THE POST-APOCALYPTIC MEME

[socketeer]

THE POST-APOCALYPTIC MEME HOW TO PLAY - comment in the subject line with your character's name and canon. - state any preferences you might have. - choose a scenario or use the number generator. - have fun! SCENARIOS 1. Alien Invasion ▸ Aliens have taken over the earth. 2. Climate Change ▸ The climate of our planet has shifted suddenly. 3. Cybernetic Revolt ▸ Technology has turned against us. 4. Impact Event ▸ A meteor struck the Earth. 5. Nuclear Warfare ▸ They dropped the big one. Enjoy that fallout. 6. Pandemic ▸ A disease is threatening to wipe out human life on earth. 7. Resource Depletion ▸ There are no longer enough resources to support life. 8. Zombie Apocalypse ▸ A classic, zombies have invaded and destroyed everything. 9. Other ▸ Combine several scenarios or come up with your own! (x)

Comments

modern AU you say (9)

[aquilus]

[The Pieces of Eden have always been dangerous. Every Assassin and Templar with any sense at all has always known that and treated them accordingly. It hasn't always worked—mistakes have been made and collateral damage has occurred—but there's "damage" and then there's "the destruction of society as they know it, at least as far as anyone can tell because long-range communication is now a thing of the past."

Altaïr wonders, briefly, if this is what it was like for the First Civilization after the original solar flare. And he wonders now how much difference there is left between Assassins and Templars, and how much that difference even matters.]

I do say! /sets up worldbuilding.

[irishthor]

[It all started with the seismic temples.

Despite Shay Cormac's best efforts, despite securing the Voynich Manuscript and the Precursor box, using Abstergo's vast amount of resources to keep it safe, information fell into the wrong hands... on both sides of the war.

The earth shook every time one of these sites was disturbed. The Piece of Eden that anchored each site disintergrating in the trespassers hand.

The Assassins didn't listen to him, why would they? He was a traitor, and a Templar. Likewise, there were factions of the Templars that didn't trust him. Enough that his warnings about these precursor sites went unheeded.

Sections of the planet had caved in when enough of the sites were disturbed. That was what started things off.

Things only escalated from there...]

OuO hopefully this works for specifics!

[aquilus]

[It's an uncharitable thought to have, given present circumstances, but he can think of a few past teammates who, if they survived the calamity, are no doubt wondering how on earth any of them can do their jobs now, if not vocally complaining about it.

But now that the initial devastation has passed and civilization is well into what comes next, Altaïr feels more like an Assassin than ever. This is what his ancestors had to contend with, after all—an uncertain future, no advanced technology but what Those Who Came Before left for them to puzzle over, and utter self-reliance.

They have utterly failed in protecting the people, but that doesn't mean they don't still have a duty. If he were going to give up on that, he might as well have died in the calamity. And that's why he's here today after weeks of travel, at the edge of the lost temple's grounds. No earthquake has touched this land, but that only makes it more likely that a Piece of Eden still lies within. If it's one of those damned artifacts, he'll leave it be. If it's an Apple, he'll take it—not to add to his own power but to keep it from those who would abuse it.

Unfortunately, he sees, he is apparently not the only one to journey to the temple.]

[irishthor]

[Dublin, Ireland. A city spared from the initial devastation, the entire British Isles mostly spared. Of course, they're slowly falling, but they're managing. For now.

Shay knew of a temple here. Using the Manuscript and the Box he was able to protect it, save at least one more place... For all the good that it did.

Haiti, Lisbon, Canada, Mexico... All had fallen because of these blasted artefacts, and Shay takes personal responsibility for the last three.

He's patrolling, keeping the area safe. Himself and a few members of the, now-defunct Abstergo Global Protection Team, the few that remained loyal to him after the world fell into disarray. He's patrolling to make sure this site stays safe.

And something catches his eye, something out of place, yet hidden. He quickly darts out of sight, activating his Sense. A figure lights up, glowing as red as anything. Shay narrows his eyes, hand tightening on the handle of his chosen weapon; a sword pilfered from Abstergo's vault. 18th Century steel, and still incredibly sharp. He had his hidden blades, of course, but they were a surprise.

He crouches, watching the red figure through his Eagle Vision]

Now, what're you up to, mate?

[He mumbles to himself.]

[aquilus]

[It's movement more than a solid view that tells Altaïr he isn't alone, but his senses and instinct have kept him alive so far, and he trusts them now. He doesn't react, though; if whoever else is here is an enemy and believes him to to be unaware, it's to his advantage to shore up that belief.

In any case, he's not going to assume there is only one other person here, so he approaches the entrance as he would any other largely-unknown site: with caution and weapons hidden but close at hand.

Here at the edge of the city, the entrance is non-descript, nearly hidden to normal eyes, but outlined in bright gold when he shifts his vision. Even then, it's hard to believe that it could lead to anything like a temple, but he knows well how appearances can be deceiving.

For the sake of appearance and genuine wariness, Altaïr scans his surroundings once more, not pausing where he last saw movement, before approaching. If the person watching him intends to intervene, now is the most likely time; his left ring finger tenses.]

[irishthor]

[Intervene? Shay intends to.

As the intruder nears the entrance to the temple, he shifts from his position, moving along well-practiced routes, before free-running up some fragmented masonry, jumping and landing just above the submerged entrance to the temple.]

I'd turn back, if I were you.

[A warning, in Shay's slightly muddied Irish broge, as he straightens to get a better look at whoever's decided to go exploring.]

[aquilus]

[It's not where he expected his tail to reveal himself, but it's a sensible location. Altaïr approves, or he would if they weren't likely to be on opposing sides.]

Clearly you're not me, or you wouldn't be up there.

[He looks up, unafraid, taking in what little information he can glean. The man is Irish, obviously, but that's not surprising. The splash of crimson across his vision tells him a little more.]

[irishthor]

[Shay has long stopped associating himself with either the Templars or the Assassins, but anyone who wanted to disturb Dublin's Temple had to go through him.

And he wasn't known as the Assassin Killer for no reason. The American Brotherhood fell to him whilst he worked for Abstergo, all to prevent them seeking the Seismic Temples.]

Then take the advice of someone who knows what lies here; Turn around. Forget about this place.

[He's warning. Not attacking immediately... Giving Altaïr a chance.]

[aquilus]

I have little reason to trust the advice of a stranger who could have any number of reasons for being here.

[It might be good advice. Altaïr isn't so foolish to think that what he wants to do is always right and anyone who objects is wrong. But he also isn't about to extend trust for no reason.]

Stay where you are. I don't intend to linger.

[irishthor]

I'm sorry, but I can't allow that.

[Shay shifts his position to a more ready one, preparing to launch himself from his perch, hand securing more around the hilt of his sword.]

Not unless I would be held responsible for another global calamity.

[aquilus]

[Another?

Altaïr thinks he might know now just who stands between him and the temple, and why. Reams of misinformation circulated since the first of the disasters, but they've had time to sort it as best they can, and one name has remained consistent. Shay Cormac would indeed have cause to stop him. Not that he will.]

I have no intention of causing one. Nor do I have any intention of leaving.

[He readies himself.]

[irishthor]

[Shay shifts, then launches from his perch, landing on the ground before Altaïr, swords drawn.]

I've warned you. This site is protected. Leave before I'm forced to act.

[aquilus]

By you?

[He scoffs, and it seems his arrogance is not completely gone from him even after years of dutiful effort.]

Forgive me if I'm not afraid.

[Without an instant's warning, he strikes, intending to end this as quickly as possible. It's not meant to be a killing blow even if it lands, but if he must kill to ensure the success of his mission, he will.]

[irishthor]

[A strike that is deflected by the parrying dagger in Shay's left hand, and he retaliates by stabbing out with the sword. Shay's stance is pretty solid. The strike back is strong... and is intended to kill.]

Fear isn't something I'm looking for.

[He just wants this site to be left alone.]

[aquilus]

[Impressive. If he weren't half-expecting it, Altaïr might have taken that killing blow, and he has to wonder how well-matched they are.]

Of course not. Your kind seeks to control, not frighten, isn't that true?