Back on the road for this session, this time at a Travelodge. The WiFi was okay, but too slow for uploading the audio file at the end of the session so this is a little later than I planned. I also had weird technical issue with Audio Hijack, which is usually rock solid.
Audio Hijack is the application that allows you to do clever things for audio recording; whenever I've had issues before, it's been caused by me rather than the application (for example, when I missed that the Role VTT had a different set of of audio settings which were meaning that the audio on the recording was going somewhere different to the way the system was set up). This time was a bit different. Although I could see a list of the various sessions that I have created (sessions are a combination of audio blocks like those shown below), I couldn't actually open the session window. I just got the macOS beachball of doom. I ended up reinstalling the application, but that didn't resolve it. Ultimately, it was possible to run the recorder from the session list. Now I'm home, it seems to be working fine (although there was a spinning beachball delay initially until the session window opened). Hopefully, it will be fine next session.
I found prep for this session really hard, as it was pulling together across the Gahand system descriptions in both the Campaign (GM) and Expedition (Player) books. I had to be ready for supporting the preparation phase, running a slipstream journey, encounters in Gahand and then potentially reaching the adventure. It was a lot to get into my head, and I ended up generating a set of summaries. Hopefully, I will get the time to re-read them all again this weekend.
I think it wasn't helped by the fact that we'd had a restructuring announcement at work earlier in the day, and although I was fortunate enough not to be directly affected, I was supporting others who were.
The session itself ended up dedicated to planning again. This was probably the best thing that could happen; the preparation for the expedition is critical and once the characters are committed, they will be spending nearly a year travelling, much of that far away from any replenishment. We'd only had three players for the previous planning session, and Graham admitted that he was losing sight of the big picture. We solved this to some degree by taking these blog entries (now some 28,000 words) and summarising them in Gemini Notebook. Hopefully, a more regular player-led log will avoid losing this focus again. I need to check in with Simon as he's the only team member who hasn't been part of the planning work.
Graham recently made a post where he observed this campaign could be a long one. Having reflected, I do think he is right. I'd originally thought we'd get it done in perhaps 25 evening sessions (based on two four hour sessions for each scenario, and an extra four hours for the taster Sky Machine adventure). Now, each of our sessions runs for about 2 hours, maybe two and a half hours maximum. We also have a bunch of great role-players who enjoy character interaction, so we aren't meeting the rate that I originally estimated. I'm not certain how much longer this will take, but we will run long. I guess this is a conversation that I need to have with everyone. I'm comfortable if it does, but will need to work out what I do about Singularity for Traveller, which I was planning to run next.
As an aside, I have left in some of the 'at table' commentary that Tabletop Recorder generates this session as it shows a side of the tool I don't usually show.
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| Hattie and the Hats? |
- Arda Qamar, a Guild Surveyor and Traveller who came from the Far Colonies from a Mining Combine operation. She’s the bird handler and Scout for the team. (Played by Hattie).
- Meristo Koulas, an Esoteric Coriolite Seer who grew up in the Fog of the Haze, and has ties to the Black Toad. (Played by Paul).
- Lieto Miesma, a Scholar specialised in Builder Archeology who came from deep inside the Factory City of the Turbine Halls, with a background in the Machinist's Guild. (Played by Graham)
- Fassour Faradi, a roughneck deep miner who also came from somewhere the eternal fog of the Haze, and - like Merits - has ties to the Black Toad. (Played by Simon)
- Rashid al-Masri, a scoundrel Hull Cutter who came from among the hulks and wrecks of Hull Town, and has connections to the Gardener's Guild. (Played by Andy).
- Corvus the Bird, a specter; cobalt blue, with a long beak, always observing. Usually handled by Arda.
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| The New Seekers (Corvus, Arda, Meristo, Fassour, Rashid and Lieto) |
The Session (Spoilers for The Flowers of Algorab).
The crew assembled within the confines of Vermilion House amidst a scatter of charts and documents to plot their course and fine tune their expedition's logistics. The adept GM, Dom, and the party - comprising Lieto Miesma, the artefact specialist; Arda Qamar, the astute scout and bird handler; Rashid Al Masri, the vigilant security guard; and Meristo Koulas, the diligent team medic - deliberated over maps and potential routes for their imminent journey through the expansive and mysterious systems of Jumuah, Gahand, Ninhulam, Habanatum, and Auriga.
Their discussions were steeped in strategy, focusing on the necessity of specific equipment and supplies required due to the unpredictable conditions of the varied locales they intended to explore. The crux of their mission, as shared by Arda, was to trace an elusive signal linked to the mysterious orbs. The Singularity Sphere had triggered a signal that disrupted all electronics in Ship City and now possibly pointed toward technology of ancient, perhaps builder origin, hinting at a truth far beyond their current understanding.
As they sorted through the details—like the choice of gear prompted by circuits that demanded special considerations—Lieto attempted to probe deeper into the signal's origin using his expertise in artefacts. Despite his analytical attempts, the uniqueness and complexity of the signal eluded definitive explanation, though speculations about its warp space or trans-spatial nature emerged. The group collectively pondered the advanced technology it implied, potentially surpassing even the known horizons.
In the backdrop of their technical preparations, personal and logistical concerns also surfaced. They contemplated the long duration of their quest, joking about domestic trivialities like finding someone to water the plants at home but their jests soon gave way to broader existential discussions about the implications of their discoveries and the fame or scrutiny that might follow. Intellectual property rights and media exposure post-mission were discussed with a light-hearted perspective on how they would manage or endure the inevitable storm of public and academic interest.
As they concluded their session, the crew reaffirmed the details of their ship, the Akhander, with Meristo insuring the addition of comforting amenities like harpoon cannons, ostensibly for protection against space monstrosities but also adding an air of adventure to their equipped vessel. They reflected on the Akhander's storied past, marked by anomalies and odd occurrences that hinted at its travels and tribulations through the great unknown.
Finally, solidifying their resolve and their route, they ensured every detailed necessity was documented, leaving no stone unturned, preparing to delve into the cryptic cosmos with their eyes wide open to the marvels and dangers that awaited. Thus, ready and resolute, our explorers set forth, their spirits intertwined with the spectral echoes of those who had ventured forth before them, each step forward a stitch in the vast tapestry of cosmic destiny.
Their voyage plan was to travel from Ship City, leaving the Jumuah system and heading to Gahand, the gateway to the Hammurabi Arm. From there, they would travel to Ninhulam - the Golden Star - and on to Auriga, before finally reaching Habanatum. Allowing for at least a week in each system, the journey out would take at least half a year. They agreed that the safe route home would be to reverse their passage, but the potentially faster route via the Kerfeter Stream was an option, but Hiram's Delta and the Kerfeter Shoals would need to be navigated carefully as they presented significant hazards.
Boarding the Akhander, a gathering unfolded that brought together our intrepid explorers with Indria Kander, the ship's First Officer. Our medley of specialists, dubbed the New Seekers, found themselves in the company of this First Officer, whose demeanour resonated with unassuming authority cloaked beneath her great coat.
Meristo Koulas introduced himself as a competent Delver and Doctor, hinting humorously at his culinary adventures, which elicited a scant smile from Indria. Lieto Miesma then described his expertise in artefacts and ancient technologies, linking their mission's purpose to their past findings that had enticed such universal curiosity.
Arda Qamar, the scout and bird handler, introduced her feathered companion Corvus, who, showing a rare affection, allowed Indria a cherished scratch under the chin, a gesture normally reserved for very few. Rashid Al Masri, dedicated to the crew's safety, highlighted his qualifications in exosuit handling and mechanics, assuring Indria of their collective capability.
Amid lighter moments and the explorers' shared histories, they broached the subject of how they would operate as a unified entity under the dual command structures of the mission and the ship. A consensus-led approach was suggested, fitting their informal and collaborative style, but with a nod towards having Rashid as a potential point of decision-making contact, steering clear of overlap and contradiction.
The dialogue flowed into the mission's confidentiality, with Indria clarifying that the crew was fully aware of their goal to seek out mysterious Singularity Spheres, contradicting the explorers' prior expectations of secrecy. This revelation steered the conversation towards practical preparations and the dynamics of ship command.
As suspicions of a ship haunted by adventurous spirits emerged, the conversation took a whimsical turn, with theories and playful banter about the nature of their upcoming voyage through the slipstreams of space. Indria, stalwart in her role yet displaying a shadow of exasperation with her new charges, navigated their personalities and the logistical intricacies of space travel with a firm yet fair hand.
In the end, though not without some humorous reluctance, Rashid was nominated to act as the liaison with the First Officer, ensuring that when they faced the unknowns of their journey, their actions would be as coordinated as the stars they sailed amongst. Thus, with roles assigned and spirits high, they looked to the stars, ready for the mysteries that awaited in the cosmos's dark and wondrous depths.
During their strategic meeting aboard the Akhander, the crew debated their upcoming voyage through the unpredictable cosmos. Arda Qamar shared intrigue about the captain's mysterious circumstance, whispering her intent to uncover the story, while under the watchful eye of a security camera.
The conversation transitioned to the logistic complexities of their route which included the Gahand System, among others. Rashid Al Masri voiced concerns about certain perilous stretches, emphasizing the need for careful planning and frequent reassessments at each stopover. Indria, while explaining the logistics, highlighted the importance of crew morale, likening their journey to a long military deployment with potential strains similar to those experienced on long naval missions. The longer the slipstream journey, the more pressure on the crew and the vessel's integrity. The Kerfeter Stream was especially perilous from this perspective and may require an exit from the Slipstream to flat space to allow for rest and repairs.
As they fine-tuned their plan, a lighthearted banter unfolded about the mechanical prowess of the crew members. Meristo jokingly mentioned his potential role in fixing toilets should the need arise, reinforcing the camaraderie amongst the crew.
The discussions delved deeper into logistics, focusing on the supplies needed for multi-system delves. Rashid proposed investing heavily in supply to ensure ample resources throughout their expedition, showcasing his commitment to the mission’s success. The crew decided to procure additional supplies, with suggestions of investing rukh (currency) to secure what was necessary for extended travel and potential emergencies.
The meeting veered into procurement specifics, with debates on how much to spend on supplies and the balance of investment among the crew. Decisions were made on the allocation of funds from mission payouts and salary advances, highlighting the crew’s strategic financial planning to bolster their expedition's success.
As they wrapped up their planning, the crew remained mindful of the challenges ahead, ensuring they were equipped not just with physical supplies, but with a robust plan responsive to the unpredictable nature of space exploration. With spirits high and roles clearly defined, they were ready to traverse the cosmos, each member pivotal to the collective adventure that lay before them.
As their session neared its end, Dom, the GM, checked the time and suggested postponing the launch of the expedition to the next session, noting that Simon was absent and that Graham would be unavailable the following week. He inquired if there were any final preparations or requirements they wanted to handle before embarking. Confirming that the vessel, the Akhander, was fully prepared and ready to depart, Dom expressed his concern about the duration that initiating their journey might entail, hinting at his weary state after an early start and a tiring day.
Paul then weighed in, suggesting they conclude the session since significant progress had been made in their preparations and they had enjoyed some enriching role-playing, particularly their interactions with the First Officer, Indria Kander.
Accepting the group's sentiment, Dom agreed to wrap up, noting that although they might not gain substantial experience points from this session, the role-playing and team dynamics had been rewarding. Thus, with the decision made, the group decided to adjourn, leaving the grand cosmic adventure to commence at their next gathering.
Source - initially Tabletoprecorder.com, heavily edited for names, clarity and brevity with some parts injected to explain or catch elements missed in the summarising.
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