Salsola: Fort Preble - Trade Outpost

Fort Preble

The Outpost ‧ Salsola's Off-Board Location

Basics
  • Location: Portland, ME, USA
  • Status: REQUEST ONLY
  • Languages Spoken:
    • English/Common-tongue (predominantly), French, German, Multiple other languages spoken amongst members
  • Travel Information:
    • Distance to Salsola: Approximately 365 miles (587km)
    • Average travel time to Salsola: Approximately 6-7 days on foot (10 hours of travel per day at 5 mph). Especially leisurely travel (or travel by cart) may take a week or more. The trip would not be significantly accelerated on horseback.
Statistics
  • Foundation: 2014, 2016 (Portland)
  • Species: Varied
  • Population: 48 (100% Luperci)
  • Current Leader: Blair Eternity
Overland Map (2016)

On this page... (hide)

  1.   1.  General Information
    1.   1.1  Territory
    2.   1.2  Ranks & Residents
  2.   2.  Livestock
  3.   3.  The Outer Reach
  4.   4.  History

Fort Preble generally serves as Salsola's off-board location for longstanding and/or retired Salsolan NPCs.

The Salsolan Trade Outpost was originally founded in 2014, and was located on the mouth of Rockport Cove — 8 miles from the central Freetown Docks. To increase the flow of capital between the pack and its affiliated merchants at Freetown, the Mafiosi decided to relocate a number of loyal canines up nearer to the docks in a location that would serve as a trade point outpost for the pack; and, thus, the Outpost was founded. When the Red Star fell in 2016, however, the Outpost Salsolans were forced to relocate. Being among the first Freetown refugees to flee with their remaining wares to Portland, they were able to claim an excellent spot for a new trade point; a relic of humanity in the form of Fort Preble.

Although largely overgrown and somewhat destroyed by the passage of time since its original use as a military fort, Preble was an easily-defendable stronghold from which the early merchant Salsolan had easy access to the new major trade ports in Portland. With hard work and many years of occupation, Fort Preble has become a pleasant location to make the most of trade coming into and going out of the nearby Portland marketplaces and docks.

Presently, regular shipments and caravans travel back and forth from the Kingdom Proper and Fort Preble. Salsolans stationed at this location are often assumed to act as merchants for the Kingdom Proper, trading wares for and doing business on behalf of Salsola as a whole, and ensuring the pack's continued wealth. Out from under the direct influence of the Boss and the Kingdom's more stringent social atmosphere, the hierarchy and some of the cultural norms are less-strict here, and, as such, some Salsolans in the Kingdom Proper may view those of the Portland branch somewhat differently, and vise-versa. In the end, however, we are all part of la Familia! Individuals are, in general, free to do as they please so long as it does not cause conflict with Salsola.

Portland, Salsolan Outpost


1.  General Information

This off-board location houses a fluctuating number of pack NPCs and other Salsolan NPC characters alike. It provides Salsola Leadership with a method to realistically keep good IC contact between the pack and characters who have been dropped, but may be picked up again and wish to still belong to the pack. If you have a character that you might want stationed at Salsola's Outpost, please contact the pack's OOC Account, and we will sort something out!

Fort Preble is open for IC use by any Salsolan character. If you wish to have your character travel to Portland, they are more than welcome to stay in the barracks and have basic interactions with the NPCs living there! This can make longer trading trips much more realistic, whilst also providing you with an opportunity to reference an extra pack-based location in any LASKY threads you might enjoy during your character's trip. Having a base of contact in Portland also means a much more constant flow of goods between the pack and the Portland merchants. As a result, Salsola is able to access and procure rare or unusual items with much more ease and efficiency. Has your character been wanting a specific item for some time, but you cannot think of a realistic method in which they may get it? Why not discuss with Leadership and plot for one of the Outpost Salsolans to procure that item for your character!

1.1  Territory

Fort Preble — Barracks

Fort Preble is an ancient military fort located in South Portland, Maine, United States, and looks out into the Casco Bay. It's roughly 4 miles from Portland Proper, and takes about 1 hour to reach the trade port's busy marketplaces and trading docks.

Most of the fort itself is comprised of a number of stone barracks and, beneath them, concrete bunkers. With some patchwork, repairs, and customization, these existing buildings have been better adapted to suit the Luperci traders' needs. The barracks, though simple in appearance, are well constructed and — when furnished — make for relatively comfortable and easily defensive dwellings. They are used as homes for the canines who serve Salsola by acting as trade contacts near to the Portland docks, and are welcome accommodations for Salsolans (and allies!) who chose to make the tiring trip to the merchant center. Beyond the fort's immediate occupation, however, are various other dwellings that Salsolans may decide to call home instead. The upkeep of these buildings, however, are entirely up to the homeowner.

In the warmer months, the Fort boasts verdant greenery, as its abandonment by humanity has allowed for trees and other wild vegetation to reclaim much of the area. The Salsolans that now call the area home have tamed it back some, giving it an equally wild but well-cared for and inhabited appeal to it. Fort Preble has relatively chilly but mild winters in comparison to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The location naturally allows for less snow to accumulate than there would be further inland, however, the trade off is ice and the cold, bitter wind that comes off of the water. As time has worn on, some of the buildings in greater disrepair have been torn down, allowing for various open spaces within the fort's immediate vicinity for temporary camps, outside activities, etc. Fort Preble has direct access to the ocean, and the nearby marina to the east allows for smaller water vessels to safely dock. An unmovable, stone wall stands guard over the fort's northeastern-most point, as does a lonely, sea-ravaged lighthouse. The nearby beaches are, for the most part, sandy, though, there are plenty of areas littered with large slabs of rock or boulders.

Aside from being relatively close to the busy trade port, Fort Preble's ideal location allows for easy access to freshly-caught fish and crustaceans, and hunters are able to collect a wealthy bounty by traveling only a short distance south or anywhere outside the Portland area.

Click for more...
  • Residency
    • Main Barracks — The main barracks are a formidable building constructed of stone and concrete. Though covered with vine and vegetation in some areas, and somewhat rough-looking from the outside, it is habitable, and is a longstanding structure with many separate chambers.
      • This is the primary living space for the permanent occupants of the Outpost, and can easily fit up to as many as 30 Luperci comfortably.
    • Guest Barracks — In a little rougher condition than the main barracks, this building has lost sections of wall in some places, or has trees and vegetation growing through the flat rooftop. There are, however, a number of rooms that are safe to live within, and their upkeep is tended to by some of the resident Outpost members.
      • This is where visiting Salsolans or allies are most likely to stay, as the independent building of the Guest Barracks allows them to come and go as they please. It has ample privacy from the busy comings and goings of the main barracks. When the Fort is overcrowded, guests may be expected to set up camp outside of the barracks during their time in Portland or further out into the surrounding areas.
    • Surrounding Structures — Outpost Salsolans are more than welcome to live outside of the fort's barracks as well, and quite a few do for various reasons; be it because of space, desire for further privacy, or something else. Those that live outside of Fort Preble's immediate vicinity are responsible for overseeing the repair and upkeep of their own homes, and may not be as well-protected as those that live within the barracks.
      • Families of three (3) or more are often expected and/or assumed to live outside of the barracks.
    • Helsi Yurts — A trio of primitive looking dwellings. The original yurt was constructed by Kynda Helsi and Hugleikr Silfr upon their arrival at the Fort; they were aided by Blair Eternity and Reykja Helsi in building the others. Two of these structures are the permanent dwelling of the Helsi family, while the third and largest serves as a "guest house" for women seeking privacy from their male companions, as well as an area for spiritual and religious practice.
  • Storage Bunker
Hidden beneath a solid door that leads underground, the storage bunker is a giant chamber under the earth. It is segmented by many pillars and walls, and although it has no windows and is extremely dark within, it can be traversed easily if one only has a candle or wooden torch. This well-guarded structure is where the Salsolan Outpost members store the majority of their un-living trade goods. Its cool temperature makes it suitable to preserve most items without harm.
  • Stable buildings, Corrals, and Paddocks
A relatively small building adjoining the main barracks. This offshoot would originally have been a wing of the main structure, but the clever Outpost members have managed to convert it into a reasonable stable with enough stalls to hold 8+ large beasts. This building is reserved for permanent communal livestock. The stable opens out into a large paddock, segmented with some crude timber fencing. To one side of the paddocks is the corral, a round wooden structure for working, training or housing difficult animals. Another, somewhat smaller building within the main vicinity of the Fort has been converted into a stable as well, though, acts more as a holding area for newly-traded or temporary stock.
For those living within the barracks, a separate, larger building houses many of the Salsolans' personal mounts to keep them apart from the communal or trade stock. Those living "off-base" are expected to find their own shelter for their animals, however.

1.2  Ranks & Residents

Member Statistics
Total47 members
Sex29 females
18 males
Age46 adults
1 puppies

The position, expectations, and duties of members at the Salsolan Outpost mirror those of the main pack. Details of what these entail can be found on our Ranks page. The leadership role of Fort Preble — who is known as the Governor — is most akin to that of a Sotto Capo member, though encourages an autonomy that is necessary in far-flung Portland.

Generally, the Outpost acts as a “testing ground” for new Associates passing through the area. Salsola-hopeful individuals who prove themselves will be encouraged to travel to Salsola-proper. Meanwhile, Salsolans from the Kingdom Proper may come to the Fort looking to improve their trading or other skills before returning. Others may simply find the life in Portland more agreeable to them, and may make the move permeant before eventually moving on.

Notes:

  • Please use our Maintenance thread or contact Salsola's Leadership if you want...
    • ...to move your Salsolan to the Outpost.
    • ...to remove your Salsolan from the Outpost. If the character is leaving Salsola altogether or has died, please notate as much.
      • Alternatively, if you feel comfortable with editing the wiki, feel free to do this yourself!
    • ...your character(s) to have offspring while at the Outpost.
      • As this a request-only and pack-owned area, you are required to inform us of additions to our pack. We're generally okay with off-board (and backdated off-board)-born puppies, just be courteous and communicate with us, please!
      • Alternatively, if you feel comfortable with editing the wiki, feel free to add these yourself!
  • Generally, characters will not receive promotions while staying in Portland. Bambinos are automatically moved into the Family upon reaching 1 year of age.
  • Associates and Servants are not allowed to be NPC'd at the Outpost. The Outpost is reserved for proven and contributing ranked members, of which, Associates and Servants can be neither.
Previous Residents
Previous residents of the Outpost that have left Salsola membership or have died while stationed at the Outpost are notated here for reference purposes. See our Outer Reach section for those that departed Salsola through a far-off trade expedition.
Deceased Residents
Died in the aftermath of the fall of the Red Star in the spring of 2016.
Disappeared under suspicious circumstances in the winter of 2016; was killed by his son, Alistair Callow.
Died shortly after childbirth in 2017.
Disappeared, presumed dead in 2018.
Died saving Clementine Salcedo in 2019.
Died in the winter of 2019. He went out hunting and never came back, and was later found by his son.
Disappeared, presumed dead in 2021.
Died in the spring of 2022 from an illness.


2.  Livestock

The Outpost houses their own livestock, though, to a smaller number than Salsola Proper. These animals are intended to remain at the Outpost and be used by its members. Some of these livestock may be used for additional breeding stock, others may also be used for transferring goods or helping Salsolan characters move between the Outpost and Salsola Proper or vise-versa.

Seeking a new companion NPC? Salsolans intending an imminent return to Salsola Proper may trade for animals marked with Free to Trade tags. Outsiders are also welcome to make offers on any of these animals as well. Please send a PM to Salsola Leadership if interested in discussing a trade!

Please refer to each animal's tag(s) for their intended usage. Note, this section is for communal livestock and animals only. Personal livestock and companion animals are not to be listed here.

Horses
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Caprice
About
  • Sex: Mare
  • DOB: 2010
  • Abilities: Riding
  • Personality: This mare is trusting as well as a quick learner, though she is also fiery spirited. Very agile and sure-footed, she's an excellent horse intermediate to experienced riders. She can be known to be stubborn at times.
  • Description: An appaloosa mare with very unique markings. She is agile in build and had a white coat with black and gray freckling along her legs, underside, and face, with a pink-toned mouth and nose.
History
  • Stolen from a traveling loner, she was gifted to Salsola by Bayani Grimm upon his joining.
  • Gave birth to Frida in 2018.
  • Brought to Portland in the summer of 2020.
Celeris
Appearance
Art by Alaine
Tags

Rider Trained Free to Trade

About
  • Sex: Mare
  • DOB: 2013
  • Abilities: Hardy, fast over short distances.
  • Personality: Somewhat stubborn, prefers smaller riders.
  • Description: Buckskin Tobiano bred in the Bay Horses herds. Branded.
History
  • Taken from Drifter Bay during the 2014 foal round-up.
  • Gave birth to [Tamerlane offspring] in 2017.
  • Brought to Portland in the summer of 2020.
Nick
Appearance
Art by Alaine
Tags

No Use

About
  • Sex: Stallion
  • DOB: 2020
  • Abilities: ---
  • Personality: ---
  • Description: Black with a white nose and half black/white tail; of Gypsy Vanner ancestry
History
  • Born to Aloline, twin to Sally.
  • Gifted to Salsola by Aani Aston-D'Noires upon her joining in April 2020
Ozzy
Appearance
Art by Alaine
Tags

Return Rider Trained No Trade

About
  • Sex: Gelding
  • DOB: 2013
  • Abilities: Riding
  • Personality: Energetic, rambunctious. Ozzy likes to go fast and is quick to run.
  • Description: A dappled Night Rider in coloration, with a mane and tail of Soft Amber. He has Swirl socks on all but his back left leg.
History
  • Born in April 2013 to Misty, sired by Black.
  • Ozzy was originally part of the Pauson breeding project, but rejected due to development issues. After a necessary gelding, he began adapting to the role of a working horse instead.
  • Brought to Portland in the summer of 2020.
Soot
Appearance
Art by Alaine
Tags

No Use No Trade

About
  • Sex: Mare
  • DOB: 2018
  • Abilities: Very fast, decent stamina. Trained in ground manners, but still green to riding.
  • Personality: ---
  • Description: Medium-sized smoky black tobiano. Strongly reflects Wildwood characteristics.
History
  • Born to Filch in Krokar
  • Found and claimed by Salsola following Krokar's disbandment in October 2018.
  • Brought to Portland in the summer of 2020.
Wenzel
About
  • Sex: Stallion
  • DOB: 2016
  • Abilities: Able to carry a larger rider and pull a cart, though his anxiety can make him more unpredictable.
  • Personality: Eager to work but something of a "spooky" horse, he can get anxious in strange settings -- he is especially afraid of loud wind.
  • Description: A stocky, muscular horse with a particularly wavy mane and tail.
History
  • Born in March of 2016 to Strawberry, sired by Svantevit stallion Tibor.
Other Animals & Livestock
Click for more...
Aube & Soir
Appearance
Art by Alaine
Tags

Return No Trade

About
  • Species: Great Horned Owl
  • Sex: Female (Aube), Male (Soir)
  • DOB: 2016
  • Abilities: Messenger, capable of Broken High Speech, pest control
  • Personality:
    • AubeAloof, strict, and particular. Her speech is clipped and akin to a growl (growing increasingly so if she has to repeat herself). Will clack her beak when irritated.
      • Food preferences: Rabbits and birds (duck especially). Refuses fish.
    • SoirQuiet, observant, and matter-of-fact. His speech is warm, friendly, and very hoot-y, and he has a tendency to draw out and create fun fluctuations of his O's.
      • Food preferences: Squirrels (favorite), but generally not picky. Refuses frogs.
  • Description: Tawny in coloration. Both are large owls, but Aube is notably larger than Soir.
  • Notes:
    • Both prefer short verbal messages (to avoid ruining thier stealth), but, if given a written message, it must be carried within a specialized pouch that attaches to their leg.
    • Will only carry messages around the Portland area or to/from Salsola Proper (with increased reward, of course).
History
  • Born to Muerte, and were donated with other two siblings by Till in Spring 2016.
  • Hand-reared from chick-hood.
Chickens
Appearance
Art by Alaine
Tags
Roosters: x1
No Use
Hens: x5
No Trade
Chicks:
Free to Trade
About
  • Species: Chicken
  • Sex: Various
  • DOB: Various
  • Uses: Meat, eggs, feathers, pest control, trading
  • Notes:
    • The Outpost tries to keep at least one (1) mature rooster and five (5) hens at any given time to be used for breeding new chickens for trade and food purposes.
    • The actual number of chickens varies. These are fluid estimates.
    • Chicks and young adults are always Free to Trade.
Pigs
Appearance
Art by Alaine
Tags
Boars: x0
No Use
Sows: x3
No Trade
Piglets:
Free to Trade
About
  • Species: Pig
  • Sex: Various
  • DOB: Various
  • Uses: Meat, leather, trading
  • Notes:
    • The Outpost tries to keep at least three (3) mature sows at any given time to be used for breeding new pigs for trade and food purposes.
    • The actual number of pigs varies. These are fluid estimates.
    • Piglets and young adults are always Free to Trade.


3.  The Outer Reach

The What?

Out of game, we’ve realized that housing many years worth of NPCs (and their animal companions) indefinitely is simply beyond the capacity of our Fort! To that end, we have come up with The Outer Reach — a series of rotating trade missions that may (or may not) see every character make it back. This will allow inactive players the opportunity to decide the future of their characters, as well as help those intended for future play to develop more interesting backstories and gain experience!

The Outer Reach program helps Salsola Leadership clean out overly longstanding NPCs; in particular, those belonging to players who have long-since left 'Souls.

Portland remains an ever bustling, lively city — and its growth, like so many other places, is undeniable. Within Fort Preble and the surrounding land, some of the Outpost Salsolans can feel the open space shrinking in all around them. With fewer prospects available, Governor Blair devised new prospects for Salsolans looking for work.

Making use of Salsola's abundant resources and talented members, organized parties are devised to lead trade caravans to distant locations. Owing to the length of time needed to travel, and Portland's ever-fluctuating lack of space, these are long-term prospects — and some members may see this as an opportunity to live away from the ever-present eyes of Salsola's elite. These expeditions present a unique opportunity to keep strong connections to the Thistle Kingdom without the every-day demands of la Familia.

What happens after these Salsolans leave Fort Preble is a mystery. Some may one day return, others may use the distance to conveniently "disappear". The loyal, however, may even establish the beginnings of a new trading hub and resource for the Thistle Kingdom in far-distant lands.

First Expedition - Chesapeake Bay, United States Led by Jezebel and Bacchus Revlis, the group departed in mid-August of 2020 and arrived in late September of that same year. In order to bolster trading relations, a temporary trading post was set up by the Salsolans, who spend the winter in the Bay with the intention of sending goods north the following year. (Show)
Second Expedition - Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Led by Weaver Valentine, the group departed in May of 2021 and arrived in July of that same year. After the success of the first expedition, efforts were made to expand Salsola's interests and trade reach by capitalizing on trade filtering in from the tundra and northwest. (Show)


4.  History

The Original Outpost by Alaine

The Original Outpost by Alaine

Historical Founding: Eyeing the veritable wealth that rushed in and out of the Freetown Ports, the Mafiosi sent out an expedition to profit from the trading port. The first Salsolan Outpost was settled by a group of four Salsolans led by Aedan De Valence in September, 2014. Their preliminary repairs to the cabin site allowed for the canines to make a comfortable home at the Outpost, and their task of trading began. The chosen area consisted of a small number of humble, wooden cabins neatly tucked into the forestry growth of the area, and was located on the mouth of Rockport Cove, a mere 8 miles from the central Freetown Docks (and an average of 4-days travel on horseback from Salsola).

In Autumn 2015, Boss Salvia Eternity ordered another, larger group of dedicated Salsolans to join their brethren at the Outpost. Their mission was to expand upon the excellent work that had already been achieved at the site, so as to be able to procure more trade goods for Salsola — including livestock.

Move to Portland: The original Trade Outpost endured in this manner for quite some time, managing profitable trade agreements and individuals deals at their leisure and reaping in the work of local merchants and goods from abroad. It might have continued to be so, if not for the terrible catalyst that befell all Nova Scotia and the lands just beyond. In April of the year 2016, a great Red Star fell from the heavens and smashed into the sea beyond the southernmost reaches of the land. The effects of the meteor were devastating, and included the utter destruction of Freetown. The Salsolan Outpost suffered greatly for their nearness to the coast, and a number of goods were lost to the floodwaters that came in the days following the fall.

After learning of the plight of their traders, Salsola sent an envoy to re-establish connection and assess the damages. The Mafiosi decided it would be most fruitful for the abroad Salsolan members to pack their remaining goods and follow the great exodus of traders from the ruins of Freetown to a new burgeoning trade location further south in Portland Maine.

Threads

Please add any threads that you have involving the Salsolan Outpost to this list: (Show)

  • On the wings of snowWeaver brings home one of the juvenile snowy owls to keep as his own.
  • You may not respect meTill makes a solitary trip to the outpost to give news to the Outpost Members, as well as drop off a clutch of great horned owl eggs, marijuana, assorted pelts, and also stays a few nights before heading back home.
  • Like a Game Of Russian RouletteTill is asked by Lillith to escort her late departure to reunite with her mate and son, who already moved to Portland before her. The trip goes pleasantly and Till and Lillith speak of their future business endeavors and strike a final deal with each other.
  • timid twitch in your wide eyeJulius gets caught feeling homesick by a "friend" he's met in Portland.
  • [m] give me an answerJulius seeks enlightenment, and falls short.
  • [m] poolsSolace and Julius compare clothing and treat themselves to a little fashion show.
  • don't get caught on my edgesA concerned Chester goes to confront his brother.
  • [m] sonic ray gun, gonna be a super-starA restless Julius distracts himself from his headaches with dirty limericks and substances.
  • fell to the bottom of a wishing wellClementine meets a mysterious trader, but due to technical difficulties around his craft, ends up doing business with his sister instead.
  • ages of deliriumPlague barters with a lovesick sea trader and acquires a new familiar. Her daughter, Jubilee, struggles to ask her a question.
  • MelodramaLev receives a letter from his brother, Egregore Prizmov.


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