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Chapter 9: Ebony and Crimson

A man who has the ability to thrust fear into the hearts of others by mere presence is less human than the rest. Such a man has either such a magnificent reputation or unparalleled skill. His name be so legendary, it would be uttered rarely casually. Such a man led the Archadian Armed Force.

Judge Majister Scipio is such a man. Such seasoned a fighter was he that he could effortlessly win battles. Against great odds, come hell or high water, Scipio would always win.

Shrouded in mystery was the charismatic Scipio. Even though he had fought more battles than any judge or Imperial, no one knew much about his operations. No one even knew anything about him. No one save that pale figure underneath that armor.

He was indifferent to politics and outside trade affairs. He has also been observed to be extremely cruel and merciless in battle, and almost oblivious to any sudden change in the tide of war (a sudden breach of formation, sinking of a ship, annihilation of a squad). This was only some of the attributes that made him stand out in the ministry.

Aside from his being aloof and detached, his armor also set him aside. His armor was rather simple and less intricate than that of the other judges. An extravagant pair of black electrum forged pauldrons, a black one-piece breastplate with red streaks that somewhat resembled his ribcage, one grieve on the left arm, it was black in color and had a wavy red design all over it. He also wore a pair of vambraces, black in color and simple, fastened to his calves by leather straps. He had red tinged elbow and kneepads.

Instead of a layered and oversized helm, he had a black form-fitting mask that only revealed the mouth, the jaw and the ears.

A black coat with red lines and curves snaking across it was what he wore underneath his almost useless armor. His clothing and armor gave him an air of morbidity, as they were all black with red designs. Perhaps, this was the case because his hair had the same color. Behind his mask one could see his jet-black hair streaked liberally with red.

His weapons too, were unique. They were also very deadly.

His primary weapons were two queer looking guns. One gun was some sort of tube, the length of forearm which had six smaller tubes arranged in a circular manner at the front. There was also a container, which had a peculiar shape, located underneath the tube. It linked a long chain of bullets to a slot near the barrels. It had the customary pistol grip used in the design of all guns. The grip was located atop the gun and not below it. It was by him called a gatling gun. Struck were its beholders by awe as they ogled its intricate decorative designs of gold spires and red streaks. Its function and power were mysteries.

His second primary weapon was yet another tube, this time with the grip and trigger at the bottom. It was the length of his arms outstretched. The tube had no apparatus or containers attached, it was rather simple, save the spikes and streaks. It had a unique barrel though. It resembles the nethicite battery of the Bahamut. At the end of the weapon, it had a smaller tube, which was sealed and had three rings. It much resembled a glossair ring engine. Scipio called it the 'Castellanos launcher'. Perplexed where its beholders. This weapon employed a new type of ammunition. A castellanos charge was a pointed tube filled with castellanos explosives. A smaller tube filled with heat sensitive magicite was attached at the end. The weapon would ignite the magicite thus causing the charge to propel at great speed.

His side arms were two Durandals, strapped at either side of his hips. They were stronger and more resilient than any Durandal though.

Aside from his reputation, morbid wardrobe and outlandish weapons, his role in the history of Ivalice was also what rendered him different from his colleagues. The Senators had deemed it so. Or had they.

This chapter was made by Scipio...(",)

Perhaps one is wondering the reason for the jumping of chapters...We beg your pardon if such a move confuses you. Please be reassured however that this is all part of the storytelling...so please, bear with us...