Edmonton and Alberta (2097)

 

Edmonton: Capital of Alberta, UCAS

In 2097, Edmonton stands as the proud capital of Alberta, one of the northernmost states of the UCAS (United Canadian and American States). Historically, Alberta had been part of Canada, but the events following the 2020 Awakening and the first Matrix Crash in 2029 sent waves of upheaval across North America. With the dissolution of old political boundaries and the restructuring of the continent’s powers, Alberta, along with much of western Canada, was absorbed into the UCAS during the formation of the superstate.

Edmonton’s role as the capital has grown in importance over the years. With the decline of Ottawa’s relevance after the political reorganization of the UCAS, Edmonton became one of the primary administrative hubs of the northern UCAS territories. Its strategic position near the wilderness has made it a center for resource extraction, corporate logistics, and environmental monitoring.

Alberta in the UCAS

Alberta is a land of contrasts in 2097. The core of the state, including the major cities of Edmonton and Calgary, remains urbanized, developed, and well-connected to the UCAS. This core area is a bustling hub of industry, government, and corporate interests. Edmonton, in particular, is a critical energy and manufacturing center for the UCAS, with many megacorporations operating large-scale projects in the region, including oil, gas, and alternative energy industries. Even as the world moves away from oil as a primary energy source, Alberta’s oil sands remain vital for industrial processes and advanced manufacturing, making the region a valuable economic asset to the UCAS.

Alberta's northern wilderness, on the other hand, is largely untamed. Much of the wilderness is ceded to First Nations tribes, who have regained a large degree of sovereignty and control over their traditional lands. These lands are rich with Awakened creatures and magical phenomena, making them both dangerous and valuable. Alberta’s forests, mountains, and wildlife have become a source of fascination for UCAS citizens and corporations alike, with expeditions regularly mounted to explore and exploit the region’s resources, both magical and mundane.

Political and Corporate Connections

Edmonton's connections to Seattle are robust and significant. As a northern hub for corporate activities and a key part of the UCAS, Edmonton has developed strong ties with Seattle, particularly in terms of trade, corporate interests, and security. Seattle-based megacorporations such as Renraku, Aztechnology, and Evo Corporation have a notable presence in Edmonton, exploiting Alberta's resources while also establishing footholds in the city’s key industries.

Politically, Edmonton and Alberta maintain a complex relationship with Washington, D.C., the heart of the UCAS government. Alberta's economy plays a critical role in the overall success of the northern UCAS, but the state's proximity to large wilderness areas and First Nations territories means there is a constant push-pull between central governance and local autonomy. This is especially true when it comes to the First Nations' control of lands and resources, with Washington sometimes taking a more hands-off approach to avoid conflict with the native populations.

The Frontier of Alberta

The wilderness surrounding Edmonton is where the magic and mystery of Alberta shine brightest. Much of this land has been reclaimed by First Nations tribes, and beyond them lie vast territories dominated by Awakened creatures. Griffins, basilisks, and other magical beasts are not uncommon, and the deep wilderness is considered dangerous for all but the most prepared travelers.

Some corporations, particularly those with magical research divisions, have taken an interest in these wild areas. The natural magic of Alberta’s wilderness provides a source of valuable resources for arcano-tech development, and expeditions frequently venture into the unknown, seeking out artifacts, materials, or even creatures that can be harvested for corporate gain. However, this activity often puts them in conflict with both First Nations tribes and environmentalist groups, who seek to preserve the balance of the region.

Life in Edmonton

Edmonton itself, despite its wilderness surroundings, is a bustling, modern city. It is a key hub for UCAS northern politics and industry, and the city reflects this with its gleaming corporate towers, sprawling suburbs, and booming energy sector. Life here can feel far removed from the lawless chaos of more volatile UCAS cities like Seattle or Detroit, but the wilderness is always close at hand.

Corporations exert a huge influence over daily life in Edmonton, with much of the population working in corporate jobs or supporting industries. Despite the city’s corporate dominance, there is still a sense of frontier spirit in Edmonton, with many citizens viewing themselves as pioneers living on the edge of civilization, next to the untamed wilderness. The shadowrunning community in Edmonton is smaller than in Seattle, but growing, especially as corporate conflicts and wilderness expeditions become more frequent.

In Summary

Edmonton and Alberta form a vital part of the UCAS, blending the modern, urbanized world with the wild and magical frontier. While the cities of Alberta remain loyal to the UCAS and heavily integrated into its economy and politics, the surrounding lands offer both danger and opportunity. For shadowrunners, Edmonton presents a place of potential jobs, especially in the corporate world and in exploring the wilderness—though the cost of failure here can be high, with both Awakened creatures and powerful megacorporations staking their claims in the region.