New Victoria

Quite possibly the greatest man made wonder of the known solar system in this modern age is the city of New Victoria. Established in 1873 to the applauds of the citizens of earth it has quickly become an amazing spectacle.

Initial plans were to build it mirroring the intent of modern Victorian cities but as soon as the foundations began the project came under Sky Martian attack. The difficult decision was made to fortify the city and to add an enormous ring and network of walls and defensive outer works. The walls, for the most part, are 40 feet high and 10 feet wide at the top; enough for five men to stand abreast on. Numerous towers have also been constructed along the length on the circuit with varying uses; from storage rooms to aeroneff docks to gun towers, bristling with quick firing cannon to deter any Sky Martian attack.

The city contains within it a large plateau which was actually the first landing site when humans came to Mars. There is a statue to celebrate the event and a small, fenced, public garden containing many of Mars’ natural flora. The plateau itself has upon it many of the more important buildings of New Victoria including the current Governors mansion and many legations of the leading nations of earth. The Royal Societies also have their establishment located here along with several smaller aeroneff docks.

The harbour and docks of New Victoria are a sight to behold also. With three Martian canals converging it is a place of bustling commerce, trading as it does with City Martian states and other outlying human settlements. The Royal Canal enters New Victoria via huge iron gates placed in the massive walls. It proceeds through the city and out the other side taking the affluence and detritus of New Victoria’s citizens (much to the chagrin of the local City Martians). The other two canals go north east and south connecting two of the largest City Martian state capitals and the area surrounding the convergence is full of warehouses and store yards, narrow boat docks and defensive positions.

New Victoria itself contains some of the best examples of Victorian architecture outside of England. Headquarters buildings, warehouses and universities all vying for attention and new construction beginning almost on a monthly basis. The city is roughly divided into commercial, industrial and residential areas but there are no specific zones as such and one area can blur into another. Work is underway to begin construction of a simple underground train network; mainly to link the main commercial, industrial and residential areas of New Victoria but there is also talks of linking the various barracks to the underground to allow the quick movement of troops when a large Sky Martian attack occurs.

Above ground there is an increasing network of rail viaducts and tracks taking passengers and goods to and from locations where the canals don’t, or can’t go; New Victoria Station being the main terminus of these. From above, New Victoria looks like a spiders web with the tracks and  viaducts radiating out to various points on Mars. There are two main rail companies vying for supremacy in New Victoria; these are The Great Martian Railway and The Metropolitan Martian Line. Both have large numbers of rolling stock and have allowed military adjustments to some of the wagons to help defend them when outside the protection of New Victoria.

The main military holding in New Victoria is the Queen’s Barracks; a massive hexagonal structure incorporated into the walls of the northern stretch (this being the direction of the most frequent Sky Martian attacks). It is slightly taller than the neighbouring walls and has a raised interior parade ground. Three defensive towers are placed on every other corner and several embrasures protrude from the walls housing large cannon. A battalion of the 1st Regiment of Mars (The Queens Own Martians) is stationed at the fort with attached cavalry and a small section of artillery and steam tech. Various companies of the 1st, 3rd and 6th regiments are stationed around New Victoria mainly in the defensive towers but also in a few normal barrack blocks situated throughout the city.

New Victoria is ever expanding, what with the influx of traders, soldiers, workers and even tourists. There is still space inside the walls for new construction but it is feared that the population will soon outgrow this, the Marvel of Mars and the Solar System

The Farm Rendezvous AAR

A regular supply run to a newly established camp 250 miles north of New Victoria seemed to be going according to schedule when forward observers of the column noticed a number of what looked to be Sky Martians in the distance.

The coolies carrying the supplies tried to quicken their pace to gain the safety of the farm building but the Sky Martians were too quite for them and they got caught in the open and were decimated.

The Sky Martians then preceded to charge the columns support artillery but were seen of with a furious fusillade of fire.

Captain Rodger Boyes of Her Majesties Impervious Suit Detachment charged forwards and saw off the Sky Martian attack only to see what appeared to be a Sky Martian skiff bearing down on the farm building.

The Sky Martians on board their skiff threw some rustic javelins and what appeared to be bolas onto the troops occupying the farm but were driven off in a hail of determined rifle fire.

With the Sky Martians in full retreat the only assumption that can be made is that they were trying to disrupt the supplies to the farm; an action which follows the Sky Martian behaviour to the forces of Her Majesty on Mars.

A last view of the Sky Martian leader was gained as they made their escape into a nearby canyon complex...

Diary of Archibald Harris-Hampton...

So the Sky Martians are continuing their campaign of random attacks against the forces of her Majesty and the other powers on Mars. We can only assume that these attacks will continue but will they escalate?

Game was played using a modified version of Muskets and Tomahawks with thanks to Happy Wanderer for the alterations.

The Farm Rendezvous - A Red Planet Adventure

North West Frontier, Mars, 31st October 1891. The Offices of the London Illustrated News Overseas Reporting Team.

Aether Correspondent, Archibald Harris-Hampton reporting back on a chance encounter with the mysterious Sky Martians...

A supply run to a newly established British outpost in the deep desert many miles North of New Victoria encountered hostile action from what can only be assumed to be the local Sky Martians...

Market stalls

In order to make our Martian settlements look inhabited some market stalls were in order. Just the one for now as it's a test for further versions but it turned out quite successfully.

The first thing to do was to make the frame for the canvas. The frame and canvas is a recurring theme throughout City Martian architecture (although I've yet to add canvasses to most of the completed terrain).

Once the frame was made the base was textured and painted as it would be easier to do this now rather than when the canvas was in place. A start was made on the merchandise table.This used some readily available 'goods' from various sources but the idea is to design something for the City Martians specifically and have them for sale.

Once the goods and table were painted I added the canvas using industrial white towel (an over the top name for some thick tissue) and gave it a wash of watered down pva and ink. It was given a quick drybrush once stuck in place and the vendors sign was made from paper and stuck on the front. A start has also been made on a larger stall and soon I'll also have several more on the go as they will help populate the City Martian settlements.

Here are the photos of the finished article. I forgot to take some pictures with a human figure next to it as it's quite large because our Martians are a good 35mm tall.

The Japanese Army on Mars

The Japanese were the first to arrive on Mars following their successful implementation and improvement of aether technology gained from an undiscloased source. Shortly after them, the British landed and started their expansion and alliance with the Japanese.

New Victoria for many is the principle human city on Mars but the Japanese have also established their own enclave of Shin Kyoto. Simpler in form than New Victoria it has taken the shape of Martian sand banks with ramparts behind and a simple dry moat to the front. Various gun embrasures are dotted along the circumference and these are of various calibers; placed because of the Sky Martian threat. This threat appears to be less than the threat on New Victoria, possibly because of the more understated size of Shin-Kyoto.

 

The main advantage Japan has over the other nations is their large and expanding aeroneff fleet and the support to go with them. Various designs of neff are in the Japanese fleet including, but not limited to, armoured gunboats, torpedo cutters, destroyers and larger armoured corvettes. Many smaller support craft have also been constructed on Mars in recent months allowing Japanese expeditions to range further and further.

The first soldiers to arrive were from the recently formed Imperial Guard but these were soon added to by conscript forces from 1873 onwards. At this moment in time there are two full regiments on Mars to date with five cavalry squadrons and an artillery regiment with various engineers, medics etc. More soldiers are due in the next supply run from earth to help bolster Japanese interests.

The more recent arrivals from earth have been issued with summer uniforms; basically white made from a lighter material to help with the high temperatures experienced on Mars. Quite often, earlier and later units will be mixed together on expeditions and also more recent supply runs have meant that some units are having to wear a mix of winter and summer uniforms so the army can be quite a colourful affair. The Japanese high command are also looking at khaki uniforms but nothing much has been done about this as of yet.

The Japanese cavalry are looking to use the local Martian mounts, as getting remounts from Earth is a long process. Training these larger beasts is proving to be problematic at best as they are temperamental towards humans, the reason is yet to be ascertained. Special saddles are being designed due to the nature of the Martian mounts skeletal structure but should prove efficient when complete. Using the Martian mounts will help enormously with long range patrols as they are perfectly suited for the Martian terrain and weather.

The Japanese engineers have managed to set up a good armoury and foundry and are already starting to produce ordinance and artillery on Mars although raw metals in the vicinity of Shin Kyoto are scarce. This scarcity means that patrols deep into Sky Martian territory are becoming a necessity and large, armoured convoys are becoming a common sight on Mars.

The Abandoned Supply Depot AAR

A small scouting force of Japanese had been dropped of by a passing Great Martian Railway express train in the hope of finding out the situation regarding the supply depot.

The Japanese advanced into the compound to assess the situation but to the surprise of the commander there was what appeared to be the Princess Imperial in amongst the City Martian animal pens.

It however turned out to be a trap as a mix of unruly looking individuals were seen moving through cover towards the compound.

The band of 'ruffians' started to approach the compound firing their weapons whilst the Japanese took cover behind the barricades. The Japanese commander, being mounted, manoeuvred his horse outside the protection of the compound in an attempt to out flank the attackers.

Unfortunately, a Sky Martian in the service of earth got into the compound and proved too mighty an opponent for the defenders allowing more of the, what can only be assumed, GMTC to approach the compound and press the attack.

With the Japanese commander down, the head ninja Igo Yugo missing, presumed dead and the compound breached it was time for the Japanese to withdraw with what survivors they could muster and attempt to return to New Victoria and report back.

 The below photograph is the last known image taken of Igo Yugo, his whereabouts are still unknown; along with the fate of the Princess Imperial...

Diary of Archibald Harris-Hampton...

It would seem that this Great Martian Trading Company are going to great lengths to disrupt the status quo on Mars. What nefarious purposes do they have in mind and what will be the outcome of these seemingly random events.

Only  time will tell...

Game was played using Wiley Games Galactic Heroes and Tales of Horror rules with suitable VSF alterations by us. Available from HERE

The Abandoned Supply Depot - A Red Planet Adventure

North West Frontier, Mars, 28th October 1891. The Offices of the London Illustrated News Overseas Reporting Team.

Aether Correspondent, Archibald Harris-Hampton reporting on a surprising development along the New Victoria main branch line.

Unconfirmed reports of the lack of contact from one of the Japanese supply depots meant a small expedition was sent out to investigate; and either confirm or deny the rumours...