Skies weep silver, the earth churns with past mistakes, and on their last broken pieces clings humanity. The gods were shattered and ground into Essence G - a resource of infinite potential and devastating consequences. Greed from ancient corporations tore the world asunder, leaving only desolation, wild magic, and the ruins of their war against what they created. Humanity was doomed, with Essence G twisting those exposed into feral, mutated creatures, while their cities fell into ruin.

In the midst of this desolation, a desperate solution came forth: a mycovirus named Cryo-MNC Alpha-7 (Cryonic Myco-Neuro-Canid Alpha Version 7) - or simply MNC. It was a last-ditch attempt to stem the tide of corruption and save what remained of humanity. Injected into elite human soldiers, the virus turned them into a form of werewolves, imbuing them with particular abilities that would be required to fight this threat. Immune to disease and the madness induced by Essence G, these soldiers neither age nor die except through brute force. Even they, however, are not completely impervious to Essence G; their prolonged exposure drives even them into feral beasts. Now, 406 years later, humanity hangs in a state of survival, fragmented into small groupings, their technology regressed to the level of medieval Europe due to the loss of knowledge through the generations. Small kingdoms and villages arise and collapse, bartering superstition for remnants of what once was. Ruins from the old world litter the landscape, unused and feared for their possible contamination. Old cities still stand, concealing military tech out of reach for most. Only the werewolves - who still understand the old technologies - can travel into the most corrupted regions to reclaim what they had once called a purpose. Magitech now belongs solely to the wolves, furthering the rift between the two factions.

Life is precarious in this broken world, and every decision affects the fragile future of humanity. Werewolves can stand as protectors, take their rightful place in a world that fears them, or fall prey to the lure of their own feral longings. The gods might be gone, but there are those who can fill their places - as saviors or as monsters.

Cryo-MNC Alpha-7

Abstract

Cryo-MNC Alpha-7 (Cryonic Myco-Neuro-Canid Alpha Version 7) represents a pivotal scientific breakthrough developed as a last line of defence during the events triggered by the spread of Essence G. This document outlines the origins, development, and biological purpose of the MNC-7 virus. 

1. Development Background

Cryo-MNC Alpha-7 was designed during the early stages of Blackout Eden as a direct response to the mutagenic effects of Essence G. With conventional means unable to offset the corruptive properties of Essence G, military scientists engineered the mycovirus as a means of creating soldiers that would be resistant to the pervasive mutations.

2. Engineering and Biological Basis

DNA Foundation:

The virus uses fungal DNA, which was chosen out of the natural resistance that it had to mutagenic forces. The fungal organisms were able to survive - even thrive - naturally in environments tainted by unstable substances, making them a prime candidate for integration into the virus.

Targeted Application:

Cryo-MNC Alpha-7 was applied to elite human soldiers with enhanced mental and physical hardiness. The subjects underwent a transformation into a new biological type - sometimes colloquially referred to as "werewolves" - in a very controlled manner.

3. Active Abilities

Following are the main characteristics identified among Cryo-MNC Alpha-7-enhanced subjects:

Physical Resilience: Immunity to all diseases, including those caused by Essence G, with an enhanced healing factor.

Longevity: Target does not age following the transformation in question, effectively entering a state of biological stasis.

Mortality Limits: Death is only achievable by extensive physical destruction.

Cognitive Stability: Subjects retain human reasoning and emotional capacity unless under extreme stress or over prolonged exposure to Essence G.

4. Spread and Inheritances

4.1 Infection at Conception

No cases of fetal infection with the MNC-7 virus have been recorded at conception. Even if both parents are infected, the offspring will have a clean genetic footprint. As a result, werewolves often choose either to abstain from reproduction or to infect the child once it is old enough to survive the transformation.

4.2 Infection with Other Means

To infect a subject with the MNC-7 virus effectively, a blood transfusion from an infected donor is necessary. This does not come without risks due to the sudden introduction of the virus instead of a slower, long term injection schedule. The receiver might not survive the first transformation; the strain of the body causing irreparable damages.

5. Conclusion and Future Considerations

To effectively infect a subject with the MNC-7 virus, a blood transfusion from an infected donor is required. However, this process is not without risks due to the sudden introduction of the virus, as opposed to a slower, long-term injection schedule. The recipient may not survive the first transformation, as the strain on the body can cause irreparable damage.



Werewolf Anatomy and Traits

Abstract

This report describes the physiological and behavioral characteristics of individuals transformed by Cryo-MNC Alpha-7 (Cryonic Myco-Neuro-Canid Alpha Version 7), hereinafter referred to as "werewolves." These individuals possess singular multiform capabilities, specific morphological adaptations, and behaviors that reflect both their human origins and lupine transformations. The findings below outline the implications of such characteristics for their survivability, societal integration, and interaction with Essence G-corrupted environments.

1. Morphological Traits

1.1 Transformation Capabilities

Subjects altered by the Cryo-MNC Alpha-7 are capable of three different states, including:

Human Form: Visually, subjects are identical to regular humans, except for the following subtle differences that may or may not occur in individuals:

  • Slightly improved dental structure, such as pointed canines or tusks.

  • Different eye glow in low-light conditions.

  • Acute senses, particularly smell and hearing.

Werewolf Form (Bipedal): A transitional phase that exhibits the following features:

  • Full-body fur.

  • Facial structure entirely wolf, though snout length varied, along with ears (floppy and otherwise), among other attributes.

  • Handedness, generally described as paw-like, though retaining digit articulation to allow the manipulation of objects.

  • Tail, digitigrade stance permitting bipedal and quadrupedal locomotion. 

  • Feet, like full wolf paws, but dew claws are present. 

Full Wolf Form (Quadruped) - larger body mass than natural wolves.

Both beast forms sport unique pelage coloration and markings mimicking natural canine patterns (e.g., wolf, fox, hyena), though the anatomy remains consistent.

1.2 Forced Transformation (Lunar Influence)

Under increased Essence G levels at full moon, the subjects involuntarily change into their werewolf state. The exact mechanism is still under investigation, but it is hypothesized that gravitational or electromagnetic effects from the moon enhance the dispersion of Essence G, thus triggering the effect. Being indoors suppresses this effect.

1.3 Physical Resilience

Subjects display resistance to diseases, enhanced healing, and physical longevity. Cryo-MNC Alpha-7 confers immunity to Essence G-induced mutations except under prolonged exposure, which leads to feralization.

2. Behavioral Adaptations

2.1 Wolf-Like Mannerisms

In werewolf form, subjects display heightened instincts akin to lupine behavior:

  • Vocalizations such as growling and howling are commonly observed.

  • Non-verbal communication, including "whale-eye" gestures and submissive/dominant postures, is pronounced.

  • Subjects retain the ability to speak while in werewolf form but not in full wolf form.

2.2 Human Behavioral Residue

Human-adapted subjects retain wolf-like traits when in their human state:

  • Instinctive growling or postural shifts in response to threats.

  • Dependence on heightened senses of smell and hearing for detecting threats.

3. Sociocultural Observations

3.1 Clothing and Identification

Subjects often prefer utilitarian and post-modern styles of dress, such as techwear, to differentiate from the medieval-level attire that standard human populations adopt. Events of transformation must be preceded by the removal of clothes, as the garments do not morph with changing morphology.

3.2 Societal Integration

Most subjects, despite their origin from human stock, function separately from human society in small, isolated enclaves or as lone individuals. Interpersonal trust is low, largely because of their abilities and their association with pre-Event technology.


Essence G and its Devastation

Abstract

Essence G, derived from its origin in the remnants of gods, is a substance of volatile power. Originally harvested by humanity for its limitless potential, its release marked the onset of widespread devastation. The mutagenic properties of Essence G wreaked havoc on all forms of life, altering the natural world and human civilization. 

Essence G originally had many uses that humanity attempted to harness, including:

  • Power generation

  • Healing abilities

  • Future sight when taken in small doses

  • The creation of life and its many applications

These effects could be utilized for an unknown, yet significant, period of time. During this era, humanity experienced a leap in scientific advancements, leading to the era being referred to as “Eden,” after the biblical garden of perfection.

1. Properties and Effects

1.1 Mutagenic Nature:

Essence G is a powerful mutagen. Long-term exposure causes irreversible physical and psychological changes, with humans becoming feral, uncontrolled, creatures. These mutants, sometimes referred to as “God-Scarred”, often sport misshapen bodies and extreme aggression. 

Effects might include:

  • Multiple limbs and/or eyes

  • Growths of horn like substances

  • Fusion with other life-forms in non-useful ways

    • I.E. A red deer and a brown bear may merge, with the result being unable to walk properly

1.2 Environmental Impact:

Essence G polluted large parts of the world, creating "hot zones" where its concentration is still lethal. These areas exhibit highly unstable terrain due to disrepair of buildings or roads, and/or aberrant wildlife.

Essence G may linger in the soil, water, and air, making such places impossible for ordinary humans to survive.

1.3 Lunar Influence:

Though not fully understood, it seems the Essence G's concentration varies according to the phases of the moon, being at its height during a full moon. This enhances its effects, and consequently, any werewolves are forced to transform.

Humans stay in buildings or hideouts during these times.

2. Effect on Humanity

2.1 Collapse of Civilization:

The release of Essence G triggered a global collapse. Whole cities were overrun as their populations either mutated or fled. Infrastructure crumbled, and humanity was forced into isolated communities to avoid contamination.

2.2 Generational Fear:

Even centuries after its release, Essence G still influences humanity. Its persistence in ruins and hot zones has created a profound fear of the old world and its remnants. Superstitions and distrust towards those who are resistant to its effects are rampant.

3. Interaction with Werewolves

Werewolves, through the Cryo-MNC Alpha-7 virus, are resistant to the mutagenic effects of Essence G. However, they are not immune to its influence.

Feralization Risk: Prolonged or high-level exposure can overwhelm the virus, causing werewolves to succumb to feral instincts and lose their humanity.

Essential Operatives: The ability of werewolves to withstand Essence G for extended periods makes them uniquely capable of entering and surviving in hot zones. Because of this, they are easily able to scavenge resources from contaminated areas and may choose to share with generic humans.

4. Current State of Essence G

Though its most devastating effects have subsided, Essence G still shapes the world 406 years after its breach of containment. Certain regions remain uninhabitable, and mutants still roam areas of high concentration. 



Post-Collapse Societal Structures and Dynamics

Abstract

The fall of global civilization caused regression in human technological and social systems. Contemporary society exists in a series of fragmented, medieval-level communities. Knowledge has been lost through generations and superstition against anything that existed before and during Blackout Eden.

1. Human Settlements

Human populations have reorganized into isolated, small communities, struggling with the loss of advanced technologies and infrastructure.

Technological Regression:

Human society now resembles the technological and social structure of medieval Europe.

Knowledge of pre-apocalypse technologies has largely been lost, though remnants of advanced tools exist depending on the superstitions of the individual group of humans.

Settlement Types:

Villages and Hamlets: Generally agrarian, these communities subsist on farming and localized trade.

Fortified Towns: Larger, strategically positioned communities often surrounded by walls to defend against external threats such as mutants or bandits. These communities rely mostly on organized scavenging in groups.

Nomadic Tribes: Small groups of people that move around, traveling from ruin to settlement and scavenging for supplies.

Cultural and Religious Beliefs:

Superstition runs rampant in human societies as many view the apocalypse to be the punishment of the gods.

Werewolves are either feared or worshipped, depending on local folklore, as saviors or harbingers of ruin.

2. Werewolf Communities

Operating on a different physiology than the humans, werewolves have distinctively different social and behavioral standards, by access to knowledge from before the apocalypse.

2.3 Paxera Wolves

The Paxera wolves retain their identity as elite supersoldiers created before Blackout Eden. They operate with strict discipline, rigorous training, and a commitment to the original mission of protecting humanity.

Mission and Purpose:

The Paxera wolves see themselves as the last line of defense against the extinction of humanity. Their mission has not changed; eradicate threats to human survival, whether they are feral mutants, Apex werewolves, or any other hostile forces. Human lives are the number one priority; they consider their role as a necessary evil for what is left of humankind.

Tactics and Structure:

Operating in structured units resembling pre-apocalypse military squads, Paxera wolves maintain combat readiness at all times. Their approach is strategic and aggressive, focusing on preemptive strikes against Apex werewolves and coordinated efforts to secure human settlements. They do not negotiate or compromise with Apex factions, considering them a direct violation of their core mission.

2.4 Apex Wolves

Apex wolves wholly reject humanity, believing that werewolves are the ones who should rule the world after its collapse.

Mission and purpose:

The apex wolves view humans as a failed species and the werewolves as the superior race. They aim at nothing but the complete annihilation of humanity and the establishment of werewolves as the dominant species on Earth.

Tactics and Strategy:

Apex wolves launch strategic attacks on human settlements to weaken humanity's resources and morale by targeting villages and towns. They are also actively hostile toward Paxera wolves, who have a human-centric mission, and compete with them for territory.

Isolationism and Independence:

Apex wolves do not integrate themselves into human communities, and interaction outside of hostile engagement is practically nil.

2.5 Independent Wolves

These werewolves have abandoned alliances with Apex or Paxera factions, favoring survival.

Purpose:

They are mercenaries, scavengers, or freelancers. They don't fight for ideologies but for personal gain.

Tactics:

Resourceful and adaptable, they survive in Essence G hot zones and take on missions for humans or other werewolves, usually for money or supplies.

Relations:

  • Humans view them as helpful but untrustworthy.

  • Paxera wolves don't trust them because they have no allegiance.

  • Apex wolves attempt to recruit or eliminate them.

Groups:

Most are solitary, but some will form small groups when it benefits them.

2.5 Operations of Werewolf Society

Preservation of Knowledge:

Because of their longevity and resistance to most diseases, werewolves remember pre-apocalypse technology and how it works. This enables them to enter the Essence G hot zones and salvage Magitech or have their bases in military buildings.

Fashion and Distinction:

Werewolves are often attired in functional, modernistic clothes - such as techwear-outfits that stand out next to the ragged and old-fashioned clothing worn by humans. Some dress like locals to merge with humans, but their appearance and behavior often give them away.

3. Human-Werewolf Dynamics

Dependence and Distrust:

Humans are dependent upon werewolves for scavenging missions and Essence G hot zone protection, yet fear their physical and technological superiority. Werewolves contribute to human communities but are often excluded and ostracized. This is not always the case and some communities do have a group of werewolves dedicated to protecting them.

Bartering and Cooperation:

Trade between human settlements and werewolves is rare but critical. Werewolves may exchange salvaged artifacts for food or shelter, while humans offer knowledge of local conditions or resources.

4. Socio Political Trends

Fragmentation:

Human societies are fragmented, with little centralized authority. Kingships, tribal leadership, and religious orders dominate local governance. Inter-settlement conflict is common, with rival groups vying for limited resources.