Autumn Leaf
Chrysalis, Metamorphosis, Genesis
THE WORLD ABOVE
OF TECHNOLOGY
THE WORLD BETWEEN
THE WORLD BELOW
- The Universal Laws // Horizon Boundary
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In the Age of Silence, the Twelve Arks protected a fledgling humanity from the ruinous stormfront that enveloped the World Between.
The Arks represented a second chance, in a shattered universe. Their creator left only tiny fragments of magic to sustain them. Encased within the skyfaring havens were not only complex ecosystems capable of sustaining humanity for ages to come, but crucial magic functions that returned stability a reality left in tatters.
- Encased inside each is a portion of the recovered and restored Universal Laws, the revision known collectively as the Registry Edicts.
With the last star as their guiding light, humanity must find a place in a post-magic world.
- A satellite picture of the old Capricorn - Ark. Aquarius can be seen in the background (to the left), along with Taurus (to the right).
Sagittarius is an especially unique station, containing the portion of the Registry Edict responsible for the laws of energy and gravity, and housing the last known star in existence, Solaris.
Years into their awakening, the humans that emerged were informed by the onboard intelligence shared by the Arks — known as Zodiac. Up until this point, the avatar had been the beloved caretaker for an entire generation, tenderly raising them, flooding their minds with knowledge beyond their years.
In truth, it was preparing them.
Magic was absolute. But the tiny specks at the heart of the Arks were barely a fragment. They had a limit. When their magic drained to a point, the Arks secondary systems could only generate enough energy to continue their core function. Which was to uphold and maintain the Horizon Boundary. All other systems, stations, and facilities were seen as secondary, and would be shut down.
Humanity had been given an ultimatum.
To set out to the shattered remains of the universe, hoping to find a solution to their pending doom, or remain there and starve to death in a cold, lightless metal tomb.
What occurred was the first, and only unification event to date. All of the remaining resources, all of the brightest minds, and all of their lives were rested upon a singular world-scale joint operation — Project: Storm//Diver. Though there were many setbacks, its ultimate success kickstarted the First Era. - BABEL
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During the technological boom of the First Era, the Twelve Arks expanded in size, and reached across the skies. Merging into a singular mega-installation, aptly named BABEL, this is the focal point of human civilization in the post-magical universe.
In many ways, BABEL mirrors the stories of legend. It stands as a testament of ambition, an unbiased representation of humanity itself.
Bathed by the solar rays of Solaris housed within the orbital LANTERN, rests the CROWN, treated like a pristine status symbol and worn proudly. Here, where life in high-society is ordained above artificial clouds, generated by the limbus-atmospheric system, every whim is sated, ever desire pleased -- it is stuff of fantasy and dreams.
However, in the shadows beneath this corporate designed illusion of prosperity, there are equal parts harrowing, unfinished, and abandoned. Just a level beneath, are the hidden ribs of a metallic skeleton, an exposed, broken industrial canopy, bleeding with hazardous refuse. The result of rushed construction projects disregarding any notion of safety or protocol. Here, in largest portions of the BABEL, known as the UNDERTOWER, is where the majority of humanity languishes in slums, imbibed with waterfalls of smog pouring from a sea of industrial farms ever-churning for their corporate tyrants.
Fleets of delivery drones, branded vending machines spitting out tasteless sludge, and unfiltered crime runs rampant in the precincts below. From <espers>, data-thieves intercepting cognition-waves sent across the new-age internet, known as UNITY, to the warring syndicate gangs facing off against the professional security teams of corporate cargo-trains. Only to be ambushed by a CHERUB combat walker, mowing down the raid members in a hail of homing face-tracking bullets. Violence is the base level required for survival in most parts of BABEL.
Every aspect of this post-magic era can be attributed to a key discovery. And is the source for all the greed, the power, and the wonders beloved. Aestrum, the science of spellcrafting.
Thus, it is said, blood is the most prized currency in BABEL.
The major segments where there is drastic change in the environment of the mega-installation are as follows; from descending order, the LANTERN, the CROWN, NEO-BABLYON, the UNDERTOWER, the ARK.
:// The Twelve Districts
The ideals of a unified humanity were dashed when the first corporate borders were drawn, turn into enclosed sectors of private-property. The Twelve Districts of BABEL are territories divided by the ruling megacorporations, the Name-Brands. Who have turned the numerous city-sized precincts within them into discretionary zones under their absolute authority, akin to sovereign states.
It is no exaggeration to say that the populace within a District are bred at birth to become its faithful employees of the Name-Brands.
Those born into this system are branded instead of named, marked by a unique alphanumeric sequence known as an identification-brand. Or a serial. These grim tattoos serve as a cold reminder of the sterile nature of the BABEL. Here, self-worth is not only quantified, but merit is the primary measure of status by the system. Only the valuable things are granted the right to a Name. An indicator of importance, and status.
And perhaps no name is more well-known than the megacorporations so crucial to everyday life, they have become household names. The Name-Brands, and their Chairholders are seated the highest point of power in the BABEL. Though, only in technicality.
In a twisted way, the only thing keeping these Chairholders in check are the threat posed by another.
Their prominence is undeniable, as a single policy shift from one of these megacorporations can alter the entire socio-economic landscape of the BABEL overnight. But doing so in such a brazen manner could quickly spark all-out war. A measure of last resort. In the only legislation they could collectively agree on, the Brand Corps decentralized and dissolved federal government long ago.
Thus, each District operates on its own governing laws and customs set by its associated Brand-Corp. Due to the immense industrial and operational demands of a Name-Brand, each District is uniquely transformed to suit the needs of its reigning megacorp, resulting in wildly different cultures and customs.
For many, especially those living in the UNDERTOWER, the notion of a ‘sky’ relates to the cold metal access bridges, and the ceiling of thousands of layered structures above. Thus, it is common to relate the stories of the old-stars to the ‘neon-stars’ glittering overhead.
(A construction site for an expansion to the Core-Reactor Plant at the South Institute located in Neo-Babylon, a Mega-District shared by the Four Institutes.) - Name-Brands
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The most dominant organizations upon Threa are referred to as the 'Name-Brands', megacorporations that have taken over, at least some way, all known aspects of function within BABEL. They are the ones who drew the borders that created Districts, hoping to separate themselves from their rivals. With the advantage of their trade-secrets, these particular corporations rose above all the other competing entities to become world leaders, whose designation is symbolic of their lofty 'seat' at the top of everything.
If such secrets were to be known by the public, it would spell utter disaster for a megacorporation. So the Chairholders guard it at all costs. Chiefly, from the ever-prying eyes of their peers.
Executive Officers for Brand Corps are hired exclusively from the highest echelons of the -Board- , their elite -Companies- , and are among the most intelligent, determined, and ambitious individuals in all of BABEL. Even if it means signing away their body and soul. Attributed with the same awe as a divine blessing, countless are willing to do whatever it takes to be marked by an esteemed authorization-brand, a corporate ‘Insignia’, willingly ignorant to the atrocities they play a part in.
Quick Summary of the Twelve Brand Corps;
For ease of reading, the section before the District # denotes the section of BABEL where District is located, i.e. the CROWN, the LANTERN, etc.
- Rien
- Aristocra
- Alice & Wunder
- Prydwen
- Dioscuri
- Galahad
- Ars Technica
- Lua
- Jupiter Transit
- Vie
- Aries
- Apollo
- Yi Sun
LANTERN - District 1 // Heavy Industrialists -
Notably responsible for forge foundations for district-expansion, commissioned by other megacorporations, and construction of massive capital-sized warcruisers used to combat Leviathans.
Mars is a district-spanning solar-forge, the single largest manufactory in all of BABEL. The LANTERN is one, out of two, Arks that have remained detached from the greater mega-installation, retaining their original orbital flight path despite the rebranding and establishment of corporate district borders. Utilizing direct energy from Solaris, the artificial star housed at the center, Rien stands at a unique position. They are the megacorporation that cooperates the most with their peers, and holds the most beneficial relationships (though this not to say they are positive), as they have possession of this asset that no one else can ever hope to compete with.
They are largest donors to the defense-platforms safeguarding the ARK, a corporate neutrality-zone anointed by Chairholders themselves. And among the most willing to hire third-party <divers> to fulfill special requests.
There, in the halls of the GUILD a marketplace run by the - Board- , negotiators from all across BABEL come to bid on the fresh cargo of <Diving> - Outfits- returning from their voyage in the CHZ.
Thus, it is not uncommon for their security to involve fleets from [Orange] - Company.
- -- The Board --
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A partial carry-over from the lost-era, The Public Contract Board, or simply, the -Board-, is a public listings forum for contract work, and since the database conversion, the current most visited domain within UNITY.
Formed from a conglomeration of the most powerful mercenary companies, the -Board- would ordinarily be perceived as a threat to the Chairholders. It brought much debate between members of the council, but their initial fears were sidelined by their natural sense of profit. They acknowledged the benefits of this public-distributed rating system. By allowing the system to persist, the Brands benefit both directly and indirectly in a mutual relationship.- Notably, the Name-Brands can defer basic services and necessities of their residents to independent third parties, without detracting from their own self interests. They also have the option of making use of these unassociated agents in proxy wars against competitors.
From menial seasonal laboring, full-time positions at an [Office], to even hitman services (and protection from hitmen). Any kind of work can be found on the -Board- However, things banned by district-mandated sanctions are still prohibited requests.- These contracts are divided into rating brackets based on difficulty and scale. From lowest to highest; [Residential], [Urban], [Regional], and [Enterprise].
- Board Companies -Although posts can be previewed freely by anyone accessing the -Board-, only licensed users are permitted to accept a contract. Such licenses are not a physical object. Like most identification types, the -Board- membership is etched via an interface-brand issued after a certification process, whereas an in-person evaluation determines an individual's rating in various fields, and assigning specialty tags where applicable.
These members are known as an ENLIST.
Due to the rating requirement of contracts, there is a substantial barrier of entry into any type of workforce. Novices, untrained, and other low-rated serials are encouraged to split a contract, co-signing as a singular entity with combined rating.
There are three distinct levels of organization, as recognized by the -Board-
OUTFIT - [Residential] // [Urban]
A denotation of collective size, as opposed to rating, usually a small team of ENLISTs not unified by symbol or dress code. Hence ‘outfits’. Many of these are temporary and selfish alliances, looking only to elevate their own Rating. Oftentimes, this is achieved by terminating their teammates from the co-signed contract.
-Outfits- that are signed to a larger enterprise, such as an -office-, are known as ENSIGNs, due to a common contractual obligation to bear their logo.
OFFICE - [Regional]
An -outfit- that has amassed a high enough rating, can apply to the -Board- to be elevated to the status of an -office-. Typically with a recognized <specialty>.
This opens the opportunity for more lucrative job offers, known as [regional] contracts, signified by a larger scope and operational scale.
With pre-established revenue, an -office- is capable of operating and supporting multiple -outfits- simultaneously. As there is no limit, an -office- can grow to the size of a large-enterprise numbering thousands of employees. Though many refer to these as a -corporation- for denotation of operational scale, it is still categorized as an -office- by the -Board-
This level of status attracts skilled ENLISTs.- ENSIGNs, those who are employed by an -office-, relinquish their own individuality, and are required to promote their -office-. In return, they are provided work stability, along with quality equipment. Contractually obliged, ENSIGNs cannot deny an assignment from their -office-, even if it is highly life-threatening. Furthermore, any work an ENSIGN does must be first authorized by their-office-.
COMPANY - [Enterprise]
Just a level beneath the power and influence of a megacorporation, the -companies- partnered with the -Board- are as recognizable as the Name-Brands themselves.
There are Seven broad fields of specialization that the -Board- categorizes, with an associated -Branch Office- overseeing their specific administration inside a District. Each one is denoted by a representative color for quick identification.
To assist in their service, each -Branch Office- chooses the seven highest rated -offices- under its jurisdiction and offers an exclusive partnership, forming what is more well-known as a -Board Company-. This selective process is what garners these -companies- their venerable and elite status.
Exclusively issued special assignments, which pose the greatest threat and difficulty among any contracts.
Acting as arbiters for the -Branches-, and subsequently the -Board- itself, these -companies- have access to a vast accumulation of resources, granting their members advanced aestrum technology, special assets, and ample manpower. Due to the reputation they must uphold, -company- ENSIGNs are cold-hearted professionals. Those who are seen as problematic among their ranks are quickly removed.
-Board Companies- are often the first place a Name-Brand goes to hire elite proxies to protect, assault, or infiltrate key targets, typically one another.
Quick Example - [BLUE] - Company are renown security experts, whose officers lead elite escort teams, accompanied by powerful war machines, that are hired by powerful organizations to assist in securing high value targets and key assets.[ORANGE] is the color for <Diving> tag specialty, signifying seasoned voyagers into the Horizon Boundary. Many rookie divers dream of joining their ranks, in the hope of being assigned to the legendary Expeditionary Fleet.
OF TECHNOLOGY
- Aestrum // Interface-Brands
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The price of a single drop of Haemal is worth more than the blood of a hundred humans.
This was the importance of Aestrum, to the megacorporations who use it to maintain their rule over BABEL.
Simply put, Aestrum is the study and application of spellcraft.
Of all the complex principles and theorems required to fully comprehend the enigmatic forces at work in this ever-evolving field of arcane science, there are two core concepts everyone in the BABEL understands of Aestrum.
Astralite shapes a spell, granting it function and form, while Haemal was its catalyst.
Both of these extremely rare materials can only be harvested from the World Below, beyond the crushing, swirling depths of the Ashen Sea. Such a voyage through a layer of violent typhoons capable of rending metal hulls like paper, is dangerous enough alone. But to travel further, unto uncharted, exotic continents spat out from the restless, void, only to then do combat with eldritch titans capable of devouring cities whole...
This is what grants these two spell components its pricelessness. And the Storm-Divers who undertake such a suicidal undertaking, their legendary reputation.
Raw Astralite is classified as a primary arcane reagent. Its appearance was that of glimmering alloy, stained by trace amounts of magic. Perhaps in large part to this uniqueness, it is food source of fabled Behemoth and Leviathans, mysterious creatures adapted to survival in these extreme environments. It is in the study of this peculiar diet, that the first code-smiths learned to carve Astralite, each marking introducing an altering, compounding effect, similar to a 'programing language' of sorts. This was the conception of sigil-code, the revelation that would go to kickstart the current age of spellcraft. When this code was applied to refined Astralite, resulting in a 'spell-template', and then introduced to Haemal, the outcome was miraculous. Nearly any effect imaginable could be replicated and produced from the chemo-arcane reaction.
Though such a phrase, would invoke an impression that this was anything above a superficial comparison.
Of course, true magic was limitless. These 'spells' could only apply modified versions of forces and energies outlined within the Universal Laws, such as physics, thermodynamics, or electromagnetics. To invoke such a concept was taboo, made forbidden by the Addendum, and greatly feared by most. Magic was the plague that brought the end-times, a fresh scar yet to heal in the minds of some.
With a spell-template, even the most mundane items could be made to possess incredible qualities. And all it takes, is a single drop of Haemal.
This is an oversimplification. Any code-smith worth their hefty wage would know to use the Lindell-Strauss Ratio to reach the most optimal burn-rate. But the core principle remains.
Aestrum technology was unbelievably efficient. Even with the lowest quality, and tier, of Haemal, and spell-template's sequence index category, a mere fluid ounce could power a full-occupation residency for months.
SPELL-SEQUENCE INDEX CATEGORY A spell-template's sequence TIER determines its overall complexity, estimating the power of the SPELL contained within. Or in the case of higher TIERS, the number of different arcane effects working in tandem. This grading system also applies to aestrum that makes use of interface-brands with an bio-organic activator, such as ORIN.
- Code-Smiths are those specialized in sequencing and tuning, molding raw Astralite into viable, functional spell-templates via Sigil-Code. The common tool used to carve ASTRALITE is is referred to as a WAND.
- Defined next to the sequence TIERs, is a 'scale' denoting the range of damage such a spell could reasonably deal.
A slang term, referring to this grade as Digits, referring to the limit spell-capacity of these templates. Used in most common technology found across BABEL, such as manual, powered Aestrum tools, general computing hardware, and common automated machinery, this range of technology is limited however, to a single primary use.
Sequence II - Street-scale
A string of digit spell-templates forming a more powerful system, possessing additional complexity and variation in usability and output. The introduction of simultaneous spellcasting leads to a larger array of primary functions. Used to manage multiple linked devices, such as in apartment complexes, neural communications relays, or if singularly, devices that will feature more than one potent core applications.
- to put into perspective, one of these is equivalent to owning a whole car. Often, this is found in most commercials flight-vehicles (FVs).
- Due to border-restrictions across the Twelve Districts, it is rare, even outright illegal to possess unique technologies above this grade, unless purchased within the manufacturing District itself.
- The lowest-grade ARMAMENTS begin at this tier, albeit with severely limited functionality compared to their premium counterparts. Such as some full-body suits, known as dive-ready STRATUM.
Several dozens of stringing command templates, referred to as an Array, such spells can support multiple layers of core functions. For example, in advanced multi-algorithmic computing servers, overseeing multiple hundreds of simpler machines, or a more focused, advanced core system, such as those found in automatons capable of both intricate command actions and communication.
Industrial FVs are much larger, with a plethora of advanced functions. This is the minimum TIER required for such aestrum-tech. One, or sometimes multiple, are installed into building-sized corporate cargo trains, or the advanced stormfaring FVs, TIDE//BRACHER models, primarily utilized by Diving Outfits to traverse the Horizon Boundary.This TIER is also found in the lowest level of combat-walker CHERUB used by top companies, capable of standing toe-to-toe with even the most fierce Behemoths-types.
Sequence IV - Precinct-scale.
Incredibly advanced, the power of such spells cannot even be equated to a singular purpose. These templates consist of hundreds of sigil-code arrays, easily able to manage multiple complex spell-algorithms simultaneously, as well as possessing tens of thousands of variable input/output relays.
Their sheer cost means that only large enterprises are able to acquire such technology. At this level, it is enough to power the systems of a whole facility. Such automated administrative systems overseeing are present in factories, precinct maintenance severs, and on-board interfaces for military class battlecruisers.
Sequence V - District-scale
Only the most advanced Aestrum technology utilizes these spell-templates. It is rumored at this level, automated aestrum systems resemble human consciousness. They are usually not for commercial sale, commissioned directly from master code-smiths only by the most wealthy and powerful enterprises. Often, they are related to the trade-secret for a Name-Brand and safeguarded by elite special forces divisions.
Grimoire Template, The stuff of legend and folklore. Said to be carved from pure non-alloy Stellarite, a hyper fragile material susceptible to void-decay when brought to stable space. These masterwork spell-templates are so complex that they are capable of true magic. Even if they did exist, its sigil-code is practically indecipherable and unusable by most code-smiths due to the sheer volume-mapping complexity.
-//Interface-Brands//-
In the tech boom of the First Era, as concerns for safety over the use of such powerful Aestrum technology became a topic of heated debate, a particularly ingenious code-smith made a name for themselves by solving this concern.
Leviathan blood, or Haemal, was purely used as an Aestrum catalyzer at the time, however, by refining it into a concentrated solution mixed with coded astralite-dust, the resulting substance can be programmed in a similar manner as a Spell-Template. This became known as Sigil-Blood. In controlled doses, it was safe enough to be injected into the dermis layer of human skin, set only as an ‘activator’ for Aestrum tools that have been coded to respond. Thus, technology could be blocked from unauthorized use.
Unsurprisingly, this same individual, Prydwen, would go to later form one of the Four Institutes.
This ‘inkblood’ paved the way for a new generation of spellcraft, where, in most cases, the human carrying a tool could act as substitute for an external power source.
At some point, Dioscuri and Prydwen, in a rare display of partnership between two Name-Brands, engineered a piece of neural tech, the NLA. When surgically affixed to a users central nervous system, it allows for mental interfacing. In simple terms, it acted as an antenna for brainwaves, allowing for wireless mental-connectivity with compatible tech. It was designed with modularity in mind, and it wasn’t long before many hand-crafted spell-templates known as (MOD)ules flooded the market, offering a selection of additional options and features. Such as recording and storing visual data in-real time, streaming cognition-wave data across platforms, translating said data into images, and even increase reaction and brain processing speed.Of course, each additional installment requires expansion of a person's interface-brand.The term 'load-out' would be used when describing all the installed mods and hardware specs for any given individual. Adversely, the load-limit is the peak of how much aestrum an interface-brand can reasonable sustain. After which, it needs to be 'touched up' by a code-smith.The size does not always determine the limit. For example, a brand that covers a majority of the body may have a lower load-limit than a significantly smaller one, due to the quality of the sigil-blood, and the density of the code within the tattoo itself.While the power is tempting, one should be wary.
Prolonged use heavily abuses the body, especially with an interface-brand with a particularly high load-limit, and is known to cause permanent damage to the user. Both physically, and mentally. This deterioration is known as 'M.A.D.S syndrome'. The recommended precautionary ratio is around 9% of body coverage (approximately the half the surface area of a human head), though many are known to go far above. Heavy industrial equipment used in Aries mining colonies, for example, often has a minimum flux requirement in the 25 percentile. Among the worst offenders, a typical <Diver> is known to have 75 to 85% due to how taxing their advanced dive-gear is. <Espers> on average use 50% coverage, but this is a focused percentage.
Whenever a user accesses any part of their Load-Out, whether to project messages, transfer data, or authorize equipment, their eyes will make a signature glow. - UNITY
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With Load-Out technology available, the old-era Internet and digital communication systems had become defunct. For the sole reason, cognition-wave based relay technology largely remain functioning (albeit at a diminished range) even within unstable space. Unlike conventional wireless systems of communication. Dubbed as UNITY, the cognitive-wave system interfaced directly between multiple user’s minds across vast distance, allowing them to share data instantaneously. An extremely popular type of MOD developed by third-parties allows for a shared cognitive-space that could be altered with simply a thought. Akin to that of a shared dream. These are dubbed domains.
Only imagination and mental acuity were the limits to this system.- These domains became so popular that a few corporations found ways to monetize them, by limiting the users control, and selling packages, or subscription memberships to even access. A host would need to be constantly projecting the realm, sometimes unwillingly.
All endorsed products must pay a tax to Dioscuri and Prydwen.Though the sight and exchange of illegal MODS within the neglected and unenforced UNDERTOWER isn’t exactly uncommon, the user forgoes standard neural protection from a Brand, and risks getting load-jacked by an <esper>.
An individual equipped with powerful neuralware, having access to spells specifically targeting the cognition-waves produced by Load-Outs. More successful <espers> are able to afford MODs that allow them transfer their conciseness into nearby aestrum, CRASHING the internal code-recognition, effectively overriding common spell-authorization. Such taxing aestrum technology requires high-quality interface-brands, even still, covering more than half their body.
- ARMAMENTS
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('Snow-White', one of the rare individuals issued a name by the system. She is one the most famous porcelain dolls, users who have undergone extensive surgery to replace nearly 95% fo their entire body with aestrum-prosthesis. Operating under [BLUE] -Company 2 // Branch 9, a legendry combat specialist regularly employed by Name-Brands to protect their most prized assets in the UNDERTOWER.)
Generally denoting any piece of hardware that can be controlled via cognition-waves, i.e. Load-Outs.
Though an ARMAMENT mainly refers to a specific series of aestrum prosthesis designed by Prydwen, coded with a unique spell-list not found in other product lines. Namely, special gyro-synchronicity that grants these weapons hover flight, tactile touch-sensitivity, and dense link-ports for simultaneous spellcasting.
Aestrum-tech without load-out combability usually possess some sort of physical controller, with manual inputs.Which is an overwhelming majority, as most mass-produced spell-templates used across BABEL exists within Sequence I.
Stratum Dive-Gear fall into a category of external ARMAMENT, though not strictly produced by Prydwen. Most of these advanced dive-suits are custom made, tailored specifically to the Diver. Use of such gear required intense conditioning, both mentally and physically, as the interface-brands required for such powerful gear range from 75% body coverage, to a near 85%. Anything more, and a pilot cannot endure the load-limit strain. A major reason for this heavy load, is the state-of-the-art on-board systems hardware, which connects the pilot directly to the suit's internal motor receptors. This sensory input allows the user to 'feel' the titanium-astralite fibers within the suit as if they were their own body, granting unparalleled maneuverability while not compromising on defensive plating.
- Glamour // ORIN
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Trailblazers in Biochemical Engineering, Lua Corporation began its meteoric rise within the fashion world, by offering special body augmentation services in the form of physical body alterations via injections of mutative catalysts known as Glamour. The type of glamour changes a persons appearance in way they desire, from changing size, length, and even adding biological aspects that originally didn't exist. Such as scales, horns, claws.
A variation of these biochemical enzymes formed the basis for combat oriented body enhancements — the deadly weapon unleashed by Lua in the fourth corporate war, a force of unmatched supersoldiers possessing ORIN organs.- These mutagenic organs are capable of mimicking the powers of Behemoths, vat-grown en masse by Lua via their trade-secret.
- These ORIN organs require pairing with a special interface-brand, dubbed a STIGMATA, a hormone-anchor which is necessary to safely nourish, and cultivate the organ. Though this can also be accomplished via ingestion, albeit at a dangerous risk.
- Due to low prices due to mass-production, Lua has taken over the public sector as a more affordable alternative to ARMAMENTS.
- They are capped at Tier III due to the limitations of the physical body, and available skin canvas.
THE WORLD BETWEEN
- Storm-Divers
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Organizations that specialize in ‘Storm-Diving’ are granted the <Diver> tag by the -Board-.
Due to the logistical challenges of amassing private armies to such dangerous, unpredictable territory, as the Horizon Boundary, the megacorps instead rely on the the smaller, more nimble forces of Storm-Diver to respond to threats. These elite teams are issued missions no one else can accomplish. Whether it is being deployed to protect a mining colony suddenly under attack, or assigned to hunt down one of superpredators that had adapted to unstable space, known as Behemoths, so that an executive can meet their quota.
(A picture showing a few <divers> riding atop small multipurpose exploration walkers known as Latron, flanked by remote-operated observation drones, as they explore an uncharted Drifting Continent.}
Due to their sheer demand, these are among the most difficult <specialty> tags to qualify for, as there is no viable application process. Rather, is it more common for an -office- to scout out worthy prospects.
Qualifying individuals are tested to see if they possess high load-tolerance, as the Stratum dive-gear requires a minimum of 75% interface-body coverage. More densely sequenced load-outs or STIGMATA heavily tax both mind and body.
Such complex gear needs to be custom made, tailored to the unique specifications of each individual. <Diver> -offices- often have in their contact-list one, or several, code-smiths of high renown, or even an affiliation to the local [Indigo] - Company.
- As stated before, in ARMAMENTS, these exo-suits made of tactile alloy-fiber composites provide an unparalleled mix of offense, defense, and maneuverability.
However, use of these Stratum alone takes a massive toll on the operator's body. While normally, sigil-blood is quite safe, this only applies in controlled volumes. Such an excessive use, as is in the case of Stratum, can damage a more fragile medium as flux is burned. Essentially, while being under load, a <diver> can quickly begin to burn up as the haemal is absorbed from their skin.
Most <divers> show signs of physical deterioration within the first year, requiring extensive medical care, there are none who have lasted more than 6 years.
- The Ashen Sea
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A thick layer of stormy ashe and swirling debris exists as a separation between the stable center of the Horizon Boundary, to, relatively-speaking, 'unstable space'. This is the point where Universal Law begins to be stretched thinner, and deviations to the Edicts cannot be corrected immediately.
The presence of this zone is speculated to be formed when shells of brokens planets floating in the broken universe, were pushed outwards, when the Horizon Boundary sprung forth and established stable space. Miles of thick debris-storms, composed almost entirely of massive rending hurricanes of superheated energy, as well rock formations the size of mountains. This warding barrier perhaps is something of a blessing, preventing things beyond the Horizon Boundary from easily entering.
Periodic lulls in the massive thundering typhoons allow FVs to sneak through, reaching the continents that have drifted from the Constellation Sea.
(A portion of the Breach Egress, the largest stellar anchor ever constructed, the crown jewel of a tenuous joint-alliance between shipbuilding megacorps Apollo and Yi Sun, and heavy industrialist Rien. It is on a voyage towards the Ashen Sea, where it will be joined to the main body at a forward shipyard located on the Second Continent.)
- The Circumstellar Habitable Zone -CHZ
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The first major zone beyond the Ashen Sea, an incredibly vast open space. Its border is remarkably devoid of recurring storms, creating a single, colossal vertical cloud wall, a phenomenon regarded by void-meteorologists as the Atlas Wall. This is also where the first 'Leviathan' was sighted and defeated. At a grave cost, as the First Expeditionary Fleet was almost entirely wiped out, leaving humanity at the brink of doom. But the sacrifice of their last remaining nuclear-powered ship, the Orion, allowed for a single cargo ship to return home. Though downtrodden and defeated at the time, upon analyzing the contents of their containers, the pyrrhic victory became celebrated. The arcane reagents extracted was what jumpstart the First Era.Leviathans are classified by their sheer size and threat level, and are an incredibly rare sight even in these outer layers. To this day, not a single true Leviathan has been slain. The only reports of such mythical creatures is the cataclysmic destruction that follows them in the fringe colonies located at the Aurora Veil, the furthest charted layer of the CHZ.
- As it turns out, the First Expeditionary Fleet encountered not a true ‘Leviathan’ much to the equal terror of those who did. The whale-like creature is a common roaming species of giant Flying Behemoth.
- Even more so, these lesser Behemoths are remarkably common, flourishing and roaming the various floating landmasses that had once been carved and nurtured within the astral void.
The Constellation Sea is a place of unchanging change, rampant with violent magical energies supercharged with forces of chaos. Colossal chunks of condensed matter, forged from the volatile furnace of the ever-turning tides of astral void, are sometimes spit out into stable Horizon space. A creation of the void, brimming with magical energies, it is common for a drifting continent to contain multiple, occasionally dozens of fantastical biomes, and eclectic ecosystems that defy conventional science.
- These ripe lands teeming with raw resources, hiding veins of precious Astralite, are referred to by explorers as Drifting Continents.
Charter Colonies are the major forward bases for megacorporation operations in the uncharted CHZ sectors, who are greatly invested in acquiring these rare resources. Accompanying these fringe headquarters are fleets, sometimes composed entirely of contractors, garnering dozens of FVs models, from transportation vessels, hulking cargo freighters, to even armed combat cruisers.
Both to protect themselves from the territorial Behemoths roaming the lush lands, and to deal with unwanted competitors.
Perhaps collectively the smallest of the discovered continents, these series of cluttered asteroids and floating archipelagos were once a larger unified landmass, but have since been torn into bits by the heavy strip-mining operations committed by various megacorps during the Second Expedition.
- The mining bases have since been converted into a forward fueling outpost at the edge of the Atlas Wall, known as Pisces A-507, and a residential industrial zone owned in split shares between Jupiter Transit, Aries, and Vie.
- Second, Third, and Fourth Continents were found during this era, along with countless lesser islands.
- The Aurora Veil
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At the edge of the limits of the Horizon Boundary exists the 'Boundary Line', a place where the force of logic upholding procedural reality, is at its thinnest. The reality altering vapors of the Constellation Sea spill forth as bursts of radiant energy. This colorful layer is thrumming with a void essence spurned into dangerous spatial-quakes that entangle and dissociate the reality around it.
Fifth Continent -
This supermassive continent has drifted partly between the Constellation Sea and Aurora Veil, known as the Reclaimed Terra. With the emergence of this untapped land, the Fourth Expeditionary Fleet is currently being amassed, and exploration teams have already been sent on voyage.
Unlike the other drifting continents found before it, the Fifth cannot be suspended in stable orbit within lucid space.
The Breach Egress is the largest stellar anchor ever to be created, and the crown jewel created in the tenuous joint allegiance of the two shipwright clans, Yi Sun and Apollo, in partnership with the heavy industrialist Rien. The operational crew alone numbers even the largest colonies, and it is constantly flanked by a heavily armed protectorate fleet.
- Massive chains, technological marvels that emit gravity-defying pulses, attach to the landmass, preventing it from submerging back into the Constellation Sea.
There, deep-scans reveal images from explorers, showing mysterious ruins that go underground for thousands of miles. The surface is heavily affected by sudden astral energy spikes, showering the haunted vestige of wrought ancient cityscapes in chaotic explosive sparks of chaotic, colorful essence. The creatures found there are perhaps the most dangerous to ever be encountered, as many Leviathans still claim this territory ripe and fresh with overflowing void energy. Every day, it feels like a new titanic foe emerges from the depths of Constellation Sea, challenging the fleets overhead in order to protect their territory.
However, the risk is worth the reward, as their haemal is among the most potent and valuable, and the Astralite among the most dense and pure. Known as Stellarite.
THE WORLD BELOW
- The Constellation Sea
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WIP
- The Addendum
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"When it began to fall apart, our beautiful dreamscapes... they were abandoned... We left the things we created with magic behind.
And they are looking for a way back home. Whatever you do... Don't let them in."
Entropy trashes on the walls of reality, threatening to burst the peaceful bubble of the Horizon Boundary, and flood it with the chaos of a universe forsaken. Absolute as they were, the Universal Laws had finite lines. When errors occurred, new exemptions needed to be written into the code. It was always the purpose of the Arks to correct, and mend these... misalignments.
Most of the time, when the registry system quells an outburst of sudden entropic energy, it is relatively smooth. The worst that happens are tiny bursts of deja vu, as the reality realigns. Which may confuses nearby inhabitants. Other times, figments of audio-visual apparitions. Commonly, mistaken as a 'ghost'. Startling as they are, these are ultimately harmless.
But sometimes, in that split second, before the glitch can be ironed out... a thing emerges from that tiny, little gap.
Though many do not understand the laws placed by the Chairholders, permitting absolute discretion pertaining to the The Addendum, and its Administrators, they are taught to fear an alternative, should these mysterious agents not be allowed to do their work. The scars of Magic are still fresh in the minds of the descendants, the survivors of apocalypse.
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