Step 1: The "Virus" (Hate)
To make sure this works as a core piece of the universe, we need to define the nature of the "virus." Since it's not a typical virus but more like an entity of hate fueled by True Determination, we need to explore its characteristics:
Sentience: Hate is conscious and has its own goals. It's not just a mindless infection, but an intelligent force that feeds off human emotions and the will to dominate. This will give it layers—it might manipulate or control people, even those who aren't infected yet, to spread itself further.
The Magic and Determination Connection: What exactly is the connection between this Hate and the mystical force of True Determination? Does it grant the Hate greater power? Does it make it more determined to spread itself and influence its environment? What does the magic aspect actually do to the host or to the world around it?
Psychological Component: The Hate could be feeding off negative emotions and despair, warping both the infected and survivors. How does it manipulate the infected into attacking? Does it have an element of "control" over the infected (maybe even indirect control) that makes it more dangerous than regular zombies?
Transmission Method: Does it spread via physical contact, or does it slowly corrupt minds and souls over time? Is it possible for people to fight the parasite off mentally, or are they doomed the moment they encounter it?
Step 2: The Infected
You've laid out some strong types for the infected, but let's give them a little more depth for gameplay and lore.
Common Infected:
Physical Form: These are the classic "zombie" but with a twist. They're not just mindless zombies—they're mutilated corpses, as you mentioned, and the Hate parasite has twisted their flesh. Their bodies are crawling with unnatural growths of the black substance that is Hate. This can be visually represented as veins, tendrils, or even half of their body being liquefied or morphing into other grotesque forms.
Speed and Behavior:
Some are slow, the traditional lumbering zombie, but these are much harder to deal with. Their slow, agonizing movements give a sense of dread.
Others are fast, more dangerous, and less predictable, capable of sprinting or even climbing.
Balancing the Speed and Difficulty: To make it feel balanced, the fast ones could be much more fragile but deadly in numbers, while the slow ones could be tanky but require a bit of finesse to deal with—maybe they are better at ambushing or crowding survivors into tight spaces.
Colossus:
Gore and Scale: These giants could be partially, if not entirely, unrecognizable as former humans. Imagine a twisted version of the Hulk, but instead of raw power, they're grotesque symbols of rage. Their body could be covered in broken, fragmented pieces of their original human form—missing limbs, crumpled faces, etc.
Behavior and Purpose:
Their sole purpose is to stop survivors from escaping. The key here is that their behavior is almost singularly focused on blocking vehicles, gates, or paths of escape.
These monsters would act like "wall" or "boss" encounters, where survival depends on using the environment to either avoid or take them down.
Weaknesses and Strengths:
Weaknesses: Slow, but relentless. Perhaps targeting key parts of their bodies (e.g., areas where the parasite has weakened or is less developed).
Strengths: Immense durability. Maybe they have a "rage" mode when provoked, where they become even more dangerous and enraged, smashing through obstacles.
UltSans (Patient Zero):
Origins and Influence: This is the most powerful piece of the lore. UltSans is not just an infected individual but is a hybrid entity, combining the original host's magic, determination, and the Hate parasite. His soul was fused with the parasitic entity during the initial infection, making him a living nexus of both hatred and power.
The magic component here could be something that distorts the laws of reality around him, either by corrupting the environment or altering physics to fit his goals.
Personality and Motivation: UltSans is both the origin of the outbreak and the orchestrator behind every action. He could manipulate the environment with his magic, control lesser infected via telepathy, and may even try to convince survivors to "join" him.
As a final boss, UltSans could have a combination of both strategic mind and raw magical power. He could warp reality, summon hordes of infected from thin air, and even directly influence survivors' emotions to sow doubt and despair.
Step 3: The Survivors
Now, for the survivors, we need to define how they react to this intense and magical threat. What makes them stand out against an entity like Hate? The survivors could be the key to both hope and resistance, perhaps even having an innate connection to the True Determination that counters the virus, or they might just be human beings struggling to survive. We'll need to think about how they push back against this onslaught:
Emotional Resilience: They may have some ability to resist the manipulation of hate, or maybe they fight back using their own inner determination (willpower). Could survivors be able to temporarily resist the infection through their own personal resolve, or is it all about them finding a physical cure or weapon?
Step 1: The Nature of Hate
You've established that Hate is not a metaphorical concept but a literal, living force with its own sentient drive and purpose. This opens up a lot of interesting narrative and gameplay potential. We'll break down and refine the core aspects of Hate and its mechanics.
The Essence of Hate:
Hate in this universe is a tangible, parasitic entity that feeds on emotions, but more specifically, it exists because of human emotions. It doesn't just feed on general suffering, but on consciousness—on the act of knowing, understanding, and, most importantly, resenting. It is the embodiment of all negative, destructive emotions: rage, bitterness, vengefulness, etc.
Existence and Origin: Hate wasn't born as a simple emotion. It is a primordial, magical force that arose from the collective suffering of sentient beings. It manifests as a sentient being with a singular drive: to spread, control, and consume.
Parasite, Not a Virus: Unlike typical viruses, Hate operates strategically. It isn't a mere infection that spreads randomly; it is a hunting intelligence that seeks out those who harbor resentment, rage, or any form of negative energy. It doesn't infect mindlessly. It targets specifically those whose souls are burdened with guilt, anger, or regret—those who are most susceptible to its corruption.
Tactical Strategy: Hate doesn't simply overrun; it uses psychological tactics. It finds those who are struggling with inner darkness (whether personal guilt, societal corruption, or unprocessed trauma), isolates them, and gradually manipulates them into spreading the infection through fear, desperation, or even manipulation of their own emotions.
How Hate Infects:
Unlike a virus that can infect anyone indiscriminately, Hate has a selective, strategic method of infiltration:
Mental Vulnerability:
The infection starts with mental corruption. The Hate parasite can sense negative emotions, especially anger, hatred, guilt, or despair. It targets individuals whose consciousness is clouded by these feelings.
This could mean someone who harbors a deep grudge, a person who regrets their actions (whether they're aware of it or not), or even someone with a bitter outlook on life.
Torturing the Soul:
The infection does not just take over the body; it tortures the soul. The soul is trapped in an endless cycle of self-inflicted punishment for past wrongs. It forces the host to relive their darkest moments, the cruelties they've committed or endured. It turns them into their own worst enemies, tearing apart their sense of identity.
This could manifest as haunting visions, dreams, or compulsive thoughts that drive the infected to further violence or rage. The Hate parasite uses the host's own self-loathing against them, twisting it into a drive for violence and vengeance.
Physical Control:
Once the soul is tortured, the parasite fully takes over the body, covering the host with its black substance. The body becomes a vessel of vengeance—a corpse reanimated not for survival but to punish, to inflict pain, and spread destruction. The body might not even look human anymore. It's twisted, grotesque, and constantly changing—becoming a manifestation of the psychological torment of its soul.
The parasite also imparts unnatural physical strength or speed, depending on the type of host. This is not just a physical transformation but an outward display of the soul's torment and the parasite's control.
Why Humans?
Humans, being the most self-aware creatures, are the primary targets of Hate. The essence of consciousness is a key factor in this—it's not just that humans can feel hatred, but that they can reflect on it, expand on it, and hold grudges. This makes them ideal vessels for the parasitic infection.
Soul Corruption: The parasite specifically seeks out souls that have been tainted by negative emotions—those who may have experienced great trauma, guilt, rage, or bitterness. This makes the virus more psychologically complex, and victims would have to be broken down mentally before their bodies are even fully controlled.
The "Tactical" Spread: Hate doesn't just infect randomly. It targets the vulnerable—those who already carry the seeds of its existence inside them. It then intensifies these emotions to ensure the infection spreads. The Hate parasite's ability to manipulate human emotions allows it to create division, turning society's own negative impulses into its greatest weapon.
Secondary Targets:
Children:
Hate's influence on children is limited, and only those who demonstrate harmful actions through their enjoyment of mischief or cruelty (e.g., causing harm or suffering) are targeted. The parasite seeks those who can be twisted into something destructive, and children who show signs of malice or a lack of empathy are prime candidates for eventual infection.
There's a dark edge to this—children are often more vulnerable due to their developing sense of identity and empathy. If manipulated by Hate, they could become agents of chaos and cruelty.
Animals:
Animals are generally ignored by the Hate parasite unless they are trained or used by humans for violent purposes (e.g., attack dogs or war animals). The parasite feeds off the negative emotions in humans, so it will focus its efforts on human conflict. However, it will use trained animals as weapons, turning them into unrelenting attack animals when necessary.
The Role of "True Determination":
The question arises: what counteracts this Hate? If this parasitic force is this powerful, what stops it?
True Determination could act as a force that resists Hate. Perhaps individuals with unwavering willpower—those who have mastered their emotions and can find a way to forgive or transcend their anger—have a stronger resistance to the infection. These people might be less likely to become infected or even able to fight back against the Hate parasite more effectively.
The Nature of True Determination: The source of this power could be magical, mental, or even a deep-rooted moral force. It might not be enough to resist outright, but it could buy time or allow survivors to reclaim their humanity, making them immune to some of the psychological torment that Hate causes. It might even be the key to unlocking a potential cure or weapon against Hate.
Refining the "Tactical" Nature of Hate:
Psychological Warfare: Hate isn't just about physical dominance—it's a master of mental and emotional manipulation. It spreads through:
Division: Turning people against each other by amplifying their negative emotions.
Regret and Guilt: Making people doubt themselves, reliving their darkest moments, and questioning their own morality.
Hopelessness: Feeding on the feeling of inevitability, making the infected and their victims believe that they cannot escape or fight the virus.
Manipulation of the Environment: It could alter the environment to reflect the chaos in the human mind. Things could become distorted, with landmarks and places becoming warped versions of themselves—manifestations of human despair or rage.
Step 2: The Infected – Puppets of Hatred
The infected are not simple mindless creatures. They are puppets, controlled by a force far beyond their comprehension. While they remain conscious of the horror they are part of, they have lost the ability to truly act on their own free will. Their minds are bound, but their awareness remains—a haunting aspect of their existence.
Core Nature of the Infected:
Awareness Without Control:
The infected are conscious—aware of the world around them and of their actions. They can see, feel, and understand the suffering they are causing, but they are powerless to stop themselves. The horror is not just in what they are forced to do, but in their inability to escape or resist the will of the Hate parasite.
Reanimation by Magic:
Their bodies are reanimated by a flow of magical energy, which keeps them moving despite their deteriorating state. This energy doesn't return them to true life, but it sustains them—in a state somewhere between life and death. Their minds are trapped, unable to escape the physical and mental torment that comes with their new existence.
Appearance:
The infected are grotesque in appearance, but not overly graphic. Their bodies are contorted and disfigured, often marked by the black, tar-like substance of Hate that covers their skin. Their bones may jut out awkwardly, creating an unnatural, unsettling silhouette, and their eyes glow a sickly red—a sign of the corruption within them.
Types of Infected:
Common Infected:
Appearance: These are the most basic form of infected. They look like the remains of people, their bodies moving in jerky, unnatural ways, but still clearly human in form. They wear remnants of their previous lives—tattered clothing, shattered shoes, and faint traces of their former selves. The black substance of Hate has taken root in their skin, twisting and pulling at their forms.
Behavior: These infected are not mindless. They act like soldiers following orders, responding only when they are commanded to do so. They remain inactive until they are needed, at which point they will rise from their dormant state and follow their directives—usually in groups or on the command of a more powerful entity.
Combat: They rely on brutal melee attacks with their hands, but they are more like a distraction than a threat on their own. In larger numbers, they become a terrifying wave of bodies, relentless and indifferent.
Colossus:
Appearance: Colossus infected are massive, towering figures, constructed from multiple bodies fused together. Their appearance is unsettling, but not overtly horrific. The large body of the Colossus is melded with a dark, pulsing substance that seems to grow and change as they move. The bones of the fused bodies protrude, giving them a strange, skeletal armor.
Behavior: These giants are usually only summoned when the parasite needs something extremely powerful to cause destruction or to control the environment. They move slowly but can crush entire structures or block escape routes. They aren't commonly seen, but when they appear, they serve as a force of nature to enforce the will of Hate.
UltSans (The Demon of Justice):
Appearance: UltSans stands apart from the other infected. His body is more refined, as he carries the weight of being the original host. The black substance still covers him, but it seems to be less intrusive—more like a second skin than a monstrous mutation. He has corrupted, angelic wings that can manifest when he wishes to confront others. His skeletal features are sharper and more pronounced, as though his inner conflict has given his form a sharper, more demonic edge.
Abilities:
Magic: UltSans is not only the leader of the infected but also the most powerful. He can summon bone weapons that he uses in combat, as well as fire that burns with a dark, unnatural energy. His most terrifying power, however, is the ability to summon tentacles from the ground—creeping from below to trap or strike at his enemies.
Psychological Warfare: UltSans's presence affects those around him. When he fights or engages, the environment distorts—becoming darker and more oppressive. Victims may feel as though the world around them is closing in, or they might see disturbing, faint hallucinations like eyes watching them or unnerving smiles.
Behavior with Children: Unlike other infected, UltSans does not immediately attack children. He feels conflicted, as his past as a protector of humanity still lingers. He ignores children unless they are an active threat, and if he does confront them, he does so swiftly and with mercy—seeking to end their suffering quickly, so they don't endure the same fate he has. However, if the child poses a danger, his actions become decisive and cold.
The Tragic Nature of the Infected
The infected are not monsters in the traditional sense. They are victims of a greater force. Their bodies are no longer their own, and their minds are trapped in an endless loop of torment. They don't want to be the things they've become; they are merely tools of the Hate parasite, carrying out its will in a state of helplessness.
Their tragic awareness makes them stand apart from mindless creatures like zombies. They understand the pain they are causing, but they cannot escape it. They are aware of their existence but powerless to change it. They serve as a dark reflection of humanity—what people can become when overwhelmed by anger, bitterness, and vengeance.
Step 3: The Survivors – Humanity's Struggle Against Hatred
The survivors are the last remnants of humanity, each trying to make it through another day in the face of the seemingly endless onslaught of the infected. They represent the will to survive, even in a world where survival seems increasingly futile. However, what makes them interesting isn't their extraordinary abilities, but rather the ordinary strength of the human spirit—the drive to keep fighting despite everything falling apart.
The Main Survivor: Lily (The Soul of Frisk)
Lily is the main protagonist of humanity's last stand, but she isn't a typical hero. Her background and connection to Frisk make her an intriguing and unique character in this twisted world.
Lily's Identity:Lily is a young girl, a fan of Frisk, the character from a different world. She holds onto Frisk's soul as her own, representing the pacifist route that Frisk would take—emphasizing mercy, compassion, and understanding, even in the face of overwhelming odds. However, there is a dark twist to her story, as she has been shaped by both the pacifist route ideals and the genocide route's impact on Frisk, creating a deep internal conflict in her soul.
Role in the Story:Lily is more than just a survivor. Her true significance lies in her connection to Frisk's soul, which is linked to a powerful, symbolic force that is pivotal to the future of humanity. Unknown to her, she is the key target of UltSans, who sees her as the embodiment of humanity's hope and the reason for their downfall. Despite her desire to help others and continue living, her pacifism may ironically make her the most vulnerable to the Hatred parasite.
Psychological Conflict:Lily's pacifist tendencies are at odds with the world she finds herself in. The Hate parasite manipulates her emotions, using her inner conflict against her. As she faces UltSans, the parasite attempts to break her spirit by convincing her that she is the reason for the suffering around her, that the peace she represents is futile, and that true survival lies in destruction. This constant mental warfare takes a toll on her, creating a battle for her soul that will define her journey. The genocidal energy she unwittingly carries makes her question whether peace and mercy can truly prevail, or if it's merely a weakness in a world ruled by rage and violence.
The Other Survivors: A Diverse Group of Humanity's Last Stand
The survivors are a collection of individuals from various walks of life: ordinary civilians, military personnel, medics, and others who have found ways to survive. They're united by the singular goal of staying alive, but their spirits are tested daily. Unlike Lily, none of them have any inherent power or special abilities—they are just people, with determination and willpower.
The Civilians:These are the regular people, trying to live day by day, hiding in whatever shelters they can find. Some are trying to maintain their humanity, while others have given in to the chaos of the world, using whatever means necessary to survive.
They rely on resourcefulness, teamwork, and hope, but many are constantly weighed down by the fear of the infected and the terrifying new world order.
Some may have had families that they lost, while others might not know if their loved ones are still alive. The emotional weight they carry is one of the biggest burdens, as they struggle to maintain their sense of self in a world that has become a warzone.
The Military:Soldiers are veterans of the previous, pre-apocalypse world who have adapted to this new environment. However, unlike in the past, they are no longer fighting for a cause—they are fighting to live, to stay alive just one more day.
Their training gives them an edge in terms of combat, tactics, and organization. But despite their discipline and strength, the military personnel find themselves constantly questioning the meaning of survival. They aren't used to fighting an enemy they can't truly defeat, and each battle wears them down mentally.
Some are fiercely protective of civilians, while others have given up hope, focusing solely on self-preservation. The question that hangs over their heads: Is survival worth it if you lose your humanity in the process?
The Medics:Medics and doctors who survived represent the last vestiges of compassion in a world that seems to have lost all empathy. They are the ones trying to heal both the wounded survivors and, to an extent, the infected—they view the disease as something that can still be cured, even when everyone else has written it off as hopeless.
They also become essential moral guides for the group, as they try to keep the survivors alive physically but also emotionally stable, often acting as the voice of reason when the others are pushed to their limits.
Medics represent the human desire to fix what's broken, but this ideal clashes with the realities of a world where the disease is almost unstoppable. The medics must confront the painful reality that sometimes even their best efforts won't be enough.
Lily's Role: The Target of UltSans
Lily becomes the focal point of this fractured world. Her journey is more than a fight for survival—it's a test of spirit. Unbeknownst to her, her connection to Frisk's soul and her pacifist ideals make her a threat to the Hate parasite, which sees her as a symbol of resistance. The infected, under UltSans's control, will constantly push her to her breaking point.
Psychological Warfare:
When Lily first meets UltSans, the infected don't attack her outright. Instead, they subtly encircle her, ensuring no escape. UltSans, the "Demon of Justice," will focus all his efforts on breaking Lily's will to live, trying to make her see her pacifist nature as a failure, even as she fights against her own inner demons.
UltSans isolates her mentally, making her doubt her pacifist values, trying to convince her that violence is the only way to end the suffering of the world. His words are carefully crafted to make her feel that she is the cause of everything, using her inner doubts against her.
Lily's Challenge: For Lily, this is a struggle not just against external forces, but against her own sense of guilt. She has seen the consequences of her inaction, and UltSans's presence only intensifies her self-blame. This internal battle—between wanting to protect others and wanting to preserve her humanity—will be her greatest challenge.
The Survivor's Choice:
UltSans views Lily as the key to humanity's redemption or destruction. For him, she represents both hope and failure, and he will stop at nothing to break her.
Despite the bravery of the survivors, no one is as special as Lily—her determination is tied to something deeper. The military, the medics, and other survivors are strong, but none of them possess the same kind of potential. UltSans will aim to show her that her determination is nothing compared to his—his true power lies not in strength, but in the ability to break spirits.