The Marsonian Confederacy
I. Overview: The Survivors of Maersyn
The Marsonian Confederacy is a hardened, self-reliant Elven faction forged in the crucible of desperation and defiance. Once the inhabitants of a remote mountain village named Maersyn, these elves were severed from the Elven Realm by the fanatical Church Hunters during a mass exodus. Trapped and marked for death, they fell back to the only defensible position they could find: the decaying industrial zones and dense forests of the Appalachian mountains. Here, they evolved. Simple villagers became masters of guerrilla warfare. Ancient traditions were fused with scavenged technology. They are a culture of pragmatism, where every life is precious and every death must be paid for in blood. To survive, they have become elite mercenaries, their skills in asymmetric warfare highly valued on the black market, often brokered through their clandestine relationship with The Club. Their core mission remains unchanged: to endure, to protect their people, and to exact a heavy price from any who hunt them.
II. Origins: A History Forged in Fire
The Severance: During the Great Retreat, as elvenkind sought sanctuary in the hidden Elven Realm, the people of Maersyn were ambushed. A relentless army of Church Hunters, executing a divine edict of purification, encircled the village and shattered their route. The path to the Realm was gone. They were alone.
A Desperate Sanctuary: Hunted and harried, the survivors fled into the dense, mountainous terrain of the Appalachians. They found a grim refuge amidst the ruins of the American Rust Belt—abandoned factories, derelict mines, and crumbling infrastructure. These became the raw materials of their new home and their new way of war.
Forging a Nation: In the dark years that followed, the survivors formally established the Marsonian Confederacy, named in honor of their lost home. Society was radically restructured around a single purpose: survival. Every able-bodied elf was trained in combat and production. Ancient elven artisanship was applied to scavenged machinery, giving birth to a unique, brutalist magi-tech. Their culture became one of “rust and iron,” a grim fusion of their ancestral past and their harsh, industrial present.
III. Society & Governance
The Confederacy’s society is a direct reflection of its traumatic origins. Having been violently severed from the larger Elven Realm and forced into a state of perpetual war, they have abandoned many of the formal traditions of their people for a more pragmatic, survival-focused structure. Their governance is built on three core pillars:
The Elder Council
This is the heart of the Marsonian government. It is not a council of nobles, but a meritocracy composed of the most respected and skilled survivors of the original village, Maersyn. Leadership is earned through sacrifice and proven ability. The council is currently led by three key figures who represent the core aspects of Confederate life:
Lead Artificer Elara: She represents the Confederacy’s innovation. As the chief architect of their unique magi-tech, she turns the scrap of the old world into the tools of their survival. She is a visionary who sees a future in the rust and ruin.
Chief Warden Kaelen: He represents the Confederacy’s martial strength. As the grim tactician of their defense, he orchestrates both their guerrilla war against the Church and their clandestine mercenary operations. He is burdened by the weight of every life lost since the Severance.
Lore-Keeper Rhys: He represents the Confederacy’s soul. Rhys is their historian and cultural anchor, tasked with preserving the traditions of Maersyn. He ensures that in their fight to survive, they do not forget who they are.
The Iron Concord
This is the simple, unbreakable code that binds all members of the Confederacy. It has two primary tenets:
Survival through Unity: The needs of the community always outweigh the needs of the individual. In a faction with such limited numbers, every person is vital, and they must work as one to endure.
Progress through Innovation: They must relentlessly adapt to survive. This principle drives their creation of magi-tech and their embrace of asymmetric warfare, as they cannot rely on the old ways to save them.
Decentralized Command
The Confederate military is organized into small, highly autonomous cells known as “Lances.” This structure is essential for two reasons:
Guerrilla Warfare: It allows small units to operate independently in the dense terrain of the Appalachians, striking quickly and melting away before the enemy can respond.
Deniable Operations: When a Lance takes on a mercenary contract, its autonomy provides plausible deniability for the Confederacy’s leadership. If a mission goes wrong, it can be dismissed as a rogue element, protecting the sanctuary from retaliation.
IV. Military Doctrine & Assets
Primary Doctrine: The War of the Flea
The Confederacy does not fight fair. They leverage speed, stealth, and intimate knowledge of the Appalachian terrain to bleed their enemies. Their tactics focus on ambushes, strategic sabotage of supply lines, and lightning-fast raids, inflicting maximum damage before melting back into the forests and ruins.
Secondary Role: Mercenaries for a New Age
Survival requires resources. Confederate Lances are hired out as elite mercenaries, their skills fetching a high price. They specialize in surgical strikes, black operations, corporate sabotage, and asset recovery. Their services are often brokered by The Club, their only reliable window to the outside world.
V. Armoury: The Tools of Survival
The Confederacy’s equipment is a testament to their philosophy: a blend of scavenged, repurposed technology and time-honored elven craftsmanship. Every piece of gear is designed for reliability, function, and the brutal realities of asymmetric warfare.
Personal Armor Systems
Light Scale Armor: The standard light armor for scouts, skirmishers, and vehicle crews who prioritize speed and mobility.
Function: Provides essential protection against shrapnel and small-arms fire while adding minimal weight and allowing for a full range of motion.
Design: Consists of a flexible, fire-retardant body glove onto which small, overlapping scales of a lightweight ceramic composite are bonded. It primarily protects the torso and shoulders, leaving the limbs less encumbered for speed.
Medium Scale Armor: The mainline armor for Marsonian infantry, balancing protection, mobility, and utility.
Function: Offers substantial protection against medium-caliber firearms and shrapnel. It is designed to be worn for extended periods in active combat zones.
Design: Features larger, thicker scales than the light variant, covering the torso, shoulders, and upper limbs. The scales are made of a dense titanium-ceramic blend. The suit includes an integrated load-bearing system and attachment points for modular pouches and equipment. While heavier than light armor, its ergonomic design distributes weight effectively.
Heavy Scale Armor: Designed for breachers, heavy weapons specialists, and frontline shock troops who expect to face overwhelming enemy fire.
Function: Provides maximum protection against a wide range of threats, including heavy-caliber rounds and explosive force. Mobility is significantly reduced, and it is intended for short, high-intensity engagements.
Design: Composed of thick, interlocking plates of reinforced tungsten-carbide composite that cover the entire body. The suit includes an exo-frame assist in the legs and back to help bear the immense weight and maintain a degree of powered mobility. It often features integrated hardpoints for mounting heavy weapons or breaching tools.
Specialized Light Scale Armor (SOF Recon): A specialized variant of light scale armor issued exclusively to special operations units, such as sniper teams, for deep reconnaissance and stealth operations.
Function: Provides ballistic protection against small arms fire without sacrificing mobility. The primary advantage is its suite of advanced stealth features.
Design: The armor consists of interlocking, lightweight ceramic-composite scales bonded to a sound-dampening under-suit. The outer surface is treated with a photo-reactive coating that actively shifts its color and pattern to blend in with the surrounding environment, creating a chameleon-like effect. The suit also incorporates a thermal baffling system to reduce the wearer's heat signature. It includes an integrated load-bearing harness for equipment and ammunition
The M-9 'Cannon' Weapon Platform
The M-9 'Cannon' is a versatile rifled firearm platform, a cornerstone of the Confederate armoury. Its core feature is an interchangeable revolving cylinder system that allows for smooth semi-automatic or automatic fire, depending on the variant. The platform can be adapted into several configurations, each tailored for a specific combat role.
Standard-Issue Variants
M-9C 'Light Cannon' (Carbine): The M-9C is the carbine variant, optimized for close-quarters combat and ease of handling. It features a shorter barrel, a lighter frame, a standard bayonet lug, and a holographic sight, making it ideal for vehicle crews, pilots, and urban warfare units.
Effective Range: Short to Medium
Recoil: Low
Cylinder Capacity: 8 rounds
Primary Role: Personal Defense, Close-Quarters Battle
M-9R 'Cannon' (Rifle): The standard infantry rifle, the M-9R, balances power, range, and maneuverability. Equipped with a bayonet lug and a variable-power rifle scope, this variant is the most common, providing a reliable solution for the majority of combat engagements.
Effective Range: Medium to Long
Recoil: Moderate
Cylinder Capacity: 6 rounds
Primary Role: General Infantry, Squad-Level Fire Support
M-9D 'Heavy Cannon' (DMR): The M-9D is a designated marksman rifle, built for long-range precision and anti-materiel applications. It features a longer, heavier barrel, a reinforced frame, and a high-power marksman scope. It often requires a bipod or other stabilization for effective use.
Effective Range: Long to Extreme
Recoil: High
Cylinder Capacity: 4 rounds
Primary Role: Designated Marksman, Anti-Materiel, Fortification Breaching
M-9S 'Storm Cannon' (Suppressive Fire): The M-9S 'Storm Cannon' is a squad automatic weapon designed for high-volume suppressive fire. It features a heavy-duty frame, a reinforced cooling shroud, a fully automatic firing mechanism, and a reinforced combat optic. It is fed by a high-capacity 20-round drum cylinder.
Effective Range: Medium
Recoil: High
Cylinder Capacity: 20-round drum cylinder
Primary Role: Squad Automatic Weapon, Suppressive Fire
M-9X 'Long-sight Cannon' (Sniper): The M-9X is a dedicated sniper rifle variant, engineered for extreme-range engagements. It features a custom-built, exceptionally long barrel, an advanced stabilization system, and an extreme long-range telescopic sight. Its low-capacity cylinder is designed for immense-pressure rounds
Effective Range: Extreme
Recoil: Very High
Cylinder Capacity: 3 rounds
Primary Role: Sniper, High-Value Target Elimination
Spec Ops Variants
M-9C-S 'Whisper': A specialized version of the Light Cannon, this carbine features an integrated suppressor, lightweight frame, bayonet lug, and a suppressor-compatible holographic sight. It is designed to fire Subsonic (SS) rounds by default.
Effective Range: Short to Medium
Recoil: Low
Cylinder Capacity: 8 rounds
Primary Role: Stealth Infiltration, Covert Operations
M-9R-S 'Reaper': A modular version of the M-9R, the 'Reaper' features a suppressor-compatible barrel, a customizable rail system, a bayonet lug, and a variable-power scope. Its lighter frame makes it a versatile choice for special operations.
Effective Range: Medium to Long
Recoil: Moderate
Cylinder Capacity: 6 rounds
Primary Role: Covert Fire Support, Special Missions
M-9D-S 'Spectre': The 'Spectre' is a lightened, suppressed variant of the M-9D Heavy Cannon. It is engineered for covert sharpshooting and reconnaissance, featuring a high-power scope rated for suppressed fire.
Effective Range: Long
Recoil: High
Cylinder Capacity: 4 rounds
Primary Role: Covert Sharpshooter, Reconnaissance
M-9X-S 'Phantom': The pinnacle of covert long-range weaponry, this rifle features a collapsible stock, a take-down barrel, an integrated sound suppressor, and a specialized telescopic sight. It is optimized for Subsonic ammunition for maximum stealth.
Effective Range: Long to Extreme
Recoil: Very High
Cylinder Capacity: 3 rounds
Primary Role: Covert High-Value Target Elimination
Sidearms & Close-Quarters Tools
M-11 'Repeating Handcannon': The M-11 is a high-caliber sidearm based on the same revolving cylinder technology. It packs a significant punch for a handgun and comes standard with tritium iron sights, making it a favored backup weapon.
Effective Range: Close
Recoil: High
Cylinder Capacity: 5 rounds
Primary Role: Sidearm, Close-Quarters Defense
M-11-S 'Silent Hand': This M-11 variant is optimized for special forces, with an integrated suppressor, ergonomic grips, and suppressor-height tritium sights. It is the preferred sidearm for low-profile, high-impact operations.
Effective Range: Close
Recoil: Moderate
Cylinder Capacity: 5 rounds
Primary Role: Covert Sidearm, Infiltration
M-12 'Spike' Kinetic Bayonet: A standard rifle attachment that provides a crucial advantage in close-quarters combat.
Appearance: A sturdy combat knife with a mounting lug that allows it to be fixed to the barrel of a standard Marsonian rifle. The hilt contains a compact kinetic charger.
Function: While serving as a conventional bayonet for thrusting and slashing, the '''Spike''' can deliver a focused, low-yield kinetic pulse on impact. This charge is sufficient to stagger an opponent, shatter a ceramic armor plate, or create a momentary opening in an enemy'''s defense.
Combat Style: A standard-issue item for all infantry, it emphasizes versatility. It is used to transition seamlessly from ranged to melee combat, ensuring every soldier is a threat at any distance.
M-15 'Breaker' Gauntlets: A more refined and modern take on the powered gauntlet, designed for breaching and close-quarters combat.
Appearance: Sleek, heavily armored gauntlets that encase the wearer'''s hands and forearms. They are powered by high-torque servo-motors and feature reinforced knuckle-plates.
Function: The servos dramatically increase the wearer'''s grip and striking strength, allowing them to crush body armor, tear open doors, or stabilize heavy weapons. The knuckle-plates are integrated with a kinetic pulse generator, which can be discharged on a punch to create a localized concussive blast, capable of stunning an opponent or shattering a concrete wall.
Utility: Beyond combat, they are used for heavy lifting, emergency repairs, and creating entry points in fortified structures.
M-18 'Stinger' Vibro-Spear: Developed for engaging fast-moving or heavily armored individual targets, the '''Stinger''' is a fusion of traditional spear design with high-frequency oscillation technology.
Appearance: A sleek, modern polearm with a carbon-alloy shaft and a sharpened, reinforced tip. A subtle hum is audible when activated.
Function: A sonic generator in the haft causes the spearhead to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies. This allows it to bypass traditional armor by parting molecular bonds, effectively piercing through plate and composites with ease.
Combat Style: It is a weapon that rewards precision and agility over brute force. Wielders use quick, targeted thrusts to exploit armor weaknesses and disable key targets before they can react.
M-22 'Fang' Vibro-Shortsword: A fast, deadly weapon designed for close-quarters specialists who favor speed and precision over raw power.
Appearance: A well-balanced shortsword with a single-edged, subtly curved blade made from a resonant alloy. The handle is ergonomic, designed for a firm grip, and a low hum is emitted when the vibro-core is active.
Function: Similar to the '''Stinger''' spear, the '''Fang''' uses a high-frequency vibration core to achieve superior cutting power, allowing it to slice through personal armor and unarmored targets with terrifying efficiency.
Combat Style: Favored by Marsonian special forces and scout units, it is often wielded in pairs. Its combat style is built on rapid slashes and thrusts, designed to overwhelm an opponent'''s defenses and inflict critical damage in seconds.
M-25 Kinetic Blade: the Kinetic Blade is a weapon that embodies the Marsonian focus on overwhelming force.
Appearance: It appears as a thick, heavy-bladed short sword or axe. The blade itself is unsharpened, but the haft and head contain a powerful kinetic driver and capacitor system.
Function: Upon impact, the kinetic driver discharges a massive concussive force, capable of shattering armor, splintering fortifications, and blasting opponents off their feet. It does not cut, it pulverizes.
Combat Style: Wielding it requires strength and an understanding of its brutal impact. It is used to break enemy formations and breach fortified positions.
M-40 'Quake' Hammer: A two-handed behemoth of a weapon, the '''Quake''' Hammer is the pinnacle of Marsonian kinetic force technology, designed for maximum devastation against structures and armored units.
Appearance: A massive hammer with an oversized head containing a visible kinetic core. The haft is reinforced to withstand the immense forces it generates.
Function: On impact, the hammer can release a standard kinetic pulse similar to the M-25 blade, or be charged to unleash a devastating area-of-effect shockwave, knocking multiple enemies off their feet and shattering the ground.
Combat Style: It is incredibly slow and heavy, demanding immense physical power and training. It is used by specialized siege-breaker units to obliterate enemy defenses and create chaos in enemy lines.
Wrist-Mounted Spring Blade: A concealed, silent blade for surprise attacks and assassinations, a favorite of Confederate agents.
Function: This device consists of a slim, durable housing strapped to the forearm, concealed under a sleeve or gauntlet. With a flick of the wrist or a nerve-twitch trigger, a slender, razor-sharp blade springs forward, locking into place over the back of the hand. It is designed for surprise attacks and silent takedowns.
Design: The blade itself is typically made from a lightweight, high-carbon steel or a ceramic composite to avoid detection. The deployment mechanism is nearly silent. While not designed for prolonged knife fights, it is a deadly tool for assassination or for creating an opening to escape a grapple.
Combat Style: This is a weapon of subterfuge. It is issued to operatives who may need to appear unarmed while still having a lethal option available. It is most effective when the target is unaware of its existence.
Explosives & Magi-Tech
'Ghostfire' Grenade: A smoke grenade that releases a cloud of silvery particles, scrambling both technological sensors and magical scrying. A perfect tool for a clean getaway.
'Kinetic-Pulse' Grenade: A non-lethal option that detonates with a powerful concussive blast and a blinding flash, designed to disorient and incapacitate.
Aether-Weaver: A complex device that manipulates localized magical fields. In the hands of a skilled operator, it can be used to create temporary camouflage, jam enemy communications, or form shimmering, deflective barriers.
Sylvan-Synth Med-Kit: A field medical kit combining advanced coagulants and synth-skin applicators with ancient elven poultices that accelerate natural healing.
Ammunition Types
The Cannon platform's versatility is enhanced by its range of specialized ammunition, available across all caliber variants:
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): The standard-issue, general-purpose round. It offers a balance of accuracy, range, and stopping power, suitable for most combat situations.
Armor-Piercing (AP): A dense, sub-caliber kinetic penetrator.
High-Explosive (HE): A shell that detonates on impact.
Disruptor (Magic-Dispersal): A rare round containing a core of null-magic crystals that can destabilize magical barriers.
Incendiary (IN): A shell that disperses a potent, sticky incendiary agent.
EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse): A round that generates a localized EMP to disable unshielded electronics.
Tracer Rounds (TR): Contains a pyrotechnic charge that leaves a visible trail.
Subsonic (SS): Designed for stealth operations, traveling below the speed of sound to reduce acoustic signature when suppressed.
Traditional Elven Arms
Elven Longbows: Irreplaceable relics, master-crafted from silver yew. Their power and accuracy are unmatched, but each arrow fired is a piece of their history they cannot reclaim.
Shimmering Blades: Swords of folded steel and mithril that never dull. Perfectly balanced and often enchanted, they are the birthright of the Confederacy’s most skilled warriors.
VI. Intelligence & Alliances
The Club: The Confederacy’s lifeline and its greatest vulnerability. This enigmatic organization provides vital intelligence, rare materials, and a discreet market for their mercenary services. In return, the Confederacy acts as The Club’s deniable scalpel for operations requiring surgical precision. The relationship is one of cautious trust, a high-stakes game where both sides know the other could betray them if the price was right.
VII. Threat Assessment
The Church Hunters (Primary Threat): The military arm of the Church, fanatically devoted to purging all they deem unholy. To them, the elves of the Confederacy are heretics clinging to a cursed magical nature, and their existence is an affront to be cleansed with fire and steel.
The Unseen: A clandestine order within the Church specializing in infiltration and psychological warfare. They seek to break the Confederacy from within, turning them against each other.
Rival Factions: As mercenaries, the Confederacy makes enemies. Rival outfits, corporate security forces, and even other isolated factions view them as competition or a threat.
Internal Strife: Not all agree on the path forward. Some whisper for a suicidal, all-out war against the Church; others argue for deeper isolation, fearing their mercenary work will bring ruin upon them.
VIII. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Preserve the Force: The life of every Confederate is precious. Retreat is always preferable to a pyrrhic victory.
Strike the Chain: In war, they do not meet armies head-on. They attack supply lines, command structures, and morale.
Honor the Contract: When operating as mercenaries, the mission is paramount. A client’s trust is a valuable commodity, and the Confederacy’s reputation is one of its few assets.
The Silence Protocol: The ultimate expression of their defiance. Every soldier's armor is integrated with a high-yield explosive charge. When capture is imminent, they can trigger this device. It is not simply a self-destruct; it is a final, defiant act of war, ensuring that even in death, they take their enemies with them.
IX. Population Demographics
Total Estimated Population: 1,200 - 1,500
This number represents the best available intelligence on the total population of the Marsonian Confederacy. While the core of the faction consists of the original Maersyn Elves, their numbers have been bolstered by a significant minority of humans and other supernaturals who were also targeted by the Church and have since been integrated into Confederate society. This has resulted in a unique, blended culture forged in the crucible of shared persecution.
Heritage Breakdown (Approximate)
Pure-Blooded Elves (Maersyn Lineage): ~700-800
Half-Elves & Mixed Heritage: ~200-300
Integrated Humans: ~200-250
Allied Supernaturals (Werecreatures, Mages, etc.): ~100-150
Military Readiness
Active Lance Members (Professional Soldiers): ~300. These are the full-time warriors of the Confederacy, undertaking external contracts and forming the core of their defense. They are the best-equipped and most highly trained.
Militia (Combat-Trained Populace): ~600-700. The majority of the adult population, including artificers, engineers, and support staff, has received extensive military training. They can be mobilized to defend the sanctuary in a crisis, forming a formidable defensive force.
Non-Combatants: ~300-500. This group includes the young, the elderly, and those in critical leadership or logistical roles who are shielded from direct combat.
Key Demographic Factors
Attrition vs. Recruitment: The Confederacy suffers a high attrition rate from its constant conflicts. However, this is partially offset by a slow but steady influx of new recruits—refugees, deserters from other factions, and outcasts who prove their loyalty and bring valuable skills. The low birth rate of pure-blooded elves is a major concern, making these outsiders essential for long-term viability.
Cultural Integration & Cross-Breeding: The presence of non-elves has created a unique melting-pot culture, blending elven tradition with human ingenuity and the diverse abilities of other supernaturals. This has also led to a growing population of half-elven children, who represent the future of the Confederacy but are also a point of contention for traditionalist factions within the Elder Council.
A Shared Identity: What unites this disparate group is not race, but a shared ideology forged in the fires of persecution. They are all survivors, hunted by a common enemy. This shared experience is the bedrock of their fierce loyalty to one another.
Projections
Short-Term: The population is considered fragile but resilient. The diversity of skills has made their combat Lances more versatile, though it has introduced new social and logistical challenges.
Long-Term: The Confederacy's survival depends on its ability to successfully integrate its diverse population and forge a unified identity that is stronger than its disparate parts. Their ability to recruit skilled outsiders, often through contacts like The Club, is crucial to offsetting their combat losses and securing their future.
I. Overview: The Survivors of Maersyn
The Marsonian Confederacy is a hardened, self-reliant Elven faction forged in the crucible of desperation and defiance. Once the inhabitants of a remote mountain village named Maersyn, these elves were severed from the Elven Realm by the fanatical Church Hunters during a mass exodus. Trapped and marked for death, they fell back to the only defensible position they could find: the decaying industrial zones and dense forests of the Appalachian mountains. Here, they evolved. Simple villagers became masters of guerrilla warfare. Ancient traditions were fused with scavenged technology. They are a culture of pragmatism, where every life is precious and every death must be paid for in blood. To survive, they have become elite mercenaries, their skills in asymmetric warfare highly valued on the black market, often brokered through their clandestine relationship with The Club. Their core mission remains unchanged: to endure, to protect their people, and to exact a heavy price from any who hunt them.
II. Origins: A History Forged in Fire
The Severance: During the Great Retreat, as elvenkind sought sanctuary in the hidden Elven Realm, the people of Maersyn were ambushed. A relentless army of Church Hunters, executing a divine edict of purification, encircled the village and shattered their route. The path to the Realm was gone. They were alone.
A Desperate Sanctuary: Hunted and harried, the survivors fled into the dense, mountainous terrain of the Appalachians. They found a grim refuge amidst the ruins of the American Rust Belt—abandoned factories, derelict mines, and crumbling infrastructure. These became the raw materials of their new home and their new way of war.
Forging a Nation: In the dark years that followed, the survivors formally established the Marsonian Confederacy, named in honor of their lost home. Society was radically restructured around a single purpose: survival. Every able-bodied elf was trained in combat and production. Ancient elven artisanship was applied to scavenged machinery, giving birth to a unique, brutalist magi-tech. Their culture became one of “rust and iron,” a grim fusion of their ancestral past and their harsh, industrial present.
III. Society & Governance
The Confederacy’s society is a direct reflection of its traumatic origins. Having been violently severed from the larger Elven Realm and forced into a state of perpetual war, they have abandoned many of the formal traditions of their people for a more pragmatic, survival-focused structure. Their governance is built on three core pillars:
The Elder Council
This is the heart of the Marsonian government. It is not a council of nobles, but a meritocracy composed of the most respected and skilled survivors of the original village, Maersyn. Leadership is earned through sacrifice and proven ability. The council is currently led by three key figures who represent the core aspects of Confederate life:
Lead Artificer Elara: She represents the Confederacy’s innovation. As the chief architect of their unique magi-tech, she turns the scrap of the old world into the tools of their survival. She is a visionary who sees a future in the rust and ruin.
Chief Warden Kaelen: He represents the Confederacy’s martial strength. As the grim tactician of their defense, he orchestrates both their guerrilla war against the Church and their clandestine mercenary operations. He is burdened by the weight of every life lost since the Severance.
Lore-Keeper Rhys: He represents the Confederacy’s soul. Rhys is their historian and cultural anchor, tasked with preserving the traditions of Maersyn. He ensures that in their fight to survive, they do not forget who they are.
The Iron Concord
This is the simple, unbreakable code that binds all members of the Confederacy. It has two primary tenets:
Survival through Unity: The needs of the community always outweigh the needs of the individual. In a faction with such limited numbers, every person is vital, and they must work as one to endure.
Progress through Innovation: They must relentlessly adapt to survive. This principle drives their creation of magi-tech and their embrace of asymmetric warfare, as they cannot rely on the old ways to save them.
Decentralized Command
The Confederate military is organized into small, highly autonomous cells known as “Lances.” This structure is essential for two reasons:
Guerrilla Warfare: It allows small units to operate independently in the dense terrain of the Appalachians, striking quickly and melting away before the enemy can respond.
Deniable Operations: When a Lance takes on a mercenary contract, its autonomy provides plausible deniability for the Confederacy’s leadership. If a mission goes wrong, it can be dismissed as a rogue element, protecting the sanctuary from retaliation.
IV. Military Doctrine & Assets
Primary Doctrine: The War of the Flea
The Confederacy does not fight fair. They leverage speed, stealth, and intimate knowledge of the Appalachian terrain to bleed their enemies. Their tactics focus on ambushes, strategic sabotage of supply lines, and lightning-fast raids, inflicting maximum damage before melting back into the forests and ruins.
Secondary Role: Mercenaries for a New Age
Survival requires resources. Confederate Lances are hired out as elite mercenaries, their skills fetching a high price. They specialize in surgical strikes, black operations, corporate sabotage, and asset recovery. Their services are often brokered by The Club, their only reliable window to the outside world.
V. Armoury: The Tools of Survival
The Confederacy’s equipment is a testament to their philosophy: a blend of scavenged, repurposed technology and time-honored elven craftsmanship. Every piece of gear is designed for reliability, function, and the brutal realities of asymmetric warfare.
Personal Armor Systems
Light Scale Armor: The standard light armor for scouts, skirmishers, and vehicle crews who prioritize speed and mobility.
Function: Provides essential protection against shrapnel and small-arms fire while adding minimal weight and allowing for a full range of motion.
Design: Consists of a flexible, fire-retardant body glove onto which small, overlapping scales of a lightweight ceramic composite are bonded. It primarily protects the torso and shoulders, leaving the limbs less encumbered for speed.
Medium Scale Armor: The mainline armor for Marsonian infantry, balancing protection, mobility, and utility.
Function: Offers substantial protection against medium-caliber firearms and shrapnel. It is designed to be worn for extended periods in active combat zones.
Design: Features larger, thicker scales than the light variant, covering the torso, shoulders, and upper limbs. The scales are made of a dense titanium-ceramic blend. The suit includes an integrated load-bearing system and attachment points for modular pouches and equipment. While heavier than light armor, its ergonomic design distributes weight effectively.
Heavy Scale Armor: Designed for breachers, heavy weapons specialists, and frontline shock troops who expect to face overwhelming enemy fire.
Function: Provides maximum protection against a wide range of threats, including heavy-caliber rounds and explosive force. Mobility is significantly reduced, and it is intended for short, high-intensity engagements.
Design: Composed of thick, interlocking plates of reinforced tungsten-carbide composite that cover the entire body. The suit includes an exo-frame assist in the legs and back to help bear the immense weight and maintain a degree of powered mobility. It often features integrated hardpoints for mounting heavy weapons or breaching tools.
Specialized Light Scale Armor (SOF Recon): A specialized variant of light scale armor issued exclusively to special operations units, such as sniper teams, for deep reconnaissance and stealth operations.
Function: Provides ballistic protection against small arms fire without sacrificing mobility. The primary advantage is its suite of advanced stealth features.
Design: The armor consists of interlocking, lightweight ceramic-composite scales bonded to a sound-dampening under-suit. The outer surface is treated with a photo-reactive coating that actively shifts its color and pattern to blend in with the surrounding environment, creating a chameleon-like effect. The suit also incorporates a thermal baffling system to reduce the wearer's heat signature. It includes an integrated load-bearing harness for equipment and ammunition
The M-9 'Cannon' Weapon Platform
The M-9 'Cannon' is a versatile rifled firearm platform, a cornerstone of the Confederate armoury. Its core feature is an interchangeable revolving cylinder system that allows for smooth semi-automatic or automatic fire, depending on the variant. The platform can be adapted into several configurations, each tailored for a specific combat role.
Standard-Issue Variants
M-9C 'Light Cannon' (Carbine): The M-9C is the carbine variant, optimized for close-quarters combat and ease of handling. It features a shorter barrel, a lighter frame, a standard bayonet lug, and a holographic sight, making it ideal for vehicle crews, pilots, and urban warfare units.
Effective Range: Short to Medium
Recoil: Low
Cylinder Capacity: 8 rounds
Primary Role: Personal Defense, Close-Quarters Battle
M-9R 'Cannon' (Rifle): The standard infantry rifle, the M-9R, balances power, range, and maneuverability. Equipped with a bayonet lug and a variable-power rifle scope, this variant is the most common, providing a reliable solution for the majority of combat engagements.
Effective Range: Medium to Long
Recoil: Moderate
Cylinder Capacity: 6 rounds
Primary Role: General Infantry, Squad-Level Fire Support
M-9D 'Heavy Cannon' (DMR): The M-9D is a designated marksman rifle, built for long-range precision and anti-materiel applications. It features a longer, heavier barrel, a reinforced frame, and a high-power marksman scope. It often requires a bipod or other stabilization for effective use.
Effective Range: Long to Extreme
Recoil: High
Cylinder Capacity: 4 rounds
Primary Role: Designated Marksman, Anti-Materiel, Fortification Breaching
M-9S 'Storm Cannon' (Suppressive Fire): The M-9S 'Storm Cannon' is a squad automatic weapon designed for high-volume suppressive fire. It features a heavy-duty frame, a reinforced cooling shroud, a fully automatic firing mechanism, and a reinforced combat optic. It is fed by a high-capacity 20-round drum cylinder.
Effective Range: Medium
Recoil: High
Cylinder Capacity: 20-round drum cylinder
Primary Role: Squad Automatic Weapon, Suppressive Fire
M-9X 'Long-sight Cannon' (Sniper): The M-9X is a dedicated sniper rifle variant, engineered for extreme-range engagements. It features a custom-built, exceptionally long barrel, an advanced stabilization system, and an extreme long-range telescopic sight. Its low-capacity cylinder is designed for immense-pressure rounds
Effective Range: Extreme
Recoil: Very High
Cylinder Capacity: 3 rounds
Primary Role: Sniper, High-Value Target Elimination
Spec Ops Variants
M-9C-S 'Whisper': A specialized version of the Light Cannon, this carbine features an integrated suppressor, lightweight frame, bayonet lug, and a suppressor-compatible holographic sight. It is designed to fire Subsonic (SS) rounds by default.
Effective Range: Short to Medium
Recoil: Low
Cylinder Capacity: 8 rounds
Primary Role: Stealth Infiltration, Covert Operations
M-9R-S 'Reaper': A modular version of the M-9R, the 'Reaper' features a suppressor-compatible barrel, a customizable rail system, a bayonet lug, and a variable-power scope. Its lighter frame makes it a versatile choice for special operations.
Effective Range: Medium to Long
Recoil: Moderate
Cylinder Capacity: 6 rounds
Primary Role: Covert Fire Support, Special Missions
M-9D-S 'Spectre': The 'Spectre' is a lightened, suppressed variant of the M-9D Heavy Cannon. It is engineered for covert sharpshooting and reconnaissance, featuring a high-power scope rated for suppressed fire.
Effective Range: Long
Recoil: High
Cylinder Capacity: 4 rounds
Primary Role: Covert Sharpshooter, Reconnaissance
M-9X-S 'Phantom': The pinnacle of covert long-range weaponry, this rifle features a collapsible stock, a take-down barrel, an integrated sound suppressor, and a specialized telescopic sight. It is optimized for Subsonic ammunition for maximum stealth.
Effective Range: Long to Extreme
Recoil: Very High
Cylinder Capacity: 3 rounds
Primary Role: Covert High-Value Target Elimination
Sidearms & Close-Quarters Tools
M-11 'Repeating Handcannon': The M-11 is a high-caliber sidearm based on the same revolving cylinder technology. It packs a significant punch for a handgun and comes standard with tritium iron sights, making it a favored backup weapon.
Effective Range: Close
Recoil: High
Cylinder Capacity: 5 rounds
Primary Role: Sidearm, Close-Quarters Defense
M-11-S 'Silent Hand': This M-11 variant is optimized for special forces, with an integrated suppressor, ergonomic grips, and suppressor-height tritium sights. It is the preferred sidearm for low-profile, high-impact operations.
Effective Range: Close
Recoil: Moderate
Cylinder Capacity: 5 rounds
Primary Role: Covert Sidearm, Infiltration
M-12 'Spike' Kinetic Bayonet: A standard rifle attachment that provides a crucial advantage in close-quarters combat.
Appearance: A sturdy combat knife with a mounting lug that allows it to be fixed to the barrel of a standard Marsonian rifle. The hilt contains a compact kinetic charger.
Function: While serving as a conventional bayonet for thrusting and slashing, the '''Spike''' can deliver a focused, low-yield kinetic pulse on impact. This charge is sufficient to stagger an opponent, shatter a ceramic armor plate, or create a momentary opening in an enemy'''s defense.
Combat Style: A standard-issue item for all infantry, it emphasizes versatility. It is used to transition seamlessly from ranged to melee combat, ensuring every soldier is a threat at any distance.
M-15 'Breaker' Gauntlets: A more refined and modern take on the powered gauntlet, designed for breaching and close-quarters combat.
Appearance: Sleek, heavily armored gauntlets that encase the wearer'''s hands and forearms. They are powered by high-torque servo-motors and feature reinforced knuckle-plates.
Function: The servos dramatically increase the wearer'''s grip and striking strength, allowing them to crush body armor, tear open doors, or stabilize heavy weapons. The knuckle-plates are integrated with a kinetic pulse generator, which can be discharged on a punch to create a localized concussive blast, capable of stunning an opponent or shattering a concrete wall.
Utility: Beyond combat, they are used for heavy lifting, emergency repairs, and creating entry points in fortified structures.
M-18 'Stinger' Vibro-Spear: Developed for engaging fast-moving or heavily armored individual targets, the '''Stinger''' is a fusion of traditional spear design with high-frequency oscillation technology.
Appearance: A sleek, modern polearm with a carbon-alloy shaft and a sharpened, reinforced tip. A subtle hum is audible when activated.
Function: A sonic generator in the haft causes the spearhead to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies. This allows it to bypass traditional armor by parting molecular bonds, effectively piercing through plate and composites with ease.
Combat Style: It is a weapon that rewards precision and agility over brute force. Wielders use quick, targeted thrusts to exploit armor weaknesses and disable key targets before they can react.
M-22 'Fang' Vibro-Shortsword: A fast, deadly weapon designed for close-quarters specialists who favor speed and precision over raw power.
Appearance: A well-balanced shortsword with a single-edged, subtly curved blade made from a resonant alloy. The handle is ergonomic, designed for a firm grip, and a low hum is emitted when the vibro-core is active.
Function: Similar to the '''Stinger''' spear, the '''Fang''' uses a high-frequency vibration core to achieve superior cutting power, allowing it to slice through personal armor and unarmored targets with terrifying efficiency.
Combat Style: Favored by Marsonian special forces and scout units, it is often wielded in pairs. Its combat style is built on rapid slashes and thrusts, designed to overwhelm an opponent'''s defenses and inflict critical damage in seconds.
M-25 Kinetic Blade: the Kinetic Blade is a weapon that embodies the Marsonian focus on overwhelming force.
Appearance: It appears as a thick, heavy-bladed short sword or axe. The blade itself is unsharpened, but the haft and head contain a powerful kinetic driver and capacitor system.
Function: Upon impact, the kinetic driver discharges a massive concussive force, capable of shattering armor, splintering fortifications, and blasting opponents off their feet. It does not cut, it pulverizes.
Combat Style: Wielding it requires strength and an understanding of its brutal impact. It is used to break enemy formations and breach fortified positions.
M-40 'Quake' Hammer: A two-handed behemoth of a weapon, the '''Quake''' Hammer is the pinnacle of Marsonian kinetic force technology, designed for maximum devastation against structures and armored units.
Appearance: A massive hammer with an oversized head containing a visible kinetic core. The haft is reinforced to withstand the immense forces it generates.
Function: On impact, the hammer can release a standard kinetic pulse similar to the M-25 blade, or be charged to unleash a devastating area-of-effect shockwave, knocking multiple enemies off their feet and shattering the ground.
Combat Style: It is incredibly slow and heavy, demanding immense physical power and training. It is used by specialized siege-breaker units to obliterate enemy defenses and create chaos in enemy lines.
Wrist-Mounted Spring Blade: A concealed, silent blade for surprise attacks and assassinations, a favorite of Confederate agents.
Function: This device consists of a slim, durable housing strapped to the forearm, concealed under a sleeve or gauntlet. With a flick of the wrist or a nerve-twitch trigger, a slender, razor-sharp blade springs forward, locking into place over the back of the hand. It is designed for surprise attacks and silent takedowns.
Design: The blade itself is typically made from a lightweight, high-carbon steel or a ceramic composite to avoid detection. The deployment mechanism is nearly silent. While not designed for prolonged knife fights, it is a deadly tool for assassination or for creating an opening to escape a grapple.
Combat Style: This is a weapon of subterfuge. It is issued to operatives who may need to appear unarmed while still having a lethal option available. It is most effective when the target is unaware of its existence.
Explosives & Magi-Tech
'Ghostfire' Grenade: A smoke grenade that releases a cloud of silvery particles, scrambling both technological sensors and magical scrying. A perfect tool for a clean getaway.
'Kinetic-Pulse' Grenade: A non-lethal option that detonates with a powerful concussive blast and a blinding flash, designed to disorient and incapacitate.
Aether-Weaver: A complex device that manipulates localized magical fields. In the hands of a skilled operator, it can be used to create temporary camouflage, jam enemy communications, or form shimmering, deflective barriers.
Sylvan-Synth Med-Kit: A field medical kit combining advanced coagulants and synth-skin applicators with ancient elven poultices that accelerate natural healing.
Ammunition Types
The Cannon platform's versatility is enhanced by its range of specialized ammunition, available across all caliber variants:
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): The standard-issue, general-purpose round. It offers a balance of accuracy, range, and stopping power, suitable for most combat situations.
Armor-Piercing (AP): A dense, sub-caliber kinetic penetrator.
High-Explosive (HE): A shell that detonates on impact.
Disruptor (Magic-Dispersal): A rare round containing a core of null-magic crystals that can destabilize magical barriers.
Incendiary (IN): A shell that disperses a potent, sticky incendiary agent.
EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse): A round that generates a localized EMP to disable unshielded electronics.
Tracer Rounds (TR): Contains a pyrotechnic charge that leaves a visible trail.
Subsonic (SS): Designed for stealth operations, traveling below the speed of sound to reduce acoustic signature when suppressed.
Traditional Elven Arms
Elven Longbows: Irreplaceable relics, master-crafted from silver yew. Their power and accuracy are unmatched, but each arrow fired is a piece of their history they cannot reclaim.
Shimmering Blades: Swords of folded steel and mithril that never dull. Perfectly balanced and often enchanted, they are the birthright of the Confederacy’s most skilled warriors.
VI. Intelligence & Alliances
The Club: The Confederacy’s lifeline and its greatest vulnerability. This enigmatic organization provides vital intelligence, rare materials, and a discreet market for their mercenary services. In return, the Confederacy acts as The Club’s deniable scalpel for operations requiring surgical precision. The relationship is one of cautious trust, a high-stakes game where both sides know the other could betray them if the price was right.
VII. Threat Assessment
The Church Hunters (Primary Threat): The military arm of the Church, fanatically devoted to purging all they deem unholy. To them, the elves of the Confederacy are heretics clinging to a cursed magical nature, and their existence is an affront to be cleansed with fire and steel.
The Unseen: A clandestine order within the Church specializing in infiltration and psychological warfare. They seek to break the Confederacy from within, turning them against each other.
Rival Factions: As mercenaries, the Confederacy makes enemies. Rival outfits, corporate security forces, and even other isolated factions view them as competition or a threat.
Internal Strife: Not all agree on the path forward. Some whisper for a suicidal, all-out war against the Church; others argue for deeper isolation, fearing their mercenary work will bring ruin upon them.
VIII. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Preserve the Force: The life of every Confederate is precious. Retreat is always preferable to a pyrrhic victory.
Strike the Chain: In war, they do not meet armies head-on. They attack supply lines, command structures, and morale.
Honor the Contract: When operating as mercenaries, the mission is paramount. A client’s trust is a valuable commodity, and the Confederacy’s reputation is one of its few assets.
The Silence Protocol: The ultimate expression of their defiance. Every soldier's armor is integrated with a high-yield explosive charge. When capture is imminent, they can trigger this device. It is not simply a self-destruct; it is a final, defiant act of war, ensuring that even in death, they take their enemies with them.
IX. Population Demographics
Total Estimated Population: 1,200 - 1,500
This number represents the best available intelligence on the total population of the Marsonian Confederacy. While the core of the faction consists of the original Maersyn Elves, their numbers have been bolstered by a significant minority of humans and other supernaturals who were also targeted by the Church and have since been integrated into Confederate society. This has resulted in a unique, blended culture forged in the crucible of shared persecution.
Heritage Breakdown (Approximate)
Pure-Blooded Elves (Maersyn Lineage): ~700-800
Half-Elves & Mixed Heritage: ~200-300
Integrated Humans: ~200-250
Allied Supernaturals (Werecreatures, Mages, etc.): ~100-150
Military Readiness
Active Lance Members (Professional Soldiers): ~300. These are the full-time warriors of the Confederacy, undertaking external contracts and forming the core of their defense. They are the best-equipped and most highly trained.
Militia (Combat-Trained Populace): ~600-700. The majority of the adult population, including artificers, engineers, and support staff, has received extensive military training. They can be mobilized to defend the sanctuary in a crisis, forming a formidable defensive force.
Non-Combatants: ~300-500. This group includes the young, the elderly, and those in critical leadership or logistical roles who are shielded from direct combat.
Key Demographic Factors
Attrition vs. Recruitment: The Confederacy suffers a high attrition rate from its constant conflicts. However, this is partially offset by a slow but steady influx of new recruits—refugees, deserters from other factions, and outcasts who prove their loyalty and bring valuable skills. The low birth rate of pure-blooded elves is a major concern, making these outsiders essential for long-term viability.
Cultural Integration & Cross-Breeding: The presence of non-elves has created a unique melting-pot culture, blending elven tradition with human ingenuity and the diverse abilities of other supernaturals. This has also led to a growing population of half-elven children, who represent the future of the Confederacy but are also a point of contention for traditionalist factions within the Elder Council.
A Shared Identity: What unites this disparate group is not race, but a shared ideology forged in the fires of persecution. They are all survivors, hunted by a common enemy. This shared experience is the bedrock of their fierce loyalty to one another.
Projections
Short-Term: The population is considered fragile but resilient. The diversity of skills has made their combat Lances more versatile, though it has introduced new social and logistical challenges.
Long-Term: The Confederacy's survival depends on its ability to successfully integrate its diverse population and forge a unified identity that is stronger than its disparate parts. Their ability to recruit skilled outsiders, often through contacts like The Club, is crucial to offsetting their combat losses and securing their future.
