20060618

Alchemist (or A.L.C.H.E.M. Unit)

An Alchemist or A.L.C.H.E.M. (Atomizing Lead-based Customizable Harmonization and Exchange Machine) Unit is designed to transmute matter on an elemental level, generally for the purpose of creating more desirable compounds and substances from otherwise useless material. The invent of Alchemists in pre-End society proved to be an unprecedented revolution in technology, contributing exponential advances in fields such as manufacturing and science, but also providing an invaluable tool in humanitarian efforts that allowed for a virtually infinite perpetuation of protein-rich edibles.
Prior to The End, Alchemists were a relatively advanced and expensive industrial technology, although business were hoping to manufacture smaller and affordable “Home” units by the end of the century. Still, most major cities and domes were equipped with at least one, if not several, public A.L.C.H.E.M. Units (depending on population), with regulated priority given to the homeless, and allowance of “special request” substances for purposes of scientific research.
In the world following the Great Fire, the full-scale destruction of power systems rendered most Alchemists completely unusable, save for the systems specially designed for emergency use. Unfortunately, most such remaining units function off of solar or wind technology, and thus require vast amounts of time between uses to store up the necessary amounts of energy to transmogrify matter on an atomic level. Still, it is said that a handful of A.L.C.H.E.M. Units manage to function at full energy capacity due to a union of pre-End technological accomplishments, namely, the advancement in magma-powered technology (See “United Magmaworks”). Self-proclaimed ruler of the Inland Empire (See “Inland Empire”), Emperor Irion, is currently in possession of two such A.L.C.H.E.M. Units in Los Angeles, each of which functions independently and entirely on excavated magma stores, deep underground.
Just as in Pre-End society, the Emperor allows for regulated daily public use of the Alchemists, without which it is believed the Empire would collapse under “nightmarish mass starvation,” despite Irion’s claims that, “The Kingdom of the West is as bountiful and prosperous as ever.”

Arri


Birth Name: Arri Wakayama
Age: 8
Height: 13' 3'’
Weight:1739.6lbs
Hair color and style: N/A
Eye color: singular rectangular yellow visual panel
Race: Previously Japanese
Complexion and skin tone: N/A
Character's body build: Massive torso, arms greater in length than legs, bulky head that houses Arri’s human brain, general shape of body reminiscent of the ancient Gorilla
Identifying marks: There is no other robot remotely similar to Airi in appearance
Facial features: square-like, minimal features
Hand features: large, steel, rubber grip on digits
Mannerisms or gestures: movements sometimes clumsy or frantic. 
Dress: N/A
Possessions this character might carry: Ragged stuffed bunny rabbit doll


View Arri's Profile Video:

'Artifice Effect'

see PNPA (Pacific Northwestern Physical Anomalies)

Banshee

Commonly mistaken for zombies, Banshees are MSC’s residing in the Gerlach Genetic Research Center underground complex, and the surrounding area in Gerlach, Nevada. Though technically physically human, these creatures scream constantly, and violently attack anything they come across. Similar to zombies in their unreasoning and violent natures, Banshees and zombies differ in many important ways. Banshees are alive, and will starve to death if they do not find food. Both eat people, but Banshees are willing to eat any animal if necessary. They do not reproduce, and the number of Banshees is slowly dwindling. The process is very slow, however, as they do not appear to die from old age, and very few humans can bring themselves to kill a banshee. Banshees appear to inspire a unique dread and unease in humans, to the point that the humans become unwilling to interact with the creature, even simply to shoot it.
Not long before the End of the World, Dr. Arthur Moore believed that if he could make a complete digital map of the physical nature of a human being, he could use his “matter reorganizer” to create copies, thus making full clones of people without having to wait through the growth process. His experiments consistently yielded screaming abominations. “Moore’s Children” were unreasoning, screaming constantly, violent in the extreme, and had to be detained indefinitely in the GGRC. When the public became aware of the results of project, Moore was shut down immediately. The banshees already created were not killed (presumably for the same reason they are not killed today), and instead the facility was sealed and quarantined. End of the World events apparently opened the facility, and the creatures within it escaped. They are somewhat territorial, and rarely wander far from the Gerlach area.

Bears (post-End of the World type)

The large bears of North America appear considerably altered from the pre-Great Fire species, now reaching an adult weight of over 1000kg or more, according to some claims. Their territory is broad, but in maintains its highest concentrations in the northern parts of the continent.

Theories of the altered species's origin include mutation (from fallout), genetic engineering (MSCs or forced evolution), cybernetic enhancement, or a natural response to a changed ecosystem--possibly the expression (in the pre-End Brown Bear) of a latent gene influencing gigantism. In support of the last idea, remaining old world books contain references to grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) as large as 1800 pounds found in the old American west (19th cent), their size apparently attested to later by preserved hides and skeletons. However, some have claimed the modern brown bear's skeletal structure to be so unlike that of Ursus arctos to suggest a different lineage altogether: that of Ursus spelaeus, the long extinct (European) Cave Bear. Incidentally, this theory would put their origins in line with certain folk traditions of Bjorngard, holding the bears to be great beings awoken from an ancient slumber by the destruction of civilization. Parallel traditions in Bjorngard consider the bears to be part of a resurgence of divine natural power occurring after the End of the World.

Bigmouth

See Master Rehmi.

Bjorngard

Area of northwestern North America, largely occupying the same territory as the pre-End Canadian province of British Columbia and the southern portion of US Alaska. Its titular capital is Havdal, but the region contains many regional power centres and varying power structures. Bjorngard has a distinctive set of cultural and national origins different from those of most North America.

Evidence indicates that, after supply lines and roads to the area were rendered unusable, the Royal United States felt strategically and economically unable to support the area, and withdrew its military presence, evacuating the area's remaining population to more southern and eastern areas of the continent. Some time later, a new and different population arrived.

Having anticipated the destruction in Europe, several thousands of Norwegians with some English and French, fled on ships over the melted polar icecaps to land and take refuge on an empty, isolated and relatively untouched stretch of North American coast. They first landed around what had formerly been Princess Royal Island, and called the area 'Hvitbjorngard' after the distinctive cream-colored bears there, a name eventually reduced to Bjorngard.

The new population seems to have been, at first, largely Norwegian-speaking (though it would eventually succumb to the several pressures of English - whose importance as a trade language and lingua franca, as the first language of an ever-expanding portion of the population, and as a compromise between French-speaking and Norwegian speaking emigrants, both of whom had historically spoken English as their main second language - made it difficult to withstand), a fact demonstrated by various remaining place-names. Nevertheless, in the next three to four generations the populations mixed in ethnicity and language, with additional imports transported from England and possibly France (though the region's term for 'french toast,' 'pain doré' - as opposed to 'pain perdu' suggests instead a Quebecois origin for the region's Francophone influence), as well as a modest influx from the English-speaking regions of what had been Canada. From the melding of these populations the contemporary people emerged, achieving something resembling political unity during a brief rule by a cabal of English-speaking religious despots at the end of the first century following The End. Under a generation later, they were deposed by a loose coalition of secular lords and warriors, in fighting dominated more by blades than old world mechanical weaponry.

Since then, Bjorngard has been ruled (more often than not), by a variety of secular potentates and their warrior bands, who compete with each other and with pagan temple organizations for power. Havdal ('sea plain,' or 'plain by the sea'), a settlement on a coastal inlet reachable by both sea and land, is the traditional meeting place of the region's great men, who generally maintain a presence there year round, and assemble in force once yearly to settle large issues and mete out justice among themselves. In certain years, during open war or when particularly contentious issues must be tried, the lords sometimes hold their gathering elsewhere, making their camps and courts on a certain nearby island--open on all sides--in order to prevent any particular lord or faction from gaining tactical control over the assembly and its judgments.

As a rule, the middle and southern sections of Bjorngard are slightly more heavily populated (and its lords more powerful) than the north, and the coast and island settlements are more populous and wealthier than those inland, which have less access to trade and the bounties of the sea and rich lowland forests.

20060617

Body Boosters

This text was extracted from a buried periodical, Recovered from Sub-Salt Lake Project, Mining Expedition, circa 2068


Text believed to be advertisement, published circa 2047

=================

"Are you FAT?

Unable to FOCUS?

Never have enough ENERGY?

Feel like you’ve always been chronically WEAK?

Does everyone else seem TOUGHER? QUICKER? HAPPIER?

Have your genetics always kept you DOWN, no matter how hard you TRY?

If so, maybe you should stop being such a SUCKER and start making nature give you what you DESERVE!!!!!

Let

BODY BOOSTERS

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That’s

BODY BOOSTERS

Because why should you let chance control who you are?

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(by Geneatix)

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

[Warning: + Do not use Body Boosters if you are nursing, pregnant, or may become pregnant as Body Boosters may permanently modify genetic makeup of fetal elements. Geneatix is not responsible for mutations in progeny caused by Body Boosters. + Those with a history of heart conditions, epilepsy, diabetes, or other serious ailments may wish to consult with a doctor before using Body Boosters, as sometimes conditions can be triggered or worsened during metamorphosis phase. + Those with cancers, tumors, or advanced parasitic infestations should exercise caution in using Body Boosters, as some forms are known to benefit from chemical genetic enhancement. Consult with a doctor to determine appropriate management around your conditions. + Do not use Body Boosters if you are undergoing chemotherapy, or may potentially find yourself in close proximity to medium to high radioactive elements. Geneatix is not responsible for unexpected and/or permanent body alterations caused by prolonged exposure to radiation during metamorphosis phase. + Those in continual use of Body Boosters for over a year should be routinely monitored by a medical professional.]"

20060616

"Bomb Parades"


A colloquial term, generally associated with the campaigned bombings, both nuclear and chemical, that ravaged areas of the former United States of America, especially along the East Coast and Rocky Mountain area.

Due to continued unknown exposure to the centuries-old fallout and the physical effects it has on the human body, many superstitions arose in the aftermath of the "Bomb Parades". It is highly debatable what of the folklore is based on confident sources.

For examples, please see: Nuclear Zombies, Sump County.

20060614

Capt. Thorne


Birth Name: Unknown
Aliases: Capt. Thorne
Age: 40
Height: 7' 0'’
Weight: 425
Hair color and style: Auburn, shoulder length. Auburn beard.
Eye color: Brown
Race: Unknown
Complexion and skin tone: Medium
Character's body build: Hulking, muscular, tall
Identifying marks: High quality steel alloy cybernetic arms. Ply-board splinters embedded in his left upper cheek.
Facial features: High cheekbones, powerful jawline, sunken eyes, weathered skin
Hand features: Big, metal
Mannerisms or gestures: Intimidating gait. Surprising agility for height and weight class.
Dress: Long patched and worn leather coat, leather fedora, loose button-up brown shirt (made by his wife), canvas pants, boots
Possessions this character might carry: Thirty-inch cutlass with a black leather handle, steel basket and pommel (Cecil), shotgun, leather case carrying a double-cross relic


Complex (Details & Personality)
Skills: Hand to hand combat (trained by the Salvation Army), Swords, Knife-throwing, Firearms, Survival (sea, land), Tracking, Hunting/Trapping, Navigation
Strengths: Bionic physical strength due to prosthetic arms and natural size, old world knowledge, commanding experience, cunning intuition
Flaws: Social incompatibility, alcoholic, questionably without morals, can’t swim
Allergies: None
Strongest personality traits: Courage, Determination
Weakest personality traits: Recklessness, Morality
Needs of the character: Alcohol, Violence, Challenge
Ambitions: Revenge, Profit
Favorite sayings: None
Interests and hobbies: Drinking, Sea-fairing, Fighting, Card-playing, Weapons, Trade
Favorite foods: Whiskey
Favorite colors: Rust
Pets: None
Education: Above average
Religion: Pagan
Financial situation: Varies
What drives your character: Survival and Cheap Thrills
How does your character handle conflict: With extreme violence, shrewdness, resourcefulness, and capability, occasionally demonstrating justness, sometimes calculation before action.

View Capt. Thorne's Profile Video:

Coyogre

Photographic Evidence of a Coyogre (Adolescent)
A colloquial term used for a desert predator resembling a coyote, the Coyogre is commonly-believed to be a MSC. While the adolescents generally reach up to three feet in height, the adult male coyogre can grow as tall as 5 1/2 feet. Their pelt is typically wiry, causing bodily injury to soft tissue. Because the coyogre is an invasive species that has flourished in multiple regions, some humans will hunt and kill the coyogre for it's meat, though if not treated first, coyogre meat is poisonous to humans.

20060613

Cross of Magog

An ancient relic believed by the Salvation Army and smaller Christian-based cults to harness supernatural abilities. The Cross of Magog coupled with a similar relic, the Cross of Gog are said to have incredible destructive capabilities, though little is known about actuality of such claims. Both crosses are closely tied to Revelations of the Christian's Bible.
(an ancient depiction of the Cross of Magog, illustrated by Arch-Bishop Leopold Giona circa 1217.

20060612

Cult of Omaha

The Cult of Omaha is a highly secretive organization, apparently well traveled. Research has not indicated concretely what 'Omaha' refers to. It is presumed to refer to the Omaha principality of the old United Royal States of the Americas, but this has yet to be confirmed. Their crest has been observed across the globe, but they are not overtly active outside of the Kiribati Islands, where they have a functioning space elevator, built on Aranuka Tower. They do not take kindly to visitors, and I recommend the casual traveler approach with caution, if at all.

Dead Land (or The Dead Land)

A colloquial term that generally refers to uninhabitable regions within the Northern American Territories.

Department of Human Studies


A division set inside Building 67 of Robot City, the Dept. of Human Studies is a far-reaching branch focused primarily on understanding the Homo Sapiens species and their relationship with machine and the greater world. The current Director of the Department of Human Studies is MEVEL20, the robot unit that also heads the Arri Program.

Doctor Snake Man

Little is known of the reclusive leader of the Circle of Arah. He has a reputation for both supernatural craftiness and bizarreness crossing into insanity. His origin may be as an experimental clone, probably from the genetic stock of the 'Thorne' clan.

He is rumored to sleep in a floating coffin, and speak only in hisses. The meaning of the term 'Doctor' usually appended to his (its?) name is unknown, but may be simply honorific.

Dome 6

Actual Photograph of Dome 6
Dome 6, located near Malapert Mountain, is the main residential construct building on the Moon. Constructed some time during the Selenine Era, this solar-powered eco-dome is home to nearly 500,000 Moonlings, protecting residents from the moon's cosmic radiation and extreme environment.

Drum City

Drum City is, reportedly, a densely populated human outpost set inland on the East Coast.

No other information is available.

Dust-Kicker


also know as Hover Bike or Motorcycle.

Developed first by the Honda corporation in 2025. This motorcycle is powered by propulsion technology developed by Dr. Peter M. Galanger.

Fuel Source: A917 Power Cell

Top Speed: 120 MPH

“The End” (or The End of the World, Post-Boom)


A colloquial term generally associated with one or more devastating events in human history. Some of these include the “Bomb Parades”, “Great Fires”, and the “Cannibal Plague” of 2012. 

The warming of the planet and rising sea levels also contributed substantially, causing the relocation of large populations, the devastation of agriculture and the fresh water and food supply to the world, sparking international strike, and eventual conflict. There is evidence also of massive landslides and large-scale collapses in the former United States. Several of these events are generally believed to have been caused by human practices. 

GEN Maynard Kong

Undated Photograph of General Maynard Kong

GEN Maynard Kong is the president of the People's Democratic Lunar Republic (PDLR). He was borne in Dome 6, and was raised by a family of radical lunar separatists. His up-bringing caused him to join the Moon Militia at the age of sixteen, being promoted to lieutenant after four years of service. The Lunar Wars made the Moon Militia receptive to loud and violent qualities, and Kong quickly rose to the rank of general. It is worth noting that the rank more or less did not exist until Kong was promoted to it. During the brief but destructive Lunar Wars, a culture of fear and isolationism developed, creating the perfect political environment for GEN Kong's rise to power. On the promise of "keeping the moon safe for moon-men," Kong's quick restructuring of the lunar nation Selenine into the PDLR was without resistance. Kong's decisions since coming to power has led many to label him a madman and dictator. During his time in office, he has formed and strengthened the PDLR National Guard, re-activated and manned the LAAAG installations, initiated Operation Rotary, postponed elections "until the moon is safe from earthling threat," and a host of other questionable decisions.

Genoa

One of the most populated human outposts on the East Coast of the Northern American Territory, the port city of Genoa is a popular hub for trading and commerce. Genoa has a well-established reputation for its violence and general lawlessness.

"Great Fires"


Authentic Photograph, circa 2090
A colloquial term generally associated with widespread forest fires that took place probably some time in the late 21st century. The term is also used in cases of major urban fires, which sources generally agree occurred at the same time, or shortly after. Most notable of these events was the Great Fire of Los Angeles.

20060611

Hatch

This likeness was drawn of Hatch by a resident of Old-Phoenix

Name: Hatch

Age: 22 (?) (though generally looks a little older than his actual age)
Height: 6’1’’
Weight: 180
Hair color and style: Black, straight, medium length, parted along middle of head.  Cannot grow facial hair.
Eye color: Brown

Race: Native American (Navajo)

Complexion and skin tone: Bronze brown
Character's body build: Muscular, lean

Identifying marks: Large coyogre bite scar on left thigh, smaller bite/claw marks on arms and torso (generally covered)

Facial features: High cheekbones, almond eyes, angular features
Hand features: Calloused palms, dirty nails
Mannerisms or gestures: Calm, fluid movements, often interlaced with abject twitchiness

Dress: Cassock, boots; dirty white shirt and jeans underneath
Possessions this character might carry: Lucky hatchet, rusty fireman’s axe, sunglasses (only needed when particularly bright)


Details & Personality:

Skills: Hand to hand combat (stylized martial art: tai chi meets barroom brawl), Throwing, Survival (desert), Tracking, Hunting/Trapping, Herbalism
Strengths: Dubiously enhanced nervous system gives Hatch superhuman senses and reflexes
Flaws: Same dubious enhancement has left Hatch unable to sleep and largely without appetite, also see “allergies”; lack of familiarity with most civilization, either current or historical; can’t swim
Allergies: All psychoactive drugs (including alcohol and caffeine) consistently send Hatch’s brain into a “survival mode” in which he is a violent danger to himself and others.  He cannot often recall these phases, though they seem to end in actual sleeping.

Strongest personality traits: Resolve, Empathy, Trust

Weakest personality traits: Intelligence, Charm, Conviction
Needs of the character: Minimal; bare necessities
Ambitions: To prepare the world, physically and morally, to confront the end times
Favorite sayings: Wildly inaccurate Biblical quotes
Interests and hobbies: Meditation, children, the ocean, holding together own fragile grasp on reality

Favorite foods: Lizard brains

Favorite colors: Green
Pets: None
Education: Minimal; largely self-taught
Religion: Catholic
Financial situation: Poor
What drives your character: Fear of God
How does your character handle conflict: Either peacefully or violently in brutal extremes, depending on mental state and degree of justification
What is standing in your character's way: The devil in men, including himself
What is their favorite room and why: Abandoned storage closet in the Lady of Infinite Mercy, as it is the only  place of quiet and solace Hatch has ever had.
What are your character's prejudices: Technology is generally evil.  People are generally good.
How does your character feel about love: That he does not deserve it
About crime: That it is unacceptable, save to further the Lord’s will
What is your character's philosophy on life: The path to a better world cannot be forged alone

HV3.1

HV3.1 is a leading robot scientist at the Building 67 site inside Robot City. It is involved in the ARRI Project, as well as the Humanoid Reanimation Warfare and Strategies division. It is an active member of R.A.I.R. (Robots Against Illegitimate Reproduction), and a staunch critic of other human-influenced behavior being discovered within the machine society of Robot City. 

Hybroduce


"Hybroduce has been the leader in hybrid fruit and vegetable manufacturing for more than 20 years. The company consists of the Hybruity and Hybregetables brands. Hybroduce offers products of rarity and value.

Hybroduce was built on a foundation of high quality and variety. All fruits and vegetables are grown in bunkers under the strict food engineering guidlines established by the Food and Nutrition division of the Salvation Army."

Due to lack of vegetation, companies like Hyrbroduce began mixing fruit and vegetable seeds in underground laboratories to produce a variety of produce for those able to afford the luxury of such fresh fruit and vegetables. Hyrboduce is owned and operated by the Salvation Army.

Inland Empire, The

Location: Southwestern region of North America

Geography: Regions ranging from mountain, valley, to desert. Low levels of vegetation, though considered high compared to other, surrounding regions (Death Valley), or further inland regions (Phoenix, Vegas Dome)

Climate: Arid

Population: Unknown

Ruler: Emperor Irion

Capitol: Los Angeles

Area of rule: No points of civilization other than Los Angeles have yet admitted participation the Inland Empire, despite claims of authority that extend far into the High Desert and Mountain regions. Populations in the High Desert regions insist having “never heard”* of the Empire.

[*Programming note: Body language potentially indicative of human attempt at lying, perhaps in humor, seek outside elucidation.]

History: During the Great Fire, the “original” Los Angeles was separated from the mainland along major fault lines, supposedly during massive earthquakes triggered by the catastrophe, where it then sunk deep into the ocean. Survivors from the massive city that had fled eastward before the quakes rebuilt their city along the new coastline, on top of the rubble of the city of either San Bernardino or Riverside (actual location debated), though it was renamed Los Angles.

The rise of the actual Empire, as well as Irion himself, is not well recorded, though it is known that he is well supported by the older generations in Angeles, as well as by “special public syndicates” and a suspiciously loyal law enforcement/military structure.

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

Reader note: Limited first-hand knowledge of Los Angeles available, due to vehement anti-robot sentiments* among Angeles locals. Currently only referencing outside, second-hand resources. Updates required.

[*Programming Note: Limbs nearly torn off after initial native contact, escape complex and difficult: avoid Angeles in future]

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

These text fragments were extracted from the personal journal of one Hamilton Shackleford, Recovered from caravan ruins, Death Valley region:

Entry Label:

November 26th

Los Angeles

“I have never seen a city so fueled by insanity as Los Angeles. We were not in the city for even an hour before X-B [note: X-B would appear to be the robot navigator for Shakleford’s caravan] was knocked down by a group of locals and torn to pieces with nothing but bare hands and pipes, right in front of my family. Thankfully, Travis managed to recover X-B’s head as it rolled away after being popped off the torso, but the body was broken down by the mob as thoroughly as possible- people then fighting over the parts for several minutes.

At first I wondered if this had to some pathological need to collect metal, but a nearby observer by the name of Navarro, an older local man who seemed less inclined to participate, explained the scene to me upon my request, entailing a good deal of city history. Apparently, the standing predominant belief in the city is that robots were responsible for the Great Fire, a rumor apparently purported early in the re-establishing of order in the city, shortly after the catastrophe, by the arguably asinine Emperor Irion. At one point there had even been a “Great Cleansing,” where all surviving robots had been given the option of either being broken down into scrap parts or burned at the stake.

I am not certain if the particular attitude behind “Great Cleansing” is directly responsible for the tone of the city, or whether it is perhaps part of some other implemented strategy by the Emperor, but I have also noticed that Los Angeles is far more reliant upon faith and religion than other city I have yet come across. While in other places it would seem that the idea of religion has entirely wasted away, here it is actually thriving with a passion comparable to the hubris that fuels organizations such as the Salvation Army, though without the same level of unity. We have only been here for two days, and I have already seen active signs of no less than a dozen different religions- both of the old and new world. We in the caravan were even witness to a “skirmish” of sorts between a bunch of people dressed like animals and another group in brown jumpsuits brandishing tasers. Though the locals gathered around to witness the scene, we thought it wise to relocate our camp as quickly as possible, the Winklers later claiming to have lost a bottle of wine from their wagon during the commotion- to a man wearing bear hides.

I must say that while I have not considered the idea of religion for some time now, I thank God that Travis has managed to find a portable power source and temporarily get X-B’s head up and running again. If it lasts, we can hopefully continue our way North in the morning, and I pray that we will never have to return to Los Angeles again.”

20060610

Junior and Pinto

Shown here with an unidentified pinto, in happier times,
when both car and man were in better shape.


Paolino Carmello Sebastiano LaRosa, Jr. was the son of the famous magician. Paolino Sr., the renowned illusionist of various boom towns and human outposts, made headlines when he successfully disappeared inside an iron crate while shackled in front of an audience of over two hundred. He was never seen again.

Paolino, or "Junior," is wanted for over fifteen counts of bootlegging, twelve counts of armed robbery, five counts of insidious chicanery, nine counts of drug possession, and two counts of moonshining which resulted in the paralysis of two elderly men.

LAAAG

Lunar Anti-Alien Artillery Gun

Successful colonization of the Earth's moon made the threat of alien invasion seem less ridiculous, and a number of response measures were developed and reviewed. After years of deliberation, the decision was made to install weapons capable of defeating the assumed defensive capabilities of an alien craft. There are four LAAAGs built on the far side of the moon, each on its own military post. The ammunition used is an armor peircing high explosive shell 2.75 meters in diameter. The barrels stand 110 meters off the surface of the moon, the breach and loading mechanisms underground. The guns and their respective posts are named Alexander, Barbarossa, Charlemagne, and Decimus. However, the common soldier more often refers to them as Alpine, Beach Head, Cobra Commander, and Destro. Each gun has been test fired between four and six times, with Decimus successfully completing only one fire mission. The guns were decommissioned by the Selenine government soon after it was formed, and remained so until brought back into service by the PDLR. The guns are currently manned by skeleton crews. Their exact capabilities and specifications are classified.

Lunar Defense Program

A program initiated by Gen Maynard Kong, current President of the Moon. The public outcry for a defense system soared during the emerging hostilities between Earth and the Moon, just prior the Lunar War, and Kong quickly rose to leadership, answering concerned Moonlings with a series of ambitious projects promising Lunar safety.

Lunar War

A conflict between humans of Earth and the Moon sometime during or shortly after "The End". There is little consensus as to what prompted hostilities, though one source has gone on record with a statement.

"Fucking Mooners bombed us, is why. They'd been talking about it; they used them giant moon guns on us. My grandpap said it's 'cuz living up there in space made 'em all go looney."

Malcolm S.

Evidence, thus-far, has suggested the so-called war between "post-boom" Earthlings and the Moonlings culminated into several minor skirmishes and blockades to trade, but there were no mass casualties.

Malachi and Sebastian

Surveillance Photograph (Unconfirmed) of Malachi and Sebastian Alcander

Mammoth Mouth

See Master Rehmi.

Master Rehmi

Piscis cf. spinosus
Master Rehmi is the most common name for one or more gigantic fish living in the Atlantic Ocean. Worshipped as a god by certain cultures, Master Rehmi tends to terrorize shipping lanes, swallowing ships whole. It is unknown whether or not there is more than one of this species; if there is indeed a single Master Rehmi, then it is more than 130 years old. His status as an MSC is hotly debated.
Some other names for the creature include Bigmouth, Ol' Whiskers, and Mammouth Mouth.

Mecha-monkey


Before the End of the World, Mecha-monkeys were created as a replacement for much of the high-skilled manual labor. A computer with extensive knowledge of the intended job, as well as muscle-memory protocols, is affixed to the back of the monkey, and connected to the brain via a jack in the back of the head. Each system is specialized, allowing the subject to perform a certain job. Packages available include, but are certainly not limited to, electronics, masonry, auto repair, and four levels of Med-Ape. Of particular value are Mecha-monkeys who are programed to prep and install other Mecha-monkeys. Mecha-monkeys are relatively rare on Earth, due to the population's tendency to canabalize resources for short-term survival. On the Moon, however, virtually all competently completed skill-intensive manual labor is done by Mecha-monkeys. Above is a picture of a typical mecha-monkey computer unit.

20060609

Moonlings

Moonlings (sometimes Mooners) is a term denoting permanent residence for a human on the Moon. Both words are said to have been coined during the Selenine government, and used to unite the divided colonies.

MSCs

Man-Science Creatures

These species are speculated to be the products of failed genetic engineering or mutation caused by long term nuclear fallout. Common examples include the coyogre, screaming lizard, sand spider and the giant squid, as well as the more debated, so-called Master Rhemi fish.

Nuclear Torpedos


After 2019, all US fleet attack-submarines, initially including the 'Sea Wolf' and 'Vader' classes were outfitted with Hauer2 or Hauer3 class torpedoes for increased tactical lethality and deterrence in naval warfare, each torpedo armed with a 15 megaton nuclear charge.

In this case, the weapons' origins and history are considered to be of unique interest. The 'nuclear torpedo' was first conceived of and popularized by the 2009 film Arnie Breaks Everything (James Cameron/71 minutes). In its penultimate action sequence, before the eponymous Schwarzenegger boards the sinister Rutger Hauer's submarine with only a lava gun to fight to the death, the two, each piloting a hijacked military submarine, trade shots with 'nuclear torpedoes' in a destructive underwater duel. The sequence proved highly popular, both in the theater and on video, and viewed over the 'internet' for decades to come. Tapes and disks of the sequence, often amateurishly translated, make up a significant portion of the world's known surviving video stock. The film itself reignited Schwarzenegger's flagging political career, and, largely based on near-100%-support and high voter turnout among 18-26 year old males, he went on to win another term in public office.

Current and former presidents were also rumored to be fans of the movie (with the notable exception of the aged and out of touch Carter), as well as senators and generals. Thus it was that legislation demanding the creation of the new weapons class was quickly introduced and passed in the US congress. The military only being too glad to tackle the project, the experimental Hauer1 was, despite large budget overruns, developed and tested within 6 years, to be followed by the more compact and reliable Hauer2s, which were also helicopter-mountable. They were widely deployed to the navy beginning in 2019, though their actual strategic value is not entirely clear. The uses behind the Hauer-class torpedos appear to have centered around a type of 'nuclear strafing' against the coastline of hostile nations. In later decades, it was apparently theorized that torpedo-equipped submarines could be dropped from orbit into alien seas, to attack their inhuman navies in their own waters. It is unknown whether this tactic was actually practiced.

Today's historians have suggested the devices' character suggest the calamitous nature of worldviews and attitudes among 21st century populations, attitudes which ultimately led to the Great Fire. It is not entirely clear whether the Hauer series played any physical role in that sequence of events, though some scholars believe the far more thorough and expansive destruction in western north america (as compared with east), may have been in response to some action on the part of trigger-happy pacific sub-commanders., who had been notorious ever since having 'almost nuked Fiji' in 2073.

Ol' Whiskers

See Master Rehmi.

Operation Rotary

Undated Photograph of Government Worker Welding
Machinery in the Substructure of Rotary East 
The brain-child of General Maynard Kong of the Moon, Operation Rotary was once at the fore-front of Kong's Lunar Defense Program. The government project, which proposed erecting two giant turbine engines on the surface of the moon, was designed to manipulate or otherwise accelerate the moon's orbit, in order to produce the LAAAG. Though the operation is classified as active, it is generally considered a failure and the largest contributing to the Government's current resource problems. 

20060608

Pacific Northwestern Physical Anomalies (PNPA)

Physical phenomenon, of unknown cause, by which certain physical and biological reactions are distorted in and around Bjorngard. Effects may include the stimulation of certain biological metabolisms - causing altered growth patterns in some plants and possibly animals - and minor psychological effects on local human populations, such as increased confabulation regarding alleged telepathic* phenomena, including anomalous sensations, abilities, and communications by plant life. The larger phenomenon also seems to affect electrical activity, to the extent that electrical devices, and possibly some complex mechanical devices, function intermittently or not at all.

The source is speculated to be a surviving pre-End machine of human origin, and some complexity, probably sustained by either nuclear or geothermal power (i.e. magma). Such a machine’s purpose would be speculative.

Addendum: surviving head of B-760 Hyper-chipz Cogitator (encountered at dive in company of humans who purchased from company of human with metal arms) ejaculated term: 'node' in response to query concerning phenomenon, but refused to cooperate with further interrogation. Must clarify.

*my term

People's Democratic Lunar Republic

Formed directly in response to the Lunar War by it's acting president, General Maynard Kong, the People's Democratic Lunar Republic is a government and civil union of all Moon colonies, and follows the Moon's republic period of the Selenine, exhibiting at present a more autocratic structure. Though Kong was elected into office, some speculation surrounds the official ballot count.

PDLR National Guard

The People's Democratic Lunar Republic Guard is a mix of reserved and active national military forces, under the direct authority of its founder and acting president,  General Maynard Kong.

PMS


Processed Meal Supplement

Distributed exclusively by the Salvation Army, the PMS's original purpose was to provide the soldiers of the Army with enhanced and readily available nutrition. For a more practical consumption developers of the PMS decided to distribute the meals in bitesize form (chips) for the grab-and-go lifestyle of the Salvation Army soldiers.
PMS's are currently available in 32 flavors including Roast Beef Dinner, Thanksgiving, and Mac'n'Cheese.

Pop Sharks

Pop Sharks, or just 'sharks,' have become remarkably common in the North American wilderness. Named because of their ability to 'pop' up, and leap to unexpected heights, allowing them to take down animals much larger than themselves. They have been seen hunting both alone and in packs. In an interview with one of Bolton's Bandits, the subject of Pop Sharks came up. A brief transcript follows:

RB: So you've seen these pop sharks in action?
BB: Hell yeah. It's hard to tell just by lookin' at 'em if they're hungry or not. I've been able to walk by, maybe thirty feet away, with them just staring at me. I've also had them attack out of no where. They're faster than they look. I mean, they're not fast, but faster than they look.
RB: They tend to sneak up on their prey, then?
BB: Well, like I said, their behavior is kind of crazy. You never know what they're gonna do next. We were traveling by stagecoach one day, and were laughing at one that was walking with us. It must have followed us for a mile at least, and then suddenly decided to leap up and bite this guy's head off. I don't trust 'em for shit.

Robot City


Located on the East Coast of the Northern American Territory, Robot City is believed to be the most heavily robot-populated area on the continent, and possibly the globe.  The city is home to some of the largest standing edifices of the modern world. Together man and machine built its massive wall, spanning across its boundaries, more than a century ago to protect Old New York City from rising sea levels.
Resting on the foundations of Old New York City, this technologically dominant metropolis has become a mecca to all robot-kind, and operates largely outside the sphere of any remaining human outposts. 

The Salvation Army




The Official Crest Of the Salvation Army
(or the New Salvation Army.)

Information on the Salvation Army is still being compiled.

Sand Spiders

There are little existing records or research regarding the recently emerging arachnid species in the North American southwest, colloquially known as the Sand Spider.

This text fragment was extracted from the personal journal of one Hamilton Shackleford, Recovered from caravan ruins, Death Valley region, January 2076.

Entry label:

December 14th, 2075

Barstow

“… and many told me they will lay low all winter. Such is the fear the locals here in Barstow have regarding what they refer to as the “Sand Spider,” a supposedly newly emerging species of prevalent creature in the area. People generally agree that they are undoubtedly another one of the forms of Chimeras that came about during the fallout from the Great Fire. Though why they have emerged with such latency, and with such a sudden explosion in population, is a subject of much debate and concern here in Barstow. It is very rare that I find a town in which so many are willing to talk, but here almost everyone I have approached has brought up this subject in some form, whether it be curiosity or distress.

A few of the older travelers claim that they used to see abnormally large spiders in the mountains, further north, where they would make webs to catch birds, bats and the like. Judging from the comparison in description, these Sand Spiders would be the same type, about the size of a cat, squat and round, lightly covered in black hair, and extremely fast. The theory stands that these spiders came down from the mountains and learned to adapt very well to the desert, taking over the dens of the regional species of Giant Coyote. Locals are actually quite pleased in the recent decrease in population of the coyote brought about by the spider, as the spiders are less likely to come into the town whereas the coyotes would occasionally snatch up livestock or a small child. It is travelers and merchants that are far more wary now, as the spiders are far more likely to strike outside of communities, and are notoriously fearless in their attacks.

I met a local yesterday, a prospector by the name of Shifty Pete, that had supposedly actually seen a Sand Spider attack from a distance. Pete claims that he and some friends were mining nearby when, from the vantage point of their hill, they witnessed a caravan in the distance become swarmed by a flurry Sand Spiders that appeared to come from nowhere and then disappear in the wind. This would frighteningly confirm that the spiders have learned to hunt in packs, and perhaps even set ambushes. Pete and his friends also explored the scene of the devastated caravan some time later, to find no sign of bodies, human or spider, and very little sign of struggle. Local legend insists that the spiders suck fluids from the body so quickly and thoroughly that the body withers to a husk of skin that blows away in the wind… though I find it much more likely that they, like most spiders, merely have a paralyzing venom. This would indicate to me that the spiders return to their lairs with their food in order to feast, probably keeping their victims alive for as long as possible... a truly horrifying fate.

It has become custom here in Barstow for caravans to wait for an inordinately long time before setting out, as the look for a safe window in which to travel. But what exactly makes that window? Heresay estimations show that the spiders generally only engage in a large attack once every month or two, meaning that they can sustain themselves quite a while on their food reserves. This also means that, come a certain period of time, most caravans would rather wait to let others go ahead of them rather than risk being the group ‘pointman’- so to speak. From what few discussions I have had with other caravan members, I can gather that most are traders of metals, old world goods and technology, or special items, most of which are heading on their way to be traded at Vegas Dome. They are in no rush to move, and would rather wait for a merchant on a schedule, one with perishable dry goods or foodstuffs that risk rotting, to lead the way.

I must say, given what little I have learned about these large arachnids, that I am very much willing to do the same. My family and I, and the others of our caravan, will be laying low with the others for as long as necessary. The desert is not so miserable in the winter anyway. Tomorrow I would like to ask the…”

Screaming Lizard

Photographic Evidence of the Screaming Lizard.

A colloquial term used for a large reptilian predator of the western deserts of the Northern American Territory, widely considered a MSC.

Text found in the grave of a north-western settler details his experience with the so-called screaming lizard, '...saw it again today, lizard got's to be 4 foot long, with mean looking spikes riding down its back. The sound of this thing is louder and scarier than Hell, we figure it's either scaring off a (predator)... but what kind of animal is dumb enough to attack it... or making some kinda mating call. Little Gorgette wants to ride the damn thing. I just know I'm gonna stay far as Hell away from the creatures as I can."

Dillan R.

Selenine

Selenine was the first autonomous governement that unifed the moon under one flag. The governement had minimal duties, including settling trade disputes, enforcing loose moon-law, and providing representation when negotiating with the governments of Earth. It was dissolved by GEN Kong after the Lunar Wars. The Selenist movement, attempting to restore the former government, has been labeled subversive and driven underground by persecution.

Shelter 303

A Photograph Looking Outside an
Unidentified Shelter

A Photograph of an Unidentified Shelter Opening



















Several of these subterranean bunkers can be found along the landscape of the deserts in the West, as well as regions in the East. They are believed to have once served as underground safe-havens for human communities, though most have long been abandoned, as a result of food/water shortage and general breakdown of social order. 

No evidence available on specified shelter.

The Shrieking Clam

Undated Photograph Inside the Shrieking Clam
A popular and long-standing drinking saloon in the trading outpost of Genoa.

Site 6

Information on Site 6 is still being compiled, and/or currently restricted.

20060606

Space Elevator

A space elevator is a structure designed to transport material from a planet's surface into space. The construction includes a base station, cable, climbers, and counterweight. The rotation of the Earth is used to keep the counterweight in space, much like swinginging a ball on a string. Aranuka Tower, controlled by the Cult of Omaha, is the only known operational space elevator. It is rumored that there was another space elevator, the cable of which broke at the base, allowing the counterweight to float loose in orbit, with its cable trailing in the Atlantic Ocean. This has yet to be confirmed.


As the car climbs the elevator takes on a 1 degree lean, due to the top of the elevator traveling faster than the bottom around the Earth (Coriolis effect). This diagram is not to scale.

Turbine City West (and East)

Undated Photograph Inside Original Turbine City West Substructure
These two giant substructures currently serve as housing for low-middle income residents on the Moon. Originally part of Operation Rotary, Turbine City West and West settlers began converting the original foundations of the government project to accomodate habitation, shortly after Operation Rotary reportedly bankrupted the Kong regime. Occupants of TCW and TCE are officially considered squatters. 

20060605

United Magmaworks

United Magmaworks (or U.M.) was a pre-End United States corporation dedicated to the creation of sophisticated, magma-powered technology.

U.M. began as a geothermal energy utilities organization that slowly branched off into the realm of scientific projects, eventually leading to the development of technology that allowed for the actual harnessing of magma as a fuel source. Their first successful scientific project, the Lava Gun (see “Lava Gun”), not only gave birth to the field of Teleportation technology (see “Teleportation”), but lead to a hefty contract from the U.S. Defense Department, soon establishing them as a top military contractor.

With powerful lobbyists in Washington, United Magmaworks was said to have been the driving force behind the popular “Race to the Center of the Earth” frenzy of the mid 21st century, which pushed to create a hole to the center of the Earth before China, similarly to the “Race to the Moon” against Russia during the mid to late 20th century. As the recipient of several massive grants from the U.S. government to create that hole, it is widely believed that U.M. eventually created a powerful excavation machine, and that a hole was begun, though The End came before the project was ever completed.

The actual whereabouts of such a machine or hole are currently unknown.

Some theories indicate that the U.M. “Center of the Earth” project in some way contributed to The End, though there is currently no evidence to support such a link, or even a potential hypothesis.

20060601

Vikings of the Pacific Coast

Entry class: Human population/culture
Origin: insufficient data
Population behavior: aggressive/colonizing
Primary Language: English
Secondary languages: Western variant of Old Norse, used primarily for ceremonial purposes, and possibly as a status marker by certain older and more conservative portions of the population
A modern population, Viking-like in its activities, customs, and, to an extent, its tools and weapons, has inhabited several islands off the coast of what was British Columbia (a Canadian province), notably Graham and Moresby islands in the Queen Charlotte chain, since shortly after the End of the World. Comprised initially, according to legend, by a nucleus population of time-traveling Viking men, this proto-population seems to have rapidly adapted to the chaotic circumstances that followed The End, quickly setting themselves up as lords of certain almost unpopulated isles, and proceeding to raid the surrounding territories with complete abandon, gradually expanding their populace through assimilation of modern peoples to their customs, way of life, and social order, as well as by the theft of women and children at a young age. As well, in the decade or so after The End, the remains of several communities in British Columbia and southern Alaska, those who both survived and chose not to evacuate, seem to have voluntarily surrendered sovereignty to said Vikings in order to avoid depredations and to take advantage of the economic and security umbrella offered by the relatively successful ‘primitive’ Viking settlements, in an era without power or modern industry.
Early on, these Vikings seem to have largely surrendered their native language in favor of the English of the majority population, and shown a willingness to use modern weaponry, though ammunition has subsequently been largely exhausted on the West Coast. From an original population of perhaps a hundred, there are now some thousands, making them a relatively successful society, though they lack political centralization. Their economy is supported by agriculture, as well as hunting, gathering, and raiding in the islands and coastal inlets of the Northwest. Their territory has expanded to include the (previously mostly depopulated) Vancouver Island, and to the Olympic Peninsula, the latter territory formerly claimed in theory by the Royal United States. Separate Earls apparently rule each of the above territories, as well as the more northerly islands, with substantial fighting occurring at intervals between them. Relationships with the lords of neighboring Bjorngard are generally poor, though significant trading volume occurs. The historical relationship between the two populations is, as yet, unclear.
The most respected and powerful leader among the Vikings is currently thought to be Earl Bjorn bloody-beard of Victoria-Thoravik, though his direct sway appears limited to Vancouver and the neighboring Gulf Islands. The Vikings currently patrol the coast and rivers of the Northwest with longship-style vessels constructed largely of Sitka Spruce and Western Redcedar. Weapons and tools include bows made of the Pacific Yew, swords, spears, shields and helms made through quasi-medieval blacksmithing techniques, as well as a few remaining AR-15 series rifles and other firearms and tools, whose possession is generally limited to chieftains and use to ceremonial purposes. Most remaining shotguns have apparently been converted to a sawed-off form, for unclear reasons. Earl Tex-DaMarcus ‘Longarm’ Eirichsson of Graham Island apparently possesses a 155mm self-propelled howitzer, and an underbarrel 40mm grenade launcher, the latter for personal use, but it is unclear whether either device is still functional or whether any ammunition for either remains.
Restricted Access
The origin of the Queen Charlotte Isles Vikings has been traced to a population of 142 humans kept in the custody of the US military on an installation in Montana in the late twenty-first century. According to a the remnants of a corrupted data dump from a Robot City data outlet, said population represents remains of a raiding fleet of 990 CE, blown west by a large storm into the waters surrounding Greenland, and there sucked, along with three damaged ships, through a large temporal-spatial disturbance into the year 2068. Survivors evidently perceived their transport as effected by a ‘mystical’ portal of coruscating red and gold with extradimensional traits, which they later identified as the eye of Odin. Finding themselves off the Canadian coast, the survivors apparently quickly realized something of the nature of their changed circumstances and, after a brief hesitation—evidently around eight minutes—commenced raiding along the maritime provinces, achieving some success before the Canadian coast guard eventually took them into custody.
The temporal disturbance’s cause remained uncertain—the Norsemen’s arrival seems to have coincided with large magnetic disturbances throughout the northern part of the Western Hemisphere, but this, too, remains unexplained—the Vikings were kept a secret by contemporary governments. The coastal carnage was successfully blamed on unruly cosplay teenagers; some social disorder occurred, and certain underage social groups were suppressed, but the incident quickly passed. However, Canadian researchers and military personnel proved unable to successfully manage their new research subjects, who allegedly broke all the snack machines in a Canadian government installation, and began stockpiling Pokemon figurines inside a particle accelerator, before being turned over to the custody of US forces, which move them to a US Airforce installation in the Mountain West in order to conduct further research into medieval life and warfare. As for the subjects’ fate, it was decided to teach them English and prepare for a place in modern society. As they were decided ‘too unreliable,’ ‘too shifty,’ ‘too murderous,’ and ‘too viking,’ for modern military service, the US Government prepared to distribute them to more appropriate positions elsewhere in society, positions began to be earmarked for them in several of the nation’s largest venture capital firms, banks, and New York-based non-bank financial institutions; others were evidently to be placed as bouncers, while a third category was marked for conversion to a form of experimental military cyborg (this last required the assent of the human, which was apparently given). It is unclear whether any of the conversions were attempted or completed, in part or in whole, though the conspicuously Viking names of the last two heads of Goldman Sachs indicates at least some Vikings may have been placed in the reorientation program.
Before the assimilation of most could take place, however, The End intervened, and, with the fabric of society crumbling, the Viking body seems to have reverted to its former ways with alacrity and efficiency. Much or all of the population seems immediately to have embarked on a raiding expedition toward the coast, after which nothing is known, until their settlement of Graham Island in the years after The End—of which the precise dating is unknown.