ex·e·ge·sis
ˌeksiˈjēsis/
critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture.
Prologue
Millenia ago, Earth was set upon by enormous aberrant horrors from deepest space. They appeared slowly, from all directions of the universe. For decades we watched them surround the Earth at a constant speed. They ignored the natural laws of the universe, floating effortlessly through time and space. And then they descended while we stared wide eyed and slack jawed.
To be fair, we did not know what they would do when they reached Earth. We had never encountered anything so unimaginable in our short existence . The creatures were massive, and there were dozens of them. The came to a stop only miles above the surface of the Earth. And we waited.
...and waited.
We shot weapons at them-a lot of weapons. The creatures were unscathed, and unresponsive. We blasted them with radiation, x-rays and gamma rays. The dragged their long tentacles over mountains and oceans and benignly crushed monuments of civilization. They blotted out the sun.
A decade passed. A century. Scientists began constructing permanent platforms around the creatures for further research. The most advanced technology in the world was hoarded and safeguarded on these quickly developing 'floating cities'. Five hundred years passed and the Earth began to change. Oceans surged and then dried up. Forests, billions of acres slowly receded. Mankind went to war for dwindling resources. Refugees flooded the research platforms, now the last cities of mankind. A millenia passed...
To be fair, we did not know what they would do when they reached Earth. We had never encountered anything so unimaginable in our short existence . The creatures were massive, and there were dozens of them. The came to a stop only miles above the surface of the Earth. And we waited.
...and waited.
We shot weapons at them-a lot of weapons. The creatures were unscathed, and unresponsive. We blasted them with radiation, x-rays and gamma rays. The dragged their long tentacles over mountains and oceans and benignly crushed monuments of civilization. They blotted out the sun.
A decade passed. A century. Scientists began constructing permanent platforms around the creatures for further research. The most advanced technology in the world was hoarded and safeguarded on these quickly developing 'floating cities'. Five hundred years passed and the Earth began to change. Oceans surged and then dried up. Forests, billions of acres slowly receded. Mankind went to war for dwindling resources. Refugees flooded the research platforms, now the last cities of mankind. A millenia passed...
Themes
Unfathomable Power
The power brokers in Kalopsia meddle with forces that were never meant to be wielded by humans. While the Great Old one sleeps at the city center, psychic waves wash over the Astral Plane. For centuries these vibrations have warped the natural laws governing man and Earth. Power has manifest in certain people in what can only be described as 'sorcery'.
Technology & Magic
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.. - Arthur C. Clarke
The technology gathered at Kalopsia in the waning decades of mankind was the most advanced in the world. The culture that blossomed over the centuries was heavily influenced by not only the technology, but the latent magic abilities that soon developed in certain people. Tech & Magic have been integrated into society and in some cases are indistinguishable. For all some purposes they are viewed as the same.
This Is It
The wisest members of society realize that there is no returning to the surface of the Earth. Priests and Clergy argue that mankind will one day leave Kalopsia and repopulate the planet, that civilization will once again thrive in the natural world...But this is certainly the final era of mankind. On Earth anyways..
Kalopsia City
ecumenopolis
ecu·me·nop·o·lis \ˌekyəmə̇ˈnäpələs,
: a single city encompassing the whole world that is held to be a possibility of the future
The city is slick lines, clean edges and cool lighting. Walkways with long, soft curves meander through carefully preened gardens of light green mosses and willows. Trickling water, backlit by beautiful blue lights soften the metallic walls and paths. But this is only one corridor, only one mezzanine. The city is massive and is the product of centuries of construction, alteration and forced planning.
The Apex, the Spires and the Towers house the Knights and Sorcerers-old families from the time before grown rich with wealth and power, they fight and f*&% with little regard for the common man. Far below the Criminal Underworld thrives; a market for flesh, drugs and tech, rigged arena matches and gambling dens.
At the center of the city are the oldest corridors-the Dark Halls where the Ancients studied the Great Old One, sleeping beneath the steel super-structure. Priests of K'lah and R'lyeleh stalk the Dark Halls, moaning gutteral prayers and listening for reply.
The Apex, the Spires and the Towers house the Knights and Sorcerers-old families from the time before grown rich with wealth and power, they fight and f*&% with little regard for the common man. Far below the Criminal Underworld thrives; a market for flesh, drugs and tech, rigged arena matches and gambling dens.
At the center of the city are the oldest corridors-the Dark Halls where the Ancients studied the Great Old One, sleeping beneath the steel super-structure. Priests of K'lah and R'lyeleh stalk the Dark Halls, moaning gutteral prayers and listening for reply.
The Classes
Players can choose from 1 of 5 classes for your character. They are Knight, Sorcerer, Noble, Obuyan and Priest. Each class has Stats that represent what that class is most qualified to do. For instance, Sorcerers have high Power and low Charm. Stat point increases will be awarded throughout the game. When you make a character you can exchange 1 Stat point for another to better suit your character concept. Don't get too bogged down by the numbers-I rely more on good roleplaying than numbers to determine action outcomes.
Knight
You are the Vanguard in the fight against the enemies of the city. You are the master of martial weapons, vibro-blades, shimmer-swords and energy shields. You are also trained to pilot the great War Mechs used in the last battles of Earth-bound man. Knights have high Power, medium Charm and low Production. Your influence is average.
Priest
The Priests role is the most controversial. Your domain is the virtual world, the Nets of Kalopsia. Hacking and coding are your most powerful weapons, hardware your tools. You hear whispers in the dark in a strange alien language. Interpret the dreams of the Great Old One and guide the working man of the city. Priests have high Charm and Influence. Priests have zero production, instead relying on alms and donations (to start), and low power.
Sorcerer
Master of the dark arts, blending science and sorcery. From your laboratory you conduct eldritch experiments upon the dead, near-dead and living. You hold immense power and this repulses or infuriates those around you. Sorcerers have high Power, medium Production and Influence and zero Charm.
Oyuban
The Oyuban are the Crime Bosses of the city. You manipulate and scheme to get what you want and your not afraid to...'remove' any obstacles that stand in your way. Your power comes from intimidation, fear and the unutterable rules of the undercity. Oyuban have high Influence, average Charm, Power, and Production.
Noble
Wealth and Influence are the weapons of the noble. Technocrats. Industrialists. Capitalists. Reviled by the masses. Priests and Knights solicit the Nobility for funding and sponsorship. Corruption and competition run rampant through the ranks of nobility. Nobles have high Influence, medium Production and Charm and Zero Power.
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