Maritime Compact - Part 1 - History, Government and Species.

On the fractured world of Hodgepocalypse Earth, the rise of the Maritime Compact stands as a testament to history's relentless cycle. Once a ragtag collection of desperate settlements clinging to survival in a world torn asunder, the Compact has been forged into a fledgling nation, rooted in the enduring principles of prosperity and mutual defense. Drawing inspiration from the founding of Canada, the last decade has seen the mouth of the St. Lawrence transformed into a formidable bulwark, now known as the Atlantic Stronghold—a bastion where unity and resilience are stronger than the sum of their parts.

History of the Maritime Compact

The Prelude to the Hodgepocalypse - Rising Tensions and Globalization

• The Maritimes, like much of the world, experienced the dual-edged sword of globalization. Industries such as fishing, shipbuilding, and tourism flourished, yet faced mounting pressures from international competition and environmental degradation. The region's governments took steps to address these challenges, investing in infrastructure to protect coastal communities from the growing threats posed by climate change, including rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms.

Technological Advancements and Sociopolitical Strain

• As technology advanced, the region saw a transformation in energy production, with offshore wind and tidal energy projects turning the Maritimes into a hub for renewable resources. However, economic inequality and political fragmentation created deep divisions, both within the Maritimes and across Canada. Meanwhile, early signs of magical anomalies began to appear, dismissed by most as hoaxes or inexplicable natural phenomena.

The Hodgepocalypse - The Cataclysmic Blast of Magic

• A cataclysmic event, known as the Hodgepocalypse, erupted across the world, unleashing an unprecedented surge of magic that shattered reality itself. The Maritimes were devastated as technology faltered, landscapes transformed into twisted magical realms, and the very fabric of nature unraveled. The resulting chaos left the region in disarray, with communities isolated and struggling to survive in a world where magic was both a blessing and a curse.

The Fall of Civilization

• The collapse of civilization was swift and brutal. Nations fell, cities crumbled, and the remnants of society scattered into isolated enclaves. In the Maritimes, survival became a desperate fight against the forces unleashed by the Hodgepocalypse. The sudden appearance of the Rock, a long-hidden Newfoundland wizard colony, further exacerbated tensions as it claimed vast swathes of land, splitting the east coast and sowing resentment among those who saw their homes and livelihoods halved by its reemergence.

The Necromantic Wars

The Rise of Necromancy

• Amidst the chaos, a dark force known as The Corpseman emerged, wielding forbidden necromantic powers to raise armies of the dead. The Maritimes became a war-torn battleground, with once-thriving cities like Halifax and Moncton transformed into fortified bastions against the undead. Survivors were forced to adapt, combining traditional survival skills with newly discovered magical abilities, particularly through the creation of Faustian Mechanics—a potent fusion of technology and magic critical in the struggle against the necromancers.

The End of the Necromantic Wars

• The Necromantic Wars raged on for years, leaving the region scarred and its population drastically reduced. The alliance of surviving communities, aided by the wizards of the Rock, the DPP, and even the enigmatic Desecrators from the Fiend Marches, ultimately defeated the necromancers in a decisive but costly battle. With much of the region in ruins, the survivors turned their focus to rebuilding and ensuring such a catastrophe could never be repeated.

Rebuilding and Federation

Reclaiming Civilization

• In the aftermath of the wars, the survivors of the Maritimes began the arduous task of rebuilding. Isolated communities reconnected, and trade routes were reestablished. The Rock played a pivotal role in guiding the reconstruction efforts, offering both magical and practical knowledge to the next generation of leaders. These leaders, hardened by the trials of war, were determined to create a society resilient enough to withstand the challenges of the new world.

The Formation of the Maritime Compact

• Recognizing the need for unity in the face of ongoing threats, the survivors began discussing a formalized political structure. Drawing on the ideals of cooperation and mutual defense, the Maritime Compact was born. The Articles of Unity, reinterpreted for a world transformed by magic, became the cornerstone of this new nation. Each region—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the surviving parts of Quebec—became a distinct political entity within the Federation, bound by a shared commitment to collective strength and innovation.

The Federation Grows and Stabilizes

• Over time, the Maritime Compact solidified its power. Trade flourished, and new technologies and magical practices emerged, helping the population recover. The Federation's military forces, now unified under central command, fortified the region's borders and established a network of defenses. The scars of the Necromantic Wars ensured that the Federation remained vigilant, ever-prepared to face external threats.

The Modern Maritime Compact

A New Era of Stability

• As the Federation grew stronger, a period of relative stability emerged. Though the world outside remained perilous, the Federation's strong defenses and cooperative government allowed its people to live in peace, their economy thriving on a mix of traditional industries and the advanced Faustian Mechanical technologies that had become the backbone of their society.

Challenges and Opportunities

• With stability came new challenges. The Federation began to explore the world beyond its borders, sending diplomats and explorers to form alliances and learn from other survivors. However, internal tensions occasionally flared as regions competed for resources and influence. The specter of necromancy, though largely vanquished, continued to linger in the dark corners of the world, a reminder of the ever-present dangers that threatened the fragile peace.

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Key Historical Themes

• Unity Through Adversity: The Maritime Compact’s history is one of overcoming incredible odds through cooperation and innovation. The region’s people, though diverse, united in the face of existential threats and built a society that values both individual autonomy and collective strength.
• Technological and Magical Integration: The development and use of Faustian Mechanics is a defining feature of the Federation. This blending of magic and technology not only allowed the region to survive the Hodgepocalypse but also became the foundation of its modern society.
• A Vigilant Society: The Federation’s history has instilled a strong sense of vigilance in its people. The memories of the Hodgepocalypse and the Necromantic Wars ensure that the Federation remains ever prepared for the next challenge, whether it comes from within or beyond its borders.

Government and Structure

The Maritime Compact's government structure is built around a central Federation Assembly composed of representatives from each member region, such as New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. This Assembly addresses overarching issues like defense, trade, and technological development through a consensus-driven approach, while ensuring regional autonomy. Each region maintains its own council and leadership to govern local affairs, allowing for significant self-governance. The Federation's executive leadership, led by a High Minister elected by the Assembly, coordinates defense efforts and diplomatic relations, supported by a Council of Ministers overseeing specific domains.

Key principles of the Federation include unity in diversity, survival through innovation, and cultural preservation. The Federation emphasizes mutual respect among its regions, prioritizing survival strategies like fortification and resource management, particularly using Faustian Mechanics. The Federation actively promotes the preservation of unique regional cultures, languages, and traditions, ensuring that each member contributes to the collective strength while retaining its cultural identity.

The Federation's defense and military structure is centralized under the Maritime Defense Command, integrating regional militias and the specialized Faustian Mechanics Corps. Each region contributes to defense through local militias and mandatory citizen service. Technological innovation is a cornerstone of the Federation's survival strategy, with regional research centers advancing Faustian Mechanics under the oversight of the Federation Science Directorate. The Federation also pursues strategic alliances cautiously, balancing external support with sovereignty, and may engage in controlled exploration to secure resources or new allies. Throughout, the Federation grapples with internal tensions, external threats, and ethical dilemmas, particularly in the use of advanced technologies.

Species of the Maritime Compact

The Maritime Compact has become a melting pot.  While predominantly human, several key species play an important part of promoting the full and equitable participation of individuals and communities of all origins in the continuing evolution and shaping of all aspects of the compact.

Humans in the Maritime Compact

Humans in the Maritime Compact have become resilient, resourceful, and deeply interconnected with their environment and the other species that inhabit the region. The aftermath of the Hodgepocalypse and the ensuing Necromantic Wars forced human communities to adapt quickly, developing unique cultural practices and survival strategies that are now deeply ingrained in their society.

New Brunswick: The Borderland Guardians

Culture:

• Resilient Defenders: Humans in New Brunswick see themselves as the first line of defense against external threats, particularly the industrialized undead and vampires from Quebec. This has fostered a culture of vigilance, martial prowess, and a deep sense of duty to protect the rest of the Federation.
• Community-Oriented: With a strong emphasis on community, New Brunswickers often live in tight-knit, fortified towns and villages where everyone has a role to play in the defense and upkeep of their home. They are pragmatic, with a no-nonsense attitude that reflects their constant preparedness for conflict.
• Technological Integration: The heavy reliance on Faustian Mechanics has led to a culture where humans are adept at blending magic with machinery. Many are trained in the basics of techno-wizardry, and it’s not uncommon to see enchanted tools and weapons as part of everyday life.

Distinctiveness:

• Frontier Spirit: New Brunswick’s humans are known for their frontier spirit, always ready to explore new ways of fortifying their land or repelling undead threats. They’re seen as stoic, with a strong work ethic, and often have a rough-and-tumble demeanor.

Nova Scotia: The Heart of the Compact

Culture:

• Maritime Mastery: With a long coastline, humans in Nova Scotia have maintained their maritime traditions, becoming skilled sailors, shipbuilders, and traders. The sea is central to their identity, and they’ve adapted to the post-Hodgepocalypse world by using techno-wizardry to enhance their ships and navigation.
• Cultural Preservation: Nova Scotians place a high value on preserving their cultural heritage. Music, dance, and storytelling are important, with influences from their Celtic, Acadian, and Mi’kmaq roots still evident. The blending of these traditions with new magical practices has created a unique cultural tapestry.
• Scholarly and Arcane Focus: Nova Scotia is home to many scholars and practitioners of magic, particularly in the field of Faustian Mechanics. The presence of The Rock, a wizard community reminiscent of Atlantis or Hogwarts, has influenced the region, making it a center for arcane study and innovation.

Distinctiveness:

• Cultural Melting Pot: Humans in Nova Scotia are seen as both traditionalists and innovators. They are known for their hospitality, love of the arts, and a deep respect for the natural world, making them one of the most culturally rich and diverse groups in the Federation.

Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.): The Enchanted Isle

Culture:

• Agricultural Hub: P.E.I. is the agricultural heart of the Federation, with humans here focused on farming, fishing, and managing the land. The island’s rich soil and magical ley lines have allowed them to integrate techno-wizardry into their agricultural practices, resulting in abundant and enchanted crops.
• Isolation and Community: The island’s isolation has fostered a close-knit, self-sufficient community. P.E.I.’s humans are known for their ingenuity in using limited resources, and they’ve developed a strong barter economy where goods and services are traded within the community and with neighboring regions.
• Faerie Connections: P.E.I. has a strong connection to the fey, particularly the Feylin. Humans on the island often work alongside these faerie folk, and it’s common to see Feylin magic intertwined with human life. This connection has imbued the culture with a whimsical, almost otherworldly charm.

Distinctiveness:

• Whimsical Pragmatism: Humans in P.E.I. are seen as pragmatic yet whimsical, with a deep connection to the land and the fey. They are known for their kindness, resourcefulness, and an ability to find joy and magic in everyday life.

Anticosti Dominion The Enigmatic Northerners

Culture:

• Survivalists and Innovators: The humans in this part of the former part of Quebec have adapted to the harsher climate and the constant threat of undead incursions. They are survivalists at heart, with a strong emphasis on self-reliance and innovation. The cold and rugged landscape has shaped them into hardy, pragmatic people who are always prepared for the worst.
• Blend of Old and New: These communities blend traditional Quebecois culture with new practices born out of necessity. This includes a mix of Catholicism and newer, syncretic magical practices that incorporate elements of necromancy for defense.
• Cultural Resilience: Despite the dangers, humans here have maintained a strong cultural identity, with French being the dominant language and a continued emphasis on food, family, and festivals. However, their festivals often have a darker edge, reflecting their history of struggle against the undead.

Distinctiveness:

• Stoic and Enigmatic: Humans in Quebec are seen as stoic, enigmatic, and slightly aloof by others in the Federation. They are respected for their toughness and ingenuity, but their close proximity to the undead threat has also made them somewhat insular and suspicious of outsiders.

Dwarves

In the Maritime Compact, Dwarves are the backbone of industry and craftsmanship, deeply embedded in the fabric of society. Having long adapted to the rugged terrain of the region, they are master builders, miners, and engineers, responsible for the construction of the Compact’s extensive network of fortified bunkers, underground cities, and arcane forges. The Dwarves’ expertise in metallurgy and stonework has been crucial in the development of the region’s defensive structures, ensuring that the Compact remains a stronghold against external threats like the undead hordes from Quebec. Their communities, often found in the mountainous regions and along the rocky coastlines, are known for their resilience, ingenuity, and fierce independence, yet they are deeply loyal to the Compact's ideals of unity and survival.  They are particularly common in New Brunswick with moderate populations in Nova Scotia and the Anticosti Dominion.

Culturally, the Dwarves of the Maritime Compact have developed a unique blend of their traditional heritage with the maritime traditions of the region. They are known for their shipbuilding skills, creating vessels that can withstand both the physical and magical storms that batter the coastline. Dwarven craft beer and spirits are highly prized, with many settlements hosting grand festivals celebrating their brewing achievements. They have also embraced the Compact’s focus on integration, working closely with other races, particularly Gnomes and Humans, to enhance the region’s technological and magical defenses. While they maintain their ancestral pride and customs, the Dwarves have become integral to the collective identity of the Maritime Compact, symbolizing the strength and endurance of the federation as a whole.

Feylin

In the Maritime Compact, the Feylin have found a unique niche as both beloved oddities and unexpected heroes. Their obsession with pop culture has led them to embrace the vast and eclectic media influences that still linger in the post-apocalyptic world. While other races focus on survival and rebuilding, the Feylin immerse themselves in the remnants of old-world entertainment, drawing on it for inspiration, identity, and, most importantly, adventure.  Surprisingly, they seem to have the largest population in Prince Edward Island.

Examples of pop culture references that have become Feylin favorites include:

• "Captain Fishhook": A seafaring hero from an old animated series, Captain Fishhook is a charismatic pirate who fights against sea monsters and rival pirate crews. Feylin often mimic his swashbuckling style, donning makeshift pirate garb, eye patches, and wielding toy cutlasses as they embark on daring quests across the Compact's waters.
• "The Techno-Gear Troupe": Based on a group of gadget-wielding heroes from a pre-Revelations comic book series, the Techno-Gear Troupe is a team of misfits who use advanced technology to protect the innocent. Feylin cosplayers often craft their own "techno-gear" from scavenged materials, combining it with their natural agility to become pint-sized protectors of the Compact.
• "The Neon Samurai": An enigmatic warrior from a once-popular radio drama, the Neon Samurai was known for his glowing armor and mastery of ancient combat techniques. Feylin enthusiasts recreate his look with brightly colored armor pieces and glowing weapons, often incorporating neon paints and light sources to capture the samurai's iconic glow in the dark aesthetic.

Gnomes

Gnomes have found a unique and vital role within the Maritime Compact, blending their inventive spirit and technological expertise with the alliance's goals of mutual benefit and advancement. As natural engineers and inventors, gnomes have become key players in the Compact’s infrastructure projects, from designing and maintaining complex machinery to developing innovative technologies for both defense and daily life. Their adeptness at mechanical and magical solutions has made them invaluable to the Compact, especially in the realms of shipbuilding and the management of arcane-powered devices. Gnomes have leveraged their traditional skills, honed over generations, to enhance the Compact's capabilities and contribute to its ongoing success.  They are the primary fee species in Prince Edward Island and are absolutely a fan of potatos.

Integration into the Compact has not been without its challenges, however. The gnomes' reputation for eccentricity and their sometimes-insular nature have required adjustments from both their allies and themselves. Despite these initial hurdles, the gnomes have forged strong relationships within the Compact through their relentless dedication to problem-solving and their ability to bridge the gap between old-world craftsmanship and new-world innovation. Their contributions extend beyond technology, as gnomes often serve as mediators and advisors, using their broad knowledge to navigate the complex social and political landscape of the Compact. Through their ingenuity and adaptability, gnomes have firmly established themselves as a respected and essential part of the Maritime Compact's diverse tapestry.

Halfling

Halflings are known for their nomadic lifestyle and cheerful demeanor. They arrived on Earth during the Revelations, fleeing from a nameless evil that devastated their original homeland. Now, they travel in familial convoys, bringing a sense of community and joy wherever they go. Their cultural quirks, such as naming themselves after fast-food chains or traditional food items, add a unique touch to their interactions. Despite their small stature, Halflings are adept behind the wheel of vehicles, often making a living as professional delivery drivers. Their affinity for exploration and adventure is matched by their resilience and infectious positivity.  This skill has been translated into great sailors.  The lion’s share of them are in Prince Edward Island, but there are sizable communities in all provinces. They seem to be a fan of potatoes.

Haraak

The Haraak, a formidable people from the Hallowed World, have become an integral part of the Maritime Compact through their unyielding spirit and adaptability. The Haraak's culture, centered around feats of strength and communal resilience, aligns with the Compact's emphasis on unity and survival in the face of external threats. Their semi-agrarian societies, often centered around the raising of primal creatures, have found a place in the Compact's rural regions, where their expertise in managing tough environments contributes to the overall stability of the federation.

Within the Maritime Compact, the Haraak have formed strong bonds with other races, particularly the Dwarves, whom they respect for their craftsmanship and straightforward nature. While traditional Haraak may view technology with some suspicion, preferring to rely on their physical prowess, younger and exiled Haraak have embraced it as a new frontier to conquer. This blend of ancient traditions with a willingness to adapt has made the Haraak valuable allies in the Compact's ongoing struggles. Their loud, boisterous nature and tendency to wear their emotions openly make them both endearing and intimidating to those they meet, but once befriended, the Haraak are fiercely loyal, bringing their unique blend of strength and ingenuity to the Compact's defense and prosperity.

The are mostly in the frontier of the Anticosti Dominion and often migrate deep into Quebec as they don’t always respect the border causing tensions with the vampiric forces of the République de la Nuit

Marlarkoids

The Malarkoids, an alien species stranded on Earth during the Hodgepocalypse, have become essential to the Maritime Compact due to their expertise in Faustian Mechanics, a fusion of technology and magic. After their crash-landing, they found refuge in the Maritimes, where their skills were highly valued in rebuilding and defending the region. Recognizing the potential of their knowledge, the leaders of the Maritime Compact integrated the Malarkoids into society, allowing them to establish academies and workshops to train a new generation in this arcane science.  They are incredibly common in Nova Scotia to the point where they are considered “just folk.”

Through their contributions, the Malarkoids have profoundly influenced the infrastructure and defense systems of the federation, from arcane-powered submarines to floating fortresses. Their blend of alien technology and human innovation has strengthened the Maritimes, making it a resilient and thriving region in a world still reeling from apocalyptic devastation. Despite their unusual origins, the Malarkoids have become respected members of Maritime society, playing a crucial role in its survival and growth.

Verkhail

The Verkhail, once enslaved and broken under the cruel rule of the Desecrators, found an unexpected path to freedom through the Maritime Compact.  The current population was a rescue mission done by one of the maritime ships during a trading mission.  The Verkhail, now free from the horrors of the Fiend Marches, have embraced this new beginning, though their journey to self-sufficiency is far from complete. Their natural affinity for magic, coupled with their formidable physicality, has made them invaluable allies within the Compact, particularly in areas requiring both strength and mystical knowledge.  They settled primarily in New Brunswick and the Anticosti Dominion

However, the integration of the Verkhail into the Maritime Compact has not been without challenges. Their past as a subjugated people has left deep scars, leading to tensions both within their community and with their new allies. While many Verkhail have adapted well, finding purpose in their newfound freedom, others struggle with the concept of autonomy, still haunted by the hierarchical structure imposed by the Desecrators. This internal conflict, combined with the Verkhail's ongoing efforts to rescue their kin from the Fiend Marches, has created friction within the Compact. The sheer distance makes this very difficult at the best of times. Despite these difficulties, the Verkhail's contributions to the Compact, especially in defense and magical expertise, continue to be highly valued, and their story within the alliance is one of resilience and hope amidst the lingering shadows of their past.

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