Maritime Compact - Part 2 - Technology and Military

Technology

The overall technological level of the Maritime Compact before the introduction of Faustian Mechanics is a blend of mid-21st-century advancements with a focus on sustainability, resilience, and decentralization. The society would have adapted to the challenges of the post-Hodgepocalypse world by prioritizing renewable energy, fortified infrastructure, and a return to more localized and sustainable practices, all while maintaining a connection to the technological advances of the pre-apocalyptic era.

Energy and Power Sources

• Renewable Energy Dominance: Prior to the Hodgepocalypse, the Maritimes had become a hub for renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, tidal, and hydroelectric power. Even after the cataclysm, these technologies would remain crucial. Communities would have maintained and adapted renewable energy systems, using local resources to generate electricity.
• Battery and Storage Technology: With the frequent storms and unpredictable weather, advanced battery and energy storage systems would have been developed to ensure a reliable power supply. These would include large-scale battery banks, possibly using advanced lithium or even experimental graphene technologies.

Infrastructure and Architecture

• Bunkered and Reinforced Structures: The siege mentality would have led to the development of fortified, bunkered communities. Buildings would be constructed with reinforced concrete, steel, and other durable materials to withstand both natural and supernatural threats.
• Underground Facilities: To protect against magical storms and other hazards, many communities might have developed extensive underground facilities. These could range from simple bunkers to complex underground cities, with advanced ventilation and water recycling systems.
• Modular and Resilient Design: Infrastructure would be designed to be easily repaired or reconfigured. Modular homes and facilities would be common, allowing for quick reconstruction or adaptation to new challenges.

Communication and Information Technology

• Radio and Mesh Networks: In the absence of global satellite networks, the Federation would rely heavily on radio communications. Mesh networks, where individual devices connect directly with each other to form a decentralized network, would be common in larger communities.
• Resilient Data Storage: Recognizing the fragility of digital data in a post-apocalyptic world, the Federation use hardened servers, possibly using optical storage or other durable media, to preserve knowledge and maintain communication systems.

Transportation and Mobility

• Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Prior to Faustian Mechanics, the primary mode of transportation would be electric vehicles, including cars, trucks, and even small aircraft. Hybrid vehicles, combining renewable energy sources with limited fossil fuels or biofuels, would also be in use.
• Bicycles and Manual Transportation: In areas where maintaining vehicles is challenging, bicycles and other manual forms of transportation would be widespread. These are reliable, require minimal resources, and are easy to maintain.
• Localized Shipping and Cargo Transport: Waterways would remain critical for moving goods, with electric-powered ships and boats used for inter-island transport. The use of wind and solar-powered vessels might also see a resurgence.

Agriculture and Food Production

• Vertical Farming and Hydroponics: With limited arable land and the need to maximize food production, vertical farming and hydroponic systems would be prevalent. These systems allow for high yields in controlled environments, making them ideal for bunker-like communities.
• Aquaculture: Given the Maritimes' proximity to the ocean, aquaculture would play a significant role in food production. Advanced fish farms and algae production facilities would provide protein and other nutrients to the population.
• Permaculture and Resilient Agriculture: Communities would adopt permaculture principles, focusing on sustainable and self-sufficient farming practices that require minimal external inputs.

Medicine and Health

• Advanced First Aid and Emergency Care: With the dangers of the post-apocalyptic world, the Federation would prioritize advanced first aid, trauma care, and emergency medical services. Portable medical devices, possibly powered by renewable energy, would be common.
• Herbal and Traditional Medicine: In the absence of large-scale pharmaceutical production, there would be a revival of herbal and traditional medicine. Knowledge of local plants and their medicinal properties would be widespread.
• Localized Medical Facilities: Small, resilient medical facilities with a focus on preventative care and emergency response would be the norm. Telemedicine, using the mesh networks, would connect these facilities with larger, better-equipped centers.

Defense and Security

• Fortified Settlements: The threat of external attacks, both mundane and supernatural, would lead to the construction of fortified settlements. Walls, gates, and other defensive structures would be common.
• Firearms and Low-Tech Weaponry: Firearms would still be in use, though ammunition might be scarce. As a result, communities might also rely on low-tech weaponry like crossbows, spears, and traps.
• Surveillance and Early Warning Systems: Advanced surveillance technology, possibly using drones or automated systems, would be deployed to monitor for threats. These systems would be powered by the community’s renewable energy grid.

Education and Knowledge Preservation

• Decentralized Education Systems: Education would be focused on practical skills necessary for survival, such as farming, mechanics, and basic medical care. Schools would be small and community-based, with an emphasis on apprenticeship and hands-on learning.
• Knowledge Archives: Recognizing the importance of preserving knowledge, the Federation would have established knowledge archives, both digital and physical. These would contain information on pre-Hodgepocalypse technology, agriculture, medicine, and more.

Industry and Manufacturing

• Small-Scale Manufacturing: With large-scale industrial facilities likely destroyed or non-functional, the focus would be on small-scale manufacturing. 3D printing, using locally sourced or recycled materials, might be prevalent for creating tools, components, and even weapons.
• Artisanal and Craft Production: Skilled artisans would produce goods using traditional methods combined with whatever remnants of technology remain. Metalworking, carpentry, and textile production would be crucial industries.

Faustian Mechanical Integration

In the Maritime Compact, the integration of Faustian Mechanics, introduced by the Marlarkoids, has become a cornerstone of their national policy and military strategy. Drawing inspiration from the WWII practice of pilots returning as trainers, the Compact employs a similar approach to cultivate expertise in Faustian Mechanics. Veterans who have gained substantial experience with Faustian technology are often repurposed as trainers, creating a robust system for identifying and nurturing talent. This methodology ensures a continuous and expanding pool of skilled operatives, who are adept in both the application and instruction of Faustian devices. The technology, characterized by its retro-futuristic aesthetic reminiscent of 1950s and 1960s sci-fi, is not only a symbol of the Compact's technological prowess but also a practical asset in their defense strategy.

The Faustian Mechanics serve dual purposes within the Maritime Compact: they are both a strategic advantage and a crucial energy source. In challenging environments, such as remote islands or isolated military bases, Faustian devices provide reliable power, overcoming the limitations of traditional energy infrastructure. Their techno-magical nature allows them to function effectively in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that outposts and bases remain operational regardless of their location. This versatility reinforces the Compact’s ability to maintain a strong defensive posture while also leveraging advanced technology to power critical installations. The integration of Faustian Mechanics into the Compact’s framework exemplifies a blend of innovation and tradition, reflecting a commitment to both cutting-edge technology and the preservation of a distinctive, retro-futuristic aesthetic.

Military

In the Maritime Compact, the strategic emphasis on naval dominance mirrors some of the defensive strategies used by Israel, focusing heavily on conscription and rigorous training. Given their control over the crucial mouth of the St. Lawrence River, the Compact has implemented a highly disciplined and efficient system of military service. All able-bodied citizens are subject to conscription, ensuring that the Compact maintains a well-trained and ready naval force. This approach not only fortifies their control over maritime routes but also integrates military preparedness into everyday life, reflecting a national commitment to both security and resilience. The Compact's naval orientation is supported by a robust system of training facilities and academies dedicated to cultivating skilled sailors, naval tacticians, and marine engineers. These institutions not only prepare individuals for combat but also instill a sense of duty and cohesion among the populace, ensuring that the Compact's naval forces are always at the peak of readiness.

In terms of adventuring options, this militaristic and naval focus creates rich opportunities for characters within the Maritime Compact. Adventurers may find themselves enlisted as conscripts or mercenaries, participating in high-stakes naval operations or defending key maritime assets. The rigorous training and military discipline provide a structured backdrop for characters pursuing careers in naval warfare, reconnaissance, or engineering. Inspired by the TV show The Last Ship, but with a distinctly Canadian military flair, adventurers could engage in missions that involve safeguarding vital trade routes, conducting covert operations against maritime threats, or exploring uncharted territories. The Compact's emphasis on naval power also opens avenues for campaigns centered around maritime exploration, the discovery of hidden sea routes, and conflicts with rival factions vying for control over the St. Lawrence River. Whether navigating treacherous waters or participating in grand naval battles, characters will find themselves immersed in a world where strategic defense and maritime prowess are paramount.