User Profile

Character Name; Lan Fan
Series/Fandom; Fullmetal Alchemist

Age; 15
Gender; Female
Species; Human
Sexuality; Heterosexual

Appearance; Heralding from the country of Xing, she possesses strong oriental features -- a slant to the eye, a small blunt-ended nose, and a round face. Her hair is jet black and secured into a tight bun at the back of her head. Lan Fan's stature is fairly average in height, and though she doesn't look particularly sinewy, her body is lean and strong. She dresses in loose-fitting black clothes suited for mobility and combat, the hood almost always drawn up, and an ornate warrior's mask guarding her face from the casual observer.

Personality; Shy - Quiet as a mouse, Lan Fan rarely ventures to speak. She doesn't like to draw attention to herself, and finds it difficult to strike up casual conversation with another. She avoids it whenever she can. Her choice of clothing serves to hide as much of her as she can; Lan Fan prefers dark colors and loose, baggy shirts and pants. She prefers hoodies and turtlenecks should she ever have need to shed her native garb of Xing, often tugging at them in an effort to conceal her face. Lan Fan is extremely introverted. Talking to people scares her.

Awkward - Lan Fan suffers from a minor inferiority complex, and takes no pride in her personal appearance. While she doesn't consider herself ugly, or put herself down unnecessarily, she lacks confidence in her looks. She doesn't think she's pretty, or desirable, in any sense. This isn't a matter she dwells on; it's treated much like one would react to having bow legs. That's just the way it is. She normally avoids foreign activities and social opportunities. She never asks for anything, and does her best to make do on her own. (She will, however, accept things she needs if they're offered willingly.)

Respectful - Unlike most other self-proclaimed loners, Lan Fan lacks the ill regard towards authority. On the contrary, she's extremely polite to those who have secured a higher slot in the hierarchy...so long as she approves of their goals and moral composition, of course. Unless she's given a very good reason, Lan Fan would never defy an authoritative figure.

Loyal - Though Lan Fan isn't close to people outside of a select few, those few will have Lan Fan's affection for the rest of her life. She would never betray these people. Never spread rumors, never tease, never insult, never disobey, unless it was necessary to protect them. She's incredibly devoted to the people she loves. With Lan Fan, it goes far beyond duty.

Protective - The meaningful people in Lan Fan's life are extremely important to her. She would give up her life to keep them safe, willing to sacrifice everything she has to ensure their safety. A bit extreme? Maybe. But it's not such a bad thing to live for. Lan Fan's protective nature extends beyond the life or death situations; not only would she protect someone's life, she'll fight to protect their reputation. She won't stand for anyone insulting a person she cares for, and her retribution can be scary and/or painful!

Spirited - Lan Fan might be shy, but she's certainly not a pushover. She doesn't allow herself to be bullied or teased. Those who would antagonize Lan Fan unjustly may be startled by a short, sharp remark. And those who really push it will be swiftly struck in retaliation. Lan Fan doesn't care if it gets her in trouble, that's fine. But she won't let herself be trampled on unfairly.

Cold - Unless given a good reason, Lan Fan doesn't generally care for the welfare of others outside of her grandfather and Ling Yao. It's not like they care about her, so it's not a big deal, right? And those who choose to make an enemy out of her will find that she doesn't hold a shred of mercy. She'll go for the eyes, figuratively and literally speaking.

Passionate - Though Lan Fan doesn't say much, it isn't because she lacks emotions. On the contrary, she feels things very strongly. She's given to sudden outbursts of anger which never fail to shock people since she's normally so reserved. Her dark eyes are alive with an inner fire, possessing a rare conviction to do what she feels must be done.

Direct - Lan Fan doesn't mince words. She says exactly what she means. Her mannerisms are blunt, and may even be considered rude. It's not intentional, really, unless she's vocally expressing her displeasure at someone that's made her angry. If she needs something, she'll either ask for it (unlikely), or she won't (more likely). She doesn't play games, doesn't hint, doesn't utilize guilt trips. They're a waste of time.

Appetite - A strong healthy girl also has a strong healthy appetite. Lan Fan's is unusually fierce. The hungrier she is, the more her manners are lacking when she attacks her food. And she's not picky! Lan Fan will consume anything that's edible and be entirely grateful for it. Feeding her is actually the quickest way to earn her respect and maybe even friendship.

Abilities/Strengths; Combat - Like her grandfather, Lan Fan is exceptionally talented at hand-to-hand combat. They utilize a unique form of Xingese martial arts that focuses on quick movements and powerful, fatal strikes. Every part of the body can be a weapon if used effectively. In addition to blows from the body, Lan Fan is also trained to use Xingese weapons. She favors the kunai, and also uses different types of grenades in order to defeat the enemy; flash grenades, smoke bombs, and flares are always carried on her person.

Acrobatics - Balance, stability, and grace. Lan Fan possesses all these things, completely unafraid of heights. Her agility allows her to stand perfectly still on even flagpoles, and she's able to remain there for hours if required. She can jump to incredible heights, using even small surfaces to propel herself upward. Flips, rolls, leaps...Lan Fan has incredible control over her body. Her skilled movements are considered by many to be mesmerizing.

Tracking - Lan Fan was taught how to pick up on the trail of people and animals. Her eyesight and sense of smell are both sharp, and in some cases, she can follow someone by recognizing their chi, though they have to be close enough for her to sense it. Though her skills are better utilized in the wilderness, tracking someone through a city isn't impossible.

Chi - Lan Fan's martial arts training taught her not only to utilize the body, but the spirit as well. She can read the ebb and flow of chi as if it were a visible object; this also makes her adept at fighting in complete darkness. Lan Fan is very sensitive to abnormalities of nature, and can perceive the supernatural to a certain degree. Even if she can't see it with her eyes, she'll know that something is there, and have a general idea of just where it is. But other than a heightened sense of perception, Lan Fan's chi is fairly limited and serves no real use as an offensive or defensive measure.

Precise - Lan Fan doesn't believe in luck. Flailing about blindly is foolish, and apt to get you killed. She strikes her targets with concentrated accuracy. Patient, she's willing to wait for an opportunity to present itself before she makes a move. She just can't be blind to those opportunities, no matter how small or subtle they might be.

Disciplined - As a warrior and a student, Lan Fan has always maintained a rigid sense of discipline. She doesn't indulge, and doesn't deviate from a plan of action. Even with favorite foods, Lan Fan refuses to gorge herself in an unhealthy manner. She will, however, gorge if half-starved or if she doesn't know where her next meal is coming from. The girl can really pack it away. Like a camel...

Alert - Lan Fan doesn't slack off. Ever. Her mind is constantly working, and she isn't the sort who gives herself over to daydreams. She's constantly aware of herself and her surroundings, which is why it's never a good idea to sneak up on her. She's more likely to pretend she's not aware, and catch the would-be ambusher offguard. She's perceptive, and notices the little things that others might dismiss or ignore. In order to remain alert, Lan Fan takes good care of herself. She eats right (when she can), and obtains the proper amount of sleep necessary to function; not too much, and not too little.

Resourceful - Not only is Lan Fan aware of what's around her, she also knows how to put things to good use. She has a sharp and clever mind, and can often make use of things to her advantage. Objects that can be thrown, disruptions that can distract, places of cover, vantage points... She takes all of these things into account. She's not a wasteful sort of person, either, and makes a little go a long way, whether it's finding a use for leftover ingredients in cooking, or using smaller handwriting and both sides of the paper to deliver a message.

Strong - Not only does Lan Fan possess a strong and healthy body, she has a robust spirit about her as well. She pushes herself to her limits, and sometimes beyond. Every setback, every discouragement, is only temporary and necessary for one's growth. She learned this from her grandfather. She despises weakness, and struggles to overcome her flaws in order to become the kind of woman her grandfather knows she can be, and the ideal retainer to the future emperor of Xing.

Weaknesses; Young - While she may be talented, Lan Fan is still just a teenager. She lacks the raw experience and knowledge of a veteran like her grandfather, and she still makes plenty of mistakes. Most she learns from and does her best to ensure they're not repeated. But others, like her temper, are far more difficult to erase. She's not quite ready to cut off the things that hinder her, but little by little, she's getting there.

Withdrawn - It isn't easy for Lan Fan to trust someone. She's unaccustomed to kindness, and isn't sure how to react when someone extends an open hand to her. If they have nothing to gain, it's suspicious. If they DO have something to gain, it's insincere. You just can't win! It takes a lot of time and patience to get Lan Fan to open up, and most just don't seem to think it's worthwhile.

Hotheaded - Lan Fan's strong feelings for others can hinder her ability to fight. While normally cool and detached in battle, the mildest insult can set her off. When she's angry, her attacks are far more direct and predictable, making them easy to counter or avoid. Her fiery temper always gets the best of her, and she has difficulty regaining her composure once it's lost.

Notable Possessions; Lan Fan owns a vast assortment of concealable weapons and specialty grenades. But other than this, her clothing, and her mask, there isn't much that she owns. She doesn't even carry a bag, and there isn't likely to be one tossed out after her once she's ejected from the airship.

History; Lan Fan's story is best told through the eyes of her grandfather, Fu. He served as a loyal retainer to the Xingese prince known as Ling Yao, chosen by his clan to serve and protect the prince along with his granddaughter, Lan Fan. When Ling chose to travel to Amestris in search of the Philosopher's Stone, believing that it held the key to immortality. If he were to find such a thing, then he would surely be named as the heir to the throne and become emperor after the current ailing monarch had passed away.

Along the way, the trio met the Elric brothers who seemed to possess information about what they sought. Immediately the two retainers went after the brothers and engaged them in combat. But neither were any match for alchemy combined with sheer ingenuity. After Ling had calmed the situation down, all of them traveled together to search for answers. They were quickly swept up in the dark intrigue that plagued the country, though little by little, they discovered glimpses of truth. Fu left the party in order to aid wrongfully-convicted soldier Maria Ross in her escape to Xing, while Lan Fan remained with Ling.

While setting a trap for Gluttony in order to obtain the secret to immortality, Ling and Lan Fan were ambushed by King Fuhrer Bradly...better known as Wrath. They were unable to detect his presence, nor were they prepared for his speed when he brutally slashed Lan Fan with his sword and crippled her left arm. In order to facilitate their escape, Lan Fan cut her own arm off and tied it to a dog to lead Wrath on the wrong path while she made her way through the sewers.

While transporting the captured Gluttony to a safe location, the homunculus broke free upon seeing Roy Mustang. He managed to swallow Ed, Ling, and Envy in his furious rampage, and that was the last that Lan Fan ever saw of her master. When Ed returned at last, he had grim news to bear: Ling Yao had been absorbed by Greed. He sent her a message in Xingese, asking her to merely wait for him.

When Lan Fan's grandfather returned to see what had happened in his absence, he was furious. Lan Fan had failed to protect Ling, and lost her left arm. He struck her and called her a fool, but there could be no doubt that the sight of his granddaughter injured so seriously gave him great pain. They departed together once Lan Fan was well enough to travel, and swore that they would return some day to find Ling and save him from his fate.

Her arm was replaced with automail, a particularly fine model with a steel spike in the elbow that Lan Fan wields with ruthless efficiency. Though it was supposed to take a year or more to recover, Lan Fan managed to pull through in just six months.

Friends (21):

Friend of (19):