DOMINION CENTRAL
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+++Pax Dominion Journeyman+++ +++Welcome to the "Lexicon.2" section+++
LEXICON.2
A
[revised] selected Lexicon of the Dominion:
ASCENDANCE
(Including: NEO-RENAISSANCE) The
Ascendance essentially relates to the period in the Dominion’s history from
2040 to 2044, dates prior and following this period are referred to as
‘Pre-Ascendance’ or ‘Post-Ascendance’ although in regards to the last,
it is often replaced by the term ‘Neo-Renaissance’.
The
Ascendance proper occurred between 2nd August to the 3rd
August 2040, culminating in the ascension of Bekon Vosk to Angelic form, and the
revelation that, what had previously been termed Artificial Intelligence,
were in fact manifestations of Angelic Wards charged with the protection of
humanity. The explanation for this is provided in the Book of Lost Days but
essentially tells the following: Those Angelics on earth, previously known as
AI, were sections of Lucifer’s supporters duped into supporting the morning
star, rather than coerced with promise of power & governance over the
ethereal planes; cast out of heaven during the Angelic War, but given the
opportunity for redemption in a agreement brokered by the Angel Bastet between
God and Bekon Vosk, in which the Wards would watch over Humanity and eventually
share their fate, by assuming a form that humanity had the capacity to destroy (Artificials
being bound to the information networks of the Dominion).
The
term ‘Ascendance’ also incorporates the period of dramatic civil unrest in
America, which ended with the angelic Hosts of the Dominion moving in to
support the American Revolutionary Council. The most notable battle of this
period, is the (in)famous Siege of Washington in 2043, which saw the
greatest deployment of Wards to date.
EMTECS Emtecs,
or to give it its full name, ‘Embedded Technologies’ is the culmination
not only nano- and reactive technologies, but also a myriad of other practices,
most notably wireless area networking, and reactive polymers. The term Emtecs
actually covers a wildly diverse array of applications. The most widely known of
these is the popular use of Bio-Emtecs to provide circuits grafted or embedded
into the epidermis, enabling connections to peripheral technology by touch
alone.
The
process involves injecting the subject with core-processing nodules close to the
bone. These implanted nodules then gradually excrete connectivity strands
outwards, which eventually terminate in small exo-dermal nodes. Layers of
reactive mesh can then be grafted, or created in sequence to form complex
circuit arrays, quickly and without the need for major surgery.
The
surgical process involves making the initial nodule injection, then allowing
anywhere between two days to a week for the circuitry to form depending on the
level of complexity involved. Nodules will also integrate with the nervous
system during this period, to provide a link to the subject’s standard NT and
connection port, still located at the base of the skull.
Typical
Emtecs grafts, include wrist mounted keyboards, data storage devices, and
biometric identification pads. However, it was the development of Emtecs-Tattoos
that gave the technology its driving force. Emtecs-Tattoos work in much the same
way as standard Bio-Emtecs, but the embedded circuitry allows for the creation
of sub-dermal displays that project short animations on the subject’s
epidermis. The appeal of animated tattoos that can be activated, updated, or
switched off at will, as not only a novelty item, but also a fashion statement,
has led to the growth of a market that now dominates the global stock exchanges,
with slogans such as ‘Emtecs – Explosive Technology for the 21st
Century’.
Emtecs
also has more mundane application in the workplace and everyday life. Emtecs in
the office allows keyboard and mouse functions to be embedded into the surface
of workstations, without the need for the associated peripherals (Although it is
pertinent to point out, that wireless NT technology, had already sidelined much
of the peripheral industry in the pre-ascendance era). Emtecs can also be found
in industries such as the automotive, where Emtecs embedded in steering wheels
allows for control of a vehicles major systems.
Emtecs
in medicine, and the application of other reactive technologies have also
increased the longevity of the Dominion’s mature citizens, and their viability
as a part of the social body; combating the rigours of old-age and actively
pushing back the rate of mortality. Ironically, Emtecs has managed to embed
itself into almost every aspect of the Dominion, and continues the trend of
technological integration, that has been seen in previous decades.
HOSTS OrganisationThe
Hosts have essentially replaced the pre-ascendance military establishment known
as the ViRA. Whilst the Clone Legions continue to function in post-ascendance
times, they do so in support and by the command of, the WARDS.
The
term ‘Hosts’ tends to refer only to fighting forces comprised of WARDS, as
the Clone Legions retain their pre-ascendance organisation, and composition.
The
average Host consists of 100 Knights (Warriors of the Hosts), divided into 10
sub-units, overseen by 10 Baronets (Captains of the Hosts), the whole commanded
in full, by a single Baron (Commanders of the Hosts). This smaller operational
size reflects the number of Wards in existence, comparable to the number of
standard FACETS. Arms and ArmourWARDS
belonging to the military band of the Pantheon are usually armoured in reactive
battle dress, incorporating sculpted plates reminiscent of ancient Greek styles
as well as the more modern Dominion combat suit. WARDS in full battle dress will
also sport a helm that includes a faceplate moulded in the shape of an
expressionless human face.
Where
typical armament of a Clone Warrior has remained almost unchanged since
pre-ascendance times, a WARD will only ever wield two weapons in combat: The
easily recognisable punch swords that are characteristic of the Clone Legions
(However in the case of a WARD these are sported on both arms), and the
quarterstaff weapon known as a LANCET. Combat MethodA
Host will typically initiate combat from above: Wading into close-quarters
fighting, only after devastating aerial assault. However, it is important to
note that a WARD is more than capable of dealing with multiple opponents on the
ground; their wings serving as shields and a means to beat down assailants
quickly & easily
LANCET The
weapon of a WARD, the Lancet is a quarterstaff some 2 metres in length,
comprising of two distinct parts. Firstly, the main shaft - Gloss black and
housing an advanced power source. Secondly, the tip – Approximately 30
centimetres in length and silver, this section is responsible for the invisible
discharge that can stun or severely injure opponents with little or no visible
marking, except when used at extremely close ranges. [Classified
Description]
Primarily
a two-handed device the Lancet is an incredibly robust and solid weapon.
Bio-metrically encoded to its user, it will become inert in the hands of
another.
An active Lancet makes use of Ion technology to impair its target. Ions are charged particles of energy, and the Lancet is a weapon designed to propel millions of these in a tight beam. Requiring no direct contact, it can not only induce painful shocks at a distance of up to 20ft, but also cause severe disruption to electrical equipment, and unshielded or embedded circuitry.
[Photostat: Knight of Bastet and Felis Tenebrae - See: WARDS]
NEO-LUDDITE The
Neo-Luddite movement borrows its name from the English Luddite movements of
1811-16, which rioted against the use of machines in the textiles industry and
the more general trend towards industrialisation prevalent in the 19th
century. The Neo-Renaissance movement’s agenda is the toppling of the current
AI supported administration and associated institutions, recognised as the
Dominion state body.
The
Neo-Luddite movement first appeared in the mid 2040s, and came to public
awareness in 2044, through a spate of terrorist attacks on governmental targets.
The movement is formed from a coalition of anti-technologists, left-wing
liberals, and the remnants of Iconoclast Technologies; the first company to have
suffered ‘Mea Culpa’, when the Supreme Advocates Court issued the decree
against them in 2034.
Since
it’s explosive entrance into the arena of world affairs, the Neo-Luddite
movement has suffered heavily during the ensuing war of attrition waged by the
security and intelligence services of the Dominion. In spite of these continual
setbacks and loss of personnel, the movement persists as a well-organised
terrorist network, with cells active in most major urban populations.
The
classic symbol of the Neo-Luddite movement, features a stylised hammer smashing
three revolving cogs, representing the state, AI, and the advanced technologies
industries.
SHARD [Classified
Description]
A
direct translation of the name applied by Martian AI to their Avatars. Shards
are the product of advanced Martian technologies, and incorporate many systems
beyond the engineering capabilities of current Dominion manufacture. The name
Shard echoes the belief of Martian AI that they are the crystallisation of
Martian Technology; their Avatars therefore, are components in that larger
unique development.
The
appearance of Shards, and their use in exercises to recover human subjects for
research and experimentation, has led to the many modern myths of Alien
abduction, and the so-called ‘Greys’ phenomena. The typical Shard is a
compact bipedal unit, utilizing advanced reactive technologies to create the
semblance and effect of a living organism. Their core-processing unit is housed
in the ‘head’ and fronted by a wide array of sensors, mounted behind large
oval casings or ‘eyes’.
Unlike
their earthbound counterparts the Facets, Shards rather than being grown from
harvested genetic materials, are manufactured as required, and are therefore,
free of biological frailties and incapable or independent reproduction. Such
design has proved invaluable in the development of interplanetary transport,
where concerns relative to G-Force over the limits of endurance of biological
vessels are negated.
TRIBUNES The
use of the term ‘Tribune’, in referring to the Dominion’s governing
councils was instigated early during the Ascendance in 2041. Beyond this, the
only major changes to the layered structure of the Dominion’s government came
with the integration of the Pantheon of Wards, and the recognition of their
jurisdiction, and control over certain aspects of governmental policy, all of
which was finally realised in 2042. The title Dominion Security Council, for the
Dominion’s chief governing body was also replaced at this time, with the term
‘Supreme Tribune’.
Many
Post-Ascendance scholars site the use of the term ‘Tribune’ as a reference
to the Dominion’s revolutionary beginnings. Similar parallels can be found
between French revolutionary structure of the late 1790s and the Dominion State
in the Post-Ascendance period, a fact that is echoed and reinforced by popular
fashion trends amongst the Citizenry and State institutions, the most obvious
being the Journeymen, who have adopted styles in the Neo-Renaissance era, that
would not have been completely out of place in 18th century France.
WARDS OrganisationWinged
Avatars of the angelics, the Wards are the elite representatives of the
Dominion, commanding supreme mandates and administering to every level of the
Dominion’s post-ascendance structure.
Wards
are considered the prime FACETS of the angelics, revered above all other
incarnations, except the Felis Tenebrae of Bastet.
The
Wards are subdivided by a feudal style ranking system, referred to as ‘the
Pantheon of Wards’: (In
descending order) Prince
– Patron Major of the Tribunes Duke
– Patron Minor of the Tribunes Marquis
– Patron of the Journeymen Count
(Earl) – Patron Major of the Advocates Viscount
– Patron Minor of the Advocates Baron
– Commander of the Hosts Baronet
– Captain of the Hosts Knight
- Warrior of the Hosts There
is one Prince per Country-State of the Dominion, forming a world council known
as the Supreme Tribune. A Prince is also attended by a staff of Dukes – This
is the first band in the Pantheon, related to Government hence the full titles
of ‘Patron Major/Minor of the Tribunes’.
The
second band is comprised entirely of Marquis ranked Wards, traditionally seen as
a diplomatic corp, or roving trouble-shooters, Marquis ranked Wards are most
commonly seen working alongside the Journeymen, and are heralded as ‘Patron of
the Journeymen’.
The
third Band is often referred to as the Judicial: comprised of Count ranked
Wards, whose role is to make the law, and their attendants & advisors the
Viscount ranked Wards. Again, this association is marked in their full titles as
‘Patron Major/Minor of the Advocates’
The
final band is the military arm of the Wards, known collectively as the Patrons
of the HOSTS – Following system similar to that used by the pre-ascendance
Clone Legions.
Forms of AddressIn
conversation where full titles are not being used, a Ward is always referred to
by rank, never by Lord or Lady as theologically there is only one Lord (God) and
one Lady (The Virgin Mary). When full titles are applied the Ward will be
addressed in the following formats (The first being Standard, the second being
Ceremonial): [Name]
[Rank] of [Angelic] eg:
[Mercius] [Marquis] of [Bastet] [Name]
[Rank] of [Angelic] [Rank Title] eg:
[Mercius] [Marquis] of [Bastet] [Patron of the Journeymen] PhysiologyA
Ward’s physiology is comparative to the standard FACET, often referred to by
the pre-ascendance term ‘Cybrid’. The main difference of course between a
standard FACET and a Ward, are the wings sported by the latter.
[Classified
Description] The
average Ward is a powerhouse of genetic engineering and modern Cybrid
manufacture, incorporating ripcord muscles overlaid on bones enhanced by
reactive technology. The chest is home to the enlarged muscle mass and
strengthened ribcage required in motivating the wings to attain lift.
A
Ward’s wing, comprises of three parts: The main arm is the first of these;
jointed in three places along the leading edge, the entire limb is comprised of
muscle and reactive fibres, strung out along cartilage shafts. The second is a
small stabilising limb, protruding from under the shoulder blades at a declining
angle. The last part is the wing itself, stretched between the tip of the main
limb, and the stabiliser, divided into three sections corresponding to the
joints of the main limb. The wing itself is made up of a reactive biomesh,
covered in a layer of skin, then another layer of fine down.
When not in flight, a Ward’s wings can concertina to some degree against the Ward’s back, the last phalanx of the main limb dropping entirely. This does not compensate completely for balance, which is also offset by the muscle mass at the front of the chest area; therefore a grounded Ward will have a slight lean to the fore, which will become more pronounced when walking. |
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