Project Mortal Decadence
Project Mortal Decadence, commonly referred to as PMD, was the first of many experiments run by T'Cowr as part of their 'One But Seperate' effort. The experiment originally sought to pit the strengths and weaknesses of a non-modified test subject against a control subject. Over time, PMD's goal would change, instead prioritizing testing the limits of biomagical enhancements on organic tissue. As the project progressed, T'Cowr scientists observed significant advancements in the capabilities of the enhanced subject, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding the advancements in the enhanced subject's capabilities, the experiment ultimately saw little to no success. The test subject's body would cease to function properly, leading to a rapid decline in health. The scientist's methods of replacing the subject's failing organs with magical components were ultimately futile, as the subject's body would continue to fall into disrepair.
The Experiment
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PMD's initial thesis was to test the possibility of transmortalism through the use of Draíocht. It asked, "Can life be born or sustained through Draíocht?" The answer would be sought out through two test subjects. One as the control who would be responsible for staying as fit and healthy as possible. Another participant, initially unnamed but later coined 'Rekka,' acted as the experimental subject. Rekka would be held to the same expectations as the control, but with the added benefit of magical augmentations to enhance their abilities. In places where the experiment would fall behind the control, Rekka would be buffed using Draíocht. Initially, these adjustments involved minor enhancements, such as regulating muscle growth and addressing injuries. Nothing unseen before.
Over time, T'Cowr's ambition grew as they contemplated their possibilities. PMD's focus would change to a dangerous ideal as they began using Rekka as a guinea pig for their curiosity. Changes in Rekka's body were no longer opted for out of poor performance but rather out of curiosity.
Effort was soon redirected to finding a loophole in the way we understand Draíocht. For example, a cleric who utilizes their abilities through Draíocht would suffer strain or tire in order to use the magic. T'Cowr sook out to dodge that equivalent exchange and make the magic self-sufficient inside of Rekka without requiring specialization in any Draíocht-based magical field. The goal would be to create s subject whose life is sustained through Draíocht with all the perks of a knowledgeable spell caster. Magic would passively run rampant through their veins, allowing them to use it without exertion or requiring the education beforehand.
The competition would slowly fall out of favor as Jace's efforts as the control was paid less and less attention. More attention was given to testing the main thesis. How far could flesh and magic be merged?
PMD would begin to fail as the augmentation of Rekka's body began to take its toll. Jace, upon seeing the decline in his counterpart's health, opted out of the trials as a way of protest. When it didn't work, Relair would retire from T'Lowr altogether.
The test subject's organic body functions were gradually replaced by magic-based alternatives. The first to go was Rekka's heart. Upon further experimentation, Rekka remained under no threat of death; this side of T'Cowr's study proved successful. However, following the replacement of many parts and functions of his body, Rekka's health would begin to suffer. For an unknown reason, the magic was not capable of effective upkeep as the subject began to decay. His body, still being held together by Draíocht, could barely renew itself. Cells would reproduce slower, if even at all.
Over time, T'Cowr's ambition grew as they contemplated their possibilities. PMD's focus would change to a dangerous ideal as they began using Rekka as a guinea pig for their curiosity. Changes in Rekka's body were no longer opted for out of poor performance but rather out of curiosity.
Effort was soon redirected to finding a loophole in the way we understand Draíocht. For example, a cleric who utilizes their abilities through Draíocht would suffer strain or tire in order to use the magic. T'Cowr sook out to dodge that equivalent exchange and make the magic self-sufficient inside of Rekka without requiring specialization in any Draíocht-based magical field. The goal would be to create s subject whose life is sustained through Draíocht with all the perks of a knowledgeable spell caster. Magic would passively run rampant through their veins, allowing them to use it without exertion or requiring the education beforehand.
The competition would slowly fall out of favor as Jace's efforts as the control was paid less and less attention. More attention was given to testing the main thesis. How far could flesh and magic be merged?
PMD would begin to fail as the augmentation of Rekka's body began to take its toll. Jace, upon seeing the decline in his counterpart's health, opted out of the trials as a way of protest. When it didn't work, Relair would retire from T'Lowr altogether.
The test subject's organic body functions were gradually replaced by magic-based alternatives. The first to go was Rekka's heart. Upon further experimentation, Rekka remained under no threat of death; this side of T'Cowr's study proved successful. However, following the replacement of many parts and functions of his body, Rekka's health would begin to suffer. For an unknown reason, the magic was not capable of effective upkeep as the subject began to decay. His body, still being held together by Draíocht, could barely renew itself. Cells would reproduce slower, if even at all.
"His body was falling apart... We all watched in horror as rot got the better of his tired, decaying flesh. The tendons and muscles stretched like rubber while gravity tore his left forearm to the ground... Rekka reached for his fallen limb and pressed it back onto his elbow. Allowing for glowing, ethereal stitching to sew it back into place... He became nothing but a corpse held together by bastardized magic."
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