White Star: Star Rogues Kelron Sector Map

 Here you will find a Star Chart map for the Kelron Sector.

This Map shows the Sector as it is currently known by the characters in game. There is the possibility for items to be added to this map as the game goes on. Any changes will see later updated map posts.

Kelron Sector

The map was created on a blank hex grid, and then the Star Chart ink stamps were used to create the various items/locations on the map itself.

If you are interested the stamp set can be purchased here:

https://gamestamps.com/product/starchart/

You can use the Location info in the posts of each adventure write up to locate where the action was taking place on the map.

More sectors coming soon.

White Star: Star Rogues campaign ep. 3

 Episode 3: Stuck in the middle

Player:

Mark E.: Maximillian Arden - Aristocrat

Location: 

Red shift - Kelron Sector - Argon Station - Vector 14/33 

Maximillian Arden, sixth in line to the fortunes of the House Arden Mining Guild. Something he had no interest in whatsoever. His goals were different from that of his family and siblings, more adventurous, you could say. Much to their dismay.

Having recently acquired a beat up light transport ship in a card game, the young man's plan could start in earnest. Star Merchant! Plying the space lanes for goods to buy and sell all across Q44. Of course he'd have to start here in Kelron sector, under the ever present gaze of his family. But eventually he'd do well enough to trade in multiple sectors. He'd show them. He already had an investor too. Although this person remained anonymous, the contracts were legal.

Maximillian [art by Mike B.]

The hub was busy this morning, all kinds of goods coming and going from all over Kelron and beyond. Maximillian was looking for a deal, items he could pick up cheap and then resell elsewhere in the sector for a hefty profit. Sometimes that alone was the real trick, and if there was one thing Max was good at; it was talking to others and getting what he wanted.

After a few hours of haggling, he'd come away with 200 units of Power Mannequins and 100 units of Voice writers. Impressive hi-tech items for which he should be able to easily double if not triple his profits on.

He was glad he had spent extra at Michael Tailor's the finest garment emporium on the station. His innate talents combined with his impressive look was working out better than he could have imagined.

As he waited for the station handlers to load his cargo, Max looked over his options for high profit destinations and realized where this first trip was going to take him. 

Home, the Tellian system. Andala station to be exact. His family like many of the upper class of Kelron, lived on an artificial estate above the planetary landmass of the planet Tellian. He'd been born on the station at the finest hospital in the sector Andala General. As a youth he'd spent most of his time roaming the station, a member of one of the many gangs formed of the delinquent and restless noble children. He didn't relish the fact of having to return there so soon, but his business demanded it.

The Stellar Coyote

Loading finally complete, Maximillian took to the controls of his ship. Priming the engines and setting the auto-sequencers to standard by three.

Maximillian: Argon control, this is Stellar Coyote requesting clearance to leave the station.

Argon Control: Stellar Coyote, this is Control. Please stand by.

Almost a minute passed and Max got slightly nervous, when a deep rumbling boom echoed through the station. Alert klaxons began to sound, and he could see dock workers heading for emergency bulkhead hatches that were beginning to close. Over all the comm channels the following order was declared.

Argon Control: "crackle" All ships in bays 4-1 through 4-5 prepare for Security sweeps and manifest checks. All departure requests denied. Uncleared departures will be pursued.

The Stellar Coyote was in bay 4-4 along with three other ships of various make. Two of those ships were not following the orders of the station control. There were clearly engaging thrusters and heading for open space before the station bay door could close and lock them in. Maximillian thought about it for a second....looked out the viewport and saw a dark haired woman at the controls of the ship in bay 4-3 waving to him as she broke docking procedures.

Maximillian: Dammit, [ opening comm ] Argon Control this is Stellar Coyote. We are standing down and awaiting clearance. [ comm closed ] I have no reason to worry, and no reason to put myself in a situation.

He watched as the other two ships just made it out past the closing bay door. Wondering to himself if either of them even had anything to do with what he surmised was an explosion, in or just outside the station. Anyway getting on the bad side of Argon stations Administrator was not something Max wanted. 

Forty five minutes later, Argon Control cleared all outgoing traffic. The Coyote departed from the station and primed itself for a jump to the closest system with access to Consortium patrolled FTL routes. 

Location:

Red Shift - Kelron Sector - Brinn System - Vector 14/29

Arriving in the Brinn system 24 hours later, the Stellar Coyote checked in with Brinn Alpha Station and gained clearance for Green Lane travel to the Tellian system. Engines primed and Vector coordinates programmed the freighter began its 72 hour journey to its final destination. 

[ The Stellar Coyote is a bulk standard Regulus class light transport. Crew complement is 2, but a single person can handle the ship. It also has a robot port that is empty, Faster than light capability, maximum cargo capacity of 300units, and a pilot-linked light laser cannon for defense. ] 

Maximillian: First thing I'm going to do, is get you some upgrades girl. I know a guy back on Argon station that can hook us up. [ checking the sequencers, Max left the cockpit grabbed a cup of basic and retired to the lounge nook. ] Think I'll play a couple rounds of "scorched" versus the comp. then get some sleep. 

Location:

Red Shift - Kelron Sector - Tellian System / Andala Station - Vector 11/30

Andala Station [ art by Dylan Cole]

Andala station is a testament to the decadence of the Tellian nobles and Upper Class citizens of the Kelron sector. It is the wealthiest place in the entire sector and boasts level upon level of zero-G ballrooms, Holographic pleasure palaces, casinos, alpha-wave chambers, shopping, as well as administrative offices of many guilds and trade businesses. It is also home of Andala General Hospital known in multiple sectors for its knowledgeable and expert medical staff.

Maximillian: Stellar Coyote to Andala Control, request permission to dock and unload incoming goods.

Andala Control: Stellar Coyote, you are clear for docking on level 32T, set sequencers to standard by 4 and welcome to Andala Station.

It took less than four hours to unload the cargo on eager buyers and the profit was good. Maximillian had done well with his picks and the goods he brought were in high demand. He had done so well he decided to splurge on dinner and some cocktails on one of the many entertainment levels of Andala.

Andala interior [ art by Brian Sum]

 As Max finished a refreshing cup of hot caffe he noticed a commotion on the walkway. A large group of various beings were seemingly excited about the arrival of someone. Moving to get a better view he sees that the overhead FEED screens begin to announce that the Robot Vocal superstar AND-R3A has arrived for a limited engagement on Andala Station! All manner of species are lining the promenade to get a look and even Max finds himself caught up in the excitement. Then the crowd begins to gasp as clusters of youths with recording sticks and tele-snappers in hand surge forward.

AND-R3A 

The Robot celebrity glides by with her entourage of handlers, sycophants, and hangers on. As the crowds of fans and curious onlookers either continue to follow her, or go back to their prior engagements Maximillian locks eyes with an alien across the walkway. The two stare for no more than an instant, each taking stock of the other. The alien then turns and melts into the moving crowd.

Maximillian: I don't like the look of that guy. Think I'll head back to the ship, and take the back ways while I'm at it. [ his years as a youth on the station allow Max to sneak into the service corridors of the station ] I'm not getting into a situation here. Go back to the ship, leave Andala and head to Argon. 

Thinking he may have been recognized by a agent  of House Arden, Max decides to get out of dodge!

In the service corridors Max passes a refuse processing bay and almost falls when he trips over something. Checking out the obstruction, he discovers what at first he thinks is an organic corpse. However upon closer inspection, he discovers the inert form of a robot female. Not just any robot though, it's AND-R3A to be exact, and she has clear signs of Ion disruption on her head. Using his recording stick Max makes a record of what he's found and then quickly leaves the area. Finding a Station Vid-comm booth he enters and closes the privacy seal.

Maximillian: [ smashing the vid-lense with the pommel of his sword, he dials ALERT ] Station Security, i'd like to report a body in Ref-Loc 119. It looks bad...

Security: Is the victim in need of medical assistance? Can you describe....

Maximillian: [ thumbing the disconnect button, and leaving the booth ] I've done my good deed, I'm not getting involved in a situation. I'm a Trader, I trade goods. I need to get out of here....

Twenty minutes later Maximillian is back aboard the Coyote requesting clearance to leave the station.

Andala Control: Stellar Coyote, you are in holding pattern Alpha. There is a situation in your bay. Please hold.

Maximillian discovers he can't leave the station because a group of protestors called the "Luminae Liberation Group" have chained themselves across the docking bay egress, and are causing general havoc in the bay itself. He is informed this may take some time to get under control so he decides to head for the casino level and lay low.

LLG Protestors: Reparations for the Luminae! Freedom for the indigenous peoples!!

Maximillian: [ pushing through the crowd ] You know that's why we build above the planet surface.

LLG Protestors: [ noticing Max's outfit ] House trash! Go live on your own world!

Entering a gravity lift with some station workers and other ship crew members Max punches in a destination and heads for the pleasure levels.

Andala Casino

Time slips by in the game rooms quickly. Especially if your winning, and that was exactly what Maximillian Arden was doing. His streak was good, and he decided that after this next hand no matter what, he was packing it in. The protests should be cleared up by now, and getting out of here was number one on his list. At least it was until the Robo-waiter showed up with a drink refill and a little extra.

Robo-Waiter: Your drink sir, and these are on the house. You are winning for sure tonight sir.

Maximillian: Well what do you know, a pair of tickets for the Starlight Lounge. [ his enthusiasm sours as he looks at the headliner ] Special star AND-R3A, box seats too. It's like the White Star is guiding me to my destiny. 

Dark Haired Woman: Two tickets for the Starlight? Need any company?

Lyra

Maximillian: Well, I don't ... [ across the bar Max sees the Alien from earlier, watching him.] Yes, actually I'd love for you to join me. I'm Maximillian and you are? 

Dark Haired Woman: Lyra, wonderful to meet you Maximillian. 

The pair leave the casino and head for the Starlight Lounge. As Max thinks to himself; Maybe just one little situation.

The Starlight Lounge is packed, and the pre-show entertainment is going full swing. The couple are led to a private balcony suite with a well stocked bar and buffet ready and waiting.

Lyra: Isn't this just fabulous, I hear AND-R3A is going to sing a new song tonight! We'll be the first to hear it, and any FEED will be blacked out. So intimate, I'm glad you brought me along. 

Maximillian: So am I, this day was kind of bad for me. But things are certainly looking better now. 

After a few minutes the AND-R3A emerges on stage and the crowd goes wild, and Maximillian begins to relax, letting the music and beautiful company whisk away his worries.

Starlight Lounge

About an hour into the show, the Star announces the revelation of her new track for this private crowd. The FEED screens go dark, and all recording sticks, tele-snappers, and other devices go dark. Strobing lights start to pulse, followed with a rhythmic bass beat and an enchanting vocalization by AND-R3A.

Maximillian's head snapped up, he felt almost sick. Looking over at Lyra he saw she seemed entranced, the woman was staring directly down at the stage. It was then he realized the music and the song had somehow changed. It was still pleasant to listen to, but it had a strange undertone. His brain seemed to almost buzz. He then saw that everyone in the lounge was entranced, they were all staring at the Robot on stage. The sight of AND-R3A was terrifying, her head had opened like a metallic flower and visible waves sonic energy pulsed over the crowd! 

Maximillian: A situation Max, this is a definite situation! [ Lyra was enthralled, shaking her didn't break the sonic spell] I should have stayed on the ship, Lords of Light this is not good. [ Thinking for a moment, he drew his pistol. ] This is a bad idea....

From the balcony Max aimed and fired his antique projectile weapon. Had he not been of a Noble House both his sword and pistol would have been held at the SEC-Check. There were always benefits for those of high station. The pistol made a loud crack barely audible over the sonic ensnarement that was being broadcast to the assembled crowd. AND-R3A spun and crumpled to the stage! The music stopped, the crowd began screaming, and all hell broke loose. 

The doors of the Starlight Lounge opened as a traumatized crowd spilled out into the promenade of the entertainment level. Max slipped quickly off into a service corridor, intent on getting back to his ship.

Then his RecStick started beeping.

Maximillian: What now?

The alert status on his RecStik showed multiple FEED alerts! He opened the first one and watched.

FEED Announcer: ... attempted assassination of AND-R3A on Andala Station moments ago! We have just received security footage from inside the Starlight Lounge, where an unidentified being fired a weapon at the celebrity before fleeing. More reports are coming in, AND-R3A's current status is stable.

Maximillian: Situation, I don't want this... the balcony suite tickets. The tickets will lead back to the casino, then to me. Okay, you got this Max. Take hold of the situation, head this off.

Exiting the service corridor, Max moved through the crowds until he found a station security team and surrendered to them as a witness to the Starlight incident. Twenty minutes later he was in an interrogation room with a very perturbed Sec-officer.

Officer Farlen

Officer Farlen: Tell me again about the robots head and the sonic...mesmeriztion, and what you did next.

Maximillian: Look, all I'm saying is that wasn't the real AND-R3A, it was some kind of duplicate. I had to stop it, it was using sonic brain washing on the crowd! That's why the FEEDs were blocked!

Officer Farlen: Right, so no one could witness what was going on, and because earlier you found the "real" AND-R3A ionized in a Refuse proccessor on level 119. Why were you in there again?

Maximillian: I was going back to my ship. I wanted to keep a low profile, there was this alien earlier. I think he was following me, after I saw him when AND-R3A arrived on the promenade.

Officer Farlen: So who was this alien that was following you? Do you know them?

The door to the room opens and a lawyer enters.

Alien Lawyer

Alien Lawyer: Officer, my client has no charges pending. He will be leaving with me now.

Officer Farlen: I see, Guild House Authority I presume?

Alien Lawyer: [ nodding affirmative] If you need anything else from Mr. Arden you will direct it through me. Shall we be on our way Maximillian.

Outside the Security Offices:

Maximillian: I didn't call you, did my family?

Alien Lawyer: No Sir, I was sent by a benefactor that wishes to remain nameless. You have friends in very high places Mr. Arden. This situation will go away. I suggest you go back to Argon Station quickly.

Maximillian: No argument there, and thank you. For what you did back there.

The Alien nods and walks away, and Max heads to the docking bay and his waiting ship.

Docking Bay:

As Maximillian enters his ship, he is suddenly joined by a group of five hooded figures that press their way into his airlock!

Maximillian: Hey, what the... now look, I've got no creds so...

Female youth: It's okay, we want to talk to you. It's about AND-R3A.

Maximillian: Lords of Light, when is this day going to end.....

For the next hour, Max is told about the plot to use sonic Void-Tech and brainwash small groups of citizens across the RED-SHIFT Sectors, and once proven it works to extend it across all of Q44. The kids are part of a cell of freedom fighters looking to throw off the yoke of galactic oppression being perpetrated by the cabal of Dark Lords that secretly run the Galactic Consortium! 

  

Maximillian: Okay, that's a lot to process. Hang on a second. [ Max enters the vacc-toilet, and closes the door behind him. ] I'm supposed to leave Andala quickly, that's what the lawyer said. 

The gang of kids here a muffled scream come from the vacc-toilet.

Male youth: umm, Mister Arden. You okay in there??

The door opens, and Max steps out:

Maximillian: So Dark Lords, Void-tech, and a quadrant wide conspiracy. Ok, sure. I'm in, what's your plan? I don't think this can get any weirder, can it??

The kids reveal that they were able to hack into the Starlight security feeds, and then ID Max from station records. Eventually they tracked down his ship and waited for him to return. They know that within the hour, AND-R3A is holding a live FEED and they have a one-shot hot Ion pistol they are going to use to reveal the false robot live! They know he knows the truth about the celebrity, and they want his help creating a distraction so the kids can make their move!

[ Max is sure this is all a terrible idea, and the kids could probably end up in heaps of trouble if not dead. So using his "Powerful Speaker" ability. He gives the group a rousing speech to allow a bonus to all their actions for the next hour. ]

Ten minutes later, the group is outside the conference hall Alpha where AND-R3A is about to give a

press release to the FEED. The place is packed with citizens, protestors, security, and spacers of every ilk.

Maximillian: All right, get in there and good luck. 

Female youth: What's the signal going to be Max?

Maximillian: You'll know trust me, now get in there. And keep that ion pistol hidden.

As Max walked around the promenade trying to figure out what kind of distraction he was going to make, wondering what became of Lyra, and how the hell this trip turned into a full blown situation. Someone caught his eye in the crowd.

the mysterious Alien

An Alien, a very particular alien. One that had been seemingly one step ahead or behind him since arriving on Andala station. Now, he had what he needed... a very good distraction!

Stepping from the crowd just in front of the alien, Max nods and smiles. The alien is taken by surprise and smirks at the young Aristocrat. 

Alien: Mr. Arden, we meet at last.

Maximillian: I don't know what your deal is, but you're going to help me with something important.

Alien: [ looking confused ] Am I now, and why would  I do something like that....

Maximillian: [ pointing at the alien ] It's him!!! The one who tried to assassinate AND-R3A!!!

The crowd goes wild, people start yelling and running every which way, FEED bots swoop in with tele-snappers going live! In the commotion the Alien pulls a hidden knife from his sleeve and makes to attack Max. A woman gets pushed into the alien by the panicked crowd and gets a small cut on her hand. 

Woman: Aaaahh! he's got a knife, I've been stabbed!!

Maximillian: [pulling the woman to him in a quick embrace as he draws his sword] Drop that weapon you cretin, this woman is under the protection of House Arden!

Alien: [glaring at Max] Well played Mr. Arden, I'll be seeing you! 

Security bursting through the crowd gives chase to the mysterious alien as he turns and leaps into frightened onlookers! Max comforts the wounded woman until a Para-Med Bot arrives, then he also makes his exit, once again using the service corridors.

Location: 72 hours later

Red Shift - Kelron Sector - Argon Station - Vector 14/33

Maximillian was watching the FEED screens from the corner of the bar. Consortium Agents had apparently uncovered a plot by a Solar Alliance Terror cell to use a weaponized duplicate of the robot celebrity AND-R3A as a sonic-bomb at the Andala station show. 

The FEED

Maximillian: Hmm, maybe there's something to what those kids were talking about. Hope they're ok.

An old technician slides into the booth across from Max.

Yukon Cantos: Hey Max, heard you were in the market for some ship mods.

Maximillian: Hello Cantos, yes. I am very much in the market for some mods, and a mech-bot as well. 

Yukon Cantos: Kellic is looking for a ship for quick job, in & out kind of thing from what I hear. maybe after we get you modified you might...

Maximillian: No way Cantos, I've had my fill of situations if you get my meaning. Kellic will find someone I'm sure, I'll be sticking to as many boring jobs as I can for now.

THE END ..... for now

White Star: cosmic stories & other solar tales

 Scratchers. . . 

art by Mighty Eroc

My cup of basic* was getting cold and the cleaner-bots were no closer to rounding up all the scratchers than they were an hour ago. Scratchers, so named because of the noise they make when scampering about inside the hulls of ships unfortunate enough to get infested. Nobody even knows where they come from, or how to get rid of them for good. They aren't useful for anything, not even reprocessing for nutrient value; they taste terrible, and ruin any basic they come in contact with. Nice little buggers though, if you can get past their nasty appearance. 

Same old, same old on the FEED. The Solar Council draws closer to its doomed future, all the while assuring us that everything is under control. Control my ass! Red Shift, Blue Shift, the Yellow territories, does anybody really give a crap?

I'm starting to feel more akin to the scratchers, a small creature in big quadrant with no apparent value or purpose....

Maybe I should go talk with that alien mystic we brought to the station, seemed like he knew something about purpose. what was his name again, Dam-Joohdi? Something like that, I'll go look for him when the bots are done.

*Basic - a pudding like high energy protein food dispensed on most ships. Cheap and easy to store.

THE END . . . . for now. 

FAR TREK Season II

Season II of Far Trek began on 4/14/23, and we had some new crew members join. 

The Crew:

Captain Cade Grimm - player: Zachary

Lt. Junior Grade  Maxine "Max" Holt - player Selina

XO Chief Science Officer Triarius (Andorian) - player James

[new cast members]

Dr. Desuma T'on (Vulcan) - player Deborah

Engineer Lt. Zug Ruffis (Tellarite) - player Dan

Security Ensign Iota-1 (experimental Bio-roid) - player Sara

Intro Scene:

This episode begins on the USS DIANA, a sister Saladin class ship to the USS ARGO. We see the new cast members on the bridge in serious trouble, sparks flying, red alert blaring, a few bodies of crewmen sprawled about.

Dr. T'on is manning the comms station, Iota-1 is at the helm, Zug is at the engineering station, while a seriously injured Captain calls out orders. Whatever is happening can't be good!

USS DIANA

The scene shifts to the USS ARGO where comms alerts Captain Cade to an incoming emergency distress call from the DIANA.

Captain Cade:  Put it on Screen. Davis, what's wrong?

Captain Davis: Cade, ... ship is ...  all around us...  .eed  assistance... .plosive...ecompression, majority of crew dead or blasted into space....  ..ur coordinates are...   ..ome quick....  on't....ast long!

Capt. Cade: Max!

Lt. JG "Max" Holt: I have the coordinates, course laid in and locked sir!

Capt. Cade: Punch it! [ turning to his XO] What do you think, an attack?

Triarius: [Antennae twitching] We have no data to confirm that, but it is a likely assumption. However, what or who has caused this is completely unknown. I suggest we go to Red Alert.

[ Return from commercial break]

The ARGO drops out of warp and is overcome by the devastation they see:

art: John Byrne

As the Diana drifts through space it leaves a trail of debris in its wake. Scans are done and only two life-signs and federation transponder are detected. Also the ship shows signs of severe internal explosions and the warp-core has been ejected.

Capt. Cade: Max, match velocity and put a tractor beam on that ship, steady her so we can get a good lock. Do we have comms?

Lt. JG "Max" Holt: Aye sir, moving into position for tractor beam.

Comms: Sir, nothing on any frequency. I'll keep trying.

Triarius: Those life-signs are weakening, we need to get them onboard as quickly as possible. Why is there a transponder signal on the bridge?

Capt. Cade: Transporter 1, lock on the transponder signal and the life-signs and beam them over. [switching intercom channels] Sick Bay, send a team to Transporter 1 we have possible injured personnel incoming.

[ Scene change - Sick Bay]

Captain Cade and Triarius enter Sick Bay and speak with the Physician on duty about the survivors of the Diana.

Captain Cade: How are they doing?

Doctor: The Vulcan and the Tellarite will be fine, nothing more than scrapes, bruises, and a low grade dose of neutrino-radiation. They will both be done with treatment soon. The third one is very unusual, she's a recently unclassified Bio-roid. Looks to be in perfect condition physically, the psychological trauma may be something else. I'll have to keep an eye on her.

Triarius: Interesting, I haven't had a chance to read up on it... I mean her. She was the transponder code I scanned on the bridge of the Diana.

Capt. Cade: Yes, she was and I spoke with Davis about her after she was assigned to the Diana. She's been through a lot to get where she is and worked harder than most. Anyway, when you clear them send them to conference room 1. 

[ Scene change - Conference room ]

Lt. Ruffis: If I had a few more minutes I'm sure I could have determined what went wrong.

Triarius: You're sure it wasn't sabotage?

Iota-1: That is highly unlikely, since no new personnel or equipment was brought onboard the ship. Our last shore leave was over a month ago, and the Anti-matter refueling was at a starfleet installation. 

Lt. JG Holt: The Diana had just departed prior to our arrival for refueling. Is it possible someone at the station is responsible?

Dr. T'on: Unlikely, but not out of the question. There are civilian scientists at the refueling station. One of them could be compromised. 

[ suddenly the lights flicker, the ship shudders, and metal creaking noises are heard!]

Intercom: Bridge to Captain, we've got power spikes and system failures popping up on every deck.

Lt. Ruffis: This is how it started on the Diana! I need to get to engineering now!

Capt. Cade: Triarius, Max get to the bridge. The rest of you come with me to engineering!

[ Commercial break ]

The crew were able to determine that the ARGO was now showing signs of the same issue that destroyed the DIANA. However, since they were not currently at warp speed the symptoms weren't spreading as rapidly. Ruffis was able to guide the engineering staff in a sequence of tasks that stopped the damage by taking the warp core offline.

With impulse power only it would take months to reach the closest port of call which was the Anti-matter refueling station from which both ships had recently been docked at. Triarius and Ruffis figured out a way to pull off a sort of Warp drive Jump start that would allow the ship to make it back to the refueling station without destroying the ship.... they hoped.

Before leaving, Cade had the crew return to the DIANA and retrieve as many deceased personnel as possible. Iota-1 was especially concerned about this as her creator/mother was on board. Her body was unfortunately not found, and presumed to have been lost through a hull breach. Iota-1, Ruffis, and Dr. T'on searched the crippled ship for any survivors. There were none to be found.

The jump-start was a success and Maxine was able to slow the ARGO down using impulse power and maneuver thrusters bringing them to the location of the Antimatter refueling station. Upon arrival the crew was shocked to see the state of devastation they had hoped to stop! Most of the place looked to have suffered from implosion damage just like the Diana. 

Groups of personnel were discovered to be trapped in various sections of the damaged station. Because of all the radiation leakage and debris, the Argo kept her distance and the crew split up into two rescue parties and went in by shuttlecraft.

Shuttles to the Rescue

Civilians and Ensign rescued.

Medical emergency!

Iota and Dr. T'on perform a miracle.

It takes the combined talents of Dr. T'on and Iota-1 to save the life of the station medical officer who pierced by a metal beam through his chest immobilizing him! They were able to stabilize him and sever the beam on either end and get him and other survivors onto the shuttle.

Once everyone was safe aboard the ARGO, the crew set to figuring out what the cause of all the destruction was. And much to everyone's surprise it not sabotage!!  

It turned out that the most recent anti-matter shipment from which both the DIANA and ARGO had refueled from was filled with a previously undiscovered sentient ant-matter gaseous life form. 

Using science and technological means the beings were contacted and communicated with. It seemed that when the beings were passed through the Dilithium conversion chamber they died (exploded), which was the cause of all the damage done to the DIANA and Station.  

Since none of this was done out of malicious intent, but was from an ignorance of the existence of one another a way to save the remaining beings was worked out.

In the end, the newly discovered alien survivors were returned to the anti-matter nebula from which they had been unknowingly harvested. Federation scientists are now working with the beings to protect and preserve their environment.

The surviving crew of the USS DIANA were reassigned to the ARGO under the command of Captain Cade.

Stay Tuned for more episodes.

White Star: Star Rogues campaign ep. 2

 Episode 2: Extraction from Mining Base B-49

Players:

Steven - Argenti Root - Bounty Hunter Class 1

Josh - Dame Judy Dench - Alien Mystic

Will - E51588 "Mr. Gutsy" - Combat-Bot

Sal - Silas Bucckeri - Mercenary

Joe P. - Zorn - Alien Brute

NPC - Spicolli - Pilot

A crew has been put together by Kellic Van and tasked with the following mission:

Travel to the Brinn system and extract Administrator Grinn Talek from Mining Base B-49 in the asteroid ring surrounding the gas giant Brinn Prime. If Mr. Talek cannot be extracted then retrieve the Data he is in possession of. Avoid contact with any Galactic Consortium forces at all costs.

The crew

Spicolli's ship: The Tasty Wave [art by Jake Parker]

Location:

Red Shift - Kelron Sector - Brinn System - Vector 14/29

The Tasty Wave sets down in the landing bay of asteroid B-49. A pair of mining tugs and a small transport are the only other ships here. At the far end of the bay the crew see the entry into the base.

Spicolli: Okay bro's, this is all you guys. I'll wait here keeping the engines, and myself toasty!"

Silas: [Grunting as he unstraps the safety harness] Reminds me of that time we dropped in hot on Tannoa to put down that miner's strike, more shooting though.

As the crew moved across the bay, they were alerted to life form movement by the combat-bot, and took out a handful of mynoks before they could attach themselves to the Tasty Wave.

Mr. Gutsy is able to override the door protocol and get the crew in the base itself. The first chamber is a garage bay for large mining bots and other equipment. Silas takes point leading the crew towards a doorway on the far side of the room. Just then a mining bot rises up and lumbers towards the party brandishing a spinning drill arm, it's eye lenses glowing red in the dim light.

The mining bot is defeated handily by the skilled crew, and Mr. Gutsy attempts a data recovery on the now defunct bot. Silas however makes a grim discovery.

Mr. Gutsy: 01-00-11-01-10 Mining bot has been recently reprogrammed to attack. This was a hack-job.

Argenti: Someone got here before us, or the base workers did this. I wonder why?

Zorn: Who cares, I'll fight anything that gets in our way.

Dame Judy: There is an odd aura here, something feels off...

Silas: [Looking in the window of a Decon-chamber] There's a couple bodies in here, or what's left of them at least. That kind of a mess isn't from a decompression accident either... I got a bad feeling.

Zorn searches through the remains and finds a couple of ID badges belonging to mining staff. The crew determine the mining bot did not do this, but they don't know what killed the staff. Leaving the garage bay the crew head into the facility. They are ambushed by a laser defense system and through teamwork are able to deactivate this and enter the Mine Staff prep-station. They are confronted with a horrible sight.

Blood and gore fill this room, a terrible hand to hand battle was fought here. Hacked off limbs, and other biological remains are scattered about.

Even though five life forms are detected in an adjoining chamber the crew elect to ignore them and move deeper into the base. Finding their target and the data are deemed priority!

At last they locate the Administrators office and adjoining living quarters, gaining entry they are attacked by blood-covered mining staff raving and muttering like madmen!

Space madness?

Once the crazed staff are put down in a hail of laser fire, and brutal physical combat, the crew are able to search the office. Dame Judy senses a mystical power source very close and discovers a hidden wall safe. The cosmic energies emanating from within. Silas uses an old Merc. trick to reveal the buttons most used on the keypad and tries a series of numbers.

Silas: Only so many combinations, let's see if I can get lucky, like that time on Porfos 4.

The keypad beeps and a blast of energy throws Silas across the office, where the fried mercenary hits the floor smoking.

Zorn: I'll carry him back to that medical room we passed.  You guys figure out that lock.

After getting healed in the medical bay Silas and Zorn return to find that the crew have opened the safe and found a fancy laser pistol, a Channeling stone, and an ancient bottle of wine.

There is also a private Decon-room adjoining the office and inside they discover the body of Grinn Talek the Base Administrator. He killed himself with a small holdout laser. Silas puts the small pistol in his boot and dons the finely crafted jacket hanging on a rack.

Argenti: [at the comp terminal on the admins desk] Looks like he uploaded the data to a secure file in the station Data Center. We need to go there to get the info.

Locating the Data Center the crew is stopped by Voice-encoded security protocols and Mr. Gutsy gets his circuits fried attempting to override the system. They need a vocal match to bypass the locks, but the Admin is dead. As they ponder what to do Zorn volunteers to drag the combat-bot back to a Bot-repair bay they passed earlier when searching for the Data Center. It is here that Zorn encounters a rival crew also searching the base for the same prize.

The rival crew

A deal is reached and the rival crews will work together to get the Data. Argenti, Dame Judy along with Garak and two of his men will return to the Admin's office where the terminal can be used to listen to audio of the deceased admin. Garak can use his ability to mimic the admin so they can bypass the Data Center security. Meanwhile Silas, Zorn, and two more of Garak's men will help take Mr. Gutsy to be repaired.

Garak and his crew work for the Ice Pirate King and were sent to get the same Data the Players are after before it falls into the hands of the Consortium.

The Robot Repair bay turns into a battleground when the a pair of Security-bots attack the group with the non-functioning Mr. Gutsy!

Robot Battle!

The fight goes poorly for the crew as one of the Ice pirates is atomized, Zorn is being choked out, and Silas is reeling under the assault from the security-bot targeting him. Suddenly his luck turns and Silas blasts the the bot while screaming:

Silas: You bastards didn't get me on Taklon II, and you sure as shit ain't gettin me NOW!

The second half of the crew burst in and lay down suppresive fire, giving Zorn the chance to tear the head off the final Security-bot. Mr.Gutsy is brought back on-line and the combined groups return to the Data Center.

With their combined talents the crew's are able to get the Data and make a copy for each team. Together they return to the Landing bay and Garak and his men bid them farewell.

Silas and Argenti reenter the base and deactivate the life-support machinery, meanwhile Zorn and Mr.Gutsy contemplate attacking the Ice Pirates as they power up their ship.

Our crew board the Tasty Wave, and Mr. Gutsy tells a very stoned Spicolli that the pirate crew are NARCS going to rat him out to the Consortium! We roll a Saving throw for the Pilot which he fails by a considerable margin, and he loses his shit!

Silas and Argenti barely make it back on board as the Tasty Wave turbo-boosts outof the asteroid base in hot pursuit of the Ice Pirate transport.

Spicolli: Bro, anybody got eyes on these narc dudes? Mr. Gutsy power up the lasers, we can't let them get away!

Zorn: I see them, 3 o'clock starboard side, they just ducked behind that asteroid!

A wild chase through the asteroid ring ensues and the Ice pirate transport is severely damaged while fighting back against our crew. as both ships exit the ring they see a Pirate cruiser in combat with a Galactic Consortium cruiser!! This sends Spicolli over the edge and he boost the Tasty Wave into range of the pirate transport where Mr. Gutsy delivers the fatal blow! 

The Crew were able to return to Kellic, deliver the Data and get paid.

Stay tuned for more.....

 

 

White Star: Star Rogues campaign ep. 1

 

Episode 1: The Hunt

Quadrant 44 finds itself in a state calm as the Galactic Consortium holds primary control with the majority of the sixteen sectors under Red Shift authority. The remnants of the Solar Alliance and their allies holding Blue Shift authority on the remaining sectors. For the average citizens of the Quadrant, this makes daily life a bit less of a hassle. 

Player:

Steven - Argenti Root , Bounty Hunter Class 1

Sector Location: 

Red Shift - Kelron Sector - Argon Station - Vector 14/33

Argenti gets his first bounty from Kellic Van the Guild contact. His target is a minor criminal named Tenebris wanted for Piracy, Smuggling, & ID forgery. He is wanted Dead or Alive by the Consortium and has a reward of 1,000CR.

Kellic: Look kid, this should be a good one for you and I know you need the creds.

Kellic Van

Argenti: Thanks, this will help get me out of the hole I'm in. I don't want to end up working off my debts at Brinn Alpha* that's for sure.

Kellic: Nobody wants that kid. Here's all the data on Tenebris last known whereabouts. Good luck.

[ Argenti makes use of his Master Tracker ability and soon uncovers a trail that leads him to the Gizon system along the border of the Kohn Asteroid Belt. The main planet is a large Gas giant with a pair of moons, upon which one of them has a small out of the way mining colony and a Delta Class docking station. The moon is designated as Gildor 1, no major authority planet-side other than Mining Co. enforcers.]  

Boarding his small ship Argenti sets course for the Gizon system and Gildor 1.  The trip will take seven days in hyperspace. 

Sector Location:

Red Shift - Kelron Sector - Gizon System - Vector 16/21 

Argenti has been able to determine that Tenebris is running a contraband scheme on Gildor 1. The Bounty Hunter decides to check out the Delta Class docking station first as the most likely place to get current lead on the target, as dealing with the Mining Co. officials could be touchy. 

Argenti opts to land out of sight of the docking station and approach on foot. This turns out to be a good plan as he soon sees a couple of thugs roaming the landing pads as if on guard duty. The Bounty Hunter sneaks closer and eventually gets the drop on the pair and holds them at gunpoint.

Argenti: I'm not looking for trouble fellas, just here for Tenebris. If you tell me where I can find him and stay out of my way I won't add you to my contract.

Thug 1: Hands up, "No worries here, he ain't paying me enough anyway."

Thug 2: "He's in the Bunk shack over there. Cheated me out of my last creds in cards last night. we'll stay out of your way, I could run this crew better anyhow."

The pair back into an empty hanger bay and close the door on themselves, watching Argenti with dark eyes.

The Bounty Hunter decides to check out the rest of the hanger/repair building before moving on to the Bunk shack. Better safe than sorry he thinks.

A shoot-out with another Thug happens inside the repair bay and Argenti discovers the Dockmaster being held prisoner in a supply closet.

Jasper Sladek: "Thank goodness you came along, the leader said they were going to get rid of me soon! I don't have much to offer in creds but I can do some tech work for you if you help me take these guys out."

"Jasper" art by Julio Grimaldo

Jasper the Dock master tells Argenti how the gang moved and took over his station and have been running illegal contraband into the Mining facility. They know their time is almost up and planned to kill Jasper and evac the location in the next day or so. Argenti accepts his offer and the alien says he will back up the Hunter as best he can by causing distractions and laying down cover fire.

With Jasper's help Argenti is able to enter the Bunk shack via the backdoor as the dock master draws out the remaining thugs. The fire fight took a turn for the worst as Tenebris turned out to be pretty tough. Jasper took a hit for Argenti which allowed the Bounty Hunter to get in an attack that put the gang boss down. 

Argenti also took out the pair of thugs who hid in the hanger earlier after informing them he had been paid for a job and they were the target.

Jasper administered first aid to himself and Argenti as they had taken quite a beating during the fight. The old alien also hooked Argenti up with a beat up mech-bot R3-K8 in thanks for saving his life and dispatching the space scum.

Returning to Argon station Argenti collects his bounty and is able to get himself out of debt with a few creds to spare.

Kellic: Good job kid, I might have something else for you. I'm assembling a crew for an extraction job, you interested?

Argenti: How much does it pay?

Stay tuned for more White Star action.....

Mutant Encounter for MA1e: Aquatazons!

 Aquatazons - a creature encounter for Metamorphosis Alpha

Pic from: Spacehunter, Adventures in the forbidden Zone 3-D

The Aquatazons or Water-women, are found in and around large bodies of salt water (Deck 15) or in flooded areas. They are a combination of Human and Dolphin DNA. There are NO males in this Mutation. The Aquatazons can reproduce with Pure Human and Mutant Males. They prefer mutants with water-born mutations.

Armor Class: 7                       Hit Points: 45
Movement: 4 land, 10 water
Radiation resistance: 13          Constitution: 12
Mental Resistance: 11             Strength: 14
Dexterity: 15

Defect: Skin Structure Change - extremely vulnerable to fire damage and cannot remain out of water for more than a few hours without drying out and dying.

Mutations: Cetacean (Mutation Manual; pg. 4) Mutant is kin to dolphins and has webbed fingers and toes allowing great swimming speeds. They also breathe through a blowhole in their upper back, and can hold their breath for upwards of 15 minutes in or out of water. They see underwater using echolocation.

Normal Reaction: If approached peacefully the Aqutazons can be traded with. Certain hunting parties may retreat or attack on sight depending on the situation. They prize any tech or gadgets that can be used on or underwater, especially weapons.

Attacking: Aquatazons are masters of the calm water ambush. They make use of their breath holding ability to make opponents believe they have fled or they wait just below the surface for unwary prey on a boat or shore then shoot out of the water throwing harpoons or hooked nets. They have been known to use tridents, and specially modified Slug Rifle (type 2) that fires a barbed and tethered spear!

Rumors: 
1) Fresh water breeds of Aquatazon have been encountered elsewhere.
2) Some believe that those who accept deals of procreation with the Water-women are eaten at the deals conclusion.
3) There is an Aquatazon city at the bottom of the great sea on Deck 15.

Metamorphosis Alpha creatures from 2015

Back in 2015 my twelve year old daughter gleefully presented me with the following creatures for our games. There is a picture for each mutated animal and a brief description followed by suggestions for mutations and reactions. She stated to me that she would like to have them available for others to use in their adventures. So we begin our series of creatures with:

Lahbkatts

L-24 or Lahbkatt

AC: 6      Hit Points: 48 (halve number for kittens)

Movement: 12 / 16/ 20

Rad Res: 15       Con: 8

Men Res: 7      Str: 6

Dex: 16

Defect: none

Mutations: GM's roll for 4 physical mutations and pick the most lethal combination of two for each Lahb-Katt encountered.

Appearance: Lahb-Khatts are the size of average tame household cats (6 -12 lbs) from which they are descended. They are encountered in groups of 2-4. There is a 2 in 6 chance that the group encountered is a female with her young. On rare occasion (1 in 12) you can encounter a single large Tom-cat of up to 25lbs. All Lahb-Katts bear the same unique fur coloring. The upper body is a black jagged pattern which fades to gray then white until reaching the red underbelly. The eyes range from startling green to gold, and at night can be seen reflecting light sources as they prowl around.

Normal Reaction: Lahb-Katts are very curious and will follow PC's, wait till they are at rest and attempt to sneak in for a kill. Lahb-Katts will work together to drag off small prey or items.

Terrain: Lahb-Katts can be found just about anywhere. Large numbers roam dark alleys in city blocks (Double standard encounter number).

Attacking: Lahb-Katts always attack with their most lethal ranged mutations first if any, followed by melee attacks. Besides any physical mutations all Lahb-Katts have razor sharp claws which they employ to great effect doing 4d6 damage. The large Tom's can do up to 8d6 damage.

Procreating: The females will mate with many Tom's and gestate the most lethal combination of mutations into 2 -3 kittens. The kittens are just as deadly as the adults and have the added bonus of being super cute.

Carlin or "Flesh tearers"

CARLIN

AC: 5      Hit Points: 24

Movement: 12 / 16/ 20

Rad Res: 9       Con: 4

Men Res: 5      Str: 3

Dex: 12

Defect: none

Mutations: Heightened sense - smell

Appearance: The Carlin has bright red feathers that fade to black and then to white on the underbelly. It is a mutated version of the Cardinal that was crossed with Vulture DNA.

Normal Reaction: Carlins will fly off if spooked or caught by surprise. However if there are wounded creatures nearby the Carlins are drawn to the scent of blood. A Carlin flock will be drawn to battle sights by the scent of blood and they will attack any already wounded or freshly dead creatures.

Terrain: Any, except Arctic or Desert.

Attacking: Carlins attack in great flocks flapping pecking and scratching chaos! The serrated beak of a carlin can shear off flesh for 1d6 damage. An attacking flock inflicts from 10 - 60 D6 damage. Roll 1d6 and multiply by ten for flock size!

Procreating: As normal birds.

The third and final entry in the trilogy of creatures my daughter created for me to use in Metamorphosis Alpha. I give you the:

Lunartipse

Lunartipse

 AC: 8      Hit Points: 6 - 24 (depending upon size)

Movement: 2 in water only    No. App.: 2-16

Rad Res: 18       Con: 1 - 4 ( by size)

Men Res: 3         Str: 3

Dex: 3

Stinger Tendrils: Intensity 14 paralytic Poison.

Defect: none

Mutations:

Bioluminosity - range 10', duration 3 hours, Mutation Manual pg. 4.

Radiated Eyes variant: The Lunartipse can store up radiation and release it bursts like a grenade. They can do this once every 4 melee rounds in a 5 yard radius. Intensity level 10.

The Lunartipse would most likely be found on Deck 15, or any large body of water.