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"Star Trek: the U.S.S. Sacagawea" Episode 4

Finding the pirate cove

“Steel Vengeance/Venganza de Acero” Bienvenidos. In the early 1800s, the town of Angelita on the California/Mexico border faced many perils, as masked heroes arose to defend the campesinos…. (Telenovela based on the stories of Francisco Quintero.)

Roderigo Cabrero Nunez, a prosperous local merchant, invites notable residents from across Angelita to his hacienda for a fiesta.

Dramatis personae (all are human, but extraterrestrials merely need costumes in holodeck):

“Maria-Joaquina Garcia-Barrientos” [Jason E.R./“Olivia”]: a widowed coloratura soprano from Valencia, retired

“Miguel Lopez-Moreno/El Corsario” [Jim D./“Sheras”]: gentleman duellist and masked vigilante

“Capt. Ramon LaCasa” [Bruce K./“Dakal”]: local sheriff

“Yiska” [Dexter V.H./“Salek”]: proud Navajo guide

“La Fantasma” [Cathey D./“Huli”]: female bounty hunter dressed in white (absent)

Retired singer Maria arrives in a cart adorned with fresh roses, looking to meet society after recently arriving from Valencia, Spain.

Gentleman Miguel arrives in a carriage, looking for Calevaras (“the Skulls,” villains who wear Dia de Muertos/Day of the Dead costumes).

Capt. LaCasa gets a ride to the manor with someone from town, while Yiska is hired as an armed guide.

Senor Cabrero Nunez introduces Seniorita Garcia-Barrientos to Padre Arturo Mendoza, the handsome pastor at the church of San Ebonio de Flores.

The cantata (singer) is acclaimed by hidalgas and meets Marqueta Rey Delgado, the wife of a government inspector, and Vanessa Cruz Suarez, a sensitive artist.

Capt. LaCasa asks Roderigo who is protecting the guests, and he assures the local officer that he has hired guards. Yiska declines an offer to serve as a waiter and eyes fellow hireling Leon Ortega Garcia.

Lopez-Moreno stays in the shade and tries to comprehend local culture and cuisine, while Yiska notes that Ortega Garcia seems familiar with Senora Rey Delgado. The indigenous scout also hears gunfire as people leave the fiesta.

Maria-Joaquina stays behind, as Ramon, Yiska, and Miguel ride to rescue the townsfolk from three highwaymen. The banditos exchange fire with the would-be heroes.

Ramon shoots one, and Miguel is winged. Yiska falls off his horse but catches up in time to drive off the remaining bandits. Roderigo Cabrero Nunez and the relieved villagers thank the trio as the holodeck simulation ends (for now)….

Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Sacagawea. Our ongoing mission is to test the boundaries of science, understand and protect life in its infinite diversity, and boldly restore the United Federation of Planets….

Player Characters aboard the U.S.S. Sacagawea in Gene D.’s third “Star Trek: Restoration” online scenario, using Fantastic Adventures in Tabletop Entertainment (FATE), Skype, Rolz.org, and Google Drawings, as of summer 2020:

“Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Sheras Ch’p’trell” [Jim J.D.]: male Andorian, assertive medical officer who trained in the Andorian Military Academy

“Lt.(J.G.) Huli” [Cathey D.]: female Benzite, meticulous scientist who distrusts Romulans and is homesick

“Lt.(J.G.) Olivia Sánchez-Navarro” [Jason E.R.]: female Terran human, curious security officer and champion sharpshooter

“Lt.(J.G.) Dakal Nakona” [Bruce K.]: male Romulan (Republic), ambitious helmsman eager to work up to command

“Lt.(J.G.) Salek” [Dexter V.H.]: male Vulcan, engineer, onetime Daystrom Award winner, and martial artist

Previously, the U.S.S. Sacagawea ventured into the Alpha Quadrant to explore and secure the edge of the U.F.P. It visited medical outpost Nasiri Station, and junior officers aided Cardassians allegedly injured in a “mining accident.”

The starship entered “the Badlands,” an area of space with nebulae, in search of raiders attacking passing vessels. Its intrepid crew defeated the Sword of the Prophets, drove off its two escort ships, and began interrogating its crew (Episode 3)….

Stardate 89357.2 (“10 May 2412 A.D./C.E.”/29 August 2020): After interrogating the Bajoran and Nausicaan crew of the Sword of the Prophets, which was equipped with a dangerous Subspace Rift Generator, the crew of the Sacagawea decides to take the captured ship deeper into the Badlands in search of secret bases.

Capt. Nasir Halaby assigns an away team to infiltrate the space pirates. Tactical officer Cmdr. Ressaunch assigns 10 security officers under the command of Lt. Sánchez-Navarro and Lt. Nakona. They will watch the Nausicaan mercenaries.

Chief engineer Cmdr. Zendia Lendavi orders Lt. Salek to be on the lookout for other exotic weapons and assigns five Starfleet engineers. Science officer Cmdr. Chandra Ramamurthy asks Lt. Huli to continue gathering data on energy fluctuations in the Badlands.

The team prepares aliases and communicator earpieces. Sheras takes on the name of “Ghalav,” a hero of Andorian literature. Olivia dons a utilitarian jumpsuit as weapons officer “Maria,” while Dakal wears camouflage pants and a black leather vest as pilot “Takar Serrano.” Salek dresses as Romulan information broker “Vremeer.”

Between Maria and Takar’s reconstruction of the ship’s logs and Lt. Huli’s scans, the Sword of the Prophets is able to find Cloud Atoll, a hidden asteroid base.

Huli and the Nausicaans stay on ship, as well as the engineers and eight of the security personnel. At the airlock, the visitors are greeted by Megiben, a male Denobulan.

Maria and Ghalav learn that Mibyc Doret and Jett Katan, the former Bajoran commanders of the Sword of the Prophets, had not only acquired the Subspace Rift Generator at an auction, but the captains of other ships in port owed them money.

They visit the Mad Howler and speak with Capt. Danae, a Caitian with an eyepatch. Rather than part with cash before the next auction, the fierce feline tells them that the Broken Tusk used a Matter Inverter to destroy a rival ship near Anchor Port.

The infiltrators also learn that the the Crusty Worm is expected in port for the next weapons auction. Its captain is a Deferi named Stagnez.

Takar and Vremeer see the Broken Tusk, which is guarded by a mysterious armored Tholian. The vessel is said to be captained by the Savage Crown, who has a reputation for meanness but whose species is unknown to Starfleet.

The two “Romulans” also meet Sanara Velan, another Romulan, who tells them that the starting bid is 5,000 bars of gold-pressed latinum. She then goes to talk with some reptilian Gorn guards.

Vremeer and Takar then meet Levalin Hosh, a female Vorta and the auctioneer. After seeing members of several traditional enemies of the U.F.P., the away team covertly regroups….

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SEP/2020

"Star Trek: the U.S.S. Sacagawea" Episode 2

Into the Badlands

Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Sacagawea. Our ongoing mission is to test the boundaries of science, understand and protect life in its infinite diversity, and boldly restore the United Federation of Planets….

“Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Sheras Ch’p’trell” [Jim J.D.]: male Andorian, assertive medical officer who trained in the Andorian Military Academy

“Lt.(J.G.) Huli” [Cathey D.]: female Benzite, meticulous scientist who distrusts Romulans and is homesick

“Lt.(J.G.) Olivia Sánchez-Navarro” [Jason E.R.]: female Terran human, curious security officer and champion sharpshooter

“Lt.(J.G.) Dakal Nakona” [Bruce K.]: male Romulan (Republic), ambitious helmsman eager to work up to command

“Lt.(J.G.) Salek” [Dexter V.H.]: male Vulcan, engineer, onetime Daystrom Award winner, and martial artist

Stardate 89345.27 (“6 May 2412 A.D./C.E.”/13 June 2020): The U.S.S. Sacagawea had previously traveled from Starbase 621 to Nasiri Station, a medical outpost on the frontier of the United Federation of Planets.

On the way, several junior officers got to know one another as Lt. Sheras Ch’p’trell sparred with Lt. Dakal Nakona. They were briefed by senior officers aboard the Starfleet starship, which observed a Cardassian vessel also approaching Nasiri Station.

The away team reported to Cmdr. Gareth Percy and later tended to Cardassian crew members injured during a mysterious “mining accident.”

Sometime later, Lt. Ch’p’trell continues his research into the Cardassans’ iinjuries, while Lt. Huli conducts mineral and toxicology research. They discuss the possibility of new life forms, as well as the apparent fear among the typically fierce Cardassians.

Lt. Olivia Sánchez-Navarro and Lt. Nakona review astrogation records of “the Badlands,” a region said to be plagued by pirates. Dakal also proposes a weekly poker game in the lounge, which is staffed by holographic barkeep Burney Crabtree.

Lt. Salek drills the engineering team until Cmdr. Lendavi notes, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”

Cmdr. Ramamurthy asks whether the Sacagawea should set course for Dephra Prime, but Lt. Nakona and Lt. Sánchez-Navarro note that it would be a two-week detour to the Badlands.

Salek notes a fluctuation in the warp field and notifies the bridge. Olivia detects three cloaked ships. Huli uses the cruiser’s sensors to identify Bajoran and Nausicaan life signs.

The three vessels fire upon the Sacagawea, which returns fire as tactical officer Olivia disables an exotic power source. At helm, Dakal maneuvers the Starfleet ship to avoid being surrounded.

Dr. Ch’p’trell cites Andorian policy on pirates and offers to help with the interrogation. Scientist Huli is concerned about her samples and plans to speak with First Officer Ramamurthy.

Engineer Salek determines that the device aboard the lead pirate ship not only to emit graviton waves and fool sensors, but also to alter subspace. Huli dubs it a “Subspace Rift Generator” and asks for permission to board the disabled craft.

Lt. Sánchez-Navarro beams the pirates to the Sacagawea, but three Nausicaans inadvertently arrive on its bridge!

One of the mercenaries fires at Capt. Nasir Halaby, but Lt. Nakona jumps in the way and takes the hit. The others fire at Huli, Olivia, and Lt.Cmdr. Stanik.

Olivia shoots one and knocks down another. Dakal fires from the floor and hits the third. Huli injects one Nausicaan with a paralytic hypospray to no avail, but the quick-thinking Benzite slaps a comm badge on him and has him beamed to the brig.

An away team boards the Sword of the Prophets, and an ensign engineer sees a self-destruction countdown. Lt. Salek disables it.

Salek also recognizes that the Subspace Rift Generator uses the dangerous and exotic substance known as “red matter.” Olivia recommends hiding the Bajoran/Nausicaan pirate ship with an improved cloaking device.

Lt. Ch’p’trell and Lt. Huli lead the interrogation of Bajoran commanders Jatt Katan and Mibyc Doret. The man and woman claim that they are continuing the tradition of the Maquis, who felt abandoned by Federation peace treaties with the Cardassan Union decades ago.

Olivia and Dakal wait outside, as the Starfleet scientists try to explain that the technology the raiders used is very dangerous….

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AUG/2020

FATE "Star Trek: the U.S.S. Sacagawea" Episode 1

Arrival at Nasiri Station

“Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Sheras Ch’p’trell” [Jim J.D.]: male Andorian, assertive medical officer who trained in the Andorian Military Academy

“Lt.(J.G.) Huli” [Cathey D.]: female Benzite, meticulous scientist who distrusts Romulans and is homesick

“Lt.(J.G.) Olivia Sánchez-Navarro” [Jason E.R.]: female Terran human, curious security officer and champion sharpshooter

“Lt.(J.G.) Dakal Nakona” [Bruce K.]: male Romulan (Republic), ambitious helmsman eager to work up to command

“Lt.(J.G.) Salek” [Dexter V.H.]: male Vulcan, engineer, onetime Daystrom Award winner, and martial artist

Stardate 889332.7 (“1 May 2412 A.D./C.E.”/2 May 2020): The U.S.S. Sacagawea, NCC 598-B, a Curiosity-class heavy cruiser, is tasked with exploring the Alpha Quadrant, restoring contact with lost Federation colonies, and learning about worlds between rival interstellar states (about a decade after the events of Picard).

On the way from Starbase 621 to “the Badlands,” the Sacagawea passes between the Tzenkethi Coalition and Cardassian space. Some junior officers take the time to get to know one another better.

Lt. Sheras Ch’p’trell spars with Lt. Salek in a martial arts match. Lt. Huli is surprised at the Andorian’s apparent anger and the Vulcan’s cool condescension, while Lt. Olivia Sánchez-Navarro assesses their technique. Lt. Dakal Nakona is amused at the two traditional enemies of the Romulans.

Sheras gets in some good blows, and Salek counters with a nerve strike. The combatants and spectators are disappointed when they are interrupted by a summons from their commanding officers.

Cmdr. Chandra Ramamurthy, first officer and astrophysicist, quizzes the crew on the ship’s specifications. Cmdr. Ressunch, the Tellarite chief security officer, tells the junior officers to be prepared for trouble as they approach Nasiri Station, a medical facility near the Badlands.

Lt. Ch’p’tress cleans up and reports to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nadia Valencia in sickbay. Rattled by the Salek’s comments while sparring, Lt. Huli goes to the hydroponics bay to check on vegetables and toxin research.

Lt. Sánchez-Navarro apologizes to Lt. Nakona for egging him on during the truncated match and goes target shooting in a holodeck. Dakal accepts her apology and reports to Saurian Lt. Cmdr. Stanik about rehearsing docking procedures in simulation.

Meanwhile, Lt. Salek showers and reports to Cmdr. Zendia Lendavi, Bajoran chief engineer of the starship. During a shift on the bridge, Lt. Huli detects a Cardassian ship also heading to Nasiri Station.

Capt. Nasir Halaby orders the lieutenants to form an away team as the Sacagawea arrives at Nasiri Station. They are greeted by En. Slam, an eager young Ferengi, who then hastens to welcome Gul Mazurk, a gruff Cardassian accompanied by four guards.

Lt. Salek goes to the station’s engineering section, where he is horrified to find En. Jisrul Tam, a Trill troubleshooter, improvising station maintenance.

Lt. Huli goes to the command and control center, where she finds Cmdr. Gareth Percy putting a golf ball. Cmdr. Shoran Grodin, a Bolian administrator, recommends that the Sacagawea take doctors Frank Gabriel and Keith Bowie to the Bajoran colony on Kavaria.

Sánchez-Navarro and Nakona follow the Cardassians, who barge into Cmdr. Percy’s office and demand medical assistance. Percy and Capt. Halaby grant Huli’s request to render aid, and Olivia and Dakal fall in as “nurses” to observe. Salek brings Tam.

The wary Cardassians escort the Starfleet personnel through their residential deck and past science labs.

In the sickbay of the Galor-class cruiser, they find three crew members pierced with strange rocks. Gul Mazurk claims they were injured in a mining accident in the Lamemda system.

Lt. Huli and Lt. Ch’p’tress try to determine how to treat the penetrating wounds by examining the dead. Lt. Nakona and En. Tam narrow the scans as the guards watch.

Lt. Salek attempts to make telepathic contact with the injured. The Vulcan gets a glimpse of stones shooting out of tunnel walls. Lt. Sánchez-Navarro surreptitiously scans the Cardassians’ logs and learns that their ship was not where Mazurk claimed it had been.

Sheras and Huli manage to figure out a way to extract the projectiles without causing further wounds. Mazurk grudgingly gives thanks and has the Federation personnel escorted off his ship.

The away team tells the command crew of the Sacagawea of its initial findings on Nasiri Station and aboard the Cardassian ship. Lt. Ch’p’trell notes that the Cardassians did ask for aid from their onetime foes against the mysterious weapons.

Lt. Huli is relieved that her team came together and is curious about life in the Badlands. The Benzite mentions Cmdr. Percy’s request to transport two doctors to a Bajoran colony.

Lt. Sánchez-Navarro recommends looking for pirates rumored to be raiding in the sector, and Lt. Nakona and Lt. Salek agree that scouting could help answer multiple questions. Capt. Halaby says he will consider their reports….

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JUN/2020

FATE "Star Trek: the U.S.S. Sacagawea" timeline

Updated continuity for the game so far

Timeline:

Late 20th to early 21st centuries: Terran nation-states fight “brushfire wars” by proxy; early eugenics and robotics efforts end in disaster; humanity nearly self-destructs.

2063: Zephram Cochrane’s faster-than-light experiments lead to open and official First Contact with Vulcans (First Contact, 1996).

22nd century: Terrans unite and rebuild, begin colonizing Mars.

2151 to 2155: Capt. Jonathan Archer helps found the United Federation of Planets (Enterprise, 2001 to 2005).

2156 to 2160: First Earth-Romulan War; Neutral Zone established.

2233 to 2259: One alternate universe splits off (Kelvin timeline: 2009 Star Trek, 2013 Into Darkness, 2016 Beyond).

2245 to 2265: The Constitution-class cruiser U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC 1701, under the command of Capt. Robert April and Capt. Christopher Pike (Discovery, 2018 to 2020, Strange New Worlds, 2021).

2266 to 2269: The first voyages of the Enterprise under Capt. James T. Kirk in the Alpha and Beta quadrants (original Star Trek television series, 1966 to 1969). The U.S.S. Rustam goes on missions.

2269 to 2270: The remainder of the Enterprise ’s first five-year mission (The Animated Series, 1973 to 1974); journeys of the U.S.S. Eagle, NCC 956 (SUNY-Binghamton, 1988) and Constitution (Virginia, 1993).

2273: The V’ger incident (The Motion Picture, 1979).

2285 to 2286: The command crew of the refitted Enterprise defeats Khan Noonien Singh and Klingons and goes rogue but saves Earth (The Wrath of Khan, Search for Spock, Voyage Home, 1982 to 1986).

2287 to 2293: The NCC 1701-A is retired after several successful missions (The Final Frontier, Undiscovered Country, Generations, 1989 to 1994).

2344: The Ambassador-class NCC 1701-C, under Capt. Rachael Garrett, is destroyed, leading to renewed peace talks with the Klingons (TNG “Yesterday’s Enterprise”).

2355 to 2359: First Federation-Cardassian War. Ferengi traders challenge the Federation, as Jean-Luc Picard takes command of the U.S.S. Stargazer.

2364 to 2370: The Galaxy-class U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC 1701-D, conducts diplomacy under Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (The Next Generation, 1987 to 1994). The U.S.S. Venture thwarts Orion pirates and rescues personnel at Xerxes Station (2d20 Star Trek Adventures, Boston, 2017)

2367: The Borg destroy much of Starfleet at the Battle of Wolf 359.

2369 to 2375: The Federation first explores the Gamma Quadrant and is involved in the Klingon Civil War and the Dominion War (Deep Space Nine, 1993 to 1999).

2371 to 2379: The Sovereign class NCC 1701-E fights the Borg and Remans, among others (Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, Nemesis, 1994 to 2002); the Voyager is stranded in the Delta Quadrant (1995 to 2001); first five-year mission of the Excelsior class U.S.S. Tempest, NCC 2094-B, under “Capt. Tzu Tien Lung” (Virginia, 1994 to 1997).

2380 to 2409: The Alpha and Beta quadrants attempt to rebuild after several core worlds are badly damaged and interstellar states fragment (Picard, 2020; Titan novels and various fan films).

2409 to 2417: Starfleet resumes expansion after another war with the Klingons and Orions, as well as Undine incursions (Star Trek Online MMO, 2010 to present).

1 May 2412 A.D./C.E. (Stardate 889332.7): The Curiosity-class U.S.S. Sacagawea begins exploring the Alpha Quadrant (FATE “Star Trek: Restoration” telecom crew, 2020).

2418 (Stardate 95248): The refitted Ambassador class U.S.S. Rotha, NCC 1993-C, begins its first five-year mission of defense, exploration, and diplomacy (Boston D20/FATE scenarios, 2014).

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MAY/2020

D20 "Vortex: Exodus" Update 6.1

Rescue at Beta Canum Venaticorum

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 6.1 of " Vortex: Exodus," which was held on Thursday, 23 March 2017:

In one future, Terran humanity and its creations had colonized the Sol system but still struggled with environmental degradation and internecine conflict. Open and official First Contact with extraterrestrials brought new allies and challenges. The Zarkonian Invasion killed billions, leaving rag-tag fleets of refugees to roam the galaxy, as explorers search for safe worlds….

Player Characters for Gene D.’s D20/D&D5e " Vortex: Exodus" telecom space opera, spring 2017:

“James Verian/the Wayfinder” [Dexter V.H.]: male Terran human scout and Ecomancer (Explorer/Mystic), with an “Uplifted” tiger
“Sprocket” [Beruk A.]: male Martian cyborg Technomancer and engineer (“near-human” Mystic/Trader)
“Xena” [Sara F.]: female “Uplifted” velociraptor archaeologist and medic (Explorer) from Henson IV/“Boobulon”
“Tom Hicks” [Bruce K.]: male Terran human space navy officer and pilot (Trader/Warrior)
“John ‘Mundungus’ Smith” [Byron V.O./absent ]: male human stowaway, scrounger, and lethal survivor (Trader)

“1 April 2197 A.D./C.E. or 2 Terran Galactic Era:” Zurmiz Krott, advance forces of the dreaded Zarkonian Armada, attack the Beta Canum Venaticorum system, about 8 parsecs from occupied Earth. A new team is sent to evacuate the science station on Henson, a habitable planet orbiting the stars Chara and Asterion.

Martian cyborg “Sprocket” arrives at the station and finds the civilians in a panic. The onetime anti-megacorp hacker and consultant to the Union of Solar Nations space navy checks sensors. As an orbital battle rages, the Zarkonians are closing in on the ground.

Meanwhile, an “Uplifted” velociraptor finds herself in a locked cell as panicked scientists hastily gather their belongings. Henson, also nicknamed “Hefner” or “Boobulon,” is home to descendants of ancient Terran species that were relocated by long-forgotten aliens. Some humans had experimented on these creatures, including “Xena.”

Outside, a Terran Ecomancer hikes through the jungle to assist scattered civilians. “Wayfinder” realizes that the landing zone is back toward the base, so he and his genetically engineered tiger gather some colonists and direct them.

Overhead, a squad of armored space marines jumps out of a drop ship. Terran pilot Thomas Hicks grabs a bystander for directions and orders the troops to spread out to protect the station.

Sprocket sends data to the marines, but the Zurmiz Krott then jam further transmissions. He detects swarms of nanites, or tiny robots, that that the biomechanical monsters have emitted. The quick-thinking Technomancer disables them with an electromagnetic pulse, but he burns out the station’s systems in the process.

Although she is behind transparisteel doors, Xena makes her escape by cutting through the adjacent wall with her claws and hotwiring them. The dinosaur also frees three other test subjects: an “Uplifted” squid named George, an “Uplifted” chimpanzee named Nigel, and a partially disassembled android called 6O97, or “Sonny.” The departing scientists don’t try to stop them.

Wayfinder, who lost his family in the Zarkonian Invasion of Earth, tries to calm the evacuees. However, his tiger senses something coming, and soon all can hear something crashing through the trees.

A triceratops with a mass of nanites clinging to its frill charges! Wayfinder drops his vibrospear and fires his rifle, briefly slowing the possessed beast. James Verian also extends a Mind Shield to protect the civilians from the Zarkonian probes.

Elsewhere on the battlefield, the space marines lay down suppressing fire with bursts from their slugthrowers. One of the Zurmiz Krott shifts into a spiked black ball and rolls toward them, and Hicks steps forward to meet it.

The Zarkonian attacker dodges a grenade and extends a spear-like projection at Hicks, but his armor absorbs most of the damage. Other troops aren’t so lucky.

The navy consultant recalls seeing enemies approaching an undefended area of the station, so he runs to plant explosive charges behind the evacuation. On the way, he is surprised to run into Xena, George (in a bucket), Nigel, and Sonny. Surprisingly, the “Synths” agree to help him….

A few years have passed since the rediscovery of mystical powers, First Contact, and the crews of the Blackbird and Pina Colada first wandered the Sol system. About a year [of “game time”] has passed since the voyages of the “Terra’s Pride” task force and the arrival of the Zarkonian Armada….

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MAR/2017

"Star Trek: Restoration" Episode 7

Ghost ship and hollow sphere

Fellow role-players, here is my update for our latest “Star Trek: Restoration” session, which Brian S. hosted in Burlington, Mass., on Monday, 23 May 2016:

“Space, the final frontier. Our starship’s mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life forms and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.”

Almost half a century after the voyages of the Enterprise-E, the United Federation of Planets and other interstellar states are slowly recovering from wars and ecological disasters. A new crew takes a refitted vessel to conduct diplomacy, defend life, and explore the galaxy….

Player Characters for Gene D.’s " Star Trek: Restoration" space opera scenario, using D20 Prime Directive, FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures, and Bulldogs:

“Lieutenant Kyerak” [Bruce K.]-male human/Vulcan hybrid with a temper, ambitious junior officer in the U.S.S. Rotha ’s command division

“Lt. Jarric Jameson” [Dexter V.H./Brian S.]-male genetically modified human colonist (Maquis descendant) and commando

“Lt. Orzzek Kalifa” [Byron V.O.]-male Andorian (blue-skinned humanoid with white hair and antennae), assertive science officer

“Chief Ravi Chandler” [Brian W.]-male Altairian human, non-commissioned officer and transporter expert aboard the Rotha

Mr. Vallcin" [Jason E.R.]-male Bolian (blue-skinned, bilaterally symmetrical humanoid), bartender of the “Starlight Lounge”

“DaiMon Froot” [Rich C.G.]-male Ferengi (short, large-eared extraterrestrial) merchant and negotiator, owner of the trade vessel Love’s Latinum Lost

“Kimbal Tegan” [Beruk A.]-male Trill (long-lived symbiont), ex-Starfleet operations specialist aboard the Love’s Latinum Lost

“Tau” [Drew S.]-male Ferengi, medic aboard the Love’s Latinum Lost

“Lt. Mari Killu” [Sara F./absent ]-female Caitian (felinoid) security/tactical officer on the Rotha

“Lt. Boran’ Gorir” [Josh C./absent ]-male Jem’Hadar (bioengineered Dominion soldier), aggressive envoy/engineer

Previously, junior officers aboard the U.S.S. Rotha, NCC 1993-C, stopped assassins from disrupting a diplomatic mission and faced off with Klingons, Romulans, and Ferengi in the Neutral Zone.

They also worked with the Love’s Latinum Lost to stop interference with the Aldebaran system, finding spies and averting a civil war in the former Federation colony.

“Stardate 95306.40 (23 April 2418):” In the Betraka Nebula, an away team from the Rotha and Love’s Latinum Lost explored a derelict starship. The U.S.S. Essex, NCC-173, was presumed lost with all hands more than 250 (Terran) years ago many parsecs away.

Lt. Kyerak reviews the last log entry on the bridge of the Daedalus-class Federation starship. “They’ve gotten under our skin. We’re spacing the dead. Remember us,” said Atina Xdaar, an Andorian and acting commander of the Essex.

Lt. Jameson downloads what he can from the ship’s computer core before being forced to stop by a virus. Mr. Tegan relays communications from main engineering, where he attempts to restore power. Security officer En. Scalzi stands by.

On the Rotha, Chief Chandler is unable to maintain a transporter lock on the away team because of power fluctuations. Capt. Andelina Nobatu orders him and Lt. Orzzek to take a shuttlecraft over. Ravi requests Mr. Vallcin because of his immunities.

DaiMon Froot and Tau notice the flickering lights on the Rotha and Essex and raise the Love’s Latinum Lost ’s shields. They also see an unidentified dodecahedral craft docking with the Essex.

Lt. Orzzek, Chief Chandler, and Mr. Vallcin race from the Essex ’s landing bay to join the away team amidships. Mr. Tegan stays in engineering to deal with the mysterious power drain.

Jarric draws his phaser pistol but holds as two robots emerge from the airlock. Cutter and Roller seem surprised to find anyone alive so long after they collected a few previous survivors.

Orzzek and Ravi scan the androids with tricorders, but they don’t match any known design. Kyerak asks the robots where they come from and what happened to the crew of the Essex.

Cutter and Roller say that they come from a larger ship and that the nebula’s electromagnetic properties “were incompatible” with the Federation vessel.

Kimball crawls into a Jeffries tube to manually override the airlock. Vallcin notices the scent of machine oil, confirming that the robots had previously visited the Essex.

Over on the Love’s Latinum Lost, Ferengi Froot and Tau try to communicate with Capt. Nobatu as the Rotha loses power. They also see a larger 12-sided ship come out of warp.

Cutter and Roller explain to Andorian Orzzek and Altarian Ravi that they are members of the lowest caste, with “Light Bearers” and “Sphere Shapers” above them.

However, half-Vulcan Kyerak and human Jarric cut the conversation short, believing that the robots are direct threats to the Federation ships.

Bolian Vallcin tries to defuse tensions by demonstrating how two drinks taste terrible until mixed. Trill Kimball manages to restore functions on the Essex for a second time.

Kyerak and Jarric open fire on Cutter and Roller, forcing them back to their pod. Ravi beams Orzzek over to the Rotha to explain to chief engineer Lt.Cmdr. Akira Gorou how to recalibrate the power relays.

Froot orders the crew of his trade vessel to extend shields around the disabled Rotha. Tau, who is a doctor, not an ops officer, tries to activate a tractor beam and phasers but ends up firing in the direction of the Starfleet ship.

Lt. Jameson, Chief Chandler, and En. Scalzi begin feeling itchy and fear that they are infected by whatever killed most of the Essex ‘s crew. Fortunately, Tau teleports over to treat the interaction between the machine men’s emissions and the local electromagnetic fields.

Capt. Nobatu says that the Rotha isn’t ready to follow the robot ship, so Mr. Vallcin pilots the shuttle, bringing the away team to the Love’s Latinum Lost.

The Ferengi ship follows the larger dodecahedron to its homeworld, which turns out to be a hollow Bernal sphere. The team (with the exception of Froot) disembarks and meets two Sphere Shapers, Prudence and Thrift.

The robots explain that the survivors of the Essex whom they rescued “were too damaged,” so they enclosed their functioning organs in mechanical bodies.

Foresight and Smasher reassure the visitors that they are well, even if they find robot society a bit constraining. Kyerak gives them some of the items retrieved from the Essex, and Vallcin offers a toast to missing friends.

Orzzek notices that the Bernal sphere is built around a stable transwarp conduit, similar to the wormhole near Deep Space Nine. Ravi and Tau are satisfied that the robots are different from the Borg and not a threat, although Kimball and Jarric remain wary.

The Starfleet personnel and their Ferengi and Trill allies part with the robots on good terms and return to the Rotha.

Ambitious Lt. Kyerak reports to Capt. Nobatu on the away team’s findings on the Essex and the machine world.

Lt. Kalifa tells Trill first officer Cmdr. Nasami Wahid that Lt. Kyerak and Lt. Jameson fired on the robots in self-defense. He also notes the strategic importance of the transwarp conduit.

DaiMon Froot tells Tau and Kimball that he remains skeptical about the U.F.P.’s ideals.

Chief Chandler still plans to request a transfer to a less-dangerous post, but Mr. Vallcin has had a taste of field missions.

Capt. Nobatu orders the Rotha to set course for home….

View

MAY/2016

"Star Trek: Restoration" Episode 6

Into the Betreka Nebula

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for our latest “Star Trek” telecom game on Sunday, 23 August 2015:

“Space, the final frontier. Our starship’s mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life forms and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.”

Almost four decades after the Enterprise E fought the Borg and Remans [ Nemesis ], among others, the United Federation of Planets and other interstellar states in the Alpha Quadrant are slowly recovering from wars and ecological disasters. A refitted vessel takes a new crew on its first missions of defense, diplomacy, and exploration….

Player Characters for Gene D.’s " Star Trek: Restoration" space opera scenario, using D20 Prime Directive, FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures, Bulldogs, and Mindjammer 2e, plus Starships and Spacemen 2e, house rules, Obsidian Portal, Skype, and the Rolz.org online dice roller, as of summer 2015:

“Lieutenant Kyerak” [Bruce K.]-male half-Vulcan with ambition and a temper, in the U.S.S. Rotha ’s command division

“Lt. Jarric Jameson” [Dexter V.H.]-male genetically modified human colonist (former Maquis) and commando

“Lt. Orzzek Kalifa” [Byron V.O.]-male Andorian (blue-skinned humanoid with white hair and antennae), assertive science officer

“Lt. Mari Killu” [Sara F.]-female Caitian (felinoid) security/tactical officer

“Lt. Boran’ Gorir” [Josh C.]-male Jem’Hadar (Dominion soldier), aggressive envoy/engineer

“Chief Ravi Chandler” [Brian W.]-male Altairian human, non-commissioned officer and transporter expert aboard the Rotha

“Froot” [Rich C.G.]-male Ferengi (short, large-eared extraterrestrial) merchant and negotiator, DaiMon and owner of the trade vessel Love’s Latinum Lost

“Kimbal Tegan” [Beruk A.]-male Trill (long-lived symbiont), operations specialist aboard the Love’s Latinum Lost

“Tau” [Drew S.]-male Ferengi, medic aboard the Love’s Latinum Lost

Previously, in “Star Trek: Restoration,” the U.S.S. Rotha faced off against hostile starships in the Neutral Zone and covertly investigated interference in a former Federation member world.

“Stardate 95306.39 (22 April 2418):” The U.S.S. Rotha and the Love’s Latinum Lost leave the Aldebaran system. Capt. Andelina Nobatu orders helmsman En. Brandon Marks to set course for Psi Ursae Majoris because an unidentified subspace signal originates from that area.

Lieut. K’dex points out that the Betreka Nebula is on the way. Not only is it similar to the hazardous Badlands, but it’s also between Federation, Klingon, and Cardassian territory, points out the Edosian science officer.

Capt. Nobatu agrees with Cmdr. Nasami Wahid’s recommendation that the crew go to yellow alert for the duration of skirting the nebula, and the Trill first officer relays her order to Security Chief Pierre McDonnough.

DaiMon Froot requests permission to accompany the Rotha, and Capt. Nobatu reluctantly orders engineer Lt.Cmdr. Akira Gorou to extend the starship’s warp field to enclose the Love’s Latinum Lost.

Lt. Kyerak asks Capt. Nobatu permission to observe her command style so that he may learn from it. The Terran human gives her consent for him to stay on the bridge, as long as the half-Vulcan is able to fulfill his regular duties.

Lt. Jarric Jameson goes to ask Mr. Kyerak a question, but when he sees the officer with the captain, the human colonist turns on his heel and goes the other way down the corridor. Jarric then bumps into a half-Klingon and a Trill.

After listening to Ferengi crewmates Froot and Tau talk about oo-mox (earlobe massages), Kimbal Tegan requests permission to leave the Love’s Latinum Lost for the Rotha. The Trill pilot seeks out Cmdr. Wahid, with whom he has a shared history.

Lt. Orzzek Kalifa conducts research on the Betreka Nebula. The Andorian science officer learns that the nearest charted worlds are the Nuburon colony; Tammeron, known for smuggling biotech; and the former slavers of Skagaran. The nearest U.F.P. members are Risa and Betazed.

Lt. Jameson asks his superior, Lt. Artemis Borellis, for permission to study advanced tactics and munitions in addition to his existing survival skills. The Betazed counselor approves.

Sometime later, the Rotha’s junior officers compare notes in the “Starlight Lounge,” as Bolian bartender Mr. Vallcin provides food and drink. Kimbal notes that the area is rife with smugglers and bandits and recalls a Bajoran prophecy of a wanderer finding paradise.

Back on the Ambassador class starship’s bridge, Lt. Kalifa scans the nebula and finds a protostar emitting charged particles but no warp signatures. Lt. Kyerak takes a shift at the helm, while Mr. Tegan reaches out psionically.

The Rotha detects a Starfleet hull in the nebula. It is the U.S.S. Essex NCC-173, a Daedalus class ship believed lost with all hands more than 250 years before many parsecs away near the Mab-Bu IV.

Mr. Kyerak searches Starfleet records for the Essex crew and learns of Capt. Bryce Shumar, Cmdr. Steven Mullen, and Lt. Morgan Kelly. Orzzek finds that the derelict vessel has lost pressurization and that its warp core has been dumped.

Jarrick checks with Dr. Jones, the holographic chief medical officer, for supplies such as vacc suits for a potential survey of the Essex.

Kimball informs his Ferengi friends of an opportunity for salvage, and Capt. Nobatu approves an away mission. She assigns security officer En. Scalzi to join Lt. Kyerak, Lt. Jameson, Lt. Kalifa, and Mr. Tegan.

Lt. Jameson pilots a shuttle to the Essex. The away team makes its way aft, toward life support. The five explorers hope to restart the antique fusion reactors for sublight power and life support.

Lt. Kyerak then makes his way to the command center, but he finds bridge controls nonresponsive. Lt. Kalifa examines the main computer core and finds corrupted code.

Mr. Tegan and En. Scalzi keep in contact with Lt. Jameson and check sickbay. They report that it has been strangely stripped of medical equipment and move on to main engineering.

Kyerak searches the officers’ quarters and finds that the archives have been wiped. He does find old uniforms and a notebook of Atina Xdar, an Andorian who was the starship’s acting captain when it was disabled centuries ago.

Orzzek observes that the corrupted code in the ship’s computer tries to jump to his tricorder, and he recommends tech quarantine procedures. As Kimball and En. Scalzi search for a ship’s library, Jarric calls them back to the shuttle. He says that he has been unable to raise the Rotha, which is apparently suffering from power fluctuations.

The away team undocks and reads the final entry in Xdar’s journal: “They’ve gotten under our skin. We’re spacing the dead. Remember us….”

While I’m sorry that I missed Jason’s latest “Star Wars: Dark Times” session, I look forward to continuing our adventures tonight and the D&D5e “Vanished Lands” nautical crew tomorrow! Live long and prosper, -Gene

View

SEP/2015

"Star Trek: Restoration" Episode 5

Gift of the Ferengi

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for our fifth “Star Trek” session, which we played at Drew S.’s place in Needham, Mass., on Monday, 9 March 2015:

“Space, the final frontier. Our starship’s mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life forms and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.”

About four decades after the Enterprise E fought the Borg and Remans [ Nemesis ], among others, the United Federation of Planets (U.F.P.) and other interstellar states are slowly recovering from wars and ecological disasters. A refitted vessel takes a new crew on its first missions of defense, diplomacy, and exploration….

Player Characters for Gene D.’s " Star Trek: Restoration" space opera scenario, using D20 Prime Directive, FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures, Bulldogs, and Mindjammer 2e, plus house rules, Obsidian Portal, Skype, and the Rolz.org online dice roller, as of spring 2015:

“Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Kyerak” [Bruce K.]-male half-Vulcan with a temper, in the U.S.S. Rotha ’s command division

Chief Ravi Chandler" [Brian W.]-male Altairian human, non-commissioned officer and transporter expert assigned to aid Lt. Kyerak’s mission

“Froot” [Rich C.G.]-male Ferengi (short, large-eared extraterrestrial) merchant and negotiator, DaiMon and owner of the trade vessel Love’s Latinum Lost

“Kimbal Tegan” [Beruk A.]-male Trill (long-lived symbiont), operations specialist aboard the Love’s Latinum Lost

“Tau” [Drew S.]-male Ferengi, medic aboard the Love’s Latinum Lost

Absent:

“Lt. Jarric Jameson” [Dexter V.H.]-male genetically modified human colonist (former Maquis) communications and wilderness survival expert

“Lt. Orzzek Kalifa” [Byron V.O.]-male Andorian (blue-skinned humanoid with white hair and antennae), assertive science officer

“Lt. Mari Killu” [Sara F.]-female Caitian (felinoid) security/tactical officer

“Lt. Boran’ Gorir” [Josh C.]-male Jem’Hadar (Dominion soldier), aggressive envoy/engineer

Previously, in “Star Trek: Restoration,” the U.S.S. Rotha uncovered an Undine infiltrator during a diplomatic mission and faced off against Romulan and Klingon ships in the Neutral Zone. Some junior officers then accepted a covert mission to investigate offworld interference in a former member of the United Federation of Planets.

“Stardate 95248.047 (15 April 2418):” At Alpha Tauri III in the Aldebaran system, the away team joined Ferengi traders and defeated a Romulan spy in the science station of Nar Instel. The crew also found a rogue Federation scientist in the militaristic state of Irdrant.

A landing party beams down to the sprawling agricultural community of Folkhar. Most of the Starfleet lieutenants stay behind in orbit on the Love’s Latinum Lost to watch prisoners Dr. Sarlic Pramantha and Illiana Drah’el.

Tau offers Ravi a tip, but the human transporter chief declines the Ferengi medic’s gold-pressed latinum. DaiMon Froot leads the way into a dusty town, while Kimbal covertly scans for anomalous subspace transmissions. Lt. Kyerak notices that most of the inhabitants are human.

A blue-skinned Andorian rancher riding a horse draws the newcomers’ attention. Lissan th’Zerath isn’t interested in Kyerak, Froot, or Tau’s overtures, but she directs them to a general store.

Populous Folkhar has regressed technologically even more than other Aldebaranian nations, with draft animals, labor-intensive farming, and relatively few power tools. The explorers walk by a wainwright’s shop, where a Klingon and his son warily watch them while repairing carts.

The infiltrators follow Lissan’s directions to Tellarite Bol Kerv Shaloo. Froot happily negotiates with the porcine provisioner, who collects items from the colony’s past as an interstellar crossroads. The Ferengi captain trades an inoperative comm badge for a Klingon sash, which he adds to his crown and fancy cane.

Kimbal and Tau conceal tricorders as they look for transmissions that would violate Starfleet’s noninterference Prime Directive. Shaloo mentions that he recently traded fine tools to the Klingons, even though they don’t need them.

Back at the wainwright, Tau learns that young Kolad is eager to please customers and his father, Kurgh, son of Kulam. Kyerak and Kimball talk to the gruff widower, who years to be in contact with other Klingons.

Their conversation is cut short when Froot pulls a Tribble from under his robes, getting the outlanders thrown out. The group then walks to the mayor’s office. Maria Conchitez says that her people are tired of fighting with Irdrant and seems disgusted when Froot drops some jewelry with circuitry.

As the Starfleet personnel and their Ferengi companions leave Conchitez, Ravi notices a man hanging around her office. Darius Littlefeather says little and returns to his farm. The away team heads to the ranch of Lissan th’Zerath, whom Froot found to be suspicious.

The Andorian catches the interlopers snooping around her barn, and Froot knocks her out and ties her up. Tau makes sure that Lissan is OK, but Ravi and Trill Kimbal find no subspace radio. The party rushes back into town.

They run into Littlefeather, whom Kyerak puts to sleep after conducting a mind meld to see if the mayor is responsible for the unauthorized radio. The half-Vulcan learns that Darius is in love with Maria, but little else.

Froot wants to return to Bol Kerv Shaloo’s shop, but the others determine that the Klingons are their most likely suspects. Kimball and Tau corner Kolad, while Kyerak and Ravi question tense Kurgh.

The lonely mechanic eventually admits that he has cobbled together a subspace transmitter. The Starfleet officers are relieved when Kurgh says that he hasn’t heard back from the Klingon Empire, but he adds that he has received a mysterious response, which Kimbal records.

Kimbal and Ravi tell Kurgh that his radio could draw attention from Irdrant. He shuts it down, and they take key components. Kyerak and Froot talk with Mayor Conchitez, who asks them to help open trade between Folkhar and Irdrant.

Froot notes that they are wanted by the authorities in industrial Irdrant. Kyerak later contacts Huang Peipei, director of the Nar Instel science station, to mediate and help reunite the colonists of Alpha Tauri III.

The team beams back up to the Love’s Latinum Lost and makes a rendezvous with the U.S.S. Rotha at Deep Space K-7. Lt. Kyerak reports to Capt. Andelina Nobatu, who is pleased that his team was able to defeat Tal Shi’ar agent Stuvek, arrest Dr. Pramantha, and convince Kurgh to cease subspace transmissions with limited bloodshed or violation of the Prime Directive.

Loyal Kyerak tries to defend Cmdr. Nasami Wahid’s harsh orders to “eliminate” any offworld interference, but Capt. Nobatu reprimands her Trill first officer. Froot is skeptical that Starfleet can live up to its lofty ideals and recommends covertly reaching out to its former colonists in the Aldebaran system.

Chief Chandler requests reassignment from away missions because he doesn’t like having primitive slugthrowers drawn on him. Kimbal supervises the remaining refits to the Ferengi vessel promised for its assistance.

Tau says farewell to the Federation citizens as they return to their ship, but Capt. Nobatu invites the Love’s Latinum Lost to come along into deep space as the Rotha explores the source of the unidentified signals detected by Kurgh….

I hope that everyone enjoyed the conclusion of this story arc! Remember that your characters have attained Level 4, and we can upload them to Obsidian Portal.

In the meantime, I look forward to our next sessions for Dexter’s D&D5e “Land of Lost Souls,” Jason’s “Channel 37,” and my “Vanished Lands!” Remember to check the Google and Yahoo message boards for our discussions of upcoming games. Live long and prosper, -Gene

View

MAR/2015

"Star Trek: Restoration" Episode 4

Tracking transmissions

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for our fourth “Star Trek” session, which we played at Brian W.’s home in Newton, Mass., on Monday, 23 February 2015:

“Space, the final frontier. Our starship’s mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life forms and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.”

Almost four decades after the Enterprise E fought the Borg and Remans [ Nemesis ], among others, the United Federation of Planets (U.F.P.) and other interstellar states are slowly recovering from wars and ecological disasters. A refitted vessel takes a new crew on its first missions of defense, diplomacy, and exploration….

Player Characters for Gene D.’s " Star Trek: Restoration" space opera scenario, using D20 Prime Directive, FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures, Bulldogs, and Mindjammer 2e, plus house rules, Obsidian Portal, Skype, and the Rolz.org online dice roller, as of spring 2015:

“Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Kyerak” [Bruce K.]-male half-Vulcan with a temper, in the U.S.S. Rotha ’s command division

Chief Ravi Chandler" [Brian W.]-male Altairian human, non-commissioned officer and transporter expert assigned to aid Lt. Kyerak’s mission

“Froot” [Rich C.G.]-male Ferengi (short, large-eared extraterrestrial) merchant and negotiator, DaiMon and owner of the trade vessel Love’s Latinum Lost

“Kimbal Tegan” [Beruk A.]-male Trill (long-lived symbiont), operations specialist aboard the Love’s Latinum Lost

Absent:

“Lt. Jarric Jameson” [Dexter V.H.]-male genetically modified human colonist (former Maquis) communications and wilderness survival expert

“Lt. Orzzek Kalifa” [Byron V.O.]-male Andorian (blue-skinned humanoid with white hair and antennae), assertive science officer

“Lt. Mari Killu” [Sara F.]-female Caitian (felinoid) security/tactical officer

“Lt. Boran’ Gorir” [Josh C.]-male Jem’Hadar (Dominion soldier), aggressive envoy/engineer

“Tau” [Drew S.]-male Ferengi, medic aboard the Love’s Latinum Lost

“Stardate 95248.042 (11 April 2418):” At Alpha Tauri III in the Aldebaran system, the away team visited the science station of Nar Instel under the pretense of being Ferengi traders. It found a Romulan spy who planned to train unwitting students in the ruthless methods and beliefs of the Tal Shiar.

The explorers still have to find the remaining two sources of subspace transmissions in the former U.F.P. colony, which has regressed to a pre-warp level of technology. They had tracked the signals to the industrial city of Irdrant and the agricultural community of Folkhar.

Lt. Kyerak decides that the landing party should visit Irdrant next. Chief Ravi Chandler notes that his upbringing in the militaristic Altair system should be helpful in dealing with this nation-state of Aldebaran.

DaiMon Froot notes that the team will have to teleport from the Love’s Latinum Lost because defense forces would spot a landing starship. Kimbal Tegan scans the city and narrows the transmission site to a single neighborhood.

Kyerak wants to negotiate with local authorities to find whoever is sending the subspace signals in violation of Starfleet’s non-interference Prime Directive, as he did in Nar Instel. Froot argues in favor of backup false identities as police officers.

Ravi changes out of his uniform, and Kimbal tunes into local radio stations. The other crew members from the U.S.S. Rotha stay with the Love’s Latinum Lost as the foursome beams down to an alley on the surface.

Vulcan Kyerak and human Ravi head toward “Nel’s Diner,” while Ferengi Froot and Trill Kimbal walk around the block and spot a military security post before entering the eatery.

Kyerak observes that most of the diner’s patrons are human, except for Illiana Drah’el, a Cardassian administrative assistant. Muscular Ravi impresses Bajoran waitress Kala Voshen and other women.

Froot watches as a well-dressed human executive arrives from the radio station across the street. Both Illiana and Kala defer to Sarlic Pramantha. Ravi listens to Sarlic confidently predict Irdrant’s inevitable victory over Folkhar.

Entrepreneur Froot offers some jewelry to Illiana, who asks for a gold and platinum earring. Half-human Kyerak doesn’t trust the Cardassian either, and he and wary Kimbal pose as potential advertisers to Pramantha, who agrees to meet the next day.

The four offworlders get rooms at the Sentinel Hotel. Kimbal examines local radio waves and finds that Irdrant’s armed forces are secretly sending messages encoded within commercial and propaganda broadcasts.

Kyerak uses a tricorder to search for Cardassian signals but finds that the subspace emissions match U.F.P. frequencies instead. Froot gives Ravi an item that Illiana touched, but her DNA isn’t in Starfleet’s records.

Froot beams up to the Love’s Latinum Lost to replicate the jewelry that the secretary requested and to plant a bug in it. Ravi confirms that the subspace transmitter must be hidden in Irdrant Tower, the same skyscraper that hosts the radio station.

Kyerak visits a library to research recent history and people who might be offworlders interfering with the former colony. Kimbal and Froot are skeptical that the Starfleet personnel will be able to uphold the Prime Directive between their mission and native Aldebaranian politics.

The next morning, the team visits Nel’s Diner for breakfast. Froot gives Illiana the earring she requested. Kyerak pretends to be clumsy and bumps into the secretary to briefly scan her telepathically.

The lieutenant learns that she plans to dismantle the jewelry for parts, presumably for the subspace transmitter. Kala avoids the Cardassian, even as the Bajoran waitress tries to flirt with Ravi.

The four explorers leave their weapons and ultra-tech tools at their hotel rooms before going to Irdrant Tower. They are patted down by strict Betazed officer Sgt. Anker Theophilus before taking an elevator to the radio station.

Illiana gives the visitors a brief tour, and Ravi sees no sign of the secret transmitter. Kimbal and Froot make a sponsorship pitch to Pramantha, who seems receptive. He invites them to dinner to close the deal. On the way out of the office, Kyerak asks Illiana to join them.

Pramantha sends a car to pick up the party. Kimbal finds that cabbie Maurice Thibaud is happy to share his opinions on numerous topics. He says that Sarlic is connected to many powerful people in Irdrant.

Lt. Kyerak, Mr. Chandler, Capt. Froot, and Mr. Tegan meet Mr. Pramantha and Ms. Drah’el at an old-fashioned steakhouse. Sarlic introduces them to Maj. Juanita Madeira, a human officer who is curious about the supposed investors.

Froot engages the major in conversation, while Kimbal finds that Illiana is fiercely loyal to Pramantha. Ravi notices that the wait staff is hovering suspiciously around their table, and Kyerak realizes that the Irdrantians mean to capture or kill them.

The impetuous Vulcan draws his phaser and stuns Pramanatha. Kimbal tries to warn Maj. Madeira, who admits that she gave the order for security forces to move in. Froot stealthily grabs Illiana’s purse to prevent her from finding the advanced bug in her jewelry.

Strong Ravi flips over a heavy table as the waiters open fire with slug throwers. Kyerak stuns Illiana, and Kimbal grabs unconscious Sarlic. The Trill tries to explain to Maj. Madeira that the radio executive is the threat to Irdrant, not him.

Froot scrambles over to Kimbal. As more troops arrive, Ravi initiates an emergency beam out to the Love’s Latinum Lost. Sarlic and Illiana are put in separate cabins as a makeshift brig, and Ravi takes blood samples.

When the prisoners come to, Lt. Kyerak and DaiMon Froot lead the interrogation. Kimbal moves the ship to a higher orbit to avoid detection by Irdrant, and Ravi and Tau find that Sarlic has antibodies consistent with interstellar travel.

Illiana says that Sarlic “is a great man who will lead Irdrant to dominance” of Alpha Tauri III. The media manipulator admits that he was a Federation sociologist assigned to covertly observe the colonists.

Sarlic also confesses that he was helping the military and sending out subspace signals in the hope of finding like-minded people willing to break the Prime Directive. He claims to be unaware of the Romulan spy in Nar Instel.

Froot is sympathetic to the need to reclaim systems before the Klingons, Romulans, or Cardassians, who are also recovering from disasters, can do so. Kyerak is unmoved and intends to turn over the rogue scientist to Starfleet Command.

Kimbal and Ravi beam down to Sarlic’s office to destroy his transmitter and any trace of advanced technology. They manage to avoid local security forces, and Kyerak begins planning to visit Folkhar, the origin point of the third and final set of subspace signals. To be continued….

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Leonard Nimoy, the actor best known for playing Mr. Spock in the original Star Trek TV series and movies. He lived long and prospered, and he will be missed.

I look forward to continuing our adventures, but in the meantime, we have Dexter’s D&D5e “Land of Lost Souls,” Jason E.R.’s FAE “Channel 37,” and my own “Vanished Lands” campaigns to play! -Gene

View

MAR/2015

"Star Trek: Restoration" Episode 3

Offworld intruders

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for our third “Star Trek” session, which we played online on Monday, 16 February 2015:

“Space, the final frontier. Our starship’s mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life forms and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.”

Almost four decades after the Enterprise “E” fought the Borg and Remans Nemesis ], among others, the United Federation of Planets (U.F.P.) and other interstellar states are slowly recovering from wars and ecological disasters. A refitted vessel takes a new crew on its first missions of defense, diplomacy, and exploration….

Player Characters for Gene D.’s " Star Trek: Restoration" space opera scenario, using D20 Prime Directive, FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures, Bulldogs, and Mindjammer 2e, plus house rules, Obsidian Portal, Skype, and the Rolz.org online dice roller, as of spring 2015:

“Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Kyerak” [Bruce K.]-male half-Vulcan with a temper, in the U.S.S. Rotha ’s command division

“Kimbal Tegan” [Beruk A.]-male Trill (long-lived symbiont), operations specialist aboard the Love’s Latinum Lost

“Tau” [Drew S.]-male Ferengi, medic aboard the Love’s Latinum Lost

Absent:

“Lt. Jarric Jameson” [Dexter V.H.]-male genetically modified human colonist (former Maquis) communications and wilderness survival expert

“Lt. Orzzek Kalifa” [Byron V.O.]-male Andorian (blue-skinned humanoid with white hair and antennae), assertive science officer

“Lt. Mari Killu” [Sara F.]-female Caitian (felinoid) security/tactical officer

“Lt. Boran’ Gorir” [Josh C.]-male Jem’Hadar (Dominion soldier), aggressive envoy/engineer

“Froot” [Rich C.G.]-male Ferengi (short, large-eared extraterrestrial) merchant and negotiator, DaiMon and owner of the trade vessel Love’s Latinum Lost

Previously, in “Star Trek: Restoration,” the U.S.S. Rotha uncovered an Undine infiltrator during a diplomatic mission and faced off against Romulan and Klingon ships in the Neutral Zone.

“Stardate 95248.04 (9 April 2418):” After stopping at Starbase 24, some junior officers accepted a mission to investigate a onetime Federation colony. They joined the crew of the Love’s Latinum Lost, a Ferengi trade vessel.

Lt. Kyerak and Kimbal Tegan conduct research on the Aldebaran colony. Alpha Tauri III is the third out of four planets orbiting an orange giant and a red dwarf and is the only Class M (inhabitable) one in that solar system.

Alpha Tauri III is slightly larger than Earth, with a 1.2 Gs of gravity, a 27-hour day, and six small moons. Its 1 million sentient natives joined the United Federation of Planets in 2216, and thanks in part to the New Aberdeen Shipyards, its mostly human population grew to 7 billion over the next century.

However, in 2372 (about 50 Terran years ago), Starfleet was forced to abandon the colony as part of the settlement ending the Cardassian War. It has apparently regressed to a pre-warp level of technology, and interstellar trade has been sporadic and indirect.

DaiMon Froot sets a course for Aldebaran, bypassing Deep Space K-7 because of the covert nature of Lt. Kyerak’s mission. Tau, a Ferengi medic, introduces himself to the passengers.

Lt. Jarrick Jameson and Lt. Orzzek Kalifa express misgivings about the fact that Lt. Kyerak had accepted the mission to “terminate any offworld interference” in Aldebaran from Cmdr. Nasami Wahid, the Trill first officer of the Rotha.

Although Starfleet’s Prime Directive prohibits direct contact with pre-warp societies, Lt. Mari Killu and Lt. Boran’ Gorir are more concerned about threats to Aldebaran’s civilian population and potential U.F.P. membership.

Kimbal puts the Love’s Latinum Lost in a standard orbit around Alpha Tauri III and sees the remnants of orbital platforms. The Trill pilot also scans for subspace signals and finds three transmission sites: a science station at Nar Instel, the industrial city of Irdrant, and the agricultural community of Folkhar.

Kyerak checks radio telecommunications and verifies that the colony has fragmented into rival nation-states. The half-Vulcan officer recommends visiting Nar Instel first.

Tau’s biological scans find nearly 6 billion inhabitants, most of whom are human. The decline in global population may be the result of emigration offworld, the decline in technology, epidemics, or wars, theorizes the Ferengi doctor.

Froot says that Aldebaran was once known for its ores (used in starship construction), native life forms, and whiskey. It was also once a venue for medical conferences. He suggests that the away team offer goods and non-critical scientific data in return for local products and information.

The Love’s Latinum Lost lands near Nar Instel. Kimbal hacks into local computer networks and identifies staffers to talk to. Kyerak changes into civilian garb, and Tao offers to handle trade negotiations as their cover story.

Kimbal wanders around the science station until he finds a canteen. He meets “Two-Three” and “Three-Two,” two Binar engineers. They are not interested in carousing, but Kimbal uses their literal-mindedness to obtain a network schematic.

Meanwhile, Kyerak goes to the headquarters of the academy and introduces himself as a researcher to a pretty receptionist. He hears an argument and watches Yusuf Darwhish, a human climatologist, storm out of the director’s office.

Tau gets directions to the bursar and offers to trade exotic foodstuffs with a Vulcan scientist who initially dismisses him. However, Stuvek expresses interest in advanced tools, so he accepts Tau’s offer and arranges to meet again later.

Kyerak meets Huang Peipei, director of Nar Instel. He mentions Johann Strom, onetime head of the New Aberdeen Shipyards, and the physicist says that she would like her people to eventually reunite with other Aldebaranians and the Federation. Flirtatious Kyerak says that he can help.

Sly Kimbal eventually excuses himself from conversation with the Binars and sends Kyerak a signal to meet. Curious Tau follows Stuvek into a biology laboratory. He is horrified to see cruel animal testing and notices a decapod acting suspiciously.

The Ferengi ducks into the room and talks with the native Tauran. Gopal Thivar admits that he is trying to sabotage the tests and that he can telepathically tell that Stuvek is hiding something bad.

A three-headed, floating Aldebaranian serpent attacks Tau and Gopal, and they run down the hall. However, Stuvek corners them and says that it’s too bad that they will be the “victims of a lab accident.”

When the duo tries to run around Stuvek, he pulls out a Romulan disruptor and slowly disintegrates the unlucky decapod! Tau slides past Stuvek and makes a desperate dash for the door.

Kyerak and Kimball, who had been trying to reach Tau, burst into the hallway. Kyerak stuns the Romulan, and Kimbal misses the serpent. Tau keeps running until he finds local security forces outside.

The police take Stuvek into custody, and Kyerak privately tells Huang that he hopes to remove external disruptions so that she can help her world advance politically. Kimball takes the disruptor’s power cell, and Tau explains how he and Gopal had uncovered inhumane research.

Kyerak interrogates the supposed Vulcan, as Huang and guards watch. Stuvek admits that his true name is Vorlag. The spy boldly admits that he planned to train colonial doctors in the mind-set and methods of the Tal Shiar, the Romulan intelligence service.

Vorlag’s initial mission was to evaluate the system for conquest, but he says he felt free to pursue his own experiments. The Romulan then bites down on a poisoned capsule, and Tau is unable to save him without a modern medical bay.

Kimbal checks Vorlag’s quarters and finds a subspace transmitter. The landing party returns to the ship, ready to search for whoever is sending subspace signals from Irdrant and Folkhar. To be continued….

While we missed much of the group, I hope that those of you who were able to participate enjoyed our latest episode! I look forward to continuing our adventures, but we’ll also have to see when we’ll have time between Dexter’s D&D5e “Lands of Lost Souls,” Jason’s FAE “Channel 37,” and my own D20/FATE “Vanished Lands” scenarios. Live long and prosper, -Gene

View

FEB/2015

"Star Trek: Restoration" Episode 2

Driving the wedge

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for our second Star Trek session, which I hosted in Waltham, Mass., during Byron V.O.’s visit on Saturday, 28 June 2014:

“Space, the final frontier. Our starship’s mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life forms and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.”

Almost four decades after the Enterprise-E fought the Borg and Remans [ Nemesis ], among others, the United Federation of Planets (U.F.P.) and other interstellar states in the Alpha Quadrant are slowly recovering from wars and ecological disasters. A refitted vessel takes a new crew on its first missions of defense, diplomacy, and exploration….

Player Characters for Gene D.’s “Star Trek: Restoration” space opera scenario, using D20 Prime Directive, FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures, Mindjammer 2e, Bulldogs, and house rules, summer 2014:

“Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Kyerak” [Bruce K.]-half-Vulcan with a temper, in the U.S.S. Rotha ’s command division

“Lt. Orzzek Kalifa” [Byron V.O.]-male Andorian (blue-skinned humanoid with white hair and antennae), assertive science officer

“Froot” [Rich C.G.]-male Ferengi (short, large-eared extraterrestrial) merchant and negotiator, DaiMon and owner of the trade vessel Love’s Latinum Lost

“Kimbal Tegan” [Beruk A.]-male Trill (long-lived symbiont), operations specialist aboard the Love’s Latinum Lost

“Lt. Jarric Jameson” [Dexter V.H./absent ]-male genetically modified human colonist (former Maquis) communications and wilderness survival expert aboard the Rotha
“Lt. Mari Killu” [Sara F./absent ]-female Caitian (felinoid) security/tactical officer
“Lt. Boran’ Gorir” [Josh C./absent ]-male Jem’Hadar (bio-engineered Dominion soldier), aggressive envoy/engineer

Previously, in “Star Trek: Restoration,” the U.S.S. Rotha was assigned to bring representatives of the Klingon Empire home through the Neutral Zone. However, several crew members were murdered, and junior officers were forced to subdue a Gorn and an Orion. In addition, the junior officers uncovered an Undine disguised with a holo-emitter.

“Stardate 95248.01 (2 April 2418):” Two Valdore -class Romulan warbirds decloak, and Capt. Andelina Nobatu brings the U.S.S. Rotha to yellow alert. Lt. Kyerak and Lt. Orzzek Kalifa race to the bridge. The Vulcan takes the helm from En. Brandon Marks, and the Andorian sits at an auxiliary science station to process scan results for Edosian Lt. K’dex.

The rest of the Rotha ‘s 900 Starfleet personnel ready for battle. Lt. Jarrick Jameson and Lt. Mari Killu prepare to repel potential boarders, and Lt. Boran’ Gorir diverts energy to shields. Tensions are high as Subcommander Vurik of the Varguille demands that Capt. Nobatu hand over the Klingon emissaries, the Orion D’naar and the Gorn “Hands of Giblets.”

The Terran human captain successfully asks for some time and has a quick conference with her bridge crew. Kyerak recommends patience, impressing first officer Cmdr. Nasami Wahid.

Kalifa notes that Romulan cloaking technology has continued to advance in reaction to Federation sensors, but he believes he can compensate when acquiring targets for photon torpedoes.

The meeting is interrupted when another vessel drops out of warp. A small Ferengi trader hails the assembled ships. DaiMon Froot quickly assesses the standoff and offers the Love’s Latinum Lost as a neutral meeting place for negotiations.

Despite the Ferengi’s insulting tone, Capt. Nobatu and Subcommander Vurik agree to send representatives. On the way to a transporter room, Lt. Kyerak stops by the “Starlight Lounge” to pick up some Andorian ale from Bolian bartender Mr. Vallcin. Lt. Kalifa asks holographic chief medical officer “Dr. Jones” for autopsy results on the Undine.

DaiMon Froot offers beetle snuff to Kyerak upon his arrival and introduces his colleague, Kimbal Tegan, a laid-back Trill. Kalifa is skeptical of the newcomers’ claim that they just happened to be passing through the Neutral Zone.

Subcommander Miral Gaius and Lt. Koval Solius beam over from the Romulan warbirds. They claim that the U.F.P. has been working with Klingon spies to further undermine the Rihannsu Empire.

Froot notes that according to the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition, “Peace is good for business, but war is even better.” Still, he manages to keep the Starfleet and Romulan delegates from coming to blows.

Mr. Kyerak manages to shrug off Lt. Solius’ insults about his half-Vulcan heritage and explains that the Rotha was indeed bringing passengers to Q’onos, but an incident with a would-be assassin led to the Orion and Gorn being wounded and placed in protective custody.

Subcommander Gaius offers to escort the Federation starship through the Neutral Zone. Confident Lt. Kalifa begins devising a plan to distract and outmaneuver the grim Romulans. Tegan notes that traveling together presents opportunities for all.

Capt. Nobatu and Subcommander Vurik cautiously concur, and the four ships head toward Klingon space. Froot gives Kyerak and Kalifa a Tribble, and Tegan celebrates and irritates by hacking into subspace channels and broadcasting old Earth music.

Back on the Rotha, Lt. Kalifa gives the Tribble to Lt. K’dex to put into stasis. Lt. Kyerak asks Cmdr. Wahid and chief of security Pierre McDonnough for permission to interrogate the prisoners, but they warn him to avoid unnecessary force.

Kyerak brings Lt. Artemis Borellis, a Betazed counselor, to the brig. He and Orzzek question green-skinned D’naar and reptilian Hands of Giblets separately. The Orion pirate claims ignorance and is not intimidated by the Starfleet officers.

The Gorn, however, admits that the Klingons and Romulans have been working together on a stealth weapon, possibly the Undine itself. Lt. Borellis observes that it’s possible the delegation included the Undine as a spy without the full awareness of even the Klingons.

The officers report to the captain, who agrees that driving a wedge between the two Federation foes is better than allowing them to collaborate with the Undine. Lt. Kalifa asks Froot if it would be possible for the Love’s Latinum Lost to broadcast an Undine bio signal to the Klingons and say that the Romulans have somehow lost control of their mission.

There is an awkward moment when Cmdr. Wahid recognizes fellow Trill Tegan from a past life. After some discussion, the Ferengi trader and Starfleet crew devise another plan. As they and the Romulans approach Camp Khitomer, Vor’cha-class battle cruisers decloak.

Capt. Nobatu tells Cmdr. Korral that a routine scan detected the Undine, who was then killed. She tells the Klingon commander that D’naar and Hands of Giblets had sent a message to unknown recipients before they were incarcerated.

DaiMon Froot jumps in to say that the Love’s Latinum Lost intercepted a message between the Romulans and the Cardassian Union. Already incensed over the failure of the diplomatic mission, Korral berates Subcommander Vurik for the perceived betrayal.

The Klingon cruisers begin firing on the Romulan ships, and the Rotha takes advantage of the skirmish to make evasive maneuvers and head back toward Federation space. It takes only light damage. Engineer Lt.Cmdr. Akira Gorou extends the refitted Ambassador-class Rotha ’s warp bubble and shields to bring the Love ’s Latinum Lost along.

At Starbase 24, Capt. Nobatu recommends the Love’s Latinum Lost for upgrades. Froot thanks the captain, who he says “is not bad for a hooman female.” Kimbal avoids Nasami, and Orzzek makes sure that the Orion and Gorn prisoners are safely transferred.

Cmdr. Wahid meets privately with Lt. Kyerak. She offers him a covert mission to a lost Federation colony. The planet has devolved technologically, and according to the Prime Directive, its inhabitants must be left alone until proper First Contact is made.

However, Nasami says, other interstellar states have no such reluctance about exploiting more primitive worlds. She asks Kyerak to take a small squad undercover to find and “eliminate” any outside interference. The executive officer gives him a day to consider.

In the Rotha’s Starlight Lounge, Kyerak asks Kalifa, Froot, and Kimbal to join him. Kalifa agrees with the necessity of the mission but is uncomfortable with the idea of terminating any opposition and not talking with the captain.

Froot readily agrees to help bring the team to the nonaligned system as an itinerant merchant. Kimbal, who recalls a past life as a Starfleet officer, is surprised at the covert and potentially lethal nature of the mission. He agrees to come along to keep an eye on rogue Federation factions.

Kyerak tells Cmdr. Wahid that he accepts and that he hopes for a promotion. The U.F.P. agents and neutral traders begin preparing aliases and gear….

I hope that those of you who role-played in this scenario enjoyed it as much as I did hosting and running it! Thanks again to all who participated in this and the “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” session, as well as dinner at Fiorella’s for Byron’s visit.

This year’s Creation Star Trek convention in Boston was indeed inspirational. I look forward to continuing the voyages of the crew of the U.S.S. Rotha sometime, and live long and prosper…. -Gene

View

JUL/2014

The Story so Far Team 1

backstory

Session: 5a.1 – Arrival on Terra

Real time: Monday, 30 August 2010
Game dates: “1 June 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 Galactic Era”
Locations: Rio de Janeiro space elevator, Vimeco arcology
Summary: Shortly after open and official First Contact between humanity and galactic societies, xenologist Syzygy arrives at the Rio “beanstalk.” Black Box Security Co. assigns Chris McKee to guard the alien.
Tharian Tela escapes space pirates and gets a piloting gig alongside celebutante Aughest-vor, who’s hiding from paparazzi. A terrorist attack on the beanstalk forces their shuttle to land at a megacorp arcology, where it’s accosted by mysterious armed men. After defeating them, the shuttle crew takes off….
Vehicles: suborbital shuttle craft
Non-Player Characters: beanstalk customs agents, 2 as-yet-unidentified assailants
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9197
http://groups.google.com/group/holysteel/msg/503017347d9ddf93

Session: 5a.2 – Searching for a haven

Real time: Monday, 13 September 2010
Game dates: 2 to 4 June 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 Galactic Era
Locations: Atlantis 3 (Caribbean), private island of the Verico family in the South Pacific, and New Miami
Summary: Aughest-vor pilots the shuttle to Atlantis 3, where Syzygy holds an impromptu press conference. Lt. Kevin Reese helps Chris evacuate civilian passengers and interrogate one would-be kidnapper from xenophobic group “Terra Prime.”
Tela repairs the shuttle, which Aughest takes to Verico Island, owned by friends of his family. However, submarines from regional powers and megacorps soon converge, forcing the group to flee to New Miami….
Vehicles: orbital shuttle, armored transport in New Miami
N.P.C.s: Quentin (surviving prisoner), Tracy (flight controller at Atlantis 3, befriended by Kevin), Todd Walton (xenophobe legislator), Hikara Reynolds (xenophile debater), Angelica Hughes (reporter in New Venice, known by Aughest-vor), Susan Strong (ally of Walton; known by Aughest-vor)
Links: http://www.starwars.com/games/playnow/crawl_creator/index.jsp?cs=5rh277gzpk
http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9213
http://groups.google.com/group/holysteel/msg/7e4784cae42061bc

Session: 5a.3, New Miami gala

Real time: 27 September 2010
Game dates: “5 to 12 June 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations: Safehouse in New Miami
Summary: Syzygy conducts research with his organic lab, meets fellow scientists, and gets pet cat “Mr. Sniffles.” Tela explores the cordoned-off neighborhood, and Agent Prometheus contacts his Black Box handlers. Lt. Reese reports to Interplanetary Patrol, and Aughest-vor helps his new companions prepare for a formal ball where his cousin Raine and Terra Prime members gather….
Vehicles: hover limousine, Olvar cutter (in orbit?)
N.P.C.s: Scene 1: New safehouse
Hank Neilson-male North American human biologist
Kulbar-male Ru’ulok (see below), author of “A Guide to Xenomorphic Cultures”
Tch’lsk (“Chalisk”)-female Nethian (see below) sociologist
Paul Reinhardt-identified by Chris as the head of the mysterious Black Box Security Co., which is contracted to protect aliens
>>Some aliens described by Tch’lsk to the party
Encegulans: slug-like slavers who took Tela from her homeworld
Gustrall: orange-furred, antlered, velociraptor-like warriors
Nethians: blue-shelled insectoid engineers, friendly rivals to Trinoids
Olvar: arboreal mammal-like pranksters and mystics
Ru’ulok: heavy-world reptilian pirates, members of Trade Guilds
Trinoids: trilateral amphibious terraformers, co-founders of the Kharvamid Alliance
Xenoids: synthetic beings created by aliens, similar to humanity’s robots, “Uplifted” animals, and genetically engineered creatures
>>Scene 2: At the ball
Hikara Reynolds-female Terran human commentator and xenophile, follows Tela around
Raine Usk-cerhat Vercereng Ushu-male human from L-5 orbital cities, board member of Vimeco megacorp and cousin of Aughest-vor; competes for media attention
Angelica Hughes-female Terran human reporter (with hovering camera drones), covers Raine and Aughest-vor’s announcements
Col. Leandro Asquiel-male Latin American human U.E.A. officer, contact of Kevin
Rallip-male Delphine (“Synth: Uplifted” dolphin) navy officer in the U.E.A. Task Force, chats with fellow pilot Aughest-vor
Ben Chisolm-male Terran human protestor and supporter of xenophobe legislator Todd Walton; apprehended, questioned, and released by Chris and Kevin, who plan to follow up on “Terra Prime” movement
Krilvar-male Ru’ulok, talks with Aughest-vor about the potential for change in family/Vimeco leadership and relationship with interstellar Trade Guilds
Wan Bei Ling-female Chinese human, chaplain in the United Ecumenical Movement, dances with uniformed Kevin, telepathically scans him, and invites him to work with the U.E.M.; Aughest-vor knows her father
Sulima-female Olvar, has romantic rendezvous with Kevin and describes the Star League, which is the Kharvamid Alliance’s loose equivalent to the U.E.A.’s Interplanetary Patrol
Links: http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb42/GeneD5/Vortex/Vortex01.jpg
http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9217
http://groups.google.com/group/holysteel/msg/10a9cc0d1458e52e
http://www.enworld.org/forum/blogs/edemaitre/3004-29-september-2010-vortex-space-opera-update-5a-3-miami-gala.html
http://community.wizards.com/vanishedlands/blog/2010/09/29/29_september_2010:vortex_update_5a.3_-_miamigala

Session: 5a.4 – The debate

Real time: Columbus Day, 11 October 2010
Game dates: “13 June 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations: New Miami television studio, safehouse
Summary: Syzygy and Tela deal with alien and human visitors and their own curiosity. Chris and Kevin try to protect them from the news media and Terra Prime, and Aughest-vor helps set up a televised debate with xenophobic legislator Todd Walton. A missile attack on the studio kills several people, and the two aliens and their three human allies are forced to flee with Walton.
Vehicles: news chopper, two attacking aerodynes, police aircars, news van, two hovercycles
N.P.C.s: See also Session 5a.3
Eileen Ryan-female cyborg mech driver from Lunar Free State, agent for Transport Congolomerates
Dr. Karl Rugar-male human private physician to Aughest-vor, killed in attack on studio during Syzygy’s debate with Todd Walton
Two Ru’ulok on hovercycles, killed pursuing party in news van
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9233

Session: 5a.5 – To Lemuria Station

Real time: Monday, 18 October 2010
Game dates: “13 to 17 June 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations: New Miami, Tampa spaceport, L-5 orbital city’s “Violet Sector,” “Randy Pelican” nightclub
Summary: After another attack by Terra Prime terrorists, the party drops off Todd Walton at his mansion and gets a lead on an interstellar ship from the Olvar Star League lend-lease program. Aughest-vor pilots a rickety scow to his home at the Lemuria orbital city, where the group disguises itself as musicians and meets Kerbic Chevka.
Vehicles: news van, mecha, scow, shuttles
N.P.C.s: xenophobic legislator Todd Walton, mecha driver/Transport Conglomerates’ Eileen Ryan, Ru’ulok Krilvar, Black Box Security Co., Interplanetary Patrol’s Mr. Gray
Vamshee Singh-male Findian (Finnish/Indian) human, former chauffeur to the Ushu family, contacted by Aughest-vor for scow from Tampa to Lemuria
“Antero Vipunen”-fake classical rock music band used as a party alias; named after a giant from Finnish mythology
Chipwe-female delphine (genetically engineered/“Uplifted” dolphin) U.E.A. military attaché
“Oban” [Dave R-B./N.P.C.]-male Meorr (blue-furred leonine alien), met Tela with Chipwe
“Kerbic Chevka” [David I.S.]-male Olvar (mammal-like alien) special agent from the Kharvamid Alliance, sheltered party at Lemuria
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9239
http://groups.google.com/group/holysteel/msg/b8f6f21beb56ae47
http://www.enworld.org/forum/blogs/edemaitre/3046-20-october-2010-fate-3e-vortex-space-opera-update-5a-5-miami-lemuria.html
http://community.wizards.com/vanishedlands/blog/2010/10/20/20_october_2010:fate_3e_vortex_space_opera,update_5a.5_-_miamitolemuria

Session: 5a.6 – Disco, funeral, and mall madness

Real time: 1 November 2010
Game dates: “18 to 21 June 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations: L-5 Lemuria Station, “Lazarus Long’s” discotheque, Kraken Plaza shopping mall, hospital
Summary: Still in hiding at Kerbic Chevka’s quarters, Syzygy continues his xenobiological research. Kevin and Tela get restless and party at “Lazarus Long’s,” while Aughest-vor and Chris investigate Terra Prime and crash a funeral. At Kraken Plaza, the group confronts mercenaries of businessmen Raine and Osric Nagachaudhri, but Aughest is incapacitated in the skirmish….
Vehicles: shuttle from L-5 to Lunar Free State
N.P.C.s: “Kerbic Chevka” [David I.S.], Todd Walton, Susan Strong (deceased), Eileen Ryan, Raine Ushu
Greta Nagachaudhri-female Svendian-Lemurian human auditor, befriended Kevin
“Ozgur Booyan” [Brian W.]-male Svendian-Lemurian human, philosophical playboy, met Tela at “Lazarus Long’s”
“Bob the Seeker” [Josh C.]-male Lemurian near-human party boy with hookah, doesn’t like Chim (“Synth/Uplifted” chimpanzee George; freaked out upon realizing that Tela is an alien
“Barnabas St. Barnabas” [Jason E.R.]-male Lemurian human skier, knows Aughest-vor, met Tela, helped rescue Chris
“Scott Wegman X” [Bruce K.]-male Lemurian human, laid-back dude who recommends Rudy, a dealer of “Red Menace” on Mars
“Lee Huang Lowensgard” [Brian]-female Lemurian human reporter, accosted Chris outside Susan Strong’s funeral
“Fr. O’Neill” [Bruce]-male Lemurian human priest, ignorant of Strong’s political affiliations (with xenophobes Todd Walton and Terra Prime)
“Harald” [Jason]-male Lemurian human, gave eulogy at Strong’s funeral
Osric Nagachaudhri-male Svendian-Lemurian human, cruel entrepreneur, husband of Greta, and ally of Raine against the team
Two male Ru’ulok, wearing disguises, associates of Raine and Osric (one killed in firefight at Kraken Plaza)
Links: http://groups.google.com/group/holysteel/msg/be11abe8b8a15289
http://www.enworld.org/forum/blogs/edemaitre/3094-3-nov-2010-vortex-update-5a-6-disco-funeral-mall-madness.html
http://community.wizards.com/vanishedlands/blog/2010/11/03/3_november_2010:vortex_update_5a.6_-disco,funeral,andmallmadness
http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9254

Session: 5a.7 – The Moon and beyond

Real time: 15 November 2010
Game dates: “22 to 30 June 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations: Lemuria orbital city; Armstrong City, Lunar Free State
Summary: Kevin and Chris get Aughest-vor out of the hospital where he is being held by loyalists to Raine and Osric. Kerbic helps them, Syzygy, and Tela get to the “Tortuga’s Hoard” to leave Lemuria Station for the Lunar Free State, where they see the “Patrocles,” part of the “Achilles” battle group.
In Armstrong City, Tela flies with “Synths,” Chris and Kevin report to superiors, and Syzygy deals with megacorp overtures for alien technology. Interplanetary Patrol helps the travelers get berths aboard the “Achilles,” which is headed to Mars for a refit.
Vehicles: military shuttles, flotilla, and
“Tortuga’s Hoard”-orbital shuttle bringing solar sailboats from Lemuria Station to Armstrong City, piloted by Kevin and Aughest-vor
United Earth Vessel “Patrocles”-destroyer, directs the “Tortuga’s Hoard” to flight path approaching the Lunar Free State
U.E.V. “Achilles”-flagship of battle group heading to Mars for a refit with Kharvamid Alliance faster-than-light drives
Ultra-tech tools: Antimatter Dynafile, Chronometric Saw, Cryptoawl, Cybernetic Lathe, Isodrill, Magnetic Mallet, Morphic Lever, Singularity File, Transcrowbar, Vibrospatial Chisel
N.P.C.s: cousin Raine, Mr. Gray, Todd Walton, Eileen Ryan, Kerbic Chevka, Osric Nagachaudhri
Dawn Cohen-female Lunar human actress, hired by Kevin to play a nurse to give laxatives to Vimeco guards holding Aughest-vor in his hospital room for Raine and Osric
“Cornelius J. Sinclair” [David A.H./unnamed]-male Terran human martial artist working for Walker Industries, posed as room service and warned about Transport Conglomerates
Anaria Leapril-female avian “Synth” (genetically engineered humanoid) talked with Tela at Armstrong City’s aerodrome
Taka Shimuza-male near-human with cybernetic wings, told Tela of low-gravity jai alai
Dr. Humberto Echevarria-male Terran human sent by Transport Conglomerates to examine Syzygy’s organic lab and ask for samples
LFS-based corporations: Kirby Broadcasting System, American Containers, Cyrogenic Logistics, Indemnified Pharmaceuticals, Vargas Brokers, Humphrey Horticulture, Nippon Climate Control, Recording Equity, Berlin Biotech
Col. Brent Marks-male Terran human, United Earth Authority (U.E.A.) space marine, greets party as it boards the “Achilles”
Capt. Omar Sajjad-male Terran human, commander of U.E.A. battle group
Cmdr. Beatriz Vera-female Terran human, first officer of the “Achilles”
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9257
http://www.enworld.org/forum/blogs/edemaitre/3132-18-november-2010-fate-3e-vortex-team-1-update-5a-7-moon-beyond.html
http://community.wizards.com/vanishedlands/blog/2010/11/19/19_nov.2010:vortex_team_1,update_5a.7_-_themoonandbeyond
http://groups.google.com/group/holysteel/msg/826fe82b36017887

Session: 5a.8 – On the way to Mars

Real time: 29 November 2010
Game dates: “1 to 15 July 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations: Earth to Mars aboard the “Achilles” battle group
Summary: The civilians attend a formal dinner with officers from the “Achilles” battle group. Syzygy studies physiology with Dr. Vijay Udayan, Tela helps chief engineer Ian MacFarlane, and Chris practices gunnery and fends off unnerving inquiries from android Mr. Claudio and Sgt. Andrei Malikov.
Aughest-vor beats Delphine pilot Col. Wynona Smoketrail, and Lt. Reese gets a private tour of the “Ajax” from Cmdr. Nayoko Itasamin after helping Chris contact his Black Box handlers. The group begins making plans for the Olvar cutter the “Morifaiwet,” or “Blackbird.”
Vehicles: military shuttles, flotilla, and
“Tortuga’s Hoard”-orbital shuttle bringing solar sailboats from Lemuria Station to Armstrong City, piloted by Kevin and Aughest-vor
United Earth Vessel “Patrocles”-destroyer, directed the “Tortuga’s Hoard” to flight path approaching the Lunar Free State
U.E.V. “Achilles”-flagship of battle group heading to Mars for a refit with Kharvamid Alliance faster-than-light drives
http://jager375.deviantart.com/art/Achilles-Battle-Cruiser-60888889?offset=10
http://sgtng.wikia.com/wiki/USS_Achilles
U.E.V. “Ajax”-Terran cruiser in the “Achilles” battle group
U.E.V. “Thetis”-Terran supply ship in the “Achilles” battle group
“Morifaiwet,” or “Blackbird” (the party also considers the name “Gen. Sherman”).
N.P.C.s:
Capt. Omar Sajjad-male Arabic Terran human, commander of the “Achilles” United Earth Authority battle group
Cmdr. Beatriz Vera-female South American Terran human, first officer of the “Achilles,” talked with Lt. Reese
Lt.Cmdr. Jake “Sunspot” Smith-male Martian human, commander of Europa battalion Marine expeditionary strike group, helps train Chris and Kevin
Col. Brent Marks-male Terran human, United Earth Authority space marine, greets party as it boards the “Achilles”
Dr. Vijay Udayan-male Indian Terran human, chief medical officer on the “Achilles,” compares scientific notes with Syzygy
Lt. Tamara Jones-female North American Terran human, junior medical officer aboard the “Achilles”
Lt. Deepfisher-male Saturnian Delphine astrogator of the “Achilles,” talked with Tela
Lt.Cmdr. Ian MacFarlane-male Scottish Terran human, chief engineer of the “Achilles,” befriended Tela
Chief Petty Officer Surya Davoori-female Indian Terran cyborg, assistant engineer on the “Achilles”
Mr. Claudio-A.I., intelligence political officer on the “Achilles,” interrogated Chris and Kevin
Sgt. Andrei Malikov-male Russian Lunar human, warrant officer, chief of internal security on the “Achilles”
Cmdr. Frederica Nyambu-female African Terran human, commander of the cruiser “Patrocles”
Major Abe Masood-male Arabic Terran near-human, commander of logistical support vessel “Thetis”
Cmdr. Nayoko Itasamin-female Japanese Terran human, commander of the destroyer “Ajax,” pursued by Kevin
Lt. Jaruki Montoya-female L-5 Chim, communications officer of the “Achilles”
Lt. Annie Wong-female Chinese Martian near-human, morale officer of the “Achilles”
Col. Wynona Smoketrail-female Venusian Delphine, commander of the 412th fighter wing aboard the “Achilles” [see also “BattleTech” notes and “Space: Above and Beyond”], raced Aughest-vor
Lt. Spork-female robot, fighter pilot in the Royal Flush squadron aboard the “Achilles,” talked with Aughest-vor
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9272
http://www.enworld.org/forum/blogs/edemaitre/3157-30-november-2010-fate-3e-vortex-update-5a-8-team-1-way-mars.html
http://community.wizards.com/vanishedlands/blog/2010/11/30/vortex_team_1,update_5a.8_-_on_the_way_tomars
http://groups.google.com/group/holysteel/msg/fab634d487be4b1f

Session: 5a.9 – Mars madness: Train terror and New Shanghai!

Real time: Monday, 20 December 2010
Game dates: “16 July to 15 August 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations: the “Achilles” battle group, including the destroyer “Ajax”; Deimos-Pavonis space elevator, train from Sheffield Station near Valles Marineris to New Shanghai (near Eos Chasma), Triplanetary Hotel, Jennifer and Nick’s apartment
Summary: After a few weeks in space, the “Achilles” battle group arrives at the Mars Confederacy. Syzygy and Tela plan to go east to the terraforming station at Hadriaca Paterna. Chris and Kevin want to go south, to Black Box’s facility at the capital of Hellas Park and Interplanetary Patrol at Port Lowell, respectively. They decide against the U.E.A.‘s Fort Olympus Mons for now.
They take a train together to New Shanghai, but bandits interrupt their ride. Two are killed, and the passengers file statements with the People’s Liberation Army. A grateful elderly passenger hosts dinner for Syzygy, Tela, and Chris, but Kevin goes to find the sister of his late wife Heather.
Lt. Reese is surprised to find Nick Cheney, who was involved in his wife’s murder, at Jennifer’s apartment! After confronting her at the coroner’s office where she works, Kevin gets a disguise and a plasma blaster. When his companions arrive, Tela is caught in the crossfire! Syzygy, Tela, and Aughest-vor change rooms at the Triplanetary Hotel, while Chris goes to confront Kevin….
Vehicles: U.E.V. “Achilles” (carrier), “Ajax” (destroyer), Deimos-Pavonis “beanstalk,” train to New Shanghai, bandits’ dune buggy, People’s Liberation Army aerodynes, velocipedes (pedal-powered aircraft), hovercabs
N.P.C.s: “Mr. Sniffles,” Syzygy’s cat, and
On the “Achilles:” Capt. Omar Sajjad, Lt.Cmdr. Ian McFarlane (engineer, friend of Tela), Col. Wynona Smoketrail (Delphine pilot friend of Aughest-vor), Mr. Claudio (A.I. inquisitor, watching Chris); Cmdr. Nayoko Itasamin (friend of Kevin aboard the “Ajax”)
Rudy-male Martian human, dealer in “Red Menace” at Sheffield Station, referred to “Tela” [Sara F.] by “Barnabas St. Barnabas” [Jason E.R./N.P.C.] at Lemuria Station, skipped for now
unnamed bandit, Martian human, with riot shield – killed by Chris, Kevin, and other passengers during botched train robbery
Kouros-male Martian Synth: Minotaur (genetically engineered humanoid), killed by Chris and Kevin, who took his comm link and plasma blaster; possibly affiliated with the Synth United Front or anti-terraforming Rust Coalition
Lt. Ron Fu Chow-male Martian human officer in the People’s Liberation Army (local military), questioned team after robbery repelled
Fuyun Yi-female Martian human, elderly woman rescued by Syzygy when train’s hull was breached; fed team at her family home and talked of Gongen “domesteads” and rumors of crocolisks, six-legged Martian alligators
Jennifer-female Martian human, sister of Kevin’s late wife Heather, works at local morgue
Nick Cheney-male Martian human, former chief of police at Namor-Asperagen colony, involved in Heather’s murder and living with Jennifer; Kevin tried to kill him in his apartment with plasma blast
Tong-Martian human organized criminal gangs, which Kevin tried to frame for assassination attempt on Nick
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9289
http://www.enworld.org/forum/blogs/edemaitre/3207-20-dec-2010-vortex-team-1-update-5a-9-mars-madness-train-terror.html
http://groups.google.com/group/holysteel/msg/38ea5ee7e54a7847
http://community.wizards.com/vanishedlands/blog/2010/12/22/vortex_team_1,update_5a.9_-_mars_madness_and_trainterror!

Session: 5a.10 – Across the Martian outback

Real time: Monday, 17 January 2011
Game dates: “16 to 20 August 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations: Triplanetary Hotel, New Shanghai; Tenryu Party headquarters, Hellas Park
Summary: While Kevin lays low for a while in New Shanghai, his companions continue sightseeing on Mars. Aughest-vor pilots an ornithopter to the capital of Hellas Park. Syzygy meets a friendly scientist and member of TerAK, and Chris gets debriefed and reprogrammed at Black Box Security Co.’s offices.
An aerodyne rental escorted by two Uruk Services aircraft is attacked by flying wings from the Barsoom Defense Force but manages to reach the Hadriaca Paterna terraforming station, where the party makes new friends.
Vehicles: ornithopter, escort aircraft, rented aerodyne, train, suborbital supply ship
N.P.C.s:
Jennifer-female Martian human, sister of Kevin’s late wife Heather, works at local morgue in New Shanghai
Nick Cheney-male Martian human, former chief of police at Namor-Asperagen colony, involved in Heather’s murder and living with Jennifer; Kevin tried to kill him in his apartment with plasma blast
Tong-Martian human organized criminal gangs, which Kevin tried to frame for assassination attempt on Nick
flock of avian Synths (genetically engineered winged humanoids) avoided by Aughest-vor’s ’thopter aerobatics, hawk men salute his piloting
Shocho-mascot/avatar (artificial intelligence) of the Tenryu Party, which governs the Mars Confederacy and People’s Liberation Army
Radha Hussein-female Martian human at the Tharsis Terraforming Directorate (under the Wildlife Bureau) at Hellas Park; liaison to extrasolar scientists; member of TerAK (Terran-Allied Kharvamids), befriends Syzygy
Kieran Larbo-male Martian human at Black Box Security Co.’s offices in Hellas Park; debriefs and reprograms Chris/“Agent Prometheus”
Otto Veer-male Martian human at Black Box HQ; talked about eugenics with Syzygy; guarded by two clones
Uruk Services-two Martian aircraft asked to escort party’s rented aerodyne from Hellas Park to Hadriaca Paterna, one shot down
Barsoom Defense Force-nativist group, sent two raider craft after aerodyne and Uruk vessels; shot down by Chris
Taka Shimuza-male Martian human, gives party tour of the Hadriaca Paterna terraforming station and explains about Green Gongen/Rust Coalition rivalry
Slazim-male Trinoid xenobiologist, compared notes with Syzygy
Znk’g (Zenku’ogi)-male Nethian (insectoid alien) engineer, talked with Tela
Asdann Frevel-male Gustrall (raptor-like alien) security guard, went hunting with Chris for Martian dune striders
Tu Han-female Martian human, courted by Aughest-vor
Links: http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb42/GeneD5/Vortex/Vortex09.jpg
http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9317
http://groups.google.com/group/holysteel/msg/f43d95329a9e567b
http://www.enworld.org/forum/blogs/edemaitre/3284-20-january-2011-vortex-update-5a-10-across-martian-outback.html
http://community.wizards.com/vanishedlands/blog/2011/01/20/20_jan.2011:vortex_update_5a.10_-_across_themartianoutback

Session: 5a.11 – Martian marshals

Real time: 31 January 2011 [see Josh C./“Agent Prometheus’” notes]
Game dates: “21 to 24 August to 2194 A.D./C.E. or -1/0 G.E.”
Locations: New Shanghai and Port Lowell, Mars
Summary: The team reunites with Kevin in New Shanghai, and Aughest-vor rents the “Tiger Hawk Sandstorm” GEV to go to Interplanetary Patrol’s base at Port Lowell. Lt. Reese reports to Mr. Gray and Mr. Ling, and in return for help getting to its starship in the Asteroid Belt, the group agrees to clear out an abandoned domestead.
However, rather than mere Martian settlers, squatters, or drug smugglers, the travelers and I.P. officers find strange technologies (some identified by Syzygy) and several Ru’ulok, some of whom apparently recognize Tela. A few get away in a rocket, destroying the domestead.
Vehicles: suborbital cargo shuttle from Hadriaca Paterna terraforming station to New Shanghai, “Tiger Hawk Sandstorm” ground-effect vehicle to Port Lowell, military drop ship
N.P.C.s: Nick Cheney, Jennifer, and
Trinoid science directorate in the Kharvamid Alliance-contacted from New Shanghai by Syzygy
Mr. (Col.) Shan Gray-male Martian human, superior officer to Lt. Reese at Interplanetary Patrol (I.P.) facility at Port Lowell
Walter Ling-male Martian human, member of the Kizen (Tenryu Party secret police), met party at Mr. Gray’s office
Sgt. Ling Bao-female Martian human, I.P. drop ship pilot
’Squatch-male Ursoid Synth (“Uplifted” bear), part of team raiding domestead
Cookie-male Martian human cyborg, mechanic, befriended Syzygy
four unnamed Martian human squatters-killed when Ru’ulok rocked lifted off
six unnamed Ru’ulok (heavy-world reptilian aliens)-members of the “Takers” faction; recognized Tela; some killed, but two got away
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9331
http://www.enworld.org/forum/blogs/edemaitre/3306-fate-3e-vortex-update-5a-11-martian-marshals.html
http://groups.google.com/group/holysteel/msg/e4ea925771e3bc38
http://community.wizards.com/vanishedlands/blog/2011/02/03/vortex_session_5a.11_-_martian_marshals

Session: 5a.12 – Who wants to be a starfarer?

Real time: 28 February 2011
Game dates: “25 to 31 August 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 G.E.”
Locations: Port Lowell, Mars Confederation, to Ceres Station, Asteroid Belt
Summary: The adventurers take an Interplanetary Patrol vessel to the Asteroid Belt, where they find a massive shipyard. They study specifications for interstellar vessels and are interviewed by United Earth Authority and Kharvamid Alliance panels before being approved to take possession of their own craft. Gombo Shisel joins the crew.
Vehicles: the “Morifaiwet/Blackbird,” and
I.P.V. “Babieca”-Interplanetary Patrol transport from Mars to the Asteroid Belt
“Amberthrax”-Gustrall and Ru’ulok trade ultratanker, 4 kilometers long!
United Earth Vessel “Musashi”-U.E.A. carrier on station at Asteroid Belt, leader of battle group
T.C.S. “Cherasu”-Delphine (genetically engineered dolphin) ship with crew of United Ecumenical Movement chaplains
The “New York”-one of several asteroid “Arks” built by Olvar and Ma’ari advisors
N.I.O. “Silk Claw”-Nethian ley line “sailboat”
U.E.V. “Stella Sagitta”-TerAK (Terran-Allied Kharvamid) training ship
Clippers, skiffs, and tenders of “Belters” and other Sol system traders
Fighters of the Kharvamid Fleet, planetary defense forces, U.E.A./North American Aerospace Marine Corps (and Zarkonian Drones?
“Kendawa”-class prototype battlesuits from Clan Nakagawa
“Raptor”-class United Earth Authority/N.A.A.M.C. interplanetary fighters (“Space: Above and Beyond’s” Hammerheads)
Non-Player Characters:
>>United Earth Authority review committee:
“Capt. Wu Hanbei” [Brian W.]-female Belter “near-human” (low-G) pilot of the “Babieca” (hardass; doesn’t trust civilians)
“Lt. Bubbles Jones” [Sara F.]-female Terran Delphine (“Uplifted” dolphin) marine from the T.C.S. “Cherasu” (wants to know all threats to the Sol system)
“Dr. Zach Siddig” [Josh C.]-male Lunar human astrophysicist (eager to explore deep space)
“Lt. Rajesh Williams” [Bruce K.]-male Jovian “near-human” (cyborg) mecha driver of Kendawa-class battlesuit (doesn’t trust aliens)
“Carlos Mazantas” [Rich L.]-male Martian “near-human” (telepathic) journalist (uncomfortable with secrecy)
>>Kharvamid Fleet/Star League panel:
“Stk’Krst/Stack-Kurst” [Brian W.]-male Nethian (insectoid alien) engineer from the N.I.O. “Silk Claw” (wary of incompetence)
“Sudoku” [Sara F.]-female Trinoid (trilateral amphibian) xenologist (curious about human factions)
“Old Chi of Clan Flanker” [Josh C.]-male Gustrall (orange-furred, ostrich-like alien) swashbuckling explorer from the “Amberthrax” ultratanker (ready for any hunt)
“Arvel Dilsir” [Bruce K.]-male Olvar (arboreal mammal-like mystic) telepath (uncertaion about hidden agendas)
“Gurthex” [Rich L.]-female Me’orr (lion-like alien) officer (wary of Terrans)
>>Other Non-Player Characters in the Asteriod Belt:
Capt. Tia Horektef-female Terran human, captain of the I.P.V. “Icy Corona,” which shuttled the party from Mars to Ceres Station; wined and dined by Lt. Reese
Adm. Raul Xinshang-male Terran human, commander of the U.E.V. “Musashi” and its battle group
“Kyle Deraco” [James A.W./N.P.C.]-male Terran “near-human” (mutant) scientist and conspiracy theorist
Lt. Sheila Berenson-female Terran (L-5) human, captain of the “Stella Sagitta”
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9352
http://groups.google.com/group/holysteel/msg/2a0c293e5debb4dc
http://www.enworld.org/forum/blogs/edemaitre/3395-vortex-update-5a-12-who-wants-starfarer.html
http://community.wizards.com/vanishedlands/blog/2011/03/10/vortex_update_5a.12:_who_wants_to_be_a_starfarer
http://www.genesworlds.com/2011/03/10/vortex-update-5a-12-who-wants-to-be-a-starfarer/

Session: 5a.13 – Leaving space dock

Real time: Monday, 14 March 2011
Game dates: “30 August to 4 September 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Galactic Era”
Locations: Ceres Station, Asteroid Belt
Summary: After Aughest-vor and his companions are approved, they review the specifications of the Olvar scout cutter “Morifaiwet” before taking command and rechristening it the “Blackbird.” Among other things, they find biomechanical drones and a U.E.A. robot that they nickname “Mr. Bucket” and shakedown cruise orders.
Vehicles: see previous notes; I.P.V. “Babieca,” shuttles, Aughest’s solar-sail racer, the “Tiger Hawk Sandstorm” G.E.V., the U.E.V. “Musashi” battle group, “Morifaiwet/Blackbird”
N.P.C.s: see prior updates; Capt. Wu Hanbei, Adm. Raul Xinshang
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9369
http://www.genesworlds.com/2011/03/22/vortex-update-5a-13-leaving-space-dock/
http://groups.google.com/group/holysteel/msg/02fd4b4432e2df82

Session: 5a.14 – Tyche trading

Real time: Monday, 28 March 2011
Game dates: “5 to 7 September 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 G.E.”
Locations: Tyche extrasolar body, orbital colony near Saturn’s moon Titan
Summary: The “Blackbird” investigates Tyche, which turns out to be a rogue brown dwarf just outside the Sol system. The crew negotiates a plasma-sharing arrangement between alien Cestolar and Jovian human miners. The explorers then go to Titan to look for a used military drop ship to complement the “Tiger Hawk Sandstorm.”
Vehicles: U.E.V. “Blackbird,” “Tiger Hawk Sandstorm” ground-effect vehicle, the Jovian ship “Shameless Strumpet,” Cestolar mining vessel, “Cheyenne” and “Tau Orca”-class used military drop ships
N.P.C.s:
Cestolar (badger-like former Olvar clients) – Capt. Dvar, Uduk, Khoz-suspicious of Terrans, recognize Tela as Tharian
Jovian human crew of the “Shameless Strumpet” – Capt. Shane Borkai, Tetzuki Scarlotti, and Malia Karveh-wearing ornately armored space suits, have an Oromax megacorp contract, know of Aughest-vor and Vimeco
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9393
http://www.genesworlds.com/2011/03/30/vortex-update-5a-14-tyche-trading/

Session: 5a.15 – Titan and drop ship

Real time: Monday, 25 April 2011
Game dates: “8 to 14 September 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Galactic Era”
Locations: Titan colony (0.5 G, -180 C), Saturn:
Eclipse Station-orbital habitat, includes Lucky Garden Casino, Ringtown Diner
New Syria-surface colony, includes Arhus University (mostly virtual)
New Quebec-surface colony, seat of local government, Interplanetary Patrol office
Summary: The “Blackbird” docks at Eclipse Station, and Tela nearly provokes a food fight at the Ringtown Diner. Aughest-vor… and Lt. Kevin Reese go to the Lucky Garden Casino before meeting with Dimitri Parvis, who eventually sells the team a drop ship that it test drives on Titan. Syzygy meets a colleague in New Syria, while Chris is surgically reprogrammed. The crew gets missions to Alpha Centauri and Oasis Station but turns down one from pirate Capt. Stone.
Vehicles: The “Blackbird” and “Tiger Hawk Sandstorm,” shuttles between Eclipse Station and Titan, “Cheyenne”-class drop ship (renamed the “Dragonfly”), “Tau Orca”-class drop ship
N.P.C.s:
Robotic waitress, jukebox/cook-at Ringtown Diner, talked with Tela
Ralek-male armored Ru’ulok of the “Bloody Drover” (at Bay 19), target of a slice of Chris’ multicolored pizza thrown by Tela
Faisal Batar-male Chim ’mechanic, hit by slice of pizza
Tanya Montana and Galia-female “Synths” (synthetic humanoid/android/Artificial Intelligence), showgirls at the casino who befriend Aughest-vor and Kevin
Rev. Winston Jones-male Saturnian human preacher and gambler
Erta Garza-female Delphine astrogator for hire, between gigs at the Lucky Garden Casino
Dimitri Parvis-male Russian/Saturnian cyborg mecha pilot and Vimeco client, sells “Cheyenne”-class drop ship
Amir Mukhtadi-male Arabic/Saturnian human, Oromax contractor and rival to Parvis; offers a “Tau Orca”-class drop ship for sale at New Quebec
Hassan Mukhtadi-male Arabic/Saturnian human provisioner and brother of Amir, sells goldfish to Tela and weapons to Chris
Solipsy-Trinoid “Sharer” at Arhus University, met with Syzygy and allowed Kevin to use her scanning equipment in return for taking an intelligence mission to Oasis Station, 40 parsecs from Sol, for the Kharvamid Alliance
Jamila Sahdai-female Terran “near-human” botanist, medic, and Black Box agent; operated on Agent Prometheus with the aid of two naked people released from hibernation chambers at university
Lt. Yasmin Al-Ghuj-female human, partner of Capt. Cisneros
Capt. Garzan Cisneros-male human Interplanetary Patrol officer, commander of the U.E.V. “Kindjal”; asks Lt. Reese to help resupply Tiger Squadron near Alpha Centauri
Capt. Robert Stone-male cyborg gas miner, captain of the “Spring-Heeled Jack” with an “octoparrot”; offers to help remove Chris’ implant in return for extrasolar distribution of the Terran videogame “Defeat the Fleet” (party declined)
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9424
http://www.genesworlds.com/2011/04/26/vortex-update-5a-15-titan-and-drop-ship/

Session: 5a.16 – Camp Alpha and xenomorphs

Real time: Monday, 9 May 2011
Game dates: “15 to 19 September 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 G.E.”
Locations: From Eclipse Station, Titan, Saturn to Alpha Centauri (trinary system with defense buoys):
Alpha Centauri A-main sequence yellow G2 star, 1.1 Sol mass
Chiron-rockball
Toliman-methane/carbon dioxide atmosphere, violet jungles, site of Camp Alpha and “mantiles”
Cassida-outer world of Alpha Centauri A
Alpha Centauri B-smaller KO-class star, orbited by Newton and Alphane
Proxima Centauri-red dwarf M5, 20% Sol mass with flares, 3 gas giants: Eldritch, Shedar, Furon
Summary: The crew of the “Blackbird” experiences altered perceptions during its shakedown cruise using the experimental REM faster-than-light drive. Upon arriving at the Alpha Centauri trinary star system, the explorers check in with Tiger Squadron at Camp Alpha on Toliman. The space marines’ commander is missing, and some blame local “mantiles.” After a hunting expedition into Toliman’s jungle, the explorers prepare to search near space….
Vehicles: the “Blackbird,” “Dragonfly,” and “Tiger Hawk Sandstorm” and Raptor-class fighters (see Space: Above and Beyond Hammerheads)
“Zheng He”-slower-than-light generation colony ship; after First Contact, passengers hope for FTL refit en route to Alpha Centauri
U.E.V. “Bellerphon”-Terran military ship, intercepted “Zheng He” and brought Tiger Squadron to establish Camp Alpha
N.P.C.s: Dr. Bucket and
>>U.E.A., North American Aerospace Marine Corps, Tiger Squadron:
Spaceman Peter Jones-male U.K./L-5 robot, pilot, mechanic
Sgt. Kurt Schriever-male Terran Chim, gunner; drinks with Chris
“Lt. Misawa Onizuka” [Sara F./N.P.C.]-female Delphine, astrogator; chats with Aughest-vor
“Capt. Robin Buckley” [Jason E.R./N.P.C.]-female Terran human, burser, communications; embittered former paramour of Kevin
Maj. Walt Vanderbilt-male Terran human, acting commander; talked with Lt. Reese and company
Lt.Col. Hollis Shelman-male Terran human, squadron commander, missing in action
Tolimanian “mantiles”-xenomorphs (hostile aliens), vaguely reptilian/insectoid pack predators that communicate via subsonics; examined by Syzygy and Gombo
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9425
http://www.genesworlds.com/2011/05/17/vortex-update-5a-16-camp-alpha-and-xenomorphs/

Session: 5a.17 – First Contact at Proxima

Real time: Monday, 23 May 2011
Game dates: “20 to 22 September 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Terran Galactic Era”
Locations: Alpha Centauri system (see above)
Summary: The adventuring party scans for the missing Lt.Col. Hollis Shelman and makes First Contact with the “Dwellers of the Clouds” at Shedar. After tense maneuvering, they return the “broken one,” whose craft had been damaged when their ships came out of Transit (FTL) space and overloaded his systems with a scan. Back at Camp Alpha, Gombo decides to stay to help the marines and approaching colonists learn how to coexist with Toliman’s ecosystem, and Aughest-vor has a tryst with Capt. Robin Buckley. Lt. Kevin Reese agrees to overlook a missile that Lt.Col. Shelman fired in a panic.
Vehicles: The “Blackbird” and “Raptor”-class fighters
N.P.C.s: Tiger Squadron of the North American Aerospace Marine Corps (see above)
Dwellers of the Clouds-gas-giant inhabitants and miners
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9433
http://www.genesworlds.com/2011/05/26/vortex-update-5a-17-first-contact-at-proxima/

Session: 5a.18 – Van Maanen’s Star – mining mystery and undersea intrigue

Real time: Monday, 6 June 2011
Game dates: “23 to 30 September 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Terran Galactic Era”
Locations: From Alpha Centauri to Oasis Station, Van Maanen’s Star (white dwarf) with two gas-giant planets – Absolom and Methuselah
Ruhema-innermost satellite of Absolom, site of slag piles, abandoned mining equipment, and subsurface energy-draining machinery; claimed by Aughest-vor for holding company “OPM-Pharsmor”
Elric-pale, cold moon of Absolom, with ruined spires and thin, windy atmosphere (apologies to Michael Moorcock)
Ezekiel-barren rock moon of Absolom
Whistler’s Mother-iceball outer moon of Methuselah
“Dorian Gray”-inner moon of Methuselah, home to descendants of stranded Aquarian miners divided between the crystalline city-state of Albahaven and the supposedly superstitious Corvell Unity
Summary: On the way to Oasis Station (40 parsecs from Earth), the crew of the “Blackbird” experiences fatigue and pauses to send messages home. The starship goes to Van Maanen’s Star and finds mysterious mining equipment and an icy moon with a divided undersea civilization….
Vehicles: The “Blackbird,” “Dragonfly,” and Aquarian mining craft and submarines
N.P.C.s: Dr. Bucket and
Solipsy-Trinoid “sharer” at Saturn’s moon Titan, contacted by Syzygy
Raine-hated cousin of Aughest-vor, board member at megacorp Vimeco, obtained contracts with the United Earth Authority
Tu Han-female Martian human, courted by Aughest
Mr. Gray-male Terran human, superior of Lt. Kevin Reese at Interplanetary Patrol; concerned about his health
Gen. Qualish-male Aquarian, authority in Albahaven
Queen Shulis-female Aquarian, ruler of the Corvell Unity
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9442
http://www.genesworlds.com/2011/06/20/vortex-update-5a-18-mining-mystery-and-undersea-intrigue/
http://www.onewest.net/~dollan/ARCvanmaanen.html

Session: 5a.19 – the Aquarian summit

Real time: Monday, 20 June 2011
Game dates: “1 to 3 October 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 G.E.”
Locations: “Dorian Gray,” the inner moon of “Methuselah,” a gas giant orbiting Van Maanen’s Star; rival crystalline city-states of Albahaven and the Corvell Unity
Summary: The explorers travel from technocratic Albahaven to the religious Corvell Unity, where they are again greeted with suspicion. Syzygy is mistaken for a “demon” from the deeps," but Lt. Reese is able to persuade Queen Shulis and her advisors to come aboard. Aughest-vor stays behind and talks about his relationships.
After picking up Gen. Qualish, the “Blackbird” hosts a summit in orbit. Tela finds a clockwork crab and scolds Col. Bijar, while Lt. Reese talks with Selora. Syzygy trades information about (and for) the Aquarians for polymer membrane technology from the Salvorain. The leaders announce to their people that they’re going to work together….
Vehicles: The “Blackbird”
N.P.C.s: Dr. Bucket, Gen. Qualish, Queen Shulis, and
Valkon-male Salvorain (descendant of Aquarian miners on Dorian Gray), priest in the Corvell Unity, distrusts Albahaven
Selora-female Salvorain, adviser to Queen Shulis, befriends Lt. Reese
Col. Bijar-male Salvorain from Albahaven’s Ministry of Observation, sent clockwork crab to spy on the “Blackbird” in the Corvell Unity and tried to tamper with ship’s systems but caught by Tela
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9448
http://www.genesworlds.com/2011/06/22/vortex-update-5a-19-aquarian-summit/

Session: 5a.20 – It’s a trap!

Real time: Monday, 22 August 2011?
Game dates: “4 to 7 October 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 T.G.E.”
Locations: from Van Maanen’s Star (3 parsecs from Sol) to LP 771-095 (trinary, 7 pc from Sol) and Beta Canum Venaticorum (binary-Chara/Asterion, 8 pc from Sol, with two gas giants, at least one rockball, and one “Goldilocks” world – “Henson” – with two moons), Oasis Station (40 pc from Sol)
Summary: On the way from Van Maanen’s Star to Oasis Station, the “Blackbird” receives a distress call near Cetus Eridani. While approaching the “Dezorici,” however, the scout ship passes through a force field that disables its FTL capabilities, and six “squltures” attack!
Aughest-vor… makes evasive maneuvers, Tela works to repair the REM drive, and Lt. Reese scans the enemy. Chris lays down covering fire, Syzygy scans the area, and Dr. Bucket works on damage control. With its afterburner, the “Blackbird” evades its pursuers and posts warnings. After more strange behavior in Transit space, the “Blackbird” goes to Beta Canum Venaticorum. On planet “Henson,” the crew encounters lush alien life, including green-skinned humanoids…
Vehicles: the “Blackbird,” “Dragonfly,” and “Tiger Hawk Sandstorm”
the “Dezorici”-vessel of unknown origin allegedly disabled by a solar flare near Cetus Eridani, contains 20+ falsified life signs
“Squltures”-Kutalrin raiders, named by Aughest-vor and Kevin because of their squid-like tentacles, vulture-like necks and metallic beaks
N.P.C.s: Dr. Bucket, and
Kutalrin-robotic scavengers/raiders with hive-mind communications, possibly working with someone else in the Cetus Eridani system
“Boobulons”-three-breasted, green-skinned humanoids on planet “Henson,” some riding pterodactyl-like flying steeds
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9484
http://www.genesworlds.com/2011/08/26/vortex-update-5a-20-its-a-trap/

Session: 5a.21 – Escape from Boobulon!

Real time: Monday, 12 September 2011
Game dates: “8 to 14 October 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 T.G.E.”
Locations: Beta Canum Venaticorum (binary-Chara/Asterion, ~8 pc from Sol, with two gas giants, at least one rockball, and one “Goldilocks” world – “Henson/Hefner” – with two moons), then toward BD-04-123 and Oasis Station (about 40 pc from Sol)
Summary: The away team is greeted by inhabitants of planet “Henson/Hefner” and brought into a cliffside temple. Chris and Aughest-vor… accept the priestesses’ offer of “enlightenment,” and Syzygy and Lt. Kevin Reese send information to Dr. Bucket to analyze. The natives, who appear to have no high technology, are aware of interstellar travel, thanks to pilgrims and traders.
Tela wanders deeper into the caves and finds a concealed Ru’ulok mining operation. She and the other visitors hastily withdraw and report their findings to the United Earth Authority and the Kharvamid Alliance. Syzygy deduces that the locals are descended from genetic samples taken from Terra about 1,000 (Earth) years ago. The “Blackbird” resumes its course.
Vehicles: the “Blackbird,” “Dragonfly,” “Tiger Hawk Sandstorm,” and Ru’ulok and other mining stations
N.P.C.s: Dr. Bucket and
Magabelka-female “Boobulon” (green-skinned, three-breasted humanoid) priestess to the earth mother; seduced Aughest-vor to “share enlightenment”
Lirmapia-female acolyte, shared bliss with Chris
Laknpor-female temple guard, talked with Kevin
two unnamed Ru’ulok-in silver space/containment suits, seen by Tela in concealed area beneath the temple
Reveek-male Ru’ulok; talked remotely with Aughest about mining operations on Hefner
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9494
http://www.genesworlds.com/2011/09/19/vortex-update-5a-21-escape-from-boobulon/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_Canum_Venaticorum
http://ourstellarneighborhood.blogspot.com/search?q=beta+canum+venaticorum

Session: 5a.22 – Transit-space dungeon

Real time: Monday, 10 October 2011
Game dates: “15 to 21 October 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 T.G.E.”
Locations: From Beta Canum Venaticorum (including planet “Henson/Hefner/Boobulon”) toward BD-04-123 and Oasis Station (about 40 pc from Sol)
Summary: While in faster-than-light travel, the adventuring party has a shared dream of being in a fantasy dungeon. They encounter rats, traps, Undead Goblins, and Orc guards, as well as Jovian journalist and psi Scoop Chang and Cog Gnome Gomer (actually robot Dr. Bucket). The group fights its way through a tower, where an Ogre shaman holds Lady Lyta Oiseau (actually the “Blackbird”). After meeting a dragon, the crew awakens back aboard its starship, with Scoop in Gombo’s cabin!
Vehicles: The “Blackbird”
Team 1:
“Syzygy” [Brian W.]-Trinoid xenologist/mystic with potions
“Tela” [Sara F.]-female Tharian engineer/burglar
“Chris McKee/Agent Prometheus” [Josh C.]-male Terran cyborg/crossbow sniper
“Aughest-vor…” [Jason E.R.]-male L-5 human pilot/swashbuckler
“Lt. Kevin Reese” [Bruce K.]-male Terran human patrolman/knight
“Scoop Chang” [Rich C.G.]-male Jovian “near-human” (psi) journalist/bard
N.P.C.s:
12 large rats in submerged portion of tunnel; attacked Syzygy, Tela, and Chris before killed or driven off (Syzygy sampled water)
Mr. Sniffles-male tomcat companion of Syzygy; transformed to a larger form and fought rats
4 Undead Goblins (fungal?)-attacked party in crypt beyond secret rotating door and Zarkonian-caused explosion (party got rags)
Gomer (actually astromech robot Dr. Bucket) – “Metalheadrumblestripquickseekerflyselfonesunfollowshelpspiderwrench…”-male Cog Gnome, told group about Lady Lyta; left behind at teleporting sigil (Riddle: “Follow your heart’s desire, but achieve nothing else, or pursue the group’s wishes, and lose but one.”)
4 Orc guards, defeated at tower overlooking a valley village (party claimed crossbow quarrels, knives)
unnamed male Ogre shaman-tried to Dominate and smash intruders, ultimately slain by Chris (treasure included eye amulet, shillelagh)
Lady Lyta Oiseau, female Quelanthi (Seelie Fey/High Elf/Eladrin) princess (actually the experimental Olvar scout ship “Blackbird”), rescued by the team
unnamed Dragon-rose out of the forest, greeted by Lady Lyta before party awoke aboard its vessel, with Scoop in Gombo’s cabin!
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9546
http://www.genesworlds.com/2011/10/17/vortex-update-5a-22-transit-space-dungeon/

Session: 5a.23 – the Menace on Venice

Real time: Monday, 24 October 2011
Game dates: “22 to 25 October 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 T.G.E.”
Locations: BD+04-123 (a.k.a. HR 222, GL 333, Hip. 3765, 96 Piscium, or Wolf 25), an orange-red star in the Andromedae constellation, orbited by two Neptune-size gas giants, one iceball world, two rockballs (one hot, the other “Florence”), and one “Goldilocks” – Venice – on the way to Oasis Station
Summary: Newcomer Scoop Chang interviews the crew of the “Blackbird” about extraterrestrials. At 96 Piscium B, or “Venice,” the away team finds indigo vegetation and creatures resembling birds, fish, and dinosaurs, as well as an ancient network of canals.
The landing party narrowly escapes a stampede of land whales and carnosaurs, and Aughest-vor scrambles to evade lampreys. Upon returning to the drop ship and orbiting scout vessel, they are contacted by a huge Ma’ari ark ship and warily agree to meet….
Vehicles: the “Blackbird,” “Dragonfly,” and “Cyan Horizon,” a Talari (ark ship) of the Ma’ari (see below)
N.P.C.s: Dr. Bucket and
EVE-hovering newsbot styled to look like an early 20th century flash camera; Tela added thrusters and manipulator arms
Venetian “land whales,” carnosaurs, and lampreys-see below
Lurandi-female Ma’ari (see below), captain of the “Cyan Horizon,” asked to board “Blackbird” but later met Tela, Aughest-vor, and Scoop on Florence and invited them to her vessel
Rilga-female Ma’ari trade envoy – diplomat and bursar
Asdann Fre’vel-female Gustrall, impatient hired guard
Kligba Onagan-male Olvar, pilgrim and passenger; contacted Syzygy and asked to meet
>>Species met thus far:
Aquarians/Polarians [created with Carlo R.]: Amphibious humanoids with colonies in a few systems; threatened by Zarkonian Armada
Boobulons: Green-skinned, three-breasted humanoids on planet “Henson/Hefner” near Beta Canum Venaticorum; Syzygy believes they’re derived from Terran stock by the Encegulans
Cestolar: Literal-minded, badger-like former Olvar clients; prospectors encountered at Tyche
Dwellers of the Clouds: Gas-giant dwellers met near Alpha Centauri
Encegulans: Slug-like slavers from whom Tela escaped
Gustrall: Orange-furred, antlered, velociraptor-like warriors
Kutalrin: Robotic scavengers/raiders with hive mind, used “Squltures” and T-inhibitors to trap unwary vessels near Cetus Eridani
Ma’ari [created by Jenna R.P.]: Diminutive, pale humanoid wanderers; see this update
Meorr [created by Dave F.R-B.]: Lion-like berserkers
Nethians: Blue insectoid engineers, members of the Kharvamid Alliance
Olvar: Arboreal mammal-like pranksters and mystics; co-founders with the Trinoids of the Kharvamid Alliance
Precursors: Ancient starfaring species capable of massive engineering projects such as those near Van Maanen’s Star; current whereabouts unknown
Ru’ulok: Heavy-gravity reptilian traders
Salvorain: Descendants of Aquarian miners near Van Maanen’s Star
Tharians [created by Sara F.]: Gargoyle-like, pre-FTL aliens; see Tela
Tolimanian mantiles: Reptilian/insectoid xenomorphs (hostile life forms), pack hunters that communicate via subsonics, encountered near Alpha Centauri
Trinoids [developed by David I.S., Brian W.]: Three-armed, barrel-trunked xenobiologists; see Syzygy
Venetian land whales, carnosaurs, and lampreys: See this update
Xenoids: Synthetic beings created by aliens, similar to humanity’s “Synths” (robots/A.I.s, “Uplifted” animals, genetically engineered humanoids)
Zarkonians [created by Gene D., Carlo R., Bill B., Jon B., and Ray C.]: Tentacled crustaceans with an interstellar armada; homeworld unknown
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9571
http://www.genesworlds.com/2011/10/27/vortex-update-5a-23-the-menace-on-venice/

Session: 5a.24 – Panic at the disco

Real time: Monday, 14 November 2011
Game dates: “26 to 31 October 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 T.G.E.”
Locations: BD+04-123 (a.k.a. 96 Piscium), on the way to Oasis Station
Summary: The away team takes a tour of the Ma’ari Talari “Cyan Horizon.” Syzygy gets more samples and meets with Olvar agent Kligba Onagan, who warns of the approaching Zarkonian Armada and mentions a Precursor FTL gate at Oasis Station. Tela meets Kedar, the first Tharian she has seen since leaving home. Chris engages in a “Twisting” match with some Ma’ari martial artists and reluctantly has his cranial implants removed.
Aughest-vor is wary of the diminuitive, pale aliens and trades astrogation notes with xenoid Hublo. Lt. Reese asks Capt. Lurandi for help, both for his ship and for all Terrans. Scoop interacts with psionic artists and records the proceedings with EVE. Tariq wagers on the Twisting match and joins the humans far from home as they consider enhancements to their ship….
Vehicles: the “Blackbird,” “Dragonfly,” and “Cyan Horizon”
N.P.C.s: Dr. Bucket, EVE, and
Lurandi-female Ma’ari (see below), captain of the “Cyan Horizon,” reluctantly agreed to help humans
Rilga-female Ma’ari trade envoy – diplomat, bursar, and guide
Asdann Fre’vel-female Gustrall, impatient hired guard, befriends Chris
Kligba Onagan-male Olvar, secretive pilgrim and passenger; informally met with Syzygy on behalf of the Kharvamid Alliance
“Felana” [Jenna R.P./N.P.C.]-female Ma’ari physician, curious about humans; removed Agent Prometheus’ cranial implants
Murilo-male Ma’ari, chief xenobiologist of the “Cyan Horizon”
Kasfel-male Ma’ari, proud holographic artist and self-defense expert
Hublo-Xenoid (alien artificial intelligence; Ma’ari design), archivist of the “Cyan Horizon”
“Tariq Asrad Saladin” [Beruk A.?]-male Terran “near-human” seeker of enlightenment and investigator
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD3VanishedLands/message/9623
http://www.genesworlds.com/2011/11/16/vortex-update-5a24panicatthedisco/

Session: 6a.25 – “The light-year without a Santa Claus”

Real time: Monday, 12 December 2011
Game dates: “1 to 7 November 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 T.G.E.”
Locations: 96 Piscium/“Venice” to GL 884 (red star with two barely habitable planets – “Heat Miser” and “Cold Miser”) and Hip 103039 (near Altair and BD+15-4733), on the way to Oasis Station
Summary: The “Blackbird” departs from 96 Piscium and the Ma’ari on the “Cyan Horizon” after installing a cloaking system and taking on two passengers, Tariq and Kedar. Chris is questioned after his cyberware removal, and the Tharians dream of their homeworld while in faster-than-light travel. The Terrans want to warn the Sol system of the threat posed by the Zarkonian Armada.
The scout ship drops out of Transit because of an ion storm and eventually arrives at GL 884, where the Olvar once had a large colony. A “pod” of 24 Cetaran prospecting ships arrives, provoking a heated debate within the crew on protocols for First Contact. Syzygy and Tela observe, while Aughest-vor and Scoop recommend parleying and Lt. Reese and Agent Prometheus argue for tactical readiness.
Aughest and Tariq counsel for a balance, and Capt. Geyvvig proves not to be hostile. Dr. Bucket notes that the Cetarans’ mining technology could be useful at Tyche. The group leaves and eventually attempts to establish some standard operating procedures….
Vehicles: the “Blackbird,” “Dragonfly,” “Cyan Horizon,” and
“Pod” of 24 Cetaran mining vessels, which take up stacked positions in geostationary orbits above “Heat Miser” for extraction and refinement of rare minerals used for Transit technology
N.P.C.s: Dr. Bucket, EVE, Lurandi, Kedar, Tariq, Capt. Lurandi, “Felana,” and
Capt. Geyvvig-male Cetaran (amphibious, plesiosaur-like alien; created by Byron V.O.), leader of “pod” who proposes that Terrans join a non-aligned movement of less-populous interstellar species rather than the Kharvamid Alliance or galactic trade guilds
Links: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/DnD4VanishedLands/message/9661
http://www.genesworlds.com/2011/12/15/vortex-update-5a-25-the-light-year-without-a-santa-claus/

View

JAN/2012

Vortex "game time"

-Circa -140 to -40 G.E. (Terran Galactic Era): The Archaic Era gives way to the Cyberpunk era [see Shadowrun: Idealistic metahuman groups [see Mutants & Masterminds: “the S.J.I.”] are supplanted by megacorporate mercenary organizations. “Near” humans (mutants, cyborgs, genetically modified) have limited civil rights.

-The development of bionics, virtual reality, and true neural interfaces results in the growth of cyberware and C-space. True Artificial Intelligences arise, and advances in genetic engineering lead to “Synths” (robotic and bioengineered humanoids).

-Ecocrises I to III: Environmental degradation results in global climate change, mass extinction, and famine. Population growth leads to poverty and fighting over resources but encourages colonization. Fossil fuels become scarcer, eventually leading to technological breakthroughs in “cold” fusion and “warm” superconductivity.

-Wars devastate large parts of the Middle East and South Asia; terrorists and disasters destroy cities in other parts of the world. Nation-states decline in relative power as megacorps and regional governments rise in influence; the United Nations collapses.

-c. -100 G.E.: Terran population reaches 15 billion, cities become megalopoli. Earth’s oceans and the Moon are colonized, “L-5” orbital habitats are built in response to population and industrial pressures, and humans explore Mars.

-The Ecocrises, regional conflicts, and covert megacorp activities are restrained with the creation of the United Earth Authority. Continent-states form on Earth; the Sol system’s population approaches 20 billion. Orbital cities grow; Mars is colonized.

-85 G.E.: First Interplanetary War: The Lunar Free State and some orbital habitats rebel against Terran colonial powers, becoming a quasi-independent corporate state. The Zarkonian Armada destroys Laransu, and Trinoids and Nethians found the Kharvamid Alliance.

-75 G.E.: Ecoterrorists disrupt research undersea and on Mars as terraforming begins. Humans colonize Venus and the outer Sol system, and the U.E.A. charters the Interplanetary Patrol.

-50 G.E.: Synths gain limited rights after several rounds of civil unrest.

-30 G.E.: Second Interplanetary War: Mars Confederation rebels against megacorps, gains limited independence and a seat on the United Earth Council. Asteroid Belt and Jovian system settled.

-20 G.E.: Jason Delmar is born near the North Eastern American Megalopolis (Party 1). Orbital elevators are built.

-10 G.E.: Covert and unofficial contact continues between galactic agents and the Sol system. The Zarkonian Armada resumes its expansion into the Orion Arm. The latest emergent interstellar civilizations are threatened: Aquarians/Polarians and Terrans.

-4 G.E.: Archaeologists discover ancient evidence of mystic and extraterrestrial influence in the ruins of the “Vanished Lands.” The United Ecumenical Movement is formed to consider the implications of the “Long Hiding.”

-1 G.E.: “Collateral Damage Inc.” begins missions, later renames itself “Full Circle” aboard the P.T.S. Venture and Spring Wasabi.

-0 G.E.: Open and official First Contact between galactic societies and the Sol system. Terrans (including Parties 5a and 5b, the crews of the Blackbird and Appomattox) acquire faster-than-light Transit drives….

View

SEP/2011

The History of "Vortex" and related speculative fiction

-1968: Gene D. born; Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? published; Planet of the Apes and 2001: A Space Odyssey premiered.

-1969: First Star Trek TV series canceled; Apollo 11 on the Moon.

-1977: Star Wars (Episode 4: A New Hope) opened in theaters.

-1978: Original Battlestar Galactica premiered on television.

-1980: Sundiver, the first book in David Brin’s “Uplift” series, published.

-1982 to 1983: Started playing Dungeons & Dragons and Star Frontiers and co-wrote “The Zarkonian Bomb,” an amateur movie script, with Carlo R., Bill B., Jon B., and Ray C. (“Vortex” Party 1).

-c. 1984: Began writing “The Adventures of Jason Delmar” space opera short stories.

-1986: Wrote original “Vortex” role-playing rules while visiting family in the Philippines. Playtested with Peter D. and David I.S. in Yonkers and Binghamton, N.Y., respectively (“Vortex” Party 2).

-1987 to 1989: Co-ran Shadowrun with Ken P.S. (“Vortex” Party 3).

-1991: Ran “Visor and the Seer” and collaborated in Steve M.R.’s “Voyagers II” using “Vortex” rules before converting to GURPS 3e (“Vortex” Party 3b).

-1992: Influential and prolific author Isaac Asimov died.

-1995: Space: Above and Beyond premiered.

-1996 to 1997: Game Mastered “Vortex: Collateral Damage Inc./Full Circle” using GURPS 3e Space in Virginia (“Vortex” Party 4).

-1997: The Fifth Element and Stargate SG1 premiered.

-1998: Farscape premiered on U.S. television.

-1999: Ran GURPS 3e Space: “Vortex_” via e-mail and for Jon W.P., Randy K.M., and Rob A.R. near Boston ("_Vortex" Party 4b).

-2002: Firefly premiered; D20 Traveller (“T20”) published.

-2005: The BBC revived Doctor Who.

-2008: Cubicle 7 published FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures (SBA).

-2010: Began running “Vortex” using SBA (“Vortex” Parties 5a and 5b, the crews of the Blackbird and the Appomattox).

View

SEP/2011