This is a reference guide for the setting I have created, initially for Shattered Steel, but also for Shattered Steel: Armoured Fist, and potentially other RP's by myself and others in the future. Please feel free to read over it. If you have any questions, please feel free to DM me or otherwise contact, but I would kindly ask that comments are not left on this thread, in order to keep it solely for reference purposes.

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Note: The guide is written in a mainly in-universe tone and style. Any commentary in italics is from a real-world or 'OTL' (original timeline) perspective.

• 1.1: The Cold War
• 1.2: Life and Culture during the 1990's and into the 21st Century
• 1.3: The Heavenfall

2.1: The Post-Heavenfall Era

• 2.1.1: North America
• 2.1.2: Western Europe
• 2.1.3: Central Europe
• 2.1.4: The former USSR and Eastern Europe
• 2.1.5: The Middle-East
• 2.1.6: Central Asia
• 2.1.7: South-East Asia
• 2.1.8: East Asia
• 2.1.9: Central America
• 2.1.10: The Carribbean
• 2.1.11: South America
• 2.1.12: North Africa
• 2.1.13: West Africa
• 2.1.14: Central & Southern Africa
• 2.1.15: Oceania
• 2.1.16: Antarctica, Earth Orbit, and beyond

2.2: Organisations and Other Non-State Actors

• The Neo United Nations
• Megacorporations
• Private Military Contractors
• - Shattered Steel
• Cartels, The Black Market, and Organised Crime
• - The Carillo Cartel
• Ideological movements and organizations
• - The ISL
• - Elysium
• - The Eternal Church
• - The WANC

2.3: Technology, Science, and Industry

• 2.3.1: Weapons Technology
• 2.3.2: Robotics, computing, and Artificial Intelligence
• 2.3.3: Medical Technology, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
• 2.3.4: Power Generation and Industrial technology
• 2.3.5: Travel, vehicles, and Space Technology

• The Tone of the Heavenfall Universe
• Canon and Non-Canon
• What kind of RPs is the setting for?
• Inspirations for the setting

• Shattered Steel
• Shattered Steel: Armoured Fist

The Cold War

The timeline is the same - in broad strokes and in all the ways that are important - up until the 1980s, where the landscape shifts slightly and the timelines diverge.

During the 1980's, the USA and USSR held several talks aimed at defusing the resurgent tensions of the Cold War. While things had settled down - to a degree - in the 70s, the 80s saw a resurgence due to Soviet activities in Afghanistan, as well as in other spheres of interest and through other activities. Technology was advancing rapidly as well, and new generations of weaponry had created something of a new arms race and competition, as well as increasing economic and social pressures on all sides.

Despite promising starts, and many positive outcomes, overall the talks between Presidents Reagan and Gorbachev did not lead to a cooling of tensions as much as might be hoped, although agreements were made for the continuing reduction of Strategic and Tactical NBC weapons.
Gorbachev's policies at home in Soviet Russia were not as welcomed as they were by the West, and fearful of the results of decentralized power and the lack of influence over the Soviet satellite states, a cabal of military officers and high-level politicians organized a coup, and in 1991, they successfully overthrew President Gorbachev and his government. They immediately reversed many of his policies and quickly instituted many of their own.

While the USSR and Russia in particular were still suffering from economic stagnation and criticial shortages of medicine, fuel, food and other essentials, the sweeping and decisive reforms managed to first patch together and then later reinforce much of the areas that had been so heavily affected, giving the USSR a stronger foot to stand on than it had had for decades.
Things were far from being 'good', or even 'prosperous', but they were certainly stable, at least for the meantime, and enough so that the USSR was able to mount a credible threat and challenge to Western and Capitalist domination.

For their part, the Western powers intervened and provided aid and support wherever possible, both overtly and covertly. While all-out conflict was to be avoided as much as possible, providing military, material and economic support to third-world countries, especially in Africa, South-East Asia and South America. These interventions sowed much of the seed for the reform and developments of these regions, and set the foundations for what would become new centers of economic power and commercial development in the 21st century.

With the continuation of the Cold War and the continuation of its' tensions and conflict, development, funding and deployment of conventional military technologies continued apace. The SDI - 'Star Wars' - programme reached operational status. The soviet Buran orbiter was developed and put into service, and both the USA and USSR deployed orbiting manned Space Stations, with both later involving international partners and allies. Additionally, military stations were deployed.
Many models of combat aircraft and vehicles reached full production and were stockpiled, and even deployed in support of proxy wars across the globe, engaging in combat over Central Africa, South America, the Middle East, and the Far East.

Notable wars or conflicts during this period were the collapse of South African Apartheid and the 'Bush War' of the area, which was a long period of conflict over several years as Soviet-sponsored, trained, and supplied groups fought against the South African Defence Forces. When the South African parliament voted to end Apartheid, long-standing sanctions were lifted by Western powers, and they deployed forces and gave materiel and economic aide to combat the insurgent forces.

The Iraq War in 1991 - commonly known as 'The Gulf War' - began in 1991, with the Iraqi forces supplied and trained by Soviet personnel. The war became especially notable and a high tension point after Chemical and Biological weapons were deployed on the front lines by Iraqi troops against the advice of Soviet advisors, against Western Coalition troops. In other parts of the conflict, Soviet pilots and their aircraft, as well as Soviet armour crews and their vehicles engaged their Western counterparts in direct conflict for the first time, each side learning a lot about the others' equipment and tactics. The conflict lasted approximately eight months, before both sides drew back.

The Yugoslav wars of the 1990s were a direct conflict between the Eastern and Western ideologies. While Yugoslavia itself collapsed into six republics, these held differing ideologies and as such there was a clash of sentiments as different groups tried to asset power and influence, and the external influences of the West and East also tried to gain a foothold over the other.
As a result, Soviet forces backed the nascent communist-aligned nations, while NATO powers backed their opposite, resulting in direct clashes between both as well as the armies and states they back. The warfare that followed lasted from 1992-1998, finally coming to a close after individual accords were signed in various countries and resulting in an area of great ethnic, religious and political unrest as several different cultures and peoples ground up against one another in close proximity, held in a tenuous peace only by several complex treaties and agreements.

As well as the wider scale conflict between East and West, there were also a number of other regional uprisings and conflicts that were directly or indirectly influenced by one side or the other. Soviet forces and Soviet-aligned or supplied nations and groups often supplied and supported insurgencies and uprisings across the worlds. Many terrorist or extremist anti-government groups only tangentially aligned to communist ideals were supported and supplied with Soviet-made weapons and equipment, or trained by KGB advisors in overseas training camps.
Anti-government insurrectionists in Central and South America caused problems, with drug cartels and insurgent groups blurring lines as they became powerful enough to challenge the elected governments. In the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, as well as in the far east, similar ideological, religious or ethnic groups fought insurgent conflicts against their governments, often challenged and opposed overtly or covertly by Western allies and powers, and supplied, aided or equipped by them.

This wider tapestry of conflict set the stage for the dawning of the 21st century, and as the calendar ticked over from the last year of the 20th century and into the beginnings of the 21st, the specter of the Cold War still loomed over the heads of everyone, and was an inescapable reality of life.

Author's Note: This is the first major point of divergence. The most notable thing is that the Berlin Wall did not come down, and of course; the Soviet Union did not break apart. This results in a very different 1990s in some ways, but with many of the same events, just playing out differently in some ways. This provides a fertile background for characters old enough to have gained experience in direct combat, or have relatives who would have done the same. It also lays the foundations for the post-Heavenfall period. Notably 9/11 did not happen, and there was, as a result, no second Gulf War or war in Afghanistan.

Life and Culture during the 1990s and into the 21st Century

With the Cold War an ongoing concern, the effects on society and culture were subtle, but obvious.
While outright nationalism and jingoism were not as apparent as during previous conflicts, the celebration and embracing of the freedoms of the West was a direct counterpoint to the more practical, formal and rational outlook of the East, or at least the USSR.

Many works of fiction and entertainment used the backdrop for tales of daring espionage and heroism, with many characters and conflicts characterised by the emphasis of individuality, imagination and ingenuity over rigid conformity and collectivism, whether grounded in fantasy or reality, there were many films, television programs, video games and more of all genres that drew parallels.
Equally present and notable was a rising voice of popular sentiment that called for embracing the other and for drawing together, rather than apart. Many works of speculative fiction showed a world where people of all nations worked together and ideologies of the past were abandoned, and were produced by both sides.

With the continuing tension and worry of attack, drills and knowing the location of nearby shelters, and what to do in the event of an alert became commonplace parts of everyday life, especially in Europe where large centers of population were very close to striking range of Soviet missiles or bombers. Architecture reflected this, with many buildings having basements and sub-ground floors that doubled as shelters, and many civil engineering projects like tunnels, subways, and other such constructions having areas that doubled as shelters, be they long-term or temporary.

The peace movement also encouraged the rise of the counter-culture elements of society; a rebellion against the ever-present tension and threat. This often took the shape of non-conformist media, style, music, and other such things; the punk, goth, grunge and metal sub-cultures were something of a backlash against the ideas of conformity, with much of the 'message' being one of non-conformity, and a deeper connection with raw emotional elements, liberating of feelings and behaviour, and other such ideals and concepts.

Peace marches and movements were frequent and wide-spread, especially and often in reaction to the placing of military establishments and forces in allied countries, and in reaction to the continuing development and manufacture of NBC weapons or platforms for their launch, or stationing of them in various countries and territories. None was more notable than the 'Peace Camp' that was established outside Greenham Common airbase in the UK, an airfield used by the USAF to station nuclear-capable bombers and long-range missiles. The camp was established in the 1980's, and lasted right up until the Heavenfall itself in 2003, and the effective end of the Cold War.

Author's Note: Much of the popular culture of the 1990s, the major movies, shows, music and suchlike will still be present for the most part, though likely with some minor changes and alterations in keeping with the continued presence of the USSR and it's 'position' as the 'big bad' in a lot of media of the 1980's, for example.

The Heavenfall

The Heavenfall was the name later given to the event that occurred on March 23rd, 2004 at 11:23pm, Greenwich Mean Time.
An object travelling at a significant proportion of the speed of light entered the solar system from outside the ecliptic plane of Earth, and impacted above the Arctic Circle in central Russia The immediate impact caused massive earthquakes, as well as tidal waves. The shockwave travelled around the globe three times, and shattered windows as far south as Seoul.
However, this was only the first impact, as a string of follow-on objects laid a path of destruction across Earth's surface, travelling Eastwards, with the final impacts striking in the North Atlantic.
With the projectiles travelling so fast and approaching from such an oblique angle, there had been no opportunity or chance for them to be spotted by the various space agencies of Earth, and even if they had, little time to be able to prepare any kind of credible defence.

The end result was not quite the end of civilization that had been predicted by popular fiction, but it was very close.
The impacts caused massive geological upheavals. Earthquakes and tectonic activity rocked the world and toppled buildings, blocked roads, collapsed tunnels and shelters and disrupted and destroyed vital infrastructure and caused widespread devastation. Tidal waves ravaged coastlines and left vast areas flooded, destroying even more vital infrastructure and buildings.
Dust and debris thrown up by the impact darkened the skies and played havoc with weather patterns for months, further disrupting efforts to provide organized response and relief, and hampering rebuilding efforts tremendously.

With the incredible, unthinkable scale of the devastation, and the inability to respond effectively to the sheer magnitude of devastation, the after-effects of the impacts claimed even more lives, and caused even more destruction themselves. Exposure through lack of shelter, disease, injuries and starvation claimed more lives, along with fires, flooding, and other such disasters and accidents.
By the time the remaining governments and organised response had finally managed to get into action and begin to provide some kind of relief, the total casualties worldwide were estimated to be in the billions, roughly a third of Earth's total human population having died as a result of the impact and its' immediate aftereffects.

The incident became referred to as the 'Day the Heavens fell' in a now-iconic news report, and the name stuck, the 18-month period being referred to as 'The Heavenfall' as a whole, or 'The Long Winter', as a result of the persistent darkness and winter-like weather that ravaged across the world.
The impact had lasting effects as well. The Earth had been tilted on its' rotational axis, leading to longer summers and shorter winters. The global climate rose rapidly through the greenhouse effect caused by the impact's fallout. This, and the impact being above the arctic circle itself, resulted in the melting of large areas of continental ice and a concurrent rise in global sea levels. Many former coastal cities were abandoned, and capitals or major cities and population centers resettled elsewhere.

With so much devastation and loss of vital industry, transportation, and other long-held and long-established infrastructure, cultural, economic and civil hubs and sites of great importance, the old order of things and the focus of power shifted. Ancient seats of power such as London, Washington D.C., New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles and others were crippled, and the nations they served heavily affected by the Heavenfall. In the resulting chaos and ruin, other powers were left to pick up the reins of leadership and influence.
As the impact was in the Northern Hemisphere, the Southern Hemisphere became the new leading seat and focus of power. Relatively speaking; the southern hemisphere was less affected, and much of its' infrastructure had fared moderately better. In other countries, places more inland or at higher altitudes had survived better, and consequently became the new focus of development and population as people flocked to them looking for shelter, and as their intact industries, facilities and infrastructure became increasingly important and vital to the redeveloping world and society.

By default, this upheaval meant the end of the Cold War and of the divide and conflict between the Eastern and Western ideologies. The destruction overall and especially in what had been Russia had left the government, already tenuous and fractured, utterly shattered and dismantled, unable to respond effectively to the crisis that now faced its' people, and that had devastated much of its effective infrastructure and power base. Likewise, the leading nations of the West had been similarly subjected to massive upheaval, and left struggling to rebuild and regain their momentum over the following years.

Author's Note: The Heavenfall did not completely destroy civilization and society, but shifted the balance of power, and changed the 'modern era' away from the OTL into one where a setting and world like Shattered Steel can exist, while also preserving the idea of modern technology and society, and creating new enemies and powers as enemies and allies to fight against and for.

The Post-Heavenfall Era

In the years immediately following the Heavenfall, there was a vast amount of change and uncertainty. What had previously been the leading nations of the world were in a shambles, as Europe, North America, and most of the former global powers were left trying to pick up the pieces of their shattered countries and nations, while others were forced into the position of taking the reins of global power, rendering aid, support, and trying to lead and provide security.

The United Nations was a shell of its' former self, and a dramatic reorganisation was needed, though the nature of what this should be and how it should be pursued was debated and discussed back and forth for many years, while the reconstruction efforts themselves were underway.

Eventually, Europe, the USA, and other countries started to find their way back onto their feet, though this was with criticial and extensive aid from both the Private sector and also from nations of the Southern hemisphere. There were many compromises and concessions made as a result, and many agreements and treaties, acts and laws were passed that laid the foundations for the world that would follow in the 2010s.

In this period of reconstruction and of uncertainty, there were also many chances for opportunists to make a move for change, or to implement their ideologies and seize power while there was little opportunity for it to be challenged. As a result, there were many regional conflicts, civil wars, and coups across the globe that also aided in forming the new political, economic and cultural landscape of the early 21st century, and it's people.

Author's Note: There are 195 countries in the real world as of the time of writing. As such, it would be impractical to cover every single one of them, especially as in the Heavenfall world there are others that may have changed or been formed. As such, this guide is not considered to be extensive, but intended as an overview with attention paid to specific countries of note, and other areas of the globe noted as regions. Anywhere not covered in depth can be considered to be mostly the same as it would have been at the same date of the 'present' of Heavenfall universe of 2014, accounting for the effects and impact of the disaster and it's fallout. As always though, the creator's word is law unless stated otherwise.

North America

The United States of America:

The USA was hit hard by the Heavenfall. With the vast majority of the largest cities being coastal, there was devastating damage and unprecedented loss of life from both the initial destruction, as well as the chaos that followed. The government was stretched thin trying to simply deal with the massive number of casualties and deaths, and to try and provide aid to all those that suffered. Millions were left homeless, with all their property and belongings lost. Additionally, huge amounts of infrastructure were destroyed; powerplants, manufacturing, utilities and more were all wrecked beyond repair.

Even sorting through and making sense of this level of chaos took months, and reconstruction and relocation efforts took even longer.
The majority of senior government were wiped out during the incident, and the fallout following soured the reputation and opinions of much of the public.
This was especially the case as less-than scrupulous, compassionate, or socially-minded representatives or members of the government attempted to spin the narrative in order to serve their own interests and ensure their own positions and power. This resulted in a considerable reshuffling and reorganization of political parties and sitting senators and members of the government.
As a result, the overall culture has reverted to a more liberal and socially-conscious one overall along both sides of the political fence. The current senate and government is one that is more focused cultural, social and societal concerns, unity and co-operation, than on personal or corporate economic or financial gain and prosperity.
This resulted in a huge cultural division, as in the wake of the disaster, many of the more extremist sections of the population emerged in force, taking the name the White American Nationalist Coalition.
After an unsuccessful attempt to wrest control of several southern states under arms and supported by rebellious elements of the national guard and armed forces, they instead fled the country and regouped in South America.

The demand and sheer need for medical services and assistance during the fallout from the Heavenfall also rendered the idea of private medical services laughably unworkable and unethical, and as a result the private medical industry and health insurance collapsed and were replaced with a hastily organised programe of government-provided medical care, the exact details of which are still to this day being sorted out and debated, as with much of the current US policies between hardline traditionalists and the newer, more moderate and liberal representatives.

Overall, the USA has lost some of its international power and influence, with the loss of so much economic and material power, along with the loss of a large portion of its' military might and capability. The rebuilding of military forces has been focused on modernisation and the pursuit of a more mobile, quick-reaction force.
The need for rapid reconstruction and restoration of economic and manufacturing power has resulted in the rapid takeover and amalgamation of many companies and corporations into larger ones that had managed to weather and survive the disasters, and their economic might and presence has allowed them to exert influence and control over the government, though many have moved from their one-time headquarters in the USA in favour of countries with less restrictive laws and policies, allowing for unrestricted and uncontrolled development and research.
Much of the US population has relocated to the inner heartland of the country, while rebuilding of the coastal regions continues, albeit slowly. This has resulted in overpopulation of some cities and regions, with infrastructure and public services struggling to cope as more people than they were designed, staffed, or budgeted for are now depending on them. There is a demand and competition for resources. The divide between the wealthy and the poorer has become more marked, and many current government policies and initiatives are heavily focused on addressing this balance.
On the upside, employment is plentiful as reconstruction continues, with both blue-collar and white-collar jobs being plentiful. However, the dissatisfaction and frustration many people feel has resulted in a rising crime rate, and the institution of several unpopular policies for the enforcement of law and order, especially in these heavily populated regions.

The Southern USA, especially where it borders Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico have been subject to a lot of unrest and ongoing low-intensity conflicts along the borders between US troops and militarised cartel and other forces. Often they have little interest in seizing and occupying territory, but only ensuring the continued flow of their product or their ability to act without challenge or consequences in distributing their product and receiving payment to keep their enterprise going, and the use of military-grade firepower, equipment and tactics to enable this.

Alaska and Hawaii still remain under US governance and control, but due to their (relative) remoteness, especially during the period of the Heavenfall and the reconstruction, often are at odds with the central government of the USA and exhibit a lot more independence. They primarily put the interests of their own populations first, sometimes causing clashes of policy and ideology within the government, and have acted with more autonomy on various occasions, much to the frustration and anger of the central US Government.

The USA does still maintain it's nuclear arsenal, as well as an extensive surveillance and intelligence apparatus and a substantial naval fleet and air force giving it a considerable presence on the global stage, despite its' reduced economic, political and military influence. As such it is still an important member of the N/UN, and has a considerable say in the direction and implementation of N/UN policies and strategy.

Canada:

Canada was surprisingly lucky with how the outcome of the Heavenfall affected it. With it's population centers and population overall being concentrated in mostly inland areas and in the southern area of the country, the more sparsely populated northern territories were hit more heavily by the actual impacts. While this still caused considerable devastation due to the geological upheaval and resulting Long Winter, the rebuilding was (comparatively) easier, and industry and infrastructure was somewhat less heavily impacted that that of other countries.

The loss of life was still devastating, as were the ecological effects, but the country and government managed to retain control and provide relief to citizens, as well as allies and the neighbouring North America following the disaster.
Canada has since become important for its' abundant natural resources and its' manufacturing and industrial base that managed to survive. However, these same resources are stretched thin and overworked, leading to a high demand for workers and a desire to build more factories and industrial plants, something that is a matter of intense debate and contention, especially with the possibility of allowing more corporate control and interests into the country.

Canada has also accepted many refugees into its' borders following the disaster of the Heavenfall, especially with the need for a workforce to manage the increased demand for manufacturing and production. This has lead to some cultural clashes and unrest between various sectors of the population, and an increase in criminal activity as the unrest and tension has grown.

Canada's military has always been one that was professional, competent and adequately equipped for the duties it undertook, albeit somewhat less-than modern in many respects, or by comparison to those it considered allies. While it survived the Heavenfall mostly intact, the losses of equipment, manpower and materiel have resulted in a program of intense modernisation and re-equipping to enable a modern, capable fighting force that is ready and more-than able to respond to the obligations it has as an important member of the N/UN.

Canada is considered on the whole to be one of the better and more pleasant places to live in the post-Heavenfall world, despite it's issues internally, and is seen as one of the more stable regions and nations.

Western Europe

Note: 'Europe' refers to the geographical region in this instance, rather than the European Union specifically.

Western Europe is geologically relatively stable; there are very few active volcanoes and fault lines in the region, and historically it has not been especially prone to large or regular earthquakes or tectonic events. Of course, the Heavenfall was an exception and the main site of impact was on the Eastern part of the Eurasian plate, which sent reverberations across it creating massive destruction. Buildings were devastated, there were massive landslips and avalanches, tunnels and bridges collapsed and massive tidal waves devastated the many coastal cities and regions. In addition, the subsequent rise in sea levels lead to devastation of the many coastal population centers and important areas.

The British Isles (Including the Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Shetland Islands)
The UK - that is, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, along with the Shetland Islands, Isle of Man and Channel Islands - did not weather the destruction wrought by the Heavenfall well. With so many large settlements in coastal areas, including London; the Nation's capital, this lead to huge loss of life, as well as the loss of a vast amount of historically and culturally significant buildings, artefacts and objects, as well as significant industrial, government, communication, military and utility infrastructure.
The following years were a terrible struggle as the crippled countries tried to provide for their battered populations. The remains of the govenment, the back-benchers and local MPs, had to weld themselves into a functioning parliament and rapidly to be able to cope with the cascade of demands placed on them by the vast number of relocated people flooding into the cities more inland, feeding them, accommodating them, and meeting their medical demands.
It was a gruelling and harsh few years, but slowly and surely the British Isles turned around. Like every country across the world, they were heavily affected by the Heavenfall disaster, and it was inescapable without change to the country.
With the reducation and scarcity of resources, becoming a member of the N/UN for the mutual aid, relief, and protection was seen as an overall benefit, and the UK and ROI both signed on to be members, committing their armed forces to the international organization. The UK still has control and access to it's nuclear weapons aboard ballistic missile submarines, and remains a nuclear power, despite the reduction in its' wealth and power.

Several of the overseas dependencies of the United Kingdom have been lost or taken during the Heavenfall and afterward, with many occupied by surrounding nations or regional powers. The UK government has expressed interest in retaking and resuming governance of these territories, especially after the populations have spoken out against the occupations and pleaded for assistance, but there are currently no actions planned, due to the reduced military capabilities of the UK. N/UN strategies and actions are being drawn up to accommodate all member nations needs, but there are - understandably - numerous interests from many nations that are conflicting in priorities. The Falkland Islands in particular were once against seized by Argentina, and a second Falklands War was fought during 2010, this time involving UK strikes on the Argentine mainland to cripple their ability to stage such an attack again.

France
Paris was thankfully spared much of the devastation, and France as a whole managed to come through more intact than many other European countries, leaving it in comparatively good standing and with a relatively powerful stance in the following years, despite devastation along its' coastlines.
The struggles for France came not from the destruction - though, it was not insignificant - nor from the loss of life and ability to restore and supply order and working services, but instead from internal dissention and rebellion. There had already been an undercurrent of dissidence brewing in the country between ethnic, religious, ideological and political groups, and the chaos of the Heavenfall and the post-disaster period, where the government, along with Law Enforcement and military agencies were at their weakest was seen as an opportunity. Massive riots broke out along with numerous violent clashes as the government attempted to retain control. There were many brutal and violent losses of life on all sides, which in turn spurred more action by those affected, especially speaking out against the governments' perceived heavy-handed responses.
Ultimately, once order was restore, elections were held, and a new government elected that is somewhat more independent and nationalist than earlier ones had been, and has been noted in recent years for actions, policies and decisions that have been much more 'France First' and considered to be on the authoritarian side.
France has transition from UN membership to N/UN membership, but is notably often an outspoken voice in discussion, and one of dissention when it comes to policy.

Frances' overseas territories were lost during the Heavenfall and the following chaos and violence, and the French government has expressed interest in retaking control of them, but has not yet committed to military action to do so.
France also conceded a small amount of territory and land when Euskadi, described below, was formed.

Germany and Austria
Germany was divided into East and West up until the Cold War ended as a result of the Heavenfall. Prior to this, there were a handful of small skirmishes, though none ever amounted to full-scale conflict. These were often over border incidents and caused by overzealous application and enforcement of rules.
Berlin had been the hotspot of espionage and intelligence activities by both sides, and there were a handful of notorious and diplomatically embarassing intelligence incidents where operatives of one side or the other were exposed or caught.

The Berlin wall itself collapsed in numerous places during the Heavenfall and in its' aftermath. In the following chaos, there were many incidents of violence as military and law enforcement personnel with no clear orders struggled to uphold or interpret order, until the government on both sides of the former border reached agreement, especially after the USSR rapidly dissolved and fell apart in the following days and months.
Reunification of Germany from the East and West happened relatively quickly after this. Borders were dismantled, along with the agencies that had enforced them, and the various government agencies, branches and departments were merged, along with military forces. Much of this was done as quickly as possible out of practical need, due to the losses of life and destruction following the disaster, but there were still many issues and problems that arose with the necessary reshuffling of personnel and their positions and appointments, and resolving all manner of administrative and practical issues.

The interior of the country and much of it's industry was relatively unaffected by the disaster, and as such managed to maintain its' economic and manufacturing power, along with - after the reshuffling and reorganization - a relatively stable, secure, and capable military that is equipped with a mixture of former Soviet and Western equipment, though much of the former Soviet gear and vehicles are being replaced with indigenously developed and built equipment, thanks to the aforementioned industry coming through the Heavenfall disaster relatively intact.

Germany holds a seat on the N/UN council and contributes considerable forces and resources to the international organization.

Austria weathered the Heavenfall with remarkably little impact. As a landlocked country it had no shorelines to be flooded or destroyed, and resting in a geologically stable area, the earthquakes had little effect, though there was naturally some destruction and loss of life, and more followed in the shortages of food and resources due to the 'long night' that followed.
Nonetheless, the country survived with much of its' infrastructure intact and was able to rebuild relatively quickly, and provided aid to its' neigbours and other allies where possible in their reconstruction and relief efforts. There were some internal debates and disagreements about how much aid should be sent or rendered externally, and this did cause a rise in nationalist sentiment from some sections of the population and government, but this did not amount to any great change or movement.
Austria remains a stable and peaceful nation, and as such is home to many businesses and other enterprises. Austria is not a contributing member to the N/UN but has numerous mutual aid and defence agreements, and is a peaceful ally and trade partner with them, and several other nations and groups worldwide.
Austria has a modern and well-equipped, well-trained military that has participated in many mutual defence exercises and deployments with N/UN and other allied forces.

Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg
The Benelux countries were greatly affected by the tidal impacts of the Heavenfall, due to their low-lying geography. With a lot of reclaimed land protected only by dams and sea barriers, the massive tidal activity and following rising sea levels could not be countered quickly, or efficiently, enough to save those areas. As such, many lives were lost, along with large areas of farming and agricultural land and many built-up areas, including several entire villages, towns, and even cities.
Disaster relief was a priority, and it took years for the situation to stabilise. Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced, and the strain on resources and infrastructure was great as a result
Having always had close relations and a great deal of shared history and ethnicity, the monumental decision was made to merge the territories of Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Belgium into one, adopting the name Benelux, as had been used for their longstanding co-operative agreements on other matters.
In essence, the three countries retained their national identities and individual capitals, cultural heritage and other important national identities, but shared a national government, laws, economic, defense, and other important governing policies, much like the United Kingdom.
The new state was governed by a parliament of officials from each country, with an elected Prime Minister. Brussels became the national capital as it has long been recognised as an important international city, and also because it survived the Heavenfall more intact than many other cities in the region.
Benelux is part of the N/UN, and is starting to contribute more to the international organisation as it begins to become more and more capable and better organised and established.

Spain, Portugal, Andorra and Euskadi
Spain and Portugal were both affected heavily by the Heavenfall, with many of Portguals key cities ravaged by the tidal and geological upheaval. Many of Spain's larger coastal settlements were likewise devastated, and much of the population moving inland in search of shelter, aid, and relief. Portugal's government turned to assistance from their neighbour, as their own relief efforts were massively strained.
Both nations suffered extensive losses of life during this period, and their infrastructure and services were terribly strained due to the extra demands.

As a result of this, enforcement of government policies, laws, and treaties was at an all time low, due to the vast strain and demand on surviving resources. The Canary Islands and Azores, heavily damaged by the tidal activity and rising sea levels were left mostly to fend for themselves, and as a result suffered extensive losses of life, as well as rising criminal activity, that left them something of a haven for criminal activity, a situation that was only resolved many years later when the Spanish armed forces were able to retake the islands, though they still bear the scars of such activity, and many illegal activities are still operated out of the islands, and they are still home to many unscrupulous individuals.

In the North-East of Spain, the disruption in law enforcement and governance allowed an opportunity for the more extreme elements of Basque sepratism to rear their heads and become organised. Over the years following the Heavenfall, they managed to carve out an independent territory for themselves, and through canny deals with various independent contractors and organisations, enforced their borders and independence. The newly-formed NCAA, along with other unaligned nations recognised the newly formed Basque nation of Euskadi, and it became home to the large and well-equipped PMC organisation Nightwatch, who also act as the de facto security forces for Euskadi.

Andorra remained independent, and was mostly unaffected by the Heavenfall other than it causing a considerable amount of property damage, fires, and other such civil disruptions and destruction. The country itself remains intact and healthy, though concerned about Euskadi being so close and the disruptive presence the new nation causes, compared to its' N/UN aligned neigbouring territories.
Spain, Portugal and Andorra are all N/UN member states, and while Spain and especially Portugal are still recovering to some degree, both contribute to the N/UN's armed forces, as well as participating in policy decisions and other programmes and important functions of the international organization.

Italy, The Vatican, Monaco, Lichtenstein and Switzerland
Italy suffered extensive coastal damage, with coastal cities and settlements, including several important ports and naval facilities being heavily damaged, if not by the initial tides, by the subsequent rising water levels. Venice in particular was all-but destroyed, along with the islands in the lagoon along with it. Many mountainous regions of the country suffered extensive damage due to landslips and falling debris, along with avalanches and other similar natural disasters. San Marino was especially devastated, being a mountainous and hilly place, and one with little in the way of its' own emergency services, and was supplied with relief and aid by the Italian government.
Many of Italy's major cities were - fortunately - somewhat inland and located in less mountainous regions, and while suffering damage from the geological upheavals and subsequent fires, floods and other damage, managed to weather the overall damage and were repairable and able to be reconstructed.
As with other countries and regions, there were large numbers of displaced persons, as well as huge amounts of injured, and later sick, people that needed aid and shelter, and this caused a great deal of strain for the countries government, emergency services, medical services and infrastructure, along with the strain on resources due to the extensive rebuilding and reconstruction efforts, many of which are still ongoing.
Sardinia, Corsica and Sicily were all also greatly affected and required a lot of reconstruction efforts, as well as a great deal of aid, as the majority of settlements on these islands were coastal and the loss of life was great as a result, much the same as Malta, to the south, which while an independent nation had long been in agreement with Italy to provide aid, defense and other critical services when the need arose. Much of Malta's coastline was heavily damaged, resulting the destruction of many population, industrial and commercial centers of importance and significant loss of life and property. However, the rebuilding commenced quickly, along with extensive programs of modernisation and development, welcoming in new business oppotunities and turning the island nation into a destination for white-collar financial, technical, and other such companies and institutions.
Both Malta and Italy became members of the N/UN with Italy having a significant commitment in armed forces to the international agency. Malta was an early and immediate recipient of the N/UN's commitment for protection via the use of the vetted and authorised PMC program and acts, with the small, but capable and well-trained, PMC of Vanguard Security stationed there for 18 months during the period of greatest vulnerability.

To the North and West, the tiny nation of Lichtenstein weathered the Heavenfall with little damage or impact, coming through almost entirely intact and with little loss of life, property or industry. This stability allowed them to maintain their position as a haven for wealth and economic power, especially in conjunction with the neighbouring Switzerland to the west, which was similarly unaffected or at least, weathered the damage due to a long history of building shelters and fortifications against disaster. With so much economic wealth and power held in such stability, as well as having remained officially neutral throughout the Cold War, Switzerland and Lichtenstein became monetary and financial centers for the resurgent world order, and among the richest countries, despite their small size.
Neither country is a member of the N/UN, but are peaceful, allied nations and regularly engage in talks, debates and summits regarding issues that affect global well-being and are of importance and relevance.

Monaco, bordering Italy and France to the West and North respectively, did not fair well. Being an entirely coastal country and extremely small, it suffered terrible destruction and loss of life, the iconic and famous riviera almost completely destroyed from the Heavenfalls' impact. There were survivors, of course; but the country was affected heavily. The added impact from this was that the economic power and the people it was tied up in were also devastated and destroyed, leading to something of a noticeable 'drain' on the global population of millionaires. Rebuilding and reinvestment in the country was aided by a policy to invite hi-tech, low-impact industry and business into the country, leading to a disproportionate number of head offices or other important facilities and offices for megacorporations being based in Monaco.

The Scandinavian Alliance
During the Cold War, Sweden maintained its' neutrality from NATO while still being opposed to the Eastern bloc and Soviet Union; though was a covert ally with an 'officially unofficial' understanding that the nation would fight as a NATO ally in the event of any large-scale war.
Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland were all member countries of NATO with close ties to NATO nations for defensive and economic purposes. Sweden likewise maintained ties with NATO countries, such as purchasing weapons, equipment, vehicles and more from them and co-operating in exercises along with mutual treaties.
Over the course of the Cold War into the 1990's and early 2000's, some of these agreements grew more contentious and distant, especially after several incidents of hostile encounters between Soviet personnel and units infringing on borders of Finland, Norway, Iceland and Sweden. Few of these came to much more than a short exchange of words, and rarely was any fire exchanged. However, the lackluster response from NATO allies to these incidents lead to closer ties forming between the Scandinavian nations, and increased policies and acts of mutual co-operation and signing of several agreements and treaties.

This only increased after the Heavenfall, as the damage to these countries was extensive due to their extensive coastlines, mountainous geography, and extensive damage from other natural disasters such as avalanches, flooding, and other such incidents. With many remote regions and communities, the treaties signed for mutual aid were more beneficial than ever, and the ties between the Scandinavian nations strengthened into a sense of shared fate and destiny, especially so in the face of having weathered the disaster.
The nations of Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland, as well as their depdendent territories such as Greenland and the Faroe Islands, formed an Alliance as a United entity. They collaborated on matters of law, governance, defence, economics and other such mutually beneficial matters. While remaining separate countries, those residing within them enjoyed unrestricted travel between the member nations, along with civil rights, laws, freedoms and other such standards being unified.
The unified state is known as The Scandinavian Alliance, and is governed by a council of elected representatives from the member nations, with an elected President.

The Scandinavian Alliance is not a member state of the N/UN, but maintain cordial relations with the global power, and has various mutual treaties and agreements with them, but maintain a strong posture of individual freedom to act and implement its' policies as it sees fit. Nonetheless, the Scandinavian Alliance does operate and trade numerous weapon systems, vehicles, equipment that is used by other world powers, as well as exporting its' own worldwide.
There has been a building friction between the Scandinavian Alliance and the N/UN, due to expansion from the Eastern borders of Finland where it meets the former USSR, as TSA forces have begun to expand, in response to requests for aid and security from communities in the area that have been left with little to no civilised or modern utilities and standards of living due to the breakdown of the Soviet government and its' infrastructure, as well as the random and frequent acts of predatory violence and brutality by the would-be dictators and rulers that were once military officers, government officials, or other persons in positions of power and influence. The N/UN is left in an awkward position, while not condoning the unilateral action, they are also unable to condemn it, as it aligns with their own goals and aims, and it has been a tense diplomatic issue since.

Central Europe

Central Europe was heavily involved and affected by the events of the Cold War. The USSR having such a strong influence over so many countries and territories in the area and being a looming presence over the region, and being pulled between both the East and West lead to a lot of unrest within the region, sometimes leading even to violent actions as ideologies clashed, fuelled by the action - or inaction - and influence of nations of both sides.

Hungary
Hungary was one of many Soviet Satellite states during the Cold War, but the influence waned over the years following the 1991 coup. Internal clashes between communist and capitalist ideologies escalated during the mid-to-late 90's, resulting in harsh crackdowns and punitive measures by internal security forces. The continuing civil unrest, disobedience and violent protests that resulted to disruption of internal government and day-to-day running of the countery was used as provocation for Red Army soldiers to enter the country and occupy it under the explanation of 'restoring order'. This action only added to the outrage felt by the Hungarian people, and the situation erupted into a civil war, with the Hungarian government and Armed Forces split between both sides.
The fighting became a gruelling, messy grinder of insurgency and guerrilla warfare, alongside open battles. Western nations covertly funded the anti-Soviet forces, while publicly condeming the brutal and repressive actions of the Red Army and other Soviet-aligned forces, especially as other Eastern-bloc states committed forces to the internal conflict.
This was no real secret, and the USSR along with the Hungarian government called for sanctions against the UK, USA, and other nations supplying weapons, aid and training to the anti-Soviet, anti-communist forces, promising direct action against them should any shipments be seized, and any advisors or personnel be captured, and that they would be treated as illegal combatants.
Before much more could escalate, the Heavenfall interrupted everything.
Following the disaster, the Soviet troops were immediately recalled, and the priority within Hungary became reconstruction and the provision of aid, relief and shelter in the wake of the devastation. It took many years, but in the aftermath, Hungary has reformed their government into a democratic republic.
Hungary currently maintains excellent relations with the Scandinavian Alliance, along with a friendly relationship with the N/UN, though is not currently a full member of the organization.

The Czech Republic & Slovakia
The Czech Republic and Slovakia were formed in a peaceful, non-violent dissolution of the state of Czecheslovakia in 1992, after the non-violent overthrow of the communist government in 1990; one of the only nations to reject the influence of the USSR. Shortly after this, the newly formed Czech Republic sought membership in the European Union, along with NATO membership, receiving NATO admission in 1999 and EU membership in 2004.
The Czech Republic has been the more successful of the two nations, managing to successfully kick-start its' economy and development, and achieve a high standard of living. Unfortunately for Slovakia, the nation was beset by the ravages of organized crime, and corruption was rife, leading to numerous issues with parliamentary elections, due to corruption of officials running for office. Business and industry was also tremendously affected by this. Public services, utilities, and standards of education were low as a result, and the country became a economic 'black hole', along with having a very low standard of living. While it maintained close ties with its' neighbour, the issues continued to dog the country and hold it back until the Heavenfall.
Following the Heavenfall, the Czech Republic was damaged extensively, but was able to administer and send aid to its' neighbour. The disruption of infrastructure and communications, along with the further damage to utilities and services within Slovakia lead to a serious reorganisation of the government, law enforcement, emergency services, utilities and other such services. Criminal activities and corruption were fiercely hunted down and stamped out, with the help of external aid, and the country has managed to get itself back on its' feet within the years following the Heavenfall. Investment in the countries' education, business and industrial sectors has attracted new businesses, and resulted in a fresh, modern, and forward-looking country that has a high standard of living.
Both Slovakia and the Czech Republic are members of the N/UN, but also have strong ties with The Scandinavian Alliance, Hungary, and other national groups and powers.

Poland
While independent from the USSR, Poland was a satellite state of the Soviet Union and was heavily influenced by Soviet politics and actions. The Red Army had a presence in Poland throughout the Cold War, and attempts to hold democratic elections were repeatedly interfered with by Soviet authorities and agents, resulting in a low standard of living, and a great deal of dissatisfaction and unrest.
Poland was important to the Soviet leadership as a direct access to their territory in East Germany as a means to move their troops and forces, and as a place to station their forces close to the projected front lines of any conflict.
Internal resistance against Soviet Communist rule was persistent, and had been ongoing since the institution of the communist regime. It continued into the 1990s, and in 2002 it erupted into an armed insurrection, with the main targets being Soviet garrisons and forces within Poland and the institutions that supported them. The counter-offensive was brutal and heavy-handed, leading to outcry from the legitimate government. This was roundly ignored and used as justification for more troops to be deployed, and the Soviet authorities to seize power, claiming that the government itself had been infiltrated by the rebels. This resulted in all out civil war, aa Polish forces turned against the Soviets, pleading for aid from NATO forces. The issue received heated discussion in the UN, with the USSR and its' allies coming under intense condemnation for their actions, and refusing offers to engage in talks.
NATO and its' allies eventually declared they would intervene militarily, and the USSR likewise declared days later that any intervention would be seen as an act of war, and forces on both sides were moved ordered to move to ready positions - but the Heavenfall happened before any further action could take place, and the whole plan was forgotten.

Following the Heavenfall and the destruction caused by it, the soviet forces retreated back into the ruins of Russia, and Poland organised its' own democratic elections. While it suffered a period of difficult adjustment, economic reforms and shock strategies quickly followed, with the country opening up to great investment from outside corporations and agencies and leading to a rapid increase in the quality of living and wealth of the country as a whole.
Having already been a founding member of the original United Nations, Poland was quick to join the N/UN, and is a key member of the international alliance.

The Balkan States
The nation formerly known as Yugoslavia split up over a period from 1991-2001 following a period of rising nationalism and ethnic tension between the constituent republics that had formed the communist - but independent - state. The conflict - or conflicts - that followed were some of the most brutal and violent since World War 2, with many recorded incidents of war crimes, including genocidal actions. Forces from both the USSR and NATO intervened, though notably worked together in this instance in peacekeeping operations and in attempts to curtail the genocidal activities and conflict, though such co-operation was at a strategic and planning level, rather than in the field, and there were many accusations of espionage and counter-espionage of one side or the other attempting to gain intelligence and information about the forces deployed. There was apparent truth to this, as following the treaties and agreements signed that ended the conflict, there were several incidents of people coming forward to reveal they had been courted by intelligence agencies from either side to provide photos, reports, or to acquire physical objects and items for the purposes of providing intelligence information.

Following the Heavenfall, the region is relatively peaceful, but heavily divided. Bosnia and Herzegovenia, Slovenia and Montenegro are all members of the Unaligned Nations Council, while Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia and Kosovo are all minor members of the N/UN.

Greece, to the south of them all, suffered several incidents of insurgencies across the border, and was involved in deploying forces into the region as part of peacekeeping efforts. Greece also had ongoing issues with conflicts over its' territorial borders on Cyprus, which pulled the UK into the action during the 1990's and early 00's, with the situation a series of short, violent skirmishes that would died down for months or even years, before erupting again. Intelligence provided by the CIA and British Intelligence services pointed to the fact that Soviet agents were responsible for manipulating the situation to draw attention and forces away from other areas.
However, Greece was damaged and affected heavily by the Heavenfall, and the following reconstruction sent the country into an economic crisis, as the government was unable to afford the huge bills needed for reconstruction and aid for its' population.
The country ended up owing a huge debt, which was taken on in part by Megacorporations in exchange for concessions for basing their facilities in the country and relaxing of regulations around their activities. As such, the Greek government is essentially a puppet of the Megacorporations that are based there. The country has become a highly technologically advanced nation with minimal unemployment, but the downsides are that virtually everything serves the corporate interest.

Eastern Europe and the Former USSR
The majority of what is now known as 'Eastern Europe' is comprised of nations or states that were part of the USSR. After the Heavenfall and the collapse of the USSR and of Russia's power and influence over the region, it has changed dramatically, leaving a very patchwork, different landscape of nations with an assortment of political and ideological positions.

Author's Note: There may be some smaller nations or regions missed out, due to the necessity of writing about over 100 countries as part of this guide, and information may not be as in-depth. Also note that the information and views expressed here are in no way intended to cause offence or be representative of entire cultures or peoples, and are by necessity simplified and presented as an 'overview' rather than a detailed look at every aspect of those places, as such in-depth writing would require much more time and space than is possible here.

The Former USSR
Once the biggest country in the world by area, straddling eleven timezones; the USSR is a shell of itself. The Heavenfall asteroid impacting directly within Russian territory contributed to this directly, but the seeds were sown well before, as internal conflict, corruption, and increasingly poor economic conditions and standards of living lead to ever-increasing unrest and dissatisfaction by the population. The ability of internal agencies and armed forces to keep control was dwindling as they too were left with shockingly few resources and supplies, often having to trade what they did have for much-needed supplies.
As a result, many areas were almost lawless, especially deep into the interior of Russia and in the far east, far away from government oversight. Such regions were essentially the kingdoms of whatever officers or party members could wield their influence and power effectively, often forming trusted circles around themselves, and wielding the ever-present threat of anti-communist thinking and dissent to do away with their opposition.
This corruption and model of 'kingdom building' extended right into the upper echelons of power and influence, and numerous cabals and factions worked against one another constantly to exert their own influence over policy and the countries' direction.
The extent of this 'decay' only became apparent over the course of the 1990s and early 2000s, when the Western powers got closer looks at the capability and readiness of Soviet forces when they were seen in action during operations in the Baltics, and the renewed fighting in Afghanistan, and the state of the vehicles, weapons, equipment and even personnel, along with the difficulties they had in combat showed the level of professionalism and training along with the level of available resources had drastically dwindled.

When the Heavenfall came, Moscow itself was virtually obliterated by the impact, effectively removing the Soviet leadership by default. Many other critical locations and infrastructure sites, as well as military installations and other important locations and resources were destroyed or rendered unusuable by the impact and the devastation that followed.
With no supporting or enforcing governmental structure or power structure, and the loss of so much in the way of resources, the USSR collapsed. Russia itself dissolved into a patchwork of ever-shifting territories controlled by whomever had the most power and influence, with only the larger, surviving cities retaining some kind of control by virtue of forging connections and relations with external powers. Many of these city-states, 'bandit kingdoms' and would-be states have formed alliances with various nations around the world in attempts to strengthen their security through a variety of means. Alliances between these patchwork nations are common with the NCAA, China, and the Central American Alliance, often trading in armaments, aircraft, vehicles and other materiel produced in the various factories and plants in exchange for regular imports of foodstuffs, raw materials, or other essentials to rebuild and maintain their infrastructure.

The former Soviet states outside of Russia had varied luck. Ukraine fared well; always a nation with its' own independence and identity, Ukraine struggled briefly with remnant nationalist Soviet forces as it rebuilt, and there was a problem with insurgent activities for years, but as the 2010's rolled around, international relations had greatly improved, and the country has since reached a far more stable situation, with a growing economy and an overall aim to modernise with a lot of new construction across the nation, and a slow rebuilding and modernising of its' armed forces, thanks to the production and manufacturing industries throughout the country. There has been a slow and cautious expansion westward, with the aim of reclaiming key industrial facilities and sites that would aid in the maintaining or production of essential items and technologies.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have found themselves allying strongly with The Scandinavian Alliance; aided by them in rebuilding and reconstruction efforts. Investment into their economies in the rebuilding has been from a variety of sources, with many commercial and industrial opportunities opening up as they modernise from the former Soviet influence over them. As such small nations, they have been slow in rebuilding their military forces, but have opted to sign agreements with the N/UN and Scandinavian Alliance for PMC's to be provided as security forces for the region, especially to protect their Western borders against hostile incursions from the various rogue powers in the area.

Belarus is the closest thing to a surviving Soviet republic. Although it suffered heavy damage during the Heavenfall, it managed to survive and weather the destruction, reorganising rapidly. It's one-party, Soviet Communist model continued, and the country is still ranked low on individual freedoms. Many of the emerging and new nations to the West in the former territories of Russia have strong ties to Belarus, along with continuing trade of weapons, equipment and resources. Belarus is allied to the NCAA and CAA, and heavily opposed to the N/UN, Scandinavian Alliance and has formal diplomatic relations with China and trades with them, but has no mutual defence agreements or other such treaties and arrangements.

Moldova struggled to maintain its' independence in the wake of the Heavenfall and the collapse of the USSR. Internal struggles centered around the efforts of the Transnistria region to establish itself as a separate nation and entity, and this lead to armed conflict. Eventually, the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic was established, occupying roughly the southern half of the area of Moldova and bordering Ukraine and Romania. The northern half of the region is recognised as Moldova by the N/UN and the majority of its' neighbours, while the PMR maintains a strong alliance with the NCAA, CAA and Belarus, with mutual defence treaties in place.

Georgia was hit heavily by the collapse of the USSR. While maintaining an independent status, it has been embroiled in conflict with the region of Abkhazia, a conflict that has been mostly driven by ethnic tensions. The country is very poor as a result with a low quality of life for its' citizens. Mercenaries from former Russia have been hired by both sides, and both sides have been supplied with arms and equipment from the NCAA and megacorporations worldwide. The N/UN has been approached by the Georgian government, but they have refused access to observers or investigators to look into reported war crimes and crimes against humanity that have been committed.

Bulgaria
Bulgaria remained a Soviet satellite state until the early 21st century, at which time Soviet forces started to withdraw due to economic difficulties and pressures from other conflicts and internal issues. Emboldened by this, democratic elections were organised for 2003, and a Socialist government was elected. Reform of the countries' economic policies as well as many other aspects of society began, including tentatively opening up relations with the West. However, before much could be completed, the Heavenfall occurred.

Bulgaria was damaged significantly by the Heavenfall, with earthquakes rocking the area, as it was relatively close to the impact zone. The loss of life was immense, as was the disruption to transport, utilities and communications, all of which added further difficulties to the ability of the government to provide aid and assistance to where it was needed.
Recovery was slow, but steady, and by 2009, the country was starting to resume normal functions in most areas, though there was still a lot of rebuilding to be done.
The Bulgarian government became a member of the N/UN in 2010, and entered into agreements and treaties with the EU in 2011. The quality of life in the area has continued to improve since.

Romania
Romania's story is much like Bulgaria's; it too suffered heavy damage after the Heavenfall, and struggled to rebuild quickly. However, the road to democratic elections was much more difficult, as organised crime and corruption had taken hold during the chaotic aftermath of the Heavenfall, and this proved difficult to stamp out and eliminate completely. As such, Romania has been subject to ongoing internal clashes and failures of government due to corruption and back-room dealings. The current government is aligned with the NCAA and CAA, and has entered into mutual trade, defence and economic agreements with both.

The Middle East
When the Heavenfall struck, it had resounding effects across the Middle Eastern region. Many saw it as a sign that divine providence had been wrought the Westerners and their decadent, heathen ways. Others saw it as more of a practical opportunity, as their nations were relieved or liberated from the interference of either East or West nations and their politics and armed forces.
In many places, tribal, religious and ethnic conflicts broke out, and coups or revolutions occurred, overthrowing the legitimate governments.
In many places, this warfare became tremendously destructive, and even resulted in the deployment of weapons of mass destruction, resulting in large swathes of land that are, still to this day, uninhabitable and with nothing but irradiated ruins slowly being reclaimed by the deserts around them.

Cyprus
Cyprus remained a stable ally and member of the Western Bloc during the Cold War, but was beset by numerous short, intense skirmishes as Turkish and Greek forces clashed over historical claims over the island. These never escalated into full war, but there were numerous incidents of clashes between their military forces, including aerial engagements as no-fly zones were breached, and even clashes between armoured vehicles.
The Heavenfall put an end to much of this, as both Greece and Turkey suffered extensively from Earthquake damage, and Cyprus itself was also affected, along with tremendous amounts of flooding as a result of the same activity, and the later rising sea levels.
As such, following the disaster, both nations put aside their differences and contributed to the reconstruction efforts, and engaged in mutual aid for Cyprus. Since then, the island nation has been relatively stable, and is slowly being repopulated as development increased.

Turkey
Turkey was a key ally to the West during the Cold War as an active member of NATO. Turkey was often a base for launching intelligence operations, overflights and other such operations against the USSR, and strategic and tactical forces were often based within Turkey, especially as relations soured over the latter years of the ongoing conflict.
However, when the Heavenfall happened, the country was wracked by extensive earthquakes that destroyed large areas of historical significance and lead to extensive loss of life, infrastructure, and resources.
Turkey was, luckily, well-organised and equipped to respond, but the chaos gave an opportunity for the large Kurdish population in the South East of the country to seize the initiative to act against the government and take control of territory that had long been believed to be their birthright, along with regions of Iraq, Iran and Syria to form an independent Kurdistan.
Turkey was unable to wrestle full control of this region, instead negotiating for peaceful transfer of the region, and the freedom of people in the region to move between Kurdistan and Turkey.

Following the reconstruction after the Heavenfall, Turkey has maintained a strong economic presence, and has a developed industrial and commercial sector. Turkish defence companies export products worldwide, and some of these companies are among the globally recognised brands and names.

Kurdistan
The nation of Kurdistan is young in terms of borders and recognition, but old as a concept. The ethnic Kurdish people have long inhabited the area, comprising parts of Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey, and have long fought in insurgent actions against the people in those areas, often to defend themselves and their traditions, customs, beliefs and way of life.
Following the Heavenfall and the chaos that followed, as well as regional violence that resulted in the dissolution of several formerly prominent powers in the region, the ethnic Kurdish people seized the initiative to establish their own nation. It has been a long and bloody process, with a lot of mis-steps and difficulties, but the nation has become formally recognised by the NCAA, CAA and Chinese governments, receiving economic and material aid from them, as well as investment from Megacorporations in the region. The N/UN and Scandinavian Alliance have not formally recognised the nation as yet, and due to its' relative infancy, it has little in the way of military power, with the transition of freedom fighters and former insurgent forces into an organised, standing armed force being a difficult one, along with the establishing of a democratic government, and all that goes with it.

Egypt
As one of the oldest civilizations in the world, and certainly in the region, Egypt managed to weather both the Cold War, and the Heavenfall relatively intact. The stresses and disasters of the impact didn't manage to topple the ancient wonders that had endured the ages, like the pyramids, sphinx, and other iconic and world-renowned monuments that the country called home.
Egypt remained on the side of the West during the Cold War, despite several flirtations and wobbles toward Eastern influences and courting, but this only served to allow Egypt to be a mediator between both sides, and similarly a middle-ground between the Arab nations of the middle east and the Western nations.
Egypt managed to endure the depridations of the post-Heavenfall world, but this was only through many harsh enforcements of law and policies internally, several of which lead to violent clashes that were seen as violations of human rights by the international community, and lead to harsh criticism from the United Nations.
As a result of this, they were not invited to join the N/UN, but remain an allied, independent country.

The Levant
Historically the most contested and controversial area in the Middle-East region, the Levant - consisting generally of Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon - the Levant area was tumultuous during the Cold War, as Soviet powers supported numerous insurgent groups and powers in the area, in defiance of sanctions placed by western powers and NATO. The continued economic and military support of the USSR in the region to counter western influence and especially American influence and stoking or exploting regional conflicts only served to intensify the violence and unrest in the area. This resulted in open warfare on several occasions, with Israel engaging in unilateral action without support from UN powers, and regardless of condemnation for their actions.
The conflict escalated, with all-out war on the horizon, with numerous small-scale conflicts already in progress. When the Heavenfall happened, it put a halt to this, only for, once the dust had settled, the conflict to reemerge, with Syrian, Palestinian, Jordanian and Iraqi armed forces engaging in a full-on war against Israel, including bombardment with chemical and biological weapons. Israeli forces retaliated with their own Nuclear weapons, as well as full-scale strikes. The other nations retaliated with full strikes of their own using NBCR weapons (nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological or 'dirty' bombs) and other such 'scorched earth' tactics, such as dumping industrial waste-products; and the end result was a terrible holocaust of destruction that swept the region, leaving vast areas of land uninhabitable, dotted with shattered ruins and burned-out remnants of lives and communities. The capitals and major settlements of the main countries in the area have all been reduced to cinders and ashes, and the populations dispersed, leaving what is left a hollow shell of what it used to be, with no dominant power to the area and no organised forces of any kind.

The Arabian Peninsula
Author's note: for the sake of grouping by geographical region and by areas that influence and interact with one another, Iran is included in this section, despite not being on the peninsula.

With the conflict over Israel and the Levant region, and with Soviet and Western influences clashing in the region as part of their proxy conflicts, the Arabian Peninsula was affected by the fallout from the ongoing conflicts in the area. While Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the UAE had long been Western allies and had mostly stable governments; while Yemen had been more unsetlled. However, with the ongoing conflicts over the Levant reason and the fomenting of discord against the West by the USSR, and their support for the regimes of Iraq, Iran, and other anti-western movements, insurgencies and conflicts started to crop up more in the area, further fuelled by internal dissent as various ethnic and religiously aligned ideological groups vocally supported or opposed action in support of the ongoing conflicts in Israel, Lebanon, Palestine and that region, or in relation to the conflicts that rose as result of that.
As the Heavenfall struck, the seismic activity ravaged the area, along with upheavals of flooding and other natural disasters, as well as the general destruction. In the void of influence from the USSR and Western powers, tribal, religious and ethnic conflicts ignited, resulting in the established governments struggling to maintain control and authority over the region and peaceful and secure situations for their citizens.

Iraq and Iran engaged in a protracted conflict, picking up on earlier unresolved issues and conflicts. While this did not lead to the extensive use of WMD's, the conventional conflict was drawn-out and exhaustive, and has resulted in Iraq's government being essentially defunct and lacking in any realistic ability to enforce or control policy, and Iran being essentially victorious, and the head of a movement Islamic Supremacist League in the middle east. This movement is renowned for sponsoring and openly declaring its' support of insurgencies worldwide - particularly in South-East Asia and northern Africa. The ISL is mostly independent, having ideological conflicts with most other world powers in one way or another, but does maintain trade out of necessity with the NCAA and other unaligned powers. Frequently they manufacture unlicenced copies (or frankly, knockoffs), of other manufacturers weapons, vehicles, equipment, appliances, and devices, sometimes utilising inventive and creative workarounds for restricted components, though often producing somewhat inferior copies, albeit more affordable ones, en masse. Through their efforts, this has also lead to a proliferation of what would otherwise be obsolete designs being given extended lease of life due to the ready availability of spares or even upgrades bringing them at least to serviceable and respectable standard, if not modern ones, and having the willing to sell their product to even the smallest and most outspoken of groups, and giving them access to military-grade weaponry.

Central Asia
The central Asia region in this instance refers to grouping these countries for ease and convenience, rather than any official terminology

Former Soviet Satellite States
The countries of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan had all been heavily influenced by the former USSR, some of them even being part of the soviet state itself. This situation continued throughout the rest of the Cold War, with Soviet forces and interests being deeply embedded within these nations. Their governments were virtual puppets of the Soviet state, and their natural resources and industry were subverted to supply Soviet demand. Due to their fortunes being inextricably tied to the USSR's own, their economies and quality of life were mirrors of Russia's own, and they suffered many of the same pitfalls and obstacles. However, dissent was more openly discussed in these satellite states, and the corruption even more obvious. Frequent human rights abuses were noted, and especially in the last decade of the 20th century and the beginning years of the 21st, there was considerable movement against Soviet occupation and soviet-communist governance and ideologies, with resistance movements active in both the cultural, political and military sense.
As they were already struggling on multiple fronts and engaged in numerous armed insurgencies and low-level conflicts, the USSR started to draw down their forces and their influence in these regions, consolidating to solely keep their interests in the resources and production vital to keep their industrial machine running.
However, when the Heavenfall struck and the resulting vacuum of power that came with it, the 'stans' were released to their own devices.
There was some internal conflict as the remnants of soviet forces and their government liasons attempted to seize power in some cases, but such efforts were short-lived, with the responsible parties being either swiftly defeated, or forcibly ejected from the countries in question.
The economic results have been more long-reaching, and have greatly delayed efforts at recovery from the devastation, despite the best and genuine efforts of the now democratically elected governments in place. Shifts in economic and cultural goals and policies have been swift, but real progress has been slow and fitful, due to the lack of capital and resources to enable trade. This need for capital and investment has been met by MegaCorporations that saw an opportunity in the region, and many established sprawling facilities, such as manufacturing plants, industrial complexes, office complexes, mines and logistics hubs in various places across the region. This was not universal, however; and Kyrgyzstan notably did not follow suit and has established close ties with the N/UN.

Afghanistan
A nation caught forever in the tug-of-war between national powers, Afghanistan was wracked by its' conflict with the USSR for the latter years of the 20th century. While there was something of a lul in the conflict for several years in the late 80s, the spring of 1992 resulted in a renewed offensive and in greater force. Soviet forces poured into the country and waged a more brutal and violent war of occupation, installing their own government and enacting harsh and uncompromising laws with the ideal of stamping out religious and ideological conflict. Knowing that the insurgency was sponsored and supplied by the west and their intelligence agencies, any agents captured were interrogated brutally and treated as criminals, while any materiel recovered was released publicly, with frequent and loud appeals to the United Nations about the interference in their business, and threats of reprisals.
This situation continued throughout the 1990s, with the USSR declaring 'victory' in 1998 after wiping out the heads of the insurgent groups in a massive operation. Nonetheless, insurgent actions were still common, despite the heavy Soviet presence in the area.
When the Heavenfall hit in the early 2000's, the soviet forces still in the region withdrew, without orders from command and without contact from home, they headed back to Russia for the most part, though in some cases command structures broke down and the remaining units and their personnel asserted themselves as authorities in the region, carving out their own kingdoms.
The country now is a divided and anarchic region. The largest authority is the Coalition Government, a tribal council of imams that are aligned with the ISL. Other groups share closer ties with the NCAA or N/UN, and CAA, who are interested in the cultivation of poppies and other narcotics crops, something the region is equally famous for, and the main export for which it gains any kind of money.
The region was also affected by the literal and metaphoric fallout from the war between India and Pakistan, with displaced people moving into Afghanistan to escape the destroyed and devastated areas, and the nuclear fallout.

Pakistan and India
Pakistan and India were always at the edge of conflict with one another, locked in a game of brinkmanship and one-upmanship throughout the years. This had erupted into open conflict several times, and there were many border clashes and minor skirmishes through the 1990s and into the early 2000s. The Heavenfall served as a spark to light the powder keg, however. Tremendous earthquakes and tidal waves scoured both countries, though India in particular was ravaged, especially with so many cities of such a high population density. While they were engrossed in their relief efforts, the Pakistan armed forces launched numerous attacks on Indian military bases and other important strategic targets. This first strike caught India unaware, and it took them time to organise an effective counterattack. By the time they could get organised, Pakistani forces had devastated a lot of the critical bases and infrastructure, and penetrated deep into Indian territory. With a sense of mounting panic, and their appeals for aid and intervention falling on deaf ears in favour of negotiation and talks, the Indian government responded with nuclear strikes at Pakistani targets, including the seat of government. This resulted in massive deaths of civilians, as well as military personnel, and Pakistan responded in kind, targeting Indian industrial and key government faciltiies, resulting in further tremendous casualties.
With both sides chain of command essentially decapitated, the remaining units and personnel descended into a chaotic, undirected conflict that slowly wore itself down into a slogging match through attrittion of their equipment, and the rapid using up of wartime stocks of materiel. Civilian populations, largely forgotten or ignored by those who had assumed power, fled the areas most affected and in the path of the fighting, resulting in mass migrations to neighbouring countries, which were not always welcome.
As time wound on, the region has become a hotspot for mercenary units, especially unlicenced ones, to get involved. The N/UN has deployed peacekeeping forces to the reason, which are in an unsteady balance with the Chinese forces also deployed in the area. Both sides are attempting to regulate and counter the mercenary companies deployed in the region, but it is a complex political situation, with many lives in the balance, due to the civilian populations caught up in the ongoing conflict.

Nepal
Nepal has been caught up in the conflict to the south by proxy, if nothing else. While the nation has taken no active part in the fighting, and has had no real aggression from its' neighbours on any side, the influx of refugees and the drifting radioactive fallout has caused many problems for the nation, and it has sought aid from other regional and international powers, with China particularly coming to their aid and helping to manage the refugee crisis, and aiding with disaster relief.
As a result of the unstable situation, the Nepalese government has sought to upgrade and modernise their armed forces, and as part of this has employed the PMC Platinum Shield to provide reinforcements to their own small armed forces, while also training candidates from their armed forces as combat pilots and in the use of more complex vehicles and equipment.

Bangladesh and Bhutan
Both countries were affected by the fallout from the war between Indian and Pakistan, as well as the destruction from the Heavenfall causing widespread devastation. For Bangladesh especially, being such a densely populated country, it suffered tremendous loss of life during the Heavenfall. The resulting period was characterised by harsh and brutal rule, which only ended after an overthrow of the government by revolution from the people, though this has not alleviated the crises still in place, and the current democratically elected government has looked to China and the NCAA for help in maintaining stability and improving standards of living for its' people, as well as dealing with the ongoing refugee crises.

In the case of Bhutan, the landlocked country suffered from the geological and seismic activity, but even more so from the resulting rise in global temperatures, as the glaciers in the mountainous regions of the country began to melt at a much faster rate, resulting in massive flooding that caused widespread destruction and losses of life. Extensive reconstruction and disaster relief efforts followed, and the country managed to hold together, and has been a member of the N/UN since it's inception, though mostly as an observer rather than an actively contributing nation to the N/UN's power or forces.

Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean Islands
Sri Lanka's coastline was ravaged by the tidal upsets caused by the Heavenfall and the resultant rising sea levels. With somewhat more land area than other island nations in the Indian Ocean, it survived, despite suffering tremendous losses of life, property, and infrastructure and has only recently managed to find itself on stable footing once more, partly due to aid and relief agreements made with the NCAA.
Other islands nations in the Indian Ocean have not been so lucky. the Maldives and Mauritius, as well as the British Indian Ocean Territories were all-but destroyed by the tsunamis and rising sea levels. The land area of most of them was greatly reduced, and the populations drastically cut down. Many of the islands were abandoned due to being effectively uninhabitable long term, while others reverted to a more basic level of existence, supporting much smaller settlements and populations.
With an abundance of abandoned population centers and facilities, while still being a major shipping and transit route, many pirate groups have made the area their home, and piracy is common in the area, along with incidents of kidnapping, extortion, and other such crimes, with the N/UN attempting to mount patrols to secure the region, and licensed PMC's often rotating through the area as security forces.

Southeast Asia

Myanmar
Myanmar as a country has been long plagued with unrest. A civil war was been ongoing in the country since the late 1980s and into the pre-Heavenfall period, in part due to the military council ruling the country refusing to cede power after a successful revolution.
The Heavenfall put something of an end to the conflict, or at least reduced the intensity of it, due to the devastation that wracked the country. However, the overall standards of living dropped, as the military government's ability to project power and enforce order were severely hampered and rendered essentially ineffectual, their control remaining limited to the most built-up areas of the country, while the more rural and remote areas remained nominally independent, governed by localised councils and agreements between them, often in collaboration with other movements or groups.

Thailand
Thailand weathered the Cold War well, managing to escape without being courted too heavily by either side, and maintaining mostly cordial relations with the west, and was an important ally in the region against the spread of communism. The country has always been in political conflict between various forms of rule, and this continued into the 21st century.
When the Heavenfall struck, it upended the country, the peninsular region of the country was devastated by tidal waves and flooding, and there was great loss of life. While seismic activity and other disasters did affect the mainland, it was spared as much of the devastation, but in the period following there was a military coup, followed by mass protests calling for democratic elections and political
reforms. These were successful, but the resulting constitutional monarchy was much more cool on the idea of relations with the N/UN and the former Western powers, and instead opened relations with the NCAA and China.

Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam
These three countries that neighbour one another so closely have always been linked in fates, and the latter 20th and early 21st century were no exception. Cambodia has had ongoing issues with internal conflicts and insurgencies, and a history of coups to change power and leadership. Another such incident occurred in 1997, and the new government had barely settled in before the Heavenfall occurred.
Following the Heavenfall, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam all forged closer relationships with one another, and with China. While they did not become satellite states in the Soviet style, they received considerable economic, materiel and military aid, as well as significant investment and upgrades to their national infrastructure, such as power generation and distribution, roads, industrial plants, telecommunications, medical facilities and more. These close ties have made the region particularly 'resistant' to N/UN influence, though neither are they 'hostile' to the N/UN as such.

Nusantara
Author's note: for the sake of convenience and relevance, mainland peninsular Malaysia is included in this section.

Nusantara is the term that has been adopted to refer to the Indonesian Archipelago, the chain of islands that includes Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and other island nations in the region. Often the Phillipines are included in the geographical definition, though for the sake of this guide they are incuded in the East Asia section.

Historically, the region has been a cultural melting pot. There are a diverse number of peoples in the region, with a wide variety of religious, ethnic and cultural origins as well as a hugely diverse biosphere and range of climates. Much of the region is densely populated, and there are stark contrasts between urbanised, developed areas with considerable modernised industrialisation, and rural areas where subsistence farming and cultivation are still the primary way of life for many people.
Many of the nations in the region have struggled with internal conflicts, driven by ethnic, religious and ideological reasons, and many of these have persisted for long periods of time. After the Heavenfall, the area was ravaged by earthquakes, tidal waves and flooding, as well as volcanic activity. Many millions died, and there was a massive deal of destruction that coursed through the cities and settlements, especially in coastal regions. In the chaos that followed, there was a clash of ideologies and ideals throughout the area.
Muslims had been a large population in the region for a long time, with many insurgency or political groups intent on establishing Islamic rule. Communist and socialist groups had also been a recurring influence, and there were movements by many ideological groups to attempt to establish their own government and influence. Some of these were more successful than others, with Borneo forming an Islamic majority government, which is allied with the ISL and has diplomatic and trade ties with the NCAA.

East Asia
The most prosperous region of the Far East before the Heavenfall, the East Asia region was home to several of the world's leading economic and manufacturing powers. The Heavenfall caused considerable destruction to the region, as many of its' major cities and settlements were in coastal regions or in areas heavily affected by natural disasters and other events, as well as being heavily populated and built up, causing further damage and loss of life, though with their economic and material wealth, the majority of these countries were able to rebuild quickly.

China
With the Sino-Soviet split, the USSR and China continued on their own separate paths during the remainder of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Throughout the 1990s China has pursued economic reforms and liberalisation, albeit at a slow pace, and still ranks low overall on worldwide rankings for democracy, religious freedoms and human rights, although is one of the major economic and military world powers, especially in the post heavenfall era.
China survived the Heavenfall relatively intact; though of course not without damage as such a thing would be impossible. However, due to the efficiency and organisation of the government, military and emergency services, order was restored swiftly, along with reconstruction and disaster relief managed in a comparatively short time.
The Chinese government after this offered and rendered assistance to other nations in their immediate region that had suffered.
These actions lead to an overall increase in trust toward the Chinese nation and government, and a strengthening of alliances already in place.
This regional softening of attitudes, as well as the destruction wrought on other nations did give an advantage to Chinese regional aspirations, and they were able to take over Taiwan with little notable resistance or interference from other national powers, despite previous treaty obligations or assurances. This did lead to a worsening of relations with the UN powers, and China withdrew from any intentions to join the N/UN as a result, though maintains cordial, if not friendly, diplomatic relations with them, and has repeatedly restated their lack of interest in territorial expansion or domination, though have assumed control of Macau and Hong Kong, and bought them into the greater nation of China, after rendering assistance there during the aftermath of the Heavenfall. These regions became governed by China, and are now part of the country, but existing passports and other held property, wealth, or assets remained in the hands of those who had them, and were still valid.
What's left of the Spratly Islands following the geological upheavals in the region is still disputed territory. After the strengthening of relations between China and Vietnam, and Taiwan becoming part of the People's Republic of China, the majority of the Islands are held by nations friendly to China, with the remainder claimed by the Phillipines, a situation that has resulted in several skirmishes and even outright, if small scale, warfare that has threatened to drag the N/UN as a whole into the situation. This is not helped by accusations that pirate activity based in the Indonesian and Malaysian archipelagoes against Fillipino and western nations shipping has been sponsored by PRC and Vietnamese forces, in order to further destabilise the region and add credence to the claims by China that their full control of the Spratlys would allow for greater security.

China has made friendly diplomatic relations with the NCAA, and have signed several mutually beneficial trade and other agreements. They have not made any formal military alliances yet, though have mutual training and trade agreements in place.

The Korean Peninsula
The Korean Peninsula has been a contentious hotspot of global politics since the Korean War in the 1950s. North Korea - or the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, to give the formal name - had attempted to improve the state of its' military technology and industrial capacity during the latter years of the 20th century, especially in the pursuit of nuclear weapons, and long range missiles especially. While the country maintained modestly good diplomatic relations with the USSR and People's Republic of China, neither country offered them much in the way of assistance when it came to their nuclear weapons programs, instead offering more in the way of economic, financial, and other aid packages, as well as training and advice for their military forces, and export of military equipment, albeit in a limited fashion.
Even with this aid, the DPRK has remained behind the global curve for advancement and standards for health, living, freedoms, human rights and education and this seems entirely by design, due to the dictatorship in place, posing as a Communist or Socialist country, with even the few allies the country has restricting their aid and assistance.

By comparison, South Korea has become a very liberal and modern country, with a lot of advanced manufacturing and industrial companies based there, as well as many other notable achievements, such as successful entertainment, tourism and other industries, and ranks well on most global comparisons for quality of life as a whole.

When the Heavenfall struck, the extent of devastation in North Korea was unknown, due to the self-imposed blackout and isolation that the government persisted in. While South Korea was affected by earthquakes and tidal waves, as well as the subsequent and resulting flooding and other disasters, there was little indication of the state of their northern neighbour. Weeks passed, and it was only when satellite reconnaissance and overflights by reconnaissance aircraft at high altitudes were possible that the state of the country was confirmed.
Numerous settlements and population centers had been devastated, and it seemed as though the population had been relocated en masse to around Pyongyang, the capital, and other such large and important cities. When reports finally started trickling in in the following months, it seemed as though the situation had grown even worse, with reports of extreme martial law, forced separation of families including parents and children, mass executions by the state, and even cannibalism.
The situation being too extreme to be allowed to continue, and with the DPRK's military forces at an all-time low-level of capability and readiness, an invasion was launched by South Korea, along with forces from Australia, New Zealand, the USA and other allied countries, including Japan. There were a few surprises, the North Koreans had kept back a number of their most trained and well-supplied forces who put up a fight with their best equipment, and there were numerous concealed tunnels, bunkers, and other facilities that hindered advances. But overall, the war was over within months. China did not hinder the action, and in fact, provided support and intelligence to the allied forces, as well as aid to personnel shot down or off course, along with medical aid and relief.
Since then, DPRK's ruling elite have been imprisoned and tried under crimes to humanity, and a relief effort has begun, with the DMZ being dismantled as the ROK's government slowly took control of reunification of the peninsula.

Japan
Japan has been a steadfast ally of the Western nations, and a global economic power for the latter half of the 20th century, and into the 21st.
The Heavenfall caused a large amount of destruction in the city, as it has long been vulnerable to seismic events, being on the Ring of Fire around the Pacific Ocean. However, the Japanese have long been building to resist and adapt to such disasters, and the efficiency and precision with which civil disasters are dealt with was to their credit, and many hundreds of thousands of lives were saved due to such quick action and resourceful engineering.
In the aftermath of the Heavenfall and the dissolution of the Soviet government, remnant Soviet forces staged attacks and raids on Northern Japan, harassing shippping and attempting to seize resources using their firepower. This lead to several short, but intensive defensive actions by the JSDF.
As a result, there was a popular public sentiment that the Japanese armed forces should strike at the bases used to stage these assaults, in order to protect national interests and public safety.
This especially came to a head after bombing raids and missile attacks from former Soviet warships lead to the deaths of several hundred people, including children. Public protests were staged, and further to this, the Japanese government condemned their allies for not reacting in their agreed capacity to defend the country.
As a direct result, Article 9 of the Japanese constituion was amended to allow for proactive operations to defend the country and it's national interests. This also lead to a period of rearmament and expansion of the Japanese Defence Forces.
With the dissolution of the USSR and the effective collapse of the Russian State, the Japanese government launched an assault against the bases used to attack. Allied forces from South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, The Philippines, the USA, as well as other regional and international allies were also involved. Following this, the Japanese government established a permanent presence on Sakhalin island, delivering aid and relief to the people already living there, and beginning the process of transitioning Sakhalin into the sixth Japanese mainland island.

The Philippine Archipelago
The Philippines Themselves will be the main focus of this section, and any other smaller nations of powers can be considered to be following their lead, or that of one of the other regional powers.

The Philippines struggled with corruption within the government during the later years of the 20th, and early 21st centuries, despite undergoing a great deal of change and transition from a mostly agricultural industry to one based more around service and manufacturing. The country as a whole began to modernise, and was considered a developing economy, until the Heavenfall hit.
Already being in a region vulnerable to earthquakes and seismic activity, as well as having a large concentration of the population in coastal regions, along with significant developed and built-up areas.
The disaster caused great loss of life and infrastructure, and rebuilding was costly, and took a long time.
During this time, the government struggled to reorganise and public faith and opinion in the government was at an all-time low, with the threat of revolution very real.
In order to avoid this, the remaining members of parliament arranged and negotiated a coalition with an array of Non-Government Organisations (NGO's). The NGO's in question were a number of philanthropic, charitable, aid, assistance and human rights organisations, as well as a number of industrial and corporate concerns.
Concern about this was raised by representative groups for the people, that it lacked any safeguarding or insurance for the common citizen to avoid or prevent the corruption that had previously been rife within the government. The church stepped in, acting as the representative for the 'common man' and as a mediating presence for human rights and well-being, and a 'conscience' of sorts.
This has lead to a government that can be sometimes be slow to reach decisions due to the need for consensus and the debate that ensues, but the system has so far has remained much less beset by corruption and difficulty than in its' pre-Heavenfall incarnation. The involvement of NGO's and corporate interests has lead to a resurgent economy, along with the rebuilding and reconstruction allowing for the construction and implementation of more modern and technologically advanced industries, housing, transport, telecommunications and other such infrastructure along with investment into their military forces that have allowed them to assume a stronger position in regional politics and influence.
Strong ties have been maintained with Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand, as well as internationally with the N/UN, which the Philippines are a member of.

Central America
Author's Note: Mexico is included within the Central American entry for the sake of convenience, and due to the involvement of the other neighbouring countries with the fate of Mexico. Additionally, due to the presence and influence of the CAA, some traditionally South American countries are included.

Mexico
Mexico was beset by civil unrest and violence during the last years of the 20th century and during the early years of the 21st century, due to the increasingly powerful influence of Drug Cartels in the country. Their financial and military influence, as well as holding sway with people due to a combination of violence and the provision of jobs and services that provided better than the legitimate government meant that, especially in rural or remote areas or in cities, towns, or provinces remote from the central government, they had more power and were engaged in what was essentially war against the government.
Few of these cartels had much in the way of political aspiration or ideology beyond the freedom from restriction to manufacture and traffic their product, and to create an environment where they can do this without challenge.
When the Heavenfall came, the geological upheavals and disasters wrought havok through the country. The elected government's ability to respond was hampered by the conflict with the cartels and their influence. Cartels mobilised their forces throughout the country and the region at large.
The Mexican government pleaded for help from the USA and other allied nations in combating the Cartels, and this resulted in a massive military operation, with elements of the armed forces, police and government turning in open rebellion against the rest. At the end of operations, the country was split in two with everything north of a line coast-to-coast with Puebla in the middle being in control of the legitimate and elected government, and everything south of that line a part of the (lengthily named) Mexican State of the Central America Alliance, often called CAA Mexico.
Additionally, the Baja peninsula was ceded to the United States, with the border along the Colorado River.
Despite the extensive and costly military campaign, Mexico still struggles with insurgent action and resistance from CAA affiliated groups throughout its' territory, along with White American Nationalist Clan activity, especially in coastal regions.
Mexico has aligned with the N/UN, and has attempted to rearm and reinforce its' military in a program of modernisation and accelerated training, employing many PMCs as training, support, and advisory personnel, especially in border regions.

The CAA
The Central American Alliance came about as a consequence of decades of government corruption, criminal cartels, insurgencies and military coups throughout the central american countries of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama and Nicaragua.
When the Heavenfall crashed down and the devastation that came along with it, the destruction ravaged these countries all-but crippled their governments and their ability to respond. Following this, the WANC swept through the area, ravaging and stripping the region of military assets and further cutting a swathe through the population. Cartels, insurgent forces and radical groups seized power and forged alliances between one another, overthrowing the legitimate governments and forming their own systems and forms of governance and control.
After years, and infighting between various factions, the dominant governments of these regions were formed of a coalition of drug cartel barons and their followers, marxist groups or religious sects. Forming a coalition of representatives, they signed and organised treaties with the NCAA, who have greatly invested into the region, along with MegaCorporations, the ISL and other nonaligned entities. Colombia later voluntarily aligned with the CAA and NCAA.
While the CAA does not yet possess any known weapons of mass destruction, they have been actively pursuing them, with suspected capability for basic chemical weapons and possibly crude biologicals or radiologicals. Their strategic power projection is lacking, with no major naval or long-range air assets, but this is being rapidly changed thanks to agreements with the NCAA.

Independent Panama
The Panama Canal remains a highly important shipping connection between the Atlantic and Pacific and of strategic importance. As such, when the NCAA was being formed and Panama was unravelling, a coalition of NATO and allied forces - including from several South American nations - thrown together hastily launched a limited campaign to secure territory around the canal and established a secure zone that would later become known as Independent Panama. The region was garrisoned by N/UN-licenced PMC's and N/UN national forces to provide a barrier of security, and is a hotspot of insurgency, surrounded as it is by hostile forces.

Costa Rica
Almost the only surviving independent nation in Central America, Costa Rica weathered the rise of the CAA through fortune and the grace of the N/UN and PMC's. The resistance against CAA aggression was one of the first large deployments of PMCs including Shattered Steel, and the first time they fought alongside national forces.
Costa Rica has remained a country with a robust democratic government, and has maintained its' free trade zones, which have become a haven for MegaCorporations, who in turn have bought much of their own security forces into the nation, a situation that has lead to tension, given that Cosa Rica has no standing army of its' own. The government has had intense discussion about either establishing their own military, or hiring a PMC on a long-term contract to provide stability and security, although currently this has only been maintained at the border against CAA activities.

The Carribbean
As the Carribbean is a region of entirely island nations, it was affected heavily by the Heavenfall, and the region was then swept through by the WANC following their regrouping in South America. As a result of this the population of the region was drastically reduced, and organised governments in many of the smallest nations were rendered defunct, especially as so many of them had only small and outdated armed forces, reliant on treaties to aid in their defence.
Precious few nations in the area survived, greater details are provided below.

In this guide, the West Indies are also included as part of the Carribbean region. If an OTL nation is not listed below, it can be assumed to have been rendered ineffectual or destroyed in the Shattered Steel timeline.

Cuba
Cuba survived the Heavenfall and the resulting disaster surprisingly well. Further, the collapse of the USSR and Russia did not hinder the country as much as expected. Cuba has remained a socialist country with a planned economy and services provided by the government, such as higher education and universal healthcare, as well as means of production owned and operated by the state. Unlike in many other nations that have tried it over the years, Cuba has been the only relatively successful one, though even then has made several concessions and reorganised and adapted as need be.
In the wake of the Heavenfall, these reforms became more extensive by necessity, and the Cuban government formed stronger ties with the PRC and the NCAA, both of which assisted in a program of modernisation for the country's ailing infrastructure, and raised the quality of living. This also lead to modernisation of the armed forces.
One especially notable fact is that the Cuban government expelled the US Navy from Cuba after ending the lease held on the land that Guantanamo Bay occupied, and the base and land reclaimed for use by the Cuban government.

The Bahamas
The Heavenfall ravaged the Bahamas, and left the country in ruins. Due to the wealth heald in the country in offshore accounts and other capital, it managed to rebuild, but the destruction across the United Kingdom rendered them unable to fulfil their obligations to defend the country from aggression, other than a token show of force to dissuade the WANC.
As the N/UN was rapidly established, one of the Bahamian Islands - formerly used as a reserve airstrip and flying boat base during the Second World War and early years of the Cold War - was rapidly developed into a fully-fledged military installation including a harbour and habitation and facilities for those living and working on the island, with both air and sea links to other islands of the Bahamas.
In return, Shattered Steel act as the de facto defence forces for the Bahamas, as well as providing services such as counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, anti-smuggling, search-and-rescue and reserve air-traffic control, weather surveillance and so on, along with training and instruction for the Bahamian Defence Force itself.

Jamaica
Jamaica was heavily affected by the disasters of the Heavenfall. Earthquakes and tidal waves wracked the island nation with destruction, and the resulting fallout from these incidents and disasters further caused damage. In the aftermath, the Jamaican government was forced to rely on foreign aid to rebuild, the process taking a long time. However, this forged greater alliances with the nations of South America, and later the NCAA, when it came to rebuilding the economy and industrial base of the country. PMC's provided by the NCAA also provided security against the WANC and CAA, allowing Jamaica to retain independence and security, and begin to improve its' economic standing. Jamaica has not requested to join the N/UN as yet, and remains an independent nation with friendly ties to the NCAA, Cuba, and the TSA among others.

The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands were all-but destroyed by the seismic and tidal activity of the Heavenfall, with the major centres of population utterly devastated. What people remained were evacuated to nearby safer countries while rebuilding was due to start.
As such, when the WANC swept through the area, they pillaged the ruins of the Cayman Islands, seizing the territory. George Town is the closest thing that the WANC has to a city or capital, and the Cayman Islands have become their central 'base' of operations, though they maintain a highly distributed and mobile presence across the region.

South America
The countries of South America were spared much of the destruction caused by the Heavenfall, as did the Southern Hemisphere overall.
Despite this, the region was still faced with its' own problems of insurgent organizations, corruption and violence, especially as influence from the Northern Hemispheres' nations and former superpowers was less heavily felt.
In the post-Heavenfall landscape, however, many of these nations have found themselves as economic, cultural or otherwise influential nations and presences on the world stage.

Brazil, Suriname & Guyana
Brazil in the 90s underwent a stable transition to full democratic representation and governance, after years of unstable governments and leadership. The country started to transform economically, after suffering with hyperinflation causing trouble for years, though there were still continuous issues with crime, inequality and inefficiency within the government and legal systems. As a result there were frequent political protests.
On the upside, Brazil had a rapidly developing, powerful economy and a growing industrial base that covered a variety of industries.
The Heavenfall spared much of the Southern Hemisphere from the major impacts, and Brazil was no different, suffering comparatively less damage than countries north of the Equator. The subsequent flooding and other impacts due to the 'long night' as dust and debris filled the atmosphere caused damage.
This disaster underscored the need for reform and reorganisation on a large scale, and this lead to improved conditions after reforms in the legal and economic systems of the country, as well as overhauling the political bodies and organizations in place.
Extensive construction projects were also launched, aimed at providing better housing fit for purpose that eliminated the shanty towns and favelas that had spread around urbanised areas, and the renewal programs created more and better jobs, as well as fuelling the economy.
This increase in the national economy and in security and stability allowed the Brazilian government to render aid and assistance to its' neighbours, smaller and less-developed nations that had historically suffered. The smaller nations of Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana to the north suffered more damage from rising sea levels and the geological and tidal effects from the Heavenfall, as well as from the WANC and CAA and their actions. This lead to greater co-operation between them, with Brazil signing treaties for co-operative agreements for trade, defence, aid, and other matters.

Brazil itself escaped much of the depredations of both the WANC and the CAA. As the nation with the largest and most powerful military in South America and one of the largest and most powerful in the southern hemisphere, the Brazilian Armed Forces were instrumental in turning the WANC away from South America at last, and halting the expansion of the CAA southward by leading a coalition of other South American countries in a security agreement.

With their manufacturing base, robust economy, strong military, and stable political leadership, Brazil has been a core member of the N/UN and has been a leading presence in the post-Heavenfall world. Shouldering this role has been a difficult task, and has resulted in a program of expanding military forces, especially with an eye on being capable of global reach and influence, as opposed to their traditional role of being focused only on regional security.
Despite this new leading role and presence on the global stage, Brazil still suffers with issues around criminal activity within the country, especially deep within the Amazon rainforest, and in the North-West regions of the country where it borders CAA territory, and the CAA sponsoring and supplying insurgent and activist revolutionary groups within the jungle. Illegal poaching, logging, and other disruptive activities to the rainforest are also issues, along with human trafficking through the Amazon region.

Colombia, Ecuador & Venezuela
Colombia had always struggled since the 1950's with internal violence. Much of this encouraged by the USA's interference in the countries' internal policies against the insurgents as part of their global crusade against communism. The country has also had terrible issues with drug cartels producing, supplying and exporting narcotics on a global scale, and the government has struggled to control this and suppress it, especially with external pressure to do so. International aid and assistance had concentrated on controlling this activity as well.
While the Heavenfall did not cause a great deal of damage, the chaos and uncertainty it did cause, coupled with the activity of the CAA and the groups it represented erupted into a civil war, as they armed and trained the cartels as part of their expansion. It was only through assistance from Brazil and the N/UN that this civil war was bought to a halt, though this has left the country fractured and the government and military stretched and in great need of support and rebuilding and reconstruction.

Ecuador had it's own conflict with Peru that stretched through much of the 1990's, with the dispute only being resolved in the early 21st century, though anti-Peruvian sentiment was still high among some sections of the population.
After the Heavenfall, Ecuador was not especially heavily affected, though the Galapgos Islands were notably affected by the rising sea levels and changes in climate.
In the post-Heavenfall era, liberal reforms of the economic structure of the country have lead to massive reductions in unemployment and hugely stimulated the economy, aiding in rebuilding and creating a positive environment for investment and development. This has lead to the country being one of the stronger economies in the southern hemisphere, and this has resulted in turn in the increasing presence of Megacorporations within the country. The standard of living for the common citizen has gone up, and individual wealth has improved.
However, the country has a poor record of individual freedoms of expression and freedoms of the press and media, with repeated reports of intimidation of journalists and members of the press. Individual liberties - such as LGBTQ rights - are protected under the constitution.

The Ecuadorian military has been expanding and modernising as the economy improves, and this had lead to it being a stabilising influence in South America, and becoming an important member of the N/UN.

Venezuela suffered from extreme political unrest during the 1990s. It was a decade marked by failed coups, civil unrest and protests, and government scandal. It wasn't until the latter years of the decade that a series of elections were held and the countries' new constitution imposed. Increased spending lead to a rise in the overall social quality for all, but the Heavenfall and the resulting worldwide crisis stalled efforts at reform and improvement, and the economy collapsed into a depression, while the government itself spiralled and fractured, especially as more authoritarian measures were enacted and questions about the legitimacy of democratic elections and funding of candidates campaigns lead to more questions regarding corruption. Unemployment and poverty rose, and this has lead to external factors further influencing the country and its' course. The CAA moved in, assuming control with relative ease, and engaged in clashes against the WANC, who seized much of the countries' wealth, military equipment and materiel, and used it to fund their campaign through the Carribbean and for planning in their ongoing campaigns. The CAA managed to oust the WANC, and assumed control over the country, taking control of Venezuela's oil reserves and production to finance their own national aspirations.

Argentina
Argentina was unaffected by the immediate aftershocks of the Heavenfall, but the subsequent rising sea levels proved to be a difficulty, as flooding struck many coastal areas.
The country had been stuck in an economic depression prior to the Heavenfall, and it took the worldwide chaos and nationwide emergency to shake things up enough for reforms to take effect. The need for rapid changed and sweeping reforms lead to a radical party in control of the country. This stimulated the economy, but there was also a considerable deal of unrest that became more pronounced as the new government were longer in their role. While the country underwent a great deal of modernisation, improvements in infrastructure, improvement in the standards of education and healthcare and a rebuilding and modernisation of the military, there were also frequent claims of corruption within the government, courts, and police, restrictions on individual freedoms - such as freedom of movement, freedom of assembly, and freedom of the press- and reports of human rights abuses, torture, and brutality against suspects by the police and military police.
This situation has - unfortunately - persisted, but has not stopped Argentina becoming a noteworthy and strong regional power, forging strong ties with the NCAA and PRC. Argentina has not sought any conflict with the N/UN, or opposed their actions, and has signed up to many treaties of mutual benefit, such as security treaties for shipping and contributed to anti-piracy initiatives. However, they have resolutely refused any investigation or interference with their internal policies, and fiercely guard their borders.
Argentina has also expressed intentions to reclaim the Falkland Islands, as well as South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

Paraguay
Paraguay had a turbluent history during the 1990s and early 2000s, notable by the frequent changes in leadership and disagreements in policies, and abuses of power. This resulted in numerous civil protests. Under such criticism, the government entered into a coalition and pursued economic reform in order to try and provide a better and more stable state.
However, before much could take effective action the Heavenfall struck.
While Paraguay was not heavily damaged, the chaos and damage to the rest of the world had knock-on effects to the country itself.
Following the Long Winter, Paraguay struggled further with its' economy. Exports of beef and agricultural resources that were its' mainstays, dropped drastically. The paraguayan government petitioned for assistance from their neighbours, and Brazil responded. The Brazilian government rendered considerable financial and material aid, something that bought the Paraguayan government into their sphere of influence. This also lead to greater reforms of the government and democratic processes, enabling greater stability within the country, and slowly transforming it into a more stable and steady nation, with greater comforts and quality of living for its' citizens.
Paraguay has since become part of the N/UN, albeit a minor member, but still a contibuting one.

Uruguay
Uruguay suffered from terrible economic decline in the 1990's and early 2000's, with public opinion turning against the free market policies that had been introduced during the period. Plans to privatize the national water and petroleum companies were made, but they were halted as the Heavenfall occurred, leading to emergency measures to cope.
The long winter affected a lot of the exports and imports that Uruguay depended on, and lead to higher levels of unemployment, homelessness, disease and crime.
It wasn't until the next round of democratic elections that a new government started to take action to address these issues. Programs of reconstruction were launched that created more jobs and stimulated employment and the economy. Introduction of social security reforms bought in new public healthcare available and affordable to all, along with other social programs for support. Progress was somewhat gradual, but showed improvement. Other economic programs allowed for greater investment into industry and made the country attractive for corporate investment.
Since then, Uruguay has become a stable regional power with a growing economy, and has joined the N/UN.

Chile
Chile enjoyed a relatively free and liberal government during the 1990s and early 21st century, through a coalition government. The country remained stable and prosperous, especially after coming out of a precious decade and a half under a military dictatorship.
Chile suffered significant damage from earthquakes related to the Heavenfall and the flooding that followed - especially to it's island territories - but was able to rebuild quickly and efficiently. As a stable regional power and presence, the Chilean government rendered aid to other more heavily affected powers in the Northern hemisphere. Chile is an important contributor to the N/UN, and has strong alliances and contact with many other countries. Chile maintains a relatively robust military, which it is continuing to steadily expand with a regard to strengthening its' ability to project power wordlwide as part of its' commitment to the N/UN.

Peru
Peru in the 1990's was marked by a stark contrast. While inflation in the country fell drastically and its' economy was growing thanks to substantial economic reforms, the country was tarred with the brush of atrocities committed by the armed forces in cracking down on the insurgent groups and in pursuing them and clamping down on support for them. The rule of the president during this time was strongly authoritarian policies that steered the country into his vision and criminalised left-leaning policies, ideals or views as 'terrorism' or terrorist activities, and creating a climate of fear.
The president was ousted in the early 2000's, but escaped prosecution for humans rights abuses.
The Heavenfall lead to a round of new elections, but corruption was still endemic within the government, as many of its' ministers clung to control of the departments, agencies and institutions that allowed them to maintain their power previously. Progress in human rights and individual freedoms have progressed despite strong opposition, and the new government has conducted fair and free elections.
The current government is the most liberal Peru has had for some time, but faces considerable internal opposition from the remnants of the authoritarian government and the deeply entrenched views and concepts held. Inequality is still rife, but slow progress is being made. Peru is experiencing improving, and has strong ties with its' south American neighbours, though relations with Chile are still wary, due to previous antagonistic incidents and conflict.

Bolivia
The economic growth and reforms of the 1990s in Bolivia were followed by a struggle in the early 21st century over the vast natural gas resources within Bolivia. The conflict lead to armed clashes between protestors and armed police, something that drew a lot of attention on the international stage. The protests continued, but the Heavenfall interrupted everything and drew attention away on the international stage.
Elections conducted in the wake of the Heavenfall lead to a democratically socialist government that pursued nationalization of the gas reserves. The profits from this were used to institute sweeping economic reforms that lead to essential growth within the country and Bolivia emerging as the fastest growing country in the region and increases in wages for all workers. The same reforms also lead to better education and healthcare for all, with Bolivia starting to emerge as a more stable and strong nation than it had been in the 20th century.
Bolivia is a member of the N/UN and has begun to modernise its' military forces as part of its' commitment to N/UN treaties.

North Africa
Egypt has already been addressed elsewhere. Some of this region may be dealth with as 'geographical' regions rather than nations, for ease of convenience.

Libya, Tunisia & Algeria
During the 1990's and early 21st century, Libya remained a dictatorship under the reign of Muammar Gadaffi and the military dictatorship he had installed. The country remained a prosperous nation due to the great reserves of oil, and despite surprisingly forward social policies - such as equality and freedom for women, and democratic aspirations - the administration of the country still funded terrorist groups world-wide, and provided training facilities for terrorist groups, as well as supplying arms and aid to these groups.
Internally, suppression of religion was brutal, especially after dissent from muslim leaders and tribal groups attempting to foment political dissent and overthrow against the Gadaffi regime.
Libya had a good relationship with the USSR in the form of arms trading and exchange training of military personnel, but they remained at a distance due to political and ideological differences. However, Libya also had a belligerant relationship with Western powers, and frequently clashed over territorial rights.
When the Heavenfall struck in the early 2000's, the devastation rocked the country, especially along the heavily populated coastal areas. In the following chaos, upheavals and protests tore through the country, and during this Gadaffi was assassinated during an attempted coup. The resulting civil war was brief, but bloody, and resulted in the elimination of the coup leaders and their followers, and the new leaders of the government emerging as an even more authoritarian regime. They invested heavily in the military and sought to expand their borders for purposes of security and prosperity, while maintaining a choke-hold on their nation.
As such, they have forged relations with the NCAA and the CAA, as well as trade with the PRC. They see the N/UN as an existential threat and an infringement on global freedom and peace, and actively sponsor anti-UN activity world wide.
Not long after the coup, Libyan forces invaded and seized Tunisian territory, and have likwise moved across Algerian borders and seized territory and settlements. They have also attacked and engaged N/UN chartered shipping and flights providing aid and relief to Malta, with a stated intention of seizing the island nation as a 'safeguard' against N/UN expansion in the Mediterranean region, having already invaded and seized the islands of Linosa and Lampedusa.
N/UN intelligence agencies have noted that Libyan representatives have been seeking expertise and materials for the construction of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons manufacturing and delivery systems, as well as expanding their blue-water naval assets and long-range military aircraft.

Algeria had been mired in civil war since the early 1990s, and this conflict showed little signs of end as the Heavenfall hit. Following the disaster, the government and country was in shambles, having been engaged in conflict prior to the disaster, it had little remaining infrastructure and services to deal with the fallout from the earthquakes, tidal waves, and other disasters.
As such, when the Libyan armed forces invaded in the late 2000's, they saw little resistance and were met with welcoming arms by many in the country, or faced with providing food, aid, and reconstruction in order to take control of the assets they had intended to seize.
Since then, the Libyans have gone about organising an interim government of their own choosing in order to facilitate the occupation. As such, Algeria is barely a shell of a nation, slowly rebuilding under Libyan guidance and with little in the way of its' own identity or independence on a global stage.

Morocco & Western Sahara
Morocco was a key ally of the West during the Cold War, acting as a check against Communist expansion in Northern Africa. Relations between the West and Morocco were good, and remained so throughout the 1990s and into the 21st century. Despite there being some questions of human rights and freedoms by comparison to other nations, the country still remains a modern and relatively progressive one by comparison to other Islamic nations.
The nation was heavily affected by seismic activity following the Heavenfall, but rebuilt quickly and was able to administer aid and relief to both its' own citizens and those in the contested territory of Western Sahara. Following the Heavenfall, Morocco allowed entry for refugees fleeing Algeria after the civil war and following Libyan invasion. With the assistance of the N/UN, a peaceful agreement was reached for the resolution of territorial issues with Western Sahara, with the region being acknowledged as an autonomous region, with Morocco aiding in the transition and preparations for independent leadership and governance. As of 2014, this process is still ongoing, with much international support and advisors in place, especially aiding in the dismantling of defences between the former Moroccan-administered territory.
Morocco and now Western Sahara are important N/UN allies on the African continent against the NCAA, which has expressed anti-N/UN sentiments in the past.

The Sahara Desert
While the Sahara does not constitute a country - or countries - in itself, it covers a vast region of North Africa across many countries. The region is vast and incredibly sparsely inhabited, with little in the way of easily accessible natural resources. The region has not been colonised or occupied historically due to the challenges of doing so. However, in the wake of the Heavenfall and the early 21st century, MegaCorporation activity in the newly-formed NCAA with little restriction or oversight has lead to many experimental programs to explore resources and usage of the region. The alteration of the global tilt following the Heavenfall has affected the climate in the region, and the full extent of this has yet to be understood, but the change in global weather patterns has affected the Sahara, and has resulted in rainfall increasing in the area.

Somalia, Ethiopia and Djibouti
Somalia was a fractured nation during the 1990s and the early 21st century, wracked by civil war that lasted into the 21st Century. Despite international intervention by various United Nations forces, the situation failed to improve. A new federal government was finally installed in 2004 - just as the Heavenfall occurred.
The disaster lead to the overwhelming of the international forces stationed in-country, as they were cut off from their support and logistics, and the country was thrown into the grip of warlords and extremists. The conflict continued until 2008, when an Islamic majority government was established, forming ties with the ISL.
While this government now controls the majority of the country including the capital city, the country itself is still in disarray.
China has attempted to render aid and assist in establishing a legitimate government and rebuilding of infrastructure, but has been met with resistance from the ruling religious council, which has slowed progress. Additionally, there is little ability to enforce control over much of the country, and tribal control remains in place, with piracy being the main form of economic actvity along with the cultivation of narcotics and other criminal activites.
Several less-than reputable PMC's have been contracted by various factions in the region, either acting in favour of, or against, the pirate clans or the Islamic government as enforcers. This activity also has a knock-on effect to the region, making it a dangerous area to traverse.

Ethiopia continued to struggle with internal conflicts among ethnic groups. Human rights violations and democratic backsliding were concerns throughout the 1990s and early 21st century.
During the Heavenfall, the country was affected greatly by tectonic activity, and the resulting devastation further crippled the country, causing widespread homelessness, starvation and disease, due to the governments inability to effectively deliver disaster relief to those affected.
In the years following the devastation, foreign investment into the country came from MegaCorporations, stimulating the economy and leading to increased growth and development. As these companies were in need of workers, they invested into education along with medical facilities, and improvements in infrastructure such as clean water, waste management, and other such utilities.
Ethiopia has resisted joining the NCAA so far, but has been courted to joined the multi-national alliance. They maintain cordial diplomatic ties with the NCAA, as well as with China and the N/UN alike, while remaining a developing and progressing power.

Djibouti was engaged in a civil war during the 1990s and into the 2000s, until a peace treaty was finally signed between the warring factions. Democratic elections followed, and there was a period of peace and stability, but this came to an end as the Heavenfall crashed down and the country was ravaged by destruction and disaster. Following the chaos, the country was swallowed up by Somalia and its' support for the ISL.

West Africa

Western Africa was caught in a back and forth of clashes between tribal, ethnic and religious groups across the countries that made up the region. Crashing economies and rampant government corruption were characteristic of the region.
UN peacekeeping forces and foreign military intervention was frequent in the area throughout the 1990s in efforts to mediate the rampant civil wars and atrocities that occurred regularly in the area.
Crime was also rife, especially in the form of illegal mining, smuggling of precious metals and stones, arms smuggling and dealing and other such activities.
Political stability was virtually unknown in the region, with military coups and government corruption running rife.

When the Heavenfall came, the tidal activity devastated much of the coastal regions, including a lot of built-up and heavily urbanised areas where much of the population was concentrated. Following the disaster, the region was ravaged by disease and in the throes of crippling devastation. With other countries already strained, aid was long in coming.
In the meantime, warlords set themselves up in positions of power, using their influence to provide for those that rendered service to them, supplying them with what little they could by raiding others, and turning the anger and frustration outward. Piracy and other raiding practices became common, and the ethnic and tribal violence continued, and these bands grew bolder and more brazen in their assaults. These would-be countries also sought aid and all from and rendered assistance to groups such as the CAA and the ISL.
Finally tiring of the increasingly aggressive actions toward their civilian and military shipping and against their allies in the region, the N/UN mobilised their forces and PMC's to engage key targets in the region, before moving battlegroups into the area and launching a full amphibious invasion, with the intent of subduing resistance and occupying the area until a functional government could be installed to facilitate the rebuilding of the various countries in the region into a functional economic, independent state.

This goal was hampered by interference from the NCAA and its' forces, which have harassed N/UN forces and covertly - and overtly - supplied aid, training and materiel to the independent warlords in the region, and have attempted to force the N/UN to negotiating tables with the forces already in the area.

Megafloat
Sitting approximately mid-way between the Canary Islands and Bermuda is the largest man-made island and free-floating structure ever built. The result of a collaboration between several nations, the 'megafloat' as it was named, was originally intended as a military and civilian facility for the resupply and refuge of ships and aircraft crossing the Atlantic Ocean, especially in the event of an all-out war. It was to act as a staging point for Western-block convoys across the Atlantic, in an attempt to avoid the 'wolfpack'-style raids of the Second World War, and maintain the superiority of the Atlantic for NATO and Western forces.
Constructed under much objection from the Eastern Bloc and their allies, it nonetheless persisted.
Construction itself is a marvel of engineering; utilising skills and techniques - as well as reserves of capital and raw materials - thought to be infeasible and impossible.
However, the project stalled and faltered, and by the early years of the 21st century, progress had slowed to a crawl, with private contractors bought in to bring the project back on track.
The Heavenfall caused further delays, and left the bare bones of the floating island intact.
In the post-Heavenfall era, it received new attention as various peoples took refuge on the floating construction. Boat peoples, displaced people, criminal elements, private corporations and eventually national interests all ended up contributing to the development and construction of the platform, expanding it well beyond its' original purposes and into a kind of multinational 'free zone', with its' own laws and ideals.
While there are international military presences on Megafloat, even they are no guarantee of security, and the place is almost like a modern-day pirates haven, like the Tortuga of years past.
While it is a more lawless and rough place, outright criminal activity such as theft, murder, assault and other such openly criminal actions are punished with the harshest justice. Other more questionably legal activities are more welcome, even if not openly discussed. Sales and trade of items that are 'restricted' elsewhere openly take place with few questions asked about their origins. Gambling is rife, as is the consumption and dealing of narcotic substances - although, there are harsh punishments for providing unsafe or impure product. Slavery and human trafficking is outlawed and punished by execution as well, and any crime against children is punished in the same way. Of course, without a formal government, police, or judicial system, many of these crimes are hard to prosecute and act upon, and 'not getting caught' or simply being more powerful and wealthy enough to pay the hired enforcers to look the other way can sometimes be enough - if you know the right people.
Megafloat's ruling body is a council of those with the highest stakes and presence in keeping the place running, a coalition of private individuals who are smart, cunning, and ruthless enough to make decisions and to have taken power where needed. They are not at all necessarily bad, or untrustworthy people. In fact, many of them are people who have stood up for various communities or groups that have arisen. However, they have their own forms of law and governance, and it can be a dangerous place, especially to assume things.

The pseudo-nation welcomes, or at least tolerates, the presence of international military and other vessels, as they bring business, and their using of the platform acts as a guarantee of its' usefulness and necessity, and is an insurance for existence, despite the arguably disagreeable acts that happen there.
Megafloat has no military forces of its' own, but has a permanently stationed or employed PMC of its' own, Trident, who act as security and protection for the floating city-state, and are relatively well equipped and capable.

Central & Southern Africa
The Central region of Africa has undergone the most change in the post-heavenfall era. As many of the nations in the region underwent dramatic reforms following the Heavenfall, a new global power emerged from the reason, spurred by international investment. This has changed the global balance of power somewhat.
The southern regions of the continent likewise underwent great change in the latter years of the 20th and early 21st century, and following the Heavenfall and being spared of much of its' devastation, remained a strong presence and something of a bulwark against the growing power to their north, and an important ally and contact in the region for the growing presence of the N/UN.

The New Central African Alliance
During the 1990s, much of this region was beset by civil war, proxy wars and conflicts between the West and East, and other such tragedies. Soviet advisors and contacts supplied and rendered aid to the nations of the Central and South African nations as an attempt to sway them from Western influences, especially in their post-colonial phase. However, the clashes of tribal, ethnic and religious identities resulted in genocidal conflicts and human rights atrocities, and the rise of many dictators to prominence.
During the Heavenfall, the cutting off of these influences from West and East alike left things to burn themselves out to mere embers of what they had been.
Following the disaster, unknown powers took hold of the region, and opened the borders to investment from foreign nationals, trading on the rights for the wealth of precious materials, resources and land as an incentive. Restrictions on scientific research and experimentation as well as the relaxing of 'green' policies and industrial standards were offered as well, and were too tempting for many MegaCorporations to resist. However, their presence was conditional on the fact that they invested into the infrastructure of the region and employed locals as a majority of their workforce.
This allowed for rebuilding of the region and for an increase in quality of life that came about rapidly - improvements in education, healthcare, housing, public utilities, transportation, and more all followed and the collection of countries entered into a coalition of nations, collaborating on issues of defence, economic policies, law, education and other such shared ideals.
No one is quite sure how this came about so quickly and readily, or how it was administered to. There seems to be evidence of some party or group pulling the strings, but it is uncertain who and why, but the results have been the creation of a super-state that challenges the N/UN for wealth and presence on the global stage.
The NCAA has considerable manufacturing, industrial, agricultural, medical and financial industries. The NCAA has friendly trade and defence arrangements with the CAA, and trade agreements with the ISL and China. The international community has levelled accusations of aiding insurgent groups and political agitators against the NCAA, but there has been no direct evidence. However, the NCAA acts as a home base for several PMC groups that have been charged with violations of human rights and numerous war crimes.
The NCAA exports several products from the MegaCorporations that have many key facilities, manufacturing plants and other installations within its' borders. This creates a difficult situation for the N/UN, as the products manufactured there are important world-wide, but the way they are manufactured, the conditions under which they are manufactured, and the policies of the country where they are made are ethically and morally questionable.

The NCAA is thought to possess weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons. The alliance has a modern, powerful military including naval forces capable of blue-water combat and operations and with naval aviation, long-range aircraft, and capable, large land forces.
The NCAA has a space program, but with no manned missions as yet. There is suspicion they may possess space-borne weapon systems, but with no confirmation as yet. Their rocket launch capabilities may also adaptable into long-range ballistic missiles, but this has yet to be confirmed.

Kenya
Kenya had a troublesome period of transitioning to full democracy during the 1990s, with a lot of fallout after elections resulting in harassment and intimidation. This began to change in the early 21st century, and when the Heavenfall struck, the people of the country were galvanised in the wake of the disaster and widespread reforms lead to a stable democratic leadership. Changes to the constitution in the early 2010's lead to further increased stability and growth, and the country settled into what seemed to be a brighter period, although hampered by the growth and presence of the NCAA to its' west.
As such, Kenya sought membership in the N/UN and forged alliances with the other nations to its' south, while also building up its' own military power and presence in an attempt to ensure their own sovreignty and safety for its' citizens.

Tanzania
Tanzania has remained a stable and safe country through its' history, and remains so during the post-Heavenfall era. However, the presence of the NCAA to the North-West and its' intimidating posture and overtures toward Tanzania and its' neighbours has lead to the forging of mutual aid and assistance treaties with the other South African nations against NCAA aggression. Tanzania has also gained membership in the N/UN, and is an important contributor to the international alliance.

Mozambique
Mozambique spent most of the 1990s recovering from a civil war that had raged for the previous decade. Insurgency was still a problem in some regions of the country, and this strained efforts to bring stability, progress and growth to the nation. Nonetheless, democracy remained stable and slowly but surely, the economy started to grow.
The Heavenfall had relatively little effect on the country, but following it, there was a considerable surge in economic activity as the nations of the world elsewhere were in dire need of material resources, manufacturing and agricultural products to aid in their own rebuilding. The government in power at the time consulted carefully and extensively with experts and planned their acquisitions carefully, and used this boon of trade and investment to put back into the countries' economy, and started to resolve the deficiencies in the quality of living and standards of living that had been an issue for the nation for years.
While Mozambique is still under-developed compared to many nations, levels of healthcare, education, and development have begun to greatly increase and new programs of building for roads, public utilities, housing and other needed facilities have begun in earnest.
Mozambique is part of several important regional trade alliances and agreements, and is a member of the N/UN.

Zimbabwe & Botswana
Zimbabwe has suffered under an authoritarian regime since before the Heavenfall, and still endures it depradations in the current era. Individual freedoms are few, and human rights violations are frequent. The disparity between the rich and poor is excessive, and the country is in a state of economic ruin. State security and secret 'police' are excessive in their methods, and act as a private army that root out dissent against the president and ruling party.
Protests against the government and the economy are frequent and loud, but are met with brutal suppression.
The country has been courted by the NCAA, but currently has refused all attempts at joining the alliance, and has also been refused admission to the N/UN, though the continued abuses of human rights are condemned regularly by the international alliance and have placed the country under continuous sanctions, with warrants for arrest issued for many of the ruling members of the country for these violations.

Botswana on the other hand has been the most stable and peaceful democratic country in the region for decades, and this continued throughout the 1990s and even through the Heavenfall. Its' economy is relatively stable and steady, and has undergone growth and expansion during the 21st century and post-Heavenfall as it has attempted to expand industry with the help of the N/UN after being admitted membership. It has solid alliances and treaties of co-operation with its' neighbours, and is seen as a stabilising force for the region.

Madagascar
The island nation of Madagascar was hit heavily by the tidal activity and flooding as a result of the Heavenfall. Already a under-developed country, inhabited regions along the coast were affected heavily, and many died or were injured. Sickness and starvation followed, and the country was forced to rely on international assistance and aid to rebuild to any extent.
Much of this aid was granted by the Chinese government, who invested heavily in the region and forged alliances with the Madagascan government, signing numerous trade and other agreements for co-operation as part of the redevelopment and reconstruction efforts.
Madagascar has become an important Chinese ally in the region, though also maintains friendly ties with the N/UN.
With the efforts at reconstruction and redevelopment, quality of life has improved greatly in Madagascar, though there is still a lot of work to do, especially in the form of developing infrastructure and industry, but the country is clearly on the road to becoming a more developed economy and nation.

Namibia
Nambia has struggled since gaining it's independence. Despite a politically stable leadership and significant natural resources, the country has suffered with extreme poverty, and the standards of living for the majority of its' sparse population are quite low by comparison to other worldwide standards.
The Heavenfall's effects on Namibia were less physical, and more incidental. Skilled workers, resources, raw materials and other products that the country could manufacture and export were required. Protests against corruption and outdated policies followed this, and this lead to reforms. As investment and capital started to trickle into the country, it was in turn reinvested into the economy and state, and a period of rebuilding and reconstruction followed, marking a turning point as the countries' economy began to grow and unemployment started to fall. Education and healthcare received significant investment, reducing the problems that had been ever-present with HIV/AIDS and domestic violence, and development and construction of more modern communities, housing, and infrastructure for the people was made a priority.
The country has also begun to rebuild and modernise its' armed forces through collaboration with the N/UN, and in particular European nations and South Africa, with joint training and instruction programs well underway.

South Africa
The formal end of Apartheid in South Africa came about in 1994, but it took far longer for the stain of it to be excised completely from the country as a whole. Tensions ran high throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, and the country's citizens still lived in a disparate state of inequality between the richest and poorest, and between urban and rural areas.
The Heavenfall had significant effects on South Africa; many of the poorest regions, full of condemned buildings or shanty towns and shacks were wrought with devastation, due to their poor maintenance and construction. Widespread illness and casualties followed, and it was a wakeup call to the government that things had to change on a large scale.
General elections were held, and the newly elected government enacted widespread reforms, especially in the face of the NCAA building its' power to the north, and with the northern hemisphere powers being forced into a state of rebuilding and comparatively reduced in power, South Africa as one of the more technologically advanced and modern nations on the continent was forced to take a leading position.
Reconstruction efforts focused on modernising utilities, infrastructure, public services, housing and industry; providing jobs and secure living conditions for those that had historically fallen through the gaps in society. New education and healthcare initiatives bought a better quality of living and greater employment to even more.

The presence of a new and threatening challenge to security and stability on the continent and the global stage alike also served as an incentive for South Africa's defence forces to modernise and expand, investing in their friendly relations and membership of the N/UN to improve their abilities and expand, becoming one of the better trained and most modern forces on the African continent.

Oceania
For the purposes of this guide, 'Oceania' includes any and all island nations in the Pacific Ocean other than those addressed in above sections, as well as Australia and New Zealand

Australia
Australia was a key ally during the Cold War, and this remained the case after the Heavenfall. As the impact did little to affect Australia, the nation was instrumental in supplying relief and support to its' northern hemisphere allies in the wake of the disaster.
As one of the major advanced and developed nations of the Southern Hemisphere, Australia took a leading position in the N/UN along with Brazil, and was one of the founding nations of the newly formed international alliance.
Australia has welcomed and accommodated many displaced people to its' shores following the Heavenfall, resulting in many towns and cities expanding in size. The country has somewhat struggled to cope with this influx of people and initially there were struggles for emergency services and public utilities and the economy and other social systems to cope, but this has started to become less of an issue as more investment has been put into these areas.
As part of its' new world-leading and facing role and increased importance to and in global affairs, Australia has also expanded its' armed forces, especially with reference to long-range naval and air assets and the ability to project power globally. The Royal Australian Navy recently bought its' first new aircraft carrier for decades into service, along with a fully capable air wing, and this has been a contentious presence in the region, due to concerns about the shifting balance of power.

New Zealand
New Zealand remained a strong ally throughout the Cold War and into the 21st century. When the Heavenfall struck, severe earthquakes and volcanic activity beset both North and South Islands of the country, and extensive rebuilding followed.
In the wake of this, New Zealand emerged as a key member of the N/UN, though did not undergo the same expansion of its' population or armed forces like Australia, though some investment and development was made in these areas. Nonetheless, the countries' economy has expanded and it has welcomed a moderate intake of displaced persons. Industry has developed more into white-collar professions and services, though farming and agricultural exports still remain a high priority and major source of national income, along with tourism and the film and television industry.

Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia
Author's Note: the sheer number of island nations and individual islands in the Oceania region makes individual entries - especially distinct and non-reptitive ones - a massive task, so as such, they will be condensed into a single entry for the meantime that gives a broad overview of the state of the region as a whole.

The pacific island nations comprising the areas of Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia were savagely damaged by the tectonic and tidal activity of the Heavenfall. So many of them relied on maritime trade, industry and transport for their well-being, that the initial damage followed by the heavy flooding from rising global sea levels devastated many of these small, but historically and culturally rich places. Some islands were rendered uninhabitable, or even completely disappeared in the wake of earthquakes or volcanic activity. Others experienced tremendous hardships as they were forced to rebuild from ruins and ashes.
Some were heavily invested in by megacorporations, while others allied with the N/UN, NCAA or other groups, forming a very patchwork region. As such, development on many of them has improved with modern roads, harbours and port facilities, airports and other such transport links, as well as new hi-tech industries and services, housing, education and medical facilities and other such modern utilities.
Nonetheless, marine agriculture and other maritime occupations along with tourism remain key industries for the survival of these nations, and they still adhere to many of their key traditions and cultural identity.
Most of them have no formal defence or military forces, and rely on their alliances and treaties for safety and security.

San Borondon
A large island nation in the Pacific, San Borondon is remote, sitting approximately three thousand miles away from Hawaii. Discovered by the Spanish in the late 1600s, the island was found to be rich in natural resources (namely gold). This and its tropical climate, well suited to a variety of cash crops, made it a target for the European empires. It switched hands from the Spanish to the French to the English, and briefly during World War 2, the Japanese. Throughough its three hundred year occupation, San Borondon's native peoples fought an on-and-off guerrilla war against the various foreigners.

San Borondon was essentially in the middle of nowhere but occupied an important strategic space as a midpoint between the Americas and Asia. Thus, it spent the Cold War being courted by both sides.
The country dealt in a huge amount of shipping as well as the sale of natural resources, but the wealth remained with a few important families and their friends/investors. Most of the island lived in poverty, with those on the coast subsisting on fishing and those inland mining or farming, or working in the cities. The capital was essentially a larger Kowloon, millions of people packed into high-rise tenements and shanties. This was of course a breeding ground for crime, with foreign and domestic gangs seeking to control the smuggling on the island.

The reigning monarch has inherited a shaky political and cultural situation following the death of his father, and San Borondon remains in a state of flux between various cultural, political and ideological groups, all vying for control of the county. Currently unaligned to any international group or entity, the country is a hotspot in the South Pacific, important strategically for its' resources and location, but a difficult situation to approach and even more so to resolve quickly or easily.