Fiction:Gridlock

"So you Ugandals thought you could cage us like animals, spit in our eyes and leave us to die. But what you didn't expect, was for my people to rise to your challenge, and fight you on equal ground. That, is why I serve my empire. Because they are strong, and I respect strength."

- Gridlock

Gridlock or, Ridanax in Darkling, and called by his troops The Cunning God of Death, is one of the 3 Highlords of the Zarbania Powers, as well as one of it's highest authorities, and are famous military and economic leader. Taking the Zarbania Alliance after it was bombed by the s, Gridlock managed to reorganized and refit his army, making it a fine tuned war machine capable of fighting back against those that had attempted to cage them in.

Gridlock is commonly mistaken for a sadistic, brawn-over-brains dictator by his foes, and commonly appears that way. However, he is passionate about his empire above all else, and feels it is his scared duty to protect every Zarbanian citizen. Every death and causality weighs heavily on his mind, and he one day dreams of being free of the, when his people cannot be judged as savages any longer, and may rule the galaxy, as is their destiny, in his mind.

Early life
Gridlock was born in the inter-dimensional Empire called the Zarbanian Imperium. Nothing is known of his time in the Imperium, other then his War with another powerful empire, the Multus Esse of the Mirus. He began the war by transporting Zarbania into the Mirus, to demonstrate his ownership of the galaxy, and fought the Multus. He ravagedged entire sectors of space, and was a famous general. However, in the final battle, he was killed in one-on-one combat with Kossi'Valicar. The Imperium, disgusted with his loss, retreated, leaving the forces there to be reduced to tribal life, and went to their home dimension, to await whatever happened to them. They did not resurrect Gridlock, at least not to the Multus' knowledge, leaving him to rot into a skeleton buried under the of ashes of battle.

Meanwhile, a Dark force sought out Gridlock's skeleton, and took it for his own uses.

Resurrection
Using his skin cells, Darkling Terikalinra, after he betrayed his elder sister, wanted to create an heir. He did so, creating a hybrid between Gridlock's race, and Darklings. It was as much out of sentiment as practicality. He was no god, despite his power, and could be killed. Ridanax would continue the plan of his father if Terikalinra ever died. He then erased his son's memories of Terikalinra being his father, and waited untill the Deutzalanian, Zarbanians, and the Ci-Hunters of the planet Zarbania had reached the tribal stage, and then deposited his son there. In his mind, Terikalinra could not afford to spoil his son. If the Darkling Prince truly was to earn his father's respect, he must first bring the Zarbanian Tribes to heel, and survive long enough to lead his people.

Gridlock arrived on the planet, awakening in a desert with no recollection of his past. Taken in by one of the mightier kingdoms on Zarbania, the Kingdom of Erussio, Gridlock would join a company of Erussion-loyal forces, helping them fight off a savage beast, and thus, proved loyal to their cause. They brought him forth to the King of Erussio, and while at first hesitant, with his corrupt Royal Guard and religious cults believing him a disgrace and demon, was accepted by the soldiers. Gridlock would become Erussio's top general, and conquered several smaller Deutzalanian states, bringing great wealth, and helping develop many of the smaller, scattered tribes around Zarbania.

However, all this progress seemed about to be lost, when Erussio's last king, Balto kos Votalo, died without an heir. Many believed his royal guard where responsible, and Gridlock, using some forged evidence, used it to destroy the Royal Guard, before crowning himself king. Then, upon consolidating his power base, would cause many of the separate Deutzalanian states to join him, either through negotiation and bribery, or through conquest and subterfuge. Upon conquering new territory, Gridlock would replace the ruler with a more obedient member of his family, usually a spineless whelp who sought more power then he deserved.

Later, Gridlock's efforts, and the discovery of ancient Precursor artifacts, would skyrocket the development of the interstellar empire that would become known as the United Deutzalanian Empire, later to be called the Zarbania Alliance, after they discovered their past connection with the Zabranian Imperium, and would discover former allies such as the Scimat'akar and Grux. For his efforts, Gridlock would become an almost god-like figure among his people, they believing him sent by the Aensire Gods.

However, the Multus Esse AI, called Nostroma, would use it's power to gain control of the empire. While Gridlock was a powerful figure still, he had lost much of his power-base, leaving him embittered.

The Bombing
Gridlock, later, would find a named  and rescue him. The 2 would enjoy a long career as military commanders, seeing each other as brothers, and helping each other in tough battles. Gridlock, for years, would be leader of his empire, establishing connections with the other empires who once where part of a massive empire from the past called. Knowing the tales of the Imperium, Gridlock sought to recreate it, but to work alongside other alien races more peacefully, instead of trying to out-right conquer them.

However, the s under Reago Clett, Ugandalore the Indomitable, did not see it that way. Reago saw them as a threat, and began working with his allies to close off ties with the "New Imperium", and choke off their colonies. Gridlock tried again and again to seek peace, but the Ugandals would not stop until the Zarbanians submitted to Ugandal colonial rule. Gridlock, angered, ordered his forces to prepare for war.

Unfortunately, a few days before they could ready themselves against the enemy, the Ugandals attacked the planets of Zarbania, Blarene, homeworld of the Scimat'akar, and Kro-vitae, home of the Grux. For days, these bombings dragged on, with the Ugandals thinking they where attacking military designated targets. However, Reago had extended this attack to civilians buildings.

Gridlock's forces could do little as 20% of Zarbania's population was lost. He jumped into the burning capital city, and managed to rescue several Zarbanian youths, including one would later Captain Gridlock's Yager Corps years later, and would become his adopted son. Despite this, Grid felt undeniable rage grab at his soul. Even when the Ugandalorians refused to attack them any longer, when the truth was revealed, the damage was done. The Zarbanians, and their future allied states, swore they would never be victims to the Ugandals again.

And, on that day, when Gridlock had seen women and children suffer, he swore he would return the pain to those who had started it. He told his people the Ugandals wished to make them believe they lived in fear of their empire, but he swore that as their ruler, he would make sure such a thing never happened again. He would free them, even if the entire galaxy had to burn.

The Great Pirate War
During the Great Pirate War, against the States of Cow, and the Arkit Council Empire, and later the Volver Empire, Gridlock, embittered by the destruction to his people, sought a race to victimize in order to bring his peoples' spirits up. With this, he targeted the States of Cow, and the Arkit, and his troops would later steal a Volver ship, drawing them into the war.

Having coordinating many battles against the States, Gridlock would eventually be forced to retreat, after sustaining several injuries. However, as he recovered aboard his flagship, the "The Visage of Death", his long lost father, Darkling Terikalinra, appeared to him, and revealed all his memories. At first enraged at having his memory whipped, Terikalinra pointed out he had done it to strengthen the young prince. Realizing he probably would not be the man he was today without having to scrap and fight his way to survive, Gridlock apologized to his father, and swore his allegiance to him.

Terikalinra, ecstatic to have his son back, awakened his Darkling potential, causing Gridlock to become less organic, and more essence-based, like the mysterious Darklings themselves. Then, with a mere suggestion from his father, Gridlock decided that the alliance formed between the Scimat'akar and Grux, who had also joined the war on behalf of the Zarbanians, should become a permanent empire.

With new empires, such as the Federation, and the Alpha Cyber Collective forming to fight them, the Zarbanians at first faced destruction upon unification. However, the 3 leaders who would come out of it alive, Gridlock himself, Lord Ztac of the Scimat'akar, and Lord Galorian of the Grux, would become their strongest rulers, and lead them to a Golden Age of Potential.

With a new fleet upgraded and armed, the Zarbanians where at last united, and Gridlock, became one of it's leading rulers.

Enlightenment War
During the Enlightenment War, Gridlock personal lead an assault on the planet of Ugandalore, commanded by his father. His legions of troops purged many enemy troops, and he was tasked with capturing and indoctrinating a mysterious Volver Knight with strange connection to the void.

He and Trodaka oversaw this, and in direct violation of the agreement that the Alpha Grox would get to assimilate him and his powers. Gridlock was hurt, thought not terribly, in a fight with Overseers Terrox and Mortox. Trodaka was seriously injured, with promoted his father to break off ties with the Collective and declare war.

After this, Dark was imprisoned in crystal by Six Warriors, and thus ended the Zarbanian Powers, and their allies' involvement in the war.

After the Trodaka betrayed the Alpha Grox, many of the Changelings left the Cult of Attzerry for the protection under the Powers, fearing the Alpha's wrath.

The Great Deceiver/Attero Dominatus
Gridlock was involved in The Great Deceiver campaign, fighting on behalf of his comrade, Imperator Caligustus. Later on, Caligustus once again called in for aid, this time because the Tyranny was succumbing to slave revolts with might mark the Tyranny's end if it wasn't quelled soon enough. Much of he high command was against this, preferring to let the Tyranny die only to salvage their technology later, and seeing them as no better the Ugandalorians themselves. However, Gridlock's friend, Kradik, eventually managed to convince the High command, Gridlock included, and was allowed to set up a campaign in order to save the Tyranny. However, as it was mainly Kradik's squadrons fighting in this war, the 2 empires did not advance their diplomatic relations further, due to many other High Commanders still being not willingly to get involved. Gridlock personally wanted to see the empire burn, for it's use of slaves, something he felt repugnant for a modern empire.

In the end, Gridlock and his Science Teams extracted DNA from the now-perished Kradik's remains, and used this to clone his friend back to life. His Science Teams did also harvest some of the Tyranny's technology, advancing the powers further. Using the most intact of this tech, they added it to Grid's flagship, The Void-Shadow.

more coming soon!

Coming of Eternal War
Coming Soon!

Gigaquadratic Conflicts
"I'm tired of this. Being alone among these warriors. I consider them brothers and family, but I have no others of my kin. I am a lone Zarban Drac. I have no one of my kind to bond with, to love. That's all I want, somebody to love. My kind, to lead and rise from the ashes. The Dracs will rise again, and I will be their master, their Overseer. And, just as the other leaders have their brood groomed for positions of power, I will have my own children. Proud warriors and warlords, those that will make the galaxy fear me, and my grand legacy. The universe should remember this day, for it will be their last."

- Gridlock's personal logs.

During the massive conflicts enveloping most of the gigaquadrant, Gridlock began to work on his own personal project; to resurrect his race. Since his races' fate was mysterious to him, he sought to create them in this universe, and have them become leaders of the Zarbania Powers. Gathering the highest ranking members of Science Command, Gridlock began his top secrete project, while also managing the Powers' massive, multi-front war.

The Imperium of War soon learned of Gridlock's plan to bring back his Race and sent a fleet to guard him, and keep an eye on his resurrected race, in case they made a hostile action. Gridlock, however, was aware of this, and decided to play along.

His father, also, was aware of it, and informed him that if his race would not accept the Dragowar, and if war broke out, then he would have to step in, and may have to dismantle both empires. Gridlock assured his father that it would not come to that, and set out to work.

During this time, Gridlock's best friend, and the being he long considered a brother,, travelled to the to reunite his race under the Powers, and bring the galaxy under their role. However, Kradik, realizing his people and the Powers where at risk for having colonies, and going over the Cyrannian colonial limit, which may result in action from both the Galactic Empire and the New Republic. As such, Kradik made it appear that he had parted ways with the Zarbanians, and declared independence. In reality, they remained allies in secrete, but would not reveal it till much later. Gridlock, however, was deeply hurt by this, knowing he would not speak with his brother for many years to come.

Crashing the Paragon's party
Later, with the Xonexi invading the Mirus galaxy, and Gridlock's top man,, helping form the Mirus Coalition, Gridlock decided to pay a visit to Paragon Uriel of the. For Gridlock, the Imperium was everything he hated. Powerful, keeping of slaves, and believing themselves better the others. He especially grew to hate the Paragon, seeing him as a fool, and not knowing why the universe thought so highly of him. Gridlock had created an empire from duchies, kingdoms, and scattered tribes that spanned 3 galaxies, and had a dark seed in Cyrannus. Dressed in the brightest of military uniforms of his kind, Gridlock arrived at a party held by the Paragon, quickly making a spectacle of himself by insulting the party goers and their weakness in drink and food.

Personality
Gridlock, while sharing some traits with his father, such as a manipulative, scheming side, and love for power, also appears completely different. He is compassionate towards his subjects and cares deeply about their lives. Several times during the bombing of Zarbania, he almost died, but took the risk in order to use his flight to save several of the civilians caught in the bombing. It is his believe that it is his scared duty to defend The Zarbania Powers from all threats, and to protect and provide for his people. He actively encourages his subjects to protest whenever they feel something is wrong, and actively listens to their needs.

Gridlock is an accomplished warrior, but does not over do it. He does not believe in imperialism as much as some rulers, but will defend his empire when needed, and embrace imperialism to it's fullest extent. Gridlock, while he cares deeply for his soldiers' lives, will not hesitant to sacrifice them for the greater good of Zarbania, and if it can be used to further his empire's safety from the Ugandalorians. However, for every soldier that dies, he carves their name onto his armor, and remembers their names and family, and says that he draws strength from their memory to avenge them, and strengthen himself.

Due to how passionate he is about avenging his empire and the bombing they suffered, Gridlock is commonly seen as an over-bearing, monstrous brute, who is overly sadistic. Gridlock once considered himself among the privileged races of the universe, free to exterminate any race he deemed inferior. However, upon seeing his empire bombed, he came to realize the weight of these thoughts, and abandoned them, now embracing all differences between races.

Abilities
Gridlock can regenerate in seconds, and is skin is almost rock-hard. He can breath out fire balls, and shoot colunms of Plasma at targets, and can easily slice enemies with his claws and tail. Commonly, he uses this ability, when he has seemingly died in battle, only to reappear later. As part of his powers of heat, his body Is actually extremely hot in temperature, especially when his muscle strands are exposed, meaning his inner workings might burn hotter then his outer body.

He also has powers over darkness and negative emotions, like depression, fear and anger. He can also shape-shift, but only when not in close proximity to the creature he is mimicking.

Gridlock can repair and restructure his body based on consuming the flesh of his foes. However, he has a disdain towards this, believing he is above such petty things as eating other beings, and only does it when truly desperate.

When he consumes enough flesh, his skin will change, signaling his "evolution" of sorts.

Gridlock is also somewhat of an artist, being an accomplished painter, writer, musician and stone-carver.

Powers

 * Depression
 * Anger
 * Shape-shifting
 * Shadows/Darkness/Night
 * Sleep
 * Fire
 * Poison
 * Shattering
 * Energy Drain

Equipment
Gridlock doesn't need equipment, though he wears ceremonial armor, worn to commemorate his lost race, whom he always trys to bring back from the dead.

He also carries a giant, pure black blade, used only for a foe he deems worthy. The blade has the ability to drain the life from his foes with every stab, and can drain them of essence ability, if they don't die first.

Appearance
Gridlock is a disgusting mixture of features from his own race, and Darklings. Like Darklings, his body, while black flesh, has a metallic feel to it, and general glint. Like his original race, his body is riddled with purple lines and veins across most of his flesh and wings. Other veins cross across his joints, elbows and knees espically.

His body is thin, streamlined, but extremely durable. He is skeletal, with sucken-in eyes that blaze pure red with hatred and apathy. His face displays only a smile of contempt.

Gridlock wears ceremonial armor, like a Zarbanian War-Priest. It covers little of his body, and leaves little to the imagination.

His flesh is a blackish color, a coloration that is usually attributed to his kind nearing the prime of their life.

Pets and creations
Ummbras Necros= Ummbras Necros is Gridlock's pet Dvottie. Gridlock received the creature as a gift from his friend, Kradik. This small little creature became his pet, and commonly appears like a pirate's shoulder-parrot, perched on Gridlock's shoulder, but using a built-in teleportation device to get to safety when Gridlock goes to battle.

Gridlock follows the strange Duetzalanian tradition of keeping a creature that could be considered "cute" by others standards, despite their vicious lives.

Despite his sadistic love of torture, Grid displays a clam, gentle, and tender side with his pet, enhancing UN's "magic" powers through essence, and giving him a teleportation device for safety in combat.

Ummbras's feathered coat is a glossy black, with bright purple highlights, but otherwise, it is no different from other Dvottie.

Mecha Gridlock= Mecha Gridlock is a creation by Grid to create a massive, robotic version of himself. Built to test his scientific knowledge, as well as to create a guard-dog for his flagship, Mecha Gridlock has a massive arsenal of weapons and computer hacking abilities. The machine has a flamethrower in it's jaws, eye beams, missile launching pod on it's back, and sharp, titanium claws.

The machine also appears to have some sort of psychic power, as it can control it's own troopers and crew men while it's master is away, keeping Zarcosians in line.

[[File:Green face.png]] Allies
We are family in battle and peace.


 * Ummbra Necros - My pet...
 * The Dark one - My father, You have made me the great ruler I am today, and I am proud to serve you in return for what you have done for me.
 * Rogue Mind - Erm...If I must..
 * Kradik - Go, my brother, and find an empire worthy of thee. Zarbania is far to little for you.
 * Emperor Zmak - I miss you, Zmak. You where so violent.
 * Ztac - We'll show them a new level of fear!
 * Galorian - Drop the Commandant title, you're a king!
 * Imperator Caligustus - While our views are different, I respect you, as a comrade and as a friend.
 * Auriela - Welcome to the Powers, your highness.
 * Ervis Korota -  When I found you, you where but a trembling child. Now, you have strength and focus. It brings a tear to my eye.

[[File:Blue face.png]] Comrades
I appreciate your attempts to be on my good side.


 * Teridaxias - You are loyal and strong. Keep your troops in line.
 * Bosarrk - You are clearly the one most worthy of your clutch. I'm glad I choose you.
 * Koratos - A most capable warrior. And much more well behaved then Zontross.
 * Thor'Haamee - Deliver the wrath of the Scorner to our foes.
 * Doraxethius - Crush our foes like the hammer you are.
 * Kamal - Arrogance is the weakness of the mind. Remember that.
 * Wolosh Corash - You shrug off blows that would cripple most others. Impressive.
 * Hedo'Aristin - You where obviously raised by the High Commander.
 * Surak - Keep slitting the throats of our foes in the night.
 * Pla'Ro'Cay - While your abilities are disgusting, your efficiency is not.
 * Commodus - Powerful, experienced, and useful. I can see why Kradik likes you.
 * Moria - ...Tragic child...

[[File:Yellow face.png]] Cultists
You work for my father, but we are not friends.


 * Zontross - Your powers are nothing to me, weakling.
 * Kutai - Contuine your work.
 * Uumbras Rex - May your plans come to fruitation.
 * - You're just a bounty hunter.

[[File:Yellow face.png]] Neutral
Stay on my side or else an "accident" will befall you.


 * King Tirrias - I'm sorry I could not trust you before you became an Alpha Drone.
 * Abaddon Heimdall - One day, Dominatus, I will have an Empire as great as yours. And I won't let my family ruin it.
 * Medusa Heimdall - I can now see why my father left me in the deserts to fend for myself. To strengthen me.
 * Angrus Mortarius - A powerful warrior, but as flawed as the rest of your kind.
 * Wolframicht Stahl - As much respect as I an give to one of the savage Dominatus.
 * Meshuggah Metallicus - Pathetic and foolish this one.
 * Mortrig Malevon - As pathetic as the rest of your ill-bred, sterile kind. Good riddance.
 * Trodaka - Are you my step-mother or something?
 * Brutego - You wanted Hedon's head? Then get it yourself!

[[File:Orange face.png]] Annoyed
I'll sort you out soon enough.


 * W'tze - There is no light in my soul! Your Mendel friends made sure of it! I will finish your empire. I will finish what Sister Torackix started!
 * Uriel Ultanos - I created an empire. You where handed one. Pathetic, as always.

[[File:Red face.png]] Enemies
''You can die as much as you want! Have fun!''


 * The Hunter - A Father's sins pass to his son.
 * Brygon - The Vovler blind themselves to the atrocities of the Ugandalorians.
 * Besta - No word for mercy? A pity, for you cannot ask for it from me.
 * - A rematch, thousands of years in waiting.
 * Cal Travic - Your time is up, old man.
 * Arvus Causie - ''A fit meal, for a fit ruler!""
 * Paris Vault - I shall cleave your skin with my claws.
 * Genarole Kiwara - Female arkit...I have "special" plans for you.

Quotes from himself
"Kill as much as you want! Have fun!"

"Supposed master races are actually dead races. They just don't know it yet."

"I shall purge the galaxy of tyrants like the Ugandalorians...every last one!"

"Hope is fragile, that is why I train my soldiers to work beyond such things as hope."

"Hmmmph. The Pact wishes to rob everyone of their lives, their hopes...even their dreams. I stand before them. With my men, we shall create a truly free galaxy, with me at it's head, and all other races working together for the greater good."

"The prime lesson, my noble warriors, is that you cannot win without fighting. You can stay back, and you will die. Either physically, or emotionally, but to fight for one's empire, to fight against the Tyrants at our gates. That, is freedom."

- Gridlock to his soldiers

"Forward warriors! Fire in your hearts, blades in your hands! Ride upon the wings of freedom and follow me!"

Qoutes from others

 * You can add your own as much as you want! Have Fun!

"Y-You monster. Have you no regret for what you've done!?"

- Parris Vaut of the States of the Cow

"Your overconfidence will be your weakness. That's how you will lose!"

- Arvus Causie of the States of the Cow

"You are the one who started this war. You will be one to feel it's true effect..."

- General Renaratai Kiwara of the

"Yes, now my Son, go and destroy your enemies, for you are destined for greatness..."

- The Dark One of the The Darkling Brotherhood.

"As dark as he might be, the is still light burried deep within his heart. If only he could free himself from his tyrannical father...Then we'd be able to get along nicely."

"You think the Ugandalorians are bad? We Vanara don't even have a word for mercy."

"You've grown into a fine young man, Gridlock. Perhaps you may surpass even your father."

- Xizothano Ada

"I don't think Brygon would like it very much if I came with you. I wouldn't mind meeting you and my uncle one day though. You guys can't be that bad...right?"

- Zataura Ada

"YOU SHOULD'VE BROUGHT WITH YOU HEDONS' HEAD WHEN YOU SHOULD! THAT TRAITOR TO THE TYRANNY FAR IS BETTER OFF DEAD THAN ALIVE!"

- Brutego

"So tell me, why didn't you kill Hedon when you had the change? But...I guess that if you did, my princeps Brutego wouldn't like THAT either, since in that case, he himself woudn't get the kill. BAH! THINGS CAN GET TOO COMPLICATED AT TIMES! Well, at least you popped the little worm kings' party rather nicely, I'd say."

- Brutego