It Began Like A Dream...
The sprite became a monster in that infernal abyss, tortured by the darkness, the loneliness, and the never ending pain. The monster swore that once he escaped, he would claim his revenge.
And revenge heard his wish and granted it.
The Tree of Death
They wound up here, inside the Tree of Death.
What is the Tree? No one can rightly say. The best guess is that it is another dimension created solely to punish mankind. It is called the Tree for that is how it appears in the outside world. It is a massive tree, at least thirty miles tall and a half mile in diameter. It is black with dark red leaves. The leaves never fall from the tree or shift in the wind. The Tree may as well be a statue. Anyone who goes near the tree experiences sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, and sadness. Some people that have actually touched the tree claim that the feelings disappear, and they are imprinted with a sudden, chaotic rush of images, possibly of events happening inside the Tree.
Inside the Tree is a whole new world, described by some inhabitants as a psychopath's version of Wonderland mashed with Hell. There is no real sky, just an endless void above, and it is always night. Everything seems to be alive in that land: trees, light, fire, rivers, rocks, shrubs; everything. There is no real concept of time or distance as nothing ever ages in this world (though there are certain places like buildings that are in varied stages of decay).
Anyone inside the Tree is consumed with the insane urge to kill and to die. Very few have managed to retain their sanity. Fewer still have control over their actions.
No one can trust each other. Everyone seeks to kill one another or to survive the carnage of others. A benefit towards survival is that no one has to eat or sleep. No one wants to sleep anyway. For who knows what sort of nightmares they will have. And who knows if they will ever wake up again. Since the strange world of the Tree acts differently and does not require those inside to eat or sleep, no one bothers with it.
Paradise
Except one.
One person who escaped the Tree was eventually brought back. And my, what stories they told. They spoke of a place beyond the Tree, a world of green and blue and of such overwhelming beauty that it had the power to cleanse their souls.
The tales of this outside world known as Paradise spread across the world, giving hope and light to all who desired it, but it also brought despair to those who believed they could not attain it.
As the tale spread, so it changed and grew and twisted in on itself, becoming farther from fact and further towards myth. Just as the Tree is worshipped as their devil, so this Paradise is worshipped as their hopeful heaven. Many think that to reach Paradise means they will have to die. No one really knows the truth anymore, but deep in their hearts, they still long for it.
The real "Paradise" is simply the outside world. More specifically, Mount Wuyi in Fujian China. Those who first leave the Tree's world will wake up floating in the Nine Bend River before being retrieved by a station of Chinese police who set up there because of the appearances of people returning.
What happens to the people after they are retrieved isn't said, but it is true that they can be absorbed back into the world again. Everyone has forgotten that part as it is not included in the tales. They believe Paradise is a place you go to forever: a perfect world where one can finally be at peace.
Reintegration into normal human society after escaping Sanctum is a very convoluted and flawed process. As there is a fraction of them that appear elsewhere than Mount Wuyi, different counties and governments have different habits. Some of the returned disappear into society carving out their own niches with higher powers completely unaware. Some governments try to put the returned through rehabilitation programs. Some are sent to Kenopsia Labs which claims to perform humanitarian investigations to better understand the phenomenon. Still more are interrogated, tortured, experimented on independently, and eventually executed due to paranoia.
Fighting, Death, and Resurrection
It comes rarely if not at all to the creations of the Tree. Not real death anyway.
The creations of Sanctum may die over and over again. But their blood and body parts will always crawl back together, reform themselves, and the once dead child or man or woman will rise again and walk away.
No one has ever truly died in the Tree. No one knows how to truly die. They believe The Tree decides when it is time for them to rest and be at peace.
Where they go, no one knows. Is there a heaven or hell in the Tree? How could there be, when the Tree is both at once.
Sanctum Powers
Heartless are created when a human sacrifices themselves to the Tree. The details are mostly secret and unclear. What this 'sacrifice' is, is unknown. Even Heartless do not remember the sacrifice. They say it might be a metaphorical one, such as offering up their souls to The Tree. Some say it is a sacrifice of blood, organs, or maybe killing a loved on. Perhaps it is a combination of all those things. All anyone knows for certain is this sacrifice generates the same end result: a heartless. A living machine born and bred to kill and satisfy the Tree with the endless ebb and flow of blood and brutal screams.
Every Heartless possesses a power. Any Heartless without power means they had been stripped of it by the Tree due to disobedience, which could mean they attempted to escape to the real world or killed a favorite of the Tree.
You do not choose your own powers. Your power will be assigned to you by Niitari. This goes for wether you start out as Heartless or become Heartless.
Using the power does not come freely. All power comes with a price and all Heatless must make payment. The payment differs by individual. It may be something mundane or something significant, but it must be performed after the power has been used. No one knows what happens if payment is not made. For all they know, no one has lived to tell.
You do not choose your own payment. Your payment will be assigned to you by Niitari. This goes for wether you start out as Heartless or become Heartless.
The Astronomers
The Astronomers are similar to Dolls in that they have no emotions and act completely soulless. Some say they are connected to the Tree. Some say they are the mouthpiece of the Tree itself. Like seers, they prophecy on the future and present, know all things at all times concerning the Tree and its creations, and they monitor the activity of Heartless via the stars.
A phenomenon rocked the world when the Tree of Death appeared: the stars in the sky vanished. No one knew the implication of this and were very afraid. Theories and conspiracies rose. The science community was in uphaevel. A few months passed and lo and behold, there was a star in the sky. Or so everyone thought. Reports from NASA and other space communities confirmed that this was no ordinary star. It was unreadable on charts. It had the most bizarre behaviors. As more of these false stars appeared in the sky, the Astronomers also began to act differently. It was not until Heartless began appearing in the real world that the connection was made.
The each fake star is linked to a Heartless. One appears in the sky every time a Heartless is born, aka a contract with the Tree is made. The Heartless can be tracked based on the star's behaviors. While scientists have dedicated themselves towards the study of tracking them, the Astronomers are the best at it.
Appearance of a Star: birth of a Heartless
Bright Flash then Disappearance of a Star: death of a Heartless
Falling Star: dying Heartless
Shifting Coordinates: on the move
Radiation Spike: moving from the Tree to reality
Radiation Plummet: moving from the reality to the Tree
Red Light Pulse: injury, near dying, critical
Blue Light Pulse: healing, recovering, getting stronger
Inverted Star: making a contract with the Tree
Green Light Pulse: unknown
Rotation: unknown
Three Pulses then Fade to Near Disappearance: unknown
Falling, then Flash, then Normal: unknown
Radiation Pulse: unknown
Collision with Another Star: unknown
Forming of a Constellation: unknown
Each Heartless will be assigned a Messier Sign, aka Star Sign. Astronomers will be able to track the Heartless.
Roles
Hellions
(non-playable race currently)
Hellions were created by the Tree itself. Wether they have powers or not is unknown. They possess blood red eyes that glow, along with bizarre "lines and scars" that criss-cross all over their bodies.
Astronomers
(non-playable race currently)
Strange beings that are somehow connected to the Tree of Death. They are able to track Heartless as well as prophecy the going ons inside the Tree.
Heartless
Those who have given a sacrifice to the Tree in exchange for powers. They are distinguished by their blood red eyes.
Halcyons
People without powers. They may or may not seek to harm themselves along with killing others. They have much more control over the instincts that the Tree made them have. May have been absorbed into the Tree or born inside it.
Dolls
Dolls are a rather strange sort of being. It is hard to say exactly how they came to life. Some speculate they are results of breeding Heartless and humans. Others say that Dolls are made by the tree itself. Dolls are human in appearance but have no emotion, will, feelings, personality, etc. They have powers of communication, wether verbal, written, or coded. This may take many forms.
Hollows
Completely deranged psychopaths who blindly follow their instinct to kill and be killed, even so far as self-mutilation, torture, and eventual suicide. They can get better, but only through time. They don't really know how to communicate or act normal. They are most distinguished by open wounds, scars, very thin and pale, often shaky limbs and finger, wild looks, and bloodshot eyes (note: not to be confused with Hellions').
The Symbiosis of the Cities
As one might expect, the city has its own division of caste systems with upper echelons thriving in the ritziest of places while the poor cling to the gutters. Middle class exists in varying stages between the two extremes , attempting to chisel out a life for themselves and find their place. But rising above is far more difficult than falling below. It seems that the greed of the many outweighs the needs of the few as more and more find themselves driven to desperation. At the appearance of the Tree of Death, more and more people have been turning up missing. Thrown in by their rivals, it is the far easiest way to take care of a problem.
And far below them all exists the Under City, a massive labyrinth of the strange and foreboding. Here are seen things that should not exist, and here are found things that should remain lost. This incredibly dark place houses everything nightmares are made of. You can buy and sell humans, live or dead. You can flounce drugs in the streets. You can slaughter women and children before a live audience. You can even uncover mysterious and strange wonders that should not exist in a world of science. Here the existence of the Tree of Death is but an accepted, commonplace occurrence. Wether it is 'magical' or 'supernatural' hardly matters. What matters is that it exists, and if it exists, it can be found in the Under City.
The Under City is but the belly of the great beast of Tokyo. From it pours filth and darkness while the city itself harbors good and light. They mingle and twist together, connecting and interloping interchangeably. And all the while, the world remains unaware.
The darkness festers and grows. "What is done in the dark shall be brought to the light." Such are the words of the Under City's creed, and so it shall be. The filth and disease that the darkness is seeps up from underground and spreads its fingers into Tokyo. People are spirited away. Shadows watch from strange corners. People awaken in tubs of bloody ice. There are carriers of the disease coming to Tokyo, laying trails for others to follow, and who nows how far it will spread.
The Powerful and the Powerless
In the Under City there is no real law. There is no true crime or true punishment. It tempts the rich of Tokyo sweetly and breeds its own hierarchy down below from their generosity. No one in the Under City is safe from this seductress called greed.
Wealth is what dictates the lot in life of those down below. The less money one possesses, the less their life matters. The poor are nothing. They aren't even close to being living creatures. And so the wealthy, considered the only real humans, have free reign to do as they please. And they do.
Anyone can become a slave. Anyone can become a donor. Anyone can become a corpse. It's only a matter of attracting the right sort of people: the wealthy.
Often enough, the rich may patrol the streets, and should they see a person they like, there is nothing to say they cannot take that person and do as they will with them.
How does one gain power? By moving up in the hierarchy, if it is even possible. One must do terrible, horrible things to even find favor in the eyes of those who wield command over the fate of one person's use versus the other. And even then, actually going from one position to another is near impossible. The only people who are free are the wealthy, and even those who walk the world aboveground are living in but a delusion if they think they cannot be reached.
Factions/Gangs/Allegiances
The "Wandering Underworld Rabbit" : a faction that exists primarily in the layer of dreams. They seldom walk in the real world, for the most part, their bodies lie still in deep sleep. Their talent comes in the fashioning of dreamscapes, exploring within, fighting nightmare, learning, growing, invading. All dreams are theirs to walk within if they choose to. But it is a dangerous task, not to be taken lightly.
The Deep Web
Ever wanted to buy drugs? Hire an assassin? Browse experiments regarding human pain tolerance when their nerves are pulled out of their hands? Find out the proper way to slice your human for stew meat later? Well look no further than the Deep Web. The bottom of the iceberg of the internet. Everything is just a typed url away. Unfortunately, looking in means that they look back. So be very, very careful, or it may be your face on that site next.
Club Midas
One of the greatest clubs in all of Tokyo, and therefore the most secret, highly guarded, impregnable fortress of clubs imaginable, only accessed by the extremely wealthy and incredibly cautious. This is not just any ordinary club. This Club Midas claims to make all of your dreams and desires a reality.
Bunraku
A shadow organization of assassins, bounty hunters, saboteurs, spies, and traffickers. Many work for Bunraku without even knowing it. Its members are many, varied, and never in contact with all of each other. A web so divinely spun that no thread can unravel it. It is said that Bunraku is the true commander of the world: Tokyo, economics, the other world powers, even the Tree itself if that is possible. One thing is for sure: it can take life.
Roles
Under City is relatively the same, but more seedy. There are bartenders and fight clubs and smugglers aplenty. There are also cafes, seamstresses, and other respectable positions as well. The main idea is that they are struggling harder in what they do. Any rich class that come down had better bring an entourage.
Factions/Gangs/etc roles need to be approved by the Admin and will be discussed in detail during the approval process.
The Cursed Village of Shinigami
If only they knew the truth.
Deep within Amakura lies a secret village named Shinigami, having remained untouched by the outside world for centuries. As such, it has no technology or changes to fashion and law. It rules and governs itself, its people locked away in a long dead Feudal age.
Shinigami Village is ruled by the Village Elder and the Village High Priest/ess. They direct the Village in all matters concerning the people, both physical and spiritual. The Elder is the one who does the most speaking to the people when matters are presented and resolved while the High Priest/ess seldom speaks to anyone save for the others of the temple or during mass preaching on certain days.
Agriculture and Animal Husbandry are their prime focuses. They attempt to remain as in tune with the nature around them as possible. Professions in the village relating to crafts are encouraged, though any artistic pursuits are generally not favored as they are superfluous. They are encouraged as hobbies, seeing as music, dance, and art are greatly appreciated during holidays and festivals.
Village Law and Order
The Elder is either a man or a woman that is provided by the Temple as a babe before the congregation during special ceremony. The babe is deemed chosen by god and brought before the High Priest/ess as their new leader. The babe is then put through many ceremonies of cleansing, affirmation, and faith to prepare its soul and body for the destiny it has before it. The babe is also castrated, male and female alike, for the child must be absolutely pure. They can never breed, for they must not have any ties to the village that would cause them to rule unfairly. They must only be loyal to the village as a whole, to the High Priest/ess as the voice of god, and of course, the god himself.
The chosen one is raised by the Priests and Priestesses in the Temple, and is always brought around the village throughout its life to meet and grow along with the village. They are taught the holy ways of the religion as well as all areas and matters of the village duties. The child is never truly pampered. Hard labor is encouraged. The child will learn the ways of farming, foraging, hunting, smithing, fighting, weaving, and other useful skills. This is so the child may be humbled to never deem anything less worthy as well as know the workings of the village for when the time comes to make decisions.
When the chosen one has reached adulthood (around fifteen), they are henceforth the direct subject of the Elder. They will act as counsel as well as student, learning and growing in the ways of the Elder until the Elder dies and the chosen assumes the position.
It is important to note that the Elder does not know of the existence of the outside world.
The High Priest/ess and The Inquisition In Relation to the Outside World
The only ones who know of the world beyond the village are the High Priest/ess and the Inquisition. The outside world is considered a dangerous and evil place, excluded from the god's favor. No one wishes to go there, but unfortunately, it is a necessity.
While the god himself does in fact choose the Elder and it is presumed the chosen is stolen as a babe from the outside world, this has never been confirmed. However, the Inquisition makes very frequent excursions to the outside world to steal babies and bring to the village to be raised as members of society. They present them as gifts from god to the families. Indeed, receiving a child from the Inquisition is a sign of great favor, prosperity, and good fortune by the family receiving. The Inquisition makes these excursions and kidnappings to ensure the survival of the village lest it fall to disaster through incest. This also ensures there will always be a ready supply of individuals for sacrifice to god. The Inquisition itself strictly believes these children to be gifts from god as well, for it is by the god's mercy that they are welcome into this hollow sanctum of Shinigami Village.
Laws
Stealing: the offending limb that held the item shall be cut off.
Murder: the wronged shall deliver justice themselves upon the murderer, provided that they present the murderer's head to the High Priest. ** let it be noted that this law is very, very rarely followed
Adultery: the wrongdoers shall be flogged and presented to their spouses who shall determine if their spouse shall be forgiven or executed.
Rape: the rapist shall be castrated (male or female) and forced into slavery to the victim. The rapist is no longer seen as human, and the victim may do whatever they please.
False Rape Accusation: if the person was accused falsely, the accuser shall be burned with many hot iron rods for a period of one week. They shall then serve forced slave labor to the village for five years, then they may be allowed to live in the village again.
Child Rape/Molestation: the rapist shall be raped by wild pigs and then all shall be burned alive.
Suicide: the family of the victim shall remain cloistered in the temple for twelve days to mourn and be cleansed of any foul spirits. They shall then be returned to their home and must wear white for three days.
Divorce: the man and woman must not know another for a period of one year. The possessions, money, and children shall be divided as the High Priest/ess sees fit.
Widows/Widowers: they shall receive an allowance from the temple and supported until they achieve stability once more, wether by themselves or through new marriage.
Debts: shall be handled on an individual basis by the Elder.
Bastard Children: the father must marry the mother. However, if the child was conceived by adulterers, the mother will be sentenced to prison until the child is born and shall then receive the proper punishments. The child/ren shall be raised in prison until ten years of age and then sacrificed to rid the village of unclean spirits.
The Religion and Religious
The High Priest/ess
The Council
The Inquisition
The Priest/ess
The Faithful
The Cleansing
The Cleansing is a ritual done to rid the village of sin. It is performed at least once a year.
From every family, a child is chosen that will be the vessel of that family's sin. The family will confess their sins to that child. The father of the household shall then hurt and bleed the child out by many methods. The blood will be collected in a special lacquer bowl and set outside the house. The Inquisition shall pass through the village and collect all the blood bowls. The families will stay together and pass the night in silence.
If the vessel child lives through the night, they are then conscripted by the Inquisition to become part of the Faithful.
The Purge
If the Cleansing has not been completed, it is prophesied that the village children will fall, burning, from the sky. And the secrets will come crawling up from the ground, coming for all. A virgin boy will be secretly chosen as the Vessel by which the god will seek out the prey that got away. The Purge ends when the god is satisfied.
The Spring Festival
The Spring Festival is a three day holiday that takes place during the first week of spring and is meant to herald in the new season. Men and women will visit the shrines and pray for abundance in family, love, health, and happiness. It is common enough for people to decorate shrines with pastel colored or red ribbons in the days leading up to the Spring Festival. The first day of the festival features the typical festivities which begin at dawn. Stalls will sell toys, games, and treats. At noon, sport and dance competitions are held and everyone eats a light feast with foods including mandrakes and goji. Various performances are held and at night there are fireworks. Everyone then ends the first day by visiting the shrines, repeating their prayers, and decorating the shrines with more ribbons. The second day features much the same as the first. At noon, the town gathers at the main temple. The High Priest/ess and all temple members are anointed with water and painted across the neck with blood collected from the Faithful. They then lead a grand procession of all citizens and such from the temple to all corners of the village, stopping at the village shrines to consecrate them with blood. Then the High Priest/ess is given many cakes and sweet things to eat as a sign of good fortune and prosperity. When the last is eaten, the festivities continue as usual. At sundown, everyone leaves to bathe. Children are sent to bed or with the elders while the adults dress in pure red. They then go to the main temple and pray. There is much singing and dancing after prayers and fires are lit. They then pair off under the will of the god and retire somewhere private to consumate.
In the evening of the third day, the adults leave their pairs and return to bathe and dress in pure white. Then they go to the main temple and pray. They are sprinkled over by the Faithful with blood. Afterwards, the children are allowed to return and everyone enjoys many hours of feasting, fun, and fireworks. The festivities may go on into the early morning, and by that time people usually retire or get ready for work.
The Day of Black Sun
Eclipses are extremely important events for the village and are very carefully, meticulously charted using special astronomical devices. They are the days when the god exhibits the most wrath, and therefore, when he must most certainly be well appeased. This is done through very solemn, gritty sacrifices that are performed as part of ritual. There are no special plans made for the village except that all members are expected to wear black or other dark colors.
Two siblings are then chosen to participate in the sacrifice. Twins are even better. The elder sibling must sacrifice the younger. The siblings must both be virgins. Age does not matter.
The elder sibling is presented with various tools which they must use to mutilate the sacrifice until it is beyond all recognition as a human being. They are given some direction by the High Priest/ess in order to prolong the sacrifice as long as possible. It is said that during the process, the wrath of the god is poured out on the sacrifice, increasing their agony to infinite amounts. The death of the sacrifice at the end of the eclipse marks the end of the god's outpouring.
The ritual must not be interrupted or horrors shall befall the village.
Yureiressha: The Train
The Train That Never Sleeps
The train bears resemblance to steam locomotives, though comprised of much thicker metal than ordinary steam locomotives. It is fitted on the front with a massive iron point that acts as a plow, always stained with blood and covered in dents and burn holes. The heaviness of the train makes it appear impossible to move, but the ingenuity of the engine's complex design allows for it to charge at 100 miles per hour on a regular basis, and some say it has gone to 200 miles per hour for a duration of ten hours straight. The train itself is enormous, not just in design, but in total. It is comprised of fifty cars. The foremost twenty cars are considered the true train and were part of the original design, based upon the outward and inward appearance of the cars reflecting that of the engine cars. The latter twenty-five cars are different and are suspected to have been added on later out of necessity.
The first twenty cars are used as follows:
Cab: the first and foremost car wherein the Head Conductor drives the train itself. It also comprises of the actual engine and furnace. A pilot chair is also provided for the Lord/Lady to be seated and give instructions if the need arises.
Fuel Car: Two of the cars directly behind the cab carry the coal required to fuel the furnace.
Reserve Car: The fourth car is where engineers and conductors are allowed to stay in order to be ready at a moment's notice in case of an emergency. They also sleep here when needed to take shifts for the Head Conductor. The train needs to stay running as much as possible when not safe at a station, so it is vital that key crew members are in easy reach of the engine itself. There are four bunks for sleeping or naps as well as a long table in the middle where engineers and conductors can take their daily breaks. But there is always someone in the car at all times, again, in case of emergency. Sometimes the Lord/Lady, Knights, or even Noble Tetralogy stay here.
Palace Car: the fifth car is the palace car and is where the Lord/Lady has their private quarters.
Noble Cars: the 6th is for the Koshaku, the 7th for the Shishaku, the 8th for the Hakushaku, and the 9th for the Danshaku.
Master's Car: the Head Engineer/Conductor of the train has their own car, but it is usually occupied by other engineers and conductors as well.
Quartermaster's Car: the Quartermaster and anyone in charge of the preparation and distribution of food remains in this car.
Dining Car: the dining car is part and parcel of both the Quartermaster's Car and the Primary Baggage Car. It has some of its original booths left where the nobles tend to eat, but its main function is to serve jointly with the kitchens.
Primary Baggage Car: the primary baggage car holds a large amount of the provisions on the car and is heavily guarded and monitored.
Armory: the first armory is located after the baggage car.
Medical and Medical Personnel Car: the 15th and 16th cars are medical cars and serve as surgery and emergency medical receiving. As they are joined together, medical personnel sleep wherever they find a spot.
Knights Sleeping Cars: the 17th and 18th car are reserved for Knights exclusively as they also serve as a barrier to anyone trying to harm or take from the first sixteen cars.
Temple Car: the disciples of the Yureiressha established a temple in the 19th car for themselves. It is their primary center of meditation and training. Actual disciples sleep wherever they find room in the train as part and parcel of being passengers themselves.
Reserve Car: the 20th car was once a beautiful observatory car. But Natine destroyed it and every living thing within. It has been built over and lies entirely empty where permanent residents or established duties are concerned, but it is often used for ceremonies, meetings, and trainings.
Natine and the Semper Natine
The most dangerous time for the Ressha is the "breeding time". The consistency is questionable, but the Disciples of Ressha have determined that during most crescent moons, the Natine become more and more volatile, bordering rabid psychosis. Their bodies become overwhelmed with parasites, their flesh bursting apart and reforming rapidly over and over again as more and more parasites breed and populate and devour each other within the host so as to stifle the overpopulation. The agony and ecstasy drive the Natine into impossible madness. They become more reckless in fighting, even going so far as to harm themselves in order to reach their pray, devour, and overtake. A single Natine once overtook a village of two hundred people in as little as ten hours, infesting all two hundred before finally calming enough to be brought down. The overtaken during this frenzy are often poorly formed, spasming, screaming, incapable of control of bodily function. They can be a little easier than normal Natine to overcome, but are still incredibly dangerous. Within a short period of time, the Natine breed enough within their new hosts to gain full perfect form. They do not continue the rampage, rather after gaining perfection, they slink away into the darkness to regain full operation and restore themselves.
There is a phenomenon within the Natine called simply Semper Natine. While possessing all the qualities of a regular Natine, the Semper Natine are fully conscious as the humans they were before becoming the parasite. They do not have control over their own bodies, but rather, they can still communicate, think, and feel as their old selves. The psychological damage dealt to the Semper Natine is excruciating, as they beg over and over again for themselves to stop while simultaneously devouring their loved ones. There are mixed views on the actual humanity of Semper Natine. Some believe they are merely imitating the former host in order to confuse and trap their prey. Others believe they really are still there, and perhaps, may be able to be saved. Any further study into Semper Natine is primarily hindered by lack of supply, for most are killed on sight or have taken to disappearing from sight never to be seen again until it's too late.
Brief History of the Yureiressha
The train's birth was overseen by the first master to its name, the Lady Tanji Ren, who was lovingly referred to in the Lord Adachi Takumi's Journal as the "Key Maiden". Tanji Ren is said to have been nine when she assumed power over her Clan at the death of her great father, and her first order was to begin construction on the train. It was a dream that her father had carried in his long years, and it is known that unto his death he continued to design and engineer the construction. Lady Tanji kept the plans in her kimono, only bringing out her father's papers when in the specified meetings with the most trusted of advisors, engineers, and architects. It was she who created the order of Knights, though at the time their sole purpose was to protect the train. Knight Umeda Tou shortly thereafter established a personal entourage of Knights, saying that the plans and the Lady were the most crucial pieces of the train and should therefore be protected the most.
The initial reason for the train's creation is described in such a simple form that it can hardly be true. From the Journal of Adachi Takumi himself we read, "... [the train] had a sole purpose: to be a vessel of pleasure and leisure..." It is noted that other documents pertaining to the train's origins, as compiled by the Disciples, mention the initial reason is unknown, but the second reason is very plain.
Violent and warring Clans lay siege to the Tanji's city and slaughtered the majority of the army. The people starved. The land was ruined. It is unclear when the train project went underway in relation to the period of war, but the Journal states clearly this: "[...] the train was now their only salvation."
Lady Tanji Ren was eighteen when she boarded the train, her and her people. She put the key into the keyhole and started the engine.
The Observatory Car is described in Adachi Takumi's Journal as a thing of incredible beauty and wonder. It was a special car created during the life of Tanji Ren's father, and was added to the train as an afterthought. But when the train began along the track, it is here that the Natine are first mentioned.
Long, long periods of suffering and war followed the train in its early pilgrimage from the enemies that followed in the wake of the Tanji carnage, but this was all interrupted by the first of the Natine following the tracks, clinging to the sides, gorging on the people, and causing endless havoc. Here we read of the obliteration of the people during a crescent moon: two hundred souls crammed into the confines of the glass car, and promptly devoured by a single Natine.
This is also where the first station stop is made by the train, as well as the rearrangement of duties each car held. In later passages, other journals, and logs mention the regime changes, the addition of new cars, adjustments to construction, and even the addition of various armor and the great plow on the front of the train.
But it is always the Lord Adachi Takumi's Journal that is held most highly. It gives people a reassurance of the ancestors they never knew, who set them on a path to find a home, a place to belong. The train is their salvation.
Roles
The Yureiressha is commanded by a Lord or Lady, though there may be several Lords and Ladies at a given time. They have the master key which must be used if the train is to move anywhere. The train has this strange allure to it, as if it compels the holder to insert the key. For it must always go. It does not sleep.
The Noble Tetralogy
The Noble Tetralogy are the four leaders of the four great families that first came to travel on the Yureiressha with the Lady. They carry the title of Kōshaku, Hakushaku, Shishaku, and Danshaku. These four are direct advisers and companions to the Lord/Lady and serve her best interests, as well as voice the best interests of their houses. The Tetralogy don't always get along with each other, and indeed, there have been times when they did not get along with the Lord/Lady, but most often, they always strive to the common goal of survival and betterment for their people.
The Conductors
The Conductors are protectors of the train and servants of the people. They provide both with whatever is needed and are the ones keeping tabs on all situations. They give reports to the Lord/Lady and are in charge of supplying the train. They also drive the train itself.
The Engineers
The workers of the train, they keep it running. Wether that means fueling it or repairs, they know all the mechanical ins and outs of the great beast as well as the tracks themselves.
The Knights
The Knights are protectors of the Lord/Lady and the Conductors, serving as bodyguards. They also maintain order when necessary.
The Disciples of the Ressha
Scholars, monks, and disciplined warriors, Disciples are devotees to the train and seldom if never leave. They study and chart its journeys, stations, battles, and more. They seek to understand its existence on deeper and darker levels.
The Passengers
The Passengers can be anyone. Wether looking for a new home or choosing the train as home, they ride the train that never sleeps to any of its various destinations, never to know its termination.
Origins of Mikasa University
The first of his students was a man of great character named Hirota Ichigo. He was a humanitarian and a poet, very well liked in his community as a man of the people and a voice for the poor and homeless. From the humble beginnings of an orphan, he had worked his way into the middle class of society through many grueling jobs, and his humble roots inspired in him great acts of kindness towards the members of his community. He was always described as a man of high intellect despite his lack of regular schooling, and always the soundest of minds. He was drawn to Mikasa Temple after reading some of Tachibana's lesser writings. Intrigued, he set out to the Temple to interview with the man and pursue answers to questions raised by his tellings of otherworldly, divine powers. He stayed at the temple for little over a month before reappearing to the people again, outwardly the same as he had ever been, but he spoke of some of the things he had learned and encouraged others to join him at the Temple where he had decided to reside.
Accepted by the public, students began coming to the temple more readily, and as rumors spread, more began attending from far and wide. The Temple was added onto and built larger.
But as time passed, rumors began spreading. Some students attended but turned up missing. Others were reported to have contracted bizarre illnesses. Some rumors came to light that there was a curse of madness over the whole place. But these rumors were so few, far between, and varied, that no one was ever truly discouraged from doing anything about them. So the school remained. And centuries later, now bigger and more established than before, it is here to stay.
Areas of Study
Ancient History
- The Ancient History Department is focused on world history through the Classical Period. In conjunction with the Classical Languages Department and the Philosophy Department, Ancient history offers courses on Greek and Roman History. In addition, the department offers courses on Ancient Chinese History and Early Middle-Eastern Studies. Classes Available: Expeditions:
Anthropology
- The Anthropology Department is dedicated to the study of humanity, particularly to the study of the physical and cultural characteristics of man. Anthropology is an ever-evolving field, as new discoveries of ancient human remains constantly add to our understanding of man’s beginnings. Recent discoveries such as “Java Man” are having a profound impact on the study of anthropology, and we have no doubt that many more groundbreaking discoveries will be made in the coming years. In addition to offering courses on the most recent trends and findings in anthropology, the department is proud to offer annual field research trips to places such as Africa, Asia, and the Far East for students enrolled in advanced coursework.
Archaeology
- The Archaeology department maintains an accredited program for the study and discovery of the physical remains of ancient civilizations, and their documentation of cultural, historical, scientific and religious development. Unlike many university archaeology departments, Mikasa's Archeology Department provides students with hands-on field experience as early as their first year of study. The department’s Archaeology Museum has a vast collection of artifacts from excavations around the world, and while these artifacts allow students to study the cultural history of various locales from the safety of Arkham, regular field excursions are the preferred method of instruction.
Classical Languages
- The Classical Languages Department, or “Classics,” provides a variety of courses in Latin and Greek language and literature. The department serves many communities on campus. In addition to offering a course of study specifically for those interested in pursuing advanced Latin or Greek, courses in the Classics department are also required for students pursuing the study of English Literature, Modern Languages, Philosophy, and Ancient History. In addition, those studying the sciences and all students intending to pursue medical degrees are required to take a minimum of one semester each in Introductory Latin and Introductory Greek.
Comparative Mythology
- Comparative mythology is the comparison of myths from different cultures in an attempt to identify shared themes and characteristics. Comparative mythology has served a variety of academic purposes. For example, scholars have used the relationships between different myths to trace the development of religions and cultures, to propose common origins for myths from different cultures, and to support various psychological theories. Comparative mythologists come from various fields, including folklore, anthropology, history, linguistics, and religious studies, and they have used a variety of methods to compare myths.
English
- The English Department is divided into two subunits: Language and Literature. The Language subunit focuses on expression in English, training students to write clearly and effectively. Style and diction are emphasized and coursework involves the application of these elements in essays, debates, orations, fiction writing, and other work. The Literature subunit aims to cultivate an appreciation for the great works of literature written in English. Coursework in the Literature program emphasizes the fundamentals of literary criticism, with the goal of training students to achieve an intelligent understanding of the most important features of literary works.
Fine Arts
- The Fine Arts Department offers instruction in an array of visual art mediums. The department has an impressive eight studios: two sculpture studios, one painting studio, one drawing studio, one printmaking studio, two ceramics studio, and a large metalworking studio. These studios are used for classes Monday through Thursday during the day, and are open to students for independent use in the evenings and Friday through Saturday. The Fine Arts Gallery (open 9am-5pm on weekdays), houses a large collection of student artwork. Each semester, students are encouraged to submit their best work for a juried competition; winners’ works are displayed in the gallery for the following two academic terms.
Geography
- The Geography Department focuses on the features and formation of the earth’s surface. Thus, geography is, at least in a sense, a specialization within Geology. Nevertheless, the Geography Department maintains its independence and offers a more in-depth study of the earth’s surface. Each fall geography students are encouraged to participate in a week-long field experience co-sponsored by the Geology Department. In the spring, several full-day field excursions specific to the study of geography are available.
Medieval Metaphysics
- The Medieval Metaphysics Department originated as a single course in Philosophy department, but this area of study has become such a strength at Miskatonic University that creating a department devoted entirely to philosophical and scientific thought in the Medieval Period was the only logical progression. This department combines the study of Philosophy, Alchemy and Mysticism. Students of Medieval Metaphysics gain a solid understanding of medieval thought and its bearing on science and philosophy today.
Medieval Philosophy
- Medieval philosophy of the period will be considered in relation to Hellenic and Hellenistic ideas. In addition to considering how classical thought shaped medieval philosophy, students will study medieval permutations of these ideas and their bearing on modern ideas.
Metallurgy
- Man has worked metal since pre-historic times. Early man learned to combine copper and tin to form bronze, thus beginning both the Bronze Age and the technology of metallurgy. An offshoot of chemistry, metallurgy today is the study or metallic elements and their applications. Because metals have unique properties, they also have important practical uses, and thus warrant focused study.
Modern History
- Although the Modern History Department is so-called to distinguish its focus from the Ancient History Department, the title is something of a misnomer, as the department is home not only to scholars of modern history, but also to scholars of medieval history, who grudgingly accept the title of “modern” because “ancient” clearly does not apply. As such, the Modern History Department offers courses primarily in American and European history from the Medieval Period to the present. A limited number of courses on non-Western cultures are offered each semester to broaden students’ perspectives, but students should note that the Department has primarily dedicated its resources to the history of our own society, i.e. Western civilization.
Modern Languages
- In the modern world, knowledge of at least two languages, and better yet three or four, is requisite for all individuals wishing to consider themselves educated and worldly. The Modern Languages Department offers introductory through advanced study in each of the most important European languages: French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Russian. In addition to language courses, the department offers a variety of literature courses for advanced students.
Music
- The Music Department aims to develop an appreciation of music amongst the entire student body at Miskatonic University, as well as to offer conservatory level training to those pursuing careers as professional musicians. To these ends, the department offers introductory courses in music history and music appreciation designed for even the most novice student of musical arts, as well as advanced coursework in musicology, composition theory, and conducting. All students pursuing music as their main course of study are required to take a one-hour private lesson in their main instrument each week. In addition, students are expected to acquire, through private lessons on or off campus, a minimum level of proficiency in a second instrument as a requirement for graduation. Miskatonic’s music ensembles, Concert Choir and Orchestra, are open to students in all fields of study. Auditions for the both Concert Choir and Orchestra are held annually at the beginning of each Fall semester.
Occult Studies
- The Occult Studies program is unique to Miskatonic University, and therefore has attracted top scholars from around the world. The term “occult,” from the Latin occultus, means hidden or secret. Perhaps ironically, the Occult Studies department is devoted to uncovering the secret knowledge of societies around the globe. Courses in the department focus on a wide variety of traditions. Many courses are offered in conjunction with the Religion Department as well as with Archaeology.
Old English Prose and Poetry
- A focused study of Anglo-Saxon language and literature. Students will begin with Sweet’s Anglo-Saxon Primer to gain an understanding of Old English vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. The second portion of the class will be devoted to translation and analysis of major works of Old English Prose and Poetry, including Beowulf, selections
Philosophy
- Philosophy is the search for truth, the quest for answers to those questions that have gripped mankind since the dawn of intelligent thought: questions about our existence, morality, and the essence of reality. Courses in the Philosophy Department consider the answers to these questions that have been provided by the greatest thinkers in the Western tradition, from Aristotle onward. No true education can be considered complete without a thorough study of philosophy.
Psychology
- The inner workings of the human mind are complex and often mysterious. The study of psychology seeks to explain the mysteries and understand the complexities of human thought and emotion. Fundamentally, psychology asks why we think what we think, and why we do what we do. In practice, of course, psychology is generally more concerned with disruptions in normal thought and behavior, but no study of the abnormal can exist without an understanding of what constitutes normal. Thus, for a thorough study of the field, the Department of Psychology offers courses in both.
Religion
- The Religion Department offers a wide variety of courses on global and comparative religion, religious history, and religious philosophy. From primitive Germanic religions to modern Christianity, students have the opportunity to discover and discuss the multitudinous ways that man has understood his relationship with the Divine. Mikasa’s Religion Department boasts an exceptionally strong emphasis in pagan European religions and mystical studies. The department shares several faculty members with the Occult Studies Department.
Sociology
- The Sociology Department is committed to forming students who are able to address social problems and institutions through critical thinking and scientific analysis. What makes a society? How do social influences affect the individual? What are the sources of social problems and how can they be fought? These are some of the questions sociology asks. Students in sociology must accumulate a vast amount of knowledge about history, economics, political science, psychology, and even biology in order to understand societal structures and social behaviors. By bringing research in all of these areas to bear on sociological issues, students in the sociology department are able to understand gain insight into issues as broad as the population and as specific as social maladjustment in the individual.
Astronomy
- Since prehistoric times, man has looked to the stars for answers. Although the sky continues to leave us with many more questions than answers, technological advancements now allow us to study what early man could only imagine. The movements of various celestial bodies and their physical properties can now be determined. Coursework in astronomy focuses on the observation and classification of objects in space. A minimum of Trigonometry is a pre-requisite for all courses offered in this department.
Botany
- The Botany Department is devoted to the study of plant life from across the globe, with an emphasis on morphology, microscopic anatomy, and physiology. The department facilities feature a herbarium with an extensive collection of dried exotic plant specimens and a dedicated drying room where students and faculty can dry and mount new specimens. In addition, we have an impressive greenhouse, notable for housing one of the world’s largest collections of carnivorous plants. Students are advised to use caution while visiting the greenhouse unattended.
Chemistry
- Chemistry has come a long way from its origins in black magic and alchemy, but while chemists are no longer concerned with seeking the Philosopher’s Stone or the Elixir of Life, we continue to seek ways to enrich and improve human life. Today, chemistry is a vital aspect of a liberal education, as well as an indispensible precursor to continued study in medicine and the sciences. The Chemistry Department has exceptional facilities for students of all levels, including six laboratories (general inorganic chemistry, food analysis, physical chemistry, quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, and organic chemistry), a general stock room and an acid stock room, and a combustion room. In addition to the research laboratories, all of our classrooms have fully equipped workbenches with water, gas, electricity and suction pumps. Students enrolled in upper division chemistry courses may request a reserved space in any of the labs, and are granted access at all hours.
Cryptozoology
- Cryptozoology is literally the study of “hidden animals.” It is derived from the Greek κρυπτός, or kryptos, meaning ”hidden” + zoology. This course is dedicated to the search for animals whose existence has not been proven, and the living examples of animals that are considered extinct. Some examples; animals that are extinct such as the dinosaurs; animals whose existence lacks physical evidence but which appear in myths and legends, like megafauna, the Loch Ness Monster, The Deep Ones, the Elder Things, and the Chupacabra; animals that are considered superstition, hoaxes, delusions or misidentifications such as giant squids, and the Hoan Kiem Turtle; and cryptids such as Bigfoot, the giant mountain gorilla, Orang Pendek, and the Yeti. This also includes the search for wild animals dramatically outside their normal geographic ranges, such as phantom cats or Alien Big Cats. It works hand in hand with the both the Anthropology and the Zoology departments here at the University.
General Physics
- Providing a thorough introduction to principles of physics, beginning with mechanics and moving through heat, light, electricity, and magnetism. All lectures will be accompanied by experiments and demonstrations to illustrate the materials covered.
Geology
- Richard de Bury, a 14th century Benedictine Monk and librarian, was perhaps the first to use the medieval Latin term geologia to describe the science of the earth. From Georgius Agricola’s study of minerals in the sixteenth century to Richard Dixon Oldham’s work on seismology in the early twentieth century, geological studies have made great contributions to our understanding of the earth. Miskatonic University strives to continue in the footsteps of these and other great scholars by encouraging new scholarship in the fields of mineralogy, paleontology, and geological Earth history. The Geology Department houses a large collection rock specimens and fossils that students are at liberty to peruse at any time. In addition, the department takes undergraduate students into the field for week-long surveys once per semester. The fall semester field experience focuses on the geological formation of the Earth, while the spring semester experience focuses on paleontology.
Mathematics
- Simple mathematic calculations have no doubt been used since early man began to trade. Five thousand years ago, early Babylonians and Egyptians began using more complex mathematical formulas in their observations of the stars and construction of buildings. The Ancient Greeks are credited with beginning a systematic study of mathematics and since then, the scope of mathematics has only continued to expand. Although it may seem that all there is to know about math has already been discovered, in fact, new theorems and proofs add to our knowledge each year. As such, for anyone zealous enough to pursue math beyond its basic principles, it promises to be an exciting and rewarding field. Introductory coursework in mathematics must be completed in the following order: College Algebra, Trigonometry, Analytic Geometry.
Physics
- The study of physics seeks to understand the interactions of materials on all levels—from the gravitational forces causing the movements of planetary bodies that have been observed by scientists since ancient times, to the sub-atomic interactions that have only come to light in the past few decades. Physics is a rapidly evolving field: J.J. Thomson’s discovery of electrons in 1897, Ernest Rutherford’s discovery of atomic nuclei in 1909, and multiple recent revisions to our understanding of the structure of an atom, have each resulted in fundamental changes in the study of molecular physics. The Physics department offers a wide array of courses to give students both a solid base in the fundamentals of physics and opportunities to participate in cutting edge research. Note: Trigonometry is a prerequisite for all physics courses, and it is strongly recommended that students have a firm grasp of calculus as well.
Principles of Paleontology
- During the first half of this course, students will study the systematic classification of fossils, with an emphasis on fossilized plant life. The second half of the course will focus on the evolution and morphology of vertebrates as shown through the fossil record. Students are encouraged to bring materials they themselves have collected to the laboratory for further study.
Zoology
- Zoology dates back to Aristotle, whose works on natural philosophy laid the foundation for the study and classification of animals that has continued for over two millennia. The Zoology Department at Miskatonic University continues this tradition and offers a wide range of courses on animal life. Courses cover both invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, but the department’s primary aim is to prepare students for advanced work in medicine and pharmacy. The Zoology Department boasts two large laboratories used primarily for vivisection and dissection.
Medicine
Law
Business
Abnormal Psychology - Lectures will cover a variety of psychological abnormalities and their relation to development, mental function, and criminality. Each lecture will focus on a specific case study of aberrant behavior as a starting point for discussion.
Alloy Composition and Production - Lectures and laboratories are focused on the composition of important alloys, means of producing various alloys, and their practical applications. Physical properties of alloys will be studied at length, including weight, tensile strength, melting points, conductivity, anti-corrosive properties, and magnetic and non-magnetic properties.
American History - This course provides a foundational survey of the building of our nation, from colonization through today. An historical perspective of American politics will form the basis of a significant portion of the lectures.
Ancient and Medieval Magics - A survey of the mystical and magical beliefs of early religious sects, including alchemical and divination techniques.
Ancient Greece and Rome - This course provides a historical survey of Classical Greece and Rome, with an emphasis on political history, succession of rulers, and military conquests.
Classical Philosophy: Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates - This course provides a survey of the three greatest Greek philosophers, whose works have shaped Western thought for over two millennia.
Climatology - This course provides a close study of world climates and the atmosphere. The relationship between climate, crops, and industry will be of primary importance.
Composition - Students will study the fundamentals of musical composition through actual practice of composition. Topics covered include modern counterpoint, canon and fugue, and free harmony. Students must be proficient in at least one instrument in order to succeed in this course. Any student who is uncertain of their level may audition with the instructor prior to registering.
Composition and Rhetoric - An intensive writing course designed to prepare students for all types of writing, academic and otherwise. This course is a requirement for all students at Miskatonic University.
Egyptology - An intensive study of Egypt, her history, and her people, culminating in a week-long excursion to participate in on-going archeological digs in Egypt.
Ethics - A critical study of the fundamental concepts of ethics with the aim of understanding human conduct. Lectures will cover the nature of ethics, the history of ethical systems, and the applications of ethical theory to the individual and the state.
Experimental Psychology - This course familiarizes students with modern psychological methods, including technological advances in the field. Experiments focus primarily on the senses and the results of isolation, sensory deprivation and sensory overload, and sleep deprivation. Note: all students enrolled in this course must participate as a subject in at least one experiment during the semester.
Extractive Metallurgy - Lectures and laboratories are focused on processes relating to the extraction and purification of metals. Students will complete small scale extractions and purifications during laboratory and will have the opportunity to participate in a field excursion to a mining operation.
General Psychology - This introductory course covers the fundamental laws of psychology and aspects of normal mental development. This course is a pre-requisite for all other psychology courses.
Geography and War - In this course, students will consider the effects of various geographical features on the outcomes of major battles throughout history. Students will study historical accounts of battles alongside topographical maps of regions. In addition, students will examine the causal relationships between natural boundaries, available natural resources, and conflict.
Global Philosophy of Religion - An introductory survey of major world religions and their comparative philosophical groundings. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism will form the primary subjects of this course, although certain minor religious sects may be discussed as well.
Introduction to Anthropology - This course provides an introduction to the natural history of man. Physical evolution and theories of man’s origin, its time, and its place will be discussed at length. In addition, students will study man’s relationship to nature and other animal species throughout history and pre-history.
Introduction to Archaeological Fieldwork - This course, designed for students in their first semester of archaeological studies, introduces students to practices in the field through a series of short excursions to local sites. Students must successfully complete this course before enrolling in higher level archeology courses, as this course provides foundational training required to ensure that students do not damage priceless artifacts at important archaeological sites worldwide.
Introduction to Archaeology - The first course required of all students interested in pursuing archaeological studies. This course provides a survey of major civilizations as well as practical training in the classification and handling or artifacts. Introduction to Archaeological Fieldwork is a co-requisite for this course.
Introduction to Sociology - A general course designed to introduce the students to key concepts and prominent issues in sociological studies today. This course will the development of social institutions, including the family, education, religion, and governments, and the development of the individual within society, including biological factors, instincts, control and organization.
Logic - In this course students will study the two branches of logical reasoning: deductive and inductive logic. In studying deductive logic, students will learn to interpret arguments and test their validity. In studying inductive logic, students will learn proper methods of investigation, especially pertaining to scientific inquiry.
Mesopotamian History - A focused course on the history of Mesopotamia, from the Bronze Age (Sumer, Akkadia, Babylonia, and Assyria), through the Iron Age (Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian Empires), Achaemenid Empire, Seleucid Empire, Parthian rule, Persian rule, and ending with the Islamic conquest in the 7th century.
Modern Occult Practices - A survey course in occult practices that remain relatively common today, including astrology, divination, and reported psychic abilities. This course engages students in a scientific study of occult practices in an effort to determine the potential validity of occult claims.
Occult History and Practical Application - Occult in History as it pertains to religion and science, and the modern practical application of some rudimentary occult practices of magic. This course is offered to further the knowledge of magic; metaphysical and paranormal activities. The study of some magical organizations such as hermetic orders, Wiccan covens or circles, esoteric societies, arcane colleges, and other groups which may utilize different terminology.
Occult as it pertains to science: A study of the inner nature of things, as opposed to the outer characteristics that are studied by science. A study of a deeper spiritual reality that extends beyond pure reason and the physical sciences, ”knowledge of the paranormal”, as opposed to ”knowledge of the measurable.”
Occult as it pertains to religions: An interpretation of occultism its concepts as found in the belief structures of religions such as Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Wicca, Satanism, Thelema, Judaism, Kabbalah, Christianity, Hindu, and Neo-paganism. Elder God Mysticism & Pythagorian Studies, ”Knowledge meant only for certain people” or ”knowledge that must be kept hidden.”
Occult practices and paranormal magic; ”black,” “white,” and ”green” (Natural), druidic, witchcraft, sorcery, wizardry, necromancy, astrology, alchemy, Santeria, divination and fortune-telling, extra-sensory perception, practical mysticism, West African / Haitian / Louisiana Voodoo – Hoodoo, theurgy, spiritualism.
A small fee for materials will be required for the practical applications portion of this course.
Old English Prose and Poetry - A focused study of Anglo-Saxon language and literature. Students will begin with Sweet’s Anglo-Saxon Primer to gain an understanding of Old English vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. The second portion of the class will be devoted to translation and analysis of major works of Old English Prose and Poetry, including Beowulf, selections.
Physiography - The study of the atmosphere, water, and resulting geographic changes of the earth’s surface. The development of present day features will be examined at length.
Primitive Religions of Early Europe - A survey of religious beliefs and practices of early European tribes. Particular attention will be paid to Germanic tribes of Northern Europe, their conversion to Christianity, and subsequent effects on Christian religious practices.
Social Control - What social and political institutions regulate behavior, and how? How do humans internalize the rules set forth by mechanisms of social control? What causes social conformity and, perhaps more interestingly, what occurs both internally and externally when individuals begin to deviate from social norms? This course will address these questions and more.
Social Problems - An in-depth look at social problems and their causes, particularly aspects of social maladjustment. This course will focus on issues of crime, immorality, feeble-mindedness, and insanity and their relation to social institutions.
Survey of European History - This course is devoted to the major events that have shaped Europe over the past millennium, from the Norman Invasion of England in 1066 through the Great War.
Differential Calculus - This course covers differential calculus and its application. Expansion of functions, valuation of indeterminate forms, maxima and minima, and plane curves will be examined at length.
Electricity and Magnetism - Advanced study of electricity and magnetism, both theoretical and experimental. The first portion of the course will focus on the fundamental mathematical theory of electricity and magnetism, while the remainder of the course will be devoted to the study of advanced electrodynamics. An optional laboratory course on electrical measurements is available as an accompaniment.
Fundamentals of Geology - Introductory course covering the composition and structures of rocks and minerals, as well as the processes related to the formation of various features of the Earth’s topography. This course is accompanied by a mandatory laboratory. General chemistry is recommended as a pre- or co-requisite.
General Physics - Providing a thorough introduction to principles of physics, beginning with mechanics and moving through heat, light, electricity, and magnetism. All lectures will be accompanied by experiments and demonstrations to illustrate the materials covered.
Heat, Sound, and Light - Building on the basic principles covered in General Physics, this course provides more advanced study of thermodynamics and wave motion (both sound and light).
Organic Chemistry - A general study of the properties of organic compounds. The course covers aliphatic and aromatic compounds, stereochemistry, and proofs of the constitution of various compounds. Organic preparations will be included in the accompanying laboratory, emphasizing maximum purity and yield.
Physical Chemistry - Lectures include thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, the phase rule, gas laws, osmotic pressure, chemical kinetics, electro-chemistry, etc. Laboratory (required) will emphasize physico-chemical measurements.
Practical Astronomy Field Work - Field work to accompany the Practical Astronomy Lectures. Students will use the sextant and transit to determine latitude, longitude, and azimuth. In addition, students will learn strategies for observing, tracking, and recording the relative positions of celestial bodies.
Principles of Paleontology - During the first half of this course, students will study the systematic classification of fossils, with an emphasis on fossilized plant life. The second half of the course will focus on the evolution and morphology of vertebrates as shown through the fossil record. Students are encouraged to bring materials they themselves have collected to the laboratory for further study.
Theory of Equations - A broad survey of the properties of equations, including symmetric functions of roots, solution of reciprocal equations, relations between roots and co-efficients, and the cubic and biquadratic equations. Numerous examples will be worked through during lectures.
There is a Professor in charge of every class, though they may take up several classes within a Department at a time.
The students are ranked by years (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc). Those wishing to obtain only associates degrees are usually not allowed on the higher profile expeditions that the university undertakes.
Mikasa University boasts that it delves into studies not found at conventional schools. While many question the true meaning behind this, the Headmaster/mistress themselves can shed light on this subject. The University encourages others to investigate rumors of the occult, of the supernatural, of the dark, of the divine. It seeks to understand the most bizarre and unknown. As such, it hosts libraries dedicated to ancient manuscripts chock full of myth, legend, madness, and perhaps, the undesirable truth of this world and the world unknown all around.
Research is imperative to understand, or attempt to understand, the great mysteries the University partakes in. While hundreds of texts are store en masse in special catacombs riddling the underbelly of the institution, not all of them have been read. In fact, the collection is so extensive, it rivals that of the Vatican vaults themselves. Seeking to understand all that is can be quite the feat, and there is always more to unravel within the heart of Mikasa itself.
Students who align themselves with professors to unravel these mysteries may find themselves lost in this maze of knowledge that will surely overwhelm the weakest of minds.
Field research is critical to uncovering new mysteries and testing the grounds for the old ones. Expeditions are frequently made by the different departments for this very purpose. Because of the danger and nature of these forays, younger students, typically first and second years, are not allowed to accompany, but may assist at the University in basic research in the archives. Expeditions are typically posed by Professors though some students venture as well. They may take any length of time and lead anywhere.
Advance in Dynamic
However, the school body as a whole may still treat these non-humans as such. It is merely up to the individual. As the entire idea of these dangerous things living among humans is still very new, discrimination is still very common and not always responded to. There is not a high level of bullying or harm perpetrated towards Heartless for fear of their powers, but Dolls accepted into the University, usually as an afterthought to Heartless counterparts, are the most highly discriminated and mistreated of the school's population. There are currently no rights or activists in favor of sub-humans, and it is unclear if the school will make any advancement in such policies. It is still key to note that the school is the only organization to even give subhumans any sort of place of belonging, despite the conditions faced within.
Heartless and Dolls are usually assigned a Keeper: a student of higher grade specifically trained in classes pertaining to psychology who help the Heartless or Doll adjust to life within the institute. They are also equipped with tasers and pepper spray in case of outbursts. Keepers are instructed to monitor their charges closely and are expected to write up on any incidents.
Kenopsia Labs
Kenopsia Laboratories Incorporated, also known as Kenopsia Asylum and Kenopsia Labs, has long been the gold standard when it comes to psychiatric and pharmaceutical research. Though it has come under fire from conspiracy theorists and competitors regarding rumors of its less than humane practices, Kenopsia Labs continues to thrive and generate the most sound product.
Kenopsia Labs acts as both asylum and study, comprising of multiple buildings on its expansive property to accommodate all fields of hospital and research. Some intertwine, with psychiatric patients volunteering to be used in practice and drug tests as put forth by the company. Kenopsia insists that they remain strictly adherent to all protocols and have never practiced inhumane experiments or tortures in any of their recent years following legislature of the recent decades prohibiting varying methods for their link to abuse, such as electroshock therapy and lobotomies. However, there are still many theorists and self-proclaimed escaped patients who vow that the things underwent inside the labs are anything but what the outside may claim to be.
As Kenopsia Labs works closely with government officials, especially in research and tests correlating to the Tree and Sanctum, its Projects are strictly classified and no one is allowed to discuss them with anyone who is not officially involved. In fact, many of the scientists and doctors live on premises to maintain an even stronger hold on security.
Kenopsia Labs does maintain one flaw: the abandoned asylum wards. Two immense buildings of Victorian-era architecture sit shrouded in dense woods. The road there is cracked and sprinkled with weeds. The doors are old and hang on their hinges. But though labeled as abandoned, the two buildings are still in partial operation. It is unclear what transpires within. The Kenopsia staff very rarely if ever interact with the staff of the abandoned wards. It seems that unwanted patients and failed experiments are kept here, with just the means to survive and enough staff to maintain its sufficiency. Beyond that, the subjects are quite free range. But nothing ever comes out of the abandoned wards save for its dark and mysterious staff. What really is going on with the lot of this place?
Projects
Monachopsis: the subtle but persistent feeling of being out of place.
The Monachopsis Project is one of Kenopsia's three great projects that works directly on a doctor and patient level. The different subjects are treated to various adjustments in the hopes of creating super humans. The subjects are then let loose to test the extent of these adjustments. The subjects are primarily volunteer, having given up their former lives and their futures to science. The majority of subjects have had their memories completely erased, having had enough of the world and their lives. In this way, they have killed themselves without ceasing to exist while also letting themselves be of some use to humanity. As the subjects are volunteer, they are allowed to have more freedoms because they will always come home again. They follow orders rather well since they know this to be their life and do not actively seek another. These subjects do a majority of field research: testing their own adjustments, gathering information inside Sanctum, going to dark and decrepit places for further knowledge, etc. The Monachopsis Project is boasted as the most successful, but there have been major, if not deadly, flaws.
The Kuebiko Project
Kuebiko: the exhaustion inspired by senseless violence.
Kuebiko Project is one of Kenopsia's three great projects that works in tandem with various government projects, the majority of them in relation to Sanctum. Kuebiko Project does not have a cohesive theory in place, though the most commonly referred one has to do with the limits of humans' ability for tolerance of pain, adaptivity to violence and violent environment, as well as the limits of the human psyche itself. Kuebiko has the greatest turnout for patient deaths and is always in need of more and more subjects. Kuebiko has no preference for patients as it is always willing to test them all. Anything can become weaponized if it is tested enough. This is what they seek to prove. To perhaps create something to combat the threat of Heartless, to create Heatless of their own, to discover the secrets of soul exchange, or to explain the scientific value of a soul.
The Adronitis Project
Adronitis: the frustration of how long it takes to get to know someone.
Adronitis Project is one of Kenopsia's three great projects that works in tandem with high ranking officers of the Norayomi Usagi. The theory presented in this project is the exploration of a shared hive mind consciousness accessed through the world of dreams, giving rise to unleash superhuman feats unattainable in the limits of waking reality upon reality itself. Such experiments deal heavily with invasion of the conscious and subconscious levels of the patients, warping their perceptions to be unable to tell the difference between the two, and then making note of all that occurs within both reality and the dream worlds, to see exactly how both are affected by their actions and reactions. Is there a higher plane of existence beyond ours? Is there a shared subconscious collective of all six billion humans? Can all knowledge be collected and examined using this consciousness? If it is possible, how can it be reached?
The Adronitis Project uses primarily patients expressing schizo disorders, DID, lucid dreaming, sleep paralysis, and any delusions related to traumatic and/or paranormal experiences.
The Acatalepsy Project
Acatalepsy: the idea that it is impossible to truly comprehend anything.
The Acatalepsy Project is one that is not one so dire as it is necessary. With the appearance of the Tree came the appearance of the fake stars, and with them, Astronomers. The Acatalepsy Project seeks to study the dealings of the Tree and everything surrounding it, namely by taking and training Dolls to probe the depths of the Tree and capture Astronomers and study what they say. The scientists involved also keep a close eye on the stars and chart their courses and behaviors in an effort to match them all with their corresponding Heartless. The Acatalepsy Project has also formed its own government sanctioned military police force called the Kishi Police to deal with the capture and detainment of Heartless, Dolls, and Astronomers, as well as take care of anything that might help or hinder their study.
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Credits
Original Concept: Scorpio
Content: Scorpio
- Mikasa University studies Miskatonic University
Characters: Members
Graphics: Scorpio
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