 |
| Zone 9 is one of the worst places on all Farport |
Zone Nine has always been considered a Slum. In it's earliest form, Zone Nine was a Ghetto to the "Cawdor problem" and always had a large Cawdor population until the Chaos invasion 30 years ago. During the invasion most of Zone Nine was destroyed by the dramatic collapse of Magna Petrum - a massive skyscaper that was one of the largest buildings in Dirtside after the Six Spires. Most of the Cawdor capable of fighting had already abandoned Zone Nine to join the Planetary Defence Force in defence of their homeworld, however this meant only those incapable of fighting remained. Little aide was rendered to the civilians trapped in Zone Nine and those that did survive were easy prey to the most predatory and base of humanity. Zone Nine became a ruin and utterly lawless, effectively forgotten by most on Dirtside side save for the persistent rumours of great riches held within the ruin of Magna Petrum.
Magna Petrum
 |
| Magna Petrum today |
Magna Petrum was said to be the "7th Spire" one that would rival the six Spires and demonstrate the pre-eminence of the Magna Corporation. Magna Corporation had been in a boom period in the lead up to the Chaos invasion and their value had risen tremendously having attracted investors from as far away as the Ultima Sector.
In 0512.009M42 Moonface launched his last, desperate gamble to conquer Farport. It was not the Moonface but his allied Orks that first rampaged throughout the the streets of Dirtside in running battles with the inhabitants. It is unknown whether it was bombardment from the Orks, Moonface or other nefarious means but amidst the fighting Magna Petrum dramatically collapsed. Magna Petrum toppled into Plates 1 and 2 crashing them both and into the Slums of Zone Nine and bedrock beneath, shattering the whole Zone. In the aftermath Magna suffered a dramatic drop in stock prices that sent the whole economy into a depression even with the boom from the War on industry. Soon it conspiracy theories raged both in the splendour of Plate 3 and the squalor beneath Plate 1; the buildings collapse was not enemy attacks, but sabotage from within. The most persistent gossip was that agents of House Delaque were involved as it was no secret that Magna Corp had snubbed one prominent member of the Delaque from joining their board and the collapse of the building was revenge. Even wilder rumours was that Magna Petrum was a source of Magna Corps secrets and their research, even the rumour of tech heresy and hordes of archetech gathered throughout the Segmentum. Of course all of these were just rumours, in the panic of the financial crash Magna did not salvage the contents of the building and the other Corporations dared not move in for fear of starting a Corporation war. Plenty of other smaller attempts to access the corpse of the building however the heavily reinforced structure has always been proof against the resources of enterprising gangs. This changed 4 weeks ago when the PDF conducted a sweep in the area and shot mortar rounds into Magna Petrum out of boredom. By chance this appears to have shifted debris, triggering an artificial earthquake and the building started to move! All the fervour of the conspiracy theories restarted in earnest as word spread of the new situation. Rumours of the inside of the structure now being accessible spread like wildfire throughout Dirtside The Corporations immediately fell into paralysis as they dared each other to make the first move, the politics of plate 3 was that if Magna moved to secure their building it would in the minds of the corporate nobility confirm every rumour and the other corporations feared once again triggering a war between the Corporations. The most persistent rumour - that at the very least the contents of Magna Petrum would be highly valuable, has triggered a gold rush into Zone Nine.
Locations
Algae Farms
Algae Arcology is part of the Mom and Pop Pott's Algae contracting service to the Kotu Corporation, providing nutritious paste for workers on the Mag Lev rail heading north. The Arcology was formerly a Hab Dome belonging to Cawdor immigrants and was an attempt to build a micro biosphere to encourage self sufficiency. This Hab Bio Dome failed on the invasion of Chaos 30 years ago and has since been converted to a Algae farm. Pop Potts makes occasional visits from Zone 7 to check on his investment however the day to day running is managed by Endecott Blonigan
Pilgrims Rest was part of the concerted effort by House Cawdor to develop Zone 9 before the Chaos invasion. As part of their attempts to find a consistent food source for pilgrims visiting Zone 2's Ecclesiacal buildings and those pilgrims seeking to make missions in Farport's more remote settlements. Like the Arcology this was ruined during the Chaos invasion and subsequently acquired by the Potts Algae Contractors. Pop Potts makes occasional visits from Zone 7 to check on his investment however the day to day running is managed by Ortho Casuet.
Brothels
Thrillville started life as a high speed race ground into the wastelands, the opening points being ground of the now brothel. In it's heyday, overpowered and speedy land skiffs would be watched through vid net by thousands, at once discouraged by and sponsored by the Corporations. The tensions within Zone 9 always revolved around the "seedy" race track and Cawdor puritanical way of life, indeed the Thrilleville raceway was believed by anyone not living in Zone 9 to be the best hope of civilizing the Zone. This came to an end during the Chaos invasion and the collapse of Magna Petrum the grounds and buildings of the Thrillville raceway destroyed by debris. Around 10 years ago Larae Civatte setup the Thrillville brothel, themed on the old raceway. Rumours persists in some corners that Larae is in fact a runaway son of an executive in Veritas or even the Imperial Governor. Of course most believe such rumours as ludicrous
Dirtside Delights has been in Zone 9 for as long as anyone can remember, it certainly around before the Chaos Invasion. For those only aware of the name have marvelled at quite how the Delights was not firebombed by the Cawdor immigrant population before the war. The truth is that the Delights is one of the most well hidden and best defended locations in the entire Zone, being situated underground with it's own sealed environment. For many this would suggest that the Delights would undoubtedly not pay protection to local gangs however it's owner Geruscha Damstadter is happy to keep up the pretence as the suggestion of a conflict could hurt her profit margin.
Drinking Holes
Dorns Den is unsurprisingly named after the Primarch Rogal Dorn. The owner Ol' Hanstche (believed to be Cawdor) still insists that the Drinking Hole was visited during the Great Crusade 10,000 years ago and local barfly Rhys Heincroft is sure to point out that this is not only ridiculous, impossible to confirm but also a minor Blasphemy. Heincroft has always said he "lets Hanstche off" as he means well and the Den is one of the most overtly religious places in all Zone 9 with depictions of Dorn, the Aquila and the Emperor proudly adorning every wall.
The No Zone is not exactly a welcoming place, while Dorns Den is garish in it's devotion, the No Zone is a hovel in a Zone of hovels. This is largely due to owner Olaf Lenkster, a pungent and grumpy man who is ill demeanor is offset by his large supply of liquor. "why waste money on a chair when folk can drink with their arse on the floor" is one of the many sayings professes to oddly welldressed local Colby Irani who always complains even through his best attempts to drink to Zone dry.
Drug Dens
Deadsteel Dealers is the home base of the Deadsteel Dealers Cartel. Strictly small scale, the Dealers have never managed to graduate beyond slum dealing due to their tendency to sample their own product. Most notably the dealers of like their own Grinweed and Obscura, which is also available to any residents, which often causes the main issues with the Corporations due to the affects upon their workforce efficiency. 'Slaught has always been popular with local gangs along with Kalma which they have a small supply. Brothers Udos and Axel are the main "bakers" of the Deadsteal Cartel and nominally run it, as disorganized as a bunch of Obscura addicts are.
Purity Heights considers is self of a better stock than most other dealers and it has been their commitment to maintaining the legacy of their Cawdor founders that has kept them from running afoul of others. Dealing in medicinal and combat based drugs they supply the Fighting Pits around the Zone and in other Zones. Unlike others, Osanna Georg and Marietta Wernher remain in Zone 9 by choice, the low profile afforded and access to the Mag Lev and roadway means they can easily supply large parts of Dirtside from their small operation. Because of this low profile, despite their own wealth they are happy to cooperate with local gangs.
Factory's
Pistons and Pipes was before the falling of Magna Petrum the workshop of the Cawdor immigrants, from here the Cawdor constructed most their endeavours in Zone 9, from Recyc to Water Pipes, it came from Rust Tooth Salvage, melted down and reforged within the Pistons and Pipes Factory. Falling largely into disuse, the machines within the workshop are still largely functional and could be used again by those prepared to work them.
Fraggin Flaks produce weapons and armour, having taken setup shop in a derelict tenement and started production with the sole intention of supplying those seeking to find their fortune in Zone 9.
Fighting Pits
Snakepit Fighters pit is a long standing pit that was initially setup in a agreement between Brock Iron Jaw and Norhust Onra. The hulking goliath and sly Delaque made an odd couple but they've gotten on well. Brock is getting on now for a Goliath, being 33 standard years old and his been regularly attended by both Doc Houser. Rhys Heincroft is a regular visitor along with Gema Wynter who scouts for promising fighters. Both Brock and Norhust consider their business a "purist" sport, far superior to enhanced pits. Gangers who run the areas around Snakepit Fighters often take up the "open challenge" where locals can fight trained gladiators - the key is not to win, but simply last out the timer.
Real Steel Pit in complete contrast to Snakepit fighters has a great emphasis on enhanced warriors with Bionics and grating. While Snakepit have plenty of hulking Goliaths Gladiators, Real Steel flood their pit with enslaved Pit Fighters and Chrono-gladiators. They have a stronger following on Vid-net than Snakepit and many other more "upmarket" fighting pits on plate two by giving the most in gore soaked arena fights. Barely human monstrosities eviscerate scores of enslaved humans and captured dissidents, who are largely supplied by Rusa Jula, a flesh trader from Plate 2. To keep the bionics and weaponry maintained, RSP have employed local weapon smith Shizoku Bancroft. For gangers, there are plenty security roles, from guarding the prisoners to keeping the extremely rowdy crowds in line, which despite the destitution of Zone 9, even have the occasional bored child of the Spires come to see the carnage first hand.
Friendly Docs
Hub One Docs was setup in the aftermath of the Magna Petrum collapse as a triage centre by the Adeptus Sororitas Hospitaller. After the Chaos Incursion the Hospitaller prepared to leave but at the request of Frateris Curis – a small group of irregular volunteers the Hospitaller agreed to leave the triage centre. Since this time the Frateris Curis have managed to secure more training and support from the Adeptus Ministorum. This support had waned in recent years, however the recent plague outbreak emboldened their few supporters within the Ministorum demanding if these organisations had received support the epidemic would never have occurred. Particularly supportive is the radical Deacon Constantin Erlemannus, an open adherent of the Redemptionist creed. Constantin is a standard bearer of the Cawdor cause on Farport, often seen by the Standard Bearer of the of the “Cawdor problem” by the Corporations. Hub One Docs are always grateful for support in travelling to the settlements and offer discounts to those gangs willing to help.
 |
| The Adepta Sororitas Hospitaller established Hub One |
Doc Houser is a cantankerous doctor that previously travelled to Zone 9 and has now simply remained in the area. She has several tattoos and a well maintained las rifle that would suggest that she is a former member of the military, most likely the PDF. Whether she is AWOL or completed her service is unknown and due to her skills, no one really cares. What is most likely is that Doc Houser was involved in the wars against Chaos in her youth and saw the horrors of that war.
Gambling Dens
Outpost 3771 was used by the PDF for forays into the ruins in Zone 9. For the most part the PDF very rarely left the 3771 as there was very little oversight and frankly, no one cared all that much to flush out malcontents. It was at 3771 that the PDF frequently took pot shots with mortars and Heavy Bolters at the building and was quickly abandoned when Magna Petrum began to move. Now the abandoned Outpost serves as residence to gamblers.
Sourspire only setup only in the last two weeks, Sourspire is run by Vance Foxwell seeking to capitalise on the goldrush in Zone 9. Sourspire has already had trouble with locals attempting to cheat, most notably there was a firefight recently when another recent local Elidia Hewett had an altercation with Foxwell that was believed to be over cheating.
Mines
Rust Tooth Salvage is one of the long standing claims in Zone 9. Setup before the Chaos War, the immigrants of House Cawdor would transport any and all scrap to Rust tooth to re-use throughout Zone 9. Initially named for the first Cawdor foreman before the war, who if the story was to be believed replaced his missing teeth with ones fashioned from his salvage.
Wreckton Claim is one of the the recent claims within Zone 9 and certainly the largest. Formed from the uppermost structure of Magna Petrum that broke off from the main surviving body, it is a tangled mess of rockcrete and plasteel. However each of these in the slums are valuable commodities, as both are of the highest quality.
Settlements
Sludge Falls gained it's unfortunate name somewhat literally. When Magna Petrum collapsed and crashed through Plate 2 and 3 the recyc works from the plates were broken and flushed down into Zone 9. Since that time the the recyc works above has been replaced and the old works disused. Since that time the old works still receive water flow and this flushes through the plates into Zone 9, bringing all the detritus with it. The residents of Sludge Falls sift the water and clean the water to get something resembling clean water. Most of the influx of explorers have ventured to Sludge Falls as despite the name it's access to water makes it more popular.
Beggar Downs is located in the southern region and has gained it's name from the beggars driven out of other Zones and forced to settle in Zone 9. Universally poor even for the Zone 9 ruins most are desperate to get out but trapped in their own circumstances and would readily accept any oppertunity
Toll Roads
The Tip is the checkpoint before the repaired roads and Mag Lev tracks where Magna Petrum fell. Rising high above it still has to be regularly cleared due to fallen detritus from the damaged and partially repaired plates. The Corporate Guilders running the check point are poorly paid and regularly supplement their income from any bribes they can received.
Last Stop is the nickname given to the the checkpoint leading into Zone 9 and the slums. Largely considered the “Last Stop” before leaving the city by those travelling to the spaceport, very few actually use it other than to gawp at the collapsed Magna Petrum.
Tunnels
Broken Water Pipes in it's heyday was a marvel of Cawdor ingenuity. Constructed exclusively from recovered scrap it provided water to the whole Zone. Sadly this network was utterly ruined with the collapse of Magna Petrum. However for those that have the access points it provides an excellent measure of moving throughout the Zone unnoticed.
Abandoned Sewer Network as part of the Cawdor efforts to improve the territory they constructed a network of sewers underground that were never completed before Magna Petrum fell.
Weapons Shops
Omnissiahs Emporium is run by former pit fighter Roos and is second only to Dorns Den in religious paraphernalia though these all to the Omnissiah. Roos has largely be replaced with cybernetics and spends much of their time maintaining their bionics. Retired from Real Steel pit some years ago, Roos has secured contracts with a trader "Rex" Auber for sending munitions to the listening outposts in the mountains and munitions for purges of plague victims in the slums.
Gambling Dens
Outpost 3771 was used by the PDF for forays into the ruins in Zone 9. For the most part the PDF very rarely left the 3771 as there was very little oversight and frankly, no one cared all that much to flush out malcontents. It was at 3771 that the PDF frequently took pot shots with mortars and Heavy Bolters at the building and was quickly abandoned when Magna Petrum began to move. Now the abandoned Outpost serves as residence to gamblers.
Sourspire only setup only in the last two weeks, Sourspire is run by Vance Foxwell seeking to capitalise on the goldrush in Zone 9. Sourspire has already had trouble with locals attempting to cheat, most notably there was a firefight recently when another recent local Elidia Hewett had an altercation with Foxwell that was believed to be over cheating.
Mines
Rust Tooth Salvage is one of the long standing claims in Zone 9. Setup before the Chaos War, the immigrants of House Cawdor would transport any and all scrap to Rust tooth to re-use throughout Zone 9. Initially named for the first Cawdor foreman before the war, who if the story was to be believed replaced his missing teeth with ones fashioned from his salvage.
Wreckton Claim is one of the the recent claims within Zone 9 and certainly the largest. Formed from the uppermost structure of Magna Petrum that broke off from the main surviving body, it is a tangled mess of rockcrete and plasteel. However each of these in the slums are valuable commodities, as both are of the highest quality.
Settlements
Sludge Falls gained it's unfortunate name somewhat literally. When Magna Petrum collapsed and crashed through Plate 2 and 3 the recyc works from the plates were broken and flushed down into Zone 9. Since that time the the recyc works above has been replaced and the old works disused. Since that time the old works still receive water flow and this flushes through the plates into Zone 9, bringing all the detritus with it. The residents of Sludge Falls sift the water and clean the water to get something resembling clean water. Most of the influx of explorers have ventured to Sludge Falls as despite the name it's access to water makes it more popular.
Beggar Downs is located in the southern region and has gained it's name from the beggars driven out of other Zones and forced to settle in Zone 9. Universally poor even for the Zone 9 ruins most are desperate to get out but trapped in their own circumstances and would readily accept any oppertunity
Toll Roads
The Tip is the checkpoint before the repaired roads and Mag Lev tracks where Magna Petrum fell. Rising high above it still has to be regularly cleared due to fallen detritus from the damaged and partially repaired plates. The Corporate Guilders running the check point are poorly paid and regularly supplement their income from any bribes they can received.
Last Stop is the nickname given to the the checkpoint leading into Zone 9 and the slums. Largely considered the “Last Stop” before leaving the city by those travelling to the spaceport, very few actually use it other than to gawp at the collapsed Magna Petrum.
Tunnels
Broken Water Pipes in it's heyday was a marvel of Cawdor ingenuity. Constructed exclusively from recovered scrap it provided water to the whole Zone. Sadly this network was utterly ruined with the collapse of Magna Petrum. However for those that have the access points it provides an excellent measure of moving throughout the Zone unnoticed.
Abandoned Sewer Network as part of the Cawdor efforts to improve the territory they constructed a network of sewers underground that were never completed before Magna Petrum fell.
Weapons Shops
Omnissiahs Emporium is run by former pit fighter Roos and is second only to Dorns Den in religious paraphernalia though these all to the Omnissiah. Roos has largely be replaced with cybernetics and spends much of their time maintaining their bionics. Retired from Real Steel pit some years ago, Roos has secured contracts with a trader "Rex" Auber for sending munitions to the listening outposts in the mountains and munitions for purges of plague victims in the slums.
 |
| Roos in his Gladatorial Days |
Fort Dirtside Weapons Emporium Only sprung up a month before the Maga Petrum goldrush rumours started, which was particularly well timed. Trader "Rex" Auber is believed to have supplied munitions as far away as Carsonville, Haven and North Liberty. Initially subject of a frackus between her and Roos of Omnissiahs Emporium while drinking in the No Zone, this was seemingly resolved amicably with involving Roos in her supply contracts.
 |
| Rex Auber |
No comments:
Post a Comment