The Campaign Builder's Guild

 [ic=At the Signing of the Mutual Defense and Cooperation Pact, c. 2140]Human beings once looked to the stars and dreamed of the boundless potential of space, as if it was a mystical, welcoming frontier. We the people of the EL4 Colony Cluster know this is not true. Yet we persevered through all the hardships and have founded a glorious home, here amongst the stars. Now that the difficult and dangerous work lies in the past, the Western Alliance seeks to '˜reintegrate' our Colony Cluster with their union. Why now, why after 50 years of being scorned by our homeland must they come back to the colonies they abandoned to the United Nations?

I say no. I say no to the Western Alliance, to the Panchinese, the South Asians and to the Europeans! We are free! We are a sovereign nation founded on the blood and sweat of our ancestors! This is why I, the duly elected President of this colony cluster, sign this military pact with our new allies - the Martian Totality. Make no mistake my good citizens, my good friends, war is upon us. Now is the time to make a stand and with this document we have secured the long term preservation, and independence, of our Cluster. I do this so the people of Earth know we are taking a stand against them, their imperialism and their corrupt vision of space!    

For the preservation of our beautiful colonies,

~ Gorge Paine, President of the EL4 Colony Cluster [/ic]


- What is the InnerSOL? [note] [ooc]This setting is one that has been rattling around in my head for years and years. I've finally decided to post it on the CBG, if for no other reason than I want to have a place where I can store my ideas outside of my head. :)  This thread i fully intended to be open to any and all questions, comments and concerns you the good people of the Turtle nation may have.

I plan on regularly updating this thread with a new content post every few days (schedule allowing).

Please enjoy the setting, or if nothing else the map :)  [/ooc] [/note]
-----The InnerSOL: Sagas of Leistung is a science-fiction setting where humanity has unfurled its wings and colonized Luna, Venus, Mercury, Mars and even space itself. The year is 2143, four years after the Ares War that saw the whole sale slaughter of nearly 100 million men, women and children. InnerSOL is a setting where Mars is the most politically unified nation in the solar system. InnerSOL is a setting where the earth was once unified under a single banner, the banner of the United Nations but has since devolved into five major political, economic and military blocs along with a handful of other countries who willingly or unwillingly resist integration. InnerSOL is a setting where enormous space colonies dot the heavens, housing millions of people. InnerSOL is a setting where massive floating cities glide across the Venusian sky, where each city is secretly controlled by a different Mafia-esque family. InnerSOL is a setting where war, hatred, bloodshed, greed and bigotry play a key role in defining human nature and human destiny.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
General
- How Did Humanity Get Here  (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?78097.0#post_78098)
- Map Gallery (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?78097.0#post_78101)
- The 4 Races of Humanity  (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?78097.0#post_78135)

Countries
-  The Western Alliance  (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?78097.0#post_78120)

 
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Anyone who posts in this thread is entitled to take the official InnerSOL Badge!  (http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/pip3.png)  (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?78097)
 [url=http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?78097] [img]http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/pip3.png[/img] [/url]

[ic=Supreme Chancellor's Inauguration Speech]
The History of man is one of self loathing and unmitigated jealousy for the possessions and lives of others. That is the legacy Earth bequeathed to us and that legacy is one the people of Mars reject in its entirety.

~ Supreme Chancellor of the Martian Totality, Wilhelm Du-Klein, King of Elysium.  [/ic]

How did we get to where we are today?

The history of humanity is both grand and vast, filled with the trials and tribulations of billions of men, women and children. The current Era of history began with Humanity's harnessing of the force called Fusion. Fusion power quickly spread across the world in the mid 2020's, allowing for the embitterment of the entire species in just a few short years. By 2030, the whole of humanity relied solely on Fusion as its primary means of electrical power generation.

A second space race began when the Chinese put a man on the moon in 2031. Soon after American and European corporations came and set up factories and mining operations, these small companies would prove to be the foundation upon which the world would colonize the Moon. From there, the Europeans, Chinese, Russians and Americans decided to collectively pursue the colonization of Mars through a process of rapid terriformation.   Within thirty years the entire planet would be transformed from a barren red rock to a new earth complete with an oxygen/nitrogen atmosphere, vast oceans and vast bamboo forests. Each country was given the right to settle and found large territorial colonies on the planet, however only the American colony of New Oregon and the Chinese Colony of Wong were truly successful.

At the same time that the world's attention was fixed on Mars, large corporations looked to Venus as a new home, where they could create a playground for the rich to visit, a place for corporations to found research facilities away from the prying eyes of Earth and as a new world to call home. Compared to Mars, the colonization of Venus was quick and painless as each massive city was suspended high up in the sky by giant balloons that float on the dense Venusian atmosphere.  The first city founded was named Victrix Vegas. As its name suggests it was a city of sin, developed as the solar system's largest tourist attraction. The profits earned from the city would go towards the founding of every other Venusian Colony.

Beyond the celestial bodies, mankind has also created colossal artificial habitats. These Space Colonies, as they are called, are grouped together in large numbers at each of the Earth-Sun Lagrange points. Space Colonies provide a vital service of being intermediate stopping points on space traffic going to and from the different celestial bodies. Without the Space Colonies, humanity would not have been able to realize its potential and populated the solar system.

Map Gallery:

Current Maps
[spoiler=The Solar System:](http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/056/9/a/InnerSOL__Sagas_of_Leistung_by_Elemental_Elf.png) [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Earth] (http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/Earthcopy.png) [/spoiler]
 
[spoiler=Mars] (http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/Marscopy.png) [/spoiler]


Historical Maps
[spoiler=Earth c. 2069] (http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/earth2069.png) [/spoiler]

Beautiful maps!  I get a very 1700's American vibe out of the whole thing - War of Independence etc.

Venus sounds very interesting.  I take it there are no formal governments?  Is Venus terraformed at all or are the floating islands super acid-proof?

What's tech like in this setting?  Are there AIs?  Personality uploading?  Highly developed robotics?  Genetic engineering?  New super-weapons? Does your average citizen have to work 5-6 days a week or is most labour automated by this point?  Is war still waged primarily by troops and people in machines, or have unmanned war-machines, viruses, and computer-guided missiles largely replaced tanks, airplanes, and rifles?

How about religion - is it still a prominent political force or has it atrophied?

Is the environment of Earth filthy and polluted, or has terraforming/ecological tech allowed us to clean up the atmosphere and develop clean, renewable energy sources?

Great Post Steerpike, thank you!  :)

Quote from: SteerpikeBeautiful maps!

As this is my first real attempt at a Sci-Fi map, I'm humbled! :)

 

Quote from: SteerpikeI get a very 1700's American vibe out of the whole thing - War of Independence etc.

That is definitely a thread that runs through the setting :)

Quote from: SteerpikeVenus sounds very interesting.  I take it there are no formal governments?  Is Venus terraformed at all or are the floating islands super acid-proof?

There is a 'formal government' that meets in Victrix Vegas however, this is more of a puppet House of Representatives mainly used to show the solar system "we're still democratic, see!" There is nothing passed by the House that has not already been pre-approved by the Families (and even then the government only deals with superficial issues such as memorials and tourism). The real power lies with the Seven Families, each of whom runs their very own floating city.

The problem with Terraforming Venus is that, by comparison to Mars, it requires a lot of extra work (bombarding it with icey asteroids to add oxygen, taking a massive asteroid and skimming it across the atmosphere to speed the planet's rotation up, eliminating the green house gasses, getting even more water to the planet, etc.) that it was simply easier and more economical to build the floating cities. Not only are they easily constructed (coated with materials that resist acid rain) but the idea of 'cities in the clouds' is quite romantic and attracts a lot of tourists simply for that reason.

Most of the cities lie around the equator, which is slowly being terraformed simply by the presence of humanity. Most believe Venus will become a watery earth-like world some day but for now, everyone is enjoying the soaring cities.

Quote from: SteerpikeWhat's tech like in this setting?  Are there AIs?  Personality uploading?  Highly developed robotics?  Genetic engineering?  New super-weapons? Does your average citizen have to work 5-6 days a week or is most labour automated by this point?  Is war still waged primarily by troops and people in machines, or have unmanned war-machines, viruses, and computer-guided missiles largely replaced tanks, airplanes, and rifles?

The Tech is more advanced than the technology we possess today (obviously). Much of its advancement was due to the harnessing of Fusion Power, which allowed Humanity to create wondrous things (like Space Colonies) and not be burdened the need to find and process Fuel (Hydrogen is found everywhere in space after all). AI is generally limited to human-form androids used in dangerous manual labor and mundane service industry jobs (such as working in a zero G mining facility or at a McLaren fast food restaurant).

 Human piloted robots were one of the first High Tech Industries created in space. Giant Robots are used to build and maintain the Space Colonies, lug heavy equipment from zero to higher gravity environments and are even instrumental in War (thanks to the visionary Supreme Chancellor Wilhelm Du-Klein of Mars).

Laser based Weapons have been perfected since the early 2030's; Laser Guns and Laser Cannons have become the pre-eminent choice for all militaries. Having said that, old fashioned slug throwers are still see common usage, if for no other reason than for their primitive design catches more advanced enemies unawares. Further, Missiles are still the bread and butter of mass destruction weapons due to their cheap price tag and raw destructive power.

Thanks to the wonders of modern life, the average human enjoys four 6 hour work weeks. Hard Labor has been virtually eliminated thanks to androids and mecha, further most mundane assembly line and basic service industry types of jobs have also been eliminated.

War in this era has more in common with Naval warfare than traditional infantry style combat. Large Carriers with big guns shoot at each other while sending their Modiru (humanoid form robots, piloted by humans, and made for war) out to attack the other Carrier's Modiru (and if lucky, directly attack the enemy Carrier). Having said that, infantries are still very important but the sheer destructive capabilities of modern weapons makes the potential of thousands dead anathema to modern military doctrine. Thus most 'infantry' are more akin to Marines than to the Army. Biologic, Nuclear and Chemical warfare are strictly prohibited as are the destruction of Space Colonies and the dropping of large objects onto planet surfaces (though the latter two have occurred in the Ares War).

Quote from: SteerpikeHow about religion - is it still a prominent political force or has it atrophied?

Religion lost much of its political weight once people were freed from the Earth. A majority of the citizens of the Western Alliance and the Islamic Republics of Arabia and Iran still maintain a religious belief (in Christianity and Islam respectively). The African Union is a unique case in that it has blended Islam, Christianity and native Tribal religions into a unified whole called Kumimoto, which preaches total and absolute pacifism.

Outside of Earth, most people identify as Atheist, Agnostic or Deist.

Quote from: SteerpikeIs the environment of Earth filthy and polluted, or has terraforming/ecological tech allowed us to clean up the atmosphere and develop clean, renewable energy sources?

Thanks to the creation of Fusion power and the switch to H3 fuel for transportation vehicles the earth gradually became a healthier place. Add that to the loss of nearly over 2 billion people (due to emigration and declining birth rates), the planet returned to a more natural world. However, compared to the vast virgin bamboo forests of Mars, the Earth is a gray, urban world.

~~~

Once again, thank you very much for your thoughtful post Steerpike :)

[ic]We will not let the Martians invade our land, burn our crops and kill our children. We do not have the luxury of being pacifists like the Africans. We must fight, not only for our beautiful land but for the entire planet. We are Earth's last, best hope for survival. We will not fail, we will not retreat and we will not let the Martians through!

God Bless the Alliance!

~ President Jacques De Quebec prior to the Battle of Guam.  
[/ic]

[/size]



General

The Western Alliance was forged in the fires preceding the devastating Nation War. The constituent nations of the Alliance are the North American Union and the Confederation of South America. The Alliance, which was supposed to be temporary, evolved into a permanent union once it became clear the Martians were no friend of Earth. During the Ares War, it was the Western Alliance, not the Russians nor the Europeans who defended beautiful Terra from the horrors of the Red Planet's assault. It was the Alliance fleets that engaged the Martians across the Solar System. It was the blood and sweat of Alliance soldiers that routed the Martians at Liberty and pushed them back to the far corners of Earth. The Western Alliance sees itself as the Defender of Earth and the Protector of Democracy.  When all other nations backed away in fear, the Alliance was there to save the world.

   Behind the propaganda however, the Alliance stands on tenuous feet. The North American Union is seen as being the dominant force with in the Alliance as all of the Alliance Presidents and the bulk of the Fleet is composed of North Americans. The High Governor of Venezuela often gives rousing speeches condemning the North American Imperialism and its fallacious need to protect the world. The High Governor of Costa Rica is also highly critical of Alliance policy claiming it spends far too much of the military and should seek reconciliation with the nations of Sol. The Alliance President Rachel Kent rebuffs all such criticisms citing the fact that the Totality has become a Fascist state ruled by a megalomaniac and that war is coming again and much sooner than any of the Alliance, or the people of Earth would prefer.

   Beyond the Terran front, the Alliance also faces legitimate condemnation for its unilateral occupation and subsequent integration of the EL1 Colony Cluster. During the Nation War, the resistance forces on Earth told the colonies they would have freedom if they aided the resistance's cause. For eight years this promise was kept. Then the Ares War began, which soon engulfed the Alliance. Troubled by the EL1's lack of defense (and its potential capture by the Martians) the Alliance forcibly occupied the Cluster and reinforced its defenses. Unfortunately, the Totality seized the opportunity for a just cause and attacked. Though victorious, the Alliance's 5th Fleet, and the Cluster itself, suffered heavy losses. Months later, the Martian elite force '" Demari '" infiltrated the EL1 Colony of Manada with the Aim of stealing the Alliance's latest Modiru. Unfortunately, a battle ensued outside and an Alliance ship's main cannon missed its intended target and struck the Colony dead on, destroying it and everyone inside. Since that time, there has existed several anti-Alliance terrorist cells within the cluster, attacking high value targets and disrupting the day to day operation of the Alliance's military.  

   For good or ill, the Western Alliance is the only nation truly dedicated to the destruction of the Totality and for that reason war will come again as neither side will ever back down.  

Is the Totality actually hostile to all of the Earth-based factions or is that simply how Alliance propaganda paints it? What could they possibly gain by antagonizing the entire Earth population when it is politically divided? And why would these other factions make no effort to defend themselves if they truly were threatened?

Quote from: Elemental_Elf struck the Colon dead on,

That there is an epic typo! :-p

Nice ideas EE. I'm just wandering, ¿how could they colonize Venus and Mercury? They seem too hostile for human beings and not prone to terraforming.

The one thing I don't like (or at least don't see it as plausible) is The Western Alliance; Northern and Southern Americans are REALLY REALLY DIFFERENT, from culture to language, so I see it hard them joining under one flag. At most, I guess that North and Central America forming one nation, and South America another.
Keep up with the excellent work!

Quote from: GhostmanIs the Totality actually hostile to all of the Earth-based factions or is that simply how Alliance propaganda paints it? What could they possibly gain by antagonizing the entire Earth population when it is politically divided? And why would these other factions make no effort to defend themselves if they truly were threatened?

There was quite a bit of propaganda in that description (I promise to give each nation a slightly skewed look to balance that out!). During the Ares War (which was initially a Russia-EU-Western Alliance v. Mars war), the Panchinese actually sided with the Martians (due to the massive build up of Russian forces in western Kazakhstan). Further, many of the non-integrated countries (Australia, Morocco, Iran and Madagascar) are very close to the Totality as Mars provides a counter weight to the Super Powers on Earth.

The Western Alliance embodies a lot of the perceived negative aspects of the United States (patriotic, arrogant, militaristic, economically imperialistic and a firm belief in their own manifest destiny), so any time wars are brought up, the Alliance invariably emphasizes the villainy of their enemies and downplays the contributions of their allies. The Russians were very instrumental in the Ares War but you'll never hear that from an Alliance citizen. :)

Quote from: Ghostman

Quote from: Elemental_Elf struck the Colon dead on,

That there is an epic typo! :-p

o_O;;;;; *yells at the uselessness of spell check*

Quote from: Cap. Karnaugh (aka gnola14)Nice ideas EE. I'm just wandering, ¿how could they colonize Venus and Mercury? They seem too hostile for human beings and not prone to terraforming.

For the latter, it has been colonized in very much the same way as the moon. However, given that the planet is a MUCH more hostile environment, only the polar regions can be even considered for colonization. Even then, Mercury has just 3 small cities and is dominated by a faction of Artmen (humans who have had their consciousnesses downloaded into synthetic bodies) who are attempting to discover a means of creating a disembodied consciousness and thus bring humanity closer to God.

The easiest way to explain how humanity has colonized Venus is to quote wikipedia:

Quote from: Cap. Karnaugh (aka gnola14)The one thing I don't like (or at least don't see it as plausible) is The Western Alliance; Northern and Southern Americans are REALLY REALLY DIFFERENT, from culture to language, so I see it hard them joining under one flag. At most, I guess that North and Central America forming one nation, and South America another.
Keep up with the excellent work!

Indeed they are very different however, the Western Alliance is an Alliance of two free countries. In Effect, the Alliance controls the two country's interests in space, their militaries and their foreign policy while the two constituent countries maintain their own domestic policy.

The Alliance was considered a boon to both sides - North America gained access to the South American Mass Launchers (i.e. electromagnetic catapults used to propel ships into space) as well as the ability to complete their DSA (Defense Shield of the Americas), while the South Americans gained the protection of the formidable North American Navy as well as an increased presence on the solar stage (prior to the Alliance, South America was regarded in much the same was as the League of South Asia (i.e. a fledgling power)).

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Thank you both for your questions, I really appreciate them! :)

At the dawn of the present era, Humanity stood on the cusp of what was and what would come to pass. Technology had advanced to the point where people could replace body parts with superior mechanical constructs. Humanity latched onto this idea with gusto; today it is difficult to find a person who has not received some form of cybernetic upgrade. With all the dangers presented to man in space, the most common cybernetic upgrades tend to be focus on ocular implants, limb replacement or muscle stimulants that allow people to work in a Zero-Gee environment for extended periods.

Some individuals have sought to fully integrate themselves with the mechanical and thus download their consciousnesses into blank slate androids. Though legal, the practice is officially discouraged by many governments, especially, the Australian. The android bodies typically possess greater strength, speed and mental ability but with the cost of being forced to upgrade parts, if not the outright replacing the entire body, as time goes on.  Artificia Men or Artmen, as they are called, typically choose careers where their added strength and vitality are needed. Often this leads them to becoming soldiers, police officers and space merchants. Due to this, Artmen usually have a reputation for being overbearing, militant, and  [note] (http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/leonardo.png) [/note] unscrupulous, attributes that Naturals despise.

Beyond the concept of mechanical amplification there lies the notion of genetically engineered individuals. Though highly controversial and divisive on Earth, the people of Sol have embraced the idea and utilize it to varying degrees. The most prolific users of genetic modification are the Martians, whose government officially condones and supports the process through various tax reduction and propagandic means. The '˜Martian Package' (as it is often called) focuses on resisting muscle degradation (due to Mar's lower gravity), increasing mental faculties and base-line reaction time. In addition, Martian allows parents to engineer the looks of their children, down to hair and eye color. Finally, the '˜Martian Package' also makes an individual highly resistant to disease.

The Martian's extensive use of genetic engineering is often seen as '˜tampering too much' with the destiny of man. The independent Space Colonies allow a basic package that screens out hereditary diseases, fortifies the body against zero-gee and increases the effectiveness of the immune system. To do more is considered too controversial to allow (especially considering the Colony's proximity to Earth. The Families who secretly rule Venus have, publicly, taken a hands off approach to genetic engineering. Behind the scenes however, the Crime Bosses are deeply involved in the genetic black market, often targeting specific wealthy, soon-to-be Terran parents, offering them a free trip to the '˜paradise planet' if they seek to discreetly give their children that extra edge needed for success.  

I love this setting! Really cool ideas. A little more info on the Ares War would be helpful. Are the tanned countries on the Earth map 'rogue' nations or un-aligned?

Quote from: SarisaI love this setting! Really cool ideas. A little more info on the Ares War would be helpful.

 :)  :)  :D  Thank you!

The Ares War jumped to the top of the to-do list :)

Quote from: SarisaAre the tanned countries on the Earth map 'rogue' nations or un-aligned?

The tan/orange nations on the map of Earth are independent countries that have, for a variety of reasons, refused to integrate with one of the Super Powers. For example, Taiwan is still viewed as a part of China however, it has not been forcibly integrated due to the close ties Taiwan has with the Western Alliance. Australia on the other hand is the home of the 'Earth First' movement which is a radical anti-space isolationist organization that seeks to eliminate Earth's presence in Space.

Quote from: Elemental_Elf For the latter, it has been colonized in very much the same way as the moon. However, given that the planet is a MUCH more hostile environment, only the dark side can be even considered for colonization. Even then, Mercury has just 3 small cities and is dominated by a faction of Artmen (humans who have had their consciousnesses downloaded into a synthetic body) who are attempting to discover a means of creating a disembodied consciousness and thus bring humanity closer to God.

I don't know if you realize this but mercury doesn't have a permanent night side. It actually rotates slower than it orbits so that its day is about twice as long as its year. This means that any city would only be in darkness for 88 days. There is a way to get around this though. From current research it appears that there are deep craters near the poles that never see sunlight. If you were to place cities here they would be safe from the intense radiation and could be designed much like a normal lunar city. In addition there is ice here (scientists believe its actually water ice) which is the reason they discovered the poles never see sunlight in the first place. This is important to consider because water is very valuable in space (drinking, cooling equipment, processing fuel, etc).

Quote from: Nomadic

Quote from: Elemental_Elf For the latter, it has been colonized in very much the same way as the moon. However, given that the planet is a MUCH more hostile environment, only the dark side can be even considered for colonization. Even then, Mercury has just 3 small cities and is dominated by a faction of Artmen (humans who have had their consciousnesses downloaded into a synthetic body) who are attempting to discover a means of creating a disembodied consciousness and thus bring humanity closer to God.

I had not realized Mercury was not tidally locked to the Sun (the way Luna is to the Earth). Thank you for catching me on my science there :)

What exactly is the current role of the UN? You said they were formerly responsible for administering the Lagrange point colonies, but I noticed they still occupy a fortress and possess an armada substantial enough to warrant a label. When you get the chance, I'd be interested in hearing more about their role in your setting.  

Quote from: Elemental_Elf Australia on the other hand is the home of the 'Earth First' movement which is a radical anti-space isolationist organization that seeks to eliminate Earth's presence in Space.

'Eliminate' as in let go of any and all colonies and cease military, diplomatic and commercial activities beyond Earth itself? How do they pursue this goal? It's obvious they can't realistically convince all the other Earth-based factions to embrace such policy.

Quote from: TheMeanestGuestWhat exactly is the current role of the UN? You said they were formerly responsible for administering the Lagrange point colonies, but I noticed they still occupy a fortress and possess an armada substantial enough to warrant a label. When you get the chance, I'd be interested in hearing more about their role in your setting.  

The UN has jumped to #2 on my to do list :)

Quote from: Ghostman'Eliminate' as in let go of any and all colonies and cease military, diplomatic and commercial activities beyond Earth itself? How do they pursue this goal?

Exactly - complete isolation of Earth from everything to do with outer space, including all of the humans who live out there.

 

Quote from: GhostmanIt's obvious they can't realistically convince all the other Earth-based factions to embrace such policy.

The Australians, and those who believe in the Earth First movement's cause, are willing to do just about anything bring their vision about. This includes terrorism, kidnapping ransom, blackmail and etc. It is ironic however that Australia's closest Ally is the Martian Totality. The Prime Ministers of Australia justify this by claiming that it is the imperialistic and expansionistic super powers of Earth that force the Martians to intervene. In reality, the continent of Australia would have been conquered and occupied by the Western Alliance and Europeans long ago if not for the threat of a Martian intervention.

According to the Martians, the Ares War began in October of 2136, when a Martian Space Guard ship '" the Zohng Shi - stopped and inspected a Russian Merchant vessel '" the Toltova '" which claimed to have been hauling minerals from the Outer Solar System. The ship was boarded by the Martians, at which point the Toltova crew attacked and killed the crew of the Zohng Shi. Unfortunately for the Toltova, the last member of the Zohng Shi sent off a distress signal; this signal was heard and investigated by a Demari (Martian Special Forces) ship. Once Demari discovered what had occurred, they tracked the Toltova down and slaughtered the crew to the man (as is Demari's right under Martian Law). However, according to the Russians, there was never a Space Guard ship and Demari brutally attacked the Toltova without heed or provocation.  Either way the crew of the Toltova was slaughtered and the ship was sent back into the Earth sphere unmanned.  

 [ic]'We liberated their world from the iron grasp of despotism and they return our benevolence with war? The blood of our soldiers lays strewn across the solar system and what was their sacrifice truly for? Another war? How can we feel safe in our houses knowing the Terrans lurk just one planet away? They are our enemy now, death to those who oppose us!'

~ Supreme Chancellor Wilhelm Du-Klein of the Martian Totality at the formal declaration of War against Russia.
[/ic]

 [ic]'Though we disagree on the course humanity should take with regard to the stars, we the people of the Russian Federation have always sought to live in harmony with those around us.  The Martians have attacked a legitimate merchant vessel in the dead of space. They brutally murdered the crew, looted the cargo and then had the audacity to set the auto pilot to return to the Earth Sphere? They have declared war on us through this action and we shall not rest until we have made them feel the sadness we feel now one hundred times over!'

~ President Sergei Barkov of the Russian Federation at the formal declaration of war against the Martian Totality. [/ic]

The war was initially called '˜The Great Silent War' due to the Russians not possessing a large space-based armada and the Martians being hesitant to send out its large fleet (for fear of antagonizing other Terran super powers). Thus from October 2135 to April of the next year the entire war was fought with the two side's elite special forces '" the Talia Group for the Russians and Demari for the Totality.  The two forces clashed often but always well away from the prying eyes of the press and citizens of both Earth and Mars. No official records from this phase of the war have been released but it can be safely assumed that both sides drove one another to a standstill.

The next phase in the war began with the First Battle of Lenov. In a daring move, the Totality sought to cripple both the Russian war effort, and their economy, by annihilating the only Mass Launcher [note] (http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/zcrash.png) [/note] dedicated to the military (and thus burden Russia's two other already over worked Mass Launchers). The Russian military facility of Lenov   was located on an immense water born city, of the same name, located in the Arctic Ocean.  Unbeknownst to the Totality, an Alliance Peace Ambassador was visiting a Russian minister when the attack began. The Peace Ambassador was given priority clearance to evacuate, however a Martian pilot mistook the ship for the Minister's and destroyed it. Needless to say the Western Alliance was furious and so that country immediately entered the war on the side of the Russians. Furthermore, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was still in effect (though the organization had long since fallen in to obsolescence, the Treaty itself was still in effect) and so the European Union also entered the War. From that day onward the anti-Martian side came to be called the Entente.

 [ic]'My fellow Americans, at approximately 15:20 Sol standard time, a ship carrying the Provisional Peace Ambassador, Ronaldo Mion de Campos, was destroyed during an unprovoked attack upon the Russian Leonov Military Base near the north pole. The senseless death of a Peace Ambassador is a great tragedy and our hearts go out both to his family and to the families of the Russians who were slaughtered this morning.  This wanton lust for bloodshed the Martains seem hell bent on delivering can no longer go unchecked. This Alliance was formed to counter any threat to our national security, both threats posed from here on Earth and those in space. The Martians will not stop with the Russians, their fascist Augmen dictator seeks nothing less than the whole sale destruction of every Natural on this world.  Just as our ancestors stopped the spread of Fascism before, so too must we continue that noble tradition. This is OUR world, and we are its last hope.'

~ Alliance President James Alastaire at an emergency meeting with the Press. [/ic]

Since Russia only possessed three Mass Launchers, it was forced to divert all military traffic to the Mass Launcher in Bayqongyr in central Kazakhstan (near the Panchinese border) following the destruction of their Lenov Mass Launcher. The Panchinese, who worried the war would spill over into their territory at some point in the future, decided to enter the war on their own terms and thus sided with the Martians. However in August the Western Alliance brought its mammoth military to bear and attacked the main Panchinese military base at Hainan. The Panchinese were completely surprised and the battle turned into a glorious victory for the Alliance. Two weeks later the Panchinese withdrew from the war citing a need to focus on domestic issues.

 [ic]'We have long desired to remain a neutral nation on this world however due to the inexcusable buildup of forces along our border, the Panchinese government can see no other recourse except to defend this country from those who would wish to do it harm.'

~ Panchinese Chairman Wen Qing formally declaring war against the Russian Federation. [/ic]

In October of 2136 the Martians invaded two Alliance outposts one at the EL1 colony of New Canada and one at the lunar city of Liberty. The battles were vicious with both sides loosing significant forces however New Canada was defended by the Alliance but the Martians captured Liberty.  

[ic]"We have liberated the very city of Liberty from the despotic hands of the Alliance. This is not only a victory for the Martian Totality but for Democracy and universal peace!"

~ Admiral Keneth Cielo of the Martian Barbarossa Fleet following the occupation of Liberty [/ic]

The Russian and Totality navies clashed near Svaard's Beacon, a  communications satellite. The Battle strayed into the territory claimed by the United Nations. In response, the UN fired its Rheinfels Cannon, obliterating the two fleets with a single shot. From that day onward, no battles were permitted near the EL3 Colony Cluster.

[ic]"Those who stray too close to our home shall feel the wrath of those who were forcibly extracted from their homes, their families and their lives on mother Earth. This Colony Cluster is our new home and we have every right to keep you despotic war mongers away!"

~ Unknown voice from EL3 Colony Cluster following the Battle of Svaard's Beacon[/ic]

On Christmas Day 2136 Demari forces infiltrated the Alliance colony of Manada with the aim of stealing the Alliance's latest prototype Modiru '" the Crossfire. Though successful in capturing the three prototypes, a large scale naval battle occurred outside the colony. One missed shot by an Alliance ship struck the Colony and set off a chain reaction that eradicated the colony.  To history this incident, which killed 5 million colonists and nearly as many soldiers, is referred to as the Christmas Day Massacre.

[ic]"My fellow Americans, as I am sure you are well aware a great tragedy has befallen our fair Alliance this eve. The Colony of Manada in the EL1 Colony Cluster was destroyed by friendly fire at 19:07 Sol Standard Time. I, the Alliance President, take full responsibility for this incident. We were foolish to build our machines in the fragile Colonies. Let it be known that we will never make this mistake again. And so it is with great humility and sadness in my heart that I, James Alastaire, do hereby resign as President of the Western Alliance."

May god bless the souls that perished.

~ Former Alliance President James Alastaire at his resignation press conference. [/ic]

In February of the next year, the Totality captured Guam from the Alliance, thus giving it a base of operations just outside the Alliance's missile defense perimeter. In addition, the Martians invaded neutral Africa with the aim of ending that nation's continued policy of allowing the Europeans to use the African Mass Launcher in Algeria.  The entire continent was burned when it was discovered a subgroup within the African Union government was secretly constructing ships for the Europeans. Many thousands died but the government urged nonviolent policies. The Totality destroyed the shipyard under Mount Kilimanjaro, the mass Launchers in Algeria & South Africa and then forcibly occupied Madagascar, relocating its indigenous population to Africa. Madagascar becomes the Totality's foothold on Earth and its largest military facility outside of the Mars Sphere.

[ic]The evil Naturals on Earth have conspired against us yet again. The African Union's pledge of pacifism is nothing but a sham. The ships rolled out of the Kilimanjaro base have slaughtered thousands of soldiers and for that the African Union shall feel the brutality of war, just as we have. For every Martian killed by one of their war ships we shall extract revenge upon 100 Africans. They deserve nothing except our contempt and all of our anger."

~ Supreme Chancellor Wilhelm Du-Klein laying out the justification for war with Africa. [/ic]

[ic] "I cannot express how truly sorry I am for allowing these contemptible, anti-pacifistic actions to continue right under our very noses. The Martians are angry, and rightly so, however we must show them that we are still pacifists at heart, that the actions of a few do not speak for the whole. I urge you all to continue your non-violent protests against this illegal occupation of our country. Do not weep for those who die, their souls are at peace with God forevermore ."

~ African Prime Minister Mdachi Ulimi pleading with his people. [/ic]

By April of 2137 both sides were worn out and thus began another 6 month period of covert warfare. It is believed that the Russian Talia Group took the lead for the Entente, once again facing off against Demari. From what can be gathered, Talia lost handedly.

The Entente began Operation Cyclops, which was intended to break the Martian will to fight by sending the largest fleet ever assembled to conquer the ML5 Colony Cluster. Half of all [large] Entente ships, numbering almost 200, were used for this operation. Unfortunately for the Entente, the Martians learned of the impending Assault and thus sent their entire Mars Sphere Navy to ML5. [note] (http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/zcolony.png) [/note]  The Entente engaged the colony's defense fleet and easily won. Just as boarding was to begin, the Martian fleet arrived; the largest space battle ever fought began. The battle was fierce, bloody and arduous for both sides. However, with the Totality using a mass produced version of the Crossfire Modiru, the Entente fleets were decimated and forced to retreat. Just 12 ships limped back to the Earth Sphere. On the Martian side, all ships outside of their two Mega Carriers (the Lionheart and the Saladin) were wrecked.

[ic]"Citizens of Mars, we have won a great victory today! The Alliance, the Europeans and even the Russians sent the largest armada ever assembled to our fair ML5 Colony Cluster. We lured them in with the prospect of an easy victory, then smashed into them with the full force of the entire Mars Sphere Navy. We routed them like we routed the United Nations. No longer must we fear the vile Naturals for they have been weighed & measured and have been found unequivocally inadequate! Today shall ring forth in the annals of history as the day we achieved Victory!"

~ Supreme Chancellor Wilhelm Du-Klein claiming victory after the Battle of ML5. [/ic]  

[ic]"My fellow Americans, today we have seen a great battle that ended in what all rational people would consider a draw. We lost many good lives this day but their sacrifice was not in vein! We have shown the Martians that they cannot come to our world, kill our citizens, occupy our land and never fear the consequences of their actions. We have put the fear of god into that arrogant Augmen Dictator and he shall not soon forget this day!"

~ Alliance President Rachel Kent, giving a speech following the Battle of ML5.[/ic]


On November 11, the Totality and Entente agreed to a ceasefire. By January 1st of 2038, the war officially ends with the signing of the Treaty of Vegas.  

[ic]"I believe I speak for the whole of Humanity when I say we have had enough with this war. Let us end it now so as to safeguard the lives that have not yet been lost."

~ European President Jean-Paul Talon[/ic]

whew...Thats a helluva war. It is not made clear exactly why the Russians move there military to the Panchinese border after the Leoniv incident, it just says they sent all there military to central Kazakhastan, provoking the Panchinese to enter the war.  
   Anyways this is great stuff. Alot of it reminded me of  this (http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/e5/f9/ec5fe893e7a0554a05e8f010.L._SL500_AA240_.jpg)  book I had when I was a kid.

Quote from: Sarisawhew...Thats a helluva war.

You're telling me. :D

Quote from: SarisaIt is not made clear exactly why the Russians move there military to the Panchinese border after the Leoniv incident, it just says they sent all there military to central Kazakhastan, provoking the Panchinese to enter the war.  
   Anyways this is great stuff.

I apologize, the Russians diverted their military needs to that city because it possessed one of only two remaining Mass Launchers in Russia following the destruction of their Lenov Base.

I fixed up the wording in the Ares War post to help clarify this :)

Quote from: SarisaAlot of it reminded me of  this (http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/e5/f9/ec5fe893e7a0554a05e8f010.L._SL500_AA240_.jpg)  book I had when I was a kid.

Hmm, I've never heard of that book. After wikipedia-ing it, I can see how you might get that feeling. :)

Could we get a better look at the organizations. I am a bit interested why the NATO treaty and the UN still exist when most of the world is now organized into union states with only a few individual nation states left.

On an unrelated note... the martian leader is a real jerk.

I think NATO, the organization, no longer exists, but the treaty itself is still *technically* in effect.

Thus being an excuse for the EU to involve itself in the war.

Quote from: TheMeanestGuestI think NATO, the organization, no longer exists, but the treaty itself is still *technically* in effect.

Thus being an excuse for the EU to involve itself in the war.

Yea I know, I am curious why the treaty is still in effect.

[ic]'The Martians hated us because we brought peace, security and prosperity to the planets of Sol. They drove us from our homes under the pretext of liberating the masses from our tyrannical reign. Yet when we look now at the Totality what do we see? An oppressive regime that seeks to force a truly martin identity upon its citizens, secret police are ever watchful for any sign of disloyalty to the government and a authoritarian aristocracy rules without fear of reprisal or censure in the Martian Colonies. Thus it can be clearly seen that the United Nations was never an evil organization in and of itself, merely the victim of Mars' inevitable rise to power.'

~ Professor Lee Soo Moon of the International Historical Accuracy Organization. [/ic]

 
 
General
The United Nations was founded following the devastation of World War II. The organization floundered on as a meeting place for the various nations of Earth for well over a century before rising to preeminence in 2063. In that year the world's economy faltered when the Space Bubble popped. Nearly every space-based nation teetered on the edge of bankruptcy; it was at this time the Secretary General of the United Nations '" Kim Ki Dong '" declared the one world nation and that this nation would be led by the United Nations. He also declared an absolution of all national debts and decreed the immediate takeover of all space based colonies and cities for the stated goal of bringing a unified vision to space. As one can well imagine the fractious nature of the former countries chaffed under this blatant seizure of power. [note] (http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/un-2.png)[/note] Yet greed and necessity overwhelmed and conquered any such feeling as the world needed new leadership and a new vision. So on the 31st of July 2063 all of humanity became unified under a single banner for the first time in the history of the species.
 
Secretary General Kim Ki Dong founded a de-centralized federation. The General Assembly was reorganized into the World Senate, composed of two democratically elected senators representing each of the former countries and an additional Senator representing each of the 8 regions of the world (7 continents with Asia broken up into 3 parts). Over time these regions would grow to unify large portions of the world under a common economic system.

Mr. Dong was viewed as the savior of humanity. He utilized the vast infrastructure of space to bring material wealth to the Earth and spread its bounty far and wide. Through his efforts poverty, on the Earth, was virtually eliminated, birth rates declined sharply and investment in infrastructure and education was increased ten fold. Not a single person on Earth could speak ill of Mr. Dong. Statues of him still adorn many cities across the world, especially in areas that were so burdened with poverty under the old regime of nation states.

Outer space, however, was a very different story.  The citizens of space did not feel the need to join [note] (http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/un2.png) [/note]with their Terran brothers and sisters because they, the Colonists, lacked representation in the senate and they demanded lower taxes because they lived in space (as if that fact alone entitled them to special treatment). Each city and individual colony was given a choice - join the UN or face the consequences. Neither Lunar City nor any EL Colony relented and so it was with great trepidation that Secretary General Dong declared space to be under martial law.

The following two decades showcased what a unique and far seeing visionary Mr. Dong truly was. He transformed the Lunar Colonies from capitalist cesspools to humble mining colonies which gathered the minerals needed for the public works on Earth. He converted the space colonies from vacation spots of the rich to modest farming communities that would relieve Terrans from the burdens of manual labor and ensure the whole of humanity would never again face the villain that was famine.

The people of Mars were the most irritable of spacers, their civilizations had been created during the boom years of the space bubble and they saw no need to aid their brothers and sisters on Earth. Drastic measures had to be taken to ensure Martian loyalty and cooperation, which included the repossession of all land under the Martian Resource Authority, the creation of nearly a thousand Rehabilitation Clinics and the curtailing of urban sprawl and population growth in favor of a more environmentally sound model. Though the Martians initially chafed under the oppressions they imposed upon themselves, eventually even the Red Planet embraced the blue and white. And so it was for nearly fifty years.

In 2125 the UN Administrator of Elysium, a large island in the Northern Martian Ocean, took up arms against the United Nations. He manipulated the people of Mars into believing his radical anti-earth rhetoric and harnessed their anger into forming a fully fledged rebellion. With the aid of turn coat companies like Santa Ana Electronics, Palmdale Corp and several lunar corporations, the Martian rebellion soon escalated into open conflict in the Earth Sphere. With King Wilhelm Du-Klein at its head, the armada of Martian ships invaded the earth, decimated its infrastructure and eventually forced the evacuation of the Senate and the aged Secretary General Dong.

It was decided the safest place to re-group would be at the EL3 Colony Cluster as it was far removed from the Earth Sphere. Further a massive fortress had been constructed there to safeguard the cluster and ensure the preservation of the UN. This fortress' name took its name from its designer - Dr. Claus Rheinfels. Arrogant and foolish to the last, King Du-Klein assaulted the fortress with his navy. Yet instead of victory he found only death as the Fortress' main cannon obliterated his fleet. Du-Klein limped home that day, his tail firmly tucked between his meek legs.

Since that day in 2127 the United Nations has carried on its noble tradition of conveying a message of peace, equality and harmony to the entire solar system. Though threatened with invasion many times, the Rheinfels Cannon keeps all enemies at bay, thus ensuring the preservation of the United Nations.

What caused the union states separation from the UN?

Quote from: NomadicWhat caused the union states separation from the UN?

The UN would claim that it was the fractious anti-UN rhetoric propagated by the invading Martians. Most Terrans will say that the Dong's UN was a vile organization that suppressed free speech and centralized power in the hands of a small cadre of like-minded, authoritarian depots. Not to mention the whispered rumors of atrocities perpetrated in the EL Colonies. Further, the United Nation's claim of spreading the benefits of Space to the entire world was farcical, especially after the first ten year plan. Most of those resources went to undeveloped countries and Dong's native Korea. The UN would counter that Seoul was the new capital of Earth (thus requiring many resources) and the old regime of nation states was unfair and inequitable towards countries outside of the developed world.

What is the Rheinfels Cannon

Quote from: NomadicWhat is the Rheinfels Cannon

Simple Answer: The Largest Beam Cannon ever constructed by man. The entire Fortress Rheinfels was designed to harness energy from multiple colony-size fusion reactors & hundreds of solar panels and focus that enormous energy into a beam capable of wiping out an entire fleet of ships. The weakness of the cannon is that it is only capable of firing that immense beam once every hour. Luckily the Fortress is almost impenetrable due to its thick armor and sheer size. Further, the UN Armada, is large enough to hold its own even against the more sophisticated fleets of the Martians and Terrans.

The Cannon, and to a lesser extent the Armada, ensure that the United Nations remains a visible entity with in the Solar System, even if its reign of dominance has ended.

Ah. Well now we come to that ultimate question. What do you envision players doing within this setting?

Quote from: NomadicAh. Well now we come to that ultimate question. What do you envision players doing within this setting?

That is the most difficult question of all.

The easiest answer would be "the next war begins and the PCs fight for one side.' To make it feel less railroady, the PCs could be members of the Special Forces (Talia, Demari, Guardian) thus giving them a free hand to do as they please in the war.

Another easy option would be a police/crime syndicate style campaign. For a freer option, the PCs could be freelancing mercenaries or bounty hunters akin to Cowboy Bebop. Still another option would be to have the PCs be normal people who get involved with some sort of solar-wide conspiracy.

I suppose this setting, like most modern/near modern settings, suffer from the lack of easily added BBEGs that don't necessarily mess with the setting as a whole (compared to say a Star Wars or a Mass Effect or your run of the mill Fantasy).

Quote from: Elemental_Elf

Quote from: NomadicAh. Well now we come to that ultimate question. What do you envision players doing within this setting?

That is the most difficult question of all.

The easiest answer would be "the next war begins and the PCs fight for one side.' To make it feel less railroady, the PCs could be members of the Special Forces (Talia, Demari, Guardian) thus giving them a free hand to do as they please in the war.

Another easy option would be a police/crime syndicate style campaign. For a freer option, the PCs could be freelancing mercenaries or bounty hunters akin to Cowboy Bebop. Still another option would be to have the PCs be normal people who get involved with some sort of solar-wide conspiracy.

I suppose this setting, like most modern/near modern settings, suffer from the lack of easily added BBEGs that don't necessarily mess with the setting as a whole (compared to say a Star Wars or a Mass Effect or your run of the mill Fantasy).

So you're looking for a more divset style setting?

Quote from: NomadicSo you're looking for a more divset style setting?

I've never been a proponent in the belief that there must be a Div-Set v Ethocentric divide. Any reasonable setting should be open enough to allow DMs to do want yet the setting should, on the whole, be focused enough on common ideas to maintain a consistent theme.

Quote from: Elemental_Elf

Quote from: NomadicSo you're looking for a more divset style setting?

I've never been a proponent in the belief that there must be a Div-Set v Ethocentric divide. Any reasonable setting should be open enough to allow DMs to do want yet the setting should, on the whole, be focused enough on common ideas to maintain a consistent theme.

I wasn't talking about the divide. I was talking about the fact that it seems you are looking for a more divset style for your setting vs ethocentric. I don't look at it like a divide like some do, I view it simply as describing words. It will help me understand what sort of setting environment you are trying to craft for your players.

Quote from: Nomadic

Quote from: Elemental_Elf

Quote from: NomadicSo you're looking for a more divset style setting?

I've never been a proponent in the belief that there must be a Div-Set v Ethocentric divide. Any reasonable setting should be open enough to allow DMs to do want yet the setting should, on the whole, be focused enough on common ideas to maintain a consistent theme.

I wasn't talking about the divide. I was talking about the fact that it seems you are looking for a more divset style for your setting vs ethocentric. I don't look at it like a divide like some do, I view it simply as describing words. It will help me understand what sort of setting environment you are trying to craft for your players.

 In that case, yes it would be leaning more Div-Set. I can't pic any of the sub categories since I don't think any genuinely apply (there is a set of pervasive themes in the setting; this set prevents the setting from becoming a sink setting and thus it was not built blindly or with no intentional Ethos).

[note] [ooc]I plan on updating this section regularly so as to allow every one, both InnerSOLians new and old, an easily accessed glossary of terms and concepts. This is definitely a work in progress. Right now I've tried to include many of the important countries/organizations/corporations but this is by no means complete or comprehensive.  If I add more than a few items at a time, I will make not note of it in a separate post.


Last Updated: 6-13-2010
Key Items Added: Mega Carrier[/ooc] [/note]

'¢   Alliance, Western: Large Military Alliance of the North American Union and the Confederation of South America. The Alliance is often viewed as the preeminent Terran Super Power due to its massive space navy, its large Lunar Colonies and its EL1 Colony Cluster. The Alliance has been involved in most major conflicts that have struck the solar system since its secret signing during the waning years of the autocratic United Nations. The Alliance is fervently opposed to the Martian Totality as the Alliance views it as nothing more than an illegitimate fascist regime.

'¢   Altered: The next race would be those humans who genetically alter themselves to better cope with the rigors of outer-space. These include skeletal and musculature enhancements, larger more efficient lungs, etc. These genetic alterations are strictly regulated within Terran-controlled territories. A derogatory term for Altered is Augmen, however this term has been conflated with the extreme augmentation employed by the Martians. Many people on Earth do not distinguish between simple genetic alterations used by the Altered and the massive genome restructure used by the Martians.

'¢   Argent Nexus Imperative (ANI): The ANI is the secret military police force employed by the Totality with the aim of rooting out sedition, religion and other un-Martian beliefs. The ANI has free reign in any land or colony controlled by the Totality (including Guam and Madagascar). The Argent Nexus Imperative also serves as the Martian intelligence and counter-intelligence agency.

'¢   Artmen: Artmen, or Artificial Men, are humans who have downloaded their consciousnesses into an artificial body. These bodies range in size, complexity and abilities. Most are humanoid, though some choose a more eclectic form (such as forms that emulate animals (especially Squids), small boxes with varying numbers of thin multi-purpose manipulator arms, large automated Mechs, etc.). There are two main purposes for downloading one's consciousness into an artificial body - The organic form was greatly damaged in some way (disease, injury, etc.) or is a part of a growing number of people that believe the next step in human evolution lies with merging the human soul with the machine.

'¢   Augmen: Augmen, or Augmented Men,  is a generic term used to describe any individual who undergoes a process where by there genes are manipulated to not only eliminate disease and defects but for enhancements to create a superior human being. The practice is not very common on the garden world of Earth but on other planets and for those living in Space, it is almost a necessity given the harsher environments they live in (i.e. lower gravity, dangers of space, the need for every individual to be healthy, etc.). Further, in Space, there is a general consensus that Augmenting the Human genome is the next logical step in human evolution. There are many different Augmen templates available, the most common being the Lunar and Martian Templates, both of which focus on allowing humans to live in an environment with a much lower gravity than Earth's. The Lunar Template focuses on simply making each individual as 'normal' as possible given the strain of the environment. The Martian template, however, goes much further in that it specifically making humans stronger, faster and smarter. The Lunar template is allowed by most governments on Earth however, the Martian template or any template approaching 'radical' alteration of the human genome is illegal.

'¢   Australia, Republic of: An independent country on earth that is ravenously pro-naturals and very anti-space. Ironically, this has led the country to be a strong supporter of Mars as their two ideologies of have a certain similarity in vision (Australia desires the end of contact with Space and Mars wishes to break the back of Earth and see Mars rise to be the leader of Humanity in space). During the Ares War, Thousands of Martians were stationed in Australia and it served as a vital hub of all terran based missions until Madagascar was conquered.  

'¢   Black Tonbo: Black Tonbo is the largest organized crime syndicate in the Mars Sphere. The organization maintains an ambivalent attitude towards the Totality, though leans against it if for no other reason that Black Tonbo's disgust for the ANI's mandate to hunt Black Tonbo members down. Tonbo supplies the Maquis with both information and supplies when it can.

'¢   Demari: Demari (Democratic Aristocracy) is an independent branch of the Martian military that is composed of elite troops specifically trained to be the best mobiru and ship crews in the Solar System. four of the five Martian Barbarossa-class Mega Carriers (the Barbarossa, Saladin, Lionheart and Augustus). Demari was instrumental in the Martian's success during the Ares War, handily defeating both the Russian Talia Group and the Alliance's Guardians.

'¢   Empire, Caesarean: An Empire of Augmen founded in the void beyond the Asteroid Belt. The Emprie is based out of three super-massive O'Neill-class Space Colonies, along with an impressive fleet. The Caesareans seek the whole sale slaughter of all Naturals to bring forth a new era ruled by Homo Excellentia (Augmen).

'¢   Federation, Russian: The country of Russia that includes much of central Asia. The Russian Federation is often viewed as the political and military counterbalance to the Western Alliance. Russia maintains a handful of Lunar colonies and possesses military bases in many of the Space Colonies. Russia lost much of its military during the Ares war and has thus been rebuilding quickly.  

'¢   Homo Sapiens Exemplar: The species name of the natural Humans. Exemplar, meaning original, was added to differentiate natural humans from those who alter their genes.

'¢   Homo Sapiens Palmarium: Is a species name used to describe the most radically genetically altered humans. Palmarium means Splendid or Oustanding. This specific species is confined to a relatively small population that live beyond the asteroid belt.  

'¢   Homo Sapiens Rigisamus: A term used to describe the Martian brand of genetically altered humans. Due to Mars' lower gravity many unique alterations were required. Unlike Homo Sapiens Palmarium, Homo Sapiens Rigisamus is truly a unique sub-species of Humanity given that there are roughly 1.5 billion Rigisamians. The word Rigisamus is derived from one of the Roman God Mars' epithets meaning King of Kings.

'¢   Japan: An independent country on Earth, Japan is a very advanced country that possesses a Lunar City. Japan maintains a disproportionate presence on the world stage due to it's Kyozai Electronics which is the leader in Modiru Production.  

'¢   Leistung: Leistung are high performance Mobiru designed for ace pilots. The first Leistung, the golden-colored Angel, was piloted by now-Supreme Chancellor Wilhelm Du-Klein during the Nation War. Since then, the concept of Leistung has become ubiquitous across the major naval powers.

'¢   Madagascar, Republic of: Madagascar is an independent country on Earth. The Republic is a puppet state created by the Martian Totality to justify its military occupation over the island. Madagascar is the Totality's largest holding on Earth.

'¢   Maquis: The Maquis is an anti-Totality organization that survives in the fringes of the Martian society. The organization is partially funded by wealthy citizens who despise the Totality as well as the Western Alliance. The Maquis maintains a sizable, though secret, space navy, typically stations well outside the Totality's grasp.

'¢   Mega Carrier: Mega Carrier is a term used to describe the largest battle ships every constructed by humanity. Each Mega Carrier houses the equivalent number of Mobiru and Space Fighters as an entire fleet. Each Mega Carrier is, bar none, the most powerful ship in every battle it enters. The Martians were the first to construct these massive Carriers and used them with great success in the Ares War. The Saladin-class Mega Carrier is the most advanced ship every fielded by any country. It's fast, maneuverable and has enough fire power to fight battle by itself. The Russians were the second country to create a Mega Carrier, though their Rodina-class ship was constructed by fusing six damaged Mobiru Carrier together. Though the Rodina is not as fancy or as high tech as the Saladin-class Carrier, the Rodina more than makes up for that by being a symbol of Russian ingenuity. Regardless of their origin, the Mega Carrier concept has radically altered standard Space warfare forever.

'¢   Mobiru: Mobiru are advanced humanoid-shaped Robots originally piloted by humans to aid in the creation of space colonies. The North American Union, in conjunction with Kyozai Electronics, created the first Mobiru designed for warfare. Since that time, Mobiru have become (along with Space Jets) a mainstay of modern warfare. Typically modern Mobiru are 20 to 30 feet tall and utilize a variety of weapons, notably beam cannons, bazookas and Beam Blades.

'¢   Morocco, Republic of: An independent country on earth that is despised by the African Union for its willingness to help throw off the yoke of the United Nations.

'¢   Nations, United: The UN was originally a loose confederation of independent countries that grew into a world nation following the pop of the Space Bubble in the 2060's. The UN became increasingly autocratic and harsh in its treatment of spacers. The King of Elysium rose in revolt and eventually expelled the UN from both Mars and Earth. The UN retreated to the L3 Colony Cluster, where it has been hold up since.

'¢   Orbital Defense Network (ODN): An independent branch of the Martian military tasked with Orbital Defense. ODN is headquartered in Deimos but also has a base in Phobos. Much of its military capacity is classified however, large particle cannons, fusion missiles and the Barbarossa-class Mega Carrier Lusignan is believed to be a part of ODN.

'¢   Palmdale Corp.: Palmdale is a corporation based out of the ML5 Colony Cluster. Palmdale currently specializes in the construction of the four principle ships of the Martian Navy (the Barbarossa-class Mega Carrier, the Godfrey-class Light Carrier, the Adhemar-class Light Frigate and the Radwan-class Heavy Frigate). Palmdale's subsidiary '" Taranto Partnership '" specializes in making the Alexius-class Assault Ship, which is the mainstay of  the Demari navy.

'¢   Panchina, People's Republic of:  The country that rules all of China plus eastern indo-china and half of central Asia. The People's Republic maintains a strict policy of neutrality unless a threat is perceived to its internal and/or national security. Militarily the Panchinese are typically ranked third out of the Terran Super Powers, though the destruction of the Fleet during the Ares War has weakened its position.  

Rebellion, Dutch: The Dutch Rebellion was centered around the terrorist attacks of radical Augmen during the mid-2070's. The Rebellion ended with the first offensive use of Anti-Matter Missiles, the deaths of nearly 2 million people and the founding of the Caesarean Empire.

'¢   Santa Ana Electronics: SAE is a ML4-based corporation that was instrumental in supplying Mars with Mobiru during the Nation War, a policy that was maintained during the Ares War. SAE has many anti-Totality sympathies and often (though secretly) supplies Mobiru and ships to the Maquis.

SolNet: SolNet is the term used to describe what was the Internet once it expanded beyond the Earth. SolNet requires the use of large data relay satellites, stationed in and around Inner Sol. SolNet also allows users to 'deep dive' (where by a person downloads a portion of his consciousness into the net as a means of virtually representing ones self in virtual reality at speeds a thousand times greater than if one were using conventional virtual reality software). Deep Diving is very popular with Artmen as it is much safer for the artificial brain to download segments of itself (non-Artmen can return from Deep Diving as vegetables).  

'¢   South America, Confederation of: The CSA is a union of the entire South American continent along with many Caribbean nations. The Confederation's capital is Sucre (located in Bolivia). The CSA is seen as the weaker force within the Alliance.

'¢   Taiwan, Republic of: A small independent country on earth that maintains a large electronics industry.

'¢   Totality, Martian: The country that rules the Mars Sphere, led by renowned war hero Wilhelm Du-Klein, King of Elysium.  The Totality is a single party state that focuses on nationalism, Martianism. The Totality is often viewed as humanity's alternative and counterweight to the fractious Terran Super Powers. The Totality has been the subject of much notoriety (and derision) for the parts it played during the Nation and Ares wars.    

'¢   Union, African: The pacifist nation that rules all of Africa except Morocco and Madagascar. The country has been passionately devoted to peaceful ways. The Union met the Martian occupation with peaceful protests. Their pacifist response was largely claimed to be a key factor in ending the Ares War.

'¢   Union, European: The political union of Europe, the Europeans have struggled with finding their place in the new world order following the Nation War. There are three major political parties with in Europe that tend to be deadlocked within the European Parliament and thus stall most attempts at creating a unified foreign policy that could rival the Russians or the Alliance.

'¢   Union, North American: The NAU was originally formed by what were the nations of the United States, Canada and Mexico (which grew to encompass the rest of the continent). NAU is a constituent Country of the Western Alliance. Its capital is at Balta (located in North Dakota). The Union is the guiding force within the Alliance, given that the bulk of the Alliance Navy is of North American origin. The current Alliance President, Rachel Kent, is a North American.

[ooc]I aplogize for my lack of updates as of late. Sickness, School and my other hobbies have killed my time. I just wanted to remind everyone that you are free to take this setting's badge if you so choose!

  (http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/pip3.png)  (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?78097)
 [url=http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?78097] [img]http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/pip3.png[/img] [/url] [/ooc]

Seventy one years ago a young Scottish man named David L. Hume wrote a small pamphlet and freely distributed it across the SolNet. This Pamphlet, Novus Libertas, described the history of humanity as a mere stepping stone to a new, peaceful world; a world where the United Nations did not subject the people to unspeakable hardships. The goal of Novus Libertas was to incite people take actions that would lead to the down fall of the UN.

[ic]'Rise comrades, rise up against your oppressive masters who seek nothing less than that which you cannot give '" your soul. They have taken our bodies, indoctrinated our youth but we all remember a time before their blue darkness spread across the world. Rise up comrades, RISE UP!'

~ David L. Hume, excerpt from Novus Libertas[/ic]

Another man, Johannes Van Rijn, heard the call to arms and incited what came to be known as the Dutch Rebellion. By hacking into the Dutch Water Authority, Van Rijn was able to systematically flood the whole of Holland. While the UN's eyes were fixed on humanitarian problems in the Netherlands, a woman named Deidre Hartog, hacked into the United Nations European Regional Stock Market and siphoned off twenty trillion dollars into an unnamed Venusian bank account. At the same moment another hacker, Frans Ballot, hacked into the European Satellite Missile Defense Shield (ESMDS) and utilized it to fire three tactical anti-matter missiles around the United Nation's capital of Seoul. Three hours later, Mr. Hume distributed an additional pamphlet that demanded the head of the UN Secretary General Dong's head as well as the dissolution of the entire United Nations organization. One hour later, Secretary Dong made a speech declaring Hume, and any sympathizers, to be terrorists.

[ic]'These people do not reflect the equalitarian view of Terrans. They are scoundrels that seek to fill us with unease and dread. They are no better than the bank robbers of old. We, the people of Earth, do not negotiate with Terrorists.'

~ Secretary General Dong of the United Nation at a press conference. [/ic]

Two hours later, Frans Ballot once again hacked into ESMDS and targeted the world's 20 largest cities. Once again Mr. Hume distributed a pamphlet that demanded the head of Secretary Dong or else thousands of innocent lives would be lost. Three minutes later, a video was posted on the SolNet that showed the Vice Secretary General shooting Dong right between the eyes.

All was quiet for five hours.

By this time, the Earth Investigation Bureau (EIB), traced the locations of each hacker, as well as the location of Mr. Hume. In a simultaneous strike, each house was struck. However, each house was devoid of both life and amenities save for a single computer each. Two minutes after the strike began, each of the world's twenty largest cities were struck by missiles, effectively destroying the center of each city. A letter was then posted on SolNet that called for the death of all Naturals and the liberation of all those who lived in Space.

A large ship was then detected above the skies of Seoul; this ship was called the Caesarea. One final note was posted on the SolNet:

[ic]'We are the future of Humanity. We are not bound by Homo Sapiens's laws, traditions or cultures. We have ascended to a new level of existence that surpasses the comprehension of all naturals. We are the superior breed; Naturals have no right to live.'  

~ David L. Hume posted while the Caesarea hovered over Seoul. [/ic]

With that, the Caesarea left Earth and the Inner Solar System, voyaging out into the abyss beyond the Asteroid Belt, not to be seen or heard from again until the Ares War, nearly seventy years later.

 [ic]"The Rebellion itself had the dramatic effect of creating a sentiment of ill content with in the whole United Nations that would linger on to this day. Granted, it was soon revealed that the assassination of Secretary-General Dong was a hoax and that only one of his look-a-likes was shot but this fact was not widely dispersed for days after the incident. In that time several of the regional Unions edged close to declaring independence. Thankfully none declared such a foolish action as the bulk of the military was still controlled (both directly and indirectly) by the UN.

It can be said, however, that it proved the world, and the solar system at large, were not as peaceful and content as the Secretary General had believed. This inevitably led to the Great Crackdown of 2077, which saw the executions of nearly 10,000 'suspected Caesareans.' A large percentage of those killed were of Martian origin, thus giving fuel to King Du-Klein's speeches prior to the onset of the Nation War. Further, as we all know the Caesareans are now a wild card with in the Solar System. Their covert fleet aided the Martians during the Ares War and ensured the Russian Talia Group's defeat on several occasions. These Augmen, who are radical even by Martian standards, are widely believed to be the greatest threat to Solar Peace in the current era."

"Do you really believe that Professor Young?"

"Yes, yes I do. It is not a matter of if they will attack, but when."

~ Professor Bill Young of the Balta Union University during an on-campus interview.
[/ic]

[ooc]I've decided to flesh out some of the history before I move on to more of the countries as it will make everything else make sense. I apologize to those who dislike this policy change :( [/ooc]

[ooc]Hmm, Does this idea not work for everyone? If no one likes it then I will continue along my original path interspersing it with pertinent historical posts.

Which do you guys prefer? [/ooc]

Either way should be fine, as long as you manage to keep things internally consistent.

(http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/4.png)

It's never a good sign when you have a typo sneak in a poster pic :o

Some terms that would be good to have added to the glossary:
* Artmen
* Augmen
* Colony Cluster
* Kumimoto
* Mass Launcher
* Mega carrier
* Venus

Quote from: GhostmanIt's never a good sign when you have a typo sneak in a poster pic :o

Some terms that would be good to have added to the glossary:
* Artmen
* Augmen
* Colony Cluster
* Kumimoto
* Mass Launcher
* Mega carrier
* Venus

Lol, see I put that there so fans like yourself would post... :P

Great idea on the terms, I'll add them later tonight :)

GOOD NEWS!!!!!!

I managed to convince my players that this would be a fun setting to play in!

Sadly this news does mean it will take me longer to do those promised write ups... BUT I am planning on doing a campaign log of sorts. We'll see how it goes. One caveat, you know how campaigns go sometimes - Wild and crazy nights lead to nuclear war and all... So I will only pull the best threads from the campaign down into my official cannon.  

Warning Class OGC Content:___ All content contained in this post is from an on-going campaign, it's continuity is dubious unless explicitly stated.

 [ooc=2143 August 23rd]A mere handful of years stand between the present day the the horrors of the last war. Peace stands upon a sword's edge. Few know what the future will bring but most, if not all, know it entails more death, more slaughter, more war...

 [ic=The Sean Beck Show, Aug. 23rd.]America, we are standing on the edge on a very, very deep chasm. The solar system just isn't a friendly place anymore and we have no one to thank except ourselves. We lost the path the founders of North America set forth oh those many years ago. Today we send trillions of Ameros to the Western Alliance. What do we really get for that? An incompetent administration run by war mongers? A defensive shield that protects an entire continent that pays little for it's security? A new Armada filled with the most advanced (and expensive) Mobirus that the Alliance can muster?

No, America, no. I say this Alliance is a piece of... huh, caught myself that time. This Alliance is not worth the ink it was written with. WE the hard working people of NORTH America protect those hippies in SOUTH America... Yeah, I know what you're thinking "But gee Sean, can't we all just get along?" NO! No we cannot just 'get along.' We are running ourselves into the poor house to protect people that neither want, need or desire our protection.

Now, let me deviate a bit and mention God. Yes God. I know it isn't popular with Corporate but, I feel there is a great awakening coming for our country. We have drifted away from God and his teachings because of modern technology; it's too fast, too shiny... Hell we even conquered space but, BUT, but let me tell you God is still there, high above, watching each and every one of us. He knows you better than you know yourself and all he wants is you to open yourself to his word, his message...

Now, let me tell you about the Sponsor for this half hour - Gold Mug Syrup. Yes Gold Mug, the best name in Syrup since 2031. It's rich and buttery texture will...

*End Transmission*  [/ic]


[ic=Classified Document: Project Hunter] From: Colonel Jack Berry

To: Division Admiral John Stern


Subj: Project Hunter Mid-Mission Report

Mission Objectives: 1) Capture Peanut, Butter and Jelly; 2) Destroy Lemon; 3) Obtain Lime; 4) ensure survival of Turtle.

---- 2143, August 24th - As you know from their personal files forwarded to your office, Mr. "Red Bear" and Mr. "Bane" are of above average skill (even for a Guardian Personnel). They were assigned to the Osterhaus, captained by Hotaka Ito, as ordered. At 0100 hundred Hours this morning they were placed into two class X9 Probes and shot into Martian Territory. From there they were picked up by the Martian Splinter Organization known as the Maquis. While on-board they were forced to eliminate the Maquis for an unknown reason. It seems our spy, one Pilot Van Norden, was unable to contain the situation. Regardless, the ship rendezvoused with freighter and was cleared for docking at the O'Brian Colony in the ML4 Cluster. From there, the three posed as day workers from Martian Province of Wong and obtained entrance to the colony on that basis. While on a Transport barge, the three operatives were forced to eliminate two Martian Patrol Officers and several Drones. Photographs of the fight were taken and transmitted to the nearest Patrol Hub located near mission objective 3 codenamed 'Lime.' As of yet these files have not been purged. Prior to our last communique burst, the three were able to infiltrate the Santa Anna Research Center on Santa Anna Island. The group made contact with 'Turtle' and have thus far kept his cover intact. Currently they are making their way towards Obtaining Lime. The current time is 17 hundred hours.

[/ic][/ooc]

WE MUST PROTECT THE TURTLE AT ALL COSTS!!!

Loved the subtle cbg references (lime/turtle). This is sounding very awesome and it's cool that you got your players in on it.

Quote from: NomadicWE MUST PROTECT THE TURTLE AT ALL COSTS!!!

Loved the subtle cbg references (lime/turtle). This is sounding very awesome and it's cool that you got your players in on it.

Hahaha, yes! I figured most would catch the Turtle reference, glad you also caught the Lime :)

I somehow missed this the first time around.

I'll also chime in on liking the maps. They're nice to look at, bright and bold, and perhaps a bit spartan, but not in a way that detracts-- more in a way that reflects the character of the setting. That is, they're the kind of thing you'd expect to see on some high-tech device, as opposed to a fantasy map which has more of that "written on a dusty old piece of parchment" feel to it.

I also like the sort of transhumanist future you seem to be presenting. I would like a bit more clarity in the "four races of humanity" section, like, perhaps the actual four races could be bolded or given their own paragraphs or something, so it's easy to tell what they are? I like the feel you've presented but if I had to list the four races I don't think I could tell. Unmodified humans, Artmen, Martians(?) and I couldn't really pick up on the fourth at all.

Your political factions are interesting, though I'm not sure about the Western Alliance. It seems like the US and Canada have (or at least historically have had) greater political connections with Europe than with the countries in the southern part of their own hemisphere. A lot could change between now and the time your setting takes place, though, so this isn't a huge deal-- then I'd just like to know more about how this change came about. From the part about the tension between North and South America in the Alliance maybe there is some of this already, but why didn't North America just align with Europe? Where (in modern terms) is the border between Pan-China and the League of South Asia? It looks like Pan-China controls what was once French Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia) where the League got the rest. This region, particularly Vietnam, had been conquered and controlled by China at various times in its history, leading to resentment-- so I wonder, how would they feel about Chinese rule now? Is there similar tension to the Western Alliance, and greater perils are what necessitated coming together? How do the nonaligned countries stand up in the face of these very large and presumably very powerful political blocs? I can't quite tell, but it looks like Korea is unified. This in itself would be an interesting story... :)

Quote from: sparkletwistI somehow missed this the first time around.

Now's a good time to jump in since this setting will be updated fairly regularly now :)

Quote from: sparkletwistI'll also chime in on liking the maps. They're nice to look at, bright and bold, and perhaps a bit spartan, but not in a way that detracts-- more in a way that reflects the character of the setting. That is, they're the kind of thing you'd expect to see on some high-tech device, as opposed to a fantasy map which has more of that "written on a dusty old piece of parchment" feel to it.

Thank you. I really struggled with how to represent the setting in map form. I'm glad you like it :)

Quote from: sparkletwistI also like the sort of transhumanist future you seem to be presenting. I would like a bit more clarity in the "four races of humanity" section, like, perhaps the actual four races could be bolded or given their own paragraphs or something, so it's easy to tell what they are? I like the feel you've presented but if I had to list the four races I don't think I could tell. Unmodified humans, Artmen, Martians(?) and I couldn't really pick up on the fourth at all.

Ah yes. I think I could have been a bit overzealous in my declaration of 4 unique races of Man.

Homo Sapiens Exemplar: Are normal (almost) unaltered Humans, often called Naturals. These Humans are either completely natural or have had their genes modified to screen out congenital diseases and deformities. Naturals are most commonly found on Earth and Venus.

Altered: The next race would be those humans who genetically alter themselves to better cope with the rigors of outer-space. These include skeletal and musculature enhancements, larger more efficient lungs, etc. These genetic alterations are strictly regulated within Terran-controlled territories. A derogatory term for Altered is Augmen, however this term has been conflated with the extreme augmentation employed by the Martians. Many people on Earth do not distinguish between simple genetic alterations used by the Altered and the massive genome restructure used by the Martians.

Homo Sapiens Rigisamus: Is the 'species' name used by Martians to describe the sweeping alterations of the human genome. The 'Martian Template' as it is commonly known in the scientific world employs massive changes to the skeleton and musculature which make Martians both taller and stronger than naturals. Further, the Martian Template alters the human brain to increase intelligence and response time. During the Ares War, the people of Earth often used the term 'Augmen' as a derogatory word to describe Martians. The Martians have since taken ownership of this term and use it proudly.

Artmen: Are people who have downloaded their consciousness into an artificial body. This is often done due to a large scale injury. Artmen are fairly common in the Earth Sphere and the Venus Sphere but are disdained in the Mars Sphere. Most of the Artmen bodies emulate normal human forms, however, many eccentric individuals favor more eclectic forms, typically those that emulate animals (principally Squids).
 

Quote from: sparkletwistYour political factions are interesting, though I'm not sure about the Western Alliance. It seems like the US and Canada have (or at least historically have had) greater political connections with Europe than with the countries in the southern part of their own hemisphere. A lot could change between now and the time your setting takes place, though, so this isn't a huge deal-- then I'd just like to know more about how this change came about. From the part about the tension between North and South America in the Alliance maybe there is some of this already, but why didn't North America just align with Europe?

The easiest answer to your question is time, political tensions and anti-United States sentiment. When the 'Space Bubble' popped and the United Nations took control of the world, it diluted the idea of nation-states and forced the creation of Pan-Nation organizations akin to the old European Union. To this end North America and South America were forged. During this waning years of Secretary-General Kim Ki Dong's reign the focus on his administration remained fixed on Africa and its growing freedom moment, which allowed those with in the Americas to work together and secretly construct the arms and ships required to revolt. Since then, the Alliance has been the most powerful military and economic power the Earth Sphere.

The Alliance, however, is not with out its problems. Though the Alliance government successfully controls the foreign policy, domestically North and South America are still very district. The north is more modern and powerful economically, while the south is more rural and focused on eco-tourism. The North is militant and the South peaceful. The current means of holding the union together has been to give large subsidies from North to South America. As most say, money walks...

Quote from: sparkletwistWhere (in modern terms) is the border between Pan-China and the League of South Asia? It looks like Pan-China controls what was once French Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia) where the League got the rest.

Panchina controls the territory currently claimed by the following countries: Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, half of Kazakhstan, Nepal, Bhutan, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam.

The League controls the territory currently claimed by the following countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and many islands in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

 

Quote from: sparkletwistThis region, particularly Vietnam, had been conquered and controlled by China at various times in its history, leading to resentment-- so I wonder, how would they feel about Chinese rule now? Is there similar tension to the Western Alliance, and greater perils are what necessitated coming together? How do the nonaligned countries stand up in the face of these very large and presumably very powerful political blocs? I can't quite tell, but it looks like Korea is unified. This in itself would be an interesting story... :)

Following the world's reorganization after the Space Bubble Burst, the United Nations contained China to the territory it possessed prior to the burst. When the UN was toppled, China took the opportunity to quickly claim new territories to the south (Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos) and split the lands of Arazistan (Central Asia) with Russia, leaving only Iran (led by a pro-China ultra-conservative government) in place. There is much ethnic troubles with in China but with the ever expanding Han, those troubles will be pacified and fully integrated soon enough.

I have added a new map that shows how the world looked 6 years after the United Nations took control of the Earth.

 [spoiler=Earth c. 2069](http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/earth2069.png)[/spoiler]

The world was divided into Nine Provinces, each of whom was fashioned from the husks of prior nation-states. The area called Hom was the "Special Administrative Region" administered directly by the Secretary-General's Cabinet. In a sense it was a capital region.

[ooc][ic=Classified Document: Project Hunter, update 2] From: Colonel Jack Berry

To: Division Admiral John Stern


Subj: Project Hunter Mid-Mission Report

Mission Objectives: 1) Capture Peanut, Butter and Jelly; 2) Destroy Lemon; 3) Obtain Lime; 4) ensure survival of Turtle.

---- 2143, August 24th - The squad made contact with Turtle, gained valuable information and successfully maintained his cover up to this point. The Squad entered the East half of the Laboratory Building, successfully utilizing lab coats and a 'malfunctioning' heavy barreled machine gun as a disguise. An accident saw the death of a scientist, which sparked an intense stand off with security. 12 Scientists and 7 security officers were slain until Van Norden was successful in hacking into the mainframe and sending out an all clear sign. Through the use of biometric material and badges, the squad successfully infiltrated the local Island Security Office, 5 additional security personnel were killed. Van Norden deleted all files relating to the squad, especially those captured by security drones while on the barge headed for Santa Anna Island. The squad also delayed the removal of Peanut, Butter and Jelly as well as isolating the traveling dignitary with in the on-island apartments.

Currently the squad is headed for the Mobile Housing Units to destroy the Lemon and to the Offices to obtain Lime.

It is currently 17:30.


[/ic]

[ic=Communique from Outpost 359 in the Epsilon Nomad Sector]"Sir, *ksssssh ksssshhh* Something Appro- *ksssssh ksssshhh* -ing. Unknown *ksssssh ksssshhh* or diamet- *ksssssh ksssshhh*. Interference from *ksssssh ksssshhh*, will investi- *ksssssh ksssshhh*.

==End of Transmission==[/ic]
[/ooc]

[ic= Edward Farthingworthshire III at an art gala in Julius] I believe this piece evokes the terrible struggle we Lunanites have endured over the last century of colonization.  We are the laborers, the thinkers, the oppressed, the forgotten, the banished and the dead yet through all of this we remain sane and beautiful, so, so beautiful'¦ Yes, Luna is the most inhospitable planetoid we have ever truly colonized yet we THRIVE here. Why is that do you think? I say it is we Lunanites, we brothers and sisters of the moon, who have been the beaten and the damned, wretches of the System's super powers, have come together to form a powerful and enduring way if life that transcends national borders '" we are Luna and Luna is we. [/ic]



Luna, the Earth's moon, is often referred to as the '˜stepping stone to Sol.' Humanity went to the moon in the late 20th century and found it a barren, airless wasteland; it would take nearly 60 years for that opinion to change. At the dawn of the new age, Luna became the [note] (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/RHO1/InnerSOL/facility.png) [/note]obvious target for mining. It was rich with Helium-3 (a rare earth isotope of Helium used in most modern fusion reactors) by comparison to the Earth. In 2032, the United States founded the first He-3 mining facility '" named in honor of the first human to walk on the moon '"   Armstrong. By mid-Decade all of the major global powers had founded their own mining facilities. By the middle of the 2040's those facilities had grown into large domed boomtowns filled with miners, adventure seekers, business tycoons and explorers. However, once Space Colonies were founded and Mars was terraformed, Luna lost much of its appeal to the first generation Lunanites. The next generation would come to settle permanently on Luna and live out their lives in the richness and prosperity of their moon.

When the '˜Space Bubble' popped in 2063, the world's powers laid in economic ruin and the United Nations took control, both on Earth and in Space. The life those second generation Lunanites had founded remained fairly unchanged with the transfer of power. Secretary-General Dong used draconian methods to keep the Space Colonies in line but took a gentler tactic with Luna, for at that time Luna was the principle supplier of He-3. Why risk the Earth's vital supply of fuel to control those who willingly support your regime if left alone?

All around Luna, the solar system was changing '" the floating cities of Venus became firmly established, Mars was fully terraformed, more  [note] (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/RHO1/InnerSOL/lunarcity.png) [/note] and more Space Colonies were constructed to house political dissidents and other rabble from Earth '" yet Luna stayed the same. Her cities grew and grew, some even surpassing the size of Earth cities (principally Liberty, Armstrong, Putingrad and Yuegang). Then King Du-Klien of the Martian Island-Kingdom of Elysium began the Great Martian Rebellion. With a speed unmatched in history of space, Du-Klien swept across the Solar system, destroying key military targets. Sadly, for Luna, many of those military targets were located on the earth's moon. The worst fighting seen during the Rebellion was had on Luna. Whole cities were torn asunder, or completely destroyed by the fighting. When the Rebellion ended and the United Nations retreated to the EL3 Colony Cluster '" luna lay in shambles.

Old Terran rivalries soon swelled to a boil, as each of the major Blocs parlayed their forbear-country's deeds (and the obvious weakness and weariness of Lunanites in general) into reclaiming the cities of Luna. Those same Blocs drafted and signed the Treaty of Armstrong; the treaty removed an old pillar of inter-planetary Law '" that no country could claim extraterrestrial land in excess of the land it needed for development. With the treaty signed, the entire moon was sectioned off in an instant. Where there was once just One Luna with a diverse cultural heritage, there were now seven Lunas, each beholden to a different Terran Bloc.

The North American Union (and by extention of the Western Alliance) was able to claim the largest swathe of land, thanks to the boomtown mentality of the 2040's, which saw the  United States and Canada found cities all across the surface. Above all, the North American Union was able to gain control of Liberty (the largest city and busiest [note] (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/RHO1/InnerSOL/oldmap.png) [/note] port on Luna), Armstrong City and Lunic (which housed a United Nations Shipyard with several half-constructed Carriers).

The Pan Chinese gained the second largest territory, principally Yuegong, which is the second largest city and second busiest port on Luna. The Russians reclaimed the cities that composed '˜Nebo Russia', literally Sky Russia. This was and remains the heart of Russian civilization outside of the Earth. The Europeans, whose former territory was decimated by the Martians, saw their territory reasonably large yet unpopulated. The Japanese reestablished control of their four Lunar Cities, principally Amaterasu which is said to be the most technologically advanced city on the whole Moon.

 Finally, a large swathe of the far side of the Luna was granted to a consortium of interested and powerful Corporations who sought a near-earth base on which to found top secret research facilities. The chief amongst the many corporations were  Kyozai Electronics (Japanese Mobiru manufacturer),  Viejo Electronics (NAU Space Ship manufacturer), Saerouon Corp. (Korean Space Communications manufacturer),  Bianfu (Panchinese mobiru manufacturer) and Doohan Electronics (NAU-EU space ship engine manufacturer).

As time passed Luna rebuilt, old cities expanded, new ones were founded '" then the Ares War began. Once again the Martians threatened the Luna '" this time they spared no expense or remorse. Indiscriminate bombings were a constant threat. The worst came when the Panchinese [note] (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/RHO1/InnerSOL/shipandmoon.png) [/note]entered the war on the side of the Martians, this begat a terrible gorilla war between the Russians and the Panchinese that saw the newly constructed city of Lui handed over to the Russians (who renamed it Gulski after the legendary Leistung Pilot and Hero of Russia). However, if Lunanite killing Lunanite was not bad enough the Martians started a full out offensive on the city of Liberty and eventually captured the city, claiming it and its omni-directional mass launcher ports for their own. The loss of Liberty was a huge blow to the Western Alliance, who desperately sought to reclaim it. By war's end they succeeded but at the terrible cost of thousands of civilian lives and untold damage to the city itself.

Since the war ended, Luna has rebuilt itself, more quickly than before. It is as if, subconsciously, those who live on Luna know another war is coming and understand that it is best to rebuild quickly and enjoy the good times for the bad come again.  

[ic=President Rachel Kent of the Western Alliance speaking at a private fund raiser at her hometown of Picard] My friends, my friends, [note] (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/RHO1/InnerSOL/Luna-3.png) [/note] '˜tis good to see you all. I do so miss our precious Luna, her gray cratered fields, her endless vistas, her blackened sky and, most of all, her citizens. My Great, Great, Great Grandfather was one of the first settlers on the Moon. His sweat and his blood stains the soft gray clay. We were raised on the best planetoid in the solar system because of their dedication, their strength and their love. Now that the Ares War has ended, it is time for you '" the great citizens of Luna '" to channel the energy of your forbears and rebuild our beautiful moon, for it is precious and dear to our souls.[/ic]

[ooc]DRAT! I need to find more time to do write ups! Sadly, my time is beaing eaten away by Summer School, Warhammer and DMing InnerSOL.

Just to give everyone a little update, I am currently working on a more detailed timeline for the setting. It's proving difficult due to the great length of time that separates us from 2143 AND the sheer amount of things that (apparently) happened in the last 20 years of the setting (i.e. everything, lol).

I am also working on a overview of the Martian Totality and a history of Mars (akin to the Luna article). However, I want to finish the basics of the timeline before I proceed with that so I don't have to retcon/change the timeline/articles if a discrepancy s found.

I'm also working on an article about the major Covert Ops Corps that litter the setting, principally - Guardian, Soldat, Talia Group and Demari.

The Caesarea is also playing a large role in my current Campaign, so I am working on info about them.

Anyways, I just wanted to update everyone and make sure no one thought I lost interest in the setting :)  [/ooc]

[ic]'The fatal flaw of Russia's enemies is that they all lack the will power to wage a war of attrition. If you do not have the stomach to sustain massive casualties then you do not have what it takes to defeat Russia. Napoleon, Hitler, Ki-Dong and Du-Klien all made the mistake of believing they could conquer Russia - none were successful. In fact, I believe it is patently impossible to invade a country like Russia and truly conquer it; even Ki-Dong had to bribe the Russian people with billions of Unos to stay their desire to be free. We are a proud people who will never bow to tyrants, foreign or domestic. Russia will always be free because the collective consciousness of her people wills it. '

~ Vlad Jonkov, Minister of Russian History.
 [/ic]

 
 
General


The Russian Federation was founded following the collapse of the Soviet Union in the late 20th century. Initially Russia was devastated economically and culturally, as the once great country rose from the ashes and re-discovered itself and its place in the world. America and China were both more advanced and better equipped to begin and sustain the first Lunar Colonies, yet somehow Russia persevered, first founding Putingrad, then nurturing that small mining facility into the roaring metropolitan city it is today. Russia also aided monetarily in the terraforming of Mars but, due to budget constraints, was not endowed with the ability  [note] (http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/r3.png?t=1279484565) [/note] to leave an indelible mark on that world (at least not to the extent of the Americans, Chinese and Europeans).

A majority of Russia's big businesses had pegged themselves to man's destiny in the heavens and when the Space Bubble popped, and the world's economies faltered, Russia was hit very hard. Facing the imminent collapse of his country, President Kolikov relinquished sovereignty to the United Nations and its leader '" Secretary General Kim Ki-Dong. Compared to most other nations, Russia was remarkably well loved by Kim Ki-Dong, even at the end of his tyrannical reign, Russia   was given billions of Unos for domestic development; Russia's lunar colonies were expanded and enriched.

When the Martian King of Elysium, Wilhelm Du-Klein, began his rebellion to throw off the UN's yoke, the Russian government was initially uneasy. Russia had done well under UN rule, what would be gained by rebellion? As fate would have it, the Chinese and Iranians presented the Russian President with just such a justification '" the conquest of Arazistan. When the UN took control of the world, it set up 10 provinces, central Asia's was called Arazistan. This Province had long been dominated by the King of Saudi Arabia, much to the dislike of Iran. The Iranians presented the Chinese and Russians with a deal '" use the War against the UN as a cover to [note] (http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/r1.png?t=1279484561) [/note]invade central Asia and take control of everything north of Iran. At the same time, bombard Riyadh claiming it as a headquarters for UN forces. Once the UN is defeated, both Russia and China would expand their earth-based territories immeasurably while at the same time giving Iran the time and resources to declare independence.

The Russians, who had long felt the loss of Central Asia following the collapse of the Soviet Union was blight on their collective history, agreed. Under cover of the war, the Chinese and Russians enacted the plan. By war's end, Iran was free; Russia controlled west-central Asia and the Chinese East-central Asia. Though the Europeans and Americans objected vehemently to the land grab, there was little either could do as the war with the UN had consumed much of their resources.

 Following the War of Liberation (as it came to be known) the Russians re-asserted control over their colonies on the moon and bullied their way into controlling several colonies in the EL4 Cluster. The Russian government then spent the interbellum years expanding their military and their presence in space.

No one quite knows what happened in October of 2136, other than a Russian Merchant vessel, called the Toltova, was boarded by Martians. Those Martians slaughtered every crew member then set the autopilot to take the ship, and the corpses, back to Russia. This event sparked the largest and deadliest war [note] (http://gi163.photobucket.com/groups/t317/NMF555DDQH/r2.png?t=1279484562) [/note]in human history '" the Ares War. The War was initially a mere battle between two opposing countries but quickly expanded to include the whole of Earth and her colonies. The fate of Russia ebbed and flowed, some days were brighter than others, yet through it all the Russian people persevered. At war's end, the Russian economy lay in ruin and the Solar Peace brought nothing save shame to her proud people.

Since the Ares War '" Russia, like all of the great powers, has tried to forget the horrors of the war and pick up the pieces and re-forge her destiny. Principally, this has meant a massive military buildup both to replace those ships lost at ML4 and to counter the Martian's technological superiority. Quantity has always been a Russian quality and that is no different post-war. It is currently estimated that Russia possesses the largest number of Mecha and ships of any Solar Power. Just one conclusion can be drawn from this '" Russia expects another war.
 

[ooc]I really like Google Sites, so I created the official home of InnerSOL (http://sites.google.com/site/innersolsagas/)! The CBG will still be my main site, I just wanted to make a backup site (I'm always worried the worst will happen and the CBG will suddenly die, my 2 comps will explode, my 2 Flash Drives will melt and, thus, my whole setting will be lost for ever. ! :)  [/ooc]