So I started this awhile ago on Spacebattles, but it flew by the wayside when work got a bit busier. I've decided to rehost it here, since this is pretty much a quest site. Hopefully there'll be some interest since Girl Genius quests are, far as I know, non-existent. So now, a forward:
The setting (so far) is the Americas of an AU Girl Genius world. The following is what is known by your standard citizen. Is it true? Is it exaggerated propaganda? Who knows.
Here is your lord and master, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Joshua Norton I, Imperator. Around 30 or so years ago he was the ruler of a small area of land on the western edge of the Americas. Due to natural Sparky charisma and know-how, he expanded that area and carved out the territory known as "California," which he ruled from the capital he named "Nortonville."
Here is a rough estimation of the Californian territory. In our reality, Nortonville would be where San Francisco is.
Anyway, the Emperor spent the next decade traversing the Americas. Upon seeing the savage state of affairs the various city-tribes have made of this great land, he decided it would be in everyone's best interest if there was a strong hand to lead the people into tomorrow. Many flocked to his banner, believing in his vision of an "Imperial Empire of the Americas." Those that didn't, well, you can't make an omelet and all that. Those that sided with anarchy were justly steamrolled (literally, tanks are helpful like that).
Most of the other Sparks were eliminated in this fashion, since they had no intention of letting someone else conquer the land. Most everyday citizens felt much safer after Norton's conquest, since they didn't have to worry about becoming involved with the experiments of any random Spark anymore.
Some of the remnants of the city-tribes that didn't capitulate and refused to join the Empire proper formed small nomadic bands that survived either off the land or by doing odd jobs for towns and smaller cities. These groups have come to be known as Travelers (OOC: basically Native American Gypsies).
Here is an estimation of the Imperial Empire of the Americas after Norton's conquest.
Index:
Parts 1 - 7