Blubaron45

You can't say that in public!!!

"Give me some of your time when I'm lonely, you're my dear companion. Give me food when I am starved, you're my best friend. Give me shelter when I have none, you've become family to me. Give me sex after marriage, you're my cousin."

-Probably most of Pakistan

The Baron's Polyverse

Volæria Lore Wiki

Map of Europe, 1922. Made by FoxFire.

_{C U L T U R A L M O V E M E N T S}

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Introduction

There are four major cultural movements during the Age of Volæria, some of which being quite parallel to that of our own. Think of it as a Neo-Victorian-inspired setting for now, a world which has gotten stuck to this movement, but still undergoing some form of transition and social change. As the theme is for most Steampunk stories, most revolve around what is known as the Victorian Era though that term usually refers to the social movement of the United Kingdom that takes place roughly around the Romantic and Impressionistic Eras. The western world of Volæria in Europe and United States are in a mix of several cultures which include both Neo and Post Romanticism as well as Impressionism, often praising the works of early Romantic artists such as Eugene Delacroix, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, etc to also being introduced to Impressionistic artists such as Claude Debussy, Vincent van Gogh, Joseph Conrad, and many more. Many philosophers, writers, artists are all differentiating in their own subcultures, it's all roughly could be categorized as a late Neo-Romantic period all while common folk music is also rising in popularity as the invention of the Phonograph with people finding it simpler to listen to music rather than playing on their own.

The United States, as Mark Twain coined, called this era the Gilded Age as queen Victoria had no reign over America, which would technically defeat of purpose of being a Victorian-themed setting in that country. Nonetheless, these cultures should remain somewhat similar as they did mutually during that time period where industry was heavily leaning towards its technological peak and thus reaching a second Industrial Revolution. Volæria, in this case, is at a high peak of industrialization in our setting, even more so than in our world and since Volæria has the invention of Aerovehicles as well as other machinery, it obviously differentiates it from our own.

It is in this time that transcendentalists such as in the time of the early 19th century are being admired once more as access to buying your own air vessel was becoming notably tangible which subsequently began inspiring those who wanted the chance to explore the world and live a life of stoicism and self-sufficiency. The price of buying an Aethership was not nearly as expensive as originally thought as companies were building a notable amount of these vessels to fill the needs of many companies sought to use them for shipping purposes as Airplanes were not yet tested to travel long distances safely and Cargo airplanes not yet invented. Buying an moderately-sized Aethership was probably almost the amount for buying a large house and by 1907, there were many who lived in such "Cloudhouses" as later coined by the New York Times in 1909, and many more who would try to undergo adventure and choosing to live on the outskirts of civilization among the natural surroundings they believe to be a transcending experience and many of which would later take occupations as part-time cargo holders for companies.

Volæria shares almost the same artists, philosophers, historians, etc. at during the first half of the 20th century. Almost any man or woman of historical significance during those times is for the most part the same with of course the exception of a few additional members who helped pave the way for our setting as well as modifications to certain historical figures and how this setting changed their own experiences. In order to grasp a better understand, there will be a time-line provided below. It is not until the later half of the 1920's was when this story's history truly and significantly differs from that of our own. Volæria for the most part seems to be rather stuck during this time era through the many decades (and centuries) which then decided to take precedence after that time. Even the language relatively stayed the time, a tone and use of formality being the obvious indicator of this world.

Language/Dialect for the most part stayed the same, or at least respective, with formality. It was during this time that a revival of form of 'formal speech' was implemented which was similar to that of the 1860's and during the time of transcendentalists. In essence, think of it as a similar dialect of movies such as Deadwood, The Age of Innocence, Pride and Prejudice, and other examples of movies portraying those eras - it is obvious that the language the writers have used is more of a modernized version of how people spoke during those times and the same could be said about the language used in Volæria. It is a language which had predominantly taken hold of the early 20th century and proceeded to stay for the rest of the time afterwards. Regardless of what age it is in Volæria, the culture relatively stayed the same, almost seemingly stuck in a trance of a Neo-Victorian/Romantic-Inspired setting, only differentiating slightly throughout with such social movements like the Early, Modern, Late, and Survival Volærian eras.

Early Volærian Culture, 1890 - 1930

It is not necessarily wrong for one to suggest that this era culturally resembles that of the 1860s as many of the early Volærian seek to revive an earlier era (being traditionalists) as well as mixed it with their own version of Impressionism. This was the first social movement of the Volærian Renaissance with the building of the Aethership, a vessel with much more capacity and efficiency their it's airship counterpart and thus changing the world forever. Technology during this time was rampantly changing and an era of science completely mystified those who lived during this time as many took to the skies in an age of wonder and ingenuity. Science fiction had now become a reality despite the only thing which seemed to not be able to evolve is fashion and style - this if of course with the exception of the Flapper, the modern woman of the 1920s. Boulder hats, high collars, ascot, cravats, and puff ties are still being worn through this time as it did during the ages past, at least with men. With the rise of the woman's rights suffrage movements as well as the rise of prohibition, the world seems to be rather parallel to that of our own if one were to completely ignore the other underlying presence of Aetherium-powered ships as well as the wars which took place during this time.

Volærian Modernism, 1932 - 1948

A strong culture rising from the precipice of disaster that abruptly plunged the entire world into economic catastrophe had taken a turn for the better. A new era had risen, a brave new world crafted from the corrosion of a former and strong culture that had been perpetrated by the Great Depression, an era which left many desperate and hungry for opportunity and survival.

More to be written soon...

Late Volærian Culture, 1948 - 1970

To be written soon...

Volærian Survivalism/Stoicism, 1970

To be written soon...

_{L O R E B Y S T O R Y}

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An Explanation

It would be almost unnecessary to write all of the countries which have ever existed in this world - it would take far too much of both of your time. So I've simply decided to spit up each country/nation/state and their status depending on their time of origin (ie the story they happen to be taking place in). I do apologize if it does not have much detail for I lack a bit of historical knowledge though given this is an alternative setting, it doesn't have to be precise anyway.

A Red Rose in November

Nations During this Time:

The Nordic Confederation

Founded: 1919
Capital: Copenhagen
Parliamentary Leader: Sebastian Larsson of Sweden
Info:
The Nordic Confederation (also known as the Neo-Kalmar Union or Baltoscandia) is a collaborative of countries united together in attempts to combat communism and unify the Northern Peoples. Shortly after the ceasefire of the Great War, the Nordic Confederation sought to unify to which it successfully did around 1919. Many of its people hold a tight sense of pride of racialism as northerners and together have banded a relatively strong military. In recent events, this strong country has mined Aetherium and honed their engineers to building the new Aetherium-based aircrafts, almost being on the same level of competition as Italy and Spain. No one can predict how far the newly advanced country will go to, only that it will far succeed in his own goals in becoming a superpower.

Finland

Founded: 1917 (Independence from Russia)
Capital: Helsinki
Prime Minister: Rafael Erich
Info:
Almost four years since claiming its independence from the Russian Empire shortly after their dissimulation during the February and October Revolutions, this country has strongly held its own. Rumors of joining the Nordic Confederation circulate with almost surety though in reality has done nothing as of yet to do so. Like Poland, Finland is a border country between both the Soviet and the rest of the Western World and devotedly denounces Marxism. Both countries are financially backed by the west should the Soviets choose to ever invade which the German Empire almost undoubtedly predict it might perhaps in the next ten years. Although not as paranoid as Germany, Finland predicts no such invasion but however in recent events have argued over border disputes between themselves and the newly formed Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic which might soon turn sour and at worst into another war.

Great Britain

Founded: 1497? (date debated)
Capital: London
Prime Minister: David Lloyd George
Sovereign: George V
Info:
One of the greatest superpowers in the entire world, the British Empire still rules over much of the world and is still considered a mighty power. Between the British Empire and the United States, both countries are enormous superpowers but in recent events, the Empire has made one more close ally, the Nordic Confederation which was mainly bonded mostly due to trade rights and setting mining ports in British-owned Canada. Though a relatively strong empire, the nation is constantly dealing with uprisings, more particularly in countries like Ireland and India. Perhaps it is not inaccurate to say that the year 1921 is going to be the peak of the empire before it falls downhill.

Spain

Founded: 1492 (unified from Moors)
Capital: Barcelona
Prime Minister: Antonio Maura
Sovereign: Alfonso XIII
Info:
Like Italy, Spain has grown into a powerful military power though to say that the nation has a thirst for getting into a war is quite laughable. Unlike Italy, Spain chose to stay out of the war as it has developed the true isolationism as the United States prior to them going to war. Though some say this won't last as Spain has revitalized itself, formed a powerful military with an aerial fleet which can compete with Italy and swearing an alliance with of course the very same Italians. Many conspiracy theorists and political activists choose to believe this is a call for a reformation of the once great Roman Empire in a moment they call "Nova Roma" which they have used to justify their alliance with Italy. Spain is not a country to be reckoned with and despite their defeat to the Americans in their own last Great War, there is a reputation which is awaiting to be redeemed.

The Ottoman Empire

Founded: 1299
Capital: Istanbul
Sovereign: Mehmed VI (Sultan)
Info:
A fragmented country which can no longer truly be called the great empire of its former day, the Ottomans are a simply disabled countrymen though sprouting a political revolution from within their own country. Ideas of a Republic are in the works as Mehmed VI stands as possibly the last emperor of the one great empire as a growing number of members of the Turkish National Movement attempt to take over its fragmented remains and attempt to change it into a more prosperous country. Time will only tell how long or when this will happen.

France

Founded: 1870 (Third French Republic)
Capital: Paris
President: Paul Deschanel
Prime Minister: Alexandre Millerand
Info:
Being almost devastated by the Great Wars, France has progressively managed to repair itself after serving as one of the main battlefields during that time. Despite its technical defeat, its people are ever so prideful and hopeful to what the future might hold to them. In retaliation to the growing Nordic Confederation, Belgium split its predominately French-speaking Wallonia joining its side and served as a new region for the French. France has also gained in its finances and is building a military with new aircraft to help defend itself and possibly conquer should it decide to do so. With new domains in the middle east after their loss to the Italians in North Africa, France attempts to reclaim its former glory.

Second Polish Republic

Founded: 1918, 1921
Capital: Warsaw
President: Józef Piłsudski
Prime Minister: Antoni Ponikowski
Info:
Just a few months after the Soviet - Polish war, the Polish finally gained a country of its own after being backed by the German Empire and later England, France, the Nordic Confederation, Italy, and the former Ukrainian People's Republic which fell at the hands of the Soviets. Both Poland and Finland serve as a border country between the communist nation and the rest of the western world and has backing by many of the western countries. Despite being a relatively new country, its people have a long and history as well as a strong military.

Yugoslavia

Founded: 1919
Capital: Sarajevo
Prime Minister: Milenko Vesnić
Info:
Quite arguably the cause of the Great War, Yugoslavians under the domains of the once Austro-Hungarian Empire have finally developed their own nation just after the end of the stalemated cataclysm. Once backed by the former Russian Empire, Yugoslavia has succeeded in creating its own nation but just for how long is not clearly determined. With the end of the Russian Empire, many have thought of joining the Red Army though has been interrupted by the Yugoslavian nationalists, the United States, and Italy. Allied with Romania and Bulgaria, the new nation located on the eastern Adriatic has little to fear its larger neighbors and attempts to prosper despite not getting the lands it truly wanted after the war.

Dutchland

Founded: 1648
Capital: Brussels, Amsterdam
Prime Minister: Charles Ruijs de Beerenbrouck
Sovereign: Wilhelmina
Info:
After constant raids from the German army during the Great War the Dutch population of Belgium along with being backed by the Netherlands, supported a union between both nations. The mostly French and Romance speaking Wallonia chose to join France. Dutchland is heavily allied with the Nordic Confederation and like Finland, abstains from joining but still holds a tight grasp on friendship and clearly protected. Both Dutchland and the Nordic Confederation have a strong bond in not only its military but in its trade, having rights to share Aetherium mines with each other, both making a decent amount of income.

Austria-Hungary

Founded: 1867
Capital: Budapest
Sovereign: Charles I of Austria
Info:
After losing its lands to the Yugoslavian separatists shortly after the Great War, Austria-Hungary, like the Ottomans are no longer considered the great empire of time's past though is not completely dismantled. The country still holds a powerful military and its people consider themselves far from being defeated. With migrants from the Ukraine, its culture is constantly changing and is roughly peaceful despite its growing multi-ethnic state. Like the German Empire, there is a constant shift of politics as many Social Democrats gain influence over the majority of its habitants. However, unlike Germany, any form of violence is yet to be seen as most forms of protest are relatively peaceful. Time can only tell when that will last...

Ireland

Info:
Civic unrest is constant in this island with both Pro and Anti Treaty affiliates scaling themselves to yet again another confrontation which is undoubtedly about to turn into another war. Though not technically considered yet an independent nation, it is Irish Free State still under the dominion of the British Empire. Once a Gaelic-speaking country, many of the country's people have claimed its culture as well as its language are slowly withering away and in fear attempt to conserve these ancient traditions by any means possible and a civil war is said to be brewing in the works.

Italy

Founded: 1861
Capital: Rome
Prime Minister: Ivanoe Bonomi
Sovereign: Victor Emmanuel III
Info:
The head of the technological world and having one of the greatest military in the world, Italy is changing once more. With fascists attempting to take over its government in a political revolution after the failures of winning the Great War, many arise in a endless retaliation against the failure of its liberal government. One man in particular, Benito Mussolini, who was responsible for creating I Fasci di Combattimento, is rising in the political ranks and bringing hope to the eyes of his fellow Italian brothers and sisters. Though condemned by Giovanni Giolitti, prime minister until July, it was quite possibly the only way to combat the rising tide of socialists in Italy and by adding the fascists to the next electoral vote would inevitably end such a threat. Knowingly beginning to diverge into Fascism, the world has yet to see what one of the world's greatest military superpowers has yet to venture to in the next few years.

The German Empire

Founded: 1871
Capital: Berlin
Parliamentary Leader: Wilhelm II
Chancellor: Maximilian of Baden
Info:
Although still an Empire with a federal monarchy, many of the strong and intelligent German people vehemently abstain from such a government. With affiliates such as the Social Democratic Party and the more violent Independent Social Democratic Party gaining more influence, numbers against the Empire is expediting and a revolution is afoot. Many of the German people remain utterly disillusioned by the Imperial system which has failed to ensure a victory for its own country and rumors of a Weimar Republic are precedent. Support for such movements are elevated by the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic though many believe the Social Democrats not to divert to the totalitarian regime of that of Russia.

The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic

Founded: 1917, 1922
Capital: Petrograd, Moscow
Head of State: Mikhail Kalinin
Head of Government: Vladimir Lenin
Info:
Shortly after the February and October revolution and along with the abdication of Tsar Nicholas the II, the Bolsheviks sought to unify the under the exponentially growing tide of Marxist thought. The failure of the Russian Provisional Government only proved to the Soviet's peoples its validation and so a strong sense of pride is formed through its communions. Russia finds itself however in a predicament of hostility as countries around them are constantly dubious, fearing the spread of their political influence over the world. Many Russians interpret this as fear and only hold themselves higher to recognition. Recent events in Manchuria and revolts against Soviet rule however show that not everyone fears this growing entity.

The United States of America

Founded: 1776
Capital: Washington D.C.
President: Warren G. Harding
Info:
The most feared nation in the world, mostly due to its rapid growth and influence, the United States is obviously considered the land of opportunity, as it houses a myriad of reason to immigrate to such a country. Many of its people have however lost a sense of pride for their own nation as its former role isolationism is seemingly reinstated mostly due to the failures of winning the Great War. With the feminist movement finally allowing the women the right to vote and the start of prohibition, Americans hope to see a new light in the next few years. Crime, however, is on the rise and seemingly growing exponentially as illegal cartels and illegitimate businesses are not only conducting but influencing countries in Europe. Despite this, America has a huge reputation as an economic superpower and honing its military power to be an even greater threat to its foes than before with new innovations in technology.

_{T I M E L I N E}

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April 20, 1725 - Sir Isaac Newton conducts research on Aetherium, though never being quite successful in his studies, Newton provided some insight on the substance itself to other scientists.

1820 - Sir Humphry Davy isolates Aetherium, being the first by record to do so and is later tasked with conducting research on this substance.

May 28, 1882 - The Age of Volæria begins when Italian inventor and engineer Vincenzo Buscemi later is able to construct the first known successful Aetherium-based platform later known as an 'Aeroplatform' though no real great inventions would come until years later.

January 2, 1883 - Ferdinand von Zeppelin comes in contact with Vincenzo Buscemi and begin collaborating on a project in order to create the first Airship without the need of hydrogen or helium.

January 2, 1888 - Ferdinand von Zeppelin and Vincenzo Buscemi create the first ever Airship without the need of hydrogen or helium and start a company known as "Aria" which would later assist countries from around the world build aircrafts similar to this one in order for combat purposes.

1890 - "The Hot Cold Rush" begins when nations become aware that Aetherium is mostly founded in South Africa and Antarctica. Mining soon begins thereafter.

May 11, 1891 - Italy is the first country to build a major mining colony on Antarctica known as the "Porta del Cielo", it facilitates around 5,000 inhabitants.

June 3, 1892 - The United States pays 20 million dollars for Italian and Spanish Engineers to work in America. The New York Times dubs Italy as the "Flying Empire" due to being the most technologically advanced nation in the world on terms of aviation with Spain being at number 2.

July 16, 1892 - New York Times releases a figure of the health and well being of miners and estimates that one of twenty people who mine and colonize in Antarctica die from either hunger, hypothermia, or other health related issues. Regardless of this fact, thousands begin to pour into the job sites as the pay rate is hardly anything to pass. As revenue expands however, colonies become more sophisticated and safer for miners.

April 21, 1898 - The Spanish-American War begins, being the first war to ever make use of aircrafts designed for tactical purposes.

August 10, 1900 - The Spanish-American War is brought to an swift end with an American win, leaving 27,000 casualties.

July, 1900 - The Luftschiff Zeppelin LZ1 makes its first flight, being the first Airship to fly without the need of Aetherium. Its demand, however, cannot compete with the Aetherium-based Aircrafts and is thus not as in demand. Zeppelin then coins the term "Aethership" in contrast to "Airship" which mostly consists without the need of Aetherium. Some today however, still often confuse both terms and are at times traded and/or confused with one another.

December 12, 1901 - Guglielmo Marconi receives the first transatlantic wireless signals.

April 22, 1902 - It is now estimated that now one in thirty people miners die in Antarctica due to hazards.

February 8, 1904 - The start of the Russo Japanese War begins.

December 17, 1903 - The Wright brothers invent the first ever self-sufficient flying engine that does no require any use of Aetherium, making it faster than any other aircraft in existence. This invention would be later known as the "Aeroplane".

February 26, 1906 - Upton Sinclair writes his book, "The Jungle", a book depicting the poor environments of the food industry, the FDA is formed thereafter.

March 11, 1906 - The Russian Empire wins the Russo-Japanese War and Manchuria is thereby annexed by the Russian Empire.

April 18, 1906 - The famous 1906 San Francisco Earthquake occurs, leaving around 3,000 causalities. with recent contributions to technology, the city is rebuilt and restored in a relatively short amount of time. Nikola Tesla, famous inventor and engineer reinvents the aeroplatform, though being modified for lifting tall buildings from the ground. This would later attract many visitors towards San Francisco and became an iconic city soon thereby being the pinnacle of technology (as seen here). It is then that San Francisco's population booms in the later coming decades, becoming as equally as populated as Los Angeles and is known as the "City of Aether."

August 10, 1911 - J. Frank and Charles Duryea, along with Nikola Tesla build the first successful, electric-powered hover car known at that time as a 'wheel-less carriage'.

September 17, 1915 - Austro-Hungary declares a war on Serbia, just after a second assassination attempt on Franz Ferdinand who was riding in a aeromobile. This would later cause global tensions across Europe.

January 17, 1916 - The Schlieffen Plan goes entirely successful with Paris now under German occupation.

February 1917 - The February Revolution occurs as Finland dives into a civil war for independence from the Russian Empire.

February 17, 1917 - Italy joins the Central Powers and invades French Tunisia.

April to October 1917 - A significant number of French troops defect to Germany during this time period as morale spirals down with Germany's victory over the French. This time period was known to the French as "La Grande Trahison."

March 1917 - Russian Provisional Government is formed shortly after Tsar Nicholas II's abdication from Russian Bolsheviks.

April 1917 - The United States joins the Allied Forces.

October 25, 1917 - The start of the Russian Civil War commences as Bolsheviks attempt to take Petrograd (modern day Saint Petersburg) in what was later known as The October Revolution.

November 7, 1917 - The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic is formed.

December, 1917 - Finland declares independence from Russia, thereby starting the Finnish Civil War.

January 1917 - December 1920 - The Spanish Flu.

March 1918 - 1919 - The Berbers Famine occurs, resulting in the deaths of millions of native born North Africans, many believe this to have been a deliberate plan by colonists to replace the North African populations. Spain, Italy, Great Britain, and France all state that the war had a significant impact on the food shortages. Constant rioting ensues while communist indoctrinators infiltrate the region, attempting to spark a revolution and tensions rise thereafter.

July 11, 1919 - After years of bloodshed, all countries during participating in World War 1 call a cease fire and thus ended the war in a stalemate with an estimated 55 million causalities.

September 20, 1919 - Leaders of Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway form the Nordic Confederation as Social Democratic leaders fear the rising tide of communism. Finland abstains from the union yet remains an independent nation. Mining ports and trade rights between Canada and the newly formed Nordic Confederation shortly begins thereafter as large amounts of Aetherium is found in Canada's northern regions. America joins soon after. An alliance is formed between the British Empire and the Nordic Confederation.

October 1919 - The United States Congress signs National Prohibition Act and many other countries choose to follow the idea of banned liquor. This inevitably would lead to higher crime rates as the illegal importation of alcohol became all the more rampant.

November 3, 1919 - The Treaty of Versailles is signed, no reparations are needed from other countries as the war is declared a draw.

December 1919 - Social Democrats in Finland claim a unitary parliamentary republic and Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg is elected its first president after failure by the German Empire to install Prince Frederick Charles of Hesse as king of Finland.

1920 - Fascism in Italy and Spain is on the rise.

March 1920 - Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Jamaica contemplate a union between their countries and perhaps with Spain. Tensions between the United States and the Latin countries begin to rise.

April 1920 - The ABAAT experiments official begin around this time when 12 volunteers offer themselves.

March 1921 - Poland officially gains independence from the Soviets and form the Second Polish Republic.

November 1921 - The plot of the RP A Red Rose in November takes place during this time.

1937 - Possible setting for an alternative World War 2 RP.

Post 1960's - Possible setting for a Cold War apocalyptic story.

Post 2000's - Possible setting for a post-apocalyptic story.

The Baron's Polyverse

The World of Volæria

^{RPs in this world: A Red Rose in November}

_{O N T H E W O R L D O F V O L Æ R I A, A N I N T R O D U C T I O N}

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London, The British Empire, painted in 1923.

In an almost mirrored world surrounded by technological prowess and eye opening mysticism, the Age of Volæria serves as the version of how our own world would be like in a 'idea Steampunk-esque' setting. It is a fictional world which takes place in an alternate universe set in a 1920s Neo-Romantic Victorian Inspired setting during during the peak of a technological renaissance. The invention of the technology discovered during their time drastically having changed the culture to a much more conservative one with notions of nationalism and ethnic pride taking precedence over many countries around the civilized world.

As stated before, Volæria takes place in a Neo-Romantic and Victorian/Gilded Age inspired setting. Most of the major history events in their world have mostly also occurred from our own post World War 1 though with addition to the renaissance of technological development particularly in aircraft, the world of flight has slightly deviated from the histories of our two worlds. The might of craftsmanship as well as its innovators have conjured an era of mysticism becoming all the more distant and unrecognizable from that of our own as the dreams of many idealists who aspired of a grand future were finally coming true. As stated earlier, some of the major events during this world have significantly changed some its history, alternating it from ours and becoming a variation of the events which have already transpired in our own history as well as several other elements that will be added in this world later on in the story.

One of such discoveries changed their history is the elemental substance known as "Aetherium" an unobtainium that has many unexplainable, impossible abilities that have yet to be unraveled in the plot. Aetherium is so unknown and mysterious, that it cannot be placed on the elements chart and is unable of being properly calculated on a quantum level. The unknown element has many unexplainable effects one of which is producing a maglev effect that makes object hover when in the presence of high temperatures. The discovery of Aetherium would later help with the development with aviation technology as flying aircrafts would be forged by such a material. This era would be known as the "Sky Age" as stated by historians during this time or the "Age of Volæria" by J.R.R. Tolkien to which it would later be named.

The element, while unknown in its reasons for why or how it functions can be predominately found in portions of southern Africa, northern regions of Canada, Greenland, Siberia, and an even more overly-founded abundance of this commodity being also being located in Antarctica. Shortly after the discovery of using this material for aerial purposes, mining jobs began to sprout by the tens of thousands. Underground cities had also become prevalent, serving as warmer places in which heat is insulated from the outside cold. It was in this era which subsequently reopened the factory businesses and new regulations were set in place as working in such places became safer than before. Things like overtime and child labor however are still in effect though people have never been safer working under such conditions. Unless of course one is to find work in the Arctic which is notoriously known for being though well-paid, a dangerous place as a reportedly 1 in 5 miners would die of hypothermia around the years 1880-1882.

The greatest country with the leading innovation of this technology is Italy whose inventor, Vincenzo Buscemi, was credited for inventing the Aeroplatform in 1885, a stable and floating platform that would withstand any weight put on it without the need for any form of air resistance or helium. Vincenzo Buscemi would later work with curious inventor Ferdinand von Zeppelin with the development of the Aeroship (sometimes called an Aethership), which was an Airship mostly hovered with the use of Aetherium. The result was a huge success as every country in the civilized world wanted to gain access to such a technology during the ever so growing age of Imperialism. The free market allowed for many companies to base their technology around such inventions and so the race for the skies began.

It was during this time of technological prowess that San Francisco would become nearly the size of Los Angeles, the time were people were lifted from poverty, and the first World War being fought from 1915 to 1919 with very different battles and ending in a practical stalemate without ending as severely towards the economy of the nations or reparations having been made though involved covering just as many casualties. Austria-Hungary lost a lot of his former territory in the south though still remained a powerful nation despite Yugoslavian Separatists gaining independence though who themselves struggle to maintain their new nation to the south in the Balkans. Peace for the time being is transparent, though the phrase "the war to end all wars" is soon beginning to become all the more fallacious as tensions are beginning to rise once more between nations.

Imperialism had still been alive and well but soon thereafter turning into Fascism as Italy is the first nation to begin becoming convinced of such ideas of national and ethnic pride. With the Bolsheviks taking control of Russia during the revolutions in 1917 and the complete overthrow of the Russian Provisional Government which inevitably led to the Russian Civil War, Democratic Socialists and Liberals from countries such as Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Finland are desperately severing themselves from the newly founded Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. The Nordic Confederation formed when Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland joined forces and started mines and trading rights with both Greenland and Canada, Finland choosing to abstain for the time being though remaining a close ally. And with the new era of prohibition opening another underground trade route, one more violent than the world has ever seen before, a new underground criminal organization began to rise. The world has changed significantly in just a few years and no man can truly tell how different things could be in the next ten. Only time will tell...

_{S O M E C O M M E N T S A N D U P D A T E S}

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As you can tell, this world isn't yet fully developed due to the fact that we just began our very first RP which is set during this time. It all of course depends on how exactly the plot unravels during the events which pursue of it. As of right now (December 2017) the RP isn't yet finished but I will still be here developing the world as it's currently written. Another thing I added onto the timeline were possible settings for RPs I will also possibly develop later in time which will also add to more info on this world.

The Baron's Polyverse

The Baron's Polyverse

_{A U T H O R ' S N O T E S}

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Hello,

This is simply an idea that I stole from Dynamo Frokane since they had their own Multiverse Guide and because before that, I've contemplated the idea of having all of my writings being connected in some way. Since there are not any stories I have written other than two (one of which probably deserves to be put on here), this list will not be as lengthy as you'd might expect at first but in time I hope it becomes larger and filled with stories that have been successfully completed. Hopefully, I may even write a few books if I improve my writing skills.

Though it is, to get back on track, to connect everything all to a chain of universes thereby of course being my own. There will be very common themes throughout this 'chain of universes' that have all weaved and intertwined with one another, mostly because of a strange, unknown element and ancient alien species, they're knowledge far surpassing our own and who once lived during a time long before the existence of the human race. We will simply call this species 'the Ancients' for a better and simpler way of putting them and we will call the element, Aetherium (given that it sounds more professional). Of course these entities serving as the core reason for not only the alternative setting they project onto these worlds, but to how these universes are related to one another.

Without giving much away, the form entailed will give a detailed description of each world. The first thing you should be aware of is the table of contents so you don't have to scroll all the way down and find each world. I will do my best to cohesively transition each entry in a way that it easy to follow and not seem too tedious. There will be also a link of each world provided through a Google Drive Link, of course this being an even more intricate detail. Though due to lack of detail and input on my part recently, I will not post these links until I am done working in the matter of which I find sufficient for putting them down in the world place. They are not finished, but they will be put here shortly.

_{T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S}

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• Volæria
• Possible Fantasy Setting

Volæria: A Red Rose in November

Okay, so I have one more confirmed person telling me that they're still interested so that makes about 5 of us. Good.

Also just letting you guys know ahead of time: I will be busy this weekend and we will most likely be doing character collabs (for how they all met each other) on Sunday depending how things end up and I might (maybe) start a discord for our RP. If anyone wants to write another character that's fine too for now. Otherwise I might just cut a few of the spots, make an additional character to fill in, or both.

Volæria: A Red Rose in November

@SgtEasy

I can't wait either. Just contacted a few people who expressed interest in the check to see if they're still down. If not, it's just us for now. I really don't want this to die out.

Volæria: A Red Rose in November

@FoxFire, @SgtEasy

Accepted. Go ahead and put them in the Char section since there'll probably not be as many people getting into this which is good because I would prefer small groups anyway.

I am definitely still in for this! I should finish writing my character tomorrow or friday. Unless life gets in the way, I shouldn't go past that.

@Elkhar

Can't wait!

Volæria: A Red Rose in November

Salvatore Brucchelli

^{"Life is interesting and simple except for the people who attempt to make it boring and difficult."
Theme(s): Le Temps des Cerises}

_{B A S I C I N F O R M A T I O N}

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Full Name: Salvatore Andrea Brucchelli

Nickname: Il Dulce, Sal

Date of Birth: February 12, 1893

Place of Birth: Near Cosenza, Calabria, Italy

Gender: Male

Race, Ethnicity: Caucasian, Italian

Eye Color: Green

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 183 lbs

_{D E T A I L E D I N F O R M A T I O N}

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Titles/Social Status: Citizen.

Appearance: Sal is a dusty haired man with messy and curled brown hair that flows peacefully from the top of his head. Having the olive skin of his native countrymen, the man could hardly not be distinguished from his southern European countrymen. His small, hooked nose is also a giveaway of his origins as well though something about the man can make any European recognize him as an Italian. The Captain is often seen wearing his typical gear which includes a casual Victorian suit worn without either cravat or tie, a white long sleeve shirt, a vest, worn out work boots, and a pair of black dusty slacks that complement his appearance.

_{O C C U P A T I O N A L A N D F I G H T I N G A B I L I T I E S}

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Past Occupation: Car Mechanic, Veteran Italian Pilot during the Great War, Aviation Mechanic.

Current Occupation: Freelance Captain of the Strativella, Modella Titan 1914 Type B which is a cargo/passenger Aethership.

Equipment:

• Gewehr 98 Mauser rifle. He doesn't take this in public but has it on his ship.
• Colt Model 1898 he carries almost at all times.
• Gold Locket, which contains a picture of his mother.
• American Trench Knife he holds on his left side near his breast.
• Italian Knife he holds on his belt
• Long dagger he holds next to his boot
• A set of binoculars. He doesn't take this in public either.

Notable Talents/Abilities:

• Heroic Pilot - "Il Dulce" was the name of this pilot during his reign of the time of the Great War. Known for ending the lives of many brave men, Salvatore Brucchelli was the Italian Air Force's greatest asset during this time.
• Great Mechanic - Quiet possibly being proclaimed as a very good mechanic, the captain not only is a great pilot but perhaps is almost an equally good mechanic.
• Experienced marksman - Salvatore is a decent shot, not really much of a sharpshooter but can definitely prove himself to be capable of holding himself while under pressure.

_{P E R S O N A L}

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Hobbies/Pastimes:

• Fixing the engine of his Aethership
• Reading - Sal is a genuinely curious man, often reading philosophy and reading news on his spare time.
• Boxing - Sal is an avid watcher of boxing, often listening and reading about the ever growing American stars during the golden age. He is also not a bad fighter himself, having been trained as an amateur.
• Playing the guitar
• Playing cards

Talents/Skills not mentioned:

• Decent card player - Can play poker very well and be an entertaining player.
• Guitar player - Sal has learned to play since the age of 12 and can play very well. Singing however, is not his forte.
• Literate

_{P E R S O N A L I T Y}

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Salvatore is a quiet, reserved man though not due to shyness as he only chooses to open his mouth only when needed to and holds quite possibly one of the best poker faces among his colleagues. In this essence through his eyes nothing is wasted, nothing too revealing and manifesting towards his enemies that could be of use to him. Despite his seemingly serious endeavor however, Sal possesses a sarcastic and rather morbid sense of humor, sometimes finding humor during the darkest situations he finds himself in. It is perhaps not a surprising fact that the man almost obviously uses it to cope with stress of his former life as a soldier and new life as a criminal. Despite being a hardened man with a history of criminality Sal is a rather fair man, willing to do right by everyone so as long as he is knowingly not being taken advantage of. He is not a con man, but knows when he is being conned and it is best to tread lightly when attempting to deceive him for there aren't many who live to double-cross him.

_{B I O G R A P H Y}

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Born on a simple farm on the outskirts of what is now Cosenza in Calabria, Italy, Salvatore was the third born in his family out of five children(siblings in order: Francesca, Emilio, Salvatore, Dario, Michael). The Brucchelli family was everything which encompassed the typical farming family in southern Italy though were far from living the privileged life. Yet despite this, the Brucchelli managed to financially hold their own despite their financial deficits.

As a Brucchelli, nothing was quite expected out of the farmer family except for the affinity the young man seemed to have possessed at a young age which was towards craftsmanship, a gift he had not truly honed until he was older. Though it was obvious that his curiosity for simple mechanical devises had certainly complemented his interest in aircraft later in his life. He was a naturally curious fellow, eventually teaching himself how to read and write which was also subsequently taught by his older siblings to which he himself would later pass down. Sal had an active and rather happy childhood, having plenty of friends and although losing his younger sibling Dario to a fever, live was still satisfying for the young man despite its repercussions. Glancing back at the nostalgia, Sal could remember that days of vivid color and everything that encompassed happiness, even in his days of living in poverty, where his family struggled in those grueling years. Everywhere in his youth was full of optimism, especially as he got older when he first became an apprentice mechanic as the Aerial Age grew.

It was in those years of study and apprenticeship that the young man, 16 at the time soared and began to earn his trade which eventually landed him a job in a small Aethership company. With money to help himself and his family, life was going all to well for the Brucchelli family as each of the children had developed their own trade. With Francesca married to a well-to-do gentleman, Emilio in line to inherit the family farm, and little Michael honing his ability into becoming a constructions worker it seemed that the family had their children set for life.

The world began to change however as the century passed, for a war began to brew in Europe and eventually pulled many young men into the pit of cataclysm and the turmoils of battle. Fortunately with his prowess for aircrafts, Salvatore was landed into a job well suited for him, an aircraft pilot. His duties were simple: to fly on defense missions and whenever he wasn't on duty to work on planes. Upon hearing his younger brother Michael taking the role of a sniper, Salvatore feared for his safety as his family did for him. For the time being, he could only hope for the best and that both brothers would pass through this bloody war in safety.

It was only after witnessing the Aethership La Calabria and its grandeur with his own eyes that Sal felt utterly mesmerized by mankind's ingenuity and even more so for the field of Aetherium-based technology. This would be his ship for the time being and the young man felt as if he were literally riding in history. His aspirations however, were soon to be spoiled as one day he received a letter during a voyage in the large vessel which was going across the Mediterranean of his now deceased brother who had been killed in action on the battlefield. Crushed and devastated, the young man could only hope that war was not as ugly and as ferocious as written in the memoirs of wiser men. During the next year in a half, Salvatore later would only recognize war as more unnerving and grueling as he even thought as he entered his first dogfight. The pilot was nicknamed "Il Dulce" for his affinity for airplane aviation, being known for ending the lives and laying waste to more lives than he could count.

Those years were a turning point in Sal's life for they had also been the worse. It is easy to tell grand tales of heroism, bravery, and the splendor of fighting for your country and other to be during those moments of despair and bloodshed. Sal had become numb yet knew his duty as a soldier to fight until there was no fight left. It was until one day during an aerial battle that the dubbed "indestructible vessel" Calabria which had been named after his home province had been destroyed and Sal could do nothing but watch as it burst and collapse from the clear sky with his close friends inside. It was estimated that around 3,000 men aboard the large Aethership had lost their lives, only 37 making it out with their lives who were all pilots. It was one of few large Aethership vessels to crash during that time and the Calabria had not been the first. The war ended only a few months later in a stalemate.

The war had been over, and Salvatore was to now go back to his life at home as an aircraft mechanic without his brother and the friends he had made in his career in the military. It was in his honest life that Sal realized that the war had changed him. It seemed that all color had grown out of his life, the days that passed by were shaded by gray and the young man found himself deep in an abyss of emptiness. Sal left his life and family behind him and just like the Caladria which burned away amidst the perils of war, so did the idea of his home. It was only just after the war would the ex-pilot and hero would participate in a line of unscrupulous work, finding jobs as a hitman and later accumulated money with his now second in command friend (who is yet to be mentioned) in order to buy a moderately sized cargo ship and work as a freelance cargo transporter, taking jobs from anyone wiling to pay him.

Volæria: An Alt 1920's Steampunk Story (name WIP)

@POOHEAD189

Understood. Thanks anyway!

Tales of Owls and Wolves: A High Fantasy Interest Check

What is the plot, exactly?