Futuristic Exorkismos - Lore

[Arkangel]

Sanctioned Files: Document I - “Revelation”

General explanation about the current state of the world and its global politics.

2036 AD: Second Cold War

Current Global State of Affairs

The political sphere of this alternative universe is divided between three factions: the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Warsaw Pact, and the Korean-East Asian Strategic Alliance (KEASA). Before further explanations about the specifics of these factions and how they operate, it would be best to note that a significant chunk of real-life history and concurrent events do not exist in this lore, as the majority of the history was altered after the discovery of otherworldly entities in 1940 by Nazi Germany.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a military alliance with the United States as its head, in company with the majority of Western countries both in the American continent and Europe. Formed in 1949 several years after World War II, its initial purpose upon formation was to expand western influence across the globe and uphold democratic values, only for these goals to be remodeled after the Korean War. Now, in the present era, NATO acts more like a defense pact against the expansionist group KEASA.

The Warsaw Pact was originally founded to counteract the foundation of NATO, made up of the Soviet Union and the whole of eastern europe. However, unlike the diplomatic approach of NATO, the Warsaw Pact was created for the sole purpose of strengthening the Soviet Union and preparing itself for a full invasion of Europe planned for 1960, only for their plans to be thwarted by several international events. As the Soviet Union never collapsed, the pact remains strong in the year 2036.

The third group called the Korean-East Asian Strategic Alliance, is an imperialistic military coalition between the Unified Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and several independent states of former China and the Soviet Union annexed by the Korean Army during World War III. Unlike NATO, its values lie in the expansion of Eastern influence onto the global world with a clear focus on becoming the first hyperpower through both the economy and military.

Besides the political and military alliances, another aspect of the world that has changed from our own is the advancement of technology, especially in the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) like nuclear power. More about the Manhattan Project and its fate will be explained below in the alternative history section of the lore.

 

[Arkangel]

Sanctioned Files: Document II - “Deconsecration”

General explanation about the demonic anomalies and its recent history.

Identified Demonic Anomalies

Unknown Hyperdimensional Entities

The demons of this setting have several names that allude to the same thing. The Identified or Unidentified Demonic Anomaly is a term exclusively used by the Counter Response Agency of NATO to describe an entity not of human origin with seemingly otherworldly powers that cannot be explained through science or reason. The Vatican simply calls them “demons”, and sometimes refers to them as “Hellkeepers”. These entities are also known as “Lords” by an enigmatic group of cults primarily located in the American and West European continents.

Despite the existence of cults that may or may not fully comprehend the reality of demons, this knowledge is mostly exclusive to the higher positions of the government as demons are not public knowledge. Only world leaders, high-profile private military contractors (PMCs), some corporate elites, and specialized covert agencies around the globe are aware of their existence. Therefore the cults that claim to worship the demons are either wild conspiracy theorists or old-school believers of pagan religious beliefs.

There is absolutely no background information about the demons regarding their origin, besides the locked scriptures held deep within the labyrinth of the Vatican archives, known as the Book of Exorkismos. A collection of journals written by the Knights Templar of the old crusades, it details their journey towards Jerusalem and their odd encounter with the occult. The latter half of the book explains the Crusaders’ attempts at exorcism, with success only possible after the containment of a demon known as “Aberiel”.

Where these demons hail from or their purpose cannot be known. As creatures of the dimensions outside our own, the only effective measure that can be taken is direct containment. Should the demons roam with liberty, they will only wreak havoc across the continents and endanger countless lives, as negotiations and alliances are futile for they do not speak the language of humanity.

Or at least that’s what they say.

 

[Arkangel]

Sanctioned Files: Document III - “Foundation”

About the Demonic Encounter Counter Response Agency DECRA.

Excidium Protocol

Demonic Encounter Counter Response Agency

In 2004, in the ninth hour of the morning, an apartment building northwest of Stalingrad caught on fire, resulting in the destruction of the property alongside the death of everyone occupying the upper floors of the complex. This case was deemed an accident until mere hours later, when multiple housing units around the city would suffer an eerily similar fate, with the exact room number identical to the previous. This sudden burst of crisis emergencies would eventually lead to the death of several high-ranking Soviet officials on the next day, with more civilian casualties as the week went on.

Believing it to have been the work of terrorists, the government quickly escalated and declared a state of emergency. With proper authorization, the Soviets expanded their military into the streets of Stalingrad with the KGB and later discovered that these random arsons of specific areas could not have been caused by people, as there were no traces of human involvement. Further investigation into the city would eventually allow the KGB to identify the threat as the work of a demonic anomaly.

The containment of the demon responsible ended in critical failure. The death toll grew into the thousands, and millions were injured and permanently scarred by the fires that charred Stalingrad into the ground. After a month of combating the flames and an attempt to contain the demon with the assistance of trained specialists from the Vatican, the city of Stalingrad eventually became uninhabitable, and became the first Exclusion Zone after the people were relocated to another region of the country.

This incident caught the attention of every world leader representing a country holding superpower status, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Korea, and several other great powers with ties to the Soviet Union. All humanitarian aid was rejected in fear of risking state security. However, spy operations conducted by intelligence agencies worldwide concluded with the fact that the Stalingrad Incident was not some random attack but instead caused by multiple suicides of unidentified individuals before each fire broke out.

With the realization of possible attacks elsewhere, countries outside the Soviet Union revised their defense and installed several contingency plans to counteract possible demon-related terrorism. One of these operations included the Excidium Protocol, a UN-sponsored procedure under the direct leadership of the United States. With the aim of preventing attacks similar to the Stalingrad Incident, the protocol’s success became a noteworthy consideration when they were able to covertly arrest and interrogate a terrorist indirectly involved with the incident.

This achievement, led by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Secret Intelligence Service (UK), would later reform the Excidium Protocol into the Demonic Encounter Counter Response Agency, as several other organizations from other countries joined the cause to increase the security of their nation.

The ranking system of the DECRA follows the standard structure of leadership, command, and field. As the director of the agency sitting at the top of the chain of command, several regional officers are responsible for the majority of the operations funded by the agency, which comes from the combination of the CIA, MI6, and the KGB. Therefore these three groups have the highest control over the missions until the inclusion of China in the year 2022.

Carefully hired and properly indoctrinated operatives are given unlimited funds for their tasks, and are held to abide by no set of ethics when they are sent out to perform their duties. This includes the necessary execution of bystanders, covertly threatening press associations, and overriding command from the local police. As they are part of an intergovernmental operation, most cases of civilian deaths will be swiftly cleaned by related teams.

There is only one rule. Should sacrifices be imperative, do not fail the mission.

Other than an infinite supply of weapons and ammunition, operatives will also be provided with necessary vehicles and other mechanical necessities. In the same vein, experimental stimulants and depressants in the form of needle injections are required for the operatives to equip before engaging in any operation. It is advised that agents take these drugs with absolute care as overdosing can be critical.

ATDS-7, also known as Antidemon Suppressant, is a specialized injectant produced by the medical sectors of KEASA. The formula required to create such a drug was stolen by the combined efforts of the CIA and KGB in 2011 from the Republic of Korea. Although its exact methods of creation were never discovered, through several years of perfecting the formula, the agency was able to replicate the drug by reverse engineering stolen samples.

 

[Arkangel]

DECRA Director: Elenova Berezkina

Soviet Union / Russian / F37 / 34th Director of the DECRA

Profile Review (I): DIRECTOR BEREZKINA

It has been verified through legal documents and other reliable sources that Elenova Berezkina originates from the Kargopolsky District of the Soviet Union. Furthermore, she holds a prominent position within the upper hierarchy of the USSR as the eldest daughter of Kuzubov Berezkin, a former United Nations board member and a distant descendant of Joseph Stalin. In accordance with the agreement between the Soviet Union and the United Nations, any further inquiries into her private life as an officer of the USSR have been prohibited.

Having joined the United Nations as a representative officer in 2024, she submitted an application to become a general member the following year. Since then, she has been loosely involved with the development of DECRA through financial support and by aiding communication between the CIA and KGB. She worked as an officer of the agency for several years until her sudden absence in 2028 after discovering her pregnancy result. She returned for duty in 2036. She was awarded the position of Director of the DECRA in the same month. It is unknown whether or not her pregnancy was successful.

She is married to the former Director, Michael Kolte. Their relationship after Operation [REDACTED] is unknown.

Psychological Review (II): SUPPRESSED

There are three verified psychiatric evaluations of Elenova Berezkina from 2024, 2029, and 2036. The first two reports have stated her mental status as “stable” with no conspicuous problems. However, after her return to the UN in early 2036, the status on her profile has changed from “stable” to “suppressed”. This implies that she has several psychological issues, but takes Soviet-approved antidepressants with [REDACTED]. Further information about her medication usage is awaiting confirmation from the KGB.

It is not recommended that Director Berezkina continue the substance abuse.

Document Reviewed & Approved By
Dr. Hermann Euler / UN Intranet Record Services ®

7th Floor Records Chamber, Intranet Services Building, 45th Street, New York

Subject-652: Michael Kolte

United States / American / M42 / 31st Director of the DECRA

Profile Review (I): EMERITUS KOLTE

Former Director of the DECRA, Michael Kolte, is an alumnus and valedictorian of Stanford University who joined the CIA as a case officer under the recommendation of other agents. His introduction into the UN began after he showed continuous notable performance in these duties, leading his profession into the core members of NATO and its efforts to mend relationships with the east. He became the director of DECRA after aiding in the 2023 clandestine operations.

After the critical administrative failure of Operation [REDACTED] in 2028, he was honorably discharged from his position and sent to a psychiatric hospital in Manhattan, New York City. A specialized evaluation has theorized that the failure of the operation was directly involved with the sudden change in his behavior. The CIA has reasons to believe that he has made a demonic contract with the one known as “Mephistopheles”. How and exactly what the details were surrounding the contract is unknown.

He is married to the current Director, Elenova Berezkina. Their relationship after Operation [REDACTED] is unknown.

Psychological Review (II): ANALYSIS UNRESOLVED

Following an evaluation conducted after the 2028 administrative failure, Michael Kolte was diagnosed as mentally unstable. He has since been placed under suicide watch at the New York Hospital of Landa, with strict restrictions allowing access only to a single meal tray. Visitors must exercise serious caution as it is unknown whether or not “Mephistopheles” can speak through the subject. It is generally advised that no visitor attempts to speak with the former director.

Document Reviewed & Approved By
Dr. Hermann Euler / UN Intranet Record Services ®

7th Floor Records Chamber, Intranet Services Building, 45th Street, New York

Agent Haoran: Zhao Yun

China / Chinese / M32 / Rogue Operative

Profile Review (I): ROGUE OPERATIVE HAORAN

Agent Haoran was one of the first operatives to join DECRA as a trained specialist with an immense amount of experience dealing with demonic anomalies. As a member of the Ministry of State Security (China), he was given the role of field commander during several operations under DECRA, with his final mission taking place in 2028, during the administrative failure of Operation [REDACTED]. His whereabouts after the operation is unknown and he is presumed to be MIA, and is currently being searched by every intelligence agency affiliated with DECRA.

Former colleagues have confessed that he was once close with former Director Kolte and worked with Elenova Berezkina in the past. The extent of their relationship is unknown as other agents could not verify Agent Haoran’s affiliation with Kolte. However, following the suspension of DECRA in 2029 through 2036, investigations have suggested that Agent Haoran is directly involved with the operational disaster of [REDACTED] and has since become a prime suspect.

Immediate neutralization and capture of Agent Haoran is well advised. The Ministry of State Security has declared him a traitor of China and has since placed him on the most wanted list for private mercenaries.

He has no direct relatives, as confirmed by the Ministry of State Security. No marital records have been found.

Psychological Review (II): UNKNOWN

During his evaluation, Agent Haoran was confirmed by the assigned medical team to exhibit significant challenges with empathy. Prior to his admission into DECRA, he had been diagnosed with antisocial personality traits and classified as a high-functioning sociopath.

Subsequent evaluations following multiple operations during his tenure as a DECRA agent have shown no decline in his mental capabilities. His mental state after becoming MIA is unknown.

Document Reviewed & Approved By
Dr. Hermann Euler / UN Intranet Record Services ®

7th Floor Records Chamber, Intranet Services Building, 45th Street, New York

 

[Arkangel]

Sanctioned Files: Document V - “Damnation”

A list of Identified Demonic Anomalies and reports associated with their existence.

Lucifer: "The Father"

Satan / Lord of the Apocrypha / The Devil / Old Blood

Report 21-SD: Professor John Cain

This is a medical evaluation report of Agent Schultz, Sermuse, and Apache of the now defunct Counter Unit: Alpha. My apologies for being unable to deliver this report earlier in the week. I have known these men personally. These past several days have been difficult, as HQ has recently ordered the termination of further reports. But I believe this is necessary. I sincerely hope Director Kolte will peruse this as I’ve discovered several oddities within the remains of these fine agents.

The exorcist from the Vatican has helped analyze the wounds inflicted on the agents’ bodies. We can confirm that they were slain by an unidentified demonic anomaly. But that is as far as the exorcist was willing to aid. Given that he had returned to the Vatican the day after, I can only imagine that the beast responsible was a mighty one. Perhaps the mightiest one. I cannot confirm, but considering the circumstances of their death and the ancient Hebrew etched into each agent, this is presumably “Lucifer” from the Book of Exorkismos.

The detailed translation of the marks will be on Report 22-GD. It will be provided to the Administration by my trusted assistant Professor Laurine. My apologies for the short report.

Report 67-DC: Agent Protta

Professor John Cain was found dead at his house at 11:49 AM, December 12, 2028. An extensive investigation has concluded with suicide by overdosing on stolen prototype samples of ATDS-2. It has also led to the discovery of the formerly missing corpse of Agent Sermuse, his only son. There is a possibility that he was responsible for the death of Professor Laurine and the other doctors responsible for the writing of Report 22-GD. We will now launch an investigation into the whereabouts of his wife.

The evaluation of Agent Schultz, Sermuse, and Apache will now undergo a hiatus following the suspension of DECRA. The assets of the organization will be shared between affiliated agencies as per the UN agreement. Professor Cain and Professor Laurine will be cremated and their properties will be sold to the US government. The FBI has agreed to fabricate the details of their deaths to the public.

Book of Exorkismos: Templar Constantine, Page ???

The limits of humanity is the greatest protection of our species. We have thrived, and warred with one another because of our finite level of understanding. What controls us is not our zeal or our greed. It is ignorance. A blissful gift from the Great God to save us from true damnation. We may repeat atrocities and kill one another, but I believe that is for the best, for should humanity ever discover the truth behind this world, there will be nothing but rivers of blood created by our own desire to hasten our end.

Mephistopheles: “The Ego Death Merchant”

Faust / Lord of the Covenant / Aleister Crowley

Report 76-SD: Professor Mohsen Khalaji

The enigmatic entity that is Mephistopheles has led towards no cold answers about their objective. All attempts of communication have been futile. While they seem to harbor no ill-will towards humanity, it would be best to remain cautious when one confronts with the one who once formed a contract with the infamous occultist Aleister Crowley.

Further evaluation of this demonic anomaly would only be possible through Patient-652. Or… with respect to his name, former Director Kolte. My professional advice would be to consult the patient before his sanity rots away. I have many doubts that opportunities like this will befall humanity again.

Book of Exorkismos: Templar Aresios, Page 3

Of the crusades that we the knights had waged against evil, I have fought against those of immense might and terror. I have seen brothers fall before the claws of these creatures, but never once did I ever feel so defeated other than when confronting the demon who called himself “Mephistopheles”. His darkness had enticed an entire legion, and I was left with no man to fight. Only mindless ghouls after they had made their pact. With their sanity gone, I was left to lead the crusades alone, and I had already accepted my death.

He, the demon Mephistopheles, had no desire to cast me into Hell. Perhaps it was my devotion to the Lord that had made him pity for my weak soul. Yet just moments before, stood beside me countless warriors of the light, whose zeal had overwhelmed my own. Why he had not eviscerated me at the moment is a mystery that once made me mad. My sanity was almost torn in mere thoughts of that day. It mattered not that I lost my beloved brother to his schemes. The question was enough to distract me from reality for decades.
Should the crusades be successful, I pray to the Almighty that this demon’s intentions are revealed, for only then will I rest in peace.

Abelion: “The Harbinger”

Gorgon / Lord of the Primordial

Report 292-KRS: Agent Rusanov, Agent Ivanov

There is substantive evidence indicating that the government of Korea possesses complete access to an unidentified demonic entity referred to by the Vatican as “Abelion.” At this time, it remains unclear whether the entity is operating under a formal contractual agreement with the Korean government or is being held in containment. Further verification is required to ascertain the nature of this association. Regardless, this discovery has raised personal suspicions that the demon “Abelion” was responsible for the 1960 tsunamis of the Japanese islands.

It is beyond dispute that the Republic of Korea formulated plans for the potential invasion of Japanese territories following the conclusion of the Korean War. This development raised significant concerns among both the USSR and the United States, leading to suspicions that the Korean government was financing a covert weapons program intended to support such an operation. But we believe that this weapon was a demonic containment program. The Vatican has confirmed that “Abelion” is associated with the sea, and it holds great power over tragedies related to the ocean.

Should Moscow demand extensive inspection into the Korean government, then we shall be of service.

Book of Exorkismos: Templar Capistrano the Brave, Page 104

The seas have betrayed the crusades many times before, but not once has it ever doomed an entire expedition. It lives deep within the ocean. The creature that sent us to damnation. Never did we think that the demons were capable of living underwater, until the day when I saw it rise from the ocean floor and destroy an entire armada with its many arms. I cannot remember other bodily details…. Other than its behemoth size. As if it was the dragon from the Apocalypse. I had thought that this demon alone would flood the world.

I live only because the waves delivered me to the lord, onto the shores of an unknown island. I had managed to survive, and now I live to tell the tale. I believe that it will return one day to signify the end of the world. I have decided to exercise abstinence to spare my bloodline. I would not wish such fates to my worst enemies.

 

[Arkangel]

Sanctioned Files: Document VI - “Annexation”

An exploration into the alternative history influenced by demonic anomalies.

Crusade of the Holy Fire

1183 - 1285 AD

The Crusade of the Holy Fire is a historical event documented exclusively in the Book of Exorkismos. It was initiated under the auspices of the Catholic Church, to achieve the "absolute purging of demons." The details of the Crusade of the Holy Fire are preserved solely within the Book of Exorkismos, a text securely housed in the Vatican Apostolic Archive. Acquiring access to the book requires the permission of the active pope, but in the current year of 2036, some parts of the Book have been leaked throughout history with the most notable moment of leakage occurring in World War II.

The Book of Exorkismos is written based on the firsthand accounts of numerous Crusaders who participated in the expedition. Therefore, it is the definitive scripture attesting to the existence of demons, serving as the earliest recorded documentation of humanity's initial confrontation with the unknown.

Announced by Pope Lucius III in a clandestine fashion, with participation limited to select regions of Europe following the Church's discovery of the possible existence of demons. Due to the lack of concrete evidence, the crusade remained in secrecy until the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin in 1187. This event catalyzed the Third Crusade, which served as the publicly acknowledged version of history. However, in reality, the Third Crusade was not only an effort by the Catholic Church to reclaim Jerusalem but also a covert mission to investigate and substantiate the rumor that Saladin had forged a pact with a demon known as Azi Dahaka.

The conclusion of the crusade ended with the death of every crusader involved in the mission and the successful capture of the majority of the demons except for one: Abelion, as it was only seen once and never again. The captured demons were sealed and buried deep within the Holy See, and all knowledge about the tomb and the crusade was suppressed through several assassinations of surviving crusaders and church members until only the pope remained. Later, as the world became a more unified place and after the Lateran Treaty that gave the Vatican City its independence, the Book of Exorkismos would be shared among the higher leagues of the church to create contingency plans in case of containment failure.

Imjin War

1592 - 1598 AD

The Imjin War was the Japanese invasion of Joseon (Korea) in 1592, which ended with the withdrawal of the former in 1598. The conflict has largely not been touched by the alternative history aspect of this setting. However, notable modifications have been made concerning the fate of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

The Battle of Noryang did not result in the death of Admiral Yi, as the gunshot wound he sustained from enemy fire was not fatal. After the end of the Imjin War, he continued to live on for another decade as a retired military general facing several accusations from the higher-ups of the Joseon dynasty. Much of his later life was filled with political turmoil brought onto him by others of his authority, born from both jealousy and corruption. This would become the leading cause behind Yi sun-sin’s doubt about the future of the Joseon as he expressed in his journal about the complicated difficulties of maintaining the kingdom.

Sometime later in his final years, he met a peasant boy who had killed his father, who had suffered from survivor guilt in one of the many land battles during the Imjin War. The boy had confessed that he did not wish to watch his father suffer, and had poisoned him. In the journal that Admiral Yi left behind, while he saw an innocent boy abused by his environment, the village he was from spoke about the boy as a monster, describing his appearance as similar to that of the dokkaebi. Not once did the villagers speak about his crimes. They simply referred to him as the “Monster from the Sea”, as they had claimed that he was born from the womb of a drowning woman, from the same body of water where the Battle of Myeongnyang took place.

Dismissing these claims and desiring to protect the boy, Admiral Yi took him in and raised him as his own son. Under orders from the government, it was mandated that the boy join the military upon reaching the appropriate age as his punishment for murdering his father. However, the future would change when Admiral Yi would one day be found dead in his home, succumbing to a disease that had prevented his ability to walk for several years prior. His death would lead the boy to live the rest of his free life under the care of a village that Yi Sun-sin was born in, then he served in the military, and reportedly died a peaceful death at the age of 65.

It was later discovered by the South Korean Army during the Korean War that the boy was, in fact, the simulacrum of the demon Abelion. The death of Admiral Yi was not caused by a common disease. His death marked the very first consensual contract between a human and a demon.