Frostpunk: Cities and Leaders
All Images used in this story are taken from Google Images, I do not have copyright use for these images and if requested I shall happily remove them.
I do not intend to make any profit from this story as it is solely for the purpose of entertainment and enjoyment.
Having played the game Frostpunk by 11 bit studios, in which the player takes on the role of leading the survivors of a great freeze during an alternate universe in which during the time of the Victorian age, humanity is far more advanced technologically. In essence it is a "Steampunk" world.
But at some point a series of events cause the world to begin to drop in temperature, to the point that the planet is entering an Ice age unlike any other. In desperation, the British Empire has a number of specialised generators constructed that would produce the power and more importantly the heat needed to support a city. These Generators were constructed in the far north in the arctic where there was untouched quantities of coal needed to fuel the generators and the wildlife there was better suited for surviving the cold.
The player as the Captain of the city of New London has to maintain the supply of coal, wood, steel and food, whilst also trying to maintain the population they are in charge of. They need to research better technologies to achieve more, be able to get more resources, provide better healthcare, get better housing for people etc.
During the process, the player must also enact laws that can have benefits and disadvantages, for example when it comes to children, does the player have them work or enjoy their childhood, does the player use experimentation to save lives or amputate limbs and so on.
This story is an archive of various cities, the Captains/Leaders as well as certain events that effected them. It is based in the years after the new game Frostpunk 2. So it is based in the year 1917 onwards, years after the last great Blizzard that nearly wiped out what was left of mankind.
Key:
Name: Official Name of the City
Status: How well is the city doing:
Population: approximate population in city, settlements, outposts and colonies
Location: Rough location of the Generator
Current Leadership Stance: What kind of Leader does the city have e.g Totalitarian, Religious, Elected.
Governance: What kind of Government the City has
Position: What is the current goal of the city
Connection to New London: How does this city interact with New London
The Commonwealth of New London:
Status: Healthy and Growing
Population: 6'900+
Location: North East Greenland
Current Leadership Stance: Elected Stewardship
Governance: Elected Representation
Position: Growth and Colonisation
The site for the future city was identified during the early expeditions of the Imperial Exploration Company and the Royal Society in the years before the Great Freeze began. It was identified as a sheltered area where the worst of the weather was absorbed by the mountains that surrounded the site.
When the freeze was accepted, the Imperial Exploration Company was contracted to build a Generator at the site as it was considered ideal by various Arctic Explorers and geologists as the ideal location for a large settlement meant to replace London. It had a large relatively flat area for construction of a sizeable settlement, had easy access to various sources of raw materials, most importantly large amounts of coal but also wood, iron and fertile soil which could be used in hot houses.
Construction began almost immediately and was well ahead of most of the other sites, this is primarily because New London's Generator construction began when there was a greater availability of resources, as well as the oceans were not broken by the growing icebergs, which allowed the construction expedition not only to complete the Generator ahead of schedule but also to install a number of upgrades that later proved vital to the cities survival.
Despite a great number of challenges that the inhabitants faced during the travel to and later settlement of the site, New London was quick to properly establish itself sustainably and even accepted survivors from other locations that had failed to establish themselves. Beyond that, the city was able to send out scout teams into the Frost lands to look around the region surrounding the city and even establish outposts to support the city with additional materials.
When word came of the Great Storm, the Captain of the city acted immediately, ordering a series of temporary laws that would be undertaken to ensure the cities survival through the period of the storm. He ordered that stockpiles of food rations and coal be overfilled and even had additional storage areas cleared to make room for more.
These preparations made it so that despite a number of people dying due to the extreme cold, the city was able to hold out and survive the so called "Storm to end all Storms".
Following this, a full year of rebuilding and renewal followed which invigorated the city, the Captain launched a series of expeditions to find suitable locations for the establishment of outposts and colonies that were allow New London grow.
Despite some issues that came following the establishment of some outposts, notably Outpost 11, situated at a warehouse that housed vast quantities of steel and steam-cores. The outpost grew to become dissented due to orders from New London, unbeknownst to the Outpost, a series of events had struck New London making the city more reliant on the resources coming in from the Outpost.
The Outpost declared independence from New London and with other settlements in close proximity to the Outpost established a new civil governance amongst each other. Thankfully a peaceful resolution was found and with the assistance of Outpost 11 and the other settlements New London recovered from various troubles it was facing. In exchange for assistance in rebuilding the broken infrastructure of New London, then the Captain and the citizens would recognise Outpost 11 and its allies as independent.
In the light of these issue calming, the Captain of the City made a formal declaration after negotiating with the leaders of the small settlements and Outposts surrounding New London. Together they formed the Commonwealth of New London as the successor state of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Together the Commonwealth established a sense of unified governance, there was to be an Assembly 0that would vote on all laws and acts that would be upheld by the City and Settlements.
In more recent years however, New London has had to face greater internal and external dangers, on the inside. The City is facing a growing sense of political and factional division as the need to preserve humanity and survive is slowly becoming less and less important as the City managed to survive the Great Storm. This internal division is only made worse as the supply of Coal within reach of the city is slowly getting lesser and lesser as mines that were once plentiful started to run dry.
As such expeditions have begun to be sent out further and further to find new sources of fuel, whilst Coal is greatly desired. Some scientists and Geologists have identified a potential new source that could support the Commonwealth for a Century if not more.
Sir Winston Churchill:
Before the "Storm to end all storms" was identified, Churchill was recognised in the school that was established to look after the children of the city, there he was selected to be an apprentice under the City Captain. From the Captain, Churchill learned many things and at 21 he volunteered for the cities new Law Enforcement, the newly reconstituted Scotland Yard. He rose through the ranks and eventually at 38 became the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service.
He was elected the Steward of the city following the passing of the old Captain, the person who had lead the city since its foundation during the Great Freeze. He currently serves as the first ever elected leader of the city and by extension the Commonwealth, putting a considerable level of responsibility on his shoulders. However hopes are high as he experienced the harshness that most people have gone through in their lives in the different parts of the city.
His first order of business was the construction of a formal and proper Council building for the Commonwealth Council, he recognised that since the Council was the principal body and Constitutional legislative body for the Commonwealth. Then it needed a proper place to serve its purpose, he actively took part in its planning, wanting a Council room that would signify the Commonwealths position that all voices were to be heard.
Yet despite this his greatest fear stands on the growing danger of limited resources near New London, although there are outposts and small settlements that have been established over the years. The problem remains the same, the city has grown so much that it needs to find more resources in order to support itself and that means sending out more expeditions to establish more colonies to secure precious resources.
Despite this though, many New Londoners and others across the Commonwealth regard him as a more than capable leader, which can be seen whenever he steps into the Assembly room. All hear his words and even those that do not particularly like him, respect his leadership and his almost natural ability to unify the people towards a shared goal.
Organisation:
The New Scotland Yard:
But that was no longer a feasible way as the population just kept getting bigger and bigger, both from the birth rate but also refugees seeking sanctuary in New London. So the Captain knowing that a formal law enforcement was needed created the New Scotland Yard, but special laws were put into effect to clearly define the powers of the Metropolitan Police Service.
The powers are clearly defined, the Metropolitan Police Service only has jurisdiction in civil matters, it is not permitted to perform any action that might endanger the lives of the Citizens of New London. Its powers only exist within the city limits of New London, other settlements, outposts and Colonies are granted the right to have their own respective Services.
The Service is not permitted to perform any arrest without lawful cause or legal warrant, in similar respects they are not permitted to perform any action that would violate the Constitutional rights of the cities citizens. The equipment and armaments permitted to the Police Service are heavily regulated, though officers are permitted to be armed, they are restricted to truncheons, pistols and rifles, they are not permitted to use more heavy weapons such as Machine Guns and "Fire Hurlers" as these are the weapons of the Armed Forces.
There are clearly defined duties assigned to the different Brigades that make up the Metropolitan Police Service, besides the standard duties that are associated with the New Scotland Yard.
The Patrol Brigade: 400 Officers
This Brigade serve as the primary police service on the streets, they are the ones that constant patrol the streets of the city districts and maintain the peace of the city and uphold the law.
They are required to always maintain proper enforcement of the law and provide a service to the citizens of the city.
The Tower Watch Brigade: 150 Officers
The Tower Watch Brigade are those officers selected to maintain a watch over the surrounding areas from their high points in the Watch Towers and Guard Posts that are dotted throughout the city. These are not direct officers however, they are only to identify trouble and then report it back to Scotland Yard or inform nearby Patrol Officers of any incidents in their area.
As such they are never to leave their posts unmanned and are only to leave their post when they are properly relieved. Officers of the Tower Watch Brigade are given special training in expert marksmanship as they may be required to assist other officers from their high points with scoped rifles.
The Brigade also serves as the tower guard in the cities prison, performing the same duties as they do in the main city.
Riot Guard Brigade: 300 Officers
The Brigade of the Riot Guard are those officers that are trained to react and contain civil disturbances and restore order during dangerous situations. They are also responsible for the overwatch of protests within the city undertaken by the various factions that are within the city.
The Riot Brigade are also the Officers that are responsible for the guarding and patrolling of the city prison and ensuring the security of the prisoners within.
Gate Watch Brigade: 150 Officers
Following the Great Storm "to end all storms", the city had a influx of refugees from other cities and settlements that were unable to cope with the extremes.
It was decided to establish a special guard within the Metropolitan Police Service that would serve as a form of Border Guard around the city. Due to New London's Position in a collection of mountains, the paths into the city were limited, as such New London establish a series of Border Guard stations at such points.
These Stations serve as both a border protection force, but also a form of immigration and customs enforcement. People wishing to enter the city must pass through these stations and undertaken proper checks by officials.
The Gate Watch Brigade are the officers who are to maintain order at these stations as well as maintain a constant watch on the surrounding area.
Commissioner Arthur Haselrig:
As soon as New London began construction of the Neighbourhood Watch and later the Guard Towers to maintain safety and security for the populace, he immediately signed on. Following the Great Storm, he was recognised for his commitment as well as his experience and was promoted to the Commander of the Watch.
Upon the creation of the New Scotland Yard, he was formally requested to be the first Police Commissioner of the New London Metropolitan Police Service. His first duties as such was to turn the City Guard into a formal and professional Police Force , he instituted a series of protocols and training regimens for the Officers that were to become the Cities new primary form of law enforcement.
It is thanks to Commissioner Haselrig that the Metropolitan is seen by the citizens of New London as a true Civil Service in the city that is meant to do more than just maintain order but actively protect the populace.
Following an attack, the Commonwealth Assembly formally decided to order the creation of its own military force to serve as a defence against any hostility from outsiders.
Originally the Commonwealth Armed Forces were a simple militia formed from citizen volunteers, but the Old Captain decided that the need for a formal military was required to serve as a actual defence, so he ordered the proper organisation of a true Armed Forces, with a proper uniform, command structure, support, standardised Equipment and above all proper training and discipline.
After a few months, the Commonwealth Armed Forces was thoroughly established as a recognisable military in the Frost lands. Since New London and by extension the Commonwealth had access to abundant resources notably iron and steel, the Commonwealth Army has access to some of the best equipment in the Frost Lands, making it a force to be reckoned with. It hosts some of the best weapons including the latest semi automatic rifles, maxim machine guns, "Fire Hurlers" (Heavy Mortars) and clothing to protect them from the cold.
Each soldier is given a pack full of survival equipment, which includes a thick warm tent, sleeping bag, warming kits, extra protective clothes, medicines to help with frost bite as well as the standard Rations. Alongside this equipment they are also issued with equipment meant to assist them in traversing the Frost Lands, such as solid grips and crampons for their boots to grip the ice and snow, proper snow shoes and of course Ice axes and safety lines.
Through the Years, the Commonwealth Armed Forces have more than proved themselves in defending the Territories of the Commonwealth from external powers and threats. But the powers of the Armed forces are clearly defined, the Commonwealth Armed Forces are not permitted to perform acts of Civil Matters, they are not intended to serve as Law Enforcement within New London, the Colonies or settlements. Such can only be permitted in extreme circumstances and requires a clear majority vote in the Assembly.
The Commonwealth Air Corps:
A recent detachment of the Commonwealth armed forces, the Air Corps was established following the growing distance between New London, the Settlements and the Colonies. Originally Airships were primarily used by hunting parties and scouting units as a means of hunting for meat and of course other resources.
But as the city expanded and proper food production districts were established which included basic livestock rearing the need for hunting became almost zero. But the need for a means of swift transport across the Frost Lands was greater, so the Hunting parties became a transport and courier service, transporting goods and materials when the weather permitted.
With advancements as the city grew in population, some engineers developed larger airships that could carry larger loads over greater distances at higher altitudes. Eventually the Armed Forces formally requested for the Engineers to develop a special airship for the military. The Assembly agreed and eventually the Air Corps was properly established.
Consisting of a 9 large airships and over a dozen smaller airships, the larger vessels are more heavily armoured and possess heavy armaments. The intention of which is to provide heavy weapons support, so artillery and mortar bombardments as well as machine gun fire. Primarily the Air Corps conduct aerial patrols around the commonwealth and provide transport for the army and its various outposts.
At this time the Commonwealth of New London is the only City in the Frost Lands to have a Aerial Force dedicated for military purposes.
The Union of the Frost lands:
Status: Steady
Population: 1'900+
Location: North East Greenland
Current Leadership Stance: Elected Presidency
Governance: Elected Representation Assembly
Position: Steadfast
Connection with New London: Open Trade Partner - Defence Pact
The Outpost and the nearby Settlements, of the Hot Springs, the Children Mines and the Shipwreck Camp, formally decided to band together and declare their independence from New London. The City promised that a force would be sent to restore order, but it was then abandoned as trouble in New London grew more dire. The Outpost now renamed New Jericho decided that negotiation was better than conflict.
An agreement was struck in which, in exchange for helping New London repair the damage of its Generator and provide the materials needed to help get things working again. Then New London would formally recognise New Jericho and the surrounding Settlements as independent of New London's Authority.
Despite some border disputes in the years that followed, the Union and the Commonwealth have now become stable neighbours and close trade partners. The Commonwealth being larger and with greater Industrial Capability and the Union having greater access to more resources, eventually 10 years ago the Commonwealth and the Union signed a mutual defence pact, whereby both sides promised to help the other during dangerous times. As well as this there are negotiations for the creation of a railway line to connect New London and New Jericho together to allow for greater trade.
The same can be said of the Union, it has grown as the years have gone on, though still not as large as the Commonwealth. The Union has a total of 8 members with New Jericho being the capital due to its placement on the Unions trade routes, the place where all paths through the Frost pass through.
President Charles Mason:
Charles Mason is currently in his 2nd year of his 1st term in office and despite how it sounds the position of President doesn't really live a life of luxury or different from most others in the Union. The Presidents office in New Jericho is within the Administration Building which holds the Union Assembly and its primary Telegraph offices.
President Mason despite being relatively young when compared to most leaders in the Frost Lands, has a relative understanding of the people he is expected to govern. Having served in the Union Militia and having visited the 8 settlements that make up the Union, he was voted in on the position of building up the infrastructure of the Union and get a better means of connection between the Settlements.
He has for the past months been working on establishing a series of small outposts along the different routes that the Caravans use to transport good, these routes are the life blood of the Union as the routes are clearly marked out paths through the wilderness allowing for safe and fast transit. His goal is by establishing these Outposts in certain places, those travelling along them can find a warm hearth to rest up before continuing on their journey.
As well as this he is working to try and build up the Unions industrial capabilities making it capable of producing manufactured goods more freely rather than having to be reliant on trade with other cities.
He also recognises the position the Union is in, in terms of population, territory, industrial capacity. The Union of the Frost lands is by far the smallest of the new Nations and as such he and by extension the Union Assembly recognise the need for the continuation of the Mutual Defence Pact with the Commonwealth of New London.
Organisation:
The Union Militia
Following the Unions formal independence and the recognition of its independence by New London and then the Commonwealth. The militia was reformed to become both a military force but also an internal security force, it serves primarily as a local force meant to maintain the peace and enforce the law as dictated by the Unions Constitution.
However there are considerable drawbacks for the Union Militia, it is not as well formal as with other military forces across the Frost Lands. It lacks a proper uniform and at the moment does not have any substantial training regimen, though training is given, it is not the same as the more professional militaries of the old world.
The prime reason for this is due to the Unions position on aggression, having become independent due to what it perceived as tyrannical control by a far away power. The Union has no wish to impose any form of tyranny or authoritative power over the populace either within the Union or without. As such the Union has more members of the Militia as reservists rather than active full time soldiers, this means that a moments notice these men and women can be called up to serve in times of danger. Such reactionary ability has to date overcome the limited number and military professionalism of the Union Militia as it can quickly react to a threat whenever and wherever it arises.
Status: Recovering
Population: 2'800+
Location: Eastern Svalbard
Current Leadership Stance: Stewardship
Governance: Elected Civil Council
Position: Recovery
Connection With New London: Non Aggression Pact Signed
Founded during the final years of the so called last Autumn, Winter Hearth was one of the last Generators successfully completed before the evacuation began. It was situated in a rocky canyon with deep crevasses surrounding the Generator. The expeditions that identified the site found good quantities of coal and iron within these crevasses enough to support the city that the Generator would serve.
The builders of the site, had revolutionary ideas and establish a socialist identity during the construction effort, under the idea of equality for all, theirs was a classless society.
This belief followed the settlers upon their arrival at the site and the initial settlement. But the settlement was founded under an engineering leadership and this leadership believed in the society of old, clearly defined classes. This meant that throughout the cities years, there were the haves and have nots. The Haves were settled in more pleasant and comfortable homes closer to the Generator, whilst the rest of the population were settled in more rundown houses further away from the Generator across strong bridges over the Crevasses.
At first this idea was covered up under the idea that such was needed to preserve the city and ensure the survival of humanity as at the time there was no contact with any other Generator Site. So the populace simply followed but remembered the ideas of socialism, following the Great Storm, the position of the leadership remained strong as they used propaganda to prove that such a governing structure had saved humanity and would continue to preserve it.
However as contact was made with other cities, the idea that the leadership and the class system had preserved humanity soon evaporated among the lower classes. Workers in different areas of the city soon formed calling on a change of government in Winter Hearth, these protests were soon met however by guards wielding truncheons who battered people without any warning.
But this did not stop anything, in truth it only made matters worse, soon the city was experiencing a series of protests, some of which turned into riots. To try and restore order, the City Leaders decided to break out the fire arms, armed guards opened fire on the citizens indiscriminately. But eventually even this didn't stop the protests, many guardsmen decided to mutiny refusing to shoot their own people, the mutiny spread and eventually a full fledge uprising began.
The fighting in Winter Hearth was extreme, as the different districts were turned into warzones. Eventually the Rebels overwhelmed the Guards who were still loyal and launched an attack directly on the Generator. With no option open the last of the Guards surrendered to the Rebels and the city leaders fled with those still loyal to them.
Following the expulsion of the "Tyrants", the new city leadership established a civil government with elected representation that would focus on the ideals of Socialism that was the core of the Cities foundation. They formally declared to its citizens that the City would now be a formal nation as they begin to establish new settlements across the Frost Lands, they would forever be the Socialist Republic of Winter Hearth, which in turn is often shortened into the Republic of Winter Hearth.
Following the establishment of the new government, Winter Hearth decided to begin sending out settlement and outpost teams to establish themselves in the wider Frost Lands and obtain the resources they needed to maintain the city on a much larger scale. It came into contact with other cities and on the rare occasion some skirmishes occurred.
At one point a small territorial conflict started between Winter Hearth and the Sovereignty of New Albion. The conflict whilst primarily about a region of the Frost lands that was disputed between the two cities. There is also the clear ideological difference with Winter Hearth believing they are on the side of morality and about caring for the people.
When it comes to the Commonwealth, there is a tenuous peace between the two, the Commonwealth formally recognises the Republic and its sovereignty, but only a few years ago, Winter Hearth and New London were caught in their own small territorial conflict in which New London won. Following this though the two signed a non aggression pact and began negotiating a mutual trade agreement.
Captain Edmund Woodthorpe:
At first he believed in the need for class division as it ensured that those who could maintain the Generator were closest to it and the Generator was the most important thing for their survival. But such changed when he learned that the class division was nothing about maintaining the Generator but about wealth and class rather than survival.
Following the Great Storm he joined a growing workers movement and eventually the underground resistance, where his knowledge of weapons came useful as he trained recruits how to use rifles properly and safely as well as how to maintain them. When the rebellion began, he lead a group of fighters and ended the conflict as a captain.
He was later elected to serve as the cities Steward by the Social Civil Council, his first acts were to restore the city and put an end to the class division. He reorganised the cities structure making it so that those in need could find suitable housing, no longer would single family or individual have a building to themselves, now they would be shared.
Now he is focused on the longevity of the City, he is focused on internally rebuilding Winter Hearth and its few Colonies so that it can properly recover from the years of mismanagement and "greed" its former leaders exhibited. He is very much focused on the longevity of peace with other cities, though he has been a supporter of spreading the Socialist ideals of Winter Hearth.
In regards of New London, Steward Woodthorpe seeks to maintain the peace between The Commonwealth and Winter Hearth.
The Revolutionary Forces of Winter Hearth:
This new militia would serve as the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement branch of the new government. Due to the damage done to the city during the Revolution as well as the impromptu organisation and supplying of the original armed forces of the Revolution.
Much of the forces equipment is a mismatch of various pieces that have been fitted together, though crude the equipment still does the jobs expected. The equipment usually consists of materials and pieces that were salvaged from things that either broke down or were of no real use. At first glance the Revolutionary Forces resemble an improvised militia that lacks any real organisation, but this may be in visual aspects, but not in reality.
The Revolutionary Forces properly train their forces to the same degree as the Guards used by the Old leadership, only under different regulations and orders. Such has been proven in skirmishes between them and the forces of New Albion.
The Sovereignty of New Albion:
Status: Unstable
Population: 3'900+
Location: Southern Greenland
Current Leadership Stance: Totalitarian
Governance: Totalitarian
Position: Internal Matters
Connection to New London: Temporary Ceasefire
The Telegraph line meant to connect them was not properly built and very quickly broke down due to faulty wiring.
So as far as the settlers of New Albion were concerned New London was lost and presumed they were the heir of the once great British Empire. Recognising this and believing it to be their duty, the Rich and Powerful families that funded the Generators construction deemed it their responsibility to take charge and lead the city into the future.
They installed a regime of total control over the population using the Propaganda system they created to instil the idea that through Order and Discipline, humanity shall endure. Such discipline however was not for everyone, the rich and wealthy were given considerable luxurious lives in the city in the centre closer to the Generator in large houses, whilst the rest of the population was forced to live in more basic lodgings and bunkhouses.
Following the dissipation of the Great Storm, New Albion went out into the Frost Lands to establish outposts and colonies with the intent of obtaining more resources. Eventually contact was made with New London now the Commonwealth and the realisation came that New Albion was not the future seat of power for the British Empire.
So instead the powerful of New Albion reorganised into the Sovereignty of New Albion and formed itself to be a new nation. It refused to accept the legitimacy of New London as the successor of the United Kingdom and regarded itself as the rightful successor state. In doing so in reinforced its authoritative status and grew ever more totalitarian in the authority of those that funded the Generator.
Over time the Sovereignty has laid claim to a relatively sizeable portion of the Known Frost lands, as well as coming into contact with a number of other cities. It has been involved in conflicts over disputed territory with both the Commonwealth of New London which it is still in a temporary Ceasefire but not a true peace. And it has been fighting the socialist ideals of Winter Hearth.
But the greater trouble is now based on pieces of information, internally, according to some rumours, there is a growing rebellion within the Sovereignty. A movement is seeking to overthrow the Regime and install a more democratic system similar to the Commonwealth of New London.
Leadership:
Lord Francis Wolf:
Despite the Hardships that most others faced, he like the other rich and powerful lived rather peaceful and relaxing lives, they never suffered from the cold nor did they see anything resembling hunger. Even when the Great Storm reached New Albion he didn't feel the worst of its effects.
Following its passing and later dissipation, Lord Wolf joined the other powerful figures in the city and worked to ensure that the status quo remained secure. He served as an officer in the New Albion Guard and then eventually was chosen to serve as the Lord of the city.
When New London was rediscovered, he like others in the upper echelons decided not to recognise its legitimacy and believed firmly that they were the rightful successors to the British Empire. He reaffirmed the cities position for Authority and Discipline, ordering the reforming of the New Albion Guard to resemble the armed forces of old, with the position, Lord of the Sovereignty being the Commander in Chief.
Lord Wolf is currently according to some sources, facing internal pressures as a revolt has apparently begun in the New Albion Slums, not only in the City itself but also the different colonies and settlements in its territory. Which is primarily the main reason theorised for him signing a Ceasefire with the Commonwealth of New London.
Organisation:
The New Albion Guard:
Usually through brutal executions, according to people that have fled New Albion and found asylum in the Commonwealth. The New Albion Guard have numerous watchtowers, guard posts and stations through out the city as well as its settlements, outposts and colonies. Their equipment is well made and the training regimens used ensure that they are professional soldiers, even their uniform gives the impression of the old British Imperialism.
The New Albion guard has proven its capabilities both in maintaining peace within New Albion's territories but also in numerous skirmishes between them, the Revolutionary Forces and the Commonwealth armed forces.
However one area that is believed by the Commonwealth forces to be a major disadvantage is in regards of its leadership. As in the case of the old world, officer positions are not given based on merit but rather familial wealth and prestige. Though such individuals usually have a greater level of education, most do not have any form of proper experience for such a role.
This is often the cause by officers in the Commonwealth armed forces for a number of failures and defeats that the New Albion Guard have experienced.
The Rebellion:
This ended when contact was renewed with New London, then people who could remember the point that New Albion was to serve as New London's second, started to speak openly about making changes. A number of them were met by the New Albion Guard and imprisoned, but the message was already spreading and soon the New Albion Guard were beginning to put down protests and strikes on an almost weekly basis.
Eventually things got heated and a riot broke out in one of the Settlements controlled by New Albion. The riot only got worse and eventually became an all out rebellion against the Regime, though this rebellion was put down by the Guards, it became the catalyst for a new rebellion in the Sovereignty.
This new rebellion seeks to overthrow the Regime held in place for the benefit of the rich and powerful and replace it with a more Democratic system similar in respect to the one used by the Commonwealth of New London. Primarily speaking however, the Rebellion is not a true force, but rather a collection of small groups that conduct a guerrilla war against the Regime.
Though they have much support, the rebels lack the weapons to truly take on the New Albion guard, so they instead they conduct small scale actions, they have been known to perform small ambushes on guard patrols, assassinate officials but primarily they use fire bombs to create discord. Their main powerbase is in the slums of the different colonies as well as in New Albion itself, where they find much support from the people forced to live in squalor.
The Divine Autocracy of Sanctum:
Status: Unknown
Population: 1'900+
Location: Western Greenland
Current Leadership Stance: Appointed
Governance: Holy Curia
Position: Unknown
Connection with New London: No Contact in 2 Years
When some fell towards the idea of fascism, authoritarianism and the creation of totalitarian states. There is one unique case that is somewhat different and that is the city of Sanctum.
Sanctum was established as to be the site for the evacuees of the region of Canterbury, the site of the well regarded Canterbury Cathedral and the Archbishop of Canterbury one of the highest positions in the Church of England. The goal was to establish a city that would serve to house relics and archives of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
Though at some point before the Great Storm a religious belief began to spread and take a solid hold in the city. Lead by a new Curia, the Church preached that they are the ones chosen by God to ensure the continuation of Humanity and that it was through Gods divinity that the Generators were constructed. Eventually however the support of this faith only increased and got to the point that the Church itself seized power in the city.
In essence Sanctum became a Theocratic City that actively enforced its beliefs upon the populace. There are numerous shrines throughout the city as well as banners displaying the Faiths banner, there are the so called Faith Keeper who seek out those that are deemed to be blasphemous and even heretical. In time those that were seen as heretical were put to death in a rather brutal manner.
But the belief was reinforced following the Great Storm in which Sanctum was barely able to Survive, the leaders of the Faith declared that "God has tested us and our devotion to him has proven our faith and as such he has gifted to us his love in life". The City was rechristened into the Divine Autocracy of Sanctum with the Curia being its prime governing body.
The Curia is a council of 42 Bishops that all vote on laws and decision in regards of the city and the new settlements in the wider Frost Lands. At the Head of the Curia is the cities overall leader who is given the honourary title of "Father", whom is deemed to hold the seat of God and Jesus Christ on Earth.
The religious zealotry of Sanctum has not been lessened however, rather emboldened following their expansion into the Frost Lands. When word came back that other cities had survived the Great Storm and the endless winter of the world, the current and later Leader of the Autocracy deemed that to survive without the word of God must mean that such people are Heretics and ordered that Gods will need be done.
The Autocracy and the Faith Keepers have been engaged in border disputes and skirmishes with nearly every city that has been discovered to date by the Commonwealth, including New London itself. However there has been no direct contact or conflict with the Autocracy in over two years.
Though the number of people fleeing persecution and coming to the Commonwealth has continued. They report that the Autocracy is facing internal strife. As the Autocracy is beginning to face a "Challenge of Faith" as according to those who were given asylum in the Commonwealth report. A great number of people are starting to question not the faith but Father Michael as rumours were rampant in the city that the Leader of the Faith was not as he seems. For even those who were loyal followers of the Faith but spoke against him were being called blasphemers and punished.
Leadership:
Father Michael:
He openly and very loudly spoke of how it was Gods will for them to restore the faith of humanity in the Lord and of how it was by the will of God and Jesus Christ that the Generators were built. That those who were not of Gods love saw only endless suffering and death, whilst they with the survival of the Great Storm were clearly Gods chosen.
For "We have been tested by God as we would test metal in the furnace and by his grace we have come out stronger" It was preaching such as this that Lead to him becoming more and more powerful and seen as the spokesmen for God himself.
As Sanctum grew outwards and then began to venture into the Frost Land, in which they came into contact with other surviving cities. Father Michael became even more zealous. He began to preach that those who refuse to hear the will of God and understand the divine blessings are Heretics who must be extinguished, for it was such ideal and such beliefs that lead God to punish the world with the Endless Winter just as he punished man with the Great Flood.
He called out for Holy Crusades to spread the word of God and bring those who he regarded as Lost into the loving arms of the Lord. According to those who fled Sanctum and sought Asylum in the Commonwealth, his Zealous nature has become even worse with the Faith Keepers becoming more and more extreme on his Orders.
Organisation:
The Faith Keepers:
The Faith Keepers serve as the body meant to ensure the continued peace in the city by enforcing the law but also hunting down those that speak out against the Faith. It is their duty to find and bring to "divine justice" those that are in the eyes of the Faith, Heretics and Blasphemers. Extreme in their methods, rumours are bound that they use methods including torture to get confessions from those they bring into the Church.
When other cities began to be discovered, the Faith Keepers became the "Loyal Soldiers of God", spreading the word of the Faith out into the Frost Lands and bringing that are lost into the loving arms of Gods grace. When in actuality they are known to perform the same actions they perform in the city itself. Rumour is that they force people to pledge themselves to the Faith under the threat of harsh punishments and even brutal execution.
When the Faith called on a Crusade to bring the faithless into the light and extinguish the Heretical teachings that are preached in the other cities of the Frost Lands. It was the Faith Keepers at the front, engaging in fire fights with the armed forces of other cities in the endless snow fields and ice covered mountains.
Though according to information from refugees and Asylum seekers, the Faith Keepers are at the front of a new fight as the Autocracy is facing internal strife.
The Heretics:
The Heretics refer to themselves as the Movement of Emancipation or just the Movement. They began during a conflict between the Autocracy and the Commonwealth of New London, at first most of the city openly believed that they were doing the will of God in spreading his message. But when rumours began to spread of what the Faith Keepers were doing in newly "Freed" Settlements and then when word came back of the Faith Keepers facing a number of setback and defeats.
It was first disbelief in the populace, the idea that Soldiers of God and Christ could be defeated, but slowly some who were questioning the choices not of the Faith overall but Father Michael, they started to look closer into their Devoted Father who lead them through Gods test of faith.
Some discovered the hypocrisy of the Father and other members of the Curia, according to some, the Curia are meant to be Chaste, but instead women were seen leaving their homes in the early morning hours. The Faith Keepers meant to ensure the devotion of the Faithful were not seeking out heretics and blasphemers that went against the Faith but instead those who could challenge Father Michael.
When these individuals were discovered, they fought back and were dubbed the Heretics. According to sources, the Movement has grown in a relatively short time, they preach that they seek only to speak the truth and expose the lies told to them again and again by the Curia and more specifically Father Michael.
As such they perform actions such as exposing and attacking Faith Keeper spies and informants, attacking Faith Keeper patrols in the city. Whilst also putting up posters and organising strikes. Their wish to overthrow Father Michael and remove the overarching control of the Church in Sanctum, they do make clear they don't wish to destroy the Faith but believe that such beliefs should not hold power.
The Curia has attempted to defame the Movement calling them those who would wish to see Gods Will undone, that they are worshippers of the Devil and even that they are little more than criminals that seek to overthrow the peaceful nature of the city and bring about a time of chaos and anarchy.
The Victorian Free State:
Status: Steady
Population: 1'500+
Location: Northern Iceland
Current Leadership Stance: Consulship
Governance: Elected Representation
Position: Steadfast
Connection with New London: Open Trade Partner
Originally there was not meant to be a settlement known as Victoria, but following the uprising in Winterhome. A considerable number of the population decided to evacuate when it became clear that the Generator was not going to last, they salvaged materials and rebuilt a land Dreadnaught and filled it with as many people and as whatever supplies they could fit inside.
The Dreadnaught was intended to to reach a different Generator Site that was never actually settled, upon their arrival the survivors established their own state and built themselves up from there. The Victorian Free State got its name from the Dreadnaught that transported them all, the HMS Queen Victoria. Following the passing and dissipation of the Great Storm, The Free State properly established itself and formed an actual governing system.
The Head of state is an elected Consul and a legislative authority in the form of a Civil Council which is responsible for the voting and deciding of laws and bills. The rules were clearly defined in regards of the Consulship and the Council, for instance the Consul could only serve a two year term after which they would not be permitted to serve a another until a period of five years had passed since their last term. The Council members would be elected every 3 years and would hold checks of authority and power over the Consul, including for example the Vote of No Confidence, in which if by a clear majority vote the Consul would have to stand down.
The greatest pride for the Free State is what it calls the Charter of Liberties, this is a document that guarantees the rights of all its citizens and makes clear that no one is excluded from these "Inalienable" rights. For instance all citizens of the Free State are guaranteed by law not to be imprisoned or held by any authority without lawful cause, all citizens are permitted to have their cases heard by a jury of their peers before any sentencing and have the right to lodge an appeal in regards of their case.
In the years following the Great Storm, the Free State has begun to expand outwards, establishing outposts and settlements across the Frost Lands. In doing so they started to meet and make contact with a number of other cities within the Frost Lands.
The Free State is rather peaceful and tends to maintain good relations with its neighbours, the Free State has been caught in a few skirmishes and territorial disputes with other cities notably the Sovereignty of New Albion and the Socialist Republic of Winter Hearth. Primarily though these disputes are a mix of who controls a certain area and the resources within as well as political ideology.
For New Albion, it is primarily a matter of politics, the Free State regard New Albion as an abusive system that is worse than the one they overthrew in Winterhome. Whilst for the Socialist Republic, its primarily a issue of resources, Winter Hearth wanting access to resources within the Free States territory.
Thankfully, The Commonwealth of New London and the Free State have a more peaceful relationship, with a standing trade agreement between the two states and a carefully defined border between the two to ensure that there is no squabbling over access to resources.
Steward:
Consul Charles Haize:
Now as the current holder of the position that is the Consul of the Free State, Charles Haize was voted into office under the promise of continued peace for the Victorians. And so far he has managed to maintain this promise, under him the Free State has formed a closer bond with the Commonwealth of New London as well as the Union of the Frost Lands.
On top of this he is in talks with the Republic of Glacias for trade discussion and the opening of a route between the two to allow for better passage for trade when the talks are completed. He has also undertaken a number of more safety measures for those moving between settlements, he ordered that those moving between the cities were to use clearly marked paths and routes that are to be carefully maintained and watched over by the Free State Militia.
His argument is that by having clearly defined paths through the snow and ice fields, will mean that it will be significantly safer for those moving two and from the city and the different settlements and outposts. He even wants to at some point re-establish a system of railways to connect the various locations to allow not only faster transport but also safer.
Though he presents a determined façade, according to sources his growing fear is that of more radical and extreme elements in the Frost Lands. Notably the Sovereignty of New Albion that the Free State is currently engaged in territorial Disputes with, in parts of the Frozen Arctic Ocean.
Organisation:
The Free State Militia:
Contingents of the militia were despatched to both protect the Dreadnaught as well as aid in its rebuilding. Whilst others guided the refugees from the city to the dreadnaught itself, along with protecting the supply convoys that brought the much needed materials to rebuild the land ship as well as the food and building materials that would be needed when they reached their destination.
After the establishment of the Victorian Free State, the militia was reorganised to serve as its primary law enforcement. Upholding the Charter of Liberties and enforcing the laws of the Civil Council.
Following the passing and dissipation of the Great Storm, the Free State Militia was reformed into two brigades, the City Militia and the Free State Militia. The City Militia is solely impowered to uphold the law within the city of Victoria itself and is limited in its armaments, this is done to ensure that there is no danger of the misuse or abuse of power.
The Free State Militia is the prime military force, they are the ones that serve to defend the Free State borders and protecting the travel routes between the different Settlements and the main city.
Though some would look at the Militia as an impromptu military and guard force, the Free State Militia takes pride in properly training and readying its volunteers. Each volunteer is given the proper training for the role they are to take on, which is carefully selected based on their past experiences and previous work ethic. So despite that fact that from their appearance the Militia may appear to be ill disciplined and unorganised force.
The Free State Militia is more than a match for the more "Professional" Guard forces in other Cities. When questioned why it is the Free State Militia prefers to have its volunteers not wear a proper uniform. The Reply came that the purpose of the Militia is to serve and protect the people, so the people needed to recognise that they have no need to be afraid. As such the Free State Militia has volunteers wearing all kinds of clothing and equipment with the only emblem as a volunteer of the Militia being the arm band they are required to wear, the colour of which representing the city.
The Red being the blood that was spilt to preserve their freedoms and white representing the snow that they braved to establish their new home.
The Republic of Glacias
Status: Steady
Population: 3'900
Location: South Eastern Greenland
Current Leadership Stance: Governorship
Governance: Elected Representation - Civil Council
Connection to New London: Non aggression Pact -Trade Agreement
During the planning of the evacuation of the British Isles into the north where the Generators were being constructed, some wanted to ensure the continuation of knowledge and history. Since the fires of industry had brought about an apparent golden age for the British Empire, some thought it would be necessary to ensure the continuation of such achievements.
So plans were put into place to ensure that for posterities sake at least, a location would serve as the archive. The project that was the brain child of William Thomas (1st Baron Kevin), Charles Darwin, Dr David Livingstone and a young Alexander Graham Bell. The purpose of the site would be in the same semblance of the Arks, the site that would hold and protect seed stocks, plants and saplings for the possibly future of reseeding the planet once the frost had subsided.
The site of Glacias was chosen to serve as an ark not of future but of the past, containing a copy of every book ever written, records of every scientific experiment, written accounts of history, records of all of humanities culture and beliefs, all of it from across the world.
For security reasons the site was kept unlisted and its construction was kept under close observation and secrecy. Those who formulated and oversaw the construction believed that knowledge should not be withheld. There were fears that some would try to manipulate what would go into the Archive and what wouldn't, which in the minds of those who would one day settle and watch over the Archive was an affront to the very reason the Archive was being built.
Glacias sits at a point of natural defence, it stands separated from the rest of the Frost Lands by impassable mountains on three sides and a deep and wide chasm with only one bridge connecting it to the outside world which was constructed to be a literal fortress to protect the city.
Despite it meant to serve as a means of protecting the knowledge of humanity, the site was recognised for its position as a viable location for a proper settlement. Now area is a prosperous city that stands as a Republic of its own. The cities leader is an elected Governor who serves as the head of state but governs with the authority and backing of the Council, a collection of 11 councillors who are required to discuss and vote on decisions for the Republics present and future.
The Republic of Glacias has managed to ensure the longevity of the Archive whilst also adding to its newest construct, the Archive of the Frost Land. A section of the main vault that holds the records of the city through recent history, meant for posterity for the future generations.
In recent decades, the Republic has like other nations begun to expand out into the Frost Lands in order to gain access to the resources needed to ensure its longevity and future. But to this day, the Republic is careful to ensure that its promise is kept and keep the vast archive of human cultural, scientific achievement is safe for the future. The Bridge that once divided the city from the rest of the Frost Lands, is now more reinforced with giant gates, towers and walls to serve as the cities primary defence from attack not by nature but by other people.
But the Republic has always maintained a preference for peace with the other nations in the Frost Lands. At this time it has a non aggression pacts with all but New Albion and the Autocracy, for the Commonwealth this is extended into a agreement of open trade between the two. A major reason for greater trust between the Commonwealth and Glacias is due to the Commonwealth serving as a protector state for the Ark settlement.
Steward:
Governor Eleanor Dare:
Following the passing and dissipation of the Great Storm, she continued to serve in the hospital assisting in numerous surgeries for those who had no choice but to become amputees in order to save their lives. Which in the immediate aftermath of the Great Storm was a considerable number.
She began to empathise and started to petition the cities leadership for changes in regards of work for those who were amputees. Her arguments were that prosthetics should be more readily available and those with them should be allowed to work in the less labour intensive areas. Thus ensuring they are able to feel proud that they could contribute whilst also making the population know that they were being looked after.
The petition was accepted and Dare was given a place in the new Civil Council, later she was voted to the position of Governor. An avid reader and lover of the arts, when she can Governor Dare reads through a variety of books and records whilst also encouraging for the putting on of plays and performances using the tales of those in the past such as Shakespeare.
Above all though she is adamant in the preservation of the Archive Vault and all that is held within. This is one reason why she is staunchly against any form of conflict with the other cities in the Frost Lands, as she sees that such conflicts can easily bring danger to the Archive Vault even with the cities impressive Bridge Defence. As she once put it "It only takes one attack, to cause irreparable damage to our history".
Organisation:
The Glacial Bridge Guard:
Their initial purpose was to protect the site during its construction and ensure the safety of those working at the site. Once construction was done a volunteer force was tasked to stay behind and watch over the site until the arrival of the convoys transporting the contents of the Archive Vault and the eventual settlers.
During the course of the Great Freeze, the Guard served primarily as a force meant to maintain the peace in the city as well as standing guard over the Bridge and the stockpiles in preparation of the Great Storm. Following the founding of the Republic of Glacias, the Guard was reorganised to suit its new required purpose.
The was reformed into a professional force for the purpose of self defence, they are highly trained forces with properly built equipment and weapons. Access to the Archive Vault means that the Republic of Glacias has access to various blueprints that have been forgotten by the other cities.
This has made it possible for the Republic of Glacias to hold its own in conflicts and disputes, as well as protecting itself and the settlements it has established from raiders. To make matters easier and more clear for the Guards, the Guard itself is broken into three battalions, the City Guard serve as the prime law enforcement within the city itself, the Watchmen, who stand guard on the Bridge over the Chasm and defend the city and finally the Frontier Guard, who serve as the Guards in the outlaying settlements and outposts in the territories in the Frost Lands controlled by Glacias.
The differences is easy when one looks closely, the City Guard are permitted to only carry revolvers and batons whilst the Watchmen and Frontier are permitted to carry and use more powerful weapons, ranging from the rifle to the Maxim machine gun to the "Fire Hurlers" (incendiary Heavy mortars).
Tesla City:
Status: Lost
Population: Presumed All Deceased
Location: Western Greenland
Current Leadership Stance: Totalitarian
Governance: Unknown
Connection to New London: Ruins under Investigation
The Russian Empire attempted to build their own generators in the mineral rich regions of the empire, notably in the Urals and the Caucasus mountains.
But from is known nothing ever came about of these attempts, the French couldn't get the locomotive to work, the Russians well no one knows exactly what happened in Russia. According to some sources the Empire fell apart before they could finish their work.
Only the Americans had some success, the Inventor Nikola Tesla managed to create a special electrical device that could as he described, form a protective field around an area and hold back the worst of the weather and cold. The United States backed Tesla's plan and gave him the much needed funds and supplies to establish his city, the city would serve as the Bastion for the Americans and would allow the ideas of the United States to live on after the Freeze.
Tesla City as it became known was a hub of technological advancement during the early years before the total collapse of society. The automatons that were constructed within the cities factories and foundries were more advanced than any other known, their power sources were more advanced than the steam cores used everywhere else.
But sadly not much is known in regards of the city following the Chaos that was the fall of civilisation when the Great Freeze took its complete hold. What is known is that before the Great Storm, the city went quiet with all inside being killed in a tragic catastrophe. Based on the accounts of people who had been exiled from the city and written records recovered from the abandoned camps of those who were exiled but didn't survive.
It appears that the cities leader, Nikola Tesla grew erratic and extreme in his ideas for the future. Apparently he threw out anyone who didn't agree with him and even actively started to deny entry to anyone wanting to find safety from the cold. Eventually Tesla began to turn his master device, the great "Engine" that protected the city from the worst of the weather and produced power and heat to its citizens. Into a weapon.
According to survivors that were thrown out of the city for not agreeing with him, Tesla planned on using the "Engine" to protect the city from outsiders. The same electrical "Field" that protected them from storms would instead kill anyone who attempted to enter the city.
However his plans backfired, though the Engine did what he intended, becoming a device that would kill, it killed the wrong people. From what has been understood from investigations into Tesla City in recent years, it all happened in one day. Tesla flipped the switch and the entire city was wiped out.
In recent years, the Commonwealth has begun sending Expeditions to Tesla City both to collect and study the technologies of Nikola Tesla but also to find out more on the every lives of the people that lived in such an advanced city.
Nikola Tesla:
[Left - The last known Photograph of Nikola Tesla]
Tesla was given the backing of the United States to construct the same "Engine" device in the city that would later bare his name, only considerably larger. When the Great Freeze struck, Tesla was already in the city and had activated his "Engine". But since the collapse of civilisation following the Chaos, Tesla became the leader of the city and for a good amount of time his intellect allowed the city to prosper.
But according to those who were cast out describe, that at some point his intellect clouded and he became intensively totalitarian. He began to cast out anyone who disagreed with him, or challenged his position on the future for the city. Eventually he began to turn his most treasured device the "Engine" into a weapon to ensure the protection of the city he created.
However the activation of such a weapon lead to the destruction of his city, in one moment his decision to make the "Field" that protected the city from the weather into a killing machine. Wiped out every living creature in the city in an instance.
No one knows exactly what happened to Tesla himself, most believe that he likely died in the same disaster that left his city an empty, ghostly shell. But there are some who say that he survived somehow, but regardless of his survival from the disaster, it is likely that he would have died soon after. Either from the cold or by other means.
Winterhome:
Status: Destroyed
Population: Presume all Dead
Location: Eastern Greenland
Current Leadership Stance: Totalitarian
Governance: Military Authority
Connection to New London: Refugees Accepted
Since it was established for the total collapse of society during the Chaos, the city was able to gradually establish itself and properly build itself up. For a considerable amount of time, Winterhome was a symbol for the future in a world determined to bring about an endless winter. People flocked to the city in the hopes of getting a better life in the wake of the Freeze.
The Cities leadership under a high ranking military officer was able to maintain a sense of normalcy and stability for a lengthy period following the Chaos. But eventually things got bad, the number of people coming into the city was becoming larger and larger, making it hard to maintain order through conventional means.
So in desperation, the city leadership turned to extreme methods of control through military discipline and authority. However these methods only made matters worse and eventually the city was gripped with internal strife in the form of protests and riots which eventually culminated in a major uprising.
The fighting caused considerable damage to the city and ended when the military junta in charge was overthrown. Though sadly the Generator at the cities heart suffered significant damage, this made it impossible to remain in the city any longer. The surviving inhabitants banded together and worked together to keep the generator going for as long as possible whilst also finding a means of finding safety elsewhere.
They found an abandoned Land Dreadnaught and over several weeks repaired and refitted the ship to transport as many survivors and supplies to another site. The survivors broke into two groups, the majority fled to the Dreadnaught but some decided to try and stay at the city and try and stay alive in the ruined wrecks of the city and the destroyed Generator.
The majority of Winterhome refugees settled and later became the Victorian Free State, but a small number arrived and were given sanctuary in New London.
Today the City of Winterhome is a empty ruin containing the skeletal remains of the cities last inhabitants.
New Manchester:
Status: Abandoned
Population: Evacuated
Location: Eastern Greenland
Current Leadership Stance: Governorship
Governance: Direct Governorship
Connection to New London: Refugees Accepted
There was nothing rather of any real interest or special in regards of New Manchester, the Site was to serve as the settlement for the people of Manchester notably the nobility and rich who funded the construction.
However the problems began when those allowed to move and settle within the city arrived. A great number of these individuals had ever performed the work needed to not only construct a city but also maintain it. Though a number of lower classes came with them, it was no where near enough to properly manage the city in an efficient manner, the obvious being the maintenance of the Generator and the harvesting of resources and materials.
Eventually things got so bad that New Manchester had to send out expeditions in search not only for resources but also for other settlements in the hope of getting the help they needed to preserve the city. This lead them to finding the Arks, the special project meant to preserve the future flora of the planet.
The Arks did their best to assist, providing resources and materials where they could, but not in the amounts that could sustain the city in the long term. Eventually an Expedition from New London arrived with the warning of the Great Storm. Though the Arks were safe, New Manchester was not in a position to survive, it lacked the fundamental infrastructure to support the population for the expected duration of the storm, it lacked sufficient supplies of Coal to feed the Generator and was lacking medical supplies.
With few options open, the citizens of New Manchester decided they had no choice, they decided to abandon the city and move to New London for safety.
New Manchester was later resettled following the Great Storm and now serves as a colony of the Commonwealth, as well as a way station. A place where convoys can stop, find shelter, rest, resupply whilst travelling the Frost lands, notably between New London and the Arks.
The Arks:
Status: Active
Population: 400+
Location: Eastern Greenland
Current Leadership Stance: Council Representatives
Governance: Civil Council
Connection to New London: Member of the Commonwealth
A very unique project in regards of the Frost Lands, the Arks were established in a very special location that provided a natural level of protection from any storms. For added safety for the inhabitants and the Arks themselves, a Generator was constructed to support the site in both power but also heat.
A total of three arks were constructed at the site, these were built with best scientific minds in support, their sole purpose is to preserve seeds and saplings of every species of plant known to mankind. All in the hope that one day the Freeze would subside enough to allow for the reseeding of the planet.
The Arks are regarded as the most scientifically prepared buildings of the Frost Lands, being able to withstand an incredible amount of force from the outside weather. But obviously they require constant attention and support, so a settlement was established at the site to ensure that the seeds and saplings within were safe and healthy.
Following the Chaos, the Arks were forced to become entirely self sufficient and began to rely greatly on a number of Automatons to keep both the Generator going as well as man the various resource stations that they needed to not only feed themselves but obtain the materials required to ensure the Arks survive.
Eventually the Arks were discovered by the inhabitants of New Manchester, feeling sympathetic, the Arks decided to assist the city but only to the point that they themselves were not threatened. When an expedition from New London arrived with the warning of the Great Storm, the Arks made clear that when the storm hit, they had to prioritise the Arks themselves they couldn't afford to give more resources to New Manchester.
New London recognising the importance of the Arks, offered aid, resources were sent to the site to support their preparations for the oncoming Great Storm.
Following the passing and dissipation of the Great Storm, the Arks were exceedingly grateful for the help that New London gave which proved much needed when the storm struck. When the Commonwealth was formed, the Arks decided to become a member, as they saw the advantages of the Commonwealth both in ensuring their protection as more cities were being discovered some of which were aggressive as well as the resource and material support that the Commonwealth could provide to maintain the Arks.
Pinnacle Events:
The Frost land Wars:
This lead to extensive rivalry and competition for settlement sites as well as resources, this in turn lead to confrontation. Eventually a number of these cities, notably the Commonwealth, Winter Hearth, New Albion and the Autocracy started fighting each other for power and domination over the Frost Lands and its resources.
Though battles are they are known were frequent with settlements and outposts changing hands constantly, the wars were more skirmishes between small detachments of military forces over large scale engagement as the Frost Lands made such impossible as the needs of a large force is exceedingly difficult to support for even the largest military.
Eventually these conflicts began to ease as borders began to be established more and more clearly. For the Commonwealth, the conflicts ended with the signing of a Ceasefire between it and New Albion as well as successfully signing a peace agreement with Winter Hearth and holding back the Autocracy. It became evident that the Commonwealth of New London is the prime victor thus far of the Conflict being recognised by most as the main power in the Frost Lands.
Opinions are that the Commonwealth ability to hold back the enemy and maintain its position in the Frost Lands is due to its use of the Commonwealth Air Corps. Which held dominion of the air in the Frost Lands and allowed the Commonwealth to react quicker to incursions by the enemy and be able to repel them with less difficulty.
Though for New Albion, Winter Hearth and the Free State, the conflict is still ongoing as the differences in governance and ideology make it very difficult for them to accept peace.
To date the conflicts are as follows:
- The Winter Hearth - New Albion War
- The Autocracy - Commonwealth War
The Winter Hearth Revolution:
According to the Socialist Government in Winter Hearth, the Revolution was a relatively quick affair and over in a few days. But according to accounts of those that fled the city during and after the Revolutions conclusion it was much more.
They describe that the fighting between the city guards and the revolutionaries lasted for weeks, with entire streets being turned into battlefields, buildings being turned into fortresses. It is stated that the revolutionaries were forced to fight a long protracted war for the city, having to fight for each and every street in a gruelling match as they pushed the guards back.
It was only when they managed to cross the bridges and push into the heart of the city that they were able to overcome these difficulties as they were able to join multiple fronts from multiple districts into one single force. Eventually it is declared by these refugees that the cities official government decided to offer an unconditional surrender to the Revolutionaries.
Whilst some die hard loyalists attempted to hold out in the city centre around the Generator and the Leaders manor. But after an overwhelming assault by the Revolutionary forces, these remaining loyalists were all killed in the final battle and the leader was captured and ceremonially executed.
The Albion Rebellion:
As the leadership and powerful began to instil more and more propaganda and order upon the city following the rediscovery of New London, these individuals began to recognise that the so called order and discipline wasn't about ensuring humanities survival anymore but preserving the power and prestigious life styles the powerful were enjoying.
When protests and strikes were put down brutally and with much blood shed, they formed a rebellion against the tyranny of New Albion. The rebellion found much support within the slums of the city where the poor were forced to live in decrepit squalor of the factories that constantly spewed out smoke and soot into the air.
The Rebellion is relatively small when compared to the power of the New Albion Guard, so they are forced to conduct a guerrilla war against them. What they lack in weaponry and firepower, the Rebels make up for in determination and action, they are almost constantly conducting efforts against the New Albion Guards or Leadership.
They are always planning and undertaking acts of sabotage and hit'n'run attacks against the guards, these usually consist of a rebel or rebels hiding in the crowds or the compact buildings of the slums before surprising a guard patrol in an ambush before disappearing once again into the streets and alleys of the slums.
They also use various improvised incendiary devices to cause havoc for the guards, these usually are fire bombs being thrown into a group of guards or into a building that the Guards are stationed in.
Whilst New Albion puts up the front that the Rebellion is insignificant, word has gotten out that at one point the rebels launched an attack in the inner city where the wealthy and prestigious families live. An attack that according to some sources, left over 50 Guards dead to the rebels losing only 12.
Gods Purge of the Unfaithful:
In the autocracy the belief in Gods will was absolute, none dared to question the belief that only those worthy of Gods love were saved from the Freeze and the Great Storm.
So imagine the surprise when the other cities were discovered to have survived without God. Eventual conflict was inevitable, but it was during this conflict and the Autocracy's expansion that some began to question the wisdom of their faith. There were those that believed that something was wrong in how the Church was spreading the Faith, rumours spread that people in outlaying settlements that were new members of the Autocracy were being actively forced to join the Faith or risk being executed in a brutal manner.
Then as the conflict with the Commonwealth grew worse, word came back of defeat after defeat upon the Faith Keepers by the Commonwealth Forces. The idea was unbelievable to some, the thought that warriors of God wielding his holy emblem could be defeated was impossible. But some decided to look closer and found that those that enforced the faith were very hypocritical in their preaching.
It was later discovered that a number of people being taken away by the Faith Keepers were actually individuals who threatened the power of the Curia and of their Leader Father Michael. When these questioners were uncovered they themselves were arrested, but some decided to fight back. In response the Faith called on a holy Purge of the unfaithful, those that dared to Blaspheme and work against the glory of god.
These Heretics banded together and began a war of their own, they began to attack Faith Keepers and spread the word of the truth. These days the so called purge has become according to sources, a tug of war, the Faith Keepers attempt to arrest someone, the Heretics push them back. The Faith Keepers recruit an informer, the Heretics uncover them and publicly attack them and burn their home.
And so it has been for the past few years, a constant tug of war between the Faith Keepers and the Heretics, both trying to get ahead of the other.
Comments
Post a Comment