OverviewIn Avernus' world, the anocratic hegemony of corporations has been in power far longer than anyone remembers. The world has long since spent its natural resources, and polluted the earth beyond all limits. Because of this, arcologies were built, and designed to be self-reliant, self-sustaining, and impervious to the outside environment. the only problem was, they needed an efficient, absolutely safe, failproof energy supply.
To answer the issue they turned to nature, the only bit of nature that was left, the lichen and moss. Able to grow in nearly any environment, they genetically engineered this last vestige of life to serve their needs. The new spores were just slightly lighter than air, reproduced with great speed, and were photokinetic. When presented with pure sunlight, unadulterated by the earth's destroyed ozone layer, they created an electric field, which was then siphoned off to power the massive arcology. The spores grew exponentially, however, and soon they covered every extrerior, and filled the air, siphoning off all available sunlight, and throwing the arcology and the surrounding area into a permanent gloom. Most Avernians are not soldiers, but the Avernians have a very capable security force, and can call in nearly one million reservists in special circumstances. |
FriendsAvernus gains something from The Web, but the details aren't exactly clear. They provide defensive support against Valhalla and others, however. Of course, that could be just to piss off Valhalla.
EnemiesAvernus and Valhalla have met before, in a previous rift storm. It's been much longer for Valhalla, however, while the war is still fresh on the minds of Avernians. Avernus is willing to fight not only Valhalla, but any of it's allies, including Avalon. Niflheim on the other hand, hates Avernus for using advanced technology, and so continually attacks them, but so far, they haven't caused any significant damage - this time.
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Empusae
One of the earliest attempts at genetic modification, empusae were rated as a failure and abandoned many years ago, and as far as the public knows, were destroyed. But in an arcology, nothing is ever truly gone for good. Known by only a select few, the empusae are still among the population, and after centuries, their numbers have grown. They appear human, but finding yourself alone with one that is thirsty is a very, very bad place to be. Gorgon These are Avernus' rank and file security, made up of the three known strains - human, lamiae, and lycaon - and even some empusae. Gorgons are responsible for all of the day-to-day peacekeeping in Avernus. Outfitted with neural inhibiters, they generally have no problem with troublemakers. |
Harpaeia
Rather than actual beings, Harpaeia are the airborne section of Avernian security forces, made up of empusae, humans, lamiae, and lycaons. A specially outfitted flight suit with shock absorbing footgear, jetpacks, and stabilising wings, makes it possible for them to be a very precision strikeforce, launching attacks at a moment's notice. Hydrae These are the main mechanised infantry of the Avernian security forces. Using self-replication, and an internal power and materials supply, hydrae can rebuild themselves faster than most attacks can damage them, until their power runs out, at least. |
Lamiae
Lamiae are biosophonts, created by the Avernians for extended undercover reconaissance. They appear human, even to basic scans, but they are thermically powered, pulling heat from any available source, which at times has included humans. Do not kiss. Lycaon Lycaon are uplifts, engineered from the original strains of ancient tamed wolves. They posses greater than normal strength, heightened senses, and the inability to use straws or say the letter 'm'. Typhae A Typhaon is a winged drone, sent to only trouble spots that cannot be contained by other security forces. Upon arrival, it immediately detonates, creating an EMP blast strong enough to even temporarily scramble biological brain activity. Afterwards, regular forces secure the area. |