Earth-item Scavenging

Earth-item scavenging is a major industry on the Afterlife, involving locating, buying, selling (and in many cases restoring) non-living human crafted items from Earth. Like living things, inanimate objects come to the Afterlife as well, and Earth-item scavenging is a well-respected and useful business, that can bring a scavenger or prospector riches, if they find an item of particular value.

The primary goal of this industry is to collect and repurpose objects left behind or destroyed on Earth by the living. These objects could include various artifacts, possessions, or even remnants of human experiences. Some objects are so large (such as entire ships or buildings) that they must be broken down into components and moved. In Prisoners & Pirates, a ship carrying blocks of worn stone (from what is assumed to be a pyramid or temple) is seen heading to the port of Great Bridge, to offload the materials.

Many items are sent to facilities and workshops where they are sorted, classified, and processed. Skilled appraisers then determine the significance or value of each item and decide on its fate. If the object is particularly rare or useful, the scavenger is awarded highly, making it one of the most lucrative jobs on the Isle. Some objects are traded based on perceived nostalgic value, which is incorporated into its "rareness" level. If an object is deemed worthless, it is discarded.

In Loch Gwint Oer, there is an Earth-item auction house. Before the Thane's Isle Civil War, most items were presented there. Its purpose is for subjects to bid on coveted Earthly artifacts. These auctions were, and still are, highly competitive, with rare or historically significant items commanding the highest prices.

## Earth-items:

Earth items are defined by an item either discarded, forgotten, or destroyed on planet Earth. The object appears in its last-functioning condition (sometimes in a non-functioning condition), on the Afterlife. It is unknown why this happens, but it involves a similar system to that which brings humans and other lifeforms to the Afterlife.

The objects may appear anywhere at any time, though are often not seen arriving, save by the most keen Earth Item Scavengers. An object may appear on the ground, in the air, or in the water, where it will sink to the bottom of the ocean and never be found. Components of a larger object usually do not turn up. Earth items may be any discarded or destroyed object, made of any material.

## Impact on Thane's Isle Culture:

Many technological advancements came about due to the scavenging business' The development of the steam engine, for example, was due to a reverse engineering of an Earthen "donkey engine" which was found in the woods near Huxley Homestead during the era of Violette Frederikke. Many architectural, naval, artistic, military, and economic developments came through the location of Earth items. The CR (combat rifle) series of military rifles used by Thane's Isle in the general forces, are inspired by a reverse-engineering of many Earthen Rifles.

## Notable Earthen Items:

### *"Universe Eight":*

* Julia Nixon's signature Carcano rifle is a model found on Earth. It is unknown whether this carcano is actually from Earth, or was a copy made on the Afterlife.
* The *SNCV Morro Castle (*formerly *SS Morro Castle)* is an ocean-going passenger liner that was destroyed in a fire on Earth in 1934. It appeared as is did before its fire and scrapping, off the coast of the Sun Nation. It was repurposed for military and naval exploits. It was intended to be scrapped again by the Sunnese, but those who recognized the ship beckoned it be saved.
* The *KN-401* submarine is made up of components of (or is an entire) submarine of unknown origin from Earth.