China in 2097: The New Warring States
In 2097, China is no longer a unified empire, but a collection of powerful sub-states loosely bound together under the banner of a single nation. Officially, China remains whole, but in reality, it is divided into seven distinct regions, each vying for dominance through corporate influence, shadowy political maneuvering, and subtle warfare. While open conflict is rare, the tension is palpable—corporations, political factions, and Awakened forces all compete for control of the country's future. It’s a high-stakes game of power, where no one emerges unscathed.
The sub-states constantly jostle for position, using espionage, blackmail, and corporate sabotage as their primary weapons. Each one is dominated by different megacorporations, each pushing their own vision for the future of China. But they are not the only players. Behind the scenes, Eastern dragons and other Awakened beings pull strings, manipulating events for reasons that are rarely understood by mortals. These ancient creatures have their own long-term agendas, and while they rarely make direct moves, their influence is undeniable.
A Patchwork of Power
Shangjing, in the central Beijing region, remains the symbolic capital of China, though its actual authority is limited. Here, the technocratic elite cling to power, balancing traditional values with cutting-edge technology. They work closely with global corporations, trying to maintain relevance as other regions challenge their dominance. Shangjing plays the game of diplomacy and subtlety, using influence and media manipulation as their primary tools.
In the south, Nanping is one of the wealthiest sub-states, thriving on its access to global trade routes and focus on biotech and bioengineering. Its corporations have mastered the art of economic pressure, subtly coercing their rivals through clever corporate takeovers and controlling agricultural bioware advancements. The region is fertile and relatively peaceful, but its power lies in its ability to dominate the biotech market, using life itself as a bargaining chip.
Xi’an, far to the west, is a land of magic and mystery. It is less industrialized than the coastal sub-states, but what it lacks in technology, it makes up for in arcane power. Ancient artifacts and Awakened creatures abound, and the region has become a focal point for those seeking to fuse magic and technology. Expeditions to uncover magical artifacts and research into arcano-tech are frequent, drawing the attention of megacorps and shadowrunners alike.
To the northwest, Yinchuan is a sparsely populated but technologically advanced sub-state focused on military tech and cyberwarfare. It is the most militarized region in China, with corporations developing cutting-edge weapons and engaging in constant cyber espionage. Though isolated, Yinchuan’s influence spreads far beyond its borders, often involving itself in the shadow wars of other sub-states through mercenary armies and covert operations.
The bustling Yangtze River Delta, known as Jianghu, is a region where corporate towers scrape the sky, and Matrix technology is the currency of power. Jianghu thrives on its booming digital economy, but the lines between legal business and the underworld are blurred. Smuggling and black market Matrix deals are common, and corporate espionage happens at a breakneck pace. It’s a place where anything can be bought or sold, for the right price.
Chengdu, the industrial giant of the Sichuan Basin, produces the drones, heavy machinery, and energy that power much of the country. Its vast factories and energy plants run day and night, feeding the needs of the other sub-states. But the cost is high—pollution chokes the skies, and worker unrest simmers beneath the surface. Still, Chengdu is essential, and its industries give it immense leverage in negotiations with its neighbors.
In Zhongjing, the far northeastern sub-state, genetic research and biosecurity are the driving forces. This region is known for its genetic manipulation and bioweapons development, with corporations pushing the boundaries of ethics to create cutting-edge bioware. Despite its isolation, Zhongjing commands respect—and fear—due to its technological advancements in genetic engineering.
Dragons in the Shadows
China’s dragons—mythical creatures to most, but real and terrifyingly powerful to those in the know—operate from the shadows. They rarely show themselves, preferring to manipulate human leaders and corporations from behind the scenes. Each sub-state has its rumored dragon protector or benefactor, though these beings often work through intermediaries, carefully weaving plans that could take decades, if not centuries, to come to fruition.
Unlike the Western dragons who thrive on hoarding gold and direct displays of power, China’s Eastern dragons are more subtle. They operate in shades of gray, preferring to influence rather than control. Some are believed to protect regions, ensuring the balance of power is maintained, while others seek to bend the future to their will. Their true goals are inscrutable, but their presence is always felt.
A Game of Shadows
While China’s sub-states appear stable on the surface, the reality is one of constant power struggles. Corporations wage covert wars against each other, hiring shadowrunners to steal data, sabotage rivals, and eliminate threats. Espionage, corporate sabotage, and blackmail are everyday tools in this game of shadows. Open warfare is rare, but when it happens, it is swift and devastating, with cyber-attacks and black ops teams moving in the dead of night.
Alliances are fragile and betrayals are common. Each sub-state vies for control over resources, technology, and, most importantly, the future of China itself. The delicate balance of power could tip at any moment, plunging the nation into chaos—or unifying it under one ruler, should one faction rise above the others.
The Future of China
China’s fate is uncertain. Will one sub-state gain enough power to reunite the country, or will the power struggles continue, tearing the nation further apart? For now, the game continues, and those with the power, be they corporate magnates, dragons, or shadowrunners, are the ones holding the pieces. The only thing that is clear is that nothing in China stays the same for long.
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