Some background details for the Falkenstein world.

Prussia, the 'Steam Lords'  & the Unseelie - The bad guys.

Prussia is ruled by the Kaiser, but run by Chancellor Bismark. Bismarck wants to build a Greater German Empire 'of Blood and Iron' . Only  five years ago at the Battle of Konigseig, the Prussians were narrowly defeated by the forces of the Second Compact. Since then, they have stepped up the undercover activities of the secretive Prussian Imperial Service. The huge military manufactory near Dresden has since built many more monstrous Landfortresses to trundle over the fields of Europe in pursuit of the territory of the neighbouring nations of France, Bavaria and Austro-Hungary.  The only reason this has not happened is the existence of he huge 'Verne Cannons' which can shell Berlin from their emplacements in France. The stand off is tense as the countries of Europa manoeuvre for any advantage.

Since the death of her dear husband, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria, God bless her, has increasingly been leaving matters of policy to her ministers. Many of these are members of a group known as the 'Steam Lords', a cabal of powerful industrialists who wish to establish their own brand of 'Industrial Feudalism' upon Britain. They make full use of the 'Steam Age' technology and their personal wealth to suppress any opposition to their push for progress at any cost (as long as they make profits). As Chancellor Bismarck's plans for Prussia have a similar ring about them it is not surprising to find Britain is his ally.

The Unseelie are the bad variety of Faerie folk. They are things from the nightmares of mankind, all the nasty little goblins and bigger beasties that have preyed on us over the centuries. The Unseelie are led by 'The Adversary' and are dedicated to causing human suffering. They are bound  by the Compact (the first one that is) not to declare open war upon the Seelie and Humankind but they make use of small 'skirmishes' and loopholes such as using their powers to get Humans to fight each other (not that it takes that much power to encourage this). Their devious influence is thought to be behind many of Bismarck's successes.

The 'Second Compact' - The good guys.

This is a loose alliance of several factions led by King Ludwig of Bavaria. They are united by their opposition to the expansionist plans of Chancellor Bismark of Prussia and the too rapidly developing industrial society in Britain and Europe in general.

The national governments of France, Bavaria and the Austro-Hungarian Empire are members of the Compact due to Prussian aggression against them, The Freemasons, the Illuminated Brotherhood of Bavaria and the Knights-Templar (Magical organisations). who counter the actions of the Unseelie are members. A significant number of Britons, who are disillusioned with the path their nation has taken, have joined the Compact. Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, maligned by the British press (owned by the Steam Lords) as a hedonistic womaniser, is an important leader of the British opposition. He is aided by Sir Richard Burton, the famous explorer, who is trying to stop colonial expansion and a group of concerned scientist, led by Lord Kelvin, who fear the effects the misuse of technology is having upon society.  

A key force in the Second Compact is the Seelie court, led by their High King, Lord Auberon. This group of Faerie are fond of Humankind, though they may still give the odd bit of mischief, and protect  the human race at large from the Unseelie. Many of the Seelie are interbred with Humans and support their own bloodline. The Seelie include the Daoine Sidhe (the nearest to Tolkeinesque elves) and friendly Faerie such as knockers and selkies .

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