Lotus

Lotuses are genetically and technologically enhanced soldiers. They were originally deployed as frontline soldiers during the second phase of the Great War to combat androids known as Robo-Soldiers. The first Lotus is believed to be Graehan Lotus, for whom they are named.

Lotuses are now employed as spies, assassins, and bodyguards for the City-States and the EU. Their range and function varies from Lotus to Lotus, some specialising in combat, and others in infiltration and spycraft. There is no set pattern of enhancements or skill-sets that is considered uniform amongst the Lotuses, although most undergo a procedure jokingly referred to as 'the Lotus formula.' This procedure isn't a single dose to enhance physiology, but rather a series of surgeries and enhancements which increase a Lotus' strength, endurance, stamina, as well as other physical attributes, and gives them the ability to Blink Step. While most Lotuses undergo this procedure, those in Gregos do not.

Lotuses are paid extremely well by their nations, and are generally treated with great care and forbearance. Many are allowed, and even encouraged, to indulge in behaviours not normally accepted from others. All Lotuses wear a jewelled insignia pin of a purple lotus flower as a way of marking their station. Anyone caught with a forgery is dealt with in extreme fashion, and made examples of.

## The Covenant

By mutual agreement, the City-States and the EU have all agreed to abide by the Covenant. The Covenant states that any nation may only employ and enhance four individuals at a time, a throwback to Pre-War times when Lotuses worked in teams of four. This is frequently referred to as The Rule of Four.

Any nation discovered to be employing more than four Lotuses are subject to all other signatories declaring war on them in a mutual pact. The Covenant also goes into great detail as to what enhancements and weaponry are forbidden to Lotuses.

### Violations

Any Lotus found to be guilty of violating the Covenant is disavowed by their nation, and will be effectively burned. They will be unable to secure employment in any of the other City-States or the EU, and they will be hunted by all Lotuses until they are dead. The Covenant is also monitored by a shadowy group known as the Inquisitors. While not much is known about them, senior Lotuses speak of them with respect and fear, and they are believed to be even deadlier than the fabled assassins.

## The Creeping Death

All Lotuses, excepting Yurogane Thousand Lives, are subject to the Creeping Death, a wasting illness that causes Lotuses to eventually reject their implants and genetic modifications. This causes necrosis, neurological damage, organ failure, and general discomfort. As a result, no Lotus has ever maintained their position for longer than twelve years before succumbing to death.

The scientific community at large is reportedly baffled as to what specifically causes the Creeping Death, or how to combat it. It is believed that the original Lotuses in Pre-War days did not suffer from the affliction, and that this is a new condition caused by ignorance of old medical techniques that have since been lost.

## The Tourney

While the occupation is extremely dangerous and always leads to premature death, many Lotuses hold onto hope for the Tourney. Held at random intervals by a shadowy figure known as the Final Arbiter, it promises wealth, power, and immortality to any who enter the challenge. Only Lotuses are permitted to answer the Final Arbiter's call.

While there have been six previous Tourneys spanning the past century, it is unknown if any Lotus has successfully passed the Final Arbiter's challenge, or of what it consists.

## Known Lotuses

* Amir Nawzad
* Yurogane Thousand Lives
* Draven Maddox
* Victor Mernon
* Ayako Callaghan
* Amara Faraji
* Fetu
* Eydis Sorensen