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Soldiers of Sin

SCO, synthetic combat operator

These supersoldiers constitute the infantry of Sin the Tyrant’s military apparatus. All resemble human males in form. They too represent a “more perfect” human being. If there is one fundamental difference between an SCO and an SAO aside from their stance in the War, it is the Disease; i.e., Insanity. An SCO, it is believed, cannot contract the Disease. Supposedly, this is due to their loyalty to Sin.

There are perceived differences among SCOs and SAOs that range beyond their labels. In particular, an SCO’s “hierarchy” of ability and physicality, which is an unproven construct placed on them by Magnesans. Whether any kind of hierarchy exists among SCOs themselves is entirely speculative. Magnesans divide SCOs into three basic genera based on their height and weight♦. These are:

  • Phalanx Core,
  • Phalanx Second Tail and,
  • Phalanx Long Tail.

Phalanx Core is thought to be the most physically daunting of the three and thus the stiffest SCO combatant. The Rose Corps would compose this unit. In GC 269, not a few Northerners believe Phalanx Core is extinct, making Phalanx Second Tail (ST) and Phalanx Long Tail (LT) surviving and more or less equally common. Phalanx LT are deemed the grunts of Sin’s army. Phalanx ST akin to corporals and lieutenants.

♦Height and weight counts vary by region.

Scientific Name

Anthropos (singular form)

Origin/Ancestry

Träumender wanderer (i.e., humanity)

Lifespan

660 Years (average)

Height

Figures based on Northern divisions—Phalanx Core: 7+ feet. Phalanx Short Tail: between 6 foot 6 and 6 foot 12. Phalanx Long Tail: between 6 foot 1 and 6 foot 5.

Weight

Figures based on Northern divisions—Phalanx Core: between 250 and 300 lbs. Phalanx Second Tail: between 200 and 249 lbs. Phalanx Long Tail: between 175 and 199 lbs.

Physique

Depends on the Phalanx. Phalanx Core is often expressed as giants.

Skintone

SCOs can be any color of skin as the peoples of humanity. Some have been known to tattoo/mark their flesh.

Anatomy

See, SAO.

Biological Traits

In recent years, among some circles, there is the growing belief that the phalanx of an SCO determines its biological makeup. For example:

  • Phalanx Core is (thought to be) immune to all disease, hostile germs and from the effects of aging. They are supposedly more resistant to toxins but are not impervious from them.
  • Phalanx Short Tail is (thought to be) immune to all but the most pernicious diseases. Because their immune systems lack the invincibility of Phalanx Core, ST can succumb to hostile germs and become ill. They are susceptible to aging but their natural progression towards death spans hundreds of years.
  • Phalanx Long Tail is (thought to be) immune to only the common cold. Moreover, their wounds supposedly take longer to heal relative to the other genera and they can become gravely ill. Though LT can live for hundreds of years likewise, often they do not outlive their Phalanx ST brethren, due to their weak immunity and inability to overcome injuries. Of the three Phalanxes, LT is thought most susceptible to mental illness.

Of course, the non-physical differences between an SCO and an SAO are superficial since they are one and the same species. What has fed this baseless belief is the infrequency of combat coupled with ignorance. 

Growth Rate & Stages

SCOs are born mature with no rate of growth from infancy to adulthood to seniority.

Ecology & Habitats

SCOs can thrive in any environment on Magnella however harsh.

Dietary Needs & Habits

See, SAO.

Note: An Anthropos has significantly less body weight in water compared to a human’s, about 35% in total, but thanks to their metabolism are more adept at conserving this liquid for future use. If in dire straits, they can survive on their body’s reserved storage of water for up to 30 days. This is one of the few ways in which an Anthropos can lose weight.

Information+

Uses, Products & Exploitation

SCOs are believed to be made for purposes of warfare only, who serve their Master zealously for they worship him. They are known for being merciless. As a result, “savage” is a common derogative ascribed to them alongside drone and glosser. Some Northerners believe SCOs slaughtered even SAOs when there was more of their number, whereas others believe they spared them. Then there are those Northerners who think SAOs were in fact SCOs in disguise.

Facial characteristics

It is believed that the different genera have “class-defining” features. For example:

  • Phalanx Core is devoid of facial hair.
  • Phalanx ST has scalp hair with eyebrows shaved. May have beards/mustaches.
  • Phalanx LT has scalp hair with eyebrows full. May have beards/mustaches.

Why only hair above the neckline? For no Anthropos can grow hair below their neckline. Northerners have not forgotten this fact.

Geographic Origin & Distribution

Across Magnella. That is, wherever humans have settled.

Intelligence

Phalanx LT is thought dumber than the average man. Phalanx ST equitable to man. Phalanx Core slightly superior to man. In reality, SCOs have greater retention and memory than the average human being. Moreover, and most importantly, their knowledge is not limited or parochial like a Northerner’s.

Perception & Sensory Capabilities

See, SAO.

Genetics & Reproduction

SCOs do not reproduce.

Major Organizations

Sin’s military armada.

Common Customs, Traditions & Rituals

Killing humans and worshipping Sin.

History

Nothing is known. Assumed to be slavers, enforcers of oppression and watchmen during Sin’s reign of terror.

Interspecies Relations & Assumptions

Thought to offer no mercy to any human regardless of age or condition. Held to be the embodiment and offensive reckoning of Sin’s unofficial policy: Kill All Humans. Naturally, they are both despised and feared by humanity.