Fanonical? What?
Fanonical posts are a new thing here at Untoldthegame.com, and as far as we know, something new to RPG's in general. We've talked about our Open Campaign Setting from "Day 1" around here, but we've not made much fuss of it so far. Well, that's about to end...
Basically, "fanonical" is a word we've coined based on the term canonical. Something that is canonical, or canon, is something that is accepted as being the truth or the "way that it is". In RPG's, something that is "canon" is something that has been "blessed and sanctioned" by whomever owns the IP. For instance, if you know anything about the Dresden Files RPG, you know that Dresden is a guy, not a girl - stuff like that is "canon".
Well, "fanonical" is like one mini-step below that. Fanonical posts are those submitted by fans that have become accepted as part of Splintered Serenity. They are now an official part of our shared game world and may even become part of the cards themselves! If you're interested in joining up with us and growing this world (and those to come), simply leave a comment below, or drop Ashy and email: ashy [at symbol] untoldthegame [dot symbol] com!
Keep and eye peeled for even more Fanoical posts to come!
Location: Israel is a fraction of its former size. Pre-Event wars followed by post-Event Flux storms and other disasters have condensed Israel’s borders to a triangle of contested land stretching between three cities: Jerusalem to the East, Beersheba to the Southwest, and Tel Aviv to the North. The area between is primarily rocky and dry, with the exception of the lands around Tel Aviv, which are more moist and fertile. A large Flux front broils over the northern end of the Dead Sea and the Jordan River Valley.
Population: The population of Israel is estimated at 120,000 individuals, with the IDF claiming only 8,000 individuals. The rest are primarily High-bred noncombatants, refugees from other fallen nations. There are virtually no Churl within the IDF borders and the same is true of L’na and Klik. There is a small colony of around 100 H'runt near Jerusalem, located in the ruins of Bethlehem. A majority of Israel’s population is concentrated around Jerusalem and the out lying areas, with about 70,000 individuals crammed into the walls and the shanty towns around the city. Tel Aviv holds around 30,000 people, mostly settled in out lying farming communities. The remaining 12,000 are located in Beer Sheba.
Flora/Fauna: The fertile lands around Tel Aviv boast lush farming and good grazing. The areas around Jerusalem and Beer Sheba are slightly drier and more rugged, especially around southern Beer Sheba. The lands around these three cities are relatively safe, but the countryside linking the three cities remains contested. Apoc Scorpions are the predominant predator, with extremely large specimens found in the dryer and more isolated areas between Jerusalem and Beer Sheba. Apoc Jackals prefer the areas around Tel Aviv, where large number of herd animals, primarily goats, can be found. With the arrival of the H'runt colonists, the Apoc Camel was introduced as a beast of burden. There are also several prides of Apoc Lions roaming the area.
Technology and Education: As a primarily military state, a majority of technology is focused on developing low cost, efficient weapons; especially non-lethal weapons that are necessary for helping quell the near constant riots in Jerusalem. However, as the key city of three major religions, there are several religious institutions in Jerusalem. Islam, Christianity, and Judaism alike are all studied, and several comparative study schools have been founded as well. Several H'runt Shamans often attend Jerusalem’s religious schools and have even founded one of their own. Beer Sheba functions as primary IDF training grounds and weapons development area, while Tel Aviv focuses more on “civilian” development, such as agriculture and medicine. The IDF as a whole suffers from rations and raw material shortages. This problem has been relieved somewhat by attempts from local High-bred bases in Egypt and North Africa, as well as trade from the occasional NAU ship. But these shipments by the NAU are few and inconsistent.
Magic: Magic is generally frowned upon by the IDF, and the brass does not encourage soldiers dabbling in it. The only true practitioners within Israel’s borders, besides the occasional L'na, are the Hrunt, who practice a tribal, shamanistic magic.
Political/Religious/Philosophical Practice: Because of the historic importance of the city, the IDF brass governs from Jerusalem. The IDF Command Headquarters is located at the Temple Mount, along with the Archangel Headquarters, whose offices are located in the “Temple”, a complex that caters to all of the major religions of the area. The Hammer of Heaven headquarters are stationed in Beer Sheba, where they serve as the primary defenders and military police. The BELIEF Squad is based primarily in Tel Aviv. The three major monotheistic religions of the Middle East are prevalent in Jerusalem, with Islamic Mosques, Jewish Synagogues, and Christian Churches littered through out the area. Interestingly enough, there is little religious influence in Tel Aviv or Beer Sheba. Zoroastrianism and the H'runt shamanic religion are gaining some ground, primarily in the countryside and shanty towns, away from the influences of the larger religions. Each citizen is encouraged to pursue his or her own religious beliefs, with the exception of the Archangel corps. The IDF brass serves as the sole governing body, and while taking advice from various clergy of the different religions, makes the final decision in all disputes. The IDF also serves in a policing function, due to the constant riots over food and water.
Overview: Israel is a land under near constant siege. Flux creatures spill out of the Flux Front, attacking primarily Jerusalem, but will raid deeper into the countryside. Dry and shambling mummified Undead spill out of the caves around the southern portion of the Dead Sea in incredible numbers. Israel’s countryside has proven difficult to secure due to the IDFs small numbers. The atmosphere is tense, as riots break out in the cities, and monsters attack from the wilderness. Suffering from food and water shortages, as well few raw materials for ammunition, Israel is in a constant state of violence. The IDF soldiers are trained specifically in quelling these riots as well as breaking sieges from Flux creatures and undead, both of which usually occur at the same time. Despite the crowded conditions and the number of conflicting religious views, fights over religion and dogma rarely break out.
Jerusalem specifically is a hot bed of rioting and Flux attack. Jerusalem remains the center of attention with the IDF Command Headquarters located in the center of the city, and civilians and soldiers from other areas making pilgrimages to the city’s holy sites. As such, the atmosphere of Jerusalem is one of constant chaos. Beer Sheba does not experience riots quite as frequently, but this is due to the larger number of IDF training in the city. The countryside immediately surrounding Beer Sheba is also relatively secure, but large Undead attacks are not uncommon. Tel Aviv is the most peaceful city of the three, as food shortages are rare due to agriculture and water processing facilities. Tel Aviv is also fairly isolated and well patrolled, with BELIEF squads constantly coming and going from the city.
Art: "Unknown" by Jason Boesch, used with permission; be sure and visit Jason's awesome website, blog, and deviantart gallery!