Riesenlied

Riesenlied
IC Information
Full Name:	Riesenlied
Gender:	Female
Age (Birthdate):	420 years old (79 PC)
Hometown:	Photosphere
Hair Colour:	Ashen Blonde
Class:	Tainted Dragon
Role:	Antagonist
Bounty:	150,000 gella (as the Deceiver)
OOC Information
Theme:	Original Character
Major Group:	Metal Demons
Minor Groups:	Ebony Wings
Player:	User:Merilan

"Seek the new world, no matter how far away it is... I have faith that one day, we can all flourish together."

Riesenlied is one of the oldest and most experienced Metal Demons in the Photosphere, serving as both a a charismatic commander of troops and an overseer of the Metal Dragons within the last four centuries of their campaigns. Recently, Riesenlied has outed herself to the Drifters as leader of the Ebony Wings, an independent military group that seeks to intervene against Ignasian military acts that violate the spirit of the Treaty of Iscariot, a centuries-old treaty banning the use of weapons that nearly brought Filgaia to the brink of destruction during the Day of Collapse. Despite her Demonic origin, Riesenlied has a gentle nature; she despises cruelty and espouses empathy, carrying her missions out with a strategic and nigh-bloodless precision rarely seen amongst the Demons' tactics. This divide in philosophy only further underscores the tension borne by the fact that she is Tainted -- a minority group of disabled, cast-off Demons judged to be unfit for service and cast into the Gutter, a slum that has accrued at the bottom-most layers of the Photosphere.

Powers and Abilities

• Leadership and Charisma - More than anything else, Riesenlied is known for her ability to inspire and lead others; it is what brought about her rise to fame from nothingness, and leadership in the face of physical weakness was what made the Tainted go to where they are now. She is experienced and versed at mentoring younger Demons and finding ways to make them excel and reach their potential.
• Non-lethal Sword Style - Though Riesenlied's strength may pale to her more powerful peers, the technique she has refined over the centuries has made her a swordswoman to be rightfully feared. Riesenlied uses mundane human swords under cover. Due to her lack of strength, she typically uses a light side-sword rather than a heavier broadsword, her fighting style relying on utilising the momentum of her enemy to inflict ripostes, and delivering precision strikes. She typically uses her style to disarm or inflict non-lethal blows aimed to dismantle ARMs and other weapons that the enemy has. The only problem she has is that the weapons she uses tends to not hold too well underneath the maneuvers she's learnt to do over the centuries... and they break easy.
• Empathic Senses - Kindled with the photon phenomenon that has emerged from Riesenlied's contact with the Guardians, Riesenlied has more of an empathic sense with living and robotic beings than regular people do. It is a burgeoning sense that still has a lot of room to grow, but it is nonetheless a power that she rests her hopes within.

The Fallen Sword

First seen in Operation Gungnir, the weapon Riesenlied calls the Fallen Sword appears to be some kind of ARM... if one can even call a sword pulled straight out of her torso an ARM. The Fallen Sword, perhaps, lies too true to its namesake -- it is no sword, or no sword by any measure or reasonable definition of what a blade should be. Misshapen and jagged, many-branched and in ways resembling a twisting, coiling mass of obsidian metal.

This weapon is created out of Riesenlied herself, drawing upon much of the mass within her wings and inner chassis -- as a result, it cannot be used without massively harming herself in the process.

In this mode, Riesenlied gains access to her Pinions, remote floating ARMs that operate as an extension of her body, powered by fragments shed from her wings. Each Pinion is a feather-shaped dagger with a blade made of shimmering light, moving not so much on thrust as it does on a cushion of photon particles. They must also operate within a bounded field that is relatively small in range.

Riesenlied has also been seen to be able to disintegrate herself into floating photon particles, and reconstruct herself with the help of several Pinions forming a portal-like gate upon which her body can be rebuilt on the spot. This teleport manuever does her a significant amount of harm and is currently only used for emergency purposes.

Currently, the Fallen Sword also has a sharply limited operation time -- somewhere in the span of one and a half minutes. After this mode ends, Riesenlied has a tendency to overheat and lose consciousness.

Weaknesses

• Magic - Like many other metal demons, Riesenlied does not tolerate magic very well, and Crest Sorcery and Symbology both have effective means to disrupt her physiology. Healing magic also has a reduced effect, given that she's composed of liquid metal.
• Tainted physiology - Riesenlied's liquid metal is extraordinarily impure and, as a result, brittle and inflexible. This results in her physiology being quite weak compared to other metal demons -- she has about as much strength, agility and endurance as a normal person, and is incapable of transformation. As a result, she has to compensate with cunning, skill and tactics.
• ARM desynchronisation - The other significant drawback of the Tainted is that they're incapable of forming signatures that allow them to bond with most Metal Demon ARMs, and one of the reasons they're so ostracised by their peers. Riesenlied is no different.

Logs and Cutscenes

Chapter 1, Act 3

Cutscenes
2018-07-30: The Little Unit That Could

Chapter 1, Act 4

Cutscenes
2018-11-16: Who Am I Now... 2018-11-18: ...Now, I Am To Be

Chapter 1, Epilogue

Cutscenes
2019-03-19: Blue Bird

Chapter 2, Act 1

Cutscenes
2019-03-24: Another Pain of Loss 2019-08-21: Tales from after the Gutter

Chapter 2, Act 2

Cutscenes

Chapter 2, Act 3

Cutscenes

Chapter 2, Act 4

Cutscenes

Chapter 2, Epilogue

Cutscenes

Chapter 3, Act 1

Logs
2024-01-07: Crossing the Sea 2024-02-29: The Great Wayside Bake Sale

Cutscenes

Odjn

"Ooooooooh when a person tries to kiss a girl
I know she oughta give his face a smack!
But as soon as someone kisses me
I somehow sorta want to kiss him back!"
            -- Odjn, Drunken Stupors, Best of (vol. Filgaia 1)

Odjn is Riesenlied's lifelong companion and Metal Dragon, found deep within a mineshaft that had apparently struck proverbial gold when it unearthed the site of a battle dating back from the Metal Demon Wars. Odjn is a sassy smartmouth, always with a quick quip or a witty repartee to her so-called 'mistress', a term she uses in a rather vitriolic manner. She also appears to have a deep love for singing, especially from a genre that ancient records would show is the 'power ballad' genre. Odjn's smart-alec comments often conflict with Riesenlied's mild and collected manners, though perhaps in this case it is true that opposites do attract.

Odjn doesn't have many memories before Riesenlied found her -- and this is something that greatly troubles her. Sometimes, events and actions cause her to have painful flashes of horrifying memories. Unfortunately, they're too hazy for her to really remember the exact details, but she confides in Riesenlied that she feels worried she was involved in something horrible.

Relationships

Riesenlied is bad at this, maybe

E-eh?! It's not like I think about the relationships I have that often...

....

I do not feel as if I could categorise the people that I know to simple categories as like, not-like. ... that's just not how I think about people, I'm afraid. The connections I've made in this world are unique... challenging, difficult, and sometimes, full of grief. But, at the same time, they are invaluable to me, in order to further my understanding of Filgaia and its sad history by the light. ... but thoughts frequently change. Feelings frequently change. One's enemy today may be a friend tomorrow...

I wonder if our ancestors ever had to struggle with something so difficult...

Metal Demons

My brethren. We struggle together in a centuries-old fight to find our place in a planet that despises us. How much must we sacrifice, before we find what it is that we seek? Ours is truly a difficult situation, indeed.

• Noeline - Noeline... I've said as much, and... I can only hope that the world finds a way to accept us both... I would do anything, and I know she has sacrificed a lot to be by my side, to protect me in the days to come as well... you are the closest and dearest person in my heart, Noeline. I love you.

• Zed - Ah, Zed, what will I ever do with you? More than anyone, his belligerence often gets him into trouble, but there is an earnestness in his actions that remind me of the Tainted. He has been good company for Odjn, and Odjn in turn seems to like him very much. Friendships like that are quite rare.
• Gamma - I trust Gamma, and she is a good soldier. But I worry that she may sometimes not feel valued. I'll do my best to eke out her potential and find what it is that she seeks in life.
• Yarobeleedt - Yaro, I would like to teach you about the world out there. A measure of fear may be healthy, but you cannot shield yourself from everything forever......
• Kalve - I am fascinated with the depths of Kalve's engineering marvels. I respect his experience and understanding.

The Quarter Knights

Our leaders in our struggle in Filgaia. I was once slated to become one of them, but... perhaps in hindsight, I prefer to not have been one. It is difficult to see the ground from too far up... and you start to miss things.

• Siegfried - Our Master, and leader of the Metal Demons. I respect his strength, and many of the techniques I've learnt in commanding soldiers come from him. But I feel that there is a dangerous divergence between us... will your hatred of the humans blind you, Lord Siegfried?
• Lady Harken - I thank you for being there at a time of need, Lady Harken... no matter what misgivings others may have about you, I will not forget that.
• Alhazred - Alhazred and I have had... disagreements in the past, and it is perhaps not a secret that his lieutenants and those working under him have demanded that I hand the Dragons over. But they are precious to me, more than just assets, and I shall not do so.
• Berserk - It is difficult to work with Lord Berserk... he prefers a more straightforward touch, and while I respect that, he has no patience for my more nuanced plans. Perhaps I do think too much after all.

Allies

Allies in our fight to reshape Filgaia. For how long will this alliance last, however, as our interests continue to diverge?

• K.K. - Strength is not gained, but earned. I know this lesson more than most. Yet, I don't feel that it is a burden that everyone should carry. Is this the limit that we are all pushed to, in a world that despises us so?
• Agatha Pyrelight - Despite her machinations, despite her provocations... there is something about her words... has the harsh truth of immortality worn her down so? Will I become someone like that, seeking the next thrill that only comes once every generation or so? Is this... the truth of what we are resigned to?
• Seraph Ragnell - Miss Ragnell has been at my side and provided useful information, but I feel a faint kind of sorrow from her... a kind of lingering regret... you have been hurt, have you not, miss Ragnell?

Humans

Filgaia's chosen. Ironically, I am much more like them than my brethren, given my inabilities... they are a strange and varied sort. What will become of our relationship, when the facade bleeds away?

• Catenna - One from Elru, and one familiar with the land, having been exiled... I cannot help but have a close connection. Though, in the end, she and I must walk different, conflicting paths... ah...
• Janus Cascade - The archetypal Drifter, and brash. I look at his eyes and see a kind of frightening ambition. Though my brethren would disparage humans for collecting ARMs, there is something remarkable about the way they adapt, much like the Tainted did...
• Sephilia Lampbright - Be careful, little one. The witch's machinations are deep indeed. I wish to protect you, but I may not be able to...
• Rudy Roughnight - I sense a sadness from this young man's eyes, but he seemed to be willing to do good. What is it that drives the virtue in humans?
• Jacqueline Barber - Jacqueline... I may not be able to see how you'll develop, as a merchant, as a sorcerer, as an alchemist, but I have no doubt your creations will help those that you touch.
• Lynnai Albrek - She claims to be an acquaintance of Zed's. That man has scoured the fields of Filgaia more than I have... I hope that he does not run into bad company.
• Ida Everstead-Rey - To be forced onto a role that you'd rather not undertake... in a way, I can understand that. Miss Ida, I hope that you do find your true calling in life, rather than be entrenched in the constructs that we've created around ourselves.
• Claude C. Kenny - He does remind me of Zed, in a strange way... human boys will be human boys, as I often hear the saying goes.
• Ethius Hesiod - What a mysterious man, and driven to his goal, as well. Just what lies beyond that expressionless countenance of his?
• Rudy Roughnight - There is too much sorrow in this world. Living as long as I have, you can simply see it in people's eyes. What does it take, to dispel that sadness? There is no easy answer.
• Rosaline Calice - The Ethos, hmm... I have a feeling this girl is more than she expresses herself to be. I must be careful, to not play my hand too much.
• Arleph Ardan - A pleasant man indeed, with a bit of a drawl to his accent. Accents are a curious thing, one I've never quite adapted. I wonder if it is because of our physiology?
• Matilda Whitehead - There is a faint nervousness about her. I only hope that the seeds of such doubt do not take root in her heart. They are... insidious indeed...
• Maya Schrodinger - The name Schrodinger holds a lot of prestige. But I believe that there's a young lady in there that seeks to make her own mark. I believe she carries a great burden...
• Talise Gianfair - Noeline seems to have taken to Miss Talise, and we suggested some new fashions to her. She's a very powerful swordswoman, and I would hate to have to face her blade myself...
• Vash the Stampede - Mister Hamspammaslash... er... well... hmm. What a curious individual. And one I can relate to, in some way. There is weight behind those eyes, the way he moves. But I refuse to wear a mask of deception over myself. I must carry the weight of my sins, if I am to stay true to my convictions.
• Gwen Whitlock - Miss Gwen wields some rather unusual powers... but her commitment and capability is not to be questioned. We would not have been able to rescue the King without you.
• Xantia - Powerful, but untempered... Miss Xantia, I have no doubt that you'll excel as a martial artist someday.

Factions

The Vile Fiends

'The title of Lord of Calamity is bestowed upon one that can change the world in an instant...' With the incident of this Malevolence... will they be all right? If only I could look after them more...

• Jean - Jean... no matter what sorrow you hold within your heart, remember that you've your friends. It is only by that measure that I was able to hold on this long...
• Lemina Ausa - Magic Guild, hmm? It would be lovely to learn, but I am certain that I cannot...
• Hiro - Your decision to hold strong and not look away to help Lucia is one I admire, Hiro. You will grow strong...
• Ruby - Ah... really, mix Odjn and her together and you've got such a wonderful pair. It's a friendship that I'd like to foster... if I can...

Althena's Guard

I don't know enough about this religion, but... I have misgivings. Their presence cannot help but complicate matters for us.

• Kourin - To see such reverence behind a sorrowful face... there is a complicated and tragic story there. Belief is supposed to elevate us, and yet...

The Black Ties

Dangerous. The Black Ties are just one reason why I disagree with my brethren's arrogant view of humans. These criminals are dangerous and cannot be treated lightly.

• Kent Hauch - Though a little short on temper, I would not for a moment discredit how dangerous this man can be... to be able to carry a firebrand weapon like he does requires not only skill, but werewithal and no small amount of courage. And perhaps a healthy dose of disregard for one's safety.
• Parbody - I cannot pierce that mask... there is definitely something unsettling underneath there, but what? One of the humans I really cannot read.

Yggdrasil Alliance

The Yggdrasil's anti-air capabilities are a great threat to us. And now they possess the Golem Diablo. We must watch them closely.

• Lily Keil - If we are to have tainted spirits, Miss Lily... then are we so truly condemned? I hope that you will seek a path of your own beliefs one day, as I strive to...
• Leon Albus - As soldiers, we have to believe that we can have a place in a world without war. Otherwise, we risk simply becoming a cog in the endless cycle of violence...
• Fei Fong Wong - Why do I possess such fright in my heart when I see Mister Fei? I don't think he's a bad person, yet...

The Shepherd's Retinue

The Shepherd... there are so many similarities between what people struggle to achieve in Filgaia and Lunar -- to try to fit, to try to bridge gaps between two parties...

• Sorey - Sorey seems a very kind young man, and he was more than willing to listen to me when others would not. I am grateful for that... and he looked after Odjn, even though he didn't have to.

The Ebony Wings

Borne of the attack on Adlehyde, the new Ebony Wings declared their intentions on that fateful day: To uphold the spirit of the Treaty of Iscariot, intervening with force against those that would accelerate the war happening within the Ignasian landscape. Territory, religion, greed, no matter what the reason or excuse: If there is ever an evident act of abuse of ancient artifacts being carried out, the Ebony Wings shall commence intervention. Those that promote and accelerate the means and acts of war shall also be valid targets for their intervention.

There are those that have lent their hand to our cause, and I am deeply appreciative of their support...

• Tipheria Ardor - A skilled huntress, and one of the Vile Tribe... it pains me to hear that such discrimination exists in Lunar too. I shall do what I can to aid your tribe, Miss Tipheria.
• Ambrosius - Mister Ambrosius has a fascination with history that will no doubt come in useful, and he is a skilled mechanic too. I value his support and insight.
• Kaguya - I'm bashful to admit it, but I feel something akin to a motherly feeling when I am around Kaguya...

My kin, you've come a long way with me, from the earliest and most pitiful of our days. I shall see to the best of my abilities that you receive the due respect that you so deserve...

• Jedan - Jedan is the powerhouse and psuedo-dad of the Ebony Wings, a heavyset demon with bad eyesight but powerful physical strength. He's a veteran demon who was discarded due to battle injuries, and wound up looking after the group. His relationship with Riesenlied go way back.

Jedan, I trust you wholeheartedly and can safely say this whole operation would not have been possible without your experience. I know you're quiet and grumpy, but you're here to look after us when we get in over our heads...

• Dva - Dva is renowned for her agility and speed, being the quick hit 'n run striker of the team. But she's an underwater specialist, and there are no underwater stages in DCMUSH.

Dva, even if no one else in the Sphere appreciates you, I do. And I know you'll excel when given the chance.

• Cetiri - Cetiri is the intellectual of the group, and is Riesenlied's second in command as far as logistics go. Also, totally a dog.

Cetiri, one day I will show you the insights and merit of what I have seen out there. I can only hope that you will see value in it as well.

• Sedam - Sedam is the drill instructor of the group, and is renowned for her Drill ARMs and skill at cleaning.

Sedam, I hope that we will be able to one day restore you... I won't let go of you until then.

• Devet - Devet is a fresh rookie to the Ebony Wings, trying to learn the ropes under Riese's wings. Literally.

Devet, you are responsible for your own self-development, but I will see that you receive the due training and care that you require.

Cuccos

Soundtrack

Act 2 Tracks

• Battle Theme - (幻想少女大戦永 OST - Dream Balancer～少女綺想曲) Gensou Shoujo Taisen Ei OST - Dream Balancer - Maiden's Cappricio

With this, I have the ability to hope...

• Main Theme - (うみねこのなく頃に散 - The End Of The World ～世界の終わりに祝福の鐘は鳴る～) (Umineko ni Naku Koro ni Chiru - The End of the World - The Bell of Blessings Rings at the End of the World)

Even if this world were to announce its end now,

The bell rife with happiness shall surely reverberate.

Ah, it's almost like praise for pure love...

If someone is definitely able to love deeply...

Then surely the arriving future shall exist.

Act 1 Tracks

• Battle Theme - Drakengard 3 DLC OST - Ashes of Dreams

Stories of danger, fearless attack,

Specters of plague and pain.

All of these ghosts of our own delusions are back;

Have we been fighting in vain?

• Battle Theme II - Valkyrie Anatomia -The Origin- OST - Unfinished Battle with God Syndrome ~ Second Attack

Come to me, Ebony Wings! Battle awaits us!

• Main Theme - NieR: Automata OST - Weight of the World

I wish that someway, somehow

That I can save everyone of us

But the truth is that I’m only one girl

Maybe if I keep believing my dreams will come to life, come to life...

• Anime OP Theme - Unlucky Morpheus - Le Cirque de Sept Couleurs

Here in an enclosed garden of Hellfire she is born upon an inhuman path!

Turning against the heavens, a harlequin on the end of a puppet’s wire!

This young girl challenges her accursed fate

Set in the forefront of a devilish midnight tragedy

• Digger Theme - (紅魔城伝説 OST - 乾坤の巫女) Koumajou Densetsu: Scarlet Symphony OST - Shrine Maiden of Heaven and Earth

• Digger Theme II - (幻想少女大戦妖 OST - 桜上絢爛～アルティメットトゥルース) Gensou Shoujo Taisen You OST - Brilliant Cherry Blossom - Ultimate Truth

• Yuri Overflowing Theme - Shoujo Kakumei Utena Movie - Adolescence Rush OST - At Times, Love Is