Post by The Astronomer on Apr 25, 2015 5:42:44 GMT
What are the Vriskae?
The Vriskae are human, but from a radically different timeline where technology developed at a much faster rate than ours. According to interviews with their Agents, Vriska society is quite distinct from ours, in that they long ago abandoned the need for individual countries. There is only the Source, a sort of 'god machine' that dispenses secular advice and protects their reality from outside threats. Space travel is much more streamlined compared to what we have achieved, though it is suggested they have yet to encounter intelligent life, aside from us and perhaps other alternate strains of humanity.
What is Vriska society like?
Apparently, Vriskae have television and the internet just like we do, and possess just as diverse an array of religions. At least one major faith is monotheistic, but only vaguely resembles any human analogues. One Agent, after having studied Wikipedia for a few years, described it as, "Like Catholicism, but without the cannibalism. The Good Mother declared all who tasted thinking flesh would be stoned by the faithful. Also, our priests are merely historians and teachers, and do not pray on our behalf. That's insane. Why would you worship a deity who refuses to even listen to his children?"
What exactly is the Source?
No one this side of reality really knows. The answers vary anywhere from God to Satan to some sentient form of internet to some sort of human authoritarian. Its influence seemingly stretches even to our Earth, as Starborn can still utilize its gifts. Agents have always insisted the answer was not something that could simply be explained to our current understanding.
What are Agents?
Agents are Vriskae are that have been imbued with tremendous power by the Source for a mission. Imagine if Superman received his powers from God, and was told he had to save humanity from itself. Flight, super-strength, enhanced senses, and invulnerability are standard fare for a Vriska Agent. Half angel, half superhero, the Agents are the first and last word of Vriska military might.
Why did the Vriskae send their Agents to Earth?
The Vriskae felt humanity's exploitation of wormhole technology had become a threat to this universe, and all others beside it. They therefore sent their Agents to seek out and destroy all functional traces of wormhole technology. Most countries simply did not have the capability to create wormholes, and were typically left alone. Superpower countries like America, Russia, and China refused to simply destroy their devices and research labs when ordered to. This sparked a decade of suffering for those countries, with entire militaries and cities devastated by the Agents. It is worth noting the more extreme incidents only took place after governments continually refused to cooperate, and even then, only a select few Agents resorted to mass slaughter to prove their point.
What are Starborn?
'Starborn' is one of the more respectful terms for those children produced by romantic liaisons between humans and Vriska. The Agents lived on Earth for nearly ten years, with many growing quite close to the populace. As they were genetically human, it was inevitable some relationship would lead to children. When the Agents completed their missions and returned to their reality, no effort was made by them to take any children with them, and none attempted to remain with them. This left many Starborn in an awkward position. In many countries, these children were looked on with wonder and joy. In most, especially those effected by the 'Reign of the Supermen', Starborn are ostracized and denied even the most basic civil rights.
The Vriskae are human, but from a radically different timeline where technology developed at a much faster rate than ours. According to interviews with their Agents, Vriska society is quite distinct from ours, in that they long ago abandoned the need for individual countries. There is only the Source, a sort of 'god machine' that dispenses secular advice and protects their reality from outside threats. Space travel is much more streamlined compared to what we have achieved, though it is suggested they have yet to encounter intelligent life, aside from us and perhaps other alternate strains of humanity.
What is Vriska society like?
Apparently, Vriskae have television and the internet just like we do, and possess just as diverse an array of religions. At least one major faith is monotheistic, but only vaguely resembles any human analogues. One Agent, after having studied Wikipedia for a few years, described it as, "Like Catholicism, but without the cannibalism. The Good Mother declared all who tasted thinking flesh would be stoned by the faithful. Also, our priests are merely historians and teachers, and do not pray on our behalf. That's insane. Why would you worship a deity who refuses to even listen to his children?"
What exactly is the Source?
No one this side of reality really knows. The answers vary anywhere from God to Satan to some sentient form of internet to some sort of human authoritarian. Its influence seemingly stretches even to our Earth, as Starborn can still utilize its gifts. Agents have always insisted the answer was not something that could simply be explained to our current understanding.
What are Agents?
Agents are Vriskae are that have been imbued with tremendous power by the Source for a mission. Imagine if Superman received his powers from God, and was told he had to save humanity from itself. Flight, super-strength, enhanced senses, and invulnerability are standard fare for a Vriska Agent. Half angel, half superhero, the Agents are the first and last word of Vriska military might.
Why did the Vriskae send their Agents to Earth?
The Vriskae felt humanity's exploitation of wormhole technology had become a threat to this universe, and all others beside it. They therefore sent their Agents to seek out and destroy all functional traces of wormhole technology. Most countries simply did not have the capability to create wormholes, and were typically left alone. Superpower countries like America, Russia, and China refused to simply destroy their devices and research labs when ordered to. This sparked a decade of suffering for those countries, with entire militaries and cities devastated by the Agents. It is worth noting the more extreme incidents only took place after governments continually refused to cooperate, and even then, only a select few Agents resorted to mass slaughter to prove their point.
What are Starborn?
'Starborn' is one of the more respectful terms for those children produced by romantic liaisons between humans and Vriska. The Agents lived on Earth for nearly ten years, with many growing quite close to the populace. As they were genetically human, it was inevitable some relationship would lead to children. When the Agents completed their missions and returned to their reality, no effort was made by them to take any children with them, and none attempted to remain with them. This left many Starborn in an awkward position. In many countries, these children were looked on with wonder and joy. In most, especially those effected by the 'Reign of the Supermen', Starborn are ostracized and denied even the most basic civil rights.