What is the full story of Praetoria?

[huang3721]

Pure Praetorian
Exploration Mission

 

These clean and shiny booklets are provided to all of Praetoria's citizens ( whether you asked for one or not) and provide instructions on being the most productive member of society you can be. It outlines the best ways to express your gratitude and be proud of the glorious districts of Nova Praetoria. It is endorsed by each individual Praetor and details the ideal lifestyle to truly be a model of Praetorian excellence. While you sometimes pick up on some vague undertones in the guidebook's messages, you set these thoughts aside as you ask the question: "Where does a [Primary] [AT] like myself belong within Praetoria?"

 

Guardians of Justice
The guidebook promises that all those who live within Praetoria will enjoy the protection afforded by the Praetorian Police Department. Their capable personnel work tirelessly to ensure all threats are dealt with. There is a photograph of the PPD department headquarters, a veritable fortress, imposing and amply staffed. The Praetorian Police are the backbone of order in society here, to an absolute degree. While most look the other way, the PPD do whatever is necessary to ensure order. They are often quite accommodating with allowing model citizens to tour their building, you can use this opportunity to see their operations for yourself. 
Where you lean on the question of the true meaning of "justice" is irrelevant in the context of understanding how Praetoria operates. In the end, everyone decides for themselves as to what is right and what is wrong, but the pieces that uphold the Emperor's society can be understood without having to make a stand.

 

Into The Wild
There is a warning in the guidebook, reminding citizens to never stray too far from the city because of "lurking dangers". It fails to mention the sonic fence barrier or its potentially lethal effects. This barrier serves to protect Praetoria from any external threats. Emperor Cole has thrived by the accomplishment of triumphing over the Hamidon and the Devouring Earth that threatened to annihilate humanity in the past; However, when you are looking out to the horizon beyond from your favorite point, you cannot help but feel a bit restless. 
There have been occasions when affairs within Praetoria are particularly tumultuous; times when the Praetorian Police have had their hands full. At such times, citizens have occasionally spotted an enormous monstrous tentacle that will rise, writhing briefly above the canopy of trees beyond the city, before vanishing once again. 

 

Citizen Cole
An excerpt from the guidebook recommends seeing all that our benevolent Emperor Cole has done for humanity, and nothing illustrates this sentiment clearer than the view afforded by the western edge of Elyssian Avenue. Despite the various whisperings of darker stirrings moving below the surface, there is no denying that Praetoria is beautiful and an unparalleled feat of architectural and engineering prowess. You will go enjoy that view, if only for a moment, to see the good established by the city.
Humanity truly has come so far under the guidance of the emperor. While there are no absolutes, there have been an uncountable number of positive strides for civilization and the benefits enjoyed by society today should be acknowledged. 

 

Technophile
There is a section in the guidebook dedicated to praising the luxury that is the Clockwork workforce that caters to society's every need. Neuron Technologies Unlimited prides themselves in the peerless capabilities of their autonomous androids. While there is something a little unsettling about the mechanical laborers, they do keep the city very clean and are accommodating in an almost limitless number of ways. The booklet indicates they are deployed from a depot found in the eastern Elyssian Avenue district. Perhaps you will go take a peek. 
Though the Clockwork are usually friendly and responsive, you have, on more than one occasion, seen how potent they are as combatants. Armed as the Clockwork are with various plasma cannons and an automated self-repair system, they are formidable constructs for a force dedicated to labor tasks. 

 

Ambitious
The guidebook states that every citizen should stand before Emperor Cole's tower in the heart of Nova Praetoria: "The perfect symbol of Praetorian excellence. Standing tall, proud, and immaculate, it represents that each citizen is blessed with the freedom to pursue their dreams! The sky is the limit!" You have re-read this section four or five over, but it processes the same way every time: You must climb the emperor's tower and reach the for the sky.
Perhaps this is not the intended message, given that most average citizens would have no means to scale the massive tower. In that case, it is an exclusive opportunity. You are not average and it reads as a challenge from Praetoria to you: Stand atop the world, if you can! 

 

On the Waterfront
The guidebook invites all citizens facing stress and anxiety to indulge in the scenic waters that Praetoria enjoys on all sides. Clean, clear, and beautiful, it is what makes this city the "Crown of Humanity" The water around the district is quite gorgeous, and very calming. The pages do fail to mention the dangerous curtain of lethal sonic waves surrounding the border. You do enjoy spending time relaxing near the eastern waterfront facing the horizon, allowing your worries to drift away... 
Your career leads you to endless battles, but to maintain a keen mind and serene sense of judgement, these meditations are required. Despite the various luxuries and accommodations of Praetoria, life here can be quite stressful. Everyone must find ways to set their problems aside, if only for a brief while. 

 

Uncivil Society
The guidebook cautions the fair citizens that despite the strides and achievements of Emperor Cole and humanity: "There are many who would seek to upset the balance and peace obtained by our sacrifices. Many figures lurk in the shadows, and it is each honorable citizen's duty to report anyone suspicious to the authorities. Be the shield that protects our fair Praetoria!" Things are certainly precarious within Praetoria at present. Is is uncertain how the citizen's read into these messages. You decide that some time spent reflecting on the state of things within this society is in order.
You recall a good spot that contains a view of all the core administrative facilities near the Magisterium plaza that would help you get your thoughts in order. These are uncertain times and acting one way or another will likely commit your loyalties. Best to ensure your reasoning is sound in your choices. 

 

Civic Minded
The guidebook confidently proclaims: "It is the civic duty of every citizen to continue the prosperous development of our fair Praetoria. If you are ever lacking in motivation or resolve, standing proud on the Magisterium plaza and seeing the Praetor's efforts is sure to inspire you!" While you are not so sure simply visiting the epicenter of Praetoria's administrative district is going to be life changing, you recall that it is actually something you have never done. There is certainly no harm in it.
You will admit the many impressive buildings and statues that line the Magisterium are quite a sight. Daunting in their grandeur, they are the symbols of the powerful hands that rule Praetoria. 

[huang3721]

Emperor for a Day
Exploration Mission

 

For all the latest and greatest to be experienced in Praetoria's Imperial City, the TPN Newsletter is the best (and only) source of information. Flipping through its the pages of its sleek design, the publication provides you with an overwhelming number of things to check out. You have a hard time deciding; ultimately everything is so praise-worthy and "the best of its kind" that nothing actually manages to stand out. 

 

Tiberian overseer
The TPN recently ceased trying to advertise the Tiberian Bluff park in their newsletters. The sector has started to feel more like a security checkpoint due to its being one of the few routes in and out of Praetoria. Not surprising, but that kind of intensity tends to drive people away. It is hard to relax around the platoon of PPD officers assigned there. Official sources cite that the threats outside of Praetoria are under control and pose no threat to Emperor Cole and his Praetor elite. But with this constant station, perhaps that assessment is not so absolute? This warrants your investigation, as it provokes a curiosity that needs answers. 
Other than the Hamidon and Devouring Earth, few could say what other threats might lay beyond Praetoria's borders. One would like to think that the PPD simply patrol vigilantly to prevent any illegal entry; however, the situation here is being met with anxiety from the population of the city. 

 

Seen
This week's issue of the newsletter highlights the happening place to be in the Imperial City: "Are you the cat's meow? The bee's knees? The Clockwork's internal self-renewing energy modulation core?! Then you should already know that the Aureas district is the hottest place to be! The height of glamour and style! Dress up and get down at Studio 55 and other hot local venues today!" You have heard about Praetoria's premier nightclub Studio 55. The night life and the glitzy, expensive, and luxurious overtones can be a lot to take in... Maybe it is best if you just start with simply seeing the Aureas district for yourself first.
Most likely all the affluence and partying also attracts some less savory types to the area. You would be best served keeping your guard up, even if everyone around you is abandoning their inhibitions.

 

Park Ranger
Page four of the newsletter carries the following press release: "The People's Park is happy to declare that its gorgeous nature preserve has once again been crowned this year's 'Most Beautiful Locale'. With the PPD working tirelessly to ensure the park's safety, it is the definitive place to spend a weekend with the family!" Most beautiful locale, very nice... Though there is the question of what competition it faces. Either way, it is indisputably a beautiful park, and one you never tire of patrolling. Perhaps now is a good time for one such patrol?
Unfortunately, the Destroyers have recently started gathering at the park in large numbers, to a degree that the PPD are having difficulties keeping them out. There are plenty of places in this city where they are doing their  "destroying" thing, but you have a fondness for this park. Remember... Only YOU can prevent drug-fueled vandalism!

 

Praetorian of Privilege Badge
The newsletter has a page of real estate listings within the high-class district of Four Gables, where Praetoria's wealthy and elite gather. Wealth attracts criminals, who in turn have attracted a large number of Clockwork and PPD officers. This has resulted in a situation where Four Gables feels more like a military sector than a residential district. If you can ignore all the security personnel,  the neighborhood is a lovely place to go jogging. Perhaps you will take a moment to enjoy that for right now. 
There seems no solution to the eternal triangle of wealth versus crime versus security. The three thrive and grow together in discordant harmony, an increase in one causing an increase in the next. The situation within Four Gables illustrates this quite distinctly. 

 

Tuned In
You decide not to open the newsletter, but instead flip it over and gather information on the publication and its printer: The Total Praetorian Network, or 'TPN' for short. They have a monopoly on all news, pop culture, and public affairs. That is because they are the only source of information in the city licensed by the Imperial administration. The TPN campus is located in the heart of the Logos district north of the People's Park. Being only a short jaunt away, you decide to go pay it a visit. They are always offering public tours; you might get a better understanding of how the (only) source of information is managed in Praetoria.
The Resistance often preach how vulnerable this makes Praetoria to information manipulation and control. It comes down to the decision to trust in the Praetors and their administration or not... The same question it always ends up being these days.

 

Gold Digger
The newsletter contains several notices regarding areas of heavy construction: "The TPN would like to remind everyone of the on-going expansion efforts in northern sections of the Aureas district. Expect to see traffic delays on your commute. Pedestrians should be careful to stay within the established safety zones. The Clockwork assigned to these construction sites are programmed to remove trespassers by force." Praetoria continues to see expansion, a reminder of the thriving economy within. As expected, the only directions to build are onto the water, which makes you wonder: What will happen when the development meets the wilds beyond the sonic fence? It would take quite some time for that to happen, but you find yourself wanting to see where things stand at present. 
You are curious what these projects are. Praetoria is fairly self-contained so new business ventures that provide new services or products are met with a lot of fanfare. Personally, you hope there is a new beverage endeavor. Many are tired of drinking Enriche and Loyal Tea.

 

Mercy Missionary
The second page of every newsletter is a large map. It contains the following warning, in large red letters: "Unauthorized entrance to the Behavior Adjustment Facility is strictly forbidden; lethal enforcement is authorized. These protective measures are for the safety of all citizens. Our most brilliant scientific minds are hard at work seeking a cure for the Tellurian Plague that causes the psychosis which the patients within suffer." There have been rumors about the B.A.F. and its patients. Some citizens have claimed that the plague is propaganda and facility's true purpose is mental subjugation and control. After a visit by the PPD, these claims were retracted.  You have never actually seen the compound for yourself; perhaps doing so will put these rumors to rest?
You do not actually have clearance to be within the B.A.F., so this will be a stealth mission. It means you will have to be careful; to be apprehended inside would likely mean the end for you. It is an unspoken law that in Praetoria those who are caught breaking the rules tend to "disappear".

 

Seer
There is a blurb under some more entertainment-focused article that catches you eye in the newsletter: "This is a sponsored reminder that all citizens of Praetoria are expected to adhere to the highest standards at all times. Aberrant thoughts can lead to dangerous behavior, and our diligent Seers are always protecting you from this danger." The vigilant psychics are present throughout Praetoria, detecting and apprehending criminals before they are able to cause any harm. As a result, organized crime leans more to force rather than secrecy, as evidenced by the Destroyers, Syndicate, and Resistance. You will have to watch for Seers, you have occasionally caught your thoughts wandering... 
The Seers have always struck you as a bit odd. The way they float silently and rarely speak gives them an unsettling presence. Strangely, it feels as though other citizens often do not see or react to them, as though they were unseen phantoms.
 

[huang3721]

A Neu Man

Exploration Mission

 

Keeping up on the latest in amazing scientific breakthroughs is no problem with a subscription to Praetor Berry's popular publication. Every issue is printed with all the latest in why Praetorian engineering is the greatest in the world, and how the Praetor's science has a solution to all your problems (that you did not know you had). While that's all fine and good, the details on Neuron Technologies Unlimited and other local facility installations are more relevant to your immediate work, and familiarizing yourself with these important locations would be worth doing.

 

Longshoremen
Of particular interest is a press release detailing information about exports of relief supplies: "Praetoria continues to stand as a beacon for humanity; To aid a world ravaged by the Hamidon, we work tirelessly to provide the essential materials on which the survivors beyond our borders rely so heavily. Imperial vessels run non-stop to provide the relief the world desperately needs." You had heard reports that the southern port is understaffed, and the personnel overworked. Perhaps there is something you can do to help in the humanitarian work that so many depend on.
It is good to hear that the fire within humanity still burns in the world beyond Praetoria. Given the expansive measures by which the city maintains security, you can only imagine the dangers that threaten those without such luxuries. It easy to forgot that Praetoria is but a small part of humanity.

 

Eyes to the Future
You read over a bit that starts by mentioning the tower in the heart of Neuron's Reach, the center of Praetor Berry's domain: "From atop his iconic research tower, our fair founder of Neuron Technologies Unlimited conducts the efforts of Praetoria's scientific hands. With his guidance, the future is truly within our grasp!" While reading the Praetor's self-glorification is riveting without end, you find yourself distracted. There is a magnificent tower within view that needs you to climb to the very top and take in that view. 
While you are sure Praetor Berry's many achievements are both amazing and praiseworthy, his greatest achievement could potentially be giving you this impressive culmination of architectural engineering to scale. 

 

Urban Renewal
There is a map included in this journal that shows various recent developments, notes, and locations of interest. While looking through the map you notice that west of the Lambda Sector compound there is little to no development of any kind. The stark contrast with the almost uncountable number of plans around Neuron's Reach strikes you as odd. Perhaps the military installations in that area have caused local problems that have resulted in the development being halted? It wouldn't surprise you if various criminal groups have coalesced near the Lambda Sector in hopes of procuring experimental weapons technology. You decide to go inspect the various buildings in the forgotten urban sector. 
It is quite the visual contrast as well. Looking to the various sectors of the city from Nova Praetoria to the Imperial City continuing onto Neutropolis the areas seem to descend in saturation and brightness. It is hard not to compare the shimmering white structures of the Magisterium to the dull and drab buildings surrounding the Lambda Sector. 

 

Stuff of Life
While absent-mindedly flipping through the journal looking for anything interesting, you find an article on art: "The DNA sculpture within Neuron's Reach was recently unveiled to much fanfare. Cheering spectators attended the ceremony and watched Praetor Berry cut the ribbon. The Praetor delivered an excellent speech where he promised to never cease in his endeavors in drawing forth humanity's potential to bring us to the future." There is always something to be appreciated when it comes to artistic realization, even in monuments commissioned to celebrate somebody else's ambitions. Missing the ceremony spared you from listening to the Praetor's long-winded speech, but you would still like to go enjoy the sculpture itself.
It is always impressive to see how artists put themselves into a piece even if the work is for another. The subtle signatures of the creator are imbued into any project they touch. When appreciating the works of a singular artist, it is often fascinating to spot the nuances found that ring with their identity.

 

Airlift
The magazine highlights some recent aeronautic developments: "Despite Praetoria's isolation, with recent improvements in aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and material engineering the skies belong to humanity more than ever! Praetor Berry predicts the number of shipments sent by way of plane from the western airport should be competitive with seafaring numbers by next year." Given the geographical layout of Praetoria, economic trade options would be limited to sea and plane. It would be valuable to know where things are shipped, as it is likely a priority target. Your knowledge of the greater world outside has been limited, perhaps touring the airport will help clue you in.
The more you think about it, the clearer it becomes how little information is available regarding Praetoria's external operations. You cannot help but wonder why that is. Surely the world still exists beyond the border, so why has nobody heard anything from it? 

 

Stockpiling
The featured article this month is promoting the strength of Praetoria with a scoop regarding the Lambda Sector: "The heart of Praetoria's military security is the peerless stronghold known as the Lambda Sector. While the surface entrance is daunting on its own, the structure extends into a massive complex below. Within, the latest weapons research is conducted, and the Imperial Defense Force stockpiles supplies so they can be ready at all times to face any threat to Praetoria. Our citizens can always trust they are truly protected by the world's greatest." The IDF are not usually seen within Praetoria as they generally respond to major threats and fortunately those are none too common here. Those who have seen a troop of IDF being deployed claim their equipment and weapons were beyond anything used by the PPD. Maybe if you stop by the Lambda Sector right now, you might catch a glimpse of Emperor Cole's best.
You decide to scope out only the front gate. The Lambda Sector itself is protected on all sides by automated energy weapon platforms that are programmed to reduce any unauthorized intruders to a pile of smoldering ash. While the curiosity bugs you to see what developments the military are cooking up, you would rather not lose your life in the process.

 

Don't Drink it
There is a recent article scientifically reviewing the benefits of Enriche: "There has been some controversy surrounding the manufacturing process of Enriche. Neuron Technologies Unlimited is here to reassure all citizens of the processes employed by Willingham Water Treatment Plant!" The remainder of the article goes through a variety of complex-sounding scientific jargon that, impressively, manages to use a lot of big words to say nothing meaningful. In the end it looks like you will just have to go investigate that treatment plant yourself.
You have had Enriche on plenty of occasions, few in Praetoria could say they have never tried it. It is unlikely that anyone would notice such subtle effects if what the Resistance claims is true. This investigation has a personal motive now. You would like the truth of what it was you actually drank.

 

Moar Power
There is a small mention about the Keyes Island Reactor, but it is clearly eclipsed by the other articles: "To the south are the anti-matter reactors that help to power our glorious Praetoria. Praetor Berry has already disclosed plans to upgrade these reactors. The improvements will see our power grid on both cleaner and more renewable sources of energy within the next few years!" This is surprising, the publication generally always layers on the praise but this feels like an obligatory footnote. For something so crucial to Praetoria, it stands out as peculiar. Since the article declined to provide any details, it looks like you will have to go inspect the reactors yourself.
Praetor Berry essentially claims credit for any and every technological advancement posted in this scientific journal. Oddly, this reactor does not appear under his name. Now that you think about it, you seem to recall there had been two scientist Praetors in the past. The "sweep this under the rug" vibe you noticed makes more sense if the reactors aren't Berry's work. 

[jkwak]

21 hours ago, Siouxsie said:

Because Praetoria was already deteriorating perhaps it didn't make a good spot for more Kheldians to show up seeking refuge.  Because of Hamidon, or maybe because it would fall and incarnate-level threats can sense these things, Bastion didn't find it an appealing target so Shivans were never sent.

the problem here is Kheldians dont come from another universe but another galaxy, and Nictus came to Primal earth long befor Statesman and Lord Recluse found the Well, the history of Praetoria seems to diverge from ours only from the point on the Praetorian counterparts found there version of the well, it could be that Hamidon whiped out Praetorian Nictus but for me it seems unlikely that not a single one survived, that the Peacebringer Kheldians when they found the Praetorian Earth didnt stay seems understandable with Hami and all the shit going on there they probably saw the Nictus on Praetorian Earth as problem that would solve it self and went on to search the rest of the Galaxy for Nictus groups that are more dangerous than what ever survived on Praetoria

Edited August 25, 2021 by jkwak

[Darmian]

1 hour ago, jkwak said:

the history of Praetoria seems to diverge from ours only from the point on the Praetorian counterparts found there version of the well

There are lots of diversions before that but that is a major one.  For instance Nemesis never becomes Nemesis and dies as an old clock maker. So to use  graph analogy, there isn't so much one major break point as lots of spikes of different sizes along the timeline.

[jkwak]

46 minutes ago, Darmian said:

For instance Nemesis never becomes Nemesis and dies as an old clock maker.

or that is what Praetorian Nemesis wants us to belive

[TerroirNoir]

It's not in the canon but I just played a bunch of Aes by dramian that happen in between the end of Neutropolis and before you got to Talos, but it seems you can stay and go to First ward too it seems.  They really fit in well I thought. 

[A Cat]

All this info is really helpful. I just got my first Praetorian to level 20 (responsibility playthrough, though I did make some resistance choices. Couldn't say no to Yin trying to find his daughter or betray my bro Kang). I have to say it is really unintuitive to follow the Praetorian storyline once you're in Paragon. Your guys' posts really help. 

[Darmian]

2 hours ago, A Cat said:

All this info is really helpful. I just got my first Praetorian to level 20 (responsibility playthrough, though I did make some resistance choices. Couldn't say no to Yin trying to find his daughter or betray my bro Kang). I have to say it is really unintuitive to follow the Praetorian storyline once you're in Paragon. Your guys' posts really help. 

Are you going to Primal now, or taking the Underground Imperial door straight to First Ward?

[A Cat]

9 minutes ago, Darmian said:

Are you going to Primal now, or taking the Underground Imperial door straight to First Ward?

I went to Primal, only to take the portal back to Doorman. Pretty much showed up in Talos, then turned right around back to Praetoria, I honestly did not pick up that I could have gone straight to First Ward. 

[Darmian]

1 minute ago, A Cat said:

I went to Primal, only to take the portal back to Doorman. Pretty much showed up in Talos, then turned right around back to Praetoria, I honestly did not pick up that I could have gone straight to First Ward. 

It's not advertised very well (or at ALL really).  

 

If you want some canon-esque AEs that fill a gap between 20-25 for Praetoria check my signature. Part 2 and 3 of the Resistance trilogy are Dev Choice so they give full XP.

[A Cat]

56 minutes ago, Darmian said:

It's not advertised very well (or at ALL really).  

 

If you want some canon-esque AEs that fill a gap between 20-25 for Praetoria check my signature. Part 2 and 3 of the Resistance trilogy are Dev Choice so they give full XP.

Sounds good, I'll check it out!

[A Cat]

2 hours ago, Darmian said:

It's not advertised very well (or at ALL really).  

 

If you want some canon-esque AEs that fill a gap between 20-25 for Praetoria check my signature. Part 2 and 3 of the Resistance trilogy are Dev Choice so they give full XP.

Did the first Loyalist arc. Pretty good I have to say! Definitely going to do them all.

[Darmian]

10 hours ago, A Cat said:

Did the first Loyalist arc. Pretty good I have to say! Definitely going to do them all.

Thanks!  I was trying to get that Gold side feel right,

[A Cat]

On 10/6/2021 at 6:43 AM, Darmian said:

Thanks!  I was trying to get that Gold side feel right,

Finished the loyalist arcs. It was really good! Need to make a dirty Resistance character soon. 

[Darmian]

15 hours ago, A Cat said:

Finished the loyalist arcs. It was really good! Need to make a dirty Resistance character soon. 

Much appreciated it.  I hope the middle one worked for you!  I was aiming at a "Reverse Portal Corps" feel.

[A Cat]

On 10/8/2021 at 10:31 AM, Darmian said:

Much appreciated it.  I hope the middle one worked for you!  I was aiming at a "Reverse Portal Corps" feel.

I completed the resistance arcs. They are also extremely well done. 

 

I am now playing through First Ward again. Kinda weird Noble Savage and Katie don't seem to remember me better. Katie does a little but then seems to make a cryptic reference to alternate timelines possibly? 

[Darmian]

5 minutes ago, A Cat said:

I completed the resistance arcs. They are also extremely well done. 

 

I am now playing through First Ward again. Kinda weird Noble Savage and Katie don't seem to remember me better. Katie does a little but then seems to make a cryptic reference to alternate timelines possibly? 

Yeah, that's a bit odd, that they don't. 

 

I had some fun with the Resistance ones, especially with the finale and tying it to the iTrials and Praetorian related TFs. And I really wanted to use Disconnect somewhere 🙂  Thanks for playing.

[Ankylosaur]

A few months ago I completed another post-praetoria series - All That Glimmers. This one focused on the magic fallout of Praetorian refugees. It's a 9 arc series / campaign broken into three major chunks that grow in levels. 2.1-2.3 20sish, 3.1 - 3.3 30sish, 4.1 - 4.3 40sish.

 

It starts from the premise that the First Warders are relocated from Refugee Island to the newly, post-Mot Astoria in an effort to reclaim that neighborhood. What follows explores a hook that was going to be core content in future releases (though I take a very different path in pursing that hook) and even brings in Neo Tokyo eventually. 

 

If you are looking for something Praetorianesque, it could be something new to try.

 

And though it may not look like it from the outside, Police vs Aliens 1 is definitely a Kheldian / Praetorian story. 

 

I've been playing around with ideas for a series about the post-Mr. G primal story (All That Glints?) but making slow headway.

Edited January 25, 2022 by Ankylosaur

[Durham]

On 7/23/2020 at 1:34 PM, Ankylosaur said:

So I have been working on an arc idea that includes Praetoria. I came up with (what I think) is an interesting angle, so was researching the Provost Marchand and Number Six arcs to help me make sure I have the details of where Praetoria is today.  I want to use an outdoor Praetorian map to give a sense of place.

 

Unfortunately, the current state of Praetoria seems to pretty much be Hamidon has taken over, everyone is evacuated, and all the Praetorian signature folk are captured or dead. 🙂 Doesn't leave a lot to work with as all the available maps are "everything is normal as can be." 🙂 Am I wrong about this? Is anyone still alive there (other than, say, in New Tokyo or the like).

 

In particular I wanted to use Antimatter's Power Plant - and he seems to have blown himself and it, up - you experience this as a personal story, so its not even an offscreen reference where you can skirt the issue with a "Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated!"

 

Realizing all of this makes it hard to justify the TUNNEL network that lets me just pop on over to a Praetoria devoid of rampaging DE with sonic barriers up, a functioning Power Plant, and signature contacts in squares waiting to level you up. Oh the cognitive dissonance. 🙂

 

Praetoria is an alternate Universe.  Therefore there will be many more versions of Praetoria out there.  With this in mind, you could fashion any story arc you want in that world.

[Ankylosaur]

On 7/13/2023 at 4:44 AM, Durham said:

Praetoria is an alternate Universe.  Therefore there will be many more versions of Praetoria out there.  With this in mind, you could fashion any story arc you want in that world.

 

 

At almost 2 years since that comment, in the end I can say I did. 🙂My big ole' world building AE series in my sig explores much of the fallout of Praetoria in Primal which also had me push Praetoria ahead a notch too.

 

The series in a nutshell 

• Glitters: Gold Brickers and Mooks rising to power by being the main source for Praetorian tech and challenging Aeon.
• Glimmers: First Warders reclaiming post Mot Astoria and getting in the middle of a major Mu power struggle while Scirocco loses his grip on it.
• Glints: The Awakened and Penny Mayhem being brought into the Council who are trying to harness their power to their benefit. (Nazis and ESP are a thing after all.)
• Glows: The Arakhn/Requiem or Council/5th Column power struggle with a focus on the Nictus and their loyalties.

 

As to Praetoria itself

• Anti-matter's explosion and Cole's nukes succeeded in repelling the DE as nothing organic could survive the radiation for long
• However the Clockwork (and Metronome) trundled along repairing it.
• Neo Tokyo (under Ma Soong, their Order of the Winds leader) came in and took over the city, using the one thing that Cole did not try, magic. They used it to disperse most of the radiation an keep out the DE. 
• They put up magical wards against the TUNNEL network - which is why most portals traveling there go to the past - but you can find ways to break through.

 

It's so big and explores so many threads, it's pretty daunting to want dig in, but gets good reviews from those few who run through even part of it. If you don't want to put in that kind of time and want to skip to the end to see where Praetoria is (along with the resolution of the other threads), check out the finale/epilogue arc: All That Gleams.

 

I've also had some help from the encyclopedic @Darmian to make sure my Praetorian lore was accurate, and both he and @Take One have given some really helpful story/gameplay feedback too - along with a few others along the way. @TerroirNoir has been running through all of it and posting the journey in his "Cable Channel" over in Mission Architect forum. 

 

Been really fun to build out and if it piques your interest, give it a gander!

I'm very open to feedback, appreciative of typo catches and of course high star rating if you feel its worth it.

 

 

Edited July 14, 2023 by Ankylosaur