The world, as it was once known, has changed forever. The geographical areas that once defined nations and civilizations have been transformed by devastation, and now they are territories where powerful factions fight to dominate the remnants of humanity. This section explores the current state of the world, divided into regions marked by chaos, the struggle for power, and the need to survive.

Each geographical area will be described in detail, revealing how the dominant factions have shaped, or have been shaped by, the catastrophes and events that destroyed the Old World. From empires that have risen among the ruins to isolated communities struggling to stay out of the conflict, here the relationships, tensions, and rivalries that define the course of this irradiated world will be unveiled.

North America, Empires of Desperation and Revolution

After the collapse, the elites of North America, anticipating the chaos, took refuge in fortified settlements scattered across the Rocky Mountains, the north, former Canada, and Alaska. These pre-prepared refuges included supplies, advanced technology, and loyal troops drawn from the remnants of the U.S. military. In the new order that emerged, feudal lords control essential resources, from drinking water to fertile land, offering protection and food to the desperate in exchange for labor under brutal conditions.

These new fiefdoms rise over the ruins of former cities, particularly in the protected regions of the mountains and northern parts of the continent. The leaders, now self-proclaimed kings and lords, have created a system reminiscent of the old feudal regimes, where serfs work tirelessly in the fields and fortifications in exchange for fragile security. Survivors are forced to endure endless shifts in agriculture or infrastructure reconstruction, always under the constant surveillance of private militias ensuring their loyalty.

The Empire of Alaska: Brutality, Racism, and Extermination

In the far north of America, the Empire of Alaska has emerged as one of the most powerful and feared forces in the post-apocalyptic world. Ruled by an expansionist and deeply racist elite, this empire not only dominates Alaska but has conquered the surrounding lands, establishing forward posts in the Rockies through violence and total subjugation. Their society is structured in a rigid caste system based on 'purity' of physical and racial traits, while they consider the rest of the world as impure chaos that must be purged.

What sets the Empire of Alaska apart is its fanatical obsession with human purity. For them, mutants are not merely enemies, but abominations that must be exterminated without mercy. Unlike other empires that may enslave or expel mutants, Alaska opts to eliminate them directly. No other fate is considered. Likewise, humans with physical deformities, whether due to radiation or genetic causes, are considered impure and executed without hesitation. Any sign of deformity is reason enough for death, as only the "perfectly" physical are allowed to exist in the empire.

This relentless regime is based on its unique origin: Alaska was one of the few regions that did not suffer direct nuclear impacts during the apocalypse, so it remained relatively free of radiation. This has allowed the empire's elite to perpetuate their extremist vision of racial purity, where the "ideal human" is white, with Western features, tall, and blonde. This concept has become the foundation of their society, which is divided into castes based on how close or far one is from this physical ideal. Those who meet this standard hold positions of power and privilege, while those who do not, even those without deformities, are relegated to the lower castes.

Migrants from Siberia and Asia, although considered healthy humans, occupy the lowest levels of this racial hierarchy. Despite being physically human, their distance from the empire's aesthetic ideal places them in the lower castes or as slaves. These migrants are forced to work in natural resource mines and agricultural production, enduring inhumane conditions that barely allow them to survive. Although their presence is tolerated due to the need for labor, they are treated with contempt and brutality, and any sign of rebellion is ruthlessly suppressed.

The Empire of Alaska also has a particular view of the outside world. For them, the rest of the planet is an impure chaos, a place where humanity has fallen into physical and moral degeneration. The southern lands, plagued with mutants, infected, and deformed humans, are seen as territories that must be purged. This vision justifies their expansionist and genocidal policies: the world beyond their borders must be cleansed of impurity and turned into a reflection of their own "perfection." Any form of life that does not meet their standards is seen as a mistake that must be corrected by any means necessary.

This concept of purging is not limited to mutants and infected, but also affects the humans within the empire itself. Those who do not align with the aesthetic ideals or show weakness may fall into disgrace, being relegated to lower castes. Marriages are considered fundamental, as they are used to improve social standing and rise through the empire’s hierarchy. The paranoia over maintaining physical and mental purity is constant, and any accusation of impurity triggers public physical examinations and psychological evaluations. Those who fail to prove their 'purity' face severe consequences, while society watches its own with distrust.

In the end, the Empire of Alaska is a society marked by brutality and racism, where physical purity determines life or death, and any form of impurity, whether internal or external, must be identified and purified if necessary. Their worldview is based on a divine mandate to purge humanity of any stain, and their cruelty knows no bounds in their pursuit of fulfilling this sacred mission.

The Infected Zones: East and West Coasts

While the new feudal kingdoms prosper in the mountains and the north, the east and west coasts of North America have completely fallen into the hands of the infected. Iconic cities such as New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are deserted, but not empty. The hordes of infected roam the streets, covered in debris, and any attempt to enter these areas is practically a death sentence.

These areas, once the economic and cultural engines of the continent, are now battlegrounds infested with reanimated corpses that attack any intruder mercilessly. The few who venture into these regions do so in search of lost technology or resources, but most never return.

The Mutants of the South: The Gulf Domain

The southern part of North America, especially the areas near the Gulf of Mexico, has been claimed by mutants. These creatures, products of radiation and infection, have established their own settlements in what were once industrial and oil cities, now turned into radioactive ruins. Cities like Houston, New Orleans, and Tampa are surrounded by toxic waste, where mutated vegetation covers the collapsed buildings and the rivers are contaminated.

The mutants have developed a tribal, brutal, and primitive society where human laws no longer apply. They organize into clans and fight for the few resources that remain in these contaminated lands. These creatures, many of which barely retain their humanity, are a constant threat to anyone who attempts to cross the southern part of the country. Expeditions into these areas are extremely rare, as the chances of survival are slim.

The Sons of Liberty: The Fight for the Old Values

In a broken and devastated world, where feudal lords have imposed their yoke and the infected hordes ravage the land, one faction resists with a tenacity that defies the circumstances: The Sons of Liberty. This fragmented but stubborn group fights to restore the ideals and values that once defined the old United States. Despite being a weak faction in terms of military power and resources, their conviction in the principles of freedom, democracy, and sacrifice keeps them united in the face of a hostile environment.

The central government of the Sons of Liberty exists, but it is more symbolic than effective. Located somewhere deep in the Rockies, this supposed headquarters barely has control over the various communities that make up the faction. Each community, whether a fortified settlement or a nomadic tribe, operates almost independently, following their own rules and making decisions according to their local needs. Occasionally, they turn to the central government for coordination in extreme situations, such as an invasion of infected hordes or the appearance of a common threat, but they rarely obey orders that are not aligned with their own survival.

What they lack in cohesion, they make up for in their ability to adapt and survive. The communities, although separated by great distances and diverse in culture and structure, share a firm conviction in their ideals and an unbreakable will to keep fighting, which gives them surprising resilience. Often, their fragility in terms of unity becomes an advantage, as the feudal elites around them find it difficult to subdue or destroy an enemy so dispersed and decentralized.

The soldiers and militias of the Sons of Liberty are among the most experienced in the world. Constant contact with hordes of infected and mutant tribes has forged in them tactical skill and battlefield creativity, allowing them to face more powerful enemies. Although they do not have large armies or advanced technology, their guerrillas are famous for utilizing the terrain, ambushing opponents, and wearing down larger forces through quick and precise raids.

Despite the high casualties they suffer due to constant battles and the harsh environment in which they live, the Sons of Liberty compensate with a high birth rate. From a very young age, boys and girls are trained in the art of war, survival in the Wasteland, and the use of all kinds of rudimentary weaponry. Each new generation is ready to wield weapons for the cause of liberty, something that permeates every aspect of their daily lives. Their ability to adapt and their fierce determination have made their guerrillas feared by larger, more organized forces, who often underestimate their ingenuity and resilience.

Within the Sons of Liberty, diversity is one of their key characteristics. There are everything from fortified settlements with organized armies protecting makeshift cities to small nomadic tribes wandering the desert, surviving on trade and hunting. There is no single structure that defines them all, beyond their commitment to the ideals of freedom and their rejection of any form of tyranny.

In some communities, the military structure is deeply rooted, with leaders emulating the old ranks of the U.S. Army, while in others, the organization is more tribal, with chiefs chosen for their combat skills or wisdom in survival. Each settlement has its own way of life, and although cultural differences can be wide, they are united by a common idea: freedom is sacred, and they must fight to reclaim it.

The Sons of Liberty have an almost mythical view of the past of the United States, overly idealizing the world before the apocalypse. They often tell stories about the great times of freedom, democracy, and prosperity, although many of their accounts are distorted by time. They glorify old figures and symbols from the past, such as the eagle and the flag, fervently believing that, in some way, they can rebuild what has been lost.

This cult of the past drives them to sacrifice for the cause, believing that their suffering is temporary and necessary for future generations to enjoy a better life. While this vision gives them incredible determination, it can also lead them to make irrational or suicidal decisions, as they are willing to make any sacrifice for their ideals, even when the situation seems hopeless.

Despite their weaknesses and constant confrontations with much more powerful factions, the Sons of Liberty have not been eliminated. They continue to fight with a combination of cunning, tactics, and faith in their cause. For them, each battle is a step toward the restoration of old values, and although their path is filled with sacrifices and losses, they firmly believe that their struggle is not in vain.

As the world continues to descend into chaos, the Sons of Liberty keep alive the hope that, one day, the ideal of freedom they so venerate will prevail, and that their sacrifice will not have been in vain.

Mexico: A Nation Reborn

In the initial chaos of the apocalypse, Mexico City became one of the main hotspots of infection worldwide. What was once a vibrant and populous metropolis quickly turned into a hell when hordes of the infected flooded its streets. However, against all odds, Mexico managed to contain and eventually push back the hordes that threatened to destroy the country. This achievement was not a stroke of luck but the result of tough decisions and relentless military organization.

During the early stages of the collapse, much of the population took refuge in the mountains of the country, in places like the Sierra Madre. From these natural strongholds, Mexico organized an effective resistance. Civil guerrillas and military leaders took advantage of the mountainous terrain to defend and launch strategic attacks, protecting the cities located in the valleys. The mountains became impregnable fortresses from where the nation not only survived but experienced a rebirth.

Mexico's resurgence was not only military but also cultural, adopting a strong cult of death. The cities and settlements are filled with monuments erected in honor of the fallen, built with bones and skulls. For Mexicans, these monuments are sacred and symbolize the connection between the living and the dead who fought for survival. The largest monuments, present in the main cities, are made of countless skulls of those who perished fighting against the infected and mutants of the past.

To a foreigner, these monuments may seem puzzling and unsettling, but to Mexicans, they are symbols of respect, courage, and perseverance. Worshiping the dead is not simply a tradition; it is a way of life. Death is seen as an extension of the struggle for survival, and citizens honor the fallen with offerings and ceremonies.

The price of survival was high. The military leaders adopted drastic measures, including the execution of healthy individuals who had come into contact with infected people, in order to prevent the spread of the plague. These decisions, although brutal, ensured the preservation of the nation when other countries succumbed to chaos. To this day, these leaders are revered as heroes, though some factions still view them with suspicion.

The government of Mexico is led by the Council of 13, an elite group of rulers who make all the important decisions for the country. This is the only form of democracy in Mexico, and the votes among the members are sacred. What is decided in the council sessions must be followed, without exceptions. The 13 members of the council, although initially serving for life, can be challenged by any Mexican citizen. If someone manages to assassinate one of the 13, they may take their place, but this comes with great risk: the fallen member's loyal followers often seek revenge, so aspirants must be backed by considerable forces.

Throughout history, most of those who have held a position in the council have been warlords, chieftains, or admirals. Admirals are particularly powerful due to their control of private fleets and the vast wealth they gain from looting and selling slaves. Their private fleets ensure that the council leaders not only have political influence but also the military power necessary to sustain their domains.

The resurgence of Mexico is also marked by the practice of slavery. During their maritime raids, Mexican fleets capture entire villages and enslave their inhabitants. These slaves are transported back to the country, where they work in agriculture, mining, shipbuilding, and other industries. In certain regions, slavery is an integral part of the economy, and captains who return with prisoners gain not only wealth but also power and influence within the council.

With territorial expansion limited by infected lands to the north and south, Mexico has focused all its efforts on the sea. Its fleets, increasingly powerful, are feared throughout the Pacific and the Caribbean, launching raids and plundering, ensuring a constant supply of resources to the growing nation. The Mexicans have managed to establish colonies on remote islands, using these enclaves as bases from which they consolidate their power at sea.

The Mexican fleets are not limited to their coasts. To the north, they challenge the Empire of Alaska by attacking its merchant convoys, looting vital resources for the empire. Although the Empire of Alaska is a formidable land power, its naval capabilities cannot compete with Mexico’s, making coastal convoys easy prey for Mexican admirals.

To the south, Mexico conducts constant raids into the former lands of Central America. Leveraging their naval superiority, they establish forward posts and colonies on uninhabited or poorly defended islands. These enclaves have become self-sustaining settlements, using local resources to support their growing military influence.

Mexican society is deeply militarized, with war, plunder, naval dominance, and the industries necessary to sustain all of this at the core of daily life. While the cult of death has unified the population, it is the military elite who control much of the wealth and resources. Naval leaders, particularly admirals, are figures of enormous power in their territories and wield disproportionate influence over the central government.

The cruelty of the system is reflected not only in slavery but also in the way they treat their prisoners and enemies. Mexico's expansion is driven by a desire for power and a belief in the supremacy of their culture, which justifies the brutality with which they treat the people they conquer.

Mexico has emerged as a naval power, with its society rooted in struggle, death, and conquest. Every successful raid strengthens their control over the sea, and their influence continues to expand. While other nations struggle to survive, Mexico looks to the future with confidence, knowing that its power at sea will secure it a dominant place in this devastated world.

The Future of North America

In this devastated world, North America has fragmented into a mosaic of tyrannical fiefdoms, infested zones, mutant domains, and rebel communities that try to keep a spark of hope alive. The continent, once a symbol of power and progress, is now a battleground of war, slavery, and survival. Survivors are trapped in an endless struggle between factions, where humanity has lost much of what defined it, and the future remains uncertain.

Latin America, Ancient Cultures and New Frontiers

After the apocalypse, Latin America is a fractured continent but full of stories of resistance, marked both by its pre-Columbian past and its colonial heritage, as well as the brutal impact of the infection that decimated its population. The ancient indigenous civilizations left a legacy of agricultural and survival knowledge that has been vital for current communities, while the infrastructure and trade routes from the colonial era now connect the scattered survivors. Cities that were once centers of power and culture, both modern and colonial, lie in ruins, ravaged by the initial spread of the virus and nuclear bombings. However, the region has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt. In the jungles, mountains, and valleys far from the old urban centers, new societies have emerged, combining ancestral practices with the resurgence of trade and defense. Caravans travel along ancient royal roads, protected by mercenaries and warriors, while new powers, some inspired by religion and military power, fight to impose their rule. Although the population has been drastically reduced, the continent's diverse geography offers isolated refuges and strategic territories where the rebirth of life is possible. Despite the conflicts, these new forces attempt to rebuild the continent on the ruins of the old world, turning some territories into bastions of power and hope.

The Rebirth of Pre-Columbian Cultures

In the Andes, survivors have begun rediscovering the ancient agricultural techniques of the Incas. The Andean terraces, built to make the most of the mountainous terrain, have been restored and expanded to feed the highland communities. These groups see the ancient practices as the key to surviving and thriving, also reviving irrigation systems that, for centuries, allowed civilizations to flourish in these harsh lands. Additionally, a strong mystic religiosity has emerged, where local leaders are seen as descendants of the ancient gods. These rulers, revered as intermediaries between men and deities, guide their communities with a mix of traditional wisdom and authoritarian power.

High cities like Cusco and La Paz have become spiritual and agricultural strongholds. While the lower and urban areas were left desolate by the infection, the mountains offer a safe refuge. Andean communities maintain discreet trade with other nearby territories, exchanging agricultural products, water, and minerals extracted from the mountains.

The Rise of Trade in the Caribbean

While the rest of Latin America was severely affected by the infection, some islands in the Caribbean went unnoticed during the collapse, remaining free from devastation. These islands, being relatively isolated, survived the first onslaughts and, over time, formed small functional states that rely on trade between them to acquire the necessary resources for survival. This network of island-states, united by necessity and cooperation, has become a zone of relative peace, where commercial alliances are essential to maintain stability.

The Caribbean is now a place where cooperation prevails over war, but the threat of corsairs and pirates is constant. The Empire of Mexico has begun launching raids south with its fleets of corsairs, seeking to loot and conquer. In the face of this threat, the islands have begun to collaborate to eliminate infestations from other islands or to unite in defense against external attacks. Some islands have even created small defensive fleets to maintain their independence and protect themselves from the growing ambitions of the Mexicans.

Fragmented Latin America: New Routes and Old Practices

The population of Latin America has been drastically reduced during the initial spread of the infection. The large cities, bombarded and devastated, became centers of chaos and desolation. As a result, the surviving communities have concentrated in rural areas far from urban centers, and although the distances between them are vast, the rebirth of ancient overland trade routes has allowed communication and the exchange of goods.

Inspired by the old "Camino Real" or the cacao route, these roads now connect the communities that depend on trade to acquire what they need. However, the journeys are dangerous, and the trade caravans are protected by warriors and mercenaries who defend the precious resources from attacks and ambushes. Some territories have managed to monopolize critical resources such as drinking water, fuel, or agricultural technology, becoming focal points of power and dispute. Just like in medieval Europe, these trade routes are vital but dangerous, and conflicts over resources are a constant.

Brazil and the Amazon: The Last Refuge

In Brazil, the infection struck hard in the large cities, but the Amazon has become a refuge for those who managed to survive. Inspired by the indigenous peoples who have inhabited the jungle for millennia, the survivors have adopted a way of life that is deeply connected to nature. The jungle, seen as a sanctuary, is considered a sacred place where the evils from the outside cannot penetrate.

These Amazonian communities have learned to use the resources of the jungle sustainably, integrating ancient knowledge about the flora and fauna with new techniques to defend themselves from the few infected that manage to get close. The Amazon is seen as the last safe haven for humanity in a world where civilization has completely collapsed, or so its inhabitants, isolated from other human communities, believe. Meanwhile, the government of Brazil, after the initial infection, if it ever existed, has disintegrated, leaving the jungle as the only true refuge in the country.

The Sacred Empire of La Plata

The Sacred Empire of La Plata has emerged as the dominant power in South America after the apocalypse, built upon the ruins of what was once Argentina. Under the leadership of a self-proclaimed military chieftain, this empire has managed to withstand the catastrophes better than any other nation in the region. Its vast agricultural and livestock territory has allowed it not only to survive but to expand aggressively. The structure of its society, inspired by medieval Europe, combines a rigid feudal hierarchy with a strong Catholic Christian religious component, justifying both territorial expansion and domination of other nations in the name of faith and divine order.

The power of the Empire is not only based on its military capacity but also on its control over food resources. The fertile lands of the Pampa and its vast livestock resources have made the Sacred Empire the main food supplier in the region. This control over food has allowed it to subdue other communities and nations through a combination of diplomacy and coercion. Many times, territories that do not submit to the Empire are economically strangled until they have no choice but to accept its rule, while others are conquered by force when negotiations fail. In this sense, the empire uses both the pen and the sword to expand its influence in the Southern Cone.

In the military realm, the Sacred Empire has revived the use of armor and bladed weapons, inspired by medieval times. The armor worn by its soldiers is industrially designed, sleek and sober, made from durable materials that can withstand even bullet impacts. This armor resembles medieval designs but with a modern, functional aesthetic. Swords, spears, and shields are symbols of prestige and honor among imperial warriors, while firearms, although present, are considered unworthy of a true man of honor. Close combat, where the warrior proves his valor, is the most respected in the empire's military society.

Although the Empire of La Plata has adopted rudimentary technology for its military tactics, its strategies resemble those used by the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Closed formations, such as the phalanx and the testudo, have allowed them to successfully face hordes of infected, mutants, and other human armies. Their heavy cavalry, equipped with armor and spears, is feared by their enemies and has been decisive in many of their expansion campaigns.

Despite the strength of its land army, the Sacred Empire lacks a naval fleet, which limits its influence to the lands of the Southern Cone. However, its dominance on land is absolute, solidifying it as the most important power in the region.

The society of the Sacred Empire of La Plata is deeply influenced by religion, with the duality between fear and worship of God and the emperor, and it is also structured in a manner similar to feudal Europe. The warlords and regional chieftains rule vast territories in the emperor's name, while the peasants work the fertile lands to sustain the imperial economy. The trade of food, especially, is a key diplomatic weapon. The cities and communities under the Empire's control depend on this constant flow of food for their survival, which strengthens the Empire's power without always needing to resort to violence.

Catholic Christianity is the ideological core that unifies the Empire. The churches not only serve as centers of faith but also as political power institutions. Religious ceremonies are frequent and large-scale, reinforcing the loyalty of citizens towards the emperor and justifying conquest campaigns as sacred missions. The imperial army, armed with cross and sword, presents itself not only as a conqueror but also as the savior of the subdued peoples, bringing them order and faith in a chaotic world.

The government of the Sacred Empire is a theocratic monarchy where the emperor exercises absolute control, always under the blessing of the Church. The clergy not only offers religious legitimacy but also acts as a moral advisor and supervisor of society. This balance between Church and State has created a total control system, where faith and obedience are the fundamental pillars of daily life. Those who deviate from the doctrines or oppose the regime are brutally punished.

The Empire of La Plata presents itself as the last bastion of civilization and Christianity in South America, facing an external world they consider chaotic and impure. For them, their divine mission is to restore order to a devastated continent, and they will not hesitate to use both diplomacy and force to fulfill this goal.

Mutants in Latin America: Diplomacy and Survival

Unlike other regions of the world, the presence of mutants in Latin America is limited. They are restricted to the large cities that were bombed with nuclear weapons during the initial containment of the infection. These mutants, although scarce, have developed a remarkable inclination towards diplomacy, due to their numerical inferiority and the pressure from both humans and the infected. They have created small trade posts and, in some cases, reached agreements with human communities to trade technology and other resources.

However, not all humans are willing to accept coexistence with mutants. In many regions, mutants are hunted and exterminated by more isolated communities that see them as a threat. Despite these efforts for survival, mutants in Latin America are constantly in danger of extinction.

Un Futuro Incierto

Latin America, after the apocalypse, is a continent that has seen the resurgence of ancient customs and new power dynamics. From the Andean communities, who revere divine leaders, to the resurrected empires like that of Argentina, the region has found ways to survive in a world that seems doomed. However, threats persist: the Empire of Mexico advances with its fleets, trade caravans face constant dangers, and the struggle for resources only intensifies in a land where nature and humanity have found new ways to coexist, though always on the edge of the abyss.

Europe, A Continent with a Poisoned Heart

Europe, after the apocalypse, is a devastated and fragmented continent, where the echoes of its glorious medieval and Renaissance past have resurged with strength. The great cities that once were centers of power, culture, and commerce are now little more than ruins, ravaged by the infection and the nuclear bombings that tried to contain it. However, despite the devastation, the spirit of resistance and adaptation remains alive. New powers have emerged amid the chaos, inspired both by ancient political structures and the need to control the scarce resources that remain. Fortified cities are reborn, religious orders regain power, and in the north, the echoes of Viking raids have awakened once again. This is a world of fragile alliances, constant wars, and the uncomfortable coexistence between humans and mutants, all fighting to survive in the new order that Europe has forged over the ruins of its civilization.

Rebirth of the Southern Commercial Republics

In southern Europe, the collapse of the old governments and the destruction of great cities have led to the rebirth of independent republics in historical cities like Venice, Florence, Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Corinth. These cities, once economic and cultural powerhouses, have rebuilt their walls and reorganized under the administration of merchant and artisan guilds, who control production and trade. Their survival and prosperity depend on maritime trade routes that connect the fortified coastal cities of the Iberian, Italic, and Peloponnesian peninsulas.

Maritime trade is vital, as land routes remain dangerous. Sailboats adapted to post-apocalyptic conditions have been reintroduced, while the few motorized ships are reserved for critical routes due to the lack of fuel. Through these routes, the southern European ports exchange essential goods such as food, textiles, weapons, and vital supplies, keeping their economies running.

Each city has specialized in a key economic sector within this network: Venice controls the routes to the East, Florence has become a textile hub, and Genoa distributes weapons and military supplies. In the Iberian Peninsula, Barcelona and Lisbon are the main trade centers connecting the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. In Greece, Corinth not only serves as a key defensive bastion protecting the Peloponnesian peninsula from the infected of the Balkans but has also become the granary of the southern republics, supplying food to the rest of the cities and ensuring their supply while they rebuild.

The Order of the Cross of the Horizon is a military and religious organization that has gained near-divine status among survivors. It arose in France after the collapse, when nuclear reactors failed catastrophically, irradiating much of Europe. Its initial mission was to seal the exposed reactors, a heroic act that earned it the respect of the masses and facilitated the expansion of its influence into southern Europe. Unlike other religious orders, the Cross of the Horizon unites humans and mutants in a common crusade: to free Europe from the infected and prevent the total irradiation of the continent.

Under the leadership of the enigmatic "The Redeemer," whose identity remains a mystery, the Order has managed to establish effective coexistence between humans and mutants, who now fight side by side. Their crusade has been notably successful, saving cities and allowing the reconstruction of some areas. They act as warriors and spiritual guardians, collecting tithes from the cities they protect.

The Order's final vision goes beyond mere defense: they seek to reconquer Europe, eliminate the infected, and restore civilization. Under their centralizing influence, the southern republics have begun to expand territorially, reclaiming lands on their respective peninsulas. While the cities maintain their independence, the Order regulates both trade and military expansion, ensuring everything is carried out under their control.

Southern Europe has become a convergence point for refugees from the irradiated north and North Africa, creating multicultural societies where humans and mutants coexist equally, something rare in other parts of the world. The Order has promoted this coexistence as part of its mission to restore order in Europe.

Independent merchants, who transport goods and passengers between cities, have prospered under the supervision of the Order of the Cross of the Horizon, which exercises firm control over the maritime routes and collects tithes in exchange for protection. The Order has assumed a dominant role, regulating both city defense and commercial activities, ensuring that all trade in the region is under their vigilant eye.

The Northern Confederation: The Empire of Iron and Fire

In northern Europe, a confederation of coastal cities has emerged after the collapse, inspired by the ancient imperial traditions of the Gothic era. Cities like Hamburg, Bremen, Copenhagen, Gdansk, Riga, and Tallinn have united under an oppressive military structure, forming a land-based empire that dominates much of the Baltic coastline. Its creation was driven by survivors who fled the devastation caused by the infected and the collapse of nuclear reactors in central Europe, which turned vast areas into irradiated zones. The confederation, with an elected emperor at its head, has solidified itself as a military force with massive armies and a strict power structure.

Unlike other powers that have arisen in Europe, the Northern Confederation is not a commercial force but a land-based military power. Its army is the most powerful on the continent, primarily equipped with firearms and artillery, using rough but effective technology adapted to the harsh post-apocalyptic conditions. The cities that are part of the confederation have developed a heavy industrial base, primarily driven by coal, allowing them to manufacture weapons, armored vehicles, and other war supplies. Their cities are covered in soot, with dark, ash-filled skies due to the constant burning of coal in their factories and forges. These cities, though fortified, are grim places where the military-industrial complex is the backbone of daily life.

However, their naval power is extremely limited. While they control some vital maritime routes for supply transportation, their fleet is rudimentary and precarious, consisting of old, poorly equipped ships, making them vulnerable at sea. This weakness has been exploited by the Northern Raiders, a feared faction resembling the ancient Vikings. These raiders, descendants of nomadic groups and survivors from the Arctic and Scandinavia, have reclaimed the lifestyle of their ancestors, using small, agile, well-built ships to carry out quick raids on the confederation’s coasts. They attack communities and convoys, stealing resources and devastating poorly defended coastal enclaves, taking advantage of the lack of a solid navy.

The confederation has attempted to strengthen its coastal defenses to halt the raids, but its military focus is almost exclusively on land. Its power lies in its ability to mobilize large land armies, which include heavy infantry, improvised armored vehicles, and mechanized cavalry. These armies are feared for their brutality and efficiency in combat, crushing any resistance they encounter. The industrial base, though crude, is sufficient to sustain this war machine, fueled by the coal and iron mines they extract from the areas they control.

The confederation is an oppressive empire that follows a political structure similar to that of ancient medieval empires. Its emperor is elected from the most powerful warlords who govern the various city-states, but their authority is limited, as the warlords often fight amongst themselves, competing for control of resources and military power. Internal conflicts and a lack of cohesion among its leaders, compounded by the constant attacks from the Northern Raiders, have weakened the confederation, preventing it from unifying its forces and hindering its expansionist ambitions, limiting its attempts to establish dominance over Europe.

One of the darkest traits of the confederation is its absolute rejection of mutants. The Northern Inquisition, a fanatical organization tasked with the purge of mutants, roams the cities and countryside, seeking and eliminating any mutants it encounters. This organization operates with total impunity, carrying out periodic purges to ensure the "purity" of the population. The brutality of the Inquisition is feared by all, as it not only exterminates mutants but also conducts campaigns of terror to suppress any form of dissent. Mutants are hunted mercilessly, and public executions serve as reminders of the absolute control the confederation holds over its people.

In this dark empire, the ash-filled skies and industrial cities remind their inhabitants that the sole purpose of the confederation is war, and its survival depends on keeping the military machinery running, no matter the cost.

England: The Kingdom Behind the Walls

England, like much of Europe, was devastated by the infection that spread rapidly, destroying the major cities of the south, such as London, Bristol, and Birmingham. In the face of this catastrophe, the English government, in a final desperate attempt to preserve what was left of the nation, ordered the construction of two enormous defensive lines that coincided with the ancient Hadrian's Wall and Antonine Wall. These walls sealed off the most affected areas of the south and confined the healthy population in the north. Hadrian's Wall was erected as the first line of defense, while the Antonine Wall, further north, became a secondary barrier to protect the nobility and the elites who sought refuge behind these walls. The south of England was declared lost territory, and cities like London were isolated and infested.

The population that survived in the north faced years of extreme difficulty. Adapting to the harsh conditions of the north, with less fertile land and limited resources, became a daily struggle for survival. Agricultural and industrial infrastructure had to be rebuilt almost from scratch. Over time, England managed to stabilize, establishing a modest industrial and agricultural base, but the constant threat of the infected from the south persists. The first line of defense, Hadrian's Wall, has been breached several times by hordes of infected, turning the lands nearby into a constant danger zone. The inhabitants of this strip, known as the "first-line citizens," live in miserable conditions and are considered second-class citizens. They have been relegated to defend the wall in case of mass attacks, serving as cannon fodder and expendable labor. This system has generated deep resentment among the first-line population, who live oppressed under the control of the nobility residing further north, protected by the Antonine Wall.

The English nobility has used this situation to consolidate its power, recreating a feudal system where the first-line citizens are exploited to maintain the luxury and security of those living behind the second wall. Revolts are frequent among the oppressed citizens but are quickly crushed by the kingdom's forces, who fear that a larger rebellion could destabilize the fragile balance in the north. Although the nobility is aware of the growing unrest, they seek solutions that divert internal tensions toward an external enemy.

With this purpose, the Kingdom of England launched a campaign of conquest in Ireland, a territory that had suffered less damage after the apocalypse. The invasion was promoted as a solution to overpopulation and social tensions in northern England, promising land and riches to the second-class citizens who participated in the campaign. These soldiers, recruited from the first line, were sent to fight in a brutal and bloody war against the Irish resistance. The English forces managed to occupy several strategic areas, including Dublin and Cork, but the well-organized Irish resistance, knowledgeable of the terrain, has slowed their advance. Although the occupation has provided some internal stability, the war in Ireland is costly and is beginning to drain the kingdom's resources. As the Irish resistance launches surprise attacks and sabotage against the occupying forces, the war has turned into a war of attrition. The English soldiers, many of them from the first line and already exhausted from years of fighting the infected, now face a prolonged and dangerous struggle in unfamiliar terrain. Ireland has become a constant battlefield, and although the English control several important cities, local resistance remains a persistent threat.

The invasion of Ireland was not only aimed at expanding English territory but also at taking advantage of the fertile Irish lands to alleviate the agricultural problems in northern England. The kingdom has begun settling English colonists in the conquered lands, displacing the Irish population and using these new settlers to produce food and extract resources that are sent back to England. However, this process has generated increased tension with the locals, as the Irish, displaced from their lands, are increasingly joining the guerrillas fighting against the occupation.

Meanwhile, in northern England, the situation does not improve. Despite the occupation of Ireland, social tensions continue to rise, especially among the first-line citizens, who continue to suffer from the harsh conditions and the constant danger from the infected. The incursions from the south, although sporadic, are becoming more violent, and the infected who manage to breach Hadrian's Wall sow chaos in the nearby villages and settlements. London, a city now completely infested, remains a symbol of the collapse of the United Kingdom, and its reconquest seems like an impossible task.

Despite the numerous problems the kingdom faces, some members of the nobility have begun to devise ambitious plans to expand into southern England, dreaming of reclaiming the lost lands. They believe that if they manage to fully stabilize Ireland and consolidate the resources obtained from the occupation, they could reinforce the defenses of Hadrian's Wall and, eventually, launch an offensive to retake London and other cities in the south. However, these plans seem more like a fantasy than a tangible possibility, as the situation in Ireland remains unstable and the kingdom's resources are on the brink of depletion. Still, some optimists argue that similarly risky ventures have succeeded in the past, and that a decisive victory in Ireland could change the fate of England.