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  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  O R T H E R N  L E A G U E B O O K  
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  Natalqa Horolov spun the pen round her fingers as she thought. Opportunities like 
  this were few and far between It was too late to stop the chaos her erstwhile allq 
  had alreadq wrought when he chose to strike off on his own. including this Mamoud- 
  forsaken war. but she could limit future damage. He was a fool if he thought his 
  , 
  newfound friends in Valeria could protect him. It was a delicious ironq that the 
  emergencq pouers that ensured his continued tenure would soon strengthen her 
  position. 
  "You're right. chief. This is too good to pass up: but I want to maintain plausible 
  deniahilitq." She traced a line on the map before her. crossing the Downing Range 
  somewhere north of Ashinoton "I hope the Treasurer has a pleasant flight." 
  Anton Aozam. her securitq chief, nodded "Yes ma'am '' He thought for a moment. 
  "Of course !he Grand Marshal will be unhappq with Director. sorq. Treasurer Oavi 
  for allowing Republican aircraft so far into Mercantile territorq." 
  R thin smile crept onto Horo v's lips before her comm-line buzzed. "Yves Banderas 
  on the line for 4011. ma'am. 
  Terra Nova 15 enoulfed in war and the United Mercantile Federation is oute literallu loohlno to omfit 
  nant economic oouei of tile CRCS is usins fhe co 
  Information oh the league's unique goverhmenl and the role of corporati 
  Uetailsaf SwdnsCmbe Jerusalernisrn 
  ISBN 1-896776-46-9 
  Printed in Canada 
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  i ' "  
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  CHAPTER 1: INTAOUUCTION 
  11 
  PROFIT HOTlVE _._._._.___ 
  111 CONTENTS ................................................................ 
  EHRRER 2: LEAGUE OVERVIEW 
  21 
  GEOGARPHY 
  2.11 DESERT AWO PLAINS ......................................... 
  21.2 HOUNTAINS AND LAHES .............................................. 
  2.1.3 THE HIM ARCTIC 
  UIBED HERERNTILE ROEARllOW HISTORY .___________.___._______.. 
  2.2.1 RISE RHO fAlL OfTHf LYONNESSELEAGUE _..._........... 
  2.2 
  - 
  4 
  .s 
  .s 
  6 
  . 7  
  . 7  
  .a 
  . a  
  . 9  
  . 9  
  - 
  2.2.2 BEAR MAAHETS 
  9
  :
   
  2.2.5 EEONOHICS Of AlllAWEE ........................................... 
  IO . 
  22.4THE WAR OF AlllRHCE AWO BEYOH0 ___._._________.__________. 
  11 : 
  22.5 THE INTEAPOLAR WAR ................................................ 
  11 . 
  . 2.3 
  EEOWOMICS ........................................................................ 
  I2 . 
  19 
  31.4 THE SHAUOW GOVERNNEWT ......................................... 
  16 
  321 THE UWITEU HEAEAWnlE FEOEAANOW ARHY [Ulffl] ... 1 
  3.2.2 THE CORPORATE COUWElL ........................................... 
  I9 
  5.2.5 THE AEVlSlOHlST EHURCH 
  AEGIOIAL GROUPS Of IWfLUEWCE ....................................... 
  22 
  3.31 THE ASHIWGTOI HOWAAEHY 
  23 
  3.3.2 THE AODlHlSTS .......................................................... 
  24 
  3.3.3 THE SWANSCOHBE JEAUSALEHBE CHURCH ................ 25 
  3.2 
  iinuEWnnt GROUPS ......................................................... 
  17 
  3.3 
  CHAPTER 4: FOREIGN RELATIONS ................................... 
  26 
  4 1  
  THE WORTH ......................................................................... 
  27 
  4.1.1 THE WESTEAW FROWnEA PAOTEETOAATE ..................... 
  28 
  4.12 THE WOATHEAH LIGHTS COWfEOEAAEY ___._.__._____._ 
  4.2 
  RESOUM ........................................................................ 
  29 
  4.21 THE SOUTHERN REPUBLIC .......................................... 
  29 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  S 1 
  MERCAlllLE AEGIOHRl ONflOP!EWT 
  33 : 
  s 2  
  RSHIWGTOW 
  34 . 
  53 
  BRTOHAOUGE 
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  5 6  
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  41 . 
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  nnnnnmi 
  51 . 
  5 9  
  PlOlEEA . 
  .................. 54 . 6 5  
  6.3.6 FASHION ................................................................... 
  71 
  RATS RHO ENTEATAlH!ENT ................................................. 
  72 
  6.4.2 FINE RRTS ................................................................ 
  73 
  6.4.3 MUSIC .............................................................. 
  6.4.4 RRCHlTECTUAE ......................................................... 
  73 
  6.4.5 SPORTS .................................................................... 
  Y4 
  TEEHWOlOGY 
  ....... 1s 
  .................................... 
  5.10 
  RAP10 ClTy ........................................................................ 
  S6 
  CHRPTEA 6: CULTURE nnn SOCIETY 
  .............................. 
  64 
  6.1 
  nmni EHAARCTER ....................................................... 
  6s 
  6.2 
  EUSTOMS .......................................................................... 
  66 
  6.2.1 FRMlLY ................................... 
  ............... 66 
  6.2.2 PAWUOICE ............................................................... 
  66 
  6.23 AflIGION ................................................................. 
  67 
  6.2.4 JUSTICE ................................................................... 
  68 
  6.3 
  LIFESTYLE ........................................................................ 
  69 
  6.3.1 LAH6UA6E ................................................... 
  6.3.2 EOUCRTION 
  ......................... 
  69 
  6.3.3 AESIOEWEE ............................................................... 
  70 
  6.3.4 RITES .................................... 
  70 
  : CHRMEA 1: GRMEMRSTEA RESOURCES ......................... 
  76 
  . 7.1 
  OESI~WING 
  R MEACAWTILE C H n m  ............................... 
  77 
  7.1.1 EOWCEPT. BACHGAOUIO AN0 SUB-PlOlS 
  I7 
  9.1.2 AT[AIBUTES RHO SHlllS ........................................... 
  Y7 
  . 7.2 
  EOUlP!ElT 
  ....................................................................... 
  78 
  7.2.1 HERPONS .................................... 
  7.2.2 CORPORATE PERSONNEL ........................................... 
  79 
  7.2.3 THRILL SEEHE AS ............................................. 
  . 7.3 
  MEACAHTllE CAMPAIGWS .......................................... 
  7.3.1 OunsEtvEs nto HE .................................................... 
  02 
  1.3.2 ConPonnTE inn .............. 
  . 7.4 
  STOEH HPCS RHO PEASOHALlllES ....................................... 
  8s 
  ............................................................. 
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  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I 
  N 
  The boardroom was two floors down, and a private elevator brought Natalya Korolov out i n t o  i t s  hospitality suite. 
  Another quick check of her appearance and she strode i n t o  the room. She shook hands with several of those 
  present, the heads of the Federation's major corporations. Many were rivals of Northco, but for this meeting and 
  others like it they put aside their differences. Well, most of them. 
  Taking her place at the head of the table, she gestured for them t o  sit. Several of them glanced at the empty chair 
  to her right. Natalya chaired the meeting as first among equals, but everyone present knew that was a fiction. 
  Northco was the most powerful corporation in the UMF, if not the CNCS, and she dominated the Corporate Council 
  as Northco dominated the Federation's economics. 
  "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being so prompt. I hereby bring this special session of the Corporate Council 
  t o  order. As you know, the war we have expected for so long is upon us." She paused momentarily, taking i n  the 
  resigned looks of her colleagues. "We all know what that means. The CNCS Grand Marshal has exercised her right t o  
  direct the member-state governments. As of 27-hundred hours tonight, military transports and equipment have 
  priority in the distribution chain. We are at the mercy of the CNCS." 
  "So you'll sit by and let her ruin us all?" 
  Natalya sighed. "The Federation and CNCS are committed t o  this war and things are too far advanced t o  block them 
  now. Northco will aid the war effort t o  the best o f  our abilities." 
  "You mean Northco will reap the rewards of the arms race. What about the rest of us?" 
  "We work t o  ensure we win, and quickly. We do not want a repeat of the counter-economy strikes of the last war." 
  That was Sara Wright of Abaline Research, cool and collected. Like Korolov, she'd risen t o  power i n  the aftermath 
  of the War of Alliance. 
  "The AST have no interest i n  shattering our economy. No matter what they claim, they rely on global trade as much 
  as we do. They might target key weapons plants, but they should leave us alone for the most part. No, what we 
  must consider is using this conflict for our own aims, dealing with our rivals and ensuring the Federation domi- 
  nates the post-war economy." 
  "For Mamoud's sake Korolov, you don't know what you're talking about!" As if a food magnate knew better than the 
  CEO of the CNCS' largest arms manufacturer. "Given the Grand Marshal's dictatorial powers, we can't ensure our own 
  holdings are sufficiently well protected, let alone influence the CNCS' war aims." 
  "You might be surprised how far my arm reaches, Mister Moran." She keyed the intercom. "Christopher, send my 
  guest in". The door behind her opened. There was a collective gasp from those assembled. 
  "Our friend here has always had the right t o  sit in on our councils, but has rarely exercised the right t o  do so. He 
  does now and I hope you'll make him welcome". 
  Solomon Davi, commander in chief of the United Mercantile Federation Army and the UMF's Secretary of Defense, 
  eased himself into the empty chair next t o  Korolov, the gold disc on his uniform glinting i n  the artificial light. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I 
  The economic and industrial powerhouse of the Arctic, the United Mercantile Federation has 
  earned a reputation for aggressive and merciless acquisition of wealth. Since deposing the 
  Lyonnesse League which preceded the UMF, the corporations have been the power behind the 
  throne i n  the Federation, steering it towards their convoluted and often contradictory goals. To 
  the casual observer it would seem the UMF, without the social mores of the Mekong Dominion t o  
  curb constant infighting, should fly apart under the weight of i t s  own internal politics. 
  Nominally a democracy, money i s  the true measure of power i n  the Federation, with voting rights 
  directly proportional to spending power. As such, it is the corporations rather than the citizens 
  who truly control the fate of the league. Yet the diversity of the Federation i s  its greatest 
  strength. The perpetual competition within and between corporations drives Mercantile citizens 
  to excel. Even more than money, personal accomplishment i s  a mark of success i n  the league, 
  with competition fostered from a very early age. Such advancement can be by fair means or foul, 
  with espionage and blackmail, known i n  the league as Kompromat, a part of everyday life. More 
  so than i n  any other League, the media i s  inextricably linked with society, playing a major role in 
  making - 
  or breaking -the reputations of companies and individuals. 
  Surprisingly, loyalty, albeit guarded, plays a major role in UMF society. Loyalty t o  the company 
  i s  everything, and forms a vital part of Mercantile culture. Corporations provide many of the 
  resources normally expected of governments; individual companies handle all health care, edu- 
  cation and retirement benefits, both directly and through partnerships and strategic atliances. 
  Children born t o  corporate employees are educated by the company, and i n  all likelihood will be 
  employed by them and see their children follow the same cycle. The largest corporations are 
  nations within the nation, each reflecting the UMF i n  miniature. Each suffers from constant in- 
  fighting, with factions pulling i n  different directions, but despite individual ambitions, the 
  members work together for the good of the league. 
  The truism "money makes the world go round" originated on pre-ice age Earth, but nowhere is it 
  more true than i n  the UMF. Money i s  an essential pre-requisite for participation i n  the demo- 
  cratic process, with electoral vouchers considered legal property to be bought and sold. Indeed, 
  the more money an individual or company i s  prepared t o  spend, the more votes they have and 
  the greater their influence on the political situation. Furthermore, greasing the wheels of busi- 
  ness is an accepted part of daily life, with bribes and the like as prevalent as the latest product 
  advertising. Indeed, without such gifts or financial bonds known as ransoms, few corporate 
  employees can expect their career to progress. 
  The search for profits dominates the companies, and by extension the UMF. The quest for new 
  markets and resources plays a major role i n  this and has repeatedly brought the Federation into 
  conflict with i t s  neighbors. Almost every war fought by the UMF has at i t s  core financial consid- 
  erations, as has the league's alliances. Indeed, the ill-fated "alliance" with the Mekong Domin- 
  ion grew from Treasurer Banderas' ambitions to form an economic super-power t o  rival the CNCS 
  and AST. It remains to be seen if the UMF, unlike the Treasurer, can survive his mistake. 
  I 
  The United Mercantile Federation Leaguebook details the structure and practices of the North's dominant economic 
  power. Divided into seven chapters, this sourcebook provides insights into both Mercantile philosophy and culture, 
  providing a rich background for campaigns set in the league. 
  ' 
  . 
  Chapter Two: League Overview explains the physical and economic landscape of the Federation, including details of its 
  achievements since the founding of the Lyonnesse League i n  TN 1528. Likewise, Chapter Three: Internal Politics details the 
  political landscape of the UMF, providing information on the Federation's political system and describing the power 
  structures and major players. Chapter Four: Foreign Relations continues this theme, examining the historically antagonis- 
  tic relationship between the UMF and i t s  neighbors. 
  . . 
  : . 
  Chapter five: Regions of the Federation elaborates on the material provided i n  Life on Terra Nova, Second Edition, 
  detailing the diverse geography and economy of the league's city states and surrounding regions, ranging from the arid 
  plains surrounding Ashington to the high arctic of Pioneer. Chapter Six: Culture and Society examines the culture of the 
  league, giving an overview of everyday life and delving into the Mercantile psyche. Chapter Seven: Gamemaster Resources 
  provides material valuable to any Gamemastef's 
  running campaigns i n  or involving the UMF, including characters, crea- 
  tures, equipment and scenario ideas. 
  . . 
  : . 
  ' 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Agnes wished she'd listened t o  the Mother Superior's warnings. She could feel their eyes on her as she walked down 
  Hope Avenue toward St. Justine's. She should have gone down the Golden Prospect. The way was longer, but more 
  public. Safer. The groups of youths made her uncomfortable, but there was a time when her novice's habit would 
  have guaranteed her protection. That hadn't been true since the Day of.Peace in Sorrento. 
  "Well, what d'we have here". A youth stood in her path. She could smell the alcohol even from here. "A poor lost 
  Little lamb." She attempted t o  step around him, but he blocked her path again. "I didn't say you could go, 
  Jerusalemite. Your kind have a lot t o  answer for." 
  "I 
  don't know what you mean." Attempts t o  keep the quiver from her voice failed miserably. Seeing how frightened 
  she was made the youth even braver. He advanced on her menacingly until her back was up against the wall. Then 
  he loomed over her, outstretched arms blocking her escape. 
  "Don't play innocent. Your church looks down i t s  nose at everybody, especially us!" He was almost screaming as he 
  gestured t o  the groups of young men down the street. Many wandered over and began t o  form a crown around the 
  group. They were no friendlier t o  Agnes than her captor. Others, overhearing the commotion, came out of the 
  buildings and joined the gathering throng. "I'll 
  bet you gloated when the Reverend was killed. I n  fact, I wouldn't 
  put it past you lot t o  have arranged it. Well, we're gonna make an example of you," he leered, moving t o  caress her 
  face. She batted the hand away but he tried again, more forcefully, pressing her against the wall. She looked t o  the 
  crowd for help, but none was forthcoming. 
  Then, a movement in the crowd filled Agnes with hope. A police car was nudging i t s  way through the throng. A 
  short burst of the siren and the crowd parted like the Red Sea before Moses. I'm saved! she thought. A police 
  officer got out of the car, her dark hair drawn up under her cap, and immediately drew her stun baton. Inside the 
  vehicle the other officer spoke into the radio, no doubt summoning backup. "Leave her alone, boy!" 
  "But she's one of them." His words were slurred, but many in the crowd murmured their support. 
  The police officer's eyes narrowed, anger glinting behind them. Carlyle, her name tag said. "I 
  don't care if she's 
  Oliver Masao's sister. She has more right t o  be here than you do, boy." The stun baton flicked dismissively. "Now 
  are you going t o  leave or do I have t o  call your Housemother?" 
  The youth's temper snapped. He lunged for the cop, but she sidestepped his exaggerated swing, her cap coming off 
  and her long hair flying loose. He never had the chance for a second lunge. Even as he started his attack Carlyle 
  thumbed the stun-baton, jabbing it into his armpit as he passed. The device's capacitor discharged almost thirty 
  thousand volts into the thug, and he suddenly lost control o f  his muscles and flopped t o  the asphalt. With a 
  practiced movement Carlysle knelt on his back, pulling his arms back and securing them with plastic cuffs. 
  "That's it, show's over. Go home," her partner called from the car, one hand resting on the holster of her pistol. 
  Agnes watched the first police officer recover her cap and stand. A flash o f  silver caught her eye. Someone near the 
  front of the crowd also saw the small cross hanging around the police officer's neck. "She's one of them too!" 
  And that's when the violence truly began. 
  I 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  L
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  w 
  The United Mercantile Federation covers some 150 degrees of longitude and 80 of latitude and is a land of contrasts. The 
  terrain ranges from deserts and broad savannah i n  the south t o  lush forests and arctic wasteland i n  the north. The 
  Mercantile climate is similarly vaned, with the southern regions frequently buffeted by Badlands-born tempests while the 
  Marathon Basin and northern expanses are protected from the worst of these storms by five broad mountain ranges. These 
  mountain ranges also divide the land into distinct regions, each of which has its own microclimate, influencing the range 
  of flora and fauna. Each of these regions plays a major role i n  the UMF‘s society, shaping the industry and economy of its 
  city-states and settlements. The regions all present wide ranges of both resources and challenges, and a well-known 
  Mercantile proverb states: ”There are no such things as obstacles to be overcome. Rather, there are opportunities we have 
  yet to decide how t o  exploit”. 
  The harsh conditions of the Badlands slowly give way t o  the Ashington, Zagreb and Cajun plains. This and region, a mix 
  of broad savannah and wasteland, i s  ill-suited t o  the mechanized farming methods more common further north, but is 
  dotted with small communities willing to work hard to raise small crops of johar or herds of cattle. Although the 
  invoivement of big business i n  such communities is minimal, they do typify the Federation i n  other ways. Groups who may 
  be at odds with each other for most of the cycle work together to gather the harvest or drive cattle. Indeed, many 
  communities band together to form cooperatives, allowing them to share capital expenditure and to allow collective 
  bargaining when selling goods t o  the city-state based corporations. 
  The rolling terrain of the Marathon Basin and, to a lesser degree, the Northern Plain around Swanscombe, have a temper- 
  ate climate and see more rainfall than the borderlands; the deep loam i s  considerably more fertile. Furthermore, the 
  mountains surrounding the Marathon Basin provide a measure of protection from Badlands storms. Forests were once 
  widespread i n  the area, though broad tracts have been felled for timber and t o  clear land for farming. The area is dotted 
  with massive corporate farms on which planting and computer-controlled vehicles do harvesting. Indeed, at harvest time 
  each of the massive machines i s  capable of harvesting, processing and packing produce, be it johar, wheat or sand beet. 
  As one travels north from the Badlands, the changes i n  vegetation are clearly apparent. Scrub vegetation 
  and lichen dominate the border region but are replaced by wild johar where water from the McALLen 
  network percolates to the surface. Sand-beet originated on the Badlands fringe, but this nutritious (al- 
  though bland) distant relative of the johar family has become the focus of large-scale commercial exploi- 
  tation in the more fertile northern regions where it competes with genetically modified Terran cereals. The 
  regions of highest precipitation, notably the northern reaches of the Marathon Basin, the Byerst Plain and 
  the upwind flanks of most mountain ranges, are blanketed with dense woodland. I n  the taiga woodland of 
  the high latitudes this is principally Terranovan pine, but saguaro i s  more common in the drier regions on 
  the Badlands fringe. 
  Small, insect-like flappers are accepted as a vital part of the arable region, serving as the principal vector for 
  pollinating plants. They are, however, capable of wiping out entire crops. Johar worms and wheat-jackets are 
  the target of major pest control programs. Larger fauna such as grassrunners are common in wilderness regions 
  but are less tolerated in farmsteads and are trapped and shot. Most farmers cannot understand the desire of 
  city folk to keep domesticated ’runners as pets. Springers are the staple of many ranches and wild varieties 
  roam throughout the UMF, though pack hunters like dawgs and prairie jackals keep their numbers down. 
  Barnabus Iguanas are also commonplace, both i n  the wild and domesticated. The many northern lakes provide 
  the ideal home for lakewasps and their swarms are regarded as the bane of the tourist industry. 
  The summer season provides the region with its greatest rainfall, with the amount gradually increasing closer 
  to the poles. The mountainous terrain has a major impact on precipitation, however, with increased rainfall on 
  the upwind (generally western) sides of the chains and a pronounced area of reduced precipitation, a “rain 
  shadow,” downwind. The most pronounced of these i s  the Zihl Salt Flats in the lee of the Downing Range 
  though, ironically, the southern region of the basin contains a large number of rivers and lakes, fed by the 
  McAllen network and run-off from the mountain range. The highest Levels of rainfall occur around Lyonnesse, 
  with rain-bearing winds funneled between the northwestern tip of the Downing Range and the western spur 
  of the Quinn mountains. 
  Temperatures on the Badlands fringe average about 35% during the summer, falling to around 25OC during in 
  winter. This pattern holds true throughout the savannah and plains region, with temperatures falling by about 
  3.75 degrees for every ten degrees further north. Local microclimates, caused by mountains and large bodies 
  of water, can produce more pronounced variations. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The Federation's mountain ranges play a major role i n  shaping climate and vegetation patterns, but they also serve as 
  major barriers t o  movement and contain significant mineral deposits. The Westridge Range forms the border with the WFP 
  and delineates the Western edge of the Marathon Basin and Cajun Plains, while the Downing Range serves as the region's 
  eastern boundary. Only four major passes cross the Westridge Range and one of these, the Cajun Pass west of Mainz, has 
  been closed since it became the target of UMF chemical weapons i n  the WFP's abortive invasion of TN 1570. The Downing 
  range also forms the border between the Ashington and Zagreb Plains and the Sangar Basin, while the broad expanse of 
  the Southern Spur separates the Eastern Marathon Basin from both the Badlands and the Ashington Basin. Mount Alban, 
  i n  the Downing range between Marathon and Lyonnesse, i s  the highest peak i n  the UMF and the site of many outdoor 
  pursuit centers. The Quinn Range forms the other two sides of the basin though much of the northern span, south of Rapid 
  City and bounding the Zihl Salt Flats, is little more than hills. The area immediately north of the Quinn Range is known as 
  the Byerst Plain and forms part of the gently rolling polar basin. The northern tip of the Pacifica Range divides the Zagreb 
  and Northern Plains before curving around t o  merge with the western tip of the Tershaw Range. The Pacifica range 
  contains one of only two volcanoes i n  the UMF, Mount Lowen. The other, Mount Mosvari, i s  located i n  the far southern tip 
  of the Downing Range's Southern Spur, though several Badlands volcanoes, most notably those at the heart of the Great 
  White Desert, occasionally erupt and spew ash into the UMF. 
  The McAllen network serves as the UMF's primary source of water, though a number of rivers flow i n  the Marathon and 
  Sangar Basins as well as on the Tudor Plain that extends south from the Arctic Basin. A number of lakes feed and are fed 
  by these rivers, many of which result from the region's high precipitation, though others are fed by the McAllen network. 
  Almost 800 kilometers long, Lake Tristan i s  the Federation's largest body of fresh water and i s  the principal site of the 
  league's fishing industry. The fisheries based on Lake Windermere on the Tudor Plain west of Djakarta Point and the salt- 
  water lakes of the Southern Sangar Basin are less developed, but nonetheless play a vital role i n  the region's economy. 
  The Polar Basin comprises the most northerly expanse of the Federation, a mix of tundra, taiga forest and lakes. Though 
  much of the high arctic is unsuited to any form of industry save logging, the region i s  dotted with vacation resorts that 
  cater to the sports of fishing and sailing. I n  the frigid extreme north, the city-state of Pioneer exploits cycle-round snow 
  and ice t o  become the CNCS' principal winter-sports venue. Indeed, with snow and ice a rarity on Terra Nova, many regard 
  a trip to Pioneer as the ultimate holiday. 
  I 
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  Eaf8 4 
  The UMF has repeatedly shown itself willing to use extreme measures to defend against outside threats. 
  Strategic weapons play a major role in this policy, with the Mercantile government willing to sacrifice land in 
  exchange for time to prepare. I n  TN 1570, the UMF Army used nerve gas to halt an assault by troops of the 
  WFP, not only killing the defenders and the Mercantile rear-guard, but also poisoning the landscape and 
  rendering the area unsafe for human beings. Indeed, even now some 360 cycles after the incident, the Cajun 
  Pass remains closed to the public. 
  This all fades into insignificance, however, when compared to the War of Alliance. I n  grave danger of seeing 
  the UMF overrun by the Colonial Expeditionary Force's GREL shock troops, the Caucus authorized the use of 
  strategic weapons to stem the tide and give the UMFA and Northern Guard time to respond. Use of both 
  chemical and nuclear weapons was widespread along the Badlands border and the southern reaches of the 
  Marathon Basin. Tracts of once-verdant farmland were turned into a radioactive wasteland and remain unin- 
  habitable. I n  addition to those areas directly affected by the weapons, a number of down-wind areas received 
  trace doses of chemical weapons and nuclear fallout. Though they are at far from dangerous levels, CNCS and 
  Mercantile environmentalists fear that these toxins will accumulate i n  the food chain and pose a threat to 
  human and animal life in the area. 
  The diseased land has been put to good use by the military, who use the site to conduct live fire exercises and 
  final NBC training and qualification under true conditions. A few officers have scoffed at the economic folly of 
  exposing perfectly good troops to possible contaminatlon. but most agree that the element of danger present 
  increases the effectiveness of the training. In general, only a small portion of the UMFA undergoes these 
  extensive NBC drills because of their cost. There are other benefits to the presence of troops in the area: the 
  samples and measurements they take daily for their safety are made available to biologists monitoring the 
  ecology of the region. 
  Over the cycles, some of the affected areas have begun to recover, with the hardiest species of johar grass 
  attempting to regain a foothold on the exposed soil. The elements have started to wash away the most 
  obvious signs of damage, and most craters have been reduced to shallow depressions in the ground. This has 
  not diminished their danger, however, and people traveling through the region are advised to carry Geiger 
  counters and chemical sniffers for safety. Trekking by foot is also inadvisable; a vehicle, even a lowly truck, 
  offers at least marginal protection against radiation. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  V
  E
   
  w 
  The origins and history of the United Mercantile Federation begin with commerce, following a bloody path of greed, 
  ambition and treachery. Indeed, most of the cities of the league trace their origins to mining, farming and manufacturing 
  companies established by the Human Concordat. When the Concordat abruptly severed links with the colonies i n  TN 1454, 
  these companies and their townships were abandoned to their fate. Many were destroyed i n  the chaos that followed, 
  sacked by bandits or brought low by the collapse of the planetary economy. Others fought for their freedom, forming ad- 
  hoc militias to impose order within the towns and the land that surrounded them. Heavily fortified, these company 
  enclaves became city-states, but it soon became apparent that alone, none would survive beyond the first generation. 
  Following the sack and razing of Salisbury by bandits in TN 1525, the leaders of four other city-states banded together. 
  It was Yvgeny Corman, Administrator of Lyonnesse, who brought the cities of Lyonnesse, Rapid City, Marathon, Canterbury 
  and Baton Rouge to the peace table. Throughout the Summer and Autumn of TN 1527 the negotiations raged, balancing 
  demands and working to settle deeply ingrained prejudices and feuds. Brandal Finch of Baton Rouge walked out of the 
  talks on 23 Autumn 1527, but the remaining parties presented a draft t o  the public on 6 Spring 1528. On 2 Summer of that 
  cycle, the document was signed and the Lyonnesse League came into existence. 
  The return of intercity trade provided a huge influx of capital, prompting a major improvement i n  the standard of living. 
  By TN 1531 the league was thriving and Baton Rouge was faced with a choice: economic ruin or joining the alliance. 
  Swallowing his pride, Finch chose the latter, though the terms were less favorable than those he walked away from four 
  cycles earlier. I n  TN 1532 the league integrated its diverse militaries into the League Guard, and formalized relationships 
  between banking, taxation, and other financial institutions. The league also established a comprehensive education 
  system, providing schooling for any who desired it up until the age of twenty cycles. Graduates were guaranteed at least 
  two cycles of vocational training with one of the large companies, and many later went on to become full time employees. 
  The system created a well-trained workforce and low unemployment, but it ultimately doomed the Lyonnesse League. 
  Funding the program of apprenticeships placed a major drain on the league's finances, a situation not helped by large- 
  scale corruption and inefficiency. Nearing bankruptcy, the government both cancelled the program and raised taxes in the 
  summer of TN 1550. Faced with this double blow, workers young and old poured onto the streets. The government 
  overreacted, sending out the League Guard to quell the protest. When crowds i n  Rapid City began pelting them with 
  stones, the troops were ordered t o  open fire, killing many civilians. This act of brutality shattered what remained of the 
  central government and civil war loomed. 
  The region's major corporations decided enough was enough and on 17 Autumn chose t o  act. Using economic clout and 
  well-trained security forces, they took control of the government and forced the disarmament of the League Guard. The 
  corporate leaders arrested Administrator Genardy Corman, son of founder Yvgeny, and his associates before sweeping 
  away the unwieldy bureaucracy that surrounded them. I n  i t s  place they created a streamlined administration, headed 
  by a nine-person Caucus, election to which was by a league-wide plebiscite. With the league's old name tarnished, the 
  new corporate-dominated nation was renamed the United Mercantile Federation. 
  The new government sought external challenges to distract the populace from the troubles at home. The Federation 
  launched itself on a massive armaments program and began t o  eye its neighbors' territory. By the end of the cycle the 
  troops struck, seizing the city-state of Fort Charles (later renamed Mainz) with the tacit approval of the Northern Lights 
  Confederacy. The Western Frontier Protectorate, however, also claimed Fort Charles and i t s  annexation merely served t o  
  sour relationships between the two leagues. The Westerners lacked the resources to retake the city, and instead spent the 
  next twenty cycles destabilizing the UMPs eastern districts with a series of vicious border raids. 
  The UMFA continued to grow over the next few cycles, i t s  troops constantly relocating within the league t o  keep its 
  neighbors off balance. I n  TN 1566 they struck, driving eastward into the Tershaw Cooperative Alliance, a small league 
  straddling the present-day UMF and NLC, and quickly overrunning Djakarta Point. A rich source of gold and silver, Djakarta 
  Point was a major prize, but rather than imposing their will i n  the city as had been done a t  Fort Charles, the Federation 
  allowed the city t o  retain i t s  own cultural institutions and method of government, provided that it accepted the Federa- 
  tion as i t s  overlord. Meanwhile, the matriarchal city-state of Swanscombe, also part of the TCA, was the target of 
  aggressive diplomatic efforts. Seeing advantages i n  siding with a growing power, they petitioned for membership in the 
  UMF that same cycle. Deprived of two if i t s  principal cities, the Tershaw Cooperative Alliance collapsed. The Federation's 
  success proved its undoing, however, driving the remaining TCA cities (and neighboring communities) into the NLC. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  WRR TO THE HCllFE 
  I 
  I n  TN 1570 the simmering feud between the WFP and the UMF finally exploded. The Protectorate launched a massive 
  preemptive invasion of the Federation, driving toward Mainz. With the bulk of their troops s t i l l  occupied i n  the former 
  TCA, the UMF was caught flat-footed and could not react t o  the threat. A small force succeeded i n  holding the Protector- 
  ate forces at bay i n  the Cajun Pass for three days, and when the force was about t o  be overrun their commander, Tony Kim, 
  called i n  fire on his position. The UMFA's Strategic Rocketry Command fired four tactical missiles into the pass, saturating 
  the area with Kesran nerve gas. There were few survivors, and with its offensive shattered, the WFP sued for peace. 
  Border clashes continued, but it wasn't until the 1650s that the Federation embarked upon another program of expansion. 
  The UMFA backed the so-called Tricity fuel embargo, a successful attempt by three petroleum rich communities i n  the 
  Badlands to force a price increase on the WFP, their main client. Encouraged by the poor Westerner response, the 
  Federation continued its military build-up and i n  TN 1667 invaded both the WFP and NLC. The invasions targeted key sites 
  - 
  Kossuth in the NLC and Fort William i n  the WFP. Kossuth fell t o  the UMFA i n  short order, but a spirited counterattack 
  by the Norlight forces forced a withdrawal t o  Swanscombe: the siege of Fort William was abandoned around the same time. 
  Horrified by their near defeat, the NLC and WFP decided t o  ally against the "Mercantile threat." I n  the summer of TN 1669, 
  their combined armies invaded the far north of the Federation after luring the bulk of the UMFA to the area around 
  Lyonnesse. The UMF mustered a defense and met the invaders near the city of Pioneer. The battle that followed, a nominal 
  victory for the UMF, i s  best known as the first use of combat walkers, a development that would ultimately culminate i n  
  the Heavy Gear (see Northern Vehicle Compendium 1, pp. 10-21, for more details). However, the narrow margin of 
  victory convinced the Caucus that war with their neighbors would only end i n  their destruction and so they focused their 
  efforts on the Badlands. Moves to annex Red Sands proved unsuccessful, though the UMF did ensure a "special under- 
  standing" with the Badlands township, and the Federation switched the bulk of i t s  activity to the Westridge area. 
  The formation of the AST i n  TN 1681 prompted the NLC to suggest the creation of a pan-northern alliance, but the 
  Federation snubbed the proposal, instead concentrating on efforts t o  control the Westridge Trade Zone (which would give 
  them a stranglehold on the WFP economy). The UMF was not alone i n  coveting the Westridge area, however. The newly 
  formed AST, and i n  particular the Mekong Dominion, sought influence i n  the region and this led to a major armed 
  confrontation. Known as the Merchant War, the clash between the UMF and the Southern alliance lasted from TN 1686 to 
  1688 before the Azov Treaty acknowledged the region's independence. This de-facto loss galled the Federation leadership, 
  and rumors of WFP assistance to the AST forces, added salt t o  the wounds. Despite these rumors, the Caucus made a policy 
  U-turn and supported the NLC's proposal for an alliance. The CNCS was founded on 8 Summer 1694. 
  The discovery of the wreck of the HCS St. Vincent i n  TN 1723 brought 29 cycles of peace t o  an end. The tense standoff at 
  the wreck degenerated into a wide-ranging battle, horrific i n  its own right, but worse was to come. Damage t o  the hulk 
  released a plague of global proportions, causing the deaths of five percent of Terra Nova's children. Each alliance blamed 
  the other for the incident and global war ensued. For six cycles battles raged at both poles and i n  the Badlands, costing 
  uncounted thousands of lives. Only the collapse of the global economy i n  TN 1729 forced a cessation of hostilities. 
  Though never proven, there are suggestions that several major corporations, Northern and Southern, engineered the 
  collapse to end the war and forestall any further losses. 
  UERTH RNU TRXES 
  The next century saw the Federation dealing with a mix of internal and external threats: The TN 1797 and TN 1814 
  Ashington uprisings (led by Byron Ash against his brother Rik) raised the prospect of war within the Federation. A massive 
  show of force by the UMFA ultimately persuaded the usurper t o  stop short of secession. The UMFA also sacked Timmins i n  
  TN 1762 i n  an attempt to discourage the city-state's 'bootlegging' of UMF goods. When Tirnmins petitioned the CNCS i n  TN 
  1820, they refused membership i n  the UMF and saught Northern Guard protection, citing the devastation of TN 1762. 
  The most significant confrontation was the series of covert engagements between the UMF and Mekong Dominion be- 
  tween 1795 and 1799. Known as the Second Merchant War, the battle was fought more with stocks and shares than bullets 
  'and bombs, allowing both parties t o  circumvent the limits placed on them by their respective alliances. Corporations i n  
  both leagues lost millions and the losses were aggravated by special forces attacks on manufacturing sites and R&D 
  establishments. The respective governments plowed vast sums into their economies i n  an effort to win the proxy war, but 
  by late Autumn of TN 1798 the Dominion's advantage was becoming apparent. Federation Treasurer Constantin Bodiam 
  ordered the UMFA into the field, and a series of Badlands clashes ensued. While the CNCS and AST were willing to sit by 
  and watch the two capitalist leagues bleed each other dry, neither would sanction a massive armed confrontation and 
  pressure from Valeria and Port Oasis forced a cease fire. 
  , 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Goaded by the aloof attitude of the NLC and its dominance of the Northern Guard, the UMFA designated the Jaguar Gear 
  a "Strategic Federal Resource" in TN 1905, much to the chagrin of Northco. With the Judas Syndrome i n  full swing, war 
  between the alliances looked imminent, and the collapse of the CNCS was a distinct possibility. Yet before a world war 
  could erupt, fate intervened. 
  Earth forces returned to Terra Nova i n  TN 1913 and drove into the heart of the two alliances, the Mekong Dominion and the 
  UMF. Unable t o  stop the CEF hovertanks and GREL supersoldiers, the UMFA fought a desperate withdrawal, making 
  prolifigate use of strategic weapons in a last-ditch attempt to buy the CNCS time to mobilize. The War of Alliance 
  devastated the Federation, with battles fought throughout the league's southern reaches and both nuclear and orbital 
  attacks against military and industrial targets. Despite the best efforts of the UMF and the Northern Guard, the city of 
  Mainz was quickly overrun by the invaders and Ashington became the site of five major battles, bitter street-to-street 
  fighting occurring on two occasions, though both times the CEF were eventually thrown back. By war's end on 9 Autumn 
  TN 1917, the UMF was badly bloodied and exhausted. But it had survived. 
  The cycles immediately following the War of Alliance saw widespread reconstruction efforts, both of the UMFs ruined 
  industry and its shattered military. The War of Alliance had weakened the NLC's hold on the CNCS, and both the UMF and 
  WFP flexed their political and economic muscles. While the NLC sought a return t o  the pre-war status quo, including 
  hostilities with the AST and i n  particular the Southern Republic, the UMF sought the advantages of peaceable contact 
  with the south. Treasurer Yves Banderas sent out feelers to the Mekong Dominion with a view to closer economic ties, 
  hoping t o  establish a third, mercantile, power block. He failed t o  win over Speaker Miyako Sogabe but did make contact 
  with her chief rival, Taipan Arron Logan. However, the direction of these talks surprised even Banderas, and at a meeting 
  with Banderas and CNCS Grand Marshal Victoria Edden-Smythe Logan suggested that the Dominion did not want t o  fight 
  a war with the North and might withdraw i t s  support from the AST i n  the event of hostilities. 
  With a Grand Plebiscite due i n  the Autumn of TN 1936, Banderas knew the importance of making a big impact with the 
  deal. When Northco President Natalya Korolov learned of the contacts with the Dominion, however, she was furious. A 
  meeting between the two on 13 Spring was heated and resulted i n  Northco withdrawing i t s  support from Banderas' 
  candidacy, and without their support his campaign seemed doomed. Nonetheless, on 6 Winter TN 1936 the Treasurer 
  announced his intention to stand for a fourth term. 
  The assassination of Thor Hutchison on 1 Autumn 1935 resulted i n  a major upswing i n  Revisionist feelings even i n  the 
  pragmatic UMF, and brought tensions between the CNCS and AST to a boil. The number of religiously motivated attacks i n  
  the league rose dramatically, particularly i n  Jerusalemite-led Swanscombe. The city-state's police were called i n  t o  break 
  up a number of demonstrations, and on 22 Autumn rioting wracked the city after a mob attempted t o  storm the govern- 
  ment center. Mother Superior Frances Hamilton escaped without injury, but there were a number of fatalities i n  the chaos. 
  The clash between the two alliances at the Badlands community of Rahnguard Oasis finall) tipped the balance and on 18 
  Summer TN 1936 the CNCS declared war i n  the AST. NorGuard Grand-Marshal Victoria Edden-Smythe immediately assumed 
  dictatorial powers i n  the CNCS, and as part of the process she suspended the Grand Plebiscite scheduled for 20 Autumn, 
  instead confirming Banderas as Treasurer pro-tem. Northco and other UMF corporations publicly denounced this action, 
  but the War Powers Act gives them little choice but t o  acquiesce. 
  While UMFA and Northern Guard forces moved into the Badlands t o  engage forces of the AST, pro-Southern saboteurs 
  attacked industrial facilities and government complexes throughout the Federation. This prompted a massive outcry, 
  though response was far from uniform. While many argued for punishing the AST for their audacity, others called for the 
  UMF t o  hold itself above what they considered religiously motivated fighting. Northco's announcement of support for the 
  war effort on 17 Autumn quashed some of the anti-war sentiment, though others spoke up to accuse the company of 
  seeking t o  profit from the war. 
  On 22 Autumn Treasurer Banderas left Lyonnesse on a morale boosting tour of the Federation. He visited Pioneer, Rapid 
  City, Canterbury, Baton Rouge and Marathon i n  rapid succession, though political unrest i n  Zagreb and Swanscombe 
  prompted the cancellation of visits to those cities. However, Banderas' aircraft disappeared while on route t o  Ashington. 
  Wreckage was later found on the southern slopes of the Downing Range, and Republican aircraft were blamed for i t s  
  destruction. Under the auspices of the War Powers Act, the Defense Minister, Solomon Davi, was named interim Treasurer 
  on 28 Autumn. 
  By the time Banderas' body was found, many i n  the halls of Northern power were already shifting blame onto him for the 
  course of the war. Indeed, promises of Mekong aid against the Southern Republic proved utterly false and Northern troops 
  remain locked i n  combat with Peacekeepers. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I 
  Money and its acquisition form the bedrock of Mercantile life, driving both individual citizens and the giant corporations. 
  The decision of the Earth companies to establish facilities i n  and around the region, which i n  turn grew into modern city- 
  states, provided the Federation with vast mineral and agricultural resources which have allowed the league t o  remain 
  largely self sufficient. Indeed, should the UMF choose t o  do without external trade it could, having no need to import 
  staples like food or minerals. As with the Mekong Dominion, the UMF is a net exporter of goods and services and were it 
  not for strict trade restrictions the Federation would long ago have suborned both the NLC and WFP. Arguments over these 
  issues have long been a bone of contention between the UMF and the other members of the CNCS. 
  The Federation's free-market economic base is very diverse, ranging from mining and farming through heavy industry, 
  consumer electronics and service industries like entertainment. This broad-based economy has allowed the league to 
  prosper when others have struggled. Likewise, many corporations spread their interests through a number of fields to 
  minimize the risks associated with economic recession. Officially the government's management of the economy is 
  minimal, limited t o  regional price, demand and satisfaction indices, as well as regulatory authorities, principally financial 
  services, intended t o  safeguard rather than control markets. I n  theory, the indices are government-sponsored market 
  research statistics intended t o  report the state of the economy. I n  practice, subtle manipulations of these figures allow 
  the Caucus and bureaucracy t o  influence the flow of goods. I n  truth, the indices are irrelevant t o  the larger companies 
  who both carry out their own research and have considerable influence of their own through the Corporate Council. 
  Indeed, it is the Corporate Council, when it can agree, that determines Mercantile policy and as with Banderas' ill-fated 
  alliance with Arron Logan, they take a dim view of meddling by the government executive. 
  The government does, however, have a major say i n  the transportation of goods, managing the extensive rail and road 
  systems vital t o  international commerce as well as working i n  partnership with Terranovan TransRail t o  ensure the smooth 
  flow of goods along the maglev routes. The government's control of the road system, or rather the beacon system that 
  steers the automated "land trains," provides a significant portion of its revenue, each autopilot-equipped vehicle being 
  required t o  pay an annual fee t o  use the system. Outside the league the government takes a more active role, principally 
  i n  the form of trade delegations i n  major cities of the CNCS and AST, usually as part of a UMF consulate or embassy. Led 
  by a trade commissioner, these delegations promote UMF goods and corporations, often serving as glorified salesmen 
  sponsored by particular corporations. Furthermore, the UMF organizes and protects the trade caravans that wander the 
  fringes of the Badlands, providing numerous small communities with their only source of a wide range of goods. 
  The net result of the league's economic success i s  a very high standard of living for those i n  work, particularly those 
  employed by major corporations. Even allowing for the absence of taxes, wages i n  the Federation are above the average 
  for the CNCS, though the companies also demand much of their employees. Working hours are long, driven as much by 
  competition within work groups for limited promotion slots as by the employel's demands, and public holidays minimal, 
  i n  turn placing a major strain on family life. However, Mercantile citizens have accepted this as the norm, the price to be 
  paid for success and prosperity. The flip side of this is that those who are not employed are shunned and virtually cast out 
  from normal society. The Federation's social security provisions are minimal. 
  The region's abundant natural resources were a major factor i n  encouraging settlement and continue to play a major role 
  i n  the economy. Farming occurs throughout the UMF but the fertile Marathon Basin is the league's breadbasket. Agricul- 
  ture is a mix of arable farming and ranching, providing raw materials for manufacturing and the pharmaceutical industry 
  as well as food. Farm sizes vary considerably, ranging from a few dozen hectares on the Badlands fringe to thousands of 
  square kilometers on the automated corporate farms of the Marathon Basin. Fishing is a popular pastime i n  the many lakes 
  that dot the northern expanse of the UMF, but only on Lake Tristan does it take place on a commercial basis. 
  Logging plays a major role i n  the economy of the Northern Marathon Basin as well as the Byerst Plain and the Arctic 
  regions, supplying the wood necessary for construction and furniture production. The process i s  heavily automated but 
  the devastating effects of deforestation prompted the government t o  enact a series of environmental protection laws. 
  The league's territory contains abundant mineral resources, extracted via a mix of deep-shaft and opencast mines, wells 
  and dredging. Iron ore is particularly common i n  the Quinn Range while bauxite is common on the Ashington Plains and 
  the Zihl Salt Flats i n  the north of the Sangar Basin. The extraction of petrochemicals plays a secondary role i n  the 
  economies of both Baton Rouge and Canterbury, though the principal refineries are i n  Rapid City and Marathon. Several 
  mines i n  the northern Westridge Range, among the few in the league directly controlled by the government, provide the 
  league with radioactive material for weapons and power. Djakarta Point yields a number of precious metals, principally 
  gold and silver, that pLay an important role i n  the electronics industry. 
  Energy product provides the fourth strand of the UMFs raw materials. Banks of solar panels and highly efficient windmills 
  surround several city-states, topping up the power received from small-scale fission piles. I n  Ashington, famed for its 
  high winds and low cloud cover, power generation forms a major part of the local economy. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The UMF is the industrial powerhouse of the CNCS and is rivaled on Terra Nova only by the Mekong Dominion. Though many 
  city-states encompass a broad range of industries, most also have some form of specialty product. Mainz is a major 
  transport hub for trade with the WFP and the Badlands communities of the NuCoal, but it is best known as the center of 
  the UMPs ranching and meat processing industries. Mining is associated with several UMF city-states, most notably 
  Djakarta Point, but also Canterbury, Marathon and Baton Rouge. Rapid City and Marathon are the principal processing 
  sites for such materials and Rapid City's industrial plants are also the UMPs largest consumers of petrochemicals, proc- 
  essed metals and chemicals. 
  The UMPs financial and information services are based i n  Lyonnesse, with products ranging from routine banking through 
  pensions and personal equity plans (PEPS) to insurance and share dealing. Both Rapid City and Swanscombe also play a 
  significant role, particularly i n  futures trading and securities. Though based i n  Lyonnesse, the Federation Stock Market 
  also has offices i n  Swanscombe, allowing Mercantile financial institutions to exploit the 12-hour time difference between 
  the two cities and continue full-scale trading for 30 hours a day. I n  fact, were it not for the Federation's financial 
  regulatory bodies, principally the Mercantile Stock Exchange Regulatory Authority (MSERA), who insist on a break i n  
  trading t o  allow software and hardware maintenance, as well as backups of the vital data, the Exchanges would likely 
  remain open 36 hours a day. 
  Marathon serves as a secondary hub for information brokering, making use of the city's advanced communications and 
  computer systems to process and analyze data generated from a wide range of reports. Models built from census and 
  market research data play a major role i n  the design and marketing of goods throughout the UMF and CNCS. Regional 
  demographics and economic data allow precision tailoring of such campaigns to regions and city-states, and when 
  combined with EPOS (Electronic Points of Sale) and credit rating data it i s  also possible to produce successful tailored 
  direct-mail programs. Direct-mail advertising is frowned upon even i n  the ultra-capitalist UMF, and thus rather than 
  offend consumers most large companies shun the practice. 
  Most UMF cities have a sizable leisure industry, but none are more developed than those of Pioneer and Canterbury. The 
  only city on the planet to experience year-round snow, Pioneer is a major tourist site, particularly popular for honey- 
  moons, anniversaries and corporate incentive programs. Indeed, the latter form an industry i n  their own right, with 
  companies like Galitzco (who also own a chain of hotels across the UMF) specializing i n  creating such programs t o  aid 
  sales and t o  encourage staff productivity. Canterbury, on the other hand, i s  renowned for its theme parks. 
  Staunch believers i n  free trade, the UMF imposes few restrictions on imports and exports. This has long been a bone of 
  contention with their CNCS neighbors, who do enact tariffs against UMFgoods as a means of limiting Mercantile influence 
  i n  their economies. This has prompted UMF companies t o  seek markets outside the CNCS, particularly in the Badlands but 
  also including AST member-states. I n  the interests of national security, such trade is tightly controlled. 
  There are two main restrictions. The first is an embargo on the sale of advanced technology to "hostile or potentially 
  hostile powers," which means the entire AST. It was this that prevented the UMF from selling arms t o  the Basal rebels 
  i n  the ESE and, t o  their chagrin, allowed Paxton Arms to do so - 
  although UMF lobbying did prevent a CNCS subsidy. 
  The second restriction is on the sales or export of items deemed t o  be a "strategic federal resource." This also includes 
  the sale of goods to the WFP and NLC, and was used to limit the proliferation of the Jaguar Heavy Gear prior t o  the War 
  of the Alliance. 
  Before the Interpolar War, the Mekong Dominion was a special case, with strict limits placed on the importation of all 
  Dominion goods as part of the ongoing economic confrontation between the two powers. With taxes and tariffs illegal i n  
  the UMF, banned Dominion goods were the principal source of revenue for smugglers i n  the Federation, though the growth 
  of "gray" (semi-legal) imports before the outbreak of war had begun t o  cut into such operations. 
  With the outbreak of war between the CNCS and AST, all four members of the Southern Confederacy have been placed 
  under total embargo and Mercantile trade negotiators have been recalled via the neutral NuCoal. Even trade within the 
  UMF and CNCS has been curtailed, military equipment and food receiving priority over "luxury" goods. This has prompted 
  a resurgence in smuggling activity, both into and out of the CNCS and its member states, to Badlands communities who 
  serve as middlemen for the AST. Trade has opened up with the Free Emirates (the rebel regions of the ESE), who are now 
  official Northern allies. The state of war, however, mans this trade is largely militarily sponsored support and brings in 
  little to no revenue. 
  Prior to the War of Alliance much of the CNCS trade with Caprice was handled via the UMF and its two Gateships, the 
  UMFGS Lhaban Emuros and UMFGS Marcus Pohlo. However, since the War of Alliance the vessels have fallen under the 
  jurisdiction of first the Joint Terranovan Space Initiative (JTSI) and more recently the Northern Guard Space Service, and 
  no trade missions have been allowed. 
  I 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  ' 
  . . 
  She sat at the terrace bar, a favorite of vacationing corporate wage-slaves, dressed i n  the trideo-fabric thermal 
  clothing that was en vogue among the bourgeois classes. Around her, small groups enjoyed the last of the after- 
  noon sun, engrossed i n  the background hum of meaningless conversation. Many of the drones showed signs of 
  intoxication - 
  the apres-ski parties were already in full swing. 
  Madeleine Silva was stone cold sober. She had a job t o  do, but that didn't stop her from feeling disgust at the 
  decadence o f  those surrounding her. She despised the Federation. Always had, and always would. A native o f  
  Zagreb, she felt the whole attitude of the UMF ran contrary t o  the interests of the people, the socialist leanings of 
  her own city-state offering the morally superior path. Were it not for the UMFA's de-facto occupation of the city, 
  they would have left the corrupt league long ago. But no one left the Federation. Or could they? Certainly one 
  faction - 
  the Rodinists - 
  felt it might be possible, with outside help of course. And that help had a price. 
  So she was here i n  the last place God created. Outwardly calm and relaxed, appearing little different from the 
  wage-slaves, she seethed inside. First the pickup from their new Northco exec had been botched. Faulks, their 
  original contact, had disappeared some seasons back and the new guy was paranoid. Justifiably so as the Rodinists 
  had gathered considerable kompromot on him. That didn't stop the little twerp from constantly changing the time 
  and place of their meeting, however. 
  And now her contact was late. Probably still out skiing or enjoying the company of one the numerous 'companions 
  for hire; she thought. Undoubtedly arranged the meeting here so he could enjoy a few days of the bourgeois 
  lifestyle. The Southerners were little better than the Mercantilists, but if their help secured Zagreb's secession 
  from the Federation, it was worth it. 
  A cough brought her attention back t o  the real world. A waiter stood there, bearing a tray and dressed i n  shirt- 
  sleeves despite the bitter cold. He passed her an envelope and withdrew. She opened it and discretely read the 
  contents. It was unsigned and simply read they know. The message could only be from Valence, and 'they' were 
  most likely the FIA, the Mercantile internal security agency. If they knew of his involvement... 
  She stood quickly, leaving a handful of coins t o  pay for the drink, and hurried for the exit. Pulling her coat even 
  tighter around her she headed away from the main bar towards the rarely used side steps that lead directly t o  the 
  sidewalk. This route offered her the best chance of escaping any FIA agents in the bar. 
  However, on the third step from the top her foot encountered a thin coat of ice, sliding and throwing her off 
  balance. For a brief instant she seemed t o  regain her footing but unfamiliar with arctic conditions her wild 
  attempts t o  prevent a fall exacerbated the situation. She tumbled the remaining dozen steps and came t o  a halt 
  with a sickening crack of bones. As her vision faded into darkness she heard a scream and someone yelling, "Help! 
  There's been an accident." 
  I n  the terrace bar Anton Jaiputi allowed himself a brief smile. Arranging for the temporary disconnection of the 
  staifs heating elements had been easy, as had spooking the suspect. The ambulance crew that took Silva away 
  would be part of Northco security like himself, and after revealing her new source and contact she would simply 
  disappear. Adrian Faulks had been most cooperative with Project Flytrap before his accident. 
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  . 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Born i n  the corporate "coup" that ended the Lyonnesse League, the United Mercantile Federation's system of government 
  reflects a preoccupation with money and efficiency. Mercantilists see the corruption and waste of the unwieldy Lyonnesse 
  League government as the epitome of bad management, while the small, sleek and efficient Mercantile government 
  exemplifies their ideal. The government is quite literally a business, so why not run it like one? Under Mercantile law, the 
  UMF government is a publicly owned company, with the board members elected every five years through the purchase and 
  use of electoral vouchers, i n  effect temporary company shares. Known as the Caucus, the board serves as the Federation's 
  executive body and is supported by a surprisingly small and efficient bureaucracy. 
  With many of the tasks usually associated with a government - social welfare, pensions, health care - part of the 
  private sector, the central tenet of the UMF government i s  t o  ensure a favorable financial climate, at least for Mercantile 
  concerns. This involves building and maintaining the Federation's infrastructure, maintaining stability within the league 
  and serving as arbiter and intermediary i n  internal and external disputes. I n  many regards it serves as a coordinating body 
  for the city-state governments and corporate interests, ensuring minimum standards and compatible systems. I n  theory 
  the government is apolitical, looking out for the Federation as a whole rather than a collection of interest groups, but i n  
  practice the UMF's electoral system, combined with corporate ties and liberal use of kompromat, leads to a government 
  constantly at odds with itself. Many Mercantile citizens care little for how the government functions, instead simply being 
  glad that it does. I n  the United Mercantile Federation, success is everything. 
  The Caucus serves as the decision making body of the United Mercantile Federation Government, debating and enacting 
  all legislation that effects the Federation as a whole. Members of the Caucus are elected i n  the Grand Plebiscite and serve 
  five-year terms. Each candidate t o  the Caucus stands i n  elections for a specific post - 
  Finance, Defense, Foreign Reta- 
  tions, Justice, Culture, Natural Resources, Infrastructure, Human Resources and Economic Development - 
  and if elected 
  becomes secretary for that department. The Finance Secretary, also known as the Treasurer, chairs the Caucus and serves 
  as head of state. 
  Given the involvement of finances, corporate politics play a major role i n  both the elections and day-to-day government. 
  Any serious candidate needs to secure corporate patronage if they are t o  stand any chance of success i n  the elections. The 
  corporate voting blocks far outweigh those of individual citizens, the largest purchasing tens of thousands of vouchers for 
  each Grand Plebiscite. Even once i n  office, political lobbyists work t o  persuade the Caucus t o  support their views and 
  advance their causes - 
  any secretary may propose legislation - and those who seek re-election would be wise not to 
  offend the voters who elected them. Furthermore, the byzantine web of favors, bribes and blackmail that pervades 
  corporate society is equally prevalent i n  the Caucus. 
  The Treasurer, who also serves as head of state, chairs the nine-member body. The Caucus passes legislation by majority 
  vote, though any secretary may call forward expert advisors t o  address the body. Once the Caucus has agreed upon a piece 
  of legislation, its legal implications and interaction with other laws are closely examined and draft copies made available 
  t o  the public for scrutiny and comment. Once these stages are complete, a process taking anywhere from ten days to a 
  cycle, the draft legislation i s  again presented the to Caucus and if passed a second time it becomes law. It is, however, 
  possible t o  fast-track laws. To do so, the proposing secretary must ask their proposal be accepted primafacie and provided 
  the Caucus votes unanimously i n  favor and no legal obstacles are found to its implementation, it becomes law without 
  public consultation or a second reading. 
  With the exception of the post of Defense Secretary, which is open only to members of the UMFA, each Caucus position i s  open to any UMF 
  citizen who can post the requisite one million mark deposit (forfeit if the candidate polls less than five percent of the vote). If elected, the 
  candidate must forfeit any non-governmental corporate interests for the duration of their tenure. All nine elections are held simultaneously 
  and in each election a candidate may only stand for a single post. I n  the event of the death or resignation of a Caucus member, a 
  repkacement is not elected and instead their duties are divided among the remaining secretaries until the next Grand Plebiscite. 
  I Justice Secretary 
  Faruq ELym I Economic Development Secretaw 
  ~~~ 
  Nanase Sumeraai I 
  Culture Secretary 
  Galina Yanayev 
  *Under the provisions of the War Powers Act, Director Davi currently serves as acting Treasurer following the 
  death of Yves Banderas. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I 
  16 
  I 
  A small bureaucracy that provides legal and administrative support assists each department. These career civil servants 
  have a poor reputation within the UMF, and are known derogatorily as "leeches." This prejudice stems back to the 
  corruption of the Lyonnesse League, though most citizens today recognize that they are a necessary evil. The civil service 
  i s  divided into distinct groups that support each secretariat. There is surprisingly little overlap of function, each relying 
  on the others' specialties. This is not t o  say that relationships between departments are always good: a number of clashes 
  result from overlapping responsibilities, such as between the Infrastructure and Economic Development departments, 
  leading to considerable back room diplomacy. 
  The principals that govern the Caucus - money, favors and blackmail - are equally true i n  the civil service, with 
  corporate lobbies and interest groups seeking to advance their causes. I n  many regards, the non-elected nature of the 
  bureaucracy leads to a more brutal style of politics; they do not need to worry about reelection and are less concerned 
  about public relations (though no Mercantile citizen ever completely ignores his image). Furthermore, the civil service's 
  promotion structure, again following the corporate model, prompts bitter internal struggles. Despite this, the bureaucracy 
  runs well, with competition between departments and working groups driving each to excel. As elsewhere i n  Mercantile 
  life, results are the key. Provided the work i s  done promptly and efficiently, few care about the processes. The converse is 
  also true - 
  failure i s  frowned upon and severely punished - 
  and forms the basis of much of the internal politics. 
  The document that sets down the laws of the United Mercantile Federation, the UMF Charter, grants each city-state the 
  right to maintain i t s  own tradition of government. This results i n  a wide range of governments: a monarchy i n  Ashington, 
  a matriarchal oligarchy i n  Swanscombe and a self-perpetuating socialist bureaucracy i n  Zagreb. The one requirement is 
  that production and distribution systems be fully integrated with the UMF and obey Mercantile laws. Beyond that, each 
  city i s  given free reign t o  govern itself, supported by federal economic or military aid if needed. Indeed, the UMF i s  barred 
  from interfering i n  internal city-state matters, though it may take action if the city-state's actions threaten the political 
  or economic stability of the Federation. For example, the UMF did not interfere i n  the revolutions that occurred i n  
  Ashington i n  TN 1797 and 1814, except to make it clear secession from the UMF would not be tolerated. 
  While the Caucus rules the United Mercantile Federation, it i s  corporate interests who elect the secretaries, steer the 
  process and have the power to destroy hopes of reelection. They manipulate the government to suit their needs and it is 
  a brave secretary or Caucus who opposes them. Publicly each corporation wields its own influence through sponsorship of 
  elections and via lobby groups. It i s  also widely accepted that, though obliged to forgo any non-governmental corporate 
  interests, many secretaries maintain close links to sponsoring corporations and serve as advocates for their interests. Less 
  well known is that the Federation's largest companies form a shadow government, called the Corporate Council. The 
  principle role of the Council i s  benign - 
  t o  provide a forum i n  which inter-corporate disputes can be mediated - 
  but it 
  also serves a darker purpose. It i s  the Council that determines much of the UMFs fiscal policy and steers relationships 
  with i t s  neighbors, wielding considerable influence i n  both the Caucus and the bureaucracy. Much of the Council's efforts 
  go towards ensuring a common purpose for Mercantile corporations, minimizing internal conflicts by laying down clear 
  guidelines for areas of trade, pricing and so forth. They also work to deter foreign interests from gaining a major hold i n  
  the UMF or i t s  foreign markets, using pressure on the Caucus to influence the CNCS. 
  Federation Telecommunications Trust 
  FIT 
  Isla Donnovan 
  Telecommunications 
  Lyonnesse 
  Abaline Research 
  ABR 
  Sara Wright 
  NNets and computing 
  Marathon 
  MainzFood 
  MFD 
  Caesar Moran 
  Food production 
  Mainz 
  United Mercantile Federation Army 
  UMFA 
  Solomon Oavi 
  Military 
  Lyonnesse 
  Ashington Power Corporation 
  APC 
  Hans William Ash 
  Power generation 
  Ashington 
  Hague-Monroe-Jordan 
  HMJ 
  Benicio Jordan 
  Djakafia Point Mining Corporation 
  DMC 
  Kaon Ganendra 
  Manx Industries 
  MA1 
  Thomas Matinez 
  Preisner Heavy Industries 
  PHI 
  Misha Cadieux 
  Heavy industry 
  Rapid City 
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
  I Federation Broadcasting Corporation 
  FBC 
  Cyndine Yakolev 
  Media 
  Canterbury I 
  GalitzCo 
  CZC 
  Jared Ganz 
  Performance enhancement 
  Pioneer 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Regarded as unproductive, political parties are unknown i n  the United Mercantile Federation, but this has not stopped the 
  UMF from developing a Byzantine political structure. Politics and economics are two sides of the same coin, and the 
  interplay of corporate interests has ensured a constant shifting of politics within the Caucus and the bureaucracy. 
  Traditionally, religion has played a very minor role i n  the federation's affairs, but recent cycles have seen radical shifts in 
  the balance of power i n  the UMF. First, the assassination of Second Follower Thor Hutchison led to a massive upswing i n  
  support for the Revisionist Church, which the Caucus could only ignore at its peril. The steady deterioration of relation- 
  ships with the AST followed and, encouraged by hints of support from the Mekong Dominion, the CNCS declared war on the 
  Southern alliance. This gave CNCS Grand Marshal Victoria Edden-Smythe far-reaching dictatorial powers which allowed her 
  to intervene i n  Mercantile internal politics, suspending the Grand Plebiscite, confirming the current Caucus for another 
  term and streamlining the league's economy to support the UMFA and the Northern Guard. Most recently, the tragic death 
  of Treasurer Yves Banderas has led t o  the consolidation of political and military power i n  the hands of UMFA Director 
  Solomon Davi, who also sits on the Corporate Council. 
  The following groups and individuals represent the principal political, religious, corporate and military interests i n  the 
  United Mercantile Federation. All wield immense power, particularly in Light of the on-going conflict against the AST, but 
  are forced t o  be careful i n  their manipulations lest the Grand Marshal accuse them of interfering with the war effort. 
  Natalya Korolov is a product of the UMPs corporate system, raised in creches while her parents worked, 
  educated at Swanscombe University's prestigious business school. Sharply intelligent but blessed with an easy 
  manner, she headed the student council between 1901 and 1903 and joined Northco as a junior executive in 
  TN 1904 where her ability to get the most out of the system and to identify the needs - and weaknesses - 
  of others made her a sought after part of the mammoth conglomerate. By the outbreak of war in TN 1913, she 
  headed up the financial services division, despite being barely 35 cycles old. Following a major restructuring 
  of the company necessitated by the CEPs repeated bombing of Rapid City, she found herself elevated to the 
  Board of Directors i n  TN 1918. Since then, Korolov has been the epitome of a sharp businesswoman - 
  charming, calculating, ruthless and slowly strengthening her grip on the company. Now controlling the largest 
  block of Northco shares, some 29 percent, she serves as the company's CEO though she is repeatedly forced to 
  beat off challenges from her archrival, Aidan Jarlson. Korolov is easily the most powerful executive in the 
  Federation, heading the Corporate Council and maintaining numerous contacts in the government. 
  The death of Yves Banderas placed Solomon Davi at the head of the UMF Caucus, making him the head of both 
  the UMF government and its military. A former member of Northco's Gemeinsam Guard, he transferred to the 
  UMFA in TN 1906 and distinguished himself in the War of Alliance. Natalya KOIO~OV 
  persuaded him to run for 
  the post of Secretary of Defense in the TN 1931 Grand Plebiscite, though his promotion earned him enemies 
  among the high command - he was only a major general and most Directors are elected from the ranks of the 
  Thanes (the highest UMFA rank). He has consolidated his grip on the UMFA over the last six cycles. Dedicated 
  to the Federation, Davi believes the UMFs best hope is to remain within the CNCS and was a staunch opponent 
  of Treasurer Banderas' moves toward alliance with the Mekong Dominion. His relationship with CNCS Grand 
  Marshal Victoria Edden-Smythe is at best described as coolly professional, despite her recent confirmation of 
  him as Treasurer pro-tem. Like many Mercantile citizens, Davi is only a token Revisionist and finds the Grand 
  Marshal's acceptance of fundamentalist Revisionist doctrine disturbing. He feels it has clouded her judgment 
  about the War and he has clashed with the Grand Marshal on several occasions. 
  A close ally of former Treasurer Randeras, culture secretary Yanayev is Director Davi's principal opponent in the 
  Federation Caucus. At 94 cycles, the former lecturer in media studies at the University of Swanscombe is the 
  oldest member of the Caucus. She has taught some notable personalities over the cycles of her career as a 
  professor, including both Natalya Korolov and Grand Marshal Edden-Smythe in their time at the university. A 
  superb orator, Yanayev feels too much power is currently i n  Davi's hands, especially given the provisions of the 
  War Powers act. She is using her talents to try and persuade the other members of the group to reign him in, 
  or otherwise define some limits to his authority. She is even subtly pressing the Caucus to take the unusual 
  step of transferring the Treasurer's powers to another member of the body, either permanently or at least for 
  the duration of the conflict. Several members are known to support her, but in private sessions Davi has 
  accused Yanayev of attempting to prejudice the good order of the Federation government and the Northern 
  Guard war effort i n  general. Given the state of war that exists with the Allied Southern Territories, this charge, 
  which is tantamount to sedition, carries the death penalty. Although Davi has yet to proceed with the matter, 
  the threat has prompted Yanayev to tread very carefully -though she continues her campaign, she is doing 
  so quietly and with the utmost caution. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  From i t s  earliest days, the UMF has had a reputation for aggressive expansionism, as much by force as by diplomatic or 
  economic means. The UMFA was the instrument of their martial ambition, a large and powerful multi-service armed force. 
  Since joining the CNCS the size of the UMFA has decreased considerably, but this is made up for by the quality of i t s  troops 
  and equipment. 
  As with all major organizations in the UMF, the UMFA i s  legally a corporation i n  its own right, operating under the aegis 
  of the UMF and receiving financial support from the central government. The UMFA also raises its own revenue from the 
  promotion "ransoms" of its officers and from the sale of merchandise such as books, model kits and artwork relating to its 
  units and equipment. The army's volume of income and expenditure, combined with its corporate status, qualify it for a 
  seat on the Corporate Council though until Director Davi took up his seat i n  Autumn TN 1936, only two Directors had 
  exercised this option. Furthermore, unlike most militaries, the UMFA is directly represented i n  the Mercantile government, 
  i t s  Director also holding the post of Secretary of Defense. 
  The Director works closely with colleagues i n  the Northern Guard, the WFPA and the NAF. Save for the head of the WFPA, 
  who also serves as head of state for the Protectorate, the Director has the most wide-ranging powers in peacetime. The 
  liberalization of the Guard following the War of Alliance has strengthened the position of the Director, but even so he 
  must bow to the will of the CNCS Grand Marshal in times of war. A t  such times the Director still retains considerable 
  influence through a seat on the Northern Guard's Joint Command Council. Indeed, in this capacity the Director commands 
  both UMFA troops and Northern Guard forces operating i n  the Federation. 
  Furthermore, the Federation's War Powers Act grants the Director sweeping powers over the economy i n  times of war, 
  giving military supplies and foodstuffs priority. Even i n  peacetime the UMFA maintains strong links with the Mercantile 
  military-industrial complex. Many arms companies court the UMFA's patronage with large financial contributions and 
  sponsorship of units. The military are also closely involved i n  the development of new technologies, with military pilots 
  and designers working at corporate sites, and new equipment given to UMFA troops to field test. This has, however, 
  earned the UMFA the reputation of being a "show room" for Northco products. 
  I 
  I 
  I 
  \liial Statistics 4 
  I 
  1 Headauarters: 
  South Wing, Building A. Lyonnesse, UMF 
  Director (Secretary of Defense) SoLomon Dawi 
  Ensuring the stability and security of the UMF. 4 
  The Director and the four theater commanders (or Thanes) form the UMFA Executive committee who advice the 
  Caucus on military matters. Below them is the Federation Defense Council, known colloquially as "the board." 
  This comprises the remaining members of the UMFA General Staff, the 23 senn'ce branch heads and the 
  commanders of all 10 line divisions and fleets. The FDC determines the general policy of the UMFA, in line with 
  the dictates of the Caucus and Executive, and is responsible for enacting policy in their commands. All 
  members of the general staff are skilled politicians as well as military commanders, and those of senior rank 
  are also acute businessmen. Associations with corporations other than the UMFA are common, a product of 
  the sponsorship required to meet the promotion ransom. 
  The UMFA purchases Electoral Vouchers, but traditionally limits their use to elections for the Secretary of 
  Defense. It occasionally forays into other elections, particularly those of Foreign Affairs and Finance Secretar- 
  ies, but such occurrences are rare, usually only when the ascension of their preferred candidate as Secretary of 
  Defense i s  assured and they wish to oppose (or support) particular candidates in the other elections. 
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  As might be expected, the current war against the AST occupies the lion's share of the UMFA's attention. The 
  UMFA i s  doing its utmost to win, knowing that a long, drawn out conflict will be prejudicial to the economic 
  interests of the UMF, but the difficulty of coordinating operations with Norlight and Westerner forces has 
  posed a number of problems. Furthermore, though war had been looming for some time, the UMF had not 
  called up i t s  Territorial forces, reservists who spend most of their time in civilian occupations, for fear of 
  damaging the economy. Forming up these units posed a number of logistical problems in the first season of 
  the conflict, occupying much of the FDCs attention. 
  Also, with the support of the Mekong Dominion failing to emerge, the Director and his subordinates fear that 
  the Victoria Edden-Smythe's Revisionist fundamentalism -and the ambitions of former Treasurer Banderas - 
  I 
  has led them into a dangerous situation. The quick resolution they hoped for is nowhere in sight, and the UMF 
  is plunging deeper into a war that many think does not concern it. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I n  TN 1551 the spiraling chaos of the Lyonnesse League prompted the corporations upon which the nation's economy 
  were based to band together and depose the corrupt league government. That meeting, known as the Lake Tristan 
  Conclave, decided the fate of the Lyonnesse League and both created and shaped the United Mercantile Federation. 
  Over the cycles that followed, the companies continued to meet to discuss political and economic issues, formalizing 
  their relationship in TN 1572 as the Corporate Council. It should be noted that while only twelve companies form the 
  Council, every corporation i n  the UMF recognizes its authority and follows its dictates. Over the cycles several cornpa- 
  nies have learned to their chagrin what it means to challenge the Council. Their stock was attacked by the combined 
  might of the Council and the companies either rendered worthless or taken over and dismembered. Unsurprisingly, such 
  challenges are rare. 
  The Council serves a number of roles, but its principal concern is ensuring that conditions i n  the UMF and its neighbors 
  remain favorable to Mercantile business concerns. Competition is a good thing, but too much can damage the market and 
  the Council works to ensure that trade wars within and without the UMF do not escalate to a great extent. They attempt 
  to mediate disputes between companies, but also seek to head off trouble by establishing pricing guidelines and distinct 
  areas of influence. They also coordinate the Mercantile response to foreign threats, making it difficult for foreign concerns 
  to establish a foothold i n  the UMF or Federation-dominated foreign markets. The classic example of this i s  Paxton Arms, 
  whose attempts t o  break into the CNCS Gear market have long been stalled by Northco through the aegis of the Corporate 
  Council. The Council also lobbies for reform within the CNCS, particularly the removal of trade barriers, knowing that a 
  level playing field will turn their present success into future dominance. 
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  Corporate and Federation interests do not always coincide, however, and it often falls to the Corporate Council to mediate 
  a common path, or more often, t o  force the corporate line. Corporate influence over fiscal and foreign policy i n  both the 
  Caucus and bureaucracy is considerable, a result of sponsorship of election campaigns, virtual domination of the electoral 
  process, and by knowing what skeletons are i n  which closets. Persistent public lobbying lends this process an air of 
  respectability, but it is a rare secretary or career civil servant who can hold out against pressure from a single corporation 
  for long - 
  none can withstand the combined efforts of the Corporate Council. 
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  b Vital Statistics 
  1 Goals: 
  To promote the financial well-beinq of the UMF and its member Corporations. I 
  The organization of the Corporate Council i s  loose, but follows a set of guidelines that date back to the 
  Conclave of TN 1551. The Council's number is restricted to twelve members. The UMPs top eight companies 
  (calculated on the cycles'turnover as reported to the UMPs finance department) are granted automatic places 
  on the Council. These eight members select the other four a t  the start of each cycle from any other Federation 
  company with a turnover of at least 1 billion marks. Other corporations and individuals may appear before the 
  council to present petitions or evidence, or to face charges. 
  The Council has no set venue or meeting schedule. Its members gather wherever and whenever they need to, 
  though certain trade shows like the Rapid City Expo or the annual Lyonnesse Business Awards are almost 
  always accompanied by a meeting. Any member may call a session and propose business, but at least five days 
  notice must be given. The Council i s  chaired by the head of the UMPs largest Corporation, which i s  usually 
  (but not always) Northco. 
  I 
  Yves Banderas' attempts to ally the UMF with the Mekong Dominion have been of grave concern to the 
  Corporate Council since it discovered his maneuvering in Winter TN 1935. Banderas' death has done nothing 
  to alleviate their concerns, his so-called alliance having led the CNCS on the path to war with the AST. 
  Recognizing the futility of attempting to oppose CMCS policy, the Corporate Council has decided to put its full 
  weight behind the war effort, using the inRuence of Solomon Davi to steer the war goals to its advantage. 
  The Council has not ignored its more traditional concerns, namely the relationship between UMF corporations 
  and their foreign rivals. The rise of Norlight manufacturers like Shaian Mechanics and the general efforts of the 
  NLC to reduce its dependence on trade with the UMF have been the main topics of discussion over recent 
  cycles, as has the rise of Paxton Arms. Indeed, it was Corporate Council lobbying that prompted the UMF to 
  block northern efforts to use Paxton Arms to supply the Basal Rebels in the Eastern Suns Emirates, though 
  they ultimately could not prevent the NLC brokering the deal (for more details, see The Paxton Gambit). 
  I 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Sorrento Revisionism is accepted as the principal religion of the United Mercantile Federation, but unlike i n  the NLC it is 
  not granted the status of state religion. Indeed, the UMF's policy of allowing city-states to maintain their own cultural 
  institutions and forms of government mean that Revisionism must compete with a wide range of religious creeds. Until 
  recently most Mercantilists paid religion only lip service, be it Revisionism, Jerusalemism or the Blue Crescent. 
  That all changed with the assassination of Second Follower Thor Hutchison in Sorrento at the end of 1935. His murder on 
  Live trideo sent shock waves across the CNCS, sending grieving citizens t o  their local churches i n  the thousands. The 
  reaction i n  the NLC was to be expected, but the scale of the public outpouring of grief i n  the UMF was both unexpected 
  and unprecedented. Compared t o  its Norlight sister, the Revisionist Church i n  the Federation was small, more concerned 
  with carrying out charitable acts than preaching t o  i t s  small congregations. It has struggled t o  meet the challenges of the 
  last cycle, but has persevered and shows every sign of emerging from the crisis stronger than ever before. 
  Historically, the church has had Little influence over the UMF government and indeed many Mercantile corporations look 
  on the church with scorn. Public sentiment, however, has forced both the corporations and the government to take 
  notice. Companies have been forced t o  accede t o  workers' demands for time off work t o  attend Gentle Day services - 
  Wednesday i s  not traditionally a day of rest i n  the UMF - though the establishment of corporate chapels i n  office 
  buildings and factory complexes has allowed many corporate citizens to meet both their spiritual and contractual obliga- 
  tions. The Government has also been forced to pay closer attention t o  Revisionist concerns, though this does not sit well 
  with the Caucus. Many Caucus Secretaries, including Director Davi, follow the Revisionist faith, but with one notable 
  exception, they find the fundamentalism of the Sorrento Church unsettling. They are well aware that it was Revisionist 
  demagoguery that swept the nation into an anti-Southern fervor and propelled them into war with the AST. 
  The Prophet's Shield (see Northern Lights Confederacy Leaguebook, p. 27) has exploited the changes in the UMF t o  
  expand i t s  membership and influence i n  the Federation. Previously treated as little more than a curiosity, the Shield's 
  power has increased considerably over the last few seasons, particularly in Rapid City and Lyonnesse, the site of their 
  principal meeting houses. Their membership now includes a number of senior corporate figures, as well as a Caucus 
  member: Secretary of Economic Development, Nanase Sumeragi. 
  The Mercantile arm of the Sorrento Revisionist Church lacks much of the formal structure associated with the 
  Norlight branch, though it has many features in common. The UMF is divided into three regions, each headed 
  by a Senior Reverend, though Senior Reverend Severdzan of the Lyonnesse District oversees all Revisionist 
  activity in the Federation. Below the Senior Reverends, maintaining day-to-day contact with the people of the 
  UMF, are the Reverends. These are priests and monks (though monks are rare in the UMF) who have shown 
  particular dedication to the Revisionist Church. A few serve as regional administrators, but the majority 
  remain with their churches or monasteries. 
  While Priests are responsible for leading congregations and instructing the faithful, the Mercantile arm of 
  Revisionism also makes use of Laymen. Principally this has been to distribute food and alms to the needy, but 
  the unexpected upswing in Revisionist fervor has prompted a number to be employed as lay ministers, helping 
  bring the word of Mamoud to the people. They are regarded as only a temporary measure, and the church is 
  seeking to increase the number of ordained clergy in the UMF. 
  For the immediate future, the greatest concern of the Revisionist Church in the UMF is to cater to the needs 
  of its adherents in the Federation. Priests have scheduled additional services to meet the demand, but with 
  churches poorly sited and often neglected, many meeting places have been converted into temporary places 
  of worship. The lack of ordained priests has presented a major problem, though the acceptance of lay minis- 
  ters has eased the burden somewhat. 
  In the long term, there are serious concerns as to whether church attendance will remain high or will fade with 
  the passage of time. Already the numbers in many city-states have begun to drop off, though they still remain 
  considerably higher than before the dreadful events of 1 Autumn TN 1935. I n  rural areas attendance figures 
  show no sign of declining, and these are the regions poorest served by the church. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
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  Where there i s  legitimate endeavor, the criminal underclass lurks i n  the shadows to exploit it. Most city-states have their 
  criminal underworld, dealing i n  stolen goods, trafficking illegal material, or extorting money. Much of this "industry" is 
  dominated by the Forzi Cartel, one of the groups based i n  the CNCS protectorate of Wounded Knee. The Forzi have built 
  their criminal empire by suborning existing enterprises, using strong-arm tactics - 
  with ultra-violent object lessons for 
  the recalcitrant - 
  to persuade the groups of the wisdom of cooperating with the cartel. The Forzi dominated Wounder 
  politics throughout most of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, using the vast income from their affiliates in the 
  UMF to finance an extravagant Lifestyle and keep the other groups i n  check. However, the Kolson family usurped their 
  leadership of the protectorate at the end of the nineteenth century. The Forzi immediately rebounded, smuggling goods, 
  people and information into and out of CEF territory during the War of Alliance, a tradition they have continued i n  recent 
  years with their covert mediation between Taipan Arron Logan and Treasurer Yves Banderas. The cartel i s  also believed to 
  have extensive contacts with the Badlands Revolutionary Front (BRF). 
  The most important center of Forzi business is the UMF, where they specialize i n  gambling, money lending and extortion, 
  though they also smuggle high-value goods - 
  including people - 
  into and out of the UMF. The Forzi appear as an all- 
  pervasive force in the Mercantile underworld, their influence strongest i n  the west of the country, particularly in the 
  corporate centers of Lyonnesse, Marathon and Rapid City, though almost every city in the UMF contains Forzi-controlled 
  affiliates. The cartel's inability t o  break into the lucrative markets of Djakarta Point has been a bone of contention with 
  a succession of Forzi leaders, who have instead settled for sponsoring a series of faction wars i n  the crime-riddled city. 
  Roman Forzi, who has recently become responsible for all Forzi operations i n  the CNCS, has put this disappointment 
  behind him and continued to exploit the Kolson-dominated NLC. From 1918 to 1934, Roman was i n  charge of Norlight 
  operations and led a bloody (and ongoing) war with the Kolson cartel. Kolson lieutenant Sundra Turai responded with 
  attacks on Forzi holdings i n  the UMF, trying t o  erode Roman's support among the Forzi hierarchy. Indeed, Nelis Forzi 
  (Roman's elderly uncle, who had ruled UMF operations since the 1870s) was very displeased. Roman solved the problem 
  by assassinating his uncle and taking over all Northern operations. Cartel chief Maraka Forzi had little choice but to 
  accept his cousin's coup. Many Forzi capos have come to realize that Roman is now the de facto leader of the cartel. 
  Traditionally, the Caucus and the corporations have taken a hands-off approach t o  organized crime i n  the UMF, treating 
  the Forzi as an unsavory but necessary corollary to their activities. The expansion of the Kolson-Forzi gang war into 
  Federation territory, however, has prompted both the Federal Intelligence Agency (FIA, the national security service) and 
  corporate security forces to take a tough line against any of the Wounded Knee cartels. 
  Legal Name: 
  The For21 Cartel 
  Headquarters: 
  Wounded Knee 
  Director: 
  Roman Forzi (Northern operations): Maraka Forzi (cartet head) 
  Goals: 
  Power, profit and influence 
  The Forzi Cartel uses a rigid, authoritarian structure, often described by outsiders as a bloody dictatorship. All 
  members are bound by a strict code that governs their relationships both within the cartel and with outsiders, the 
  most notable provision of which is an oath of secrecy. All infractions are dealt with harshly and executions, usually 
  by garrote, are common. Sharply intelligent, but also prone to insane rages, Roman Fori rules the cartel with an 
  iron hand, demanding unquestioning loyalty from his subordinates. Forzi commands the cartel's activities through 
  a strict hierarchy of lieutenants, divided by area of interest and geography, though he frequently takes direct 
  charge of key operations. With the outbreak of the Interpolar War, Roman has found he must travel across the 
  North and Badlands to secure Fori concerns. He has handed over command of the war against the Kolson cartel 
  to Chlystof Donnel, head of the Rapid City office. An able businessman, Donnel is known as "the surgeon." 
  The expansion into the Kolson holdings in the NLC has been the focus of the Forzi's efforts for the last three 
  cycles, though the expansion of the conflict into the Federation has provoked considerable concern. Rather 
  than backing down, the Forzi have reacted in typical fashion, stepping up their activities - and the level of 
  violence - in an effort to end the conflict. Bombings and drive-by shootings have become commonplace and 
  Forzi agents have twice attempted to assassinate Sundra Turai, prompting the Kolsons to reciprocate with 
  attacks against Donnel and several other Fori notables. The UMF authorities have likewise arrested many 
  members of both Wounded Knee factions, though corporate security agencies have shown themselves to be as 
  ruthless as the cartels in their efforts to end the dispute. Meanwhile, the distraction of the Forzi-Kolson war 
  has allowed the Badlands-based Granis Cartel to strengthen their position on the Federation's southern fringe. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Though national concerns dominate the politics of the United Mercantile Federation, the league's constitution grants 
  each city state the right to manage its own affairs and to maintain the culture and system of government it had when it 
  was incorporated into the UMF. This diversity is part of what gives the Federation its strength. Its people are allowed t o  
  work i n  a manner that suits them rather than being forced to comply with the often blinkered views of central govern- 
  ment. They adapt to local conditions, political and cultural as much as geographic, making use of their detailed knowl- 
  edge to make best use of resources. Most local authorities work i n  harmony with the UMF central government, though 
  local interests do not always coincide with those of the Caucus or the corporations. 
  Ashington is a good example of this, ruled by a monarchy but firmly integrated into the corporate structure of the league. 
  Internal politics sometimes place the interests of the city-state at odds with the UMF, prompting occasional federal 
  intervention. 
  A t  the opposite end of the spectrum i s  Zagreb, staunchly opposed to the corporate system but a grudging participant to 
  ensure the city-state's survival. The federal presence i n  Zagreb is high profile, carrying the threat of intervention should 
  the city's rulers step out of line. Though Zagreb's government follows the dictates of the UMF, many of i t s  citizens do not, 
  forming a communist resistance known as the Rodinists. 
  Lastly, though Revisionism is the dominant religion of the UMF, it is far from being the only one. Jerusalemism forms a 
  sizable majority and nowhere is that more obvious than the matriarchal city-state of Swanscombe. The Swanscombe 
  Jerusalemite Church serves as de-facto ruler of that city-state and i s  viewed as a slap i n  the face by the Revisionist 
  Church. Though Swanscombe has never shown anything but loyalty to the UMF, the rising tide of Revisionism i n  the North 
  has brought Jerusalemite fidelity into question. 
  Born in Pioneer in TN 1865, Ferdinand Loew is of medium height and medium build with a plain face and no 
  distinguishing marks. Academically he was average too, performing neither spectacularly well nor badly. He 
  was an average guy. In short, the perfect spy. He joined the UMFA in TN 1885, serving first in the infantry but 
  transferring to the Special Forces command in TN 1888. During a joint SpecFor/Military Intelligence recon- 
  naissance mission against Port Oasis he came to the attention of Colonel Ali Bacall, head of the M I  Field 
  Agents Corps, who arranged for his transfer to Military Intelligence. 
  Loew retired from active duty in TN 1909 and took command of the Field Agent Corps, but the drastic losses 
  against the CEF prompted him to reenter active service, undertaking several dangerous missions against Earth 
  forces in the Barrington Basin. With the UMFA reliant on information provided by Military Intelligence in this 
  time of crisis, many members of the high command actively court Loew's support, giving him considerable 
  power in the Federal Defense Council. As a former ally of Yves Banderas he i s  not on good terms with Solomon 
  Davi, and the Director i s  using MI'S "intelligence failure" with regards to the Mekong Dominion alliance i n  
  attempts to force Loew's resignation. 
  Secrers ~it~ifl 
  Secrets 4 
  With three government bodies - the Department of Military Intelligence, the Special Operations Executive 
  (foreign operations) and the Federal Intelligence Agency (domestic espionage and counter-espionage) - as 
  well as allied agencies in the CNCS, it was quickly realized that there was a need for an information "clearing 
  house." As a result, the UMF formed the Joint Intelligence Council (JIC) in TN 1822. Intended to form a bridge 
  between Military Intelligence, the SOE, the FIA and their respe&.ve bodies in allied nations, there is consid- 
  erable divergence between the intended and actual operation of the JIC. Whilst the UMFs civilian and military 
  agencies had been cooperating for some time, the governments of the CNCS allies were less willing to share 
  intelligence fearing that both would serve as conduits to the corporations, allowing them to tighten their 
  stranglehold on the CNCS economy. 
  The Special Operations Executive i s  divided into three distinct corps, though only two, espionage and analy- 
  sis, are known to the public. Members of the third, the Intervention Units, are trained in assassination, 
  kidnapping and sabotage. I t s  members are outsiders, not officially part of the Federation government and 
  form 'Special Groups' that are the UMFs dirty tricks units. Most Special Groups are deployed in the AST, 
  particularly the Mekong Dominion, but several operate in Port Arthur and Peace River, as well as the CNCS. 
  Legally, the SOE cannot operate within the UMF itself, but the Caucus, meeting in closed session, may grant 
  special dispensation. 
  Unlike the SOE, which has developed a reputation for malpractice, the Federal Intelligence Agency has done 
  i t s  best to remain squeaky clean. Part of the justice ministry, it handles multi-jurisdiction criminal cases i n  
  addition to its role as the Federation's main counter-intelligence agency. However, the FIA too has a dark side 
  with teams carrying out illegal searches (physical and electronic), wiretaps and surveillance. Recently a whole 
  team based in Djakarta Point was suspended pending an internal investigation, suspected of complicity with 
  criminal activities. 
  I 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Ashington is a strange blend of a corporation and a hereditary monarchy, founded by an outcast Terran prince i n  the 10th 
  century. The head of the royal family, the Prince (the title is used irrespective of gender) exerts dictatorial powers over the 
  city-state, although since joining the United Mercantile Federation i n  TN 1620 there have been a number of reforms and 
  the monarch is advised by an elected advisoty council. The Prince also serves as the President of the Ashington Power 
  Corporation, the UMPs largest power utility and one of the most profitable companies in the Federation, claiming a seat 
  on the Corporate Council. The Royal family also has major interests i n  a range of other commercial interests, including the 
  Ashington Import Corporation (AIC), a minor import-export agency, and Racine-Ash Distribution, a long-haul distribution 
  company operating across the CNCS. 
  Firmly entrenched i n  both the corporate and political spheres, the Ash family i s  among the most powerful i n  the UMF. This 
  has led to a tendency for its members - 
  and citizens of Ashington - 
  t o  regard themselves as superior t o  the rest of the 
  UMF. Furthermore, some branches of the family feel that Ashington should part ways with the Federation, returning to the 
  independent status it enjoyed before TN 1620. These secessionist feelings have twice caused major unrest i n  the city, first 
  in TN 1797 (allegedly with Mekong Dominion support during the Second Merchant War) and again i n  TN 1814. On both 
  occasions only a federal show of force prevented Byron Ash, who had deposed his brother, from seceding from the UMF. 
  The current prince, Hans William Ash VI, is an advocate of remaining i n  the UMF but several of his immediate family are 
  less convinced of the benefits of the arrangement. 
  Nepotism is rife i n  the city-state, exemplified by the Prince's control over the Ashington Royal regiments. Membership of 
  these units is tightly controlled, open only to those born i n  Ashington and given out by the Prince to nobles and 
  commoners alike as rewards - 
  the units'first loyalty is to the Prince. Furthermore, the Prince's daughter and heir, Hannah 
  Ash, rose t o  command the Second Royals barely five cycles after graduating from the Lyonnesse Military Academy and at 
  32 cycles is the youngest colonel i n  the UMFA. Indeed, many members of the city's nobility have military experience, 
  regarded as little more than completing their education. The UMFA does not like being used as a finishing school for 
  ladies and gentlemen, but the noble families have made generous donations t o  allow the practice t o  continue. 
  . . 
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  1
  :
   
  Legat namc: 
  The Royal Court of Ashingtan] 
  ~- 
  Ys.An,..*ln. 
  Sun Palace Ashinatan UMF I 
  I 
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  The nobility of Ashington are broken into two distinct groups: the Royal Family and the Estates. The Royal 
  Family consists of the Prince and his immediate family, while the Estates are the lesser nobles of Ashington - 
  a l l  of whom claim Ash blood. The Prince has the power to nominate his own successor, though traditionally 
  this i s  determined by primogeniture among his children. This is not automatic, however, and there have been 
  cases of the throne passing to younger children or even to another branch of the family. 
  Since joining the UMF, the Prince has been advised by a body known as the Privy Council. This twelve-member 
  committee contains eight members elected from the commons and four from the Estates. The Council advises 
  the Prince in a wide range of matters, from public opinion to inter-league affairs, but has little power of its 
  own. Nevertheless, the council's influence is considerable, especially over weak-willed rulers. The current 
  chairman of the committee i s  a member of the Estates, Count Mykel Galen-Ash, who unknown to the Prince i s  
  head of the Order of the Chain, a group of nobles who believe Ashington's destiny lies outside the UMF. 
  The presence of power generating facilities, as well as major rail yards and transshipment depots for trade into 
  and across the Western Desert, make Ashington a prime military target, and the city-state was attacked 
  repeatedly i n  the St. Vincent's War and the War of Alliance. The Prince i s  concerned that in the current conflict 
  Ashington will once more become the focus of military action. To date the AST has refrained from attacking 
  the city-state directly, but as the war progresses such attacks appear increasingly Likely. Similarly, with the 
  Second Royal regiment off i n  the thick of the fighting, Hans William fears for the safety of his daughter and 
  has made secret provisions for the succession to pass to his younger son, Frederick, should something happen 
  to both himself and his heir. The outbreak of war has also seen public demonstrations, claiming that the city 
  and its troops have no part in this "Revisionist crusade." A growing minority, secretly manipulated by Count 
  Mykel, are calling for the city-state to cut its ties with the UMF and CNCS. declaring its neutrality for the 
  duration of the Conflict. The intelligence forces of the UMF are as yet only dimly aware of this movement, but 
  they are following several leads. Some are very anxious to deal with "Ashington traitors." 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
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  Faced with ruin at the hands of the much larger UMF, the city-state of Zagreb chose incorporation into the Federation over 
  the destruction of their way of life. The Federation's constitution allowed the city-state t o  continue its authoritarian 
  practices, including what amounts to "thought police" and education camps. These have horrified the rest of the Mercan- 
  tile population, but the UMF has no legal jurisdiction over matters deemed internal t o  a city-state. Instead both the 
  Federation and CNCS have brought indirect pressure to bear, with measures including a lower defense priority, smaller 
  government subsidies and an increase i n  red tape, all t o  no avail. I n  fact such actions have only served to strengthen the 
  resolve of the Zagrebites, leading t o  the formation of a mini-league, the Social Economic Pact, with Timmins and several 
  minor Badlands communities. The most recent development - 
  and perhaps the most dangerous -is the formation of an 
  extremist group known as the Rodinists whose intention i s  to strike back at the "capitalist oppressors." 
  Seeking independence for Zagreb, the Rodinists have staged a number of terrorist attacks on UMFA personnel and federal 
  government employees, ranging from car bombs and sniper attacks to disrupting power and water supplies to UMF 
  buildings and compounds. These actions, combined with the outbreak of war with the AST, have prompted the UMFA t o  
  deploy patrols on the city's streets, though these too have come under attack by the Rodinists. Both the FIA and the 
  Northern Guard Intelligence Service are active i n  the city-state and have carried out a number of operations against 
  suspected members of the organization. While it has netted some low ranking terrorists, these operations have been 
  counterproductive, perpetuating the cycle of violence. Allowing the terrorists free reign would provide the AST with a 
  major opportunity t o  destabilize the CNCS. 
  Not all of the Rodinist's activities are directed against the UMF. They are also involved in political agitation among the 
  Timmins. Principally financial but including 
  . 
  up and free Zagreb from the yolk of Mercantile oppression. 
  The Rodinists use a cell structure, each containing up to a dozen members and isolated from other groups. 
  Only the cell leader knows how to contact other cells and that is accomplished through a mix of dead-letter 
  drops and pre-arranged meetings. This system ensures that if the FIA or NGIS captures an operative, only their 
  immediate contacts are at risk. I f  a group is believed to be compromised by the security services it is simply 
  abandoned by the organization, receiving no further orders. The decision making body of the Rodinists is 
  called the Revolutionary Command Council and consists of seven members. Great pains are taken to conceal 
  the identity of these individuals, even from one another, with masks and pseudonyms used at all meetings. A 
  woman known as Red Wolf chairs the council, supported by the head of military operations, a man known as 
  Wyvern. However, Red Wolf is unaware that Wyvern is in fact a member of the SRID and has been using her to 
  steer the Rodinist agenda to the Republic's advantage. At his urging, members of the JCC who have ques- 
  tioned the aggressive policy have been cowed into submission or else have disappeared and been replaced by 
  more sympathetic or malleable individuals. 
  Chief Censor Johan Duvall pnvately supports the Rodinist's goals of independence from the UMF but feels their 
  methods risk bnnging the wrath of the UMF down on the city-state. He is unaware that Red Wolf is in fact one 
  of his aides, Censor Marya Faraday. 
  do so i n  many cycles. They believe that with the UMF distracted, Zagreb can shatter its bonds and enter 
  into full partnership with Timmins and its Badlands allies. Whether the Social Economic Pact (the commu- 
  nist alliance between the cities) would remain within the CNCS is a major point of debate in the JCC, with 
  opinions divided on the issue. Wyvern cares little either way, or even whether the Rodinist cause succeeds, 
  so long as it forces the UMF and CNCS to commit military and intelligence resources to the region. Zagreb 
  is little more than a distraction from the concerns of the Interpolar War, but one which could explode in 
  their faces should they ignore it. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  When large-scale colonization of Terra Nova began i n  the late 5th Terranovan century, the colonists included a number of 
  members of the Roman Catholic Church, seeking t o  administer to the spiritual needs of the population. By the late 7th 
  Century a number of permanent religious institutions had been established. including, in TN 692, the Convent of St. 
  Justine on the Northern Plain that would one day become the city-state of Swanscombe. The sisters chose t o  remain on 
  Terra Nova when the Church purchased the world of New Jerusalem in AD 5415, and thus when Earth withdrew from i t s  
  colonies i n  5790 (TN 1454) they had little choice but t o  remain behind. Widely respected by the people of the Northern 
  Plains and considered neutral in the disputes that raged after Earth's abandonment of its colonies, the Swanscombe 
  Convent and the town that surrounded it became a focus for refugees. I n  a bid to avert chaos i n  the power vacuum, the 
  order's Mother Superior took control of the city, imposing the matriarchal system that remains today and instigating 
  reforms that allowed the Church to join the Jerusalemite alliance of faiths. Indeed, as the cycles have passed the Mother 
  Superior's power, though centered on the city-state, has spread across the UMF. 
  Swanscombe Jerusalemism forms the UMF's second largest religion, with almost five percent of the UMF population 
  devoted adherents. This mix of political and spiritual power gives the Mother Superior considerable influence across the 
  UMF and her status as head of a city-state gives her unimpeded access t o  the Caucus. I n  the pragmatic UMF, such 
  influence is viewed with some amusement, though not by all. Indeed, though considerably larger, the Mercantile Revi- 
  sionist Church envies the secular power of Swanscombe Jerusalemism. 
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  Even after almost 500 cycles, the Swanscombe Church retains a firm grip on the city-state's reins of power. Even though 
  only thirty percent of the city's population are Jerusalemite, many of the city's female population have supported the 
  Matriarchy. This has waxed and waned over the years but despite the occasional male revolt, swiftly put down by the all- 
  female and Jerusalemite-dominated police force, there has never been a serious threat to Matriarchal or Jerusalemite rule. 
  Until, that is, the rise of Fundamentalist Revisionism. 
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  The Mother Superior of the Swanscombe Convent serves as head of the city's government as well as serving as 
  the head of the local sect of Jerusalemism. She chairs the Ecclesiastical Council, formed of the Convent's three 
  senior nuns, who both govern the convent and form the executive of the city-state's all-female government. 
  This body drafts legislation and represents the city-state to the UMF government, but unlike the UMF Caucus 
  its powers are not absolute. All decisions are subject to ratification by the nine-seat secular city council, 
  though this has traditionally been a formality. Since Hutchison's assassination, the secular council has re- 
  peatedly blocked the Ecclesiastical Council's decrees, effectively paralyzing the city-state's government. 
  The structure of the Jerusalemite Church is notably different from the city-state government for i t s  incorpo- 
  ration of male bishops and priests, albeit only outside Swanscombe itself. Each of the six senior bishops - 
  who may be male or female - are responsible for a region known as a diocese, principally within the UMF but 
  also including parts of the WFP and the Badlands. Each bishop i s  responsible for a l l  the churches and priests 
  within that region and has the power to confer holy orders. It should be noted, however, that though ruled by 
  the Mother Superior, the Swanscombe Jerusalemite Church is not strictly matriarchal. As i t s  influence ex- 
  panded throughout the UMF, male priests and even bishops have joined the church and taken ho!y orders, 
  though both the head of the Church and the Bishop of Swanscombe are always female. 
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  The upsurge in Revisionist Fundamentalism led by Thor Hutchison worried the last three Mother Superiors, but 
  the religious apathy of the UMF drastically reduced i t s  impact on Swanscombe. The massive upsurge in Revi- 
  sionist sentiment since the Second Followefs murder is of grave concern t o  the current incumbent, Mother 
  Superior Frances Hamilton. Almost overnight, Swanscombe Jerusalemism has become a church under siege, 
  deemed unacceptable by many in the Revisionist faith. The UMF i s  a tolerant nation and Jerusalernites have 
  never had need to fear, but over the last cycle they have been verbally and physically abused, their homes 
  attacked and theirjobs threatened. Furthermore, angry crowds have twice besieged the convent, most notably 
  on 22 Autumn TN 1935 when a mob attempted to storm the government complex. The Mother Superior 
  escaped unharmed but there were deaths in both the mob and among the police who attempted to restore 
  order. Hamilton believes worse i s  to come, and i s  considering reducing the role of the church in governing the 
  city-state in hopes that distancing the church from the state will calm the religious tensions. 
  I 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Andrei felt a sharp tug as the drogue chute deployed, pulling the pallet from the hold of the ground-skimming 
  cargo plane. Yet the sudden G-forces of that operation paled when compared t o  the shock that reverberated when 
  the almost ten-ton load struck the ground and bounced several times, throwing up a huge pall of dust. The third 
  bounce became a skid and the Grizzly ceased straining against i t s  restraints. Almost before his senses cleared he 
  h i t  the switch that released the clamps binding his machine's torso t o  the shock pallet. Pulling the machine into 
  a sitting position, he released first the leg clasps and then those binding the feet. Then, with a delicate shifting 
  of the machine's balance, he coaxed the lumbering Gear t o  i t s  feet. 
  So far the operation appeared t o  be a success. Thinking they faced a light section, the enemy had committed their 
  reserves t o  eliminating the Federation unit, and no sooner had the two forces engaged than the trap was sprung. 
  Light and medium paratrooper Gears would already be engaging the enemy's rear echelon and heavy support Gears 
  like his own were beginning t o  enter the fray. 
  Turning the Gear through a full circle, he surveyed the battlefield. He already knew where combat was occurring 
  but sought a brief moment t o  familiarize himself with the terrain. Studying maps back at the jump-off point was 
  a poor substitute for being down in the field, and he immediately noticed that the low ridge designated Hill 2618 
  was covered i n  a multitude of boulders, some as big as the Grizzly but most no larger than a human head. The rough 
  terrain would prevent their using the swift secondaty movement system, but this was of negligible importance 
  over such a short distance. Victory was never i n  doubt. 
  Pushing the Gear into a loping run, Andrei moved toward the rendezvous point, sweeping the Grizzly's autocannon 
  from side t o  side, ready t o  engage any hostile Gears. Sensors picked up movement t o  the right, roughly 600 meters 
  away, i t s  IFF transponder identifying it as a friendly Ferret. Perkins, he assumed, heading for the rendezvous. 
  Then a second blip appeared, and a third. This time the display showed them in red. Enemy forces. The closest was 
  barely 300 meters away, presumably concealed in the clutter o f  the boulder field. The pilot was obviously inexpe- 
  rienced - had he remained concealed, the two Federation Gears would have bypassed his position, giving the 
  Jager either a clear shot at the heavier machines' rear, or else a clear avenue of escape. Instead his panic earned 
  the pilot little more than a quick death as a single volley from the Grizzly's main gun swatted it to the floor. It 
  struggled t o  rise and a second shot ruptured the fuel tank. 
  Three hundred meters further on, the two Federation Gears crested the ridge of Hill 2618 and looked down into the 
  battle. Their task was simple - 
  head off any enemy units attempting t o  escape through the valley below. In 
  conjunction with units he could see arriving on Hill 2619 they would enfilade the fleeing troops, crushing them i n  
  the escalating crossfire. And here was the first catch of the day. A lone Iguana was withdrawing towards them, 
  trailing the wreckage of i t s  left arm behind it. 
  Canting the torso of his machine slightly forward, he primed his mortar and waited for the tone that signaled 
  Perkins' painting of the target. He didn't have t o  wait long, and as the first shells arced towards the stricken Gear 
  he couldn't help but liken the engagement t o  shooting fish in a barrel. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The UMF rebuffed early attempts by the NLC and WFP to form a Northern Alliance and only reversed their stance after 
  being defeated by the AST in the Merchant War. They have never been happy with the CNCS, disliking the need to work i n  
  conjunction with historical enemies and feeling that many of the alliance's provisions are intended to restrain the 
  Federation's mercantile activities. In light of the Southern power block and after living through St. Vincent's War and the 
  War of Alliance, they now view it as a necessary evil. 
  The NLC's historical dominance of CNCS institutions has also been a major sticking point, The animosity it engenders has 
  threatened on severaloccasions t o  break the CNCS apart and contributed greatly to the Judas Syndrome. The UMF felt that 
  its interests were being deliberately snubbed by Valeria, prompting them to take the unprecedented step of enacting 
  trade embargoes on their allies. Only the CEF invasion prevented the situation in the CNCS from deteriorating into open 
  conflict, fostering greater understanding within the alliance and also with the members of the AST. The ascension of Field 
  Marshal Anders von Breslau to the Norlight presidency continued this detente, allowing the UMF and WFP a greater say i n  
  alliance affairs and granting the Northern Guard independence from the NLC. The Federation has taken a dim view, 
  however, of NLC President Adjanni's attempts to regain control of the CNCS, particularly Norlight initiatives t o  weaken the 
  Mercantile hold on the Northern economies. 
  With CNCS politics adrift, Treasurer Banderas sought to forge a new alliance with the Mekong Dominion, but instead of 
  creating a new power block, his Mekong contacts suggested the possibility that the Dominion would stay neutral in an 
  Interpolar War. With the UMF media laying blame for the assassination of Thor Hutchison squarely at the feet of the 
  Southern Republic, the Federation's diplomatic efforts looked set to pay massive dividends. 
  However, promises and actions are not the same thing, and the Federation has come to regret its involvement i n  the war. 
  Since the outbreak of hostilities i n  the Summer of TN 1936, the UMF has found itself with a two-front war. On the one 
  hand, i t s  military forces have been incorporated into the Northern Guard and have been fighting those of the AST i n  the 
  Badlands. On the other, it has been fighting an economic war with the Mekong Dominion, where stocks and shares replace 
  bullets and bombs. 
  Born in Swanscombe in TN 1877, the future Grand Marshal of the Northern Guard had a troubled childhood. 
  Her father was imprisoned when she was barely six cycles old for involvement in a failed uprising, and with her 
  mother always working to pay the bills, Victoria was left to her own devices. Perpetually angry and with a hair- 
  trigger temper, she fell in with a juvenile gang, eventually becoming their Leader. Her conversion to Revision- 
  ism in TN 1895 did Little to calm her wild streak, and her teachers were amazed when she secured a place at 
  Swanscombe University in TN 1899. Despite heated arguments with tutors and fellow pupils she persevered at 
  her studies, finding a suitable outlet for her natural aggression in the UMFA's University Corps. However, 
  disaster struck TN 1902 when a minor disagreement escalated into a major confrontation, ending with her 
  striking the head of the student council, who happened to be a close friend. The incident occurred in public 
  and the authorities had Little choice but to expel her. Having shown an aptitude for the military in the 
  University Corps, Victoria joined the Northern Guard in TN 1903, harnessing her temper and quickly rising 
  though the ranks. By the time of the CEF landings she was a colonel and her drive and bravery ensured that by 
  war's end in 1917 she was a General. I n  TN 1918, when Anders von Breslau became president of the NLC, 
  Victoria was promoted to Grand Marshal, a position she still holds. 
  She remains committed to Revisionism, having joined the Prophet's Shield in TN 1930, and was devastated by 
  the assassination of her friend and ally Thor Hutchinson. Her influence is largely responsible for the broad- 
  based upsurge in support for Revisionism in the UMF. A firm believer that humanity needs strong moral 
  guidance, she views those who murdered Hutchinson to be beyond redemption and promises that justice will 
  be served. 
  Though the first shots of the Interpolar War occurred a t  Rahnguard Oasis, the CNCS and the UMFin particular 
  braced for conflict on another front: attempts by the AST to ruin their economy. The AST's first target was the 
  UMF stock exchange, and by extension that of the CNCS. Having experienced economic warfare firsthand in the 
  Second Merchant War (TN 1795-1799) and already involved in a low-level economic war with the Mekong 
  Dominion, the stock exchange had numerous safeguards against such tampering and the effects of the South- 
  ern action were minimal. This did not stop "Legitimate" attacks on the stocks and shares, with Dominion shell 
  companies Like Ultra Trade dumping massive quantities of shares and causing a significant depression in 
  prices. The UMF returned the favor, vigorously attacking Dominion and Republican companies, though the 
  suspension of inter-hemisphere share dealing has limited the impact of such transactions. Federal sanctions 
  on Mekong Interests - and the treasonous status of Mercantile stock in the Dominion - has limited the 
  direct impact of two economic superpowers on each other. Instead, the war is being fought by proxy. using 
  Republican, Norlight and Westerner companies as pawns in the game, to be used and discarded as needed. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I 
  The UMF has long had an adversarial relationship with the Western Frontier Protectorate. The first contact between the 
  two powers was the annexation of Fort Charles (now Mainz), and the situation deteriorated from there. Military confron- 
  tations between the two leagues were common prior t o  the formation of the CNCS i n  TN 1692, the Protectorate seeking 
  the return of its territory and the UMF looking to expand its interests. Mercantile expansionism eventually drove the WFP 
  and NLC to ally, striking into the UMF and, though defeated at the Battle of Pioneer, prompting the Federation to cut back 
  its activities. The scaling back of military activity did not prevent economic attempts to weaken the Protectorate, 
  including the ill-fated Merchant War that drove the Federation to join the CNCS. 
  Since joining together in the CNCS, relationships between the two have warmed, largely thanks to the overbearing nature 
  of the Northern Lights Confederacy. The Protectorate has often served as a mediator between the UMF and NLC, balancing 
  Norlight political ambitions against Mercantile economic interests. Indeed, with the protectorate holding the balance of 
  power in CNCS councils, astute Mercantile Treasurers have courted Western votes, encouraging them to defy the NLC. The 
  WFP has used its position to extract concessions from both larger neighbors, wielding power beyond their size. The 
  upswing in Western nationalism, combined with the slow but steady attempts by the NLC to regain domination over the 
  CNCS, however, has led the Protectorate to increasingly support Mercantile interests over Norlight ones. The UMF encour- 
  ages this exploitation of the Protectorate's internal divisions, providing the nationalist Zuccite faction with covert 
  financial aid through a series of shell companies. The Mercantile agents responsible for the operation suspect that the NLC 
  has been supporting the Maderan faction headed by Lang Regina, and have proposed a number of operations to weaken 
  the Norlight position. 
  The Protectorate remains wary of Mercantile economic ambitions. As well as extensive trade with the Protectorate's city- 
  states and rural communities, the UMF uses the WFP as a way-station for trade with the Southern Republic and the 
  Badlands communities of the Barrington Basin, particularly Port Arthur's NuCoal. The Protectorate also serves as a proxy 
  battleground for the Federation's economic war with the Mekong Dominion, a conflict that has escalated considerably 
  since the outbreak of war. 
  The Northern Lights Confederacy and the United Mercantile Federation have long fought for domination of the Terranovan 
  arctic. The military confrontations of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries have given way to political struggles that 
  have, at times, threatened to tear the CNCS apart. Norlight domination of the CNCS was particularly rankling to the 
  Federation, who felt that since they provided the lion's share of the alliance's funding, they should have a larger share i n  
  its control. Indeed, only the mediation of the WFP allowed the CNCS to survive its early years, the St. Vincent's War finally 
  convincing both parties of the need to cooperate. Nevertheless, the NLCs heavy-handed attitude continued, and were it 
  not for the War of Alliance, it would likely have prompted the collapse of the alliance i n  the early twentieth century and 
  launched the arctic powers into civil war. 
  Although Anders von Breslau's post-war government in the NLC gave both the WFP and UMF a greater say i n  CNCS affairs, 
  distrust between the two powers remains. The Norlight government believes that despite two centuries of peace i n  the 
  North, the UMF harbors major ambitions, both within the CNCS and across Terra Nova, and several ministers regard the 
  UMF as the biggest threat to the NLC after the Southern Republic. Indeed, though espionage between CNCS members is a 
  matter of routine, NLC Foreign Minister Ethan Scope (see Northern Lights Confederacy Leaguebook, p. 31) has directed 
  considerable espionage and analysis assets against the UMF. The Federation's intelligence agencies are aware of this 
  through their own agents, principally Theodore Chu, a senior analyst i n  the Norlight Intelligence and Security Agency 
  (NISA) and one of the most senior SOE agents in the Norlight Confederacy, and have been working to divert Norlight 
  attention. Were the NLC to discover Chu, a major scandal (and perhaps even a bloodbath) would result. 
  The NLC has always taken a protectionist stance against the UMF, seeking to minimize the influence of the Mercantile 
  neighbor on their economy. In contrast, Mercantile diplomats have long advocated an abolition of such trade controls, 
  regarding them as an institutional block to the UMF's way of life. Despite this, trade and tourism between the two leagues 
  i s  very well developed, and the NLC i s  the Federation's principal trading partner. President Adjanni and many others in the 
  NLC know that eventually the UMF will succeed i n  having the trade controls abolished and will have free access to the 
  league's markets. With that in mind, they have worked to undermine the Mercantile economic position, building alliances 
  with domestic companies to strengthen the league's economy and to block UMF influence. This has, i n  turn, only prompted 
  the Federation's corporations to increase their efforts i n  the NLC. 
  The UMF finds the influence of Revisionism i n  Norlight affairs puzzling, and the NLC i s  likewise ill at ease with unre- 
  strained Mercantile capitalism. The differing outlooks that result play a major role i n  the difficulties between the two 
  powers. The NLC has used the sudden upsurge i n  Revisionist sentiment in the UMF to push the Norlight agenda in the CNCS 
  Inner Council. The Federation's diplomatic negotiations with the Mekong Dominion gave the Federation considerable 
  leverage in the Inner Council, though the collapse of these efforts and the progress of the war have seriously undermined 
  the UMF's position. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  As far as the UMF i s  concerned, the Allied Southern Territories are both a threat and an opportunity. Simmering resent- 
  ment of the Federation's defeat at the hands of the AST i n  the Merchant War - 
  which both forced the UMF to abandon 
  attempts t o  gain economic control of the WFP and forced the league t o  acquiesce to the formation of a northern alliance 
  - 
  plagues any attempts at friendly relations. Nevertheless, the AST also represents a major untapped market remaining 
  to be exploited by Federal corporations. Mercantile expansion into the region has long been challenged by the Mekong 
  Dominion, which closely guards its markets across the AST. Mercantile interests have established a foothold, however, 
  reaping considerable profits i n  both imports and exports, much to the disgust of the Dominion and CNCS. 
  The rise i n  tensions before the Interpolar War led t o  a major clash between the intelligence agencies of the two alliances, 
  and both the FIA and SOE have worked hand-in-hand with the NorGuard Intelligence Service (NGIS) and other Northern 
  agencies against their Southern equivalents. The SOE's activities have been principally concerned with intelligence gath- 
  ering, but a number of Intervention Unit teams were put in place and used t o  disrupt AST communications. The impor- 
  tance of these teams has risen dramatically with the outbreak of war, and they have undertaken many dangerous missions 
  against AST and Republican targets. The FIA are working with the NISA, Norlight Police, and the NGIS t o  identify Repub- 
  lican moles i n  government, corporate and military posts. A number have been identified and either removed or used t o  
  feed false information to their Southern masters. The FIA has learned of a mole code-named "Cherub operating within 
  the UMFA (see Humanist Alliance Leaguebook, p. 38) but have yet to identify the spy though considerable resources are 
  being devoted to the task. 
  With the outbreak of war, the military abilities of the AST and i t s  member states are perhaps the UMFs greatest concern. 
  Though much of the fighting is taking place in the Badlands, the AST has the capability t o  use orbital artillery against 
  targets i n  the North, and the Federation's military-industrial complex i s  a prime target. Furthermore, Dominion "Ghost 
  Squads" operating within the UMF's borders have wreaked havoc with the commercial distribution network, prompting the 
  formation of combined FIA-UMFA task forces t o  hunt them down. Contrary t o  expectations, the Southern military has 
  shown no sign of collapsing and the hoped-for quick victory has receded into the distance. UMFA forces (under the aegis 
  of the Northern Guard) were among those who participated i n  the ill-fated attempt to move into the Mekong Dominion. 
  It remains to be seen if the UMF's corporations can turn this situation t o  their advantage or whether it will break them. 
  They certainly can make a profit from a short war, but a destructive conflict could easily do more harm than good to the 
  UMPs economy. 
  The relationship between the UMF and the Southern Republic has always been strange, a mix of commercialism and 
  political maneuvering. The Republic regards the UMF as the most comprehensible of the Northern leagues, driven by a 
  clear cut, easily manipulated desire to make money. They also see the UMF as the weak link i n  the CNCS, an ambitious 
  league subjugated by a more powerful neighbor, and they have sought to exploit this through trade. Republican repre- 
  sentatives have deliberately sought contacts with UMF corporations and slighted those with Norlight concerns. Ironically, 
  this suited the UMF just fine. It reminded the NLC and WFP that the Mercantile economy was not totally reliant on them, 
  but that they were reliant on the UMF. 
  The years immediately following the War of Alliance were very profitable for the UMF, with many Mercantile concerns 
  winning contracts t o  supply the AST with materials t o  rebuild after the devastation of the Earth invasion. This included 
  work by Mercantile architects and designers, though the Republic was careful t o  limit the activities of foreign employees 
  t o  non-sensitive sites, fearing, quite rightly, that many were spies for the NGIS and SOE. The need to transship goods via 
  the Alpha Maglev and the Humanist Alliance or with Badlands trader caravans limited the volume of goods that could be 
  shipped between the leagues, and thus the UMF-SR trade centered on high-value luxury goods. Ashantite fashions and 
  Reunion's gourmet cawfee were the main goods heading north, while fine arts from Baton Rouge and Djakarta Point 
  jewelry formed the principal Mercantile exports. 
  With the collapse of detente and the subsequent CNCS declaration of war against the AST, this trade has been curtailed, 
  at least officially. In practice, however, a number of smuggling groups have exploited the break i n  relations between the 
  UMF and the Republic to make large profits. The risks are considerable, transporting goods across a war zone, but the 
  potential revenue is immense. Several Mercantile corporations are directly involved i n  this smuggling, using Port Arthur 
  and the NuCoal, as well as the Wounded Knee smuggling cartels, as intermediaries. 
  Only a handful of people i n  the United Mercantile Federation or Allied Southern Territories know that Northco has 
  maintained secret contact with i t s  Southern rival, Territorial Arms. Placing profit before politics, this treasonous alliance 
  has one goal i n  mind: containing Paxton Arms' growing influence i n  the Gear market. At the same time, Northco and TA, 
  under the auspices of their respective governments, are also attempting to ruin each other through a mix of sabotage, 
  assassination and stock-market manipulations. Director Davi is aware of Northco's contacts but is keeping them secret 
  from both the Caucus and the CNCS Grand Marshal. His silence is due to the patronage of the Northco (and its CEO Natalya 
  Korolov), but Davi has serious personal resevations about dealing with a Southern corporation i n  this manner. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The UMF and the Mekong Dominion are both very alike and very different. Both believe i n  the power of economics, but 
  while the Dominion is a homogenous culture unified by loyalty and duty, the UMF is a patchwork of different groups 
  looking after their own interests. Ironically, it i s  the similarities rather than the differences between the cultures that 
  have made them such staunch rivals over the cycles. Each dominates the economies of their respective alliance, but 
  Badlands trade has long been a source of discord. The leagues have fought two Merchant Wars, though the first was under 
  the auspices of the AST. Furthermore, a low-level economic war has raged between the two since the end of the War of 
  Alliance, the principal battleground being the stock markets and trading houses of the North and South. 
  1 
  Not all the objectives of the two alliances are at odds. Neither cares for their neighbors or the politics of the polar 
  confederations. Both would much rather be given free reign to make profits, and resent the limitations placed on them by 
  the power blocks. When UMF Treasurer Banderas put out feelers regarding a potential alliance between the two powers, 
  Taipan Arron Logan of the Mekong Development Corporation responded. What Logan told Banderas prompted the Treas- 
  urer t o  arrange a meeting between Logan and CNCS Grand Marshal Victoria Edden-Smythe: the Dominion had little interest 
  i n  an Interpolar War and might be willing t o  remain out of the fighting, allowing the Southern Republic to be smashed. 
  The truth of the matter was far more complex, with Logan representing only his own faction and with his own interests in 
  mind. As the two polar power blocks launched into war, the neutrality of the Dominion failed t o  emerge and the UMF 
  found itself embroiled with yet another economic war. Mekong Ghost Squads operating i n  the Federation began system- 
  atic attacks designed t o  cripple the UMF and CNCS distribution system. Meanwhile Mekong-owned shell companies like 
  Ultra Trade (subsequently closed down by the Finance Secretariat) sought t o  wreck Northern financial institutions. 
  The Alpha Maglev has allowed the UMF t o  maintain strong trade relations with the Humanist Alliance, but the rigidly 
  stratified culture of the Alliance i s  alien t o  Mercantilists. In the UMF almost any problem can be solved with money, but 
  i n  the Alliance attempts t o  grease the wheels of business cause more problems than they solve. Nonetheless, until 
  recently trade and tourism between the two leagues was strong, particularly i n  minerals and high technology products. 
  Pioneer was the main site visited by Humanist tourists, but Zagreb i s  of particular interest t o  the Southern league, its use 
  for reeducation having much i n  common with Alliance policies. 
  Trade and tourism have ground to a halt i n  early TN 1936, however, with the Republican occupation of the Alliance i n  the 
  wake of the Theban Blight outbreak. The Mercantile government had no intention of allowing the Blight to spread into the 
  UMF and pressured Terra Nova TransRail into placing the Alliance under quarantine and suspending its service to Gardena 
  and Perth. When TNTR resumed service from Perth on 5 Summer of 1936, a small outbreak i n  Rapid City soon ensued and 
  the quarantine was reestablished. The issue was settled once and for all with the declaration of war two weeks later, when 
  both North and South cut the maglev links to prevent them being used as an avenue of attack. 
  The current legal status of the Humanist ALliance is also i n  question. The CNCS is at war with the AST, of which the Alliance 
  is a member, but the league's de-facto occupation by the Southern Republic has brought i t s  status as a belligerent power into 
  question. Indeed, Humanist expatriate forces are currently fighting side by side with Northern troops i n  the Free Emirates 
  region of the ESE. Meetings of the UMF Caucus and the CNCS council have raised the issue, suggesting that given its known 
  anti-Republican leanings, the Alliance could be viewed as an occupied ally. The Humanist ambassadors in Lyonnesse, Valeria 
  and Port Arthur - 
  now exiles - 
  fully endorse this plan. I n  the meantime, the city-state of Raleigh, freed by Northern troops 
  i n  early 1937, has officially joined the Free Emirates, although many citizens still consider themselves Humanists. 
  Physical distance and cultural difference have meant the UMF involvement i n  the ESE has never been great. The league's 
  descent into chaos further discouraged the UMF from becoming involved. The Caucus found some merit i n  supporting the 
  Basal revolt, knowing that the growing insurrection would tie down a large portion of the Republican military, but they 
  balked at supporting the Easterner's attempt t o  purchase weapons from Paxton Arms. With Northern manufactures forbid- 
  den t o  sell arms t o  Southern concerns, this was the only way t o  provide the rebels with the material they desperately 
  needed. Using the UMF t o  exert pressure on the CNCS council, Northco blocked any official financial support for the rebels 
  before the outbreak of war. The SOE suspected (and continues t o  suspect) the NLC ignored the CNCS' decision and funded 
  the deal covertly. The agency deployed a number of operatives t o  Peace River i n  an attempt t o  discover evidence of the 
  NLC's illegal activities and t o  sabotage the new production lines. 
  With the outbreak of the Interpolar War, the CNCS has put i t s  full support behind the Free Emirates, using the region as 
  a major beachhead from which to push into the Humanist Alliance and Southern Republic. As such, Northco and other 
  major UMF corporations are now funneling support into the region and hope t o  develop it into a viable postwar market. 
  The SOE's covert actions against Paxton have not been stopped, however, despite the fact that Paxton weapons flowing 
  into the Free Emirate is now intine with short-term Mercantile interests. 
  . . 
  * 
  . 
  ' 
  . . . 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  To the United Mercantile Federation, the Badlands contains both the best and worst of Terra Nova. It represents untapped 
  markets and political opportunities, but i s  also unstable, dominated by smugglers, rover gangs and the remains of the CEF. 
  The UMF plays a major role i n  the Desert Trade Commission, steering the CNCS body t o  the best advantage of Mercantile 
  industries. Through the DTC, the Federation dominates the trade i n  the Western and Great White deserts, though efforts 
  t o  curtail the activities of Timmins and Peace River have been blocked by CNCS Deputy Trade Minister, Ella Kayman. With 
  the outbreak of war, the Badlands have become the battleground of the polar confederations and trade has been badly 
  disrupted. Many citizens of the equatorial regions have fled the fighting, and both Mainz and Ashington have seen their 
  populations swollen by refugees. 
  One of Northco's major rivals, Paxton Arms' governance of Peace River has had an adverse influence on the relationship 
  between the Badlands city and the UMF. Although the UMFA buys equipment from Paxton, the Federation has long sought 
  to contain Paxton Arm's ambitions i n  the field of Gear manufacturing. Although Paxton made vast inroads into arms 
  manufacturing after the St. Vincent's War, technical difficulties - aided by Mercantile sabotage and assassinations - 
  kept them out of the Gear market until around TN 1800. By that time, Northco had cornered the market in the CNCS. 
  Unlike the other CNCS leagues, whose contact with Peace River i s  through the DTC, the Federation maintains its own 
  embassy, which also serves as a base of operations for the SOE operatives in the city. Relations between the UMF and 
  Peace River are cool but civilized, as much a result of Peace River's traditional paternalism in the Badlands, which often 
  interferes with Mercantile interests, as the friction between Northco and Paxton Arms. Despite this, UMF ambassador 
  Gretchen Alvarez is on good terms with city administrator Helena Hitashi and also has regular meetings with President 
  Simosa. She also works closely with DTC trade commissioner Rian Kolbro. 
  The secret deal between the NLC and Paxton to equip the Basal rebels of the ESE threatens t o  shatter the already fragile 
  relationship between the Federation and the Badlands manufacturer. The number of SOE operatives in the city has risen 
  dramatically as the UMF attempts to find evidence of the NLC's involvement. Other units have been charged with sabotag- 
  ing the new production lines, disguising their actions as those of the BRF, but Paxton HE0 Milani DuBeau-Slovenski 
  suspects Mercantile involvement and has ordered increased PaxSec surveillance of the UMF embassy. 
  UMF citizens, to whom the suffering of the War of Alliance i s  still a vivid memory, regard the GRELs and former CEF citizens 
  of Port Arthur with considerable suspicion. With so many GRELs in the population, many regard the city as a grave threat 
  to regional security, but the UMF has, reluctantly, followed the CNCS' diplomatic lead and accepted the city's existence. 
  Port Arthut's location at a trade route nexus between the CNCS and AST and the presence of valuable diamond mines has 
  sweetened the deal for the Federation, prompting Mercantile corporations to become the city's largest trading partners. 
  The creation of the New Coalition (NuCoal) between Port Arthur and the communities of the Westridge Range i n  TN 1932 
  prompted a cooling of relations in Lyonnesse. The Westridge Area had been the subject of bitter disputes with the AST 
  (most notably during the Merchant War, TN 1686-1688) and the Federation considers Arthurian influence in the region 
  provocative. Despite initial vociferous protests, the Federation has maintained its links with Port Arthur and the NuCoal 
  administrative center i n  Prince Gable. Indeed, just prior t o  the outbreak of war, Northco sold the alliance a number of 
  Gears to help re-equip their armed forces, beating out competition from Territorial Arms and Paxton. 
  Since the outbreak of war Port Arthur has served as neutral territory, allowing both diplomatic contacts and limited trade 
  to continue. Attempts to use the city-state as a clearing house for NGIS and SOE operations in the south has met with 
  considerable resistance from the Arthurian leadership. The Westridge region itself has been a major hot zone i n  the war, 
  with not only polar armies involved, but Arthurian forces, local militias and rovers, the make-shift Khayr ad-Din Army and 
  Colonel Proust's New Human Republic fighting it out for territory. 
  The advent of the New Human Republic on the fringe of the Great White Desert poses another threat t o  the Cajun Plain and 
  the south-western Ashington Plain, already troubled by the Koreshi, better known as the Sand Riders. Led by a rogue Jan- 
  class GREL, Colonel Proust, the ambitions of the NHR remain unclear. However, Proust is known t o  promote the idea of GREL 
  supremacy, which has earned him considerable support i n  Jan Mayen and the disaffected population of Port Arthur. Though 
  ProusYs forces are currently small, it is feared that many of these individuals will rally to his banner, swelling the forces at 
  his disposal and posing a major threat to UMF and CNCS operations against the Southern Republic i n  the Western Desert. 
  Attempts to infiltrate the NHR have been hampered by Proust's disdain for 'inferior' normal humans. 
  I 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  "You can't do this," screamed senior editor Leverton Spry, "It infringes on the freedom of the press! The people 
  have a right t o  know!" The target of his invective stood passively with his back t o  the newsroom, his green and 
  black military uniform in stark contrast t o  the disheveled outfits worn by the journalists. Only Carrolyn Mosely, 
  tonighfs anchor reclining on the office's single sofa, looked as smart, but that was her job. 
  "Mister Spry," said the calm and collected officer. "If you check Clause 176 of your broadcast license you will find 
  a provision for the government t o  block broadcast of material deemed contrary t o  the interests of the United 
  Mercantile Federation or prejudicial t o  the good order of i t s  troops. I think you'll find that more than adequately 
  gives me the right t o  do this." 
  ' 
  . 
  . . 
  . 
  . 
  . 
  The guy must have ice water in his veins, thought Jym Howard, the floor manager. No one in their right mind went 
  up against Spry, not and kept their career after tangling with the Federation Broadcasting Corporation. 
  "So we get t o  say everything is fine and dandy. You want us t o  turn the story on i t s  head and lie for you because 
  the truth would be 'prejudicial t o  good order: God, you army types make me sick." 
  "Nonetheless, you will not broadcast the story. Furthermore, you will surrender a l l  copies of the tape t o  my staff. 
  Any failure t o  comply will result in the revocation of your broadcast license -" 
  "You wouldn't dare! Take us o f f  the air? How much bad publicity would that give you?" 
  . 
  ' 
  : 
  penalties are." 
  . . 
  ' 
  . 
  . 
  . . . 
  "- 
  and quite possibly a charge of aiding and abetting the enemy," continued the officer, unfazed by the interrup- 
  tion. "Does FBC really wish t o  court charges of treason? The War Powers act i s  in force, and you know what the 
  Spry knew a l l  right. Forfeiture o f  company assets, and execution for the ringleaders. No - 
  that they could not risk, 
  not now at least, but he had known that all along. This was a game they always played with the UMFA's censors. This 
  time, however, the whole incident had been recorded for posterity by the office microcams. After the war he would 
  enjoy breaking this little puke and the thousands like him. He bowed his head and nodded imperceptibly. 
  "I'm glad you finally agree." And with that the UMFA officer turned on his heels and left the office. 
  "Okay Jhon, pull the story and put their little fairy tale in i t s  place. That'll leave us forty-five seconds short... 
  Bump everything else up and put the hopper story in at six. Even with editing it'll be a b i t  tight. We have-" he 
  checked his wristwatch, "three minutes fifteen." 
  They rose, moving with practiced precision t o  the adjacent studio. As technicians fitted her mike, Carrolyn watched 
  the stories presented on the autocue shift t o  reflect the military's dictates. Seeing the UMFA Captain watching her, 
  she shivered. Could she really l i e  t o  twenty million people? Oh well, here goes. 
  "Today Northern Guard forces won a major victory against Republican troops at ..." 
  . . 
  ' 
  ' 
  I 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Prior t o  the withdrawal of Earth from her colonies, the area now occupied by the United Mercantile Federation was dotted 
  with commercial enclaves, each surrounded by a township and charged with exploiting the region's abundant resources. 
  Many of these city-states disappeared after Terra Nova's abandonment, their personnel withdrawn or else scattered by the 
  chaos that followed. Those that remained fortified themselves and fought a series of internecine wars that wracked the 
  region for the next fifty cycles until, by the early sixteenth century, only the present cities remained. 
  Under the auspices of first the Lyonnesse League and later the UMF, the city-states banded together to foster mutual 
  interests, unifying their armed forces and harmonizing their economies. The government invested heavily i n  creating and 
  expanding the league's infrastructure, building on the pre-abandonment road and rail system to develop strong and 
  versatile links between the cities. Terranovan TransRail's (TNTR) alpha maglev line, already almost a thousand cycles old, 
  formed the backbone of this system, particularly between Lyonnesse and the industrial hub of Rapid City, but also 
  extending t o  various other communities along the line. The Federation's internal rail network grew too. Though not very 
  rapid when compared t o  the maglev line, it provided comprehensive passenger and freight services and was thus better 
  able to meet the needs of Mercantile concerns. Originally one state-owned system, the rail network was privatized i n  the 
  late sixteenth century, broken into a collection of smaller, mostly regional companies responsible for tracks and services 
  i n  their area. The efforts of these companies are coordinated and regulated by Federation Rail Associates (FRA), a 
  government-owned body. The government has, however, retained direct control of the navigation beacon system estab- 
  lished for ground traffic and used as the primary control system for autopiloted vehicles. The war has led t o  Southern 
  interference in the system - beacon tampering by Mekong Ghost Squads has caused numerous accidents - 
  and most 
  vehicles have reverted t o  manual control. 
  The infrastructure was badly damaged i n  the War of Alliance, but thanks to Federal efforts under the command of the 
  Infrastructure Secretary, was quickly repaired and brought back on line. This isn't to say the scars of the war have been 
  erased, however. Many regions still bear the marks of CEF or Mercantile strategic weapons, though these - 
  and downwind 
  areas - 
  are the subject of long-term cleanup operations. 
  Although nominally under league jurisdiction, much of the infrastructure is built and maintained by individual city-states 
  using federal grants. This is an attempt, largely successful, t o  balance the needs of the UMF with each city-state's 
  constitutional right to local self-government. Each controls an area between 500 and 2500 kilometers i n  diameter, the 
  remainder of the UMF falling under direct federal authority, and known collectively as the Regional Development Authori- 
  ties. These authorities are also responsible for managing the resources i n  their jurisdiction, ensuring they are exploited 
  while simultaneously working to preserve them for the future. The infrastructure secretary arbitrates this clash of local, 
  regional and national needs and has the power to prioritize projects, particularly in troublesome city-states like Zagreb. 
  Born on a Farmstead near Baton Rouge in TN 1863, Patryk Ouinlan hated rural life and fled to the city as soon 
  as he was old enough. He spent some time in Lyonnesse before ending up in Marathon where he was employed 
  by Abaline research as an administrator. Despite his poor aptitude with computers, he proved to be a superb 
  administrator and consummate diplomat. In TN 1890 he became seniw administrator of the Abaline Computer 
  Center, balancing the needs of many research teams and under his management inter-departmental disputes 
  were at an all-time low. There he met Megan Rea, a mid-level executive in charge of Applied Technologies, and 
  after a tempestuous courtship they were married. The couple have four children, three sons and a daughter, 
  and their eldest, Mathias, i s  bond twinned to Lauren, the daughter of Sara Wright, bringing them into regular 
  social contact with the woman who would later become Abaline's CEO. Wright and Quinlan became staunch 
  allies in company's internal politics, and when Wright became CEO of the company in TN 1918, she promoted 
  him to head the Administrative Services Division and granted him a seat on the board where his diplomatic 
  skills provided a stabilizing influence. 
  With the TN 1931 Grand Plebiscite looming, Wright prompted Patryk to stand for the UMF Caucus, using his 
  political skills to the company's advantage on a national level. His campaign for the post of Infrastructure 
  Secretary was a hard-fought battle against Andi Tor of transport concern Toraman Industries, though in the 
  end Abaline's spending power won out. Though supporting many Abaline initiatives, such as upgrading the 
  hardware and software of the league's autonav beacons, Ouinlan has proved himself to be his own man, 
  frequently going against the wishes of his sponsor corporation to follow his conscience and the needs of the 
  UMF. He has twice voted against Abaline in their ongoing dispute with the Federation Telecommunications 
  Trust (m) over networking standards. This has lead to a marked cooling of his relationship with Wright, 
  though the two still occasionally meet on a social basis. 
  Although not planning to stand again, Victoria Edden-Smythe confirmed Quintan for a second term at the 
  outbreak of the Interpolar War. His responsibilities have been expanded to include the Mercantile portion 
  of the Northern Guard's military logistics, including the prioritization of military equipment convoys. The 
  vast responsibility does not intimidate him, though he does regard the situation as the greatest challenge 
  of his life. 
  I I 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Founded as the personal fief of an exiled Terran prince, Ashington has risen t o  become one of the most important cities 
  in the UMF. The road t o  membership i n  the UMF, however, was long and tortuous. A succession of princes refused 
  invitations t o  join the league, fearing the loss of their social privileges and power. Long, arduous negotiations followed 
  until eventually, i n  TN 1620, the economic and security benefits of the relationship won the incumbent prince over and 
  Ashington become the UMF's eleventh and final member state. 
  The principal reason the UMF sought t o  bring Ashington into the fold was for i t s  power generation facilities. Today the 
  extensive banks of solar panels and aerogenerators (highly efficient wind-mills) which surround the city provide much of 
  the Federation's energy, making Prince Hans William Ash V I  (head of both the Ashington Power Corporation and the city) 
  one of the most influential people i n  the UMF. Indeed, APC has the sixth-largest turnover of any Mercantile corporation. 
  I n  addition t o  i t s  role i n  power generation, the Federation desired Ashington for its location. It dominated trade along 
  the Badlands border and was the starting point of trade routes across the Western Desert. From Ashington, goods could 
  be transshipped to the Southern Republic, circumventing the Humanist Alliance and Western Frontier Protectorate, through 
  whom any goods transported by Maglev would have to flow. 
  Located on the rolling plains that border the Badlands, Ashington is the most heavily defended city i n  the UMF. It sits 
  within two Layers of defensive fortifications: a series of low walls and ditches surrounding the city and power generation 
  complex, and the massive walls of the city proper. The lower outlying walls provide the entire complex with a degree of 
  protection while having little impact on the flow of air and thus power generation. During the War of Alliance this outer 
  area of the city was the site of several pitched battles, causing extensive damage to the power complexes. CEF forces also 
  assaulted the city itself but while they succeeded i n  breaching the defenses during the Second Battle of Ashington, they 
  were beaten back i n  bitter street-to-street fighting by Northern Guard troops under the command of Victoria Edden- 
  Smythe. Since then, both the inner and outer walls have been rebuilt and extended. 
  Ashington was bombed repeatedly by the CEF, and much of the city's once-famous architecture was destroyed during the 
  War of Alliance. This is especially true of the neighborhoods that sat close to the various defense systems. The city has 
  since been the site of a major rebuilding program, which is still going on - 
  albeit much more slowly - 
  today. Thanks t o  
  the dedication of the inhabitants, Ashington now contains some of the most modern architecture i n  the League. Despite 
  this, or perhaps because of it, many claim much of the city's pre-war charm has been lost. 
  Electrical power generation 
  Principal Industries: 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  1. The Sun Palace 
  The Sun Palace is the official residence of the 
  Prince of Ashington, the site of numerous state 
  functions, balls and garden parties. Rebuilt af- 
  ter the War of Alliance, the palace is a large 
  rectangular I t ~ c t u ~  
  surrounding an open court- 
  yard. It features long galleries with broad col- 
  umns and large windows. Some parts of the 
  building and its surrounding gardens are open 
  for guided public tours, though advance book- 
  ings are required. 
  2. Fort Russell 
  Unusually, the UMFA compound is situated 
  within the city's perimeter walls although its 
  own defensive works turn it into a fort within a 
  fort. During the Second Battle of Ashington the 
  compound sewed as a redoubt for the UMF de- 
  fenders when the CEF forced their way into the 
  city, allowing them to hold out long enough for 
  reinforcements t o  drive the Earth troops away. 
  3. Dauntless Memorial The Vortex-class landship NCS Dountless was 
  crippled i n  the Battle of Baja, though she was 
  able t o  limp back t o  her base at Ashington. The 
  massive 
  vessel 
  was 
  subsequently 
  decommissioned and her shell established as a 
  war memorial, located half a kilometer south of 
  the city. 
  Ashington sewes as the HQ for the Northern 
  Guard and UMFA landship fleets i n  the Western 
  Desert. The Reet-base is located within the ciws 
  outer perimeter but outside the city proper, two 
  sets of fortified gates allowing the leviathans 
  egress onto the Ashington Plains. 
  4. landship Docks 
  5. The Badlands Wall 
  Heightened and strengthened since the War of 
  Alliance, Ashington's formidable southern wall 
  reaches a staggering 110 meters i n  height. 
  Formed by the merger of the city wall and the 
  perimeter wall, it bristles with gun ports and 
  sensors and is regarded as a wonder of modern 
  enqineerinq. 
  Life in Ashington has always been hard, its people eking out ativing on the fringe of the Badlands, though since joining 
  the UMF the social standards within the city have improved considerably. Until the Emancipation Proclamations of TN 
  1624 most of the city's population were serfs, holding land from the prince and obliged to work his holdings without pay 
  for three days out of ten. This prompted a strong work ethic that has carried over into 'free' Ashington, with the city's 
  commoners willingly working iong hours. 
  Respect for the city-state's nobility has slowly been eroded since TN 1624, increasing freedoms among the commoners 
  leading some to question the status of the Estates and the Monarchy. The large majority of the population still favor the 
  royal family, however, regarding it as part of their heritage and traditions that set them apart from the rest of the UMF. 
  Indeed, most Ashington-born citizens regard an insult t o  the Prince as an insult t o  them and wit1 willingly fight to defend 
  royal honor. 
  Many of Ashington's citizens recall the devastation of the War of Alliance and fear a repeat during the current Interpolar 
  War. Having commanded the defense of the city during the Second and Third Battles of Ashington in the War of Alliance, 
  the citizens of Ashington look on Grand Marshal Victoria Edden-Smythe as a living legend. Many believe that with the 
  "Heroine of Ashington" at the helm of the CNCS war machine, the North must surely be victorious and unlike many 
  Mercantile citizens, have thrown their weight solidly behind the war effort. 
  A tough local police force and large contingents of UMFA and Northern Guard troops maintain order i n  the city. This has 
  not stopped the Wounded Knee Cartels from establishing the city as a major base for operations into and across the 
  Western Desert. The Forzi Cartel dominate the city's black market and smuggling operations, though this has not pre- 
  vented the Granis Cartel from strengthening its operations i n  the city while the Forzi-Kolson war rages. The formidable 
  security presence has curtailed the open gang warfare that continues to rage across the CNCS and instead of the gun 
  battles and bombings of elsewhere i n  the league, the war i n  Ashington has been limited to sabotage and assassinations. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Despite the freedoms they gained i n  TN 1624, the commoners remain second class citizens. Authority remains i n  the 
  hands of Prince Ash, and many senior positions are resewed for members of the city-state's nobility. The nobility promote 
  this as the 'natural order' and many i n  the city acquiesce to the situation, but a growing minority advocate further 
  change, sweeping away the monarchy - 
  or at least curtailing i t s  powers - 
  and establishing the city as a true democracy. 
  This group, alternatively known as republicans or anti-monarchists, has become increasingly vocal i n  i t s  opposition, 
  though to date it has had little success gaining representation in the Privy Council. 
  The same cannot be said for the Order of the Chain, a semi-secret group of Estates members (see 3.3.1 The Ashington 
  Monarchy, p. 23) who advocate Ashington's withdrawal from the UMF. Led by Count Mykel Galen-Ash, who also chairs the 
  Privy Council, the Order believe that outside the UMF and CNCS the city-state would be regarded as a neutral power and 
  thus spared the attacks it has suffered i n  every war since joining the Federation. The city-state could still export its power 
  t o  the UMF, thanks to the absence of border tariffs, but without federal and CNCS interference i n  i t s  internal affairs. The 
  Order's ideas have spread beyond the nobility and have begun to take root i n  the city's corporate employees. 
  It should be noted that the Prince's succession has not always been smooth - 
  the heir i s  nominated by the Prince, not 
  by any established rules of primogeniture - 
  leading t o  volatile dynastic politics within the Ash family and the Estates. 
  Historically, assassination has played a major role i n  the process, though full-scale rebellions are rare, with only two 
  occurrences (TN 1787 and TN 1814) since the city joined the UMF. Though technically an internal matter and thus of no 
  concern t o  the UMF, both these cases involved secessionist forces, prompting the UMFA to put on a show of force t o  
  convince the city's new leadership t o  stay within the UMF. 
  The industrial base of the United Mercantile Federation requires a massive amount of energy t o  function, and while many 
  cities and industrial complexes have their own power generation facilities, these are usually small-scale backup systems. 
  Power generation and the establishment of the necessary infrastructure is a very expensive business and vital to the 
  league, but most city-states and corporations would rather avoid the expense, buying what they need from specialized 
  conglomerates. The Ashington Power Corporation is the largest such company i n  the Federation, established and still 
  controlled by the Ash family. 
  Founded in TN 1327 while Terra Nova was still under Earth control, the company is one of the oldest i n  the UMF. A locally 
  controlled company, APC fared well when Earth government collapsed and with a strong military (the Ashington Royals) 
  t o  ensure its neutrality, the corporation and by extension the city-state remained on good terms with its neighbors. Since 
  joining the UMF i n  TN 1620 the boundaries between APC and the city-state have become more defined but both remain 
  under the steady hand of the Ash family. 
  Unlike many of the industrialized city-states within the UMF, Ashington is almost entirely self sufficient for food. The 
  area's climate i s  hot and dry as would be expected near t o  the Badlands. but wells driven down to the McAllen Network 
  allow extensive irrigation, creating a verdant garden amidst the dusty plains. Crops of johar, wheat and even low-grade 
  cawfee are grown among the aerogenerators and solar collectors, both for consumption by citizens and for export. 
  The lead regiment of the Sixth Heavy Gear Brigade (the Ashington Brigade, part of the 1 s t  Border Division), the Ashington 
  Royals have a long and prestigious history. Formerly the 2nd Mobile Cavalry Regiment, the unit was renamed the Second 
  Ashington Royal Regiment when the city-state joined the UMF i n  TN 1620. Like the other four Ashington Royal units, the 
  structure of the unit and the ranks used by the Second diverge from those of the UMFA and Northern Guard. They add a 
  fifth company, composed entirely of 'glamour' units who use the best equipment i n  the unit and whose role i s  largely 
  ceremonial. Membership of the regiment (and the other Ashington Royal units) is tightly controlled: only those born i n  
  Ashington are eligible t o  join and Prince Hans William Ash's advisors must approve any recruits. 
  The current commander of the Second Royals i s  Colonel Hannah Ash, daughter of Prince Hans. Her appointment to 
  command barely five cycles after graduating officer college demonstrates the nepotism inherent i n  the Ashington system, 
  although she has proved herself an able commander. The Regiment's Duelist, Ethan Lords, has earned considerable 
  notoriety for his hatred of ASTforces. I n  TN 1921 his actions at the Baja Memorial prompted Deeana Earnshaw of the 42nd 
  Northern Guard Gear Regiment t o  challenge him to a duel. He lost and has nursed a feud with her ever since. 
  The Second i s  notable for its use of heavier Gears, especially the Grizzly and its Crossbow Grizzly variant, and also deploy 
  an unusually high number of Brawler Mammoth assault striders. The Ashington Royals use a deep-blue color scheme 
  highlighted with gold when on parade or ceremonial duties. Manipulator-held weapons are painted black while hardpoint- 
  mounted systems utilize blue and gold to match the rest of the Gear. I n  the field they favor tan desert camouflage. The 
  eggshell blue dress uniforms of the Royals make them stand out i n  gatherings of Federation officers. Senior officers and 
  members of the nobility wear a gold sash across their right shoulder to further distinguish them from other ranks. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  R E G l U  
  s 
  O
  F
   
  F 
  Located i n  the heart of the Marathon Basin, Baton Rouge sprawls over an area of roughly three hundred square kilometers, 
  broken into a host of local communities linked by a series of twenty broad boulevards. Farmland, industrial areas and 
  housing are intermingled throughout, with no definable city-center. 
  Originally little more than a collection of farming communities, Baton Rouge incorporated as a city i n  1072. The region 
  had been mercilessly exploited by Terran corporations and the formation of a city, no matter how geographically dis- 
  persed, gave the region's farmers political leverage against the conglomerates. This distrust of outside interference 
  persisted even past Earth's withdrawal, with a succession of mayors working t o  keep the city-state isolated. When Mayor 
  Brandal Finch met with the leaders of neighboring city-states t o  discuss the formation of the Lyonnesse League he was 
  going out on a limb, and a combination of pressure from home and "unreasonable" demands on the part of the other city- 
  states prompted him to withdraw i n  TN 1527. He managed to keep Baton Rouge out of the league until TN 1531, but by 
  then economic pressures on the city-state were so great that they had to join or face ruin. 
  Remaining true t o  i t s  agricultural roots, the city-state has been spared the horrors of war, though it has twice been 
  occupied by enemy troops -the AST i n  the Merchant War and again i n  the St. Vincent's War. While the city itself has been 
  spared damage, large tracts of land 500 kilometers south and west of the city were ruined i n  the War of Alliance by the 
  UMFA's use of nuclear and chemical weapons to halt the invaders. These hot zones have been the subject of a massive 
  clean-up operation since the war, but farmers are concerned about toxins and fallout blown down-wind from the battle- 
  fields. The Natural Resources Secretariat monitors all foodstuffs originating i n  Baton Rouge and has, t o  date, passed them 
  fit for consumption. 
  Though agriculture dominates the city-state - it i s  the primary food production center i n  the Mercantile Federation - 
  it i s  not the only industry. The city contains a wide range of service and manufacturing industries, and is largely self- 
  sufficient with regard to the inhabitants' basic needs. Pharmaceutical products play a major part i n  the local economy as 
  well, driven by the numerous plants with medical uses growing here. In fact, the Willow-Jones drugs company dominates 
  employment i n  the area, coming behind only agriculture i n  terms of total number of employees. Perhaps surprisingly, 
  though, petrochemical extraction to the north of the city provides it with substantial revenue, coming i n  third for 
  percentage of gross product. There are several large areas covered with sophisticated automated oil derricks, but it is not 
  uncommon to see pumps located i n  the heart of a field of johar or cattle. 
  Founding Date: 
  Population: 
  830,000 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I 
  Baton Rouge Map 4 
  1. Willow-Jones 
  Willow-Jones is the UMFs largest pharmaceuti- 
  cal conglomerate, and their enclave in Baton 
  Rouge is a mixture of research site and manu- 
  facturing plant. Access to the facility is tightly 
  controlled, bolstered since the outbreak of war 
  with troops from the nearby UMFA enclave. The 
  complex contains the Albert A. Willows Memo- 
  rial Hospital, Baton Rouge's main medical center. 
  With no definable 
  center, Baton Rouge is a 
  defense plannefs nightmare. The UMFA has 
  scattered their troops to defensive compounds 
  throughout the city. Fort Lancaster, some 10 
  kilometers north of the Willow-Jones plant, 
  serves as the city's military command center. 
  Baton Rouge's Administrative Center is located 
  in the commercial district of Oakley. A complex 
  of drab, functional buildings, it houses the may- 
  or's residence and the council chambers. Nu- 
  merous sub-offices are dotted throughout the 
  city, serving as home to the city's bureaucrats. 
  Though far from the Largest producers in Baton 
  Rouge, Mortenson are among the most diverse. 
  Their crops range from Joharandwheat to modi- 
  fied Terran vegetables, and they also maintain a 
  large dairy herd west of the city. Their complex 
  in the western sector include a number of plants. 
  Baton Rouge is renowned for its artists; the Larg- 
  est - 
  and most famous - 
  concentration can be 
  found in the lake front suburb of Orion. Many 
  workshops are open to the public, and visitors 
  are invited to watch the craftspeople at work. 
  Many accept commissions, though demand for 
  products, particularly metal sculptures, is high. 
  The Hendon Stadium serves as home to the 
  2. UMFA enclaves 
  3. Admin Center 
  4. Mortenson Foods 
  5. Orion 
  6. Hendon Stadium 
  Baton Rouge Creoles and the Hendon Hunters, 
  two of the UMFs leading Gear dueling teams. 
  The stadium also provides a venue for other 
  spectator sports such as soccer and athletics. 
  Since joining the UMF, the local distrust of outsiders has faded, though the regional dialect retains a number of words and 
  usages that reflect the 'us and them' mentality such as Grockle (a tourist) or Foreigner (anyone not a citizen of Baton 
  Rouge). Indeed, the city-state's charter only grants citizenship to those born i n  Baton Rouge or who have lived there for 
  at least twenty cycles. Anyone else i s  regarded as a resident alien. To the citizens of Lyonnesse or Rapid City, the sedate 
  rural life of Baton Rouge lacks sophistication, but the standard of living is above the national average, and the city is a 
  major retirement center. The limited employment prospects in the city - 
  working on the farms, in a processing plant and 
  the like - 
  has driven many of the city's youngsters to relocate t o  more cosmopolitan cities like Marathon or Lyonnesse. 
  This exodus of the young has been the city's greatest problem in recent years 
  Violent crime is almost non-existent i n  Baton Rouge, limited to the occasional drunken scuffle outside one of the city's 
  many pubs. Vandalism, mainly malicious crop damage, is rife, however, particularly among bored youngsters. The city also 
  serves as a center for smuggling, particularly along the rail link from Red Sands, and is thus the focus of numerous 
  corporate and government anti-smuggling operations. As a result the ongoing gang wars among Wounded Knee smugglers 
  appears to hardly touch the Mercantile city. Neither the Forzi nor Kolson Cartels wish t o  attract undue attention to their 
  operations i n  the city and have agreed upon a truce i n  the region. This has not stopped each leaking details of the other's 
  operations t o  the Baton Rouge PD. 
  Baton Rouge is the center of the UMPs third religion. the Mahayana Buddhists of the Drepang Monastery. The Buddhist 
  community is largely integrated with the principally Revisionist population, though since the resurgence of Revisionism 
  in the UMF the homes of several prominent Buddhists have been daubed with graffiti. Furthermore, the Buddhist's 
  attempts to block shipments to the UMFA and Northern Guard has prompted outrage among the local population, being 
  dubbed 'unpatriotic' and prompting a number of violent incidents. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Situated i n  the foothills of the Downing Range, Canterbury is the most cosmopolitan city i n  the wildly diverse UMF. 
  Tourists from across the globe rub shoulders with media stars and movie moguls i n  the carefully planned city, engrossed 
  i n  the self-perpetuating image of glamour and extravagance. The city sprawls along the eastern flank of the mountains, 
  stretching from the hilltop homes of the rich and famous, the destination of numerous tourist outings, t o  the slums and 
  industrial parks of the plains, carefully avoided by tours. 
  Founded in the eleventh century as a support base for petrochemical drilling operations i n  the Sangar Basin, Canterbury 
  continues to play a significant role i n  that industry. Even i n  its heyday Canterbury never rivaled Petropolis (now part of 
  the NLC), and industry i n  the city slowiy diversified. The city council made a number of grants available for companies t o  
  relocate t o  the city, and one company attracted away from now-lost Salisbury was Terranovan Multimedia Projects (TMP), 
  a producer of educational software and documentaries about the new world. The company slowly metamorphosed from a 
  producer t o  a local broadcaster, and when Earth abandoned Terra Nova, the staff of TMP chose t o  stay. After Canterbury 
  joined the Lyonnesse League i n  TN 1528, TMP became a major supplier of trideo and video material to the allied cities, 
  and as the company expanded to keep up with the demands placed on it, so did the special effects companies, costumers 
  and duplicators that supported them. By the early nineteenth century Canterbury had become the heart of the Federa- 
  tion's media industry, the home t o  most of the UMF's trideo, video and holomovie companies. I n  the meantime TMP had 
  grown beyond all recognition, renaming itself the Federation Broadcasting Corporation in TN 1842. With controlling 
  interests i n  a number of CNCS broadcasters and film studios, FBC i s  one of the biggest companies i n  the UMF and currently 
  has a seat on the Corporate Council. 
  Today many CNCS and some southern media agencies have offices i n  the city. Combined with the millions of tourists who 
  visit the area, this makes Canterbury an ideal clearing house for intelligence gathering i n  the Northern city-states. The 
  problem for the government and agencies like the FIA isn't as much stopping the flow of intelligence through Canterbury, 
  but doing so without disrupting everyday life. The movie, trideo and tourism revenue generated by the city and the region 
  around it is staggering, and the corporations divert a considerable portion of it into the government by buying large 
  blocks of electoral vouchers. Even the quest for profit must occasionally take second place t o  security that benefits the 
  whole Federation, however, and with the outbreak of the Interpolar War, companies affiliated with the Allied Southern 
  Territories were asked - 
  politely - to close up shop and leave. 
  ' 
  . . . 
  : ~ . . 
  ' 
  . . . 
  : . . 
  . 
  . . 
  : . . 
  : . 
  r 
  Founding Date: 
  Joined UMF: 
  TN 1528 (Lyonnesse League). TN 1551 (UMF) 
  Method of Government: 
  Representative Democracy 
  Mayor Nial Levitus 
  Head of Government: 
  Population: 
  Principal Industries: 
  Entertainment, tourism 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I 
  II 
  .. Aquaworld 
  As much a zoological preserve as a theme park, 
  Aquaworld contains numerous Earth and 
  Terranovan aquatic species. It is home to the 
  only whales on the planet, created using 
  recombinant DNA techniques. 
  ~ 
  ?. Earthland 
  Part museum, part theme park, Earthland chroni- 
  cles the history of humanity's home planet, from 
  the dawn of time t o  the modern era. Exhibits 
  and rides accompany each epoch, each a mix of 
  virtual reality and often gut-churning action. 
  The company once headed by former Treasurer 
  Yves Banderas is one of Canterbury's largest pro- 
  duction and distribution companies. They are 
  responsible for many of the Federation's great- 
  est blockbusters. 
  Running for five 
  kilometers across downtown 
  Canterbury, the "strip" is the city's entertain- 
  ment district. The western end is comprised of 
  a number of exclusive hotels, restaurants and 
  casinos, but the further south and east it goes, 
  the seedier the district becomes. 
  Canterbury heights, the name of both a road 
  and a district, is the most exclusive residential 
  area i n  the city. I t s  palatial residences are the 
  homes of media personalities and corporate 
  execs, and tours of the area are popular. 
  Aquaworld and Earthland are not the only theme 
  parks i n  Canterbury. Others built on more tradi- 
  tional lines include Movieland, Renegades (a 
  collection of roller-coasters), the Funland (an 
  adventure park for children) and World Tour. 
  3. Polaris Pictures 
  4. The Strip 
  5. Canterbury Heights 
  6. Theme Parks 
  7. FBC 
  The headquarters of Federation Broadcastin! 
  Corporation are located i n  the southwest of the 
  city. The company organizes a number of tours 
  demonstrating how a program is made, recordet 
  and broadcast. FBC also offers tickets t o  watct 
  the filming of quiz programs and chat shows 
  Nowhere i n  the UMF are the divisions between rich and poor so apparent as i n  Canterbury. The rich live i n  large houses and 
  walled estates on the hills overlooking the city while the less well off congregate on the valley floor. Several downtown 
  areas have become virtual ghettos, particularly south of the Strip and i n  the River District, that serve as the focus of crime 
  i n  the city. 
  Many people flock t o  Canterbury seeking fame and fortune, hoping t o  be 'discovered' and star i n  the next blockbuster. A 
  few find the success they are looking for, but for every one who finds fame, hundreds of others do not. Some of these keep 
  at it, working at part time jobs, while others give up the idea of a media career and return home. Yet others find 
  themselves drawn into the sordid pleasure industries of the eastern Strip. 
  Rivalries between the groups on the Strip often spill over into violence, and of the dozen or so gangs responsible for 
  activities, half are locked into an ongoing series of feuds and gang wars. "Queen" Marianne Straker heads the largest 
  group, the Undertow, an affiliate of the Forzi Cartel of Wounded Knee based i n  the River District. The group dominates 
  illegal activities i n  the city but have recently come under pressure from the Kolson-sponsored Braeson's Blackguard, a 
  slick bunch of killers. 
  The FIA maintain their largest office outside of Lyonnesse in Canterbury, ostensibly t o  deal with the problems of 
  organized crime and the gangs, but i n  practice they are there i n  an espionage role. Their operatives stage a two-prong 
  attack on enemy powers. Their spy-hunting operations are well known, hunting down and intercepting enemy agents i n  
  the city. However, they also seek to recruit agents from the transient multicultural population, using kompromot 
  gathered on visitors whose guard is down while they are relaxing i n  the city's theme parks, bars and hotels. Corporate 
  intelligence operatives are also active in the city, gathering information that can be used as leverage i n  business 
  negotiations and elsewhere. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The political system used i n  Canterbury is a down-sized version of that used for the national Caucus elections, with 
  electoral vouchers purchased for 100 marks and used to elect representatives from each of the city's twenty districts. The 
  emphasis on money results i n  the promotion of corporate interests and the virtual exclusion of certain groups from the 
  city council. Indeed, nine of the councilors are corporate employees, directly working for their company's interests, while 
  another two are suspected of having links to organized crime. The previous mayor, Coran Jesse, attempted t o  remedy this 
  situation by proposing the elimination of corporate block voting, limiting every individual or organization to a single 
  vote. However, Mayor Jesse's resignation following a sex scandal exposed by FBC destroyed all hopes that the council 
  would approve the bill. 
  The Canterbury police are funded by donations from big businesses and are widely regarded as corporate stooges. Their 
  corporate funding ensures they have the best training and equipment as well as sufficient numbers t o  carry out their 
  duties. Furthermore, their excellent pay and benefits packages ensures few succumb t o  the lure of organized crime. There 
  are three distinct groups within the police. The first deals with the whole range of crimes, from littering and petty crime 
  to robbery and murder. Though the largest department by far, they usually work behind the scenes and have a poor public 
  image. Better known are the "presence" squads who operate in the principal tourist areas. Hired as much for their looks 
  and charm as for their policing abilities, they are intended to be the public face of Canterbury policing. The last group are 
  the assault teams, made famous by real-life and dramatized trideo shows like Stop or IShoot! and Halton and McLean: Gear 
  Police. A paramilitary unit, they are trained i n  the use of a wide range of weapons, from handguns to Gears, and are 
  charged with handling violent crime i n  the city. Their duties are often seen as glamorous, but the physical and psychologi- 
  cal stresses of the job means few serve with the department for more than three cycles. 
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  Almost half the city's income is generated by the entertainment industry or tourism, either directly i n  the studios or 
  theme parks, or indirectly i n  hotels, restaurants or the transport services. Even the local UMFA troops have been involved 
  i n  the film-making process, often hired out to film studios to provide authentic military equipment for films or to advise 
  on the authenticity (or lack thereof) of the same. 
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  Canterbury serves as a regional transport hub, with road, rail and even air links to neighboring cities. Most tourists arrive 
  by rail, either from Marathon, Rapid City or stations on the maglev line. The most extravagant can choose to travel i n  
  luxury aboard either the Sangar Princess or the Byerst Princess, passenger landships that travel between Rapid City and 
  Canterbury. Though slower than the rail routes, a journey on the Princess-line vessels i s  considered the trip of a lifetime 
  by many Mercantile citizens. However, with the outbreak of war, the Sangar Princess has been commandeered by the UMFA 
  and i s  currently serving as a hospital ship i n  the Western Desert. 
  The city has also gained something of a reputation for higher education. Gibb's University, located along Prospect 
  Boulevard i n  the south of the city, has a reputation for research i n  the hard sciences - 
  physics and chemistry - 
  as well 
  as i n  engineering. Its graduates are well regarded, though larger institutions such as the University of Swanscombe or 
  FTRI i n  Marathon receive more public attention. 
  A cult classic, John Kaidou's "'The Winter Wolves" is a tale of passion and intrigue set against the backdrop of 
  the invasion of a far off arctic world. The movie was shot on location near Pioneer and on sound stages in 
  Canterbury. It follows the exploits of Gear pilot Jym Wang (played by Anatole Kuratin), a soldier i n  the armies 
  of Earth General Thaddeus Murasaka. Wang is Forced to come to terms with his commander's megalomania and 
  must choose between his duty to Murasaka and his love for a native girl, Kristin (played by newcomer Claudya 
  Gohl). The film's popularity has been Largely attributed to its stunning visual effects, including the alien cabal 
  known as the "puppet masters" created by effects company Believe It!. There have been many attempts to 
  match the success of the Winter Wolves, but in the thirty cycles since its release, few have matched its 
  commercial success. I n  recent cycles the film industry rumor mill has suggested that despite his age, Kaidou 
  is planning a sequel. 
  The "Winter Wolves" was one of the first of a new series of "high technology spectacles," as they are often 
  touted by the critics. Productions of this type have historically come and gone throughout the ages, depend- 
  ing on the means and the moods of the societies producing them. The resurgence of the genre on Terra Nova 
  points to a near-total recovery from the horrors of the War of the Alliance; immense means are once more 
  available to entertainment groups, and the public is again yearning for high emotion and excitement. 
  Born in Canterbury in TN 1825, Kaidou has retired from active film making but serves as consultant to a 
  number of Canterbury's largest studios. His approval - or disapproval - 
  is one of the key factors in deciding 
  whether a project goes ahead and he is thus courted by many up and coming writers and directors. However, 
  he is widely reviled by critics who blame the success of his films like "Sons of Destiny" for the studios' fixation 
  with blockbusters. Kaidou's daughter, Samika, once a child actress, is one of the most senior members of the 
  UMFA, commanding the Strategic Forces Directorate. 
  I 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
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  Mining Corporation (DPMC). 
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  Located high i n  the Tershaw Range, Djakarta Point exists for one reason: the mining of gold and silver. It began life as a 
  mining enclave, established by the Saracen Corporation i n  the late eighth century, but as the corporate enclave grew, so 
  did the settlement that surrounded it. When the city of Djakarta Point formally came into being on 6 Summer TN 857, 
  there had already been a settlement on the site for almost seventy cycles. Earth's withdrawal prompted the collapse of the 
  Saracen Corporation, the market for the city's goods destroyed i n  the chaos of abandonment. The city remained a viable 
  entity throughout the Reconstruction period, however, and when inter-city trade picked up i n  the 1490s the mines were 
  reopened under the authority of the city council which slowly metamorphosed into a corporate entity: The Djakarta Point 
  Djakarta Point became a focus of trade i n  the eastern Tershaw Range, its merchants ranging as far afield as Swanscombe 
  and Innsbruck, building links between the communities that would stand it i n  good stead later. Caught between two 
  expansionist powers, the United Mercantile Federation and the Northern Lights Confederacy, President Haruka Murakami 
  of Djakarta Point was receptive to proposals by Zagazig mayor Yanna Goren for the formation of an economic and 
  defensive alliance. With DPMC's trade links and Goren's diplomatic efforts, the alliance soon became reality. Dubbed the 
  Tershaw Cooperative Alliance, it also included Swanscombe, Kossuth and Innsbruck. Unfortunately, the league proved t o  
  be short lived, collapsing under pressure from the UMFs eastward expansion. I n  spring TN 1567 Swanscombe was per- 
  suaded t o  leave the TCA and join the UMF. Simultaneous diplomatic efforts i n  Djakarta Point were unsuccessful - the 
  corporate government had no desire to lose its status as a dominant regional power - prompting the occupation of the 
  city by UMFA troops who brushed aside the ill-organized and politically divided TCA garrison. 
  Once i n  Mercantile hands, the board members of DPMC were given a stark choice: accept the situation and deaL with it, or 
  be replaced, more or less quietly, by pro-Mercantile individuals. They acquiesced grudgingly out of self-preservation, and 
  set about rebuilding their trade links. Within a cycle, the initial hostility over their forcible incorporation had given way 
  t o  excitement over the economical benefits of joining the Federation. Much t o  their surprise, they found the UMF took a 
  hands-off position, allowing the city-state to operate much as it had done before its incorporation i n  the league. 
  Furthermore, the league's government helped them build trade links with the rest of the Federation's territories and 
  particularly Marathon, where the precious metals of Djakarta Point played an important part i n  the electronics industry. 
  The city-state continues to play a major role i n  the Federation's economy, its native industries complemented by trade 
  with the western regions of the Norlight Confederacy. 
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  Head of Government: 
  CEOjPrendent Kaori Ganendra 
  lained UMF: 
  Wtthod of Gavtmnent: 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  b Rla~arta Point Map 
  1. Municipal Mint 
  Djakarta Point is the only city-state in the CNCS 
  that produces its own unique form of currency, 
  high-value silver (1, 2 and 5 M) and gold (10, 
  20 and 100 M) coins. The heavily defended city 
  mint, located on the Western Overlook, manu- 
  factures and recycles these coins, constantly 
  revising their composition, size and design. 
  When built in TN 1842, the magnificent central 
  police station, known locally as the Black Tower 
  for its tall, dark granite construction, was con- 
  demned for its extravagant design. Its presence, 
  looming over the seedier d i s t r i N  of downtown, 
  was felt to better convey the force’s determi- 
  nation than the archaic collection of buildings 
  (now a museum) in the administrative district. 
  Djakarta Point’s mines are regarded as a major 
  strategic resource and only the garrisons of 
  Ashington and Lyonnesse surpass those assigned 
  t o  this city. The military facilities took on a 
  new importance during the Judas Syndrome, ex- 
  panded in case of hostilities with the NLC. These 
  improvements t o  the largely subterranean com- 
  plex proved fortuitous and Djakarta Point served 
  as a regional command center for the Northern 
  Guard i n  the War of the Alliance. 
  Located in the shadow of the Black Tower, the 
  Rock Bottom club, parl strip joint and part gam- 
  bling den, serves as the headquarters of the 
  Djakarta Point Syndicate. Owned and operated 
  by Luc Coral of the Jagged Edge, it is regarded 
  as neutral ground by both Syndicate members 
  and other gangs i n  the city. 
  2. Police Station 
  3. UMFA Barracks 
  4. Rock Bottom Club 
  5. Overlook Park 
  One of the few open spaces i n  the city, Over- 
  look Park is a favorite venue for family gather- 
  ings and the citgs youth culture, including base 
  jumpers. After dark, however, it quickly becomes 
  a den of iniquity, haunted by prostitutes, drug 
  dealers and muggers. 
  High security around the gold and silver mines, as well as the smelting works and the mint, have made direct theft from 
  the Djakarta Point Mining Corporation (DPMC) a difficult 
  proposition, though several criminal groups use blackmail and 
  bribery to gain access to security codes, shipping schedules and the like. Such activities are only possible by the largest 
  and most influential gangs. The remainder prey on the city’s citizens, carrying out petty theft, running drugs, organizing 
  prostitution (although prostitution itself i s  not illegal i n  the UMF, soliciting is) and extorting money. Arranging ‘insur- 
  ance’ is the most common practice, with local businesses paying off the criminals to ensure no harm befalls them or their 
  business. Turf wars between criminal groups are commonplace, especially when an individual or business under the 
  protection of one gang is preyed on by another. 
  Organized crime i n  Djakarta Point is divided among more than three dozen groups, but the largest and most successful are 
  the Jagged Edge (specialty: extortion), the Shadow Dancers (specialty: theft), the Millers (specialties: theft and prostitu- 
  tion) and the McHenry family (specialties: drugs and prostitution). A11 compete against each other for the city‘s business, 
  but are allied in a loose body known as The Syndicate. Formed after the gang wars of TN 1921-23, the group was created 
  to forestall further bloody clashes, but today exists as a front between Djakarta Point and other larger criminal groups. Luc 
  Coral of the Jagged Edge has acted as head of the group since TN 1935, but both Franco Koke of the Millers and Elizabeth 
  McHenry are secretly plotting to usurp his place, threatening a new series of gang wars in the city. 
  Djakarta Point maintains its own corporate-financed anti-organized crime squads who constantly work to keep the gangs 
  in check. Some Syndicate members use contacts i n  the police department - 
  which is no less corrupt than the rest of the 
  city - 
  t o  keep one step ahead of the law. Indeed, the DPPD spends almost as much on internal affiirs as it does on the 
  organized crime units. The UMF regards the silver and gold mines as a vital strategic resource and thus there is a strong 
  contingent of troops and intelligence operatives i n  the city. The FIA works closely with the local police department but 
  their relationship has been strained by the recent suspension of a FIA team accused of complicity with criminal activities. 
  6 ’  
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  It is impossible to judge where the Djakarta Point Mining Corporation ends and the city administration begins, with the 
  DPMC board and CEO heading the city's government and the corporation's exports funding the police force and other 
  public bodies. Numerous largely autonomous subcommittees, including non-voting representatives of the general popu- 
  lace, oversee the city's governance, but DPMC has maintained its stranglehold on the reigns of power, and the heads of 
  every public body, from the mint t o  the street cleaners, are employed by the corporation. DPMC has proved to be a benign 
  and generous dictator and few people question the corporation's role. Attempts by the Northern Workers Consortium (see 
  Northern Lights Confederacy Leaguebook, p. 60) t o  gain a foothold i n  corporate and city politics have been repeatedly 
  rebuffed, though they have managed to get representatives onto the public health and justice committees. 
  The outbreak of war has turned the city administration on its head. The local UMFA commander, Brigadier-General Gustav 
  Neve, has assumed control of the city. Though President Ganendra retains control of day-to-day civil activities i n  Djakarta 
  Point, the CNCS Grand Marshal has charged the General with streamlining operations t o  best support the war effort. To 
  that end he has used the provisions of the War Powers act t o  place UMFA and Northern Guard representatives on numerous 
  subcommittees, though he has so far refrained from making any radical changes t o  the governmental structure. Ganendra 
  dislikes having the General as a watchdog and has staged several incidents t o  ascertain how far she can push him. Neve 
  dislikes these political games but i s  prepared - 
  for now - 
  to humor the DPMC President. 
  The Djakarta Point Syndicate occupies a precarious position i n  the new political order. Their leader, Luc Coral, has been 
  working hard to convince General Neve that they have no desire to compromise the city's security. Coral realizes his 
  organization i s  poised on the brink of civil war, though he suspects the Forzi and Kolsen Cartels rather than the true 
  source - Lauren Ibsen, one of the lieutenants i n  the Millers, an agent of Mekong's I C P  with orders to stir up unrest in 
  the city. 
  Though mining forms the heart of Djakarta Point, directly employing a third of the population, the city contains a host of 
  secondary industries geared towards supporting the mining operation and its workers. Located i n  the Upper Town, near 
  the base of the promontory, some are directly associated with DPMC, such as smelting works, precision engineering and 
  producing mining equipment, while others are involved i n  transport, security and craft industries. 
  The entertainment district of the lower town centered on Opal Road (known locally as "Easy Street"), employs a large 
  segment of the population, forming a cornerstone of the miners' 'work hard, play hard' mentality. Businesses range 
  from restaurants and lounge bars to disreputable strip bars and gambling joints. No matter how innocuous, almost 
  every pub, club or restaurant i s  under the sway of one or another of the gangs. I n  many cases this i s  little more than 
  victimization i n  a protection racket, but others are fronts for the gangs. Respectability provides little clue as to which 
  i s  which: the McHenry family operate their wide-ranging underworld business from one of the city's most posh restau- 
  rants on Clifftop Drive. 
  For allits wealth, Djakarta Point is heavily reliant on imports for survival, particularly foodstuffs carried up Mount Oir from 
  the farming communities of the Tudor Plain and the NLC's Great Valley. As such, the cost of living i n  the city is high, 
  surpassed in the UMF only by frozen Pioneer. 
  A recent craze among the city's youth has been base jumping - 
  leaping off the cliffs that encircle the city on three sides, 
  equipped with little more than a parachute and relying on body-planing t o  carry the jumper clear of the rock face. The 
  sport has claimed almost a dozen lives since TN 1930, but despite government efforts, it remains popular, especially 
  among adolescents. 
  Nestling on a rock spur overlooking the NLC's Big Valley, Djakarta Point occupies a major strategic position and has 
  traditionally employed garrisons far i n  excess of that needed t o  hold the city against invaders. Until the outbreak of war, 
  a whole Gear brigade (the 9th) and the 3rd Air Regiment were based i n  the city, though with access t o  the city limited t o  
  approach by air or via three switchback roads, the brigade's infantry battalion could hold the city against all but the most 
  determined opponents. Over the last cycle, the brigade's armor regiment and half its Gear forces have relocated to 
  Swanscombe, bolstering defenses along the border of the Karaq Wastes, though the arrival of Northern Guard forces t o  
  man the regional command center have largely offset these losses. 
  The 3rd Air Regiment is unusual i n  i t s  relatively high concentration of VTOLs (Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft) at the 
  expense o f  close-support aircraft like the Redjacket fighter-bomber. The VTOLs are usually seen attached t o  armor regi- 
  ments, not aircraft ones. I n  this case, geography has dictated the military's choice. The close confines of the approach 
  routes t o  the region limit the effectiveness of fixed-wing aircraft, but do little t o  hinder helicopter or hopper operations. 
  The unit does retain a number of conventional interceptors t o  discourage enemy aircraft, however, and the militaty 
  section of the city-state's airport has sufficient capacity and resources to house a second, more conventional air regiment. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Founded TN 1327 as a support station for logging operations i n  and around Lake Tristan, Lyonnesse was little more than 
  a provincial town when Earth withdrew i n  the mid fifteenth century. The local people struggled t o  rebuild their lives, with 
  local politics shattering into numerous self-serving factions. Work gangs, a thinly disguised form of slave labor, were a 
  common sight i n  the TN 1460s and 70s, but by the turn of the century a measure of civilization had returned t o  the 
  region. Realizing that Lyonnesse had been fortunate t o  survive the chaos, City Administrator Yvgeny Corman set about 
  building alliances with nearby cities, resulting i n  the formation of the Lyonnesse League in TN 1528. The lakeside city 
  became the administrative hub of the new alliance, i t s  leaders wielding immense power until rampant government 
  corruption prompted the Lake Tristan Conclave and the ensuing corporate coup. 
  The United Mercantile Federation chose to retain Lyonnesse as the capital, but slimmed down the grossly bloated bu- 
  reaucracy, putting many of the former administrators t o  work turning the city into the centerpiece of the new league. The 
  old, decrepit pre-fabricated buildings, many of which remained from the colonial era, were torn down and replaced with 
  massive edifices i n  the neo-gothic style. From the ground up, the new Lyonnesse was builtto impress. Of all the projects 
  undertaken during this period, none has attracted more attention than Building A, known by locals as The Cathedral. 
  Construction on this building, intended to become the center of Mercantile government, began i n  TN 1571 and was 
  completed in TN 1628. The structure was badly damaged by orbital artillery during the War of Alliance, however, and 
  reconstruction work finished i n  TN 1928, just i n  time for the building's 300th anniversary. The deliberate targeting of 
  Building A by the CEF prompted the UMFA high command to construct a subterranean command post known as "the Pit." 
  Completed i n  TN 1929, the exact location of the facility, which houses the strategic command, remains classified. 
  At first glance Lyonnesse looks t o  be an elegant, relaxed city with few concerns beyond the constant circuit of political 
  lobbying and socializing. Many visitors t o  the city comment on i t s  tree-lined boulevards and broad canals, little realizing 
  that the city is one of the most heavily fortified i n  the UMF. The boulevards are intended to facilitate the swift movement 
  of troops and many are sufficiently broad t o  serve as emergency runways once trees and vegetation are cleared. The canals 
  are placed so as t o  hinder the movement of troops without bridge-laying equipment. Furthermore, the city's towers and 
  rooftops conceal an extensive array of anti-aircraft weaponry, together with a number of 'dazzle' lasers intended t o  render 
  useless the observations of reconnaissance aircraft and satellites. Such systems are particularly dense around the Cathe- 
  dral, where they are supplemented by antimissile batteries. It is rumored that new sensors and computer software allow 
  the system to engage ground and orbital artillery rounds, but this is most likely little more than press conjecture. 
  I 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Lyonnesse i s  the heart of the UMFs high society and the rich and famous from across the arctic - 
  and before the war, 
  no small number from the Southern Territories - 
  maintain houses and apartments in the city, partaking of its famous 
  nightlife. Most companies also keep offices i n  the city, using them as the base of operations for the swarms of lobbyists 
  which seek t o  influence the Mercantile government, their efforts merging with those of the socialites to ensure a near- 
  endless circuit of balls, dinners and related functions. The organizers put considerable effort into their events, seeking 
  t o  distinguish themselves from the dozens of rivals, and no expense is spared t o  create or import appropriate centerpieces 
  or attractions. Numerous society columns and trideo programs play out the dramas of the social circuit, which play t o  
  the rest of the population as a real-life soap opera. Indeed, i n  the last few cycles a prominent Lyonnesse socialite, Man 
  Feldman-Schroeder, has acquired national fame as a society journalist as much a result of her good looks and numerous 
  contacts than for any real skill. Nonetheless, she is the role model of young girls across the nation and the subject of 
  many pin-ups. 
  While the Federation capital Likes t o  portray itself as rich, prosperous and sophisticated, Lyonnesse too has its darker 
  side. The western districts are home t o  a sizable underclass, though government statistics do their best t o  hide their 
  presence. Many residents of these districts barely manage t o  eke out a living at the subsistence level, driving many to 
  seek a life of crime. 
  The Forzi Cartel dominate the local underworld, headed by Geraint Forzi, son of the cartel leader. They make consider- 
  able profits satisfying the desires of the jaded high society, though their traditional businesses, particularly money- 
  Lending and gambling, are strong in the city's poorer districts. The cartel has so far avoided serious clashes with the 
  strong police and FIA presence i n  the city, using their close links with the city administration (and even the Caucus) 
  t o  maintain the status quo. 
  I 
  1. Building A 
  The dark and imposing facade of the massive 
  Cathedral hides one of the most technologically 
  advanced buildings i n  the UMF. Extensively 
  modernized during the recent refurbishment, its 
  computer and communications systems are cut- 
  ting edge, providing fingertip access to mas- 
  sive repositories of data. 
  Also known as Building C. the TNTR maglev sta- 
  tion pre-dates Lyonnesse and forms the nucleus 
  around which the rest of the city has grown. 
  The station has been rebuilt numerous times 
  over the past 1400 cycles, most recently i n  TN 
  1904 when the western portico was added. 
  An affiliate 
  of FBC, the Lyonnesse Broadcasting 
  Corporation specializes in political and society 
  news. The station has a reputation for investi- 
  gative journalism, receiving awards and law- 
  suits in equal measure. 
  The old central market of Lyonnesse, the Agora 
  (or Great Market) has slowly metamorphosed 
  from a commercial center to the hub of the city's 
  leisure industry. 
  The Plaza Hotel i s  the most prestigious i n  
  Lyonnesse. It frequently houses visiting digni- 
  taries, media stars and corporate executives. 
  The hotel's reputation for meeting any of its 
  guests' needs has also prompted numerous vis- 
  its by the Lyonnesse PO and the FIA. 
  The center of Revisionism i n  the UMF, Reiss Ca- 
  thedral has seen a massive increase in attend- 
  ance over the cycles since Thor Hutchison's as- 
  sassination. 
  This luxury housing development is at the heart 
  of a political storm i n  the local government, 
  with accusations that the city administrator 
  took bribes from the development company to 
  rezone the reqion as residential. 
  2. Maglev Station 
  3. LBC 
  4. Agora 
  5. Plaza Hotel 
  6. Reiss Cathedral 
  7. Golden Bough 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Politics in the Federal District of Lyonnesse, known as the "rainy city," are appropriately murky. Corporate, governmental 
  and other interests pull in dozens of different directions, making their mark on local politics, which often serve as a 
  surrogate for federal or even CNCS issues. For example, a group seeking to promote the expansion of the road network i n  
  the Marathon Basin may support a local rezoning bill t o  win the support of a senior bureaucrat or even a Caucus secretary. 
  This trading of favors and influence i s  a cornerstone of Mercantile politics, working hand i n  hand with both reasoned 
  argument and direct pressure. Komprornot i s  used liberally, as is bribery and intimidation. Uncooperative individuals often 
  find salacious details of their private life -true or otherwise, it hardly matters - 
  leaked to LBC or one of a host of other 
  broadcasters i n  the area. 
  LBC has recently alleged that several government bodies, including the FIA, have established links with the Forzi Cartel 
  and have used them as neutral couriers and go-betweens. Indeed, it is alleged that the some of the military and hi-tech 
  equipment the Forzi smuggle out of the UMF go with tacit government approval, payment for services rendered. Further- 
  more, rumors i n  several local scandal sheets link Geraint Forzi and City Administrator Tessa Niedlich-Lywin, allegedly seen 
  together at a private spa on the shores of Lake Tristan, though the one grainy photograph i n  circulation has done little 
  to cast light on the situation. 
  The area around Lyonnesse i s  the wettest i n  the CNCS and as a result i s  heavily wooded with a diverse range of flora and 
  fauna. The steady encroachment of residential and industrial developments on the city's wilderness preserves - most 
  notably the Golden Bough development - has led to many animal species being driven out of the region. A small but 
  vocal environmental group called the Animal Rights Corps, led by Verity Kimsey, proprietor of the vegetarian Johar's 
  Bounty chain of restaurants, has repeatedly petitioned the city administration t o  do something about the situation, but 
  to no avail. After all, neither woodspringers nor arboreal hoppers can buy electoral vouchers. 
  I 
  Lyonnesse i s  the center of the UMFs financial services industry, home to many banks and finance houses as well as the 
  UMFs principal stock market, located on Commercial Street, west of the Cathedral. Many finance companies work hand i n  
  hand with the corporations, providing loans and facilitating inter-corporate deals, but a few like the Harper Banking Trust 
  specialize i n  funding small agricultural concerns i n  the Marathon Basin and along the Badlands Fringe. Information 
  brokering forms another major strand of the local economy, ranging from credit-rating companies to agencies specializing 
  i n  public relations and market research. A number of such companies work under contract t o  the government, carrying out 
  polls across the league and providing advice on the public presentation of the Caucus' decisions. 
  Entertainment i s  a major industry i n  the city, ranging from the tourist hotels and theaters of the Agora district t o  the 
  swish restaurants and casinos west of the Plaza. The National Gallery on the eastern side of the Plaza, overlooking the 
  marina, i s  a magnet for connoisseurs of fine art, containing a wide range of Terranovan works and a handful of priceless 
  works from Earth. 
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  Logging, the city's original industry, continues t o  play a major role i n  the local economy, though the remodeling of the 
  city i n  the sixteenth century forced the yards almost thirty kilometers out of town. More immediate, but s t i l l  marginalized 
  on the lake front, are factories and workshops dedicated to producing a broad range of luxury goods. The city's craftsmen 
  are renowned for their woodwork, and furniture produced i n  the city is i n  high demand across the CNCS. 
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  When Man Feldman-Schroeder was born in TN 1901, her parents, well-known Swanscombe stockbrokers, in- 
  vested ten thousand marks in the Mercantile stock exchange as her birth gift. By the time she reached her 
  majority in TN 1922, the rapid growth of the Federation economy after the War of Alliance, combined with her 
  parents' canny business acumen, had sent the value of these stocks into the stratosphere. Cashing in half her 
  portfolio, leaving the rest to accumulate value, Man walked away with a cool seven million marks and no need 
  ever to seek employment. She relocated to Lyonnesse and became a fixture on the society circuit, quickly 
  ingratiating herself with her mix of charm and good looks. 
  Though she readily admits to "being a bit of a thickie,"she has inherited some of her parents' business sense, 
  winning contracts to write several society columns and hosting the trideo show "Lives of Luxury" on LBC, 
  though her career is little more than a hobby. Her bubbly personality and child-like innocence have endeared 
  her to much of the Mercantile population, male and female alike, making her both a role model and pinup. She 
  has endorsed a few Lines of products over the cycles, mostLy clothes and luxury items. 
  Feldman-Schroeder i s  considered a "must-have" guest a t  most parties in the city, and her decision to attend 
  - or not - can make or break an event. Even the most minute details are important: whether she is early or 
  late, what she is wearing, and so on, will influence the "quality" of the event and reflect on the organizer(s). 
  The same factors that have made her popular, however, have prompted a strong "anti-Man" faction, leading to 
  one prominent trideo company to end their advertising tag line with "And no Mari!" 
  I 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  M 
  I 
  " .  
  Founded i n  TN 866 as a center of ranching i n  the Marathon Basin, Fort Charles, as Mainz was then known, was a major 
  regional center. Largely self sufficient, Fort Charles rode out the storm of Earth's withdrawal, though bandit raids prompted 
  the construction of extensive fortifications and the establishment of a sizable militia. Joining the nascent Western 
  Frontier Protectorate in TN 1527, the city-state's presence i n  the Marathon basin originally went unchallenged by the 
  Lyonnesse League. 
  When the league was remodeled i n  TN 1551, one of the first actions of the new Caucus was to find an external threat upon 
  which to focus the population's attentions. With the tacit approval of the NLC, who wished t o  avoid the attentions of their 
  aggressive neighbors, the Mercantile forces moved against Fort Charles en-masse, occupying the region and besieging the 
  city. The military commanders knew assaulting the fortified city would be bloody, and were thankful when the city 
  bureaucracy chose t o  open their gates on 39 Autumn. On the last day of the cycle, Fort Charles was officially incorporated 
  into the UMF and renamed itself Mainz i n  early TN 1552. 
  Though the speed of the Mercantile occupation had taken the WFP by surprise, the Protectorate s t i l l  maintained its claim 
  t o  the city and the surrounding lands, resulting i n  a series of border wars over the cycles and centuries that followed. The 
  most notable came i n  TN 1570 while the UMFA was still consohdating i t s  grip on the former Tershaw Cooperative Alliance 
  city-states of Swanscombe and Djakarta Point. Launching a preemptive strike through the Cajun Pass, the WFPA sought t o  
  regain their lost possession, but after a fierce rearguard action by badly outnumbered UMF troops - and the UMFs 
  subsequent use of chemical weapons - 
  the Protectorate troops were forced t o  withdraw. The resulting Cajun Pass Treaty 
  ended the war and recognized UMF possession of the city, but neither nation subscribes t o  the ideal of "forgive and 
  forget" and Mainz remains a thorny issue between the two powers. 
  The core of Mainz i s  built around the Protectorate's fort model - 
  layers of defensive walk and AA-turrets - 
  and like the 
  WFP cities, Mainz has outgrown its small core. Initially the city planners attempted t o  control the growth of the city, 
  using a succession of defensive walls to channel growth i n  the direction they favored. They failed, and the result is a 
  series of concentric walk which, when viewed from the air, resemble the layers of an onion. These regions are the Core 
  (central district, also known as Old Town), the First to Third Rings (walled zones) and the Outer Town (outside the fourth 
  wall). The modern city stretches from the foothills of the Westridge Range out onto the Cajun Plains, bisected by a series 
  of broad boulevards. These roads form part of an extensive network that links the city t o  its neighbors and allow the swift 
  transport of the city's main export: food. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I
  .
   
  I 
  1. MainzFood 
  Located at the heart of Old Town, Mainz's in- 
  nermost defensive ring, the elaborate Granling 
  Building (named for company founder Ferrara 
  Granling) is home to the CNCS'largest food con- 
  glomerate, MainzFood. The corporation also buys 
  produce from independent farmers, which it 
  processes and packs i n  its plants in the First 
  and Second Rings. 
  There are several stockyards dotted across Mainz, 
  associated with the principal railway station (for 
  live exports) and the processing plants, with 
  two other "holding pens" for animals being 
  brought into the city. Each is subdivided to meet 
  the requirements of the animals they are to 
  contain, ranging from barnabies and cattle to 
  hoppers and snakes. 
  Mainz has been the site of some of the UMF's 
  bloodiest battles, from the Cajun Pass to the 
  St. Vincent's War and War of the Alliance, and 
  the museum on Marathon Boulevard provides a 
  solemn and surprisingly uncommercial reminder 
  of the horrors the Federation's population have 
  endured. A whole gallery is dedicated to the 
  Heavy Gear, from its humble origins to its deci- 
  sive role in the War of the Alliance. 
  2. Stockyards 
  3. UMF War Museum 
  4. Cajun Pass Memorial Thisten-metertall monument, located just out- 
  side Maim's main UMFA compound, acknowl- 
  edges the bravery and sacrifice of the men who 
  stood against the WFP invasion of TN 1570 and 
  willingly called i n  fire on their own position to 
  halt the attack. It depicts three soldiers stand- 
  ing bravely, a commander flanked by an infan- 
  tryman and a tanker. 
  5. The Wasteland 
  The southwestern sector of Maim was the scene 
  of bitter fighting against the CEF and much of 
  the district remains derelict. Known as the 
  wasteland, this area of the city has become the 
  home to numerous homeless individuals. 
  I 
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  I 
  The people of Mainz are a strange hybrid of Western and Mercantile cultures. Many of the oldest families retain the clan 
  structure and naming conventions (family name first) of the city-state's early days, but more recent immigrants, particu- 
  larly since the War of Alliance, eschew the Westerner ideal i n  favor of the traditional nuclear family. The "old families" 
  dominate the city's companies and institutions, however, forming an oligarchy that has a strong influence over city-state 
  affairs. Many of these families use Equatorial Hispanic as their first language rather than traditional Anglic, and this has 
  led t o  a series of laws that dictate all public notices and official documents must be available i n  both languages. Attempts 
  to extend these provisions t o  periodicals and books have been repeatedly blocked, though many publishers voluntarily 
  produce both. 
  Occupied by the CEF during the War of Alliance, the population was given little choice but to work with the Earth forces. 
  This unfortunately led to many accusations of collaboration, both real and as a means of exacting revenge for some 
  personal slight. The presence of UMFA and Northern Guard troops prevented bloodshed on the scale seen i n  the Badlands, 
  but for almost a cycle revenge killings were commonplace. A number of trials ensued i n  the post-war years, though this 
  was limited t o  prominent individuals. Even today some groups are held i n  poor regard for their alleged activities during 
  the war and this has colored local politics. Inhabitants of Mainz are also occasionally subject t o  accusations of collabo- 
  ration when traveling, both i n  other parts of the UMF and abroad. Violence i s  not unknown i n  these cases. 
  Already a major black market center, Mainz took on increased significance during the war, particularly as a "clearing 
  center" for the Forzi Cartel's smuggling operations into and out of the CEF occupation zone. The Forzi maintain a tight grip 
  on the city's underworld, though the Granis Cartel have used the on-going Kolson-Forzi struggle t o  strengthen their 
  position i n  the city. To date the Forzi response has been minimal. but Sigurd Granis has been building contacts with the 
  local community, particularly the old families and the corporations. i n  preparation for the day the Forzi and their allies try 
  to expel the interlopers. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Mainz i s  ruled by a self-perpetuating bureaucracy, nominally open t o  all Mainz-born individuals but in practice dominated 
  by the old families. Each member of the fifty-person assembly chooses their own successor, deemed a fairer practice than 
  the vote purchasing system used elsewhere i n  the UMF. This naturally biases the system toward the old, established 
  families who have formed virtual dynasties within the city's government. The current city mayor, Kendall Shiroi, i s  only 
  the third mayor of Mainz to come from a "new" family. He was elected principally as a compromise candidate because of 
  the post-War of Alliance dispute between the Fernandez and Lawler families - 
  the Lawlers accuse the Fernandez of 
  collaborating with the CEF during the war. 
  Together with the CNCS protectorate of Red Sands, Mainz forms a cornerstone of UMFA and Northern Guard operations in 
  the southeastern portions of the UMF and the Westridge Mountains. Using the independent city-state as a staging post, 
  the Mainz garrison's reach extends along the railway lines to Ashington, including the strategic passes controlling the 
  entrance t o  the Marathon Basin. Working with the UMFA's landship fleet and the Northern Guard, the force's area of 
  responsibility includes numerous Badlands communities on the verge of the White Desert, bringing them into occasional 
  conflict with the Koreshi, better known as the Sand Riders. Deployments i n  this area have been of particular interest to 
  Northco who have used the Federation units for field-tests of their prototype white sand Gear, the Jaguar-based Sand Cat. 
  Of more concern are the rover gangs who prey on caravans headed to or from the city, particularly the vital trade links to 
  Wounded Knee and Red Sands. The security force in the region has repeatedly been cautioned about using excessive force 
  against these groups. Despite this, just before the outbreak of war, allegations surfaced in the Mainz press of an official 
  (but illegal) shoot-to-kill policy directed at rover gangs. Unfortunately, the investigation of these accusations has been 
  given a low priority and they may be conveniently forgotten i n  the chaos of the Interpolar War. 
  Ranching dominates the economy of Mainz, though less than five percent of the population work on the massive farms 
  that surround the city. Instead, the majority work i n  the packaging and processing plants o f  the First and Second 
  Rings, or else i n  the ancillary or dependent industries of the Third Ring and Outer City. Feed manufacturers and 
  veterinarians form the majority of the outer groups while leather-working, for which the city is well known, dominates 
  the dependent services. 
  Trade also plays a major role i n  the city's economy. In addition t o  exporting its own goods - 
  meat products, leathers and 
  fertilizers - 
  and importing essentials such as grain, Mainz i s  a major center for Badlands trade, particularly i n  the Great 
  White Desert, the Westridge Range and the Barrington Basin. Indeed, the city houses the second largest contingent of 
  customs officers i n  the UMF, surpassed only by Zagreb, charged with limiting the import of goods from the AST, particu- 
  larly the Mekong Dominion. I n  recent seasons these procedures have shifted from control of the quotas and legality to 
  imposing a ban on all Southern goods as part of the Federation's trade sanctions against the AST. This policy has only 
  improved the business of the Forzi and Granis Cartels. 
  Recent cycles have seen the political waters of the Westridge area - 
  regarded as part of the UMF's sphere of influence, 
  despite the Azov Treaty - 
  muddied by the creation of the NuCoal and the CNCS' intervention in the form of the Desert 
  Trade Commission. Although nominally cooperating with both parties, the Federation regards them as interfering in 
  Mercantile trade, particularly the DTC, whose actions are viewed as furthering the Norlight agenda of reducing dependency 
  on the UMF. Since the outbreak of the Interpolar War, the region has become a staging ground for Northern Guard and 
  UMFA operations against the Southern Republic. The outbreak of the "White War" between a variety of local forces around 
  the Great White Desert has only made the area even more volatile. 
  A A 
  ~ ~ ~ i R ~  
  ~a~~~~ ~ ~ ~ t h a  
  ~~~h~~ 4 
  Born in TN 1898, senior ranger Martha Bishop's first contact with the military was the CNCS' dogged defense 
  of her hometown of Mainz against the CEF in 1914. Despite her youth, she helped the defenders during the 
  four weeks of bitter street fighting, serving first as a runner and later as a loader. She was sent to an 
  orphanage when the CEF occupied the city, but escaped to roam the streets like so many children in the 
  occupied territories. After being caught stealing food, she was sentenced to the interment camps on the 
  western side of the city. When the CNCS liberated the city in TN 1917 Martha was in a pitiful state, but quickly 
  recovered, physically a t  least, under the ministrations of the Northern Guard medical corps. She was, however, 
  left with a deep and violent hatred of the CEF that she now directs against Port Arthur and other former CEF 
  communities. 
  I n  TN 1920 she joined the UMFA as a Gear pilot, sailing through basic training. Her somewhat nihilistic 
  outlook limited her prospects i n  the mainstream UMFA and she was transferred to the special forces command 
  where she was ideally suited to "black" operations. Bishop has undertaken missions across Terra Nova, ranging 
  from the high arctic to the jungles of the Mekong Dominion, but has spent the last three cycles based in her 
  home city undertaking hunter-killer missions against Badlands rovers. Her squadron has recently been sec- 
  onded to the Northern Guard and their whereabouts are unknown. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  R
  E
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  T 
  F 
  Marathon began life as the administrative headquarters for the Pheidippides Corporation's mining and petrochemical 
  operations i n  the Marathon Basin and the Downing Range. The city grew to become a major colonial administrative center, 
  famed for its idyllic setting thanks to the wide separation between i t s  industrial and residential sectors. Indeed, the 
  quality of life i n  the city was so high that few inhabitants chose to leave Terra Nova when Earth withdrew i n  TN 1454. The 
  Marathonites were soon given cause t o  rue their decision as the city came under repeated attack from wandering bands 
  and other city-states. Clashes were particularly bitter with the city-state of Salisbury, located some 1500 km t o  the south, 
  particularly between TN 1480 and 1486, though the razing of that city-state by bandits i n  TN 1525 shocked even 
  Marathon, precipitating the formation of the Lyonnesse League. 
  Located on the northern edge of the basin that bears its name, the low-rise city sprawls across the foothills of the 
  Downing Range, forming a elongated urban area. The rise to prominence of the Abaline Computing Corporation in the late 
  seventeenth century (see Northern Vehicles Compendium 1, p. 24), particularly the creation of optical neural nets 
  (ONNets), led to Marathon becoming a center of the UMF's high-technology industry, attracting support industries and 
  competitors i n  equal measure. ACC became involved with Northco i n  TN 1675, commissioned by the Rapid City industrial 
  giant to develop a system capable of controking their prototype Bipedal One-man Tank, the progenitor of modern Heavy 
  Gears. After the successful completion of the NOR project, the ONNET side of Abaline's business grew exponentially and i n  
  TN 1713 Abaline Research, the company's ONNet research and development division, bought out ACC. 
  During the Judas Syndrome, Abaline persuaded the Marathon Council to install a military sensor and weapon system 
  known as the Abaline Research Marathon Electronic Defense System (ARMEDS) i n  the city's perimeter defenses. Designed 
  t o  analyze the sensor input, filtering out natural events and alerting the human operators t o  any suspicious activity, 
  ARMEDS controls numerous weapon systems, though a series of safety locks prevent the system from taking autonomous 
  action. The success of this system against CEF saboteurs during the War of Alliance prompted Abaline to suggest the 
  creation of a city wide computer system known as the Marathon Net. The city agreed, gaining an advanced computer 
  network while Abaline gained a massive test-bed for its latest ONNets. Work began on the system i n  early TN 1918 under 
  the direction of vice-president of ONNet Training and Development, Anthony Phills, and within a cycle the system 
  controlled many aspects of life i n  the city, ranging from the telecommunication system to traffic control. Over the cycles, 
  the Marathon Net has grown far beyond the original specifications, becoming an essential and all-pervasive part of life for 
  those living i n  the city. 
  I 
  Principal Industries: 
  Computer systems, high technology 
  9, 
  Head of Government: 
  Mayor Gavnll Bonner 
  Population: 
  2 5 Million 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I 
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  I 
  1. Abaline 
  Abaline Research maintains extensive research, 
  manufacture and testing Facilities i n  the west 
  of the city. Its Computer Center is the site of 
  many top-secret projects, and the facility is 
  guarded by a sizable private security force. 
  2. ARMEDS Control 
  The Abaline Research Marathon Electronic 
  Defense System (ARMEDS) oversees military 
  security in the city. Isolated from the Marathon 
  Net, it controls numerous gun and missile tur- 
  rets throughout the city and along the perim- 
  eter wall (some 10 km out from the city center). 
  One of the UMFs Largestand most popular banks, 
  the Bank of Marathon has branch offices in every 
  Mercantile city. The value of the bank's stock 
  recently plummeted upon announcement of a 
  major fall i n  annual profits. 
  3. Bank of Marathon 
  4. PX Couriers 
  Personal express Couriers, Inc. (see Character 
  Compendium 1, pp. 62-71) are the CNCS' best 
  known courier service. with clients ranging from 
  members of the UMF government to Paxton 
  Arms. Less well known i s  that the company is 
  the Front for a major smuggling operation. 
  5. FTRI 
  The Federation Technology Research Institute 
  is one of the UMFs top universities, specializ- 
  ing i n  cutting edge research i n  materials and 
  their application, as well as computing. Abaline 
  Research hold a forty-percent stake i n  the uni- 
  versity and use it as a training facility. 
  Manx Industries is the Largest consumer elec- 
  tronics company in the UMF, manufacturing eve- 
  lything from vidphones and trideos to military 
  hardware. 
  Pheidippides Park contains numerous sports 
  facilities, including the stadium of the Abaline- 
  sponsored Marathon Spartans soccer team. The 
  open spaces of the park are also a popular 
  meeting place for the ciws youngsters. 
  6. Manx Industries 
  7. Pheidippides Park 
  THE CITY T~~~  HI^^$ FOR ITSELF 
  Project: Marathon is an attempt t o  create a city that thinks for itself, constantly adapting to the needs of its citizens and 
  maximizing the use of resources. Almost every aspect of life i n  the city comes under the control of the Net, ranging from 
  traffic control to telecommunications and the media. Evely communication device i n  the city i s  linked t o  the Net, 
  providing access t o  its vast resources but also feeding into the databases. The city database has replaced the Libraries 
  common i n  most cities, though the sheer scope of information has prompted numerous subdivisions for ease of access. 
  For example, The Marathon Education Network contains electronic copies of every textbook and reference volume pub- 
  lished i n  the UMF and is a key element i n  the recent success of FTRI. Similarly, the Marathon News Network monitors and 
  summarizes the media reports from across Terra Nova, providing an unparalleled (if somewhat overwhelming) resource for 
  those interested i n  current affairs. 
  Though the Net is all-pervasive, it i s  not always obvious. Several areas of the city are designated low profile zones, with 
  access terminals disguised as personal computers and vidphones, and with monitoring devices carefully concealed. Other 
  regions are designated high profile, dotted with public access terminals and display screens and monitored by hover 
  drones that serve as the eyes and ears of the city's police force. Furthermore, many citizens i n  the high profile zones use 
  sophisticated datagloves, eye-screens and earbugs, traditionally regarded as the province of the corporate elite. Many 
  houses in the city, whether i n  the high profile zone or not, are fitted with a computerized majordomo system that 
  monitors the demands and preferences of the occupants. It then orders groceries and other goods as required, and also 
  filters news and entertainment media to suit the inhabitants' preferences. 
  Some of the more evolved NNets, however, have begun to take action on their own initiative. For example, one NNet came 
  t o  the conclusion that most of the city's inhabitants check the sports section during their review of the news and has 
  taken to showing the sports section, irrespective of whether it was requested. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Electronic voting has become the norm i n  the city and the sophisticated system allows citizens t o  take a more active and 
  immediate role in city affairs. Each of the city's twenty districts elects a representative to the city council and sessions are 
  broadcast on trideo with time put aside where citizens can put forward points or raise questions. Though the council 
  makes all decisions regarding the city, they frequently use the Net to enact district or citywide referenda on contentious 
  issues. 
  Though he retired from active politics i n  TN 1933, former mayor Brian Chambers continues to play a major role i n  
  Marathon politics, particularly as an advocate of high technology i n  the city. Though continuing Chambers' policies, his 
  successor, Gavrill Bonner, is more concerned with the city's substantial criminal element, particularly with regard to the 
  Forzi Cartel and potential abuse of the Marathon Net. The Forzi have become particularly problematic i n  recent seasons as 
  their conflict with the Kolson Cartel has escalated. Another prominent individual i n  local politics is Andrea Leiber, founder 
  and leader of the neo-Luddite faction. The council representative of the low-profile Valley District, Leiber believes the 
  Marathon Net is too pervasive and open t o  abuse, representing a real danger to the civil liberties of the city's population. 
  Though her constituency i s  small, she has gained considerable popular support i n  the city, particularly i n  the wake of a 
  recent citywide system crash. 
  Though best known for Abaline Research and its electronic data network, Marathon's economy is surprisingly vaned. In 
  addition t o  computer and electronics giants like Abaline and Manx industries, the city i s  a major center of the Mercantile 
  petrochemicals industry. Oil extracted at Baton Rouge and Canterbury i s  shipped to the city for refinement where it i s  
  turned into a wide range of petroleum products and plastics i n  the huge refinery complexes i n  the south of the city. 
  Though considerably smaller than the Norlight refineries at Petropolis, they nonetheless play a significant role i n  the local 
  economy. Marathon also serves as the processing center for a series of iron and tin mines located i n  the Downing Range. 
  Marathon's extensive computer network makes it an ideal home for many of the UMPs information processing companies. 
  I n  addition to media-fed systems like the Marathon News Network (see Character Compendium 1, p. 55) the system 
  collects data on citizens of Marathon, contains national and regional census data, and serves as a hub for the UMPs 
  banking industry, particularly for EPOS and credit data. Many companies use this vast storehouse of information - 
  much 
  of it public and the remainder bought from private sources, including Abaline - 
  to build electronic models of behavior 
  that can be used t o  test goods and ad campaigns, and t o  tailor them t o  regional and demographic groups. Many citizens 
  are concerned about such systems being used t o  invade their privacy - and several companies exist solely to police 
  databases, expunging their clients' details where not legally required. 
  The Marathon Net's sophistication is also i t s  weakness. While the bulk of the uses of the Marathon Net do so for legitimate 
  purposes, the possibility exists for someone with sufficient knowledge of the systems to hack into the network and gain 
  access to information - 
  and more importantly net-controlled systems - and wreak havoc with many aspects of Mercan- 
  tile life. To combat this possibility - 
  made startlingly real by the Mekong Dominion's actions i n  the Second Merchant War 
  even before the creation of the Marathon Net - 
  the city is home to the UMF's Computer Warfare teams, an amalgam of 
  FIA, SOE, UMFA and corporate computer specialists. Their job is to penetrate foreign systems and t o  secure the Federa- 
  tion's networks, particularly Marathon's. 
  (Mercantile Business News, 17 Autumn, TN 1936) - 
  The citizens of Marathon were astounded last night 
  when the Marathon Computer Network, brainchild of Abaline Research, inexplicably shut down at 03:14 for 
  eleven minutes. An official Abaline announcement cites a computerized attack by agents of the Mekong 
  Dominion, which prompted the isolation of elements of the network. They claim disruption was minimal 
  thanks to the independent majordomo systems in each household which operated autonomously during the 
  short break in service, but issued a formal apology to those inconvenienced by network restrictions. This is 
  not the first time the Marathon Net has suffered a t  the hands of so-called hackers: I n  TN 1919 an unidentified 
  hacker crashed the city's traffic control system and in TN 1927 an individual calling himself DarkProphet used 
  the network to distribute blasphemous material before being caught and imprisoned. 
  As might be expected of such an august journal, the Northern Inquirer claims the crash was the result of a 
  "world-spanning conspiracy, dedicated to keeping the truth from the citizens of Terra Nova." According to 
  Kitsune Mokona, head of NI's Marathon office, "We had just begun a search on the Marathon News Network for 
  information on stoneheads, particularly the work of the renowned archaeologist Dooglas Morasin, and the 
  system had just reported fifty-nine articles meeting our criteria when the system locked up. There wasn't a 
  thing we could do, everything was locked down tight. The system wasn't down for long, and we re-entered our 
  search profile. This time MNN reported back only fifty-seven articles. The exact same profile! That's two 
  articles missing, with no trace at all. None. The timing of the crash i s  just too convenient, too improbable. We 
  want to know what the government is hiding!" 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The site of the Federation's most famous victory, the high arctic city of Pioneer is one of the oldest i n  the Federation and 
  exudes a charm found i n  few other Terranovan city-states. Founded i n  TN 792, the exact reason for the city's existence is 
  unknown, but by the tenth centuryits economy was much as it is today: winter sports and tourism. When Earth withdrew, 
  the weather and economy proved a greater threat t o  Pioneer than the forces of other city-states, and the local population 
  shrank from 400,000 t o  less than thirty thousands i n  under five cycles as people fled south t o  warmer climes. Those who 
  remained eked out a living i n  the lumber industry and i n  the city's unusual brand of agriculture, hydroponics greenhouses. 
  The city incorporated into the nascent UMF i n  TN 1571, voluntarily seeking membership i n  the wake of the Federation's 
  initial eastern expansion into the Tershaw Cooperative ALliance. Tied into the Northern economy, the city's population 
  soared, though all that was threatened by the WFP-NLC invasion of TN 1669. The battle that ensued took place i n  the 
  rough terrain some 60 km northwest of Pioneer and became a turning point i n  Terranovan military technology, being the 
  first to involve mainly military walkers - 
  actually, converted Hardhat models - 
  and directly leading to the development 
  of the Heavy Gear. 
  Nestling on the western end of the Whitetop Range and i n  the Pioneer Valley, the popular image of the city i s  of a living 
  antique, but i n  practice most of the city i s  as modern as any i n  the Federation. Only the old town with its chalets and 
  narrow cobbled streets winding up the slopes of Mount Seraphi matches the popular image of the city. The city remains 
  the top Luxury holiday destination, popular for staging numerous cold-weather sports like skiing, sledding and snowball- 
  ing while several companies organize walking and camping tours i n  the hills and plains that surround the city. 
  The city also serves as the hub of the Federation's "performance enhancement" industry. To get the most from their staff 
  and customers many corporations arrange product or performance-related promotions, ranging from 'collect X points for a 
  free Joe-Gear T-shirt' t o  encourage purchase of a particular brand of cereal, t o  all-expenses-paid holidays for a company's 
  best salespeople. Dominated by GalitzCo, such work is a multi-million mark industry, adding t o  the already popular (but 
  expensive) tourist trade. 
  The cost of living i n  Pioneer i s  the highest i n  the UMF, if not on the entire planet; most goods must be imported and food 
  i s  grown i n  special hydroponics domes. These spectacular but vulnerable structures Line the southern slopes of the town 
  t o  maximize the sunlight they receive. Tours of the domes are a major part of the "Pioneer experience" and with manv rare 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Location 
  Dasdptlon 
  1. Hydroponics Domes With annual temperatures ranging between +5 
  and -5 degrees centigrade, it is virtually impos- 
  sible t o  grow crops in Pioneer, forcing the local 
  population to rely on heated hydroponics green- 
  houses. In addition to native flora, many of 
  these domes are dedicated to Earth plants and 
  form a valuable export. 
  2. Torsen Lodge 
  This ultra-exclusive wood-built hotel, once a 
  private ski lodge, has hosted Treasurers, presi- 
  dents and other dignitaries from across Terra 
  Nova. It is above the snow line and has a su- 
  perb view across the city and its environs. The 
  lodge has its own ski runs and helipad, all of 
  which are monitored by private security. 
  The Pioneer River is a seasonal watercourse, lit- 
  tle more than a snow-filled channel i n  winter 
  but a raging torrent in spring and early summer 
  as much of the region's snow melts. 
  3. Pioneer River 
  4. Kragarin Complex 
  One of more than a dozen winter sports com- 
  plexes i n  Pioneer and its environs, Kragarin is 
  one of the most comprehensive, with facilities 
  ranging from ski- and toboggan-runs of vary- 
  ing difficulties, to outdoor ice rinks, and a snow- 
  ball park. Experienced instructors are on hand 
  to teach and offer advice. The complex also 
  maintains a number of well equipped medical 
  and rescue teams and a trauma facility. 
  5. Gull Falls 
  A picturesque waterfall during the warmer sea- 
  sons, Gull Falls are Pioneefs principal ice climb- 
  ing site in the winter. 
  6. GalitzCo 
  GalitzCo is the UMFs leading performance en- 
  hancement company, providing customer and 
  staff incentive schemes. The company has 
  branch offices in many cities across the CNCS 
  but their Pioneer headquarters is notable for 
  its energy conscious design, built largely un- 
  derground to aid heat retention. 
  \\ 
  I 
  Pioneer's economy is dominated by small companies, often family run, a noticeable divergence from the national trend. I n  
  many regards this adds to the antique feel of Pioneer: each hotel, restaurant and so forth has its own distinct atmosphere, 
  rather than being punched from a corporate mold. In the last dozen cycles, however, many of the city's younger residents 
  have attempted to break out of Pioneel's restricted prospects, heading south to Rapid City or beyond in search of 
  employment. In some regards this is offset by the influx of seasonal workers from other cities, particularly students taking 
  a sabbatical to work as waiters or chalet maids i n  exchange for the opportunity to visit the snowy city, but it has put the 
  long term prospects of several family-run companies in doubt. 
  The dominance of small business has led t o  the development of strong city-state owned educational and medical institu- 
  tions, paid for by annual fees levied on the users and, in the case of the medical facilities, subsidized by compulsory city- 
  state brokered health insurance for all visitors. 
  A sizable military force i s  stationed in Pioneer, though these units see little combat and most often serve as an adjunct 
  to the civilian emergency services, rescuing injured holiday-goers from their own foolishness, resulting a close bond 
  between the units and the people of the city. Permanently based i n  Pioneer, many members of the unit marry into local 
  families and the become part of the local community when they retire. As a result the city has the second largest 
  concentration of veterans after Baton Rouge. Furthermore, the UMFA has chosen to utilize Pioneer's isolation for its own 
  purposes and is currently constructing a launch facility for military satellites some forty kilometers east of the city. 
  Construction began in TN 1928 and is expected to be complete i n  TN 1937. 
  Space-based assets theoretically fell under the aegis of the Joint Terranovan Space Initiative after the War of the Alliance, 
  but many powers - 
  including the UMF - 
  were reluctant to release all their facilities to an international organization. 
  Since the collapse of the JTSI, the Northern Guard Space Service has taken over i n  the CNCS, but Solomon Davi is just as 
  reluctant to let his neighbors i n  on the Pioneer project. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I 
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  The early explorers of Terra Nova determined that the Zihl Salt Flats were a major source of bauxite, and thus vital t o  the 
  colonization effort. The Zihl region was dry and inhospitable, however, and thus the decision was made t o  establish a 
  colony on the southern fringe of the verdant Byerst Plain, some 120 kilometers north of the ore deposits. The first 
  colonists arrived at what would become Rapid City i n  TN 563, barely sixty cycles after the start of mass colonization. As 
  cycles became centuries the city grew, serving as a magnet for heavy industry i n  the region. Concerns over pollution 
  prompted the city authorities to enact strict anti-pollution Laws which, save for during the chaos of the Reconstruction, 
  have remained i n  effect ever since. 
  Rapid City's production facilities were much sought after i n  the chaos after Earth withdrew from Terra Nova i n  TN 1454. 
  Numerous battles were fought over control of key industrial plants, but by TN 1471 the city was unified under the control 
  of 'General' Nyklas Volsky who ordered the construction of a 35-meter tall wall around the city (now the 'old city'). Volsky 
  died leading the defense of the city i n  TN 1504 but his successor, Gabrielle Conran, was given an opportunity to end the 
  cycle of violence, and Rapid City became a founder member of the Lyonnesse League. The troubles were not over for the 
  city, and i n  TN 1550 it became the scene of the bloody clashes that brought down the Lyonnesse League and replaced it 
  with the United Mercantile Federation. 
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  Two of the major players i n  the corporate coup - Northern Metals and Concordat Systems - 
  chose to merge i n  TN 1618, 
  creating a highly efficient and diverse company with interests ranging from automobiles and military hardware t o  indus- 
  trial chemicals and electronics. Calling itself Northco (see Northern Vehicles Compendium 1, p. 28), the new company 
  quickly dominated the local political scene, i t s  approval often making the difference between success and failure. Indeed, 
  though nominally a representative democracy, Rapid City i s  little more than a corporate fief, with over half the city's 
  population employed by the massive conglomerate. 
  Rapid City - 
  and with it the local holdings of Northco - 
  was a major target of the Colonial Expeditionary Force during 
  the War of Alliance. The weapons production plants were important assets t o  the Terranovans, and their destruction was 
  high on the list of Terran objectives. Both the city itself and the factories were subject to repeated attacks by orbital 
  artillery and cruise missiles. Despite the numerous defense installations ringing the city-state and dotting the region, the 
  attacks literally flattened large sections of the city. Many died i n  the chaos, including Northco CEO Johan Baur and many 
  of the company's top designers, but the city and company quickly rebuilt after the hostilities. Despite outside interfer- 
  ence, both Rapid City and Northco have prospered over the cycles and are making efforts to maintain the status quo. 
  I 
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  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  1. Northco Complex 
  A secondary wall separates this industrial sec- 
  tor from commercial areas and yet more fortifi- 
  cations subdivide the production compound i t -  
  self. The military production compounds are the 
  most heavily defended, each with dedicated de- 
  tachments of corporate security troops, anti- 
  aircraft batteries and even Gears. 
  This massive exhibition center comprises a 
  dozen inter-linked halls that host events rang- 
  ing from book fairs and games conventions to 
  trade shows and concerts. The site is most fa- 
  mous for the Rapid City Motor Expo. 
  3. Federated Railways 
  FR is the largest and most powerful of the UMFs 
  rail corporations, dominating services across the 
  Sangar Basin and Byerst Plain to Lyonnesse. 
  Marathon, Canterbury, Zagreb and Pioneer. 
  Named for the Northco CEO killed during the 
  War of Alliance, theJohan Baur Airport is a hub 
  for intercity passenger and freight transport. It 
  also sewes as the home base for several Northco- 
  owned spaceplanes and its Applefish division. 
  The heart of Northco is the 700-meter Northco 
  tower, the tallest structure in the Federation. 
  The highest occupied floor is 92, the CEO’s of- 
  fice and apartment. Lower floors contain of- 
  fices and research labs as well as complete shop- 
  ping and leisure facilities. 
  The Northco-owned Galland School of Engineer- 
  ing is regarded as the best engineering school 
  in the UMF. Attendance is usually restricted t o  
  the children of Northco employees, but the 
  Concordat Education Trust seeks out and spon- 
  sors promising students from across the UMF. 
  2. Exhibition Center 
  4. Baur Airport 
  5. Northco lower 
  6. GSE 
  works that challenge accepted boundaries, be 
  they of style, taste or morality. This policy has 
  brought them criticism, mainly from the Church. 
  Rapid City i s  the epitome of a corporate society, almost literally run by and for a single corporation. Northco directly 
  employs almost half of the city‘s population, with a good proportion of the remainder employed directly or indirectly i n  
  supporting Northco and its personnel. As such, it is i n  Northco‘s interests to secure the well-being of the city’s population 
  and the company has established solid medical and educational systems, as well as a diverse entertainment sector. The 
  company promotes a “work hard, play hard” attitude among i t s  staff, granting them considerable leeway i n  their personal 
  lives provided they do their utmost for the company. This has fostered a high level of corporate loyalty, the population 
  recognizing that Northco invests a considerable portion of its profits i n  i t s  workers. 
  Some groups like the Northern Worker‘s Consortium have argued that Northco’s supposed generosity has blinded the 
  population t o  the company’s despotic rule. Indeed, although Northco is de-facto ruler of Rapid City, the company has run 
  into a number of problems with the local media. The company’s security force is a pervasive presence on the streets, but 
  though publicly working hand in hand with the Rapid City police, there have been a number of occasions where corporate 
  security troops have blatantly ignored the legal process i n  pursuit of company goals. Unfortunately, several of these 
  incidents have been recorded and broadcast by the local media, leading to calls for an investigation into why Northco 
  itself has not been prosecuted. 
  Northco’s best efforts have been unable to halt the growth of a large and well-organized criminal underworld. The Forzi 
  Cartel dominate operations i n  the city, ranging from drugs and prostitution to blackmail and industrial espionage. I n  
  truth, Northco’s security directorate has established a number of covert contacts with the Forzi, using them for operations 
  deemed t o  sensitive for even Northco’s elite private security force. 
  Roman Forzi, since his rise t o  the head of the cartel i n  the North, has been pursuing an agenda of making allies with 
  corporate authorities. Local boss Chrystof Donnel has done well with this technique. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Officially 
  Rapid City is a representative democracy, with councilors elected from each of the city's forty electoral districts. 
  I n  practice, Northco determines who i s  elected t o  the chamber and maintains a stranglehold on the city's finances, giving 
  the company near total control over the city's affairs. The council serves little purpose beyond rubber-stamping the 
  decisions of the Northco board. Furthermore, Northco's importance to the UMF economy as a whole, and the presence of 
  subsidiaries i n  every UMF city-state, gives the company considerable influence i n  Federal affairs. Indeed, it has often 
  been claimed, only half jokingly, that Rapid City i s  the real capital of the UMF and Lyonnesse little more than a PR 
  exercise. Even before the ascension of Defense Secretarypreasurer Solomon Davi, widely regarded as a Northco stooge, 
  Northco's voting power gave more than a little credence to this story. 
  Contrary to popular opinion, Northco is not a monolithic entity. A number of political currents flow through the company, 
  many of them opposed to CEO Natalya Korolov. Principal among these i s  Aidan Jarlson, who controls a little over fifteen 
  percent of the company's stock either directly or i n  proxy. Jarlson has tried t o  replace Korolov as CEO on several occasions 
  but the complex nature of inter-division politics and the breakdown of the company's voting blocks has stalled his efforts 
  t o  date. He remains committed t o  usurping Korolov's position and has attempted t o  suborn several members of her staff, 
  though he i s  unaware that Korolov is aware of his efforts and is using his own agents t o  feed him bad information while 
  she undermines his position. 
  Although Northco dominates Rapid City's government, there have been a number of protests over the UMFA's defensive 
  plan for the city. Drawn up i n  conjunction with Northco, it calls for the abandonment of the outer city and a concentration 
  of forces i n  the old city - 
  Northco's enclave - 
  and the destruction of sections of the outer city t o  clear defensive fire 
  zones. Mayor Petrov knows his position is dependent on Northco and has done little t o  contest the plan. 
  Heavy industry forms the core of Rapid City/Northco's business, ranging from petroleum refineries and mineral smelting 
  plants to the design and manufacture of finished goods. The largest segment of city's economy i s  the automotive sector, 
  t o  which Northco dedicated twelve whole production compounds before the Interpolar War. The last cycle has seen a 
  number of these lines retooled t o  produce military vehicles. 
  Northco's Gear production market has slowly been eroded by the rise of rival manufacturers like Shaian Mechanics and 
  Keimuri Gear i n  NLC, or Peace River-based Paxton Arms. Northco suspect this i s  at the instigation of the Norlight 
  government, part of a deliberate attempt to reduce dependency on the UMF and in particular Northco. I n  TN 1931 
  Northco entered into a 'strategic alliance' with Keimuri Gear, helping the company develop a new version of its Ferret 
  Gear intended t o  challenge arch-rival Shaian's Cheetah. Furthermore, Northco has been involved i n  a subtle - 
  and not 
  so subtle - 
  covert war with Shaian, partly using the Forzi-Kolsen Cartel war as cover. With the outbreak of war, the 
  CNCS has intervened t o  prevent further escalation of the corporate feud and ensure an unhindered supply of material 
  for the war effort. 
  The Gemeinsam Guard is Northco's primary security unit and also serve as demonstrators for the company's 
  range of Heavy Gears. Founded in TN 1621, shortly after the merger of Northern Metals and Concordat Systems, 
  the Guard originally served as bodyguards for the chairman and members of the board but gradually drifted 
  from that role. By TN 1660 they were carrying out numerous paramilitary 'black' operations for the company 
  and from there it was a short step to becoming a true military unit. 
  The Gemeinsam - literally 'Corporate' - Guard received its first Hunters on 10 Spring TN 1678, barely eight 
  days after the UMFA. Officially for demonstration purposes, the units bolstered the defenses around the Rapid 
  City factory and were likely a major factor in the WFP's decision to steal a Hunter from the UMFA rather than 
  stage an operation against Northco itself. By the St. Vincent's War, the Gemeinsam Guard resembled the 
  present organization: a small regiment of two companies and associated elements, self-contained in terms of 
  support and transport. 
  Adept at smaU unit tactics and rarely involved in larger engagements, the members of the Guard are consum- 
  mate professionals. The least experienced members of the unit form regular security detachments a t  the 
  corporation's various holdings and installations, while the majority of the companfs Gear-based black ops are 
  carried out by the veteran 'demonstration' teams. With a l l  Northco's resources a t  their disposal, they are an 
  extremely flexible unit. One operation may call for a section of Jaguars, while the next may require a more 
  deniable force-mix and use Hunters and Razorbacks. 
  Colonel Josef Gustafson, a former officer in the UMFA's Special Forces Command, commands the Guard. Widely 
  respected, he retired from the UMFA in TN 1924 and took up a freelance post with the company under the 
  official title of security advisor and consultant. By TN 1927 he headed the Guard and was a permanent 
  employee on the Northco roster. Gustafson reports to Northco security chief Rozarn, but i n  practice he answers 
  only to Korolov herself. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  In TN 692 a group of Roman Catholic nuns chose a gentle south-facing slope on the Northern Plains as the site of their 
  convent, St. Justine's, which, over the cycles that followed, became the core of a bustling market town. During the 
  reconstruction era, the town became the focus for refugees throughout the region, growing to become a regional center 
  and founder member of the Tershaw Cooperative Alliance. I n  a bid to maintain order i n  the city, the convent, famed for its 
  neutrality, seized control of the local government i n  TN 1457. The nuns rapidly instituted a radical matriarchal society as 
  a means of maintaining order - 
  males were reputedly more aggressive, greedy and emotional, making them unsuitable 
  for leadership - 
  that has proved surprisingly effective. Several Badlands based groups assumed that the female-domi- 
  nated city would be rich pickings, but were quickly disabused of that notion i n  a series of bloody clashes that secured the 
  city-state's independence. 
  Located on the rolling hills at the heart of the Northern Plains, Swanscombe is the smallest city-state in the Federa- 
  tion. It sits astride several major trade routes (legal and illegal) notably between the NlC and the UMF and between 
  the CNCS and the Karaq Waste city-states of Massada and Peace River. As a result, trade dominates the local economy. 
  The southern sectors of the city, near the massive UMFA/Northern Guard compound, are dotted with trading compa- 
  nies, ranging from one-woman outfits t o  regional hubs of massive conglomerates. Though officially owned by females, 
  i n  practice many of the female CEOs of these companies are little more than figureheads. Indeed a number of the city's 
  businesswomen specialize in providing outside companies with a legal pretext for operating i n  the city, serving as 
  legal owners of Swanscombe-based assets while receiving a notional rent (usually 1 Mark per cycle) i n  addition t o  their 
  corporate wages. 
  Despite female ownership, few women work as laborers on the massive farms that surround the city, preferring instead to 
  manage the estates. As a result the agricultural concerns have become a refuge of the male population, giving them the 
  illusion of escape from the matriarchal city-state. Wheat and johar dominate the region, though dairy farms and cattle 
  ranches have become increasingly popular since the wheat-jacket epidemics of the late TN 1890's. The produce of these 
  farms i s  processed and packed in the southeastern sectors of the city and forms Swanscombe's largest physical export. It 
  i s  frequently argued, however, that the city-state's most valuable export i s  knowledge. Places at Swanscombe University 
  are highly sought after, with courses ranging from archaeology and history t o  plasma physics and strategic studies. The 
  college i s  most famous for its business school and i t s  media studies unit. Because of the large number of non-Swanscombe 
  students, the university is one of the few places i n  the city where equality of the sexes is the norm. 
  Foundlng Date: 
  TN 692 
  I Joined UMF: 
  TN 1567 I 
  Method of Government: 
  Matriarchal Otigarchy 
  I 
  Head of Government: 
  Mother Superior Frances Hamilton 
  I 
  Population: 
  390.000 
  '"! 
  Principal Industries: 
  AgncultLre. traoe 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I 
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  light industry 
  0 I 
  1. St. Justine's 
  A massive 1Mh century cathedral dominates the 
  site, attached to which are the cloisters, the 
  nuns' accommodations and St. Bridget's 
  Jerusalemite Primary school, a free school sup- 
  ported by the convert for the city's underprin- 
  leged. The complex forms the core of the ciws 
  administrative district, housing the chambers 
  of both the Ecclesiastical Council and the secu- 
  lar council. Over the cycle since Thor Hutchison's 
  assassination, the low wall that surrounds the 
  complex has been repeatedly daubed with anti- 
  Jerusalemite slogans and shows numerous scars. 
  2. Swanscombe U 
  The campus of the most prestigious institute of 
  higher education i n  the UMF is a mixed bag of 
  architectural styles, ranging from elegant sev- 
  enteenth century buildings t o  gaudy modern 
  accommodation blocks that back onto the city's 
  military district. The universitfs educational 
  record - 
  and social life - 
  are regarded as sec- 
  ond t o  none and, despite the city's social poli- 
  cies, attract thousands of students each cycle. 
  The Eastern Mercantile Stock Exchange is a tall 
  building of glass and chrome, sharply contrast- 
  ing with the low-rise sandstone buildings that 
  dominate the city. 
  3. Stock Exchange 
  4. Central Police 
  Swanscombe's all-female police has adopted a 
  policy of community policing, building up a rap- 
  port with a particular neighborhood. Their civi- 
  lized and caring veneer hides a core of steel, 
  however, and they are willing to use deadly force 
  - 
  as several male rebels have discovered. 
  Though a relatively small concern, Leigh Portman 
  has built an enviable reputation, though her 
  competitors have questioned the legality of the 
  operation, especially her two caravan escorts 
  army-surplus Hunters. Portman is i n  fact 
  employed as a local agent by Vanessa Fori-Polo 
  and Dayvid Bogdanov. agents ofthe Fom Cartel. 
  5. Portman Trading 
  Only females can own property or hold public office i n  Swanscombe, giving them a stranglehold on political power. 
  Each family is headed by the family's senior female, known i n  the city as the Housemistress. Whatever her age, the 
  males of the family are expected to obey the Housemistress and it is not uncommon for a young girl to inherit the title 
  on the death of her mother and to dominate males three or four times her age. Over the cycles this has become an 
  accepted part of the city's culture, though there are occasional revolts by dissatisfied males. More problematic is the 
  situation of male visitors to the city, who are expected to "know their place" and who find the city's culture offensive. 
  Indeed, to smooth relations with the city authorities, the local UMFA and Northern Guard military commanders are 
  traditionally female and great care is taken to avoid offending the populace (e.9. males visibly ordering female soldiers 
  around). Neither military wishes to repeat the debacle of the city's one male commander, Brigadier Daryn Judd, who 
  found himself repeatedly snubbed by the city authorities and the population during his short tenure i n  TN 1784, 
  effectively paralyzing the CNCS military in the region. 
  The city's discriminatory policies have brought it into conflict with the UMF government on a number of occasions, but 
  the right of the city t o  maintain its unique social structure was central to the diplomatic negotiations that prompted 
  the city-state to ally with the U M F  i n  TN 1567. The problems between the city and the UMF are minor, however, 
  compared to those with their neighbors i n  the staunchly revisionist NLC. The government in Valeria, and the Revision- 
  i s t  church i n  Sorrento, find the concept of a 'minority' religion holding power over a population dominated by Revi- 
  sionists repugnant (see 3.3.3 The Swanscornbe Jerusalernite Church, p. 25). There have been repeated claims of reli- 
  gious persecution by some groups i n  the city, but it seems likely that these claims stem from gender rather than 
  religious disputes. This has not, however, prevented Revisionist sympathizers from agitating against the Jerusalemite 
  government, prompting major unrest i n  the city. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Zagreb was founded i n  TN 1017 by a group of winners of the Terranovan Lottery, a Terran Concordat initiative to broaden 
  the population base of the colony, moving away from the corporate employees that had hitherto dominated the world. 
  Provided with housing materials and seed stocks by the authorities, the lottery winners established an agricultural 
  commune whose simple lifestyle proved attractive to many potential colonists, resulting i n  the establishment of the city 
  of Zagreb. Under the leadership of its three-man executive the city prospered, building up a reputation for self-sufficiency 
  and cooperation that would later stand them i n  good stead during the reconstruction. 
  However, i n  the chaos of the cycles that followed Earth’s withdrawal, Zagreb’s policy of deciding all major issues through 
  communal gatherings and voting proved cumbersome. On the urging of council head Gyorge Chekov, the system was 
  discarded in favor of a specially trained aesthetic ruling class, whose sole responsibility was the governance of the city. 
  Many of the city’s socialist institutions -the 
  strong public health system, communal farm work and so forth - 
  remained 
  intact, and other institutions grew i n  importance, particularly education which became the central tenet of the Censor‘s 
  doctrinal control over the city-state. 
  Even this failed t o  prevent the domination of the city-state by the United Mercantile Federation, membership of which the 
  Censors were forced to accept or else see the city i n  financial ruin - 
  the city had been devastated by an earthquake i n  
  TN 1610 and faced bankruptcy. Provisions of the UMF Charter allowed Zagreb t o  maintain its culture and political system, 
  save for the appointment of a head of state, the Chief Censor (hitherto the censors had all been equals) and the liberali- 
  zation of some economic policies to allow Mercantile interests t o  operate i n  the city. It quickly became apparent to the 
  Caucus that though Zagreb had sacrificed some of its principals i n  order to survive, its population remained staunchly 
  socialist and thus at odds with the core tenets of Mercantile society. Indeed, when several UMF agencies attempted to 
  intervene t o  halt the abuses in the city’s reeducation camps, they found themselves hamstrung by the charter provisions. 
  Zagreb’s relationship with the UMF, and indeed the CNCS, has never been good, strained particularly by Zagreb’s member- 
  ship of the Socialist Economic Pact, a mini-league co-founded with much-despised Timmins and several Badlands commu- 
  nities, but recent cycles have seen it take a notable downturn. The rise of the communist secessionist faction known as 
  the Rodinists since the War of Alliance has made the city a dangerous place for corporate Mercantilists. Both companies 
  and individuals have become the targets for a wide range of activities, ranging from dirty tricks like hoax calls to the fire 
  brigade or guardians, to arson and, i n  the case of UMFA personnel, assassination attempts. 
  FOURding D 8 k  
  TN 1017 
  1 Joined UMF: 
  TN 1611 I 
  . . .”.. 
  Method of Govdmmcnt: 
  Self-perpetuating Bureaucracy 
  Herd of Government: 
  Chief Censor Johan DLva., 
  Population: 
  530.000 
  1 Principal Industries: 
  Agriculture 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  1 
  Description 
  Location 
  1. People's Market 
  A complex of low buildings rather than a single 
  edifice, Zagreb's People's Market serves as the 
  center for the city's economic activity, where 
  the population purchase goods and collect their 
  weekly food rations. 
  This lake-side camp is one of more than two- 
  dozen intended to teach 'deviants' the error of 
  their ways. Its idyllic setting and modern build- 
  ings rest i n  stark contrast to its purpose, and 
  UMF's human rights investigations are frequent. 
  2. Camp 17 
  3. Customs House 
  The Zagreb customs house is the largest in the 
  UMF, charged with restricting the flow of 
  Timmins' knock-off goods into the UMF and 
  CNCS. Despite their numbers, the customs staff 
  are hard pressed t o  examine even half of the 
  merchant caravans that pass through the city. 
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  4. Camp 4 
  Conditions i n  Zagreb's main criminal work camp 
  are harsh. Its rough concrete walls and corru- 
  gated iron roof house almost a thousand work- 
  ers, most of whom are assigned to quarries i n  
  the foothills of the Pacifica Range. Despite i t s  
  reputation among the locals, the camp's nomi- 
  nal status as a criminal penitentiary serves t o  
  deflect official 
  criticism of the conditions. 
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  5. Caravansary 
  The Caravansary is the focus for traders head- 
  ing into the Badlands. where they trade goods, 
  hire guards and store their merchandise. De- 
  spite its location within the walled city, the 
  building is shunned by many in the native popu- 
  lation, regarded as a necessary capitalist evil. 
  ~ 
  6. UMFA Compound 
  The city's military redoubt, constructed during 
  the St. Vincent's War, has come under a virtual 
  siege since the rise of the Rodinists. Only within 
  its walls are UMFA and Northern Guard troops 
  safe from sniper attacks and attempted 
  bombings, though the compound itself has been 
  the target of numerous sabotage attempts. 
  Always dominated by socialist policies, Zagreb enacted a number of harsh laws during the reconstruction, establishing a 
  rigid cultural and political orthodoxy loosely based on the principals of Plato's Republic, namely autocratic rule by a self- 
  perpetuating elite whose sole duty was rational decision making and the education of the population. The dictates of the 
  ruling class, known as the Censors, are enforced by Guardians (more akin t o  the AST's political commissars than the 
  Humanist Alliance's preceptors and who are widely regarded i n  the UMF as 'thought police') and the city's re-education 
  and labor camps. Every major work group, corporation or society is assigned a Guardian t o  monitor its activities, though 
  the city-state i s  renowned for i t s  lack of trust and often assigns additional covert agents to monitor the Guardians. 
  The standard of living i n  Zagreb i s  lower than i n  the UMF as a whole but the city's extensive social service and education 
  provisions have effectively eliminated the underclass that exists elsewhere i n  the league. Luxury goods are scarce but 
  every citizen i s  guaranteed food and shelter, though the "rational communism" practiced i n  the city rewards those who 
  work hard and show dedication t o  their duties. Such rewards usually take the form of better housing (most accommoda- 
  tion i n  the city is state-owned) or increased food allocations. Indeed, public displays of wealth are considered inappro- 
  priate and if brought t o  the attention of a Guardian or Censor will Likely result i n  a spell i n  an education camp. 
  Alcohol is readily available, particularly a cheap local johar-based whisky, and bars form a central part of life i n  the city. 
  Alcoholism is common, though both the Guardians and the local police punish intoxication at work and drink related 
  crimes severely. The distinctions between crime and deviation from established doctrine i s  somewhat blurred, and the 
  traditional punishment for both is sentencing to one of the camps that surround the city. While criminals are sentenced 
  t o  hard labor, deviants - 
  those who fail t o  comply with accepted moral and political standards - undertake relatively 
  light duties and attend doctrinal classes. On the surface they appear to have the easier time, but unlike criminals who are 
  fully reintegrated into society after their time i n  the camps, attendance at a reeducation camp remains a matter of public 
  record for ten cycles, coloring their relationship with other citizens. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The Censors form a distinct group within an otherwise egalitarian society, taken from their families at a young age and 
  raised by the city with its own interests at heart. Notable for their white robes and staff of office, they forswear the 
  ownership of property and power, giving their all to the city and relying on the city t o  support them. Unlike the monarchy 
  of Ashington, the post of Censor i s  not a hereditary position and any child who shows sufficient aptitude may be inducted 
  into the caste, regarded as a great honor for the family. Intelligence is a key requisite for becoming a Censor, but physical 
  and artistic abilities also play a part; the Censors are, quite literally, the judge of public morality and tastes and must be 
  able to make reasoned decisions on a wide range of subjects. 
  While most Censors serve as administrators, fifteen senior censors form the politburo that governs the city. The admission 
  of new members to the council is determined by the existing sitters, who also elect one of their number as Chief Censor 
  for a five-cycle period. The Chief Censor serves as chairman for the politburo sessions and also as head of state, but as 
  'first among equals' the post's powers are strictly limited. Although the Censors nominally work i n  harmony for the good 
  of the city-state, their much-vaunted neutrality is often little more than a polite fiction. Power struggles i n  the politburo 
  are no less bitter than in councils throughout the UMF, each Censor holding their own views on an issue, though their 
  aesthetic lifestyle minimizes corruption. 
  The rise of the Rodinist faction (see 3.3.2 The Rodinists, p. 24) has provoked considerable tensions within the city. On 
  one hand the Rodinists' agenda, breaking away from the UMF, is broadly i n  line with the politburo's long term goals, 
  prompting tacit support from a number of the council. However, their methods are considered dangerous and disrup- 
  tive, running contrary to established policy. Indeed, the movement may have been counterproductive, combining with 
  the Interpolar War t o  give the UMF and CNCS a long sought after excuse t o  flood the city-state with troops and 
  intelligence agents. 
  Situated on the rolling plains between the Downing and Pacifica mountain ranges, Zagreb has an agrarian economy 
  operating on the cooperative model. AN citizens are expected to work on the massive grain farms, making their own 
  contribution to the society, helping the city feed itself as well as ensuring sufficient surplus for export, bringing hard 
  currency into the local economy. The city's membership in the Social Economic Pact provides a ready market for the city's 
  exports without having t o  trade on the Federation's cutthroat markets. Many farm workers also hold down jobs i n  local 
  industry and also form a local militia. Grossly inferior t o  the UMFA, the fanaticism of the Zagreb Levy goes some way 
  towards offsetting the Federation's military stranglehold on the city. Relatively poor security, however, allows the Rodinists 
  to equip themselves from Levy armories, exacerbating the tension between the city and the UMF. The terrorist attacks 
  have restricted UMFA operations - 
  most often the troops remain in the relative security of their redoubt - placing the 
  Chief Censor i n  a difficult position. 
  Despite their poor welcome by the locals, a number of Mercantile concerns maintain offices in the city. Most are trading 
  concerns, exploiting the city's trade links with the SEP and Badlands communities. Zagreb is the principal import route for 
  Timmins' low quality goods and also serves as a major center of smuggling activity. Both the Forzi and Granis Cartels 
  maintain agents in the city, despite the formidable UMF and CNCS presence. 
  (Rapid C i t y  Guardian, 7 Summer TN 1610) - Seismologists in Canterbury yesterday reported a massive 
  earthquake centered on the Mount Lowen massif in the Pacifica Range. Shocks from the quake, which regis- 
  tered 7.3 on the Richter scale, were felt as far away as Marathon and Swanscombe, though damage was 
  restricted to the immediate area. The independent city-state of Zagreb is reported to have been devastated by 
  the quake, with many buildings destroyed and thousands believed dead. The city's consuls have declared a 
  state of emergency but have so far refrained from seeking outside help. The extent of the damage to the 
  region's farming communities is currently unknown, but satellite imagery shows numerous landslides and 
  considerable ground fissuring, suggesting widespread devastation. While the region suffers hundreds of minor 
  earthquakes every cycle, most only register on seismographic equipment. Incidents of this magnitude are rare, 
  and this i s  the most severe since records began in the 11th century. Most quakes in the region are associated 
  with volcanic activity, and this incident i s  believed to herald a new active phase for Mount Lowen. 
  (Rapid C i t y  Guardian, 17 WinterTN 1611) - Struggling to cope with the aftermath of last summer's 
  devastating earthquake and the ensuing eruption of Mount Lowen, the city-state of Zagreb has accepted 
  membership in the United Mercantile Federation. UMF officials have visited several times in the past to 
  offer such an agreement, but had always been turned down - up to now. The devastation wrought by the 
  disaster has left no choice but to consider their offer more seriously, though negotiations have been 
  rumored to be extremely difficult and complex. Mercantile grants are expected to play a major role in the 
  reconstruction of the city, though the ruling Censors are adamant that they will not allow the UMF to 
  eradicate the city's socialist culture. The city's new status will be finalized i n  a short ceremony that will 
  take place later i n  the week. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Sensation returned gradually, and for a moment Andre wished it hadn't. He was lying face down, his face crushed 
  against the hard, cold floor and his hands and feet tightly bound behind him. His face and ribs were sore and he 
  could taste blood, no surprise given the pounding the thugs had given him, but at least he was alive. For how much 
  longer. though? he wondered. 
  Opening his eyes was a painful process. The right did so grudgingly, but the left was swollen shut. It was dark, 
  though enough light spilled from cracks around the wooden trapdoor in the ceiling t o  illuminate the room. Wrig- 
  gling like a snake he was able t o  turn and survey his surroundings, but the pain was considerable and he almost 
  blacked out again. From the rough construction and pervasive damp he seemed t o  be in a cellar, most likely i n  one 
  of the lakeside warehouses. Assuming, of course, he was still i n  Lyonnesse; knowing who he was involved with, 
  that was a big assumption. 
  There was a constant crashing of machinery, but he slowly became aware of another sound, voices i n  the building 
  above. There were several sets, seemingly locked in a heated debate. How to killme, he thought. They continued for 
  a minute or two, and then were replaced by footsteps, drawing steadily closer. The screeching of hinges signaled 
  the trapdoor being dragged open and the sudden flood of light forced Andre t o  squint. A dapper and easily 
  recognizable young man came down the rough steps, flanked by two equally well-dressed gorillas. The young man 
  carried a canvas bag, which clunked as he set it down. 
  "Enjoy your nap, Mister Croft?" 
  "Screw you, Forzi." Andre coughed, spitting blood on the rough floor. 
  "Really, Mister Croft. You know sweet Tessa has that privilege. After all, you went t o  so much effort t o  get that 
  picture." As soon as the toughs had set on him in his apartment, Andre had guessed what this was about. He'd 
  spend days camping out at the Isolde Spa on a tip-off that he would get evidence o f  high level links between the 
  Forzi Cartel and the Lyonnesse city administration. He'd gotten slightly more than he bargained for when the City 
  Administrator herself, Tessa Niedlich-Lywin, had walked i n  hand i n  hand with Roman Forzi's son. He'd been so 
  shocked that he managed t o  get only one shot, and that rather grainy. It had been printed in a number of scandal 
  sheets, prompting rumors t o  run riot through the city for the last week. A better picture and I would've been rich 
  beyond my wildest dreams, he thought ruefully. 
  "Marco, release Mister CroKs hands. I'm sure he's uncomfortable like that." The gorilla on the right drew a long- 
  bladed knife and after unceremoniously pushing Andre on his face, cut through the plasticuffs with an easy 
  motion. Pins and needles shot up Andre's arms as the circulation returned. 
  "Get it over with, Forzi. Just shoot me or whatever you want t o  do." 
  "Shoot you? I don't think so, though my associates here were staunch advocates of that course. No, we're not 
  barbarians after all." F o m  lifted a hammer from the bag he'd brought downstairs and handed it t o  the nearest 
  thug. "Tell me Mister Croft, how easy is it t o  operate a camera with no fingers?" 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  It would be easy to classify Mercantile citizens as greedy, but while that certainly describes their most well-known 
  character trait, it does little justice to this complex and pragmatic society. The UMF's willingness to allow member city- 
  states to retain their own cultures and governments results i n  the "typical Mercantilist," a hard nosed corporate executive 
  willing to do anything to turn a profit, being little more than a caricature. Such individuals do exist, but they are in the 
  minority. Instead, local traditions such as the Jerusalemite Matriarchy of Swanscombe, the nobility of Ashington and the 
  socialism of Zagreb provide the defining characteristics of the population. 
  The drive t o  succeed appears as a constant factor i n  the UMF, applying equally t o  corporate, socialist and noble alike. 
  The principal of "there's no such thing as a free lunch" also dominates Mercantile thinking, prompting a selfish 
  attitude that colors the relationships between individuals and groups. Everything i n  society has t o  be earned and few 
  Mercantilists will willingly help others. The giving of gifts, however, pervades both corporate and private life in the 
  Federation. To outsiders it appears as endemic corruption - for a business deal t o  even be considered, a substantial 
  gift must change hands - but such gifts are intended to ease deals and personal interactions. Depending on the 
  circumstance they can be a thank you or request for attention. Despite this, charitable concerns i n  the Federation find 
  fundraising difficult, and when individuals or corporations make donations it is usually associated with a high-profile 
  public relations exercise. 
  Mercantilists believe wholeheartedly that the ends justify the means and will willingly push the accepted social and legal 
  boundaries, resulting i n  a very flexible system of morality. This attitude i s  particularly prevalent i n  corporate bodies but 
  appears equally applicable to farmers and artists. Lying, cheating and theft are accepted practices, provided one central 
  tenet i s  followed: do not get caught. In the media-conscious UMF, image is important to most citizens, and blackmail 
  (known as kornprornot) is an accepted part of UMF culture. Citizens and corporations alike are constantly alert for 
  information they can use as leverage against their rivals, or to offset leverage applied against them. 
  . 
  : . . . 
  The Mercantile sense of honor, strong albeit rather twisted, prevents the excesses of the drive t o  succeed from having too 
  great an impact on the Federation as a whole. Each Mercantilist citizen, while seeking t o  advance their own position 
  within their social circle and work group, i s  also seeking to advance that group within the overall framework of society. 
  Thus while a corporate citizen may scheme to usurp the place of his immediate boss, he also seeks t o  advance his team 
  or department within the company. The same applies to companies, who constantly jockey for position but work together 
  through the Corporate Council t o  further the aims of the Federation at large. Balancing personal and group status is a 
  difficult proposition, and many break under the strain. 
  The desire for success and self-advancement forms the core of the Mercantile work ethic. Corporate employees work long 
  hours, often up t o  18 hours a day, as much to demonstrate their commitment t o  the job and their value t o  the company 
  as for the pay. Those who do not work long beyond their contracted hours, usually unpaid, are viewed with suspicion and 
  usually find themselves limited t o  minor positions or even out of a job. Such conditions result i n  a high level of job- 
  related stress, with mental breakdowns and heart disease commonplace. 
  : . . 
  . . 
  . 
  . . 
  b The 
  ~~~~~~~~ 
  l ~ ~ ~ j f ~ ~  
  Although headquartered in Valeria, the Northern Inquirer maintains branch offices in Canterbury, Marathon 
  and Lyonnesse and produces local Mercantile editions. They specialize in lurid stones about the rich and 
  famous, and pay handsomely for compromising video footage and stories, but also serve as a forum for 
  conspiracy theories and fringe groups. Recent stories range from the bizarre - "Trideo star ate my grassrunner" 
  - t o  the ridiculous - "Secrets of stonehead power cult." They have been sued repeatedly by personalities 
  across the CNCS and AST, but retain a top-notch defense team who usually manage persuade the plaintiff t o  
  settle out of court. I n  addition to the weekly tndeo show, broadcast on local networks and the Hermes 72 
  system, the Inquirer publishes a print edition. As well as providing more detail on stones from the show, NI 
  Hardcopy contains many ston'es deemed too lurid or extreme for the family-onented broadcast version. 
  I 
  Kompromat - the prachce of gathering and utilizing compromising matenal - is almost an art form in the 
  Federation. At the simplest level, knowledge of an opponent (or potential opponent) gives a valuable insight 
  into their psyche, allowing a reasonable prediction of their actions. In corporate circles such knowledge is 
  invaluable, often making the difference between profit and loss on a venture. Given the impact of simply 
  knowing the actions of an opponent, the ability to manipulate that person (or organization) is almost priceless. 
  Most corporations thus have whole departments investigating the background of almost everyone and every 
  thing, looking for items that can be used as Leverage. The media-conscious Federation actively encourages the 
  practice, with numerous scandal sheets reporting the latest gossip. Of course, the material gathered by the 
  corporations is not squandered away. Instead it is used to wring concessions from other departments or corpo- 
  rations, or as counter-leverage to offset kompromat applied against them. Many indiwduals seek 'the goods' on 
  their colleagues, knomng that in order to climb the promotion ladder someone needs to be knocked off it. 
  I 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I 
  Mercantile customs are diverse, a product of a cosmopolitan society and willingness t o  borrow the facets of other societies 
  that have proved financially successful. Many customs and traditions are limited to specific geographical areas, institu- 
  tions or elements of society, but still have a considerable impact on Mercantile life and how it i s  perceived by outsiders. 
  Mercantilists are seen as slaves of rampant capitalism, enthralled by profit and the power of the corporations. While this 
  i s  certainly true of many facets of UMF society, it is a sweeping generalization, and any who take it at face value should 
  be prepared for the consequences. 
  Mercantilists are strong believers i n  the family, usually having three or four children, but their work ethic, particularly i n  
  the city-states, places considerable strain on family life. Adult Mercantilists work long hours t o  demonstrate their com- 
  mitment to their job, and with provisions for maternity leave minimal (though this vanes from company to company and 
  individual circumstances), most children are raised i n  crPches from a very young age. These corporate-sponsored institu- 
  tions serve as surrogate families, weakening the biological bonds and replacing them with loyalty t o  the corporate family. 
  Rural families stand in stark contrast to their urban equivalents, often numbering as many as eight children and maintain- 
  ing strong parent-child relationships. Many such families never live far apart, marrying within the community and forming 
  close-knit extended families akin to the Clans of the WFP. 
  All Mercantile parents make particular effort t o  be with their offspring during holidays, with visits to friends and relatives 
  particularly important. Among Mercantile Revisionists the practice of creating Bond Twins remains strong, usually be- 
  tween members of a corporate crPche. The bond-twins play together and provide each other with companionship, often 
  becoming closer than biological siblings, and marriages between bond-twins are not uncommon. 
  The status of marriage i n  the UMF is unusual. Like much i n  Mercantile society, it is regarded as a business transaction. UMF 
  law calls for a contract t o  be drawn up between the two parties prior t o  their marriage, stipulating any restrictions on 
  their activities, ownership of property and conditions under which the contract can be dissolved. Failure to comply with 
  the contract's provisions can be construed as grounds for divorce or a legal case, though few Mercantile couples take the 
  procedure that far. Indeed, strict adherents t o  the Revisionist and Swanscombe Jerusalemite faiths, both of which 
  condemn divorce, often stipulate "none" as a condition under which the marriage contract may be terminated. 
  Mercantile society is the most diverse i n  the CNCS, but this variety among the population has allowed prejudice to take 
  root. At the most basic level, Mercantile society is generally prejudiced against the poor. There are no social security 
  provisions for individuals not belonging t o  a corporation, resulting i n  a considerable underclass i n  many Mercantile cities. 
  These individuals are forced t o  work for many of the Federation's less reputable groups and often find themselves drawn 
  into crime syndicates. Any attempt to escape this life and gain useful employment is halted by prejudice: corporate 
  culture regards these disenfranchised citizens as lazy and unemployable, thus perpetuating the cycle. Furthermore, Mer- 
  cantilists regard wealth as an indication of status t o  be flaunted as much as possible. Expensive houses, the latest 
  designer fashions, and hosting lavish parties form the key elements of creating an image of conspicuous wealth, though 
  conspicuous ownership of major stockholdings is perhaps the most important element. Those unwilling or unable t o  
  partake i n  the public display of wealth are perforce regarded as of lower status. The major exception t o  this is Zagreb, 
  where any conspicuous display of wealth is frowned upon and regarded as bourgeois. 
  With little empirical contribution to society, religious bodies have been widely scorned, even among their adherents. This 
  has led t o  both the Revisionist and Jerusalemite churches, and by extension the governments of the city-state of 
  Swanscombe and the NLC, being held i n  poor regard. The upsurge i n  Revisionism i n  the UMF has prompted a re-appraisal 
  of this stance among many individuals, but for every Mercantilist who now accepts the role of religion i n  society, another 
  decries the role of fanaticism. 
  Swanscombe is also notable for i t s  strict matriarchal society. Only females are allowed t o  hold positions of authority, own 
  property or vote i n  elections (though a male may serve as a proxy). The UMF constitution strictly forbids the federal 
  government from acting t o  promote sexual equality in the city-state, but this has not prevented the city's male popula- 
  tion from staging occasional uprisings against the female government and police force, the last of which was i n  TN 1883. 
  To a lesser extent, the monarchy of Ashington and the nobility that surround it embrace another form of regional 
  prejudice. Only nobles are allowed to hold senior posts i n  the city-state's government, and by local law, any company 
  headquartered there must have at least one noble on the board of directors. The personal freedoms of modern Ashington 
  commoners, however, are a far cry from the serf status they had prior to the city-state joining the UMF. The Prince quickly 
  found that with his people virtual slaves, other Mercantile concerns were loath t o  invest Locally. The Emancipation 
  Proclamations of TN 1624 granted the commoners their freedom and formed the Privy Council that advises the Prince. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Though religion plays only a minor role in UMF politics, the Federation has the most diverse religious base of any Northern 
  league. Revisionism dominates, but the Federation's acceptance of differing cultures has allowed many religious groups to 
  gain a foothold. This does not s i t  well with the church in Sorrento who feel the UMF should follow the lead of the NLC and 
  name Sorrento Revisionism the state religion. The Caucus has made it clear it has no intention of doing so, citing the 
  constitutional rights of differing city-states and enclaves t o  retain the social organization they enjoyed when incorpo- 
  rated into the UMF. 
  The Sorrento sect of Revisionism is the largest religion in the UMF and has seen a considerable rise i n  its number of 
  adherents over the last few cycles. The more pacifistic Massadan form of the religion, however, continues to exert 
  considerable influence i n  the communities of the Badlands fringe and around Zagreb. Both groups believe in the existence 
  of a benevolent universal force, known as the Gentle Spirit, which enlightened Mamoud Khodaverdi; but whereas the 
  Massadan variant of the faith i s  pacifistic, the Sorrento Church regards intervention i n  injustice or disharmony as essen- 
  tial. Furthermore, while Massadan Revisionism regards personal experience and decisions as central to the faith, Sorrento 
  Revisionism emphasizes doctrinal orthodoxy over individual interpretations. Many Mercantile Revisionists allowed their 
  faith to lapse, paying lip senn'ce to Revisionist holidays but rarely praying or attending services. Only the most devout 
  Mercantile Revisionists have constructed shrines i n  their homes or undertake pilgrimages to Massada or Sorrento. The 
  assassination of Second Follower Thor Hutchison, however, has prompted many token Revisionists to attend services and 
  to acquire the religious icons needed t o  create a shrine. The Revisionist group formed by Hutchison known as the 
  Prophet's Shield (see Northern Lights Confederacy Leaguebook, p. 27) has seen its influence rise since the death of its 
  leader. Despite recruiting the Economic Development Secretary, Nanase Sumeragi, to their cause, the Shield is not strong 
  enough to make a significant impact on Mercantile politics. About 12 million Mercantilists adhere to the tenets of 
  Sorrento Revisionism, while a further 2.3 million are Massadan Revisionists. 
  lERUSR1EWISM 
  The alliance of faiths known as Jerusalemism has many adherents in the UMF, with the variant originating in the city- 
  state of Swanscombe (a reformed Roman Catholicism), the most prevalent with almost 1.4 million adherents i n  the 
  Federation. Clearwater Jerusalemism, a Norlight version of the faith centered on Muhammadian and Fatmian traditions 
  (see Northern Lights Confederacy Leaguebook, p. 91), has made inroads in Lyonnesse and Baton Rouge. Both tradi- 
  tions recognize Erzah Ibn-Muhammad as a saint, but some Clearwater imams (religious teachers) ascribe additional 
  attributes to Ibn-Muhammad, namely those of the Mahdi, a spiritual and temporal leader who will restore religion and 
  justice before the end of the world. With the rise of Revisionist Fundamentalism i n  the NLC, many Clearwater Jerusalemites 
  have relocated to the more tolerant UMF and since the death of Thor Hutchison and the religious persecution that 
  followed, particutarty attacks on the communes, the trickle of Jerusalemites has become a torrent. There are now believed 
  to be in excess of 400,000 Clearwater Jerusalemites in the UMF. 
  With around 150,000 adherents, Buddhism is the UMF's third largest religion. Unlike the militarized Buddhism of the 
  Southern Republic, Mercantile Buddhists follow the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and believe that only through kindness 
  and compassion will they achieve enlightenment. Part of their beliefs i s  that all life is sacred and worthy of protection and 
  they find all war abhorrent. The Mercantile Buddhists believe it is their duty to object to the current Interpolar War; led 
  by Abbot Yeshe Howe, the Buddhist community has staged a number of peaceful protests in Baton Rouge. Their refusal to 
  ship grain from their farms to the UMFA or Northern Guard has prompted considerable debate in the UMF Caucus. 
  The Blue Crescent (see Into the Badlands, pp. 66-67) has gained limited support i n  along the fringe of the Badlands and 
  among the mercantilist youth. Although espousing a pacifist philosophy, its communist principals do not rest well with 
  older Mercantile citizens. These principals - 
  combined with the high profile shaved head and trademark tattoo - make 
  the order ideal for young Mercantilists seeking to rebel against the establishment. Of the estimated 50,000 Blue Crescent 
  members in the UMF, less than half are believed to be committed t o  the group's ideology. 
  Formed in TN 1876 by Carlton Galliard, a citizen of Pioneer, the Children of the New Dawn are currently the subject of a 
  major FIA investigation. Like the Mekong Rotud movement (see Mekong Dominion Leaguebook, p. 71) Galliard claimed 
  to have discovered the origins of the Terranovan stoneheads. Unlike the Rotuds, Galliard was willing to share his revela- 
  tions - 
  for a small fee. An FIA investigation at the time widely suspected that the cult was little more than a means of 
  conning money out of gullible citizens. Federal attempts t o  close the cult down were blocked by Galliard's lawyers using 
  the UMFs cultural preservation laws, claiming the groups membership of almost five thousand (now approaching 30,000 
  across the CNCS) and regular ceremonies qualified it as a religious organization. However, the disappearance of several 
  cultists while on CotND 'expeditions' have prompted the FIA to reopen the case. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The judicial system i n  the UMF revolves around three sets of laws: civilian (criminal and civil), corporate and military. 
  Civilian law i s  i n  fact a collection of laws, some operating on the federal level, while others apply only within city-states. 
  The constitutional guarantees to city-states that allow them t o  maintain their own system of government prevents a full 
  integration of civilian law i n  the UMF, though the Judicial Secretariat has campaigned tirelessly t o  harmonize laws across 
  the league. Corporate law is a homogenous and well thought-out body of laws, written t o  provide controls on trade within 
  the UMF. It is principally concerned with crimes against property -theft, 
  plagiarism and so forth; it also governs matters 
  such as insider dealing, fraud and bankruptcy, as well as providing a framework for financial regulation. Enforcement of 
  corporate law i s  carried out by the FIA, though many corporations enact a form of self-policing. Military law is principally 
  concerned with the maintenance of order, but also includes provisions for treason and espionage. I n  peacetime, civilian 
  and corporate law work side by side, taking precedence over military law. I n  times of war the roles are reversed: non- 
  military trials require the approval of the FDC and cases not resolved at the time may s t i l l  be revised after the hostilities. 
  A l l  cases are tried by a panel of three advocates (or i n  the case of military trials, three officers of whom at least one must 
  be a colonel or higher rank), who listen to arguments and evidence for and against the case. Witnesses may be cross 
  examined by councils for both the defense and prosecution, and the three advocates may take an active role i n  proceed- 
  ings, asking questions of their own. To limit costs, the timetable for the proceedings is agreed upon beforehand by the 
  defense and prosecution. When all evidence has been heard, the panel will come t o  one of three conclusions: guilty of the 
  charge, innocent of the charge, or a referral to a higher authority (the Caucus, the Corporate Council or the FDC). To 
  prevent frivolous corporate or civil cases, the loser must pay the winner's costs. If they do not do so, the court may 
  declare them bankrupt (itself a corporate offense) and seize assets sufficient t o  meet the costs. 
  The UMF divides offenses into three groups; minor, major and capital. Minor offenses are little more than misdemeanors 
  and are punished by fines or community service, though i n  extreme cases a prison sentence may be imposed. Major 
  offenses are more serious, with the range of punishments increased to reflect this. Capital offenses are the most serious 
  crimes, usually against the state. Those convicted of capital crimes i n  absentia may receive the "death mark." This 
  signifies a suspended sentence of execution, and 'recipients'are often the target of covert operations by the SOE or UMFA. 
  Furthermore, the UMF posts a substantial bounty for the death of each target, often i n  excess of 500,000 marks. This i s  
  intended to encourage the recipient's allies to turn on them. 
  Assault 
  Fine (500 marks) 
  Assault with intent t o  kill 
  Imprisonment (2-5 cycles) 
  Community service (150 hours) I 
  Life imprisonment I 
  I Child Abuse 
  I Drivinu while intoxicated 
  Imprisonment (1 cycle) +Community service (200 hours) 1 
  Imprisonment (5 cycles) 1 
  1 
  Embezzlement 
  I 
  Espionaue (Corporate) 
  Imprisonment (5+ cycles) 1 
  I Espionaqe (Government) 
  Death/Life imprisonment / Death Mark I 
  Incitement to riot 
  Imprisonment (5+ cycles) 
  Manslaughter 
  Imprisonment (5+ cycles) 
  Murder 
  Life imprisonment 
  Murder (premeditated) 
  Death 
  Mass murder / genocide 
  Death 
  Pilferage 
  Fine (1000 marks) 
  Rape 
  Death 
  Reckless driving 
  Fine (5000 marks) + Community service (100 hours) 
  Sedition 
  Imprisonment (5+ cycles) 
  Soeedino 
  Fine (1000 marks) 
  I -Theft (under 10 marks) 
  Community service (50 hours) 1 
  Imprisonment (5 cycles) I 
  I Theft (11-50.000 marks) 
  Theft (Over 50.000 Marks) 
  Imprisonment (8 cycles) 
  Theft with menaces 
  Imprisonment (10 cycles) 
  Treason 
  Death / Death Mark 
  Vandalism 
  Fine (loo Marks) + Community service (50 hours) 
  Vehicular Manslaughter 
  Imprisonment (10 cycles) 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The UMF allows i t s  people considerable freedom i n  their lifestyles. It makes no value judgments about an individual's 
  desires or aspirations. It only asks one thing. Do you have the money? The corporation forms the center of Mercantile Life, 
  acting as employer, teacher and surrogate parent. It asks much of its workers, but it also gives a lot i n  return. The absence 
  of taxes gives corporate employees the highest average wages i n  the CNCS. This combines with the pressures of work to 
  manifest what amounts t o  a split personality i n  many corporate workers. I n  the office or the factory they are sober, 
  respectable, hardworking corporate employees. Away from their place of employment they live life to the fullest, singing 
  and dancing, often with their teammates. Even the most straight-laced corporate drone i s  Likely to be found cruising the 
  bars and clubs with his colleagues. Indeed, avoiding such activities is a sure-fire way to damage career prospects. 
  Life in non-corporate circles is very different. Almost seven million Mercantilists (twenty-five percent of the population) 
  do not work for a corporation, and with no government 'safety net'they form a veritable underclass. They are barred from 
  the best education, and those without education are ignored for the even the most menial corporate jobs. Parents cannot 
  get jobs, so their children are denied education and in turn cannot get jobs. A self-perpetuating poverty trap whose 
  victims gather i n  distinct ghettos riddled with violence, it is a rife breeding ground for organized crime. Only i n  the 
  isolated farming communities of the Marathon Basin of the Badlands fringe can non-corporate employees eke out a 
  respectable living, trading the dangers of the ghetto for the equally real dangers of the Badlands. 
  Anglic serves as the language of government and commerce i n  the UMF, but it i s  not the only one used i n  the league. 
  Equatorial Hispanic, the language of the Western Frontier Protectorate, i s  spoken by many communities along the UMF's 
  western borders, and local laws i n  Mainz require all public notices to be i n  both Hispanic and Anglic. Eurogermanic has 
  long been the language favored by the nobles of Ashington and the spread of 'royal culture' throughout the league's 
  corporate upper echelons has led to i t s  adoption as a mark of sophistication and social status. Few can speak the 
  language well, however, leading many to simply drop occasional words into conversations. I n  stark contrast, the Russoslavic 
  spoken by Rapid City's founders remains in use i n  the city and has become an essential part of Northco's corporate culture. 
  Several other languages are used for specialist purposes i n  the UMF. Indo-Arabic i s  used for some Revisionist ceremonies 
  and all Revisionist priests can speak the language. I n  an attempt to increase the religion's accessibility and maintain the 
  influx of worshipers generated by Thor Hutchison's assassination, local services are normally given i n  Anglic. Easy t o  learn 
  and understand, the Humanist-developed Intralingua is learnt by many Badlands traders. Government or corporate diplo- 
  mats and trade negotiators are expected to learn the language of their destination state, be it Mandanese, Universal 
  French or Hispanic. 
  The education standards of the UMF have always been high. It is i n  the corporations' best interests to maintain a highly 
  educated workforce, and t o  that end each company sponsors the education of i t s  employees' children from a very young 
  age. Basic education begins in the corporate crcches, prowding intellectual stimulation, and true schooling begins at 
  around six cycles. The largest companies own and operate their own education facilities and a number of 'Education 
  Corporations' exist t o  meet the needs of those who do not. Early education follows the same pattern for all pupils, but 
  after elementary school (5-10 cycles of age) the children are streamed according to their abilities. Personal choice plays 
  some part i n  the process, but educators will attempt to steer a pupil away from training for which they show no aptitude 
  - and their methods for dissuading stubborn children are very effective. 
  By the age of fourteen cycles, the delineation between those destined for physical occupations and those for other tasks 
  is clear. This can foster a "them and us" mentality among the students, but effective segregation of the pupils minimizes 
  disruption and the chance of violence. A t  sixteen cycles, schooling for the manual workers i s  deemed complete and the 
  new workers are assigned tasks i n  their sponsoring corporation. Their initial contract, intended to pay the corporation 
  back for their investment, lasts for five cycles, during which they are considered on probation. Any attempt to leave the 
  company before this period is complete usually results i n  a breach of contract suit and a substantial bill. 
  Pupils intended for careers i n  management, research or service occupations remain i n  education until at least twenty 
  cycles, at which point the most promising will Likely spend a further five t o  ten cycles i n  higher education. There is a clear 
  seniority among universities, with Swanscombe topping the List, closely followed by the Galland School of Engineering 
  (Rapid City) and the Federation Technology Research Institute (Marathon). The UMF's universities are all privately run 
  institutions and funding for places i s  much sought after. The Mercantile government provides no funding to educational 
  institutions other than universities, and even then funding takes the form of research grants. Several city-states run their 
  own education programs, but these lack the funding and resources of the corporate programs. As such, non-corporate 
  citizens are effectively given a second-class education. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Housing i n  the UMF demonstrates the influence of corporate affairs on Mercantile life, even for those not directly 
  associated with a company. Corporate-owned housing forms distinct enclaves, usually associated with other company 
  assets and leased t o  employees as required. Apartments blocks dominate these districts, frequently rising t o  a height of 
  thirty stories. Most have direct access t o  shopping malls and entertainment complexes, forming an inter-linked series of 
  residential and commercial units that i s  virtually self contained and to which access is tightly controlled. Small three- or 
  four-room apartments are the norm in such areas, comprising a bathroom, kitchen, living room and bedroom, though in 
  the smallest the kitchen and living room may be combined. 
  These are comfortable for an individual or a couple but ill suited t o  family life, and though some larger apartments exist 
  for those with families, most choose t o  move away from the corporate enclaves into low-rise suburbs. The purchase of a 
  house is seen as one of the most important life-events of a Mercantile citizen, signaling a new degree of maturity and 
  financial responsibility. Furthermore, the district i n  which the house is located as well as its size and style are considered 
  major social indicators. 
  Non-corporate urban housing follows a similar pattern to that of the corporations, but where corporate apartments are 
  compact, those i n  the private sector are claustrophobic, with one or two rooms and many facilities strictly communal. 
  Most tenement blocks are poorly maintained, often flouting federal safety laws. 
  Rural housing i n  the UMF i s  little different than elsewhere in the CNCS. The emphasis is on extended families and 
  courtyard-houses are the norm, often with three generations of a family living i n  a single building. Despite the number 
  of occupants, these are large, spacious structures and are considered the ideal of many Mercantile citizens. Indeed, 
  many urban houses attempt t o  mimic the courtyard house construction, often with four houses surrounding a commu- 
  nal space. 
  Over the cycles, many rites and traditions have emerged i n  Mercantile society. A few originate with the Revisionist or 
  Jerusalemite churches but the majority are corporate i n  origin. Most are so deeply enmeshed i n  Mercantile society that 
  they are often taken up by non-corporate citizens. Few are formal. 
  The foremost ceremony of a Mercantilist's life welcomes the newborn into the family. Often combined with the Revisionist 
  bond-twinning ceremony, it centers on presenting the child with a gift intended t o  help them in later life. In corporate 
  families this is usually shares in the parent's corporation but can also be a money gift, placed in trust until they reach 
  their majority. In other groups the gift is largely symbolic - a gift of seeds is common i n  rural communities - but 
  nonetheless i s  considered important. 
  Graduation from school and entry t o  the workplace is also the subject of a semi-formal ritual. The child-pupil packs a bag 
  and leaves the family home for a short period, often going on vacation with friends and classmates, though a brief stay 
  with relatives i s  equally common. The graduate i s  supposed to reflect on his life t o  date and the future that lies ahead. 
  In practice most graduation holidays are little more than an extended party. On returning to the family home, usually to 
  a family celebration, the graduate i s  deemed an adult and a full member of society. 
  Marriage occupies a strange place i n  Mercantile life, partly religious and partly legal. Though most marriage ceremonies 
  are carried out by Revisionist or Jerusalemite clerics, UMF law regards marriage as a legal institution and requires a formal 
  contract t o  be drawn up between the couple. Mercantile law also allows couples t o  be married i n  civil ceremonies, but 
  though equally valid under the law, they are seen as somehow inferior t o  those involving religious ceremonies. Nonethe- 
  less, civil ceremonies have become the norm, particularly i n  corporate society. Whether the ceremony is religious or civil, 
  it i s  traditionally followed by a reception and party to which the guests are expected t o  bring practical gifts for the couple 
  t o  aid them i n  their new life together. 
  Housing is also surrounded by a number of rites. When a couple purchases a house they traditionally invite their 
  friends and neighbors t o  a "house-warming" celebration. In a reversal of traditional practice - 
  when visiting someone 
  else's home it is traditional t o  take a small gift for the hosts as a thank-you for their hospitality - 
  the householders 
  give their visitors small gifts in gratitude for their friendship, though the visitors are expected t o  bring food and drink 
  for the party. 
  Promotions and the receipt of the annual bonus are also cause for celebration, usually i n  the form of small parties or 
  meals. Many corporations organize more formal celebrations t o  fete anniversaries, large contracts and other business 
  objectives, often at considerable expense. The most significant events are marked by a company-wide holiday, though 
  most corporations are loath t o  disrupt their work schedule. Many agricultural communities also hold rites associated 
  with sowing and harvesting, though timing and details vary from community t o  community. The pre-harvest rites are 
  intended t o  ensure the success of their crops and the prosperity of the community and usually take the form of a 
  religious service. Harvest celebrations are more lively affairs, usually involving an upbeat thanksgiving service fol- 
  lowed by a large banquet. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Food and dining out plays a significant role i n  Mercantile culture. Breakfast serves as the principal family gathering in 
  Mercantile households and the traditional cooked breakfast - fried barnaby steak, eggs and wheat pancakes - is 
  intended to provide energy throughout the day. The size of breakfasts has led t o  the replacement of lunch by a series of 
  daytime snacks, a practice encouraged by many corporations. Though considerable effort is made t o  gather the family for 
  evening meals, the workload of Mercantile citizens often results i n  a staggered series of meals during the evening. 
  Children are fed early and packed off t o  bed while the principal wage earners often do not eat until late at night. 
  Meals are ideal occasions for business meetings, ranging from business breakfasts between corporate managers t o  con- 
  tract negotiations over lunch and lavish dinner receptions for corporate and media personalities. Catering t o  such needs 
  has become an art, with food choices dictated by both season and fashion. Much of the food consumed i n  the Federation 
  i s  grown locally, but Mercantile concerns also import rarities from across both polar regions. For example, Dominion- 
  grown tea or Republican cawfee are status symbols, particularly given their current scarcity. Likewise luxury products of 
  Terran origin grown i n  Pioneefs hydroponics domes are held i n  high regard despite their high price. 
  Tour guides claim that every Terranovan cuisine is represented somewhere i n  the UMF, and judging by the range of 
  restaurants found i n  most city-states this may well be true. Anything from Western grillhouses to Dominion-style sushi 
  bars can be found i n  most commercial areas, though fast food is even more prevalent. MainzFood dominates such 
  concerns i n  both the UMF and across the CNCS, operating several chains t o  cater t o  different segments of the population. 
  Meat forms a central part of the average Mercantile diet, with cattle, springers and barnabies forming the largest portion, 
  while hopper and snake dishes appear as regional delicacies. Pasta and root vegetables are the traditional accompani- 
  ments to meals but soy products have increasingly gained a foothold in the market. 
  Alcohol i s  widely available i n  the UMF and often accompanies meals. It is illegal for bars or shops to sell alcoholic produce 
  to minors (those under 20 cycles), but weak alcoholic beverages may be served t o  children during part of a meal provided 
  they are supervised by a legally responsible adult. Furthermore, i n  sharp contrast to their CNCS neighbors, there are no 
  restrictions on the days when alcoholic drinks may be sold though recent Revisionist pressure has brought calls for 
  restrictions on Gentle Day (Wednesday). Ales and lagers form the staple of Mercantile bars and pubs, often from local 
  microbreweries, though wine and whisky also play a significant role. Fashion often determines the range of produce 
  stocked. I n  the early TN 1930s locally produced dark beers were all the rage, but their place has been usurped by lighter 
  ales from the NLC. There has also been increased demand for Southern products like sake and Feu-de-nuit liquor. Pioneer 
  Ice Mead remains the drink of choice for those wishing t o  flaunt their wealth. 
  Fashion has always played a part i n  the Mercantile dichotomies of work versus leisure and corporate employees versus the 
  underclass. Most corporations impose a rigid dress code on their employees, producing a virtual uniform of business suits. 
  Indeed, a few companies, most notably in the service sector, provide uniforms for their employees. These range from the 
  functional but gaudy outfits of MainzBurger staff to the restrained elegance of the Bank of Marathon. Most companies 
  allow employees t o  purchase their own clothes within the guidelines laid down. Even within these seemingly stringent 
  conditions there are a host of ways to express personal tastes and status. Differing colors, materials and cuts from double- 
  breasted jackets to tuxedos form the most basic distinctions, but the suit‘s manufacturer confers true status. Off-the shelf 
  outfits are the norm among the most junior employees, but designer labels and custom made clothing become increas- 
  ingly important with status. The suits of Lyonnesse’s Marco Flugi are the most sought after i n  the Federation and the 
  young designer, famous for his clean lines and daring use of color, commands prices in excess of 5,000 marks for a suit. 
  Many senior corporate officials prefer the more traditional work of Canterbury‘s Antonia Guz. 
  Accessories play a major role i n  establishing individuality, but they can also be used t o  reinforce corporate identity. For 
  example, ties, cravats and scarves are sometimes used t o  accentuate and personalize business clothes, although high, 
  stiff collars are now standard for business suits, so jewelry and watches now serve t o  personalize. Many corporate 
  employees, however, wear pins unique to their company, bearing the company logo or insignia, which provides a common 
  link between the staff. The pins are traditionally also worn outside of work, and they provide a ready means of identifying 
  corporate affiliation. Furthermore, they contain micro transmitters that communicate with Personal Interface Technolo- 
  gies (PITS) as well as building security systems t o  restrict access t o  sensitive areas. 
  Outside of the corporate environment, fashions are wild and ever changing. According to Mode, the Federation’s leading 
  fashion magazine, the current ‘in thing’ on the street and i n  clubs are bright colors i n  daring cuts, replacing last cycle’s 
  demand for vidfabric. The most popular designers are JiB and Wallace, both of whom favor velvets, though style-leaders 
  seem to be moving toward the stylish silk creations of Nishi Sui. Mode also reports the rise of so-called ’military chic‘, 
  styles and colors intended t o  resemble the military uniforms and popularized by UMFA publicist, Sadie Dholakia. Unlike 
  the ‘royal fashion‘ popular among the corporate elite and driven by the nobility of Ashington, ‘military chic‘ is most 
  popular among junior executives and is widely predicted to be little more than a brief fad. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The cultural diversity and social freedoms of the UMF foster a diverse array of arts and forms of expression. When 
  combined with corporate marketing techniques and the endless desire t o  make money, it is little surprise that the UMF 
  i s  the entertainment and media capital of CNCS and a major force across Terra Nova. Mercantile corporations are 
  involved in a wide range of projects, from trideo shows and movies to sports and books. Furthermore, several corpora- 
  tions exist solely to exploit the media and entertainment trends, while most companies have active public relations 
  and marketing divisions. 
  This is not to say the UMF media is entirely free. Considerable care must be taken to avoid libel suits, and most media 
  consultants employ legal staff whose responsibility i s  t o  vet the legal impact of material prior to publication, and to fight 
  any suits that ensue. A few of the most sensationalist publishers work on a "print and be damned" policy, aware that the 
  controversy surrounding what they print will encourage more people t o  tune i n  or purchase their publication, outweigh- 
  ing the negative impact of any fines that may be imposed. The rise i n  power of the Revisionist Church also poses an 
  obstacle t o  free expression, attempting as it does t o  provide moral guidance. The church has attempted to exert its 
  mortality on the Mercantile population as it has in the NCC, but t o  date the UMF government has upheld the constitu- 
  tional rights of i t s  citizens to free speech and social diversity. 
  With minimal regulation and considerable profits at stake, the UMFs broadcast media is diverse and competitive. There 
  are more than four hundred trideo channels across the Federation, though most city-states are limited t o  less than a 
  hundred. A mix of free access, subscription and pay per view, these cater to a wide variety of audiences: news, entertain- 
  ment, sports, music, information and even religion. Without the moral censorship of the NLC, violence and pornography 
  are rife. I f  people want to pay for it, Mercantile interests can provide it. 
  Comedy and drama programs are the Federation's strong suit, exported throughout the CNCS and even to the rest of Terra 
  Nova via the Hermes 72 network. One of the most popular shows i s  faulson Ridge, a long-running soap-opera/drama set 
  i n  the Badlands community of the same name. Now i n  i t s  60th cycle of broadcast, it shows the trials and tribulations of 
  the settlement's families, dealing with a whole range of issues from teenage pregnancy to religious intolerance. The 
  show's Badlands setting makes it easily accessible for most Terranovans, prompting major overseas sales. Indeed, early 
  episodes of the show are being re-broadcast on the Hermes 72 network. 
  Many Mercantile children's programs are renowned for being little more than marketing exercises. They are derogatorily 
  referred to as "toy of the week" shows because of the constant stream of new gadgets used by the principal characters, 
  replicas of which are sold i n  chain stores like Toysfor All!. Indirect merchandising, such as clothing, books and artwork i s  
  also common and applies equally to many adult-oriented shows. Such media tie-ins are regarded as part and parcel of the 
  Mercantile entertainment business. 
  The Federation's holofilm industry, based in Canterbury, is equally advanced, producing a wide range of movies, ranging 
  from art-house productions for the intelligentsia to big-budget blockbusters guaranteed to draw i n  the audiences. The 
  major studios have been criticized for their reliance on the blockbuster premise, sacrificing plot and characterization for 
  sex and violence i n  an attempt t o  draw crowds and rake i n  money. The companies counter that it is this type of movie, 
  often making a considerable profit, which funds the production of more artistic (and less commercial) work. Indeed, the 
  healthy festival season that helps support so-called real film i s  largely subsidized by the major production companies. 
  Treasurer Banderas, once a movie star and executive, had been a fixture at the major festivals before his untimely death. 
  Electronic and print media is also very advanced i n  the UMF, ranging from daily newsfaxes t o  books and on-line informa- 
  tion services. Much of this material i s  written by hacks, seeking little more than a quick buck. The openness of Mercantile 
  society has allowed the publication of a wide range of literary works that would be considered morally unsound i n  other 
  CNCS leagues. Indeed, the prejudices of other leagues, particularly the NLC, has led many writers and artists t o  seek 
  refuge in the liberal UMF. 
  I 
  The liberalism of the UMF media has recently come under attack with the outbreak of the iilterpolar War. With many 
  Mercantile troops involved i n  the unsuccessful push into the Mekong Dominion, both Solomon Davi i n  Lyonnesse and 
  Victoria Edden-Smythe i n  Valeria are very concerned that public support i n  the Federation might swing away from the war 
  effort. Military authorities have used the provisions of the War Powers Act t o  suppress media broadcast of the full extent 
  of the bad news from the front. Northco's Natalya Korolov has advised against this tactic, however, rightly fearing that the 
  truth will eventually become known and be an even greater blow t o  morale for having been concealed. Davi has responded 
  by taking a positive route and has encouraged coverage of the more successful push into the Eastern Sun Emirates, 
  although UMF units are i n  the minority there. Davi has also ordered the SOE to draw up a "black list" of reporters and 
  media executives who can no longer be trusted. Just what he intends to do with this list remains unknown. Assassination 
  or outright intimidation would be too risky at this point, because it would threaten morale and erode the UMF's position 
  within the CNCS. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The Mercantile appreciation for fine art i s  well developed, and many corporate executives serve as patrons for artists and 
  performing groups. Painting and sculpture are particularly highly regarded, and many corporations commission works by 
  famous manufacturers t o  decorate their offices, particularly the public areas. The Federation also has the highest number 
  of galleries per capita i n  the CNCS, with each city hosting several major collections. The most significant collection is held 
  by the National Gallery in Lyonnesse, including works from across Terra Nova and some Terran works left behind when 
  Earth withdrew. The Lyle Gallery i n  Rapid City has gained a reputation for daring, displaying the works of many Norlight 
  artists forced to flee their homes because of the supposed moral or religious deviancy of their work. The gallery has 
  repeatedly been the subject of vocal attacks by the Revisionist Church and i n  recent unrest, extremists damaged several 
  of the most controversial works. 
  Attendance at the theater, ballet and opera i s  considered an essential part of life for the Federation's corporate elite. 
  Premieres and first night parties are the place for Mercantile socialites to be seen, particuiarly i n  Lyonnesse, and this 
  ensures a steady stream of corporate patronage. Furthermore, many companies sponsor individual productions or entire 
  theater seasons, writing off the expense as a charitable donation while reaping the rewards of "free" advertising. The 
  reputation of Mercantile venues makes them attractive to foreign groups, and a constant succession of touring acts visit 
  the Federation. Before the war, Republican plays were popular, as was kabuki from the Mekong Dominion. Indeed, the 
  world-renowned Yang Dancers made several highly successful tours of the Federation. 
  Musical tastes i n  the UMF are eclectic, ranging from trad-classical movements like 20th Century jazz and 31st Century 
  balance, through neo-classical composers like Sheng (responsible for the Federation anthem, Ad Eternam) t o  modern 
  forms such as primal dream, rage and the latest phenomenon, shock music. Like opera, both trad- and neo-classical are 
  seen as the province of the rich, with tickets for live performances costing hundreds of marks. Primal dream, and t o  a 
  lesser extent rage, form the mainstay of corporate tastes, particularly middle-management types seeking t o  recapture 
  their youth. 
  Shock forms a counter-culture i n  the UMF and i s  extremely popular with the young, corporate and otherwise. Its mix of 
  power and melody, combined with biting lyrics, challenges the established order, questioning the militarism of the WFP, 
  the morality of the NLC and the capitalism of the UMF. The permissiveness of the UMF and its acceptance of 'wild' social 
  behavior have weakened shock's impact i n  the UMF. Indeed, on some levels the Mercantile way of life has begun t o  
  corrupt some shock music groups, with recordings becoming commercially available and several shock radio stations open 
  for business. 
  The UMF i s  also infamous for deliberately reviving old musical forms by using them i n  advertising and jingles. Once the 
  ad and its music has reached sufficiently high awareness among the population, digital recordings are made available 
  for purchase. 
  Mercantile architecture varies considerably from city-state to city-state, reflecting local conditions and prejudices. I n  
  Mainz, for example, the 'fort architecture' of the WFP is apparent, utilizing solid construction and concentric rings of 
  massive fortifications. A similar principal holds in Ashington where the need t o  defend against both the elements and 
  Badlands raiders prompted formidable fortifications. Unlike the functional construction of Mainz, Ashington's architec- 
  ture was elaborately decorated, reflecting the power and prestige of the Ash family. Many of Ashington's most famous 
  buildings were wrecked by the repeated attacks of the CEF during the War of the Alliance, and have been replaced by 
  modern structures that lack the charm of the pre-war buildings. 
  Lyonnesse i s  also decorated i n  an elaborate manner, having been rebuilt i n  the gothic style i n  the 16th century. Also 
  notable for i t s  canals and forestry preserves, Lyonnesse was built t o  radiate power, and manages t o  do so even in the near- 
  perpetual rain. Though attacked by CEF orbital artillery, most of the UMF capital survived the war intact. 
  The most unusual architecture is found i n  Pioneer, where buildings have to be constructed t o  cope with the cold and 
  the ever-present snow. Most buildings are small and well insulated, constructed on piles driven into the permafrost t o  
  prevent subsidence i n  the temporary summer thaw. Building roofs are sloped at a sharp angle t o  halt the accumulation 
  of snow. 
  Corporate offices throughout the UMF are built to demonstrate the wealth and power of their owners. They are designed 
  by the Federation's leading architects and built of the best materials, and as such are the 'palaces' of the UMF. No one 
  style dominates, but most are tall, between thirty and sixty stories. As befits the most powerful corporation in the UMF, 
  the Northco Tower i n  Rapid City i s  700 meters - 
  almost 100 stories - 
  tall and 320 meters wide at its base. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Outdoor pursuits and winter sports are also very popular i n  the UMF, exploiting the Federation's diverse geography. The 
  sedate sport of golf i s  particularly popular among corporate executives, and golf matches often provide the ideal venue 
  for relaxed negotiations. Mercantile corporations regularly sponsor tournaments i n  the CNCS pro-tour, both gaining 
  unofficial advertising and a free venue for corporate hospitality. A number of climbing centers exist i n  the northern 
  Downing Range between Marathon and Lyonnesse, with Mount Alban the most vaunted target. The mountain is re- 
  garded as one of the most difficult i n  the CNCS, and most climbers restrict themselves t o  the smaller surrounding 
  peaks. Numerous small settlements on the Byerst Plain and i n  the Arctic Basin serve as the Federation's principal 
  centers for sailing and water-skiing. Scuba diving is also popular there, though local groups throughout the UMF dive 
  in the McAllen network. 
  The only city-state on Terra Nova with year-round snow, Pioneer attracts tourists from all over the planet for skiing and 
  other winter sports. Pioneer is also home t o  the Trans-Arctic Challenge. A biannual event, the TAC i s  typical of Pioneer 
  citizens' quest for new adventures - or new madness, according t o  Mercantilists from more temperate latitudes. It 
  involves the crossing of over 700 kilometers of snow and ice on foot, snowshoe and ski, and i s  regarded as one of the 
  most grueling events i n  the CNCS. Even so, it attracts more than a fifty teams (groups of four), though many fail and 
  are evacuated by the ever-watchful rescue services. In recent years the challenge has become something of a grudge 
  match between members of the UMFA's 119th Gear regiment and the Northern Guard's 92nd Infantry Regiment, each 
  with three victories out of the last ten competitions. The most recent challenge, held i n  TN 1935, went to Wallace "go, 
  a civilian adventure holiday guide from Pioneer and former a member of the 119th. The UMFA regiment has unofficially 
  claimed the victory as its own, prompting angry exchanges with their Guard opposite numbers, but "go has made no 
  comment on the situation. 
  Many co-workers play soccer together i n  interdepartmental matches. As with group socializing, this helps to foster a sense 
  of camaraderie among workers and is encouraged with both financial incentives and holidays. Corporations also sponsor 
  professional teams who form the Mercantile Soccer League. These teams, some forty i n  all, make up two leagues and over 
  the period of a cycle play every other team in their league. At the end of the cycle the winners of each league meet i n  the 
  Stadium of Gold i n  Lyonnesse for a final match. The winner of this encounter receives the MSL trophy, a highly prized 
  golden statuette. 
  Gear Dueling is a popular spectator sport, with each city-state fielding two teams supported by corporate sponsorship. 
  The teams compete i n  the Northco-sponsored Mercantile Dueling Circuit, divided into two leagues, the winners of which 
  meet i n  a championship match for the Yanders trophy. MDC matches are broadcast across the UMF and t o  sports fans 
  elsewhere on Terra Nova, and are also the subject of major merchandising campaigns. 
  Antonio Mano was born to a middle class family in the Mekong Dominion, the first son of a moderately 
  successful marketing agent. To his father's despair, he showed no aptitude for the business, preferring the 
  company of numerous girlfriends. His family despaired of him ever amounting to anything, until he discov- 
  ered a talent for athletic competition. Mano was soon discovered to be a champion-class runner, and he 
  became one of his school's star athletes. His father immediately saw a marketing opportunity, and pushed 
  him to begin an extensive training program that would lead him to high profile competitions - and 
  endorsements. 
  After a series of successful local competitions and events, Antonio Mano eventually made it to the TN 1930 
  Terranovan Olympics, where he competed as one of the Dominion's premier athletes. He had lost none of 
  his taste for romance, however, and soon became the center of numerous complaints from irate trainers 
  and officials. Though he completed the events, winning two silver medals, the rumor that he had seduced 
  Humanist child prodigy Miranda Petite, who was underaged at the time, pretty much ended his career. He 
  denied any wrongdoing, but the damage was done. 
  Estranged from the local sport community, disavowed by his father and shunned by his family, Mano 
  decided to move on to greener pastures. He moved up North over the following two cycles, working here 
  and there in menial jobs. He finally ended up in the Mercantile Federation, which reminded him so much of 
  home that he decided to settle there. He worked for a time as a trainer, and quickly built up a reputation 
  as a dependable individual in the Northern athletic community. Mano now has his own training agency, 
  which also runs a gym in Marathon. He remain well-connected in numerous sport communities, where he 
  can call on a number of favors. 
  Mano has participated once in the Trans-Arctic challenge, but did not finish the event. His team was 
  picked up by a military rescue squad when they strayed too far from the general path taken by the rest of 
  the competitors. His infuriated protests were largely ineffectual, and the team was denied the opportunity 
  to re-enter the race. To this day, Antonio Mano remains convinced that he and his team were cheated by 
  the UMFA. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Technology and innovation are bywords of the Federation. Mercantile corporations perpetually seek new technologies that 
  will give them the edge over their competitors, and this constant striving for improvement has made the UMF the 
  technological powerhouse of the CNCS. 
  Mercantile concerns have pioneered some of Terra Nova's most important technological developments, the most notable 
  of which are the Heavy Gear and optical "et. 
  Even today, 267 cycles after combat walkers were first deployed, the 
  Federation and i n  particular Northco remain at the pinnacle of Gear design and manufacture. Northco has faced serious 
  competition since the War of the Alliance, both from Northern companies like Shaian Mechanics of Kenema, and Badlands- 
  based Paxton Arms. The rise of non-Mercantile Gear manufacturers is a major economic concern for the UMF and i s  the 
  subject of several ongoing projects. 
  UMF materials chemistry is advanced, ranging from new generations of alloys and smart glues used i n  vehicle construction 
  t o  designer drugs intended to combat the latest epidemic. Several UMF concerns maintain orbital factories which allow 
  the production of ultra-pure compounds, though since the War of Alliance jurisdiction over such facilities has fallen t o  the 
  UMFA Space Directorate and the Northern Guard Space Service. Despite such facilities, Federation research is far from the 
  cutting edge i n  both areas though Mercantile companies have proved adept i n  making practical use of developments and 
  i n  marketing them t o  the public. 
  High technology goods, particularly optical NNets and microelectronics, also play a major role i n  Mercantile concerns. 
  Companies like Abaline research are at the cutting edge of such technologies, and the city of Marathon and i t s  data net 
  serves as a showcase for many emerging technologies. It i s  consumer goods, however - trideo and video equipment, 
  telecommunications apparatus and personal computers - 
  that serve as the'backbone of many companies. This applies 
  equally to heavy industry, where companies like Northco are as reliant on automotive and civil walker manufacture as they 
  are on advanced military technologies like Gears. Mass-market goods feed the research into new generations of equipment 
  that are cutting edge today and commonplace tomorrow. 
  . 
  . . 
  . . . 
  Many Mercantile products are little more than gimmicks, designed t o  exploit ever-smaller niches i n  the market. The 
  driving force behind such products i s  more than base commercialism, however. Fashion, the desire to have the latest thing 
  and the on-going race to be a style leader create an ever-present demand for such goods, creating a self-perpetuating 
  Loop of supply and demand. Most of these gadgets are regarded as little more than curiosities once the craze has died 
  down, often simply discarded and recycled. Over the cycles, however, a few such items have proved their worth and a part 
  of daily Mercantile and Terranovan life. Modern data gloves and personal assistants both began life i n  the UMF, though 
  neither are truly innovative and have numerous antecedents over the last several millennia. 
  The quality of Mercantile design and manufacture i s  unrivaled, with high standards viewed as the best way t o  ensure 
  repeat business. By necessity, this involves a price premium counteracting the higher wages of Mercantile citizens. 
  Furthermore, low-quality products made by companies based in Timmins and the Mekong Dominion can easily undercut 
  Mercantile prices, though this is widely regarded as false economy. 
  . 
  . 
  ' 
  . . 
  . 
  : 
  . 
  Industrial espionage i s  part and parcel of inter-corporate politics. Every company wishes to know what the 
  others are working on, the nature of their practices and their pricing structures. Knowledge of what a competi- 
  tor is going to release next cycle, or plans to release in five cycles' time, i s  a powerful tool. It can help plan 
  research and marketing strategies, often making the difference between massive profits and horrendous 
  Losses. Knowledge, quite literalLy, i s  power. 
  Though technically a crime, corporate espionage and other such practices are accepted as part and parcel of 
  Mercantile Life. All but the smallest companies maintain some sort of active intelligence arms, charged with 
  both gaining access to the secrets of others and protecting their own interests. Many such personnel are 
  recruited from the FIA, SOE and even the NGIS, bringing considerable expertise to the business. 
  Methods range from placing listening devices and tapping communication lines to bribery and deception, 
  while special ops teams also carry out sabotage, kidnapping and theft. The government generally turns a blind 
  eye to such operations, though they crack down on cases where lethal force has been used, particularly 
  assassinations. As a result fatalities are rare, but this does not stop senior executives and scientists from 
  hiring bodyguards. 
  The greatest act of industrial espionage went beyond corporate politics and into treason. Recruited by SRID, 
  prototype to her Republican 
  allowing them to acquire a fully-functioning Heavy Gear (for more 
  c 
  .' 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  . 
  . . 
  ' 
  . 
  . 
  . 
  . 
  ' 
  . . . 
  : 
  . . 
  . . 
  "This is C-SAR 192, inbound Point Juliet. No sign of the bailouts, but we have their beacon signal. Where are Blue 
  seven?" There was a squawk as Lana Nahas released the talk button on her control yolk, swiftly drowned out by the 
  whoop-whoop sound of the Rock Beetle's rotor as it skimmed the desert. They were NOE - 
  Nape of the Earth - 
  flying low t o  avoid enemy detection. Alongside, her crewman Chang Yodl monitored the helicopter's sensors, alert 
  for anything that might threaten the aircraft. 
  "C-SAR 192 this is control. Blue Flight report ETA at your position as three minutes." 
  "Roger, control. Our ETA at Point Juliet i s  now forty seconds." 
  The Beetle sped across the desert towards the ridge beyond which - 
  they hoped - 
  were the crew o f  a downed 
  Redjacket, ready and waiting for pickup. Their C-SAR - Combat Search and Rescue - team was tasked with 
  extracting the stranded servicemen and returning them t o  base near Mainz. Aircraft could be replaced; experienced 
  crews could not. They crested the ridge and saw they had indeed found the plane, but so had the enemy. Muzzle 
  flashes were clearly visible, bursting from the rifles of the patrol who had discovered the crew, probably following 
  up the AA-battery's report and homing on the smoke that billowed from the wreck. 
  "Control, this is C-SAR 192. Point Juliet i s  hot. Repeat, Point Juliet is hot. We're going t o  support but tell Blue 
  Flight t o  be here yesterday." 
  Pulling the nose up, Nahas slowed the helicopter and banked over the downed flyer's position. The Beetle's port 
  side door gunner fired a volley of LMG rounds towards the approaching hostile infantry, forcing them t o  duck 
  . 
  : . . 
  ' 
  A warning call from the starboard gunner prompted a sharp turn to the left as she kicked the pedals hard and 
  yanked back on the collective. The infantry's APC - 
  a Crocodile - 
  had been hidden behind a low ridge and now 
  maneuvered t o  bring i t s  rockets t o  bear. Designed for anti-tank work, the system could theoretically bring down an 
  aircraft. Lana didn't want t o  take the risk and threw the lumbering machine into a series of evasive maneuvers. The 
  chatter of the LMGs behind her indicated her gunner's desperate attempts t o  cover the downed crew. 
  "C-SAR 192, this i s  Blue Flight inbound your position. ETA i s  20 seconds." 
  Turning back towards the LZ, Lana saw the two Scorpions screech across the ridge, decelerating sharply and 
  dropping towards the battle. A Damocles anti-tank missile dropped from the lead craft and sped towards the 
  Crocodile, turning it i n t o  a ball of flame, while the autocannons, their distinctive buzzing audible even over their 
  own rotors, drove off the sunn'ving infantry. 
  As the Rock Beetle settled onto the ground and the downed crew ran towards the hatch, the pilot o f  the lead 
  Scorpion gave a thumbs up. Lana called in: "Blue Leader, this i s  C-SAR 192. Thanks for the help, McKenzie." 
  "All part o f  the service. Enjoy your day" 
  . 
  . 
  . . 
  . 
  . . 
  . 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The culture and society of the UMF is broad and accepting, ranging from the ultra-rich t o  the destitute, and allowing the 
  creation of a wide range of Heavy Gear characters. Campaign type will play a major role i n  character selection: military 
  Players will find occupations such as Gear pilots, infantrymen and landsailors open to them, but those interested i n  
  civilian campaigns will find corporate execs, media stars and smugglers more appropriate. The UMF lends itself t o  corpo- 
  rate intrigues i n  which corporate security agents, undercover operatives and gangland enforcers all play a part. 
  Even those characters not directly employed by a corporation will find it difficult to escape their influence. The massive 
  companies pervade all aspects of society and the Player Character's relationships and attitudes towards corporate inter- 
  ests will be a major factor i n  all Mercantile characters. Many Mercantile citizens have been raised and educated by 
  corporations, making the quest for self-advancement and personal profit a central tenet of their lives, even if they are no 
  longer directly working for corporate interests. Even characters drawn from the underclass of non-corporate citizens will 
  share some of these traits, seeking to escape the trap of poverty. Indeed, many such individuals are seeking t o  prove their 
  worth and make ideal Player Characters. 
  Corporate ties - 
  good or bad - 
  or the absence thereof play a major role i n  defining Mercantile characters, and should 
  be decided during character creation. Such ties may play a minor role i n  a campaign, such as with a military unit on the 
  fringe of the Badlands, or may be of critical importance, for example i n  a political campaign set i n  Lyonnesse or Rapid City 
  (or any campaign i n  socialist Zagreb). The decision whether or not t o  use such background aspects is purely at the 
  discretion of the Players and Gamemasters, but often provides a useful "handle" for Mercantile characters. 
  Religion also plays a major role i n  some parts of the UMF and thus is of considerable importance i n  defining PCs. Most 
  Mercantilists are lapsed Revisionists, but there is a sizable minority of Jerusalemites, particularly of the Swanscombe and 
  Clearwater traditions, as well as Buddhists and members of the Blue Crescent Order. Traditionally religion has been a 
  matter of personal preference, but recent cycles have seen an upsurge i n  pro-Revisionist sentiment, and a related wors- 
  ening i n  the treatment of non-Revisionist characters. 
  I n  the Heavy Gear universe gender i s  largely irrelevant, with both sexes considered equal and same-sex relationships part 
  of everyday life. The city of Swanscombe i n  the UMF is the last bastion of gender discrimination, albeit turned on its head 
  from the traditional male chauvinism. A l l  characters from that city are likely t o  have a skewed view of the relationship 
  between the sexes, with the rest of the world challenging their beliefs. Such characters, particularly females, are likely t o  
  find the situation disturbing - 
  with males allowed to get "above themselves" and female "rights" subjugated - 
  and this 
  can lead t o  very interesting dynamics between PCs. 
  An origin i n  the UMF should have little influence on Attribute choices, but the influence of Mercantile society, particularly 
  its educational system, should be taken into account by Players and Gamemasters when selecting Skills. Business Studies 
  are a core element of the curriculum and most Mercantile characters should have Bureaucracy and Business at levels 1 or 
  2 and Etiquette (perhaps with a Business Specialization) at level 1. Members of the underclass are unlikely t o  have such 
  skills, but instead will have Streetwise and Hand-to-Hand. 
  All UMF characters receive Anglic free as their native tongue, though characters hailing from Mainz's old families may 
  instead take Equatorial Hispanic (though they will need t o  purchase Anglic at level 1 or better to communicate with most 
  other Mercantile characters). Characters from Rapid City receive the Foreign Language: Russoslavic at level 1 as their 
  second language, while nobles from Ashington receive Foreign Language: Eurogermanic at level 1. Religious characters 
  such as priests should purchase the language appropriate to their tradition at level 2: Indo-Arabic for Revisionists, 
  Biblical Hebrew, Koranic Arabic or Latin for Jerusalemites. Characters from Pioneer should also purchase the Survival Skill 
  and may choose the (winter) Specialization. 
  Players who wish t o  play corporate characters should spend their points developing appropriate Skills and Attributes. 
  Corporate high flyers will likely have above average KNO and INF, and perhaps also CRE and PER. I n  addition to the 
  traditional Skills of Bureaucracy and Business, Haggling and Leadership are recommended. Specialization may or may 
  not be appropriate. Lower-ranked corporate characters should have appropriate Skills: Computers, Craft, Earth Sciences 
  and so forth. 
  Several of the Perks and Flaws in the Heavy Gear Gamemaster's Guide may also be appropriate for corporate charac- 
  ters, particularly Connections (p. 13), Favor (p. 14). Property (p. 15), Rank (p. 15), Subordinates (p. 16) and Wealth 
  (p. 16). Media characters may also wish t o  consider Famous (p. 14). However, care should be taken with these Perks to 
  avoid them becoming a crutch for poor roleplaying. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The center of the CNCS' industry, the United Mercantile Federation has often been described as "gadget crazy". Many 
  items are seized up on as status symbols, part of league-wide "conspicuous consumption". Others serve a practical 
  purpose i n  the frenetic Mercantile culture, allowing people t o  work on the move and t o  remain i n  contact with their 
  colleagues. All are high quality and reliable, but as might be expected with cutting-edge technologies, there is often 
  a price premium on these goods. 
  Most Mercantile-produced tools and devices are easily recognized by the number of extra "features" and functions built 
  into them. This makes the product more attractive t o  consumers, and the commercial hype often makes use of this. 
  Engineers compete t o  devise clever ways of making the same components perform multiple tasks, giving additional 
  functions and greater market appeal t o  the device without increasing i t s  manufacturing cost - 
  a plus for the profit- 
  minded corporations. 
  The weapons and other pieces of equipment detailed over the next few pages are designed to give Players and 
  Gamemasters a few useful props for their campaigns and characters. Many of these items can be found across Terra 
  Nova i n  slightly altered forms and so can be used i n  any Heavy Gear campaign (at the Gamemaster's discretion). They 
  are not provided so much for their Silhouette game statistics, but t o  provide additional insight into Mercantilist life 
  and to add local flavor t o  characters who might use them. 
  Though the UMF i s  the heart of the North's military-industrial complex, the UMF i s  not the center of the alliance's small- 
  arms industry (that honor goes t o  the WFP). This is not t o  say such equipment produced i n  the UMF is inferior, rather 
  Mercantile weapons tend towards hi-tech solutions and more specialist purposes than their Westerner counterparts. Many 
  special-forces units use UMF-produced weapons, noted for their precision and reliability, as do big-game hunters and 
  many sports shooters. 
  *See description 
  "Electrical Damage (see p.114 of the Second Edition Heavy Gear Rulebook, though without the possibility of coma or death) 
  ***Backpack capacitor pack contains sufficient power for 12 shots and costs 5000 Marks 
  Schneeburg Piton Gun 
  4 
  'Barnaby 10 mm Hunting Rifle 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Corporate society dominates the UMF, and many employees use a number of technologies to ease their workload. 
  Business people often treat these items as status symbols, constantly updating their personal equipment to be at the 
  cutting edge of technology. Many of these devices are expensive and, save for city-states like Marathon where the 
  purchase cost is subsidized, are limited to senior executives. Corporate security troops are often better equipped than 
  their UMFA and Northern Guard cousins, with individual companies willing to spend considerable sums to improve the 
  efficiency of their personnel. 
  . . 
  : . . 
  conjunction with a wnst- or throat-mike for voice communication. Larger and more complex versions incorpo- 
  rate transceivers that interrogate corporate pins, allowing the PIT user to access data on those nearby. 
  Likewise, Head Up Display (HUD) monocles allow the presentation of visual data, ranging from stock pnces 
  Brightly colored and beanng a design unique to the wearer's company, corporate pins provide an easily 
  recognizable visual key and are habitually worn both in and out of work. The small badges, worn on either the 
  collar or the jacket breast, also contain micro-transmitters that work i n  conjunction with office security 
  systems to limit access to key areas and to track the wearer's movements. The pin's ID pulse also works in 
  conjunction with PITS, providing an I D  tag and allowing external access to a brief biography of the wearer. 
  2) 
  . 
  carbug (PIT) 
  ) Corporate dataglove 
  and sizes, as well as finishes and grips. Several governmental and corporate security agencies use WebTech 
  equipment, normally a low-reflectivity anodized version with a high-traction rubber grip. Unlike public-sales 
  version of their weapons, these "security specials" lack any identifying marks such as serial numbers. WebTech 
  pistols are considerably more expensive, but with each carefully tailored to the user's requirements they are 
  supremely balanced and thus very accurate. As such, each gains a +1 Accuracy bonus when used by the person 
  it was made for. Anyone eke using the pistol treats it as an Accuracy 0 weapon. 
  accuracy unparalleled in a man-portable weapo 
  special ops teams and SOE is alleged to have 
  technology, Northco believe they could better e 
  capabilities - 
  at the weapon's maximum range 
  is on-target or not - but they are developing 
  favorite of military and corporate 
  s. Based in part on captured CEF 
  eady pushing the limits of human 
  ays a role in determining if a shot 
  use in penmeter defense. 
  The Nightshade is a Northco-produced derivative of the Mk 23 range of armor used by the Northern Guard. The 
  suit is custom made for each wearer, minimizing discomfort and leaving the wearer's mobility unimpaired. The 
  semi-rigid suit contains a number of systems used to minimize detection by electronic and I R  sensors (+1 to 
  Stealth against electronic and I R  sensors). Most are passive measures - 
  the use of radar absorbing materials 
  (RAM) and an air circulation system that maintains the outer surfaces at ambient air temperature - but the 
  suit also contains a selection of user-triggered narrow-band jammers and countermeasures. The Nightshade 
  does not incorporate any visual camouflage systems, appeanng simply as a jet-black sealed suit. It provides 
  good protection against small arms fire (Armor 40) yet without encumbrance penalty. The suits are very 
  expensive (at least 100,000 marks) and can only be worn by the person it was made for. The suit is fully sealed 
  and contains a two-hour supply of oxygen, though helmet vents can be opened to allow filtered breathing to 
  increase endurance. The helmet also contains a short-range radio, frequency-agile to minimize the chance of 
  interception and lamming, as well as a tactical HUD and combined low-light and thermal goggles. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Many jaded corporate employees - 
  and no small number of the disaffected youth - 
  seek escape from the drab routine 
  of their daily lives, seeking out physical and mental challenges. Be they Djakarta Point's base jumpers or Pioneets 
  downhill skiers, they thrive on danger, seeking out ever more perilous pursuits to get the required adrenaline rush. A few 
  choose to pit themselves against the worst Terra Nova can throw at them and eschew all but the most basic technologies. 
  Others avail themselves of a wide range of systems, not necessarily t o  assist them i n  their efforts but to reduce the 
  drudgery and allow them to seek out ever-greater challenges. 
  First produced in TN 1772, the design of Matisson's 10 mm rifle has remained virtually unchanged over the 
  cycles. Designed to stop large animals with a single round, the rifle quickly earned the name Barnaby for its 
  alleged ability to stop a charging barnabus iguana in its tracks. The weapon sacrifices range for firepower, but 
  as most hunters revel in the "close kill" few mind the relatively minor reduction in range. More problematic is 
  the single-shot mechanism, particularly if the first shot misses. Matisson produces a six-shot clip-fed version 
  of the Barnaby, but it is both less accurate (-1 Accuracy) and has been judged "unsporting" by several 
  prominent hunters; sales have been poor. 
  €
  ~
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  ~
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  4 
  These Manx Industries electronically enhanced binoculars have proven extremely popular. Retailing for 1100 
  marks, they feature variable magnification and a light enhancement/thermal vision mode. These features 
  allow swift location and identification of prey, though sports hunters rarely avail themselves of the built-in 
  range finder. The sealed unit has proven extremely durable, capable of survlving immersion i n  water, falling 
  impacts and cold temperatures. 
  3) Electronic Binoculars 
  4) 
  Personal Comm 
  Lyonnesse-based design house Alexander Klyne produces a range of rugged and durable outdoor clothing that 
  has proved surprisingly popular with those who favor an active lifestyle. Unlike many brands of outdoor 
  clothing intended for the fashion market, items in the Spirit of Adventure line are rugged and durable, made 
  of tear-resistant materials and manufactured to the highest standards. The line provides for a wide range of 
  environments, including lightweight clothing for the Badlands fringe, waterproofs and cold-weather gear for 
  mountaineers. The latter often include gel-pack heating elements, powered by a compact battery unit. 
  Most mountaineers are willing to take risks to accomplish their goals, but there are risks and then there are 
  stupid risks; the Sneeberg piton gun serves a duel role i n  reducing the risks faced by climbers. At the most 
  basic level it facilitates quick and easy placement of pitons to which safety ropes may be attached, minimiz- 
  ing the risk of a fall. It is also built to serve as an emergency weapon, particularly useful in unexpected 
  encounters with venomous jumpspiders or hostile rock dragons. As a weapon the accuracy is poor and the 
  range limited, making it a last-ditch option i n  such close combat situations. The gun uses a low-recoil 
  mechanism to minimize the "kick" of driving in pitons while suspended by one hand hundreds of meters up a 
  cliff face, so its damage capability is somewhat limited. 
  While it is possible to climb a rock face with little more than bare hands, tackling a major mountain has 
  become a very technical process. A girdle-style safety harness provides the basis of the former, serving as the 
  attachment point for safety ropes and equipment, yet remaining comfortable to wear for extended penods. 
  Ropes and pitons are the other essential items, lightweight but capable of withstanding considerable stress. 
  Pitons fall into two groups: mechanical devices fed into cracks by hand, and power-driven pitons usable even 
  on solid rock faces. The latter are frowned upon by climbing purists but have became an essential fixture on 
  difficult climbs. To these basic items can be added boot spikes and ice axes, particularly in conditions of snow 
  or ice. Most climbers carry a single ice ax, but a number of arctic specialists carry two. 
  A lightweight safety helmet provides protection against falling rock and accidental collisions with the rock 
  face. Many feature integrated goggles as well as attachment points for a breathing mask, though the latter is 
  usually only used in high-altitude climbs. A peculiarly Terranovan addition to the climber's equipment is the 
  addition of an anti-venom kit. Jumpspider toxin can be a serious risk and each kit contains hypodermics filled 
  with antidote, as well as equipment for removing the venom. Most climbers also carry a compact sleeping bag 
  that can, if needed, be suspended on a cliff face by pitons, as well as lightweight cooking equipment and 
  some method of summoning help (flares and a short-range radio). 
  2)Cold-weather clothing 
  3) Breathing appara 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The United Mercantile Federation is geographically and culturally diverse, ranging from the frozen tundra to the halls of 
  power in Lyonnesse. Campaigns set in the UMF can utilize any of those locales, allowing for a wide range of campaign 
  types. Several themes define the United Mercantile Federation: rampant capitalism, information, amorality, loyalty and 
  tolerance. They dominate the daily routine of Mercantilists, forming an undercurrent that shapes their outlook and 
  response to situations. 
  If nothing else, the United Mercantile Federation is renowned for its quest for profit, and the concept that “there’s no 
  such thing as a free lunch” pervades the society. Everyone contributes to society with remuneration commensurate with 
  the value of the work. Federation society i s  the ultimate meritocracy: if 
  you do well, you progress, if you don’t, you are 
  cast aside. PCs will be expected to carry out their duties to the fullest and will be exploited by less scrupulous individuals. 
  They may find themselves accused (justly or otherwise) of shirking their responsibilities or wasting resources, drawing the 
  unwanted attention of the authorities. They will soon learn that the only way t o  avoid this is to play the game. 
  The flip side of Mercantile capitalism is extreme poverty. Mercantile culture is geared toward supporting the seventy-five 
  percent of the population who are employed by the corporations, leaving the others to fend for themselves. A few eke out 
  an existence i n  farms on the Badlands fringe, but the bulk form a veritable underclass, locked into a self perpetuating 
  poverty trap. There are few opportunities to escape, and those who do not are exploited by their peers or else are forced 
  into crime t o  survive. Such individuals, however, do provide a mechanism for circumventing the established order. 
  The UMF i s  the most media conscious society on Terra Nova, and image and information play a key role i n  most people’s 
  lives. There are those willing to exploit any advantage for an extra measure of profit, eliminating or weakening rivals, or 
  gaining inside knowledge. Information is the primary means of leverage and the art of kumpromat, literally the acquisition 
  and utilization of compromising material, i s  ingrained as part of life i n  the Federation. Players will likely find themselves 
  either the target of an attack or gaining access to such material. Progressing through society will involve judicious use of 
  such information. Similarly, espionage i s  a part of everyday life. Corporations spy on each other and the government spies 
  on the corporations. As a consequence, security is tight but the preponderance of such activities allows foreign powers to 
  stage their own operations with minimal chance of detection, often masquerading as ’harmless’ corporate intrigue. Again 
  Players may find themselves involved i n  such operations: most corporations maintain sizable intelligence arms and also 
  hire freelancers when deniability is a requirement. 
  Those who succeed are rewarded while those who fail are punished or even cast aside. With this in mind, any means of 
  gaining success i s  considered - 
  the end result, quite Uterally, justifies the means. At the most basic level this manifests 
  as deliberate sabotage of other people’s positions, character assassination, the undermining of authority, and so forth. On 
  a large scale, inter-corporate dirty tricks are common, ranging from the industrial espionage mentioned above, to theft, 
  blackmail and sabotage. PCs may find themselves caught in the crossfire of such actions, or even the targets or instigators 
  of some dirty tricks campaign. 
  Given the backstabbing and divisive nature of UMF politics, loyalty would at first glance appear t o  be an odd attribute for 
  the Mercantile population, but while individuals bicker and fight they will often work together for the good of the whole, 
  be it a community or a corporation. This sense of ”greater loyalty” pervades the society, reigning i n  some of the excesses 
  of the drive t o  succeed and preventing the UMF from collapsing under the weight of personal ambition. The willingness t o  
  put aside a private dispute while dealing with an outside problem is a typical Mercantile trait, and adds further depth to 
  the league’s already Byzantine politics. 
  The UMF i s  a diverse society, with constitutional guarantees regarding political and cultural freedom. Across the Federa- 
  tion as a whole, people are accepting of differing cultures and attitudes. For that reason the Mercantile population find 
  the idea of an official 
  doctrine, as espoused by the Humanist Alliance and even the Mercantile city-state of Zagreb, an 
  aberration. Likewise, the biases of other nations, such as that i n  the NLC against non-Revisionists, are considered bigoted 
  and small minded and characters who demonstrate such characteristics can generally expect to be shunned. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The socialist city-state of Zagreb follows principles i n  stark contrast to the rest of the United Mercantile Federation and 
  this often brings them into conflict with the authorities. Following their own path, the citizens of Zagreb have formed a 
  loose alliance with the independent city of Timmins, establishing a subsidiary power block within the CNCS and its 
  protectorates. To date the UMF has tolerated the Social Economic Pact, but with war raging i n  the Badlands, the Federa- 
  tion cannot risk any actions that would weaken the CNCS and both corporations and the military are urging action to bring 
  Zagreb into line. Conversely, there are those within Zagreb who feel the city's 'special status' and the pact with Timmins 
  are not enough, calling for a secession from the Federation and the formation of a new Northern league. 
  This murky political situation has recently degenerated into a low-level conflict between the rebels, known as Rodinists, 
  and the UMF security services and military. Troops i n  the city are frequently the targets of terrorist attacks and ambushes, 
  seemingly aided by the local population. There are dozens of Rodinist cells in the city, only a few of whom are on active 
  duty (i.e. carrying out terrorist operations against the federal government, corporations and the military of the UMF and 
  CNCS). The remaining sleeper cells await activation at a time of need. 
  Until now the Federation has had its hands tied, but with terrorism escalating and the entire league under mibtary 
  jurisdiction, the time for action is at hand. The UMF and CNCS have instigated a number of operations designed to place 
  intelligence operatives into terrorist cells, intending t o  expose their membership and support network, and hopefully end 
  the crisis. Such operations are extremely dangerous - 
  any Federation agent captured can expect to be tortured and 
  executed - 
  but are vital to the security of the UMF. PCs will find themselves facing not only the Rodinists but also a 
  hostile local Dopulation and an unfriendly qovernment. The Censors' response will be erratic - 
  some will block the CNCS 
  _ _  
  operations out of habit while others genuinely support the rebels. A few may be cooperative, but those are the ones to be 
  wary of ... 
  I 
  Starting Point: Hidden ~g~~~~ 4 
  The Rodinist arsenal i s  dominated by material acquired from the local militia, but recent attacks appear to 
  make use of equipment originating in the Southern Republic, a worrying development which suggests the AST 
  are attempting to use the situation for their own ends while the Interpolar War rages. Agents from across the 
  CNCS are set to investigate the source of such equipment and shut down any supply chain from the South. 
  Characters from any CNCS intelligence agency may be drafted, but the authorities may also hire private teams 
  because the Rodinists seem to have an uncanny knack for uncovering government agents. 
  A t  first glance the task seems impossible - Zagreb is a major trade center with its caravansary busy 36-hours 
  a day. Since the outbreak of war direct trade with the South has dried up, though some caravans work their way 
  to the city through Timmins, Zagreb's ally in the Social Economic Pact. Investigating the handful of companies 
  with connections to Timmins is a laborious process, but it soon becomes clear that there is more to several of 
  them than meets the eye. Some are opportunist traders, seeking to profit from the war by smuggling small 
  quantities of Southern goods, while others are little more than fronts for the Granis or Fom Cartels. Any one of 
  these could be the vector for equipment (and it is quite possible that several are) and it will take a side-trip to 
  Timmins - 
  even less friendly than Zagreb - 
  to isolate the SRID agents involved in the operation. 
  I
  1
   
  The Wounded Knee cartels are looking to profit from the situation and will not tolerate any interference. I 
  I 2 
  A Mercantile company is using Rodinist attacks as a smoke screen for their own operations against a competitor. I 
  I 
  3 The Chief Censor holds a meeting, inadvertently leaking their plans to the terrorist's leader (his aide, Marya Faraday). I 
  4 
  5 
  6 
  A Mekong Ghost Squad arrives in the city and sets about exacerbating the situation. 
  The team find themselves being investigated by the city's Guardians. 
  The team's investigation disrupts a long-planned sting operation by Federal customs officers. 
  1 
  2 
  3 
  4 
  5 
  FlA Agents sent into the city to identify Rodinist cells 
  Corporate security ofFicers charged with protecting company assets 
  Visiting traders and their guards 
  Journalists reporting on the troubles 
  Southern aqents working to destabilize the UMF 
  ~ 
  6 
  Rodinist sympathizers looking to lend support 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I 
  Corporate rivalry is part of daily life i n  the UMF. Each corporation seeks to profit at their rivals' expense and will go to 
  extraordinary lengths to gain an advantage. Industrial espionage and theft have become an ingrained part of the culture, 
  ranging from gathering information on performance and future plans t o  detailed schematics and working models. Players 
  may find themselves i n  possession of highly sensitive information and tempting them with offers of a major reward for 
  revealing such information may make for interesting roleplaying opportunities. Do they turn the agent i n  or do they take 
  the offer and hope t o  keep their activities secret? If 
  they opt for the latter, i s  that the end of the matter or will the agent 
  come back to them and use knowledge of their existing betrayal to blackmail them into doing it again? 
  Removing an opponent's advantages is another major strand of inter-corporate politics. If catching up proves impossible, then 
  why not drag them down to your level? Direct sabotage is the obvious method of doing this, destroying research, prototypes 
  and produm'on lines, but political and economic actions may also prove effective. Players can thus be anything from black ops 
  teams to political lobbyists or civil authorities. It should be noted that some corporate disputes, such as between Northco and 
  Shaian Mechanics, stem from political disputes (in this case NLC attempts to reduce their league's dependency on UMF goods). 
  Just because the political battleground does not use guns and bombs doesn't make it any less deadly. 
  Acquisitions and mergers, particularLy the gobbling up of smaller companies by massive conglomerates, can make inter- 
  esting campaigns, particularly from the point of view of executives i n  charge of the acquisition, or the management of the 
  smaller company seeking t o  avoid the same. Acquisitions of small companies can often serve as a proxy for disputes 
  . . 
  . 
  . 
  ' 
  : 
  . 
  I 
  ' 
  . 
  . 
  . 
  ' 
  between larger organizations, leading t o  a deadly tug-of-war i n  which the minor company 
  Corporate disputes need not be limited t o  actions between companies. Inter-divisional rivalries 
  aged i n  many companies t o  foster competition and innovation. 
  Northco has recently undertaken a massive operation to counter industrial espionage, code-named Fly Trap. I n  
  addition to rooting out moles. it has uncovered links to crime syndicates and foreign powers. While Northco 
  continues to deal with those aspects relating to its own security, they have passed information to the Federal 
  Intelligence Agency and the UMFA's Military Intelligence Branch who are in turn chasing down leads that 
  relate to national security. 
  One such lead came from the discoveiy that Zagreb's Rodinist terrorists were using information extorted from 
  a Northco employee to pay for arms and equipment shipped from the Southern Republic. This led to the 
  collapse of a major SRID operation, but though the FIA netted a number of operatives, several remain at large. 
  The authorities know the Republican agents will make further attempts to acquire the technical data they 
  require and have thus bolstered security at the likely access points, including placing intelligence and security 
  agents in the departments a t  greatest risk. All have received rudimentary business training but will find 
  maintaining their cover a tricky proposition. Furthermore, will they be able to distinguish between the lies 
  and manipulations that are part and parcel of corporate infighting within the department and those of the 
  SRID agents? Will the corporate workers (who may include Player Characters) suspect the security plants or 
  simply consider them threats to their own position? 
  1 1  
  Coroorate inteltiaence officers. I 
  1
  2
   
  Securitv forces. 1 
  1 3  
  ~ 
  ~~ 
  Investiaative i o u r n a a  
  ~~ 
  4 
  5 
  6 
  Junior corporate executives. 
  Hostile agents working undercover as spies or saboteurs. 
  Trade negotiators 
  i s  an expendable pawn. 
  . 
  are common and encour- 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  I 
  Ruled by a monarchy, the city of Ashington is steeped i n  tradition and protocol and makes an ideal setting for 
  adventures based around intrigue and diplomacy. Relationships within the Estates, the city-state's nobility, are a 
  volatile mix of honor, duty and ambition, often baffling to outsiders who enter Ashington's social circles. Friction also 
  exists between the nobility and the bulk of the city-state's population, the once-disenfranchised commoners, who 
  continue to press for further reform t o  the city's social systems. Players will find many roleplaying possibilities as part 
  of either group. 
  Ashington i s  also a major corporate center, the home of the Ashington Power Corporation and numerous industrial and 
  trade concerns. These companies involve themselves i n  local politics, but also play a role i n  the greater corporate affairs 
  of the UMF. Indeed, APC has a seat on the Corporate Council and corporate characters may find themselves attending a 
  meeting of the council, either as aides or security for the APC representative. Smuggling is also rife i n  the city, and 
  characters can easily be part of one of the two local cartels, the dominant F o r i  and the newly arrived Granis, each 
  working to profit from the war while minimizing the other's influence. 
  Given the current Interpolar War, military operations will feature heavily in all campaigns set i n  Ashington. The 
  city i s  a major military base for both the Northern Guard and the UMFA, with the large fort complex and landship 
  docks serving as home for many of the units operating against the AST. The city i s  also deemed a strategically 
  important resource, the power exported by APC vital t o  industry elsewhere i n  the UMF. A large contingent of troops 
  i s  based in the city t o  guard against sabotage or direct attacks. Military may thus be stationed i n  Ashington, 
  interacting with the local population on a regular basis, or else they may visit the city infrequently on R&R from 
  their units at the front. Both present opportunities for mixing military, political and even corporate elements into 
  a single campaign. 
  Prince Ash holds a banquet to celebrate his birthday and anyone of any standing in the local community 
  attends. UMFA officers rub shoulders with nobility, show-biz personalities and corporate executives. The 
  guests mingle and the PCs have ample opportunity to socialize before the climax of the celebrations: a 
  massive fireworks display. At some point during the evening the Players are introduced to the young com- 
  mander of the Second Ashington Royals, Colonel Hannah Ash, the prince's daughter (see p. 89). Her youth and 
  inexperience are clear and despite displaying a sharp intellect, she has obviously been promoted above her 
  abilities. The characters should also encounter Ethan Lords, semi-legendary Duelist. 
  The PCs may also find themselves courted by members of the anti-monarchist faction. One topic which will 
  almost certainly come up i s  the nepotism inherent in the Ashington system. The PCs should be careful, lest 
  they bring down the ire of the other nobles by making out-of hand remarks. Ethan Lords (use the Gear Duelist 
  stats from p.92 of the Second Edition Heavy Gear Rulebook if required) will challenge anyone who casts 
  aspersions on the honor of the Royal family or the Ashington Royals Regiment. Players may also encounter 
  members of the pro-monarchy Order of the Chain (though they will not be aware of them as such) who will 
  make it clear that 'foreign intervention' in the city is unwelcome. 
  I
  2
   
  An advance by the Southern MILICIA threatens Badlands communities in the city's sphere of influence. 
  1 
  3 
  4 
  5 
  6 
  A PC or associate is alleged to have criticized Edden-Smythe, prompting a backlash among the local population. 
  The city is the site of secret negotiations between CNCS and AST corporations, which may be considered treasonous. 
  The raging Interpolar War prompts accusations of collaboration during the War of the Alliance to resurface. 
  A media team arrives from CanterbuN. seekina to reoort on militaw ooerations in the Western Desert. 
  r5 
  Corporate executives I 
  1 6  
  Prominent "independent businessmen" (i.e. Forzi or Granis cartel members) 1 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The most unique aspect of Heavy Gear i s  its underlying storyline. Over the course of the next years, readers, Gamemasters 
  and Players will see the world of the game change and grow as the story threads scattered throughout our sourcebooks are 
  woven together. While the storyline is intended to serve as an interesting background t o  individual Gamemasters' cam- 
  paigns (which are the foreground), it does mean that not every character i n  the game can be used freely without worrying 
  about the consequences. To give Gamemasters some indications of how best t o  use these introduced characters, every 
  Heavy Gear product since the first Life on Terra Nova has featured the chesspiece system. 
  New characters are given one of five chess pieces as an indication of their importance i n  the storyline. This permits 
  Gamemasters t o  understand how best t o  use these NPCs without worrying about disrupting the setting and having to 
  retrofit upcoming source material. Of course, roleplaying i s  about creating one's own stories, so Gamemasters should feel 
  free to disregard the limitations of the chesspiece system, as long as they understand that their Terra Nova may no longer 
  mesh with Dream Pod 9's. 
  The principal use of the chesspiece system is t o  indicate each character's importance to the overall storyline of Heavy 
  Gear. These pieces, however, also give some indication of how t o  use the characters as NPCs i n  roleplaying sessions, even 
  if one i s  not concerned with remaining consistent with the background storyline. 
  Kings and Queens are characters who have died before the date featured on the Timewatch" display. Their inclusion indicates that they 
  have had some importance for Heavy Gear, either by setting events in motion that have influenced the storyline or by leaving a legacy still 
  felt by Terranovans. 
  These characters have usuatly played some rote which is important to the storyline, but may also have simply been a prime example of the 
  spirit of their times. Often their legacy will play a role in the development of the Heavy Gear storyline, and their descendants, old allies 
  and enemies might as well. Gamemasters running historical scenarios should treat these Historical Figures as Restricted Characters so as 
  not to alter the main line of the storyline. 
  Rooks are characters who are key to the Heavy Gear storyline and are to be used with care. Although they can still be useful in a 
  roleplaying campaign - both as background elements and motivating forces -their survival until they can leave their mark on Terra Nova 
  is critical to the storyline. 
  Although many Rooks hold powerful positions on Terra Nova, others seem utterly powerless or even insignificant. Small actions may have 
  larger consequences later in the storyline. Gamemasters should tread carefully when using these characters in roleplaying scenarios, but 
  they can become contacts, allies or even adversaries of Player Characters. Using them in purely confrontational scenarios, however, may 
  prove unwise due to the chance for fatalities. 
  Not everyone of note on Terra Nova is central to the storyline. Very Important People are those characters who have a significant impact 
  on Terra Nova, but are not critical to the storyline itself. This does not mean they have no influence on it, however. 
  Knights may not play a central role in the Heavy Gear storyline, but they may well have some impact. As important people in the game 
  setting, they can influence major players or simply be carried along by the storyline. Gamemasters can feel free to use Knights in their 
  adventures, but they should remember that all will be well protected (in one way or another) by underlings and allies. 
  Social Encounters are those characters who are included in source material primarily to add flavor. They are rarely critical individuals and 
  do not have a significant impact on the storyline, but they stand as symbols of larger trends on Terra Nova. They serve most commonly as 
  contacts and background elements, rather than opponents. 
  Bishops serve as reminders of social forces on Terra Nova beyond the central plot of the storyline. From student movement leaders to 
  fashion designers, these social leaders may have some secondary effect on the storyline but are mostly present to add flavor and reflect 
  current events. Gamemasters may use social encounters as they see fit, although they are rarely designed for combat of any sort. Bishops 
  may return i n  future products, but for purposes of atmosphere only. 
  I n  general, Expendables are "average" Terranovans. The have no personal impact on the storyline and are included in Heavy Gear products 
  primarily to be used by Gamemasters. Although this category is used for faceless stock NPCs and typical citizens, many of the Pawns are 
  anything but everyday. Some pawns are periphically linked to the storyline, but they have no real effect upon it. Interesting pawns can 
  even be used as Player Characters if the GM and Player wish. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  ! 
  Lawyers are the barracudas that attach themselves to corporate sharks. Mercantile law covers a broad sweep 
  of subjects, but it is corporate law and litigation that pays the greatest dividends. Most corporate Lawyers 
  learn their trade in the massive legal departments of the big corporations, but in later life many strive to 
  establish their own practice, often in partnership with former colleagues. Such businesses can be extremely 
  profitable, growing to include a number of partners and junior pram'tioners in plush Lyonnesse or Rapid City 
  offices, or else may be crushed by existing companies and forced to fall back on representing clients in 
  criminal or civil cases. 
  T~~lcal 
  E
  ~
  u
  i
  ~
  ~
  ~
  ~
  ~
  4 
  Reference boob on mjlitay, civil, criminol and corporate law, data disks (lo), personal computer, several 
  business suits 
  The Federal Intelligence Agency's operatives are deployed to counter foreign activity and also monitor events 
  within the UMF. Thev are widely reqarded as "spooks," shadowy figures forming a pseudo-secret police taking 
  1 1 +q 
  whatever action they deem necessary to preserve the Federation. While some of the allegations are true, most 
  to be well versed i n  local laws and customs, capable of 
  Lightjlak vest, lock picks, military throavear comm. set, disguise kit, 9mm pistol, M'broknfe, personal computer, 
  10 dato disks, electronics tool kit 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Business 
  2 
  +1 
  ComDuter 
  1 
  +1 
  Barkeepers in the UMF range from students seeking part time employment to experienced owner-operators. A l l  
  must be a friend and sounding board for patrons, often building up a repartee with regulars, and most are 
  natural extroverts and flirts. They must be capable of judging when to make meaningless small talk and when 
  to remain quiet, however, resulting in many becoming proficient at psychology. Lyonnesse is the center of the 
  Mercantile social scene and work in the city, particularly in the bars of the Agora district, is much sought after. 
  Many aspire to own a bar or pub in the city but few are able to afbrd the exorbitant property prices without 
  Smart-casual clothes, Tray Data System and bartender dotaglove 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  s 
  Image plays a major role in Mercantile society and media corporations play a major role i n  making - and 
  breaking - personalities across Terra Nova. Media executives form the heart of this process, responsible 
  for the production of a wide range of programs and goods and constantly fighting to "sell" their program, 
  product or station. Though their role i s  largely managerial, most have worked their way up through the 
  industry's backbiting politics and have experience i n  editing, production and even scriptwriting. By their 
  nature media execs must maintain a high profile, and many have developed public personas to rival those 
  of the stars they create. 
  * Choose from Computer, Literoture, Music, Psychology, S o d  Sciences, Theatncs, Visuol Art 
  Impeccable clothes, cellular phone, data dsks (5). dotaglove, professional tndeo recording equipment 
  8.=s && "-" ]
  /
  T
  I
   Most criminal organizations rely on threats and intimidation to get their way, and despite the preponderance 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Born in TN 1905, Hannah Ash is the heir to the Ashington principality and her father's controlling interest in 
  Ashington Power. An only child, Hannah was pampered when she was young and wanted for nothing. Evacuated 
  to Lyonnesse during the worst of the battles for control of the city, she returned to find her home devastated and 
  vowed to prevent a repeat of the carnage. She had little difficulty persuading Hans William to allow her to join 
  the UMFA - 
  Ashington tradition dictates that members of the nobility, particularly the immediate royal family, 
  have militaty experience - and she graduated in TN 1930. Since then her father has 'expedited' her career and 
  she already holds the rank of colonel in charge of the prestigious Second Ashington Royals. Although a proficient 
  Gear pilot, gaining combat experience from actions against Badlands rovers, she lacks the seasoning required of 
  a commander and many regard her elevation as source of future problems for the Ashington Royals units. 
  Hannah knows little more than the Ashington Royals, having never served with any other line unit. Under the 
  nominal control of her father, the brigade and regiment commanders have cosseted her and taken action on 
  her behalf to ease her career. As such, she has only marginally more experience than a raw lieutenant, making 
  her blatantly unsuited to her current position. As such, effective command of the reglment lies with her XO, 
  Hannah realizes she i s  out of her depth in command of the Second Royals and barely manages to contain her 
  panic. She does not wish to disappoint her father or her troops and tries her best to grow into the position, 
  with mixed results. On several occasions her 'best efforts' have taken the unit to the brink of disaster and she 
  is scared that one day soon there will be no one to save her. With the outbreak of war she i s  undergoing a 
  crisis of conscience and is giving serious consideration to resigning her post, but fears the accusations of 
  When piloting a Gear Hannah is a cool, calculating warrior, making the best use of terrain and allied units. 
  When placed in overall command, however, her fear of failure takes over, and she i s  over-cautious, feeding 
  Prince Hans William Ash (Age 67, specialties: business and bureaucracy), Prince of Ashington and her father; 
  Major-General Tracy Headington-Ash (Age 54, specialties: bureaucracy and intimidate), Commander of the 
  Quartermaster Branch and a distant cousin; Pen Corday (Age 32, specialties: etiquette and gambling), a minor 
  noble and her fiance: Levett Blaker (Age 32. specialties: hand-to-hand and small arms), her bodyguard. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Born to a corporate family in Rapid City, Solomon Daw served with Northco's security force, the Gemeinsam 
  Guard, before joining the UMFA in TN 1906. His seven-cycle stint with Northco honed his piloting and small unit 
  tactics, but he chaffed at the unit's inactivity and with war looming requested a transfer to the UMFA. Retaining 
  his old rank - lieutenant - Davi took command of a Gear Section i n  the 103rd Gear regiment, but as an 
  accomplished Gear pilot he swiftly rose through the ranks, commanding the regiment by the War of Alliance. 
  Awarded the Lyonnesse Cross, the UMFA's highest award, for his part in the second and fifth battles of khington, 
  Davi's mix of military and political skill made him ideal to command the Heavy Gear Branch, a post he held from 
  TN 1917 until TN 1931 when he was elected to command the UMFA in the Grand Plebiscite. In TN 1905 Davi 
  married Elene Blaydon and the couple have three children. The oldest, Michael, is a Captain in the 119th Heavy 
  Gear regiment but the younger two, Karol and Mercy, show little inclination towards military careers. 
  are previously thanes - but over the last six cycles he has consolidated the grip on the UMFA. Under the aegis 
  of the War Powers Act Davi currently serves as UMF Treasurer pro-tem, following the death of Yves Banderas. 
  Despite a relative lack of experience Davi has proved to be an able politician, managing the UMFA and making 
  his presence known in the UMF Caucus. 
  Director Davi i s  dedicated to the Federation and its military, doing whatever he deems necessary to preserve 
  the status quo. He i s  a staunch advocate of the CNCS, believing the UMF can only survive by working with its 
  neighbors, though he would rather do so from a position of strength. Despite Davi's pro-CNCS stand, his 
  relationship with Grand Marshal Victoria Edden-Smythe i s  at best described as coolly professional, although 
  "frosty" would be more truthful. The exact origins of the animosity are unclear, but her acceptance of funda- 
  mentalist Revisionist doctrine is the key element. Like many Mercantile citizens, Davi i s  only a token Revision- 
  i s t  and finds the Grand Marshal's fanaticism disturbing. 
  Natalya Korolov (Age 58, specialties: business and bureaucracy), CEO of Northco; Martin Dudman (age 62, 
  specialties: business and tactics), fiend from corporate days and former commander of the Gemeinsam Guard: 
  Marshal Pietr Paulk (age 75, specialties: leadership and tactics), head of the NLC armed forces; Annerie 
  Sunneson (Age 42, specialties: dance and theatrics), occasional mistress. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  , 
  Born in the in the underclass of Rapid City, Chrystof Donnel spent his formative years running with the city's 
  numerous gangs, quickly using his sharp intelligence to forge alliances to his group's advantage. He soon 
  came to the attention of the city's organized crime syndicates and was invited into the organization, placed 
  under the command of a senior enforcer named Roman Forzi. Chrystof quickly learned the ropes, taking 
  command of his own team of enforcers and operatives in TN 1902 and masterminding a number of highly 
  profitable operations. He spent the War of Alliance managing the city's black market and when his mentor, 
  Roman Forzi, became head of cartel operations i n  the NLC in TN 1918, Donnel was elevated to his post as head 
  of the Rapid City "office." The first major challenge to his authority came in TN 1920 when a number of 
  independent gangs attempted to muscle in on the Forzi's operation, prompting a series of bitter clashes which 
  he put down with ruthless and bloody efficiency, earning the nickname of "the surgeon." With Roman now i n  
  charge of a l l  Northern operations, Donnel's status i s  rising again. He recently became "manager" of Forzi 
  operations against the other cartels (the Kolson and Granis). making him answerable only to Roman himself. 
  Chrystof is a manager par excellence, but is quite prepared to delegate work and use his team's expertise. His 
  new position is proving a challenge, but that is something he thrives on. He has found that his work binding 
  the disparate members of the Forzi Cartel and their affiliates into a cohesive force capable to defeating the 
  Kolson is much like his old days in Rapid City. He i s  meeting considerable resistance from blood-members of 
  Few meeting Donnel today would guess at his street origins. Instead his persona of cultured and sophisticated 
  elegance suggests a youth spent in the highest levels of Mercantile society. I n  many regards this is a testa- 
  ment to how far an individual can progress in the UMF i f  they apply themselves, but his ultra-polite public 
  Chrystof's first reaction is self-preservation and if presented with a combat situation will seek cover, leaving 
  Roman Forzi (age 60, specialties: Business and Human Perception), capo of the Forzi Cartel and his mentor; 
  Geraint Forzi (age 27, specialties: Business and Etiquette), Roman's son, the head of the Lyonnesse "office" 
  and Chrystof's chief rival; Anton Rozam (Age 63, specialties: Combat Sense and Security), Northco's head of 
  security and ChrystoPs arch-nemesis. 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  UMFA Lieutenant Naed Stamens was a young man with few prospects i n  the TN 1920. Born in the underclass 
  of Rapid City, he had no real future, and on a whim accepted a job in a caravan heading into the Badlands. I n  
  the equatorial deserts, however, Naed found his destiny among the order of the Blue Crescent. Here was the 
  sense of direction, community and peace this troubled young man needed to thnve. In TN 1924, he entered 
  the Great Commune in Marigold and didn't emerge for three cycles. By then he wore the tattoo of the order and 
  was married to Lyssara Maz, another initiate. The two returned to the UMF and Naed, now a calm. disciplined 
  man, joined the UMF Army - mostly to ensure that his family would never be part of the underclass deprived 
  of corporate benefits. I n  1929, Naed transferred to a NorGuard training facility near Khayr ad-Din and became 
  a Duelist. Studying under Katryne Sanz, he met many other warriors and realized there could be true honor in 
  a soldiefs life. Lyssara disagreed however, and elected to remain in Rapid City. Suffering from a crisis of faith, 
  she ultimately returned to Marigold. 
  When Naed returned from Khayr ad-Din, he was a supremely skilled pilot and respected Duelist, but h1s 
  personal life was a shambles. Lyssara wrote to him in TN 1932 saying that she was returning to him, but then 
  disappeared on the journey home - apparently the victim of rovers. Naed was desperate to find her and sought 
  Ceritto, he realizes, has been playing him for a fool and has yet to uncover anything useful about Lyssara's 
  disappearance. Meanwhile, she has sent him on a senes of morally ambiguous and psychologically damaging 
  operations. I n  1933 he was sent to Peace River to capture his friends Danghen and Maena Jarak, by then 
  fugitives from the NorGuard. Two cycles later he was tortured by Arthurian Major Eva Bukharin when he 
  attempted to contact her on Ceritto's behalf. Normally stoic and meditative, Naed has swung into morose 
  depression. He almost welcomed the war because it brought him to the front and, he hoped, out of intelli- 
  gence work. Ceritto, however, has stayed in touch. 
  Comm. 
  1 +1 
  First Aid 
  1 
  +1 
  Investigation 
  1 
  0 
  Stealth 
  1 +1 
  Dodge 
  1 +1 
  Gunnery (HG) 
  3 
  0 
  Navigation (land) 1 
  +1 
  Streetwise 
  1 
  0 
  Drive 
  2 
  +1 
  Hand-to-Hand 
  1 
  +1 
  Notice 
  1 
  0 
  Tactics 
  1 
  -1 
  Elec. Warfare 
  2 
  +1 
  HG Dueling 
  3 
  +1 
  Small Arms 
  2 
  +1 
  *(specialization) 
  -1 
  -1 
  +I 
  Combo, Aux. or Crew hits 
  SKL 3. H A R D  Punch. Ar 
  ~ 
  -1 
  0 
  -1 
  (Combo), A? 
  SKL 2, HARD Vibroweapon 
  Vibrostab 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  The daks of the Westridge and Downing Ranges differ considerably from those found elsewhere on Terra Nova. 
  They are both larger and more vicious, regarded by many as a distinct species. Rock dragons are solitary animals, 
  usually gathering only to breed, though so called "hunting parties" ofjuvenile males are occasionally sighted in 
  the early summer. When courting a mate, a process initiated by either sex, rock dragons put on spectacular aerial 
  displays with a grace that belies their size. They will also drive off rivals, a process as vicious as it is beautiful. 
  Rock Dragons are staunchly territorial and will fight to the death to defend their nests against interlopers, 
  including any human mountaineers who stumble upon the. Despite their fearsome reputation, rock dragons are 
  not aggressive unless disturbed, living off numerous small herbivores like rock hoppers and grassrunners. They 
  have a natural antipathy with jumpspiders, however, and will drive them off or kill them and thus it is very rare 
  to see both i n  the same region. Indeed, despite the risks of encountering them during a climb, mountaineers 
  regard rock dragons as a lucky sign since it implies they will not encounter the venomous smaller animal. 
  '(+natural weapons). 
  Bite (x6 Damage), Talons (x8 Damage), flight (10 MP dive) 
  A smaller relative of the dawg, sand foxes are a common sight in the Marathon Basin and on the plains that 
  line the Badlands. Sand foxes form small close-knit families, living together in burrows or caves, and have one 
  or two litters per cycle. Both the male and female hunt to feed the youngsters, often aided by the older 
  juveniles until they stnke off on their own after about a cycle. Occasionally, youngsters will overstay their 
  welcome and be ejected from the den by their parents. Largely nocturnal, they hunt a wide range of small 
  herbivores but supplement their diet with berries and roots. They are also willing scavengers and those living 
  near human settlements have been known to raid garbage cans for leftovers. The mated pair often work 
  together, one driving game towards the other, or taking it in turns to run down agile prey such as hoppers and 
  grassrunners. Sand foxes have well-developed hearing and smell, using both in the pursuit of their prey, but 
  poor eyesight. They are fiercely territorial, though their ranges are small, rarely more than 25 square kilometers. 
  *(+natural weapons). 
  Bite (x5 Damage) 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Sure-footed and adapted to life in the arctic basin, the snowspringer is perhaps the least numerous springer 
  sub-species but also one of the most majestic. Similar in size to the rockspringer, the snowspringer has large 
  shoulder "tusks," a long snout and powerful legs. The feet of the snowspringer are webbed to better support 
  the animal's weight on loosely-packed snow, and i t s  hide is thick to insulate against the perpetual cold and 
  provide some protection against injury. Snowspringers gather in large herds, often numbering several hundred 
  individuals of a l l  ages, which roam the far north in search of food. Young male springers sewe as outriders for 
  the herd, chasing off smaller herbivores and providing early warning of predators like dawgs. Battles between 
  these youngsters are common i n  the mating season and a number are badly injured and left to die. Though 
  snowspringer hides are popular hunting trophies, their meat i s  fatty and i s  thus rarely consumed by humans. 
  '(+natural weapons). 
  ~ ~ 1 1 1 ~  
  4 
  Special ~~ili~les 
  4 
  Kick (x7 Damage), Charge and gore (x12 Damage), thick skin (+lo Armor) 
  tr 
  I 
  L 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  Though small, rarely more than three centimeters in length, wheat-jackets are regarded as the biggest threat 
  facing arable farmers in the UMF. Up to four generations of wheat jackets can breed each cycle, usually from 
  eggs (usually 10-20 are planted at a time) laid in the soft fleshy leaves of newly sprouted plants. Though 
  originally hosted by several native species, wheat-jackets find imported Earth cereals irresistible and use 
  them as food and nest sites almost exclusively. Up to a dozen larvae may grow from a single egg (a process 
  known as polyembryony) and they have voracious appetites, often consuming the host plant within hours of 
  hatching (usually about 10 days after the eggs are laid). These larvae then search out the nearest source of 
  food and continue to eat, growing to almost ten times their birth weight within a dozen days, at which point 
  they enter a pupae for a further week before emerging as fully grown wheat-jackets. The newly metamor- 
  phosed adults have equally voracious appetites and continue the damage wrought on the crops. Furthermore, 
  each is fertile and, once they have found a mate, capable of starting the cycle over again. 
  They are the target of major pest-control programs in which chemicals and poison play a major role, as do 
  modified (less tasty to the insect) strains of wheat. However, crop rotation is perhaps the simplest method: if 
  denied their staple diet for more than a season the wheat-jackets move on in search of new food and nesting 
  sites. This in itself can be a problem if large numbers are involved, and every few cycles there are reports of 
  wheat-jackets wreaking carnage as they migrate in search of new crops. Fortunately, the absence of a central- 
  ized hive structure and the wheat jackets' short life span - most die within a week of laying their eggs - 
  make large swarms rare. 
  Wheat-jackets have powerful mandibles, and though herbivorous are capable of inflicting a vicious bite. 
  Individually this is insignificant, but swarms can inflict considerable damage on flora and fauna alike and it is 
  possible, though rare, for them to kill large animals like springers or humans. Though both are regarded as 
  crop pests, the wheat-jacket's long legs and double wings, distinct from their two sets of legs, clearly distin- 
  guish them from flappers (see Northern lights Confederacy Leaguebook, p.124). 
  Sleek and deadly, the winged gar is a modified Earth species that has adapted well to life on Terra Nova. 
  Measuring up to five feet long, the gars were released by early colonists as a means of controlling the native 
  lakewasps (see Northern lights Confederacy Leaguebook, p.126) which plague the north, thriving in the 
  numerous small lakes and becoming the dominant predator. Although released in select areas, the winged gar 
  has spread throughout the lakes and watercourses of the north, presumably via the McAllen network though 
  encounters with the large fish in the subterranean watercourses are rare. Genetically engineered with the 
  large fins that give them their name, they are fast and deadly, capable of devouring smaller fish in moments. 
  Their needle-like teeth pose a threat to even human divers, though most gars avoid humans save when hungry 
  or angry. Gars are edible, but their oily meat, combined with a size and ferocity that causes considerable 
  damage to nets, has prompted the Mercantile fishing industry to regard them as a menace. Sports fishermen 
  regard them as the ultimate challenge, however, and several companies offer gar-fishlng trips on Lake Tristan. 
  AGI 
  2 
  BLD 
  -3 
  FIT 
  2 
  INS 
  1 
  PER 
  0 
  HEA 
  *(+natural weapons). 
  Bite (x6 Damage) 
  i 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
  B 
  c 
  :
  E
   
  :
  1
   
  96 
  Abaline Research ............................................................................ 
  51, 75 
  Alvarez, Gretchen ................................................................................ 
  31 
  .................................. 
  47 
  .................................. 
  11 
  Ash, Hannah .................................................................................. 
  36, 89 
  Azov Treaty ........................................................................................ 
  11 
  Braesons Blackguard ................ 
  Campaigns .......................................................... 
  Canterbury .......................... 
  Cathedral, The ..................... 
  Department of Military Intelligence ........................ 
  Desert Trade Commission ...................................... 
  DuBeau-Slovenski, Milani .... 
  Dupree, Jeremiah ............... 
  Duvall. Johan .................... 
  ............................... 
  24 
  Federation Stock Market ....... 
  Feldman-Schroeder. Man ....... .................................................................. 
  9 
  Fort Charles ......................... 
  Fori Cartel .................................................................................... 
  21. 35 
  Galen-Ash, Mykel ................................................................................. 
  36 
  Grand Plebiscite ................ 
  Granis Cartel ..................... 
  History ............................ 
  Interpolar War ............... 
  Judas Syndrome .......... 
  Karaq Waste .......................................................... 
  Kokon Cartel ...... 
  . 
  take Tristan Conclave ..... 
  ..................... 
  52-53 
  ' 
  Northco Gemeinsam 
  . 
  Northern Inquirer, T 
  . 
  Northern Lights Con 
  . 
  Polar Basin .... 
  .................................. 
  Terranovan Lottery ................................. 
  : T 
  Terranovan Multimedia Projects ................ 
  ......................... 
  ......................... 
  ............................. 
  17 
  Zagreb ..................... 
  ._. 
  16, 22, 24. 30, 61-63 
  Zihl Salt flats ..................................................................................... 
  56 
  : 
  i 
  z 
  Bryce Hubbard (order #7494238)
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/Dream Pod 9/Heavy Gear/051 - United Mercantile Federation.pdf