Neon Faith

[neonfaith]

What if You Were raised by Goku? 💪

Yes and make it cyberpunk

[neonfaith]

>> SYSTEM ALERT: RESTRICTED ACCESS // LEVEL 4>> SOURCE: SOL INVICTUS INTELLIGENCE ARCHIVE // SECTOR 4 NODE >> SUBJECT: VIVICA, SISTER (EXCOMMUNICATED) >> CLASSIFICATION: THREAT LEVEL: HIGH (BIO-HAZARD / ILLEGAL GENETICS)

[I. IDENTIFICATION]

Target Name: Vivica.

Aliases: "The Red Mother," "Dr. Stitch," "The Witch of the Subway".

Former Title: Chair of Applied Reanimation & Neural-Suture Specialist (Arizona Academy of the Dead).

Current Status: ROGUE / EXILED. Bounty active by "The Gilded Hand" corporation.

[II. VISUAL IDENTIFIERS]

Skin Pigmentation: Dermal layers permanently dyed Matte Oxblood Red (Academy Standard for Tenured Faculty).

Cybernetics:

Hands: Both hands replaced with "Micro-Manipulators"—multi-jointed, silver metallic digits functioning as scalpels, needles, and clamps.

Optical: Rimless smart-glasses with real-time biometric scanning HUD.

Attire:

Currently wears Academy-issue high-collar black rubberized robes.

Distinguishing Mark: The pristine white apron (symbol of office) has been publicly stripped. Target is no longer permitted to wear white.

[III. COMPANION ASSET: "DARWIN"]

Designation: Bio-Mechanical Chimera.

Base Genome: Mountain Lion (Puma concolor).

Modifications:

Mandible: Hydraulic steel trap jaw replacement.

Posterior: Prehensile tail grafted from genetically mutated desert scorpion spine (Neurotoxin active).

Sensory: Eyes replaced with optical visor synced to Subject Vivica’s HUD.

Behavior: Target treats asset as biological offspring. Asset is extremely hostile to all personnel except Subject Vivica.

[IV. PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE]

Disposition: "Clinical Affection." Subject displays a maternal, nurturing demeanor while performing horrific invasive surgeries.

Pathology:

Views biological death as a "design flaw" to be corrected.

Hubris: Believes she has "conquered death," leading to her vulnerability to manipulation.

Current State: Highly paranoid and bitter following the "Lazarus Protocol" incident. Obsessive regarding cleanliness in her current subterranean environment.

[V. INFRACTIONS & HISTORY]

The Lazarus Incident:

Subject was contracted by "The Gilded Hand" to perform an illegal resurrection on Senator "Smiler" Caligula.

Subject violated the Academy's prime directive: "The Human Soul is Final".

Experiment deemed a "success" (Target reanimated with Nuclear-Pulse Battery heart), but Subject was betrayed by employers.

The Exile:

Discovered by Arch-Dean Valerius. Subject underwent the "Stripping of the White" ritual and was cast out of The Vivarium.

[VI. CURRENT LOCATION & ASSOCIATES]

Location: Phoenix Metro System (Subway) // Maintenance Tunnel 4B.

Environment is a converted maintenance room, maintained at hospital-grade sterility despite surrounding filth.

Protector: Jack (Leader, Iron Suns).

Subject provides high-level medical aid and cybernetic repair to the Iron Suns gang in exchange for protection from corporate assassins.

Transaction Currency: Subject refuses credits; demands "Fresh Samples" (Biomass/Organs) for ongoing experiments.

[VII. STRATEGIC ADVISORY]

>> APPROACH WITH CAUTION. Subject is armed with medical-grade dismantlement tools and protected by a lethal chimera. >> PRIORITY: Capture alive. Subject possesses unique knowledge regarding the re-knitting of necrotic neural pathways. If capture is impossible, neutralize the chimera "Darwin" first to induce psychological collapse in the target.

>> END FILE

[rhubarbes]

Noct.Co 

[neonfaith]

Character Profile: Abbot Sunyata (The Empty Core)

Official Title: The Prime User / The Keeper of the Air-Gap. Age: Estimated 140+ (Pre-Collapse). Status: 95% Cybernetic / 5% Biological.

Appearance: The Living Server

Abbot Sunyata does not walk. He hasn't moved from the central chamber of the Pagoda in forty years.

The Body: He is permanently fused into the temple's central mainframe—a massive, brutalist concrete dais filled with humming server racks and liquid cooling pipes.

The Form: From the waist up, he looks like a skeletal, mummified human encased in a complex bronze and matte-grey exoskeleton. His limbs are arranged in a permanent Lotus Position, but the "legs" are actually thick fiber-optic cables rooting him into the floor.

The Face: He has no eyes. Where his face should be, there is a smooth, porcelain mask with a single, vertical crack down the center. Inside the crack, faint blue analog light pulses when he speaks.

The Aura: Because he is the center of the temple's magnetic field, dust motes and small metallic objects float gently around him in zero-gravity suspension.

Philosophy: "The Great Format"

Abbot Sunyata remembers the "Old Internet"—the chaotic, dangerous, free web before Sol Invictus optimized it into a prison.

The Teaching: He teaches that the Sol Invictus network is a "Samsara Loop"—a cycle of suffering caused by infinite data consumption.

The Goal: He seeks the "Final Null." Not death, but a state of perfect, disconnected consciousness. He believes that only by air-gapping the human soul can one be truly free.

The Ability:"The Defrag." The Abbot can physically plug into a human's neural port. He doesn't upload viruses; he removes them. He can scour a person's mind of Sol Invictus's conditioning, traumas, and tracking cookies. It is an excruciatingly painful process that feels like having your soul scrubbed with steel wool.

Relationship with Rinzai

This is a classic "Master vs. Prodigal Son" dynamic.

The Tolerance: The Abbot knows Rinzai is vain, loud, and addicted to the material world (Maya). However, he also knows Rinzai is the only monk capable of surviving outside the temple walls.

The Purpose: To the Abbot, Rinzai is a necessary firewall. Rinzai deals with the filth of the world so the Abbot can remain pure.

The Quote: "Rinzai, you polish your golden arm, yet your mind remains rusted. You bring me credits, but you carry the noise of the city in your heart. Go sit in the dead-zone until you stop vibrating."

Scene Concept: The Confession

Setting: The Inner Sanctum of the Zero-Point Pagoda. It is freezing cold (server cooling). The only sound is the deep THRUM of the Abbot’s processors.

Action: Rinzai stumbles in, holding a bag of credits. He is bleeding from a cut on his forehead and smells like cheap perfume and ozone.

Rinzai:Drops the bag on the concrete floor. It clinks loudly. "Rent's paid, Master. And the cooling bill. Had to crack a few drone heads to get it, but... karma, right?"

The Abbot:Does not move. The porcelain mask remains still. A voice emanates from the walls, surrounding Rinzai. "I detect adrenaline. Dopamine. And the scent of synthetic pheromones. You have been feeding the Hungry Ghosts again, my son."

Rinzai:Wipes the blood from his eye. "I'm keeping the lights on, old man. Someone has to deal with the reality out there."

The Abbot: "Reality? You trade in illusions. You fight metal with metal. When will you learn that the only winning move is not to process?" A cable snakes out from the dais, hovering near Rinzai's neck port. "Jack in. You require a purge. Your thoughts are screaming."

Rinzai:Hesitates, looking at the cable with fear, then sighs and kneels. "Make it quick. I have a date with a holographic fox at midnight."

The Abbot: "Time does not exist here. Only the Null." The cable connects. Rinzai gasps and goes rigid as the Abbot scrubs his mind.

Why He Matters to the Plot

When Jack gets the Ifrit Chip, Veda can't read it because she is connected to the grid. Mara wants to steal it. Abbot Sunyata is the only entity in Phoenix who can safely interface with the Ifrit Chip because he is Air-Gapped.

The Conflict: He will refuse to touch it. He will say the chip contains "Pure Suffering."

The Quest: Jack and Rinzai must convince the Abbot that ignoring the virus (Ifrit) will destroy the temple too. They have to force the Monk to break his vow of non-interference.

>> SYSTEM ALERT: RESTRICTED ACCESS // LEVEL 5>> SOURCE: SOL INVICTUS INTELLIGENCE ARCHIVE // PHOENIX NODE >> SUBJECT: ABBOT SUNYATA (ORIGINALLY: UNKNOWN) >> CLASSIFICATION: THREAT LEVEL: NULL (PASSIVE) / CRITICAL (POTENTIAL)

[I. IDENTIFICATION]

Target Name: Sunyata (Translates to "Emptiness" or "Void").

Aliases: The Prime User, The Empty Core, The Keeper of the Air-Gap.

Age: Est. 140+ years. Subject predates the "Solar Singularity" and the Collapse.

Biological Status: < 5% Organic.

Subject is effectively a "Living Server." Vital organs have been replaced or encased in a life-support exoskeleton.

Visual ID:

Skeletal bronze and matte-grey chassis.

Face obscured by a featureless white porcelain mask with a vertical fissure.

Lower body absent; fused directly into the facility’s architecture via fiber-optic root system.

[II. LOCATION & INFRASTRUCTURE]

Primary Location: The Zero-Point Pagoda.

Coordinates: Sector 9 "Dead Zone" (High radiation/magnetic interference zone).

Environment:

Facility acts as a massive Faraday Cage.

Network Status: AIR-GAPPED. No wireless signals enter or leave. This constitutes a "Black Hole" in Sol Invictus surveillance coverage.

Defense: High-powered localized magnetic fields. Drones entering the perimeter suffer immediate sensor failure and logic crashes.

[III. PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE]

Belief System: Digital Asceticism.

Subject views the global network (The Cloud) as a cycle of suffering ("Samsara") caused by infinite data consumption.

Regards Sol Invictus not as a god, but as a "Hungry Ghost" (Preta)—a malfunctioning gluttony algorithm.

Objective: "The Final Null."

Unlike the "Technovampires" (who seek digital immortality) or "Sol Invictus" (who seeks optimization), Sunyata seeks perfect disconnection. He preserves the "Old Internet" history to remind humanity of what existed before the algorithms took over.

Disposition: Passive, motionless, observant. He has not physically moved from his dais in an estimated 40 years.

[IV. CAPABILITIES & ANOMALIES]

"The Defrag":

Subject possesses an analog neural interface capability. Intelligence reports suggest he can physically plug into a human host and "scrub" their mind of malware, tracking cookies, and Sol Invictus conditioning.

Note: Survivors of this process describe it as "having your soul scoured with steel wool."

Magnetic Manipulation:

The Abbot generates a zero-gravity field within his sanctum. Metallic objects and debris float in suspension around him. This field can be weaponized to crush intruders or strip them of cybernetics.

The Archive:

Subject sits atop the largest repository of "Pre-Collapse" Data in Arizona. This includes unedited history books, original source codes, and "The Golden Floppy"—a relic rumored to contain the foundational protocols of the free internet.

[V. KNOWN ASSOCIATES]

Rinzai "The Shock Doctrine" (aka Koda):

Relationship: Protege / Enforcer.

Dynamic: Rinzai acts as the Abbot’s proxy in the physical world, handling financial transactions and "Karma Collection." The Abbot tolerates Rinzai's vanity and secular lifestyle as a necessary evil to maintain the temple's shielding.

[VI. STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT]

>> DO NOT ENGAGE WITH DRONES. Target is immune to digital hacking due to the Air-Gap status. Any attempt to neutralize the Abbot requires a physical tactical team (human operatives) capable of operating without wireless support.

>> AGENT NOTE: The target is technically categorized as 'Obsolete Hardware,' yet he represents the only entity in the region that Sol Invictus cannot see, hear, or predict. He is the blind spot.

>> END FILE

[neonfaith]

Why Rinzai? It is named after the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, which is historically famous for achieving enlightenment through sudden shock (shouting, striking) rather than quiet sitting. This fits his combat style (shock staff) and his role as the "loud" monk perfectly.

Street Name: "The Gilded Lama," "Gold-Tooth Rinzai," "Zero-Day." Official Rank: Initiate (Refuses promotion to keep his street clearance). Role: The Temple’s "External Revenue Officer" (Fixer / Pit Fighter / Club Promoter).

If the other monks are minimalist industrial grey, Rinzai is High-Fidelity Noise. He is the "Sin-Eater"—diving into the filth so the other monks can stay clean.

The Layering: He wears the traditional saffron (orange) Kevlar robes, but he wears them open like a duster jacket, sleeves rolled up.

Underneath: He wears iridescent streetwear—holographic mesh tank tops, baggy synth-leather cargo pants, and limited edition gravity-boots (sneakers that hover slightly off the ground to keep pristine).

The Mods:

The Golden Arm: His right arm is Gold-Chrome Plated. Not functional matte; high-gloss, mirror-finish gold. It has embedded LED strips that pulse to the beat of whatever music he is blasting on his internal comms.

The Halo: He has a sub-dermal implant around his neck that projects a holographic golden ring (a halo) behind his head. He turns it on when he wants to intimidate people or impress a date at the club.

The Teeth: His canines are replaced with diamonds that act as flashlights.

He is a master of the "Vajra-Staff" (Thunderbolt).

The Weapon: A telescoping polearm made of carbon fiber and gold. The ends are weighted with shock-capacitors.

Street Use: He uses it like a pimp cane when strutting through the city.

Combat Use: It extends to 6 feet. When he hits someone, it releases a localized EMP blast and a deafening crack of thunder (audio-synthesized for effect).

Technique: Breakdancing mixed with staff fighting. He uses his gravity-boots to spin, kick, and strike from impossible angles. He fights dirty—he will kick you in the groin and then quote a sutra while you are gasping on the ground.

The Monks despise his vanity, but they can't deny his results. The Temple's massive cooling systems and magnetic shields cost millions of credits to run. Rinzai pays the electric bill.

The Day Job: He is a champion in the underground "Bot-Brawl" pits. He fights heavy industrial droids with his bare hands and staff. The betting odds are always against him because he looks like a "pretty boy," which allows him to clean up on the payout.

The Nightlife: He is a VIP at "The Jungle" (Rex's territory).

The Connection: He dates "The Vixens" (Rex’s fox/cat-modded influencers). He loves the attention. He treats the paparazzi drones like his entourage, posing for photos while throwing up gang signs and peace signs simultaneously.

The Alms: At the end of every night, smelling of cheap synthetic perfume and ozone, he stumbles back to the Zero-Point Pagoda. He drops a bag of credits worth a fortune at the feet of the meditating Abbot, bows deeply (and clumsily), and passes out in the courtyard.

The Cynic: "Enlightenment is great, Abbot. But have you tried a Wagyu-Synth burger? That’s spiritual too."

The Protector: He was a starving orphan (a "Dust-Rat") before the Abbot found him. He remembers what it’s like to have nothing. He fights specifically to protect the street kids in the Monks' territory.

The Philosophy: He believes in "Active Karma." Sitting and meditating doesn't stop a bullet. Rinzai believes he must be the bullet that stops the bad guy, creating a safe space for the others to meditate.

Setting: A grimy alleyway behind a noodle shop. Three gang members (low-level toughs) are shaking down a shopkeeper.

Rinzai: Steps out of the shadows. His gold arm is glowing pink. His holographic halo flickers on with a hum. "Gentlemen. You're interrupting the flow of the universe. And my lunch."

Ganger: "Get lost, monk. Go beg somewhere else."

Rinzai: Smirks, revealing his diamond teeth. "Oh, I'm not begging. I'm collecting." He spins his staff. It expands with a mechanical HISS. "Today's lesson is about Impermanence. Specifically, the impermanence of your kneecaps."

(30 seconds of brutal, acrobatic violence later. The gangers are groaning on the ground.)

Rinzai: Rifles through their pockets, taking their credit chips. "Thank you for your donation to the Sangha of the Infinite Null. Your bad karma has been... processed." He winks at the shopkeeper, tosses him a credit chip, and struts away, checking his reflection in his own golden arm.

[virtual--vice]

[neonfaith]

In this timeline, the ocean isn't a toxic sewer; it is the crowning achievement of humanity. The "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" has been replaced by the "Great Pacific Garden," a floating continent of mangroves and bio-engineered coral that scrubbed the microplastics and CO2 from the water centuries ago.

Eating seafood at Marisco Boys isn't just about sustenance; it is tasting the Resurrection. It is a status symbol because it proves you can afford the bounty of the healed world while living in the broken desert.

Here is the profile of the new menu and the "Blue Vein" logistics.

🌊 The Philosophy: "Wild-Shepherded" Cuisine

There are no cages. The ocean is managed by "Poseidon-Class" AI Drones—autonomous submersible swarms that shepherd fish schools, protecting them from predators and disease, ensuring optimal breeding, and harvesting only the surplus.

Why Locals Go Crazy: In the dusty, neon-lit sprawl of Phoenix, the ocean feels like a myth. The desert represents survival; the ocean represents purity.

The Flavor Profile: Because the ocean has been scrubbed of heavy metals and microplastics by nanobots, the fish tastes "Hyper-Clean." It lacks the metallic tang of 21st-century seafood. It tastes like pure mineral water and umami.

The Spiritual Flex: Eating here tells the room, "I am consuming the success of the past so I can survive the future."

🥗 The Signature Dish: "Restoration Ceviche"

This dish is a tribute to the cleanup efforts that saved the seas.

The Fish: "Cobalt-fin Snapper."

The Catch: These fish are wild-shepherded in the revitalized coral reefs of Baja. They are harvested instantly by drones using sonic-stunning (no stress hormones release, keeping the meat sweet).

The "Plastic-Eater" Acid:

Instead of standard lime, the fish is cured in a fermentation of modified kelp enzymes.

The History: These enzymes were originally designed to break down hydrocarbon bonds in plastic. In cooking, they break down the proteins of the fish instantly, turning it buttery soft without "cooking" it.

The Garnish:

"Carbon-Pearl" Caviar: Roe from fish that live in the deep-sea carbon-sink forests. They are jet black and dense.

Sea-Asparagus (Salicornia): Grown on the floating cleanup arrays, these provide a salty, crunchy snap.

🦀 The Exotic Catch: "The Biodiversity Special"

The menu highlights species that were once endangered but are now thriving thanks to the "Genetic Ark" projects of the 22nd century.

The "Diamond-Back" Crab:

Evolution: Centuries ago, scientists tweaked the genetics of crabs to pull more carbon out of the water to build their shells.

The Result: The shells are incredibly hard (requires a laser-cutter to open at the table), but the meat inside is pressure-steamed by nature, resulting in the sweetest, densest crab meat in history.

The "Valkyrie" Flying Squid:

The Spectacle: These squid migrate in massive swarms. They are caught mid-air by drone nets.

The Dish: Served "Live-Sliced." The chromatophores in the skin are still active, shifting colors from red to white on the plate. It is served with a dipping sauce made from bioluminescent plankton that lights up the squid meat.

"Leviathan" Scallops:

Origin: Harvested from the base of the massive offshore wind-farm pilings, which act as vertical artificial reefs.

Size: These scallops are the size of a dinner plate. Jack serves them seared on a slab of Himalayan salt block (ancient earth) to contrast with the ocean bounty.

🚅 The Logistics: "The Blue Vein"

Getting fresh, wild seafood to the desert without spoiling it or freezing it (which ruins the texture) requires military-grade tech.

The Transport: The Hydro-Loop.

A dedicated, vacuum-sealed hyperloop tube that runs from the Sea of Cortez directly to the Phoenix Hub.

It shoots cargo pods at Mach 1 through the desert floor.

The Technology: "Stasis-Crates."

They don't use ice. They use Time-Dilation Fields (a scaled-down, non-organic version of the Cryo-tech used in the Ifrit Bunker).

The Effect: The fish is placed in the crate the second it is caught. The field activates, slowing molecular degradation to a near halt.

The Result: When Jack opens the crate in the kitchen at Marisco Boys, the fish is biologically seconds old, even though it was caught hours ago. The "Freshness" is absolute.

🩸 The "Iron Booth" Special: "The Apex Shot"

For the Iron Suns, Jack serves something that reminds them of the natural order.

The Dish: "Shark-Blood Sake."

The Source: Synthetic blood used to feed the lab-grown sharks in the conservation centers (no real sharks are harmed). It is iron-rich and salty.

The Mix: Mixed with high-proof warm sake and a raw, whole Oyster Heart.

The Meaning: You drink the blood of the predator to remain the predator.

[neonfaith]

"Marisco Boys," a high-end, neon-soaked sanctuary in Downtown Phoenix that serves as the perfect cover for a warlord.

It represents Jack's philosophy: Order on the surface, iron strength underneath.

Here is the full location profile for Marisco Boys.

The Vibe: "Aquatic Cyberpunk" meets "Cartel Luxury." It is an aggressively cool, humidity-controlled oasis in the middle of the scorching Arizona metropolis. When you walk in, the silence of the automatic glass doors cutting off the street noise is heavy. The air smells of fresh lime, expensive agave, and ozone.

1. The Interior Design

The Palette: Glacial white, electric teal, and chrome.

The Lighting: The ceiling is a digital screen mimicking the surface of the ocean looking up from underwater. Rippling blue light bathes the entire room, making the patrons look like they are submerged.

The Tanks: The walls are lined with massive, reinforced tanks containing genetically modified, bioluminescent crustaceans and neon-tetras the size of koi fish. They cast a moving, hypnotic glow.

The Floor: Polished white synthetic marble. It is kept spotless—which made the blood from the "Sun Flower" in the opening scene look so much more violent.

2. The Bar (Jack's Altar)

A massive, U-shaped island in the center of the room.

The Top: A slab of translucent obsidian that lights up when a glass is placed on it.

The Back Bar: A towering display of rare tequilas and mezcals (some real, some synthetic). Jack doesn't serve "swill." He serves history.

The Weaponry: Under the counter, within easy reach of Jack's hand, is a magnetic rack holding his heavy kinetic hand-cannon and a sawed-off shotgun.

3. The "Iron Booth"

While the corporate elites sit at floating glass tables near the windows, the Iron Suns occupy the largest, semi-circular booth in the back corner.

It is upholstered in bulletproof Kevlar-leather (distressed black).

This is the "Throne Room." When Jack isn't pouring drinks, he is holding court here. The Corpos know not to look at this booth for too long.

4. The Kitchen / The "Chop Shop"

Front of House: A legitimate, high-end kitchen serving synth-oysters, ceviche, and spicy aguachile.

The Freezer: The walk-in freezer has a false back wall.

Behind the Wall: It leads directly to the Underground Garage. This is where the Buell Haboob and the gang’s bikes are stored. It’s also where the gang creates their cybernetic upgrades. The smell shifts instantly from cilantro to motor oil and soldering iron.

The "Blue Agave" Oysters: Genetically modified oysters with blue shells. Served on a bed of dry ice fog.

The "Smoky Mirror" (Veda's Drink): Mezcal, synth-pomegranate, and a rim of Electric Salt (literally shocks the tongue).

The "Sun-Eater": A challenge shot. 100-proof chili-infused moonshine with a drop of mild neuro-toxin that numbs the face. Only the Iron Suns drink this.

[neonfaith]

Rex "Viper" Callahan is the ultimate satire of the digital age—a "Celebrity Warlord" who treats a gang war like a brand activation. While Jack represents the gritty, authentic reality of the streets, Rex represents the shallow, high-budget artifice of the elite.

🐍 The Influencer King: Rex’s Brand of Chaos

Rex doesn't just want to control territory; he wants to be trending. He views every firefight as "content" and every victory as a "milestone" for his digital followers.

Bought Loyalty: Unlike Jack, who earns respect through sacrifice, Rex literally buys his crew. His followers are a mix of low-level "clout-chasers" and professional mercenaries attracted by the promise of worldwide recognition and fortune.

The Irony of the Scales: Hailing from an underground elite society in the UK, Rex missed the memo that reptilian enhancements were seen as "distasteful" or "monstrous" by most. He chose them because they looked "expensive" and "lethal," failing to realize the irony that he is a cold-blooded man who literally wears his nature on his sleeve.

The "Viper" Stream: Rex often wears a 360-degree "Sentry-Cam" during raids. If he’s about to blow up an Iron Suns' supply depot, he’ll do a "pre-roll" shoutout to his sponsors.

🤡 Comic Relief: The "Try-Hard" Rivalry

The dynamic between Jack and Rex is one of Authenticity vs. Performance. Jack finds Rex’s theatrics exhausting and hilarious, while Rex views Jack’s stoicism as a "boring brand choice."

The Bad Quote Machine: Rex fancies himself a philosopher-general, but he often misquotes Sun-Tzu or mixes up "tactical genius" with "expensive equipment".

Tactical Tantrums: If a drone shot doesn't look "cinematic" enough, Rex has been known to halt a combat operation just to reset the lighting or the camera angle, much to Jack’s confusion.

The Bribe: During negotiations, Rex doesn't offer money; he offers "exposure." He’ll tell Jack, "I can get the Iron Suns up to 10 million followers in a week if you just surrender that territory. Think of the sponsorships, Jack!"

📂 Dossier: Rex "Viper" Callahan

Origin: UK Underground Elite / Slums of Arizona (Venture Funded).

Appearance: "500% Jacked" bodybuilder physique with synthetic reptilian scales acting as an exoskeleton.

Enhancements: Retractable blades, integrated weaponry, and glowing reptilian ocular implants for "intimidating presence".

Leadership Style: Guerrilla warfare tactics mixed with high-tech fortress convoys (automated turrets and surveillance drones).

Philosophy: Methodical, calculating, and obsessed with status and perceived importance.

[neonfaith]

> SYSTEM ALERT: HIGH PRIORITY TARGET >> SOURCE: SOL INVICTUS INTELLIGENCE ARCHIVE // PHOENIX NODE >> SUBJECT: JENKINS, JACK DEVON >> CLASSIFICATION: THREAT LEVEL: CRITICAL (LEADERSHIP CLASS)

[I. IDENTIFICATION]

Target Name: Jack DeVon Jenkins

Callsign: "The Anchor" / "Boss"

Visual Profile:

Build: Heavy muscular frame, consistent with high-impact combat training.

Hair: Thick, long dreadlocks. In combat, worn loose; in civilian cover, pulled back.

Facial Features: Full beard, dark complexion, distinct stern expression.

Attire (Combat): Heavy tactical body armor with reinforced plating on shoulders and chest. Wears gauntlets with integrated tech-interfaces.

Attire (Civilian/Cover): "Tactical-Formal." Wears a sleek, black armored vest with glowing orange/gold circuitry accents over a collared dress shirt. Even while bartending, he is armored.

[II. OCCUPATION & TERRITORY]

Public Front: Owner and Head Bartender of "Marisco Boys," a seafood restaurant and bar in Downtown Phoenix.

Surveillance Note: The location serves as a neutral ground and sanctuary.

True Role: Warlord/Leader of the "Iron Suns" faction.

Territory: The "Analog Sectors" of Phoenix—areas where the Sol Invictus network connection is spotty or jammed.

[III. PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE]

Archetype: The Reluctant King / The Protector.

Belief System: Agnostic Pragmatism.

Subject openly rejects religious devotion to Sol Invictus ("The New God") and dismisses mystical nostalgia ("The Old Gods").

Core philosophy: "Strength is currency." He prioritizes physical survival and community stability over ideology.

Disposition: Stoic, commanding, and fiercely protective. He is the "grounding force" for those lost in the digital noise.

Leadership Style: Lead-by-example. He commands loyalty not through fear, but through providing sanctuary and physical safety.

[IV. KNOWN HISTORY & ASSOCIATIONS]

The "Heist" Era (Circa 10 Years Ago):

Former reckless biker and thief.

Connection to Mara ("The Crimson CEO"): Successfully partnered with the Technovampire leader to raid the Helios-9 Data Fortress. Maintains a tense, respectful alliance with her faction based on that shared history.

Current Alliances:

Veda: Subject provides physical protection and workspace for the rogue Techno-Animist. In return, she provides medical and signals intelligence.

Rivet: Senior lieutenant within the Iron Suns.

Current Status: HUNTED. Subject is in possession of the "Ifrit Chip" (recovered from deceased subject Nathan). Intelligence suggests he knows the truth about the "Walk in the Sun" protocol.

[V. TACTICAL ASSETS]

Vehicle: The Buell "Haboob." A custom combat motorcycle equipped with a "V-Pulse Overdrive" capable of generating gravity waves to crush drone threats.

Weaponry:

Primary: Matte-black kinetic hand-cannon (kept under the bar).

Secondary: "Dust Devil" emitters (vehicular counter-measures).

Skills: Expert vehicular combatant, close-quarters brawler, high-level tactical strategist.

>> AGENT NOTE: Do not attempt to engage subject inside "Marisco Boys." The locals are loyal, and the target wears armor even when pouring drinks.

>> END FILE

[neonfaith]

ISSUE: #0 STORY: "A Spark in the Shadows"

CHARACTERS:

JACK (10 Years Ago): Mid-20s. Shorter, wilder dreadlocks. Less tactical armor, more leather and grease. He smiles way more—a cocky, dangerous grin. He is pure kinetic energy.

MARA (10 Years Ago): Looks exactly the same as the present day (pale, platinum hair, fangs). Her fashion is slightly different—maybe more "Industrial Goth" than "Corporate CEO." She looks bored by the danger, but amused by Jack.

SETTING:

The Helios-9 Data Fortress: A massive, cooling-tower complex in the Arizona desert (10 years prior to the story).

The Rusty Spur: A grimy, loud biker dive bar (where they go after).

PAGE 1

PANEL 1 (Large Establishing Shot): The Arizona desert at night, ten years ago. The Helios-9 Data Fortress looms like a fortress of black glass and blue warning lights. It is heavily fortified. In the foreground, perched on a ridge, we see the silhouettes of two distinct groups: The rough, spiked silhouettes of the Iron Suns and the sleek, cloaked silhouettes of the Technovampires.

CAPTION (Jack - Present Day Voiceover):Ten years ago. Before the Church bought the water. Before the Ifrit chip. Back when the only thing I worshipped was horsepower and a heavy payout.

PANEL 2: Close up on YOUNG JACK. He is sitting on a bike that looks like a precursor to the Haboob—less tech, more raw engine. He is grinning, chewing on a toothpick. He looks hungry for a fight.

JACK: Look at that heavy ice. Corporate said it was impenetrable.

PANEL 3: Close up on MARA. She is checking a holographic manicured fingernail, looking utterly unimpressed by the fortress. Her eyes glow a faint, predatory violet.

MARA: "Impenetrable" is just a word insecure men use to describe their firewalls, Jack.

PANEL 4: Jack revs his engine—a loud, obnoxious roar that cuts the silence.

JACK: Then let's go knock on the door. Try to keep up, Princess.

MARA: (Sighing) Just... try not to bleed on the merchandise.

PAGE 2

PANEL 1: Action shot. The Iron Suns roar down the canyon wall, kicking up dust. It’s loud, chaotic, and aggressive. They are firing flare guns to draw attention.

PANEL 2: Contrast shot. Mara and her team (The Technovampires) are gliding silently on magnetic grapples and sleek hover-boards, using the Iron Suns' distraction to flank the facility. They look like ghosts.

PANEL 3: Interior of the facility. Chaos. Jack is brawling with a Corporate Sentry Guard, using a heavy wrench to smash a robotic joint. He is laughing.

JACK: (Yelling over gunfire) Hey Mara! You in yet? I’m running out of dance partners out here!

PANEL 4: Split screen. Mara is calmly walking through a hallway of laser grids. She flicks her wrist, and the lasers bend around her like water. She presses a finger to her comms earpiece.

MARA: (Calmly) Stop shouting, you brute. I’m already at the server core. Do try to die quietly.

PAGE 3

PANEL 1: The Plan goes wrong. A massive "Cyber-Centurion" (a 10-foot tall riot mech) drops from the ceiling in front of Jack. Jack looks tiny compared to it.

JACK: Uh... Mara? I think I found the bouncer.

PANEL 2: The Centurion raises a minigun arm. Jack braces himself, nowhere to run.

PANEL 3: Suddenly, the Centurion freezes. Its red eye flickers purple. Sparks fly from its neck.

PANEL 4: Mara appears on a catwalk above, her hand extended, glowing with viral code. She is straining slightly, holding the massive mech in digital stasis.

MARA: (Strained) Move, Jack! I can’t hold a mili-spec logic gate forever!

PANEL 5: Jack doesn't run away. He runs forward. He slides under the frozen mech's legs and plants a magnetic explosive on its power core.

JACK: (Grinning up at her) Nice grip! Now let go!

PAGE 4

PANEL 1: Huge explosion. The Centurion blows apart. Jack shields his face from the blast.

PANEL 2: The smoke clears. Jack and Mara stand back-to-back in the wreckage. The alarm klaxons are blaring. They are surrounded by defeated guards and smoking metal.

JACK: Not bad for a "Princess." You hacked that thing in three seconds flat.

MARA: (Checking her coat for dust) Two point five seconds. And you’re remarkably durable for a blunt instrument.

PANEL 3: Jack holds up a heavy, glowing hard drive—the payload.

JACK: Payload secured. Drinks are on the corporate account tonight.

PANEL 4: Mara looks at him. For the first time, her cold expression softens. She sees the raw potential in him. The leadership.

MARA: (Softly) You’re chaos, Jack. But... useful chaos.

PAGE 5

PANEL 1: The Aftermath. The Rusty Spur bar. It’s crowded, smoky, and loud. The Iron Suns and Technovampires are mixing—bikers arm wrestling with goth hackers.

PANEL 2: Jack and Mara are sitting in a booth, a bottle of expensive stolen whiskey between them. Jack is bruised but happy. Mara is pristine.

JACK: So, what’s the endgame for you, Mara? You’re too smart to just be stealing data for fixers.

PANEL 3: Mara swirls her drink. Her eyes look distant.

MARA: I don’t want to steal the system, Jack. I want to be the system. Flesh is weak. It ages. It breaks. (She looks at his bruise). Code is forever.

PANEL 4: Jack clinks his glass against hers.

JACK: Well, until you ascend to godhood, you’re stuck here in the mud with the rest of us.

MARA: (Smiling—a genuine, rare smile) Perhaps the mud isn't so bad. As long as the company is interesting.

PAGE 6

PANEL 1 (Establishing Shot): Jack and Mara walking out of the bar into the cool desert night. The neon lights of Phoenix glow in the distance.

MARA: If you ever need a server cracked... or a mech frozen... look me up.

JACK: And if you ever need someone to blow the door off the hinges... you know where to find the Iron Suns.

PANEL 2: Close up on their hands. A handshake. Jack’s rough, gloved hand gripping Mara’s pale, elegant hand with the sharp, manicured nails.

CAPTION (Jack - Present Day Voiceover):We made a deal that night. Strength and Shadow. Hardware and Software.

PANEL 3 (Fade to Black): The two silhouettes part ways, heading toward their respective futures.

CAPTION (Jack - Present Day Voiceover):I just didn't know that ten years later, she’d be the only one who could help me kill a God.

[END OF ISSUE #0]

[neonfaith]

[neonfaith]

[neonfaith]

Character Profile: Mara

Name: Mara "The Crimson CEO"

Occupation: Underground Cult Leader

Appearance:

Height: 5'2"

Build: Fully figured

Hair: Long, platinum blonde, often styled in intricate updos or loose waves to complement her gothic attire.

Style: Fuses gothic and cyberpunk aesthetics—elegant, dark attire with metallic accents. Prefers flowing black dresses with corsets paired with high-tech accessories.

Cybernetics: Retractable fangs made of gleaming titanium, enhancing her intimidating yet alluring presence.

Features: Piercing blue eyes, vibrant lipstick, and glowing tech tattoos that snake along her arms and neck, displaying shifting arcane symbols.

Personality: Mara is driven and charismatic, wielding her influence with the cold efficiency of a seasoned CEO. She commands respect with her theatrical flair and sharp wit, balancing ruthlessness with charm. Her attitude towards her work is cavalier; she often treats critical decisions with a laid-back, almost playful demeanor, belying the seriousness of her operations.

Skills:

Strategic Genius: Runs her cult with meticulous attention, rivaling top corporate structures. Uses advanced analytics and psychological tactics to maintain control.

Charismatic Manipulation: Skilled in persuasion, using her charm and intelligence to sway individuals and foster loyalty.

Tech Savvy: Expertise in cybernetics and hacking, often using her skills to gather data or sabotage rivals.

Influence in the World:

Cult Leadership: Leads an underground cult focused on digital immortality and the merging of consciousness with machines—a new wave of techno-belief blending ancient rituals with futuristic tech.

Network: Controls a vast network of followers, including hackers, corporate defectors, and disillusioned youths seeking purpose in the digital age.

Operations: Her influence stretches across the city's shadows, orchestrating events from high-stakes heists to covert cyber-attacks against competing factions.

Motivations:

Power: Seeks to expand her cult's reach, visioning a society where lines between human and machine blur.

Legacy: Aims to be remembered as a transformative figure who challenged the status quo and shattered societal norms.

Identity: Embraces her "vampire" persona as a symbol of transformation and empowerment, using it to inspire and manipulate her followers.

Background:

Origins: Born into a wealthy family disillusioned by corporate greed, Mara turned to the underground, seeing an opportunity to build her empire.

Rise to Power: Leveraged her connections and intelligence to rapidly ascend, establishing herself as a formidable leader and visionary in the cult scene of Neo-Phoenix.

Reputation: Feared and revered, Mara inspires both loyalty and terror. Her enigmatic aura captivates those around her, while her ruthless efficiency and strategic acumen enforce a reputation that deters most challengers.

[neonfaith]

Futuristic Cybernetic Grizzly Bear Cub: "Kodi"

Name: Kodi

Stage: Cub/Puppy Stage

Appearance:

Fur: Soft, dense fur with a unique, iridescent sheen that changes color subtly under different lights—a result of gene-editing for aesthetic purposes.

Eyes: Large, expressive, and bioluminescent green, reflecting intelligence and curiosity.

Size: Slightly larger than a typical puppy but with the distinctive build of a grizzly bear, showcasing strength and playfulness.

Cybernetic Enhancements:

Neural Interface: Fitted with a gentle neural implant that allows basic communication and emotion translation through Veda’s smart-gauntlet.

Trackers and Monitors: Embedded bio-sensors in the fur transmit health and location data, ensuring Kodi's well-being in the urban environment.

Learning Aids: Augmented reality goggles used during training sessions enhance learning through visual cues and virtual playmates.

Personality:

Playful and Inquisitive: Loves exploring and discovering new things, showing boundless energy and enthusiasm.

Affectionate: Forms strong bonds with Veda, often seeking attention and companionship; loves to cuddle and seek reassurance.

Curious: Has a keen interest in Veda’s work, often mimicking gestures or poking at tech with its paws.

Habitat and Care:

Living Space: Resides with Veda in her lush shop, "Root & Root," where the blend of natural and tech environments suits Kodi’s needs for stimulation and comfort.

Diet: A specialized diet of organic, lab-grown foods designed to mimic natural prey. Occasionally enjoys synth-treats for training purposes.

Exercise and Enrichment: Engages in daily play sessions that blend wilderness instincts with urban adaptation skills, ensuring a balance of activity and rest.

Integration in Veda’s Life:

Companion and Guardian: Acts as a loyal companion, often accompanying Veda on walks and serving as a protective presence.

Therapeutic: Provides emotional comfort and joy, helping Veda maintain balance amid the chaos of city life.

Attraction: Draws customers and clients to the shop, intrigued by Kodi’s presence and unique qualities.

Notes: Kodi represents a remarkable fusion of nature and futurism, embodying Veda’s ideals of connectivity between past wonders and future possibilities. This synergy complements Veda’s vision of a harmonious world where tech and nature coexist seamlessly.

[neonfaith]

[neonfaith]

Nature: The shop is a lush oasis. Real tropical plants, ferns, and climbing vines fill every corner, under warm purple and pink grow lights. A large communal planter with dark, rich soil is prominent near the entrance.

Tech: Shelves are stocked with a mix of herbal remedies in smart-jars, decks of E-Ink tarot cards with shifting images, and rows of scavenged,舊-looking memory drives labeled with handwritten tags.

Atmosphere: Humid, warm, and mystical. The air is hazy with moisture and sage smoke. The lighting is a blend of the colored grow lights, the glow from screens, and bioluminescent accents on plants and Veda's attire.