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RadZakpak

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Posts posted by RadZakpak

  1. On 7/23/2023 at 7:08 AM, Joe Mac Manus said:

    Is the project still ongoing? I just read the first book and started reading th second and I really liked them, I like how you incorporated new characters like Wagner and Okitsu and I'm really surprised you managed to make a novel out of the storyline, no small feat. 🙂

    I'm glad you've liked it! I still plan to keep it going, I've just had issues with time and motivation.

    • Thanks 1
  2. 1 hour ago, anonymous said:

    Great theory and yes, the dates Nov 6th (GK) and Nov 5th (DE) are too close to each other to be coincidental and unintended. I think the devs really meant it this way. It would simultaneously confirm the well-substantiated hypothesis that fractures are not merely based on the original timeline with some random changes here and there, but rather that the fractures are dependant on and influenced by each other. Agonia would in this sense be a fracture of Proditione, which is a fracture of Deceptio, hence the destruction of the MPD on the 5th of November in Deceptio also being an event in the other fractures (although only visible in GK since ZnS takes place prior).

     

    I only don't understand the yellow eyes in Shadows of Evil, since I consider that map as taking place in a pocket as well. Any thoughts on that?

     

    What's also interesting to note is the absence of yellow eyes at the Crazy Place zombies in Origins, rather being bright purple-ish. If red indicates default Apothicon/Ancient Evil/Elder Gods influence, would purple-ish be Keeperese/Agarthan influence? Question is, then, why do they fight us in Origins

    For Shadows, I've gone between thinking it is a pocket and not a pocket, but I think I lean towards it not being a pocket dimension.

     

    The Mob and Tag ones were both formed around the deaths of the Mobsters and Pablo respectively, with neither able to die or escape. The Shadows characters don't seem to die but are drugged and transformed into beasts to serve the Shadowman. I think what is different about Morg City is that it is fully corrupted by the Apothicons coming from the rift stone. Our goal intially in the map is freeing the Apothicons who then proceed to corrupt and destroy Dimension 63. I don't see how they could do that if we only free them in a pocket dimension.

     

    As for the Crazy Place zombies, perhaps it is that Agarthan/Keeper influence, and they are simply "programmed" to defend the gateway from any intruders.

    • Like 1
  3. Bringing this topic up again because I am an insane person.

     

    I think I have a more consistent answer for the eye colors of zombies, and it centers around the MPD.

     

    By default, zombies seem to just have Apothicon influence with red eyes. When the MPD is present on the Moon, however, the eyes by default are orange-yellow. When Richtofen takes over, he changes them to blue. The APD overrides the MPD in the local area in Alpha Omega to be white.

     

    Why are the eyes red in Mob of the Dead and Blood of the Dead? They are in a pocket dimension consisting entirely of Alcatraz Island and the unfinished bridge. No MPD.

     

    Why are the eyes red in Tag der Toten? Is is also a pocket dimension consisting of the Siberian Facility. No MPD.

     

    Why are the eyes red in Revelations? It takes place in Agartha where the Apothicons have brought their influence, but no Moon and no MPD.

     

    Why are the eyes red in Gorod Krovi? This I think is the crux of the wider answer. At the end of Der Eisendrache we teleport the MPD to Earth, remove its controller, and blow up the Moon on November 5th, 1945. The way fractures seem to work is that they build off of each other, so by blowing up the Moon on November 5th, 1945 in the Deceptio fracture, the Moon blows up at the same time in the Proditione and Agonia fractures. Gorod Krovi takes place on November 6th, 1945, so the Moon is now blown up and there is no MPD to influence the zombies, hence the red eyes. Why aren't they red in Zetsubou No Shima? Because ZNS takes place on October 18th, 1945, before the Moon is blown up. The MPD is still there.

     

    In Origins and Shadows of Evil, the Moon and MPD are still there, planted by the Apothicons ages ago, so the eyes are orange.

     

    I think this theory aligns with what Blundell said about the eyes mattering sometimes and something they don't matter. With this theory it doesn't really change anything that the eyes in Gorod are red, it's just that way because of when it takes place. Same with where Blood and Mob take place. But it does matter in certain cases where we need to know who is in the MPD.

    • Brains 4
  4. House of Dust

    Spoiler

    Nikolai: “I entered the house of dust and I saw the kings of the earth, their crowns put away forever…”

     

    Nikolai: Since that day, I have feared the outcome of what could be, and what should be.

     

    Nikolai: In my dreams, I have seen the war. The one both fought and unfought. The one that haunted the German for so long… Good and evil on both sides of the front lines; One fights for freedom, the other, for the only existence they will ever know.

     

    Nikolai: Armies stretched beyond our mortal perspective, both certain in their resolve. Who is to say one is more deserving of victory?

     

    Nikolai: We fought to the last breath. All of us. Millions from across the vast multiverse: Brothers in arms, friends, enemies… loyal servants and valiant leaders… lovers… families…

     

    Nikolai: Even with former Keepers of the Universe sympathetic to our cause… our fate was sealed the moment we arrived.

     

    Nikolai: The others do not know we have been here before. Not even Richtofen truly grasps the reality.

     

    Nikolai: When the time comes, we will all be equals. Humans, Keepers, Apothicons… Joined as one in a house of dust.

     

    • Like 1
  5. 7 hours ago, anonymous said:

    Do we know that the memory trailers take place between Gorod Krovi and Revelations, the moment everyone had lost their soul? At some point we saw that Monty also discovered the location, and I really wonder if/when this happens in the Cycle

    I always assumed that they did because of the Monty trailer seeming to be the finale of all of them: 

     

     

    Though, I don't think it should be taken entirely literally. What he says in the trailer is just reused lines from Revelations itself. However, I think it does still imply that Primis all met up in the forest before meeting Monty in Revelations.

  6. On 2/14/2021 at 6:22 AM, RichKiller said:


    I love the John Dee references: 

    1280px-John_Dee%27s_Seal_of_God.jpg

     

    תוצאת תמונה עבור John Dee elizabeth

     

    Pretty sure that's the inspiration for the ring of skulls in the void bow:

    WWW.SMITHSONIANMAG.COM

    The life and work of John Dee contained a strange mix of science and magic

     

     

    Wish we had more information about the denizens to know what's going on there:

    תוצאת תמונה עבור tranzit green lamps

    image.png

    Had a bit of an epiphany just now in relation to the denizens of the forest, and I think they could be related to Nacht being at the location. I think this relates to Nacht being the center of the multiverse and the closest place on earth to the Aether, a theory I discussed here: 

     

     

    In this theory I also said that the Frozen Forest, at least as seen in Tag der Toten, is just outside of Nacht in Morasko. Perhaps the experiment that spawned these Denizen of The Forest also incidentally teleported the bunker from Morasko to Hanford. Maybe they were originally inhabitants of Morasko, or maybe they were residents of Hanford mutated into what they are now by creating a connection to Morasko. The green lights used for teleportation around Hanford could be a byproduct of this transition as well.

    • Like 1
  7. 10 minutes ago, anonymous said:

    Bringing up a real mystery here that I totally forgot about, nice job!  I'm really fund on your explanations, and it is so strange that Monty simply cites these passages rather than a specific quote directed to someone (Primis). This begs the question, to whom is Monty citing this? If for himself or the characters, it could very well be for the reasons stated by you. But what if it is directed to us, the ones who play the game?

     

    I could see how these passages are meant as an inspirational tool for us to understand certain aspects in the story: What is the nature of souls, what is the Frozen Forest? Espessially that second passage reminds me of something concrete:

     

    A man standing in a dark forest, filled with memories. Then, the rays of sunlight start to rise brightly... Could this be related with what we see in the game-over screen of Black Ops III: the dark Frozen Forest but with an odd blue-ish light rising (Apothicon Sun?). Something is happening here, but we never knew what. There's also the 'Primis memory trailers', taking place in the dark forest but before the lights start to rise ("The mere breath of memory stirs the old fear in the blood").  

     

    Perhaps the synonym of a dark forest in Shakespeare's work is the same as the Frozen Forest in our forest. Like how we had a lot of Biblical metaphores in our story as well (Number of the Beast, Tower of Bable, etc).

    Great catch with the dark woods being a parallel of the frozen forest! He could be referencing Primis between Gorod Krovi and Revelations being in the Frozen Forest, as seen in the memories trailers, with that light over the hill being their salvation, Agartha.

  8. This topic sort of came to me out of nowhere, and I wanted to share my thoughts because I don't think I've seen really any discussion on the topic.

     

    In Revelations, there are two stand out radios in which Dr. Monty simply recites lines from famous literature:

     

    From Shakespeare's The Tempest:

    Quote

    Our revels now are ended. These our actors, as I foretold you, were all spirits, and are melted into air, into thin air; and, like the baseless fabric of this vision, the cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces, the solemn temples, the great globe itself, Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve; And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little lives are rounded with a sleep.

     

    From Dante's Inferno (The Divine Comedy):

    Quote

    Midway this way of life we're bound upon, I woke to find myself in a dark wood, where the right road was wholly lost and gone. Ay me! How hard to speak of it - that rude and rough and stubborn forest! The mere breath of memory stirs the old fear in the blood; But when at last I stood beneath a steep hill's side, which closed that valley's wandering maze whose dread had pierced me to the heart-root deep, then I looked up, and saw the morning rays mantle its shoulder from that planet bright which guides men's feet aright on all their ways.

     

     

    Because of the old fashioned language and seeming randomness of these references, I don't think they were given much thought before. But I got curious recently about the origins of these quotes and what they could mean from Monty's point of view. What do they say about his situation in Revelations?

     

    Let's start with the lines from The Tempest, one of Shakespeare's last plays. The Tempest is about a group of people shipwrecked on an island led by a magical person known as Prospero. Prospero was formerly the Duke of Milan, and fled to this island years ago after a coup. One of the leaders of the coup was on the wrecked ship, and Prospero wants to make amends and return home.

     

    One of the passengers from the shipwreck is the son of a King, and he falls in love with Prospero's daughter. Meanwhile, a plot is going on to overthrow Prospero and take his position on the island. The text that Monty quoted is near the end of the marriage of Prospero's daughter and the King's son, after a celebration. Prospero remembers the plot against him and realizes he will have to give up the power he has come to know. "Our revels are now ended. These our actors, as I foretold you, were all spirits, and are melted into air, into thin air" The spirits Prospero conjured for entertainment are now gone, and their celebration comes to an end. "and, like the baseless fabric of this vision, the cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces, the solemn temples, the great globe itself, Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve; And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little lives are rounded with a sleep." In essence, despite how grand it all appears, Prospero's magic and the life he has created on the island will soon be gone. The themes of the play seem to be about the insignificance of our little lives despite how much we place importance on ourselves.

     

     

    Now, the lines from Dante's Divine Comedy are actually the beginning of the first of three sections, called Inferno. In summary, The Divine Comedy is about Dante travelling through Hell, Purgatory, and then Heaven. Inferno begins with Dante in the middle of his life, feeling as though he has gone down a path of sin. The dark woods represent that sin and he feels as though he is doomed. However, there is a glimmer of hope as he approaches a hill and sees the sun's rays cast overhead. They will lead him down a more righteous path.

     

     

    With the explanation out of the way, why is Monty fixated on these works, and these passages in particular?

     

    One interpretation of his reference to The Tempest is that he places himself in the shoes of Prospero when it comes to the cycle that Monty has created. Perhaps he even realizes that inevitably he will fail and the cycle will be broken. It would be interesting if he was already aware of the fact he was delaying the inevitable. In this viewpoint, Monty understands the folly of his actions and knows that someday, the House and Agartha will be gone and there will be nothing more of his life. In this case, his reference to Inferno is perhaps him feeling that despite the negative connotations of his actions, there is still redemption to come for him. What that redemption could be, I don't know. There is some speculation we will see more of Monty in the future, and that could further tie into this interpretation of the text.

     

     

    On the other hand, another interpretation could be that Monty is ascribing The Tempest's passage to humanity as a whole. Unlike he and the Keepers, our lives are small and temporary. Every empire that is created will fall, and as individuals we will be forgotten. His reference to Inferno could be a metaphor for Richtofen's journey, finding himself surrounded in darkness, a forest of bad deeds committed by his other selves. Richtofen, like Dante, sees hope through the forest and a path to redemption in following the plan up to Revelations.

     

     

    What do you think is the proper interpretation of these references?

     

     

    Also, BONUS LORE TIDBIT: The Tempest was also referenced in Black Ops's campaign. The clearance codes inside the Pentagon that McNamara uses are Prospero, Ariel, and Sycorax. Prospero being the protagonist of The Tempest, Sycorax being a witch who previously inhabited the island, and Ariel being a spirit imprisoned by Sycorax and later serving Prospero. Interestingly, as McNamara says these sequences, Mason seems to hear them as number sequences (discussed more in this thread). Is there something to this literary reference? Is Kennedy Prospero, with a plot to overthrow him coming from inside the government? Anyway, thanks for reading.

    • Brains 1
  9. Supply Run

    Spoiler

    Richtofen: Hallo?

     

    Frederick: This is Frederick. We are making a supply run, do you have any personal requests before we depart?

     

    Richtofen: Ah, I should have a list here somewhere.

     

    <Brief pause>

     

    Richtofen: Let’s see… Duct tape, rope, eggs… Something to get rid of that awful smell coming from the monkey cages… Something to get rid of that awful smell coming from Subject 4N0N’s cell.

     

    Richtofen: Onions, bleach, nails… Samantha is not too fond of the orange juice, so let’s try… pineapple.

     

    Frederick: I do not believe they will have pineapple juice.

     

    Richtofen: Well, could you check?

     

    <Ten second pause>

     

    Frederick: Where should I check?

     

    Richtofen: Forget it, apple will do fine.

     

    Richtofen: As for me, a case of Peach Schnapps, a case of Hefeweizen, some beef jerky… I also need some authentic circus fleas, I have a few experiments in mind…

     

    Richtofen: I would like a copy of The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand.

     

    Frederick: Are these related to your experiments, Doctor?

     

    Richtofen: <sighs> If you must, bill them to me and have them shipped to my Bavarian estate. I do not understand the issue, we have the funds after all…

     

    Frederick: If that is all, Doctor…

     

    Richtofen: I’m not done, Frederick. Patience, please. 

     

    Richtofen: A “White Christmas” record by Irving Berlin, a Garden Gnome holding a humorous sign of your choice, two ball-in-cup toys… Also, see if you can find a novelty phone that looks like a cat… to complement my clock.

     

    Richtofen: I think that’s all on the list… Ah, and fifty copies of my autobiography. There are far too many empty shelves at this facility.

     

    Frederick: Is that all, Doctor?

     

    Richtofen: Ja, ja, and don’t forget the juice. The last thing I need is Samantha snooping around during the Shard experiments. Auf Wiedersehen.

     

    • Haha 1
  10. Your Nature

    Spoiler

    Richtofen: Nikolai? Could we have a little chat before we break out the wine?

     

    Nikolai: I would dislike nothing more, Richtofen.

     

    Richtofen: You wound me, Nikolai! I’ve kept my mouth shut around you since Camp Me… Ahem, I mean, Camp Edward.

     

    Nikolai: Yes, perhaps you have broken all-time record. Congratulations.

     

    Richtofen: I won’t beat around the bush. Nein, I will beat IN the bush. You’ve changed since you read the Kronorium, my dear Russian friend.

     

    Nikolai: Changed?

     

    Richtofen: Though I don’t know you as well as mein own Nikolai, I know you are a bit of un… sourpuss. A buzzkill. A stick in the mud. Not too unlike your own Richtofen.

     

    Nikolai: I appreciate your… honesty.

     

    Richtofen: What I am trying to say, Nikolai, is you seem chipper… considering what comes next.

     

    Nikolai: What do you think comes next, Richtofen?

     

    Richtofen: I do not know anything specific, but I knew this time would come one day. The other me knows it, even if he is too afraid to admit it. But whatever you are planning… I know it’s not exactly sunshine und rainbows.

     

    Nikolai: Is anything in our lives?

     

    Richtofen: Touché.

     

    Nikolai: If you want to know what happens-

     

    Richtofen: Yes, yes, I know. You would not tell me even if you trusted me to do the right thing.

     

    Nikolai: Then what is point of this ‘chat’, German?

     

    Richtofen: I only want you to know that I am on your side.

     

    Richtofen: If you can believe it, I understand the consequences of my actions. 

     

    Richtofen: Though I would not change a single thing about them, I will see mein results through until the very end.

     

    Nikolai: How…

     

    Richtofen: Noble? Heroic? Honorable?

     

    Nikolai: I was going to say ‘strange’.

     

    Nikolai: You are a schemer. A liar. A cheater.

     

    Nikolai: The information I have been given and the final decision I will make I could never trust with you.

     

    Nikolai: But I cannot blame you.

     

    Nikolai: It is your nature.

     

    Richtofen: You say that as if I could not change. 

     

    Richtofen: Well, is it true, Nikolai?

     

    Nikolai: Anything is possible. Nothing is certain.

     

    Richtofen: Now that is the Nikolai I know. Well, the one I could have known.

     

    Richtofen: Perhaps it is my optimism shining through, but I believe I can change. For the first time in mein life, I truly do.

     

    Richtofen: Isn’t that why we are here, Nikolai? How we came this far? I, the other me, had a change of heart. Against all odds.

     

    Nikolai: Perhaps, Richtofen. Perhaps.

     

    Richtofen: I was always humbled by the uncertainty of freewill. Und you know I don’t like being humble…

     

    Nikolai: I promise you this, Edward: What is about to happen was no one else’s choice but my own.

     

    Nikolai: You will have your chance to do what is right. 

     

    Richtofen: That is all that I have ever wanted.

     

     

  11. Ascension

    Spoiler

    Richtofen: Hello? … Hello?!

     

    Richtofen: I can’t… I can’t see. What did I… 

     

    Richtofen: I can’t feel. There’s nothing.

     

    Richtofen: Wait. There is something… Something.

     

    Unknown: MAROTH.

     

    Unknown: ORGONETH. 

     

    Unknown: ORMAT. 

     

    Richtofen: Shadow… That is you! The one that I-

     

    Unknown: ZOR’ARKOTH.

     

    Unknown: ESTHUJA.

     

    Richtofen: Why can’t I feel anything?

     

    Unknown: We. 

     

    Unknown: Are. 

     

    Unknown: Ascended.

     

    Richtofen: That’s- That’s impossible. This isn’t right… Wait… I’m beginning to see.

     

    Unknown: Become. 

     

    Unknown: Light. 

     

    Richtofen: It’s cold. But I have no skin. I can feel their pain… All of them! It hurts!

     

    Richtofen: I don’t want this. I don’t want this.

     

    Unknown: No… Will…

     

    Unknown: Here.

     

    Richtofen: This was not what I was promised! What we agreed on!

     

    Richtofen: The screams… I can feel them. How is this… I must go back.

     

    Richtofen: Schuster. Baron. I must find him.

     

    Richtofen: There are so many…

     

    Unknown: Memory.

     

    Unknown: Decay.

     

    Richtofen: Nein… I must remember. 

     

    Richtofen: Schuster. Baron. 

     

    Richtofen: Heidelberg. 

     

    Richtofen: The Forest. Bavaria.

     

    Unknown: Submit.

     

    Richtofen: It was you… The girl…

     

    Richtofen: She was talking about you.

     

    Richtofen: What have I done?

     

    Unknown: The End.

     

    Unknown: Is Near.

     

    Richtofen: No, no, no, no… I can fix this. There is still time.

     

    Richtofen: What did they do? Ludvig, you… you’ve doomed us. You’ve doomed us all…

     

    Richtofen: The rift… They must mend the rift.

     

  12. A few corrections when it comes to specifics, because this EE is very buggy and for that reason there was a lot of misinformation. But according to trial and error and the code, this is a more accurate series of steps for Maxis' side: https://www.reddit.com/r/CODZombies/comments/gi9z1w/actual_die_rise_guide_for_maxis_side_tired_of_the/

     

     

    The main contentious step is the "reincarnation is key" one. Apparently Russman has nothing to do with it. You only have to pack-a-punch the ballistic knife and go shoot the buddha statue or somewhere near it after killing enough zombies and triggering the "reincarnation is key" line.

     

    After that, for some reason Misty and Marlton have to be the ones to pick up the balls or the game will glitch.

     

    So I think he says, "Ah, yes! Do you see? The energy of their broken souls has been released! Their energy fields remain in flux. Matter must be transformed before it can be contained. The Spire must be energized as fire and light. Create a field with which to bind it."   after shooting the buddha statue, implying you should use the trample steams and the balls to create the field.

     

    Then, after creating the field, he would say, "Excellent! The energy fields are changing, transforming, flowing. Ah, you are on the right path. You must look for objects of steel. With the appropriate weapon, their energy fields can be manipulated" with the weapon of steel being the galvaknuckles at the end. It's possible he might be using Victis' energy also, he just isn't implying it. But regardless, they are used to manipulate energy acquired in a different manner. I also find it interesting that it must be done in a specific way, hitting the different directions of the tower in a certain order, which feels like it would relate to some pseudoscience about energy and the poles, but I'm no expert there.

     

    As for what the balls are, they seem to be made of the same material as the lion statue and have a similar pattern to its neck collar. I have to assume it's just some kind of mysticism at play. 

    _1-49 screenshot.png

     

    • Brains 1
    • Like 2
  13. 3 hours ago, anonymous said:

    Amazing work Rad, you got the real Ultimis vibes described here, the characters come to life. Really laughed at some points as well.

     

    Two small points I have

     

    "The frame of the device illuminated, and as if it were unable to contain the row energy within"

     

    I think this must be 'raw' instead of 'row', but I could be wrong. Another thing is in the Fightclub-like scene that Nikolai and Dempsey start kicking each other for fun, it initially isn't made clear that the other guy is Dempsey. Maybe this is intended, and I already guessed this concerned Dempsey since he would be the only one enjoying such things, but wanted to make sure anyway.

     

     

     

     

    Thank you! Will make those fixes.

  14.  

    Requiem (15/15)

    Audio Logs (4)

     

    "The Zakarpatska Oblast" - Ravenov reveals to Weaver the location of Operatsiya Izbavitel.

    Spoiler

    Weaver: Ravenov.


    Ravenov: Ah, good. I was getting worried you actually did end up in that Dreamland cell. I trust our mutual friend is listening in?


    Weaver: Nothing gets past you.


    Ravenov: You can never be too sure these days. Trust is in short supply, especially among allies. You have received the Madrid drop?


    Weaver: We're still combing through it, but so far we've been able to corroborate everything in there. There's just one thing missing. Operatsiya Izbavitel: where will it happen?


    Ravenov: Quite the undertaking, isn't it? A massive particle accelerator, and a specialized machine built with a single purpose -- to find, and extract a needle from a haystack.


    Weaver: Zykov.


    Ravenov: The Lost Russian. A man out of time, buried so deep within the Dark Aether, special equipment is needed to free him. But where to house such an operation? You need space, power... privacy.


    Weaver: Enough, Sergei. Where is it?


    Ravenov: And what of my end of the bargain? Agent Maxis.


    Weaver: Once we have Zykov, she'll be released. I have the Director's word.


    Ravenov: I could care less about his. Do I have yours?


    Weaver: ...you have it.


    Ravenov: There is old Spetsnaz Training Facility. At the Zakarpatska Oblast, in the Ukraine. It was given to Omega for early Operatsiya Inversiya testing in '84. We called it 'Test Site Anna'. You know it?


    Weaver: ...I have friends who did. I didn't know it was repurposed.


    Ravenov: With for good reason. It was shuttered after an incident in '81. I trust this is all you need?


    Weaver: I'll keep you informed when we make our move, Ravenov.


    Ravenov: I'll do you one better: I'll be there.

    "Symbotic Relationship" - Strauss records his findings on three particularly unique crystals - and their special ability to forge an ancient aethereal weapon.

    Spoiler

    Strauss: Throughout my studies of Dark Aether crystalline structures, few have intrigued me as much as the symbiotic relationship shared by three particularly unique and rare crystals. On a molecular level, these three are codependent. While each can survive on its own, they are exponentially more powerful when unified. There is the Polymorphic Crystal Core, which has developed the most fascinating survival technique -- it can reconfigure its form at will. There is the Energetic Geode, a highly volatile crystal that can evolve when impacted with high concentrations of Aetherium. And there is the Tempered Crystal Heart -- the name is no misnomer, it is quite literally the heart from a Dark Aether species, extracted only when exposed to extreme heat. When all three are submerged in an Aetherium pool, they coalesce, forming an ancient Aethereal weapon. The Tempered Crystal and Geode are both naturally occurring. But considering its function-driven final form, I believe the Polymorphic Crystal is manufactured by something in the Dark Aether, enabling the symbiotic relationship between the three. As to who created it, we may never know. But their creation speaks for itself.

    "Russian to Russian" - Weaver formally introduces himself to Zykov - and makes a deal.

    Spoiler

    Weaver: How the hell... how did Grey turn this thing on?

     

    Weaver: There you go.


    Zykov: Hello? Who... who is this?


    Weaver: You don't know me. At least, I don't think so.


    Zykov: You are... Requiem? Or Omega?


    Weaver: From your point of view, I bet its hard to tell the difference these days.


    Zykov: Ah: so Requiem. Omega would not possess such self-awareness. But you are... Russian. And you side with the Americans?


    Weaver: I think you know it's never that simple. My name's Grigori Weaver. Special Operations Officer at Requiem. For the last seventeen months, you've been in contact with my team. You've helped them survive. You've tested them. All with a singular purpose: coming home. Yet we're not the only ones you're talking to. You've been playing both sides.


    Zykov: You both want the same thing: to stop the Forsaken. I just want to come home. How I accomplish that means little to me.


    Weaver: Pretty selfish. Needs of one over the needs of millions.


    Zykov: You do not know the Dark Aether the way I do. You could not possibly understand what I have done -- what I have sacrificed -- to survive this wretched Hell. If you were in my shoes, you would not be so quick to judge.


    Weaver: Maybe. Here's what I know. Omega is planning on bringing you home. I know where and I know when. I just need to know one last thing: if we recover you from Omega, will you side with us? Will you help us?


    Zykov: Yes.


    Weaver: You will help us stop the Forsaken. I want your word, Russian to Russian.


    Zykov: You have it.


    Zykov: It is funny. When I speak to Russia, I talk to American. When I speak to America, I talk to Russian. Your world is... confusing.


    Weaver: Always has been.


    Zykov: No, Grigori. It was simple once. Once upon a time, you knew who your enemies were.

    "For Health" - Weaver and Carter share a late night drink and discuss the future.

    Spoiler

    Weaver: Major Carver. To what do I owe the pleasure?


    Carver: Well, considering we're on the verge of victory... I think I'll take that drink now.


    Weaver: About time. Grab a chair. What's got you in such a good mood?


    Carver: I could ask you the same thing.


    Weaver: At 1500 tomorrow, Operation First Domino will be underway. Our team touches down at the Zakarpatska Oblast. Within an hour, Kazimir Zykov will be in Requiem custody. And Omega begins to crumble.

    Weaver: Na Zdorovie.


    Carver: Cheers.

    Carver: And Kravchenko?


    Weaver: If we have the opportunity, we engage, but Zykov is priority number one. You know this.


    Carver: That's not what I'm asking.


    Weaver: If our operation is a success... Kravchenko will have no more moves left to make. Omega will be finished. Chebrikov will decide his fate. When you work under the Soviet hammer, it always ends the same way.


    Carver: You get nailed?


    Weaver: Exactly.


    Carver: So. We finish this, Omega is defeated, Zykov helps us stop the Forsaken. Then what?


    Weaver: What do you mean?


    Carver: I dunno, I just... can't shake this feeling. During Apache Snow, I took part in... let's just say I haven't forgotten it. It came back with me. I couldn't wash it off. We called it "The Stick". Requiem, the Dark Aether, this whole op? We can't just wash this away, either. We know things most can never imagine. So what happens to us?


    Weaver: One day at a time, Mac.

     

    Documents (6)

    "Ancient Parchment" - A Dark Aether drawing of a deadly Aethereal weapon by the Zealot Sparagmos.

    Spoiler

    The Chrysalax
    Forged in the pools of Aetheria, two forms the Chrysalax shall take.
    The Savager, sharp as the mountains in the Badlands of Dipsarax.
    The Storm, powerful as the winds on the Ocean of Zophoria.
    For if you are to defeat the one who is many, it will take both to tear him apart.
     

    The Devoured shall be reborn.
    Their scattered ashes shall be reformed.
    The Forsaken's torment will be undone,
    When the Old Ones reign once more.

    -Sparagmos

    "Collapse Report" - A document discussing the environmental collapse and terraforming of several Outbreak Zones around the globe, including the Ural Mountains.

    Spoiler

    May 21st, 1985
     

    MEMORANDUM FOR: The Director
    SUBJECT: Ural Mountains Outbreak Zone Collapse
     

    This afternoon several Outbreak Zones, including those in the Ural Mountains, experienced a catastrophic collapse in environmental stability. At approximately 1700 the Phase began to rapidly expand, raising Aetherium radiation levels by five thousand percent in a matter of minutes. Doctor Grey and Doctor Strauss are still finalizing their reports, but both believe these areas are now completely uninhabitable for life from our reality.
     

    An immediate evacuation was ordered for all Requiem personnel. So far eight science teams have reported in, but three are MIA. We are still holding out hope, however Energy Research Team Deimos II and Unnatural Sciences Team Charon I were closest to the hypocenter of the collapse -- they would have less than a minute to react. Requiem Strike Teams had just touched down for Charlie shift when the event began and were successfully extracted moments later.
     

    Reports from both Containment & Security and Energy Research have stated for months this was inevitable, however their timelines did not predict any event until 1987 at the earliest. While Aetherium terraforming crystals have been present in the Ural Mountains Outbreak Zones since formation, it is believed the Dark Aether vortices contributed heavily to the acceleration of the terraforming process.
     

    This event was precipitated earlier this month when Aetherium radiation began interfering with my Strike Team's radar and biometrics, forcing the operators to take additional security precautions when in the field.
     

    Since this evening, we have measured an expansion to each Zone by .25 inches. Doctor Strauss believes the only way to reverse the terraforming effects now would be to sever the connection between the Dark Aether and our world. Without a source to feed from, the Aetherium radiation would be unable to flourish and would dissipate in time. It is his recommendation we consider this possibility.

    "Ancient Parchment 2" - Documentation of the crystals required to forge the Chrysalax by the Zealot Sparagmos.

    Spoiler

    Created by the blast of the three-headed beast, the Geode's sharp edges could cut through Inviktor's Shield, let alone the flesh of mortal or unmortal. The Chrysalax Savager cannot be forged without it.
     

    Ripped from the chest of a Tormented Soul, the Crystal Heart burns with such vigor it could power the cannons of Norticus. Be wary, for its fire must remain lit for its potency to be assured.
     

    The Polymorphic Crystal can shift its shape seamlessly -- the source of the Chrysalax's transformative prowess. A crystal of my own creation, ensuring the weapon cannot be forged without my guidance.
     

    By my hand shall the Forsaken be undone.
    He may have enslaved my Disciples but he shall not enslave me.
     

    -Sparagmos

    "Requiem Neutralizer Blueprint" - The design for field construction of an Aetherium Neutralizer, if an operator is compromised by the Phase.

    Spoiler

    AETHERIUM NEUTRALIZER - FIELD ASSEMBLY KIT
    ENERGY RESEARCH
    OFFICE OF REQUIEM - DS&T
     

    If you find yourself compromised by the Phase, please refer to this guide for field assembly of an improvised Aetherium Neutralizer (provided you can procure the necessary parts).
    - Strauss
     

    HOUSING UNIT
    Scrap metal can be used to assemble the housing unit that will power the device.
     

    MONITOR
    The Monitor need not be fancy. Any will do, provided it can broadcast updates to the user.
     

    FUEL TANKS
    Please note: due to volatility of catalyzed Aetherium, fuel tanks msut be disk or saucer-shaped for adequate fluid stability.
     

    Approved: Oskar Strauss
    Date: 04/03/85
     

    Post-It Note:
    Recovered from abandoned Requiem safehouse.
    Could be useful if Aetherium levels rise.

    RequiemNeutralizerBlueprint_Intel_Requiem_Forsaken_BOCW.png

     

    "Memorandum for the Board" - A memorandum from Requiem's Director discussing the events of Berlin and his involvement.

    Spoiler

    February 8, 1985
     

    MEMORANDUM FOR: [REDACTED] - Board of Directors
    FROM: [REDACTED]
    SUBJECT: Berlin Event
     

    Since Berlin, many of you have approached me about my involvement. I will make my intentions clear on the matter - then we will move on and be done with this.

    Berlin presented an opportunity to acquire a pertinent piece of our puzzle. Instead of capitalizing on it, I chose to deploy countermeasures to ensure that the gateway would be closed. The choice seems to have perturbed more than a few of you.
     

    Initially, my plan was to utilize the American forces on site, but their incompetence shone brighter than the sun. A communication from an Omega contact revealed they would be deploying Requiem's strike team in Berlin. Given their success rate up until this point. I knew the operation would be in the most capable of hands. I laid a trail of breadcrumbs and they eagerly followed, none the wiser to their role in my plan.
     

    As you all know, and to my vexation, have repeatedly mentioned this week, we had the prized goose being offered to us on a silver platter - yet I chose to send the dish back to the kitchen. While I shouldn't need to explain myself, for the sake of discouraging further irritating lines of inquiry, I will put this simply: it was not the right time.

    If we are to achieve our goal, we must do so at the proper time and place, when all the appropriate arrangements have been made. We were not ready to proceed when Berlin happened. We will not rush this. A single misstep here would be catastrophic for our work - not to mention life on Earth. And if that's not scary enough, you should also know it would be disastrous for your pockets and the shareholders. Perhaps those are stakes you can sink your teeth into.
     

    Project Janus will proceed. When the time is right.
     

    And worry not - Maxis will be dealt with. In fact, she is quite important to what comes next.

    "Progress Report" - A progress report for the Director regarding the progress of another operation.

    Spoiler

    June 1st, 1985
     

    MEMORANDUM FOR: The Director
    FROM: Secretary, Executive Office
    SUBJECT: Progress Report Week 10 - Test Site [REDACTED]
     

    It was a big week down here in West Virginia. Our cover story went live in the town of [REDACTED], where the citizens were informed the nuclear power plant had experienced a tower failure and was leaking.
     

    At this time, most of the town has been evacuated and placed in lodgings one county over. We've established a "Disaster Relief Fund" in coordination with the local government (the County is thankful for generous donation from "Jerry's Kats for Kids Foundation"), we expect relocations and payments to begin in two weeks.
     

    As you predicted, a few locals weren't exactly keen on giving up their land and were asserting their "Rights as American Citizens" to protect their property. We'll see how they feel once we start construction on The Wall.
     

    Three additional "venture companies" have been established so we can begin to move supplies in, including a shipping company at the West Virginia Public Port Authority, which is crucial to the 5,000 tons of steel we are expecting to be delivered next week.
     

    We are still dealing with a shortage of boring machines on the East Coast (which is surprising, we are in Coal Country), which is now impacting the build schedule for our tunnel network. I'm seeing what we can do to acquire machines from the Midwest (Milwaukee and Indianapolis still owe us a favor), but it will take time to arrange.
     

    Lastly, this week was orientation week for our latest batch of new hires - 53 scientists, 32 military personnel, 18 operations personnel, 4 custodians, and a partridge in a pear tree. We'll see how many make the month - our retention rate is up to 30% after the latest round. Improvements!
     

    That's all for now. Looking forward to your arrival, sir.

     

    Artifacts (5)

    "The Chrysalax" - Forged in the pools of the Dark Aether, the Chrysalax combines three crystals, creating an Aetheral weapon that can transform at will between two forms.

    Spoiler

    Chrysalax_Intel_BOCW.png

    "Housing Unit" - A sufficient housing unit for constructing an Aetherium Neutralizer in the field.

    Spoiler

    Housing_Unit_Intel_BOCW.png

    "Monitoring Device" - An adequate monitor for an Aetherium Neutralizer assembled from spare parts, capable of broadcasting status updates to the user.

    Spoiler

    Monitoring_Device_Intel_BOCW.png

    "Fuel Tank" - A makeshift fuel tank for an Aetherium Neutralizer, saucer-shaped to stabilize the volatile catalyzed Aetherium.

    Spoiler

    Fuel_Tank_Intel_BOCW.png

    "Aetherium Neutralizer" - It may not be professionally constructed, but this field-assembled Aetherium Neutralizer will still provide all the necessary protection from areas with high levels of irradiated Aetherium.

    Spoiler

    Aetherium_Neutralizer_Intel_BOCW.png

     

    Omega (13/13)

    Audio Logs (4)

     

    "Fully Operational" - Kravchenko pays an unexpected visit at Test Site Anna - and informs Peck of an alarming schedule update.

    Spoiler

    Peck: --to the left, the left! NO, your OTHER left! Jesus Christ, this is why we use the imperial system --


    Kravchenko: Doctor Peck. Hard at work, I see.


    Peck: Colonel?... I wasn't expecting you for another week.


    Kravchenko: Relax, Doctor... how is your "David" progressing?


    Peck: My... what? Oh. Heh. We're proceeding on schedule, Colonel. As anticipated, your reallocation of resources has accelerated our timeline. We're looking to be fully operational by the end of June.


    Kravchenko: Hmmm.


    Peck: Uhm, that was what we agreed upon? We set Zykov's extraction for July 4th.


    Kravchenko: Plans have changed. Zykov's extraction is now June 4th.


    Peck: A month?? You gotta be shitting me. You can't reasonably expect us to move up the schedule by a whole month?? We won't have adequate time for testing. I'm not even sure the particle accelerator will be ready by that date.


    Kravchenko: I don't want to hear excuses, I want to see results. As does the Chairing Committee.


    Peck: Pardon my french, but this could fuck us. We are trying to extract a single person inside a dimension filled with billions of creatures. A single miscalculation could turn this place into its own fucking outbreak zone. You can't just throw a dart at a calendar and declare a deadline. Science. Takes. Time.


    Kravchenko: This is not a discussion. Operatsiya Izbavitel is the crowning achievement of everything Omega has done until now. Once we have captured the Forsaken, he will be a weapon of unparalleled power to do our bidding. He will destroy the West in one fell swoop. We will be heroes. You will get it done. And it will work.


    Peck: SHIT! What are you lookin' at, Mr. "Metric System"? I said to THE LEFT!

    "Deja Vu" - As Kravchenko and Peck run their eighth attempt to extract Zykov, a catastrophic miscalculation is made.

    Spoiler

    Peck: This is Dr. William Peck. It is the 4th of June, 1985. 9:32 AM. This is test number 8 for dimensional extraction--


    Kravchenko: --must you start with that every single recording?

    Peck: Deja vu. All over again. All teams are in position, ready to proceed. Colonel?
    Kravchenko: Activating resonator. Beginning magnetic amplification. Well? What does it show?


    Peck: Dimensional barrier identified. Proceeding with scan. Barrier membrane is fluctuating. Increase voltage output by ten.


    Kravchenko: Anything?


    Peck: We're picking up something, I'm just not sure what.


    Kravchenko: It's him. I know it.


    Peck: We can't be sure--


    Kravchenko: --Increasing voltage output by 20--


    Peck: --by twenty?? What are you, insane?? Don't you dare--

    P.A. System: Warning. Dimensional Breach in progress. Proceed to safe zones and await further instructions.

    Peck: DAMN IT!


    Kravchenko: Captain, get your men into position, I want the treat neutralized now!

    Kravchenko: Captain??


    Peck: Shit. Shit, shit, SHIIIT!


    Kravchenko: Redirecting alignment. Proceeding with second scan.


    Peck: Wait, what are you doing? We need to close that gateway immediately--


    Kravchenko: --we will do no such thing--


    Peck: --Aetherium levels are spiking across the facility, your men--


    Kravchenko: --my men are loyal to Omega. "We were the First. We are the Last." That portal does not close. Not until we have Zykov.

    "The Agreement" - Peck makes another phone call.

    Spoiler

    Peck: --I'm just telling you the date has changed, all right? June 4th, if you want him, you'll have to move fast.


    Peck: The Forsaken's cage has been completed to your specifications. Once Zykov gives us the creature's location, we'll extract him directly into our captivity.


    Peck: Kravchenko is blinded by abject loyalty and his determination to appease his superiors. You know this. Ever since you first told him about the Forsaken--


    Peck: Don't bullshit a bullshitter. I'm not stupid -- I know it was you. I'll admit, at first I thought it was Strauss... maybe Weaver, but it's been you this whole time. You're the Requiem mole. I just want to figure out why.


    Peck: Hey, remember: you came to be at Outpost 25. You told me to get rid of her, despite Kravchenko's orders. I threw her in the Dark Aether for you. Just because you didn't anticipate they'd get her back, that's not on me.


    Peck: All I'm saying is, you want this thing: the Forsaken. You want it so badly that you don't care which side gets it for you, as long as you get it. If you're gonna pull this off, you need me.


    Peck: So we have an agreement? Clean slate?


    Peck: Good. I'll let you know when. Have your men ready.

    "The Magnificent Two" - Gorev and Jager form a tentative accord should Operation Izbavitel fail.

    Spoiler

    Jager: So... we have an accord.


    Gorev: Provided events transpire as you predict... then yes.


    Jager: I will not let that man catch me with my pants around my ankles.


    Gorev: An image I did not need.


    Jager: So, to recap. First: Kravchenko and Peck free Zykov. Who, in turn, points them to the Forsaken's location.


    Gorev: Once they have that, they'll extract it from the Dark Aether and place is securely in their prison box.


    Jager: At which point we scoop in with our hind, as instruced, to take the cage to the facility outside Moscow. That is... if everything goes according to plan. If things fall apart?


    Gorev: If things fall apart... Plan b.


    Jager: Plan B, indeed.


    Gorev: Your contact, he can guarantee our safety?


    Jager: We will be granted safe passage -- and possibly employment, depending on how we play our parts. We are privy to a world of secrets few know even exist. In the right hands, we are more valuable alive. But, in Kravchenko's...


    Gorev: I understand.


    Jager: Cheer up, Gorev. We're the heroes in this. Like your Spaghetti Westerns. Ja? I'm Steven McQueen, and you're... well, you're the other guy.


    Gorev: Yul Brynner.


    Jager: Exactly. The Magnificent Two.

     

    Documents (9)

    "Operatsiya Izbavitel Approval" - A letter from Chebrikov, giving Omega Group authorization to proceed with Operatsiya Izbavitel.

    Spoiler

    11 January of the year 1985
     

    On the authorization of Spetsgruppa
    Omega Operatisya Izbavitel: To Colonel
    Lev Kravchenko per order of Viktor
    Chebrikov, Chariman of State Security
     

    Effective 11 January 1985, KGB Spetsgruppa Omega has approval from the Chairing Committee to proceed with Operatsiya Izbavitel. Approval has been granted for the following procedures.

     

    1. The recovery of Sergeant Kazimir Zykov, of the 1st Guard Tank Army, from the Dark Aether dimension.

     

    2. The construction of a Particle Accelerator, the intended purpose of which is to breach the Dark Aether to recover Sergeant Zykov.

     

    3. The construction of a Dimensional Amplifier, the intended purpose of which is to identify Sergeant Zykov's exact location in the Dark Aether.

     

    4. The interrogation of sergeant Zykov to identify the location of the dimensional entity identified as The Forsaken. Omega is authorized to use any methods deemed necessary to acquire this information.

     

    5. The delivery of Sergeant Zykov to our holding facility in Moscow for further interrogation, and to undergo "cultural reassimilation".

     

    6. The use of the Particle Accelerator and Dimensional Amplifier to acquire The Forsaken from the Dark Aether.

     

    7. The construction of a Containment Chamber to hold the Forsaken for secure transport to Omega's Moscow Facility. The entity is to remain in containment until subservience has been achieved through reprogramming.

     

    8. The deployment of the Forsaken as a weapon to target our enemies in the West. Locations will be identified at a later date.
     

    It should be noted that the approval for this operation was not unanimous. Those who voted against cited the exorbitant costs of Omega's operations, as well as their limited success rate. Although Omega has had more successes than failures, the costs of each failure has been higher than that of any other department.
    Additionally, multiple members of the Chairing Committee have expressed concerns about Omega's greater mission. They feel that, despite the technological potential offered by Aetherium, these last eighteen months have demonstrated the risks of investing in the Dark Aether outweigh the reward.


    In short, Colonel -- the future of this department is staked on this operation. Do not fail.

    "Order of Operations" - A memorandum from Kravchenko to Omega Department Leads, reviewing the order of operations on the day Operatsiya Inversiya is to be executed.

    Spoiler

    28 May of the year 1985
     

    On the order of Operations: To All
    Department Leads per order of Lev
    Kravchenko, Commanding Officer of
    Omega Group
     

    With the day nearly at hand, I felt it prudent to provide the finalized order of operations for 4 June to my Senior Staff.
     

    3 June 0900: All senior staff members will take their positions. I will join Doctor Peck at Test Site Anna. Doctor Jager and Gorev will proceed to [REDACTED] Airfield. All other Senior Staff members should proceed to [REDACTED], our security facility in Moscow.
    4 June 0300: Doctor Peck and I will activate the particle accelerator and the Dimensional Amplifier. If all goes according to schedule, Sergeant Kazimir Zykov shall be in our custody by 0500. He will be taken to the interrogation chamber where he shall be kept in isolation until 0900.
    0900: I will personally interrogate Zykov until he divulges all information needed regarding the location of the Forsaken in the Dark Aether. He will then remain in isolation until the entity is captured.
    1200: I expect Zykov will break by 1200, at which point we proceed to Stage 2 of the operation. Doctor Peck and I will reactivate the particle accelerator and the Dimensional Amplifier. Once we have identified the Forsaken's signature, we will pull him from the Dark Aether. Private Alekseev and Private Kuzmin will man the Aetherium Gun Turrets. I will inform both they have volunteered this evening.
    1300: By this time the Forsaken will have been subdued and forced into the Containment Chamber. Once he is secure, Doctor Jager and Gorev will use their transport helicopter and airlift the containment chamber to our facility in Moscow.
    1500: The Forsaken arrives at our facility. Containment Chamber will be taken to Sub-Level 2 of Hangar 7, and placed in Vault 12-B, which has been retrofitted with subsonic Aetherium Resonators. The pressure from the amplification should render the Forsaken incapable of movement.
    1700: Sergeant Zykov is escorted to his vehicle transport. At 1730 vehicle transport will be ambushed by "American Soldiers". Both the driver and Zykov will be executed in what will be declared an "attack against the Soviet Union". This will be used to advance Omega's agenda in the coming weeks and months.
     

    As a reminder, only the Senior Staff is aware of our mission parameters after Zykov's capture. General staff will be informed of Stage 2 at 1200. This is to avoid anyone having "second thoughts".
    Our moment approches. We were the First. We are the Last.
     

    Colonel Lev Kravchenko
    Commanding Officer - Omega Group

    "Test Site Construction Blueprint" - The design specs for the particle accelerator and the Amplifier tunnel at Test Site Anna.

    Spoiler

    TEST SITE ANNA - ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION
    EXOSCIENTIFIC PHENOMENA OMEGA
     

    Construction of the particle accelerator must match design specifications of the cyclotron at Endstation. Amplifier Tunnel must be lined with the Aetherium harmoning resonators to ensure accuracy of dimensional aperture.
     

    Approved: Dr. William Peck
    Date: 22 January 1985TestSiteConstructionBlueprint_Intel_OmegaGroup_Forsaken_BOCW.png

    "Containment Chamber Blueprint" - The design specs for the Containment Chamber for Operatsiya Inversiya.

    Spoiler

    FORSAKEN CONTAINMENT CHAMBER
    EXOSCIENTIFIC PHENOMENA OMEGA
     

    [Peck, what the hell is this for?]

    Containment Chamber has been designed to the appropriate specifications required to hold The Forsaken. Height, width, and length must be exact -- based on our information, this is the approximate size of the entity. Walls of the chamber should be coated with an Aetherium primer, which should nullify any of the Forsaken's unnatural abilities.
     

    Approved: Dr. William Peck
    Date: 28 March 1985ContainmentChamberBlueprint_Intel_OmegaGroup_Forsaken_BOCW.png

    "Location Targets" - Kravchenko discusses his thoughts on potential targets once Operatsiya Inversiya is complete.

    Spoiler

    29 March of the year 1985
     

    To: Gorev
    RE: Location Targets
     

    Regarding our conversation last night, a few additional thoughts:
     

    Washington, D.C.: Unleashing an interdimensional entity on the "Capitol of the Free World" certainly has some "punch" to it. However, I suspect both myself and Chebrikov have similar feelings about this target -- it demands retaliation. In the interest of self-preservation, we should find a target that encourages fear and submission, not anger and vengeance.
     

    New York: Similar feelings. Unless we wish to encourage the wrath of the Western Bloc, we should avoid targets that are too high profile. To that end, perhaps it would be best to avoid targeting the United States directly.
     

    London: While an island target certainly has its attraction, I am not convinced London would make a grand enough statement. Oddly, it does not feel high profile enough.
     

    Berlin: This is interesting. Given its ongoing role in the conflict, the decimation of West Berlin would certainly be a symbolic victory. Further, if there were any potential remaining loose ends related to Doctor Valentina, this would be our chance to tie them off. However, after the death of that US Army Intelligence officer last week, there are currently too many eyes on the city. Perhaps it will subside by the time we are ready.
     

    Afghanistan: Considering our ongoing involvment in this region, as well as the recent events at Ollamd, there is certainly a statement that could be made here. A decisive victory in Afghanistan would be a strong show of leadership from our newly elected General Secretary. We should discuss further.
     

    Lev

    "Aetherium Gun Turret Blueprint" - The design specs for the Aetherium Energy Gun Turret, to be used as part of Operatsiya Inversiya.

    Spoiler

    AETHERIUM GUN TURRET
    EXOSCIENTIFIC PHENOMENA OMEGA
     

    Powered by Aetherium Crystals, the Aetherium Gun Turret does not need to be reloaded, however a cool-down will occur between bursts so the weapon can recharge. Capable of heating up to over 2760 degrees Celsius, the energy beam can melt steel and liquify Aetherium Crystals. Should provide an adequate countermeasure for neutralizing the Forsaken.
     

    Approved: Dr. William Peck
    Date: 28 April 1985AetheriumGunTurretBlueprint_Intel_OmegaGroup_Forsaken_BOCW.png

    "Forsaken Photograph" - A photograph of the Forsaken, taken in the Dark Aether by one of Omega's Aethernauts.

    Spoiler

    [Forsaken on the move with his army. Had only a moment to take photo. Saw many uniforms that were familiar - but they were altered. Cursed.]ForsakenPhotograph_Intel_OmegaGroup_Forsaken_BOCW.png

    "ARC-XD Blueprint" - The design specs for the ARC-XD, a remote-controlled vehicle, carrying an Aetherium payload, capable of distracting undead enemies.

    Spoiler

    ARC-XD
    TACTICAL OPERATIONS OMEGA
    PSYCHOTRONICS RESEARCH OMEGA
     

    A support utility weapon, the ARC-XD emits a unique audio frequency that attracts certain undead speciments to its location. Continually generating a localized energy pule, the remote-controlled vehicle is lethal to enemies who may wander too close. Detonates on impact or when the Aetherium crystal has destabilized.
     

    Approved: Dr. Hugo Jager
    Date: 13 April 1985ARCXDBlueprint_Intel_OmegaGroup_Forsaken_BOCW.png

    "Anton Note" - A note written by Omega Officer Anton, discussing recent happenings at Test Site Anna.

    Spoiler

    Pavel,
     

    Something is wrong. I can feel it. I know you will say my "paranoia is acting up", but that is not the case. Not this time. They are lying to us. Or misleding us, at the very least.
     

    What is our mission? Here at this facility, I mean. They say we are here to rescue a Soviet trapped in the Dark Aether. All of Omega's resources diverted, all to save one man? He must be very important.
     

    Unless he is not why we are here.
     

    Observation #1: With each passing week, I see more soldiers at the facility. Why the increase? Is this Soviet dangerous? I can already see you waving your hand, and saying "Anton, they are here for our protection, in case the enemy shows up". Yes, maybe this is true. I will give you that, but...
     

    Observation #2: I spoke with my supervisor and asked if we should dismantle the helicopter. You know, the one hanging from the rafters, from when this was a training facility. He approved. Two hours later, Doctor Peck himself comes over and yells at me. He orders me to stop and rewire everything. He goes so far to order me to verify it works. I am happy to oblige, but why would he cares about the helicopter? What purpose could he possibly want it for? Again, I already know what you are thinking, "Anton, maybe it is also here for our protection. What does it matter anyway?" What does it matter? I have worked with Peck before, he does not concern himself with facility security. He believed it is beneath him. If someone else had stopped me, you would have a point, but for him to stop me? He wants to use it, in case something happens. What will happen? Well...
     

    This brings me observation #3: I saw on the manifest a gigantic security cage to be delivered in two weeks. Pavel, I saw the dimensions -- it is bigger than my apartment building!! What do we need this for? For one man? No. I tell you. There is something they are not telling us.
     

    Anton

     

    Maxis (4/4)

    Audio Logs (3)

    "My Control" - Grey vists Maxis at Requiem's Block 8 facility.

    Spoiler

    Grey: Sam... there's someone here to see you.

    Notso barks and runs towards Maxis.

    Maxis: Hi Baby! I've missed you so much! You've gotten so big!


    Grey: The Director said we could break from the 'no vistors' rule today, but..


    Maxis: Not just a social call. Is it?


    Grey: He wants a second opinion - mine - about your... state of mind.


    Maxis: He wants to be sure I'm in control... of myself.

    Maxis can be heard using her powers.

    Grey: It's floating! The television is floating!! How can you do that?


    Maxis: I can do a lot of things.

    Maxis uses her powers again.

    Grey: Oh my God... you're floating!


    Maxis: Thank you for everything, Liz. You've been a good friend. More... more than a friend.


    Grey: Sam... it sounds like you're saying goodbye.


    Maxis: The Forsaken is almost upon us, and I might be the only one who can stop it.


    Grey: I don't want you to do this.


    Maxis: This is my choice, Liz. So... what are you going to tell the Director?


    Grey: I'm going to tell him that you are in control.


    Maxis: You will look after her, won't you?

    Grey is heard sniffling as she cries.

    Grey: Of course I will, Sam.

    Maxis starts laughing.

    Maxis: I was talking to Notso.

    The laughter turns to sobbing, which soon stops.

    "My Orders" - Weaver calls Maxis before Operation First Domino.

    Spoiler

    Maxis: ...Hello.


    Weaver: Hello, Sam. I'm not allowed to visit in person, but I just wanted to... check in.


    Maxis: Before the operation tomorrow? Be there... or be square.


    Weaver: I know I can't tell you what to do - you wouldn't listen anyway - but seriously...


    Maxis: I know my orders, Weaver. I assist with the infil, but then...


    Weaver: You stand down. We can't risk any mistakes. We both now how badly things can go South if we act... impulsively.


    Maxis: You're talking about the boy, aren't you?


    Weaver: And the mother.


    Maxis: It wasn't your fault.


    Weaver: It wasn't yours either, Sam.


    Maxis: Thanks for calling, Weaver. I'll see you in the morning.


    Weaver: Goodbye, Sam.

    "My Choice" - Maxis records her final personal log.

    Spoiler

    Maxis: I'll see you soon. Real soon. Weaver wants me to sit this one out, but he's not really calling the shots anymore. Maybe he never was. The Director is the one who knows what needs to happen. Maybe he always has. But... this... this is my choice. I know what must be done. I you... if you do run into the folks at Requiem... tell them I said... hello.

     

    Documents (1)

    "Maxis Approval Memo" - A report from the Director authorizing Maxis for Operation First Domino.

    Spoiler

    May 28, 1985
     

    MEMORANDUM FOR: Requiem Senior Staff
    FROM: The Director
    SUBJECT: Maxis Approved for Operation First Domino
     

    After consulting with Doctor Grey and Officer Weaver, I have decided to approve Maxis for Operation First Domino. Over the last several months she has learned much about her powers - and how to control them. She is ready.
     

    Unfortunately, she has not been approved to return to Requiem at this time and will fulfill her obligations from our secure wing in Block 8, where my team can monitor her and ensure she is not at risk of injury (to herself or others). She may not be in the field, but rest assured she has a role to play as [REDACTED] and [REDACTED].
     

    I know you have questions, and I appreciate your patience through this time. I understand what she has come to mean to you, and you only want what is best for her. Just know that in our house, she is safe.

     

    Dark Aether (4/4)

    Artifacts (4)

    "Polymorphic Crystal Core" - Created by the hands of Sparagmos, the polymorphic crystal core can shift its form - the source of the Chrysalax's transformative powers.

    Spoiler

    Polymorhpic_Crystal_Core_Intel_BOCW.png

    "Energetic Geode" - Highly volatile, the Energetic Geode is created from a Dark Aether Crystal impacted by an Aetherium energy blast.

    Spoiler

    Energetic_Geode_Intel_BOCW.png

    "Tempered Crystal Heart" - The fiery crystal heart of a Tormentor.

    Spoiler

    Tempered_Crystal_Heart_Intel_BOCW.png

    "Catalyzed Crystal Shard" - When assembling an Aetherium Neutralizer in the field, catalyzed Aetherium crystals create an acceptable replacement for the Aetherium Orb, if one is not available.

    Spoiler

    Catalyzed_Crystal_Shard_Intel_BOCW.png

     

    • Brains 1
  15. 21 minutes ago, anonymous said:

    What kind of things did you update? Grammar and typos or also content or additions of sentences? 

    Mostly grammar and typos. The only major change is changing what Group 601 is and changing Kustover Posten to Kustenposten. With the latter change, I know in the beginning it likely referred to the Siberian Facility, being by the coast, but it developed such a mystery around it in the community that I'd like to keep it as a separate facility.

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