RaijinslayerName:
Über Ethereal
Appearance:
_TempleShip_UberEthereal.png/revision/latest?cb=20140617203703)
Age:
Said to have lived a few millennials
Species:
Ethereal
Gender:
N/A
Personality:
The Ethereal are said to be wise and all-knowing beings that have lived long enough and advanced so much a a civilization that almost no secret exists to them in the universe they originate from. They rarely are preoccupied by feelings that the average living beings would feel, thus leaving them devoid of any drive related to intense avarice or wrath. There are however prideful beings and certainly consider themselves the superior beings and so much above humanity despite the fact that they've recognized a superior potential in the homosapients. The Uber Ethereal often speaks in a cryptic manner, as if it were reciting passages or a prophecy. It never truly seems surprised or stunned by anything as it always expresses a keen interest in things it discovers for the first time, as intimidating as they may be.
Despite losing their title as most powerful beings in any universe, they remain prideful while completely devoted to the higher power they consider 'The Envisioning One'. Almost religiously, they devote themselves to the cause, even if the message they spread has ever been clear as of now.
Bio:
Cf. Xcom Enemy Unknown and/or Enemy Within
Abilities:
Über Ethereal
Appearance:
Age:
Said to have lived a few millennials
Species:
Ethereal
Gender:
N/A
Personality:
The Ethereal are said to be wise and all-knowing beings that have lived long enough and advanced so much a a civilization that almost no secret exists to them in the universe they originate from. They rarely are preoccupied by feelings that the average living beings would feel, thus leaving them devoid of any drive related to intense avarice or wrath. There are however prideful beings and certainly consider themselves the superior beings and so much above humanity despite the fact that they've recognized a superior potential in the homosapients. The Uber Ethereal often speaks in a cryptic manner, as if it were reciting passages or a prophecy. It never truly seems surprised or stunned by anything as it always expresses a keen interest in things it discovers for the first time, as intimidating as they may be.
Despite losing their title as most powerful beings in any universe, they remain prideful while completely devoted to the higher power they consider 'The Envisioning One'. Almost religiously, they devote themselves to the cause, even if the message they spread has ever been clear as of now.
Bio:
Cf. Xcom Enemy Unknown and/or Enemy Within
Abilities:
- Psi-Dominance: The very essence of the overwhelming Psi powers used by the Ethereal. This manifests itself in a way that it allows the creature's entire body to be enhanced with Psi energy. Without this power, the emancipated and old body of the Ethereals would crumble within minutes, as such it gives a considerable boost in defensive prowess to the Ethereal as well (think Hierro from Bleach). This also enables levitation and flight (being its main medium of mobility).
- Psi-Kinesis: Using its psi powers, the Ethereal manifests four arm-like vectors that are visible to stronger beings (PC's) and allow it to grab a hold of objects and individuals all the while having exceptionally high strength. They can carry up to 500 kg per vector.
- Psi-Lance: Its main fighting ability that allows it to manifest a lance-like weapon out of pure psi energy. Often used as a projectile, it can be fired at bullet speed in a linear direction. It can also be used as a close range weapon, working as a form of bladed staff that can inflict severe cuts and burns when in contact. The Uber Ethereal is remarkably skilled with such a weapon due to its psi powers enhancing their motor functions and reactive capabilities.
- Mind Merge: The Ethereal is capable of sharing its mind to up to 5 creatures it is allied with. Basically, it not only enhances their reflexes and precision in their approaches but also allows a psionic link between them.
- Mindfray: A simple mind manipulation ability that is manifested by a small and quick beam of psi energy that travels through matter and cannot be blocked by basic objects. It doesn't inflict damage, but it causes the victim to have blurred vision and their body to feel a lot heavier than it should for a short period of time.
- Psi-Panic: Manifested the same way as Mindfray, this time it imposes strange illusions to anyone affected, often distorting the notion of space and making things appear bigger or smaller, closer or father to cut any orientation they'd have.
- Mind Control: Only usable on extremely weak beings (normal humans, non-PC's for example) and corpses. It essentially allows it to control them as long as they're not directly attacked.
- Psi-Drain: Any Ally affected by either Mind Merge, Mind control or is implanted with a specific chip can have their life force drained to restore psi energy or heal the Ethereal.
- Psi-Field: A barrier that has two layers: The passive and active. The passive, transparent layer extends to about 50 meters in radius and simply serves as a way to detect any psionic activity or active minds. Essentially it serves as a radar for anything thinking. The second layers must be activated and can only last twenty seconds. It creates a purple barrier of 150m in radius. Anything penetrating the field once it is cast will have its speed cut in half as long as the barrier is active or if it gets out of it.
- Psi-Reflect: A powerful defensive measure that involves invoking a small portal on one of its hands at a time. If a projectile or wave of projectiles is caught within it, 66% of its power will be converted to volatile energy that can be incorporated into the Ethereal while 33% of it is thrown back at multiple times the speed of a bullet while lacking any secondary effects the projectile would have.
- Neural Feedback - Whenever an individual attempts to connect with the Ethereal's mind via any form of Psionic capabilities or simply influence it, they receive a powerful 'shock' in their brains (or whatever they use). Weaker beings can have severe, long term damage or even die while stronger beings are usually stunned and disabled from using Psionic powers for a short period of time (About 5 minutes).
- Rift: A bizarre rift power that so far seems to be blocked in other universes. To be detailed once it is gained back.
Universe of Origin:
XCOM AU (Alternate world of Xcom2)
XCOM AU (Alternate world of Xcom2)
"All the cool logos were taken and with the budget cuts and all ...Yes we know, it sucks. " -Eto 2016
Universe of Origin:
Multiversial - The First Universe is unknown
Objectives:
They have but two objectives:
1) Secure all Terminals and Multiversial "Anomalies". Terminate those who oppose their path.
2) Maintain Balance to the Multiverse. Prevent any altruistic initiative by anomalies or factions that include integrating civilizations into the Multiverse. The same can be applied to those attempting to abuse of the Multiverse to spread and take over all other civilizations.
Members:
The Dark Outliners function as a form of Hierarchy. Though it isn't always representative of the weight of one's word, it does establish where one stands. Power isn't the only factor here, though some have managed to gain a certain level of respect through displays of exceptional capabilities.
The Mysterious leader of the Dark Outliners. Their identity is a complete mystery, many executives have never even seen this individual. Some believe they may be the new Dr. Claw and some rumors even suggest they don't actually exist. It is confirmed however that only Eto, Muffet, the Über Ethereal and the four Elite Guards are currently aware of the leader's identity. The fact that they've managed to unite so many individuals into a rather unstable cause leaves a lot to be feared about this enigma.
The Envisioning One's direct subordinates and those who hold the most power among the Outliners. They are the people whom the leader trusts the most whether it is by personal relations or what they have accomplished. By status, they hold authority over every member, and this includes the Elite Guards unless under crisis. There are generally only two positions here and they are arguably some of the most powerful positions to hold within the entire Multiverse.
- Eto - Supreme Commander of all other executives and armed forces. She focuses more on the military aspects of the organization.
- Muffet - Head master of the organization. Anything happening internally, she knows about it. Muffet is said to be the one to ensnare you in the case where thoughts of treason emerged.
Possibly the most mysterious branch of the Dark Outliners. Unknown to the public, "The World" is the protective echelon of The Envisioning One and the Dark Ouliners' most formidable military assets. They are the best of the best, outdoing the strongest member of the group out of the rank. Their identities are kept secret to those under Executive rank due to the immense tactical advantage they present. They've always been four, but there aren't any defined limits to their numbers. Although their primary focus is to insure the survival of the Envisioning One, they are all capable of conducting their own missions if the hierarchy deems it fit.
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Executives are those who have demonstrated their value to the Dark Outliners and hold a certain level of authority over all others under them. However the weight of their word varies greatly, and can very well be put under certain subordinates despite their status. Some even may have more impact than the Head Executives under certain conditions. For most powerful or unique individuals recruited in the Multiverse, they're put as Executive. Many have accessed this position by having a large potential in power but also by the resources they hold or even a specific talent that serves as a powerful asset.
- The Über Ethereal - Grand Master of Advent and main adviser of the Envisioning One.
- Bambietta Basterbine - General of the Wandereich Femritter Squad
- Cyano Conablum - Head Scientist and CEO of Conablum Labs
- Biollante-San - Main Covert Commander
- R-By - King of the Will of Longinus
All those that have recently joined, have potential to develop or are simply lacking in a field. Their position makes their voice a lot less valued but it doesn't mean their weak. Often powerful entities are placed there by lack of experience or intelligence. The contrary may also be the case. Powerful entities that have been under Executives before or during their position as an Outliner are here with exceptions.
- Ayato Kirishima - Executive in Aogiri Tree.
- Misaka Mikoto - Über Ethereal's research subject. Stationed in the main Overseer Research ship.
- Jetstream Sam - Special Operative, Status Unknown
- Apocalypse - Coerced Ally, Deceased
- Keith - Cyano's subordinate and leader of Outward
- Ruiko Saten - Potential for the Ethereal's teachings, Defected
- Koloan - The Dark Outliners' very own Kolon!
- Grimlock - Captured and Enslaved within Conablum Labs
Banches - Armies - Resources
The Dark Outliners have long since expanded their forces ever since they've gained Multiversial weight. As such, they hold a gargantuan amount of resources and special military 'branches' to achieve their goals and terminate any threat to their creed. Most of these armed forces are led by Executives of the Dark Outliners, however some remain completely secret as they are under the Elite Guards' rule.
ADVENT was first created to assist the Aliens in establishing their reign on earth after taking down the XCOM organization. More or less EXALT's successors, they sympathized with their cause and formed a special police that will eventually be a gargantuan army thanks to the Ethereal technology. Nowadays, the Ethereal force and ADVENT are one under the tyrannical symbol ever since the destruction of the XCOM rebellion and the execution of Central Officer Bradford and the re-capture of the Commander (at least that's what the propaganda says).
As of now, ADVENT is the Dark Outliners' biggest army and branch with arguably an infinitely growing number with the unlimited resources they ca gather throughout the Multiverse. As such, many mistaken it and the Über Ethereal as the leading branch of the Dark Outliners, when it isn't the case. They're arguably the sacrificial face that defends the real monstrosities behind the organization that puts the ends before the means.
Resources:
With the Multiverse at their disposal, such an advanced civilization has almost limitless resources to craft their constantly evolving weaponry and technology. They primarily use the energy source 'Elerium' to fuel more or less anything they make, like the magic ingredient that allows them to pretty much craft as they wish.
They have mastered cloning and genetic manipulation farther than most known universes. As such they can easily clone endless troops given sufficient resources but also constantly make them better with microtechnology. ADVENT also hold the infamous substance 'Meld' which essentially enabled absurdly quick gene manipulation and perfect mastery of robotics. It is child's play for them to fuse organic tissue with metal parts and create bigger and better foot soldiers through that.
Interdimensional travel is perfectly mastered, especially since joining the Dark Outliners as they've thoroughly studied the Terminals. They fleets can travel through galaxies without a problem and their equipment can adapt to any environment at a reasonable extent of course.
As for weaponry, the smaller troops usually have gauss weapons but it is clear that plasma weapons are the way to go. Any equipment on a minion self-destructs when the wielder is killed, limiting scavenging for the opposing force. Their biggest focus is creating as many Psionic capable beings to produce even deadlier and unstoppable weapons.
Vehicles:
During their invasion on earth, the aliens have demonstrated a strong use of scout UFO's and supply bridges to assault the population. It must be noted that their goal was never to destroy humanity, simply test them. The basic UFO's, even the large ones, are as fast as the swift interceptors (fighter jets) of XCOM and can easily lose them after a few seconds. Their more aggressive ships are as big as a small city (As seen in operation Progeny), while their mothership, the Temple Ship, as comparable to a small country, nothing in Earth arsenal could even dent it. Their overseer ships are exceptionally fast and can arguably fly around the earth in a few minutes.
The cloaking devices used were strong enough to counter any form of readings available, concealing even the mighty Temple Ship until it just decided to show up.
As of now, ADVENT mostly uses transport ships to travel in high speeds on the globe. They can use them to carry multiple troops from a city to sparsely populated area in a matter of seconds.
Notable Members/Troops:
There aren't any particular figures in ADVENT with the exception of the Über Ethereal and the director of the group who may as well be a puppet to the former. The distinct troops however all deserve a description as their capabilities are proof of how merciless ADVENT truly is. Before accessing Arcadia, ADVENT forces could be counted in the millions, being all connected to a hive minds, it wasn't hard to control them. As of now, their numbers could potentially be infinite. Some say it is Quantity over Quality, and in most cases it is true, though some of these entities would even make the toughest Space Marines think twice before charging in.
The ADVENT Captain holds a lot of power among the standard ADVENT troops. Wearing superior armor to the regular soldiers, he can take a few more plasma shots before expiring. Wielding a gauss rifle that can be exchanged for a plasma if need be, its main ability falls on its targeting power. Because most ADVENT soldiers and aliens are connected to him via the hivemind, they will be considerably more aggressive to a target he'd designate, gaining in accuracy and lethality when ganging up on the selected victim. They are arguably better shots too.
The standard trooper that relies on his gauss rifle and follows direct orders from the Captain or whatever in the hivemind guides him. They can eventually hold plasma grenades but they're somewhat frail with the weakest possible armor, taking one shot, maybe two. They're the easiest to produce and hold the highest number.
The stun lancer may seem like a pushover, but its fanatical nature makes it one of the biggest threats to have one on one. While it holds similar armor to the captain, it can sustain more damage due to its zealous behavior and lack of care of its own safety. The stun lancer holds a rifle like any other trooper, but favors a stun baton rigged with spikes to go into close range with the enemy, even if it means being exposed to their allies. The lance itself is quite damaging with its design but it also delivers a powerful hock of electricity that can easily knock out the toughest of individuals. Some may just be stunned or not even affected. However if it is to cripple mechanical enemies, they are rather efficient.
Clearly the support class of the standard ADVENT troops, the shieldbearer has the strongest armor and defenses in the organization. They also hold the same rifle as their peers but their greatest strength lies in their main ability. By spreading their shield ability, they are capable of creating an energy shield around every ally their recognize in the vicinity and temporarily enhance their defenses. It can sponge multiple small shots and cushion bigger blows like explosives. They coat themselves with it as well to enhance their already big defenses.
With XCOM's technology at their disposal and the already powerful Mectoid fully optimized, ADVENT easily produced a fully autonomous MEC trooper capable of engaging in the field without a pilot. Connected like any trooper to the hivemind, it behaves like any other trooper despite being completely metal. They can be hacked, though failing to do so in the small frame it leaves its enemies out of fire will cause it to gain enhanced capabilities or even provoke reinforcements to focus on the hacker.
Because of their frame and structure, they have superior defenses than ADVENT armor, their general resilience being large, it doesn't help that they wield extra layers of armor to many direct shots in the hopes of stopping it vain. They hold large magnetic guns that deal significant damage to the environment but also to their targets, easily piercing through tough armor and killing most exposed targets. The biggest danger they present is the mini-rocket attached on their back they can use multiple times to levels area of the field. It's without a doubt that they hold immense physical strength too due to their physiology and resemblance to the XCOM MEC. A punch could arguable kill a human in one shot.
The new and improved Sectopod is here. This time bigger than ever and capable of extending its legs to reach absurd heights and easily pick off targets with its vast array of destructive weaponry. The immediate details are still a bit of a mystery as it is still rarely used on the field, but it is known to be even more destructive than its predecessor, which also gets some use due to its past efficiency. Whether it is close range or long range, no amount of cover is enough to stop it as it can just step on any obstacle with little effort.
WARNING! These can be a potential threat to Player Characters! They cannot be instantly fodderized unlike many of these.
Once the most laughably frail of the aliens, now one of the most terrifying creatures one could come across, the Sectoid has went a long way with human genes added to its pool. Now even sturdier than a stun lancer with various augmentations, it is swift and efficient under fire, capable of tanking multiple shots before inflicting dangerous psionic damage to the enemy. It holds a plasma pistol on its wrist, though recent analysis shows that is appears to be as powerful as a rifle nowadays with deadly accuracy.
While being swift and more imposing physically, the sectoid gained something grander thanks to humans genes added to the mix. They can use their psi power to revive a fallen organic being and turn them into a zombie (they die if the sectoid dies), but also impose disturbances to the enemies via Mindfray. The worst however, is the fact that the Sectoid Commander lost its relevance due to the fact that they can all potentially mind control (NPC's) if they are weak enough (or weakened).
Known as the Thin Men when the Ethereal genetically modified the Viper race to infiltrate the human world. Because of their superior intelligence, they were the right candidates. Now, the Vipers are in their purest form and much more adapted to combat. They hold a plasma rifle with a bayonet to get close and personal while having an insanely powerful tongue to grapple on distant foes and pull them in to bind them. One must note than even soldiers with robotic armor were effortlessly pulled by this tongue and bound to the point where they were completely helpless.
Their physiology makes them exceptionally fast and agile as their strongest asset rests in their their swift dodging skills of enemy projectiles, managing to get through no mans land with a few scratches with enough skill. Also, they can cough out clouds of venom like their modified form.
Likely the most linear soldier in the ADVENT arsenal, the Berserker does one thing and it does it freaking amazingly: Destroy whatever is in its way. Anything without advanced armor or defenses is either dead or knocked out by this thing. Player characters be warned, Level 3 Ruiko had trouble with four of the WEAKER versions of this. The Berserker is exclusively female for some reason and she can use her ability Bullrush to run a twice the speed she already has (which is pretty big) to crash and stomp whatever is before her. She is particularly resilient and doesn't care about her safety. She will attack whatever provokes it as it doesn't know fear.
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The successor to the Outsider, Codex is a female-like entity that constantly appears as though it is 'glitching' through reality, phasing from vision for a second and appearing in a somewhat different position. Being made of a bizarre energy, one would think she is intangible but she is not. She does require however heavy damage to destroy. Remember however, that if she takes damage and isn't destroy in the couple of seconds following the shots, she will duplicate, successfully making a clone her herself, though that clone will be just as damaged as her.
The clone cannot double upon taking damage, but it can teleport anywhere wish in the nearby vicinity and surprise attack any opposition. To attack she uses a plasma rifle like most of its colleagues. The biggest power it wields however is a Psi tornado that covers a large perimeter. Everything within will find their ammunition blocked and rendered worthless as well as any form of magic/energy they use to attack. Stepping out of it and reactivating/reloading is the alternative to take.
Like its past self, the Muton is still a hulking mass of muscle existing mostly for combat. However they've gained a significant amount of intelligence and lean physical shape thanks to human genes. They're strong in any kind of range, with their physical bulk they can impale the strongest with the bayonets of their plasma rifle, or they can use their powerful tactical sense to beat opposition in a shootout. They're still capable of spreading pheromones to other Mutons, The Blood Call, to enhance their accuracy and brutality in battle. They also love grenades.
There exist the Muton Elites. However whether they've been modified or not is a mystery held by ADVENT as they remain the main protective force of the Ethereals.
One of the most frustrating enemies ever produced, the Chryssalid has kept most of its appearance since the invasion of earth. Many are still capable of the same exact thing as they did, though many have evolved to something more ... Radical. Now holding stronger shells, they can sustain more damage as well as hold the evasiveness of a Viper. If they kill a living being, or damage it, they will leave a poison that'll leave them in deep pain if they survive the attack (and slowly shut down their life functions), unless they get treated. If they die from the poison, they'll turn into a cocoon. If the cocoon isn't destroyed in the following minute, three Chryssalids will be born.
They can also implant embryos on corpses and turn them into zombies as they feed the larvae for a minute until it turns into a mature chryssalid. Now the Chryssalids can burrow deep underground and attack any unsuspecting foe as they step near it.
The more aesthetically pleasing version of the floater, the Archon is more of a marketing attempt to please the human population than anything. Holding everything a floater could do: Flying, ascending high enough to land safely anywhere, firing plasma blasts. But they also hold a powerful rocket system that completely bombards an entire field with plasma rockets.
If damaged, the Archon will go on a frenzy and assault any enemy on sight with its plasma lance which can inflict considerable damage if a direct hit happens.
Possibly the most terrifying being to any opposing organization. The faceless replaced the Thin man for a good reason, its mimicry is insanely efficient. So efficient that many settlers in rebel camps couldn't distinguish them from their comrades they imitated. Using its particular structure, it perfectly imitates everything about the being's physiology while using the hivemind to have memories and reflexes/habits superimposed in its morphed body. Truly one of the most threatening covert minions.
It doesn't stop there, the aliens can easily integrate plasma weaponry in its body and use the elerium energy in them to simulate similar 'abilities' used by the enemy, even though the effects will be none other than that of a plasma rifles (it's just for looks, it won't be able to copy spells and have seals appear under you). If one were to revert to its original form and reach a victim, death usually follows.
Bizarre robots that are capable of turning invisible, though detectable through over means such as special visors or scanners. They primarily try to ensnare victims and gas them with oxygen suppressing smoke. The tentacles are so strong that only superhuman strength can hope to rip them off, assuming the lack of oxygen doesn't prevent that. They can also fire plasma shots from their mouths. They're mostly useful at hitting lone snipers or supports left behind by the true aggressors.
A very mysterious being that clearly indicates ADVENT's leaning toward biological warfare. Because they are still rare troops, few has been seen about them. Their armor is extremely robust and is meant to tank multiple shots while conferring it the strength of a MEC. It holds a plasma rifle but it serves a secondary purpose. It propels a form of acidic poison that appears to have corrosive effects on various types of organic tissue, making this thing rather nasty to deal with. More will be revealed as opposition engages it.
Another insanely powerful minion that has recently showed itself to decimate opposing forces. Little is known about it, though many speculate it is the successor to the Cyberdisc, a robotic minion still used to this day with its immense speed, strong defensive and offensive capabilities.
However this thing, from what's been seen, is much more terrifying. Boasting a large plasma beam to inflict massive damage to the opposition, it already holds tremendous power without revealing it trump card. Once open, it reveals its soft interior with tentacles protruding out. The Gatekeeper employs psionic energy to sap the life force out of beings it strikes with the appendages only to resurrect them as zombies, can create a massive rift of explosive psionic power to decimate anything nearby and revive any corpse in the blast into zombies, and of course maintain the zombies up even after death.
Also known as 'The Elders' are the race ruling over Earth and governing the ADVENT forces. The current extent of their power is unknown, though they are clearly MUCH stronger than any being listed here. An Ethereal during the invasion would be rather weak compared to the Alliance of Conquerors members, but now it is unknown if they've even kept this form.
The Über Ethereal maintains its old form for the moment, but it is very possible it transferred its consciousness to a superior vessel by then. They only appear in the most extreme of cases, however.
An organization started by the 'One-Eyed King', later revealed to be Eto herself, in an attempt to cause a Ghoul uprising within Japan. Their true motives and what their end goals involve remain a mystery, but many Ghouls have become loyal to Eto and now serve the Dark Outliners because of this. They are generally the commando units that handle the unknown and powerful oppositions due to their particularly strong physiology.
Resources:
In terms of what they can bring other than powerful manpower, the Aogiri Tree isn't extremely resourceful. The only exception being the ghoulification process brought by Dr. Kanou and enabled massive scientific breakthrough for the ADVENT branch. In all they're mostly a military oriented branch. The army itself is of about 650.000 Ghouls as of now.
Notable Members/Troops:
The Aogiri Tree was able to have artificial half-ghouls and normal ghouls mass produced thanks to the ADVENT Technology, all of which with varying types of Kagune. Without the cloning technology, it would have been impossible to produce as many since very few humans are compatible with such practices.
The Aogiri Tree rests mostly on the powerful figures leading. Excluding Eto, there are a few executives in the group that are worth mentioning and could potentially be player characters.
Tatara is the second-in-command of the Aogiri Tree and by status an extremely powerful Ghoul. According to Eto, he is capable of matching a founding member of the Alliance of Conquerors without too much hassle. However because of his position as a mastermind and commander, he's rarely been out on the field to fight despite his immense experience and power. He wields a very long and thick Kagune that's been able to counter powerful Quinque wielded by special class investigators. Not to mention he took down an entire squad with ease.
Before joining Aogiri he was once affiliated to the Chi She Lian, a Chinese Ghoul organization before they were vanquished and he was forced to flee and eventually join Aogiri.
He currently focuses his efforts on assisting Dr. Kanou in his research endeavors and further the dark and gloomy plans of Dark Outliners.
Once known as Noroi, the man who raised Eto when her father Kuzen/Yoshimura was constantly exposed to danger, Noro is the fruit of what Eto is capable of producing with her monstrous Kagune. Although it is unknown how and why he's been turned into Noro, but it is clear that his psyche is completely destroyed as seen in his behavior in battles. This however can help it in battle as he's arguably the most unpredictable thing around, randomly stopping and then attacking opponents in brutal frenzies. In terms of power, he has the same level of ridiculously powerful regeneration as Eto, if not more due to his absent mind. Because of his lack of logical patterns, he's also not as efficient as Tatara while being arguably as strong with his abilities.
His Kagune appears like a long worm or serpent with a massive mouth. It can also divide into many mall filaments to easily pierce waves of armored soldiers. Although unofficial, it has a disgustingly monstrous form that resembles a Kakuja where it is just a massive, gaping mouth with giant tentacles serving as its body.
Doctor Kanou appears to be a rather normal, heart warming doctor, but don't be fooled by his sweet appearances. A man dedicated in his work and passionate about the bodies of Ghouls, he has very little ethics in his line of work, often using kidnapped individuals and endlessly harvesting organs from strong ghouls to further his research and create perfect subjects. Intelligent and rather charming, he didn't have a hard time adapting to the Multiverse and serve the higher purpose his boss, Eto, was following. As of now he's part of the Ethereal's research team and has helped improve their findings and troops efficiency in general.
Ayato is, as of now, an executive among Aogiri. He strongly believes in the path of the organization as he's had enough, like many others, of being persecuted and killed for simply being a Ghoul. He does have a rather 'softy' personality and tends to be a lot of bark but has often spared or been sensitive to the plea of the weak. As such, his loyalty can be questioned if he were to be used as a player character, but as of now (according to :re), he remains strongly loyal.
Although he wasn't exceptionally strong before being an executive, he's managed to use his Ukaku Kagune in ways to cover his weaknesses and reach ranks close to Tatara and Noro, though still visibly weaker due to a clear lack of experience.
Naki was once the second-in-command of the gang known as the White Suits, though with the death of his mentor Yamori, he's taken control. The White Suits are just that, Ghouls wearing white suits and now serving under Aogiri. Naki himself has been said to be rather strong, being rated S rank. This makes him weaker than most Aogiri executives, but he compensates with backup from his gang to give him support. His Kagune has rarely been seen in battle but he is said to be as lethal as Yamori, a man who had a partial Kakuja confirmed.
Also known as Shachi, Matasaka had multiple followers before joining Aogiri and has since then integrated them. Unlike many ghouls however, he has a strong respect for humans and doesn't wish their death as much as most of Aogiri members. He values their teachings a lot actually, as he's mastered martial arts to a point where he is a lot more deadly with well articulated combos than his Bikaku Kagune in which he's rarely had to use. Because of his apparent talent in fighting, he's been deemed as strong as Noro, though he does lack the explosive power of the monster but compensates with strategy and perfectly timed strikes and counters.
The Wandenreich (The Silent Empire) is the Quincy army that once served the King of Quincies, Yhwach. They were concealed for a thousand years after being repulsed by the Shinigami during the Great Bloody War that continued on. However, after their invasion of the Soul Society, Yhwach achieved Godhood in the Bleach Universe but eventually perished through the sacrifice of the Shinigami. His right hand man, Jugram Haschwalth, has been confirmed to have died along with the King. This left Uryu Ishida as the only successor to the Empire, but he's been missing and a non-factor afterward.
The army, instead of disbanding, was met with the Dark Outliners quickly after the end of the war and their world in turmoil. The one who took over remains a secret to the public, but it is very doubtful that Bambietta, a surviving member in this version of the world, managed to rally them up after the fall of their tyrannical king.
Resources:
As humans with spiritual sensitivity and massive longevity, the Quincy warriors are particularly knowledgeably of magic and especially the manipulation of souls. They use 'Reishi', spirit particles found a lot in their world but also in any other world where there are dead, to create various objects and power as well as fuel their own energy. With access to portals and Multiversial tools, they can easily siphon Reishi from their world to use it in another foreign one.
When it comes to manipulation the soul, their researchers are capable of not only destroying and/or extracting them, but also creating artificial ones through the stolen research for shinigami such as Hikifune and Mayuri.
They are particularly good at manipulating a specific pocket dimension within the 'shadows' of a world and create bases right under the feet of their enemies without ever being detected. Their means to travel in and out of said dimension is either done through a specific device or literal shadows within the surface world. They create their bases entirely out of reishi too.
Notables Members/Troops:
An army composed of hardened soldiers trained for centuries in the art of war. The Soldats are the general rank of all warriors under the higher command, the foot soldiers sent into the field to deal as much damage as possible. They're capable of manipulating Reishi to perform the basic Quincy abilities, create bows and arrows out of them as their main offensive weapons though they've evolved to use more than that. They can all use Hirenkyaku, the ability to move in the speed of sound at occasional bursts, though as minions they're not particularly efficient. Finally they also, for the most part, can use Blut, the ability to run reishi through their bloodstream and harden their body to the point where they could survive being close to the sun and taking absurdly strong hits. Once again, as minions, this isn't especially strong. They're estimated to be at about 75.000.
The Sternritter (Star Knights) can do what any Soldat can do but perfected (see Bambietta Bastebine) while having impeccable skill and a specific ability linked to their attributed letter. They are the commanding officers of the Wandenreich. After the fall of Yhwach, they managed to keep a piece of his soul and life with their schrift intact. While many Sternritter died in the final battle against the Shinigami and others defected after losing their king, a few stuck around. Bambietta is the only known member, though it is clear someone superior to her has the real grip on the new Wandenreich. There's also a rumor that her Femritter squad is alive and well, operating only when a major threat is inbound.
(Too lazy to make an emblem)
Conablum labs used to be called rivadd labs, under ownership by inheritance of Saber Rivard. However Saber soon sold it off to Escher Arch, and Arch research industries. Who renamed it Conablum labs, due to Eschers true identity of Cyano Conablum.
Conablum labs quickly grew to be one of the most technologically advanced companies of its time, with a hand in all areas of research. However, it's greatest field was in robotics. They developed the method of mind transference between organic and android body. As well as created some of the first fully sentient androids.
Besides androids, Conablum labs also moved into areas of transportation and weaponry. With the most notable of their creations being the outward ships, which are capable of out flying most everything the multiverse has to offer, and of being well equipped in terms of weaponry. The arch six shooter, a revolver type weapon capable of firing anything, so long as it can fit inside of it, and cold fusion weaponry, which is now used in a number of pistols, turrets, and all sorts of other weapons. And is equipped in all outward ships.
In transportation, they managed to develop a rather efficient teleportatuon system, as well as portal teleporters that one could use to teleport short distances instantly, or long distances in slightly more time. Due to this, some people such as Saber Rivard can use them to teleport during battle.
Also home to a vast amount of research labs, there is not much that the labs cannot analyze. Though rarely there may be something.
There is also a cloning and genetics lab, but that will not be gone into detail, because it is not very important here.
Conablum labs has a number of employees, but only a small number are very notable. They are listed below.
The labs interior, past the first and second floors, are filled with various death traps that are activated should Cyano be killed. They are purposely made to be passable, mostly so Cyano can laugh at the tapes when she returns. They include typical death trap fare, along with some unique death traps.
There are also psychic interference fields surrounding the building. So anyone who is inside cannot use their psychic powers, nor can they affect things inside the building.
R-By's army is stronger than you average human. Yes, of course. However, most people here are. R-By's army, though, is made out of demi-humans, each with different characteristics. There are minotaurs, harpies, lamias, sirens, mermen, zombies and the occasional Grim Reaper. Though most mythical creatures in his world were unable of casting magic, every captain and division leader can cast magic after an excruciating process.
At the service of R-By himself are the first six demi-humans he succesfully managed to transplant magic circuits from humans to. They are also the most powerful troops and servants he has in his army.
Two of them are creations he made himself with Pythones magic.
A centaur of noble descent.
Fiercely loyal to R-By but despises every other human with passion.
Her ability with a sword is second to none and has light magic like R-By himself.
Her magic allows her to use her sword as a way to dispel every other magic, but cannot cut through anything physical.
Her sword is forged in the light of R-By's magic and is extremely durable, not to mention enchanted and the catalyst that allows the centaur to cast magic.
She leads the vanguard of the Will Of Longinus.
An Arachne that R-By found once the war was over.
When he found her, she was still only an egg that was buried deep underground to safeguard her from the annihilation that the Arachne race suffered.
He used his magic to make the egg quickly hatch, since the egg was damaged and could probably not withstand much if R-By did not do something. Though fairly young, she has dedicated her life to become the perfect killing machine and guard for R-By, to whom she owes her life.
R-By has raised her to have carnivorous tastes, and her appetite is quite something. Her hands are sharp, as well as all of her legs, being able to easily pierce through discovered skin.
Her magic involves the thread she is able to produce. The thread is nigh unbreakable through conventional means and extremely vesatile. Making a hammer from just thread is quite a reality, but Ariadne prefers to use her threads in order to make traps.
She leads the rear corps and is in charge of defending the whole army with her threads.
A lone lamia that attacked R-By while he was exploring some deserted ruins. She was utterly defeated thanks to his magic, though.
Seemingly, she was the guardian of some ruins and thus survived the war.
Her natural abilities to climb trees and secrete poison make her a formidable foe. Combine that with her prowess with a bow and she makes for a deadly opponent even without her magic.
After swearing loyalty to R-By, who demonstrated to be able to easily obtain the relic inside the ruins, she also had magic circuits implanted into her.
Her magic allows her to change from her lower snake body to an actual pair of legs for as long as she wants, though she still vastly prefers her snake tail to move around through trees and whatnot. She also can create poison marshals that can swallow a person whole. If they do not die from the poison, they'll die suffocated.
She focuses on controlling the battlefield and her division handles guerilla tactics.
A wandering Ryuu-jin that challenged R-By to a duel. Upon losing, she asked for her life to be forfeited. Instead, R-By decided to make her one of his servants.
The dragon woman's skill in martial arts is such that she could kill people with her bare fists, even magicians. With R-By's modifications to her body and her newly acquired magic, she has become able to stop tanks in place with a single strike.
The magic circuits now in her body allow her to manifest her aura and become incredibly strong and incredibly fast. Aside from these, she can also turn into a chinese dragon with enough mana. As any dragon, her scales are extremely hard, she can throw fire from her mouth and is several meters long. It is more of a last resource kind of thing, though.
She is in charge of demolitions.
A zombie that R-By designed himself. She has the body of a woman to better suit the infiltration missions R-By needs her for.
Despite her position as an infiltrator, she happens to be incredibly loud both in terms of personality and while battling.
Her magic is a pocket dimension that she can access from just about anywhere. She prefers the shock factor of using it with her innards and pull out weapons from 'inside her body'.
The pocket dimension is pretty spacious and can fit even airplanes in there, though she doesn't.
She uses fire-weapons to fight, usually mini-guns or heavy machine guns. Her strength as a zombie permits her to carry even two of these weapons with no effort at all, and fix any dislocated elbow or otherwise she gets from firing the weapons. Her basic immortality also makes her nigh invincible and, knowing that the brain is the weak point of a zombie, R-By outfitted a metal plate around her brain to make up for it.
R-By can also fix any dismemberment or similars, as long as it isn't the brain.
Her brain was put together with several other brains R-By got his hands on, each making Pine a deadly killing machine with an immortal body, making it one of the main reasons why he wants to protect it that badly. Because of the knowledge put together in her brain, she is also quite adept at making explosives, handling electronics and can even feel emotions.
She leads the infiltration division.
A dullahan that wears a mask at all times to keep her head from falling off. Yes, it is a pumpkin. No, it isn't edible. It is in fact infested with spirits.
Another one of R-By's undead creations, but unlike Pine, Oz cannot talk, or at least has never done so for as long as she's been 'alive'.
She uses a scythe that is about twice her size to attack and calls on dead nature spirits to cast her magic. She can use fire, water, air, earth and even nature itself to attack. Probably the most powerful in R-By's army.
She handles R-By's personal guard.
History:
Because of the mysteries shrouding the creator of The Dark Outliners, how it started remains a secret, even to the higher ups. For the massive military might they hold, they choose to be discreet and rarely share anything other than their primary objective: Maintain Balance to the Multiverse. The ADVENT Forces led by the Ethereals are the primary medium of exacting certain initiatives to prevent universes from attempting to impose their models onto other Universes. Although noble, they do have another reason behind this. They fear that through exploring too many universes with altruistic or crusader ambitions, a being far beyond anyone's comprehension would be awakened and allowed into Arcadia.
Without knowledge on their leader, the Envisioning One, it is very difficult to truly know how they came to be. And how they've arrived to this point.
The Dark Outliners have long since expanded their forces ever since they've gained Multiversial weight. As such, they hold a gargantuan amount of resources and special military 'branches' to achieve their goals and terminate any threat to their creed. Most of these armed forces are led by Executives of the Dark Outliners, however some remain completely secret as they are under the Elite Guards' rule.
ADVENT was first created to assist the Aliens in establishing their reign on earth after taking down the XCOM organization. More or less EXALT's successors, they sympathized with their cause and formed a special police that will eventually be a gargantuan army thanks to the Ethereal technology. Nowadays, the Ethereal force and ADVENT are one under the tyrannical symbol ever since the destruction of the XCOM rebellion and the execution of Central Officer Bradford and the re-capture of the Commander (at least that's what the propaganda says).
As of now, ADVENT is the Dark Outliners' biggest army and branch with arguably an infinitely growing number with the unlimited resources they ca gather throughout the Multiverse. As such, many mistaken it and the Über Ethereal as the leading branch of the Dark Outliners, when it isn't the case. They're arguably the sacrificial face that defends the real monstrosities behind the organization that puts the ends before the means.
Resources:
With the Multiverse at their disposal, such an advanced civilization has almost limitless resources to craft their constantly evolving weaponry and technology. They primarily use the energy source 'Elerium' to fuel more or less anything they make, like the magic ingredient that allows them to pretty much craft as they wish.
They have mastered cloning and genetic manipulation farther than most known universes. As such they can easily clone endless troops given sufficient resources but also constantly make them better with microtechnology. ADVENT also hold the infamous substance 'Meld' which essentially enabled absurdly quick gene manipulation and perfect mastery of robotics. It is child's play for them to fuse organic tissue with metal parts and create bigger and better foot soldiers through that.
Interdimensional travel is perfectly mastered, especially since joining the Dark Outliners as they've thoroughly studied the Terminals. They fleets can travel through galaxies without a problem and their equipment can adapt to any environment at a reasonable extent of course.
As for weaponry, the smaller troops usually have gauss weapons but it is clear that plasma weapons are the way to go. Any equipment on a minion self-destructs when the wielder is killed, limiting scavenging for the opposing force. Their biggest focus is creating as many Psionic capable beings to produce even deadlier and unstoppable weapons.
Vehicles:
During their invasion on earth, the aliens have demonstrated a strong use of scout UFO's and supply bridges to assault the population. It must be noted that their goal was never to destroy humanity, simply test them. The basic UFO's, even the large ones, are as fast as the swift interceptors (fighter jets) of XCOM and can easily lose them after a few seconds. Their more aggressive ships are as big as a small city (As seen in operation Progeny), while their mothership, the Temple Ship, as comparable to a small country, nothing in Earth arsenal could even dent it. Their overseer ships are exceptionally fast and can arguably fly around the earth in a few minutes.
The cloaking devices used were strong enough to counter any form of readings available, concealing even the mighty Temple Ship until it just decided to show up.
As of now, ADVENT mostly uses transport ships to travel in high speeds on the globe. They can use them to carry multiple troops from a city to sparsely populated area in a matter of seconds.
Notable Members/Troops:
There aren't any particular figures in ADVENT with the exception of the Über Ethereal and the director of the group who may as well be a puppet to the former. The distinct troops however all deserve a description as their capabilities are proof of how merciless ADVENT truly is. Before accessing Arcadia, ADVENT forces could be counted in the millions, being all connected to a hive minds, it wasn't hard to control them. As of now, their numbers could potentially be infinite. Some say it is Quantity over Quality, and in most cases it is true, though some of these entities would even make the toughest Space Marines think twice before charging in.
The ADVENT Captain holds a lot of power among the standard ADVENT troops. Wearing superior armor to the regular soldiers, he can take a few more plasma shots before expiring. Wielding a gauss rifle that can be exchanged for a plasma if need be, its main ability falls on its targeting power. Because most ADVENT soldiers and aliens are connected to him via the hivemind, they will be considerably more aggressive to a target he'd designate, gaining in accuracy and lethality when ganging up on the selected victim. They are arguably better shots too.
The standard trooper that relies on his gauss rifle and follows direct orders from the Captain or whatever in the hivemind guides him. They can eventually hold plasma grenades but they're somewhat frail with the weakest possible armor, taking one shot, maybe two. They're the easiest to produce and hold the highest number.
The stun lancer may seem like a pushover, but its fanatical nature makes it one of the biggest threats to have one on one. While it holds similar armor to the captain, it can sustain more damage due to its zealous behavior and lack of care of its own safety. The stun lancer holds a rifle like any other trooper, but favors a stun baton rigged with spikes to go into close range with the enemy, even if it means being exposed to their allies. The lance itself is quite damaging with its design but it also delivers a powerful hock of electricity that can easily knock out the toughest of individuals. Some may just be stunned or not even affected. However if it is to cripple mechanical enemies, they are rather efficient.
Clearly the support class of the standard ADVENT troops, the shieldbearer has the strongest armor and defenses in the organization. They also hold the same rifle as their peers but their greatest strength lies in their main ability. By spreading their shield ability, they are capable of creating an energy shield around every ally their recognize in the vicinity and temporarily enhance their defenses. It can sponge multiple small shots and cushion bigger blows like explosives. They coat themselves with it as well to enhance their already big defenses.
With XCOM's technology at their disposal and the already powerful Mectoid fully optimized, ADVENT easily produced a fully autonomous MEC trooper capable of engaging in the field without a pilot. Connected like any trooper to the hivemind, it behaves like any other trooper despite being completely metal. They can be hacked, though failing to do so in the small frame it leaves its enemies out of fire will cause it to gain enhanced capabilities or even provoke reinforcements to focus on the hacker.
Because of their frame and structure, they have superior defenses than ADVENT armor, their general resilience being large, it doesn't help that they wield extra layers of armor to many direct shots in the hopes of stopping it vain. They hold large magnetic guns that deal significant damage to the environment but also to their targets, easily piercing through tough armor and killing most exposed targets. The biggest danger they present is the mini-rocket attached on their back they can use multiple times to levels area of the field. It's without a doubt that they hold immense physical strength too due to their physiology and resemblance to the XCOM MEC. A punch could arguable kill a human in one shot.
The new and improved Sectopod is here. This time bigger than ever and capable of extending its legs to reach absurd heights and easily pick off targets with its vast array of destructive weaponry. The immediate details are still a bit of a mystery as it is still rarely used on the field, but it is known to be even more destructive than its predecessor, which also gets some use due to its past efficiency. Whether it is close range or long range, no amount of cover is enough to stop it as it can just step on any obstacle with little effort.
WARNING! These can be a potential threat to Player Characters! They cannot be instantly fodderized unlike many of these.
Once the most laughably frail of the aliens, now one of the most terrifying creatures one could come across, the Sectoid has went a long way with human genes added to its pool. Now even sturdier than a stun lancer with various augmentations, it is swift and efficient under fire, capable of tanking multiple shots before inflicting dangerous psionic damage to the enemy. It holds a plasma pistol on its wrist, though recent analysis shows that is appears to be as powerful as a rifle nowadays with deadly accuracy.
While being swift and more imposing physically, the sectoid gained something grander thanks to humans genes added to the mix. They can use their psi power to revive a fallen organic being and turn them into a zombie (they die if the sectoid dies), but also impose disturbances to the enemies via Mindfray. The worst however, is the fact that the Sectoid Commander lost its relevance due to the fact that they can all potentially mind control (NPC's) if they are weak enough (or weakened).
Known as the Thin Men when the Ethereal genetically modified the Viper race to infiltrate the human world. Because of their superior intelligence, they were the right candidates. Now, the Vipers are in their purest form and much more adapted to combat. They hold a plasma rifle with a bayonet to get close and personal while having an insanely powerful tongue to grapple on distant foes and pull them in to bind them. One must note than even soldiers with robotic armor were effortlessly pulled by this tongue and bound to the point where they were completely helpless.
Their physiology makes them exceptionally fast and agile as their strongest asset rests in their their swift dodging skills of enemy projectiles, managing to get through no mans land with a few scratches with enough skill. Also, they can cough out clouds of venom like their modified form.
Likely the most linear soldier in the ADVENT arsenal, the Berserker does one thing and it does it freaking amazingly: Destroy whatever is in its way. Anything without advanced armor or defenses is either dead or knocked out by this thing. Player characters be warned, Level 3 Ruiko had trouble with four of the WEAKER versions of this. The Berserker is exclusively female for some reason and she can use her ability Bullrush to run a twice the speed she already has (which is pretty big) to crash and stomp whatever is before her. She is particularly resilient and doesn't care about her safety. She will attack whatever provokes it as it doesn't know fear.
The successor to the Outsider, Codex is a female-like entity that constantly appears as though it is 'glitching' through reality, phasing from vision for a second and appearing in a somewhat different position. Being made of a bizarre energy, one would think she is intangible but she is not. She does require however heavy damage to destroy. Remember however, that if she takes damage and isn't destroy in the couple of seconds following the shots, she will duplicate, successfully making a clone her herself, though that clone will be just as damaged as her.
The clone cannot double upon taking damage, but it can teleport anywhere wish in the nearby vicinity and surprise attack any opposition. To attack she uses a plasma rifle like most of its colleagues. The biggest power it wields however is a Psi tornado that covers a large perimeter. Everything within will find their ammunition blocked and rendered worthless as well as any form of magic/energy they use to attack. Stepping out of it and reactivating/reloading is the alternative to take.
Like its past self, the Muton is still a hulking mass of muscle existing mostly for combat. However they've gained a significant amount of intelligence and lean physical shape thanks to human genes. They're strong in any kind of range, with their physical bulk they can impale the strongest with the bayonets of their plasma rifle, or they can use their powerful tactical sense to beat opposition in a shootout. They're still capable of spreading pheromones to other Mutons, The Blood Call, to enhance their accuracy and brutality in battle. They also love grenades.
There exist the Muton Elites. However whether they've been modified or not is a mystery held by ADVENT as they remain the main protective force of the Ethereals.
One of the most frustrating enemies ever produced, the Chryssalid has kept most of its appearance since the invasion of earth. Many are still capable of the same exact thing as they did, though many have evolved to something more ... Radical. Now holding stronger shells, they can sustain more damage as well as hold the evasiveness of a Viper. If they kill a living being, or damage it, they will leave a poison that'll leave them in deep pain if they survive the attack (and slowly shut down their life functions), unless they get treated. If they die from the poison, they'll turn into a cocoon. If the cocoon isn't destroyed in the following minute, three Chryssalids will be born.
They can also implant embryos on corpses and turn them into zombies as they feed the larvae for a minute until it turns into a mature chryssalid. Now the Chryssalids can burrow deep underground and attack any unsuspecting foe as they step near it.
The more aesthetically pleasing version of the floater, the Archon is more of a marketing attempt to please the human population than anything. Holding everything a floater could do: Flying, ascending high enough to land safely anywhere, firing plasma blasts. But they also hold a powerful rocket system that completely bombards an entire field with plasma rockets.
If damaged, the Archon will go on a frenzy and assault any enemy on sight with its plasma lance which can inflict considerable damage if a direct hit happens.
Possibly the most terrifying being to any opposing organization. The faceless replaced the Thin man for a good reason, its mimicry is insanely efficient. So efficient that many settlers in rebel camps couldn't distinguish them from their comrades they imitated. Using its particular structure, it perfectly imitates everything about the being's physiology while using the hivemind to have memories and reflexes/habits superimposed in its morphed body. Truly one of the most threatening covert minions.
It doesn't stop there, the aliens can easily integrate plasma weaponry in its body and use the elerium energy in them to simulate similar 'abilities' used by the enemy, even though the effects will be none other than that of a plasma rifles (it's just for looks, it won't be able to copy spells and have seals appear under you). If one were to revert to its original form and reach a victim, death usually follows.
Bizarre robots that are capable of turning invisible, though detectable through over means such as special visors or scanners. They primarily try to ensnare victims and gas them with oxygen suppressing smoke. The tentacles are so strong that only superhuman strength can hope to rip them off, assuming the lack of oxygen doesn't prevent that. They can also fire plasma shots from their mouths. They're mostly useful at hitting lone snipers or supports left behind by the true aggressors.
A very mysterious being that clearly indicates ADVENT's leaning toward biological warfare. Because they are still rare troops, few has been seen about them. Their armor is extremely robust and is meant to tank multiple shots while conferring it the strength of a MEC. It holds a plasma rifle but it serves a secondary purpose. It propels a form of acidic poison that appears to have corrosive effects on various types of organic tissue, making this thing rather nasty to deal with. More will be revealed as opposition engages it.
Another insanely powerful minion that has recently showed itself to decimate opposing forces. Little is known about it, though many speculate it is the successor to the Cyberdisc, a robotic minion still used to this day with its immense speed, strong defensive and offensive capabilities.
However this thing, from what's been seen, is much more terrifying. Boasting a large plasma beam to inflict massive damage to the opposition, it already holds tremendous power without revealing it trump card. Once open, it reveals its soft interior with tentacles protruding out. The Gatekeeper employs psionic energy to sap the life force out of beings it strikes with the appendages only to resurrect them as zombies, can create a massive rift of explosive psionic power to decimate anything nearby and revive any corpse in the blast into zombies, and of course maintain the zombies up even after death.
Also known as 'The Elders' are the race ruling over Earth and governing the ADVENT forces. The current extent of their power is unknown, though they are clearly MUCH stronger than any being listed here. An Ethereal during the invasion would be rather weak compared to the Alliance of Conquerors members, but now it is unknown if they've even kept this form.
The Über Ethereal maintains its old form for the moment, but it is very possible it transferred its consciousness to a superior vessel by then. They only appear in the most extreme of cases, however.
An organization started by the 'One-Eyed King', later revealed to be Eto herself, in an attempt to cause a Ghoul uprising within Japan. Their true motives and what their end goals involve remain a mystery, but many Ghouls have become loyal to Eto and now serve the Dark Outliners because of this. They are generally the commando units that handle the unknown and powerful oppositions due to their particularly strong physiology.
Resources:
In terms of what they can bring other than powerful manpower, the Aogiri Tree isn't extremely resourceful. The only exception being the ghoulification process brought by Dr. Kanou and enabled massive scientific breakthrough for the ADVENT branch. In all they're mostly a military oriented branch. The army itself is of about 650.000 Ghouls as of now.
Notable Members/Troops:
The Aogiri Tree was able to have artificial half-ghouls and normal ghouls mass produced thanks to the ADVENT Technology, all of which with varying types of Kagune. Without the cloning technology, it would have been impossible to produce as many since very few humans are compatible with such practices.
The Aogiri Tree rests mostly on the powerful figures leading. Excluding Eto, there are a few executives in the group that are worth mentioning and could potentially be player characters.
Tatara is the second-in-command of the Aogiri Tree and by status an extremely powerful Ghoul. According to Eto, he is capable of matching a founding member of the Alliance of Conquerors without too much hassle. However because of his position as a mastermind and commander, he's rarely been out on the field to fight despite his immense experience and power. He wields a very long and thick Kagune that's been able to counter powerful Quinque wielded by special class investigators. Not to mention he took down an entire squad with ease.
Before joining Aogiri he was once affiliated to the Chi She Lian, a Chinese Ghoul organization before they were vanquished and he was forced to flee and eventually join Aogiri.
He currently focuses his efforts on assisting Dr. Kanou in his research endeavors and further the dark and gloomy plans of Dark Outliners.
Once known as Noroi, the man who raised Eto when her father Kuzen/Yoshimura was constantly exposed to danger, Noro is the fruit of what Eto is capable of producing with her monstrous Kagune. Although it is unknown how and why he's been turned into Noro, but it is clear that his psyche is completely destroyed as seen in his behavior in battles. This however can help it in battle as he's arguably the most unpredictable thing around, randomly stopping and then attacking opponents in brutal frenzies. In terms of power, he has the same level of ridiculously powerful regeneration as Eto, if not more due to his absent mind. Because of his lack of logical patterns, he's also not as efficient as Tatara while being arguably as strong with his abilities.
His Kagune appears like a long worm or serpent with a massive mouth. It can also divide into many mall filaments to easily pierce waves of armored soldiers. Although unofficial, it has a disgustingly monstrous form that resembles a Kakuja where it is just a massive, gaping mouth with giant tentacles serving as its body.
Doctor Kanou appears to be a rather normal, heart warming doctor, but don't be fooled by his sweet appearances. A man dedicated in his work and passionate about the bodies of Ghouls, he has very little ethics in his line of work, often using kidnapped individuals and endlessly harvesting organs from strong ghouls to further his research and create perfect subjects. Intelligent and rather charming, he didn't have a hard time adapting to the Multiverse and serve the higher purpose his boss, Eto, was following. As of now he's part of the Ethereal's research team and has helped improve their findings and troops efficiency in general.
Ayato is, as of now, an executive among Aogiri. He strongly believes in the path of the organization as he's had enough, like many others, of being persecuted and killed for simply being a Ghoul. He does have a rather 'softy' personality and tends to be a lot of bark but has often spared or been sensitive to the plea of the weak. As such, his loyalty can be questioned if he were to be used as a player character, but as of now (according to :re), he remains strongly loyal.
Although he wasn't exceptionally strong before being an executive, he's managed to use his Ukaku Kagune in ways to cover his weaknesses and reach ranks close to Tatara and Noro, though still visibly weaker due to a clear lack of experience.
Naki was once the second-in-command of the gang known as the White Suits, though with the death of his mentor Yamori, he's taken control. The White Suits are just that, Ghouls wearing white suits and now serving under Aogiri. Naki himself has been said to be rather strong, being rated S rank. This makes him weaker than most Aogiri executives, but he compensates with backup from his gang to give him support. His Kagune has rarely been seen in battle but he is said to be as lethal as Yamori, a man who had a partial Kakuja confirmed.
Also known as Shachi, Matasaka had multiple followers before joining Aogiri and has since then integrated them. Unlike many ghouls however, he has a strong respect for humans and doesn't wish their death as much as most of Aogiri members. He values their teachings a lot actually, as he's mastered martial arts to a point where he is a lot more deadly with well articulated combos than his Bikaku Kagune in which he's rarely had to use. Because of his apparent talent in fighting, he's been deemed as strong as Noro, though he does lack the explosive power of the monster but compensates with strategy and perfectly timed strikes and counters.
The Wandenreich (The Silent Empire) is the Quincy army that once served the King of Quincies, Yhwach. They were concealed for a thousand years after being repulsed by the Shinigami during the Great Bloody War that continued on. However, after their invasion of the Soul Society, Yhwach achieved Godhood in the Bleach Universe but eventually perished through the sacrifice of the Shinigami. His right hand man, Jugram Haschwalth, has been confirmed to have died along with the King. This left Uryu Ishida as the only successor to the Empire, but he's been missing and a non-factor afterward.
The army, instead of disbanding, was met with the Dark Outliners quickly after the end of the war and their world in turmoil. The one who took over remains a secret to the public, but it is very doubtful that Bambietta, a surviving member in this version of the world, managed to rally them up after the fall of their tyrannical king.
Resources:
As humans with spiritual sensitivity and massive longevity, the Quincy warriors are particularly knowledgeably of magic and especially the manipulation of souls. They use 'Reishi', spirit particles found a lot in their world but also in any other world where there are dead, to create various objects and power as well as fuel their own energy. With access to portals and Multiversial tools, they can easily siphon Reishi from their world to use it in another foreign one.
When it comes to manipulation the soul, their researchers are capable of not only destroying and/or extracting them, but also creating artificial ones through the stolen research for shinigami such as Hikifune and Mayuri.
They are particularly good at manipulating a specific pocket dimension within the 'shadows' of a world and create bases right under the feet of their enemies without ever being detected. Their means to travel in and out of said dimension is either done through a specific device or literal shadows within the surface world. They create their bases entirely out of reishi too.
Notables Members/Troops:
An army composed of hardened soldiers trained for centuries in the art of war. The Soldats are the general rank of all warriors under the higher command, the foot soldiers sent into the field to deal as much damage as possible. They're capable of manipulating Reishi to perform the basic Quincy abilities, create bows and arrows out of them as their main offensive weapons though they've evolved to use more than that. They can all use Hirenkyaku, the ability to move in the speed of sound at occasional bursts, though as minions they're not particularly efficient. Finally they also, for the most part, can use Blut, the ability to run reishi through their bloodstream and harden their body to the point where they could survive being close to the sun and taking absurdly strong hits. Once again, as minions, this isn't especially strong. They're estimated to be at about 75.000.
The Sternritter (Star Knights) can do what any Soldat can do but perfected (see Bambietta Bastebine) while having impeccable skill and a specific ability linked to their attributed letter. They are the commanding officers of the Wandenreich. After the fall of Yhwach, they managed to keep a piece of his soul and life with their schrift intact. While many Sternritter died in the final battle against the Shinigami and others defected after losing their king, a few stuck around. Bambietta is the only known member, though it is clear someone superior to her has the real grip on the new Wandenreich. There's also a rumor that her Femritter squad is alive and well, operating only when a major threat is inbound.
Conablum labs
(Too lazy to make an emblem)
Conablum labs used to be called rivadd labs, under ownership by inheritance of Saber Rivard. However Saber soon sold it off to Escher Arch, and Arch research industries. Who renamed it Conablum labs, due to Eschers true identity of Cyano Conablum.
Conablum labs quickly grew to be one of the most technologically advanced companies of its time, with a hand in all areas of research. However, it's greatest field was in robotics. They developed the method of mind transference between organic and android body. As well as created some of the first fully sentient androids.
Besides androids, Conablum labs also moved into areas of transportation and weaponry. With the most notable of their creations being the outward ships, which are capable of out flying most everything the multiverse has to offer, and of being well equipped in terms of weaponry. The arch six shooter, a revolver type weapon capable of firing anything, so long as it can fit inside of it, and cold fusion weaponry, which is now used in a number of pistols, turrets, and all sorts of other weapons. And is equipped in all outward ships.
In transportation, they managed to develop a rather efficient teleportatuon system, as well as portal teleporters that one could use to teleport short distances instantly, or long distances in slightly more time. Due to this, some people such as Saber Rivard can use them to teleport during battle.
Also home to a vast amount of research labs, there is not much that the labs cannot analyze. Though rarely there may be something.
There is also a cloning and genetics lab, but that will not be gone into detail, because it is not very important here.
Conablum labs has a number of employees, but only a small number are very notable. They are listed below.
Keith:
Keith is the head of outward, head scientist of Conablum labs, and head if Cyanos personal assassins. He is a formidable fighter and an expert in staying out of sight. He is a character, and as such has more details in his CS.
Agonious: Not so much an employee, as a sort of unwilling volunteer. He is a resident of the deadland, and guards the way out. He is a monster of a man, and is as intimidating as he is large. Which is very large. And very intimidating. Not helped by his deep baritone voice.
Keith is the head of outward, head scientist of Conablum labs, and head if Cyanos personal assassins. He is a formidable fighter and an expert in staying out of sight. He is a character, and as such has more details in his CS.
Agonious: Not so much an employee, as a sort of unwilling volunteer. He is a resident of the deadland, and guards the way out. He is a monster of a man, and is as intimidating as he is large. Which is very large. And very intimidating. Not helped by his deep baritone voice.
The labs interior, past the first and second floors, are filled with various death traps that are activated should Cyano be killed. They are purposely made to be passable, mostly so Cyano can laugh at the tapes when she returns. They include typical death trap fare, along with some unique death traps.
There are also psychic interference fields surrounding the building. So anyone who is inside cannot use their psychic powers, nor can they affect things inside the building.
TBA by Absolis
After a great war that left most demi-humans in the verge of extinction, if not already extinct, R-By managed to use a combination of cursed and holy magic to revive each and every single one of the demihumans with a strong grudge against the humans that became their downfall.
They are, unsurprisingly, a lot, reaching 500,000 with ease.
Aside from that, R-By's servants and most trusted allies each lead a division of his army, though R-By's decisions are final.
R-By's objectives are his army's objectives, and now that he has joined the Dark Outliners this has not changed. R-By is convinced that the Envisioning One might be the solution to his problems.
They are, unsurprisingly, a lot, reaching 500,000 with ease.
Aside from that, R-By's servants and most trusted allies each lead a division of his army, though R-By's decisions are final.
R-By's objectives are his army's objectives, and now that he has joined the Dark Outliners this has not changed. R-By is convinced that the Envisioning One might be the solution to his problems.
Resources:
R-By's army is stronger than you average human. Yes, of course. However, most people here are. R-By's army, though, is made out of demi-humans, each with different characteristics. There are minotaurs, harpies, lamias, sirens, mermen, zombies and the occasional Grim Reaper. Though most mythical creatures in his world were unable of casting magic, every captain and division leader can cast magic after an excruciating process.
Notable Members/Troops:
At the service of R-By himself are the first six demi-humans he succesfully managed to transplant magic circuits from humans to. They are also the most powerful troops and servants he has in his army.
Two of them are creations he made himself with Pythones magic.
Klio Tarkan
A centaur of noble descent.
Fiercely loyal to R-By but despises every other human with passion.
Her ability with a sword is second to none and has light magic like R-By himself.
Her magic allows her to use her sword as a way to dispel every other magic, but cannot cut through anything physical.
Her sword is forged in the light of R-By's magic and is extremely durable, not to mention enchanted and the catalyst that allows the centaur to cast magic.
She leads the vanguard of the Will Of Longinus.
Ariadne Iatz
An Arachne that R-By found once the war was over.
When he found her, she was still only an egg that was buried deep underground to safeguard her from the annihilation that the Arachne race suffered.
He used his magic to make the egg quickly hatch, since the egg was damaged and could probably not withstand much if R-By did not do something. Though fairly young, she has dedicated her life to become the perfect killing machine and guard for R-By, to whom she owes her life.
R-By has raised her to have carnivorous tastes, and her appetite is quite something. Her hands are sharp, as well as all of her legs, being able to easily pierce through discovered skin.
Her magic involves the thread she is able to produce. The thread is nigh unbreakable through conventional means and extremely vesatile. Making a hammer from just thread is quite a reality, but Ariadne prefers to use her threads in order to make traps.
She leads the rear corps and is in charge of defending the whole army with her threads.
Serpentoria Nachtz
A lone lamia that attacked R-By while he was exploring some deserted ruins. She was utterly defeated thanks to his magic, though.
Seemingly, she was the guardian of some ruins and thus survived the war.
Her natural abilities to climb trees and secrete poison make her a formidable foe. Combine that with her prowess with a bow and she makes for a deadly opponent even without her magic.
After swearing loyalty to R-By, who demonstrated to be able to easily obtain the relic inside the ruins, she also had magic circuits implanted into her.
Her magic allows her to change from her lower snake body to an actual pair of legs for as long as she wants, though she still vastly prefers her snake tail to move around through trees and whatnot. She also can create poison marshals that can swallow a person whole. If they do not die from the poison, they'll die suffocated.
She focuses on controlling the battlefield and her division handles guerilla tactics.
Fei Long
A wandering Ryuu-jin that challenged R-By to a duel. Upon losing, she asked for her life to be forfeited. Instead, R-By decided to make her one of his servants.
The dragon woman's skill in martial arts is such that she could kill people with her bare fists, even magicians. With R-By's modifications to her body and her newly acquired magic, she has become able to stop tanks in place with a single strike.
The magic circuits now in her body allow her to manifest her aura and become incredibly strong and incredibly fast. Aside from these, she can also turn into a chinese dragon with enough mana. As any dragon, her scales are extremely hard, she can throw fire from her mouth and is several meters long. It is more of a last resource kind of thing, though.
She is in charge of demolitions.
Pine
A zombie that R-By designed himself. She has the body of a woman to better suit the infiltration missions R-By needs her for.
Despite her position as an infiltrator, she happens to be incredibly loud both in terms of personality and while battling.
Her magic is a pocket dimension that she can access from just about anywhere. She prefers the shock factor of using it with her innards and pull out weapons from 'inside her body'.
The pocket dimension is pretty spacious and can fit even airplanes in there, though she doesn't.
She uses fire-weapons to fight, usually mini-guns or heavy machine guns. Her strength as a zombie permits her to carry even two of these weapons with no effort at all, and fix any dislocated elbow or otherwise she gets from firing the weapons. Her basic immortality also makes her nigh invincible and, knowing that the brain is the weak point of a zombie, R-By outfitted a metal plate around her brain to make up for it.
R-By can also fix any dismemberment or similars, as long as it isn't the brain.
Her brain was put together with several other brains R-By got his hands on, each making Pine a deadly killing machine with an immortal body, making it one of the main reasons why he wants to protect it that badly. Because of the knowledge put together in her brain, she is also quite adept at making explosives, handling electronics and can even feel emotions.
She leads the infiltration division.
Oz
A dullahan that wears a mask at all times to keep her head from falling off. Yes, it is a pumpkin. No, it isn't edible. It is in fact infested with spirits.
Another one of R-By's undead creations, but unlike Pine, Oz cannot talk, or at least has never done so for as long as she's been 'alive'.
She uses a scythe that is about twice her size to attack and calls on dead nature spirits to cast her magic. She can use fire, water, air, earth and even nature itself to attack. Probably the most powerful in R-By's army.
She handles R-By's personal guard.
History:
Because of the mysteries shrouding the creator of The Dark Outliners, how it started remains a secret, even to the higher ups. For the massive military might they hold, they choose to be discreet and rarely share anything other than their primary objective: Maintain Balance to the Multiverse. The ADVENT Forces led by the Ethereals are the primary medium of exacting certain initiatives to prevent universes from attempting to impose their models onto other Universes. Although noble, they do have another reason behind this. They fear that through exploring too many universes with altruistic or crusader ambitions, a being far beyond anyone's comprehension would be awakened and allowed into Arcadia.
Without knowledge on their leader, the Envisioning One, it is very difficult to truly know how they came to be. And how they've arrived to this point.
