The Northeast Passage- Updated

[Dragonsblade79 0]

Finally I get to put up an update! I may not finish tonight because it's already getting late here, but I want to start. I have a huge update, so I won't finish until tomorrow anyway.

North of Wadley is our next destination. History's been made here, so you're in for a treat. Let's hit the road to...

[Dragonsblade79 0]

The year is 1814, and this interesting bit of land was settled by farmers and game hunters looking for a new start. They followed a small group of native guides who knew the area very well. Wadley had began years before, but these settlers heard of the hard times that Wadley's earliest starters had to endure, epecially during the winter of 1801. 

Many of the trailblazing homesteaders chose not to settle the fertile plains of Wadley. They chose to move onward. A large group of them went north and westward towards the river. Those that went a few miles north found themselves before The Great Scar. The Great Scar is the native name for the Rothanya Crevasse, the southern half of it can be seen in the photo above. Not only is it a significant landmark, but it will change the life of a future local hero. 

[jacqulina 162]

excellent work and pics my friend

[Dragonsblade79 0]

The Crevasse was actually created nearly 12,000 years ago when a wayward object from the heavens wound up crashing on the land here and slid out to a stop, creating this massive ditch that has remained since. Scientists had some rock and soil samples from the crevasse dated and studied. They found radioactive traces of extraterrestrial origin in these samples and made the conclusion.

Ancient history was made here, but history of the Soveriegn State of America was made here as well. The year was 1862 and the American Civil War raged on for nearly a year. The Battle of Casadora was fought out here, when this area was still under the canopy of the Magus Forest. Those forces loyal to the young kingdom and her king were the blue-clad United Army; while those who attempted to break from the country were the Sedition Army, who donned white.

The 24^th Battalion was stationed out here in the Northeast Passage in Lynchdale, at Camp Drake. These brave souls kept the peace out here in the newly settled part of the nation until Camp Drake's closing in 1926. Colonel Bradford Morgan Ganymede led the 24^th until he retired in 1894. Ganymede led the United Army's response to Sedition attacks in the area. An attempt by the Sedition forces to weaken the loyal army's resolve and position in the northern frontier. The Sedition also wanted to sack the new capital of the royal government, the town of Casadora. 

The Battle of Casadora went on for days spanning weeks. United soldiers fell by the hundreds. Ganymede's own platoon shrunk from 88 strong to a meager 31, losing his 2^nd lieutenant among those 57 lost. The situation was growing grim for him. However, he used an uncommon tactic to not only save him and his men, but win the Battle of Casadora.

He and his remaining men forced the forces led by Sedition General, Oliver McFadden, to chase them into the crevasse. There, Ganymede had prepared an ambush, using boulders and loosened rocks and logs that they had fall into either end of the trench, trapping the Sedition forces and making them sitting ducks.

That tactic not only saved the royal family in Casadora, but was one of the turning points of the war. Ganymede was branded a local hero and promoted to General for his unconventional thinking. Gen. Ganymede went on to lead six more campaigns during the war, which further weakened the Sedition forces until they surrenderred during the summer of 1865.

To this day, the debris that Gen. Ganymede and his men had dislodegd into the trench can still be seen where they had left it. It hasn't been distrubed as it serves to remind the generations that followed of the idea that got Gen. Ganymede's name on a lot of things in Rothanya.

[jacqulina 162]

great and interesting history there my friend,great pic too.

[Dragonsblade79 0]

Tourism has helped fuel the farming industry. Though the coffers fill quite nicely due in part to tourism, farming has been the backbone of this town since its founding. However, as widespread as farming is in Rhodesville, the Rothanyan hills keep the farms relatively small compared to the vast acreage that many farms enjoy in Wadley to the south. So, during the 1930's, other industry made its way to Rhodesville.

Small indutrial developments like these have been constructed along the Rhodesville/Wadley border along the south. 

Rhodesville in the modern age still deals in small-scale industrial products. A few warehouses and smal chemical processing plants dot the industrial parks that thrive here. Though the pollution can get moderately high during the summer, Rhodesville's air quality hasn't suffered enough to cause the detriment of the neighboring farms. 

Employment rates remain the highest in all Magus County, making Rhodesville a good place to find work. Even throught the recession of 1998, Rhodesville was still employing more people than most other towns in Rothanya's rural county.

[nihonkaranws 88]

Great.

[Dragonsblade79 0]

Rhodesville is a small rural town, but it does try to keep up with the times they live in.

With an new mayor and six fresh members of the Rhodesville town council, more commercial development and opportunity have made its way out here. Twenty years ago, the general store was still the sole source of goods to those who lived n Rhodesville. Now that small and large companies have landed, the general store went out of business. Replaced by larger retailers like Reitman's and Servicemart, there are better, bigger shopping sources to fulfil the needs of Rhodesvillians. Retail giants like Qual-Mart or McQueen Enterprise's chain M-Discount stores have been barred from building one of their colossal "big box" superstores anywhere near here, despite most tourists preference for shopping at these megamarts.

The serene streets of the Baylor nighborhood are the type of picturesquescenes that you'd see in the movies. Fine homes, trees, well-manicured lawns and kids playing on the sidewalks. A few small stores serve the public. Peace and tranquility are the norm around here. With the cost of living well within middle-class means, living here is an attractive idea for those not wanting the bustle that comes with living in the world's largest city, which lies about an hour west of here. If you're interested, local Trojan Reality is willing to make a deal.

[Dragonsblade79 0]

In the image above, you can see Cartman Elementary. North of the school, directly across Duncan St., is Rhodes Park. This is where most of the townsfolk gather for some enjoyment and to take in nature. The park hosts the annual Rhodeville Fair also.

Surrounding the park are some of the more affluent homes in the community. Beautiful, large yards, swimming pools, and lush houses are what you will see when you tour the Park Acres section of town.

The Mayson area in Rhodesville is where you'll find some of the older houses in town. The large building shown is an old warehose that has been converted into some lofts. Most of the tenants here are young businesspeople and budding artists and students.

Heather Rhodes High has churned out many graduates over the years. The building seen here replaced the smaller original school in 1947. Named after the wife of the towns founder, Fletcher Rhodes, because she was a teacher herself. She opened the first schoolhouse during Rhodeesville's early years. 

Across the street is the one of the largest apartment buildings in town. It is called the Taggart Arms. Small families and seniors take up residence inside of the building.

[Dragonsblade79 0]

Our tour of Rhodesville ends with a look at three of the tallest building in the city. These office buildings tell the people of rhodesville that the future of this town can be bright. With the shake-up in the local government, Rhodesville has a fresh chance to continue its progress, that is if the people want it. A few months ago, many moved out of Rhodesville, however, a recent influx of people not only helped Rhodesville's population go back to where it was, but begin to grow. Onward we go!

[Dragonsblade79 0]

We head north out of Rhodesville to our next stop...

[Dragonsblade79 0]

Here we see the one of the first geothermal powerplants in the region of Rothanya. Normally, electricity is produced by fossil fuel plants owned by out-of-region energy corporation, Maquentana GOCC, Inc.-Gas, Oil, Coal, & Coke; however, the old coal plant that was here not only emitted high amounts of pollution, but was beginning to become aged, hence unreliable.

The new geothermal plant is virtually pollution-free. It has improved the air quality around this little town, making farming mroe productive than it has been in years.

[rusty_777 0]

Dragonsblade...what an excellent CJ so far.  I am really impressed with your cities layout, landscaping, storyline and photoshop effects.  Keep it up.

Cheers. 

[Dragonsblade79 0]

Ptolemy St. is a perfect example of the fine neighborhoods that have developed here in Kenny. Middle-class citizens make up 98% of the towns population. Normally this neighborhood is very quiet, however the occasional roar of the "Ruby Racer" breaks the accepted routine of the day.

Baxter High is one of three schools here in Kenny, the other two are elememntary schools. Like Wadley and Rhodesville there are no colleges within the city limits. There are colleges in other towns nearby, which is better for the college-bound, as they get to got to school out of the mundane Kenny.

It's Friday night, that means nearly everyone in town is at the Baxter Badgers football game. The Badgers have the prestige of being Magus County Champions three years straight, and placing fourth in the Regional Championships two years in a row. These games are considered a town event. Kenny's very proud of their football team, and they have rewarded that pride with large trophies in the trophy case that can be seen as students enter the school's main entrance.

Kenny's small size and peaceful rural setting unfortuanely don't yeild too many things to see on our tour. We'll hop the next train and head north.

[Dragonsblade79 0]

[Dragonsblade79 0]

I'm going to start my first little bit of interactivity on this CJ. Hopefully this will get some good responses. You guys are going to vote on a bit of local legislation! I wish I could simply add a poll to this CJ thread, but I can't so I'll just have to monitor the thread for a while and record your votes through replies. Hopefully this little game will work and add some depth and fun to my CJ. Here goes...

 A little info on the government. Every region has a governor, like every state does in the US. The legisative bodies are known as Assemblies. The national-level legislation is called the General Assembly. Each regional Assembly is divided into two "Seats", the Senate Seat and the Represenative Seat. The leader of the Assembly is known as the Chairman (woman) and can be either a Senator or a Represenative.

There are four political parties in the Sovereign State of America. There's the conservative, generally wealthy Nobles. There is the faith-based Advent Party. The Industrialist Party is made up of normally liberal voters and politicians. Finally, there's the mainly moderate group known as the Independence Party.

Proposition 790 is a bill that would ban smoking in all public places across Rothanya, similar to a law Illinois, my home state, passed and began on Jan. 1, 2008. Prop. 790 is a joint effort by politicians across all aisles. There's a lot of support by politicians, including Rothanya's Governor Raphael Van-Ryan. All you guys have to do is "vote" either Yes or No on Prop. 790. Your choices will decide policy in Rothanya for years to come. Will you end the ability to smoke inside restaurants, bars, clubs, workplaces, and all other public places? Will you uphold the privilege so people who smoke don't have to go outside durning the frigid Rothanyan winters? You will decide! 

I'll tally votes and give you updates on the ballot so far. Also, I'll give you the arguments of both the supporters of the bill and the detractors, to help you weigh your decision. Vote once, please. You may  even state your reasons why you voted the way you did, but it isn't a requirement. You may even "debate" the issue if you wish amongst yourselves if you'd like. Voting ends on July 20th, so please participate and have fun!

[Dragonsblade79 0]

We are going a little bit further up north, The next town on the tour is on the border between Rothanya and D'Arlington. The lake is shared by both regions. Let's take a quick look at Larson Ridge.

[Dragonsblade79 0]

Larson Ridge has a staedily growing industrial presence in Rothanya. Like most of the other towns in Magus County that you have seen, Larson Ridge's primary economy is agricultural. However, the village council has decided to switch to the more lucrative factory and shop industries. 

The prominent Maquentana GOCC, Inc coal plant is the core of the budding industrial district, as it was the first heavy industrial center ever built in Larson Ridge. This aging symbol of "old school" tech is a recuring image in old-fashioned Lasron Ridge. The village is a bit behind the times, but for a few Rothanyans, it's a refreshing life compared to the hyper-modern urban life of the Casadora metroplex.

This steam-powered train orginates from Larson Ridge. It's a sight to see for train enthusiasts and kids. This "Steamer" runs the produce of Larson Ridge's farms, and some of the products made in her industrial plants. It runs all over the Tri-Region area and has inspired tourists, like yourself, to come and visit this charming rural setting.

[Dragonsblade79 0]

The village starts around tiny Border Lake, named so because the imaginary border of Rothanya and D'Arlington splits the lake in half, the north belongs to D'Arlington while the south to Rothanya. The quaint and quiet neighborhoods of Larson Ridge are nestled on the gentle slope of one of the hills that the Rothanya is known for. Rothanya's known as "The Royal Region", but on the region's licence plates, it has the other nickname, "Region of the Rolling Hills".

[Dragonsblade79 0]

Not everyone in Larson Ridge is looking back, however. This observatory, built and run by Taj'Riet University, is proof that forward thinking is still possible in this town locked in the past. It was put here due to the clear, hazeless sky that the rural setting offers. The halo given off by larger towns vast amounts of lights at night make it difficult to see the stars, especially if the air is polluted. It's an astronomers dream that continues to be a becon to those forward thinkers in Larson Ridge. 

That's all from Larson Ridge, for now. The skyway system hasn't made it through Magus County yet, so driving to the next destination will take awhile. I suggest that you take the next Ruby Racer on its way west.

[Dragonsblade79 0]

Here's our next destination. Hopefully you took a few photos on your train ride, there's a lot of beautiful country to see up here in the Passage. We are reaching the edge of Magus County, meaning that we are near the Casadora River again. That also means that we will soon be in the Casadora Metroplex, where I'm sure you'll be exited to see. For now, we make our last stop in Magus County...

[Dragonsblade79 0]

Welcome to the seat of Magus County, Lynchdale. This big town has a population of over 30,000, and rising. Lynchdale's population exploded from 6,000 to 25,00o in only 2 years! How did it happen? Let me show you.

[Dragonsblade79 0]

Lynchdale looked like the above photo for a long time. Farms surrounding houses and small businesses were the look of the town. Nowadays, Lynchdale's still surrounded by farms, but the farms are going away.

Lynchdale's steady growth is evident in all four cardinal directions. Like Larson Ridge is doing now, Lynchdale changed the towns economic base from agriculture to heavier industry. The transition has caused many of Lynchdale's farms to go into foreclosure. As such, companies from out of town and even local businesses have bought the defunct farmland and have built factories, warehouses, and chemical plants.

Like with most growth, however, there is a little pain. Industrial centers like the one shown above have suffered from lax safety practices and standards. The results can be seen, as fires have broken out and left in rubble. The city's civil services couldn't cope with the rate of growith in the residential, industrial, and business sectors of the city, and the rapid growth ohas had negative effects. A higher crime rate and poor fire coverage were the results.

Scott Horner was a farmer with several acres of land that was beginning to fail on him. Though the farm was in his family for decades, Horner noticed that the farm yielded fewer and fewer crops around harvest for the last five years. With his livelyhood making less and less for him, Horner needed to make a new plan or he and his family would lose the land, the house, and his family's pride. 

In light of Lynchdale's quickly changing economic and statistical landscape, Horner decides to build a famiy amusement center on his feebled soil. He takes a loan out from the local Entherian National Bank office and begins construction. After eight months, Horner's FunZone was opened for business. Horner's boasts a mini-golf course, driving range, go-kart track, a ferris wheel, a tilt-a-whirl, a wave pool, an arcade, and an eight-screen multiplex. Horner now hauls in over  U250,000 a month. Horner's is a big attraction in the Tri-Region area. Don't play here too long, there's a lot more to see.

[Dragonsblade79 0]

Industry isn't the only apect of this town that is quickly changing. The commercial outlook in Lynchdale during the 1990's was bleak. All of that changed when nearby Casadora began to experience economic growth of its own. The old McQueen Soda Company became a multinational conglomerate in 1999, elevating Casadora's standing as a city to do business. Citadel, Empire was the biggest commercial center in the Soveriegn State until then. 

As more corporations began to move into the nation's capital, formerly rural Lynchdale began to see commercial growth skyrocket as well. Many other corporations and small companies opened offices in Lynchdale. This prompted Mayor Feinburgher and the city council to build better schools and even a few places of higher learning.

The building with the green glass on it is the home of the local paper, The Lynchdale Chronicle. The readership is mid-range, with more people subscribing to the Casadora Courier. The Chronicle has to compete with Casadora's 4 newspapers, but it seems to sell better than three of them, because of local pride. The only paper which out-sells the Chronicle on a regular basis is the Casadora Courier.

The Lynchdale Community College was built near the "T-Corner" as it's commonly refered. The T-Corner is a T-intersection where Yancy Ave., going east-west, intersects with Telemachus Ave., running north-south. Telemachus Ave. will take you into Casadora, which is just south of Lynchdale. Travel west on Yancy Ave., and you'll find yourself in Downtown Lynchdale.

Downtown Lynchdale, the heart of the booning commercial scene in this suburb. This photo was taken when heavy construction was going on downtown. Commercial zones were being redeveloped for greater capacity office spaces. This is downtown today...

These are some of the tallest buildings in Magus County. At the center of these edifices lies the Lynchdale Town Hall. Every city official and the town council have offices here. The Lynchdale Community Medical Center is set along Yancy Ave. This hospital serves the bulk of the town, as it's the largest capacity hospital in town. 

The low-rise office towers give Lynchdale the only skyline amongst towns in Magus County.Lynchdale uses that defining trait to attract even more residents to this bulging 'burb. Though it's nowhere neare as impressive as Casadora's, Maquentana's, or Pennington's skylines, but considering that Magus County is mainly rural, seeing a group of buildings over ten floors high is a rare sight to see for a bunch of farmers.

[Dragonsblade79 0]

The resiential zoning has also seen it's share of growth. Large mansions, apartment buildings, and multiple family homes have popped up all over town. The sprawling suburb grows as the town council has had to issue more residential zoning as more new residents have moved from other places into Lynchdale. 



One of the most densly populated areas in Lynchdale is around the Caraway Apartment complex. The Caraway Apartments are a sign of Lynchdale's staggering growth. The Caraway neighborhood boasts a bowling alley, small shops, and small cafes and diners all built within walking distance of the numerous apartment buildings that make up the rather large residential block. That's why there's a waiting list for a unit in this rental community, convenience and affordability. The rent a month for a nice one bedroom: U465.045! (I'll tell you more about money and how it works in the next update).

When all is said and done, life in Lynchdale is getting rather interesting. What does the future hold for this surprising suburb? We'll find out together. For now, our tour of Lynchdale has concluded. Don't worry though, the greatest tourist hot spots are next on my list. I'm working on the travel arrangements as we speak. Don't forget to vote on Proposition 790! The fate of that bill rests with your participation. Please let your voice be heard! Until the next update!

[jacqulina 162]

looking great so far my friend keep up the great work

[Dragonsblade79 0]

nihonkaranws: Thanks, I try. I hope you keep comming back!

rusty_777: I'm happy that you are enjoying my work. There's a lot more to come, I hope that you'll like what I have coming up next.

jacqulina: You are one of my inspirational forces, Jacky! You CJ keeps getting bigger and better and after seeing it and your words of encouragement on my humble Journal, I am glad that I keep going. Thank you and keep up the fine work that you have done with Jacky's Kabin and Paradise Falls. Those landscapes are breathtaking. I only wish I could do that kind of high-class work. You're an expert.

I can only learn from everyone on here. This CJ is still an infant, but it keeps growing! I'm trying to keep updating as often as possible so you all will stay interested. I'll "show you the money" in my next update, so look for it! Also, since responses to my interactive event here have been few (actually none), I'll extend the voting until August 3rd, so please continue to view the CJ and leave a vote. Choose: Yes, No, or Neither. The outcome of the Prop. 790 Ballot will influence my CJ's story, as well as future interactive events, so become part of the fun!

[Dragonsblade79 0]

I know that the following information is given at the beginning of most CJs, but I've enever had any actual design for the money in my story until yesterday. I've drawn my characters and have designs for most things in the story, but not the currency. The concept I have in place, just not any visuals, until now.



This is the flag of the Sovereign State of America. In the upper left-hand corner you probably see some funny lookig figure. That is the Royal Sael of America, the Star of Chanderra. The following is a picture of the seal.



The Seven Continental Nations on my earth all share a currency, the Unit. The price of the Unit compared to each country is based on each country's GNP (Gross National Product) and other important economic factors that can be compared. This determins the price of goods in each country, same as it does in the real world. 

The International Reserve Bank is the global economy banking system that regulates and controls monetary information in all seven kingodms. Every nation has branches if the Internation Reserve in each capital and major city in that nation. They communicate with private banking corporations to keep records of transactions and monitor market and economic activity.

They've issed certain controls over currency for each nation. They gave each nation a color to correspond to that nation's currency. The actual designs of the bills may differ, but the color and certain markings must be expressed on each nation's cash for it to be legal tender. 

The colors and International Reserve code letters for each Continental Kingdom are as follows: Europe=red, B; Asia=green, A; N. America=blue, R; Africa=black, S; Australia=violet, Q; S. America=yellow, M; Antarctica=white, E

Here is an example of a typical bill of the Sovereign State of America, commonly called "bluebacks".

Here's the front:


Here's the back:


Every bill looks like this, but there's a different portrait on the "face" of each denomination. The current ruler of is always depicted on the One Hundres Unit bill. The International Reserve seal is always placed on the backside of each denomination of each nation's currency. The code letter for America, R, is in the center of the seal in the nation's color code; in this case, blue. The name of the city where the bill was printed and issed is on the bottom half of the seal circle.

Each country's currency has a different layout design, color, and value in relation to each country, but the denominations are universal. Ten Units in America is ten Units in Europe, though you may need more or less money to pay for similar items in each country. Something may cost 9 Units where you come from, but it might cost 13 Units in another country. 

One Unit equals 200 Pieces. Like the full Unit, the coins have universal denominations equal to one another. The smallest denominated coin is 1 Piece. The name of the coin representing this amount is also universal, Penny. 200 Pennies=1 Unit all 7 countries. 

In the Sovereign State of America, you have the Penny=1 Piece; Bit=5 Pieces; Dime=10 Pieces; Quad=50 Pieces; Cent=100 Pieces.

[sanderbij1 0]

looks great, keep going

[Dragonsblade79 0]

Well, the interactive portion of my Cj hasn't gone as well as I'd hoped. I won't give up, though. I didn't put in the different sideof the argument because I've been working on my next updates, which means getting my largest city ready for veiwing. I've been having some problems, but I am working on them. Plus, my pet project, the airport, hasn't been going as quickly as I had hoped, but maybe you all can help if I post photos of what I have so far. We'll see. Stay tuned!