Personality: Archer's personality depends on who you are, or rather, if you're in a position of power or not. To his superiors he's a charming, hard-working officer with a more reserved look on government and society at large. To anyone he doesn't consider useful, he's a complete jerk. The two sides don't seem to properly fit together until one realizes that Archer is a cunning manipulator. His smarts lead him to believe he's superior to everyone, including those he's quite charming toward. Even if he must push his ego aside, it's only for a limited time. Archer doesn't seem to hold a high level of respect for the Fuhrer (due to the fact that he knows the Fuhrer is a Homunculus; something that immediately gives him an edge over the Fuhrer), and is often contrary to the point of defiance in discussion with him. He shows less and less respect toward his superior officers as the series goes on.
War is Archer's favorite thing. His determination to start a war in Liore is only further proof of this. While war has strengthened his nation in the past, Archer does not seek to start a war for that prospect. He loves strategy and planning, but especially loves the thrill of a fight. Any excuse to kill without reprecussions is one he is willing to take. He passes it off as wanting to be a "war hero" like Mustang, but in reality he simply "likes war," according to one of the soldiers who worked under him. This seems to be common knowledge within the military, but Archer hasn't actually done anything that could be considered illegal. Archer knows his views aren't common and are definitely not normal; he's very careful not to say anything that could get him thrown in prison. Kimbley is the only person he's met who shares any of his beliefs, and he was in prison for ten years for killing his superior officers during the Ishbal War. He obviously doesn't want to end up like Kimbley, and spends the majority of his time attempting to appear normal. While he can pass for normal, he does give off an inherently creepy vibe. He doesn't seem to notice this.
Archer has a severe lack of morals in most areas of life. Society's "morals" concerning life and war scarcely affect him. He's willing to use others as tools to achieve his own ends. He tends to come off as inhumane and cruel when discussing those morals, but it's not entirely without benefit. He can actually argue that without morals to "get in his way" he's not forced to think about "what's right." This makes him (in his opinion) the perfect soldier. His lack of morals make him dangerous, but he would be right at home on the battlefield. Unfortunately (in his opinion), he's never seen battle.
Archer is easily angered and frustrated, but most other emotions are hidden under an outer layer of cool detachment. While he is usually level-headed and takes the time to think his actions through, when he's angry Archer doesn't stop to think. Archer doesn't like showing any weakness whatsoever, and he considers most emotion to be a weakness which can be used against him. Likewise he considers friends to be similar and keeps very few. Allies, on the other hand, are always useful (at least until he decides they aren't, in which case friendy fire is always a suitable option). His cruel ruthlessness both on and off the battlefield are terrifying, leading many to whisper behind his back that he's not only a warmonger but a sadistic, inhumane monster as well. As long as they can't prove it, Archer considers himself safe. He finds it rather ironic that they call him a monster while working for one.
Those that work under him would indeed describe Archer as a monster. He's ruthless when it comes to his officers and works them to the bone. Perfection is expected and even a small mistake (be it grammatical or a numerical error, or perhaps even spelling when Archer's really in a foul mood) can result in severe punishment. His own paperwork is known for being error-free, and he expects the same of his subordinates (even though he is ultimately sure that they are incapable of it). It's more of an ego-booster than anything else (not that he needs one).
Due to having previously been in Route, Archer's personality has altered some. He's still just as devious and clever as always, but he's a bit more calm than he was when he first arrived. He's formed a very strong bond with Kimblee which has helped him adapt to life in Johto much easier than he would have on his own. That friendship with Kimblee was a major turning point for him - it was proof that his friendship with Kimbley wasn't a fluke and that he is capable of making other friends and forming lasting relationships that are admittedly kind of creepy. Archer has mellowed out a lot due to being in Route instead of the war-driven society in Amestris, though he still seeks to make his mark on the world and have everyone recognize him... through taking over the entire region. Yes, he still wants that.
Strengths/Weaknesses: ✔ Archer is a very skilled orator. He's quite good at talking - be it convincing others, speaking to large groups, or lying through his teeth. He can hide (most) emotions behind an eloquent speech. He is usually very blunt and to the point though, which can make him seem rude or insensitive. He is. ✔ Archer is smart - he's well educated and clever. His "street smarts" are severely lacking though. There are very few situations that Archer cannot get himself out of. He confronts the Fuhrer about Laboratory Five without showing any sort of fear about possible repercussions (at that time, it's heavily implied he knows that Fuhrer Bradley is not human). While this may make him seem reckless or even fearless, it's really more of a matter of knowing how to get what he wants (in this case, Kimbley and Tucker's reinstatement into the military). What he lacks in experience he makes up for in knowledge. He's quick to learn and even quicker to try and find answers to any questions he has. Archer can't stand not knowing what's going on around him. Hughes, Archer's former superior officer, was killed because he discovered what was going on within the military. Archer figures out what's going on not long after Hughes's death; he is one of the few who does know what is going on within the military. ✔ Though he isn't well-known for it, Archer is good with firearms. He tends not to think before pulling his gun though (evidently Edward Elric's short rants are just enough to get him ready to shoot - even if Edward is a child, not that he cares much about that). Of course, that doesn't really serve any purpose in Johto, since he can't get his hands on a gun. ✔ When it comes to sucking up, Archer can't be beat. Well, okay, he can, since his huge ego can only take a certain amount of debasing. Archer will form "friendships" with anyone he deems capable of helping him achieve his goals. He won't hesitate to toss his friends under the bus should it aid him though. That might be literal. It's difficult to tell with him. ✘ Friendship has always been a problem for Archer. He doesn't have any close friends - nor does he need them - but there are times when having supporters would be useful. He tends to use those he does consider "friends" and is quick to rid himself of them. The closest person to him would be Kimbley, and unfortunately he got himself killed. Archer is a skilled leader and can actually get along well enough with those to work under him - several of his soldiers actively worry about him when the array goes off in Liore (not that he was capable of noticing this). Archer has difficulties trusting anyone, which is another reason why he doesn't make fiends. ✘ Archer is typically good at reigning in his emotions - save anger and frustration. He's quick to get pissed off, and even quicker to lash out (usually verbally, but if he's pissed enough he will lash out physically). He can go from perfectly calm to furious in a matter of seconds if the right buttons are pushed. He doesn't deal well with any emotions that aren't smug satisfaction. He's not very good at identifying his emotions as what they are and tends to read too deeply into them. This usually results in anger. ...Though most of his emotions circle back around to anger at some point anyway. ✘ A lack of "special" abilities hinders Archer in his homeworld. He's incapable of alchemy. Had he been capable of using the science he would have used it to achieve a higher ranking in the military early on. Instead he had to work his way up as a pencil-pusher. Archer thinks quite highly of himself, but his inability to use alchemy is the one thing that he really hates. He tends to be jealous of everyone who does have any "special" abilities, and that jealousy tends to turn into hatred. Possibly the only exception to this is Kimbley, who had the same twisted world view as Archer. That, and Kimbley can make anything explode. ✘ Archer tends to come off as cold and aloof. It isn't far from the truth. He doesn't interact with anyone he doesn't think he can use. This is especially detrimental within this world, as Archer doesn't know anything about this world or how it works. It also doesn't help that he dislikes his Team Rocket superiors. He refuses to be considered a "Grunt" due to the fact that he worked his way up from such a position back in Amestris. The fact that his "boss" has the name Archer is an irony that only serves to infuriate him further. ✘ He's very fickle. Archer will go after whatever he believes will aid him most in the long run. His goal is to become Fuhrer of Amestris - or at least go down in history as a war hero. Either way, he changes his mind repeatedly. Within the course of an episode he changes his mind four times (original goal was to find the Elric brothers and question them about the events at Laboratory Five. Then he found a chimera and wanted to capture it. Then he found a Homunculus child capable of using alchemy and wanted to capture him instead. Then when everything starts going wrong he decides to recruit Kimbley to work for him within the military.) Even when he gets what he wants, he's quick to change his mind about it and find something else worth pursuing. ✘ When it comes to fears, there really isn't much that holds Archer back. While he dislikes being seen as useless or weak, neither of these qualify as "fears." About the only thing Archer genuinely fears is dying before he's made a name for himself. Death itself doesn't scare him (though he isn't fond of physical pain of any sort), it's just the idea that he won't be remembered for anything and will have lived a "pointless" life.
Pokémon Information Affiliation: Team Rocket Starter: Bisharp (level 30) and Zubat ♂ Password: Caramel Popcorn
Samples First Person Sample:What happened.
[That's said with the air of someone who is incredibly furious but is trying to hide it. The post is set to audio so Archer's face isn't visible, but it's very obvious that he's pissed.]
I was under the impression that we fell into a coma for a week when we returned home. That isn't what happened to me. I disappeared from Johto entirely, apparently. Normally I wouldn't be this upset about this, but I've lost all of my Pokémon. All of them. Every. Single. Last. One.
[He grits the words out from between clenched teeth. To make matters even worse, he's starting with another Zubat! Ugh, at least this one isn't microchipped so he can probably use it without it turning on him...]
If anyone has my Pokémon, I would like them back immediately. I'm particularly interested in discovering what became of Alekhine.
[There's a pause. Archer counts backwards from ten to make sure he doesn't say anything that could out him as a member of Team Rocket. He wants to ask about his status within the organization, but for the time being he'll remain quiet.]
...Thank you for your time.
Third Person Sample: The room is far too familiar. He wonders absently why he's in the base instead of in the house in Mahogany Town, but then it hits him. He shouldn't be here. He wasn't here. He was back home, in Amestris.
And he had lived through the array that went off in Liore. He had lived through getting his body nearly sliced in half. He had lived despite losing a lot of blood, his arm, his leg, and his eye.
Immediately he looked at his hands. His left arm was there. He flexed his fingers experimentally, surprised that his arm responded so well. His left leg was there too, and like his arm, it responded properly. He pushed himself up from the bed and approached the mirror, staring at his reflection silently. He looked exactly the same as he had the last time he was here, except his hair was perhaps a bit shorter.
"What the hell happened?"
He turned to look around the room, hoping for some clue as to why he was here. Had he passed out and someone had moved him? Why here though? A set of red-and-white balls on the table caught his eye, along with a Team Rocket uniform and a note placed neatly on top. He felt his heart sink.
"No. No, it's not possible. This can't be." He reached for the note, skimmed it quickly and balled it up. "This shouldn't be happening! I was a Beta in this organization! A Beta! Why the hell am I starting over again!? What the hell happened!?"
But he already knew what had happened. He'd returned home. He'd gone back to Amestris and left everything in this world behind. Immediately he reached into his pocket for the pocketwatch he had received during Christmas, but of course it was gone. He supposed he was lucky enough to have his uniform, since he didn't remember wearing it when he woke up the few times after that array hit. Archer subconsciously flexed his fingers again. It was good to have his dominant arm back.
"I'll just have to get in contact with the others. Cobra should still be here and Kimblee..."
Would Kimblee still be here? Of course. Of course he would be. If Kimblee went home, that would mean...
No. He refused to entertain the idea. Archer took the PokéGear and dialed the number he remembered so clearly. "What the hell do you mean 'Gear I.D. not found'!?" Archer demanded, but as expected, the 'Gear didn't answer him. Kimblee was no longer in Johto.
He refused to allow himself a moment to think about this because he knew he would curl up and refuse to do anything else for the rest of the day. He needed to get in contact with Cobra and see if he had any of Archer's Pokémon. "Commander, this is Colonel Archer. I've returned to Johto. We will continue our plans as soon as possible."
Re: Frank Archer | Fullmetal Alchemist | Reapp
War is Archer's favorite thing. His determination to start a war in Liore is only further proof of this. While war has strengthened his nation in the past, Archer does not seek to start a war for that prospect. He loves strategy and planning, but especially loves the thrill of a fight. Any excuse to kill without reprecussions is one he is willing to take. He passes it off as wanting to be a "war hero" like Mustang, but in reality he simply "likes war," according to one of the soldiers who worked under him. This seems to be common knowledge within the military, but Archer hasn't actually done anything that could be considered illegal. Archer knows his views aren't common and are definitely not normal; he's very careful not to say anything that could get him thrown in prison. Kimbley is the only person he's met who shares any of his beliefs, and he was in prison for ten years for killing his superior officers during the Ishbal War. He obviously doesn't want to end up like Kimbley, and spends the majority of his time attempting to appear normal. While he can pass for normal, he does give off an inherently creepy vibe. He doesn't seem to notice this.
Archer has a severe lack of morals in most areas of life. Society's "morals" concerning life and war scarcely affect him. He's willing to use others as tools to achieve his own ends. He tends to come off as inhumane and cruel when discussing those morals, but it's not entirely without benefit. He can actually argue that without morals to "get in his way" he's not forced to think about "what's right." This makes him (in his opinion) the perfect soldier. His lack of morals make him dangerous, but he would be right at home on the battlefield. Unfortunately (in his opinion), he's never seen battle.
Archer is easily angered and frustrated, but most other emotions are hidden under an outer layer of cool detachment. While he is usually level-headed and takes the time to think his actions through, when he's angry Archer doesn't stop to think. Archer doesn't like showing any weakness whatsoever, and he considers most emotion to be a weakness which can be used against him. Likewise he considers friends to be similar and keeps very few. Allies, on the other hand, are always useful (at least until he decides they aren't, in which case friendy fire is always a suitable option). His cruel ruthlessness both on and off the battlefield are terrifying, leading many to whisper behind his back that he's not only a warmonger but a sadistic, inhumane monster as well. As long as they can't prove it, Archer considers himself safe. He finds it rather ironic that they call him a monster while working for one.
Those that work under him would indeed describe Archer as a monster. He's ruthless when it comes to his officers and works them to the bone. Perfection is expected and even a small mistake (be it grammatical or a numerical error, or perhaps even spelling when Archer's really in a foul mood) can result in severe punishment. His own paperwork is known for being error-free, and he expects the same of his subordinates (even though he is ultimately sure that they are incapable of it). It's more of an ego-booster than anything else (not that he needs one).
Due to having previously been in Route, Archer's personality has altered some. He's still just as devious and clever as always, but he's a bit more calm than he was when he first arrived. He's formed a very strong bond with Kimblee which has helped him adapt to life in Johto much easier than he would have on his own. That friendship with Kimblee was a major turning point for him - it was proof that his friendship with Kimbley wasn't a fluke and that he is capable of making other friends and forming lasting relationships that are admittedly kind of creepy. Archer has mellowed out a lot due to being in Route instead of the war-driven society in Amestris, though he still seeks to make his mark on the world and have everyone recognize him... through taking over the entire region. Yes, he still wants that.
Strengths/Weaknesses: ✔ Archer is a very skilled orator. He's quite good at talking - be it convincing others, speaking to large groups, or lying through his teeth. He can hide (most) emotions behind an eloquent speech. He is usually very blunt and to the point though, which can make him seem rude or insensitive. He is.
✔ Archer is smart - he's well educated and clever. His "street smarts" are severely lacking though. There are very few situations that Archer cannot get himself out of. He confronts the Fuhrer about Laboratory Five without showing any sort of fear about possible repercussions (at that time, it's heavily implied he knows that Fuhrer Bradley is not human). While this may make him seem reckless or even fearless, it's really more of a matter of knowing how to get what he wants (in this case, Kimbley and Tucker's reinstatement into the military). What he lacks in experience he makes up for in knowledge. He's quick to learn and even quicker to try and find answers to any questions he has. Archer can't stand not knowing what's going on around him. Hughes, Archer's former superior officer, was killed because he discovered what was going on within the military. Archer figures out what's going on not long after Hughes's death; he is one of the few who does know what is going on within the military.
✔ Though he isn't well-known for it, Archer is good with firearms. He tends not to think before pulling his gun though (evidently Edward Elric's short rants are just enough to get him ready to shoot - even if Edward is a child, not that he cares much about that). Of course, that doesn't really serve any purpose in Johto, since he can't get his hands on a gun.
✔ When it comes to sucking up, Archer can't be beat. Well, okay, he can, since his huge ego can only take a certain amount of debasing. Archer will form "friendships" with anyone he deems capable of helping him achieve his goals. He won't hesitate to toss his friends under the bus should it aid him though. That might be literal. It's difficult to tell with him.
✘ Friendship has always been a problem for Archer. He doesn't have any close friends - nor does he need them - but there are times when having supporters would be useful. He tends to use those he does consider "friends" and is quick to rid himself of them. The closest person to him would be Kimbley, and unfortunately he got himself killed. Archer is a skilled leader and can actually get along well enough with those to work under him - several of his soldiers actively worry about him when the array goes off in Liore (not that he was capable of noticing this). Archer has difficulties trusting anyone, which is another reason why he doesn't make fiends.
✘ Archer is typically good at reigning in his emotions - save anger and frustration. He's quick to get pissed off, and even quicker to lash out (usually verbally, but if he's pissed enough he will lash out physically). He can go from perfectly calm to furious in a matter of seconds if the right buttons are pushed. He doesn't deal well with any emotions that aren't smug satisfaction. He's not very good at identifying his emotions as what they are and tends to read too deeply into them. This usually results in anger. ...Though most of his emotions circle back around to anger at some point anyway.
✘ A lack of "special" abilities hinders Archer in his homeworld. He's incapable of alchemy. Had he been capable of using the science he would have used it to achieve a higher ranking in the military early on. Instead he had to work his way up as a pencil-pusher. Archer thinks quite highly of himself, but his inability to use alchemy is the one thing that he really hates. He tends to be jealous of everyone who does have any "special" abilities, and that jealousy tends to turn into hatred. Possibly the only exception to this is Kimbley, who had the same twisted world view as Archer. That, and Kimbley can make anything explode.
✘ Archer tends to come off as cold and aloof. It isn't far from the truth. He doesn't interact with anyone he doesn't think he can use. This is especially detrimental within this world, as Archer doesn't know anything about this world or how it works. It also doesn't help that he dislikes his Team Rocket superiors. He refuses to be considered a "Grunt" due to the fact that he worked his way up from such a position back in Amestris. The fact that his "boss" has the name Archer is an irony that only serves to infuriate him further.
✘ He's very fickle. Archer will go after whatever he believes will aid him most in the long run. His goal is to become Fuhrer of Amestris - or at least go down in history as a war hero. Either way, he changes his mind repeatedly. Within the course of an episode he changes his mind four times (original goal was to find the Elric brothers and question them about the events at Laboratory Five. Then he found a chimera and wanted to capture it. Then he found a Homunculus child capable of using alchemy and wanted to capture him instead. Then when everything starts going wrong he decides to recruit Kimbley to work for him within the military.) Even when he gets what he wants, he's quick to change his mind about it and find something else worth pursuing.
✘ When it comes to fears, there really isn't much that holds Archer back. While he dislikes being seen as useless or weak, neither of these qualify as "fears." About the only thing Archer genuinely fears is dying before he's made a name for himself. Death itself doesn't scare him (though he isn't fond of physical pain of any sort), it's just the idea that he won't be remembered for anything and will have lived a "pointless" life.
Pokémon Information
Affiliation: Team Rocket
Starter: Bisharp (level 30) and Zubat ♂
Password: Caramel Popcorn
Samples
First Person Sample: What happened.
[That's said with the air of someone who is incredibly furious but is trying to hide it. The post is set to audio so Archer's face isn't visible, but it's very obvious that he's pissed.]
I was under the impression that we fell into a coma for a week when we returned home. That isn't what happened to me. I disappeared from Johto entirely, apparently. Normally I wouldn't be this upset about this, but I've lost all of my Pokémon. All of them. Every. Single. Last. One.
[He grits the words out from between clenched teeth. To make matters even worse, he's starting with another Zubat! Ugh, at least this one isn't microchipped so he can probably use it without it turning on him...]
If anyone has my Pokémon, I would like them back immediately. I'm particularly interested in discovering what became of Alekhine.
[There's a pause. Archer counts backwards from ten to make sure he doesn't say anything that could out him as a member of Team Rocket. He wants to ask about his status within the organization, but for the time being he'll remain quiet.]
...Thank you for your time.
Third Person Sample: The room is far too familiar. He wonders absently why he's in the base instead of in the house in Mahogany Town, but then it hits him. He shouldn't be here. He wasn't here. He was back home, in Amestris.
And he had lived through the array that went off in Liore. He had lived through getting his body nearly sliced in half. He had lived despite losing a lot of blood, his arm, his leg, and his eye.
Immediately he looked at his hands. His left arm was there. He flexed his fingers experimentally, surprised that his arm responded so well. His left leg was there too, and like his arm, it responded properly. He pushed himself up from the bed and approached the mirror, staring at his reflection silently. He looked exactly the same as he had the last time he was here, except his hair was perhaps a bit shorter.
"What the hell happened?"
He turned to look around the room, hoping for some clue as to why he was here. Had he passed out and someone had moved him? Why here though? A set of red-and-white balls on the table caught his eye, along with a Team Rocket uniform and a note placed neatly on top. He felt his heart sink.
"No. No, it's not possible. This can't be." He reached for the note, skimmed it quickly and balled it up. "This shouldn't be happening! I was a Beta in this organization! A Beta! Why the hell am I starting over again!? What the hell happened!?"
But he already knew what had happened. He'd returned home. He'd gone back to Amestris and left everything in this world behind. Immediately he reached into his pocket for the pocketwatch he had received during Christmas, but of course it was gone. He supposed he was lucky enough to have his uniform, since he didn't remember wearing it when he woke up the few times after that array hit. Archer subconsciously flexed his fingers again. It was good to have his dominant arm back.
"I'll just have to get in contact with the others. Cobra should still be here and Kimblee..."
Would Kimblee still be here? Of course. Of course he would be. If Kimblee went home, that would mean...
No. He refused to entertain the idea. Archer took the PokéGear and dialed the number he remembered so clearly. "What the hell do you mean 'Gear I.D. not found'!?" Archer demanded, but as expected, the 'Gear didn't answer him. Kimblee was no longer in Johto.
He refused to allow himself a moment to think about this because he knew he would curl up and refuse to do anything else for the rest of the day. He needed to get in contact with Cobra and see if he had any of Archer's Pokémon. "Commander, this is Colonel Archer. I've returned to Johto. We will continue our plans as soon as possible."