Faction: Background Info

This thread exists to explain each of the Factions so you can choose which to join. Each post is about a different Faction.

Crossbone Vangaurd
Based on: Gundam F91 and Crossbone Gundam
The Crossbone control the colonies located at Side 4, also know to the Federation as the Frontier Colonies, and to the Crossbone themselves as Babylon. The the Babylon colonies are controled by a fascist government that glorifies the rich "high-born" much like in the victorian 1800's. The High-born landowners are considered men of high purpose, and are required to take part in military action because of their status. The Crossbone tend to keep to themselves, although they occasionally engage in acts of piracy against Earth nations and would more likely align themselves with other Space revolutionaris.
The Crossbone wear black uniforms (think SS) although some officers are allowed to wear red. As stated above, the higher the social class, the higher the rank, but that also means the higher the danger you will face. Officers of the Crossbone command, they do not sit behind desks thanks to its idealistic dictators.
Crossbone suits are very high performance and state-of-the-art. Most of them have beam shields and many use "shot-lancers", weapons shaped like a sharp lances which often has machine guns attatched to them. The lance-like tip also may be used as a projectile.
Starting Out:
1. Commoner Pilot:
1 Suit from the Den'an, Ebirhu, or Dahgi series
2. High-born Pilot
1 Suit from the Berga or Vigna series or another custum unit. (ie. Crossbone Gundam)
3. Ship's Captain: (must be High-born)
1. Ship w/ complete mobile suit compliment

<font color="#a62a2a"><font size="1">[ January 02, 2006 06:21 PM: Message edited by: Nick Izumi ]</font></font>

Earth Alliance (EAF)
Based on: Gundam SEED (Destiny)
Founded on prejudice, the EAF is still a major player in the larger scheme of the Terrestrial Powers. The Alliance's main goal is the isolation, and to some extremist, the destruction of the PLANT colonies, home to the coordinators. The EAF may not have gained its reputation, however, if it hadn't been for its financial backers, the extremist of the Naturals Against Genetic Alteration (NAGA) and Blue Cosmos. These organizations believe that the genetic enhancements undergone by coordinators is unethical. Ironically, many would consider the methods of these organizations to be far less than ethical. Still although the fact that the EAF is backed by these organizations is public knowledge, many ony Earth are distrustful of coordinators and these views are usually overlooked or ignored. (Many speculate, that this point of view may have lead to ORB's withdrawl from the Federation.)
1. The actual military does not openly support these anti-coordinator views. (As a matter of fact, some liberal leaders are quite openly opposed to them.) And on occasion, the Alliance has been documented as using coordinators as test pilots. (As seen in Gundam SEED and ASTRAY B.) The military of the EAF are however known for other ethical violations, such as the use of "Extendeds", usually teenage children who have been enhanced using nanomachines to increase their aggression, but kept on a short leash by highly addictive drugs with extreme withdrawal symptoms. These extended are listed as hardware rather than actual crew members. Still most average, "natural" pilots are treated well. The uniforms of the alliance (which can be seen in the upper-most right corner of your screen.) are usually white, with black shoulders, however some captains wears red shoulders instead. Much like the original Federation, cadets may wear blue (male) or purple (female) uniforms. (Extendeds often wear cadet uniforms which they are allowed to modify to their liking.)
The alliance is relatively new to mobile suits, since they began the First Space War using space fighter they called Mobile Armors. (These should not be confused with the powerful mobile armors used by Zeon.) These crude fighters where replaced by mobile suits (mostly from the Dagger and Windam series) and Mobile Armors fitting the deffinition established by Zeon. (One of the EAF's more notable achievment is the development of flight capable mobile suits which are on par with those used by the New Federation and ZAFT.)
Starting Out:
1. Alliance Pilot:
1 Grunt Mobile Suit
Acceptable Suits
First War:
Moebius (Mobile Armor),
Mistral (Mobile Armor),
Strike Dagger

Up-To-Date:
105 Dagger,
Dagger L,
Windam

2. Extended (Must be approved by moderator):
1. Gundam Type Suit

3. Ship's Captain: (Must be Approved by Moderator)
1 Ship w/ Complete Mobile Suit Compliment

Earth Federation
Based on: Gundam 0079, 08th MS Team, 0080, 0083, Zeta Gundam, ZZ Gundam, Char's Counter Attack, F91, and Victory
The Federation is the most established of all the true factions, and, some may argue, the faction most responsible for the First Space War. They united the Earth in order to build the colonies, and divided the Galaxy by refusing to here the colonies' cry for independence, which ultimately lead to the Federation itself breaking up. But for those still loyal to this core faction, they are the true Federation.
The original Earth Federation holds power over most of Europe and South America and makes their presence know throughout. Surprisingly, many people still have faith in the Earth Federation.
Federation Soldiers are treated well for the most part, but they have aquired a reputation for exploiting newtypes which has lead to some of their top pilots being unusually young. As for uniforms, the Federation has a standard tan one for most of their pilots and officers, however occasionally cadets are given blue (male) and pink (female) ones and in select cases.
The Federation also has many sub-divisions in itself. One example, the Titans, which was set up to take OZ's place, wear black or blue uniforms and use Mobile Suits which, to the untrained eye, could easily be mistaken for Zeon models. Due to their reputation for being ruthless and extreme, however, they are looked down upon especially by the colonies.

The Titan's rival, the AEUG (Anti Earth Unified Government) are a group of colonial sympathizers, who support equal representation and treatment, however not sucession of the Colonies. The AEUG are know for their more rag-tag approach and uniforms vary literally from ship to ship. The AEUG usually will almost always be found in space.

Federation Technology tends to grow in leaps and bounds, this is not saying they are ahead, but rather that in the past they have used their existing mobile suits and ships until the point where the other side completely outclassed them and they where forced to upgrade.

Starting in the Federation:

1. Pilot
Grunt Mobile Suits:
First War:
Ball,
GM (Any varient from 0079, 08th team, 0080,or 0083),
Guncannon,
Guntank

Up-to-date:
GM II,
GM III,
Nemo,
Hi-Zack (Titan),
Marasai (Titan),
Rick Dias (AEUG)
Galbaldy Beta,
Jegan,
Re-GZ

2. Ships Captain: (Approve with Moderator)
1 Ship (Federation Model)
A complete compliment of Mobile Suits. (Usually 6)

(Note: The League Millitaire will be counted as part of the Federation.)

Freelancer
Based on: Gundam Wing, Gundam X, and Gundam SEED: Astray
The Freelancers are impossible to generalize. This might be because they are so numerous and that their only real organization is in the relatively small gangs they form on their own. These gangs themselves are equally individual and complicate matters further. In other words: A freelancer could be anything from the most chivalrous knight to the scummiest of mercenaries.

Freelancers are relatively small fish compared to the factions, but they are also freer than the factions soldiers. They will usually take any jobs they can get, from the factions or from other Freelancers, as long as it pays. Because of this, they are usually disliked by the factions.

Freelancers can use practically any mobile suit as long as they can maintain it and are physically/mentally able to use it. (ie. Newtype-use suits, Coordinator use suits.)Freelancers are more likely to customize their machines, sometimes out of individuality and sometimes out of necessity. (remember, since your not affiliated with the military, you must maintain your own mobile suit.) Because their ranks are usually so rag-tag, Freelancer gangs are easily differentiated from an actual military mobile suit team.

Freelancer leave little to no "great" marks in history. They don't have glamour, instead they have freedom, is some sense. Still occasionally it is the Freelancers who stand up to oppressive factions and fight for nobler goals. (As seen in Gundam Wing and the later part of Gundam X.)

Starting As a Freelancer:

Class options: (Choose one)

A. Pilot
Equipment: 1 Mobile Suit from the "First War" list on the factions. If the suit isn't listed, feel free to PM me.
Options: 1 truck (to carry mobile suit),
1 Garage (Stores 2 mobile suits)

B.Ship's Captain
Equipment: 1 Ship (Space worthy, ground ship, sub, etc.)
Options: 1 Mobile Suit

New Federation
Based on: Gundam X
Started from a disagreement, the New Federation has the most powerful navy on Earth, which has in turn given them control of the oceans.
The New Federation started as a strong movement, but after the war, since fought primarily in space, they lost their claim to the land of Earth. It is indeed ironic, however, that they were the Terrestrial Faction that developed the most sea-worthy mobile suits during the war. Thanks also to the adaptability of their Daughtress suits to flying, they control most of the oceans, aside from the coasts of areas controlled by other factions. However because of this, they also have little political sway. Still, it is impossible to cross the oceans without encountering the New Federation.
The New Federation were pioneers in newtype research and developed not only newtype-use Gundams, but also separate suits that the pilots of these such Gundams could control simultaniously.
Soldiers of the New Federation are treated well for the most part, but any newtypes can expect a heavy work load. New Federation soldier wear grey uniforms or some special forces wear blue flight jackets.

Starting Out
1. New Federation Pilot:
3 Standard Mobile Suits or Mobile Armors

2. Blue Jackets:
1 Gundam

3. Ship's Captain
1 Ship (sea-worthy or space-worthy) w/ complete Mobile Suit compliment.

ORB
Based on: Gundam SEED (Destiny)
(I get alot of questions about these guys...)
ORB is a small island nation in the Pacific, whom if it wasn't for their technology, or their neutrality, would seem insignificant on the larger stage of events. ORB's government is ruled in by a senate, which is watched over by a monarch who's duties are similar to those of a prime minister. The Shahaku family, recently pushed the monarchy out of its figurehead status when Mishem Shahuku married Rosa Shahuku. Mishem was very active in the government, and his daughter Camilla Rosa, has followed this new tradition. ORB is a neutral state, because they have existed separate from the Terrestrial Powers, they are one of the only sanctuaries for the coordinators of Earth. Thanks to these coordinators and their combined effort with the naturals of ORB, the country has become a leader in technology. The Sahuku family is devoted to staying out of wars, but even the senate is unsure, especially thanks to the fact that the young Princess is still somewhat new to the world of politics.
ORB's military is really more of a self defence force which keep those they tink of as trouble out. These forces wear white uniforms (as seen is SEED DESTINY, I will not allow the ugly Purple ones of SEED to appear here.) but some test piots are allowed a more casual pairs of kahkis, and a t-shirt with a red vest. ORB soldiers are very protective of their country and everything about it.

ORB's mobile suits are limited in selection, however, they are very advanced. Most of ORB's military pilot varients of the Astray series of Gundams. ORB is actually the only country who's military is actually made up almost entirely of Gundam-type suits.

Starting Out:
1. Pilots
First War:
M1 Astray,

Up-to-date:
Murasame

2. Ship's Captain
One Seaworthy Battleship,
Or One Multipurpose Ship (Izumo Class)
Both w/ full compliment of mobile suits.

OZ
Based on: Gundam Wing
Originally the watch dogs of the Federation, OZ was cast out for failing to stop the many revolutionary armies and exists today only because of charismatic leaders, devoted followers and armies of Mobile Dolls.
OZ is a force who's main goal seems to be redeeming itself for past failure. The Space Armies think of them as an annoyance, but the Terrestrial Powers ignore them. This is why although most of their anger is focused at the colonies, they also harbor deep resentment for the Federation and all the groups that split off of it. OZ's true goals appear unclear for this reason. OZ has managed to stay together because of its very charismatic leadership, which think of themselves and their armies as the knights of old, noble and fighting for ideals.

OZ soldiers are very loyal to the ideal of their leaders and a form of chivalry. They have nothing else to rely on. (This might also be why there are so few.)OZ soldiers are however almost 100% likely to command units since most of the army are Mobile Dolls. OZ soldiers also wear uniforms similar to the kind a Napoleonic army would wear. It should also be noted that their Earth forces have a tradition of wearing goggles while flying their mobile suits.

OZ mobile suits were the first developed by and Earthnoid power, but over the years they have fallen behind and don't even poses newtype technology. However, they do have many systems other nations don't have. One such system is the Zero System,which they installed in a few of their Gundam types. this system enhances the pilot's senses, but has lead to insanity, an unfortunate, and very common side affect. Only select pilots can actually use it. The other system is the Mobile Doll system which OZ has installed in most of their mobile suit since they don't have enough pilots. The system give the suit A.I. allowing it to act on its own or based on the orders given by a human commander.

Starting Out:

1.OZ Pilot:
First War:
Leo,
Aries,
Maganac,
Tragos,
Pieces,
Cancer

Up-to-date:
Taurus,
Mercurious,
Vayate,
Serpent

2.OZ Captain: 1 Ship (With full compliment of Mobile Suits)

Space Revolutionary Army
Coming Soon

ZAFT
Based on: Gundam SEED (Destiny)
(Since we have such a large number of coordinators, gather round, this is your culture...)
The Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty, is the military established originally to protect the PLANT colonies. And with the threats coordinators face from the outside world, it's all too understandable why such action is taken.
Long before the First Space War, however, tensions were already building. It all began on the old calander near the start of the 21st century. The early coordinators were test subject of a genetic engineering lab in Madison, Wisconsin, where the technology was still in it's early stages. The subjects were all successes. These children had better physical stamina, better reflexes, higher comprehension, and a greater mental capabilities than the average human. But it was not until one revealed this fact to the public, that they became aware of the procedure. When George Glenn, a famous scientist/ athlete reveal this secret, many lined up for their "designer babies" others watched in horror.

Many called this "gene tampering" unethical, and many religious and conservative groups spoke openly against it. Others resorted to violence. The oppression was swift, and new cultural divides had begun. It was hoped that with the coming of Space colonization that the coordinators, as the genetically enhanced now called themselves, could establish their own nation. But even this dream would be dashed in the form of OZ. The Earth Federation cared little for coordinators right, or for the right of the colonist in general. Then Zeon took up arms against them, and the PLANT colonies would follow, ZAFT was born. The plants established an elected supreme council to run the government and to control ZAFT, the military.

Much like Zeon, ZAFT managed to invade the Earth and still holds territory there. Thanks in part to their enhancements, they developed mobile suits quickly that matched and even surpassed most of Zeon's early models.

The ZAFT military is is strict, but not inhumane. Standard soldiers and opperators have a green uniform, the special forces, however, wear long red coats. Ship captains and high ranking commanders wear white or black. Other notable crew members are those of FAITH who wear a special badge, are granted special command privilages and report directly to the supreme council.

ZAFT mobile suits have a very similar feel to Zeon ones, but due to their complexity, can only be piloted by coordinators. ZAFT Gundams are particularly notable for their combat ability.

Starting Out:
1. Pilot
First War:
GINN,
CGUE,
BuCUE,
LaGOWE,
GOOhN,
GuAIZ

Up-to-date:
GuAIZ R,
ZAKU Warrior,
ZAKU Phantom,
GOUF Ignited

2. Red Coat/ FAITH Pilot
1 High performance Mobile Suit

3. Ship's Captain
1 Ship w/ complete mobile suit compliment

Zeon
Based on: Gundam 0079, 08th MS Team, 0080, 0083, Zeta, ZZ, and Char's Counter Attack
They are the ones who called for revolution, the ones who's hot blooded quest would shake the Federation and the entire Earth Sphere forever.
When the Side 3 colonies located at Lagrange Point 2 called for independence, it was expected that OZ, the Federation's space "watch dogs" would easily surpress them, but thanks to their new mobile suits this was not so. Zeon set up a government ruled by a dictator and that system is still in place today.
Zeon soldiers tend to be extremely loyal to their homeland and to the ideals of freedom from the opressive Earth. The standard Zeon uniform is green, however some aces have worn blue and occasionally red. (Although red is more common for upper-class pilots.)

Zeon is a standard setter for Mobile Suit and Newtype technology and have and extremely wide range of MS, along with Mobile Armors, which are non-humanoid battle craft which are usually larger than mobile suits. Zeon aces are also known for customizing their mobile suits with everything from weapon set-ups to paint jobs.

Starting Out:

1. Pilot:
First War:
Zaku II,
Gouf,
Dom,
Z'Gok,
Gogg,
Gelgoog

Up-to-date:
Zaku III,
Gaza C,
ReGelg,
Schuzrum Diaz,
Doven Wolf,
R-Jarja,
Geara Doga

Options: 1 Sled

2. Captain: 1 Ship w/ full compliment of Mobile Suits