Mesopolis

[Cheomesh]

This is a reformatting of my earlier thread (Apex Spire).  I came to the conclusion that the original premise didn't work for crap, so I'm refitting it to fit into a Blade-Runner style world.  The key differences are:  No flying cars (or much that seems all that futuristic), no replicants (our experiences with genetic slaves ended in cancerous blobs), and no off-world society (space travel is a lie).  Also, 99.98% of human society lives within urbanized city-states, which are supported by large hinterlands.  Only a few of these Megapoli exist on each continent.  Their method of governance varies, but a strong ruling body that hands power down through generations (though their positions may not remain the same) prevails.  I will write this short in the point of view of these forms of cities, with the model one being named "Assur".  This will be the city my campaign takes place in.

==

What is it like?
It varies!  The few city-states are vast places, with many subcultures and neighborhoods inside of them.  There are dirty low-class neighborhoods, nice middle class dwellings and glittering quarters for the wealthiest few, spread all throughout.  Some places are well packed and bustling, while others are sparsely inhabited and rather run down.  Each city is surrounded by a deadzone, an expanse of unused and stripped out buildings that serve as a barrier against the outside world.  Each door and window is sealed, and each allyway walled off.  This effectively cuts off entrance or escape by foot, penning the people in as none of the general populace have clearance for the skydocks -- the only way out by VTOL.

There are no private vehicles within these city states, as the population does not allow for it.  Transport is provided by foot or by light rail, which forms an intra-city network.  Most areas of significance have at least two stops for the light rail, with at least two tracks serving it.  It is fairly easy to get around the city this way, except into restricted areas like the skydock and the government district.

Most of the areas are well kept as they can be.  Not every building gets a full scrub of graffiti or an overhaul against acid rain, but the regularly seen ones do.   The deadzone requires that expansion takes place in an upwards direction, which results in some surface neighborhoods being overbuilt -- essentially blocked from the sun by overhead walkways and railways for many levels.  People are constantly coming and going as work shifts change out and people partake in commerce.  You could spend your life working in a factory, slaving away four hours a day making goods you'll never use, in comfortable offices managing some branch of the city government, or within the glittering Zigurats of the government making policy work.  You could also just die.


Who Rules?
The city states are ruled by a sovereign body, a collection of families that retained wealth and power during the neo-urbanization period well over two centuries ago.  This governing body has managed to come into control of every legal method of production (socialism) and service, with a few exceptions.  Generally, these bodies are never elected, or never publicly elected.  The government's agents (non-producing employees, generally relatives and offspring of the ruling families) directly manage all of the following:
*  Agraculture
*  Mining
*  Food and material processing
*  Etra and intra city transport
*  Health care
*  Manufacturing
*  Enforcement
*  Energy and energy subsystems
*  Food distribution centers (purchasing depots and restaurants alike)
*  Urban upkeep centers
*  Education facilities

Essentially, this means all people who work are government employees, with few exceptions.  Wages and compensation are government set.  Most non-government jobs are small-time (individual places) and are heavily taxed so that no revenue goes un-distributed.  The city government is a large but effective bureaucracy.  As of this time, it is likely as efficient as something this size will ever be.


Who works?
Practically everyone.  As mentioned above, most people are government employees.  This includes people working in such different fields as manufacturing (a lowly paid and low-educated job worked by sizable portions of the population), maintenance (a moderately educated job with reasonable compensation) and medicine (general pharmaceuticals and various doctoral pursuits; highly paid).  Those that are not government employees tend to own their own small time places; small bar-rooms, small food spots open to the street, individual vendor carts, and law firms.  These small operations are heavily taxed (when noticed), and are not allowed to expand beyond one unit, nor allowed to hire more than a certain number of employees.

Your average work day is approximately 6 hours, six days a week.  Some jobs only require 4 hours per day (five to seven days a week) and others see stretches as long as 12.  Being government controlled, time slots are closely monitored and most positions never "sleep" -- as one shift ends another picks up and continues the work.

Compensation for labor is fixed, and generally does not fluctuate.  Unless something has gone wrong, even the lowliest paid worker should be able to get by on their own -- theoretically.  Since when has anything ever gone "right", however, when governments are involved?  


What is this about education?
The global average is eight years of education, from ages 6 to 14.  After reaching the end of his eight year, the citizen is free to go, so that they may pursue employment and or apprenticeship in one of the government-held sectors.  Electing to stay yields two more years of general study, and a certificate of completion that enables the student to seek higher employment (law and technical apprenticeships being most common) or higher education that enables further career options -- sometimes even a shot at moving into government positions.

Your average "school day" for the first eight years is six hours, lengthening to eight for the last two.  Higher education varies heavily by institution and goal.


How do we get food?
Food is a combination of natural and purely synthetic components, which maximizes feeding capacity.  Practically everything is vitamin enhanced.  Everything is heavily processed for maximum potential.  Basic meals, bought at food depots, are received in MRE-like components.  Certain jobs also issue meal tickets redeemable at any government location in exchange for low pay and long hours.  These can be used or slighted as another medium of exchange.  This system almost ensures that nobody goes hungry.  Typically, food prices are kept fairly cheap, unless price manipulation is necessary to provoke some kind of response.

A typical single-meal package includes:

*  Entree including protein (generally legumes)
*  Powdered beverage additive (instant tea and vitamin shakes are popular)
*  Flat bread (sort of like a big soft cracker)
*  Vitamin side (fruit-like paste)
*  Fiber side (Portabella slices and Button Mushroom Poppers prevail)
*  Cheer good (hard sugar candies prevail)

Government or private food establishments offer an alternative to pre-packaged foodstuff, which is mostly eaten cold and can be kind of bland.  These places bring cheer to the lives of many, and make place for employment.  These are the best location to get some good drinks (alcohol not being sold for private consumption) of many kinds, hot food (as fresh as it gets) and the rarely seen meat.  It's also a great place to socialize, as human kind is ought to do.

Food itself is grown out in the hinterlands, beyond the deadzone of the city.  Primary resource varies based on location.  Synthetic foods are synthesized from raw materials in food-chemical factories.  Employment at one of these establishments carries with it a certain social prestige, as it is the only food related employment requiring a certificate of completion.  Water is piped in and filtered from all over, including brown and gray water recycling.


What about housing?
Housing in the city is comprised of multiple different building forms.  Capsule towers fall in and out of vogue from time to time, so these tight structures are seen along  side traditional apartments and condominiums.  Amongst single or childless people (particularly field-working officials and low class workers), these tiny housing compartments are popular.  Apartments are the norm for most families, with condos being popular amongst the well to do.  Penthouses and private buildings are the lodging par excellence for the richer class and ruling body.  The most famous of these richer lodgings is the Ziggurat of Assur -- a luxury housing and entertainment building in the heart of the city.


What about law?
Given the size of the city and the general lack of eyes (mass security cameras were outlawed under the Quality of Life Act), there is a certain air of lawlessness in many areas of the cities.  Police forces, generally called security teams, try to keep pace with all of the important crimes (destruction of government property, murder, illegal commerce), while secondary crimes (rape, theft, assault) take the backseat.  City security teams are well armed, hosting some of the only ground vehicles (for reaching overbuilt areas where VTOL cannot land) and the only real firearms to be found.  They are highly trained and well motivated, and resemble a military infantry team more than a recognizable police force.  Their numbers are limited based on area due to the Intercity Conflict Act, which means no city ever has enough boots on the ground.

In some areas, gangs rule.  These tend to be mostly shabby places inhabited by people who don't want to be found, or for some reason lack
any other form of lodging.  Some gangs even find their way into regular neighborhoods, where pleas for law assistance go unheeded for months as manpower is strapped.  Not every gang is legal, however -- some are in fact groups of alms-givers who band together for increased strength.  Others are simply government contracted crooks who keep other criminals in line for a share of pay and loot.  Still others simply don't care about you or your neighborhood.

These gangs consist of many different kinds of people, normally with only one or two unifying ideals.  Very rarely is a gang concrete enough to last very long, and many who cross higher level laws find themselves crushed completely beneath the boots of security.  Some are wily enough to last nearly forever -- the "Slags", a gang from Ur, operated nearly 95 years before finally falling apart from internal power struggles.  In their time, they extorted millions out of individuals and businesses; the 15 man gang was also found directly responsible for no less than 300 murders in just the last 12 years of their run.


How can I protect myself?
Weapons are outlawed inside the cities and its hinterlands.  Firearms have long since disappeared from the general public, and materials involved in the construction of ammunition are tightly controlled (particularly lead, brass and charcoal).  The only firearms to be regularly found are the service weapons of the security teams.  In spite of these controls, certain criminal elements are still in posses of high caliber improvised firearms (zipguns).  Additionally, easily concealed weapons like knives (handmade or otherwise), saps and knuckle-dusters abound.  Other handy instruments of death are also commonly seen -- steel piping is a common one.  

As a result of urban terror, significant portions of the population undertake some form of hand to hand in their youth, or spend time honing skills with other lethal weaponry (steel pips are more handy in combat than you would think).  The gangs responded in kind.  Subsequently, most bouts of gang violence involve rival units knocking each other with clubs, minimalizing the need of security to get involved.  The lower classes practice all manner of arts, as multiple martial traditions remain alive even within the close confines of a megacity.

As an interesting cultural nod, the youth of the city elite also undergo hand to hand and weapons training, though the ever noble manner of swordsmanship regularly replaces rough pipe-work.  The exact method of martial training varies, with ancient kenjutsu and savate being most popular in Uruk, while rapiers and archaic Jeet Kun Do are vogue in Nippur.  There are even high level inter-city competitions for the best of the city's best.


Why not leave?
Attempting to leave the city results in imprisonment.  It's an impossible feat, anyway; the exits are all blocked off and the newest security recruits often patrol the area.  Besides, even if you escaped, it'll take weeks or months to reach the next city, and you have exactly no supplies or survival skills that are useful outside of an urban environment.  Rumor has it there are mutants and savages from old failed science out there.  Besides, even if you made it to another city, how exactly do you plan to get into another city that's exactly like the one you left?

Even the upper class ruling body rarely leaves -- they're cleared to, but they have video conferences to meet up; why travel when you can do it within your own office?


What about waste and garbage?
Waste isn't allowed to build up everywhere (except abandoned places), as it's a valuable resource.  Food waste is composted, solid matter from waste water is composted, and metal and plastic are recycled into new goods.


Energy?
Provided by multiple sources, cities are almost 100% fully powered.  Lights adorn the night and illuminate sun-blocked areas, even if they're not regularly changed, flicker and buzz all the time.  Fission, hydroelectric, solar, geothermal and biomass are common generation methods, often multiple are used within the same city.  Rumor has it that Ur has managed to crack two-stage fusion as well.

City-wide grids are closely monitored and regularly maintained.  Repair of this carries a certain prestige as it's one of the few non-civil engineering repair jobs that require a certificate of completion.  The generation of power also carries a certain bonus -- it requires post completion education, particularly if it's nuclear power we're talking about.


Entertainment?
Surely, there is more to life than work -> die.  Entertainment is to be had all over, in many different forms, all throughout your city.  Privately owned bars (none are government run), eateries, strip-joints and smoking dens are popular.  Music halls of all shapes and qualities, brothels (illegal and legal) and a city wide cable delivered series of TV channels can be had.  Generally, there are only four channels per city state, but most of the time it's just government posted bulletins, notices and propaganda.  Sometimes, really good music shows are aired, but this varies, and they're government backed anyway.


Adventures?
For you unsettled folks, there's plenty of adventure to be had.  Sharpen your knife and try to drive out some local petty gang of snot-nosed punks, grab some gloves and try to beat some other guys to a reportedly rich source of old copper tubing, or get your pipe and get ready to defend some valuables you've found fair and square.

Or maybe you're not some kind of common man?  Ah I see, you're a displeased little punk with a rich daddy and a pretty mommy, eh?  Fine, grab your sword and take to the streets to show those "thugs" what your training is made of.  Bring your mates -- it could be a weekend trip!  No?  Well try and figure out why all of the dinner parties between officials have lately shunned members of the upkeep department; maybe they're planning of sabotaging something for some kind of propaganda movement?  If that's not your thing, how about that video convo you overheard, where they discussed the import of a sizable amount of extra firearms, with apparent association to a group called "Crips".

In any case, a tightly packed, sleepless city never fails to provide.

M.

[LordVreeg]

[blockquote=Cheo]Energy?
Provided by multiple sources, cities are almost 100% fully powered. Lights adorn the night and illuminate sun-blocked areas, even if they're not regularly changed, flicker and buzz all the time. Fission, hydroelectric, solar, geothermal and biomass are common generation methods, often multiple are used within the same city. Rumor has it that Ur has managed to crack two-stage fusion as well.

City-wide grids are closely monitored and regularly maintained. Repair of this carries a certain prestige as it's one of the few non-civil engineering repair jobs that require a certificate of completion. The generation of power also carries a certain bonus -- it requires post completion education, particularly if it's nuclear power we're talking about.[/blockquote]
cheo, I get the feeling that those that control the power in an advanced yet scattered city like this might be able to subtly become a power bloc all their own.  Nothing like a crippling power slow down (accidental, of course) to show some corportation the value of supporting the local Grid...

[Ghostman]

Even the upper class ruling body rarely leaves -- they're cleared to, but they have video conferences to meet up; why travel when you can do it within your own office?

Aren't there any beach resorts and the like that the rich might like to spend time in?

[SilvercatMoonpaw]

Aren't there any beach resorts and the like that the rich might like to spend time in?

Why go someplace with unpredictable weather and swarming insects when you can build your own indoor paradise? ;)

[Cheomesh]

[blockquote=Cheo]Energy?
Provided by multiple sources, cities are almost 100% fully powered. Lights adorn the night and illuminate sun-blocked areas, even if they're not regularly changed, flicker and buzz all the time. Fission, hydroelectric, solar, geothermal and biomass are common generation methods, often multiple are used within the same city. Rumor has it that Ur has managed to crack two-stage fusion as well.

City-wide grids are closely monitored and regularly maintained. Repair of this carries a certain prestige as it's one of the few non-civil engineering repair jobs that require a certificate of completion. The generation of power also carries a certain bonus -- it requires post completion education, particularly if it's nuclear power we're talking about.[/blockquote]
cheo, I get the feeling that those that control the power in an advanced yet scattered city like this might be able to subtly become a power bloc all their own.  Nothing like a crippling power slow down (accidental, of course) to show some corportation the value of supporting the local Grid...

Those in direct control get some nice incentives.  Those that manage them are already part of the ruling body.  Those that fix it remember the group of fifteen that tried to take over that way -- crucifixion and firing squads.

EDIT:  However, you're right -- that could well happen and could well be an adventure hook.  Remember how powerless kings were in the early middle ages?

M.

[Cheomesh]

I'm setting up a wiki page so that I don't clutter the forum with threads.

http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Mesopolis

M.

[Cheomesh]

Timeline for great justice:

2033AD:  Viral outbreak in Australia.  Resistant to most drugs, the sickness claims several million lives.  The UN and WHO are granted emergency powers to thwart spread.  Virus is named the Aprilian Sickness because of the month of outbreak.  By December, the sickness has mostly burned itself out, claiming a total of 13 million.  Chinese prime minister resigns the entire communist regime, and sets up a democratic rule.  

2034AD:  Greenland gains independence.  The United States disarms it's populace by force of law.

2035AD:  Aprillian breaks out on the Asian mainland in February.  Martial law declared, WHO and UN reinstate their emergency powers.  Australia closes borders, which results in food shortages.

2036AD:  Discussions regarding UN Supremacy and Global Governance resume from talks a decade ago.  UN uses their effectiveness in preventing viral spread as a leverage point.  The talks become a serious point of contention, as many nations do not wish to give up their right to self rule.  

2039AD:  Virus abates in Asia, total death count:  900 million.  Global Atheism reaches a peak at 51% global population.  EU cedes to the UN.


2041AD:  Origin regarding the Aprillian virus leaks '" was originally a virus to combat camel overpopulation in Australia.  Global government talks result in a standoff between the UN and Free Nations, lead by China, Japan, Greenland and the US.

2043AD:  Violence on the US Mexican border between a new revolutionary front and US Border Patrol results in an invasion of Mexico.  War ends within two months.  Violence breaks out between China and Russia over acceptance of US sanctioned rule.

2044AD:  United States, Greenland and Japan send forces to aide China.  UN forces bolster the Russian national army.  South American nations fight amongst themselves as the northern most desire self rule and the southernmost wish to join the UN in global rule.

2045AD:  The Secret Inquisition, a fanatical group of Anti-theists, begins culling religious groups. A conflict in the Middle East leads to the destruction of the last remaining true Islamic state.

2047AD:  War grinds down, neither side having gained the upper hand in spite of stellar victories by the Free Nations.  In November, a computer systems glitch results in fifteen 'Short Burn' nuclear missiles being launched from Russia.  Their impact destroys several Free Nation positions.  In retaliation, Moscow is obliterated by Chinese nuclear weapons.  No further missiles are launched.


2049AD:  Aprillian outbreak in North America.  The US and Canada cede from the war in Asia, citing home protests and outbreak.  UN forces destroy the remaining Chinese and Japanese forces in Asia.

2050AD:  Greenlandic Special Forces eliminate UN top leaders.  The plot to disassemble the UN from inside fails.  UN levels guns at the Middle East, assuming their responsibility in the matter due to previous threats.

2051AD:  Middle East in flames.  Aprillic outbreak reaches zenith in US, Canada, Mexico and parts of South America.  Greenlandic Special Forces destroy several key military installations across Europe.  Greenlandic Special Intelligence operative Oli Helena proves that the Aprillic outbreak in North America is the doing of the UN.

2053AD:  Viral outbreak eliminated in the US.  Death Toll in North America:  150,000,000.  China officially absorbed by the UN.

2055AD:  Viral outbreak ends in South America.  Death Toll reaches 280,000,000.


2059AD:  Massive UN invasion of the US and Canada.  Innumerable battles break out all across the two Free Nation leaders.  Greenland found responsible for numerous events within UN held lands and is bombed into submission.  Greenland retains self rule by threat of assassination by still operating SF units.

2061AD:  UN forces routed from the US.  Many cities are in ruins.

2062AD:  Canada bows to the UN and becomes absorbed.   Peace made with the US and her allies.

2064AD:  Orbital missile platforms become a reality, but are quickly rendered useless by orbital jamming domes.

2066AD:  Space race between the Free Nation Alliance and the United Nations to put a man on Mars.


2071AD:  UN lands a ten man crew on Mars.  FNA creates the first space fighters in secret.

2072AD:  UN creates the first Martian research colony.  UN scientists begin to genetically engineer plants to survive in the harsh Martian outworld.

2078AD:  The first Martian Garden is created, using plants genetically modified to survive on its surface.  Hydroactive explosions are undertaken on the poles to release water into the atmosphere.  The success of this project (Red Sea) is debatable.

2081AD:  FNA establishes a mining colony on the moon, and begins to refine H3 and Bauxite.  This venture, while less impressive than the Martian colony, has real and tangible benefits.  The UN attempts to sue for rights to do the same, but is refused.

2083AD:  UN vessel begins construction in space for the purpose of stealing resources from the moon.  FNA threatens the project in open court.


2085AD:  UN vessel (United Hope) launched.  FNA orbital fighter craft damage the vessel, forcing it to return to earth.  UN threatens invasion of FNA held lands, but are held in check by the now superior FNA military hardware and training.  H3 reactors become the primary source of world electricity.

2089AD:  Study on global population decline published; global population estimated at 2.12 Billion.  Global atheism reaches 81%.  Unmanned attack craft banned by international treaty.

2091AD:  The Secret Inqisition, which operated over 45 years unknown, is revealed by Greenlandic SF units.  A mock trial is held against them in UN held lands, where only the most useless of leaders were executed.  In the FNA, their trial lasts many years before their entire order is executed.

2097AD:  UN now dependant on FNA H3 imports.

2099AD:  Mining accident on the moon results in the loss of a installation.  The resulting H3 shortage causes global uproar.  The installation is not reconstructed until the very end of the year.


2102AD:  UN held lands begins the Reurbanization project as a method to more 'fairly distribute' resources to the declining population.  Late in the summer, a large influx of Asians arrives in the United States, citing a desire for freedom from UN laws.

2117AD:  UN reurbanization project complete.  The global population holds steady at 2.01 Billion.  Poverty eliminated from a vast majority of the UN held lands, except Africa.

2119AD:  Deafricanization Project begins, where people from the less inhabitable regions of Africa are given free and save passage into the more habitable regions, or into Europe and Africa.  This begins a massive reduction in poverty and gives the UN held areas a much needed manpower boost.  The FNA begins their reurbanization project.  Unline the UN, they do not use military coercion, but instead promise greater economic freedom.

2121AD:  Both the UN and the FNA begin projects to lower the dependence on automobiles, which at this time have been fueled by corn alcohol for nearly 100 years.  The concept of Artificial Intelligence found to be a complete waste of time and energy by both FNA and UN scientists.

2139AD:  The FNA cities are the first to boast a comprehensive inter-city rail system, which removes the need for automobiles.  The FNA's population is now almost entirely urbanized, except for those that grow food.


2141AD:  A UN science group creates the first automatic harvester, capable of reaping great swaths of fields.  This method of thought results in a number of automated farm machines replacing human beings in the field.

2143AD:  The UN declares a series of experiments to genetically engineer humans to be a failure, as all but the most subtle genome changes result in dementia and other irregular brain malfunctions.  Research shifts towards hybridizing humans and computer systems.  The UN shuts down its Martian bases and recalls the crews, abandoning the Martian gardens.

2145AD:  The UN once again sues for rights to mine their own H3 instead of requiring FNA imports.  Notion once again refused, in spite of tantalizing offers.  FNA begins adopting automated farming.

2147AD:  The International Space Station is forced into a controlled reentry, after having served for well over a century; the longest 'living' space object in human history.  Global civilian population completely disarmed.  Food chemosynthesis begins to supplement planetary diet.

2150AD:  The US and Greenland creates a new type of reactor, one that is 21% more efficient than previous models.  The simple changes involved create even cheaper energy within two years for all FNA member states.  FNA and UN both completely deep-six their nuclear weapon arsenal.


2153AD:  FNA reurbanization reaches its peak and a full adoption of automated farming equipment has become a reality.  The UN continues their hybridizing research, in spite of global protests.  The FNA completes their missile shield program, codenamed Isengard.

2163AD:  The UN deploys the world's first human-computer hybrids in combat against the FNA in a surprise attack against their primary and secondary H3 import zones.  These hybrid soldiers prove to be deadly combatants.  Retaliation is swift and devastating.  This conflict rages across the entire surface of the earth, the sky, and in orbit.

2166AD:  The FNA suffers a cataclysmic defeat at the Battle of New York, where ancient style chemical weapons are brought to bear against their troops and civilian population.  As a result, Project Orion is instigated.  During this year, several FNA cities are destroyed by orbital missile platforms.  These hastily deployed missile boxes prove very difficult to intercept with surface missile shields.

2167AD:  By the spring of this year, the UN's top 150 leaders have been eliminated as a result of Black Ops under Project Orion.  67% of UN reactor plants have been destroyed, and their stockpiles of H3 have all but run out.  FNA has orbital superiority.

2168AD:  Hybrid soldiers are no longer produced as a result of combat feedback.  It would appear that these soldiers are only marginally better than a regular, unenhanced human being, and considerably more expensive.


2169AD:  The UN has suffered several major defeats, and their war effort has collapsed.  Significant portions of the remaining population have turned against their rule.  They unleash Project Pandora, which is a virus that spreads quickly across the planet.  FNA urban missile shields are 89% effective against the incoming ballistic delivery systems.  Former UN cities are not so fortunate.  

2170AD:  Global population sits at 1.4 billion.  The UN has surrendered, and all of its territory now belongs to the FNA.  Reconstruction plans begin.

2173AD:  Ten years after the beginning of the fourth World War (known as the War of FNA Ascention), a convention of urban representatives convenes in Amsterdam.  Many things are accomplished during this summit, including the deweaponizing of space.  Urban centers are given new power, and the FNA (which for many years has simply been an alliance of powerful urban centers) begins to surrender rule over the cities.

2180AD:  All global cities are now officially self ruling.  Localized energy methods are created to relieve dependency on H3.  Thorium (natural or otherwise) becomes a popular fuel source.  This is the end of nation states, and each city state is given massive amounts of land to control around them.

2183AD:  A new thorium reactor type uses thorium and heavy water to create a powerful, sustainable and surprisingly self-stabilizing reaction.  This new reactor type, combined with a variety of local power sources, negates the need for costly moon bases to produce H3 for fuel.  


2185AD:  All moon bases are officially decommissioned.  SETI-New York picks up a strange, patterned radio frequency.  Use of livestock, which has been decreasing over the last twenty years, comes to an end as a source of protein.  Synthetic meats created by chemosynthesis supplement culinary demands in some areas, while others seek to grow meat in vast biological lab-vats.

2190AD:  The same radio frequency is detected.  Oligarchy is becoming a common form of government within many cities, as local problems and resource management have yielded a class of very powerful people.

2192AD:  The First Urbinational Summit is hosted within the city of New York.  Amongst many other topics discussed, the official court written language is established as Sumerian.  English is decided as the primary spoken language.  The reasoning behind the resurrection of a dead language is unknown, especially if English is to be popularized globally.  Urban 'paramilitary and military' forces fixed at a constant number.

2199AD:  An asteroid impacts in an uninhabited region of North America.  SETI-New York (now called Uruk officially) detects the radio signal again.

2202AD:  A counter-cultural movement within many cities erupts as a method of protest against growing government control.  Some riots turn violent, and people begin to flee the cities to live more primitive lives.


2204AD:  The Second Urbinational Summit is held.  Several key decisions are made regarding the management of cities (now almost all Oligarchies).  Some of the more ground breaking ones involve the isolation of the cities to prevent popular movements from spreading.

2205AD:  The internetworks of cities (telephone, internet and land travel) are removed.  Populations can only exchange between by air transit, which is restricted and requires government clearance.  Rioters are suppressed all over.

2209AD:  A terrorist organization within the city of Sumer (unofficially London) destroys a government headquarters building with common chemical explosives.  The members were eventually brought to justice, and the global reaction was to tighten controls on chemical supplies.

2211AD:  The Third Urbinational Summit is held.  Here, it is decided that the security forces every city are permitted should be increased in number to 3,000.  Additionally, to prevent population leakage (which had been occurring since the city states gained sovereign power in 2180), each city would establish a barrier zone and seal the foot exits the best they could.  Modern city life begins here.

2222AD:  The Fourth Urbinational Summit is held, with glorious reports of general peace and growth.  It is decided here that the descendants of escapees were to be given amnesty and not bothered further unless they attempt to bring harm on a city state.  Few points of business are brought up, other than trade agreements by the new heavy VTOL and zeppelin craft.  Air trade lands were formalized, and it became intercity practice to give agricultural overseers (managers of autofarms) government rank and title.


2227AD:  The wearing of swords becomes popular amongst Oligarchs as a symbol of power.  The popularization of swordplay begins amongst the Oligarchs of Sumer and Uruk.

2235AD:  International martial arts competitions are held in Nippur (Ossaka).  Sumer takes home victory in swordsmanship, while Isin proves to have the best practitioners of Kung Fu.  Nippur claims best title in karate, and Susa becomes known for its cane fighters (where wearing canes is fashionable amongst Oligarchs).

2239AD:  SETI Sumer and SETI Uruk detect the same radio frequency pattern first heard in 2185AD.

2244AD:  SETI Sumer, Uruk and Nippon all pick up the same repeating signal, making it the first time all three SETI installations have detected it.


2255AD:  Uruk has contact with a collection of escapees and their offspring, which results in the destruction of one farm zone and the abduction of a large quantity of yet unplanted seeds.  Attempts to find them by air and ground search prove futile.

2271AD:  Aleppo (Formerly Ottawa) makes contact with Renegades (descendants of the escapees) during a salvaging project in a former suburban area.  The resulting outbreak of violence results in three dead Enforcers and five dead Renegades.

2272AD:  The Fifth Urbinational Summit is held, and little of importance is discussed other than the application of a quicker zeppelin for heavy trade missions.  Directly after the Summit, which was held in Nippur, a member of the crowed pulled an improvised firearm and shot the representative of Kish (Paris).  It is unknown if the act was premeditated, but the sources point against it, as Nippur and Kish are considerably isolated from each other.  The offender was killed by security shortly after the weapon (a crude one shot firearm of some fifty calibers) was discharged.  The city of Nippur began a crack down on violent crime shortly after.

2291AD:  SETI Uruk detects the signal again, but neither of the other two stations pick it up.

2293AD:  Scientists in Babylon (Berlin) begin working on two-phase fusion reactors, with the intended purpose of research.

2299AD:  Mesoplis Campaign 1 begins.

M.

[Cheomesh]

I haven't decided if I want to reinstate religion as a feature; I originally desired to bring back a few ancient faiths (Khemet, Mesopotamian Religion, etc), but I might try to sell the godless approach.

M.

[Steerpike]

You could always go for crazed cults of Mesopotamian gods but a mostly godless general populace.  And/or a brutalistic religious faction that doubles as a police force (or somethign similar) that everyone pays lip service to but otherwise resents.

[Cheomesh]

Leaning more towards atheism or anti-theism (writer on board).  Any glaring gaps or problems to be seen in the above timeline?

M.

[O Senhor Leetz]

"2039AD: Virus abates in Asia, total death count: 900 million. Global Atheism reaches a peak at 51% global population. EU cedes to the UN."

I would think that during such trying times, religion would surge. Advanced technology and fundamentalism would make some really interesting paradoxes and subcultures.

[Cheomesh]

When your god gives you a super virus, you find a new god.  In this case, a reliable god -- technology.

Or something...

M.

[Steerpike]

I think both reactions would be viable.  During the crisis itself I think religious frenzy would peak (it's a punishment from god, it's the end of the world, let's pray our hearts out, Behold His Powerz) but afterwards it might recede. [blockquote=Leetz]Advanced technology and fundamentalism would make some really interesting paradoxes and subcultures. [/blockquote]Heh link (not my mini, btw).

[Cheomesh]

Well, a few things were actually inspired by Necromunda style worlds (though no where near "hive" levels in the least!), and I kind of wanted to avoid technocracy or a highly technological religious society.  I do, however, see some of the appeal...and it does sound quite fun.  Perhaps I could look into a few not often spoken of religions and bring them into the spotlight?

My original intention was for it to be a theocratic oligarchy, using a modified version of the old Mesopotamian religion, where each "head of office" in a governmental branch was tantamount to a high priest.  Think of the Department of Agriculture's leader essentially being a high priest of Ceres, to use an example from Rome.

Each city is essentially a closed system, so I wonder how long multiple conflicting faiths could last within a given area without outside support?

I do plan on having some semi religious cults here and there, including a minor "faction" which is essentially a vampire cult, sans *actual* vampires.  They are basically blood-crazed kids with a few medically inserted fangs and some kick ass form of Vampire-jutsu.  Using bites and bite techniques that cause bleeding.  Yes... *scribbles that down*.

The more I think about it, the better having some kind of faith seems.  Spirituality is the core nature of mankind, I think, and it is quite difficult to overcome.  Keep in mind that the "outsiders" not within the cities will have their faiths.

M.

[Steerpike]

[blockquote=Cheomesh]Perhaps I could look into a few not often spoken of religions and bring them into the spotlight?[/blockquote]If you want to avoid the visible, in-your-face technocracy but still have a high-tech meets fundamentalism element you could go for Masonic-style secret societies: financially secure, socially elite, ultra-secret cult-like groups intertwining mysticism and high-tech.