A
Archwar
Guest
Original poster
"Hello travelers, I do hope you don't mind if I tell you all a little history. Long ago humans used to dominate Eartherous, or more simply Earth, with no other race at that time coming even an empire's size to their greatness. They built beings made from metal that served them, herbs that could cure anything, glass so refined that it could even be brought with paper, and towers made of steel hulking over even the tallest mountains. Sounds like a paradise doesn't it? But we know no paradise is without its flaws.
Mankind was disunited. Categorized into races and nations that grew to hate each other, refusing to listen and live with one another. An Age of Hate. They wanted more and more and their cursed greed would be their downfall allowing tyrants to rise to power. They gave empty promises of endless riches, unimaginable power, and glory like the sun itself. This would lead to the world being consumed by fire and ash. The Age of Fire lasted only a short time, but the damage it did was horrifying.
Lush, green forests turned to black, ashen wastelands. Sparkling rivers boiled into searing ditches. Bustling cities became silent tombs. Those who survived would fight against each other for scrapes of the old world. They were scattered and shattered, an Age of Shattering. It took the Immortals, who appeared shortly after the flames burnt out, to unite mankind once again. And unlike the tyrants before, the Immortals carried out their promises creating nations bent on peace and recovery.
Slowly man would recover, but the world was not the same. Over time beasts emerged while their creations of metal betrayed them, but man refused to go silent. They argued, shout, begged, fought, lie, and even going as far as to commit genocide to survive. Their war with the dragons, many of whom know it as the Dance of Talons and Swords, helped them rise to power. Shortly after, they went on to conquer a good portion of the Central Drow City-States.
About 25 years ago they met the others races. They too had their stories and hardships. Their laughs and sorrows. The High Elves began many wars trying to unite the other races under their motherly eyes, but couldn't maintain their grip. The other races rebelled only uniting under a pact to survive the dragon onslaught.
And not the dragons the humans fought with either. Countless died, but in the end the Red Moon Pact won. Cities were rebuilt, relationships started anew, and now the Rising Star Alliance has met the Red Moon Pact. They started off friendly enough, but things decayed as time marched on. I fear that both sides will clash like waves against cliff and you think us safe in a small city state like Minjula. No, they will come. And there will be blood. Heroes and villains will rise, new legends transpire, names will go into history or forgotten within the day. So, what will you be in this War of Races?"
Overview
Hello there peoplz, this is simply a overview for those that skimmed or skipped the intro and wanted a summary. What is going on is that mankind went to war and the world was consumed by fire. After a long time new creatures have emerged with mankind stuck with primitive technology such as swords, but some have managed to rediscover rifles.
Players may create their own races and add lore to this world. Check with me though before posting in IC about it.
The Races
Humans used to dominate Eartherous, but times have changed. They must share their world with other creatures that are far more powerful than them. This does not mean that man is weak though. Their stubbornness is what has helped them since their beginning and as a result they have recovered. They are also the second most technologically advanced species, right behind the Dwarves. Magic within mankind is somewhat rare, but as time progresses more and more humans are developing magical abilities. They are not as advance as the Elves, but they are learning.
Humans are divided into various kingdoms and empires unlike the High Elves who have a single culture and empire. This has lead to disunity and rampant corruption and hate among them. They still bicker over land, resources, and power forming massive armies. Do not underestimate, though, because many humans are brave to a fault, whatever by brainwash or by choice. Humans can also fit quite well into any and all skills making them a Jack of All Trades.
Dragons have always been a symbol of power, wealth, or immortality. They have existed in the minds of man, elf, dwarf, and beast as beings that could easily incinerate entire cities. There are also many different types based upon elements such as the fire dragons that are weak against the water dragons. There are also special subspecies of dragons such as the Phoenix Dragon that can be reborn from its own ashes and fire heals it.
Dragons once used to rule the Jagged Peninsula waging war much like the humans. They ruled for countless years until the humans managed to unite and defeat them with heavy losses. Many dragons were slain during the war called Dance of Scales and Swords and many more in the following years. Their numbers are low, but they are still powerful.
A cousin race are the Wyverns. Much smaller and weaker than their dragon counterparts they still retain the same elemental status. They're still stronger than the average man and one should be careful when dealing with one.
Both can also use metalwork and stone to an extant, but not on the level of the more commons species.
Griffins once were slaves to the dragons until their rebellion. With their speed and ability to work metal and stone better than the dragons they were able to break their bonds becoming free in the Jagged Peninsula. They live off the coast on a series of islands and trade with the dragons and humans.
Recently they have had internal strife as exiles and rebels have begun a war against the main Monarch and the lords.
Elves are as diverse as humans if only taken into account species. Each one is unique, but each species generally shares the same traits, qualities, customs, etc..
High Elves
High Elves don't only have considerable life spans, but also advanced magic that has allowed them to prosper for their entire time. They are united under one banner and they view themselves as 'guardians' or guides for the other races. They have also amassed great amounts of wealth which is reflected in their cities.
Their views have clashed with the humans who want freedom over order. They prepare their armies and ready for the fray even though they are frail in nature.
Drows
Drows, or Dark Elves, are brutal, underground beings that have been exiled from lands so many times they just finally decided to live underground where creatures lie. They had to be brutal in order to survive the beasts that lived there, but their brutality has caused them to be corrupted. They don't wear much armor due to their increased pain tolerance and their way of life is 'survival of the fittest."
A few cities, however, came into contact with the humans and their allies causing a small war. These cities fell after prolonged sieges and becoming apart of human lands. Some cities have also fallen to the dwarves causing a blend of cultures. Drows in the human lands exhibit a 'nicer' side. Drows in the Dwarf lands exhibit a interest in technology.
Other races available for creation. Possible ones to be worked on are,
Nature Elves
Wild Elves
Blood Elves
The Dwarves are a short and stocky race, capable of building steam engines. They have even managed to create machines without magic. They live in magnificent underground cities running on steam power. They also have magic, but their reliance on machines and steam has caused a decline.
The Dwarves have always been distrustful of outsiders and few ever venture into their cities. However, rumor has it there is a revolt in the Drow Cities that they have under their control.
Orcs have been slandered into being as if they were nothing more than mindless, bloodthirsty brutes. This is not true, but instead they have an Code of Honor to follow. Many follow this code to the very end of their lives, but all have some type of anger issue and often times when provoked or in battle they'll become bloodthirsty, but certainly not mindless.
Masters of metalworks, Orc metal are stronger than many other metals. They live in tribes following the Code of Honor while those who have disobeyed have turned to banditry to get what they want. That is how they got their reputation in the first place.
Not all beasts are sentient, but the few that are exhibit great power. The most basic of these are the humanoid Furiona, or animal people. The Furiona have the traits of their respective animal such as a fish being able to breath underwater. The Furiona, however, are primitive when compared against the other races. The more powerful races such as the werewolves and vampires live among the races portraying themselves as member of that race.
Certainly they are powerful, but the sapient beasts are far more numerous and are not privy to the woes of the sentients.
Monsters, bedtime stories used to scare children to sleep and obey. They are not myth or legend though, they are very real. These creatures range from the endless undead to the all powerful Overlords that oversee many types of monsters. No one knows where they came from though, just the fact that most are sapient beings capable of only murder and feast. This race is not available to the players unless chosen as a type of pet.
Alliances
The Rising Star Alliance formed just after the Dance of Scales and Swords to provide mutual benefits between the three races that inhabited the Jagged Peninsula. Originally intended only to prevent wars from occurring, but after the Drows the Alliance formed armies to protect themselves. Much has changed, being an alliance only for peace to a coalition bent on protecting themselves. The Rising Star Alliance has trained their soldiers well in hit and run tactics as well as siege and open battles. However, they lack a formal navy and relay heavily on technology that is susceptible to the elements. There are four leaders to represent each race.
Matthew Morningstar
"My allegiance is to the humans only, even if it means working with mutants for its survival."
Ambolish Lightingfire
"The others are blinded by their short and petty lives."
Stormclaw Blue
"I will not allow myself to be corrupted by false ideals."
Ardura Ssin
"The others are weak, unable to see their own flaws."
In the times before the Pact, the races of the Heartland waged war. It wasn't until the Day of the Burning that they did unite. Dragons were the cause and they had to ban together to survive. They turned the dragons back and the Pact stayed in effect should a threat ever arise. However, despite this Pact being in effect for hundreds of years, there is still much infighting. There are also three leaders representing only their races. This has caused distaste and rebels have appeared over time.
Carwen Anaedore
"With our swords we stirke, with our magic we discover, and with our unity we shall overcome."
Loset Brightfoot
"What do you mean you can't do it? Yes you can and yes you will!"
Gug Lob
"In order to do good, we must do bad."
The Magic System
Or it less commonly used name 'Psionic Power'. Magic has appeared only after the Age of Fire and even then only a few had such abilities, but those that had it would pass it down. The High Elves are by far the most magically adept leaving others in the dust. Magic is also imagined in the mind rather than spoken though practice and study are needed to learn new spells and hone old ones.
Holy
The School of Holy Magic gets it name for the spells used. Able to heal great wounds and cast away the shadows, this is one of the most sought after schools there are. People who study this exclusively often wear a light colored robe such as a light brown or green to show that they are studying this school. Color is also used to show experience like how a white-colored robe is master and a light green robe is a trainee.
Elements
The School of Elements utilizes the elements for a variety of purposes. Be it survival, war, research, etc. no one would doubt the usefulness of this school. People studying or aspiring to study should take heed, as the elements, without proper control, have been known to injure or even kill a person. However, those that manage to control the elements unlock great powers. Mages are identified by color like how a fire mage might have a orange-red robe and unlike the Holy Mages rank is shown by a strip on their shoulder. More strips equal higher rank.
Mind
The School of the Mind focuses on bending the minds of others and distorting reality to a certain degree. Normally used in war as a means of tricking the enemy, but this School has also been used with Holy Magic to help lessen painful operations such as amputations. People in this school wear a grey-purple robe with no marks pertaining to rank.
Necromancy
The School of Necromancy is learning how to bring dead things to life. However, due to the very nature it is either regulated or outlawed. The School of Necromancy also utilizes the person's mind to control an undead and the more powerful the mind the greater number of undead they can control. So a novice will only be controlling a small group while a Lich Lord may control thousands or even more. Those that study this school wear no robes nor marks making them blend into the general population.
Other School of Magic exist. If you wish to add your own just post it and I'll have a look!
In terms of staffs and tomes, they only enhance the power of a spell. For example, a Fire Staff will increase fire spells. Tomes are used as a method of learning new spells. One must imagine it in their mind and must repeat the spell over and over again to hone it. Overuse of spells can lead to mental fatigue so the stronger the mind the more spells can be casted.
Also, a novice can use a master spell. It will, however, leave them with a bad headache or perhaps a nose bleed as magic is like a muscle. Overuse leads to tiredness and prolonged use can result in damage.
Effects of overuse include: Headache, nose bleed, tiredness, fatigue, coma, damage to brain, death if prolonged enough.
Heat Zones
Even though most of the fire and ash is gone at this point, there are still areas called Heat Zones where the 'heat' is still so intense it will kill a person within seconds without proper protection. For those that wish to trek these perilous roads, great rewards await. But also danger.
Mankind was disunited. Categorized into races and nations that grew to hate each other, refusing to listen and live with one another. An Age of Hate. They wanted more and more and their cursed greed would be their downfall allowing tyrants to rise to power. They gave empty promises of endless riches, unimaginable power, and glory like the sun itself. This would lead to the world being consumed by fire and ash. The Age of Fire lasted only a short time, but the damage it did was horrifying.
Lush, green forests turned to black, ashen wastelands. Sparkling rivers boiled into searing ditches. Bustling cities became silent tombs. Those who survived would fight against each other for scrapes of the old world. They were scattered and shattered, an Age of Shattering. It took the Immortals, who appeared shortly after the flames burnt out, to unite mankind once again. And unlike the tyrants before, the Immortals carried out their promises creating nations bent on peace and recovery.
Slowly man would recover, but the world was not the same. Over time beasts emerged while their creations of metal betrayed them, but man refused to go silent. They argued, shout, begged, fought, lie, and even going as far as to commit genocide to survive. Their war with the dragons, many of whom know it as the Dance of Talons and Swords, helped them rise to power. Shortly after, they went on to conquer a good portion of the Central Drow City-States.
About 25 years ago they met the others races. They too had their stories and hardships. Their laughs and sorrows. The High Elves began many wars trying to unite the other races under their motherly eyes, but couldn't maintain their grip. The other races rebelled only uniting under a pact to survive the dragon onslaught.
And not the dragons the humans fought with either. Countless died, but in the end the Red Moon Pact won. Cities were rebuilt, relationships started anew, and now the Rising Star Alliance has met the Red Moon Pact. They started off friendly enough, but things decayed as time marched on. I fear that both sides will clash like waves against cliff and you think us safe in a small city state like Minjula. No, they will come. And there will be blood. Heroes and villains will rise, new legends transpire, names will go into history or forgotten within the day. So, what will you be in this War of Races?"
Overview
Hello there peoplz, this is simply a overview for those that skimmed or skipped the intro and wanted a summary. What is going on is that mankind went to war and the world was consumed by fire. After a long time new creatures have emerged with mankind stuck with primitive technology such as swords, but some have managed to rediscover rifles.
Players may create their own races and add lore to this world. Check with me though before posting in IC about it.
The Races
Humans used to dominate Eartherous, but times have changed. They must share their world with other creatures that are far more powerful than them. This does not mean that man is weak though. Their stubbornness is what has helped them since their beginning and as a result they have recovered. They are also the second most technologically advanced species, right behind the Dwarves. Magic within mankind is somewhat rare, but as time progresses more and more humans are developing magical abilities. They are not as advance as the Elves, but they are learning.
Humans are divided into various kingdoms and empires unlike the High Elves who have a single culture and empire. This has lead to disunity and rampant corruption and hate among them. They still bicker over land, resources, and power forming massive armies. Do not underestimate, though, because many humans are brave to a fault, whatever by brainwash or by choice. Humans can also fit quite well into any and all skills making them a Jack of All Trades.
Dragons have always been a symbol of power, wealth, or immortality. They have existed in the minds of man, elf, dwarf, and beast as beings that could easily incinerate entire cities. There are also many different types based upon elements such as the fire dragons that are weak against the water dragons. There are also special subspecies of dragons such as the Phoenix Dragon that can be reborn from its own ashes and fire heals it.
Dragons once used to rule the Jagged Peninsula waging war much like the humans. They ruled for countless years until the humans managed to unite and defeat them with heavy losses. Many dragons were slain during the war called Dance of Scales and Swords and many more in the following years. Their numbers are low, but they are still powerful.
A cousin race are the Wyverns. Much smaller and weaker than their dragon counterparts they still retain the same elemental status. They're still stronger than the average man and one should be careful when dealing with one.
Both can also use metalwork and stone to an extant, but not on the level of the more commons species.
Griffins once were slaves to the dragons until their rebellion. With their speed and ability to work metal and stone better than the dragons they were able to break their bonds becoming free in the Jagged Peninsula. They live off the coast on a series of islands and trade with the dragons and humans.
Recently they have had internal strife as exiles and rebels have begun a war against the main Monarch and the lords.
Elves are as diverse as humans if only taken into account species. Each one is unique, but each species generally shares the same traits, qualities, customs, etc..
High Elves
High Elves don't only have considerable life spans, but also advanced magic that has allowed them to prosper for their entire time. They are united under one banner and they view themselves as 'guardians' or guides for the other races. They have also amassed great amounts of wealth which is reflected in their cities.
Their views have clashed with the humans who want freedom over order. They prepare their armies and ready for the fray even though they are frail in nature.
Drows
Drows, or Dark Elves, are brutal, underground beings that have been exiled from lands so many times they just finally decided to live underground where creatures lie. They had to be brutal in order to survive the beasts that lived there, but their brutality has caused them to be corrupted. They don't wear much armor due to their increased pain tolerance and their way of life is 'survival of the fittest."
A few cities, however, came into contact with the humans and their allies causing a small war. These cities fell after prolonged sieges and becoming apart of human lands. Some cities have also fallen to the dwarves causing a blend of cultures. Drows in the human lands exhibit a 'nicer' side. Drows in the Dwarf lands exhibit a interest in technology.
Other races available for creation. Possible ones to be worked on are,
Nature Elves
Wild Elves
Blood Elves
The Dwarves are a short and stocky race, capable of building steam engines. They have even managed to create machines without magic. They live in magnificent underground cities running on steam power. They also have magic, but their reliance on machines and steam has caused a decline.
The Dwarves have always been distrustful of outsiders and few ever venture into their cities. However, rumor has it there is a revolt in the Drow Cities that they have under their control.
Orcs have been slandered into being as if they were nothing more than mindless, bloodthirsty brutes. This is not true, but instead they have an Code of Honor to follow. Many follow this code to the very end of their lives, but all have some type of anger issue and often times when provoked or in battle they'll become bloodthirsty, but certainly not mindless.
Masters of metalworks, Orc metal are stronger than many other metals. They live in tribes following the Code of Honor while those who have disobeyed have turned to banditry to get what they want. That is how they got their reputation in the first place.
Not all beasts are sentient, but the few that are exhibit great power. The most basic of these are the humanoid Furiona, or animal people. The Furiona have the traits of their respective animal such as a fish being able to breath underwater. The Furiona, however, are primitive when compared against the other races. The more powerful races such as the werewolves and vampires live among the races portraying themselves as member of that race.
Certainly they are powerful, but the sapient beasts are far more numerous and are not privy to the woes of the sentients.
Monsters, bedtime stories used to scare children to sleep and obey. They are not myth or legend though, they are very real. These creatures range from the endless undead to the all powerful Overlords that oversee many types of monsters. No one knows where they came from though, just the fact that most are sapient beings capable of only murder and feast. This race is not available to the players unless chosen as a type of pet.
Alliances
The Rising Star Alliance formed just after the Dance of Scales and Swords to provide mutual benefits between the three races that inhabited the Jagged Peninsula. Originally intended only to prevent wars from occurring, but after the Drows the Alliance formed armies to protect themselves. Much has changed, being an alliance only for peace to a coalition bent on protecting themselves. The Rising Star Alliance has trained their soldiers well in hit and run tactics as well as siege and open battles. However, they lack a formal navy and relay heavily on technology that is susceptible to the elements. There are four leaders to represent each race.
Matthew Morningstar
"My allegiance is to the humans only, even if it means working with mutants for its survival."
Ambolish Lightingfire
"The others are blinded by their short and petty lives."
Stormclaw Blue
"I will not allow myself to be corrupted by false ideals."
Ardura Ssin
"The others are weak, unable to see their own flaws."
In the times before the Pact, the races of the Heartland waged war. It wasn't until the Day of the Burning that they did unite. Dragons were the cause and they had to ban together to survive. They turned the dragons back and the Pact stayed in effect should a threat ever arise. However, despite this Pact being in effect for hundreds of years, there is still much infighting. There are also three leaders representing only their races. This has caused distaste and rebels have appeared over time.
Carwen Anaedore
"With our swords we stirke, with our magic we discover, and with our unity we shall overcome."
Loset Brightfoot
"What do you mean you can't do it? Yes you can and yes you will!"
Gug Lob
"In order to do good, we must do bad."
Or it less commonly used name 'Psionic Power'. Magic has appeared only after the Age of Fire and even then only a few had such abilities, but those that had it would pass it down. The High Elves are by far the most magically adept leaving others in the dust. Magic is also imagined in the mind rather than spoken though practice and study are needed to learn new spells and hone old ones.
Holy
The School of Holy Magic gets it name for the spells used. Able to heal great wounds and cast away the shadows, this is one of the most sought after schools there are. People who study this exclusively often wear a light colored robe such as a light brown or green to show that they are studying this school. Color is also used to show experience like how a white-colored robe is master and a light green robe is a trainee.
Elements
The School of Elements utilizes the elements for a variety of purposes. Be it survival, war, research, etc. no one would doubt the usefulness of this school. People studying or aspiring to study should take heed, as the elements, without proper control, have been known to injure or even kill a person. However, those that manage to control the elements unlock great powers. Mages are identified by color like how a fire mage might have a orange-red robe and unlike the Holy Mages rank is shown by a strip on their shoulder. More strips equal higher rank.
Mind
The School of the Mind focuses on bending the minds of others and distorting reality to a certain degree. Normally used in war as a means of tricking the enemy, but this School has also been used with Holy Magic to help lessen painful operations such as amputations. People in this school wear a grey-purple robe with no marks pertaining to rank.
Necromancy
The School of Necromancy is learning how to bring dead things to life. However, due to the very nature it is either regulated or outlawed. The School of Necromancy also utilizes the person's mind to control an undead and the more powerful the mind the greater number of undead they can control. So a novice will only be controlling a small group while a Lich Lord may control thousands or even more. Those that study this school wear no robes nor marks making them blend into the general population.
Other School of Magic exist. If you wish to add your own just post it and I'll have a look!
In terms of staffs and tomes, they only enhance the power of a spell. For example, a Fire Staff will increase fire spells. Tomes are used as a method of learning new spells. One must imagine it in their mind and must repeat the spell over and over again to hone it. Overuse of spells can lead to mental fatigue so the stronger the mind the more spells can be casted.
Also, a novice can use a master spell. It will, however, leave them with a bad headache or perhaps a nose bleed as magic is like a muscle. Overuse leads to tiredness and prolonged use can result in damage.
Effects of overuse include: Headache, nose bleed, tiredness, fatigue, coma, damage to brain, death if prolonged enough.
Robotics have come a long way from the days of wiry, clunking automatons. Before the Age of Fire and even before the Age of Hate, humanity had begun to cross the threshold of creation. Of course, all things must start somewhere.
The earliest machines that could truly be considered working robots were often simple robots designed for specific tasks in human society. These machines of course, were not intelligent in the way we would describe a sentient being. They were simple machines. It was during this time that humanity saw the use of janitorial or maintenance robots. Machines that would work to keep a building clean or maintained and not much else. They were basic in the way that they were not truly intelligent. They could not think for themselves and only followed orders. Despite this, robotics began to advance at a rapid pace. Soon, machines would be used in tandem with police and military units, often sent in to spearhead large operations. A machine was used in situations that would put a human being at too much risk. Door-to-door searches were no longer deadly for human personnel in foreign urban battlegrounds if it was a machine that was taking point. The combat bots used during this time were often simple, but it helped set the foundation for advanced robotics.
Soon, we began to see smarter robots. Bots that could communicate, choose a plan, and work in teams. Maintenance crews were composed of teams of robots who could relay information to each other and work together efficiently to repair, clean, or perform other simple tasks. Robots began to see use in other areas as well. Not all people were happy with this, some often citing distrust for the machines. However, the machines were still not truly intelligent. They were not sentient and could not make decisions or plans outside their programming. A repair bot would only use the techniques it was programmed with and nothing else. However, even the battleground began to see more and more machines. Agile, humanoid robotic soldiers who could communicate and follow strategies with only a little human guidance. They worked in squads and proved to be extremely effective in combat. The world began to see larger more complex machines. And it wasn't just small humanoid units that saw combat. Completely automated tanks rolled across the deserts of Iran, independent drones flew over the skies of Chechnya, even machines that walked on two legs and fired missiles standing over 40 feet tall. However, these were all simple intelligences programmed to follow orders and little else. Then came the first true AI.
Their names were simply CP-A v4.9 and CP-B v7.3, meaning Communication Platform Alpha version 4.9 and Bravo version 7.3. Affectionately named Alice and Billy for brevity, these two were the first truly intelligent machines. They were simple programs housed within large computers at a technology university in Colorado, USA. The two were designed in tandem and were initially designed to be two machines that could come up with complex plans and ideas of their own, rather than simply using tactics and concepts implanted by creators. However, the programmers and engineers who built them began to see the possibility for something so much bigger. Several versions of the two later and they finally had what could be called two self aware artificial intelligences. There was a lot of scrutiny at first, but when the two AI's began to communicate with one another and try to learn more about each other as well as themselves, people were amazed. The two communicated by transmitting data to each other and actually spoke in computer code that had to be translated for human beings to read. Eventually, they were given a way to display text on a screen and a way to receive input from human beings as well. It was simple, but it was enough. The two room-sized computers became history and AI development exploded from there. Alice and Bobby were decommissioned a few decades later.
AI began to take off. While they were't common, researchers kept looking for ways to improve them. Making them smaller, smarter, giving them programs to allow them to do things humans couldn't. Soon, the first AI in a robotic body was made and afterwards, the world began to see more advanced applications. However, they were still rare. Extremely rare. At the time that humanity was destroyed there were only around 37 active AI's in the world, and most of them were in laboratories. It was confirmed at the time that these were self-aware, intelligent, even curious. They had the efficiency of a computer with the emotion of a human being. At least some of them did. AI's are still machines. Certain behaviors could be blocked or erased. The machine would be aware of this, but they could do nothing against these programmed blocks. Most of these restrictions were necessary; AI's could not harm organic life, they could not rewrite their own code, and many other things created for safety and control. And they were certainly never used in combat. They were thinking, sentient machines. Combat would have unpredictable effects on them. However, there were rumors that a certain company was forgoing international policy and attempting to create robotic combat AI's. Something that would have the efficiency of a combat drone with the judgement, decision making, and possibly even leadership of a human soldier. Whether they succeeded or not is unknown. Perhaps these still rest somewhere in an underground bunker.
After the Age of Fire, not all machines were gone. A few were still operational, roaming around until they were destroyed or could no longer function. Nowadays, the only machines you'll see are old combat drones, the only robots tough enough to survive centuries of neglect. They often stay in little corners of the world around their bunkers, following the last orders they were given. Defend the bunker from all hostiles. And in a world without designated civilians or friendly soldiers, everyone is a hostile target to them. Automated turret guns, squads of humanoid combat units, even the occasional automated combat walker platform or tank can be found in remote lonely areas guarding their bunkers, only going inside them for the automated repairs that have kept them going for so long. The people of this age don't understand them and there are many stories of iron demons shooting flamed and lightning. To the people of this age whose most advanced idea of technology is usually a watermill or maybe a cannon, the calculating machines might as well be demons. Many travelers have gone into the wilderness in search of the unknown treasure these ancient structures might have, all of them have come back empty handed with stories of monsters made of metal that kill you by looking at you; or they don't come back at all. No one knows what these mysterious treasure troves might hold within them. Untold riches? Infinite knowledge? The secret to immortality? The locals have all sorts of names for the bunkers, since a bunker isn't exactly in the native vocabulary nowadays. Temples, dungeons, all sorts of ways to describe something that goes deep underground and is guarded by monsters. Not even those crazy few who are rumored to have been around since before the Age of Fire may know. Humanity had some crazy things in its day, and who knows what made it into those bunkers. Or should I say, dungeons.
Done by Sir Pinkleton
The earliest machines that could truly be considered working robots were often simple robots designed for specific tasks in human society. These machines of course, were not intelligent in the way we would describe a sentient being. They were simple machines. It was during this time that humanity saw the use of janitorial or maintenance robots. Machines that would work to keep a building clean or maintained and not much else. They were basic in the way that they were not truly intelligent. They could not think for themselves and only followed orders. Despite this, robotics began to advance at a rapid pace. Soon, machines would be used in tandem with police and military units, often sent in to spearhead large operations. A machine was used in situations that would put a human being at too much risk. Door-to-door searches were no longer deadly for human personnel in foreign urban battlegrounds if it was a machine that was taking point. The combat bots used during this time were often simple, but it helped set the foundation for advanced robotics.
Soon, we began to see smarter robots. Bots that could communicate, choose a plan, and work in teams. Maintenance crews were composed of teams of robots who could relay information to each other and work together efficiently to repair, clean, or perform other simple tasks. Robots began to see use in other areas as well. Not all people were happy with this, some often citing distrust for the machines. However, the machines were still not truly intelligent. They were not sentient and could not make decisions or plans outside their programming. A repair bot would only use the techniques it was programmed with and nothing else. However, even the battleground began to see more and more machines. Agile, humanoid robotic soldiers who could communicate and follow strategies with only a little human guidance. They worked in squads and proved to be extremely effective in combat. The world began to see larger more complex machines. And it wasn't just small humanoid units that saw combat. Completely automated tanks rolled across the deserts of Iran, independent drones flew over the skies of Chechnya, even machines that walked on two legs and fired missiles standing over 40 feet tall. However, these were all simple intelligences programmed to follow orders and little else. Then came the first true AI.
Their names were simply CP-A v4.9 and CP-B v7.3, meaning Communication Platform Alpha version 4.9 and Bravo version 7.3. Affectionately named Alice and Billy for brevity, these two were the first truly intelligent machines. They were simple programs housed within large computers at a technology university in Colorado, USA. The two were designed in tandem and were initially designed to be two machines that could come up with complex plans and ideas of their own, rather than simply using tactics and concepts implanted by creators. However, the programmers and engineers who built them began to see the possibility for something so much bigger. Several versions of the two later and they finally had what could be called two self aware artificial intelligences. There was a lot of scrutiny at first, but when the two AI's began to communicate with one another and try to learn more about each other as well as themselves, people were amazed. The two communicated by transmitting data to each other and actually spoke in computer code that had to be translated for human beings to read. Eventually, they were given a way to display text on a screen and a way to receive input from human beings as well. It was simple, but it was enough. The two room-sized computers became history and AI development exploded from there. Alice and Bobby were decommissioned a few decades later.
AI began to take off. While they were't common, researchers kept looking for ways to improve them. Making them smaller, smarter, giving them programs to allow them to do things humans couldn't. Soon, the first AI in a robotic body was made and afterwards, the world began to see more advanced applications. However, they were still rare. Extremely rare. At the time that humanity was destroyed there were only around 37 active AI's in the world, and most of them were in laboratories. It was confirmed at the time that these were self-aware, intelligent, even curious. They had the efficiency of a computer with the emotion of a human being. At least some of them did. AI's are still machines. Certain behaviors could be blocked or erased. The machine would be aware of this, but they could do nothing against these programmed blocks. Most of these restrictions were necessary; AI's could not harm organic life, they could not rewrite their own code, and many other things created for safety and control. And they were certainly never used in combat. They were thinking, sentient machines. Combat would have unpredictable effects on them. However, there were rumors that a certain company was forgoing international policy and attempting to create robotic combat AI's. Something that would have the efficiency of a combat drone with the judgement, decision making, and possibly even leadership of a human soldier. Whether they succeeded or not is unknown. Perhaps these still rest somewhere in an underground bunker.
After the Age of Fire, not all machines were gone. A few were still operational, roaming around until they were destroyed or could no longer function. Nowadays, the only machines you'll see are old combat drones, the only robots tough enough to survive centuries of neglect. They often stay in little corners of the world around their bunkers, following the last orders they were given. Defend the bunker from all hostiles. And in a world without designated civilians or friendly soldiers, everyone is a hostile target to them. Automated turret guns, squads of humanoid combat units, even the occasional automated combat walker platform or tank can be found in remote lonely areas guarding their bunkers, only going inside them for the automated repairs that have kept them going for so long. The people of this age don't understand them and there are many stories of iron demons shooting flamed and lightning. To the people of this age whose most advanced idea of technology is usually a watermill or maybe a cannon, the calculating machines might as well be demons. Many travelers have gone into the wilderness in search of the unknown treasure these ancient structures might have, all of them have come back empty handed with stories of monsters made of metal that kill you by looking at you; or they don't come back at all. No one knows what these mysterious treasure troves might hold within them. Untold riches? Infinite knowledge? The secret to immortality? The locals have all sorts of names for the bunkers, since a bunker isn't exactly in the native vocabulary nowadays. Temples, dungeons, all sorts of ways to describe something that goes deep underground and is guarded by monsters. Not even those crazy few who are rumored to have been around since before the Age of Fire may know. Humanity had some crazy things in its day, and who knows what made it into those bunkers. Or should I say, dungeons.
Done by Sir Pinkleton
Heat Zones
Even though most of the fire and ash is gone at this point, there are still areas called Heat Zones where the 'heat' is still so intense it will kill a person within seconds without proper protection. For those that wish to trek these perilous roads, great rewards await. But also danger.
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