#i already shared my elphelt one but i have a few others

[robyntherav3n]

ok so uh-

[gear-project]

Hi! My question is: how many people know that Sol is a Gear?

I've answered this question before, but, technically that was a long time ago, so the answer might be due for an update:

From the beginning, Asuka R. Kreutz was the one who converted Frederick Bulsara into a Gear, so from that point onwards, a lot of things came in to play.

Viidia was the first to actually observe Frederick's body heal from near-fatal wounds, though it's not yet clear (at least in GG Begin's narrative) that she connected the dots on his origins.  This also applies to Dustin Barrie, Sarge, and the other surviving scientists of that incident.

Later on, it was Slayer himself who delved in to Frederick's history and sympathized with his difficult fate.  Slayer later documented that history in his "Vampire D's Diary" and gave Frederick the name "Sol", in order to spur him on.

After that time, Sol would frequently butt heads with the Conclave and Gear Researchers of varying degrees, which would later expose his identity to Bardias and Chronus, who would later put a bounty on his head (VastEdge events), because of the threat he posed to their plans.  This would also later involve Ramlethal and Elphelt, who were Valentines "built" to either negotiate with or delay Sol from interfering with The Merciless Apocalypse' plans (Ariels).  Bedman (who worked for Ariels) was also a key player with extensive knowledge on Sol, and observed him for some time.

Back during the Crusades, however, very few knew of Sol's unique situation or longevity, save for individuals like Axl Low (who saw Sol throughout much of his travels in the timeline) and Raven (who was already working for "That Man"/Asuka by this point).  Because of the danger Axl's knowledge was, he learned very quickly to keep what he knew or learned to himself, including Sol's past.

Sol's battles with Justice would later increase his reputation, but only Ky Kiske began to understand the truth behind Sol's powers, or that Sol was even connected with someone like "That Man".

It would not be long before I-No would become aware of Sol's past via Asuka, along with Jack-O' who held a deep connection with that past as well.

Some time after this, the Assassins Organization expanded their network of knowledge via the Postwar Administration Bureau (via the Conclave), and many of the higher ranked assassins eventually knew about Sol as well (Venom, Millia, and Zato) as well as a certain Crow Kuruwaba.

In more recent years, it was revealed that the Conclave were behind the foundation of the United Kingdoms of Illyria, and much of that dark history had to eventually be uncovered... as such, King Leo Whitefang and King Daryl also came to learn more about the history of the Gears and even the Conclave's past.

Leo Whitefang in particular, had the misfortune to have to personally address Sol's past for the sake of asking him to help stop the threat to their world.  Leo even learned more than he bargained for when Asuka himself revealed the truth behind Frederick and Aria Hale.

Even President Gabriel of Zepp knew of Sol’s “unique abilities” and gave him a mission that only someone superhuman could handle: riding on the back of an intercontinental missile!  And even early on, Anji Mito managed to discover Sol’s past as a Sentient Gear.

Of course, Dizzy and Testament also knew, being Gears themselves and sharing that burdensome connection.  Sin Kiske, Dr. Paradigm, and even Izuna, all came to understand much more about Sol's unfortunate history, Paradigm in particular having developed a respect for the man who was once called Frederick.

Most likely every Illyrian Knight or Soldier-for-hire who witnessed Daryl's attempt to suppress Justice and Sol with his Collider Cannon Airship Fleet witnessed Sol's last dire stand, only to witness the miracle of his survival, even if he wasn't the cause of that miracle.

The "God of War" was recognized and acknowledged by King Daryl, albeit chagrinned for being thwarted.  And Ky was, at last, able to declare Sol as a "friend" to himself and his family (including the Valentines).

Now that Humanity knows much more about Gears, it wouldn't take much for them to learn about someone like Sol, but instead of being a "God of War", he is still a Bounty Hunter, and treated like a human being for his efforts, at least for now.

But Sol isn't the only "Humanoid Gear" out there... and there are many more mysteries about the Gears that have yet to be uncovered.  

Only time will tell what more is discovered.