Story - Revision history

Pvfa-r: formatting

2023-01-25T16:08:28Z

formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:08, 25 January 2023
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	This theory answers several questions that otherwise seem to be plot holes, such as Athetos and the Rusalki being enemies. They both want the Breach Attractor turned off, and they both are bitter towards the Sudrans- unless Athetos truly isn't, and the Rusalki, frustrated with their capture and deteriorating situation, decided to unleash the Pathogen on the Sudrans, and Athetos is actually trying to stop them.		This theory answers several questions that otherwise seem to be plot holes, such as Athetos and the Rusalki being enemies. They both want the Breach Attractor turned off, and they both are bitter towards the Sudrans- unless Athetos truly isn't, and the Rusalki, frustrated with their capture and deteriorating situation, decided to unleash the Pathogen on the Sudrans, and Athetos is actually trying to stop them.

	The Note [[Athetos (Note)\|"Athetos"]] says that Katrahaska "got to" Athetos before the writer "had a chance". If she had sided with Athetos to kill the Sudrans, then why would the other Rusalki care if she contacted him? Unless, Katrahaska "siding" with Athetos meant she was actually against releasing the Pathogen, and warned Athetos in the hopes he could help stop the Rusalki. Ultimately, she was killed by Ophelia<ref name"planb"></ref>, so this means the Rusalki didn't want her stopping the pathogen.		The Note [[Athetos (Note)\|"Athetos"]] says that Katrahaska "got to" Athetos before the writer "had a chance". If she had sided with Athetos to kill the Sudrans, then why would the other Rusalki care if she contacted him? Unless, Katrahaska "siding" with Athetos meant she was actually against releasing the Pathogen, and warned Athetos in the hopes he could help stop the Rusalki. Ultimately, she was killed by Ophelia<ref name="planb"></ref>, so this means the Rusalki didn't want her stopping the pathogen.

	Additionally, Athetos developed a specifically biological pathogen, one that seemingly has no effect on the Rusalki. The Rusalki are certainly a much greater threat to him than the Sudran people. It would make more sense that if Athetos struck first, he would take out the Rusalki, and then kill the Sudrans, not the other way around. If he was so set on reaching outside worlds, it'd be best to get the so-called "masters of war"<ref name="encounter"></ref> out of the way first.		Additionally, Athetos developed a specifically biological pathogen, one that seemingly has no effect on the Rusalki. The Rusalki are certainly a much greater threat to him than the Sudran people. It would make more sense that if Athetos struck first, he would take out the Rusalki, and then kill the Sudrans, not the other way around. If he was so set on reaching outside worlds, it'd be best to get the so-called "masters of war"<ref name="encounter"></ref> out of the way first.

Pvfa-r: references

2023-01-25T15:58:22Z

references

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:58, 25 January 2023
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	He doesn't let the public backlash stop him; using this new understanding of physics, Athetos and Dr. Hammond are able to cross the [[The Breach\|Breach]], a barrier between worlds. Crossing the Breach, they find the world of [[Sudra]]. There, he is introduced to their technology and they use a Rebirth Chamber to heal him of all his injuries, restoring his sight and mobility. He describes it as miraculous, though decides that this technology is too dangerous to introduce to Earth, due to something "catastrophic" that occurred before.<ref>[[Faded Note (Note)]]</ref> He and Hammond part ways, as Hammond returns to Earth and starts Hammond Corp, while Athetos continues on to the filter upstream of Sudra in pursuit of higher worlds. During this time, he reached higher worlds, and likely saw [[A'ansur]] itself. It's unknown how much time he stayed there, but he eventually returned to Sudra.		He doesn't let the public backlash stop him; using this new understanding of physics, Athetos and Dr. Hammond are able to cross the [[The Breach\|Breach]], a barrier between worlds. Crossing the Breach, they find the world of [[Sudra]]. There, he is introduced to their technology and they use a Rebirth Chamber to heal him of all his injuries, restoring his sight and mobility. He describes it as miraculous, though decides that this technology is too dangerous to introduce to Earth, due to something "catastrophic" that occurred before.<ref>[[Faded Note (Note)]]</ref> He and Hammond part ways, as Hammond returns to Earth and starts Hammond Corp, while Athetos continues on to the filter upstream of Sudra in pursuit of higher worlds. During this time, he reached higher worlds, and likely saw [[A'ansur]] itself. It's unknown how much time he stayed there, but he eventually returned to Sudra.

	When he returned, he was enraged at the Sudrans for forgetting the origins of their technology, now holding religious reverence for it rather than understanding its construction. They had surrounded Sudra with Breach in order to protect their world, which also cut themselves off from everything else in the [[worldstream]]. In his rage, he starts war with the Rusalki; their life support<ref>''"This is where life-sustaining fluids needed by the Rusalka are purified and pumped back through to the prisons."'' -[[Zi]] description from ''The Art of Axiom Verge'', page 10</ref> is shut off<ref>The Rusalki are biomechanical machines, they can be killed and need maintaining in order to survive.</ref>, their drones are hindered, and they are disconnected from their bodies, though most of this fault is the Sudrans'. Athetos allies with [[Katrahaska]], a Rusalka, before she is promptly killed by [[Ophelia]]<ref>[[Plan B (Note)]]</ref>.		When he returned, he was enraged at the Sudrans for forgetting the origins of their technology, now holding religious reverence for it rather than understanding its construction. They had surrounded Sudra with Breach in order to protect their world, which also cut themselves off from everything else in the [[worldstream]]. In his rage, he starts war with the Rusalki; their life support<ref>''"This is where life-sustaining fluids needed by the Rusalka are purified and pumped back through to the prisons."'' -[[Zi]] description from ''The Art of Axiom Verge'', page 10</ref> is shut off<ref>The Rusalki are biomechanical machines, they can be killed and need maintaining in order to survive.</ref>, their drones are hindered, and they are disconnected from their bodies, though most of this fault is the Sudrans'. Athetos allies with [[Katrahaska]], a Rusalka, before she is promptly killed by [[Ophelia]]<ref name="planb">[[Plan B (Note)]]</ref>.

	According to the Rusalki, Athetos released a pathogen onto Sudra, which killed all its inhabitants, and proceeded to activate the [[Breach Attractor]], surrounding Sudra with Breach and preventing the Rusalki from escaping; the latter is a lie, as the Sudrans surrounded the planet with Breach<ref>''"[...] the High Priestess rung in the storm [...]"'' -[[The Kuliltu (Note)]]. The Breach is frequently referred to as a storm by the Sudrans and Sagiga.</ref>, but there may be truth in the rest of the Rusalki's claims.<ref>''"He infected all of Sudra with pathogen. Only we survive- Rusalki, like me."'' -Elsenova, [[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0011, AV1</ref> Eventually, Ophelia comes up with an idea to clone Athetos using the imprint left behind from when he used a Rebirth Chamber and imbuing it with Katrahaska's nanogates<ref>~~[[Plan B (Note)]]~~</ref>, creating a younger version of Athetos that may be more willing to help their case.<ref>''"We gambled that a much younger Athetos would be different. That you would help us."'' -[[Ophelia]], [[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0030, AV1</ref> This clone becomes Trace, the player character.		According to the Rusalki, Athetos released a pathogen onto Sudra, which killed all its inhabitants, and proceeded to activate the [[Breach Attractor]], surrounding Sudra with Breach and preventing the Rusalki from escaping; the latter is a lie, as the Sudrans surrounded the planet with Breach<ref>''"[...] the High Priestess rung in the storm [...]"'' -[[The Kuliltu (Note)]]. The Breach is frequently referred to as a storm by the Sudrans and Sagiga.</ref>, but there may be truth in the rest of the Rusalki's claims.<ref>''"He infected all of Sudra with pathogen. Only we survive- Rusalki, like me."'' -Elsenova, [[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0011, AV1</ref> Eventually, Ophelia comes up with an idea to clone Athetos using the imprint left behind from when he used a Rebirth Chamber and imbuing it with Katrahaska's nanogates<ref name="planb"></ref>, creating a younger version of Athetos that may be more willing to help their case.<ref>''"We gambled that a much younger Athetos would be different. That you would help us."'' -[[Ophelia]], [[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0030, AV1</ref> This clone becomes Trace, the player character.

	===In-Game Events===		===In-Game Events===
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	After this, Trace is able to access the highest peak of Kur, [[E-Kur-Mah]]. Here, he is able to descend and obtain the [[Red Coat]], which finally allows him to scale the elevator to [[Mar-Uru]], where Athetos is hiding. Trace is forced to evade and defeat multiple machines that attack relentlessly, including having to destroy the [[Sentinel]] in order to continue scaling. In the beginning of the final stretch, he must also defeat Xedur Hul before beginning the treacherous journey to Athetos.		After this, Trace is able to access the highest peak of Kur, [[E-Kur-Mah]]. Here, he is able to descend and obtain the [[Red Coat]], which finally allows him to scale the elevator to [[Mar-Uru]], where Athetos is hiding. Trace is forced to evade and defeat multiple machines that attack relentlessly, including having to destroy the [[Sentinel]] in order to continue scaling. In the beginning of the final stretch, he must also defeat Xedur Hul before beginning the treacherous journey to Athetos.

	He finds Athetos in his hideaway, confronting him and talking to him before the fight begins, demanding answers. Athetos says that he cannot tell Trace too much, or else his "captors" will kill him, but he explains Sudra's past, and how they forgot the origins of their technology, as well as how it sparked Athetos's rage. He explains that he refuses to turn off the Breach Attractor, as it'd free the Rusalki, who he describes as masters of war.<ref>~~[[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0037, AV1~~</ref> Athetos himself does not attack, as he is in a chamber that prolongs his life, and he sends several [[Donaught\|Donaughts]] after Trace. When he is finally defeated, Athetos accepts his defeat as Trace realizes Elsenova is going to kill him. Athetos says to Trace that it was inevitable and that he shouldn't blame himself<ref>[[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0038, AV1</ref>. After this, Elsenova fires a laser at him, killing him instantly.		He finds Athetos in his hideaway, confronting him and talking to him before the fight begins, demanding answers. Athetos says that he cannot tell Trace too much, or else his "captors" will kill him, but he explains Sudra's past, and how they forgot the origins of their technology, as well as how it sparked Athetos's rage. He explains that he refuses to turn off the Breach Attractor, as it'd free the Rusalki, who he describes as masters of war.<ref name="encounter"></ref> Athetos himself does not attack, as he is in a chamber that prolongs his life, and he sends several [[Donaught\|Donaughts]] after Trace. When he is finally defeated, Athetos accepts his defeat as Trace realizes Elsenova is going to kill him. Athetos says to Trace that it was inevitable and that he shouldn't blame himself<ref>[[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0038, AV1</ref>. After this, Elsenova fires a laser at him, killing him instantly.

	After Athetos is killed, Trace laments, wondering if Athetos could've been redeemed and what he's supposed to do now with the knowledge of his existence as a mere clone. Elsenova reassures him that it wasn't him that made Athetos's bad decisions, and that he should just rest. As Trace faints, Elsenova offers that they might see each other again one day.		After Athetos is killed, Trace laments, wondering if Athetos could've been redeemed and what he's supposed to do now with the knowledge of his existence as a mere clone. Elsenova reassures him that it wasn't him that made Athetos's bad decisions, and that he should just rest. As Trace faints, Elsenova offers that they might see each other again one day.
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	This theory answers several questions that otherwise seem to be plot holes, such as Athetos and the Rusalki being enemies. They both want the Breach Attractor turned off, and they both are bitter towards the Sudrans- unless Athetos truly isn't, and the Rusalki, frustrated with their capture and deteriorating situation, decided to unleash the Pathogen on the Sudrans, and Athetos is actually trying to stop them.		This theory answers several questions that otherwise seem to be plot holes, such as Athetos and the Rusalki being enemies. They both want the Breach Attractor turned off, and they both are bitter towards the Sudrans- unless Athetos truly isn't, and the Rusalki, frustrated with their capture and deteriorating situation, decided to unleash the Pathogen on the Sudrans, and Athetos is actually trying to stop them.

	The Note [[Athetos (Note)\|"Athetos"]] says that Katrahaska "got to" Athetos before the writer "had a chance". If she had sided with Athetos to kill the Sudrans, then why would the other Rusalki care if she contacted him? Unless, Katrahaska "siding" with Athetos meant she was actually against releasing the Pathogen, and warned Athetos in the hopes he could help stop the Rusalki. Ultimately, she was killed by Ophelia<ref>~~[[Plan B (Note)]]~~</ref>, so this means the Rusalki didn't want her stopping the pathogen.		The Note [[Athetos (Note)\|"Athetos"]] says that Katrahaska "got to" Athetos before the writer "had a chance". If she had sided with Athetos to kill the Sudrans, then why would the other Rusalki care if she contacted him? Unless, Katrahaska "siding" with Athetos meant she was actually against releasing the Pathogen, and warned Athetos in the hopes he could help stop the Rusalki. Ultimately, she was killed by Ophelia<ref name"planb"></ref>, so this means the Rusalki didn't want her stopping the pathogen.

	Additionally, Athetos developed a specifically biological pathogen, one that seemingly has no effect on the Rusalki. The Rusalki are certainly a much greater threat to him than the Sudran people. It would make more sense that if Athetos struck first, he would take out the Rusalki, and then kill the Sudrans, not the other way around. If he was so set on reaching outside worlds, it'd be best to get the so-called "masters of war"<ref name="encounter"></ref> out of the way first.		Additionally, Athetos developed a specifically biological pathogen, one that seemingly has no effect on the Rusalki. The Rusalki are certainly a much greater threat to him than the Sudran people. It would make more sense that if Athetos struck first, he would take out the Rusalki, and then kill the Sudrans, not the other way around. If he was so set on reaching outside worlds, it'd be best to get the so-called "masters of war"<ref name="encounter"></ref> out of the way first.

Pvfa-r: Mostly finished AV1 section, need to finish it and start AV2 section

2023-01-25T00:26:07Z

Mostly finished AV1 section, need to finish it and start AV2 section

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:26, 25 January 2023
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	Shortly after entering Ukkin-Na, Trace starts to feel hot and faint, which Elsenova says to be the effects of Athetos's pathogen<ref>[[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0022, AV1</ref>. She tells him to simply keep pushing through, and that Ophelia isn't far. He starts to hallucinate, seeing faces, voices, and eventually faux enemies that can actually kill the player; this doesn't end the hallucination sequence, and it must be finished from start to end. The hallucinations don't end until Trace encounters a [[Vision]]. When he enters the arena, he is the vision, and there is a Trace shooting at him. Elsenova tells him to stay put, as she has made contact with Ophelia. The player controls the vision and can fire at the Trace, but the vision is eventually defeated. Trace- the one shooting at the vision- collapses, finally succumbing to the pathogen, until a Repair Drone walks up to him and seemingly drags him across Ukkin-Na to Ophelia's room.		Shortly after entering Ukkin-Na, Trace starts to feel hot and faint, which Elsenova says to be the effects of Athetos's pathogen<ref>[[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0022, AV1</ref>. She tells him to simply keep pushing through, and that Ophelia isn't far. He starts to hallucinate, seeing faces, voices, and eventually faux enemies that can actually kill the player; this doesn't end the hallucination sequence, and it must be finished from start to end. The hallucinations don't end until Trace encounters a [[Vision]]. When he enters the arena, he is the vision, and there is a Trace shooting at him. Elsenova tells him to stay put, as she has made contact with Ophelia. The player controls the vision and can fire at the Trace, but the vision is eventually defeated. Trace- the one shooting at the vision- collapses, finally succumbing to the pathogen, until a Repair Drone walks up to him and seemingly drags him across Ukkin-Na to Ophelia's room.

	~~He wakes up in front of Ophelia, healed by her. Here~~, ~~she explains several things to~~ Trace~~; why she "brought" him~~ to ~~Sudra, him being a PatternMind, her own role in traversing the Breach and "finding" Trace, and~~ what ~~he should do next. She tells him that Athetos and~~ the ~~[[Breach Attractor]] are in the elevator above her room~~; ~~if Trace destroys~~ the ~~Breach Attractor~~, the ~~Rusalki can handle the rest.<ref>[[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0027, AV1</ref> Before he~~ is ~~able~~ to ~~scale~~ the ~~elevator~~, ~~he must traverse [[Edin]]~~, as ~~he doesn't have~~ the ~~skills required for it~~. ~~Here~~, he ~~gains access to the [[Address Bomb]]~~, the ~~[[Drone Teleport]] after defeating [[Ukhu]]~~, ~~as well as discovers the Rusalki's bodies after defeating the [[Aborted Clone]]~~.		After he faints from the Pathogen, Trace begins to remember what really happened after the lab explosion; for the whole game, he is under the impression that his appearance on Sudra is directly related to the lab explosion, however, it was simply unrelated, as the explosion was caused by a frozen pressure valve. He remembers what he did before, how he was blinded and paralyzed and discovered a new way of thinking about physics, and how he was named Athetos. He doesn't immediately tell the Rusalki about his discovery, however.

	~~---~~		He wakes up in front of Ophelia, healed by her. Here, she explains several things to Trace; why she "brought" him to Sudra, him being a PatternMind, her own role in traversing the Breach and "finding" Trace, and what he should do next. She tells him that Athetos and the [[Breach Attractor]] are in the elevator above her room; if Trace destroys the Breach Attractor, the Rusalki can handle the rest.<ref>[[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0027, AV1</ref> Before he is able to scale the elevator, he must traverse [[Edin]], as he doesn't have the skills required for it. Here, he gains access to the [[Address Bomb]], the [[Drone Teleport]] after defeating [[Ukhu]], as well as kills the [[Aborted Clone]].

	~~Then~~, he ~~finds~~ Athetos ~~in his hideaway above Sudra~~, ~~and during the battle~~, ~~momentarily disrupts the [[Breach Attractor]]~~, ~~allowing Elsenova to come help destroy~~ it ~~entirely~~. ~~After doing so~~, ~~the Rusalki are once again free to move about above the planet~~'s ~~surface,~~ and ~~Elsenova chooses~~ to kill Athetos. ~~Once that~~ is ~~done~~, ~~Elsenova sends the copy of~~ Trace ~~back through time~~ to the ~~point of the lab accident aftermath, altering history so that the event does not leave him injured...or so it appears~~.		After Trace either kills the Aborted Clone or lets it die, he declares that he "can't do this anymore", admitting that he knows he's Athetos. Elsenova has Ophelia explain that Trace is a clone of Athetos, made from an imprint Athetos left on a Rebirth Chamber. Trace says that he needs to talk to Athetos, but Elsenova refuses, saying Trace must continue on his current path. When he pushes back, saying she can't make him do it, she emphasizes her power by forcibly killing him by shutting down his nanogates. When he revives, Ophelia apologizes for Elsenova's behavior and tells Trace he doesn't have to kill Athetos. After the arena where the Aborted Clone is discovered, Trace is able to continue past and discover the Rusalki's bodies.

	~~"Back in time"~~, Trace ~~cannot stop thinking about Sudra~~, and ~~devotes his life~~ to ~~returning. In~~ the ~~final cutscenes~~, he is ~~near~~ to ~~his goal of returning~~, ~~and we see a brief glint~~ in ~~his eye~~, ~~indicating that~~ he ~~may be on~~ the ~~path of becoming~~ Athetos ~~once again~~.		After this, Trace is able to access the highest peak of Kur, [[E-Kur-Mah]]. Here, he is able to descend and obtain the [[Red Coat]], which finally allows him to scale the elevator to [[Mar-Uru]], where Athetos is hiding. Trace is forced to evade and defeat multiple machines that attack relentlessly, including having to destroy the [[Sentinel]] in order to continue scaling. In the beginning of the final stretch, he must also defeat Xedur Hul before beginning the treacherous journey to Athetos.

	...		He finds Athetos in his hideaway, confronting him and talking to him before the fight begins, demanding answers. Athetos says that he cannot tell Trace too much, or else his "captors" will kill him, but he explains Sudra's past, and how they forgot the origins of their technology, as well as how it sparked Athetos's rage. He explains that he refuses to turn off the Breach Attractor, as it'd free the Rusalki, who he describes as masters of war.<ref>[[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0037, AV1</ref> Athetos himself does not attack, as he is in a chamber that prolongs his life, and he sends several [[Donaught\|Donaughts]] after Trace. When he is finally defeated, Athetos accepts his defeat as Trace realizes Elsenova is going to kill him. Athetos says to Trace that it was inevitable and that he shouldn't blame himself<ref>[[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0038, AV1</ref>. After this, Elsenova fires a laser at him, killing him instantly.

	~~But that's not really the end,~~ is ~~it? If you complete the game with a high percentage of items, you'll be treated to two important bits of information. First~~, ~~watching the full credits shows a collapsed~~ Trace, ~~laying at~~ what ~~appears~~ to be the ~~base~~ of ~~a Rusalki body. Second, back on Earth, when Trace nears~~ his ~~goal of returning to Sudra, Athetos seemingly pays him~~ a ~~visit~~. ~~Athetos tells Trace he cannot outrun himself; he tells~~ him that it ~~is "time to wake up"~~ and ~~then shoots him~~.		After Athetos is killed, Trace laments, wondering if Athetos could've been redeemed and what he's supposed to do now with the knowledge of his existence as a mere clone. Elsenova reassures him that it wasn't him that made Athetos's bad decisions, and that he should just rest. As Trace faints, Elsenova offers that they might see each other again one day.

	~~If you think about it, there's nothing in~~ the game ~~to imply that Elsenova can send Trace back through time. After defeating Athetos~~, ~~Trace asks her how he can go back to Earth as a mass-murderer~~, to which Elsenova replies that he needs not worry—they have "taken care of it". What we do know, is that Elsenova <u>is able</u> to subdue the clone of Trace at will, killing him, or in this case putting him into a coma. Trace going back in time to the point of the ~~lab accident~~ is ~~all a dream, contrived by the Rusalki, specifically Veruska who can create dream algorithms, to give Trace a happy state of being, but~~ at the same time preventing any possibility that he might once again become Athetos. In this coma however, Trace's mind realizes what is happening, that his world is not real, and so it creates a "kick" that will wake him—Athetos coming to kill Trace.		After the game ends, various ending scenes are available, depending on what percentage completion the player is at.

	==Axiom Verge 2==		==Axiom Verge 2==

Pvfa-r: Changing the story page, will finish later

2023-01-24T18:48:34Z

Changing the story page, will finish later

Show changes

206.217.22.59 at 21:29, 8 January 2023

2023-01-08T21:29:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:29, 8 January 2023
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	...		...

	But that's not really the end, is it? If you complete the game with a high percentage of items, you'll be treated to two important bits of information. First, watching the full credits shows a collapsed Trace, laying at what appears to be the base of a Rusalki body. Second, back on Earth, when Trace nears his goal of returning to Sudra, Athetos seemingly pays him a visit! Athetos tells Trace he cannot outrun himself; he tells him that it is "time to wake up" and then shoots him!		But that's not really the end, is it? If you complete the game with a high percentage of items, you'll be treated to two important bits of information. First, watching the full credits shows a collapsed Trace, laying at what appears to be the base of a Rusalki body. Second, back on Earth, when Trace nears his goal of returning to Sudra, Athetos seemingly pays him a visit. Athetos tells Trace he cannot outrun himself; he tells him that it is "time to wake up" and then shoots him.

	If you think about it, there's nothing in the game to imply that Elsenova can send Trace back through time. After defeating Athetos, Trace asks her how he can go back to Earth as a mass-murderer, to which Elsenova replies that he needs not worry—they have "taken care of it". What we do know, is that Elsenova <u>is able</u> to subdue the clone of Trace at will, killing him, or in this case putting him into a coma. Trace going back in time to the point of the lab accident is all a dream, contrived by the Rusalki, specifically Veruska who can create dream algorithms, to give Trace a happy state of being, but at the same time preventing any possibility that he might once again become Athetos. In this coma however, Trace's mind realizes what is happening, that his world is not real, and so it creates a "kick" that will wake him—Athetos coming to kill Trace.		If you think about it, there's nothing in the game to imply that Elsenova can send Trace back through time. After defeating Athetos, Trace asks her how he can go back to Earth as a mass-murderer, to which Elsenova replies that he needs not worry—they have "taken care of it". What we do know, is that Elsenova <u>is able</u> to subdue the clone of Trace at will, killing him, or in this case putting him into a coma. Trace going back in time to the point of the lab accident is all a dream, contrived by the Rusalki, specifically Veruska who can create dream algorithms, to give Trace a happy state of being, but at the same time preventing any possibility that he might once again become Athetos. In this coma however, Trace's mind realizes what is happening, that his world is not real, and so it creates a "kick" that will wake him—Athetos coming to kill Trace.

Pvfa-r: added pre-game events to av1, will work on ingame later

2022-07-28T14:50:12Z

added pre-game events to av1, will work on ingame later

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:50, 28 July 2022
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	Please also visit the [[Board:Lore Discussion\|Lore Discussion Forum]] for questions, controversial ideas, and theories.		Please also visit the [[Board:Lore Discussion\|Lore Discussion Forum]] for questions, controversial ideas, and theories.

	== Story ~~Synopsis~~ ==		===Timeline===
			If you're interested in a linear timeline of the events presented in the game's Notes, and Story, please see the [[Timeline]] page.

			== Axiom Verge ==

			=== Pre-Game Events ===
			Before the events of the game, the [[Rusalki]] arrived to [[Sudra]] and were seen as being of the Old Machines<ref>[[The Kuliltu (Note)]]</ref>, or ancient technology the Sudrans no longer understood.<ref>''"By the time I came, they barely remembered who they were. They regarded their own technology with superstition and religious reverence."'' -Athetos, [[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0037</ref> The High Priestess of the time summoned the storm- the [[Breach]]- and surrounded Sudra with it. This rendered the Rusalki, referred to in Sudran as Kuliltu, helpless and damaged and able to be stripped of their bodies and taken into the care of the priesthood. This had overall negative effects on the Rusalki, with [[Oracca\|one of them]] going insane from the captivity<ref>''"Driven insane by long years of subterranean imprisonment [...]"'' -Oracca's [https://steamcommunity.com/market/listings/753/332200-Oracca Steam Trading Card]</ref> and the others growing disdain for the Sudran priesthood.

			Eventually, Trace, or rather Athetos, arrives on Sudra, as a rejected scientist blinded and paralyzed from the waist down by his experiments. The Sudrans heal his injuries through a [[Rebirth Chamber]] and decides this technology is too dangerous to bring back to Earth. His partner, Dr. [[Elizabeth Hammond]], returns to Earth<ref>''"It has now been decades since he left Earth."'' -Hammond, [[Goodbye (Note)\|Goodbye]] (The phrasing of this implies Trace and Hammond did not travel together)</ref><ref>''"In the year 2007, a young scientist, Dr. Elizabeth Hammond, revolutionized the world as we know it'' ''[...]"'' -[[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0000, AV2</ref> while Trace seeks out what lies upstream of Sudra.<ref>[[Faded Note (Note)]]</ref> It is unknown how long he stayed away, but he eventually saw the technology held upstream and became enraged that the Sudrans no longer remembered their origins. He came back to Sudra, where he was forced to clash with the Rusalki.

	~~=== Axiom Verge ===~~		According to the Rusalki, Athetos released a pathogen onto Sudra, which killed all its inhabitants, and proceeded to activate the [[Breach Attractor]], surrounding Sudra with Breach and preventing the Rusalki from escaping.<ref>''"He infected all of Sudra with pathogen. Only we survive- Rusalki, like me."'' -Elsenova, [[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0011, AV1</ref> Elsenova describes that the Rusalki fought with drones, before these were disabled by Athetos. Eventually, Ophelia comes up with an idea to clone Athetos using the imprint left behind from when he used a Rebirth Chamber.<ref>[[Plan B (Note)]]</ref> This clone becomes Trace, the player character.
	~~''Thanks~~ to '''~~MrBeens~~'~~'' on~~ the ~~GameFAQs forums for laying out~~ the ~~basis for this synopsis~~.<ref>~~http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/792604-axiom-verge/71618532~~</ref>''

			=== In-Game Events ===
	[[Trace]] is a scientist on Earth who works in a laboratory when a frozen pressure valve causes an explosion. Trace is severely injured in the explosion. For months, he is bedridden, blind, and paralyzed from the waist down. With little other stimuli, his mind turns to physics and the mysteries of the universe.		[[Trace]] is a scientist on Earth who works in a laboratory when a frozen pressure valve causes an explosion. Trace is severely injured in the explosion. For months, he is bedridden, blind, and paralyzed from the waist down. With little other stimuli, his mind turns to physics and the mysteries of the universe.

Line 38:		Line 46:
	If you think about it, there's nothing in the game to imply that Elsenova can send Trace back through time. After defeating Athetos, Trace asks her how he can go back to Earth as a mass-murderer, to which Elsenova replies that he needs not worry—they have "taken care of it". What we do know, is that Elsenova <u>is able</u> to subdue the clone of Trace at will, killing him, or in this case putting him into a coma. Trace going back in time to the point of the lab accident is all a dream, contrived by the Rusalki, specifically Veruska who can create dream algorithms, to give Trace a happy state of being, but at the same time preventing any possibility that he might once again become Athetos. In this coma however, Trace's mind realizes what is happening, that his world is not real, and so it creates a "kick" that will wake him—Athetos coming to kill Trace.		If you think about it, there's nothing in the game to imply that Elsenova can send Trace back through time. After defeating Athetos, Trace asks her how he can go back to Earth as a mass-murderer, to which Elsenova replies that he needs not worry—they have "taken care of it". What we do know, is that Elsenova <u>is able</u> to subdue the clone of Trace at will, killing him, or in this case putting him into a coma. Trace going back in time to the point of the lab accident is all a dream, contrived by the Rusalki, specifically Veruska who can create dream algorithms, to give Trace a happy state of being, but at the same time preventing any possibility that he might once again become Athetos. In this coma however, Trace's mind realizes what is happening, that his world is not real, and so it creates a "kick" that will wake him—Athetos coming to kill Trace.

	=== Axiom Verge 2 ===		== Axiom Verge 2 ==
	text here		text here

	~~===Timeline===~~
	~~If you're interested in a linear timeline of the events presented in the game's [[Notes]], and Story, please see the [[Timeline]] page.~~

	==Speculation ==		==Speculation ==

Pvfa-r: deleted psychosis theory (no sources, no credits), put location for av2 section

2022-05-24T16:08:20Z

deleted psychosis theory (no sources, no credits), put location for av2 section

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 == Story Synopsis ==
 ''Thanks to '''MrBeens''' on the GameFAQs forums for laying out the basis for this synopsis.<ref>http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/792604-axiom-verge/71618532</ref>''
@@ Line 35: / Line 37: @@
 If you think about it, there's nothing in the game to imply that Elsenova can send Trace back through time. After defeating Athetos, Trace asks her how he can go back to Earth as a mass-murderer, to which Elsenova replies that he needs not worry—they have "taken care of it". What we do know, is that Elsenova <u>is able</u> to subdue the clone of Trace at will, killing him, or in this case putting him into a coma. Trace going back in time to the point of the lab accident is all a dream, contrived by the Rusalki, specifically Veruska who can create dream algorithms, to give Trace a happy state of being, but at the same time preventing any possibility that he might once again become Athetos. In this coma however, Trace's mind realizes what is happening, that his world is not real, and so it creates a "kick" that will wake him—Athetos coming to kill Trace.
 ===Timeline===
@@ Line 90: / Line 95: @@
 This also plays directly into Veruska's ability to create mind worlds.  She is a massive computer, after all, and her purpose may be to extract information from enemies by simulating a world for them and convincing them, within that world, to reveal secrets (similar to Inception).
 </div>

Pvfa-r: Undo revision 10112 by Pvfa-r (talk)

2022-05-23T17:57:02Z

Undo revision 10112 by Pvfa-r (talk)

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:57, 23 May 2022
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	[[File:Shot1ZMachine.png\|right\|~~alt=~~]]		[[File:Shot1ZMachine.png\|right\|144x256px]]
	== Preface ==		== Preface ==
	Axiom Verge lays out its events through [[Cutscenes]] and [[:Category:Notes\|Notes]] hidden around the game. These often hint at actuality, but are sometimes ambiguous. Thus, there are many ways to interpret the game's story. In fact, the main foundation of the game is to question what is real.		Axiom Verge lays out its events through [[Cutscenes]] and [[:Category:Notes\|Notes]] hidden around the game. These often hint at actuality, but are sometimes ambiguous. Thus, there are many ways to interpret the game's story. In fact, the main foundation of the game is to question what is real.

Pvfa-r at 17:56, 23 May 2022

2022-05-23T17:56:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:56, 23 May 2022
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	[[File:Shot1ZMachine.png\|right\|~~144x256px~~]]		[[File:Shot1ZMachine.png\|right\|alt=]]
	== Preface ==		== Preface ==
	Axiom Verge lays out its events through [[Cutscenes]] and [[:Category:Notes\|Notes]] hidden around the game. These often hint at actuality, but are sometimes ambiguous. Thus, there are many ways to interpret the game's story. In fact, the main foundation of the game is to question what is real.		Axiom Verge lays out its events through [[Cutscenes]] and [[:Category:Notes\|Notes]] hidden around the game. These often hint at actuality, but are sometimes ambiguous. Thus, there are many ways to interpret the game's story. In fact, the main foundation of the game is to question what is real.

Pvfa-r: major revamp, speculation section, sources, av2 connection to pathogen

2022-05-23T17:54:46Z

major revamp, speculation section, sources, av2 connection to pathogen

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:54, 23 May 2022
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	If you think about it, there's nothing in the game to imply that Elsenova can send Trace back through time. After defeating Athetos, Trace asks her how he can go back to Earth as a mass-murderer, to which Elsenova replies that he needs not worry—they have "taken care of it". What we do know, is that Elsenova <u>is able</u> to subdue the clone of Trace at will, killing him, or in this case putting him into a coma. Trace going back in time to the point of the lab accident is all a dream, contrived by the Rusalki, specifically Veruska who can create dream algorithms, to give Trace a happy state of being, but at the same time preventing any possibility that he might once again become Athetos. In this coma however, Trace's mind realizes what is happening, that his world is not real, and so it creates a "kick" that will wake him—Athetos coming to kill Trace.		If you think about it, there's nothing in the game to imply that Elsenova can send Trace back through time. After defeating Athetos, Trace asks her how he can go back to Earth as a mass-murderer, to which Elsenova replies that he needs not worry—they have "taken care of it". What we do know, is that Elsenova <u>is able</u> to subdue the clone of Trace at will, killing him, or in this case putting him into a coma. Trace going back in time to the point of the lab accident is all a dream, contrived by the Rusalki, specifically Veruska who can create dream algorithms, to give Trace a happy state of being, but at the same time preventing any possibility that he might once again become Athetos. In this coma however, Trace's mind realizes what is happening, that his world is not real, and so it creates a "kick" that will wake him—Athetos coming to kill Trace.

	== Timeline ==		===Timeline===
	If you're interested in a linear timeline of the events presented in the game's [[Notes]], and Story, ~~head over to~~ the [[Timeline]] page.		If you're interested in a linear timeline of the events presented in the game's [[Notes]], and Story, please see the [[Timeline]] page.

	== ~~Alternate Story Interpretations~~ ==		==Speculation ==
	This section ~~will contain any alternate interpretations to~~ Axiom Verge's ~~plot~~. ~~Alternate interpretations~~ are ~~those~~ that ~~do not take~~ the game's ~~events "~~at face value", and ~~instead~~, ~~seek~~ to ~~read~~ the ~~subtext~~ to ~~define what really happened~~.		(This section contains major spoilers for Axiom Verge 1 and 2)
	<br>
	~~===~~ The Rusalki ~~Released~~ the ~~Pathogen ===~~		It is likely that the [[Rusalki]] truly released the pathogen, as opposed to [[Athetos]].
	<~~div class~~="~~mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable~~">
	It ~~may have been~~ possible that the [[~~Rusalki~~]] ~~truly released~~ the ~~pathogen~~, as ~~opposed~~ to [[~~Athetos~~]].		When the Rusalki came to Sudra, they were imprisoned underground by the Sudran people, and the Sudrans activated the Breach Attractor.<ref name="kuliltu">[[The Kuliltu (Note)]]</ref> This not only shielded Sudra from the outside universe, but prevented the Rusalki from leaving. Being trapped beneath the planet's surface appeared to have detrimental effects on the Rusalki's health, as there is the notable imprisonment and subsequent mental health issues suffered by [[Oracca]]<ref>[[Oracca (Note)]]</ref>. The Rusalki have stated their bitterness towards the Sudran people<ref>[[The Storm (Note)]]</ref> and don't appear to be necessarily forgiving towards them. It may also be possible that the Sudrans are responsible for the Rusalki being separated from their bodies.

			It's important to note that Trace is lied to throughout most of the game, so it's impossible to take what either Elsenova or Athetos says at face-value. The [[:Category:Notes\|Notes]] throughout the game provide more reliable information, and it's necessary to interpret the subtext. Athetos tells Trace that he can't reveal too much, or else Trace's "captors" would kill him<ref name="encounter">[[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0037, AV1</ref>, while the Rusalki have several holes in their story.

			This theory answers several questions that otherwise seem to be plot holes, such as Athetos and the Rusalki being enemies. They both want the Breach Attractor turned off, and they both are bitter towards the Sudrans- unless Athetos truly isn't, and the Rusalki, frustrated with their capture and deteriorating situation, decided to unleash the Pathogen on the Sudrans, and Athetos is actually trying to stop them.

			The Note [[Athetos (Note)\|"Athetos"]] says that Katrahaska "got to" Athetos before the writer "had a chance". If she had sided with Athetos to kill the Sudrans, then why would the other Rusalki care if she contacted him? Unless, Katrahaska "siding" with Athetos meant she was actually against releasing the Pathogen, and warned Athetos in the hopes he could help stop the Rusalki. Ultimately, she was killed by Ophelia<ref>[[Plan B (Note)]]</ref>, so this means the Rusalki didn't want her stopping the pathogen.

			Additionally, Athetos developed a specifically biological pathogen, one that seemingly has no effect on the Rusalki. The Rusalki are certainly a much greater threat to him than the Sudran people. It would make more sense that if Athetos struck first, he would take out the Rusalki, and then kill the Sudrans, not the other way around. If he was so set on reaching outside worlds, it'd be best to get the so-called "masters of war"<ref name="encounter"></ref> out of the way first.

			Further, Athetos seems unable to cure himself of the pathogen while Ophelia easily treats Trace after the pathogen causes him to hallucinate. If the Rusalki had the power to cure the pathogen, why did they not save any of the Sudran from the disease? There is a single note called [[Security Notice (Note)\|"Security Notice"]] that states "The intruder who commandeered the storm talisman is suspected of releasing a plague." But who has raised such a suspicion? It's possible the Rusalki used Athetos as a convenient scape-goat, to misdirect the Sudrans into believing that he was responsible for the Pathogen.

			In Axiom Verge 2, [[Indra]] meets [[Damu]], who gives her the ability to traverse the Breach. Before this, any physical contact with the Breach portals will cause physical damage. Her physical body isn't able to go into the Breach, and she must go in the form of her Remote Drone. However, after first entering the Breach, coming into contact with any NPCs, such as [[Warren]], [[Malka]], [[Kari]], or [[Ivan]] will cause them to eventually become ill- starting with a cough<ref>[[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0033, AV2</ref> and possible hallucinations<ref>[[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0058, AV2</ref>- and eventually turning into a [[Proto-Xedur]]. This implies the Breach itself holds toxic properties to organic life.

	~~When~~ the ~~Rusalki came to Sudra, they were imprisoned~~ by the ~~Sudran people underground, and the Sudrans activated the Breach Attractor~~.~~<ref>~~[[~~The Kuliltu~~ (Note)]]~~</ref> This not only shielded Sudra from~~ the ~~outside universe~~, ~~but prevented~~ the ~~Rusalki~~ from ~~leaving~~. ~~Being trapped beneath the planet's surface appeared~~ to have ~~detrimental effects on~~ the ~~Rusalki's health, as there is~~ the ~~notable~~ imprisonment ~~and subsequent mental health issues suffered by [[Oracca]]~~<ref>~~[[Oracca (Note)]]~~</ref>. ~~The Rusalki have stated their bitterness towards the Sudran people<ref>~~[[~~The Storm (Note)~~]]~~</ref>~~ and ~~don~~'~~t appear~~ to ~~be necessarily forgiving towards them~~. ~~It may also be possible that~~ the ~~Sudrans are responsible for~~ the ~~Rusalki being separated from their bodies~~.		The note Security Notice states that the plague was released by someone who bore the "storm talisman". As seen in several pieces of lore (see: [[Storm Bomb (Note)\|Storm Bomb]], [[Cutscenes\|Cutscene]] 0011 AV1), the Breach is referred to as a storm. The lack of scientific understanding makes sense, given how the people of both Sudra and [[Kiengir]] bear extremely close similarities to the people from real-world ancient Sumer. A High Priestess of Sudra was said to have rung in the Storm after the imprisonment of the Rusalki<ref name="kuliltu"></ref>, which lines up with how Indra was the first one in the in-game timeline to obtain the Breach Attractor. It is likely that after Indra becomes Ophelia (see [[Indra#Speculation\|her]] and [[Ophelia#Speculation\|Ophelia's]] speculation pages for more information), the Breach Attractor was stolen from her during the Sudran imprisonment of the Rusalki, which was in turn used by the clergy to surround Sudra with Breach. This is, inevitably, what caused the spread of the pathogen.

	It's ~~important to note~~ that ~~Trace is lied to throughout most of~~ the game~~, so it~~'s ~~impossible to take what either Elsenova or Athetos says~~ at face-value~~. The [[:Category:Notes\|Notes]] throughout the game provide more reliable information~~, and ~~it's necessary~~ to ~~interpret~~ the subtext.		==Alternate Story Interpretations==
			This section will contain any alternate and/or more vague interpretations to Axiom Verge's plot. Alternate interpretations are those that do not take the game's events "at face value", and instead, seek to read the subtext to define what really happened.

	~~This theory answers several questions that otherwise seem to be plot holes...~~
	*Why would Athetos and the Rusalki become enemies in the first place? They both want the Breach Attractor turned off, and they both have a bone to pick with the Sudrans. Unless they don't. Maybe the Rusalki, frustrated with their deteriorating situation, decided to unleash the Pathogen on the Sudrans, and Athetos is actually trying to stop them.
	*Why does the Note [[Athetos (Note)\|"Athetos"]] say that Katrahaska "got to" Athetos "before I had a chance"? If she had sided with Athetos to kill the Sudrans, then why would the other Rusalki care if she contacted him? Unless, Katrahaska "siding" with Athetos meant she was actually <u>against</u> releasing the Pathogen, and warned Athetos in the hopes he could help stop the Rusalki.
	*Why does Athetos say he 'can't tell Trace everything, or his <u>captors</u> would kill him (Trace)'? Athetos may know that if he reveals the truth right away, the Rusalki will have to kill Trace, else he would side with Athetos. Instead, he goes along with the lie, but gives Trace a reason to believe Athetos is benevolent, and hopes Trace will be able to stop the Rusalki where he has failed.
	*Why would Athetos develop a <u>biological</u> pathogen, that seemingly has no effect on the Rusalki. The Rusalki are certainly a much greater threat to him than the Sudran people. It would make more sense that if Athetos struck first, he would take out the Rusalki, and then kill the Sudrans...not the other way around.
	*Further, Athetos seems unable to cure himself of the pathogen while Ophelia easily treats Trace after the pathogen causes him to hallucinate. If the Rusalki had the power to cure the pathogen, why did they not save any of the Sudran from the disease?
	There is a single note called [[Security Notice (Note)\|"Security Notice"]] that states "The intruder who commandeered the storm talisman is suspected of releasing a plague." But who has raised such a suspicion? It's possible the Rusalki used Athetos as a convenient scape-goat, to misdirect the Sudrans into believing that he was responsible for the Pathogen.
	~~</div>~~
	===The Multiverse Theory===		===The Multiverse Theory===
	<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable">		<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable">
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	This also plays directly into Veruska's ability to create mind worlds. She is a massive computer, after all, and her purpose may be to extract information from enemies by simulating a world for them and convincing them, within that world, to reveal secrets (similar to Inception).		This also plays directly into Veruska's ability to create mind worlds. She is a massive computer, after all, and her purpose may be to extract information from enemies by simulating a world for them and convincing them, within that world, to reveal secrets (similar to Inception).
	</div>		</div>
	===The Psychosis Theory ===		===The Psychosis Theory===
	<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable">		<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable">
	"This may be hard to accept, but... your injuries were severe."		"This may be hard to accept, but... your injuries were severe."