Arcane Council of Neo-America

The **Arcane Council of Neo-America**, referred to as the **ACNA** more frequently, is among the most powerful vassal states of the **North American Union**.  It comprises the former American states of New England; Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island; in addition to the former American state of New York.  The ACNA is led by the **Arcane Council**, which consists of nine seats, with the head of the council being referred to as the Grand Chair.  The current Grand Chair of the Arcane Council is Maria Vahlen-Kaine.

## History

The origin of the Arcane Council of Neo-America starts with the machinations of the father of Maria Vahlen-Kaine, Kasper Vahlen-Kaine. Kasper was a metahuman active in the New England region of the United States during the late 40s to the early 60s.  He was a skilled mage, and was well respected among his peers in New England.  In the late 60s, he disappeared from the public eye as he settled down in Maine.  Despite this, Kasper remained in contact with other metahumans he had worked with in his past.

These connections meant that Kasper Vahlen-Kaine was aware of what was brewing in the metahuman community before the Coup. Between raising his children, and serving as the head of the Vahlen-Kaine family, Kasper planned for the establishment of a state run by metahumans for metahumans, under the control of the Vahlen-Kaine family of course.  He worked to build a following among metahumans of the region.  So, when the Millenium Coup occurred, Kasper was there to aid the metahuman forces.

Kasper, and metahumans who followed him, stormed government buildings across New England.  Kasper himself would lead a small group to storm government buildings across Boston, Massachusetts. His actions on that night would lead to Kasper being granted the right to rule over New England in the new world order.  And so, with these regions under his control, Kasper began the process of creating what would eventually become the Arcane Council of Neo-America.

The early years of the Arcane Council of Neo-America were quite chaotic, as Kasper worked to combat resistance groups and his rivals in order to secure control of the region.  Most of the armed resistance to Kasper’s rule gathered in northern Maine, northern New York, northern New Hampshire and Vermont.  From there the insurgents fought numerous skirmishes with Kasper’s forces.  Kasper would occasionally take to the field to fight the insurgents, and this would lead to his death.

On May 18th, 2003, Kasper would lead an assault against one of the remaining resistance strongholds of the region.  This, the Dixville Notch Raid, would be the final battle Kasper Vahlen-Kaine fought.  It would occur in the mountains north of the community of Dixville Notch, and would begin early in the morning.  The battle would not last long, as Kasper’s forces overwhelmed and overpowered the resistance stronghold.  However, during the battle, a resistance fighter would manage to shoot and fatally wound Kasper Vahlen-Kaine.

With the death of Kasper Vahlen-Kaine, the responsibility for continuing his work fell to his eldest daughter.  The heir of the House of Vahlen-Kaine, Maria Vahlen-Kaine.  She quickly proved herself as a worthy successor to her father; establishing herself as a competent leader politically, and by finally purging the region of the resistance.  Before the year would end, Maria would lead her forces against the final stronghold of the resistance in the region, in the largest battle fought in the region since the start of the new millennium.

This final battle, or more specifically, series of battles that would become known as the White Mountain Offensive, would occur in August through September of 2003.  They would occur in the White Mountain National Forest and surrounding areas in New Hampshire.  Maria herself would take to the field for a number of these engagements, with the most important being the final engagement in the shadow of Mt Liberty.  With the end of the White Mountain Offensive, armed resistance in the region would be no more, and with them out of the way, Maria turned her attention to developing the region.

On November 21st, 2003, Maria and six other politically powerful metahumans in the region would officially found the Arcane Council of Neo-America.  These seven would become the first Chairs of the Arcane Council, and would establish the political system of the new state. Boston would be named a special administrative district, under the direct control of the Vahlen-Kaine family, and renamed as New Boston. Finally, they would codify the laws of their new state, along with other matters of state craft.

Life in the ACNA would be quiet until the first anniversary of the Dixville Notch Raid. On May 18th, 2004, a group of Resistance sympathizers remaining within the ACNA attempted to assassinate the Seven Chairs.  They would ultimately fail, but their attempt would cause the Arcane Council to begin the process of establishing a metaphorical shield for themselves and their citizens.

After an emergency meeting of the Arcane Council, the creation of an organization charged with the protection of the Seven Chairs, their families and former Chairs was established. This organization would become known as the **Council Wardens**.  They would be officially established on May 20th, 2004.

At the same time, the Arcane Council began the development of a specialized intelligence agency in order to protect the young state.  There would be much debate behind closed doors about what form this agency would take the form of. A decision would eventually be made.  On August 11th, 2004, the **Arcane Council Intelligence Service** would be officially established.

The final result of the failed assassination attempt would come into fruition on April 24th, 2005.  The Arcane Council decided that not only did they need an organization to protect the Nine Seats, and an organization to gather intelligence, they needed something to protect the people.  They wanted something that could not be compromised by ideology.  So, they worked with a notable Jewish-American mage, Isiah Kosmin, to create an army of golems to protect the people of the ACNA and the territory of the ACNA.  And thus, on April 24th, 2005, the **Silent Legion** was created and deployed across the ACNA.

In 2005, two other major events occurred. In June, the first buildings of the **Salem Institute of the Arcane** were completed.  A month later, they begin accepting students, both from the mundane population and the metahuman population.  In August of 2005, the Salem Institute of the Arcane began classes.  Also, in November of 2005, construction on the **Convergence** was completed, and it was opened to the public on November 18th.

In 2007, the territory of the ACNA would expand to include the former state of New York. This acquisition came after the North American Union moved the capital from NYC to Jamaica. With the move of the capital, Maria saw an opportunity to boost the productivity and status of the ACNA, and quickly moved on the opportunity. After a few months of negotiations, New York would be brought into the ACNA as two separate states, Lesser New York and Greater New York. With that, the Arcane Council grew from seven seats to nine seats, and the ACNA obtained the borders it has today.

In 2008, with the success of the Salem Institute of the Arcane, the Arcane Council began work with the previously mentioned institution on what would be known as **Project Revival**.  Project Revival would show itself to be an environmental project undertaken by the ACNA, in order to protect and restore the natural environment of the region.  The results of this project would become public on April 22nd, 2014.  These results were the first prototype **Atmospheric Purification Engine** and the first prototype **Effluent Purification System**.

In 2009, two joint projects between the Arcane Council and the Salem Institute of the Arcane would begin.  The first being **Project Oracle**, which would be revealed later to be the development of a natural disaster early warning system for the ACNA.  In 2011, the result of Project Oracle would be revealed to the public as the **Arcane Council Natural Disaster Early Warning System**.

The other major project that was commenced in 2009 did not have a special name.  It was in this year that construction on the **Arcane Council Deep Genetic Storage Vault** began.  Construction of the Arcane Council’s Deep Genetic Storage Vault would be completed in 2013, but would only be opened to the public in the summer of 2018.

In 2012, another major joint project would commence.  This project would be known as **Project Aegis**.  It would become clear that its goal was to create a defensive system of some kind to protect entire cities.  The results of Project Aegis were unveiled on July 3rd, 2015 in New Boston. This was the first **High Energy Defense Matrix**.  A second one would be unveiled on January 24th, 2017 in New York City.  In the spring of 2018, the first **Strategic Defense Matrix** was installed at the Convergence.

Sometime in 2014, a joint project, directly overseen by Maria Vahlen-Kaine, would commence. This project would be known as **Project Kadingir**.  Compared to the other major joint projects, the goal of Project Kadingir would be a closely guarded secret.  The first results of Project Kadingir would be revealed on May 29th, 2020, as construction on the **Mt. Katahdin Observatory** was completed.  The observatory would open to the public on June 1st of the same year.

Between major joint projects, the ACNA would work on its own projects separate from the Salem Institute of the Arcane. One of the most notable of these projects would be the overhauling of the railroad network in the state.  This overhauling would eventually lead the Arcane Council to wanting to establish a high speed railroad network.  On October 4th, 2016, the Arcane Council would announce the completion of the **Arcane Council High-Speed Express Rail Network**.

The final major joint project undertaken by the ACNA and the Salem Institute of the Arcane would begin construction in 2018.  It was an energy project that would become known as the **Horseshoe Lake Experimental Reactor Complex**.  The project did not begin experimenting and working towards its goal until the construction of the complex was completed on January 14th, 2020.

## Government

Within the Arcane Council of Neo-America, there are three levels of government with each level having different restrictions being placed on how they operate by the levels above them.  The first two levels are associated with the administrative districts of the ACNA; municipalities and states.

The lowest level is the local level, the municipal government.  Each municipality is allowed to operate as defined by the laws of the state they are within.  As such, they could be operated by a local lord, or by an elected official (or officials) dependent on what the state allows.  The only restriction placed upon the municipalities by the Arcane Council is that in the event that the municipality is operated by an elected official or officials, the elections must be free, and as such all citizens within the municipality are allowed to run.

The second level is the state level, the state government.  The Arcane Council allows each state government to operate either on a three branch system or a two branch system.  Within the three branch system, at least one branch is operated by elected officials.  Within the two branch system, one or none of the branches may be operated by an elected official.

The states of Lesser New York, Greater New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut operate on the three branch system.  The three branch system is defined by having an executive, legislative and a judicial branch.  Elections within these states are not free elections, as the Arcane Council restricts those who can run to the metahuman citizens of the state.

The states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island operate on the two branch system. The two branch system is defined by having a combined executive-legislative branch, and a separate judicial branch.  The executive-legislative branch of New Hampshire and Rhode Island operate through elected officials. Elections in these two states are not free and are restricted the same way as with the three branch system.  Maine and Vermont are not operated through elected officials, and as such are less restricted by the Arcane Council.

The final level is the federal level, the federal government.  It operates on a semi-three branch system with its own executive, legislative and judicial branch.  However, the executive and legislative are not completely separate but are not completely combined, thus a semi-three branch system.  The executive branch of the ACNA is Maria Vahlen-Kaine and those who work directly under her.

The legislative branch is the Arcane Council.  The Arcane Council comprises nine seats, eight of the nine seats being held by representatives of each of the states of the ACNA. These eight representatives are elected by the state they represent, even if the state does not operate with elected officials.  There are two major restrictions on who can serve as a states representative on the Arcane Council.  The first being that they can not currently serve in the legislative, executive or executive-legislative of their respective states.  The second being that they must be metahumans.  Finally, the ninth seat was held by Maria Vahlen-Kaine, and is known as the Grand Chair.  The Grand Chair is the only chair on the council that has veto power and is responsible for maintaining order during council sessions.

The final branch of the federal government of the ACNA is the judicial branch.  The judicial branch of the ACNA is the **Supreme Court of the Arcane Council**.  It comprises nine justices who are appointed by the federal executive branch and serve for life.  Eight of the nine justices must be from each of the eight states.  If one of these positions opens up, then it is up to the state the position represented to provide the federal executive branch a list of candidates for them to select from.  If the ninth position opens up, the federal executive can select from any candidate from any state to fill the position.  Additional positions on the Supreme Court can not be created and the number of positions can not be decreased.  Finally, unlike with the legislative and executive branch of the federal government, positions on the Supreme Court can be filled by both metahumans and non-metahumans.

### The Convergence

Built on the site of the old Massachusetts State House, and some surrounding buildings, the Convergence now stands.  It does not stand tall and dominate the skyline as it is 3 storeys tall at its highest point.  The Convergence was built in a Gothic Revival style, and is surrounded by public gardens.  The gardens surrounding the Convergence were both traditional flower gardens and statue gardens.  The statues within the public gardens of the Convergence are of various metahumans important to the founding of the ACNA.

The interiors of the Convergence are just as beautiful and decorated as the public gardens surrounding it.  Paintings of individuals important to the ACNA, including every Seat of the Arcane Council, and paintings of events important to the ACNA can be found decorating the halls, along with various potted plants and statues.  Not all these statues are for art, as a number of them are Silent Legion golems waiting to be activated.  These pieces of art and decor are not the only things one may find when wandering the halls of the Convergence.  Beyond the bureaucrats working within its halls and the maintenance staff maintaining the grounds, one can find members of the Council Wardens can be found standing guard both in and out of their iconic exosuits.

The public is allowed into some parts of the Convergence, however there are three areas off limits to the public.  Such restricted areas include; the Arcane Council’s Restricted Archive, the Arcane Council War Room, the Arcane Council Inner Chamber. The Arcane Council’s Restrict Archive is an archive for transcripts of Council meetings, classified documents and sensitive materials.  The Arcane Council War Room is what it sounds like, a war room used by the Arcane Council.  Finally, the Arcane Council Inner Chamber is the location where the Nine Seats of the Arcane Council meet to discuss and decide on matters important to the ACNA as a whole.

### The Arcane Council Intelligence Service

The **Arcane Council Intelligence Service**, also known as the **ACIS**, is an extension of the ACNA government.  It is a non-military intelligence service that reports directly to the Arcane Council.  ACIS is officially tasked with the gathering, processing and analyzing of intelligence both foriegn and domestic to ensure the security of the ACNA.  The ACIS headquarters is located in New Boston, with field offices in classified locations throughout the ACNA.

ACIS Operative Uniform

ACIS operatives gather intelligence through various disciplines, the most common of which being human intelligence (HUMINT).  Other disciplines used by ACIS include; geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), measured and signal intelligence (MASINT), open-source intelligence (OSINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), technical intelligence (TECHINT), cyber intelligence (CYBINT), financial intelligence (FININT), metahuman intelligence (METINT) and magical intelligence (MAGINT).

Beyond the gathering of intelligence through the above disciplines, ACIS operatives are also trained for covert operations.  They are also prepared to engage in cyberwarfare,  and counterintelligence operations to protect the ACNA.  ACIS operatives have also been known to engage in paramilitary operations and aid in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.  As such, they can be found working with ACSOC, and friendly intelligence agencies.  They are also capable of working with local law enforcement, and do have limited judicial authority while on ACNA soil.

Operatives of ACIS wear different uniforms depending on their assignment.  If they are being sent into a civilian populace, they are expected to wear clothing to help them blend with the local populace.  If they are in the office, they are expected to wear the ACIS uniform.  If they are involved with any paramilitary operation, they wear more combat oriented gear.

### The Council Wardens

The Council Wardens are trusted with the protection of the Nine Chairs of the Arcane Council, and as such are equipped with the most advanced weapons and equipment available to the ACNA. To be named a Council Warden, one needs to not only demonstrate that they are highly skilled but also that they possess an undying loyalty to the ACNA and her leaders.  These requirements as such still allow for non-metahumans to be allowed among their ranks.

Painting of a fully equipped Council Warden

The outer shell of the white exosuit the Council Wardens wear is made from lightweight enhanced alloys with glyphs and runes engraved into the underside of the outer shell.  These glyphs and runes enhance the durability and resistance of the outer shell. The outer shell can be hermetically sealed by the Warden, and has inbuilt oxygen supply, for operation within oxygen poor environments. The exosuit does have inbuilt atmospheric sensors to detect the presence of or lack of certain elements and compounds.  In such cases, the exosuit can automatically seal itself to protect the Warden.

Underneath the outer shell, Council Wardens wear an enhanced bodysuit made from composite materials, and similar to the outer layer have glyphs and runes inscribed on them.  The bodysuit does not provide great resistance against weapons like the outer shell, instead it provides resistance against environmental conditions.  It is designed to regulate temperature, and absorb excess moisture in order to keep the Warden comfortable.

The helm of the Council Warden exosuit is created with a combination of lightweight enhanced alloys like the rest of the outer shell, and enhanced polycarbonates.  While it provides protection, it also has an inbuilt HUD to provide the Warden with additional information.  The helm does restrict the Warden’s field of view, from 200-220 degrees (natural range for a human) to 160 degrees.  To make up for this restriction, the exo-suit has a variety of sensors that detect the presence of animate beings, and the in-built HUD informs the Warden of what the sensors detect.  This is the form of a radar on the HUD.  The sensors vary from motion sensors, thermal sensors and magical energy sensors.  The exo-suit also has sensors

While the white exosuit of the Council Warden is iconic, it is not the only thing that Council Wardens can be seen wearing.  In fact, Council Warden’s in their exosuits is a relatively rare sight, as they are only worn in a few situations.  Such situations include guarding the Convergence, protecting Council Seats in hostile environments, or more recently seen, accompanying the Grand Seat to the World Congress. In most situations, the Council Wardens are seen wearing similar suits to the Secret Service of America past.  These suits are made from enhanced carbon nanotubes in order to provide the Wardens greater protection than a normal suit and tie. In situations where anonymity is required, Council Wardens are allowed to wear civilian attire.

## Military

The **Arcane Council Military**, also referred to as the **ACM**, was designed and is constantly improving in order to be able to effectively defend the ACNA from modern threats.  This means it is constantly investing in new technologies to remain on the cutting edge and is constantly evaluating itself compared to other militaries across the world.  There are three branches to ACM; the **Arcane Council Defense Force**, also referred to as the **ACDF**; the **Arcane Council Air Force**, also referred to as the **ACAF**; and the **Arcane Council Naval Service**, also known as the **ACNS**.  Separate from the three branches, there is a special command which reports directly to the Arcane Council.  This command is known as the **Arcane Council Special Operations Command**, also referred to as **ACSOC**.

### Arcane Council Defense Force

The land force of the ACM, the Arcane Council Defense Force serves as the army for the ACNA.  While they are colloquially known as the army, they do not officially recognize that description.  This is because of the underlining doctrine of the ACM.  They are not meant to be an offensive force, they are meant to be defensive and reactive.  As such, the Defense Force is a much better description for them than the army, according to the Arcane Council.

ACDF Infantry in combat exosuit

Despite this, the ACDF must be prepared to go on the offensive, and as such has plenty of hardware capable of defending and attacking.  Much of the important hardware of the ACDF is their vehicles that allow them to be highly mobile, maneuverable, and effective in as many environments as possible.  Such vehicles include; the **CAPC-05 Envoy**, the **CIFV-04 Adherent**, the **CMBT-02 Champion,** and the **CSPAD-07 Menace**.

The ACDF is not completely composed of vehicles and does not completely operate on mechanized combat.  In fact, the vast majority of the ACDF is composed of infantry and the Silent Legion.  The ACDF Infantry are equipped with highly effective firearms, ranging in size and function, along with exosuits to increase their physical performance.  The Silent Legion is also considered to be part of the ACDF Infantry by some, but this is highly debated.

What was discussed above only comprises the non-metahuman part of the ACDF.  Metahumans who are in service to the ACDF fall under their own unique command within the ACDF, the **Arcane Council Defense Force Metahuman Command** also known as the **ACDFMC**.  Metahumans under this command serve as elite fighters and shocktroopers for the ACDF.

The chain of command of the ACDF is no different than the chain of command of the old  army of the United States when it comes to rank structure.  It is also worth noting that the Arcane Council allows for both metahumans and non-metahumans to advance through the ranks of the ACDF as relative equals.  As such, a non-metahuman can still become a general of the ACDF, and a metahuman, like everyone else, starts at the lowest rank upon entry.  That said, metahumans have been shown to advance through the ranks quicker than non-metahumans.

### Arcane Council Air Force

As the air force of the ACM, the Arcane Council Air Force is responsible for protecting ACNA airspace, and for supporting the other two branches from the air.  This is where the ACNA would be expected to employ a large number of unmanned drones.  However, the ACAF does not have a large number of unmanned drones, as the Arcane Council deemed them unnecessary for the purposes of defense.

So, while they have a relatively small number, the primary crafts within the ACAF are manned.  Among these craft, the most common are the following; the **CFI-12 Custodian**, and the **CSF-19 Victor**. For the same reason as with drones, the ACAF does not make extensive use of dedicated bombers or stealth craft.  Another craft seen commonly on ACAF air bases, at ACDF bases, on board ACNS ships and in ACNS naval bases is the **CAH-16 Contender** and the **CTH-08** **Courier**.

What was discussed above only comprises the non-metahuman part of the ACAF.  Metahumans who are in service to the ACAF fall under their own unique command within the ACAF, the **Arcane Council Air Force Metahuman Command** also known as the **ACAFMC**. Metahumans under this command serve as elite pilots, or in other ways depending on their abilities.

The chain of command of the ACAF is no different than the chain of command of the old  air force of the United States when it comes to rank structure.  It is also worth noting that the Arcane Council allows for both metahumans and non-metahumans to advance through the ranks of the ACAF as relative equals.  As such, a non-metahuman can still become a general of the ACAF, and a metahuman, like everyone else, starts at the lowest rank upon entry.  That said, metahumans have been shown to advance through the ranks quicker than non-metahumans.

### Arcane Council Naval Service

As the naval force of the ACM, the Arcane Council Naval Service is responsible for protecting the territorial waters of the ACNA.  They are also charged with protecting trade traveling through the waters of the ACNA, and supporting land and air forces where possible.

The ACNS currently makes use of five classes of naval vessels.  Among these five classes of vessel, there is a class of light aircraft carrier and a class of submarine. The five classes of naval vessel are as follows; the **Mystic-Class Aircraft Carrier**, the **Hudson-Class Cruiser**, the **Seekonk-Class Destroyer**, the **Kennebec-Class Frigate**, and the **Winooski-Class Submarine**. Along with these five classes of naval vessels, the ACNS makes use of smaller boats as well, along with a marine force.

What was discussed above only comprises the non-metahuman part of the ACNS.  Metahumans who are in service to the ACNS fall under their own unique command within the ACNS, the **Arcane Council Naval Service Metahuman Command** also known as the **ACNSMC**. Metahumans under this command serve in whatever way is most beneficial depending on their abilities.

The chain of command of the ACNS is no different than the chain of command of the old navy of the United States when it comes to rank structure.  It is also worth noting that the Arcane Council allows for both metahumans and non-metahumans to advance through the ranks of the ACNS as relative equals.  As such, a non-metahuman can still become a general of the ACNS, and a metahuman, like everyone else, starts at the lowest rank upon entry.  That said, metahumans have been shown to advance through the ranks quicker than non-metahumans.

### Arcane Council Special Operations Command

The Arcane Council Special Operations Command, is a special command of the ACM.  As a command, it is not a distinct branch of the military, but a collection of units and formations under the control of a single officer.  In the case of ACSOC, it is a joint command, which means it draws units and formations from multiple branches of the ACM.  All special forces under the ACM exist under the ACSOC.  It is also worth noting that entry into ACSOC is determined by skill, and as such, both non-metahumans and metahumans can be found within each unit of ACSOC.

ACSOC has five strategic tasks that it seeks to achieve.  These are as follows; provide advice on special operations to other offices and operational commanders in the ACNA; generate deployable, high readiness special operation forces capable of being deployed either independently or as a larger part of military operations; conduct and command special operation forces; further develop special operation force’s capabilities, technology and tactics; and finally, maintain and promote relationships with allies and security partners of the ACNA.

In order to achieve these strategic tasks, special operation forces under the ACSOC are trained in a wide variety of operational tasks, such as the following; hostage rescue, direct action, CBRN crisis response, tactical site exploitation, special reconnaissance, combating WMDs, maritime special operations, support non-combatant evacuations, special protection operations, counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, defense, diplomacy and military assistance.

Under the command of ACSOC, there are 7 special operation forces. Each special operation force is based in a different location within the ACNA, and is responsible for different types of operations.  That said, there can still be overlap between individual special operation forces.  In fact, the nature of ACSOC often has the individual special operation forces interacting and working alongside each other.  That said, there is still a well known rivalry among the special operation forces.

The first of the special operation forces underneath ACSOC is the **Council Special Forces Operational Regiment**, also known as **CSFOR**. Their primary responsibility is for direct action, hostage rescue, special reconnaissance, tactical site exploitation, counterterrorism, and military assistance.  They often target high value targets, and are among the more secretive units under ACSOC.

The second of the special operation forces underneath ACSOC is the **Council Special Asset Protection Regiment**, also known as **CSAPR**.  Their primary responsibility is for hostage rescue, special protection operation, support of non-combatant evacuations, defense, diplomacy and military assistance.

The third of the special operation forces underneath ACSOC is th

A ACSOC Operative, a badge on the uniform indicates the operation force they belong

e **Council Crisis Response Unit**, also known as **CCRU**.  Their primary responsibility is for CBRN crisis response, support of non-combatant evacuations, combating WMDs (that involve CBRN), diplomacy and military assistance.

The fourth of the special operation forces underneath ACSOC is the **Council Special Operations Aviation Regiment**, also known as **CSOAR**.  Their primary responsibility is for direct action, special reconnaissance, and military assistance.  CSOAR is often seen supporting other special operation forces and other units among the ACNA military and her allies.

The fifth of the special operation forces underneath ACSOC is the **Council Special Operation Naval Group**, also known as **CSONG**.  Their primary responsibility is for direct action, special reconnaissance, tactical site exploitation, hostage rescue, maritime special operations, and military assistance.

The sixth of the special operation forces underneath ACSOC is the **Council Special Homeland Defense Unit**, also known as **CSHDU**.  Their primary responsibility is for direct action, reconnaissance, tactical site exploitation, hostage rescue, special protection operations, supporting non-combatant evacuations, counterinsurgency and military assistance.  As of now, CSHDU is the least important of the forces underneath ACSOC, as they only operate within the ACNA, and potentially across the NAU (with permission), to protect the homeland from threats within the homeland.  In the early days they combated resistance to the establishment of the ACNA.

The seventh, and final, of the special operation forces underneath ACSOC is the **Council Special Intelligence and Tactical Support Unit**, also known as **CSITSU**.  Their primary responsibility is special reconnaissance, tactical site exploitation, consolidation of intelligence, distribution of intelligence, tactical support of all other units underneath ACSOC, diplomacy and military assistance. Due to its nature, CSITSU works closely with each other unit within ACSOC.

## Technology

One of the most important aspects of the ACNA is the pursuit of scientific and arcane knowledge.  As such, the ACNA is one of the leaders in technological development among the NAU, and a leader in magitech development on the world stage.  As such, they have access to advanced technologies and advanced magitech.  Examples of the magitech, technologies, vehicles and vessels created within the ACNA are demonstrated below.

### The Silent Legion

Golem of the Silent Legion

Created in the early days of the ACNA by a Jewish-American mage by the name of Isiah Kosmin.  The Silent Legion are the ACNA's silent guardians.  They are a legion of advanced magitech golems, designed and programmed for one thing.  To protect the ACNA and her citizens from threats both foreign and domestic.  A small fraction of the Silent Legion can be found standing inactive as statues around major cities, cultural sites, and military bases in the ACNA.  However, the majority of the Silent Legion are kept in bunkers around the ACNA.  They remain inactive for the most part, hence being known as the Silent Legion, but can be activated by the Arcane Council.  The Legion is also only capable of operating within the territory of the ACNA.

Golems of the Silent Legion appear as 7 foot humanoids and are constructed out of enhanced titanium alloys, and enhanced boron carbide plating.  Glyphs and runes are engraved into the materials of the Silent Legion, specifically on the underside of the outer parts of the golem, which not only works to enhance the materials used, but also produces a thin magic shield around the golem.  Both of these effects work to increase the golem's resistance, durability and allow for the golem to self repair as long as its core remains intact.  Finally, each golem of the Silent Legion is equipped with specially designed battle rifles and a retractable enhanced alloy steel sword.

### The CFI-12 Custodian

The CFI-12 Custodian is the current backbone of the ACAF.  The military doctrine of the ACNA is well demonstrated with this aircraft.  The CFI-12 Custodian is a fighter-interceptor designed and manufactured within the ACNA.

As such, they are built to be relatively lightweight, quite fast, highly maneuverable, and have the capability to engage both within visible range and beyond visible range.  They are also designed to be able to operate in all weather conditions, at high altitudes and to possess the firepower to stand up to dedicated air superiority fighters.  The major downside of the CFI-12 Custodian is that they have a relatively short effective range, as such they are meant to be used to defend the ACNA’s airspace against possible aggressors.

Three CFI-12 Custodians on patrol

The CFI-12 Custodian is built with enhanced lightweight titanium alloys engraved with glyphs and runes.  The runes and glyphs generate a small magical shield around the aircraft designed to decrease the effect of air friction on the aircraft and to limit the effects of G-forces on the aircraft.  The engines of the Custodian allow the craft to hover in place, perform vertical take offs, and move in the air in ways other aircraft could not.  Finally, they are twin seat aircraft, as such they are operated with a pilot and weapons systems operator.

CFI-12s are equipped with a gatling cannon, and air-to-air missiles for both beyond visual range and within visual range engagements.  Beyond weapons, they are also equipped with a suite of avionics.  CFI-12s are equipped with long range, all-weather, multimode radar systems for early detection of hostile aircraft or missiles.  They also come equipped with electronic countermeasures, radar warning receivers, a tactical electronic warfare system, an IFF interrogator, and a chaff dispenser system.

### The CSF-19 Victor

While the CFI-12 is the backbone of the ACAF and is used generally for defensive purposes, the ACAF does possess a more offensive fighter aircraft, the CSF-19 Victor.  They are strategic fighters designed and manufactured within the ACNA.

A CSF-19 Victor on display

The CSF-19 Victor are built to be fast and maneuverable without massive sacrifices to range and firepower.  Like the CFI-12, the CSF-19 is capable of engaging both within visual range and beyond visual range.  They are also designed to operate in all weather conditions and high altitudes.  The CSF-19 being a strategic fighter is also a multirole aircraft. They are capable air superiority fighters, escort fighters, penetration fighters, and possess ground-attack capabilities.  If not for the defensive nature of the ACNA, the CSF-19 would likely serve as the workhorse of the ACAF.

Compared to the CFI-12, the CSF-19 is much more mundane as little magitech is used in their construction.  They are constructed with enhanced titanium alloys for the majority of the body.  Like the CFI-12, the CSF-19 is a twin seat aircraft, and as such is operated with a pilot and weapons system officer.  Continuing the comparison to the CFI-12, the CSF-19 is a larger aircraft.  It is also slower and less maneuverable than the CFI-12, but the CSF-19 is equipped with better weaponry, more weaponry, and is capable of operating at a greater range.

CSF-19s come equipped with a gatling cannon, air to air missiles, and air to ground missiles.  They also have bomb racks present, and as such, can carry and deliver bombs if required.  Beyond these weapons, CSF-19s come with a variety of avionics.  This includes targeting pods, electronic countermeasures, radar warning receivers, a tactical electronic warfare system, an IFF interrogator, and a decoy flare dispenser system.

### The CAH-16 Contender

The CAH-16 Contender is a helicopter used by each branch of the ACM.  They serve as attack helicopters and as gunships to support ground operations.  Such operations include anti-armour missions, covering force and escorts.  CAH-16s were designed and manufactured within the ACNA.

A CAH-16 Contender

Due to them serving as attack helicopters and gunships, they were designed with agility, speed and firepower in mind.  They can only engage targets within visual range, and while they can operate at night, due to being a helicopter there are instances of weather that would ground them.  They do come equipped with a fire control radar, an IFF interrogator, and a chaff dispenser system. CAH-16 Contenders are crewed by two individuals, a pilot and a co-pilot who also performs the duties of a gunner.

Speaking of weapons, the CAH-16 is equipped with a chain gun, and the rest of its weapon systems vary depending on mission.  For example, for anti-armour missions, CAH-16s can be equipped with anti-armour air-to-surface missiles.  For covering force, CAH-16s can be equipped with a small number of anti-armour air-to-surface missiles, and a number of air-to-ground rockets or air-to-ground missiles.  Finally, for escort missions, CAH-16s can be equipped with air-to-ground rockets or air-to-ground missiles.

### The CTH-08 Courier

The CTH-08 Courier is a helicopter used by each branch of the ACM.  While they have some weapons, they are primarily designed to serve primarily as troop transport helicopters.  They can be easily modified for search and rescue, medical evacuation, maritime patrol, reconnaissance, observation, and logistics.  CTH-08s were designed and manufactured within the ACNA.

A CTH-08 Courier

Due to their primary role being troop transport, durability and speed were favored over firepower and maneuverability.  They were designed to get to a location to either drop off or pick up troops, even in heavy fire.  As such, they are noticeably less maneuverable and slower than CAH-16s, but they can take more punishment than a CAH-16 and can operate in weather that would normally ground CAH-16s.  Part of the reason for their durability are the runes and glyphs engraved into the body of the helicopter which serve to magically strengthen the enhanced titanium alloys that make up its body.

While being a transport helicopter, it does still have a select few armaments.  All CTH-08 Couriers are equipped with a chain gun and can be equipped with a small number of air-to-surface rockets.  They also have their own IFF interrogators and chaff dispenser systems.  Finally, a CTH-08 is crewed by two individuals, a pilot and a co-pilot who also serves as gunner.

### The CAPC-05 Envoy

For the safe moving of personnel from location to location, the ACDF employs a number of armoured vehicles, among these vehicles is the CAPC-05 Envoy.  CAPC-05 Envoys are the most commonly used armoured personnel carrier in service to the ACDF. CAPC-05s were designed and are manufactured  within the ACNA.

A CAPC-05 Envoy

As the CAPC-05 Envoy’s role is to serve as an armoured personnel carrier, it was designed with durability and all terrain capabilities in mind.  As such, it is not particularly fast, and does not possess armaments.  Like with many vehicles in service to the ACNA military, there are runes and glyphs engraved into the metal of the vehicle’s body and armour.  In this case, the runes and glyphs increase the durability of the enhanced multilayer alloys of the body and the enhanced composite armour of the vehicle. CAPC-05s are also equipped with their own sensors and have room for up to 12 fully equipped service personnel, including the driver of the vehicle. Finally, they also come equipped with electronic countermeasures to create a soft-kill protection system and smoke grenade launchers.

### The CIFV-04 Adherent

For the safe moving of personnel from location to location, the ACDF employs a number of armoured vehicles, among these vehicles is the CIFV-04 Adherent.   CIFV-04 Adherents are a mechanized infantry combat vehicle in service to the ACDF.  CIFV-04s were designed and are manufactured within the ACNA.

A CIFV-04 Adherent

The role of the CIFV-04 Adherent is to serve as both an armoured personnel carrier and an infantry support vehicle. As such, it was designed with durability, firepower and all terrain capabilities in mind.  While it is faster than CAPC-05s, it is not as durable.  Unlike a CAPC-05, a CIFV-04 comes equipped with armaments.  They are equipped with twin 25mm autocannons and 8 anti-tank missiles.  CIFV-04 are capable of carrying up to 8 fully equipped service personnel, including the driver and gunner.  Finally, like with the CAPC-05s, CIFV-04s come equipped with their own sensors, a fire-control system, and a soft-kill protection system.

### The CMBT-02 Champion

To fulfill the armoured direct fire role and maneuver role, the ACDF employs the CMBT-02 Champion.  The CMBT-02 Champion is the current main battle tank in service to the ACDF.  CMBT-02s were designed and are manufactured within the ACNA.

CMBT-02 Champions were designed to serve as main battle tanks, in order to fulfill the role of armoured combat vehicles.  Like other main battle tanks, they were designed with balancing durability, speed, mobility in all terrains, and firepower in mind.  As such, while they are not as fast as CIFV-04s, they

A CMBT-02 Champion

are still faster and more mobile than CAPC-05s.  They are not as durable as CAPC-05s but are far more durable than CIFV-04s.  CMBT-02s are equipped with a laser range finder, pendulum static cant sensor, fire-control system, soft-kill protection system and a missile countermeasure device.

As for armaments, CMBT-02s come in two variants, with each variant being defined by their main weapon.  These variants are the Rifled (equipped with a 110mm rifled gun) and the Smoothbore (equipped with a 125mm smoothbore gun).  The secondary armaments are present in both variants.  These are the two mounted chain guns present and visible on the CMBT-02. These chain guns, like the main weapon, are controlled and fired from within the vehicle.

### The CSPAD-07 Menace

The CSPAD-07 Menace is employed primarily to serve as anti-air defense, but can also be used for a direct fire role against surface targets.  The CSPAD-07 Menace  is currently the most seen self propelled anti-aircraft weapon in service to the ACDF.  CSPAD-07s were designed and are manufactured within the ACNA.

A CSPAD-07 Menace

CSPAD-07 Menace were designed to serve primarily as self propelled anti-aircraft weapons in order to provide infantry and armoured divisions cover from aircraft.  As such, they were designed to have the speed and mobility to keep up with other vehicles used by the ACA, and to have both considerable durability and effective anti-air weapons.   They are capable of speeds similar to CIFV-04s, with CIFV-04s still being faster.  Their durability is slightly lesser compared to CMBT-02s.  CSPAD-07s come equipped with a fire-control system, a soft-kill protection system, and its own advanced radar system.

As for armaments, CSPAD-07s are equipped with quadruple 30mm autocannons with airburst rounds as their primary weapon.  The primary weapon is capable of a high rate of elevation and the turret can quickly rotate in order to track hostile aircraft.  They also have secondary weapons in the form of two missile launchers.  Each launcher is capable of holding and launching 6 surface to air missiles, as such, they can be equipped with up to 12 surface to air missiles.

### The Mystic-Class Aircraft Carrier

The Mystic-Class is a class of light aircraft carrier in service the the ACNS, and is the only class of aircraft carrier used by the ACNS.  There are only 3 Mystic-Class Aircraft Carrier currently in service with the ACNS.  They were designed and manufactured within the ACNA.

A Mystic-Class Aircraft Carrier

The Mystic-Class was designed to carry 13 aircraft in total, with 8 of which being CFI-12 Custodians, 4 being CSF-19 Victors and the remaining 1 being CTH-08 Couriers modified for maritime operations.  The vessel has two aircraft catapults in the form of electromagnetic aircraft launch systems; one that allows for the launching of aircraft off the bow and the other that allows for the launching of aircraft off the stern.  Mystic-Classes also come equipped with their own advanced radar systems, advanced arresting gear systems, electronic countermeasure systems, chaff countermeasure launching systems, and a variety of other advanced sensors.  Finally, the weapons on the Mystic-Class include a variety of anti-air autocannons and surface to air missiles.

### The Hudson-Class Cruiser

The Hudson-Class is a class of cruiser in service to the ACNS, and is the only class of cruiser used by the ACNS.  There are only 6 Hudson-Class Cruisers currently in service with the ACNS.  They were designed and manufactured within the ACNA.

As a cruiser, the Hudson-Class is the second largest class of vessel in the ACNS, and is expected to be able to serve multiple roles.  The most notable roles being surface combat, shore bombardment and air defense.  Each Hudson-Class is equipped with advanced radar systems, advanced sonar

A Hudson-Class Cruiser

systems, electronic countermeasure systems, chaff countermeasure launching systems, torpedo decoys, a variety of other advanced sensors, electronic warfare suite and an advanced fire control system.  These vessels can also be equipped with a CTH-08 Courier modified for maritime operations.

The armaments of the Hudson-Class Cruiser include guns and missiles.  The gun armaments of the Hudson-Class include; a 130mm dual purpose naval gun on the bow, a 50mm dual purpose naval gun near the stern, 2 40mm chain gun autocannons, and 4 mounted machine guns (two manned from inside the vessel, 2 manned from outside the vessel’s interior).  The missile armaments of the Hudson-Class include; anti-torpedo mortars, vertical launching systems for cruise missiles, anti-air missiles, and anti-ship missiles.

### The Seekonk-Class Destroyer

The Seekonk-Class is a class of destroyer in service to the ACNS, and is the only class of destroyer used by the ACNS.  There are only 12 Seekonk-Class Destroyers currently in service with the ACNS.  They were designed and manufactured within the ACNA.

A Seekonk-Class Destroyer

As a destroyer, the Seekonk-Class was designed to be a fast, maneuverable warship with great endurance with the intent to escort larger vessels and defend them.  As such, the Seekonk-Class is the fastest and most maneuverable class of vessel in service to the ACNS.  Each Seekonk-Class is equipped with advanced radar systems, advanced sonar systems, electronic countermeasure systems, chaff countermeasure launching systems, a variety of other advanced sensors, and an advanced fire control system.  These vessels can also be equipped with a CTH-08 Courier modified for maritime operations.

The armaments of the Seekonk-Class Destroyer include guns and missiles.  The gun armaments of the Seekonk-Class include; a 100mm dual purpose naval gun on the bow, 2 25mm chain gun autocannons near the stern, 2 50mm dual purpose naval guns, and 4 mounted machine guns.  The missile armaments of the Seekonk-Class include; anti-torpedo mortars, torpedo launching systems, vertical launching systems for cruise missiles, anti-air missiles, and anti-ship missiles.

### The Kennebec-Class Frigate

The Kennebec-Class is a class of frigate in service to the ACNS, and is the only class of frigate used by the ACNS.  There are only 24 Kennebec-Class Frigates currently in service with the ACNS.  They were designed and manufactured within the ACNA.

A Kennebec-Class Frigate

As a frigate, the Kennebec-Class was designed to serve as an escort vessel for both larger military vessels and for merchant marine ships.  The Kennebec-Class is also the smallest of the vessels employed by the ACNA.  They are fast, but not as fast as the Seekonk-Class.  Each Kennebec-Class is equipped with advanced radar systems, advanced sonar systems, electronic countermeasure systems, chaff countermeasure launching systems, a variety of other advanced sensors, and an advanced fire control system.  These vessels can also be equipped with a CTH-08 Courier modified for maritime operations.

The armaments of the Kennebec-Class Frigate include guns and missiles.  The gun armaments of the Kennebec-Class include; a 76mm dual purpose naval gun on the bow, 2 50mm dual purpose naval guns, 2 25mm chain gun autocannons near the stern and 4 mounted machine guns.  The missile armaments of the Kennebec-Class include; anti-torpedo mortars, vertical launching systems for cruise missiles, and anti-ship missiles.

### The Winooski-Class Submarine

The Winooski-Class is a class of submarine in service to the ACNS, and is the only class of submarine used by the ACNS.  There are only 9 Winooski-Class Submarines currently in service with the ACNS.  They were designed and manufactured within the ACNA.

A Winooski-Class Submarine

As a submarine, the Winooski-Class was designed to fulfill the following roles; attacking surface vessels, underwater warfare, escorting, blockade running, reconnaissance, land attack via cruise missiles, and covert insertion of special forces if necessary.  As such, the only thing really kept in mind when designing them was their ability to remain undetected.  They are the only vessels in the service of the ACNS that use runes and glyphs engraved into them.

These runes and glyphs aid the electronic countermeasures and counter sonar technologies in hiding the submarines from potential hostiles, while also increasing the hulls resistance against water pressure.  Thus allowing for Winooski-Class Submarines to operate deeper than most other submarines.

Each Winooski-Class Submarine is also equipped with advanced sonar systems, and a variety of other advanced sensors, and an advanced fire control system. They have vertical launching systems for launching cruise missiles.  Like other missile launching submarines, Winooski-Class Submarines do need to surface to launch.  However, they do possess torpedo tubes, and thus do not need to surface every time they engage hostiles.

### Atmospheric Purification Engines

Atmospheric Purification Engines, also referred to as **APEs**, are one of the results of Project Revival.  They were created through the use of mundane science and magitech in order to effectively purify air pollutants from specific locations.  APEs work much like a filter.  They absorb particles from the local atmosphere, and release beneficial particles back into the atmosphere at beneficial levels.

Filtered particles have different paths within the APE depending on the particle.  Naturally occurring air pollutants which exist naturally in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapour, are either released or broken down by the engine depending on the levels in the atmosphere at that time. If levels are too high, they are broken down by the APE and are either converted to fuel for the APE or into a raw form that can be removed from the APE and used elsewhere.  If levels are low or within optimal levels, then the particles can still be broken down, and then the harmful parts are converted into fuel or raw material, and the beneficial parts are released into the atmosphere.  Alternatively, if breakdown is not required, then particles in question are released back into the atmosphere.

Synthetic air pollutants and other natural air pollutants that do not occur naturally in the atmosphere, are absorbed by the APE.  Once absorbed, if the pollutant can be broken down into beneficial naturally occuring particles (and levels of such particles are low or within optimal range) then the pollutant will be broken down as described prior (beneficial parts released, harmful parts converted).  If the pollutant can not be broken down, it is either converted to fuel or raw material.  Biological particles in the air, such as seeds, pollen, and etcetera, are ejected immediately upon absorption.

The first prototypes of the APEs were stationary, however, current models of APEs are capable of self propulsion. They can also be programmed with their own automated routes, which can include designated drop off points for converted raw materials.  First prototypes originally had a very limited range, but current models have an effective purification range of approximately 20 kilometres.  First prototype APEs were quite large, being about the size of a shipping container, but current models are approximately the size of a mid size sedan. The current effectiveness of the APEs has led some researchers and magitech engineers among the ACNA to look to use them as metaphorical stepping stones towards possible terraforming technologies.

### Effluent Purification Systems

Effluent Purification Systems, also referred to as **EPSs**, are one of the results of Project Revival.  They were created through the use of mundane science and magitech in order to effectively purify pollutants from the waterways of the ACNA.  EPSs work much like APEs, except instead of filtering the atmosphere they filter water.  Because they filter water instead of atmosphere, there tend to be more different kinds of particles that pass through EPSs.

Much like with APEs, pollutants are absorbed by the EPS, harmful non-organic particles are broken down, converted into fuel or into raw material, and non-harmful particles are released back into the environment.  When it comes to organic particles it becomes more complicated, since there are more organic particles (along with particle sized life) in waterways than in atmosphere.  Organic particles that are expected to be present naturally are expelled by the EPS after absorption if they are living or the product of reproduction of a living organism.  Organic particles that could be expected to be present naturally, but prove a risk to the environment if in high enough quantities, are broken down.  Organic particles that are not expected to be present naturally are broken down by the EPS.  Sediment particles when absorbed by an EPS are expelled by the EPS into the environment as they are expected to occur naturally.

Unlike APEs, EPSs are non-mobile.  This is not because it would be impossible to create mobile EPSs, but due to the nature of watersheds and water pollution, having mobile EPSs would be unnecessary.  Watersheds unlike the atmosphere are a relatively contained system.  As such, the ACNA deemed it only necessary to place EPSs near what are known as point sources of water pollutants.

Point sources are defined as sources of water pollutants that can be easily identified, such as drainage pipes from factories.  As such, it is required by law in the ACNA that all locations that produce wastewater and seek to dump their produced wastewater into the environment, must have their wastewater pass through a working EPS before being introduced into the environment.  As such, locations that empty their wastewater into local sewage systems are exempt from this law.  However, wastewater treatment plants, while highly efficient on their own, are also required to pass treated wastewater through an EPS before reintroducing the water to the environment.

Point sources are not the only sources of water pollutants, as there are nonpoint sources.  Nonpoint sources are defined as sources of water pollutants that can not be easily identified.  To combat these sources, all water being collected by the municipality from the environment is required to pass through an EPS before being stored by a municipality.

### High Energy Defense Matrix

The High Energy Defense Matrix, also referred to as a **HEDM**, is the result of the former Project Aegis.  The goal of Project Aegis was to create a defensive system that could be used to protect an entire city in the case of war coming to ACNA soil.  While not the preferred result due to their lack of efficiency, they were still a highly effective result and as such, 2 HEDMs are currently used by the ACNA.  The first is in place in New Boston and the second is in place in New York.

Through the use of a series of seven generators, HEDMs are created in the form of a dome-like shield that appears over a city.  The shield prevents high energy weapons and attacks from passing through.  This includes missiles, gun fire, most energy projectiles and large objects moving at speeds over 200 km/h.  HEDMs do not prevent everything from passing through, as light particles and waves are capable of passing through, despite it moving faster than 200 km/h. HEDMs do also allow large objects moving less than 200 km/h.  As such, driving or walking through the shield is possible.

The problem with HEDM efficiency comes down to three factors.  The first being that seven generators are needed, and that damaging one of them puts stress on the others.  While an HEDM can be maintained with seven generators, it can not be maintained with five.  The second factor is that HEDMs can only be maintained for a limited amount of time.  Albeit, that time limit is approximately 2 to 3 hours, but with the third factor, it becomes clear as to why they are not particularly efficient.  That third factor is the recharge time.  It takes the generators 2 to 3 hours to recharge.  So, when comparing up time to recharge time, the efficiency problem comes to light.  Albeit, with greater power generation, and more efficient HEDM generators, the up time could theoretically be increased and the recharge time could be decreased.

### Strategic Defense Matrix

The Strategic Defense Matrix, also referred to as a **SDM**, is a small shield generating device comparable to a HEDM.  In fact, SDMs are simply smaller, more efficient HEDMs, designed to protect individual strategic locations such as buildings or command centres.  While there are only 2 HEDMs in use by the ACNA, there are many more SDMs in use.

While HEDMs require seven generators to create, a SDM requires only a single generator.  This makes SDMs relatively easier to deactivate, as there is only a single generator you would need to disable compared to needing to disable 2 generators.  Alternatively, because only a single generator is needed, it is much easier to relocate a SDM if need be.  Also, due to the smaller shield size, less power is needed to create the SDM.  This also means that the up time for an SDM can reach up to 48 hours depending on the size of the location being protected, with a recharge time of only 1 hour.

Locations within the ACNA with SDMs permanently in place include the following; the Vahlen-Kaine Estate, the Convergence, the Ark, the Mt. Katahdin Observatory, the Horseshoe Lake Experimental Reactor Complex, nuclear reactors throughout the ACNA, and the Statue of Columbia.  Locations within the ACNA that currently have SDMs not permanently in place; all residences of the remaining chairs of the Council, the Salem Institute of the Arcane (has a few SDMs that can be moved to protect certain buildings) all military bases throughout the ACNA (can be moved within the base to cover specific buildings) and ACNA embassies overseas (to be removed if evacuation of embassy is required).

### The Arcane Council Natural Disaster Early Warning System

The Arcane Council Natural Disaster Early Warning System, or the **ACNDEWS**, is a magitech system designed to provide the ACNA with early warnings for natural disasters. It is the result of the former Project Oracle, and is more commonly referred to as the **Oracle’s Almanac**. Such disasters that the Oracle’s Almanac was designed to pick up include; hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, major storms, floods, tsunamis, firestorms and forest fires.

The Oracle’s Almanac comprises a series of advanced sensors in locations throughout the ACNA.  Sensors used by the Oracle’s Almanac include; meteorological sensors, subterranean sensors, offshore sensors and seafloor sensors.  All data from these sensors is gathered and sent wirelessly to a specialized building on the campus of the Salem Institute of the Arcane. This building is the home of the magitech supercomputer that makes up the core of the Oracle’s Almanac.

After all data is received, the core of the Oracle’s Almanac consolidates and analyzes the data, looking for patterns and signs.  This is where the magic of the magitech then comes in, as even a computer can only make limited predictions with raw data.  As such, runes in the supercomputer apply divination magic on top of the data.  The divination is interpreted by the computer and then using the divination data and the natural data, the Oracle’s Almanac is capable of making near 100 percent predictions in relation to weather and geological events, including natural disasters.

The early warning capabilities of the Oracle’s Almanac allow for the ACNA government to warn its citizens when harsh weather or a natural disaster is expected.  This also means, the government can begin evacuations early in case of disasters that can not be prevented.  Alternatively, for some disasters, such as forest fires, the ACNA government can prepare to combat it or even act to prevent it.

### **The Mt.** **Katahdin Observatory**

The Mt. Katahdin Observatory is a new, state of the art, observatory created by the ACNA under the direct supervision of the Grand Chair Maria Vahlen-Kaine.  It finished construction on May 29th, 2020, and officially opened June 1st, 2020.  With that said, it still has not been opened to the public, as it is currently being used for research purposes.  It is located at the peak of Mt Katahdin in Maine, with the nearest town being Millinocket, Maine.

The observatory was constructed to further the ACNA’s research into the greater universe. As such, it has some of the most advanced instruments the ACNA has access to.  Among these instruments is a newly designed magitech telescope.  Formerly known as Project Kadingir, these telescopes known as Kadingir Telescopes are designed to get the most accurate observations possible without having orbital telescopes.  They make use of magic to counteract the effect of light pollution and reverse the effect of terrestrial scintillation.

The Kadingir telescopes have a secondary function beyond allowing for the observation of celestial bodies more clearly and further away than with other telescopes.  This secondary function is to record data on the flow of magic throughout the universe.  This data represents the first tangible step in Maria Vahlen-Kaine’s ultimate goal, secret to everyone but those Maria shares it with.

The Mt Katahdin Observatory and its Kadingir telescopes are just the first step towards the ACNA’s hope to achieve a deeper knowledge of the universe, and of course, to further Maria Vahlen-Kaine’s ultimate goal.  As such, the ACNA hopes to establish more new observatories throughout the world, each equipped with Kadingir telescopes.

### **The Arcane Council’s Deep Genetic Storage Vault**

The Arcane Council’s Deep Genetic Storage Vault, also known as either **ACDGSV** or the **Ark**, is an institute created for the purpose of cataloging, and securing genetic material from all Kingdoms of life.  It was built and is operated by the ACNA government in conjunction with the Salem Institute of the Arcane.  The Ark is constructed on and underneath Penikese Island, and access is only granted to a select few people, the majority of which live on site.

As stated before, the goal of the facility was to catalog, secure and store genetic material from animals, plants, fungi, chromista, protozoa, bacteria and archaea.  Data and raw genetic material for each individual kingdom is kept separate from data and raw genetic material for the others.  As such, there are seven separate floors, one for each kingdom.  Despite there being seven kingdoms, there are eleven levels to the facility.  The first floor is a general floor; reception, offices, an information centre for visitors, and so on.  The third through the ninth floors are dedicated to the storage, cataloging and research of genetic material from all kingdoms of life.  The tenth floor is for the research and development of cloning technologies, along with generating power for the entire facility.  Finally, the eleventh floor is for cataloging and researching viruses from around the world.  Due to the contents of the eleventh floor, it is designed to be able to be sealed off from the rest of the facility with the push of a button.

The collection, cataloging and storage of genetic material is all in order to fulfill the ultimate mission of the Ark. It is an ambitious mission, but one that the ACNA sees as vital. This mission has three goals; the first is preservation, the second is research, and the third is preparation. The Ark operates with these easily understandable goals in mind in order to fulfill its mission.

The goal of preservation is as it sounds.  The Ark works to preserve the genetic record.  This is in case of a number of disastrous events that could lead to mass depopulation of an area or even a mass extinction.  In the case of such events, the Ark will have a genetic record that can be used to repopulate through future cloning technology.  It is worth noting that the Ark does not just keep one genetic sample per species, instead they aim to collect anywhere between ten and twenty samples per species in order to preserve some degree of genetic diversity.

The goal of research is, like the first goal, as it sounds.  The Ark works to advance research on genetics and cloning technology.  Like with the first goal, this is also in the case of a number of different disastrous events.  But unlike with the first goal, it is also in order to further human knowledge on genetics, the identification of new species, and other such results one can obtain by researching genetic records.

The final goal, and the secret goal, is less clear.  Preparation for what? The answer to this question is twofold.  The first answer is demonstrated in the reasoning behind the other two goals.  The Ark works in order to prepare to protect the genetic record in case of any number of disastrous events.  The second answer is much less clear, and ties in with one of the ultimate goals of the ACNA and Maria Vahlen-Kaine.  To prepare for the colonization of new worlds by providing a genetic record that can be used in the case of terraforming.

## **Infrastructure**

Since coming to power in the region, the ACNA has been constantly working to upgrade and properly maintain infrastructure in the region.  This includes roads, public transit, the power grid, power generation and the railway network.

Roads within the ACNA are well maintained, and if they are damaged in any way, they are always repaired quickly or are repaved with new asphalt. This asphalt was created within the ACNA and is more durable than regular asphalt, and helps prevent the formation of ice on its surface.

Public transit has also been made more accessible within cities and between cities.  Within a single city public transit is provided to all citizens of the ACNA free of charge. However, public transit between cities is not provided free of charge, but ticket prices are heavily controlled by the Arcane Council so that they are affordable for the majority of citizens.

The power grid and the power generation of the region was heavily overhauled and reworked by the ACNA.  First of all, the ACNA redid the entire power grid.  Over the course of two years, from 2004 to 2006, the ACNA replaced the old power grid with a new grid.  This new grid was separated from the rest of North America.  New power lines were placed underground, as opposed to the old above ground lines. Power stations were upgraded and are still being upgraded with better equipment.  Since the overhaul of the power grid, and the constant upgrading of the grid, the ACNA rarely experiences power outages, both minor and major.

The power generation of the ACNA does not rely on natural gas or coal.  Instead, the entirety of the power generation of the ACNA comes from solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric and nuclear.  Magitech is used to make these sources more efficient in order to make natural gas and coal obsolete.

### **The Horseshoe Lake Experimental Reactor Complex**

The Horseshoe Lake Experimental Reactor Complex is an active project within the ACNA.  It was constructed alongside Horseshoe Lake in upstate New York, isolated from large population centers.  The nearest town is Tupper Lake, New York, with a population of less than 4000. All those working on the project live on site, and access is restricted.  The isolation is not only to help protect what is being pursued by the project, but also to protect the majority of the population in the worst case scenario.

As for what the project is hoping to achieve, well that is relatively simple.  The Horseshoe Lake Experimental Reactor Complex is the ACNA first attempt at creating a sustainable fusion reactor.  Fission reactors are quite common throughout the ACNA, as they are an excellent source of energy, however, they require radioactive fuel and produce radioactive waste, and as such are not ideal.

Fusion reactors on the other hand, while still theoretical for the ACNA, would produce a far greater amount of energy without the requirement of radioactive fuel and without the production of radioactive waste.  In fact, the waste products of a fusion reactor could be used as fuel for the fusion reactor, and/or other devices and machines used in the ACNA.  The major problem with creating a viable fusion reactor is maintaining an incredibly high temperature and pressure to allow nuclear fusion to occur.

The hope of the ACNA is that through the use of magitech, they can create the environment within the reactor core necessary for nuclear fusion to not only occur, but be maintainable. A specialized containment device has been created to encase the reactor core.  The device will generate intense heat, while being able to shield itself and those outside the containment device from said heat.  The device will also be able to generate intense pressure.  Of course, the worry is that if the device fails, the intense internal pressure will cause a powerful shockwave outwards as the air attempts to reach normal pressure, and the intense heat will be released.

For that reason, only one of the four reactors on the site has been equipped with the device in question.  As such, only one of these reactors also has a reactor core.  This reactor is currently being used for tests and experiments in order to develop the technology and determine if such technology is possible.  If the technology proves not only viable but safe, then the other four reactors will be further developed.

### **The Arcane Council High-Speed Express Rail Network**

The **Arcane Council High-Speed Express Rail Network**, also known as **ACHSERN** or just **HSEN**, is a railroad network found within the ACNA.  It is operated and administered by the same organization that runs the rest of the railroad networks within the ACNA, the **Arcane Council Railroad Administration**, also referred to as **ACRA**.  There are three other types of networks with the ACNA; the **Public Rail Network**, also referred to as the **PRN**, which is responsible for the transit of the public from location to location within the ACNA; the **Express Rail Network**, also referred to as the **ERN**, is similar to the PRN, but only makes certain express stops; and finally, there is the **Transport Rail Network**, also referred to as the **TRN**, which is responsible for the movement of goods across the ACNA.

Out of these other three networks, the most similar network to the HSERN is the ERN.  The major difference between the two being that the HSERN currently only has stops in select cities of the ACNA, travels at a much higher speed, and tickets are more expensive.  The HSERN only makes stops at the following cities; New Boston MA, Worcester MA, Springfield MA, Providence RI, Hartford CT, New Haven CT, New York NY, Albany NY, Syracuse NY, Rochester NY, Buffalo NY, Montpelier NY, Augusta ME, and Bangor ME.  The top speed of trains on the ERN is 140 km/h, while the top speed of trains on the HSERN is 340 km/h.

A HSERN train

Not only are they faster, but they are more advanced and by some accounts, more comfortable.  With that in mind, the increased expense makes sense. Comparing prices between the public transit trains of the ACRA; the majority of the population can regularly afford tickets on the PRN, and the upper middle class or lower upper class could regularly afford tickets on the ERN. However, only the wealthiest individuals, politicians and companies can regularly afford tickets on the HSERN. Finally, it is worth noting that trains on the HSERN tend to only consist of two cars, and as such, when being used by a Seat of the Arcane Council, or other important figure, the entire train may be used by the individual and their retinue.

## **Education**

Due to the importance of education to the Arcane Council, the education is seen as a federal matter.  As such, it is not the responsibility of each state, but of the Arcane Council.  As such, the Arcane Council established the **Arcane Council Ministry of Education**.  The Ministry of Education organizes education into a series of four stages.  These stages are Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, Secondary Education and Post-Secondary Education.

The first three stages fall directly under the authority of the Ministry of Education.  As such, the Ministry of Education sets the curriculum for each of the three stages.  They are also responsible for training and employing teaching and support staff.  The Ministry of Education is also responsible for the construction, maintaining and upgrading teaching facilities for these three stages.

The fourth stage does not fall directly under the authority of the Ministry of Education, and as such Post-Secondary institutions are primarily privately operated.  That said, these institutions are required to meet standards set by the Ministry of Education.  This includes higher education institutions and vocational institutions.

Finally, the Arcane Council believes that it is the right of their citizens to have access to all stages of education so that they may pursue knowledge.  As such, the Ministry of Education ensures that all citizens have access to all stages of education without having to spend thousands.  As the first three stages are directly under their authority, they have no trouble ensuring that education at these stages is free of charge.

However, with Post-Secondary it becomes more difficult.  As such, while Post Secondary is not free of charge, the Ministry of Education subsidizes the institutions and restricts how much they can charge for tuition, thus keeping tuition costs affordable.  The Ministry of Education also places heavy restrictions on how much institutions can charge for student housing and materials for the students.

### **The Salem Institute of the Arcane**

The Salem Institute of the Arcane is the top university of the ACNA, and the leading magic and magitech research institution in the ACNA.  It receives funding directly from the Arcane Council through the Ministry of Education, along with from companies within the ACNA, and from the tuition of its students.  The Salem Institute of the Arcane is often shortened to **SIA**.

SIA is unique among post secondary institutions within the ACNA, not just because of the amount of attention it receives from the Arcane Council, but because it offers courses for both non-metahumans and metahumans.  It does offer a variety of mundane courses, however its real draw is the variety of courses related to meta abilities, and more specifically, magic.  SIA offers metahuman theory and more specific magic theory classes to both non-metahumans and metahumans.  However, more practical courses require a student to be a metahuman, and with a practical magic course, a student is required to be able to perform magic.

Teaching the next generation is not the only goal of SIA.  The other major goal of the SIA is the development of magitech that can be used by their funders.  As such, they work with the Arcane Council on a number of joint projects .  They have also developed the rune and glyph system used by corporations and the government of the ACNA.

The main campus of the Salem Institute of the Arcane is located in New Boston, in the former city of Salem.  SIA does have smaller campuses in the following three cities; New York, Augusta and Syracuse.  These smaller campuses do provide classes and courses, they do not provide the same number of classes and courses as the main campus.  The primary purpose of the smaller campuses are to serve as extensions for SIA’s research and development projects.

## **Health**

The health of the citizens of the ACNA is another major concern of the Arcane Council, and as such, the Arcane Council established the **Arcane Council Health Service**, also referred to as the **ACHS**.  The ACHS is responsible for ensuring universal healthcare in the ACNA.  As such, due to the work of the ACHS, all ACNA citizens have access to free and comprehensive healthcare.

The ACHS is also responsible for the construction, maintaining and upgrading hospitals and clinics throughout the ACHS.  They are also responsible for ensuring that all healthcare professionals and support staff in clinics and hospitals are well trained and have their credentials always up to date.  The ACHS also ensures that facilities are always doing as much as they can to ensure their equipment is kept up to date.