🏛️ NorCal Military Base
“The Base keeps the roadgangs out and the Free State in business. Nobody asks what else happens behind those gates.”
A massive, heavily fortified military installation in North Oak, the NorCal Military Base is the armed fist that keeps Northern California operating as a Free State. Officially a state military facility, it’s staffed primarily by Militech soldiers and serves as their de facto headquarters in Night City.
� Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | North Oak, north of Night City |
| Status | Active Military Installation |
| Official Operator | Free State of Northern California |
| Actual Operator | Militech |
| Access | Restricted — Multiple Checkpoints |
| Character | Military industrial complex, clean and orderly |
📜 History
The Free State Deal
The NorCal Military Base was established as part of the agreement that allowed Northern California to maintain its independence as a Free State. When NorCal broke away from the Union, the Federal government demanded something in return—a permanent military presence to “protect the region.”
In practice, this meant:
- Deterrence against roadgangs (Raffen Shiv, etc.) from the Badlands
- Control point for water resources the Feds wanted access to
- Military staging area for federal interests in the Free State
The Free State Wars
With the Free State Wars a relatively recent memory in the 2020s, North Oak was very much a military town. The Base kept the roadgang scum from coming north and raiding for water—that was its official purpose. The state government didn’t mind the federal presence, as long as the protection was real.
Pre-War North Oak (2020s)
Before the 4th Corporate War, the Base dominated North Oak’s identity. The suburb was a model military town:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Streets | Wide, oak-shaded, peaceful |
| Housing | Pleasant pastel-colored bungalows with identical numbered curbs |
| Schools | Excellent military-run facilities |
| Services | Base Hospital, Theater, Officers’ and Enlisted Clubs |
| Shopping | Base Exchange provided almost anything you might want |
| Culture | Uniforms everywhere; shops catered to servicepeople and families |
“Living on North Oak’s wide, oak-shaded streets could be quite agreeable. If you liked being in or around uniforms, this was the place for you.”
The 4th Corporate War
The War changed North Oak less than other districts—military facilities were hard targets, and both Corps had reasons not to destroy them. Militech was one of the primary combatants, and the Base served as a staging area for their operations.
Post-War (Time of the Red)
After the War, Militech was nationalized and became closely aligned with the U.S. government. The NorCal Military Base is technically a state facility, but Militech provides most of the personnel, equipment, and funding. It’s an open secret that Militech is the Base’s real authority.
The Base remains operational and North Oak still functions as a military suburb, though the surrounding city is far more dangerous than before.
🔐 Access & Security
The Base is one of the most restricted locations in Night City. Entry requires:
| Checkpoint | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Gate 1 | ID verification, vehicle inspection |
| Gate 2 | Secondary clearance, weapons scan |
| Secure Building | Where outsiders can meet personnel |
Warning
Non-military personnel are not permitted past the secure meeting building. All meetings with outsiders occur between the two security checkpoints—you’re never actually on the Base proper.
Security Measures
| Layer | Details |
|---|---|
| Perimeter | Armed guards, vehicle barriers, tank traps |
| Surveillance | Drone patrols, sensor grids |
| Air Defense | IFF verification for aircraft; SAM sites rumored |
| Sea Approach | Armed boats patrol Del Coronado Bay |
| Internal | Unknown—and you don’t want to find out |
Infiltration Difficulty
| Method | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fake ID/Clearance | Legendary (DV 25+) | Militech security is among the best |
| Bribe gate guard | Near-impossible | They’re too scared of consequences |
| Smuggle in cargo | Legendary | Everything gets scanned |
| Satellite/aerial recon | Professional (DV 17) | Possible but will be detected |
| Social engineering | Heroic (DV 21) | Find someone with access |
🏢 Militech Facilities
Militech’s Night City headquarters are located on the Base, making this the center of their regional operations.
| Facility | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Corporate Offices | Militech civilian operations |
| R&D Labs | Weapons development (classified) |
| Training Facilities | Corporate soldier training |
| Armories | Stockpiles of military hardware |
| Motor Pool | Vehicles, AVs, APCs |
| Hangars | Aviation assets |
| Barracks | Troop housing |
Militech Operations
From the Base, Militech handles:
- Weapons contracts with the Free State
- Competition with Arasaka for corporate dominance
- Defense contracts with the U.S. government
- Black projects (highly classified)
- Freelancer recruitment—Militech hires mercs for deniable work
Major Veronica Stiles
A notable Militech wrangler who operates out of the Base:
- Specializes in hiring and managing freelancers for gigs
- Regular at The Forlorn Hope (Solo bar)
- Has connections throughout Night City’s mercenary community
- If you want military-grade contracts, she’s a potential in
👥 Key Factions
Militech
The Base is their regional headquarters. Key interests:
- Weapons and defense contracts
- Competing with Arasaka
- Maintaining military readiness
- Black projects (classified)
Free State Government
Technically owns the Base. In practice, rubber-stamps whatever Militech wants in exchange for protection and kickbacks.
U.S. Federal Government
Has “advisors” on-Base. Watches NorCal closely, waiting for an excuse to reabsorb the Free State. The recent nationalization of Militech has complicated the relationship between federal interests and the supposedly independent Free State.
😄 What You See
🎲 GM Resources
Why Edgerunners Care
| Hook | Details |
|---|---|
| Military Contracts | Mercenary work for Militech via Major Stiles |
| Weapons | Premium military hardware (if you can get it out) |
| Intel | Military secrets worth fortunes |
| Extractions | Getting someone out is near-impossible—but pays accordingly |
| Militech Grudges | Cross them and they have tanks |
Working With Militech
Militech hires freelancers for deniable operations. If you want military-grade contracts, the Base is where your Fixer needs connections.
Process:
- Fixer makes contact with a wrangler (like Major Stiles)
- Meet at the secure building between checkpoints
- Get the job, get the gear, get out
- Complete the mission; get paid
Working Against Militech
Stealing from the Base is suicidal. But Militech has enemies who pay well—just know that failure means dealing with a corporation that has tanks, AVs, and no sense of humor.
Difficulty Scale
| Operation | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Meet at secure building | Everyday |
| Get hired by Militech | Professional |
| Smuggle something out | Heroic |
| Infiltrate the Base | Legendary |
| Steal classified intel | Suicidal |
🔗 Related Topics
- Militech — The corporation that runs the Base
- North Oak — The surrounding military suburb
- Free State of Northern California — The political entity
- The Badlands — Threats the Base protects against
- Arasaka — Militech’s eternal rival
- The Forlorn Hope — Where Militech freelancers drink
(Source: Cyberpunk RED Core Rulebook, pp. 290, 305, 310; Tales of the Red)