Savanna Voland

Savanna Voland, often referred to as her squad name *Zeta*, is an American soldier under the Appalachian Republic's SAACC platoons.

## Early Life

Savanna Voland was born in Needles, California, in a small and impoverished community. Her mother struggled to make ends meet and provide for her daughter and son Noah as a single parent, with no father present in the children's life. Despite the challenges, Voland was a bright and determined child who always hoped for a better life.

When Voland was ten years old, she was taken in by her grandparents who lived in Philadelphia. Her grandparents were able to provide a more stable and supportive environment for Voland, although they were critical of her interests as they were deemed unfit for a woman. Despite this, Voland was determined to join the Marine Corps when she turned eighteen.

However, the Jinanvirus hit the United States, wreaking havoc and causing widespread devastation. The federal government was overwhelmed with the crisis, and Voland's plans to join the Marines were put on hold indefinitely. Despite this, when the Harrisburg Committee was formed, she was finally able to enlist under the state government in 2019.

## Introduction into SAACC

Voland did begin training in the Appalachain Marine Corps in 2019, however, two months into her training, Seaboard invaded Harrisburg and the Committee was dissolved. However, she was part of a company that retreated to York County. The city never fell to Seaboard, being governed locally.

Until the end of 2021, Savanna remained out of combat. She continued training, and combined with her gymnastic ability was known for being physically and mentally fit and capable. Her marksmanship was excellent, and her commanding officers began to have her make recon missions north of the county.

In the Second Battle of Harrisburg, many Marines and Army troops from the adjacent counties were called to action. Savanna Voland used the opportunity to test her skills, despite being practically unranked. She ended up taking on many kills, and was able to save multiple wounded Marines following a mortar strike- even under gunfire. For this she was awarded the Bronze Star.

In 2022, her actions were recognizable to Marine officers who wished to put together the Special Appalachain Arms Commando Corps. She passed all requiring tests after being invited, and joined the team in Summer of 2022. She continued training into the winter, heightening her skills and building experience. By 2023, she was a Lance Corporal under Sergent Bryanna Sandoval's Delta Squad. Her first SAACC engagement was the Battle of Chibonhold, which she performed excellent in.

## Service in SAACC

Voland continued to grow as a Marine commando, embarking on countless missions. She became close with her mentor and squad leader, Bryanna Sandoval. The two became strong friends outside of uniform, which helped- and sometimes hurt their cohesion. Sandoval became concerned with Voland's safety, at times doubting her to purposely get her to leave her dangerous position.

Voland helped take control of McGuire Air Force Base when the joint Confederate-Appalachian forces took it from Seaboard. She was then called to a highly specialized job, Operation Brass Predator. She helped infiltrate a Seaboard prison to extract informant Olivera DeBravka. Savanna worked along with Carly Young and Maria Burnett under Sandoval. While performing the set plan, the team unexpectedly encountered a Sentinel, which, without heavy weaponry, was practically unstoppable. The combined efforts of the four could not stop it in unarmed combat, and in the process, Young was killed.

Following the mission, Voland received another Bronze Star, and was promptly promoted to Sergeant. Sandoval, who was wounded and temporarily disabled, took responsibility for Young's death, although Sandoval was highly critical of this. Voland then began her own squad, Zeta. Unknown to her, Lieutenant Burnett himself issued the recommendation because he felt her and Bryanna Sandoval had far too close of a bond. Despite this, Voland, who was promoted to a Sergeant, continued to work with Sandoval and the other squad leaders on more specialized missions. She demonstrated this in the Battle of Washington Crossing, proving herself not only a more than capable markswoman but an effective leader of her new squadron.

## Transition to CSA Jurisdiction

Voland trained extensively over the next year and a half. She was active with other SAACC leaders in plans to launch a coup against Appalachian President Elaine Cocklin due to her proven collaboration with Seaboard discovered by leaked information from the late Senator Daniel Pierce. During the infiltration, Voland stayed close to her commanding Lieutenant, Brian Burnett. Despite the advantage they believed they posed, the coup did not succeed, and the Sergeant was forced to retreat with her team and leave behind Lieutenant Burnett to be captured.

Immediately after, Voland left for Camp Matamor, though her and the other SAACC members were unaware of how long they'd be safe there. She accompanied Maria Burnett and her clan members she was with as it was agreed that Burnett would be a prime target. This proved to be true. Voland accompanied Naval Junior Lieutenant Michael Jeon in attempting to spring Lieutenant Brian Burnett from a Seaboard transport, but this ultimately failed as well, leading to her former Sergeant, Bryanna Sandoval, to be wounded. Jeon and Sandoval split from the others and Voland pledged herself to keep Maria Burnett and her children safe in accompanying them south to Confederate territory, where they believed they'd be welcome. The team was unknowingly being tracked by Seaboard mercenary Matthew Castillo and his gang, Los Salvajes. During a shootout in northern Maryland, Voland was critically wounded, but managed to escape with the others.

The team was able to take shelter in Culpepper, Virginia, at a house that belonged to Voland's uncle under her recommendation. Voland was tended to by a local doctor and began to recover from her wounds. Voland's uncle, Jacob Voland, then contacted Confederate authorities to notify them of the team's presence. Despite their initial reaction, Voland embraced the idea of working with the Confederate units due to their mutual interests. While recovering, Voland later went on to take a sniper lookout position while Maria Burnett and Kyle Wald met with the leader of York County. When it turned out the commissioner was former mob boss John Kelley, the confrontation became violent, though neither Voland or her allies were injured.

Upon return to Appalachia, Voland stayed working through digital and computer tasks as well as administrative work as a squad leader. When she was well enough to return to the field, she was stationed in Pittsburgh under the command of her Lieutenant, Michael Jeon. Voland was part of a team authorized by Jeon to hack a communications server under a radio mast in Great Lakes territories. This was done covertly to discover possible communications between Great Lake and Confederate leaders that were not being revealed to the newly annexed Appalachian authorities. The team was ambushed by Marco and Daniela Perez, who were fresh Vanguard Prestige affiliates after departing Los Salvajes. Voland helped defeat the two before they were captured.

## Combat Style

A trainee under Bryanna Sandoval, Voland often prefers mid to long range firefights. This is also reflected in how she engages enemies, although her ability at short range is also quick and deadly. Voland often likes to surround enemy units or garrisons, splitting their firepower and eliminating their ability to cohesively focus on one unit.

If Voland's firearms are lost, empty, or otherwise unable to be used, her experience as a gymnast and athlete are beneficial to her in unarmed combat. However, when presented with an unarmed or melee fight, Voland will typically flee unless she is certain she will emerge victorious.

## Equipment and Gear

under garment / shorts

Wool base layer, socks

Knee and shin pads

Cargo pants, belt, combat knife and sidearm holster

Boots, boot knife, optional tertiary weapon

Belt pouches, utility clips, elbow pads

Folding blade, gloves and khaki tunic

Kevlar fauld, top attached under Vest

Vest, pauldron, neck sleeve. Adjusted to comfort

Bandolier, Vest harness, magazine and utility pouch

Armor adjustment, charged electronic equipment

Rifle and weapons check, helmet check

adjust helmet and mask, equip helmet with mask in easy access on side of suit