| Vogtland Base | |
| Owner | |
| Red Hessians | |
| Location | |
| B-2, Dresden |
CLASS: Roterberg
GRAVITY: Complete
DOCKING: Yes
AMENITIES: Yes
CREW: Unknown
The story of the Hessians emerges from the turbulent history of the Dresden system, once the mining heartland of Rheinland. Work there was dirty, dangerous work, but Daumann and Kruger had little reason to lose sleep over the welfare of their employees. The price of the occasional disability pension or life insurance policy was nothing compared to the money made from extracting and refining the metals and materials that fed Rheinland industry. As the 80-Years War wound down to its ignoble conclusion, Rheinland found itself virtually bankrupt. Kruger and Daumann released thousands of employees throughout Rheinland. Promises of bonuses were left unfulfilled, and in many cases, miners were left completely destitute. An uprising was almost inevitable. A group of miners took control of Leipzig Station on Von Rohe's Day in 700 AS.
The revolt soon spread from Dresden to the rest of the Rheinland, gaining widespread backing from the legions of unemployed workers. The Popular Revolution had begun. Within five months a new coalition government was established. Both Kruger and Daumann were required to pay reparations, and all Rheinland companies were forced to comply with a newly ratified Workers' Rights Convention. Many revolutionaries could not accept this compromise or the prospect of working for their old taskmasters, deciding to form the Red Hessians -- a group dedicated to destroying the two companies. It was not long before Hessian political ideals were replaced by greed, which has led them to become more like pirates than activists.
Vogtland is now the beating heart of the Hessian movement -- constructing ships, training recruits and launching raids across Rheinland. In 818 AS, The Hessians of Vogtland executed their most daring plan yet, destroying Pirna and occupying Leipzig Border Station. By 824 AS, Kruger finally abandoned Bautzen, leaving only a Military toehold around the New Berlin Jump Gate. The Hessians declared their victorious conquest of Dresden, mining what little resources remained to fuel their own war efforts. After riding high on the further capture of Cologne, the Hessians were brought crashing back down in the aftermath of the Rheinland Civil War. The newly reunified government quickly recaptured Cologne, and by 832 AS had set its sights on Dresden too.
The resulting Military invasion wrecked devastating damage on Dresden’s remaining economic infrastructure, slamming shut the taps on locally produced Hessian resources. When the Military eventually retreated to lick their wounds, the Hessians were dismayed to find the Corsairs raiders replacing them. Despite these shocks and the demoralizing loss of the Battleship Kassel, some hope can be found in a recent drop in Corsair attacks. Newly constituted Hessian brigades now prepare to regain the initiative for the first time in nearly two years with a coordinated counter-offensive against the Corsairs in Dresden, Omega-5, 11 and 41.
Bribes & Missions Offered
| Bribes |
| Missions |
Commodities
| Exports | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Ships sold
| Ship | Class | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Loki Mk. II | Heavy Fighter | 25,358$ |
| Odin Mk. II | Very Heavy Fighter | 26,079$ |
| Thor Mk. II | Bomber | 72,776$ |
| Rheinland Pirate Cruiser | Cruiser | 2,507,900$ |
| Asteroid Miner | Heavy Miner | 207,905$ |
| Rheinland Blackmarket Frigate | Frigate | 1,337,466$ |
| Rheinland Armored Transport | Transport | 33,155$ |
News
| [835 AS] Vogtland brigades drive out Corsairs |
|
VOGTLAND -- 835 -- After three years of grinding, attritional combat, the Corsairs have broken and fled from Dresden. Vogtland’s brigades have continually intensified pressure on the Corsair position, encircling their staging ground in the Schwefelnebel. Waiting until the encirclement was almost complete, the Battlecruiser Penitence attempted to retreat. Hessian forces inflicted severe damage on the Penitence as it fled through Frankfurt, ending Corsair aspirations on our home. In recognition of our newly secured supply lines, Wolfsburg Shipyard has been ordered to lay down the keel for a worthy replacement to the Battleship Kassel. |
| [834 AS] New brigades take the fight to the Corsairs |
|
VOGTLAND -- 834 -- The Corsair attack in Dresden has been blunted and now the tide appears to be turning. They scurry and hide in the Schwefelnebel, only launching sorties to attack soft targets. They’re on the back foot, and the Zuschen’s raid on Corsair rear lines has successfully drawn off their reinforcements. It’s time we put these invaders to the sword: two Brigade groups are enveloping the Penitence’s suspected location. The newly reconstituted Fichtel Brigade will advance from the Bautzen direction using up-armored miners as a battering ram, while the Steiner Brigade enters the Schwefelnebel from the north. The Corsairs will be forced to flee before the Frankfurt Jump Hole is cut off, or commit to a decisive battle on our terms. |
| [834 AS] A bad breakup? |
|
DARMSTADT -- 834 -- It appears the LWB and Farmers Alliance have gone their separate ways, on very bad terms. Witnesses report seeing fighting between LWB and FA squadrons, and the FA resultingly retreating from Rheinland space. The FA’s expansion into Rheinland alienated many of the LWB’s traditional allies, most notably the Red Hessians. The Hessians for their part appear to have moved quickly to fill the vacuum the Alliance left behind, approaching LWB commanders with offers of weapons and technical support in exchange for the LWB supplementing their supply lines in west Rheinland. LWB pilot Arthur Saebel noted, “we've done what's best for our people.“ |
| [834 AS] Seeds of discontent sprouting in Stuttgart? |
|
STUTTGART -- 834 -- The LWB collapsed a decade ago, only knitting itself back together with support from Kusari's Farmer’s Alliance. While the LWB were initially grateful for these foreign patrons, discontent appears to be growing. The FA imposed its own officers on the LWB, and has been calling the shots since. One anonymous LWB pilot bitterly complained that the FA “only care about stopping Synth exports to Kusari”, with Rheinland farmers a distant afterthought. This tension has come to the forefront after Kusari commanders prohibited the LWB from targeting Gallic food imports. While the competition has damaged Synth Foods, it has also driven Stuttgart’s remaining independent farmers to breaking point. |
| [832 AS] A different kind of Houston heat |
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MARLTON CITY -- 832 AS -- A huge firefight has been reported in one of Houston's urban centers, involving a gang of heavily armed assailants and dozens of casualties. The target appears to have been a major LPI penitentiary facility, with one force spokesperson going so far as to say that the raid must have been carried out by a professional mercenary outfit. Malton City has gone into lockdown amid rumors of a mass breakout by Pennsylvania convicts. An enormous manhunt has been launched, involving Marine support from the Battleship Arkansas. |
| [832 AS] Bundschuh avenge Bautzen murders |
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NEW BERLIN -- 832 -- After the brutality of the Civil War, we embraced peace and -- despite severe misgivings -- the chance to steer the new state through political discourse. Despite this, promised democratic reforms failed to arrive, while officials turned a blind eye to violence inflicted on our candidates. The final straw came with the invasion of Dresden and the cold blooded murder of Bautzen Station’s crew by the Strausberg fleet. We have now ended the life of the treacherous Admiral Schmid, however it is clear that this state cannot be reasoned with in good faith. The Federal Empire combines the worst impulses of the Republic with the incestuous corruption of the Old Empire. One solution remains: wipe it away and start anew. |
| [832 AS] Patrol Paths Update |
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DRESDEN -- 832 AS -- Effective immediately, all forces within Dresden are to adhere to the new, adjusted patrol paths, centered around securing a permanent perimeter around Vogtland and Wolfsburg. Until the Kaiser is deposed, we must ensure a follow-up attack on those will not succeed by catching us unaware. |
| [832 AS] Surprise assault on Leipzig! |
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DRESDEN -- 832 AS -- Contrary to popular belief, the Military was actually preparing to conduct an assault on our positions in Dresden. An attack by a force led by Battleship Strausberg managed to blow up Bautzen that was in Bundschuh control, and proceeded to attack Leipzig. The defenders despite being outnumbered valiantly kept the enemy occupied while Battleship Kassel got into position to ambush and critically wound the Strausberg, forcing the enemy to withdraw, and eventually scuttle the vessel, becoming a monument to Hessian control over the system. Unfortunately, the Leipzig was beyond saving, but their sacrifice will not be forgotten. The loss of Strausberg caused riots sprung up all over Rheinland against Kaiser, demanding his resignation, which are further incited by numerous supporters to our cause. We expect a concentration of Military forces in the core systems, allowing us to pillage the border worlds all more easily as a result. |
| [832 AS] Kaiser declares war on Hessians! |
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NEW BERLIN -- 832 AS -- Yesterday, our beloved Kaiser declared war on us! In a public broadcast, we've been compared to Rogues, rats and several other things, but no actual plan of action against us or our assets was made. After declaring a massive 5%% increase in military spending and hurling a bunch of insults at us, we do not expect much to come out of this announcement, but as a precaution, command is issuing minor reinforcements of our most vulnerable asset: Leipzig Station. A number of fighter wings are being redeployed, including the Schalke Squadron, our latest addition to our forces, ready to show the Kaiser what they're made of! We expect it all to be a crude attempt at increasing popular opinion without actually doing anything, but report any unusual Military movements directly to your superiors. |
| [832 AS] Counting doses |
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ROCHESTER -- 832 AS -- The catastrophic crash of the Cardamine market has been tough for all the associates involved in the chain of its distribution, and the substantial drop-off in the quantity of it available for use and resale has caused a new problem in this series of bad episodes. The Rogues and Hackers, former partners in feeding the needs of the underworld are now at each other's throats, unable to meet demands for the drug both by their own and by customers, it seems as if stealing it from each other at gunpoint is the new business model. |
| [832 AS] War Returns to Omicron Theta! |
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FREEPORT 9 -- 832 AS -- Omicron Theta was the site of clashes between the Outcasts and Corsairs for many years, with the Zoners of Freeport 9 surviving in the middle of this uneasy equilibrium. Everything would change late last year when the Outcasts withdrew from the system, and the Corsairs boarded and occupied Freeport 9. Now, the Outcasts have returned in force and the fighting is fiercer than ever as they look to win back lost ground; early clashes saw the loss of the Corsair Battleship Fes and Outcast Destroyer Bella. The Outcasts have been open about their intent to destroy Freeport 9 so long as it remains in Corsair hands, to the dismay of the expelled Zoners who hope to regain the station through diplomatic means. The Core have also been spotted operating in the system, intervening to precisely strike valuable targets and seemingly prevent either side from gaining a decisive edge. Extreme caution is recommended when travelling through the region. |
| [831 AS] Corsairs Pillage Freeport 9! |
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CORFU -- 831 AS -- The Corsair occupation of Freeport 9 has sent shockwaves through the Zoner community. The Corsairs had accused the station of allowing their enemies to launch raids into Omicron Gamma, with violent rhetoric escalating after the death of an Elder's son. As Crete demanded the Zoners of Theta turn over any Hunters aboard their stations and surrender docking control, the Freeport 9 administrators were confident that some kind of compromise could be found. A delegation from Gran Canaria was requested to assist with negotiations, due to the close ties between Zoner and Corsair communities on the planet. Tragically, the Corsairs interpreted this delay as refusal, and launched a surprise attack while the delegation was en-route. Many of Freeport 9's crew are now being held as hostages while the Corsairs pillage the station. An urgent conclave has been called on Gran Canaria to discuss the Zoner response, while militias on Pygar have taken up arms in case the violence spreads. |
| [831 AS] Jump Hole Upheaval Causes Chaos |
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HEISENBERG -- 831 AS -- Jump holes across Sirius have become increasingly volatile and chaotic over the last year, with Professor Sophia Nagel from the Heisenberg Research Station linking the unusual phenomena to the Pulse. The Pulse was an unprecedented blast of hyperspace energy that was detected immediately prior to last year's Jump Gate Blackout. Professor Nagel and her team are certain the Pulse originated from outside Sirius, but are otherwise no closer to identifying its source or mitigating a future Blackout event. "Following the Blackout, we began to see immediate signs of jump hole destabilization in multiple different regions, with many ultimately falling out of phase alignment altogether", she commented. The dramatic upending of Sirius' jump hole network has already prompted many groups to abandon stations and withdraw from systems that appear to risk being cut off. While months-long trips between the stars are possible thanks to the Liberty Engine and many centuries of innovation, few ships are designed or provisioned to make such arduous journeys. Those who were displaced by Sirius' redrawn map hope that system connections will return, while adventurers and explorers rush to discover new routes. |
| [830 AS] Tempers Flare over Pygar Colony! |
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PYGAR -- 830 AS -- The Bretonian occupation of Gran Canaria forced many Zoners off-world, with some braving the deadly storms of Pygar to eke out a difficult existence under the barren planet's surface. This has not met with warmth by the Corsairs, who see Pygar as a competitor for scarce resources. Elder Garcia warned that there would be "dire consequences" if Freeport 9's biodomes diverted exports from Planet Crete. Whispers of alien ruins below Pygar's surface further antagonized the Corsairs, who fiercely enforce control of the Artifact trade. Pygar's extreme conditions and the tense relationship with the Corsairs has already led many colonists to return to the now liberated Gran Canaria. |
| [826 AS] Justice on two fronts |
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HAMBURG -- 826 -- The Unioners have long been suspected of treachery, however it was only recently that fate delivered an influential Unioner Artifact smuggler into Hessian hands. Cracking under persuasive interrogation, the pilot spilled dirty secrets about cooperation with the Corsairs. Fortuitously, The Unioners have approached us with a plan to seize Vierlande Prison, and have asked for our assistance in persuading the Coalition to contribute. Little do they know they have sprung the perfect trap for themselves. We shall wait for the collaborators to exhaust themselves in the battle, then take our revenge on the Undine and Wedel Station. |
| [825 AS] Ronneburg reports Omega-5 situation "critical" |
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RONNEBURG -- 825 -- Hessian commanders in Omega-5 have reported the heaviest losses in decades, amid a severe supply crunch. Vital material from Dresden has been disrupted by recent combat operations, and the loss of Omega-11 supply routes to solar storms. As a result, Hessian fighters are suffering from munitions shortages and must ration the use of missiles, mines and weapons platforms. Now Dresden has been fully secured, it is hoped this will allow for material production to be significantly ramped up in the coming months. The Corsairs have sensed this narrow window of opportunity and are pushing us hard. In the meantime, The Coalition have committed its own reserves and industrial support to staunch the bleeding. |
| [824 AS] Dresden liberated from corporate oppression |
|
BAUTZEN -- 824 -- Bundschuh agents have landed on Bautzen Station after Kruger and Rheinland Military vessels withdrew. Owing to continued pressure applied by revolutionary forces, Kruger fled, stripping most of the station's facilities. While our occupation was not directly contested, the station was partially damaged by demolition charges. Thankfully, several of these charges were delayed due to defects, allowing engineers to make them safe. The Bundschuh have begun the process of jointly fortifying the base with the Red Hessians, in preparation for its planned use as a distribution warehouse for Dresden-produced goods. This will to some extent reduce Rheinland revolutionaries' dependence on groups like the Junkers for certain supplies. |
| [824 AS] Saalburg falls to Corsair barbarians |
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SAALBURG -- 824 -- Saalburg Depot in Frankfurt has fallen after being attacked by an overwhelming force of Corsair raiders. Our pilots recognized they stood no chance against the attack and retreated to avoid unnecessary loss of life. The Corsairs have occupied the base and dug in, aiming to use it as a forward base for renewed attacks on Rheinland. This is the largest Corsair force to enter Rheinland since the invasion of 815 AS -- Bundschuh and Red Hessian fighters have launched an immediate counter-attack to prevent the barbarians from gaining a permanent foothold. |
| [822 AS] Freital lost to solar storms |
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FREITAL BASE -- 822 -- Omega-11's star has continued to grow more and more violent - we have lost almost a dozen ships trying to cross the system in recent weeks. Of even greater concern, the vicious solar storms have begun to impact local Jump Holes. The connection to Omega-5 recently fell out of phase alignment for nearly 16 hours, while the Dresden Jump Hole also shows signs of instability. Daumann has already fled, abandoning Solaris Station and ending local Diamond mining. As a result, commanders have issued the order to withdraw until conditions improve. Our supply chains between Dresden and Omega-5 are being urgently rerouted to compensate. |
| [821 AS] Zwickau opens new front in Dresden |
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ZWICKAU DEPOT -- 821 -- In partnership with Red Hessian allies, the Bundschuh movement has established Zwickau Depot in Dresden’s Schwefelnebel. It is strategically located to strike Military reinforcements traveling between the New Berlin minefield and Bautzen Station, allowing us to maintain pressure on the Rheinland occupiers. Zwickau is also ideally placed to distribute locally harvested resources to revolutionary causes throughout Rheinland. We also hope to convince the Hessians to allow us to facilitate mineral sales to our contacts in the Sigmas for fundraising purposes. Through the Bundschuh’s efforts, Dresden shall soon be the first truly free system in Rheinland, and the seed from which a new Popular Revolution can bloom. |
| [818 AS] Dresden capture proceeding smoothly |
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VOGTLAND -- 818 -- Years of careful planning and preparation have borne fruit with the conquest of Dresden. A lightning strike on Pirna found the RFP unprepared and quickly eliminated. This cleared the main body of our attack force to isolate and board Leipzig. Daumann appears to have known which way the wind was blowing, as the station had already been stripped of any reasonably portable plant machinery. The corporate lapdogs of the Rheinland Military have dug in around Bautzen Station and laid a defensive minefield around the New Berlin Jump Gate. It is only a matter of time until Kruger’s will breaks and they too abandon Bautzen. Then Rheinland will have nothing to fight for, and will withdraw the Altenburg -- the system and its remaining wealth will be ours. |
| [803 AS] Driven to desperation |
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NEW BERLIN -- 803 -- As Rheinland falls further into economic crisis, many face financial ruin. Desperation has driven political radicalism and crime. Where tens of thousands of Military personnel were laid off in the aftermath of the Colony Wars, huge numbers of trained pilots have found themselves unemployed. As local corporations stop recruiting, some have turned to the Bounty Hunter’s Guild, however many have resorted to the Bundschuh, Red Hessians and Unioners. The RFP has already noted a sharp increase in criminal activity across Rheinland and the surrounding border worlds. |
Rumors
| Red Hessians |
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| Bundschuh |
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