derpity derp derp
✖ PLAYER:
Name & LJ: Hales | lavaliere
Birthdate & Age: 12/20/1985 | 25
Characters played in Zodion: n/a
✖ CHARACTER:
Name: Edward Elric
Canon: Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa (First Anime + Film)
PB/Image: Ref 1 - Age 15; Ref 2 - Age 18; Ref 3 - w/ Automail; Ref 4 - w/ limbs he currently has
Info links: Wiki 1; Wiki 2; FMA Wiki, tv tropes (just for fun)
Canon Point: Prior to breaking into the Thule Society
Gender: Male
Age: 18
Birthdate/Sign:
Edward Elric's birthday, while celebrated twice in series, is never specified. It's set sometime in a winter month and because his year of birth is in 1899 this leaves one to assume it falls somewhere between January first and late February.
With this in mind, I'm assigning the birthday of February 3rd. This is one of the dates given by a fansite, but isn't verified by official information. However, this date fits in with the Aquarius sign which suits Ed well. Like other Aquariuses, Ed is very caring but rude with his gruff manner of speaking; inventive but tactless; scientific as an Alchemist and later a Rocket Scientist, yet uncertain about many things in life he doesn't quite understand; and cooperative as the "State Alchemist of the People" while being self-interested in his goal of retrieving Al's body. What's more, the attributes of the Aquarius fit well for Ed's genius scientific mind, not to mention his fame for being the Fullmetal Alchemist. Also, the element of Air matches well for someone like Ed who, for some time, pursued the study of Rocketry in order to return home from "our" world, and that's not even getting into how Air elements tend to be extroverted and masculine such as Ed can be. Finally, Ed would no doubt feel that with a heavy metal such as lead for the Aquarius sign, he would be willing to carry such a "heavy" symbol, much like he was willing to take on the "heavy name" of Fullmetal Alchemist.
Tattoo: Of the Aquarius sign over his heart, just under the leather strap harness that holds his arm in place. It's roughly the size of Al's bloodseal, making it nearly two inches in diameter.
Suitability: Not applicable. In Conqueror of Shamballa, Ed is eighteen years old.
Power:
Within the world of Fullmetal Alchemist, there is only one power that individuals might be bestowed with (unless they're a homunculus). This ability is called (obviously) Alchemy and should an individual be capable of it, they're able to preform transmutations. Known as the science of understanding a composition, deconstructing it, and reconstructing it, Alchemy can be preformed by many and to the outsider, this power seems like the ability to simply change items at will. However this is far from the truth. Alchemy follows a distinct set of laws, the foremost being The Law of Equivalent Exchange. By ignoring these rules, disastrous things can happen to the alchemist. But by following them, alchemy can be used to create many items of benefit and use.
Three things are typically needed for an alchemist to preform alchemy: a transmutation circle, the energy and talent, and the appropriate amount of material to transmute. The first can vary anywhere from a simple circles with a square or triangles drawn inside to elaborate symbols of intricate design. These circles, know as transmutation circles, act as a conduit for Alchemist to harness and use energy that powers their transmutations. The circle represents the circulation of power and when an alchemist adds a construction equation (or the writing, symbols, and squares/triangles within a transmutation circle), the power is able to manifest. But even with a transmutation circle, not everyone can preform alchemy. It is often a talent born within individuals and unique to them. What's more, should someone be capable of preforming alchemy, they must study hard in order to reach certain levels. A knowledge of the elements, as well as common molecules and chemicals are necessary for an Alchemist to be talented. Finally, alchemy follows the Law of Equivalent Exchange. Much like the law of conservation of mass, the law of Equivalent Exchange states that something cannot be created from nothing. An alchemist must first present material of equal mass to that which they want to obtain. To be more specific, only items with like atoms can be transmuted; all elements must be kept intact. As long as an alchemist keeps all this in mind, they might be able to preform transmutations of all sorts, such as turning carbon coal into diamonds. Then again, some don't have as much talent as Edward Elric.
Due to his failed attempt at reviving his mother with the use of alchemy, Edward Elric came in contact with The Gate of Truth. This massive door, which resides in everyone, is what the energy of alchemy flows through. If an alchemist comes in direct contact with it and lives (a very rare occurrence considering that aside from Ed, only three other people are capable of it), they are then able to preform alchemy without transmutation circles. So rare is this ability that since Edward can do it, he is famous for it. All he has to do, in order to preform a transmutation, is clap his hands. You see, when his palms connect, his body forms a ring. This is the transmutation circle he uses. Take away Ed's hands and he can no longer preform alchemy.
Even among alchemists, Ed is known as a genius, but not just because of his ability to preform alchemy without a transmutation circle. Ed, within the series, manages to pull off transmutations that not even advanced State Alchemists might've been able to accomplish. Including the only ever successful case of Human Transmutation, something otherwise forbidden and impossible in Ed's world. However, within the world of Zodion, all of this will be toned down. It's difficult to tone down transmutations themselves without ignoring the law of Equivalent Exchange, so it might be simpler to limit the amount of times Ed can preform Alchemy. Instead of being able to preform as many transmutations as he's able to, so long as he has material to work with, Ed will only be able to transmute three items to begin with. That means, each day, he can only transmute three things. And obviously, nothing larger than the size of golden retriever. Furthermore, he'll be required to rely on transmutation circles once again, losing the ability to preform alchemy with just his hands.
(If this isn't toned down enough, I'm more than willing to tone it down more.)
Personality:
There are many defining aspects of Edward's personality that make him the well known character he is today. But to understand his attributes, one must also understand his background. Both are closely tied, having a strong impact on how he develops throughout the series. And there are many facets to Edward Elric, making him a complex and well-rounded protagonist.
First and foremost, Edward Elric is stubborn. He is hardheaded, determined, and unlikely to back down, regardless of how bleak things may seem. He is even well known for it, the aspect of his personality being probably the most well known for those who have met or heard of him. This part of Ed was formed early on, as young as his childhood even. The death of his mother is what sets everything off for the Ed and his younger brother Al. Feeling lonely and empty without her, the Elric brothers decide to bring her back using alchemy and through Ed's steely determination, they're able to gain a teacher. And this teacher only enforces Ed's stubbornness by sending him and Al through what can only be described as training from hell. As Edward grows and ages, this stubbornness helps drive him in everything he does, especially his primary goal of returning Al to the body he'd lost after their failed attempt at reviving their mother.
Ed's stubbornness manifests in many ways seen throughout the series. The first, of course, being his determination to gain him and Al a teacher in alchemy. The second is seen in his determination to return Al to his body and the fact that to do that, after losing his right arm and his left leg, he had to equip himself with automail limbs. While most adults might scream in pain at receiving automail, Edward never did, something that is made note of in series because of how intense the pain can be. And yet, in sheer stubbornness and determination, Edward clenches his teeth, refraining from screaming because he believes the pain Al must feel, being nothing but a soul bound to a suit of armor, has to be worse. This same determination also leads Ed to take the State Alchemist Exam at the young age of twelve, and then to pass, being the youngest in history to do so. And even Ed's nickname as a State Alchemist is a testament to his hardheadedness. The name "Fullmetal Alchemist" that he is given means two things: The "fullmetal" is both a reference to his automail limbs as well as his determination. In Japanese, the term "fullmetal" (or "hagane") is coined from the movie Full Metal Jacket, meant to indicate a the strength of a person's heart.
Of course, as time passes, events occur that might make any normal person wish to give up their quest, especially one considered so "taboo" in Ed's world. But even events like learning that the Philosopher's Stone is created through the sacrifice of living people or the death of young girl named Nina whom Ed considered like a little sister, only makes Ed more determined to learn more about alchemy in order to save people like her but also to ensure he can restore Al. When facing the homunculus that Edward and Alphonse created who looks exactly like his mother, Edward is focused and refuses to give up, no matter how much it hurts to see his mother's face on something he created. Even after being trapped in another world, forced to live without alchemy and separated from his brother, Edward never gives up trying to find a way home. Such is Edward's determination and stubbornness.
But stubbornness is not the only trait Ed has. Some traits make him seem childish at times, such as his strong dislike for milk, and his near-Napoleonic complex. Edward detests being called short, despite how true it is. Edward is often much shorter than the people in his life, including Al and when attention is drawn to this, Edward often reacts far more than what was necessary for the occasion. Over-blowing and exaggerating comments about his height, Edward must sometimes be held back by Alphonse, to prevent him from harming others in his rage. While this is often played for laughs, it is a common aspect of Edward that he is often known for.
The Fullmetal Alchemist's close relationships can also be demonstrations of his sometimes childish behavior. With Winry, his childhood friend, and with his brother, Edward is often impish and quick to crack sarcastic remarks. Often arguing with Winry, Edward is known to continue banter with her for extended periods of time (which often end in being hit on the head with one of Winry's wrenches). Edward's childish antics are often also displayed in how his transmutations are formed. Frequently, even while in the heat of battle, Edward transmutes the elements around him into comical and expressive forms or even into caricatures of himself. While these transmutations serve their purposes in battle, they are often amusing in their own right, displaying the same hairstyle, eyes, or even expressions that Edward often gives his enemies.
Combining his stubbornness with this childish side and the result is Edward's reactions to the people around him and even his superiors. He has no fear for using inappropriate language around people of higher rank than him, like with Colonel Mustang, whom he often calls "that bastard colonel". He doesn't hold back in letting people know just what he thinks, even if it's insulting or even if it means getting his ass kicked (by those like his teacher, Izumi). And a common phrase often uttered from Edward's lips is "Fuzake n Na" (a very informal and masculine way of saying "Fuzukeru" or "joke", "tease", "lie", etc.), a phrase that in English can be translated as anything from "Don't mess with me!" to "Don't fuck with me!", depending on the emotion and context.
Edward is often aware of this childish side to himself and sometimes uses it to make a point. It's not uncommon for Ed to make himself seem like quite a jerk, if only to push people away in order to prevent them from getting hurt. Other times, he'll treat people rudely because he doesn't want to know how worried he is.
Ed's style of speech is always gruff and often times rather crass. When angered enough, Edward relies on cursing to express himself. And though he uses less vulgar, but still somewhat offensive words in everyday language, he can manage to be polite with the occasion calls for it. But more likely than not, Edward does not hold back, even with family or close friends. His father, Hohenheim of Light, is often referred to as "that old man" or "that bastard". Even Winry's grandmother, "Auntie Pinako" is sometimes called an "old hag."
These less graceful aspects of Edward might make him seem a bit off-putting and at times, he is. But Ed is not all gruffness and rough language or just a stubborn, hot-headed young man. Ed is capable of great sacrifice for others and can be a very caring individual. He often takes on the burdens of others around him as well as his own. As early as the very beginning of the series, Ed takes on the task of bringing down a fraudulent minister who was manipulating his people for the sake of a girl named Rose. That is, at least, how Al supposes it. Ed also sets things right in the towns of Youswell and Aquroya. It's due to these tasks that Ed is eventually given the title of "The State Alchemist of the People." And to individuals, Ed is often friendly and kind, such as the many people he and Al meet on their journeys.
Ed is also far wiser than he often seems. It's not uncommon for Ed to seem more mature than what his age or height might suggest. He may sometimes comes across as broody, thoughtful, or even quite philosophical. This becomes more and more evident as Ed becomes aware of the truth behind alchemy and the consequences of his and his brother's mistakes. Edward's approach to life becomes sometimes more cynical. He considers himself damned or a sinner, admits that he's often selfish, and even comments that he's given up believing in "god" because god would only "send him back down." But he still has hope for humanity and for the world. He may act like a jerk to others, such as Rose or the people of Youswell, but Ed portrays himself as a "bad guy" only as a method to set things right. To make others see for themselves the truth behind the lies they've been living. Without having to point it out directly to them. However, he isn't afraid to be blunt either. All of this is shown when he tells the antagonist of the film, who comes from the other side of the Gate to destroy Edward's world, that all humans are humans regardless of which world they come from. Ed explains that all humans live, die, laugh, and cry like they would anywhere else.
Even when he begins to see the darker part of humans and how they respond to hope or the lack of it, Ed remains strong and frequently mature. Events such as the death of Nina, the destruction of Lior (which Edward thought he had saved), the death of Lieutenant Hughes being hidden from him, the rape of his friend Rose, the discovery of the true ingredients of the Philosopher's Stone, being forced to take lives, and the discovery that his own father's former lover (Dante) was pulling the strings behind all the treachery in his country, have left Edward a bit bitter and a bit more worldly, but these never make him stop believing that there is hope for the world and that everything in it follows the law of Equivalent Exchange. He is able to realize that despite the four years that he and Al had spent trying to live for themselves and trying to push away the world in order to simply regain what they needed, he and Al are part of the world, regardless of which world it is. And therefore, they have the duty to take care of it.
Of course, while in Germany, Edward goes through many changes. No longer does he react as rashly or as openly as he once had to comments about his height or the like. Rarely does he make the kind of snide comments that he once did, though that bite in his tone is still sometimes there. Edward's respect for others is stronger too, starting from as early on as the closing of the anime. Instead of mocking or provoking his superior officer, Edward acknowledges him as an equal, taking off with a slight brush of a hand to show that they are no longer opponents or even rivals. And while Edward still refers to his father as "the old man", he holds more respect for the man than he once did. By the time Hohenheim dies in the film, Edward's grief is palpable over losing him. He also becomes less friendly than he is normally. There, he withdraws from others and doesn't form close relationships, despite spending two years there. Even his roommate, a young man named Alfons Heiderich who looks remarkably like Ed's brother Al, notes that Edward tends to daydream frequently and tells stories of another world, refusing to grow close to other people. But through all this, he is also still very much Edward Elric, capable of gruff language and stubborn behavior.
Even after the development he experiences through the film, Edward is by no means less stubborn or less easily provoked. He even has the same brash, coarse style of speech that includes a variety of off colored words. Edward also manages to overreact to comments about his height in Alphonse's presence. Edward still pouts or makes faces at people who mock or tease him, even his own close friend, Alfons. It's only that these ways of reacting become fewer and far between as time passes in the anime and film, especially as more dangerous and heavier events begin to take over the plot.
Naturally, no matter how stubborn or strong Ed might be, he can still be vulnerable. There will always be parts of his world that still shock and surprise him, no matter how worldly he becomes. The discovery that Envy was the homunculus of his father's first son (making Envy a half-brother), shocks Edward so much that Envy is able to deliver a fatal blow (obviously, he got better). Being thrown into a new world and even into someone else's body sends Edward reeling at first, especially when he discovers he can no longer use alchemy. Finding that world to be full of alternate versions of people from his world surprises Edward too. Learning that the souls of the deceased of the alternate world feed the energy for transmutations in his world also shocks Edward, possibly more than anything else he'd experienced up until that point. But nothing shocks Edward more than finding out his own brother gave up his whole life to bring him back.
It is a credit to Edward's personality and his strength that he is able to work past these events. No matter how grim the situation may be and no matter how much Edward sees the world in a darker view, he still fights to protect his brother and to make things right. He is still able to soldier on, despite being thrown into a new world, by learning the new world's sciences and taking up the new things he's learned in hopes of finding a way back home. He is still able to fight against the Thule Society that threatens to create unbalance between the two worlds. And Edward is still able to live, even without knowing for sure if his transmutation to bring Alphonse back to life was successful and being forced to live with a mirror image of his brother who isn't and never will be the Al he grew up with.
Between the hardships of his life, the relationships with those around him, and the decisions Edward makes, it's clear Ed is by no means a simple character. It his stubbornness, his charm, his determination, his strength, and his intelligence that allows him to conquer the evils of his world. But more importantly, these traits also make him the recognizable protagonist from a well known series that he is today.
✖ SAMPLES:
"Zodion" First-Person Network Entry:
[ The feed opens, showing only the view of a white-gloved hand poking at the screen as the owner tries to figure the device out. It takes a few moments (owing to the fact that such technology simply doesn't exist in Germany of 1923), but once the owner of the gloved hand realizes it's on, his face fills the view. For a few seconds, there's nothing but narrowed gold eyes regarding the screen with skepticism, and then they pull back to reveal a young man with matching gold hair. And judging by his expression, he's a bit... disgruntled. ]
Finally-
[ A annoyed huff of air that unsettles the long bangs framing his face. ]
Okay, so. Blah blah, worship, blah blah, gods, blah blah, bunch of bullshit 'bout the Zodiac. I got all that. Too bad it's a load of crap since science has proven that- [ He pauses to set the device down, showing him in period clothing belonging to the early twentieth century. His gloved fingers crook in the universal sign for quotations. ] -the "cosmos" doesn't run on crap like worship. But whatever. That's not important... I got two questions.
[ Sliding one hand into a pocket, the other raises with forefinger extended. ]
Number one: Where's the library? Books, documentation, whatever works. I'll settle for scrolls if I have to.
[ His middle finger raises as well, joining the first. ]
Number two: The bastards that slapped us with these tattoos. Anyone know where we can find 'em? I got an issue with the one behind the Aquarius sign.
[ With that, he turns as if preparing to shut the device off, but pauses at the last second. He holds up a third finger, indicating what's coming next. ]
Oh, actually, number three: Aside from possible Greek or Latin names for these bastards, what other names're we supposed to know for them? Why're they so set on identifying with constellations that aren't even visible here?
"Zodionlogs" Third-Person Prose Entry: (200 word min)
Waking up in strange places might've been something familiar to Ed two years ago, but since finding himself on the other side of the Gate, he's grown used to waking up in the same apartment that he's shared with a boy who looks so much like Al nearly every day. Which is why waking up anywhere other than the small bedroom in Munich immediately set Ed on edge. The lack of transition from standing outside the so called "chateau" owned by Haushoffer and finding himself in an altogether unfamiliar place made him curl his hands into fists and warily scan the area. The light of a pillar ahead of him caught his attention, glowing with a beckoning light, but it only made him more uneasy, more unsure. His eyes narrowed at it before his gaze shifted around him again, trying to make more sense of the setting.
It definitely was not any place he'd ever been before. And it definitely didn't seem any way related to the Gate. That narrowed a few possibilities down in his mind. No connection meant no alchemy, which he knew already, and he also knew he should be wary. Without alchemy, he was more vulnerable. But curiosity tugged at him and soon, his eyes were on the small altar again. Before he could stop himself, he felt himself pulled towards it, taking cautious steps across stone until he came to the small, standing pool encircling the dais.
"Some kind of occult mumbo-jumbo?" he murmured to himself, frowning down at the water. Still, the tug had not released him. He was compelled. One foot followed the other over the clear water, and as soon as they set down inside the ring, a shock of pain was sent through his system, making his knees buckle.
"Shit!" he cursed, reaching his right hand up to press against the place, just beneath his vest and shirt, over his heart, that felt as if it'd been stung. Though it certainly didn't hurt as much as his automail ever had (the memory of that coming to him and making the dull pain of whatever had hit him burn a little less), the shock of it left him with gritting teeth. What was it? What the hell had happened?
Hastily, Ed began unbuttoning first his vest, followed by the shirt beneath it to reveal heavily scarred skin and the holster that held his arm in place. It took him a few seconds, but eventually he found the cause of the pain he'd felt... A small tattoo, burned into his skin by some force he couldn't name. "What the hell?"
It didn't come off. Not even when he wiped or scratched at it. Marked into his skin and he certainly hadn't wanted that. And he might have continued staring at the mark if the sound of water being disturbed didn't catch his attention. On the spot, he whirled around, preparing himself for a fight if necessary, only to find that the pool surrounding the altar had changed... Water rippled in mid-air like a mirror, making gold eyes widen in shock. How... It should've been physically impossible for water to rise like that unless in a vacuum without gravity. But that's not what surprised Ed the most.
Much to his shock, the waters rippled and then stilled, displaying him like some kind of broken mirror. Only, unlike how he knew he should have looked, the reflection in the mirror was naked. False fingers rose to his chest again, brushing over the place where he'd been marked and Ed watched as his reflection did the same. A distortion. In the water, the mark glowed, but as he looked down at his chest again, it remained normal, save for the strange symbol.
He knew what it was. He'd seen it before. He was certainly not foolish enough to not recognize it. The zig-zagged lines that often represented water (H2O, he thought) and the multiplication of matter in alchemy, that were tied to the constellations that Alfons had taught him. But why was it on his skin? And why was it glowing in the mirror?
As his brows furrowed, he turned back to the center of the circle, recalling the small box he'd seen there. His scientific mind needed answers and perhaps the object would give him some. So as he buttoned up his shirt and vest again, he strode towards it. His fingers hesitated before reaching out. The glow it had held earlier was gone, which was certainly suspicious (radioactive maybe?), but despite the possible danger, he flipped the box open. Answers. He needed answers. Answers would help him understand, understanding meant he could break things down, and after that, he could set things right again. That's what an alchemist does. That's what he is.
Gloved fingers picked up the note inside and quickly, Ed scanned over the letter's contents. Gods? Worship? What a load of bullshit. Names? He already knew. Scammed from astronomy, ancient religions, and the old ways. There was no god, he thought, glaring at the paper before ripping it up. If there was, that god has just brought him to another hell, farther away from home than he was before. Farther away from Al... Maybe this, too, is a dream...
All that was left was the strange device inside which Ed picked up to look over curiously. How strange. Pocketing, he gave the area another glance around. One of the best ways, he'd learned over time, to find out about a place was to explore. And that was just what he was going to do.
Name & LJ: Hales | lavaliere
Birthdate & Age: 12/20/1985 | 25
Characters played in Zodion: n/a
✖ CHARACTER:
Name: Edward Elric
Canon: Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa (First Anime + Film)
PB/Image: Ref 1 - Age 15; Ref 2 - Age 18; Ref 3 - w/ Automail; Ref 4 - w/ limbs he currently has
Info links: Wiki 1; Wiki 2; FMA Wiki, tv tropes (just for fun)
Canon Point: Prior to breaking into the Thule Society
Gender: Male
Age: 18
Birthdate/Sign:
Edward Elric's birthday, while celebrated twice in series, is never specified. It's set sometime in a winter month and because his year of birth is in 1899 this leaves one to assume it falls somewhere between January first and late February.
With this in mind, I'm assigning the birthday of February 3rd. This is one of the dates given by a fansite, but isn't verified by official information. However, this date fits in with the Aquarius sign which suits Ed well. Like other Aquariuses, Ed is very caring but rude with his gruff manner of speaking; inventive but tactless; scientific as an Alchemist and later a Rocket Scientist, yet uncertain about many things in life he doesn't quite understand; and cooperative as the "State Alchemist of the People" while being self-interested in his goal of retrieving Al's body. What's more, the attributes of the Aquarius fit well for Ed's genius scientific mind, not to mention his fame for being the Fullmetal Alchemist. Also, the element of Air matches well for someone like Ed who, for some time, pursued the study of Rocketry in order to return home from "our" world, and that's not even getting into how Air elements tend to be extroverted and masculine such as Ed can be. Finally, Ed would no doubt feel that with a heavy metal such as lead for the Aquarius sign, he would be willing to carry such a "heavy" symbol, much like he was willing to take on the "heavy name" of Fullmetal Alchemist.
Tattoo: Of the Aquarius sign over his heart, just under the leather strap harness that holds his arm in place. It's roughly the size of Al's bloodseal, making it nearly two inches in diameter.
Suitability: Not applicable. In Conqueror of Shamballa, Ed is eighteen years old.
Power:
Within the world of Fullmetal Alchemist, there is only one power that individuals might be bestowed with (unless they're a homunculus). This ability is called (obviously) Alchemy and should an individual be capable of it, they're able to preform transmutations. Known as the science of understanding a composition, deconstructing it, and reconstructing it, Alchemy can be preformed by many and to the outsider, this power seems like the ability to simply change items at will. However this is far from the truth. Alchemy follows a distinct set of laws, the foremost being The Law of Equivalent Exchange. By ignoring these rules, disastrous things can happen to the alchemist. But by following them, alchemy can be used to create many items of benefit and use.
Three things are typically needed for an alchemist to preform alchemy: a transmutation circle, the energy and talent, and the appropriate amount of material to transmute. The first can vary anywhere from a simple circles with a square or triangles drawn inside to elaborate symbols of intricate design. These circles, know as transmutation circles, act as a conduit for Alchemist to harness and use energy that powers their transmutations. The circle represents the circulation of power and when an alchemist adds a construction equation (or the writing, symbols, and squares/triangles within a transmutation circle), the power is able to manifest. But even with a transmutation circle, not everyone can preform alchemy. It is often a talent born within individuals and unique to them. What's more, should someone be capable of preforming alchemy, they must study hard in order to reach certain levels. A knowledge of the elements, as well as common molecules and chemicals are necessary for an Alchemist to be talented. Finally, alchemy follows the Law of Equivalent Exchange. Much like the law of conservation of mass, the law of Equivalent Exchange states that something cannot be created from nothing. An alchemist must first present material of equal mass to that which they want to obtain. To be more specific, only items with like atoms can be transmuted; all elements must be kept intact. As long as an alchemist keeps all this in mind, they might be able to preform transmutations of all sorts, such as turning carbon coal into diamonds. Then again, some don't have as much talent as Edward Elric.
Due to his failed attempt at reviving his mother with the use of alchemy, Edward Elric came in contact with The Gate of Truth. This massive door, which resides in everyone, is what the energy of alchemy flows through. If an alchemist comes in direct contact with it and lives (a very rare occurrence considering that aside from Ed, only three other people are capable of it), they are then able to preform alchemy without transmutation circles. So rare is this ability that since Edward can do it, he is famous for it. All he has to do, in order to preform a transmutation, is clap his hands. You see, when his palms connect, his body forms a ring. This is the transmutation circle he uses. Take away Ed's hands and he can no longer preform alchemy.
Even among alchemists, Ed is known as a genius, but not just because of his ability to preform alchemy without a transmutation circle. Ed, within the series, manages to pull off transmutations that not even advanced State Alchemists might've been able to accomplish. Including the only ever successful case of Human Transmutation, something otherwise forbidden and impossible in Ed's world. However, within the world of Zodion, all of this will be toned down. It's difficult to tone down transmutations themselves without ignoring the law of Equivalent Exchange, so it might be simpler to limit the amount of times Ed can preform Alchemy. Instead of being able to preform as many transmutations as he's able to, so long as he has material to work with, Ed will only be able to transmute three items to begin with. That means, each day, he can only transmute three things. And obviously, nothing larger than the size of golden retriever. Furthermore, he'll be required to rely on transmutation circles once again, losing the ability to preform alchemy with just his hands.
(If this isn't toned down enough, I'm more than willing to tone it down more.)
Personality:
There are many defining aspects of Edward's personality that make him the well known character he is today. But to understand his attributes, one must also understand his background. Both are closely tied, having a strong impact on how he develops throughout the series. And there are many facets to Edward Elric, making him a complex and well-rounded protagonist.
First and foremost, Edward Elric is stubborn. He is hardheaded, determined, and unlikely to back down, regardless of how bleak things may seem. He is even well known for it, the aspect of his personality being probably the most well known for those who have met or heard of him. This part of Ed was formed early on, as young as his childhood even. The death of his mother is what sets everything off for the Ed and his younger brother Al. Feeling lonely and empty without her, the Elric brothers decide to bring her back using alchemy and through Ed's steely determination, they're able to gain a teacher. And this teacher only enforces Ed's stubbornness by sending him and Al through what can only be described as training from hell. As Edward grows and ages, this stubbornness helps drive him in everything he does, especially his primary goal of returning Al to the body he'd lost after their failed attempt at reviving their mother.
Ed's stubbornness manifests in many ways seen throughout the series. The first, of course, being his determination to gain him and Al a teacher in alchemy. The second is seen in his determination to return Al to his body and the fact that to do that, after losing his right arm and his left leg, he had to equip himself with automail limbs. While most adults might scream in pain at receiving automail, Edward never did, something that is made note of in series because of how intense the pain can be. And yet, in sheer stubbornness and determination, Edward clenches his teeth, refraining from screaming because he believes the pain Al must feel, being nothing but a soul bound to a suit of armor, has to be worse. This same determination also leads Ed to take the State Alchemist Exam at the young age of twelve, and then to pass, being the youngest in history to do so. And even Ed's nickname as a State Alchemist is a testament to his hardheadedness. The name "Fullmetal Alchemist" that he is given means two things: The "fullmetal" is both a reference to his automail limbs as well as his determination. In Japanese, the term "fullmetal" (or "hagane") is coined from the movie Full Metal Jacket, meant to indicate a the strength of a person's heart.
Of course, as time passes, events occur that might make any normal person wish to give up their quest, especially one considered so "taboo" in Ed's world. But even events like learning that the Philosopher's Stone is created through the sacrifice of living people or the death of young girl named Nina whom Ed considered like a little sister, only makes Ed more determined to learn more about alchemy in order to save people like her but also to ensure he can restore Al. When facing the homunculus that Edward and Alphonse created who looks exactly like his mother, Edward is focused and refuses to give up, no matter how much it hurts to see his mother's face on something he created. Even after being trapped in another world, forced to live without alchemy and separated from his brother, Edward never gives up trying to find a way home. Such is Edward's determination and stubbornness.
But stubbornness is not the only trait Ed has. Some traits make him seem childish at times, such as his strong dislike for milk, and his near-Napoleonic complex. Edward detests being called short, despite how true it is. Edward is often much shorter than the people in his life, including Al and when attention is drawn to this, Edward often reacts far more than what was necessary for the occasion. Over-blowing and exaggerating comments about his height, Edward must sometimes be held back by Alphonse, to prevent him from harming others in his rage. While this is often played for laughs, it is a common aspect of Edward that he is often known for.
The Fullmetal Alchemist's close relationships can also be demonstrations of his sometimes childish behavior. With Winry, his childhood friend, and with his brother, Edward is often impish and quick to crack sarcastic remarks. Often arguing with Winry, Edward is known to continue banter with her for extended periods of time (which often end in being hit on the head with one of Winry's wrenches). Edward's childish antics are often also displayed in how his transmutations are formed. Frequently, even while in the heat of battle, Edward transmutes the elements around him into comical and expressive forms or even into caricatures of himself. While these transmutations serve their purposes in battle, they are often amusing in their own right, displaying the same hairstyle, eyes, or even expressions that Edward often gives his enemies.
Combining his stubbornness with this childish side and the result is Edward's reactions to the people around him and even his superiors. He has no fear for using inappropriate language around people of higher rank than him, like with Colonel Mustang, whom he often calls "that bastard colonel". He doesn't hold back in letting people know just what he thinks, even if it's insulting or even if it means getting his ass kicked (by those like his teacher, Izumi). And a common phrase often uttered from Edward's lips is "Fuzake n Na" (a very informal and masculine way of saying "Fuzukeru" or "joke", "tease", "lie", etc.), a phrase that in English can be translated as anything from "Don't mess with me!" to "Don't fuck with me!", depending on the emotion and context.
Edward is often aware of this childish side to himself and sometimes uses it to make a point. It's not uncommon for Ed to make himself seem like quite a jerk, if only to push people away in order to prevent them from getting hurt. Other times, he'll treat people rudely because he doesn't want to know how worried he is.
Ed's style of speech is always gruff and often times rather crass. When angered enough, Edward relies on cursing to express himself. And though he uses less vulgar, but still somewhat offensive words in everyday language, he can manage to be polite with the occasion calls for it. But more likely than not, Edward does not hold back, even with family or close friends. His father, Hohenheim of Light, is often referred to as "that old man" or "that bastard". Even Winry's grandmother, "Auntie Pinako" is sometimes called an "old hag."
These less graceful aspects of Edward might make him seem a bit off-putting and at times, he is. But Ed is not all gruffness and rough language or just a stubborn, hot-headed young man. Ed is capable of great sacrifice for others and can be a very caring individual. He often takes on the burdens of others around him as well as his own. As early as the very beginning of the series, Ed takes on the task of bringing down a fraudulent minister who was manipulating his people for the sake of a girl named Rose. That is, at least, how Al supposes it. Ed also sets things right in the towns of Youswell and Aquroya. It's due to these tasks that Ed is eventually given the title of "The State Alchemist of the People." And to individuals, Ed is often friendly and kind, such as the many people he and Al meet on their journeys.
Ed is also far wiser than he often seems. It's not uncommon for Ed to seem more mature than what his age or height might suggest. He may sometimes comes across as broody, thoughtful, or even quite philosophical. This becomes more and more evident as Ed becomes aware of the truth behind alchemy and the consequences of his and his brother's mistakes. Edward's approach to life becomes sometimes more cynical. He considers himself damned or a sinner, admits that he's often selfish, and even comments that he's given up believing in "god" because god would only "send him back down." But he still has hope for humanity and for the world. He may act like a jerk to others, such as Rose or the people of Youswell, but Ed portrays himself as a "bad guy" only as a method to set things right. To make others see for themselves the truth behind the lies they've been living. Without having to point it out directly to them. However, he isn't afraid to be blunt either. All of this is shown when he tells the antagonist of the film, who comes from the other side of the Gate to destroy Edward's world, that all humans are humans regardless of which world they come from. Ed explains that all humans live, die, laugh, and cry like they would anywhere else.
Even when he begins to see the darker part of humans and how they respond to hope or the lack of it, Ed remains strong and frequently mature. Events such as the death of Nina, the destruction of Lior (which Edward thought he had saved), the death of Lieutenant Hughes being hidden from him, the rape of his friend Rose, the discovery of the true ingredients of the Philosopher's Stone, being forced to take lives, and the discovery that his own father's former lover (Dante) was pulling the strings behind all the treachery in his country, have left Edward a bit bitter and a bit more worldly, but these never make him stop believing that there is hope for the world and that everything in it follows the law of Equivalent Exchange. He is able to realize that despite the four years that he and Al had spent trying to live for themselves and trying to push away the world in order to simply regain what they needed, he and Al are part of the world, regardless of which world it is. And therefore, they have the duty to take care of it.
Of course, while in Germany, Edward goes through many changes. No longer does he react as rashly or as openly as he once had to comments about his height or the like. Rarely does he make the kind of snide comments that he once did, though that bite in his tone is still sometimes there. Edward's respect for others is stronger too, starting from as early on as the closing of the anime. Instead of mocking or provoking his superior officer, Edward acknowledges him as an equal, taking off with a slight brush of a hand to show that they are no longer opponents or even rivals. And while Edward still refers to his father as "the old man", he holds more respect for the man than he once did. By the time Hohenheim dies in the film, Edward's grief is palpable over losing him. He also becomes less friendly than he is normally. There, he withdraws from others and doesn't form close relationships, despite spending two years there. Even his roommate, a young man named Alfons Heiderich who looks remarkably like Ed's brother Al, notes that Edward tends to daydream frequently and tells stories of another world, refusing to grow close to other people. But through all this, he is also still very much Edward Elric, capable of gruff language and stubborn behavior.
Even after the development he experiences through the film, Edward is by no means less stubborn or less easily provoked. He even has the same brash, coarse style of speech that includes a variety of off colored words. Edward also manages to overreact to comments about his height in Alphonse's presence. Edward still pouts or makes faces at people who mock or tease him, even his own close friend, Alfons. It's only that these ways of reacting become fewer and far between as time passes in the anime and film, especially as more dangerous and heavier events begin to take over the plot.
Naturally, no matter how stubborn or strong Ed might be, he can still be vulnerable. There will always be parts of his world that still shock and surprise him, no matter how worldly he becomes. The discovery that Envy was the homunculus of his father's first son (making Envy a half-brother), shocks Edward so much that Envy is able to deliver a fatal blow (obviously, he got better). Being thrown into a new world and even into someone else's body sends Edward reeling at first, especially when he discovers he can no longer use alchemy. Finding that world to be full of alternate versions of people from his world surprises Edward too. Learning that the souls of the deceased of the alternate world feed the energy for transmutations in his world also shocks Edward, possibly more than anything else he'd experienced up until that point. But nothing shocks Edward more than finding out his own brother gave up his whole life to bring him back.
It is a credit to Edward's personality and his strength that he is able to work past these events. No matter how grim the situation may be and no matter how much Edward sees the world in a darker view, he still fights to protect his brother and to make things right. He is still able to soldier on, despite being thrown into a new world, by learning the new world's sciences and taking up the new things he's learned in hopes of finding a way back home. He is still able to fight against the Thule Society that threatens to create unbalance between the two worlds. And Edward is still able to live, even without knowing for sure if his transmutation to bring Alphonse back to life was successful and being forced to live with a mirror image of his brother who isn't and never will be the Al he grew up with.
Between the hardships of his life, the relationships with those around him, and the decisions Edward makes, it's clear Ed is by no means a simple character. It his stubbornness, his charm, his determination, his strength, and his intelligence that allows him to conquer the evils of his world. But more importantly, these traits also make him the recognizable protagonist from a well known series that he is today.
✖ SAMPLES:
"Zodion" First-Person Network Entry:
[ The feed opens, showing only the view of a white-gloved hand poking at the screen as the owner tries to figure the device out. It takes a few moments (owing to the fact that such technology simply doesn't exist in Germany of 1923), but once the owner of the gloved hand realizes it's on, his face fills the view. For a few seconds, there's nothing but narrowed gold eyes regarding the screen with skepticism, and then they pull back to reveal a young man with matching gold hair. And judging by his expression, he's a bit... disgruntled. ]
Finally-
[ A annoyed huff of air that unsettles the long bangs framing his face. ]
Okay, so. Blah blah, worship, blah blah, gods, blah blah, bunch of bullshit 'bout the Zodiac. I got all that. Too bad it's a load of crap since science has proven that- [ He pauses to set the device down, showing him in period clothing belonging to the early twentieth century. His gloved fingers crook in the universal sign for quotations. ] -the "cosmos" doesn't run on crap like worship. But whatever. That's not important... I got two questions.
[ Sliding one hand into a pocket, the other raises with forefinger extended. ]
Number one: Where's the library? Books, documentation, whatever works. I'll settle for scrolls if I have to.
[ His middle finger raises as well, joining the first. ]
Number two: The bastards that slapped us with these tattoos. Anyone know where we can find 'em? I got an issue with the one behind the Aquarius sign.
[ With that, he turns as if preparing to shut the device off, but pauses at the last second. He holds up a third finger, indicating what's coming next. ]
Oh, actually, number three: Aside from possible Greek or Latin names for these bastards, what other names're we supposed to know for them? Why're they so set on identifying with constellations that aren't even visible here?
"Zodionlogs" Third-Person Prose Entry: (200 word min)
Waking up in strange places might've been something familiar to Ed two years ago, but since finding himself on the other side of the Gate, he's grown used to waking up in the same apartment that he's shared with a boy who looks so much like Al nearly every day. Which is why waking up anywhere other than the small bedroom in Munich immediately set Ed on edge. The lack of transition from standing outside the so called "chateau" owned by Haushoffer and finding himself in an altogether unfamiliar place made him curl his hands into fists and warily scan the area. The light of a pillar ahead of him caught his attention, glowing with a beckoning light, but it only made him more uneasy, more unsure. His eyes narrowed at it before his gaze shifted around him again, trying to make more sense of the setting.
It definitely was not any place he'd ever been before. And it definitely didn't seem any way related to the Gate. That narrowed a few possibilities down in his mind. No connection meant no alchemy, which he knew already, and he also knew he should be wary. Without alchemy, he was more vulnerable. But curiosity tugged at him and soon, his eyes were on the small altar again. Before he could stop himself, he felt himself pulled towards it, taking cautious steps across stone until he came to the small, standing pool encircling the dais.
"Some kind of occult mumbo-jumbo?" he murmured to himself, frowning down at the water. Still, the tug had not released him. He was compelled. One foot followed the other over the clear water, and as soon as they set down inside the ring, a shock of pain was sent through his system, making his knees buckle.
"Shit!" he cursed, reaching his right hand up to press against the place, just beneath his vest and shirt, over his heart, that felt as if it'd been stung. Though it certainly didn't hurt as much as his automail ever had (the memory of that coming to him and making the dull pain of whatever had hit him burn a little less), the shock of it left him with gritting teeth. What was it? What the hell had happened?
Hastily, Ed began unbuttoning first his vest, followed by the shirt beneath it to reveal heavily scarred skin and the holster that held his arm in place. It took him a few seconds, but eventually he found the cause of the pain he'd felt... A small tattoo, burned into his skin by some force he couldn't name. "What the hell?"
It didn't come off. Not even when he wiped or scratched at it. Marked into his skin and he certainly hadn't wanted that. And he might have continued staring at the mark if the sound of water being disturbed didn't catch his attention. On the spot, he whirled around, preparing himself for a fight if necessary, only to find that the pool surrounding the altar had changed... Water rippled in mid-air like a mirror, making gold eyes widen in shock. How... It should've been physically impossible for water to rise like that unless in a vacuum without gravity. But that's not what surprised Ed the most.
Much to his shock, the waters rippled and then stilled, displaying him like some kind of broken mirror. Only, unlike how he knew he should have looked, the reflection in the mirror was naked. False fingers rose to his chest again, brushing over the place where he'd been marked and Ed watched as his reflection did the same. A distortion. In the water, the mark glowed, but as he looked down at his chest again, it remained normal, save for the strange symbol.
He knew what it was. He'd seen it before. He was certainly not foolish enough to not recognize it. The zig-zagged lines that often represented water (H2O, he thought) and the multiplication of matter in alchemy, that were tied to the constellations that Alfons had taught him. But why was it on his skin? And why was it glowing in the mirror?
As his brows furrowed, he turned back to the center of the circle, recalling the small box he'd seen there. His scientific mind needed answers and perhaps the object would give him some. So as he buttoned up his shirt and vest again, he strode towards it. His fingers hesitated before reaching out. The glow it had held earlier was gone, which was certainly suspicious (radioactive maybe?), but despite the possible danger, he flipped the box open. Answers. He needed answers. Answers would help him understand, understanding meant he could break things down, and after that, he could set things right again. That's what an alchemist does. That's what he is.
Gloved fingers picked up the note inside and quickly, Ed scanned over the letter's contents. Gods? Worship? What a load of bullshit. Names? He already knew. Scammed from astronomy, ancient religions, and the old ways. There was no god, he thought, glaring at the paper before ripping it up. If there was, that god has just brought him to another hell, farther away from home than he was before. Farther away from Al... Maybe this, too, is a dream...
All that was left was the strange device inside which Ed picked up to look over curiously. How strange. Pocketing, he gave the area another glance around. One of the best ways, he'd learned over time, to find out about a place was to explore. And that was just what he was going to do.