Joseph Rictor
From War Thread
Joseph Ryan Rictor (b. July 29, 2219 in Duluth, MN, USA) is the current Emperor of Nova Europa.
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Early Life
Rictor was born to David M. and Rebecca Rictor. Their only son, Joseph was always very curious about the world and its workings. He would pay attention during most lessons, save mathematics and chemistry.
His youth, however, was cut short by bullying and fighting. Joseph led a double life. In one, he was his parents' son, a quiet, intelligent, hard-working young man. In the other, he was a strong, silent vigilante who never backed down from a fight, but never challenged others to a battle. Because of the vigilante personality, he was given the nickname Grim.
While he was fighting for justice throughout his early life, Rictor began seeking other social avenues so that he wouldn't be considered just the vigilante. His early friendship with Grant Michaels, Paul Davies, and Tiffany Johnson would be key in shaping his views and outlook on life. His accomplishments throughout his youth included winning a "Battle of the Bands" competition in March 2233, becoming a schoolyard legend at Mark K. Daniels Middle School in February 2234, and his graduation magna cum laude from Duluth East High School in May 2237, having skipped his Junior year.
College Years
Rictor enrolled at the University of Wisconsin at Superior. In his freshman year, he met a student who would eventually set him on the path to recognition. Her name was Anita Davies (no relation to Rictor's childhood friend Paul). The two were fellow Psychology majors, and met in the University's course on Introductory Psychology. They formed a fast bond, and the two of them had a friendship that rivaled Rictor's earlier friendships in terms of intimacy and intensity. By Rictor's sophomore year, the two were dating, and on November 3, 2239, he proposed to her.
That was when tragedy struck. The day of the wedding was set on January 9, 2240. At that time, Davies was living in an apartment complex on East 3rd Street in Duluth, MN. On January 8, 2240, a bomb went off at her address, destroying the building. There were only three fatalities, one being Anita Davies. It was at this point in his life Rictor entered a deep depression. He became an alcoholic, dropping out of school to begin drowning the memory of her death from his mind. His friend Grant, now a local barkeep, allowed him to continue for a month and a half (though some accounts say longer) before kicking him out. As a result, Rictor went to Europe, intent on drinking his mind off his problems.
Around this time, violence began brewing between France and Portugal. Rictor, realizing the dire nature of this situation despite his drunkenness, decided that something needed to be done about it.
Imperial Years
Emperor Rictor's reign began in April 2240, when he began opening a chain of casinos in Finland. Called FinnCasinos, Inc., the company grew extremely rapidly. By October, Rictor had singlehandedly revitalized Finland's economy, and had taken political control of the Scandinavian nation. Organizing the army (as well as a large army of mercenaries), he stormed France and Portugal on November 20, taking the whole of both countries by Christmas 2240. During a period known as the Two Weeks of Anarchy, Rictor abolished all laws and began crafting new laws to fit his ideals of government. When the new laws were put into effect, police, with the help of the military, fought what is considered to be the greatest battle of the beginning of the Empire.
Beginning in 2241, Rictor began re-working the armed forces. Those who were effective in combat training or had great potential and were willing to work hard were promoted, while those who had rank based on family history or similar factors (including bribery) were demoted or, in some cases, dishonorably discharged. Rictor's army, within four years, became a model for the rest of Europe in terms of efficiency and merit.
Meanwhile, Rictor himself continued training his body and mind, forcing himself to become stronger so that he could overcome Anita's death, which haunted him. It is rumored that in the recent war, Rictor has gained a wife. Whether or not this rumor is true remains to be seen.
Beliefs
Rictor believes that merit is the driving force behind all human ethics. He is a devout atheist, and he passes laws that are biased to this atheism.
Inventions
TFG
Quotes
"Even when humanity dies, business will maintain its iron grip."
"There are several important - and quite famous - rules of war. The most famous, of course, is 'Never get involved in a land war in Asia.' The second-most, naturally, is 'Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line.' The third-most famous - and the one that should never be forgotten - is this: Never fuck with a twenty-five year old shattered idealist."
"The irony that is your conviction is staggering."
"How many must die as the black banner falls/Its harlequin mask turned to dust/Let it never be said that in vain they were dead/But turn all of our weapons to rust. Anthem of the Fall, by Black Friday."
"Never appoint a trusted person to a position of power; he can just betray you without fear of retalliation. You never expect it."
"Apart from the United States civil war of the 1860s, which was about how democracy should work and the rights of states, religion has been the cause of the bloodiest wars on record."
"Any man who is quoted lives on in some fashion or another."
"I just rule them. And, in essence, myself, because one cannot be above one's own laws."
Miscellaneous Information
Rictor's favorite band is Black Friday, and he enjoys quoting their songs. He also enjoys listening to the band Sunk and Drowning.
