The Virulian Enclave is a religious sect of sheltered, peaceful individuals. Their faith is led chiefly by the belief that the return of the Creator will happen by the end of the millennium. Originally spread by an unidentifiable probe, the word which we now know as the founding principles of the Virulian Enclave was, in fact, the handiwork of a Hunter Directive scout vessel in concert with an unknown race of synthetic organisms. Reprogrammed and imbued with sentience by the synthetics, the probe was sent to its correct location: Sirius. A misunderstanding by the machine led from it being called a Creation by the synthetics to the probe associating the race with being the Creators of all machines.
Following the discovery of the probe, now in Sirius, by a group of Maltese Outcasts and following the enlightenment of the aforementioned individuals, a second probe emerged. This time, the machine was discovered by a band of Junkers who had not initially realized the importance of the drone. Once the Junkers had made a routine scrap delivery to Valetta, the AI was noticed by the Enclave, then settled on Malta deep within the earth and hidden in the Meani desert. The AI and crew were integrated into the Enclave immediately.
For a great while, the Enclave lived in relative peace. Within their ever expanding number of remote strongholds, they expanded upon their science and their faith. Cybernetic enhancements are common among members of the Enclave, as it brings them closer to the Creator by imbuing them with the elements of His creations. Nano technology, specifically the use and control of nanites was also built upon during this time of peace. These were among the probes vast library of technological schematics and information, and as the Archdeacons deciphered more of the probes core in cooperation with the AI housed therein, they developed more control over the tiny machines. Using various cybernetic augmentations, the Enclave began to develop the ability to bend clouds of millions of nanites which could be used to make repairs almost instantaneously or could be used to paralyze or otherwise incapacitate an individual by literally covering them in the coercive machines. (See: Codex Entry: 1.1.8 for further information and documented proof)
Of late, however, the Enclave has been thrown into disarray. The Phantom Empire has destroyed all but one of our sanctuaries (See: Codex Entry: 4.2.5 for further information and documentation). A new Patriarch has been chosen to lead his flock to greener pastures and to redeem their recently decimated greatness. By decree of Jechaim and under the pressure of the looming Phantom threat, an Exodus was ordered. Thus the Virulian Enclave is launched into cold space to seek relative safety.
After the Zoner alliance accepted the Enclave to become a part of the Zoner society and with much interactions and talks with the Zoners, the Enclave Migrant fleet have moved down to Omega 49 to begin rebuilding and begin to explore and start diplomatic talks with other factions in Sirius.
This is where the story truly begins.
The Animus caste is the oldest among the Enclave and certainly the largest within the Faith. They are the teachers and the students, the hand of the Creator and the very soul of the Enclave. They have existed since our foundation: ever since our contact with the First Voice. They began, or rather we began, as a small people. They were shunned by the Outcast population, who largely followed the old Sol religion of Christianity, and our predecessors fled into the Maltese desert of Meani with their idol, their followers, and their Faith. Quickly enough they discovered that the dry desert air, hundreds of miles from the nearest plant growth, was choked of the life-giving allergens which fueled the addictions of the Outcasts civilization. It was here that they first used the knowledge within the First Voice to cure themselves of addiction. (See: The Science of Nanites)
Years later, the Enclave still uses this technology for their nearly every day applications. The high members of the Animus caste are responsible for the ritual Transformations, during which a member of the Enclave is either cured of the Cardamine addiction, or otherwise cybernetically altered; or both. The rituals are highly sanctified, as they bring the Altered closer to the Creator.
Patriarch
After the Phantom assault on the Enclave's bases and the loss of over a thousand of their members, the remaining council of the Virulians, voted for the Former councillor; Jechaim of the Animus caste to take on the role of Patriarch, leading the Enclave into this new era. His first command was to leave Outcast space and migrate their fleet into Zoner space.
Archpriests
The Archpriests of the Enclave are in charge of all ritual transformations and enhancements of their followers. There is always one at each of the outpost of the Enclave and every one is among the Enclaves most powerful followers. They have the ability to control the nanites that circle through the local system. These nanites can be used for many different applications, including offensive and restorative measure. No matter the method by which they use their tools, Archprists are the masters of the power that the Creator left them.
Archbishop
The Archbishops are in charge of the knowledge that the Creator passed down to its followers. They are the teachers of teachers and hold communal gatherings each week. They are as highly enhanced as the Arch priest, but retain much of their former appearance and are publically not given much thought in the ways of the nano technology.
Archdeacon
The archdeacons are responsible for the teachings of the nano technology. Many would call them the Hand of the Messenger and are feared due to their near mastery of the power of the Creator.
Priest
The priests hold a balance between the knowledge and the force of the Enclave. They are taught vigorously in both but are most commonly seen in the halls of teaching. Where they teach, others less knowledgeable in the lessons of the Creator will inevitably appear.
Vicar
The Vicars are the teachers, the true ones. They are seen in the halls of teaching at all times and they sleep and spend most of their day spreading the word of the Creator. They are constantly surrounded by members of the Enclave who help them with scrolls or books and who gather the followers that are near to listen to their speech or lesson.
Deacon
The deacons are the closest to a soldier within the Virulians, taught in the art of nano technology, they are deadly weapons. They are the only ones that are enhanced and transformed to serve as the fist of the Enclave.
Curate
The Curate class consists of the servants and learners that have yet to choose a stance in the Enclave. They are taught the basics but still have the opportunity to learn most of what there is to learn and choose their paths freely.
Cantor
The Cantor have begun a path into the knowledge that the Creator left behind. Their paths are quite open to their choosing, but knowledge still plays the most important role and they spend most of their time in the learning halls listening to the Vicars.
Porter
These are students who have chosen the path of knowledge. More than most would do, they spend most of their time with Vicars to learn all there is to learn.
Lector
The Lectors are people from the outside, those who have not been taught in the basics of the Virulian ways. They act as servants and helpers for members of the Enclave.
Acolyte
The acolytes choose the way of knowledge in the beginning of their training. They are the most normal members of the Enclave.
Since the founding of the Enclave, the Virulian Council has needed a defensive force to counteract assaults on the Faith and its followers. It began, at first, with a Council mandate requiring new followers to receive some martial training prior to indoctrination; a mark of hesitance by the peaceful Council. They where charged with security on and around bases and outposts, charged with defense of their transports from boarding parties and raiders. To ease the complexity of indoctrination, the responsibility of the security of the Enclave was later transferred to a brand new caste of the Enclave. Ironically, the newly formed Corporis caste had no political power among their people, as they held no seat in the Council, yet they held the very safety of the entire Virulian Faith in their hands.
However, this second-class status could only last for so long. With the destruction of all but one of the Enclaves bases and with the Exodus from Outcast controlled space, newly appointed Patriarch Jechaims first decree made the Corporis caste an essential part of the leadership by allowing the Corporis Overlord a seat on the Council.
The seat was to be filled by the former security Commander Edward Zhane who, following instatement to the Council now bore the title Overlord Zhane. Laden with an honor which only the Animus could previously hold, Zhane, a former Xeno Terrorist turned Independent Pirate, had joined the Enclave out of fear for his own death. He had, in a short number of years, proven himself to the Council and gained in rank within the Corporis caste. His devotion to the Enclave Faith was both admirable and stunning and was only surpassed by that of the Archpriests and deacons.
Once the Zoners had granted the Enclave asylum, the Council decided upon synthesizing a ship capable of containing the Virulian Council and a large population of the Enclave. The ship was named after the newest revelation of the Enclave: Exodus; and on board the First Voice was placed as its essence. A crew was chosen by Zhane to accompany himself and the First Voice in their duties.
With the admittance of the Corporis caste into the Council, it was decided that an equal number of votes within the Council body will be equally distributed between the castes. Two seats to the Animus and two seats to the Corporis were to be given. Among the Animus caste, one Arch Deacon and one Arch Priest were to sit at the Council. The Exodus had Zhane and the second seat was yet to be decided.
* The Corporis caste is synonymous with the Exodus (Or Enclave) Defense Force; however the latter is used when speaking to outsiders who may otherwise not know the implications of the word Corporis.
The internal structure of the Corporis caste differs greatly from its spiritual counterpart and is based upon different military ranks common in human culture.
* Ship supplies are compiled and distributed appropriately through the ranks
Ex. Zoner charters for two Fearless Destroyers were authorized, one is allowed to the Grand Marshall position, another to the Brigadier position. Command will be awarded based on individual merit.
Overlord
The leader of the Exodus Defense Fleet
Edward Zhane:
The current Overlord uses no vessel, as he has landed the Exodus a 'Aquilon' Zoner carrier on Canaria to act as a base of operations for the Corporis caste.
Primes
The secondary leaders of the Corporis
These caste leaders usually command one of the powerful AI cruisers to lead their soldiers into battle. Life or limb, the warriors of the Enclave will die for the Faith under the inspirational guidance of these leaders.
Grand Marshalls
Commanding the destroyers and gunships of the Corporis, these commanders are skilled tacticians and strategists well beyond human comprehension.
May make use of Enclave supplies of:
(1 AI cruiser | 2 Conference Gunships)
Brigadiers
Brigadiers handle all security related matters of the EDF and Enclave.
May make use of Enclave supplies of:
(1 AI Cruiser | 2 Conference Gunships)
Marshals
These soldiers utilize fighters, bombers, or the powerful AI drones to defend Zoner and Enclave assets around Sirius.
May make use of Enclave supplies of:
(1 Conference Gunboat)
Infiltrators
These fighter pilots work as spies and observers for the Overlord and may be seen flying any ship depending on which group they are attempting to gather information on. Of course, you wouldnt know them if you saw them.
Interceptors
These trained soldiers use the AI drones as well as conventional vessels publically available to them.
Sentries
These are the rank and file of the Exodus Defense Fleet. They fly fighters, bombers and Drones.
Initiates
These are the newest additions to Corporis and use primarily civilian weaponry and vessels.
Agents
The Agent rank is the "Trial Rank" these people are outsiders and doesn't fit in any of the castes, they have chosen but may re-choose if they so wish so after their Trial week is over.
The Enclave requires resources in order to re-build. Therefore the Animus shall trade across Sirius, gathering supplies such as:
Nanocapacitors
Quantum Multiplexors
Robotic Components
Ship Hull panels
Mining machinery (once settled)
Counterfeit Software
Optical Chips
Optronics
Bio-Neural Processors
Deuterium
Niobium
The Animus caste is to bring the word of the Enclave to all those that wish to hear it. This involves diplomatic missions to friendly and neutral parties.
Be present and active throughout Sirius.
Investigate the Gallic systems for integration into Enclave databases.
Continue survey of all star systems around Sirius. Access to systems controlled by un-analyzed biological life forms classified: Nomads Is restricted.
Talk, listen and find out about potential trading partners.
Goals of the EDF
To protect all Zoner and Enclave vessels from harm
To escort enclave transports carrying materials for the Enclave
To patrol Zoner space and Enclave ZOI
To ensure the Gallic Navy never endangers the Virulian Population, by pre-emptive strikes against their ships and fleets.
Answer any questions neutral factions would have about the Enclave
Light Fighters
All Civilian craft
Heavy Fighters
All Civilian craft
Very Heavy Fighters
Sabre A fine fighter craft for both the military and Animus Caste. Although found largely among Outcast populations, the Enclave makes use of the vessel by exploiting its public availability as well as past relations.
May also if requested use all civilian crafts available.
Super Heavy Fighters
AI Drone - An Enclave vessel in its purest, most divine form. These ships allow for almost complete neural interface between the pilot and the AI, letting the pilot nearly accomplish apotheosis during the flight. It is reserved for high ranking or honored members of the Enclave.
Spatial - This is a ship with both enough cargo space to house the large AI systems, and the means to survive alone in the depths of space for incredibly long stretches of time.
Bombers
Roc - The primary armor busting unit of the Exodus Defense Fleet. Once the Enclave was granted asylum by the Zoners, the few vessels belonging to the military caste were bolstered by these bombers. If the Hellbound came again, they would be prepared.
The Waran bomber is a bulky yet efficient anti-capital ship vessel, in the right hands this vessel can destroy most enemy capital ships.
It also has enough cargo space to carry a sophisticated Artificial core.
The Waran bomber also makes for an excellent Artificial unit, many of which the Enclave built and have docked on Freeports across Sirius
Freighters
Dromedary - During the initial retreat from the Meani desert, many of the refugees were transported on the confined utilitarian ships of the Enclave, and thousands were left behind in the Hive altogether. Following the asylum granted to the Enclave by the Zoners, dozens of these vessels were purchased and outfitted with Enclave artificial intelligences to continue the evacuation of the Hive.
Transports
Border Worlds Transport - This ship is what feeds the Exodus and has enough cargo space to carry a variety of needed goods to the Migrant Fleet.
Gunships
Conference Gunship - An advanced gunship design with powerful, top of the line computer equipment makes this ship ideal for interfacing Enclave artificial intelligences with the systems. Zoner shipwrights have authorized the construction of five of these vessels. Command will be given based on individual merit.
Tridente Gunship - The Outcast designed gunship; Tridente is a formidable warship used by the elites of the EDF.
Cruisers
Zoner Destroyer - Two construction charters were authorized by the Zoner Alliance to aid in the safekeeping of the refugee fleet. Upon completion of the Exodus, the two vessels will be rewarded on merit and loyalty to the Enclave. They will be a last priority for finding a Commander due to upkeep costs.
AI Cruisers - The Absolution Is the personal vessel of the Arch Bishop Ryodan, and a second vessel (Insert name) was constructed for the Arch Priestess Nashida Rheinheld.
Storta Destroyer - One of these vessels (the chassis) was towed by two transport vessels as the Enclave migrated from Outcast space, it has been unused until recently, when Overlord Zhane began construction efforts on it's hull for use against hostile targets.
Battleships
The Exodus was the only Battleship class vessel in use by the Enclave, how ever, this vessel have now been decommissioned and is currently residing on Gran Canaria, in use as a base for the Corporis caste.
Bretonian space is an authorized flight zone by decree of Patriarch Jechaim. Various friendly encounters have occurred here, and thus it is felt that it is safe.
Tau and Omega space is an authorized flight zone as decreed by the Virulian Council. No single party owns these areas of space and is generally a frontier for free passage.
Limited access to Liberty space is authorized for Animus Caste members for diplomatic relations and is often where new members of the Enclave begin their pilgrimage. Corporis presence should be kept at a minimum in Liberty space.
Gallic space is a restricted flight zone as decreed by the Virulian Council. Travel is discouraged until exploration vessels can better identify the area.
Limited access to the Omicron systems is authorized given Outcast and Zoner relations.
The Virulian Enclave have a similar diplomatic chart as the Zoners, how ever we have made friends and allies during our time.
Or at least that is how we see them.
Allies
Zoner Alliance Members All Zoner factions in the Zoner Alliance are considered allies and are to be defended and assisted
Sentient Machine Alliance The SMA are our mechanical cousins, we help them as they help us
Friendly
Outcasts We used to live on their planet, shared their air and we relied on their protection, we will never turn our backs on them
Neo Terran Front Their goals are to build a new Sleeper ship, to escape the wars that ravages Sirius, we wish to live in peace, much alike on our ideals and dreams
Gas Miners Guild The Zoners are allied with them, and we wish to remain friendly with them and help them if they need us
Neutral Those that haven't been listed have been placed as neutral until they have either accepted us or openly gone against us
Hostile and unfriendly
The Gallic Royal Navy The military part of the 'House' known as Gallia openly hunt our allies, for that they shall be burnt into dust and spread along the Solar winds
Those that support the Gallic invasion shall be crushed along with them
The Phantom Empire They are our nemesis, they are our end, they are a test of faith from the creator, and we shall destroy them with our fist as a man steps on an ant
OOC Stuff
In-Game Rules
1. Speak in-RP at all times. If anything needs to be said out of character, PM the subject of your dismay. If its a group of people, contact one of them and ask them to pass it along. If its a group of unaffiliated individuals, keep it to yourself.
2. An understanding of the Virulian faith is paramount. We cant have people running around giving Sirius mixed signals as to what were about. If youre confused about something, Serpentis and Magoo are almost always available to answer questions. Otherwise get the consensus of a comrade or two.
3. We are a peaceful people. Never attack first, especially if its somebody trying to provoke you into doing so. Sticks and stones.
a. This rule may be up for amendment as diplomatic relations change.
4. If you find yourself near a fight which you have every right in-RP to help with, ask yourself if the odds are already ridiculously tilted against either side. If an allied group is outnumbered severely, jump in and assist them. If the enemy group is already outnumbered 2:1, stay out of it. If the odds are even, ask the friendly force if they need assistance. Remember, ganking is no fun for anyone.
Naming Conventions
For animus caste members VE|AC-Name
For Corporis Caste members, aka: Exodus Defense Fleet members VE|EDF-Name
Now, it is recommended not to use ordinary names, but rather shorter names, with meaning behind them.
Such as the following: Redemption, Absolution, Exodus, Vitosus etc.
Latin words are welcome and so are other names, it's up to ones imagination to decide a word fitting for their character.
ID used for the Enclave
AI ID for all ships
Explanation:
The Virulian Enclave constructs all their vessels, and modifies existing ships to hold a Artificial Intelligence and a human crew, down to the Light fighters.
Each ship has its own personality tied into the vessel itself.
In single crew ships such as fighters, the AI and human component bonds on a personal level, they trust each other in their actions. The AI is always a partner to the human pilot, and each should treat each other with respect.
On capital star ships, the AI is a huge part of the actual function of the ship, it is the body, which eyes are the sensors and scanners, its hands and fists are its weaponry, while the crewmen (save the captain or commander) act as its internal components, they all have jobs to handle, making sure the ship is operational. There are science stations and laboratories, engineering section where they handle the AI core and its propulsion. This way it makes thing easier for the AI to concentrate on more important matters.
The captain commands the AI, but much like in a fighter, acts as partners. How ever, each AI have its 'rank' so to say.
For example the Exodus (the Flagship) carries the first Voice, and that AI could in theory order a lesser ranked EDF officer to go on patrol.
We choose to go with AI ID because it was the most logical choice since it's the closest thing that works for us.
IFF will be Zoner and Zoner Guard
They are Zoners after all, as they belong to the Zoner alliance.
The information of the Enclaves relation with Cardamine and details on the Nanite technology they utilize is posted here: Nanites and Cardamine
End Notes:
If theres anything else you feel should be mentioned, do tell us.
I also wish to thank Magoo! For writing this down, making the tons of text placed around in different places on the forums into this document, listening to me rambling on about the Enclave and telling him what I have written down on tons of text documents on my computer, he is not only the reason that this came to be a "faction" but also the main reason I haven't given up on this Roleplay, which has been slowly created during the last two years (since August 08) and has more Lore then shown on the forums.
Allot of effort has been put into this from me and Magoo! so, I would be very happy if the "Join existing Factions" never come up. It wouldn't work...
better each day even if we thought it is already un-uberable. *thumbs up* Most epicness.
I know it does not count a lot but ya have all my support. Great job guys. *raises lille V-E flags*