The biggest change the Event had on Europe is in the mindset of its inhabitants. The cosmopolitan cities have disappeared and a number of diametrically-opposed nations have risen in their stead. The Churl Confederation and Novus Europa are at the heart of the simmering unrest and constant antagonism that defines this region.
Novus Europa(Click for population data)
The nation of Novus Europa ("New Europe" in Latin) encompasses what used to be Germany and the Netherlands as well as parts of Belgium, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland. Its people come from the same regions, but it is also home to a large number of British High-bred who were driven off Great Britain by the Churl. The nation is in the midst of a technological renaissance — their scientists have recovered much of the knowledge lost in the Event, and they are even branching into arcane fields that have only become possible due to its effects on their world. Their advances in technology and their capability for industry provide the inhabitants of Novus Europa a quality of life unavailable elsewhere in Europe.
It is for this reason that the nation’s leaders and the large majority of the populace believe their land to be the savior of Europe — they have the capability to bring the continent, and perhaps the world, out of the current dark age. This mindset fuels a socialist state, verging on Marxist communism, where the government owns almost everything and every citizen works for the government towards their common goals. So far, Novus Europa has prospered under their philosophy and they’ve seen slow but continuous advances in the quest to save their continent — the quality of life is very alluring, even if Europeans are considered "uppity" by most. Unfortunately, the national outlook and mentality (paired with their slow expansion) is exactly what rubs their neighbors, the Churl Confederation, the wrong way.
The Churl Confederation(Click for population data)
The Confederation is not a united nation, instead consisting of a loose alliance of Churl tribes spread throughout Europe. Even within the alliance the tribes will often fight, but the one thing that can unite them is their enmity towards Novus Europa. Most Churl have a natural dislike for ordered High-bred ways — and the communist Novus Europa exemplifies the High-bred need for doctrine and routine. The majority of the Churl also believe that the ways of the past, and technology specifically, are responsible for the Event; they see Novus Europa heading down that catastrophic path again. It is thus their duty to protect Europe from another Event… and if they get to bash a few uppity Novus Europa heads in the process, that's all the more reason.
The Confederation is made up of seven distinct peoples living in seven distinct areas: the Sons of Woden (Scandinavia), Clach air Poball (Great Britain), the Mystiques de Temps (Northern France), kho'Traag (Spain and Southern France), the Vinci Families (Italy), Neos Sparta (Greece), and the Silver Lords (Bulgaria). Each of these scattered peoples are comprised of smaller tribes, families, and clans that usually govern themselves independently and only meet for important occasions. The militaristic kingdom of Neos Sparta is the sole exception to this. As much of Europe has returned to feral wilderness and the tribes are so widely distributed, there is little interaction except among people that live in nearby regions. Once every three years, however, the chosen leaders of the seven peoples meet for one week to brag, posture, politic, and discuss battles against Novus Europa.
Eastern Europe
Europe is split by a great region of Flux, but stories still filter through of trouble to the east. Brooding in the former Soviet states squats a dark and looming specter from the past infused with steam-driven lethality from the present. Rising from the ruins of the ancient 20th Century political union known as the Eastern Block is a new threat to all who reside in post-Event Europe. Known only as the Iron Curtain, this organization is a nation of pig-iron, raw steel and sheer steam-driven suppression. Rigid, cold, and unfeeling, the conjoined forces of "re-born fascists and re-forged Klik" are beginning a relentless, methodical, clock-work march westwards. None will escape their far-seeing optics and all will bow before — or be crushed beneath — their steel-shod boots.
The Wilderness
It may seem like Europe is heavily populated, but outside of the cities of Novus Europa the Churl tribes are thinly distributed and much of Europe is wild. Apoc creatures roam the Alps and the elder forests, while where the Flux Front surges more alien beasts lurk and hunt. L'na live in small enclaves throughout Europe, and some have even made alliances with the Churl in Great Britain. The majority of the L'na are wary of living near Churl tribes, however, as they may well view them as little more than food… or fodder for their ancient rites of the hunt.
Occasionally, those who dare the mountains of the Alps bring back stores of gaunt, robed men living in caves in the mountains. Others have claimed to see great and alien factories, belching smoke or other arcane vapors, tucked away in a valley or brooding on an inhospitable cliff. Too frightened to approach alone, they leave to find friends — only to not be able to find the men or bizarre edifices on their return.