The Skyloft Cities
The Skyloft cities are mighty (and not-so-mighty) platforms, originally built to escape the Great Apocalypse. The Free People who live on them are known as Skyfolk.
The Balance of Power
The Skyloft cities are all independent of each other. Nevertheless, all the Skyfolk agreed, very early on, that they would band together if the Emperor ever attacked them. They made the Declaration of Allegiance Pact. By the time Victor II had finally consolidated his control over the land below, the Skyfolk were settled in their new aerial homes. Each Skyloft city had found its own place in the skies. The Emperor found he simply did not have enough resources left to clear the skies of the mavericks. The Declaration of Allegiance Pact pledged the Skyfolk to band together and make war on the Change Cage cities in the event of any imperial attack. Victor II had hoped to assault the cities piecemeal; the pact prevented him from doing so. An uneasy truce still holds. The Royal Navy patrol the skies– hunting pirates, checking on the Free Peoples, and flexing their military muscle. The Skyfolk tolerate the IAN, while threatening to invoke the Declaration of Allegiance Pact if they ever overstep themselves.Born to Fly
Some of the Skyloft cities are primarily markets, some are primarily small-scale manufacturers, and some are pirate havens. Most Skyloft cities have their own cultural peculiarities. Nevertheless, there are certain attitudes and lifestyles that most of the Skyfolk share (although, there are exceptions to every rule).Defence
All of the Skyloft cities are wary of being overwhelmed by the IAN and aware they present a tempting target for raiding pirates (even cities run by other pirates). Some raise taxes to pay for a specialised defence force; others demand all residents join a “voluntary” city defence force. The pirate cities just rely on there being enough pirates in port at any one time to defend the place.Pioneers
Although some of the sky cities are all but permanently moored, the people who dwell on them like to think that they could take to the skies at any time and relocate as needed. Even if, in practice, impossible, belief in an ability to up sticks and start again is a source of pride for the Free Peoples of the Skyloft cities. Skyfolk culture tends to celebrate life in the skies and most sky cities hold yearly festivals to commemorate their first launching.Overpopulation
Nearly all Skyloft cities suffer from chronic overcrowding. Some of those that are permanently moored have expanded their platforms, but it’s a simple fact of life that space is limited. The populations aloft resist attempts at enforced birth control – due to an innate hatred of the concept (“We might as well live in the Empire!”). So there is a tradition of younger sons and daughters leaving the cities – the unlucky are sold as slaves; the luckier are cast adrift to become travelling entertainers, merchants or pirates. The latter might leave to join an existing pirate crew; or en masse, in a new airship provided by their city. Pirates tend to live short, if exciting, lives, but those that do survive to retirement usually settle on those Skyloft cities whose main function is to act as a pirate base.(Nearly) Everyone Loves a Pirate
The Skyfolk love pirates. Well, more precisely, Skyloft children are obsessed with the tales of pirate heroes, and as adults tend to retain this enthusiasm. Even the more serious-minded defend piracy as an understandable response to the state of the world. Of course, not everyone has such a rosy view of piracy. Merchants resent their losses; and pirates have raided the Skyloft platforms. Nevertheless, the Skyfolk generally defend pirates; at times harbouring them, trading with them and emulating them. If a pirate action oversteps the mark and an atrocity is committed, the general view is that those are the actions of villains, who aren’t “real” pirates, or that the situation has been exaggerated.Structure
The Skyloft are fiercely independent. They saw what happened to those who tried to hang on down below and are determined they will never share that fate. They have a deep suspicion of authority. If their own administrations become too draconian, the people soon start muttering “We may as well have an Emperor” – when that happens, it’s usually a sign that the administration is about to change.
History
One hundred years ago (2050), Emperor Victor II and his forces had begun the process of conquering the earth. Some people hid, some fought and died. Some tried to run, but found they had nowhere to run to. Some waited, hoping things would improve – their hopes were dashed, as the world they once knew crumbled around them.
Others found a different solution – they built Skyloft platforms and took to the skies. Many of the early constructions failed - but some survived, and even prospered.
Type
Geopolitical, Republic
Demonym
Skyfolk, Skyloft
Subsidiary Organizations
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
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