The World
In late 2020 the world was awed by the creation of the first piece of functioning nanotechnology, inserted directly into the skull of a volunteer. It's outstanding success meant that within the next decade most of the world adopted this new and amazing technology, creating the NeuralNet to link them together. The company responsible, the Anderson-Nakamura Corporation, became one of the richest organisations in the world as a result.
As the 21st century ground remorselessly on, the nations of the world evolved with the times. In the United States the election of right-wing President Henry Jakobs in 2032 unleashed a storm of rioting, insurrection, and civil unrest that was only solved through vicious repression. Many states of the union refused to accept the new president or his violent policies. State militias fought federal armies in a short but brutal conflict known as the 100 Days War. The result was a weakening of the US Government and a sharp increase in privatization of armies, police forces, and infrastructure in the country. By 2052 the US has evolved into a series of private fiefdoms, presided over by a weakened and paranoid Government.
In Europe the mass influx of landless, desperate refugees caused the gradual breakdown of social services and a wave of xenophobia that pushed most of the EU towards the far right. Vast internment camps sprouted up around the major cities on the continent, causing many of the member states to follow the US in privatising their security apparatus. One notable exception was the United Kingdom, which rose to become one of the most powerful states in the world once again. The British Empire was declared on the 22nd of May, 2030, and now vast swathes of the world map have been recoloured Imperial scarlet.
In Asia the vast People's Republic of China continued to expand and grow, fighting several wars against their neighbours as the red flag pushed their frontier ever onwards. The Middle East, tragically, has by 2052 fallen into a pit of violence and lawlessness that shows no signs of abating.
So enter into this world of tomorrow, this world of darkness and corruption, a world which blazes with a million slick neon lights hiding the undercurrent beneath. Are you a soldier, fighting for your cause? A corporate spy, watching from the shadows? Or a working stiff, just trying to get by?
So join us and tell the Tales of tomorrow. The tales of violence, horror, oppression, and resistance.
Tell us the Tales from the Edge.
North American Factions:
US Federal Government
The central American State. Although greatly weakened by the Hundred Days War, the Federal Government (Feds) can still call upon a vast arsenal of weapons, both overt and covert, to impose its will. The Army, Navy, Air Force and federal law enforcement agencies maintain an important presence in almost all states of the Union, although this does not necessarily ensure the loyalty of all of these states. The CIA executes operations outside US soil as well, pursuing America's enemies around the globe. The current president is Raymond Marshall, a right-wing member of the Rebuplican Party. The country lives under a rule of ever-increasing repression, and dramatic steps have been taken to attempt to stamp out the growth of seccessioonist groups such as the Second Confederacy and the Western American Republic.
Their currency is the US Dollar.
Anderson-Nakamura Corporation
Famous for their development of the first functioning examples of nanotechnology and the resulting joint development of the NeuralNet by a conglomerate of International scientists, the Anderson-Nakamura Corporaton, or ANC, is quite possibly the most powerful private company in history. It now owns great swathes of territory around the world. It was so powerful that in 2049 the UN took the unprecedented step of admitting ANC and several other metacorporations to their ranks, granting the gargantuan companies the same rights as any if it's members. As such the Ankers (as the people of Anderson-Nakamura are called) are citizens in a state, and any area it controls is their sovereign soil. In North America ANC has a large enclave in the American Midwest, small holdings in the cities of San Diego, Seattle, New York, and Chicago along with many other small pockets of land.
Their US headquarters is Detroit, which is entirely owned by the giant. It is here that the vast dead US car industry was revived, pumped with billions of Credits until it once again is a very wealthy city churning out automobiles, pharmaceuticals, aircraft, and weapons.
The Ankers have at their disposal a large army of both conventional and unconventional weaponry. The Internal Security Bureau acts as the police force for the ANC. Heavy troops, vehicles, and aircraft are within the Corporate Defense Force which is their regular army.
The leader of the US branch of the ANC is Director William Erskine, and their currency is the Corporate Credit.
The Confederate States of America
Despite the name, the CSA has little in common with the short-lived slave-owning state of the 19th century. Indeed the only idea that they share is the concept that every state in the union has a right to leave the USA if their people so choose. The CSA is a loose network of cells that operate in almost all corners of the US, persuing their goals through propoganda, sabotage, espionage, and active insurrection against the federal government. The American state has had limited success in fighting them due to the continuing hostility over the Hundred Days War. Many states openly support the CSA and it is only by open displays of force that the Feds are able to maintain control.
Western American Republic
Whereas the CSA has remained a clandestine and secretive organization, the Western Republic arose as the first Confederacy had. It was formed in 2042, ten years to the day of President Jakob's election. Most of California' part of Nevada, and most of the Western seaboard formed their new country. They took as their capital Los Angeles. The US responded as the Union had. War. The vast weight of the US military bore down on the mix of National Guard and militia that was the Western Republic army. Within five years the army was defeated. But rather than sullenly rejoin the union as the south had almost two centuries earlier, the Western Republic fought on. In all of their former lands there is now a hellish guerilla war, a conflict of unparalleled ferocity and cruelty. Rape, murder, and pillage. The epicentre of this is Los Angeles, reduced to a burning hellhole. The US is embroiled and can see no end to the conflict.
Their leaders are the Council of Four, formed after President Julio Vargas was killed by US Special Forces in 2050. Their currency was the Westmark.
Reed Organization
One of the most powerful criminal syndicates in America, the Reed group controls
drug trafficking, gunrunning, prostitution, and myriad other illegal businesses in the US. Protected by powerful patrons and political clout, the Reeds have fought against rivals, the Feds, the CSA, and even foreign intelligence agencies, depending on the time and place. They will do anything, kill anyone, if the money is right. Since 2051 they have been involved in a bloody war with the Mafia Commission.
Their leader is Adam Reed, and they are headquartered in Houston, Texas.
The Commission
Formed by the most powerful Mafia families in the country, the Commission is a shadowy and silent second government in the United States. The focussing by the FBI on terrorism in the early 21st Century, followed by the crises of succession allowed the Mafia to grow strong and wealthy once again. The Commission meets on a regular basis in New York, Chicago, or Philadelphia to direct and control their huge empire. The Commission is currently composed of the following:
The Caruzzo Family: The biggest and most powerful of all the Mafia Families, the Caruzzos are known for their stranglehold on gunrunning and prostitution. They have at their disposal a horde of merciless, violent gangsters that will carry out any order with ruthless brutality.
Their leader is Frank Caruzzo.
The Grasso Family: They specialise in extortion, fraud, robbery, and kidnapping. Led by Carmine Delacroce.
Sindacco Family:The only Commission family to deal in drugs,the Sindaccos are shrewd businessmen and able negotiators. Led by James "Mad Dog" Mangano.
Messina Family: Specialize in negotiation and money laundering. Led by James "The Gent" Gennaro.
There are many other Mafia Families in the US, and all follow the rules laid down by the Commission.
International Strategic Solutions
The ISS is a private military company that operates all over the world. Their ranks are staffed by veterans from militaries all over the world. their US HQ is in Los Angeles, located in a vast fortified complex called Imperator Plaza.
Their US leader is Commander Nicholas Dufresne.
European factions
European Coalition
Following the collapse of the EU in 2040 a violent surge in nationalism caused many former EU states to arm themselves and prepare for the worst. In 2043 it happened. The Russian Federation, acting through proxies like the Slavic Front in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, launched a wave of terror attacks that prompted most of Europe to descend into infighting and chaos. For three years the fighting raged. When it finally ended Russia had successfully invaded the south of France, most of Italy, and captured the vast plains of Spain. Now an uneasy alliance, a Coalition, has control over what is the remnants of Spain, France, and Italy. Eastern Europe is now under the sway of the mighty Federation. Alongside the German Reich and the British Empire, they stand in the way of Russia's total dominance in Europe.
The Coalition's leader is Francois Guerin, and their currency is the Euro.
German Reich
Before the catastrophic events of 2043 the Germans had already reformed their government to meet the threat from outside. Following the example of the British, who had reformed their nation into an Empire, the Germans formed the Reich in 2034 with Reichkanzler Otto Dietrich at its' head. The Reich has the same borders as in the early 21st century, save for westwards where Alsace and Moselle have once more been annexed. The Benelux nations are under German influence as well.
The Reich is one of the nations holding the Great Barrier in central France against the Russians. Their leader is Reichkanzler Wilhelm Koenig, and their currency is the Reichmark.
Russian Federation
One of the most powerful nations in the world, the Russian Federation has not wasted its time in expanding it's territory and influence around the world. Led by a brutal and merciless man named Sergei Zolotkin, the Federation will stop at nothing to accomplish its' goals.
Their leader is President Sergei Zolotkin, and their currency is the rouble.
British Empire
Formed by plebiscite in 2030, the British Empire has reaped the rewards from the chaos in Europe and the rest of the world. Perhaps because of its' historical experience the British knew how to extend their control over larger, more impressive nations through dividing and then conquering. This is what British forces have been doing for the past 20 years. Not just armies but diplomats and businessmen have pushed the United Kingdom back to a truly leading position in world affairs. The British Army holds the Great Barrier in France alongside German forces. The Secret Intelligence Service, SIS, deals with external intelligence gathering and actions, whereas MI5 secure the Empire's internal security.
Their leader is King George VII, whose Prime Minister is Thomas Castlereigh.
Their currency is the British Pound Sterling.
Note that I will be updating this thread with Other world powers and factions in the coming days.
In late 2020 the world was awed by the creation of the first piece of functioning nanotechnology, inserted directly into the skull of a volunteer. It's outstanding success meant that within the next decade most of the world adopted this new and amazing technology, creating the NeuralNet to link them together. The company responsible, the Anderson-Nakamura Corporation, became one of the richest organisations in the world as a result.
As the 21st century ground remorselessly on, the nations of the world evolved with the times. In the United States the election of right-wing President Henry Jakobs in 2032 unleashed a storm of rioting, insurrection, and civil unrest that was only solved through vicious repression. Many states of the union refused to accept the new president or his violent policies. State militias fought federal armies in a short but brutal conflict known as the 100 Days War. The result was a weakening of the US Government and a sharp increase in privatization of armies, police forces, and infrastructure in the country. By 2052 the US has evolved into a series of private fiefdoms, presided over by a weakened and paranoid Government.
In Europe the mass influx of landless, desperate refugees caused the gradual breakdown of social services and a wave of xenophobia that pushed most of the EU towards the far right. Vast internment camps sprouted up around the major cities on the continent, causing many of the member states to follow the US in privatising their security apparatus. One notable exception was the United Kingdom, which rose to become one of the most powerful states in the world once again. The British Empire was declared on the 22nd of May, 2030, and now vast swathes of the world map have been recoloured Imperial scarlet.
In Asia the vast People's Republic of China continued to expand and grow, fighting several wars against their neighbours as the red flag pushed their frontier ever onwards. The Middle East, tragically, has by 2052 fallen into a pit of violence and lawlessness that shows no signs of abating.
So enter into this world of tomorrow, this world of darkness and corruption, a world which blazes with a million slick neon lights hiding the undercurrent beneath. Are you a soldier, fighting for your cause? A corporate spy, watching from the shadows? Or a working stiff, just trying to get by?
So join us and tell the Tales of tomorrow. The tales of violence, horror, oppression, and resistance.
Tell us the Tales from the Edge.
North American Factions:
US Federal Government
The central American State. Although greatly weakened by the Hundred Days War, the Federal Government (Feds) can still call upon a vast arsenal of weapons, both overt and covert, to impose its will. The Army, Navy, Air Force and federal law enforcement agencies maintain an important presence in almost all states of the Union, although this does not necessarily ensure the loyalty of all of these states. The CIA executes operations outside US soil as well, pursuing America's enemies around the globe. The current president is Raymond Marshall, a right-wing member of the Rebuplican Party. The country lives under a rule of ever-increasing repression, and dramatic steps have been taken to attempt to stamp out the growth of seccessioonist groups such as the Second Confederacy and the Western American Republic.
Their currency is the US Dollar.
Anderson-Nakamura Corporation
Famous for their development of the first functioning examples of nanotechnology and the resulting joint development of the NeuralNet by a conglomerate of International scientists, the Anderson-Nakamura Corporaton, or ANC, is quite possibly the most powerful private company in history. It now owns great swathes of territory around the world. It was so powerful that in 2049 the UN took the unprecedented step of admitting ANC and several other metacorporations to their ranks, granting the gargantuan companies the same rights as any if it's members. As such the Ankers (as the people of Anderson-Nakamura are called) are citizens in a state, and any area it controls is their sovereign soil. In North America ANC has a large enclave in the American Midwest, small holdings in the cities of San Diego, Seattle, New York, and Chicago along with many other small pockets of land.
Their US headquarters is Detroit, which is entirely owned by the giant. It is here that the vast dead US car industry was revived, pumped with billions of Credits until it once again is a very wealthy city churning out automobiles, pharmaceuticals, aircraft, and weapons.
The Ankers have at their disposal a large army of both conventional and unconventional weaponry. The Internal Security Bureau acts as the police force for the ANC. Heavy troops, vehicles, and aircraft are within the Corporate Defense Force which is their regular army.
The leader of the US branch of the ANC is Director William Erskine, and their currency is the Corporate Credit.
The Confederate States of America
Despite the name, the CSA has little in common with the short-lived slave-owning state of the 19th century. Indeed the only idea that they share is the concept that every state in the union has a right to leave the USA if their people so choose. The CSA is a loose network of cells that operate in almost all corners of the US, persuing their goals through propoganda, sabotage, espionage, and active insurrection against the federal government. The American state has had limited success in fighting them due to the continuing hostility over the Hundred Days War. Many states openly support the CSA and it is only by open displays of force that the Feds are able to maintain control.
Western American Republic
Whereas the CSA has remained a clandestine and secretive organization, the Western Republic arose as the first Confederacy had. It was formed in 2042, ten years to the day of President Jakob's election. Most of California' part of Nevada, and most of the Western seaboard formed their new country. They took as their capital Los Angeles. The US responded as the Union had. War. The vast weight of the US military bore down on the mix of National Guard and militia that was the Western Republic army. Within five years the army was defeated. But rather than sullenly rejoin the union as the south had almost two centuries earlier, the Western Republic fought on. In all of their former lands there is now a hellish guerilla war, a conflict of unparalleled ferocity and cruelty. Rape, murder, and pillage. The epicentre of this is Los Angeles, reduced to a burning hellhole. The US is embroiled and can see no end to the conflict.
Their leaders are the Council of Four, formed after President Julio Vargas was killed by US Special Forces in 2050. Their currency was the Westmark.
Reed Organization
One of the most powerful criminal syndicates in America, the Reed group controls
drug trafficking, gunrunning, prostitution, and myriad other illegal businesses in the US. Protected by powerful patrons and political clout, the Reeds have fought against rivals, the Feds, the CSA, and even foreign intelligence agencies, depending on the time and place. They will do anything, kill anyone, if the money is right. Since 2051 they have been involved in a bloody war with the Mafia Commission.
Their leader is Adam Reed, and they are headquartered in Houston, Texas.
The Commission
Formed by the most powerful Mafia families in the country, the Commission is a shadowy and silent second government in the United States. The focussing by the FBI on terrorism in the early 21st Century, followed by the crises of succession allowed the Mafia to grow strong and wealthy once again. The Commission meets on a regular basis in New York, Chicago, or Philadelphia to direct and control their huge empire. The Commission is currently composed of the following:
The Caruzzo Family: The biggest and most powerful of all the Mafia Families, the Caruzzos are known for their stranglehold on gunrunning and prostitution. They have at their disposal a horde of merciless, violent gangsters that will carry out any order with ruthless brutality.
Their leader is Frank Caruzzo.
The Grasso Family: They specialise in extortion, fraud, robbery, and kidnapping. Led by Carmine Delacroce.
Sindacco Family:The only Commission family to deal in drugs,the Sindaccos are shrewd businessmen and able negotiators. Led by James "Mad Dog" Mangano.
Messina Family: Specialize in negotiation and money laundering. Led by James "The Gent" Gennaro.
There are many other Mafia Families in the US, and all follow the rules laid down by the Commission.
International Strategic Solutions
The ISS is a private military company that operates all over the world. Their ranks are staffed by veterans from militaries all over the world. their US HQ is in Los Angeles, located in a vast fortified complex called Imperator Plaza.
Their US leader is Commander Nicholas Dufresne.
European factions
European Coalition
Following the collapse of the EU in 2040 a violent surge in nationalism caused many former EU states to arm themselves and prepare for the worst. In 2043 it happened. The Russian Federation, acting through proxies like the Slavic Front in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, launched a wave of terror attacks that prompted most of Europe to descend into infighting and chaos. For three years the fighting raged. When it finally ended Russia had successfully invaded the south of France, most of Italy, and captured the vast plains of Spain. Now an uneasy alliance, a Coalition, has control over what is the remnants of Spain, France, and Italy. Eastern Europe is now under the sway of the mighty Federation. Alongside the German Reich and the British Empire, they stand in the way of Russia's total dominance in Europe.
The Coalition's leader is Francois Guerin, and their currency is the Euro.
German Reich
Before the catastrophic events of 2043 the Germans had already reformed their government to meet the threat from outside. Following the example of the British, who had reformed their nation into an Empire, the Germans formed the Reich in 2034 with Reichkanzler Otto Dietrich at its' head. The Reich has the same borders as in the early 21st century, save for westwards where Alsace and Moselle have once more been annexed. The Benelux nations are under German influence as well.
The Reich is one of the nations holding the Great Barrier in central France against the Russians. Their leader is Reichkanzler Wilhelm Koenig, and their currency is the Reichmark.
Russian Federation
One of the most powerful nations in the world, the Russian Federation has not wasted its time in expanding it's territory and influence around the world. Led by a brutal and merciless man named Sergei Zolotkin, the Federation will stop at nothing to accomplish its' goals.
Their leader is President Sergei Zolotkin, and their currency is the rouble.
British Empire
Formed by plebiscite in 2030, the British Empire has reaped the rewards from the chaos in Europe and the rest of the world. Perhaps because of its' historical experience the British knew how to extend their control over larger, more impressive nations through dividing and then conquering. This is what British forces have been doing for the past 20 years. Not just armies but diplomats and businessmen have pushed the United Kingdom back to a truly leading position in world affairs. The British Army holds the Great Barrier in France alongside German forces. The Secret Intelligence Service, SIS, deals with external intelligence gathering and actions, whereas MI5 secure the Empire's internal security.
Their leader is King George VII, whose Prime Minister is Thomas Castlereigh.
Their currency is the British Pound Sterling.
Note that I will be updating this thread with Other world powers and factions in the coming days.