Fantasy Duimmer City Nights [Arcanepunk/Futuristic Fantasy]

[TanteRegenbogen]

Plot: The roleplay takes place in a rehabilitation facility on an urbanized island. All the patients have something in common: they have received prosthetics after accidents or uncurable ailments. Magic exists in this world.

In fact, all technology in the world revolves around magic and mana. However magic cannot regrow limbs. It can only heal wounds and bring back the recently deceased. Reviving people who have been long deceased will just create undead incapable of human functioning. Additionally, raising the undead is a serious offense punishable with prison. The world has come a long way in terms of technology. The mana crystal powered car was invented nearly 250 years ago. Projection crystals have existed since the middle ages, however high fidelity television using specially carved projection crystals shining onto a slightly opaque glass or crystal surface was created just 150 years ago. They generally call this type of technology "manatech".

Now, manatech prosthetics and human enhancement with manatech is becoming more common. However there are many who oppose the enhancement of people with manatech. The most significant conflict is between the traditionalist and progressive factions of mages and sorcerers. There is a particular extremist faction of traditionalists that have resorted to terrorism against the enhanced. This faction is called the "Alliance for the Divine Naturality" or ADN for short. They believe the enhancement of bodies is against the wishes of the divine (the gods and goddesses). There is a militant faction that commits acts of terrorism, but there is also a non-militant faction that holds anti-enhancement rallies, has it's own politicians in the national council and has members regularly handing out flyers.

One day, there was a bombing on a medical convention for manatech enhancement. Due to the premature detonation of the charge, the attack also injured and killed multiple ADN members holding a rally in front of the building the convention was taking place in. A total of 62 people were killed in the attack and over a hundred injured. Of the casualties, 12 ADN members including the attacker were killed and another 15 were injured.

Some of the injured were brought to a special rehabilitation facility where they received state of the art manatech prosthetics. An unknown benefactor had paid not only for the treatment, but also for their stay and even a new start at life after rehab. The thing is: Not all of the patients are happy about the treatment, as even injured ADN members were taken to the facility and weren't asked for permission for the treatment. Some have even threatened to commit suicide over it, while some ADN members don't have any recollection why they were ADN members in the first place and seem to have had enough brain damage to have completely different personalities than before.

Setting:

The island of Duimmer Isle in the southern Aivesduin Keys, Republic of Demonfall.

Duimmer Isle is somewhat large island that you need around three hours to completely circumnavigate by train. It is the second largest island in the Aivesduin Keys. There are three islands between it and the mainland and about a dozen islands to reach the most outlying island in the keys. Duimmer Isle is however the most populous island in the keys and the fifth largest metropolitan area in the nation by population. The largest city and provincial capital is Duimmer City with a population of around 800,000.

Duimmer Experimental Research Rehabilitation Center: A rehabilitation center in the waterfront district of Duimmer City. Despite being so close to the city center, it's location is rather serene. The large facility focuses on testing the most modern tech on patients in turn for compensating patients for the risk. Usually, the center has patients fill out consent forms. But the current batch of patients weren't asked for consent, at least not the ADN members.

The rehabilitation center has modern living facilities, sports areas and a large garden. Usually, patients who have progressed far enough can leave the facility for a couple hours a day to do activities in the city, but are to keep a location tracker on them in case they run into trouble with criminals seeking to steal brand new technology.

Species:

-Humans
-Elves
-Halflings (they look sort of like hobbits. Short, yet normal proportions and big feet.)
-Hobgoblins (like goblins, but not short and prettier)
-Orcs

Social dynamics: All species are legally equal, however there may still be some mild prejudices between them. Orcs and halflings usually experience more discrimination than the other three species. Species based stereotypes are: Humans are proud, yet "dumb" (less reasonable than elves, halflings and hobgoblins), elves are snobbish and uptight, halflings are lustful and decadent, hobgoblins are manipulative and greedy, orcs stink, are aggressive and stubborn. But of course, these are stereotypes and the species rarely fit into them.

Elves and humans are more likely to be ADN members or traditionalists. Hobgoblins and halflings are more likely to be progressive. Orcs tend to fall in the middle, but aren't often found in magic relation professions.

Magic types available: Elemental magic (fire, water, air, earth), Light (healing) magic, dark magic, summoning, illusion, enhancement (buff) magic, abyssal, blood magic, necromancy, animal magic, technomancy

Due to the prevalence of magic, guns are rare. Most people can only use basic magic though and learning better magic is like learning in a self-defense class, since people will only learn better magic if they fear of being victimized by crime or feel it would benefit them in any way. Bladed weaponry is still pretty common, though a lot of them are manatech enhanced blades.

Creature wise, "fantasy creatures" like dragons, wyverns and so on still exist. Though in the sewers of the city, you will mostly only find crocodiles, fairy gangs and gigantic rats.

Religion:

Since magic is seen as a gift of the gods, religion still plays somewhat of a role in Demonfall. The chief deity is the creator goddess, the goddess of life Aki. Her three first children are the sun goddess Soru, the moon god Ruun and the harvest god Ciris. There are numerous other deities. As the plot says, there is a traditionalist faction and a progressive faction. The traditional faction which condemns enhancement with manatech can be further divided into the moderate, the pious and the fanatical subfactions. The progressive faction can be divided into the moderately progressive subfaction, the technocratic subfaction and a fanatical subfaction (which believes that it actually brings them closer to the gods to use enhancements).

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Duimmer Experimental Research Rehabilitation Center, Manatech Prosthesis Section, Habitation Building, Room 309

"I wanna die." were the first words out of Eliria's mouth after waking up. She tried to pray to apologize to Aki, but the goddess' ban on Eliria worshipping her physically prevented Eliria's body from praying. The half-elven woman looked around and called out: "If anyone can hear me, please put me out of my misery. My goddess has forsaken me and being put into the anguish of having to use this unpure excuse for a body is worse than death."

A voice over a speaker then said: "We cannot do that. Our job is to preserve life. Even trying to destroy your soul crystal would be an extraordinarily hard feat. You will need to come to terms with yourself. If you feel you have been forsaken by the goddess, ask yourself why." The voice paused for a moment before sighing and saying: "I will give you time for thought. If you need any nourishment, a change of clothes or something to occupy yourself with, just ask. We will come pick you up for some initial testing in about an hour."

Eliria let out a frustrated moan before sitting up. Eventually, she gave it thought why she was forsaken. All her beliefs of Aki and of her principles had been wrong. It was a harsh reality check for her. Aki was a goddess of life, however Eliria had been so blind that she would disregard the lives of others who didn't share her principles. And in the end, Eliria became a victim of the very mentality she had espoused herself. This body was her punishment, but also a second chance at life with the possibility of being able to redeem herself. In the end, Eliria decided to pull through and try to redeem herself somehow. Her first task towards this would be coming to accept her circumstances and her new body.

She looked around again and noticed something. Her glasses were gone, yet she could see clearly without the now. Eliria pulled on her skin and poked herself. Her skin was a bit shinier than before and felt a little different. It felt less like normal skin and more like a cross between rubber and silicone. Underneath was a hard layer, she assumed it could be metal. She felt across her face, noticing something on her forehead. It had somewhat of a teardrop shape. Picking at it, it seemed to be a part of her. Eliria would need to look in a mirror to find out what it was.

The young woman wanted to get up, but noticed she was sitting on her hair. Her hair was open and a bit unkempt. "Excuse me. Are there any ribbons or hair ties here?" "You will find some in the drawer next to the bed." The voice from the speaker said. Eliria looked there and found a couple ribbons and hair ties along with other things like makeup and some practical stuff. "Th-thank you." Eliria said before picking out a black hair tie and a blue ribbon. She tried to stand up to do her hair.

Immediately after standing up, she lost her balance and landed face first into a metal closet door near her, slightly denting it. It didn't hurt as much as she would have expected, but it was still a bit frustrating. Eliria tried again and again until she eventually stand straight and retain her balance. It was like a child leaning how to walk. But she managed to progress rather quickly, taking a couple steps at a time, sometimes tripping or losing her balance. Luckily, after a number of tries and a little practice walking she wasn't falling to the ground anymore and could catch herself on walls or furniture.

Eliria then picked up the hair accessories from the ground and began to do her hair which went down to her knees. She tied her hair into a ponytail with the blue ribbon, leaving a portion untied to cover her ears and whatever was on her forehead. Eliria then braided her ponytail, something she hadn't forgotten. When she was done, she tied the end together with the hair tie. Going over to a mirror, she noticed her appearance. She had lines on her skin which looked like panels between bodyparts. Eliria wondered if her arms or legs could be removed at those point or if the line on her neck meant the could separate her head from her body if necessary for something. It kind of irritated her and she felt uncomfortable seeing the lines.

"Can I please have something to cover myself better? The appearance of these line are a bit distressing. How about a black turtleneck dress and a long blue cardigan. It would also be more comfortable. Or at least a choker to cover the line on my neck." Eliria asked. After a short bit, the voice responded: "We will send you all three in a moment."

While waiting, she looked more over her body and noticed what was on her forehead. It was a red crystal. Was it her soul crystal? Unlikely. She didn't understand what it's purpose was, but it looked kind of nice. It made her feel a bit prettier. She then checked her ears. They were almost identical in form to her old ears, but they were missing her treasured earrings. Those would eventually have to be added again.

Suddenly, the door opened, making Eliria jump and fall down. "My pardon." Said an elven woman in a doctor's gown and sporting a manatech hand. The woman laid the clothes onto the bed and said: "As you requested. Once you are dressed, I will escort you down to the building commons area for an initial checkup and the possibility for you to make introductions to other patients. At least those who have woken up. It is likely that you will live in the same building as them for the next three months." The elven woman then left the room and bowed before the door closed.

Eliria went over to the bed and first put on the plain black choker. It's fastening was nearly invisible, making it seem like a continuous black strip around her neck. It covered the line on her neck perfectly. She then took off the patient's gown and the pants and put on the black turtleneck dress and the blue cardigan. It felt a lot more comfortable as the material felt better and it revealed less of her body than the patient's gown.

Eliria then knocked on the door and said: "I-I am ready." The door opened and the elven female doctor led her down to the commons area. Along the way, Eliria tripped a couple times. One time, even falling flat on her face. But her face was robust enough that it didn't even have a scratch.

Down in the commons area was a big hall with a number of armchairs, sofas and tables. It seemed like Eliria was the first one of the patients to arrive. She sat down on a sofa and put her feet up. "What would you like to drink?" An attendant asked. Eliria requested a black tea which was promptly brought to her along with a plate with assorted cookies. She tried the cookies and they were delicious. But then a question came to her mind: Why would a full manatech body have the option to eat or drink?

 

[Megilagor]

Duimmer Experimental Research Rehabilitation Center, Manatech Prosthesis Section, Habitation Building, Room 207
"I don't recognize this ceiling. And why am I feeling so exhausted and weighed down?" Julie's voice groggily emerged as she woke up in a hospital bed, wearing a patient gown.

Summoning a bit of strength, she managed to sit up and glanced at her own body and her surroundings. "Well, this isn't heaven or hell, and having metal limbs is certainly better than none. Hey, if someone can hear me, could you fill me in on what happened? My memory is hazy. The last thing I recall is guarding the convention and the explosion, but nothing beyond that."

A husky male voice resonated from a speaker in the room's corner, beginning to explain. "We, the DERRC of the Manatech Prosthesis Section, arrived on the scene. An anonymous individual generously sponsored us to aid any survivors or those within the realm of rescue. You are one of them. According to our information, you even managed to save a few people with your quick thinking, although you were on the brink of death due to blood loss after losing your limbs." After a brief pause to let Julie process the information, the voice continued. "Now, if you could please attempt to stand and walk to the nearby mirror to examine yourself fully. Also, let us know of any requirements for sustenance, clothing changes, or discomfort related to the prosthetics."

"I'll give it a shot," Julie replied, attempting to stand. While standing wasn't an issue, balancing proved to be more difficult. She instinctively swung her arms with each step to maintain equilibrium. After a few minutes, she reached the mirror and observed her reflection.

Both legs were missing, one partially, and her entire left arm had been replaced by prosthetics. She also sensed something was awry internally, likely due to their interventions. Despite all this, Julie wasn't fond of her appearance in the hospital gown. Addressing the disembodied voice, she requested clothing. "Could I get some clothes, please? Leggings, a long-sleeve shirt, and a hoodie would suffice. Also, some shoes, I'd rather not leave scratches on the floor." The reply came, "You'll receive them shortly."

With a moment to herself, Julie practiced walking to avoid stumbling due to her altered balance. She hoped no one was watching, as her attempts might have elicited laughter. Fortunately, she seemed to be alone, at least as far as she knew.

Abruptly, a knock came from the door before it opened. Julie turned her seated position toward the entrance, where a young male orc in a doctor's coat stood. He had two manatech legs. He placed the requested clothing on the bed and informed Julie, "Here you go, the clothes you asked for, or at least most of them. If you need help, just let me know. Otherwise, I'll be outside the door to guide you to the commons area for a checkup and to introduce you to other awake patients, one of whom is waiting there. Oh, and be prepared—you'll likely be here for the next three months at least." Julie responded, "Alright. Can I change now?" The orc confirmed, "Yes, go ahead," and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Julie swiftly discarded her patient gown with her one functional hand before putting on the oversized shirt. It covered her new mechanical arm quite well. She then donned the leggings and flats, taking care not to damage the clothing. Standing up, she walked toward the door, slowly opening it and addressing the orc, "Didn't I ask for a hoodie? Anyway, I'm done." The orc explained his choice of clothing, and Julie exclaimed, "Rude much." As she moved closer to Eliria, she said, "Hey, it looks like we're the only ones awake for now. I'm Julie. What about you?"

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

A woman approached Eliria. She seemed to be another patient. Eliria noticed that the woman's left arm was a manatech prosthetic arm. The woman then talked to her, introduced herself as Julie, then asked for Eliria's name. Eliria hesitated a little, somewhat lost in thought. The woman didn't seem to have it as bad as her in Eliria's view. She could maybe live with a prosthetic limb or two. But Eliria had lost basically everything that was important and meaningful for herself. She had to deal with a 180 degree turn in life.

Eliria managed to snap out of thought and replied to the woman. "I.. I am Eliria. Eliria os Aijun." Eliria said. She looked down at Julie's arm. "Heh. You look like you didn't have it as bad as me. They should have let me die. It would have been better for me. Even the goddess has forsaken me." Eliria slumped over and put her hand on her head. "No, as the goddess said, I am responsible for my own punishment. I had strayed from her path and I have to repent for my sins." She looked back to Julie. "Pardon my ramblings, Julie. I guess I should make something of my second chance and try being open to others for once."

"I will offer you my story and let you judge. It will be up to you if you still want to talk to the likes of me. I was a priestess of Aki and a member of the ADN. The reason why were are here is probably because someone I knew from the militant wing of the organization may have attacked the conference. I tried to approach him. He just smiled and I was blinded by a bright light. It seemed I teetered on the border between the mortal realm and the afterlife. And while I have given a form of life, I had ultimately angered Aki and lost her favor. It seemed Atise tried to seduce me, Ciris mocked me and a deity unknown to me had offered me guidance. I may have to consider taking her up on the offer, as without Aki I feel lost." Eliria explained.

She was sure that she would be mocked at least. Additionally, such a story would either bore a normal person, make them think Eliria was insane or think she'd at least be some kind of fanatic to which she honestly had been in the past.

Megilagor

 

[Megilagor]

Julie responded to Eliria's words sure she might have been in better shape than Eliria's body but she was only partly whole compared to her.
"Depends on how you see it sure, I might not have it as bad as you. But having 3 out of 4 limbs replaced with prosthetics and having part of your innards replaced with similar stuff does not make it easy. At least in your case you are whole, sure its a new body altogether, but it is whole, while I will have to wake up every day looking at my regular arm and then see my prosthetic one, constantly comparing my healthy arm with the replacement will not be easy to the psyche."
Something within Eliria's words made Julie tick over, she could not let her words go so she spoke with a sharp tone towards her while looking her right in the eyes.
"You saying that they should have left you to die is pissing me off, they did their job, their job is to save people no matter in what state they are in. You saying you would rather be dead is discrediting them. And don't bring gods into this, so far none of them made my life easy only hell especially Ruun."

After that little outburst, Julie's nerves calmed down and she realized her mistakes for which she apologized to the best of her abilities while scratching the back of her head with one hand and looking the other way.
"I'm sorry for my outburst..... And you don't have to pardon your ramblings Eliria they at least weren't as bad as mine."
After a solid while and hearing that Eliria was willing to share her story she sat down again and let herself listen to her.
"So go on tell me your story."
Julie sat patiently across from Eliria while listening to her story. At first, she was confused, then angry, calm, and finally mad again but this madness wasn't directed towards Eliria no it was directed towards this stupid system that gives birth to such overzealous fanatics that can cause such disasters only because some voice from the ether told them to do it.

Julia finally stood up and walked towards Eliria, first bumping her on the head with her human hand and saying. "Don't worry I won't judge ya' but you do need some time to self-reflect I tell ya' that, and here you might need it." As Julia said those last words she bent over a little to give the woman a comforting hug, She wasn't great at it, but Julie thought she needed it.
"And sorry but I won't share my story with you, at least not now, it's a bit complicated and all that. But I will share it with you while we are still here OK."

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Eliria was taken aback by Julie's outburst, but this was the first time a somewhat normal person criticized her. Previously, she would only be reprimanded for "questioning the intentions of Aki" or "not believing hard enough" but no one ever gave her reasonable solutions or advice. This probably led to Eliria having a somewhat two dimensional and unempathetic personality, a useful idiot, so to say. She may have been indoctrinated by power hungry zealots who couldn't take adversity and so she too had become a zealot hostile to opposing views, condoning acts of savagery, therefore being blind to Aki's intentions despite claiming to be her loyal follower.

"You are right." Eliria admitted. "I had been so blind. And since my life only revolved around my religion, being forsaken took my reason for living. But instead of giving up, I am intended to find new meaning and get a new outlook upon life. I should right my wrongs. In the past two days, a few people and a deity held their hands out to me and I had just slapped them away. Maybe I should let myself be helped and when I have the strength, I may be able to help others too."

"I am sorry for comparing my plight to yours. It wasn't might intention to ignore your own troubles, thinking you had it any easier. I will try to improve myself to be for mindful of others." Eliria said.

Eliria considered that she'd pray to Aasua and accept her offer once she was alone again. But instead of simply returning to faith, it might be better for Eliria to first try to get to know Julie and try to make a friend, especially one that can give her an honest opinion.

Looking around Eliria pondered: "Do you wonder what's next here? I wonder how much time we will spend with examinations and tests in this place or if they will give us plenty of time to enjoy ourselves or focus on our futures. Say, if they let us out into the city, w...would you like to do something together? I never really had friends to go into town with for f...fun."