NEUF / 9
NEW EUROPE
FOUNDATION
European faction · CE 2112
An egalitarian, skills-focused society that covers most of Western Europe, where women are prized rather than subjugated. Status rests on a citizen’s usefulness—and survival is conditional on their contribution.
SOCIETY
VALUE & UTILITY
NEUF offers a more ordered, civilised society than the RSOA, but its apparent equality is governed by a ruthless calculation of value. Weak or unproductive members are legally euthanised to conserve limited resources.
WOMEN IN NEUF
BEYOND THE TIERS
Women are outside the tier system and receive the highest priority by default. Treasured as “goddesses,” they may pursue their wishes and make requests unless doing so would endanger themselves or others.
Only their caretakers and men of Tier 8 or above may touch or interact with them.
Women are encouraged to reproduce if willing, but reproduction is not compulsory. Mothers receive additional esteem and priority. A substantial share of NEUF’s population comes from synthetic repopulation facilities, including those in Iceland.
SOCIAL CLASSIFICATION
THE NINE TIERS
The tier system measures “expected output”: a person’s anticipated contribution to society. An initial tier is assigned at age 16 to those within the system; women are exempt. Most people fall between Tiers 4 and 6. The tier determines social treatment and is tattooed on the back of the neck.
Physical and mental assessments may be retaken every two years, allowing promotion or demotion throughout life (an re-tattooing). A tier may also be reduced as punishment or when a person can no longer contribute at their previous level.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1 / LOWEST STATUS
9 / HIGHEST STATUS
LOWER TIERS / 1–4
Cramped communal housing, the fewest privileges, and predominantly labour-intensive assignments.
TIER 1
Able to work, but assessed as physically weak, medically demanding or of limited intellectual ability. Assigned menial and hazardous work, such as waste disposal; held in the greatest contempt.
TIER 2
Usually physically stronger than Tier 1, but still assigned dangerous or demeaning work.
TIER 3
Similar to Tier 2, with dangerous or demeaning labour remaining typical.
TIER 4
The highest of the lower tiers: assessed as slightly below average. Commonly assigned physically demanding work such as farming.
MIDDLE TIERS / 5–6
An average standard of living by NEUF’s harsh conditions: difficult, but generally protected from starvation and freezing.
TIER 5
The societal average. Most ordinary citizens and rank-and-file soldiers belong to this tier.
TIER 6
Slightly above average in expected contribution. Drill sergeants and factory overseers are commonly Tier 6 or higher.
HIGHER TIERS / 7–9
Greater privileges, including more comfortable accommodation and additional food.
TIER 7
Mentally or physically exceptional. Highly skilled fighters, teachers and researchers commonly qualify.
TIER 8
Mid- to high-level leaders and experts, or those who have made substantial contributions, such as inventors and war heroes.
TIER 9
The highest tier: senior political leaders, including the minister, ambassadors and top military leaders.
RESOURCES & FOREIGN RELATIONS
A SOCIETY UNDER PRESSURE
RSOA
TRADE AGREEMENT
NEUF supplies children from its Icelandic repopulation facilities to the RSOA army in exchange for technology.
ZERO
ONGOING WAR
War with the nihilistic terrorist organisation ZERO places a continuing strain on NEUF’s diminishing resources.
WINTER
RESOURCE SCARCITY
Harsh winters compound these losses, sharpening the pressures behind the faction’s policies of enforced productivity.
KNOWN FORMER MEMBER
LUIS BOOKER
Formerly of NEUF; now works for the RSOA.
CURRENT AFFILIATION / RSOA