Update 0 – 2200 A.D
STATS
GLOBAL:
Rise of Neo-Apostolistic Christianity: North America and Western Europe have become places notorious for religious oppression, especially for many Christians. With the rise of religiously intolerant polities such as the Peoples’ Temple, the Hartland Sovereignty, the Photosynthetic Order of the Oaken Boughs, the Kingdom of God (Iberia) and the Lilin Syndicate; many mainstream denominations have been all but wiped out and worship of non-state religions has been driven completely underground.
Until recently, these Christian sects were fragmented, with each underground Church having little outside contact with the world. That is until the rise of the New Apostles. Teaching a doctrine which is commonly referred to as Neo-Apostolistic Christianity, the New Apostles are a group of Christians (presumably ones with a great deal of influence) who have managed to unite and connect the underground Christian churches of North America. Their inner circle use the names of the twelve apostles as pseudonyms. They teach that the meteors and the “New Ceasars” (the term they use to any government persecuting them) are punishment for secular decadence in the 21st Century. They see themselves like early Christians living under the Roman Empire. They have organised communication networks across the churches and a network for smuggling those who have been identified by an oppressive state to states that are safer for the Neo-Apostolists, such as the Argentine Republic, the Liberated Autonomous Appalachian Territories and (in Europe) the Greater German Republic and the Union of Rome.
While religious dissent in these states have been disorganised, now there is some serious backing behind the movements. Key figures in all states are urging the powers that be to nip these growing movements in the bud.
Invokes:
- Hartland Sovereignty [Heretics and Heathens] – +1 Fate Point
- The Peoples’ Temple [A Social Pyramid of Skeletons] – +1 Fate Point
- Order of the Oaken Boughs [The Green Giants] – +1 Fate Point
- Lilin Syndicate [Out with the New] – +1 Fate Point
- Kingdom of God [All Must Follow the True Pope in Lisbon] – +1 Fate Point
New Aspects:
- Neo-Apostolic Christian Influence [Difficulty – 2] in Hartland Sovereignty, The Peoples’ Temple, Order of the Oaken Boughs, Witch Syndicate of Gaul, Kingdom of God
- Neo-Apostolic Christian Sanctuary in Argentine Republic, Liberated Autonomous Appalachian Territories, Greater German Republic, Union of Rome
AFRICA:
Systems Compromised by Awakening (New Gaia, New Gaian Collective): New Gaian scientists have noticed a significant number of non-essential systems have become spontaneously unresponsive. The scientists are worried that this could be a sign that Gaia’s awakening may be on a timespan of years as opposed to decades as they had once hoped. Quick, decisive action is needed to ensure that critical systems are not hit next.
[“The Awakening” Invoked, +1 Fate Point. New Aspect added to the New Gaian Collective: “Systems Compromised (Difficulty – 2)”]
Anti-American Sentiments (New Gettysburg, United African States): Few nations reflect the Eloi and Morlock dynamic as profoundly as the United African States. The
Star of Coruscant was comprised entirely of the wealthiest and most influential of Americans, apart from a few technical experts necessary to maintain the systems on the ship. When the vessel first crashed into South Africa, they were seen by the locals (apart from the ones who were killed by the impact of the crash, of course) as a positive influence on the region. The United Africa States that was emerging from the wreck was a welcome alternative to the Olympian riddled, environmentally destroyed wastes of the rest of Africa. However, just like the America of the 21st Century, this promising future turned rotten fast.
With the entrenchment of the genetic stratocracy, the top rungs of society were dominated almost entirely by American Eloi (the minority) who were descended from the original passengers of the
Star of Coruscant, while the African Morlocks (the majority) are stuck in the bottom classes of society. While a majority of Africans still support the regime, believing that the United African States is the only thing standing between them and the horrors of the world, some have started to dream of a better life. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have noted a very large uptick in anti-government activity and propaganda and they extremely concerned that if this movement is not nipped in the bud, it may threaten the future of the United African States and the New Coruscant Project.
[“Crashed Lifeboat”, “Genetic Stratocracy”, “Decadence of the Eloi” Invoked, +3 Fate Points. New Aspect added to the United African States: “Anti-American Sentiment (Difficulty – 6)”]
THE AMERICAS:
Arrogance of Roberto Murdoch (Buenos Aires, Argentine Republic): Roberto Murdoch, part of the branch of the notorious family of Australian Eloi that fled Australia after the Australian Civil War, has set his eyes on the Presidency. He is not content with running things in the shadows like much of Argentina’s Eloi, he wants the fame and the glory of the Presidency. Much like his goals, his methods to get there are completely unconventional and very, very public. His antics have been very hard for even the Argentinian media to cover up. After a very public assassination of one his political rivals on a busy Buenos Aires street, the Powers That Be of Argentina are becoming increasingly concerned that, if left to his own devices, Murdoch will expose the cracks in Argentinian society and cause chaos. Something must be done about this arrogant man.
[“Argentinian Roulette” Invoked, +1 Fate Point. New Aspect added to the Argentine Republic: “Arrogance of Roberto Murdoch (Difficulty – 2)”]
Guerrilla War in Hispaniola (Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Federal Republic of the United Caribbean): A particularly poor harvest season due to drought hit Hispaniola very hard, yet the Offshore tax officials were unsympathetic, the Offshore needs to eat. This led many Hispaniolans to revolt, although security forces were able to force them out of the major cities rather quickly, they have now entrenched themselves in the hills. They are now performing guerrilla warfare, performing targeted strikes against food shipments and other important infrastructure. These agitators could cause serious problems if they are not dealt with.
[“The Inland Communities”, “An Inhospitable World” Invoked, +2 Fate Points. New Aspect added to the Federal Republic of the United Caribbean: “Guerrilla War in Hispaniola (Difficulty – 4)”]
United Cidadãos Party (Recife, Federation of the Northeastern Republics): Whenever the lot of the sertanejos noticeably improve, the cidadãos are quick to jealousy and vice-versa. The recent improvements of the economy and the quality of life in the rural areas of Nordeste has led to the unpopularity of President Partido Trabalhista among the cidadãos, who demand the same economic benefits be transferred to the cities, regardless of the possibility of those requests. The United Cidadãos Party is the most vocal and among the most popular of the groups demanding this, unfortunately they are also very willing to employ violence against their political enemies. High ranking government officials worry that if the United Cidadãos Party remains unchecked, it could spell disaster for not only Trabalhista Administration but for the entirety of Nordeste.
[“Agrestes e Cidades” Invoked, +1 Fate Point. New Aspect added to the Federation of the Northeastern Republics: “United Cidadãos Party (Difficulty – 2)”]
Aboriginal Faiths and Bickering Clergy (Sint Lewis, Hartland Sovereignty): Many First Nationals fled to Hartland Sovereignty, where they were promised a degree of autonomy unseen in contemporary North America (outside of the Appalachians). While they were given this, they refused to integrate their beliefs into the broader Sovereign Cult, giving them the largest leeway among any group in the Sovereignty. The Clergy-Bureaucracy has become increasingly zealous as the Sovereignty has become surrounded by heathens and Godless Communists. The zealous Clergy-Bureaucrats overseeing the First Nationals have becoming increasingly insulted by their refusal to integrate into the Sovereign Cult.
Two factions have emerged in the Sovereign Cult – the “Hards”, who believe that the First Nationals should have their privileges stripped and be forced to acknowledge the Sovereign Cult as they pose a threat to the power structure of the Hartland, and the “Softs”, who believe that the First National’s autonomy was the divine will of the First Sovereign and must be considered paramount. This doctrinal dispute has gotten intense, with many throwing around the most dangerous word in the Sovereignty (“heresy”). Only the Sovereign could possibly resolve what is becoming an intense theological dispute and determine the future of the First Nationals in the Sovereignty.
[“Heretics and Heathens” Invoked, +1 Fate Point. New Aspect added to the Hartland Sovereignty: “Aboriginal Faiths and Bickering Clergy (Difficulty – 2)”]
Appalachian Famine Looms (Asheville, Liberated Autonomous Appalachian Territories): An unexpected hailstorm devastated a major Appalachian agricultural district. The Appalachian Territories are highly reliant on their internal food production due to the rugged mountain landscape scarred by environmental catastrophe, making international trade extremely difficult. With the devastation of the agricultural district, food stores are running dangerously low. A disastrous famine could occur if decisive action is not taken.
[“Isolated Mountain Region”, “An Inhospitable Earth” Invoked, +2 Fate Points. New Aspect added to the Liberated Autonomous Appalachian Territories: “A Famine Looms (Difficulty – 4)”]
Guru Laminas Koriates (White Oak, Photosynthetic Order of the Oaken Boughs): A religious leader of the Traditionalist faction of the Order has taken to proselyting the Morlocks to great success. By claiming that the genetic alteration of plant life is part of “the decadence of the Eloi”, she has attracted many followers in her quest to “turn the entire world into a garden”. Although she has not made any violent moves against the Order yet, she is most certainly a threat to their authority. Yet there are those who are sympathetic within the Order’s leadership to her Traditionalist heresy. The Archdruid will need to take careful and considered action against Koriates to ensure the stability of the Order.
[“Factional Conflict”, “Decadence of the Eloi” Invoked, +2 Fate Points. New Aspect added to the Photosynthetic Order of the Oaken Boughs: “Guru Lamianas Koriates (Difficulty – 4)”]
ASIA:
The Third United Front: In the Asian Tetrarchy and the Empire of the Great Suan, for decades anti-government resistance movements have been at each other’s throats. Ideological conflict between resistance groups has been encouraged by Tetrarchy and Empire in order to keep their activities manageable. However, recently the enigmatic resistance leader Hóng Liánhuā (红莲花, literally “The Red Lotus”, obviously a pseudonym) has united resistance movements in the region under the banner of the Third United Front. Communist, Anarchist, Liberal, Nationalist and even some criminal elements are starting to rally around Hóng Liánhuā’s Third United Front. The Ministers of Da Suan and the Oligarchs of the Tetrarchy are very concerned about this development and recommend that this movement be nipped in the bud before they pose a true threat to their authority.
Invokes:
- Asian Tetrarchy [Underworld] – +1 Fate Point
- Empire of the Great Suan [Liberal Agitation] – +1 Fate Point
New Aspects:
- Third United Front [Difficulty – 2] in Asian Tetarchy, Empire of Great Suan
Peak Technology (Tokyo, Katsuyoshi Shogunate): What Japanese economists were fearing for decades has finally happened, the techno-ruins of Japan have been depleted to the point where the rate of discovery of useable parts has entered a rapid decline, despite the techno-mines being more efficient than ever. Like peak oil that was reached in the 21st Century, the reaching of peak technology will have dramatic effects for the Shogunate. The Shogunate will have to find some way to make up for this shortfall in vital technological goods or the systems that keep Japanese society from falling apart will start to fail, one by one.
[“The Tool Wears Down” Invoked, +1 Fate Point. New Aspect added to the Katsuyoshi Shogunate: “Peak Technology (Difficulty – 2)”]
Children of the Eloi (Tokyo, Katsuyoshi Shogunate): Japan has always had culture with a strong emphasis on familial connections and the Katsuyoshi Shogunate is no exception. Interestingly, due to cultural stigma, being a member of the Eloi is quite possibly a detriment. Due to cultural stigma carrying on from the early days of the Shogunate, the children of Eloi (who carry some, but not all, of the genetic enhancements of their parents) are prevented from reaching the top of the military hierarchy. Very few others join the ranks of the Eloi as those who illegally import genetic technology are prosecuted very harshly for “wasteful and individualistic uses of technology”. The Eloi often look at their superiors with distain and jealousy. Why should
they be limited to middle management because of the sins of their parents?
There are rumours that the Eloi are plotting a coup against Shogun Katsuyoshi Satoshi. While it is unlikely that the Morlocks would support the Eloi, that may change as the lights start to go off in Japan. While some of the Shogun’s advisers recommend a purge, others say that they should tread lightly and that the Shogunate cannot afford to lose such talent in these trying times. They suggest instead that the Shogun should give the Eloi some concessions in terms of relaxing the historical restrictions on promotions. Either solution would likely send shockwaves across the fragile Japanese society, the Shogun faces a difficult choice.
[“Brothers Broken in Arms” Invoked, +1 Fate Point. New Aspect added to the Katsuyoshi Shogunate: “Children of the Eloi (Difficulty – 2)”]
A Cultural Revolution (Lakhnau, New Bharat): To the still dominant Hinduist population of New Bharat, the supposedly egalitarian goals of the Neo-Buddhists and the phrase “Unity Through Diversity” is nothing but cruel mockeries of an oppressor. The Revolutionary Army of Bharat is extremely intolerant of many of India’s most popular religions, most notably Jainism and Hinduism. Persecution against the two religions started as exclusion from most government positions, but quickly escalated into genocidal levels. The Revolutionary Army of Bharat are fanatically trained to be a hammer and they see everything as a nail. They have razed entire temples to the ground and send anyone who dares speak out to a re-education camp, where the conditions are usually dismal. These actions are not popular with the other religious minorities in the subcontinent as well, many of them worry that when the Neo-Buddhists are done with the Hindus and the Jains that they will come after them next.
As Hinduism is still the most popular religion in the subcontinent, the increasing persecution quickly proved to be unfeasible. Recently a re-education camp was taken over by the inmates, where the guard were executed to a man and the facility was burnt to the ground. Anti-government actions like these are becoming more and more common in Hindu majority areas. If something is not done soon, New Bharat will tear itself apart.
Hardliners within the Revolutionary Army propose that they crush all dissent mercilessly. Others within the Revolutionary Army recognise that if they continue down this path, they will betray the egalitarian ideals that they espoused. If they continue down this path, New Bharat will not be remembered as the country that unified the cultures of the subcontinent. Instead, they will be remembered as butchers who enforced a New Bharati and Neo-Buddhist identity through genocide.
[“Live by the Sword, Die by the Sword”, “Break the Castes”, “Unity in Diversity” Invoked, +3 Fate Points. New Aspect added to New Bharat: “A Cultural Revolution (Difficulty – 6)”]
Governors’ Treason (HANUMAN, New Kalimantan): While the majority of the Eloi Governors in New Kalimantan are fearful of the power of The Priestess, some are beginning to doubt the limits of her power. If She was truly all powerful, why would She need the Governors? A loyalist Governor informed The Priestess of a plot for the faction of these treasonous Governors to seize power and lay waste to the jungle. Perhaps it is time to show Borneo why She is feared and adored by the entire island once more…
[“Corrupt and Wayward Local Governors” Invoked, +1 Fate Point. New Aspect added to New Kalimantan: “Governors’ Treason (Difficulty – 2)”]
Another Day, Another Potential Famine (Singapore, Nusantara): A nasty monsoon devastated what little farmland Nusantara had, throwing the calculations of the Ministers completely off. Food stores are running low fast, Nusantara will have to look to make up this shortfall through imports or perhaps less diplomatic measures.
[“Lack of Sufficient Farmland”, “An Inhospitable Earth” Invoked, +2 Fate Points. New Aspect added to Nusantara: “A Famine Looms (Difficulty – 4)”]
The Fifteen (Auckland, Oceanic Combine): The New Zealand anti-Combine hacking group known as “The Fellowship” has been a thorn in the side of Dr Marcus Zeimer since the annexation of New Zealand. One of the most famous wings of the organisation were their top cybernetically enhanced hackers, taking the pseudonyms of the group of fifteen that set out from Hobbiton in the Tolkien book “The Hobbit”. Led by “Gandalf”, their humiliating hacks of high-ranking Eloi in the Director’s close circle have made them state enemies #1. Their true identities were eventually found by the Civil Security Directorate, who published their names and faces and put out a reward for anyone who would assist in their capture. This proved to backfire, as whenever the CSD come close to capturing one of the Fifteen, sympathetic Morlocks sabotage the CSD officers, risking their lives and liberty to ensure that the Fifteen ride once again. It is clear to the inner circle of CEOs that the Fifteen must be eliminated if the Combine is to ever rid themselves of that frustrating Fellowship.
[“The Fellowship”, “Decadence of the Eloi” Invoked, +2 Fate Points. New Aspect added to the Oceanic Combine: “The Fifteen (Difficulty – 4)”]
Eloi Rally Around Prince Sakchai (New Bangkok, Provisional Authority of Siam): Prince Sakchai has gained the support of the majority of Eloi in Bangkok, as well the support of key overseas figures. His pro-Eloi leanings have always made him popular among the international Eloi, they have begun to send him “gifts” of money as well as PMC groups. The Provisional Council are worried that he is planning to strongarm his way into the throne, possibly by killing them all in a brutal coup. Even if he were to reign supreme, his grip on power would be tenuous as not only would he have to deal with the discontent populace as well as his Eloi supporters, as they would undoubtably demand repayment for their generosity, with interest incurred.
[“A Kingdom in Turmoil”, “The Uneasy Truce”, “The Decadence of the Eloi” Invoked, +3 Fate Points. New Aspect added to the Provisional Authority of Siam: “Eloi Rally Around Prince Sakchai (Difficulty – 6)”]
Anti-Monarchist Sentiment (New Bangkok, Provisional Authority of Siam): The Late King, while respected by many, was also the target of intense hatred for a subsection of the populace. The recent assassination has only emboldened this anti-Monarchist sentiment, protestors have begun to rally in all the major cities. While lacking any ideological or organisational coherence, the feelings of discontent will likely grow for as long there is no clear leadership in New Bangkok.
[“The Boiling Point” Invoked, +1 Fate Point. New Aspect added to the Provisional Authority of Siam: “Anti-Monarchist Sentiment (Difficulty – 2)”]
Rise of Temujin (The Exclusion Zones, Republic of Norilsk): A warlord in the Exclusion Zones calling himself Temujin, after the birth name of the great Genghis Khan, has managed to alarm the Bureau for Citizenship and Security by uniting an alarming amount of the Exclusion Zones under one banner. His retainers have been remarkably resistant to bribery, turning any spy that has been implanted within his organisation over to Temujin. Temujin has managed to fight off the most skilled of the BCS’ assassins. The highest ranks of the BCS are in deep debates on what extreme action must be taken to ensure that Temujin does not become a credible threat to the safety and freedom of the Republic.
[“Enemies of the Republic”, “Exclusion Zones” Invoked, +2 Fate Points. New Aspect added to the Republic of Norilsk, “Rise of Temujin (Difficulty – 4)”]
EUROPE
Party for European Liberty: The political deadlock in the Union of Rome has caused a rise in extremist political positions. One of the largest growing ideological groups is the Party for European Liberty, composed of a mixture of Right-Libertarian and Militaristic thought. They advocate for the dismantling of the “unfair and unnecessarily complicated tax scheme of Rome” and replacing it with a “simple flat tax”. While their proposal includes what would be a significant tax cut for everyone, it would disproportionately benefit the rich. They also propose slashing welfare and “other unnecessary government programmes” to account for the massive loss of government revenue. These proposals, in tandem, would all but obliterate the Noblesse Oblige system. They are also militaristically anti-Communist, demanding military intervention into the Lilin Syndicate and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to liberate those nations from “Communist oppression” and for the government to outlaw Communist groups and parties. A sister movement of the party has emerged in the Greater German Republic, advocating for broadly the same ideas.
The major parties of Rome are concerned that with a series of well-placed wins in key districts as well as conservative allies in both parties that the Party of European Liberty could hold the balance of power in Parliament, forcing the major parties to listen to their ideas if they wish to get legislation through. Their impact hasn’t been so extreme in Germany, although they have been part of a major push to drag the country rightwards.
Critics of the Party for European Liberty in both countries decry it as an astroturfed movement created by Eloi hoping to cement their power by destroying the idealistic foundations that both countries were built upon. In Rome, critics are worried that the dismantlement of the Noblesse Oblige system would undermine the values of 21st Century European Democracy that the Union was built upon. In Germany, they are worried that the liberalisation of technology laws would allow the entrenchment of the Eloi and further widen the gap between rich and poor. Meanwhile in Lilithcity and Moscow, the matriarchs and party officials are worried that this signals that history is once again repeating itself. That the contradictions of capitalism will cause Central Europe to fall into fascism and pose an existential threat to the liberation of the people.
Invokes:
- Greater German Republic [Decadence of the Eloi] – +1 Fate Point
- Union of Rome [Political Gridlock, Noblesse Oblige, Decadence of the Eloi] – +3 Fate Points
- Union of Soviet Socialist Republics [New Century, Old Battles] – +1 Fate Point
- Lilin Syndicate [Out with New] – +1 Fate Point
New Aspects:
- Party for European Liberty [Difficulty – 2] in Greater German Republic
- Party for European Liberty [Difficulty – 6] in the Union of Rome
Agitated Emperor Adonis (Constantinople, Byzantine Empire): The Byzantine Empire of the 22nd Century was founded after the Twin Impacts. With an appealing religion and a surprisingly egalitarian nature, it spread quickly across the Middle East. The title has been almost entirely ceremonial after the death of the founder of the Empire. The current Emperor and grandson of the founder, Emperor Adonis, does not like this and believes that he should have absolute power. He has started consorting with foreign Eloi to overthrow the Senate and establish himself as the undisputed ruler of Byzantium. Unfortunately for the senators, he does have some support among the populace. The Senate will now have to consider some important questions – what is to be done about this treasonous Emperor? And can the Emperor even be legally tried for treason?
[“Wait we Have an Emperor?”, “Decadence of the Eloi” Invoked, +2 Fate Points. New Aspect added to the Byzantine Empire, “Agitated Emperor Adonis (Difficulty – 4)”]
Impending Economic Crisis (Frankfurt, Greater German Republic): German economists predict that the exhaustion of minerals and fuels in Germany will soon impact the nation with a massive economic crisis as the cost of minerals are expected to skyrocket. Frankfurt will need to secure a new source of minerals and fuel, either through importation or less diplomatic means, or face a total economic collapse.
[“We Require More Minerals”, Invoked, +1 Fate Point. New Aspect added to the Greater German Republic, “Impending Economic Crisis (Difficulty – 2)”]
Romeo and Juliet (London, Second English Protectorate): Two Naval Olympians, nicknamed “Romeo and Juliet” by locals, have become the scourge of the flooded parts of London. While they haven’t yet posed a threat to the English countryside, they have seriously hindered reconstruction efforts of the city and are terrible for propaganda purposes. If they are not dealt with soon, people are going to ask if Horne is really up for the job of protecting the Republic.
[“London Bridge is Falling Down”, “The Olympians” Invoked, +2 Fate Points. New Aspect added to the Second English Protectorate, “Romeo and Juliet (Difficulty – 4)”]
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Hooray, its up! NPC stats can also be found in the stats. Its really late down here so I won't be sticking around to answer questions. I will answer one very obvious one though:
What does difficulty mean when it is attached to an aspect? That's the minimum number you must roll to Overcome the Aspect. Yes, I know that means that difficulties of four and six are going to be very difficult to overcome. That's why the "Create an Advantage" action exists. Or you could use your Fate Points to speed things up.
Anyway, if you have questions/corrections ping me on Discord, post in the thread or send me a PM via CFC.
Let's say that
orders lock in approximately a week. Imma pass out now peace.
Oh yeah and if you got all the references in the update you are officially a cool person.
