World Outlook

[Alison]

World Outlook

Our alternate world, affectionately called Terra, has the same geographical outlay as the ‘real’ world. All the continents are the same, but not all the countries are the same. Because the invention of gunpowder did not occur and steam has only been harnessed for industrial uses in the last 20 years, the political layout of Terra is vastly different to what we know. Think of it as a gigantic game of RISK, but with animals instead of weapons. Because of the lack of explosives and gunpowder in battle, animals are the deciding factor in a battle.

Nations that are strong in Terra are strong because they control either vast animal populations as well as human settlements, control a small amount of animals but they are mostly apex predators, or they have harnessed natural factors such as ice floes, mountainous terrain and use that in conjunction with animal stocks. Those who can care for animals and raise them well are highly paid and highly sought after by smaller and larger nations alike. Animals are useful for breeding for food as well, such as rabbits.

Another factor that can determine which nations are strong and which are weak are the possession of mythical creatures such as dragons, standard lions and so on. These animals are very rare and hard to find, but nations that have them in their ranks can dominate their enemies. These sorts of animals would be kept very secret, for fear of other nations stealing them. In Terra, alliances are always changing. Nations that are strong don’t always stay strong, nor do they always stay weak.

[Alison]

Empires and Nations – Part 1

Below is a list of the major nations or empires, as well as those small communities that may impact the geo-political outlay.

The Americas
Alaska and Canada – Combined together into one country, this area has both natural resources and powerful animals such as wolves and polar bears
USA – A rambling land of varying climates and wide spaces, as well as a diverse wildlife range
Mexico – Mostly small settlements and large cities, populated by native tribes and small doms
Cuba – Protected by its island status
Central American Bloc – Made up of a federation of small countries
South American Bloc – As above

Europe
The British Isles – Separated into three countries: England, Scotland and Wales
Island of Ireland – Spans the entire Island, sparse in wildlife but strong in warrior people
Russia – The big player in Europe, spanning from Siberia down to Poland
Scandinavia – Another power player, separated into Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland. Very viking-like.
Holy Roman Empire – Spanning the small states and countries of Germany, Austria and Hungary.
The Classical States – Greece and Italy, split into duchies and city states such as Venetian Republic, Milan, Crete ect.
Romania – A dangerous and mountainous area, full of mystery and unspoken horrors
The Balkans – Split into countries like Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia ect

Africa
A sprawling empire, controlled by a council of large areas with the exception of Egypt. This area is the most unstable, as many areas and tribes have tried to secede, including the Transvaal down south.

Middle East & Central Asia
Egypt – The bread basket of the Middle East. A powerful force, due to its vast deserts and dangerous wildlife. In a tenuous peace with the Republic of Africa and a small city called Carthage.
Persian Empire – Covers Iran, Iraq and Kurdistan. The oldest empire in the region.
The Levant – Known for its trading, a large empire ruled by chieftains and united against Egyptian intrigue. This includes Syria, Lebanon and Israel among others
The Ottoman Empire – Mainly Turkey and the Gulf countries. Powerful soldiers, weaker animal populations.
Tartar Lands – The roaming grasslands known as the Asian Steppes. Known for its powerful horse armies.
Kingdom of Georgia – Enemy of Russia, a hereditary monarchy

[Alison]

Empires and Nations – Part 2

Asia
Indian Empire – A vast and rich land, full of mysterious tribes and powerful animals. Includes the regions of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
The Himalayan Confederacy – Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet
The Chinese Empire – China’s imperial empire includes Mongolia, Taiwan and Korea. Hostile towards Tibet.
Japan – Comprises the regions islands, natural enemy of China
Indo-Malay Federation – Vast island regions of Indonesia, East Timor, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and The Philippines. Known for their use of Komodo Dragons and Tigers
Vietnamese Empire – Another big empire, spreading over Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar
Siam-Thailand – A small but powerful area in the region

Oceania
Mainly island nations, trades with Asian regions and each other.