Frost Punk: The Frost-Land Treaty

As always, As with all my stories on this blog. 

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.

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The Frost-Lands:

In the time of the 19th Century, the world was caught in a wave of change and revolution, where once work was a matter of manual labour, now it was a matter of industry, Empires rose to prominence with the foundation of their power being the industrial might they could commit to their imperialist goals.

Advancements in technology led to the creation of Automatons, machines that could work better than an entire factories worth of workers. Times were rapidly changing, where once it took weeks if not months for a ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to the power of steam and technology it now took only a few days, shipments of resources and foods could be taken by train from one side of a country to the other in just a few hours. 

But disaster lay upon the horizon, its unclear when, but at some point in the 19th century a major catastrophe was beginning to show, across the planet the temperature was starting to drop. Summers became less and less prominent and the winters became all the more harsher, at first such risks were put aside with some believing they were just cold spells and it would pass.

However when things got much worse, the truth became clear, the Planet was on the cusp of a new Ice Age, one that would completely envelop the entire planet in an endless winter. In desperation the governments of the world reacted, those with powerful empires, brought in their best minds, some argued that plans should be formulated to move the populace closer to the equator where it should be warmer. However the more knowledgeable of the cold made clear that the Equator was a terrible and disastrous proposal.

They argued that moving North into the Arctic was the better prospect, for such places had environments suited to the cold alongside wildlife that would have a better chance of surviving the Ice age when compared to the wilds of the tropics. Another argue in their favour was the untapped wealth of resources in the Arctic, not just Iron, wood but also and more importantly Coal which fuelled the economy of industry.

For the British Empire, the plan was the construction of giant generators that would produce the heat and power to support a city around it, around these generators a select portion of the population from different cities would re-establish themselves and survive the ice age until the renewal of spring.

However much occurred within the Frost-Lands in the years since the collapse of civilisation. Different Generator sites have become new nations and despite the fact that many are all of the British Empire, have turned on each other, some are socialist, others more fascist, some are democratic others are theocratic.

Conflict was inevitable, but eventually a stable element of peace has come into the Frost-Lands, with exploration going further out, new surviving cities have been discovered, specifically cities of nations once thought lost.

The First Frost-Land Conference:

After a number of years and constant conflicts, the Commonwealth of New London came forward and put out a request for the cessation of hostilities across the Frost-Lands. It argued that the constant fighting between the new nations is endangering the survival of humanity given the current grip of the Ice Age. 

Over a number of months, the Steward of New London and its Commonwealth, Sir Winston Churchill organised the first international summit in a century, invited were representatives from all of the known City nations of the Frost-Lands, with the goal of establishing a certified treaty that would establish set borders and enable the beginnings of more open trade between the different nations.

To ensure an element of equality and fairness, instead of the Conference being held within New London itself, it was instead agreed that it would be held within the Colony of Dreadnought, one of New London's first major colonies. Every aspect of the summit was carefully arranged, an entire venue was constructed close to the Heart of the Colony at the namesake of the city, the large overland Dreadnought that served as the heart of the Colony.

The venue was built specific for the role, with a large meeting hall alongside a dining area with a fully prepared and stocked kitchen efferently staffed with the best cooks the commonwealth had. The venue would also be linked to the individual living quarters prepared for all the dignitaries, each person would have their own room that was made as comfortable as possible for those staying inside. 

For security reasons, all parties would be permitted to bring a small protection force, however the overall security of the conference would be the responsibility of New London and the Metropolitan Police Service, the ambassadors and dignitaries would be guarded by their own people but the protection of the conference came down to the Metropolitan Police. All officers involved with the duty were fully vetted and carefully examined and questioned to ensure that nothing would endanger the conference and ensure that they would not perform their duties to the fullest.

The goal of the conference was to to bring about in some form the cessation of hostilities between the different nations, as well as to properly establish territorial borders of each individual nation that could be agreed upon by all present. Other hopes were to include the inclusion of a universal system of rights that all parties would uphold, such articles would include the conventions signed by various nations in 1864 at the Geneva conference, such would be expanded upon given the fierce nature of the environment that existed in the Frost-lands.

Commonwealth Dignitaries and Representatives:

The Commonwealth of New London is regarded as one of the largest and most populous of the current nations within the Frost-Lands, as well as one of the most stable, despite troubles that threatened it in recent years and threatened to tear the nation and the city into civil war. The commonwealth has come out all the more stronger and has managed to build a sustainable nation.

Mr Robert Crawley

A minister of the Commonwealth Parliament, Robert Crawley is the son of one of the original refugees from the British Isles, his family were original from prestigious background with a long history of nobility, his family had long held the title, the Earl of Grantham, but this changed when they emigrated to the New London generator. Due to the difficulties of life in the Frost-lands, everyone had to work for the survival of the population.

At a young age, despite the fact that his family had been a rich and noble peerage, Robert worked at one of the cities factories where steel was produced from raw iron, though he didn't really get his hands dirty with the machinery. He still served a role, helping in the factories office, managing papers and notes on the workings of the factory as well as its management and production capabilities.

Later he went into politics and after serving as an undersecretary for one of the original captains aids, he went on to become a candidate for the 1st New London Parliament. Though he wasn't elected he was brought on to act as an aid, later he tried again and was successfully elected to the Parliament in 1919.

As a member of Parliament he was a seen as a fence holder, he supported Equality for the people of the Commonwealth, but also held some support for the Merit based ideology that some old world thinkers wished to uphold.

He was a firm supporter of the conference and even volunteered to be part of the Commonwealths representation at the Conference. Since the conference would be held within the Commonwealth, it was thought having a member of its government present at the discussions would be beneficial.

Mr Robert Crawley was to be the chief negotiator for the Commonwealth supported by the ambassadors who had more experience with the other nations. His presence was also favoured due to him being from a noble background, which was hoped would allow for better talks with the old rival of New London, the Sovereignty of New Albion.

Ambassador Henry Redfield

An experienced diplomat and long serving ambassador for the Commonwealth, Henry Redfield wasn't not actually born in England, his parents had been African Slaves in the United States before escaping to Canada where he was born. Later the family moved to England and were chosen by a random lottery for the evacuation and emigration to the Generator Site that would become New London.

A smart boy from a young age, Redfield found work in one of the cities workshop, mostly moving things around and helping the engineers in their work to improve the cities habitability. 

Later when a laws were implemented against child labour, Redfield went into the cities basic education system and later studied law. As the city stabilised from the Ice Age and life found an element of normalcy, he became a lawyer representing people in the cities courts. He turned away from this life following the Declaration of the Union of the Frostlands independence.

Redfield offered his services as a lawyer during the negotiations and although he didn't play a major role, he was later asked to become a member of the Commonwealths diplomatic service. He served first as an Ambassador to the Union and then later, Ambassador to the Victorian Free State.

His role in the conference was clearly laid out, as he had a considerable amount of experience working with the Union and the Free State, he was to aid in representing the Commonwealth in the Conference and aiding his fellow dignitaries.

Ambassador Hercule Poirot

Originally born in Belgium, Ambassador Poirot immigrated to Britain following a personnel matter, he was a young boy at the time but possessed a keen and intelligent mind. However he also was very methodical and precise in what he did, many note him to have a very structured way of doing things, such as ensuring that everything was properly organised and in neat order.

He was selected by random lottery for evacuation to the Generator Site of New London during the evacuation efforts across Britain. Despite tremendous hardships, he managed to survive, working as an apprentice under the original captain.

Later when the Metropolitan police service was established, he volunteered and passed the examinations. For a number of years he served as an officer in the city, then he put in a request to become a Detective, after undergoing several careful examinations he was accepted and eventually became the Chief Inspector of Scotland yards investigation division.

He was then offered a place in the Commonwealth Diplomatic Service, which he agreed, serving as the Ambassador for the Commonwealth, with the Republic of Glacias. Poirot was chosen specifically by the Steward of the Commonwealth to be a member of the Commonwealth dignitaries, not only because of his years of experience as a diplomat but also for his experience as an Detective alongside his analytical mind.

The hope was that the keen "Grey Cells" of his mind would help the Commonwealth at the table and aid in better understanding the arguments of the other representatives.

General Charles Rawlinson

Representing the Commonwealth Armed Forces, General Charles Rawlinson was selected due to his experience and his record in the Frost land Wars that had been raging for the past decade. He was credited with the successful defence of Commonwealth held territory from the Divine Autocracy of Sanctum.

He himself had originally served in the Old Captains enforcers during the early years of the city of New London, working with others to protect the citizens and enforce the law as set down by the Captain. Later as these roles were being replaced by the Metropolitan Police Service, he joined up with the Commonwealth Militia to defend the growing nation.

A key figure during its early years, Rawlinson became a Brigadier in the Militia and was a proponent for the reorganising of the Militia into a formal and proper military. Later he oversaw the training regimen of the Army and aided in the creation of a training manual.

He was called up to serve in the frontlines against the Sovereignty of New Albion, where he commanded the 2nd New London Brigade, the unit saw action across its sector of the front for a new of months before being redeployed to the south to face the Divine Autocracy. When a truce was signed, he was promoted to General and placed in charge of all military forces in the south.

As was made clear during the organisation of the Conference, all states would be permitted to bring along at least one officer to represent their military in the discussions. Such was the duty of General Rawlinson, he was to represent the the Commonwealth Armed Forces in the talks as well as advise the other representatives of New London.

The Union of the Frost lands:

A confederation of several settlements, the Union of the Frost lands was a nation brought about during the early years following the "Storm to end all Storms". An outpost established by New London, dubbed Outpost 11 next to a large storage facility of steel and steam cores, resented how uncaring the leadership of New London treated them. Together with 3 other settlements close by, they declared their independence and formed a new nation.

Later after signing an agreement, the Union was recognised as an independent state but remained on good terms with New London. Now the Union is still a relatively small nation with 9 members, all of them settlements and no real major cities.

The Union of the Frost lands is very reliant on trade for its well being, with most of its trade being with the Commonwealth, the Union was the first nation to agree to the Conference. The hope that if the conference was successful then perhaps the Union will be able to achieve more trade relations with other nations.

Ambassador George Clifford

One of the original inhabitants of Outpost 11 that became New Jericho, the capitol city of the Union. Clifford worked as a bureaucrat within the Outposts Administration building. Most of his work was organising and overseeing the shipments heading in and out of the depot, later he helped to negotiate the trading between the different settlements that would later become founding members of the Union.

When the Union was recognised as an independent state, he became a member of the Unions original political Assembly, the precursor of the Union Senate. Later he served as the chairman of the Unions committee of diplomatic affairs.

He was requested personally by President Charles Mason to represent the Union in the Conference, this was agreed by the Union senate as Clifford possessed years of experience in negotiations and diplomacy and not just with the Commonwealth but also with the Republic of Glacias and the Victorian Free State.

Clifford was known for being very determined in his negotiations during the conference, but was also respectful in his discussion and spoke clearly his arguments.

Captain Archer Collins:

An officer in the Union Militia, Collins was the son of one of the first officer in the militia, decades prior, his father had been a militia officer during New Jerichos declaration of independence from New London.

He grew up in New Jericho, the capital of the Union and at 17 he followed in his fathers footsteps and joined the militia. Most of his duties included the maintaining of law and order in New Jericho as well as patrolling the routes across the Union territory to transport goods and supplies. He has since become an advocate for the reestablishment of the Militia into a formal military force with proper training and discipline.

His arguments for this reformation, is what he calls his recognition of the growing power of the Unions Neighbours, in the past he argued, the Union could have held back a retaliation from a single city, now however the Militia would need to fight organised militaries of small nations. These arguments were generally accepted by the Union Senate, though on a small scale, he was tasked with overseeing the training of at least a battalion of militia volunteers.

Collins was selected as he was the only real military officer to represent the Union at the Conference, but also because of the fact that he would be able to better advise Ambassador Clifford in the discussion at the Conference. Though he didn't like it, he accepted, seeing it as an opportunity to prove to the rest of the Frost lands that the Union was no longer protected by an improvised force but a proper military with proper training and proper officers.

The Socialist Republic of Winterhearth:

A powerful nation to the south of the Commonwealth, Winterhearth was a difficult city, its generator was among the last to be completed and apparently the construction crews took on a socialist ideology during its construction.

During the freeze, the people of Winterhearth were controlled by a dominating elite class of Engineers who enjoyed better living quarters and privileges. Eventually however an uprising in the city led to the ousting of the "Oppressive Class" and the establishment of a Socialist system of government which emphasised equality.

Since then it grew into a strong nation with various settlements and colonies within its region of the Frost lands, despite a small conflict with the Commonwealth, it later became a peaceful neighbour with the Commonwealth as well as a partial trading partner. It has however continued its fight against "Oppression" in other nations, notably the Sovereignty of New Albion. It agreed to attend the Conference in order to properly establish its territorial borders.

Ambassador Robert Ericson

The son of a former revolutionary, Ericsons father had fought in the uprising that brought about the change of leadership in Winterhearth. He is seen as an image and proof of Winterhearths ideology of Equality and fair chance. Ericson himself isn't just the son of a Revolutionary, he is also the son of a tanner, his father was previously a simple worker in a factory that worked on the manufacturing of clothes.

He was accepted into the Winterhearth academy where he studied law, he originally had the hope of becoming a lawyer to defend the Equal rights of the Winterhearth citizens. Later however he joined Winterhearths Diplomatic Service and served as the first secretary to the Ambassador to New London, after a few years he served as the acting ambassador until he was chosen to be the previous ambassadors replacement.

Since he had experience in the Commonwealth, the Socialist Republic decided to have him represent them at the Conference. He is known to be a firm believer of the Winterhearth ethos and ideology and is determined to ensure that the sacrifices of the Revolution were not in vain.

Captain Ambrose Cullins

An officer in the Revolutionary Forces of Winterhearth, Cullins was a young volunteer when the Uprising began in Winterhearth and served as a child courier during the resulting civil war that wracked the city. Later due to his age he was not permitted to join the Revolutionary Force but did do so when he was finally old enough.

Despite his rank, Cullins has actually commanded troops in combat, but instead served mostly as a garrison commander in a fort near Winterhearth itself. He has been known to be very strict in upholding the regulations that are set for the Revolutionary Forces, as well as this he is known to be utterly devoted to the Socialist ideology of Winterhearth and desires to see the Revolution grow.

He obtained the title of butcher during the war against New Albion for his command of the so called "Aurora" Massacre, an engagement between New Albion and Winterhearth, the goal was the taking of the settlement of Aurora. When the Revolutionary Forces took the settlement, Cullins is alleged to have ordered all captured enemy prisoners as well as any pro Albion civilians in the settlement to be gathered together in the main square.

After which he ordered a pair of maxim machine guns to open fire and kill them all. It is this reason that he was selected to be a dignitary at the Conference, it was hoped that his reputation would prove to all that Winterhearth was not messing around.

The Sovereignty of New Albion:

The main rival to the Commonwealth of New London, originally New Albion was to serve as a supporting city to New London and if necessary take over as the main city should anything happen to New London. 

But this changed when communication was broken during the early years and New Albion grew believing they were the new capitol. The city became a totalitarian state with the ideology of nobility holding prominence over the masses. Such has been in place since the Sovereignty was formed, due to their belief in their righteous claim of being the true heirs of the British Empire.

The Sovereignty has been engaged with numerous conflicts with its two main neighbours, the Commonwealth of New London and the Socialist Republic of Winterhearth. New Albion agreed to attend the conference to secure their territories in the Frost lands as well as achieve recognition. However some information is noting that the Sovereignty is seeking a peace due to growing discontent at home.

Lord Edward Buckingham

A powerful and influence individual from the Sovereignty, Lord Edward Buckingham is a direct descendant of an old noble lineage from the United Kingdom of Great Britain, something that is very much required for someone in his station, what with the Sovereignty being very much an Autocratic Aristocracy.

Born into a life of plenty, Buckingham was practically raised according to the family of his name, he received an expansive education and lifestyle, bountiful feasts for meals, a large manor like home and more. The life he lived is more akin to the old world one that had little physical or laborious effort or work, such was beneath a man of his station.

Instead Buckingham served in a position of authority overseeing the administration of one of New Albions colonies, specifically a colony that provided a substantial supply of coal and oil. Such was seen as a matter of prestige for the family as coal and oil was the life blood of cities across the Frost lands. He is known to be very much a firm believer in the Sovereignty and its system of authority over the populace, such as allegedly been proven with his firm upkeeping of the law in the colony he is in charge of.

He was chosen to represent the Sovereignty in the Conference, though before even leaving for the Dreadnought colony in the Commonwealth, he sent a collection of servants to ensure that his living quarters were to his standards. Apparently he was very "Insulted" in what he was given as living quarters, regarding it as "Quarters meant for a servant".

Sir Piers Winchester

A high ranking officer of the New Albion Guard, the military arm of the Sovereignty meant to instil order and maintain the law as well as fight the enemies of New Albion both within and without the borders of the Sovereignty.

Sir Piers Winchester is the son of a Military officer from the British Empire and has the honour of upholding his fathers legacy, since his father Sir Peter Winchester had been one of the founders of the Guard at the beginning. Winchester despite having options chose to follow his fathers footsteps and join the Guard and due to his family he was given a rank suitable to his nobility.

Over the years of his service, he had taken part in several battles and conflicts against the Commonwealth as well as the Socialist Republic. He was then promoted to a high ranking post in charge of most of the Sovereignties armed forces, he has been credited with maintaining the Sovereignty against "Radical groups" with the Sovereignties borders and ensuring the continuation of peace and order.

He was selected to serve as the military representative for New Albion at the Conference due to two main factors, the first was his noble lineage which was a high mark in his favour and the other was his service history. The duty given to him was very clear, to represent the military of New Albion and advise Lord Buckingham in the discussions on matters related to his area of expertise.

The Divine Autocracy of Sanctum:

A nation forged in the belief of God and divine duty, the city of Sanctum held the ideology that through the will of god and the faith of its people is what ensured its survival and by purging sin they saved their souls.

The city and the nation that has grown around it is led by an Appointed Holy father who speaks in the name of god beneath them are the Curia, a collective of cardinals. The Autocracy believe firmly that the world was frozen by the will of god who wished to cleanse sin from the world like he did when he unleashed the great flood, that like Noah, God provided those worthy an Ark in the form of the Generators.

Despite its name, the Curia and the Holy Father make clear that the one whom is above all others and bares all the power, is God himself.

The Autocracy have in the past engaged in conflicts with its neighbours seeing them as divine and holy crusades meant to instil gods will. However after a number of years, they agreed to the Conference in the hopes that through peace they might be able to spread the word of God.

Father Sullivan

An honoured member of the Curia, Father Sullivan was raised to the strictures of the Holy Orders that control the city, from a young age he was raised to become a member of the Holy Church. He was tutored in reading and writing that he might write the word of god, he was tutored in diplomacy that he might speak the will of god and so on.

At first he served God by aiding those within the city and in the settlements beyond within the territories of the Autocracy. Later he was moved to a monastery where new members were tutored and trained as well as the training and arming of the Faith Keepers was undertaken. The Faith keepers being the Divine Autocracy's law enforcement and military branch, a zealous force of soldiers of God.

Later in life, he was promoted for his piety to the Curia and served with respect, when word came of the Conference, Father Sullivan became a key advocate seeing it of achieving peace and through peace the power to spread the word of God. He is known to be strong believer of peace believing that it is Gods wish that peace reign across the world especially in these current days, with life still being a struggle for survival.

Since he was the main advocate for the Autocracy taking part in the Conference, he was chosen to serve as the primary dignitary for the Divine Autocracy. It was his hopes that through the Conference, his dream of a peaceful world that may one day embrace a new Eden may come into fruition.

Father Maffei

A fierce and determined believer of the faith, Father Maffei grew up in an orphanage under the care of the Church, during this time he was given an education as well as a good a fair life. When he was old enough he was inducted into the Church and continued his tutelage to become a Priest of the church.

Later though in life he wished to serve God by spreading the word, as well as to seek out the Heretics. He joined the Faith keepers and very swiftly rose through its ranks, the successes he achieved through his time he always contributed to the will of God and nothing more. 

As a member of the Faith keepers it is widely rumoured that Father Maffei is rather extreme in his efforts to ensure the continuation of the Faith and upholding its core tenants. There are stories of torture and extreme acts surrounding his actions in the more distant settlements within the Autocracy as well as in other nations.

When the conference was being prepared and established, Father Maffei was requested to journey with Father Sullivan to attend and serve as the representative for the faith keepers in the discussion. It was also rumoured that his presence was to keep a close eye on Father Sullivan and ensure that his desires for peace did not supersede the wishes of the Autocracy.

The Victorian Free State:

A successor state to the former city of Winterhome, the Victorian Free State was founded at an abandoned generator site after the inhabitants of Winterhome had to evacuate their original home due to its generator being damaged and on the brink of a catastrophic explosion.

Once there they rebuilt a nation under the ideology of equality and democracy, their nation is one with guaranteed rights for its citizens, it has a dedicated bill of rights, a charter of liberties and laws that restrict the powers of those in positions of authority, to ensure that the tyranny that brought about the loss of Winterhome won't be repeated.

Since then it has slowly begun to spread out into the Frost lands, establishing new settlements and restoring abandoned ones. Whilst other cities have experienced some internal strife, the Free State has managed to achieve and maintain a stable system of governance. It agreed to the Conference not just as a favour for the Commonwealth but primarily, because it hopes to establish a set of "International" laws that all would agree to uphold specifically the treatment of civilians.

Ambassador Tristan Bennett

A member of the so called "First Generation", meaning among the first to be born following the evacuation of Winter Home and the founding of the Free State. He grew up listening to the stories of his father, of how Winter home was supposed to be the symbol of survival in the ice age, but instead it grew into an oppressive authoritarian state. Of how the citizens rose up and overthrew the tyrant and his supporters, only to then have to flee to establish a new home.

Since he was among the early generation, Bennett was required to work just like his parents when he reached a certain age, in his case due to the laws protecting children in the Free State, he worked as in the cities administration office, handling paper work.

Later in life he studied law and began working as a prosecutor for the Free State judiciary and then later a judge. He oversaw the trials of several cases and he became a respected judge in the Free State for his stance of fair and equal trials as well as punishments for those found guilty. 

Bennet was requested to serve at least partially as an ambassador within the Free State itself, working with the Ambassadors from other city nations as well as the Free State itself. Since he had this experience as well as his long life serving in the upholding of the law, he was selected to serve as the main emissary for the Conference on behalf of the Free State.

His service as a judge would ensure that position of the Free States ideology is not placed into difficulty, plus it was also hoped that he could try and establish set "International Laws" that could be agreed on. 

Brigadier Thomas Holmes

The grandson of a rebel, Brigadier Holmes was raised on the stories told by his grandfather of how they overthrew the oppressive military dictatorship in Winter Home.

When he was old enough, he joined up an passed his training regimen, following in his fathers and grandfathers footsteps in becoming an officer in the Free State Militia. Since the Militia serves both as a military force but also law enforcement, Holmes was also given careful tutelage in the rights of the Free States citizens and how to ensure that the lawfully given rights are upheld.

However in his case he spent most of his time out in the frontier, serving as the officer in command of one of several garrisons across the Free States territories, ensuring that the Routes across the ice and snow are kept properly marked and maintained. He served in the Free States conflict with the Autocracy and border conflict with Winterhearth, he was promoted from lieutenant to the rank of Commander after his time fighting on the front against the Autocracy.

He was given command of the most impressive and important Frost land frontier fort that the Free State had which he considered an honour as it protected the trade route between the capitol city and the Commonwealth of New London. Later he was selected to serve as the Military attaché for the Conference being hosted by New London, since he had served both domestically enforcing the law as well as an officer in command of troops in battle, it was thought he was a good choice to represent the Free State Militia.

The Republic of Glacias

A special location within the Frost lands, Glacias was constructed as a unique generator site, due to the intent and purpose of the site. Since other efforts were underway to preserve plants and seeds in specially built Arks in the hope of one day regreening the earth. 

Glacias was built to maintain and protect a special Ark that served as a vault containing the collective knowledge of the past, copies of nearly every book ever written, histories, poetry, philosphy, scientific knowledge etc. As well as the detail schematics, designs and blueprints of various pieces of technology, architecture and much more. In effect Glacias preserves the collective knowledge of the old world in the hope that one day such knowledge would be able to rebuild.

The Republic of Glacias is rather isolationist, prefering to maintain itself rather than get involved in the affairs of other states, when encountered by New London the pair agreed to a non aggression pact and partial trade agreement. However some refer to the Republic as too isolationist, wanting to keep the precious knowledge of the old world away from everyone including themselves.

Ambassador Arthur Reddings

The son of a former Chancellor, Ambassador Arthur Reddings was raised under the careful tutelage of the Republics educational system, one that properly embedded the purpose of Glacias and ensuring the protection of the knowledge within the Vault.

He entered politics like his parents before him and became a member of the Glacias Parliament which he served in for several years. Later despite the chance to become Chancellor himself, Reddings instead decided to go down a different path and to serve as a diplomat and ambassador. Since he had been involved with talks with the Commonwealth Ambassador to Glacias, he was selected to serve as the Ambassador for Glacias in New London.

When the Conference was announced, he immediately sent word back to Glacias for instructions or a request for what the position of the Republic was in regards of the Conference, should he promise that the Republic will attend or not. Later the reply came that Glacias was in favour of the Conference and Ambassador Reddings will serve as the main dignitary for the Republic at the Conference.

The instructions for Reddings was that under no circumstances could the position of sharing the knowledge within the Vault be put forward and if it did, then Reddings was to argue strongly against it. 

Colonel John Preston

An officer of the Bridge Guard, the force of the Republic that serves to protect the City of Glacias itself and now by extension its settlements with its controlled territory. Colonel Preston has risen through the ranks since joining as a reservist and then called up to serve properly.

He served as the colonel in charge of the Watchmen of the Bridge Fort that serves as the main defence of the city where he oversaw the maintenance of the bridge, its fort and ensuring that the technologies defending the city were kept in good order. Later he was sent to serve on the Frontier as a Colonel in command of a Frontier Guard station protecting a key travel route from Glacias to the New Commonwealth.

Preston was requested to be the Military Attaché for the Conference, on the one part because of his years of service in the Bridge Guard but also from his previous civilian work experience. So he had a past both in the military but also civil duties giving him more room to argue in the discussions.

As the military attaché for the Republic of Glacias in the Conference, his duties were very clearly defined, to advise the Ambassador on the position of the Bridge Guard as well as ensure that the Vault within Glacias remained secure and off limits for the discussions. 

The New American State:

Although the United States put its best towards the creation of Tesla City under the leadership of the "Renowned" Nikola Tesla, it wasn't their only attempt. Though most of the resources and the best materials went to the creation of Teslas "Engine" and the city that would surround and be protected by it.

Not everyone was willing to pin all their hopes on one mans invention, after Tesla completed his machine, the combined industrial effort of the United States went into the creation of another attempt to survive the Freezing of the world. This new attempt would follow the ideas of the British Empire, the construction of a huge Generator meant to support a different city.

The people behind this project were distrustful of Tesla not just because there were fears that his machine wouldn't work but also because of two other factors, some didn't trust the man himself and others were unwilling to let a single man practically establish his own nation which was meant to serve as a bastion for the Americans.

Though Tesla city would fall, the New American State with its capitol being the city of New Washington. Managed to hang on, despite the resource shortages and constant troubles brought about by the Whiteouts, though they clung on and eventually renewed its own Constitution and installed its name sakes Democratic system, with a house of representatives, Senate and President.

And despite its troubles, like with the other nations that have managed to hang on, the New American State has grown into a new nation.

Professor Henry Jones Jr.

The son of a history professor and one in his own right, Professor Henry Jones Jr, is a tenured professor of history and archaeology in the New Washington University where he teaches the history of days before the great freeze going back to the ancient times.

This despite not really being interesting for those who wish students learned about things in the here and now, Dr Jones has made clear that his teachings are just as important as they remind people what Humanity has gone through in the past and as such what they can get through now.  

As a professor, he has taken part in educational visits to the University of New London as well as the Free State University. Included in these visits were scientific expeditions and excavations of old world settlements such as abandoned Generator construction sites and even the Ruins of Tesla City.

He has written several papers and published a number of journals in regards of his research and his time as part of Expeditions and Excavations. His journals are found in nearly every library of the Frost lands though with some careful considerations and even some censorship for some nations.

When the Conference was called on to be part of the American Delegation, originally as an advisor for the original diplomat, but when that person fell ill and was unable to attend, Dr Jones was asked to take up the duty and represent the New American State.

Although he wasn't quite sure about how he was to speak in terms of politics, Dr Jones was wishing to set up an system of shared educational across the different nations as well as the sharing of knowledge to better help the rebuilding of human civilisation.

Colonel William Grant

A respected officer of the New American Ice Rangers which serves as the main military force for the New American State in the Frost lands, protecting the settlements and forts within its territories as well as patrolling the Frost lands.

Grant himself wasn't born to a military serving family, his father had worked as a farmer in one the New American Settlements, labouring most of his day in a greenhouse to provide food. Though he did work for a time in the same industry, Grant didn't find it a comfortable fit for him, so when the chance, he joined the Ice Rangers and through hard work rose through the ranks to become the commanding officer of the closest fort in the State to the other nations, Fort Henry.

He was noted for being a working man, even forgetting his rank at times by helping the lower ranks with menial tasks such as loading and unloading supplies, shovelling snow and more. Under his command, Fort Henry underwent a lot of changes, becoming a key transit point for travellers between the New American State and the rest of the Nations in the Frost Lands.

When the Conference was being organised, Colonel Grant was selected by the New American State to represent the American Armed forces in the discussions. Mostly due to a few main factors, the first being that he was of a sufficient rank to be regarded as respectful and trustworthy in the discussion. Second was because of his previous command at Fort Henry which as already stated was in proximity to the other nations of the Frost Lands and guarded a key trade route between the Americans and the Europeans.

The Celtic Union:

A breakaway from the British Empire, the Celtic Union is a coalition of different cities that were founded by the British but were meant to serve as evacuation sites for cities in Scotland and Ireland. Examples can be seen in New Dublin, New Edinburgh, New Glasgow and New Belfast, alongside a number of smaller settlements inhabited by people who fled from Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

However during the freeze, the cities were practically abandoned by certain efforts by the British Empire in favour of more English cities and rich English individuals. So during the Freeze, these cities were practically given up on, but people kept working even after contact was lost with the British Empire. 

Despite the difficulties that came from the Storm to end all storms and the following White Outs, the Celtic Union has managed to hang on as well as rebuild. It has become a true nation in its own right and refuses to accept the rebirth of the British Empire, citing that Scotland, Wales and Ireland were part of Great Britain and yet they were forgotten in favour of the English.

Despite some trouble with those who wish to rebuild the British Empire, specifically the Sovereignty, the Celtic Union has remained an independent nation and now seeks to start forging links with the rest of the known world.

Ambassador Michael Collins:

Born from a family that escaped Ireland during the freeze, Mr Michael Collins is not really an ambassador by profession, he had served as the Minister for Finance for his home city of New Dublin. Later he served as the Minister of Home Affairs before becoming a minister in the Celtic Union assembly, which serves as the governing body of the Union as a whole.

Collins was known to be an outspoken individual who was never really shy about how he spoke or what he was saying, citing that as a free man he had the right to speak freely. Supposedly once during a meeting of the New Dublin Assembly, he openly swore at another minister regarding him as a "Dumb Old Bastard".

He was selected by the Celtic Union to serve as the main dignitary and ambassador for the Celtic Union in the Conference due to his willingness to speak his mind. Since the Celtic Union was not a very prominent nation, there were fears at the time that the other larger nations would ignore the desires and arguments of those who were smaller.

Collins willingness to speak his mind and not care about the manner that he spoke was thought to be an asset rather than a hinderance. Above all Collins was asked to ensure that the Union held its sovereignty and that trade links could be established with the more trustworthy nations.

Commander Delcan Inglis:

An officer in the Celtic Armed Forces, a unified military force from all of the cities and settlements of the Union, Commander Inglis was the son of what was once a Highland Clan, however now the clan system has become less important due to the extremes of the world.

Born in the city of New Edinburgh, Inglis witnessed the extremes of the world first hand during an extreme Whiteout that engulfed much of the Union when he was a boy. The city was blanketed by the storm for several weeks which led to severe food shortages and by extension subject to severe rationing.

During the rationing Inglis lost one of his brothers to sickness brought on by malnutrition, he himself suffered the same illness but thankfully got through it. When he was old enough he joined the Scots guard fusiliers which served as the New Edinburgh local law enforcement and security. He was then transferred to the Celtic Armed Forces where he served in numerous skirmishes with New Albion where after he was promoted to the rank of commander within the Scots Fusiliers. When a treaty was signed, he was given command of a Celtic Fort on the border that protected a key transport and trade route.

Due to his experiences on the frontier closest to the other nations of the Frost Lands, Inglis was selected to serve as the Military Attaché for the Conference. His duty is to serve as the intermediary for the Celtic Union Armed Forces in the discussion and advise the Ambassador for the Union in regards of the Armed Forces, specifically in regards of how a certain matter up for discussion could effect the security of the Union militarily.

The Russian Enclave:

The Russian Empire was once a huge power in Europe and Asia, stretching from the lands of Ukraine in the west to the pacific ocean in the east. When the Ice age began to show however, the Empire began to break down considerably, since most of the country was wilderness or farmland, with most of the industry in the west with the largest cities. When the freeze began to cause trouble, the Empire started to fracture, supplies of food and coal began to break down which made matters all the more worse.

Eventually the Empire reacted and responded in the same manner as the British Empire, at first the intention was to construct the generators in the already existing cities, but this plan failed due to the limited supply of coal. So like Britain and other nations, the Empire moved northwards into the Arctic as well as into other regions such as the Urals and Siberia. 

They copied the plans of the Generators from the British and despite a considerably amount of difficulty, they managed to build new cities in the frost lands and have begun to rebuild the once great Empire. Although much has changed, the Empire once controlled by powerful aristocrats and families all under the direct rule of the Tsars of the Romanov Dynasty.

Is now a constitutional Monarchy, the Romanovs remain as the heads of state with Tsar Nicolas II ruling the Enclave now, but his power politically is very restricted. True power is now held in an elective body known as the Duma, which serves not to advise the Tsars, but instead is THE decision making body.

Since being rediscovered, the Russian Enclave is a willing participant to the Frost Land Conference, especially since according to some sources they are rather limited in Industrial capabilities but have considerable sources of materials such as Wood, Stone, Iron and Coal as well as their own sources of Oil.

Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich Romanov

The younger brother of the current reigning Tsar of the Enclave, Nichloas II, Grand Duke Michael Romanov is among the primary advisors of his brother the Tsar. As a member of the Romanov dynasty he has a duty to serve the Russian Enclave in one form or another, though he possesses a military rank equivalent to that of a General, it is really a ceremonial position just as the Tsar is the head of state and has only ceremonial power.

Instead he serves as a governor for one of the Enclave cities, serving to maintain order and ensure that the population is properly cared for. Despite being from an imperial family, he is considered more of a moderate and supporter of the Duma so much so that until the birth of his Nephew, he had intended to be passed over for being the next Tsar should anything happen to his brother.

When a message came in regards of the Conference, the Grand Duke was selected to serve as the primary dignitary for the Russian Enclave empowered by the Tsar and the Duma to speak for the entire Russian Enclave. His goal is to establish a set peace in the Frost Lands so that the Russian Enclave can start establishing better trade links to the other nations.

Something that has been limited due to the constant squabbling between them all, which often led to the closing of borders and thus restricting the trade routes that the Grand Duke knows are vital for the Enclave.

Ambassador Igor Voranush

The grandson of a prominent Russian Noble family, Ambassador Voranush was raised in difficulty like all within the Enclave, since most of Russia fell apart during the freeze. Although his difficulties were not as severe as others, he still grew accustomed to extremes of the world that humanity was having to live within.

At a young age he entered a carefully constructed education to ensure that he became a key part of the Russian Enclave and live up to the expectations of someone from a prestigious family. He was tutored in various schools but an emphasis on politics, law and diplomacy, eventually when he graduated he was put almost straight away into a position where he would serve to ensure the continued survival of the Russian Enclave.

Later in life he joined the Enclaves diplomatic efforts, becoming the first Ambassador for the Enclave to the Commonwealth of New London where he negotiated the trade agreements between the Commonwealth and the Enclave. Although he was technically retired at the time that the Conference was announced and invitations were sent, he was brought back to serve as one of the main dignitaries for the Conference in support of the Grand Duke.

It was thought that his past experience and involvement with the Commonwealth would enable him and the Enclave representatives to have a proper voice in the discussions when compared to the more British and Anglican nations of the Frost lands.

The Frankian Alliance:

The Successor state for the French Republic and the Kingdom of Belgium, when the freeze began to become extreme, originally the French put much effort into the creation of a globe spanning train line that would support a train which would power itself and serve as an ark for those onboard. However this plan fell apart apparently very quickly, apparently the rail line was easy to construct but proved impossible to maintain in the conditions that were coming, plus the train could not be completed to the level required.

The project was scrapped, the Leaders of the Republic joined forces with the Belgians and together reworked their plans to follow the British, establishing Generators in parts of the Arctic. Though they were limited in how many they could build initially, together Belgium and France managed to complete a total of 6 Generators before society collapsed entirely, the Capitol would be New Paris, with cities like New Brussels, New Antwerp and New Marseille being the only four cities to survive the "storm to end all storms".

Later after much work the cities reformed and created the Frankian Alliance as the successor state for their two founding nations. The Alliance is a Democratic Republic with each city and settlement having a representative in its Assembly. 

The Alliance agreed to the Conference as it has need for closer ties with other nations specifically the hopes for greater trade in terms of resources and goods. It also hopes to renew old alliances, with one aim being the reforming of an Entente with the Commonwealth of New London and the Russian Enclave as a mutual defence pact.

Ambassador Charles Gerard

Representing the Frankian Alliance, is Ambassador Charles Gerard, Born in New Paris during the final days of the "Storm to End all Storms", he grew up witnessing the rapid and desperate efforts to rebuild the city and later the Alliance. He experienced hardships from a young age including strict rationing as well as resource shortages, until finally communication was re-established with other cities founded by the Alliance.

He attended the New Paris Academy where he studied politics and social studies with the intention of perhaps going into politics, however he later joined the Alliance Diplomatic Office, serving first as an undersecretary then as Second Ambassador for the Alliance to the Victorian Free State and finally the actual Ambassador.

Gerard was selected to serve as the Main speaker and diplomat for the Frankian Alliance in the Conference due to his past experience with the Victorian Free State, which was thought would give the Alliance a better voice in the Conference. His orders were very clear, ensure the establishment of fair trade routes as well as plant the seed of a diplomatic effort that would bring about the creation of new Pacts and Treaties.

Commandant Jean-Luc Beaudouin

An officer of the Frankian Legion, the heir apparent to the armed forces of both France and Belgium, Commandant Beaudouin was born into a military family that had fought for France for generations before the freeze. He himself was born in the city of New Marseille, which was the closest city to New Paris and was a key partner in the rebuilding efforts. 

He joined the City guard when he was old enough and after his training was posted to an outpost at the half way mark between Marseille and Paris. The outpost was a crucial way point at the time for the passage of materials, resources and supplies between the two cities, which helped tremendously during the rebuilding.

Later with the forming of the Frankian Alliance by the four surviving cities, the formerly individual city guards were repurposed into a Gendarmerie, more properly referred to as the Frankian Legion, this force was to serve as both a military service but also law enforcement. 

After a few years, Gerard was promoted to Commandant and given command of another key Outpost this time on the frontier close to the Border of Sanctum and the Free State. His mission there was to guard the border from any possible intrusions, specifically by the Autocracy. He ensured that the Border was secured within a short period of time, thanks to his planning, construction and maintenance of several smaller outposts around his central Command point which was renamed Fort Toulon.

Gerard was selected to serve as the military attaché for the Conference by the Alliance, mostly due to his long history of serving in the Legion as well as his experience in serving in the Frost lands.

The Prussian State:

The heir apparent of the German Empire, the Prussian State was a rushed effort by the combined industrial power of Germany and its relatively small (when compared to others) Empire. Due to limitations, they were not able to save a lot of cities, in total by the time society collapsed, the Germans were only able to complete 3 generator sites, serving as the evacuation points for Berlin, Dresden and Hanover.

A fourth was close to competition but was sadly abandoned when the freeze took hold, the people already living there were evacuated to one of the completed cities. To say that the Prussian State survived the new Ice age would be akin to a miracle, for whilst every nation, every city struggled during the founding and building around their generators.

The German cities were rushed, they faced an extreme number of troubles during the freeze and the onset of the "Storm to end all storms". The Cities barely survived the storm and took much longer to rebuild when compared to others, but eventually the Prussians began to become a nation in the true sense of the word once again. 

The Prussian State is an attempt to mirror its founding nation, the German Empire at least in some form, though their is a Kaiser, the position is actually elective, when the Kaiser passes away or is deemed unfit to rule, then the state hosts an election to choose a new one. Beneath the Kaiser is the Reichstag, which is similar to the Commonwealth Parliament, a elected body of 63 representatives that are elected by the populace of the State.

When compared to the current Nations across the Frost lands, the Prussian State is relatively small, whilst they have begun to grow, establishing settlements and putting efforts into the few small colonies they have constructed, the Prussians are not out of the "Frozen Woods" just yet.

They first came into contact with the Republic of Glacias and through them the rest of the Frost Lands. Upon hearing of the conference, the Prussian State was more than willing to be involved, they had hoped that the discussions were the key for their efforts in rebuilding.

Ambassador Marcus Rosen

Serving as the first ambassador for the Prussian State to the Republic of Glacias, Marcus Rosen was astounded with how far other nations had come following the Storm to end all storms.

He himself grew up in difficult times as the Prussian State cities were desperately attempting to fix the damages brought on by the Storm to end all storms. Rosen worked in several areas of his home city, Dresden, from factories to coal yards, later when things had calmed, he was allowed as with other youngster to gain an education.

When this was completed, he started working in the Dresden Administration office, helping to keep the organisation of the city and ensure that the citizens had what they needed properly and on time. As contact with other nations was made, he volunteered to the rapidly built Prussian Diplomatic Office, he was given a hurried education in diplomacy and politics as well as a rough guidance in English as this was the closest national identity to the Prussian State.

Rosen was then dispatched to become the first Ambassador to the Republic of Glacias, where he met with other emissaries from other nations such as the Commonwealth, the Free State and the Union. When word came for the Conference, due to his experience with other diplomats in Glacias, Rosen was selected to serve as the main dignitary for the Conference with clear instructions.

The Prussian State was in desperate need of trade, whilst they had an abundance of certain resources, they were still struggling with industrial supplies and a trade agreement would enable them to get their Industry going.

General Marshall Reiner Eichwald

A survivor of the first Generation, those who were among the first to be born at the Generator sites during the establishment of the cities that would be the heart of the new civilisations. General Reiner Eichwald was raised in extremes, the city of his birth New Hanover was hit hard by the "Storm to end all Storms", the city was exposed on one side which mean that the full power of the storm struck the city.

Eichwald lost his grandfather, father, two of his uncles and three of his siblings during the storm and its aftermath. When he was old enough he joined the city guards and quickly rose through the ranks, as the Prussian State was formed and became a true nation to try and mirror its foundation, the German Empire. The Prussian State reorganised its guard forces into a proper military and law enforcement body, in their case they formed two branches under a single command structure.

Eichwald joined the Sturmabteilung, the military branch of the force, which served to guard the frontier settlements as well as be prepared to defend the Prussian State from external powers. As with the old guards, he rose through the ranks until he reached an age where it was deemed that he was unfit to serve on the frontier. However due to his long history of service which was exemplary, Eichwald was promoted to full General Marshall, being one of the five highest ranking officers in the Prussian State.

When the Conference was announced, it was decided that like everyone else, the Prussian State would send a military representative to assist in the discussions and the negotiations. General Marshall Eichwald was selected to represent the Prussian States armed forces due to his history of service and his past experiences through the "Ice age" thus far.

The First Frost-Land Treaty:

Almost a year after the successful gathering of the Conference in the City of Dreadnaught within the Commonwealth of New London, it was finally announced that an agreement had come into effect and that a full Frost Land Treaty was to be signed by all the dignitaries within the coming weeks.

At the signing, the Treaty and all its terms were released to the public at large in every nation. Among the terms were articles that required all signatories to uphold, such as that in a time of war, all parties involved are required to ensure that civilians are not deliberately targeted nor can care such as food and heat be denied to them.

The same is detailed in the care of Prisoners of War, they cannot be denied proper shelter, medical care, food rations and warmth. Generators and Heat providers cannot be targeted by any side in a conflict due to their importance for the future of humanity. 

Borders were properly established according to the most up to date and detailed maps available at the time, these borders would be respected by others. Trade routes were properly established under the condition that each nation was responsible for the maintenance of the routes within the borders to ensure the safe travel of those using them. All nations were responsible for providing aid and assistance to those using said travel routes during extreme weather such as during a Whiteout, in which all nations are required to provide warm shelters to those on said travel routes.

Safe conduct was to be given to relief efforts sent by other nations to struggling settlements in need of aid due to troubles. No nation could actively involve itself in the internal affairs of another without probable cause such as peace keeping or humanitarian aid. 

The First Frost Land treaty also laid the ground work for future conferences which all were agreeing to uphold, with each conference being held in a different nation for the sake of equality.  Alongside this treaty, other agreements were "Signed", such non aggression pacts, promises of trade deals and the beginnings of Alliances.

Within just a few years, the Commonwealth of New London, the Union of the Frost Lands, The Victorian Free State and to an extent the Frankian Alliance were discussing the idea of creating a mutual defence pact that would be referred to as the "Entente".

Whilst the Sovereignty of New Albion and the Prussian State were working towards a formal alliance between their two nations. Which presented a danger as two major factions were on the cusp of forming powerful alliances that could threaten the fragile peace of the Frost Lands.

Raising questions, Will the Peace of the Frost Lands hold, what will the others nations outside of these alliances do?, whose side will they take?, will everyone uphold the treaty? can it be enforced?.

Will the Fragile Peace hold?....

Only time will tell.....