sealing for shallow water crossings (up to 1 meter)
• Variants:
  • Dart-S (Scout): Enhanced sensors and improved stealth for reconnaissance
  • Dart-G (Gun): Standard machine gun variant for fire support
  • Dart-M (Missile): Missile pod for anti-armor or anti-air roles
  • Dart-R (Recovery): Equipped for medical evacuation or light towing

---

Background and Development: LRV-22 DartEglin Vehicle Company, a Vale-based automotive giant, has a long history of producing reliable vehicles for both the VDF and civilian markets, from rugged transports to civilian cars. Known for durability and affordability, Eglin was tasked with developing a light, fast vehicle to replace outdated VDF scouts, capable of supporting Huntsmen and tanks in Vale's diverse terrain. The LRV-22 Dart was designed to provide rapid reconnaissance, light fire support, and troop mobility at a low cost.

The Dart utilized off-the-shelf Dust systems and modular components from Eglin's motorsport division, reflecting Eglin's expertise in mass production. Its hybrid Dust/electric motor and all-terrain suspension were tailored for Vale's mountains and forests, while its lightweight armor balanced speed with survivability. Tested in Forever Fall and Vale's border regions, the Dart excelled against Beowolf packs and small Grimm swarms, its agility complementing the Chimera's firepower. Its versatility led to civilian adaptations for exploration and emergency response, though some units have been acquired by bandits, prompting VDF concerns.

---

Capabilities in Remnant's Context: LRV-22 Dart

• Scouting and Mobility: The Dart's 80 mph speed and all-terrain suspension make it ideal for rapid reconnaissance in Vale's rugged landscapes, scouting Grimm movements or enemy positions.
• Light Fire Support: The 12.7 mm machine gun and optional missile/rocket variants provide flexible firepower, supporting Huntsmen or Chimeras against mid-tier Grimm like Ursas.
• Troop Transport: Carries up to 7 personnel, enabling quick Huntsmen deployments or civilian evacuations in disaster zones.
• Survivability: Light armor withstand small Grimm attacks, with Ice Dust smoke aiding evasion. Sonic emitters deter lesser Grimm, preserving ammo.

Essentially the Remnant equivalent of the Halo Warthog and real world HUMVEE.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

VDF Carrier Battle Group 1: "Banshee Strike Group"

• Unit Type: Airborne Carrier Battle Group
• Parent Formation: VDF Naval Command, Valean Defense Force
• Role: Power projection, anti-Grimm operations, border defense, disaster response, strategic deterrence
• Base of Operations: Port Prendwyn, Vale (primary VDF Naval base in Vale Capital City)
• Strength: Approximately 2,474 personnel, 1 carrier, 3 frigates, 4 corvettes, 2 combat support airships, 77 aircraft (70 carrier-based + 3 frigate-attached Tigertails + 4 attached Dragonets)
• Motto: "Qui Plantavit Curabit" (He who has planted will preserve)
• Commander: Rear Admiral Kael Vortex (a veteran VDF officer with Huntsman training)

Organizational Structure

The Banshee Strike Group is structured like a U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group, comprising the VSS Banshee as the flagship, a carrier air wing, an escort group of three frigates and four corvettes, and attached heavy-lift airships. Each frigate has one AV-47 Tigertail for support. The group maximizes mobility, firepower, and versatility in Remnant's skies, countering Grimm and rival forces.

Flagship: VSS Banshee

• Type: Airborne Aircraft/Command Carrier
• Specifications:
  • Crew: 1,250 (command staff, pilots, gunners, Dust technicians, support personnel)
  • Vehicles: 70 aircraft (detailed below), 180,000 tons cargo, 500 troops
  • Armament: 8 x Winchester M77 30mm CWIS autocannons, 8 x Redspot Small Multirole Missile Launchers (40 rounds each), Njord QSA-566 Jammer System
  • Defenses: Reinforced composite hull (titanium-steel with Ceramic Dust plating), Anti-Grimm Sonic Field (150-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
• Role: Command and control hub, air wing deployment, heavy troop/cargo transport, disaster response, communications relay. The Banshee's modular deck supports hospital, cargo, or troop configurations, with sensors tracking Grimm across 100 miles.

Carrier Air Wing

• Personnel: ~800 (400 pilots, 100 RIOs, 100 gunners, 100 Dust technicians, 200 support crew)
• Aircraft (70 total):
  • 2 x VSF-47 Tempest Viper Squadrons (24 aircraft, 12 per squadron):
    • Type: Multi-role strike fighter
    • Role: Grimm suppression, anti-air superiority, precision strikes
    • Armament: 30mm Twin Dust Cannon (Fire, Ice, Lightning Dust), 16 x Multi-Mode Missile Pods (Fire, Ice Dust), experimental Pulse Emitter (Hardlight Dust, Aura and electronics-based disruption)
    • Details: VTOL-capable with mecha-shift wings, ideal for rapid deployment against Nevermores or Atlasian airships.
    • Squadrons: VFA-11 "Dragon Fangs," VFA-22 "Corsairs."
  • 3 x VSF-42 Viper Squadrons (30 aircraft, 10 per squadron):
    • Type: Multi-role strike fighter
    • Role: Support missions, Grimm suppression, ground force support
    • Armament: Twin 20mm Dust Cannons (Fire, Ice, Lightning Dust), 8 x Hardpoints (10,000 lb, Fire/Ice Dust munitions)
    • Details: Fixed-wing, runway-dependent, used for cost-effective support against smaller Grimm hordes.
    • Squadrons: VFA-55 "Hard Riders," VFA-66 "Thunder Hawks," VFA-77 "Storm Riders."
  • 2 x AV-47 Tigertail Squadrons (12 aircraft, 6 per squadron):
    • Type: Medium utility VTOL transport/gunship
    • Role: Utility, search and rescue, close air support
    • Armament: 30mm Winchester M77 autocannon, 4 x Hardpoints (5,000 lb, Fire/Ice Dust), 2 x 7.62mm Machine Guns, Sonic Disruptor Array
    • Details: Supports Huntsmen deployments, medevac, and close air support.
    • Squadrons: VAQ-88 "Stingers," VAQ-99 "Swifties."
  • 1 x AV-88 Dragonet C-Variant Squadron (4 aircraft):
    • Type: Heavy-lift/command airship
    • Role: Heavy lift, heavy utility, search and rescue, command coordination
    • Armament: 25mm Winchester M-79 autocannon, 6 x Hardpoints (10,000 lb, Fire/Ice/Blast Dust), 4 x 14.5mm Machine Guns, Sonic Disruptor Array
    • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (150-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
    • Details: Configured with enhanced comms and holographic battle maps, capable of transporting M-77 Chimera tanks or 40 personnel. Squadron: VAH-101 "Big Busters."
• Role: The air wing delivers versatile capabilities: Tempest Vipers handle high-threat Grimm and rival airships, Vipers support mass engagements, Tigertails provide utility and close air support, and Dragonet C-Variants offer heavy lift and command support.

Escort Group

• Personnel: ~234 (180 frigate crew, 24 corvette crew, 24 Tigertail crew)
• Vessels:
  • 3 x Rapier-class Frigates: VSS Morrigan, VSS Bellona, VSS Arthur
    • Type: Airborne Guided Missile Frigate
    • Crew: 60 each (total 180)
    • Specifications: 360 mph, 40,000 ft ceiling, 60,000-mile range, 190m length, 20,000 tons
    • Armament: 8 x Cappadocia 155mm Dust Cannons, 10 x Winchester M88 30mm CWIS autocannons, 16 x Balor ASM-44 Anti-Ship Missiles, 2 x Redspot Missile Launchers (40 rounds each), Njord QSA-566 Jammer
    • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (150-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
    • Support Vehicle: 1 x AV-47 Tigertail per frigate (3 total, 8 crew each, 24 personnel)
    • Role: Heavy escort, anti-Grimm defense, long-range missile strikes. Tigertails provide close air support, reconnaissance, or troop insertion for frigate operations.
  • 4 x Phantom-class Corvettes: VSS Lugh , VSS Mars, VSS Bran, VSS Potter
    • Type: Airborne Corvette
    • Crew: 6 each (total 24)
    • Specifications: 420 mph, 40,000 ft ceiling, 10,000-mile range, 80m length, 1,000 tons
    • Armament: 2 x Cappadocia 155mm Dust Cannons, 2 x Winchester M88 30mm CWIS autocannons, 2 x Redspot Missile Launchers (40 rounds each), 4 x Balor ASM-44 Missiles, Njord QSA-568A Jammer
    • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (100-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
    • Role: Fast, stealthy escort, patrol, and close air support. Corvettes screen for smaller threats and deploy Huntsmen.

Role: Escorts protect the Banshee, with Rapiers providing heavy firepower and Phantoms offering agility and reconnaissance. Frigate-attached Tigertails enhance flexibility for scouting or troop support.

Support Group

• 2 x Nereid-class Heavy Support Airships: VSS Melusine, VSS Lorelei
  • Type: Heavy Support Airship
  • Crew: 300 each (total 600)
  • Specifications: 320 mph, 35,000 ft ceiling, 70,000-mile range, 220m length, 150,000 tons max takeoff
  • Armament: 6 x Winchester M88 30mm CWIS autocannons, 4 x Redspot Missile Launchers (40 rounds each), Sonic Disruptor Array
  • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (200-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
  • Role: Combat logistics, Dust and munitions resupply, troop transport, medical support, search and rescue. Carries 60,000 tons of cargo and 200 troops, with mid-air resupply capabilities.
• Role: The support group ensures endurance, with Nereids resupplying the fleet and Dragonets delivering heavy assets or serving as command posts.

Attached Heavy-Lift Support

• Squadron: VAH-105 "High Rollers."
• Personnel: 32 (16 pilots, 8 gunners, 8 Dust technicians)
• Vessels:
  • 4 x AV-88 Dragonet C-Variant:
    • Type: Heavy-lift/command airship
    • Crew: 8 each (total 32)
    • Specifications: 200 mph, 18,000 ft ceiling, 800-mile range (1,100 with Dust pods), 30.5m length, 45,000 kg cargo
    • Armament: 25mm Winchester M-79 autocannon, 6 x Hardpoints (10,000 lb, Fire/Ice/Blast Dust), 4 x 14.5mm Machine Guns, Sonic Disruptor Array
    • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (150-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
    • Role: Transports M-77 Chimera tanks, supplies, or troops, and provides command coordination with enhanced comms.
• Role: Dragonets deliver heavy assets and serve as mobile command posts, supporting ground forces and disaster relief.

Total Battle Group Composition

• Personnel: ~2,474 (1,250 Banshee, 800 air wing, 234 escorts, 632 support group)
• Vessels/Aircraft: 1 Banshee-class Carrier (VSS Banshee), 3 Rapier-class Frigates (VSS Morrigan, Bellona, Arthur), 4 Phantom-class Corvettes (VSS Lugh, Mars, Bran, Potter), 24 VSF-47 Tempest Vipers, 30 VSF-42 Vipers, 15 AV-47 Tigertails (12 carrier-based, 3 frigate-attached), 4 AV-88 Dragonet C-Variants, 2 Nereid-class Heavy Support Airships (VSS Melusine, Lorelei)

And some military organization for a carrier battle group for the VDF.