Volsk, Falkasia

[Marshuno 3]

((Hey everybody. Just right off the bat, wanna let you all know this is my first time doing a CJ. Not used to it or anything , although I ahve read the numerous guides.... Anyways, hope you all enjoy!))

Introduction:

On any major map or atlas of Falkasian origin, Volsk is nothing more than a pinprick. Outside the country, it's non-existent. For a sleeply little town of only 500 or so regulars, the daily hardships most people take for granted become lost amongst even greater ordeals of the Falkasian North. Here, temperatures reach well below 40 degrees in the winter, and barely come above freezing in the summer. For 10 out of 12 months of the year, the icy waters of Falkasian Gulf that keeps the town alive are frozen over, some regions unpenetrable even by ice breakers. Normally, with such harsh conditions, one would think living here would be relegated to convicts of local prisons; if even that. However, for such a small town, Volsk is one of the most critical locations in the whole country. The Falkasian Gulf, "fuel tank" of the country. Submerged beneath the icy hells of it's waves lied untapped riches, black gold locked deep within the continental shelf. Only discovered recently, the curious nature of the Gulf has effectively concealed the existance of such a large reservoir from every exploration attempt; each of which is ominously recorded next to the total casualties on a weathered piece of granite inside Town Hall. In a last ditch attempt to uncover the potential gold mine underneath the icecaps, a small start-up energy company, Morozov Energy, hired a local fishing trawler outfitted with MGPR (Marine Ground Penerating RADAR). While many laughed the attempt off and relegated it to failure, the operation was surprisingly a success. While past explorations had relied on major ships and ice breakers, the new search was centered around nothing more than a local fisherman and his boat. Irony, no?

This discovery changed Volsk. The majority of people who lived in the town were fishermen, having made their living that way for about as long as the town was in existance. However, with the oil came new opportunities, and many began to leave and take up employment with the new offshore oil rigs being constructed daily. The work was dangerous, as many as 50 men secluded onboard a small rig for as long as six months; or in worst cases, however long it took for a ship to break through the ice to relieve them. Many worked without proper protection from the elements, outside in the frigid arctic air for 12 or more hours a day. Few rigs even had centralized heating, instead relying on repurposed burnoff for warmth. What the job lacked in comfort, it sure made up for in pay. Most workers recieved as much as 6 times their average pay as a fisherman while working. Despite this however, the bulk of the local economy is still based on sea trawling; namely the Falkasian King Crab which can be found in bulk off the coast. Similar to the Alaskan King Crab of the Americas', the Falkasian King Crab is considered a delicacy worldwide. As it is only found in the Falkasian Gulf, it serves as a fullproof way to make a living.

While the town itself was passed up on actual refining installations, what makes it so important is it's proximity to the rigs. Many are within 5 miles of the coast, making them vulnerable to land-based attacks. Further, the town itself provides the bulk of local labor for the drills as well; creating the point that whoever controls Volsk controls the oil. What also makes it special is that it's port is one of a select few that doesn't freeze over during the winter, allowing year-round fishing and maintenance.

Falkasia, Then and Now

Geographically, Falkasia is located in the Baltic region of the world, despite the fact that it possesses weather phenomenon from across the globe. The country spans vast grassy plains, inpenetrable forests, frozen wastelands, intimidating mountain ranges, and of course, a frozen hell to the north known as the Falkasian Gulf. Originally independent, Falkasia was absorbed into the Soviet Union following the Second World War as part of Stalin's infamous "Buffer Zone." Although it was spared the brunt of Soviet cruelty, the harsh realities of communism had left their mark on the country. Many Falkasians had become overly cynical, with a gloomy outlook on life. Soviet-style tenements decorated most major cities, as did symbols of the former dominator. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Falkasia re-declared it's independence and elected Roman Kazyenko as leader. Quickly, he instated a dictatorship and enveloped the country under his control. Although predominately benevolent, Kazyenko saw the benefits of playing to both sides of people and created a Secret Police. Moreso a de facto intelligence agency than paramilitary force, it was neverthless utilized in various "questionable" means, but never without justification. In 2007, Roman passed away due to natural causes, leaving his son Vladimir in charge. Quickly taking the reigns, Vladimir propelled his country into the next century.

[Marshuno 3]

Volsk

Snow, Ice, and Oil

The Volsk Town Hall serves as standing reminder of all those lost to the Falkasian Gulf. Inside the main hall resides a piece of fine-cut, local granite with the names of every expedition in memorable history recorded on it's face. To the side of each and every one lies a number; an ominous reminder of the price of admittance to the Gulf's icy hell.

The building itself is significant, as it represents an age-old architecture style lost to the locals during Soviet rule. Similar to the Baroque style of Western Europe, it also features significant influence from nearby Russian Frontier and American Colonial designs. A building of this historic quality can only be seen here in Volsk.

The current mayor of Volsk is Pavel Samsonov, a rather laid-back and missive man with a way for words and business. In fact, he was a businessman prior to being elected, using his guile and cunning to beat out his other opponents unti lhe was the last one standing. He tends to be very conservative in his values, choosing to let things play themselves out instead of jumping in gung-ho as soon as things go downhill.

Whether it's because of it's secluded location, inhospitable environment, a sheer lack of desirability, or any combination, the town itself maintains a steady population of around 500 residents. Everything that's needed can either be bought locally, or shipped in by boat or helicopter from "nearby" Karasov City, 50 miles away. The town itself is comprised of new and old buildings, side by side eachother. The contrast serves as a chronology of time, with each major event in Falkasian history represented amongst the townhomes. Pine trees are incredibly commonplace in Volsk, as well as the surronding area, and serve as natural barriers for parts of town. They also serve as a good source of fuel in the winter.

The Volsk Harborfront remains an integral part of the local economy, providing food and transport for the town's populace. In many senses, Volsk couldn't even exist without it's strangly warm port and lively fishing culture. Although clearly a bit rundown, the port serves as conduit to the outside world. In a sense, it's the only sure-fire way in and out. Despute only have 500 residents, the port functions as a major stop-over for the oil fleet, which frequently docks out beyond the shallows of the harbor to resupply by tender.

The Oil Rig is the lifeblood of the town. As long as it's pumping, everybody's happy... as happy as one can be in 40 below. This Oil Rig in particular is a joint-operation, majority owned by Morozov Oil and minority owned by local businessman and town mayor Pavel Samsonov. It's entire crew complement is of Volsk origin, and is one of only 3 rigs across the Gulf within a mile of the shoreline. On average, it pumps over 10 million barrels a day with a capacity of well over 2 billion inside it's holding tanks. Armed guards patrol the rig night and day, ensuring that Morozov's investment will be secure at all times.

Resized images to 800px by 600px because they were too large ~ Archean

[Follarch 327]

Very good introduction to your new CJ.

And just remember, images should be 800px by 600px or smaller so Mods wont breathe down your neck. Have fun in the CJ forums!

[Marshuno 3]

Thanks. Tried to make them around 800x600. Think my PC spazzed like usual on that measurement....

[Marshuno 3]

Volsk

Snow, Ice, and Oil

Volsk has been a busy place the past few weeks. Unbeknowst to the people, Mayor Samsonov has been keeping a sizeable amount of the town's budget in reserve to help pay for the planned revitalization of the harborfront. Neglected during the Soviet-era, the quintessential Volsk dockyards had fallen in to disrepair and were quite unworthy even the small town it represented. Numerous piers were even dangerous, deemed by the local Public Safety Department as a hazard. The residents took great pride in their harbor, and had been pained to see it decay in such a manner over the years. It was, after all, their heritage. When the Mayor proposed his plan to the town, the result was unanimous support. With a helicopter full of well over 3 million Falkasian Dinars (about $1,000,000 American Dollars), he was able to purchase new, modern materials and hire some of the best local contractors to repurpose the aging facility. He was even able to buy a nice speedboat for himself as well.

Along with the port, countless funds had been put aside to help attract new workers to the town. It had been determined early on that no one would just get up one day and decide to move in, the weather and remoteness being key factors here, so provisions had been made to pay potential workers what could amount to nothing less than bribes to entice a change of mind. In a sense, it worked spectacularly and the population overnight almost doubled from 500 or so to around 850. However, it also virtually bankrupted the town's small economy. The Town Treasurer was "disposed of" shortly thereafter. 

 

The majority of these new workers quickly found jobs at the recently refabricated dockyards, the oil rig FalkGulf One, or as part of the Mayor's new Boat-Racing Team. In hindsight, the sudden influx of new workers was well worth the bribes paid out, as the sudden unexpected shortage of housing prompted a massive boom in the local logging industry. Town Hall, in an ingenious attempt to make-up for it's lack of funds, began to sell logging licenses to any citizen who could afford it. They run at about 1,000 Falkasian Dinars (about $450 American Dollars) and granted the holder unlimited rights to log in designated development areas. He could then do whatever he wished with what he cut down; sell it, keep it, burn it, make a wooden llama idol, etc. The majority of people however, used it for heating. After all, as the local saying goes, "If you can't use it, burn it and then use it."

[Bonehill 0]

Nick Eebus or Will? or maybe even Nic?

[Marshuno 3]

And who might you be, so that I may garner a better idea of who I'm up against? I can tell you aren't Eebus nor Walkenberg, and you're definiately not me, heh. My guess is either Bill, Eucad, or Klaus, with the latter being my most likely assumption.

[Steak3131 0]

Very nice city! Gragstavia shall be up shortly.

[Schulmanator 5,810]

Looking good - a fine start for the CJ. Kepe up the nice work.

[Marshuno 3]

Thank you. Appreciate the compliments.

[Bonehill 0]

Yes Will, It's Bill. And hello Fritz. By complete and utter concidence this has happened. I diddn't realize you guys were into Sim City 4. As you will know the third party policy on Viewers has come into play in SL, so i'm stuck on the outside. Not to mention the burning down of my Haus.

This is a whole new way to play Second Nations. I'm thinking of getting into this city building big time. Currently just creating some sandboxes with my SC4, just playing with some Bats and such. But hell, it's good to speak to you again Will.

Infact..i'm working on the SC4 creation of 'Marlborough'. the Duke of Marlborough replacing the Mayor and such. Could make a real go with it..and the best thing about all this is that it costs nothing. And no drama!!

But yeahh..Nice work on Falkasia, count me in!.

Btw, contact me at Hoboz@live.co.uk if you wanna speak away from here. And you may want to ask a few questions to prove that i am BillU

Speak to you soon Buddy.

All the best!

Posts merged to save space and by request of author. ~Archean

[Marshuno 3]

Heh. Irony and coincidence.... Nice message spammery too.

I'll contact you in a bit. Kinda overwhelming to suddenly talk to you again, heh.

[derby_line quebec 0]

Nice start. I like the rural aspect of your community, I'd focus more on agriculture.

[Marshuno 3]

The city isn't so much rural as it is remote. The town itself functions off the coast and oil industry, and because the nearest major town is 50 some-odd miles away, people have a hard time getting to Volsk itself. Roads leading to the town are almost non-existent, and those that do are likely barely even trails.

[Marshuno 3]

Volsk

Snow, Ice, and Oil

Things can only go on for so long before the people get tired of the past. The old Volsk Police Station, reeking with the ghosts of their communist past, was demolished on Thursday and replaced shortly thereafter with a better, more modern station that could suit their needs. All that mattered was that it wasn't "communisty," as Mayor Samsonov stated. Don't think anybody but him got the memo.

The station itself boasts an increased police protection with almost triple the available cars, all of which were donated on behalf of Morozov Oil and brought in by freightor. Even if they were pushing 20 or so years old, it was better than the firebomb Lada's the old force had relied on. Among other things included better surveillance systems to monitor the harbor and Town Hall. Volsk may be remote, but that didn't stop people from trying to break-in anyway. On a side note, it also provided 24/7 coverage of the dockyard, in case anything were to happen either onshore or just off the coast. The first thing that came to everybody's mind was the paranoia of invasion.

Along with the Police Station went the old "modern" clinic frequently dubbed "The Butcher Shop" for the sheer lack of anything medically related. In all senses, it was a drug dispensary. Anything that some rest and morphine couldn't handle would land you on a helicopter ride to Karasov City; or worse by boat to one of the Hospital Ships tending the Oil Fields. If anything, the new clinic reinforced the fact that Falkasia was no longer under communist control and gave the citizens a sense of pride that they were moviong forward; even if the clinic itself could fit right in amongst Moscow's Red Square. Another new addition is the ever-important ice skating rink. Doubling as a sporting complex and meeting center, the local rink is the primary hub of activity in any Falkasian town. It's widely accepted that any town how lacks a skating rink isn't a town out all, just a sad excuse and waste of space.

The town of Volsk, being the outlying residences of the local industries, has nearly tripled in population since the oil industry began to move in. Now bordering on 1,300 residents, Volsk has almost outgrown itself. While nothing is substantiated yet, backroom whispers and rumors are circulating amongst Town Hall that a long term housing solution may be in the works. What this may be, only the Mayor himself knows. Funny how that works out, eh?

[edmonton_stinks 5]

Interesting start; the North American style houses don't normally work with communist (or formerly communist) CJs, but with a small town it seems to fit quite well. I wonder what tricks the mayor has up his sleeve?

[Marshuno 3]

Heh. Have to find out. And I agree. Edmonton has issues, especially since they stole our goalie.... only to have him hurt and replaced by Deslauriers. If only the Hawks had a stronger back-up than Huet.....

[Marshuno 3]

Volsk

Snow, Ice, and Oil

BREAKING NEWS

Explosion Rips Through Falkasian Gulf

"At 4:15 early Tuesday morning, Morozov offshore rig FalkGulf One erupted into flames. These were quickly accompanied by massive plumes of enflamed oil, dramatically erupting into the sky much the same way a volcano would do, before crashing back down and smothering the deck with more flamable material. Local reports are highly sketchy at best, with the only form of communication being from local law enforcement, the nearby Katrina's Crossing naval installation, and agitated residents. Some local fishermen, who happened to be nearby the rig when it exploded insisted one of the interior holding tanks had burst. "'Explosive decompression," they said; citing the giant, smoldering hole in the rig's posterior. However, the local Police Chief maintained quite adamantly that that there wasn't a spontaneous explosion, but a serious deck fire that superheated the rig itself, using a handful of grainy pictures he took with a Polaroid earlier that morning as evidence. As of right now, a massive search is underway for the 50 some-odd crewmembers of rig, all of which are feared lost. All local ships, including numerous military ones from nearby Katrina's Crossing have begun the desperate task of canvasing the area surronding the rig for signs of life. When asked about the unfolding situation, Mayor Samsonov refused to comment; returning to Town Hall to help calm those who had congregated there and were missing loved ones. An air of hope lingers throughout the town, a rare occurance anywhere in this day and age. Let's hope some good news comes out of it."

======

Once again, things can only go on for so long. Everybody knew it was coming, an accident of this magnitude. It was only a matter of when. Morozov operated it's wells as cheaply as possible, which meant hell on Earth for it's workers. While there were a great deal of protective labor laws in place, few if any applied to the industries operating outside the "heartland." In the remote corners of Falkasia, a company could get away with virtually anything, so long as it took care to cover it's "darker" activities up.

If anything good was to come out of the rig disaster, at least a full-scale investigation would be warranted. The local Police Chief, along with the Mayor, would make sure of it. Even if he was part-owner, Samsonov still had a sense of morals and an obligation to protect his voters. Little of that could be said about Morozov Energy.

[Marshuno 3]

Volsk

Snow, Ice, and Oil

While the Oil Rig still burned, elements of the Falkasian Navy began to arrive on scene. Having sailed only a few miles from nearby Katrina's Crossing, these ships were the first "heavy-lifters" on scene and served as conduits for the ongoing rescue operation. Over a course of twenty-four hours, the Hospital Ship FNS Good Hope was converted into an offshore headquarters in which the local response could be focused more effectively. Only four of the 50 rig crewmembers had been found so far, floating underneath the rig tangled in wreckage. All were dead, killed by the explosion's shockwave.

Things were, unfortunately, growing sour by the minute. The town had begun to lose hope with the realization that perhaps there may not be any survivors. Although it was wasn't even a tenth of the rig's crew, it was still a sizable part of the community and everybody was affected in some way. One of the workers used to be a Little League Hockey Coach, another a waiter at the local Diner. There was no aspect of life in Volsk that was left unscarred by the accident, and many had relegated themselves to the Town Hall where a growing memorial with pictures of lost loved ones was culminating.

There was sitll one beacon of hope left. With the added support of military intervention came the announcement that search aircraft were being scrambled from nearby Overwatch AFB outside Karasov City. Although it would be hours before they arrived on-scene, the thought of locating survivors by air was much better than a grueling search across rough waters by boat.

[Schulmanator 5,810]

Great hospital ship. Where did you get it?

There wouldn't be any parallels between this and contemporary events, would there?

[Follarch 327]

Same thing is on my mind too, where'd you come across this fancy white angel of a ship?

Oh noes Oil workers!

[Marshuno 3]

Yea, well. I always like to poke fun at real-world events. Makes things more copeable and udnerstandable if someone parody's them; I guess as funny as one can parody death and destruction.

The trick is to present the incident in a way that the actual event it pertains to is obvious, while still creating the raw emotion as if it was only happening here. Hence the deaths.

The ship itself I got off Google. Some sort of offshoot from the SC4 Devotion site. If you're interested, I'll send you a link via PM. On here, it's just clutter everything up.