| From: | GKoth2258@***.COM |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Europe |
| Date: | Sat, 12 Apr 1997 17:19:10 -0400 |
Alliance of German States (AGS)
See Germany Sourcebook.
Austria
Austria might as well be a part of Germany. Need to know about Austria? Ask
Germany.
The Balkan States
The Balkan states are in a state of war that has raged for over sixty-five
years. Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and the Islamic statelets are in a constant
state of war or near-war. The only place in the world that might be worse
than the Southeast Asian War Zone.
Basque
The Basque separatist movement finally got its wish and was officially
separated from Spain in 2019. This tiny nation is fiercely isolationist and
only grudgingly (and out of necessity) sends ambassadors to the United
Nations and to Spain.
Confederated Independent States (CIS)
The CIS is made up of Belarus, the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and
Lithuania) and Ukraine. While the Ukraine is still the breadbasket of
Europe, it's economy has remained stagnant, as has the whole of the CIS. The
Baltics have successfully embraced technology as their primary industry, but
their products, while good, are always several years behind on the technology
curve.
Czech Republic
Fiercely democratic and very proud of that fact. More than any other former
Warsaw Pact nation, the Czech Republic has become a member of the Western
varsity. A strong regional power (not as strong as Germany obviously), it's
close ties with UCAS grant it even more power. A nation on the rise.
England
See London Sourcebook
France
The nation of France has remained fairly stable, but it has become something
of a time bomb. The gap between rich and poor that has always been an
acknowledged part of French culture has become a bottomless gulf. There are
small riots weekly in France but very little is done about it. The question
seems to be how long will it take for the next French Revolution to happen
and how to keep it contained in France.
That being said, the south of France, including Cannes, Nice and Monacco,
have shattered into dozens of tiny city-states, much as all of Italy has.
Very little gets done here, which may explain why the south of France is a
playground and haven for the rich and for Europe's shadowrunners.
Greece
Greece is often a victim of the violence in the Balkans north of it.
Sometimes it even instigates it. During the past forty years, Greece has
reverted back to the old system of city-states that has characterized the
area for thousands of years. What is strangest is that while certain
"Classical" city-states, such as Athens and Sparta have been revived, others
dating back to the Bronze Age such as Tiryns and Mycenea have also been
revived. Because Greece doesn't have the long tradition of magic many other
nations have (such as Egypt), the incidence of full magicians is rare.
However, it is believed that there are far more physical adepts per capita
than anywhere else, perhaps owing to the warrior/athlete traditions and
myths. And despite their differences, the Greeks still manage to put on an
all-Greek traditional Olympics every summer.
Hungary
Hungary is nation divided. The vast majority live in poverty, as the nation
never really recovered from its days as a Warsaw Pact Soviet puppet. The
capital of Budapest tells a different story. Flush with corporate money and
rich with culture and history, Budapest has again become a playground for
those among the European wealthy that want something slightly exotic but
still close enough to home to be safe.
Iceland
Perhaps no other nation has changed as little as Iceland has.
The Italian Republics
Much as with Greece, Italy has reverted to a collection of city-states, much
as it was during the Renaissance. However, the bickering powers do work
together when it comes to organized crime.
<insert Paolo's article here?>
Konigsberg
A corporate tax haven. See the "Germany Sourcebook" for more details (p 43).
Poland
This highly conservative monarchy is, unfortunately, the industrial wasteland
of Europe. Poland has the highest incidence of cancer in any civilized
nation. There are underground rumblings of restoring Poland to it's imperial
glory and getting rid of much of the industries, but as yet, only rumblings.
Portugal
Much like Spain, only poorer and with more pollution.
Russia
The Russian Republic remains one of the world's major powers even after being
shattered by the Awakening. In 2016, the Russian people experienced another
of their defining "Time of Troubles." The democracy originally led by Boris
Yeltsin (dead for 13 years) was destroyed by VITAS, Goblinization, the
assassination of Nikolai Chelenko and all the ensuing chaos. For three years
Russia was without a leader and low-intensity warfare was the rule as
different factions struggled to regain control. It was not until 2019 that
Yvgeny Mikhailovich emerged, to rule what remained of Russia with an iron
hand. For 15 years Mikhailovich ran Russia much as Stalin or the tsars had
previously. But despite the terror, Russia grew and even started to prosper.
But Russia was expanding far too fast for its infrastructure and resources.
In desperation, Yvgeny Mikhailovich in 2031 ordered Russian armored columns
into Belarus, Ukraine and into Poland, starting the Euro-Wars. Mikhailovich
was able to retain power, even in the face of defeat. But that defeat proved
to be too much. In 2034, Mikhailovich died of an apparent heart attack and
Russia was once again left without a leader. Another "Time of Troubles"
ensued, but this time it was mercifully short. In 2035, out of the wreckage
emerged the democracy that now rules Russia, using the infrastructure that
Mikhailovich had rebuilt in his day. During the Euro-Wars, however, the
Yukut ASSR seceded from Mother Russia, depriving Russia of Siberia. In
addition, many of the Awakened fled to Yukut. Militarily and politically
Russia is still very powerful, the largest of the regional powers in Central
Asia and controlling the area once known as Romania, which is a
non-contiguous part of Russia. Economically Russia is still slow growing. A
free-market economy is firmly in place, but widespread corruption and
organized crime make life difficult for the government and the average
Russian citizen.
>You think the Mafia is bad news? You quiver in terror when the Yakuza are
mentioned? Let me tell you, they ain't got nothin' on the Russian Mob. They
have such a stranglehold (and have for the last 60 or more years) on Russia,
the mob boss should be the one making treaties and shaking hands...
>H.I.A.
Scandinavian Federation
When the European Community (the EC) shattered with the Euro-Wars, the
nations of Sweden, Finland and Norway decided to remain united and so formed
the Scandinavian Federation. Each nation is still independent, but the three
neighbors have combined their defense systems, some ambassadorial positions
and they all have compatible Gridlink, Matrix, monetary and other important
systems.
Slovakia
Very much like it's neighbor, the Czech Republic. Slovakia, however, has
traditionally been a half step behind the Czechs, a fact that bothers them
intensely.
Spain
Spain's economy has taken a turn for the worse with the drop off in tourism,
but there are signs of recovery as many corporations are beginning to
appreciate the cheap labor in a modern Western setting. In general, not much
has changed.
Switzerland
Switzerland is now the home of the United Nations as well as still the home
of the renowned Swiss banks. Surprisingly enough, Switzerland has still
managed to maintain it's neutrality.
Tir na nOg
See Tir na nOg.
United Netherlands
<insert Gurth's piece here>
