SYSTEM FALL
"An ex-courier teams up with a private investigation agency as they navigate their ever-changing world at the hands of an untamed magical source."
Hi hello! I'm Nic. This is just a site where I can dump some lore for my OC's story. For the sake of mystery and spoilers (and the fact that Carrd has a 100-element limit) I've left a few things out, but I think the information here should be sufficient enough to get a basic grasp on the story :)Personal website: [https://itsnicsalad.carrd.co/]
CHARACTERS
JENNA MAALOUF | SHE/HER
Jenna had worked as a low-level courier for most of her life in order to pay back a vast debt. She goes to great lengths to prove her worth to those she deems above or better than her (which is most people), even if it means putting herself in harm's way or though unorthodox methods. Jenna believes that catering to what others desire is all she is able to do, forgoing any hobbies outside of work and being considered 'boring company' otherwise. Although having grown up in an environment where magic abuse was rampant, she still shows considerable interest in its potential despite pushback from others. She has a penchant for sweet things.
MARKUS CODDER | HE/HIM
An orphaned Markus was taken in alongside his half-sister Caleb by Den Codder, an officer-turned-private investigator. His inquisitive nature made him eager to follow in his father's footsteps, despite not displaying the same level of skill that Caleb did. Markus tries his best to be sweet and patient, making sure that clients feel listened to/respected, regardless of how they treat him and the agency; however at times there seems to be a lack of sincerity behind his words and intentions with the job. He likes indulging in photography in his spare time.
CALEB CODDER | SHE/THEY
An orphaned Caleb was taken in alongside their half-brother Markus by Den Codder, an officer-turned-private investigator. Despite her interest for the profession dwindling over the years, she stuck around due to the job being more lucrative than corviliar hunting. Caleb is rather reserved, often keeping an emotional distance from the cases and clients as she believes it’s the best way to get results. In reality, their aloof nature stems from the idea that they’ll be stuck working a job that they're burnt out from. She loves graffiting any out-of-reach blank wall she can find.
MADI HARAWIRA | SHE/HER
Madi is flatmates with Markus and Caleb at the Rabbit Hole and acts as Diphylleia’s front-of-house whenever there’s traffic. She has a habit of jumping jobs frequently, even serving a stint at Diphylleia for a time. She recently started work for a demolitions company, and she hunts for corviliar bounties in her free time.
MOZ | HE/HIM
Moz is one of Sal’s right-hand men and confidants. Despite this, he shows no true allegiance to her and will freely consort with anyone (within reason) that will provide him with anything entertaining or meaningful. A part of him subconciously searches for any sign that will break through his cynical and apathetic mindset about magic's influence.
SAL FUKUMOTO | SHE/HER
Sal is the latest head of the Buckecreet Syndicate, and as such has many companies within her reach. She is acutely aware of people’s psyche, preying on those who are weak-minded or who can’t think for themselves. When on the topic of magic’s potential she tends to get very passionate, which puts people off at times.
JAI SOMERSET | HE/HIM
Somerset is the advisor of the Miserand Heights' ministry, acting somewhat as the 'voice of the people' and keeping tabs on the social/political climate of the city. For the most part, he doesn't seem to voice many personal opinions of his own, however his views on magic in combination with his twig of a backbone draws questionable attention.
MAGIC
History
Mysterious flowers from a bygone era were discovered in the fields of what would later become known as Silversung; it was a source of immense power which was sought out by beasts and later humans. Many were irresponsible with it, using its magic for their own selfish gain and destruction. Due to its overuse and excessive harvesting, the plant seemingly went extinct and any trace of its magic vanished alongside it.20 years ago, the Miserand Heights ministry created an artificial variant of the flower in an experiment to see if its ‘magic’ – deemed ‘stroturanae’ – could be used as a cheaper source of energy for their machinery and tech. It was deemed a failure however as the magic was unstable, and the experiment was shelved. However, high-ranking Buckecreet Syndicate member Sal Fukutmoto used her connections to get her hands on the disposed matter. Following further (and illicit) experimentation, a viable version of the magic was produced; while it was originally exclusive to a handful of Sal’s subordinates, over time it had made its way into the hands of black market sellers, and even law enforcement. The return of the magic had also resurrected the beasts that fed upon its power, and while there is debate around its growing presence throughout the city, many have begun to trust in its power, believing that bringing it back to its former glory will launch a new age of prosperity. Many of the city’s politicians, while condemning its trade and gross misuse, are more or less on board with the hypothesis, however the idea of rampant monsters prevented them from fully supporting the idea.It was discovered that stroturanae being absorbed into the bloodstream would alter the body for a brief period of time based on the desires of the user (e.g increased strength, x-ray vision). While it was utilised in underground fighting rings, general usage was initially scarce due to its extreme side effects, which would inflict extreme harm to the body including vomiting, excessive bleeding, and temporary transformations into corviliae. Overuse of stroturanae will eventually turn the user into a corviliar permanently.
Corviliar
Also known as ‘corvi’ for short. Bird-like beasts who feed off of primarily magic, however can consume any matter that involves an energy source - humans included. They spawn whenever magic is in use, whether it'd be through human or technology.
They lack any cognitive thought and possess regenerative abilities. The appearance of corviliars largely depends on the amount of magic present; average corviliars span from rat to horse-sized, however they are able to fuse together to become bigger if left alone for long enough. Although being seen as little more than pests by the general public, they appear to be violent and aggressive when encountered. The only known way for corviliars to be killed is destroying their brains to prevent further regeneration.
Overuse of magic also has the effect of transforming humans into corviliars, considered ‘unnatural’. They seem to possess more intelligence compared to their counterparts, holding some level of recognition with items/places/people of significance (though not much). This change is permanent, and there is no cure once a human becomes a corviliar.
WORLD
Albernott • (al-ber-no) | Miserand Heights
Albernott is a fictional country fairly isolated from the rest of the world. The main mode of transportation is by cable car or train.
Miserand Heights is the main setting of System Fall. As the capital city, it is the country’s commercial and political heart. Unofficially split into five distinctive areas based off of major buildings/locations in their respective locations.- Monscuo • mon-sue-oh (centre) – commercial area, primary ministry hub
- Buckecreet (west) – industrial area, canals
- Iron Coast (south) – harbour, cliffs, beaches
- Silversung (north) – most populous residential area, fades into countryside
- Wintervon (east) – upscale, expensive area
Diphylleia (dy-fell-aye-ah)
Diphylleia is a private investigation agency that operated throughout Miserand Heights under Den Codder’s leadership, offering the people an alternative to talking to police. Although the company tended to deal with cases relating to cells/magic (e.g disappearances, scams, abuse, corviliars), they also took on regular cases. Its reputation began to plummet after events concerning high-profile scandals, Codder’s public perception, and his eventual death. The agency is continued on by his children Markus and Caleb, albeit mainly as a way to make money. They do not have any obligation to uphold the law, and members consistently break the law in order to meet client demands.
The Rabbit Hole
A small mixed-use building/shophouse located in Monscuo. Initially used by Den Codder to act as Diphylleia’s headquarters and working as a bartender on the side. After Diphylleia's gradual fall from grace, the bar began to lose traffic, and in the current day it has been largely forgotten by the public. Despite this, the apartment space is still occupiable and the building continues to act as Diphylleia’s office.
Hunters
As magic becomes more widespread and corviliars make more frequent appearances, some have taken up the mantle of hunting them down. It is popular as a hobby and side job. With the creation of the Guild, bounties being attached to bigger sightings have become commonplace. Corviliar corpses are typically sent to cremation centres or bought off by private clients. They are also occasionally sold on the black market.
Buckecreet Syndicate
The Syndicate is an organisation located in the Buckecreet area. Though the Syndicate’s initial goal was to eliminate competition from rival businesses, it soon turned into a full-fledged cartel with organisations teaming up with them to get their foot in the door. Over the years, the Syndicate began to dip their toes into the world of organised crime, using the legitimate businesses in its sector as well as those in higher society to hide their more illicit dealings. After Sal Fukumoto got her hands stroturanae, a brief scuffle over leadership took place before she became its head. Manufacturing and distribution of stroturanae amongst the public soon became one of its most profitable markets.
Many who work for the Syndicate have no idea of it; they believe that they are working for a regular employer/company and do not know of the business that goes on behind the scenes.- Canal runners – acting more as couriers and muscles more than anything else; any dirty work that Sal wants to be done is usually handed off to the runners. They have little to no protection as they are seen as expendable, however this may vary depending on the job