500 years ago, a massive being struck the Earth and caused a near-apocalyptic event.
In the aftermath, spirits called Echoes sprung forth from wells of accumulated emotion and sentiment;
humans who interfaced with this sentiment developed supernatural energy and effects;
society gradually began to rebuild itself.
| **AROUND THE YEAR 2040, 500 YEARS AGO:
THE ENDLING HITS PLANET EARTH** | A massive creature later dubbed the Endling collides with Earth, destroying most large landmasses and causing a near-apocalyptic event.
Strange creatures dubbed Echoes appear shortly afterwards. Some of them are actively hostile towards humans.
Over the next century, Echoes roam the streets and attack indiscriminately. Swathes of people fall ill and pass away from the radioactive effects of the Endling’s crystals.
Long-range communication systems are completely destroyed or fall defunct, and the Earth’s population quarters in a matter of decades.
Humans retreat from each other and live in isolation for the sake of safety.
Between all these factors, humanity goes through a dark period of death and destruction. | | --- | --- | | **400 YEARS AGO:
THE CLEMENTBOX IS FORMED** | Research reveals that the physical manifestation of Echoes are a result of emotional energy resonating with the Endling's crystals. Negative sentiment is found to create hostile Echoes called Grudges.
A safe haven forms in the ruined remains of New York City. Led by a man named Clement, its members believe that human society is recoverable despite the danger.
Whispers spread about a “Clement society” working to control Echoes and return order to the world. This group’s name is eventually shorthanded to the Clementbox. | | **300 YEARS AGO:
LOCU, PUBSA, LOGOPS, AND CELMED ARE FOUNDED** | Society rebuilds itself.
The destroyed remnants of New York City are renamed Locus City, and Columbia University is re-instated as Locus City University. Their continued research reveals that Echoes can be settled or destroyed by discovering their truth.
To this end, the Public Safety Bureau is formed from the remains of the city's detective squads to assist the Clementbox.
The Logistics & Operations Bureau is consolidated out of the city’s various operational and technological resources. It streamlines resource dispatch and delivery and manages transport of dangerous Endling materials.
The Celadon Medical Cooperative are formally established to consolidate operative and medical resources. | | **200 YEARS AGO:
WATCH IS FOUNDED** | Clement society becomes increasingly totalitarian and surveillance-focused under a previous Archangel. They claim that preventing crimes that breed ill will will prevent Echoes from being created in the first place.
The following one institutes regulations protecting citizens' rights to privacy and autonomy. The Neighborhood Watch is formed to represent the everyday member of society.
Echo research progresses to the point where some citizens start taking on amicable Echoes as Companions, providing for them and receiving support in turn. | | **100 YEARS AGO:
MASSIVE TECTONIC PLATE MOVEMENT CAUSES EARTHQUAKE;
NEW TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN HEART SCIENCE EMERGE** | Locus City's island experiences a massive earthquake.
LOCU researchers explain that the Endling's crystals have penetrated all the way to the deepest layers of the Earth's core and are affecting the movements of the now-fractured tectonic plates. The island they live on is moving, and the plates only continue to shift.
Fortunately, the factions and citizens within the city band together, with the Neighborhood Watch proving instrumental, to save everything they can. City-wide collapse is averted.
CELMED, LOCU, and LOGOPS collaboratively combine their efforts to create medications to treat Heart-related diseases. | | NOW, AROUND 2540: | A young man named Clement rises to the Archangel's station. Soon after, the previous Archangel passes away. |