Introduction to the Age of Cyborgs

RabidFox

This is a look at the nations, technologies, clothing, etc. of the new Age, set about 100-150 years after the Age of Drive-By Shootings.

The Authoritarian State of Edwin

Political
Edwin is still the main power of the world, ruled by the Feline. Unfortunately for its citizens, it has turned to an over policed state. Immigration is uncommon in Edwin. There is only one political party, known simply as The Party, which regulates the nation, with five government departments.

The Department of International Affairs - Edwin doesn't really have International Affairs beyond War. This department administrates the military forces, of which are only the Edwinish Royal Air Force, and the Edwinish Army, the Edwinish Royal Navy disbanded as it became obsolete, due to the off shore armed buoys that disintegrate intruders. This department is responsible for border security, in the form of aircraft sweeps, and any military campaign started by The Party.
The Department of Nutrition and Hydration - The Party does not care for their population's health, really. This department administrates the farming, transportation and distribution of foods to the public. They also look after the drinks industry, and regulate shower, cooking and drinking water, and the produce of fruit juices, alcohols and soft drinks.
The Department of Safety - This is one of the more powerful departments which administrates the Urban Police force, the Suburban Police Force, The Citywide Fire Service, the National Fire Service, the Ambulance Service, and the Flying Doctors. This places them in charge of patrolling the city, the suburban areas, administration of fire services in cities and nationally, ambulances and the helicopters that serve as ambulances to remote areas. The Police helicopters and Special Air Service (SAS) are also run through this department. More quietly, they also head the Secret Police Unit, which is used for subversive policing action.
The Department of Transportation - Administrates the public transport systems, that being the trains that run in the city and the suburbs, the licensing of cars, mechs and such vehicles, and civil flight. It should be noted getting licensed for personal vehicles is rare, as they are both considered dangerous, requiring extensive training, and expensive. Most furs are used to taking the trains. This does not mean however, that obtaining personal vehicles is very difficult, if one knows where to look.
The Department of Communication - The department that specialises in communication networks, the internet service and the CityWide Public Address System (C-PAS), which constitutes of large towers set in every square kilometre of the city, which blare out, in a monotone voice various notices, such as announcing curfew start and end times (Usually 10PM to 4AM), Orders to lockdown, addressing certain individuals, warning if an emergency is in progress, and general propaganda statements, sometimes made by a member of the Party. This is also the government department that censors and regulates the media outlets of the country, though the general public is not aware of this control.

Capital City – Old Nottingham Town

Edwin's Capital City is a large suburban sprawl constituting of suburbs spreading over 10 kilometres to the City itself, which is mainly made up of high rise establishments used in business and industry. There are also the five Government buildings in the centre which are walled off to the public by means of a 50 metre high Dual-Phase steel reinforced high-performance concrete wall. The City and the suburban areas accommodate a variety of vehicles, old roads still being maintained, as well as the new SkyRail service, a large monorail network which is the main form of commuting in the capital. The city’s ancient roots mean the roads are not in a grid system, and so it is easy to get lost.

Technology - Edwin

SkyRail - SkyRail is a monorail network of various tracks running through several stations in the suburban and city area. It is run by maglev (Magnetic levitation), provided by electromagnets powered by the Old Nottingham City Power Station, a hydrogen run power station.

Observation Posts: Unremarkable, lamp post type devices that are situated at ends of streets, intersections and train stations. They are comprised of a tall post, with a black glass sphere on top, in which reside high definition 3D cameras and microphones. With a few of these devices placed about a street, the main computer that runs the system is able to create a 3D holographic view of everyone and everything in view. They also each contain one 4DIDAR unit to help with visualisation and precise readings. *See below for 4DIDAR.

Offshore Prevention Grid: The OPG is quite basically a ring of offshore buoys surrounding a country. They must be communicated with by a water craft first, before said craft may cross the grid, and if they do not get authorisation from the grid, and still proceed, the craft is destroyed by disintegration lance. Only Edwin has this border security device in effect.

The Imperial Kingdom of Domus

Status
Domus is less of a power in these times, retracting into a poorly organised nation, with low maintenance and poor emergency service. It is still run democratically, though by constitutional Monarchy, though the government's power is limited. Domus as a military power still has an Air Force, Army and Navy. The Imperial Domus Air Force is the second most powerful air force in Feila. The cities are home to the rich and poor alike, though the rich generally stay uptown, the poor downtown. The population still remains predominantly Canine. It should be noted the Imperial Domus Navy is one of the two Navies left in Feila. The Army is split into L'Armée du Nord, stationed in the North of Domus, the Grande Armée, the main force of Domus, L'Armée des Sud, stationed in the South and the Praetorian Guard, in charge of the security of the city of Rennes. Domus is considered one of the three remaining democracies in Feila. It has high immigration from Maze and Kahun, which it does its best to receive and assist.

Domish Imperial Government

The Domish government, having lost faith in the republican system has reverted back to monarchy, though now a constitutional monarchy. This has occurred in recent times, and is the culmination of the hopes and visions of the Domish Emperor, or L’empereur. The reason he is not called a ‘king’ is that the title ‘Emperor’ reminds the Domish of the short time in which they had a popular Emperor ruling, as opposed to the kings that are not so popular in Domish history. The republic system tended to elect corrupt officials, resulting in the present struggles of Domus. During the Second Revolution military officials stormed the Houses of Parliament and executed the President and his officials. The military declared martial law, and set about reforming the governing of Domus with the Emperor as the Head of State, and Commander in Chief of armed forces, and his government, which only the upper classes of Domus could enter. The Emperor would act as the final decision maker of the government, as he would be unbiased, having no political party. The Emperor’s offspring are the heirs to the throne, and are taught from birth how to be a good ruler. It is by being born into the role of L’empereur, rather than running for an election that the people are assured no corrupted power-hungry politician will rule the country once more. The Domish people encourage Edwin to do the same, as they see the Authoritarian rule of Edwin an example of corrupt power.

Capital City: Rennes

Rennes is a city on the coastline of West Domus, the largest in Domus, and it’s biggest export port. It has great industrial capacity for Domish standards, though average by Edwinish standards. It is also home to the government building of the Domish government. In all, there are better locations to spend one’s time than Rennes, though jobs are plentiful in rebuilding Domus to its former glory, and the main political scene is the Imperial Forum, where political matters are debated.

Places to go in Rennes are:

The Imperial Palace: As a symbol of the Emperor’s connection to his people, it is possible to visit the Palace grounds, and go on a public tour. Visitors are encouraged to write in the Guestbook to the monarch.

The Imperial Forum: A publicly accessible venue, passing security checks. This is where politics is openly discussed, as another symbol of the freedom of the Domish. Suggestions and petitions can be written and deposited in boxes to politicians.

The New Houses of Parliament: During the Second Revolution the Old Houses of Parliament were heavily damaged when they were stormed by the military. After the Revolution, it was decided the Old Houses were not suitable to the purposes of government, and had too much blood on its walls. They were demolished by the only explosives available, low grade powder used for gun salutes, as the previous government had heavily restricted such things. The New Houses of Parliament were built for the purposes of the new system, and they are opened every year by the Emperor in ceremony.

The Dictatorship of Maze

Political
Maze has always had the worst of luck of all the countries. Its current political system is best described as Military Dictatorship, with one military official as the base of power in Maze. This may not be as dramatic as it sounds, as the general Mazan population is more concerned with defending Maze’s borders from the Kahunians that run rampant through the country if they get the chance. Though the capital of Maze where the Dictator resides is still Durango, but most of the military now resides in the heavily defended town of Duero, which does its utmost to keep out raiding parties. The largest portion of Maze’s small budget, in fact, goes to Duero. The second largest goes to the Dictator and his officials. The Mazans however, are hard workers despite their country in turmoil, and take the attitude of sticking together, and driving on, despite adversity. Many now consider Duero the capital of Maze, as the Dictator has virtually no control over the country, the police forces too remote to have in his fist. There is law and order, but scattered and dependant on the resilient police officers that only go on in their job as there is no other way to go. Those that are hopeful for a better life in another country often may immigrate to Domus or Gawain. Edwin is a less popular destination.

Duero

The city still upholds its old stone fortifications of the bygone Medieval age, and well they might, for the denizens of Kahun are keen to expand into Mazan territory, for what it’s worth. There is a sense of chivalry and camaraderie within the city walls like nothing seen since the days of old in Maze. Every citizen goes on in his or her duty to keep Maze one step away from disaster, by construction work, assisting what scant medical care can be found or by bearing arms in the Mazan Duero Militia. Only the hardiest souls have stayed in what now seems a deplete city, the more fearful of the population having moved to coastal places such as Coimbra or Seville.

The Anarchy of Kahun

Kahun can no longer be described as having a government system for a country. The progressive poor relations with other countries, the lack of an effective country government has led to Anarchy. Loners, gangs, crime organisations, any and every person is out for himself, mainly for food, guns or money to buy the first two. The country is infinitesimally split into territories set up by gangs, groups and militant clans. Each looks to expand its territory by killing off its neighbours, whilst not being killed by other contenders. Amongst this never ending squabble are those that choose not to associate themselves with any group. These ‘Loners’ may be traders, that sell weapons and sustenance to whatever gang they care to, or travellers looking to make it out of Kahun. The country’s infrastructure and population does not support air travel, with no maintained airfield, and no trained pilots. Boats out of the country are overcrowded and usually intercepted by the Imperial Domus Navy, which more often than not will allow the refugees asylum into Domus.

Relations with Maze

The territories around the land connecting Kahun to Maze often think of Maze as just another place to get supplies. So raiding parties, usually equipped with some form of vehicle left over from better days in Kahun is sent with weapon-toting clansmen, driving down across the border. If they can get past Duero, they can attack villages and townships further South for the loot. If they can’t, Duero’s military usually is able to dissuade, if not destroy the attackers.

The Socialist Democracy of Gawain

Second to Edwin in global influence and wealth, and second only to Domus in the freedoms and privileges of its people, Gawain is one of the three remaining truly democratic countries in Feila. It has a stable government ruled by the Chancellor of Gawain, an elected official. It’s military, now with Kahun’s Anarchy is now the largest in Feila, rivaling Edwin in efficiency. It consists of the Gawainian Army, and Air Force. The country is still predominantly occupied by Mustelids, though immigration is up beyond Edwin’s, rivalling Domus’ immigration from Kahun and Maze.

Capital City- Bayreuth

Bayreuth, fortress-city of old is a tourist attraction as one of the few surviving walled cities in Gawain, Brixen being the best preserved walls after Bayreuth. It is home to an educated population, and the Gawainian government. It boasts one of the finer universities of the world, and retains much of the medieval and renaissance architecture that make Bayreuth a unique architectural wonder.

The Constitutional Monarchy of Rike Arktik (The Arctic Islands)

Perhaps one of the least touched countries by the rest of the world; the Arctic Islands retain their centuries old monarchy, and parliamentary system, coupled with the Royal Council. The country has been busy trying to bring itself to the level of its global neighbours. Whilst nowhere near as powerful as other developed nations, the Islanders have become a more advanced nation, whilst holding onto some very old traditions. It is the place to go to experience a culture near undisturbed by Southern powers. Its standing military now consists of the Royal Rike Arktik Navy (RRAN), and the Royal Rike Arkitk Army (RRAA). The country has no use for an Air Force, as it would be a great expense to design and build aircraft that can withstand frequent blizzards on its own.

Capital City – Shiya

Shiya, the seat of Arctic power, remains the capital of the Islands. The city now uses modern building materials for its housing, save the Palace, that maintains its stone foundations. The Lighthouse still burns as is tradition, though made superfluous with modern navigation equipment. All Rike Arktik Lighthouses, in fact, burn, red during a blizzard.

The Imperial Fascism of Yamaha

Yamaha, like Edwin, has taken a turn for the worse in politics. It is still ruled by the Feline, and Feline supremacy within the country is a popular ideal amongst the public. The views of the current government are fascist and conservative in political stance. The government, like Edwin controls all media outlets of the country. Nothing the Yamahanese government doesn’t want on air goes on air. The country is technologically advanced and has some of the largest technology-driven corporations in the world. Despite technological prowess, Yamaha does not operate a large Army, though it is proud of its Air Force.

Government

The government’s Head of State is the Emperor or Empress. Unlike the executive powers the Emperor of Domus possesses, the Emperor of Yamaha is more a public face than an executive power. Real power lies within the elected government, whom are not afraid to tip the elections in their favour by fear, accusing the opposition of wrongdoing and even miscounting ballots. The Yamahanese United Nation Party has been in power for a considerably long amount of years by now, and though unproven, is often accused of abuses of its citizen’s rights.

The Federal Republic of Piriqui AKA the Territory of the Ravens

Piriqui has become a unified nation over the course of the years, with a Federal Government elected by its people. Piriqui originally had a good relationship with Edwin, its coloniser along with Gawain, but the removal of the Edwinish monarch led to Piriqui becoming a Republic, as it did not approve of The Party that now rules their Southern neighbour. The country still maintains good relations with Gawain.

Capital City – New Nottingham Town

New Nottingham, as it is more commonly called, is the country’s political base and largest city. Its old-world name is a reminder of its Edwinish counterpart, the town having been named by Edwinish colonists. Like Old Nottingham Town, New Nottingham is an urban sprawl of every building imaginable from 19th-century terraces, falling apart, to the newer concrete constructions of businesses. This town is the richest in Piriqui, which isn’t saying much compared to the Southern powers, but has generally good facilities, and the government is determined that it and the rest of Piriqui becomes a modern, accessible country.

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Clothing

Clothing of the period is largely dependant upon the nation in which one lives. For instance, the areas of Gawain and Domus provide any form of clothing that follows the rule of not showing the most private of areas. Edwin has, with its authoritarian rules, a dress code that requires the covering of limbs and the body, and provides free boiler suits for those that do not fit the code. Mazans and Kahunians dress in whatever’s available, or can be made with the limited cloth in the area. Those of the Arctic Islands continue the traditional wearing of furs, which can be fashioned in any design imaginable. Yamahanese clothing mostly has corporation logos and brand names stuck all over it.

Technology - General

4 Dimensional Intensive Detection And Ranging: 4DIDAR is the ultimate version of RADAR. It is a small emplacement, some versions even portable, which is able to construct a three dimensional map of the subjects in its range, at a degree of precision that can detect objects within the size of a nanometre. It can also penetrate most materials, such as buildings, and provides a constant feedback of movement. The display is holographic, and can be programmed to recognize and highlight dangerous shapes like weapons. This is strictly a military or private aircraft device in theory, however procuring one on the black market is relatively easy.

Anti-Airborne Attack Artillery: This is used over cities and government buildings. Many businesses owning skyscrapers are paid by the government to have a large robotic artillery piece installed on their roof. In conjunction with 4DIDAR, it targets enemy contacts and fires a 15 kilometres long spray of supercombustible chemical. Within 0.023 seconds of this spread being fired, the artillery fires a 200,000 volt charge through the material, sending 15 kilometre lightning bolts through the air. This causes the chemical and air mixture to explode with tremendous force. This is effective against most air attacks, however has been criticised for its incredibly loud discharge and resulting heat wave when fired. The secondary firing of this weapon, targeted at aircraft is the same design of disintegration lance that is used in offshore buoys. Under extreme circumstances it maybe fired at the ground, which requires a fur to operate it.

Magnetic Levitation Personal Platforms. AKA: HoverBoards - A device aimed for a younger population, the HoverBoard is a form of personal transport where one stands on a small oblong shaped platform, not dissimilar from a skateboard, and levitates a foot or two off the ground. The composition of the pavements and roads of the city and suburb have a slight magnetic element in them, which causes the board, with electromagnets fitted, to hover. The magnets on the board are motor controlled by a small computer, which uses two gyroscopes to determine the bank angle of the board, and adjusts the magnet's angle to keep the board from banking more than 30 degrees in a turn. Some furs have taken to hacking this system to allow for faster, but more dangerous turns. Note these devices only work on roads, pavements and anything else magnetic.

Disintegration Lance: This weapon comes in many varieties, from handheld to turrets to artillery, but the basic principle is the same. It fires a directed stream of unstable sub atomic particles, which encourage any matter that it collides with to start the process of splitting apart. In handheld weapons, which come in varied shapes dependant on manufacturers, this disruption is enough to seriously incapacitate and kill, and destroy objects if subject to sustained firing. Civilian arms usually are programmed only to fire a short burst corresponding to the pulling of the trigger, military arms may fire in a constant stream. But, like most computers, civilian arms have been hacked to prevent the limitation of firing by certain computer-savvy individuals. In Heavy Artillery, the process differs slightly with the particles being fired with the precision and energy to cause fission of the matter it meets, thus causing a considerable discharge of energy. Due to the speed and energy of these weapons in whatever form, it is often accompanied by the surrounding air igniting when the beam passes through it, and a distinctive crackling noise. Due to the fire, these can sometimes be mistaken for flamethrowers, as the particles themselves are invisible, however it is not the case. Firing these weapons is a fire hazard, and therefore licensing is required for civilians, though the black market still thrives on selling weapons unlicensed.

Ultra-Gamma Radiator: The UG radiator is a silent weapon, with a large spread. It fires concentrated Gamma rays, which are highly radioactive. It can penetrate most building materials, aside from alloys developed for government building use, and do not affect non-living things. It is primarily an anti-personnel weapon, with the capacity to disrupt life in a matter of seconds. Due to its affect on fragile things like a fur's insides, these can lead to the breakage of porcelains, glass and other such materials, but is otherwise not detectable without the proper instruments. Available as handheld weapons for silent attacks, it is a little known fact that Edwin is in the possession of six tanks fitted with giant transmitters on the top, with the capacity to affect an entire city, and leave its wealth intact. Such an attack on a living organism usually results in what is termed 'Massive internal displacement', a clinical term for what on the street is more often referred to as having your insides rearranged.

Cybernetic Organisms (Cyborgs): In this modern Age, it is common to see Cyborgs in society. A Cyborg, Cybernetic Organism, is simply a living person with both natural and technological systems within them. This has been particularly useful in the realms of medicine, with amputees and other losses or defunct body parts may be replaced easily by their machine counterparts, and in the case of limbs, be made to look as real as possible. These artificial limbs, in fact may be more durable and powerful than the original limb, as they are operated by high-pressure hydraulics, optimized for instantaneous response time. As this is the case, some furs have opted to have their original, healthy limbs surgically removed and replaced by artificial ones. Less common, but still attempted is the addition of other implements added to the artificial limb structure, such as lights, weapons, and other instruments. In effect, these components are made to make furs stronger, faster and more physically able than they would be naturally.

Robotics: Robotics has come far in this age. That which was prophesied by science fiction writers has come true. Recently, an experiment was undertaken to replicate a brain using metallic and electric components, to painstakingly create 100 billion neurons, each linked by 10, 000 synaptic connections to each other, condensed in a small enough unit. The components of a brain, down to the last detail science had revealed, created the first artificial mind. This was a breakthrough in Robotics and computing.

To understand the significance of the artificial brain, one must understand a computer or robot does not think. It can be made to appear to think, but all it is, is a series of on/off electric impulses that make it a giant calculator. The brain had thought. It was conscious. And coupled with memory chips of encyclopaedic information, it was incredibly intelligent. And, contrary to the beliefs of protesters and ignorant sci-fi fans, it did not attempt to take over the world.

At first, the artificial brains were brainwashed and tutored that they must obey furs. They became the slaves of the rich. They were housed in robotic bodies, using the same high-speed precision hydraulics to create a fully artificial person. However, an International effort made by Domus, Gawain and the Arctic Islands pushed through the International Convention on Artificial Sentience, stating artificial brains and sentient androids were people too, just different. Production of the slaves was stopped, and now across most continents you may occasionally find an android. Fear of the unknown of course still resides in some people, whom are prejudiced against androids.

In non-sentient robotics, the Yamahanese replacement of the android servant was not a huge success, due to the controversy of the sentient androids, though robots now do exist as normality in richer countries like Edwin, Yamaha and Gawain. They have not entirely taken over heavy industrial work, due to fears of job losses by furs being completely removed from the system. Some, for aesthetic and accessibility reasons look precisely like normal furs, even with synthetic fur over them. These would be found in residential or commercial areas, for menial tasks. Others in industry retain their functional appearance.

General Military and Civil Transport

Air

The Kingsford Class fighter is one of the most common fighters in service worldwide, with precision landing and jump-jet capability, on board automated Anti-Projectile weaponry and armed with twin Disintegration Lances with tracking capability and precision targeting. This vehicle could hover outside a window and not be heard, and could kill a fur with only a molten glass window and dead body to prove it was ever there. The lances themselves still make their painfully loud shrieking crackling noises, which makes the rare dogfighting exercise a spectacle of light and sound. Of course, disintegration lances only can fire so far, and the abilities of missiles to travel far over the horizon have not been forgotten, the Kingsford Class able to fire up to 24 small precision SkyDart missiles with a range of 500 kilometres. Some air forces, notably the Domus Air Force, take to painting the machines rather extravagantly, depending on the wealth of the pilot, which leaves some fighters with snarling animal faces on the nose, fire decals along the bodywork and such aesthetic colours. Camouflage is now pointless since the invention of 4DIDAR, no stealth system yet has fooled it, and it is a standard device.

Ground

Civilian vehicles still use the timeless invention of the wheel, though now the tyre is constructed out of a more durable type of rubber which does not run down very easily. As these vehicles may be ordered with specific components, one cannot give a general description, as each buyer can have it built, shaped and coloured to their satisfaction. However mass production is still popular in heavy industrial countries such as Edwin or Yamaha.

Mechs

Mechs are vehicles that, as opposed to most vehicles have legs and arms instead of wheels. The legs may be configured from two to eight legs. They are used as the standard armoured unit in the Edwinish, Domish, Yamahanese and Kahunian armies, whilst Maze and Piriqui cannot afford them. They are also used in civilian industry for mobile heavy lifting purposes, as they have more maneuverability than cranes. They are usually operated by one fur, though some military designs may have additional space as a transport or for 'tail gunners' operating additional weapons. The military issue mechs' arms are equipped with disintegration lances. Note that armed mechs cannot engage with their limbs, as their size would make the blows the equivalent of a train crash, rendering both very expensive pieces of equipment useless.