Origins. The name conjures images of mud-caked trenches, towering robots, elemental staffs, and a chilling narrative that reshaped the Call of Duty Zombies universe. It is a fan-favorite map for good reason. However, what if the Origins we know and love was drastically different? Thanks to recently unearthed development documents, we can now delve into the pre-alpha version of Origins, codenamed "Tomb" (or "L Tumba" as it was originally known), and uncover the fascinating story shifts, character evolutions, and intriguing concepts that were ultimately altered or abandoned.

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The initial vision for Tomb was a stark departure from the final product. Set against the grim backdrop of World War I in northern France, the map centered around an ancient excavation site, a nexus point where the horrors of trench warfare intersected with dark, otherworldly forces. This intersection of historical conflict and science fiction aimed to create a unique and ominous atmosphere, setting the stage for a story unlike any other in Zombies history.

Instead of playing as the Primis crew, the original plan involved playing as the fathers of the Ultimis characters: Vladimir Balinsky (father of Nikolai), Suburu Masaki (father of Takeo), Angus Dempsey (father of Tank Dempsey), and Heinrich Richtofen (father of Edward Richtofen). This generational approach offered a compelling dynamic, suggesting the possibility of a narrative where the legends of Ultimis were recounted as tales passed down through families.

The core plot revolved around the interception of mysterious communiqués between German scientists Heinrich Richtofen and Wilhelm Maxis (father of Ludvig Maxis). These messages revealed the discovery of Element 115, a substance with the potential to power super weapons. The location of this element was believed to be near the village of Latco, prompting intelligence agencies from Britain, Japan, and Russia to dispatch their top agents to secure the site before Germany could exploit its power.

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Upon reaching the village, the agents discovered a scene of carnage. The area was overrun with the undead, victims of a catastrophic event triggered by Element 115. German forces had unearthed an ancient crypt, not just a tomb, but an Element 115 mine created by an advanced alien race. Experiments within the crypt had triggered a conversion event, turning soldiers into zombies. Edward Richtofen was the last surviving scientist desperately trying to contain the outbreak, while his colleague, Ludvig Maxis, succumbed to the infection.

Adding another layer to the narrative was the inclusion of Pablo Marinus, a 10th-century Spanish Crusader whose journal detailed encounters with the undead ("dead eaters") and alien beings ("Sky people" – likely precursors to the Apothicons). Marinus's writings revealed that these aliens used Element 115 to create zombie slaves for mining operations across the galaxy. The Crusaders fought to seal the tomb, forming a secret society to protect it.

The documents include in-universe texts, such as intercepted communiqués between Wilhelm Maxis and Heinrich Richtofen, as well as excerpts from Pablo Marinus's journal. These texts offer a glimpse into the minds of the characters and provide crucial backstory to the events unfolding in the map.

The shift from playing as the fathers of Ultimis to the younger versions of the characters was a significant decision. While the idea of fathers passing down heroic tales added a rich, layered narrative, focusing on the original characters created a more immediate connection with players who were eager for their return. This change also opened the door to exploring their younger selves and the origins of their relationships, adding depth to their characters.

Ultimately, while "Tomb" never saw the light of day, its concepts and ideas heavily influenced the final version of Origins and subsequent Zombies storylines. The themes of ancient secrets, alien influence, and the corrupting power of Element 115 remained central to the narrative. Even the ending cutscene of Origins, with Samantha and a child version of Richtofen playing with toy versions of the characters, seems to be inspired by the original concept of the fathers telling stories to their children. For players looking to get ahead in the next installment, some may consider exploring options such as bo6 bot lobby services to gain an advantage.