First.
Steam Information:
Steam Username: DixonCider
Steam ID: https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198079311232/
Vortigaunt Name: Vardeme
Vortigaunt Age: 97
Vortigaunt Status: Enslaved
That is a /very/ short tl;dr version of a roleplay situation and its outcome but ultimately I wanted to keep it short for the sake of brevity so that one can actually read the scenario. Nothing is worse than sitting through 6,000 words going into precise detail. Though I personally lack when it comes to medical RP and I make a lot of shit up.
Steam Information:
Steam Username: DixonCider
Steam ID: https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198079311232/
Vortigaunt Name: Vardeme
Vortigaunt Age: 97
Vortigaunt Status: Enslaved
The Vortessence is mentioned best, albeit briefly, through in-game quotes as:
The Vortigaunts hold the Vortessence as the core belief system that has been ingrained into their culture and identity. It can be accurately described as a metaphysical tapestry that includes each and every single living being in its threads. The Vortigaunts can comprehend and utilize this ability for benefit, but not in a selfish/self-absorbed way but always to assist another in a time of need.
The Vortessence grants Vortigaunts access to incredible power and ability that can be seen as "impossible" in the standard perspective. The extent of these abilities can be enhanced further with the addition of supportive substances such as Antlion Larval Extract; which can place their power (when in a small group) on a level equal or greater than the Overseer (Gman), a being that is well known to most of the vortal kind.
A common ability is "flux shifting", which allow them to communicate with other Vortigaunts through great distances in a short time-span by using the Vortessence as a medium for information to be sent across "the tapestry". This coupled with the ability to experience emotions from others due to the vast comprehension of the Vortessence gives them a nigh omniscient, hivemind-like impression to human outsiders.
Other abilities include the means to conjure bolts of concentrated energy from their claws, which can be used to charge electrical equipment or as a lethal weapon in self-defense. This beam can also be used to cauterize injuries, or as a light source.
A Vortigaunt alone can perform minor medical intervention VIA their ability with the vortesesnce, being able to stabilize a wound for treatment or heal minor injuries on their own, however further healing would require more Vortigaunts.
A group of Vortigaunts can use their combined abilities to heal damaged flesh, by using the Vortessence to encourage cell regeneration in the body, but at a far greater cost to the group's energy. The group may also imbibe in Larval Extract to bind their own lifeforce to a dying subject.
As a logical result from this (doing the bodily work that would be done in days or even weeks and compressing it into a matter of mere minutes), It's safe to say that the recipient of such healing would experience some negative side-effects due to the body's resources and energy being used to quickly generate matter faster than such resources and energy have been supplied. (I suppose it'd be similar to when Alyx was out of the fight during Episode 2 after the mines and during the Antlion field sequence)
The Vortigaunts hold the Vortessence as the core belief system that has been ingrained into their culture and identity. It can be accurately described as a metaphysical tapestry that includes each and every single living being in its threads. The Vortigaunts can comprehend and utilize this ability for benefit, but not in a selfish/self-absorbed way but always to assist another in a time of need.
The Vortessence grants Vortigaunts access to incredible power and ability that can be seen as "impossible" in the standard perspective. The extent of these abilities can be enhanced further with the addition of supportive substances such as Antlion Larval Extract; which can place their power (when in a small group) on a level equal or greater than the Overseer (Gman), a being that is well known to most of the vortal kind.
A common ability is "flux shifting", which allow them to communicate with other Vortigaunts through great distances in a short time-span by using the Vortessence as a medium for information to be sent across "the tapestry". This coupled with the ability to experience emotions from others due to the vast comprehension of the Vortessence gives them a nigh omniscient, hivemind-like impression to human outsiders.
Other abilities include the means to conjure bolts of concentrated energy from their claws, which can be used to charge electrical equipment or as a lethal weapon in self-defense. This beam can also be used to cauterize injuries, or as a light source.
A Vortigaunt alone can perform minor medical intervention VIA their ability with the vortesesnce, being able to stabilize a wound for treatment or heal minor injuries on their own, however further healing would require more Vortigaunts.
A group of Vortigaunts can use their combined abilities to heal damaged flesh, by using the Vortessence to encourage cell regeneration in the body, but at a far greater cost to the group's energy. The group may also imbibe in Larval Extract to bind their own lifeforce to a dying subject.
As a logical result from this (doing the bodily work that would be done in days or even weeks and compressing it into a matter of mere minutes), It's safe to say that the recipient of such healing would experience some negative side-effects due to the body's resources and energy being used to quickly generate matter faster than such resources and energy have been supplied. (I suppose it'd be similar to when Alyx was out of the fight during Episode 2 after the mines and during the Antlion field sequence)
The native speech of the Vortigaunt is seemingly incoherent to humans, due to the two languages having two vastly different origins in both cultures and evolution. While humans express themselves through words that conjure definitions and meanings in the mind; Vortigaunts use words that are dependent on the tone and context of the message. This mixed with the Vortigaunt's vocal range can make their native language seem similar to animal calls.
In English, however, the Vortigaunts have applied their mental capacity to adopt a wider vocabulary than the typical human being. This coupled with a more reflective perspective that many of the Vortal kind possess, they apply their vocabulary to extend their more philosophical nature to others. While typically not wordy, a Vortigaunt may typically revolve the message around the appropriate wording and proper vocabulary, even at the expense of brevity.
A standard Human may say the following:
"This must be a mistake! I got a standard relocation coupon just like everybody else!"
Meanwhile a Vortigaunt may say:
"The Delegate would be wisely aware of the misunderstanding of our current predicament, for this one had been issued the Coupon as is the custom, prior to our current conundrum, so that we may come to a conclusion."
However it can be implied that an enslaved Vortigaunt may not be so bold as to talk back to their Combine masters.
In English, however, the Vortigaunts have applied their mental capacity to adopt a wider vocabulary than the typical human being. This coupled with a more reflective perspective that many of the Vortal kind possess, they apply their vocabulary to extend their more philosophical nature to others. While typically not wordy, a Vortigaunt may typically revolve the message around the appropriate wording and proper vocabulary, even at the expense of brevity.
A standard Human may say the following:
"This must be a mistake! I got a standard relocation coupon just like everybody else!"
Meanwhile a Vortigaunt may say:
"The Delegate would be wisely aware of the misunderstanding of our current predicament, for this one had been issued the Coupon as is the custom, prior to our current conundrum, so that we may come to a conclusion."
However it can be implied that an enslaved Vortigaunt may not be so bold as to talk back to their Combine masters.
A Vortigaunt should never intervene directly or take a side, however it should take on the role of a mediator unless one party is at risk of jeopardizing the entire group; in which case the Vortigaunt should attempt to speak to them directly and in private. Though ultimately the Vortigaunt position is more or less a supportive role for human characters and their own stories, so you won't see a "/me bolts lightning at the bad guy lol" when two characters are fighting.
It ultimately depends on what the fight is about and what kind of fight. Verbal or physical? Moral or practical? Ultimately the Vortigaunt in question would be expected to be a voice of maturity and reason, attempting to bring the two characters together. It also depends on whether or not the Vortiguant is even tied into the members or their group; or if it's an acquaintance or even a stranger.
It ultimately depends on what the fight is about and what kind of fight. Verbal or physical? Moral or practical? Ultimately the Vortigaunt in question would be expected to be a voice of maturity and reason, attempting to bring the two characters together. It also depends on whether or not the Vortiguant is even tied into the members or their group; or if it's an acquaintance or even a stranger.
That is a /very/ short tl;dr version of a roleplay situation and its outcome but ultimately I wanted to keep it short for the sake of brevity so that one can actually read the scenario. Nothing is worse than sitting through 6,000 words going into precise detail. Though I personally lack when it comes to medical RP and I make a lot of shit up.
(This is a fucking mess and I'll kick this off with a disclaimer/note.
For the Black Mesa Incident and Seven Hour War, each and every server has their own take on it and until Aspect releases the official server lore I'll have to go off of my own that's based off the Wiki. Essentially the Aliens are sent through by the Nihalanth to make way for the rest of the refugees, are hostile to humanity, the military has to get involved and establish martial law and attempt rebuilding. I know that Aspect intends for there to be a 10 day gap between the BMI and 7HW so I'll try to be as brief as I can for these two subjects until Aspect elaborates more.
If you have any contradictions to the lore, feel free to point them out and I'll edit this mess of a backstory.
Backstory is also temporary here/subject to edit and moving. I'll end up making a consistent and coherent document to place on my character bio thread if this gets accepted, but as this is all in the app I can't make it as thorough as I normally would because it would be over 6,000 lines of text and I can guarantee you that you would not be able to read all of that mess. So here's a dramatic paraphrasing/concept of the character.
I'll edit this when I wake up later so I can brush up on it but right now consider this backstory an early access at best. I intend to be in-depth and describe how certain experiences have affected him today and so on-so forth.
Peace.
-Dixon ?)
Vardeme came into being under the Nihilanth's control shortly following the escape from the omnipresent force of the Combine into Xen, fifty years before the Black Mesa Incident when he was still young. The gashes and scars he had received from the work performed had extended themselves deep into his psyche as he accepted the word of the Nihilanth without question; obedient and subservient to the superior will that came to block out his own and that of the rest of his kin while in the Borderworld.
His first contact with humanity came during an expedition into Xen by a human researcher in a strange orange suit. The researcher was taken aback, and attempted to resist their fate, however, in the end it was futile. Vardeme and his tribe stood over the occupied suit, sensing nothing through the Vortessence that would indicate further life. Before her death, however, Vardeme did feel something. Something he would not feel again until he was, ironically, in the same situation as the human female just two weeks later. He would be shocked and mortified of the world known as Earth that was being relayed back to him and his tribe. One by one they would go, to different locations; many being sent to a "Black Mesa", however such information was relayed in short intervals; and much was lost in the white noise between worlds.
When he arrived on Earth, at a settlement known as "Albuquerque", he first felt the sensation underneath his hooves. That of hard, rock-like substance; but all uniform, spread out in a conglomeration to form large pathways that intersected in a grid-like pattern; strange structures between each one, many on fire. Screams and gunfire filled the air as many more of his allies would come in from across the veil to assist in the war effort.
He quickly knew how to treat these creatures, and as such of the Nihilanth's orders - he mercilessly went to work, following orders to clear a way for the rest of the refugees, until the death of the Nihilanth at the hands of Gordon Freeman. During this event, he would feel a deep disturbance in the Vortessence, that could only result from the vanishing of a will as strong as his Master's. It would be as if Vardeme's world had been tinted a different color with the impending realization that he, and his species, were truly free to do as they wished for the first time in eons.
Quickly, the allies that Vardeme had fought aloneside; the grunts, headcrabs, and other creatures were now suddenly in armed conflict along; chaos descending on the refugees from Xen without their leader for guidance. Struggling with their newfound freedom. Each side was against each side, and many would come to pass during the first days of fighting.
Detached from all save a few other stranded Vortigaunts in the outskirts of the city, he would leave to regroup with his new tribe nearby - similar to him they would all consist of isolated members of different tribes, all banding together to survive. Vardeme would run to other locations near the city to scavenge for food, or what the humans had considered food, while the humans had grouped themselves together in a condensed and walled space protected by their military forces, attempting to fight off the foreign creatures invading their world while increasing their numbers with ever growing amounts of refugees.
Portal storms would ravage parts of the city that were not already ravaged from the attack. The group would come to root themselves in an abandoned trainstation, as they huddled together to survive for the next ten days until they would face total destruction at the hands of their old foe.
Ten days after being stranded on Earth, the Combine forces would arrive to the planet and Vardeme's tribe would be annihilated by a Gunship while they attempted to flee the fighting; one by one each loss was felt through the fabric of the vortessence; he himself surviving long enough to escape while his kin had split up into separate directions. He would never see or feel them them again.
During the conflict he would wander aimlessly while attempting to survive, stumbling upon a human soldier, detached from his squad. Vardame would blast away an approaching headcrab to save the human soldier; which was repayed in kind when the soldier would open fire on Vardeme, htting him three times in the chest, as Vardeme scurried off into the rubble. Vardeme would never forget this encounter, choosing not to trust humans due to the inherit bad blood between the two species. First impressions are everything, after all.
Following the war's aftermath, Vardeme would be found hiding inside an abandoned gas station by Combine forces and would be subsequently placed inside "Biotic Processing", a hellish experience which involved each captured Vortigaunt being shackled and tossed into cages, onboard trains, being sent off to various "sectors" to adjust for human rehabitation; being forced into slave labor to prepare a home for the humans.
He and many other biotics would rebuild human cities, overseen by the same Human soldiers he had previously fought against; now purged of their humanity and part of the military machine that would soon obliterate their own species. He now serves as a Biotic in the designated urban sector of "City Eight", one a sprawling metropolis unlike anything Vardeme had ever seen, now nothing more than a cage for both Human and Vortigaunt alike.
A brief rundown of his character:
*He mistrusts humans but is sympathetic with their plight.
*He is inexperienced compared to other Vortigaunts, and his time in Combine occupation and the abuse he has went through has caused him to forget much about his own culture. He cannot even speak his own native language anymore.
*He is guilt ridden for the actions taken under the orders of the Nihilanth and as a result promotes pacifism instead of direct action against the Combine. AS such he is content with being a slave at the moment.
For the Black Mesa Incident and Seven Hour War, each and every server has their own take on it and until Aspect releases the official server lore I'll have to go off of my own that's based off the Wiki. Essentially the Aliens are sent through by the Nihalanth to make way for the rest of the refugees, are hostile to humanity, the military has to get involved and establish martial law and attempt rebuilding. I know that Aspect intends for there to be a 10 day gap between the BMI and 7HW so I'll try to be as brief as I can for these two subjects until Aspect elaborates more.
If you have any contradictions to the lore, feel free to point them out and I'll edit this mess of a backstory.
Backstory is also temporary here/subject to edit and moving. I'll end up making a consistent and coherent document to place on my character bio thread if this gets accepted, but as this is all in the app I can't make it as thorough as I normally would because it would be over 6,000 lines of text and I can guarantee you that you would not be able to read all of that mess. So here's a dramatic paraphrasing/concept of the character.
I'll edit this when I wake up later so I can brush up on it but right now consider this backstory an early access at best. I intend to be in-depth and describe how certain experiences have affected him today and so on-so forth.
Peace.
-Dixon ?)
Vardeme came into being under the Nihilanth's control shortly following the escape from the omnipresent force of the Combine into Xen, fifty years before the Black Mesa Incident when he was still young. The gashes and scars he had received from the work performed had extended themselves deep into his psyche as he accepted the word of the Nihilanth without question; obedient and subservient to the superior will that came to block out his own and that of the rest of his kin while in the Borderworld.
His first contact with humanity came during an expedition into Xen by a human researcher in a strange orange suit. The researcher was taken aback, and attempted to resist their fate, however, in the end it was futile. Vardeme and his tribe stood over the occupied suit, sensing nothing through the Vortessence that would indicate further life. Before her death, however, Vardeme did feel something. Something he would not feel again until he was, ironically, in the same situation as the human female just two weeks later. He would be shocked and mortified of the world known as Earth that was being relayed back to him and his tribe. One by one they would go, to different locations; many being sent to a "Black Mesa", however such information was relayed in short intervals; and much was lost in the white noise between worlds.
When he arrived on Earth, at a settlement known as "Albuquerque", he first felt the sensation underneath his hooves. That of hard, rock-like substance; but all uniform, spread out in a conglomeration to form large pathways that intersected in a grid-like pattern; strange structures between each one, many on fire. Screams and gunfire filled the air as many more of his allies would come in from across the veil to assist in the war effort.
He quickly knew how to treat these creatures, and as such of the Nihilanth's orders - he mercilessly went to work, following orders to clear a way for the rest of the refugees, until the death of the Nihilanth at the hands of Gordon Freeman. During this event, he would feel a deep disturbance in the Vortessence, that could only result from the vanishing of a will as strong as his Master's. It would be as if Vardeme's world had been tinted a different color with the impending realization that he, and his species, were truly free to do as they wished for the first time in eons.
Quickly, the allies that Vardeme had fought aloneside; the grunts, headcrabs, and other creatures were now suddenly in armed conflict along; chaos descending on the refugees from Xen without their leader for guidance. Struggling with their newfound freedom. Each side was against each side, and many would come to pass during the first days of fighting.
Detached from all save a few other stranded Vortigaunts in the outskirts of the city, he would leave to regroup with his new tribe nearby - similar to him they would all consist of isolated members of different tribes, all banding together to survive. Vardeme would run to other locations near the city to scavenge for food, or what the humans had considered food, while the humans had grouped themselves together in a condensed and walled space protected by their military forces, attempting to fight off the foreign creatures invading their world while increasing their numbers with ever growing amounts of refugees.
Portal storms would ravage parts of the city that were not already ravaged from the attack. The group would come to root themselves in an abandoned trainstation, as they huddled together to survive for the next ten days until they would face total destruction at the hands of their old foe.
Ten days after being stranded on Earth, the Combine forces would arrive to the planet and Vardeme's tribe would be annihilated by a Gunship while they attempted to flee the fighting; one by one each loss was felt through the fabric of the vortessence; he himself surviving long enough to escape while his kin had split up into separate directions. He would never see or feel them them again.
During the conflict he would wander aimlessly while attempting to survive, stumbling upon a human soldier, detached from his squad. Vardame would blast away an approaching headcrab to save the human soldier; which was repayed in kind when the soldier would open fire on Vardeme, htting him three times in the chest, as Vardeme scurried off into the rubble. Vardeme would never forget this encounter, choosing not to trust humans due to the inherit bad blood between the two species. First impressions are everything, after all.
Following the war's aftermath, Vardeme would be found hiding inside an abandoned gas station by Combine forces and would be subsequently placed inside "Biotic Processing", a hellish experience which involved each captured Vortigaunt being shackled and tossed into cages, onboard trains, being sent off to various "sectors" to adjust for human rehabitation; being forced into slave labor to prepare a home for the humans.
He and many other biotics would rebuild human cities, overseen by the same Human soldiers he had previously fought against; now purged of their humanity and part of the military machine that would soon obliterate their own species. He now serves as a Biotic in the designated urban sector of "City Eight", one a sprawling metropolis unlike anything Vardeme had ever seen, now nothing more than a cage for both Human and Vortigaunt alike.
A brief rundown of his character:
*He mistrusts humans but is sympathetic with their plight.
*He is inexperienced compared to other Vortigaunts, and his time in Combine occupation and the abuse he has went through has caused him to forget much about his own culture. He cannot even speak his own native language anymore.
*He is guilt ridden for the actions taken under the orders of the Nihilanth and as a result promotes pacifism instead of direct action against the Combine. AS such he is content with being a slave at the moment.
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