ApocaWorld
Notice:
All images in this story are taken from Google Images, I do not have the copyright use for these images and if so desired, I shall happily remove them should the rightful owners ask.
I wish to make clear however that I do not make any stories from my short stories, though I may one day try and publish properly though this is not definite.
_______________________________________________________________________________
1st The World Ended
The End came swiftly and despite all the thoughts that came it was not due to the actions of mankind, its hubris or its greed, no the world that once was came crashing down because of nature itself and the planet doing what it does.
At some point during the latter half of the 21st century, the magnetic poles of North and South flipped around so a compass would have its N point to the south and vice versa. It was assumed that such would take thousands of years to occur, but something changed, it happed in an instant, which led to a catastrophe, with the flipping of the poles, the Earth Magnetosphere was practically gone, meaning the planet was without a shield against cosmic and solar radiation.
That by itself was bad, as the planet went dark as power grids failed and communications faltered, the civilisations of the world reacted as best they could, but soon worse came, it isn't known why but in the aftermath of the poles flipping, a series of natural disasters that caused even greater shock waves practically and literally erupted across the planet. Volcanoes across the planet began to erupt, from small affairs to giants like that of Yellowstone, these caused destruction of a wake never before seen or imagined.
From these eruptions, came more destruction, earthquakes shook the planet, great cities crumbled from the strain or were flooded by the Tsunamis that followed in the wake of the quaking earth. Storms ravished the lands that were relatively untouched, both lightning and sand, no where on Earth was spared from the devastation. It is believed that in just a few days, Billions of people lost their lives or vanished entirely.
The New Earth:
Those that survived the destruction awoke to an entirely new world, governments had fallen to Chaos, nations were practically lost and old allegiances were now buried.
The world changed so much that so too did the map of the world, for in the years that followed the end, the Earth had entered into a new Ice Age, from the far north a wall of ice pushed forward and created a permanent cliff of solid ice and water. The Atlantic Ocean now possessed a bridge of ice across the northern hemisphere, with so much water trapped in the poles, the sea levels began to become lower and lower, to the point that islands that were once isolated from main continents were now connected.
The islands of Britain were once again joined to Europe as were the islands of Indonesia who were now linked to Asia, Australia and Papua New Guinea were joined as they had been tens of thousands of years ago. In effect, the Entirety of Planet Earth resembled what it once was over 50'000 years BC.
E.G: https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fi731448edv071.png
The world changed much, where once were centralised nations that could span entire continents, such were now things only dreamt of or joked about in taverns and inns. Little is really known of the outer world as most are more concerned with matters closer to home, though trade does follow as well as some communication, it is not as it once was. For example, communications between Europe and North America are no longer simple, but are only capable through Morse code messages on specific radios.
Previous sources of energy and power were now practically worthless, Oil, having been drilled for so long was incredibly rare, coal was in a similar place. For years mankind survived with basic steam power as well as the few solar panels and wind turbines that could be salvaged.
A New Power Source:
But it was not the end, for in the aftermath of the collapse a new form of energy was discovered, a power source that could be harnessed from the lightning storms that now roamed the planet. When harnessed this form of power could be collected with ease through lightning rods connected to generators and power cells and was utterly renewable, never without loss.
Humanity had the means of restoring civilisation.
Soon "Blue Cells" based on the colouration of the cells when charged were being used to provide power to everything, from city infrastructure such as lights, heating, water plants, to transportation, from normal vehicles to such as the airships which had become the primary means of transportation over long distances for those capable of maintaining them.
But as is often the case, with power comes a desire for more, for unlike the old ways of coal, oil, wind and solar power. This power could be rendered into a liquid form and when done so had a whole host of uses, including weaponry, where in the past a bullet required a blasting cap, gunpowder, shell casing etc. Now they needed only the casing, a small amount of the Blue cell oil or just oil for short and a weapon capable of giving a little charge to ignite the oil and send the bullet through the barrel.
Across the world, such weapons became commonplace as everyone could harness Lightning from the storms to make the cells and render the oil, so everywhere in the world weapons of similar design and method began to used until they became commonplace with everyone from roaming bands of marauders and bandits, tribes, clans and of course the most powerful of all, the new nations that had come to replace the old ones.
Though don't get ideas of energy weapons that shoot lasers or plasma, for these are still firing projectiles, like normal bullets, just no longer without the need of gunpowder, which by itself requires the mixing of different elements.
Claimants of the U.S.A:
Though there are many nations, states and tribes within North America, there are a few that lay claim to the position known as Successor State, such is something that is argued, many claim to be the rightful successor to the fallen United States of America.
For following its collapse during the Apocalypse, many have desired to see the once continent spanning nation or something like it rise once again, though no one can agree who shall be the one to do that or how can it be done.
The Commonwealth of America
The Commonwealth is situated along the Western coast of North America, specifically in the regions that once were the states of Washington, Idaho and parts of Montana. Though this does not mean it is as well populated as these states once were, as most of the settlements and towns are focused around farming, livestock and other agriculture, if anything there are only around 8 cities within the Commonwealth of America and most of these are along the coastline where coastal lightning storms make it easy to get the power needed to maintain them.
To say that the Commonwealth is a unified nation is a misnomer for it can be considered that it is more of a collection of smaller city states that have come together for the goal of mutual protection against the more violent bands of tribes, clans and raiders that inhabit the wastelands beyond the Commonwealth Borders. Though there is a government for the Commonwealth, in the defacto capitol city of Portland, this common council is a system of debate and discussion where there is no single overarching leader like a president, instead the Council discusses matters and votes on decisions.
The only positions in the Commonwealth that are truly set are those of the Commonwealth militia, an organised military force comprising of trained volunteers from across the Commonwealth, whose duty is to administer the laws of the Commonwealth, patrol the territories and guard its borders. And of course if a war should break out then the Militia is called on to fight it, its structure at the top is set with high ranking officers holding it as a full time duty, whilst the majority of average soldiers are more akin to part timers, every capable citizen of the Commonwealth is expected to be trained and ready to serve when the time comes.
So whilst there are full time soldiers in the Militia, the vast majority of its force are reservists and can only be called up in the event of an emergency or outbreak of war. The Militia have all kinds of military equipment which gives the impression that their forces are not an improvised band of armed citizenry but a fully functional military, they have armoured vehicles, armed airships as an aircorps. It has bases, known as forts along the borders, logistics and supply chains and dedicated facilities within the cities that produce the equipment, armour and weapons they require.
Throughout the world as it is, Slavery is a very common practice, something that has become a fact of life for many, it is common for travellers in the wilderness to be taken by raiders and sold off into slavery. But not in the Commonwealth, of the three main claimants for the throne of the United States of America, the Commonwealth of America is the only one that does not permit slavery within its borders. In fact the Commonwealth has a common law stating that those captured and convicted of any act involving any aspect of slavery shall be sentenced to death.
Captured slavers and raiders are even taken a step further, with their bodies hanged from gibbets in public squares as a warning.
The Commonwealth of America deem themselves to be the true successor of the United States of America because they regard themselves as the most free, remembering and honouring the words of the old world. America being the "Land of the Free" and the Commonwealth believes that the fact that their people are free from any kind of slavery means that surely they are the ones to be the rightful successors of the old nation. Though they are willing to put aside these differences with one of their rivals, the Union when it comes to resisting the greater threat in the True American Empire, the two have a signed treaty that dictates that when the Empire goes to war, the Commonwealth and Union must put aside their differences and stand together.
General Jamerson Bourne:
Currently this position is held by General Jamerson Bourne, an experienced and battle scarred veteran of the Militia since he was of age to join. He rose through the ranks as he proved his ability during numerous battles against slavers, bandits, raiders and other violent elements within the wilderness, eventually he became an officer and again proved himself until he was given the position of Commander in Chief.
His years of service are shown not just in the medals that have been awarded to him, but also the scars of battle that he considers badges of honour and far more meaningful than medals. Since becoming the commander in chief for the Commonwealth Militia he has turned it around considerably, standardising equipment, weapons, armour, vehicles, he had a training regimen established for volunteers, had a training guide written. As well as all this, he has been a key proponent for the creation of mechanised units, from tanks to airships for use in the militia both as a means of defence but also active warfare.
Some credit his work with the reason why the Commonwealth military has become the capable force that it is.
The Union of American Settlements
One of the many claimants to the former United States of America, the Union as it is more commonly referred to as, is a collective of several settlements, towns and cities in the southern part of the United States, in what was the state of Florida which is now considerably bigger.
Comprising of around 112 settlements/villages, 26 towns and 5 cities within its borders, the Union is a rather fertile land thanks to its placement further from the Ice wall much further north and the warm currents of the Gulf Stream. These same waters also give them easy access to the lightning storms that give them the power they need to sustain themselves, as well as give them heat during the cold winter months when they come. Whereas in the past, the regions along the Gulf of Mexico were constantly struck by hurricanes and powerful dangerous storms, such are things that do not hold much power over the modern period, with hurricanes being replaced by Lightning storms, which aren't as dangerous and are instead useful.
The Union was born initially as a free trade agreement between several cities and towns, the intention was to end the constant struggles and conflicts for resources and territory through interdependency on each other. The idea being that conflicts would be avoided because cities, towns and settlements were co-dependent on each other for continued survival and sustainability, one couldn't go to war or start a conflict because doing so would be detrimental to their own people.
In terms of governance, each region has an Governor who is elected to the position by the population of their whole region and reports matters to the Union Council which serves as the legislative authority for the Union as a whole. The council is made up of 57 members who are all elected by the citizens of the Union and whose duty is to discuss, debate and vote on decisions that effect the Union as a whole. Above them is an elected Steward who is voted into office by the people for a set period of time, a Steward can only serve a total of 9 years after which they must stepped down and are not permitted to hold the office again. Though the law states that a Steward election must be held every 3 years and a Council election every four, in order to ensure that the representation is fair and just.
When compared to the successors of the United States, the Union is somewhat in the middle, though they do condone slavery to an extent unlike the Commonwealth, but they are not as open to its usage like the True American Empire. For within the Union of American Settlements, slavery is legal however it doesn't mean that there are markets for people, where unfortunate souls are sold off for a price. No instead the Union has it legally binding, in their case a person can be sentenced to enslavement for the good of the nation as punishment for a crime and even then it is not permanent, unless the convicted criminal is sentenced to life, then the prisoner will be forced to work as a slave until their sentence is complete, after which they are released.
The Union are held in a constant state of conflict with its primary rival, the True American Empire to the North, with the two sides constantly fighting over territory, resources and above all ideology. Its for this reason that the Northern Border of the Union is heavily guarded with numerous forts dotting the wilderness with patrols both on the ground or in the air keeping a constant look out for any invader or lackeys of the Empire.
Serving to protect the citizens of the nation, are the Union Enforcers, a militia comprising of volunteers from across the nation that are trained and disciplined to fight as well as uphold the law. At first glance the Enforcers may look like an impromptu militia that is given weapons, armour and equipment that is improvised from what ever they can put together, which is mostly true. But looks can be deceiving, for although the Enforcers do look like an improvised force, they are more than capable of handling threats to the Union.
They became proven during the Empire-Union War, during which the Empire attempted to conquer its rival and or install a puppet regime. The Enforcers put up a steadfast defence of the border and eventually through hard work and much blood shed managed to push the Invading Peacekeepers back, their improvised weaponry proved capable both in close quarters as well as in conventional shooting battles.
The Union of American Settlements, believe that they are the proper successors of the United States, due to the fact that in their eyes, they are the most Democratic of the true nations in North America. They believe that since they have a true system of governance that closely resembles the old world then it is they that can truly claim to be the righteous successor. They claim the Commonwealth as an Alliance rather than a nation and the Empire as a corruption and perversion of America.
Though they are willing to put aside these differences with one of their rivals, the Commonwealth when it comes to resisting the greater threat in the True American Empire, the two have a signed treaty that dictates that when the Empire goes to war, the Commonwealth and Union must put aside their differences and stand together to repel the expansionist Empire.
General Jackson Miles:
The Union Militia does not.
No to ensure a proper oversight and ease of the Unions belief in checks and balances, there is a single person in charge of the Militia who is placed there by the Union President and can be removed for their position at will should a vote of no confidence be undertaken and passed by the Union Senate. The current holder of the position is General Jackson Miles, a man who given the position by the current president due to his experience in protecting the Unions northern most frontiers, a region that is often under constant threat from raiders, slavers and of course the True American Empire.
In his record of service, General Miles commanded frontier forts and ensured that the borders were properly patrolled and guarded ensuring that the farming settlements and villages were more protected. Though he is known to pushing his superiors at times, in the past when commanding frontier forts, he had his men go beyond the borders to deal with raiders that were a threat. Specifically he would send troops outside of the Union to eliminate the raiders that had attacked the citizens of the Union and then ran back to the other side of the Border, where legally speaking the Militia was not to go beyond except by permission of the President and Senate.
General Miles wasn't one for waiting, which got him into trouble a great deal, but gained him much respect by the people and the current President.
The True American Empire:
These walls are constantly and thoroughly patrolled and are dotted with forts from which the Empires Peacekeepers conduct patrols both by land and by air. And even within the borders of the Empire, towns are ringed by walls of wood and metal whilst the larger cities are encircled by defensive walls of concrete and stone, with mighty towers dotted a regular intervals providing a full ring of defence both for anyone on the outside as well as within.
Even within the cities, there are walls, both literal and metaphorical, fences are built throughout the cities with checkpoints and guard stations ready to stop anyone that is thought to be suspicious. There are towers that are built high to watch over the streets below, random patrols to keep the law enforced and of course there are plazas with the largest of which that sit at the heart of the city, one can find the public execution square. It is here that public executions are conducted, regardless of type or method, the plaza squares host a raised platform where every form of execution is capable of being used, hangings, beheading and worse.
For the True American Empire is a complete totalitarian state, its governance is in the hands entirely of the Emperor who rules over the domain as an absolute monarch, though there are advisors and aids, the decisions are entirely in his hands. Enforcing his will are the Peacekeepers, the enforcers of the law and the armed forces of the Empire, these Peacekeepers are heavily indoctrinated soldiers who obey the orders of their Emperor without question. It is said that if ordered, a Peacekeeper shall wilfully and gladly execute their own families on the spot, without any hesitation or pause, just a squeeze of the trigger or swing of the sword.
As with many parts of the world today, the True American Empire permits and openly supports slavery across its territories, with hundreds maybe even thousands wearing the brand upon their flesh that signifies them as a slave. In each of the Empires cities are markets that serve solely to the focus of buying and selling human beings as property regardless of who they are or where they are from.
The Empire also has in its control several client states, or more specifically tribes and clans that in exchange for their continued loyalty, allegiance and tribute are gifted the right to continue living under their own leaders and laws under the Emperors protection. But as said these tribes and clans are required to pay a quarterly (every 3 months) tribute in the whatever form they can, some provide Blue Cells, others give crops, some give payment in the form of money and others give slaves that they have "Acquired".
The True American Empire claim that they are the rightful successors of the United States, because in its eyes, they are the strongest and most disciplined of nations in North America. That the U.S.A failed because of Democracy and its Bureaucracy, which made it impossible to preserve itself and persevere into the new world, that through strength, discipline and order can humanity rise to the heights it once held.
Emperor Tiberius IX:
Despite becoming Emperor at such a young age, it did not hold him back from enforcing his will and ensuring the continued stability of the Empire as a whole, since many tried to curry favour with the young Emperor to try and influence him to their way of thinking. Basically many sought to rule the Empire through him as a proxy, yet he made sure such attempts were clearly and firmly put down.
According to one story, when one of his advisors tried to circumnavigate his authority as Emperor, this advisor was hung drawn and quartered, another was hung by the neck until he was dead, one was apparently forced to give up all of their possessions and became a slave in the Imperial Palace.
He has brought about the destruction of insurrections, democratic movements, rebels, traitors and more, under Emperor Tiberius IX, the True American Empire has seen a golden age begin, its markets flow with trade, the loyalty of its vassal states are secure, the economy is stronger than its ever been and of course the military power of the Empire remains borderline unchallengeable.
Within the Empire, he is Emperor Tiberius the Great, in other parts of the world his name is more bleak, in the Golden Bulls he is Tiberius the Blood Sword, in the Black Ash League he is Tiberius the Steel Claw. And of course in the other claimants of the United States, he is Tiberius the Dark, both on account of his ceremonial attire but also because of his declarations in how slaves are to be treated as well as the horrible truth that to him. There are no prisoners of war, there are traitors to America, captives who are only good for slave labour or brutal and bloody ends.
The United States Remnant:
One of the many claimants to the former United States of America, The United States Remnant, the U.S.R are a faction of settlements and fortifications that lay claim to the former territories of the United States of America, by right of legitimacy.
The U.S.R was founded from the survivors of a government bunker that was constructed decades before the Apocalypse, the bunker was intended to serve as a failsafe and continuation of government in the event of a disaster that forced the suspension of government functions. Basically if the country fell apart, then the Bunker as well as others would serve to preserve carefully selected people for the continuation of government and nation. These bunkers were built to be completely self sufficient, with their own power sources, water supply and filtration, food production and even manufacturing capabilities.
And it was not just for the continuation of people, but also technologies, information of critical importance and documents, these are supposedly including the United States Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and its amendments, the bill of rights and more. The point being to preserve the United States and ensure that it can be restored when the time is right, though such is a far off dream for the Remnant.
However only one of these bunkers was successful in preserving the United States, this is the central stronghold of the U.S.R somewhere in the Arkansas. The exact make up and design of the bunker and its internal structures are carefully preserved secrets of the U.S.R, a means of ensuring its protection and security. Though the Bunker is their stronghold, the U.S.R do also control several settlements and towns close by which provide additional resources to the main population in the bunker.
The majority of these towns and settlements are focused around agriculture and blue cell production and recharge, they also serve as waypoints for the U.S.R outposts and forts along its territorial borders. From which their "Marines" conduct constant patrols by land and air, ensuring that no raider penetrates the foundation of a new America. Some have attempted to take the U.S.R and use it to strengthen their own forces, some wanting the military infrastructure that enables the production of better weapons, then of course the stores of weapons in the facility.
Some just want its self sustaining facilities to feast and live the alleged easy lives the Remnant have been enjoying, yet all attempts at taking their bunker have ended in bloody failure for those "foolish enough to try". For it is said that the Bunker possesses defences that make the entire mountain rain with weapons fire, long and short range artillery fire down at a distance before they even get close and machine guns fire from different directions at any would be invader.
None are quite sure on the governance of the U.S.R, though it is known that is has an elective system of governance, with representatives and a singular elected leader they refer to as the President. The United States Remnant claim that they are the true successors of the United States of America, by right of legitimacy, in their eyes the other claimants, the Commonwealth, the Union and the Empire are traitors as they are the true government since it was the intended purpose of the U.S.R Bunker, to be a failsafe for the Government and its continuation.
They see it as their duty to begin rebuilding the United States at a steady pace, by openly inviting settlements, villages and towns to join their version of the United States of America, they are negotiating with townships, settlements and tribes to join what they call the new America. Whilst also having their marines and airships to destroy the raiders and warmongering tribes that plague the regions around their Bunker. As proof of their wish for peaceful inclusion by settlements, tribes and towns, the U.S.R have long standing trade agreements with the Commonwealth and the Union alongside other neighbouring tribes.
Their intention to bring these people into the fold because they want to, not because they have too.
The Purist Faction of the United States Remnant:
A break away faction of the United States Remnant, the Purists are a more radical, more extreme gathering of individuals who believe that the only path to re-forge the United States is by pacification and purification of the wilderness and wastelands.
By which they mean the complete eradication of hostile tribes, clans, marauders, rogues and nations that refuse to submit to the true American government that is the soon to be reborn United States of America. To the Purist faction, the U.S.R is too passive and weak to do what need to be done, to the Purists the idea of having to negotiate with these other claimants is the same as turning a blind eye to treason, for that is what they see the other claimants, the Empire, the Union and the Commonwealth as, traitors and separatists who have no right to call themselves Americans.
They broke away from the U.S.R during its initial expansion away from their Bunker stronghold, seeing their leadership as unwilling to do what needs to be done, meaning the elimination of threats by pre-emptive strikes, if there is a band of rogues or raiders, they would send out airships to wipe them out, if there is a settlement that refuses to join, they would take by force. Eventually it got too much for the U.S.R so they conducted a complete purge of Purist elements within their ranks, hundreds were imprisoned and other sentenced to death for crimes against humanity.
Those that managed to escape regrouped at another Bunker facility known to them as San Nicolas, where they remain secluded to this day. Though few in number compared to their rivals, the Purists remain a dangerous element within North America, actively conducting brutal acts against groups of raiders, rogues and tribes, as well as according to some, inciting conflict between the major powers of the Wilderness in an effort to weaken them and enable the the United States to Rise again.
The Minor Players of North America:
Besides the major would be claimants to North America, the continent is criss-crossed with several smaller factions and nations that vie for territory, power, resources etc. Some of these smaller nations are totally free states, others are more totalitarian, some are independent whilst others are nothing more than Vassal states serving a much bigger overlord.
The Crimson Dawn:
Originally the towns came together as traders between each other, but at the time the region was home to various raiders, rogues and of course slavers. Initially the different towns simply had armed citizens to defend their homes and livelihoods, but as the power around them grew in strength, specifically fear of the dread Marauders to their north. Some people decided to put aside their old lives and formed a militia, its purpose solely to watch over and patrol the region, protect the towns, settlements and farms and the people within, as well as those along the roads.
At first Crimson Dawn, was as its predecessors were, simple people with whatever weapons and equipment they could get their hands on, likely riding motorbikes, horses or in farming trucks. Their "forts" were more encampments with barbed wire fencing around them and bags of sand and or trenches. Though over time with more support from the towns and settlements which included financing and supplies, the Crimson Dawn became more organised, more sophisticated and more capable.
Their fighters became more akin to a formal military, with a proper uniform, standardised equipment, command structure etc. Their forts slowly became more to their name sake, from simple barbed wire fencing to proper walls of stone and wood, some places that were previously homes for raiders were taken over and refurnished for the Crimson Dawn. Through it all however, Crimson Dawn has not forgotten its role and its duty, they are constantly patrolling the trade routes and roads of the region, keeping a watchful eye out for raiders and dangers in the wilderness.
They are known for constantly having to fight off average raiding clans, but also the occasional and infrequent raids by the neighbouring Apache and Comanche tribes, though the three have in the past put aside their differences to fight off a large scale Marauder attack from the North.
The Black Ashes League:
The League is made up of several small towns and settlements but the true heart of the League is its capitol, "Black Ash", the city of industry where smoke bellows out of giant chimneys day in and day out. The city is known for its industrial power and might, for the factories here are numerous and are known to produce a great amount of different materials, not just furnaces for iron and steel, but also more refined things and luxuries.
The Black Ashes league is very much a class based society, with a relatively small amount of the population living in luxury with fine foods, furniture, luxurious homes and servants to do all the tasks, all the while the vast majority of the population the city of Black Ash live in poverty and squalor. With most of the populace surviving on a the state bread ration, a system that means that necessities like bread and water are given to the populace for free but according to ration so no one gets more than their share.
Though of course this Ration system does not apply to the citizens of the upper classes.
Technically speaking, the Black Ashes League has a leader in the form of Prime Minister, however despite the title it is not a real elected position. For the title has always been held by individuals of great wealth and power, individuals who have spent years playing the political game both in words but also in the shadows. For those to rise to the top means either that secrets are in their pocket ready to be used as a means of advancement or curtailing those they see as possible opponents in the game.
Of course this method of becoming Prime Minister of the League has been put into the past, because the Black Ashes League is now firmly and definitively a vassal state of the True American Empire. For nearly over a generation the League has been a loyal tributary of the Empire, after the Empire showed its strength and the Leagues efforts were broken, its outer settlements were taken with ease and their capitol city of Black Ash was besieged by the Empires Peacekeepers for many months until the Prime Minister at the time was overthrown and the city surrendered.
Now the Black Ashes League under the True American Empire and must accept the Empires position as its overlord, as with all of the Empires vassals, it is required to give a tribute every three months. In the case of the Black Ashes League, they send manufactured goods and luxuries from their many factories as well as raw materials.
Alexander Grayson:
And Alexander Grayson, the Prime Minister of the Black Ashes League is very much the person willing to use such methods if it meant he can either obtain more power or hold onto what he has already. Sadly for him by the time he rose to become Steward, the Black Ashes League had very much become a firm and definitive vassal state of the True American Empire which grants him both protections but also limitations. The former being very clearly that as the Steward of the League he is very much protected by the True American Empire, no one can openly move against him since as Steward he rules the League under the good graces of the Empire.
If anyone attempts anything then the League as a whole could face the Empires wrath and considering the League did not stand a chance before, no one is willing to test them. But as said it also brings limitations, as his first act as Prime Minister, Grayson had to go before the Emperor of the True American Empire and pledge his perpetual loyalty to the Imperial throne, as already mentioned, he rules the League through the good graces of the Emperor meaning that if the Empire demands it, he will have no choice but to step down.
He is known to rule the Black Ashes League as those who came before had done, he ensures that the settlements beyond Black Ash itself remain under the firm grip of the League and continue to provide the resources and materials demanded by the upper classes of society that live in the life of luxury. He is not afraid of giving the order for public floggings and open executions to make sure that no one tries anything to upset the Order of things in the League. According to some tales, he permitted a local governor to execute a man as a warning for the settlement not meeting its daily production quota.
The Californian League:
The League came together from the joining of three cities along the Pacific coast, San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco, these three city states had been for a long time continuous trade partners and at times military allies when combating raider tribes and bandit groups in the wilderness. But over time these cities began working together more and more until finally they came together and created the League, originally it was means of creating greater trading links as well as a way of sharing the responsibility of protecting the trade routes both by land and by sea.
Over time towns and settlements along the coast between the three cities, began joining until the League covers most of the territory that was once southern California, from Sacramento in the north to San Diego in the south. Each of the cities is still technically still possess their own government, whilst the Leagues consul which serves as the Leagues primary governing body, handles matters that effect the League as a whole, with the Consul having ambassadors from each of the Leagues members.
The only real organisation that the League has beyond itself to enforce the decision of the Consul as well as its primary means of defending Leagues controlled territory and patrolling its trade routes. Is the Californian Rangers, a militia comprising of volunteers from the different civil militias across the different members of the League and are responsible for the protection of the region, manning the forts that guard the routes and patrol the roads that are vital for trade.
And trade is very much of great importance for the Californians and not just between their own members, but with other nations and states close to them. Notably they are firm trade partners with the Oasis Federation and the Commonwealth of America, both of which have been trading partners for many years. But also with neighbouring tribes and settlements along the coast both north and south.
The Oasis Federation:
The Oasis Federation is very much concentrated at home, with the Marauder Territories to the East, the Oasis Federation has a placement geographically that makes it very difficult to expand outwards. Instead the Oasis Federation is very much reliant on its trade, merchants and markets travelling east to west and vice versa often stop off in the Oasis Federation to stock up on fresh supplies which are very much the Federations pride, with access to the lakes, they are known to be sellers of various crops, be they food or medicinal as well as of course fish from their fish farms.
They are long time trading partners with the Californians and the Commonwealth of America to their west and North West, as well as having trading connections with tribes and clans further south in the lands of Arizona, Texas and even into Mexico. But they are not very well connected to markets in the east, thanks to the Marauder territory that divides east and west. As such it is common for the caravaners to pass through their territory during their travels across the continent with some even saying that it is within the Federation that the Caravaners began.
Its this close proximity to the Marauder territory is one of the main reasons for the Federations foundation as well as of course their forts and outposts in the eastern borders of their nation. And although some would be interested in expanding their territory of control, the Oasis Federation is the exception to the rule, preferring instead to remain where it is around the lakes that provide them with all that they require.
The Clans, Tribes and Raiders of North America:
The Pathfinders:
The Pathfinders, Caravaners, Convoyers, truckers, transporters, these are just some of the names for the group of nomadic wanderers that are considered the best when it comes to transporting goods, materials, resources and even people across the continent.
No one is quite sure when, but the Pathfinders are a collective of convoys that are hired by nations, tribes and clans to transport goods and people back and forth over long distances for a negotiated price. These convoys differ in size, some are just a few vehicles, others are convoys of several trucks, cars, motorbikes and horse riders. Most Pathfinder groups are specific to a region and are recognised by a specific flag they fly when moving through a nation or territory, some prefer to stay within a certain region of the continent, for example they might prefer to stay within the West coast or the East coast. Whilst others do the more risky passage of crossing of the Marauder Territory the divides the East and West Coasts as well as parts of the south.
There are even Pathfinders known as the Voyagers, who use salvaged ships to transport goods between continents, specifically they are known to traverse the Gulf of Mexico, parts of the Atlantic Ocean and some in the Pacific. But again these Pathfinders prefer to stick to the routes they know and very, very, very rarely leave them.
Although the pathfinders are each to themselves, meaning each group is very much its own society, they are known to come together at times in places where different groups come together to talk about things, trade between groups and of course allow members to move between different groups. There are three places in North America that the Pathfinders are known to gather, in the east they are known to meet in a place formerly known as Pamico sound where the continent meets the Atlantic, in the West they are known to come together near a place once marked as Shelter Cove in what was California and in the south they sometimes gather in a area near what was New Orleans.
Although its said they often gather in these places, for the Pathfinders they are known as the Winter Camps, if a group is not undertaking some kind of contract to transport goods, these gathering places/Winter camps are places that they take shelter in during the tough winter months that this new Ice age brings each year.
A major point that must be made for the Pathfinders that are known to cross Marauder territory, there is a story that is very much truthful, whenever these convoys take on a contract to transport materials or people across that section of the continent, they demand tribute payment. This tribute is not meant for them however, it is claimed that the Pathfinders have a precarious agreement with the Marauders, in exchange for permission to pass through their territory, the Pathfinders give to them a form of tribute.
This can be anything, it can be bread, metals, manufactured goods, bullets, weapons, tools, when asked why not just pay them off with money, the Pathfinders detail that the Marauders do not "need money, they won't use it, they consider it worthless". If one wishes to pass through Marauder territory and not get attack each and every day and or night, then they must give Tribute in the form of something that they will have use for, so weapons, tools, food, blue cells and so on.
The Golden Bulls:
Controlling the territories of what was once eastern Kentucky and parts of western West Virginia, the Golden Bulls were not once a single grand power in the region. In fact for centuries after the collapse of the old world, the region was in chaos as various groups battled for power, territory and resources, to the point that some tribes were utterly wiped out.
But eventually a single powerhouse began to grow under the banner of a Golden Bull under the leadership of a man named Gaius who through brutal conquest brought these different tribal bands together and folded them into his own. Those that accepted the annexation were welcomed and allowed to live in peace as part of the Golden Bulls, whilst those that refused became the fodder for the tribes enslavement and hard labour.
From there the Golden Bulls built themselves up into a true powerhouse for the region, often sending out raiding parties and war bands into the territories of their neighbours both in the name of conquest but also for the purpose of gaining captives for the slave markets. Most of the more established nations and states, regard the Golden Bulls as little more than a sophisticated and more organised raiding tribe of barbarians.
Its power is held by the voice of their King, who sits as the absolute monarch of the tribe with their word being law without question or thought. At least it used to be, for years ago the power of the Golden Bulls was crushed by the military might of the True American Empire, the Golden Bulls fought hard and ferociously which gained the respect of the Emperor who gave them an offer. In exchange for the Tribes loyalty, fealty and tribute then the Golden Bulls would not be annexed by the True American Empire but instead would be a vassal state under the Empire.
These terms were accepted and ever since, the Golden Bulls have enjoyed their new connection with their new Overlord to the North East. Something that has been mutually beneficial, since the True American Empire legally allows slavery as do the Golden Bulls who relied a great deal on it. To the point that the Empire turns a blind eye to the Golden Bulls continuing their raids and war bands going beyond the borders of their territory, even when they launch raids and attacks into places that the Empire is at peace with, which technically is treasonous for the Empire.
But as long as the Empire gets its tribute and the slave markets remain fruitful, they will continue to turn a blind eye.
Raider Clans:
There are hundreds of true Raider Clans, each ranging in strength and numbers, some number only a few dozen fighters, others however have hundreds. Though these raiders are not known to settle in a location for prolonged periods of time, they are known to favour certain regions that they know they can get good amounts of loot. All raiders are known to take captives for the purpose of slavery, with Raider Clans known to sell on these kidnapped souls onto other clans and tribes that allow it or even to nations that permit slavery within their borders.
Raider clans are a constant nuisance for nations and tribes across the continent, it is for them that various nations have forts and patrols across their territories in an effort to prevent the Raider clans from causing trouble as well as eliminate them whenever possible.
In fact across the whole of the North American Continent, there are only two territories that Raider Clans do not approach out of fear. The first is the True American Empire which they fear due to the Empires willingness to unleash the full power of their military might to utterly annihilate any raider clan that dares to launch an attack on them. The other territory is the Marauder Territory, even the most feared and dreaded Raider Clans do not dare cross into Marauder territory, for they all know that to do so is a death sentence.
The Comanche / Apache Tribes:
Two of these tribes are well known and respected as much as they are feared in the South west of the former United States, out on the plains where vast herds of buffalo roam freely once more alongside all manner of animals that technically belong on other continents, such as Elephant, wildebeest, zebra etc. Known for once more becoming renowned horse masters, the Comanche dominate the region that was once New Mexico, where their different tribal bands continue to roam the plains, hunting as they have done for generations as well as trading with their neighbours as well as the occasional raid.
In the hills and mountains of northern and western Texas, are the Apache who have taken to hunting and patrolling the lands of their ancestors, launching hit and run attacks against any who dare to enter their ancestral lands.
Both tribes despite their difficulties and occasional feuds as well as all out wars have times that they work in hand with one another, for instance when raiders attacked an Apache village and then fled into Comanche territory, rather than chase them, the Apache just asked for the Comanche to hunt them down and avenge their dead, a request that was heeded and honoured.
Alongside their tenuous relationship with each other, the two tribes also have some bouts of war and co-operation with the Crimson Dawn settlements of Texas. Though it is known that the two tribes do on some occasions trade with the settlements that are Crimson Dawn, they are also both known to launch raids against them when times are difficult. Yet it is very well talked about, how when a major Marauder attack was coming, the Apache, Comanche and Crimson Dawn stood together and fought together to repel a shared danger to all their peoples.
The Blood Cloak Clan:
Originally in days past, before the Apocalypse and the collapse of the old world, the Blood Cloak Clan were nothing more than a band of doomsday preppers and survivalists who believed that the end of the world was coming. However despite being technically right, they were still wrong, because they believed that the end of the world would come in the form of nuclear holocaust, global pandemic, fascist overtaking of a democratic governance, communist zombies coming to eat their guns, etc. So when they retreated into their bunkers to wait out the end of the world, many of said fallout shelters did not last long as the changing environment above ground made most preparations worthless.
So of the dozen fallout shelters and bunkers that their ancestors built only a few managed to survive the true end of days and allow their descendants to emerge. Like most people in the world today, the Blood Cloak clan are very much very different from their ancestors, rather than being the gun toting survivalists, the Blood Cloaks are now ordinary people living in remote mountain villages and settlements where they farm the land and hunt game in the forests.
Rather than using guns, the Blood Cloak instead use a variety of bows and crossbows in their hunts, which they find more reliable when it comes to their method of stealth over power. Due to them living in close proximity to the Californians and the Oasis Federation, they are known trading partners, where they sell things like timber, metals, animal pelts, preserved meats etc.
For the most part the Blood Cloaks tend to keep to themselves though they have been known to come down and offer their services as scouts and guides through the Sierra Nevada's on occasion.
And before any ask why they are known as the Blood Cloak Clan, the name comes by mistake, as their favourite colour is red and someone accidently believed that they wore a cloak covered in blood and unfortunately the name stuck.
The War Dog Clan:
Within their mountain strongholds, the War Dog Clan practically and literally exist solely to create fierce and brutal fighters and warriors, in fact their entire culture is focused on the creation of extreme warriors. From the time they are able to walk, children are raised to learn not how to read and write, nor how to sow the land, but how to hunt in the forests and plains, how to handle all manner of weapons and how to fight.
In past generations, the War Dogs raided and pillaged the lands of their neighbours for the things they needed as they do not farm the land, the only food they get themselves comes from hunting and the only things they make are weapons, armour, vehicles etc. So whenever they require something they feel only weaklings need, they mount their vehicles and launch a raid, for years this was the case. Even where they do farm, you will never see a War Dog handling a hoe or plough, such is beneath them, such is the work of weaklings, people that they have taken captive and forced into slavery.
For the War Dogs, the ultimate honour they can achieve in their lives is to fight and die on the battlefield for the preservation of their Clan, in fact there are only two ways that a member of the War Dogs can have the honour of having their name upon a grave marker, is either dying in battle or dying during childbirth.
Today however, the War Dogs are the loyal vassals of the True American Empire, where in exchange for a steady recruitment of War Dogs either directly into the Empires Peacekeepers or into the Imperial Auxiliaries, the War Dogs are able to continue living the way they always have under the leadership of one of their own. For the Clan this is actually a very beneficial arrangement, for the War Dogs make up a sizeable portion of the Imperial Auxiliaries and are often the first to be called on when the Empire needs warriors to go out and cause havoc.
The Marauder Clan:
A terror within the North American Continent, the Marauders are a vicious tribe that inhabit the central regions of the continent and ferociously defend their territory from any who would enter it.
These materials and resources are taken to become all manner of things for them, from construction supplies, for their buildings, their gruesome methods of displaying the bodies of those they kill, but more often to be turned into armour and weapons for their warriors, all of which are made to make them look terrifying, demonic, barbaric and worse. It is said that if the Marauders are on the war path and you are in their sights, it is better to die quickly either by fighting or by killing oneself, because if captured, the tortures that will follow will make one plead and beg for death.
And death is something that the Marauders are not afraid of, it is said that whenever they attack, their warriors and raiders are known to strike almost suicidal, they charge head first into their enemies. Preferring to move during the dark hours of the night and then take shelter during the day, it is common for people who live near Marauder Territory to not travel during the nights of the full moon, which is a favourite of the Marauders.
The Marauders are very much a people comfortable to be left alone if they can help it, though they do not trade or interact with outside nations, tribes and clans they are not as savage to some as they are with those see as "Outlanders". This can be seen in the tenuous agreement they have with the Pathfinders, where in exchange for a guarantee of protection and safe passage across their territory, the Marauders are given a form of tribute by the Pathfinder convoys.
The rules of this tribute are very strict, each convoy is responsible for its own tribute, upon entering Marauder Territory, the convoy must only move during the daylight hours and stop at night, on the first night within their lands, the Convoy must prepare the tribute. This tribute must be made up entirely of things that the Marauders would have use for, meaning weapons, tools, materials, food, blue cells etc. Whilst in their territory the Convoy must adhere to strict rules, they are not allowed to hunt any game, they cannot divert unless told to do so by the Marauders themselves.
Across much of Marauder Territory, Pathfinders find the wrecks of vehicles and the skeletal remains of those who have either tried to cross the territory without paying tribute or have like in the case of the True American Empire, attempted to claim land from the Marauders or even conquer them.
Europa:
Nations of Europe:
The Commonwealth of Britannia:
They are often regarded by the North American Pathfinders to be akin to the gateway to Europa, since the best route for the Seafaring Pathfinders or "Voyagers", it is safer to follow the pack ice eastwards across the Atlantic and either pass on their cargo or passengers within the Commonwealth or continue following the coast of Europe to their true port of call.
Internally, the Commonwealth of Britannia is a very stable society, it has an elected parliament and prime minister as its head of state, it has well established laws, taxes to support infrastructure, well established roads and routes through the landscape. It has a dedicated police force and armed forces and like its predecessor, to an extent good trade relations with other nations and tribes in Europe.
Though they are in constant territorial quarrels with the Legion to the South in what was France and the Imperium further in the heart of the continent. The Commonwealth and the Legion have often put aside their feuding to join forces in fighting the Imperium when it goes on the march.
The Imperium:
The Imperium rose from the ashes of the old world under the ideology of strength, unity and discipline, for their society is one built on power, they possess a huge army which is properly organised into several legions, each legion having around 2,000 soldiers each. Which when compared to most other nations in Europe having army divisions numbering mostly 500 men per division it shows just how powerful the Imperium is.
The Legions of the Imperium are carefully and methodically trained, instructed and above all maintained, there is a consolidated system of infrastructure that works to support the legions forces in the field. And as incentive for individuals to join the Imperial Legions, there are bonuses and benefits for service, every legionnaire receives a payment each month, when they retire they are given an monthly pension in coin.
Very much an expansive empire, the Imperium seeks to dominate Europe as it is today, they believe that through them civilisation can be restored so much so that its the State religion. The Citizens of the Imperium worship a divine being known as "The Unifier" who gifts life and strengthens the sun in the summer and removes weakness in the winter. So without obvious detail, the Unifier is often depicted as the Sun. To them it is their divine duty to restore the world and bring about a new age of unity, prosperity and civilisation.
Its for this that the Imperium is almost always seeking to expand not just their borders and territory but also their culture, for embedded within the people of the Imperium is the idea that they are superior to other cultures and that through them the world shall rise anew. Which is surprising when one realises that the Imperium arose from a single small city state, that grew into such a power house due to it outmanoeuvring its opponents, overcoming rival kingdoms until it became the dominant power it is now.
Ruled over by a Imperator, who rules as an absolute monarch though a ceremonial senate exists, but said senate, is mostly relegated into serving as advisors to the Imperator rather than a law making body. The Imperium is ruled through two means, direct rule by the Imperium where a newly conquered land becomes a province and is ruled over by an appointed Imperial Governor, then there are the vassal states, those who have submitted to the Imperium through diplomacy or other means. These vassals are usually given a level of autonomy where their rulers are permitted to continue holding their titles and positions in exchange for absolute loyalty.
At the moment, the Imperium is in a tenuous peace with its northern adversaries, the Legion and the Commonwealth of Britannia, after a number of conflicts with the Imperium attempting to push its dominion northwards. Though the peace holds, the Imperium has not stopped its expansion and is now starting to push into other regions, they have launched invasions into the Iberian peninsular to both continue their expansion but also to open up new routes to march on those that embarrassed them before to the North. As well as incursions into North Africa to gain a foothold on another continent or perhaps gain additional tributary vassals or perhaps even new provinces for their mighty empire.
The Legion:
The unifying element of these cities is the Legion itself a singular army comprising of the city watch and militias of the different city states. Each city is responsible for providing soldiers for the Legion or providing the materials and resources needed to maintain it, for the Legion serves no single city but the cities as whole.
The Legion is not responsible for the enforcement of the laws of the cities within them, that is fervently the responsibility of that cities watch, the Legion are responsible for the security of the wilderness and the shared borders of the different Republics. Their duty is to patrol the roads and paths between the villages, settlements, towns and cities and to guard the forts along the borders and when required fight the shared enemies of the Republics.
In the past the Legion has engaged in several feuding battles with the Commonwealth of Britannia to the North, the Iberians to the south and more importantly the Imperium in the South East. Though some changes have come in more recent times, the cities agreed to a defence pact with the Commonwealth of Britannia, where the Legion would stand against its shared enemy with the Commonwealth when the need arises.
Tribes and Clans:
The Iberian Clans:
Very rarely do they have a reason to unify for a common goal and even then they are unable to become one people for more than absolutely necessary. The various blood feuds that crisscross the territories, tribes and clans are old and have dug in deep into the hearts and minds of its people and it is not just among themselves that squabble, the clans and tribes that live alongside the Pyrenees are known to constantly conduct raids into the territories of both the Legion and the Imperium for all manner of things, booty, slaves, resources whatever.
When they aren't raiding their more centralised neighbours, they are raiding, plundering and pillaging their own people, attacking their old blood feud enemies among the other Iberians. But there is a rhythm to their raiding and blood feuds, they are tied to the seasons, in the spring and autumn by a shared tradition among all of the Iberians, there is no fighting, for these are the seasons for planting and reaping, in other words they are to focus on planting the crops that will feed them through the harsh winter. Winter is too off limits for raiding, mostly because matters demand that the warriors be at home helping to keep their own peoples warm and safe, plus certain routes and paths are closed off due to the snows making them impassable.
Only summer is a time for fighting, when food is plentiful enough both in hunting as well as in gathering enabling the warriors to travel further afar living off the land as they fight.
In recent years however many clans and tribes have come together to face a great enemy to their east, the mighty Imperium encroaches on their lands, those that live close to the Imperium have either capitulated and surrendered or have taken to the hills and mountains to fight as guerrillas. Whilst other clans and tribes have joined forces in a temporary alliance against their shared enemy until at least the enemy is vanquished.
The Smoke Hill Clan:
Found within the southern most tip of the Italian peninsular, on used to be the island of Sicily, the Smoke Hills got their name from the towers the sent out smoke and ash into the sky. These towers were connected to mighty forges and furnaces that support the many blacksmiths that the Smoke Hills are known for.
They are known as a vassal of the Imperium, where they give tribute in the form of metals from their furnaces, either in base form as ingots or as weapons and armour. For the Smoke Hills are often joked about, with people mocking them as those who arm those that once conquered them. But this really isn't true, for the Smoke Hills were not actually conquered nor subjugated by the Imperium.
To resist the Imperium would have been foolish for them and the Smoke Hills are not fools, they knew full well they could not resist the powerful military might of the Imperial Legions. So instead the leaders of the clan knelt down without a fight, they were permitted to remain under their own autonomy but were required to be vassals to the Imperium. Some might find this subjugating, but for the Smoke Hills, they came out from this in a better light, in the past they were having to constantly fight off raiders and rogues, but under Imperium protection this is now a thing of the past.
Plus their lives have become for the better, their forges and blacksmiths have a firm trading partner, now as part of the Imperium, the metals they smelt were once solely for weapons and tools, but now they have branched out. The forges continue producing weapons and munitions for the Imperial Legions, but also are smelting tools for ordinary people and even beyond that, smiths are crafting metal pieces they have not done in generations, little things like nails, bolts, links and other small things including metallic jewellery.
Though of course it must be noted that war boys from the the Smoke Hills fight as part of the Imperial Legions, serving as Auxiliaries in their own companies and battalions.
For some, subjugation or becoming a vassal of the Imperium is a bad thing, but for the Smoke Hills it is far better than the lives they used to suffer through for generations. As one clan elder put it, "Our people can live not just exist".
The Black Dust Clan:
They dominate the region of what was Tunisia, having overthrown or driven out former adversaries, with their territory, the Black Dust took over the resources and farmlands of their former foes, which were now being worked by the very people who once ruled them. With a number of slaves under the control, the Black Dust were able to take advantage of much, using technologies left behind by the old powers from before the Apocalypse, giant machines that extracted liquid resources from beneath the earth.
But whilst the old world used it to extract a black substance, the Black Dust instead only care for blue, the machines that were once used to drill beneath the earth, were refitted to turn energy from the lightning storms into the blue liquid for blue cells. Within their territory, here is a mighty fortress which works solely for this purpose, producing the fluid for the blue cells that are used the world over. And this blue liquid is one of their greatest treasures.
The Black Dusts are greedy traders, they are willing to give some of their blue treasure in exchange for what they call a fair trade, booty, plunder, slaves, all are welcome for trading their treasure. But this doesn't mean that they are settled, the Black Dusts still conduct raids against their neighbours, mostly for more slaves to work their fields, serve their "betters" and perform the laborious work that is beneath them.
But this power has come at a cost, for the Black Dusts possess a target upon them, they have few friends and no allies to speak of, their desire for power and their raiding has led to them being hated by the other tribes and clans along the coast of Africa. And more their industry, their vast supply and infrastructure to producing Blue Cell fluid has led to them being targeted by a much more mighty power to the north.
According to rumour and hearsay, the Black Dusts are facing incursions from the Imperium, who seek a foothold on the continent as well as the intention of seizing what the Black Dusts have. Which when one remembers that the Black Dusts have no allies and fewer friends, they stand alone surrounded by enemies.
The Doggerland Tribes:
Here vast herds of deer, bison, boar, zebra, wildebeest, gazelles and other beasts enjoy the summer bounty of grasses and shrubs, they are of course a magnet for many predators, from wolf, to bear, to lions and even tigers. But also the semi nomadic Doggerland tribes.
These a small tribal peoples that are regarded as very simple peoples, they do not have technology preferring instead to live a simple life, though they do trade as they travel, they tend very much to keep to themselves. Almost always on the move, the Doggerlanders are semi nomadic, moving specifically between the grasslands of Doggerland in the summer where they come for summer hunting, then during the autumn they begin the journey southwards to find shelter from the harsh winters on the plains.
They exist as hunter gatherers, living every day individually rather than working towards a permanent settlement, though each tribe is known to move between locations commonly, basically they settle at the same places each year, the same section of the grasslands in the summer and the same valley in the winter.
Many look upon them as savages, living as barbarians who wear animals skins and don themselves with the bones of animals and even humans. Though they are known to trade with towns and settlements during their travels, specifically the animal hides from their hunts and medicinal herbs they gather in exchange for things they require but cannot produce themselves. But for the most part, the Doggerlanders are content to ignore and be ignored by the wider world.
Comments
Post a Comment