The History of Pacifca

Pacifica and Gateway City

            Pacifica is a continent/island situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Upon it’s initial discovery it was thought to be impossible to land on. The entire landmass is surrounded by tall cliffs, jagged rocks and reefs. Eventually a single entrance was found on the Northern coast. This consists of a tunnel through the cliff, approximately 20m wide x 10m draught x 30m above water level. The tunnel is not natural and has smooth almost glassy sides. Running along side the tunnel and into the wall above it are a series of smaller tunnels and rooms with openings into the main tunnel and the outer wall.

            Once through the tunnel, about 100m in length, it comes into Gateway City. This is a long valley with a large basin in the centre, which is now a thriving harbour. The rocky sides of the valley are cut into terraces. Gateway city extends up the sides of the valley, a thriving place of business, pleasure and intrigue. As a general rule the higher up the valley side a building is, the more prestigious it is.

            When first found the area contained the remains of a city. The buildings, on the whole, were empty and most of the objects found were of unknown use and construction. There is something not quite human about the buildings. There are many tunnels within the walls of the island, most of which appear to have be cut by artificial means.

            Turning back to face the wall surrounding Pacifica and above the entrance tunnel is the palace. This was one of the buildings here already. It is a strange and alien place, yet magnificent and beautiful. The strangeness does not end with the outside of the palace. The immense throne room features a crystal floor, around an acre of a clear material, looking down into the harbour.

            At the far end of the valley stand the vast gates which lead to Pacifica’s interior. Pacifica itself, has a small native population. These strange plantmen gorw on trees, before falling when mature. They avoid the city and caves. They have mainly been friendly.

            The centre of the island is made up of a large salt flat. Strangely these salt flats also continue in a narrow band up to the city itself. This has lead to explorers and merchants using wind and animal powered land yachts to travel around the island.

            Pacifica was first sighted in1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, he was, however, unable to find a way onto the island. This continued to be the way until 1636, when a longboat from HMS Forthright under Captain Obidiah Winthrop, found the entrance. Leaving a small party of men to hold the island. He returned to England to inform them of his discovery. A fuller exploration party returned in late 1639. The original party had moved into existing buildings and begun to explore the country beyond the gates.

            Pacifica remained a minor colony until 1649. Following the second English Civil War, King Charles I and many of his followers and families were sent there in exile. In a storm, during the voyage there, Charles I was lost at sea. Charles II was promptly crowned as King and claimed the land for his own when he landed in Gateway City.

           King Charles II made a good king, wisely listening to his advisors. During his reign Gateway City grew in importance. Explorers into the heart of Pacifica found a tree bark from which the new and desirable spice Pacifina was made. They also found a large spider whose silk would make light and strong rope, this was soon much in demand.

            The reign of King Charles III followed much the same pattern, although the role of the advisors became more pronounced, as Charles III cared little for ruling and much for pleasure. He was followed by Charles IV in 1710, who followed much the same pattern as his father.

            The year is now 1745 and Charles IV has just died. King Charles V is soon to be crowned, but he is unpopular with the citizens of Pacifica. Charles IV’s bastard son, who is called James, is much preferred. He is a Major in the army and currently away exploring Pacifica.

Plots and intrigue fill every dark corner of the land. England and it’s Lord Protector Richard Cromwell-Monck, have spies in the land. They are eager to regain Pacifica and forever rid England of the claim of monarchy. Many other European kingdoms would like to rule Pacifica and it’s wealth. They too are looking for opportunities.