Non-threaded

Forums » Writing Workshop » Read Thread

Find proofreaders here, useful resources, and share opinions and advice on story crafting.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

So, I've decided that I really need to organize my thoughts. At the rate I'm currently going, I am getting nowhere.

"No Gods, No Masters" is a story set in the future (haven't decided on an exact year) where the United States of America has become an anarchistic nation. My original concept with this story was to have the main character as part of either a mercenary or bounty hunter group. I thought I could try to form a story still centered around the anarchist country while making the PC a bounty hunter, but it ended up failing because I couldn't see how significant the PC would actually be on the whole. So after some time of contemplation, I finally settled on something.

I decided to make the PC part of an organization known as the Moderators. The Moderators are an organization that came to existence shortly after the fall of the U.S. to answer for the concern of an organization becoming so powerful that it could potentially reform government. Moderators are agents that basically check on major organizations (and criminal groups) to make sure that they do not overstep their boundaries. When the boundaries are broken, the Moderators will pursue their target and see to it that balance is restored.

Moderators themselves have no real political power, they mainly serve as a safeguard against the reforming of government in America.

Any questions or comments?

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

You could make your story about the rising power in the Moderators and how you either assist or fight against them as they become the new 'government' in a strange sort of way.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

I thought about that when I thought of them, but it wouldn't make much sense. Their aren't enough Moderators to be able to effectively form a government. Even if they rise in power, they'd just become a puppet to a higher power.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

Actually, now that I've had some time to juggle the idea in my head, that's a brilliant idea. It is something that I could actually work with to.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

Major civilizations that exist within the NGNM universe:

New America

The newly founded country of New America sent shockwaves around the world. As democracy began to become more and more corrupt, and the "American Dream" seemed more like and illusion, the people chose to rise against the power. As the will of the people came to surface, the American government collapse under its weight and New America was born.

Although they New American people still have similar values as the Old American people, they believe themselves to be more free than they ever were when they had a government watching over them. In order to make sure government no longer takes control, the New Americans have taken several counter measures.

The New American military is based on the cooperation between the many communities within the country. It begins with a trained militia in an area that joins together with another. This continues until enough forces join together to form an army. The New Americans appoint a commander of these forces by coming together and deciding on it. Once the people have chosen, the appointed military commander will have temporary control of these forces in order to engage an opposing force. In order to prevent a military commander from taking control, Moderators are always watching. This system of military cooperation would be used in their first engagement with a foreign force.

Since New America began, they have faced some hostility. Primarily from Mexico. Shortly after the collapse of Old America, Mexico moved military forces into Texas in an attempt to regain lost territory. In response, the New Americans gathered a military and met the Mexicans in Texas. It didn't take long to push them back out, and soon the Americans were forcing the Mexicans back onto their own soil. However, upon the interference from the Latin Federation, a cease fire was agreed upon between the opposing forces. Still, the New Americans have bitter feelings towards the Latin Federation.

Imperial Empire

After the collapse of the American government, the European powers began to once again wage war with each other now knowing that they will no longer have to deal with American interference. The war was started by the original Axis Powers from World War II. As the anarchist society took shape in America, war bloodshed spread across European soil.

When the dust was settled, it was Italy that came out the victor. Italy had successful defeated all the European nations, save Russia, and established the empire known as Imperial. Fashioned after the ancient Roman Empire. It didn't take long for the Imperial Empire to establish it's sovereignty in the area.

Imperial was soon acknowledged as a superpower in the world, and it began to assert it's dominance by continuing to spread it's borders. Imperial began it's conquest by invading parts Northern Africa, but soon they also found themselves at war with Russia as well. Despite fighting on multiple fronts, the Imperial Empire has maintained it's dominance and continues to push back their enemies.

Coalition of Asian States

Upon the rise of the Imperial Empire, China sought to unite the Asian countries under a single banner. China wasted no time in gaining all the support that was necessary to form the Coalition. Japan was adamant in it's joining, as the country was determined to remain independent for as long as it possibly could. However, eventually Japan also signed on with the Coalition.

Problems didn't truly arise until the newly formed Coalition looked onto Korea to join. After the fall of the American government, North Korea took it's chance to assault South Korea. The war between the two lasted only a few months before North Korea became the victor. The newly formed Korea wanted nothing to do with the Coalition of Asian States, and it's leadership even went as far as to mock the Coalition.

Tensions began to rise between the two, and soon war broke out. Korea was unable to withstand the might of the united Asian nations, and was forced to surrender within two months of the war. As it currently stands, the Coalition of Asian States is the strongest republic government that the world has ever seen.

Islamic Sovereignty

Seeking to rebuild their holy kingdom on Earth, the Islamic countries formed together the Islamic Sovereignty. They are ruled by a religious monarchy, and are true to their beliefs and their convictions.

Not much is known about what occurs within the borders of the Sovereignty, except by those who already live inside. They are especially hostile towards outsides, and those that speak against their religious views. What is known, is that shortly after the Islamic Sovereignty was formed, an all out attack on Israel was launched. From what is known to the world, is that Israel still stands its ground and fights back, but for how long it will last is unknown.

Latin Federation

A collection of countries in Latin America that has it's capital in Brazil, they are considered as the world's only functioning democracy in the world. However, that is only as it appears on the surface. In truth, the Latin Federation is ran by a large criminal syndicate known as the Cartel. The leaders of the country are only figureheads, while the true rulers stay behind and pull the strings.

The Latin Federation's relation with America is strained. After the collapse of the American government, Mexico sought to reclaim its lost territory. As a result, the Americans comprised an army to face the threat and pushed the Mexicans back. Mexico, who is allied with the Federation, called for aid. The Federation answered the call, but instead called for a cease fire.

Mexico reluctantly agreed, and the war came to a halt. Since this time, the Americans have been wary of the Federation that sits just below them.

Divine Union

In order to defend themselves from the immediate threat from the Imperial Empire, the Northern African countries came together and formed a union that began in Egypt. They operate themselves on an oligarchy, meaning a small group controls the masses.

Although they fight better together than they did apart, they still have a difficult time pushing back the Imperials.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

Haha, I read the title of the thread, and I thought "I wonder if he knows that's an anarchist slogan, or if it's going to be a Fallout New Vegas fanfic?"

(It's also a feminist slogan promoting womens' right to birth control.)

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

I can see the first two but the feminist slogan one doesn't make sense unless the woman is an athiest who dislikes men/masters. lol

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

Sure it does. Basically, saying "Men can't tell a woman what she has to do with her body.  Religious people can't say their God gives them authority over women."

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

But Masters does not necessary mean man, it could just as easily mean another woman or if you really pull it. It means the woman herself can't determine what to do with her body. lol

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

*shrug* I'm just saying why I think the feminists used the phrase.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

You really thought I didn't know? o-o

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

How do I know if you're a fallout fan?  It's not like you have VaultBoy on your profile.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

Are Vaultboys required to be a fallout fan? lol

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

He could've been a Bioshock fan!

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

Gasp!  You're right!  How could I overlook that?  my fandom credentials will be revoked. . .

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

I actually am a major Fallout fan and a Bioshock fan. :P

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

Danaos, I'm sorry I derailed your thread.  Want me to delete it?

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

Nah, it's fine.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

Reading your Nation-List, It reminds me of a certain civ4 mod called Next War. You should look it up. 

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

I never heard of the mod until now. I don't see the similarities though.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

New America = America Inc.

Imperial Empire = Europa

CoAS = Pan-Asiatic Alliance(?)

Islamic+Latin+Divine = Great Southern Empire.

 I just thought I'd mention it incase you wanted to use it for inspiration or something.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

Wow. I just checked them out and thought, "That's pretty much the civilizations that I thought of."

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

So if I made this right:

New America = Anarchy

Imperial Empire = Monarchy

Coalition of Asian States = Republic

Islamic Sovereignty = Religious Monarchy

Latin Federation = Democracy Puppet State Democracy

Divine Union = Oligarchy

 

Anything I'm missing? I think the Divine Union might be unnecessary.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

I think you got all the groups you listed. I can't help but be curious, though. How are Canada and Australia doing in all this? The background for this games sounds kind of insane.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

Are you Canadian or Australian? o-o

Anyway, I may add them to the list of civilizations, but they are one of the many countries that didn't form into a larger group. Canada faced some aggression from the Imperial Empire and only barely managed to hold their ground (with Alaskan aid), but the war with Russia caused the Imperials to pull back for the time being. Canada's relation with New America is fine. The two countries have not had any major issue with each other (by the way, Alaska is it's own independent state now).

Australia remains independent despite the offers received from the Imperial Empire. With the CoAS closest to Australia, they try to maintain neutrality for as long as they can.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

I'm neither, just an American citizen. I just get curious about the wider world in settings like this. Glad to here that those two countries managed to keep their sovereignty. If I thought hard enough, I could probably think of other places to ask about their place in this world, but I have a feeling it won't play too much a role in your story. Canada specifically just came to mind, because New America does share a huge border with it, and the setting did mention the relationship with Mexico. I thought it would be natural to at least ask about Canada.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

So know I'm going to start listing the major organizations in New America:

Moderators

One of the largest and most spread out organizations within New America, the Moderators act just as their name implies. They check on the industries and businesses in case they over step their boundaries and gain too much influence. Moderators are both feared and respected in New America, as some of them take extreme measures to reduce the power of other organizations. Moderators are not considered to be law enforcement, though they can be treated as such. 

Private Security Companies

These corporations came about to answer the question of who would "enforce" the law. PSCs don't actually enforce any law they are not paid to do, and only provide their services to those that subscribe to them. They serve multiple purposes, whether it be for security, muscle, or private investigation. As to their policies, they operate similar to the Old American insurance companies.

Prison Corporations

"Jailers" was a term given to the organizations that are in the prison trade. As the name implies, they keep certain people locked away at the whim of the people who sent them there. Bounty hunters are most often associated with prison corporations, as such it is common to find hunters within the areas owned by the corporations. Often times, the prison companies will work with the private security companies when there are people that the clients don't want dead.

When a prison company successfully captures a target or targets, they negotiate with their client(s) on how long they want them to remain incarcerated, and charge them accordingly.

Media Companies

Media companies reached a new level of importance after the fall of Old America. These companies spread the word of businesses, big or small, across the country. They are also capable of breaking another organization. If a customer were to give harshly negative reviews of a certain company, it would make said company lose profit and go out of business. The media companies, in a way, keep the other organizations in line.

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

Here are some of the independent states:

Mexico

Despite the ever changing world around it, Mexico managed to keep it's sovereignty and holds its independence. However, it should be noted that the overall influence Mexico has in the world has greatly diminished. Mexico has a standing alliance with the Latin Federation.

After the fall of the OId America government, Mexican leaders decided to take the chance to regain territory lost in the Mexican-American War. Mexican politicians attempted to negotiate terms with New America, but without any real person of authority within the country, they failed in doing so. It was then decided that New America wasn't technically a country, but a collection of communities. To those who held power in Mexico, sending military to take New American territory would not cause any major issues, and the New Americans would form little resistance.

Unfortunately, the New Americans were more than prepared for defensive war against the Mexicans. Mexican forces were constantly harassed by both conventional and guerilla warfare tactics and were eventually forced off American soil. Mexican leaders were adamant in giving up the effort completely until the Latin Federation intervened and convinced Mexican officials to call a cease fire.

Russia

Russia, as always, stood strong when the world around them descended into chaos. With the rise of the Imperial Empire, Russia has been at war with them. The Imperials have already managed to conquer Europe, and continually gains Russian territory. Many believe that the unconquerable Russia may finally be taken by a foreign invader.

Australia

Australia has entered a state of isolation and tries to keep itself as uninvolved with the world affairs as it possibly can. As of late, they have been facing pressure from both the Imperial Empire and the Asian Coalition of States. Australia however, manages to maintain neutrality, at least for the time being.

Canada

Canada would be one country to face aggression from the Imperial Empire after it conquered Europe. With the aid of Alaskan forces, Canada managed to hold its ground against the invaders, not to say that the victory was not costly. The Canadians have a good relationship with the Alaskans and the Americans.

Alaska

Following the fall of the Old American government, Alaskan officials saw no reason to follow the mainland in adopting anarchism and chose to make itself an independent state. As it stands, Alaska is all that remains of the Old American government, as far as how it is run. Alaska still maintains a fair relationship with Russia, New America, and Canada.

During the invasion of Imperial forces in Canada, Alaska offered aid to the Canadians who were being pushed back. With the help of fresh Alaskan soldiers, the Imperials were driven back across the ocean. Though many officials state that the real reason the Imperial Empire withdrew their forces was because of the multiple wars they were already fighting.

Israel

Not much is known about what occurs within the borders of Israel, though what is known is the conflict it faces with the Islamic Sovereignty. Israel still manages to remain strong despite the hostilities coming outside its borders, though many wonder how long they can keep it up. 

No Gods, No Masters

11 years ago

I knew Israel was going to at least be mentioned as independent. xD 

 Go Canada and Australia though. Their too awesome to crumble into insanity. I do wonder why Alaska would remain independent from Canada, not a lot of reasons to go it alone when they could work together.

What about India? I haven't seen them be mentioned in your world/history.