RolePlay onLine RPoL Logo

, welcome to The Vast and the Curious

02:25, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Adventure #1: Secret in the Library.

Posted by StarMasterFor group 0
Revonoss
player, 7 posts
Spacefarer Mechanic
Korasha Lashunta
Fri 18 Jan 2019
at 07:02
  • msg #4

Secret in the Library

Revonoss the middle aged mechanic was surprised when he had received his invitation. He had hunted down a set of clothes that had the least permanent oil stains and made his way over. He was walking around and gawking like a common tourist taking in all the things he could tell his grandchildren wondering why he was here. When Callistratus greets him he gives the man a solid hand and nods accepting the fact he has to wait and just roams around the room taking in the sights.
Culhayn
player, 5 posts
Damaya Scholar
Fri 18 Jan 2019
at 16:38
  • msg #5

Secret in the Library

Being invited - or summoned - to a meeting at the Threefold House would be an exhilarating happening for anyone, and one would do well to be curious as to why. That was doubly truth in the case of Culhayn, since he couldn't exactly tell through which channels the invitation came. Surely, the medium through which it came - the messenger, was clear - but who wanted him there, and who was made this official to put its eyes on him... well, he would have time to ponder on this. Maybe it was safer if he didn't linger in this kind of thought just yet; oftentimes, that was exactly how things should operate, and he had trained himself to focus on this questions just on the proper and safe times.

Culhayn chose a professional and elegant outfit for the meeting, and entered the Great Archive. In any other situation, he would be thrilled just to be granted access to the Archive, and to be able to peer at its riches. Yet, right now, he was more intent in observing the others present there.
StarMaster
GM, 13 posts
Mon 21 Jan 2019
at 22:11
  • msg #6

Secret in the Library

"All will be explained in good time," Callistratus responds. "For the moment, we are waiting for everyone to arrive."

Slowly over the next half hour, more people show up... until there's about 30 all told.

Finally, Callistratus speaks again.

"Let me start off by saying that this may be the greatest as well as strangest meeting ever to take place."

"As you may know, there was once a planet called Golarion in this star system. During the Gap, it disappeared. There are over a dozen theories as to the how and why of that disappearance, but one of researchers recently stumbled across a reference in an ancient tome."

"According to the entry in this book, Golarion was... stolen! It isn't clear why the person who wrote the book thought that, but he identified the... thieves... as the Sha'Kri. Other references indicate that the Sha'Kri are probably some alien race, but there are other references that also claim they are a cult, an organization, and a religion."

"The bottom line is that they may be all of the above."

"The reference said that the Sha'Kri came from the constellation of the Hawk."

"What we've decided to do is to send an expedition out to find Golarion. And bring it back."


As astounding as the rest of his information was, that last was absolutely incredible.

"Our thinking is that if these Sha'kri could steal an entire planet, then they should have the means of returning it."

"You are all here because we are hoping you'll agree to be the crew of the ship we send out."


He waits then to see what the reaction is, and whether anyone has any questions.
Sonaeu
player, 9 posts
Damaya Icon Operative
Mon 21 Jan 2019
at 23:37
  • msg #7

Secret in the Library

"Sure."   Sonaeu doesn't even pause to consider, it really was a no-brainer in her mind.  If they succeeded, her  name would be remembered...pretty much forever.  If they didn't, well, she needed a vacation.  "I could use a break from the tour circuit."
Revonoss
player, 12 posts
Spacefarer Mechanic
Korasha Lashunta
Tue 22 Jan 2019
at 09:38
  • msg #8

Secret in the Library

Revonoss smiles at the absurdity of it all. Here he was at some secret meeting some mechanic of little to no repute asked to return a stolen planet from a system far way. There where many questions roaming his mind. Was it a joke? Where they pulling some massive prank? But what was the use for that? After a moments though he could see a logical reasoning behind it. If this expedition failed someone like him would not be missed. Most likely the whole expedition would silently leave. If they succeeded they would receive eternal fame. It was at least a story to tell his grandchildren. And even if it wasn't a success a trip like that was a great way to rediscover oneself.

"Aye i would like to participate."
Solsantharis
Player, 4 posts
Solarian Spacefarer
Tue 22 Jan 2019
at 15:18
  • msg #9

Secret in the Library

Sol had listened with rapt attention. It was only after the speech was done that he let the words sink in and pondered them.

On the surface, of course, it was absurd... preposterous... insane. BUT... that was the big kicker... it was a generally accepted fact that the planet of Golarion had once been in this system and had somehow disappeared.

His studies into mysticism had given no indication that magic could accomplish such a feat. Technology, on the other hand, seemed to have no limits... just undiscovered means. He'd read over a dozen treatises on what had happened to the planet during the Gap. Most were wild speculation; a few had offered doubtful facts.

That there were other races out there in the Vast was already a known fact. There didn't seem to be any reason why one of them couldn't have a superior technology. Even if that WAS the case, how could they wrest the planet away from them?

He saw only two possibilities: a stealth operation regain what was rightfully theirs or appealing to species' moral compass. As nebulous as the Pact Worlds knowledge was about the missing planet, he couldn't help wondering if this species--the Sha'kri--remembered where the planet came from. For that matter, what was it like now? Had they stuck it in some sort of cosmic museum? Had they mined it into a barren rock? Or had it become a productive member of the aliens' own Pact Worlds?

If looked at that way, then this was really just a fact-finding mission, despite all the glorified posturing. It didn't look so preposterous in that light.

"I, too, will join this expedition," he responded.
Culhayn
player, 7 posts
Damaya Scholar
Tue 22 Jan 2019
at 18:19
  • msg #10

Secret in the Library

Culhayn let the surprise of the proposition show on his demeanor and then slowly wash over him - it was rare the situation in which he could let his emotions be noticed (at least, his true emotions), but if there was a situation were this behavior would be acceptable, this was it.

And strange as it may be, it was also a very interesting and thrilling proposition.

"I have some questions."

"Don't get me wrong - I'm really interested in being part of this expedition. Yet, one can't help but wonder about what more can be shared about these findings and the reasoning behind the endeavor you put in front of us."

"These materials that reference the Sha'kri; would their contents be shared with us? The ones who researched the situation, do they think the Sha'kir are responsible just for the relocation of lost Golarion - pardon, this really sounded a lot better in my head -, or would they also be responsible for the phenomenon of the Gap? You know, the erasing of its memory and records and all that..."

"Finally, why us,specifically? And in what capacity are we operating? Is this an official mission? A secret and deniable one?"

StarMaster
GM, 15 posts
Wed 23 Jan 2019
at 00:29
  • msg #11

Secret in the Library

"That is a very good question," Callistratus replies. "As you may know, there are many theories as to what caused the Gap. None of them have been proven. It would seem to make sense that a race that could steal a planet could just as easily have caused the Gap."

"That's the more outlandish theory."

"As for why each of you was selected... this could be a long-term expedition. We decided what abilities, functions, and talents might be needed, input them into a computer and started running a search for anyone who met those criteria. Of those that came up, we further evaluated them personally and then cast Augury to determine our final choice."

"And, yes, it's an official expedition, and while it isn't strictly secret, we're not advertising it. It's very speculative. It's not likely that anyone else is going to take it seriously... certainly not without years of further study and additional research."

"This is our project... and we can react on it without consideration from other members of the Pact Worlds. For that matter, we don't really know that other information may not have been found on the other worlds and they've already sent out an expedition."

"We don't think that has happened. But, it's a possibility."

Revonoss
player, 14 posts
Spacefarer Mechanic
Korasha Lashunta
Wed 23 Jan 2019
at 08:26
  • msg #12

Secret in the Library

Revonoss nods at the explanation. It sounded logical and so in essence they where first chosen by technology and then approved by the gods. That sounded like a good way for dealing with unknowns.

"So whats the prep time? When do we depart? Will you supply all we need or do we have to do so ourselves?"
StarMaster
GM, 16 posts
Thu 24 Jan 2019
at 06:24
  • msg #13

Secret in the Library

"While there is no urgent need to depart after all this time," answered Callistratus, "we were hoping to leave within 24 hours. Even now, the ship is getting loaded with supplies."

"General supplies will be provided, but if there's anything personal that you'd like, you should get them yourself."

"The ship is a Kevolari Voyager named the Starhawk under the command of Captain Zenith."



((OOC: Looks just like the Kevolari Venture just scaled up to a Large/Tier 3 ship.

Still working on the Ship's Stores list.))

Revonoss
player, 15 posts
Spacefarer Mechanic
Korasha Lashunta
Thu 24 Jan 2019
at 07:13
  • msg #14

Secret in the Library

He nods and says.

"Then i need to inform my family i will not be coming home for a while."
Culhayn
player, 8 posts
Damaya Scholar
Sat 26 Jan 2019
at 21:40
  • msg #15

Secret in the Library

The scholar silently nodded when he hears the answers to his questions, as well as the answers to the next round provided by the his new colleague.

It all made as much sense as the endeavors of a whole planet being stolen away - as well as most records and even the memory of its existence -, and the prospect of taking it back; which, at least to his mind, was not all that much. Yet, the precautions, calculations and simulations they most have taken to decide the group and crew should be precise and careful ones - and knowing that an augury spell had been used as a confirmation helped a lot. Yet, he couldn't help but wonder what were the specific skills that his profile showed on the registry, and he doubted he was selected as a bioengineer...

"I'll need to communicate my current employers that I'm voiding the contract I had with them for the time being, but I guess the nature of it allows me for it. I believe everything can be sorted in the specified timeframe."

StarMaster
GM, 17 posts
Sat 2 Feb 2019
at 22:13
  • msg #16

Secret in the Library

"Also, the sooner the ship departs, the less time there is for the information to get out," Callistratus adds.

"Not that we're anticipating any problems, but prudence says to eliminate as many of those chances as we can."

"So, if you are all agreed, then meet at the Starport Berth 7 by 6pm this evening."

Revonoss
player, 17 posts
Spacefarer Mechanic
Korasha Lashunta
Sat 2 Feb 2019
at 23:29
  • msg #17

Secret in the Library

Revonoss nods and unless stopped leaves to make arrangements. After all he either returns a hero from this endeavor or not at all. So saying his goodbyes to family was at least in order.
Sonaeu
player, 11 posts
Damaya Icon Operative
Sun 3 Feb 2019
at 00:05
  • msg #18

Secret in the Library

Sonaeu finished both her snack and her drink before gracefully climbing to her feet and gliding from the room.
Solsantharis
Player, 5 posts
Solarian Spacefarer
Sun 3 Feb 2019
at 18:44
  • msg #19

Secret in the Library

Sol was not surprised at the answers to the questions asked. He'd already decided that this wasn't some half-assed expedition being sent out on someone's whim. While it did seem a bit rushed, he was well aware of the political pressure that could be brought to bear on it. If the other worlds learned of it, they'd want to get involved, feeling that it was important to all of them, not just to the Lashunta or Castrovel. And, once it became a 'PROJECT', it would take years to get it funded and organized and even executed. Debates on the nature of it would be endless. Was it a military operation? Or was it a political operation? Was it strictly scientific or was there an economic element to it?

He was glad the ship would be leaving so soon. Less time to worry over it. Less time for the other worlds to find out about it and try to interfere.

"See you all on the ship!" he calls out to everyone as the meeting breaks up.
StarMaster
GM, 142 posts
Wed 8 Sep 2021
at 00:46
  • msg #20

Secret in the Library

Le'Auil finds himself in the Library of the Jeweled City of Qabarat being interviewed by the Grand Vizier Callistratus. It was one of several interviews he'd had, though he'd yet to learn just what they were for.

"Actually, this isn't an interview but an offer," Callistratus says.

"A recent discovery here in the Library offered a clue to what happened to Golarion. After much deliberation, we decided to send a ship out to follow that clue."

"The ship has an aiudara on board. That allows us to resupply the ship and to relieve any of the crew that need it."

"All these interviews were to see if you were... shall we say... suitable to join the ship. Assuming of course that you wish to do so."


He pauses then to let the impact of his words sink in.
Le'Auil
player, 11 posts
Bounty Hunter Mystic
Wed 8 Sep 2021
at 11:30
  • msg #21

Secret in the Library

Le'Auil thought a few moments about past employers who were disappointed in his dedication to doing what he felt was right. They had wanted him to do things that were not nice and barely legal- certainly messy. He wasn't a genius by standards of his race but still not an idiot. There were factors out there that played on the edges of his mind some he could see distantly others were like the stars, not always visible but there anyways. He decided it was best if he gave up on the complexity of the thoughts and let himself sway gently for a few more moments before opening his dark eyes and smiling, silver and black motes danced around his hands, 'Yes. While it is an honor to take a job and the trust that entails from the Grand Vizier I'm also assuming there will be something to the vein of support for special projects that may help us.' the nature of his Connection left him less comfortable with verbal communication than most of his species. He was uncomfortable with so much about this job. It was certain that things he was hired to find were... Possible to find.

He shut out telepathy for a few moments and offered a kind of prayer to the Void, 'Dear Stars... At least let me not have to come back to work at my brother's insane mountain eel farm.'

He opened his mind again and invited, 'Send me off then. Revelation or desperation we are aligned.'
StarMaster
GM, 143 posts
Wed 8 Sep 2021
at 18:43
  • msg #22

Secret in the Library

"I realize that all the interviews might seem like needless reiteration, but we felt we had to take considerable efforts to conceal what we're doing," Callimachus responds. "Not to hide it from our friends and allies, but hide it from our enemies, such as the Vesk and the Agents of Chaos, as well as opposing dogma priests. If it's not their way, it's no way. They fail to understand that any way requires striving. If you aren't striving, then you are already dead."

"But, of course, they wish to control that striving. It's like putting blinders on a horse."

"So, if you have any last minute business to deal with or gear to gather, you should do so now. The aiudara will be activated in one hour. Once you step through, you will cease to exist as far as anyone in the Pact Worlds will know."

Le'Auil
player, 12 posts
Bounty Hunter Mystic
Wed 8 Sep 2021
at 20:19
  • msg #23

Secret in the Library

Lee got up respectfully and nodded retrieving his bag and tools, it suddenly didn't feel like he was packing particularly heavy though it was almost everything he owned. 'Whenever I am hoping for a job, I'm ready to leave, though dossier would be lovely. Sometimes the facts discovered mean something different in the moment or change meaning as one takes their course. Does the ship already have that data? I'll need to convert some credits to barter goods if I'm about to not exist unless you have further equipment creation facilities on your ship, or blank credsticks to which I might transfer funds. It might almost be easier to give me a job to hunt down someone who is missing and thus have a reason for someone who does exist to lend credence to a group that doesn't otherwise exist.' What was right didn't always mean without subterfuge. He was uncertain if the orchestrators had thought through small things like that but didn't want to assume too much.

Either way he would be ready to go, even if it meant taking a hit on pocket money while he was working for them. Which would likely be to the end of his life... 2 out of 3 ways.
StarMaster
GM, 144 posts
Wed 8 Sep 2021
at 20:56
  • msg #24

Secret in the Library

"What dossier are you referring to?" Callistratus asks for clarification.

"And I think you misunderstood me when I said you'd cease to exist. I mean that no one would be able to find you because you'd be be beyond the range of any magic or technology that could find you."

"Where you're going is beyond credits. You're heading into the Vast. It's not likely that credits will be accepted anywhere you're going. The trail may even lead to the Great Beyond, possibly even some place we don't yet know about."

"If it turns out that you or the ship needs something that you can't get through the aiudara, you'll be on your own to make it or acquire it."

Le'Auil
player, 13 posts
Bounty Hunter Mystic
Thu 9 Sep 2021
at 00:48
  • msg #25

Secret in the Library

He was used to getting a batch of data regarding a starting point or last known position and habits. A planet would be less applicable especially thanks to the Gap. He was glad this wasn't his first job. He had to sheepishly admit it was silly but they MUST have SOMETHING more to go off of. It was strange enough for the Void to alight him on one planet this long anyhow.

'Force of habit. I'll try to get up to speed on all of the intel once I am on the ship if that is allowed.' Sometimes he could get a clue that others had missed from data they thought was important. Sometimes all he could do was reassure himself that he was still on top of it all.

'At least it'll be a proper adventure. Hopefully we won't need my more unique skills too often,' as far as he was concerned those were involved with surviving explosive decompression after an EMP wrecked all the safety gear.
StarMaster
GM, 145 posts
Thu 9 Sep 2021
at 12:49
  • msg #26

Secret in the Library

With everything worked out, Callistratus leads you to the local aiudara. It does stay on all the time, of course, but there are set times when it is scheduled for activation so that people wanting to come from other parts of the planet or the other Pact worlds can use the portal there to come to Castroval.

"We know how the portals work but not why," Callistratus says to Le'Auil as they approach the aiudara. "We'd have no idea what time it might be on the Starhawk or where in the universe it might be after several trips through The Drift, but we know the addresses of all known aiudara and that is how we access them. Oddly, it doesn't seem to matter how far away another one is or where it is, the two connect and the portal is opened. However, they don't work into or out of The Drift, so usually it's the Captain that initiates the connection. He checks in periodically."

"We'll call up the one on the ship now, and you step through onto the ship. The mere fact of  you stepping through tells Captain Zenith that we sent you, and if he has any crew wishing to return, they can step back here to Castroval."

"If you have any last minute questions, now's the time to ask them."


With that, the address is tapped into the aiudara's console, and a moment later, the portal is established.
Le'Auil
player, 14 posts
Bounty Hunter Mystic
Thu 9 Sep 2021
at 13:22
  • msg #27

Secret in the Library

Lee was sympathetic. He had power that he couldn't rightly explain but was glad it worked. He had a little more luggage now as he wanted to stick to goods rather than credits if things were going to be THAT far away. 'That supports planar travel for the Drift which is no surprise to most, I'd imagine. Just one more -thank you- before I go.'

Then he stepped through the portal somewhat surprised that they were using a relatively public feature.

Lee paused upon entering the cargo bay, "Le'Auil, journeyman Hunter and first rate survivor. If you'd like I can tell most of my life in 10 minutes or I can perform a highlights montage if you'll accept telepathy." He wasn't sure how comfortable with speech and as such was polite by doing what he liked less. Though his voice was like caramel and aged whiskey he disliked the sound of it himself, it was... jarring compared to the natural flow of the paths the Void sang to him.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:59, Thu 09 Sept 2021.
Corlene
NPC, 14 posts
Korasha Mercenary Soldier
Crew--Security
Fri 10 Sep 2021
at 15:04
  • msg #28

Secret in the Library

"Greetings, Le'Auil," the woman says. "I am Corlene, Chief Security Officer. Welcome to the Starhawk."

"To the best of our knowledge, no one else knows the code number for this aiudara, but it's not like it can't be hacked. The majority of our security lies in secrecy. I'm here to make sure it wasn't one of those situations."


She waves to Callistratus on the other side as a small cargo pallet floats through behind Le'Auil.

And then the portal closes.

"I'll show you to your quarters. Then you can join the others. The ship has normal crew, and then there's the Explorers, of which, I'm guessing, you'll be one, since we haven't had any crew losses yet."

She then leads him through the ship to his quarters, and then takes him to where the Explorers are meeting after just getting back from their latest excursion.


((OOC: You can now start posting in the Course Correction thread.))
Sign In