S
SlowInfect
Guest
[warning=red]This thread is under construction, and is intended for my personal use only! If you stumbled across this and are interested in joining the RP upon its completion, please contact me via messaging.[/warning]
Society's ambition and lack of understanding often leads to its own destruction. New forms of energy emerged hundreds of years ago and created a surge of development. Creation always comes at a price. The price of the new energy source was the clean air. Now the air is so sharp it cuts through the soft tissue in the people's noses, mouths, and eyes.
...The true horror...
As painful as the membrane dissolving is, it's not fatal. A mutation of Ampulex compressa (a bug no larger than a gnat) uses the short passage to the brain to inject neurotransmitters into the mind. From there, the host's stomach becomes a breeding ground to support its offspring until adulthood. The afflicted person is compelled to eat all sorts of meat to provide essential enzymes and gases for the insect. Infected, these cannibals eat until their stomachs burst-- releasing new parasites into the world. Those with any hope of growing old are those cautious enough to protect themselves from the air and those around them.
The world is still inhabited, but home purification systems are fickle. A simple mechanical failure can spell disaster for the average family. Because of that, some areas have devised ways to offer more protection. These include the communities of Appareil, Aspilia, and Himmel. However, each is not without its problems. Politics, lack of resources, and a shadowy puppeteer keep most people suffering. Can you navigate this world of horror, desolation, intrigue, other perils? Maybe with the right allies you'll live past your thirties. With the wrong ones, you won't see tomorrow. Choose wisely, for the lone wolf is just a sheep waiting to be slaughtered
Society's ambition and lack of understanding often leads to its own destruction. New forms of energy emerged hundreds of years ago and created a surge of development. Creation always comes at a price. The price of the new energy source was the clean air. Now the air is so sharp it cuts through the soft tissue in the people's noses, mouths, and eyes.
...The true horror...
As painful as the membrane dissolving is, it's not fatal. A mutation of Ampulex compressa (a bug no larger than a gnat) uses the short passage to the brain to inject neurotransmitters into the mind. From there, the host's stomach becomes a breeding ground to support its offspring until adulthood. The afflicted person is compelled to eat all sorts of meat to provide essential enzymes and gases for the insect. Infected, these cannibals eat until their stomachs burst-- releasing new parasites into the world. Those with any hope of growing old are those cautious enough to protect themselves from the air and those around them.
The world is still inhabited, but home purification systems are fickle. A simple mechanical failure can spell disaster for the average family. Because of that, some areas have devised ways to offer more protection. These include the communities of Appareil, Aspilia, and Himmel. However, each is not without its problems. Politics, lack of resources, and a shadowy puppeteer keep most people suffering. Can you navigate this world of horror, desolation, intrigue, other perils? Maybe with the right allies you'll live past your thirties. With the wrong ones, you won't see tomorrow. Choose wisely, for the lone wolf is just a sheep waiting to be slaughtered
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It's a city of wonder, mechanics, and more importantly health. The glass dome and whirling cogs make up the largest air purification system this continent has to offer. When the land in the dome became too populated, the city extended its reaches upward. Buildings were erected on each level of the whirling device. The elite took fancy to standing above the rest and echelon is often represented by how close to the top their estate stands. As of such, Appareil is divided into five main districts-- each more elevated in social class and altitude.
The Under-works: Dark enclosed spaces retrofitted with faulty sodium lights... most of the maintenance to keep the purification system running is done down here, but only in a few key areas. These are the only spots often patrolled, as most don't care for the winding passages and sewers making up the rest of this abyss.
The Slums: Buildings on top of buildings on top of buildings. Over the years this space has become so overpopulated that architecture has stretched in every conceivable direction. It's an area stricken with poverty, hunger, and a beleaguered populous. Appareil pretends to be generous by accepting all refugees, but it hardly provides the means for anyone to survive within its walls.
The Red Tower: A rusted iron tower houses the city's military. These souls are indentured for at least 10 years with the promise of full citizenship. However, most aren't expected to survive even half that long. High ranking officials are high born citizens who have never seen the horrors outside the city.
The Merchant District: The first district to actually be built on top of the whirling cogs. Perfectly elevated for docking airships and keeping out "undesirables," this district houses the businesses of higher repute and research facilities.
Esteemed District: Essentially the aristocracy. This governing body of people make all the main decisions for the city while wearing the facade of a democracy. Its said that the elite indulge in macabre pleasures and dark plots... but who believes rumors anyways? -
Of good intention but not of function. Aspilia is a group dedicated to relieving disease and promoting the well-being of all humans. Being non-profit, this group is often met with more demand than they're capable of handling. Not to mention, supplies are scarce. They don't require payment but won't turn down a donation. If you find yourself needing them-- don't be surprised if you're placed on a lottery. After all, there are many others that require their help.
Aspilia is based on the far end of the continent but representatives can be found in all stretches of the land.
The Cliff-side Construct: Aspilia's main outpost, though large in size, is dwarfed when compared to Appareil. The metal building has an infrastructure which winds deep into the cliffs and subterranean. Here, they conduct their most extensive research and medical programs.
The Cities of Canvas: At certain points, cities in the wastelands will suffer mass tragedy from electrical malfunctions. This often results in many medical issues from inoperable purification systems. With a populous dying, Aspilia sets up temporary medical facilities to help those they can and quarantining the rest.
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Roughly the size of a small city, Himmel is a flying trading post that is constantly on the move. Many rare and strange finds can be paid for here-- with weapons, mercenaries, prostitutes being the most common. If they don't have it, they can find it (but by what means, who knows?) Essentially a black market, Himmel retains neutrality for the sake of business. Most airship ports will be able to tell you where the city is currently circling and shuttles to it are available. However, be wary in not overstaying your welcome for a room is more coin than the average person can afford. If you don't have the money, there are other ways to pay.
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