Rocket City

**Rocket City is an island city state that lies in the Atlantic.**

Rocket City Skyline

## Origin

Early travellers spoke of an idyllic island somewhere in the mid-Atlantic; a lush green dot towered over by a mountain. Later archeological digs show evidence of Viking & Roman visits to the island.

A legend says that during the reign of King Edward III of England, lovers Robert Marion and Anna Celeste were said to have fled from England to France in 1346. Driven off course by a violent storm, their ship ran aground along the coast of the island.

The first Portuguese settlers began colonizing the islands around the 1400’s. Their early records name the island Ancoradouro.

During the Golden Age of piracy (between 1650s - 1720s), Ancoradouro was ransacked by pirates and became a notorious haven for the criminal empires of the Atlantic pirate trade. By the end of this age, Ancoradouro was stripped bare of its modest resources.

By the mid-late 1700’s, a British governor arrived on the island and claimed it for the British empire. He renamed the island Accord Island and founded two trading posts; St. Ansgar and Coldwater both offering safe harbour on Atlantic crossings. The growing number of travellers would eventually settle on the island; making home outside of Coldwater (which would become Oldtown). The boost in population around this area left St. Ansgar in decline.

Oldtown would see a rise in population - with various offshoot communities around Retreat Bay (Deephaven and Celeste (named after the legend of the shipwrecked lovers) being notable). Eventually the towns on the east bay would grow past their own borders, and come together to be known as a town called Accord.

Accord became a trading hub for the Atlantic crossing; drawing in huge amounts of commerce & labour from all across the globe. Immigrants moved to the growing town for temporary work in these new shipping industries. However, an increasingly significant number chose to stay permanently by the early to mid twentieth century, and their descendants would form the bulk of Accord’s population.

Despite Accord Island’s growing importance, the British administration governing the island was understaffed, ineffectual, and unconcerned with the welfare of the populace. Administrators were usually posted direct from the British mainland and were unfamiliar with local culture and languages. The situation created a deep concern in the British population of the island. In 1854 the *Accord Free Press (later the Rocket City Orbit)* complained that Accord was a "small island" full of the "very dregs of the world.”

### 1900s

A Colonial Office with an executive council was set up on the Island; and although members of the councils were not elected, more representatives for the local population were gradually included over the years. This council saw the creation of better housing, healthcare and more control of organised crime.

### 1910s

With the outbreak of World War 1; the British government found themselves pre-occupied with mainland activities. Following the armistice of 1918; Accord was seen as a complication and given independence. Now an independent nation left adrift by the sudden departure of British colonial rule; Accord had the chance to write its own future.

The City saw the arrival of savvy entrepreneurs whose family names would become synonymous with enterprise. The shamed Deacons from Orrizonte, The Jacksons from the Americas and the Potts from London.

### 1920s

At the dawn of the 1920s; wanting to diversify the growing economy, the city would set out on an ambitious plan to be a home for science. Redevelopment happened to become a hub of scientific study and technological advancements. The population boomed again; with a huge influx of immigrants making the island their new home. Initially this caused friction between the original settlers and newcomers; but the economic growth of the city began to benefit all.

McIntyre Institute was founded and became a hub for scientific & explorational prowess; propelling the city towards its position

“The earth does not want new continents, but new men” (Jules Verne)

“What darkness to you is light to me”

### 1930s

In 1938, a small meteor landed in Retreat Bay and was discovered by the Richards. Inside they found an infant, and adopted him as their own.

### 1940s

Following the breakout of World War 2; the city would open itself up for refugees fleeing persecution & warfare in Europe. Although not directly attacking; the Axis powers began a subterfuge plot to bring down the growing city. This inspired the creation of The Nine; a wartime effort of superheroes to protect the population. Towards the end of the war, the city was saved from an Axis attack by The Rocket; a member of The Nine. The island would rename itself as ROCKET CITY in honour of his sacrifice, and their commitment to the future.

### 1950s

Rocket City continued its development as the home of modern science. Concurrently, It saw the highest level of ‘ortuschild’ births in the world. Many speculated a relationship between the two - somehow the ‘atomic age’ was birthing genetic mutation. No formal correlation had ever been presented.

The public perception of super heroics/ortuschildren changed during this time, being seen as antiquated against the drive towards scientific progress.

### 1960s

Venturatech builds their new global HQ in the city.

In 1969, Venturatech launched the Celestial space craft from Rocket City - a copycat attempt to the American moon launch. The mission was a failure but forged a new superpowered team; the Super Legion.

### 1970s

The Super Legion operate as the city’s premier superhero team. Their members also induct sidekicks. The arrival of the team revives the ideas of superheroics in the city.

### 1980s

FIT moves their global operations to the city.

In 1981, the mysterious Founding Family arrive and take residence in the hills outside the city. They later modify their home to become a school for young people with powers.

In 1982, Crystal Rock Prison is engulfed in a major riot. The Star, a young sidekick of superhero Spirit, is killed in the ensuing chaos. Her death sours the mood towards heroes again.

In 1985; a freak meteor shower threatened the city - but was prevented from making landfall by the sacrifice of the first Super Legion.

In 1986, the Founding School was decimated by an out of control student.

1987 saw the reformation of Super Legion with a new lineup.

In 1987, teenage prodigy Jack Jenkins publishes his research into ‘ortuschildren’ for the first time, noting Rocket City as ‘ground zero’ for the global phenomena. It is revealed his grandmother is one of The Nine from Rocket City’s history.

In winter of 1987; ‘Winters War’ takes place, where the Presidential elections are interrupted by fighting within the superhero community and confusion over the ortuschild panic.

### 1990s

Crimelord Deacon continues building his operations in the city, now folded under the moniker ‘The Sermon’. He also instils public distrust in the ‘ortuschild menace’.

In July 1995; the Night of the Netherworlders occurs. This targeted attack wiped out a large amount of active, dormant and potential ortuschildren.

Following the massacre; the Honour Guard took up the mantle of city heroes.

In 1997; the City was visited by extraterrestrial life for the first time. Travellers from the Infintana Empire arrived to bring home their lost princess, Attaya.

### 2000s

In 2000; the criminal underworld of the city is rocked by the return of The Sermon under the control of Abramo Deacon.

On 24th December 2005; Rocket City was hit with seismic activity and a tidal wave that caused significant damage along the coastline. The aftermath required major structural reinvention of the city.

Super Legion v.3 was formed in the aftermath; becoming a national symbol of hope as the team helped rebuild the city.

### 2010s

In 2015; the city became a focal point for the global exisental crisis caused by the arrival of Empyrean.

Location MapDistrict MapDistrict NumbersPoints of InterestNational Flag of Rocket City