Surrounded by Mixed Forest, this
isolated Commune is built on what was once Miquelon Provincial Park. Filled
with murky lakes left behind by ancient glaciers, it almost looks completely uninhabited,
if you don’t’ know where to look. It is when you look, deep into the earth that
you finally realize how populated this site is.
Snakes, Snakes and More Snakes
This is the Commune of the Garter Folk. Believed to be a
mutation of the humble garter folk given humanoid form, they have setup a life
for themselves despite their reptilian nature.
For the playable species in the Hodgepocalypse, here is the following link.
https://www.hodgepocalypse.com/2019/02/drevrpg-5e-valentine-day-special-garter.html
What is particularly perplexing is they have picked an area
that really is not particularly habitable to the species. They are cold blooded
but live in area that as cold as minus 30 degrees Celsius.
So how do they survive?
Winter Countermeasures
1.
Hibernation.
The Garter Folk yearly cycle is planned on the assumption
that winter is coming. They spend a sizable chunk of the year preparing to
sleep during the worst of the weather. Afterall, why would go out in weather
that is punitive to your species, baring being an aberrant adventurer. However,
the world is a dangerous place. There is
a contingent of about 15% of the colony that takes shifts staying awake at all
times.
2.
Underground Dwellings.
While there are no volcanic features, an effortless way to reduce
the harsh environment is to dig deep into the earth. The wind is blunted, the
cold is insulated, and it can be done with a minimal of tools and knowledge of
technology. The oldest parts of the community were built with this simple rule
in mine. The top is usually not unlike a
sod house as the dwelling is reinforced by grown grass.
3.
The Greenhouse Effect.
As soon as they discovered how it is possible to use glass
and plastic to magnify the heat, there has been a redesign on how they live. In
fact, the communal locations of slumber are often these artificial hot zones so
they can enjoy the winter.
4.
Automated Defenses.
Because the Garter Folk are sluggish at best during this
period, they compensate using technology. The Garter Folk have placed Cameras at
choke points within the community and are often reinforced with computer
targeted turrets. They also have the equivalent of baby monitors in the
communal chambers connected to alarms if things go awry.
5.
Alternative Protein.
While Garter Folk are friendly and a giving people, the
simple fact that in the winter being awoken from their slumber makes them
agitated. Simply put, they are hungry as every calorie is expended. While they
are not actively cannibalistic, an invader that is there to threaten their
family will not be missed and their carcasses will be considered “suitable
compensation.”
6.
Outside Apparel.
Thanks to the power of technology, Garter Folk do have proper
attire for the great outdoors when it is harsh. Cold wear is a full body
stocking that is electrically heated to provide proper heating. Covering their
heads are an electrified toque and googles so not a single inch is exposed. This
winter wear can be worn under armor to provide a layer of protection.
7.
Shamanism
Despite their fondness for modern technology, Garter Folk
feel a connection to the earth and world. Witches are quite common within the
culture and as a result, often spellcasting is used when technology fails. Continual
flame is good when the generator stops. Create Food and water is a wonderful
way to make food from nothing in emergencies and that is just the tip of the
iceberg. Rainmakers are also incredibly
common as when you need to blunt the weather, it is good to call in the
experts.
Spring Breaks
With the winter being so harsh, spring is a breath of fresh
air. Once it’s been sprung, Garter Folk are in the equivalent of spring
break. It is essentially party time for
about a month and expect to see plenty of “snake balls.” Shortly afterwards, the hatchery fills to
capacity.
Locations of Note
Ground Level
1.
Boat Launch
Miquelon is a shrinking lake, but it it has been mitigated
by regular rainstorms created by Rainmakers. This is the dock where the Garter
Folk go fishing during the summer months.
2.
Beach
Along the edge of the lake is a sandy beach used for
entertainment. This is further enhanced by mirrors to give that toasty feel
that a cold-blooded creature can enjoy.
3.
Storage Domes and Loading Dock
These dome structures are used for transporting supplies
from the surface to the depths of the commune.
Has a receiving elevator for large objects.
The Main Compound
1.
Sheltered Entranceway.
This is the main entrance into the Garter Folk Underground
Compound. It has security cameras and a radio for communicating with the
outside world.
2.
Spiral ramp.
To get deep into the earth, you need to descend via the ramp.
This is a tight fit with a heavy sloping ceiling.
3.
Main Entrance Foyer
This high traffic area where equipment is doffed acting as a
real mudroom. It is also separated from the outside tunnels by a set of double
doors.
4.
Security Checkpoint
To defend from interlopers, this area is separated by a
small hallway where a fence guides the intruder to a place where the door
slithered checks their credentials and disarms before they go further. Usually, a couple of garter folk guards are
there with submachine guns in case things go south.
5.
Furnace Room
While they prefer to use natural sources, they keep a wood
burning furnace going during the coldest months. It blows balmy air throughout
the complex during the winter.
6.
Backup Generator
If anything, really goes wrong, this is an electrical
generator ready to be turned on in a moment’s notice. It is used for light and
to guide Garter Folk to safety but can be used for survival for about a day.
7.
Earthworm Farm
This composed area contains the preferred meat of the Garter
Folk: earthworms. They are grown in a dirt chamber where they are mixed with
the waste of the community. It is isolated because it stinks.
8.
Community Hall
This is where most of the population stays during the winter
months and is where the Garter Folk go to have their communal meals.
9.
Kitchen
This kitchen is damp and filled with dirt. It contains a
wide variety of cooking equipment and is noteworthy for its large pots for
cooking in bulk.
10. Nursery
Garter Folk are ovoviviparous and thus carry their eggs to
term. This is the medical room where they insure a healthy parent and child.
11.School
This has the feel of a one room school in the depths of the earth. A dozen garter folk and their younglings slither, learn and play here. Straw mattresses cover the floor as well as earthenware bowls and supplies on simple wooden tables are here as well.
12.Storerooms
This large communal closet is filled with hooks hanging gear
to the ceiling.
13.Meditation Room
This room is filled with incense and cushions. The floors
are covered with a rubber raised floor layered with wood as it feels super
comfortable.
14.Witches’ Quarters
While Witches mingle with the regular population, they do
need some space to perform rituals in private.
This has several bookshelves with assorted variety of creatures in jars
and other artifacts.
15.Rainmaker’s Quarters
This location is raised to the surface and has a greenhouse
roof. It is so that it can be exposed to the elements in a controlled manner. There
are a series of wooden chairs setup in a circle with one big chair in the
middle.
16.Bathing Room
This bare flagged room is a sauna filled with hot rocks and
indoor plumbing. This is where about 15
Garter Folk at a time can steam themselves for heat retention.
17.Laundry Room
The alcove has an industrial level washer and dryer as well
as several lines for hanging up clothing for pressing.
18.Workshop/Rec Room
This Room has a series of wooden benches and hanging tools for
construction purposes. It also has a
gaming console at one end for entertainment during the dark months.
19.Security Room
This room is deep inside the compound and is a series of
monitors to check on entrances and to relay information to the observation
tower.
20. Sunshine room
This room is a green house built close to the surface and
designed as a place for warming up between hibernation periods or when an
emergency requires a Garter Folks’ full attention.
21.South Entrance Foyer.
This is the backup emergency exit. The doors are setup with
a rudimentary alarm if opened and are only openable from the inside.
22.Augustana Miquelon Lake
Research Station (AMLRS).
This was originally an astronomy post created by the
University of Alberta. It is now an observation station maintained by the
Garter Folk to spy on their neighbors. It also has been redesigned to be connected
to the underground lair. Finally, a turret has been added to allow for defense
should observed targets become hostile.
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