The Figure in Bismuth

The Figure in Bismuth is a character in PARTIZAN and PALISADE. He is the Right Hand of The Witch in Glass. Although he was first introduced during Beam Saber, he was designed as the Armour Astir playbook The Imposter.

Appearance

They are humanoid, and their body is covered in rainbow crystals. Of his head, only his jaw is visible; the rest is a large crystal (reference).^[2] The weight of the crystal requires them to do certain physical exercises as self-maintenance. His body is also partially covered in vines, but their extent is not visible as they're covered by his clothes.

In PALISADE, they're further described as imposing but hunched over by the weight of the crystals over their body, and wear a tight flight suit adorned with medals commemorating their skill as a pilot.^[3]

Personality

Bismuth is rather soft spoken and mild. They haven't done a lot of political thought and are surprised when called on it. They are "just asking questions"^[4] both in the annoying sense (blithely insensitive) and in that they are trying to listen to a different way of thinking and viewing the world.

History and Involvement

Bismuth was formerly a politically conservative history teacher, and is now a supernaturally gifted ace pilot. After being injured and near-death due to the battles raging across Partizan, they were healed by the Witch in Glass. Because of this, he believes he owes her his loyalty. Within the Reflecting Pool, he serves as a benevolent sort of alderman for the fellow residents, attending to their problems.

Their first appearance is bringing Sovereign Immunity to speak with the Witch in Glass. Months later, he assists Millennium Break in investigating the Chasmata Quarry. When the Witch in Glass joins the fight during Operation Shackled Sun, he plays a pivotal role there as well, disobeying her orders by destroying the Lattice to keep people from getting killed defending it. Afterward, he is described as spending some time in isolation, hanging out in a cave.

In the years following, they remain connected to the Witch in Glass despite being on indefinite loan to Millennium Break. They need to return to her presence every so often to refresh the magic that sustains their body, and resent this as she uses this contact to violate their mental privacy.

Relationships

Bonds (Beam Saber)

Sovereign Immunity seems quite affable and amenable.
Phrygian and I might share a bond over our distinct appearances.
Kalar's heroism is quite striking.

Hooks (Armour Astir)

~~No matter how far I run, I am still tethered to the Witch in Glass.~~ The only way to escape the Witch is by endangering others, but they seem eager to accept the risk.
I've lived two lies; I would happily die for the truth.
If Phrygian were to test my loyalties, I'm not sure which way I would go.

Gravity clocks (Armour Astir)

Palisade and I were both resurrected against our will by people who won’t fix their own problems.
Cori also moves like she is just a weapon.
I admire Phrygian's ability to freely question authority.
(Rival clock) I have to return to the Witch to sustain my life force.

Mech

In PARTIZAN, the Figure in Bismuth's mech is the Will of the Witch, a gigantic Hallow shaped like a Dark Souls knight made up of blocky PS1 polygons. This was detonated without ever being piloted onscreen during the final episode, which was not very wow cool robot.

In PALISADE, his mech is the Devil's Two Front Teeth, a zombie-like Altar with chunks missing from when heat exploded along its faultlines due to the lack of existing heatsinks and vents. It makes a horrible noise like howling wind when activated.

Appearances

References

[1] PALISADE 05: I Would Like to Help You Pt. 2

[2] PARTIZAN 34: Guests, Invited and Otherwise

[3] PALISADE 01: Into the World Pt. 1

[4] PARTIZAN 45: Operation Shackled Sun: Act 1: The Fray

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]