The Vitric is a city located on an island in the south pacific ocean, near New Zealand. It is most famously known for its reputation as “Scientist’s Heaven” or more commonly “Egghead City”, a city wholeheartedly dedicated to science and progress in technology, housing prestigious schools of science, high-tech labs, and companies dedicated to progressing human technology and intellect. The Vitric is an independent body, separate from any other country, and is run by technocratic democracy, yet a creeping growth of influence between 3 major companies in the Vitric warns of a slow shift to corporatocracy once one of the companies gains too much power.
As of now, the city-state is run by the technocratic party The Science Division, who revel in any and all pursuits of cutting-edge technological advancements and are heralded as the most advanced region in the entire world, though are usually neglectful at best when it comes to most other issues about their government and its citizens. Since their primary focus is on tech, none of the chairs in office can ever seem to agree on anything outside the subject. Now, with leading chairman Professor Gerald “Big Arm” Ivory taking absence to supervise ERA, the Division is even more divided than ever.
Two of the three major factions, Anansi and Black Sky, constantly compete with the Science Division over winning the most seats in Congress, though as of recent decades it seems, Science Rules.
Anansi is more religious in nature, promising unity and peace for all those that accept their terms and conditions. Their figure of worship appears to be an ancient Dragon goddess who had graced their island once before, and treat The Vitric as holy land, patiently awaiting Her return.
Black Sky is much more practical in ideals, that value security, military, weaponry, and defense above all else. Since The Vitric lacks a proper Navy, this corporation manufactures some of the highest quality weaponry in the world, with innovative features combined with pure stopping force behind every product. Because of this, however, there remains a large smuggling and contraband issue between global exports.
The third corporation, Slik Works, remains shrouded in mystery and does not compete for political power, but some theorize they are able to pull strings behind closed doors with espionage and spycraft.
Misc. Lore
Politics
A Society Based on Knowledge - Journal from a Science Division Admin
“Long ago, since the fall of corrupt corporations through a giant rebellion, our people were left pondering who should lead society. There were many ideas and concepts on paper on how it should be governed. Dictatorship, authoritarianism, some even suggest anarchy. Of course, one could assume that we could follow the ideas of other countries, such as the United States. The idea of a democratic environment in itself is appealing, as the words of the many hold value.”
“However, despite the growing public opinion about the idea of following the political footsteps of democracy, scientists, who also make up half of the populace, cautioned that while it seems ideal, it may also be our downfall. Many scientists argue that politicians in democratic states are not based on merit or actual knowledge about the subject, but mainly through rhetorical and populist means. Their main point is that elected individuals should be based on expertise and knowledge rather than someone who simply gives lip service and false promises to the general populace, as well as proposing inefficient and potentially harmful solutions.”
“After much debate, citizens eventually came to an agreement that we should not fully follow how other countries administer democracy, but to modify it in what seems more effective. From then on, we don’t live in a society based on populist or emotional appeal, but by actual personal merit and rigorous science-based policies that can help us move forward as a society.”
Technology
FIRST LINE OF KNIGHTS - A journal from a Vitric engineer
“In my early years of being a part of the science team, we were tasked by the directors to create a new line of exoskeletons meant to be operated and worn by people. The idea is that perhaps we can make the performance of the human body more efficient in their everyday tasks. Suffice to say, while this is a very exciting endeavor, I’d have to admit that it is also going to be rather daunting. The exoskeleton is meant to be used for labor-class occupations such as construction work. Midway through the project, however, one of the directors came up and exclaimed that this project is proving itself to be very promising. She suggests that the project could be ‘so much more,’ whatever that means.”
“After all the blood and sweat, we finally accomplished the project. However the director came back and proposed further expansion of the project. Of course, hearing the news, it should be obvious that my team wasn’t very thrilled. Even more so when the director demanded my team to develop a power suit. Reasoning is, she believes that developing such a line of technology would ‘pave the way for the safety of our citizens and public peace.’ I’m going to assume that it’s going to be used for law enforcement purposes. Begrudgingly, me and my team went to work.”
“We scrapped a lot of blueprints. Yeah, we were here scratching our heads on how we should actually design this. If I had a nickel for how many times some of our teams suggest a ‘superhero’ or a ‘gundam’ aesthetic, I’d probably be set for life. We’re here to make something look practical, not reliving our childhood memories. Overall though, this was a very frustrating experience. Though, knowing me, I like the challenge. We call this Project Peacekeeper.” “It’s been a while, but we finally found an idea that at least has a monocum of practicality. Our first focus is the concept of armor. By introducing sloped and streamlined design, the armor should shrug off quite a few firearms, as well as most melee attacks from hostile personnel. We also implemented a digital interface within the helmet, indicating surrounding hazards and a general overview of the armor’s conditions. To increase speed and agility, we also plan to put hydraulics on the legs and feet. Of course, with added cushion so it wouldn’t be uncomfortable. Additionally, hydraulics will be added to the forearms for increased strength. Now we just need to actually make the damn thing.”
“Turns out, the actual physical design that we created ended up looking like something you would see from the 16th century. You know, like a knight. Some of my members shouted how cool it was and how they wanted to use it themselves. For me, I’m just glad this is all over. We’re going to have to put this into actual testing before we present it to the director.”
Expeditions
“OPERATION SIREN’S CALL” (197X): A Vitric-led scientific exploration mission underwater, due to mass reportings of strange sightings of “almost human-like” visitors by Vitric dock-workers, mariners, and scientists. The mission was to send a total personnel of 4 Vitric marine biologists / divers, each provided advanced mini submarines that were designed for a one-man operation.
During the mission, one of the marine biologists managed to get lost from the group due to hull damage, causing her signal to wane from her group. Though isolated, she was not alone, discovering the very thing her team was looking for. The source of their sightings happened to be a previously uncontacted and ancient underwater tribe of semi-aquatic Therians, who broke off from land civilization generations ago and quickly adapted to the ocean due to changing environmental pressures that forced them to stay within their own community.
“OPERATION EASTWOOD” (198X): An infamous and controversial research expedition from the Vitric’s Science Division that went wrong back in the 1980s, leaving the research team crash landed and stuck deep within Frontier territory. The survivors were forced to adapt to their new environment and utilize what they could, knowing of the area’s chrono-lock and the technological limitations that come from the Seal effect.
Ultimately, they would find a way to escape, but half the survivors would choose to stay, believing there was much more work to be done here than back in the Vitric. Their goal was to re-revolutionize the Frontier, and provide the native inhabitants with a cultural-technological revolution, combining the old and new into their inventions and innovations. Soon, they were dubbed the Brassboys by local Frontiersmen, due to their tendency to use primarily brass and steam technologies compatible to those invented Pre-Second Anomaly. Although they are still met with resistance and skepticism among the traditionalist, conservative locals, a sizable population have since volunteered to join the cause and help the Frontier move one step closer to progress.
Those that did escape, however, would later return to the Vitric and start a weapons company inspired by the knowledge and experience learned from the Frontier, calling themselves Black Sky.
In the present day, there only remains several original brassboys from the Eastwood expedition that are still alive today. But their goals have never changed since, and while their numbers have grown steadily and significantly 40+ years after the incident, they still believe the Frontier has a long way to go before their work is finished.