Overview: Arcadia

[Zero Revenge]

Everything here is subject to being updated and/or changed. I also realize that most of my faction information is in the general Overview, not the faction-specific section. I'll fix that eventually.

Table of Contents:

1. The Orisia System & Arcadia.
2. Aurachalcum.
3. Overview & History.
4. Ijad Enclave.
5. Free Cities of Arcadia.
6. Arcadian Workers Syndicate.
7. Terran Expeditionary Marines.
8. Varangian Guard.
9. Promethean Initiative.
10. The Corporations.
11. The War.

1. The Starsystem & Arcadia:
Arcadia is a naturally hospitable planet in the Orisia System, located in the Mid Rim of the Milky Way. A “water-world” planet, roughly 70% water, 30% land, and with a climate that is perfect for growing crops and other food-stuffs nearly-year-round, Arcadia looks to be the first colony of the Orisia system; with the plan to be the primary colony, one that acts as a focal point to spread the colonization efforts in the system.

Being a planet which is entirely a freshwater planet, Arcadia’s primary export was agriculture (peaches) and seafood until a large asteroid crashed onto the planet. The resulting cataclysm revealed the valuable minerals that laid beneath the seafloor of Arcadia, changing its primary export to rare ores and minerals, particular one rare mineral that is being heralded as a new variation of Lunar Titanium. With the seafloor being revealing a plethora of invaluable materials, the colonists began constructing a chain of sea-rigs to drill into and harvest the minerals in the sea.

Arcadia has itself two satellite moons, Lycaon & Callisto. There were plans for colonization of the moon, but the project never really got off the ground. The transit gate is located just outside of the moon’s orbit and is defended by the Authority's marines.

When the asteroid, Aurum, crashed into the surface of Arcadia. It forced the planet to undergo a stark transformation. A "minor" [context is key] nuclear winter. The once-temperate areas froze over quickly, the equator the only area on Arcadia with a real "growing season". When Rosenthal returned to the planet, they brought themselves terraforming equipment to ease the people's burden and help heal the planet... and subsequently charged the people of Arcadia for it, placing them in a steep debt to Rosenthal. (Similar to the debt incurred when they first build the Transit Gate "Elysian Fields", except now that planet doesn't have the lush farmlands to support the economy. ...Till the Aurachalcum refineries are build.)

By the time after the "Seven Hour War", Arcadia has seen a considerable improvement to its atmosphere and surface. There is once-again a temperate zone, between the equator and arctic lines, albeit a small one, since the arctic lines are much closer to the established cities and societies. Regardless of the current recovery, Arcadia is still prone to violent and chaotic shifts in weather patterns, making of course, paying off the debt difficult.

2. Aurachalcum:
The rare resource was deemed "Aurachalcum" by Rosenthal scientists. Described as "The Solar Calendar's Philosopher's Stone", Aurachalcum is first discovered in cities ravaged by tsunamis and tidal waves, by the asteroid's ("Aurum") collision into Arcadia's lower ocean. This green crystal-like resource is being heralded as a new-age superconductor, making Arcadia vastly important to the Solar Union, as it is the only known world with vast amounts of Aurachalcum; let alone available in high quantities. Processed Aurachalcum is however, highly unstable and explosive. Rosenthal had discovered this when a tanker full of Aurachalcum had been damaged by a terrorist attack, which subsequently exploded the tanker, and taking out its surrounding escort vessels and the terrorists. (Preformed by the Eco-terrorist "protection" group, "Lost Eden".)

Aurachalcum has both superconductive and radioactive properties, and thus, it is very valuable in the production of Military Frames. As a high temperature super conductor, its use is proposed for in next-generation frames frame-systems, such as high-energy demanding system concepts such as Maser Technology and Ionic-Float Systems.

3. Overview & History:
When the bid of a new system was given out by the Solar Union, many companies vied for its claim, the winner was Rosenthal Incorporated. Rosenthal quickly sent out colonies to the Orisia system, and set up on Arcadia. The colony grew for a solid decade, its primary export being agriculture and fishing. Rosenthal made exuberant profit from the trade and it showed. Arcadia itself grew quickly from the economic boon, spreading far across the land; that is, before it had its first crisis. A large asteroid crashed into Arcadia’s surface, far south of the colony itself, but the resulting collision caused massive damage which spawned tsunamis and other natural disasters. Worst of all, it caused a dead-stop in Arcadia’s agriculture cycle, causing Rosenthal to lose its expected huge profits, especially after years of constant growth.

During the reconstruction of the colony, its inhabitants had come to the realization that the impact threw invaluable resources from the ocean floor, onto the surface. The colonists shifted their focus onto harvesting these minerals. It was this rare discovery that compelled Rosenthal to finally send aid to Arcadia, now that the ravaged planet looked like it had obtained a “second wind”; and so Rosenthal sent aid to Arcadia.

Despite the arrival of help, the colonists’ reactions varied, most were negative. In the best of lights, Rosenthal was grossly negligent and took their sweet time to send aid. At worst, the corporation had practically abandoned them, were it not for the discovery of the minerals. The colonists, after the time they spent to help each other during the disaster, broke down… and rioted.

The rioting and protesting spread through the streets of almost every major settlement, particularly those with a heavy Rosenthal influence. Rosenthal had the local colonial police forces enforce the law, and after a few weeks most of the protesting had stopped they had no trouble regaining their profits, and then some… Until it came to the day of trade with the Terran Trade Marines; a sect of partisan colonists armed themselves with modified (and unmodified) labor frames and attacked the trade meeting. While all of “terrorists” ending up being killed by the TTM in the short-lived skirmish, this was the first spark in a revolutionary movement, that while staying underground, grew over the course of Arcadia’s history - till present-day. Since that incident, Rosenthal tightened its grip on the colony, altering the scale/ratio of company profit to worker pay. Arcadia and its people were slowly being strangled into submission.

While the people were upset about the sliding pay scale, and treatment of Arcadia, life returned to a sense of normalcy, work for Rosenthal continued, just with a bit more armed presence. New projects to expand into the ocean were underway; sea-rigs were created and spread like tendrils through the waters looking for more resources.

This is when the newest sea-rig noticed a large landmass in the distance, the workers could even see lights coming from it at night. After much discussion, they decided to take a small vessel and investigate the land, no one back on the mainland knew of any settlements in the area. Perhaps there was another corporation here? The workers discovered something far more perplexing, another settlement: a Human & Ijad settlement.

The asteroid that crashed years back onto Arcadia was a derelict mining asteroid, it came from another part of the Orisia system. It had veered off course, and was drifting through Orisia till it made contact with Arcadia. While most of the interior of the asteroid was destroyed in the crash, some of it survived intact, allowing its inhabitants to reclaim their technology and supplies inside, deciding to rebuild on the asteroid topside, which was now sticking out of the water like a large island. The Ijad (both human and Ijad) were so pleased to see other life on the planet. The two parties immediately began sharing information and opened up trade. The Ijad too had relied on agriculture (in the form of artificial greenhouses) and mining to flourish, even showing off their own frame, an Aqua-Chub, which they used to harvest supplies from the flooded interior of their asteroid and off the shallow-ocean floor.

While most of the Ijad stayed behind on their land, a group of them went back to the rig with the workers, and then hopped from rig to rig, sharing their stories, values, faith, and customs with the Arcadian colonists, eventually making their way back to the mainland. The radical views of the Ijad way of life were a surge of fresh air to the strangled colonists. Many discussed a possible change in faith and how to live.

Rosenthal noticed a decline in profits, and blamed it on the “interference” of the Ijad, Rosenthal and their muscle began to hassle and arrest members of the Ijad enclave, and anyone who was even suspected to being sympathetic to them. The Ijad put up no resistance, only responding with non-violent protesting. Seeing an enemy of their enemy, the revolutionary movement sprung to action. Using sabotage and other guerrilla style tactics, the movement was able to inflict enough damage to Rosenthal, and cripple their projects to such a degree, that Rosenthal felt they had no other option. After trying to suppress the protesting and disruption, they left Arcadia, content with their other planets and systems to garner profits. As Rosenthal was leaving Arcadia for the transit gate, they informed the TTA of their choice. Despite that this mean Rosenthal voided their contract with the Terran Transit Authoirty & and the Solar Union, the corporation saw more hassle than it was worth in their colony. As a parting gift, they informed the Transit Authority about the Revolutionary and Ijad movements on the planet’s surface. With that, Rosenthal Incorporated abandoned Arcadia.

The limited amount of Transit Marines located at the transit gate couldn’t hold off a real attack if they needed to, they were a skeleton crew to run the transit gate. Rumors of the Ijad rebellions in other systems invoked the “fear of (the Ijad) God” in them. They did the only thing they could do, Inform the Solar Union’s C.C.D. – Committee for Colonial Development; the Union’s bureaucratic agency that writes the contracts & controls which corporation obtains territory.

Despite obtaining the situation report from the Orisia Transit Gate very quickly, it took nearly a whole year for the C.C.D. to even entertain the process of selecting a new corporate backer for Arcadia. Despite all the red tape, they eventually decided on writing a new contract. It came down to two vying corporations, Valhallan Industries, an already powerful corporation based from Jupiter, which vied for the rights to Arcadia decades ago; and Amber Coast Electronics, a Mars-based corporation which has foundation ties to Terra. In a close vote (some say due to political turmoil concerning the S.U.’s favoritism to the Jovian powers, and the Martian political parties calling in a favor) the bid was given to Amber Electronics.

Amber Coast and the Solar Union C.C.D. drafted a new contract, to retake Arcadia and reopen the trade route with the Transit Authority. To further the goal, Amber Coast was issued a unit of the T.E.M., the 507th Provisional Unit, under what has been deemed “Operation: Galahad”. The 507 is a renowned unit, recently returned and recovering from the Coral system, they're known for getting the job done despite the conditions. Out of the total men who fought in the Coral Rebellion, only two men were left alive who had never been hospitalized with wounds or illness. (By its end, the casualty rate was nearly 45%) This unit became famous for its deep-penetration missions behind enemy lines, often engaging hostile forces superior in number.

However, even before the voting process has come to a conclusion, Valhallan Industries sent a ship through the transit gate to Arcadia. Through the use of bribes and political favors, Valhallan learned of Rosenthal’s abandonment of Arcadia, and was able to go through relatively unnoticed, and decided to set up a colony on the Arcadian moon of Lycaon. It is here that they began to prepare for a takeover. The corporation did not travel to the Orisia system alone though, they brought themselves the Varangian Guard; a group whose name is known by few, but feared by those that do. The Varangian Guard is the corporate muscle of Valhallan Industries, handpicked from the broken remains of a Colonial Militia turned Ex-Foreign Legion Unit, the V.G. are experienced soldiers with a twisted fervor. This colony was to be the staging ground for Valhallan when their new contract was written up. However, when the bid was given to Amber Coast Electronics… the higher-up’s in Valhallan decided to stay on Lycaon. To stay, watch, and wait…

Throughout the last year of political bickering back in Sol, Arcadia had entered another crisis. With their governmental body gone, and most of their funding and assistance pulled, communities began to splinter. Aspects of the revolution that had forced Rosenthal off-world had turned upon itself. All throughout the colony, chaos ensued. Two forces stood forward to quell the anarchy sweeping through the countryside. First is a Free Colony Movement, backed by the Mobile Frame Militia, the remains of the Colonial Police. Banding together with local mayors and community leaders, various settlements came together for survival. Whenever a warlord or criminal came to cause trouble, the MFM were sent to stop it. Using their own customized police frames, the MFM became heroes in their respective lands, almost like the Sheriffs of the Wild West, in Terra’s historical days before the Solar Calendar. They were looked upon to help lead the people of Arcadia out of this mess.

The other force was the Ijad. Motivated by their faith and high-moral culture, the Ijad who had moved to the mainland had been spreading their beliefs since Rosenthal left. Many of their followers did not sink into despair and instead continued the Ijad style of a society in their new land. In fact, most of the colonists in areas with Ijad in them looked towards them for guidance. The Ijad took very little steps to take power, the people wanted them to lead. Ironically, entirely peaceful, if one were to consider all of the Ijad as one collective unit, they would be controlling the most territory; all the way from the Mainland port, to the asteroid island in the ocean, and all the rigs in between.

By the end of that tumultuous year and a half, most of Arcadia had calmed down, although was divided into two sides: The Free Colonists of Arcadia and those of the Ijad Enclave. Then, of course, the “third crisis of Arcadia” began. The 507th Marines came through the transit gate, and landed on Arcadia. The 507 began to recruit, particularly in out-skirting areas of the Ijad and Free Colony movement. With the promise of returning to the age of prosperity under a new corporate backer, now also backed with the blessing of the Solar Union, a surprisingly high amount of people enlisted into their newly founded Foreign Legion regiment.

Amber Coast Electronics also came down with the 507, and immediately began giving those who wanted a job some work. Good paying jobs too. Taking over some abandoned Rosenthal facilities, ACE were up and running on Arcadia in minimal time. Amber Electronics, while focusing in the rare minerals, made sure not to forget about the planet’s agricultural bounty, compelling many farmers to return to the old Arcadian way of living. Last thing Amber Coast wanted was a possible food shortage… or at least, they wanted to have control over it.

Both the Ijad and FCM were cautious about the TEM landing on-world. Both sides hated the prospect of the Solar Union’s grasp on their planet again. And many of the Ijad did not comprehend why so many would flock again to the Sol Empire’s side, knowing of the past “betrayal”. Likewise, there were many in the Free Colonies side that resisted the temptation. They were on their own for so long, the people have become accustomed to leading themselves, especially after being abandoned.

Tensions between the 3 factions grew, a few skirmishes were had, and no official lines were drawn in the sand. The Mobile Frame Militia became to undergo training non-policemen, becoming a true paramilitary organization. The Ijad too now formed a Combat-Frame self defense force, a dedicated one at least, the Aegis of Arcadia.

And just as the three sides began to dig in to their respective territories, one fateful morning, citizens of Arcadia everywhere looked up in shock and awe. The morning sky was burning. Entry pods and troopships had landed, the Varangian Guard launched a multi-pronged attack on Arcadia. And while most of their attacks were pushed back, the battle for the planet’s spaceport was a success. Within one sneak attack, the Varangian Guard had captured the most valuable station on the planet…

Welcome to Arcadia.

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With the Spaceport captured by the Varangian Guard, the territorial lines were drawn in the sand. No faction had the nerve or capacity to make any outward strike, not yet. Everyone dug in and began to bolster their forces, preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. This "stalemate" resulted in minor skirmishes here & there, but was largely non-violent. The unofficial ceasefire lasted for six months, at which point the Varangian Guard pushed out, this time to the south, aiming to capture the city of New Haven. New Haven was one of the first Syndicate-aligned settlements, and was a major processing & mining center for them.

The Guard told the workers to vacate the city within 48 hours or be destroyed. The workers, unwilling to be bullied by the Solar Fascists, dug in and called in for reinforcements from the Syndicate & Confederation nearby towns. However, any reinforcements sent didn't reach in time. The Varangian Guard, precisely on the mark of the 48th hour, firebombed the entire town of New Haven. Once the fires began to die down, Guard ground forces moved throughout the town, eliminating everyone. Men, women, children - No one was spared. It was an absolute massacre, and the papers ran with it. "The New Haven Massacre" they would announce, the news spreading quicker than anyone would imagine. (Although, how much was an exaggeration compared to the actual loss of life, only the Syndicate truly knows) The Varangian Guard, after securing the town entirely began to reconstruct it into their image. Renaming the town to Bastion, the Guard now have a major Aurachalcum mining & refining center as well as the planet's mass driver/spaceport.

With the Guard beginning to mobilize, all of the other factions prepared to defend their people, to prevent their territories from becoming the next "New Haven".

Two weeks after the fall of New Haven, a massive hurricane slammed into the eastern seaboard of the Ijad & Syndicate controlled territory. The Confederacy & 507 Marines sent supplies and aid to help the people, while the Varangian Guard took advantage of the chaos, attacking various Syndicate & Ijad-controlled drilling sea-rigs, and assaulting various Ijad settlements battered by the storm. The Varangian began to push north into Ijad territory, and were it not for an imminent blizzard which followed the hurricane, the Guard may have been able to march right through the Ijad-controlled lands. With the severity of the oncoming blizzard obvious, the advancing Guard moved back to their friendly territory, ultimately resulting in things returning to what they were before the hurricane. Even though the Varangian Guard failed to seize any new territory, the sheer damage inflicted to two of their enemies was devastating.

Two months after the hurricane & blizzard ravaged the eastern coast of Arcadia, reconstruction still continuing on, yet another faction made their presence known to the warring factions on Arcadia. This union of citizens, calling themselves the "Promethean Initiative", leak footage of their prototype mobile frame, the Hercules, defeating a Varangian Guard Commander and his attache. With the narrative of the Guard's defeat, they proclaim to all other factions to fight back against the tyranny of the Valhallan Corporation, now showing it can be done.

The video also released details about how the Prometheans met with the Varangian Guard with the intent to trade, and how the Varangians planned on killing all of the Prometheans there, their aim to simply take the goods by force. Were it not for the Initiative's preparedness, they would have met a grizzly fate.

--------------------

Another 5 months have gone by on Arcadia. Tensions, while still high as ever, have not led to any further fighting. There is an eerie quiet blanketing this shaken world. Everyone is biding their time... watching and waiting for someone to make a move.

- Valhallan Industries has fortified their territory, their Varangian Guard opening up their ranks, now recruiting local Arcadians into the fold, both military & corporate roster. After the hurricane's devastation, many refugees flooded into the Capital city. With these new personnel, Valhallan is quick to put them to work.
- Merrill's Marauders have been using this lull in the war to rebuild their forces; with their sponsor, Amber Coast Electronics, now rapidly producing their new "A1 Talon" mobile frame. They're training and preparing the Arcadian Loyalists for battle too, hopefully to avoid the same blunder that was the Seven Hour War.
- The Confederacy is still politicking on their side of the world, unsure on what battle plans to adopt as their strategy. The Freed Cities of Arcadia have all signed a binding agreement, Articles of Confederation, making their alliance official. All the while, the Mobile Frame Militia have set up fortifications in the city of Stehlings, finally calming the populace down and preparing them for the inevitable outbreak of war. Dr. Magrin has been spending these last few months in Syndicate territory, finishing his latest frame project "Nightingale".
- Speaking of the Syndicate, they've been busy in discussions with the Confederacy, the 507 Marines, and the Ijad Enclave. It appears that supplies and frame blueprints have been changing hands very quickly. Dr. Magrin and Dr. Krieger coincidentally enough are both on the Syndicate's main island, working on new projects. Magrin, the Nightingale. Krieger, the Transcendent. The Syndicate's SDF doesn't seem to have expanded any further, or increased their numbers any larger, but one can assume these latest dealings are leading up to protection for supplies...
- The Ijad Enclave have been hard at work rebuilding their territory. After the devastation of the hurricane, blizzard, and Varangian assaults, Aurum Manufacturers is hard as work rebuilding everything the Enclave needs, including military frames. With new models already making themselves known on the coastlines of everyone's territory, the other factions are forced to remember that the control of the seas belong to the Aurum Ijad.
- No further news have been heard from the Promethean Initiative. After retreating back into the taigas of Arcadia, they've remained hidden.

Back on Sol, the C.C.D. are concerned with the lack of news about Arcadia from the Transit Gate. Empyrean Interstellar is delaying themselves as best can be when asked for a status report. All they have sent back were notices about the Ijad and Colonist revolutionary activities. And of course, news about the Seven Hour War... but astonishingly enough, all news about Valhallan Industries have not been reported...

Valhallan Industries, never one to give up a claim, are attempting to reintroduce themselves to the C.C.D. for rights for Arcadia. Currently, the Committee refuses to meet with them, they still hold faith that the TEM's can do the job.

[Zero Revenge]

4. Ijad Enclave & the Aegis of Arcadia:
Arriving to Arcadia by accident, these Ijad were survivors of a hasty escape plan (from another system) gone horribly awry. After landing and colonizing a small area of Arcadia, they made contact with other citizens to the north, workers of Rosenthal Incorporated. Over the small time post-contact, a small group of Ijad returned with the workers to mainland Arcadia and began to live within the communities. Preaching of their “Ijad way of life”, the colonists were surprisingly receptive. Although the number of people willing to accept an actual “parasite” was low, (approximately 1 in 10) many liked the close-knit style of Ijad living, especially in contrast to Rosenthal’s current treatment of the colonists. Even some of Rosenthal’s own roster joined the Ijad, many more after the brass abandoned the planet.

As previously stated, Rosenthal tried their best to remove any Ijadi influence from their territory, but in the end it was Rosenthal who was less willing to fight for “their” land, and fled. When the power vacuum of Rosenthal started affecting Arcadia, many colonists naturally turned to the Ijad, who felt could lead the people into a bright future. While most of the colonists supportive by this consensus, there were many who felt this was trading one bad government for another, one was motivated by greed - versus one motivated by an abstract religion. The Ijad Enclave assuming control chaffed against the revolutionary aspects in the Arcadian underground, who were hoping of taking control themselves, emulating the Free Colony Movement seen galaxy-wide.

While the Ijad were a peaceful culture, there were growing numbers among the masses who wanted to expand more. Some who were disgusted by their previous ally, the Free Colony movement, now betraying the Ijad, after all they had gone through together against Rosenthal. Some cried out for conquering the other areas, uniting Arcadia under the Ijad leadership. However, the leaders of the Enclave decided to remain peaceful for the time being, focusing on helping the people. That was however, before the Varangian Guard attacked.

After barely defending one of their settlements (even with superior numbers), the need for a dedicated defense force became clear to the Enclave, especially now with the storm of war at their doorstep. To keep the Ijad and their people safe, a mobile frame division was created and tasked with protecting the people, the Aegis of Arcadia.

The Aegis of Arcadia is the designation for the Ijad's dedicated mobile frame military, created to defend their lands from the Solar-fascists and blasphemers alike. If the Aegis is the shield of the Enclave, then the Sword is... well, their sword. Enter the Enclave's special force team, consisting of its most fanatical troops, the "Sword of Arcadia". They specialize in clandestine & false-flag operations in enemy territory. What may seem like a terrorist attack or an uncoordinated bombing against a target is really a superbly planned strike by the Sword of Arcadia... Most of the "Swordsmen" are members of the original Aurum population, and as previously said, are the most fanatic and faithful to the cause.

Important characters:
The Chosen Twelve: A cabal of twelve individuals, all whom took place in rallying the people on the asteroid Aurum during it's 5 years drifting through the Orisia System. Some of these twelve have an Ijad symbiote, others do not, but all are devout followers of the Ijadi doctrine & way of life. The Chosen Twelve do not make themselves or their motives known to the public. They influence the community in ways that each individual member has control over (one is a pastor, he "guides" through sermons, etc), and act as charismatic voices of the people. They ensured their people's safety as best they could during their long voyage, and since landing on-world, are doing everything in their power to continue to keep the people safe, and the faith strong.

While created under the belief all of the members hold equal sway, quickly after its founding & to present-day, the Chosen Twelve have always had one member who holds more command, James Callahan.

Without knowledge of the Chosen Twelve, it would appear that the Ijadi Enclave work out of a socialist-esque system.

James Callahan: James "Big Jim" Callahan is the unofficial leader of the Chosen Twelve cabal, and ergo the entire Ijad force on Arcadia. James Callahan was originally a member of a rebellion on a different system; the asteroid mining site that he was on was used as an evacuation from its system during a particularly violent campaign by the Terran Expeditionary Marines. The Ijad used their controlled transit gate to send Aurum through, attempting to connect with a friendly-controlled system. However, in their haste, the asteroid was sent off course, and found itself across the galaxy, in the Orisia System. For five years, Aurum drifted, and one man & his comrades banded together for the betterment of the people.

James Callahan, and the other Chosen Eleven made the hard decisions that had to be made for the long-term survival. His foresight and ability to plan kept the people alive, intact, and ready for retribution (particularly against the Solar Union). Now on Arcadia, Callahan and the Chosen Twelve continue to control the Ijad Enclave in their battle against the traitorous Confederacy and Solar Fascists - Merrill's Marauders & the Varangian Guard.

-----

There's no other place to add this important tidbit of information. The "version" of the Ijad religion that Callahan and his "Chosen Eleven" have as their standard is very much a variation. Altered from the original tenants of belief when the Chosen Twelve first escaped into deep space, it is a more "proactive" faith, focusing on taking down the great evils of the Solar Greed God before its evil becomes unstoppable. One such "proactive action" is the creation of Aurum Manufacturers, a Corporation-like business entity on Arcadia, using the Greed God's own tactic to its own demise. Callahan plans to, one way or another, insert Aurum Manufacturers into the S.U. power hierarchy and destroy it from within.

Needless to say, when Aurum first jettisoned into deep space, there was a near full-blown civil conflict in the asteroid. Those who disagreed with Callahan, either changed their tune, or found themselves on the short list when it came to Aurum's survival. By the end of their journey (when Aurum crashed landed onto Arcadia), the inhabitants were of the Callahanian variation of the Ijad faith.

This is also a reason to the very low number of actual Ijad symbiotes on Aurum. Most were the ones who initially disagreed... You can look at the drastic comparison of the original Ijad faith with Callahanism to that of Marxism/Leninism with Stalinism.

Yes. That's right.

[Zero Revenge]

5. The Confederacy of Free Cities & the Mobile Frame Militia:
Although now run via a governmental body, the Free Colony Movement on Arcadia originally started as a worker’s union group protesting against the corporation, Rosenthal. Throughout the years, the movement was under constant change, being a revolution movement, an eco-terrorist movement (against disturbing the planet’s seafloor, "Lost Eden"); many times the movements were overlapping and interfering with itself. But by the time of the Expeditionary Marine’s arrival and the Varangian Guard’s attack, the "Freedom Movement" was an established & independent power who wanted to govern themselves, free of outsider (and alien) influence. There men and women have hopes and aspirations of contacting the other free planets, under the whispers of federalizing, but first things first, they would need control of Arcadia.

Loosely tied together, the free cities act more like a Confederacy than anything else. Each city focuses on their own survival, their own goals, but banding together in the name of mutual survival. To further this goal and keep the peace, these “Free Cities of Arcadia” formed the Mobile Frame Militia, originally composed of various cities' Colonial Police. However, as of the 507’s arrival, the Militia has quickly evolved into their own paramilitary force, training their fellow citizens in the art of Frame-piloting and sharing the Police’s military-like regimental training.

While outnumbered and under-supplied, having to salvage downed frames to add to their own forces, the only advantage the Free Cities have is their spirit. These brave men and women will use anything & everything at their disposal to fight the enemy, and are not above simply repainting stolen frames in the MFM colors. These citizens crave freedom above all else, many are more than willing to die to keep it.

Originally a pact of seven independent cities, two of since turned on their allies. One has broken away and become their own faction, the Syndicate (see below). The other, what was to be the Confederation's capital, decided to side with the Terran Expeditionary forces. The remaining free cities have officially become a confederation of five member-states, each with their own views on how to go about running the Confederacy and leading its people. Currently the Mobile Frame Militia (the Confederacy has yet to draft an army) is the only group within the CSA/FCA that is focused on the looming battles ahead, the newfound politicians are already playing politics.

Within the months following the Seven Hour War, the remaining "Freed Cities of Arcadia" have rewritten and ratified their Articles of their Confederation, making this temporary alliance against aliens and solar fascists, a true binding alliance. The Confederation's capital has been chosen as New Edo City, the largest city-state, and the furthest away from any possible attacks from either enemy faction.

Is it here, in the new Confederate Capital, that the Old Families (those that were leading the old independent city-states, mostly descendents of the original Arcadians and Rosenthal "big-wigs") have created the Confederate Council, much to the chagrin of the common man. For "expedient reasons" they have elected themselves in power, and have decided that the Council shall remain an unelected body, having no mandate from the people. Even for the few Council members not from the Old Families, it is assumed that the Old Families have a massive degree of political influence.

To placate the fear of the Confederacy's people --- I mean, ensure the democracy of the Confederacy's people, the Council has split their governing duties with the new-found Confederacy Senate, which will be an elected body of government, taking representatives from the a number of cities and outlying territories. Many people fear that before long, the Senate too shall become corrupt, a puppet of the Old Families. However, those that have pledged to enter the Senate strive to ensure that doesn't happen. That said, the Senate has yet to be established, as of the sixth month post-Seven Hour War. The mobilization to war is taking up most of the Council's time...

Many fear that the "de jure" confederation will quickly turn into a "de facto" plutocratic oligarchy. Another concern of the people is the noticeable lack of revolutionary speech. By the time the Confederacy's Council was established, much of the discussions about joining the "Federation Network" have died down; the more radical citizens believe that the Old Families & the Council have no goal of linking up with the Network in the battle against the Solar Union... The Mobile Frame Militia has been kept out of the governmental process concerning the newly reforged Confederation, not that they wished for a position anyway, but they are concerned with this new Confederate Council and the rumors surrounding it - particularly one of the Council's growing distrust of their ally, the Syndicate - whispers of annexation on the wind.

Nevertheless, with this new-found morale lighting the flames of war, the Confederacy and its people are ready to get to work.

Important characters:
Dr. Rudolph Magrin: Originally working for Rosenthal in their mobile frame department (alongside Dr. Krieger), primarily in the concept of particle beam-weapon technology. After Rosenthal's abysmal response to the asteroid crashing, Rudolph was disgusted by the corporation's treatment of the planet & its people. He let it known to the higher-up's about his feelings, and was subsequently left behind when Rosenthal fled Arcadia. Without Rosenthal knowing, he helped create and "leak" the Magrin frame to the resistance groups (many of which were Rosenthal workers themselves). When the Confederation of Cities came to be, Magrin quickly threw his lot with them, pledging support for the people. He has also met with various members of the Worker's Syndicate, to help advance their frames for their defense* against the Ijad fanatics, and Solar Empire fascists - in exchange for ample supplies. He is currently working on 3 projects after proliferating his Magrin design to the Confederacy's militia, projects "Swallowtail", "Mockingbird", and "Nightingale".

* This leads to the Syndicate's first devoted defense frame, the Ifrit.

5b. Lost Eden:
Not a main faction (read: a played faction) in any sense of the word, the "environmental pressure group" (a very refined way of saying Eco-terrorism) Lost Eden was a very important movement at the time. It was born out of the Free Arcadia movement, spurred by Rosenthal's poor treatment of the planet [and I assume the people too, sure why not.] in its acquisition of the resource Aurachalcum. A protest group that quickly turned to terrorist actions, it was their attack on Rosenthal's tanker-full of processed-refined Aurachalcum that was the straw which resulted in Rosenthal's withdrawal. Let the history books show that Lost Eden did not plan their attack as a suicide-run.

Vergil's Malebranche have had many skirmishes with Lost Eden over the years leading to Rosenthal's abandonment, and while winning most of them, the TTM were constantly surprised at the resourcefulness of the eco-terrorists, and the capability of their far-reaching attacks.

By the time of the Seven Hour War, Lost Eden has faded into obscurity, overshadowed by the new Confederate Government, and the two "invasion forces" of the Solar Union. Lost Eden, prior to the Enclave's militarization, worked in tandem with the Ijad Enclave, however it is unknown how this group would feel about the current-day events.

6. Arcadian Workers Syndicate:
While originally a founder city-member of the Free Cities Movement before the invasion of Arcadia by the Varangian Guard, one city decided to become neutral during the year-plus crisis caused by Rosenthal's abandonment. Led by a tribunal of workers, some of which the first to meet the Ijad visitors, the Free Workers Syndicate aim to keep the peace (and as a indirect byproduct, make a killing in profits) and do "what's best" for Arcadia. Situated smack dab between the Enclave, Free Arcadia, and the 507's-controlled territories, the Syndicate operate their own society, free from visions of grandiose federations, alien caliphates, and corporate empires. With their hold on the sea-floor mining operations (only the Ijad come close), all three sides have been sure to keep in contact with the Syndicate, as the resources are vital to victory on Arcadia. While the Syndicate would prefer to not have any fighting on Arcadia, they're smart enough to know if they didn't "play nice", that in due time, these factions may be willing to take it by force.

As a matter of fact, during the fledgling days of the Syndicate's neutrality, that is exactly what happened. There were small skirmishes and misunderstandings between the Syndicate and the "Big Three"; during this time the others saw the Syndicate's actions as trying to keep a stranglehold over Arcadia's resources in an play for power and profit. These skirmishes caused the Syndicate to modify some of their worker frames (namely Wielding & Mining frames) into combat-capable frames, indirectly being the catalyst to the Syndicate's Self-Defense Force. While most of the hostilities between the Free Workers and the Big Three has cooled down, and diplomatic discussions are being had, any and all attempts to trade with the Varangian have ended poorly, ending only with the loss of product, profits, and lives. It is painfully clear that the Guard have no intention of playing nice for services or products, the Guard's only currency is oppression & deadly force.

This fifth faction in the Arcadian battle royal only complicates the war even further. This splinter group from the Free Colonies Movement is considered a "loose ally" at best, and seditionists at worst by the Ijad Enclave and the Free Cities of Arcadia. These workers were some of the first to be accepting of the Ijad culture, and then subsequently turned on them with the rest of the Free Cities during their declaration of independence. And being that this splinter-city is selling its goods to the enemy, both Ijad and Union, puts the Syndicate on shaky terms with the FCoA, even though they were a founding city of its confederation. Even with aiding Merrill's Marauders with intelligence and supplies, the TEM's keep the Syndicate at arm's length, always cautious of their new-found "ally". With only a local self-defense force to protect itself, how long can the Syndicate last unmolested and unconquered?

[Zero Revenge]

7. 507th Provisional Unit:
The 507th Provisional Unit, or "Merrill's Marauders" as coined by the Terran Trade Marines stationed on Coral* during the "Coral Rebellion", is the Solar Union's force on Arcadia; originally created to be a provisional platoon, the 507 Marauders have been apart of the right arm of the Solar Union for 3 separate campaigns now. While the Unit's namesake leader is no longer with the 507, the Marauders have now landed to Arcadia to quell another threat to the Union. The 507, having learned from the campaign on Coral, knew that key to winning on Arcadia wasn't just taking strategic points but holding them, and winning the loyalty of the people, so that they can defend their own homes.

As such, the Marauders' first goal was to establish an Arcadian Foreign Legion regiment. Under the premise of loyalty to the homeland, promise of a well-paying job (with the help of Amber Coast's funding as a backer), and driving off the "Alien & Rebellion" forces that are sucking the life from Arcadia, the 507 filled the complimenting UMFL roster in no time; by the onset of war, the 507's UMFL was nearly equal in size to that of the original landing regiment. Even despite the nearly year long "abandonment" by the Solar Union, there were many on-world who longed for the status-quo to return. While the Arcadian Foreign Legion has no official moniker as of now, the skeptics to the 507 call them the "Dogs of Sol", used in a more derogatory manner of course; currently the official name of the UMFL is merely the "Arcadian Loyalists". Prior to the Seven Hour War, the UMFL was used solely by the Marines for minor tasks and duties; as of the battle, the UMFL are being used as an equal party in the campaign.

In the short time that the 507 had on world, they and Amber Coast did there best to revitalize the area they were in. To many citizens, the 507 didn't feel like a foreign power, an "invading force". They felt that the Union didn't just come here to "conquer the planet" as many in the Ijad and Free Cities were crying out for, that the 507 and their UMFL unit were here to help; and many citizens quickly looked up to the 507 - almost with a new sense of patriotism towards their world and its ties to the Solar Union. As Merrill's Marauders pushed out from their initial standing-point, many citizens were jubilant to see the 507. And as the unit expanded its territory, so did their Foreign Legion enlistment.

The 507 has even convinced one of the major founding cities of the Confederacy to join their cause, inflicting a serious blow to the Confederacy without a single loss of life. Until the arrival of the Varangian Guard, many saw the 507 as neigh-unstoppable. Technologically superior and with the backing of a wealthy source, the 507 had no trouble in reclaiming territory... till decisive defeat that is the Seven Hour War; when the Varangian literally crashed the party. The 507 Loyalists now hope to show their patriotism in defending their home, and assisting the [temporarily] crippled 507 Marines in their mission to quell Arcadia.

Important characters:
Dr. Frederick Krieger: Scientist originally working for Rosenthal, subsequently abandoned by his employer. Originally experimenting on new-generation military-frame technology alongside Dr. Magrin, Krieger now works for Amber Coast Electronics. His pet-project was creating micronized maser technology. While he has no love lost for Rosenthal, he believes that the Confederacy's goal is nothing more than a pipe-dream. Krieger would rather have his work acknowledged and funded than support some "abstract rebellion". He's currently working on ACE's "Project Transcendent", the possible application of his theorized work on a mobile frame. There are rumors that he's working in tandem with the Syndicate in new frame projects, due to the 507 focusing on the ACE-03 Talon, a design that was chosen resulting in Krieger's project having its funding cut and priority moved to the back-burner.

Captain Jean LaCoste: Current Commander of the Arcadian Foreign Legion and founder of its new covert division, "Project Phantasm". Their mission is to "distract" the Ijad forces, while the TEM battle the Varangian Guard. Originally a Lieutenant when the 507 landed on-world, the subsequent and brutal defeat of the 507 at the hands of the Varangian Guard have lead to numerous field promotions, LaCoste being one such shining example. With the deaths of the two Martian UMFL officers (see: Seven Hour War) who arrived alongside the 507, Jean is tasked to properly prepare the UMFL for their new role, assisting the TEM's in Operation Galahad. Captain LaCoste isn't afraid to break protocol and think outside of the box when necessary, which comes up to be more often than not, an attitude that would have normally gotten a Expeditionary Marine officer thrown in the brig or discharged, has made the captain a very effective & popular leader amongst the TEM's, Loyalists, and (perhaps most importantly) the people of SU-loyal Arcadia.

One possible fear is that the Arcadian Loyalist team "Project Phantasm" report directly to LaCoste and LaCoste alone, making many worry it may be seen as his personal army. The fact that they are used for clandestine operations and other secret missions causes whispers to spread amongst the 507. While normally, their rigid structure of the Terran Marines would not allow a "low level" officer to have a military unit all to his own, the 507's current situation has allowed this to happen, and the wild success of LaCoste as led to people not questioning his authorities.

-----

* - The Coral Campaign was an campaign that the Solar Union should have prepared for properly, but instead sent a hastily created "provisional" force into a beehive. Coral, a planet whose main resource was coffee beans, is a jungle nightmare; hot, humid, and an analogy for Vietnam. The 507 was ill-equipped, and when asked for help received none. They had to rely on marauding to survive, and eventually won the campaign against the local Free Colony movement on world, despite a 67% casualty rate. Quite the baptism by fire. It was a very brutal campaign, which ended with the firebombing of the enemy's Capital, costing many civilians their lives. (Though, to the 507's credit, they gave the enemy time to evacuate, their enemy called their bluff and lost.) This successful campaign also solidified the 507's position as a notable and reliable unit for the Union, and since then have been requested for the more "necessarily savage" campaigns. That said, the 507 is notoriously under-equipped in their campaigns, usually having to rely on their resourcefulness in the field. By the time of Arcadia however, the 507 have properly replenished their ranks, and have created a series of tactics based around their "style" of combat. With the financial backing of Amber Coast Electronics, Merrill's Marauders has a far better "leg up" in this campaign.

[Zero Revenge]

8. Varangian Guard:
The militant arm of Valhallan Industries, when money and political pull isn't enough. The Varangian Guard originally hail from Vanaheim, a planet from a system near Celiel, which was lost to an Ijad "missionary" force*. These men and women were the Colonial militia, and were pulled off world by the withdrawing UMFL, when it became painfully clear that it was physically impossible to defend their home any further. Soon after leaving, the survivors were absorbed into the Legion's unit, and as they were on route back to Mars, they obtained a new contract, from the Jovian moon of Europa – from Valhallan Industries. Once on Europa, the soldiers were hired by the corporation to become a part of their industry and they agreed. Valhallan used their political pull inside the Solar Union to have the UMFL unit appear as K.I.A. on Vanaheim.

The Varangian Guard operates in corporate warfare, ensuing Valhallan's continued growth. This highly specialized force is particularly effective in anti-Ijad sorties, as the corporate heads of V.I. also share in their anti-Ijad sentiment. Equipped with the finest in Military Frame technology directly from the Industry itself, the Varangian Guard while small in number have the technological advantage; and with absolute-success being the only concern, the Varangian Guard are issued the very best, of course everything being Valhallan-crafted. In battle, they are methodical, precise, and ruthlessly efficient. Not many official military circles have heard of the Guard let alone see them in action... only the evidence of their successes where the corporate interests of Valhallan were once at risk.

Important Characters: (Written by Gatling)
Commander Dvorn Tyrson: Current leader and one of the oldest members of the Varangian Guard. As a young man he witnessed firsthand the animosity of the Ijad "takeover" of his home world Vanaheim, an event that led him on a course to recruitment by Valhallan Industries. It was through his bargaining that Valhallan Industries began development of their own frames, rather than upgrade existing Solar Union models, thus began the development projects for the revolutionary VMF Paladin line of frames. While not as technically savvy as Valhallan's engineers he is always at the forefront of the Guard's mobile frame R&D, test piloting most new units and weapons prior to anyone else. This carries on in the constant attention he shows his personal Paladin, "the Tyrant", plugging in upgrade after upgrade, maximizing its potential. He was also the first successful applicant for the controversial AGE Initiative**. A genetic enhancement program that has "improved" nearly a fifth of the guard, disregarding the nearly guaranteed death sentence it carries. (And its illegality by Solar Law.) Despite his leadership role he is commonly found sortieing on the front lines, generally flying solo during operations and supporting the most crippled squads. He is Valhallan's hammer, and intends to smash any further resistance on Arcadia. However, the most loyal Guardsmen know what he has planned for Arcadia...

When it is needed, Dvorn and the other commanders of the Guard form their own unit, deemed the "Sons of Fenrir". While this is a rare occurrence, the top commanders of the Guard are always considered a member of the Sons even when the unit is not currently in use.

Alaric Gudrun: Another of the elite Sons of Fenrir unit and commander of the Varangian Guard's Artillery Battalion "The Stormrend", a stern man who believes, much to the chagrin of the other SoF, that overwhelming force is a resolution to all tactical problems. While overly aggressive his tactical achievements are many, and armed with his custom Paladin the "Cleric" he has only become a further boon to any long range operations conducted by the Guard. He also relishes in his literal thunderous arrival on the battlefield when called upon.

Ragnar Skallagrim: The newest addition to the SoF, Ragnar has meteorically risen through the ranks of the Guard, not surprising considering that he has been groomed under the watchful eye of Dvorn Tyrson to lead the Varangian Guard once Dvorn's time has passed. Not only is Ragnar the youngest member of the SoF, he commands the newly established Orbital Defense Force "The Einherjar" which employs frames adapted for zero gravity conflict. Making his achievements more impressive, he is the only VG commander that has not undergone the dangerous AGE Initiative. He is well respected even among the elder members of the guard, as his effectiveness as a pilot rivals that of any advanced members of the guard. His custom frame - the "Javelin" - utilizes experimental mobility technologies making it a fierce fast attacker capable of doling out punishment with pin point precision.

Sigurd Svanhild: The younger brother of Thorvald Svanhild, he is the commander of the Defensive Infantry Battalion "The Shattershields" and another Son of Fenrir. A brawny hulk of a man, even among the advanced troops he alongside his brother represent the nigh invincible durability of the Guard's frames. A champion of defensive tactics he has never lost a facility under the watch of his unit. His custom Paladin "The Rook" is built to last in any harsh environment and has custom power conservation technology to ensure his continued survivability. He is a walking stone tower and when threatened, will not topple even in the face of the fiercest assault.

Thorvald Svanhild: The now-deceased member of the SoF, he was in charge of a private security force meant to escort VIP's. His custom frame "the Ursa" was given it's name from it's design base to protect whomever he was escorting, not unlike a bear caring after its cubs. It was he who initially severed any would be alliance made by the Workers Syndicate when he was ordered to open fire on a Syndicate trading party wishing to trade. This tactic would not work a second time when he and his unit were ambushed by new experimental frames piloted by the newly revealed Promethean faction. Out numbered and their own tactic used against them, Thorvald and his team were killed in action. Svanhild's death damages the titanic presence of the guard, as they were defeated by what appeared to be a disorganized group of civilians. His death weighed greatly on his younger brother Sigurd and has focused his ferocity to their borders. While not able to actively avenge his brother he swears retribution upon his brother's killer, his only clue being the last few minutes of footage from Thorvald's Ursa... later shared by the Promethean Initiative, as proof of the Varangian's defeat.

Tyrion LeChiffre: Not formally a part of the Varangian Guard, he is the head of public relations for Valhallan Industries. Inhumanly charismatic and capable of spinning anything in Valhallan's favor, his only notable fault was not acquiring the contract for Arcadia while it was up for purchase after Rosenthal's withdraw. While initially very wary of the possible threat posed by the ever expanding Varangian Guard, with in recent months leading to the invasion of Arcadia his opinion has changed. Furthering this suspicious change of heart he has insisted upon traveling to Arcadia with the Guard. Despite the unknown reason for his trip, his arrival on Arcadia has improved relations between the native Arcadians and the invasive forces of the Guard, spinning that Valhallan has no intentions of subjugation or any other illicit takeover, all the while offering jobs and charitable donations to those affected negatively by the conflict. If Dvorn represents the hammer wielding right hand of Valhallan Industries, then Tyrion is the giving left hand taking care of those who side with his cooperation.

* Vanaheim was "taken" in a eerily similar way to the Arcadian situation. A small Ijad force arrived on-world and over time started converting its people to their faith. A civil war broke out due to conflict between the Ijad-converted & Non-Ijad "heathens". The Ijad-aligned forces would end up winning. Sadly, Vanaheim's civil conflict become quite brutal towards the end, atrocities committed on both sides in desperation to win the war.
** Such as, but not limited to a "mere" 1.5% boost to one's mitochondrial protein intake.

9. Promethean Initiative:
The Promethean Initiative, or simply the "Prometheans" for short, are a union of Rosenthal staff and other civilians, banding together for survival and the goal of advancing Humanity. Naming themselves after the Greek Titan Prometheus, whose gift of fire to mankind, in defiance of Zeus, has come to symbolize enlightenment and resistance to despotic authority; their chief goal is the continued advancement of Humanity through the stars and cosmos. Abandoned by Rosenthal like most of the populace of Arcadia, these men and women never lost sight of their goal, even during the trials the planet threw at them. The P.I. are hidden away in an old Rosenthal base in the now-Taigas of Arcadia's northern hemisphere.

Originally one of the chartered founding cities, The Prometheans bowed out of the Confederacy's founding just before it's official creation, under disagreement of the Confederacy's goal - to join up with the Federation Network. (Which will, should the Federation Network become powerful enough, no doubt lead to war against the Solar Union.) The Initiative seek to eventually realign the Solar Union, but to retain their own autonomy. The Initiative have vast problems with the current S.U. loyal forces occupying Arcadia, namely Valhallan Industries & their Varangian Guard. Nevertheless, these "descendents of Rosenthal" wish to be the eventual-corporate power on Arcadia.

Unlike the Syndicate, who are a loose coalition of workers, the Prometheans have retained much of the old power hierarchy that Rosenthal employed and what made them such an effective unit. They also have access to a new-found variation of Aurachalcum, one that is currently only found in the Arctic zones. The Prometheans are using this variation to supplement their security forces (and their mobile frames) as well. The Initiative are even playing with the thought of introducing themselves to Arcadia's frame & frame-technology market.

After all the time the Prometheans spent in hiding, the Initiative reveal themselves to the world after defeating a Varangian Guard unit, weeks after the New Haven Massacre. They released a video of proof to the other factions; shattering the image of the Valhallan-juggernaut's immortality.

While their revelation is new to the main factions on Arcadia, they have already made their presence well felt.
- The Confederacy now have a ex-ally close to their borders, and on the opposite side of the majority of the forces, causing great panic amongst the Confederacy.
- The Syndicate does not appreciate a rival to their monopoly of Aurchalcum and "frame construction" market, as this will surely affect the prices they can mark up.
- The Ijad Enclave have a possible new ally in their struggle for "the greater good" in uniting the planet... under an Ijad banner. Whom better than Solar Union "dissenters"?
- Merrill's Marauders have a fellow S.U. loyal faction to communicate with (and challenge the Guard with), and as mentioned above, the possibility to bring down the Syndicate's & Amber Coast's prices...
- The Varangian Guard sees the Prometheans as an immediate threat, one that while small, must be dealt with. Particularly after a "deal gone sour" led to a Varangian unit's demise.

Important Characters:

[Zero Revenge]

10. The Corporations:
Many corporations have had a major effect on the growth and history of the planet Arcadia. Their influence rivaling those of the multiple factions fighting for it. One might consider the Arcadian Syndicate in this section, but haven't quite reached a business level of "corporation" yet, they're more of a loose union of workers than a structured company.

Rosenthal Incorporated.
Based out of Terra, Rosenthal Incorporated is a wealthy and powerful multi-system-spanning conglomerate. Rosenthal was the founding father of Arcadia and their influence and actions are still felt throughout the system.

Though now having fled Arcadia, a planet "written off" years ago, no longer worth the fight to keep, many Arcadians who were employed there were left behind, either joining with the Ijad Enclave, or the Confederacy of Arcadia. While Rosenthal itself is no longer on Arcadia, its facilities are being used by all factions whom have access to it, especially in the Confederation, who use them to keep the Mobile Frame Militia up and running.

Rudolph Magrin and Frederick Krieger were both engineers under the payroll of Rosenthal. Their contracts voided when the corporation pulled off-world. Originally partners working on theorized frame-technologies, Dr. Magrin now works for the Confederacy, while Dr. Krieger now with Amber Coast Electronics & Merrill's Marauders.

Empyrean Interstellar.
The shipping transit company which runs Arcadia's expansive, nine-level tiered transit gate, "Elysian Fields". Abandoned by Rosenthal, Empyrean and its crew has remodeled much of the transit gate, no longer having to comply with Rosenthal's wishes; with the chaos that has swept up Arcadia, and as per Empyrean Interstellar protocol, the transit gate must be renamed to remove all connection to the voiding party. The Empyrean staff & Transit Marines have decided on renaming the transit gate "Tartarus".

Empyrean Interstellar is looking towards resuming trade relations between Arcadia and the Solar Union; a new contract with either Valhallan Industries or Amber Coast Electronics, whomever seizes control over the Spaceport. Although the thought of bartering with the Confederation does not seem out of the question either, should they be able to pay the transit fees... without the Transit Marines' knowledge of course...

The Terran Transit Marine unit "Vergil's Malebranche" is stationed on-board and has been keeping the company's staff in-check, ensuring they remain on location and continue running the Transit Gate. Despite the occasional trip to Arcadia to collect items for trade, the Marines have been pent up within Tartarus for the last year, waiting for a new Corporation to resume trade relations. As a way to pass the time, some of the Marines have picked up frame-racing (both inside and outside Tartarus) with their SPI-05 Aether (a clone of the ST-10 Osprey) frames.

Valhallan Industries.
Hailing from the Jovian satellite of Europa, Valhallan Industries is a multi-faceted corporation. Most of its profits come from their pharmaceuticals & Helium-3 harvesting department, but recently have opened up a firm for colonization, private-corrections, and military-frame construction. Exuberantly wealthy, it is able to exploit the corruption of the constitutional republic that is the Solar Union. Bribes, lobbyists, kickbacks, cover-ups, nothing is off the table when Valhallan is on the line. This is a corporation that gets what it wants, and if it can't? It takes it. Enter the Varangian Guard, the corporation's private military "security" firm. Having wanted to gain control over a system for years now, when the prospect of Arcadia can to be, they did all they could to seize it; and twice the Committee turned them down.

The second time will be their last missed opportunity, as Valhallan has sent the great majority of their Guard to capture the world, Arcadia, and make it theirs. Valhallan's Board has come to the conclusion that if they can retake the planet and quell the rebellions there, then Valhallan will have a bargaining chip when it comes to dealing with future endeavors not only through the Orisia System, but other future systems as well.

The Valhallan frame designs push the limitations of known technologies. Their Paladin frame is a revolution reinvention of the Solar Union's Chub & Rumble Monkey design; Valhallan has currently created four upgrades and a myriad of variations to the Paladin since its creation, resulting in its private military, while small, being exceptionally well-armed and deadly.

It is whispered that the Special Prosecutors have been building a file on Valhallan Industries. Rumors of bribery, kickbacks, use of slave-labor, breaching of Interstellar humanitarian laws (human & ijad rights violations), various amounts of insider trading, and trade-violations are just the tip of the iceberg.

Amber Coast Electronics.
Originally started on Earth, now based out of Northern Mars, Amber Coast Electronics is a newcomer-corporation on the "Colonization Plan" block. Its name comes from the company's headquarters being in close proximity to the newfound waters ("the Amber Sea") of Northern Mars, a result from the Martian Civil War. A relatively small, but very popular corporation on *now united* Mars, were surprised themselves, when they were chosen over Valhallan for the rights to colonize Arcadia. Heavily based in aerospace designs, Amber Coast is looking forward to being able to colonize Arcadia, help its people, and retake Arcadia to its glory years... and of course resume trade to Sol.

To aid in this endeavor, Amber Coast is sent alongside a division of the Terran Expeditionary Marines, the 507th Provisional Unit - Merrill's Marauders, under what has been labeled "Operation Galahad".

After the 507's decisive defeat against the Varangian Guard during what is being coined as "the Seven Hour War", Amber Coast has created a R&D department solely for the creation of military mobile frames, one able to replace and upgrade their frames, and help the 507 fight off the Jovian invaders. Months later, their first creation, the ACE-01 Firebird, is one of the first fully transformable frames used by a S.U. military unit. Amber Coast have already created a replacement for the aging Chub, the ACE-03 Talon: a general purpose frame meant for supporting the Firebird's in a more "normal" combat role.

Aurum Manufacturers.
Based on the colonial planet of Arcadia, Aurum Manufacturers is the Ijad Enclave's response to the need for an industrial power, able to compete against the other factions. Now merging the Ijad's own technological prowess with those of many ex-Rosenthal & ex-Syndicate workers and engineers, Aurum Manufacturers is quickly arming the Enclave's "defense" force, the Aegis of Arcadia, rivaling and surpassing some of the other factions; both in quality & quantity.

Some of the Ijad on Arcadia are proclaiming a vision of entering this corporation into the Solar Union's ranks, once they wrestle control over the planet, and have it as their own...

Olympus Mons.
These remains of Rosenthal "reborn" into the Initiative have their structure based heavily off the Rosenthal model. That said, the Prometheans' main research & development plant "Olympus Mons" is located in an underground facility within the northwestern taiga, hidden away from the other factions. It is here at Olympus Mons that the Initiative create and test their mobile frames, the Hercules, Spartan, and Orion. This is not just a R&D facility, it is also a large underground city, acting as the capital of the Promethean territories.

The Hercules utilizes the newfound "Arctic Aurachalcum" to fuel two prototype defensive systems, one an "inter-locking" shield system on its arms, and a light-bending "shroud" stealth system, able to deceive all but the best surveillance systems. The Hercules also has a variation of the Ionic-Lift system (created independently from Amber Coast), allowing it to quickly hover over the ground, particularly the ice fields of Arcadia's taigas. In addition to their prototype frame, the Initiative has created two "descendents" of the Hercules. The Orion and Spartan. The Orion is a limited mass-production version, not quite as powerful as the Hercules, and focused towards artillery combat. It is given a high-powered railgun to facilitate this role, along with an inter-locking shield to defend it.

The Initiative's Spartan is a mass production-general purpose model based on further data from the Orion and Hercules, made to keep costs down, the Spartan uses a lesser-version of the Inter-locking shield system and a combined pile-bunker/rifle weapon. The Prometheans frames have seen live combat only once, however preforming beautifully against the Valhallan PMC, eliminating them with relative ease.

[Zero Revenge]

11. The War (These will be fluff-inspired battles based off of our actual matches, all but the Seven Hour War & New Haven Massacre.)

1.) "The Seven Hour War".
Result: Decisive Varangian Victory, the Guard seize control over the world's Spaceport.
- Varangian Guard, losses low.
- 507 Marines, losses heavy.
- Ijad, losses moderate.
- 507 Marines image shattered across Arcadia.
- Six month stalemate begins.

Initially a siege of the Arcadian Spaceport, held by the Aegis of Arcadia, the 507 T.E.M.'s encircled the City, and demanded the Ijad surrender under threat of an attack within 24 hours. The warning was par Geneva Conventions, to limit the possible civilian casualties. The Ijad and Marines retained communications until 4 hours prior to the countdown, the result being the Ijad rebutting for "dual control" over the spaceport and its encircling city. The TEM's wanted the surrender or withdrawal of the Ijad militants, and sole control over the port. The two sides could not come to a compromise, and prepared for battle. The Ijad illuminated the streets as best they could, and evacuated as many people as possible, eerily able to flee right past the 507's encirclement, whom watched carefully as they did.

And so, after the 24 period ending, at the stroke of Midnight, the battle began. For 4 hours, the fighting ran through the city, the 507 actually succeeded in claiming the port and turned it into a forward position, a rallying point for the remainder of the battle. While the Ijad's military "the Aegis of Arcadia" were doing their best, the Marines of the 507 were simply better armed, and better prepared and trained. It didn't look like the battle could go on for much longer...

Before the the fifth hour started, the spaceport received a transmission. There was an approaching transport, supposedly assistance from the Solar Union. The 507 called in for no reinforcements, but all of the proper protocol was used. The transports, still in the air, broke open and opened fire on the 507 frames surrounding the spaceport. It was an aerial sneak attack. The [now known to be] Varangian Guard had hard-dropped onto the planet. Both the Ijad and the 507 were caught entirely off guard, as the Varangian seized the port within the hour. With more transports coming down over through the hour, the Ijad quickly pulled out their remaining units, while the 507 Marines refused to relinquish control. Once the Ijad had fled, the Varangian units encircled the 507's position. The 507's own strategy was being used against them.

By the end of the seventh hour, the 507 Marines finally ordered a full retreat, having lost nearly 80% of the force they entered the battle with. The Varangian Guard had captured the Spaceport, and shattered the image of the Marines. The once-thought unstoppable force was thoroughly ravaged.

--------------------

2.) "The New Haven Massacre".
Result: Absolute Varangian Victory. The Guard seize (the remains of) New Haven.
- Varangian Guard, losses very low.
- Syndicate, losses 100%
- Entire town of New Haven is wiped out.
- Valhallan rebuild the town in their image, rename it Bastion.
- Six month stalemate ends, hostilities begin.

[Ced23Ric]

Very cool. Glad you felt inspired!

[Joshua A.C. Newman]

This is damn fine stuff.

[Zero Revenge]

Updated the Faction roster with the fifth and final side in the Arcadian War, the Workers Syndicate.

*wipes the sweat off his brow* Boy, is it difficult creating a feasible five-way war in a game with 3-main factions, yet staying believable.

With everyone [but myself, the 507th. Gotta stop slacking.] making their frames, hopefully we can get some skirmishes and battles underway, and see in what direction this war goes.

And Yaaaaaay! Thank you Cedric and Joshua for the support.

[Joshua A.C. Newman]

Free Colonies are a movement without a unifying centralized anything. Plenty of room for disagreement between anarcho-capitalists, socialists, anarchists, fascists, oligopolies, monarchies, autarchies, and so forth.

Ijad societies are composed of widely varying religious traditions. Sometimes those variances are wor spilling blood. Or whatever it is Ijad bleed.

The SU is a gargantuan, heaving, desperate mass with competing corporations and rival military organizations at the front end.

You say it's hard, but you're taking full advantage of the setting!

[Joshua A.C. Newman]

Oh! The 507th would be better as a Terran Expeditionary Marine unit than a Terran Trade Marine one unless these guys are really out of their element. TTMs are stationed at transit gates to protect them. TEMs are used to quell uprisings and project force. What the TEMs take, the UMFL holds. Above it all float the TTMs, usually not doing anything but polishing their frames and showing off their very fine berets, cuz who in their right mind would ever attack a transit gate?

[Zero Revenge]

Oh! The 507th would be better as a Terran Expeditionary Marine unit than a Terran Trade Marine one unless these guys are really out of their element. TTMs are stationed at transit gates to protect them. TEMs are used to quell uprisings and project force. What the TEMs take, the UMFL holds. Above it all float the TTMs, usually not doing anything but polishing their frames and showing off their very fine berets, cuz who in their right mind would ever attack a transit gate?

The 507th Provisional is actually a UMFL unit, they arrived with minimal soldiers/personnel, and recruited once they dropped down on Arcadia. I figured the TEM were only sent in when the hutch really hits the fan; not to mention the exuberant cost to send the TEM's across the galaxy. The 507 act more like a "proper" military unit anyway, since they're direct remnants of the Northern Republic's army. You do however, make a very strong point for the 507 to be TEM's...

That, and I couldn't see the Solar Union itself standing while a Corporation's private army [Varangian Guard] directly waged war with one of their military regiments. But the UMFL? Well, they're a bit on the expendable side. I believe you even mentioned that yourself in a previous topic.

Heheh! Yes yes, polishing their frames and taking those bribes! Oh the Terran Transit Authority... the particular ones on Arcadia are... hopelessly corrupt. They only have a skeleton crew operating the Transit Gate, and when Rosenthal fled the planet, knowing the Ijad had control of the Spaceport... they honestly feared that the Ijad planned to seize it soon (and they do actually!). Well, would have... if the 507 [and then Varangian] didn't ruin that plan. Now the Varangian Guard has the Spaceport... :\ Oh boy.

You say it's hard, but you're taking full advantage of the setting!

Thank you Joshua!

[Joshua A.C. Newman]

TEMs are sent in to do damage and capture things. They're not interested in nation-building. They move in, capture objectives, destroy materiel, or disrupt supply lines, and then vanish to their next assignment. They're not really stationed anywhere static; they come in on a ship (they're marines, after all), get thrown at a problem, every surviving one gets pulled back off the surface, and then sent on. Their assignment is their ship, not a colony. A colony is just a mission, a problem to solve for them. They're the expensive solution. They're shock troops in the traditional sense of the word, where TTMs are defenders and UMFL are occupiers and peacekeepers.

[Zero Revenge]

Their assignment is their ship, not a colony. A colony is just a mission, a problem to solve for them. They're the expensive solution. They're shock troops in the traditional sense of the word, where TTMs are defenders and UMFL are occupiers and peacekeepers.

Hmm. Then are the UMFL solely composed on the systems "native-born" citizens, turned soldier? Or are the UMFL also sent from Mars [I don't where i'm getting the whole "sent from Mars" bit {Well, probably due to the word Martian being in UMFL}, maybe that's where i'm getting caught up?] to planets, but they stay there until the "job is done?"

How does the UMFL go about starting a mission? Are they formed on-world? Or sent from the S.U. to these backwater-planets and recruited there?

Because as it stands, you're 100% right. The 507, just by backstory alone is sounding like a TEM regiment...

Edit: I found it. I went back to the Kickstarter and found my answer [in your own words ironically]

You have a bunch of engineers work out a solution. It takes a lot of skilled people to operate and maintain the machinery. So if you wanted to invade Earth, you'd basically get the system to devote months toward building up the energy to send the transport (with 10 frames taking 100 times the energy as it takes to send one), get the engineers to point the thing at the Sol system, and send the transport instantaneously. To the most heavily populated and armed area of the galaxy.

If you're the SU, you have energy and other resources coming in at just above the rate of their consumption, but the marginal cost for sending a mission through a stargate is much smaller for them, since it's a flat amount for a given amount of materiel, not a proportion of their total.

On the other hand, communication, being composed as it is of far, far less mass than objects, goes quickly and relatively inexpensively. That's how designs like the Hi-Leg have propagated: by mailing them (along with coordinated instructions) to fellow Free Colonial cells. It's also the reason the United Mars Foreign Legion works the way it does: they send one or two gnarled veterans with a suitcase of cash and a crate of ST-07 parts to go recruit from local planets. It's much cheaper than actually sending Marines and equipment.

There are, of course, times when the SU (or at least the TTA, who get wholesale prices on travel) deems it worth it. The Crimson Phalanx are one such team of interstellar specialists, as are the Terran Expeditionary Marines.

The Free Colonials and Ijad love it when those guys show up. It means the SU is spending a whole lot to send them, which means they want their objectives a lot. It gives the Ijad and Freeks some real schädenfreude to see those expensive SU frames fall, only to be scavenged by local scrapyards and their technologies worked into local designs.

Welp. Now it looks like I need to return to the drawing board to why the 507 are a fancy group of UMFL... or just turn them into TEM's...

[Zero Revenge]

Changed the 507 around to be a TEM Unit. Included details about the 507-Arcadian Loyalists, the "new" UMFL unit.

Added the first battle of the Arcadian War, the "Seven Hour War".

[gatlinggouf927]

Changed the 507 around to be a TEM Unit. Included details about the 507-Arcadian Loyalists, the "new" UMFL unit.

Added the first battle of the Arcadian War, the "Seven Hour War".

LOVE IT! 7 hour war pretty much goes exactly as we discussed, we'll have to wait and see how the battles alter the fate of the planet, not that it really matters though...

Arcadia is MINE...
-transmission lost-

[morganm]

So far I've made it through your first post Zero. This is great stuff man! I love all of the inter-faction strife and detailed history. Looking forward to reading the rest of what you've wrote.

Read all of the replies and it's great background information on how the UMFL, TEM, TTM, TTA are slightly different yet fulfill important roles. I'll have to go back over my setting to make sure I've used these elements correctly.

[Zero Revenge]

Updated the Overview, adding a few tidbits about the wonder-resource on Arcadia: "Aurachalcum".

And added a new corporation. An Ijad-related one (Ooooo, there's something you don't see), Aurum Manufacturers. More details on them to be posted later.

[morganm]

How do you pronounce "Aurachalcum"?