This document was written by lostkookiejar

Use this document with the consciousness that everything in it may have been changed with cbt2 and the release of the game!

A Long Thread About The World-Building of CBT1, probably won't be relevant in CBT2

https://youtu.be/gONXVxcKiAE?si=2Qtx3a7oeBy9yPBW

The Lament What used to be a modern 21st century esque human world was torn apart by the apocalyptic event known as the Lament. The old cities left behind in the Waveworn Ruins have the familiar hallmarks of a first world country, commercial high stories, subway systems, ruined cars with familiar models, and even paper currency.

From the knowledge of CBT1, there were two parts to the calamity. From the earth, bright white strings rose to meet the sky, it is an otherworldly harbinger, strings that spin the fate of the world. From then, the earth was upheaved by seismic quakes, destroying all known preconceptions of the earth's geography.

From the sea, a raging billow of bizarre creatures emerged from deep within, the likes of which have never been documented in human history. The most notable of which, came from a recording at zero hour of the Lament, mentioning a leviathan with the features of a narwhal. These sea creatures attacked every vessel on the sea before invading the shoreline of the old cities, followed by what was a great tsunami, wrathful in its approach. The narwhal in question, older than the Lament itself, survived the sands of time and may very well make an appearance in the Rover’s journey.

Timeline - Part 1 The first one hundred years following the Lament are shrouded in mystery. Individuals who even have the slightest idea about the struggles humanity faced during this period are very few and far between.

The nation Huanglong, a key player in the post Lament-era narrative, a focal point for historians. Even though they have a connection with this dead civilization, the details are elusive and hidden in the recesses of history.

The only thing we really have to visualize this dead civilization are the black and white cutscenes of the rover’s past.

The world after the Lament proved inhospitable to humankind, The rampaging monstrosities were one thing, but the real problem was the disruptive white noise that were averse to the average human’s nervous functions. After the colonies underground began to thrive, humanity was able to develop specialized suits resembling those of astronauts, allowing them to navigate a hostile surface environment.

Gourd shaped terminals, still present in the current day, played a crucial role in shielding humanity from the atmospheric challenges. These devices served as barriers against the godforsaken white noise. Particularly sensitive were children, necessitating the use of these terminals to ensure their well-being and development.

This technological prowess of the post-Lament society extended beyond Earth’s surface, reaching into low orbit where advanced countermeasures were established. Unfortunately, the reasons for these measures and the nature of the anticipated threats from outer space remain obscured. The void of information surrounding this aspect is basically free content for pure speculation.

Timeline - Part 2 The transition from the ancient civilization to the era of Huanglong is a historical puzzle in and of itself. When and how did the Rover’s civilization end? And when did Huanglong begin? The actual boundaries are still elusive, but Huanglong emerged as a prominent entity during a critical juncture - the advent of the Crownless, and the beginning of the Threnodian wars.

Threnodian comes from the word threnody: a song of lamentation for the dead. You look this monster in the eyes, you see cities burning. The exact timeline surrounding the Crownless menace is similarly ambiguous. While the emergence of these monstrous entities is undated, what we know for certain is that the war between Crownless and humanity ended on Huanglong soil. The Ji Ting laboratory, established during this tumultuous period, became a beacon of hope and innovation, providing essential support in confronting the Crownless menace through relief efforts and groundbreaking research.

A key turning point in the struggle against the Crownless came when the Ji Ting people discovered the slumbering dragon Suiguang in ancient ruins during the New Age year 103. By 106, Suiguang had awakened, prompting representatives from Huanglong to initiate diplomatic efforts. In a monumental collaboration, Suiguang and Huanglong joined forces in 107, culminating in the defeat of the Crownless. This victory was dedicated to the banner of humanity, a united front against the enemy.

Rebuilding Huanglong's Economy - Part 1 In the wake of the Crownless war, Huanglong found itself in dire need of a catalyst to rebuild. The key to their revival came in the form of tacetite, a novel mineral derived from the aftermath of the Lament. Tacetite, initially presenting a grungy and unremarkable exterior akin to ebony stone, revealed its true nature beneath the surface - a golden essence teeming with life. Strands of liquid gold emanated from it, bending towards the sky in a display that hinted at its extraordinary properties.

Tacetite became the linchpin of an industrial revolution, driving innovations in energy harnessing. The mineral, when in lighter mass, exhibited the remarkable ability to generate vibrations unprompted, as well as emit an audible sound. This unique characteristic marked tacetite as a potent source of energy.

First, renewable energy initiatives took center stage in Huanglong’s reconstruction plan. Vibrations from tacetite rich deposits were harnessed to generate power, tapping into the inherent energy resonating within the mineral. The pulsations within tacetite transformed into a renewable energy source, powering the revitalization of Huanglong’s infrastructure.

A second avenue of energy extraction involved special processes to extract live minerals from tacetite, creating a versatile fuel source. This method provided a direct solution to energy problems but also opened up avenues for technological advancements. The adaptability of live minerals from tacetite served as a cornerstone for meeting the diverse energy needs of rebuilding society. Remarkably, concerns about depleting reserves were mitigated by the seemingly abundant nature of tacetite.

Rebuilding Huanglong's Economy - Part 2 Recognizing the potential of tacetite to transform not only their own society but also to aid others, Huanglong made the strategic move of making tacetite a valuable export, shared with other nations who have their own demands for this revolutionary energy source. Surprisingly, the demand varied among countries, with some displaying greater reliance on tacetite than others. The harmful properties of unprocessed tacetite necessitate the use of special containers to handle it safely. Despite its hazardous nature, the economic value of tacetite prompts careful handling and transport.

The population of Huanglong responded to the era of renewal by gravitating towards the bustling hub of innovation - Jinzhou. This city, whether inside or outside its protective walls, became a symbol of resilience and progress. The convergence of people within and around Tiancheng not only facilitated the exchange of ideas but also marked the physical manifestation of unity.

In the aftermath of the Lament, the once-established economic system lay in ruins, necessitating a novel approach to commerce and trade. Jinzhou, propelled by the momentum of tacetite advancements, embraced the shift towards electronic systems. Printed or minted currency were vulnerable and impractical in the wake of recent conflicts, and were gradually phased out. In their place, tacetite-made checks emerged as electronic endorsements, authorizing seamless currency transfers from one account to another. These cards also contained the information of transaction records, facilitating secure transactions but also aligned with Huanglong’s ethos of progress and efficiency.

With the six nations adopting this electronic currency, these tacetite vouchers, backed by the unified support of the nations, became the most accepted and trusted currency in the world. Huanglong’s strategic use of tacetite, cements their place as an economic powerhouse, having made no shortage of quality of life improvements for its citizens, maintaining a high standard of living.

Threnodian War Aftermath - After Year 110 The year 110 marked the end of the Crownless war, and in the aftermath, representatives from the six nations that had formed during the conflict convened. Exhausted and aware of the losses incurred, they collectively decided to pursue peace. Recognizing the futility of further strife, they agreed to a formal alliance. Suiguang, the dragon who had played a pivotal role in the victory against the Crownless, was elected as the symbol of Huanglong. It was his presence that bestowed the name “Huanglong”, meaning the emperor dragon in Chinese. This marked the inception of an era of rebuilding and unity, with the symbol of the dragon embodying resilience and strength.

Suiguang, unable to find a suitable place within the city of Tiancheng due to the lack of architecture to accommodate them, chose a more secluded resting place underground, nestled at the bottom of a mountain amidst dilapidated ruins, where they were originally found. Despite being awarded the right to shape Huanglong’s future, Suiguang opted to take a backseat in governance Suiguang’s powers are largely ceremonial.. In the wake of the Crownless war, where his assistance proved instrumental, Suiguang refrained from actively ruling the nation. Instead, he entrusted the decision-making to the human representatives, allowing them autonomy in shaping the nation’s path forward. Suiguang’s enigmatic slumber during the events has two potential reasons, both rooted in a common foundation: an inability to intervene.

Hypothetically, Suiguang might be wounded and incapacitated after the Crownless fight. As a creation of the ancient civilization, his composition involves lost knowledge and exotic materials. Huanglong, lacking the means to aid his recovery meaningfully, might be powerless in assisting their revered dragon. Another speculation suggests that Suiguang might have been captured or taken away by an unknown force. This is considered less likely.

Huanglong's Figurehead - Longzhu The figurehead at the helm of governance is known as the Longzhu (Dragon Lord). This position holds significant authority, encompassing command over political matters and the ability to mobilize the nation’s army. The Longzhu also possess the exclusive right to choose their successor, a process shrouded in secrecy and mystery.

Candidates vying for the mantle can distinguish themselves through outstanding military careers or exceptional intellectual prowess. Even if their achievements aren’t enough to be Longzhu, they could be the Longzhu’s right hand.

In the current year, New Age 160, the title of Longzhu is held by Jinshi. Over generations this mantle has been passed down, and Jinshi, an individual of intellect and military acumen, was selected to be a leader. Jinshiis a non-playable character in CBT1, but she is confirmed to be a Resonator. Curiously, from CBT2 screen captures, we can identify that Jinshi has the ability to resonate with Suiguang themself. The Longzhu also has the privilege of selecting a personal retinue. The elite guard Sanhua is an individual with special eyesight handpicked by Jinshi, a versatile individual with undying loyalty.

Jinshi stands as the only character known to possess six crests on her Tacet mark, a symbol that holds significance among Resonators. Some Resonators have 3, or 5, and one of them even has 4. The determining factor behind these distinctions remains elusive.

Jinshi has a line in CBT1 where she expresses a feeling of familiarity towards Rover, which raises questions about the timeline. If Jinshi was born approximately two to three decades before the current events, this places her in a position to have witnessed the recent TD Surge conflicts. Rover may have had some activity during these conflicts before they lost their memories.

Tacet Discord Surge - Year 130 As Huanglong focused on rebuilding, The Tacet Discord reemerged on Year 130. They resurfaced through Tacet fields, prime locations marked by a glowing scar carved into the earth. The reemergence of the Tacet Discord became a catalyst for renewed division between nations, shattering the peace established in the aftermath of the Crownless war. The era of unity becomes a distant memory as survival instincts take precedence over collaboration. In the midst of chaos, Ji Ting Laboratory falls prey to destruction for reasons unknown.

In an effort to combat the monster-infested ground routes, Huanglong embarked on ambitious projects of infrastructure. The first plan involves tunneling through the Gorge of Spirits to create a new road, but their activities awakened the surge of TD hidden in the Gorge. The Gorge of Spirits was the stage for one of the most devastating losses incurred after the Threnodian War. Workers, soldiers, researchers, many were wounded, pronounced missing, or killed in action.The present commander of the Midnight Rangers, Jiyan, was a survivor, and now carries this memory with a heavy heart.

Undeterred, Huanglong turned to the idea of a canal route, hoping to establish safer pathways for commerce. Although met with some success, the overall expenditure to create new transportation routes was met with challenge after challenge.

Amidst the chaos, the threat known as the Exiles emerge - a group of lawless brigands and outlaws with their own internal feuds. Their disruptive attacks on transport routes and blatant disregard for human life forces Huanglong to expend resources trying to apprehend them.

Between the Exiles scheming for ill-gotten gains, and the Tacet Discord evolving to mimic car wrecks, there are no shortage of dangers concealed around the main roads. Ebony black spires of tacetite wreak havoc on built roads and human architecture. The use of vehicles was no longer a reliable option for transportation.. The autonomous organization known in CBT1 as Squeak Express was formed, opting to make use of human couriers to overcome the challenge of unreliable transportation. These couriers had the advantage of having access to rougher, less official routes in exchange for personal discretion and relative safety.

Jinzhou's Governance Structure At the core of Jinzhou’s governance structure is the Central Command Hall, a parliamentary body where crucial decisions are made for the nation. Despite Jinshi holding the monarch’s role, the power to make impactful decisions is not unilateral. The Central Command Hall ensures a more inclusive decision-making process, because while Jinshi has the authority to enact policies, the welfare of the people and the country’s prosperity depend on collaboration and shared interests. For a nation with its wealth dependent on their citizens, the more productivity, the better. Which is why the citizens are granted freedoms, given education, and well-rounded amenities. Jinzhou is seen as a great place to live in because the ruler’s interests align with the citizens’, not because the ruler’s a good person. This system prevents potential misuse of power and aligns the ruler’s decisions with the well-being of the populace.

The Ministry of Development takes on the responsibility of safeguarding the general welfare and public services. Led by Taoqi, this branch focuses on post-battle support and the overall well-being of the city’s inhabitants. Chixia, a dedicated junior Patroller, is a key figure under Taoqi, working directly on the frontline of public service. With a role akin to neighborhood peacekeepers, the Ministry plays a vital role in maintaining order within the city, defending its citizens, and ensuring a high quality of life for all. As the primary military force, the Midnight Rangers are tasked with protecting the nation from external threats. Yangyang, a member of the Outriders within the Midnight Rangers exemplifies the agility and adaptability required for this role. The Outriders operate independent from the main troop, focusing on gathering vital information about enemy territories. Their mobility and combat prowess make them essential in navigating uncharted territories and uncovering potential threats. This military branch is integral to Huanglong’s defense strategy, deploying wherever the nation’s enemies pose a threat.

Huaxu Academy is a collective of researchers dedicated to inventing new ways to aid the prosperity of Huanglong, as well as uncovering the mysteries of the world. Focused on discerning the truth from remnants of ancient knowledge, echoes of the world, and the enigmatic frozen tundra, the researchers at Huaxu Academy delve into the depths of understanding. Their relentless pursuit encompasses investigations into Ji Ting’s lost relics and they regularly requisition help from other branches, particularly for security as they tend to tread into uncharted territories. Within these circles, Baizhi stands as a respected and renowned figure. Her notable competence, combined with a distinctive attitude, sets her apart in the path of scholars. Being the sole survivor of the failed expedition of the Frozen Tundra in the Year 157, she also found a connection with a strange familiar by her side, and a Resonance with frigid ice.

Fractsidus - Duo At the Frontline Fractsidus, a name derived from Latin, combines Fract, meaning fractured, and Sidus, meaning star. While the organizations’ ideals are not known, one of its prominent members, Scar seems to embody his own with fervor and zeal. His strong belief is that to attain the next level of human evolution, individuals must absorb the tacet Discord into themselves, engaging in a transformative struggle.

Those who view the Lament as an apocalypse of boundless destruction, Scar perceives as having a shallow understanding of the world. To him, the Tacet Discord brought forth by the Lament represent a self regulating system of evolution, of accelerated change as their physiologies rapidly shift to accommodate new living conditions. The Lament, by extension, is an era of rebirth, the era to wipe the slate clean, to start anew. Scar is loud and passionate about his ideals, actively seeking out individuals whom he deems worthy to join Fractsidus and undertake the transformative process with the Tacet Discord. Scar has a unique perspective on the world and vehemently opposes Huanglong’s efforts to suppress the Tacet Discord. His idea of a new world after harrowing turmoil reflects a twisted sense of evolution.

He encourages individuals, especially Rover, whom he views as a kindred black lamb, doomed to stand out unfavorably from the rest, to join Fractsidus. Scar sees the potential in the Rover to absorb the recently revived Threnodian crownless, making them a prime candidate for the organization. Scar’s mentorship involves guiding individuals through the process, believing the key to unlocking unique and twisted abilities in those who prove worthy lies in the Tacet Discord. Fuluoluo, in contrast to Scar, represents Fractsidus with pragmatism. She sees Scar waxing philosophical and dismisses it as the ramblings of a madman, often tasked with reining him in. Fuluoluo is less vocal about Fractsidus' or her own goals, preferring to reveal her colors when the time is right. Fuluoluo’s choice of the Lycoris, or spider lily, higanbana or manjushage, as her symbolic flower carries heavy significance. Beyond its toxicity, the Lycoris is commonly associated with Buddhism and paying tribute to the fallen. Planted around grave sites, it is believed to guide the dead into the next life. Fuluoluo’s seeming control over the Tacet Discord aligns with the themes of cycle and rebirth, mirroring the pursuit of a new evolution.