Euclid Leaf
Metamorphasis, Genesis, Metastasis
Themes: Magic(Complicated), Sci-fi, Character Focus, Crime, Corruption, Grimdark, Hopes/Dreams, Monster Hunting, Sacrifice.
In honor of someone I respect and wish back; Asuras
I. Introduction."All it took was one thought to destroy the world. It was a near-perfect apocalypse..."In honor of someone I respect and wish back; Asuras
In a time and age long ago, humankind existed as creatures of little significance, mundane beings who were able to change the world around them through only primitive means. We would come to invent and create our own rules and framework to judge the universe, using such knowledge to forge and create things that would slowly propel our societies. But this was merely an attempt to comprehend the abstract laws that bound things beyond physicality. Our minds were a forethought to our true capability, a window into the unknown, but nothing more. We were like talentless visionaries, left only to dream of what would’ve and could’ve been. We were trapped in this destiny, left with only one option into oblivion.
And If it were not for a fateful discovery, it would’ve continued on this way.
Perhaps for all time.
In the final days leading to the apocalypse, this discovery sparked something deep within our weary minds. An epiphany of pure wonder. Some say it was our souls finally connecting to the fabric of the cosmic energies, the direct evidence of our final transcendence. Others claim it was the byproduct of us possessing a unique trait known as Conception, as we reached a collective unification that amplified our thoughts. While its term varied, it was also something quite simple, and yet held limitless application.
To better explain, perhaps I shall speak in terms you will understand. For all intents and purposes, what I speak of, is a form of magic as you think of it today. To you, the word 'magic' elicits thoughts of fireballs and spell books and wands, but here on Threa, it is a far more... cataclysmic. This ‘magic’ was not some source energy from we can siphon into feats of impossibility, to cast lightning bols and the like, but a reactive principle particle that listened to our thoughts and manifested them, hence the term ‘Imagination’ now used for it. This newfound power allowed humans to finally transcend their old destiny, warping reality in whatever ways they could possibly conceive. Truly, a state of 'mind over matter'.
But this was just the start of the end. All it took was a thought.
Once we learned of its existence, there was nothing that could house its presence. Perhaps we were not ready? Would never be. We were unable to control its infinite effects, nor did we have a way to restrict them. In just a few nights, a type of destruction and creation beyond any conceivable magnitude wrought the planet and all things beyond. This magic would have no bounds, echoing our pain and suffering, our dreams and wishes, all at once. Our minds tore into the layers that bound all of existence until our world was consumed in a bright, gleaming essence. This ball of energy floated in the great emptiness of the void, existing all at once, but neither at all. Even the stars themselves could not outshine Armageddon.
And yet, in our final moments, as minds were destroyed, others collided and merged. In a divine flurry of thought, Threa was in a state of change of Flux, torn between and mended together infinitely as the polar hemispheres of our planet crashed and surged in washes of violent Imagination. Those who were able to survive cataclysm, felt the suffering of an entire race and were touched by a sorrow that transfixed their very souls. They sought to end it all.
These twine souls gathered into the center of the cosmic flux, willing their minds into one in order to do the impossible, to reverse the effects of creation, to stop the apocalypse and return Threa to peace.
The minds combined and become One, a mind formed of many. Their sheer thought-power was unmatched by any lesser form, and so they instigated the first ruling of magic on the planet.
The Edictum Arcana.
To prevent such a calamity from happening ever again, the newly created entity then spread their dominating influence across the world, such that no other minds could will their own thoughts into existence uncontrolled and boundless as they did before.
In their final profound act, the entity salvaged the vestiges of their lost world and brought it back from the brinks of nothingness. What happened cannot truly be undone, they knew this, but at least they would be given a second chance. In a flash of light, one that illuminated the very system itself, Threa fused together from its multitude of crumbling existent, and nonexistent parts. However, what they managed to return was only a copy, though a more suitable term would be; a ‘memory’. It was not the same, ridden with imperfections and flaws, as intangibles such as memory will never be perfect. but it was the very least something. Still, one thing was missing from this new home. A void, a loss.
To ease this pain, in the sorrow of all the life consumed in the chaos, the One created a colony souls to which a new generation would be born, hoping humanity would recover and keep it company in this new age of silence.
This version of Threa is new and old all at once, a place of sheer wonder. Indeed, a place of Imagination.
And so goes the history of our ancestors...
Centuries have passed now, and the world is as it was before the apocalypse. Mostly. The lingering presence of magic has left humanity new options to help choose our fates, protected by the Edictum Arcana. A new world of possibility and fantasy awaits us, but also one of equally matching danger.
Will we make the most of our second chance? Or simply repeat our old mistakes.
...
And If it were not for a fateful discovery, it would’ve continued on this way.
Perhaps for all time.
In the final days leading to the apocalypse, this discovery sparked something deep within our weary minds. An epiphany of pure wonder. Some say it was our souls finally connecting to the fabric of the cosmic energies, the direct evidence of our final transcendence. Others claim it was the byproduct of us possessing a unique trait known as Conception, as we reached a collective unification that amplified our thoughts. While its term varied, it was also something quite simple, and yet held limitless application.
To better explain, perhaps I shall speak in terms you will understand. For all intents and purposes, what I speak of, is a form of magic as you think of it today. To you, the word 'magic' elicits thoughts of fireballs and spell books and wands, but here on Threa, it is a far more... cataclysmic. This ‘magic’ was not some source energy from we can siphon into feats of impossibility, to cast lightning bols and the like, but a reactive principle particle that listened to our thoughts and manifested them, hence the term ‘Imagination’ now used for it. This newfound power allowed humans to finally transcend their old destiny, warping reality in whatever ways they could possibly conceive. Truly, a state of 'mind over matter'.
But this was just the start of the end. All it took was a thought.
Once we learned of its existence, there was nothing that could house its presence. Perhaps we were not ready? Would never be. We were unable to control its infinite effects, nor did we have a way to restrict them. In just a few nights, a type of destruction and creation beyond any conceivable magnitude wrought the planet and all things beyond. This magic would have no bounds, echoing our pain and suffering, our dreams and wishes, all at once. Our minds tore into the layers that bound all of existence until our world was consumed in a bright, gleaming essence. This ball of energy floated in the great emptiness of the void, existing all at once, but neither at all. Even the stars themselves could not outshine Armageddon.
And yet, in our final moments, as minds were destroyed, others collided and merged. In a divine flurry of thought, Threa was in a state of change of Flux, torn between and mended together infinitely as the polar hemispheres of our planet crashed and surged in washes of violent Imagination. Those who were able to survive cataclysm, felt the suffering of an entire race and were touched by a sorrow that transfixed their very souls. They sought to end it all.
These twine souls gathered into the center of the cosmic flux, willing their minds into one in order to do the impossible, to reverse the effects of creation, to stop the apocalypse and return Threa to peace.
The minds combined and become One, a mind formed of many. Their sheer thought-power was unmatched by any lesser form, and so they instigated the first ruling of magic on the planet.
The Edictum Arcana.
To prevent such a calamity from happening ever again, the newly created entity then spread their dominating influence across the world, such that no other minds could will their own thoughts into existence uncontrolled and boundless as they did before.
In their final profound act, the entity salvaged the vestiges of their lost world and brought it back from the brinks of nothingness. What happened cannot truly be undone, they knew this, but at least they would be given a second chance. In a flash of light, one that illuminated the very system itself, Threa fused together from its multitude of crumbling existent, and nonexistent parts. However, what they managed to return was only a copy, though a more suitable term would be; a ‘memory’. It was not the same, ridden with imperfections and flaws, as intangibles such as memory will never be perfect. but it was the very least something. Still, one thing was missing from this new home. A void, a loss.
To ease this pain, in the sorrow of all the life consumed in the chaos, the One created a colony souls to which a new generation would be born, hoping humanity would recover and keep it company in this new age of silence.
This version of Threa is new and old all at once, a place of sheer wonder. Indeed, a place of Imagination.
And so goes the history of our ancestors...
Centuries have passed now, and the world is as it was before the apocalypse. Mostly. The lingering presence of magic has left humanity new options to help choose our fates, protected by the Edictum Arcana. A new world of possibility and fantasy awaits us, but also one of equally matching danger.
Will we make the most of our second chance? Or simply repeat our old mistakes.
...
The Blacklist:
In the days of the apocalypse, destructive surges of creation and noncreation, were not the only source of
strife for a barely lingering humanity. Where imagination took hold in ways mages intended, nightmares sprouted things unintended, and truly horrific. They existed beyond reality, but at the same time, very much part of it. When Threa was recreated by the One, they too returned, coming crawling from the shadows and from the darkest of hearts. They are monsters, in the simplest form, longing for the chaos and suffering they had been born and nourished from. The 'specks', as they are known, the lesser manifestation of these creatures can be found in all corners, hiding between the countless cracks and nooks in the dark underbelly of Synapse:Sanctuary. Relishing in causing pain and suffering, if left unchecked, one will grow and become more intelligent, and many times more powerful.
Magus Cirriculum may have officially taken it upon themselves to erase the shadows from Threa in their quest for upholding the peace, but corruption and darkness have long since taken root amongst their once noble ranks. Often, due to the size of the supercity, places are overlooked for more lucrative prospects, being as Mega-Corps and Named Families have earned a 'right' and 'priority', if you will, of their primary attention and protection. It is this way with much of the Sanctuary's ERASED corps as well, whom have taken to ignoring the ailing cries of the masses.
The Blacklist, as they have come to call themselves due to being high-priority targets of both the Sanctuary and Maegus Cirriculum, serve as necessary 'villains' across Threa.
Blacklist members will do whatever it takes to make things right, whether it be taking out a greedy corporate head who plan to further abuse the helpless masses, or to root out the living nightmares that trespass into Synapse:Sanctuary and are neglectfully left to wander unattended until they eventually bring about another apocalypse. With what feels like the entire world against them, these vigilantes must use their wits and all the magic at their disposal to achieve victory.
Their members come from all walks of life, as the only entry requirement is a knowledge of Nightmares themselves, and a will to fight against them. Many Blacklist members are actually former Discordants that have long since abandoned their dark circles and decided to turn their expertise in arcane ability to a 'right' cause. The organization itself is one created upon a bedrock of anger and hatred towards injustice, leading to them to adopting a rather dark reputation themselves, as they will do whatever it takes to cleanse the city that has turned rotten in their eyes. Oftentimes the thing they seek to destroy is a tool at their disposal, stripping pieces and trophies from these Nightmares to create strange and peculiar objects of the 'Occult'. These practices hold them a fearful, yet accepted spot in the public opinion, as something of a 'necessary evil'.
strife for a barely lingering humanity. Where imagination took hold in ways mages intended, nightmares sprouted things unintended, and truly horrific. They existed beyond reality, but at the same time, very much part of it. When Threa was recreated by the One, they too returned, coming crawling from the shadows and from the darkest of hearts. They are monsters, in the simplest form, longing for the chaos and suffering they had been born and nourished from. The 'specks', as they are known, the lesser manifestation of these creatures can be found in all corners, hiding between the countless cracks and nooks in the dark underbelly of Synapse:Sanctuary. Relishing in causing pain and suffering, if left unchecked, one will grow and become more intelligent, and many times more powerful.
Magus Cirriculum may have officially taken it upon themselves to erase the shadows from Threa in their quest for upholding the peace, but corruption and darkness have long since taken root amongst their once noble ranks. Often, due to the size of the supercity, places are overlooked for more lucrative prospects, being as Mega-Corps and Named Families have earned a 'right' and 'priority', if you will, of their primary attention and protection. It is this way with much of the Sanctuary's ERASED corps as well, whom have taken to ignoring the ailing cries of the masses.
The Blacklist, as they have come to call themselves due to being high-priority targets of both the Sanctuary and Maegus Cirriculum, serve as necessary 'villains' across Threa.
Blacklist members will do whatever it takes to make things right, whether it be taking out a greedy corporate head who plan to further abuse the helpless masses, or to root out the living nightmares that trespass into Synapse:Sanctuary and are neglectfully left to wander unattended until they eventually bring about another apocalypse. With what feels like the entire world against them, these vigilantes must use their wits and all the magic at their disposal to achieve victory.
Their members come from all walks of life, as the only entry requirement is a knowledge of Nightmares themselves, and a will to fight against them. Many Blacklist members are actually former Discordants that have long since abandoned their dark circles and decided to turn their expertise in arcane ability to a 'right' cause. The organization itself is one created upon a bedrock of anger and hatred towards injustice, leading to them to adopting a rather dark reputation themselves, as they will do whatever it takes to cleanse the city that has turned rotten in their eyes. Oftentimes the thing they seek to destroy is a tool at their disposal, stripping pieces and trophies from these Nightmares to create strange and peculiar objects of the 'Occult'. These practices hold them a fearful, yet accepted spot in the public opinion, as something of a 'necessary evil'.
There is no age requirement to joining the Blacklist. All it takes is a strong heart. Your characters may know one another as familiar faces to the cause, or they may be white badges, unfamiliar with the etiquette and names of the secretive society. Regardless of your inexperience or otherwise, you will come to learn that teamwork and trust is a necessity when dealing the nightmares of Synapse:Sanctuary. Only those who have come together will be able to bear the burden, lest it all comes crumbling into nothingness.
IV. Misc.
In a world of such potent magic, even those who lack magic will feel its influences. In such a short span of time, this generation of humanity has surpassed all recorded instances of itself in the past. Synapse:Sanctuary is the center of this technological boom, glimmering in a sea of neon and metal wonder. Maegus and Operators alike often work to discover new ways to fuse Science and Magic into an entirely new art-form, and as a result, advancements to both body implants and general convenience have reached new heights, with magi-mechanical body replacements known as 'Metal Jackets' allowing a 'mundane' to achieve extraordinary performance, to correct genetic mutations and physical disabilities. But not all technology is made with utility in mind, the 'Hollow Cores', giant magically-powered robot walkers that patrol the city streets with the Sanctuary Police are an example of this. Mini-Computers and hologram overlays are common sight, and intelligent machines have been built to serve and pamper humanity, walking alongside the populace and heading stores. Feat-Mods are another popular service, surgeries and injections meant to slightly change any aspect of a person they so desired. Overall, allowing the world to be a happier place. To those who can afford so at least. However, not all have their intentions for the betterment of society. In the dark and unsanctioned zones of Babylon, those who want a more 'thrilling' upgrade can physically outfit their body without limit, and even change their appearance drastically, sometimes taking on bizarre forms of fetish. For a price, of course.
Dubbed, Porcelain Dolls or Reconstructs, these are people who have underwent many mechanical alterations and surgeries to their body, often illegal and extremely dangerous, allowing the user of both inhuman feats and unique magi-science powers. If any of the Sanctuary's agents were to find any of these illegal 'jacks' on you, interrogation usually comes after they compound your arms and legs.
Willful Threshold - Before the Edictum Arcana, anybody with awareness that magic existed would spontaneously produce spells uncontrollably with their every thought. The Edictum Arcana created a "Willful Threshold" to prevent unintended spell casting. The Threshold is designed such that spells only take effect if the magician purposefully wills it to do so, rather than merely at first consideration. While all individuals are technically capable of performing magic, due to the Threshold's existence, some individuals possess a lesser innate capacity for their will to be strong enough to pass it (thus negating their ability to perform magic at all).
Inhibitors/Feedback - Counters for spells that create real-world, physical effects, such as fireballs, rolling quakes, flashes of light, etc are known as Inhibitors. Most mages have at their disposal a particular type of defensive spell known as a 'barrier' or 'shield'. These function as a 'direct' spell and must be willed into existence by a mage to prevent short incoming physical effects from harming them, in much the same way as a mundane physical barrier.
On the other hand, Feedbacks are a secondary type of defensive mechanism, that is a result of a mage's unnaturally strong willpower. These fields are used to prevent spells rather than block them outright. Usually, a RF is a skin-tight zone that all mages possess, which prevents anything not immediately perceived from coming into existence. Thus, a mage's RF defends them against things such as telekinesis affecting their body, forced-warps, and other spells that create immediate localized effects and meta-physical disabilities at a range. As the RF is a willed effect, it can be overcome by stronger wills. It is advised for a mage to keep their RF close to themselves to increase its potency, though the effect can be extended at the cost of diminished strength.
Creation - A type of imaginative magic that allows a prepared and well-versed wielder an almost infinite amount of possibility. However, there are a few laws that must be followed as well, in using Creation.
Firstly and foremost, all creation spells must follow the Law of Conservation set out by the Edicts Arcana, lest it will be made null and unable to form at all. Therefore, creation from 'nothing' is forbidden, and requires suitable matter. Creation from pure energy is actually possible, as most learned mages will know, and is dubbed 'Alchemy' which includes the manipulation of particles and atoms, but is a forbidden spell type due to its ability to create things like monetary value or radioactive material from essentially 'nothing'.
As an extension of the Law of Conservation; secondly, an object created cannot provide more than the sum of its whole mass. Also, creating physical objects generally requires time to complete, especially if an object is made up of multiple elements. This is also because precision is required in the construction of things, as things made haphazardly or half-way will fail to function as intended.
Simply put, making bullets from a uniform block of iron takes an infinitesimal amount of time compared to something as 'simple' as a leaf from organic matter, which is incredibly complex in its composition, and furthermore, you cannot create more bullets than the block of iron can possibly provide in physical matter.
Creation of particular objects can be streamlined and made faster by memorizing the thoughts needed to produce that particular object. A "template" or "spell", if you will.
Disassembly - The opposite of Creation, Dissassembly is not a forbidden spell, but has an upper limit to the speed which one can utilize it at, so as to prevent rampant degeneration of large objects (or people). Rule-breakers are known to bypass the limit to create more devastating spells.
Arcane Acceleration Limit - Part of the Laws of Relativity limits the speed at which things that contain mass may travel. Said speed limit is approximately 760 m/s; or the average speed of a ballistic sniper round. This too can be circumvented by finding loopholes in the law.
...
Inhibitors/Feedback - Counters for spells that create real-world, physical effects, such as fireballs, rolling quakes, flashes of light, etc are known as Inhibitors. Most mages have at their disposal a particular type of defensive spell known as a 'barrier' or 'shield'. These function as a 'direct' spell and must be willed into existence by a mage to prevent short incoming physical effects from harming them, in much the same way as a mundane physical barrier.
On the other hand, Feedbacks are a secondary type of defensive mechanism, that is a result of a mage's unnaturally strong willpower. These fields are used to prevent spells rather than block them outright. Usually, a RF is a skin-tight zone that all mages possess, which prevents anything not immediately perceived from coming into existence. Thus, a mage's RF defends them against things such as telekinesis affecting their body, forced-warps, and other spells that create immediate localized effects and meta-physical disabilities at a range. As the RF is a willed effect, it can be overcome by stronger wills. It is advised for a mage to keep their RF close to themselves to increase its potency, though the effect can be extended at the cost of diminished strength.
Creation - A type of imaginative magic that allows a prepared and well-versed wielder an almost infinite amount of possibility. However, there are a few laws that must be followed as well, in using Creation.
Firstly and foremost, all creation spells must follow the Law of Conservation set out by the Edicts Arcana, lest it will be made null and unable to form at all. Therefore, creation from 'nothing' is forbidden, and requires suitable matter. Creation from pure energy is actually possible, as most learned mages will know, and is dubbed 'Alchemy' which includes the manipulation of particles and atoms, but is a forbidden spell type due to its ability to create things like monetary value or radioactive material from essentially 'nothing'.
As an extension of the Law of Conservation; secondly, an object created cannot provide more than the sum of its whole mass. Also, creating physical objects generally requires time to complete, especially if an object is made up of multiple elements. This is also because precision is required in the construction of things, as things made haphazardly or half-way will fail to function as intended.
Simply put, making bullets from a uniform block of iron takes an infinitesimal amount of time compared to something as 'simple' as a leaf from organic matter, which is incredibly complex in its composition, and furthermore, you cannot create more bullets than the block of iron can possibly provide in physical matter.
Creation of particular objects can be streamlined and made faster by memorizing the thoughts needed to produce that particular object. A "template" or "spell", if you will.
Disassembly - The opposite of Creation, Dissassembly is not a forbidden spell, but has an upper limit to the speed which one can utilize it at, so as to prevent rampant degeneration of large objects (or people). Rule-breakers are known to bypass the limit to create more devastating spells.
Arcane Acceleration Limit - Part of the Laws of Relativity limits the speed at which things that contain mass may travel. Said speed limit is approximately 760 m/s; or the average speed of a ballistic sniper round. This too can be circumvented by finding loopholes in the law.
...
When attempting to circumvent laws contained within the Edictum Arcana, magicians who wish to find loopholes, as they say, have two options at their disposal. There are two 'Schools of Thought' that can afford them greater arcane variety. The first is, in general, is known as "Bypassing", which involves the use of one's imagination (as is necessary for all magic) to create alternative paths or complex layers of thought to misguide the Edictum, in order to generate a spell that is normally made impossible to cast. This usually involves intense thinking on physical systems, such as chemical reactions, energy transfer, etc. As the Edictum Arcana is not infinite in its statements, there are ways to get around ideas or imaginations normally barred from usage. Education and hard work is necessary to achieve this school of thought. It is for this reason that few, if any, lawless mages of the Discord culture are unintelligent. Most are almost too intelligent, for their own good.
The second school is known as "Crashing". Magicians who utilize this school of thought to overcome the Edictum are far rarer than even the one above, and are colloquially known as "Crashers". Rather than relying on finesse in their Bypasses, Crashers lean upon their sheer mental fortitude to "break past" the Edictum Arcana, albeit only barely. While the Edictum Arcana is considered "absolute", with a growing population of mages throughout the centuries, the potency of such an influence has dwindled, leaving room for powerful minds to brute-force their way past the invisible barrier that is arcane law. Usually spells cast in this manner are highly volatile and very difficult to control or keep precise due to the effort put behind merely trying to materialize the effects fast enough to not be stunted by the Edictum.
The second school is known as "Crashing". Magicians who utilize this school of thought to overcome the Edictum are far rarer than even the one above, and are colloquially known as "Crashers". Rather than relying on finesse in their Bypasses, Crashers lean upon their sheer mental fortitude to "break past" the Edictum Arcana, albeit only barely. While the Edictum Arcana is considered "absolute", with a growing population of mages throughout the centuries, the potency of such an influence has dwindled, leaving room for powerful minds to brute-force their way past the invisible barrier that is arcane law. Usually spells cast in this manner are highly volatile and very difficult to control or keep precise due to the effort put behind merely trying to materialize the effects fast enough to not be stunted by the Edictum.
Anyway, enough of my rambling. I hope you enjoy!
Note: I do not own any of the posted images, unless stated otherwise. All intellectual properties go to their respective creators. I will probably include more of my own invention as time goes on. If it goes on.
