[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

[AndrewJTalon]

At one point it was assumed there was a dark, malevolent force, a mind, behind the Grimm. The Grimm cultists spoke of a Dark Queen who represented the end of everything. Dread were their names, and evil were their deeds and atrocities. The Witch Queen of Argus, the Necromancer of Vacuo, the Yaogai Emperor of Mistral, the Lich King of Animus, to name but a few. They were Salem's loyal lieutenants.

But over time, Salem abandoned the strategy of using open Grimm cults-They were too overt, and would unite the kingdoms against them. This happened at least 600 years ago, so over time the idea of there being an intelligence behind the Grimm became associated with ancient superstition (Akin to believing the world is flat).

Whether Salem covertly worked to discredit the idea of her existence is academic: By the modern day, most people believe that the Grimm are essentially a mindless plague upon Remnant, and that Grimm cults were humans desperately trying to reconcile the unknown in a way they could grasp. But Grimm Cults do still exist, hidden in the societies of the Kingdoms of Remnant. And some are still controlled by Salem directly.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Type: Medium Utility VTOL Transport/Gunship
Manufacturer: Wayland Air Motors
Origin: Vale
Top Speed: 250 mph
Service Ceiling: 19,000 feet
Range: 500 miles
Crew: 2 pilots, 12 passengers
Cargo: 10,000 pounds
Armament:
1 x Twin Barrel Winchester M77 30mm autocannon in external turret
4 x External Hardpoints for missiles, rockets, bombs (5,000 lb capacity)
Mountings for machine guns and grenade launchers in crew cabin

Brief: While Vale's Defense Forces were increasingly outsourced to Hunters Guilds, the VDF still functioned as an entity that dealt with border patrol, disaster response, anti-terrorism and power projection missions. However, the Atlasian Bullhead VTOL, while popular in the civilan and paramilitary markets, was too expensive for large-scale adoption by the VDF. As a result, the Wayland Air Motors Company was commissioned to create an indigenous variant to compete with the Atlasian Bullhead.

The prototype was designed and assembled in a mere 101 days, and tested extensively. It was constructed with off the shelf avionics and components by the Air Motors Advanced design team, which had been itching to compete with Atlas after losing a few contracts to them. The vehicle was shown off to the press and investments poured in. The AV-47 Tigertail (named for a dragonfly) was born.

While not as sturdy as Atlasian Bullheads, the Tigertail boasted a higher speed, lower operating costs, and more flexibility. It's modular construction soon saw it being used for everything from police duties, firefighting, ambulance duty, ground survey and Grimm interdiction. Valean elites purchased Tigertails in large numbers as the modular construction allowed them to be customized by the well heeled.

As a combat vehicle, the Tigertail performed very well. It was able to provide exceptional fire support for Hunter or VDF teams on the ground and was quick and nimble enough to evade even Nevermores. It's four landing thrusters gave it incredible agility and it was a very steady gun platform. Its Winchester 30mm autocannon, retractable, gyroscopically stabilized and computer guided, could be controlled by either the gunner or the pilot and deliver massive punishment to enemy units, Grimm or otherwise. It could also float thanks to gaps left intentionally in its superstructure, meaning it could make water landings without major issue.

Many private outfits and smaller independent sub-kingdoms have requisitioned it, and unfortunately, it has found its way into the hands of pirates, smugglers, and bandits. Shadow Company uses a stealth variant, the QAV-47 Skimmer. It is rumored to possess nearly silent thruster engines with thermal buffers to hide their heat signatures, electronic cloaking that hides it from radar, and even prototype active camouflage hull skin to blend into the night.

Because we need more tech porn in RWBY.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Type: Airborne Aircraft/Command Carrier
Manufacturer: Wayland Air Motors
Origin: Vale
Top Speed: 180 mph
Service Ceiling: 30,000 feet
Range: 80,000 miles
Length: 340m
Width: 770m
Weight: 200,000 tons
Propulsion: Dust reactor-powered turbofan engine x16
Crew: 300
Cargo: 80,000 tons
Troops: 150
Maximum Evacuation Limit: 700
Armament:
4 x Winchester M77 30mm CWIS autocannon in external turrets
4 x Redspot Multirole Missile Launchers x 30 rounds per launcher
Njord QSA-566 Jammer System
50 x aircraft

Brief: The biggest issue facing the Valean Defense Force was money. In light of defensive agreements with Atlas' military and outsourcing to Hunter Guilds, budgets were slashed and slashed again. However, the Mount Glenn disaster showed that Vale had a massive gap in deployment and projection of power, even a few dozen miles away from the capital. As a result, budgets were slightly increased and the Council called for the first significant expansion of the VDF's naval/air forces since the Great War.

Dust powered airships could grow quite large, but with the SDC's virtual monopoly on Dust, in the event of war or natural disaster this might make resupply difficult. As a result, rather than an air battleship/carrier to match the Atlasian fleet, they went in the direction of a carrier with command and control facilities. Its long suits would be endurance, speed, sensors, and its airwing.

To aid in its endurance, the vessel was designed around multiple wings. Using aerodynamics to its advantage, the Banshee-class carrier wouldn't be as durable as an Atlasian battleship, but would have greater range and speed. Advanced sensors arrayed on these large flying wings gave the carrier incredible sensors, which were boosted by its large air wing. The tradeoff was that a Banshee-class carrier could not stand and fight: Its only weapon was its air wing. It would have to stay away from intense combat and rely on its aircraft and escorts for protection. Against large Grimm incursions, it could ascend as most Grimm lacked the service ceiling of the carrier. Hardlight Dust shields were considered, but this technology was kept highly controlled by Atlas. Reverse engineering the technology was projected to take too long, so the Banshee project went on without it (though with the option to upgrade to hardlight Dust shields in the future).

Nevertheless, the Banshee would be expected to serve for more than warfare, and was properly equipped as such. A modular function deck could be reconfigured into a hospital with over fifty beds, a cargo platform, or to haul troops and their vehicles. Its powerful Dust reactors could be adapted to provide power to cities in case of blackouts. Its extensive sensors allowed it to keep track of Grimm movements across almost a hundred miles cubed in all directions. It could also function as a communications relay when CCT service was out for radio and lasecomm.

VSS Banshee was launched, with VSS Salamander, VSS Sylph, and VSS Undine following. These four carriers were well liked by their crews and, despite teething problems, went on to serve well in the Valean Defense Forces. Additional carriers are under construction, though due to cost cuts at least one may be sold to private interests.

Note: Yes, it's the Banshee from the ill-fated anime Battle Fairy Yukikaze. Not a great anime but the mechanical designs are like candy to military nerds like me.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Spoiler

Type: Airborne Guided Missile Frigate
Manufacturer: Neith Armaments
Origin: Vale
Top Speed: 230 mph
Service Ceiling: 30,000 feet
Range: 30,000 miles
Length: 190m
Width: 65m
Weight: 5,000 tons
Propulsion: Dust reactor-powered turbofan engine x4
Crew: 60
Cargo: 500 tons
Troops: 20
Maximum Evacuation Limit: 200
Armament:
8 x Cappadocia 155mm Dust Round Cannons in quadruple turrets
16 x Winchester M88 30mm CWIS autocannon in double turrets
14 x Balor ASM-44 Anti-Ship Missiles
2 x Redspot Multifunction Small Missile Launchers x 40 rounds each
Njord QSA-566 Jammer System


Brief: Small but heavily armed, the Rapier-class frigate is easily the most advanced warship in the Valean Defense Force. These small, fast, well-armed frigates escort Banshee-class carriers, patrol Valean and Vacuoan airspace, deal with Grimm incursions and show the flag for Vale across Remnant. Using a great deal of technology from the trade relationship with Atlas, these frigates were ordered to replace the aging air vessels of the VDF and simplify the supply chain.

Due to their more ballistic aerodynamics as opposed to the flying wing design of the Banshees, the Rapiers have a far shorter operational range. But they have greater speed and maneuverability than the carriers, along with heavier armament. Their guns and missiles make them a serious threat to even Atlasian battleships at range and in groups.

The price paid for these frigates, however, was high. One, they are very expensive: Only six have been built and are in operation. Two, their lack of armor or hardlight shielding means, like the Banshee-class carriers, the Rapiers are not built for slug matches despite their heavy gun armament. Three, their lack of internal space means diplomatic meetings can be a hassle, which is a problem given that they are often employed like water bound frigates from the age of sail. Four, while built in Vale, they do rely on a lot of Atlasian-based tech, much of which is hard to manufacture locally in case of supply line cuts. Not impossible, but difficult.

Nevertheless, they are well liked by their crews and are incredibly fun to fly. They can even land on the ground with landing pads or the water.

 

[Himera]

What are your thoughts?

Click to shrink...

The army and its role in the world of RWBY is a complex and confusing topic. In short, a team of Huntsmens cannot replace a company of soldiers. If you are ready to listen to my reasoning, then I will try to outline my opinion on this matter.

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To begin with, the RWBY-verse itself was originally invented with a lot of internal contradictions. The most important of them is the discrepancy between society and the world. As the classic said: being defines consciousness. In other words, people in particular and society as a whole will adapt to the environment and shape themselves in accordance with it. Remnant is a death world in which civilization is: first, it is under threat of permanent destruction and has already slipped into the Bronze Age at least once. Secondly, there is an acute shortage of resources. It would seem that society should correspond to this state of affairs, but instead we have a typical Western (American/European) peacetime society with its own peculiarities and problems.

To exist for centuries, such a society simply must have the necessary survival tools, be survival-oriented, and as a result have a high degree of practicality, thrift, militarization, and civic responsibility. The public is above the personal, conservative values are above liberal, every grain of resources and manpower matters. One can only survive together; therefore, each person must become a useful part of society and contribute to its prosperity, otherwise, left without the support of fellow citizens, he will simply die.

Any harmful or useless elements, whether they are criminals, dissidents, or just loafers, should be treated as hostile and are highly likely to either be rejected or brought into subjection. You are either with us, or against us – in such a paradigm, the local population will exist, laws, culture, traditions, science and art will correspond to this.

Organizations such as the White Fang or the Branwen Tribe will not only not be tolerated, they will be ruthlessly destroyed at the slightest sign of criminal or terrorist activity. First, the government will offer them surrender, and then simply pour napalm or cluster bombs on their heads, after which it will clean up the survivors with a hunting squad. When the whole world is on the verge of destruction, rocking the boat is unacceptable. Crime can only exist in very moderate and mild forms, like the Junior Club. Any nail that sticks out too much will be hammered in as soon as possible, because the kingdom already has enough problems to spend its limited resources and forces on crime.

Therefore, the picture drawn by the authors of the script, to put it mildly, raises questions. Events unfold in the death world, but its inhabitants are openly disdainful of internal and external threats, wasting time and scarce resources. They do anything but strengthen society in the face of the threat of the Grimm. I repeat once again: we are being shown a prosperous Western-type civilization, a consumer society in peacetime, while it should be something similar to the USSR of the 30s. Or the Imperium from Wh40, if you want to take it to the extreme.

As for comparing the Huntsmen Corps and the regular army, this is a useless and pointless matter. Simply because they are two completely different structures with completely different goals and ways of organizing, neither of which can fully replace the other. Huntsmens should be used primarily for rapid response to threats, as well as for the destruction of particularly dangerous species of Grimm, which ordinary soldiers may have problems with. At other times, they can reinforce regular military units.

For all other tasks, the army is preferable. First of all, these are border protection, garrison duty in cities and towns, protection of strategic facilities such as power plants, mines, factories and transport hubs, and escort of transport convoys. Any small town should have a garrison whose sole task will be to protect it. One might think that the militia can handle this, but in all senses, a professional army is preferable, it will cope with this better, will have a higher level of training and material support. There are reasons why the people's militia has practically fallen out of use in the modern world.

Huntsmens, for all their strength, have several obvious disadvantages. Firstly, there are simply few of them. They cannot shut up all threatened areas, especially in times of crisis. This also applies to necessary but routine tasks, such as patrols or the protection of important facilities. For example, there is an ordinary railway bridge, through which communication is carried out between the Vale and one of the satellite settlements. Tons of food, consumer goods, dusts, fuel and ammunition are transported along it every day. It is through him that, if necessary, reinforcements will arrive and civilians will be evacuated. The Grimms or White Fang can destroy the bridge at any moment, creating a critical vulnerability in Vale logistics. So this bridge needs to be guarded around the clock or at least kept under surveillance, but we can't assign a team of professional Huntsmens to this, can we? There are hundreds of such bridges, as well as other facilities – mines, power plants, hospitals; there simply won't be enough Huntsmens for all of them.

Secondly, there are very few Huntsmens. Yes, I'm repeating myself, but it needs to be repeated. If a Huntsmen fails, for example, is injured, gets sick, or has diarrhea, it will be very difficult to replace him. Moreover, it takes about eight years to train a Huntsmen (correct me if I'm wrong), while a soldier can be brought up to an acceptable level in a year. In a couple of months, if you cut corners and focus on the most important things. And they can be cooked by the thousands, unlike the scarce Huntsmens.

Thirdly, compared to Huntsmens, soldiers are not that weak. Their main drawback is the lack of Aura, that is, personal protection that allows them to survive a fatal blow. They also cannot replace most of the Semblances. If we talk only about the attacking ability, then everything is not so bad here. Let's think about what the canonical teams are armed with. Let's put aside melee weapons and focus on shooting. RWBY team? A large-caliber sniper rifle, a pistol, and the equivalent of a shotgun. JNPR? A rifle, a grenade launcher, and a pair of small-caliber SMG. CFVY? A minigun and a Velvet's copycat weapon. And so on and so forth.

With rare exceptions like Penny, Huntsmens don't use some incredibly powerful small arms. They mostly use varieties of real weapons that simply have an exotic shape and appearance. At the same time, all of the above weapons are obviously quite effective against Grimms, since professional Huntsmens use them. It may well be used by soldiers without an aura and in much larger numbers.

You also mentioned that soldiers are less mobile than Huntsmens, but this is only partially true. Yes, Huntsmens are generally more mobile and this is achieved through two factors – the use of aura to accelerate and the small number of team members. If nothing can be done about the first one, then the second one is not such a problem. Let's not compare the Huntsmen squad with a motorized rifle company and go down to the platoon level. That's a total of thirty to forty soldiers, who can be transported by a pair of M35 trucks or one CH-47 Chinook (their equivalents).

At the same time, thirty to forty soldiers, even with M1 Garand rifles, can create a fire density greater than the entire RWBY team. They also carry significantly more ammunition and auxiliary equipment, such as grenades, for example. If you equip them with more modern weapons, as well as strengthen them with machine gunners and grenade launchers, then the firepower simply becomes incomparable. What can we say about technology – Huntsmens don't have it at all. Even a single M2 Bradley attached to a platoon can provide significant support against both humans and Grimms. I am more than sure that a series of shots from a 25 mm automatic cannon is fatal for a Huntsmen, regardless of whether he has an aura or not.

At the same time, it is not necessary to arm soldiers according to the standards of high-tech modern armies. Grimm's confrontation is in some ways easier than for other people, since there is no need for many devices and specialists, such as mine detectors or electronic warfare equipment. It is enough to develop a line of cheap, unpretentious and easy-to-learn weapons, and then start mass production. Soviet weapons fit almost perfectly: AK-74M, RPK, PKM, RPG-7, AGS-17, SVD and so on.

To summarize, the Huntsmen's Corps cannot replace the regular army in principle. It should be a highly professional special forces unit, whose task is to respond quickly to threats and strengthen regular units; it relies on and complements the army, rather than trying to replace it.

By the way, I don't understand at all the freedom with which Huntsmens operate in the canon. It looks like some kind of mercenary market without strict accountability. No contracts, protocols, or obligations to the kingdom are properly mentioned. It turns out that a random guy like Jaune can enroll with forged documents, and then die, wasting the lighthouse's time and resources? What if he finishes his studies and changes his mind at the last moment? Is there really no control at all? Against this background, Atlas looks like a model of foresight and common sense, although its creators did not think everything through very well.

I would like to emphasize once again that in a world like Remnant, the army is not a whim of the government or a burdensome expense item, but a fundamental part of society, the basis of its survival. Without professional military personnel, civilians can literally be devoured at any moment. Consequently, a lot of time and effort will be devoted to the development of the armed forces, and resources will necessarily be spent on them. I will say more: historically, society should have developed in such a way that the career of a soldier will be considered an honorable and heroic deed. Both public culture and state propaganda will work for this.

I see the system adopted in the USSR as a good, or at least reasonable, form of organization of military service. Such a system consists of several related elements and aims to maintain a permanent professional army, as well as create a large number of reservists who can either protect themselves or who can be quickly conscripted into military service. As shown by the canon of RWBY in general and the fall of the Beacon in particular, such a situation can occur without warning at literally any moment.

So, how do I see it:

1) Initial pre-war training. Teaching schoolchildren aged 14-17 the basic skills they may need to live in a society under constant threat of destruction by the Grimm. The training course should include the basics of handling and maintaining weapons, providing medical care to the wounded, using personal protective equipment, and basic topography. Regular exercises should be conducted both in schools and in production facilities. The entire population should know what to do in case of a Grimm attack, where shelters and arsenals are located. Civilian shooting ranges and clubs (with pneumatic and blanks) should be accessible to everyone.

2) Compulsory military service. Upon reaching the age of majority, all young men undergo compulsory one-year or two-year service in the Vale Army. The exceptions are those citizens who are already undergoing training in socially important professions, such as engineers or doctors. During this period, conscripts will complete a full-fledged combat training course and receive military specialties. Most of the time, they won't be used to protect the kingdom from the Grimm. In case of emergency, they can be used as reserves or auxiliary forces for the regular army of Vale. At the end of their term of service, all conscripts are demobilized as reservists.

3) Professional military service. Any adult citizen of Vale can sign a contract and enlist in the military. Recruits undergo training, take the oath of office, receive a military rank and position, after which they are sent to one of the active units. These are mainly border fortifications and garrisons located inside settlements or near objects of strategic importance. At the same time, unlike modern Earth's armies, soldiers are not transferred from place to place every few years, on the contrary, they are encouraged to grow into the local population. Soldiers are encouraged to form bonds with the community and start families. I repeat that in the Remnant, a soldier is primarily a warrior-defender; this is what state propaganda works for, this image is supported by traditions and public opinion.

5) The Huntsmen's Corps. Huntsmens should be considered as elite warriors necessary for the existence of society. There are always not enough Huntsmens, so a significant part of the resources and efforts are devoted to their training. This is a very attractive and socially acceptable career that promises a good salary, government benefits, as well as honor and respect among fellow citizens. Therefore, the state is looking for children with a high level of aura from an early age and very persistently offers education in specialized schools. This training is conducted in a paramilitary manner, where students are not only taught professional skills, but also instilled a high level of discipline and social responsibility.

Huntsmens for training have many privileges, but their level of accountability and responsibility is also much higher. Thus, the episode where Yang destroys the nightclub is not just a minor prank, but a serious criminal offense. An attack on a civilian will result in very severe punishment, unless it was committed in self-defense, to protect someone else's life, or to prevent the commission of a crime.

In general, Huntsmens should become the equivalent of special forces, an integral part of the army, whose abilities are in high demand. Alternatively, they can form highly professional military communities, such as knights' orders. However, one way or another, they will be accountable to the state and will benefit people. But what they definitely won't be is a mercenary labor exchange (a guild of adventurers from any typical fantasy) that you can't rely on and whose actions can't be controlled.

6) Military industry. To ensure its own security (and existence in general), any Remnant state must have a developed military industry. Not necessarily high-tech, but economical and focused on the mass production of cheap, reliable and unpretentious weapons. The armies of the Remnant as a whole should be more practical and defense-oriented than the armies of Earth. It makes no sense to spend a lot of money on aircraft carriers or ballistic missiles when several artillery batteries will be much more useful. When everything is filled with Grimm, there is no such thing as excess firepower.

At the same time, the entire military (and most of the civilian industry) will either be nationalized or have a high degree of accountability. When the survival of humanity as a species depends on timely deliveries and quality of products, corporate owners and private contractors will have to fulfill obligations on acceptable terms. If a businessman like Jacques Schnee decides to unreasonably raise the price of products above those approved by the state, or for some reason simply refuses to sell his goods to the Atlas army, he will simply be removed (arrested or killed as an enemy of the people in the truest sense of the word), replaced by someone more understanding and loyal. Remnant is not a Land, and if capitalism exists there, it will be in some other form, different from the one we know.

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That's kind of how I see it. I hope you found this post useful or inspired some interesting thoughts. Otherwise, I wasted 6 hours writing and translating.

Good luck and have a nice day.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Arminus: The Ironwood Realm

Geography and Setting

Arminus sprawls across eastern Sanus, a land of dense, ancient forests—think the Black Forest scaled up—interspersed with rolling hills, deep river valleys, and rugged plateaus. The Arminwald, a sprawling woodland, dominates the heartland, its towering pines and oaks hiding quartz and Dust deposits. The Eisenfluss (Iron River), a broad, steel-grey waterway, winds through the region, powering mills and forges. To the north, the Albus Mountains loom, a natural barrier against Vacuoan raiders; to the east, Gallia's floodplains mark a tense border.

The capital, Eisenstadt, sits at the Eisenfluss's fork—a fortress-city of dark stone and timber, its skyline spiked with factory smokestacks and gothic spires. Forges glow day and night, and Dust-powered trams rumble through cobbled streets. The forests teem with Grimm, but Arminus's people have carved out strongholds, their villages ringed by palisades and watchtowers.

Historical Evolution

Arminus began as a loose coalition of tribes under the Quitalan Empire's fringe influence—less a province, more a buffer zone. These "Arminen" were fierce Aura-users, wielding axes and bows against Grimm and Quitalan tax collectors alike. The Empire's collapse left them free but fractured, their chieftains feuding over forest and river rights. Raids from Vacuo over the Albus Mountains and seafaring marauders from Animus forced a grudging unity, forged in the crucible of survival.

A millennium ago, the Hellenic Empire (Mistral's Greece analog) swept in, subjugating Arminus under the Witch Queen of Argus's vassals. The occupation was harsh—mines scarred the Arminwald, and Grimm swelled as despair took root. Resistance brewed in the forests, led by Wulfric der Jäger—a wolf-Faunus huntsman whose Semblance summoned spectral hounds. His guerrilla war, aided by Jeanne D'Arc's Gallian uprising, expelled the occupiers, cementing Arminus's independence.

Wulfric's line, the Wolfsjäger Dynasty, united Arminus into a kingdom, its forges hammering out steel and weapons. Over centuries, Arminus clashed with Gallia—border wars over the Eisenfluss—and Albion/Vytal, whose fleets probed its coasts. The kingdom industrialized early, its smiths mastering alloys and steam engines, making it a trade power. But ambition led to overreach; colonial ventures in Solitas and Menagerie faltered against Vytal's navy and local rebellions.

Three centuries ago, Kaiser Heinrich IV's tyranny—feeding dissenters to Grimm in a bid for power—sparked the Eisenkrieg, a civil war that shattered the dynasty. A merchant coalition, the Stahlbund, seized control, establishing a republic that prized efficiency and martial discipline. By the Great War, Arminus allied with Vale against Mistral and Mantle despite the many cultural ties to Mantle. Its factories churned out airships, mechanical mail, and Dust rifles. Post-war, it joined Vale's federation, retaining autonomy but sharing its industrial might.

Culture and Society

Arminus is stoic, pragmatic, and deeply tied to its forests and forges. The people—human and Faunus (wolf, bear, and owl traits common)—value craftsmanship and resilience. Aura training is mandatory, with children learning to channel it into tools or weapons. Folktales exalt Wulfric, his wolf-pack a symbol of unity; statues of him, axe raised, dot town squares.

The Arminen love order—towns are grid-like, festivals precise. The Jägerfest honors the hunt, with archery contests and Dust-fueled bonfires. Beer flows freely—dark, hearty brews laced with Earth Dust for stamina—paired with smoked meats and rye bread. Music is somber yet stirring, with horns and drums echoing through the woods. The Table Breaker faith took root post-Wulfric, its Shattering Chant sung in deep, resonant tones.

Technology and Industry

Arminus is Vale's industrial backbone. Eisenstadt's forges produce Dust-infused steel—blades, armor, guns, airship hulls—while its labs refine Gravity Dust for heavy machinery. The Stahlbund, now a governing council, balances trade with martial readiness, its small Huntsmen schools favoring teamwork and heavy weaponry. Wolf-riders—Huntsmen paired with local direwolf breeds, often Aura unlocked—patrol the Arminwald, a tradition from Wulfric's days.

Unique Grimm

• Eisenwölfe: Iron-clad Beowolf Grimm variant, their hides deflecting bullets. They hunt in packs, much rarer than Beowulves but far more deadly.
• Schattenkrallen: Owl-like Grimm with silent wings and razor talons, ambushing from the canopy. Light blinds them.
• Flussgeister: River spirits turned Grimm that resemble amphibians, dragging prey underwater. Ice Dust freezes them solid for easy shattering.

Modern Role

Arminus is a linchpin in Vale's economy and defense, its factories supplying Dust tech and its Huntsmen guarding the western frontier. Eisenstadt rivals Lutetia in output, though its dour efficiency contrasts Gallia's flair. Tensions linger with Gallia over old border disputes and Vytal over colonial ambitions, but the Stahlbund prioritizes Vale's unity—Grimm are the real foe.

Inhabitants

The Elric-Arcs
Cloud Strife-Arc

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Fuujin: The Rising Sun Island Nation

Geography and Environment

Fuujin's island chain sits in the southwestern corner of Anima, a jagged cluster of volcanic islands shaped by centuries of tectonic upheaval and relentless ocean currents. The Divine Currents—massive, swirling torrents around the archipelago—act like a natural moat, with winds so fierce they've historically shredded sails and capsized ships. The islands themselves vary wildly: the largest, Honmaru, hosts the capital Oda and sprawling urban centers, while smaller outlying islands like Kageshima and Mikojima remain rugged, dotted with dense bamboo forests, jagged cliffs, and hidden coves.

The climate is temperate but humid, with cherry blossoms blooming year-round on Honmaru thanks to Aura-infused soil—a phenomenon tied to the Miko/Geki's rituals. Volcanic activity still simmers beneath the surface, and hot springs are common, a major tourist attraction and cultural touchstone. The outer islands, though, are Grimm-infested wildlands, where the isolation and lingering negativity from past wars have spawned unique threats like the Jorougumo and Tengu Grimm. Add in the Kappa—turtle-like Grimm with claws that drag victims into rivers—and you've got a ecosystem that's as beautiful as it is deadly.

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Culture and Society

Fuujin's culture is a fascinating blend of tradition and adaptation, shaped by its isolation and later exposure to the world. Honor, discipline, and harmony with nature are core values, reflected in everything from tea ceremonies to the sleek, minimalist design of Oda's skyscrapers. Cherry blossoms symbolize resilience—beautiful yet fleeting, a reminder of life's impermanence in a Grimm-haunted world.

The old warrior classes—Samurai, Ninja, and Miko/Geki—still hold cultural sway, even if their political power has waned. Samurai families maintain ancestral dojos, training in katanas and Dust-infused firearms, while Ninja clans operate in the shadows, running intelligence networks or mercenary guilds. The Miko/Geki, revered as spiritual guardians, oversee shrines and perform cleansing rites to keep Grimm at bay, their Aura techniques passed down through oral tradition.

Post-Great War, Fuujin's society has modernized but retains a tension between old and new. The younger generation embraces global trends—Vale's music, Atlas's tech—while elders cling to the "Way of the Blade and Blossom." Festivals like the Sakura Matsuri in Oda blend both, with holographic lanterns floating alongside traditional dances. Education is rigorous, with academies training Huntsmen and Huntresses who blend Fuujin's martial traditions with Remnant's broader combat styles.

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History and Politics

Fuujin's history is a rollercoaster of ambition, isolation, and reinvention. Pre-Age of Empires, it was a feudal patchwork of warring clans united by the first Emperor, who harnessed the Divine Currents as a defense. Its early conquests against Mistral and Taejo were less about expansion and more about securing buffer zones—raids for resources rather than lasting dominion. The Age of Empires flipped the script: steamships breached the Currents, and Fuujin faced a choice—adapt or fall.

The Emperor's decision to export warriors as mercenaries was a masterstroke. Samurai became elite bodyguards in Vacuo, Ninja spied for Vale, and Miko/Geki healed war-torn villages in Pandu and Mistral. The influx of lien and knowledge fueled Fuujin's industrial boom—shipyards churned out ironclads, Dust refineries sprang up, and Oda transformed into a glittering metropolis. But the Great War exposed the cracks: the samurai-led coup aligned Fuujin with Mantle's authoritarian axis, only for the Ninja and Miko/Geki to rebel, seeing the betrayal of Vale as a stain on their honor.

The civil war was brutal—urban battles in Oda's streets, guerrilla strikes on Kageshima, and naval clashes in the Currents. Surrender left Fuujin humbled but not broken. Allied occupation rebuilt its infrastructure, and the parliament rose as a stabilizing force. Today, Fuujin balances independence with pragmatism—its navy patrols trade routes with Vale, while Atlas eyes its Dust deposits. Mistral's cultural pull is strong (shared aesthetics, old grudges), but Fuujin's parliament keeps them at arm's length, wary of being a pawn.

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Factions and Power Players

1. The Sakura Court: The Emperor's advisory council, now an advisory body with real influence in cultural affairs. They push to preserve Fuujin's traditions, clashing with parliament's modernists.
2. Parliament: A democratic body with great influence which has the main agenda towards modernization to compete with the rest of the world, but held in the balance by tradition and culture.
3. The Blade Clans: Descendants of samurai, they run private security firms and Huntsmen academies. Loyal to Fuujin but nostalgic for their lost dominance.
4. The Shadow Collective: A loose alliance of Ninja clans, some legit (spies for hire), others criminal (smuggling Dust). They're the wildcard—pragmatic and fiercely independent.
5. The Order of the Blossom: Miko/Geki priests and priestesses, a neutral faction focused on spiritual balance. They mediate disputes and hunt Grimm, but their pacifism frustrates militarists.
6. The Oda Syndicate: A rising merchant class, flush with lien from trade and tech. They lobby for closer ties with Atlas, dreaming of Fuujin as a global hub.

---

Unique Grimm and Threats

Fuujin's isolation bred Grimm that exploit its terrain and culture:

• Jorougumo: These spider-human hybrids mimic lost travelers, their silk laced with paralyzing venom. They thrive in bamboo thickets, ambushing the unwary.
• Tengu: Crow-like fliers with razor claws and eerie caws that disorient prey. They swarm from volcanic peaks, targeting ships or villages in packs.
• Kappa: Aquatic Grimm with snapping jaws and tendrils, lurking in rivers and hot springs. They drag victims underwater, feeding on despair as they drown.
• Oni: Rare, hulking brutes with horned masks, once thought to be the ghosts of warriors born from old battlefields. They wield crude clubs and shrug off bullets, requiring Aura-enhanced strikes to fell.

---

Technology and Aesthetics

Fuujin's tech blends Mistral's elegance with Atlas's precision. Their navy boasts sleek, wind-inspired ships with Dust turbines, while their air force deploys agile "Kestrel" fighters modeled after birds of prey. Skylev trains in Oda zip between skyscrapers adorned with cherry blossom motifs, and personal weapons—like Samurai katanas with Dust-edged blades or Ninja kunai with explosive tips—marry tradition with innovation.

Sakura Castle is the crown jewel: white walls gleam with subtle Aura runes, and its cherry grove hums with energy, a natural amplifier for Miko/Geki rituals. The city around it pulses with neon signs, holographic billboards, and the chatter of a million voices.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The Role of Miko/Geki in Fuujin

The Miko/Geki are Fuujin's healers, protectors, and exorcists, revered as conduits between the physical world and the unseen forces of Remnant—be it Aura, Dust, or the lingering echoes of souls lost to Grimm. Historically, they emerged as shrine keepers, tending to sacred groves and hot springs where Aura naturally pools. Over centuries, their role evolved into a disciplined order, using rituals to cleanse negativity, bolster warriors, and maintain Fuujin's fragile harmony.

Unlike Samurai (who fight head-on) or Ninja (who strike from shadows), Miko/Geki focus on defense and restoration. Their Aura manifests as soft, radiant light—often pink or gold, evoking cherry blossoms—and they channel it through chants, dances, and talismans. They're not pacifists by necessity; they'll fight when pushed, but their strength lies in preparation and resilience, making them vital in a land where isolation breeds unique Grimm.

---

Core Rituals and Practices

1. The Cleansing Dance (Sakura-no-Mai)
   • Purpose: Purifies areas tainted by Grimm corruption—black ichor, festering negativity from Apathy, or cursed soil.
   • Description: Miko and Geki perform a slow, flowing dance with fans or staffs adorned with cherry blossom petals. As they move, their Aura pulses outward in shimmering waves, dissolving Grimm residue and calming restless spirits. The petals scatter, glowing faintly, and where they land, small blossoms sprout temporarily, marking purified ground.
   • Mechanics: Requires intense focus and a group effort for large areas. The ritual weakens nearby Grimm, making them easier to kill, but exhausts the practitioners' Aura. In emergencies, a solo Miko might perform a rushed version, risking collapse.
   • Cultural Note: Performed annually at Sakura Castle, it's a public spectacle that reinforces the Emperor's divine ties.
2. The Warding Seal (Fuin-no-Kekkai)
   • Purpose: Erects temporary barriers to repel Grimm or shield civilians.
   • Description: Using ink made from crushed Dust and sacred water, Miko/Geki paint intricate glyphs on paper talismans or directly onto surfaces (walls, trees, skin). When activated with a spoken chant, the glyphs flare with Aura, forming translucent domes or walls. The barriers shimmer like heatwaves, etched with faint cherry blossom patterns.
   • Mechanics: Strength depends on the caster's Aura reserves and the Dust type—Fire Dust adds an offensive burn, Ice Dust slows intruders. Barriers last minutes to hours but crumble under sustained Grimm assault. Elite Miko/Geki can layer seals for stronger defenses.
   • Cultural Note: Talismans are common gifts, hung above doorways or carried by warriors for luck.
3. The Soul Mend (Tamashii-no-Shūfuku)
   • Purpose: Heals physical wounds and restores depleted Aura in others.
   • Description: The Miko/Geki kneels beside the injured, hands hovering over wounds as they hum a low, resonant melody. Their Aura flows into the target, stitching flesh and rekindling their inner energy. A faint floral scent fills the air, and healed skin sometimes bears temporary petal-like marks.
   • Mechanics: Drains the caster's Aura proportional to the injury's severity. It can't regrow limbs or cure fatal blows, but it's a lifeline in battle. Overuse risks the Miko/Geki's own health—stories tell of priests fading into cherry blossoms from exhaustion.
   • Cultural Note: Reserved for dire need; casual use is taboo, seen as squandering a sacred gift.
4. The Grimm Banishment (Yokai-no-Tsukihami)
   • Purpose: Exorcises Grimm essence from possessed objects, people, or places.
   • Description: A high-stakes ritual requiring multiple Miko/Geki. They form a circle, wielding bells and mirrors to reflect their Aura into a concentrated beam. The target—say, a horde of Apathy or a Geist possessed blade—writhes as the light burns away the Grimm taint, often leaving behind purified Dust or ash.
   • Mechanics: Dangerous and imprecise; the Grimm fights back, and failure can amplify the corruption. Success purges the threat but leaves the casters vulnerable. Rare cases report the Grimm's "death scream" lingering as an echo.
   • Cultural Note: Tied to legends of Fuujin's first priests banishing an ancient Oni from Honmaru.

---

Tools and Symbols

• Cherry Blossom Petals: Sacred to Miko/Geki, these are often Aura-infused, carried in pouches or woven into clothing. They amplify rituals or serve as emergency foci.
• Kagami Mirrors: Polished bronze discs used to reflect and focus Aura, doubling as shields in combat. Engraved with blossom motifs, they're heirlooms passed down generations. They may have been based upon magic rituals and alchemy from before the Moonshatter.
• Suzumushi Bells: Tiny bells strung on cords, rung to disrupt Grimm senses or signal ritual phases. Their chime is said to mimic the wind through Oda's groves.
• Ofuda Talismans: Paper strips inscribed with Dust infused ink, used for wards or as thrown projectiles that burst with Aura on impact.

---

Training and Philosophy

Becoming a Miko or Geki starts young—children with strong Aura are identified by shrine elders and trained in secluded sanctuaries like Mikojima's Blossom Shrine. The regimen is grueling: meditation to hone Aura control, dance to sync body and soul, and study of ancient texts. They're taught the "Cycle of Bloom and Fall"—life's impermanence mirrored in cherry blossoms, urging them to act with purpose but accept loss.

Their philosophy emphasizes balance. Negativity feeds Grimm, so they strive to quell fear and despair, both in themselves and others. This makes them natural mediators in Fuujin's tense society, though some Samurai scoff at their "softness." In combat, they're support specialists—rarely killing Grimm directly but enabling others to shine.

---

Rituals in Action

Imagine a scene: a Tengu swarm descends on a fishing village near Kageshima. A Miko named Hana leads her team into the fray. She plants talismans in a perimeter, chanting to raise a Warding Seal as fishermen huddle inside. Her brother, Geki Taro, dances the Sakura-no-Mai, his staff scattering petals that weaken the Tengu's cohesion. As Samurai allies cut down the flock, Hana kneels by a wounded Ninja, her Soul Mend glowing to save him. The air hums with bells and blossoms—a fragile beauty amid chaos.

Or picture a darker moment: a Jorougumo's lair deep in a bamboo forest, its webs pulsing with Grimm essence. Three Miko/Geki encircle it, mirrors flashing as they chant the Yokai-no-Tsukihami. The spider screeches, lashing out, but the beam sears its core, leaving only ash—and one priest unconscious, her Aura spent.

---

Ties to Fuujin's History

During Fuujin's isolation, Miko/Geki kept the islands livable, their rituals holding Grimm at bay when warriors faltered. Their mercenary days spread tales of "blossom healers" across Remnant, bolstering Fuujin's mystique. In the Great War, they defied the samurai coup, using wards to protect rebel strongholds and healing defectors. Post-war, they rebuilt shrines amid Oda's ruins, their rituals a symbol of renewal.

Today, they're a bridge between Fuujin's past and future—respected but stretched thin as urban sprawl and global ties strain their traditions. Some young Miko/Geki even experiment with tech, syncing talismans to drones or amplifying rituals with Dust reactors.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Vale: The Emerald Bastion

Geography and Environment

Vale occupies eastern Sanus, a mountainous realm of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and emerald forests, its rugged spine rising between Vacuo's western deserts and the turbulent seas to the east. Vale City, the capital mega city, nestles in a high alpine basin, its modern spires and canals framed by sheer cliffs and the winding Emerald River, which spills into a narrow coastal plain. The Forever Fall forest glows crimson to the north, while southern fjords and islands—like Patch—dot the sea, granting Vale its maritime edge despite its isolation. Beacon, the ancient fortress now premiere Huntsman Academy, stands like a lighthouse warding off the sea of Grimm that surrounds the tiny islands of mankind and Faunus alike.

The climate varies—crisp alpine winters cloak the peaks in snow, summers bring mild breezes to the valleys, and coastal mists shroud the ports. The mountains, rich with Dust veins, isolate Vale from overland foes, their passes guarded by ancient forts. The sea offers trade but also peril, its currents clashing with those of Vytal and Gallia. This blend of seclusion and access shapes Vale's dual nature: a fortress and a gateway.

---

Culture and Society

Vale's culture fuses Dutch pragmatism, Swiss resilience, and Austrian elegance, a tapestry of trade, neutrality, and alpine pride. Resourcefulness, diplomacy, and unity define its people, who see themselves as stewards of the Emerald Emperor's vision—a beacon against chaos. Vale City's streets hum with financiers bartering and selling, diplomats and politicians arguing, and the latest techno music. The mountain air is thick with cocoa, cheese, and spiced ale. The Emerald Festival honors the Concert of Vale and the end of the Siege of 309, with canal boat races, trade fairs, and lantern-lit dances under the peaks. Cuisine from all around the world is available, like in any modern city, and Vale is among the biggest on Remnant.

Tradition holds firm in outlying communities: children still farm, fish, and play in the mountains, every village boasting windmills and Table Breaker chapels, often with a shrine in honor of the ancient Emerald Emperor. Yet, modernity thrives—skyscrapers tower over Vale City, airships hum through the passes, and Dust-tech lights the federation's sprawl. The tension between mountain roots and global reach fuels a stoic identity, with the weight of the larger responsibility of managing the Concert of Vale.

---

History and Politics

Vale began as a Quitalan province, its alpine valleys a mining outpost for metals and later Dust. When Quitala crumbled—torn by Grimm and revolt—the region splintered into petty kingdoms, warring over passes and ports. Vytal's naval raids, Gallia's Paladins, Arminus's knights, and Quitala Nova's legions vied for control, their battles scarring the peaks. Ozma, in an early host, emerged four centuries before the present, uniting these realms over decades into "Vale." As the Emerald Emperor, he forged a trade empire, its ships and spies spanning Remnant, feeding his secret war against Salem with lien and lore.

Vale's maritime might—Dutch-inspired cogs and frigates—rivaled Vytal's, while its mountain forts, Swiss-style, repelled invaders. It fought Vytal, Gallia and Quitala Nova over sea lanes but struck treaties, playing second fiddle as a trader to mask Ozma's grander aims. The Concert of Vale, established 300 years ago, turned Vale into a neutral hub—its chalet-diplomacy uniting eastern Sanus (excluding Vacuo) in a fragile and sometimes uncertain peace. Two centuries later, during the Great War, the Warrior King (Ozma's host) leveraged these alliances, leading Vale, Vytal, and the rest of Sanus against Mantle and Mistral. Victory cemented Vale's role, and post-war, it federated eastern Sanus into a kingdom akin to the European Union, Vale City its political core.

Today, Vale's Council—a federation of sub-kingdoms—rules from Vale City, balancing autonomy with unity. It mediates between Gallia's pride and Vytal's swagger, trades with Atlas, Vacuo and Mistral, and guards against chaos, its neutrality a shield for Ozpin's ongoing fight.

---

Factions and Power Players

1. Beacon: Beacon is the premiere Huntsman Academy of all of Vale. Huntsman from all across Remnant flock here to be trained, and it is Ozpin's citadel and home base.
2. The Vale Council: Akin to the ancient Quitalan Senate, this governing body is democratically elected and manages the governance of the entirety of Vale.
3. The Trade Hansa: A trade consortium controlling Vale's airships, trains and trucks, pushing global reach. They fund airships and overland trade, clashing with maritime concerns.
4. The Alpine Clans: Valley folk guarding the peaks. They resist urban sway, loyal to the old ways.
5. The Order of the Emerald Flame: Broken Table Priests and scholars preserving The Emerald Line's legacy, blending religious lore with anti-Grimm rites. They wield soft power in diplomacy. Ozpin uses them on occasion for his goals.
6. The Dock Syndics: Coastal traders and shipping magnates dominating the fjords, building freighters and frigates. They rival the Hansa for economic clout.
7. Roman Torchwick's Crime Syndicate: The Gentleman Thief runs an extensive criminal empire, maintaining an uneasy truce with the Spider syndicates from Mistral and the Nova Quitalan mafias. He runs Dust, weapons, and maintains a dramatic flair that earns him ire and admiration.

---

Unique Grimm and Threats
Vale's mountains and seas spawn distinct Grimm alongside the typical Beowulves, Ursa, Boarbatsusks, etc:

• Wendigo: A very rare Wraith-like Grimm from Forever Fall, their howls freezing resolve. They stalk the crimson woods, born of isolation. They only seem to appear in winter.
• Dust Wurm: Rare, serpentine Grimm from mountain mines, their scales sparking with stolen Dust. They burrow through passes, disrupting trade.

---

Technology and Aesthetics

Vale blends Dutch efficiency with Swiss precision. Vale City's railroad system is second to none, its skyscrapers massive and cutting-edge. Traditional Civilian life favors woolen tunics and boots, homes adorned with wood carvings and old maps. Mountain forts use modern Dust-cannons, and the Vale Defense Force and local Hunters Guild provide first rate security.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

One thing that would have been a lot of fun for RWBY? Grimm cults. They've been around since the dawn of civilization, and religious activity is something all humans do. The Grimm are an all encompassing menace, monsters that feed on humans for their negative emotions. They would seem like the wrath of the Gods, or something we might be able to appease if sacrifices were made. This idea of bartering with the supernatural is universal for all humans, and it would arise very naturally in Remnant. For the most part, Salem would not have directly managed these cults. Rather, she would be amused at how they rise, and provided some encouragement here or there to deal with Ozma.

At least in my own fanon, the rise of the Quitalan Empire and other great powers would see these cults reduced to the fringes. A few smaller powers ruled over by Grimm Cultists might have arisen in this ancient period, not too different from the ancient Aztecs, Mayans, Celts, Mesopotamians, and many other civilizations. But being sacrificed to monsters tends to make your people hate your rulers, and so empires whose philosophy detested this practice stamped them out, leaving them to be secret orders. Some were able to infiltrate the ranks of great empires: The Quitalans had at least one mad emperor who tried to make Grimm Worship the dominant religion before their fall, their version of Caligula. Salem might have made an appearance or had one of her agents act as an emissary to guide these cults when it was advantageous.

In the chaos following the fall of the Quitalan Empire, and many other empires like Iksander's, Grimm cults arose in response to the despair and loss and pain. In the wake of wars, these dark practitioners stepped in to try and seduce lost, lonely, and broken people into their ranks. Some were granted boons by Salem herself: A bit of magic, Grimm implants, and so on.

The rise of the Tablebreaker religion was a major counter to these cults and Salem's plans. Ozma would not have anything to do with the actual events of the Tablebreaker religion forming, but he would encourage it as it provided a source of hope against the Grimm in these times. He did the same with Pathism (the equivalent of Buddhism) as its origins were also outside of his purview but he saw the good it inspired and so he encouraged it, and any other faiths that resisted the darkness of the Grimm.

The Witch Queen of Argus rose in the wake of the total collapse of the remnants of Iksander's Empire falling, forcibly uniting the Hellenic League and making war across the sea. The Tablebreaker religion called for crusades against her and other Grimm cultists. Jeanne D'Arc herself was a believer who attributed her victory over the Witch Queen to God. A Monkey Faunus warrior and his Pathist monk ally were able to bring down a Bull Faunus Lord named "Red Boy", or the Divine Infant Great King, who had turned Mistral into his slaughterhouse for Grimm sacrifices.

These defeats made Salem become far more subtle. She would work with her cults here and there quietly, carefully, as the modern age arose. A mad king seeking immortality there, an order of priests subverted to the cult there, but all very quiet and careful.

In the wake of the Great War, many elites became disillusioned with the religions and philosophies of the old world, just as they did on Earth after the world wars. And a number of these elites formed secret societies, becoming Grimm cultists. They used and abused the lost, the poor, and the desperate in their macabre rituals because they had lost faith in humanity. A number were actually found out and arrested, but legal battles with the rich and powerful are complex affairs. At least a few of them got away thanks to their riches, influence, cleverness, or luck. They still try to make contact with Salem, still make sacrifices in the hopes for power, and still practice the old ways in secret.

(Obviously inspired by H. P. Lovecraft's stories.)

This would be seen most dramatically when the Kauravas overthrew Pandu. They didn't overtly practice their Grimm rituals in public as that would lose them influence, but they kept them up in secret. The reveal of this by Team AARN with Ozpin's help allowed for Arjun to rally the people and overthrow them. At the time though, they would be seen as whackjobs who believed that the Grimm were ruled by a goddess, something in the modern day would be seen as insanity. Ozpin would suspect the truth and try to learn more, but the surviving Kauravas went deep underground, and Lionheart helped cover them up.

At least a few in Vale's government could explain why the city fell so fast and why Cinder and her agents were not found out. Lionheart and others like Hazel or Tyrian being contacted by Salem though such a cult would deepen their characters and the lore of the world. And of course, it gives you more possibilities for villains.

At their core? Most of them would be motivated by despair and nihilism. There is no defeating the Grimm, there is no saving Remnant. There is only trying to gain power by appeasing the ravenous darkness threatening to consume us all. Some like Tyrian would feel serving Salem is truly being righteous, is truly fulfilling (and would also be sociopaths). Some might even believe they would be reborn as Grimm when they died. The possibilities are vast.

 

[RedReaper]

Original Character, Do Steal: Askr Merlot

• Name: Askr Merlot
• Allusion: Frankenstein's Monster, Frankenstein
• Naming Process: Frankenstein's Monster in the Original Novel by Mary Shelly references his existence to be "Frankenstein's Adam," alluding to Abrahamic Faith's First Man, created by God. Considering Atlas is more concerned with Germany, though, and the pre-existing Adam, this has been switched to focus on Germanic Faiths, and thus their First Man. Askr. Which means "Ash Tree," in Old Norse. Thus fulfilling the Color Naming Rule whilst maintaining his Frankenstein's Monster allusion.
• Age: 17 Physically and Mentally, Unknown (Many of Years) Chronologically.
• Background: According to Andrew, his Merlot's goal was specifically the evolution of Man through Grimm as well as engineering the ultimate lifeform, taking inspiration from more modern mad scientists who have dabbled in biology like Doctor Gero from Dragon Ball, alongside his want to alter the Grimm to benefit humanity. As such, Askr is the answer to the question: What if Merlot succeeded in his project in secret, on a backburner. Merlot started the project back, many years ago during his tenure at Mount Glenn. However, at the Fall it was believed that everything within was lost. Merlot, and everyone else, was wrong. In that time the creature had been growing, developing into its desired state as it accumluated various Grimm and Human DNA, becoming the next step in Human Evolution. Recently freed from the containment deep within Mountain Glenn after total completion, in the few labs untouched by devastation, Askr's mind has implanted memories and knowledge to sidestep a part of the learning process, such as language, or motor functions. These include subroutines such as allies of Merlot in the chance that the Doctor is dead. The top of that list was Arthur Watts, who Askr tracked down (as Frankenstein's Monster did his own father) in an attempt to both understand himself as well as seek warmth and comfort. Watts used this to his advantage, manipulating Merlot's Monster into being his Loyal Enforcer, alongside utilizing his control over the Grimm given to him by Salem to influence and control the Grimm parts of Askr. This makes him a tragic, potentially redeemable, but also relentless and soulless figure to combat against. Currently being slowly lead to believe that Salem is his "Mommy," alongside Watts as his Father, though his Human Half manifests resistance at times and forces the process to be slow.
  
  The Spin on Frankenstein's Monster, being, what if when Frankenstein came to life, the Father that shunned him and caused his descent was dead (leaving him malleable to another's influence?) In the same way that Red Riding Hood hunts the Wolf instead, Frankenstein's Monster in Askr is left adrift without the story's essential chase, yet still holds that unyielding desire for another to love him. Both paternally and romantically.
• Emblem: Electric Bolt Split with Stitches
• Weapon: "Artificial Danger" - Barbed wire that has been made with Dustweave Metal, conducting the power of the Grimm, Aura, and Semblances.
• Semblance: Multiple - Kindred Link (Donor, Raven Branwen), Total Body Control (Donor, Isabel Arc), ??? (Donor, Nick Arc), Proto-Burn (Donor, Taiyang Xiao-Long), Misfortune (Donor, Qrow Branwen), ??? (Summer Rose), Aura Vision, (Donor, Arjun), Aura Orbs (Donor, Saia), and Telekinesis (Donor, Glynda Goodwitch). Potentially More. UNIQUE "SEMBLANCE:" Grimm Biology.
  • Created with the Samples of DNA from the nearby Grimm and Huntsmen, Askr is one of the very few to have multiple Semblances. His abilities with them, equals the capablity of the sample when it was taken (Past Selves of STRQ, Isabel, and Glynda). This means later/current iterations or training will exceed his completely.
  • He can only use one Semblance at a time, with the exception of Total Body Control, which is passive.
  • Has Arc, Branwen, and Nick's Constitution, meaning monstrous stamina and endurance with incredible talent.
  • While his body is designed to handle using multiple Semblances, it still is extremely strenuous for his artificial body, and thus overuse can lead to (temporary) Death of his Human Side, losing all access to Semblances, Aura, and rational thought.
  • His Semblances can evolve on paper, but in practice this is impossible due to the fact the necessary requirements to cause evolution is unique per person and Semblance, which his mind is not suited to.
  • His Aura can be used in conjunction with Grimm Physiology, unlike Cinder (and making him uniquely resistant to the Silver Eyes), but acts as a balancer between his Human and Grimm halves. And once he loses his Aura, he becomes incredibly vulnerable to the Silver Eyes. Moreso than even normal Grimm, liable to be instantly vaporized in comparison to Grimm, which are only petrified.
  • Thanks to Summer's Influence, he has the Silver Eyes. That said, due to his nature his Silver Eyes are stronger and can bypass his own Silver Eyes defenses, meaning reflecting it back on him damages him considerably.
  • His Grimm Physiology gives him unique bonuses, similar to Frankenstein's Monster, with minimized to no eating needs, no regard for personal temperature, or need for sleep. Similarly, he has improved sensory ability, can detect negative emotion, etc. Additionally, he can leverage it alongside his Total Body Control to utilize Grimm abilities, such as manifesting a Deathstalker's Poison Stinger, or a Borbatusk's plated armor. He can use this to become a Chimera of sorts, and without TBC, but without TBC and his rational mind it's inefficient and incapable of being more than a black mass of limbs.
  • If his Grimm side is temporarily killed whilst he is not utilizing his Aura to defend it, his Human Side will overwhelm the Grimm side, losing access to all his Grimm Physiology benefits.
  • As part of the Grimm, he is suspectible to high levels of negativity, which impairs mental ability and sensory, reducing hearing, sense of smell, touch (which works as a double sided sword by reducing ability to feel pain), as well as taste. Additionally, it gives him tunnel vision and reduces logical/cognitive thinking.
  • He has all the weaknesses of the Original Grimm or Semblance User.
  • Not every bit of the Grimm and Semblances are capable of working together. Like body parts, some outright reject each other due to raw incompatibility. This can range from inability to merge abilities together to physical re-actions that cause significant internal damage. Some Grimm do not function with other Grimm, some Semblances do not function with other Semblances, and some Grimm and Semblances cannot be combined with each other.
  • He is drawn to the Relics like the Grimm are, making him both an asset and a liability, as he works as both radar and a creature liable to being trapped by being baited by a Relic.
  • Manually can manipulate himself to engage the Merlot mutations, but doing so progressively reduces Human capabilities.
  • Incapable of being evolved to take in more, though Watts is working on that.
  • Despite intensive use of Female DNA and the ability to use Total Body Control (which whilst never utilized to do so, presumably can alter gender), Askr cannot become a Maiden.
• Appearance: Image
• Outfit: Image
• Personality: Stoic and professional on the outside most of the time, but internally is similar to Penny in that he is childish and desires warmth. Desperately craves validation. When on the attack, is relentless and thanks to his immaturity, petty. Deeply loves Salem, Watts and Merlot, and is truly affected by any insult against him from them. Is not concerned with anything except exploring the world and the goals of his caretaker. Hates whoever he is told to hate. Utterly relentless in battle. Is somewhat gulliable, but loses this trait over time. Likely to fall hard for Penny if they ever met. Thanks to Nick, has bursts of goofiness.

Conceptually, he's a bit ("bit") OP, (hence so many limits on him) but I really couldn't get this idea of "Well, what if AJT Merlot got the job done? How would that work based on the parameters given--Gero like methods and goal in RWBY? What is his Perfect Cell?" And I got this.

Bringing over the Askr Merlot bit from SB as my first act on QQ.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Dating System for Remnant:


Naturally there would be several calendars, but since the Tablebreaker faith is the largest and most widely established, their calendar would be the one most widely used. So, what's the Calendar?

Well. it's based on the Gregorian Calendar. In that calendar, AD/BC stand for:

Anno Domini ("In the year of our Lord" in Latin)

and

Before Christ.

RWBY came out in 2012 AD but I have put their date at around 2000 years after the Tablebreaker was born.

Thus:

The dating system is anchored not to the Tablebreaker's birth but for his most significant act, referred to as the Fractura Mensae (Breaking of the Table), the beginning of the path to unity and victory over the White Witch (Death and the ultimate Evil). For simplicity, we'll assume this event occurred 2000 years before RWBY Volume 1, marking the year as 0 AMF (Annus Mensae Fractae, Year of the Broken Table).

• Before the Breaking: Years before the epoch are denoted as Ante Fracturam Mensae (AFM, Before the Breaking of the Table). For example, 100 years before the epoch is 100 AFM.
• After the Breaking: Years after the epoch are denoted as AMF. Thus, RWBY Volume 1 would be approximately 2000 AMF.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

• Name: Jinjur Hardy
• Allusion: General Jinjur, The Marvelous Land of Oz
• Naming Process: Ginger refers to a spice, from Old English ginȝifer, ginȝiber, from Late Latin gingiber, from Latin zingiberi, from Greek zingiberis, from Prakrit (Middle Indic) singabera, from Sanskrit srngaveram, from srngam "horn" + vera- "body," so called from the shape of its root. But this may be Sanskrit folk etymology, and the word may be from an ancient Dravidian word that also produced the modern name for the spice, inchi-ver (inchi "ginger", ver "root"). Hardy: Old German element hart meaning "hard, firm, brave, hardy".
• Age: Late 30s/Early 40s
• Background: The Hardy family is an ancient and noble family, tracing their roots all the way back to the founding of Mantle. While no longer among the richest, they are still elites and have a storied lineage of politicians, soldiers, and heroes. Jinjur Hardy is the first daughter of the current family head, Fredrick, and has had a meteoritic rise in the Atlasian Military. Graduating first in her class from the Atlasian Military Academy, she excelled in politicking and delegation, having a knack for finding competent people to solve problems. She had no shortage of confidence and began to rise by making excellent connections and taking on challenging assignments. Her combat abilities were also very impressive, combined with her unusual Semblance. However, underneath all this lay a dark side: A century ago, the Hardy family had supposed the coup against the Mantle Government, an act that led to the Great War. The Hardys and other older Atlasian families felt it was their destiny to rule over Remnant, and create a mighty empire that would last a thousand years. The 1K Society thus made it their mission to push Atlas back on the path to imperialism for the good of mankind and Faunus, and Hardy was fully onboard. Her ambition was nothing short of becoming the next sole ruler of Atlas, and then Remnant as its protector. Her ambition and skill led her to becoming the youngest General in Atlasian history. Her aggressive style and emphasis on pushing Atlas' agenda, however, has made her a number of political enemies: General James Ironwood among them. While professional enough to work together on operations, Jinjur's domineering personality caused a great deal of conflict between the two. Jinjur thus sees James Ironwood as an obstacle on the way to her destiny. And she will find a way to remove all such obstacles.
• Race: Human
• Emblem: Twin Needles
• Weapon: "Singer" - A needle gun. She also uses individual needles as projectile or melee weapons, infused with Dust or Aura to strengthen them.
• Semblance: "Voodoo"
  • Jinjur is able to inflict various status effects on enemies she can hit with an item she has infused with her Aura-In this case, she mainly relies on needles to pierce their flesh and establish a stronger connection. This ranges from causing intense pain, paralysis, or taking control of their bodily functions. Or hitting vital areas to cause maximum damage.. She must overpower the will of a victim and can only control one person fully at a time-Groups of people she can only inflict pain or other status effects. She can even take over Grimm briefly, but again, only one at a time and it's temporary. The larger the Aura charge she can put into a needle, the longer the effect can last. She can make the effect last longer if the needle is connected to her by a silken thread to conduct Aura through, though this has many disadvantages.
• Appearance: Beautiful redhead woman of slightly below average height with severe freckles over her cheeks, brown eyes, hair is short and curly. Graceful and athletic in appearance-Slimmer than Pyrrha, built more like Weiss but taller.
• Outfit: Standard Atlasian military uniform, with the exception of a long skirt instead of pants, a red cape, and a tall shako hat. Her rank allows her these modifications. She has her Singer gun at her side and knitting needles all over her uniform, ready to be used at any times.
• Personality: While outwardly charming and charismatic, as well as a competent manager and tactical thinker, inside Jinjur is self obsessed and narcissistic. She is intelligent but overly prideful, often holding grudges in private while outwardly being kind and understanding. She is an accomplished schemer and politically minded, with a ruthlessness born of her heritage and ambition. She has a few true friends and companions on her journey to become ruler of Atlas, but is prone to paranoia and mistrust. Devious and never to be underestimated or fully trusted.
• Notes: I felt Ironwood's villain arc was poorly done and as a result, I took another Wizard of Oz character for inspiration for a General Ripper. We've already seen that crazy midget with the giant robot in Argus, why not another vainglorious Atlasian military officer to be an actual villain? Unlike, say, Jacques Schnee, Jinjur would not be a direct agent of Salem. Watts would just manipulate her into following her worst impulses and becoming a villain, a useful idiot. And after Vytal, she would be the kind of person who would politick to replace Ironwood as Supreme Commander of Atlas' military forces. Thus, you have Ironwood demoted and having to work with RWBY and JNOR against the Mad General.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

You know, for something based on shonen anime it is strange RWBY never had a ranking system for... Anything, really. The earliest example I can think of is power levels in Dragonball Z-And yes, that was meant to deconstruct the idea of power levels that fans were assigning and show that they weren't the end all be all of how strong a character was. That was up to the character (and the narrative). But some kind of ranking system for Hunters would have been a good idea as narrative shorthand: It can demonstrate how strong or weak an opponent is, it can be defied, it can be set up to measure several things and give an overall idea of how strong a character is and in what ways.

It's not like you have to drop an entire RPG guidebook's worth of info in every episode-Indeed, you shouldn't. But it's a helpful way for fans to interface with the universe, better understand it, and improve immersion. So, here's a quick and dirty system I devised:

The Woggle Bee Scale is used as a standard metric for the strength class of Hunters and other Aura Activated Individuals, and assigns ranking based on overall metrics from Aura Strength, Semblance, Intelligence, Strength, Speed, Utility, and other factors. These Ranks are not permanent: Hard training, Semblance evolution, technological assistance or other skills and assets can increase an individual's ranking. And within the rankings there can be different degrees. A rating of C-1 would be stronger overall than a ranking of C-10, as an example.

E Rank

Individuals whose Aura, while unlocked, is too low for significant combat potential. High intelligence and training can improve this rating but the majority of people with no Aura or low Aura are E-Ranked.

Examples: Saphron Arc, Athena Nikos, Lisa Lavender, most civilians.

D Rank

Individuals with below average potential even with Aura unlocked. Having a viable Semblance is the basic requirement to be at D-Rank but its combat or utility potential is low. Usually become support personnel such as mechanics, Aura healers, scouts, etc. Can fight regular humans/faunus just fine but aren't anywhere near the level for entrance into an elite Academy.

Examples: Aura unlocked White Fang Henchmen, Local militia members, standard members of the military.

C Rank

Individuals with average potential. These make up regular Huntsmen forces and fill out PMCs. With hard work they can get into an Elite Huntsman Academy. Have a combat viable Semblance or combat potential to let them fight well or serve as support.

Examples: Most of Beacon's background students, combat medics, higher level members of military forces, Team CRDL, Team BRNZ, Jaune Arc in Volume 1-2.

B Rank

Individuals with above average potential. They have strong Aura reserves, a good Semblance, great talent or training with advanced weapons or some combination thereof. These tend to go to Elite Huntsman Academies, Military special forces, or the highest levels of PMCs. Many can become Hunter Captains with hard work.

Examples: Team RWBY, Jaune Arc, Nora Valkyrie, Lie Ren in Volume 3-4, Team CVFY, Team SSSN, Professor Peach.

A Rank

Individuals with well above average potential. Incredible Semblances, great fighting ability, fantastic support skills or training, weapons mastery-These tend to be among the most elite fighters or support. Easily tops at Elite Huntsman Academies, military special forces, PMCs, or other special outfits.

Examples: Pyrrha Nikos, Cinder Fall pre- Full Maiden powers, Penny Polendinia in Volume 1-3), Mercury Black, Taiyang Xiao-Long (Present), Roman Torchwick.

S Rank

Individuals who are the top tier period. The most powerful, most skilled, best armed, best trained, and most dangerous. The best of the best of the best, and most formidable in combat or support.

Examples: Qrow Branwen, Raven Branwen, Summer Rose, Taiyang Xiao-Long (In his prime), Penny Polendinia (Volume 7 onwards), Cinder Fall (Full Maiden powers), Isabel Arc, Glynda Goodwitch, Winter Schnee.

Note: Isabel Arc is S-Rank but that doesn't mean she can fight on the same level as Glynda. Her Semblance and healing skills just make her that exceptional for support.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Name: Veyne Grimwald
Allusion: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Arthurian Legend, and Norris Packard from Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team.
Naming Process: Veyne, derived from Old French "vain" (valiant) and echoing Gawain's name, reflects his knightly aspirations twisted by darkness. Grimwald, combining "grim" (foreshadowing his Grimm nature) and "wald" (Old German for ruler), underscores his commanding presence and tragic fall.
Age: Appears mid-30s (actual age unknown due to Grimm hybridization)
Background: Veyne Grimwald was born in Vale before the years of the Great War, a descendant of a minor noble family with a tradition of producing gallant warriors. Like Jaune Arc, Veyne dreamed of becoming a legendary knight, training tirelessly despite lacking natural talent. He fought valiantly in the war, earning renown for his courage and tactical brilliance. However, his world shattered when his beloved, Lady Elyse, and his family were slaughtered in a Mantlese attack he was too weak to prevent. Broken and guilt-ridden, Veyne was approached by Salem, who offered him power to forge a world without death or loss. Desperate to undo his failures, he accepted, gaining Grimm hybridization. Now serving as Salem's Dark Knight, Veyne leads her forces with chilling precision, his nobility warped but not erased, haunting him as he pursues her vision of a deathless Remnant.
Race: Human-Grimm Hybrid
Emblem: A black knight's helm wreathed in green flames, split by a crescent axe blade, symbolizing his duality as both knight and monster.
Weapon: "Decrepit Oath" – A massive, double-headed axe modeled after the Green Knight's weapon, infused with Grimm essence and Dust. It can channel green fire (fire Dust) for devastating cleaves or project corrosive Grimm ichor as a ranged attack. The axe's haft extends into a lance for mounted charges, reflecting Veyne's knightly roots. He also wields a shield, "Mourning Ward," which absorbs Aura-based attacks and converts them into bursts of green energy to empower his strikes. Mourning Ward also has a twin barreled machine gun attached to the underside, allowing him a more traditional ranged attack. He can fire Blast or Fire Dust rounds from it, but has limited ammo.
Semblance: "Verdant Pact"
Veyne's Semblance, warped by his Grimm hybridization and inspired by Gawain's encounter with the Green Knight, grants him supernatural resilience tied to his life force. When struck, his wounds regenerate rapidly, fueled by Grimm essence, but each regeneration drains his humanity, making him more monstrous (eyes glowing redder, skin paling). He can temporarily transfer this resilience to nearby Grimm, bolstering their durability, but at the cost of his own stamina. Like Gawain's test, his Semblance comes with a price: overuse risks losing himself entirely to the Grimm within, a constant reminder of his pact with Salem. In combat, he uses this to endure near-fatal blows, striking back with terrifying ferocity. His fellow servants of Salem are tasked with pulling him back from being a mindless monster.
Appearance: Veyne is tall and imposing, with a knightly bearing marred by his Grimm nature. His once-golden hair is now streaked with ashen black, tied back in a severe knot. His eyes glow an eerie green, with faint red flecks when enraged. His pale skin bears dark, vein-like patterns from his hybridization, most visible across his arms and neck. Scars crisscross his torso, remnants of his war days and the Green Knight-like bargain that transformed him. His face, still handsome, carries a melancholic dignity.
Outfit: Veyne wears blackened, ornate armor reminiscent of a medieval knight but with a helmet and spiky pauldrons evoking the MS-07B Gouf from Mobile Suit Gundam. His green eyes glow in the darkness. It is etched with green patterns that glow faintly from Salem's magic. A tattered, dark green cloak flows behind him, singed at the edges, symbolizing his lost honor. His chestplate bears a faint outline of his old family crest—a stag—defaced by claw marks. Veyne's attire blends ceremonial grandeur with Salem's dark aesthetic, reflecting his noble yet corrupted soul.
Personality: Veyne is a dark reflection of Jaune Arc, blending Sir Gawain's chivalric honor with Norris Packard's tactical ruthlessness. He retains a knightly code—sparing the innocent, honoring fallen foes—but serves Salem with unwavering loyalty, believing her vision will end suffering. His dignity masks deep self-loathing; he sees himself as a failure who couldn't save his loved ones, driving his devotion to a world without loss. Like Packard, he's a tactical mastermind, orchestrating Grimm assaults with precision and exploiting enemy weaknesses with brutal efficiency. Yet, his nobility makes him conflicted: he respects strong and noble opponents, seeing echoes of his old self, but his paranoia and grief make him distrust even Salem's inner circle. Veyne is a tragic figure—charismatic, commanding, yet haunted, his pride in his skills warring with his shame over his fall.
Role in Salem's Forces: Veyne serves as Salem's field commander, leading Grimm hordes and hybrid operatives in surgical strikes against Remnant's kingdoms. His tactical genius makes him a nightmare on the battlefield, outmaneuvering Huntsmen and military forces alike. He's tasked with weakening Vale and its allies, often targeting key infrastructure or Huntsmen academies. Despite his loyalty, Salem keeps him on a tight leash, knowing his noble heart could waver if confronted with undeniable proof of her true nihilistic goals.
Connection to Sir Gawain and Norris Packard: Like Gawain, Veyne is a knight bound by a fateful bargain, his pact with Salem mirroring Gawain's deal with the Green Knight—a test of honor with a cost. His resilience and willingness to face death head-on reflect Gawain's courage, but his Grimm nature twists this into a monstrous endurance. From Packard, Veyne inherits a no-nonsense combat style and tactical brilliance, favoring bold, decisive strikes over prolonged engagements. His loss of Elyse parallels Jaune's fears of failing his team, but where Jaune grows through hope, Veyne descends into despair, embracing Salem's promise.
Motivations and Conflicts:

• Motivation: Veyne seeks to create Salem's deathless world, believing it will absolve his failure to save Elyse and his family. He fights to prove his strength and redeem his broken honor, even if it means serving a dark cause.
• Conflict: His lingering nobility clashes with his Grimm-fueled ruthlessness. Encounters with Ruby, Jaune or other idealistic Huntsmen stir doubts about Salem's path, but his guilt and fear of further loss bind him to her. He also fears losing his humanity entirely to his Semblance, dreading the day he becomes a mindless Grimm.

Notable Traits:

• Carries a locket with Elyse's portrait, which he touches before battles as a reminder of his purpose.
• Speaks in a measured, almost poetic tone, even when commanding Grimm, reflecting his knightly roots.
• Has a habit of sparing young warriors and women, seeing them as untainted by Remnant's failures, a trait that frustrates Salem's more ruthless lieutenants.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

So... At least for the purposes of my little verse for RWBY, Vale is like a mix of the US and Europe, while Atlas is like a mix of the US, Russia and Germany.
Culturally and technologically speaking. A number of Mistalian and Vacuoan powers can rival them, but at least in the last century Vale and Atlas have been the most stable and powerful nation-states on the planet. Vacuo had many past glories but fell apart, and Mistral has several powerful sub-kingdoms but they're only loosely in a confederation of a kingdom. And Menagerie is thriving but still isn't on the level of the Big Four, even with Vacuo's issues. Not yet.

Which raises a few possibilities: One, Jacques makes a lot of his money with the SDC and slave labor in the easiest way possible. Just like modern megacorps, he uses slave labor in the parts of Vacuo, Mistral and Menagerie that are lawless. So that makes more sense why he can get away with his shit. Atlas and Vale are powerful but they can't police the world.

Two, Menagerie is pretty big. While Ghira and Kali's government may have driven out the SDC, there would have been Faunus loyal to the old regimes because they were getting rich off Faunus slave labor. So you can have various rogue Faunus warlords in Menagerie and elsewhere who work with the SDC to get rich, just like Third World Warlords do in our world.

Hell, some of them might be working with the more radical elements of the White Fang. The reveal that the White Fang is not only working with terrorists to destabilize the world and kill millions of people with Grimm, AND are exploiting their own people for money and power from the SDC, would be enough for Blake and Sun to get the political clout needed to dissolve the White Fang and to lead an army to help humanity. There.

Yes it's cliche but that's still a step above how Menagerie was handled in canon and gives you a lot more options.

 

[SharkCultist]

So I'm going to combine a few characters here to give Weiss a.....fan? Not quite sure how to put it. (It's my apology for making her a addict in the last idea)

---

Name: Maurice (no last name) - known as Manic

Species: faunus (hedgehog)

Aura: awakened (green coloration)

Semblance: converts electricity to speed boost (basically Nora's semblance but for speed instead of strength with a very minor bit of electrical manipulation)

Faunus trait: quills mixed into his hair (has been noted to also have sharp teeth. Unknown if there's any relation to him being a faunus)

Hair: green

Eyes: electric blue

Weapon: reinforced green flying V guitar with a electrical generator in it. (Secondary equipment seems to be a old homemade belt made out of copper wire and lighting dist tasers)

Clothing: green ripped jeans and a black leather jacket with a green flame pattern around the sleeves, black Steel toed boots

Bio: Manic is a a guy with a good heart he's just a bit abrasive and brash. Orphaned at a young age he spent the better part of his developmental years taking care of his siblings so he's not the most book smart guy. But you need a roof retiled or a thug chased off he's your man....teenager.

He's got the name manic for one simple reason. He's the only faunus openly supportive of a schnee, sure it's just Weiss but to the rest of the faunus a schnee is a schnee.

It hasn't helped his reputation that manic has known to get violently defensive of her and people badmouthing her. To the point he's actually taken down a few white fang cells. Nobody but manic knows where this fierce loyalty comes from.

Manic remembers being a half starved faunus kid sneaking onto the grounds of a rich person manor to get food and medicine for him and his siblings who all had terrible fevers. He remembers getting caught by a little girl with white hair and the bluest eyes he's ever seen. He remembers her loading his arms with pilfered food stuffs and enough money for him to get good medicine even with the "faunus tax". He remembers and he'll never forget.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Technical Profile: AD-Venture Capitalist

• Type: Luxury Yacht/Command Airship
• Manufacturer: Schnee Dust Corporation (primary design and funding); Nachfolger Industries (engineering and construction)
• Origin: Atlas
• Role: Private luxury transport, corporate command platform, prestige display, defensive operations
• First Deployment: Year 76 Post-Great War
• Cost: Exorbitant (bespoke materials, rare Dust variants, and cutting-edge technology)
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 60 meters
  • Width: 22 meters (including aerodynamic stub wings)
  • Height: 15 meters
  • Weight: 35,000 kg (unladen); 50,000 kg (max takeoff)
• Crew: 15 (2 pilots, 2 navigators, 1 command officer, 2 gunners, 2 Dust technicians, 8 service staff); up to 20 passengers (VIPs, corporate executives, or Huntsmen escorts)
• Cargo: 18,000 pounds (luxury goods, Dust reserves, or personal effects)
• Powerplant: Three Gravity Dust Reactors (silent, high-efficiency lift, augmented with Crystal Dust for aesthetic glow); two Combustion Dust turbines for thrust
• Performance:
  • Top Speed: 220 mph (354 km/h)
  • Service Ceiling: 26,000 feet
  • Range: 1,000 miles (extendable to 1,400 miles with external Dust pods)
• Armament:
  • 1 x Nachfolger Mk. VI 20mm Dust-Accelerated Autocannon (retractable, roof-mounted, Fire and Ice Dust rounds, 700 rounds/min)
  • 20 x Concealed Vertical Missile Launch Tubes (Hard-Light Dust guided rockets, Lightning Dust EMP missiles, Ice Dust suppression bombs)
  • 2 x Concealed Heavy Machine Guns (8mm, Gravity Dust-enhanced, 1,500 rounds/min, AI or crew-operated, hidden in hull panels)
  • 1 x Anti-Grimm Sonic Disruptor Array (80-meter radius, disorients lesser Grimm)
• Defenses:
  • Reinforced titanium-ceramic hull with Crystal Dust-infused plating (resistant to 15mm rounds and Grimm claws, with aesthetic shimmer)
  • Dual-Layer Hardlight Dust Shielding System (sustains 10 minutes of moderate bombardment)
  • Countermeasure Drones (Crystal Dust flares and Hard-Light decoys for visual elegance and Grimm deterrence)
  • Anti-Grimm Sonic Field (continuous low-frequency pulse, 100-meter radius, deters smaller Grimm)
  • Electronic Countermeasures (ECM): Dust-powered jammers to disrupt enemy targeting systems
• Avionics:
  • "Crystal Nexus" Command Suite (thermal, Dust-signature, and motion detection; tracks up to 30 targets for defensive operations)
  • AI-Assisted Defense System (optimizes targeting and countermeasure deployment; prioritizes non-lethal deterrence)
  • Secure Comms Array (encrypted links to SDC headquarters, Atlas command, and private networks)
  • Holographic Display Interface (Crystal Dust-powered, for corporate briefings and navigation)
• Special Features:
  • Luxury Deck: Opulent interior with marble flooring, Dust-infused chandeliers (Crystal Dust for ambiance), private suites, a banquet hall, and a panoramic observation lounge with Hard-Light windows
  • Modular Command Suite: Configurable for corporate meetings, diplomatic negotiations, or emergency Huntsmen operations
  • Dust Refueling Probe: Mid-air Dust canister swaps for extended travel
  • Amphibious Sealing: Sealed hull for water landings and limited submersion (up to 2 meters) for coastal retreats
  • Aura Nexus Core: Amplifies passenger Aura for comfort and minor combat support
  • Stealth Coating: Crystal Dust-based hull paint reduces radar signature and enhances visual elegance
  • Automated Service Drones: Dust-powered robots for catering, cleaning, and guest services
  • Escape Yacht: Compact, Dust-powered sub-vessel (seats 6) for emergency evacuation

---

Design Philosophy and DevelopmentThe AD-Venture Capitalist was commissioned by Jacques Schnee to embody the Schnee Dust Corporation's wealth and influence, serving as both a private yacht for leisure and a mobile corporate headquarters. Nachfolger Industries, known for its performance-driven designs, collaborated with SDC to blend opulence with combat-ready survivability, ensuring Jacques could travel Remnant's skies in safety and style. The airship's modest size balances prestige with a lower target profile, avoiding the overt aggression of larger military vessels. Development took 36 months, with Nachfolger adapting their military spec Gravity Dust reactors and Hardlight Dust systems for luxury and defense. The hull incorporates rare Crystal Dust for a shimmering aesthetic, while the interior features bespoke craftsmanship—marble, velvet, and Dust-infused decor. Tested in controlled Atlasian airspace and against simulated Grimm attacks, the AD-Venture Capitalist proved its ability to withstand threats while maintaining elegance. Its high cost reflects its bespoke nature, reserved exclusively for Jacques and select SDC elites.

---

Capabilities in Remnant's Context

• Luxury Transport: The AD-Venture Capitalist is Jacques' personal palace in the sky, offering unmatched comfort for corporate retreats, diplomatic missions, or leisure trips. Its observation lounge and banquet hall host high-profile guests, while automated service drones cater to every whim.
• Command and Control: The modular command suite doubles as a corporate boardroom or tactical hub, coordinating SDC operations or Huntsmen escorts. The "Crystal Nexus" suite tracks threats and allies, ensuring Jacques' safety during travel.
• Defensive Firepower: Though not a primary combat vessel, its 20mm autocannon and hardpoint munitions deter aerial Grimm or rogue airships. Concealed machine guns and sonic arrays handle smaller threats, preserving the airship's pristine exterior.
• Survivability: The titanium-ceramic hull and dual-layer Aura shields withstand moderate attacks, while Crystal Dust stealth coating and ECM reduce its visibility. Countermeasure drones add flair and function, deterring Grimm without compromising aesthetics.
• Strategic Reach: A 1,000-mile range (1,400 with Dust pods) and 26,000-foot ceiling enable transcontinental travel, from Atlas' elite circles to Mistral's trade hubs. Amphibious sealing supports landings on private coastal estates.
• Psychological Impact: The airship's shimmering hull and grandiose design project SDC's dominance, intimidating rivals and reinforcing Jacques' status. Its presence signals untouchable wealth, even in Remnant's dangerous skies.

 

[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.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Pre-Great War: The Rise of Mantle and later Atlas

The continent of Solitas, a harsh and frigid land, was initially sparsely populated by nomadic tribes and small settlements of native Solitas peoples who survived the cold and relentless Grimm incursions through resilience and ingenuity. Long before the Great War, the Kingdom of Mantle emerged as the dominant power on Solitas, centered around a fortified city that leveraged Dust deposits and technological innovation to thrive in the unforgiving environment. Mantle's early success attracted attention from other kingdoms—Vale, Mistral, and Vacuo—who saw Solitas as a frontier for expansion and resource exploitation.

During this period, several colonies were established across Solitas, primarily by Mistral and Vale, with some Vacuoan influence. These colonies, often founded to exploit Solitas' rich Dust veins and strategic coastal access, evolved into distinct cultural and political entities over time, and gained their independence from their mother kingdoms by various means. The oldest of these was Indrik, a Mistralian-Hellenic colony that intermingled with native Solitas tribes. Indrik's advanced infrastructure and martial traditions made it a regional power, though its history was marred by violent revolutions. Despite these upheavals, Indrik's strong Russian-inspired culture and resilience against both Grimm and human conflicts earned it respect as a cornerstone of Solitas' power structure.

Other colonies joined with Mantle:

• Rana Niejta, founded by native Solitas peoples who adopted the Tablebreaker religion, became a Finnish-inspired constitutional monarchy. It joined Mantle willingly, seeking protection from Grimm and economic stability.
• Midgard, a Germanic-Norse based Valean settlement with Mistralian immigrant influence, developed into a democratic state heavily controlled by its Dust-powered electric company, reflecting corporate dominance akin to modern conglomerates (with some inspiration from Midgard from Final Fantasy VII).
• Sedna, a former Valean-Mistralian colony that mixed extensively with its natives, emerged as a naval power with Inuit and Hellenic influence, particularly in its system of governance. Its commonwealth system, which elected kings to oversee its fishing and maritime industries, made it a vital economic player.
• Hyperborea, a Vacuoan-Valean colony, formed a rough republic modeled on Colonial Spain and Rome, with a martial culture that elected dictators during crises. Its name, drawn from myths of the "utter north," reflected its rugged identity. (Influence by the Conan the Barbarian stories).
• Balto, established later by exiled remnants of Mantle's military after the Great War, would not emerge until the post-war period. It became akin to the young United States with its republic style of government and focus on the individual.

Mantle, as the central power, began consolidating these colonies into a loose federation to coordinate defense against the Grimm and manage Solitas' resources. However, tensions arose due to Mantle's authoritarian tendencies, which clashed with the diverse governance systems of its colonies.

The Great War and Mantle's Transformation

The Great War (approximately 80 years before the events of RWBY) was a turning point for Mantle. As one of the four major kingdoms, Mantle allied with Mistral against Vale and Vacuo, driven by territorial ambitions and a desire to control global Dust trade routes, as well as spread Utopianism: The philosophy of suppression and control of emotions to prevent Grimm attacks. Mantle's initial technological superiority, including early airships and Dust-based weaponry, gave it an edge, but its provinces were strained by the war effort. Indrik and Sedna provided significant military and naval support, while Rana Niejta and Hyperborea contributed resources and fighters. Midgard, however, leveraged its corporate influence to profit from Dust exports, causing friction with Mantle's central government.

The war's conclusion, with Vale's victory and the signing of the Vytal Peace Accords, forced Mantle to relinquish its authoritarian policies, including its suppression of individuality and emotion. The loss of the war also led to internal upheaval, with Mantle's military fracturing. A group of exiled soldiers, disillusioned with Mantle's leadership, founded Balto in the southeast, along Solitas' coast. Balto's dual government—split between a civilian system inspired by an idealized United States and a military council—reflected its desire to balance martial tradition with democratic ideals.

In the wake of the Great War, Mantle restructured itself into the Kingdom of Atlas, named after the new capital city that rose as a beacon of innovation and progress. Atlas sought to unify Solitas' disparate sub-kingdoms into a formal federation, granting them semi-autonomy while maintaining centralized control over military and Dust production. The Atlas Academy, established to train Huntsmen and Huntresses, became a symbol of this new era, though its emphasis on military discipline over individual Huntsmen training set it apart from other kingdoms.

The Atlas Federation: Structure and Dynamics

The Atlas Federation, as it came to be known, comprises the central city of Atlas (formerly Mantle) and its five major sub-kingdoms: Indrik, Rana Niejta, Midgard, Sedna, and Hyperborea, with Balto joining later as a semi-independent partner. Each sub-kingdom retains its own governance and cultural identity but contributes to Atlas' collective defense and economy:

• Indrik, with its Russian-inspired culture, serves as the federation's industrial and cultural backbone with Atlas/Mantle as its capital, producing advanced Dust technology and maintaining a disciplined military. Its history of revolutions has made it wary of centralized Atlas control, leading to occasional tensions. It was slow to adopt democratic government.
• Rana Niejta, under its constitutional monarchy, provides agricultural and spiritual stability, with its Tablebreaker faith fostering unity among Solitas' native populations. Its Hunters are often religiously motivated, serving as protectors of sacred sites.
• Midgard, ruled by its electric company, dominates Dust energy production, making it a key economic player. Its democratic facade masks corporate oligarchy, and its Mistralian-Norse culture blends tradition with modernity. Jacques Schnee has massive influence here.
• Sedna, with its naval dominance, controls Solitas' maritime trade and fishing industries. Its elected kings maintain a delicate balance between autonomy and loyalty to Atlas, often mediating disputes among the sub-kingdoms.
• Hyperborea, with its martial republic, supplies fierce warriors and leaders who thrive in crisis. Its elected dictators, chosen during Grimm surges or external threats, have occasionally challenged Atlas' authority.
• Balto, the newest member, operates as a semi-independent ally rather than a fully integrated sub-kingdom. Its small but elite military, modeled after Atlas' but with less emphasis on Huntsmen, focuses on coastal defense and anti-Grimm operations. Balto's civilian government, with its elected Senate, Judges, and President, contrasts with Atlas' military-dominated council, leading to ideological friction.

The Atlas Federation is governed by a High Council, with with representatives from each sub-kingdom. The council oversees Dust allocation, Grimm defense strategies, and foreign relations, but internal politics are fraught with competing interests. Indrik and Sedna often push for greater autonomy, while Midgard's corporate influence sways economic decisions. Hyperborea's martial culture aligns closely with Atlas' military, but Balto's independent streak and democratic ideals make it an outlier.

By the time of the RWBY series, the Atlas Federation is a complex entity: a technological marvel and military juggernaut, yet internally divided by its sub-kingdoms' competing agendas. The rise of threats like Salem and global tensions with other kingdoms further test the federation's unity, with each sub-kingdom contributing uniquely to Atlas' response.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

General Layout

Mount Glenn is a planned city with a radial design, centered around Vorn Tower and organized into concentric zones for residential, industrial, and defensive purposes. The city spans both surface and subterranean levels, leveraging the valley's terrain and Dust vein.

Surface Level

• Shape: Circular, with concentric rings of development radiating from Vorn Tower at the center. The city is divided into districts connected by Dust-powered monorails and wide boulevards.
• Outer Perimeter: Reinforced Grimm-proof walls (steel and Dust-infused concrete) encircle the city, studded with automated turrets and sonic barriers to repel Grimm. Watchtowers with early AI systems monitor for threats.
• Districts:
  • Central District (Vorn's Vision): The heart of the city, home to Vorn Tower, public plazas, and cultural institutions. Designed to inspire awe with holographic billboards, fountains, and lush parks maintained by Dust-fueled climate control.
  • Residential Districts: Radiating outward, these house settlers in sleek apartment blocks and family homes. Each district has schools, medical centers, and community halls to foster a utopian society.
  • Industrial District: Located near the valley's edge, this zone contains Dust refineries, robotic factories, and storage facilities. It's less ornate but heavily automated, with robotic workers managing production.
  • Transit Hub: A network of monorail stations connects districts, with elevated tracks offering scenic views of the city's spires. The hub links to the underground transit tunnels leading to Vale.
• Green Spaces: Interspersed throughout, with artificial forests and lakes powered by Dust climate control, creating an illusion of natural beauty within a fortified city.

Subterranean Level

• Dust Nexus: A massive reactor complex at the city's core, channeling the Dust vein's energy to power the city's infrastructure, defenses, and experiments. It's a labyrinth of pipes, generators, and control rooms, heavily guarded and automated.
• Transit Tunnels: Wide, reinforced tunnels for rail-based transport to Vale and resource extraction. These become death traps during the fall, when Grimm overrun them and Vale seals them with a train bomb.
• Merlot's Hidden Labs: Secret facilities built by Doctor Merlot beneath the Dust Nexus, used for his Grimm mutation experiments. These labs, filled with vats and containment units, are where the mutant Grimm originate, breaching containment to trigger the city's collapse.

Key Landmarks

1. Vorn Tower:
   • Description: A towering skyscraper of steel and glass, Elias Vorn's headquarters and the city's centerpiece. It features a penthouse for Vorn, research labs, and a panoramic observation deck symbolizing his vision.
   • Design: Sleek and futuristic, with green and gold accents (Vale's colors). Holographic displays project Vorn's speeches across the city.
   • Role in Downfall: Vorn's final stand occurs here, broadcasting defiance as Grimm overrun the city. He dies in the tower, crushed by rubble or killed by a mutant Grimm.
2. Dust Nexus:
   • Description: A subterranean reactor system, the largest of its kind, powering Mount Glenn's lights, defenses, and climate control. It's a technological marvel, with automated systems and glowing Dust conduits.
   • Role in Downfall: Merlot's experiments destabilize the Nexus, disabling defenses and allowing Grimm to pour in.
3. Central Plaza:
   • Description: A grand public space with fountains, statues of Vorn and his family, and holographic billboards promoting his vision. Surrounded by cultural buildings (theater, museum, library).
   • Role in Downfall: Becomes a chaotic evacuation point as settlers flee, later overrun by Grimm.
4. Grimm-Proof Walls and Defenses:
   • Description: Multi-layered walls with sonic barriers (proven to repel Grimm), automated turrets, and robotic sentries. Watchtowers use early AI to predict Grimm movements.
   • Role in Downfall: Merlot's mutant Grimm bypass the sonic barriers, and the AI fails to adapt, allowing a breach.
5. Monorail Network:
   • Description: Elevated tracks crisscrossing the city, connecting districts and linking to the transit tunnels. Sleek, Dust-powered trains provide efficient transport.
   • Role in Downfall: Monorails are abandoned as settlers flee on foot or via tunnels, which become overrun.
6. Merlot's Labs:
   • Description: Hidden beneath the Dust Nexus, these labs contain vats for Grimm mutation, powered by the Dust vein. They're secretive, with restricted access even to Vorn's inner circle.
   • Role in Downfall: The epicenter of the catastrophe, where Merlot's experiments create unstoppable mutant Grimm.

---

Design and Features

• Aesthetic: A blend of fairy-tale optimism and industrial might. Soaring spires, glass domes, and green-gold color schemes evoke Vale's pride, while underground systems and heavy defenses reflect pragmatism. Parks and artificial skies create a utopian facade.
• Technology:
  • Automation: Robotic workers handle mining, construction, and maintenance. Early AI predicts Grimm attacks, though it's imperfect.
  • Dust Integration: The Dust vein powers everything—climate control for artificial weather, sonic barriers for defense, and monorails for transit. The Dust Nexus is the city's heart.
  • Surveillance: Drones and cameras enforce the Citizen Contract, a pledge of loyalty to Vorn's vision, ensuring no dissent or outside influence.
• Cultural Features:
  • Propaganda: Holographic billboards and Vorn's speeches promote Mount Glenn as humanity's salvation. Schools teach his philosophy, and art (inspired by Lila Flores) glorifies the city.
  • Community: Designed to attract families, artists, and engineers, with promises of safety and prosperity. Unlike mercenary-driven colonies, it fosters a sense of purpose.
• Defensive Systems:
  • Sonic Barriers: High-frequency emitters repel standard Grimm, a Merlot innovation.
  • Turrets and Sentries: Automated weapons target intruders, but they're calibrated for normal Grimm, not Merlot's mutants.
  • Underground Design: Subterranean districts enhance defense, with artificial day/night cycles to maintain morale.