A planet unlike any other emerged eons after the big bang — named Terra. Draped in endless layers of green foliage, and covered in enormous bodies of water, a paradise where beauty reigned supreme. Vast, undulating forests sprawled across it's surface, their towering canopies kissed by dappled sunlight. Rivers, radiant as liquid crystal, travel through various regions as interconnected networks of endless water, their flow nurturing the lands that became both wondrous and perilous. Filled with the unknown.
**
Life took on forms that were truly unique. Omnivorous plants, endowed with sentience and cunning, evolved to become the guardians of the lush planet. Capable of tenderness and treachery in equal measure. Yet they were not alone in their sentience.
That was because other intelligent beings dwelled amidst the planet.
Human beings evolved alongside the carnivorous dangers that Terra housed. They were adaptable, and overcame various obstacles. Initially, they were vulnerable prey for the sentient monstrous plants they called "Flora", for many years, humans were merely a source of sustenance for the plants. If a human was spotted by a Flora, or otherwise sensed via the vast networks of vines and earth beneath their feet..they were eaten on the spot.
But humans eventually avoided those outcomes by constructing a city that was called Sylvorica.
Tall, stone walls were built around the outermost areas of the city, covered in a strange substance that naturally warded off Flora and unknown plants from the outside world.
The substance also prevented moss and other kinds of plant based life from developing on it's exterior. This substance was created by humans that possessed unique powers, they were known as Verdants.
**
The origins of Verdants can be traced back to a subtle but profound genetic change — this change, rooted in altered DNA, played a pivotal role in the emergence of Verdants across Terra in every city, endowing them with powers that defied logic.
The first verdant was a woman named Elara, an inquisitive botanist that whose fascination with Terra's flora knew no bounds.
She spent her days among towering trees and rivers, studying the plant life that thrived around her. Plants that were not sentient man eating monsters.
As Elara was conducting a routine analysis of a particularly ancient tree — she found herself in an encounter with an unknowingly rare and unidentified Flora. It was also sentient to her ignorance. This Flora, rumored to be a catalyst for the emergence of Verdants, emitted a subtle, pulsating green energy.
It resembled an ordinary, immobile plant — but she was drawn to it like a magnet.
As she reached out to touch it's leaves, a microscopic change occurred within her DNA, an event akin to a harmonious, green note falling into perfect alignment. The genetic shift unlocked her dormant potential, activating previously untapped regions of her genome.
It was as if the ancient wisdom of the forest had chosen her as it's conduit.
Over time, unknown abilities manifested. She could willfully materialize weapons from the plants around her, bending branches and vines to her command. Her senses became acute, she transcended the limitations of mortality, her lifespan had extended far beyond that of ordinary humans.
Elara's transformation marked the dawn of a new era for humans. The genetic change opened a door to powers that were previously inconveivable.
As decades flew by, all descendants of Elara were born with a distinct supernatural ability. It was the VA era.
**
Gradually, technology progressed in Sylvorica.
Alloy turrets adorned Sylvorica's walls, crafted from a specialized alloy known as Verdanium, created by Verdants that were capable of creating various materials and metallic structures. It was an alloy that could not be broken, even after undergoing various stress tests from the military of Sylvorica. The alloy refused to shatter or melt. Not even flames affected it. Not a single scratch or scorch was left on it's surface.
The capabilities of a verdant's creation were indeed splendid. The military were fortunate to have these superhumans on their side.
Sculpted vines and leaves intertwine with geometric patterns on each turret.
The city walls were now comprised of pure verdanium, interwoven with bioluminescent moss, not only providing structural stability but also illuminating the perimeter of the city with an ethereal glow.
The lighting systems integrated into the city walls are powered by Sylvorica's own unique energy source known as Flora Crystals. The bioluminescent gems — found deep within a neighboring forest, emit a constant steady and eco-friendly light, that bathes the city in a gentle, greenish hue.
**
The majority of resources in Sylvorica are sourced from lush forests and waterways, including fruits, vegetables, and harmless materials derived from the Flora.
Verdants in particular, are key contributors to the economy on Terra in every city, Sylvorica included. Their unique abilities have led to the development of various trades.
Their unique skills have become highly sought after within Sylvorica and occasionally in trade with neighboring regions.
Long after the transformation of the first Verdant — the need for formal education of Verdant children became apparent. To cater to this, Sylvorica established a network of Verdant Academies. The schools serve Verdant children from toddlers, to teenagers, to young adults — guiding them in harnessing their extraordinary abilities while imparting essential life skills.
The Academies offer a comprehensive curriculum that combines traditional subjects like mathematics, science, and history with specialized Verdant training. Young Verdants learn how to cultivate and control their powers.
Their skills are usually balanced with practical knowledge, including building, agriculture, and sustainable resource management, ensuring that Verdants are not only powerful but responsible citizens of Sylvorica.
The grade levels in the Blossom Institute (BSI) progress from Budlings (toddlers) to Saplings (early childhood), Bloomers (elementary), Flourishers (middle school), and finally, Blossom Scholars (teenagers and adults).
Each level focuses on building a strong foundation in both academic and Verdant abilities.
**
In Sylvorica, the government and diplomatic hierarchy is structured to maintain harmony between the various sentient species, including Verdants and to safeguard the delicate balance of their world.
At the pinnacle of Sylvorica's governance stands the Sylvorica Council, composed of representatives from each sentient species inhabiting Terra, excluding Flora.
It is led by the Councilor of Unity, an elderly verdant chosen for his wisdom and leadership qualities.
There is also the Verdant Assembly, a specialized branch of the government —dedicated to the welfare and governance of Verdants. Led by a Verdant Chancellor, the assembly oversees Verdant specific laws, policies and educational institutions, including the Blossom Institutes.
To enforce the laws and protect Sylvorica's unique ecosystem, a group of skilled individuals known as the Guardians of Greenery were appointed. Comprising both Verdants and other species of Terra, they ensure that the habitats of Flora are respected, and that they are not hunted down until their extinction.
There is also the Verdant Code, a set of laws that apply to Verdants. It includes regulations governing the responsible usage of Verdant abilities, the protection of rare plant species, and the prohibition of any acts that might harm Sylvorica's ecology.
Breaking the Verdant Code can lead to rehabilitation, loss of Verdant powers, or in extreme cases — expulsion from Sylvorica. And for legal matters, Sylvorica has specialized courts known as Arboreal Courts. The courts comprise judges with expertise in environmental law and are responsible for ensuring that justice is served, especially in cases involving the Verdant Code.
Introduced to every Verdant, were a set of rules of the Verdant Code.
"The first code — Verdants shall always act as responsible citizens of Sylvorica's natural resources."
"The second code — they shall use their unique powers for the betterment of Sylvorica and it's inhabitants, never for personal gain or harm."
"The third code — it is the duty of Verdants to safeguard and propagate rare and endangered plant species, ensuring their survival for future generations."
"The fourth code — when gathering resources outside the walls, Verdants must do so in a sustainable manner, taking only what is necessary and allowing nature to regenerate."
"The fifth code — Verdants shall not use their powers to harm or kill other beings, be they plant or otherwise, except in cases of self-defense or the defense of Sylvorica."
"The sixth code — Verdants must keep the full extent of their abilities powers a secret from humanity, to prevent exploitation or fear."
"The seventh code — All Verdants are required to receive formal training in the responsible use of their abilities at the Blossom Institutes to prevent misuse."
"The eigth code — Verdants shall strive for personal growth in both their Verdant abilities and their knowledge of essential life skills."
"The ninth code — Verdants are encouraged to work collaboratively with other sentient species, sharing their knowledge and skills to foster unity and understanding."
"The tength code — before initiating any large-scale projects or using their powers extensively, Verdants must conduct environmental impact assessments to ensure minimal harm to the eco system surrounding Sylvorica."
Those that are usually found violating a code, are subject to the judgement of the Arboreal Courts, with consequences ranging from rehabilitation to, in severe cases — exile.
**
The wilderness stretched out before a dark haired woman, greenery that seemed to go on forever. She sat on a fallen log, her cerulean eyes scanning the long list of Verdant codes that had been given to her by the Sylvorican Council. She couldn't help but grumble to herself as she stuffed the paper into her backpack.
"These rules..." she muttered, "so many of them, so strict. Can't even sneeze without breaking some Verdant code."
She leaned back and gazed up at the towering trees, their canopies forming a lush, emerald cathedral above. Beyond the horizon, the city walls of Sylvorica rose high, their reinforced structures brimming with technology and regulations. But out here, in the untamed wilderness, it was a different world entirely.
As she continued her trek deeper into the wilderness, the sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. It was easy to forget the strictures of civilization out here, to feel the freedom of the wild.
That's when she stumbled upon something truly extraordinary.
Nestled amidst a cluster of ferns, there was a strange, glowing green plant unlike anything she had ever seen. It's leaves resembled delicate human hands, bathed in an emerald light.
She crouched down to get a closer look, astonished by the plant's otherworldly beauty. It seemed to pulse with a faint energy, as if it held a secret waiting to be discovered. Without thinking, she carefully plucked the plant out of the soil and placed it into her backpack.
She had just unearthed a rare treasure, one in a billion, a baby of a non-hostile species of flora that had achieved a low degree of sentience.