Suppressing Fire! - Companion guide
#1 of Suppressing Fire!
A reference guide to the "Suppressing Fire!" series. Contains additional information about the setting and character descriptions. This is an 'evergreen' document, I'll be adding to it as new characters and events take place in the story.
Setting:
The "Suppressing Fire" series is set on the world of Tanos, a single continent world that has a mix of temperate zones including: plains, mountains, lakes, and deserts. Leadership falls to a single Emperor who is selected by the High Council every 25 years and is usually a former exceptional member of the military or a renowned scholar. The rationale for having one Emperor in power for an extended period is to establish uniformity of rule. Should an Emperor fail his or her duties, the people of Tanos may demand that the council select a new leader.
While the Emperor provides general policy direction, the day-to-day affairs of the Empire falls to the 14 High Council members and their cabinets. Each council member is responsible for different aspects of rule including education, employment, the environment and many others. A council member will have a closed cabinet of administrators, anywhere between 10-40 individuals, who are in charge of a whole department of public servants. The Empire's government is held in high regard by all citizens of Tanos.
History:
Hugh Michal was granted the title of Emperor in the year 3416 and quickly established a policy of fair employment wages for all citizens. The cost of living in many of Tanos' large cities had increased over the past Emperor's rule and Hugh campaigned to normalize salaries and the standard of living. Various heads of industry and the merchant class ran a counter campaign against Hugh but were unsuccessful. Under the new Emperor's leadership, a sweeping change to employment wages and benefits were enacted within months of him taking the symbolic throne of power.
Emperor Michal was assassinated by an unknown entity in the year 3420. Assassination attempts were unheard of and the blame for Emperor Michal's murder was directed at the disgruntled industry heads and merchant class. No evidence could be found to support these suspicions, however within one year of the assassination an irreparable rift between the High Council and wealthy class tore the citizens of Tanos into 2 distinct groups. Those loyal to the Empire flocked to the military while others joined the ranks of the wealthy class who called themselves 'The Aristocrats'.
In late 3421 all talks between the High Council and representatives from the Aristocrats broke down and war was declared to decide the leadership of the population of Tanos. Empire 'Loyalists' attempted to secure the large cities for the Empire but were engaged by a well-equipped mercenary force paid for by the Aristocrats who were referred to as the 'Aristocratic Liberation League' or 'League' for short. By 3423 many cities lay in ruins after fierce street battles took their toll on major infrastructure. In 3424 a ceasefire was declared by both sides to avoid further casualties of Tanos' citizens and the battle lines were drawn in 4 distinct locations.
The Plains of Path contained the largest area of farmable land and became the front line of the war. Dawn's Roost Mountains were fought over to protect rich iron and coal mines. Several lowland cities and villages on the eastern shore of Tanos became a hotly contested zone due to the various fisheries and craftsmen who occupied that area. Finally, the Dunbar crossroads provided access to many power plants and communication hubs which were fought over in small arms engagements.
Main Characters:
Colonel Miranda Kapp
- Commander of the 71st infantry brigade, defender of the Plains of Path.
- A cream colored panthress, approx. 160 lbs, 5'10" tall, athletic figure.
- Exceptional commander and decision maker, willing to personally lead troops into battle.
- Was given the nickname 'Bullet Dancer' from other soldiers due to her uncanny ability to avoid injury in the heat of battle.
- Not open with her feelings, unwilling to enter serious relationships.
- Ashamed of being born a hermaphrodite. Hides that fact from her friends.
Major Ben Bree
- Second in command of the 71st infantry brigade, Miranda's best friend.
- An orange furred fox, approx. 180 lbs, 6'1" tall, muscular build.
- Capable leader and very effective in commanding small groups of soldiers.
- Met Miranda during his first battle on the front lines. He took a bullet to the leg and Miranda pulled him to safety. They remained friends ever since.
- Has grown to love Miranda but does not reveal his true feelings fearing rejection or losing her as a friend.
Special Advisor Clinton 'Clint' Cale
- Information and tactical officer, Miranda's close friend.
- A grey furred wolf, approx. 165 lbs, 5'8" tall, slight figure.
- Has a keen sense of battle, able to 'feel' how the enemy will approach a battle.
- Not particularly skilled in combat.
Captain Roxanne 'Roxy' Kam
- Head of Crow Company, cautious in battle, excellent covert ops leader.
- An ageless white and orange stripped tiger, approx. 155 lbs, 5'8" tall, muscular build.
- Behaves like 'one of the guys' in mixed company. Puts soldiers at ease with her casual attitude.
Captain James 'Jim' Poole
- Head of Fox Company, very good at inspiring troops through boasts and attitude.
- A light brown furred bear, approx. 190 lbs, 5'11 tall, average build.
- Very good at carrying out difficult assignments. Can keep a large plan in his head and make good decisions based on how a battle is going.
Captain Robert 'Worthy' Worthington
- Head of Hawk Company, excellent at organizing troops, does everything by the book.
- A dark brown, imposing bull, approx. 225 lbs, 6'6" tall, large build.
- Quick to complain and quick to anger, can organize a large number of troops into an effective formation in little time.
Other Characters:
General of the Army, Oleander T. Baxter
- Head of the Empire's military, master strategist.
- A heavy set brown bear who longs for peace.
Lieutenant General Nancy Lane
- Head administrator, always keeps the whole war in mind.
- An off-white hare with a too-formal attitude and cold demeanor.
Doctor Richard Tannen
- Head doctor for the 71st infantry brigade.
- A slim, brown and beige canine.
- One of the best surgeons in the Empire's military.
Specialist Trevor Lynn
- Miranda's orderly, university educated with high organizational skills.
- A short and stocky brown otter, needs small rounded glasses to see and read.
Infiltrator Garren Pritchard
- The League's best spy and information gatherer.
- A pitch black furred panther, exceptional stealth abilities.