Count Valos
| Gidarch Sherana Valos | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Age | Adult |
| Species | Dark Elf |
| Sex | Male |
| Height | 6'10.5 (slouching) |
| Weight | 689 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 | Logician |
| Force: | Wandering Force |
| Theme Song | "Indifference" by Pearl Jam |
| Quote | |
| "Without adequate data, I know nothing, truly. But, what is there that is to be known? That, I also know not." | |
| Recent Events | |
| No longer officially serving Glabados due to having had at least so much as a minor role in the sabotage of Ramza's ambush, Gidarch lives in Mullonde, but has been relieved of his post, and bears the status of a second-class citizen. | |
Contents
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, which he seeks to polish without relent, due to a case of obsessive compulsive disorder. 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.
Relationships
If Valos were confronted by others, and he were to be besieged by their quotes, these would likely be his responses(All in good fun; this applies to people who he's met, only)
Avira: "...you'd be surprised what you can accomplish when you want to survive."
Valos: "I wager it takes more to surprise me than you might think, unless you're a mind reader."
Cressida: "I will make my own destiny and create my own future!" Valos: "How arrogant."
Faruja: "Though abominations stalk every city and hamlet, Heresy works its insidious poison into hearts and souls, and greedy Kings and Nobles consume ‘till their bellies burst, we must have faith! For Faram and His Servants of the Divine Son will cleanse these evils!" Valos: "Hasn't Faram already had several centuries to try to get the job done properly, by way of your organization?"
Katyna: "I will depend on no ones strength but my own. In the end, I am all that I can count on!" Valos: "Do you raise your own crops, and did you build your own quarters where you dwell?"
Kuja: "The weak lose their freedom to the strong. Such is the way of the strong. And it is the providence of nature that only the strong survive." Valos: "Only the strong survive, you so boldly claim... Does this also include the strong who fall victim to bad luck, and die by mishap, allowing the more fortunate, yet weaker individuals to ascend into their stead?"
Morrighan: "I have far bigger goals in mind than you can even hope to imagine. All you have to do is stay out of my way. Or is that too much for your peasant mind to comprehend?" Valos: "Yet, you imagine that I hoped to imagine what you have in mind to begin with.... How presumptuous."
Priel Aylin: "Everyone is useful in some way. You just have to figure out how to use them~" Valos: "Most people don't even know how to make use of themselves, to attain happiness, let alone others...."
Ramza: "I have no wish to change the world. But nor can I stand by while men suffer and die on the whim of some select few." Valos: "What you wish is irrelevant, the very presence of that which exists assists in the unavoidable changes that come as a result of the nature of matter, and the shifting of time."
Rhiannon Zellen: "Oh hello! Have you come to be dissected?" Valos: "I've come to reclaim that which is mine, that is in your possession....."
Rosemarie: Now sugarplum, if that's what you wanted why didn't you say so? Of course, it might be a little extra... Valos: (Not applicable, Valos always says exactly what he desires to begin with, with virtually perfect accuracy.)
Sarafina: "Even in this form, I will live with duty and honor." Valos: "I'll leave myself a memo to care, once I learn how to do so."
Zia: "Sometimes, when yer path isnae clear. All you can do is close yer eyes and go where the wind takes ye." Valos: "Go tell that to someone who doesn't have eyes, or eyelids, if you'd be so kind."
RP HOOKS
(Those wishing to accept Valos' challenge are invited to seek him out; it can be assumed that his alleged lunacy is becoming more renowned as days go by, and besides being particularly infamous in Mullonde and Flourgis, his name is becoming known in other circles, as well.)
Because of his recent rant whilst inside the interrogation chamber, in which Faruja Senra coerced Valos to speak of his benefactor, the church has taken disciplinary action to disqualify the claims made by the nobleman, and to discredit his views so as to negate the possibility that others might flock to his banner. Designating him as legally insane, the church also made an effort to get him to recall for the scribes, to a moderate extent, an approximation of what he proclaimed to Faruja, so as to assure that it would serve to encourage his alienation, by way of the stigmatism that would be garnered from a decree embodying the caliber of arrogance of the airs put on by Gidarch Valos when reciting his announcement. The church expects public humiliation to be one of the best methods to ostracize misguided souls; Glabados is of the hope that most citizens will perceive him as a madman who thinks others beneath himself(aside from the strange self-destructive attitude he seems to have, which the officials believe will scare off their followers), effectively appalling them, thus dissuading anyone from bothering to even so much as bother investigating his outlook, instead of executing him and creating a martyr out of him- by showing mercy in allowing him to exist within their own domain, even whilst he defies their teachings, it shows how much confidence they have in the ability of their people to stay faithful in being able to distinguish reality from fantasy. Not contesting their label that was attached to him, regarding his credibility, only acted as a greater demonstration to the citizenry that he is indeed witless, for what self-respecting individual would ever consider passively welcoming such a demeaning classification, unless something were simultaneously contradicting that individual's aptitude to perceive the meaning of such a title? Surely.... Something has caused Gidarch to become relieved of his senses, or else he was simply born one of Faram's "special" folks, who can't rightly distinguish truth from make-believe!
The decrying of humanity at large, that has been ascribed to Valos, that has been published widely, is as follows:
You see, you are all my guinea pigs....
I can already detect that most of you feel threatened by what I've just said; you feel pigeon-holed, cornered, boxed in.... just by the comment preceding this very sentence.
But here's something that will probably change your emotional state immediately.
I am -also- my own guinea pig.
You see, now that you realize I am treating you 'equally' to everyone else, including myself, your jealousy and resentment have subsided to a degree; this is because most of you don't want to be 'less valuable' than others, by comparison.
When I had belittled your worth, you felt as though you were being caged, and devalued,... demonized, like you weren't being given the respect, and seriousness that you feel you 'deserve'.
And I know precisely why that makes most of you feel bad.
Do you know why?
I gather you don't.
This is why almost all of you are mine to toy with.
This is the difference between my cognitive power, and yours.
But if you doubt that I am smarter than you, then test me.
Come hither, all ye insects, and test me!
Show me that you can match wits with me.
I /dare/ you!
....But be this known, you piteous worms....
I already recognize I deserve nothing; not my own life, not respite from unbearable torment.
The only way for you to surmount, or even -begin- to encroach upon my own level of cerebral fitness is if you can comprehend why neither of us is entitled to even a single inalienable right!
Once you are assimilated by me, you will never again endorse the perception that your existence has true substantiality from its own side.
So come.....
Come forth, and be assimilated....
Come.... and cease to exist!
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. |
