Away with work again, this time a Premier Inn. Their paid for WiFi is pretty decent (at least at the location that I was staying) and I didn't have any issues with connection or the technology for this session. Audio Hijack was restored to normality, which was a relief.
Session preparation was mainly reading the background again and adding some images and the map of the Hammurabi Waystation to Role and OwlBear Rodeo. I figured that it was unlikely that the players would reach the surface of the world that the signal was emanating from in a single session. I'd also pulled together some crib sheets for slipstream (space) travel and planetary operations.
Background reading is complicated, as there are three different sources of information to collate. For example, there is a section on the Gahand system in the core book, and then an expanded session in the Expedition Book for Flowers of Algorab, and then even more relevant detail (slipstream routes and events, and more on Gahand and the Waystation along with the scenario itself) is found in the Campaign book. I suspect I may need to use Gemini Notebook to pull this together to something that can be referenced more easily at the table.
The session itself went smoothly, with a two week flat space transition to Lighthouse Station Barrabas at the edge of Jumuah, and a shopping trip at the station, and then they entered the Slipstream for the first time in the campaign. The journey was six weeks in length, and the voyage rules were in play. These mash hazards and events together, to give the feel of an age of sail expedition. I was trying hard to make it not feel like a randomly generated section (rolling for wandering monsters) and the ability to select and merge events helped with this. The players seemed quite relieved when the Akhander emerged back into flat space in Gahand. Next session, we return to delving.
- 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).
In the 19th episode of their thrilling adventure "Flowers at Algorab", under the guidance of the Game Master Dom, our intrepid crew members, each bearing unique capabilities, set the stage for an intricate play in the cosmos. Hattie is Arda Qamar, a dextrous scout with an affection for her Bird. Andy embodies the vigilant Rashid Al Masri, the stalwart security officer. Paul takes on the role of Meristo Koulas, the meticulous team medic, a sage of sorts with an intriguing - and probably illegal - collection of 'medicinal herbs'. Not present in the flesh but spiritedly alongside, are their companions Lieto Miesma and Fassour Farradi, rendered by Graham and Simon respectively. These characters add layers of archaeological prowess and a robust, if slightly intimidating presence, to the team dynamic.
The New Seekers find themselves aboard the slipstream cruiser Akhander, set to venture from Ship City’s Aluminium Bay towards the remote frontiers of known space. This journey, powered by dreams of finding a route to the lost Ark Ship Nadir and driven under the banner of Grand Council, sails towards discovering uncharted territories and celestial phenomena in the vast, great dark.
Their voyage promises challenges and requiring the delegation of ship duties. Arda opts for sensor patrol on the hull of the ship, while Rashid, with his penchant for security, decides on hull guard duty. Meristo, choosing to blend culinary arts with his medical expertise, selects kitchen service offering a chance to sustain morale amongst the crew.
Karmelia Merest, a mysterious algebraist accompanying them, contributes to their navigational efforts, though not without causing some technical hiccups along the way. These minor setbacks don't deter the crew, thanks primarily to Arda's keen observance, noting Karmelia's curious interest in literature that perhaps mirrors her own personal motivations or secretive musings.
Their travel through space goes on efficiently managed, and the ship, under the firm command of First Officer Indria Kander, maintains high morale and operational integrity. Docked briefly at Lighthouse Station Barabbas, the crew enjoys a brief respite filled with camaraderie and anticipation. Meristo, the gastronomic artisan, elevates spirits with a feast inspired by the anticipated cuisines of their destination, enriching bonds and painting promising brushes of camaraderie across their cosmic canvas.
Events proceed smoothly thanks in part to the discrete yet effective administration by Dom, guiding his players through a narrative woven with intrigue, cooperation, and the vast, undying enigma of the cosmos they commit to traverse. Each roll of the dice, each decision made, stitches tighter the fabric of their collective story, on through the Great Dark and beyond, toward tales yet told and stars untouched.
Here, amidst gossip and preparations, Meristo ventured to secure exquisite bottles of Makh Spirits, akin to a treasure trove of single-malt scotch. Meanwhile, Arda employed her avian companion, Corvus, to spy discretely around the captain’s quarters, revealing mysterious interactions involving the first officer and suspicion of a potentially haunted section on the station.
Rashid's curiosity piqued when Corvus hinted at a peculiar scent near the captain's quarters, suggesting a possible presence of 'blight', a concerning anomaly. This discovery propelled Rashid to ponder about the captain’s perpetual seclusion. Arda and Rashid agreed on the necessity of discrete communication, considering the sensitive information surfacing about the station.
The crew then utilised their stop at the Canteen of Lost Mates for replenishing and gathering intelligence. Meristo and Rashid, planned to uncover parts of the ship free from surveillance to ensure a secure meeting spot, away from prying technologies.
Foreboding news reached the team’s ears about another vessel, the Slipstream cruiser Mehrabi, had been posted lost, over six months late. It was speculated that the disappearance was tied to myths of an uncharted passage promising shorter travel but with unverified perils.
With preparations complete and gossip traded, the crew of Akhander, under the vigilant supervision of Rashid, recommenced their journey. They engaged in a meticulous slipstream entry, aided by Kamelia’s navigational expertise. Despite technical challenges during the entry, the transition into the slipstream was a success, setting the stage for their next segment of cosmic adventure.
In the midst of their venture, a trivial squabble over Meristo’s culinary creation threatened crew harmony, compelling Rashid to intervene with charm and resolve the conflict peacefully. This close shave with discord prompted Meristo to plan an entertainment night, elevating spirits and fortifying camaraderie as the Akhander further into the the slipstream current.
In the midst of their arduous journey through the slipstream, the crew of the Akhander, guided by Dom, found themselves facing a myriad of challenges that tested their skills and unity. A pivotal moment arrived during their second week of travel when Dom prompted the crew to roll the notorious 'dice of doom,' signaling a potential calamity. Hattie, not willing to take her chances, passed on the responsibility.
Meristo took the dice, expressing a reluctant acceptance of his fate. Soon, Dom described the dire scenario unfolding: the ship was suffering from the relentless battering of slipstream currents, causing stress across the hull plates. It was a situation that demanded immediate attention. Arda, efficiently conducting sensor patrols, was nominated to address this critical issue. Given her agility and her understanding from previous experiences, she was apt for the task. Lieto, with his expertise in mechanics, joined her, adding his skills to the endeavour.
Fate hanging in balance, Arda managed a successful but not perfect fix, reducing significant potential damage to a minor one. Relief washed over the crew, but it was short-lived. Another issue arose when the docking bay reported a loose shuttle - their own Grasshopper - threatening to crash into the ship. Rashid and Arda, accompanied by the rest of the New Seekers including Fassour and Lieto, rushed to secure the shuttle. The task required strength and tact, where Arda, with her superior agility and knowledge as a driver, led the effort. They utilised Meristo's climbing kit supplies to stabilise the shuttle, a task they accomplished commendably.
As the weeks passed, odd occurrences began to disturb the crew. Reports of ghostly figures and inexplicable events aboard the Akhander stirred unease. The crew speculated about stowaways or mysterious entities, but no clear evidence was found, leaving the ship riddled with whispers of a Ghost Watches – spirits of past crew who met untoward ends aboard the ship, now haunting its corridors.
During the fifth week, as Hattie rolled the dice of doom again, a new challenge arose: the ship's sensor grid collapsed. With the vessel now 'blind' in the slipstream, Arda took charge, supported by Rashid and other crew members, to repair the vital systems. Their collective skill was just enough to avert disaster, keeping the Akhander on its mysterious course through the cosmos and avoiding a catastrophic exit into flat space.
As the narrative unfolded, the crew not only had to contend with mechanical failures and spectral mysteries but also with maintaining their morale and unity as eerie tales circulated amongst them.
In their sixth week aboard the Akhander, the crew faced fresh perils as they navigated a densely asteroid-laden part of the slipstream. A tense moment arose when the slipstream currents brought more micrometeoroids and larger rocky fragments into their path. Their first officer, piloting the ship, made a crucial intervention, managing to manoeuvre skilfully past a sizeable asteroid, grazing the ship but preventing any significant hull damage. However, this close call had the crew on edge, lowering morale from the highs it had reached thanks to the entertainments that Meristo had skilfully prepared.
As tensions simmered, the Akhander prepared to exit the slipstream into the Gahand system, marking the end of their turbulent journey through the slipstream. The New Seekers made sure that Karmelia assisted the First Officer (still no sign of the captain!) and a successful exit was made.
Upon their arrival in the Gahand system, the sense of relief was short-lived as they detected a mysterious signal from beyond the Gahand Cloud. Clever analysis revealed that the signal was emanating from Anshubur, a hostile planet located on the edge of the Gahand cloud. Intrigued and cautious, the crew discussed their next steps, deciding to make a pit stop at Hammurabi Waystation for urgent repairs before investigating the source of the signal.
Amidst these developments, the crew received a cautionary welcome from the auxiliary patrol fleet, advising them to steer clear of local insurgents known as Free Gahand. Amid political tensions and hidden dangers, Karmelia, the meticulous algebraist, discovered an additional broadcast, a rebel transmission decrying the governance of Ship City and promoting the sovereignty of the Gahand people.
Choosing prudence over haste, the crew opted to dock at the Waystation, repairing the Akhander and preparing for the uncertainties awaiting them in the politically charged Gahand system. This strategic pause allowed the crew to focus on boosting morale and fortifying their vessel for the challenges that lay ahead in the vast reaches of space. It also gave them time to visit the famed Jiriman's Taverna, the source of many of Meristo's recipes. Thus, the session drew to a close, with promises of thrilling adventures in the sessions to come.
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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