Beacon Adjustment, Care, Operation and Navigation Technician

After The Cataclysm[/history], it was a very long time before seafaring vessels began to ply the waves. But it was recognized that the barrier island off what is now Lawcrane served a double purpose: It was both protection for the harbor area and an aid to navigation as ships slowly began being built and headed farther offshore.

As ships became more common, and larger,it became clear that there was a need for a navigation aid that could be seen from farther away. Thus, the lighthouses were conceived. Paid for by the Royal Family of Orsholon, these lighthouses would sit at either end of the barrier island. A third was later added after exploration found a pocket of flammable gas uneder the island.

Of course, these lighthouses would require maintenance, especially as they aged. The individuals at first were volunteers, but there was much turnover as the volunteers realized how much work was involved, and how isolated they were. Now, the individuals are selected and chosen for suitability to the job.

The duties of the B.A.C.O.N. Techs are many. While they must maintain the operation of the lighthouses in general, this responsibility carries with it many tasks.

These tasks include:

Maintaining the rotation mechanism of the lights – The rotation of the lights is powered by harnessing the currents that run past the island on the Nawal Sea sideof the island. The Techs must maintain the current turbines, the gearboxes that transfer the power to the rotating shaft, and all the bearings that keep the shaft rotating smoothly.

Upkeep of the lights – The source of light is a pocket of flammable gas that is found underneath the island. Pipelines were drilled into this gas pocket and run to the surface of the island. These pipelines run to each of the three lighthouse towers and into the top beacon house. The pipelines, as well as the ignition and burner for the light must be maintained in perfect working order for the light to be seen out at sea.

Marine rescue and recovery – The techs are also the first to respond to any sea-borne crisis, such as a foundering ship, or a man overboard situation. If a ship within eyesight (20-30 miles) raises a distress flag, the Tech will prepare a small vessel and head out. The second tech on the island will take over maintenance duties while the first sails toward the ship to assist. It is hoped that the tech in assistance will be able to help the foundering ship mechanically, or assist in searching for and retrieving an individual who has gone overboard.

Building maintenance – The lighthouses and associated buildings are constantly exposed to the sea and it’s occasional ferocity. Repairs to the buildings are a near constant activity. This can include something as simple as painting, or as complex as shoring up a foundation. The Tech must have the skills to do all the work required.

Customs agent – Through an odd quirk in Orsholon Maritime Law, any pork products brought into the harbor must be inspected by the B.A.C.O.N. Techs. Many have tried to import so-called Dwarven Bacon for sale. True Dwarven Bacon has not been available for centuries. So the B.A.C.O.N. Techs are tasked with quarantining pork products in a warehouse on the island for seven days. They also must test the pork for safety. The exact method is kept secret, but it is believed to involve egss and toast.

For the Techs, they feel the main benefit is that they are left alone. They receive medical care from the Lawcrane Royal Infirmary in Lawcrane at no charge, which gives them the best possible treatment.

Hazards