Game dates : “2 to 4 June 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations : North Eastern American Megalopolis, El Capitan Hotel in Lisbon, Karachi, ruins and undercity south of the Himalayas
Summary : After official First Contact between Terrans and galactic societies and the incident in Rio, courier Gabriel Adams meets robot ARTHERR in New Lisbon. Snake-oil salesman Dr. Richmond Garrett feigns being hit by ex-wrestler Jasmine’s hovercycle. Gabriel’s contacts offer a mission to search a battlefield north of Karachi.
Upon examining the dangerous ruins, the runners find a downed Oligat scout droid, reactivated nanites, and an extraterrestrial probe. They manage to collect samples and escape the robots and a rival extraction team….
Game dates : 4 to 6 June 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 Galactic Era
Locations : Karachi, Ghanki Station (a city beneath the Arabian Sea)
Summary : Fixer Ramon Sanchez asks the retrieval team to meet him at Ghanki Station rather than Lisbon. Gabriel looks into illicit auctions. Former government operative Hector Chavez drives to Karachi and monitors communications for pursuit by Cmdr. Raj. ARTHERR helps Richmond set up charitable shell company Mars Soup Aid Lenders Ltd., or “MarSoupAiL.” Jasmine hits Richmond with a coffee pot when he cites her low status as a Synth. The group meets egotistical philanthropist Nero Bartholomew and ultimately gives him the alien sample.
Gabriel accepts Nero’s offer of the “Fortune’s Fool” and delivers inactive nanites to Ramon for auction. ARTHERR and Richmond give the Oligat computer core retrieved from the battlefield site to robots from Vimeco.
At the “Stacked Deck” nightclub, Gabriel meets the seductive Survana Khadija, and Nero boasts about recent acquisitions. As weapons are sold, Ghanki’s power and life support are disrupted by an unknown electromagnetic pulse…
Vehicles : submarines; “Fortune’s Fool,” a scout ship/space yacht in orbit
Game dates : “6 to 11 June 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Location : Ghanki Station, Arabian Sea
Summary : Gabriel follows Survana Khadija through back alleys toward a military sub before going back to his companions. Hector looks for tools at Nero’s lab. ARTHERR takes Jasmine, Richmond, and Nero through a cannibalistic mob and up an elevator shaft. The undersea city shows signs of structural strain.
Hector sees Dr. Rajiv taken over by the alien sample from the battlefield. Richmond and Nero flee with Survana Jasmine helps ARTHERR retrieve a generator and set it to overload, deactivating the enemy probe again.
Gabriel and ARTHERRlead the way to a command node to restore power as directed by Panjit Singh. Hector scans and Jasmine guards as they pass flooded compartments, a well-stocked warehouse, and a gang with harpoon guns. Richmond and Nero are questioned aboard Col. Raj’s sub.
Vehicles : Submarines, “Fortune’s Fool”
N.P.C.s : See also 5b.2 – Survana (Gabriel), Nero (Richmond), undercity mobs (Jasmine). Col. Raj (Richmond)
Jarhita Fleming-female Lunar human researcher, panicked in laboratory after Dr. Rajiv slain by alien probe, tasered by ARTHERR
Panjit Singh-male Indian Terran human, captain of local authorities
Rakeem-male Ghanki Terran human, leader of harpoon gun gang
Session : 5b.4 – Cannibals, flammables, and the mech-Cthu-flu!
Real time : Monday, 25 October 2010
Game dates : “12 to 14 June 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations : Ghanki Station
Summary : After restoring basic systems in the undersea city, Gabriel, ARTHERR, Jasmine, and Hector again fight panicked mobs, the alien “Harbinger of the Order of Submission,” and something Man Was Not Meant to Know. Con men Dr. Garrett and Nero are taken to Karachi, where they are questioned by Col. Raj.
Game dates: “15 to 19 June 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations: Karachi; “Larry Wu’s” hotel [apologies to Larry Niven]
Summary: Jasmine and ARTHERR explore Karachi’s underworld in an attempt to find where warlord Cmdr. Raj is holding Dr. Garrett. Gabriel and Hector lie low, while Richmond talks interrogator Survana Khadija into loosening the restrictions on him at the luxury hotel. The con man also talks with Nero Bartholomew. ARTHERR paints himself black as “the Voice,” spokesrobot for Jasmine as “Trouble.” They befriend betters at a pit fight and get hired by the “Screaming Monkeys” to extort Hindu priest Abdul Kapur, who turns out to be working for rival gang the “Angry Elephants.” The robot and Tiger-woman rescue Richmond and Nero and bluff their way through the spaceport.
Vehicles: submarine, rickshaws, orbital transfer vehicle
Haroun Oglethorpe-male Terran human businessman encountered by ARTHERR and Jasmine exiting white slavery pens
Unnamed Venusian “Synth” (thick-skinned), maimed by monofilament whip in pit fight by the Indus River
Vijay, Hassan, and Carl-male South Asian human mercenaries, gambling associates of Haoun, befriended by ARTHERR (Hassan’s cousin provides false IDs to leave the spaceport.)
Logus-“Andie” (Artificial Intelligence in C-space only), author of “Psionics, More than Meets the Eye,” and pleasant receptionist for the “Screaming Monkeys” shakedown operation
“Abdul Kapur” [Dave S.C./N.P.C.]-male South Asian Terran human, apparent Hindu priest working for the downtrodden and the “Angry Elephants”; gets hotel plans from ARTHERR
Game dates: “20 to 27 June 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations: Shepard 2 L-5 orbital city (Red 7, 8 – wealthy tiers; Violet 9 – less-reputable area), Kalam Spaceport on the Lunar Free State, SRE office and warehouse
Summary: Hector, ARTHERR, and Jasmine are surprised to find the “Fortune’s Fool” missing several components in space dock, while Gabriel and Richmond run errands and get lodgings at Shepard 2. Disguised as “Pauly,” “the Voice,” and “Trouble,” they trace the missing custom parts to an SRE warehouse and begin planning a heist….
Radha Priyanka-female Lunar human, manager of some of Nero’s holdings; talks with ARTHERR and arranges for covert repair dock for the “Gen. Lee”
Kelron Darksky-male “near-human” (modified with panther DNA), handles recruitment and training of Nero’s staffers, as well as mechanics to work on the “Gen. Lee”; talked to Hector and Jasmine
unnamed artificial intelligence (“Synth”) receptionist at SRE office
Game dates: “28 June to 14 July to 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 G.E.”
Locations: Shepard 2 orbital city, Kalam Spaceport on the Lunar Free State, SRE and American Containers warehouses, covert “dry dock”
Summary: Gabriel obtains a false registry and counterfeit ship parts, while Hector hacks police channels and rents a truck. ARTHERR ships himself to the SRE warehouse, where he switches the codes for “Trouble’s” (Jasmine’s) audiovisual gear and the parts repossessed from the “Fortune’s Fool.”
Richmond talks to Nero’s contacts and, disguised as a guard with Gabriel, goes to the SRE facility to divert attention. ARTHERR is taken aboard the “Parsifal,” while Hector drives off with the actual machinery. Later, Doug McDonnell gets the dummy engine and asks for help delivering medical supplies to Venus when the “Parsifal’s” reclaimed “engines” don’t work.
Radha Priyanka-female Lunar human, manager of some of Nero’s holdings; talks with ARTHERR and arranges for covert repair dock for the “Gen. Lee”
Kelron Darksky-male “near-human” (modified with panther DNA), handles recruitment and training of Nero’s staffers, as well as mechanics to work on the “Gen. Lee”; talked to Hector and Jasmine
Direct Engagement and Attack Drones (DEAD)-heavy armored guard robots with limited flight, at SRE warehouse
Otto, Max, Bors, Faisal-male Lunar human guards at American Containers warehouse
Francine Tufnel-female near-human Belter, owner of the free trader “Sampan,” has a grievance against SRE/American Containers
>>Systemes de Recuperation Executif Cie (SRE, or Executive Retrieval Systems Inc.) retrieval squad:
Marco Sparks-male Martian Ursoid (“Uplifted” bear), former space marine, Hitter
Game dates: “15 July to 14 August 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 G.E.”
Locations: Aphrodite orbital transfer station, Kardikea orbital city, spa, Hephaestus Stadium
Summary: The “General Lee” tows the “Parsifal” from the Lunar Free State to Venus. A data packet from Aphrodite Station warns of an impending U.E.A. quarantine. Upon docking at Kardikea, the two ships’ crews are received by members of the Finance Union, which is controlled by 12 families and in turn rules Venus’ colonies.
Gabriel and Capt. McDonnell transfer a portion of the medicine, while Hector monitors communications and security. Jasmine and ARTHERR take pity on orphan Aseem and bring him to a hospital amid civil unrest. Richmond negotiates with Chairman Orion Stefanov, who wants exclusive access to the aid and agrees that the deaths of thousands of the poor to be gathered at Hephaestus Stadium would be “unfortunate”….
Vehicles: “Fortune’s Fool/General Lee” and
The “Parsifal”-vessel whose systems were taken for the “Fortune’s Fool”; an urgent aid mission to Venus
United Earth Vessel “Sphinx”-destroyer sent to enforce medical quarantine of Venus and its colonies
N.P.C.s: Nero Bartholomew (cook); Cmdr. Raj,
>>Crew of the aid ship “Parsifal:”
“Doug McDonnel” [Erik B.L./N.P.C.]-male North American near-human, Interplanetary Patrol veteran and captain
Maztiplatica-male South American Terran “Synth” (genetically engineered humanoid) chief medical officer
Lian, Sameera, Ping, Meixiang-female Terran human aid workers aboard the “Parsifal”
Bohai, Chuntao, Kung, Rong-Terran human guards
>>Around Venus:
Barney Pradesh-male Synth (artificial intelligence) at the Aphrodite orbital transfer station, sent data packet to the “Gen. Lee” and “Parsifal” warning of civil unrest and an impending U.E.A. blockade
Vimala Rutowska-female Venusian human flight controller at Aphrodite Station
Orion Stefanov-male Venusian human, executive of Venusian Finance Union, negotiates with Richmond for exclusive access to medical supplies
Yakov Nikolevsky-male Venusian human, foreman in Kardikea’s factories and member of welcome delegation
Lady Lykhova-female Venusian human, unhappily betrothed to a member of the 12 families that control the Finance Union; talked with Richmond
“Aseem Sudeshna” [Paul J./N.P.C.]-male Venusian human child, affected by arthritis-like plague, brought by Jasmine to hospital
Georgios Vasilakis-male Venusian human, administrator of Morningstar Consortium medical facility; explains to ARTHERR that he doesn’t have the access that Xi Laboratories doctors do
Lt. Mizuno Procne-male Terran human, officer aboard the U.E.V. “Sphinx”
Capt. Amelia Saviola-female Terran human, commander of the “Sphinx” who notes that although her flotilla is too busy enforcing the quarantine to directly help, she will lend what aid to the medical mission that she can
Game dates: “15 to 17 August 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations: Kardikea orbital city, mines on Venus
Summary: Gabriel pilots a drop ship from Kardikea Station to “Lucifer’s Hole.” Hector and Jasmine help coordinate aid, while ARTHERR and Richmond get a tour of the Oromax operation and are asked for better living conditions.
Gabriel meets underworld contact Kirun, and Hector finds that droid DARIA is reporting back to the 12 families that control Venus’ colonies. Deep Dish asks Jasmine and company for help getting offworld, and Richmond hires him. ARTHERR interfaces with DARIA.
After experiencing mechanical problems, the drop ship’s crew learns of a disaster at Hephaestus Stadium, where tens of thousands of lower-status workers have gathered for medicine. A massive hull breach has killed numerous people, so the “Gen. Lee” and other ships try to rescue victims from sealed-off compartments…
Vehicles: the “General Lee” and the “Parsifal,” armored drop ship, mine cars and elevators, U.E.V. “Sphinx” and blockade
Game dates: “18 to 21 to 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations: Lucifer’s Hole mining colony, Kardikea orbital city
Summary: As surgeon general, Dr. Garrett is summoned to the Venus colony’s Central Committee, which assigns his party to investigate the disaster at Hephaestus Stadium, manage the distribution of medicine, and act as liaison to the U.E.A. inquiry team. The “Gen. Lee’s” crew finds evidence of sabotage and is attacked by four robots.
Vehicles: “Gen. Lee,” aid ship “Parsifal,” destroyer U.E.V. “Sphinx”
N.P.C.s: see previous notes for Capt. Doug McDonnell, Chairman Orion Stefanov, Capt. Amelia Saviola, Kirun, and
Game dates: “22 to 24 August to 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations: Kardikea Station, Venus orbit
Summary: Dr. Garrett confines former ship owner and cook Nero to his cabin after becoming ill, and Capt. McDonnell reports that a member of his crew has died from the plague affecting Venus’ colonies. Hector and ARTHERR study the remains of the robots that attacked them, and Gabriel gets a lead on FTL engines. Jasmine, Gabriel, and Hector investigate the apartment of Kiril Shatalin and learn that his orders to withdraw security forces shortly before the disaster at Hepaestus Stadium came from the Venusian Finance Union’s Central Committee….
Vehicles: “Fortune’s Fool/Gen. Lee/Appomattox,” aid ship “Parsifal,” U.E.V. “Sphinx,”
N.P.C.s: “Capt. Doug McDonnell” and his crew; Nero Bartholomew and Averki “Deep Dish” Dyashenko; Capt. Amelia Saviola; and
Gorvek Beezo-male Ru’ulok trader with access to faster-than-light technology, referred to Gabriel by Kirun, in Earth orbit
Kiril Shatalin-male Venusian human, give order to Sergei Malenkov to withdraw local security before Hephaestus Stadium disaster
Game dates: “25 to 26 August 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Galactic Era”
Locations: Venusian Finance Union Central Committee compound
Summary: ARTHERR helps identify food as a vector for the arthritis-like illness affecting Venus’ colonists, and newcomer Dr. Dieter Klein brings samples for analysis and identification.
Gabriel, Jasmine, ARTHERR, and Dieter later infiltrate the Central Committee with diversionary aid from Hector. The team hopes to obtain evidence linking the chain of command to the disaster at Hephaestus Stadium. They manage to obtain a data storage unit from Chairman Orion Stefanov’s office before being chased by numerous guards….
Session: 5b.13 – Decryption, defense, and decoration
Real time: Monday, 4 April 2011
Game dates: “26 August to 21 September 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 G.E.”
Locations: Kardikea Station, Venus orbit
Summary: The “Appomattox” remains at Kardikea Station as doctors continue to fight the spread of disease. Hector cracks the data storage unit retrieved from Chairman Orion Stefanov’s office, and he and ARTHERR find records of Venusian Finance Union meetings indicating their foreknowledge of the disaster at Hephaestus Stadium. They and Gabriel share this information with the U.E.A., Lady Lykhova, and their contacts.
Dr. Garrett surrenders to local authorities, who arrest him in connection with the sabotage, uncensored transmissions, and Central Committee break-in. However, he presents evidence during his trial pointing to a single security officer and megacorp intrigue. Stefanov and the U.E.A. reluctantly clear the yacht to return to Earth, where its crew reviews potential enhancements. Jasmine takes Deep Dish sightseeing and hunting.
Vehicles: The “Gen. Lee/Appomattox,” “Parsifal,” U.E.V. “Sphinx,”
Game dates: “22 to 23 September 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 G.E.”
Locations: Earth orbit
Summary: The crew of the “Appomattox” hosts a party for its contacts to learn more about leads on faster-than-light (FTL) drives. During a Texas Hold-’em poker game, the guests gamble competitively and reveal more about various potential missions.
Vehicles: The “Appomattox,” the “Enlightened Flower”
N.P.C.s:
Nero Bartholomew-male Terran human, cook and former owner of the “Fortune’s Fool” pleasure yacht
Lillian Morrisey-female Terran human, underworld contact of Gabriel who also knows Capt. Morgan and possibly the Ru’ulok
Max-male Terran cyborg, onetime handler of Hector Chavez; mentions a derelict ship at the edge of the Sol system
“Ramon Sanchez” [Josh H./Greg D.C.]-male Terran human, Lisbon-based “fixer” who gave the party its first mission, to an old battlefield north of Karachi; germaphobe; offers loans to Dieter and Brandon; hires Dr. Garrett to take mysterious cargo to Epsilon Eridani
Hugo, Hernando-male Terran humans, intimidating aides of Ramon
Averki “Deep Dish” Dyashenko-male Venusian reptilian Synth, crewman on the “Appamattox” and friend of Jasmine
Capt. Brandon Morgan-male Terran human; broke con man who describes the “Enlightened Flower,” which is getting an FTL drive in Feng Ruying’s private shipyard
Gorvek Beezo-male Ru’ulok (heavy-gravity reptilian alien) offering work through the galactic Trade Guilds
“Rabak Porset” [Rich L./N.P.C.]-male Ru’ulok, mentions alien ship to be salvaged, despite possible Gustrall guards
Game dates: “23 to 25 September 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 G.E.”
Locations: Blackrock Station, Earth orbit
Summary: After hosting a night of gambling, the team investigates Feng Ruying and decide against trying to steal a faster-than-light (FTL) drive from the “Enlightened Flower.” ARTHERR arranges for the distribution of FTL data to humanity, and Richmond takes delivery from Ramon of Vatican artifacts to be delivered to Epsilon Eridani. They also ask the Ru’ulok to leave a starship underdefended so they can steal an FTL drive….
Vehicles: the “Appomattox,” orbital transfer vehicles/shuttles,
“Enlightened Flower”-experimental ship of Feng Ruying blending Terran technology with an Olvar FTL drive
“Star Shark”-Ru’ulok far trade vessel http://traveller.wikia.com/wiki/Far_Trader
“Red Manta”-Ru’ulok ship in Earth orbit, also to be disabled
Derelict Terran ship, referred by Hector’s former handler Max
Alien vessel, stranded near the Sol system, possibly containing Gustrall guards; referred by Ru’ulok Gorvek and Rabak
Feng Ruying-male Terran human, Richard Branson-style magnate and owner of the experimental “Enlightened Flower”
Systemes de Recuperation Executif Cie (SRE, or Executive Retrieval Systems Inc.)-security firm hired by Feng; party previously stole other ship parts from its Kalam Spaceport warehouse in the Lunar Free State
Brad Ogden-male Terran human executive at Transport Conglomerates, rival to Feng Ruying
Xox Memes, Shadow Orphans, Autonomist Alliance, Prometheans-rogue “Synths,” artificial intelligences (A.I.) and anarchist/criminal information brokers
Gordon Wong-A.I. with Xox Meme contacted by ARTHERR (as “Masters of Earthly Lubricated Information Network,” or MERLIN) for distributing stolen Ru’ulok FTL
Droata-female Ru’ulok, captain of the “Empress Marava”-class far trader “Star Shark”
Game dates: “26 to 30 September 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 G.E.”
Locations: near Blackrock Station, Earth orbit
Summary: Gabriel gets pirate disguises, and Hector obtains burglary and surveillance gear in preparation for stealing a stardrive from a Ru’ulok ship. ARTHERR trades FTL plans with Xox Memes for information about the Vatican artifacts the “Appomattox” will be transporting for Ramon Sanchez. Dr. Garrett directs the scam, involving rented orbital transfer vehicles, poisoned chicken, and a smuggler’s dock. After installing the FTL drive, the grifters begin exploring the derelict “Dawn’s Retreat.”
Vehicles: the “Appomattox,” “Star Shark,” and “Red Manta”
CDVs (chicken delivery vehicles)-orbital transfer vehicles rented by Dr. Garrett, repainted by ARTHERR, and dumped near orbital garbage by Capt. Adams
The “Dawn’s Retreat”-derelict Terran military ship at the edge of the Sol system, with odd dials and levers, empty cabins, and Esperanto signage, as well as mysterious telepathic entity
N.P.C.s: Ramon Sanchez, Nero Bartholomew, Averki “Deep Dish” Dyashenko, Gorvek Beezo and Rabak Porset, Gordon Wong, and
Droata-female Ru’ulok, captain of the “Star Shark,” with Calot (dog-like reptilian alien); poisoned
Tegar-Tharian, didn’t eat chicken but incapacitated by party
Game dates: “1 to 3 October 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Terran Galactic Era”
Locations: Edge of the Sol system
Summary: The away team continues to explore the strange derelict near the Sol system and communicates with Dawn, who thinks she’s human but turns out to be the vessel’s intelligence. Hector and ARTHERR take samples of the displaced ship’s hull, inedible food, Esperanto logs, and weapons, while Jasmine talks with Dawn, who reveals that she comes from an empire fighting “the Alliance” and “Martians” in the year “5955.”
She also recognizes to avoid the Harbinger of the Order of Submission (which the party had encountered in an old battlefield north of Karachi). Tests determine that the carbon nanofibers in the hull are capable of insulating and conducting energy, altering gravity, and regenerating! Dr. Garrett claims the captain’s bed and great coat.
Gabriel questions the mission to smuggle Vatican artifacts that Richmond accepted, and Hector reports to Max. ARTHERR delivers the “Dawn’s Retreat” to the United Earth Authority, and Jasmine contacts fellow “Synths” on Mars. Dr. Garrett informs Ru’ulok pirates about the antique sentient ship, but their attempt to sieze it is defeated by the U.E.A.
Vehicles: the “Appomattox,” the “Dawn’s Retreat,” the U.E.V. “Ajax,” the “Star Shark”
N.P.C.s:
Dawnie-sentience first encountered in the reactor of the “Dawn’s Retreat,” believes herself to be human from Earth’s “world city”
“Ramon Sanchez” [Josh H./Greg/N.P.C.]-male Terran human/cyborg, “fixer” in Lisbon who gave the party its first missions, as well as Richmond’s contraband cargo from the Vatican Museums
Max-male Terran human, onetime handler of Hector
Gorvek Beezo-male Ru’ulok pirate, contacted by Richmond about the “Dawn’s Retreat”
Adm. Wei Sihong-human officer in the United Earth Authority space navy, contacted by ARTHERR about various dangerous samples and the “Dawn’s Retreat” (possibly to aid against the “Harbinger of the Order of Submission”); sends the U.E.V. “Ajax”
Darsil-male Synth (“Uplifted” tiger-man), onetime lover of Jasmine, affiliated with the Synth United Front on Mars
Capt. Droata-female Ru’ulok, escaped the “Star Shark” (whose FTL is now part of the “Appomattox”) after its attempt to take the “Dawn’s Retreat” from the “Ajax” failed
Game dates: “3 to 7 October 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Terran Galactic Era”
Locations: Earth orbit; in orbit around Saturn’s moon Titan, Ringtown Diner, Lucky Garden Casino, Eclipse Station infirmary and chapel
Summary: The interplanetary con artists try to find out more about their cargo of art from the Vatican Museum, going to Titan. Dr. Garrett poses as a holy man to get an audience with the United Earth Authority, and Gabriel begins planning a casino heist.
Vehicles: the “Appomattox,”
N.P.C.s: Ramon Sanchez, Nero Bartholomew, Averki “Deep Dish” Dyashenko, Gordon Wong, and
Robotic waitress at the Ringtown Diner, flirted with ARTHERR
Cheebus-“miracle toast” created by Nero for Dr. Garrett, given to the U.E.M.
Shifu Nurdin Subaja-yellow-robed male Terran human chaplain with the United Ecumenical Movement, interrogated Richmond and ARTHERR about “miracle toast” after getting dunked by Jasmine’s milkshake
Game dates: “8 to 10 October 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 G.E.”
Locations: Titan; toward Epsilon Eridani and LP 656-38
Summary: At their impromptu faith-healing rally on Eclipse Station, Mr. Garrett, ARTHERR, and Tela encounter believers and protestors. Hector takes the “Appomattox” down to Titan, where the away team meets with United Ecumenical Movement (U.E.M.) authorities in an effort to learn more about its cargo of smuggled Vatican art. In return, it is asked to help deal with a gruesome murder…
Vehicle: the “Appomattox”
N.P.C.s: Ramon Sanchez, Nero Bartholomew, Averki “Deep Dish” Dysashenko, and
Tanya and Galia-gynoids at the Lucky Garden Casino whom Gabriel tries to persuade to help with a heist and to join the crew
Erta Garza-Delphine astrogator, invited by Jasmine to join crew
Marcus Schlager-male Spacer miner, unable to receive lung transplants; Richmond layed hands on
Camille Dubois-female Saturnian madam with several replaced organs, urged by Richmond to get boyfriend Howard to commit to holy matrimony
Halil Torralua-male Saturnian hypochondriac, “cured” by Mr. Garret’s placebo effect, disrobes in new bid for attention
Rev. Winston Jones-male Saturnian human, pastor of chapel in Eclipse Station, has no love for U.E.M. presence
Canine “Synth,” unnamed, agrees with zealot preacher
Capt. Garzan Cisneros and Lt. Yasmin Al-Ghuj-humans, local law-enforcement authorities, break up fracas at Eclipse Station chapel
Hugh Doyle-male Terran human, invites Jasmine to join the Brotherhood of Illumination protests after she saves him from electrocution (by ARTHERR), later found ritually murdered
Monks, unnamed-telepathic probers for the U.E.M. at domed New Quebec on Titan
Sister Indrani Bhai and Shifu Nurdin Subaja-human U.E.M. acolytes
Mother Superior Magdelena de la Cruz-psionic nun, questions Richmond and Jasmine and convinced of their good character
Archbishop Javier Fuentes-male Terran human, served with the U.E.A. during the Second Interplanetary War, Jesuit-trained, has various religious implements in his office, asked crew to volunteer
Session: 5b.20 – Saturnian sleuths/home on the range
Real time: Monday, 19 September 2011
Game dates: “11 to 14 October 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 T.G.E.”
Locations: Eclipse Station around Titan, Saturn
Summary: As requested by the United Ecumenical Movement, the crew of the “Appomattox” investigates the murder of fundamentalist preacher Hugh Doyle. It finds suspects among smugglers, Doyle’s wealthy supporters, the Synth Liberation Front, and rival religious folk, but no conclusive connections. Gabriel plans a casino heist, while Richmond wants to move on.
Vehicles: the “Appomattox”
N.P.C.s: Nero Bartholomew, Averki “Deep Dish” Dysashenko, Tanya/Galia/Erta, Archbishop Javier Fuentes, Hugh Doyle, and
Lillian Morrissey-female Terran human “fixer,” informs Gabriel about smugglers in the outer Sol system
Capt. Garzan Cisneros, Lt. Yasmin Al-Ghuj-Titanian humans, local constabulary; reluctantly share autopsy and crime scene notes
Dr. Richmond Garrett-male Terran human, once mistaken for snake-oil salesman; at local infirmary/morgue
Esteban Bakafret-male L-5 human, magnate who provided some of Doyle’s transportation
Adrian Valentin-male Jovian human, smuggler who made calls to Doyle before his death and bough a generator of the type used in the ritualistic murder
Louise Reinhagen-female Martian human, widow of Oromax megacorp executive killed in Hephaestus Stadium disaster near Venus; onetime patron of Doyle and made calls to him and Valentin
Amir Mukhtadi-male Titanian human, provisioner; talked with Gabriel
Rev. Winston Jones-male Titanian human, local preacher and gambler who closed chapel to Richmond; doesn’t like U.E.M. or Doyle
Faisal Batar-male Chim (“Uplifted” chimpanzee), stogie-smoking mechanic, told Richmond about Synth Liberation Front
Melita Veturia-female Canid (canine “Synth”), ordered shipments of weapons, machine parts for SLF on Mars; initially a suspect
Max-male Terran human, onetime handler of Hector who searches official records for similar crimes; warns him of investigators
Unnamed robots in Mukhtadi shop – interfaced with ARTHERR
Hassan Mukhtadi-male Titanian human, arms dealer, talked with Richmond at covert firing range on Eclipse Station’s exterior
Game dates: “15 to 18 October 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 T.G.E.”
Locations: Eclipse Station, New Syria on Titan, Saturnian system
Summary: The away team’s murder investigation on Eclipse Station reveals the involvement of smuggler Adrian Valentin, wealthy widow Louise Reinhagen, and Kolidari, the Octopoid co-owner of the Lucky Garden Casino.
Vehicles: the “Appomattox”
N.P.C.s: Nero Bartholomew, Averki “Deep Dish” Dyashenko, Lillian Morrissey, Max, Darsil, Gordon Wong, Faisal Batar, Dr. Richmond Garrett, Archbishop Javier Fuentes, Esteban Bakafret, and
Hugh Doyle-male Terran human, itinerant fundamentalist preacher, was coordinating followers in outer Sol system via Bible cipher; found ritually murdered
Rev. Winston Jones-male Saturnian human, pastor of chapel in Eclipse Station, has no love for U.E.M. presence or Doyle’s followers
Tanya and Galia-gynoids at the Lucky Garden Casino whom Gabriel tries to persuade to help with a heist and to join the crew
Adrian Valentin-male Jovian human, smuggler who called Doyle increasingly before his death, moved generator of the type involved in the murder, and was blackmailing him and Reinhagen
Amir and Hassan Mukhtadi-male Titanian human provisioners, sold electromagnetic generator to Adrian Valentin
Louise Reinhagen-female Martian human, widow of Oromax megacorp executive killed in Hephaestus Stadium disaster near Venus; onetime patron and lover of Doyle
Ignatz Maroni-male Titanian human, leader of docking bay construction crews on Eclipse Station
“Rosario Tamuz” [N.P.C./Greg]-female Felinoid (“Uplifted” panther) laborer, recognized wrestler Jasmine and told her about Octopoid seen moving Valentin’s generator; drunkenly blamed “dark gods”
“Prini Vonchadry” [N.P.C./Beruk]-female Ursoid (“Uplifted” bear) construction worker, taciturn blogger
Melita Veturia-female Canid (canine “Synth”), ordered shipments of weapons, machine parts for SLF on Mars; initially a suspect
Erta Garza-female Delphine (“Uplifted” dolphin) astrogator, invited to join the “Appomattox” crew; introduced Jasmine to Kolidari
Kolidari-male Octopoid (“Uplifted” octopus), co-owner of the Lucky Garden Casino and likely killer of Doyle; invited Jasmine to come work for him
Game dates: “19 to 21 October 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 T.G.E.”
Locations: Eclipse Station, Titan, Saturnian system
Summary: After evading more riots between supporters of the late Hugh Doyle and restive “Synths,” the investigators confirm the conspiracy around his murder. Merry widow Louise Reinhagen admits that smuggler Adrian Valentin was blackmailing her and that shipping magnate Esteban Bakafret stood to gain from eliminating the preacher. The group hands Reinhagen over to the U.E.M. (Gabriel’s casino heist plan is outvoted in favor of the Vatican Museums cargo.)
Vehicles: the “Appomattox”; Richmond’s new hovercycle (in the form of a robotic horse, with a pony sidecar for ARTHERR)
N.P.C.s: Nero Bartholomew, Averki “Deep Dish” Dyashenko, Capt. Garzan Cisneros, Archbishop Javier Fuentes, the Mukhtadi brothers, and
Hugh Doyle-male Terran human, itinerant fundamentalist preacher, was coordinating followers in outer Sol system via Bible cipher; found ritually murdered
Kolidari-male Octopoid (“Uplifted” octopus), co-owner of the Lucky Garden Casino and likely killer of Doyle; invited Jasmine to come work for him (voder sounds like Sean Connery)
Louise Reinhagen-female Martian human, wealthy widow of Jurgen, an Oromax megacorp executive killed in Hephaestus Stadium disaster near Venus; onetime patron and lover of Doyle
Adrian Valentin-male Jovian human, smuggler who blackmailed Doyle and Reinhagen; worked with Kolidari and Bakafret
Esteban Bakafret-male L-5 human, magnate who provided some of Doyle’s transportation; was threatened and ordered him killed
Game dates: “22 to 31 October 2194 A.D./C.e. or 0 T.G.E.”
Locations: Lucky Garden Casino, Eclipse Station, Titan, Saturn; on the way to Epsilon Eridani (10.5 ly from Sol) and Luyten’s Star
Summary: Hector buys surplus military gear, ARTHERR scans the cargo of Vatican artifacts, and Gabriel talks gynoids Tanya and Galia into temporarily joining the crew, over Jasmine’s objections. On the way to Epsilon Eridani and Luyten’s Star, the “Appomattox” encounters the “Chengdu,” a slower-than-light generation ship. It has failed to find similar ships en route.
Gabriel chats up bursar Ghia Shan, Hector helps optimize ship systems, and Jasmine finds other “Synths.” ARTHERR finds “Bob” and eventually helps the disembodied Delphine to disengage from the ship’s systems.
Vehicles: the “Appomattox/Heaven’s Gate” and
“Chengdu”-Terran slower-than-light generation colony ship, on its way to Epsilon Eridani
N.P.C.s: Nero Bartholomew, Averki “Deep Dish” Dyashenko, and Hugh Doyle, Louise Reinhagen, Archbishop Javier Fuentes, Adrian Valentin, Esteban Bakafret, Capt. Garzan Cisneros, the Mukhtadi brothers, Erta Garza, Kolidari, Tanya and Galia, and
Chuan Bao-male human, executive officer (“No. 1”) of the “Chengdu” wearing a yellow sash
Ghia Shan-female human, bursar of the “Chengdu” wearing a yellow sash; had dinner with Gabriel
Franz-robot mechanic, guided ARTHERR on tour of the “Chengdu”
Sigurd Anders-male human, engineer on the “Chengdu” wearing a red sash; worked with Hector and ARTHERR
Bob-male Delphine (“Uplifted” dolphin) seriously injured in a collision, now a brain hardwired to the “Chengdu’s” functions
Dr. Rufus Han-male “Uplifted” orangutan, acting captain of the “Chengdu”
>>P.S.: Here are several types of “Synths” in the “Vortex” universe:
Artificial intelligences (AIs)/robots: sometimes disembodied; android/gynoid/nonhumanoid, cargo/construction, engineering/mechanic, general purpose, maintenance, military/police, mining, science/exploration (see “ARTHERR”), social/recreational (see Tanya and Galia)
“Uplifted” (genetically modified) animals (see the works of David Brin):
Avidians: birds, usually parrots
Canids: dogs/wolves
Chims: chimpanzee
Crocoloids: alligators and crocodiles (see “Deep Dish”)
Delphines: dolphins and orcas
Felinoids: great cats (see “Jasmine”)
Gorths: gorillas, orangutans, and other great apes
Game dates: “1 to 7 November 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 T.G.E.”
Locations: on the way to Epsilon Eridani – 10.5 ly from Sol; with two gas giants, asteroid belts, two rockballs, and one “Goldilocks” world with alkaline seas
Summary: After resupplying and leaving the generation ship “Chengdu,” the “Appomattox” explores Epsilon Eridani B, a “Goldilocks” planet. There, the landing party finds the wreckage of the “Razorfeather,” an Olvar craft on its way home from Gustrall space. After retrieving the marooned crew, the crew is hailed by the Nolath trade ship “Kazador,” which expects delivery of the mysterious Vatican relics….
Vehicles: the “Appomattox/Heaven’s Gate” and
“Razorfeather”-midsize Olvar craft, sabotaged on its way home from Gustrall space
“Kazador”-large Nolath trade vessel, containing spider-like aliens of various sizes
N.P.C.s: Nero Bartholomew, Averki “Deep Dish” Dyashenko, Tanya and Galia, and Ghis Shan,
Isabella-female Delphine (“Uplifted” orca) who asks Jasmine about Epsilon Eridani system
Yiushef of Geruno-male Cestolar envoy, attacked “intruder” Gabriel, claims “Razorfeather” was sabotaged
Maj. Mohing Lankel-male Olvar, acting leader of “Razorfeather” survivors
Lt. Doina Claren-female Olvar, one of the castaways on Epsilon Eridani B
Mr. Kares Mussur-male Olvar, caught by Hector trying to hack into the “Appomattox’s” systems
Stroja-Nolath captain of the trade ship “Kazador,” expects delivery of cargo from Vatican Museums
Game dates: “8 to 14 November 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 T.G.E.”
Locations: Epsilon Eridani B, Luyten’s Star
Summary: After some debate, the crew of the “Appomattox” backs out of its deal to deliver Vatican relics to the arachnid Nolath. Capt. Adams claims a mistaken identity. Hector builds a remote-controlled missile with an EMP warhead and considers improving the Ru’ulok Transit drive, Jasmine is disappointed to return to the Sol system so soon, ARTHERR recommends finding the best home for the cargo for humanity, and Richmond entertains the survivors of the “Razorfeather” shipwreck on the way back to Earth….
Vehicles: the “Appomattox,” “Razorfeather,” and “Kazador”
N.P.C.s: Nero Bartholomew, Averki “Deep Dish” Dyashenko, Tanya and Galia, Yiushef of Geruno, Maj. Mohing Lankel, Lt. Doina Claren, Mr. Kares Mussur, Capt. Stroja
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