[hider=The Millennium Backstory]

Founded to run Operation Renewal, this scientific community included hundreds of the most brilliant minds from every edge of the globe. Having so much vast knowledge in one place was the key to quick execution, and reaction, to the plan. Included were engineers, mechanics, tinkers, to help build the weather control towers. It is too these people we owe our thanks, for they are the reason for the world today. Every giant plant, every overgrown metropolis, every sunken city. It is their fault, they had a part in creating the blackwater devastation.

Despite their primary objective. Independent companies, and the primary powers themselves, funded a number of other projects. From combat arms, to gene development, to human augmentation, to cybernetics, robotics, and more. Their headquarters are long lost, rumors circulate but nothing is ever certain. Or worth the risk, as the rumors seem to focus on the most densely overgrown, and dangerous areas.

Combat Arms - SUCCESS. Fold-able weapons, extending blades, sonar radars, if it's fancy they probably made it.

Gene development - FAILED. Subjects Reported Purged.

Augmentation - FAILED. Subjects Reported Purged.

Cybernetics - SUCCESS. Robotic-limb replacements, bionic eyes.

Robotics - SUCCESS. The metal watchers still stand guard at their posts. Rumors circulate of an army they were building, but those are just rumors.[/hider]

[hider=Millennium Subjects]
They are Hiding.. Sssh! [/hider]

[center]--Faction Information--[/center] 
[center](To be added as needed, or by request)[/center]

[hider=The Sovereign Russian Federation]
The SRF are governed by their most esteemed, supreme ruler. Vladimir, The Iron Hand of Russia. Their military, while less technologically advanced then the Regime of Asia, are a brute force to be reckoned with. Their training methods include a mixture of fear and national pride. Disobedient soldiers can be subject to scarring, branding, or some form of mutilation that will not impact their performance in the field. Their numbers are great, and they often overwhelm their enemies by charging forward en'mass, no retreat. They use ballistics mostly, standard issue rifles or whatever they can loot in the field. Disputes are resolved through fist fights, and are often encouraged. They are allowed to wear whatever armor they can loot or find, as only a standard uniform with some Kevlar padding in the limbs and chest area are issued. Their official mission regarding their presence in the United Nations of America:

[b]"To claim land for our prestigious leader, so that our people may have better homes. To recollect technology, so that we may undo the tragedy that the Americans have brought upon us. To quell opposition, so that our that our Sovereign might will not be threatened, for the ways of the Motherland are the only, true way to live."[/b][/hider]

[hider=The Silver Hand]
The Silver Hand, while military based in structure, are not dedicated to defending anybody in particular. In fact, they are more of a mercantile association. They are also perhaps the most well-off when it comes to survival. It is rumored that their head quarters are somewhere in the great plains, and they have trade routes stretching from coast to coast. They are exceptionally trained, and comprised of only the best. Those who do not join freely, are usually bought. The Silver Hand's tactic for surviving this new world is to gather everything, the more the merrier. The boast the largest stockpile, other than the three powers themselves, of military grade weapons. They also have quite a science lab, dedicated to finding way to empower their own foothold in the regions. The Silver Hand can be considered an elite team of scavengers and hunters. But once you join, it is near impossible to be dismissed without death, to protect their secrets. Anyone who has ever "escaped" has been promptly hunted down for their bounty, which is usually quite high and worth all the risks.

The Silver Hand can be easily recognized by the armor they wear. While not being very bulky, or flashy, each member has a large silver hand painted on the back of their armor, spanning the entire surface. They wear mostly a dirty white color armor, with matching fatigues. Each piece pre-assembled in a factory somewhere, to promote equality. They wear an assortment of kevlar, each member issued a vest; shoulder, knee, arm, and leg guards. Each piece reinforced outside with a shiny metallic metal. Made from the same stuff that makes up the walls of Refuge, except the Silver Hand are rumored to be able to manufacture it. The squad leader and always be recognized by the silver gauntlet the wear, right or left hand and forearm. 

Their training is similar to that of military. Breach procedures, formations, hand signals. The works. They are ruthless, and if you try taking something they want, you're probably going to be shot. Their numbers are unknown, but the rumors also include that the Silver Hand is likely spread out all across the country in outposts and forts. They obviously have enough to establish a trade empire, and frequent larger villages with their caravans. These seemingly fearless warriors are never afraid to combat a foe. Each Silver Hand member equipped with a precision assault rifle, varying models; a pistol, varying models; Large knives, and a sword. The swords are usually used for execution and monster slaying. They are the self-proclaimed Law, and do not take kindly to impersonators, lawbreakers, or those who question their authority. Refusing to comply will probably get you shot. At least they have good trade stock?[/hider]

[hider=The S'torei]
The S'torei are a tribal faction that could be closely linked wit voodoo. They trust in the effigies to ward away bad spirits and karma, and to bring about health and good fortune. Every mark of ink upon their skin has a meaning, left to be interpreted by those who mark their flesh. Though these markings are only awarded through great triumph, or great failure. Black is to signify triumph, whereas blood red is for failure. They use certain plants as a purifying incense, which also helps ward off many of the smaller scavenger animals, and some of the dangerous ones too. They also prefer to live atop skyscrapers, or tall buildings, to be closer to "He who resides in the sky" for only the air in the world is pure, and untainted, a blessing cast upon their sorrowful existence by their god "Airius". Though tribal in their rituals, they also have modern practices. Like laundry, construction, farming, ballistic and melee weapons, some minor technological use. 

They dress in varying styles, from formal to casual, and adorn themselves with skulls, bones, and other pieces of their kills. Piercings are not uncommon either. They hardly ever go down to the surface world, other than to scavenge. Using sky bridges to link their buildings: either roof to roof, or perhaps roof to window if one building is much taller than the other. Usually it is quite hard to enter the buildings as they are barricaded to protect the residents who live inside. They large communities with hundreds of citizens. They are peaceful if ever encountered, and often trade with outsiders. They never invite anyone back to their homes, and keep their entrances and exits a secret, taking great concern to remain unseen when using them.[/hider]

[hider=The Khu'lu]
----

The Khu'lu are perhaps the most closely related to the modern Indians of the old world. Not only are they masters of stealth, but they have shunned away the technology of the world, as it is corrupt and brings only pain. They use bows and arrows, weapons made of bone, poison, and traps. Though their weapons are nothing to joke about, as many of the bones come from powerful creatures and are have the strength of metal. Their sharpness lasts for an incredible length of time, and the only way to sharpen them is too use another strong animal bone. Because of the strength of these bones, many of the smaller pieces are either embedded into their skin, or made into bone chimes. These bones chimes keep many animals away, as the noise sounds like thousands of chattering teeth when the wind blows through one of their encampments; which are quite hard to spot.

They camouflage themselves using foliage. Their buildings, and their clothing. Made of animal furs and plant fibers, they are also known to use a sort of war paint. Mixing certain plant ingredients with the venom of an shadowsnake (a black snake with fish-like fins; which have little talons on the end making it able to glide, travel quickly on land, and swim.), the venom is acidic in nature, and by diluting it the Khu'lu can brand themselves with a permanent war paint, consisting of vibrant colors. These paints come in all styles or art, and many bright neon like colours. 

They communicate while hunting using whoops and calls, which can be mistaken for birds. They are not above hunting humans, and some tribesmen actual prefer it. Mixed with the right plant materials they can stave off the affects of eating such... exquisite meat. The Khu'lu are very in tune with nature, are worship "Gaea" the goddess of life, who blessed the world with her children (the flora). They also worship Ebsu, the god of earth, who not to be outdone by his wife, Gaea, blessed the world with his children (the fauna), to provide sustenance and make the people strong. Though his children are dangerous, this is also to promote strength and strong will, so his followers do not become fat and weak like those of the old world.

Though they are spiteful, and mock those around them. They have been known to occasionally trade, and aren't so scarce that they are never seen. The mostly keep to themselves, hunting and foraging. They have no interest in technology, or loot. But come between them and their prey and you may find yourself on the menu.

They live like Indians. Hunting, Foraging, being at one with the land and worshiping their god. While shunning technology and those who use it. Though they do trade, meats, furs, hand-made weapons, jewelry made from leathers, stones, and animal pieces. They receive building materials, and slush (because that's the only thing to drink). They are the only known peoples to effectively take down larger creatures using nothing but spears and arrow (though incredibly strong bone-spears and bone-points arrows.) Their team work is extraordinary.[/hider]