In case you were wondering, yes, I drew my profile image. Do you like it? I think it has a depressing sort of beauty.
Disclaimer: I can sometimes be a little too honest, and my standards might be too high. People don't like that. But let it stand on record that I also view myself with the same light. I would not criticize others if I am not willing to take criticism myself. Be mature. Don't hold stupid grudges. If you've come here to scope me out, to find some shameful detail or quench some personal spite because my honesty upset you in some way, -- I'm sorry but there is nothing here for your desperate attempt at self-validation. I will settle the pettiness with an apology. Sorry. Happy?
I'm here, but I'm not here right now. You know? I have this tab open, but I'm busy doing main work on the side. I'll look at all the submitted sheets over one more time later on and give the green light to people then. But at a glance, I'll tell you right now that I don't think your current sheet lines up to the standards of things.
@Cryfest Aha, thanks! I appreciate your interest, but you don't have to lurk. Feel free to make a character! I am only keeping a maximum number of 6 accepted... but I don't see 6 here right now. So that rule doesn't apply. ;^D
"Wait... uhh... hello? Can somebody help me? I can't quite reach the port to download the form. Ah. Thanks, Jung! But uh, maybe let's not tear it out next time." "Bzzz." "I know that's not as fun... but..."
Name: Bennie T. Fenerdan and Jung Wallace Codename: 'Bolt' and 'Jung' Age: 12 years old. 0 years in the diving business.
Appearance: Got a sketch. hurray!
Specialty: Mechanic Talents/Skills:
Junk-Bot - "Oh no, Jung! You're dripping again! Yuck. Looks I gotta glue those two bits back together again.... Ah, scraps. All I have is duct tape. Welp. Guess it'll have to do..." - Since the he was built in a shoddy garage and made purely out of spare parts gathered over the years, the bot 'Jung' has a list of problems that might arise. He might start leaking oil, making the ground slippery and flammable, his arm joints come loose when turning at a certain angles, and sometimes he even begins to make a loud whirring noise when his motors begin to get old. To name just a few. It is a wonder how he even works in the first place given all these problems. Though, because of the way he was built, it allows Jung to be repaired by almost anything.
Almost... Intelligent? - "The folks back home, they call me a real 'miracle worker'!" "Bzzz." "Yes, they do!" "Bzzz..." "That's it. When we get home, I'm running you through the oil bath again..." "Bzzbzz!" - Most people think that because the hulking robot responds to Bolt, it has a form of A.I. In reality, such technology is simply not possible. Even for the renown Alchemists and their near-boundless resources and expertise. Jung is simply detecting certain phrases and choosing from a script of responses. A sort of advanced form of 'voice command'. That alone is not special. But because of their extremely close bond together, Jung and Bolt have developed an extensive list of responses and commands over the years. With this, he can make Jung do seemingly complicated tasks with just a sentence or phrase.
Nuts, Bolts, and Wheels for Arms - "Jung! We're gonna be late! Activate: Wheelie Mode!" - The odd design of Jung's large arched forearms and small legs allow him duck down and semi-transform into a mobile bike. And with a harness grapple built into the robot, this allows the two to zoom up buildings much faster than normal. The plates around Jung's arms are extremely durable too, giving anything they drive into a big, whooping surprise. Bolt hasn't tested this himself, of course. But if the metal can deflect small arms fire, he's pretty sure it'll make a good ramming material. For all intense and purposes, the robot acts as a walking harness unit and personnel carrier. Max capacity of 1.
Family Secret Formula - "Ugh. More fungus and refuge to refine. Don't ever say I never do anything for you, Jung." "Bzzz!" "Aw, shucks. No problem, bud." Because of the illegal nature of Catalyst powered energy, and the sheer cost, Jung and his family do what most other people do. Collect trash and fungus to turn into ethanol. He has learned the family 'secret', so his bio-fuel is a bit more potent than normal.
Equipment: "So you got :links, eh? Well, take a gander at my own collection!" - Bolt's trusty, rusty, toolbox. Comes with all the things a typical mechanic needs. Has extra compartments for glue. "Aha! And here is my most prized possession. Er, don't tell Jung I said that." - A big (compared to the boy) multi-purpose wrench and plasma cutter combo. Has the words, 'Travic', engraved into the handle.
Short History: Jung and Bolt pretty much grew up together. The dinky thing was a gift from his father when his first birthday rolled around. He loved the thing. It was much smaller then, but the boy worked on it endlessly over the years. Maybe the robot even inspired him? Cause ever since the kid could walk, he was already handling a wrench and messing with bolts. Mostly just smashing things though. Namely Jung. But it gave him quite the arm strength. When he actually learned better, he helped his dad out in his bot shop out in District 26. Before he knew it, by the age of 10, he was already doing the things his dad did. Maybe even better. Because of a childhood story his father always told, and his precision with a wrench, everyone knew him as 'Bolt'. Life might've been hard those times, sure. But at least it was full of happiness. Each day, they would work together. But that all changed one day. The tragedy that closed down the District caused the family to lose everything. His father couldn't work anymore because of an injury he suffered during the panicked evacuation, and without any money, Bolt was left to face the world alone.
Misc: People often mistake the two. The boy is 'Bolt' and 'Jung' is his droid.
Reserved for NPCs/Notables: Will be updated as the game progresses.
The Seven Savants:
Savant of Conduits - Do you hear it? This is the heartbeat of something beyond life... Being one of the highest experts and specialists in their field, what sets her above all others is her unique ability to ‘feel their heartbeat’ of machines. All Savants must give up something of their humanity to achieve such prowess, to develop the specialized knowledge needed in their respective arcane sciences. Because of her sheer compassion, she was granted the power to able to rewire, link-up to, and redirect the energy of catalysts in ways the others cannot. Her contributions to the ‘Metal Jackets’ were critical in how far they developed and how easily they operate today, nowhere near as cumbersome and tactile as the earlier designs. As their power sources were made more portable and stable. Some say she is the sole creator of Catalyst energy, but she clams she was not alone. The Savant of Conduits is solely responsible for overseeing the great electrical grid that is the ever-active CTS nodes across the city.
Savantus ex Machina - Tick. Grind. And Wind. All things follow a cycle. This curious figure is the master of all things machine and of their intricate production and processes. As such, they are one of the head alchemists in the 'Alchemist Foundry' found in the bog-ridden Workshop. Like the Artificer, this title is given to those who are masters at Arcane-smithing, though specifically, in the field of 'Machina Assimulare'. This metal-craft itself is based off the ancient techniques used by the 'Crowned Races', and is one of the core principles in alchemy. Because of their talent, it is said they command the most powerful Hollow Angel, the greatest of the 'Iugis Machina', in the Order. This machina, 'ancient machine', is rumored to be capable of thinking for itself. But do not mistake its basic ability to follow orders to be any sign of 'intelligence'. The advancement of A.I. has been a contentious project throughout the years between Grand Architect and his Savants, being as such failures have plagued them in the past. And continue to do so.
Savant of Arrays - I have seen the misshapen forms. Our roots, our very essence, they have been burned away by the darkness. But with light, we can shine the way back. Follow me to salvation. Another master of arcane-smithing, albeit, specifically in the line of armaments. Their original purpose was to overseeing the production of experimental powerful arcane weapons and highly destructive payloads. But since then, the role has evolved into also taking the responsibility of organizing the internal security on Reclaimed Terra. It is said, they have an interest in the methods of warfare from the 'Age of Crowns'. Because of this fascination, they take inspiration from our ancestors in great detail and stride, from utilizing their tactics down to the design of power armor, based off of old manuscripts, to even upholding their lofty traditions. Also known as the Chief Commanding Officer of the Ferrus Magistratum.
Savant of the Codex- That which cannot be seen. I have seen. And I shall never unsee... Perhaps the most mysterious one of them all. Not much is known about the Savant of the Codex, not even from their own brethren. Or themselves, for that matter.
Savant of Oscillation - The black pedals that consumes you in death... Is it not a poetic thing? When you ponder long enough, you realize that there is no actual difference between then and now. Only the present. The head researcher of the Custodia et Sanitarium occupies this spot, governing the field of Animus, or 'life alchemy', in common. This field is directed at bio-arcane-engineering, the core study behind the 'Redaction' process. But probably most famous for developing the methods for assimilating flesh to metal, resulting in the 'Metal Jackets'. This in part due to aid of the other alchemical fields, and their respective Savants, namely of the 'Machina Assimulare'(which deals in the construction of advanced machinery), and the field of 'Conductis'(which deals in the overall effects and relations of energy, specifically arcane-based). While separate in focus from medical sciences, the achievements in Animus has allowed for great strides and breakthroughs in such areas. The Savant of Oscillation is are also known for heralding the 'Recreation' initiative, a grand-scale project aimed at healing and correcting the environmental damage of the world. All these achievements, combined with their charismatic and virtuous public demeanor, it is not wonder that this Savant is the most highly reputable and favored of all the Savants.
Savant of Frequency/Decay - Remember not of our vows, but of our fates. If the Custodia et Sanitarium were to have two bipolar sides, the 'Sanitarium' side would be the one of medical research, of breakthroughs, and of humanitarian strides. The side of 'Creation'. This would leave the 'Custodia' on the opposite end, therefore pertaining to 'Destruction'. Alchemists of this department deal with the sanitation and clean-up of the city's wastes, along with handling any sort of disease or viral outbreaks amongst the populous. But disease can also be mental. Prisoners, felons, and the mentally unstable are taken here, deep into the research wards, for rehabilitation and psychological study and healing. As they say. Some conspirators speak of darker, seedier practices, but those rumors are quickly dealt with by the Savant of Oscillation. The head mortician, the Savant of Frequency/Decay, is highly enigmatic and paranoid in nature. It is unclear which title they prefer. But none dare question this fact. Out of pity.
Savant of Allotropy - The Apothos System protects us. Our peerless, selfless savior. And the last part is the most crucial aspect. It asks nothing of us. Nothing at all. Considered the leader of the Savants, occupying as the Headmaster of the 'Alchemist Foundry'. This title is only gifted to a 'genius' of Alchemy, to a resolute mind who has endeavored to master all its core principles. But that is not all. This being must also possess a command over arcana greater than any of the Savants. This is because they must hold absolute authority over the usage and legitimacy of the pinnacle art of Alchemy; the ‘Transmutation Ars’, an alchemical art that deconstructs objects to a molecular level in order to alter their properties. Such a feat requires vast intrinsic knowledge in both the material world and arcane arts. Since the beginning of the 'Age of Eclipse' and long history of Reclaimed Terra, the Grand Architect, has held this position. Who else to qualify in all such areas than an ascended being, and the very founder of this arcane practice? But recently, in the last century, this title has been bequeathed to another figure in the community. This has raised some conflict between the members, but they have since proved their strength and silenced all qualms. Today, they oversee all important functions across the sprawling city and deal with public relations, much like a president, or governor, would in our own society.
@Avice It is a mixture of both. The Enlil System, through the Network, passively monitors people through their I.T., as to prevent any tampering with the implant itself and to detect any dangerous genetic abnormalities. But it is mostly focused on the former. While the 'Cipher' gene mutation, at least, what people believe it to be, is technically a genetic abnormality. It seems to not be dangerous enough whereby the Santarium needs to send agents to purge or devote resources to developing a correction. And it isn't such a heavy mutation, at least most of the time, that the System can clearly pinpoint it in a person.
The fact is, it is considered to be a 'positive' mutation.
You can view it as something of luck. Sometimes the gene resurfaces in a way that is easily detectable, other times, it appears as if nothing is wrong with the person. It is large scientific mystery. At that point, any Cipher just needs to avoid having 'episodes'.
@FourthKing Also, this is good. You pass. Unless I find something strange somewhere along the line. If so, I will notify you of them. But even then, it shouldn't be anything more than some minor edits
Vatalla raised her eyes at all the new arrivals, standing up from her cleaning work. It was kind of weird for a sudden surge of students to want to join a club right smack between class periods. Some of them looked the sort to be ditching anyway, but this isn't exactly a good place to hide. Nor was it the club's active hours to be expecting any members to be here. This was supposed to be secret, after all. Right? Actually, the last bit got to her a bit. How did they even know they were there? Then it crossed her. Like a wet, sewer smelling towel slapping across her face. Ah shit. The puddles outside. She had left a trail straight to them. If some dinky students can find them here, than surely some teacher has the brains to. Even if some of them did appear to have it half put together.
"Sheesh, looks like everyone wants a bit of detention these days... I'm gonna warn you now. Not fun." Vatalla muttered, quickly moving outside and tossing the towel on the floor.
She then quickly dabbed the water around with it attached to her foot, hurrying up and down the hallway before slamming the doors behind her. Vatalla let out a stressed huff. She must've looked silly, but she didn't care. Getting caught now was not an option. It was a slippery mess in the hall still, but it wasn't as obvious unless someone actually went and slipped on the stuff. She made a mental note to apologize to Jojo later on. Not because she caused him to fall. But because she secretly laughed at him for it. Anyway, that shouldn't be happening again. Most likely. This was the area on the second floor with all the club rooms. Clubs that shouldn't be active right now. Aside from this one. But no one really knew that in the first place. Which confused her all over again. Still, Vatalla didn't show any of it. If its one thing she learned long ago about this school; conventional logic, just throw it straight out the window.
After the little antics, Vatalla continued on as if none of that happened, brushing tangly hair strands out of her face. She didn't really look over anyone in particular. But the ditzy little girl didn't vibe well with Vatalla. As with any person who dealt with regular people on any daily basis, she got all sorts of bells ringing in her head.
"I'm not gonna question the thought process behind putting priority on randomly trying to joining a club during school hours, over that of getting to class on time. Speaking of which, there should only be..." she said, opening the clock interface on her Enlil Network just as the bell to the next class rang. She shrugged her shoulders. "Well, there you go. Now, if it was up to me, I'd kick you all back to class for ruining my personal 'break away from annoying people' time. Along with a rejection notice. But it's not. So... meh."
With that, she moved back to her desk, tapping Aito on the shoulder with a grin, "Interesting year we're gonna have, huh?"
Soon enough, the faint sound of pen scratches can be heard again as Vatalla quickly immerses herself back into work. She seemed a little bothered by the amount of people gathered around, but such qualms were swallowed over by her own focus.
@LordofthePies A few things to point out, :Links should be displayed with their level i.e. 'Relic- 1 through 3'. A total of four means any cimbinations that equals 4 levels. So technically, if that link is supposed to be a tier 3, then your character is allowed to have an extra lvl 1 and still be fine. Since he is an artificer, he deals with smaller a load out but stronger :Links. So you got that aspect correct.
Also a :link of that power shouldn't have such a long cooldown. I'm only saying this as a little nudge. Go ahead, be stronger. You'll need it. :^D
Relics are usually fully functional too, unless damaged by something stronger. Ancient technology of such rarity is extremely durable, hence whey they are still functional despite all this time and ware. And the inability to replicate them earns their high valuable, as they are often used as components for greater technology. If they 'fail' it is often a result of the user not understanding or fully knowing the Activation Command or Sequence.
@FourthKingI suppose there isn't a problem with a person owning a small gang. But remember, you'll be prompted to being recruited into a diving crew early on into the story. So maybe have a reason for that.
:Links are capable of doing many things. The potential they have is quite vast, so I'll leave it to your creativity. If something is too powerful, I will point it out, otherwise just have fun. On a technical sense, since this is sci-fi fantasy fusion sort of deal, think of them as the magi-science equivalent of individual scrolls for 'spells' in a typical setting. But keep in mind the potency and cooldown. 'Relic' is the baseline level. Because they are relics, and inherently rare in themselves, their effects are relatively strong. More powerful, in effect, than any of the typical technology found pretty much everywhere in the Outer Ring. When dealing with such things, if one provided a shield, it would block dozens of bullets before burning out. Each incremental level is a noticeable increase in power. Relics have 3 levels. And as a comparison, there is a magnitude of difference between the end level of 'Relic-III' to the power of even the weakest 'Artifacts'.
No one has those, for obvious reasons.
Catalysts are a synthesized arcane-based energy source that has been hard condensed in a crystal and housed within a protected core. Usually some sort of alloy. They are mainly used in larger machinery, starting from B-Class and up, ending at D-Class. The process and design is incredibly complicated, so they are usually bought from manufacturers. Certain talented people might be able to make their own. Because of their immense power output, and dangerous fallout state, any B-Class and up are prohibited from public use and handling. And by 'public', we're talking about big companies and corporations, who can actually afford such things. Even an A-Class, which is greatly insignificant when compared to the next class up, can power an entire house around the clock for a month.
Most catalyst-power guns shouldn't need anything more than an A-Class to function. Of course, such powerful technology(talking about the gun itself) is reserved only for Magistrates, so having something like that would be illegal. Not that any of your characters would care.
And for the final question, the majority of the population eats something along those lines, yes. There are synthesized foods that actually taste somewhat good. But those are expensive luxuries.
After a lot of editing and revising, I think I got all of the basic information down to make a character. I might add a 'factions' tab in the future, being as there are many forces at hand in the city. But I am also considering just letting the information come as such things arise. There is already plenty of text, as is.
Edit: Realizing I forgot to mention what the Apothos System actually does, so add a bit to the 'Reclaimed Terra' - tab.
Hello, there really isn't much to see here. :^D
In case you were wondering, yes, I drew my profile image. Do you like it? I think it has a depressing sort of beauty.
[b]Disclaimer:[/b] I can sometimes be a little too honest, and my standards might be too high. People don't like that. But let it stand on record that I also view myself with the same light. I would not criticize others if I am not willing to take criticism myself. Be mature. Don't hold stupid grudges. If you've come here to scope me out, to find some shameful detail or quench some personal spite because my honesty upset you in some way, -- I'm sorry but there is nothing here for your desperate attempt at self-validation. I will settle the pettiness with an apology. Sorry. Happy?
I can't do anything more than that.
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Hello, there really isn't much to see here. :^D<br><br>In case you were wondering, yes, I drew my profile image. Do you like it? I think it has a depressing sort of beauty. <br><br><span class="bb-b">Disclaimer:</span> I can sometimes be a little too honest, and my standards might be too high. People don't like that. But let it stand on record that I also view myself with the same light. I would not criticize others if I am not willing to take criticism myself. Be mature. Don't hold stupid grudges. If you've come here to scope me out, to find some shameful detail or quench some personal spite because my honesty upset you in some way, -- I'm sorry but there is nothing here for your desperate attempt at self-validation. I will settle the pettiness with an apology. Sorry. Happy? <br><br>I can't do anything more than that. </div>
Daemos