THE EXLIAN
SYNDROME
What happens when humanity’s greatest source of power is also its greatest threat?
Exlian are an alien species that generate mana—the most potent energy on the planet. They’re also brutal predators, and their relentless attacks have forced civilization into retreat. Mark Fields might just be the hero his city needs. But only if the authorities—or his own terrifying abilities—don’t kill him first.
STORY STATS
The mana brought by the Exlian allows some humans to awaken mysterious and wield incredible abilities.
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GENRE
Dystopian
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POWER SYSTEM
Mana (6 Levels)
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CRISIS
Alien Occupation
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TERRAIN
Urban, Wilderness
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MC
Mark Fields
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AGE
12+
The City Of
New Emery
New Emery is one of the last strongholds still standing. It used to be far larger, but Exlian attacks left much of it in ruins. Mark has lived his whole life in the shadow of decrepit skyscrapers and the flicker of mana-powered street lights—faded memories of the city’s prosperous past. And beyond New Emery’s fortified walls, past miles of dead zones, lies the wilderness. It’s a landscape of swamps and scrub brush, infested with Exlian, bloodthirsty animals, and carnivorous plants.
CHARACTERS
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Mark
ProtagonistA young man who desperately wants to follow in his brother’s footsteps
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Joe
BrotherMark’s brother, a decorated war hero in the Ranger Division
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Sky
FriendA young woman from the outskirts of New Emery that Mark befriends (and helps to empower)
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Mime
Furry FriendMark’s pet cat
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Noah
AccompliceMark’s accomplice in intrigue and a powerful member of his combat training group
S > A > B > C > D > E
POWER RANKING
SYSTEM
Empowered humans can channel mana directly through their bodies, giving them staggering strength and fighting prowess. There are six rankings, each conferring twice the power of the last. E Rank humans are moderately faster and tougher than usual. At the other end of the continuum, S Rank wielders can control and project the mana all around them.
EXLIAN GROWTH AND PROGRESSION
As they absorb mana, Exlian metamorphose into bigger, more powerful forms. They can also acquire abilities of humans by feeding on their brains.
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Drone
Small and basic, drones can evolve into any type of warrior.
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Warrior
Evolved for combat, different strains of warriors vary widely.
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Terror
The deadliest Exlian, Terrors have absorbed human skills and intelligence.
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Matron
Matrons control the minds of other Exlian to coordinate attacks on humans.