Steam and Sand

From Brass Goggles

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[edit] List of Nations and Organizations

[edit] English Nations

Lancashire - Capitalist Nation in the North West. The Lancashire flag is a red rose on a gold background. Lancashire soldiers wear olive jackets and caps with flaps and face coverage, often with goggles. They have a parliamentary government, though one biased towards the rich landowners. The current President is Henry Gaunt. Their current population is about 40,000. The Lancashire military reflects it's large factories, putting a variety of tanks onto the field as well as a few deadly walker designs. Lancashire believes in fully motorized warfare and produces a large amount of halftracks to use as transports as well. This means there army tends to be smaller, consuming many resources and the average Lancashire soldier having to go through both military and engineering training. Lancashire has the fastest army in Britain.

York - Socialist Nation in the North East. The York Flag is a white rose on a blue background. York soldiers wear grey longcoats and caps. It is lead by a council, the current Chairman being Clarence Conisburgh. Their current population is about 80,000. The York military has the best variety of walkers and very reliable and simple tank designs. From fighting with Lancashire, York has developed the most cutting edge anti-tank tactics to take care of their rivals. York's soldier are good at skirmish warfare, having to keep a mobile line to not be smashed by Lancashire armour.

Mercia - Minarchist State in Central England. The flag of Mercia is a yellow St. Andrew's cross on a blue background. Mercia's army is entirely composed of the knights of Mercia. They wear black armour and Adrian helmets. The current Knight Master of the Knights of Mercia is Percival Trenton. Their current population is about 30,000. Mercia's army, the Knights of Mercia, also act as a mobile police force. All the Knights belong to a rig, which patrols through Mercia. The Knights excel at close combat and try to close distances for victory. Though mainly reliant on Stallion rigs, they have tanks that can be brought up if needed.

Cornwall - Republic in the South West. The Cornish flag is a white cross on a black background. Cornish troops wear tan khaki equipment, with blue trim and Bowie helmets. The current Prime Minister is James Deorham. Their current population is about 50,000. Cornwall's mainstay is it's impressive Liberty tanks, which are well built and have filled many roles in the army. They are also cheap to make and pack punch for their cost. They also have a variety of walkers and lighter vehicles to back these tanks up and support their slower moving infantry, which provide a balance to the tanks - a anvil for the hammer.

Anglia - Monarchy in the South East. The Anglian flag is a red cross on a white background. Anglia's conscripted troops wear brown Khaki uniforms with cloth garrison caps. The redcoats wear red uniforms with black trousers and pith helmets. The current monarch is King Richard IV. Their Current Population is about 120,000. Anglia has the largest population and the largest army, often overwhelming the enemy in a tide of conscripts and Redcoats. They use APCs often to allow their troops to move en masse. What war machines they do have tend to go for size, providing cover for their infantry and artillery assaults.

[edit] Outer Nations

Scotland - Anarchist area to the North

Ireland - Divided Feudal Island to the West

Wales - Land of Communal Clan Owned Atriums to the West

Brittany - Catholic Theocracy across the sea to the South East

[edit] Far Nations

America - Land to the west, makers of airships.

The Union - The Nordic Alliance, allied with Prussia, Novrogard and the Baltic Duchy

The Holy Roman Empire - The remnants of multiple European powers, united and based in the cooler Alps.

The Mediterranean Sultanate - A very powerful Empire, owning all the countries around the Mediterranean.

The New World Empire - A country of undefined borders, coming from beyond the constant Mexican Gulf Storm and the foul great Dixie Swamps. Appear to have very high levels of power already, despite existing in the middle of the South American Death Jungle.

[edit] Organizations

Knights of Mercia - The only authority of Mercia, handling policing, law and military matters. Mercian Companies travel between cities, collecting taxes and switching members for police and judge duty. The Knights are skilled in unmounted and close combat, using fast rigs to make their rounds, always on the lookout for bandits. There is no real leader of the Knights, each company lead by an individual Lord. A strict code of honour keeps any company from going rogue and attempting to carve a piece of Mercia for itself - it is for this reason that the companies always rotate, so that one doesn't remain at one Atrium for too long and start to get ideas. Black armour protects their bodies and an Adrian helmet the top of their heads. If ever the Knights need to assemble, or there is an issue with the running of the knights, the Knight Master is responsible to take a hand as de facto leader. The current Knight Master is Percival Trenton.

Ironsides - A mobile group of anti-royalist fighters and often rebels in the South harrying Anglian expansion. Known for use of quick tracked vehicles and often found aiding Cornish forces. They are a serious and determined force who has come to be rivals of the flashy Cavaliers. They are very regimented and are suspicious of most northerners who don't openly fight for democracy, but they are willing to take any help they can get. They are also known for their distinctive lobstertail helmets, worn with light coloured jackets with dark blue trim.

Black Reivers - A feared and renowned group of mercenaries and raiders from the norther border region, fighting both for and against the Scots, depending on who's paying. They have a curious code of honour dictating their attacks and counterattacks. They are very good night fighters, having lenses that increase night vision, wear darkened armour and tend to be handy with explosives, letting them make holes in a settlement or fort's defense and then rush in. They wear black armour on vital body parts, with dark green clothing underneath.

Bermegrave Riggers - Bandit group operating between Brizzle Atrium and Bromwicham Atrium. They gained power by looting abandoned train yards in the area. They are often very good at camoflague, disguising whole rigs in the hills and rocks, then bursting out at potential prey. Despite being hunted by the Knights of Mercia, they remain elusive and difficult to eliminate.

Shamus's Raiders - A clan of aggressive Scottish Raiders lead by the notorious Shamus the Boar. Known for the various devastating raids made against Ireland. They are known for their vicious and bloodthirsty tactics, combined with a willingness to do anything to win, often utilizing many flame and explosive weapons. Certain parts of Northern Ireland are basically vassals to Shamus the Boar.

Fynydd Bechgyn - A famous group of bandits that make their living stealing from caravans that try to cross the mountains into Wales. Occaisonally can be found to give mercenary service - are known for their mobile guns mounted on walkers. Their effectiveness has led to the slightly isolated status of Wales, which not all the Welsh mind. To some they are brigands, to others a type of folk hero.

The St. Malo Corsairs - A group of pirates from the Breton city of St. Malo, who make daring raids along the southern coasts of England. Their prescence has prevented any major nautical advancements from England, even Anglia unable to form a comparitive navy. With the new conflicts, the corsairs are making a lucrative profit selling themselves to either Cornwall or Anglia.

Cavaliers - These are the last remnants of English nobility. Many of the upper classes were blamed for the processes leading up to the event and for unneeded haughtiness in the survival process afterwards. The King of Anglia put severe restrictions on their power and moved most of them closer to Westminster - he claimed this was to free the lower classes, but was more to solidify his own power. It is required that all nobles of a certain age join the Cavaliers, a military force that the King uses recklessly to patrol the growing territory of Anglia. They commonly go to battle in smaller vehicles, the signature one being the side carred motor cycle - The nobles hire citizens to drive these while they fire at the enemy mounted on the special sidecars, similar to the ancient style of fighting from chariots. They wear white uniforms with ornate gold and red trim.

Luddites - A tribe of persons who move through the desert with no shelter or transport, clustering around whatever water sources they can find, these often being underground. The Luddites blame technology for the Event and ruthlessly attack any persons coming near their caves or habitations, smashing both them and their machines with stone clubs. Their habit of living in caves and without any type of technology has lead them to have a more than slightly "boogeyman" reputation.

Mortifants - A religious sect who blames the weaknesses of man for the calamity. They ritually scar themselves as penance for their sins. Often, groups have been seen to remove whole body parts, replacing them with metal ones, to "purify" themselves. They believe that God found life unfit and by removing their humanity they move themselves closer to him. They are present in most areas, but tend to stick to themselves.

Druids - A mysterious group working in the south, who believe in the spirits of the lost nature. They know surely that the green will return one day, if they but heed the words of the gods that were sadly forgotten long ago. Robed and hooded, they have been rumoured to capture travelers for sacrifices or worse. They have been rumoured to be stalking the ruins of Warminster and Stonehenge and terrifying both refugees and Anglian conscripts.

Novists - A group organized by the King of Anglia, the closest thing to scholars, but are really more treasure hunters. They have been granted a headquaters in Oxford, with the mission to excavate as much old technology, valuables and learnings as they can, with the hopes that it can be used for Anglia. While some older members like to think of it as an archealogical society, it's purpose is really more aggressive looting to insure that the treasures of the past end up with the right country. Novists move in organized caravans - they are recognizable by their khakis and brimmed hats and their pushy attitude to anyone who might accidently be on their dig site, or have picked up an artifact they want.

Sea Lords - A group of seaborne traders, fighters and explorers from across the sea, based in the Scandinavian countries. They are the most effective naval force and have created a monopoly on the east, north and even west coasts. They are content to trade with nations but are fairly isolationist, not wanting their countries to be visited. They are also viscous if they feel their superiority is threatened in their areas of trade. The one settlement the Sea Lords have in Britain is the Isle of Man, which they run as an entirely neutral shipping and trade post - even if the neutrality is enforced. Other smaller outposts are maintained on many of the outer islands of Scotland. They wear grey sailor's sweaters and uniforms.

Travelers - The name for a nomadic group of people that wander in groups across both Britain and Ireland. Are often refered to as Gypsies. They are actually formed of many such traveling folk that kept on going past the event, merging together what clans were weakened and mostly going on with life as they had, adapting well. They travel from Atrium to Atrium, trading wares. Many discount them as mere peddlers - however, many old Travelers know very valuable secrets about pre-Event places and objects, past down through generations that never stopped wandering and never stopped remembering. Travelers are famous as being the best bare-knuckle boxers in all of England, beating any man who challenges them. Sometimes Travelers decked in sturdy armour and spiked metal gloves sell themselves out as mercenaries.

Redcoats - All Anglian citizens must serve some time in the army. While the regular conscripted troops wear brown uniforms, it is the elite Redcoats with their scarlet uniforms and pith helmets that have come to be feared and respected. They have become symbolic of Anglian power, leading assaults and taking far garrisons and going on missions that the regular forces can't be counted on to perform acceptably. If you see Redcoats, it means that the King wants something seriously.

[edit] Notable Atriums

Bromwicham Atrium - Atrium located little west of ruins of Birmingham. Is a central location within Mercia and sees regular movements of traders and scavengers moving between atriums. Has a growing upper class getting wealthy off this trade and a well stocked adjacent Factory Complex.

Brizzle Atrium - A seaside Atrium south west of Bromwichham. Built on and near Bristol and still preserves some parts of the old city. It is considered to be the last major Atrium in the south west of Mercia, before one moves to the contested southlands.

York Atrium - The capital Atrium of York. Is very large, being actually a few Atriums linked together. Also has many large rectangular greenhouses running from the main atriums. One of the most efficient food producing areas.

Mersepolis Atrium - The capital Atrium of Lancashire. This Atrium was constructed between the two large scrap heaps that were Liverpool and Manchester - thus, the community became very wealthy very fast, rapidly re-industrializing. It has the largest Factory Complex system of any Atrium and has begun to even manufacture goods for themselves that previously would have needed to be scavenged.

Westminster Atrium - Built in the centre of the ruins of London and over the City of Westminster, this Atrium is the capital Atrium of Anglia. It is massive and imposing, with an equally large underground section with tunnels spreading out throughout Greater London. It contains many palaces and cathedrals built in ornate style to celebrate the glory of Anglia, which cover the above ground area - this means that almost all of the lower classes are forced to live underground.

Plymouth Atrium - The capital Atrium of the Republic of Cornwall. This atrium is actually on the border of historical Cornwall, near the ruins of Plymouth. It is built over the River Tamar, which was dug up and set flowing again, providing water for the crops in the Atrium. There is a large wall around the outside - Plymouth, besides being the capital Atrium, is also the last bastion of the Cornwallian forces, before their peaceful lands further to the west.

Stonehenge Atrium - An Atrium housing most refugees from the area of the Salisbury plains. The old relics of Stonehenge actually were preserved within the central fields of the Atrium, being restored by the citizens as a symbol of good luck. The Atrium was once an easterm territory of Cornwall, but is now a western territory of Anglia, who severly damaged the condensation devices in taking it, making the upper Atrium levels uninhabitable. Rebuilding by the conquerers is slow and the citizens have either fled or cower underground.

Ciren Atrium - Was an Atrium lying due south of Bromwicham Atrium. Was actually a series of small Atriums connected together for better resources and protection. Was occaisonally used as a route to Brizzle, until it's destruction and looting by bandits, making the more western route the preferable one.

Oxford Atrium - A newer Atrium set up by Anglia to provide more room for the growing populace and cement their power in that area. Some areas of it are still undergoing construction. It is the Headquaters of the Novist Organisation.

Manx Atrium - A busy port-side Atrium constructed on the Isle of Man. It is a popular ocean trade port, even though owned by the Sea Lords, as they at least afford protection and most merchants do no mind the small payments they require for trading. It is known for having a large central tower that extends within the Atrium and then continues through the top of the dome, the top being a watch tower, observatory and lighthouse.

Warminster Atrium - An Anglian military base that was lost in the first few months of the war to a swift Cornwallian offensive. Though it traded hands many times, Anglia was never able to get a hold on it, so they had it demolished to prevent it's further use by either side, causing a large section of desert to become a very difficult journey.

Hadrian Atrium - A York Atrium usually given the title of the most northern atrium - not counting whatever lays over the border in Scotland. It is mostly a military base, though it does have some trade, albeit very strictly controlled and monitored. The local York military allows the border folk in grudgingly, never certain where their alliances lay. There are a few notable Reiver bands that often visit here as well.

Sherwood Atrium - A Mercian Atrium near where the town of Nottingham was. It is a smaller one, famous for it's well kept trees, the fruits of which make good trade. It's small town charm and peacefulness combined with it's verdant colours have granted it the nickname "Emerald of the Desert".

[edit] Characters

[edit] Mercia

Percival Trenton - Percival Trenton is the Master of the Knights of Mercia and is thus technically the highest ranked person in that territory, even if his power is only military. Percival has been with the Knights since he was a young child and has grown into a firm hand of justice, even as he becomes grizzled and greyed. He is a good leader, even if he is beginning to have doubts that the "perfect freedom" that is set up in Mercia can remain for long - though he would sacrifice anything to keep it.

Briar Foxwell - Mayor of Brizzle

Charlotte J. Skinner

Sam 'Red' Prentine

Pitivo Heron

[edit] Lancashire

Henry Gaunt - Henry Gaunt is the President of Lancashire. He fits his name, being very old and thin, but considering him weak would be a mistake. Holding the position of President in the often corrupt and complex Lancashire Parliament is a testament to this. He is noted for his eyepatch, having lost the other eye fighting against York in years gone by. He is a taciturn fellow, quiet, but a very firm leader, to some it would seem one with an iron grip. He especially has little patience for York sympathizers within his own city. However, he is not spiteful - he has his values which he has earned and he will quietly hold on to them with the utmost tenacity, in the face of anything. He is also known to hide a very astute intelligence, coupled with his political know-how. If any of the leaders know how this Greatest Game is played, it is Henry Gaunt.

[edit] York

Clarence Conisburgh - A large, mustached, fiery orator in his middle ages, Clarence Conisburgh is the current Chairman of York. He grew up as a farmer and worker and has always believed that he speaks for the common man. He is a very popular leader, able to connect well with his populace, which insures his position. He is firmly opposed to any negotiation or reparation with Lancashire and his speeches have given most men of York the same mood. He is stubborn and bull headed, traits that are admired but which occasionally cause him to miss or willfully ignore certain points or points of view. He is also a bit suspicious of the old tech being dug up, worried that the scientists who have it will use it for their own selfish gains - he is slightly untrusting of anyone he considers "uppity" in whatever way. He considers himself a worker speaking for the workers.

Pelly Rahleck - One of the chief Intelligence Agents for York, Pelly is a short, scruffy man, almost comical in his cap, darkened glasses and jacket. Though a bit unrefined, he is still a decent agent, knowing many contacts over a wide area of land.

Royce Grosvenor

Malcolm McCrory

[edit] Anglia

King Richard IV - King Richard the Fourth is the unquestioned king and ruler of Anglia. Not much of his true nature is known, being a terrifying, near mythical presence to his populace and a puzzling enigma to even his closest advisors. He is known to be young, charismatic, clever, a dark, handsome noble and even a gentleman but has been seen to descend into periods of madness, anger, petulance and greed. This two faced nature makes him a very dangerous opponent - it is always unknown if his moves are pure madness or if there is another meaning hidden behind it...

The Charlesdyne Family - A noble family influential within Anglia, specifically within the Cavalier organization. Rupert Charlesdyne is the official head of the Cavaliers - though age and a leg injury have tempered him some, he is still energetic in his activities. His sons Frans and Anthony have also joined the cavaliers - the younger Frans takes after his father, while the older Anthony is a bit more careful, seeing the war as a vital military campaign, not an adventure.

Harris Jacobs

Benjamin Babbage

Mirium Sengupta


[edit] Cornwall

James Deorham - The idealistic James Deorham is Prime Minister of Cornwall. He is young, though older than his rival, King Richard. He is a good hearted person, fair and spectacled, who spent most of his life as a student and firmly believes in the ideals of democracy that his nation fights for - however, he was and will always be a student and not a fighter. He also is not the most charismatic leader, but his people respect him for his knowledge and decisions and the cabinet that he has assembled. He only hopes he has the sheer force of will to see the people protected on his peninsula through the dark times ahead.

Francis Skinner

Percival Van Scagg

[edit] Outer Nations

Scarlette Delcroix

Sir Conlan O'Draigen

Katherine Doyle

Shamus the Boar - Shamus the Boar is a fearsome leader of a vicious group of Scottish bandits who are partaking in mysterious schemes within England itself.

[edit] Vehicle Terms

Rig - Referring to a larger tracked vehicle, often based off old loco designs and sometimes carrying attatched carriages. Mostly used for transportation and cargo holding, but the large size make them difficult to attack and can carry a larger crew.

Tanks - Referring to sealed tracked vehicles that use large amounts of armour and sport larger types of weapons. Usually smaller than rigs, but there are some tanks that are larger than some rigs. Are hard to destroy, but tend to be slower than other vehicles, at least over longer distances. A good tank builder has to balance weapons, armour and speed to get the most out of the vehicle.

Autos - Term for light fast untracked vehicles. Are very fast and efficient on good ground, but are worse on rough terrain and can be easily destroyed.

Halftracks - A combination Auto - Rig. Better traction and storage capacity than an auto and the potential to mount larger weapons, but is a bit slower and harder to upkeep.

Walker - General term for any vehicles that uses mechanical legs for movement rather than wheels or treads. Smaller two legged versions are often used for city defense, but most travelling walkers are of the four of six legged variety. Usually not as fast as tracked vehicles, but the very well built walkers can move over terrain that no wheeled vehicle could.

Motor Cycle - Two wheeled vehicle built around basic idea of a bicycle. Is not often used for desert travel, being small and vulnerable and not able to cover long distances. However, a side car does allow for a second and possibly third rider for protection and extra storage or fuel space. Is usually used for shorter desert journies as a cheap transport metheod, or by bandits deploying from a nearby base or rig.

[edit] Nations' Notable Military Vehicles

[edit] Anglia

Lion Mark I - The Lion Mark I is an open top tracked APC, used to transport Conscripts quickly to the battlefield. It is large, though with minimal weaponry, mostly side mounted guns. The armour is also fairly weak, but for a vehicle of it's size the Lion has remarkably good speed.

Lion Mark II - A much smaller version of the Mark I, the Mark II is designed for use by elite Redcoat forces. It has a lower carrying capacity, but is armed with a frontal cannon in addition to the side guns. It is faster and has better armour overall as well.

Ironclad Mark I - The Ironclad is Anglia's tank. It is a massive beast, much larger than any tank any other nation uses. It has a solid rhomboid shaped with full track systems and very strong armour, as well as a variety of weapons. It also has the facilities to act as a coordination base. It's one weakness is that it's size gives it poor speed and maneuverability.

Ironclad Mark II Mobile Artillery Platform - The Mark II has the same frame as the Mark I Ironclad, but has been adapted to carry a massive artillery piece replacing all other weapons.

Centaur Walker - A walker named for it's four legs and raised frontal cockpit, the Centaur walker has an impressive height used to fire down onto the battlefield. It has good speed for a walker and decent armour, though the design leaves it open to multiple angles of attack.

Centurion Steam Armour - A one man suit of armour powered by Steam, the Centurion is used by the best of Anglia's soldiers for frontal assaults, carrying weapons that other soldiers could not.

Foxhound Motorcycle - The Foxhound is a light motorcycle used by Anglian forces. It is rather well made, good on speed and has an excellent turning capability.

[edit] Cornwall

Liberty - The Liberty is a multipurpose battle tank designed by Cornwall and is considered to be the best design of tank, being durable, fast and well armed in equal amounts. It's greatest strength is it's adaptability, being able to easily be modified for various combat roles. Besides being a main battle tank, it can be modified into APC and mobile artillery versions.

Tintagel - The Tintagel Walker is a Cornish walker designed for mainly Anti-Tank infantry support. It walks on two legs, causing it to move slightly slower but is easier for the pilot to control. It is heavily armed - there are two anti-tank cannons mounted on the shoulders. The left arm has a support heavy machine gun. The right arm has a smaller gun as well as a claw and dispenser allowing the Tintagel to deploy antitank mines.

Phoenix - The Phoenix is a medium armoured Cornish rig outfitted with a series of rocket tubes, allowing it to saturate an area with rocket fire.

Rover - The Rover is a lightly armed auto used by Cornish forces to patrol their borders.

Defender - The Defender is an armoured auto, armed with a heavy anti-infantry machine gun used to support ground troops.

[edit] Mercia

Stallion - The Stallion is a multipurpose rig that is the main vehicle the Knights of Mercia have at their disposal. It can be hooked up to multiple carriages, each specialized.

Lancelot - The Lancelot is a light tank used by the Mercians, operating in small groups. It has decent firepower and is useful for support but is not as deadly as the heavier battle tanks of other nations.

Gawain Tank Hunter - A larger rig with a cannon attached that has been loaded with armor piercing shells, in case the Knights should come against a better armoured foe.

[edit] York

Foss Walker - A lightly armoured, quick, four legged and very stable walker, the Foss has fast turning heavy guns, which can rip light vehicles to shreds in moments.

Hudson APC Walker - A sturdy walker with six legs for stabilization. It has good carrying room for troops and is used as an APC

Hudson Tank Hunter Walker - A Hudson walker given extra armour and two large devastating AT cannons.

Thomas Tank - A fast and reliable tank used by Yorkshire - it is one of the most common tank designs and is easy to build and repair.

Barbican APC - The smaller cousin of the Thomas tank, used for anti-infantry fighting and troop carrying.

Warrior Heavy Steam Armour - A large powered suit of armour, almost a walker, allowing an infantryman to carry weaponry much heavier than could be lifted by himself.

[edit] Lancashire

Rat Tank - The lightest make of Lancashire tank, used for flanking and scouting.

Scorpion Tank - Mid-sized, multipurpose tank

Drake Tank - Heavy, Anti-Tank cannon mounted support tank.

Land Cruiser - Ultra-Heavy tank, used for siege missions or as a mobile head quaters - thought to be biggest tank in production.

Vulture Walker - A squat two legged walker used for defense, carrying guns good against light armour.

Spider Walker - A massive and aptly named eight legged walker carrying a large artillery piece and side rockets.

Wolf Halftrack - A light unarmoured, lightly armed but durable halftrack used for troop carrying. Is a very simple design and is produced in the hundreds.

Alpha Wolf Halftrack - An encased armour design of the Wolf Halftrack

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