Sic transit gloria mundi
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Intent: Codify a location established in rp.
Image Credit: Here.
Canon: N/A.
Permissions: ARGH gear available per this thread. Permission for all ArmaTech gear and all other subs made by Laira Darkhold's writer here and here.
Links: The Sin of Pride, Siobhan, Qadiri, Eldorai, Xioquo, Semiramis, Kaeshana, Eldorai Exodus, Battle of Kaeshana, Twilight of the Goddess.
SETTING INFORMATION
Military Base Name: Fort Kerrigan.
Classification: Frontier Defence, Operations Centre.
Location: Tygara, in the northern reaches.
Affiliation: Firemane.
Population: Moderate
Demographics: Inhabited by military and non-combat support personnel. The latter consists of technicians, medical staff, mechanics and civil affairs officers. Arkas is a bit of a racial melting pot and Firemane does not discriminate on the basis of species. As a result, one finds both humans as well as aliens. Examples for the latter would be Duros, Zabrak, Chiss and Kar'zun. There is a strong elf contingent. Ironically, Xioquo auxiliaries are quite numerous now even though the base was originally built to provide protection against drow raids. There are also a number of Qadiri. The base is used to help the desert elves acclimate to cold environments. Firemane is not speciesist, and so the senior command staff has many non-human members.
Accessibility: The base is located not far from native settlements on Tygara's northern continent. As a result, it is not isolated from society. However, it is a military facility and so it is closed to unauthorised personnel. A variety of security measures are in place to prevent infiltration or other forms of unauthorised access and it is guarded by a garrison and enclosed by a wall. However, the Firemane personnel cooperates closely with local defence forces. The terrain is quite mountainous and the climate is cold, especially during winter. Much of the fort has been built into a mountain.
The base purchases a lot of its supplies from the natives. Several natives are directly or indirectly employed by Firemane, and the megacorp has a lot of influence on the planet. Likewise, soldiers often visit local communities in their spare time. In addition, family members of base personnel may be granted entrance provided they have a family ID issued by Firemane or are being chaperoned by their Firemane family member. Obviously they will not be granted access to anything sensitive and must remain within authorised areas. For the duration of their stay, they will be given a badge that shows their status and delineates where they can go.
Description: The rather egotistically named Fort Kerrigan is a defensive bastion in Tygara’s northern hemisphere, not far from the Xioquo Underealm. It is located near several mountains. The fortress serves many functions, but the most important is providing protection for Eldorai and Qadiri settlements in the area against incursions. It used to shield them against Xioquo slave raids, but by now the drows have been pacified. Its artillery can fire across the narrow straits and thus intercept any force heading south. The downside of this of course is that Fort Kerrigan is bitterly cold except in the height of summer, and snow lays on the ground for half the year.
Like many Firemane defences, the reactor and other vulnerable areas are set inside a mountain. The spur of rock jutting near the coast makes approach from the landward side impossible, allowing a sea-facing defence all that is required. Inside the mountain are the barracks, reactor, sensors and armoury for the base. This neatly protects these vulnerable areas behind solid rock. On the top of the mountain an area has been levelled off so that the Tempest Cannons and Aspis shield generator have an uninterrupted view. The shield generator provides a ‘bubble’ about 2km across. It protects against not just aerial attack, but also mortars and other high elevation weapons. To account for terrain and friendly the bubble stops about 20 metres above the ground. Naturally this needs to be deactivated for the fort’s artillery or aircraft to be used.
Fort Kerrigan has plenty of anti-personnel and rapid firing weapons. This is especially important since the relatively small garrison is expected to defend against an enemy many times its own size. Therefore, the fortres is shielded by long defence works and fortifications. This can the base defences into a death trap for assaulting infantry. However, the perimeter is very long. Indeed, less than one trooper is available per metre of line. Firemane has compensated by deploying an array of weapons that can cause maximum carnage. Moreover, the base is protected by artillery embedded in bunkers and both aircraft and surface ships can be stationed here.
The fortress used to be protected by an extensive trench system because it was designed against low tech enemies. The open trenches and long defence works would have been a death trap against a modern foe, but were useful against the Xioquo because they had a roughly early industrial age level of technology. However, the fortress' purpose has changed and so the defences have been removed. Instead Fort Kerrigan has spreadout strongpoints with missile and weapons emplacements, instead anti-air artillery. Supplies can be brought in by sea, air or via one of the access roads. The land the base has been built on is privately owned by Firemane. The base is equipped with potent monitoring equipment, allowing it to track movements, intercept and decode transmissions. It goes without saying that this is used for intelligence gathering purposes on the continent and beyond.
Housing for both civilian and military personnel is provided by Firemane. Adequate housing is important for morale. Being part of a tightly-knit military community helps foster an espirit de corps, enhancing the cohesion of the forces stationed at the location. Of course, military units rotate, especially when there is a campaign going on, but regulars in particular can expect to be stationed here for an extended period of time.
Military housing varies by rank, with more senior service members having access to better options. Reward and length of service also plays a role. Given the size of the base, it is a bit like living in a small town. This is by design since many base residents are not native to the area and so being surrounded by things that are familiar helps them adjust and put down roots. The amenities on the base are open to all members of the forces. Fort Kerrigan has a commissary on-site. Here residents can purchase groceries. Moreover, there are medical facilities, gyms and other recreational areas. Firemane also provides live entertainment. Singers, and other entertainers often perform for base personnel. Moreover, the base features a multi-denominated religious shrine that provides a place of religious worship for the believers among the base personnel. The base is located close to a garrison town called Skrael Floe and soldiers often visit during their off-hours.
The Firemane Provosts serve as military police. As such as they are responsible for law enforcement on the base. This gives them powers of arrest over military and civilian personnel on the base. They also handle installation security, provide protection for certain military officers and manage the prison. In addition, handle more mundane tasks such as traffic control and assist civilian police forces in nearby settlements. The Provosts are the military formation visitors to the base and civilian employees will generally interact with. To make it easy to identify them, they wear a black brassard with the letters 'MP' imprinted upon them and a blue beret.
Elements of the Ironfire Division are also stationed here. This is a unit with a droid rank and file and organic officers. The Ironfires have garrisoning, rear echelon security and construction duties. These are tasks droids are perfect for since they cannot be bribed and do not require sleep. They are often assigned to guard supply depots, carry out patrols, inspect new arrivals etc.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Commissary: A grocery store where base personnel - both military and civilian - can purchase foodstuffs and household goods. A prospective customer must show their Firemane ID card in order to buy any items. Food is sold at a cost, plus a 5% markup to cover building new commissaries. Generally, a buyer with the shopping habits of the average consumer will save thiry percent when they shop at the commissary instead of a civilian store, though this can vary.
Base Exchange: While the Commissary is the base's grocery store, the Exchange is its equivalent of a department store. It sells consumer goods to authorised individuals. This encompasses soldiers who are active duty, retired or reservists as well as their dependents. It is also open for civilian employees of Firemane and their dependents. As with the Commissary, prospective customers must show their ID. It operates on a for-profit basis. It also has a uniform shop, a barber, laundry and dry cleaning.
Barracks: Military personnel are housed here. There are several barracks in the base. The dormitories are separated by enlisted, NCOs, officers, and high command. The variation in size is minor. However, enlisted and NCO dormitories lack special amenities such as small kitchens, in contrast to those reserved for higher-ranking personnel. But they are equipped with private restrooms, a holonet connection and other basics. Mess halls are also found here. Visiting members of the military are also billeted here. This would also include Siobhan since she likes to make a show out of being 'one of the troops'. The barracks are connected to the armoury, medical centre and recreational areas.
Silos: These are large, underground storehouses that serve as supply depots. They are filled with all the supplies the garrison needs to sustain itself and remain healthy, like dehydrated provisions, medical supplies, tools and so on. Echani graphite containers are used for storage because they are cheap and remarkably durable. The Silos tend to be guarded by droid soldiers from the Ironfire Division. Droids are perfect for unglamorous but vital duties since they can be relied upon not to take bribes. Or eat the provisions, for that matter.
Chillmarch Cemetery: The official name is Fort Kerrigan Firemane Cemetery. Regardless, it is a cemetery complex for honourably discharged veterans and former service members who served at Fort Kerrigan or received training there, as well as their spouses. Both casketed and cremated remains are accepted. The military cemetery is enclosed by a wall. Memorial Day celebrations are major events on the base. The headstones are covered in snow during winter.
The names of service members from Fort Kerrigan who were killed in action have been etched in a granite obelisk. Lately the names of Xioquo soldiers have been added. There is a granite and bronze memorial to the FNS Orion, Firemane's first surface corvette that was deployed on Tygara from the early days of First Contact with the natives. It honours the crew members of the ship who perished when it was destroyed during the Xioquo War.
The White Azure: A little cantina run by Xioquo civilian contractors and named after a potent Xioquo liquor. Given the predominant climate at Fort Kerrigan, it is also a reference to to all the snow during winter time. The cantina is quite popular and sometimes entertainers hired by Firemane perform here for the troops.
Warden of the Eternal Rest: A grey stone statue with styled robes and hood to cover features which might show species or gender. It looks down at the cemetery and in its hands is a broken sword which it is laying to rest with the fallen.
Mess Hall: A place for all inhabitants of the base to come together and enjoy a hot meal, regardless of rank. Eldorai have a higher metabolism than humans, so they appreciate the fact that the food is actually quite decent.
Armoury: Built inside the vast mountain. Weapons and munitions are stored here. It also acts as a military workshop of sorts. The quartermaster's office is located here. Echani graphite containers are used to store ammunition, power cells and ordinance.
Command Post: The strategic and tactical nerve centre of the base. As it with other critical installations, it has been built into the mountain. One can find base command, meeting rooms and various office spaces for for the officers who keep Fort Kerrigan up and running. It also features briefing and communications rooms, with com-scans and other equipment needed to coordinate the various functions of the base. The thick walls are made out of Ferrocrete. Enlightenment Communicators have been set up in the communications rooms of both command centres. Fort Kerrigan coordinates many Firemane operations in this sector; hence the need for a sophisticated communications infrastructure. The doors have Graphite Mesh Reinforcement to increase protection.
Northwind Hospital: A state-of-the art facility that provides medical care to Firemane service members, civilian employees and allies. Moreover, Firemane's medical corps coordinates many humanitarian operations in the region from here. Aside from conventional remedies, there is also a small cadre of Force healers. Some native healers have found employment here. This allows them to learn about modern medicine and teach the foreigners their skills.
Parade Grounds: The parade grounds are used for, as the name implies, parades during official functions, as well as when the highups want to give speeches to the garrison. The massive square can accommodate several thousands and armoured vehicles.
Guardian Tower: Disguised as a simple watchtower, this small tower acts as a listening post and tracks movements in orbit. The tower is run by the signals intelligence section of the GRU. It features a 9954/I sensor array. This sensor array can scan effectively up to near-orbital range and is linked to several satellites, further boosting its range. It has been paired with a life form indicator. Moreover, the tower is equipped with a subspace radio and HoloNet transceiver. This enables it to receive and decode transmissions picked up by the tower.
Gymnasium: A large sports complex. When it comes to use, soldiers have priority and other eligible Firemane personnel have access on a space-available basis. It includes, among other things, a grav-ball court, weight and cardio rooms, and a shock boxing arena.
Training Facilities: Aside from standard facilities such as a live-fire range, this area also encompasses a small mock-up village. This allows soldiers to conduct mock manoeuvres, such as clearing and holding a settlement. Battle droids are available for combat. Alternately two teams of soldiers may face each other in mock combat, using blasters set to stun. Holograms can be used on the shooting range to simulate rapidly moving or static targets. Moreover, the complex houses flight and combat simulators.
Detention Complex: The base's prison facility. It is run by the Firemane Provosts. Prisoners are held in holding cells, protected by ray shields and heavy turadium blast doors. When it comes to Force-Using prisoners, ysalamiri in oblio tree groves have been positioned around the cells. Force cages are also available.
Harbour: Fort Kerrigan also serves as a sea base. Up to three water ships of frigate size can be docked there, but since vessels of this size are rarely used, the corvettes, patrol boats and transports of Firemane’s northern flotilla can anchor here. Guards have been posted here to check the credentials of any new arrivals, inspect cargo and, of course, stop intruders.
Hangar – built into the mountain and holding attack and support craft. Ammunition and fuel stored in Echani Graphite Containers for added protection. It is also concealed with camouflage netting. Hangar doors use Graphite Mesh Reinforcement to protect them.
Universal Shrine of All the Spirits: A multi-denominated religious shrine that provides a place of religious worship for the believers among the base personnel. Firemane endorses freedom of religion, though hate speech, sedition and the like will not be tolerated. It is frequented primarily by elves who follow the old deities of their people, though others are welcome as well. Elpsis is a frequent visitor when she happens to be at the base.
SECURITY
Maximum
- The base has a substantial garrison composed of regular Firemane troops.This includes, among others, Firemane Motorised Infantry, Firemane Provosts, and Ironfire Division units. There is a significant force of Xioquo auxiliaries and some Qadiri troops. Some Wardens of the Peak are stationed here to and the base serves as a training area for mountain and cold weather warfare. Moreover, there is a cadre of Order of Fire Force adepts of varying skill and abilities.
- Aspis Shield Generator - Set into the mountain it provides protection from all attacks from above but stops about 20 metres above the ground.
- 2x Tempest Cannons - Emplaced into the mountain for orbital fire. The cannons can fire through the shield by deactivating a portion of it at the moment of firing.
- Many e-webs, mortars and missile launchers.
- MK3 Bolters – These are mounted in bunkers and entrenchments to bombard attacking infantry or landing ships.
- Keraunos Missile Turrets – Several located near the Shield Generator, this provide aerial cover if the shield should fall. Others can be found at various strongpoints.
- Fortifications, bunkers and Entangling Cables around the base perimeter. Mobile Barricades can cover points. Soldiers on watch towers maintain a constant eye on the base's defence ring.
- Javelin Weapon Emplacements – Again these are scattered around the fortifications to provide additional firepower against infantry, light vehicles and ships should it be needed.
- Rotary Shattercannons. The emplaced variant is used. These rotary cannons are ideal against infantry and can penetrate medium vehicle armour.
- Ballista Weapon Emplacements – Each of the Ballista emplacements are fortified to provide protection from enemy assault. Some guard the harbour, the rest look out over the sea.
- One squadron of Firemane Artillerists. There is also one Ori'edee-Class Shield Walker, a reserve tank squadron with Devastator and Kardok Main Battle Tanks and a small reserve force of Mag'ladroth and Valora Walkers.
- Atmospheric or space fighters, interceptors, bombers and gunships.
- Water ships of frigate size or smaller can be docked in the harbour.
- Keycards are needed to access sensitive areas in key buildings. Likewise, retina scans are mandatory for important areas, like the reactor or the monitoring facilities. The retinal scanners can detect whether or nor the retina they are scanning belongs to a live person. A network of security cameras monitors the residents of the base. Moreover, the base has a potent signals intelligence infrastructure. Cybersecutiy measures include Rapid Repetition Defence Measures, Pyrowalls and Socketguards.
On the world of Tygara, Fort Kerrigan’s location has a long and sometimes infamous history of being defended. The spire of mountain leading down to a small shelf of land made it an ideal fort and resting point. Research suggests that tunnels into the rock and artefacts from over 3000 years ago indicate it was a raiding camp by the early Xioquo. In an effort to do something about the Xioquo in more recent times, Semiramis III’s mother Adira IV had ordered a palisade be constructed and manned. This fort resisted several probing raids, but after a particularly cold winter the Qadiri were not used to, many of them died. Some of the survivors mutinied and took a ship home. The reduced garrison was overwhelmed by a Xioquo attack on a long winters night and were all killed or enslaved. When a ship returned in the spring they found the impaled bodies of the garrison’s officers as a grim warning.
In more modern times Firemane’s survey of the lands around the Xioquo located the spot and quickly put down an encampment. Deciding that it would serve as a good bastion against the Xioquo and support the more modern defences of the Eldorai capital, Firemane and the Eldorai excavated out the mountain and built a modern fortress. The lines of trenches, artillery positions and Tempest Cannon made it a powerful deterrent against Xioquo raids. The base received the rather egotistical name Fort Kerrigan.
Shortly after its construction, the fort was put to the test and repelled a large Xioquo attack, sinking several of their ships and cutting down several hundred enemy troops. However, the Xioquo were not finished, and since the fort threatened their southerly raiding route they made repeated attempts to take it. The Xioquo assaults finally ceased when a joint coalition of Firemane, Eldorai and Qadiri troops stormed the Underealm. The old oligarchy was overthrown and the awakened Mystra, Paragon and 'goddess' of the Xioquo, was slain in combat. However, while they were placed under an occupation government, the Xioquo were allowed to rebuild and integrate, albeit under a vassal government. Retribution would only cause old hatred to fester and not lead to lasting stability.
This meant that the role of Fort Kerrigan. In time, Xioquo were recruited as Sepoys to guard, defend and train in the base that had been such a thorn in their side. There were practical considerations for this, as they were used to cold weather and thus more resistant to these climes than the Qadiri. Though more peaceful than it was a few years ago, Tygara still had its share of dangers, and there was still the threat of incursions from outer space. Thus Fort Kerrigan continued to serve as a frontier defence. Moreover, Firemane utilised it as a training centre and cold weather acclimatisation camp for Qadiri sepoys.
Over the years, Fort Kerrigan has also become less isolated. It started out as an outpost far away from civilisation, but garrins and military bases often have towns and it was no different here. It gave the base personnel somewhere to go to during their off-hours, and the locals could benefit from the business the military brought in. The new town was called Skrael Floe. Initially it was small outpost with some shops, bar and clubs that catered to the inhabitants of the fort, but grew as time passed. Most of the inhabitants were Xioquo, but the settlement also attracted members of other galactic species that could thrive in the cold. In addition, some of the Firemane soldiers brought their families here. Likewise, some veterans put down roots here after being discharged.
Last edited:
