Lore

# The Specialists Lore

## Prologue

On a frigid winter day in 1969, a group of brilliant Soviet scientists gathered in a dimly lit, underground laboratory located deep within the heart of Moscow. These scientists were part of a highly secretive and covert organization known only as "Project Apotheosis." Driven by the tensions of the Cold War and the ever-looming threat of the West, they embarked on an ambitious endeavor: to create a serum that would grant individuals extraordinary powers, beyond the realm of human possibility. At the helm of Project Apotheosis was Dr. Ivan Petrovich, a reclusive genius with a penchant for pushing the boundaries of science. He was known for his determination and his belief that the Soviet Union deserved an advantage that could only be achieved through exceptional means. As the years passed, the team's experiments became more daring and their progress more tangible. They discovered a breakthrough serum, codenamed "Cognitron," which had the capability to activate latent genetic abilities in individuals. But the results were unpredictable; the serum seemed to react differently with each subject, granting an assortment of extraordinary powers. As the 1980s dawned and tensions between the superpowers escalated, Project Apotheosis's work intensified. Dr. Petrovich, haunted by his own deteriorating health and the realization that his time was running out, pushed his team to refine the serum. He hoped to create a generation of superhuman who could tip the scales of power in favor of the Soviet Union. As the Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Union crumbled, Project Apotheosis faced its most critical decision. Dr. Petrovich's health deteriorated rapidly, and he realized that he had sacrificed too much for the sake of power. In a somber meeting, he revealed the truth to his team: the serum had to be taken, its research destroyed by some figure.

## 2030s Events

In the tumultuous decade of the 2030s, the world witnessed a series of catastrophic events that led to both environmental and societal collapses in several nations. These crises were largely driven by the culmination of unchecked climate change, resource depletion, political instability, and economic inequality. As a result, entire regions became uninhabitable, forcing millions of people to flee their homes in search of safety, stability, and a chance at survival. Amidst this backdrop of upheaval, a new term emerged: "No-Pats," short for Non-Patriated individuals. These were the refugees and exiles who found themselves without a refuge, rejected by nations struggling to cope with their own internal problems. The label "No-Pats" carried a mix of pity, disregard, and even disdain, as these displaced individuals were often seen as burdens or potential threats to the nations they sought refuge in.

In the midst of this humanitarian crisis, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of a company called ORION. This company, fueled by a unique vision and a seemingly audacious mission, captured global attention. ORION owned and operated a single oil rig situated in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. This oil rig, once dedicated to offshore drilling, was transformed into an unprecedented experiment in humanitarian aid and sustainable living. Recognizing the plight of the No-Pats, ORION repurposed its oil rig to serve as a floating sanctuary for those who had been rejected by other nations. The rig was equipped with advanced technologies for water purification, renewable energy generation, vertical farming, and waste management. It became a self-sustaining ecosystem, capable of supporting a significant population while minimizing its impact on the environment. This floating haven, often referred to as "ORION's Ark," provided shelter, safety, and a sense of belonging to the No-Pats. The rig became a symbol of resilience, innovation, and the potential for collaboration in a world struggling to cope with the consequences of its past actions. People from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and skills came together to create a new society, one that valued cooperation, resourcefulness, and the shared goal of survival.

## Specialists Origins

In the midst of the No-Pats' struggle for survival on the ORION rig, a surprising and mysterious development emerged that would reshape the dynamics of their community. ORION had secretly been storing a revolutionary serum known as "Cognitron." This serum, with its origins traced back to a forgotten Soviet research project from long ago, had the remarkable ability to enhance cognitive and physical abilities in select individuals. Through careful experimentation, ORION had refined and perfected the serum, hoping to offer the No-Pats a new chance at survival and prosperity. The introduction of Cognitron marked a turning point for a select few individuals among the No-Pats. These individuals, who were chosen based on specific criteria including their physical health, mental acuity, and potential contributions to the community, were administered the serum. Upon receiving the serum, they experienced significant enhancements in their cognitive functions, such as heightened memory, problem-solving skills,and creativity. The majority of those who received the serum did not become combative or militant in nature. Instead, they became known as "Cognitron-Enhanced Individuals" or simply "CEIs." These individuals utilized their newfound abilities to contribute to the community in various non-combative ways. They became scientists, engineers, diplomats, educators, and artists, working together to address the challenges the No-Pats faced on the rig.

Despite the positive contributions of the CEIs, a smaller subset of individuals reacted differently to the serum. These individuals exhibited more aggressive and combative tendencies, and some even developed unique physical enhancements, making them particularly adept at combat and survival skills. This group became known as "No-Pat Specialists." The emergence of No-Pat Specialists created a complex dynamic within the No-Pats' community. While they were a minority, their skills were valuable in safeguarding the rig from external threats and maintaining security. Recognizing the unique skills and abilities possessed by the No-Pat Specialists, ORION seized upon an opportunity to utilize their capabilities to secure much-needed resources from other countries struggling to cope with their own challenges in the wake of the global environmental and societal collapse. The No-Pat Specialists were transformed into a specialized mercenaries that offered their services to nations in exchange for essential resources, technologies, and support.

Operating under the umbrella of ORION's influence, the No-Pat Specialists were strategically deployed to regions where their skills were in high demand. Their enhanced cognitive and combat abilities made them formidable assets in a variety of situations, ranging from combat operations and security operations to assassination and conquests. The Specialists' status as augmented individuals with unique powers made them particularly attractive to nations in need of immediate solutions.