The player becomes Riley, a member of the Neo-Occulists, the religious cult of Subland who have made their home in a subterranean network called The Observatory. When Riley returns from a pilgrimage she discovers the inhabitants, including her brother, have vanished, and what was once home is now an abandoned ruin. Sinister truths of her religion and its fanatical leader will unravel your sanity in the oppressive depths of this city. You must help Riley uncover the sinister truths of her religion and its leader, The Lens while finding her brother.
Will you reveal what The Lens is hiding?
Can you find out what happened to the people there?
Could this be the key to the machines that rampage Subland?
This is the virtual reality game, Absolution. Part of The Bio-Chronicles world.
The World
Absolution is set in an alternative future of Edinburgh. Upon the spread of uncontrollable bio-mechanical creatures across the world, countries and cities have dealt in different ways. Edinburgh chose to build upon the foundations of their old underground city, creating Subland. Subland runs parallel beneath the surface of the former city and within it is a network of tunnels and caverns.
The smaller caves are inhabited by camps of survivors called ‘clusters’ and the larger more organised areas are ‘segments.’
Absolution takes place in the second largest segment, The Observatory, home to the Neo-
Oculists. They are the religious sect who believe the integration of technology and flesh is humanity’s rejection of their creator, Goddess Veloria.
Therefore, the destruction the machines have caused is an example of Veloria’s punishment. They reject this new prosthetic technology and anyone who has one, calling them ‘Subhumans.’ They believe Veloria will descend to Earth and save the faithful. Before Veloria arrives, they prophecize her twin and Goddess of the underworld, Eladamara, will be sent to test their faith.
Their actions are defined by their leader, The Lens, who is believed to be able to communicate with Veloria through visions. He has divided the people into three tiers of faith; Seers, Zeniths and Eyeless. Seers make up the general population of believers. Zeniths are more dedicated soldiers, managing the safety of The Observatory, a stepping stone to becoming one of the Eyeless. Eyeless are a small group of the most devout followers.
Characters
Riley
Rory
Henry
Kai
The Lens
Eldamara
Inspirations
Above are some more visuals for the feel and atmosphere of Absolution, taking inspiration from games like Amnesia, Dear Esther, Layers of Fear, The Evil Within, Rapture and Alien: Isolation.
N.S.Land 