Personality: It's easy to peg Alvin as kind, friendly, a tad playful for a man his age, and something of a brotherly figure to those younger than himself, because that's exactly the sort of behaviour he outwardly exhibits. He advertises himself as a wandering mercenary, and is reputedly extremely competent with whatever is asked of him. With his self proclaimed motto being "a kind-hearted mercenary", Alvin is a man who appears extremely tolerant, someone to lean on, and someone to convey your worries to, and though it would seem that he is sympathising with you, it is highly likely that his concerns lie elsewhere, making him a man of business first and foremost. Though all smiles and overly friendly banter outwardly, he keeps a distance emotionally, and makes it a point to try not form genuine attachments with people. Not only because it isn't his job as a mercenary to do so, but also because his training from youth makes it difficult for him to connect with others.
Regardless of social standing, Alvin acts very casual with everybody he meets, and can swiftly establish a rather warm, albeit fake relationship, from which he draws any information he needs. His easy-going ways make him a very approachable figure, and nothing short of an ambush would make him lose his cool. When speaking to those he's rather familiar with, he's likely to give out nicknames pertaining to the respective individual. While it can be seen as a ploy to create a sense of familiarity with any given person, it could also be something he simply enjoys doing. And though he's certainly at no age to do so, he is very playful, bordering on childish at times with little respect for one's personal boundaries, offering head and shoulder pats where praise is due, and a lighthearted slap to the back of the head where it isn't.
While Alvin is a very laid back person in general, taking light insults and the like in stride, he can be prone to mild bursts of irritation when played for the fool he pretends to be. They are always handled in a rather comedic, almost endearing fashion however. This is purely intentional. When genuinely upset by something, he tends to remain quiet and incredibly controlled. He has a very tight lid on his emotions, and when others try to get under his skin, unless they take it on a very personal level, they almost always fail, and are instead laughed off or talked out of.
On a slightly more vain note, Alvin has a rather cocky sort of confidence about him, particularly in his physical appearance.The man knows he looks good and can get a job done, and he's fine with flaunting it. Talk the talk, walk the walk, as they say. He states that he needs to have a nice appearance in order to make a good first impression, especially around potential clients, but he has formed a rather superficial attachment to his coat and scarf, and even worries that his hairstyle may get messed up during battle. When asked about it, he says that men who worry about their appearance are 'popular'. Whether he means with the ladies or with clients however, can be debated.
While on one hand, there is very little stopping him from prying into your past, Alvin never initiates conversation about his own, and prefers to keep personal affairs on the down low, skilfully guarding himself against any questions pertaining to such with a well rounded twist on the truth. He never speaks more about his life than he needs to, and never lets on or suggests more than he should, making Alvin a very capable and well equipped liar. Physical abilities aside, evasion and wit are perhaps Alvin's most prominent skills, and because he is so emotionally detached from others, he doesn't need to think twice when it comes to deceiving people. In fact, he does it without even batting an eye; the entire process is very natural for him. He is a fine example of a manipulative smooth talker.
This is not to say he is entirely cold-hearted however; he is a man who consistently returned to his mother's side, after all. As a child, Alvin was a timid crybaby who adored his mother more than anything else. He rarely played with other children, spending the most time with his mother and cousin Balan. This is likely the reason he was deemed lonely as a child. Though now 26, it is not as though he has grown out of all those traits. Due to his deceptive nature, and inability to bond with people, he remains lonely, though if it bothers him, he hides it extremely well and carries on like an adult ought to. Though it may appear to be a rather mature outlook, Alvin simply casts it to the back of his mind with a 'cross that bridge when you get to it' notion. Though by the end of the game, he genuinely wishes to form bonds with the people who have forgiven him time and time again, he admits he doesn't know how to go about it, that it requires the kind of effort he simply doesn't have. But even so, he states that making the attempt at all is far better than dealing with it on his own. He seeks validation and acceptance from those he feels he is close enough to, but it always seems to be just beyond his reach-- making friends is something he's long since forgotten how to do. This behaviour however, will generally only be seen by those he trusts. Which leads to my next point.
There are very, very few people that Alvin would trust with personal information and the only way to really earn that trust is to first see through his facade. In canon, the person he revealed the most of his inner workings to was the person who suspected him the most (the previously mentioned Milla Maxwell). It could be said that he'd talk if he was well and truly backed into a corner, but he's got to respect somebody who can see through the lies he so effectively tailors. Once all the cards are on the table-- the truth, essentially-- Alvin may begin to open up. Until then, he has a difficult time expressing himself, be it his past or his fears, and simply prefers not to.
Driven is perhaps not a word you would use to describe him. Though certainly efficient in his work, Alvin does not actively seek it without a prior motive, whether it be for monetary purposes or simply gaining knowledge. He enjoys his leisures just as much as any other person, and isn't afraid to indulge when the opportunity arises. When push comes to shove however, he believes in sacrifices for the greater good. The "greater good" being a very flexible term, and very dependent on his own goals. Calculating and cunning are likely far more appropriate definitions.
There is much more than meets the eye with this man, and though but a small handful may experience it first hand, perhaps you'd be happier simply with the smiling, seemingly carefree 26 year old that is Alvin. He certainly seems to feel that way. But considering this is a re-app, I'm just going to quickly run through some of the changes he's undergone since his last stay.
Alvin's development mainly boils down to learning how to open up to other people and coming to rely on them as they do, him. When he first arrived in Haven, he was content remain there forever, torture and all, as he lacked the courage to face the consequences his own actions wrought, and also because… well, he had nothing to return to. But over time, as he bonded with others - legitimately bonded with others - he learned how to embrace his flaws, and no longer feels much of a need to hide behind lies. On top of this, Alvin eventually heard what became of his home world, about how, in the end, it was given an actual chance at survival, and it's this, more than anything that ignited a determination, for the first time since he woke up in Haven, to return home.
These days, he fights against Yao not simply to put up an act in an attempt to go with the flow of things, not to selfishly save the things that give him some meagre form of comfort, but to send himself, and everybody else home. In this way, he's quite similar to the Alvin from the end of Tales of Xillia. He maintains the playful cheer, but is certainly more driven, more open, and more sure of his motives.
Abilities/Powers: It would be safe to assume that as a mercenary, and in addition to having received training to work as a spy from youth, Alvin has a rather large repertoire of skills at his disposal. Though originally left handed, over time, and likely thanks to effort, he was able to use both, thus becoming ambidextrous and so is capable of effective dual-wielding. In canon, his preferred weapons are a customized broadsword and pistol. Considering the pinpoint accuracy required to use a firearm, he uses the pistol with his dominant left hand, and the sword in his right.
He has a basic understanding of hand-to-hand combat - enough to get him by should he ever find himself unarmed, but he is by no means a master. Alvin would much prefer one or both of his weapons.
Smooth talking has definitely become something of a talent for Alvin. He's able to quickly and efficiently draw information he needs, and conversely, he's also able to divert attention if the occasion should call for it without arousing too much suspicion.
Branching from the above, Alvin is adept at reconnaissance and general sneaking around. It's how he is able, in canon, to come and go as he pleases, often leaving the party in favour of his personal issues.
Working in tandem with his ability to lie is his ability to observe. He is far sharper than he lets on and is able to read people and the general atmosphere quite well. His observation skills, coupled with his quick-thinking mind are what allow him to be so adept at lying.
In addition to these abilities, Alvin is also able to conjure various elements, with fire being his trademark. It is not a supernatural ability for him however. It is never explicitly stated anywhere in canon just how, but despite being biologically unable to use any form of magic whatsoever, Alvin remains capable of doing so. However, rather than standing at a distance and hurling fireballs and the like, Alvin focuses on melee to short-ranged attacks, preferring to simply imbue various swings of his sword (and bullets from his pistol even) with magic. Nearly all of his artes (the term for attacks in the 'Tales of' franchise) are powered in this fashion. Though generally known for his impressive offensive capabilities - particularly that of heavily guarded enemies - Alvin does possess one minor healing spell. While it's considered obsolete in comparison to other characters in terms of gameplay, it can at the very least patch up less severe wounds in a "real" setting. This spell works as an area of effect, albeit a tiny one, and is virtually limited to the space directly around Alvin the moment of casting. A complete arte list can be found here.
His final ability is to combine his two weapons into one, forming a gunblade of sorts. During battle in game, Alvin does not actually shoot bullets when the two are fitted together; the purpose of joining the two is to raise the attack power of his artes and to slightly alter the way some of them are performed by providing a wider hit radius or adding extra hits altogether. This particular ability is given the fitting name of "Charge" and initially has a limit of one use (one arte) before his weapon must be disassembled. By unlocking particular skills throughout gameplay, it is possible to stack multiple Charges, therefore allowing the use of several consecutive artes. In Haven, Alvin will be given a maximum of three stacks.
Items/Weapons: Alvin will be bringing the full three items into Haven. His sword/pistol combo, which counts as two, and a golden revolver which serves as a memento/heirloom of his father. Gilland took it for his own after Alvin's father's death, and after he fell, Alvin reclaimed what was rightfully his. It does not see use, and he never openly speaks of it.
no subject
Regardless of social standing, Alvin acts very casual with everybody he meets, and can swiftly establish a rather warm, albeit fake relationship, from which he draws any information he needs. His easy-going ways make him a very approachable figure, and nothing short of an ambush would make him lose his cool. When speaking to those he's rather familiar with, he's likely to give out nicknames pertaining to the respective individual. While it can be seen as a ploy to create a sense of familiarity with any given person, it could also be something he simply enjoys doing. And though he's certainly at no age to do so, he is very playful, bordering on childish at times with little respect for one's personal boundaries, offering head and shoulder pats where praise is due, and a lighthearted slap to the back of the head where it isn't.
While Alvin is a very laid back person in general, taking light insults and the like in stride, he can be prone to mild bursts of irritation when played for the fool he pretends to be. They are always handled in a rather comedic, almost endearing fashion however. This is purely intentional. When genuinely upset by something, he tends to remain quiet and incredibly controlled. He has a very tight lid on his emotions, and when others try to get under his skin, unless they take it on a very personal level, they almost always fail, and are instead laughed off or talked out of.
On a slightly more vain note, Alvin has a rather cocky sort of confidence about him, particularly in his physical appearance.The man knows he looks good and can get a job done, and he's fine with flaunting it. Talk the talk, walk the walk, as they say. He states that he needs to have a nice appearance in order to make a good first impression, especially around potential clients, but he has formed a rather superficial attachment to his coat and scarf, and even worries that his hairstyle may get messed up during battle. When asked about it, he says that men who worry about their appearance are 'popular'. Whether he means with the ladies or with clients however, can be debated.
While on one hand, there is very little stopping him from prying into your past, Alvin never initiates conversation about his own, and prefers to keep personal affairs on the down low, skilfully guarding himself against any questions pertaining to such with a well rounded twist on the truth. He never speaks more about his life than he needs to, and never lets on or suggests more than he should, making Alvin a very capable and well equipped liar. Physical abilities aside, evasion and wit are perhaps Alvin's most prominent skills, and because he is so emotionally detached from others, he doesn't need to think twice when it comes to deceiving people. In fact, he does it without even batting an eye; the entire process is very natural for him. He is a fine example of a manipulative smooth talker.
This is not to say he is entirely cold-hearted however; he is a man who consistently returned to his mother's side, after all. As a child, Alvin was a timid crybaby who adored his mother more than anything else. He rarely played with other children, spending the most time with his mother and cousin Balan. This is likely the reason he was deemed lonely as a child. Though now 26, it is not as though he has grown out of all those traits. Due to his deceptive nature, and inability to bond with people, he remains lonely, though if it bothers him, he hides it extremely well and carries on like an adult ought to. Though it may appear to be a rather mature outlook, Alvin simply casts it to the back of his mind with a 'cross that bridge when you get to it' notion. Though by the end of the game, he genuinely wishes to form bonds with the people who have forgiven him time and time again, he admits he doesn't know how to go about it, that it requires the kind of effort he simply doesn't have. But even so, he states that making the attempt at all is far better than dealing with it on his own. He seeks validation and acceptance from those he feels he is close enough to, but it always seems to be just beyond his reach-- making friends is something he's long since forgotten how to do. This behaviour however, will generally only be seen by those he trusts. Which leads to my next point.
There are very, very few people that Alvin would trust with personal information and the only way to really earn that trust is to first see through his facade. In canon, the person he revealed the most of his inner workings to was the person who suspected him the most (the previously mentioned Milla Maxwell). It could be said that he'd talk if he was well and truly backed into a corner, but he's got to respect somebody who can see through the lies he so effectively tailors. Once all the cards are on the table-- the truth, essentially-- Alvin may begin to open up. Until then, he has a difficult time expressing himself, be it his past or his fears, and simply prefers not to.
Driven is perhaps not a word you would use to describe him. Though certainly efficient in his work, Alvin does not actively seek it without a prior motive, whether it be for monetary purposes or simply gaining knowledge. He enjoys his leisures just as much as any other person, and isn't afraid to indulge when the opportunity arises. When push comes to shove however, he believes in sacrifices for the greater good. The "greater good" being a very flexible term, and very dependent on his own goals. Calculating and cunning are likely far more appropriate definitions.
There is much more than meets the eye with this man, and though but a small handful may experience it first hand, perhaps you'd be happier simply with the smiling, seemingly carefree 26 year old that is Alvin. He certainly seems to feel that way. But considering this is a re-app, I'm just going to quickly run through some of the changes he's undergone since his last stay.
Alvin's development mainly boils down to learning how to open up to other people and coming to rely on them as they do, him. When he first arrived in Haven, he was content remain there forever, torture and all, as he lacked the courage to face the consequences his own actions wrought, and also because… well, he had nothing to return to. But over time, as he bonded with others - legitimately bonded with others - he learned how to embrace his flaws, and no longer feels much of a need to hide behind lies. On top of this, Alvin eventually heard what became of his home world, about how, in the end, it was given an actual chance at survival, and it's this, more than anything that ignited a determination, for the first time since he woke up in Haven, to return home.
These days, he fights against Yao not simply to put up an act in an attempt to go with the flow of things, not to selfishly save the things that give him some meagre form of comfort, but to send himself, and everybody else home. In this way, he's quite similar to the Alvin from the end of Tales of Xillia. He maintains the playful cheer, but is certainly more driven, more open, and more sure of his motives.
Abilities/Powers: It would be safe to assume that as a mercenary, and in addition to having received training to work as a spy from youth, Alvin has a rather large repertoire of skills at his disposal. Though originally left handed, over time, and likely thanks to effort, he was able to use both, thus becoming ambidextrous and so is capable of effective dual-wielding. In canon, his preferred weapons are a customized broadsword and pistol. Considering the pinpoint accuracy required to use a firearm, he uses the pistol with his dominant left hand, and the sword in his right.
He has a basic understanding of hand-to-hand combat - enough to get him by should he ever find himself unarmed, but he is by no means a master. Alvin would much prefer one or both of his weapons.
Smooth talking has definitely become something of a talent for Alvin. He's able to quickly and efficiently draw information he needs, and conversely, he's also able to divert attention if the occasion should call for it without arousing too much suspicion.
Branching from the above, Alvin is adept at reconnaissance and general sneaking around. It's how he is able, in canon, to come and go as he pleases, often leaving the party in favour of his personal issues.
Working in tandem with his ability to lie is his ability to observe. He is far sharper than he lets on and is able to read people and the general atmosphere quite well. His observation skills, coupled with his quick-thinking mind are what allow him to be so adept at lying.
In addition to these abilities, Alvin is also able to conjure various elements, with fire being his trademark. It is not a supernatural ability for him however. It is never explicitly stated anywhere in canon just how, but despite being biologically unable to use any form of magic whatsoever, Alvin remains capable of doing so. However, rather than standing at a distance and hurling fireballs and the like, Alvin focuses on melee to short-ranged attacks, preferring to simply imbue various swings of his sword (and bullets from his pistol even) with magic. Nearly all of his artes (the term for attacks in the 'Tales of' franchise) are powered in this fashion. Though generally known for his impressive offensive capabilities - particularly that of heavily guarded enemies - Alvin does possess one minor healing spell. While it's considered obsolete in comparison to other characters in terms of gameplay, it can at the very least patch up less severe wounds in a "real" setting. This spell works as an area of effect, albeit a tiny one, and is virtually limited to the space directly around Alvin the moment of casting. A complete arte list can be found here.
His final ability is to combine his two weapons into one, forming a gunblade of sorts. During battle in game, Alvin does not actually shoot bullets when the two are fitted together; the purpose of joining the two is to raise the attack power of his artes and to slightly alter the way some of them are performed by providing a wider hit radius or adding extra hits altogether. This particular ability is given the fitting name of "Charge" and initially has a limit of one use (one arte) before his weapon must be disassembled. By unlocking particular skills throughout gameplay, it is possible to stack multiple Charges, therefore allowing the use of several consecutive artes. In Haven, Alvin will be given a maximum of three stacks.
Items/Weapons: Alvin will be bringing the full three items into Haven. His sword/pistol combo, which counts as two, and a golden revolver which serves as a memento/heirloom of his father. Gilland took it for his own after Alvin's father's death, and after he fell, Alvin reclaimed what was rightfully his. It does not see use, and he never openly speaks of it.