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Divergent Codex: The Revised History of the First Contact War (Mass Effect)

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dgr11897 said:
Idea for an omake that I may write later, which people should feel free to steal. A codex entry on a planet (well, moon actually) that has been developed in the extra century. The Moon's shtick is that it has lots of metals while being small enough for a lot of convenient space launches. With the body it's orbiting around being a gas giant mined for fuel. The result being a place with very very well developed orbital structures over the last hundred years. Because the surface is just hellish, despite being full of metal, so people set up in orbit. So big ol' orbital cities/stations over vast mines, with the gas giant maybe having some flying cities as well.
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So... Io? It's massive tidal forces as a result of proximity to Jupiter have turned it partially inside-out in relatively recent history.
 
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Human Biotics Before the First Contact War (Potentially Canon)
  • Apocrypha

    • Human Biotics Before the First Contact War

    Introduction

    Human biotics are individuals who possess the ability to manipulate dark energy, a phenomenon that emerged following a series of starship accidents in the 2150s. These accidents dispersed element zero (eezo) over populated areas, leading to the birth of the first human biotics. However, the recognition and understanding of biotic abilities were not immediate.

    Development of Biotic Abilities

    Exposure to eezo does not guarantee the development of biotic abilities. In fact, the majority of fetuses exposed to element zero do not exhibit any effects. Some may suffer from severe complications, such as brain tumors. Statistically, only about one in ten eezo-exposed infants will develop biotic talents that are strong and stable enough to warrant formal training. Furthermore, these abilities are not always permanent. In rare instances, individuals who do not show biotic potential in childhood may develop abilities during young adulthood due to additional exposure to eezo.

    Role of Dr. Ellen Ryder

    Dr. Ellen Ryder played a pivotal role in the study and development of human biotics. As the first scientist to create biotic implants, she faced significant challenges due to the lack of existing knowledge about biotic phenomena. The early days of biotic research were fraught with uncertainty, as scientists struggled to understand the implications of eezo exposure and the mechanics of biotic abilities. Dr. Ryder's groundbreaking work in developing the electronic brain implant was crucial for enabling biotics to harness their powers effectively. The implants, once installed, became a lifelong necessity for biotics, as they could only be replaced or altered through dangerous surgical procedures.

    Government Initiatives

    In an effort to identify and regulate biotic individuals, governments initiated mandatory testing for biotic potential in newborns. This program aimed to detect biotic abilities early on, allowing for appropriate training and integration into society. However, the testing process was controversial and raised ethical concerns regarding the treatment of those identified as biotics. Many parents were apprehensive about the implications of their children being classified as biotics, fearing societal stigma and discrimination.

    Development of Implants and Training Programs

    The creation of the first biotic implants and training programs was a monumental task that required extensive research and experimentation. The initial implants were rudimentary and often unreliable, leading to a high rate of complications during the training process. Biotics had to undergo rigorous biofeedback therapy to develop conscious control over their nervous systems, a process that was both long and arduous. The training programs were designed to help biotics learn to manipulate dark energy effectively, allowing them to generate mass effect fields for various applications, including lifting objects, creating protective barriers, and immobilizing enemies.

    Decline in Public Interest and Current Status of Biotics

    As the initial excitement surrounding the discovery of biotics began to wane, the general public's interest in this field quickly diminished. The early stages of biotic training and research were fraught with challenges, particularly due to the health complications associated with the first implant samples. Many individuals experienced severe side effects, including neurological disorders, chronic pain, and in some cases, life-threatening conditions. These adverse reactions led to widespread fear and skepticism regarding the safety and efficacy of biotic abilities, causing many to question the value of pursuing further research in this area.
    As a result, funding for biotic studies dwindled, and public enthusiasm shifted towards other scientific endeavors that promised more immediate and tangible benefits. The lack of successful biotic applications in everyday life and combat further contributed to the decline in interest. With only a limited number of biotics demonstrating their abilities, the potential of this unique skill set remained largely untapped, leaving humanity unable to fully unlock the advantages that biotics could offer.
    Nearly 200 years later, the field of biotics is primarily pursued by a small community of scientists and enthusiasts who remain dedicated to exploring its possibilities. Despite the advancements in technology and understanding, the practical applications of biotics in both combat and daily life remain quite limited. The general population continues to view biotics with a mix of curiosity and apprehension, largely due to the historical context of health issues and the ongoing stigma surrounding biotic abilities.
    Nevertheless, some human interstellar nations have implemented mandatory testing for biotic potential in newborns, driven by the belief that early identification could lead to better training and integration of biotics into society. These tests aim to discover and nurture any latent abilities, with the hope that future generations may overcome the challenges faced by their predecessors and unlock the full potential of biotic powers. However, the societal divide regarding biotics persists, as many still harbor fears about the implications of such abilities, leading to ongoing debates about the ethics and safety of biotic experimentation and training
     
  • Apocrypha
    • Silvis said:
    I get where you are going with this.

    But. It kind of feels unrealistic? Progress wouldn't just standstill for two centuries.

    Remember this is not canon. Even if nothing else there wouldn't be as much social stigma about Biotics.
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    In the canon, despite humanity's access to a vast database of biotic knowledge and live demonstrations of biotic abilities, life for biotics was far from ideal and it was pretty shitty. The wiki notes that "human biotics face widespread prejudice and distrust from the rest of their species, primarily due to misconceptions about their powers—many erroneously believe they can read or control minds." If missions involving Major Kyle and Chairman Burns were to end in violence, this prejudice could escalate to the point where governments might push for the registration of individuals with biotic abilities. Additionally, certain religious and ideological groups oppose biotic modification altogether. There have been instances of biotics misusing their powers, such as cheating at roulette or pulling chairs out from under unsuspecting individuals. These actions have led to reports of frightened mobs attacking, and in some cases, even killing these individuals.

    Given that humanity lacked positive examples of the potential benefits of biotics, the early biotics faced even greater challenges. The experimental implants available were far inferior to Kaidan's L2 implants and probably with more health risks, and there was a significant lack of understanding regarding the development and training of biotic abilities. As a result, only a handful of enthusiasts and scientists pursued this field, while the majority shifted their focus to more promising projects.
     
    LeonZero96 said:
    The experimental implants available were far inferior to Kaidan's L2 implants and probably with more health risks, and there was a significant lack of understanding regarding the development and training of biotic abilities.
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    Except there were centuries for them to develop and for society to get used to the idea of Biotics.

    A lot of the issues in canon are because Biotics are still a new thing. They aren't here.
     
    Silvis said:
    Except there were centuries for them to develop and for society to get used to the idea of Biotics.

    A lot of the issues in canon are because Biotics are still a new thing. They aren't here.
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    Most likely, attitudes towards biotics can also be changed for better or for worse using DP. So I tried to be more or less neutral. Yes, progress is not the greatest, but some nations are actively investing in biotics, and maybe they will make great progress. This diversity in approach is one of the fascinating aspects of different nations. Fans of the purity of humanity from biotics may prevail in the galaxy, and vice versa, a new wave in the study of biotics will appear, which will lead to their dramatic strengthening.
     
    LeonZero96 said:

    Human Biotics Before the First Contact War

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    Another wonderful omake!
    I've marked this one down as potentially canon, as I plan to have you all eventually vote on the status of Human biotic research and development.
    But however that vote turns out, thank you again for your contribution. Take another +2 DP for you efforts.
     
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    Codex Entry: History of The Human Systems Alliance - Establishment
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    • The Mar'num Corridor (+2 DP)
    Omake: Space Piracy in Human Territories (+2 DP)
    Omake: Human Biotics Before the First Contact War (+2 DP)
    ​

    <CODEX UPDATE COMPLETE>

    <GENERATING REVISED CODEX ENTRIES>

    <PLEASE STANDBY...>​

    CODEX ENTRY: RELAY 314

    Relay 314, currently pending official re-designation following the events of the Human "First Contact War", is a Primary Mass Relay located within the Mar'num Corridor. Originally discovered by the Council races shortly after the conclusion of the Rachni wars, the Relay was left dormant in accordance with the laws enacted by the Citadel Council prohibiting the activation of any Relay whose partner had not also been identified and secured.

    Relay 314 would remain inactive for over two millennia, only becoming active in the year 2657 (G.S) following the Humans activation of its partner Relay, designated the "Shanxi-Theta" Relay. This unexpected activation and Humanities subsequent exploration of the Mar'num Corridor would inadvertently lead to the infamous "Relay 314 Incident", the outbreak of the Human "First Contact War".


    CODEX ENTRY: THE MAR'NUM CORRIDOR

    The Mar'num Corridor is a narrow section of the Relay network running from Batarian space through to the Terminus Systems. Whilst historically this region was claimed by the Batarian Hegemony, the Citadel Council has never officially recognized these claims, citing the Hegemony's inability or unwillingness to properly address the Corridor's rampant piracy and illegal slave practices.

    Any Batarian claims of ownership over the Corridor have only been further contested by the sudden emergence of Humanity. Who first gained access to the wider galactic community through the previously dormant Relay 314, located within the Corridor itself…


    QUERY: THE SYSTEMS ALLIANCE
    ​

    < RETRIEVING RELEVANT ENTRIES>

    <PLEASE STANDBY...>
    ​

    CODEX ENTRY: HISTROY OF THE HUMAN SYSTEMS ALLIANCE

    -ESTABLISHMENT

    Following the discovery of ancient alien structures on Mars, Humanity and its various national governments were left with indisputable proof that not only did intelligent life exist beyond their home world, but that it had at one point even been present within their own solar system.

    Almost immediately talks were held between the handful of nations whose space agencies operated colonies on the Martian surface. Whilst geo-political relations between Earth's major powers at the time were relatively friendly and stable, especially compared to previous centuries, it was feared by many that one, or even a handful of nations could come to monopolize access to the ruins. Along with any advanced alien technologies that may still lay within them.

    In the interest of maintaining both the global balance of power and cordial relations between the majority of nations, various agreements were drawn up, ensuring that all of the major Earth powers would contribute to the effort of excavating the ruins. With any artefacts, technology or scientific insights uncovered during the process to be shared equally amongst all members.

    This international partnership, initially dubbed the "Solar System Exploration and Research Alliance", soon set itself to work. Meticulously excavating, exploring, cataloguing and analysing everything that could be recovered from the xeno-archaeological site.

    As this early iteration of the Alliance delved deeper beneath the Martian sands, they soon discovered [DATA CORRUPTED].



    +++ !!!ERROR!!! +++ !!!ERROR!!! +++ !!!ERROR!!! +++ !!!ERROR!!! +++
    ​

    <DATA CORRUPTION DETECTED>

    <ATTEMPTEMPING DATA RECONSTRUCTION>

    <PLEASE STANDBY...>​


    DP stands for "Divergence Points", they are gained and lost by selecting options that deviate from the established canon of the Mass Effect series. Typically options that hinder Humanity and aid their enemies grant DP, whilst those that help Humanity or weaken their enemies cost DP.

    DP is carried over between updates, so it is possible to bank DP when you think you might need it later, or even go into DP debt if you think that a current option you couldn't otherwise afford is too valuable to pass up. Though be warned, failing to pay off your DP debt for too long may have dire consequences.

    [ ] …a ruined crater. (+5 DP)
    Though it had clearly once been the site of a far larger facility, the majority of whatever the Protheans had built on Mars appears to have been the target of a sustained orbital bombardment. Who exactly destroyed this particular facility, whether it was the Protheans themselves or some other hostile species remains unknown to this day. However with precious little left intact Humanity was left with far fewer examples of Prothean technology when compared to many other species. Which in turn, greatly hindered Humanities development of Eezo based technologies….

    [ ] …a small outpost. (+2 DP)
    Whilst meagre compared to what has been found within the home systems of many Council races, this small abandoned outpost nevertheless provided examples of advanced Prothean technology. Enough to jumpstart Humanities understanding of Element Zero and the Mass Effect. Both of which having only been considered fringe science up to that point by Earth's scientific community….

    [ ] …a sizable research station. (Canon) (+0 DP)
    Believed to have once been used by the Protheans as a base of operations from which to study ancient Humans, the facility was found to contain a variety of advanced tools, sensor equipment, self-contained computer systems, even a handful of inoperable but otherwise intact spaceships. A treasure trove of technology centuries, if not millennia ahead of anything Humanity was capable of producing...

    [ ] …a hidden military installation. (-10 DP)
    Considered potentially one of the most significant and well preserved Prothean archaeological sites in the known galaxy, this facility is believed to have once been a major military installation. The exact details of what was found inside remains unknown to the general public, classified at the highest levels of Humanities governments even centuries later. The fact that it was a military installation, and that whatever it contained directly contributed to Humanities rapid development of Eezo based technologies, are some of the only pieces of information available…

     
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  • Threadmarks
    • My apologies to anyone who voted after the voting had closed.
    I'm going to make an effort to make it more clear in the future once the vote has been called.
     
    [X] …a hidden military installation. (-10 DP)

    This is the last thing I really want to spend DP on, because MOAR DAKKA is BEST DAKKA.

    [X] …a sizable research station. (Canon) (+0 DP)

    Fallback option.
     
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    [X] …a ruined crater. (+5 DP)

    I think this will force humanity to research none Eezo related technologies.
     
    [ ] …a hidden military installation. (-10 DP)
    it's so very tempting to go for this, unfortunately the DP cost doesn't make it worth it so I can't vote for it

    [X] …a small outpost. (+2 DP)

    [X] …a sizable research station. (Canon) (+0 DP)

    [] …a ruined crater. (+5 DP)

    I also don't want to vote for no tech so I can't pick this
     
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