Lore Collection (WIP)

1st Anniversary Artbook
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The Planet We Fight For
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71% of the surface of this blue planet is covered in water. Humanity lives on the land that makes up the remaining 29%, and through using ships to cross the oceans and vast sea routes those ships go back and forth on, have expanded their range of activity. Humanity lived on this blue planet, grew, birthed new generations, and over the course of many months and years developed their own culture. But with the invasion of the Sirens, control of 90% of the world's sea was lost. Ships were sunk, sea routes cut off, and the human sphere of life that had once spread across the world shrunk back to the continents... and eventually to islands. Humanity had become caged off.

After the Siren Invasion
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With the economy hurt from the destruction of international trade, sociopolitical unrest due to the frequent military defeats, and national power declining from the drawn-out war, humanity's standard of living saw a steep decline. But with the formation of Azur Lane increasing military strength, and the group opposition against the Sirens fostering scientific development, humanity was able to rapidly improve. Humanity's standard of living swiftly recovered, and an affluent lifestyle that could never have been imagined decades prior was achieved.
But following the breakup of Azur Lane, the temporary control of the sea regained after the Siren invasion was lost. Still, thanks to the efforts of the KANSEN, currently intercontinental communications are secure, and the aforementioned standard of living preserved.

Ship description
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The ship's formal name is Artificial Dynamic Learning Tactical Marine Mechanism - Autonomous Action Type Folklore Connection Terminal (Kinetics Artifactual Navy-Self-regulative En-lore Node) From that term KAN-SEN is derived.
A　weapon constructed with a mental cube (refer to the previous term)(seems like there should be an entry for the cubes themselves to)　and resources.　Constructed from mankind's universally held idea of 「a boat as a KAN-SEN」, a human's mental image of the form influences the KAN-SEN and their equipment's outward appearance. A KAN-SEN, as a 「boat」　has a 「keel」 that is a 「past」, thus a KAN-SEN's possibilities interweaves 「humanity」 as the 「future」 -----　equipped with a 「past」 and 「future」, battles and daily life will shape their personality as a 「human」, and with　their bonds they will manifest power greater than that of their weapon's performance.
A KAN-SEN's body composition differs from that of humans, they still live in the same manner as people, and some things can only be eaten by KAN-SEN. Outside of combat, their physical capabilities isn't much different from humans but, during combat a KAN-SEN that has mastered their equipment becomes an incredibly strong source of fighting power.

Sirens
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A Mysterious Enemy Which Holds the Power to Crush Humanity

The mysterious enemy which suddenly appeared several decades ago, the Sirens. Although they were repelled once by the Azur Lane, presently they still control much of the sea, and as such are a threat to humanity. As well, the sea regions controlled by the Sirens experience abnormal weather. Particularly, in the deepest parts (TL: as in the center of the Siren controlled territory rather than underwater) of these regions the difficult weather conditions make reconnaissance difficult, and the status of a large part of this regions is unknown. In one part of the North Atlantic a large gathering of Sirens was observed, presently in the region closer to the continent the number of existing Sirens has decreased by more than 70%. As well, while the weather in mankind's observable range has normalized, recently, it has been said that searching deeper into the Siren controlled regions is possible. While the cause of the matter is unknown, headquarters has begun to consider using a large fleet to forcefully scout the region. Through decades of battle and observation, mankind has acquired (or so it is thought) the following knowledge

-The Sirens appeared from the sea, creating a base in the heart of each ocean, from which they extend the sphere of influence.
-Their level of science and technology is far beyond that of humanity's.
-When examining the regions controlled by the Sirens, many traces of 「experiments」 for some purpose can be found.
-The lowest level of combat ability Sirens are the mass production warships, known as 「Pieces」. These replicated bodies go on patrol and raid missions.
-The middle level combat ability Sirens are the humanoid types called the 「Executor Series」, Chaser, Scavenger, Navigator, Conductor, Smasher, and other types. As well, within the individual types, there exist variations with minor changers.
-The highest level of combat ability Sirens are the individual existences called Observer, Tester, and Purifier.　While holding a conversation with them is possible due to the intelligence they possess, their aggressiveness is extremely high.
-If Sirens are encountered without a KANSEN escort, the chance of annhilation is incredibly high.

Bulins
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One of the 「Seven Mysteries of the Base」 that was suddenly noticed one day.
Their wrenches, drills, and the Bullins themselves seem to be "the crystallization of humanity's science and technology"(Probably). They possess excellent versatility and able to adapt/sortie in various situations and battlefields. However, all of the Bullin's efforts to speak of their true form has failed due to their "communication ability". Variations other than the Universal/All Purpose Bullin and the Prototype Bullin MK.II may appear one day....

Mental Cubes
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During the fight with the Sirens, mankind coincidentally/by chance acquired the existences/objects known as 「Mental Cubes」. How the　「Mental Cubes」 were obtained and so on is mankind's most highly classified information, and all used at the base for constructing KAN-SEN are supplied by head quarters. In terms of their physical properties, though there is some variation in their individual sizes their masses are low, and the cubes possess incredible hardness, and outside of a specific method it is impossible to overcome this hardness. As well, as a byproduct of analytical research on mental cubes, Mental Units which can strengthen a KAN-SEN's abilities were discovered.

Supplemental - In regards to research on how to use Mental Cubes, mankind has developed those alongside the analysis work of the 「Mental Cubes」　themselves. The following has been established:
-Quantum Science has been applied to the Mental cubes
-Mental Cubes emit/radiate the 「image」 of Humanity, and can be used like a projector to materialize/realize/etc that.
-Most effective in battling the Sirens, warships, which are the fruits of mankind's industry and military technology, are the easiest to apply the special characteristics of mental cubes to.
-Perhaps because of mankind's collective unconscious, or perhaps due to the mental cube's internal logic, 「ships」 that become human-shaped, or 「KAN-SEN」 are always female.

Marriage/ Promise Rings
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Permitted only between two people connected by deep bonds, a special form of pledge. Marriage, strengthens the connection between both hearts, a ship can exceed their own limits and furthermore possibly gain great power. It's not a connection like being entered on a family register, but purely a spiritual/emotional connection.

人間の集合無意識が、はたまたメンタルキューブ自身のロジックに拠るものが、人形となった「フネ」、つまり「艦船」は常に女性である

Shikikan/Commander
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Member of military organization Azur Lane. After clearing the aptitude test for mental cubes he is dispatched to the Homeport(base) and appointed as a commander. The upper part of the organization -to which the commander belongs to- also contains ships and Manjuus besides humans. The missions of the commander is diverse; they start out with sortieing out to admiralty designated sea areas, sometimes he performs assigned military commissions and also supports the scientific research as per request of Azur Lane. Also, as part of the commander's duties, he is also involved in the execution of operational missions, mental care of the fleet's organization and operations, mental care of the ships, construction plans of the homeport, and so on (Incidentally, the Manjuu assist the operational duties on a daily basis). In Operations, the commander takes a ship to reach the operational maritime area and takes command of tactics on the battlefield.

"That War"
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Etched in the memories of all KAN-SEN, is the global scale great war of a certain 「world without Sirens」. With a 「light from the heavens」 that war came to a tragic conclusion of 「all mankind suffering for eternity」. In order for such a war to not occur in the current world, none will speak of the details, and investigations of it haven't advanced.

Side: Azur Lane
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Members: Union, Royal, Eastern Radiance, North Union, Iris Libre
Purpose: By pooling together each nation's knowledge and resources, a fleet that can oppose the Sirens can be formed, and control of the seas regained.

Many decades ago, the Sirens appeared before humanity, and gained control over a truly tremendous amount of the ocean. Each of humanity's militaries resisted in vain, and eventually the Siren's fierce attack saw control of 90% of the seas lost.
20 years later, each military gathered together and established the independent military organization Azur Lane. Pooling together humanity's wisdom and resources, and making use of the "Mental Cubes" acquired from battle with the Sirens, the KANSEN were successfully constructed.
Thanks to the efforts of the newly-constructed first generation KANSEN, humanity was able to temporarily halt the Siren attack, and even repulse the enemy from a section of the battlefield. From then on, humanity was in a winning position.
"Fight with all of humanity's might, or gain control of the Sirens and their technology?"
The different militaries diverged in ideology, and the wedge between them gradually expanded. And so, with the secession of the Ironblood (who sought to harvest the Siren's technology), the Red Axis was formed. On top of that, Azur Lane swiftly weakened.

Eagle Union
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The Union has overwhelming manufacturing power and excellent scientific capabilities, as well as the strongest aircraft weapons of all the militaries. Their KANSEN plans stress performance.
Following their ideology -- Justice, Freedom, and Peace -- they lead Azur Lane, and play an active role in the fight against the Ironblood and the Sirens.

Royal Navy
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With KANSEN plans focusing on balance, and an enormous naval power they pride themselves on, they are the military force with the most shipbuilding experience in the world. Seeking to regain their kingdom's glory, they aligned themselves with Azur Lane.

Situated on the Royal Isles, a nation with a long history.
Royal
Leader: The Prime Minister
Political System: Royalty as the symbol of the nation, the Prime Minister and Parliament as the main political actors.

Faction characteristics: Some of their KANSEN have standings equal to that of nobility or royalty, with standards of living to match. Queen Elizabeth is at the very top, and with her widespread popularity among not just the KANSEN but even the people of Royal, she is a very influential voice in national governance.

As the only faction with a long history as a maritime nation, the Royal Navy Queen Elizabeth leads prizes manners. Although they do have high capabilities in military power, the style of the navy is to treat etiquette with great importance. Their naval aircraft are crystallizations of physics and the natural sciences, and can be remote-controlled by a KANSEN's "willpower".

History: In command of an enormous naval fleet, and seeking to defend the openness of the sea routes throughout the world, they played a large role in the initial conflict with the Sirens. But despite a tenative united front with the Ironblood and the Union, they continued to lose battles against the Sirens.

Afterwards, they allied with the Union, formed Azur Lane, and began work on rebuilding the Royal Navy. Due to their inability to protect their sea routes, which could be considered the lifeblood of their economy, following the battle with the Sirens their national power was diminished. Doubtful of the relationship between the Ironblood and the Sirens, they are closely observing each faction's movements.

Eastern Radiance
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Faction Characteristics: As part of Azur Lane, they are participating in the fight against the Sirens and Red Axis.
Their leader and system of government, as well as their history up till this point is unclear. Eastern Radiance is read as "toukou", or "touou" or "tonfan".

Side: Crimson Axis
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Members: Ironblood, Sakura Empire, Vichya Dominion
Purpose: Analyze and operate Siren technology to oppose the Sirens.

An organization established after the Ironblood became independent from Azur Lane. They seek to analyze Siren technology, and acquire a world-changing power.
As the secession of the Ironbood and the Sakura Empire weakened Azur Lane, the Sirens were able to run rampant. And on top of that, due to the harsh limitations on the ocean's communication routes, for a long while one part of humanity was unaware that Red Axis even existed.
And so, with the Ironblood attacking a Royal fleet and the Sakura Empire attacking the Union, Azur Lane and Red Axis became enemies, and a battle situation broke out.
As for the Sirens, they're displaying movements not seen prior, and almost seem to be acting in tandem with the Red Axis. But any relationship between the two is unclear.

Ironblood
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>Leader: Emperor
>Power Structure: The Emperor decides all, consulting with nobles as his advisors
>Characteristics: A country located in the center of the Europa Continent. They are fixated on an orthodox style of using large ships firing large shells, using the speed of destroyers practically, and using submarines to search and attack. Ironblood KANSEN rigging look like living things capable of moving themselves, and while they can't speak in words they have their own "self/", and are connected to the KANSEN's consciousness.
>History:  Before the Siren's first appearance, they had a long standing grudge with the Iris, and favorable relations with the Union, Royal, and Northern Union, but when at the time of the Siren attack, when the Royal requested their aid to present a united front, the Ironblood refused. After that, they began unique anti-Siren research, as well as attempted to capture an individual Siren, but the Ironblood Fleet suffered huge losses, and the operation ended in failure. Out of necessity, the Ironblood joined the Azur Lane. During that time, the Ironblood acquired mental cubes by chance, and succeeded in analyzing one part. This triggered the use of KAN-SEN to oppose the Sirens, and with the increased intention of developing this technology, and the differences in ideology/ideals between the Ironblood and the other factions that were part of the Azur Lane grew to become an issue. After a major dispute in internal politics, the Ironblood suddenly left the Azur Lane and formed the Red Axis. With their unique ideology/ideal, they continue their fight against the Sirens.

Partial Juou description
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Leader: 「God/Kami」
Power Structure/Government Type etc: On paper, the shrine maidens who have been entrusted with taking care of the 「Gods」 form the core of the country's authority, but in truth, the humans who belong to the government reign.
Faction's Traits/Characteristics: Since long ago, in the Land of the Juou, the 「8 million gods」 and various specters/supernatural beings held as 「Gods」 have existed, and faith in those gods has gathered together.　Due to the Juou's upper echelon's research into Siren Technology, the citizens of the Juou, the unity of man and god as one was strengthened by the advancement　of the 「Sacred Mystery of Mizuho」. KAN-SEN as well, inherited the 「Sacred Mystery of Mizuho」, and were endowed with ears and tails and so on as their bodies traits were drawn out. This unity influenced even their weaponry, the Shikigami carrier based aircraft being one such example.

2nd Anniversary Artbook
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>Awakening
>「Awakening」is when a KAN-SEN's emotions are greatly stimulated not as a 「weapon」, but as a 「person」, during which a phenomenon which causes them to acquire extremely great power.
>All mental cube-based KANSEN are capable of bringing about this phenomenon, however the specific mechanisms are still unclear, and some the conditions observed so far are summarized below.
>Observations Relating to 「Awakening」-Reaction Phenomena Occurrence
>-Cases in which situations based on Kanreki(past, naval records) are reenacted
>-Cases in which interactions and deepening 「bonds」 with a specific existence causes significant growth in a KANSEN's 「Humanity」and 「Emotions/Feelings」
>-Other Cases where under specific conditions such as being forced to make decisions as a 「person」, which cause extremely large emotional shocks to occur.