Count Valos

Gidarch Sherana Valos
Red hot mad, blue.
Age	Adult
Species	Dark Elf
Sex	Male
Height	6'10.5 (slouching)
Weight	687 pounds
Background
Series	Final Fantasy 4
Combat Styles	Martial Artist, Geokinetic
Hometown	Magnes Chasm (Not to be confused with the Lodestone Cavern)
Group	Unaffiliated
Occupation/Job	Transient Philosopher
Force:	Wandering Force
Theme Song	"An Englishman in New York" by Sting
Quote
"I know you better than you know yourself. The pain you feel you've brought deservedly on yourself by way of your self-entitlements; until you realize you are the instrument of your own destruction, instead of blaming others, you will never escape your agony!"
Recent Events
On an exodus towards Mullonde, and instead finding mud.

Personality

Slight case of narcissistic personality disorder crossed with a much higher degree of nihilism, cynicism and stoicism, simply put. Count Gidarch Valos takes some pride in his intellectual competence, to the point that he'll sometimes goad others into an argument if he sees a minor flaw in their speech that he can capitalize upon as a means to humble, or lecture them; this is often for the sake of polishing his own wit, but also to emphasize his supremacy in the realm of philosophy. Unobtrusive until interrupted, he doesn't venture into others' lives until he's been affected first, at which point he'll try to spread the influence of his belief system in the name of establishing balance the world over. Generally, Gidarch sees violence as barbaric and uncivilized, the tool of the ignorant to impose their will when their cognitively generated rationale has proven itself insufficient to convince or convert others. Overall, he perceives himself as one who has transcended to having more evolved sensibilities, despite the fact that compassion is not part of his standard protocol- simultaneously, anger is shelved for the same reason.... they both obscure vision from objectivity.

Background

Count Gidarch aspired towards greatness, and fell from grace when he experimented in petrification spells, wherein he was permanently transformed into a man whose composition was primarily one of stone. To teach him a lesson, he was cast into the sea repeatedly, forced to adopt a 'sink or swim' methodology, and his outlook changed from one of pretentiousness to being slightly more modest in nature, yet still with an underlying thirst for superiority. Eventually, though, he came to conclude that aggression was the instrument of those who had no intellectual recourse, and abandoned the ways of his people in favor of a more neutral outlook that tied in to a more balanced approach towards existence. As he lived by the seaside, he learned to subsist primarily off of vegetation over protein, so as to minimize the damage he would inevitably inflict. With fewer entitlements beyond merely existing, Count Valos was able to become liberated from the imprisoning cravings that dominated other beings who succumbed to their instincts. It was not long after he imposed upon himself a state of exile that the darkness consumed the world, and he would then spend his days educating himself as to the nature of the world in which he thrived.

Abilities/Weaknesses

Geokinesis- As a member of the nobility of the dark elven Gon Clan, and as an inheritor of the skills of those who are versed in the ways of the Earth Crystal, Gidarch can manipulate terran matter; this doesn't apply to all of nature, it mainly applies to minerals and metals; though, just as he had petrified himself, he can use pyritization on some organisms, even if success is never guaranteed. He has an especially strong persuasion over magnetism, and can reduce or increase the weight of metals for as long as he focuses on them. The Count can even yank weapons out of people's hands, but this stunt is subject to consent, and on an OOC level, if someone loses a weapon, they'll merely be asked to negate abilities that are dependent on their stolen tools, until said items are reclaimed. With adequate time, he can also mold objects of metal and mineral, but this isn't combat applicable, because of the amount of concentration is needed to exert such intense persuasive power over such elements.

Flight/Levitation- Gidarch has a suit of silver armor that when worn, can be targeted by his magnetic powers in order to help him move freely through the air.

Auditory Prowess- Count Valos doesn't need to 'see' using visible light, he can use a (real world) human technique called Flash-Sonar which allows him to hear/feel vibrations that reflect off of objects. He isn't blind, but in poorly illuminated environments, this power will help him navigate without falling into pits and the like. His ability to distinguish the pitch and decibel level of sounds that reverberate off of an object of person can clue him in to the identity of said entity, but as is the case with dark elves' hearing sensitivity, the presence of loud background sound can disrupt Gidarch's ability to detect aspects of his environment accurately- this may be yet another reason he avoids massive warzones, or concerts alike.

Aquatic Expert- Gidarch knows all about dowsing, and has a profound knowledge of marine plants, as well as water-based animals. This includes information pertaining to what kinds of nutrients certain plants need, and what behaviors animals tend to exhibit. The Count can also use his control over the earthen element to bring water forth from within the ground, as needed.

Auto-Stone- The Count can turn himself into stone upon being knocked out, and can stay that way for some time, unless a curative is used. When changed completely into stone at will, he can prevent reverting to normal even if curatives are used on him; as a petrified statue, though, Gidarch can't effect others, nor can he be effected in turn. This takes a turn to use when employed consciously, so Gidarch can't skip over an enemy's turn and give himself a second one consecutively. To note, his defense and magic-defense are on the substantial side because of his perpetual state of semi-petrification, so even when not in his completely mineralized condition, he takes much less damage than most others. By the same token, he tends to be a little on the slow side unless he exerts himself, because of his abundance in density and weight.

Mental Resilience- Gidarch's psychological/emotional state can't be influenced easily by magics, or by unnatural methods, through the medium of verbal assault notwitstanding. Mind-control and the like will have a fairly questionable success rate. Additionally, using his power of refocusing his mind, he can resist pain to an obscene degree.

Martial Arts- As a monk, Gidarch is knowledgable in accessing pressure points to maximize damage/pain and even paralyze his opponents. Full-body paralysis is an OOC ability that can only be accessed with the consent of the intended victim. As weapons go, rather than making use of the Red Eagle Spear, the Hook Sword, or other traditional Shaolin-esque tools, Count Valos has incorporated the great axe into his technique.

Melodic Menace- Harmonic sounds from magical musical instruments can disrupt Gidarch's train of thought, and unbalance him. This can impair his control over magnetism, magic, and even decrease his physical proficiency.

Greased Lithium- Like any good living suit of armor, with the most proverbial example being the Tin Man, who hails from literature from the world of earth, Valos needs regular maintenance. Technically, he could be called a 'stone drow' because he's composed heavily of mineralized matter; as such, he needs to 'oil' himself. Typical disposable items such as Gold Needles aren't sufficient, since Gidarch is petrified on a permanent basis, and can therefore not be restored to a wholly flesh status, but he does use magical artifacts enchanted by his soulmate, in order to help him retain mobility. Obviously, regents are needed to endow softening properties, so Gidarch either buys them from oddball vendors dealing in unusual wares, or he sends his loyal servant to fetch them. Much to the displeasure of Valos (but helpful on an OOC level for his player to get him more involved), this means that he must interact with others in order to procure the necessary goods to stay in optimal condition.

Acquaintances

Angantyr Vespar: "Yet another excessively exuberant one. You should consider coupling with Miss Redsraven."

Avira: "Whether or not you ever decide to flee from a battle, nobody can call you spineless."

Faruja Senra: "I am grateful. Try to curb your 'enthusiasm' in the future, though, please. If Morrighan had fallen victim to the executioner's axe, you would have fallen victim to mine."

Hades: "I suppose your inability to maintain order within a tournament does not disqualify your competence.... I hear tell you oversee the land of the dead- I can not imagine that the primates who you supervise are much less a headache in the afterlife as they are in this one."

Isaac Hanlon : "Stay away from me."

Morrighan Alazne: "You may not understand my motivations for allying with Glabados, thus leading you to have doubts about me, but I do not regret it; I had no other means to protect you. Faruja was my one connection in this world enabling me to become part of a more formidable mechanism."

Katyna Redsvaren: "One of these days, I hope you ask me a relevant question."

Priel Aylin: "If so confident in your ability to defeat me by way of exploiting my supposed arrogance you are, then why be so hesitant to stand your ground and subvert me here and now? Your boasts are as hollow as the Bastion belonging to the Shadow Lords!"

Rhiannon Zellen: "This, by the by, in no way, shape, or form, puts us on good terms, personally; if you make good on your promise, I will revere you as reliable as far as contracts are concerned, but you shall receive no deference beyond that."

Sarafina Carenze: "The severely mentally disabled are not supposed to wander around alone, I hope your chaperone finds you...."

Will Sherman: "You showed distaste towards those who have judged you by appearance; if one were to evaluate you based on your level of self-discipline, then immaturity is still intrinsic to your manner, ergo, what difference does it make if they patronize you?"

Zia: "This one is quite impressive in her open mindedness towards alternate outlooks.... If she actually understands them is still an unknown."

OOC Notes

UPDATE: Because of certain situations and people who have inconvenienced me, despite my attempts to weed out immaturity and drama, I am unfortunately having to institute a new policy for those seeking to RP with me. From now on, in general, if I am not acting in an unlawful manner, I expect you to not page me, period. I will page you first, if I wish RP, but first I will ask your permission to speak to you. If you decline, I will respect your wishes and never contact you again. Upon the mutual agreeing that we can speak to each other on a case by case basis, I will most likely try to arrange a scene. But under no circumstances are you to ever contact me first, if it is not due to my somehow having violated policy, or due to legal matters. Only a few people know who are allowed to contact me initially, and they know who they are. I am truly, tired of the passive-aggressiveness of some of the people on this game(I won't name names), and from now on, you shall all have to earn my trust to be allowed to speak with me, because there is no way for me to otherwise verify that you are not wasting my time on this planet, which is, unfortunately(or fortunately?) limited. I am sorry to have to impose this rule upon myself, but these are now my personal boundaries, and I ask you respect my wishes. Good day to you, then, and I hope that whether or not you ever RP with me, that you enjoy what RP you do have on Final Kingdom.

Logs

Seeking the Truth	April 6th, 2013	Count Valos has indicated that a man named Father Bouhr is responsible for sending the letter that warned the heretic Ramza Beoulve of his impending capture. Ophelia sets about to discover the truth of this with a little old fashioned interrogation.
First Blood Is The Loser	March 30th, 2013	Faruja interrogates Gidarch Valos in Mullonde's maximum security prison. The Burmecian draws blood first, yet, the dark one is he who controls the flow of the fight up until the very end.
The Right Answer To The Wrong Question	March 22nd, 2013	Gidarch Valos and Cressida deliver supplies to Morrighan's estate. Scheming to have himself deliberately booted from her home, a moment of weakness causes Valos' plans to require improvisation. In spite of this, Morrighan is absolved of any misconduct when Gidarch confesses to his consummation of sabotage, and Cressida chaperones him to the Glabados officials for justice; all the while, neither Cressida or Morrighan can ascertain the method to his madness.
A Benign Proposition	March 20th, 2013	Count Valos makes a benign offer to Ramza Beoulve.
Lust Goes To The Tallest Bidder	March 8th, 2013	Gidarch Valos is instructed to accompany Morrighan to the marketplace to procure supplies she needs, but he acts avoidant during the entire excursion. Upon returning to her manor, she discovers he was fighting an internal conflict that she aggravates all the more, when she offers him something he can just barely manage to refuse.
What Would You Say, If You A Mousie On A Chain?	March 4th, 2013	Faruja invites Morrighan to negotiate terms for her induction into Glabados. Because of the rodent's penchant for mouthing off, Gidarch Valos, technically beneath Faruja in rank, is charged with the task of keeping the Burmecian on a leash; albeit, he must do it in a suggestive, humble manner, since Faruja supersedes his authority.
Summoning of The Fiend: Earth	February 14th, 2013	Morrighan, acting under her own machinations, sets about creating a network of magic draining glyphs, all leading to the Iifa Tree. With a little help from a magic artifact, she performs a ritual to summon a dark force to her side. Needless to say, many take issue with this notion.
Rock And Ruby	February 4th, 2013	Priel sits on a crate atop of some prime real estate, and Valos wants a 'piece' of the action.... action that is unbeknownst to Priel, even to -be- in existence, in the first place!
Hades Cup: Qualifying Event - TOURNAMENT OF STRENGTH	January 25th, 2013	A contest of strength!
How To Get Blood From A Stone	January 12th, 2013	Rhiannon strikes a deal with Valos after having subjected him to a game of Twenty Questions.
Of Mice and Drow-Men	January 5th, 2013	Faruja and Count Valos discuss philosophy. Heresy is bordered on.
Hobo and the Dark Elf	December 21st, 2012	Will attempts to get help from the people of Mullonde about his current situation...and runs into Count Valos.
Turning to Stone	December 20th, 2012	On a visit to Mullonde, Count Valos encounters a real gargoyle amongst the statues, and a conversation about the prospect of turning to living stone commences.
The Quicksand And The Almost Dead	December 10th, 2012	Gidarch Valos is besieged by the sounds of the natural world, while in a jungle, and topples into a quagmire. Without the aid of his metallic armor with which to magnetize, he must rely on Morrighan Alazne's benevolent nature to emancipate him from his otherwise dire destiny.

Cutscenes

Bombs Away.... To Another District

March 20th, 2013

A Glabados official conspires to set a chain of events in motion.