Power Blocs

Players in Classified can come from one of seven power blocs. Where you come from has a few effects on your game. Firstly, the culture that you grew up in will have affected your life, to a greater or lesser extent. It also affects what your government tolerates, how much surveillance you will be under by default (just from being a citizen) and to some extent where your contacts are located. It also has a huge effect on where you can Act. We assume that all characters can make one international return trip per turnsheet - however, travelling extensively will leave a trail..

The Americas

See The Americas

The United States of America is the undisputed leader in the international political scene. However, her dominance is under threat from the growing European Federation. President Graham Jones rose to power on a platform of America for Americans, taking the country on a more inward-looking course which it continues in today. Internal security spending and surveillance is high, although not as high as Great Britain or China.

Quebec has recently seceded from Canada under mysterious circumstances. Mexico's prosperity has advanced to almost that of a first-world country although large areas are still under control of organized crime and drug syndicates. Mexico is home to many ancient ruins, the source of many conspiracy theories. South America is firmly Second World, although gradually improving under mostly left-wing governments. There are many stories of strange creatures such as the Chupacabra, and ancient cities lost in the jungle.

Great Britain

See Great Britain

Great Britain is one of the economic powerhouses of the world, despite its comparatively small size. Huge amounts of money flow through London, the most economically important city in the world. The country's current prosperity is mostly from its booming high-tech industry and increases in spending on the sciences by the government; however, this is mirrored by a massive surge in surveillance and increasingly draconian laws. The British people are mostly happy enough with the country's prosperity that they can ignore the CCTV cameras on street corners and monitoring of their phone and internet use.

Britain is home to a number of conspiracy theories throughout history, many involving the Royal Family although in recent years the Turing conspiracy has become more popular. Like many countries, Great Britain has become more insular - although after withdrawing from the European Union in 2013 the country's increasing xenophobia slacked off. Current Prime Minister Elizabeth White is eager to work closer with the U.S. and European Federation.

European Federation

See European Federation

The European Federation (also known internally as the Fédération Européenne) was unified only two years ago under the Treaty of Munich, where articles of federation were drawn up in order to solidify the region's growing unification. Comprised of most of the former EU, including Turkey but not Britain (who had left the EU some four years previously), the federated countries finally united under a common foreign policy, common law, and a shared military. The economic power of the Federation is considerable and is starting to outstrip that of the USA, and its diplomatic might is considerable, given its large economic power, growing military strength, and control over the United Nations essentially by fiat.

Much of the alterations to common law in the various member countries have been peaceful, though widespread demonstrations broke out over implementations of much higher levels of government surveillance and policing in order to ensure an effective transition. These powers have yet to be rescinded and it is possible that they may never be. Still, the streets are safe, and increasing arrests of separatists and terrorists demonstrate the capability of EUROPOL to root out and neutralise those who work against the state.


See China

Over the last 20 years China has remained one of the most stable political powers in the world, remain just below the USA in terms of wealth. Partialy shielded from the effects of economic depression in other contries by their strict import and export control, China has tended to benefit heavily from the economic mistides of other nations. Their consistent population growth has kept them as one of the single largest populations of the world, despite attempts to control population growth.

In recent years China has been considered an evermore liberal country, this has little to do with their own security policies, which involve spying on the populace and social manipulation as a matter of course, but in large part due to export of their methods oversees. In the early 2010's it became common practice for high ranking security advisors from other countries to meet with the Minister of Public Security, but since then the methods of citizen protection used by other countries has moved ahead of China's own methods.


See Russia




See AsiaPacific

Australia, one of the largest power in the AsiaPacific region, has turned insular and xenophobic over the last ten years. Trade is heavily restricted across the 'Red Rock Curtain', and the rumours that have made it out talk of totalitarian rule, heavy censorship and massive Human Rights abuses.

In contrast, Japan has changed very little. Prime Minister Tanaka Mochiyo's policies have been moderate, despite the furore over her history in the military, which should have made her ineligible for the office.

The Malay Archipelago is gaining notice for its various high-tech economies, military consultancy and the vast biodiversity in the area. Some areas of the archipelago have suffered greatly from natural disasters, but improved high-tech early warning systems are expected to help save tens of thousands of lives.

Whilst coups and border disputes have been common in the Indian subcontinent, India itself has managed to keep relatively stable - although the crime rate worries many of its citizens.

Korea remains much the same as in 2009 - North Korea is still insular, secretive and sealed, and still managing irregular nuclear test. Nobody really knows what's going on in there. South Korea on is still a friend to the West, but in private many of the younger, more computer-literate populace are angry about being seen as a puppet of the United States.

Indochina survives mostly on tourism, particularly to the new archaeological finds in Laos and Cambodia that are said to be more elaborate and more ancient than Ankor Wat. The jungles of Indochina are also a great source of rumours about cryptids; Batutut, Cambodian Lions and Naga are the new Bigfoot.


See Africa

The growth of more radical Islam in Northern Africa and the overthrow of more moderate governments has led to a surprising resurgence of the Berber tribes from the deep desert and a campaign of extremely effective night raids. The G20 nations all deny involvement, whilst a mysterious figure who calls himself Tariq ibn Ziyad claims responsibility.

Nigeria is the economic powerhouse of Western Africa, providing leadership to the region. Whilst Idris Mtungu has carefully taken a non-aggressive stance, she has gained access to newer technologies through stronger links with China. However her human rights record is far from spotless.

On the 14th March 2014, most of Central Africa was devastated by an unknown number of massive explosions, some of which seemed to be nuclear devices. Assassinations of the remaining leaders took care of any states which had not collapsed after this bombardment. It is still unknown exactly what happened; millions died, and the region is regularly wracked with volcanic activity and repeated earthquakes.

Much of the fauna of Eastern Africa's Savannah has been over-hunted, with a great many species expected to be extinct within a few years. Instead the countries of this region are promoting the ziggurats and Coptic churches found in the region. Zimbabwe is now an openly fascist state whose president seems to have a surprising ability to avoid assassination attempts.

South Africa (RSA) is by far the wealthiest power in Southern Africa, with its substantial gold, diamond and uranium mines. However, tensions are high within the country. Recent unusual phenomena such as cattle mutilations and UFO sightings, as well as the assassination of iconic ANC figure Myki “Mick” Tsungu has led to rumours that the President has had a hand in all of these.

blocs.txt · Last modified: 2009/10/11 19:45 by gareth