PATRON SAINT OF LOST CAUSES [ENGLAND]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,width: 450px; padding: 10px;,bTable][style=margin-right: 5px; height: 100px; width: 100px; -moz-border-radius: 200px; border-radius: 100px; overflow: auto; float: left; overflow: hidden; background-image: url(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/amoline/arthruur.png);][cs=2][/style] [style=margin-bottom: -5px; font-weight: bold; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 35px; letter-spacing: -3px;]arthur kirkland[/style] [style=border-top: 1px dotted #b3b3b3; font-family: helvetica; letter-spacing: 2px; font-size: 10px; padding-top: 3px;]• ENGLAND •[/style]
[atrb=vAlign,top][style=margin-top:5px; width: 90px; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; background-color: #424747; color: #e8e8e8; text-transform: uppercase; padding: 3px;]FRIENDS/ALLIES[/style]	[atrb=vAlign,top][style=width: 305px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 10px; padding-left: 5px; border-left: 1px dotted #b3b3b3;]Being who he is, there probably won’t be too many to fill this category. A hardened cynic. Spiteful. Tends to keep to himself. A bit of a sadist (though this greatly depends on the time period. He's had his moments where he can be downright vicious). Arthur has never been particularly friendly (understatement...) and, of course, there are those that he can be downright short with. Unless you’re France. You get your own special level of "dislike." Aside from that, there are also a few that Arthur might genuinely like; he just may not be as inclined to openly show it. [/style]
[atrb=vAlign,top][style=margin-top:5px; width: 90px; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; background-color: #424747; color: #e8e8e8; text-transform: uppercase; padding: 3px;]ENEMIES[/style]	[atrb=vAlign,top][style=width: 305px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 10px; padding-left: 5px; border-left: 1px dotted #b3b3b3;]Yes. Probably quite a few. There are certainly some that Arthur absolutely cannot stand. He's been known to hold grudges — some of the nastiest ones involve his brothers. And if not outright enemies, then he wouldn't be surprised if others also held lingering resentments for the past. Especially during the stretches of time where he has been capable of and practiced great cruelty. Arthur expects people to hate or dislike him more often than not, though he tends to remain coldly indifferent to it.[/style]
[atrb=vAlign,top][style=margin-top:5px; width: 90px; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; background-color: #424747; color: #e8e8e8; text-transform: uppercase; padding: 3px;]LOVERS[/style]	[atrb=vAlign,top][style=width: 305px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 10px; padding-left: 5px; border-left: 1px dotted #b3b3b3;] Arthur’s heart is closed and is has been for a while. Naturally, he thinks very little of “love”, having been burned by those who claimed to have “loved” him in the past. Overall, he has given up on the concept. To him, it’s just a manipulative, loaded term that others toss around as a means of extortion to get what they want. It doesn’t exist; plain and simple. On the contrary, he isn’t as hasty to turn down quick, one (or two) night affairs. Preferably ones with lots of alcohol. [/style]
[atrb=vAlign,top][style=margin-top:5px; width: 90px; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; background-color: #424747; color: #e8e8e8; text-transform: uppercase; padding: 3px;]OTHERS[/style]	[atrb=vAlign,top][style=width: 305px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 10px; padding-left: 5px; border-left: 1px dotted #b3b3b3;]And for everything else in-between. Commonwealth. Former colonies. Former anything, really. I have a sick love for complicated, anywhere from mildly to grossy dysfunctional relationships. England has had several of these — some slowly migrating from painful starts towards future civil ones and vice versa. On a side note, anything historical is very, very welcome. Although, I am also open to modern interactions as well. Really, the possibilities are endless. [/style]

[style=font-size: 6px; font-family: georiga; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 3px;]TEMPLATE BY SAMARECARM OF OTE + BTN[/style]

[atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=style, width: 300px; background-color: FFFFF7; border-right: 1px dashed #333333; border-left: 1px dashed #333333;][style=padding: 10px; background-color: #333333; text-align: center; color: #f0f0f0; text-transform: uppercase; font-family: georgia; font-size: 22px;]♔ PHILIPPINES & ENGLAND[/style][style=background-color: fffff7; padding: 20px; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 9px; line-height: 95%; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/5o6Ig.png); text-align: justify;]Lots of things to talk about between Philippines and England, and it has a LOT to do with Spain, America, WWII and probably their current relationship between the two. So, yeah, I'll try to make it as short as possible. Well, around the 17th to 18th century, while under Spain, England "tried" to take Philippines away from Spain, though it didn't last long, roughly he only had around 2-3 years tops on her before she was taken back by Spain (and all hell breaks loose). I think at that time, she's still somewhat less savage than when she was first found by Spain, but maybe a bit. Actually, since England only occupied Manila (Philippines' capital) and what he did in that span of time, I bet Spaniard-era Philippines is less than happy with England and like to cut his head off (or run to Spain and have him cut England's head off). Hey, she's still young at that time of Spain's conquest so figures. Just search off 'British Occupation of Manila' in wiki since I'm not a historian nor had a very good grade with History research. *shot* Anyway, asides the History-esqued plot, I think Gabriella and Arthur have a decent relationship, if not some mutual 'you-do-your-thing-I-do-mine-we're-good' relationship. Actually, she looks up on England when she can't take America's crazy antics and probably try to be friendly with him. Except when cooking is concern, Philippines may eat England's burnt scones but she will willingly argue with him on how she needs to shove some more food on him. Don't ask. But, yeah, the two have this mutual understanding of friendship, but since this is England we're talking about, she won't hesitate to fight back when things gets bad, otherwise she'll turn the other cheek. You know, yadda yadda. Ten cents of thoughts?[/style]

england & france

Ryyyyeee, you finally got your plotter up!! Now I can allow Francis to run free and molest Arthur bombard you with ideas. Anyways. I know we've already talked about what we're going to do, but everyone knows that we seriously have so much ground to cover. I suppose we could just take whatever interests us the most and go with it? I'll bring up a couple of things, but I want to hear what you have to say as well. Lately, I've been itching to do something in their past. As in... the era when France is probably at his cruelest and kind of a self-righteous prick while young England was at his weakest. Oh, the torment. I know. I'm a historical sadist. x3 But I remember you talking about wanting to thread something like that. Among many other things that I will probably bring up later when inspiration hits, I am also interested in writing something a little more present. Probably just something random and full of crack, laughs, giggles, and groddiness. ...You know what I mean... On a personal level, they have an intense rivalry/hate/enemies-except-when-a-third-party-enters/really messed up relationship. Sorry my plottage sucks right now. My brain isn't working. But it'll be fun. 8)

ENGLAND AND PHILIPPINES

Yes, lots of history to cover. And lots to read up on. (: I’ll just add in a few more details to complete the historical events between them. Obviously, that time period was precarious between England and Spain, so England really went after her partly just to spite him, but mostly for strategic reasons while the Seven Years War was ongoing. He formed an alliance with one of her rebel leaders (though, I forgot his name -_-) to fight the Spanish regime. From what I’ve read, the treatment of Manila by the British troops was brutal… and he took quite a bit from her—most of which eventually ended up in the British Museum in London. >> England demanded a hefty ransom from Spain to stop plundering the city, which Spain gave. But it was really the end of the Seven Years’ War that brought about British withdrawal from Milano, as the Treaty of Paris stated that he was to give back lands “not otherwise provided for” to the Spanish Crown. I think that pretty much sums it up. So, yes, I can imagine that she’s not particularly fond of that memory. Heh.

Aaand for something a bit more modern… they do have a very strong business relationship currently, and are allies. Some of the lesser known facts are that he helped her establish her railway system, waterworks, telecommunication lines, ferryboats, and trading companies. So, I agree. It seems like these two island nations have been in a mutually beneficial friendship for some time now. Although he really does not appreciate her comments about his cooking. (:

ENGLAND AND FRANCE

Oh, he had better not, or else… I can’t think of a good threat. -.- It will come to me eventually. I know Francis will do whatever he wants despite anything Arthur says or does. Anyways, BACK ON TRACK. >> You have NO idea how much I want to do something past-related with them. Or maybe you do, based on all my ranting that you’ve had to endure. Of course I’m all over that. I would really like to thread with Norman!France first. Then we can talk about whatever insanity you’re going on about with the crack and groddiness? (wtf?) That’s kind of scaring me. I don’t think I really want to know what France has in mind. Oh Marvs. I already know you’re insane. No need to tag on an explanation. Anyways, I agree with your oh-so-eloquent definition of their relationship. I can start the thread if you’d like?

You and me, bro. We got history. We got more histroy than I like to think about. The war, the revolutions, the shakey treaties, the brutal slaughtering of my fearless leader William Wallace, the turning of your finest generals into human skin belts, that one time we curb stomped Ireland... Y'know. Brotherly stuff.

england & france

Yes he will. xD Sure, sounds like a plan. I think it’d be best if you start it, so you can set the stage. I’ll just keep you in suspense about France’s thoughts. He can be a handful at times as my mind isn’t quite as in the gutter as his. He is corrupting me, I tell you! Thanks for acknowledging the state of my mind. I feel so loved. X3

ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND

(We. need. to. do. this. 8l )

But yes, loads and loads of history. Your fearless leader’s head in particular looked much nicer atop London Bridge than between his shoulders. Lovely memories. We should make more—or relive some.

ENGLAND AND FRANCE

I’m sure he is. x) Yes, I’ll start. Just give me a bit to actually get it up, but I promise it will be up. And you’re welcome. xD

Because these two absolutely NEED to be plotted.

I will start off by saying I don't ship USUK. So none of that shiz. I hope that doesn't put a damper on anything (although judging by your lovers category, it hopefully won't?).

At least on Al's end, I see a buttload of mixed feelings. You don't have a guy practically raise you for over a century, then fight a war for your independence from him, then ally with him in pretty much every recent war WITHOUT mixed feelings.

I suppose, if we end up playing them out, how they will get along will largely depend on what time period we're playing out. For most of the American colonial period, Alfred greatly looks up to Arthur. The American Revolutionary War period? I think that one pretty much goes without explaining. Just a couple of examples.

So yes, discussion is warranted. I think I pretty much said a whole lot of nothing in this post, but these two should be threaded, most definitely. I'm pretty open for when, though certain time periods might warrant a bit more research than some others.

Thoughts? Opinions? Unicorns?

ENGLAND AND AMERICA

Ha, yes they do. And I want to start off saying that I’m so thrilled that you picked up Alfred! X) Plottage heaven.

I don’t either, so no worries there.

I think you pretty much summed it up. Lots of strong mixed feelings from both sides, then. Although, from Arthur, I don’t think they’re as mixed as much as they are..well, complicated, as there are certain things that have remained unchanged since their first contact. And you’re right; it greatly depends on the time. Pre-revolution England is different from post-revolution England, obviously, as well as Empire England and WW’sEngland.

I view theirs as a complex, kind of confusing, and ‘difficult to define’ relationship. But that makes it all the more fun to plot out, amirite? (: My brain isn’t producing anything worthwhile at the moment, even though there are about 1,000,003 things we can do with them, thread-wise.

Um, let’s see… further discussion would be good. I feel extremely vague in this post and it probably is. Sorry >>

And to answer about unicorns? Yes.

That is much how I view their relationship as well. I think, after the Revolution especially, it's hard to sum up their relationship at any point with just one word.

Needless to say, the 20th century brought a thaw in their relationship. I think we can agree on that much. We can also agree that things were pretty tense between them during both the Revolution and the War of 1812.

I think part of our problem is that there IS so much to do with them thread-wise, that it's hard to narrow it down to any one thing to start with. England is pretty much the only nation who has been a presence in Alfred's life almost from the start. Sure, some of the other nations were there when he was a kiddie, but none of them were his 'big brother'.

Prior to the Revolution, I see my Alfred as being very preoccupied with making Englaned 'proud', and I see some of that sticking with him even now. I always saw their relationship during the American Colonial period as something of a mix between father/son and older brother/younger brother, and I think those feelings linger somewhere deep down for Alfred, though he doesn't want to admit it at all, because it means possibly being seen as lesser than England again, and that's the last thing Alfred wants.

England and Puerto Rico;

These two! They actually have some history, when PR was a colony under Spain, England had a nasty habit of trying to capture the island because o it's strategic placement to the New World, and when that didn't work had an even nastier habit of setting the capital on fire. I could find five different instances of this happening, soooo Arthur is definitely not her favorite person, she doesn't particularly care to hold grudges though, and even helped in 1607 by providing a port for provisions for the English ships that were heading out to the New World to establish Jamestown

ENGLAND AND PUERTO RICO

History's always good. England was, indeed, very nasty toward Spain during that time.. and he still isn't very fond of him. So, I'm guessing she still greatly dislikes him then if not keeping an outright grudge? (Just clarifying.) At the moment, Arthur doesn't necessarily like or dislike her, as burning her capital several times was strategic (like you said.) But it was also directed toward Spain and not necessarily toward her (even though she was the one that suffered.) And, of course, he was a bit of a sadistic bastard back then and was horrible to many. xD

England and Wales

-throws Wales at England and watches the horror drama that ensues-

Anyways, we both know how twisted the relationship is between them, so we probably don't need to further clarify that... XD I do have this odd, kind of endearing mental image of Wales being the older brother that taught Little-Arthur how to shoot an arrow. It'd be one of those rare brotherly moments before everything went bad. Really, really bad.

Aaand that's all I'm going to put for now.. my brain is not working. XD

ENGLAND AND WALES

Yes, I think we got all that down pretty well. xD Aww, I actually kind of like that idea. Let's do eet. Overall, though... yeah, we know where this is going to end up.

[atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=style, width: 300px; background-color: FFFFF7; border-right: 1px dashed #333333; border-left: 1px dashed #333333;][style=padding: 10px; background-color: #333333; text-align: center; color: #f0f0f0; text-transform: uppercase; font-family: georgia; font-size: 22px;]♔ TRANSYLVANIA & ENGLAND[/style][style=background-color: fffff7; padding: 20px; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 9px; line-height: 95%; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/5o6Ig.png); text-align: justify;]I'll probably post a not-really-historical-value plot here because I'm leaving that to Romania... and probably until I read enough history to post again. But, pretty much, Transylvania and Britain? Well, sure, Britain has this magic, Romania has this magic and I'm pretty sure with all the influence going on pertaining urban beliefs on Transylvania, she (might) have one... or believes in stuff as well... but I'm pretty sure England's one of those nations Cosmina's not entirely too happy about because: (1), apparently, Bram Stoker is Ireland's novelist and the one who started the whole hype about Dracula, vampires and Transylvania being the setting of it all, (2), America, who also produces movies and other media with Transylvania being the setting of something scary/horrifying and... pretty much that's what she has on her list. Fortunately (for him), she's a bit too paranoid with stronger and larger nations to tell them off that (1) She is not a vampire in any way, (2) she is not hiding one in her home, (3) She is not scary and (4) She is, in no way, not the reason Twilight a Sparkling vampire exists, so I'm sure she'll have someone else to do that in her stead. Or, watch her as she begs on Romania to tell them to her stead, whichever works. Otherwise, I'm sure England can get along with her in terms of imaginary creatures, magic and castle-like structure? Ten cents of thoughts on your side? Yeah, I'll post again if I can finally see a significant history-plot between them, but... XD [/style]