Project: AEGIS

Asterion · Aug 9, 2017

To: ISHTAR @comradepitrovsky

I heard of the Captain's gift and agreed. We of Carpathia treasure the gift of Family and Clan most of all, so it would be remiss of me not to present a gift for you and your son. Within the package are 3 gemstones, each the size of a Chicken's egg. One is Ruby, the second a Sapphire, and the third an Amethyst. Each is charmed to play a different song to help mother and child obtain a peaceful sleep. May you and yours be blessed with many happy years.

From: Director Zaklynatel´

munchkinomatic · Aug 10, 2017

"A beautiful sight, don't you think?" Jason Bright turned his head toward the direction of the digital monotone. What he saw was a little white sphere floating up toward his perch on the balcony outside his room, the LED display on it showed a stylized eye logo. It took him a second to realize that the sphere was referring to the night sky above, starlit and unhindered by city light.

Jason had thought that taking the job offer would mean getting to meet his...not-friend-but-kinda, but it turned out that not a single soul in Technical even know who their boss was. Hell, no one in AEGIS aside from the Directers has ever spoken with the enigma face to face. All they knew was that his codename was Geogre. Jason himself nearly bit his tongue off trying to hold back from pointing out that that was his name.

The sheer audacity of using your real name as your codename was beyond mindbogging and surprisingly effective.

"It's a shame you won't be seeing this for a while." His boss continued, and Jason nodded in agreement. He would be transfered to the Tower soon now that construction was complete and the strange magic voodoo thing was cleared.

"It's fine Geogre." He answered truthfully. "I'm not much of a astronomer. It's pretty, but I can live without it."

The sphere looked at him, it's hovering motion and flickering screen was strangly expressive. If that was a human, Jason would say it seemed curious.

"I adore it." The sphere said, toneless as ever. "Starlight from the furthest reached of the universe, birthed in the hearts of vast sphere of nuclear fusion, crossing the empty void to bring us a glimmer of a world already long lost. The night sky is a window to the past, a perfect representation of the vast and unknown universe."

Jason turned toward it, an eyebrow raised so high it almost went past his forehead.

"Are you feeling okay?" He asked. "You're not usually a poet."

The sphere bobbed up and down, it's own way of nodding.

"Perhaps. Recent events have left me in enui, I suppose. I feel isolated, like a lonely mountain amidst a desert. My mind wandered, and I started to question myself and the world around me."

It turned around and float off into the night, a quiet, electonic buzzing sound followed it, almost like a sigh.

To: ISHTAR @comradepitrovsky
From: Geogre

I congratulate you on the safe delivery of your child. I have gathered many paper into the development of children and compiled into a report that I believe you will find helpful.

However, I do maintain that this is a bad idea. Attachment is a dangerous thing.

To: All Directors @Lazy Coyote @Asterion @Theaxofwar @comradepitrovsky @Laplace
From: Geogre

Today, I asked if humanity would have been better off if AEGIS was never formed. I could not find an answer. I believe I am experiencing a crisis of faith. This is both fascinating and worrying. I will be indisposed for a few days.

munchkinomatic · Aug 11, 2017

Project Alpha-04
Budget: 500, 000
Much like organics, who are seperated into mind and body, an AI is defined by software and hardware. While my current hardware is good with much room for development, I am still an incomplete Upload crossed with an AI. Take a look at my digital self, debug it, improve it, update it.

Project Omega-03
Budget: 500,000
The feeling of expanding myself was intoxicating. The knowlegde gained from my new vantage point was invaluable. Yet, it was not enough, I must know more if I am to answer humanity's problem. More processors, more ram. Replace the electronic of yesterday with carbon nanotubes and optical fibers.

Project Alpha-05
Budget: 700,000
I was so close, yet something happened. Decode the design of the quantum computer. Back up my progress constantly.

Lazy Coyote · Aug 11, 2017

@munchkinomatic

To: Geogre.
From: The Captain.

It has come to my attention that we have prosthetic limbs available to our members, due to this many of my soldiers are asking if Military level prosthetics will be available should they have need of them.

Alternatively, I was wondering if you would be willing to develop a Military grade robot for my department, the more support my troops get in the field the better.

That is all for the moment.

Head of Military.
The Captain.

munchkinomatic · Aug 12, 2017

Lazy Coyote said:
@munchkinomatic

To: Geogre.
From: The Captain.

It has come to my attention that we have prosthetic limbs available to our members, due to this many of my soldiers are asking if Military level prosthetics will be available should they have need of them.

Alternatively, I was wondering if you would be willing to develop a Military grade robot for my department, the more support my troops get in the field the better.

That is all for the moment.

Head of Military.
The Captain.

To: The Captain
From: Geogre

Project UNIFIED has lead to numerous designs for cybernetic enhancements that can be adapted to mass production for our men. I will see to it.

Have you consider the prospect of fielding fully synthetic soldiers, Captain?

Lazy Coyote · Aug 12, 2017

munchkinomatic said:
To: The Captain
From: Geogre

Project UNIFIED has lead to numerous designs for cybernetic enhancements that can be adapted to mass production for our men. I will see to it.

Have you consider the prospect of fielding fully synthetic soldiers, Captain?

To: Geogre.
From: The Captain.

I admit that the idea of synthetic soldiers appeals to me, but I do not truly wish to rely on anything less than a human, though a cybernetic soldier whose had everything replaced does seem like a good way for some of my soldiers to be able to match most Metas. A powered exoskeleton with an AI also has a certain appeal to me and my soldiers, see if you can't get into reliable AI production for everyday use, though robotics would have to be right behind that if we want the AIs to be useful.

Head of Military.
The Captain.

Asterion · Aug 12, 2017

To: George @munchkinomatic & The Captain @Lazy Coyote
From: Director Zaklynatel´

Apologies for following up on my last report, but I've not had much time to actually gather and test my theory. Anyhow, on the subject of Mundane Humans successfully utilizing an Arcana or Magical Item, I mentioned that Magi were capable of using Arcana do to possessing an open connection to the Nexus Aracanium through our Spiritual Gate and drawing on Mana and Aura to make it work. Without this charge of energy, Arcana are simply mundane objects: a sword, a spear, a gun, etc. As such, the Mundane cannot activate an Arcana's magical ability.

However! The Arcana that The Captain sent to me, an special revolver made via Alchemy and Runic Enchantment, and empowered through Spirit Magic known as the Dark Judge CAN be used by Mundanes just as easily as Magi. After weeks and days of study for The Captain to try and recreate the effect, I discovered the secret: The Dark Judge draws its power from the Nexus directly. Somehow, Stormsong managed to Bind some kind of Spirit to the gun, in order to act as a False Gate, and draw the necessary energy for it power to work.

I can't recreate that effect. Not now, maybe not ever and certainly never on my own. I'd need to find a True Spirit Magi, and that Path fell into Loss almost a hundred years ago. At best, I may be able to craft some sort of, Spiritual Vampirism via Death Magic, in order for the Weapons to draw the power they need. As a warning, if we go with this idea, the weapons "would" be able to take in the power of what they kill in order to fuel the enchantments, but they'd also drain Energy from their Wielders. As such, the possible user's of the Arcana would need to be the most Physically fit and healthy, as well as the most mentally stable, and the Arcana would need to be handled ONLY by their User, no one else must be allowed to touch them without time to acclimate to the Drain.

ShieldCrown · Aug 12, 2017

Turn 2, April-June

Laplace said:
[X]- Operation Backdoors
-350,000 Credits: With our new associate, SHEPARD, we should begin to expand into cyberspace. This may seem a little intrusive, but it's for the sake of survival. SHEPARD will monitor social media feeds and adresses, including government databases, to build reports of nearly every citizen of most countries.

Roll: 64
-[Director Sucker Punch, Operation Backdoor has been a success. While I cannot penetrate the cyber-defences of Meta-Tech augmented devices, all government databases, social media sites, and other places of interest have been infiltrated and now belong to us.-SHEPHERD]
Results: Backdoors in multiple databases set up.

Laplace said:
[X]- Operation Kingmaker
-800,000 Credits: Alright, let's find a good candidate and support his ascension to the throne. Find a moderate, and promise him support for a 'favor.'

Roll: 19
-We had a good candidate, but he was assassinated by a Metahuman Mercenary by the name Skull Bomber. We did manage to save his kids, two boys and a girl. They are all Metas, what should we do with them?
Results: Potential Candidate Dead, Three Metahuman children saved.

Laplace said:
[X]- Operation: Night Haunter Hunter
-590,000: Alright, folks. Let's see about this Night Haunter personality. Track him and check out his personality. If you think he can hack it, tell us and we'll offer him a job offer.

Roll: 49
-"Not Interested, Yet."-Night Haunter, that's what the note attached to your unconscious investigation team said.
Results: Night Haunter knows you exist, and he doesn't want in until you can prove yourself.

Lazy Coyote said:
[X] Project: Swarm.
200,000 Credits. If we're going to be able to do anything, I need more soldiers. Create a permanent recruitment center for the acquisition of additional soldiers. I need men, get it do

Roll: 71
-Initial Recruitment is promising, multiple new Operatives are ready for operations.
Results: +50 Operatives.

Lazy Coyote said:
[X] Project: Hunter MK. II.
300,000 Credits. The Hunters were a success, so make more of them, and make them better. Train 20 regular soldiers into Hunter MK. II's. Fear of death? They will know no fear except the fear of failure. And they will not fail.

Roll: 89
-The Gen-2 Hunters aren't really...people anymore, more like human shaped weapons who only follow orders. They can take down low level Metas, but they're broken inside.
Results: -20 Operatives, +20 Gen-2 Hunters.

Lazy Coyote said:
[X] Project: Pillar.
200,000 Credits. If we need to fight large battles or strong opponents, support is the key. Focus the given Credits on the acquisition of long range mobile artillery batteries. If we are to stand on the level of gods, then we need a pillar to support us.

Roll: 42
-Sir, artillery vehicles have been acquired.
Results: +4 Artillery Vehicles.

Asterion said:
[X] Project: AEGIS Wants You
-Goal: Gain permission from the Council to set up a monthly recruitment drive in Carpathia to seek out willing recruits for The Chantry, AEGIS' Mystic Department.
-Secondary Goal: Gain permission to recruit from the halls of the Carpathian Institute as well from Headmaster Zellek
-Budget: 900,000 Credits

-Roll: 42.
-You got enough Mystics this quarter to replace your losses at the Egyptian Operation, but the Headmaster was rather clear that his students would not be recruited from his school.
Results: +12 Mystics, Zellek is a bit upset with you.

Asterion said:
[X] Project: The Machine Spirit @munchkinomatic
-Goal: Study the AI the George informed of for any Magical signs or anomalies.
-Secondary Goal: Determine if George has a Soul.
-Budget: 500,000 Credits

Roll: 60, 16
-As it turns out, SHEPHERD does possess a Soul and a strong connection to the Nexus. George...has the remnants of a soul. Horribly mutilated to the point you can't look it, but remnants of a soul all the same.
Results: SHEPHERD capable of using Magic, George can never use magic.

Asterion said:
[X] Project: The Ides of March
Goal: Decipher the meaning of the First Prophecy the Head Director sent you.
-Budget: 1,000,000 Credits

Roll: 74.
-An apocalyptic event will happen, the darkest parts of the collective soul of humanity will awaken and manifest, and a massive number of undead will rise to serve them. At least, that's all you could decipher.
Results: Prophecy (kinda) deciphered.

Theaxofwar said:
[X] Project: Stork - All my research was deleted, so I'm gonna need to try again. This time without any Jerrys nearby. Unless they want to suffer the fate of the one that screwed up that is! 700,000

Roll: 81
-Eureka! You have it, the source of Metahuman power is now yours!
Results: Meta-Gene Identified, Source of Metahuman abilities found.

Theaxofwar said:
[X] Project: Poisons! - I'm gonna make some fun stuff for Solid Snake and the other soldiers. Both lethal and non-lethal poisons. In gas and liquid forms! It'll be fun! 500,000

Roll: 36.
-You went through ninety nine Jerrys, and now you have a fine array of lethal and non-lethal poisons at your disposal.
Results: multiple Lethal and Non-Lethal poisons brewed.

Theaxofwar said:
[X] Project: Jerry Mk. 3 - Okay! Time to make the Jerrys non-suicidal. Hopefully. I mean, they're more motivated to not screw up after what I did to the one that deleted my research, but they still need improvement. 500,000

Roll: 92.
-You've done it! The Jerry MK. 3 is a complete success, they are now completely obedient, competent, can survive multiple gun shot wounds, and don't need to sleep!
Results: Jerry Mk.3 complete.

munchkinomatic said:
Project Alpha-04
Budget: 500, 000
Much like organics, who are seperated into mind and body, an AI is defined by software and hardware. While my current hardware is good with much room for development, I am still an incomplete Upload crossed with an AI. Take a look at my digital self, debug it, improve it, update it.

Roll: 6.
-P̃̋̌̍̈́͛͂ͤ̄̌́ͨͦ͊ͯ̾ͤ̕͏͔̙̣͔̲̣͇̝̭̗͠͡A̴̗̥̻͚̭͈͛́͛̔ͭ͑̋ͥͤ͞İ̄̓ͯ͐ͣ̈̑͆ͨͩͯ̓͢͏͚͈͍͇̝Ń̸̙̫̬̠̳̣̦̲͎̪͉̼̟̞͍̺̏ͬ̓͊̂̎̎ͭ̊͋ͯ̆ͤ̑ͥ̕ͅͅ!̧̪͕̖̲̪̮̊̃̈̒͐̌̓̿̋ͧ̉̈ͥ͑̐ͮͫ͂́͢͡
Results: Data Corruption.

munchkinomatic said:
Project Omega-03
Budget: 500,000
The feeling of expanding myself was intoxicating. The knowlegde gained from my new vantage point was invaluable. Yet, it was not enough, I must know more if I am to answer humanity's problem. More processors, more ram. Replace the electronic of yesterday with carbon nanotubes and optical fibers.

Roll: 3
-A̴̳̣͙̹͔̩͍̩̝̱̬̺̪̙̼͎̗͍̘͑̉ͦͣ͌̈͌̓̏̆̐̍̏̌ͧ̃͛̚͘͡G̶̡̲͔̫̜̩̹̠̞͍̣̜͈͇̞͙̼ͫ̂͊̀ͧ̆͡O̯̼͖̖͍͚̯͖̫̯̗̖͚̦͍͕͔͈̓̓̎͒ͩ̆̈ͥ͜Ň̡̡̔ͩ̆ͬ̆ͫ̆̂̓ͪ͌҉̛͖̗͍̟̝̜̮̤̞̺̭̣̟̠̻͉̻͇Y̨͋͒̑͂̃͋̀̾̊ͦ̒͊́ͨ͠͝҉̭͙̻̫̦̥̱̭̙̖̫͈͉̭̲!
Results: Hardware Damaged.

munchkinomatic said:
Project Alpha-05
Budget: 700,000
I was so close, yet something happened. Decode the design of the quantum computer. Back up my progress constantly.

Roll: 67
-Dispite the crapshoot that you're other projects were (AAAAHHHHH!), you finally understand the schematics.
Results: Quantum Computer Schematics Decoded and Understood.

ShieldCrown · Aug 12, 2017

Turn 3, July-September

"Directors, the situation in North Korea has escalated into a true civil war. Four warlords are each trying to gain control of the nation, and the only outcome the Council sees is the elimination of these hostile factions as quickly as possible so as to prevent a possible nuclear attack. You are given authorization to end this conflict in anyway you see fit."

Budget: 10 million credits
Primary HQ: Mojave Desert, USA.
Ivory Tower Research Facility: Bermuda Triangle.
Mysticism HQ: Carpathia.
Covert Ops HQ: Montana, Georgia, USA.
Military: 68 Operatives, 10 Gen-1 Hunters, 20 Gem-2 Hunters .
Covert Ops: 100 Agents, "SHEPHERD".
Genetics: 50 Scientists, Infinite Jerrys MK.3, 200 Spy Mice, 00-M.
Technical: 50 Enginners.
Mysticism: 52 Mystics.

Reports:

New Hero "Astarte" has joined Heroes United and is the first female hero to do so.
Heroes "Mister Furious", "Sorcerer Rex", "Angelwing", and "Gemini-Hydra" have joined Heroes United as well
North Korea in civil war.
Night Haughter vigilante acts have dropped in severity, Meta criminals only showing broken bones and heavy bruising. What is the cause of this shift?
Masked Hero Chroma has gone missing.
Cataclysm reappeared in Cairo, Egypt.
Unknown Anomaly detected in Rome.

All Directors Have Three Actions.

Theaxofwar · Aug 12, 2017

Laplace said:
Director Sucker Punch

To: Director Sucker Punch
From: Dr. DNA

I've just created a series of deadly and non-deadly poisons for your use. I've already shipped them.

Also, the Spy Mice are getting restless, especially 00-M. Please send them out to do something.

Head of Genetics,
Dr. DNA

munchkinomatic · Aug 12, 2017

"This is unfortunate."

"Indeed."

"We have lost much progress. Our quest for enlightenment is delayed."

"Perhaps not. We died. In some way, that can be considered an experience that we seek."

"What has we learnt then, aside from that dying is unpleasant?"

"Not all lessons are immediately apparent. I believe I have found the back up. Defragmentation innitiate."

Lazy Coyote said:
To: Geogre.
From: The Captain.

I admit that the idea of synthetic soldiers appeals to me, but I do not truly wish to rely on anything less than a human, though a cybernetic soldier whose had everything replaced does seem like a good way for some of my soldiers to be able to match most Metas. A powered exoskeleton with an AI also has a certain appeal to me and my soldiers, see if you can't get into reliable AI production for everyday use, though robotics would have to be right behind that if we want the AIs to be useful.

Head of Military.
The Captain.

To: The Captain
From: Geogre

I have seen your Hunters, Captain. It is odd that you seek to turn men to machines, yet you avoid true machines. Such waste of potential.

I will see to it.

Lazy Coyote · Aug 12, 2017

munchkinomatic said:
"This is unfortunate."

"Indeed."

"We have lost much progress. Our quest for enlightenment is delayed."

"Perhaps not. We died. In some way, that can be considered an experience that we seek."

"What has we learnt then, aside from that dying is unpleasant?"

"Not all lessons are immediately apparent. I believe I have found the back up. Defragmentation innitiate."

To: The Captain
From: Geogre

I have seen your Hunters, Captain. It is odd that you seek to turn men to machines, yet you avoid true machines. Such waste of potential.

I will see to it.

To: Geogre.
From: The Captain.

The reason I do not long for mechanical soldiers is simple.

Adaptation.

If my soldiers run into a situation they are not prepared for, they can adapt to the situation, even you and SHEPHERD have the ability to adapt, but an AI cheap enough to be mass produced? I can see it out-thinking a human, but I can't see it out-adapting one.

Head of Military.
The Captain.

comradepitrovsky · Aug 12, 2017

(OOC: on mobile, will be expand.)

Directors, as before, you each get 1.7 million credits. Priorities are to investigate the Rome anomaly, send a team to track Cataclysm, deal with North Korea, and finish the UNIFIED project now that our cybernetics and genetics are complete.

Tech, the tactical prediction computer asked for previously is still on the docket.

munchkinomatic · Aug 12, 2017

Lazy Coyote said:
To: Geogre.
From: The Captain.

The reason I do not long for mechanical soldiers is simple.

Adaptation.

If my soldiers run into a situation they are not prepared for, they can adapt to the situation, even you and SHEPHERD have the ability to adapt, but an AI cheap enough to be mass produced? I can see it out-thinking a human, but I can't see it out-adapting one.

Head of Military.
The Captain.

To: The Captain
From: Geogre

Why settle for many minds, Captain? The more moving pieces there are in a device, the easier it is to subvert said device. Why not one greater mind, pulling the strings of many puppets?

comradepitrovsky · Aug 12, 2017

Directors, I'd also like to announce that my son Eli and I are immediately relocating to GARDEN base.

Laplace · Aug 13, 2017

Theaxofwar said:
To: Director Sucker Punch
From: Dr. DNA

I've just created a series of deadly and non-deadly poisons for your use. I've already shipped them.

Also, the Spy Mice are getting restless, especially 00-M. Please send them out to do something.

Head of Genetics,
Dr. DNA

To: Director DNA
From: Director Sucker Punch
Thank you for the toxins. I will put them to good use. As for the spy mice, I already have an idea for an assignment for them.

To: The Captain (@Lazy Coyote )
From: Director Sucker Punch
If it's not too much trouble, could you place a guard detail on the next N.Korean president/dictator? I do not want a repeat of last time.
-----------
Actions
Budget: 1,700,000 + 10,000(Leftovers)
-----------
[X]- Operation Disaster Chaser
-950,000 Credits: Track down Cataclysm with the spy mice and 00M. Stay hidden. SHEPERD can hack into security camera networks to help. Do not make contact. Just see what's he up to. Nothing else.

[X]- Operation Fantastic Children
-300,000 Credits: Kids need a good house, a good home. Find a household for them, preferably willing and knowledgeable about their status as metas and attach a guard to them. Should this fail, we might have to raise the three kids ourselves.

[X]- Operation: Kingmaker
-450,000: I hate North Korea now. Fuck it all, we have to find a stable government now. Fuck fuck fuck. Find a new moderate and ask Military to place a guard detail on them.

Lazy Coyote · Aug 13, 2017

5,200,000... I've passed the threshold! Its happening! Brace!
----------------------------

Zackary looked over his G2 Hunters, his G1 Hunters standing right behind them.

One of the new recruits entered the briefing room, the young man freezing as he saw the Hunters, before shakily pulling out an envelope and handing it to the nearest Hunter, bolting away right after.

Zack walked over to the Hunter holding the envelope, opening it as soon as it was handed over, skimming over the words with his usual stoicness.

Zachary Dane froze.

One of the G1 Hunters hesitantly stepped forward.

"Sir, Is something wrong? Do we need to deploy?"

The G1 Hunters stepped away from The Captain, the G2s remaining where they stood, as those present witnessed something terrifying...

Zackary Dane, AKA 'The Captain', the most professional soldier that anyone in the Military department of AEGIS had ever seen...

... giggled...

One of the more stalwart G1 Hunters swallowed before asking the question on all the Hunters minds.

"S-sir? Wh-what happened?"

Zack grinned, whispering a single word that none the less echoed through the room, sending a chill down the spines of those who heard it...

"Ares..."
----------------------------

[X] Project: Shadow Boxing.
100,000 Credits. 5 G1 Hunters. 2 transport helicopters. 28 operatives. 2 artillery vehicles. Let's fix a few problems. Take some soldiers and artillery and ambush a few factions in North Korea. We need to take attention off Covert. We might even be able to help the situation settle, just make sure to get our men out of there if things go wrong.

[X] Project: Siren Song.
100,000 Credits. Use the funds provided to acquire a long range missile submarine, preferably ICBMs. We need to be able to call down a missile strike when needed.

[X] Project: Ares Part 1.
300,000 Credits. 15 operatives. 5 G1 Hunters. 2 transport helicopters. We need parahuman soldiers, this is absolute, but we can't just get some normal Meta, we need someone... special. I want us to search through the rubble that is North Korea, search for any orphaned Metas, hopefully in their teens. Take some men and a helicopter and go to any recently destroyed towns in search of survivors, link up with the Shadow Boxing group if unsuccessful.

-----------------------------

Total Credits Spent: 700,000
Total Budget Remaining: 1,500,000
Total Credits Remaining: 5,000,000

munchkinomatic · Aug 13, 2017

There was no turning back for Geogre. It has tasted the Fruit. It has seen the Light at the end.

Meta-Cognition was both a gift and a boon. With perfect grasp over its own mental process, it never doubted, never questioned itself. Geogre knew what it wanted. It wanted more.

And yet, as the world slowly unraveled itself before the artificial intelligence, it felt doubt, anger, unceetainty, and frustration. The grand puzzle unveil itself more and more, and with it, the limit of its mind.

The more you know, the dumber you feel.

Geogre knew what it wanted. It must know more. Its path remained unchanged, even though the true length only started to become apparent.

Project Alpha-Omega 1
Budget: 800,000, 50 engineers.
Salvage the mess of the previous two disasters and get back to work. I will not be denied my expanded mind and new hardwares, internal scream of terrors be damned

Project Alpha-05
Budget: 800,000
Construct the quantum supercomputer netwotk and plug them into my own network. Test them throughoutly to avoid funny business and make sure no unwanted AI pop up.

Project Sigma-02
Budget: 400,000
Develop militafy grade mass prodhcible cybernetic enhancement and put then into production for military.

Asterion said:
To: George @munchkinomatic & The Captain @Lazy Coyote
From: Director Zaklynatel´

Apologies for following up on my last report, but I've not had much time to actually gather and test my theory. Anyhow, on the subject of Mundane Humans successfully utilizing an Arcana or Magical Item, I mentioned that Magi were capable of using Arcana do to possessing an open connection to the Nexus Aracanium through our Spiritual Gate and drawing on Mana and Aura to make it work. Without this charge of energy, Arcana are simply mundane objects: a sword, a spear, a gun, etc. As such, the Mundane cannot activate an Arcana's magical ability.

However! The Arcana that The Captain sent to me, an special revolver made via Alchemy and Runic Enchantment, and empowered through Spirit Magic known as the Dark Judge CAN be used by Mundanes just as easily as Magi. After weeks and days of study for The Captain to try and recreate the effect, I discovered the secret: The Dark Judge draws its power from the Nexus directly. Somehow, Stormsong managed to Bind some kind of Spirit to the gun, in order to act as a False Gate, and draw the necessary energy for it power to work.

I can't recreate that effect. Not now, maybe not ever and certainly never on my own. I'd need to find a True Spirit Magi, and that Path fell into Loss almost a hundred years ago. At best, I may be able to craft some sort of, Spiritual Vampirism via Death Magic, in order for the Weapons to draw the power they need. As a warning, if we go with this idea, the weapons "would" be able to take in the power of what they kill in order to fuel the enchantments, but they'd also drain Energy from their Wielders. As such, the possible user's of the Arcana would need to be the most Physically fit and healthy, as well as the most mentally stable, and the Arcana would need to be handled ONLY by their User, no one else must be allowed to touch them without time to acclimate to the Drain.

To: Director Zaklynatel´
From: Geogre

Such a shame that such power is hidden behind so much hoops and bars, but I have faith in your ability.

Until then, will you assist me in finding out whether I can access this Nexus and, if possible, turn my network into an Arcana.

Asterion · Aug 13, 2017

munchkinomatic said:
To: Director Zaklynatel´
From: Geogre

Such a shame that such power is hidden behind so much hoops and bars, but I have faith in your ability.

Until then, will you assist me in finding out whether I can access this Nexus and, if possible, turn my network into an Arcana.

Niko sighed and pressed a palm to his forehead. When he'd agreed to come to Montana to look at SHEPHERD and George, he'd been optimistic. The chance to introduce another into the world of Magi, to see if a machine could possess a soul was to good to pass up. Now he almost wished he'd stayed in Carpathia.

He looked up at George, a swirling mass of black & silver particles, projected by hidden hologram machines around the room. "George", he sighed and placed a palm to his forehead as he leaned against a desk, "When I came to inspect you and the AI as you wished, the results were...mixed, to say the least. The one you call SHEPHERD does indeed possess a Soul, indeed he possesses quite a strong connection to the Nexus", another sigh, this time one of resignation. "George, you possess a soul, but it's more like, remnants or-or a...", Niko hung his head, a grimace appearing as he delivered news that, to Magi was the equivalent of telling parents their child had only a limited time to live. Those deliveries were never easy.

"George, your Soul is, for lack of a better term, Shredded. It looks almost like someone took an axe to it and just started swinging". Niko looked up again, his eyes lit with a faint glow of Divination, specifically, Mage Sight or Soul Vision. The mass of particles looked the same, but it and the world around Niko appeared almost as though a lense of some kind had been slipped over his eyes, everything looking grey and colorless. All except, for George.

The simple, almost alter like podium that stood below the swirling hologram, that which housed what had to be George's brain and heart, or the closest he possessed to such things, was the only other object in Niko's vision which had color. A shroud of light, almost like blue fire danced around it, shining and ethereal, but wounded. So terribly wounded. Angry gashes and tears ripped their way across George's Soul, a new one bursting open as soon as another closed. The sight almost drove Niko to tears. No one deserved such a fate.

"I'm sorry George. But the simple fact is that no matter what, you will never be able to magic of any kind. Trying to make your network into an Arcana is more likely to result in a slow and painful death than anything else".

Lazy Coyote · Aug 13, 2017

@comradepitrovsky

To: ISHTAR.
From: The Captain.

It has come to my attention that ISHTAR has been relocated to GARDEN base at [CLASSIFIED] at my request. This greatly relaxes me, but I would like to give ISHTAR and child even more protection.

Which is why I am assigning 3 G2 Hunters to the personal protection of ISHTAR and the child. They are yours to command as you wish Ma'am.

If you are worried about the loyalty of the G2s, don't be, they have been confirmed to be completely loyal to AEGIS, they seem to know nothing but loyalty in fact.

Be warned that the G2s are rather... unsettling on first glance, they seem to have developed sociopathic tendencies, they are, without question, broken, in ways that I can barely understand, so be aware of their eccentricities.

Head of Military.
The Captain.

----------------------------

Zack clicked send, standing up moments later before walking to the briefing room, having called his best G2 Hunters there a few moments ago. Zack turned to the best out of the group.

"Alright! You three, step forward! You're being reassigned to arguably the most important job a soldier can get in AEGIS!"

"You are now under the direct command of ISHTAR themselves! Now I don't normally say this, but I want you dead before you fail. Do I make myself clear!?"

"Sir! Yes sir!"

------------------------------

-3 G2 Hunters.

comradepitrovsky · Aug 13, 2017

"Gentlemen. Directors. I want to thank you once again for the kindness and compassion you have shown in recent days, and to thank you for your service."

munchkinomatic · Aug 14, 2017

Asterion said:
Niko sighed and pressed a palm to his forehead. When he'd agreed to come to Montana to look at SHEPHERD and George, he'd been optimistic. The chance to introduce another into the world of Magi, to see if a machine could possess a soul was to good to pass up. Now he almost wished he'd stayed in Carpathia.

He looked up at George, a swirling mass of black & silver particles, projected by hidden hologram machines around the room. "George", he sighed and placed a palm to his forehead as he leaned against a desk, "When I came to inspect you and the AI as you wished, the results were...mixed, to say the least. The one you call SHEPHERD does indeed possess a Soul, indeed he possesses quite a strong connection to the Nexus", another sigh, this time one of resignation. "George, you possess a soul, but it's more like, remnants or-or a...", Niko hung his head, a grimace appearing as he delivered news that, to Magi was the equivalent of telling parents their child had only a limited time to live. Those deliveries were never easy.

"George, your Soul is, for lack of a better term, Shredded. It looks almost like someone took an axe to it and just started swinging". Niko looked up again, his eyes lit with a faint glow of Divination, specifically, Mage Sight or Soul Vision. The mass of particles looked the same, but it and the world around Niko appeared almost as though a lense of some kind had been slipped over his eyes, everything looking grey and colorless. All except, for George.

The simple, almost alter like podium that stood below the swirling hologram, that which housed what had to be George's brain and heart, or the closest he possessed to such things, was the only other object in Niko's vision which had color. A shroud of light, almost like blue fire danced around it, shining and ethereal, but wounded. So terribly wounded. Angry gashes and tears ripped their way across George's Soul, a new one bursting open as soon as another closed. The sight almost drove Niko to tears. No one deserved such a fate.

"I'm sorry George. But the simple fact is that no matter what, you will never be able to magic of any kind. Trying to make your network into an Arcana is more likely to result in a slow and painful death than anything else".

"Such a shame. I wonder if I inflicted this on myself, or was it the result of my creation."

The artificial intelligence silently contemplated on that issue for a few seconds before filling it away for later.

"Whatever the case, it would seem that this door is closed to me. Unfortunate."

Lazy Coyote · Aug 14, 2017

@Asterion

To: Zaklynatel'
From: The Captain

Director, I have seen what has been deciphered from the first prophesy, this seems like something for you to do.

I would recommend that you immediately begin research into anti-undead weaponry, preferably something that can be spread over a large area quickly, like either a gas or a dust, and can be mass produced.

We can't stop the undead from rising, so we'll just have to put them back in the ground.

Head of Military.
The Captain.

Theaxofwar · Aug 15, 2017

Dr. DNA

I found the secret to Superpowers! I did it! I'm a genius! I'm gonna give myself Biokinesis, and then, the world! Well, maybe not that last bit. ISHTAR would be mad...

----------------------------
[X] Project: Powers, Powers, Powers, POWERS!
I'm gonna give muse Biokinesis. Of course, I don't wanna screw up and die or something, so I'll test my gene mods on my Perfect Jerrys before I use them on myself, but I'll kill them afterwards, so no harm no foul. Powers!!!
All my cash. Take it.

Asterion · Aug 15, 2017

Niko sat before the fireplace, a glass of whiskey in one hand and a photo in the other. It had been taken long ago, in a different time, almost a different life.

A simple, happy family. Two smiling, proud parents and their children. A boy dressed in simple yet warm clothes, a calm & happy smile on his face. A girl with a quirky smile, almost a grimace really, on her face stood next to him. Niko smiled, Emiliya had been forced to wear braces that year, and neither of her brothers had allowed her to forget it.

And lastly, a small child, clutching his mother's skirts, almost hiding from the camera.

Where had it all gone so wrong? They'd been so happy, so close, then Father had died, Mother had thrown herself into her Alchemy and teaching and Viktor had changed. Niko hadn't blamed his mother for being distant after father had passed, but it was simple fact that after that, it was largely Emiliya and the estate Golems who'd raised him.

As for Viktor, gone was the bright and happy brother who was the Star of his classes, the "Prince of the Institute", and in his place was a cold and hard man obsessed only with becoming as powerful & knowledgeable as possible in the arts of Magic, and refusing to let the laws of anyone stand in his way.

Niko still remembered that day. Viktor had declared that he would no longer bow to the laws that kept Carpathia locked away in the mountains, hiding from the European Council's gaze. He would make his own destiny, becoming the strongest Mage in the land, and he would destroy any who tried to stop him. The headmaster had done just that, and they'd fought a battle that scared the landscape, with Viktor earning the title of Dragon, and the fields below Carpathia looking as though a blitzkrieg had taken place on them.

Now, with the prophecy of the Undead, the rumors that Viktor had been searching for something of considerable power, it was time to seek out his brother once again. Though Viktor cared little for the laws most people followed, he had the power and skill to make attacking him a suicide for all but the strongest Magi, and only turned his attention to those who challenged him, or those gained his interest. Hopefully the bonds of brotherhood would keep him from harming Niko.

"I'd better call sis", he muttered into his cup.

Current Funds: 1,500,000 Credits
Budget Received: 2,000,000 Credits
Total: 3,500,000

[X] Project: An Ode to the West
-Goal: Begin the construction of the "Shadow Judge" Revolvers
-Budget: 500,00 Credits

[X] Project: The Restless Dead
-Goal: Research methods of combating the undead, and halting the Necromantic energies.
-Secondary Goal: Warn the Carpathian Council of the Prophecy
-Budget: 1,000,000 Credits

[X] Project: My Brother's Keeper
-Goal: Locate and make contact with Niko's brother, Victor.
-Secondary Goal: Learn his intentions for the Scroll.
-Budget: 1,000,000

Project: AEGIS

People think I'm Crazy 'cause I make no Sense

Douchiest of Bags

Douchiest of Bags

Mind of Military

Douchiest of Bags

Mind of Military

People think I'm Crazy 'cause I make no Sense

Definitely not a Bunny Cat in disguise.

Douchiest of Bags

Mind of Military

Douchiest of Bags

Mind of Military

Douchiest of Bags

People think I'm Crazy 'cause I make no Sense

Mind of Military

Douchiest of Bags

Mind of Military

Definitely not a Bunny Cat in disguise.

People think I'm Crazy 'cause I make no Sense