Columbia
History
Before the Blackout, America saw the first catastrophes, but had the scientific knowledge to know that it was not the end. In the 5 years after San Andreas blew, before Yellowstone erupted, the East Coast of America was riddled with reinforced interconnecting tunnels, to house thousands of people, equipment and animals. By the time the world was covered in Ash, America lived underground. There way of life survived with a system of Barony’s forming to allow different areas to govern themselves. When the Sun returned, this system re-established itself on the surface.
Lead by a president, elected every 5 years, the new seat of power is based at Columbine, situated far within the shelter of the Sea of Hope, where a city has formed, housing the new parliament, courts and the new centre for the Church.
Christianity survived the Blackout, with devouts preaching the survival of the Apocalypse, with humanity living through the 4 horsemen of war, famine, pestilence and death. They believe that the survivors are the new Adam’s and Eve’s of a new golden age. This religious sect were the ones to rename America to Columbia, as a newly discovered land after the original explorer of legend from ancient books.
Though not all have this faith, and believe we are on our own; that the Blackout was proof that no God exists. The two sides are constantly in debate, with power shifting from one side to the other, dependant on the views of the current President.
Columbia is heavily militarised, with the only surviving planes and vehicles, communications equipment and knowledge of fuel sources. The military is run by the General, who only answers to the President.
Current President: President Isabella Karson. 1 year into 5 year term.
Religion - The Sect
The religious sect of Columbia, known as the Sect, has an internal hierarchy. The colour of the robe they wear indicates their rank. Black robe for acolyte, with red trim for seniority. White robe with red over tunic for disciple. Purple robe for priest with a black mantle for high priest. There is one high priest per each Columbian town who does not leave their town apart from for Sect Councils.
The highest belief of The Sect is that demons brought about the Blackout, and that God battled to bring back the Sun, eventually winning against the demon hoarde banishing them into Hell.
Columbian Facts & Rumours
- They have a distrust and disrespect for The Provinces, especially the religious side of Columbia. The Provinces’ religion offends them, which has caused friction between the two countries.
- They are rumoured to have made a long lost substance called chocolate
- They are the reason for the shortage of bullets; due to an explosion at a warehouse destroying countless pieces of equipment not easily replaced.
Columbian Costume Inspiration
The Columbian nation have for the most part retained what we would know as modern day western clothing; when they went underground, they took all the 2050 knowledge with them, which included a lot of current knowhow to make fabric and clothing. The styles are quite simple; cotton/wool/hemp shirt and trousers, leather jackets, boots.
The religious side of the nation have retained very traditional Christian robes. The military has modern day military clothing.
