Moorland Antarctic Expedition

The Moorland Antarctic Expedition is an scientific research venture that was launched in XIV.1728 by the Kingdom of Moorland to establish a small colony on the island of Hypernostria in order to conduct studies on flora and fauna in a polar tundra environment. The objective of the mission is to study species that are endemic to extreme polar climates and the possible domestication of these species for practical application in nutrient-deficient areas, such as the highlands of Moorland. In order to make certain that introduced species do not become invasive, the studies will be conducted on Hypernostria over a period of ten years. A particular focus of the study will be the Hypernostrian Honeybee, which has been a food staple of the indigenous population, the Beelandians, for centuries.

Initial Study

Following the Burwood Wildfires, the Moorlander government allocated significant funding for ecological restoration and research. Among the research plans several leading scientists proposed an expedition to the Antarctic to study resilience in the flora and fauna there. The island of Hypernostria was chosen because it had avoided major colonization for several centuries and as such the ecology had remained relatively untouched by foreigners. The primary impetus behind the expedition was to identify plant species that could be introduced to Moorland to stabilize the soils after the extensive fires. Other studies proposed were to review the adaptability of these species, both flora and fauna, to survive in a hostile environment. This would help identify a plan for reforestation within Burwood. Other aspects of research would be studies on soils, bee populations and pollination cycles, and nutrient requirements of plants in a depleted ecosystem (e.g. poor soils).

The naval shipyard at Port Moorland was ordered to retrofit three large tankers as research vessels. Work began on these in XIV.1728 and was expected to take three months to complete. An outfit of 1,000 scientists were to be accompanied by a staff of 5,000 crew and a security detail of 500 soldiers from the MAF.

Beelandia Colony

Timeline

• 10.XIV.1728 AN: Expedition officially chartered by Witan. Retrofitting work begins on the three research vessels at Port Moorland; the HMS Alric, HMS Sebastianus, and HMS Arcavir.
• 12.XVI.1728 AN: Retrofitting completed. Ships begin being loaded with scientific gear, supplies and materials. Personnel recruitment begins and MAF troops begin winter training exercises.
• 10.I.1729 AN: Preliminary checks completed and personnel begin loading procedures for the expedition fleet.
• 3.II.1729 AN: Moorlander fleet sets sail for Hypernostria under escort accompaniment of destroyer HMS Brigantia. Journey is expected to take roughly 55 to 70 days depending on weather and sea conditions.
• 15.VI.1729 AN: MAE fleet makes port at Bee Haven and negotiates ties with Beelandia, establishing a protectorate over the territory in exchange for major investments from Moorland. Staff begin establishing a scientific station at the edge of the town; Apian Point Research Station.
• 19.X.1729 AN: Scientists begin mapping areas to determine conservation status and begin delineation of boundaries for environmental preservation efforts. Cataloguing of species begins in order to create an environmental index.
• 8.XIV.1729 AN: Apian Tundra Conservation Zone declared to protect Hypernostrian Honeybee populations, placing over 200 sq km (80 sq mi, or 51,200 acres) of land under permanent environmental protection.
• 7.IV.1730 AN: Conservationists clear the zone between the Honey and Clovervale rivers for limited agricultural development and also apply a Right to Roam law for tourists to hike and enjoy the area. Conservation zones remain excluded from the RtR laws and thus only accessible by scientific staff or special permits.
• 11.XI.1730 AN: Investment firms begin operations in improving Bee Haven's infrastructure; improving port facilities for docking scientific vessels, improving roads, and investing in upgrades to the local school and medical facility. Key points of improvement are in providing accessibility to education and healthcare for isolated communities.
• 4.XIII.1730 AN: Preliminary planning begins for inland scouting and exploration expeditions. These expeditions will advance into the Hypernostrian interior beyond Beelandia's borders, exploring the abandoned cities of Riponia and other remnants of past settlement.

Apian Point Research Station

Scientific Studies

Study Name	Start Date	Finish Date	Objectives
Honey Bee Resiliency in Antarctic Climates	XI.1729	Ongoing	A study of the natural and evolutionary adaptations of the Hypernostrian Honeybee that allows them to thrive in an Antarctic climate.
Global Warming Impacts on Antarctic Ice	IV.1730	Ongoing	A study of the impact on ice reduction due to global warming. Including the glacial ice sheet and sea ice.