World Overview
A Brief History
When humanity first crossed the stars to reach Zanteris, they found two things. A verdant, untouched world ripe with resources, life, and beauty. The second thing they found were Zoids. The two went hand-in-hand with the settlers' can-do attitude and enthusiasm for a quiet, pastoral lifestyle. Their history has been free of sudden but inevitable betrayals.
Some 200+ years later, things aren't much different. There have been no major conflicts, leaving the planet as beautiful as ever. The population has expanded to approximately 20 million, with only a few cities boasting a population of over 100,000. Most people live in small communities, farms or ranches, or make their living on the move, and almost all of them live on the same continent. Only about 40% of the planet's surface has seen actual exploration; the rest of the mapping is done by satellite imagery.
There are no major nations or power groups; the political demarcations on their maps are mostly socioeconomic distinctions; groups tied together through trade and proximity. There's no struggle for resources, as they're still abundant beyond measure, and use of Wind, Solar, Hydroelectric and Microwave power has left the planet completely free of the pollution of fossil fuels.
Although there are malcontents, they're kept in check by militia groups founded and supported by various communities or groups of communities. Most of the struggle on Zanteris - if struggle is even the right word - are confined to Zoid Battles, fought for sport and prize money. The Pilots who compete in Battles do so for myriad reasons, but some they all have in common are pride in their skills, and a spirit of friendly competitiveness.
Some Pilots form into Teams, and cooperate to win bigger prizes and acclaim. An organization called the Royal Cup League holds an annual invitation-only tournament for the best of the best. The top eight Zoid Teams meet for a double-elimination tournament, with the winner getting worldwide recognition, not to mention a serious payday.
Some 200+ years later, things aren't much different. There have been no major conflicts, leaving the planet as beautiful as ever. The population has expanded to approximately 20 million, with only a few cities boasting a population of over 100,000. Most people live in small communities, farms or ranches, or make their living on the move, and almost all of them live on the same continent. Only about 40% of the planet's surface has seen actual exploration; the rest of the mapping is done by satellite imagery.
There are no major nations or power groups; the political demarcations on their maps are mostly socioeconomic distinctions; groups tied together through trade and proximity. There's no struggle for resources, as they're still abundant beyond measure, and use of Wind, Solar, Hydroelectric and Microwave power has left the planet completely free of the pollution of fossil fuels.
Although there are malcontents, they're kept in check by militia groups founded and supported by various communities or groups of communities. Most of the struggle on Zanteris - if struggle is even the right word - are confined to Zoid Battles, fought for sport and prize money. The Pilots who compete in Battles do so for myriad reasons, but some they all have in common are pride in their skills, and a spirit of friendly competitiveness.
Some Pilots form into Teams, and cooperate to win bigger prizes and acclaim. An organization called the Royal Cup League holds an annual invitation-only tournament for the best of the best. The top eight Zoid Teams meet for a double-elimination tournament, with the winner getting worldwide recognition, not to mention a serious payday.
The Royal Cup League
Zoid Pilots have been competing against each other on Zanteris ever since there were two of them who had learned to control a Zoid. Races, marksmanship contests, obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, water polo, and of course - Battles. Early on, Zoid Battles were fought for fun or competition, but as popularity grew, people found ways to make money off it. Sponsorships, merchandise, wagers, and prize money made it profitable and glamorous to be a Pilot, and Battling grew ever larger in popularity ... [More]
