Syben — Roleplayer Guild

Public Notice: The OOC/IC in my signature is a good source of information, but that particular one is going to close. With the relaunch, I'm going to make a new OOC/IC.


Synopsis
The Dust is a Post-Apocalyptic roleplay which has already been going for a few months now. The World is divided up with different factions, on an island continent with no foreseeable way off. This is explained vaguely in the lore. In fact, mostly everything is explained because I have it all written down. The factions, some history, many of the "cities and towns" have a resume style information sheet, while still leaving some undone for player interpretation. There will be a creature compendium, for player created characters, the template of which is very simple. In fact, mostly everything is readily available. I'm planning to pick up where I left off, as this is a relaunch intended to gain a fresh start. So currently, there are a couple things going on. All in all though, you can basically do anything you want in this world.


The Idea
I want you to have creative freedom in this world, only constrained by the need for balancing against my unrevealed story and lore, and well, power. Here our main character, I allow multiples, is going to be a superpowered human called an Immortal. The usage of their powers puts strain on the heart, because mana is for tabletops. The Immortals are further explained in my lore, but that is the basic idea of them. When thinking about superpowers thing of one element, or one scope. You can't be a fire wielding master of illusions and healing. Immortals also have a shapeshifter form, though it is not required that you do so. It does come with a very hefty power increase though, so it is recommended. Combat oriented players with likely get a combative form. Characters with say, a social focus, are more complicated. The combat form isn't the most beautiful, and immediately labels one as a monster. So for socially focused, or otherwise non-combative, characters I was thinking maybe just an enhanced state of being. Eyes-turn black and enhanced powers, etc, but ultimately it is up to you as a player.


Current Events
I feel you need to know these before jumping in. The central city of the island is a trade hub, and the more accepting of the Immortal's. It's also about to be under siege from a horde of hollow spiderlings. What happens to the city is entirely going to be because of player made decisions, at least those involved in the event. Secondly, I have a character starting a new faction at a small, brutally murdered town. Don't worry, the bodies have been cleaned up already. And in the unseen workings of the roleplay, a Mafia family has a firm hold over Serenity, and is looking to expand into Russel, where they currently maintain a small presence. Public tolerance of Immortals is also very low, most viewing them as monsters and demons and quite rightly being very afraid of them.



Respect your GM: I will do my best to respect you, your feelings, and your opinions as long as you respect the fact that this is MY world. Please do not argue with me or anyone I choose to make a moderator, and if you absolutely must, please do it over PMs. I accept critique and input as long as it is done with relative courtesy. I do however, reserve the right to change my mind.
Immortal's powers are less effective against other Immortals, there should never be an actual fight that is resolved in a single blow. However Standards, nickname for regular people, are very susceptible to these powers externally. No power may be used against another organic being or creature internally. Any damage must come from the exterior.
When one Immortal uses their power directly against another Immortal, or something they are in contact with, it becomes a contest of will. For example, a metal manipulator may not rip away metal items from an Immortal's hands. Another example, a lightning user may not instantly electrify an object another Immortal is holding. This prevents Power-play.
Before starting world wide events, large plot movers, or other such events please PM me to ensure it does not conflict with unrevealed lore or current plans. I also reserve the right to take anything your character does and twist it into afore mentioned items to incorporate their actions into story progression.
I incorporate as much depth and consistency as I reasonably can within a fantasy world full of mutants, lasers, and the like, and I expect you to at least attempt the same. Or, be open to making edits or changes. Characters magically stumbling upon what they need are one of these situations, please try to make it believable, Otherwise I may ask you to change it.
When applying, your character shall be posted in the OOC. For discussion and approval.
I am prone to using gore, violence, killing children, trauma, and taboo subjects. I even describe breasts, albeit vaguely. This roleplay is for those who are mature enough to handle such things. Players Must be 18+.
This roleplay does not use the Turn-by-Turn system. Here, we go Day-By-Day. Users are allowed to post as much as they like, or as much as needed. At the end of the posting cycle, once everyone has concluded for the day, the post must be marked with -End Day- to make us aware that you are ready to begin the next day. The next day does not begin until I say so. I still expect posts at least once every two weeks. Extensions are permissible, I would like proof of progress but everything has a circumstance. "Life" is not always an excuse, I have a busy life too.
This roleplay and all of its participants also adhere to The Fundamental Rules of The Guild and Moderation Policy in the RP Sections.
Lastly, all and any disputes between two players that cannot be resolved should be brought to my attention for resolution concerning anything in regards to the Roleplay, It's Characters, or It's Progression.

I am currently updating it with new territory guidelines so don't get attached to it. I'm just waiting for the Event at Russel to play out. The map however, will not change, just territories.


Written and Compiled by A.R.K


Information Uploading..

Written and Compiled by A.R.K


It is recorded that The Forsaken Order was originally formed only days before The Fall. A conglomerate of different societies and coalitions formed together under one man, though his name has not be provided for our knowledge. This newly arisen force, The Forsaken, moved to protect themselves, they were deemed unfit for survival by the current rulers of the world before The Fall. It is said that many of these people were nothing simpler than farmers, housewives, librarians, and the like. Common, everyday people, the tiny gears that spin and churn within the deepest inner workings of a functioning society. Like us, they found their way underground into a bunker to wait out the devastation that followed days after. Though there methods for doing so were less than peaceful. Looking to achieve only survival from their place on the bottom rungs of the social hierarchy, the descendants of these people have greatly changed the previous orientation of purpose.

The Forsaken Order we know today are nothing short of barbaric raiders. Their society is but the tiniest inklings of social order scraped together into a patchwork system. They are ruled by one man, a tyrant, who proves himself capable of leadership by challenging the former. This challenge will always result in death of one of the participates, and perhaps any audience that strays too closely. Upon victory, the new King may choose to reinstate new chiefs. This order of replacement is usually carried out by executing the previous chiefs.

Despite their lack of civility and social structure; they do have apt economic practices, and a fearsome military. They achieve great economic stability through their many mines located up and down along the western coast. In fact, all of their settlements have at least a single mine; all except Forbes, which is their trading hub. Though trading with The Forsaken Order is always a risky business, the ample supply of available metals makes it necessity. The threat of being attacked is high, most common from raiding parties or slavers. The act of killing one another is not taboo in their society, and is encouraged to keep the people strong. Disputes are settled by the blade, from anything to insults to looking at someone wrongly.

The Forsaken is a brutish and deadly society to find oneself living among, especially with every man, woman, and child taught to fight. Anyone is subject to gladiatorial combat, unrestricted by gender or age, albeit a child who has not reached their tenth year may not participate, however they may elect an appropriate stand-in to fight for them. Loss of a challenge does not always result in death, one could be maimed or crippled. Regardless of the outcome, if one does not achieve death, the loser is sentenced two years in the mines, and the victory obtains all their possessions. Additionally the victor may choose to take the loser's job, adopt their children, or even the very clothes on their back at the moment of defeat. Children who are not adopted and find themselves without parents become street urchins, as a child underneath his tenth year may not own anything he cannot carry.

At anytime a person may be subject to join their army, The Legion. Most go willingly, like blood thirsty mongrels ready for a fight. Those who refused can be executed, or sent to the mines, it is the decision of the chief overseeing the draft. Technically they do not have a standing military force, when no longer needed the soldiers return to their daily lives. Though there are paying jobs that cover the need for patrols, and the King's person force of Legionnaires, The Soulless, which act as the royal guard, and police force. The largest number of Soulless reside within Ironhold, where the King himself reigns.
<Document End>

Written and Compiled by A.R.K


 The Mobiles descend from a man known simply as Mark. When the great steel doors parted, it was he who led the people around him out into the new world. He was one of the protected, before the fall, he ran an empire based solely on the purpose of moving by the power of one's own feet, for any purpose. The only exception to this was long distance travel, but Mark did not deal in that. No, as he believed in the former world, so he did in the new. He was the first to suggest leaving, trying to make a home out of this new hostile wasteland. It is rumored that when questioned why, he turned to his people, his smile glinting in the bright light of the new world as he paused upon the threshold of the known, and unknown, and spoke the prophetic words of: "Just Do It".

Years afterwards Mark and his followers had established a foundation for Motum Diversum. More than one of the survivors had a skill with cloth and leathers, which became one of their main sources of trade with the many other factions rising up in Dust. Though Mark and his followers had a broad range of skillsets, all of which were used to found the trade empire we have today, spanning central Dust. Russel City remains the capital of Motum Diversum, and the largest trade city on the island. Motum Diversum follows nearly all of the cultural teachings of the old world, including Capitalism. A society where one's own hands determine their fate and prosperity.

The Winged Guardians patrol through the streets of the cities, ensuring against unjust actions and prejudice. They are a widely accepting empire, and promote that each individual find their own way through success, religion, and anything in the like. The leader of this faction is known as the Executive Officer, and the governmental system maintains its function through is exclusively unmatched system of trade. It provides the most business, employing many skill sets, and it host to a number of self-controlled, and hired caravans. Though one is more than welcome to function independently, it's a hard bargain against the government's guarantees of safe arrival and replacement of lost goods.

Additionally, Motum Diversum managed to made a land grab along the southern coastline, more specifically, the city of Serenity. There, a government owned and operated hydroelectric power dam is the only source of substantial power, which the Executive Officer sells fervently across the island, making Motum Diversum the wealthiest and most profitable faction. Additionally they have the longest, lit tunnel system reaching from Serenity to Aspin. It is also relatively safe, though travel through tunnels is always done at ones own risk. These tunnels provide the fast movement of items between the territories it touches, and a nearly impervious to a raid. This system is also provided to The Forsaken Order, though there is no tunnel that spans across their border. This deal provides quite beneficial to Motum Diversum, cheap metals, and leverage over the tribe itself.

Motum Diversum is allied with the Gaens, who are more scientifically focused than anything else. Provisions of power and tunnel systems prove beneficial to both, more so to Motum Diversum who receives the best in medical supplies and other chemically produced goods. Motum Diversum also has a trade agreement between themselves and Aqueous, power for water. Providing power to their pumps results in greater efficiency, which means more water.

Motum Diversum's leaders are appointed by the previous Executive Officer, or in cases where the Executive Officer is deceased before appointment, through descending rank of the governmental company. Impeachment of a Executive Officer requires the unanimous vote of all other Executives, who in turn are not allowed to meet in secret. The Executive Order of Impeachment can be overturned by public opinion, which is requested through a draft of signatures to hold a public court. These other executives are; but not limited too; The Executive of Security, Trade, Provisions, Power, and Maintenance, and fall underneath the Executive Officer in rank.

Motum Diversum is perhaps the most well established, structured society, and have an impressive degree of territorial security.

<Document End>

Written and Compiled by A.R.K


 This society is devoted wholly into the pursuit of knowledge, though they do dabble in a good amount of agriculture. These scientists did not descent from bunker survivors. Rather, their ancestors knew about The Fall before anyone else had the slightest ideal of impending doom. The old world had an institution in place, dealing with space and its exploration. One branch of this organization adapted space technology to underwater environments. This particular place of refuge was located deep beneath the ocean's surface, and with difficulty, survived The Fall. Though considering the ratio of bunkers to the ark, it did considerable well. Many bunkers failed or were destroyed.

This, and all other terminal systems are maintained by these Gaens. This technology is provided across the land, publicly, and is maintained by independent users. The Gaens hardly ever travel, and outsource their protection from Motum Diversum, most scientists choosing never to leave their facilities, which are state of the art. Their structures were built of the grueling process of deconstructing what was left of the Ark. Some parts hard to be fabricated, but their capital of Aspin is a sound infrastructure of old world building methods. They have independent power sources, but lack in comparison to that provided by Motum Diversum.

The society of the Gaens are not like the others, yet there are no reports of civil unrest or infighting. They are led by "The Professor", who oversees all of the functions of the Gaens. The Professor employs as many associates as needed, who then employ assistants, who then employ their own staff, of varying titles. The Gaens are the most adapt producers of clinical supplies, crude fuels, and agricultural provisions. Without them, much of the new world's technology and resources would be unavailable for some time yet.

Though many fruit and vegetable bearing flora exist within Dust, The Gaens are the only ones with actually fertile land, allowing them to grow a substantial amount of varied crops. It is unknown how this is possible, what technology powers it, or if the amount of fertile land will ever increase. Many look in envy upon these two stretches of unique land, prompting the Gaens to buy protection. 
<Document End>

Written and Compiled by A.R.K


 Next to nothing is known about the Edenites. Only scraps of information are available. Pre-fall they were a zealous religious group, that managed to claim a bunker for themselves. Now they live in Northwest Dust in seclusion, any attempts at contact are met with acts of violence, or the individuals disappearing altogether. They do purchase water from Aqueous, though it is unknown how. They do not however, purchase power from Motum Diversum.

They are very secretive, and very protective of those secrets. Even the Handymen of Aqueous do not speak of what their lands are like. At the right time, and place, an Edenite might be seen, wearing a white cowl and matching robes. Though their activity or status is unknown, most are simply scene walking, somewhere. It is recommended to avoid the Edenite border at all costs, which is marked every quarter mile by a pure white spike in the earth, rising about six feet tall.
<Document End>

Written and Compiled by A.R.K

Aqueous is a society that draws heavily from old world, pacific asian elements. The people of Aqueous descent from a mixed race of pre-fall politicians and foreign delegates. Though the people themselves are not in total likeness to the old world's race of asians, they do however have a general trend of almond shaped eyes and paler skin tones, though in this world is almost unavoidable to achieve some form of tan. They are perhaps the only society to still actively use their bunker, which is rumored to be quite extensive. The Aqueous are overseen by a council, in which a head councilmen presides over. Though Head of the Council, this is merely a status, and only the Head of Council may appoint another Head. The Head has only a set of minor powers other council members do not; the ability to elect a new head, critical information or items, and the ability to break a tied vote during council. The Head does not vote with the regular council members.

The Society itself is based on a value of tradition and honor, where children follow their parent's footsteps, and dishonor is an excuse for one's life to end, or be challenged. Unlike the Forsaken, these challenges of honor are ceremonial. A time is set after the challenge, where anyone may attend. The fight is done to the tempo of musical drums, and presided over a member of the council. These are done with non lethal swords, and upon completion the victor restores, or retains honor for their family. The loser may choose to take their own life, and restore honor to their family, or live a life of shame in the eyes of their family. One who is dishonored is akin to a common street bum, they lose status and rank within the family and may meet discrimination and prejudice in daily life.

The Aqueous are also known for their military, though through technique rather than size. A member of any family, may be trained under family guidelines. They then may apply for The Noblesse,. The Noblesse duties fall everywhere from enforcer, to public agent, to police like duties. The Noblesse fall under the command of appointed generals,  but can be overridden by councilmembers, who can only be overridden by The Head, and only temporarily. The result of any commands being overridden open the subject up to debate and speculation. 

The Aqueous also have the only working supply of water, a reservoir deep within the earth the mountain that is fed by oceanic waters. The saltwater is processed into freshwater and piped across Dust. Because of the agreement between Motum Diversum and Aqueous, buying a supply of water for a settlement is not very expensive, and is done with relative ease. Aqueous is the only faction able to cross over any territory lines with protection provided by the respective faction's leader, but only to maintain water lines. They are the only known faction to be among the Edenites and return. Though they are tight lipped over what happens there.
<Document End>
Aqueon Religion

Written and Compiled by A.R.K

Special Thanks to @Darcs for writing this article.

After the Fall, what remained of the eastern pacific was, generally speaking, a confederation of wealthy individuals with a vague understanding of a religion that had been tertiary to them for most of their lives. Religion provides a certain comfort, and those who could afford to survive the end of the world as they knew it, spent a significant time returning to the religions of their homelands. The 30 years spent in the bunkers saw a rise in the reliance and understanding of those beliefs, and those who knew more; who preserved documents, who could recreate recall the proper rites and rituals, those who could teach it, or at least what an imperfect and privileged memory could  tell of it. Basically, they saw themselves emerging as leaders in the world of Dust.  

The bunkers in what is now the Aqueous region quickly formed tribes based on ethnic lines, splitting between the Korean north, the Central Asian south, and the Japanese central region. Over 300 years they became united over shared resources, negotiations, the rise of other nations, tradition, and, the cross pollination of their religions.

Today, this religion is known as Shengriantō. 

Shengriantō is a fusion between the Old World religions of Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Tengriism, and Shinto with heavy ethical-sociopolitical teachings being derived from Confucianism and the ways of Ancient Japan. Founded officially in 2105, Shengriantō has a focus on maintaining honor, following the traditions of your bloodline and country, and ancestor worship. Shengriantō believes enlightenment can be achieved through particular the cultivation of an honorable life basically 'picking up from where your ancestors left off' and as such has a heavy emphasis on the importance of the family, both through blood and oath. This stance rests on the belief that human beings are teachable, improvable, and perfectible through personal and communal endeavor. 

From it's Buddhist parents, it derives that the ultimate goal is to reach transcendence, not by elevating oneself to the status of the gods (the kami, asura, and deva). But instead, by living in harmony with the gods, nature, and others you can achieve immortality for your consciousness (shen) practically, by going about a "right way of living." In Shengriantō, there is no morality and ethics separated into 'right' and 'wrong,' instead, there is what is honorable, and dishonorable. By living an honorable life, your shen achieves immortality through those you touch.

In this life, while living honorably, we must also achieve feng shui with others (through shared traditions and oaths), with nature (through active rituals), and the gods, through worship-- One must only allign themselves with one group of the gods-- the kami (those gods who represent perseverance and creation) asura (those who represent power and destruction) and the deva (those who represent intelligence and rebirth). Asking for the favor of gods outside of your chosen pantheon is seen as one of the most dishonorable acts one can make, and while those who worship a pantheon that is not your own are not considered enemies, you are to consider those who share your own pantheon family. If a homeless man were to come to your home and ask for food and shelter, and he shared your pantheon, it would be considered as dishonorable as switching pantheons altogether.

Breakdown by region:
Northern Aqueons (descended from Old World Koreans) follow Shengriantō for it's ethical and philosophical virtue, and tend not to align themselves with the gods
Central Aqueons (descended from Old World Japanese) have waning or casual faith in Shengriantō and tend to worship the kami
Southern Aqueons (descended from Old World Central Asians) practice Shengriantō rigorously and worship the asura and the deva

Entry Date: 1/1/2035 
Subject: <#%$)_(!@#$?>
From: ISCE 
To: <%@#)$>

It wasn't our fault this time. This record exists for the sole purpose of shedding light on the unfortunate event that is about to befall us, should anybody remain hereafter; if you are reading this, then you are all that's left. But this was not our fault, humankind did not do this. Maybe it was fate, destiny. The work of god, trying to wipe the slate clean, to see if the little germ in his great cosmic experiment was worth nurturing, is worthy of survival. Some speculate that this... this thing, was sent by another race somewhere from deep within the universe, known or not. But it was not, our, fault. This testimony alone serves to provide trial and judgment for humanity. Perhaps indirectly we caused this, through our multitudes of radio waves echoing out into what many feel is empty space. Maybe our constructs, our satellites, rockets, or debris caused some kind of... involvement. But I swear on my final moments; We are not guilty. 

January 1st, 2035: International Space Communications and Exploration had revealed findings previously hidden from the public to media stations across the globe; simultaneously broadcasting on every channel, in every country with the capability of seeing it. Classified Subject, The Orb, was on a collision course with Earth. Previous attempts to shatter the object, minimize planetary damage, proved completely ineffective. This could be just an unfortunate coincidence of the universe, but the object consisted of a material impervious to everything that had been thrown at it. It is perfectly round, and dark as night, without an imperfection to be seen upon its surface. We don't know what it is, we don't know why it's come to end us; but worst of all, we don't know how to stop it.

In roughly a month's time, The Orb will cause a total eclipse as it slingshots around the sun, picking up enough speed to shift mercury out of orbital alignment as it passes. Roughly twenty minutes later, the object will collide with earth, ending humankind as we know it. The object is projected to impact in central Canada, evacuations are already in place. There is a chance that the earth won't break apart, but even that isn't enough to have hope. Should the small chance of the Earth remaining intact come to pass, global devastation will still occur through natural phenomena. The entire continent of North America will break apart, Tsunamis will wash the earth <#@$_#$)>[Clean of our Sins]<)_#@>, An ice age will begin <!@#>[Freezing the Demons of Society]<#%#@> <<3xc::Error::Document Corrupted.>>

<<Rebuilding Document...>>
>...5%
>...33%
>...67%
<<Finalizing>>
<<Success.>>

And when the Earth thaws there will be nothing left but a wasteland, of desert, rock, and salt water. There is a small glimmer of light, we could survive that. We are the hardiest, most adaptable creatures on the face of this planet. We could survive. I refuse to believe this is how we end, our legacy cannot die here. Preparations have been in place for years, bunkers that could save thousands of us. The supplies could hold, we could emerge into a new world to rebuild, a world of <#@$_=)+>[Dust]<#$_7#$) <<^#$=+{}2!#$Critical Error>>
<<Rebuilding Document...>>
>...4%
<<Failed>>

Entry Date: 1/22/2035
Subject: <#{#$}>
From: ISCE
To: <-#_$%[&^}>

We are scared, panic is sweeping through the very streets as I write this. My neighbor was dragged from his home by masked thugs, they shot him and his daughter out in the front yard. Christ... she was only six. I'll be relocating soon, but I had to document this just in case something happens to me. I have a gun, by God I've never felt the need to use it until now. I don't have much time, the cars will be here soon. I'm being relocated to a shelter, specifically for important people. I would let as many in as our supplies would support, but unfortunately that's not my decision. The underground bunkers exist only in the wealthier countries, and they are filling up quickly with... specific individuals. Engineers, scientists, athletes, superstars. There is no room for the common man, only those with status and money apparently. There is widespread looting and violence. Reports from the United Kingdom came in, armed farmers took a bunker by force and closed it. It was a massacre. There are ten days left, it will be a day when all of the Earth stands still, to watch, as we die.

Every hour the object continues to increase dramatically in speed, it seems so far that the predicted calculations are correct. In a few days it will enter our system, passing by us harmlessly until it reaches the Sun, where it will come back for us. There is a cult forming, calling themselves the Edenites, they preach of The Orb as if it were a god come to deliver us from sin. They're crazy, the lot of them. Ironic though, they choose to dress in all white, instead of black. The orb is black, why would they pick white? What compels them to worship this object of destruction? Can they not see reason? Some are rumoring they are moving to take a bunker of there own, though they are tight lipped. Nobody will talk, they all have this glassy-eyed look in there eye, like hopeful children waiting for their father. They're <@#%_{&>[The Chosen]<@#$&*>. Pure Madness! How can the hope to be<#!@_-+$#^>[Brought Forth Into the Light]<#@%_?><@#$%!?> <<^&Error::Document Corrupted%>>

<Rebuilding Document>
…<#$%?>

Entry Date: <!#_+!%> 
Subject: <%&^_}?> 
From: IS<?$@>
To: <&@!(^>

Time is drawing near. God, it's so cramped in here. It's musty, and it smells like sweat. If the plumbing fails I may just hang myself. So many are missing, or haven't arrived yet. We number just over a hundred, and this place was built for so many more, a thousand at least. We wait for others, but there is talk of closing the door. A new force as rising up in this wake of catastrophe, taking advantage of the situation. For however many days are left, anyways. Cities burn across the world, and they have the audacity to make promises of a better life! But the blind like kind words, hopeful words, as long as they do not have to deal with the problems themselves. It's almost like another cult. But this one is much deadlier.

Just yesterday this new faction, Calling themselves The Forsaken, arose up out of nowhere, claiming six bunkers for themselves. These <@#%_>[Devils]<#@$..?> have us scared, but the guards assure us there are lookouts. They are the only ones with guns. Where did they take my gun? <@%?%^&*+_@$#%?>

<@#$[And in the light of the new dawn, as the fire washes over our bodies and cleanses us of sin, our soul shall shine with the purity of The Mother, we shall ascend up into the heavens, free or mortal shackles, to join our beloved Father..]#_#@%?> <//Error: Document Unreadable>

Entry Date: 2/1/2035
Subject: <Syntax:Error:[EDEN]>
From: ISCE
To: <#@%^>
<Data Partials Missing>
<Recovering..>
>...17%
>...42%
>...86%
<Success.>

This is [?] it. The [?] End is near. We watched on the monitors as [?] The Orb veiled the Earth in darkness. Less than half an hour to live, and somebody tried to hack us. They were trying to unlock the door, it's open now, only by a few inches. Those [?]massive doors can no longer save us, the crack of light radiating in from the outside lamps is blinding. Somebody tried to pry it open, the vehicle is still parked there, but the [?] guards shot them. We have the facility under control again but the door is wedged open, we can't move the vehicle. The lights are also off, the whole system has gone corrupt, something off in the distance is on fire. [?] What are these symbols? Who are the Edenites? The Mother? [?] 

I hope somebody finds this, someday. The words of a dead man. God P... I miss you so much.

[?][?]

Sincerely;
<@#%_>

P.S <?#%{?>

<Directory End>
Entry Date: 3/6/2235 
Subject: Aftermath
From:  The Watcher
To: ARK

To; The Associates of Record Keeping
A hundred years, how time flies.

February 1st, 3035. The object approached final velocity as it slingshot around the sun. What the scientists of old did not predict though; as the object passed by Saturn it shifted course erratically, passing through Saturn's rings. As a result, chunks of debris collided with our moon with such velocity that it actually slowed down. Coastal counties experience tidal phenomena but with focus turned towards The Orb, the reports were not widely known. Anyways. The total eclipse caused was not from the object itself, but from the moon. Rather, the object collided with the moon. Whether the object itself is sentient, or the reason for it's presence is or not, the moon was not a calculated factor.

This may be the sole reason the Earth did not shatter, though it did affect us dramatically, almost as dramatic as the object itself. All these unnatural forces created an entirely new world, Old Earth will forever be but a memory. This explains why there is no moon in the night sky. The frequent meteor rains are from debris orbiting our planet and being pulled in. This debris does contain some of the same properties as the object, but for unknown reasons. 

As The Orb crashed into most of central Canada, the immense force of it entering our atmosphere wreaked havoc on our Ozone Layer. That, and coupled with the plethora of natural disasters, the following wave of fire, the ice age induced by thick clouds of dust shrouding our planet; are all plausible events that have lead up to the world today. Rock, desert, barren wastelands. Most of the Earth was covered in trees and greenery, hard to believe right? 

The Northern United States broke a part broke a part as a result of the collision, you are located on one of these fragments. The World is entirely reformed, even the fault lines appear to be shifted, but that may be faulty equipment. I wouldn't attempt to weld a boat together, ocean sensors are picking up a lot of activity. Sonar blasts are systematically destroying my aquatic equipment, whatever is down there is highly intelligent. You have your warning.

The state of things still needs much explaining, but I can tell you this. For Unknown reasons the object as diminished greatly in size, it probably has the circumference of a large island now, though it exists at the bottom of the ocean floor. That's where my sensors first were destroyed by the way, coincidence? Anyways, this thing contains a host of unknown elements. This is the reason for all the modern day monsters, the adapting and failing genetic lines. The new diseases and viruses, everything that can't be explained by modern science. There is something else too.. but I must do more research before I try to explain the unfathomable. 

With all the disruptions caused by the object hitting us, our ice age was short lived thankfully, maybe a few years, ten at most. The world thawed just in time for you lot to crawl from your little holes in the ground and start again. I understand it was a rough process, I myself was a part of it. Though we did not have so many deadly creatures as we do now, though that's how it goes in a desert wilderness; Not much use for a herbivore. I'm surprised we made it at all, let alone were able to make a home out of this hostile little island. Get used to it, with whatever those are in the ocean, it's unlikely that we'll receive contact for some time.

Sincerely,
The Watcher

<Document End>
Entry Date:  2/14/2236
Subject: The Hollow
From: The Watcher
To: ARK

Dear Associates of Record Keeping;

I've been doing a lot this past year, but I have an important discovery. It seems that the object brought something with it, I'm unsure what it should be classified as; Disease? Virus? Bacteria? Any of those will do. I call it The Sickness, a fitting name really. It hits its victim through their blood. I haven't been able to figure out where it comes from, or how it infects us, but I know it comes from The Orb. It has to, let me explain.

The Subject will begin to show symptoms of a normal cold. Runny or Stuffy nose, Itchy or Sore throat, Cough, Congestion, Slight body aches or a mild headache, Sneezing, Watery eyes, Low-grade Fever, and mild fatigue. This is what makes it so hard to catch in time. These colds symptoms can last anywhere from a few days, to a week before the subject moves into stage two. Luckily for us is it not transmittable between the infected and the uninfected.

Stage two consists of only a handful of symptoms, this is what you want to look for, this is how you know somebody has The Sickness. The area around the eyes will become dramatically darker, resembling  bruising around the eyes. The victim's eyes will become spider webbed with dark lines, like an allergic irritation, but black in color.  Failure of any, or in rare cases; all, of the five sense can fail during stage two. This stage can range anywhere from a day, to a week. Typically depending on how strong and healthy the victim is, the stronger and healthier, the worse the final outcome it going to be. 

It should be noted that once a victim is confirmed stage two, death is inevitable. There is no way to stop what it going to happen. Stage Three results in death of the host, by mutation. The Sickness is like an organic, microscopic oil. Once in the body, it travels to the heart and begins replicating. Rather than attack anything specifically, it kind of oozes across the body, traveling along veins until it coats all of the proper inner workings of the human body. Upon dissection it should be noted that all organic tissue inside the host is black; The blood remains unaffected.

Stage Three never lasts more than a day or two, causing extreme weakness and fatigue. The victim will suffer a heart attack, dying human. What comes next is why I feel this can only come from The Orb. The victim's body will begin to twitch, then spasm widely; the whole process takes only a few moments. The Sickness will then move to the exterior nearly instantaneously, spreading in the blink of an eye until the victim's flesh is as black as the night. It will then evolve the host's body into a mutation, I've found that no two are every the same.

The specimen I had hear proved incredibly difficult to kill, and I was prepared. During the process of the awakening, the creature is fully aware, and is highly intelligent. This specific variation had something akin to a scorpion's tale, and two enormous, incredibly hardened shields on the arms, which it used to take cover behind as it attacked with it's tail. It also appears to have had the ability to fire acidic liquids from it's mouth in a steady stream. The results of this experiment were unfortunate, and I will no longer continue my research on live subjects.

I've dubbed these unfortunate individuals the Hollow, based off an old novel I read once.

Sincerely,
The Watcher

<Document End>
Entry Date: 9/24/2237
Subject: The Immortal
From: The Watcher
To: ARK

Dear Associates of Record Keeping; 

Further research into The Sickness has led me to a new discovery concerning stage one. According to my findings some of us can adapt. I don't know what the original purpose of this illness is, to weed out the weaker human beings and let a race of superiors reign over the new world, or as a way of eradicating all of us. Regardless, some our bodies can adapt to and utilize this foreign bio-agent in advantageous ways. These people I've been referring to as The Immortals, though I have not come across any specimens that actually are immortal, it was just a fitting name.

The subject in question will experience all the symptoms of stage one, but that's where it stops. Instead of contaminating the organic tissue of the body, this foreign agent for some reason will attach itself to the productive area of the heart, forming a bond with the blood cells, unlike those who contract the lethal version of this. Once the Stage One symptoms pass the host of this mutated version of The Sickness will experience a way to cause unnatural phenomena willingly. I call this alternate version of The Sickness, The Spark. It acts like a catalyst that allows The Immortals to cause specific phenomena at will, without it these feats would be impossible. 

I actually had two subjects to analyze this time. Subject A was able to manipulate organic plant matter within a mile radius, subjecting the plants to his will in such a way that he could cause them to sprout roots of varying sizes, with can span a length itself of one mile. He was unable to change the atomic properties of the flower, into anything other than what it was. This phenomena seems specifically focused on the grow and control of these vines. 

Subject B was able to manipulate ink of any variation. We tested will both common writing ink, and an organic ink compound found within specific species of aquatic animals. She was able to manipulate this material wholly, but was unable to materialize it such as Subject A could. She was able to however make it move to her will, including hovering in the air, and way able to make it obtain any dimension of shape, down to the finest of details. It can be of no coincidence that this particular subject enjoyed painting, her works of art typically made using ink.

These Immortals are astounding, but also incredibly dangerous. Subject A had a mental breakdown and was easily able to rip a hole through the facility, even though his participation was completely voluntarily. Subject B is capable of tracking ink she has previously manipulated, and we are going to do our best to apprehend Subject A before he hurts anybody, but caution is advised.

It is still quite unclear what causes this whole process, but the results can vary widely. Though, this is just speculation, two people could share the same phenomena inducing powers. I would like to study that.

Sincerely,
The Watcher

<Document End>
Entry Date: <!@$?>
Subject: The Spark
From: The Watcher
To: ARK

Dear Associates of Record Keeping; 

Prolonged studies have shown something incredibly astounding about these Immortals, about their drive, their Spark. Within each host, we know, resides a variant strain of The Sickness. What we didn't know, something we couldn't comprehend at the time, is this is not just a virus. It's a sentient, living creature. It seems impossible, but let me explain.

When contracted, The Spark is nothing more than a virus in likeness. But, as it finds a host and develops, it becomes intelligent. It doesn't replicate itself through Mitosis within the bloodstream, those fragments are actually pieces of its body. Not only that, but it doesn't just attach to the blood, it latches onto everything. Every atomic building block that makes up an Immortal, also shares space with the Spark. The nature of this relationship is symbiotic, however I have been unable to discern why the Spark is unable to separate itself from its host. Small gene splicing experiments proved successful, but only for a short while. Without the host, the Spark will die. Additionally, the separated atoms have an atomic attract with one another, meaning if they come in too close of a proximity they will merge. The Spark's atoms seem to actively seek out it's former counterpart. Putting the Spark's atom, with one other than it's host will not start the merging process. However, when applying an extreme situation, the Spark will join. It will choose to live.

Somehow the phenomena the Immortals possess is linked to this process. Merging with a new host, under certain circumstances, will evolve a new phenomena. Without such stipulations, the Spark will not merge with anything other than its host. I have been unsuccessful in trying to decrypt this genetic algorithm. What is the link between the three?

I've had many subjects to analyze, and I've come to the conclusion that each Spark has a personality as well. Some subjects seemed able to converse with a voice in their head. Preliminary results showed Dissociative Identity Disorder. However, recent findings bring to light proof of the Dual-Soul Theory. Two souls inhabiting one body. Some subjects are able to hold a mental conversation with the spark, but they seem unable to change conscious places.

It should also be noted that the Sparks name themselves. They are fully aware, sentient beings, that can learn and experience emotion just as we do. Though, each different spark seems to be strongly associated with a different emotion like Sorrow, or Haughtiness.

<Document End>
Entry Date:<!@#_)?>
Subject: The Awakening
From: Th? W?tch?r
To: ARK

A video of poor quality and reception plays. A man's face appears on the screen, although it is pixelated and no detail can be made out. The visual cuts out for a moment, replaced by slowly ascending black lines and static, before cutting back in. A fire rages in the background, and beastial howl, followed by gunfire and explosions obscure the man's voice.

"I don't know if I'm going to live through this," he begins. An explosion jars the camera, throwing the man forward as he turns to look behind him. His face appears back on the camera a moment later as he straightens is. "These findings must be reported!" He shouts, covering his head from falling debris as a large explosion shakes the facility once more. A terrifying screech resounds throughout the speakers of the terminal. 

"My god.. do you hear it?" As if to emphasise his point the screech came again, so powerful this time the camera's image freezes and distorts."If you are researching these monsters, Stop!" He shouts desperately, looking around him in a panic. "These.. These people are not human! They are here only to destroy us!"

Gunfire fills the speakers as the screen lights up with bright light. The scientist whips around quickly, the sounds of something enormous crashing through a wall are audible as the camera topples from its position onto the floor. The new image shows a better angle of the destruction wreaked upon the lab, although this room looks far more intact than those farther off in the image. Small rubble litters the floor, as do overturned gurney's surrounded by smashed glass. Paper lies everywhere, and off towards the left a bloodied hand is visible, without the rest of its body. 

"Doctor-" The creature's scream drowns out the voice of the new arrival, followed by a hail of gunfire. The image warps again and a white static emits. When the image comes back the pixeled doctor is back. He is on the floor, staring into the camera.

"Kill them.. YOU MUST KILL TH-" The figure is dragged away screaming in agony. The partial image of a soldier steps into view, their weapon's muzzle ablaze as they fire on the large shadowy mass dragging the doctor away. He screams for what seems an Eternity as he is dragged down the hall. The camera is shaking too much, and the resolution is too poor to make out any identifying qualities of the monster disappearing around a corner. 

"GO GO GO!" The soldier shouts. Her footsteps are joined by many others as they charge through the room, some of them seem to be carrying very heavy weapons. The reach the hallway, "FIRE!" The soldier screams as she charges down the hallway, a fresh magazine in her weapon. Two the soldiers take a knee, firing large tube like weapons. A metallic screech emits from their weapon, leaving a trail of smoke. A split second later two explosions jar the facility, and the camera. But the image persists.

A black armored figure mottled with red blood soars down the hallway, crossing the visible, adjoining hallway, and continuing further down out of site. The soldiers begin to backup slowly, as the rocketiers reload. A blackened blur pierces through one of the rocket soldiers. His screams fade quickly as he is whipped out of sight, towards the direction of the creature. The second rocket soldier manages to reload, but is stabbed faster than the video can capture, and whipped away.

"Retreat! Retreat! Run for your lives!" One of the soldiers yells, running down the hallway. The beast appears back into view with a snarl. It's tail rips through the fleeing soldier with such speed that the corpse doesn't stop moving as the soldier's blood sprays out in a mist in front of them. The body loses its velocity as it falls into two halves, cut diagonally across the torso.

Suddenly the camera moves, upwards and away from the creature. Through the rapid motion and blurred images a battalion of soldiers moving towards the creature are barely visible. A new wave of gunfire emits through the speakers of the terminal, accompanied by familiar explosions. The camera jostles as the person carrying it flees. The person trips, and the camera spins as it slows to a stop. The image falls onto a white robed figure, with an auto-pixelated face.

The last sounds played through the video are those of footsteps pounding closer, and the crunch of the camera being crushed. 

<Video End>

Rain: It nearly never rains on Dust, at least not naturally. While the days may become cloudy or overcast, the only causes of rain are unnatural occurrences.
Meteorite Showers: From time to time rocks will pummel the Earth, varying in size from marbles to baseballs. These meteorites are either white or dusty gray, porous, and typically come down aflame.
Dust Storms: Are pretty common among the sandier, dune areas. Though these dense clouds of sand can pick up anywhere on the island. Speeds and intensity vary, from being gently buried alive to having your clothes and flesh torn from your body.
Heat Quakes: Rarely the earth with tremble and split, creating a heat fissure. Some of these fissures have been reported to release founts of magma.

Immortal Key Points:
Immortals must have an eye mutation, other mutations are optional.
Immortals are resistant to other Immortal's phenomena.
An Immortal's power must derive from an extreme situation explained through the backstory.
An Immortal may never directly apply their power inside of someone.
An Immortal may never manipulate relatable components from withinside someone.
An Immortal may never directly manipulate an object another Immortal is wielding.
An Immortal may never fly. Levitation is allowed, but must be discussed with me.

The Spark Key Points:The Sparks have their own personality, and names, and share mental occupancy of the Immortal's body.
The Spark may choose to mentally converse with the Immortal, or not.
The Spark's name must follow the guideline of name and title. Example: Aeshma the Hunter.
The Spark may be associated with specific emotion(s), and may influence the Immortal's based on this.
Some Sparks may know each other's names, titles, emotional associations, and/or personality. Nothing else.
Sparks may observe things through the Immortal's eyes that the Immortal may not remember or notice.

The Awakened Key Points:An Immortal may not communicate with their spark until at least partially awakened.
A spark may influence an Immortal's emotions, retain memories, and look their eyes without being awakened.
An Immortal may not become awakened without my approval.
The Immortal may swap consciousness with their Spark only during the awakened state.
A partially awakened Immortal may not revert back to their normal state, until fully awakened first.
An Immortal needs to meet a certain criteria of conditions to become awakened.
An awakened Immortal will always be more powerful than an unawakened, or partially awakened.
An awakened Immortal may have increased abilities, and/or new abilities.
An awakened Immortal will always be covered in a black chitin, or carapace like armor.
The Immortal's body resides within this armor.
If the awakened armor is broken, the awakened state is dispelled.
Awakened states may range from beastial to humanoid, sentient to feral, controlled to uncontrollable.
Awakened armor is impervious to all but the highest caliber firearms.
The awakened state is not instant, and times may vary.
An Immortal may not consciously enter their awakened state, there must be a "trigger".

Hollow Key Points:
Hollow Variations:
Humanoids: These hollows can range from typical humanoid size, to much larger. Normally they tend to be between 5 and 12 feet in height. These humanoid hollows are not limited to humanoid specific features.
Behemoths: These hollows are normally very large, and can range anywhere from a large vehicle to a small building. It is speculated that these hollow have the potential to become much bigger.
Hordes: These hollows are typically very small, and act as their name suggests. Typically reported in sizes from large insects, to small animals, and can range in numbers from dozens to thousands. Hollow Classifications do not apply to hordes.

Class 1 Hollows:
Can typically be handled by a group of armed civilians, a few guards, or an Immortal.
Class 2 Hollows:
Can typically be handled by a large group of well armed civilians, a guard squadron, or an Immortal.
Class 3 Hollows:
Can typically be handled by multiple squadrons of guards, or 2+ Immortals.
Class 4 Hollows:
Can typically be handled by an army, with vehicles, and artillery, or 4+ Immortals.
Class 5 Hollows:
Kill yourself.
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