Unveiling the Doom-Verse
As the story unfolds, you might have found yourself questioning the true nature of the Doom-Verse. In this chapter, I will attempt to address some of those questions and delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding this dark and enigmatic world.
At first glance, the Doom-Verse might appear to be a highly advanced VR game—a construct of unparalleled realism. And initially, this was true. The Doom-Verse was conceived as a virtual space where participants could test their limits, explore, and compete. However, as the story evolved, the line between simulation and reality blurred. The Doom-Verse is not just a game; it is a real, tangible world, built on the raw, dark force of doom itself. This transformation added a sense of dread and permanence, where every decision, every failure, holds real consequences.
Moros, the Doom Master and creator of the Doom-Verse, allowed himself to believe it was still just a VR game. This wasn't due to ignorance or confusion—it was a deliberate act of self-deception. Moros buried himself in the illusion of a virtual world as a way to shield his mind from the harsh truths of his reality. The Doom-Verse became his escape, a refuge from the physical and emotional scars he carried. By convincing himself it was all simulated, Moros could suppress the pain of his past and avoid confronting the darker aspects of his creation.
This coping mechanism raises an unsettling question: If even the creator cannot face the truth of his world, what does that mean for those trapped within it? The full extent of Moros's traumas and the events that led him to create the Doom-Verse will be revealed in due time, but for now, his belief in the illusion is both his strength and his greatest vulnerability.
What Is Doom?
Another question you might have wondered about: What is doom itself? At its core, doom is a manifestation of raw, unbridled power—a form of black matter that feeds on emotions. It thrives especially on negative emotions like sorrow, anger, and despair, growing stronger and more expansive with every surge of pain or conflict.
The Doom-Verse is constructed entirely from this black matter. Imagine a vast tablecloth stretched across the cosmos, dotted with countless orbs of light and shadow. Each orb represents a realm within the Doom-Verse, interconnected yet distinct, forming a boundless expanse of worlds. Doom is omnipresent, weaving itself into every corner of reality. It has the ability to control all it touches, making it both a creator and destroyer, a force that shapes and consumes in equal measure.
The Doom Duels and the Trident of Power
To maintain his control over doom, Moros implemented a ruthless system: the Doom Duels. These are survival battles where selected individuals from across the realms must fight to the death. The chosen ones are drawn into these duels periodically, their selection often shrouded in mystery. Participation is not voluntary, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Upon a duelist's death, their soul is sealed within a giant orb that resides at the heart of the Doom-Verse. This orb is no ordinary container—it serves as a reservoir of energy, powering the Doom Trident, a weapon Moros uses to exert control over the entire Doom-Verse. The trident is a symbol of his authority and his most potent tool, capable of morphing into various forms, including a ring, a necklace, or even a sword. Its versatility and immense power make it a terrifying artifact in the hands of the Doom Master.
Occasionally, Moros takes a liking to certain duelists. Those who catch his interest are granted another chance to participate in the duels, not for survival, but for his entertainment. These "favorites" become recurring figures in the grim spectacle, their fates tied to the whims of the Doom Master.
The Powers Within the Doom-Verse
The Doom-Verse is a place of immense power and intricate dynamics, governed by a few key figures:
The Doom Master (Moros): As the creator of the Doom-Verse, Moros wields near-absolute control over doom, commanding 99.9% of its vast expanse. His connection to doom is unparalleled, yet his self-imposed delusion—that it is all just a VR game—creates a paradox. While he controls the Doom-Verse, he is also its prisoner, trapped by his refusal to face reality. His power is immense, but his mind remains fragile, making him both a godlike figure and a deeply flawed individual.
Sandro: Among those who challenge Moros's dominion is Sandro, whose unique power lies in manipulating memories. While Sandro's abilities could be disruptive, they are carefully limited by Moros himself. Sandro cannot alter or access the Doom Master's memories without his consent. This delicate balance introduces tension: Sandro has the potential to expose truths and shift the narrative but must navigate the boundaries imposed by Moros.
Hanz: Lastly, there is Hanz, whose powers rival those of Moros in scope. Granted directly by the Doom Master, Hanz's abilities allow him to control nearly everything within the Doom-Verse. However, because these powers are derived from Moros, Hanz can never surpass him. This dependency ensures that the balance of power remains intact, but it also raises questions about Hanz's autonomy and role within this dark hierarchy.
Themes of Control and Vulnerability
The interplay between these characters reflects larger themes of control, vulnerability, and trust. Moros's near-total dominion over the Doom-Verse is juxtaposed with his inner fragility—his denial of the truth about his creation and his reliance on the illusion of a "game." Sandro's power over memories represents a subtle, almost surgical ability to reshape reality, while Hanz's immense strength is tempered by his reliance on Moros.
Together, these dynamics ensure that no single entity wields unchecked power. Even in a world built on darkness, the characters' relationships introduce tension, alliances, and conflicts that shape the Doom-Verse as much as the black matter itself.
The Doom Wheels: Fate's Spin
The Doom Wheels are a crucial part of the Doom-Verse, dictating the fate of every participant. Spinning them alters almost every aspect of a character's existence, including their race, strength, intelligence, weapons, and abilities. The wheels are fueled by doom, drawing on the dark emotions that permeate the world, and their effects are largely unpredictable.
Races and Transformations
The Doom Wheels can change a character's race entirely, turning them into an orc, elf, or even a demonic entity. These transformations impact not only their appearance but also their abilities and role in the world. However, the change can be either beneficial or disastrous, making each spin a gamble.
Physical Strength and Power Changes
The wheels can also alter a character's physical attributes, boosting or weakening their strength, agility, or endurance. A spin may grant extraordinary power or leave them significantly weaker, making every battle uncertain. The Doom Wheels keep the Doom-Verse in constant flux, adding an element of chance and chaos to the duels.
Looking Ahead
In the coming chapters, these ideas will be explored further. The origins of the Doom-Verse, the true extent of doom's power, and the scars borne by Moros will come to light. As you journey deeper into this world, remember that doom is not merely a force—it is a reflection of the characters' struggles, a growing shadow that thrives on their fears, sorrows, and unresolved pasts. The question is not just how they will navigate it, but whether they can overcome it—or if doom will consume them all.