Aegis - Location Bible (Part III)
The Fawda, Chaos, and the Underworld
In today's edition of The Brief, I'll be blending my foundational prose, personal directives, and insights from ChatGPT to delve into the primary adversaries of the Seraphim and the Ostinatum: The Fawda, The Underworld, and their commander, Lysarik.
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THEMES. The Shepard's Tone revolves around the complex balance and inherent ethical problems that exist between ORDER, embodied by the authoritative Seraphim, and CHAOS, personified by the insurgent Fawda. At the epicenter of this dichotomy is Phi, our protagonist. Phi's journey is one of profound self-discovery, where she treads the blurred lines separating these two forces - she is stuck inbetween.
As she matures and grapples with the contrasting ideologies, she uncovers that the dichotomy she's been conditioned to believe—a world of the Seraphim's order versus the Fawda's chaos—is an intricate fabrication. The real struggle, the truth of what has become of humanity since the Great War, is far more profound, transcending the apparent binaries. The Fawda, dwelling in the underworld, become instrumental in Phi's evolution. Their existence and beliefs challenge Phi's understanding, prompting her to question the very fabric of the society she lives in and ultimately reshaping her destiny and the fate of both the Seraphim and the Fawda.
Fawda Origin Story (written by me)
When the Seraphim implemented their unyielding dominance, stifling technological advancements and ushering in a world adhering to their definition of order and tranquility, a segment of Aegis's citizens began to question their motives. This group, originally comprised of discreet gatherings of intellectuals and technologists, lamented the stagnation of human advancement and the constraints on technology. As the Seraphim's methods grew increasingly oppressive, the passion and intensity of these secret assemblies amplified. They took on the name Fawda, an Arabic word meaning "chaos" or "disorder", symbolizing their counter-stance to the Seraphim's oppressive reign. This underground movement, quietly growing in the concealed corners of Aegis, has now risen as a formidable power, intent on reshaping Aegis's destiny.
Lysarik (written by me)
Lysarik, derived from "Layl-Sariq" alluding to a "thief in the night," was once an esteemed Seraphim, the guardian of the Arts, driven by emotion in a cohort ruled by logic. Distraught by the Seraphim's deceptive control over the people, he channeled his dissent through art, using his poetry and music as subliminal calls to rebellion. When his clandestine efforts were unmasked, he faced charges of high treason. However, Lysarik evaded capture, escaping to the Underworld through a concealed passage. There, his initial aspirations of liberation twisted into a lust for power. The emotional torment of his fall, combined with the oppressive shadows of the Underworld, transformed him from a passionate artist to a jaded terrorist. As the Fawda's leader, he now opposes the Seraphim's reign, even as his former role was taken over by Halon, a mere puppet of Azrael, the Seraphim's leader.
Character Bible: Lysarik, The Fallen Seraphim (written by ChatGPT)
NOTE. To arrive at the following outcomes, I supplied substantial guidance and limitations. I initialized with the above paragraph and then instructed it to flesh out a character bible, keeping within the confines of the Aegis universe. This required about 5 in-folds of the bible upon itself and other bibles to get everything to tie together properly.
Lysarik, whose name originates from "Layl-Sariq," an ancient term alluding to a "thief in the night," is 456 years old, benefiting from the extended lifespan of this era and the secret genetic manipulations of the Seraphim. He stands tall and ethereal, exuding the ageless beauty one would expect of a Seraphim. However, the once-glowing radiance of his eyes has darkened, reflecting the shadowy depths of the Underworld he's come to inhabit. Scars mark his visage; in particular a scar on the center of his forehead burned into him by Azrael, the leader of the Seraphim - a mark of death a result of his treason against the Seraphim.
Once an esteemed member of the Seraphim, Lysarik was unique. While most Seraphim were embodiments of cold logic and unwavering order, Lysarik was the guardian of the Arts, a beacon of creativity and passion. His creations—poetry, music, and other forms of art—were revered for their emotional depth and the glimpses they offered into the human soul.
However, the very emotions that fueled Lysarik's artistry also made him acutely sensitive to the plight of the people of Aegis. He witnessed the Seraphim's rigid doctrines suppressing the human spirit, and their unyielding truth enslaving a civilization. Through his art, he covertly sowed seeds of rebellion, subtly weaving messages of freedom and awakening into his work. These artistic expressions acted as clandestine cries to rally against the Seraphim's oppression. Alas, as whispers of an uprising began to stir, Lysarik's secret endeavors did not remain concealed for long. He was accused of high treason. During his trial, it was revealed that his music and poetry served as hidden signals for those who sought to break free from the Seraphim's dominion. On the eve of his execution, Lysarik, with the help of some secret loyalists, escaped through a concealed passage that led to the Underworld, the very antithesis of the world he once knew.
Down in the shadowy depths of the Underworld, isolated from the art and beauty he once cherished, Lysarik's anguish morphed into rage. The emotions that had once inspired his artistic genius now fueled his descent into madness. While his initial intentions were rooted in a genuine desire for freedom, the oppressive atmosphere of the Underworld and the weight of his fall slowly eroded his sanity. His vision for a liberated Aegis transformed. No longer content with merely breaking the chains the Seraphim had imposed, Lysarik wanted to annihilate them. This thirst for power and vengeance gave birth to the Fawda—a chaotic force opposing the Seraphim's order. His tactics became increasingly ruthless and terroristic, his actions mirroring the turmoil within him. Despite his fall, many in Aegis still remember the original Lysarik. His artistry, which once moved souls and inspired dreams, remains a poignant memory for the older generation. The younger folks, however, only know him as the leader of the Fawda, the face of chaos and rebellion.
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The Fawda - Lysarik’s Militia and Followers (written by ChatGPT)
NOTE: To craft the character group bible for the Fawda militia, I furnished ChatGPT with specific parameters encompassing the history and mythology of Shepard’s Tone, as well as the Character Bibles of Lysarik, the Seraphim, and Phi. Beyond these initial guidelines, I granted ChatGPT considerable freedom to theorize about their looks, customs, strategies, pivotal occurrences, and associated legends. The following took 2 in-folds of the bible upon the Fawda and Lysarik Bibles. The scar was my idea.
Appearance. The Fawda are easily identifiable by their signature scar: a symbol seared into their foreheads, emblematic of their defiance, resistance, and loyalty to Lysarik. Their attire mirrors that of nomads, with tattered cloth that seems to have weathered many storms. This wear, reminiscent of Bedouin garb, also signifies their detachment from the opulence and order of Aegis. Their means of transportation is the rugged mechanical hovercraft, which, while sleek in design, emits a thunderous roar akin to ancient combustion engines, signaling their fear inducing approach from miles away.
Rituals. The Fawda have taken Lunarism and twisted it to fit their own narrative. They hold gatherings on moonless nights, signifying the absence of the Seraphim's influence. At these assemblies, they chant ancient hymns but with altered lyrics that challenge the doctrines of the Seraphim. New members, during their initiation, receive the signature scar on their foreheads as a mark of allegiance, often in the presence of Lysarik himself. They also often salvage and repurpose artifacts from forgotten eras, using them in their rituals as symbols of a past that the Seraphim wishes to erase.
Tactics and Actions. Lacking advanced technology, the Fawda resort to rudimentary, yet devastating, tactics. They are adept at crafting explosives using old formulas and materials. Their attacks, often unexpected, aim to create chaos, with fires raging and buildings crumbling. By instilling fear through these violent means, they believe they can weaken the Seraphim's hold on Aegis. They strategize to strike at the very heart of Aegis, often targeting symbolic places, to send a clear message of resistance.
Key Events & Anecdotes
The Great Market Blaze: The Fawda orchestrated a massive explosion at Aegis's central market, turning a bustling hub of trade into a fiery inferno. This act was not just to create chaos but also to protest against the Seraphim's stringent trade regulations.
Siege of Luminance: On the Day of Luminance, when the Seraphim open the Celestial Hall, the Fawda staged a daring assault. Though they failed to breach the hall, the audacity of the act alone made it a day to remember.
Ambush at Dawn: A group of Fawda warriors intercepted an Ostinatum convoy, resulting in a fierce skirmish. While casualties were heavy on both sides, the attack showcased the Fawda's guerrilla warfare prowess.
Impact on Innocents. Terror and Retribution. The ongoing struggle between the Fawda and the Seraphim, aided by their Ostinatum, has deeply wounded both Aegis and The Underworld. While Fawda's attacks incite palpable fear and anxiety among Aegis's populace, the response they elicit from the Seraphim, channeled through the Ostinatum, is devastatingly disproportionate. Innocent civilians, predominantly the 'untouchables' from The Underworld or the impoverished, bear the brunt of this warfare. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, perish in these retaliatory assaults, their homes destroyed and lives upended. The once-bustling markets of Aegis now lie under the constant threat of a Fawda onslaught. Similarly, in The Underworld, swathes of land have become desolate wastelands due to the Seraphim's ruthless counterattacks, compelling the already-displaced residents to perpetually seek new refuges.
And then the location bible.
The Underworld
NOTE: To produce the detailed outcomes below, I enriched ChatGPT with extensive background data, including comprehensive guides on the districts, in-depth character profiles, and detailed descriptions of all the key locations from the movie. Furthermore, I incorporated a summary of the film's primary themes. My foundational input served as a guideline to shape and direct ChatGPT's interpretations, deductions, and speculations.
Theme. The Underworld of the Fawda is more than just a physical realm; not only does Aegis actually sit on top of the Underworld, it serves as a poignant symbol of oppression, resistance, and the resilience of the human spirit. It exposes the stark contrast between the haves and have-nots, shining a light on the consequences of unchecked power and the sacrifices made by those at the bottom of societal hierarchies. This shadowy domain represents the silenced voices and suppressed aspirations of those who challenge the established order. The very existence of the Underworld is a testament to the lengths to which institutions will go to maintain control, while its inhabitants embody the indomitable spirit of rebellion and the perennial human quest for freedom and autonomy. The enduring themes of inequality, defiance against totalitarianism, and the intrinsic human need to seek a better life are laid bare within its labyrinthine depths.
Sensory Description. The Underworld is a place of both oppression and wonder. The air carries a distinct dampness, smelling of ancient earth mixed with traces of sulfur. As one ventures deeper into this realm, a creeping sense of unease takes hold, an ever-present reminder that this place exists far from the sky's embrace.
The Tunnel Labyrinths. Within the cavernous expanse of the Underworld lies an intricate web of tunnels, a living testament to the very essence of Chaos that the Fawda embody. This labyrinth, ever-shifting and impenetrable, defies any semblance of logic or reason. Its pathways twist and turn unpredictably, seemingly leading nowhere and everywhere at once. For those who dare to navigate its depths, conventional wisdom is rendered useless; instead, one's emotions become the compass. It's said that only by truly feeling, by connecting deeply with one's innermost fears, desires, and memories, can a soul find its way. In the labyrinths of the Underworld, emotion is not just a guide, but the very key to survival, challenging all who enter to confront the chaotic nature of their own beings.
The Gates of the Underworld.
Concealed within each district, and the illustrious Lunaris Spire, are clandestine entrances to this maze, known only to the members of the Fawda. These entrances are marked by esoteric symbols, subtly infused into the architecture and only discernible to those initiated into the Fawda's mysteries.
Zahar District. Hidden in plain sight, the entrance in Zahar is ingeniously crafted within the Ksar Lumina. The magical symbol, a spiral representing infinity and the cyclical nature of time, is etched delicately onto the base of a statue in a secluded courtyard. To activate the gate, an adept must align the statue's movable arms into the precise positions of celestial bodies during the Zaharian Solstice, revealing a passage that descends into the shadows.
Dunea District. At the heart of Dunea, the entrance is concealed within the shifting sands themselves, marked by an emblem of a serpent eating its tail, symbolizing endurance and the eternal cycle of renewal. Fawda members must meticulously arrange a series of ancient, wind-worn stones to replicate the Dunean star constellation, triggering the sands to part and unveil the hidden pathway.
Vestalia District. Within the Talim Bastion, among a vast collection of scholarly texts, lies a book bearing the Vestalia gate's symbol, an open eye. The adept must solve a cryptic riddle within this tome, manipulating a complex puzzle-box to match the diagram hidden in its pages, causing the library's grand floor to give way, leading into the depths.
Riverna District. The Riverna entrance, located in the Nahr Shrine, is marked by a water droplet intersected by a wavy line, representing adaptability and the flow of life. By adjusting a series of levers hidden within the shrine's ornate fountains, an initiate can recreate the ancient waterways symbolized in Rivernian lore, unveiling a secret passageway beneath the waters.
Granterra District. Within the Handwerker Haven, artisans have hidden the Labyrinth’s symbol, a hammer crossed with a chisel, symbolizing creation and craftsmanship. The entrance is revealed by assembling a miniature model of the district using various artisanal creations. Once completed, the model's base opens, revealing the entrance below.
Silva District. Deep in the Arboreal Akhim, the symbol, a leaf encircled by an unbroken ring, embodies life's continuity. To uncover the entrance, one must engage in a ritual of balance, strategically placing rare herbs on a life-sized tree sculpture. If done correctly, the tree's trunk rotates, exposing the hidden stairway.
Celestia District. Nestled atop the Stellum Sanctum, the Celestia entrance is marked by a star enveloped by a crescent moon, signifying the cosmos' omnipotence. To open the passage, Fawda members must align the sanctum's telescopic lenses to project the constellation map onto a crystal matrix. When the stars align, the entrance is revealed beneath the matrix.
Lunaris Spire. The grandest entrance of all, hidden within the Lunaris Spire, bears the symbol of a closed eye within a sun, representing enlightenment and the hidden truth. The gate is uncovered by casting beams of light through strategically positioned mirrors within the spire, illuminating a singular point. The intense light reveals the sun-eye symbol, and the ground beneath slides away, welcoming the worthy into the Labyrinth's embrace.
Each entrance, unique to its district and the Lunaris Spire, not only serves as a pathway to the Labyrinths but also stands as a testament to the rich heritage and diversity of Aegis. They remind the Fawda that the truths they seek within the Labyrinths are intricately tied to the world above and that understanding one requires embracing the other.
Materials and Geology. The ground is formed from jagged rocks and coarse gravel, worn down by centuries of treading feet. Blackened stalactites and stalagmites rise from the floor and ceiling, and deep crevices hide unknown abysses. Cavern walls glisten with mineral deposits, reflecting what little light dares penetrate the Underworld's vastness.
Iconic Location - The Sanctum of Echoes. At the heart of the Underworld stands a towering artifact, a relic from a time before the Great War. Lysarik named it the "Obelisk of Time," its massive hands frozen in place, the remnants of its once proud facade scarred and eroded, but the essence of its majesty still intact. The base of the tower has been carved with symbols and inscriptions of the Fawda's interpretation of Lunarsim. Surrounding the Obelisk, the inhabitants of the Underworld gather in large numbers, their voices raised in fervent prayer, hands reaching out in reverence. The people swirl around it in ritualistic dances, their shadows dancing in the flickering torchlight. The Obelisk has become a symbol of hope, unity, and rebellion against the Seraphim's rule.
Origin of the Obelisk. When Lysarik stumbled upon this relic during his early days in the Underworld, he recognized its significance immediately. Recognizing it as an artifact from the ancient city of London, he saw an opportunity. With his deep knowledge of history and art from his Seraphim days, Lysarik wove a tale around the clock tower. He declared it to be a divine instrument from the times before the Great War, a beacon that measured not hours, but the fate of worlds. By positioning the clock tower as a holy relic and intertwining it with his own version of Lunarsim, he provided the Fawda with a potent symbol of resistance against the Seraphim, consolidating his influence and control over the denizens of the Underworld.
That’s all for now… tomorrow, I’ll do a retrospect on the processes and my reactions to using artificial intelligence in the process of creating location bibles.
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I'm Steve Newcomb. Functionally, I’m a recovering Silicon Valley founder that is finally old enough to have a bit of care. I’m perhaps most recognized for founding Powerset— it was the largest AI and machine learning project in the world when I founded it. It was later acquired by Microsoft and transformed into something you might recognize today - Microsoft Bing. Beyond Bing, I had the privilege of being on the pioneering team that witnessed the inaugural email sent via a mobile device. My journey also led me to SRI (Stanford Research Institute), where we laid the groundwork for contemporary speech recognition technology. Additionally, I was a co-founder of the debut company to introduce a 3D physics engine in Javascript. I've held positions on the board of directors and contributed funding to massive open source initiatives like NodeJS and even the largest such project, jQuery. My experience extends to academia, having been a senior fellow at the University of California, Berkeley's engineering and business faculties. Recently, I ventured into Layer 2 internet protocols and assisted a company named Matter Labs in securing $440 million in funding to bolster their endeavors.
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Typically, I allocate a year between groundbreaking ventures. My exploration for the upcoming project commenced in May 2023, and the sole certainty is its nexus with the film, television, SMURF, and AI domains. Sharing insights on my research endeavors helps me discern between feasible prospects and mere illusions. My hope is that for this venture, I appropriately consider the ethical and sociological repercussions.
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