Editing Free Country, USA
From Homestar Runner Wiki
Warning: You are not logged in.
Your IP address will be recorded in this page's edit history.
Current revision | Your text | ||
Line 12: | Line 12: | ||
| '''Nominal Monarch''' || [[The King of Town]] | | '''Nominal Monarch''' || [[The King of Town]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
- | | '''Population''' || [[Characters| | + | | '''Population''' || [[Characters|20, at least]]<!-- 12 main characters, KOT's 5 servants, Senor Cardgage, Drive-Thru Whale, Jibblies Painting --> |
|- | |- | ||
- | | '''Currency''' || [[Wikipedia:United States Dollar|U.S. Dollar]] | + | | '''Currency''' || [[Wikipedia:United States Dollar|U.S. Dollar]] ([[Free Country, USA#Economics|probably]])<br>[[lackey|Pencil Shavings]] ([[Free Country, USA#Economics|sometimes]])<br>[[Quesos]] (Strong Badia) |
|} | |} | ||
- | '''Free Country, USA''' (also spelled | + | '''Free Country, USA''' (also spelled '''Free Country USA''' and '''FCUSA''') is where the [[Homestar Runner universe]] is centered. All of the [[:Category:Main Characters|main characters]] live, work, and play here. |
==Geographical Features and Locations== | ==Geographical Features and Locations== | ||
Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
Free Country, USA features a verdant [[The Field|field]] that typically serves as a central link between the various features of the landscape. At the center of the field itself is [[The Stick]], which functions as a landmark and a meeting place for [[Strong Bad]] and whomever he chooses to meet there. The edge of the field is lined with bushes. They represent the edge of Free Country. Probably also somewhere in or near the field is a stream with a picturesque [[The Stone Bridge|stone bridge]]. [[Date Nite|Once]], Strong Bad and [[Homestar Runner]] rocketed their [[USS Flirtini|cardboard submarine]] backwards along this stream, ending up in a large, open body of water. This may or may not be [[the pond]] Strong Bad and [[Coach Z]] (and possibly [[alternate universe|later]] [[Senor Cardgage]]) have been seen fishing in, or the sea; [[Marzipan]] once [[Homestar Presents: Presents|mentioned]] a location she referred to as "the wharfs", featuring crab traps and trapped baby seals. Rounding out the natural features are mountains (usually seen only from a distance). The foothills of these mountains are likely located in the nearby [[Spooky Woods|woods]], as they contain at least one [[cliff]]. There is also one "hot spot", [[Carrot and Kazoo Hill]]. | Free Country, USA features a verdant [[The Field|field]] that typically serves as a central link between the various features of the landscape. At the center of the field itself is [[The Stick]], which functions as a landmark and a meeting place for [[Strong Bad]] and whomever he chooses to meet there. The edge of the field is lined with bushes. They represent the edge of Free Country. Probably also somewhere in or near the field is a stream with a picturesque [[The Stone Bridge|stone bridge]]. [[Date Nite|Once]], Strong Bad and [[Homestar Runner]] rocketed their [[USS Flirtini|cardboard submarine]] backwards along this stream, ending up in a large, open body of water. This may or may not be [[the pond]] Strong Bad and [[Coach Z]] (and possibly [[alternate universe|later]] [[Senor Cardgage]]) have been seen fishing in, or the sea; [[Marzipan]] once [[Homestar Presents: Presents|mentioned]] a location she referred to as "the wharfs", featuring crab traps and trapped baby seals. Rounding out the natural features are mountains (usually seen only from a distance). The foothills of these mountains are likely located in the nearby [[Spooky Woods|woods]], as they contain at least one [[cliff]]. There is also one "hot spot", [[Carrot and Kazoo Hill]]. | ||
- | Specific locations in Free Country are treated with a certain ambiguity. Somewhere at the edge of the Field is [[the Athletic Field]]; logically, [[Coach Z's locker room]] is near the Athletic Field. (It is also possible that the [[Gymnasium]] that is occasionally seen is connected to the locker rooms as well | + | Specific locations in Free Country are treated with a certain ambiguity. Somewhere at the edge of the Field is [[the Athletic Field]]; logically, [[Coach Z's locker room]] is near the Athletic Field. (It is also possible that the [[Gymnasium]] that is occasionally seen is connected to the locker rooms as well.) The kickball field seen in [[Kick-a-Ball]] is probably near or in the athletic field due to the scoreboard there. Somewhere near the Athletic Field is [[Bubs' Concession Stand]]. Other locations include a building containing a [[The Classroom|classroom]], used for multiple purposes by most of the characters; [[the Office]] where many of the characters work; [[Marshmallow's Last Stand (place)|Marshmallow's Last Stand]], a once-popular haunt for Homestar; and [[Club Technochocolate]], a club run by [[Pom Pom]], with [[The Cheat]] DJing, and [[Bubs]] bartending. The [[House Of The Brothers Strong|House of Strong]], where most [[Strong Bad Email]]s start (The Cheat is often spotted here as well), as well as [[Marzipan's house]], [[Homestar Runner's house]], and [[The King of Town's castle]], are some of the more notable residencies. The [[Gremlin]], an abandoned car, is occasionally featured, as is a [[The Brick Wall|brick wall]] reminiscent of the [[Peanuts]] specials, a fence, and the [[Drive-Thru Whale]] (the speaker for an odd fast-food chain called [[Blubb-O's]]). |
The toon [[Summer Short Shorts]] features a sequence with Pom Pom that reveals that Bubs' Concession Stand, as well as a dense [[The Forest|forest]], is very near [[Strong Badia]]. A similar forest can be seen in [[Strong Bad is in Jail Cartoon]]. However, the Pom Pom short depicts the forest and Bubs' with Strong Badia set in between them, whereas Strong Bad is in Jail Cartoon shows Bubs' on the edge of the forest with no Strong Badia to be seen. This forest may or may not be the Spooky Woods that is usually seen at night in [[Halloween]]-themed episodes. | The toon [[Summer Short Shorts]] features a sequence with Pom Pom that reveals that Bubs' Concession Stand, as well as a dense [[The Forest|forest]], is very near [[Strong Badia]]. A similar forest can be seen in [[Strong Bad is in Jail Cartoon]]. However, the Pom Pom short depicts the forest and Bubs' with Strong Badia set in between them, whereas Strong Bad is in Jail Cartoon shows Bubs' on the edge of the forest with no Strong Badia to be seen. This forest may or may not be the Spooky Woods that is usually seen at night in [[Halloween]]-themed episodes. | ||
Line 55: | Line 55: | ||
===Strong Badia=== | ===Strong Badia=== | ||
[[Image:Strongbadia.png|thumb|150px|Strong Badia]] | [[Image:Strongbadia.png|thumb|150px|Strong Badia]] | ||
- | [[Wikipedia:Enclave|Within Free Country's borders]], the territory of [[Strong Badia]] exists as an autonomous enclave. Strong Badia has a [[flag day|flag]], a [[Strong Badia National Anthem|national anthem]], and has even had to [[The Battle of Strong Badia|defend its autonomy]] from [[Homestarmy|outside aggression]], as seen in [[army]]. Although Strong Bad said that Strong Badia doesn't have/need an army, the local gang, [[On Point Kings]], have transformed from being a simple group of guys hanging around to a band of shady <strike>missionaries</strike> mercenaries that specialize in | + | [[Wikipedia:Enclave|Within Free Country's borders]], the territory of [[Strong Badia]] exists as an autonomous enclave. Strong Badia has a [[flag day|flag]], a [[Strong Badia National Anthem|national anthem]], and has even had to [[The Battle of Strong Badia|defend its autonomy]] from [[Homestarmy|outside aggression]], as seen in [[army]]. Although Strong Bad said that Strong Badia doesn't have/need an army, the local gang, [[On Point Kings]], have transformed from being a simple group of guys hanging around to a band of shady <strike>missionaries</strike> mercenaries that specialize in black ops, brown ops, and the occasional beige op. Whether or not Strong Badia is a "real" country is open to debate, since the permanent population of Strong Badia is a [[tire]] and it's only the size of a backyard. A few email senders seem to call Free Country by this name, presumably because the characters talk about Strong Badia more often than Free Country. However, Strong Bad specifically addressed this issue in [[keep cool]], limiting the official borders of Strong Badia to the empty lot. It is described as "out beyond the dumpsters". However, no dumpsters are ever shown, so that doesn't help determine its location. |
==Other Territories== | ==Other Territories== | ||
Line 71: | Line 71: | ||
*Money | *Money | ||
*[[Cash Money]] | *[[Cash Money]] | ||
- | *Pencil Shavings (added to the sign by | + | *Pencil Shavings (added to the sign by the Cheat) |
*[[Quesos]] (Strong Badian currency) | *[[Quesos]] (Strong Badian currency) | ||
*First Born Children | *First Born Children | ||
Line 92: | Line 92: | ||
In the [[Old-Timey|1930s]], Free Country (known back then as the Factory/Circus District) was characterized by dirt roads, picket fences, carnival tents, antiquated Industrial Revolution-era factories, and even a [[Cholera Acres Cemetary|graveyard]], only the latter of which may have survived the passage of time. As with the rest of the USA during this time period, Free Country was [[Wikipedia:Great Depression|economically depressed]], with the population being forced to subsist on dry meal, water soup, and parsnips. Commerce, such as it was, was located at a [[Parsnip Depot|dilapidated depot]]. | In the [[Old-Timey|1930s]], Free Country (known back then as the Factory/Circus District) was characterized by dirt roads, picket fences, carnival tents, antiquated Industrial Revolution-era factories, and even a [[Cholera Acres Cemetary|graveyard]], only the latter of which may have survived the passage of time. As with the rest of the USA during this time period, Free Country was [[Wikipedia:Great Depression|economically depressed]], with the population being forced to subsist on dry meal, water soup, and parsnips. Commerce, such as it was, was located at a [[Parsnip Depot|dilapidated depot]]. | ||
- | There was a growing, through sponsorship funds, radio station (name still unknown) which had a drama | + | There was a growing, through sponsorship funds, radio station (name still unknown) which had a drama— "The Fish Was Delish Progrum", in which [[Old-Timey Strong Bad]] was already building up his showman career. |
Though there is some debate as to whether or not Free Country was still under [[Wikipedia:Prohibition|prohibition]] during this time period, some residents enjoyed the occasional nip of [[Wikipedia:Alcoholic beverage|hooch]] regardless. | Though there is some debate as to whether or not Free Country was still under [[Wikipedia:Prohibition|prohibition]] during this time period, some residents enjoyed the occasional nip of [[Wikipedia:Alcoholic beverage|hooch]] regardless. | ||
Line 99: | Line 99: | ||
===[[Free Petry Dish, USA Variation|Free Petry Dish, USA]]=== | ===[[Free Petry Dish, USA Variation|Free Petry Dish, USA]]=== | ||
- | In the email [[ | + | In the email [[highschool]], Strong Bad claims that the entirety of Free Country, USA was, in the past, merely on a petri dish, with all its inhabitants being single-cell organisms. However, considering his purported "unphotographic memory", it's unlikely that such a place ever truly existed. |
[[Image:planetk.png|thumb|150px|20X6 Free Country]] | [[Image:planetk.png|thumb|150px|20X6 Free Country]] | ||
Line 106: | Line 106: | ||
==Estimated Real-World Location== | ==Estimated Real-World Location== | ||
- | Free Country, USA | + | Viewers of Homestar Runner have variously speculated about the "real" location of Free Country, USA, though it is generally assumed [[The Brothers Chaps]] prefer to leave its location undetermined. |
- | + | Each time the world is seen from space, the shape of the United States is easily recognizable. The characters speak with American accents, type and write with American spelling, celebrate many American [[holidays]], and make references to elements of American culture (such as its [[presidents]]). Most obvious is the fact that "USA" is in the name. On a side note, America is widely known as a "free country". Therefore, it seems safe to conclude that Free Country, USA is somewhere in America. This may be the closest one can come to determining a location for Free Country, USA, as many of the following observations are contradictory to one another. | |
- | *In the email [[radio]], the [[Crazy Go Nuts University|CGNU]] radio station's call letters are given as [[Radio Stations and Shows|WSBD]], as are "Numbitty 902's" WA3D FM. | + | |
- | + | *The scene in the [[Theme Song Video]] where Homestar runs around the planet and a star appears on a United States map would lead one to believe it's possible that Free Country is somewhere in northern [[Wikipedia:Nebraska|Nebraska]]. | |
- | *In the email [[ | + | *In the email [[radio]], the [[Crazy Go Nuts University|CGNU]] radio station's call letters are given as [[Radio Stations and Shows|WSBD]], as are "Numbitty 902's" WA3D FM. Real-world radio designations would place Free Country east of the Mississippi river, although there are some historical [http://www.oldradio.com/archives/general/kwtrivia.htm exceptions]. |
- | *In [[Homestar Presents: Presents]], Marzipan | + | *Free Country is likely in a northern latitude or high altitude given the snowy weather around [[Decemberween]]. |
+ | *In the email [[anything]], Homestar refers to his two-liter bottle of [[Mountain Dew]] as "soda", which is a term for soft drinks more commonly used in the northeast and in the west. In parts of the Upper Midwest, soft drinks are frequently called "pop". | ||
+ | *The Brothers Chaps themselves live in [[Wikipedia:Atlanta|Atlanta]], [[Georgia]], making it possible that Free Country is located in the Southeast. | ||
+ | *In [[Homestar Presents: Presents]], Marzipan references baby seals and crab traps at the wharf, suggesting that Free Country is near the ocean, or at least a salt-water body. | ||
+ | **This might just show that there is a large lake nearby. | ||
+ | **This might just show that they import seals and crabs and trap them at a place called "the wharf". | ||
+ | *In [[Homestar vs. Other Little Girl]], Homestar claims he does ''not'' live in [[Wikipedia:Texas|Texas]]. | ||
+ | *At the end of [[Where the Crap Are We?]], Homestar thinks he and Strong Bad are in [[Wikipedia:Massachusetts|Massachusetts]], which would indicate that they are not from there. | ||
*In [[Weclome Back]], [[Cool Tapes]] did a midwest tour, indicating that they may be from around there. | *In [[Weclome Back]], [[Cool Tapes]] did a midwest tour, indicating that they may be from around there. | ||
- | + | *In [[colonization]], [[Strong Bad]] and [[Bubs]] share some "cold Hardee's he had lying around", which implies that Free Country may be in the Eastern/Midwestern part of the USA (in the Western part of the US, "Hardee's" is called "Carl's Jr."). | |
- | + | *In the email [[keep cool]], the temperature was 98ºF, but in all the Decemberween episodes, there is snow, suggesting that Free Country is in a state where the climate varies greatly. | |
- | + | *In the email [[retirement]], Strong Bad tells the audience to "feast their Dust Bowl-ravaged eyes" on his show. This suggests that they might be in the Great Plains area. | |
- | *In the [[ | + | *In [[Main Page 11]], Downloads shows a weather map of the eastern region of the United States, suggesting that Free Country, USA is in the eastern half of the USA. |
- | + | *In [[Baddest of the Bands]], when sending in his album cover to [[Limozeen]], Strong Bad wrote down "Staten Island...10301". This is [[Limozeen]]'s address, as on [[baddestofthebands.com]], they were said to leave their "Staten Island home base" for the Battle Royale Of The Bands (which they didn't really leave.) This could imply that Free Country USA isn't near Staten Island, since Strong Bad is mailing the letter. | |
- | *In [[Main Page 11]], | + | *In [[8-Bit Is Enough]], the camera zooms out to what looks like the map from the [[Theme Song Video]], and a large explosion resonates from the center of the map, similar to the star in the Theme Song Video. |
- | + | *In [[On Break]], Homestar sings to the [[Crazy Go Nuts University|CGNU]] freshmen that they must share a bathroom with a student from Alabama. This would indicate that Free Country is not in [[Wikipedia:Alabama|Alabama]], assuming that CGNU is in Free Country. | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | *In | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | *In [[ | + | |
- | + | ||
- | *In [[On Break]], Homestar sings to the [[Crazy Go Nuts University|CGNU]] freshmen that they must share a bathroom with a student from | + | |
== Trivia == | == Trivia == | ||
- | *The [[Strong Bad Email]] [[flashback]] marked the first time that a character actually said the name "Free Country, USA" | + | *The [[Strong Bad Email]] [[flashback]] marked the first time that a character actually said the name "Free Country, USA". Several characters also said the name "Free Country, USA" in [[Homestar Ruiner]] and [[Marzipan's Answering Machine Version 17.2]]. |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
[[Category:Places]] | [[Category:Places]] | ||
- |