okay i think im changing the 'lore', so this is obsolete. But im still keeping it up cos i like it :]
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Decades ago, before the Cyber Age, research into cybernetics was at a dead end.
All attempts at integrating advanced cyber technology were met with failure. some key component was missing to make the process stable.
Then Mallium was discovered, a chemical that - used precisely - made the fusion of metal and flesh totally seamless, with no risk of the body rejecting the machinery.
Thus, the cyber age was propelled forward, and within a short few decades, most of humanity was augmented with cybernetics - for better and for worse.
Amid the many boons this age brought, a few concerned studies were silenced when they found evidence to suggest that Mallium had dangerous long-terms effects.
The corporations of today make so much money from cyberware, and any suggestion there might be risk was shut down. So Mallium continued to be produced and distributed worldwide, integrating technology into our skin, as well as playing a key component in other pharmeceuticals.
Until December 31st, 2099.
Marko Rodnik, 58, was attending a christmas event in Leeson Square, at the heart of Sonja City.
Rodnik had recieved many surgeries and cybernetics in his lifetime, due to various chronic illnesses. Most recently he had recieved an implant in his throat and oesophagus, a kind of internal life support machine, to compensate for breathing difficulties.
Halfway into the evening, Rodnik became suddenly very ill, and an ambulance was called. As emergency services arrived, Rodnik seemingly fell unconscious.
The following is taken from the account of a surving EMT, who witnessed the ensuing event :
"As we approached Rodnik - he was slumped over and sat beside his wife - he seemed to convulse slightly, choking and gagging.
It only lasted for a moment though. Then he woke up and turned to his wife. Mrs Rodnik hesitated for a moment, she looked confused or stunned.
Then she tried to scream.
But Mr Rodnik– Marko.. something came out of his mouth. Long, silver, dripping with a dark liquid. A red, pink mass hung from the end, spotted with white. His throat bulged, lips peeled back, like he was throwing up his innards.
She tried to scream, but the silver mass shot toward her neck.
There was so much blood.
Then Marko turned to us. His eyes were bright, and the silver mass rose slowly, like a snake preparing to strike. I ran. There were cries and shouts behind me, crowds fleeing, and a howling scream of something inhuman.'
This was the first documented instance of 'Malice', the consequence of exposure to high amounts of Mallium. Many such incidents followed. Now this threat lurks over humanity indefinitely.
Such widespread use of Mallium means that almost all humans are already contaminated with it. And so far, no cure or vaccine has been found.
We now live in a world where monsters roam the quarantined and abandoned cities, and neighbours watch eachother with suspicion, for fear that they might turn into a beast of flesh and steel.
