“Vortex” Update 5a.14 — Tyche trading

The T.K.V./U.E.V. "Blackbird" — The "Blackbird"

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for Session 5a.14 of the “Vortex” space opera campaign. Team 1 met on Monday, 28 March 2010, and is using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures/Mindjammer, Diaspora, and Limitless Horizons.

In one future, humanity has begun to colonize the Sol system, but ecological degradation and internecine conflicts persist. Open and official First Contact with Galactic societies, themselves at war, threaten Terra’s very survival. Can heroes rise to the challenges?

After enduring xenophobic attacks on Earth, two alien explorers and their human allies were embroiled in megacorp intrigues in the Lemuria orbital city and the Lunar Free State. The group then visited the Mars Confederation and obtained a faster-than-light ship in the Asteroid Belt from the Olvar Star League….

>>”Vortex” Team 1 (5a) Player Characters, crew of the “Blackbird,” as of spring 2011:

-“Syzygy” [Brian W.]-Trinoid (trilateral amphibious alien) xenologist with an organic laboratory and a pet cat named “Mr. Sniffles”

-“Tela” [Sara F.]-female Tharian (winged reptilian humanoid alien) escapee from the Encegulans, engineer

-“Chris McKee” [Josh C.]-male North American Terran cyborg human sniper working for eugenics conspirators at Black Box Security Co.

-“Aughest-vor” [Jason E.R.]-male human from the Lemuria orbital city, onetime dilettante, solar-sail regatta pilot

-“Lt. Kevin Reese” [Bruce K.]-male Terran human, burned-out officer and explorer in the Interplanetary Patrol

-“Gombo Shisel” [Rich L.]-male Mongolian/Martian human, former horse rancher and wilderness survival expert

Scene 1: Leaving the Asteroid Belt

“5 to 7 September 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Galactic Era:” Syzygy sets up his organic laboratory aboard the Blackbird, and Tela reports that the REM faster-than-light drive isn’t ready because the Olvar-installed (mammal-like alien) biomechanical systems need fine-tuning after the refitting for a human crew. “Dr. Bucket” helps familiarize the crew with its new vessel, although Chris McKee and Lt. Kevin Reese suspect that the robot is a spy for the United Earth Authority (U.E.A.).

Agent Prometheus acquaints himself with the particle cannon, while Lt. Reese watches Aughest-vor pilot the scout ship. The Interplanetary Patrol officer had requisitioned armored space suits for the mission to explore Tyche, a mysterious body near the Sol system.

Former horse rancher Gombo Shisel tries to use his animal-handling abilities on the spider-like drones in “the Hive,” but he finds that the ship as a whole responds more like a subsentient creature than individual robots. The Blackbird takes only a few hours to reach Tyche but stands off by a few Astronomical Units (the distance from Sol to Terra) because of radiation.

Preliminary scans indicate that Tyche is either a Precursor “sunkiller” or a rogue brown dwarf star diverted by Sol’s gravity well. The humans are alarmed at the Kharvamid Alliance databank mention of a sunkiller but have more pressing concerns, such as the body’s pull and radiation, as well as two arriving ships!

Scene 2: Tensions at Tyche

The first vessel is identified as the Shameless Strumpet, a mining ship from the Jovian colonies. Familiar with frontier customs, Gombo manages to intimidate Capt. Shane Borkai, Tetzuki Scarlotti, and Malia Karveh, who claim Tyche for themselves and have a contract with megacorporation Oromax. They recognize Aughest-vor from his solar-sail regattas.

The second ship is crewed by Cestolar, whom the Blackbird‘s computers identify as a former client species of the Olvar. They are badger-like, impatient, and literal. Capt. Dvar, Uduk, and Khoz recognize the Blackbird as the former Morifaiwet, which once outmaneuvered three Cestolar ships for similar mining rights. They also later recognize Tela as a Tharian.

Lt. Reese and Aughest-vor offer to negotiate a settlement and invite two members from each crew to the Blackbird. Tela and Dr. Bucket prepare the cargo bay for reception and then watch from the engine room. Gombo offers his expertise in claims settlement, and Syzygy notes that Tyche doesn’t pose an immediate threat to Terrans but represents a strategic resource.

Xenologist Syzygy talks with the stocky Capt. Dvar and Uduk, who are suspicious of the factionalized, erratic humans. Armored Capt. Borkai and Scarlotti are wary of Aughest’s association with Vimeco, which is a rival to Oromax. Neither side trusts the other or the negotiators. The Cestolar state that their mining technology is more advanced and much safer than that of the Jovians.

On behalf of the U.E.A., Kevin and company eventually manage to broker a deal to share the valuable plasma and heavy elements that the Cestolar will mine from Tyche. However, the Shameless Strumpet will have to spend the next year (of Earth time) in orbit to monitor their progress. The crew of the Blackbird agrees to contact the U.E.A. for supplies and protection from Ru’ulok raiders.

Scene 3: Swinging by Saturn

Although it wasn’t able to directly obtain samples from Tyche, the crew of the “Blackbird” reports its fuel-sharing arrangement to the U.E.A. and turns sunward. At an orbital habitat near Saturn’s moon Titan, the crew looks for a used military drop ship….

Josh C. will be writing his own update for this game, and I expect the Pathfinder/Skype: “the Vanished Lands” telecom fantasy game to continue this coming Sunday. Note that I’ve also posted to the Yahoo/eGroups message board about potential schedule changes in the next two months, books and miniatures for sale or trade, and a potential cross-group cookout in mid-May! Happy gaming, -Gene

“Vortex” Update 5b.12 — Sickness and sneaking

Starwind-class pleasure space yacht — The "Appomattox"

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for Session 5b.12 of the “Vortex” space opera campaign. Team 2 met on Monday, 21 March 2011, and is using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures/Mindjammer, Diaspora, and Limitless Horizons.

After encountering regional warlords, extraterrestrial probes, and other hazards around Karachi and Ghanki Station beneath the Arabian Sea, the adventurers had escaped to the Shepard 2 orbital city, but the ship that awaited them was missing key components. After a successful heist from a Lunar warehouse, the crew of the Fortune’s Fool/Gen. Lee set out for Venus on an urgent medical mission….

>>”Vortex” Team 2 Player Characters, crew of the Appomattox, as of spring 2011:

-“Gabriel Adams” [Paul J.]-male North American Terran near-human with telepathy, courier and pilot

-“ARTHERR” [Greg D.C.]-Advanced Resonance Theoretical Heuristic Exploration and Research Robot created by megacorp Vimeco

-“Jasmine” [Sara F.]-female Martian Felinoid (Synth, “Uplifted” tiger), former professional pit fighter

-“Dr. Dieter Klein” [Rich L.]-male European Terran human, semi-retired physician, altruist and thrillseeker

-“Hector Chavez” [Beruk A./absent]-male Latin American Terran human, “burned” operative and communications expert

-“Dr. Richmond Garrett” [Dave S.C./absent]-male Southern American Terran human, space snake-oil salesman and social climber

“25 to 26 August 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Galactic Era:” A virus whose symptoms resemble arthritis continues to spread among the Venusian colonies. The investigators have found that sabotage was the cause of an explosive decompression that killed thousands of workers who had gathered for treatment at Hephaestus Stadium in the Kardikea orbital city.

Gabriel and Jasmine explain to ARTHERR, who has been coordinating the distribution of medicine, that the evidence of sabotage has led them to the Central Committee of the Venusian Finance Union. Meanwhile, the virus has mutated, accelerating the rate of infection and mortality.

Hector returns to the cockpit of the Appomattox (formerly the “General Lee“) to monitor communications of the Finance Union, news media, and the United Earth Authority (U.E.A.) quarantine of Venus. “Capt. Doug McDonnell” [Erik B.L./Non-Player Character] confirms that a member of the Parsifal‘s crew has died from the virus.

Dr. Richmond Garrett, appointed surgeon general by Chairman Orion Stefanov, stays in his low-gravity sauna. Nero Bartholomew, onetime owner of the Fortune’s Fool and more recently the ship’s cook, is confined to his cabin after becoming ill. Reptilian Synth (genetically engineered humanoid) and former miner Averki “Deep Dish” Dyashenko takes over his duties.

Now that food has been identified as the epidemic’s attack vector, ARTHERR requests samples from Kardikea authorities. His friend’s space yacht stranded because of the blockade, Dr. Dieter Klein soon finds himself helping to bring rats and small livestock to the Appomattox.

Gabriel welcomes Herr Klein aboard, and ARTHERR helpfully leads him to the galley/kitchen, where he has created a makeshift laboratory. The doctor recommends that they eventually acquire a medical bay. Jasmine is relieved to have a real physician around, and the robot and retiree get to work devising a way to detect the virus in food.

Several hours later, Dr. Klein and ARTHERR create a blood test to find whether livestock or people are infected. They proudly share their results via teleconference with medical colleagues at Morningstar Consortium, Xi Labs, and Vimeco, plus Capt. Amelia Saviola of the U.E.V. Sphinx.

Not pausing between challenges, Gabriel, ARTHERR, Jasmine, and Dieter then decide to sneak into the Central Committee to see how far up the chain of command they can trace the orders to sabotage the stadium. Hector obtains schematics and loans a handheld scanner to Dr. Klein.

The former government operative creates a diversion to distract guards in the docking bay, allowing the foursome to slip into the orbital city. Gabriel and Dieter are disguised in maintenance-worker coveralls retrieved from the late Kiril Shatalin’s quarters. Felinoid Jasmine hides her identity in a customized space suit, and ARTHERR adds some panels to appear as a rolling trash can.

Hector remotely guides the infiltrators to a back entrance of the station’s command center. They pass through a labyrinth of pipe-filled tunnels and bluff their way past guards and low-ranking drones. Gabriel and Dieter duck into a locker room to upgrade their uniforms but are soon surrounded by burly men named Yegor, Igar, and Ugir.

ARTHERR tampers with a thermostat, creating steam to cover the interlopers as they grab clothing and leave. The group ascends to a level filled with colonial bureaucrats and soldiers. Wary of surveillance devices, the team ducks into a latrine. Dr. Klein suggests using dumping a cauterizing agent from his medic kit into water to drive people out and obscure cameras.

Jasmine goes into a stall, Gabriel stands near a urinal trough, and ARTHERR continues to pose as a trash can. Dr. Klein’s plan works, and several officers leave quickly to avoid the noxious fumes. Gabriel stands by a sink, then leads the way into an air vent that happens to be large enough for even Jasmine to crawl in.

After disabling a dangerous fan, the fearless four climb a vertical shaft to a nicer restroom directly above the previous one. ARTHERR uses his Taser against the sole stall occupant, and Gabriel again trades up in uniform. The telepath then uses his suggestion ability on some guards and an ID card to gain access to Chairman Stefanov’s office. Jasmine and Dieter wait at the air shaft.

ARTHERR finds and removes a local data-storage unit, and Gabriel warns him that Orion and aides are coming. When the stunned officer is found in the restroom next door, an alarm is raised. Gabriel bars the door with a desk, and ARTHERR cuts a hole in the third-story window and wheels out. He then hides in plain sight in a courtyard.

Acrobatic Gabriel manages to reach the ground unscathed, but pursuing guards shoot him in the leg. Dr. Klein and Jasmine get caught in a duct between a fan leading to a rooftop exit and a security robot. Mighty Jasmine shoots the droid, kicks out the fan and grill, and finds a fire escape for herself and the good doctor as more sentries and aerodynes arrive.

After running through deserted streets, Gabriel requisitions a garbage truck near the stadium ruins and covertly picks up ARTHERR. Jasmine leads police on a chase with her hoverbike before losing them and regrouping with Gabriel, thanks in part to Hector’s hacking of traffic lights and communications.

Back at the Appomattox, Jasmine is first in line for a long shower, and Dr. Klein attends to his and Gabriel’s injuries. ARTHERR begins analyzing the hard drive to find proof that the ruling council of Kardikea Station and the 12 families that control Venus’ colonies are behind the carnage at Hephaestus Stadium….

Beruk and Dave, we missed you, and I hope you’ll be able to meet Rich at the next Team 2 game on April 4! Rich also plans to sit in on the next Team 1 session on March 28. In the meantime, I’ll see Paul and Beruk at this Sunday’s Pathfinder/Skype: “the Vanished Lands” virtual fantasy campaign, and take it easy, -Gene

“Vortex” Update 5a.13 — Leaving space dock

"Daemon" deck plan — T.K.V. "Blackbird" interior

Fellow role-players, here are Josh C.’s notes for Session 5a.13 of the “Vortex” space opera campaign. Team 1 met on Monday, 14 March 2011, and is using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures/Mindjammer, Diaspora, and Limitless Horizons.

After evading xenophobic attacks at the Rio “beanstalk,” New Miami, and Lemuria Station, two alien explorers and their human allies visited the Moon and the Martian Confederation. After obtaining passage to the Asteroid Belt, they prepared to leave the Sol system together for the first time….

>>”Vortex” Team 1 Player Characters, crew of the “Blackbird,” as of spring 2011:

-“Syzygy” [Brian W.]-Trinoid (trilateral amphibious alien) xenologist with an organic laboratory and a pet cat named “Mr. Sniffles”

-“Tela” [Sara F.]-female Tharian (winged reptilian humanoid alien) escapee from the Encegulans, engineer

-“Chris McKee” [Josh C.]-male North American Terran cyborg human sniper working for eugenics conspirators at Black Box Security Co.

-“Aughest-vor” [Jason E.R.]-male human from the Lemuria orbital city, onetime dilettante, solar-sail regatta pilot

-“Lt. Kevin Reese” [Bruce K.]-male Terran human, burned-out officer and explorer in the Interplanetary Patrol

-“Gombo Shisel” [Rich L./absent]-male Mongolian/Martian human, former horse rancher and wilderness survival expert

>Field report of Agent Prometheus, “30 August to 4 September 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Galactic Era”

This report is brief but positive. After our interviews, including a grilling of former playboy pilot and would-be politician Aughest-vor by the United Earth Authority (U.E.A.), my companions and I waited for approval for interstellar travel. Most of us spent this time productively.

Syzygy prepared his living lab and cat “Mr. Sniffles” for another move, while Tela looked over the specifications of the Olvar (mammal-like arboreal alien) scout ship Morifaiwet. Lt. Kevin Reese talked up Capt. Wu Hanbei of the I.P.V. Babieca; I believe he was trying to get advance information out of the council deciding its decision.

Aughest-vor took on the quartermaster duties, making sure that our refitted ship would be provisioned and that his solar sail craft and the Tiger Hawk Sandstorm ground-effect vehicle would be available. We still need a small drop ship/shuttle. Aughest also remembered that he had a piece of Ru’ulok (heavy-gravity reptilian alien pirate) technology from our raid on the Martian domestead. Further reports are pending on investigation.

After a few days, the Olvar Star League and the U.E.A. awarded us possession of the Morifaiwet, which was rechristened the Terran-Kharvamid Vessel (T.C.V.) Blackbird. During a brief boarding ceremony, Adm. Raul Xinshang, commander of the Musashi battle group, put us on a shuttle from Ceres Station. Lt. Reese relived the stationed guards, and we took command!

Upon inspection, we discovered that the experimental starship was in top shape and came with unrequested features, specifically, an astrogation/mechanic robot we named “Mr. Bucket.” I suspect that the droid is aboard to report our activities back to the U.E.A. In addition, engineer Tela found an area called “the Hive,” filled with biomechanical spiders. They’re apparently part of the ship’s automated maintenance and repair systems.

Scientist Syzygy checked the ship’s computer, which contains Terran and Kharvamid Alliance databases and a holographic interface. I examined the beam weapons system and long-range sensors, and we assigned crew cabins, including one for newcomer Mr. Shisel.

The U.E.A. space navy issued orders to inspect an extrasolar body named Tyche that is emitting radiation. Pilot Aughest-vor took us out of dock, and we are on our way….

>[Josh’s out-of-character notes:] Hi guys, here are additional details not in “Chris McKee’s” report. We finished the troupe-style interrogation of Jason (see previous update for the review rosters), since he was absent last time.

-U.E.A. review committee: We have thought further about Aughest-vor. Since we are unable to arrest him or toss him out an airlock (as Capt. Wu Hanbei recommended), we reluctantly approve him to accompany Lt. Kevin Reese.

–Kharvamid Fleet panel: After reflection and discussion, we have decided to approve the humans for deep-space Transit. We feel it may not be the best time, but their blundering into Galactic politics is now inevitable.

We also spent a good chunk of the session building our new ship. Now that’s the Blackbird refit is completed (see write-up below), we look forward to exploring the Milky Way Galaxy, making new friends and enemies, and shooting as many Ru’ulok as humanly possible. ;) -Josh/”Chris”

>>Starship name: the “Blackbird“

>>Crew: Team 1 (“Vortex” 5a)

–Pilot/diplomat: “Aughest-vor…” [Jason E.R.]

–Engineer/scout: “Tela” [Sara F.]

–Scientist/medic: “Syzygy” [Brian W.]

–Security/diplomat: “Lt. Kevin Reese” [Bruce K.]

–Gunner/communications: “Chris McKee/Agent Prometheus” [Josh C.]

–Wilderness survival/medic: “Gombo Shisel” [Rich L.]

–Astrogator/mechanic: “Dr. Bucket” [Non-Player Character, United Earth Authority robot]

>>Ship Aspects (5, using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures)

–Scale/size, type/class: Large cutter/scout ship

–Origin: “Morifaiwet” — Olvar Star League, Kharvamid Alliance

–Condition: Experimental vessel

–Systems/customization: It’s life, but not as we know it (biomechanical subsystems)

–Reputation: Storied past

>>Skills/components (16 points for general, defensive, and offensive systems)

–2 Good (+3): Advanced Sensor Suite, Hyperdrive (REM, 1 parsec/day)

–3 Fair (+2): Ablative Armor, Maneuver (STL), Repair System

–4 Average (+1): Beam Weapon, Cargo Hold, Flight Bay, Ship Systems

>>Stunts (and related skills/crew; includes bonuses from Starship Systems)

-Advanced Med Bay (Ship Systems/Science; Syzygy, Gombo)

-Afterburner (Maneuver/Pilot, Engineer; Aughest, Tela)

-Atmospheric Entry (Maneuver/Pilot; Aughest, Kevin)

-Autorepair (“Hive drones”; Repair System/Engineer; Tela, Syzygy)

-Blind Jump (Hyperdrive/Pilot; Aughest, Kevin)

-Knowledge Base (Ship Systems/Academics, Investigation; Chris, Syzygy)

-Point Defense (Beam Weapon/Gunner; Chris, Kevin)

-Research Computer (Ship Systems/Science; Syzygy, Gombo)

>>Fate Points (Remaining Refresh): 6

>>Status:

–Structural Stress: 4

–Systems Stress: 4

>>FATE Diaspora Stats

–Skills (TL2, 17 build points)

–V-shift (maneuver): 4 (6 build points)

–Beam: 3 (4 build points)

–Torpedo: 0

–Electronic Warfare: 2 (2 build points)

–Trade/maintenance: 3

–Consequences (Minor -2, Major -4, Severe -6, Extreme -8)

–Armor/heat

–Shields/data

–Ship/frame

>>Image Links (may need to copy and paste if clickthroughs don’t work):

-Olvar exterior (includes Ablative Armor, +2): http://www.bwafer.com/starwars/breen.html

http://www.strekschematics.utvinternet.com/shipgallery/shipgallery2/breen2.jpg

http://www.shipschematics.net/startrek/images/others/breen_battlecruiser.jpg

-Human-refitted interior (see key below): http://www.yourgamesnow.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2786

>>Interior Key:

-1. Advanced Sensor Suite (+3)

-2. Bridge (pilot, astrogation, and Ship Systems stations)

-3. Main computer (+1, research and knowledge base, holographic interface, training/entertainment archive)

-4. Communications suite

-5. Airlock (to secondary pod, docking hardpoints)

-6. Galley/dining room/lounge

-7. Head/bathroom

-8. Lt. Kevin Reese’s cabin (w/ Farrah Fawcett poster)

-9. Syzygy and Mr. Sniffles’ customized cabin (w/ immersion unit, spectrum lamps)

-10 a. Chris McKee/Agent Prometheus’ cabin (w/ gun rack)

-10 b. Aughest-vor’s cabin (w/ racing trophies)

-10 c. Tela’s cabin (w/ tools)

-10 d. Gombo Shisel’s cabin (w/ equestrian, Martian images)

-11. Fuel tanks

-12. Autorepair systems (+2; Dr. Bucket and drone hive), starboard hatch

-13. Advanced Med Bay and Syzygy’s xenobiology lab

-14. Afterburner (Yoyodyne Overthruster)

-15. Hyperdrive (REM Transit system, +3=1 parsec/day)

-16. Ship Systems/ (+1, life support, gravitics, and Tela’s biomechanical shop), aft hatch

-17. Maneuver Drive (+2, Beryllium spheres, sublight and power)

>>Secondary pod (see Breen/Olvar exterior, not in “Daemon” plan):

-18. Flight Bay (+1): Small drop ship (to acquire)

-19. Beam Weapon (+1, Chris’ gunner’s turret; to install-secondary or multifire controls)

-20. Flight Bay (+1): The “Tiger Hawk Sandstorm” ground-effect vehicle and Aughest’s solar-sail racing craft (to stat out)

-21. Cargo Hold (+1)

Thanks, Josh, for the update, and I look forward to seeing Team 1 on Monday, March 28. Rich met part of Team 2 at last night’s “Vortex” game (notes to come), and he plans to sit in on more sessions of both groups to meet everyone. In the meantime, please remember to post to Jason’s and my posts about minis and books for sale if you haven’t already. Be seeing you, -Gene

“Vortex” Update 5b.11 — Venusian virus

Fellow role-players, here are my notes for Session 5b.11 of the “Vortex” space opera campaign. Team 2 met on Monday, 7 March 2011, and is using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures/Mindjammer, Diaspora, and Limitless Horizons.

After encountering various hazards around Karachi and Ghanki Station beneath the Arabian Sea, the adventurers had escaped to the Shepard 2 orbital city, but their new ship was missing key components. After a successful heist from a Lunar warehouse, the crew of the “Gen. Lee” went to Venus on an urgent medical mission….

>>”Vortex” Team 2 Player Characters, crew of the Appomattox, as of spring 2011:

-“Gabriel Adams” [Paul J.]-male North American Terran near-human with telepathy, underworld courier

-“Hector Chavez” [Beruk A.]-male Latin American Terran human, “burned” operative and communications expert

-“Jasmine” [Sara F.] female Martian Felinoid (Synth, “Uplifted” tiger), former professional pit fighter

-“ARTHERR (Advanced Resonance Theoretical Heuristic Exploration and Research Robot)” [Greg D.C./absent]-Explorer created by megacorporation Vimeco

-“Dr. Richmond Garrett” [Dave S.C./absent]-male Southern American Terran human, space snake-oil salesman and social climber

“22 to 24 August 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Galactic Era:” While investigating the collapse of Hephaestus Stadium at Kardikea Station, the travelers had fought assassin robots. Both the Venusian Finance Union and the United Earth Authority (U.E.A.) expect results in the disaster probe.

Gabriel confines cook (and former owner of the Fortune’s Fool) Nero Bartholomew to his quarters after he starts showing symptoms of the arthritis-like plague afflicting the Venusian colonists. Capt. Adams orders that Nero receive injections. He also orders reptilian “Synth” (genetically engineered humanoid) Averki “Deep Dish” Dyashenko to disinfect the galley and repaint the Appamattox.

Hector and ARTHERR analyze the robotic remains from the Hephaestus wreckage. Some are from maintenance droids, which appear to have deliberately weakened support beams with sulphuric acid (found in Venus’ atmosphere) and industrial chemicals. Other parts belong to combat models that were reprogrammed to attack the salvage crew. Both types were made by megacorp Vimeco, ARTHERR’s creator.

Jasmine practices gunnery, and Dr. Garrett stays in his low-gravity sauna. Gabriel contacts smuggler Kirun in Lucifer’s Hole. The underworld courier learns that although there are no nonmilitary faster-than-light ships in Venus orbit, a Ru’ulok (reptilian alien) trader named Gorvek Beezo has access to such technology in Earth orbit. However, the U.E.V. Sphinx is maintaining its quarantine of Venus.

“Capt. Doug McDonnell” [Erik B.L./Non-Player Character] of the aid ship Parsifal radios to say that one of his crew has died from the mysterious ailment, which may have mutated to act more quickly. He also notes that an infection vector has been found — food preparation.

ARTHERR and surgeon general Dr. Garrett coordinate with Vimeco, Xi Labs, and Morningstar Consortium hospitals across the Venusian colonies to ramp up synthesis and distribution of medicine. Capt. Adams and Mr. Chavez report to Capt. Amelia Saviola of the “Sphinx,” and she encourages them to pursue their lead on the robots.

Gabriel, Hector, and Jasmine don space suits and leap from the Appomattox to an adjacent airlock rather than deal with local security forces. Now that the means of transmission has been identified, they remove their suits to more covertly cross Kardikea Station.

Hector finds that one Kiril Shatalin authorized the work order for the maintenance robots. The man in black and his companions go to Shatalin’s apartment in Gold Sector. After Jasmine almost trips over a surveillance unit, Hector hacks it to show recent visitors and run a loop during their entry.

Agile Gabriel vaults to a second-story window and easily breaks in. Burly Jasmine searches the dingy unit, finding no sign of recent visitors and some old uniforms. Wily Hector finds that the bureaucrat had limited copies of requisition forms on his local computers.

After Gabriel distracts a nosy babushka with a telepathic suggestion, the trio goes next to the Ministry of Infrastructure. Furred Jasmine waits in the long lines and talks with Pavel, a fellow Synth who agrees that the Finance Union doesn’t care about the workers, despite its omnipresent rhetoric.

Gabriel and Hector don Kiril’s coveralls, flirt with the office staff, and get an audience with Shatalin’s superior. Sofia Siderova reluctantly admits that she had been ordered to reassign the Vimeco robots to the Oromax-built stadium by the Central Committee shortly before the disaster, which killed many thousands. The two offworlders promise not to mention her in their report.

The idea of breaking into the Central Committee’s headquarters to get hard evidence linking chairman Orion Stefanov and the 12 houses to the stadium disaster appeals to Gabriel. He, Hector, and Jasmine return to the Appomattox to plan their next moves….

Greg and Dave, we missed you at this session, but I hope that everyone can make Team 2’s next game on March 21. In the meantime, take it easy, -Gene

Note: As I continue consolidating blogs, some posts will be mirrored across my Web sites.

>>”Vortex” Team 1 Player Characters, crew of the Blackbird, as of spring 2011:

-“Syzygy” [Brian W.]-Trinoid (trilateral amphibious alien) xenologist with an organic laboratory and a pet cat named “Mr. Sniffles”

-“Tela” [Sara F.]-female Tharian (winged reptilian humanoid alien) refugee and mechanic, fond of humans

-“Chris McKee/Agent Prometheus” [Josh C.]-male Terran human sniper working for Black Box Security Co., a shadowy eugenics organization

-“Aughest-vor…” [Jason E.R.]-male human from the Lemuria orbital city, disgraced scion of a wealthy family and solar-sail regatta racer

-“Lt. Kevin Reese” [Bruce K.]-male Terran cyborg human, burned-out officer and explorer in the Interplanetary Patrol

-“Gombo Shisel” [Rich L.]-male Martian human, former horse rancher, survival expert, and assistant medic

“Vortex” Update 5a.12: Who wants to be a starfarer?

Note: As I continue consolidating blogs, several posts such as this one will be mirrored across various sites.

The Local Bubble

Fellow role-players, here are Josh C.’s notes for Session 5a.12 of the “Vortex” space opera campaign. Team 1 met on 28 February, 2011, and is using FATE 3e Starblazer Adventures/Mindjammer, Diaspora, and Limitless Horizons.

After evading xenophobic attacks at the Rio “beanstalk,” New Miami, and Lemuria Station, two alien explorers and their human allies obtained passage to Mars, where they found new allies and threats….

>>“Vortex” Team 1 Player Characters, crew of the Blackbird, as of spring 2011:

-“Syzygy” [Brian W.]-Trinoid (trilateral amphibious alien) xenologist with an organic laboratory and a pet cat named “Mr. Sniffles”

-“Tela” [Sara F.]-female Tharian (winged reptilian humanoid alien) refugee and mechanic, fond of humans

-“Chris McKee/Agent Prometheus” [Josh C.]-male Terran human sniper working for Black Box Security Co., a shadowy eugenics organization

-“Lt. Kevin Reese” [Bruce K.]-male Terran cyborg human, burned-out officer and explorer in the Interplanetary Patrol

-“Gombo Shisel” [Rich L.]-male Martian human, former horse rancher, survival expert, and assistant medic

-“Aughest-vor…” [Jason E.R./absent]-male human from the Lemuria orbital city, disgraced scion of a wealthy family and solar-sail regatta racer

>Field report of Agent Prometheus, “25 to 31 August 2194 A.D./C.E. or 0 Galactic Era”

Before I begin, I must apologize for the tardiness of this report. My communications were temporary jammed after the I.P.V. Icy Corona brought us from the Mars Confederacy to the Asteroid Belt. Kevin wined and dined with the captain, Tia Horektef, who turned out to be married.

I spoke with Syzygy about my suspicions on Tela’s origins, as mentioned in my last field report. Most of the extraterrestrials we have encountered aren’t familiar with her species, with the notable exception of the reptilian Ru’ulok. Tela practiced gunnery.

Syzygy said that Tela was not a combined organism, but the three-armed scientist couldn’t rule out the possibility that the Tharian was an animal “Uplifted” by the sluglike Encegulans. He did mention, however, that he had pinpointed her planet of origin.

Upon our arrival at the Asteroid Belt, my companions and I were greeted by a massive surprise. The United Earth Authority (U.E.A.) has been busy. Ceres, previously the site of a modest space station, has been hollowed out, and numerous asteroids have been gathered for an immense shipyard. It appeared to be the U.E.A.’s staging area for all deep-space exploration. While I was there, my link to Black Box was cut off.

After arriving at Ceres Station, we were told that we would be vetted by two panels — one of Terran humans from the U.E.A. and one of aliens from the Kharvamid Alliance. While we waited, I was approached by Gombo Shisel, a former horse breeder and wilderness guide from Mars. Syzygy got some order to include as many humans as possible on our team.

As you’re no doubt aware, Shisel’s family is well known for its genetically engineered livestock. Black Box has monitored its progress with some interest. Unfortunately, Gombo’s herd was affected by poor breeding and disease, and his fellow ranchers drove him offworld and confiscated his remaining property. Shisel’s clan didn’t help him, and I’ll send more data as it becomes available….

>[Josh’s out-of-character notes:] Hi all, last week, we had an interesting role-playing experience. Each person played a member of the panel interviewing the other characters. For the rest of my notes, I’ll provide the reports of the panels.

>>United Earth Authority review committee:

-“Capt. Wu Hanbei” [Brian W.]-female Belter “near-human” (low-G) pilot of the U.E.V. “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)

According to our interviews, Syzygy is a brilliant xenologist (at least by Terran standards) but lacks a complete understanding of human biomedical ethics. We are concerned at the Trinoids’ lack of the concept of “informed consent,” even if their intentions and technologies are benevolent. Dr. Siddig recommends that other Kharvamid member species be contacted for their perspectives.

Tela, who has made a name for herself as an engineer on a few U.E.A. vessels, was evasive regarding how she came to Earth. Mr. Mazantas suspects some illegal activity or emotional trauma. We had no problems with her otherwise.

Lt. Williams grilled Mr. McKee about his employers at Black Box Security Co. While Chris assured Lt. Williams and Lt. Jones that he would do his best to protect his crew and missions, we remain concerned about his loyalties to the shady megacorp.

Lt. Reese is apparently leader of this rag-tag group. The Interplanetary Patrol officer generally received high marks, except from Capt. Wu Hanbei (who seemed to hate everyone). Kevin promised to represent the Sol system’s interests, opt for diplomacy when possible, and defend his friends to the best of his ability.

Capt. Wu Hanbei expressed disapproval of including civilians such as Mr. Shisel and the infamous Aughest-vor… (transcripts to come) but acknowledged that the group was picked as a whole by the Star League lend-lease program. Gombo said that his experiences in the Martian outback would be helpful to the party in planetary exploration.

This committee recommends to Adm. Raul Xinshang, commander of the U.E.V. Musashi and its battle group, that these people be approved for extrasolar travel. However, we also note the caveat that a U.E.A. robot should be assigned to the “Morifaiwet/Blackbird” to monitor the crew’s activities.

>>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, antlered, raptor-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)

Stk’Krst questioned Chris McKee and Lt. Kevin Reese about the number of times their group has been attacked. He also asked Tela about her familiarity with various classes of faster-than-light drives and noted that the Morifaiwet was an Olvar experiment in biomechanical systems.

Sudoku greeted Syzygy as a fellow member of the Trinoid science collective but was more interested in the different approaches of humans McKee, Reese, Shisel, and Aughest-vor to potential First Contact situations.

Old Chi of Clan Flanker traded war stories with Lt. Reese, asked about Gombo Shisel’s livestock, and emphasized the usefulness of close-combat expertise on hostile worlds. The Gustrall also noted that the Sol system was at the edge of Kharvamid space, surrounded by neutral or nonaligned territory.

Arvel Dilsir asked Syzygy about his observations of Terran culture and the potential for humanity to join the alliance. The Olvar, proud of the Star League, was still wary of factionalism, while Gurthex asked about the chain of command and whether the crew had a mutual code of honor….

Jason, we missed you, but don’t worry — the panels have some questions for “Aughest-vor!” Richard, it was nice to meet you, and we look forward to you sitting in on Team 1’s next game on March 14. Josh, thanks for the notes, and I’ll see you and Sara for Rango this coming Saturday.

In the meantime, I’m also working on the update for the latest “Vortex” Team 2 session, and the next Pathfinder/Skype: “the Vanished Lands” telecom fantasy game will be on Sunday. Have a good week, -Gene