diff --git a/applications/_base.nix b/applications/_base.nix
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bd1f017
--- /dev/null
+++ b/applications/_base.nix
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+{
+  config,
+  lib,
+  pkgs,
+  ...
+}:
+with lib; let
+  # root service
+  cfg = config.services.skynet;
+in {
+  imports = [
+    ./acme.nix
+    ./dns.nix
+    ./nginx.nix
+  ];
+
+  options.services.skynet = {
+    # since we use this basically everywhere provide a standard way to set it
+    host = {
+      ip = mkOption {
+        type = types.str;
+      };
+      name = mkOption {
+        type = types.str;
+      };
+      hostname = mkOption {
+        type = types.str;
+        default = "${cfg.host.name}.skynet.ie";
+      };
+    };
+  };
+
+  config = {
+    services.skynet.dns.records = [
+      {
+        record = cfg.host.name;
+        r_type = "A";
+        value = cfg.host.ip;
+        server = true;
+      }
+      {
+        record = cfg.host.ip;
+        r_type = "PTR";
+        value = cfg.host.hostname;
+      }
+    ];
+
+    services.nginx = {
+      virtualHosts = {
+        # for every server unless explisitly defined redirect the ip to skynet.ie
+        "${cfg.host.ip}" = {
+          forceSSL = true;
+          useACMEHost = "skynet";
+          locations."/".return = "307 https://skynet.ie";
+        };
+      };
+    };
+  };
+}
diff --git a/applications/bitwarden/vaultwarden.nix b/applications/bitwarden/vaultwarden.nix
index 68698dd..52e0422 100644
--- a/applications/bitwarden/vaultwarden.nix
+++ b/applications/bitwarden/vaultwarden.nix
@@ -19,17 +19,7 @@ in {
   ];
 
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
-    enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet vaultwarden server";
-
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
+    enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet VaultWarden server";
   };
 
   config = mkIf cfg.enable {
@@ -44,16 +34,11 @@ in {
       {
         record = domain_sub;
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
     ];
 
     services.nginx.virtualHosts = {
-      "${cfg.host.ip}" = {
-        forceSSL = true;
-        useACMEHost = "skynet";
-        locations."/".return = "307 https://skynet.ie";
-      };
       "${domain}" = {
         forceSSL = true;
         useACMEHost = "skynet";
diff --git a/applications/email.nix b/applications/email.nix
index 8ab3c72..ade5e0f 100644
--- a/applications/email.nix
+++ b/applications/email.nix
@@ -134,16 +134,6 @@ in {
 
     enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet Email";
 
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
-
     domain = mkOption {
       type = types.str;
       default = "skynet.ie";
@@ -246,12 +236,6 @@ in {
 
     # to provide the certs
     services.nginx.virtualHosts = {
-      "${cfg.host.ip}" = {
-        forceSSL = true;
-        useACMEHost = "skynet";
-        locations."/".return = "307 https://skynet.ie";
-      };
-
       "mail.skynet.ie" = {
         forceSSL = true;
         useACMEHost = "mail";
@@ -291,7 +275,7 @@ in {
       {
         record = "mail";
         r_type = "A";
-        value = cfg.host.ip;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.ip;
       }
       #DNS config for K-9 Mail
       {
@@ -345,7 +329,7 @@ in {
 
       # reverse pointer
       {
-        record = cfg.host.ip;
+        record = config.services.skynet.host.ip;
         r_type = "PTR";
         value = "${cfg.sub}.${cfg.domain}.";
       }
diff --git a/applications/games.nix b/applications/games.nix
index b6dd735..7ffd9f7 100644
--- a/applications/games.nix
+++ b/applications/games.nix
@@ -18,16 +18,6 @@ in {
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
     enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet Games";
 
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
-
     domain = {
       tld = mkOption {
         type = types.str;
@@ -52,7 +42,7 @@ in {
       {
         record = cfg.domain.sub;
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
     ];
 
@@ -61,12 +51,6 @@ in {
     ];
 
     services.nginx.virtualHosts = {
-      "${cfg.host.ip}" = {
-        forceSSL = true;
-        useACMEHost = "skynet";
-        locations."/".return = "307 https://skynet.ie";
-      };
-
       "${cfg.domain.sub}.skynet.ie" = {
         forceSSL = true;
         useACMEHost = "skynet";
@@ -78,11 +62,6 @@ in {
     services.skynet.games_minecraft = {
       enable = true;
 
-      host = {
-        ip = cfg.host.ip;
-        name = cfg.domain.sub;
-      };
-
       domain = {
         sub = "minecraft.${cfg.domain.sub}";
       };
diff --git a/applications/games/minecraft.nix b/applications/games/minecraft.nix
index 4c20a69..8953efe 100644
--- a/applications/games/minecraft.nix
+++ b/applications/games/minecraft.nix
@@ -23,16 +23,6 @@ in {
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
     enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet Games Minecraft";
 
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
-
     domain = {
       tld = mkOption {
         type = types.str;
@@ -53,9 +43,9 @@ in {
 
   config = mkIf cfg.enable {
     skynet_firewall.forward = [
-      "ip daddr ${cfg.host.ip} tcp dport 80 counter packets 0 bytes 0 accept"
-      "ip daddr ${cfg.host.ip} tcp dport 443 counter packets 0 bytes 0 accept"
-      "ip daddr ${cfg.host.ip} tcp dport 25565 counter packets 0 bytes 0 accept"
+      "ip daddr ${config.services.skynet.host.ip} tcp dport 80 counter packets 0 bytes 0 accept"
+      "ip daddr ${config.services.skynet.host.ip} tcp dport 443 counter packets 0 bytes 0 accept"
+      "ip daddr ${config.services.skynet.host.ip} tcp dport 25565 counter packets 0 bytes 0 accept"
     ];
 
     services.skynet.acme.domains = [
@@ -68,38 +58,38 @@ in {
       {
         record = "config.${cfg.domain.sub}";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
 
       # our own minecraft hosts
       {
         record = "compsoc_classic.${cfg.domain.sub}";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
       {
         record = "compsoc.${cfg.domain.sub}";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
 
       # gsoc servers
       {
         record = "gsoc.${cfg.domain.sub}";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
       {
         record = "gsoc_abridged.${cfg.domain.sub}";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
 
       # phildeb
       {
         record = "phildeb.${cfg.domain.sub}";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
     ];
 
@@ -109,12 +99,6 @@ in {
     ];
 
     services.nginx.virtualHosts = {
-      "${cfg.host.ip}" = {
-        forceSSL = true;
-        useACMEHost = "skynet";
-        locations."/".return = "307 https://skynet.ie";
-      };
-
       # https://config.minecraft.games.skynet.ie
       "config.${short_domain}" = {
         forceSSL = true;
diff --git a/applications/gitlab.nix b/applications/gitlab.nix
index 32f0ddc..80664af 100644
--- a/applications/gitlab.nix
+++ b/applications/gitlab.nix
@@ -21,16 +21,6 @@ in {
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
     enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet Gitlab";
 
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
-
     domain = {
       tld = mkOption {
         type = types.str;
@@ -111,13 +101,13 @@ in {
       {
         record = cfg.domain.sub;
         r_type = "A";
-        value = cfg.host.ip;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.ip;
       }
       # for gitlab pages
       {
         record = "*.pages.${cfg.domain.base}.${cfg.domain.tld}.";
         r_type = "A";
-        value = cfg.host.ip;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.ip;
       }
 
       # for email
@@ -127,7 +117,7 @@ in {
         value = ''10 ${domain_full}.'';
       }
       {
-        record = cfg.host.ip;
+        record = config.services.skynet.host.ip;
         r_type = "PTR";
         value = "${cfg.domain.sub}.${cfg.domain.base}.${cfg.domain.tld}.";
       }
@@ -151,12 +141,6 @@ in {
     services.openssh.ports = [22 2222];
 
     services.nginx.virtualHosts = {
-      "${cfg.host.ip}" = {
-        forceSSL = true;
-        useACMEHost = "skynet";
-        locations."/".return = "307 https://skynet.ie";
-      };
-
       # main site
       "${cfg.domain.sub}.${cfg.domain.base}.${cfg.domain.tld}" = {
         forceSSL = true;
@@ -264,7 +248,7 @@ in {
           # default for pages is set to 8090 but that leaves an "ugly" port in the url,
           # override it here to make it look good
           port = 80;
-          #external_http = ["${cfg.host.ip}:80"];
+          #external_http = ["${config.services.skynet.host.ip}:80"];
         };
       };
     };
diff --git a/applications/grafana.nix b/applications/grafana.nix
index a7f4e00..15c076f 100644
--- a/applications/grafana.nix
+++ b/applications/grafana.nix
@@ -16,15 +16,6 @@ in {
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
     enable = mkEnableOption "Grafana Server";
 
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
-
     datasource = {
       name = mkOption {
         type = types.str;
@@ -41,7 +32,7 @@ in {
       {
         record = "${name}";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
     ];
 
diff --git a/applications/ldap/backend.nix b/applications/ldap/backend.nix
index 177add3..b4b0e13 100644
--- a/applications/ldap/backend.nix
+++ b/applications/ldap/backend.nix
@@ -21,16 +21,6 @@ in {
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
     enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet LDAP backend server";
 
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
-
     domain = {
       tld = mkOption {
         type = types.str;
@@ -65,7 +55,7 @@ in {
       {
         record = cfg.domain.sub;
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
     ];
 
diff --git a/applications/ldap/server.nix b/applications/ldap/server.nix
index 9f041f0..67bd1fc 100644
--- a/applications/ldap/server.nix
+++ b/applications/ldap/server.nix
@@ -18,7 +18,6 @@ in {
     ../acme.nix
     ../dns.nix
     ../nginx.nix
-    ./backend.nix
   ];
 
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
@@ -26,16 +25,6 @@ in {
 
     enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet LDAP service";
 
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
-
     domain = {
       tld = mkOption {
         type = types.str;
@@ -65,13 +54,6 @@ in {
   };
 
   config = mkIf cfg.enable {
-    # passthrough to the backend
-    services.skynet.ldap_backend = {
-      enable = true;
-      host.ip = cfg.host.ip;
-      host.name = cfg.host.name;
-    };
-
     # after changing teh password openldap.service has to be restarted
     age.secrets.ldap_pw = {
       file = ../../secrets/ldap/pw.age;
@@ -88,7 +70,7 @@ in {
       {
         record = cfg.domain.sub;
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
     ];
 
diff --git a/applications/nextcloud.nix b/applications/nextcloud.nix
index 2b5bad6..02bc5f6 100644
--- a/applications/nextcloud.nix
+++ b/applications/nextcloud.nix
@@ -18,16 +18,6 @@ in {
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
     enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet Nextcloud";
 
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
-
     domain = {
       tld = mkOption {
         type = types.str;
@@ -64,12 +54,12 @@ in {
       {
         record = cfg.domain.sub;
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
       {
         record = "onlyoffice.${cfg.domain.sub}";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
     ];
 
@@ -109,11 +99,6 @@ in {
     };
 
     services.nginx.virtualHosts = {
-      "${cfg.host.ip}" = {
-        forceSSL = true;
-        useACMEHost = "skynet";
-        locations."/".return = "307 https://skynet.ie";
-      };
       ${domain} = {
         forceSSL = true;
         useACMEHost = "skynet";
diff --git a/applications/nix_cache/nix_cache.nix b/applications/nix_cache/nix_cache.nix
index 88fe408..6716146 100644
--- a/applications/nix_cache/nix_cache.nix
+++ b/applications/nix_cache/nix_cache.nix
@@ -29,17 +29,10 @@ in {
   ];
 
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
+    enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet Nix Cache";
   };
 
-  config = {
+  config = mkIf cfg.enable {
     services.skynet.acme.domains = [
       "${name}.skynet.ie"
     ];
@@ -48,7 +41,7 @@ in {
       {
         record = "${name}";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
     ];
 
diff --git a/applications/open_governance/keyserver.nix b/applications/open_governance/keyserver.nix
index 56c9441..c507a50 100644
--- a/applications/open_governance/keyserver.nix
+++ b/applications/open_governance/keyserver.nix
@@ -18,17 +18,10 @@ in {
   ];
 
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
+    enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet Public Keyserver";
   };
 
-  config = {
+  config = mkIf cfg.enable {
     services.skynet.acme.domains = [
       "${name}.skynet.ie"
     ];
@@ -37,7 +30,7 @@ in {
       {
         record = "${name}";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
     ];
 
diff --git a/applications/open_governance/open_governance.nix b/applications/open_governance/open_governance.nix
index c855f30..93d2974 100644
--- a/applications/open_governance/open_governance.nix
+++ b/applications/open_governance/open_governance.nix
@@ -20,14 +20,7 @@ in {
   ];
 
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
+    enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet Open Governance";
   };
 
   config = {
@@ -39,7 +32,7 @@ in {
       {
         record = "${name}";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
     ];
 
diff --git a/applications/prometheus.nix b/applications/prometheus.nix
index eb15c48..556a16e 100644
--- a/applications/prometheus.nix
+++ b/applications/prometheus.nix
@@ -13,15 +13,6 @@ in {
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
     server = {
       enable = mkEnableOption "Prometheus Server";
-      host = {
-        ip = mkOption {
-          type = types.str;
-        };
-
-        name = mkOption {
-          type = types.str;
-        };
-      };
 
       port = mkOption {
         type = types.port;
diff --git a/applications/restic.nix b/applications/restic.nix
index 09365c6..df273e6 100644
--- a/applications/restic.nix
+++ b/applications/restic.nix
@@ -39,21 +39,23 @@ with lib; let
     lib.attrsets.mapAttrsToList (
       key: value: let
         backup = value.config.services.skynet.backup;
+        backup_host = value.config.services.skynet.host;
       in
         if
           (
             (builtins.hasAttr "backup" value.config.services.skynet)
             && backup.server.enable
-            && backup.host.name != cfg.host.name
+            # chgeck that its not itself
+            && backup_host.name != config.services.skynet.host.name
             && !backup.server.appendOnly
           )
         then [
           {
-            name = backup.host.name;
+            name = backup_host.name;
             value =
               base
               // {
-                repositoryFile = "/etc/skynet/restic/${backup.host.name}";
+                repositoryFile = "/etc/skynet/restic/${backup_host.name}";
 
                 backupPrepareCommand = ''
                   #!${pkgs.stdenv.shell}
@@ -64,13 +66,13 @@ with lib; let
                   mkdir -p $baseDir
                   cd $baseDir
 
-                  echo -n "rest:http://root:password@${backup.host.ip}:${toString backup.server.port}/root/${cfg.host.name}" > ${backup.host.name}
+                  echo -n "rest:http://root:password@${backup_host.ip}:${toString backup.server.port}/root/${config.services.skynet.host.name}" > ${backup_host.name}
 
                   # read in teh password
                   #PW = `cat ${config.age.secrets.restic.path}`
                   line=$(head -n 1 ${config.age.secrets.restic.path})
 
-                  sed -i "s/password/$line/g" ${backup.host.name}
+                  sed -i "s/password/$line/g" ${backup_host.name}
                 '';
               };
           }
@@ -87,8 +89,7 @@ in {
   # https://git.hrnz.li/Ulli/nixos/src/commit/5edca2dfdab3ce52208e4dfd2b92951e500f8418/profiles/server/restic.nix
   # will eb enabled on every server
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
-    # backup is enabled by default
-    # enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet backup";
+    enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet backup";
 
     # what folders to backup
     normal = {
@@ -128,16 +129,6 @@ in {
       };
     };
 
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
-
     server = {
       enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet backup Server";
 
@@ -176,7 +167,7 @@ in {
 
       services.restic.server = {
         enable = true;
-        listenAddress = "${cfg.host.ip}:${toString cfg.server.port}";
+        listenAddress = "${config.services.skynet.host.ip}:${toString cfg.server.port}";
         appendOnly = cfg.server.appendOnly;
         privateRepos = true;
       };
@@ -196,7 +187,7 @@ in {
           # merge teh two configs together
           #      backblaze = base // {
           #        # backupos for each server are stored in a folder under their name
-          #        repository = "b2:NixOS-Main2:/${cfg.host.name}";
+          #        repository = "b2:NixOS-Main2:/${config.services.skynet.host.name}";
           #        #environmentFile = config.age.secrets.backblaze.path;
           #      };
         };
diff --git a/applications/skynet.ie.nix b/applications/skynet.ie.nix
index 107dc89..fe83fc4 100644
--- a/applications/skynet.ie.nix
+++ b/applications/skynet.ie.nix
@@ -15,17 +15,10 @@ in {
   ];
 
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
+    enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet Main Website";
   };
 
-  config = {
+  config = mkIf cfg.enable {
     services.skynet.acme.domains = [
       # the root one is already covered by teh certificate
       "2016.skynet.ie"
@@ -39,27 +32,27 @@ in {
       {
         record = "@";
         r_type = "A";
-        value = cfg.host.ip;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.ip;
       }
       {
         record = "2016";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
       {
         record = "discord";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
       {
         record = "public";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
       {
         record = "renew";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
     ];
 
diff --git a/applications/skynet_users.nix b/applications/skynet_users.nix
index 341822d..0ff76e1 100644
--- a/applications/skynet_users.nix
+++ b/applications/skynet_users.nix
@@ -17,14 +17,7 @@ in {
   ];
 
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
+    enable = mkEnableOption "Skynet User Linux Server";
   };
 
   config = {
@@ -48,12 +41,12 @@ in {
       {
         record = "users";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
       {
         record = "*.users";
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
     ];
 
@@ -92,12 +85,6 @@ in {
     };
 
     services.nginx.virtualHosts = {
-      "${cfg.host.ip}" = {
-        forceSSL = true;
-        useACMEHost = "skynet";
-        locations."/".return = "307 https://skynet.ie";
-      };
-
       # main site
       "*.users.skynet.ie" = {
         forceSSL = true;
diff --git a/applications/ulfm.nix b/applications/ulfm.nix
index 77c4401..b1013f3 100644
--- a/applications/ulfm.nix
+++ b/applications/ulfm.nix
@@ -18,16 +18,6 @@ in {
   options.services.skynet."${name}" = {
     enable = mkEnableOption "ULFM service";
 
-    host = {
-      ip = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-
-      name = mkOption {
-        type = types.str;
-      };
-    };
-
     domain = {
       tld = mkOption {
         type = types.str;
@@ -62,14 +52,14 @@ in {
       {
         record = cfg.domain.sub;
         r_type = "CNAME";
-        value = cfg.host.name;
+        value = config.services.skynet.host.name;
       }
     ];
 
     skynet_firewall.forward = [
-      "ip daddr ${cfg.host.ip} tcp dport 80 counter packets 0 bytes 0 accept"
-      "ip daddr ${cfg.host.ip} tcp dport 443 counter packets 0 bytes 0 accept"
-      "ip daddr ${cfg.host.ip} tcp dport 8000 counter packets 0 bytes 0 accept"
+      "ip daddr ${config.services.skynet.host.ip} tcp dport 80 counter packets 0 bytes 0 accept"
+      "ip daddr ${config.services.skynet.host.ip} tcp dport 443 counter packets 0 bytes 0 accept"
+      "ip daddr ${config.services.skynet.host.ip} tcp dport 8000 counter packets 0 bytes 0 accept"
     ];
 
     users.groups."icecast" = {};
@@ -101,11 +91,6 @@ in {
           useACMEHost = "skynet";
           locations."/".proxyPass = "http://localhost:8000";
         };
-        "${cfg.host.ip}" = {
-          forceSSL = true;
-          useACMEHost = "skynet";
-          locations."/".return = "307 https://skynet.ie";
-        };
       };
     };
   };
diff --git a/machines/_base.nix b/machines/_base.nix
index 80a8f5e..5972e49 100644
--- a/machines/_base.nix
+++ b/machines/_base.nix
@@ -18,6 +18,9 @@ in {
     # for the secrets
     inputs.agenix.nixosModules.default
 
+    # base config for all servers
+    ../applications/_base.nix
+
     # every sever may need the firewall config stuff
     ../applications/firewall.nix
 
diff --git a/machines/agentjones.nix b/machines/agentjones.nix
index ee05feb..1fb3c4e 100644
--- a/machines/agentjones.nix
+++ b/machines/agentjones.nix
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ Notes:    Used to have Agent Smith as a partner but it died (Ironically)
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 in {
   imports = [
@@ -35,22 +36,9 @@ in {
     tags = ["active-firewall"];
   };
 
-  services.skynet.dns.records = [
-    {
-      record = name;
-      r_type = "A";
-      value = ip_pub;
-      server = true;
-    }
-    {
-      record = ip_pub;
-      r_type = "PTR";
-      value = hostname;
-    }
-  ];
-
-  services.skynet.backup = {
+  services.skynet = {
     host = host;
+    backup.enable = true;
   };
 
   # keep the wired usb connection alive (front panel)
diff --git a/machines/cadie.nix b/machines/cadie.nix
index d180703..96a6bed 100644
--- a/machines/cadie.nix
+++ b/machines/cadie.nix
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ Notes:
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 in {
   imports = [
@@ -35,27 +36,10 @@ in {
     tags = ["active"];
   };
 
-  services.skynet.dns.records = [
-    {
-      record = name;
-      r_type = "A";
-      value = ip_pub;
-      server = true;
-    }
-    {
-      record = ip_pub;
-      r_type = "PTR";
-      value = hostname;
-    }
-  ];
-
-  services.skynet.backup = {
-    host = host;
-  };
-
-  services.skynet.nextcloud = {
-    enable = true;
+  services.skynet = {
     host = host;
+    backup.enable = true;
+    nextcloud.enable = true;
   };
 
   # this was causing a conflict for some reason
diff --git a/machines/calculon.nix b/machines/calculon.nix
index 556b605..30ad6bd 100644
--- a/machines/calculon.nix
+++ b/machines/calculon.nix
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ Notes:
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 in {
   imports = [
@@ -38,24 +39,11 @@ in {
     tags = ["active"];
   };
 
-  # it has two network devices so two
-  services.skynet.dns.records = [
-    {
-      record = name;
-      r_type = "A";
-      value = ip_pub;
-      server = true;
-    }
-    {
-      record = ip_pub;
-      r_type = "PTR";
-      value = hostname;
-    }
-  ];
-
   services.skynet = {
-    nix-cache.host = host;
-    open-governance.host = host;
-    keyserver.host = host;
+    host = host;
+    backup.enable = true;
+    nix-cache.enable = true;
+    open-governance.enable = true;
+    keyserver.enable = true;
   };
 }
diff --git a/machines/earth.nix b/machines/earth.nix
index 9854f34..9106027 100644
--- a/machines/earth.nix
+++ b/machines/earth.nix
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ Notes:
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 in {
   imports = [
@@ -35,26 +36,9 @@ in {
     tags = ["active-core"];
   };
 
-  # it has two network devices so two
-  services.skynet.dns.records = [
-    {
-      record = name;
-      r_type = "A";
-      value = ip_pub;
-      server = true;
-    }
-    {
-      record = ip_pub;
-      r_type = "PTR";
-      value = hostname;
-    }
-  ];
-
-  services.skynet.backup = {
-    host = host;
-  };
-
-  services.skynet.website = {
+  services.skynet = {
     host = host;
+    backup.enable = true;
+    website.enable = true;
   };
 }
diff --git a/machines/galatea.nix b/machines/galatea.nix
index c32d38b..62af7e3 100644
--- a/machines/galatea.nix
+++ b/machines/galatea.nix
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ Notes:
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 in {
   imports = [
@@ -36,26 +37,9 @@ in {
     tags = ["active"];
   };
 
-  services.skynet.dns.records = [
-    {
-      record = name;
-      r_type = "A";
-      value = ip_pub;
-      server = true;
-    }
-    {
-      record = ip_pub;
-      r_type = "PTR";
-      value = hostname;
-    }
-  ];
-
-  services.skynet.backup = {
-    host = host;
-  };
-
-  services.skynet.ulfm = {
-    enable = true;
+  services.skynet = {
     host = host;
+    backup.enable = true;
+    ulfm.enable = true;
   };
 }
diff --git a/machines/gir.nix b/machines/gir.nix
index 07c5893..0f6dde4 100644
--- a/machines/gir.nix
+++ b/machines/gir.nix
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ Notes:
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 in {
   imports = [
@@ -35,29 +36,9 @@ in {
     tags = ["active-core"];
   };
 
-  # add this server to dns
-  services.skynet.dns.records = [
-    {
-      record = name;
-      r_type = "A";
-      value = ip_pub;
-      server = true;
-    }
-    {
-      record = ip_pub;
-      r_type = "PTR";
-      value = hostname;
-    }
-  ];
-
-  services.skynet.backup = {
+  services.skynet = {
     host = host;
-  };
-
-  # we use this to pass in teh relevent infomation to the
-  services.skynet.email = {
-    enable = true;
-    host = host;
-    domain = "skynet.ie";
+    backup.enable = true;
+    email.enable = true;
   };
 }
diff --git a/machines/glados.nix b/machines/glados.nix
index 7b0a277..a745ee6 100644
--- a/machines/glados.nix
+++ b/machines/glados.nix
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ Notes:    Each user has roughly 20gb os storage
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 in {
   imports = [
@@ -36,26 +37,9 @@ in {
     tags = ["active-gitlab"];
   };
 
-  services.skynet.dns.records = [
-    {
-      record = name;
-      r_type = "A";
-      value = ip_pub;
-      server = true;
-    }
-    {
-      record = ip_pub;
-      r_type = "PTR";
-      value = hostname;
-    }
-  ];
-
-  services.skynet.backup = {
-    host = host;
-  };
-
-  services.skynet.gitlab = {
-    enable = true;
+  services.skynet = {
     host = host;
+    backup.enable = true;
+    gitlab.enable = true;
   };
 }
diff --git a/machines/kitt.nix b/machines/kitt.nix
index 29fae63..54474c9 100644
--- a/machines/kitt.nix
+++ b/machines/kitt.nix
@@ -22,10 +22,12 @@ Notes:
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 in {
   imports = [
     ../applications/ldap/server.nix
+    ../applications/ldap/backend.nix
     ../applications/discord.nix
     ../applications/bitwarden/vaultwarden.nix
     ../applications/bitwarden/bitwarden_sync.nix
@@ -41,49 +43,20 @@ in {
     tags = ["active-core"];
   };
 
-  # add this server to dns
-  services.skynet.dns.records = [
-    {
-      record = name;
-      r_type = "A";
-      value = ip_pub;
-      server = true;
-    }
-    {
-      record = ip_pub;
-      r_type = "PTR";
-      value = hostname;
-    }
-  ];
-
-  services.skynet.backup = {
+  services.skynet = {
     host = host;
-  };
+    backup.enable = true;
 
-  services.skynet.ldap = {
-    enable = true;
-    host = host;
-  };
+    # ldap setup
+    ldap.enable = true;
+    ldap_backend.enable = true;
 
-  services.skynet.discord_bot = {
-    enable = true;
-  };
+    # private member services
+    discord_bot.enable = true;
 
-  services.skynet.vaultwarden = {
-    enable = true;
-
-    host = host;
-  };
-  services.skynet.prometheus = {
-    server = {
-      enable = true;
-      host = host;
-    };
-  };
-
-  services.skynet.grafana = {
-    enable = true;
-
-    host = host;
+    # committee/admin services
+    vaultwarden.enable = true;
+    prometheus.server.enable = true;
+    grafana.enable = true;
   };
 }
diff --git a/machines/marvin.nix b/machines/marvin.nix
index df99a32..175d61d 100644
--- a/machines/marvin.nix
+++ b/machines/marvin.nix
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ Notes:
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 
   groups = [
@@ -53,23 +54,8 @@ in {
     sudo_groups = groups;
   };
 
-  services.skynet.dns.records = [
-    {
-      record = name;
-      r_type = "A";
-      value = ip_pub;
-      server = true;
-    }
-    {
-      record = ip_pub;
-      r_type = "PTR";
-      value = hostname;
-    }
-  ];
-
-  services.skynet.backup = {
+  services.skynet = {
     host = host;
+    backup.enable = true;
   };
-
-  # Put test services below this
 }
diff --git a/machines/neuromancer.nix b/machines/neuromancer.nix
index 255c503..6e2cbd9 100644
--- a/machines/neuromancer.nix
+++ b/machines/neuromancer.nix
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ Notes:
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 in {
   imports = [
@@ -48,22 +49,8 @@ in {
     tags = ["active-core"];
   };
 
-  services.skynet.dns.records = [
-    {
-      record = name;
-      r_type = "A";
-      value = ip_pub;
-      server = true;
-    }
-    {
-      record = ip_pub;
-      r_type = "PTR";
-      value = hostname;
-    }
-  ];
-
-  services.skynet.backup = {
-    server.enable = true;
+  services.skynet = {
     host = host;
+    backup.server.enable = true;
   };
 }
diff --git a/machines/optimus.nix b/machines/optimus.nix
index 111cadf..6f36726 100644
--- a/machines/optimus.nix
+++ b/machines/optimus.nix
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ Notes:
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 in {
   imports = [
@@ -36,26 +37,9 @@ in {
     tags = ["active"];
   };
 
-  services.skynet.dns.records = [
-    {
-      record = name;
-      r_type = "A";
-      value = ip_pub;
-      server = true;
-    }
-    {
-      record = ip_pub;
-      r_type = "PTR";
-      value = hostname;
-    }
-  ];
-
-  services.skynet.backup = {
-    host = host;
-  };
-
-  services.skynet.games = {
-    enable = true;
+  services.skynet = {
     host = host;
+    backup.enable = true;
+    games.enable = true;
   };
 }
diff --git a/machines/skynet.nix b/machines/skynet.nix
index 0d1442c..360896b 100644
--- a/machines/skynet.nix
+++ b/machines/skynet.nix
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ Notes:    Does not host offical sites
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 in {
   imports = [
@@ -39,23 +40,9 @@ in {
     tags = ["active-ext"];
   };
 
-  services.skynet.dns.records = [
-    {
-      record = name;
-      r_type = "A";
-      value = ip_pub;
-      server = true;
-    }
-    {
-      record = ip_pub;
-      r_type = "PTR";
-      value = hostname;
-    }
-  ];
-
-  services.skynet.backup.host = host;
-
-  services.skynet.website_users = {
+  services.skynet = {
     host = host;
+    backup.enable = true;
+    website_users.enable = true;
   };
 }
diff --git a/machines/vendetta.nix b/machines/vendetta.nix
index c46c988..3cff501 100644
--- a/machines/vendetta.nix
+++ b/machines/vendetta.nix
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ Notes:    Using the server that used to be called Earth
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 in {
   imports = [
@@ -49,32 +50,16 @@ in {
     ];
   };
 
-  services.skynet.backup = {
+  services.skynet = {
     host = host;
-  };
-
-  services.skynet.dns = {
-    server = {
-      enable = true;
-      # primary dns server (ns1)
-      primary = true;
-      ip = ip_pub;
+    backup.enable = true;
+    dns = {
+      server = {
+        enable = true;
+        # primary dns server (ns1)
+        primary = true;
+        ip = ip_pub;
+      };
     };
-
-    records = [
-      # vendetta IN A    193.1.99.120
-      {
-        record = name;
-        r_type = "A";
-        value = ip_pub;
-        server = true;
-      }
-      # 120      IN PTR  vendetta.skynet.ie.
-      {
-        record = ip_pub;
-        r_type = "PTR";
-        value = hostname;
-      }
-    ];
   };
 }
diff --git a/machines/vigil.nix b/machines/vigil.nix
index 7885aa4..421ebaa 100644
--- a/machines/vigil.nix
+++ b/machines/vigil.nix
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ Notes:
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 in {
   imports = [
@@ -33,33 +34,16 @@ in {
     tags = ["active-dns" "dns"];
   };
 
-  services.skynet.backup = {
+  services.skynet = {
     host = host;
-  };
-
-  services.skynet.dns = {
-    server = {
-      enable = true;
-      # secondary dns server (ns2)
-      primary = false;
-      ip = ip_pub;
+    backup.enable = true;
+    dns = {
+      server = {
+        enable = true;
+        # secondary dns server (ns2)
+        primary = false;
+        ip = ip_pub;
+      };
     };
-
-    # this server will have to have dns records
-    records = [
-      # vigil IN A    193.1.99.109
-      {
-        record = name;
-        r_type = "A";
-        value = ip_pub;
-        server = true;
-      }
-      # 109   IN PTR  vigil.skynet.ie.
-      {
-        record = ip_pub;
-        r_type = "PTR";
-        value = hostname;
-      }
-    ];
   };
 }
diff --git a/machines/wheatly.nix b/machines/wheatly.nix
index b285ce9..308bef9 100644
--- a/machines/wheatly.nix
+++ b/machines/wheatly.nix
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ Notes:
   host = {
     ip = ip_pub;
     name = name;
+    hostname = hostname;
   };
 in {
   imports = [
@@ -35,26 +36,13 @@ in {
     tags = ["active-gitlab"];
   };
 
-  services.skynet.dns.records = [
-    {
-      record = name;
-      r_type = "A";
-      value = ip_pub;
-      server = true;
-    }
-    {
-      record = ip_pub;
-      r_type = "PTR";
-      value = hostname;
-    }
-  ];
-
-  services.skynet.backup = {
+  services.skynet = {
     host = host;
-  };
+    backup.enable = true;
 
-  services.skynet.gitlab_runner = {
-    enable = true;
-    runner.name = "runner01";
+    gitlab_runner = {
+      enable = true;
+      runner.name = "runner01";
+    };
   };
 }