The ARK
The ARK: The Station, once envisioned as a luxurious escape in the vastness of space, now stands as a symbol of humanity's struggle for survival. Its multiple interconnected ships were meant to be a floating paradise, a splendid hotel offering breathtaking views of the cosmos. However, destiny had other plans, and the ARK became the last refuge for the remnants of humanity.
As you stroll through the upper floors, remnants of its intended grandeur are still visible. Though slightly aged, the architecture exudes an elegance that echoes the dreams of a bygone era. Bright corridors, carefully maintained spaces, and a sense of order prevails. Still, an undeniable feeling of melancholy tinges on the air. The fading grandeur serves as a poignant reminder of the world left behind.
Venturing "below deck" unveils a starkly different reality. Here, the lights struggle to pierce the darkness, casting long shadows along cold, narrow corridors. The quarters, once meant for comfort, now feel cramped and worn. Despite residents' best efforts, the pervasive grime speaks of the challenges faced in maintaining any semblance of cleanliness. The air carries the weight of hopelessness, a palpable reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by those who call the lower decks home.
The ARK, once a beacon of luxury and promise, now floats through the cosmos as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The contrast between its upper and lower realms paints a vivid picture of the dichotomy of survival in the vast emptiness of space.
Demographics
The demographics aboard the ARK paint a picture of a diverse and carefully managed population, each group navigating its challenges in survival.
- Mages: The Guardians closely monitor mage awakenings, with a heightened sensitivity to signs of banisher or insanity. The volatile state of the world necessitates swift action, and mages showing any hint of danger are put down without hesitation. Caution is the guiding principle to ensure the safety of the ARK's inhabitants.
- Vampires: Vampires occupy a unique position, presenting both a potential threat and a resource. A donation system is in place to manage their hunger and prevent them from draining the population. Blood donors can barter their blood for additional resources, such as food and medicine. Perpetrators of heinous crimes face the grim fate of blood harvest, with their harvested blood rationed out to the vampire community.
- Changelings: Although a rare sight, Changelings faces the challenge of returning to an alien world. The ARK's inhabitants view them suspiciously, considering them potential drains of resources. Some speculate that those who return may find a devastated Earth and face peril upon arrival. Hostilities may arise between changelings and the locals due to this perceived threat.
- Mortals: Mortals constitute the most numerous group but hold the least inherent power. They often engage in drudge work such as kitchen duties or cleaning unless skilled. Menial labor is a common occupation for humans, although not exclusive to them. Despite their lack of inherent power, mortals possess an advantage—their blood does not have adverse effects on vampires. This unique trait allows them to leverage their blood as a valuable resource, using it for bartering in exchange for other essential supplies.
Religion
While the ARK is overwhelmingly secular, Religion does play a part in the lives of many inhabitants. Many people aboard the ARK practice various faiths, all brought to the ARK by those fleeing Earth and passed down through the generations. Some Faiths aboard the ARK are worth noting, however.- The Circle (AKA the Circle of the Crone): Once a faith reserved almost solely for the Kindred (they have always allowed some ghouls and mortals into the lowest ranks), they have welcomed more and more into their ranks. Many of their teachings appeal to the people, and they have capitalized on that.
- Lancea Sanctum: In the years after the departure of Earth, the Lancea Sanctum came into a fatal conflict with the Circle of the Crone. Unable to adapt their views, and through poor leadership, the Lancea Sanctum continued to try to "save" humanity. As a result, the Circle was able to rally the support needed to purge the Lancea. Rumors persist that some managed to escape.
- Bechtelians: A relatively young and small "religion," this Faith has grown more recently. Formed in the aftermath of Prescott Bechtel's death, followers of this Faith see Prescott as a sort of saint or divinity. His descendants are viewed in much the same light. The Betchtelians seek to protect the Bechtel lineage's divine spark and guide humanity as they believe Prescott would have done. They sacrifice much of their worldly possessions or take smaller portions of food so that more significant amounts can be given to those in greater need of them.
Government
The political landscape aboard the ARK is a complex tapestry woven with the threads of various factions, each vying for influence and representation. The primary governing body is the Council, a diverse assembly with representatives from the main racial groups—Awakened, Kindred, Lost, and Mortals. This Council also comprises critical figures such as the chief engineer, chief security officer, chief medical officer, and Chairman, who has always been a descendant of Prescott.
Decisions, ranging from policy-making to punitive measures, are subject to a vote by the Council. As the head of the board, the Chairman abstains from voting except in cases of a tie. The position of Chairman is hereditary, passing from one descendant of Prescott to the next upon death or incapacitation.
Each racial group has its own internal politics:
Awakened (Mages):
Awakened (Mages):
- Councilor: Referred to as the "Hierarch," the Awakened's representative is chosen by the Consilii, the Mages Council. The Consilii consists of the most advanced mages from each Path, ensuring that each Watchtower has a voice in decision-making.
- Councilor: Known as the "Prince," the leader of the Kindred is selected based on the ability to maintain their position. The Prince is advised by a council of primogen, with one representative from each clan chosen by the Prince.
- Monarch: Originally organized around seasonal courts, the Changelings have adapted to the lack of environmental cues indicating the changing seasons. They now operate under a single monarch, representing the Dawn Court.
- Representative: Mortals employ a democratic system, holding elections where community members can vote for their representative, giving them a voice in the political landscape.
ARK Justice
Justice aboard the ARK operates with a swiftness born of necessity, devoid of the lengthy court procedures that characterize more stable societies. When an individual is accused of a crime, the security force promptly investigates, seeking to unearth the truth behind the alleged transgression. The process is efficient, as the ARK cannot afford the luxury of prolonged legal proceedings. Once the investigation concludes, the accused is swiftly brought before the Council to face judgment. The severity of the crime determines the nature of the punishment. Minor offenses may result in reprimands or reductions in essential resources such as water or food. However, for crimes that pose a significant threat to the community—such as theft of vital supplies, inciting violence, or murder—the sole punishment is the ominous "blood harvest." Blood harvest, a stark and chilling term, represents the ultimate consequence for those found guilty of serious crimes. The exact nature of this punishment is shrouded in a sense of foreboding, a collective understanding among the inhabitants that it is the price to be paid for endangering the lives of others aboard the ARK. The Guardians, primarily responsible for identifying potential crimes and bringing them to the attention of the security officers, play a crucial role in maintaining order. However, their part often leaves them with a less-than-warm welcome from the community. The necessity of vigilance and the potential consequences of their reports cast a shadow over their interactions with fellow residents. In a world where survival is paramount, the swift and decisive approach to justice reflects the harsh reality of life aboard the ARK. The community's collective safety takes precedence, and the price for threatening that safety is met with punishment as chilling as the vastness of space surrounding them—blood harvest.History
The settlement aboard the ARK is a testament to the tumultuous history of Earth, marred by the catastrophic event known as the Last War. The war, a devastating conflict with no discernible starting point, engulfed the world in a maelstrom of destruction. No nation was spared, and the first bomb fell on the United States, setting off a chain reaction that left the planet irreparably poisoned.
As the war raged on, supernatural entities from the world's hidden corners joined the fray—some striving to minimize the damage. In contrast, others sought to capitalize on the chaos. It became painfully clear that there was no turning back, and the conflict would only escalate. In a desperate bid for survival, various groups hastily converted ships, attempting to escape the ravages of war and find refuge in the cold embrace of space.
Only a handful of these makeshift vessels broke free from Earth's gravity. Each ship followed its guidelines, taking on board a select group of mundane and supernatural survivors. However, countless others were left behind, condemned to the harsh realities of nuclear fallout and the ensuing winter that blanketed the ravaged Earth.
Over the years, these surviving ships gradually converged, forming a sprawling assortment of a space station—the ARK. A microcosm of Earth's diverse population, mundane and supernatural alike, found a precarious coexistence within the confines of this floating refuge. The ARK's inhabitants have diligently monitored Earth for signs of life, yet hope dwindles as the barren silence persists.
Within the ARK, life is carefully regulated to avoid straining the limited capacities of the makeshift space station. Rations of food, water, and medicine are distributed with meticulous precision. The survivors navigate the challenges of their new reality, haunted by the memories of a world that was and tethered to the hope that one day they might find signs of life on the planet they once called home. The ARK stands as a fragile beacon of survival in the vast emptiness of space, a remnant of a shattered world seeking a future beyond the remnants of the Last War.
Points of interest
"Upper" Decks
G ("Ground")
The "ground" floor is divided into 2 sections. The grand dock was where the ships bearing passengers would dock, giving a panoramic view of space for guests as they disembarked. Once pristine, white marble floors and sparkling crystal chandeliers led to the large lifts and stairs that would take guests up to the lobby. Now, while they still offer a breathtaking view of space, the grand lifts are not used and power has been redirected from them. The lights are dimmed, the chandeliers coated in dust. With room for 10 ships to dock, here you will find The Odyssey, Ozone and Lifebringer The second dock was for ships bringing in employees and supplies. While brightly lit and still offering a stunning view, it was far less grand. Here employees could find the lifts taking them to the rest of the Orion, as well as their living quarters. Now the place is dimly lit, and has a few security posts. With room for 5 ships to dock, here you will find the Horizon, the Guardian, Polaris, Trailblazer and the remains of the Bravery1st Floor
Going up to the first floor, guests could check in at the large reception. From there they could take the lifts or another grand staircase heading up to the rest of the guest areas, head to the courtyard coffee shop, the large buffet, or a variety of smaller restaurants as well as a large lounge with a grand piano. Here you will also find one of the entrances to the large, 2 story Casino and its vaults. Now the restaurants are closed, picked over decades ago and boarded up (though some still use them as meeting places). The buffet however remains open, and serves 3 meals a day for all of the inhabitants of the upper floors. The meals are nutritious, tastier, and with slightly larger portions than those served below decks. There are no second servings offered. The lounge is also open, though it only serves moonshine and coffee, both of which are purchased with credits or bartered for. The piano remains, and is still in decent shape, if a little out of tune. The casino is still used by some, and the Vaults are where many of the valuable of the council are kept. Security is still used and they have taken over a number of the administration offices for their use.2nd Floor
This floor was primarily entertainment and shopping. There were a number of small boutiques, though they were all picked over decades ago, they are still used as the store fronts for several of the ships craftsmen and women. The theater is still used to entertain the inhabitants, sometimes small groups put on plays, though there are no props or costumes, some sing or a few play instruments. The Theater is also used by the council to make large announcements when they wish to do so in person, rather than over the PA system. Near the theater is a large ballroom, its grandeur faded with neglect and time, though on occasion it is used for a celebration. The second entrance to the casino is next to the theater. On this floor you will also find the large library, full of books. Its keepers guard the library and keep it organized, lending out books, one at a time to those that wish to borrow them. The few meeting rooms on this floor are used now as classrooms for the children of the ARK.3rd Floor
This floor houses the pools, sauna, and spa, all of which were never opened functional as intended. While the pool was never opened, it is none the less an important spot for the inhabitants of the ARK, and now serves as a sort of memorial and Shrine. The inhabitants have taken to writing the names of their loved ones, lost on earth, or that have passed while aboard the ARK, on the stones of the pool. Those who commit crimes and are found guilty are not permitted to have their names written. Surrounding the pools are gardens full of flowers and one lone tree. The the tree is the final resting place for the Hero of the ARK, Prescott, and serves as a reminder of his many sacrifices. This is the only place you will find plants grown for their beauty, and not their practicality. This floor also holds a large conservatory, which has since been converted into gardens. Beside the pool is a large gym and a couple racket ball courts, the equipment kept in very good condition and used regularly by the security personnel. A section of this floor was set up as an emergency medical facility, and it is still used as such today. The medication is reserved for only the most severe cases and is carefully monitored and rationed out.Floors 4-7
These floors are primarily dedicated to guest rooms. While water use is monitored, these floors have a larger ration to use. There are 120 rooms on each floor, and they are progressively nicer as you go up floors. All of the rooms have a living room, and spacious bathroom. While those on the 6th and 7th floor also have a foyer and get progressively larger. There is a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites and rooms are assigned Each floor is dedicated to one of the main supernatural denizens and over seen by their councilor. Floor 5, Changelings. Floor 6 Vampires, and their retainers/Ghouls. Floor 7, Mages and Proximi. The rooms not used by one of the supernatural denizens are used by the ships officers, top medical personnel, top security personnel and those that can afford them. The 4 floor used Also on each floor are some activity rooms and meeting space and a promenade that have small green spaces and gardens tended by each floors inhabitants.8th Floor
This VIP floor only has 9 guest rooms and they are reserved for the councilors and their family, as well as top ranking personnel. This floor is restricted from the rest of the ship and access is by invite/appointment only, and has its own private lounge, security, pool (with water) and meeting space.9th Floor
This is where the command is, and it is heavily restricted. To gain access you must have key pass and a code"Lower" Decks
Taking the crew lifts from "ground" and heading up, you can reach all of the upper decks, heading down however, you reach the crews living areas, maintenance decksFloor 01
This floor is for the vast hydroponics used to grow food for the ARK, as well as seed storage and food storage. It is heavily restricted and only those working there are allowed to enter.Floor 02 - 04
These floors are for all others living aboard the ARK who are not lucky enough to live above deck. The common workers, those who do not have the skills to have moved into one of the desperately needed jobs, or those that were displaced. A few other creatures do make their home here, though there is a disproportionate number of mortals living here. Each family unit has a 2 bedroom suite, with a small sitting area. The quarters are cramped, and dirty despite residents best efforts to maintain them. Each of these floors have a mess hall that serve 3 small meals a day. The food is nutritious, and will meet the dietary needs of the people, but that is all that can be said for it. There are no second servings offered and if you miss a meal, you will have to wait for the next one. Each floor also has washrooms and showers. There are overworked medical facilities on floor 02 that serves all of those living below deck.Floor 05
This floor houses the power generators, backup generators, maintenance bays, and water and oxygen filtration systems. It is heavily restricted and secured. You must have a key pass to get in. On this floor you can also find the waste reclamation facility.Floor 06
This was once the large storage facility. Decades ago it was picked over and dispersed to the residents. A few storage rooms still hold some valuables. Jewelry, paintings, etc. The rest of the area have been turned into the training area of the security teams, Arrow and Guardians. Many of the storage rooms have been converted into "prison cells" and interrogation rooms. One of the larger rooms is where the Council passes judgement on the accused. This also has the Blood harvesting room. Very few who are taken to this floor are seen again. This floor is heavily guarded. To gain access you must have key pass and a codeShips
The Odyssey
The Odyssey is the largest of the passenger ships to be docked at the Grand Dock. This was the first ship to arrive and was originally built by the owner of the Orion Luxury Suites, Prescott Bechtel, to be a passenger transport ship to take guests from earth to the hotel. During the war, Prescott led the exodus, opening the doors of the ARK to the refugees of earth. A few years after docking on the ARK, operational systems were not fully functional and there was worry over lack of oxygen and food. Several of the mages worked together to weave a spell, putting themselves and 100 volunteers into a stasis, to sleep until systems were functional. For whatever reason they were not woken until a mutiny on the ship forced it. Several of the sleepers were killed in the attack.- Deck 1 was is lowest level of the ship and contains the vessel's power converters and engine room towards the aft, as well as other ship systems such as the landing gear, air locks, and exterior docking ring. Deck 1 was also the location of the ship's two cargo bays at the fore of the ship, as well as crew quarters and bathrooms in the middle. A guest gangway, which allowed passengers access to the ship when it was landed, led to a reception area where guests were received before being taken to quarters on the upper levels. A small security post was also located near to the reception.
- Deck 2 is reserved for crew members. Crew quarters were located to the aft of the deck, along with the crew lounge and crew mess. A pantry, larder and kitchen were located next the crew mess, and the deck is also the site of the ship's laundry and the purser's office. A reception area for guests transiting through the deck was located in the middle of the deck, while catwalks that are suspended above the cargo areas on Deck 1 dominated the fore of the ship.
- Deck 3 is one of the passenger decks. The main dining salon is located on this deck, along with a small promenade. The grand salon is in middle of the deck, along with the start of the Grand Staircase, which ran from Deck 3 up to Deck 5. The aft of the vessel contains passenger cabins and restrooms.
- Deck 4 is another passenger deck. The forward section contains lounge and promenade, as well as access to the six passenger shuttles. The main security office was located on the promenade. The aft of the deck is reserved for passenger cabins and VIP suites. A secondary security office and office are located in the aft section.
- Deck 5 is the operations deck of the vessel. The forward part of the vessel contains the cabins for both the captain and pilot, along with a conference room for staff meetings. The fore boat deck, which allows access to eight of the ship's life boats, dominated the front of the vessel. The ship's bridge sits in the center of the deck. Behind the bridge is the top level of the Grand Staircase, which gives passengers access to the aft boat deck—containing access to the other eight life boats—and the ship's infirmary.
The Guardian
The Guardian was the second ship to join the ARK and is docked in the crew dockyard.
Shortly after the Odyssey arrived at there ARK, there was panic. The crews that had already there, working on construction, had known little of the war below. They wanted to return to earth to their families, taking the ships, and would not listen to reason. The guardian, a military ship, was petitioned to join the Odyssey and keep the peace, in return for sharing resources. The Guardian did not have the resources to sustain itself long, and so an agreement was reached.
- Deck 1 is lowest level of the ship and contains the vessel's cargo hold
- Deck 2 holds the vessel's power converters and engine room towards the aft, as well as other ship systems such as the landing gear, air locks, exterior docking ring, hangar and launch bay. Here you can also find the medical bay, lounge, rec room, conference room, weapons lockers, and medical bay.
- Deck 3 is predominately for crew and holds the Crew quarters, rest rooms and showers, and crew mess. The Captains quarters and office are also found here. The deck also holds the bridge and escape pods.
Lifebringer
Lifebringer was the next to join the ARK and is still docked at the Grand Docks. A hastily converted research ship, they had taken the brightest survivors they could, researchers, scientists and the like, and they too reached an agreement with the Odyssey to join. This merger gave the ARK vast digital libraries, man power, and stores of seeds. This ship is no longer in use, and is closed upOzone
The original name of this ship has been lost, and now it is simply known as Ozone.- Deck 1 was is lowest level of the ship and contains the vessel's power converters and engine room towards the aft, as well as other ship systems such as the landing gear, air locks, and exterior docking ring. Deck 1 was also the location of the ship's two cargo bays at the fore of the ship, as well as crew quarters and bathrooms in the middle. A guest gangway, which allowed passengers access to the ship when it was landed on a planet, led to a reception area where guests were received before being taken to quarters on the upper levels. A small security post was also located near to the reception.
- Deck 2 was reserved for crew members. Crew quarters were located to the aft of the deck, along with the crew lounge and crew mess. A pantry, larder and kitchen were located next the crew mess, and the deck is also the site of the ship's laundry and the purser's office. A reception area for guests transiting through the deck was located in the middle of the deck, while catwalks that are suspended above the cargo areas on Deck 1 dominated the fore of the ship.
- Deck 3 is one of the passenger decks. The forward section of the deck contains an amphitheater with seating for up to five hundred people, as well as a full-depth stage that is able to put on a large variety of entertainment. A small backstage area and concierge station served the amphitheater. Quarters for the entertainers are located near to the amphitheater, which included bathrooms and a private mess complete with pantry and larder.
- Public restrooms are situated near the amphitheater, along with offices for both the quartermaster and entertainment officer. The main dining salon is located on this deck, along with a small promenade. The grand salon is in middle of the deck, along with the start of the Grand Staircase, which ran from Deck 3 up to Deck 5. The aft of the vessel contains passenger cabins and restrooms, as well as the gambling salon and bar
- Deck 4 is another passenger deck. The forward section contains an area exclusively for "Companion" services, including a lounge and promenade, as well as access to the six passenger shuttles. The main security office was located on the promenade. The aft of the deck is reserved for passenger cabins and VIP suites. A secondary security office and office are located in the aft section.
- Deck 5 is the operations deck of the vessel. The forward part of the vessel contains the cabins for both the captain and pilot, along with a conference room for staff meetings. The fore boat deck, which allows access to eight of the ship's life boats, dominated the front of the vessel. The ship's bridge sits in the center of the deck. Behind the bridge is the top level of the Grand Staircase, which gives passengers access to the aft boat deck—containing access to the other eight life boats—and the ship's infirmary.
Polaris and Trailblazer
Trailblazer and its sister ship, Polaris, joined the ARK approximately 10 years after the war. They can both be found docked in at the crew docks and are both closed up They petitioned to join, and were nearly turned away. The council was concerned about over stressing the infrastructure of the ARK and over population with limited resources. However, Trailblazer had a number of engineers, something the ARK was in desperate need of. They struck an agreement to join but only is the ARK would take the refugees on both ships. Anyone with skills was quickly put to work, the rest were sent to train or live below decks, making up a large portion of the manual and unskilled labor.The Bravery
This was the last ship to join. The Bravery promised to share the vast goods they claimed to have hoarded, however it was a ruse. When they were permitted to dock, they attacked, attempting to take over the ARK, hoping the element of surprise would be enough. It was not, and while the insurgents were unsuccessful in taking the ARK, but they did land a mighty blow, killing several officers and fatally wounding Prescott in the ensuing fight. When it was clear to the insurgents that they had lost the fight, they barricaded themselves in the Bravery. Unable to take off again, and with no where to run, they eventually surrendered. The survivors were rounded up without mercy, and while there may have been innocents on board, all aboard the Bravery were harvested, the ship stripped of any resources. Over the years, the fear and anger directed at this ship and its long dead crew have allowed a locus to form. It is not overly powerful, and its energy is tainted by the emotions that spawned it, but it is priceless to the Uratha and Mages alike, and guarded by both.
Related Tradition (Primary)
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