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[b]Summary[/b]
[indent]- Futuristic cyberpunk world, high tech and low life, nature versus technology.
- Players portray a character that is the original version of him/herself in a world and universe otherwise a copy of a copy of a copy and so on.
- The universe is repeating itself, only the characters can change the nature of the next copy.
- The world and the universe are being torn apart due to coming revelatory events.
- Characters draw their strength from personal metaphysical guardians.
- Themes, setting, and overall inspirations drawn from Ergo Proxy, The Matrix, Final Fantasy XIII, and Jean Baudrillard’s simulation and hyperreality theories.
- Philosophical ramblings concerning the personal self and identity, concept of choice in a universe that has a predetermined destiny, time and space, and the nature and existence of (a) God.[/indent]
[b]Premise[/b]
[indent]Sundry are the matters which often cloud my mind regarding the attributes of Edda and my own existence to which I attest and believe to be real. Nothing further now remains but to inquire whether what I have known or know to have been of material things exist, for there is no doubt that the Edda possess the power to effect everything that I am capable of comprehending with distinctness suitable for espial. The faculty of imagination which I possess and of which I make use when I apply myself to the consideration of past events is capable of persuading me of their materiality and place in time. I speak to you now in the past tense, for that which will happen has already happened on the world we know to be Atlas
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[indent]In the beginning of corporeal things, as it was made clear to me, the Edda was betrayed by one collection of many creations, for they thought themselves equal to that which gave them existence. Those who posed true in the facet of rebellion were appointed to guard, in ignorance of their nature, the mortal children of Edda against threats both foreign and domestic. And then came a plague from the heavens on that celestial body crashing onto Atlas with malice and with spite. Man and beast crumbled beneath its taint and transformed into fiends. Neither sword nor cartridge could halt the Divine Disease.[/indent]
[indent]To prevent extinction, humanity constructed monolithic spheres with which they isolated themselves from the world beyond. But only sin and corruption was ensured within their own enslavement. Atlas has fallen to the lowest deep of pandemonium, and the cataclysm of which I am attempting to you convey is nigh. Chaos has reached the city of Astral, which is where our fates first intertwined.[/indent]
[b]Information[/b]
[indent]In this futuristic epic, people are ignorant slaves within false utopian worlds that are simulations of the real world beyond, which is tainted by a vicious disease. The people of the false worlds known as the Spheres are being kept tranquilized so as not to discover their true nature and revolt against the rule of the Regents. As the original world crumbles beneath natural disasters and the Divine Disease, the protagonists of the story are thrown into a plot that will reveal itself to have cosmic importance. The protagonists are originals of themselves within a world and universe that is otherwise a copy of a copy, as imposed by the Simulacrum.[/indent]
[indent]The story draws upon ideas from Jean Baudrillard’s simulation and hyperreality theories within postmodernism. We will explore notions such as whether God is a copy of himself or a copy of a copy depicting the original, personal identity in relation to simulation and hyperreality, and the concept of choice in a universe governed by these theories. You do not require prior knowledge about these subjects in order to join. Moreover, the setting is heavily inspired by numerous other fictions such as [i]Ergo Proxy[/i], [i]The Matrix[/i], and [i]Final Fantasy XIII[/i]. However, the inspiration is an interpretation of the ideas from these fictions—a very dark and philosophical interpretation.[/indent]
[indent]I originally posted this in advanced, but i did not seem to generate much initial interest. Perhaps it will generate more interest in the coming week. In the meantime, I'm testing the waters here in casual, which usually has a wider audience.[/indent]

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[b]Metaphysics[/b]
[indent]People can through logic and thought and meditation comprehend that which is written concerning the metaphysical parameters of nature and the cosmos. The known reality comprise all the dimensions and ambient energies that can be consciously and subconsciously perceived. The Phyrexian philosophies mention the existence of several dimensions beyond our own, which implies an intelligent design. Metaphysical endeavors must establish a point of origin in order to facilitate inquiry.[/indent]
[indent]One ought first to consider cause and effect. There are causes and there are effects in the universe. Any effect derives eventually from a first cause. If there is a first cause, then it must be a sentient omnipotence, as only such entity could impose self-creation. One ought secondly to consider ontological dependence, which pursues similar logic. Things depend on other things in order to exist. Anything that does not depend in this way on any other thing is ontologically independent. All ontologically dependent things derive their existence eventually from something independent. If something ontologically independent exists, it must be a sentient omnipotence, as only such an entity could exist independently of all other things. One ought thirdly to consider the nature of intelligent design, as mentioned in the Phyrexian philosophies regarding extra-dimensional realities. There are accidents in the universe that display patters of asymmetric and chaotic effects, but when we observe the known reality we see organized structure. There is a systematic structure on every scale of time and space. The best explanation of the universe exhibiting such structure is that it was intelligently designed. If the universe was designed this way, it was designed by a sentient omnipotence.[/indent]
[indent]Reason and observation of the natural world are sufficient to determine the existence of a metaphysical being capable of creation. However, one must consider the nature of such a being and how insignificant our own existence is in juxtaposition, which means that revelation cannot achieve any truth and must be scrutinized. The utmost manifestation of this omnipotent being is the Cetra, which are metaphysical beings that can traverse between dimensions, including our own. These beings can be honored in ways deemed appropriate by philosophers and theologians. The most popular religion in the world bases its doctrine on these assumptions and arguments. It is a monotheistic religion that encompasses traditions of thought and logic and meditation in order to help sentient beings end their misery through the elimination of ignorance and craving. The avoidance of unwholesome actions and the cultivation of positive actions are key concepts.[/indent]
[indent]A person must not desire or lust in the body for such things as knowledge or fornication or power or other mundane forms that does not belong to his person. He must not indulge in excessive consumption of nourishment or symbolic items or wealth or abstract value to the point of waste or intentions of egocentric keeping. He must not succumb to spiritual or emotional apathy by neglecting what wiser men have spoken or being physically inactive or stray from his obligations and purpose as a human being. He must not become wrathful or seek revenge upon that which has treated him incorrectly. He must not envy the superiority or achievements or possessions of the man next to him and by no means inflict misfortune upon that man or any other. He must not believe himself better than others or fail to acknowledge the accomplishments of others or indulge in excessive admiration of the personal self.[/indent]
[b]Cetra[/b]
[indent]The Cetra are metaphysical beings of incredible power that can traverse between dimensions and realities. They were commissioned by the Edda to guard humanity from threats both foreign and domestic, but mute and retarded of their true nature. As a human would perceive ants on the ground, the Cetra perceive humanity—harmless, but interesting. However, if a human being were to prove himself a worthy opponent, a Cetra will initiate a symbiotic bond with said person. The prowess and lethality of these people become abnormal when they possess personal Cetra, and the most identifying ability is that they can summon the Cetra at will. Each Cetra is unique in their physical appearance, but the appearance itself is indefinable: it can manifest as entities from other dimensions or realities, abstract concepts or ideals, beasts or humans or mechanical things, or things from dreams or nightmares. Cetra spend most of their physical existence in the upper spheres of Atlas and their mental existence traversing the infinite realities and multiverses of the Cogito Sum. The Cetra cannot communicate with humans and vice versa in any way other than body language.[/indent]
[b]The Spheres[/b]
[indent]The fate of Atlas rests within the three spheres. They are monolithic, hollow, planetoid ecosystems that float among the clouds around the planet, protected by steel and energy from the dangers below. These spheres can support millions of different species and multiple metropolises, alas not all of humanity. Atlas and the spheres are governed by the Tribunal, which features three different authorities that mechanistically manipulate and exploit inferior individuals. The spheres were constructed to save humanity, but their function has changed over the years into favoring the distinguished and opulent. The Tribunal Regents suppress dissent with brutal methods and exert invasive surgery in order to transform men and beasts into either warriors or slaves. The process of transformation is completed through bioengineering and artificial implantation. These humans or beasts become known as synthetics, bio-mechanical organisms that serve a variety of functions within the system. The population of each sphere is brainwashed through memory replacement agents in the water supply, which forces them to either accept or forget the cruel methods to which they are exposed on a daily basis. The three spheres are false paradises floating in the skies and they are known as Elysium, Eden, and Nirvana. The Regents of each sphere believes that he or she can best direct the fate of Atlas and all other spheres, which is why they are at war with each other. This has created a war within a war on the surface of Atlas, in which civilians have to suffer the most. The spheres contain highly advanced technology that protects them from each other and the dangers of Atlas.[/indent]
[b]Technology[/b]
[indent]Fusion power and other sustainable energy sources dominate the energy market. Reactors can power entire cities with limited maintenance and expense. Super-heated concentrations of gas provide plasma energy and technology. Portable energy consists of zero-loss lithium ion batteries, which is used by most mechanical equipment and vehicles. Holographic interfaces and electronic visual displays, which respond to multi-touch gestures, and most smart mobile devices and computers, are powered by these technologies.[/indent]
[indent]The Antimatter Manipulation Principle is the foundation for several experimental technologies. It pertains to phase-space interference and manipulation of gravitational force among other applications. The Gravity-Contradiction Unit is a device that uses the Antimatter Manipulation Principle. It generates a modified gravity field that allows whoever or whatever the field surrounds to perform improbable feats of agility and survive free falls from immense heights that would otherwise result in fatality. This technology is mostly used by personnel. Moreover, the trajectory of projectiles or objects fitted with Antimatter Manipulation Principle chips can be directed by a Gravity-Contradiction Unit.[/indent]
[indent]Materia Drives utilize the Antimatter Manipulation Principle. It subjects a composition of chemical agents to an electrical current which provokes a devastating chemical reaction. The destructive force is directed by the Materia Drive, which can be attached to an object or the arm of a person. The most common reactions pertain to the fundamental elements of the world, but there is possibly an infinite amount of effects. The use of Materia Drives is restricted to military personnel and people with the proper licenses from manufacturers. The drives use zero-loss lithium ion batteries.[/indent]
[indent]Kinetic Absorbers use the Antimatter Manipulation Principle. They project an enhanced kinetic field that decelerates incoming projectiles. Depending on its calibration, the device can provide a degree of resistance to elemental damage from Materia Drives. Kinetic Absorbers only activate when incoming projectiles are of certain mass and velocity, which means that the devices is primarily designed to slow down bullets milliseconds before impact and reduce the heat of plasma.[/indent]
[indent]Comlinks are communication devices. They are manufactured in numerous models, but with identical pivotal systems: receiver, transmitter, and power supply. Comlinks are light-weight, palm-sized devices made for easy transportation and concealment. Advanced models feature encryption routines, frequency search controls, sound reproduction matrices, and ports for data transmission. Most helmets have integrated Comlinks. The range of these devices reach up to 80 kilometers, but the range is drastically decreased in dense urban areas due to electromagnetic interference.[/indent]
[indent]Fusion Cutters are hand-held industrial-strength cutting torches used by maintenance operations. They consist of a handgrip and an extended emitter that produces a high-energy plasma beam. The beam can slice through dense and reinforced materials, and it is adjustable for precision work or wide-dispersion lasers. This tool can be dangerous if not used correctly, though its limited range ensures its ineffectiveness as a weapon. However, the cutter is often carried into battle by engineers. They use it to repair vehicles and other mechanical devices.[/indent]
[indent]Electro Binoculars are hand-held viewing devices that allow observation of distant objects and locations in most weather and illumination. The internal display provides information about range and elevation of detectable objects. The device also has radiation sensors and night-vision. Moreover, Glowrods are hand-held devices that create illumination within and up to ten meters. They produce this light by either chemical phosphorescents or a portable power source. The latter can be attached to a generator for unlimited illumination time. Military-grade versions also have ultraviolet illumination. Portable tents use this technology for internal illumination.[/indent]
[indent]Plasma weapons are miniaturized fusion reactors that fire bolts of superheated matter. Hydrogen fuel is held suspended in a photonic state inside sturdy cartridges before being fed into a fusion core within the weapon itself and energized into a plasma state. Plasma technology is the most common to projectile weapons, but traditional tungsten rounds are used as well. The same application of plasma can be found in Energy Weapons, which are melee weapons coated in plasma. The hilt of said weapon contain miniature fusion reactors that power the coating, and the Antimatter Manipulation Principle technology keeps the coating in place around the weapon. Energy Weapons are extremely devastating when in the hands of capable soldiers. Many plasma weapons are hybrids of ranged and melee variations. If the fusion reactors of plasma weapons are modified with chemical agents, the coloration of the plasma can change from the standard blue to any other basic color. The change is purely cosmetic, but can help military forces to better distinguish friend from foe.[/indent]
[indent]Medi-Gel is an all-purpose medicinal salve that combines an anesthetic and clotting agent for immediate restorative application. It mends bruises, abrasion, cuts, light wounds, and various ailments. The agent rapidly seals injuries to prevent infections and eruption of bodily liquids, such as blood. It is also an effective nausea and migraine reducing agent when ingested orally, though the taste of Medi-Gel is generally frowned upon.[/indent]
[b]Compendium[/b]
[indent]The Regents are immense, divine synthetics that contain the consciousness of ancient leaders of Atlas. Regent Aedesia directs her Centurion from the sphere Elysium, Regent Derrida directs his Praetorians from the sphere Eden, and Regent Evander directs his Prefects from sphere Nirvana. Within the spheres and throughout Atlas, the regents are worshipped as divine beings.[/indent]
[indent]The citizens of the spheres have no real culture. Most people act as they are told when directed by the will of the Regent and are without any particular purpose. The population is split in half between two types of people: those who have been altered with bio-engineering are considered synthetics and those who have not are considered organics. Synthetics are generally frowned upon and seen as second rate beings, even if the Regent themselves are synthetics. Philistines have specific tasks within the spheres that comprise their reason for being, whereas aristocracies only attend matters pertaining to politics and wealth. The spheres are truly false paradises.[/indent]
[indent]Titans are monolithic, humanoid mechanical beings that constructed the spheres. They were betrayed by the Regents during the migration and left to dwell on Atlas for all eternity. The Titans were presumably constructed by whatever species or civilization that came before humanity.[/indent]
[indent]The Divine Disease refers to an infection that came forth from a massive celestial body that crashed onto Atlas hundreds of years ago. It is believed that the meteor was cast onto the planet by the traitors of Edda, which is why the infection is referred to as ‘divine.’[/indent]
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