[center][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43Gs17gZ6No][img]https://i.imgur.com/GVNVice.png[/img][/url][/center] [indent][indent][indent][indent][indent][indent][indent][sub]P R E M I S E[/sub][hr][color=a8a8a8] One day everything changes. Some flee in fear, others stand up. The valor of ordinary citizens sometimes conqueror that of those whom should act. This is such a story. A rock falls from the skies and brings with it strange creatures of nightmares. The armed forces of a town in the neutral zone call for aid in the battle. This is when the fate of our courageous citizens intertwine.[/color] [color=a5aab9]They excel at their task. It also appears that they are some of the more unique of the herd. The energies of the universe flows through them, as such they are known as Aeons. The armed forces of the town make good use of their newly found prowess. These fearsome citizens are given a higher purpose in life. On that journey, they discover that the incident was a conscious attack.[/color] [color=9aa7ca]A ritual awakens a spiteful being across the void. A planet of their solar system is moving towards the Earth. Panic ensues. Our brave citizens uncover through blood and sweat a hidden sect devoted that looming threat. Their leader is a unique citizen himself, old and wise. It eventually becomes apparent that nothing can be accomplished without sacrifice.[/color] [color=8c9dcb]Our heroic citizens find their way to the heart of the Earth. The religious stories of slumbering deities within planets rings true. A great discussion with the one herself, Gaia, ensues. The sacrifice that our beloved citizens must make will surely save the world from that bitter enemy.[/color] [hider=Codex][SUB][COLOR=cecece]T H E U N I O N S & L I F E[/COLOR][/SUB][hr][color=a8a8a8] Our world is controlled by three unions. [i]Devlon Industries[/i], [i]Elkoss Combine[/i], and [i]Haliat Armory[/i]. They used to be weapons manufacturers before they expanded their territory and revenue. Now, they are in conflict with one another over the last bits of land and resources that our world has to offer. Most of the fighting is accomplished through subversion, but blatant warfare does occur every now and then. This has been going on for the last two decades without end in sight. Life within the unions is difficult. While men and women go to work and children go to school, everyone will feel the ever watchful presence of the union and its security forces. Surveillance cameras and drones watch and listen to everything. Most of what people earn working for the union is seized and redistributed. Everyone lives on the edge of poverty and starvation while the members of the unions bask in luxury. The neutral zones offer some respite. These are the parts of the world that the unions have not gained control over. The communities of the neutral zones live a traditional life with fair laws and high trust in one another. Life is simple and quiet. Local resistance fighters work tirelessly to keep the unions at bay. People work and trade with each other openly and securely. Community wide decisions are voted on through a careful process involving several phases. The people that could be considered leaders are elected purely on merit and wisdom. Boys and girls must attend military school regardless of where they are born. Whether it is for the unions or the neutral zones, every man and woman serves the community as a solider. They may not always be in active service, but they must stand ready when the trumpets sound. However, the discipline and sense of unity provided by such schooling has proved to be universally beneficial for any community in the world.[/color] [SUB][COLOR=cecece]P L A N E T S & M E T A P H Y S I C S[/COLOR][/SUB][hr][color=a8a8a8] The universal religion of the world holds that planets are the domains of Aesir. These are believed to be the first entities that were formed in the expanding universe. They feed on the remnants of the creator that lingers in stars. The creator is not a singular entity. It is an energy from which all emanated. It exists within the universe in masses of pure energy, but also in and between everything that is. Some call this energy Eon. The Aesir of our planet is known as Gaia, Godmother Earth. All the different species of her domain are her creations. She was lucky enough to have her domain be at the perfect distance from the energy of the creator in the nearest star. Those who claim that they have met Gaia describe her as humanoid, closely resembling a female form. Others claim that her shape is not representative of neither man nor woman. Some species are born with high sensitivity to the energy of Eon. This results in the ability to [i]push[/i] the energy in various ways that creates incredible effects. The sensitivity also makes them physically stronger in sunlight. Even if the energy of the creator exists in all things and all places, darkness is still lacking it. The longer these sensitive individuals remain in places devoid of light, the more they revert to normal strength for their species. Most Aesir are slumbering. The universe has expanded for such a long time that changes in the order of things are not as significant as they used to be. However, when and if they do awaken, Aesir instinctively seek the warmth and sustenance of the energy of the creator. It is easy for them to grow jealous of the ones that are in the [i]perfect[/i] distance from a star. Creating life within their domain is a prime motivator for all Aesir.[/color] [SUB][COLOR=cecece]T E C H N O L O G Y & C O N F L I C T[/COLOR][/SUB][hr][color=a8a8a8] The level of technology in the world shows where the priorities have been. While weapons and energy technology and infrastructure are advanced across the board, many other areas have fallen behind. Batteries and Power Cells are used to fuel everything from flashlights to homes, trains to aircraft carriers. These energy sources are rechargeable. Power Cells are created with fusion reactors. Communication is based on radio waves. Most transportation of things and people is accomplished by various trains and cars. Travel by air and sea are highly regulated by the unions. Special permits must be acquired for commercial purposes. Planes that are not of the unions are shot down, if spotted. The same applies for vessels. The unions favor different kinds of warfare. Haliat Armory focuses on land, Devlon Industries on air, and Elkoss Combine on sea. They can conduct war within all domains, but they invest more capital and research in their respective focus. Soldiers use an array of ranged and explosive weaponry. Modern forms of melee weapons are also used. All out war between the unions have a ‘trench warfare’ style to it. They bunker down and try to outlast one another. The unions are corporations after all, not the military. Those who are sensitive to the energy of Eon are known as Aeons. They can learn specific techniques that [i]pushes[/i] these energies in order to create spectacular effects. However, Aeons cannot do whatever they want. Most would describe it as a martial art. They move and utilize their momentum to push the world around them. Aeons also grow physically stronger and faster in sunlight.[/color] [SUB][COLOR=cecece]R E L I G I O N & T H E W A Y[/COLOR][/SUB][hr][color=a8a8a8] Many religions center on appreciation for Eon and worship of Aesir. The most prominent religion on Terra worships Gaia, the Godmother. This kind of worship is the appreciation of and attunement to nature. Temples and shrines can be found all over the world, even within the unions. People leave offerings and incense and prayers at these places. Some of those who become Aeons live a spiritual life. Others simply ignore it. The teachings of ‘The Way’ usually comes from religious circles. It is the teaching of techniques that Aeons can use to push the energy of the creator. Aeons receive basic training at mandatory military schools throughout the world, but more advanced training can only be found at temples. To ‘push’ is to alter the energy of the creator in oneself or the environment. The reactions of this action are often destructive, but some are also protective. Elements such as fire, ice, and electricity are used for the former end, while light is used for the latter. The destructive techniques involve [URL=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Attack_Powers]attacks[/URL] that create beams, blasts, bolts, projectiles, orbs, waves, vortexes, pillars, spikes, and explosions of elemental energy. The defensive techniques involve creating energy shields of different kinds and healing, although light can be used offensively as well. Aeons grow physically stronger in sunlight. The radiant energy of the creator saturates their cells to peak human potential. They can endure more punishment, strike with increased force, move with otherworldly agility and speed. The extent of this effect partially depends on the training and individual sensitivity of each Aeon. Age seems to play a part, as well, in that older and more experienced Aeons are stronger. However, in darkness, their strength will gradually decrease and return to normal. This decrease is slower if exposed to sunset. Similarly, the strength returns much faster if exposed to sunrise. Aeons are born as sensitives to the energy of the creator. The cause of it is uncertain, but it appears to be related to genetics and the alignments of astral bodies. However, the exact details of the process are unknown. Sensitivity is difficult to detect unless one looks for it in children. It is not until Aeons learn their power techniques that it becomes apparent. There are many power techniques. They are often categorized into basic, advanced, and experimental. The basic techniques are taught through school years. Advanced techniques are taught by sages at temples or private training grounds. Experimental techniques are mostly self-taught. They are considered highly dangerous for everyone involved.[/COLOR] [SUB][COLOR=cecece]W O R L D & H I S T O R Y[/COLOR][/SUB][hr][color=a8a8a8] The years are counted from the industrial revolution of the world. The current year is 421 thereafter. A new year of the calendar is celebrated with festivities and fireworks. It is also a day of ceasefire. The fourth month of the year is celebrated as the Month of Technology in remembrance of the industrial revolution. Events and conventions are hosted wherever possible that shows new and old technology. Nearby astral bodies are also celebrated with festivities and events. The [i]Lunar Hail[/i] occurs during each full moon of the year. It is a single-day celebration that reveres the closest, other deity to Terra: Luna.The [i]Festival of the Quiet[/i] is perhaps the most calm celebrations of them all whereby people honor the dead. Lastly, in the eighth month of the year, Mars and its deity, Tiu, is celebrated with a week-long feast. The world was divided by nations just thirty years ago. It was not until after a series of political assassinations, skirmishes, and financial overtaking that the unions gained control. The remnants of the old world can be found in the neutral zones. While no longer bound by blood and soil, the neutral zones act like independent nations that usually conduct [i]direct[/i] or [i]pure[/i] democracy. The number of citizens are controlled so as to preserve the value of every single voter. Several resistance forces keep the security of the neutral zones, combating threats both foreign and domestic. Should one such force attempt to install a government that contradicts the current system, then the other resistance forces takes it down. The Net is an important part of world culture. The online virtual reality of the Net has for many years been a focal point of communication, activity, and expression. However, with the rise of the unions, many parts of the Net were censored. This introduced a widespread interest in digital activism and hacking. The Net can be visited with a computer of any kind. Holograms and Headsets support the virtual reality function of the Net. in the current year, the Net is a battlefield of propaganda, disinformation, and sabotage. Ever since the unions assumed control, the culture of anonymity has skyrocketed in the world. This was also in junction with the increased restrictions on the Net and mass surveillance in the physical world. The unions have a nasty track record of going after family and friends of dissenters, rival unions, resistance fighters, and anyone who opposes them. This is why many people wear masks in combat and every day life whenever they move around within the unions, and sometimes in the neutral zones. While masks for conflict look menacing, masks for daily use are much more low key. There are many different currencies in the world. The unions use their own credit system. It is all digital and easy to track. However, there are plenty of shops and underground networks that accept other currencies. In the neutral zones, citizens can choose from a wide range of payment methods involving ‘hard’ currency. Gold and silver are always welcome and valuable. Union credits work sometimes, but are not worth much. Other precious metals such as palladium and platinum as well as gems are often traded with. On the front and in the wilderness, one can trade almost anything for other goods.[/COLOR] [SUB][COLOR=cecece]A P P E N D I X[/COLOR][/SUB][hr][color=a8a8a8] ★ [b]Balcove's Pass[/b] — An area North of Helston known for 𝙷𝙰𝙻𝙸𝙰𝚃 𝙰𝚁𝙼𝙾𝚁𝚈 interference. ★ [b]Pebble 82[/b] — A main road in Helston. ★ [b]Highway A[/b] — A major highway that connects to Helston. ★ [b]A "nail"[/b] — A crude union made cigarette. ★ [b]Net Channel[/b] — The private networking system accessible only to citizens of Helston. ★ [b]Netrunners[/b] — A collective group of individuals in the neutral zone that hack into union satellites, allowing people to use features like GPS on their devices. ★ [b]Call-to-Arms Alert[/b] — Mandatory mustering for citizens in defense of a town or city. ★ [b]General Alert[/b] — Non-mandatory mustering, but has a reward incentive. ★ [b]Lunar Hail[/b] — Celebration on every full moon honoring the deity Luna. ★ [b]Festival of the Quiet[/b] — Festival remembering and honoring the dead. ★ [b]HA-12[/b] — A 10-shot revolver by Haliat Armor powered by a small power cell. ★ [b]Elkoss Carbine[/b] - A lightweight, tactical firearm with a lot of attachment potential. ★ [b]Yumchug[/b] — Very tasty. ★ [b]Union Wheats[/b] — A brand of cereal, often mixed with Yumchug to produce an edible grey mixture. ★ [b]Spud[/b] — The general term for a common Helston breakfast, usually a mixture of potato and meat, though can be made in a variety of ways or completely meatless. ★ [b]Sensitive[/b] — A term for an Aeon. ★ [b]Children of the Sun[/b] — A term used to describe Aeons. ★ [b]Helston Public News[/b] — The general radio news station for Helston. More in-depth news from the HPN can be accessed through the Net Channel. ★ [b]Hellhog[/b] — a slang term used for motorcycle. ★ [b]U-Wake[/b] — A commonly used personal media player. ★ [b]Foxtrot 11[/b] — Powerful contact or shadow organization that buys and sells information. [/color][/hider] [hider=Map] [CENTER][img]https://i.imgur.com/9cnHH33.png[/img][/CENTER] [SUB][COLOR=cecece]H E L S T O N[/COLOR][/SUB][hr][color=a8a8a8] There is nothing special about this town. It is the home to about eighty thousand citizens. The most basic things that they would ever need is provided. There is functioning infrastructure, there is a market with several stores, there are schools for all ages, and there are two resistance forces keeping the peace. Most of the jobs in Helston are service oriented. Other kinds of labor are found in nearby locations such as Mineral Grove or Halos City. The people of Helston are simple, law abiding citizens. They celebrate all the common festivities throughout the year and share a deeply rooted disdain for the unions.[/COLOR] [SUB][COLOR=cecece]M I N E R A L G R O V E[/COLOR][/SUB][hr][color=a8a8a8] This is one of the largest mines in the world. Several types of metals are dug out of the Mineral Grove excavation site. Over the years, it has grown to be so expansive that the mining company arranged proper housing in the area, which also attracted commerce. Today, Mineral Grove is a fully functional town that is sustained by laborers and to some extent also tourists. Mineral Grove has a population of about sixty thousand.[/COLOR] [SUB][COLOR=cecece]D A D E N A C I T Y[/COLOR][/SUB][hr][color=a8a8a8] This is a sprawling cityscape. Skyscrapers reach for the heavens and neon lights illuminate the streets at night. Being one of the few metropolitan areas in the neutral zone, it naturally attracts a lot of people to it. All manner of work can be found in Dadena that does not involve much of manual labor. It has a rich underground scene that houses all kinds of strange individuals. The city is managed by a Mayor, who has to consult five different resistance forces for each major decision that does not involve citizen voting. Dadena City is a prime target for the unions, as it has a substantial revenue. The city has a population of twelve million.[/COLOR] [SUB][COLOR=cecece]E A S T B O U R N E[/COLOR][/SUB][hr][color=a8a8a8] Home to roughly a hundred thousand citizens, Eastbourne is a town similar to Helston. The two have been friendly neighbors for as long as anyone can remember. They often take turns to host major holidays and celebrations, inviting the citizens of the other town to come over. Just like Helston, Eastbourne has everything a town of its size would require. However, seeing as it is slightly larger, it has a higher presence of commerce. People from Helston often travel to Eastbourne for that purpose, if they cannot make it to a nearby city. The people of Eastbourne work in the town itself or at the Voron Reactor, and in some cases Mineral Grove or Helston.[/COLOR][/hider] [hider=Information][color=a8a8a8] ★ This section assumes that you have read the [i]Codex[/i], which will be expanded upon. ★ Posts around a thousand words are comfortable to both read and write. This will be the general guideline for posting length. ★ There will be no specific order for players to post nor will we wait for anyone. Past interactions can be completed retroactively through [i]Flashbacks[/i]. So, there may be several timelines in a single post from a player. ★ Your main character is one of the protagonists, an Aeon. Additional characters surrounding this one is encouraged. They can be friends, family, random individuals met on the journey, or some other association. A few players portraying several characters is what we want here. ★ Most of my activity in this will be Fridays through Sundays. The other four days are intense work days, but simple out of character messages will persist. ★ The story has elements of action, adventure, and drama. I will set things up so that the protagonists remain in a specific area for a time before moving on, instead of moving around too much. Hopefully this makes sense for portraying additional characters, who might not be part of the journey. ★ Completed character sheets go into the Out of Character for approval. The character tab is for approved characters only. Refrain from posting 'work in progress' character sheets. [/color][/hider] [hider=Character Sheet][color=a8a8a8]★ Character image goes at the very top of the sheet, centered. Realistic image. ★ Character age is 18 — 30. ★ Aeon powers are free. Whatever your character knows, describe it in the story when it happens. ★ Relations with other player characters is not required before the story begins, but encouraged. ★ Your character is a Helston 'native', but does not have to have been born there. [/color] [code][CENTER][SUB][COLOR=cecece]N A M E S U R N A M E ◄ AGE ▎ MALE/FEMALE ▎ HEIGHT ►[/COLOR][/SUB][/CENTER] [SUB][COLOR=cecece]P R E S E N C E[/COLOR][/SUB][hr.][color=a8a8a8] This is about the way your character [i]is[/i]. It could be personality, but also general behavior and attitude. Presence can also include appearance descriptions.[/color] [SUB][COLOR=cecece]C H R O N I C L E[/COLOR][/SUB][hr.][color=a8a8a8] This can be any noteworthy event in your character's history. The only requirement is that your character is a Helston native. Helston is the town where the story begins.[/color] [SUB][COLOR=cecece]M E M O R I E S[/COLOR][/SUB][hr.][color=a8a8a8] Memories are for creating relations with other characters, be it player or non-player. A memory can be any kind of moment that two or more characters shared together.[/color][/code][/hider] [center][i]Currently working on to expand map & location details. Also how combat will work.[/i][/center] [/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent]