OK! Let's sum things up:

We have our Inner Worlds - Mars, Earth, Luna, Venus, and possibly Mercury at the Terminator.

We have our Outer Moons - Europa, Io, Callisto, Ganymede, Titan, and Triton

In between is the Belt.

We also have our PC species and races:

Tritonian (Dino)
Tritonian (Human)
Tritonian (Martian)
Titanian (Human)
Titanian (Martian)
Ionian (Dino)
Ionian (Human)
Ganymedian (Dino)
Ganymedian (Human)
Ganymedian (Martian)
Callistans (Dino)
Callistan(Human)
Europans (Dino)
Europan (Human)
Martian (Dino)
Martian (Human)
Martian (Martian)
Earthling (Human)
Venusian (Dino)
Venusian (Human)

How about cultures?

Venus is rather primitive, except in the cities built by Earth Humans in Martian-cleared territories. Elsewhere Venusian Dinos rule the equatorial areas, and Venusian humans rule the polar areas. I think city states and ephemeral, transitory empires work best here.

Earth is full of squabbling nation-states who vie for prominence in the Earther League, which runs the Space Patrol and controls Earth settlement.

Mercury is only habitable in the narrow strip near the terminator. Is it settled?  By who?

Luna is inhabited by Earth humans in tunnels and domes. Here they mine for natural transuranics and other heavy metals.

Mars is inhabited by four groups of people, Martians - sparse, inscrutable, and standoffish, Mars humans - red-skinned, tall, and etherial, Mars dinos - bipedal uplifted dinosaurs, again taller and less robust than those of Venus, and Earth Humans - the smallest quantity, but vitally important. Mars should have a Raj feel, I think. A younger culture dominating a far older and very different culture. Lots of ancient tech that no one understands fully. Much of what they do understand is almost ritual.

The Belt is populated by Earth Humans. It is the remnants of the planet Minerva, destroyed by the ancient Martians at the end of a cataclysmic war that almost destroyed them as well. Humans mine the Belt, and keep an HQ on Ceres.

The Minervans are said to have survived the war in pockets, but no-one knows where, or how many there are.

The four Gallillean Jovian Moons are only lightly terraformed, being warmed enough for life by Jupiter itself. Small solettas do collect sunlight because the plants and animals there need more sun. The moons are populated by a mix of dinos and humans. Each moon needs a "personality" and a culture - and not necessarily a singular, monolithic one. The inhabitants would be very tall and spindly, and would be crushed by Earth or Venus gravity, where they would have to use their exo-suits.

Titan is more heavily terraformed, as Saturn has gone cold. Enormous orbital solettas magnify and focus the weak sunlight so that the moon is bearable. remnant Martians and humans live on this chilly world, but dinos shun it. Titan's sister moon was destroyed in the Martian-Minervan war, and the debris circles Saturn as a series of rings.

Triton, orbiting far off Neptune, is an ancient, ancient world. It should be a frozen lump, but mechanisms built by some long ago precursor race keep it warm and comfortable. The sun should be a bright speck in the heavens, but on Triton it appears to be as large, bright, and warm as if seen from Earth. The entire moon is honeycombed and built through with immense machinery that no-one understands, though the surface seems natural and inviting. Martians, dinos, and humans live here. We need a good culture here.

There are bases on several smaller moons, but they are not habitable.

-clash

So, let's look at a template for the cultures and countries.

World:
{Repeat as necessary}
Nation(s):
Description(s):
Religions:
Factions:
Imports/Exports:
Points of interest:
Major Personalities:
{End Repeat as necessary}

Do you think we should have a tech level? maybe 1-10 with Earth as 5. Something with simple big steps?

Anything else?

Bill

Quote from: HinterWeltSo, let's look at a template for the cultures and countries.

World:
{Repeat as necessary}
Nation(s):
Description(s):
Religions:
Factions:
Imports/Exports:
Points of interest:
Major Personalities:
{End Repeat as necessary}

Do you think we should have a tech level? maybe 1-10 with Earth as 5. Something with simple big steps?

Anything else?

Bill

If we go with a tech level, I like separate tech levels for different aspects of the culture's technology base. A culture might be bio-medical wizards but backwards in space ship technology, for example.

Otherwise, the template looks good!

-clash

Quote from: flyingmiceIf we go with a tech level, I like separate tech levels for different aspects of the culture's technology base. A culture might be bio-medical wizards but backwards in space ship technology, for example.

Otherwise, the template looks good!

-clash

I am not a bug fan of tech levels to be honest.

So, let us begin.

World: Mercury
   Nation: Feratus (United Earth Federation)

Population: 34,400 prisoners, 80,000 civilians, 4000 UEF soldiers, 2200 UEF Space Patrol

Description: This is a UEF prison colony. Feratus primarily mines platinum, uranium and iron. It then refines these ores for use in space ship construction.
Feratus is located in the narrow habitable ban between day and night on Mercury. The colony itself is surrounded by the Vulanus Mountain range, a highly formidable and dangerous landscape.
Most of the landscape is covered with red Hydara flora, a hyper-oxygenating plant used by the Martians when terra-forming a planet. Others varieties of Martian flora are also present, even the massive Dyshari Trees with their life giving fruit can be found although rarely. They red fern-like Hydara plants, though, form an amazingly robust carpet stretching from sun to frozen darkness.
Feratus itself is a combination of ancient Martian mining facility and UEF construction. Primarily manned by arabic decent Earthlings and a sparse number of Martians, the facilities Civilian population are almost entirely made up of poorly paid civilians. Some military personnel are stationed there at Fort Solaris but the civilian government is responsible for the prison and refining operations. Feratus itself is a tough city. Renown for its harsh environment, it is a small matter for a body to go missing amongst the ferns.

Local Threats: Rasha Lion : Technically a type of insect, this Martian transplant originally came with the first Martian miners millennia ago. They primarily hunt lesser Martian insectoids also brought with Martian miners. They are particularly fond of tunnels and mines as their lairs. They mass more than 100 kg and are roughly the shape of a four legged feline. They have two huge antennae that emerge from their squat powerful head. They serve the purpose of both sensory organ and deadly horns. The Rasha is capable of using its antennae to sense minute vibrations int he thin atmosphere of Mars and even more effectively in the think Mercurial atmosphere. If a Rasha stumbles on a person in the wild they will make quick work of them.

Chaga Rats : Small insectoids, the Chaga are not actually rats but fill the niche well. They are not so hardy as they are prolific. They reproduce by biting another creature (sometimes thier own) and then having several larvae grow int he wound. The larval eggsacks are particularly difficult to get rid of but proper treatment over several weeks will deal with the infection. Even if not treated, the larvae will leave the body before any critical damage is done (assuming a non-vital area was bitten). Chaga infection is only fatal to the elderly, very young or ill. Chaga swarms though can be quite dangerous. Chaga will group, especially if food is present, and swarm. This can be extremely dangerous especially if one stumbles on a nest. Chaga nest in underground areas and prefer warm, moist locations. Calling these nests is a bit misleading in that they are more like hibernation chambers. Chaga will hibernate for periods when water or food is scarce, awakening when the sense some or after a period of 12 years. This will sometimes lead to plagues of Chaga on Mercury or Mars.

Criminal Element: There are several crime elements ranging from pick pockets to organized crime. Walking alone down a dark street in Feratus can mean your life.

Religions: Religions are primarily Earth  in origin. Primary is Islam but a close second is the Martian faith of Desis Kant or Two Suns. Desis Kant is a perceived as a violent faith but in truth is a belief in the living life to its fullest for we shall all be reborn under the Second Sun. The Second Sun is described as a world existing in parallel, with our world, even occupying the same space but set aside by the once great creator Kantiss, Daughter of the Sun. When one dies, they must battle through the Underworld and only thier prowess or cunning will see them through. For this, many followers of Desis Kant believe that they must hone their combat skills in this world in order to reach the Lands of the Second Sun.

Factions: The crime world of Feratus is strong and healthy. Largest of them are simply called the Board for their original founders on the Parole Board of the UEF Prisons Commission. They are primarily smugglers of Uranium but they use theor connections to import hard to get items, run gambling and prostitution and all manner of criminal activity.

The largest of the gangs are the  Sons of Mecca. This arabic gang controls most of the street action in Feratus and often absorb any parolees from the Prison. They also act as contracted muscle for the Board and a form of police to the common folk.

The Totalus Corporation is the largest company on Mercury and handles almost all shipping. Its largest competitor is nearly its own size and is a conglomeration of Terran companies called the Dyson Concern.

Imports/Exports: Uranium, Plutonium, Platinum, Gold, Steel, Space Ships, Space Ship hulls.

Points of interest: The Vulcanus Mt Range is the largest on the planet. Tyrannus Peak is home to the Gigas Accelerator and reaches nearly out of the atmosphere. Tanus Authority is the primary commercial sector in Feratus and is the source for many duty free goods as well as an amazing run of restaurants, entertainment and official business services.

Major Personalities: Kyle Smock, the Prison warden, is known for his catering to the Totalus Corporation and serves as one of the most heavy handed wardens in recent history.

Ghalib al-Bahir is the acknowledged contact for the Sons of Mecca and a man who can get things if you have the money for it. He is not a man to cross as he will always get even if not make a profit on your treachery.

Tahir al-Feratus is the illegitimate son of Smock. He is often found in the Tanus Authority enjoying himself at the expense of others. He is a source of information but is also known for his exotic demands in exchange fo rthat information.
 

Excellent, Bill! That's exactly what I had in mind.

-clash

Have any of you read these??

http://www.amazon.com/Sky-People-S-M-Stirling/dp/0765353768/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1212027633&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Courts-Crimson-Kings-S-M-Stirling/dp/0765314894/ref=pd_sim_b_img_2

I greatly enjoyed them and i liked his take on a viable Mars/Venus expoloration.


.

Quote from: JaegerHave any of you read these??

http://www.amazon.com/Sky-People-S-M-Stirling/dp/0765353768/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1212027633&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Courts-Crimson-Kings-S-M-Stirling/dp/0765314894/ref=pd_sim_b_img_2

I greatly enjoyed them and i liked his take on a viable Mars/Venus expoloration.


.

I have, Jaeger. I picked up Sky People about half way through this thread, and I just finished In the Courts of the Crimson Kings. Excellent stuff. It's more conventional than what I had envisioned, but a fair fit overall.

-clash

World: Mars
   Nation: Tarasus(Emirate of Tar)

Population: 210,000,000 Martians, 800,000 Humans

Description: The Nation of Tarasus is the center of the old Martian Empire. It is littered with cities and monuments meant to serve 10 times the number of inhabitants. During the Contraction (a period of time when the Martian Empire collapsed and general chaos rose to fill the void) entire cities were hastily abandoned, populations ravaged by biological warfare and much of the wealth of the Empire left lying where it was.
 
Located in the equatorial regions, Tarasus stretches like a belt around the red planet. It is popualted by a staggering array of fauna and flora. Much of the remaining Star Ruby mining and refinement facilites exist in the cities and remote regions of Tarasus' mountain ranges. In addition, the northern sections of the country supply much of the food for the inhabitants of the planet. The Kasha grain, a red grain rich in both carbohydrates and protein has been a staple of the Martians before the Empire launched their first ship into space.

The capital of Tarasus, Rehenna, is located on the Grand Canal system which supplies it with both fresh water and hydro-electric power. It is a grand city and still functions at its fullest capacity. It boasts 4 Class A space ports and has one of the only remaining Star Ruby Reactors. It is the heart of both science and culture of the Martians and the UEF has made a formidable presence. Fear on Earth of a renewed Martian Empire drives the Space Patrol to keep a presence there that some would find oppressive. The Martians, in their new found enlightenment, find the Earthlings a concern but not a threat. The center of the Martian Faith of Rings, Darscusco, is located in the old temple of Gres, a fierce warrior god of olden times. The visitor to Rehenna will never lack for entertainment, breath taking spire that seem to reach the sky, walkways that span the distances between buildings at over 1000 feet, and a golden patina of the strange stone work that nearly overwhelms the senses. Truly, Tarasus may be a aging monolith but Rehenna is the gem that shines through out the System.


Local Threats: Rasha Lion : This giant insectoid is native to the canals, caves and mountains of Tarasus. They have spread to all parts of the System and can be particularly viscious fighters if cornered or hungry. They are particularly fond of tunnels and mines as their lairs. They mass more than 100 kg and are roughly the shape of a four legged feline. They have two huge antennae that emerge from their squat powerful head. They serve the purpose of both sensory organ and deadly horns. The Rasha is capable of using its antennae to sense minute vibrations in the thin atmosphere of Mars. If a Rasha stumbles on a person in the wild they will make quick work of them.

Chaga Rats : Small insectoids, the Chaga are not actually rats but fill the niche well. They are not so hardy as they are prolific. They reproduce by biting another creature (sometimes thier own) and then having several larvae grow int he wound. The larval eggsacks are particularly difficult to get rid of but proper treatment over several weeks will deal with the infection. Even if not treated, the larvae will leave the body before any critical damage is done (assuming a non-vital area was bitten). Chaga infection is only fatal to the elderly, very young or ill. Chaga swarms though can be quite dangerous. Chaga will group, especially if food is present, and swarm. This can be extremely dangerous especially if one stumbles on a nest. Chaga nest in underground areas and prefer warm, moist locations. Calling these nests is a bit misleading in that they are more like hibernation chambers. Chaga will hibernate for periods when water or food is scarce, awakening when the sense some or after a period of 12 years. This will sometimes lead to plagues of Chaga on Mars.

Martian Dueling: Many an unwary traveler has encountered the odd rules of dueling found in the Martian codes. It is considered impolite to duel over small matters but anything may be challenged. Those challenged must accept although they may yield with only the ceremonial cut by the Martians fighting spurs. Still, more grievous insults include:
Insulting one's dress or hygiene
Stealing
Insulting one's family
Lying
Dirtying a person's clothing

Travelers are cautioned but upto 60 deaths per year are attributed to dueling in Rehenna alone.

Religions: No Earth religions are practiced and they are technically against the law.

The Martian faith of Desis Kant or Two Suns is one of the primary religions practiced. Desis Kant is a perceived as a violent faith but in truth is a belief in the living life to its fullest for we shall all be reborn under the Second Sun. The Second Sun is described as a world existing in parallel, with our world, even occupying the same space but set aside by the once great creator Kantiss, Daughter of the Sun. When one dies, they must battle through the Underworld and only thier prowess or cunning will see them through. For this, many followers of Desis Kant believe that they must hone their combat skills in this world in order to reach the Lands of the Second Sun.

Darscusco or the Faith of Rings is a religion that believe in reincarnation. It is at odds with Desis Kant and although violence on a large scale does not usually occur, many duels are fought between the followers of each faith. Darscusco's basic tenets include a belief in reincarnation and through this reincarnation an enhancing of the innate Martian elements of self, independence and awareness. The "Martianness" of a practitioner is still something not well understood by Earthlings but is a point of study and cultural exchange amongst scholars of both worlds. This said, Darscusco accepts no other races. The nature of the faith precludes it. In some regions, factions have even excluded other Martians not of their region. The UEF watches the priests of Darscusco as they preach separatism and mistrust of other races. Many of the Martian Separatists are thought to be followers of Darscusco.

Factions: Tarasus is split amongst four basic Martian factions. The Imperialists yearn for a return to the military programs of their ancestors where the Martian Empire ruled supreme. They believe a great fleet need only have great warriors and they will be able to defeat the UEF. In single combat, the Martian Ships still in service have proven formidable and more than a match for the Space Patrol. However, the numbers favor the UEF and the Martian warrior society still is in decline.

The Ro represent change and progressive government. They believe embracing radical science and social programs, looking to their past for answers in advanced technologies and generally a strong effort to adopt new means of governing. They are currently second only to the Kas and often hold sway at court over that of the Kas. They favor close alliance with the UEF with the possibility of converting the UEF to a broader charter of System planets. Generally, they do not hold the primary spot for long as they are very poor with administrative details.

The Deium are founded in the belief that a return to traditional ways of theocracy. In ancient times, Martians had a form of segregated religious rule where each sect was represented by the number of their followers in a confederation of religions. Under this rule, religious law ruled and people were strictly separated on the basis of their religion, both for administrative reasons and for practical enforcement of religious law. This group is a minority and has been one for hundreds of years but has taken progressive and sometimes violent movement towards furthering thier goals.

The Kas are the majority leaders at the moment and represent a stance of conservative government. They fear the UEF but understand they must deal with them as an ascending power. The Kas make plans meant to slowing build to fruition over decades. They do nothing impulsively and are often accused of extreme bureaucracy. Getting a license for anything in Rehenna will take days if not weeks. This is tolerated because the Kas are EXTREMELY apt at maintaining the infrastructure, laws and general order in a factious and troubled society.

Imports/Exports: Advanced technology, genertic modifications, medicines, medical procedures.

Points of interest: The Vulcanus Mt Range is the largest on the planet. Tyrannus Peak is home to the Gigas Accelerator and reaches nearly out of the atmosphere. Tanus Authority is the primary commercial sector in Feratus and is the source for many duty free goods as well as an amazing run of restaurants, entertainment and official business services.

Major Personalities: Emperor Rahos Gima Do XXVII, and aged emperor, the Gima dynasty has lasted over 2200 years and are firmly entrenched in the Kas faction. The grand daughter of Rahos, Bina Gima Ba, is a constant thorne in the side of the family and the emperor. She is infatuated with Earth and Earthlings and spends much of her time in the Earth Quarter of Rehenna. Rahos is less impressed and find the Earthlings to be something of a necessary evil. He hopes one day to be rid of them but realizes it serves the Empire for now.

Charum Bosk is a Charum (priest) of the Desis Kant and renown for his ruthless pusuit of those who would steal Martian history as he puts it. Treasure hunters who come to Mars must pass through Rehnna and thus past his watchful gaze. He has greeted many returning treasure hunter whose packs were full of ancient Martian technology with a firing squad. He tries people under the old laws of religions. Controversial, but few oppose him.

Tigos Fen is a noble of considerable rank (roughly a Duke) who has considerable holdings in Tarasus. He holds some of the largest medical facilities and is always on the lookout for those who would poach his "claims" to the old cities. The Fen Estates have their own security forces and are incredibly well supplied and armed.

Truly awesome work, Bill! This is a sweet setting for adventure!

-clash

I am still a bit fuzzy on the technology. Genetics o.k? It seemed a good choice for Mars. Bio-warfare?

Thanks,
Bill

Quote from: HinterWelt;254853I am still a bit fuzzy on the technology. Genetics o.k? It seemed a good choice for Mars. Bio-warfare?

Thanks,
Bill

That's one reason this project has stalled, Bill - the others being FtA!GN! and IHW: Dragons!. I need to make an overview of the technology, and to do this I need to DO THE RESEARCH, then project application of the theories to the present day. This is what I am currently doing, but it's difficult, as science generally covers its mistakes like a cat in a litter box. It's easy to find the PIONEERS who were RIGHT, but not so easy to find the establishment theorists who were wrong.

-clash