Newton
As the center of higher learning in the Southern Republic, Newton has the twin responsibilities of fostering brilliance and elevating the future leadership of the league beyond mediocrity. Built in TN 1562 with a single-minded and frightening goal, Newton was conceived as a place where generations of conquered peoples could be integrated into the Southern Republic. Newton's location, just south of Lake Esperance, was chosen specifically for its distance from other cities, as a place that could be easily controlled and, if necessary, destroyed. This initial purpose lasted only as long as an atmosphere of free expression and intense curiosity would permit, and Newton is currently a far cry from what the Estates General had initially envisioned. In this stomping ground for the future elite of Republican society, citizens in the throes of youthful passion are allowed to compose any thoughts and theses that they wish. Often these future leaders come to the conclusion that the only way to get ahead in the system is to play along with it. Thus, in some ways, Newton has been a success for the Estates General.
Newton's four districts, each devoted to a local university and its sprawling campus, are as open and free as the attitudes that run rampant through the student bodies. Designed with accessibility in mind, and home to one of the most efficient subway systems on Terra Nova, it is an easy matter for any citizen to travel from one end of the city to the other in under an hour. Newton is an open area in an otherwise damp, tree clogged environment, and in order to prevent jungle diseases from infecting the populace, the city planners created large tracts of parklands. Of the multiple green spaces that exist, there are two which cover over eight square kilometers, and a myriad of other parks that Newton prizes. It is in these spaces that much of the activism the city is renowned for can be found.
As a center for liberalism, student and otherwise, Newton is home to constant conflicts between ideologies. For the most part, these disruptions are focused around peaceful discussions of ideas and the occasional loud rally. Newton has recently experienced an upswing of activism characterized by violence and unrest, however, sometimes pitting students against the establishment and, more alarmingly, against each other. While the adherents of the neo-Revisionist Tabula Rasa attempt to counteract this trend, other students have simply gone overboard. These malcontents are preparing for the day they will return to the Republic and they fully intend to reform it or watch it burn. While many politicians feel sure that these dreams are unrealistic, some feel that a change is coming, and that Newton will be at the crest of the wave.
Demographics
Student Life
In many ways Newton is a darkly etched reflection of the Southern Republic. Students at the four universities lead very different lifestyles, and these encompass nearly every extreme that can be found in the south. Sir Isaac Newton University's students invariably attempt to enjoy themselves, throwing raucous all night parties that disrupt the peace. Some are, however, trying to repair the damaged reputation of their alma mater and are actively searching for ways to do so. Rajnapurtha University students enjoy evenings of high cuisine, fashion and entertainment, viewing themselves as the guardians and future of the Republic's rich creative histoy. Students attending the Republic University at Newton are simply happy to have the chance at higher education. Many attend the university thanks to state funding, and frequently have little money left to adopt their own distinct lifestyle. As such they frequently borrow from the culture around them, and are perceived as party crashers and socialite pretenders. Garamond maintains rigorous academic standards and will not hesitate to expel any student who does not meet the required level of achievement. As such, its students are driven to succeed at all costs, viewing failure as the ultimate blow to their own personal honor.
Over one million nonstudents inhabit Newton. They are the shopkeepers and local businesspeople who keep the city afloat between semesters. Living in the home to the Southern Republic's largest publishing houses, many citizens are employed in the Newtonian tradition of making and distributing printed materials. Everything from books to propaganda posters from Newton flood the South, and give the city a reputation as a literary stronghold in the Republic.
Newton's citizens are mostly low key individuals, content with the simple pleasures of life. The recent change in attitude of the students who parade through their home has not, however, gone unnoticed. They watch their neighbors slowly trickle out to see what the students have to say, and many, curious themselves, are following. Many student rallies now count on ordinary Republican citizens being among their number, hoping that their message is getting out. Newton's town council is greatly disturbed by this and is considering measures to persuade people not to attend. To date, no one has come forward with an option containing signs of realism.
Government
Activism and Politics
Newton is home to a wide variety of student-based activist groups. many have a life span of only a semester, but a few have established themselves as fixtures in the social scene. Activism is such a standard practice on the campuses of Newton that many groups only mimic the structure of an activist group to hide darker, or more frivolous, activities. Many of the more dangerous groups also count students ignorant of their true agenda among their number, further throwing off investigators trying to track them down.
Almost every student in Newton has been swept up by a cause of some sort at one time or another. Some join activist groups to change the world, others to disrupt it, most for the simple purpose of making friends. While many of these groups pose no real threat to peace, some are well organized and lavishly funded. These groups revel in giving Newton’s town council and police force headaches. Blame for vicious propaganda campaigns, public rallies and even violence have been laid at the feet of these larger, better-organized groups. Due to explosive compounds recently found in a dormitory, the council is cringing in anticipation of acts of terrorism, and the sheriffs department has been busy hiring candidates for a bomb disposal unit.
Current Concerns
Alarmed at the violent undertone of the latest round of activism, Minister of Culture Daniel T. Loucks has led the charge to contain student activism. He and his allies see the city as a dangerous open wound that may eventually bleed the Republic dry. Recently, several of his top aides were sent to the city to meet with the its administration and see if they can quell the danger before it escalates out of control.
Most know that the Estates General will do nothing about the situation. These powerful people know that by giving the young a chance to vent their frustrations and enthusiasms, the rebellious nature which youths inherently carry can be purged; this produces a new generation of productive republicans ready to enter society. This is assured through the efforts of Jean Francois Dulac, who has vested interests in Newton‘s continued prosperity. Each member has ties to student groups, and provides funding for these to promote their own agendas. Of course Dulac’s interests are those of Etienne Durocher, who sees Newton as a valuable source of power in the Republic; after all, what better way to seize power than by gaining influence over its next generation of leaders.
What all these groups have failed to realize is that the SPFI is quietly siphoning these government moneys into its own accounts. The importance of this source of funding is so high, that it is something Damien personally supervises on his trips to the city.
Industry & Trade
- Education
- Science
- Printing
Guilds and Factions
Main Activist Societies
The Newton NorthCats may recruit from students, but are hardly true activists. Newton’s largest street gang, the Northcats extort protection money from merchants in the commercial districts, they smuggle weapons, and are not above using violence as a solution to problems. Through their mentor, Jean Francois Dulac, and his controller, Etienne Durocher, they have recently come into contact with Norlight Intelligence agents. For this last reason, many in the Estates General are clamoring for their immediate eradication. Some of the more astute members are also quietly looking for how the contact between Norlights and Southern students came to be, sensing intigue behind the scenes.
The Puffy Blue Iguanas is a farcical political party calling for the elimination of the 30th day of each cycle, free johar roots for every citizen, and the relaxation of the laws regarding the entry of new ideas into the political system. Perceived as a bunch of fun lovers who throw fantastic bashes whenever they lose elections (they are perpetually drunk), the PBI are also the main source of funds for the SPFI from the city. Much of the money students pour into farcical election campaigns finds its way into Saragossan weapons and munitions
The Open Mind Society is considered the most dangerous of Newton‘s activist societies and counts less than one hundred members. The OMS wishes to create a revolution in thinking by any means necessary. They have yet to be caught red-handed, but are suspected of bombing a Garamond dormitory where children of several prominent Estates General members reside. SRID is currently attempting to root out the group but is having very little success; after all. OMS also uses less violent means to spread its message, such as sponsoring underground symposiums and sabotaging media outlets to broadcast anti-government messages. Their membership also includes professors from Rajnapurtha and Newton Universities.
Maps
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Newton
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