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he wasn't even looking at me and he found me
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@gelure-blog
A low whistle parts from his lips, but the man's expression is that of both relief and great exhaustion. "Nothing's changed," Vadim commented as he set foot on the Citadel, fatigue wearing down on his muscles. "Kinda disappointed, but 'living on the edge' isn't something people are familiar with anymore. What a shame, what a shame."
Bastogne.
characters: Ariel Shepard, Vadim Proulx warning: war violence
“The windstorm comes from its chamber, and the cold from the driving north winds. Ice is formed by the breath of God, and watery expanses are frozen.” — Hebrew Bible, Book of Job 37:9-10
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i'm gonna crydie from the painful beauty of all of this.
Some random war info that might help. (O:
I'm going to go off on a hiatus (or forever idek it's a mind warzone), but before I leave, I'll place this here. Inside contains scorched earth policies (which needs to be treated carefully), the Geneva Convention/morality & ranks/professionalism. Just a quick skim with some research. CLICK FOR ALL THIS USELESS INFORMATION THAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING.
Before we start, let me start by saying this might not be 100% accurate. There may be parts where what I've posted is incorrect, but for the most part, I will cite/provide links for validation. Above all, I tried my best and maybe you guys can skim through this as apply it here.
And I am not trying to come off as a know-it-all or holier-than-thou elitist. This is literally what I call fun... You know, researching this stuff. I simply enjoy sharing what I've learned.
**Just because there's a restriction on something doesn't mean it won't be used. There are exceptions where rules are broken.
1. Scorched Earth Policy. Probably the one we are most familiar with. If you haven't come across it in history class yet, then you will (and if you still don't, your teachers need to backtrack and cover the bases again because I am weeping on the inside. Seriously.). The scorched earth policy is essentially burning down/destroying your enemy's supply to starve them out/demoralize/weaken (it is normally through the use of fire but doesn't need to be).
As defined by the merriam-webster dictionary:
relating to or being a military policy involving deliberate and usually widespread destruction of property and resources (as housing and factories) so that an invading enemy cannot use them
This policy has been used countless times throughout history (ex. Napoleon's defeat against the Russians in 1812. [The Russians...adopting a scorched earth policy...As time went by, soldiers began to straggle due to having to forage further away from the roads for food and weakness from lack of food.] ).
Adopting the Scorched Earth policy is prohibited (though this rule is ignored countless times) under those that comply with the Geneva Convention (for a list of those that follow this, click here) if aimed at non-combatants/civilians.
WELL, that was a long ramble about scorched earth, but I've browsed through a few RPs and noticed some minor mistakes. I mean, I'm not going to say you should listen to this post and change it because I really don't want to stuff my nose where it doesn't belong nor do I care enough to go to your ask box and cry about it, but I just wanted to talk about it here if you do choose to regard it for later use. This same concept applies to the even LENGTHIER Geneva Convention topic (and the more important stuff).
2. The Geneva Convention is, as defined by merriam-webster dictionary:
one of a series of international agreements, first made in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1864, establishing rules for the humane treatment of prisoners of war and of the sick, the wounded, and the dead in battle.
**There are a total of four.
Now, people tend to abuse the Geneva Convention (which, again, has happened countless times), but you want to play around this carefully. Doing it wrong will effect validity and you might actually offend people depending on how you're skirting around the guidelines set by these treaties. But, do not forget that if you start violating the rules enforced by the Geneva Convention, there will be consequences. People of high rank (or, if you're playing those of high rank) should be careful about what they're doing to their characters.
For example, you cannot play a ruthless tyrant who goes around killing everything in their path. Things are planned and a good leader can plan. That said, killing a civilian or unarmed combatant should be avoided, even if the non-combatant is a war criminal (in which a trail will be held for them so let the jury take care of it as in YEAH, YOU'RE THE GUY WITH THE GUN BUT UNLESS YOU HAVE A GOD DAMN GABLE, BUZZ OFF). People can get away with it because of setting and timing (ex. Erwin Metz was a sergeant that was in charge of the Berga Camp during WWII. He was to be sentenced do death but, with his information, was let for after a 15 year stint.), but your reputation will be tarnished/morale will be effected.
As is, high ranking officers shouldn't have to go down to killing civilians/enemies under bouts of rage. High officers (though, of course, with exceptions) are normally seen as the level-headed person in the group and must give that sense of safety to his/her men/women. Acting like a blood-thirsty soldier (or wherever you put your person's branch) will either scare the living fuck out of your group or make them think you are insane. And killing an armed man is one thing, but killing civilians is A WHOLE DIFFERENT THING (PLEASE DON'T DO IT THEY NEVER MEANT TO HURT YOU. IDC IF YOU'RE RENEGADE LOOK AT YOUR LIFE AND LOOK AT YOUR CHOICES). You start killing civilians and, well, no surprise here, you're going to stir some immediate trouble. You don't want any of this... I would hope. Or maybe you do in which case you need a serious demoting process.
There are articles in the convention that are punished more severely than others. Once you have done something too unforgivable (ex. a war crime), you will be tried. They are called grave breaches and examples are as follows:
As taken by wikipedia further restated by ICRC.
willful killing, torture or inhumane treatment, including biological experiments
willfully causing great suffering or serious injury to body or health
compelling someone to serve in the forces of a hostile power
willfully depriving someone of the right to a fair trial if accused of a war crime.
Also considered grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention are the following:
taking of hostages
extensive destruction and appropriation of property not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly
unlawful deportation, transfer, or confinement.
So keep that in mind.
And in regards to YOUR ROLEPLAY SITUATION (I am talking about Mass Effect), I'm not sure if you would say the Geneva Convention applies. Still, the Geneva Convention seems to be an accumulation of 'basic morals' that people find we, as humans, are and should be conscious of even if in times of war. These morals have sprung as a Western View (i.e. North American, European, etc.) but it does hold true that it is not just a 'white-man' thought. And so, when looking at settings like, oh, let's say, Mass Effect, it doesn't seem far fetched that such moral guidelines provided by the Geneva Convention will still be in our heads if not on paper even with Mass Effect's blast in the future.
When facing enemies that do not follow the Geneva Convention, you may still be punished but there may be exceptions weeded out. research on that cuz i ain't your character idk everything bout you or them k
3. Since I mentioned branches, just a quick recap (each is linked to a wiki summary that describes more in depth features)!
Marines: For those enlisted under the marine corps.
Seamen (and usually called sailors): For those under the navy. (whoops can't resist a boy in navy blue holla)
Soldier: For those under the army.
Airman: For those under the air force.
Okay. That was a nice little one. That was good. Let's take a breath sigh sigh. that was nice okay now time to say
4. CALM THE FUCK DOWN. As I said, your COs should be level headed and cool! After all, COs (or commissioned officers) are your persons with authority in a platoon/company/etc, and no man wants to follow someone who is a fruit off the insane-tree. You want someone careful, level-headed and calm under pressure (though having a CO status doesn't seem to be a sure fire way of promising your competence in the heat of combat). Of course, you can still play someone cruel or cold, but making them unnecessarily violent is an extreme (even if there have been extremes, but I'm not sure how comfortable you can be playing someone on the far end? I always play safe, but it's not my character.).
Here is a list of COs and NCOs in varying branches (as provided by Wikipedia).
I know it's different in the Mass Effect universe, but if you are dabbling with other military-like roleplays, here you are. Or, heck, maybe you just want to compare and see where you character falls under this chart.
Look, I'm not here to tell you HOW to play your characters. By all means, make your Shepard or whoever else violent, but if so, apply it in the appropriate places! You don't need to stress your character's blood-thirst every chance you get, you know what I mean? You can deliver a point without having to repeat it constantly (just like in writing!) and so the same is pretty much applicable here. You can't have someone go around killing like it's a turkey shoot. If you think that's how it works, I think you've been watching too many war films, buckaroo. )O:
5. Three quick easy points.
Playing someone in the military doesn't give you an all-rights pass to kill and do whatever you want. That isn't how it works! Just as there is structure in our civilian world, there is a structure in the armed forces of whatever force in any time, place, etc.
Make your character suitable for the rank they are in. Poor leaders should not be COs. Violent psychopaths with no respect to the rules should not be COs (or shouldn't be anywhere near a gun, let's be honest). If they are, be mindful to express such point tastefully and effectively; stating it constantly loses its affect and comes off as redundant/boring/and or just plain silly.
Be mindful of your character's actions. As with the scorched earth policy, remember that there is a time and place for everything. Don't throw something as severe/serious as scorched earth unless it benefits you and is appropriate. Also keep in mind what consequences can effect civilians/etc. because though they are non-combatants, they are-- Wait. Exactly. They're non-combatants, so you should be careful PERIOD.
And, again, I'm not here to tell you that you should play your characters this and that way. You play them as you want to play them. Maybe you read this post and went "oh, hey, that's pretty cool!" or went "okay, this was useless and I don't care". Not my decision.
okay im tired and i would put a whole list of protocols and policies but i have an exam which i'll probably ignore so i can watch football instead jfc #1 life choices tyvm i accept this award (and let's be honest no one has the time for that)
ill accept it by posting a raylan givens gif for no reason justified fans high 5
“Thanks…I think. I got it from my brother. I’m Syd, by the way.”
I'm thinking that's territory I shouldn't step on {comes the question, her response sounding rather hidden at best}. Pleasure to meet you, Syd {he begins before holding his hand out for her}. You may call me Vadim.
There’s truth in the man’s speech. Vadim Proulx. What a strange name. Russian? No can’t be. I could ask Misa to run a search, but our comms channel isn’t active.Pix realizes that he’s been staring blankly at the man.
He shakes off his curiosity. “It’s a plan.” The handshake is strong. Mr. Proulx has a firm grip, a bit too firm for Pix’s taste. His petite palmars felt like shattering under the pressure. When the beastly gripping contest ends, Pix’s mind relaxes.
{Uninterrupted staring drew on for quite some time, and Vadim held his eye-contact for as long as he possibly could.} ...We're enjoying the sight or something? It pays to be a little more subtle, you know. {And maybe's he's just teasing or, really, being a jerk, but either way he's grinning like he's enjoying himself.} If you're really keen on staring people down, you shoulda been in Recon with me. Be partners... Could do you more good than whatever 'odd jobs' you mean to sell.
@gelure
When he had mentioned that he hoped this isn’t how her dates work. Looking up at him, her face lighting up with a soft pink shade as she said, “What? You think this is a date? I-I mean if it was, it would be a hundred times better. But, I-I know..” Trailing off, as she hide her face from his eyes as she muttered that she never been on a date before. After a few minutes had passed she looked up at him and said, “I was wondering if there was a place that you really wanted to go to.”
I didn't think it was a date. I thought it was just a friendly invite was all, that is, unless it is a date and you're hiding it under that title. I could be wrong. {Alex looks away from him and if she hadn't been embarrassed than Vadim had no idea how to describe her. Her cheeks had the softest touches of red and he couldn't help but to smile at that, to repress the laugh that threatened to come out.} I'm beginning to think you wanted that? {the question isn't accusatory as it was curious} Anyway, I'm happy with just eating at your place. I'm not exactly in the mood to eat out.
[ What was your inspiration behind creating Vadim? What's your greatest challenge when writing him? And on a scale of 1 to 10, how much of a hot mess are Stark Sands' red hooker boots? ]
Before Vadim, I played Thane Krios who was very mature and very quiet which, as a character, was great (he was my favorite), but as someone to play, it got boring a little too fast. So I decided to play an OC after that. Vadim was a combination of many war memoirs I've read and since ME2 was centered around warfare (though futuristic), I thought it would be a great place to start. Vadim himself had to have doubts and had to be bitter of something in the war, and so he is because he is just a normal man facing something much bigger than he is. He has to be friendly because he doesn't want to be a shutout after his service, like people are his lifeline. That said, he had to have moments of grief but I try not to put so much of that out in the open because he doesn't want to look like a victim. He has weaknesses, oh he knows that, but he doesn't want others to find them out. I wanted to play a man in the forces who was trying his very best to keep himself together while feeling real and feeling like your average person despite the fact that he is in a tough situation. I kinda wanted to show the guy not PTSD-ridden and not depressed or extremely violent and responsive. I wanted someone who looked very happy on the outside and, on the inside, someone who was trying to come to terms that war doesn't have to change who you are be it blind hope or not.and stark sands is a 10 in the scale of sassy sexy fierce idc what he wears he could even wear nothing cuz he works it well (:
[Tell me why you're so amazing and awesome and how everyone can be amazing and awesome like you.]
i like to think its cuz i wear hooker boots so the secret is hooker boots
She laughs. “Maybe so, if you standing in front of me is any proof.”
{With raised brows, Vadim gives an expression of shock and amusement.} I'm starting to think this whole 'tough girl' attitude isn't exactly pretend. Your snark is outstanding... I'm impressed.
Pix’s walk of shame lasts seconds. The brutes lunges forward; his mind laughed at an abstract lunge. He wasn’t about to walk away. Pix was never one for grudges — against servicemen.
”Name?” He stops, heels turning to the side. Pix turns with smile. “Pixil. That’s all there is to that. What about yours?”
Not wasting anytime, Pix begins data mining.
That's what I asked, yes {the man confirms before moving one step closer. Then a smile tugs at the corners of Pix's lips, something bright and strangely innocent and so Vadim finds it hard not to give him one in return.} I'm Vadim Proulx. Now, let's start all over so that we actually end up both liking one another instead of it being one-sided, huh? {He takes his hand out.} And that includes giving me some of your attention rather than your omni-tool unless I'm not important enough?
@gelure
Frowning slightly she went on saying, “Just trying to help.” Noticing the look he was giving her, she let out a small sigh as she removed her hand from his, while giving him a small pout. Taking the hint from what he was saying that she was treading very sensitive topics, staying silent she just nodded her head and said, “Alright. Where do you want to go?”
{The mood seemed to have dampened considerably, Vadim catching it rather acutely.} You offer to take a guy out for dinner and you don't even know where to take him? {his expression lightens} I hope this isn't how your dates work, Alex...
“Nope, not exactly. I can say.” Pix fixes a smile despite the aggravating brunt of the brute. He understands that one needs to exert superiority through conversation. Even trivial. Though it did tug at him, perhaps he was too cheery. Even annoying. Bothersome in some cases. In spite, Pix wasn’t about to let this layered beefy man to knock him off balance.
”I’ll leave you to your vices.” You whippet in horses garments! The insult would never leave his lips.
{Pix starts to retreat, to draw back from him and he sound oddly reserved after the show in good introduction. Maybe he was being too harsh?} Hold on, I didn't mean to come out like some jerk. {Vadim doesn't take another step forward though finding it to be too much. He stays where he is and give an almost apologetic look to him.} Besides, I didn't even get a name from you so you can't possibly leave me hanging now.
-She sees the intensity in his eyes, the spark in voice that begs for blood against Cerberus. She sees it and identifies with it because she feels it too. The impatience to crush the enemy is one that she feels, but as a military commander, as a woman in charge of the lives and weaponry of a hundred-thousand men and more, she has to figure out ways to decimate the enemy while keeping a steady number of her men left for their assault on their target. She needs her men alive and she needs to sweat them so she can save heir blood.-
We just got this information and we need to confirm it the moment we reach Sanctuary. We have the opportunity to seriously cripple Cerberus and we need to take that by working our way to Sanctuary. I won’t risk having you or a thousand more of my men being cut up to shreds if we take the mass relay. We need to whip them and then we will cut off their heads with a bone saw. They’ll pay for what they’ve done and all will be revealed in time.
{Entering the armed forces, Vadim always had a strong connection to humanity. He felt for others and perhaps more than he should, more than what was deemed safe and necessary, but he couldn't change his character so readily nor too soon. He takes in a breath and lets the Commander's words sink in, the knuckles of his hands giving light touches of pain from the intensity of his grip.} That's an understatement. I look forward to letting this be our first combat introduction to each other, Commander. All you need is to say the word and I'll be running out behind you. Besides, I'm curious as to why Cerberus, the leader in humanity, would abduct colonists. And for what reason? {He looks away as if that'd help him come to an answer.} Is this some 'justified' massacre? I'd be more than happy to be a tool in this, Shepard. I just want to find out like you do. {And he sounds as if he suspects Shepard already knows, that she's doing well to keep it under wraps, but Vadim is anything but overly-cocky, especially towards her, and so he bites down on his tongue.}
@gelure
Placing her hand on top of his hand that was on her shoulder and said, “I’m glad you’re around still, Vady. Look, we both see things we don’t want to see and we don’t want others to see. Either way, if you want I can treat you to dinner or whatever.” She said as she looked at him and glanced away, taking in the surroundings. “You promise to help me rebuild France. So, no rolling over for the Reapers, or I’ll bring you back and you have to deal with me.” She said as she poked him in the chest, before bursting into a fit of laughter.
{His eyes glance upward as if to convey the appearance of thought.} Yeah, I csn say I understand what you mean, but if getting a free dinner doesn't balance it out, I'm not sure what would. {He waits for her hold on him to loosen before drawing back.} I'm willing to let you chew me out if I do happen to bite the dust, but let's not talk like that's actually a possibility, okay? I'd rather just take that dinner offer up right now, thank you very much.
I’m just a bartender. I make drinks. Nothing much more than that, I’m afraid. I’m really very boring.
I'm sure you're not as boring as you make yourself out to be {he disagrees politely}. Being humble can be a very interesting thing. Besides, I'm willing to stick around and prove to you that you aren't if you won't see it yourself.
He gets the look. Given by many —at least a dozen since landing.
”Marketing my services?” Pix replies casually, as if the man had asked a completely unreasonable question.
”It feeds from my tool, to the extranet. Search engines index it automatically. Something such as this, it doesn’t matter what medium you use. And you’re fortunate — or unfortunate — enough to be the nearest living soul here.”
{He cracks a grin.} What the hell would I need your services for to begin with? So, what, you're some huge walking yellow book? I don't need that. {The corspman raises a hand to rub at his bruised cheek.} Are you some telemarketer on legs? Is this how you swoon your possible customers?
“Naw, I’m used to smart-mouthed. I’m Syd, by the way.”
I take it you're the type of girl to attract bullshit, then? {low whistle.} I'll keep an eye on you, then, Syd. That's something you should really work on fixing cuz that sounds personal.
