CYBER-PULP FANTASY CORE-Corp-America

CYBER-PULP FANTASY CORE

© Jerry Harris 2013

Published here as Open Game Content.

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Overview Index

Background Index

CORP-AMERICA

B.C. (Before Corp), the old United States ended with a massive wealth displacement and societal upheaval, before the entire country collapsed.  A new system of government was needed to restore order.  This new nation, Corp-America, was founded on the genius of our founding Corporations and their masterpiece of political thought, The Articles of Incorporation. The concept of a “for profit” government has replaced the previous insane, non-profit model, which was hopelessly bankrupt, both morally and financially.  Corp-America has risen from the ashes of its predecessor to become the most powerful nation in the world.  The “Corp” wields its mighty power, profound influence, and limitless wealth over the lesser backward nations and their antiquated beliefs in socialism and ever expanding political bureaucracy.    

The rock-solid principles of the Articles rest on the Inalienable Right: one citizen, one share.  Each citizen has the right to vote their share for the Board of Directors of the nation and to receive dividends from that share.  It is functionally an oligarchy, though one where citizens elect the Corporations to represent them.  The competition between Corporations isn’t just for profits, but also for influence and image for elections.  Usually it is large Corporations who run their own CEO’s for these Board positions.  The various competing Corporations are far more responsive to the needs of the citizens than the self-centered elitist marionettes of special interests that were political parties.  The Board then chooses its President from amongst its members.  Taxes are collected as a small surcharge on all monetary transactions.  The Board sets the rate, makes the budget for spending the money, and determines dividend payouts.

States, counties and municipalities are also all required to issue shares.  Though usually bearing little in the way of dividends, these votes are quite valuable to local developers and businessmen.  A few political entities have been spun-off of Corp-America as subsidiary Corporations.  In the cases of the People’s Democratic Republic of California (the PDRC) and New York City-State (the NYCS), it is because they are so bankrupt, that they were threatening to drag down the rest of the country.  The Republic of Texas successfully sued Corp-America for its independence.  There are reciprocal agreements in place for defense and other considerations, in return for a share of Texas’ profits.  These places have unique rules governing life there that are left to your own imagination.

While each citizen has a share, it’s up to them what to do with it.  Many in the lower classes sell their votes to the highest bidder and may trade in dividend rights for needs such as housing.  While national elections are yearly, state and local elections and bond issues are going on all the time.  A shrewd impoverished person may easily derive a steady income by pledging and verifying their votes. 

Local schools, police, fire departments, and courts are also set up as profit-making Corporations, who charge for their services.  However, they also take donations from wealthy individuals and other Corporations to provide some free service to those who can’t afford it (and it’s nice P.R. for those running for political offices).  Further, while many regulations have been done away with, Corporations running for office can also generate political influence by exposing pollution, unsafe products, and bad service by rival Corporations.

Those volunteering for the Military receive an extra share.  The military is not a separate Corporation, but it is a high-profit enterprise as the President and the Board are able to send troops into foreign conflict as long as the other country is paying for it.  The President and the Board must decide if such conflict is in the countries’ best interest, regardless of the pay.  By law, they can only make deals with recognized national governments and not rebel or terrorist groups.  (Mostly because the Corp doubts the rebels ability to pay for services, as they won’t have any land to put up as collateral.)  The Space Program also a high-profit enterprise.  Corp-America partners with private Corporations to run orbital Zero-G factories.

[Note: There's not going to be more National background stuff nor any International background.  I envision this game as being on more of a small scale, and this material just provides a little context for adventures.  Of course, you're free to make up all you want for your game.]