Darkest Africa

There's a whole world beyond Freedom City, and the second edition of the Freedom City sourcebook takes a closer look at the World of Freedom and its inhabitants, including the continent of Africa and its most unique nation, one with an equally unique resource, and monarch.

Dakana

Deep in sub-Saharan Africa, at the crossroads of Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Congo, is the small nation of Dakana. Dakana has retained the same government and resisted outside invasion for centuries. The reasons for this are twofold. First is Dakana's advanced technology, the second is the nation's king and hereditary defender, the White Lion.

Millions of years ago, a meteorite crashed in what would later become Dakana. It has become the only known source for daka, crystals with unique properties, making them useful in any number of super-science devices, including weapons, force shields, teleporters, and dimensional gates. Daka crystals serve as focusing agents for a variety of forces, and the mining and (limited) sale of the crystals has made Dakana the wealthiest nation in Africa by far, one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Study and use of daka crystals has given Dakana technology well in advance of its neighbors, allowing the Dakana tribe to defend the crystal mine against any invaders trying to seize it.

For generations, Dakana pursued a strict policy of isolationism. Surrounded by potentially hostile neighbors, the Dakana cultivated a reputation for ruthlessly defending their borders. By the 20th century, their African neighbors had long-since learned to leave Dakana alone, and legends spoke of the mysterious "Land of the White Lion" and the magical "diamonds of Dakana." Even European colonialists and American explorers learned Dakana was a dangerous place for unwanted visitors (much less potential invaders).

Still, the tiny country could not remain isolated forever. Although more advanced on a per capita basis than any nation on Earth, the Kings of Dakana recognized the rest of the world was catching up. In a world of rocketry, aircraft, and satellites, Dakana could not remain separate. So the decision was made to begin both trade and cultural exchanges with the outside world, a decision some conservatives opposed. Daka crystals—and technologies designed to use them—found their way into the hands of certain governments, with an emphasis on the importance of Dakana's continued good-will. Additionally, the White Lion (King M'Zale of Dakana) became active as a sometime member of the Freedom League.

The White Lion left the League in the late 1970s to continue to rule his nation wisely and well. He saw Dakana through a number of crises while remaining steadfast to his devotion to maintaining contact with the outside world. His son, M'Balla, the current White Lion and King of Dakana, has been a steadfast ally of the Freedom League, like his father, although he makes it clear his first duty is to Dakana and its people.

Daka Crystals

The mysterious daka crystals are found only in one particular area of Dakana, the site of an ancient meteor crash. They have the hardness and appearance of diamond, but other unusual properties as well. The crystals can channel and direct many forms of energy. This makes them a vital component in different technological devices and a precious commodity. Dakana has profited from the sale of daka crystals, and more than a few criminals have attempted to seize control of the only known supply.

Daka crystals provide a useful source of super-science technology for a campaign and useful hooks for the Gamemaster. Villains may attempt to steal the crystals or conquer Dakana to get control of them. Sale of daka to the outside world might offer opportunities to hijack shipments or obtain them under false pretenses. There are also the crystals' unknown properties: they could cause various accidents or other effects.

The White Lion

King M'Balla of Dakana is the scion of a long and honorable line, which has ruled his homeland for centuries. He was raised in two worlds: steeped in the mystic and spiritual traditions of his people, but also educated in the finest schools in the world. When he came of age, M'Balla undertook the sacred Rite of the White Lion, receiving the strength, speed, senses, and courage of his family's totem. Not long thereafter, the death of King M'Zale forced his son to ascend the throne.