The Phoenix Fallacy_Book III_Magnus

by Jon Sourbeer,

  technology, vehicle

  Avalon Class Fortress – A combination city, weapons factory, military base, and trading center for mercenary Legions, Avalon class fortresses are a rare sight, especially now. Originally designed as a mobile deployment center for Corporations, Avalons were deemed too costly, too limited, and too vulnerable for such a purpose and were eventually abandoned. This has not prevented them from finding a new and valued purpose, however, as a home for Adept Legions. An exact count of Avalon class fortresses has never been made, due largely to their mobility and to efforts by those that control them to keep them both secret and safe. It is believed that there are only three still in existence, including Valhalla. Avalon, in mythology, was the hidden island that protected King Arthur and allowed him to recover after a battle in which he was seriously injured.

  Blood Poet

  rank

  A master-of-arms, spirit, and words, a Blood Poet acts as the spiritual leader of an Adept Legion. Considered second-to-none, Blood Poets rival even the Praetors in influence and are responsible for leading Adept burial services, known simply as the ‘Blood Poets’ Ceremony’. Wearing long, flowing, red robes, Blood Poets are considered sacrosanct, often granted safe passage by rivals, opponents, and even Corporations when performing their duties. So important is the role that warring factions have enacted temporary cease-fires to allow Blood Poets safe passage. Should a Poet ever be lost in battle, opposing Legions will send their own to care for the enemy. Due to their unique position, Blood Poets are always Sergeants within Legions. It is an unspoken rule that officers, those who are responsible for the decisions that send so many to their deaths, could never fill the role of a Blood Poet.

  Blueback

  slang (derogatory) – A new Adept recruit

  Traditionally, new Adept recruits at Legions have been given uniforms with a blue stripe, often running along the front and back of their armor. This identifying stripe, plus a tendency to get tossed onto their backs during combat training, has led Veterans to refer to new recruits by the inevitable bruising of their backside. In or out of armor, most recruits will have ‘blue backs’.

  Brevis Bellum

  game

  Meaning ‘Short War’, Brevis Bellum is a popular strategy game played around the world, but most frequently by members of Adept Legions. A favored instructional tool in strategy and tactics, Brevis Bellum consists of between two to four players vying for dominance over an octagonal battlefield. To start, each player is given an equal number of requisition points with which to form an army of their choosing. Units vary in cost, movement, and power. The objective is usually twofold: a) to acquire victory points by capturing and holding certain locations on the board, and b) to eliminate one’s opponents. Victory goes to the first to reach an agreed upon total, or the last one standing, although variations to rules and objectives are found across the globe.

  Celes

  Celestia Soltis – Sharpshooter Corps

  A respected ODIN adept, who is occasionally kidded about her namesake. Fiercely independent, she strives to constantly improve herself and never allows her ego to factor. Surprisingly wise for someone of her age, her upbeat attitude and exceptional marksmanship make her a dependable and trustworthy ally whenever the situation is dire. She also seems to be a point of tension between both Marcus and Janus. She rarely speaks about her past, although she sometimes inadvertently drops hints about her origins.

  Cerberus

  Corporation

  One of the seven main Corporations of the world. Cerberus is currently the largest and most powerful of the Corporations, producing a large portion of the worlds Immutium supply. It controls approximately 120-150 million people and is the home of Janus, Clara, Norm, and Middleton. Cerberus is composed of eleven different levels that fulfill different functions for the Corporation. H-level is the highest and smallest, and the home of the Executors and Overlords. E-level is second, where most commoners reside, many in dormitory-like structures. A great deal of the small day to day businesses that keep the people going exist here. Levels 1 through 9 all serve strategic purposes within the Corporation, with 1 being the uppermost level and 9 the bottom, or slum level. Level 1 is the scientific and research divisions. Level 2 is for power and water. 3, 4, and 5 are maintained strictly for military purposes. 6 through 8 represent the primary factory and manufacturing levels, including varieties of food. Level 9 is the only level in which no building access exists. It primarily serves as the foundation for the various city structures, and occasionally, as storage space for the factories above. It acts as the first line of defense for Cerberus, restricting access to the higher levels. The levels themselves are connected primarily through major lift stations that accommodate huge numbers of people and are maintained in pristine condition for the benefit of Overlords and Executors. The lack of building access on level 9 essentially isolates the slums from the rest of the city, except through the few lift stations which are constantly guarded. Cerberus, in mythology, was the three-headed dog guardian of hell. It is rumored that the levels of Cerberus are so named because of a work called “Inferno”.

  Chimera

  Corporation

  One of the seven main Corporations of the world. Chimera is one of the few places that reliably produces ‘Daeduluses’, but otherwise has little power upon the world stage. It is one of the most secretive Corporations in the world.

  Clara

  full name unknown

  Janus’ adoptive mother, who found him as a baby. Although she was initially reluctant to care for her young ward, she now finds him to be an integral component of her life. Strong-willed and street savvy, Clara has mellowed over the years, and finds herself ill at ease when outside the slums. Nonetheless, she is more than capable, and is more than willing to butt heads with Janus when her adoptive son is being especially foolhardy. Janus owes much to this brave woman, who often finds herself worried about Janus’ safety. Unfortunately for her, this is not entirely without reason.

  Command Suit

  technology

  The largest armored battle suits ever constructed, Command Suits are more advanced than either S.T. or Infernus armor. Only authorized for use by Overlords and Executors, Command Suits offer superior protection, capable of even stopping Zeus rounds. Although they often sacrifice weaponry for this protection, their speed and agility is unmatched due to their completely independent actuating system. They also possess highly advanced communication and tracking systems designed to provide the wearer with maximum battlefield intelligence. Often intricately designed and incredibly expensive to deploy, they have fallen somewhat out of favor in recent years. It is considered inadvisable to engage a Command Suit under any circumstances.

  Daedulus

  technology, plural – Daeduluses

  Machines that power advanced technology throughout the world. Daeduluses refer to a large variety of machines, but are most commonly refer to computing systems that hold and manage Corporate information. Many systems are very old, or are based on old designs, as very few individuals are skilled enough to create these devices anymore. With a large portion of the population lacking the education, facilities, or opportunity to work with them in any advanced capacity, daeduluses have taken on a somewhat mystical quality. That is not to say that development or the science of such devices is dead, but many Corporations find their resources strained by unexpected failures in systems that have performed well beyond their expected lifetimes. As a matter of course, the ODIN Legion requires every Adept to acquire at least basic skills, as many acts of infiltration and sabotage require at least a rudimentary understanding of basic daedulus systems. In mythology, Daedalus (not daedulus) was a legendary craftsman and artisan, responsible for the Labyrinth (that held the minotaur), and for creating the wings of Icarus (who was his son).

  Delacroix

  Magnus Delacroix – Executor

  An Executor of Titan and the father of Lt. Janus. Very little is known about this man, though his r
ecent appearance deep within the ruins of Phoenix and his ties to the Cerberus Overlord Middleton suggest he is a truly dangerous foe.

  Elysium Fields

  location

  The Avalon-class fortress of SHADE. The Elysium fields were the final resting place of the Heroic and Virtuous in the Greek Underworld.

  Executor

  rank, also – Executor caste

  Executors form the ruling class of each Corporation. The Executor caste of a given Corporation acts as an oligarchy governing the Corporation through their chosen administrators, the Overlords. Although the caste itself may include members of their households, the term Executor most frequently refers to those who sit on the Executor Council, the ruling body of the Corporation. The council is frequently led by a single Executor Ascendant who has the final say in matters where agreement cannot be reached by the council’s members. Executors are often regarded with god-like awe by the underclasses, and are rarely seen, even by the elites of the city. Councils are usually comprised of seven members, though Hydra is noted for always having at least nine. The exact structures of the councils can also vary. Chimera’s council is a distinct example, where each Executor manages a specific area of the Corporation. Most Executor positions are hereditary, with children of Executors trained in all the necessary skills for their positions. In some Corporations, direct competition between siblings is encouraged when determining the next in line of succession. For good or ill, it has often been in these Corporations that outsiders have most frequently had the chance to rise through the ranks, though such stories are exceedingly rare.

  Ghostblade

  weapon

  A weapon forged of Immutium, often shaped into a sword or bladed instrument. So named for their translucent appearance and use as an assassination tool, Ghostblades use micro-generators in their handles to superheat the metal and allow it to cut through nearly anything. Due to the unique properties of Immutium, the blades never lose their edge, and cannot melt, shatter, or chip. They are extremely heavy weapons, and require a high degree of skill to use, but are an invaluable tool in the Adept arsenal. Ghostblades are usually hollow throughout their centers – both to reduce weight and cost. They often resemble a long, looping razor, and take advantage of the conductive properties of Immutium to pass a current along the length of the blade. Corporations never deploy them due to the expense and the skill required, and Adepts usually undergo significant training before carrying them into battle. Ghostblades serve a primary role in battles with Inferni and when silently eliminating targets.

  HAM

  slang (derogatory) – ‘High and Mighty’

  Used to refer to individuals of influence within an organization. ‘High and Mighty’ gives the impression of arrogance and inflated self-importance, while ‘ham’ evokes pig-like imagery.

  Hawkes

  Vladimir Hawkes – Colonel

  The oft-angry, short-tempered, no-nonsense assault commander of ODIN, Colonel Hawkes enjoys nothing more than teaching young recruits the errors of their ways. Not arrogant or conceited, but concerned only with getting the job done, Hawkes trusts his fellow officers implicitly and knows when to follow the advice of others. He relies extensively upon his wife, Colonel Keats, for wisdom and would charge into battle without a second thought if she or Praetor Jennings asked him.

  Hydra

  Corporation

  One of the seven main Corporations of the world. It is one of the largest producers of food across the globe, allowing it to field massive, if poorly equipped armies.

  Immutium

  material

  A unique, incredibly versatile alloy that forms from the combination of Steel, Titanium, Silver, and Gold in the extremely high temperatures of a fusion reactor. Immutium is denser than lead and nigh indestructible. Once cooled after initial formation, it is nearly impossible to reshape, as few substances can stand up to it without simply breaking, chipping, or cracking. Its unique properties, combined with the materials and methods used in its production, make it one of the most valuable substances on the planet. Critical in the maintenance of fusion reactors, it is used in the production of cutting edge technologies across the globe, including many engineering and daedulus projects. It is considered the ultimate currency, as it maintains a steady value, and is accepted all over the world by all walks of life. Usually processed in tiny ingots which can be exchanged and reused within fusion reactions, it is also sometimes found and traded as a very fine dust used to coat armor or to mix into compounds. Although it is impractical to carry a large supply of Immutium, one rarely needs to.

  Infernus

  soldier, plural – Inferni

  Originally referred to as ‘Advanced Security Troopers’, Inferni are so called because of their hellish appearance and extensive use of flamethrowers, often as an instrument of terror. Inferni represent the true pinnacle of military might in the Corporations. Acting as heavy shock troopers, Inferni are capable of a wide range of tasks. Usually the best soldiers a Corporation has to offer, Inferni have developed a reputation for explosive and cruel temperaments. Besides a demonic appearance – angular, sharp edges with a small red slit for vision, clawed hands, and a cloven hoof-like boot – Infernus armor is well known for possessing a set of ‘jump jets’ that allow it to quickly and efficiently traverse any terrain in leaps and bounds, and making the occupant seem even less human. Heavily armored by ceramium plates and immune to small arms, Inferni can be equipped with a variety of weapons, usually integrated via modular components directly into their suits. Altogether, Inferni stand head and shoulders, both literally and figuratively, over their lesser Trooper brethren. Due to the extensive training required and the far greater expense of their suits, Corporations field relatively few Inferni compared to the sheer number of S.T.s.

  Janus

  Janus Delacroix – Lieutenant

  A boy of about 20 and an Adept of the ODIN Legion. Found as a baby by Clara and raised in the Cerberus slums, his name comes from a locket found around his neck. In mythology, Janus is the Roman God of gates and doors, beginnings and endings. He is often depicted with two faces, one looking forward and one looking backward, representing his ability to see into both the past and future, and to represent change and transition. Despite his namesake, Janus is sometimes quite pigheaded.

  Keats

  Ananda Keats – Colonel

  Colonel Ananda Keats is the chief advisor to Praetor Jennings. She is often perceived as possessing a softer, gentler personality than many of the other officers. Nothing could be further from the truth, as many of the senior officers, including her husband, Colonel Hawkes, can attest. Whatever the case, with her sharp mind, there is a reason she is the head of intelligence at ODIN and second-in-command.

  Longboat

  vehicle

  The main transport vehicle of the ODIN Legion. Longboats are heavily armored, four-engine craft capable of taking heavy damage while still completing their mission. Longboats are generally simple transports, designed for reliability and survivability, but do possess one outstanding feature that has made them invaluable in their many years of service: an integrated multi-door system that allows for rapid deployment of troops in nearly any orientation. This has allowed skilled Longboat pilots to develop a technique called ‘popping’, where a group of Adepts is deployed at a run, hidden and defended by the heavy armor of the Longboat. At the last moment, the Longboat peels away, and a full squad of Adepts seems to magically ‘pop’ into existence. Longboats are named after the famously versatile and rugged water-going craft of the Norse people.

  Lyn

  Juliens Cachin – Scout Corps

  Prone to laugh and tell bad jokes, Lyn is a tornado of energy and a fierce soldier of ODIN. Despite her small stature, or perhaps because of it, Lyn is considered one of the best scouts in all of ODIN, able to infiltrate behind enemy lines without a trace. Sometimes known for speaking her mind before it catches up with her thoughts, Lyn is endearing and talented, and can always be
counted on in a pinch. Despite appearing to be being polar opposites, she and Ramirez share a special bond that originates from their time together in the Outskirts.

  Marcus

  Marcus Auras – Assault Corps

  A skilled adept of ODIN, Marcus is also Janus’ chief rival. What Marcus lacks in experience, he makes up for with pure athleticism and grit. Confident in the extreme, Marcus’ chief concern is keeping the ones who matter most to him alive. Marcus is both clever and skilled, and is not afraid to disagree with those around him when he sees a situation he doesn’t like, or one that threatens the people he is trying to keep alive. This sometimes causes his rivalry with Janus to become heated. If he can keep his attitude in check, he’ll likely make a great officer someday.

  Medusa

  Corporation

  One of the seven main Corporations of the world. It was once known for its energy production, including its powerful ‘entropic batteries’, but the arrival of fusion and the resulting war caused its influence to fade considerably.

  Middleton

  Victoria Middleton – Overlord

  Clara’s employer and the Overlord of Intelligence for Cerberus Corporation. She is well known throughout Cerberus for her garish clothing and feared throughout the world for her deviousness. Her power is suspected to rival that of an Executor, though she works in more subtle ways. Her ties to Delacroix have only recently been unearthed, though it is doubtful anyone outside of ODIN is aware of them. She seems particularly resentful of her extreme girth, and is known for her canny cruelty, especially with those she considers natural beauties.