Lurking Shadow

Thornwood Asylum For The Criminal Insane- A Villain Roleplay. (Closed Indefinitely)

Randolph Ward

Name: Randolph Ward

Known Aliases: Ghoul, Necrophage

Age: Unknown.

Appearance: Randolph is humanoid in his outline, but monstrous in appearance. His visage is eerily canine, with a pronounced snout and a mouth filled with sharp teeth akin to the fangs of a hyena. His snout isn’t large enough to significantly impair his ability to speak but does give his voice a guttural, raspy tone. He has large pointed ears and a short coat of dark brown fur covering his body, which is thicker along the back, shoulders, and forearm. His mouth tends to slaver and his long tongue lolls when not in active use.

Randolph adopts a hunched posture and normally ‘stands’ five foot eight, but he towers over almost everyone at seven foot two when standing upright. He has legs and hooves reminiscent of goats and his hands, while humanlike, have fingers terminating in claws. He has significantly more developed muscles than most people, especially in the upper body, and his lack of body fat helps exaggerate these features.

Due to his unorthodox diet, immunity to disease, and overall nonchalance towards propriety and presentation, Randolph has poor personal hygiene. On the best of days, he may just simply stink but more often a scent of decay accompanies him. An odious perfume that carries on his breath and underneath his nails, a sickening aura that can debilitate those in proximity to him if they lack a strong constitution.

Psyche Profile: Contrary to one would think given his intimidating appearance, Randolph tends to avoid conflict where possible. If agitated and unable to remove himself from the source of distress, Randolph will react violently and has on multiple cases subjected another prisoner to so called ‘free cosmetic surgery’ before order could be maintained.

When interviewed about these incidents, Randolph revealed that when he decides to ‘get even’, he does not react immediately but instead he waits for an opportunity to strike. When the target is actively engaged in an altercation with someone else, when they are sick, have an injury, or otherwise are incapacitated. Even in cases where he would easily win, he feigned cowardice only to strike later. He also refuses to give up his ‘mementos’, the flesh he ripped from others.

Randolph also refuses to maintain any standard of hygiene and seems to find amusement in the discomfort he causes in others as a result.

Regardless, Randolph is otherwise a model prisoner and is rarely non-compliant. Outside of certain instances he does not seek to create conflict and is even relatively courteous when interacting with others. Considering his propensity to wait for opportunity, it makes it hard to fully trust him and know when he is being genuine.

Background: Much of Randolph Ward’s distant past is a mystery but it is clear he has lived long past what a human can normally live, he has claimed to have adopted dozens of names over his life and given different answers to his age. 180, 154, 230, 502, even as high as almost a thousand years old but that was later proven to be a jest as his recollection of historical events are too disconnected from what was recorded to have happened. However, it can safely be determined that his actual age ranges somewhere between three hundred and five hundred years given his answers when questioned on historical events.

Randolph also claims he was once an ordinary man, but would not give much more information claiming it to be irrelevant. What he has revealed is that he has spent much of his old life looking to extend his life past what was natural, to rise above his station. For ‘forty-something’ years he has followed rumors, legends, folklore, and myth. Finally, and thanks to ‘a loose set of morals, sheer determination, and a bit of luck’ he found his solution in a ‘long forgotten book with queer occult rituals’.

It took a year for Randolph to prepare the ritual, and he has claimed to have committed severe offenses to “ …the laws of both Man and God” as a result. The ritual itself took another year to conclude from start to finish, Randolph refused to divulge any details and instead cryptically said “ There are no short cuts to these sorts of things. It is important to do the whole journey and not just skip to the destination. ”

Randolph found himself slowly and painfully changing over the course of that year until he became the very thing you see today. He found himself changed almost completely in both body and mind, with strength unrivaled and the ability to experience and absorb the memories held within the flesh of their repast. If he feeds on the flesh of something that has been dead for at least a day, he ‘remembers’ some of their past, with him ‘remembering’ more, in terms of both detail and quantity, the more decayed the flesh.

With this newfound appreciation for this ‘exotic’ food, Randolph dedicated his new life to knowledge and learning things about different people and cultures and to try new ‘flavors’. So began centuries of graverobbing and lurking in crypts, cemeteries, mausoleums, tombs, and the occasional battlefield over much of Europe and Asia until he overstayed his welcome in a mausoleum of an affluent family and was captured after a brutal standoff with local authorities.

Skills, Talents and Learning:

• He knows English, French, Gaelic, German, and the Russian languages.
• He is lethal in close quarters thanks to his strength and natural weapons and he can improvise weapons to great effect.
• He has a superior sense of smell and hearing comparable to canines, able to identify and locate people by scent at great distances and he is adapted to see in low light conditions but exposure to bright lights can be painful and disorientating.
• While not exceptionally agile, he is very fast when dropping to all fours and can outrun or catch up to people easily.
• Randolph can burrow through soft surfaces such as dirt or snow at about a third of his running speed, harder surfaces such as ice or compacted dirt takes more effort.
• An extended lifespan lessens the sense of urgency. Randolph is accustomed to waiting for an ideal opportunity to help him overcome difficult tasks.
• Randolph’s preferred weapon is words. He may attempt deception, intimidation, cajoling, or otherwise manipulating his way out of conflict where possible. Centuries of this practice has made him adept in dissuading aggression and making it hard to tell his lies from truth.

Power(s) and Capabilities:

• Memory Absorption – By feeding on the flesh of corpses, he is able to experience and recall a portion of their memories in proportion to how long the corpse has been deceased, but at a minimum of at least 24 hours.
• Unique Physiology – Randolph’s anatomy gives him strength and durability superior to normal humans. He is more than capable of wrestling something as large as a bear to the ground, and with some difficulty can even manage to lift and throw objects as heavy as small cars. Randolph also has a higher pain tolerance that allows him to fight longer than his peers before succumbing to injuries and he can quickly recover from wounds, even ones that would be fatal with time, so long as a sufficient source of food is available to fuel the process in proportion to the severity and that death would not occur before the process finishes in the case of fatal wounds. Lastly, Randolph has immunity to physical afflictions such as diseases, viruses, and parasites to help facilitate his unorthodox diet.

Power Limits: Corpses need to have been deceased for at least a day or nothing will be gained but nutrition, if the flesh consumed was taken from a still living body (at the time of removal) and is consumed (provided at least 24 hours has passed), Randolph will only experience the memories in the short timespan of when the flesh was removed.

While Randolph can shrug off a few strong hits, consistent and repeated assaults will take their toll on his body and if he is unable to feed, he can be overwhelmed quickly. In addition, due to his unique anatomy he only gains nutrients from the flesh of humanoids. So, if he manages to get away from a fight, it is a safe bet that he can be found at a nearby cemetery as the dead offer no resistance.

Known Vulnerabilities: Extremely sensitive to sudden exposure to bright light, rapid shifts in lighting will disorient and pain Randolph.

Exposure to high voltages can render Randolph unconscious though he can resist voltages that would impair a normal human.

Starvation. When Randolph lacks a source of food, he is more sluggish and easier to neutralize. Care should be taken as the longer he goes without food the more likely he will kill for sustenance.

Motives: Randolph is motivated to sample a variety of flesh, both for taste and to learn about people, places, and the secrets they keep.

Recommended Containment Procedures:

After negotiations with the prisoner, he is allowed certain privileges in return for compliance and good behavior. These privileges include

• Dim lighting in the prisoner’s cell.
• Staff will make no attempts to clean his cell.
• He is to be regularly provided with human corpses for consumption. These corpses MUST be evaluated for possible security risks in consideration of the prisoner’s unique ability. Staff failure to properly evaluate for security risks may result in termination and being fed to the prisoner.
• He is allowed access to literature to help his pursuit of knowledge.
• He is allowed to freely enter or exit his cell (with exceptions of lockdowns or similar procedures) provided he decontaminates prior to exiting. In relation, staff must wear a level A hazmat suit before entering the prisoner’s cell and decontaminate when leaving.

Some or all of these privileges may be revoked when the prisoner fails to comply with orders or otherwise misbehaves.

Containment procedures for the prisoner include

• A cell with reinforced concrete walls on all sides. The cell’s only entrance must be of a reinforced door built within the wall. Lighting of the cell must be capable of adjusting to 4,000 lumens to keep the prisoner incapacitated when necessary.
• When outside his cell, the prisoner must be accompanied by a guard at all times. The guard must be equipped with a tactical flashlight, or other source of light, capable of emitting 4,000 lumens and a taser capable of producing enough voltage to affect the prisoner.
• In cases of mild offenses, the prisoner is to lose access to all literature until behavior improves.
• In cases of severe offenses, the prisoner is to receive severely reduced portions of ‘food’ until behavior improves.

Thornwood Asylum For The Criminal Insane- A Villain Roleplay.

@Eviledd1984

managed to pump out a sheet quicker than I thought. I only lightly reviewed this so there will probably grammatical errors and possibly a few inconsistencies but it is late and It is all too easy to lose track of time so I figured I'd post this for review then lose consciousness until I suddenly regain consciousness later.

Randolph Ward

Name: Randolph Ward

Known Aliases: Ghoul, Necrophage

Age: Unknown.

Appearance: Randolph is humanoid in his outline, but monstrous in appearance. His visage is eerily canine, with a pronounced snout and a mouth filled with sharp teeth akin to the fangs of a hyena. His snout isn’t large enough to significantly impair his ability to speak but does give his voice a guttural, raspy tone. He has large pointed ears and a short coat of fur covering his body, which is thicker along the back, shoulders, and forearm. His mouth tends to slaver and his long tongue lolls when not in active use.

Randolph adopts a hunched posture and normally ‘stands’ five foot eight, but he towers over almost everyone at seven foot two when standing upright. He has legs and hooves reminiscent of goats and his hands, while humanlike, have fingers terminating in claws. He has significantly more developed muscles than most people, especially in the upper body, and his lack of body fat helps exaggerate these features.

Due to his unorthodox diet, immunity to disease, and overall nonchalance towards propriety and presentation, Randolph has poor personal hygiene. On the best of days, he may just simply stink but more often a scent of decay accompanies him. An odious perfume that carries on his breath and underneath his nails, a sickening aura that can debilitate those in proximity to him if they lack a strong constitution.

Psyche Profile: Contrary to one would think given his intimidating appearance, Randolph tends to avoid conflict where possible. If agitated and unable to remove himself from the source of distress, Randolph will react violently and has on multiple cases subjected another prisoner to so called ‘free cosmetic surgery’ before order could be maintained.

When interviewed about these incidents, Randolph revealed that when he decides to ‘get even’, he does not react immediately but instead he waits for an opportunity to strike. When the target is actively engaged in an altercation with someone else, when they are sick, have an injury, or otherwise are incapacitated. Even in cases where he would easily win, he feigned cowardice only to strike later. He also refuses to give up his ‘mementos’, the flesh he ripped from others.

Randolph also refuses to maintain any standard of hygiene and seems to find amusement in the discomfort he causes in others as a result.

Regardless, Randolph is otherwise a model prisoner and is rarely non-compliant. Outside of certain instances he does not seek to create conflict and is even relatively courteous when interacting with others. Considering his propensity to wait for opportunity, it makes it hard to fully trust him and know when he is being genuine.

Background: Much of Randolph Ward’s distant past is a mystery but it is clear he has lived long past what a human can normally live, he has claimed to have adopted dozens of names over his life and given different answers to his age. 180, 154, 230, 502, even as high as almost a thousand years old but that was later proven to be a jest as his recollection of historical events are too disconnected from what was recorded to have happened. However, it can safely be determined that his actual age ranges somewhere between three hundred and five hundred years given his answers when questioned on historical events.

Randolph also claims he was once an ordinary man, but would not give much more information claiming it to be irrelevant. What he has revealed is that he has spent much of his old life looking to extend his life past what was natural, to rise above his station. For ‘forty-something’ years he has followed rumors, legends, folklore, and myth. Finally, and thanks to ‘a loose set of morals, sheer determination, and a bit of luck’ he found his solution in a ‘long forgotten book with queer occult rituals’.

It took a year for Randolph to prepare the ritual, and he has claimed to have committed severe offenses to ‘the laws of both Man and God’ as a result. The ritual itself took another year to conclude from start to finish, Randolph refused to divulge any details and instead cryptically said ‘There are no short cuts to these sorts of things. It is important to do the whole journey and not just skip to the destination.’

Randolph found himself slowly and painfully changing over the course of that year until he became the very thing you see today. He found himself changed almost completely in both body and mind, with strength unrivaled and the ability to experience and absorb the memories held within the flesh of their repast. If he feeds on the flesh of something that has been dead for at least a day, he ‘remembers’ some of their past, with him ‘remembering’ more, in terms of both detail and quantity, the more decayed the flesh.

With this newfound appreciation for this ‘exotic’ food, Randolph dedicated his new life to knowledge and learning things about different people and cultures and to try new ‘flavors’. So began centuries of graverobbing and lurking in crypts, cemeteries, mausoleums, tombs, and the occasional battlefield over much of Europe and Asia until he overstayed his welcome in a mausoleum of a affluent family and was captured after a brutal standoff with local authorities.

Skills, Talents and Learning: He knows English, French, Gaelic, German, and the Russian languages. He is lethal in close quarters thanks to his strength and natural weapons and he can improvise weapons to great effect. He has a superior sense of smell and hearing comparable to canines, able to identify and locate people by scent at great distances and he is adapted to see in low light conditions but exposure to bright lights can be painful and disorientating. While not exceptionally agile, he is very fast when dropping to all fours and can outrun or catch up to people easily. Randolph can burrow through soft surfaces such as dirt or snow at about a third of his running speed, harder surfaces such as ice takes more effort. Lastly, with his age came the wisdom of patience, Randolph is perfectly fine with waiting for opportunity to make a task easier.

Power(s) and Capabilities: Memory Absorption – By feeding on the flesh of corpses, he is able to experience and recall a portion of their memories in proportion to how long the corpse has been deceased, but at a minimum of at least 24 hours.

Unique Physiology – Randolph’s anatomy gives him strength and durability superior to normal humans. He is more than capable of wrestling something as large as a bear to the ground, and with some difficulty can even manage to lift and throw objects as heavy as small cars. Randolph also has a higher pain tolerance that allows him to fight longer than his peers before succumbing to injuries and he can quickly recover from wounds, even ones that would be fatal with time, so long as a sufficient source of food is available to fuel the process in proportion to the severity and that death would not occur before the process finishes in the case of fatal wounds. Lastly, Randolph has immunity to physical afflictions such as diseases, viruses, and parasites.

Power Limits: Corpses need to have been deceased for at least a day or nothing will be gained but nutrition, if the flesh consumed was taken from a still living body (at the time of removal) and is consumed (provided at least 24 hours has passed), Randolph will only experience the memories in the short timespan of when the flesh was removed.

While Randolph can shrug off a few strong hits, consistent and repeated assaults will take their toll on his body and if he is unable to feed, he can be overwhelmed quickly. In addition, due to his unique anatomy he only gains nutrients from the flesh of humanoids. So, if he manages to get away from a fight, it is a safe bet that he can be found at a nearby cemetery as the dead offer no resistance.

Known Vulnerabilities: Extremely sensitive to sudden exposure to bright light, rapid shifts in lighting will disorient and pain Randolph.

Exposure to high voltages can render Randolph unconscious though he can resist voltages that would impair a normal human.

Starvation. When Randolph lacks a source of food, he is more sluggish and easier to neutralize. Care should be taken as the longer he goes without food the more likely he will kill for sustenance.

Motives: Randolph is motivated to sample a variety of flesh, both for taste and to learn about people, places, and the secrets they keep.

Recommended Containment Procedures: The Prisoner’s cell must be made of reinforced concrete with the only entrance being a door capable of resisting his strength. The room must be kept in dim light unless the prisoner misbehaves in which the room will rapidly flash bright lights to incapacitate him. In the event staff needs to enter the cell, they must wear hazmat gear and decontaminate immediately afterwards or risk disease. The prisoner must also regularly be supplied corpses while he maintains good behavior, otherwise his ‘food’ may be withheld. The corpses MUST be evaluated for potential security risks before being fed to the prisoner given his ability. Failure to comply with this rule may result in termination. If the prisoner is to leave his cell for any reason, he must decontaminate before leaving his cell and he must be accompanied by at least two guards with high intensity flash lights and Tasers adjusted to incapacitate the prisoner, with care not to tase another prisoner accidentally as the voltage may kill them. Accidental killing of other prisoners may result in termination and being fed to this prisoner.

Thornwood Asylum For The Criminal Insane- A Villain Roleplay.

@Eviledd1984

If it is a pretty hard rule, I think i'll save us both the headache and double down on one of the other ideas. I was not hard set on spatial manipulation so it is little issue with me. I'll see if i can pop out a cs in the next 30ish hours

Thornwood Asylum For The Criminal Insane- A Villain Roleplay.

@Eviledd1984

I am intrigued, though I do have two questions to clarify a few things.

One idea I had was spatial manipulation. specifically to visibly distort space in an area which would help or hinder movement in the area, help hide objects in the area from observers outside and visa-versa, and allow for teleportation from one anomaly and another (but only for the character). Would this be fine as I think it might fall under reality manipulation or should I refine a different idea?

Second, is this secret prison operated like a asylum for the criminally insane or a normal prison (or at least as normal a prison as one designed to hold those with extraordinary abilities can be)? Regardless, I am tempted to make a character with some degree of mental affliction, been wanting to writing one for a while and this would be an opportunity for that...

The Tide Will Return (Space, Nation, Fantasy)

Shryke Syndicate

Brief Description

Leader: Maeve, Pirate Queen of Yisetera

Government: Monarchy variant

Homeworld: Yisetera, only occupied planet though most of the faction comprises of nomadic hordes.

Society: Most of society either engages in piracy or smuggling, only the Traveler tribe engages in legitimate activities. All citizens are afflicted with Phircyn mutations (see Phircyn Assimilation and Phircyn Mutation), those that are not mutants are enslaved. Most slaves fight in the arenas of Yisetera for the amusement of the Syndicate but some are kept by Syndicate leaders to various degrees of treatment. The Syndicate is organized with Maeve, the Pirate Queen, at the top and underneath her are six ‘Admirals’ who each rule over their own tribe. The admirals are free to do as they wish so long as they do not interfere with the business of the other admirals and do not go against Maeve’s authority.

Population: 90% mutant (90% Human, 10% other), 10% non-mutant slaves.

history

Some two thousand years ago an evil sieged the galaxy. This Scourge, as it later became known, wreaked havoc and ruin to every planet it touched save for at least one, which faced a different foe. The planet Yisetera was a fledgling colony, on the cusp of being recognized and accepted into the empire of it’s patron when the Scourge came to plague the galaxy. By chance, the scourge never came to Yisetera, or at least not the same scourge that came to every other planet. Instead of a scourge, Yisetera received a Faustian bargain. Few cared at first at yet another space rock arriving on the planet. Thirty minutes in space and you could find a whole belt full of them. Only the scientists cared to study the meteor and its contents. Only the scientists cared when a strange crystal was encased within. But when the scientists experimented and found uses for the crystal, suddenly more people started to pay attention.

It was only a few days before the crystal was discovered to leech minerals from the ground it erupted from, and a month before a cheap process of refinement was invented. Some more time, and it became a convenient source of energy as well. Naturally, some big wigs in the military began to question what other uses it could have… The crystal, later dubbed Phircyn, became the biggest discovery of the century. Though it did come with some hazards. The radiation sickness was a given, but it took some time before the mutagenic properties it had on flora was discovered. Regardless, it was considered a useful hazard like uranium. Some safety precautions, and it would be fine right? It was not until Phircyn had an evolution that people started to worry.

Towards the end of the year Phircyn changed, and liked a virus it became more contagious. At first content to slowly spread through mineral veins, it now infected tall trees to produce Phircyn ‘spores’ to be spread via wind. The wind carried Phircyn microparticles much further and faster than it had earlier in the year. In the first year it covered a mere ~2% of Yisetera’s land mass. Only a few months into the next year it covered ~16%. Halfway through the second year, it began to mutate animals and spread to ~20%.

It is unknown if the people were aware of the Scourge that plagued the rest of the galaxy or if they knew no reason for why their patron abandoned them. If they knew they were alone. Between two and five years the planet accelerated into anarchy. Not much is known about what happened between the fifth and five hundredth year. Within that time frame the government collapsed, Phircyn covered the planet, and ~96% of the planet’s population was lost. Those that remained only did so by adapting. Mutating. Surviving.

Those that emerged, emerged forever changed. Their very genes altered to bond with Phircyn. Instead of dying, they would thrive. Instead of receiving sickness, they will be invigorated. While the rest of the world died as their bodies slowly crystalized preventing their hearts from pumping blood or their lungs from taking in oxygen, the mutants would endure. And when those that remained needed no longer fight for survival, they fought for power. For authority. To rule.

So began a war which lasted saw hundreds of warlords come and go. Most of them came and went, here one moment and gone the next. There were only a handful that were worth remembering, and of those only three are still remembered. In the end, Maeve came out on top. The tales of her victories and exploits are as many as the stars and as contradictory as two brothers shifting blame onto the other. What is known for sure is that she convinced several warlords to fight under her banner and she systematically absorbed each tribe until all were united.

Out of the crucible of war the Shryke Syndicate was forged. With six warlords to lead six tribes, and a queen to rule them all. But with the planet now a wasteland, with frequent ion storms plaguing the worst parts, Piracy became the Syndicate’s trade. Though there was some piracy during the age of warlords, that was amateur hour compared to what the Syndicate could do with all their numbers and cunning.

For almost five hundred years Yisetera was just another rock that happened to have a population that descended into anarchy. From then to now it was a rock that hosted one of the most controversial names in intergalactic piracy. The Shryke Syndicate is tied to some of the gravest violations of rights and decency, but others seen them extend a helping hand. Under the Syndicate lie the banner of six tribes, each with their own reputation. Some are known to taking captives to enslave and sell on the black market or to fight in the Syndicate’s arenas on Yisetera. One tribe seems to delight in smashing things to smithereens whether metal or flesh. Another is well regarded by most for their Robin Hood type of method, only singling out those of ill reputation and often providing relief and aid to the less fortunate. Most have learned that where the Syndicate is involved, it’s not a good sign when their colors feature a lot of red and not enough purple.

Yisetera

The planet was once another of those generic Earth-like planets that are prone to being colonized but now sports an entirely different surface than it once did. The blue sky is now blighted with dark clouds and the all to frequent crack of lightning scorching the ground. The seas, partially crystalized and void of life. The ground rocky and brown save the green crystals that either tower over the ground like a glacier or cover the surface in large patches and the occasional few millennia old ruins.

The land mass can be separated into three categories:

Red zones which are heavily contaminated with Phircyn. The sky is completely clouded and Ion storms are common. Phircyn crystals, towering hundreds of feet can be seen in the skyline and husks of what once were animals and plants can occasionally be seen if not swallowed by the green tide of Phircyn. Non mutants traveling to these regions must be fully covered in armor or a suit fully sealed off from the environment are risk almost guaranteed chance of Phircyn exposure. Red Zones make up ~56% of the surface.

Yellow zones are the ones that primarily house the mutants of the Shryke Syndicate. Yellow zones have the right balance of Phircyn to be habitable for the mutants but not too much where Ion storms will be a regular occurrence. It is common to see the remains of flora and fauna that failed to adopt in these regions. Non mutants can usually travel through yellow zones safely as Phircyn usually is only allowed in certain spots. Yellow zones make up ~40% of the surface.

Blue Zones only make up ~4% of the surface and is used exclusively to house non mutant slaves (for the arenas) or guests. Phircyn growth is extremely limited to avoid the risk of exposure to non mutants. Flora and some fauna may even be observed though most are not native to Yisetera.

Phircyn Assimilation

Phircyn is a dense dynamic proton lattice held together by exotic heavy particles. When Phircyn comes into contact with foreign matter, the heavy particles collide with the nuclei of the foreign matter and either smashing it to pieces or knocking off protons/neutrons. A fraction of the protons ejected are captured and incorporated into the structure of Phircyn allowing it to transmute foreign matter into more Phircyn. When a heavy particle collides with the atomic nucleus, fission occurs, which results in alpha, beta, gamma, as well as other forms of electromagnetic radiation. In short, Phircyn is an exotic self-replicating substance.

While this is largely a scientific curiosity where minerals are involved, it gets messier where organic life is concerned. While the emission of radiation alone is enough to kill a man in a few days of exposure, the aforementioned transmutation property is much more gruesome as the body tissues fail to function when they become hardened and crystalized. The lungs fail to take in oxygen, muscles stop moving, the heart stops beating, organs begin to fail as they slowly and often painfully crystalize. If the transmutation process begins, removal of infected tissue is required immediately to prevent being turned to another large chunk of Phircyn, something that may be difficult or impossible to do depending on where in the body the process is occurring. However, in rare cases some have survived the transmutation process. These individuals have suffered severe cellular mutation encouraged by the radiation from Phircyn that turned them into Phircyn based lifeforms. No longer plagued by Phircyn, they now have a symbiotic relationship in where Phircyn sustains these mutants while the mutants of an inclination to spread Phircyn as they can no longer survive in environments free of Phircyn.

Phircyn Mutation

The process begins when the host begins to have their flesh transmute into Phircyn. Phircyn transmutation happens most rapidly in the nervous system and skeletal structure but can be visually observed as green crystals emerge out of the body. Phircyn expands at a rate of roughly 3.8 centimeters an hour on the average human but is nearly tripled in the nervous system and skeletal structure for reasons not yet understood. During this whole process, the host is also bombarded by radiation emitted from the transmutation process and will suffer cellular mutations. In most cases, infection runs about six to ten hours before the host dies from organ failure, blood loss, lack of oxygen in case of lung tissue crystalizing, etcetera. In some cases, cellular mutation combined with the transmutation process allows the host’s cells to bond with Phircyn instead of being fully transmuted.

In the case this mutation occurs, rapid cellular division allows for ‘corrupted’ Phircyn based cells to outnumber and replace the carbon-based ones and turning the host from a carbon-based lifeform to a Phircyn-based one within four hours. At this point, the host has survived stage one of infection and is now in stage two.

During stage two, Phircyn transmutation progresses to the brain of the host, if it has not already. The amygdala, hippocampus, cerebellum, and prefrontal cortex will shrivel as the host experiences a ‘clouded’ memory. These regions of the brain will also partially crystalize with Phircyn. How exactly Phircyn interacts (or controls communication) with these regions is not fully understood, but what is known is that individuals will recall notable points of their past such as places they lived or people, they know but will not recall specific memories regarding them such as if one person was either friend or foe or if they loved visiting a particular place.

The end of stage two is observed when the green crystals emerging from the host shift from a green color to either a red (Phircyn Cruentus) or purple (Phircyn Purpureus) color. A mutant displays superhuman feats and abilities. When in the presence of green Phircyn, they can heal from otherwise fatal injuries. They have increased strength and durability and indefinite endurance as their body is fueled by the radiation emitted by the Phircyn in their bodies. As a result, they do not require food, water, or rest. They can still consume things normally through their digestive track but the energy gained is insubstantial to the energy they consume. The host’s Phircyn crystals function somewhat akin to a battery in that it fuels them while there is still ‘juice’ but the battery will eventually be drained and must be ‘recharged’ by being in the presence of green Phircyn. A mutant can, on average, survive 8-12 hours away from the radiation of green Phircyn.

Maeve, Pirate Queen

The Pirate Queen of Yisetera is a figure shrouded in mystery and rumor. Her past is plagued by contradictory stories and rumors, some started by her. What can be certain is that she is the unquestionable leader of the Shryke Syndicate, served faithfully by her underlings through respect or fear. While the different tribes of the syndicate operate independently of each other in their own area of specialties, Maeve ensures they never interfere with each other’s business. She made the rules the tribes abide by and she does not treat transgressions lightly which allows for some sense of tolerance for each other despite the animosity between the tribes.

She is unique among the mutants in that she plays host to both Phircyn Purpureus and Phircyn Cruentus when any other mutant normally only possesses one type. This is not immediately obvious as the Crystals visibly emerged from her chest and right shoulder are Phircyn Purpureus, they shift visibly to Phircyn Cruentus as her mood shifts to anger and fury. She stands about 5’10” or about 1.78 meters tall, she wears more antiquated leather clothes (because ‘the classic look never grows old’) and has purple hair that flows just past her shoulders. Perhaps the most notable detail, besides the crystals growing out of her, is that the lower half of her face is replaced with a metallic prosthetic giving a gaunt or skeletal appearance. Some say she wears a mask because her jaw was torn off in an injury long ago, others say that instead of having a mouth she has nothing, just a dark space as endless and black as the void.

When she gets angry, an interesting change occurs. As the crystals shift to a red hue her flesh starts to stretch and distort while something claws its way out. In a shower of blood and viscera a large serpentine creature rips forth from its fleshy prison. This form of Maeve resembles a serpent, lacking limbs except for two pairs of wings, has a large maw, lacks eyes, and sports red Phircyn crystals sprouting linearly along it’s back. She is about 50 feet long from head to tail, or about 15 and a quarter meters. She can also travel at FTL speeds in this form through the use of a specialized organ but it uses immense energy leaving her hungry for a source of energy and even more irritated. This form also features incredible durability, regeneration, strength, and can manipulate the radiation her Phircyn Cruentus emits into directed beams to attack targets. This form is why she is feared both in and out of the Syndicate, effectively becoming a one man army (and not a very happy one at that). When Maeve does calm down in this form, her carapace calcifies and crumbles into dust revealing her human form underneath.

Maeve ref, WIP will be updated

Maeve alt ref

Pirate Tribes

The Shryke Syndicate is divided between six different tribes which focus on specific operations for the syndicate. The tribes can be classified based on whether members possess Phircyn Cruentus or Phircyn Purpureus as well as whether they are primarily for Piracy, Mercantilism, or Military. The tribes are not allowed to interfere in each other’s business in order to promote some sort of cohesion (if fragile) in the Syndicate but The Code establishes some rules and traditions to solve disagreements. If transgressions between the tribes can not be mediated by The Code, the Pirate Queen may provide final judgement. Breach of The Code is often reciprocated with capital punishment.

The Travelers (Phircyn Purpureus) are responsible for trading legitimate goods and charitable acts. They serve to provide a legitimate source of income as well as to establish good will for the Syndicate. The tribe is currently lead by Admiral Boyle. His charisma and generosity give few people a reason to hate him.

The Market (Phircyn Cruentus) trade in illegitimate goods. Drugs, slaves, weapons, there are few things one could want that are not sold by them. Anything that the Syndicate has plundered that is too hot, illegal, or otherwise unsuitable to be sold by The Travelers is given to The Market. While respectable empires may denounce The Market, most of them have been customers at least once. They are Currently led by Admiral Elvira. Rumors suggest her appetite is unusual.

The Void Corsairs (Phircyn Purpureus) is a pirate tribe bound by honor. They set themselves apart with a strict code of conduct, and by extension, a sense of superiority over their peers and especially those hosting Phircyn Cruentus. They prey on those that the ‘common man’ might like to see knocked down a peg or two. They also contract part of their forces out to foreign powers as mercenaries. They are fierce rivals to The Ravagers due to their ideological differences and personal grudges between Admirals. They are led by Admiral Havoc. Supposedly as stout as she is honorable.

The Ravagers (Phircyn Cruentus) are the dark to the light that is The Void Corsairs. Any target is fair game for them, anything with value will likely be plundered. They might also be contracted for mercenary work, but their loyalty is to the highest bidder (and they are always willing to switch sides if it benefits them). A deal with them is not always a guarantee but so long as the money is good enough, they will do it. They are led by Admiral Hancock. Some say he feeds on the life of others.

The Legion (Phircyn Purpureus) is a military tribe that operates with precision. They follow the same code as The Void Corsairs but do not necessarily enforce it as strictly. Care is given to non-combatants and clemency is usually granted to foes. They are led by Admiral Nox.

The Scorched Horde (Phircyn Cruentus) is synonymous with overkill. If The Legion is like a scalpel, then the horde is a fragmentation grenade. They possess some of the largest and most explosive munitions in the faction to make sure that the target is not just dead but vaporized. They are also fiercely loyal to the Pirate Queen to a point just shy of a cult. They take their Phircyn and cybernetic augmentations further than the rest of the Syndicate, leading to rampant mutation and insanity. When not doing a personal task for Maeve they might contract themselves as mercenaries just to satisfy their bloodlust. Unlike the Ravagers, they honor their contract but it is guaranteed to be bloody. They are led by Admiral Raveshaw, more crystal and metal than man.

Tech

The unique properties of Phircyn has applications in many fields. The transmutation process creates energy that powers their machines. Phircyn mutation assimilates well with cybernetic implants effectively making them a second skin. The use of Phircyn microparticles has also been introduced in many explosive munitions to give them more explosive power than conventional explosives. In addition, the liquid form of Phircyn is highly unstable with a very high energy density which has found use as another source of energy and as a bomb with an estimated yield of 1.2 gigatons. Lastly, a refinement process was developed to extract minerals from Phircyn crystals, allowing for a cheap and efficient method of strip mining and salvaging.

Outside of Phircyn, the Syndicate possesses advanced technology in many fields either researched on their own or plundered from other empires. The Disruption Generator is capable of hiding vehicles from sight, radar, and thermal sensors but requires too much energy to be used in conjunction with advanced weapon systems in most cases. The Syndicate possesses a range of energy weapons for both their men and vessels. Lasers are a common sight and come in many forms, with the ‘Balor’ and the ‘Anubis’ class lasers being the most feared. Orbital Ion Cannons are employed on only the largest and heaviest ships due to their high-power use and amount of space required to house the weapon.

Outside of these, some experimental tech exists with only a handful of developed examples. Whether due to problems with production or due to major issues with performance, they have yet to find widespread use and only exist in no more than a handful of prototypes.

ships

Vertigo (Attack bomber). Crew 2, Mk1 Reactive Armor, Front/Rear directional shielding (Mk1), 12 Phircyn-enhanced bomblets. Mirage Class Disruption Generator

Venom (Fighter-Swarm). Crew 1, Light Armor, Mk1 Shield generator, 1 twin spitfire laser. While barely effective on their own, this type is designed to work in conjunction with several dozen others to overwhelm in quantity.

Firehawk (Fighter-Advanced). Crew 1, Mk2 reactive armor. 8 Phircyn-enhanced guided missiles. 2 Lugh class lasers.

Aegis (Drone). Unmanned tiny craft commanded by important ships to act as a physical shield or kinetic weapon by piloting into enemy ships.

Salamander (gunship). Crew 20, Mk2 Medium armor. Mk1 shield generator. 6 Darter class dumbfire missile turrets. 6 Isis class lasers. 1 Purifier Incendiary Delivery System (In atmosphere only).

Basilisk (Artillery). Crew 42, Mk2 Reactive Armor. 2 Balor class lasers or 2 Hellstorm MLRS batteries depending on variant.

Kodiak (Planetary Assault Craft-Minor) Crew 240, Medium Armor, Mk2 Shield generator. 36 Darter class dumbfire missile turrets, 36 Lugh class laser turrets, 16 Isis class laser turrets. Mk1 Relay Node. Typically carries a compliment of 6 Vertigo, 6 Firehawk, 36 Venom, 4 Salamander, and 100 Aegis. Mirage class disruption generators.

Devastator (Artillery) Crew 108, Mk3 Reactive Armor, 1 Ion Cannon

Archangel (Support) Crew 116, Medium Armor, Mk1 Shield generator. 12 repair drones. 6 TMD turrets. 1 drone fabricator. Shroud class Disruption Generators

Soul Ripper (Heavy Gunship) Crew 140, Medium Armor, Mk2 shield generator. 36 Isis Class Lasers, 6 MLRS batteries, 2 TMD turrets, 1 Purifier Incendiary Defense System Mk2

Hive (Capital Ship) Crew 12,000. Heavy Armor, Mk3 Shield Generator. 36 TMD turrets, 4 SMD turrets, 106 Isis Class Laser turrets, 24 Balor Class Laser turrets, 2 Ion Cannons. Mk2 Relay node. 16 Mk2 drone fabricator. 120 repair drones. 3600 Aegis drones. Mirage Class Disruption Generator

Decimator (Capital Ship-Offense) Crew 8,000. Heavy armor, Mk3 Shield Generator. 212 Isis class laser turrets, 1 Anubis class laser, 4 Ion cannons. Mk2 Relay Node

Guardian (Capital Ship-Defense) Crew 6,000. Heavy Armor, Mk3 Shield generator. 120 TMD turrets, 16 SMD turrets. 1 Anubis Class Laser. 12,000 Aegis Drones, 260 Repair Drones. 64 Mk2 drone fabricator. Mk2 Relay Node

unique ships

Prosperity – Guardian Class, Flagship of Admiral Boyle. Crew 9,600. Heavy Armor, Mk4 Shield generator. 120 TMD turrets, 16 SMD turrets. 240 Isis Class laser turrets. 12,000 Aegis Drones, 520 Repair Drones. 64 Mk3 Drone fabricator. Mk3 Relay Node

Emissary – Guardian Class, Flagship of admiral Elvira. Crew 10,000. Heavy Armor, Mk4 Shield Generator. 160 TMD turrets, 20 SMD turrets. 240 Hellstorm MLRS batteries, 64 Balor Class laser turrets. 2 Anubis class lasers. Mk3 Relay Node

Zephyr – Hive Class, Flagship of Admiral Havoc. Crew 13,000. Heavy Armor, Mk4 Shield Generator. 32 TMD Turrets, 6 SMD Turrets. 4 Anubis Class Laser, 64 Balor Class Laser Turrets, 240 Isis Class Laser Turrets. Mk3 Relay Node. 320 Repair Drones. 64 Mk3 Drone Fabricator. Mirage Class Disruption Generator.

Vengeance – Hive Class, Flagship of Admiral Hancock. Crew 12,400. Heavy Armor, Mk4 Shield Generator. 6 Anubis Class Laser, 240 Balor Class Laser Turrets. 4 ion Cannons. Mk3 Relay Node.

Legacy- Decimator Class, Flagship of admiral Nox. Crew 9,000. Heavy Armor, Mk4 Shield Generator. 4 Anubis Class Lasers. 128 Balor Class Laser Turrets. 320 Isis Class Laser Turrets. Mk3 Relay Node.

Annihilation- Decimator Class, Flagship of Admiral Raveshaw. Crew 10,000. Heavy Armor. Mk4 Shield Generator. 1 Mk1 Catalyst Cannon. 128 TDM turrets, 32 SDM turrets. 320 Isis Class Laser Turrets. Mk3 Relay Node.

Ascension, Flagship of Maeve. Crew 72,000. Ultraheavy Armor. Firestorm Shield Generator. 1 Mk2 Catalyst Cannon. 320 TDM turrets. 64 SDM Turrets. 720 Isis Class Laser Turrets. 360 Balor Class Laser Turrets. 4 Anubis Class Laser Turrets. Mk3 Relay Node. Mirage Class Disruption Generator. 36,000 Aegis Drones.

Ship Equipment

Disruption Generator is a device that interferes with the enemy’s thermal, radar, and optical sensors making the ship invisible and undetectable to most sensors. The Mirage class is designed to only hide the ship it is attached to, the Shroud class affects nearby ships as well.

The Twinfire laser is designed for lightly armored targets and boasts a rapid fire rate.

The Lugh class laser has half the RPM of the spitfire, but is capable of penetrating the armor of small warships. It also features an aim-guidance system.

The Aegis Drones are commanded by a specialized device on the ship they are tied to and are typically used as either a physical shield against enemy fire or to kamikaze into the enemy.

The Darter fires unguided missiles and is designed to penetrate light armor before detonating.

The Isis class laser is the basic version of advanced lasers the syndicate employs. It can penetrate the armor of most ships and has excellent range too.

The Purifier Incendiary Delivery Device delivers three successive and larger bursts of flame to targets underneath the vessel, the flames are hot enough to melt through most terrestrial targets and incinerate infantry in seconds. The weapon does require a few minutes to recharge after each use however.

The Balor class laser is advanced anti-swarm/anti-heavy weapon. Its primary fire mode is strong enough to penetrate all but the thickest of hulls. Its secondary fire mode fires a lower intensity beam but for a longer period of time allowing it to ‘sweep’ and strike multiple adjacent foes. Its range also outranges virtually every other laser weapon and can even compete against the range missiles enjoy.

The Hellstorm Multi-Launch-Rocket-System can fire as few as one missile or as many as 32 at a time.

Relay Nodes emit Phircyn radiation at great ranges allowing operatives to sustain themselves without having to ‘recharge’ in a field of green Phircyn. The Mk1 has a range of a few hundred meters, the Mk2 can cover a planet, and the Mk3 can cover most solar systems.

The Ion cannon is one of the Syndicates superweapons. It fires in two stages. The first stage is a barrage of secondary lasers which does minor damage but ionizes the air for the follow-up. The second stage fires a beam from the primary cannon that detonates the ionized air and causes an explosion that surrounds a target both inside and out. The weapon requires a period of about seven minutes to calibrate or it might risk damage to the system on subsequent firings. The energy consumption of the weapon requires most ships to divert power from non-critical systems during the 12 second firing process, leaving them vulnerable to retaliation during this time.

Tactical Missile Defense targets hostile missiles and seeks to either disable or destroy them before it reaches its destination.

Likewise, the Strategic Missile Defense targets only the most lethal and dangerous missiles. It fires barrages of missiles to intercept and detonate it prematurely at great ranges.

Repair Drones are used to repair systems and hull points in the field or in combat. They can even construct new systems and hardpoints if needed.

The Drone fabricator constructs new repair and aegis drones when needed.

The Anubis Class laser is the other superweapon the syndicate employs. The Anubis class is the highest intensity of radiation the syndicate uses and is capable of firing indefinitely, only stopping when the target’s hull is blown clean through the other side. There are few things that can withstand more than a few dozen seconds of onslaught from this laser. Like the Ion Cannon, this weapon typically renders the ship vulnerable to retaliation for the duration of it’s attack, but it only requires a single minute before it can safely be fired again.

Last but not least is the Catalyst Cannon. Only two weapons exist, the Inferior version employed by Admiral Raveshaw and the superior version employed by Maeve herself. This is a weapon of such destructive potential it was only used once to test its functionality. The Catalyst Cannon fires a beam of specific and various radiation which mimics that of Phircyn. It collides and ejects electrons like normal, but instead of capturing them the electrons continue and likely collide with adjacent molecules. If the electons collide at enough force, the molecule loses its electrons as well which collides with adjacent molecules expanding the reaction exponentially. In practice, this means the target is vaporized as the molecules lose cohesion and separate and the effect can spread to adjacent molecules of nearby entities. The violent reaction usually occurs only in minerals like Steel, Iron, Copper, etcetera but as ships, vehicles, structures, and to an extent many organisms, the effect can vaporize an entire fleet. An entire city. Or, if the conditions are right, an entire planet. Hence Only Maeve and her most loyal (and thus trustworthy) Admiral is capable of using this weapon, requiring several failsafes to ensure only they can authorize use of it. When an enemy comes at you with a stick, you grab a bigger stick, and this is the Syndicates’ biggest stick. The Catalyst Cannon sees use in giving one very big reason why no one should do anything drastic against the Syndicate, and so long as it never is used it will be the most effective weapon the Syndicate ever developed. If it is used, it requires a period of one and a half minutes to fire leaving the Annihilation (Admiral Raveshaw’s flagship ship) vulnerable as power is diverted by all non-critical systems. Maeve’s flagship, the Ascension, however has its own dedicated power source for the weapon and does not leave itself vulnerable.

The Tide Will Return (Space, Nation, Fantasy)

@CitrusArmsOh yeah, spaced a bit and forgot about your crystal. I based the crystal, which in my case I settled on naming it Phircyn, pretty heavily on Tiberium from Command & Conquer to give the basis of how it functions.

It is capable of replicating itself on a molecular level by bombarding foreign elements with radiation until they form a proton lattice with the right qualities to become more Phircyn. Visually this can be seen as Crystals, typically green, growing out of cracks/fissures in the ground or over things such as rocks or buildings. This carries over to organisms as well, growing inside, out of, or over any living thing that has direct contact with any amount of Phircyn long enough for the process to occur. In most cases (~96%) this is fatal within a few days as the victim as their body slowly crystalized. In some cases, radiation from Phircyn encourages a beneficial mutation in the host as their body is altered genetically to allow a beneficial relationship with Phircyn rather than be consumed by it. These individuals do not merely survive but thrive, able to sustain themselves off of the radiation of Phircyn as well as being invigorated in the presence of it. However they typically will not be able to survive long if cut off from Phircyn.

While it is extremely hazardous, it has found uses as an energy source, an easy way to harvest metals/minerals when refined since it leeches these materials when it 'grows', and weaponry. Though because of the threat it poses to those not yet assimilated to the crystal, it is a very risky game to play as failure to properly contain it can doom an entire planet.

I am willing to make some concessions but at the core the space pirates are defined by something terraforming their planet from a hospitable colony to a planet void of life and with turbulent weather as well as adapting to this force, mutating into something no longer Human. If the crystal needs changing, whatever it changes to needs to still satisfy this background or I'll need to think of something else.

The Tide Will Return (Space, Nation, Fantasy)

I am interested, would give me an opportunity to use a quasi-nation of space pirates I've been tinkering with.

The basic gist of them is that they were a failed human colony that suffered a drastic shift in planetary environment with the arrival of an alien crystal, got abandoned by whatever human empire/faction claimed them, and as a result of losing most of it's population and any outside help they resorted to piracy to survive. The alien crystal terraformed the planet into a (almost) barren hellscape as it replicated itself and grew from the ground like plants, poisoning and consuming any life except those who managed to adapt/mutate to survive from the radiation. Those that survived, emerged from the crisis forever changed, adapted to this new alien environment but no longer able to tolerate the environments they once enjoyed.

I think they would serve well as a sort of neutral wild card. sometimes helpful sometimes harmful and sometimes harmful to themselves as pirates are not always the most united of folk, though they are wise enough to recognize a threat to everyone is not one to be taken lightly, nor alone. @CitrusArms I can give more specific details if you are interested.

Shattered Stars - A Space Opera [Open for more players - Someone please join Karbana Kinnis... it's lonely there]

A lone Serekin slithered into the room, carrying with him a report on the Xeno activity. He presented it before Hathax, bowed and left. Hathax turned from his conversation with another Serekin to read on what his spies found. The Xenos made landfall but they are sticking to the surface. The report included mentions of biomechanical constructs and manned vehicles. Lastly it ended with their message, and how one translation was in the human language. ‘This is not a good time to entertain guests…’ Hathax thought. ‘They do not seem to show hostility, yet at least. We can tolerate them for now I suppose, though Tyoss will be agitated. Need to find something to occupy her. Given the situation I think I can convince the others to forget the aggression for now, at least if these xenos are not human. I need more information, and make sure they do not interfere with our plans…’

Ending on that, Hathax turned back to the other Serekin. Immediately one could tell this Serekin was out of place. Wearing intricate armor fully covering its body to contrast with the robes that Hathax and the other Serekin nearby wore. This warrior wore no branding of any clan but had a symbol indicating that this is a Hera’Yiss, a Serekin that serves long after its natural life has expired. Underneath that armor was a heart still beating thanks to very invasive cybernetics and queer alchemical concoctions. This one in particular was a kind augmented for stealth and subterfuge. Tying strings to be pulled or striking with surgical precision as needed, they exclusively are in service to Hathax and his spy clan.

“How many cycles have you served?” Hathax asked the warrior.

“672 inactive in stasis, 128 active in a passive role, 32 active for assignments.” The Warrior hissed.

“And what of your mental state? How far has it degraded?”

“I feel Nyagoth’s influence, but his pull is weak. Estimated 7 to 10 cycles remaining, recommend reclamation in 6 cycles.”

“Good, we have plenty of time before Nyagoth claims you back. There are xenos on the surface, doing a survey. Before you woke, and before these xenos came, the council decided on taking action against aggression in a distant part of the galaxy. At this moment, creating an additional conflict is not preferred. You will go wake your brothers and patrol the boarder of our domain and the surface. Any xeno incursions on our border must be impeded and rerouted without being noticed, do not make yourself known and avoid direct conflict as the situation permits. If they come into our territory, you can engage as you see fit. Any activity on the surface will be tolerated for now. Lastly, ensure no Serekin travels to the surface without permission. The clanless sometimes likes to scavenge, you can use any means necessary to prevent their travel past the border. Now go and get your brothers then return to me, I will have specifics then.”
The warrior bowed and slithered out, leaving Hathax alone. Hathax decided to draft a response to the xenos announcement. So, this ‘Nexus’ knows what the Serekin are willing to tolerate, and fortunately they do seem to share one language in common.

---

Some time later

An invisible agent slipped from the darkness, swapping it for the dim light of the night on the surface. Though he is not expected to come across the xenos if he is expedient, he has something to leave behind where it can be found. Gliding across the ground with haste, it is likely the agent will make the drop in time. Within a few minutes, the agent found a suitable spot. The air had enough of that foreign stench and was disparate. They had been here many times, but currently are absent. The agent grabbed something from a compartment, a stone tablet that materialized as it left the affects of the agent’s personal cloaking. The tablet was etched with a response to the Nexus’ presence. With the task finished, the Serekin agent returned the way he came and slinked back to the depths, the only trace being the groove in the ground and the message left behind.

Surface dwellers, your announced presence here is unappreciated. We tolerate your actions on the surface but we will not tolerate any transgressions into our domain in the depths. If you are found in our territory, actions will be taken. Stay protected in the light, or the darkness may consume you. For future communication, leave a message. We will find it and we will respond as we see fit.

Shattered Stars - A Space Opera [Open for more players - Someone please join Karbana Kinnis... it's lonely there]

Y’ha N’thlei

As the ship neared the surface, the view changed. Descending from the thunderous sky, a landscape of cataclysm became visible. The ground was littered with fractures, large wounds that thankfully stopped bleeding long ago. The air was heavy and a thin fog partially limiting visibility. A lake, once filled, now is bare. Standing fragments of buildings could be seen now and then, ruins of what once was a civilization. Dotting around the landscape were trees, long dead and void of leaves. The only thing that was alive, was thriving, was a peculiar viny plant which had a faint tangerine glow.

Landing in a clearing, the occupants made one last check to their gear, especially their environmental protection suits. The atmosphere lacks a sufficient mix of gasses to be breathable and the peculiar flora has some negative effects if it has direct contact. The preparations finished, they five exited the craft to survey the surroundings.

All around them were the recognizable ruins of Serekin architecture. From what remained, it seemed to correlate with those that surround the Vora’Hath. The Vaults built to survive what the Serekin could not, so that one day they may reclaim that which was lost. Inside these deep caverns were valuable treasure, but also great danger to the unprepared. Deep within was ancient tech that could fetch a hefty sum for plunderers, or perhaps cultural treasures of ages long past which hold value to only the Serekin. But these things were not left unprotected. Much could be said of the devious traps that could have been invented and refined over millenia, but the real threat were those things that lived where light dared not touch. Though the Serekin cared not for reaching the skies like the other races and preferred to make their homes deep within a planet, on Y’Ha N’Thlei there existed the things that claimed the deepest caverns, which the ancient Serekin learned to leave alone. It is those forsaken which are bound to no mortal authority that truly guard these vaults from those who have no right to what lies within.

The task of these five? Simply to explore the Vora’Hath, as much as they can. To figure out what lies inside, and if possible, reclaim it. Given their inexperience and the short amount of time they have before the Forsaken are expected to impede progress, there is no expectations of reclamation. First though, Sren’th must do a favor for Sithax.

This plant, this abhorrent thing, would seem like it would only exist in nightmares. Fitting, perhaps, considering the history of this planet. It’s thick vines blanketed most of the surface, making movement difficult, and varied from a finger in thickness to a tree trunk. In jagged, irregular lines was the faint glow, almost veiny in appearance and scattered about the vines. In certain locations, the vines morphed into something different. Emerging from the ground every so often was something that could perhaps best be described as a flowery canker. A mound of fleshy looking plant material jutted from the ground and had parts that bloated out and appeared to have a glowing liquid within. These mounds averaged a few feet tall, appeared to be the source of the vines, and was regularly dotted with buds and blooming flowers that occasionally sputtered out the liquid. Perhaps the worst thing about the plant was not it’s sharp thorny spikes nor the way the mounds seemed to breath, but the smell. The plant emitted one of the most horrid, putrid scents Sren’th ever smelled. A scent of decayed flesh, vsicera, and bile all in one.

Sren’th felt an urge to avoid these… corrupt plants. To avert his gaze to anything but that. As if the plant’s nature was intertwined with the doom that came here long ago. It felt like the existence of this plant was an affront to the natural order of things and Sren’th would very much like to never so much as glimpse the thing again, but he was not in the position to fulfill such a desire. Sithax had acquired some damning documents that Sren’th would want to disappear and Sithax wanted samples of this plant.

Sren’th had much incentive to do as asked. Motioning the rest of the group ahead, there is a reason why Sithax needed a patsy. It would take too long and be difficult for Sithax get approval for obtaining this thing through legal channels. More so if they knew what he was using them for. Most others were content to survive, but Sithax wanted to thrive. To do so, would require extreme and uncomfortable measures, to break taboos. What exactly Sithax planned to do, Sren’th could only guess. After a few minutes of effort, Sren’th was rewarded with a few decent cuttings. Being no horticulturist, it would be hard for him to make better samples, hopefully it would suit Sithax fine.

Hopefully the others did not notice his delay. Hopefully the rest of the venture will go without a hitch, but that last one might be too much to ask.

---

Karbana Kinnis | House of Deliberation

---

Deep in the caverns of Karbana, within the neutral House of Deliberation, three clan elders converse while waiting on a fourth in order to convene the meeting. Late, Tyoss finally slithered in, but she was never one for punctuality with these ‘boring' meetings.

“Ah, so you finally deign to show up. What took you so long? Needed to bring a whelp one claws length away from death?”

“You know me so well Trel’Niss…” Tyoss replied sarcastically. “…Probably already know that there were two who thought I was getting soft. That they could take my place. Well, I got ‘em to TWO claws lengths. Not going to let them die so easily. Besides, I have been antagonizing the lot of them for a while hoping someone would try to. Would be cruel to punish them harshly for alleviating my boredom.”

“Always so eager for a fight, feels like a universal oversight you lived this long” Hathax said, chuckling. It is no secret that the military and the intelligence are often at each other’s ends. “Well, we have been discussing how to involve ourselves in this conflict those humans are having.”

“From what Hathax has shown us, it seems likely we will be drawn into this conflict one way or another. Maybe the conflict will lead rival fleets to battle near Karbana. Maybe the violence will force refugees to try their hopes on this planet. Maybe someone will show up and demand our aid or technology. Most of us would prefer they stay ignorant of our existence, but that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. And I’d doubt they would fuck off whether we asked them nicely or not. So, I believe we should figure out how to involve ourselves on our own terms. Beholden to no one but ourselves.”

“I’m sure it need not be said what I think.”

“yes, yes. We know. You want to strike first, and hard so they know to leave us alone. And you know why we should not.”

“I know, a lot of them would be looking for blood as revenge like I would. Though I care little for the opinions of this council besides my own, I am aware enough how bad that decision would be. Despite Hathax’s opinion, I do have some self-control. And I am willing to respect the opinions of you all… Even if I don’t get to kill anything.”

” There are a few options to consider that might let you in conflict, though with little bloodshed. I want some alive. To learn about them, dissect them, perform some experiments. I Would like to know how well my toxins work on the xenos.”

“We have decided a raid on an isolated human planet would be our next step. We will need to maintain stealth and cover our tracks, and seek primarily to abduct xenos for research. To know them. From there we can decide our path forward. Secrecy is key here. We cannot afford them to know of us yet. Not this early. The human great clans are more distrusting of others than ours. We can use this to our advantage. Leave a trail of destruction, no witnesses, and they will likely lay blame to whatever other human clan they hate most.”

“If it goes wrong however, we will face their ire. Considering we have no standing navy, if they find us here it will make movement difficult. And I dislike the idea of a defensive war. I propose we first look to broker pacts and treaties. The Humans are disparate, I think we can offer aid to one great clan against another. I am aware of a few that even share our preference for isolation, we need not necessarily sabotage our new friend if they seek the same end goal as us. There are also other non-human great clans making an appearance to the galactic scene who somehow escaped our previous observations. I have little information on them, but they too could be used to our advantage.”

“While I agree that our action must be quick and untraceable, I dislike the idea of working with xenos. Human or not. Our matters are our own, I do not trust any xeno to stay out of them.”

“I’d expect the one who spends most his life in the dreamlands to be a bit more optimistic. What’s wrong Trel’Niss? Worried the bad xenos going to slither in on your meditation?” Tyoss said mockingly. “As for for me, I’d think If we can get buddy buddy with them and do some joint operations I can intimidate them from acting against us.”

“I’m more worried about the ruptures in the dreamlands. This chaos going on between the humans is making traversal dangerous, their nightmares beginning to take hold.”

“I’m afraid you’ll have to deal with it for a while Trel’niss. The only way forward is to accelerate it some more. Too late to stop it now, when the conflict is so open. Sithax, how would you feel if my agents make some negotiations with the xenos?”

“I care little for whether we make friends or not. I share the concern of Trel’Niss in the dreamlands. I use the energies in the dreamlands for most of my projects and any danger to the dreamlands endangers my experiments as well. Though if we establish ties with a human great clan and get a steady stream of humans out of it for my experiments, I would be satisfied with that. If they capture prisoners of war, I’m sure they would be willing to get rid of them, or perhaps they would be willing to send their own convicts.”

“Then most of us agree. If there are no other matters I will return to my clan and disseminate the orders. Priority is on establishing diplomatic ties with a greater clan for aid in our upcoming operations. This will take some time so our next meeting will be delayed.”

With few words left to say, the four left. Most were satisfied with the decision, but Trel’Niss was irritated. Though he dislikes the idea of mutual relations with xenos, he is bound by tradition. His claws are tied. For now, all he can do is express his discontent and bury his worries in his tasks. Perhaps he will be proven right in his hesitation. Or maybe he might be proven wrong. Only time will tell.

Shattered Stars - A Space Opera [Open for more players - Someone please join Karbana Kinnis... it's lonely there]

Somewhere near Y’ha N’thlei

Traveler-28-T exploratory expedition

---

The S’Hraa Ciss vessel was lying in wait, listening to the music of the spheres for the expected disturbance. The crew of five have spent the last few days hibernating in the dreamlands, to simulate and prepare. For four of them, this will be a test. To prove their worth to the Vera’Shen and to their society. Their task is simple but the challenges are unknown. Their success will allow them to continue on with their place in society and allow for more responsibilities. Their failure will be punished, if they survive. The fifth crewmember, and the only with who has done anything worth recognizing is Sren’th, the one who is overseeing the four others who, having not yet done anything of note, are simply referred to as one through four.

At first, only the experienced Sren’th felt a change in their dreams. A hollow void which oppressive darkness threatened to strangle the light. This feeling can only come from that which music is corrupt. That which accursed history has long since strangled any dreams that may have existed and which void is filled with nightmares. Their destination has arrived.

Soon they all felt the repulsion, a primal sense of dread from that accursed planet which dark aura assails their senses, telling them to flee lest they too be swallowed by the doom that came there. Any hopes of success quickly fled the thoughts of the four, but they knew what was expected of them and what they had to do.

They all prepared to transition from the dreamlands to the waking world, unsure of what secrets and dangers awaited them.

---

Vera’Shen Office of Intelligence – Karbana Kinnis

---

Hathax is kept occupied with his work, as he often is, perusing through the various reports that littered his room. He and his underlings working tirelessly filtering information and coming to conclusions. His scales have lost their shine and his gait has slowed, clearly working hard at the expense of his health. A token of his loyalty and dedication. Dedication that often pays dividends.

So far, he has gathered that the Humans are engaging on some sort of internal struggle, one that seems to have been long in the making. He has gathered that this Dominion lays claim to all have Humanity and at least one faction, possibly more, has felt abused enough to declare overt conflict. The mobilization of human vessals in several locations seem to corroborate this.

In addition, an unusual transmission was detected. The message was not known nor who sent it, but evidence indicates it was not Human in origin. It would seem other forces are beginning to emerge. Reasons unknown, but considering open conflict was declared, it seems suspicious.

“Elder Hathax, an update from the expedition. And Elder Sithax sends his regards” A Vara’Shen youngling announced. Depositing a note and a curious bottle onto Hathax’s desk, before departing. Hathax turned to read the note.

Corruption found, interference in the dreams stronger than expected. Harmony detected every fourth oscillation indicating Forsaken are pacified, beginning mission. Will report soon on results.

Hathax worries for what this means, and what it might lead him to. The signs are becoming apparent, the prophecy becoming clearer. But this can not be. Surely it was not meant to be bound to these… others. These non Serekin. Hathax will need to keep an eye on the results of the expedition as it may confirm his theory. It was always assumed the actions of the Serekin would be the contributing factor to the prophecy, but if they were wrong… and if the conflict is a harbinger of what is to come… If N’Yagoth… It could happen again.

There is no need to act now, not when there is time to gather all the facts. He will need to bring it up with the others, but for now… perhaps he can keep an eye out for an opening to abduct a few humans. The S’Hraa Ciss might soon need to meddle in this conflict, for the good of everyone, and it is best to have as many advantages as possible. Advantages that Sithax is good at bringing.

Reaching for the bottle, he paused for a moment to examine it. It was a clear glass bottle filled with a viscous purple liquid. The seal and label on it indicating it was personally prepared by Sithax and it was a stimulant Hathax was fond of. Hathax popped the seal and downed the contents quickly. He gagged slightly as the flavor was far from the reason any one would drink it, but it would keep his mind sharp for the sleepless nights he worked. He does not need sleep, he needs answers.

---

Sithax’s private laboratory- Deep within Karbanna Kinnis

---

The cavern was dark, the only lighting emitting from luminescent lichen. The air stank heavily with the decay of organisms in various states of degradation. Various bottles, bowls, and other containers were lined along shelves scattered throughout the room containing various ingredients for various recipes. The only immaculate place were several intricate pedestals featuring several ornate vases, though void of anything currently the dirt within suggested whatever alchemical plant contained within was recently harvested and removed. Along one table was a scattering of notes containing various formulas and words suggesting of an attempted potion that has yet to achieve any meaningful results. Sometimes written in ink, sometimes in blood.

In one dark corner sat Sithax, the greatest alchemist alive. He is unmoving and in a posture suggesting he is dreaming, mentally preparing various potions and tonics for various purposes. Then, a youngling entered, blindfolded and branded with two symbols. One indicating him a Yuklas, and the other indicating low ranking. “A message from Elder Hithax.” The youngling announced before departing, leaving the message behind. Sithax, aroused from his sleep viewed the message, a sly grin escaping his otherwise blank expression.

“Ah finally. I might be getting some more adequate test subjects very soon. Hard to trial on animals that can’t answer questions, but something with intelligence I might be able to coerce…” Sithax moved the carcasses to a section of the room then unceremoniously dumped them down a hole in the floor. “Now if Sren’th can get me a few more Pustula plants for my experiments, maybe I can refine this serum. Ensure our place in this galaxy. In the meantime, there are preparations to be made, spaces must be made available for any captives.”