On a flat Earth, the nations of the world have coalesced around an effort to cross the all-encompassing ice wall. It is now up to you to prepare for and, eventually, embark on an expedition to achieve that goal. Will you discover what lays beyond those towering glaciers?
Across the Ice Wall
- Thread starter triyon33
- Start date
- Original
- Created
- Status
- Ongoing
- Watchers
- 56
- Recent readers
- 0
- Threadmarks
- 9
-
Statistics (4 threadmarks, 4.9k words)
User Total triyon33 4 -
Loading…
-
Loading…
Prologue
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Prologue
For centuries the walls were insurmountable by humanity, but the advent of aviation would change that. The accounts that trickled back painted a picture of glacial waste that was lifeless and static. However, no pilot dared to fly too deep into the white expanse. The possibility of something further beyond captured the minds of many, but the resources and planning required to even scale the ice wall, let alone go further out, remained a significant hurdle. Any effort would likely require governmental backing which remained unforthcoming, as the nations of the world found themselves engulfed in a great war.
But with the war now over, the eyes of the world have once again turned towards the ice walls. In an effort to promote peace and global cooperation, the nations of the world have coalesced around an initiative to finally explore the ice walls, with the ultimate goal of discovering what, if anything, lays beyond them. A council of figures form participating nations has convened for the first time today to discuss and decide how to begin this gargantuan undertaking. The top tasks on the agenda are to select a head and base of operations.
Head of Operations:
[ ] Jordan Aukatsang - The son of a low-level noble in the Holy Kingdom of Bod. Jordan would spend a decade working as a civil servant and would become well-known for his on-the-ground efforts to connect the Kingdom's mountainous reaches. These efforts would crystallize into several proper expeditions to the peaks of the Himalayas, culminating in his leadership of the first expedition to summit Chomolungma. (Begin with +1 Exploration Dice and a Pioneer Background)
[ ] Dídac Rasgado - Being born in Punta Arenas, Dídac Rasgado spent most of his early life with the ice wall just over the horizon. His entry into the military and service in the Ten Year War on the side of the Platinean Confederacy would take him far away from those glacial expanses. But he would eventually return; this time as an admiral leading a military survey of the Platinean-claimed section of the wall. (Begin with +1 Development Dice and an Officer Background)
[ ] Lara Stepanova - Daughter of the famed aviation pioneer Valery Stepanov. A brush with death in a plane accident early in adulthood would find her taking a radically different path than her father becoming a scientist. Trained in paleontology and geology at the University of Pereislav, Lara has accumulated years of experience working in the cold wastes of Siberia, but has also been involved in some short expeditions to the ice wall. (Begin with +1 Research Dice and a Scientist Background)
Base of Operations:
[ ] Ushuaia, Platinean Confederacy - Located in the Tierra del Fuego and widely regarded as the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia boasts a population of around 50,000 and has the amenities that would be associated with a city of that size, including a harbor and an airstrip. Although it has no outstanding qualities on its own, its significant proximity to the ice walls makes it a location of interest for a base of operations. (Begin with +40 Resources per Month and a 2:1 Conversion of Resources to Supplies)
[ ] New Canterbury, United States of Australasia - The largest city on New Zealand's South Island. New Canterbury has been rebuilt with modernized infrastructure following a devastating earthquake a decade ago. Its island location still renders it somewhat isolated from mainland logistics networks, but the state of the art port and airport facilities have caught the eye of planners. (Begin with +60 Resources per Month and a 4:1 Conversion of Resources to Supplies)
[ ] iKapa, Kingdom of Xhosa - Also known as Cape Town, this city is by far the largest of the options being considered. Along with extensive facilities to support a wide variety of operation, it also has a robust manufacturing sector making it possible for necessary equipment to be produced locally if required. However, compared to the other options, it is relatively distant from the ice walls. (Begin with +80 Resources per Month and an 8:1 Conversion of Resources to Supplies)
Voting is open.
Current Stats
- Pronouns
- He/Him
The International Ice Wall Expedition (IIWE)
Head of Operation: Lara Stepanova
Base of Operations: Ushuaia, Platinean Confederacy
Resources: 40 (+40 per Month)
Supplies: 15
Results: 0
Resource-to-Supply Conversion Ratio: 2:1
Exploration Dice: 2
Development Dice: 2
Research Dice: 3
List of Accomplishments:
Last edited:
Voting Closed
TURN 1 | January, Year 1
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Winning Votes:
[X] Lara Stepanova - Daughter of the famed aviation pioneer Valery Stepanov. A brush with death in a plane accident early in adulthood would find her taking a radically different path than her father becoming a scientist. Trained in paleontology and geology at the University of Pereislav, Lara has accumulated years of experience working in the cold wastes of Siberia, but has also been involved in some short expeditions to the ice wall. (Begin with +1 Research Dice and a Scientist Background)
[X] Ushuaia, Platinean Confederacy - Located in the Tierra del Fuego and widely regarded as the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia boasts a population of around 50,000 and has the amenities that would be associated with a city of that size, including a harbor and an airstrip. Although it has no outstanding qualities on its own, its significant proximity to the ice walls makes it a location of interest for a base of operations. (Begin with +40 Resources per Month and a 2:1 Conversion of Resources to Supplies)
Resources: 40 (+40 per Month)
Supplies: 15
Results: 0
Lara Stepanova puffed her cigarette one last time as the plane skidded to a halt on the runway and began its short taxi. She didn't typically smoke, but it was a vice she afforded herself while flying; it took the edge off. The plane stopped on the apron and Lara looked out the window while the attendants hurried around the cabin. A small truck waited outside. The military symbols on its hood had been hastily covered over with white paint and "IIWE" in block letters. It was her ride.
The drive to the Expedition's provisional headquarters was quick. It was currently located in a warehouse near Ushuaia's port. The bulk of it was taken up by neatly organized pallets of supplies, but a section had been partitioned to act as a meager set of offices and meeting rooms. It was totally inadequate. But Lara knew it was only a stopgap measure while more sufficient accommodations were prepared. She walked through the hastily-made space towards her office.
Like the rest of the provisional headquarters, Lara's office was sparse. A metal desk with a typewriter, a set of filing cabinets, and an empty shelf. Lara didn't particularly mind it during the times she had an office she never really took to furnishing it. This was in part due to her work being filled with travel. Nevertheless, her new office had a comforting familiarity to it.
Lara took a seat behind the desk. A sheaf of documents had already accumulated, and she began leafing through them. There was much to be done and an all-hands meeting had been scheduled for later today. Along with formally introducing herself, a basic agenda for this first month would need to be set. For the first time, the breadth of the job she had been appointed to and so graciously accepted seemed to be sinking in. She felt overwhelmed, certainly, but also determined. She began to pore over the documents on her desk and furiously take notes.
Exploration (2 Dice):
[ ] Complete "The High Jump" - Before the ice walls can be crossed, they must first be scaled. Standing 6,000 meters tall on average, the pilots that have undertaken overflights of the walls have taken to referring to it as "The High Jump". However, a human has yet to touch foot on the surface. This must change. Taking advantage of the leaps and bounds made in parachuting during the Great War, a six-person team will be paradropped with supplies atop the ice walls for a week-long survey and exploration mission. (5 Supplies + Exploration Die, DC40)
[ ] Begin Initial Survey Flights - So far, all attempts to conduct aerial surveys of the ice walls have been small-scale and localized to certain areas of interest. Nevertheless, they have provided an abundance of data to work with, but this only further proves that more extensive and methodical aerial surveying is necessary. Such surveys will be crucial for developing the first maps of the walls and selecting a suitable location to set up a base camp. (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
[ ] Establish Drift Ice Station - Although not on the ice walls themselves, establishing a semipermanent camp on the drift ice around the walls could serve as an important stepping stone. A drift ice station will provide personnel with needed experience in remote subzero environments and can serve as a testbed for new construction techniques adapted to the hostile conditions. Furthermore, the development, interactions, and fate of drift ice is an important area of glaciology and a station is certain to benefit continued research. (10 Resources per Die, 0/100)
Development (2 Dice):
[ ] Complete Move-In - The Platinean Navy, one of the Expedition's primary backers, has been gracious enough to offer a place to locate our headquarters in an unused outbuilding near their naval base in Ushuaia. Currently, operations are being conducted out of a partitioned area in a port warehouse used to store supplies. This is obviously less than ideal, and moving into a proper building ought to improve the efficiency of the planning and administrative side of operations. (Development Die, DC30)
[ ] Winterize Vehicles - A majority of the vehicles lended to the expedition were intended for use in more temperate environments. Although currently not an issue with summer upon Ushuaia, this will change when winter comes and when operating vehicles on the ice walls. Installing heaters in vehicle engines and batteries, among other measures, will go a long way to preventing the weather from getting in the way of operations. (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
[ ] Improve Air Strip - Ushuaia's airstrip is well-equipped to handle the standard arrivals and departures of tourists and cargo that come to the city. But the beginning of the Expedition will push the single-runway strip to its limits and at some point it may become a limiting factor on support and survey operations. Although adding another runway is currently out of the question, adding more plane stands and extending the existing runway would make a prudent investment. (10 Resources per Die, 0/150)
[ ] Integrate Logistics Connections - The roads and railways that link Ushuaia to the rest of the Platinean Confederation are as important to the IIWE as they are to the city itself. As of now, these logistical links are relatively loose and uncoordinated, which ought to be expected given the Expedition's recent arrival. A significant investment will be required to integrate into these logistics networks, but will ultimately provide better access to the resources of the mainland. (10 Resources per Die, 0/250)
Research (3 Dice):
[ ] Request University Assistance - Lara knows well that science is inherently collaborative, and the Expedition is certainly no exception as can be seen in its international nature. However, there has so far been no collaboration with the centers of education and research, universities. Lara sees this as a missed opportunity and wants to change this, hoping to take advantage of the extensive contacts she has in the academic community to accomplish this. (Free Action)
[ ] Launch Weather Balloons - Like most aspects of the walls, its weather patterns remains critically understudied. Periodically launching weather balloons over the walls will fill in many meteorological gaps and go a long way towards efforts at forecasting weather in the area. This is not only of purely scientific value, but will be of crucial utility to any efforts to explore the ice walls. (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
[ ] Research Arctic Survival - Although no other place on Earth is completely similar to the ice walls, there are several regions that roughly approximate it in one aspect or another. One of these is the Arctic Circle. Survival techniques in this region have been uniquely adapted to the consistent cold temperatures and remoteness from civilization. Researching and applying these techniques will improve survivability until a time when techniques specific to the ice walls can be developed. (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
[ ] Improve Rations - Backing nations have granted the IIWE a significant stock of rations with most of it being military surplus from the Great War. These rations are perfectly serviceable for feeding our expeditions in their current state, but it is obvious there is room for improvement considering that they were designed for war-fighting rather than exploration. By tweaking portions and modifying packaging, a ration that is more fit for our needs can be created. (5 Resources per Die, 0/125)
[ ] Study Altitude Effects - At the ice walls elevation, air pressure is only around 50% of what it is at sea level. This has significant physiological effects including the possibility of altitude sickness and further life threatening complications. Collecting existing research into the biological effects of altitude and conducting our own studies will allow us to develop ways to rapidly identify and treat altitude sickness even in extreme environments. (10 Resources per Die, 0/150)
6 hour moratorium. Vote-by-Plan.
[X] Lara Stepanova - Daughter of the famed aviation pioneer Valery Stepanov. A brush with death in a plane accident early in adulthood would find her taking a radically different path than her father becoming a scientist. Trained in paleontology and geology at the University of Pereislav, Lara has accumulated years of experience working in the cold wastes of Siberia, but has also been involved in some short expeditions to the ice wall. (Begin with +1 Research Dice and a Scientist Background)
[X] Ushuaia, Platinean Confederacy - Located in the Tierra del Fuego and widely regarded as the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia boasts a population of around 50,000 and has the amenities that would be associated with a city of that size, including a harbor and an airstrip. Although it has no outstanding qualities on its own, its significant proximity to the ice walls makes it a location of interest for a base of operations. (Begin with +40 Resources per Month and a 2:1 Conversion of Resources to Supplies)
January, Year 1
Resources: 40 (+40 per Month)
Supplies: 15
Results: 0
Lara Stepanova puffed her cigarette one last time as the plane skidded to a halt on the runway and began its short taxi. She didn't typically smoke, but it was a vice she afforded herself while flying; it took the edge off. The plane stopped on the apron and Lara looked out the window while the attendants hurried around the cabin. A small truck waited outside. The military symbols on its hood had been hastily covered over with white paint and "IIWE" in block letters. It was her ride.
The drive to the Expedition's provisional headquarters was quick. It was currently located in a warehouse near Ushuaia's port. The bulk of it was taken up by neatly organized pallets of supplies, but a section had been partitioned to act as a meager set of offices and meeting rooms. It was totally inadequate. But Lara knew it was only a stopgap measure while more sufficient accommodations were prepared. She walked through the hastily-made space towards her office.
Like the rest of the provisional headquarters, Lara's office was sparse. A metal desk with a typewriter, a set of filing cabinets, and an empty shelf. Lara didn't particularly mind it during the times she had an office she never really took to furnishing it. This was in part due to her work being filled with travel. Nevertheless, her new office had a comforting familiarity to it.
Lara took a seat behind the desk. A sheaf of documents had already accumulated, and she began leafing through them. There was much to be done and an all-hands meeting had been scheduled for later today. Along with formally introducing herself, a basic agenda for this first month would need to be set. For the first time, the breadth of the job she had been appointed to and so graciously accepted seemed to be sinking in. She felt overwhelmed, certainly, but also determined. She began to pore over the documents on her desk and furiously take notes.
Exploration (2 Dice):
[ ] Complete "The High Jump" - Before the ice walls can be crossed, they must first be scaled. Standing 6,000 meters tall on average, the pilots that have undertaken overflights of the walls have taken to referring to it as "The High Jump". However, a human has yet to touch foot on the surface. This must change. Taking advantage of the leaps and bounds made in parachuting during the Great War, a six-person team will be paradropped with supplies atop the ice walls for a week-long survey and exploration mission. (5 Supplies + Exploration Die, DC40)
[ ] Begin Initial Survey Flights - So far, all attempts to conduct aerial surveys of the ice walls have been small-scale and localized to certain areas of interest. Nevertheless, they have provided an abundance of data to work with, but this only further proves that more extensive and methodical aerial surveying is necessary. Such surveys will be crucial for developing the first maps of the walls and selecting a suitable location to set up a base camp. (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
[ ] Establish Drift Ice Station - Although not on the ice walls themselves, establishing a semipermanent camp on the drift ice around the walls could serve as an important stepping stone. A drift ice station will provide personnel with needed experience in remote subzero environments and can serve as a testbed for new construction techniques adapted to the hostile conditions. Furthermore, the development, interactions, and fate of drift ice is an important area of glaciology and a station is certain to benefit continued research. (10 Resources per Die, 0/100)
Development (2 Dice):
[ ] Complete Move-In - The Platinean Navy, one of the Expedition's primary backers, has been gracious enough to offer a place to locate our headquarters in an unused outbuilding near their naval base in Ushuaia. Currently, operations are being conducted out of a partitioned area in a port warehouse used to store supplies. This is obviously less than ideal, and moving into a proper building ought to improve the efficiency of the planning and administrative side of operations. (Development Die, DC30)
[ ] Winterize Vehicles - A majority of the vehicles lended to the expedition were intended for use in more temperate environments. Although currently not an issue with summer upon Ushuaia, this will change when winter comes and when operating vehicles on the ice walls. Installing heaters in vehicle engines and batteries, among other measures, will go a long way to preventing the weather from getting in the way of operations. (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
[ ] Improve Air Strip - Ushuaia's airstrip is well-equipped to handle the standard arrivals and departures of tourists and cargo that come to the city. But the beginning of the Expedition will push the single-runway strip to its limits and at some point it may become a limiting factor on support and survey operations. Although adding another runway is currently out of the question, adding more plane stands and extending the existing runway would make a prudent investment. (10 Resources per Die, 0/150)
[ ] Integrate Logistics Connections - The roads and railways that link Ushuaia to the rest of the Platinean Confederation are as important to the IIWE as they are to the city itself. As of now, these logistical links are relatively loose and uncoordinated, which ought to be expected given the Expedition's recent arrival. A significant investment will be required to integrate into these logistics networks, but will ultimately provide better access to the resources of the mainland. (10 Resources per Die, 0/250)
Research (3 Dice):
[ ] Request University Assistance - Lara knows well that science is inherently collaborative, and the Expedition is certainly no exception as can be seen in its international nature. However, there has so far been no collaboration with the centers of education and research, universities. Lara sees this as a missed opportunity and wants to change this, hoping to take advantage of the extensive contacts she has in the academic community to accomplish this. (Free Action)
[ ] Launch Weather Balloons - Like most aspects of the walls, its weather patterns remains critically understudied. Periodically launching weather balloons over the walls will fill in many meteorological gaps and go a long way towards efforts at forecasting weather in the area. This is not only of purely scientific value, but will be of crucial utility to any efforts to explore the ice walls. (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
[ ] Research Arctic Survival - Although no other place on Earth is completely similar to the ice walls, there are several regions that roughly approximate it in one aspect or another. One of these is the Arctic Circle. Survival techniques in this region have been uniquely adapted to the consistent cold temperatures and remoteness from civilization. Researching and applying these techniques will improve survivability until a time when techniques specific to the ice walls can be developed. (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
[ ] Improve Rations - Backing nations have granted the IIWE a significant stock of rations with most of it being military surplus from the Great War. These rations are perfectly serviceable for feeding our expeditions in their current state, but it is obvious there is room for improvement considering that they were designed for war-fighting rather than exploration. By tweaking portions and modifying packaging, a ration that is more fit for our needs can be created. (5 Resources per Die, 0/125)
[ ] Study Altitude Effects - At the ice walls elevation, air pressure is only around 50% of what it is at sea level. This has significant physiological effects including the possibility of altitude sickness and further life threatening complications. Collecting existing research into the biological effects of altitude and conducting our own studies will allow us to develop ways to rapidly identify and treat altitude sickness even in extreme environments. (10 Resources per Die, 0/150)
6 hour moratorium. Vote-by-Plan.
Voting Closed
TURN 1 OUTCOME | January, Year 1
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Winning Vote:
[X] Plan: Prep work
- [X] Begin Initial Survey Flights (1 die) (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
- [X] Establish Drift Ice Station (1 die) (10 Resources per Die, 0/100)
- [X] Complete Move-In (1 die) (Development Die, DC30)
- [X] Winterize Vehicles (1 die) (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
- [X] Request University Assistance (Free Action)
- [X] Launch Weather Balloons (1 die) (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
- [X] Research Arctic Survival (1 die) (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
- [X] Study Altitude Effects (1 die) (10 Resources per Die, 0/150)
Resources: 0 (+40 per Month)
Supplies: 15
Results: 0
Begin Survey Flights (35/50) - The Expedition's efforts at aerial surveying involve the largest volume of planes over the ice walls in history. Due to this, safety has been prioritized over efficiency as the luxury of emergency landings does not currently exist atop the walls. The work of processing and cataloging survey photos has also been difficult given the low-contrast and look-alike landscape of the ice walls. Both of these factors have led to slow overall progress in initial surveys.
Establish Ice Drift Station (49/100) - With summer at its peak, there have been major difficulties in finding a stable stretch of drift ice to set up an outpost on. However, an observation aircraft recently observed a 10km^2 ice fragment floating only a couple kilometers away from the ice walls. Currently preparations are underway to ready an icebreaker and provide optimal provisions for a camp.
Complete Move-In (95 > 30) - Even under the most ideal circumstances, move-ins can often collapse into chaotic and drawn-out affairs. Fortunately, thanks to effective planning, the IIEW's move to a permanent headquarters went almost perfectly. Trucks encountered little traffic while carrying loads of furniture across town and a dispute over which office would get the newest electric typewriters was harmoniously resolved with a coin flip. Finishing the move has opened up the possibility for expanding leadership. (Unlocks Projects to Hire HQ Staff)
Winterize Vehicles (50/50) - Mechanics have been working day and night to overhaul the Expedition's substantial fleet of vehicles to make them better equipped for cold weather conditions. Engine and battery heaters have been installed, tires have been replaced, and regular coolants and lubricants have been substituted for specialized low-temperature ones. These preparations leave the Expedition ready to continue operations right through Ushuaia's harsh winter. (Removes Winter Development Roll Penalty)
Request University Assistance - Lara Stepanova has made a marathon of calls to universities across the world in an attempt to gauge interest in research partnerships. Many institutions have expressed interest and several provisional partnerships have already been agreed upon. But Lara has set her eyes on a more extensive partnership that can provide the Expedition with an infusion of resources. She has narrowed the options for this flagship collaboration to three universities.
Launch Weather Balloons (71/50) - For the past month, scientists aboard the converted minesweeper Aegis have released weather balloons from the deck twice a day. Carried towards the ice walls by prevailing winds, several balloons are predicted to have penetrated as far as 150km into the interior, a new record. But the real prize is the insight provided regarding the high-altitude weather conditions above the walls. Although ground-level data remains elusive, the weather balloon data already stands to benefit aviation. (+5 Bonus to Future Rolls Involving Aviation)
Research Arctic Survival (87/50) - Extensive inquiries have been conducted into survival techniques in the Arctic, including the deployment of field personnel to the Arctic Circle. Interviews of Inuit and Chukchi who are indigenous to the region have been fruitful, especially their guidance in the construction of warm, improvised structures out of snow and effective dieting in frigid conditions. The new information is already being added to the Expedition's training curriculum and pamphlets containing survival basics for field use have been printed. (+5 Bonus to Future Rolls Involving Survival, -10 to the DC for "The High Jump")
Study Altitude Effects (18/150) - Efforts to study altitude effects have run into two major roadblocks. Firstly, there have been difficulties obtaining copies of existing studies into altitude and the human body since many of these belong to militaries who have been apprehensive about handing their results to an international organization. Secondly, attempts to conduct the Expedition's own studies have been hindered by lack of access to a proper pressure chamber, although workarounds exist, they do not substitute fully for the real thing. So far, the results have been hazy and possibly inaccurate.
Voting for university partnership open.
[X] Plan: Prep work
- [X] Begin Initial Survey Flights (1 die) (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
- [X] Establish Drift Ice Station (1 die) (10 Resources per Die, 0/100)
- [X] Complete Move-In (1 die) (Development Die, DC30)
- [X] Winterize Vehicles (1 die) (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
- [X] Request University Assistance (Free Action)
- [X] Launch Weather Balloons (1 die) (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
- [X] Research Arctic Survival (1 die) (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
- [X] Study Altitude Effects (1 die) (10 Resources per Die, 0/150)
Outcome for January, Year 1
Resources: 0 (+40 per Month)
Supplies: 15
Results: 0
Begin Survey Flights (35/50) - The Expedition's efforts at aerial surveying involve the largest volume of planes over the ice walls in history. Due to this, safety has been prioritized over efficiency as the luxury of emergency landings does not currently exist atop the walls. The work of processing and cataloging survey photos has also been difficult given the low-contrast and look-alike landscape of the ice walls. Both of these factors have led to slow overall progress in initial surveys.
Establish Ice Drift Station (49/100) - With summer at its peak, there have been major difficulties in finding a stable stretch of drift ice to set up an outpost on. However, an observation aircraft recently observed a 10km^2 ice fragment floating only a couple kilometers away from the ice walls. Currently preparations are underway to ready an icebreaker and provide optimal provisions for a camp.
Complete Move-In (95 > 30) - Even under the most ideal circumstances, move-ins can often collapse into chaotic and drawn-out affairs. Fortunately, thanks to effective planning, the IIEW's move to a permanent headquarters went almost perfectly. Trucks encountered little traffic while carrying loads of furniture across town and a dispute over which office would get the newest electric typewriters was harmoniously resolved with a coin flip. Finishing the move has opened up the possibility for expanding leadership. (Unlocks Projects to Hire HQ Staff)
Winterize Vehicles (50/50) - Mechanics have been working day and night to overhaul the Expedition's substantial fleet of vehicles to make them better equipped for cold weather conditions. Engine and battery heaters have been installed, tires have been replaced, and regular coolants and lubricants have been substituted for specialized low-temperature ones. These preparations leave the Expedition ready to continue operations right through Ushuaia's harsh winter. (Removes Winter Development Roll Penalty)
Request University Assistance - Lara Stepanova has made a marathon of calls to universities across the world in an attempt to gauge interest in research partnerships. Many institutions have expressed interest and several provisional partnerships have already been agreed upon. But Lara has set her eyes on a more extensive partnership that can provide the Expedition with an infusion of resources. She has narrowed the options for this flagship collaboration to three universities.
- [ ] University of Tasmania - An institution that has been closely connected with studies of the ice walls and its surroundings, the University of Tasmania is particularly interested in studying the glacial dynamics and weather of the walls. (+10 Bonus Resources on Completion of Research Projects Involving Earth Sciences)
- [ ] Tianjin University - Despite their distance from the ice walls, China has been an eager supporter of the IIEW and this has extended to Tianjin University which is well-known for its world-class technical and engineering programs. They see the ice walls as a new field for testing the cutting-edge. (+10 Bonus Resources on Completion of Research Projects Involving Engineering)
- [ ] Royal University of Constantinople - Although the declining and increasingly isolated Kingdom of Greece is not a member of the IIEW, the Royal University is interested in collaboration regarding medical and biological research in extreme environments. (+10 Bonus Resources on Completion of Research Projects Involving Life Sciences)
Launch Weather Balloons (71/50) - For the past month, scientists aboard the converted minesweeper Aegis have released weather balloons from the deck twice a day. Carried towards the ice walls by prevailing winds, several balloons are predicted to have penetrated as far as 150km into the interior, a new record. But the real prize is the insight provided regarding the high-altitude weather conditions above the walls. Although ground-level data remains elusive, the weather balloon data already stands to benefit aviation. (+5 Bonus to Future Rolls Involving Aviation)
Research Arctic Survival (87/50) - Extensive inquiries have been conducted into survival techniques in the Arctic, including the deployment of field personnel to the Arctic Circle. Interviews of Inuit and Chukchi who are indigenous to the region have been fruitful, especially their guidance in the construction of warm, improvised structures out of snow and effective dieting in frigid conditions. The new information is already being added to the Expedition's training curriculum and pamphlets containing survival basics for field use have been printed. (+5 Bonus to Future Rolls Involving Survival, -10 to the DC for "The High Jump")
Study Altitude Effects (18/150) - Efforts to study altitude effects have run into two major roadblocks. Firstly, there have been difficulties obtaining copies of existing studies into altitude and the human body since many of these belong to militaries who have been apprehensive about handing their results to an international organization. Secondly, attempts to conduct the Expedition's own studies have been hindered by lack of access to a proper pressure chamber, although workarounds exist, they do not substitute fully for the real thing. So far, the results have been hazy and possibly inaccurate.
Voting for university partnership open.
Voting Closed
TURN 2 | February, Year 1
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Winning Vote:
[X] Tianjin University - Despite their distance from the ice walls, China has been an eager supporter of the IIEW and this has extended to Tianjin University which is well-known for its world-class technical and engineering programs. They see the ice walls as a new field for testing the cutting-edge. (+10 Bonus Resources on Completion of Research Projects Involving Engineering)
Resources: 40 (+40 per Month)
Supplies: 15
Results: 0
"Yes, have a good night. Goodbye." Lara set the phone down in its receiver and adjusted her glasses. She had been finishing up a call with the Expedition's liaison in China who gave her the news that a deal with Tianjin University was reached involving an extensive partnership with the IIWE. The decision to reach out to Tianjin was a bit of a long shot; Lara didn't have any connections with the personnel there and engineering was not her discipline, although her father had impressed the importance of it upon her. But, despite some initial skepticism from the institution's representatives, things worked out in the end.
It was a nice piece of news to hear on a cold, cloudy morning in Ushuaia. The new headquarters was fortunately equipped with central heating and had no draft, unlike the provisional location. However, nothing could be done about the depressing gray light of the cloud-shrouded sun. Lara took a sip of her coffee which had gone tepid by this late in the morning. She opened a folder and glanced through the days agenda. Packed, as usual; she hardly had time for lunch.
Lara got up from her chair and walked towards one of the windows. She had a sliver of time before a meeting on the drift ice station project. She looked out beyond a vacant field and towards the ships of the Platinean Navy resting in their berths. She had overheard that they were in port to receive upgrades. New weapons, particularly. It was a shame that even in peace, so many were still narrowly focused on preparing for war and a disunited world. It reminded her of the deeper potential of the Expedition as not just a scientific endeavor but one to show the world the power of cooperation. Through the endless meetings and calls, it was that belief that invigorated her.
Exploration (2 Dice):
[ ] Complete "The High Jump" - Before the ice walls can be crossed, they must first be scaled. Standing 6,000 meters tall on average, the pilots that have undertaken overflights of the walls have taken to referring to it as "The High Jump". However, a human has yet to touch foot on the surface. This must change. Taking advantage of the leaps and bounds made in parachuting during the Great War, a six-person team will be paradropped with supplies atop the ice walls for a week-long survey and exploration mission. (5 Supplies + Exploration Die, DC30, +5 Bonus to Roll from Survival)
[ ] Begin Initial Survey Flights - So far, all attempts to conduct aerial surveys of the ice walls have been small-scale and localized to certain areas of interest. Nevertheless, they have provided an abundance of data to work with, but this only further proves that more extensive and methodical aerial surveying is necessary. Such surveys will be crucial for developing the first maps of the walls and selecting a suitable location to set up a base camp. (5 Resources per Die, 35/50, +5 Bonus to Roll from Aviation)
[ ] Establish Drift Ice Station - Although not on the ice walls themselves, establishing a semipermanent camp on the drift ice around the walls could serve as an important stepping stone. A drift ice station will provide personnel with needed experience in remote subzero environments and can serve as a testbed for new construction techniques adapted to the hostile conditions. Furthermore, the development, interactions, and fate of drift ice is an important area of glaciology and a station is certain to benefit continued research. (10 Resources per Die, 49/100)
Development (2 Dice):
[ ] Search for Senior Staff - A glance at the current organization chart of the IIEW is likely to send shivers down any leader's spine; dozens of subordinates across many different fields report directly to Lara Stepanova herself without any intermediaries. The move to a new headquarters has only exacerbated this issue with Lara's schedule becoming increasingly packed. Hiring senior staff will reduce Lara's workload, improve coordination, and bring in additional expertise.
[ ] Expand Local Cooperation - It is important to remember that the IIWE is not Ushuaia's sole reason for existence. Tens of thousands live and work here and many of the city's denizens are skeptical of the legions of outsiders who have suddenly appeared. Their concerns are understandable, but by cooperating and coordinating with local authorities and businesses regarding operations in Ushuaia, this can be ameliorated while improving connections. (5 Resources per Die, 0/75)
[ ] Establish Local Training Area - Currently, field training has been largely conducted at preexisting sites far away from Ushuaia and the Expedition's headquarters. Due to this, time that could be spent honing skills is instead spent travelling and organizing training is often difficult. Opening a site nearer to Ushuaia, even one with minimal facilities, would minimize these issues and several tracts of land have already been earmarked for possible development. (10 Resources per Die, 0/100)
[ ] Improve Air Strip - Ushuaia's airstrip is well-equipped to handle the standard arrivals and departures of tourists and cargo that come to the city. But the beginning of the Expedition will push the single-runway strip to its limits and at some point it may become a limiting factor on support and survey operations. Although adding another runway is currently out of the question, adding more plane stands and extending the existing runway would make a prudent investment. (10 Resources per Die, 0/150)
[ ] Overhaul the Aegis - The Aegis was formerly a minesweeper donated by the United States of Australasia and now acts as the flagship of the IIEW's maritime research and support vessels. It has already been significantly modified for this role, trading weapons emplacements for more deck space and trading mine sensing equipment for more scientific sensors. Still, the Aegis' is lacking in some aspects with its main shortcoming being its fragile hull (an extra liability in these icy waters) and its underpowered radio equipment. An overhaul is necessary to make these modifications. (10 Resources per Die, 0/150)
[ ] Integrate Logistics Connections - The roads and railways that link Ushuaia to the rest of the Platinean Confederation are as important to the IIWE as they are to the city itself. As of now, these logistical links are relatively loose and uncoordinated, which ought to be expected given the Expedition's recent arrival. A significant investment will be required to integrate into these logistics networks, but will ultimately provide better access to the resources of the mainland. (10 Resources per Die, 0/200)
Research (3 Dice):
[ ] Test Materials in Frigid Conditions - As their temperature changes, substances also change. Some of these changes are macroscopic, such as water freezing into ice, but many are much more subtle but can still critically effect a substances properties. Analyzing the effects of frigid temperatures on commonly used substances and materials will give insight into how they will fair in similar conditions on the ice walls. (5 Resources per Die, 0/50, Engineering)
[ ] Research Prefab Construction - Although the Great War largely led to innovations in the realm of destruction, it also gave rise to a novel method of construction: prefabrication. Manufacturing construction components or even entire small buildings at a dedicated factory and then assembling them on-site presents several benefits, including faster overall construction. It is likely that prefab construction will also be useful in future construction on the ice walls itself, albeit with some adaptation. (10 Resources per Die, 0/75, Engineering)
[ ] Determine Ice Wall Vehicle Feasibility - Vehicles would be a great boon to any operation on the ice walls, whether it be establishing a base on them or crossing them. The utility and versatility that vehicles offer cannot be understated. However, any vehicle that is planned to operate there must be rigorously tested and possibly modified so it can cope with the extreme environment. Although it will likely be necessary to develop a vehicle tailored to the ice walls, the Expedition wants to for now focus on finding an existing vehicle that can feasibly operate there. (5 Resources per Die, 0/100, Engineering)
[ ] Improve Rations - Backing nations have granted the IIWE a significant stock of rations with most of it being military surplus from the Great War. These rations are perfectly serviceable for feeding our expeditions in their current state, but it is obvious there is room for improvement considering that they were designed for war-fighting rather than exploration. By tweaking portions and modifying packaging, a ration that is more fit for our needs can be created. (5 Resources per Die, 0/125)
[ ] Study Altitude Effects - At the ice walls elevation, air pressure is only around 50% of what it is at sea level. This has significant physiological effects including the possibility of altitude sickness and further life threatening complications. Collecting existing research into the biological effects of altitude and conducting our own studies will allow us to develop ways to rapidly identify and treat altitude sickness even in extreme environments. (10 Resources per Die, 18/150)
6 Hour Moratorium. Vote-by-Plan.
[X] Tianjin University - Despite their distance from the ice walls, China has been an eager supporter of the IIEW and this has extended to Tianjin University which is well-known for its world-class technical and engineering programs. They see the ice walls as a new field for testing the cutting-edge. (+10 Bonus Resources on Completion of Research Projects Involving Engineering)
February, Year 1
Resources: 40 (+40 per Month)
Supplies: 15
Results: 0
"Yes, have a good night. Goodbye." Lara set the phone down in its receiver and adjusted her glasses. She had been finishing up a call with the Expedition's liaison in China who gave her the news that a deal with Tianjin University was reached involving an extensive partnership with the IIWE. The decision to reach out to Tianjin was a bit of a long shot; Lara didn't have any connections with the personnel there and engineering was not her discipline, although her father had impressed the importance of it upon her. But, despite some initial skepticism from the institution's representatives, things worked out in the end.
It was a nice piece of news to hear on a cold, cloudy morning in Ushuaia. The new headquarters was fortunately equipped with central heating and had no draft, unlike the provisional location. However, nothing could be done about the depressing gray light of the cloud-shrouded sun. Lara took a sip of her coffee which had gone tepid by this late in the morning. She opened a folder and glanced through the days agenda. Packed, as usual; she hardly had time for lunch.
Lara got up from her chair and walked towards one of the windows. She had a sliver of time before a meeting on the drift ice station project. She looked out beyond a vacant field and towards the ships of the Platinean Navy resting in their berths. She had overheard that they were in port to receive upgrades. New weapons, particularly. It was a shame that even in peace, so many were still narrowly focused on preparing for war and a disunited world. It reminded her of the deeper potential of the Expedition as not just a scientific endeavor but one to show the world the power of cooperation. Through the endless meetings and calls, it was that belief that invigorated her.
Exploration (2 Dice):
[ ] Complete "The High Jump" - Before the ice walls can be crossed, they must first be scaled. Standing 6,000 meters tall on average, the pilots that have undertaken overflights of the walls have taken to referring to it as "The High Jump". However, a human has yet to touch foot on the surface. This must change. Taking advantage of the leaps and bounds made in parachuting during the Great War, a six-person team will be paradropped with supplies atop the ice walls for a week-long survey and exploration mission. (5 Supplies + Exploration Die, DC30, +5 Bonus to Roll from Survival)
[ ] Begin Initial Survey Flights - So far, all attempts to conduct aerial surveys of the ice walls have been small-scale and localized to certain areas of interest. Nevertheless, they have provided an abundance of data to work with, but this only further proves that more extensive and methodical aerial surveying is necessary. Such surveys will be crucial for developing the first maps of the walls and selecting a suitable location to set up a base camp. (5 Resources per Die, 35/50, +5 Bonus to Roll from Aviation)
[ ] Establish Drift Ice Station - Although not on the ice walls themselves, establishing a semipermanent camp on the drift ice around the walls could serve as an important stepping stone. A drift ice station will provide personnel with needed experience in remote subzero environments and can serve as a testbed for new construction techniques adapted to the hostile conditions. Furthermore, the development, interactions, and fate of drift ice is an important area of glaciology and a station is certain to benefit continued research. (10 Resources per Die, 49/100)
Development (2 Dice):
[ ] Search for Senior Staff - A glance at the current organization chart of the IIEW is likely to send shivers down any leader's spine; dozens of subordinates across many different fields report directly to Lara Stepanova herself without any intermediaries. The move to a new headquarters has only exacerbated this issue with Lara's schedule becoming increasingly packed. Hiring senior staff will reduce Lara's workload, improve coordination, and bring in additional expertise.
- [ ] Hire an Expedition Coordinator - An Expedition Coordinator will be responsible for managing the fine details of the IIWE's exploration efforts, including determining efficient routes and setting up provisions. (10 Resources per Die, 0/50)
- [ ] Hire a Facilities Manager - A Facilities Manager will not only be in charge of the IIWE's existing facilities, but also coordinate the design and construction of new ones. (10 Resources per Die, 0/50)
- [ ] Hire a Chief Researcher - The Chief Researcher's role will be the coordination of scientific efforts, both those focused on studying the ice wall itself and also those focused on improving the Expedition's overall capabilities. (5 Resources per Die, 0/50)
[ ] Expand Local Cooperation - It is important to remember that the IIWE is not Ushuaia's sole reason for existence. Tens of thousands live and work here and many of the city's denizens are skeptical of the legions of outsiders who have suddenly appeared. Their concerns are understandable, but by cooperating and coordinating with local authorities and businesses regarding operations in Ushuaia, this can be ameliorated while improving connections. (5 Resources per Die, 0/75)
[ ] Establish Local Training Area - Currently, field training has been largely conducted at preexisting sites far away from Ushuaia and the Expedition's headquarters. Due to this, time that could be spent honing skills is instead spent travelling and organizing training is often difficult. Opening a site nearer to Ushuaia, even one with minimal facilities, would minimize these issues and several tracts of land have already been earmarked for possible development. (10 Resources per Die, 0/100)
[ ] Improve Air Strip - Ushuaia's airstrip is well-equipped to handle the standard arrivals and departures of tourists and cargo that come to the city. But the beginning of the Expedition will push the single-runway strip to its limits and at some point it may become a limiting factor on support and survey operations. Although adding another runway is currently out of the question, adding more plane stands and extending the existing runway would make a prudent investment. (10 Resources per Die, 0/150)
[ ] Overhaul the Aegis - The Aegis was formerly a minesweeper donated by the United States of Australasia and now acts as the flagship of the IIEW's maritime research and support vessels. It has already been significantly modified for this role, trading weapons emplacements for more deck space and trading mine sensing equipment for more scientific sensors. Still, the Aegis' is lacking in some aspects with its main shortcoming being its fragile hull (an extra liability in these icy waters) and its underpowered radio equipment. An overhaul is necessary to make these modifications. (10 Resources per Die, 0/150)
[ ] Integrate Logistics Connections - The roads and railways that link Ushuaia to the rest of the Platinean Confederation are as important to the IIWE as they are to the city itself. As of now, these logistical links are relatively loose and uncoordinated, which ought to be expected given the Expedition's recent arrival. A significant investment will be required to integrate into these logistics networks, but will ultimately provide better access to the resources of the mainland. (10 Resources per Die, 0/200)
Research (3 Dice):
[ ] Test Materials in Frigid Conditions - As their temperature changes, substances also change. Some of these changes are macroscopic, such as water freezing into ice, but many are much more subtle but can still critically effect a substances properties. Analyzing the effects of frigid temperatures on commonly used substances and materials will give insight into how they will fair in similar conditions on the ice walls. (5 Resources per Die, 0/50, Engineering)
[ ] Research Prefab Construction - Although the Great War largely led to innovations in the realm of destruction, it also gave rise to a novel method of construction: prefabrication. Manufacturing construction components or even entire small buildings at a dedicated factory and then assembling them on-site presents several benefits, including faster overall construction. It is likely that prefab construction will also be useful in future construction on the ice walls itself, albeit with some adaptation. (10 Resources per Die, 0/75, Engineering)
[ ] Determine Ice Wall Vehicle Feasibility - Vehicles would be a great boon to any operation on the ice walls, whether it be establishing a base on them or crossing them. The utility and versatility that vehicles offer cannot be understated. However, any vehicle that is planned to operate there must be rigorously tested and possibly modified so it can cope with the extreme environment. Although it will likely be necessary to develop a vehicle tailored to the ice walls, the Expedition wants to for now focus on finding an existing vehicle that can feasibly operate there. (5 Resources per Die, 0/100, Engineering)
[ ] Improve Rations - Backing nations have granted the IIWE a significant stock of rations with most of it being military surplus from the Great War. These rations are perfectly serviceable for feeding our expeditions in their current state, but it is obvious there is room for improvement considering that they were designed for war-fighting rather than exploration. By tweaking portions and modifying packaging, a ration that is more fit for our needs can be created. (5 Resources per Die, 0/125)
[ ] Study Altitude Effects - At the ice walls elevation, air pressure is only around 50% of what it is at sea level. This has significant physiological effects including the possibility of altitude sickness and further life threatening complications. Collecting existing research into the biological effects of altitude and conducting our own studies will allow us to develop ways to rapidly identify and treat altitude sickness even in extreme environments. (10 Resources per Die, 18/150)
6 Hour Moratorium. Vote-by-Plan.
Voting Closed