the Zoners

[bluntpencil2001]

They aren't just about neutrality. That's an effect, not their goal, I think.

They are people that for various reasons, don't want to be a part of society as a whole in the Houses. Somewhat anarchist, to a degree, but this would depend on the Freeport.

At any rate, the Zoners aren't as powerful as repeatedly put forth here. If you look at their bases, the population isn't that high. Freeport 1, for instance, fears Bretonian takeover. Freeport 9 fears Corsairs. Freeport 2 fears both Liberty and Rheinland.

They don't really contribute a huge deal to the economy either, attempting to set themselves apart, not needing the Houses' economies, not relying on stable markets in the Houses. They are independent both in the literal sense of the word, but also in the resource and finance aspect. The Houses couldn't care less what they get up to, since they aren't involved in large-scale commerce, either importing or exporting, since they are a small movement, and attempt to subsist on their own produce (with Synth Foods help). The rumours seem to suggest that they trade in necessities with other independent minded, fringe groups, like the IMG, GMG and similar, as well as getting luxuries through dealing in credits with the Houses and pirates.


They don't get attacked, largely due to providing peaceful surroundings and not being aggressive. They seem to manage a subsistence living on their Freeports, with no expansionary agenda.
Zoner should be careful not to see themselves as necessary or indespensable to anyone or anything. That will only cause complancency and get them swiftly eradicated. Even the Zoners on Freeport 9 have to work hard to keep the Corsairs from attacking.

All in all, if we assume Gran Canaria isn't heavily populated, the Zoners will be lucky to be more than a million people. If Gran Canaria is heavily populated, which is unlikely, since they are abandoning the Houses and such societal structures, I still can't see them having a population greater than that of modern England.

A very interesting movement, yes, but not as important when it comes to nation-scale matters as others, such as the GMG and IMG who have vast natural resources and the capability to utilise them, or corporations likie Samura and BMM who have the ears of heads of state.

Their goals will most likely revolve around being left to mind their own business, without folk telling them what to do, not governments, not corporations, and not other Zoners either.

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