Papers, Please

[LyingFox]

​

---

NOVEMBER 23RD , 1982

Arstotzka, a proud communist country, in the recent week finally lowering a six year war with a neighboring country, Kolechia.
Reclaiming it's rightful half of the border town, Grestin, also shows more opportunities for tourism, travel, longevity stay and wealth.

The status of the city of Grestin, a border town divided into East Grestin, which is under Arstotzkan jurisdiction, and West Grestin, which is part of Kolechia. Crossing the border between the two halves had been impossible, even for Arstotzkan citizens, until November 23rd, 1982 when Arstotzka opened a checkpoint to allow entry from Kolechia.



Political tensions are ongoing, land is still being distributed in accordance with peace treaties.

The Grestin Border has been open, a work cycle has begun, your name has been pulled from one of the many required; you are given minimal training, this is your new job.
Glory to Artotzka.


The event will run over the course of two days:

March 29th, 30th.

The exact time of the event will be decided upon by the players once they are chosen.

---

What letter do you receive?
​

---

Spoiler: #1 - LABOR DAY

[1/1]
Congratulations.
The October labor lottery is complete.
Your name was pulled.
For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint.
An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling .

Glory to Arstotzka.

Spoiler: #2 - GUNPOWDER & BRUISES

[2/7]
Congratulations.
The October labor lottery is complete.
Your name was pulled.
Fill out the attached forum to verify Veteran Status.
For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint.
An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling, mandatory discounts from vendors.

Glory to Arstotzka

Spoiler: #3 - CONCRETE AND STEEL

[0/3]
Congratulations.
The October labor lottery is complete.
Your name was pulled.
Fill out the attached forum to verify your Work Permits for Maintenance.
For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint.
An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.

Glory to Arstotzka

Spoiler: #4 - INTERNAL BATTLE

[0/1]

Congratulations.
The October labor lottery is complete.
You pulled several names.
Verify the integrity of the border. Do not let too many violations go unnoticed.
For assigning immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint.
An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin.
Expect a Class-1-A dwelling, mandatory discounts from vendors and several keys to the Border Checkpoint.

Glory to Arstotzka

Spoiler: #5 - THE WALL MUST FALL

[4/4]

It's time.
Through connections, you've voided your soon to be arrest.
The Grestin Border has opened.
The people need to be freed of it's government.

Gain the walls trust, break it from within.
This is the way, for EZIC.

Down with Arstotzka

(you can apply to be a civilian/frequent passerby)​

---

Format:

SECTION 1
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Discord Name:
Steam Name:

SECTION 1
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Character Name:
Role/Letter:
Rank (if applicable):
Backstory:
What is your character's motivation?:

Glory to Arstotzka.
(I wanted to add actual videos for the letters but.. got lazy)​

 

[Kaffee]

 

[ozymandias]

SECTION 1
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Discord Name: combinehl1
Steam Name: ozymaniac

SECTION 2
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Character Name: Mikhail Saratov
Role/Letter: Labor Day
Rank (if applicable): X
Backstory:

Born in the communist landscape that was only known as Arstotzka; Mikhail grew up in a severely troubled family. His father was a KGB officer who was eventually murdered, and Mikhail eventually was abandoned by his mother, becoming an orphan. He managed to make a good living for himself after being taken in by a Kolechian family, and having a proper family.

Life was not easy for Mikhail. He was a nomad who moved several times between Kolechia, Grestin and the United Federation. Each country, he was always caught for a petty crime and sentenced for it fro the strict rules of the countries.

Did Mikhail intend to be a troubled child, or was he just waiting for the right moment to prove himself worthy of something, that he can accomplish something properly without being scolded for it?

Mikhail was now a grown adult. He had a family of his own. A wife, a child and household responsibilities. At the age of 46, he decided to join the October Labor Lottery to get more pay as a border inspector so that he could live a proper life for him and the rest of his family, maybe going to the extent of breaking the laws of his glorious country for them.




If he ever needed to, he was prepared to help the enemy for something in return. He was ready to help the enemy of Arstotzka complete their objective just so that he could prove himself worthy. He could hear no, see no neither speak no evil regarding the enemies of Arstotzka. The Order. He had three responsibilities. Arstotzka, saving Arstotzka and his family.



Would Mikhail let his moral compass get in the way of his work? Who knows at this point? Anything could happen in his line of work at Arstotzka as a border inspector.

The pay was little, but it was still something. Something to feed his mother-in-law, wife, son and uncle. He had bills to pay, food to purchase and a roof to live under. Arstotzka wasn't too friendly when it came to pay.




Or would he just listen to his superiors, doing nothing to save this "glorious" country? He would win nothing by doing it, just a few dollars more. Mikhail had a heart, but maybe buried deep.





What is your character's motivation?: His family is his motivation. Thinking about his family's starvation, rent to pay and responsibilities that he has to keep as a father keeps him going. He may feel stumped at times, but he could never let his family down.

 

[Elsida]

SECTION 1
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Discord Name:Elsida
Steam Name:ELSIDA

SECTION 2
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Character Name: Vladimir Romanov
Role/Letter: Internal Battle
Rank (if applicable):
Backstory:

​

Born in 1929,Octovalis District
Education: University of Altan, [REDACTED]
Known jobs: Ministry of Income--->Ministry of In...DATA ERROR.-->Ministry of Admissions (Current)
Family:
Wife: Anya Romanov----Ministry of Labor
Sons: Mikhail and Andrei Romanov---Both working in the Ministry of Commerce
Brother: Igor Petrekov---- Soldier in the great army of Artozka, rank Sargeant, Medal of valor.
Father Nikolay Romanov Isidovich and Mother Alexandra Petrenkov deacesase in 1978 due to a bombing run during the war.

DETAIL INFORMATION
​

Vladimir Romanov studied in the University of Altan where he was spoted by someone in the Ministry of Income, after three years in the Ministry of Income he became the number one member of the ministry dismantling several ilegal operations, this effectivness cought the eye of the ministry of Information and decided to recruit him as an agent, where he was trained in [REDACTED] and [REDACTED].

During is prewar time he gather critical information of terrorist plans, traitors within the army and several corrupt officials in all the ministries including the Ministry of Information. During the war he was sent as a spy to Kolechia where he gather an incredible amount of information including movement of troops supplies issues and operations, sadly during this time his parents died.

After the war the Ministry of Information move him to the Ministry Of Admissions to ensure the safety of the border, his mission is clear investigate and report any anomalies with the border team including the guards and the border inspector.

What is your character's motivation?: To ensure his family and country safety above all, no one is above the state no one is safe while he is watching.

 

[Robbentotta]

Spoiler: The overall vibe

SECTION 1
Discord Name: robbentotta
Steam Name: Robbentotta




"Wanting the best for everyone is a nasty thing."

SECTION 2​

---

​

Sergey Sokolov
'The coward'
Inspector

​

Place of birth Nirsk, Arstotzka​

Family Somewhat intact​

​

---

Spoiler: The theme if you're bored.

My glory

It all started in Nirsk, a small village inside the most proudful country to exist. I don't think travelling or adventure made me feel excited. Peace and quiet is what causes the greatest joy.



The upcoming years were quite uneventful. Ma' and Pa' worked hard every day so the table at every evening could be topped on.


I remember one particular day, it was in my early twenties. Two men knocked on our door, we thought it was a surprise present or at least good news. Instead of all the things mentioned, the only news we got was my mother's passing.


That is when it was time to move up some stairs in the life-case. Father tried hard to keep me living, but wages were dropping and the cold was harsh at the village. I packed my bags and waited for the train which was headed towards the country's capital. Of course getting yelled at by Nirsk's annoying granny while idling at the station.


It's '82 now, my name was drawn...


"Aaaand the October Lottery's winner is...Sergey Sokolov!"
​

---

A coward's tale
Taken from the evening before moving to East Grestin.


The only feeling tainting my mood is the idea of being lost. I can't escape it.

For the first time in my life, I'm actually moving up in the world. Tomorrow will be a milestone!
And for some reason...I feel lost.

What will the folk I deny think of me?
Will they hate me?
Why would they hate me?
I'm only doing my job.
It'll by hard, what if someone tries to bribe or threaten me?

I'm scared ​

---

My true and honest motivation

Redemption
I want to get back to Father
I want to go back to the village
I want everything to go back to normal


Following footsteps
I must keep my family fed
I must keep this checkpoint open
I must keep this position.


Such is life in glorious Arstotzka.
My one and only son & wife
They all rely on my job as the inspector.
I'm nobody without this position.​

---

Insight to Sergey Sokolov

It might seem lazy, but I truly wish to convey this character without needing to rely on small segments which may mislead the reader. Unfortunately, describing a character without witnessing it is a very daunting taks. So I'll share my first thoughts that came to mind when pondering about Sergey.



He is a coward

Sokolov will be a coward in the beginning.
He's basically a sheep in wolf's clothing.

A lad who hides behind that glass panel, which divides offers a false sense of security.
Every moral choice would impact him a lot, the thought of deciding who gets in will put a toll on the inspector.

but, he has to keep his job!

Sokolov will either have to potentially sacrifice his position to keep his stress of denying someone at bay.

Or!

Follow the Arstotzkan regulations and ensure that the job will stay, which keep every mouth fed. Of course at the cost of being anxious about his decision(s).

What will he become?

I have two main routes for Sergey to go down, but I believe player interaction can and most likely will change the course of his story.

So, keep in mind that these are just my ideas.
Be the one that impacts it with good roleplay quality!


The Truth of Arstotzka

The Arstotzkan rule will essentially make a machine out of him. His country's thoughts are exactly aligned with his.
The entrants are simply the ones handing over the papers, nothing more.
No amount of bribes or persuasion will get you through the checkpoint, unless your papers are neat order.
[Bad ending]

Parents' shame

Money's tight, family is essentially begging for food and the rent's going up.
Sometimes, people will offer some criminal-compensation for the effort.
Well...After a threat of denial or worse.
[Neutral-bad ending]

Nirsk's glory

Still a coward, but a good one! The inspector might bend the regulations once in a while.
But his productivity will be neat. Only accepting a very few amount of people who "deserve" entry, although their papers say the exact opposite.

All doing that while catching the occasional criminal.
[Neutral-good ending]


There is no true good ending in Arstotzka.
​

---

Notes from the creator


Why am I applying for one of the most crucial role?
Well, because I'm quite available. But it's actually because:
I believe that making interesting characters and actually playing them is one of my strenghts



Sorry for not following the given format!

On the final note, I may include changes and additions to this application later on.


Have a nice one!
Glory to Arstotzka!​

 

[Taxer]

SECTION 1
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Discord Name: ttaxer
Steam Name: Taxer

SECTION 1
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Character Name: Victor Ivanov
Role/Letter: Gunpowder & Bruises
Rank (if applicable): x

Backstory:


Victor was born into a well-off family in Arstotzka. While many around him faced hardship, he grew up with plenty to eat, a warm home, and loving parents. Life was comfortable, and struggle felt distant. Now, as an adult with a wife and two children, Victor must face the challenge of providing for his own family...

What is your character's motivation?:

Victor never imagined he'd wear a uniform, but with mouths to feed and little experience, options were limited. The border guards offered a stable income, and if it meant standing in the cold all day, so be it... his family came first.

 

[Johnny Evil]

SECTION 1
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Discord Name: Dog2267
Steam Name: Meme_Lord_Satan

SECTION 1
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Character Name: Fuck you[Will tell lying fox if this is accepted, no metagame..]
Role/Letter: The Wall Must Fall
Rank (if applicable): X
Backstory:

''For freedom to be gained, is by those who are willing to sacrifice theirs in the need of others who cannot muster the courage to do it themselves.'' - Some EZIC Freedom Fighter of no name.

''I was born in 1964, in Impor, Enkyo. For reasons that are obvious, I will not state my name nor my appearance, nor my gender; for if someone that shouldn't be reading this find its, I'd like to still have a chance of getting into Arstotzka. EZIC had enlisted me with the purpose of getting into East-Grestin, they did not inform me my objective, but they did promise things that my clique in Impor could not achieve. I do not care about the politics of Kolechia or Arstotzka, I only care about my family back in Impor, and I plan to relocate them out of there and into the United Federation. And with the looming trade crisis they have, and the potential of taxes on our goods in Impor, I'd like to get my family out of there soon and get this job done. That will be all, god speed.''


What is your character's motivation?: Complete the objective.

 

[tsaoT]

Spoiler: OUT-OF-CHARACTER

​

 

[LyingFox]

Lowered guard count.

12->7 (9 HARD MAX)

Glory to Arstotzka.

 

[Dazor]

​

[ MINISTRY OF ADMISSION – PERSONNEL FILE ]

────────────────────────────────────────────
► NAME: PETROVICH, YURI
► DATE OF BIRTH: 12 OCTOBER 1943
► PLACE OF BIRTH: EAST GRESTIN, ARSTOTZKA
► GENDER: MALE
► NATIONALITY: ARSTOTZKAN

────────────────────────────────────────────
▶ OCCUPATION: BORDER GUARD – MINISTRY OF ADMISSION
▶ POSITION: SENIOR CHECKPOINT ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
▶ ASSIGNMENT: GRESTIN BORDER CHECKPOINT
▶ DATE OF APPOINTMENT: 23 NOVEMBER 1982
▶ SECURITY CLEARANCE: LEVEL 4

────────────────────────────────────────────
[ VETERAN STATUS ]
✔ CONFIRMED

► SERVICE RECORD:
• ENLISTED: 14 JANUARY 1961 – EASTERN COMMAND CENTER
• DIVISION: 3RD INFANTRY DIVISION – ARSTOTZKAN DEFENSE FORCE
• COMBAT HISTORY:
◦ BATTLE OF KRESTIN PASS – WOUNDED IN ACTION (SHRAPNEL INJURY)
◦ DEFENSE OF NOVOSTROV – HONORABLE CONDUCT CITATION
◦ OPERATION IRON WALL – DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL
• DISCHARGE: 04 AUGUST 1982 – HONORABLE DISCHARGE (PHYSICAL INJURY)

────────────────────────────────────────────
[ PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE ]
☑ DISCIPLINED – MAINTAINS STRICT ADHERENCE TO PROTOCOL
☑ CYNICAL – DISTRUSTFUL OF FOREIGN NATIONALS, ESPECIALLY KOLECHIANS
☑ LOYAL – PRIORITIZES STATE SECURITY ABOVE PERSONAL CONFLICT
☑ CONFLICTED – DEMONSTRATES OCCASIONAL MORAL FATIGUE
☑ OBSERVANT – QUICK TO NOTICE BEHAVIORAL ANOMALIES IN APPLICANTS
☑ PARANOID – EXHIBITS HYPERVIGILANCE IN HIGH-STRESS ENVIRONMENTS

────────────────────────────────────────────
[ MEDICAL REPORT ]
✔ SCAR – LEFT CHEEK (BLUNT TRAUMA – MELEE INJURY)
✔ SLEEP DISORDER – FREQUENT NIGHTMARES – PRESCRIBED SEDATIVES
✔ LEFT SHOULDER STIFFNESS – RESIDUAL EFFECT OF SHRAPNEL REMOVAL
✔ MENTAL EVALUATION: STABLE – CLEARED FOR DUTY

────────────────────────────────────────────
[ FAMILY STATUS ]
► SPOUSE: PETROVICH, ANNA – AGE 34 – FACTORY WORKER – EAST GRESTIN
► CHILDREN: PETROVICH, NIKOLAI – AGE 6 – ENROLLED IN EAST GRESTIN PRIMARY SCHOOL
► RESIDENCE: CLASS-8 DWELLING – EAST GRESTIN
► MONTHLY STATE ALLOWANCE: 40 CREDITS
► FOOD RATION STATUS: LEVEL 3 – STANDARD PROVISION

────────────────────────────────────────────
[ DISCIPLINARY RECORD ]
✔ 19 DEC 1978 – FAILURE TO REPORT INJURY – FORMAL REPRIMAND
✔ 03 MAR 1981 – ENGAGED IN UNAUTHORIZED CONFLICT WITH KOLECHIAN SOLDIER – VERBAL WARNING
✔ NO ACTIVE DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

────────────────────────────────────────────
[ PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION ]
► HEIGHT: 185 CM
► WEIGHT: 82 KG
► EYE COLOR: GRAY
► HAIR COLOR: DARK BROWN (GRAYING AT TEMPLES)
► FACIAL HAIR: STUBBLED BEARD (NON-REGULATION)

────────────────────────────────────────────
[ NOTES ]
► REPORTS FOR DUTY: 24 NOVEMBER 1982 – 06:00 HOURS
► MANDATORY UNIFORM INSPECTION REQUIRED BEFORE FIRST SHIFT
► FAILURE TO REPORT OR DERELICTION OF DUTY WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DETENTION
► FAMILY PERMITS FOR CROSS-BORDER TRAVEL: PENDING APPROVAL

────────────────────────────────────────────
**GLORY TO ARSTOTZKA.**
*ANY FAILURE TO REPORT WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DETENTION.*
────────────────────────────────────────────

 

[MisterMysteryMan]

SECTION 1
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Discord Name: Pablo0817/MisterMysteryman
Steam Name: MisterMysteryman

SECTION 1


(A picture of Fyodor taken by his comrade during the Kolechian war)

Character Name: Fedor Andronov
Role/Letter: The wall must fall!
Rank (if applicable): N/A
Backstory: Born and raised in Yurko City, Kolechia, Fedor was conscripted into the kolechian military at the age of 21, being trained as a marksman and ordered to kill foreign soldiers who had done him no wrong, ending the lives of sons, fathers, and brothers all in the name of freedom. The war spiraled out of control, escalating with each conflict; a 6-month operation quickly turning into six long years of bloodshed.

The peak of the conflict was the battle of East Gresin. Airstikes, bombardments, fire, and smoke rained down onto the city, leaving the city in complete desolation, causalities through the roof. It was a decisive victory for the Arstotzkans, they took control of what was left, rounding up the Kolechian forces and capturing them, sentencing some to death, and others to prison; Fedor suffered the latter. While in prison, he went through all manner of torture: he was beaten, starved, and left for days without water or sunlight, they even set him on fire, leaving both his face and his body disfigured.

Eventually, Fedor was released from prison once the war ended. He returned to Kolechia, a once prosperous nation turned into a shadow of its former self, everything he knew was stripped away, destroyed, or left for rot. Fedor was bitter, wishing to seek revenge against Arstotzka and what they'd done to him and his country. One day, he was sent a mysterious letter. The letter directed him to a remote location late into the night, as soon as he arrived, he was greeted by masked, anonymous figures who introduced themselves as EZIC, many of whom were veterans of the Artozkan-Kolechian war, just like Fedor. They wanted him to join them on their quest to take down the Artozkan government, and Fedor, without hesitation, agreed. Working with EZIC from that day forward.

What is your character's motivation?: To enact vengeance upon the very same government that left his homeland in ruin, to tear it apart from within.​

 

[quest]

​

---

KOLECHIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Diplomatic Corp

Name: Marcel Grul
Birthplace: Yurko City, 1950
Current Assignment: East-Grestin Diplomatic Mission
Objective: Oversee peace negotiations


Grul served as a junior analyst during the Six-Year War, assisting in diplomatic justifications. He remains deeply critical of post-war concessions.

Grul is loyal, yet pragmatic. Prefers diplomacy over direct conflict but maintains contacts with nationalist elements despite orders of superiors otherwise. Prioritizes Kolechia’s long-term interests.

Risk factors include: Operating independently. Susceptible to overreach.

Close monitoring advised.

AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY​

​

Spoiler: OOC

SECTION 1
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Discord Name: quest
Steam Name: quest

Character Name: Marcel Grul
Role/Letter: Diplomat from West-Grestin / The Wall Must Fall(?)
Rank (if applicable): Diplomatic Counsellor
Backstory:
Middle-classed Kolechian bureaucrat. Never fought in the Six-Year War due to family connections. Never saw war, and felt the need to contribute later in state bureaucracy.

What is your character's motivation?:
Marcel Grul has been sent to East-Grestin by his seniors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to oversee further peace negations and land distribution on behalf of Kolechia, however, off-the-books, Grul was assigned by his Intelligence Ministry to meet with a contact in the Arstotzkaian East-Grestin Government Office who wishes to implicate himself in a plot for Arstotzka to fall into the hands of Kolechia. Grul has been given a suitcase with a false-bottom containing a large sum of bribe money to start a spy-cell in the East-Grestin government.
Grul's goals are to watch the wall fall, but he isn't itching for it to fall tomorrow.

​

 

[quest]

i cannot find your discord anywhere within Willard Networks.

eight1248

 

[LyingFox]

DEADLINE FOR [1/2] APPLICATION WAVES ENDS ON MARCH 22ND (this Saturday)

 

[LyingFox]

SECTION 1
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Discord Name: combinehl1
Steam Name: ozymaniac

SECTION 2
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Character Name: Mikhail Saratov
Role/Letter: Labor Day

DENIED.
- EZIC ROLE GIVEN.

 

[LyingFox]

SECTION 1
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Discord Name:Elsida
Steam Name:ELSIDA

SECTION 2
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Character Name: Vladimir Romanov
Role/Letter: Internal Battle

PENDING ..
Due to this role being a [0/1], I will give this until next application deadline to improve or for another applicant to exceed over the quality of this application.

 

[LyingFox]

SECTION 1
Discord Name: robbentotta
Steam Name: Robbentotta ​

ACCEPTED.
This is an amazing example of a application that would get accepted in a instant if not given the deadline, a wonderful read with an amazing expression to the role itself.
Thank you for applying.

 

[LyingFox]

SECTION 1
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Discord Name: ttaxer
Steam Name: Taxer

SECTION 1
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Character Name: Victor Ivanov
Role/Letter: Gunpowder & Bruises
Rank (if applicable): x

Backstory:

View attachment 42630
Victor was born into a well-off family in Arstotzka. While many around him faced hardship, he grew up with plenty to eat, a warm home, and loving parents. Life was comfortable, and struggle felt distant. Now, as an adult with a wife and two children, Victor must face the challenge of providing for his own family...

What is your character's motivation?:

Victor never imagined he'd wear a uniform, but with mouths to feed and little experience, options were limited. The border guards offered a stable income, and if it meant standing in the cold all day, so be it... his family came first.

ACCEPTED.
Although a very low quality application compared to others, you are ACCEPTED due to lack of Guards.

 

[LyingFox]

SECTION 1
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Discord Name: Dog2267
Steam Name: Meme_Lord_Satan

SECTION 1
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Character Name: Fuck you[Will tell lying fox if this is accepted, no metagame..]
Role/Letter: The Wall Must Fall
Rank (if applicable): X
Backstory:

''For freedom to be gained, is by those who are willing to sacrifice theirs in the need of others who cannot muster the courage to do it themselves.'' - Some EZIC Freedom Fighter of no name.

''I was born in 1964, in Impor, Enkyo. For reasons that are obvious, I will not state my name nor my appearance, nor my gender; for if someone that shouldn't be reading this find its, I'd like to still have a chance of getting into Arstotzka. EZIC had enlisted me with the purpose of getting into East-Grestin, they did not inform me my objective, but they did promise things that my clique in Impor could not achieve. I do not care about the politics of Kolechia or Arstotzka, I only care about my family back in Impor, and I plan to relocate them out of there and into the United Federation. And with the looming trade crisis they have, and the potential of taxes on our goods in Impor, I'd like to get my family out of there soon and get this job done. That will be all, god speed.''


What is your character's motivation?: Complete the objective.

ACCEPTED.

 

[LyingFox]

Spoiler: OUT-OF-CHARACTER

View attachment 42634

View attachment 42631
View attachment 42635
View attachment 42632​

ACCEPTED.
I always love custom additions to an application!