Futuristic PS | World

[Arkangel]

Project Strelitzia: When The Stars Withered

Lore Information

World

World

Cast of Project Strelitzia

Characters

Characters

The Story

Roleplay

Roleplay

CODE & ROLEPLAY BY SEROBLISS

 

[Arkangel]

Project Strelitzia: When The Stars Withered

General Overview

World of Soltera-XI

Soltera-XI is a planetary system consisting of three continents that are surrounded by vast expanses of water. Its intricate and complex food chain is dominated by apex predators that rule the untamed wilderness. Prior to the arrival of humanity, the planet was already teeming with an abundance of resources and life, but due to its hostile and unforgiving nature, expansion was a daunting prospect, particularly after a certain pivotal event rendered all modern technology useless. Subsequently, new technology had to be developed from the ground up, further complicating the task of taming and colonizing the harsh and unyielding terrain.

The history section will provide details pertaining to the cessation of technological advancement during the nascent stages of civilization.

Tarsaris

Tarsaris is one of the three continents comprising the topography of Soltera-XI. It could be argued that Tarsaris is the least inhospitable to life due to its colder climate and harsh weather conditions, which served as a deterrent to most apex predators. It is noteworthy that Tarsaris is the only continent that underwent comprehensive exploration and pacification during the era of tranquility that preceded the cataclysm, which brought all progress to a standstill.

Prior to the arrival of extraterrestrial beings, the vast majority of Tarsaris had been mapped and settled by various regional factions, which were united under the banner of the United Nations of Soltera. Although proposals to expand their territorial influence throughout the world had been put forth long ago, the government was apprehensive due to limited resources and the inherent hazards present in the other continents. Consequently, the plan was never executed, apart from small-scale exploration parties dispatched to survey the perimeters of uncharted territories.

In the initial phase of the apocalypse, discussions centered on seeking refuge on other continents as it was believed that most monsters were incapable of crossing the waters. However, this proposal was subsequently dismissed by the authorities who contended that the monsters would likely adapt to the situation and develop the ability to fly if the inhabitants were to flee beyond the ocean. Consequently, they would have to contend not only with these monsters, but also with the indigenous predators of the wilderness, which would pose an entirely different set of challenges.

New Khazingrad

Numerous cities were established across Tarsaris, yet none quite compared to New Khazingrad, a thriving metropolis boasting a populace of millions who were eager to make meaningful contributions to society. This city was founded on the principles of technological innovation and progress, and was once designated as the official capital of the United Nations, with government offices located at the epicenter of the hexagonal-shaped megalopolis.

Regrettably, this captivating city was not spared from horror when a meteorite struck in close proximity to its northern borders. As the epicenter of the ensuing conflict, New Khazingrad became the first battleground where humanity discovered that they were not the only sentient beings in the cosmos, and that a formidable threat loomed beyond the stars.

At present, New Khazingrad lies in ruins, with its towering skyscrapers reduced to rubble that appears poised to crumble at any moment. The subterranean facilities have been overtaken by mold, while the surface teems with undead beings and menacing monstrosities.

Remnants of the Apocalypse

Fortified Sectors

In the face of an existential threat, mankind found itself with no other option but to resort to the construction of fortified bastions, which would provide a safe haven for survivors to cling onto in the hopes of surviving the storm of destruction. These strongholds were equipped with an arsenal of advanced weaponry and manned by a formidable force of skilled soldiers, tasked with the daunting responsibility of safeguarding the perimeter against the ravenous onslaught of monstrous invaders. In time, these bastions evolved into fully-fledged metropolises, each with their own distinct economies and social structures, which provided a beacon of hope for the future of humanity's resurgence.

Over five decades has passed since the meteorite devastated the terrain, and through those times the sectors became more advanced, thanks to the efforts made by the Armored Response Coalition. Through their hardship and sacrifices, weaknesses against the monsters became apparent and the layer of protection surrounding the sectors increased significantly, to the point that the surviving populace no longer had to fear the potential destruction of their second home. Currently, the fortresses stand as a testament to the resilience of humanity, having withstood the harshest of challenges. With the eradication of the monstrous hives that once threatened their stability, the sectors are now safe havens for those fortunate enough to call them home. Only the creeping miasma remains a concern.

The sectors exist only in the continent of Tarsaris, where all of humanity resides.

Ultimate War Machines

Armored Warframes

The Armored Warframes, sophisticated combat machines, were engineered by the unified world for the express purpose of countering the incessant extraterrestrial incursion. Varied iterations of Armored Warframes exist worldwide, including standard tanks equipped with supplementary modifications. However, the most prominent and renowned among them are the bipedal variants utilized in engagements against the formidable hive structures by the Armored Response Coalition.

These formidable mechs are the linchpin of world salvation, for no other armaments can presently withstand the relentless onslaught of demonic adversaries. Furthermore, the Armored Warframes offer great proficiency in achieving objectives with minimal losses, as they require only a single operator to man the machine. Owing to their unprecedented success in eradicating the eight hives, the Armored Warframes undergo constant upgrades and retrofitting, facilitating smoother operations.

Humanity

Gestalts

The Gestalts are a humanoid race with distinguishing physical features and biological functions that differentiate them from humans. They possess a wide array of genetic compositions that result in distinct hair and eye coloration. Their digestive system is exceptionally efficient in producing energy, enabling them to subsist on minimal nourishment. However, this adaptation requires the ingestion of a particular element known as Krunium, which is solely obtainable from the deepest recesses of habitable planets, concealed within a rare earthly mineral referred to as Void Crystals that are situated in the most remote and inaccessible areas of the world.The moniker "Void Crystals'' was attributed to it on account of its pitch-black outer shell.

The acquisition of Krunium is a daunting task as it is rare and can only be extracted through mining Void Crystals. However, a single shard of the crystal can sustain over a dozen Gestalts for a week. To ensure equitable distribution, Krunium is disseminated to the population in the form of ingestible liquid.

Krunium endows Gestalts with immunity to most illnesses and lethal pathogens, although the toxic miasma discharged from meteorites can penetrate their immune system. A mild deficiency of Krunium results in decreased energy levels, while a severe insufficiency can be fatal. With moderate Krunium consumption, Gestalts can lead healthy lives for up to 90 years.

The founders of the Gestalt race are known as the Ascendants, who once dominated as the ruling family of the world. They descended from a sole bloodline, originating from the first Gestalt, who served the supposed Void God - a divine being who was the focal point of an ancient religion that prevailed eons ago. The Ascendants, however, have mostly perished, with only a few remaining among the living.

Simulacrums

Project Strelitzia

Introducing Project Strelitzia, the esteemed research program exclusively financed by the Armored Response Coalition. Its primary aim was to scrutinize the very essence of a certain individual's unique ability and subsequently transcribe them into an artificial DNA. Such a momentous triumph would enable the participating scientists to seamlessly integrate the synthesized DNA into artificially constructed life forms, ultimately generating unparalleled super-soldiers. These extraordinary beings would exhibit exceptional piloting proficiency, enabling them to maneuver the Armored Warframes with unmatched skill and precision.

Crafted with the sole intention of assuming control of the Armored Warframes, these artificial entities exhibit a plethora of exceptional abilities that far surpass the capabilities of their human counterparts. Although their existence is restricted to a fleeting five-year time span, their exceptional proficiencies elevate them to the status of battlefield legends. Of these abilities, their matchless aptitude for premonition is perhaps the most prominent. This unique talent is derived from the neural structure of the Strelitzias, wherein the memories of four fallen operators are housed. The absorption of these memories provides the Strelitzias with an ability to anticipate peril with a staggering degree of 99% accuracy. The transference of specific attack patterns from their antecedents, in the form of after-images, is projected into the present, offering the Strelitzias a distinct advantage in combat. Indeed, these unparalleled beings are a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Armored Response Coalition to achieve nothing but the pinnacle of excellence on the battlefield.

It is crucial to acknowledge that the Strelitzias were not designed for conventional infantry combat, for their physical prowess only mildly exceeds that of a regular human. Nevertheless, their perseverance and durability are prodigious, as their heart has the ability to rapidly replenish their stamina. Such physical advantages allow the Strelitzias to persist in running for extended periods without succumbing to fatigue, and enable them to remain active for weeks without repose.

United Military Front

Armored Response Coalition

The Armored Response Coalition (ARC) is a formidable paramilitary organization, funded and supported globally across the four sectors, united by a singular purpose: to reclaim the lost territories of humanity from the clutches of the otherworldly menace known as the Voidwalkers. When the conventional military forces failed to contain the alien invasion during its early stages, the ARC stepped in with unwavering determination and overwhelming political backing to spearhead the fight against the extraterrestrial threat.

The ARC soldiers are equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, including weapons of mass destruction, and are driven by a deep-seated thirst for retribution against the unknown forces that have wrought destruction upon Earth. Their unwavering commitment to their cause is beyond doubt, and they have vowed to never lay down their arms or surrender to their alien adversaries. The ARC's unyielding will and battle-hardened resolve make them a force to be reckoned with, and a symbol of hope for all of humanity in the face of annihilation.

Rank Structure

The ARC operates in every sector, with divisions spread throughout the world that specialize in different talents. Its members are exclusively made of trained combatants and engineers of exceptional talents.

Executor
The Executor rank belongs to a single individual with directional authority over the organization. This seat currently belongs to a man named Auberon Pharesk, who continues to serve as its leader with no end in sight to his retirement.

Lieutenant Commander
Each sector has different branches from the ARC that cooperate with the general military for resources and operations. Thus the organization is divided by four divisions, each led by a high-ranking officer handpicked by the Executor. They are the commanders of their respective division and spearhead the majority of the operations done in their territory.

Operators
The primary component of the organization that executes their assigned tasks with precision and adherence to protocol. A significant proportion of its members receive approval from the Executor, based on their motives, to serve as operators for the ARC. These skilled individuals operate in hazardous conditions and possess advanced combat training to effectively engage their adversaries. The operators are ranked based on their seniority, with junior and senior operatives ranking above novice.

CODE & ROLEPLAY BY SEROBLISS

 

[Arkangel]

Project Strelitzia: When The Stars Withered

How has the results of the eight hive operations impacted the Warframe development?
The primary menace was not necessarily the aberrant creatures or the toxic haze that caused individuals to mutate into repugnant beasts. In reality, the technological advancements of humanity were sufficiently sophisticated to counteract these hazards with minimal losses, provided that the monsters conducted themselves in the expected manner of being untamed and disordered. The actual peril lay in their prompt capacity to acclimate to their surroundings and opponents, resulting in conventional military equipment and transportation becoming progressively less effective at a rapid pace.

Consequently, the Gestalts were compelled to adjust their strategies and intensify their research and technological developments with utmost haste to confront their adversaries. The Warframes were the outcome of this endeavor - mechanized war machines that posed formidable challenges to their opponents, owing to their agility and diverse means of neutralizing adversaries.

Why did they decide it was necessary to create a pilot better than a human? Why were the humans declared not good enough?
The primary factor behind the initiation of Project Strelitzia can be traced back to the Gestalts' prior research endeavors into artificial intelligence and synthetic humans, which had been underway for several decades prior to the meteorite's arrival. However, the progress in this field had been abruptly halted by the catastrophic event that led to the destruction of the research facility. Project Strelitzia can be viewed as a continuation of the previously unsuccessful project, but with a new focus solely on the preservation of humankind, as opposed to the previous aim of achieving independence from Krunium.

In addition to this, the scarcity of skilled pilots also played a significant role. The loss of Yurievna Kasyanova, the most distinguished and optimistic member of the human force, during the eighth operation, along with the majority of their seasoned pilots, had made it evident that there was an acute shortage of competent fighters. Despite years of training and recruitment, the stringent selection criteria made it arduous to identify suitable candidates. Moreover, the timeline was pressing, as new hives emerged every five years, and the appearance of a ninth hive would render the task of resisting the invaders nearly impossible.

Why did Project Strelitzia come to be so late in the game?
The research efforts of Project Strelitzia recommenced during the third hive operation, but progress was hindered for several decades due to the significant loss of resources and the demise of numerous scientists during the initial stages of the invasion. The creation of synthetic humans was a formidable task, compounded by the fact that there was no assurance that they would outperform their Gestalt counterparts. However, a breakthrough was achieved with the aid of Faustina, an individual of Ascendant lineage with an exceptional genetic composition, who willingly offered herself to the project. This resulted in a deeper understanding of DNA replication, which was instrumental in advancing the project's objectives.

In essence, the lack of clarity regarding the utility of synthetic humans and the substantial resource requirements necessary for their creation impeded progress until the final stages.

How long were the Strelitzias trained before entering combat, and what did that training entail?
A significant advantage of the Strelitzias was their innate proficiency as operatives, which rendered conventional training techniques redundant. However, to accurately assess their capabilities, training and testing were still required. The training program was designed to last approximately six months, primarily focused on combat simulations against captured and controlled invaders, and familiarizing themselves with their Warframes.

But it's unlikely that you'll have to write about the training. Please refer to the subsequent section for an explanation.

What did the Strelitzias do between the time of their creation and deployment?
The time span between their inception and deployment was precisely 30 months, with a significant portion of this duration dedicated to the development of their persona.

Initially, the Strelitzias were mere lifeless shells, devoid of self-awareness or aspirations, existing solely to alleviate their ennui. The subsequent phase of Project Strelitzia aimed to instill a sense of humanity into these exceptionally skilled individuals. This proposition was primarily espoused by Auberon Pharesk, the ARC's leader, who faced criticism for his benevolent intentions to transform the Strelitzias into more than just war machines. For Auberon, it was essential for the Strelitzias to assimilate into their surroundings and acquire a distinct human identity. He aspired for these individuals to be valiant, ambitious men and women who would fight for the future of humanity, not robotic entities that followed instructions without a sense of purpose.

Following the completion of their 6-month training and testing phase, the Strelitzias were granted the liberty to explore their surroundings and develop their individual identities. Under strict surveillance by the ARC, the Strelitzias were permitted to roam the sectors and gain a better understanding of the world without being subjected to rigid indoctrination or confined to barracks. Over the course of the next two years, the Strelitzias were free to discover and learn, after which they would return to their base, fueled with a renewed sense of ambition to save mankind, thereby ensuring that they can continue living the remainder of their lives in peace without any further conflicts.

What important missions would they have participated in?
None themselves until chapter 3 of the roleplay. However, their memories would be filled with operations ranging from the first to the eighth.

Who named them?
Either themselves or someone close to them during the 24 month period of freedom.

Do they know anything about the people who gave them their DNA?
Faustina is globally recognized as a patron saint of the sectors, it's a given that they know everything about her.

CODE & ROLEPLAY BY SEROBLISS