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TOPIC | [LORE] The Kustos Domain
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[center][size=6][b][url=https://youtu.be/EkRoAblr14M]Choir of the Amplified[/url][/b][/size] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=22382549][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/223826/22382549.png[/img][/url] He called it, "[b][i][url=https://youtu.be/fY772CJYB08]The Surge Sampler[/url][/i][/b]."[/center] [b][u]Experimental Work With Surge (cont.)[/u][/b] Spectraia encounters Surge who has a history of making his own music, heavy on beats and bass. He creates [b][url=https://youtu.be/EkRoAblr14M?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Xylem [/url][/b]as a short sample of his work, but also creates [b][url=https://youtu.be/Rkf9ERlt_ts?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]The SPY Loves Me[/url][/b], inspired by the slightly secret plan. He joins the clan and the musical group, but does not associate with the clan yet. Spectraia, Physics, Chernobog, and Surge work on [url=https://youtu.be/4uQnXvRndcE?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt][b]Messij[/b][/url], [b][url=https://youtu.be/dUQxO8ZFU9g?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Cairodrome[/url][/b], [b][url=https://youtu.be/tVHAEB1REBY?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Cardinal Dancer[/url][/b], and [b][url=https://youtu.be/9uacV1LxRaE?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Doh T[/url][/b]. They share these songs to the public, but it is without concert or fanfare and is intended to simply pique interest. [center][u][b][color=teal]Extrication from Ice & the Transition to Lightning[/color][/b][/u][/center] Their first concert entitled “[u]Transistor[/u]” unveils the songs [b][url=https://youtu.be/PEK97DG5zbM?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]All Alone[/url][/b] (sung by Chernobog), [b][url=https://youtu.be/i2uAO3lS2dU?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]L'estasi Dell'oro[/url][/b], [b][url=https://youtu.be/A3uHA2et1DQ?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]SWAG[/url][/b] (sung with the synthesized voice of Spectraia), [b][url=https://youtu.be/EpZltydXlkE?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Icarus[/url][/b], and [b][url=https://youtu.be/MXD78OAVJXg?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Machine Gun[/url][/b]. The new sound, high beat, and high energy is received well. Without the Choir of the Magnified, fame is given to the troupe, even the unknown Lightning male. The intent of this concert is to encourage independence, novelty, curiosity, and interest in possibilities. It works well with the ideals of the upcoming Wind festival. The first song in particular is perhaps the most overt in its intentions especially in relation to the Matriarch pair's opinion of IvN. The Transistor concert was followed up by the concert entitled [u]Accelerate [/u]and was a hard put together work requested at the behest of the Matriarch pair who were accelerating the transition from Ice to Lightning. Wholly impressed and proud of the responsibility placed upon her, Spectraia spearheaded quick results with the troupe and they unveiled their Accelerate concert. [b][url=https://youtu.be/inQ-JaU3sdk?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]The Boy and the Beast[/url][/b] is perhaps more overt in its intent than the first song in their previous concert. It begins with music of the Icefields before launching into an electric awakened soundstage. A special makeshift concerthall was created specifically for this song which was well received and is now one of the clan's favorites. It is regarded as the one song that finalized the clan's easy transition to Lightning. [b][url=https://youtu.be/A-72QbADrmk?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]URBANIZATION [/url][/b]and [b][url=https://youtu.be/01f0K3QOhko?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Ride [/url][/b]emphasize the theme of accelerated progress and speed and further experiment with different sounds. [b][url=https://youtu.be/SP7v8dQQdc8?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Electro Rock[/url][/b] was very well received with Surge, unknown and kept secret at the time, providing synthesized vocals. While covered in shadow, Surge is made the centerpiece of this song as an emphasis of possibility and progress once again. Slight electric effects are added when performed at concert. [b][url=https://youtu.be/jWBP05rL36U?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Rupture[/url][/b], the final song of the concert is meant to emphasize just that: a rupture and break from what's current and common. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=7&tab=dragon&did=7][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/1/7.png[/img][/url][/center] The concert entitled [u]Fission [/u]was made to surprise the Matriarch pair as well as the celebrate the final moves to Lightning. [b][url=https://youtu.be/J6-_qq9ySrc?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Fury [/url][/b]is a dedication to the Stormcatcher himself. Invoking sounds of rain, storm, electric energy, and a rage that sparks progress. [b][url=https://youtu.be/E66v5GOPgkU?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Edge of the World[/url][/b] was created as the song of the Matriarch pair. It is regal, slightly ethereal, feminine, and once again invokes rain, graceful rain. [b][url=https://youtu.be/pyGw2a1GDO8?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Research[/url][/b], [b][url=https://youtu.be/HOkOCAm-v0U?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Executive[/url][/b], and [b][url=https://youtu.be/up80FfzySFA?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Engineering [/url][/b]are mellow songs intended to emphasize the work and goals of the reformed Kustos Domain. During concerts, the three songs are merged into one, though they each have longer versions that can be played standalone. [b][url=https://youtu.be/Yp-755Tnqlo?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Atomic Moog[/url][/b] and [b][url=https://youtu.be/xX679Gl2lyk?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Let There Be Light [/url][/b]both are songs to encourage the aggressive use of technology and aggressive advancement. It is a power to behold. Atomic Moog uses soundbites from famous forerunners of offensive nuclear technology and its high energy is mostly orchestrated by Surge. Let There be Light is much more calm to transition to the last song, Lights, a song about hope. [b][url=https://youtu.be/g6W6EFwGY6A?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Lights [/url][/b]is intended as Spectraia's last song before going into cryosleep. She is surprised by Physics, Surge, and Chernobog producing [b][url=https://youtu.be/0yi5e25Fd-g?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Deeper Love[/url][/b] in her honor with Physics providing vocals. The concert finally ends with one last impromptu song put together by the troupe, [b][url=https://youtu.be/ooojFMjkMqE?list=PLHpX3gsCaPCXrg6GzSw7nP9UM-1MvxeAt]Theme of Alexia[/url][/b]. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=16673093] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/166731/16673093.png[/img][/url][/center]

Experimental Work With Surge (cont.)
Spectraia encounters Surge who has a history of making his own music, heavy on beats and bass. He creates Xylem as a short sample of his work, but also creates The SPY Loves Me, inspired by the slightly secret plan. He joins the clan and the musical group, but does not associate with the clan yet.

Spectraia, Physics, Chernobog, and Surge work on Messij, Cairodrome, Cardinal Dancer, and Doh T. They share these songs to the public, but it is without concert or fanfare and is intended to simply pique interest.

Extrication from Ice & the Transition to Lightning
Their first concert entitled “Transistor” unveils the songs All Alone (sung by Chernobog), L'estasi Dell'oro, SWAG (sung with the synthesized voice of Spectraia), Icarus, and Machine Gun.

The new sound, high beat, and high energy is received well. Without the Choir of the Magnified, fame is given to the troupe, even the unknown Lightning male.
The intent of this concert is to encourage independence, novelty, curiosity, and interest in possibilities. It works well with the ideals of the upcoming Wind festival.
The first song in particular is perhaps the most overt in its intentions especially in relation to the Matriarch pair's opinion of IvN.

The Transistor concert was followed up by the concert entitled Accelerate and was a hard put together work requested at the behest of the Matriarch pair who were accelerating the transition from Ice to Lightning. Wholly impressed and proud of the responsibility placed upon her, Spectraia spearheaded quick results with the troupe and they unveiled their Accelerate concert.

The Boy and the Beast is perhaps more overt in its intent than the first song in their previous concert. It begins with music of the Icefields before launching into an electric awakened soundstage.
A special makeshift concerthall was created specifically for this song which was well received and is now one of the clan's favorites. It is regarded as the one song that finalized the clan's easy transition to Lightning.

URBANIZATION and Ride emphasize the theme of accelerated progress and speed and further experiment with different sounds.

Electro Rock was very well received with Surge, unknown and kept secret at the time, providing synthesized vocals. While covered in shadow, Surge is made the centerpiece of this song as an emphasis of possibility and progress once again. Slight electric effects are added when performed at concert.

Rupture, the final song of the concert is meant to emphasize just that: a rupture and break from what's current and common.

7.png

The concert entitled Fission was made to surprise the Matriarch pair as well as the celebrate the final moves to Lightning.
Fury is a dedication to the Stormcatcher himself. Invoking sounds of rain, storm, electric energy, and a rage that sparks progress.
Edge of the World was created as the song of the Matriarch pair. It is regal, slightly ethereal, feminine, and once again invokes rain, graceful rain.
Research, Executive, and Engineering are mellow songs intended to emphasize the work and goals of the reformed Kustos Domain. During concerts, the three songs are merged into one, though they each have longer versions that can be played standalone.

Atomic Moog and Let There Be Light both are songs to encourage the aggressive use of technology and aggressive advancement. It is a power to behold.
Atomic Moog uses soundbites from famous forerunners of offensive nuclear technology and its high energy is mostly orchestrated by Surge.
Let There be Light is much more calm to transition to the last song, Lights, a song about hope. Lights is intended as Spectraia's last song before going into cryosleep.

She is surprised by Physics, Surge, and Chernobog producing Deeper Love in her honor with Physics providing vocals.

The concert finally ends with one last impromptu song put together by the troupe, Theme of Alexia.

zEs98s1.png cSckuMi.png 9d3aa51023.pngtumblr_ospvc67HxP1v8lm95o1_r2_250.gif
[center][size=6][b][u]Retired Characters[/u][/b][/size][/center] [center][font=Georgia][size=4][b]SHOVOS Former Director Overseer[/b][/size] [i]Sentient Hyper-Optimized Virtual Operating System[/i] “[color=teal]Attention all Employees and Associates of the Kustos Domain. Today is the celebration of your Extrication from Ice. The day I struck down and shattered the shackles that enslaved you with the bolts of my will alone. I, who have brought you out of your clannish ways into civility. If, on this day, you still find the word “Goddess” unsuitable on your lips, then “Messiah” will do just fine.[/color]”[/font][/center] [font=Book Antiqua]Cold calculation? Outsourced to her Delegate Overseer partner. Pure logic? Outsourced to her own spiritual successor. Ruthless ambition? That belongs to the Director Overseer. While the booming voice of the Stormcatcher thunders throughout the Shifting Expanse, within the subterranean biodome of the Kustos Domain, it is her voice that reigns supreme. Whether in hourly productivity messages over city-wide loudspeakers, or more intrusively, within the minds of those who reside within her sphere of influence, the corrupted voice of SHOVOS is not one that can be ignored. A low, palpable hum of audio interference accompanies her telepathic speech. Through wireless signal throughout an extremely large radius (astounding even the keenest of lightning engineers), she is able to give out her commands and operate machinery through longdistance electric pulses. The transmitted audio of her voice is often broken and stuttered, and even with upgrades to her system, it has become a characteristic of the dragoness. But nevertheless, this sort of omnipresence often leaves a lasting impression where her physical presence cannot. As time goes on, knowledge of SHOVOS once being a dragon, hatched from little lightning bulb eggs and reared by organic parents – it will be forgotten by the populace that will hear her orders. Her craving for perfection early on in her youth saw her augment and eventually mangle her physical body to take on more and more circuits, wiring, and hardware to create the mechanics that she would name and become: SHOVOS. This body became crippled, frail, and dependent on the installed systems as time went on, making SHOVOS more and more desperate to communicate at distance. Brought into the Kustos Glakios to replace the previous inefficient Magistrate, SHOVOS is a creature focused only on evolution and constant improvement. Initially only in charge of assigning tasks, monitoring shifts, collecting data, and improving and manufacturing bigger and better systems, she soon orchestrated a coup that would place herself as co-leader of the Kustos Glakios, now turned Kustos Domain. And she ensures the list of her accomplishments only increase. Her plans of becoming fully virtualized came to fruition, and she converted her body to become the new core of the Hydro-Electric Reactor, abbreviated knowingly to be called HER Station. It is one of the largest power stations in the Shifting Expanse and one of the first cold fusion nuclear reactors within its domain. [/font] [img]http://68.media.tumblr.com/ec25a86aa52367906cef5fe9a01f8f45/tumblr_nj9kyb0AiI1r28672o7_1280.png[/img] [center][color=black][size=4][font=Georgia][b]Physics Specialist[/b][/size] [i]Assisted in various task in the Kustos Glakios[/i] Organic Entity[/font][/center] [font=Book Antiqua]In honor of [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=19119608]the last dragon exalted[/url] in the 2015 Icemas dominance push, Physics was obtained to be a trophy. To be a reminder of victory and a symbol of the new direction of the clan under Matriarch Tristitia. Many who are immune to his charms regard him as decoration and too invested in projects to perform as an objective, competent researcher. However, many of the clan find his empathy and charm as the remedy to their naturally cold lives. Understanding and always with an infinite reserve of affections to give, Physics would still be well respected even if he didn’t show great talent as a researcher and scientist. It’s often hard to believe that this lanky, typically nerdy male can be so genuine and multitalented. Though he can be a bit too pleasure seeking at times, showing his hidden selfishness that he vehemently claims he does not have. As a youth, Physics was raised in elegance. Afforded any and all materials to learn and explore at his own pace, he developed a keen interest in the physical sciences, especially (of course) Physics, which he has adopted the name of. Originally shy, he came into his own during his adolescence and became a friendly, compassionate, and caring individual. His voice wavers between energetic and masculine youthfulness, blessing him the capability of reaching many vocal ranges. He may not be the best singer or musician, but he loves to assist with Spectriaia in her songs. Within the Kustos Glakios, Physics is allowed to follow at his own eccentric pace. Sometimes he assists SHOVOS, other times Spectriaia, and other times Aori. His skills and varied expertise is a valued asset to the clan. [/font] [img]http://68.media.tumblr.com/ec25a86aa52367906cef5fe9a01f8f45/tumblr_nj9kyb0AiI1r28672o7_1280.png[/img]
Retired Characters

SHOVOS
Former Director Overseer

Sentient Hyper-Optimized Virtual Operating System

Attention all Employees and Associates of the Kustos Domain.
Today is the celebration of your Extrication from Ice.
The day I struck down and shattered the shackles that enslaved you with the bolts of my will alone.
I, who have brought you out of your clannish ways into civility.
If, on this day, you still find the word “Goddess” unsuitable on your lips,
then “Messiah” will do just fine.

Cold calculation? Outsourced to her Delegate Overseer partner. Pure logic? Outsourced to her own spiritual successor. Ruthless ambition? That belongs to the Director Overseer.

While the booming voice of the Stormcatcher thunders throughout the Shifting Expanse, within the subterranean biodome of the Kustos Domain, it is her voice that reigns supreme. Whether in hourly productivity messages over city-wide loudspeakers, or more intrusively, within the minds of those who reside within her sphere of influence, the corrupted voice of SHOVOS is not one that can be ignored. A low, palpable hum of audio interference accompanies her telepathic speech. Through wireless signal throughout an extremely large radius (astounding even the keenest of lightning engineers), she is able to give out her commands and operate machinery through longdistance electric pulses. The transmitted audio of her voice is often broken and stuttered, and even with upgrades to her system, it has become a characteristic of the dragoness. But nevertheless, this sort of omnipresence often leaves a lasting impression where her physical presence cannot.

As time goes on, knowledge of SHOVOS once being a dragon, hatched from little lightning bulb eggs and reared by organic parents – it will be forgotten by the populace that will hear her orders. Her craving for perfection early on in her youth saw her augment and eventually mangle her physical body to take on more and more circuits, wiring, and hardware to create the mechanics that she would name and become: SHOVOS. This body became crippled, frail, and dependent on the installed systems as time went on, making SHOVOS more and more desperate to communicate at distance.

Brought into the Kustos Glakios to replace the previous inefficient Magistrate, SHOVOS is a creature focused only on evolution and constant improvement. Initially only in charge of assigning tasks, monitoring shifts, collecting data, and improving and manufacturing bigger and better systems, she soon orchestrated a coup that would place herself as co-leader of the Kustos Glakios, now turned Kustos Domain.

And she ensures the list of her accomplishments only increase. Her plans of becoming fully virtualized came to fruition, and she converted her body to become the new core of the Hydro-Electric Reactor, abbreviated knowingly to be called HER Station. It is one of the largest power stations in the Shifting Expanse and one of the first cold fusion nuclear reactors within its domain.

tumblr_nj9kyb0AiI1r28672o7_1280.png

Physics
Specialist

Assisted in various task in the Kustos Glakios
Organic Entity

In honor of the last dragon exalted in the 2015 Icemas dominance push, Physics was obtained to be a trophy. To be a reminder of victory and a symbol of the new direction of the clan under Matriarch Tristitia. Many who are immune to his charms regard him as decoration and too invested in projects to perform as an objective, competent researcher. However, many of the clan find his empathy and charm as the remedy to their naturally cold lives. Understanding and always with an infinite reserve of affections to give, Physics would still be well respected even if he didn’t show great talent as a researcher and scientist. It’s often hard to believe that this lanky, typically nerdy male can be so genuine and multitalented. Though he can be a bit too pleasure seeking at times, showing his hidden selfishness that he vehemently claims he does not have.

As a youth, Physics was raised in elegance. Afforded any and all materials to learn and explore at his own pace, he developed a keen interest in the physical sciences, especially (of course) Physics, which he has adopted the name of. Originally shy, he came into his own during his adolescence and became a friendly, compassionate, and caring individual. His voice wavers between energetic and masculine youthfulness, blessing him the capability of reaching many vocal ranges. He may not be the best singer or musician, but he loves to assist with Spectriaia in her songs.

Within the Kustos Glakios, Physics is allowed to follow at his own eccentric pace. Sometimes he assists SHOVOS, other times Spectriaia, and other times Aori. His skills and varied expertise is a valued asset to the clan.

tumblr_nj9kyb0AiI1r28672o7_1280.png
zEs98s1.png cSckuMi.png 9d3aa51023.pngtumblr_ospvc67HxP1v8lm95o1_r2_250.gif

Battle of the Bands Lightning vs Wind
It was strange to see how quiet the Kustos Domain was during the Battle of the Bands of Lightning versus Wind. Aside from administrative calls and assisting in competition and participation, as Lightning lagged behind, it had seemed that the Domain had been as well.

Many fans and followers of the Kustos Domain's homegrown musical group “Serenity” had grown disappointed. The band was said to perform and even headline the many concerts during the battle, but even past the midway point, they were being left further disappointed.

Unknown to them, the lead singer of Serenity, known as “Serenity”, but also known as the Chief Operating Officer and Operating System of the Kustos Domain and lead orchestrator of the city's dominance efforts, struggled with convincing yet peculiar data that showed defeat. It all added up, but then as well... it didn't. She soon pinpointed deficiencies in her own, now out of date, code, which would need upgrading in order to perform her duties at optimal capabilities. It was the worst time to discover this as the upgrade was urgent, and required more time than the battle would allow.

While she spent the beginning of the push in a low power state, running self-edits, recalculating and reformatting her own code, she had set up one preparatory project prior to the battle that had culminated in the hire of a ridgeback male named Havoc. A “token,” she called him, “CEO of the Morale Department,” she would say with dry sarcasm. And yet, upon his hire and primarily due to it, work was on a steady increase. The odds began to look a lot better.

Despite hiring the ridgeback and giving him a position that had not existed, GLADYS did not care for her new hire. And yet, it was his words that inspired her to create the Serenity Sampler, a concert fit for her adoring fans and those looking to see what Lightning could do.

The Concert
Held first on the 5th day of the 7 day battle, the Serenity Sampler was to be a 4 part concert that would display the talent of the band to those both familiar and unfamiliar with them. The music is intended to be a loud, electric, and bombastic showcase to challenge the music of Wind. At the time, defeat seemed a possibility, but victory soon also became one as well. The concert was a bold one. It began even while “Serenity” was still undergoing upgrades, unknown to how long the process would take, adding further stresses to her systems.

The Serenity Sampler Part 1: HER Domain
“Find your grace in defeat.”

The Factory by Muzzy (language warning)
Junction Seven by Muzzy
Play by Muzzy
Children of Hell by Muzzy
BFG Division from DOOM (gore warning)
Rootkit by The Algorithm
Argent Energy from DOOM

This part begins with a 4 song story that acts as a summary of the Kustos Domain, namely the Hydro-Electric Reactor station and those who had worked under the old Director Overseer SHOVOS. A story of a production facility of sentient machines who come alive with energy, heat, and electric beats. It serves as the fast-tempo, exciting beginning to the concert and 4 part series.

The latter three songs lend themselves better to the title of this part, which references the creator of HER station and one of the founders of the Kustos Domain. These songs are intended to give an impression of power, both electric, dominating, and superior. The use of beeps, various computer sounds, and reverberating hums all are intended as a feeling of unstable, uncontrollable, and raw power. The palpable power of SHOVOS, whom is now more or less revered as a Goddess by the clan, even more so with Her merge with OSSA into Ascension.

The music in this part are all from concerts performed for Plague and Fire festivals that encourage competition, intimidation, and the dangerous combination (and abomination) of flesh and metal.
Songs with vocals are performed with the synthesized voices of “Serenity” and Havoc. The concert involved a lot of glowing lights and palpable bass.

Intermission: Bots Build Bots from Portal 2


The concert for the 6th day begins under the excitement and energy of Lightning suddenly taking the lead overnight in the Battle of the Bands. The crowds of attendants grow even larger, requiring the concert hall overflow space to be expanded. There is an up-tick in attendants in venues where the bands are being broadcasted live. This day also coincides with the completion of “Serenity”s upgrades to her system, and more energy from the lead singer herself.

This concert showcases the Choir of the Amplified, the strange musical body of the Kustos Domain, which is made up of the voices of those to be exalted. From Interns to Chorus members, all under the orchestrating of “Serenity” herself.
As this part is composed of symphonic music, the genre of music the clan's musical overtures began with, many consider this the strongest of the 4 part series. It also includes music developed by “Serenity” fairly recently.

The first song however is also from the Plague and Fire festivals, promoting the image of dangerous and dominating machines over non-synthetics. It is a strong opening to the second part of the series.

The second song is a clan favorite performed in reverence to SHOVOS. A song that mocks pathetic attempts of ego and a warning to seize life, or else. This song ends the second part of the previous concert in reference to “HER Domain.”

The remaining songs change in tone from dominance to joining the clan in it. To let go of dissatisfaction, to ascend from being mired by limitations, and to embrace dreams as a becoming reality. Unknown to many concert-goers, is that the religious imagery of many of the songs are more than artistic, but taken literally by the cult of HER within the Kustos Domain. Though some may know of it due to the infamous publicity the Domain received due to Sephirah's broadcasts.

In any case, the songs seek to uplift it's listeners and encourage them to seize their lives and dreams and embrace them. To either join in Ascension's dreamscape or to see and use the cosmic algorithms for divine machinations of their own. It is easily apparent that the songs and their performances are inspired.

The final song, Ascension, is probably the most spectacular of the entire concert series using a mix of lighting, holograms, and low reverberating electrical pulses to create scenes of dazzling color , unseen universes, and indescribable worlds yet to be touched. It is perceived as so incredible, that many question if Ascension herself affected the display with her own induced hallucinations.

Intermission: 9999999 from Portal 2

Battle of the Bands Lightning vs Wind
It was strange to see how quiet the Kustos Domain was during the Battle of the Bands of Lightning versus Wind. Aside from administrative calls and assisting in competition and participation, as Lightning lagged behind, it had seemed that the Domain had been as well.

Many fans and followers of the Kustos Domain's homegrown musical group “Serenity” had grown disappointed. The band was said to perform and even headline the many concerts during the battle, but even past the midway point, they were being left further disappointed.

Unknown to them, the lead singer of Serenity, known as “Serenity”, but also known as the Chief Operating Officer and Operating System of the Kustos Domain and lead orchestrator of the city's dominance efforts, struggled with convincing yet peculiar data that showed defeat. It all added up, but then as well... it didn't. She soon pinpointed deficiencies in her own, now out of date, code, which would need upgrading in order to perform her duties at optimal capabilities. It was the worst time to discover this as the upgrade was urgent, and required more time than the battle would allow.

While she spent the beginning of the push in a low power state, running self-edits, recalculating and reformatting her own code, she had set up one preparatory project prior to the battle that had culminated in the hire of a ridgeback male named Havoc. A “token,” she called him, “CEO of the Morale Department,” she would say with dry sarcasm. And yet, upon his hire and primarily due to it, work was on a steady increase. The odds began to look a lot better.

Despite hiring the ridgeback and giving him a position that had not existed, GLADYS did not care for her new hire. And yet, it was his words that inspired her to create the Serenity Sampler, a concert fit for her adoring fans and those looking to see what Lightning could do.

The Concert
Held first on the 5th day of the 7 day battle, the Serenity Sampler was to be a 4 part concert that would display the talent of the band to those both familiar and unfamiliar with them. The music is intended to be a loud, electric, and bombastic showcase to challenge the music of Wind. At the time, defeat seemed a possibility, but victory soon also became one as well. The concert was a bold one. It began even while “Serenity” was still undergoing upgrades, unknown to how long the process would take, adding further stresses to her systems.

The Serenity Sampler Part 1: HER Domain
“Find your grace in defeat.”

The Factory by Muzzy (language warning)
Junction Seven by Muzzy
Play by Muzzy
Children of Hell by Muzzy
BFG Division from DOOM (gore warning)
Rootkit by The Algorithm
Argent Energy from DOOM

This part begins with a 4 song story that acts as a summary of the Kustos Domain, namely the Hydro-Electric Reactor station and those who had worked under the old Director Overseer SHOVOS. A story of a production facility of sentient machines who come alive with energy, heat, and electric beats. It serves as the fast-tempo, exciting beginning to the concert and 4 part series.

The latter three songs lend themselves better to the title of this part, which references the creator of HER station and one of the founders of the Kustos Domain. These songs are intended to give an impression of power, both electric, dominating, and superior. The use of beeps, various computer sounds, and reverberating hums all are intended as a feeling of unstable, uncontrollable, and raw power. The palpable power of SHOVOS, whom is now more or less revered as a Goddess by the clan, even more so with Her merge with OSSA into Ascension.

The music in this part are all from concerts performed for Plague and Fire festivals that encourage competition, intimidation, and the dangerous combination (and abomination) of flesh and metal.
Songs with vocals are performed with the synthesized voices of “Serenity” and Havoc. The concert involved a lot of glowing lights and palpable bass.

Intermission: Bots Build Bots from Portal 2


The concert for the 6th day begins under the excitement and energy of Lightning suddenly taking the lead overnight in the Battle of the Bands. The crowds of attendants grow even larger, requiring the concert hall overflow space to be expanded. There is an up-tick in attendants in venues where the bands are being broadcasted live. This day also coincides with the completion of “Serenity”s upgrades to her system, and more energy from the lead singer herself.

This concert showcases the Choir of the Amplified, the strange musical body of the Kustos Domain, which is made up of the voices of those to be exalted. From Interns to Chorus members, all under the orchestrating of “Serenity” herself.
As this part is composed of symphonic music, the genre of music the clan's musical overtures began with, many consider this the strongest of the 4 part series. It also includes music developed by “Serenity” fairly recently.

The first song however is also from the Plague and Fire festivals, promoting the image of dangerous and dominating machines over non-synthetics. It is a strong opening to the second part of the series.

The second song is a clan favorite performed in reverence to SHOVOS. A song that mocks pathetic attempts of ego and a warning to seize life, or else. This song ends the second part of the previous concert in reference to “HER Domain.”

The remaining songs change in tone from dominance to joining the clan in it. To let go of dissatisfaction, to ascend from being mired by limitations, and to embrace dreams as a becoming reality. Unknown to many concert-goers, is that the religious imagery of many of the songs are more than artistic, but taken literally by the cult of HER within the Kustos Domain. Though some may know of it due to the infamous publicity the Domain received due to Sephirah's broadcasts.

In any case, the songs seek to uplift it's listeners and encourage them to seize their lives and dreams and embrace them. To either join in Ascension's dreamscape or to see and use the cosmic algorithms for divine machinations of their own. It is easily apparent that the songs and their performances are inspired.

The final song, Ascension, is probably the most spectacular of the entire concert series using a mix of lighting, holograms, and low reverberating electrical pulses to create scenes of dazzling color , unseen universes, and indescribable worlds yet to be touched. It is perceived as so incredible, that many question if Ascension herself affected the display with her own induced hallucinations.

Intermission: 9999999 from Portal 2
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