Creating Characters for RWBY: Kaelin Ardent and Pershing Moss

The world of RWBY offers endless possibilities for creating original characters. Two unique characters from the RWBY universe are Kaelin Ardent and Pershing Moss. This article explores their backgrounds, semblances, and weaknesses, providing insight into their complex personalities and stories.

Kaelin Ardent: A Pillar of Spirit and Nature

Name: Kaelin Ardent

Kaelin Ardent originates from a small village near Vale, known for its lush forests and mystical wildlife. Growing up among herbalists, Kaelin learned to respect and harness the natural world. Her peaceful nature was deeply shaped by the tragic event where her village was attacked by Grimm, resulting in the destruction of her home and the loss of several villagers. This traumatic experience ignited her desire to protect others from the horrors of Grimm, leading her to enroll at Beacon Academy.

Semblance: Flora Manipulation

With her semblance, Kaelin can manipulate plant life, accelerating growth, creating barriers, and even ensnaring foes with vines. In combat, she can summon thick roots to trip enemies or conjure thorny vines as both offensive and defensive tools. This ability also allows her to heal minor wounds using the properties of certain plants, though it requires concentration and energy.

Weakness: Emotional Instability

Despite her powerful connection to nature, Kaelin’s semblance is closely tied to her emotional state. If she becomes too distressed or overwhelmed, her plants may wither or even backfire, potentially harming her allies. Additionally, her effectiveness declines in barren or urban settings, making her vulnerable in such environments. This emotional fragility adds depth to her character, highlighting the correlation between inner peace and external abilities.

Kaelin’s character can delve deeply into themes of loss, healing, and the balance between nature and humanity, enriching the RWBY narrative.

Pershing Moss: A War Vet and Team Leader

Name: Pershing Moss

Pershing Moss, better known as Percy, is the former Supreme Commander of the Hunters of Beacon Division and a leader of Team PEAR. Named after General John Pershing and the M26 Pershing heavy tank, Percy is a Komodo Dragon Faunus with a complex background. Born to a serf family, Percy and his siblings faced hardships during the Faunus Rights Revolution, including being treated as “purchasable property.” The children were rescued by the Belladonna family, leading to a lifelong bond between the two families.

Background: A Life of Struggle and Aspiration

Despite the turmoil, Percy aspired for a higher calling and joined the army at the age of fifteen. He served in the Southern Dust War, where his experiences were brutal and marked by the loss of many fellow soldiers. His unit was eventually captured as a prisoner of war and later returned to Atlas for questioning. Percy’s experiences during the war and his subsequent enrollment at Beacon Academy form a crucial part of his character development.

Semblance: Invulnerability

Pershing’s semblance, Invulnerability, grants him protection from enemy fire except for the back and lower glacis plate (his "balls"). He often adopts a hull-down position to maximize this advantage. In addition to his semblance, Percy uses a variety of weapons, including a Full Metal Jacket (M16A1), a Vale standard pistol (M1911), and specialized Oddballs like the Cheytac M200 and M72 LAW. His tail-mounted Kelly is a miniature version of the M2 Browning Machine gun in 45 ACP, and Lil Joe is a carbine based on the AK-47.

Personality and Role in Beacon

As a grizzled war veteran, Percy is respected by all Hunter teams and serves as the eyes, ears, and authority of Ozpin and Glynda. His stern demeanor and strong personality make him an indispensable leader. Despite his tough exterior, Percy has formed strong bonds with his teammates, especially Koko Yang and Ciel Nijigasaki. He later became the Supreme Commander of the Vale Militia and a key lieutenant in Ozpin’s Hunters division.

Post-Fall of Beacon, Percy has been a driving force in avenging the academy and its inhabitants. He continues to fight alongside his teammates against the Grimm and remains dedicated to justice, both in terms of personal vendettas and larger causes.

Conclusion

Through Kaelin Ardent and Pershing Moss, the RWBY universe can explore complex themes and character dynamics. Whether it’s the delicate balance between nature and humanity or the harsh realities of war and its aftermath, these characters offer a rich tapestry for storytelling.

/Create RWBY Fanbase