[hider=⚒ Factions and Forces]
[hider=Arkhean Police Department]

[center][color=linen][b][h2]Watchman[/h2][/b][/color][img]http://i.imgur.com/AUUf4k8.png[/img]
Arkhean PD typically use weapons that fire concentrated lasers, or kinetic energy bolts in the forms of pistols, sub-machine guns, and shotguns—And in rare cases, Assault rifles. Their standard tech includes the inside of the helmet visor doubling as an interfacing display. Which includes scanning methods to identify targets, variable optic displays, database access, and most common features of personal computer systems such as GPS, messaging, recording, and so forth. Additionally their gloves and boots can toggle built in magnetism, allowing them to climb any metal building albeit the process is clunky at best. The boots of their armor also have mag-rail capabilities. 

Slang References: Shrieks, Watchers, White Hats, Soldiers, Spooks
[color=linen][b][h2]Patrol Drone[/h2][/b][/color][img]http://i.imgur.com/sIwEuSp.jpg?1[/img]
To help maintain the balance of power, The Arkhean Police Agency has employed the wide use of drones. The cranial structure is about the size of a human head, excluding the fins. These little bots are primarily used to patrol streets, scanning faces, A.I.C's, and quickly assessing criminal activity. Sky bots are also used in force to recon large areas of terrain. These machines contain no weapons, and since they are considered necessary they are exempt from the "Human Element" rule. Sky bots are fully automated, with built in overrides, manual control functions, kills switches, and for worst case scenario, a master shutdown switch.

Slang References: Eyes, Birds, Skybies, Zippers, Toasters
[color=linen][b][h2]Assault Drone[/h2][/b][/color][img]http://i.imgur.com/McU2XEF.jpg[/img]
Functioning much like their predecessors, the Patrol Drones, these bad boys come equipped with military grade armor plating and a small arsenal of functions. However, the key element is that these drones are manually operated using a master and slave system. A drone operator will control the master drone, and the slaves will only follow commands and run attack scripts given from the operator. If the master drone goes down, the operator can simply link up to another nearby slave drone, and that will become the master. These drones also contain the same built in safe measures as the Patrol Drones. To either side of the main body the drone has 9mm dual barrel, ballistic auto cannons, which can fire up to 180 rounds each before needing a resupply. Adjacent to those are a pair of incinerator cannons, which fire volatile bursts of kinetic energy which create a small explosion on contact. However these can only fire two shots apiece.. It's final piece of equipment comes in the form of a foldout, tail like attachment which acts as a plasma welder, able to cut through most metals.

Slang References: Gunnies, Swarm, "Pimp and his hoes", Wasps 
[/center][/hider][hider=Syndustries Security]
[center][color=linen][b][h2]Guardian[/h2][/b][/color][img]http://i.imgur.com/EqH1ZzR.jpg[/img]
Considered the Elite, yet unofficial law keepers in Arkheas, Guardians stand for truth and justice, or so they say. Despite their presence throughout Arkheaus, and the heavier concentrations within the Core, guardians are both a tolerated vigilante police force and mercenaries for hire. Due to the size, and capabilities of the Guardians, it's believed that APD couldn't rid themselves of Syndustries Security even if they wanted to. However, the two forces work in tandem to uphold Arkhean laws. No real evidence of Guardians performing any illicit actions has ever surfaced, or remained long. 

Equipped with state of the art gear, Guardians are only a step above the police force. Perhaps to lessen the tension between the two powers. They typically use weapons with laser systems or kinetic bolts derived from core shards, and follow standard APD protocool with their use; that being pistols, sub-machine guns, shotguns, and if the occasion calls for it—assault rifles. Their visors perform the same functionalities, except they do not link to the APD database, and rather have their own connection to extensive, private data banks. Guardians also come equipped with the same magnetic and mag-rail gear as APD, with the addition of rappelling and grappling lines and hooks. It should also be noted that Guardians posses heavy weapons, and will use them when needed. Syndustries can usually afford to pay for any necessary damages.

Slang References: Goons, Imps, Private Police, "Rent A' Cops"  

[color=linen][b][h2]Reaper[/h2][/b][/color][img]http://i.imgur.com/KG8gHeb.jpg?1[/img]
Like something out of a nightmare, the Syndurstries Reaper is not to be taken lightly. Reapers do not travel in squads, and rarely are two ever needed in the same location. If these guys have your name, it may be easier to just lay down and wait , because you're dead already. Equipped with variable optic goggles, they can easily switch between night, thermal, and normal vision. Additionally these helmets have variable zoom lenses, which pair well with their visor interface. The reaper can spot, and track a target from about a hundred yards. They typically come armed with pistols, and variable fire automatic rifles that function more than adequately as a long range rifle. These weapons utilize gauss firing systems to shoot projectiles with much higher penetration and distance than a laser weapon.

What makes them so deadly is years of intense training that they keep up on vigorously, and their terrifying demeanor. Their armor is the thing of nightmares, and is nearly impervious to all forms of non-gauss ballistic weapons. Lasers, while not ineffective, take a considerable amount to eat away the layers of armor, or deadly accuracy to continually drill the same spot. Gauss weapons are less of a threat due to their rarity, and are the only thing that can punch through in just a couple of hits, especially with higher calibers. Reapers also come equipped with magnetic systems akin to the Arkhean Police Force, except those provided by Syndustries are much stronger and allow the Reapers to quite literally run up metal surfaces. The armor also contains shock absorption, providing substantial protection from blasts, and falls from about three stories.

Slang References: Death Dealers, Soul Eaters, Grims, Cullers, Culls
[/center][/hider][hider=The Liberata]
[center][color=linen][b][h2]The Anon[/h2][/b][/color][img]http://i.imgur.com/3s22XJU.jpg[/img]
As with all societies, there's usually somebody who disagrees. In this case, we have The Liberata, or The Liberators, who feel the government is an oppressive militant dictatorship (and it might be) and pass themselves off as human rights activists. The only reoccurring themes among their soldiers is the need to remain anonymous. Their standard, a-typical gear is a cloak and helmet, with key features built in. Not only does the gear offer moderate protection, but also serves to completely obscure the identity of the wearer. Members usually receive most of their training in live exercises, and prefer easy to use weapons such as shotguns, automatics, and explosive launchers—Though most people prefer to carry a pistol just in case. Their tech comes and goes as different items are procured, however, the most essential item for an Anon Soldier is the [i]"Static Box"[/i]. A small, handheld device that can be set up with a touch of a button and attached to a surface via magnetic spike. The device interferes with drone signals, and makes it impossible for drones to pursue or transmit clear images.  

Slang References: The Anonymous, The Liberators, Rebels, Terrorists, Anons, Libbies  
[/center][/hider][hider=DigiCorp]
[center][color=linen][b][h2]"Gladiator" DigiCorp Security[/h2][/b][/color][img]http://i.imgur.com/WJtJpvb.jpg?1[/img]
DigiCorp is one of the leaders in cutting edge technology, and Syndustries biggest competitor. Also playing their hand at the private security industry, Digicorp has their own brand of protect and serve soldiers. Gladiators may not be as aesthetically advanced looking by comparison to APD or Syndustries forces, but that makes little difference. Gladiators utilize a similar targeting technology in their visors, but rely on wrist mounted interfacing devices, typically PDAs with holo-displays. Gladiators use whatever non-heavy weapon pleases them, and have a wide array of ordinance. From grenades, to signal jammers, rappelling gear, and so forth. As with all law enforcement and security types, Gladiators have mag-rail capabilities, but do not have magnetized gloves or boots for climbing. 

They do however have "Smart Hooks", grappling hooks with tiny thrusters that can be controlled via wrist pad. In place of magnetized gloves and boots, Gladiators have their own set of thrusters, which can assist when rappelling up a building, and slow their fall from any height. However, the energy used to slow the velocity of a fall typically uses up the crystals, meaning the feat can be performed once per resupply. 

Slang References: Digi Warriors, Binary Soldier, Rent a' Cops, The Vigilant, Glitter Suits
[color=linen][b][h2]"Spartan" Shock Trooper[/h2][/b][/color][img]http://i.imgur.com/cEHS8nN.jpg[/img]
Classified as heavy "riot" infantry, Spartan are the literal wall of power. Inches of thick armor plating makes them nigh impervious to ballistics, resistant to lasers and plasma-fire weapons, and really only suffers against gauss based weaponry. Additionally, this shock troopers can be dropped from the air and onto the battlefield, usually breaking whatever they land on. Outfitted with "Gyro Velocity Dampeners"(tm) which heavily reduced the amount of force applied to the armor, and with a built-in exoskeleton, the wearer is protected from all types of falls. To be specific, the G.V.Ds convert velocity energy into heat energy and expel it through the spherical devices on the armor. The wearer also has incredible strength, and all the visor functionalities of APD or Syndustries Security. 

What makes these guys such a wall is that they can emit a particle wall from their chest, a literal force field. However, only the far side of the wall acts as a shield, allowing the Spartan, and anybody behind them to shoot through the particle wall. However, Spartans may be somewhat of a walking tank, but they are slow, and cannot utilize the mag-rails. They typically use heavy kinetic weapons such as heavy machine guns, explosives launchers, and plasma-fire based weapons. They do have quite an extensive ammo capacity for weapons with feed systems (IE: Ammo Belt Machine Guns). Other suites that specialize for plasmatic fire based weapons are specifically built to carry liquid holding tanks, rather than ammo feeding systems. In practice, a Spartan that uses a heavy machine gun, will never hold the ammo for an incinerator cannon or plasma flamer, and vice versa.

Slang References: Block Heads, Roiders, Firewall, DigiWalls  
[color=linen][b][h2]"War Machine" E.H.S. MK.IV[/h2][/b][/color][img]http://i.imgur.com/hmIc7sC.jpg[/img]
Referred to as The War Machine, DigiCorp's Environmental Hazard Suit is a rare sight to behold. In fact, it's never been officially used. Passed off as a prototype with the intent of easily traversing rigid landscapes or chemical hazardous areas, the E.H.S is the invulnerable prodigal child. Leaked testing reports state that nothing can penetrate its armor effectively. It has bestial strength, and has to have specially designed weapons. It has a triple-barrel kinetic bolt launcher, the projectiles of which cause devastating explosions in a moderate area. Due to its incredible weight and slow speed, the War Machine has a back mounted jet pack to help it maneuver around, however, this neither allows the user to fly, nor dampens falls—Its only use is in assisting lateral movement. It also does not contain mag-rail capabilities.

Slang References: N/A
[/center][/hider][hider=Other]
[center][color=linen][b][h2]Changelings[/h2][/b][/color][img]http://i.imgur.com/mhXhgzz.jpg?1[/img]
Sometimes people just aren't happy with the way they are. [i]"Changing"[/i] is a popular trend among the younger, and more eccentric classes of citizens. The fad is also an enormous topic of controversy, which has been increasing in intensity over the last couple of years, to the point of near discriminatory hate. The process of changing is to add or change something that would otherwise conflict with human genetics. Popular items from the industry are the modifications of horns, ears, eyes, and tails. Especially in the categories of cute animals, trending higher among women, or demonic creatures, which trends higher in men. The process involved isn't terribly expensive, and prices for the operations have lowered due to the controversy its sparked. Operations are affordable, but assaults and other hate crimes are rising, and employment is difficult outside of the Neon District or Seremere, where this trend has become huge. 

Slang References: Changers, Mutes, Mutie, Hybrid, Splicer, Deviant 

[color=linen][b][h2]The Augemented[/h2][/b][/color][img]http://i.imgur.com/mDTXMRj.jpg?1[/img]
Not all people are created equally, and neither are cybernetics. Getting replacement limbs aren't cheap, and for the poorer working class cybernetics are the best option. Cheap, and varying in all shapes, sizes, and uses. There's a social stigma that people with cybernetics are of a rougher nature, however untrue that may be. Often most pieces are clunky, and are prone to breakdowns. Additionally, there's less controversy around cybernetics than body modifications like the changers, however citizens with mechanical parts are often viewed as less than human. Likely something coming from the fact that humanity was nearly wiped out by mechanical beings. 

Slang References: Cog, Gear Head, Augers, "Wire Junkies", Scrapper 

[color=linen][b][h2]Pyskers[/h2][/b][/color][img]http://i.imgur.com/hsIrAkx.png?1[/img]

Those who spend large amounts of time in Core Shard mining facilities have a rare chance to come down with [i]"Core Sickness"[/i], a disease where the host literally begins to grow core shards from their skin. Core sickness has no cure, but can be weaponized. Typically once someone is found to have core sickness, they're just about guaranteed to disappear off the face of the Ark, or so it seems. The disease worsens over time, until the inevitable metamorphosis of the host. As the sickness progresses over time and the shards begin to take over more of the body, the host's psyche will begin to degrade, until there the only thing left is a wild, destructive creature dubbed the "Core Fiend". 

Psykers are those who have been taken in by science, and taught how to control the raw energy of their shards. This results in the host's ability to manifest unique phenomena, albeit some subjects have shown similar powers. However, the color of the shard growths don't seem to have any effect or association with the subject phenomena, and appear merely aesthetic unless removed, to which they retain regular shard characteristics. Remove of shard growths seems to agitate the disease, causing it to expand its total mass. Continued removal results in substantially increased crystal growth, and ultimately a much shorter metamorphosis time.

As Pyskers use their powers, the growths on their body release a chemical into the blood stream, which takes times to reabsorb into the crystals themselves. The chemical, referred to as [i]"Element C9"[/i] builds up are phenomena use continues, and begins to give the host side effects, as if warning them of their bodily limits. The early stages of overuse typically begins as fatigue and shortness of breath, from there it escalates to nausea, dizziness, headaches, blurry vision, numbness, or acute body pain. The final warnings, typically those that occur before death, is bleeding from the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth, Hemtidrosis, Cardiac Arrest, or temporary blindness.

Culturally, Pyskers are often seen as abominations of nature. There is substantial, often violent discrimination towards them. Fortunately, depending on your view, Pyskers always have a personal bodyguard, called their [i]"Handler"[/i]. Most Pyskers are restrained to the labs, yet some are employed for official use, Pyskers cannot legally go anywhere without their handlers, and must be accompanied at all times. [b]At all times[/b]. As an additional security measure, Pyskers a fitted with a collar made from Black Shards, that will disrupt any phenomena that comes into contact with it. It cannot be removed without a command from the program administration in Gray Wall. If the Pysker were to misbehave to try to run, Handlers and those in the proper departments in Gray Wall can send a powerful, crippling electric shock through the collar. 

Slang References: Leashed Ones, The Damned, The Twisted, Wickers  
[/center][/hider]
[hider=Criminal Organizations]
[color=papayawhip]This list only denotes the larger, known organizations. What the gangs are known for does not imply those are the only crimes they commit.
[list][pre][/pre][*]☠ [color=7b9095]Knife Riders:[/color][list]
[*]Location: (The Core) Lowtown, The Exchange
[*]Influence: Moderate
[*]Known For: Racketeering, Arson, Murder
[*]Colors: Steel Grey and Black
[*]Insignia: Two Crossed Knives[/list]
[pre][/pre]
[*]☠ [color=ffa500]Dragonflies:[/color][list][*]Location: (The Core) Neon, High Town, The Station
[*]Influence: Heavy
[*]Known For: Human Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder, Arms Dealing, Drug Manufacturing and Distribution
[*]Colors: Orange, White, and Black
[*]Flag: A Dragonfly on a Lilypad[/list]
[pre][/pre]
[*]☠ [color=000080]Sapphique:[/color][list]
[*]Location: (The Core) Neon, The Slums, The Station, Low Town
[*]Influence: Very Heavy
[*]Known For: Basically Everything 
[*]Colors: Navy Blue and Black
[*]Insignia: Round Cut Sapphire[/list] 
[pre][/pre]
[*]☠ [color=000000]Shadow Sect:[/color][list]
[*]Location: Everywhere
[*]Influence: Moderate but Broad
[*]Known For: Killers-For-Hire, Robbery, Mugging, Muder, Arms Dealing
[*]Colors: Black, Darker Black, Abyssal Black
[*]Insignia: No Insignia, but a calling card depicting a Raven[/list] 
[pre][/pre]
[*]☠ [color=f8f8ff]The Underground:[/color][list]
[*]Location: Everywhere
[*]Influence: Heavy but Secretive
[*]Known For: Being a Blackmarket
[*]Colors: None
[*]Insignia: None[/list] 
[pre][/pre][/list][/color]
[/hider]
[/hider]