Valkysas
03-21-2008, 05:33 PM
Backstory
The game takes place in southern Alabama, 1949. Everything has been renamed, restructured. Our race gave up control of their own fates sixty years ago, completely by choice.
70 years ago, seemingly overnight, large beings showed up all over the world, at first not interacting at all with people, just wandering around, exploring. observing. Most people were afraid, and attacked them. They gave no resistance, and left if they felt they were not wanted.
As the weeks passed, they started building large towers on the outskirts of towns and cities. These towers were larger anything mankind had ever made. Early in the construction process, people were able to freely wander in the hollow, white towers, but eventually were locked out, and beams of light were emitted from the open tops to keep anyone from seeing inside from above. People tried entering them to investigate, but the doors would not open. when the towers were complete, the tops were closed off, cutting off the light. after the towers were locked, none of these visitors were seen outside for almost a year. Humanity didn't like this. It was too suspicious. All the nations of the world quickly joined forces and declared war on these "invaders".
The effort was a failure. No force on earth could even damage the buildings. Occasionally they were struck by tornadoes and tidal waves to no effect. To say that every person on earth was scared out of their mind would be a terrible understatement. eventually, the attacks stopped.
A few days after the attacks in an area stopped, the doors opened. the mysterious beings stepped outside, started following humans and constantly begging forgiveness for their actions, while offering no explanation of what the towers were for, who they were, or where they were from. These beings wandered around the towns and cities, and stepped in wherever they saw humans in need of help. they restored resources that were depleted due to the war effort. They rebuilt civilian areas that were damaged in the attacks. They started giving food to people who had none. They were absolutely dedicated to making things right. Still, people were fearful of them due to their immense size and armored appearance.
These creatures were questioned constantly, and the only things they would respond with were requests for forgiveness.
Two years passed, and on the anniversary of their arrival, a reporter in europe was approached, and one of the mysterious beings finally introduced his entire race. His words were simple: "We are angels, and we are here to help". the reporter followed asked him to clarify. Were they actually claiming to be sent from god? no. it was stated that the word was chosen to show their peaceful intentions, and the role they wished to play in human civilization. to offer guidance, assistance, and prosperity for all who accepted them. they were not from god, they were not holy beings, and they bled the same as any man (which was demonstrated in front of the reporter).
Of course, humans believe what they want to believe. some cultures declared that they were, in fact angels, and their claims otherwise were meant to test their faith. Of note, it is only in english that the angels declared themselves to be "angels" in other more religion-focused regions, in different languages, they chose other words without any religious attachment, most often translations of the word "knight".
With the help of these angels, most of the world's problems were quickly resolved. They had no bias or attachment to humanity's ideals, no ulterior motives when trying to unite the people of the world. Never forceful, never aggressive, they were trusted by everyone. One by one, the angels were able to convince leaders to let them have a more direct involvement with their nations, since they could not be corrupted as people could. Over the next eight years, the angels worked their way up to completely controlling almost every inhabitable region on earth. the only areas left untouched were the more arid climates, as the angels have a hard time dealing with heat. Australia is the only contintent completely lacking the angel's towers, although they still conduct trade with the country, and a small population of angels live among the humans there to assist when needed, although they never travel very far inland.
it is now 1949, and humanity has reached a golden age with the help of the angels. Hunger is completely eliminated. Most of the world has been remapped without national borders, the only segmenting done is the careful palcement of civilization, crops, forests, wildlife, and resource harvesting (like wood). The environment is not harmed in any way thanks to this extensive effort, and they manage to harvest enough food for every person on earth, while still maintaining massive sections of wilderness where animals are free to roam without ever seeing a single person. Disputes between people are quickly settled by the angels, and the world is for the most part, perfect. Cities and towns are set up to have 4 Angels overseeing each area, with one in charge as an Overseer.
The first of a new generation of Angels were born around 30 years ago, only knowing the world as it is today (er.. 1949). They know nothing of their race's origins, and have grown up alongside people. They are forming unexpected personal bonds with humans as well.
One major point is that human culture is still thriving, although out of concern for the environment, technology is a bit primitive compared to what we're used to now. There's also no money or jobs. if people do something, it's because they want to, not because of any obligation. The angels happily take care of any labor that is needed, even the most menial tasks. Most people still do things for themselves, they just always have some giants willing to lend a hand if needed.
Now, some information on the angels themselves. They are eight feet tall when born, and the largest are 15 feet tall. When born (reproduction is a mystery, as only certain angels are selected and allowed to do it) Angels are already able to speak, and as far as intelligence goes they're close to the average seven year old human. when they are born, they immediately begin training for their jobs which they will take when they turn 15. angels are not considered adults until they reach the age of 25, which is also when they are able to be considered for reproduction.
The angel's appearance is best described as that of a knight. Only their faces are exposed, although their faces can be covered if needed for safety reasons (like going under water). Their eyes are yellow with a dark area surrounding them, and their faces are white and rather plain looking. Their "armor" is mostly white and black, and grows with the angel. It is unknown to most humans if the angels can actually remove it, althought just between you and me, they can. Most angels look alike, as there are onlyaround 40 known "armor types", and each armor type is made slightly more distinctive by variation of the secondary color. Within younger angels, there is a strong desire to stand out from the crowd, which they have learned from humans. So some have added pieces to their armor, removed pieces from their armor, repainted it, and some have even added decorations like designs or pictures to it, much like tattoos. The only Angels to have completely unique appearances are the Overseers, as no two look alike.
Plot
Our story begins shortly after an angel named Lucid reaches adulthood, and as the overseer of his town is getting very old, Lucid is assigned to take his place as overseer. uncomfortable with this decision due to his close bond with a human girl named Megan, and a general lack of motivation to do his normal job, he's now faced with a job that will require him to spend most of his time in the tower, away from his friend (which is likely a reason why he was chosen for the role). It doesnt help things that as part of the newer generation, his elders do not have any plans to inform him of their race's origins, in order to maintain a good relationship with people and to remain effective leaders. They say it would complicate relations if humans were to find out their origins, and so it should all be left in the past and forgotten. Besides, some regions truly believe that the angels are literally "angels". This has rubbed off on the newer generation of angels, some of whom now believe that they actually were sent from god. Although Lucid hates that he's being made overseer, he has no choice but to go through with the class change. His body undergoes a genetic alteration that increases his height, changes his armor type, and even changes his brain so that he can function better in a leadership role. this class change is decided upon and conducted while his friend Megan is on vacation with her family.
After the conversion, he is confined to the tower for several weeks to adjust to the changes. the confinement starts to take it's toll on him, and out of desperation, on the day when Megan is scheduled to return from her vacation, he breaks out of the tower during the night. He seeks out Megan, who does not recognize him. Rather than reveal himself, he heads back to his private floor of tower, and has a complete mental breakdown. without thinking, he begins tearing the Overseer armor off, severely damaging his body in the process. He passes out. His physical damage, combined with his mental state force his body to reject the genetic alterations that turned him into an Overseer. Waking up in the middle of the night, still broken and bloodied, and laying in a pool of raw organic material that used to be part of him, he manages to drag himself out of the tower, leaving his responsibilities and title behind. Shortly after leaving, Megan discovers him.
Lucid is near death when the core game starts, and getting him back on his feet is the first priority. There are several ways to accomplish this, and several ways to fail. If you are able to save his life, there will be other immediate problems, such as his extensively damaged armor that provides little protection against the elements, the fact that he is wanted for going AWOL, and of course that most of the planet is under the control of the people he is trying to escape. Making things worse, Lucid has decided to take (a very willing) Megan with him.
The game takes place in southern Alabama, 1949. Everything has been renamed, restructured. Our race gave up control of their own fates sixty years ago, completely by choice.
70 years ago, seemingly overnight, large beings showed up all over the world, at first not interacting at all with people, just wandering around, exploring. observing. Most people were afraid, and attacked them. They gave no resistance, and left if they felt they were not wanted.
As the weeks passed, they started building large towers on the outskirts of towns and cities. These towers were larger anything mankind had ever made. Early in the construction process, people were able to freely wander in the hollow, white towers, but eventually were locked out, and beams of light were emitted from the open tops to keep anyone from seeing inside from above. People tried entering them to investigate, but the doors would not open. when the towers were complete, the tops were closed off, cutting off the light. after the towers were locked, none of these visitors were seen outside for almost a year. Humanity didn't like this. It was too suspicious. All the nations of the world quickly joined forces and declared war on these "invaders".
The effort was a failure. No force on earth could even damage the buildings. Occasionally they were struck by tornadoes and tidal waves to no effect. To say that every person on earth was scared out of their mind would be a terrible understatement. eventually, the attacks stopped.
A few days after the attacks in an area stopped, the doors opened. the mysterious beings stepped outside, started following humans and constantly begging forgiveness for their actions, while offering no explanation of what the towers were for, who they were, or where they were from. These beings wandered around the towns and cities, and stepped in wherever they saw humans in need of help. they restored resources that were depleted due to the war effort. They rebuilt civilian areas that were damaged in the attacks. They started giving food to people who had none. They were absolutely dedicated to making things right. Still, people were fearful of them due to their immense size and armored appearance.
These creatures were questioned constantly, and the only things they would respond with were requests for forgiveness.
Two years passed, and on the anniversary of their arrival, a reporter in europe was approached, and one of the mysterious beings finally introduced his entire race. His words were simple: "We are angels, and we are here to help". the reporter followed asked him to clarify. Were they actually claiming to be sent from god? no. it was stated that the word was chosen to show their peaceful intentions, and the role they wished to play in human civilization. to offer guidance, assistance, and prosperity for all who accepted them. they were not from god, they were not holy beings, and they bled the same as any man (which was demonstrated in front of the reporter).
Of course, humans believe what they want to believe. some cultures declared that they were, in fact angels, and their claims otherwise were meant to test their faith. Of note, it is only in english that the angels declared themselves to be "angels" in other more religion-focused regions, in different languages, they chose other words without any religious attachment, most often translations of the word "knight".
With the help of these angels, most of the world's problems were quickly resolved. They had no bias or attachment to humanity's ideals, no ulterior motives when trying to unite the people of the world. Never forceful, never aggressive, they were trusted by everyone. One by one, the angels were able to convince leaders to let them have a more direct involvement with their nations, since they could not be corrupted as people could. Over the next eight years, the angels worked their way up to completely controlling almost every inhabitable region on earth. the only areas left untouched were the more arid climates, as the angels have a hard time dealing with heat. Australia is the only contintent completely lacking the angel's towers, although they still conduct trade with the country, and a small population of angels live among the humans there to assist when needed, although they never travel very far inland.
it is now 1949, and humanity has reached a golden age with the help of the angels. Hunger is completely eliminated. Most of the world has been remapped without national borders, the only segmenting done is the careful palcement of civilization, crops, forests, wildlife, and resource harvesting (like wood). The environment is not harmed in any way thanks to this extensive effort, and they manage to harvest enough food for every person on earth, while still maintaining massive sections of wilderness where animals are free to roam without ever seeing a single person. Disputes between people are quickly settled by the angels, and the world is for the most part, perfect. Cities and towns are set up to have 4 Angels overseeing each area, with one in charge as an Overseer.
The first of a new generation of Angels were born around 30 years ago, only knowing the world as it is today (er.. 1949). They know nothing of their race's origins, and have grown up alongside people. They are forming unexpected personal bonds with humans as well.
One major point is that human culture is still thriving, although out of concern for the environment, technology is a bit primitive compared to what we're used to now. There's also no money or jobs. if people do something, it's because they want to, not because of any obligation. The angels happily take care of any labor that is needed, even the most menial tasks. Most people still do things for themselves, they just always have some giants willing to lend a hand if needed.
Now, some information on the angels themselves. They are eight feet tall when born, and the largest are 15 feet tall. When born (reproduction is a mystery, as only certain angels are selected and allowed to do it) Angels are already able to speak, and as far as intelligence goes they're close to the average seven year old human. when they are born, they immediately begin training for their jobs which they will take when they turn 15. angels are not considered adults until they reach the age of 25, which is also when they are able to be considered for reproduction.
The angel's appearance is best described as that of a knight. Only their faces are exposed, although their faces can be covered if needed for safety reasons (like going under water). Their eyes are yellow with a dark area surrounding them, and their faces are white and rather plain looking. Their "armor" is mostly white and black, and grows with the angel. It is unknown to most humans if the angels can actually remove it, althought just between you and me, they can. Most angels look alike, as there are onlyaround 40 known "armor types", and each armor type is made slightly more distinctive by variation of the secondary color. Within younger angels, there is a strong desire to stand out from the crowd, which they have learned from humans. So some have added pieces to their armor, removed pieces from their armor, repainted it, and some have even added decorations like designs or pictures to it, much like tattoos. The only Angels to have completely unique appearances are the Overseers, as no two look alike.
Plot
Our story begins shortly after an angel named Lucid reaches adulthood, and as the overseer of his town is getting very old, Lucid is assigned to take his place as overseer. uncomfortable with this decision due to his close bond with a human girl named Megan, and a general lack of motivation to do his normal job, he's now faced with a job that will require him to spend most of his time in the tower, away from his friend (which is likely a reason why he was chosen for the role). It doesnt help things that as part of the newer generation, his elders do not have any plans to inform him of their race's origins, in order to maintain a good relationship with people and to remain effective leaders. They say it would complicate relations if humans were to find out their origins, and so it should all be left in the past and forgotten. Besides, some regions truly believe that the angels are literally "angels". This has rubbed off on the newer generation of angels, some of whom now believe that they actually were sent from god. Although Lucid hates that he's being made overseer, he has no choice but to go through with the class change. His body undergoes a genetic alteration that increases his height, changes his armor type, and even changes his brain so that he can function better in a leadership role. this class change is decided upon and conducted while his friend Megan is on vacation with her family.
After the conversion, he is confined to the tower for several weeks to adjust to the changes. the confinement starts to take it's toll on him, and out of desperation, on the day when Megan is scheduled to return from her vacation, he breaks out of the tower during the night. He seeks out Megan, who does not recognize him. Rather than reveal himself, he heads back to his private floor of tower, and has a complete mental breakdown. without thinking, he begins tearing the Overseer armor off, severely damaging his body in the process. He passes out. His physical damage, combined with his mental state force his body to reject the genetic alterations that turned him into an Overseer. Waking up in the middle of the night, still broken and bloodied, and laying in a pool of raw organic material that used to be part of him, he manages to drag himself out of the tower, leaving his responsibilities and title behind. Shortly after leaving, Megan discovers him.
Lucid is near death when the core game starts, and getting him back on his feet is the first priority. There are several ways to accomplish this, and several ways to fail. If you are able to save his life, there will be other immediate problems, such as his extensively damaged armor that provides little protection against the elements, the fact that he is wanted for going AWOL, and of course that most of the planet is under the control of the people he is trying to escape. Making things worse, Lucid has decided to take (a very willing) Megan with him.