edward elric for magicdraft
PLAYER INFORMATIONNAME: Hales
AGE: 25
JOURNAL: lavaliere
AIM/PLURK/EMAIL: marymargravy | laundry | lavalieres@gmail.com
CURRENT CHARACTERS: n/a
CHARACTER INFORMATIONSERIES: Fullmetal Alchemist 2003 Anime + Conqueror of Shamballa
NAME: Edward Elric
RACE: Human
AGE: 18
CANON POINT: Late-Conqueror of Shamaballa, after leaving Amestris to close the Gate
REFERENCES: Wiki 1, Wiki 2, FMA Wiki
GENDER: Male/Male
APPEARANCE:
Despite having grown quite a bit since his introduction in the first anime, Edward has not grown enough to escape his infamy of being petite. It's this shorter stature (only 4'11" at the end of the anime and maybe pushing 5'2" in the film) that is often remarked on and significant for a young man at the age of eighteen. Why Edward is short is never truly explored in the anime, save for hints that his automail limbs may be stunting his height a little and that his distaste for milk keeps him from growing like he should (in the manga, it's revealed that the cause for Ed's stature is due to his keeping Al's body alive within the Gate; whether this applies to Ed of the anime as well is unknown). But short jokes aside, Ed's height is not the only part of him that is striking.
As the Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward is known for not only his stature, but also his vivid golden hair and eyes. These features, rare among Amestrians, are notable enough to be remembered in many places as well as being the trademark of the Elric brothers. Edward keeps his golden hair long, often braiding it, though by the time of the movie, he begins to keep it back in a simple ponytail. And it's not just his hair or eyes that gets him noticed. Edward tends to wear a vibrant red coat with the Flamel sign (a mark important for destroying homunculi) over dark black clothing. The coat is memorable enough for it to be remembered in the movie when Alphonse wears it, leading to people mistaking Al for Ed. But since Al has the coat in the movie, and Edward is trapped on the other side of the Gate, Edward resorts to wearing the same styles and fashions as are typical for 1920s Germany. The coat, vest, slacks, and shirt are all of subdued hues, many being brown or gray.
Beneath the clothing, however, is what makes Edward truly remarkable and ultimately what gives him the name of "Fullmetal". After the tragic accident that occurred when he and Alphonse attempted to revive their mother, Edward was fitted with automail or prosthetic limbs of advanced technical capabilities. These limbs, which are wired to human nerves, work very much like regular arms or legs. But automail is made of steal and sometimes chrome, making the limbs quite heavy at times and a strain on the body. Edward insisted on having these installed at the young age of eleven and continues to wear them to this day.
Because of the strain that automail can have on a body, and also due to a doctrine Edward learned while training under his alchemy teacher, Edward also maintains a strict regime of sparring. This, and regular exercise, has given Edward a rather toned physique, something one would not expect on someone of Edward's height. However, he is in good shape and keeps it up, making him something terrifying to encounter should one ever come between him and his goals.
PERSONALITY & HOUSE REQUESTS:
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.
With all this in mind, my request is for Ed to be put in Gryffindor with Ravenclaw as a back up house. The former fits with the amount of courage Ed has as he faces the struggles in his life, made bearable by the sheer amount of stubbornness he has, as well as the sacrifice he's willing to make for people he cares about. Though he often acts like a jerk, he often behaves in such a way for the sake of others rather than just himself. And his daring personality is part of what makes him known as the Fullmetal Alchemist. Likewise, Ed's genius intellect and prodigious nature would allow him to fit in well as a member of Ravenclaw, being of quick wit and ready mind.
COMMUTER DETAILS: N/A Ed would think Moldyvort is a loser.
POSITION: Student
ABILITIES & POWERS:
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 arrays, know as transmutation circles, act as a conduit for an 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 within every alchemist, 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.
Within Hogwarts' walls, alchemy would translate rather easily, being quite similar to transfiguration (even down to Equivalent Exchange being similar to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration). Furthermore, alchemy is already a known subject in the world of Harry Potter, with Dumbledore being one of the most well known of alchemists in history. However, with alchemy as Ed knows it being somewhat different, he will still require lessons in other areas of magic, as well as in transfiguration, though transfiguration will come easier to him. And while he will retain his knowledge of alchemy and the subjects tied to it, he will lose the ability to preform alchemy by clapping his hands, instead being required to use transfiguration spells. With permission, I'd like him to eventually (after a period of build up and practice) be well skilled in the ability to preform wordless transfiguration spells, as this would be similar to his ability to preform alchemy without transmutation circles. If this is not acceptable, I'm willing to do without.
Given Ed's strength in alchemy, I'm also requesting that he be able to take the optional Alchemy courses that are available at Hogwarts, despite the classes being available only to 6th and 7th year students. Since Ed would technically be a 7th year student, were the years built the same in canon, this makes some sense. However, if it's not feasible, I fully understand.
WAND:
Walnut with phoenix feather, 8½ inches, unyielding. With walnut being described as the wand wood for highly intelligent characters, it only makes sense for Ed, being a prodigy, to align with such material. However, given how temperamental and stubborn Edward can be, a phoenix feather core would be preferable. What's more, the phoenix is the highest symbol in alchemy and one Ed is familiar with. It represents the completed, successful Human Transmutation, life born from death, and something that has only ever been done by Ed. Finally, the short length and unyielding descriptions both fit Ed, when taking into account his diminutive height and stubborn personality.
MISC.: Ed has an automail right arm and left leg, both of which he will be keeping, despite the magical ability to regrow limbs through use of Skele-gro.
WRITING SAMPLESFIRST PERSON:
[ QUILL: ]
[ At first, there's nothing but a few drawn transmutation circles as he doodles between notes, and it seems like he might not have meant to turn the commuter onto the feed at all. But soon the screen begins to fill with rough hand writing that indicates the author is likely male. ]
Alright, next person to leave a dungbomb in the damn Gryffindor Third Year dorms is gonna get their head bashed in. Or worse, I'll find you and make sure everyone knows what kinda shorts your mommy puts you in. Right in the middle of the Great Hall. There will be no warning. Got it?
[ Who the writer is doesn't seem interested in attaching their name to the threatening message, but for those that know him (or know who resides in the Third Year dormitory) will probably know who's behind it.
A few minutes later, an additional message is added, however this time set to PRIVATE. ]
Don't even think about sneaking food from dinner again, Al. We're not feeding Filch's damn cat.
THIRD PERSON:
Getting used to Hogwarts was easy enough. The halls between classes, Ed decided, were no more or less crowded than Munich's market on a bad day. He could get through the throngs of other students easily enough using a combination of subtle maneuvering and blatant shoving. The moving staircases and alternating hallways weren't too bad either, not being too different from navigating through the back allies and passageways of Lior. Hell, even making the mistake of walking through one of the castle's numerous resident ghosts wasn't too bad, though the sensation always made his automail act up for about a week. No, adapting was pretty easy. He could handle it. He had been the Fullmetal Alchemist, after all. So Ed managed to tolerate most of Hogwarts. There was just one aspect he had yet to conquer.
"Ooooh! Ickle firstie lost his way? Oopsie daisy, it's just bitty Eddie!"
Peeves the poltergeist, naturally. Ed clenched his teeth and tried to keep his temper. The first time he'd encountered the malevolent spirit, he'd ended up destroying an entire set of antique armor in his anger (the irony was not lost on him) and thus received detention for a month. Alphonse was still giving lectures on not letting his temper get the best of him. And at that moment, Ed needed to get to Transfiguration before he lost another fifty points for Gryffindor.
"Shove off, Peeves," he growled low, gold eyes flashing as he looked up at the poltergeist, who was floating mid-air with a pair of chalk erasers in his hands. Those chalk erasers looked like they could do serious damage to Ed's black robes and Ed suspected that with the way Peeves was juggling them, they could be thrown at any moment. Pulling in a breath of air through clenched teeth, he prepared to circle around Peeves. He could do this. He could ignore the taunts. He could!
He was even able to ignore the poltergeist as Peeves cackled and threw one of his erasers at Ed's back. He didn't even have to look to know it had left a white mark between his shoulder blades. He kept walking, teeth still clenched in a bared grimace that frightened off a pair of Hufflepuff first year girls. He was definitely doing pretty well with this "being the bigger man" thing Al was always talking about.
That is, until Peeves zoomed above his head and shouted loud enough for the entire floor to hear him. "Itty Bitty Eddie
Once lost his leg!
He tried to get it fixed
But lost his arm instead!"
After that, Peeves (and anyone else still standing in the hallway) didn't stand a chance. Whirling on his feet, Ed threw his wand arm out without thinking and an explosive bang reverberated in the hall, making dust trickle down from between cracks in stone. Peeves, spewing a plethora of curses, flew away as quickly as he could in order to avoid any more attacks. He was the smart one.
"Edward Elric!" That would be McGonagall, his head of house, making Ed wince as the arrogant smirk that had formed on his lips quickly disappeared. He was in trouble now... And he'd almost made it to class too. Damn. Glancing around him at the crowd that had formed to watch his impending doom, he tried to make himself seem smaller (more irony that wasn't lost on him) and heaved a sigh. There was no escaping it. He clenched his teeth yet again and jutted his chin out. At least he would face his punishment with head held high. And if he was lucky, McGonagall would give him detention that would let him study at the same time.
AGE: 25
JOURNAL: lavaliere
AIM/PLURK/EMAIL: marymargravy | laundry | lavalieres@gmail.com
CURRENT CHARACTERS: n/a
CHARACTER INFORMATIONSERIES: Fullmetal Alchemist 2003 Anime + Conqueror of Shamballa
NAME: Edward Elric
RACE: Human
AGE: 18
CANON POINT: Late-Conqueror of Shamaballa, after leaving Amestris to close the Gate
REFERENCES: Wiki 1, Wiki 2, FMA Wiki
GENDER: Male/Male
APPEARANCE:
Despite having grown quite a bit since his introduction in the first anime, Edward has not grown enough to escape his infamy of being petite. It's this shorter stature (only 4'11" at the end of the anime and maybe pushing 5'2" in the film) that is often remarked on and significant for a young man at the age of eighteen. Why Edward is short is never truly explored in the anime, save for hints that his automail limbs may be stunting his height a little and that his distaste for milk keeps him from growing like he should (in the manga, it's revealed that the cause for Ed's stature is due to his keeping Al's body alive within the Gate; whether this applies to Ed of the anime as well is unknown). But short jokes aside, Ed's height is not the only part of him that is striking.
As the Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward is known for not only his stature, but also his vivid golden hair and eyes. These features, rare among Amestrians, are notable enough to be remembered in many places as well as being the trademark of the Elric brothers. Edward keeps his golden hair long, often braiding it, though by the time of the movie, he begins to keep it back in a simple ponytail. And it's not just his hair or eyes that gets him noticed. Edward tends to wear a vibrant red coat with the Flamel sign (a mark important for destroying homunculi) over dark black clothing. The coat is memorable enough for it to be remembered in the movie when Alphonse wears it, leading to people mistaking Al for Ed. But since Al has the coat in the movie, and Edward is trapped on the other side of the Gate, Edward resorts to wearing the same styles and fashions as are typical for 1920s Germany. The coat, vest, slacks, and shirt are all of subdued hues, many being brown or gray.
Beneath the clothing, however, is what makes Edward truly remarkable and ultimately what gives him the name of "Fullmetal". After the tragic accident that occurred when he and Alphonse attempted to revive their mother, Edward was fitted with automail or prosthetic limbs of advanced technical capabilities. These limbs, which are wired to human nerves, work very much like regular arms or legs. But automail is made of steal and sometimes chrome, making the limbs quite heavy at times and a strain on the body. Edward insisted on having these installed at the young age of eleven and continues to wear them to this day.
Because of the strain that automail can have on a body, and also due to a doctrine Edward learned while training under his alchemy teacher, Edward also maintains a strict regime of sparring. This, and regular exercise, has given Edward a rather toned physique, something one would not expect on someone of Edward's height. However, he is in good shape and keeps it up, making him something terrifying to encounter should one ever come between him and his goals.
PERSONALITY & HOUSE REQUESTS:
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.
With all this in mind, my request is for Ed to be put in Gryffindor with Ravenclaw as a back up house. The former fits with the amount of courage Ed has as he faces the struggles in his life, made bearable by the sheer amount of stubbornness he has, as well as the sacrifice he's willing to make for people he cares about. Though he often acts like a jerk, he often behaves in such a way for the sake of others rather than just himself. And his daring personality is part of what makes him known as the Fullmetal Alchemist. Likewise, Ed's genius intellect and prodigious nature would allow him to fit in well as a member of Ravenclaw, being of quick wit and ready mind.
COMMUTER DETAILS: N/A Ed would think Moldyvort is a loser.
POSITION: Student
ABILITIES & POWERS:
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 arrays, know as transmutation circles, act as a conduit for an 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 within every alchemist, 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.
Within Hogwarts' walls, alchemy would translate rather easily, being quite similar to transfiguration (even down to Equivalent Exchange being similar to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration). Furthermore, alchemy is already a known subject in the world of Harry Potter, with Dumbledore being one of the most well known of alchemists in history. However, with alchemy as Ed knows it being somewhat different, he will still require lessons in other areas of magic, as well as in transfiguration, though transfiguration will come easier to him. And while he will retain his knowledge of alchemy and the subjects tied to it, he will lose the ability to preform alchemy by clapping his hands, instead being required to use transfiguration spells. With permission, I'd like him to eventually (after a period of build up and practice) be well skilled in the ability to preform wordless transfiguration spells, as this would be similar to his ability to preform alchemy without transmutation circles. If this is not acceptable, I'm willing to do without.
Given Ed's strength in alchemy, I'm also requesting that he be able to take the optional Alchemy courses that are available at Hogwarts, despite the classes being available only to 6th and 7th year students. Since Ed would technically be a 7th year student, were the years built the same in canon, this makes some sense. However, if it's not feasible, I fully understand.
WAND:
Walnut with phoenix feather, 8½ inches, unyielding. With walnut being described as the wand wood for highly intelligent characters, it only makes sense for Ed, being a prodigy, to align with such material. However, given how temperamental and stubborn Edward can be, a phoenix feather core would be preferable. What's more, the phoenix is the highest symbol in alchemy and one Ed is familiar with. It represents the completed, successful Human Transmutation, life born from death, and something that has only ever been done by Ed. Finally, the short length and unyielding descriptions both fit Ed, when taking into account his diminutive height and stubborn personality.
MISC.: Ed has an automail right arm and left leg, both of which he will be keeping, despite the magical ability to regrow limbs through use of Skele-gro.
WRITING SAMPLESFIRST PERSON:
[ QUILL: ]
[ At first, there's nothing but a few drawn transmutation circles as he doodles between notes, and it seems like he might not have meant to turn the commuter onto the feed at all. But soon the screen begins to fill with rough hand writing that indicates the author is likely male. ]
Alright, next person to leave a dungbomb in the damn Gryffindor Third Year dorms is gonna get their head bashed in. Or worse, I'll find you and make sure everyone knows what kinda shorts your mommy puts you in. Right in the middle of the Great Hall. There will be no warning. Got it?
[ Who the writer is doesn't seem interested in attaching their name to the threatening message, but for those that know him (or know who resides in the Third Year dormitory) will probably know who's behind it.
A few minutes later, an additional message is added, however this time set to PRIVATE. ]
Don't even think about sneaking food from dinner again, Al. We're not feeding Filch's damn cat.
THIRD PERSON:
Getting used to Hogwarts was easy enough. The halls between classes, Ed decided, were no more or less crowded than Munich's market on a bad day. He could get through the throngs of other students easily enough using a combination of subtle maneuvering and blatant shoving. The moving staircases and alternating hallways weren't too bad either, not being too different from navigating through the back allies and passageways of Lior. Hell, even making the mistake of walking through one of the castle's numerous resident ghosts wasn't too bad, though the sensation always made his automail act up for about a week. No, adapting was pretty easy. He could handle it. He had been the Fullmetal Alchemist, after all. So Ed managed to tolerate most of Hogwarts. There was just one aspect he had yet to conquer.
"Ooooh! Ickle firstie lost his way? Oopsie daisy, it's just bitty Eddie!"
Peeves the poltergeist, naturally. Ed clenched his teeth and tried to keep his temper. The first time he'd encountered the malevolent spirit, he'd ended up destroying an entire set of antique armor in his anger (the irony was not lost on him) and thus received detention for a month. Alphonse was still giving lectures on not letting his temper get the best of him. And at that moment, Ed needed to get to Transfiguration before he lost another fifty points for Gryffindor.
"Shove off, Peeves," he growled low, gold eyes flashing as he looked up at the poltergeist, who was floating mid-air with a pair of chalk erasers in his hands. Those chalk erasers looked like they could do serious damage to Ed's black robes and Ed suspected that with the way Peeves was juggling them, they could be thrown at any moment. Pulling in a breath of air through clenched teeth, he prepared to circle around Peeves. He could do this. He could ignore the taunts. He could!
He was even able to ignore the poltergeist as Peeves cackled and threw one of his erasers at Ed's back. He didn't even have to look to know it had left a white mark between his shoulder blades. He kept walking, teeth still clenched in a bared grimace that frightened off a pair of Hufflepuff first year girls. He was definitely doing pretty well with this "being the bigger man" thing Al was always talking about.
That is, until Peeves zoomed above his head and shouted loud enough for the entire floor to hear him. "Itty Bitty Eddie
Once lost his leg!
He tried to get it fixed
But lost his arm instead!"
After that, Peeves (and anyone else still standing in the hallway) didn't stand a chance. Whirling on his feet, Ed threw his wand arm out without thinking and an explosive bang reverberated in the hall, making dust trickle down from between cracks in stone. Peeves, spewing a plethora of curses, flew away as quickly as he could in order to avoid any more attacks. He was the smart one.
"Edward Elric!" That would be McGonagall, his head of house, making Ed wince as the arrogant smirk that had formed on his lips quickly disappeared. He was in trouble now... And he'd almost made it to class too. Damn. Glancing around him at the crowd that had formed to watch his impending doom, he tried to make himself seem smaller (more irony that wasn't lost on him) and heaved a sigh. There was no escaping it. He clenched his teeth yet again and jutted his chin out. At least he would face his punishment with head held high. And if he was lucky, McGonagall would give him detention that would let him study at the same time.