Plot & History
Jul 19, 2017 10:39:27 GMT -6
Post by NITE OWL on Jul 19, 2017 10:39:27 GMT -6
The existence of ‘Costumed Villains and Vigilantes’ began as far back as the 1800’s. This marked the arrival of exceptional individuals and this era’s awareness of them. It would not be until the creation of the likes of Captain America in the 1940’s that the potential for ‘super-powered’ people and the impact they could have on the world would truly be recognized.
THE CONCEPT
The existence of ‘Costumed Villains and Vigilantes’ began as far back as the 1800’s. This marked the arrival of exceptional individuals and this era’s awareness of them. It would not be until the creation of the likes of the super-soldier, Captain America that the potential for ‘super-powered’ people and the impact they could have on the world would truly be recognized.
We embrace the mythology of the "The Watchmen" to depict the early years of masked crime-fighters and villains. We have to accept, though, that until recent events these ‘Metahumans & Mutants’ were not as common and their interference with the affairs of human-kind less frequent, perhaps less noted as well.
People of this world don’t always remember history the same, in fact when one delves even into the most ancient texts of recorded history there are strange deviations. Among people today there are those that may recall the heroics of Wonder Woman more clearly, than those of Captain America, as if one version is more real than the other, or more familiar — as if another world overlaps the other. This goes unnoticed until people recall specific points in time and by comparing them, find odd deviations occurring. They begin to realize that there there a different versions of people from different versions of reality living side by side. How could this have happened? Few have the clarity of mind to differentiate between the two universes, but those able to separate them have shared their knowledge with the world so that everyone can truly understand the significance of the INVASION OF 2018.
THE FOLD
The Invasion of Thanos / Darkseid
In 2018, the world was devastated by an invading force from another world. It was not the first interplanetary invasion, memories of the Battle of New York still reverberated across the globe, and then he arrived — Thanos, wielding the power of the infinity stones. For some the invasion was remembered much differently. For starters, they did not recall the "Battle of New York", this event was replaced by the city wide destruction of rampaging aliens from Krypton in Metropolis, but somehow, it and New York seemed to be the same place at that point in time. Diverging memories and documentations bringing to light an event that folded space and collapsed a part of one universe into another.
They called it the 'Collapse' and later 'The Fold'. It was the ‘Invasion of Thanos’, to some, the ‘Invasion of Darkseid’ to others. How could people NOT clearly remember the name, the events or even accurately recall the appearance of the personification of ultimate evil that threatened to destroy the Earth — the entire universe? What was this strange phenomena effecting people’s memories? It was as if two separate events had occurred simultaneously. Some people recalled Thanos and the Avengers, while others remembered Darkseid and the Justice League but one thing was clear. After the evil was defeated, from that moment on, people’s memories no longer deviated in their recollections of the past. What had happened?
Months later, as the world rebuilt and people mourned their losses the theory of amalgamating realities proved the most plausible explanation for the sudden deviations between people’s recollections of the past. Certain areas of the world (specifically places like Gotham City, Metropolis, Wakandam etc.) revealed two very different versions of the 2018 Invasion when video records and reports were reviewed. It became evident that at one time there were two very distinct versions of Earth and that the destruction of Thanos / Darkseid actually folded two similar universes at the point of the Milky Way Galaxy. As Darkseid and Thanos became one they bore the brunt of annihilation as the two parallel galaxies folded in on one another. The ‘Titan’ was dead but in the wake of his destruction a new reality was born; two universes merged. One had been the home to Superman, the other, Captain Marvel. Two realities becoming one.
Approximately 90% of the entities of these parallel universes, overlapped. The same person existed in both universes. The 10% deviation consisted of people that simply existed outside the synchronicity, unique individuals that were literally, ‘unparalleled’; for whatever the reason they were more aware of ‘THE FOLD’ than most. The majority of the world perceived the anomaly but their minds were left in a state that could best be described as ‘deja vu’. The translocation of other worldly cities like Gotham and Metropolis were accepted, but deep down, people regarded the place with a feeling they could not articulate without sounding crazy. Those with the strongest deviations were aware, especially those at ground zero, the point at which Darkseid and Thanos imploded. Members of the Justice League and the Avengers were suddenly standing face to face, pondering the nature of one another.
The world is now an amalgam of two intersecting universes. The basic rule we follow is that no two objects can occupy the same space at the same time. This means that any historical events that occur simultaneously, or overlap, are remembered differently. While someone from the Marvel Universe will be infused with the memories of 'Metropolis' always existing, the memories of New York which existed in both universes will deviate. History books, depending on their origin will also be different, thus illustrating to the world that THE FOLD did in fact take place. This means that a history text originating from a publisher in Gotham City would differ from one written and printed in another part of the world. To this day, people are still trying to get a grip on these anomalies.
NEW MUTANTS
& METAHUMANS
THE FOLD also created it's own fair share of mutants and metahumans, instantly transforming normal people. In some cases they are merged with a super-human, in others, latent abilities will released or strange occurrences during the event transformed people. This is not an uncommon scenario for many of the original characters in this setting but it is hardly a fixed path. Many existed long before THE FOLD, many will continue to come about.
ATLANTIS
THE OCEANIC WAR
When the universes folded together those things existing simultaneously amalgamated into one, but what of Atlantis? Two very distinct versions existed in both universes. They existed in different locations, the one from the DC Universe in the North Atlantic, and Marvel to the south, but that was hardly the sole distinguishing features of the undersea kingdoms. In the Marvel Universe, the Atlanteans were once human, while those of the DC Universe are descended from Nemed, the leader of the third group of people to settle Ireland. The Nemedians were a mystical race that did battle with the mysterious Formorians, eventually being driven out, while their descendants their supernatural Tuatha Dé lived on to rule the island. The Nemedians, however, did not die out, instead they sailed and settled in what would become known as Atlantis.
The world after ‘The Fold’ has two Atlantis’s, North Atlantis ruled by Namor McKenzie, and South Atlantis ruled by Arthur Curry. When the two became aware of the other, a great battle ensued to determine the rightful master of the oceans. It was a war of pride and neither the Justice League nor the Avengers or any other super-powered individuals took sides, and in the end the battle ultimately came down to the two rulers. It was a titanic struggle, each matching the other blow for blow, neither yielding. The fray produced a maelstrom of incredible proportions; tidal waves were generated. Coastal nations were threatened! It was time for the rest of the world to step in, but to prevent an all out war between the surface and sea dwellers, The Justice League, Avengers, Fantastic Four, and Doctor Strange, joined forces to respectfully subdue their Atlantean Kings. A truce was declared and terms of peace discussed, the ocean realms being divided equally between them, Namor the North, Arthur the South. Tension still exists, but for now there is peace in the oceans, Arthur and Namor have even established a line of trade between their two distinctly different nations, and explore their similarities.
Northern Atlanteans that are now referred to as Nemedians have light blue coloured skin and propel themselves through water by swimming while Arthur's Southern Atlanteans appear more human-like and have the ability to magically glide through the water at incredible speeds. Only highborn Atlanteans of both species can breath both air and water.
THE WORLD
TEN YEARS AFTER "THE FOLD"
This is a world where heightened abilities exist. Let’s focus on that for a moment. If, say, you were watching the Olympics and you along with the rest of the world witnessed an athlete doing something so inhumanly extraordinary that it knocked you off your seat, that’s pretty much EVERY DAY in this world. When Mr. and Mrs. John Q. Citizen drive to work every morning there’s always a chance, albeit a small one, but still a chance they might see a person fly across the sky or observe something truly ‘other worldly’. The people of this world are NOT us. They exist in an environment where Bigfoot is more than likely roaming the woods, and about everything that we can only imagine as having an ounce of truth, is probably to some extent, on some level, a reality.
Ten years later, people have pretty much settled into the whole, ‘Amalgamating Universe’ thing. They know things aren't going to revert back to the way they were. They accept it. Aside from getting used to two versions of a virtually identical history there wasn’t really any other repercussions. Scientists, Religious Scholars and Mystics, for once, all agreed to accept it as ‘natural phenomena’ induced by the ‘power’ of the invading alien (Darkseid/Thanos). The logic being, that if wasn’t somehow ‘natural’, the two universes would have been annihilated. This is the mainstream affirmation of the universe's continued existence.
The world rebuilt, wounds healed. Pantheons of power, both governmental and superhero endured a ‘reformation period’ but as always, it is the corruption with these organizations perpetuating the struggle for power. This conflict will always exist and without it, well, you just don’t get great stories.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
DC and Marvel heroes and villains have apprised themselves with one another. Alliances have formed, enemies have been made.
THE FOLD
After this event the world needed time to reaffirm itself. President Mitchell Ward's final term endured more than any of his predecessors had ever faced in the wake of the cosmic event. It was a difficult time, people were angry and they blamed, above all, those who were different, those who directly opposed the invading alien who's destruction changed the world. This angst reignited the Superhuman Registration and roared into an inferno, fuelled by Lex Luthor's words as they were strategically poured over it.
THE STAND AGAINST REGISTRATION
THE DEATH OF THE HULK
In the final struggle to regulate 'superhumans', referred to as the 'Civil War', greatly shaped the 'costumed world' as we know it. While this was occurring, similar events were transpiring in the DC Universe, thus after the amalgamation of 'The Fold' history on both sides had built a foundation beneath the SOKOVIA ACCORD. After 'THE FOLD', it became mandate, embraced by the world as a way to control the dangers of ‘Metahumans and Mutants’. Attempts to force these costumed crusaders to ‘register’ failed. Some of the major driving forces behind registration were Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, Reed Richards and Lex Luthor. While they did not always see eye-to-eye, each believed ‘registration’ was the best solution, unfortunately it produced a war which only drove many super-powered individuals deeper underground. As it turned out, Lex Luthor had devised a plan to once and for all destroy Superman by using the power of the Hulk.
THE DEMISE OF THE HULK (DC vs. Marvel)
It began with the death of Lois Lane, accidentally killed in a skirmish between Registration Supporters and Anti-registration protestors. Days later a titanic battle would ensue when the Hulk went on a mindless rampage. Emotionally compromised by the death of his wife, Superman should not have engage in a battle with the green goliath but events orchestrated by Lex Luthor ensured the clash. With civilians at risk Superman would never allow a repeat of his battle with General Zod, and so he was able to transport the raging Hulk to Antartica at his the risk of his own peril. Allies of the Hulk attempted to intervene but even they could not calm him. Something had destabilized the gamma radiation within his cells and with a serious threat of radioactive contamination on a globular scale. There was a battle between the allies of Hulk and the Justice League members trying to protect the planet. In the end Superman had no choice but engage in a colossal fight that ended with the Man of Steel throwing the Hulk into a neighbouring star where his gamma laced body produced a green coloured supernova of immense proportions; forming a black-hole.
THE DEFEAT OF THOR
Many accused Superman of prejudice when he battled the Hulk and there were few who took a stronger stand against him than the Mighty Thor. Seeking justice for Bruce Banner he openly challenged the Kyptonian who only accepted if they fought in Doctor Strange's 'mirror dimension', thus preventing any harm to come to the real world. Not held back by the risk of destroying the planet Superman unleashed a power unlike anything ever seen, beating the stubborn Thor so badly that the god required months to recover. Since then, a bitter rivalry remains between the two, but Thor honourably accepts the defeat.
THE AFTERMATH
After the battle, none dared oppose Superman, and the Justice League, as always, vowed to police the world from superhuman menaces, ever vigilant from the Watchtower orbiting the planet. Their solution was to remove themselves (for the most part) from the daily happenings on Earth. They keep in close contact with SHIELD, working closely with the organization to ensure the safety of the planet but their presence diminished. Sightings of Superman became all the more rarer.
THE PARDON
In order to quell the flames that threatened to consume the nation, President Ward, in his final act as president pardoned all super-hero's that aided in the BATTLE AGAINST DARKSEID/THANOS. It was a bold move, one that greatly restrained the Registry and restored a semblance of peace and order to America.
Today a watered down version of the 'Registration Act' remains in America only. Other nations either feel the super-humans are a benefit or they simply don't have the resources to enforce a registration. The current act basically helps prevent the vigilantism of 'unregistered' crime-fighters by policing and enforcing the law with appropriately powered response teams. If a metahuman or mutant wants to exercise their right to use their powers to fight crime they need to register as 'Government Enforcers', which means giving up one's secret identity to the government. Unfortunately, as so often happens, the super-heroes help deal with super-villains and law enforcement, despite the act, are inclined to the support them. The Registration Act is federal,state laws can challenge it, and the courts often do.
THE END OF DEMOCRACY
PRESIDENT LUTHOR,
VICE-PRESIDENT NORMAN OSBORN
After the 'STAND' against 'Metahuman & Mutant Registration' America was ripe for an authoritarian leader that promised to protect the people from the rampages of super-powered people and the anomalous monstrosities of the world. Those Americans that prioritized security and control were left disenchanted by the fairness of President Ward and craved the perception of strength and power. Superman's unpopularity with the people only amplified the autocratic words of Lex Luthor, the convenient lies reverberating across the globe, but his small following still wasn't enough for the criminal master mind to become president. He would become indebted to the RED SKULL and DOCTOR DOOM for their assistance in subverting the results of the election and influencing the voters. With those superheroes who might have been able to stop them still licking their wounds the super-villains easily took over the disenfranchised masses of America with false promises of wealth, prosperity and retribution.
President Luthor's America is a dictatorship. He has essentially turned the country's government into a criminal syndicate under the false flag of freedom and democracy. He has created his own party, known as THE BASTION, filling his administration with criminals and realistically, he didn't have to look too hard. All he Luthor had to do was dissolve the separation of business and government.
His administration has placed 'crime-fighters' under a micro-scope paving the way for many lucrative back-alley deals between government and crime-lords of the world. Our heroes have to watch their step. Law enforcement representatives have to abide by strict laws of vigilantism. The costumes of crime-fighters are no longer exclusive uniforms of justice, they're actions are all deemed unlawful in the eyes of the courts unless they are paid government employees who's actions are held accountable by a recognized oath of service. This means REGISTRATION.
Norman Osborn — IRON PATRIOT
Another person Lex Luthor would become indebted to for his meteoric ascension to the presidency would be Norman Osborn whom would be named Vice-President. He would also be granted the 'Iron Patriot' suit by Tony Stark and avidly participate in the policing of the country. Osborn is one of the driving forces of the AmericaFIRST, campaigning to bring back the "Real America".
THE RED SKULL
A trusted advisor of President Luthor: Senior Counselor Brandt Dietrich, who is actually the 'masked identity' of the Red Skull (play-by: Til Schweiger). Brandt stays out of the spot-light of course, but the occasional picture and mention of him occur in the media.
THE LUTHOR ACT
"An attempted crime is not a crime"
The Luthor Act is a law that states that an "Attempted Crime is NOT a Crime". Therefor, unless a person is successful at committing what is perceived as a "criminal act" they cannot persecuted for it. This law has significantly changed the face of a America. It allowed the existence of the Hall of Doom (Injustice League) located in Slaughter Swamp outside of Gotham City.
AmericaFIRST
NAZISM
Nazism, Nationalism, White Supremacy, and racism have exploded in America; truth is it's always been apart of it. With Lex Luthor's take over came the return of AmericaFIRST, the KKK organization of Nazi sympathizers developed during World War II. This is one of the site's main antagonists. White Supremacists who primarily use Evangelism to influence the masses, and finance Nazi cells that work to nurture White Domination. Many of these organizations exist on global scale, with strong ties to European and Russian White Supremacists. In our writing scenario, these villains are the lowest of the low, at the same level as trophy hunters and dog-eaters. One of the main corner-stones of evil that our heroes combat, but changing the minds of people is not as easy as taking on a flesh-and-blood villain.
REGISTRATION
To date, the ONLY crime fighting forces that have signed onto the Superhuman Registration Act, are Iron man, War Machine, Vision and Spiderman (special allowances due to his age). Reed Richards revoked his registration on principal and is trying to arrive at a solution that is fair to all.
Our unregistered heroes are, for the most part, forced to work in the shadows. Every move they make is scrutinized and used for Luthor's propaganda and the Red Skull's smearing campaigns. America's face is slowly turning red. People's attitudes vary from state to state, some are pro-crime-fighter, some anti, some indifferent. It is still NOT ILLEGAL for a person to walk down the street wearing a costume, so long as it can be differentiated from appointed law enforcement officials. It's the actions of crime-fighters that are held under scrutiny.
Internationally based superhero guilds, like the Justice League are difficult for America to control. These heroes each carry their own wide base of supporters and when they appear on the scene, regular law enforcement usually needs their assistance and they're not inclined to thank them by arresting them for saving people.
IRON MAN
THE NEW SYMBOL OF AMERICAN JUSTICE
Tony Stark is a reluctant proponent to the policies of the American government and became an integral part in President Lex Luthor's vision of 'THE HUMAN DEFENSE CORPS'. A branch of the Department of Justice, 'THE FEDERAL REGULATION BUREAU', employs Stark's 'Iron Legion' and the 'Guardsmen', headed by War Machine in assisting law-enforcement, specifically when dealing with empowered people. To those staunch Luthor supporters, Iron Man is a true symbol of Justice and the American Way, replacing the symbolism Superman and Captain America once represented.
The main theme behind Tony Stark is that he's caught between a rock and hard place. He's no Nazi, but if he steps down there will no one left to regulate the use of his tech and oppose the evil from within. He still believes in encasing the world in a suit of armour to protect it and believes all he needs to do is purge it of Lex Luthor.
MECHANIZED LAW
Tony Stark has invested a great deal of his time and resources to ensure that every country has access to android tech in the form of robots and cybernetic enhanced battle suits in order to deal with super powered individuals. Terminology will very from nation to nation, but the system is basically the same every where. When law enforcement has to deal with empowered individuals special task forces consisting of androids, mechanized armoured police (like the Ironman suit), and commissioned empowered people who are allowed to retain their masks to protect their identities from the public while in service to the government.
"SUPER COPS"
Just about every police force has empowered people in their employ. Individuals that have been extensively vetted though the F.R.B. Some of these individuals wear masks to protect their identities which is a practice that isn't frowned upon. Due the reality of the world there is no way they could live a normal life otherwise. There are some individuals with heightened traits who registered but don't advertise themselves as being "empowered". They fly under the radar and live a somewhat normal life without having to adopt a 'masked persona'.
WHY DOESN'T EVERY SUPER-HERO JUST WORK FOR THE GOVERNMENT?
- To put it bluntly the world has down-spiralled into autocratic corporate statism. Just about every country is controlled by an aristocracy using their wealth to manipulate the system. Stay in line, keep off the radar and a person can have a decent life, until the system labels them redundant, or they inadvertently cross an 'elite'. Super-heroes who are fighting against this tyranny have a target on their back. That, or they ended up upholding a corrupt system.
CAPTAIN AMERICA
POSTER-BOY OF THE AMERICAN RESISTANCE
Captain America is the symbol of the Resistance. He stands against the autocratic rule of President Lex Luthor and does everything within the LAW to oppose him and his government by exercising his freedom of speech. Pardoned, he has yet to break any serious laws that would warrant law enforcement to arrest him. Charges have to be laid and thus far, Steve Roger's shield has remained untarnished. Unfortunately, he can only go so far to oppose the President. As a superhero, the meaning of his words can be easily misconstrued and he has a responsibility to maintaining peace on the streets.
LUKE CAGE & THUNDER
SYMBOLS OF JUSTICE
As a super-powered Black crime-fighter, no other hero has become more of a symbol of justice than Luke Cage, equally as prevalent is Thunder (Anissa Pierce). Both have become the faces of Anti-Supremacy, of "True America". Luke leads a movement for "RECONCILIATION FOR SLAVERY" and the systematic oppression of African Americans and other minorities that have suffered under the sting of White Supremacy. Anissa, much younger than Luke, empowers young Black women, encouraging them to rise up and take a stand against the injustice of racism and gender inequality.
WONDER WOMAN
LUTHOR'S NEMESIS
Another symbol that Americans identify with is Wonder Woman, but she is far less political than Steve Rogers who actually speaks at rallies and takes interviews. As a woman, she represents feminism, an exact opposite to Luthor's chauvinism. While she is used as a symbol against America's autocratic government she does not take an active role in the people's resistance, preferring to take a stand when her presence is ultimately required. She is after all, considered an immigrant and does not represent the best interests of America.
HYDRA (H.I.V.E.)
Hydra and H.I.V.E have combined forces, a world super-power under the reign of Johan Schmidt (Red Skull) and the Hive Queen Adeline Kane. Captain American’s arch-enemy has teamed up with Deathstroke and his wife. They hide in plain sight, protected by the laws of human-kind while they menace through terrorism, assassination and corporate take-overs. They are slowly but surely hacking away at the world's infrastructure while our heroes remain powerless to touch them without proof in the eyes of the law which they control.
This is one the ultimate antagonists in the setting and as such, many of the other criminal factions will be affiliated with them to some degree. Unfortunately, trying to link connections in a court of law will always end up going no where making it impossible to take down the entire organization.
OUR PROTAGONISTS
Agencies like S.H.I.E.L.D. are still very active in preserving justice in America and the world but their hands are tied by government bureaucracy. President Luthor's cabinet is ever chipping away at these organization, replacing them with his 'loyal servants'. Superhero's have to watch their backs but that's not stopping them from fighting crime. With a ruthless maniac as President there's even more of a need for costumed crime fighter's unfortunately, the law isn't always on their side. They can just as easily get thrown in jail for doing the right thing, as doing the wrong.
THE STATE OF THE WORLD
The world has been dominated by corporations. Corporate-Statism and Fascism are rampant, and most democracies exist in a state of denial of corporate control. Laws are bought and sold like cattle, laws against slavery have been abolished in the states of Mississippi and Alabama, as well many other parts of the world. It is a time, more than ever, that people need super-heroes but most don't want them around.
Arkhetype's main setting is America's Eastern Seaboard, specifically New York City. This is not to say that you are bound to this area, the world is vast, but to maintain continuity this will remain our main setting. That said, the State of the World can best be defined as being leery of an uncertain future. Democratic governments are under attack, safety and security are being broken down by terrorism and authoritarianism. America's government has been infiltrated by ORGANIZED CRIME and a devout supportive base of thralls adhere to Lex Luthor's lies with cultish obedience.
"If you say a LIE enough, with authority and total impunity people will believe it." — Lex Luthor
No one in the world, not even Superman can change the brain-washed attitude of millions. Luthor is too fortified. He has surrounded himself with super-villains and a web of political and corporate allies that make it virtually impossible to countermand his rule. Tony Stark has turned all local law enforcement into capable military forces, armed with android units, battle suits, and empowered individuals who retain their costumed personas in service of the government. Super beings like Captain Atom and Major Force.
The days of Super-hero factions like the Justice League are numbered. They are currently tolerated in attempt to avoid all out war, while organizations like the F.R.B. tirelessly work to convert super-heroes into government employees.
All our heroes can do, is keep up the fight and resist his EVIL AGENDA that has emboldened and strengthened crime around the globe.
THE IMPENDING MUTANT WAR
SENTINELS
President Luthor's talk of re-instating the Sentinel Program in America is a direct threat of war to the mutants of Genosha, as these giant robots (the site follows the classic Sentinels not the indestructible, unbeatable, transformative monstrosities from Days of Future Past) threaten ALL mutants. The production of Sentinels in a collaborative effort of Stark Industries, Hammer Technology, Advanced Idea Mechanics and a few other robotic companies. The robots will not be produced quickly in our setting and superheroes will be fighting against their manufacturing more often than the robots themselves until such time as their completion is announced.
ZOMBIES!
THE VECTIS VIRUS
THE FOLD gave the world one last gift in the form of a virus. Scientists called it VECTIS, Latin for 'Wight' because it turns people into the stuff of nightmares, into the 'walking dead'. Currently the virus is contained, a vaccine has been created that can kill the virus if received within 18 hours of infection. Once that window is lost, there is no cure. The effects of the virus are irreversible. The person will die and reanimate into a mindless biological entity with an insatiable hunger for living flesh. Infection may occur from saliva to blood, or blood to blood contact, approximately 70% of the time (far less for mutants and metahumans and some of course may be completely immune). There is also a chance a person's immune system will fight off the virus which manifests like influenza. Unfortunately this does not grant immunity or produce anti-bodies. Once in a while a case spring up somewhere in the world, which leads scientists and doctors to speculate that a short-lived air-bourn variety of the virus exists, though none have yet to encounter it. Once in a host the virus is unable to survive in the air, but some theorize that it may be able to survive for a time in water.
Is the world on edge? People are no more wary of the VECTIS VIRUS than they are of AIDS or EBOLA. It is extremely rare to come in contact with the Vectis Virus and even rarer to contract the disease. Numbness and high fevers accompany the flu-like symptoms, obvious signs for a person to get to a hospital where they can be treated with the vaccine. Once a person has contracted the raw VECTIS VIRUS and received the vaccine they are more resistant but not immune. Immunization against Vectis is not possible, yet.
Is this plot device meant to create a zombie apocalypse? Heavens no! Writers are meant to use this from a medical perspective, not from the angle of the 'Walking Dead'. There can be small break-outs, areas of a city needed to be quarantined, but all these should always end with containment. No major outbreaks will occur unless it's announced. Just keep it isolated.
THE STATE OF THE UNIVERSE
ASGARD - We are not acknowledging the events of 'Thor Ragnorok', other than embracing the common sense that Thor is not the God of Hammers. Asgard is as it was and Mjolnir still exists.
The existence of ‘Costumed Villains and Vigilantes’ began as far back as the 1800’s. This marked the arrival of exceptional individuals and this era’s awareness of them. It would not be until the creation of the likes of the super-soldier, Captain America that the potential for ‘super-powered’ people and the impact they could have on the world would truly be recognized.
We embrace the mythology of the "The Watchmen" to depict the early years of masked crime-fighters and villains. We have to accept, though, that until recent events these ‘Metahumans & Mutants’ were not as common and their interference with the affairs of human-kind less frequent, perhaps less noted as well.
People of this world don’t always remember history the same, in fact when one delves even into the most ancient texts of recorded history there are strange deviations. Among people today there are those that may recall the heroics of Wonder Woman more clearly, than those of Captain America, as if one version is more real than the other, or more familiar — as if another world overlaps the other. This goes unnoticed until people recall specific points in time and by comparing them, find odd deviations occurring. They begin to realize that there there a different versions of people from different versions of reality living side by side. How could this have happened? Few have the clarity of mind to differentiate between the two universes, but those able to separate them have shared their knowledge with the world so that everyone can truly understand the significance of the INVASION OF 2018.
THE FOLD
The Invasion of Thanos / Darkseid
In 2018, the world was devastated by an invading force from another world. It was not the first interplanetary invasion, memories of the Battle of New York still reverberated across the globe, and then he arrived — Thanos, wielding the power of the infinity stones. For some the invasion was remembered much differently. For starters, they did not recall the "Battle of New York", this event was replaced by the city wide destruction of rampaging aliens from Krypton in Metropolis, but somehow, it and New York seemed to be the same place at that point in time. Diverging memories and documentations bringing to light an event that folded space and collapsed a part of one universe into another.
They called it the 'Collapse' and later 'The Fold'. It was the ‘Invasion of Thanos’, to some, the ‘Invasion of Darkseid’ to others. How could people NOT clearly remember the name, the events or even accurately recall the appearance of the personification of ultimate evil that threatened to destroy the Earth — the entire universe? What was this strange phenomena effecting people’s memories? It was as if two separate events had occurred simultaneously. Some people recalled Thanos and the Avengers, while others remembered Darkseid and the Justice League but one thing was clear. After the evil was defeated, from that moment on, people’s memories no longer deviated in their recollections of the past. What had happened?
Months later, as the world rebuilt and people mourned their losses the theory of amalgamating realities proved the most plausible explanation for the sudden deviations between people’s recollections of the past. Certain areas of the world (specifically places like Gotham City, Metropolis, Wakandam etc.) revealed two very different versions of the 2018 Invasion when video records and reports were reviewed. It became evident that at one time there were two very distinct versions of Earth and that the destruction of Thanos / Darkseid actually folded two similar universes at the point of the Milky Way Galaxy. As Darkseid and Thanos became one they bore the brunt of annihilation as the two parallel galaxies folded in on one another. The ‘Titan’ was dead but in the wake of his destruction a new reality was born; two universes merged. One had been the home to Superman, the other, Captain Marvel. Two realities becoming one.
Approximately 90% of the entities of these parallel universes, overlapped. The same person existed in both universes. The 10% deviation consisted of people that simply existed outside the synchronicity, unique individuals that were literally, ‘unparalleled’; for whatever the reason they were more aware of ‘THE FOLD’ than most. The majority of the world perceived the anomaly but their minds were left in a state that could best be described as ‘deja vu’. The translocation of other worldly cities like Gotham and Metropolis were accepted, but deep down, people regarded the place with a feeling they could not articulate without sounding crazy. Those with the strongest deviations were aware, especially those at ground zero, the point at which Darkseid and Thanos imploded. Members of the Justice League and the Avengers were suddenly standing face to face, pondering the nature of one another.
The world is now an amalgam of two intersecting universes. The basic rule we follow is that no two objects can occupy the same space at the same time. This means that any historical events that occur simultaneously, or overlap, are remembered differently. While someone from the Marvel Universe will be infused with the memories of 'Metropolis' always existing, the memories of New York which existed in both universes will deviate. History books, depending on their origin will also be different, thus illustrating to the world that THE FOLD did in fact take place. This means that a history text originating from a publisher in Gotham City would differ from one written and printed in another part of the world. To this day, people are still trying to get a grip on these anomalies.
NEW MUTANTS
& METAHUMANS
THE FOLD also created it's own fair share of mutants and metahumans, instantly transforming normal people. In some cases they are merged with a super-human, in others, latent abilities will released or strange occurrences during the event transformed people. This is not an uncommon scenario for many of the original characters in this setting but it is hardly a fixed path. Many existed long before THE FOLD, many will continue to come about.
ATLANTIS
THE OCEANIC WAR
When the universes folded together those things existing simultaneously amalgamated into one, but what of Atlantis? Two very distinct versions existed in both universes. They existed in different locations, the one from the DC Universe in the North Atlantic, and Marvel to the south, but that was hardly the sole distinguishing features of the undersea kingdoms. In the Marvel Universe, the Atlanteans were once human, while those of the DC Universe are descended from Nemed, the leader of the third group of people to settle Ireland. The Nemedians were a mystical race that did battle with the mysterious Formorians, eventually being driven out, while their descendants their supernatural Tuatha Dé lived on to rule the island. The Nemedians, however, did not die out, instead they sailed and settled in what would become known as Atlantis.
The world after ‘The Fold’ has two Atlantis’s, North Atlantis ruled by Namor McKenzie, and South Atlantis ruled by Arthur Curry. When the two became aware of the other, a great battle ensued to determine the rightful master of the oceans. It was a war of pride and neither the Justice League nor the Avengers or any other super-powered individuals took sides, and in the end the battle ultimately came down to the two rulers. It was a titanic struggle, each matching the other blow for blow, neither yielding. The fray produced a maelstrom of incredible proportions; tidal waves were generated. Coastal nations were threatened! It was time for the rest of the world to step in, but to prevent an all out war between the surface and sea dwellers, The Justice League, Avengers, Fantastic Four, and Doctor Strange, joined forces to respectfully subdue their Atlantean Kings. A truce was declared and terms of peace discussed, the ocean realms being divided equally between them, Namor the North, Arthur the South. Tension still exists, but for now there is peace in the oceans, Arthur and Namor have even established a line of trade between their two distinctly different nations, and explore their similarities.
Northern Atlanteans that are now referred to as Nemedians have light blue coloured skin and propel themselves through water by swimming while Arthur's Southern Atlanteans appear more human-like and have the ability to magically glide through the water at incredible speeds. Only highborn Atlanteans of both species can breath both air and water.
THE WORLD
TEN YEARS AFTER "THE FOLD"
This is a world where heightened abilities exist. Let’s focus on that for a moment. If, say, you were watching the Olympics and you along with the rest of the world witnessed an athlete doing something so inhumanly extraordinary that it knocked you off your seat, that’s pretty much EVERY DAY in this world. When Mr. and Mrs. John Q. Citizen drive to work every morning there’s always a chance, albeit a small one, but still a chance they might see a person fly across the sky or observe something truly ‘other worldly’. The people of this world are NOT us. They exist in an environment where Bigfoot is more than likely roaming the woods, and about everything that we can only imagine as having an ounce of truth, is probably to some extent, on some level, a reality.
Ten years later, people have pretty much settled into the whole, ‘Amalgamating Universe’ thing. They know things aren't going to revert back to the way they were. They accept it. Aside from getting used to two versions of a virtually identical history there wasn’t really any other repercussions. Scientists, Religious Scholars and Mystics, for once, all agreed to accept it as ‘natural phenomena’ induced by the ‘power’ of the invading alien (Darkseid/Thanos). The logic being, that if wasn’t somehow ‘natural’, the two universes would have been annihilated. This is the mainstream affirmation of the universe's continued existence.
The world rebuilt, wounds healed. Pantheons of power, both governmental and superhero endured a ‘reformation period’ but as always, it is the corruption with these organizations perpetuating the struggle for power. This conflict will always exist and without it, well, you just don’t get great stories.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
DC and Marvel heroes and villains have apprised themselves with one another. Alliances have formed, enemies have been made.
THE FOLD
After this event the world needed time to reaffirm itself. President Mitchell Ward's final term endured more than any of his predecessors had ever faced in the wake of the cosmic event. It was a difficult time, people were angry and they blamed, above all, those who were different, those who directly opposed the invading alien who's destruction changed the world. This angst reignited the Superhuman Registration and roared into an inferno, fuelled by Lex Luthor's words as they were strategically poured over it.
THE STAND AGAINST REGISTRATION
THE DEATH OF THE HULK
In the final struggle to regulate 'superhumans', referred to as the 'Civil War', greatly shaped the 'costumed world' as we know it. While this was occurring, similar events were transpiring in the DC Universe, thus after the amalgamation of 'The Fold' history on both sides had built a foundation beneath the SOKOVIA ACCORD. After 'THE FOLD', it became mandate, embraced by the world as a way to control the dangers of ‘Metahumans and Mutants’. Attempts to force these costumed crusaders to ‘register’ failed. Some of the major driving forces behind registration were Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, Reed Richards and Lex Luthor. While they did not always see eye-to-eye, each believed ‘registration’ was the best solution, unfortunately it produced a war which only drove many super-powered individuals deeper underground. As it turned out, Lex Luthor had devised a plan to once and for all destroy Superman by using the power of the Hulk.
THE DEMISE OF THE HULK (DC vs. Marvel)
It began with the death of Lois Lane, accidentally killed in a skirmish between Registration Supporters and Anti-registration protestors. Days later a titanic battle would ensue when the Hulk went on a mindless rampage. Emotionally compromised by the death of his wife, Superman should not have engage in a battle with the green goliath but events orchestrated by Lex Luthor ensured the clash. With civilians at risk Superman would never allow a repeat of his battle with General Zod, and so he was able to transport the raging Hulk to Antartica at his the risk of his own peril. Allies of the Hulk attempted to intervene but even they could not calm him. Something had destabilized the gamma radiation within his cells and with a serious threat of radioactive contamination on a globular scale. There was a battle between the allies of Hulk and the Justice League members trying to protect the planet. In the end Superman had no choice but engage in a colossal fight that ended with the Man of Steel throwing the Hulk into a neighbouring star where his gamma laced body produced a green coloured supernova of immense proportions; forming a black-hole.
THE DEFEAT OF THOR
Many accused Superman of prejudice when he battled the Hulk and there were few who took a stronger stand against him than the Mighty Thor. Seeking justice for Bruce Banner he openly challenged the Kyptonian who only accepted if they fought in Doctor Strange's 'mirror dimension', thus preventing any harm to come to the real world. Not held back by the risk of destroying the planet Superman unleashed a power unlike anything ever seen, beating the stubborn Thor so badly that the god required months to recover. Since then, a bitter rivalry remains between the two, but Thor honourably accepts the defeat.
THE AFTERMATH
After the battle, none dared oppose Superman, and the Justice League, as always, vowed to police the world from superhuman menaces, ever vigilant from the Watchtower orbiting the planet. Their solution was to remove themselves (for the most part) from the daily happenings on Earth. They keep in close contact with SHIELD, working closely with the organization to ensure the safety of the planet but their presence diminished. Sightings of Superman became all the more rarer.
THE PARDON
In order to quell the flames that threatened to consume the nation, President Ward, in his final act as president pardoned all super-hero's that aided in the BATTLE AGAINST DARKSEID/THANOS. It was a bold move, one that greatly restrained the Registry and restored a semblance of peace and order to America.
Today a watered down version of the 'Registration Act' remains in America only. Other nations either feel the super-humans are a benefit or they simply don't have the resources to enforce a registration. The current act basically helps prevent the vigilantism of 'unregistered' crime-fighters by policing and enforcing the law with appropriately powered response teams. If a metahuman or mutant wants to exercise their right to use their powers to fight crime they need to register as 'Government Enforcers', which means giving up one's secret identity to the government. Unfortunately, as so often happens, the super-heroes help deal with super-villains and law enforcement, despite the act, are inclined to the support them. The Registration Act is federal,state laws can challenge it, and the courts often do.
THE END OF DEMOCRACY
PRESIDENT LUTHOR,
VICE-PRESIDENT NORMAN OSBORN
After the 'STAND' against 'Metahuman & Mutant Registration' America was ripe for an authoritarian leader that promised to protect the people from the rampages of super-powered people and the anomalous monstrosities of the world. Those Americans that prioritized security and control were left disenchanted by the fairness of President Ward and craved the perception of strength and power. Superman's unpopularity with the people only amplified the autocratic words of Lex Luthor, the convenient lies reverberating across the globe, but his small following still wasn't enough for the criminal master mind to become president. He would become indebted to the RED SKULL and DOCTOR DOOM for their assistance in subverting the results of the election and influencing the voters. With those superheroes who might have been able to stop them still licking their wounds the super-villains easily took over the disenfranchised masses of America with false promises of wealth, prosperity and retribution.
President Luthor's America is a dictatorship. He has essentially turned the country's government into a criminal syndicate under the false flag of freedom and democracy. He has created his own party, known as THE BASTION, filling his administration with criminals and realistically, he didn't have to look too hard. All he Luthor had to do was dissolve the separation of business and government.
His administration has placed 'crime-fighters' under a micro-scope paving the way for many lucrative back-alley deals between government and crime-lords of the world. Our heroes have to watch their step. Law enforcement representatives have to abide by strict laws of vigilantism. The costumes of crime-fighters are no longer exclusive uniforms of justice, they're actions are all deemed unlawful in the eyes of the courts unless they are paid government employees who's actions are held accountable by a recognized oath of service. This means REGISTRATION.
Norman Osborn — IRON PATRIOT
Another person Lex Luthor would become indebted to for his meteoric ascension to the presidency would be Norman Osborn whom would be named Vice-President. He would also be granted the 'Iron Patriot' suit by Tony Stark and avidly participate in the policing of the country. Osborn is one of the driving forces of the AmericaFIRST, campaigning to bring back the "Real America".
THE RED SKULL
A trusted advisor of President Luthor: Senior Counselor Brandt Dietrich, who is actually the 'masked identity' of the Red Skull (play-by: Til Schweiger). Brandt stays out of the spot-light of course, but the occasional picture and mention of him occur in the media.
THE LUTHOR ACT
"An attempted crime is not a crime"
The Luthor Act is a law that states that an "Attempted Crime is NOT a Crime". Therefor, unless a person is successful at committing what is perceived as a "criminal act" they cannot persecuted for it. This law has significantly changed the face of a America. It allowed the existence of the Hall of Doom (Injustice League) located in Slaughter Swamp outside of Gotham City.
AmericaFIRST
NAZISM
Nazism, Nationalism, White Supremacy, and racism have exploded in America; truth is it's always been apart of it. With Lex Luthor's take over came the return of AmericaFIRST, the KKK organization of Nazi sympathizers developed during World War II. This is one of the site's main antagonists. White Supremacists who primarily use Evangelism to influence the masses, and finance Nazi cells that work to nurture White Domination. Many of these organizations exist on global scale, with strong ties to European and Russian White Supremacists. In our writing scenario, these villains are the lowest of the low, at the same level as trophy hunters and dog-eaters. One of the main corner-stones of evil that our heroes combat, but changing the minds of people is not as easy as taking on a flesh-and-blood villain.
REGISTRATION
To date, the ONLY crime fighting forces that have signed onto the Superhuman Registration Act, are Iron man, War Machine, Vision and Spiderman (special allowances due to his age). Reed Richards revoked his registration on principal and is trying to arrive at a solution that is fair to all.
Our unregistered heroes are, for the most part, forced to work in the shadows. Every move they make is scrutinized and used for Luthor's propaganda and the Red Skull's smearing campaigns. America's face is slowly turning red. People's attitudes vary from state to state, some are pro-crime-fighter, some anti, some indifferent. It is still NOT ILLEGAL for a person to walk down the street wearing a costume, so long as it can be differentiated from appointed law enforcement officials. It's the actions of crime-fighters that are held under scrutiny.
Internationally based superhero guilds, like the Justice League are difficult for America to control. These heroes each carry their own wide base of supporters and when they appear on the scene, regular law enforcement usually needs their assistance and they're not inclined to thank them by arresting them for saving people.
IRON MAN
THE NEW SYMBOL OF AMERICAN JUSTICE
Tony Stark is a reluctant proponent to the policies of the American government and became an integral part in President Lex Luthor's vision of 'THE HUMAN DEFENSE CORPS'. A branch of the Department of Justice, 'THE FEDERAL REGULATION BUREAU', employs Stark's 'Iron Legion' and the 'Guardsmen', headed by War Machine in assisting law-enforcement, specifically when dealing with empowered people. To those staunch Luthor supporters, Iron Man is a true symbol of Justice and the American Way, replacing the symbolism Superman and Captain America once represented.
The main theme behind Tony Stark is that he's caught between a rock and hard place. He's no Nazi, but if he steps down there will no one left to regulate the use of his tech and oppose the evil from within. He still believes in encasing the world in a suit of armour to protect it and believes all he needs to do is purge it of Lex Luthor.
MECHANIZED LAW
Tony Stark has invested a great deal of his time and resources to ensure that every country has access to android tech in the form of robots and cybernetic enhanced battle suits in order to deal with super powered individuals. Terminology will very from nation to nation, but the system is basically the same every where. When law enforcement has to deal with empowered individuals special task forces consisting of androids, mechanized armoured police (like the Ironman suit), and commissioned empowered people who are allowed to retain their masks to protect their identities from the public while in service to the government.
"SUPER COPS"
Just about every police force has empowered people in their employ. Individuals that have been extensively vetted though the F.R.B. Some of these individuals wear masks to protect their identities which is a practice that isn't frowned upon. Due the reality of the world there is no way they could live a normal life otherwise. There are some individuals with heightened traits who registered but don't advertise themselves as being "empowered". They fly under the radar and live a somewhat normal life without having to adopt a 'masked persona'.
WHY DOESN'T EVERY SUPER-HERO JUST WORK FOR THE GOVERNMENT?
- To put it bluntly the world has down-spiralled into autocratic corporate statism. Just about every country is controlled by an aristocracy using their wealth to manipulate the system. Stay in line, keep off the radar and a person can have a decent life, until the system labels them redundant, or they inadvertently cross an 'elite'. Super-heroes who are fighting against this tyranny have a target on their back. That, or they ended up upholding a corrupt system.
CAPTAIN AMERICA
POSTER-BOY OF THE AMERICAN RESISTANCE
Captain America is the symbol of the Resistance. He stands against the autocratic rule of President Lex Luthor and does everything within the LAW to oppose him and his government by exercising his freedom of speech. Pardoned, he has yet to break any serious laws that would warrant law enforcement to arrest him. Charges have to be laid and thus far, Steve Roger's shield has remained untarnished. Unfortunately, he can only go so far to oppose the President. As a superhero, the meaning of his words can be easily misconstrued and he has a responsibility to maintaining peace on the streets.
LUKE CAGE & THUNDER
SYMBOLS OF JUSTICE
As a super-powered Black crime-fighter, no other hero has become more of a symbol of justice than Luke Cage, equally as prevalent is Thunder (Anissa Pierce). Both have become the faces of Anti-Supremacy, of "True America". Luke leads a movement for "RECONCILIATION FOR SLAVERY" and the systematic oppression of African Americans and other minorities that have suffered under the sting of White Supremacy. Anissa, much younger than Luke, empowers young Black women, encouraging them to rise up and take a stand against the injustice of racism and gender inequality.
WONDER WOMAN
LUTHOR'S NEMESIS
Another symbol that Americans identify with is Wonder Woman, but she is far less political than Steve Rogers who actually speaks at rallies and takes interviews. As a woman, she represents feminism, an exact opposite to Luthor's chauvinism. While she is used as a symbol against America's autocratic government she does not take an active role in the people's resistance, preferring to take a stand when her presence is ultimately required. She is after all, considered an immigrant and does not represent the best interests of America.
HYDRA (H.I.V.E.)
Hydra and H.I.V.E have combined forces, a world super-power under the reign of Johan Schmidt (Red Skull) and the Hive Queen Adeline Kane. Captain American’s arch-enemy has teamed up with Deathstroke and his wife. They hide in plain sight, protected by the laws of human-kind while they menace through terrorism, assassination and corporate take-overs. They are slowly but surely hacking away at the world's infrastructure while our heroes remain powerless to touch them without proof in the eyes of the law which they control.
This is one the ultimate antagonists in the setting and as such, many of the other criminal factions will be affiliated with them to some degree. Unfortunately, trying to link connections in a court of law will always end up going no where making it impossible to take down the entire organization.
OUR PROTAGONISTS
Agencies like S.H.I.E.L.D. are still very active in preserving justice in America and the world but their hands are tied by government bureaucracy. President Luthor's cabinet is ever chipping away at these organization, replacing them with his 'loyal servants'. Superhero's have to watch their backs but that's not stopping them from fighting crime. With a ruthless maniac as President there's even more of a need for costumed crime fighter's unfortunately, the law isn't always on their side. They can just as easily get thrown in jail for doing the right thing, as doing the wrong.
THE STATE OF THE WORLD
The world has been dominated by corporations. Corporate-Statism and Fascism are rampant, and most democracies exist in a state of denial of corporate control. Laws are bought and sold like cattle, laws against slavery have been abolished in the states of Mississippi and Alabama, as well many other parts of the world. It is a time, more than ever, that people need super-heroes but most don't want them around.
Arkhetype's main setting is America's Eastern Seaboard, specifically New York City. This is not to say that you are bound to this area, the world is vast, but to maintain continuity this will remain our main setting. That said, the State of the World can best be defined as being leery of an uncertain future. Democratic governments are under attack, safety and security are being broken down by terrorism and authoritarianism. America's government has been infiltrated by ORGANIZED CRIME and a devout supportive base of thralls adhere to Lex Luthor's lies with cultish obedience.
"If you say a LIE enough, with authority and total impunity people will believe it." — Lex Luthor
No one in the world, not even Superman can change the brain-washed attitude of millions. Luthor is too fortified. He has surrounded himself with super-villains and a web of political and corporate allies that make it virtually impossible to countermand his rule. Tony Stark has turned all local law enforcement into capable military forces, armed with android units, battle suits, and empowered individuals who retain their costumed personas in service of the government. Super beings like Captain Atom and Major Force.
The days of Super-hero factions like the Justice League are numbered. They are currently tolerated in attempt to avoid all out war, while organizations like the F.R.B. tirelessly work to convert super-heroes into government employees.
All our heroes can do, is keep up the fight and resist his EVIL AGENDA that has emboldened and strengthened crime around the globe.
THE IMPENDING MUTANT WAR
SENTINELS
President Luthor's talk of re-instating the Sentinel Program in America is a direct threat of war to the mutants of Genosha, as these giant robots (the site follows the classic Sentinels not the indestructible, unbeatable, transformative monstrosities from Days of Future Past) threaten ALL mutants. The production of Sentinels in a collaborative effort of Stark Industries, Hammer Technology, Advanced Idea Mechanics and a few other robotic companies. The robots will not be produced quickly in our setting and superheroes will be fighting against their manufacturing more often than the robots themselves until such time as their completion is announced.
ZOMBIES!
THE VECTIS VIRUS
THE FOLD gave the world one last gift in the form of a virus. Scientists called it VECTIS, Latin for 'Wight' because it turns people into the stuff of nightmares, into the 'walking dead'. Currently the virus is contained, a vaccine has been created that can kill the virus if received within 18 hours of infection. Once that window is lost, there is no cure. The effects of the virus are irreversible. The person will die and reanimate into a mindless biological entity with an insatiable hunger for living flesh. Infection may occur from saliva to blood, or blood to blood contact, approximately 70% of the time (far less for mutants and metahumans and some of course may be completely immune). There is also a chance a person's immune system will fight off the virus which manifests like influenza. Unfortunately this does not grant immunity or produce anti-bodies. Once in a while a case spring up somewhere in the world, which leads scientists and doctors to speculate that a short-lived air-bourn variety of the virus exists, though none have yet to encounter it. Once in a host the virus is unable to survive in the air, but some theorize that it may be able to survive for a time in water.
Is the world on edge? People are no more wary of the VECTIS VIRUS than they are of AIDS or EBOLA. It is extremely rare to come in contact with the Vectis Virus and even rarer to contract the disease. Numbness and high fevers accompany the flu-like symptoms, obvious signs for a person to get to a hospital where they can be treated with the vaccine. Once a person has contracted the raw VECTIS VIRUS and received the vaccine they are more resistant but not immune. Immunization against Vectis is not possible, yet.
Is this plot device meant to create a zombie apocalypse? Heavens no! Writers are meant to use this from a medical perspective, not from the angle of the 'Walking Dead'. There can be small break-outs, areas of a city needed to be quarantined, but all these should always end with containment. No major outbreaks will occur unless it's announced. Just keep it isolated.
THE STATE OF THE UNIVERSE
ASGARD - We are not acknowledging the events of 'Thor Ragnorok', other than embracing the common sense that Thor is not the God of Hammers. Asgard is as it was and Mjolnir still exists.
