Nobody expected it to happen. Not even those who prepared.
In the first year of the 21st century, with little warning, the world's currencies tumbled and production lines ground to a halt. Inflation skyrocketed, goods shortages were widespread. By the time the G20 economies crumbled, it was already too late. Across the world, shelves went empty, paychecks never came and rolling blackouts became the reality for billions as governments panicked to remain in control. Seemingly overnight, it was as if the very fabric holding civilisation together began to tear itself apart. Modern society simply...stopped.
Within months, power had once again devolved to local levels. Riots shattered the hearts of almost every major city as secessionists seized control across the world's nations, founding their own breakaway states to escape the collapse. The governments of old clung to the few bastions they could rely on, ever dependant on dwindling supplies and troops that could desert and break ranks at any moment. Divided, afraid and vulnerable, many feared the world had been plunged back into the anarchy of a distant past.
Even now, almost two decades since the collapse, the globe remains in a state of disarray. Continents have been redrawn across ethnic and nationalist lines as competing ideologies battle for dominance. Consumer goods that were once common have become rare luxuries for the elite as a fledgling global economy shows weak signs of life. Organisations like the EU and NATO have been abandoned in place of mistrust and the UN is nothing but a shell of its old self. Due to humanity's best efforts, the globe has not fallen into total anarchy...yet.
Ultimately, the world stands at a crossroads. Will it further devolve into vicious in-fighting and conflict or can it be recovered to the way it once was? Billions hold their breath as there are some who may drag it either way...
- Many countries have become divided and broken up. Traditional superpowers and major nations such as the US, China and Russia no longer exist as a singular entity.
- Technological development has stagnated. Lack of resources and investment has meant meagre advancement since 2000.
- Living standards have fallen. Widespread unemployment, collapse of infrastructure and resource shortages has meant an increased poverty level, even in traditionally developed countries. Access to education and healthcare has been drastically reduced, with disease and health issues rampant.
- Lack of law enforcement has seen a rise in crime and insurgencies, with some rural areas effectively lawless. Support for radical politics is dangerously common.
- Many populations are increasingly isolationist due to the decline of travel and trade. Global media and the internet are inaccessible to many, be it for economic or isolationist reasons.
- Collapse of supply chains has led to intense resource shortages and conflict threatens to spring up over the likes of oil, gas and water.
- Military stockpiles of major powers being abandoned or falling into rebel hands has meant widespread proliferation of everything from sidearms to the occasional nuclear warhead in conflict zones and regions of instability.
From time to time, events can occur on a global or regional scale. Everything from natural disasters, disease outbreaks or social unrest can affect nations and groups and offer new challenges or opportunities depending on your outlook and response. They may occur at random and without warning or through the actions of nations, groups or individuals...
Rules
1. The OP (Me) and any Co-Ops I appoint have final say. As long as we all follow the rules then we'll get along fine.
2. Post when you can! A post or two a week is a healthy minimum, though I understand real life often gets in the way. If you're going to be busy, please let us know.
3. Please put some effort into the IC. Five or so decent length paragraphs is the minimum, but posts of a greater length would be greatly appreciated. Not everyone is as good a writer or RPer as some folks, but effort is always admired!
4. No superpowers. Most of the major nations have completely collapsed and become balkanised into several smaller ones. Most current nations should be on the smaller side, as the global situation makes it challenging for even medium-sized nations to maintain order.
5. Technological development has slowed since 2000. Modern technology is around 10-15 years behind IRL. Despite this, the general theory and prototypes of many IRL technologies and inventions exist, though they have suffered from the economic situation.
6. No Godmodding. Self-explanatory. Every country will have its vulnerabilities and weaknesses and none of them are in a position for global conquest.
7. Be realistic. The world is two decades on from an unprecedented economic collapse and widespread separatist rebellions, so many governments will be much poorer and less capable than real life. Somehow throwing the resources together to build a nuclear supercarrier or space station is impossible.
8. Wars must have valid reasons and excuses and the build-up should be properly RPed. Wars shouldn't break out suddenly, but instead slowly progress from confrontations and skirmishes as the tensions rise. As a note on wars, focusing on other areas of your nation is highly encouraged. With so many domestic problems, there is plenty of other things to write about.
9. Be realistic with your military. No technologically advanced super armies nor improbable logistics.
10. Keep WMD use to a minimum. Granted, there will be times that nuclear, chemical or biological strikes would be acceptable IC but check it out with me before doing so.
11. Be nice and have fun! Think of the enjoyment of others and don't act like a fool!
Application
Nation
- Code: Select all
[b]NS Name:[/b]
[b]Full Name of Country:[/b]
[b]Flag:[/b]
[b]Capital[/b]:
[b]Type of Government:[/b]
[b]Leader:[/b]
[b]Ideology:[/b]
[b]Territory Controlled:[/b]
[b]Economy:[/b]
[b]Resources Controlled:[/b]
[b]Population:[/b]
[b]Race(s)/Ethnic Group(s):[/b]
[b]Official Language(s):[/b]
[b]Total Military Size (Active + Reserve):[/b]
[b]Description of Military (Equipment, Doctrine, Capabilities, Structure etc.):[/b]
[b]Brief History (Since Collapse, Formation etc.):[/b]
[b]Internal Issues (At least two):[/b]
[b]RP Sample:[/b]
Organisation\Group
- Code: Select all
[b]NS Name:[/b]
[b]Organisation Name:[/b]
[b]Type (Rebel Group, Terrorist Group, PMC, Corporation etc.):[/b]
[b]Ideology:[/b]
[b]Aims:[/b]
[b]Leader:[/b]
[b]Members/Size:[/b]
[b]Area of Operations:[/b]
[b]Flag/Logo (Optional):[/b]
[b]Brief History:[/b]
[b]Capabilities:[/b]
[b]Internal Issues (at least two):[/b]
[b]RP Sample:[/b]
Noteworthy Individual
If desired, it is possible to interact with the world as a prominent individual such as a businessperson, politician, journalist or activist. While not as outwardly influential as states or groups, they can still have an important role in the events to unfold...
- Code: Select all
[b]NS Name:[/b]
[b]Character Name:[/b]
[b]Gender:[/b]
[b]Age:[/b]
[b]Appearance:[/b]
[b]Nationality:[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Occupation:[/b]
[b]Aim(s):[/b]
[b]Location:[/b]
[b]Political beliefs:[/b]
[b]Backstory:[/b]
[b]Weaknesses (at least two):[/b]
[b]RP Sample:[/b]
Roster
Nations
The Scottish Free State (Ath-leasachadh Alba) - A syndicalist dictatorship born from the anarchy of a collapsing union and its brutal efforts to preserve itself. While faced with many internal and industrial woes, it may rise to prosperity and power under its strong leader.
The Grand Republic of Jefferson-Maidu (Zjaum) - A hardy fusion of Silicon Valley technology and back-country resilience, this small nation of hypercapitalists are pioneers of scientific innovation and guerilla warfare. However, can they grapple with the cons of a strong monarchist movement and the drawbacks of underdeveloped infrastructure and military cohesion?
The Nordic Commonwealth (Plzen) - An ambitious union of like-minded Scandinavian states, notable for its unique brand of nationalism and strong economic co-dependence. Together, they face the fatigue of chronic bush wars on three fronts as they seek to expand their territorial ambitions and handle the dangers of a resurgent Russian minority.
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Greater Redosia) - A resurgent Soviet Union that has risen from the ashes of the former Russian Federation. With long-term ambitions to restore its territory, it certainly has its sight set on greatness. Before then though, it will have to unify a divided communist party and a conflicted populace.
United Republic of Korea (Macau and Hong Kong) - Once an economic powerhouse, the former South Korea still maintains a sense of unity and controls respectable power reserves. Set on re-emerging as a tech-driven economy once again, it will have to contend with unemployment and poverty still remaining after the collapse and be wary of whatever is left of its notorious northern brothers. Will we see a unified Korea?
The Imperial Shogunate of Hokkaido (Mechanist Combine) - An isolationist Shogunate in the northern Japanese islands, focused intently on solidifying its position and the restoration of local services to the local population. However, its decentralized structure and lack of industry may hamper these noble goals.
Democratic People's Republic of England (Newne Carriebean7) - A socialist restructuring of the remnants of modern England. Unified in nationalism, but divided in how best to carry forward this goal. Will we see it expand aggressively or hold firm and defend its lands? Only time will tell.
The State of Georgia (Benuty) - This steadfast American state, devastated by disease and a plethora of internal issues, is at a crossroads in its development. Will they secede from their "silent union" and make their own path, or will they continue to act as if the US is still united? In addition, to what relation do their unionist groups have to a certain Indiana-based organisation...
The State of South Carolina (Tayner) - The remnants of the state of South Carolina, united and self-sufficient enough to be able to focus on their long-term goal - restoration of the union. Will anti-unionists and environmentalists in opposition disrupt these plans?
The Kingdom of Wales (Aillyria) - Abandoned by the UK government, an independent Welsh kingdom now stands against those who seek to divide it. Can it counter threats both within and outwith its borders.
Workers' and Peasants' Republic of China (Democratic East-Asia) - A modern incarnation of Mao's China in the north of the country. Will poverty, famine and varying quality of military equipment hold it back, or will a new people's republic come to dominate Asian affairs once again?
The People's Greater Ireland (Kash Island) - A despotic, nationalist Ireland led by the charismatic Shannon Murphy. Can it stand strong against unstable neighbours and the flood of British refugees?
The Reformed People's Republic of China (Strala) - Another reincarnation of the PRC, located further south from its northern brother. With its own sights set on restoring China's destiny, is there room for two Chinas? Or will the nation be united again through conquest and battle?
The Helvetian Confederation (Sudbrazil) - No longer a bastion of neutrality in Europe, the fierce some Swiss have made significant gains. Will resource shortages and terrorists prevent the rise of a European power?
Union of the Indian Rim (Victores) - A trading nation spread widely and thinly across the Indian ocean. While small in population and territory, their fleet brings wealth to many in the form of oceanic trade. Will it bring further success?
Provisional Federal Military State of Germany (The Imperial Warglorian Empire) - Fascism has returned to Germany, turning this remnant into a strong and relatively stable state. Can this new government restore the reich to its former glory?
Groups and Organisations
The American Legion (San Mazer) - Modern American mercenaries and guns for hire. As ruthless as they are fiercely patriotic for the fallen US, radical new officers look to expand its horizons internationally. Based in Indiana and primarily operating across North America.
American Liberation Front (Northern Poland) - A socialist rebel group dedicated to reforming the United States under the red banner. Controls a West Virginia-centred proto-state with its considerable armed support. However, can it survive anti-communist unrest and a lack of farmland?
The Trans-Americans (Greater Idaho) - A migrating state destined for settlement in the area surrounding Washington DC. Will in-fighting and internal conflict tear them apart before they can trek that far east?
Azov Battalion (Corneliu Zelea Codreanu) - A Ukrainian rebel group with one aim: to establish a nationalistic state in Ukraine and to create a supranational organisation in Central and Eastern Europe called the "Intermarium".
Map
Map
Timeline of Events