The Armed Response and Containment of Epidemics, or A.R.C.E. by its acronym, is a militarized branch founded by PROELIUM during the global Xankus pandemic, with the objective of eradicating and controlling the Feral threat that began spreading across the planet, serving both military and medical functions.
HISTORY
Origin
Although PROELIUM’s militarized branch had existed as long as PROELIUM itself, the A.R.C.E. branch originated shortly after the Xankus escaped from the Crimson Crest research and development facility.
Until then, PROELIUM had operated in the shadows and in complete secrecy, but as the pandemic spread, A.R.C.E. was founded to act in PROELIUM’s name, thus maintaining confidentiality.
A.R.C.E. divisions began to appear slowly across the world, but the pace of the Xankus infection advanced much faster. Eventually, PROELIUM was forced to intervene directly, declaring its total and complete control over all A.R.C.E. divisions.
Global Control
When PROELIUM revealed itself to the public, all world powers stopped keeping the secret and surrendered their forces and technology to PROELIUM.
From this point onward, the population was compelled to follow the new authority of A.R.C.E.
New World
When the old world fell, both PROELIUM and A.R.C.E. became the new government across the globe. Currently, A.R.C.E. fulfills the role of safeguarding citizens within the Settlements and searching for supplies.
EQUIPMENT
In the new world, A.R.C.E. utilizes the following equipment…
Standard Issue Self-Defense Pistol – PRO-26M
Mass-produced 47 years after the founding of A.R.C.E., the standard-issue PRO-26M pistol was manufactured from the remains of weapons recovered by PROELIUM and reassembled into a new, practical sidearm with a capacity of 10 rounds per magazine. The newer models were built from a combination of metal and plastic alloys.
The pistol can be equipped with a small bayonet, allowing the weapon to be used in close-quarters combat or to provide the user with a means of defense during reloading.
The frame extends from the grip to the barrel, giving the wielder greater firmness and comfort when using the bayonet.
Multi-Rate Assault Rifle – PRO-17R
The standard rifle carried by PROELIUM and A.R.C.E. personnel.
Highly manageable and of moderate weight, this rifle represents the main combat strength of PROELIUM’s military forces. It features a burst-fire mode for engaging hordes and a single-shot mode for precise targeting. The stabilizing grip provides greater control when using burst fire.
The PRO-17R reloads from the top, with the magazine easily removed through its safety latch. Each magazine holds 30 rounds.
Its detachable bayonet allows for close-quarters combat, although A.R.C.E. officially recommends its use primarily for clean and swift cuts or slashes.
Riot-Control Shotgun – PRO-80B
The riot-control shotgun is employed by PROELIUM to clear enclosed areas where close-quarters combat is highly likely. With devastating power, this shotgun can blow off a Feral’s head with a clean shot from at least one and a half meters away.
Its semi-automatic firing rate depends entirely on how quickly the user can operate the action to chamber the next round. The shotgun can hold a total of 6 shells.
Professional Marksman Rifle – PRO-13A
The professional marksman rifle is reserved for those with the patience to wait for a confirmed target. Although cumbersome to carry, the PRO-13A provides a significant advantage when clearing areas from a distance or conducting reconnaissance before entry. It comes equipped with a retractable bipod, allowing the user to fire from a prone position when necessary.
Its telescopic sight can be adjusted using the screw-dial mounted on top, enabling the shooter to zoom in or out depending on the distance required.
The weapon operates with a single-shot mechanism, requiring the user to manually chamber a new round after each shot.