[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

[AndrewJTalon]

In the wake of the Faunus Revolution, the Valean Defense Force was slowly dissolved as the Atlasian military took up most peacekeeping duties across Remnant. However, it was easy to see that even Atlas' powerful military could not cover everything. Especially with the continuing, extensive efforts to expand out into the Valean wilderness and frontier.

As a result, many former Valean Defense Force soldiers were reformed into the Valean Rangers. The Rangers had existed in some form or another across Remnant, but this was the first federal-level organization of a police and paramilitary force. Valean Rangers were stationed across Vale, with Ranger bases and stations placed along trade routes, railroads, and roads expanding out into the frontier settlement zones. They were also put in as law enforcement at several establish cities and provinces for crimes that took place across provincial lines.

The duties of the Rangers included investigating crimes, culling Grimm numbers to ensure safe passage for travelers, dealing with bandit tribes and smugglers, and maintaining peace between various communities on the frontier. Their bases and outposts also served as safe rest spots for caravans, cattle drives, and other groups of travelers. Towns often grow up around Ranger bases due to the protection they offer.

Valean Rangers offered steady pay and training in a wide variety of vocations, so it was popular for men and women out of work. It also granted experience that allowed for former Rangers to organize militias to defend their towns, go into the PMC business, or even become Hunters/Huntresses. Aura Unlocking was also an option for Rangers of sufficient rank and potential, though was heavily restricted due to incidents of Rangers with Aura abusing their position and power on the frontier.

The Rangers of Vale wear distinct Green cloaks over their green uniforms with Cavalry Stetsons that come in black or white. Red or yellow bandannas are popular attire. Due to the issues of mechanical logistics on the frontier, most Rangers use horses for transportation, though there are airborne and mechanized divisions. They are issued sabers and cutlasses as standard melee weapons, with standard Winchester Firearms, Ares Armaments, and Caturix Ltd. firearms ranging from pistols to shotguns to semi-auto rifles, grenades, and other Dust enabled weapons.

A popular subject of films, comics, TV shows and other media, the Valean Rangers is an organization dedicated to protecting the citizens of Vale from enemies, foreign or domestic.

 

[Fusion Blaster]

- - -



Jaune awoke to his bedroom door opening. He was up in seconds, hand going for his sword-



"It's me, Jaune, it's your Dad," Nick Arc said, stopping some distance away with his hands open and up. Jaune relaxed, and slowly nodded.



"Hey... What is it-?"



He heard angry voices echoing from the hallway. He frowned and stood up. He looked to his father, who stood there with a very serious look on his face.



"... I guess she told you, huh?" Jaune asked quietly.



Nick nodded.



"Your mom's not happy."



"I figured," Jaune sighed. He gird his sword and belt on, over his boxers and T-shirt. His father looked at the sword, and smiled softly.



"You know," he said, "When I was a boy... I dreamed of getting to wield Excalibur. The weapon of legend. The day your Nana accepted me into the family, wearing it? Was one of the happiest days of my life."



He paused and shrugged.



"It was also our wedding day, so... Super happiest day."



He reached out and ruffled Jaune's hair. He smiled a bit, but then grew serious.



"Dad," Jaune said, "I... Why did you let me go? You were always agreeing with Mom that... That I shouldn't be a Hunter."



Nick slowly nodded.



"Yeah... Well..." He sighed. "I would be proud of you as long as you did something good with your life, Jaune. As a doctor, a teacher, or a Hunter. Because... We know how horrible it can be. And nearly losing you as a baby? It... It scared her. She's always blamed herself. The world's greatest healer and she nearly lost her son... Her baby boy... Feeling helpless like that is... Is horrible. I understand it, her desire to protect you from any harm. And there's a lot of harm involved in being a Hunter."



Jaune slowly nodded. Nick reached out and squeezed his son's shoulder.



"We were trying to protect you from that. To be the shield between you kids and those kinds of horrors," Nick said softly.



"I know," Jaune said quietly. Nick then pulled his hand back, and shrugged.



"But... Since you've seen those horrors. Since you've fought through them. And since you're still going to keep doing it...? Well. I can't stop you. I won't stop you. Just know that... That your mother and I? We both love you very much. Your mother just wanted you to be safe and happy, and so did I. But you won't if we keep you cooped up here."



Jaune nodded slowly.



"I... Thanks Dad," he whispered, voice thick with emotion. Nick hugged his son, then patted him on the back and let him go.



"For what it's worth? I am very proud of you, son," Nick said, "And your mother is too. You just need... To make her understand."



Jaune sighed heavily. He stood up straight as though going into battle. His father stood aside, and let him march out of the room.



He descended the stairs, the shouting becoming much clearer. He walked into the living room, where Nana Arturia sat as regal as a queen on a green couch. His mother was stalking back and forth, waving her hands around and ranting.



"-So irresponsible-He needed therapy! He needed to recover! He doesn't need a SWORD!"



"It chose him," Arturia said patiently, "If it hadn't, he wouldn't have been able to draw it. His path is set."



"Bullshit his path is set!" Isabel raged. "He's just gotten out of a warzone! Did you SEE his eyes when he came back?! Do you know what he went through?!"



"Yes Izzy, I do," Arturia stated firmly, "And so do you. We both know what the path of the warrior holds."



"So why are you encouraging him?!" Isabel demanded, her fists clenched as she shook them at her grandmother.



"She didn't. I chose this path."



His mother started, and looked over at Jaune. He stood there feeling... Calm. Or at least, focused. He'd thought about meeting his mother after Beacon many times. How fearful he was of her reaction.



Yet now he saw less anger in her eyes and just... Fear.



"Jaune," Isabel said, "Please. Just... Give back the sword. You want to help people? I'll train you myself! There are so many people that need help-So many wounded-!"



"They'll need protection, Mom," Jaune stated firmly, "They need hope. I... I can provide that."



Isabel glared at her only son.



"You almost died when Beacon fell! You admit this-!"



"And I'm still willing to fight," Jaune said, eyes narrowed. "Or are you not going to help?"



"There are other ways to help, safer ways-!" Isabel insisted, but Arturia snorted.



"There are no more safe places, Izzy," she stated quietly. "The sword chose him. If he masters it... He could help save more lives than even you could with a hundred hospitals."



"He's my son!" Isabel snarled, tears threatening to leave her eyes.



"I know," Jaune said quietly, "But I'm not a child anymore. I haven't... I haven't been a child since my partner was murdered."



Jaune stepped forward, and faced his mother. He took a deep breath.



"I know you've never liked the idea of me being a Hunter, Mom. I know you wanted me to be safe... But I can't be. This..." He held up Excalibur, "I can't just ignore this. Ignore what's happened. I'm not asking you to be happy about this, Mom... I'm just... Just asking you to accept it."



Isabel tried very hard to hold back a sob. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, and kissed the side of his head.



"I'm sorry... I'm sorry... This is my fault-"



"No!" Jaune insisted. He pushed her back just enough to look her in the eyes.



"No... It was never your fault. I don't blame you... Please. Stop blaming yourself, Mom. Stop trying to make up for something that wasn't your fault... I-I..."



He closed his eyes tightly. He still saw Pyrrha's sad face as the locker door closed.



"I know how hard that is... So... So let's both try... Please?"



Isabel continued to cry. He held her tightly, as he sobbed into his chest.



His father gracefully walked in, and took Isabel into his arms. He guided her up the stairs, after she gave Jaune a last hug and kiss. They disappeared up the stairs. Jaune watched them go, before turning back to his Nana.



"Nana... Do... Do you think I can do this?"



Arturia nodded.



"The sword would not have chosen you if I didn't believe... But you can't do it alone. Or without proper training."



Jaune felt a strong arm wrap around his shoulders from behind, and yank him against a tough female body. He looked to his side to see a familiar scowl on a graying blonde woman in black and red armor.



"Aunt Mordred-?!"



"UNCLE DAMNIT!" Mordred growled.



Arturia rolled her eyes.



"We've been over this many times Mordred, there is no need to hide your gender-"



"Well I got into the habit, so there, Father," Mordred scoffed. She scowled at her great-nephew. "So... The sword chose him."



She did not bother to hide her hurt. Arturia nodded.



"Why?" Mordred demanded. "Why him?! Why not me?! Your own firstborn?!"



"Because he does not seek a crown and throne, Mordred," Arturia stated patiently, "But to help all. I'm sorry, Mordred. It does not mean you are unworthy of succeeding me."



"No, just that I cannot be the greatest of warriors," Mordred snorted. Arturia chuckled.



"Life is full of disappointments. But also great joys. After all... You will be my heir."



Mordred and Jaune's jaws dropped.



"Nana?! You-You-?"



"The situation in Vale is so grave that I have used all my connections to enact an ancient law," Arturia stated, slowly rising, "I will take the throne, as Emergency Dictator. I will take our friends and forces down to restore order, and government. It will be temporary... And I will expect you, Mordred, to take my place as Queen of Vale when the emergency has passed. I can think of no one better suited."



Mordred gaped in astonishment at her mother. Tears sprang from the corners of her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away.



"I... Father... Th-Thank you," she whispered.



"So, um... What do I do?" Jaune asked.



Arturia smiled.



"Kneel, Jaune," she commanded. "Mordred? Your sword please?"



Mordred handed it over to her mother in reverence. Arturia took it, as Jaune knelt before her. She held the sword up over Jaune in a salute.



"Jaune Arc. As Queen of Vale, I charge you with a sacred quest," she began, her voice grave and full of ancient power, "You will find allies, form a party... And seek out the intelligence behind these forces of Darkness. While long have I lived, the mysteries of this world still remain enigmas... Yet I have seen enough to know there is an intelligence behind the Grimm. You will seek it out, and destroy it."



It was the task of a lifetime... But if Nana thought he could do it? It could be done. It would be done.



"I will," Jaune said firmly, "I swear it."



Arturia hummed.



"Do you swear to uphold the principles of chivalry? To follow and glorify the True Divine in all you do? To bring mercy and aid to those in need? To bring light into the darkness, even if it costs you your life?"



Jaune felt a conviction arise in him, stronger than any that he'd ever felt before. He looked up into his great-grandmother's eyes, firm and focused.



"I do," he stated, before bowing his head again.



Arturia pressed the flat of the sword on his right shoulder, and then on his left, before she pulled it away.



"Then I, Queen Arturia, first of my name, Lion Queen of Albion and Vale, hereby dub thee Sir Jaune Arc," she stated.



Jaune rose, the solemn gravity of the moment making it hard to stand, but he found it in himself to do so. Arturia smiled softly.



"And for the next three months? Mordred will train you and your friends to ensure you can accomplish this," she stated. "After that, I shall need Mordred in Vale with me. You must not speak of your mission to any but those who will join you. You must be sure of their loyalty. Secrecy is of the utmost importance, Jaune. Do you have companions who you can trust with this quest?"



Jaune nodded, his mind already going to Nora and Ren (who were sleeping in the rooms above) and Ruby (down in Patch). It wasn't much, but it was a start.



"I do."



"Then I leave it to you, and my... Son," Arturia decided. Mordred grinned.



"Though if you are to appear at court," Arturia said wearily, "Please cease this nonsense?"



"I've kept it up for eighty years!" Mordred declared.



"Yes, we are all well aware," Arturia sighed.



Jaune snickered. Geez. One minute, his great-grandmother and his great-aunt were like the warriors of legend... And then the next squabbled like they were still kids.



It was strange but... It gave him some hope for the future.



"Don't you laugh at me!" Mordred growled, putting Jaune in a headlock, "I'm gonna make your life hell, Usurper!"



"URK! S-SORRY AUNT MORDRED-ARGH!"



"UNCLE!"



- - -

Click to shrink...

So he's got THE sword.. but it don't feel right without a shield. Then i thought what would be considered THE shield... and it hit and would not let me go... so here we go





Ruby Rose walked into training room where Jaune was praticing, carraying a large square box. "Hey'ya Captain."

"Oh come on Ruby."

She smilied Impishly "What it's the rank your 'Uncle" gave you. I'm just using it Captain Jaune Arc"

Jaune sighed "Okay what do you need Rubes"

Ruby "More like what have I got for you." She passed him the box. "Open it."

He did quickly and found something he didn't expect. A large round shield. "Wow. Where did you get this?"

"I got given the metal a while back. This old guys gave it to me said' I'd know when I'd need to use it. I was gonna use it for upgrades to Crescent Rose but with how light and strong it Is and how I know you still miss using a shield. Well. I got inspired."

"You made this?"

"Yes"

"Seroustly?"

"What?"

"It's just so simple"

"Yeah. . but that metal…the old guy who gave it to me. He said it fell from the stars and thats why it's so hard to work with so I figured Simple was better."

"So since it fell from the stars thats why you put a star in the center"

Ruby nodeed and turned away"Yep.. that and… well you've been the guiding star for us the last few months so to speak"

Jaune took the shiled and hefted it into his left arm like he would into battle. "Ruby I…"

"You don't have to say anything Cap.

"So why the red and blue?

"It felt right."

"Does it have a name?"

"Considering what started this path.. I thought…. Avenger"


As for the old man. Well Hail to The King

 

[AndrewJTalon]

"You could not pay me enough to get involved in Mistralian politics." ~Ozpin

- - -

Some thoughts for worldbuilding Mistral:

Much like the China it's based on, it started out as a number of smaller kingdoms that have had civil wars. Like a lot of civil wars. Unlike our China, they've been conquered by two significant major cultures: One was the Hellenic Culture under Iksander, Remnant's version of Alexander the Great, over a thousand years ago from the West. The other was by the Mughal Empire to the East, a mixture of Mongol and Persian cultures from the desert regions in the East of Animus. Even Fuujin, the Japanese analog, got in on the conquest a few times over their history.

That said, Mistral proper has retained a very strong central culture despite all this foreign influence and is the dominant land power on Animus now... For the most part. Pandu, Taejo (the Korean analog), Fuujin, and a number of other smaller subkingdoms are independent of Mistral and have closer ties to Vale, while the Hellenic League (including Argus) have close ties with Argus. Nevertheless, Mistral is a major power despite the fragile alliances that bind everything together, often supported by massive organized crime syndicates.

There are five major provinces/sub-kingdoms in Mistral that were once kingdoms themselves but were unified under the Jade Lion Throne 1,500 years ago:

-Guan Yu Province to the South, which has close cultural ties to Pandu and Fuujin.

-Liu Bei the central Province which is the most "pure" Mistralian.

-Zhang Fei to the West with close ties to the Hellenic States.

-CaoCao to the East which is closer to the Mughal State.

-Zhou Yu to the North, which has closer ties to Atlas but is not formally aligned with them.

Along with several smaller provinces.

Within Mistral itself, there are three major political factions that, under the right circumstances, will engage in all-out civil war:

-The Green Dragon faction: They maintain their heirs are descended from the last actual Emperor over a thousand years ago and thus have the right to power. They wish to restore the Emperor and rearrange society to be more old fashioned though would retain certain democratic aspects.

-The Red Dragon faction have no real lineage but are trying to do away with lineage-based rankings in the society entirely and want to go full meritocracy. They have some influence from the Western Hellenic states and are aggressively pro-democracy.

-The Yellow Dragons claim descent from the Mughal Khan Dynasty that ruled Mistral for some time from the Mughal invasion, but was overthrown by the natives. They are more of a balance between authoritarianism and democracy but are also in favor of expansionism and very much in favor of bringing the independent sub-kingdoms to heel.

Thanks to Lionheart's manipulations and Salem's assistance, when the Vytal Festival disaster goes down, these three factions go to war. And thanks to an interlocking series of alliances across the continent, every other power save the Hellenic League is dragged into the conflict.

 

[Fusion Blaster]

Here comes a new challanger..

We find SI Jaune at a newstand with Ren avoiding the girls in the town neither one quite sure what to do

Though our iskai'd hero notices Ren staring at a magazine.

Jaune: What's got your attention?

Ren: Jaune. You said you had an ex-girlfriend back home. What was her name again?

Jaune: Katy Sith.

Ren: Is this her?

Jaune: holy....

Ren: that would be a yes. So did you get to see that in person?

Jaune: if you were anyone else I'd punch you.

Ren; That's tough but fair. So?

Jaune: I plead the fifth.

Ren eyes narrow. Anyway you know Katy kinda llooks like what woud haappne if you had Yang and Blake do the fusion dance.

Jaune: "But now that you mention it-Hey wait! The Fusion Dance? How do you know that?!"

Ren: Oh come on it's obvi... ous. shit.

Jaune: "I swear to God if you're some shitfuck Isekai who takes people's souls and tries to build harems I'll-I'll!"

Ren : Whoa.. how do I know your some ... yaoi fangirl out to get my rear... or .... "

Jaune: "I'm not! I just... I have memories of a guy from another world... Earth, right? Early 21st century?"

Ren: okay... same.

Jaune: "Soooo... Uh... Japanese businessman?"

Ren: GOD No... Texan.

Jaune: Colorodo. Not a stoner just a normal guy.

Ren: this is so weird.

Jaune: agreed.


and thus the iskai pileup begins

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Spoiler

[/s

Courtesy of RxgueSensei on X, here are Nick and Isabel Arc.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

FUUJIN

Fuujin is a small but densely populated island chain nation in the southwestern part of Anima. The prevailing ocean and wind currents are strongest directly south of the country, which has aided in its relative isolation for centuries. While greatly influenced by Mistral over the centuries, it has rarely allowed outsiders in. It made several forays of conquest against Mistral, Taejo, even Rostam at some point but its imperial ambitions were always limited by its relatively low population.

In the Age of Empires, where Vale, Mistral and Vacuo's kingdoms began to go out to explore and colonize Remnant, Fuujin's isolation became a liability. Its strategic location and resources would make it a target of exploitation and conquest, much as Mistral and Pandu had suffered. The Divine Currents could no longer prevent steam powered ships from making landfall. As a result, the Emperor of Fuujin opened up his nation to the world.

The biggest assets that Fuujin had to offer were her formidable Aura activated warriors: Samurai, Ninja, and Miko/Geki. Samurai made use of swords, guns, armor and fought openly. Ninja used knives, short swords, stealth and speed to strike from the shadows. Miko/Geki were priestesses and priests who could use their Aura to heal, defend, and cleanse Grimm taint. The Emperor allowed them to become mercenaries to the world, "Hunters", and as they travelled the world they would return with new knowledge Fuujin would use to advance.

In less than a century, Fuujin went from a backwater island nation to a world power. Democratic government was introduced along with formal schooling, industry, and advanced technology. Fuujin built a world class navy, air force, and army. The Emperor was retained and willingly ceded much of his power to a parliament, and the nation flourished.

However, the samurai classes did not take this downgrade in power well. They, the ninja, and the priests had given the Emperor his power: Power he was now ceding to commoners. During the Great War, much like in Mantle, a military coup reduced the Emperor to a figurehead and Fuujin fought against the Allies.

However, the influence of the outside world and many Fuujin who had left to live in other kingdoms was strong. And while many Fuujin were obedient to authority due to their culture, they also had a sense of justice and honor. Vale and Vacuo had never been anything but allies to Fuujin, and the samurai had rewarded them with betrayal. The ninjas in particular led this resistance with many of the priests, as they had ventured out into the world more than the samurai.

The Great War and this civil war left Fuujin in ruins. They surrendered to the Allies unconditionally after years of siege. The Allies occupied Fuujin as they did Mantle and Mistral, but rebuilt them. When the occupation was over ten years after the war, Fuujin began to advance once more and resumed its status as one of the greatest non-aligned kingdoms on Remnant.

Much like Pandu, Fuujin retains a nominal independence from the Big Four Kingdoms, but has very strong ties with Vale and Atlas. Mistral continues to try and get it into their sphere of influence, but Fuujin resists. Its isolation still remains in many ways but so too does its fascination with the outside world.

Its capital city is called Oda, an advanced port city with towering skyscrapers and skylev trains. It is on track to become one of the most populated cities on Remnant. The Emperor's palace is situated in the city, the Sakura Castle. Its tall while walls contain a massive grove of cherry blossom trees, the symbol of the kingdom itself.

Like all isolated regions on Remnant, Fuujin has many distinctive Grimm sub-species. Ranging from the Jorougumo, a Spider/Human-like Grimm smart enough to lure unweary travellers into ambushes, to the Tengu: Ravenous crow-like Grimm that hunt in packs with razor sharp claws.

If you need a Japan analogue, here you go! And yes: You now have Aura Ninjas fighting Raptor Tengu Grimm. You're welcome!

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Name: Warden Schnee
Allusion: Yukon Cornelius, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Naming Process: Warden means "to watch" or "to guard". It comes from the Old French word wardein, which means "guardian".
Age: 30s-40s
Background: The Schnees were once a family of modest means, until Nicholas Schnee discovered a new process of mining Dust that made him rich overnight. His two children, Warden and Willow, took different paths as their father founded the Schnee Dust Company: Warden went to trade and engineering school and became the top man for mining in the company, while Willow went to university and received training to become an upper class lady. The siblings, however, were inseparable and loved one another very much. With Willow handling the social arena and Warden the no-nonsense chief of operations, the SDC grew into one of the biggest companies in Atlas. However, all was not well. Nicholas died, and Willow's husband, Jacques Schnee, took over as CEO. He and Warden butted heads on almost everything. While Jacques had the backing of the board of directors and Willow (in most things), Warden had the backing of the workers and laborers. Things remained tense between Jacques and Warden: Even more so when Winter, Weiss and Whitley were born. Warden was very protective of his nieces and nephew, and acted as more of a father figure to them than Jacques ever did. At some point during a security breach, Warden was killed by White Fang terrorists. Jacques subsequently took direct control over the mining operations and while his efforts made the SDC into one of the richest companies on Remnant, it also ruined its reputation. Willow always suspected Jacques had something to do with Warden's death, but could never prove it.
Race: Human
Emblem: The Schnee Family Emblem
Weapon: "Lucky Strike" - A Dust Enhanced Pickaxe
Semblance: Schnee Family Semblance "Glyphs"
Allowed Warden to summon Glyphs he could combine with Dust to produce a wide variety of effects for combat, though he mainly used it mining.
Appearance: Tall, broad man with a bushy white beard, white hair, blue eyes. Slim jaw he hid with his beard. Heavily muscled. Scars on his hands and face from a Dust explosion years back.
Outfit: Dark blue coveralls, heavy boots, heavy leather gloves, hardhat. Simple trousers, button up shirt, tie and jacket when casual.
Personality: Stoic and professional, most of the time, but could be very hot blooded and courageous. When angry, was terrifying to behold. Deeply loved his family. Was not particularly concerned with wealth or appearances but did dress properly for public events. Valued his employees very dearly, even got heavily scarred saving several from a Dust explosion in a mine. Hated Jacques and never trusted him. Was said to be able to smell and taste Dust when it was near, and was an exceptional Dust miner and prospector.