SR - Rural Areas
Rural Areas
Carved into ten administrative zones, whose borders date from the original corporate divisions of Terra Nova, the Southern Republic is far more than a collection of mighty city-states. In reality, no matter how far removed they may be from the city-states in media attention and military strategic value, these ten regions are an essential component of the Republican character and lifestyle. Home to over 60% of the league's population, the rural regions are sadly undervalued by the world at large, although any Republican politician realizes that it is political suicide to ignore them.
Comprised of a multitude of saltbox villages, independent farmsteads and small towns, each region is administered by a Conseil de Development Regional (a regional development council). These committees, formed by locals from the communities affected by Conseil decisions, are charged with hearing and considering all sides of arguments and proposals before rendering judgment. With several hundred individuals per Conseil, each there to represent their community's interests, this is often an arduous task, and they are saddled with a reputation for inefficiency. I n times of crises however, a Conseil may hand power to Gardiens de L'ordre (peacekeepers), who are authorized to make decisions without consultation. During the War of Alliance, the Estates General placed every region under its direct control, something that is done only in times of dire emergency.
While life in the regions is markedly different from that in any city-state, it would be wrong to categorize rural Republicans (known as "regionals") as backward simpletons. Small town Southerners are just as diverse and fascinating a group as their urbanized neighbors. Common threads that exist between rural and urban Republicans are loyalty to the state and a sense of personal honor. The most marked difference between the two is the almost unreserved friendliness that regionals will show to virtually anyone. Many urbanized Republicans visiting small towns are unnerved by the warm attitudes that their countrymen exude upon meeting complete strangers. They quickly realize, however, that this friendliness extends only so far as it is returned.
General Regional Character
Blessed with a charm all their own, small town Republicans live with far fewer social prejudices than those from the concrete jungles of the cities. Large and modest homes exist side by side without apparent class separation, with business and community functioning smoothly together, each one equally dependent on the other. Schools, places of worship, the ever present Hermes 72 newscasts and the entertainment that trickles down from the city-states form the core of these communities' existence. Here, life is conducted at a much slower pace than in the bustling city-states, but nevertheless continues, and the people seem more relaxed than other Republicans. Business is often completed with a handshake, and goods flow freely to compensate for the missing dinars required for purchases.
Of late, there has been an undercurrent detected within this land of comfort and complacency. It is a current of discontent that expresses itself in people openly discussing their feeling about how their homeland i s being run. This feeling has provided fertile ground for several rural cooperation movements, who draw a majority of their members from small communities. Citizens are beginning to take a more active interest in Republican politics, and have begun quietly to look for the formation of a rurally based political party. Little do most citizens know that the major forces behind this movement are the Dark Fox and Damien, both seeking to destabilize the political situation. For the moment the Estates General have refused to acknowledge the problem, but many fear that, the problem will begin to spiral out of control, and no one is ready to have another Saragossa within their borders.
Typical Regional Communities
Regional communities tend to be one of three types: villages (small towns) with over 10,000 residents (some of which are 80,000 strong), large farmsteads with over three hundred individuals and agricultural communes, where the majority of the Republic's religious adherents can be found. The rest of the Republic's population lives in isolated farm houses, corporate enclaves or enjoy the solitary existence of hermits and wanderers.
Small Towns and Villages
Small to large villages, not large enough to be city states but influential in their own right, have sprouted throughout the Republic. Often built as extensions of corporate enclaves, and retaining the names of their original corporate settlers, each of these communities is home to people who work the land and maintain their homes. Each town will often continue to produce whatever the corporation had originally exploited form the surrounding ecosystem, and will excel in this product's extraction, processing and distribution. Be it raw materials or finished goods, Republican towns and villages produce an astonishing variety of merchandise. To facilitate daily existence, a great deal of trading occurs among communities for goods, normally finished products from one for the consumable crops of another. Traditionally, each town and village offers a fair exchange to her sister communities, and what is not bartered is sold to the city-states for profit. These profitable sales are often the basis for local fortunes.
Farmsteads
The typical farmstead is owned by either a corporation or a group of residents and is only one of several under joint management. These large farming concerns often occupy several hundred acres of land, most of which is dedicated to food production. These farmsteads produce most of what the Southern Republic eats. They are staffed by hundreds of people, who work the land cycle round, and are equipped with the latest in farming technology, often purchased at exorbitant prices from Northern concerns. Run by a mastercropsman, who is responsible for day to day operations and sales of product to local concerns, these farmsteads exist for the sole purpose of profit.
The remaining farmsteads are privately owned, and normally have a family history attached to them as one generation will pass the concern onto the next. Considerably smaller than their corporately financed sisters, these farms tend to eke out an existence by providing specialty crops to which the larger farming concerns cannot devote space and effort. This creates the unusual effect that some of the richest Republicans are owners of private farms who have picked the right crop to plant. Some private farmsteads are large enough to have their own representatives on their Conseil de Development Regional and many other regularly send special envoys.
Agriculture Communes
The agricultural communes that are common on the Great Southern Plain are a collection of grain elevators, equipment compounds and residential complexes. The sole distinguishing architectural characteristic between communes is the design of their living complexes, which vary from a village of saltbox houses to monastery-like edifices.
Republicans with strong religious convictions, who are in the minority in their hometowns, seek out these isolated communities in which to live their ritualistic lives. They are attracted by the hard work and dedication offered by the communes, which they see as a way toward their ideals. This is taken much further by members of monasteries, who dedicate their lives to the land and their religion with equal fervor. The monasteries are mostly consecrated to a different sutra of Buddhist religion, with a few dedicated to various forms of Jerusalemism.
Politics, in general, are of little concern to the faithful populations of these communes. There are persistent rumors of . I Northern affinity among the Jerusalemite communes, however. The main priority for the population as a whole, is receiving fair value for their crops from the agricultural consortiums.
The Ten Regions
A home in the Country
Republicans pride themselves on being a highly urbanized, sophisticated and fast-paced people, but the appeal of country life still remains strong. Over half the Republican population lives outside the strict borders of the city-states, many choosing to live in smaller cities but others enjoying life in quiet viltages or farms. The wealthy urban elite also spend time away from the frantic pace of the city by purchasing secondary homes in rural regions. These dwetlings range from simple cottages to elaborate retreats complete with servants and all the amenities. Middle class Republicans often emulate their wealthier neighbors and purchase a modest county home. Residences in popular regions can be quite expensive, however, and many middle class Republicans arrange for time-sharing with others. A common practice is for a family circle to form a time-sharing group, creating a bond of trust between people who will be using the same living space.
Retirement in the country is also seen as the ideal end to a life of service. The pensions granted to military officers and long-serving bureaucrats, as well as those provided by private employers, are often sufficient to buy a modest home in the regions. Albigen is especially well known for retirement homes, many of which are paid for in part by the state in recognition for long periods of service. These homes often form whole communities, generally designed as peaceful villages with a small town square that features a modest civic center and some commercial outlets.
Places of Note
The rural regions of the Southern Republic are regarded by many city-dwellers as uniformly boring and provincial. Despite the fact that more than half the population lives in the regions, this perception in supported by many Republican media images. Civilization and order are very important concepts for the league's propagandists and these are best typified in the impressive architecture of the cities. Many supposedly rural Republicans also live in communities large enough to imitate the city-states and take pride in their accomplishments.
The rural regions have their own charm and strength, however. "Wildlanders" who live in the bush, farmers and residents of small towns all contribute to the Republic and many wonders hide in the countryside. There are places hidden between the peaceful farmsteads that show that the heart of the league may not actually be in the urban sprawls. Some - like wealthy Gaia's Domain development - are well known and seen as linked to a city-state, but others are hidden gems known only to a select few besides the locals. These are the most prized by rural Republicans.
Aleisha Experimental Farm
The Aleisha Regional Agricultural Research Center, known as the experimental farm, is responsible for creating new strains of crops which will better thrive in the scorching heat which embraces Aleisha. It occupies a 2000 hectare zone where more than thirty different crops are studied for resistance to disease, weather and parasites. To date, several deadly plant diseases have been eradicated, but most insects continue to adapt, putting a damper on an otherwise near-perfect track record. One thousand hectares are used for testing out new machinery to gauge their efficiency in the field and thus correct any design flaws before they damage the cash crops. All new Republican farming equipment is tested here and must carry the Aleisha seal of approval before entering the open market. The farm employs over 500 full time employees and 1000 part time agronomy students doing practical work toward their degrees.
The experimental farm is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and the local farmer's cooperative. The funding has permitted the farm to continue its work and land some generous contracts in the other Southern leagues to study and eventually improve their agricultural methods. The ministry is pleased with these turns of events as it gives the Republic more control over the farmlands of the other states.
Aerium
Nestled among several of the tallest trees in southern Cathar is one the most spectacular feats of architecture ever attempted. Using the ferns with the widest girth as supports, the people of Aerium have built their homes amongst the soaring trees. Lightweight prefabricated structures, formed of flexite and bolted to durasheet steel, seem to sprout from the sides of the trees like giant fungi and are the principal dwelling for Aerium's two hundred citizens.
Begun in TN 1929, Aerium is part of a large scale experiment on diverse living conditions. The scientists living in this airy domain have the hypothesis that Southern Republicans will be able to live safely and comfortably among the trees. To date, the most successful aspect of the project has been the alternative growing grounds. High humidity levels and lack of soil have made hanging hydroponics growing stations a must and the team members have been excited and pleased to see that they can grow most anything in suspended alloy racks. The community reached a milestone this cycle when they declared themselves entirely independent from a strictty nutritional standpoint.
Begun in TN 1929, Aerium i s part of a large scale experiment on diverse living conditions. The scientists living in this airy domain have the hypothesis that Southern Republicans will be able to live safely and comfortably among the trees. To date, the most successful aspect of the project has been the alternative growing grounds. High humidity levels and lack of soil have made hanging hydroponics growing stations a must and the team members have been excited and pleased to see that they can grow most anything in suspended alloy racks. The community reached a milestone this cycle when they declared themselves entirely independent from a strictty nutritional standpoint.
Gaia's Domain
Just a half hour's drive north of Ashanti, Gaia's Domain is the stylish name given to the small community where the Southern Republic's best-known personalities make their homes. The innumerable towering mansions makes this one of the richest communities in the hemisphere, surpassed only by the lavish palaces of the ESE. The streets are immaculate and the grass is always properly trimmed. It would be considered barbaric to have it any other way.
When not attending social events elsewhere. celebrities come here to mingle in peace and tranquillity. The numerous gates and guards attests to these people's desire for privacy and anyone trespassing does so at their own risk. Many paparazzi have been wounded or heavily beaten for such foolhardy escapades. Some have even died at the hands of some domesticated guard animals that like to ambush their prey. On the other hand, any reporter who comes out with a juicy scoop is heavily rewarded.
Garettian Druidic Lands
The Garettian Druidic Order has been leading a peaceful life on the lands of the Sukhavati Region since the Reconstruction era. The discovery of their enclave has placed this old sect in a difficult position. Land developers, associated loosely with CREE, have purchased the land the druids call home. Though they have no legal right to the forested valley in which they live, they do not wish to relocate to another site.
High Druid Marsha Garrett is aware that the entrepreneurs have bought the land rights from the region's Conseil deDevelopment. She is currently in feverish negotiations to retain land rights for her cult and its herblore. At first, the investors scoffed at the idea, then developed enthusiasm after the instant relief of a negotiation team member suffering from allergies, when a druidic salve was applied to his eyelids. The talks are no longer centered on land rights, but seem to be turning to the percentage the druids would receive horn royalties if the balm were to be marketed. This proposal would see the Druidic Balms line of salves and creams marketed as miracle cure-alls, available on pharmaceutical shelves within the next two cycles. Unfortunately some members of the cult do not wish to share druidic lore with the unenlightened. while others have called for a withdrawal to a new grove in a still-peaceful section of the forests. A slim majority, however, favors the choices made by the High Druid.
Mountainhelm
Mountainhelm is a private living facility located in the peaks of the Southern Alps and the subject of a great many urban legends. Established in TN 1911 by reclusive multimillionaire Larime Goss, this great construct is built in and around a high alpine peak and has a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. Goss, at that time the principal shareholder in Mandeers Heavy Industries, became increasingly paranoid as the intrigues and betrayals of the Judas Syndrome accelerated. Withdrawing from the boardrooms of Timbuktu, Goss used his personal fortune to create Mountainhelm as a refuge and a fortress. By TN 1912 - after three dozen worker deaths in the harsh alpine conditions -the main living unit was ready and Goss moved in. He has not been seen since.
Rumors abound that Goss has a select group of "chosen" who have disappeared from the public eye along with him. Popular stories about the conditions within Mountainhelm are each more outrageous than the last. One persistent claim is that Goss or his aides occasionally approach people to join them in their refuge - the disappearance of several celebrities are blamed on this. Others claim that Goss kidnaps people to use in blood-sports at Mountainhelm. Thus far, there have been no successful attempts to find out just what goes on in the retreat, largely because of its excellent security service which seems to include many veteran soldiers.
Pauron Valley
Named after archeologist Noelle Pauron, who discovered the site in TN 1812, the Pauron Valley is a deep depression within the Republican section of the Yung An Basin. Choked with jungle vegetation, the valley i s home to a stunning variety of Stoneheads and other "neoprehistoric" constructs. The valley covers roughly 50 square kilometers and is home to about 600 people living highly traditional life-styles without the use of high technology. According to these tribes, the valley is a holy site that they have been assigned to protect - although they are relatively friendly to small groups of outsiders as long as they show respect for local ways.
The valley is now also home to a rotating group of anthropologists and archeologists working out of a research station built just outside the valley so as not to offend local sensibilities. Cultural anthropologists studying the locals often live with them for weeks at a time, while archeologists usually stay at the station. Pauron is not regarded to be as rich a site as the prima colonia in Olduvai or the ruins of the Humanist city of Thebes, but it is special in that it is still inhabited by a neoprehistoric tribe. A fascinating array of spoken traditions supplements the archeological records and tells of a great trek across the jungle and a war between tribes over the holy valley. The conflict ended when both tribes were almost destroyed and they merged into a single nation that now guards the land.
Womphour
The Womphour Region is an oddity in and of itself. Home to a myriad of geographical conditions and having no set communities outside of Innsmouth. the region has proven a fertile land for those seeking the excitement and adventure of living rough for a short period of time. This tradition, which stretches throughout Terra Nova's history, has seen a bizarre development take place in this land. Within its boundaries, a multitude of places of devotion can be found; many tourists, for reasons unknown, erected hundreds of makeshift temples to honor their gods. These are established for all religions, temples devoted to Massadan Revisionism exist next to ones consecrated to the dark dealings of underworld powers. These temples are constantly being discovered by training cadres of the Southern Republican Army as they climb mountains or push their way through deep jungle. To date, over six hundred quickly made places of worship have been uncovered and most believe that many more lurk in the surrounding terrain. While unable to explain their predominance, some cultural anthropologists suggest that these temples all seem to serve as warding centers. They are at a loss, however, to explain from what.
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