I N T R O D U C T O R Y
Hello, new faces, and those I've seen before. I may be under a new name, but I am the same mind that built the world of Dust from the ground up. Moving past experiences, trials, and mistakes, I'd like to see this live again. Dust was honestly one of my favorite worlds, and is definitely at the top of the list, above all that I have created in my time. Unfortunately, it was launched during an unsteady period of my life. Now that things are calm, and cemented into place, it's time to unfold this book once more.
The theme of Dust is a mixture of dystopian life, especially for our characters, and post apocalyptic survival. It's set in a custom world, on a desert island made of sand, rock, and prejudice. Our characters, The Immortals, are judged by society, harshly, for being different. For being unique, for having powers that let them rise up above the normal man. This is a metahuman roleplay, if superpowers aren't your thing, then this probably isn't for you. I will allow non-metahuman side characters, but the story revolves around 'The Immortals', our characters. Additionally, along with superpowers, there will be a metamorphosis, of sorts. Call it what you will, a "were-form", the avatar state, ascension. It's a state beyond that of human, of co-existance between The Immortal, and their spark. You can read more on it below. The Hollows are the monsters of this world, alongside your average host of apocalyptic creatures. More on that below.
T H E P R E M I S E
So, what does on do in the world of Dust? Whatever you want. Do note, that I have plans for my character to start recruiting the feared, and oppressed Immortals at Isolone (A location on the world map). You can start a rival, Immortal based faction, or even a cult or purist humans who see you as a god. Have a mob family running the island's primary drug trade, or slave trading, and so forth. Be a wanderer, an arm-for-hire, a settler, all with their own stories to tell.
The last time I did this, there were several separate plots, many of which intertwined with one-another. If you have an idea, but don't want to feel so, isolated in your driving story line, we can incorporate it into world events. Speaking of which, there will be plenty of events through a job-bulletin, or quest-system, for characters to explore and partake in. I will collaborate with you on these, and provide information (Through PM) as necessary. It should be noted that these events will directly shape the world, for better or for worse. That's right, you can shape the world into somewhere safe, secure, and pleasant to live in, or a war-torn battlefield of despair and fear.
H I S T O R Y
This is the information I have from the original launch of this roleplay, and I probably won't change any of it, I may rewrite it but the essential points of the pieces will remain the same. However, I do plan to update some of the other information, and maybe revamp a few things. We will begin in Year 2381: 346 Years After The Fall. And as always, I provide updates anytime I change or add something, usually on an "updates" section of the OOC, and by making a recent post about it.
Entry Date: 1/1/2035
Subject: <#%$)_(!@#$?>
From: ISCE
To: <%@#)$>
It wasn't our fault this time. This record exists for the sole purpose of shedding light on the unfortunate event that is about to befall us, should anybody remain hereafter; if you are reading this, then you are all that's left. But this was not our fault, humankind did not do this. Maybe it was fate, destiny. The work of god, trying to wipe the slate clean, to see if the little germ in his great cosmic experiment was worth nurturing, is worthy of survival. Some speculate that this... this thing, was sent by another race somewhere from deep within the universe, known or not. But it was not, our, fault. This testimony alone serves to provide trial and judgment for humanity. Perhaps indirectly we caused this, through our multitudes of radio waves echoing out into what many feel is empty space. Maybe our constructs, our satellites, rockets, or debris caused some kind of... involvement. But I swear on my final moments; We are not guilty.
January 1st, 2035: International Space Communications and Exploration had revealed findings previously hidden from the public to media stations across the globe; simultaneously broadcasting on every channel, in every country with the capability of seeing it. Classified Subject, The Orb, was on a collision course with Earth. Previous attempts to shatter the object, minimize planetary damage, proved completely ineffective. This could be just an unfortunate coincidence of the universe, but the object consisted of a material impervious to everything that had been thrown at it. It is perfectly round, and dark as night, without an imperfection to be seen upon its surface. We don't know what it is, we don't know why it's come to end us; but worst of all, we don't know how to stop it.
In roughly a month's time, The Orb will cause a total eclipse as it slingshots around the sun, picking up enough speed to shift mercury out of orbital alignment as it passes. Roughly twenty minutes later, the object will collide with earth, ending humankind as we know it. The object is projected to impact in central Canada, evacuations are already in place. There is a chance that the earth won't break apart, but even that isn't enough to have hope. Should the small chance of the Earth remaining intact come to pass, global devastation will still occur through natural phenomena. The entire continent of North America will break apart, Tsunamis will wash the earth <#@$_#$)>[Clean of our Sins]<)_#@>, An ice age will begin <!@#>[Freezing the Demons of Society]<#%#@> <<3xc::Error::Document Corrupted.>>
<<Rebuilding Document...>>
>...5%
>...33%
>...67%
<<Finalizing>>
<<Success.>>
And when the Earth thaws there will be nothing left but a wasteland, of desert, rock, and salt water. There is a small glimmer of light, we could survive that. We are the hardiest, most adaptable creatures on the face of this planet. We could survive. I refuse to believe this is how we end, our legacy cannot die here. Preparations have been in place for years, bunkers that could save thousands of us. The supplies could hold, we could emerge into a new world to rebuild, a world of <#@$_=)+>[Dust]<#$_7#$) <<^#$=+{}2!#$Critical Error>>
<<Rebuilding Document...>>
>...4%
<<Failed>>
Entry Date: 1/22/2035
Subject: <#{#$}>
From: ISCE
To: <-#_$%[&^}>
We are scared, panic is sweeping through the very streets as I write this. My neighbor was dragged from his home by masked thugs, they shot him and his daughter out in the front yard. Christ... she was only six. I'll be relocating soon, but I had to document this just in case something happens to me. I have a gun, by God I've never felt the need to use it until now. I don't have much time, the cars will be here soon. I'm being relocated to a shelter, specifically for important people. I would let as many in as our supplies would support, but unfortunately that's not my decision. The underground bunkers exist only in the wealthier countries, and they are filling up quickly with... specific individuals. Engineers, scientists, athletes, superstars. There is no room for the common man, only those with status and money apparently. There is widespread looting and violence. Reports from the United Kingdom came in, armed farmers took a bunker by force and closed it. It was a massacre. There are ten days left, it will be a day when all of the Earth stands still, to watch, as we die.
Every hour the object continues to increase dramatically in speed, it seems so far that the predicted calculations are correct. In a few days it will enter our system, passing by us harmlessly until it reaches the Sun, where it will come back for us. There is a cult forming, calling themselves the Edenites, they preach of The Orb as if it were a god come to deliver us from sin. They're crazy, the lot of them. Ironic though, they choose to dress in all white, instead of black. The orb is black, why would they pick white? What compels them to worship this object of destruction? Can they not see reason? Some are rumoring they are moving to take a bunker of there own, though they are tight lipped. Nobody will talk, they all have this glassy-eyed look in there eye, like hopeful children waiting for their father. They're <@#%_{&>[The Chosen]<@#$&*>. Pure Madness! How can the hope to be<#!@_-+$#^>[Brought Forth Into the Light]<#@%_?><@#$%!?> <<^&Error::Document Corrupted%>>
<Rebuilding Document>
…<#$%?>
Entry Date: <!#_+!%>
Subject: <%&^_}?>
From: IS<?$@>
To: <&@!(^>
Time is drawing near. God, it's so cramped in here. It's musty, and it smells like sweat. If the plumbing fails I may just hang myself. So many are missing, or haven't arrived yet. We number just over a hundred, and this place was built for so many more, a thousand at least. We wait for others, but there is talk of closing the door. A new force as rising up in this wake of catastrophe, taking advantage of the situation. For however many days are left, anyways. Cities burn across the world, and they have the audacity to make promises of a better life! But the blind like kind words, hopeful words, as long as they do not have to deal with the problems themselves. It's almost like another cult. But this one is much deadlier.
Just yesterday this new faction, Calling themselves The Forsaken, arose up out of nowhere, claiming six bunkers for themselves. These <@#%_>[Devils]<#@$..?> have us scared, but the guards assure us there are lookouts. They are the only ones with guns. Where did they take my gun? <@%?%^&*+_@$#%?>
<@#$[And in the light of the new dawn, as the fire washes over our bodies and cleanses us of sin, our soul shall shine with the purity of The Mother, we shall ascend up into the heavens, free or mortal shackles, to join our beloved Father..]#_#@%?> <//Error: Document Unreadable>
Entry Date: 2/1/2035
Subject: <Syntax:Error:[EDEN]>
From: ISCE
To: <#@%^>
<Data Partials Missing>
<Recovering..>
>...17%
>...42%
>...86%
<Success.>
This is [?] it. The [?] End is near. We watched on the monitors as [?] The Orb veiled the Earth in darkness. Less than half an hour to live, and somebody tried to hack us. They were trying to unlock the door, it's open now, only by a few inches. Those [?]massive doors can no longer save us, the crack of light radiating in from the outside lamps is blinding. Somebody tried to pry it open, the vehicle is still parked there, but the [?] guards shot them. We have the facility under control again but the door is wedged open, we can't move the vehicle. The lights are also off, the whole system has gone corrupt, something off in the distance is on fire. [?] What are these symbols? Who are the Edenites? The Mother? [?]
I hope somebody finds this, someday. The words of a dead man. God P... I miss you so much.
[?][?]
Sincerely;
<@#%_>
P.S <?#%{?>
<Directory End>
Subject: <#%$)_(!@#$?>
From: ISCE
To: <%@#)$>
It wasn't our fault this time. This record exists for the sole purpose of shedding light on the unfortunate event that is about to befall us, should anybody remain hereafter; if you are reading this, then you are all that's left. But this was not our fault, humankind did not do this. Maybe it was fate, destiny. The work of god, trying to wipe the slate clean, to see if the little germ in his great cosmic experiment was worth nurturing, is worthy of survival. Some speculate that this... this thing, was sent by another race somewhere from deep within the universe, known or not. But it was not, our, fault. This testimony alone serves to provide trial and judgment for humanity. Perhaps indirectly we caused this, through our multitudes of radio waves echoing out into what many feel is empty space. Maybe our constructs, our satellites, rockets, or debris caused some kind of... involvement. But I swear on my final moments; We are not guilty.
January 1st, 2035: International Space Communications and Exploration had revealed findings previously hidden from the public to media stations across the globe; simultaneously broadcasting on every channel, in every country with the capability of seeing it. Classified Subject, The Orb, was on a collision course with Earth. Previous attempts to shatter the object, minimize planetary damage, proved completely ineffective. This could be just an unfortunate coincidence of the universe, but the object consisted of a material impervious to everything that had been thrown at it. It is perfectly round, and dark as night, without an imperfection to be seen upon its surface. We don't know what it is, we don't know why it's come to end us; but worst of all, we don't know how to stop it.
In roughly a month's time, The Orb will cause a total eclipse as it slingshots around the sun, picking up enough speed to shift mercury out of orbital alignment as it passes. Roughly twenty minutes later, the object will collide with earth, ending humankind as we know it. The object is projected to impact in central Canada, evacuations are already in place. There is a chance that the earth won't break apart, but even that isn't enough to have hope. Should the small chance of the Earth remaining intact come to pass, global devastation will still occur through natural phenomena. The entire continent of North America will break apart, Tsunamis will wash the earth <#@$_#$)>[Clean of our Sins]<)_#@>, An ice age will begin <!@#>[Freezing the Demons of Society]<#%#@> <<3xc::Error::Document Corrupted.>>
<<Rebuilding Document...>>
>...5%
>...33%
>...67%
<<Finalizing>>
<<Success.>>
And when the Earth thaws there will be nothing left but a wasteland, of desert, rock, and salt water. There is a small glimmer of light, we could survive that. We are the hardiest, most adaptable creatures on the face of this planet. We could survive. I refuse to believe this is how we end, our legacy cannot die here. Preparations have been in place for years, bunkers that could save thousands of us. The supplies could hold, we could emerge into a new world to rebuild, a world of <#@$_=)+>[Dust]<#$_7#$) <<^#$=+{}2!#$Critical Error>>
<<Rebuilding Document...>>
>...4%
<<Failed>>
Entry Date: 1/22/2035
Subject: <#{#$}>
From: ISCE
To: <-#_$%[&^}>
We are scared, panic is sweeping through the very streets as I write this. My neighbor was dragged from his home by masked thugs, they shot him and his daughter out in the front yard. Christ... she was only six. I'll be relocating soon, but I had to document this just in case something happens to me. I have a gun, by God I've never felt the need to use it until now. I don't have much time, the cars will be here soon. I'm being relocated to a shelter, specifically for important people. I would let as many in as our supplies would support, but unfortunately that's not my decision. The underground bunkers exist only in the wealthier countries, and they are filling up quickly with... specific individuals. Engineers, scientists, athletes, superstars. There is no room for the common man, only those with status and money apparently. There is widespread looting and violence. Reports from the United Kingdom came in, armed farmers took a bunker by force and closed it. It was a massacre. There are ten days left, it will be a day when all of the Earth stands still, to watch, as we die.
Every hour the object continues to increase dramatically in speed, it seems so far that the predicted calculations are correct. In a few days it will enter our system, passing by us harmlessly until it reaches the Sun, where it will come back for us. There is a cult forming, calling themselves the Edenites, they preach of The Orb as if it were a god come to deliver us from sin. They're crazy, the lot of them. Ironic though, they choose to dress in all white, instead of black. The orb is black, why would they pick white? What compels them to worship this object of destruction? Can they not see reason? Some are rumoring they are moving to take a bunker of there own, though they are tight lipped. Nobody will talk, they all have this glassy-eyed look in there eye, like hopeful children waiting for their father. They're <@#%_{&>[The Chosen]<@#$&*>. Pure Madness! How can the hope to be<#!@_-+$#^>[Brought Forth Into the Light]<#@%_?><@#$%!?> <<^&Error::Document Corrupted%>>
<Rebuilding Document>
…<#$%?>
Entry Date: <!#_+!%>
Subject: <%&^_}?>
From: IS<?$@>
To: <&@!(^>
Time is drawing near. God, it's so cramped in here. It's musty, and it smells like sweat. If the plumbing fails I may just hang myself. So many are missing, or haven't arrived yet. We number just over a hundred, and this place was built for so many more, a thousand at least. We wait for others, but there is talk of closing the door. A new force as rising up in this wake of catastrophe, taking advantage of the situation. For however many days are left, anyways. Cities burn across the world, and they have the audacity to make promises of a better life! But the blind like kind words, hopeful words, as long as they do not have to deal with the problems themselves. It's almost like another cult. But this one is much deadlier.
Just yesterday this new faction, Calling themselves The Forsaken, arose up out of nowhere, claiming six bunkers for themselves. These <@#%_>[Devils]<#@$..?> have us scared, but the guards assure us there are lookouts. They are the only ones with guns. Where did they take my gun? <@%?%^&*+_@$#%?>
<@#$[And in the light of the new dawn, as the fire washes over our bodies and cleanses us of sin, our soul shall shine with the purity of The Mother, we shall ascend up into the heavens, free or mortal shackles, to join our beloved Father..]#_#@%?> <//Error: Document Unreadable>
Entry Date: 2/1/2035
Subject: <Syntax:Error:[EDEN]>
From: ISCE
To: <#@%^>
<Data Partials Missing>
<Recovering..>
>...17%
>...42%
>...86%
<Success.>
This is [?] it. The [?] End is near. We watched on the monitors as [?] The Orb veiled the Earth in darkness. Less than half an hour to live, and somebody tried to hack us. They were trying to unlock the door, it's open now, only by a few inches. Those [?]massive doors can no longer save us, the crack of light radiating in from the outside lamps is blinding. Somebody tried to pry it open, the vehicle is still parked there, but the [?] guards shot them. We have the facility under control again but the door is wedged open, we can't move the vehicle. The lights are also off, the whole system has gone corrupt, something off in the distance is on fire. [?] What are these symbols? Who are the Edenites? The Mother? [?]
I hope somebody finds this, someday. The words of a dead man. God P... I miss you so much.
[?][?]
Sincerely;
<@#%_>
P.S <?#%{?>
<Directory End>
Entry Date: 3/6/2235
Subject: Aftermath
From: The Watcher
To: ARK
To; The Associates of Record Keeping
A hundred years, how time flies.
February 1st, 3035. The object approached final velocity as it slingshot around the sun. What the scientists of old did not predict though; as the object passed by Saturn it shifted course erratically, passing through Saturn's rings. As a result, chunks of debris collided with our moon with such velocity that it actually slowed down. Coastal counties experience tidal phenomena but with focus turned towards The Orb, the reports were not widely known. Anyways. The total eclipse caused was not from the object itself, but from the moon. Rather, the object collided with the moon. Whether the object itself is sentient, or the reason for it's presence is or not, the moon was not a calculated factor.
This may be the sole reason the Earth did not shatter, though it did affect us dramatically, almost as dramatic as the object itself. All these unnatural forces created an entirely new world, Old Earth will forever be but a memory. This explains why there is no moon in the night sky. The frequent meteor rains are from debris orbiting our planet and being pulled in. This debris does contain some of the same properties as the object, but for unknown reasons.
As The Orb crashed into most of central Canada, the immense force of it entering our atmosphere wreaked havoc on our Ozone Layer. That, and coupled with the plethora of natural disasters, the following wave of fire, the ice age induced by thick clouds of dust shrouding our planet; are all plausible events that have lead up to the world today. Rock, desert, barren wastelands. Most of the Earth was covered in trees and greenery, hard to believe right?
The Northern United States broke a part broke a part as a result of the collision, you are located on one of these fragments. The World is entirely reformed, even the fault lines appear to be shifted, but that may be faulty equipment. I wouldn't attempt to weld a boat together, ocean sensors are picking up a lot of activity. Sonar blasts are systematically destroying my aquatic equipment, whatever is down there is highly intelligent. You have you warning.
The state of things still needs much explaining, but I can tell you this. For Unknown reasons the object as diminished greatly in size, it probably has the circumference of a large island now, though it exists at the bottom of the ocean floor. That's where my sensors first were destroyed by the way, coincidence? Anyways, this thing contains a host of unknown elements. This is the reason for all the modern day monsters, the adapting and failing genetic lines. The new diseases and viruses, everything that can't be explained by modern science. There is something else too.. but I must do more research before I try to explain the unfathomable.
With all the disruptions caused by the object hitting us, our ice age was short lived thankfully, maybe a few years, ten at most. The world thawed just in time for you lot to crawl from your little holes in the ground and start again. I understand it was a rough process, I myself was a part of it. Though we did not have so many deadly creatures as we do now, though that's how it goes in a desert wilderness; Not much use for a herbivore. I'm surprised we made it at all, let alone were able to make a home out of this hostile little island. Get used to it, with whatever those are in the ocean, it's unlikely that we'll receive contact for some time.
Sincerely,
The Watcher
<Document End>
Subject: Aftermath
From: The Watcher
To: ARK
To; The Associates of Record Keeping
A hundred years, how time flies.
February 1st, 3035. The object approached final velocity as it slingshot around the sun. What the scientists of old did not predict though; as the object passed by Saturn it shifted course erratically, passing through Saturn's rings. As a result, chunks of debris collided with our moon with such velocity that it actually slowed down. Coastal counties experience tidal phenomena but with focus turned towards The Orb, the reports were not widely known. Anyways. The total eclipse caused was not from the object itself, but from the moon. Rather, the object collided with the moon. Whether the object itself is sentient, or the reason for it's presence is or not, the moon was not a calculated factor.
This may be the sole reason the Earth did not shatter, though it did affect us dramatically, almost as dramatic as the object itself. All these unnatural forces created an entirely new world, Old Earth will forever be but a memory. This explains why there is no moon in the night sky. The frequent meteor rains are from debris orbiting our planet and being pulled in. This debris does contain some of the same properties as the object, but for unknown reasons.
As The Orb crashed into most of central Canada, the immense force of it entering our atmosphere wreaked havoc on our Ozone Layer. That, and coupled with the plethora of natural disasters, the following wave of fire, the ice age induced by thick clouds of dust shrouding our planet; are all plausible events that have lead up to the world today. Rock, desert, barren wastelands. Most of the Earth was covered in trees and greenery, hard to believe right?
The Northern United States broke a part broke a part as a result of the collision, you are located on one of these fragments. The World is entirely reformed, even the fault lines appear to be shifted, but that may be faulty equipment. I wouldn't attempt to weld a boat together, ocean sensors are picking up a lot of activity. Sonar blasts are systematically destroying my aquatic equipment, whatever is down there is highly intelligent. You have you warning.
The state of things still needs much explaining, but I can tell you this. For Unknown reasons the object as diminished greatly in size, it probably has the circumference of a large island now, though it exists at the bottom of the ocean floor. That's where my sensors first were destroyed by the way, coincidence? Anyways, this thing contains a host of unknown elements. This is the reason for all the modern day monsters, the adapting and failing genetic lines. The new diseases and viruses, everything that can't be explained by modern science. There is something else too.. but I must do more research before I try to explain the unfathomable.
With all the disruptions caused by the object hitting us, our ice age was short lived thankfully, maybe a few years, ten at most. The world thawed just in time for you lot to crawl from your little holes in the ground and start again. I understand it was a rough process, I myself was a part of it. Though we did not have so many deadly creatures as we do now, though that's how it goes in a desert wilderness; Not much use for a herbivore. I'm surprised we made it at all, let alone were able to make a home out of this hostile little island. Get used to it, with whatever those are in the ocean, it's unlikely that we'll receive contact for some time.
Sincerely,
The Watcher
<Document End>
Entry Date: 2/14/2236
Subject: The Hollow
From: The Watcher
To: ARK
Dear Associates of Record Keeping;
I've been doing a lot this past year, but I have an important discovery. It seems that the object brought something with it, I'm unsure what it should be classified as; Disease? Virus? Bacteria? Any of those will do. I call it The Sickness, a fitting name really. It hits its victim through their blood. I haven't been able to figure out where it comes from, or how it infects us, but I know it comes from The Orb. It has to, let me explain.
The Subject will begin to show symptoms of a normal cold. Runny or Stuffy nose, Itchy or Sore throat, Cough, Congestion, Slight body aches or a mild headache, Sneezing, Watery eyes, Low-grade Fever, and mild fatigue. This is what makes it so hard to catch in time. These cold symptoms can last anywhere from a few days, to a week before the subject moves into stage two. Luckily for us is it not transmittable between the infected and the uninfected.
Stage two consists of only a handful of symptoms, this is what you want to look for, this is how you know somebody has The Sickness. The area around the eyes will become dramatically darker, resembling bruising around the eyes. The victim's eyes will become spider webbed with dark lines, like an allergic irritation, but black in color. Temporary failure of any, or in rare cases; all, of the five sense can occurl during stage two. This stage can range anywhere from a day, to a week. Typically depending on how strong and healthy the victim is, the stronger and healthier, the worse the final outcome it going to be.
It should be noted that once a victim is confirmed stage two, death is inevitable. There is no way to stop what it going to happen. Stage Three results in death of the host, by mutation. The Sickness is like an organic, microscopic oil. Once in the body, it travels to the heart and begins replicating. Rather than attack anything specifically, it kind of oozes across the body, traveling along veins until it coats all of the proper inner workings of the human body. Upon dissection it should be noted that all organic tissue inside the host is black; The blood remains unaffected.
Stage Three never lasts more than a day or two, causing extreme weakness and fatigue. The victim will suffer a heart attack, dying human. What comes next is why I feel this can only come from The Orb. The victim's body will begin to twitch, then spasm widely; the whole process takes only a few moments. The Sickness will then move to the exterior nearly instantaneously, spreading in the blink of an eye until the victim's flesh is as black as the night. It will then evolve the host's body into a mutation, I've found that no two are every the same.
The specimen I had hear proved incredibly difficult to kill, and I was prepared. During the process of the awakening, the creature is fully aware, and is highly intelligent. This specific variation had something akin to a scorpion's tale, and two enormous, incredibly hardened shields on the arms, which it used to take cover behind as it attacked with it's tail. It also appears to have had the ability to fire acidic liquids from it's mouth in a steady stream. The results of this experiment were unfortunate, and I will no longer continue my research on live subjects.
I've dubbed these unfortunate individuals the Hollow, based off an old novel I read once.
Sincerely,
The Watcher
<Document End>
Subject: The Hollow
From: The Watcher
To: ARK
Dear Associates of Record Keeping;
I've been doing a lot this past year, but I have an important discovery. It seems that the object brought something with it, I'm unsure what it should be classified as; Disease? Virus? Bacteria? Any of those will do. I call it The Sickness, a fitting name really. It hits its victim through their blood. I haven't been able to figure out where it comes from, or how it infects us, but I know it comes from The Orb. It has to, let me explain.
The Subject will begin to show symptoms of a normal cold. Runny or Stuffy nose, Itchy or Sore throat, Cough, Congestion, Slight body aches or a mild headache, Sneezing, Watery eyes, Low-grade Fever, and mild fatigue. This is what makes it so hard to catch in time. These cold symptoms can last anywhere from a few days, to a week before the subject moves into stage two. Luckily for us is it not transmittable between the infected and the uninfected.
Stage two consists of only a handful of symptoms, this is what you want to look for, this is how you know somebody has The Sickness. The area around the eyes will become dramatically darker, resembling bruising around the eyes. The victim's eyes will become spider webbed with dark lines, like an allergic irritation, but black in color. Temporary failure of any, or in rare cases; all, of the five sense can occurl during stage two. This stage can range anywhere from a day, to a week. Typically depending on how strong and healthy the victim is, the stronger and healthier, the worse the final outcome it going to be.
It should be noted that once a victim is confirmed stage two, death is inevitable. There is no way to stop what it going to happen. Stage Three results in death of the host, by mutation. The Sickness is like an organic, microscopic oil. Once in the body, it travels to the heart and begins replicating. Rather than attack anything specifically, it kind of oozes across the body, traveling along veins until it coats all of the proper inner workings of the human body. Upon dissection it should be noted that all organic tissue inside the host is black; The blood remains unaffected.
Stage Three never lasts more than a day or two, causing extreme weakness and fatigue. The victim will suffer a heart attack, dying human. What comes next is why I feel this can only come from The Orb. The victim's body will begin to twitch, then spasm widely; the whole process takes only a few moments. The Sickness will then move to the exterior nearly instantaneously, spreading in the blink of an eye until the victim's flesh is as black as the night. It will then evolve the host's body into a mutation, I've found that no two are every the same.
The specimen I had hear proved incredibly difficult to kill, and I was prepared. During the process of the awakening, the creature is fully aware, and is highly intelligent. This specific variation had something akin to a scorpion's tale, and two enormous, incredibly hardened shields on the arms, which it used to take cover behind as it attacked with it's tail. It also appears to have had the ability to fire acidic liquids from it's mouth in a steady stream. The results of this experiment were unfortunate, and I will no longer continue my research on live subjects.
I've dubbed these unfortunate individuals the Hollow, based off an old novel I read once.
Sincerely,
The Watcher
<Document End>
Entry Date: 9/24/2237
Subject: The Immortal
From: The Watcher
To: ARK
Dear Associates of Record Keeping;
Further research into The Sickness has led me to a new discovery concerning stage one. According to my findings some of us can adapt. I don't know what the original purpose of this illness is, to weed out the weaker human beings and let a race of superiors reign over the new world, or as a way of eradicating all of us. Regardless, some our bodies can adapt to and utilize this foreign bio-agent in advantageous ways. These people I've been referring to as The Immortals, though I have not come across any specimens that actually are immortal, it was just a fitting name.
The subject in question will experience all the symptoms of stage one, but that's where it stops. Instead of contaminating the organic tissue of the body, this foreign agent for some reason will attach itself to the productive area of the heart, forming a bond with the blood cells, unlike those who contract the lethal version of this. Once the Stage One symptoms pass the host of this mutated version of The Sickness will experience a way to cause unnatural phenomena willingly. I call this alternate version of The Sickness, The Spark. It acts like a catalyst that allows The Immortals to cause specific phenomena at will, without it these feats would be impossible.
I actually had two subjects to analyze this time. Subject A was able to manipulate organic plant matter within a mile radius, subjecting the plants to his will in such a way that he could cause them to sprout roots of varying sizes, with can span a length itself of one mile. He was unable to change the atomic properties of the flower, into anything other than what it was. This phenomena seems specifically focused on the grow and control of these vines.
Subject B was able to manipulate ink of any variation. We tested will both common writing ink, and an organic ink compound found within specific species of aquatic animals. She was able to manipulate this material wholly, but was unable to materialize it such as Subject A could. She was able to however make it move to her will, including hovering in the air, and way able to make it obtain any dimension of shape, down to the finest of details. It can be of no coincidence that this particular subject enjoyed painting, her works of art typically made using ink.
These Immortals are astounding, but also incredibly dangerous. Subject A had a mental breakdown and was easily able to rip a hole through the facility, even though his participation was completely voluntarily. Subject B is capable of tracking ink she has previously manipulated, and we are going to do our best to apprehend Subject A before he hurts anybody, but caution is advised.
It is still quite unclear what causes this whole process, but the results can vary widely. Though, this is just speculation, two people could share the same phenomena inducing powers. I would like to study that.
Sincerely,
The Watcher
<Document End>
Subject: The Immortal
From: The Watcher
To: ARK
Dear Associates of Record Keeping;
Further research into The Sickness has led me to a new discovery concerning stage one. According to my findings some of us can adapt. I don't know what the original purpose of this illness is, to weed out the weaker human beings and let a race of superiors reign over the new world, or as a way of eradicating all of us. Regardless, some our bodies can adapt to and utilize this foreign bio-agent in advantageous ways. These people I've been referring to as The Immortals, though I have not come across any specimens that actually are immortal, it was just a fitting name.
The subject in question will experience all the symptoms of stage one, but that's where it stops. Instead of contaminating the organic tissue of the body, this foreign agent for some reason will attach itself to the productive area of the heart, forming a bond with the blood cells, unlike those who contract the lethal version of this. Once the Stage One symptoms pass the host of this mutated version of The Sickness will experience a way to cause unnatural phenomena willingly. I call this alternate version of The Sickness, The Spark. It acts like a catalyst that allows The Immortals to cause specific phenomena at will, without it these feats would be impossible.
I actually had two subjects to analyze this time. Subject A was able to manipulate organic plant matter within a mile radius, subjecting the plants to his will in such a way that he could cause them to sprout roots of varying sizes, with can span a length itself of one mile. He was unable to change the atomic properties of the flower, into anything other than what it was. This phenomena seems specifically focused on the grow and control of these vines.
Subject B was able to manipulate ink of any variation. We tested will both common writing ink, and an organic ink compound found within specific species of aquatic animals. She was able to manipulate this material wholly, but was unable to materialize it such as Subject A could. She was able to however make it move to her will, including hovering in the air, and way able to make it obtain any dimension of shape, down to the finest of details. It can be of no coincidence that this particular subject enjoyed painting, her works of art typically made using ink.
These Immortals are astounding, but also incredibly dangerous. Subject A had a mental breakdown and was easily able to rip a hole through the facility, even though his participation was completely voluntarily. Subject B is capable of tracking ink she has previously manipulated, and we are going to do our best to apprehend Subject A before he hurts anybody, but caution is advised.
It is still quite unclear what causes this whole process, but the results can vary widely. Though, this is just speculation, two people could share the same phenomena inducing powers. I would like to study that.
Sincerely,
The Watcher
<Document End>
Entry Date: <!@$?>
Subject: The Spark
From: The Watcher
To: ARK
Dear Associates of Record Keeping;
Prolonged studies have shown something incredibly astounding about these Immortals, about their drive, their Spark. Within each host, we know, resides a variant strain of The Sickness. What we didn't know, something we couldn't comprehend at the time, is this is not just a virus. It's a sentient, living creature. It seems impossible, but let me explain.
When contracted, The Spark is nothing more than a virus in likeness. But, as it finds a host and develops, it becomes intelligent. It doesn't replicate itself through Mitosis within the bloodstream, those fragments are actually pieces of its body. Not only that, but it doesn't just attach to the blood, it latches onto everything. Every atomic building block that makes up an Immortal, also shares space with the Spark. The nature of this relationship is symbiotic, however I have been unable to discern why the Spark is unable to separate itself from its host. Small gene splicing experiments proved successful, but only for a short while. Without the host, the Spark will die. Additionally, the separated atoms have an atomic attract with one another, meaning if they come in too close of a proximity they will merge. The Spark's atoms seem to actively seek out it's former counterpart. Putting the Spark's atom, with one other than it's host will not start the merging process. However, when applying an extreme situation, the Spark will join. It will choose to live.
Somehow the phenomena the Immortals possess is linked to this process. Merging with a new host, under certain circumstances, will evolve a new phenomena. Without such stipulations, the Spark will not merge with anything other than its host. I have been unsuccessful in trying to decrypt this genetic algorithm. What is the link between the three?
I've had many subjects to analyze, and I've come to the conclusion that each Spark has a personality as well. Some subjects seemed able to converse with a voice in their head. Preliminary results showed Dissociative Identity Disorder. However, recent findings bring to light proof of the Dual-Soul Theory. Two souls inhabiting one body. Some subjects are able to hold a mental conversation with the spark, but they seem unable to change conscious places.
It should also be noted that the Sparks name themselves. They are fully aware, sentient beings, that can learn and experience emotion just as we do. Though, each different spark seems to be strongly associated with a different emotion like Sorrow, or Haughtiness.
<Document End>
Subject: The Spark
From: The Watcher
To: ARK
Dear Associates of Record Keeping;
Prolonged studies have shown something incredibly astounding about these Immortals, about their drive, their Spark. Within each host, we know, resides a variant strain of The Sickness. What we didn't know, something we couldn't comprehend at the time, is this is not just a virus. It's a sentient, living creature. It seems impossible, but let me explain.
When contracted, The Spark is nothing more than a virus in likeness. But, as it finds a host and develops, it becomes intelligent. It doesn't replicate itself through Mitosis within the bloodstream, those fragments are actually pieces of its body. Not only that, but it doesn't just attach to the blood, it latches onto everything. Every atomic building block that makes up an Immortal, also shares space with the Spark. The nature of this relationship is symbiotic, however I have been unable to discern why the Spark is unable to separate itself from its host. Small gene splicing experiments proved successful, but only for a short while. Without the host, the Spark will die. Additionally, the separated atoms have an atomic attract with one another, meaning if they come in too close of a proximity they will merge. The Spark's atoms seem to actively seek out it's former counterpart. Putting the Spark's atom, with one other than it's host will not start the merging process. However, when applying an extreme situation, the Spark will join. It will choose to live.
Somehow the phenomena the Immortals possess is linked to this process. Merging with a new host, under certain circumstances, will evolve a new phenomena. Without such stipulations, the Spark will not merge with anything other than its host. I have been unsuccessful in trying to decrypt this genetic algorithm. What is the link between the three?
I've had many subjects to analyze, and I've come to the conclusion that each Spark has a personality as well. Some subjects seemed able to converse with a voice in their head. Preliminary results showed Dissociative Identity Disorder. However, recent findings bring to light proof of the Dual-Soul Theory. Two souls inhabiting one body. Some subjects are able to hold a mental conversation with the spark, but they seem unable to change conscious places.
It should also be noted that the Sparks name themselves. They are fully aware, sentient beings, that can learn and experience emotion just as we do. Though, each different spark seems to be strongly associated with a different emotion like Sorrow, or Haughtiness.
<Document End>
O T H E R
Immortal Key Points:
The Spark Key Points:
The Awakened Key Points:
Power Usage Key Points:
Hollow Key Points:
- Immortals must have an eye mutation, other mutations are optional.
- An Immortal must join with a spark to gain the phenomena.
- Immortals are resistant to other Immortal's phenomena.
- An Immortal's joining must derive from an extreme situation, or a GM approved special circumstance.
- An Immortal may not have any phenomena without a spark.
- An Immortal may never directly apply their power inside of someone.
- An Immortal may never manipulate relatable components from inside someone.
- An Immortal may never directly manipulate an object another Immortal is wielding.
- An Immortal may never fly. Levitation is allowed, but must be discussed with me.
The Spark Key Points:
- The Spark will die, if separated from its host after joining.
- The Spark's joining must derive from an extreme situation, or a GM approved special circumstance.
- The Sparks have their own personality, and names, and share mental occupancy of the Immortal's body.
- The Spark may choose to mentally converse with the Immortal, or not.
- The Spark's name must follow the guideline of name and title. Example: Aeshma the Hunter.
- The Spark may be associated with specific emotion(s), and may influence the Immortal's based on this.
- Some Sparks may know each other's names, titles, emotional associations, and/or personality. Nothing else.
- Sparks may observe things through the Immortal's eyes that the Immortal may not remember or notice.
The Awakened Key Points:
- An Immortal may not communicate with their spark until at least partially awakened.
- A spark may influence an Immortal's emotions, retain memories, and look their eyes without being awakened.
- An Immortal may not become awakened without my approval.
- The Immortal may swap consciousness with their Spark only during the awakened state.
- A partially awakened Immortal may not revert back to their normal state, until fully awakened first.
- An Immortal needs to meet a certain criteria of conditions to become awakened.
- An awakened Immortal will always be more powerful than an unawakened, or partially awakened.
- An awakened Immortal may have increased abilities, and/or new abilities.
- An awakened Immortal will always be covered in a black chitin, or carapace like armor.
- The Immortal's body resides within this armor.
- If the awakened armor is broken, the awakened state is dispelled.
- Awakened states may range from bestial to humanoid, sentient to feral, controlled to uncontrollable.
- Awakened armor is impervious to all but the highest caliber firearms.
- The awakened state is not instant, and times may vary.
Power Usage Key Points:
- Life Experience: Does this play an important part in use of the power? Ultimately, science says your heart is a muscle and there are ways to keep it strong and healthy. In a scenario where an old man lead a long, healthy life (or as much as one can be on Dust) versus a young homeless drug abusing alcoholic the old man is quite likely to win, just based on the strength of their hearts.
- Casual Use Over Time: This is a much more important factor. Think of this like snakes and venom; Adult snakes know how to control it whereas baby snakes will just dump it out with reckless abandon. Think of this also like using a machine for the first time, your inexperience is likely to put unwarranted stress on it. Driving a car for the first time puts more than average stress on it as opposed to a comfortable driver. Continual use and exploration of powers breeds a sense of familiarity and control about them. A really good example is Alex: Right now she fires wild arcs and blasts of lightning, half electrocuting and half exploding whatever she attacks. A more experience Alex could focus this arc into less of an explosive burst of energy into a concentrated strike of lightning. Explosive burst, versus a precise, controlled bolt; It's pretty clear which one uses less.
- Exponential Bursts: Another decently important factor. Pretty much the opposite of casual use and experience this is like leap frogging across the pool of comfortability. Casual use is more like an upwards slope, whereas this is a spike that rises and drops (Graph metaphors.) Emptying your entire payload into an attack and resolving the fight quickly could be effective, but leaves you using your power much less often and bursts an immediate sizable stress on the heart, as opposed to gradual stress like the form listed above. If the only experience you have is firing torpedos of power, a person with more control and familiarity of power use is probably going to last longer. This is really the Strong and slow, or weak and fast argument. "A candle that burns twice a bright, lasts half as long. This is a much more dangerous form of combat because if you don't resolve the fight quickly, you are left with nothing, and to continue in this manner would do much harm. Firing too big of a blow in a single instant could very likely put stress on the heart, enough to cause trauma or damage even though you only fired a single blast: Tell that to the smoldering ruins of the village you annihilated as you fall into cardiac arrest.
- Range: This is really just a "straining" modifier. The longer the rocket travels, the more fuel it must use. The bigger the missile, the longer it travels, the more fuel it must use. Pretty straight forward and clear cut. It is theoretically possible to extend one's range of use over time, but not in hugely significant amounts. It's also possible that over time, the distance of use will be less of a burden. I do commend all of you though, you all seem to have good control of this factor and have placed constraints on this, which is all perfectly fine. I don't worry about extending range, as the ranges we have established now are more than adequate in most cases, but it can always be discussed. The more important factor is building that casualness and having distance become less of a burden.
- Multiplicity: This is less of a factor because it's more modified by all of the factors above, yet still important. The more you carry the more stress is put on you sort of deal, actually kind of an obvious factor. Two missiles, more fuel, and going up the list from there.
The percentages are intended to show importance as a factor with power use. These are also rough estimates and explained only enough to give you an idea of the scope of what to consider when your character uses their powers. These are not exact numbers, nor are they definitive rules, and ultimately only exist to help give an idea on how power use affects the Immortal. It's up to you as the player to interpret what is said here, and apply it.
Hollow Key Points:
- Hollow Variations:
- Humanoids: These hollows can range from typical humanoid size, to much larger. Normally they tend to be between 5 and 12 feet in height. These humanoid hollows are not limited to humanoid specific features.
- Behemoths: These hollows are normally very large, and can range anywhere from a large vehicle to a small building. It is speculated that these hollow have the potential to become much bigger.
- Hordes: These hollows are typically very small, and act as their name suggests. Typically reported in sizes from large insects, to small animals, and can range in numbers from dozens to thousands. Hollow Classifications do not apply to hordes.
- Class 1 Hollows:
- Can typically be handled by a group of armed civilians, a few guards, or an Immortal.
- Class 2 Hollows:
- Can typically be handled by a large group of well armed civilians, a guard squadron, or an Immortal.
- Class 3 Hollows:
- Can typically be handled by multiple squadrons of guards, or 2+ Immortals.
- Class 4 Hollows:
- Can typically be handled by an army, with vehicles, and artillery, or 4+ Immortals.
- Class 5 Hollows:
- Kill yourself.
- Respect your GM: I will do my best to respect you, your feelings, and your opinions as long as you respect me, and any co-gms I may choose. I understand people have differing opinions at times, and such debates can become passionate, but please remain respectful of each other as well. No underhanded jabs or slurs, no fancy name calling, etc. However, don't continue to push an argument once it's been settled, especially in anger, that will get you nowhere.
- Immortal's powers are less effective against other Immortals, there should never be an actual fight that is resolved in a single blow. However, Standards (slur for regular people) are very susceptible to these powers externally. No power may be used against another organic being or creature internally. Any damage must come from the exterior. As a general rule of thumb, if there's an NPC you did not create, don't touch them without permission.
- When one Immortal uses their power directly against another Immortal, or something they are in contact with, it becomes a contest of will. For example, a metal manipulator may not rip away metal items from an Immortal's hands. Another example, a lightning user may not instantly electrify an object another Immortal is holding. This prevents Power-play.
- Before starting world wide events, large plot movers, or other such events please PM me to ensure it does not conflict with unrevealed lore or current plans. I also reserve the right to take anything your character does and twist it into afore mentioned items to incorporate their actions into story progression.
- I incorporate as much depth and consistency as I reasonably can within a fantasy world full of mutants, lasers, and the like, and I expect you to at least attempt the same. Or, be open to making edits or changes. Characters magically stumbling upon what they need are one of these situations, please try to make it believable.
- I am prone to using gore, violence, killing children, trauma, and taboo subjects. I even describe breasts, albeit vaguely. This roleplay is for those who are mature enough to handle such things.
- This roleplay does not use the Turn-by-Turn system. Here, we go Day-By-Day. Users are allowed to post as much as they like, or as much as needed. At the end of the posting cycle, once everyone has concluded for the day, the post must be marked with -End Day- to make us aware that you are ready to begin the next day. The next day does not begin until I make the morning post. I still expect posts at least once every two weeks. Extensions are permissible, everything has a circumstance.
- This roleplay and all of its participants also adhere to The Fundamental Rules of The Guild and Moderation Policy in the RP Sections.
- Lastly, all and any disputes between two players that cannot be resolved should be brought to my attention for resolution concerning anything in regards to the Roleplay, It's Characters, or It's Progression.
I will likely be redrawing this to look nicer, and with an updated scale.
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