New Kiev
Location: South Carolina
Background: As the world crumbled in the face of the Happening, and the consequential war of attrition between the alien fungi and humanity, the Matina found itself sitting dead in international waters. A Ukrainian cargo ship, having exchanged its metal containers for human bodies, the Matina survived daily threats from various navies as it carefully navigated from one zone of military operations to another.
Unable to return to Europe, from fear of being blown out the water, and unable to press on towards his original destination: America, for the same reason, Captain Yevgen Kedzierski had no choice but to order the Matina to stay as far away from any landmass as possible.
Six years of running, raiding and dying later, and the Matina was finally able to shrug off the near-constant threat of extermination from mankind. Despite some fungal outbreaks on board, owing to a few incidents whilst raiding the African coasts, the crew and their human charges were largely intact. Indeed, they had even gained bodies since that fateful day they fled Europe.
Anchoring off the coast of South Carolina, Captain Yevgen and his peers were able to shut down the ship’s engines permanently – although truth be told, they were going that way anyways – and sit in for a lengthy wait. Being so close to the American mainland enabled Yevgen and his men to launch raids and foraging missions, as well as to establish small footholds on strips of land.
Forty years later, and the rusty hulk of the Matina is an eyesore in the background of a prosperous city. The ruins of Charlestown have been reoccupied, and though the Ukrainian ship’s crew control little else outside the city’s bounds, they have succeeded in creating a tight security net around the territory they hold.
As it stands, the New Kievans, as they are known, are winding down a six-month campaign in rid the outskirts of Charlestown of the fungi and its carriers. Though beyond the shouts, the rattling of assault rifles and the hacking of axes, life has begun anew. Buildings are being restored, with what materials can be found; shops are reopening, albeit in the form of bakeries and ration sheds.
New Kiev could become a great nation, if it can continue its trend of prosperity. However, with few agricultural holdings, and a large presence of infected right on its door step, it may well be snuffed out before things can come to fruition.
Culture: New Kiev can be considered a civilised nation, with many old world morals and ideals. There are schools, hospitals, churches, police and fire stations, although all of these are very basic facilities.
Generally speaking, children between the age of 4 and 10 attend school, to receive a basic education. Afterwards, they are expected to find a use for themselves, whether it’s in the military or domestic sectors.
Drinking and smoking are seen as acceptable past times, and general physical health is disregarded in favour of: “enjoying the moment, before you fall down and attack someone”. This generally gives the people of New Kiev a rather cheerful persona, and they can be found on most evenings to be celebrating, one way or the other.
The language of the New Kievans is Ukrainian, although English prevails as the secondary language.
Government: New Kiev is not a democracy, but more of a monarchy – although people will generally deny this. Currently, President Vitali Kedzierski, the now deceased Captain Yevgen Kedzierski’s only son, holds all the keys to power and is beyond question. He did not receive his position, or even try to claim it; when Yevgen died of lung cancer three years ago, people just assumed Vitali would take the helm. And that’s what he did.
Reporting to Vitali are the Ministers of Security, and the Ministers of Domestic Affairs. There are no other government departments.
Presient Kedzierski is known as a rather rational, compassionate man. He is loved universally by his people, and whatever shady dealings he may have going on, are well hidden from public view.
Economy: New Kiev deals primarily in tobacco, fish and automobile parts. The old car factories of Charlestown were largely intact when the Matina arrived, and though the New Kievans are still toiling away in getting these facilities up and running again, the large stock piles of items left behind after the Happening have given them a trading edge in this brave new world.
If they can acquire the right resources, and power up the machinery at the various plants, they may be able to provide themselves and others with a semi-renewable supply of pistons, arches, coils, and all the other fanfare.
Military: New Kiev’s military operates two separate, infantry based branches. These are the Militsiya, and the Kiev Battalion (K.B).
The Milisiya’s role is twofold. They are both armed police, and traditional soldiers. It is New Kiev’s only force dedicated to dealing with humans, and is well equipped with American firearms, and well stocked. However, it is a strictly controlled force, and is small – only 300 strong. Typically, they deal with outsiders, or internal threats. Occasionally they are also called in to help the K.B deal with fungi threats. They are well trained, and paid highly for their service, and answer directly to the President.
The Kiev Battalion, sometimes known as the Butcher Corps due to its high mortality rate, is the conscripted wing of New Kiev’s armed forces. Armed with machetes, spears, shields and some firearms, it is they who are charged with the grim task of clearing out areas of fungi carriers.
Their work is bloody, but they are well cared for. After six months service, a citizen is allowed a 12 month immunity from the Battalion's drafting papers. During the time they are with the battalion, they are fed and sheltered. After six consecutive tours, a citizen is then excluded from further conscription.
Serving in the Battalion is seen as an honourable act, and there are few deserters despite the bleak work. Typically, there are just under six hundred men and women serving in the K.B at any one time during a campaign, although in times of serious distress, this number will double to include all of New Kiev’s eligible population.
Population: 2,643. 55% Ukrainian, 25% North American, 10% Moroccan, 10% Cuban.
Law and Order: New Kiev's law is based along traditional lines, but with capital punishment in place. Generally heinous crimes, such as rape and murder, are punishable by death. Lesser crimes, such as theft and causing damage to property or injury to people, are punishable by serving terms in the K.B.
Trials are short affairs, consisting of the prosecution, a judge, and the accused. The presiding judge ultimately decides the fate of the accused.