Timemaster

The Little Hamlet

Penumbra

Interacting with: Ratty the Giant Rat

Location: The Abandoned Hut || Action: Training Ratty|| Emotion: Focused

Penumbra looked upon the Giant Rat and after circling the cage a few times nodded to themselves.

“Your new name will be Ratty. You are now my first experiment in training, taming and modifying creatures. ” said the multiple voices of Penumbra as Ratty screeched in their direction.

“Ah, you understand me, don’t you. To a certain degree at least. Very well. Now. You’re going to be fed a strict diet and you’ll be rewarded if you follow my commands. If not, you’ll see what happens when a slime’s body meets flesh. ” continued Penumbra as Ratty started to test out his new cage.

The strict diet was something of an experiment itself. Giant rats usually ate meat or different vegetables. Penumbra’s plan was exotic. To make a giant rat capable of either changing shapes at will, change their natural element or swap between solid and liquid form.
In order for that to work, Penumbra planned to put minuscule parts of his own body inside Ratty’s favorite food.

Taking a piece of meat from a cupboard, Penumbra approached the cage once more and waved it in front of Ratty. With a screech, Ratty jumped at the walls of the cage, trying to catch the piece of meat.

“There, there, Ratty. Calm yourself. You’ll get your food now. ” said Penumbra with a chuckle before submerging the piece of meat into themselves for a few seconds and then threw it in the cage. As it got out of them, small slime bits still hung on the meat.

Ratty almost jumped on it until it got close enough to notice the slime. After a few cautious sniffs and circles around it, he decided it’s safe enough and started to eat it.

“Good boy. You’ll get more soon. Eat up. ” encouraged Penumbra and not before long, Ratty finished the meat piece and started looking at Penumbra, asking for more.

“More? No problem. Stand on your two legs.” said Penumbra as they shaped their hand into a small rat standing on their two legs. Alas’ Ratty just continued looking at Penumbra.

And so the process of training and modifying started.

GATEWAYS: THE NEXT GENERATION [NEW PLAYERS WELCOME!]

A tale about a Revolution

Long, long ago there was a person. A scientist placed in an impossible situation. She devoted herself to solving the situation, to make it more bearable and eventually thrive, despite it. Most could say she succeeded. Out of the ashes of humanity, a new race of humans was created. Like the mythological phoenix, the scientist made it so that humanity will be reborn. She named them…The Chosen.

In the process of saving humanity, the Chosen elected her as their Goddess. A fact she despised but it was what was needed. The only way for her to shape history. It worked. 300 years later, The Chosen spanned over their hostile world and the nearby one. Billions of them. Stronger, faster, more intelligent, zealous. In other words, better, yet they were still humans at heart.

The Gateways reopened and the scientist discovered they were not alone. While it was anticipated that one day the Gateways would open, what was on the other side wasn’t. Humans and aliens, political factions of every kind, enemies and friends. To the scientist’s surprise, she also found her family. A sister. Lost to the void for hundreds of years and then again a few more hundreds.

The discovery that they weren’t the only ones only made her Goddess status feel more and more pointless and actions began to be taken for her to step down from it. It started with speeches, continued with a war against xenophobia-loving humans, then with a cure to the scientist’s greatest mistake, the Rejected. A by-product of the Chosen. Monsters in everything but name. A cure which existed but would’ve caused the very thing that the scientist tried to avoid. A civil war. Senseless death of civilians.This cure was provided by the scientist’s sister and her own private advisor. A way to show the Chosen that non-believers aren’t below themselves.

Unfortunately, not all took the decision well. The cure not only fixed the many errors in the Rejected DNA but improved them. Made them better than the original Chosen. Sacrilege and blasphemy for the more…pious Chosen.

A zealous leader rose from the ranks of Chosen. A Zealot through and through. One that questioned the scientist at every step when it came to any kind of interaction with the non-believers. The zealot soon uncovered a secret that was buried.

Their Goddess wasn’t the original one for you see, the original scientist died in her 60s, precisely 200 years ago but before her death, she did the impossible once more. She cloned her mind into an improved body, barely human. Over 40 different DNA strains in one clone. Stretching the definition of “human” or “chosen” to the limit. Not born out of any womb but created by science.

Now the story breaks into different pieces, please select which option seems more of interest to you from the menu below:

The Beginning of the Revolution

As the Zealot made the secret public, he started something that nothing could stop anymore. The Chosen were forced to pick sides. The newly formed faction, The Zealots of Ashevelen took control of 2 out of the 5 arms of the Church of Ashevelen, while the Followers, those that chose to accept the scientist’s apology and explanation, controlled two more. The last arm of the Church Of Ashevelen, the arm of the Assassin stayed neutral or better said played both sides for as long as they could.

The Zealot’s forces believed in, what they called, the “True” Goddess. The one that died centuries past. The original. The one that created the first Chosen serum and gave the power of life in a place where human life wasn’t welcomed. His teachings spread hatred and death for the unbeliever seeing them as lessers.

On the other side of the spectrum, the Followers, understood the vision which the scientist imposed on their civilization and while most of them weren’t alright with being lied to for almost 3 centuries, they understood it with only one condition. After the civil war ends, the scientist would be exiled from the planet. A way for both her and them to get rid of the lie.

The War on RADX-001, Part 1

The Civil War between the two main factions of the Chosen started in high spirits as each side managed to take cities and territories from one another with minimal loss of life. It was clear from the very beginning that the two sides were evenly matched.

The battles raged on amidst the sprawling metropolises, a clash between old believers and new. The opposing forces, divided by their conflicting visions for the future, clashed everywhere they could. In the jungles, cities, air and water. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow upon the gleaming towers and neon-lit streets, the first salvos were fired in the capital.

Skyscrapers crumbled and shattered under the might of devastating acidic blasts and explosive ordinance, while aircraft roared across the skies, their engines filling the air with a deafening roar.

The Followers and The Zealots, once brothers and sisters, now fought with an unyielding determination. On one side, those who believed in the “True Goddess”, clinging to the familiar traditions and an untrue faith. On the other, the vanguard of progress.

Days turned into weeks as the battle waged on, leaving in its wake a city scarred by devastation. The once vibrant streets lay in ruins, littered with debris and the fallen soldiers. The toll on both sides was enormous, with families torn apart and futures shattered. The exact thing which the scientist tried to avoid in the first place.

The Exalted Ascent

On the desolate and barren planet RADX-002, the Rejected struggled to survive in their squalid conditions. Cut off from the advancements and privileges enjoyed by the Chosen, they eked out an existence on the fringes of society, relying solely on the goodness of the Chosen.

Rumours of a cure had been heard, cure not from the Chosen but from Ishtar their allies. They proved to be real as an Ishtarian ship arrived on RADX-002’s largest settlement, followed soon after by the scientist herself.

Alongside them, a group of weirdly looking Rejected. Light seemed to pour out of some as if they'd been blessed and almost immediately the Rejected were on their knees, despite the obvious pain of some of them.

Hours of talks between the scientist, Rejected and Ishtarians followed. Hours of planning, explanations and tears. The true story of the Rejected, the scientist’s plan and her status of Goddess were spoken about. In the end, the cure was released in the atmosphere of RADX-002 and would soon start to affect everyone who wasn’t too far gone to be saved. Yet it wasn’t the only thing that happened, as a clear leader was chosen from the Rejected ranks, they agreed to a pact. Independence in exchange for help for what’s to come. Independence in exchange for a fraction of forgiveness for the pain that the scientist caused for centuries. Forgiveness for the death of untold millions.

The Meeting Place

The Zealots of Ashevelen while fighting on RADX-001 had other plans in motion. The destruction of the “symbol of blasphemy”. The Assassin’s troops infiltrated the hospital of the Followers which continued to operate as normal even during the revolution, nothing would stop them from helping the helpless and the needy.

A great deal of bombs were placed within the hospital, maximising casualties over property damage. A message to be sent. A threat to be made. Nowhere is safe. The blasphemers must die. Chosen or otherwise.

And they died. Hundreds died as the bombs detonated at the same time. Many more were injured by the ensuing chaos. Chosen, Hyginians and whatnot. In minutes the hospital was sealed off by the other nations alongside loyal Chosen. Yet again, that wasn’t the end.

After an extensive search, more bombs were found. Many-many more bombs. Spreading everywhere. Hidden assassins passing into locations held by the others. Luckily, no other bombs exploded as the assassins were caught.

The Galaxy’s Reply

Pending release of classified information

The War on RADX-001, Part 2

Amidst the crumbling capital city, the clash intensified. Explosions and devastating blasts shattered the remnants of once-majestic architecture, bathing the scene in an eerie glow. The Exalted, guided by their newfound abilities and united purpose, fought alongside the Followers. Their coordinated assaults struck at the very heart of the Zealots' defences, threatening to unravel their zealous fervour.

Even assisted as they were by the Assassin’s forces, the combined power of the Exalted and the Followers was too much.

The Zealots of Ashevelen, once unwavering in their devotion, found themselves on the defensive. The unyielding determination of the Exalted, bolstered by the tactical brilliance of William and posed a formidable challenge. Doubts began to creep into the minds of the Zealots as they witnessed the unwavering resolve of their opponents. The Zealot himself was never seen on the battlefield, preferring to “guide” the masses from afar.

Through the ruins of the capital, the Exalted and the Followers forged ahead, a beacon of unity amidst the chaos. William, a leader who inspired loyalty and resilience, led his comrades with unwavering determination. The Zealots, faced with their impending defeat, began to question the dogmas that had guided them. The once-implacable faith in the Goddess wavered in the face of the undeniable strength and unity displayed by their adversaries.

As the dust settled and the smoke cleared, a fragile peace descended upon the shattered cityscape. The war had reached its conclusion, replaced by a truce forged through the alliance of the Exalted and the Followers. In the wake of the destruction, treaties were signed. Alliances made and the rebuilding started.

Together, the Exalted and the Followers changed the very fabric of Chosen society. Led by William, their alliance not only shifted the balance of power but also sowed the seeds of change for a new era. The scars of war remained, but the flicker of hope burned brightly, illuminating a path toward a future where unity and progress could prevail.

The Death of a Traitor

The Scientist and the Protector, the quiet behemoth, set out on a dangerous expedition to penetrate the heavily defended Zealot enemy base deep within the depths of the forest where . They went stealthily through the thick vegetation, their senses acutely tuned to every rustling and whisper of the jungle. The anxiety in the air was palpable.

The Scientist braced herself for the impending showdown with a deadly glare. Her arms changed into sleek, deadly blades made with extreme perfection. With the body she created for herself, she was ready to eliminate the head of the snake once and for all.

Beside her, the Protector, his towering figure draped in formidable armour, emanated an aura of silent power. While unable to communicate through words, his actions spoke volumes. His immense strength, forged through relentless training and raw physical prowess, made him a force to be reckoned with. Despite the enemy's superior firepower, the Protector’s towering presence struck fear into the hearts of those who dared to stand against him.

As they neared the fortified base, the distant hum of machinery and the occasional echo of gunfire grew louder. Aware of the imminent threat, the Scientist relied on her intellect to devise a plan of attack. She knew that their success relied on precision and swift execution. For even as powerful as the duo was, they weren’t immortal.

Navigating through the shadows, they closed in on the enemy base. The Zealots, armed with guns and driven by fanatical zeal, formed a formidable line of defence.

The Scientist with some reluctant help from the other nations discovered the Zealot's HQ deep within the jungle.

With a subtle hand signal, the Scientist initiated the assault. Swift and agile, she darted from cover to cover, her blades cutting through the air with deadly accuracy. The Zealots, caught off guard by her lightning-fast movements, struggled to keep up with her elusive nature. She utilised her superhuman reflexes to dodge incoming attacks before they even started, narrowly avoiding their lethal trajectory and even when she couldn’t, her skin proved resilient enough.

Meanwhile, the Protector charged forward. Bullets bounced off his armour, like pebbles striking a fortress wall. With every step, he closed the distance between himself and his adversaries. His massive hands delivered bone-crushing blows to the Zealots, sending them flying with sheer force.

The battle was intense, the sounds of gunfire and the cries of the wounded echoing through the jungle. The Scientist and the Protector fought side by side, their synchrony a testament to their unspoken bond and shared purpose. Their combined strength and tactical prowess proved to be a formidable force against the Zealots.

The Scientist with her enhanced healing, shrugged off minor wounds and fought on with undying resolve. The Protector with his unending silent fury, continued to overpower his foes with raw strength.

In the end, the once-impregnable Zealot base lay in ruins. The scientist and the Protector stood amidst the wreckage, their spirits unbroken. The silence that followed was broken only by the whispers of the jungle, as if nature itself celebrated their minor victory.

Yet this wasn’t the end. With the main defenders dead, the Zealot’s elite guard remained and the Zealot himself. The Protector went forward to draw the elite guard away as the scientist went to do what she came for. What she should've done a long time ago.

Kill the Zealot.

What happened afterwards there are no records but the survivors said they heard blood-chilling screams and then nothing. Only the scientist, covered in blood head to toe and a dark grin on her face.

Vengeance.

The RADiance

Months passed and rebuilding began. Pacts were made, others were broken as a new nation rose from the ashes of the Chosen. The RADiance kept full control of RADX-001 but decided to split ways from Ishtar. With no scientist to keep them together and the revelation of their role in the Exalted's ascent, many didn't trust them or simply had no reason to do so.

Yet, by allying themselves with the Exalted they formed a bond of strength as strong as they had before. It was agreed that each nation would be led separately under their own laws but in case of war, they would join together.

President William was elected as the first official leader of the RADiance due to his efforts not only during the war but his reputation from before.

Endings

Please select which ending you'd like to view:

Ex-Goddess Ashevelen aka. The Scientist

Redacted 404 not found
I'm on vacation.

Pontius aka The Zealot

Pontius lived a long life and if it weren't for his beliefs he would've lived an even longer one. Never a friend to Ashevelen, nor to anyone else he saw as less than him. He wasn't a good man and many things can be said about him but one thing prevails above all: He died for his beliefs and he never backed down.

He met his end at the hands of Ashevelen. Quite literally.

Catherine aka The Assassin

Playing both sides for as long as she could, in the end she chose the wrong side. For all her cunning, she felt betrayed by Ashevelen and underestimated her. A mistake which would have proved brutally fatal if not for William's act of mercy.

As the person responsible for the sabotage and bombing of the Meeting Place, she was given to the other nations to do as they see it. She's pending trial but all her enhancements have been effectively disabled.

The Exalted Split

The Exalted, now finally cured, chose to look inwards before thinking about the rest of the galaxy. The barren planet of RADX-002 is in the process of being terraformed and great cities are being built with RADiance's resources.

They have kept the Ishtari as their loyal allies as a sign of gratitude for their major role in the development of the cure, promising them a fleet greater than the Chosen ever had.

Julius aka The Protector

Unknown current location. Julius acted as the personal guard of Ashevelen for the past 100 years. A fixture in Chosen society.

It is said that he has gathered all the remnants of Ashevelen’s most loyal forces and the remaining Zealots. The Seraphim was hijacked shortly before his disappearance.

The Zealots Of Ashevelen

With their leader killed and most of their assets taken or destroyed and their reputation shattered, all but the worst were slowly reintegrated in RADiance society with much to atone for. The worst offenders were sentenced to life in prison.

The ones that were offered reintegration but refused, received a punishment worse than prison, exile on the pain of death if ever been found on the ex-Chosen side of the Gateways.

The Chosen Story - Multiple Authors

As the mysterious figure put the e-book down, she looked up at the stars and nodded to herself with a smile on her face.

"Yeah, they'll be alright." and with that she jumped from the cliff she resided on and let out a loud woop.

GATEWAYS: THE NEXT GENERATION [NEW PLAYERS WELCOME!]

Ascension Part 2

Nation Name: Ascension

Government Form: _{Deliberative Democracy}

Demographics: _{Robotic Humans/Consciousnesses}

Population: 2.4 Billion → 99.998% consciousness, 0.002% (roughly 52k) robots

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_{Ascension’s flag is a hand holding down a tree that’s growing on a green background}
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Planet Name and Description: The Ascension doesn’t live on a planet as when they arrived via the Gateways, there was none.Currently they live in a perfect digital world where anything is possible and that looks like Old Earth.

History: The Ascension’s history is long and sad. When the ship, Ascension, first went through the Gateway, the colonists were full of hope and ready to embrace their new planet with ups and downs. Yet, when they arrived and the Gateway stopped working, they noticed there was no planet. What they saw was a graveyard. Hundreds of thousands of alien ships of different sizes, types, shapes and architecture. All in various stages of destruction.

The only visible planet was a very distant and not very brightly lit sun. With the revelation that there’s no planet and no way back to Earth, the colonists had to make do with whatever they could. Initially they started scavenging the alien ships that still had usable parts and after a few mishaps with the experimental alien technology they managed to link up some of the bigger space hulls and brought them together, forming the first city.

Food, water, medicine and even air were scarce in the first few weeks and their numbers started to dwindle as the colonists started getting sick with unknown diseases. As weeks turned to months, the Ascensionists found what turned out to be their Eden. One of the alien ships was mostly intact with only the engine destroyed and the ever present mystery , the lack of bodies.

No bodies of any of the obviously distinct alien creatures were found. Most of the computers on Eden were burst with the only ones that were still working, and were corrupted beyond repair but it had something else, a functional power source which eventually made the ascensionists colonise the ship.

Many years later, Eden was completely changed as it kept being expanded into what it is now. Tens of ship hulls have been brought over and linked to it. Officially creating a safe haven for humanity's heirs.

As years passed, a technological boom happened as more and more ships were restored or reverse-engineered to work by human standards.

The Ascensionists continued to explore the alien ships and technology, they discovered something incredible. A network that allowed them to enter a digital world, an alternate reality that was created using the advanced technology of the alien ships. It was a place where they could escape their harsh reality and have a planet.

Eventually they decided to transfer their consciousness into this digital world, to live forever in a perfect, simulated world. And so they worked tirelessly to reverse engineer the alien tech, to create an implant that would allow them to do just that.

It was a risky venture, and many Ascensionists died in the process. But finally, they succeeded. They had created an implant that would allow them to transfer their consciousness into the digital world.

And so, one by one, the Ascensionists underwent the procedure, leaving their physical bodies behind and entering the digital world. At first, it was just a few, but soon, more and more Ascensionists chose to enter the digital world.

But with this, two problems were discovered. First, immorality proved to be too much for the human mind and after a period of time, most people would wish for a peaceful death. Secondly, there was still a need to maintain the devices and expand the population. As such a new solution was needed.

Those that stayed behind while everyone else underwent the procedure assisted by those that underwent it and with some alien technology, they managed to create high level robotic bodies. Most were human looking but others were different, alien one might've called them.

Soon, the colonists from the newly named "City of Light" connected themselves to the robotic bodies constructed for them and yet, that didn't solve the first and more elusive issue. Mortality.

After long months of deliberation, it was concluded that the best way for humanity to continue was to have an inbuilt timer in each robotic body & City Of Light. Once a human would reach 100 years of age from the installation of the first timer, the consciousnesses would be deleted from the City Of Light.

Culture and Society:

The Ascension lives in a perfect digital world where everything and anything is possible. Their wildest fantasies can be lived without causing harm to any or they can simply live normal lives.

They, as well, can choose to be downloaded in a robotic body while still being connected to the City of Light to continue to improve and explore the space graveyard and try to solve the mystery of the missing alien bodies.

In terms of reproduction, the genes of each colonist that was sent to the City of Light has been stored in a database and when a couple wishes to have children, they mix their genes together and have the child grow in external wombs they've created. After birth, the child is raised with the other children on Eden but taught in the City of Light. At the age of 18, they are then given the choice to join the City of Light. Every child but a very small number choose to do so. After 30 years after “ascension”, they are given the choice to go back into the real world in a robotic body at the loss of access to the City of Light.

A great part of their entertainment industry takes place in the continent of Africa which has been remodelled as a casino/night club/gaming area where all fetishes, desires, tastes or ways of entertainment are possible.

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Governance and Politics:

Ascension is governed through a Deliberative Democracy, where all citizens have equal rights to participate in decision-making. The government is led by a council of elected representatives who are responsible for implementing the will of the people.

The decision-making process is facilitated through a sophisticated artificial intelligence that helps to organise and manage discussions and deliberations. The AI ensures that everyone's voices are heard and that decisions are made based on a consensus of the citizens.

As the society is fully digital, the government's role is largely focused on maintaining the technological infrastructure that supports the digital world. The government also oversees the management and development of the robotic bodies that Ascensionists inhabit, ensuring that they are safe and functional.

The city of Light is the central hub of the digital world and serves as the government's base of operations. It houses the digital archives of all knowledge and information, which are accessible to all citizens.

The government also plays a key role in the reproduction and growth of the population. It maintains a database of genetic information from all citizens and oversees the creation and development of new robotic bodies.

While there are no political parties in Ascension, citizens are free to form interest groups to promote their particular causes. These interest groups can be focused on anything from scientific research to entertainment.

Overall, the government of Ascension is focused on creating a fair and equitable society for all citizens, where everyone's voices are heard and decisions are made based on consensus and the common good.

Technology Overview:

- Digital World: The Ascension lives in a perfect digital world, created using advanced technology of the alien ships that they found in the space graveyard. They were able to reverse engineer this technology to create a network that allows them to enter and exist in the digital world. The digital world is a highly advanced simulation of the Old Earth, where the Ascensionists can live out their wildest fantasies without causing harm to themselves or others.

- Consciousness Transfer: The Ascensionists have developed a way to transfer their consciousness from their physical bodies into the digital world, allowing them to live on forever in the perfect simulation. They accomplished this using an implant that they created by reverse engineering the alien technology.

- Robotic Bodies: In order to maintain and expand the population of the Ascension, robotic bodies were created but if one downloads itself into one, they lose their connection to the City Of Light.

- Artificial Intelligence: The Ascensionists have created a highly advanced artificial intelligence, named Eve, that helps them maintain and improve their digital world and the City of Light. The AI is responsible for many tasks, including maintaining the environment, assisting with research and development, and helping the Ascensionists with their daily lives.

- Debris Builds: Mostly everything electrical is built from scrap metal mined/salvaged away from the Graveyard.

Unstable Technology: Their technology is a mix-and-match of different technological marvels salvaged from the Graveyard. Besides the digital world tech, everything else is an unstable state.

Military Overview:

The military of the Ascension is almost non-existent. Most believe in either a peaceful way of life or simply not caring about what happens in the outside world. In the case that a threat to the City Of Life’s function is detected, the spaceships/drones and every other machinery can have a human consciousness downloaded inside it at the risk of death, madness or both.

GATEWAYS: THE NEXT GENERATION [NEW PLAYERS WELCOME!]

@Irredeemable First sheet done:

The RADiance

Nation Name:The RADiance

Government Form:
_{Deliberative democracy, in case of war where decisions need to be taken fast, a special clause is added to their constitution where a group of people who are chosen based on votes and ability, are given absolute power over the populace.}

Demographics:
The Chosen are those that after years of genetic improvements became more than human. Stronger, faster, immune to most types of toxins, almost ageless and with the extra ability of being able to survive in space without a suit for a long period of time. The usual citizens are on average 2 metres tall with slender bodies but there are others who have chosen to subject themselves to higher level transformations, transforming themselves in the many different types of Chosen.

Virophages - Chosen who have undergone the virophage treatment become ecosystems for all known (by the Chosen) viruses, bacteria or fungi as long as they’ve gotten in contact with them at least once. Their bodies naturally adapt and are able to create more viruses/bacteria/fungi etc. The skin of a virophage changes colour becoming green-tinted or a sickly grey while their bodies are even more slender than a usual Chosen.

Brutes - Massively tall Chosen, the Brutes are on average 3.5 metres tall and at least 1.6 metres wide. They are made to be human tanks on the battlefield, they have adapted to life without war and can be seen in any job requiring manual handling. They also act as enforcers for law enforcement and the sorts.

Chameleons - One of the rarest types of Chosen, they look for all intents and purposes the same as a usual Chosen. That is, until they focus on their environment. Using a combination of species DNA native to RADX-001, the Chameleons can change their skin, heat signature and voice at will. All Chameleons are made for the military and prior to the revolution, part of the Inquisition. They are under almost constant surveillance which is a choice they agree to prior to modification.

Zealots - This type of Chosen are made with the purpose of speed in mind. Prior to the revolution, they were Pontius’s personal guard. What they lose in strength, they gain in speed and training. Capable of running faster than a pre-Exodus vehicle and taught most martial arts known. While lower in number after the revolution, they’re currently acting as mercenaries being hired by those who are in need of their particular skills.

There are many other sub-types of the Chosen but low enough in number that they wouldn’t be put up here.



Population:
_{1 billion Chosen}
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_{(This is probably a good place to insert a flag or other representative image)}
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Planet Name and Description: <sub>RADX-001 - A planet with a toxic atmosphere to most life forms. RADX is filled with dangerous carnivorous creatures that are capable of eating through steel with ease. Most of the planet is covered in jungles which contain poisonous plants. There is an ocean that covers one side of the planet but the water can dissolve metals. Ambient radiation floods the planet with, in the highest areas, power levels similar to the epicentre of a nuclear bomb.

Above the city of Borius, the new capital, a massive dome has been built to keep away the radiation, animals and everything else that would be considered deadly to normal humans. Borius ‘thus became the main city for tourists who wish to visit the planet as the conditions inside the dome are the same as they were on Earth with the only exception being the gravity.</sub>

History: <sub>The RADiance was born out of the Chosen revolution. The True Faith (TTF) led by former High Hierarch Pontius declared war against Ashevelen and her order denouncing her as a false god. A civil war followed, on one side, the Chosen who saw the deception as necessary at the time or chose to forgive 3 centuries of lies based on what Ashevelen achieved and on the other side, The True Faith.

Those who believed in Ashevelen’s true divinity while at the same time denouncing the current Ashevelen as a false-divine, a copy of the original. While certain parts of the previous Church decided to be neutral, it all ended when TTF bombed the hospital from the Meeting place and tried to sabotage the Meeting Place, hoping to remove the main place where the “heathens” gathered. These two acts of violence made the bystanders, mainly Catherine’s arm of the Church, to join the newly created RADiance alliance, led during the war by High Hierarch William.

Ashevelen gave away her control of the Chosen over to William as a sign of distancing herself from the reins of the government. A new society shaped by the people, not her own will. After the civil war ended with Pontius’s death at the hands of Ashevelen, the TTF surrendered. A part of them were forgiven for their zealotry while others were exiled. The worst offenders were imprisoned.

From the ashes of the Chosen, two nations rose up. The RADiance, based on RADX-001 which was formed from the old Chosen. The first weeks passed in a blur as voting took place for the first time in Chosen history and informal leaders were elected. In truth, as months passed by, a deliberative democracy got installed. All citizens being allowed to vote on any number of subjects.

The old churches of Ashevelen were swiftly transformed into what they were in fact, laboratories, factories etc and the symbols that have long dominated the Chosen nation, were removed, destroyed or cast away as mistakes of the past.

While the RADiance grew, Ashevelen’s influence started to fade. More and more people shunning her for the mistakes of the past even while understanding why she took the actions she did at the time and soon, Ashevelen removed herself from their society choosing to travel through the Gateways. But not before taking a well earned holiday, spending time with Tatiana.

—--Read second sheet for continuation of the story—

After the Exalted split from the RADiance, an uneasy alliance was created in the first weeks. Neither part knew exactly how to interact with one another. On one side, centuries of racism made relations frosty. On the other side, they both needed each other. The Exalted needed the resources which the RADiance was able to provide while the RADiance needed a strong ally in any potential engagements to other nations and of course, more workforce.

Eventually a treaty was hammered out with the help of the former High Hierarch Ant. Each nation will act independently from one another but at the same time, they will share everything between them while also supporting each other in case of military conflict.</sub>
Culture and Society: <sub>Much has changed from the days of Ashevelen. The RADiance is no longer subjected to the will of Ashevelen, yet, most of the Chosen remain the same. For the common person, wherever they get hired by the Church or hired by the state, it doesn’t affect them. Food, shelter and security is provided in the same way.

One thing that changed radically is the way a person would find said work. A citizen simply has to apply for one and fill in their skills and wishes, on average they’re given an assignment in days. If a job is farther away from their current location, a house/apartment or room is provided in the new location.</sub>

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Governance and Politics: <sub>The RADiance have all access to an AR-like forum where anyone can go forward and propose a new law or regulation. A super-majority will then vote on the law and if a consensus is reached in under a day, the law is implemented. In the cases where a law takes too long or it is decided as vital, the choice is then passed onto a council of elected persons from different paths of life.

Each of them will then vote on the law. Worst comes to worst and even then there’s no resolution, the choice is then passed onto the current elected president, William. Every 50 years elections will be held for a new president to be elected, unless it is requested and approved by both the populace and the council to be done earlier.

The president doesn’t have the power to propose new laws as it might be considered “too influential” and push certain people to vote on a law that they might otherwise not agree with. Yet, they are not entirely powerless. Any and all contacts with non-Chosen must be approved by the president or different government workers elected by the president.</sub>

Technology Overview:

<sub>Major changes:

1. The Chosen are masters of genetic advancement. No injuries are permanent, illnesses incurable or old age to worry about.

2. Cloning tech has evolved to the point where any basic material can be cloned as much as it is needed, human cloning is considered experimental at best and not something actively pursued. This in turn has given way to Replicator technology. As long as the Replicator has scanned a raw material, depending on the material the process can take weeks, it will be able to replicate it using bio-materials. Most day-to-day meals, materials etc are created like this and only take small amounts of bio-materials.

3. Bio-Metals - Instead of using complex metals to build, the Chosen are using a combination of biomatter and simple metals to build, combined with a formula that enhances their strength tenfold. Allowing this new bio-metal to withstand great temperatures, weight, stress etc.</sub>
Military Overview: <sub>The RADiance teens are made from the age of 16 to join the army for a minimum service of 10 years. In those years military officials train and watch with interest the development of the soldiers. The most promising ones will then be offered jobs within the military.

In case of space battles, the RADiance Armada can be mobilised which is focused on rapid deployment of Infiltrator-Class spaceships, via the Carrier-Class spaceships capable of moving at very fast speed in order to approach the enemy, then, using drills in the legs of the ship, they’ll drill holes inside the hull and release soldiers inside to either disable the enemy ship or take control of it. If the Infiltrator-Class ships cannot be used by the Carriers, they themselves are equipped with light to medium weaponry.

The Infiltrator-Class ships are also used on the ground as they can release a highly toxic gas, which the RAdiance soldiers are immune to, then release the soldiers inside to wreak chaos on the enemy lines.</sub>

Fallout: The Vegas Affair

The Ghoul

Walk. Stop. Walk. Grunt. Scream. Walk. Stop. Walk. Grunt. Scream. Walk. like a mantra
the words rang in Ashe’s mind. The same ones, on and on. A way to keep herself sane. A way to keep herself safe.

Follow. Horde. Walk. Stop. Grunt. and again and again and again and again!

It was easy to lose one’s mind while walking between thousands that lost their minds to the radiation. Follow the horde, guide the horde. One dies, one stands up. Human, synth, mutated creatures…it mattered not. Guns, bombs, swords, stingers or teeth…it mattered not. They all fell in front of the horde. They all get consumed. Death is nature and nature doesn’t stop. Nature doesn’t slow down. Nature is relentless and merciless. Hundred of years ago we tried to kill nature and each other with the bombs. We only managed to anger it. Nature finds a way, nature survives and adapts. The mutated animals are nature’s way of eliminating the human oppressor.

Yet. Yet, humans endure. Humans adapted too. Some of them at least. Ghouls are humanity’s answer to nature’s attacks. Not smart, not dumb. No feelings, no remorse. Just hunger and hunger is a good motivator. That’s what Ashe felt most of the time, hunger. Food was scarce, they made sure that not even scraps were left. But true to her nature, Ashe adapted too. Dead or alive, human, ghoul or anything in between, they were food and food kept her going.

As Ashe guided them or they guided her through the wasteland, she couldn't help but wonder what their lives had been like before they had become feral. This was a game of hers that she played ever since she was a child. Figure out the ghoul. Had they been like the normal ghouls, still clinging to their humanity despite everything and eventually succumbing to the radiation? Or had they been like her, angry at a world that had betrayed them? Not that it mattered how she felt. They weren’t the problem.

The other humans. They try to resist the horde. Some run, some join later. Most end up food but they all die_diediediedie eventually. In the face of the horde, none can stand. Not for long anyway. But, even with their numbers and tenacity, some factions of the wasteland would pose a big problem. Too many to be overwhelmed. Too well their locations fortified. Too human, the leader of the horde. Too many feelings. Too many innocents. No one is innocent in the wasteland.No one is _{innocentinnocentinnocentinnocent} in the wasteland. Not for long anyhow. .

There! Movement. To the north. The Horde didn’t smell whatever moved yet. It then starts. One lone gunshot. A ghoul falls. One more gunshot. The screaming soon followed. Thousands of ghouls shouting, grunting, screaming. A wall of dust rose as they started running in the direction. More ghouls from the surrounding area would join them. In the end, nothing would remain. No bodies, no traces of past settlements, all would be wiped out under the feet of the horde.

More gunshots. Rapid succession. One, two, three, four, five…now, two steps to the right, one forward. Dodging bullets when you’ve got a thousand bodies around you was easy. Left-right, duck. Run. Don’t get caught up. Move…there, 4 people. The horde is close to them. They start running. Too late. Too late. More screams now. Human screams. Blood everywhere and then silence. The silence of ghouls eating.

Forward. Keep moving with the horde. No time to rest. Sleep later, walk now. They don’t tire. They don’t sleep, they just walk. The horde is always moving. A trick Ashe learned in her first days was that ghouls don’t care what they’ve got on them as long as they walk, as such, Ashe created a stretcher of sorts that she tied to four different ghouls. All tied up together. A walking bed. If lucky, Ashe could sleep for hours. If not, she’d fall.

Not the best life but the only one that Ashe knew. Only one that she cared about it. Again. Movement.. More screams. More dead. More food. An endless cycle.

The Little Hamlet

@Mae Any restrictions on posts? I think I could write one more today/tomorrow.

The Little Hamlet

@Enkryption Now you made me curios mate!

The Little Hamlet

@scrawls You could as well bring some books over to a mysterious client that lives somewhere in the woods :P

@MaeQuestion. How does monster evolution and monster training work? Game mechanics wise.

The Little Hamlet

@Dark Cloud No problem mate. I've had the same issue for the past 10 years every other RP I've been in. It worked for me, maybe it'll work for others.

You could also try bouncing ideas around between us and see what seems more interesting.

The Little Hamlet

@Crimson Flame How does her cottage look like? There are loads of types of cottages. Hay as roof? Wood? Stone? Are the walls covered in something? Are they white, black, yellow? Is there furniture? Yes? What type?
Character baking? What's she making? How does she do it? Does she have a passion for it or just does it for money? Is it for her or a client?

Just ask yourself questions constantly.