Iluvatar — Roleplayer Guild

A fictional world is probably easier. Or, if you want to use a Europe map or something, just go total alt-history and create the kind of background you need. I know you tried to do that with the Black Death thing, but: a) That's too similar to real life, some people will go on and on about people not being 'historically accurate' even if it's not supposed to be. b) If this point of divergence occurred, there would be a substantial possibility for an invasion of a severely weakened Europe by Islamic nations from Africa and the Middle East, and probably the Mongols from the East as well. And the Vikings survived relatively unscathed IRL (relatively, they were hit by it like most others), so there's the potential for a northern invasion. I don't see any low-tech level new city states racked by plague surviving in the face of threats from three cardinal directions. The book, 'The Years of Rice and Salt' by Kim Stanley Robinson explores such a scenario from a global perspective. As you can likely tell, I am one of those in danger of falling into the trap of point A :)

Nation's Name: The Mercantile Republic of Halifax, a.k.a the Republic of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Halifaxia Leader's/Government's Name: Supreme Councillor George Chamberlain Whilst Halifax claims to be a "Republic", in reality it follows a mixed government model, combining monarchy in the Supreme Councillor, aristocracy in the Senate, and a "democracy" of elected representatives in the Council. The Supreme Councillor is an elected monarch, voted in by the Senate. The Senate is a group of the more wealthy and 'high-blooded' individuals in Halifax. Most members are thought to be descended from the chieftains and band-leaders that seized power before Halifax was united, hence their 'aristocracy'. The Council is a group of elect, chosen by the people to represent each 'borough' on the Nova Scotia peninsular. They function mainly like the IRL British Parliament, and vote in candidates from the Senate for Supreme Councillorship, though the Senate makes the final decision. Claimed territory: > http://i58.tinypic.com/2s1aped.png Description of Technology: Technology is very varied in Halifax. In some areas, primarily shipping, much has been preserved and reproduced as much as possible, but with a return to sail-power and, importantly, coal power, with the end of oil trade. Of course, hi-tech items such as smartphones and tablets have not survived, but computers are still used to an extent for navigation. Radio has survived, but is not reliable. In terms of agriculture, methods have reverted to a Middle Ages-like condition, resulting in a great deal of emphasis being put on fishing as a food source - especially with the boom in fish populations with the end of commercial fishing. Description of Society: The society of Halifax focuses mainly on trade and commerce. Although currency is almost non existent in this new and hostile world, focus is often put on acquiring what wealth is available - leading to the widespread assumption that Haligonians (actual demonym) are hoarders. All in all, society functions similarly to Venice in the Middle Ages. Society deals with the problem of the reviving dead with a strict ritual - the dying are sent on their 'Final Voyage' on a raft and towed out to sea. It is assumed by the Haligonians that they will never reach land again, especially in the cold northern waters. An alternative is cremation followed by scattering in the ocean. Industries: The company Irving Shipbuilding has survived, and manufactures some of the best ships possible with the limited resources available. These are often just coal, sail or oar-powered, or a combination with oil-power due to limited resources. Shipbuilding is therefore Halifax's primary industry - they are prepared to build ships for those who pay, or act as naval mercenaries - for a high price. Fishing is also important, not only to provide food for the Haligonians themselves, but also to trade with others. With the collapse in organised agriculture, caravans could be organised inland to trade fish for other resources, such as fuel or other types of food.

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