| PIRATE HIDEOUT IN THE BEYOND |
Here is the setting for my current campaign for Traveller, planet 579-939 (Liberty Hall
110), named Tortuga by the romantically inclined corsair captain Bette Noire. Bette
inherited it from Phalaris, her previously unknown half-Darrian grandmother. Phalaris is
the last member of the scout team that originally set the the scout base still living on
579-939. She died in 1110, one year before the start of the campaign. Before she died, she
had sent a trusted Droyne, Vik to find the descendants of the scouts. Bette was the only
descendant he could locate be he was murdered in Bette's presence. Currently, Bette, who
is using the planet as a hidden refugee is seeking other descendants to help reopen the
scout base before she decides her next move.
Complicating matters is that Tortuga contains a functioning(?) Ancients site as well
containing data on an anomaly that may be an Ancients artifact in the Darkling Regions
discovered by Phalaris due to a misjump. Given that her half-uncle the pirate Douglas
('Black Dog') McKimmon also knows about 579-939(his mother was not Phalaris, but a
rogue scout) and he also knows some info about the anomaly, Bette has issues. Does the
party re-open and develop Tortuga as a defendable base of operations? Or do they go for
the anomaly before McKimmon finds its location and risk McKimmon destroying the base
on Tortuga? Time will tell the story.
110), named Tortuga by the romantically inclined corsair captain Bette Noire. Bette
inherited it from Phalaris, her previously unknown half-Darrian grandmother. Phalaris is
the last member of the scout team that originally set the the scout base still living on
579-939. She died in 1110, one year before the start of the campaign. Before she died, she
had sent a trusted Droyne, Vik to find the descendants of the scouts. Bette was the only
descendant he could locate be he was murdered in Bette's presence. Currently, Bette, who
is using the planet as a hidden refugee is seeking other descendants to help reopen the
scout base before she decides her next move.
Complicating matters is that Tortuga contains a functioning(?) Ancients site as well
containing data on an anomaly that may be an Ancients artifact in the Darkling Regions
discovered by Phalaris due to a misjump. Given that her half-uncle the pirate Douglas
('Black Dog') McKimmon also knows about 579-939(his mother was not Phalaris, but a
rogue scout) and he also knows some info about the anomaly, Bette has issues. Does the
party re-open and develop Tortuga as a defendable base of operations? Or do they go for
the anomaly before McKimmon finds its location and risk McKimmon destroying the base
on Tortuga? Time will tell the story.
| SYSTEM INFORMATION |
UPP: C777000
Trinary systems with with red dwardf star (Mirabella) & dwarf blue/white star (Carmilla)
forming stable binary system. A distant neutron star (450-087) forms the third part of the
system.
The system once had 5 planets. The closest, 579-939A is only 1675 miles diameter with a
dense corrisive atmosphere. The second, 579-939B(Tortuga) is 7000 miles diameter, with a
tainted, standard atmosphere. The third 579-939C is a extermely battered gas giant 30,000
mile diameter. The 5th and sixth planets exist only as asteroid belts.
TRAVEL TIMES BETWEEN TORTUGA AND OTHER SYSTEM BODIES AT 1G
ACCELERATION.
579-939A: 20 hours at closest relation, 44 hours at farthest relation.
579-939C: 42 hours at closest relation, 81 hours at farthest relation.
Inner asteroid belt: 87 hours closest relation, 96 hours farthest relation.
Outer asteroid belt: 132 hours closest relation, 141 hours farthest relation.
Trinary systems with with red dwardf star (Mirabella) & dwarf blue/white star (Carmilla)
forming stable binary system. A distant neutron star (450-087) forms the third part of the
system.
The system once had 5 planets. The closest, 579-939A is only 1675 miles diameter with a
dense corrisive atmosphere. The second, 579-939B(Tortuga) is 7000 miles diameter, with a
tainted, standard atmosphere. The third 579-939C is a extermely battered gas giant 30,000
mile diameter. The 5th and sixth planets exist only as asteroid belts.
TRAVEL TIMES BETWEEN TORTUGA AND OTHER SYSTEM BODIES AT 1G
ACCELERATION.
579-939A: 20 hours at closest relation, 44 hours at farthest relation.
579-939C: 42 hours at closest relation, 81 hours at farthest relation.
Inner asteroid belt: 87 hours closest relation, 96 hours farthest relation.
Outer asteroid belt: 132 hours closest relation, 141 hours farthest relation.
| WORLD DATA |
Tortuga possess no moon, however is does possess a captive planetoid. Called Wedge due
to its shape, it is a nickle-iron rock 1.4 km long by 1/2 km wide. Wedge possesses sensor
arrays and missile launchers(6 batteries, 4 launchers each battery) link of remote from the
planet surface. At one point during its developed in had been hollowed out for a spinal
mount weapon, but no weapon was ever delivered. Wedge does possess a fusion powerplant
and remotely controlled manuver drives (1G acceleration).
The IISS placed an Eshpair class Orbital facility in orbit parallel to Wedge as its first
base. The base is defended by twin sandcaster launchers, nuclear damper (factor4), and 4
triple laser turrets. The last surviving scout, Phalaris, DNA-coded the station so that only
descendants of the original scout teams (with the exception of her enemy Sharyll Donn)
could enter and use the station. A Saaydhil Class
10,000 tonne orbital scout base. Bette has since renamed the base Port Royal after an
ancient
Terran pirate base.
Axial tilt: 23.25 degrees.
Rotation gives 18.7 standard hours day. The year runs in a 275 day rotation around main
primary, Carmilla. Daylight is 12 hours at longest period, 6.2 hours at shortest period.
Artic circle is 6 degrees north and antartic circle at 6 degrees south.
to its shape, it is a nickle-iron rock 1.4 km long by 1/2 km wide. Wedge possesses sensor
arrays and missile launchers(6 batteries, 4 launchers each battery) link of remote from the
planet surface. At one point during its developed in had been hollowed out for a spinal
mount weapon, but no weapon was ever delivered. Wedge does possess a fusion powerplant
and remotely controlled manuver drives (1G acceleration).
The IISS placed an Eshpair class Orbital facility in orbit parallel to Wedge as its first
base. The base is defended by twin sandcaster launchers, nuclear damper (factor4), and 4
triple laser turrets. The last surviving scout, Phalaris, DNA-coded the station so that only
descendants of the original scout teams (with the exception of her enemy Sharyll Donn)
could enter and use the station. A Saaydhil Class
10,000 tonne orbital scout base. Bette has since renamed the base Port Royal after an
ancient
Terran pirate base.
Axial tilt: 23.25 degrees.
Rotation gives 18.7 standard hours day. The year runs in a 275 day rotation around main
primary, Carmilla. Daylight is 12 hours at longest period, 6.2 hours at shortest period.
Artic circle is 6 degrees north and antartic circle at 6 degrees south.
s. Mt. Erebus Scout Base. Built into the dormant cone and tunnels of an active volcano, Mt.
Erebus, the base takes advantage of geo-thermal engineering to provide power for the base.
The base provides basic ship maintenance and provides fuel for ships and vehicles.
a. Moragh Base. Second wildfire post, replacing Ft. Noire (destroyed in lava flow).
Provides living for up to 4 scouts. Sensor station carved into stump of giant tree next to
living quarters. Landing pad for small craft or grav vehicle. Thermal spring.
1. Coastal Range. Large mountain range skirting the west coast of the Western continent.
17 active volcanoes.
2. Western Plains. Semi-arid plains with scattered sand hills. Flanked in the west and east
by mountains, and by forests in the north and south. Salt Desert ( approx. 400 kl by 130 kl
wide) in the center of the plains pockmarked by scattered fused rock formations call the Seas
of Glass.
3. Central Massif. Large range of mountains bisecting the continent. 23 Active volcanoes.
Great Central River flows northward from Great Southern Lake on the massif's eastern
flank. Active geisers pockmark the southern edge of formation. Mts. Erebus and Terror are
the 2 most southern volcanoes.
4. Great Southern Lake. 300 kl long by 89 kl wide. Flanked by the Central Massif to the
north and west and by the Great Moragh Forest to the east and south. Near the lake and 1
kl to the se of the scout base lay The Blades, a volcanic glass ridge systems known for its odd
and beautiful artifacts, the glass chiming bells. The lake is the source the Great Central
River, the continent's largest river system.
5. Great Northwestern Forest. Largest forest on the continent, bordered by the Coastal
Range on the sw, the Western Plains on the south, and ocean on the east and north. The
Artifact River (named for the ancient wreck found at the river's mountain source) flows
through the southern section from the se to the nw, emptying into the ocean. The bulk of
the large fauna on this world live in this locale.
6. Great Moragh Forest. Flanking the southern end of the Central Massif and the southern
and east end of the Great Southern Lake and covering the southern coastal regions. The
forest below Mt. Terror are subject to periodic fires from Terror's lava flows.
7. Wreckage Plains. East of the Great Central River, north of the Gr. Moragh Forest, nw of
the East. Dismal Swamps. The plains get their name from ship wreckage from some
forgotten war.
8. Eastern Dismal Swamps. Massive bayou and swamp area on the se part of the continent.
9. Pennisula Forest. Located in the Northeastern Pennisula, it possesses the most archaic
flora on the planet.
10. Phalaris Islands. Island chains off the se coast. Fertile islands know for fauna, much of
which is diminutive versions of mainland fauna.
11. The Old Ones. Ancient Mountain Range worn down to large hills north of the
wreackage plains. Heavily forested.
12. Ghandhi Islands. Isle chain off the ne coast of the West. Continent. Largest 60 by 43
kls if GRand Ghandhi.
13. Dehl Sea. Semi-enclosed sea on the sw coast of the West. Continent. Home to myriad
large shallow sea saurian lifeforms, including Dehl's Seawolf, an dolphinlike predator.
14. Bharat Isles. Large island chain off the western coast of the Western Continent.
Spawning ground for many aerial and semi-aquatic lifeforms.
15. Dflall Sea. Northern Sea bound by the Gr. NW Forest on the west and south, and the
Central Massif on the east.
16. Morel Bay. Large northern bay bounded by the Old Ones on the west and south, and
the Northeastern Pennisula on the west. Bay is an impact crater.
17. Glass Plains. Located on the Eastern Continent, the glass plains makes up 78% of the
land mass there. A ruin of fused, shattered rock and earth, with occassional vegetation due
to some battle between the Ancients. Scattered starship wrecks from ancient times to a IISS
survey scout litter the area. The scouts living here speculated some Ancient artifact is
responsible.
18. Debris Sea. Shallows seas around the north, ne, and east of the Eastern Continent,
littered with wrecks, hence its name. Contragravity submersibles have charted this area and
its wrecks but have found no evidence of an Ancients site.
19. Flyers Isle. Large island inhabited by flying saurians.
Erebus, the base takes advantage of geo-thermal engineering to provide power for the base.
The base provides basic ship maintenance and provides fuel for ships and vehicles.
a. Moragh Base. Second wildfire post, replacing Ft. Noire (destroyed in lava flow).
Provides living for up to 4 scouts. Sensor station carved into stump of giant tree next to
living quarters. Landing pad for small craft or grav vehicle. Thermal spring.
1. Coastal Range. Large mountain range skirting the west coast of the Western continent.
17 active volcanoes.
2. Western Plains. Semi-arid plains with scattered sand hills. Flanked in the west and east
by mountains, and by forests in the north and south. Salt Desert ( approx. 400 kl by 130 kl
wide) in the center of the plains pockmarked by scattered fused rock formations call the Seas
of Glass.
3. Central Massif. Large range of mountains bisecting the continent. 23 Active volcanoes.
Great Central River flows northward from Great Southern Lake on the massif's eastern
flank. Active geisers pockmark the southern edge of formation. Mts. Erebus and Terror are
the 2 most southern volcanoes.
4. Great Southern Lake. 300 kl long by 89 kl wide. Flanked by the Central Massif to the
north and west and by the Great Moragh Forest to the east and south. Near the lake and 1
kl to the se of the scout base lay The Blades, a volcanic glass ridge systems known for its odd
and beautiful artifacts, the glass chiming bells. The lake is the source the Great Central
River, the continent's largest river system.
5. Great Northwestern Forest. Largest forest on the continent, bordered by the Coastal
Range on the sw, the Western Plains on the south, and ocean on the east and north. The
Artifact River (named for the ancient wreck found at the river's mountain source) flows
through the southern section from the se to the nw, emptying into the ocean. The bulk of
the large fauna on this world live in this locale.
6. Great Moragh Forest. Flanking the southern end of the Central Massif and the southern
and east end of the Great Southern Lake and covering the southern coastal regions. The
forest below Mt. Terror are subject to periodic fires from Terror's lava flows.
7. Wreckage Plains. East of the Great Central River, north of the Gr. Moragh Forest, nw of
the East. Dismal Swamps. The plains get their name from ship wreckage from some
forgotten war.
8. Eastern Dismal Swamps. Massive bayou and swamp area on the se part of the continent.
9. Pennisula Forest. Located in the Northeastern Pennisula, it possesses the most archaic
flora on the planet.
10. Phalaris Islands. Island chains off the se coast. Fertile islands know for fauna, much of
which is diminutive versions of mainland fauna.
11. The Old Ones. Ancient Mountain Range worn down to large hills north of the
wreackage plains. Heavily forested.
12. Ghandhi Islands. Isle chain off the ne coast of the West. Continent. Largest 60 by 43
kls if GRand Ghandhi.
13. Dehl Sea. Semi-enclosed sea on the sw coast of the West. Continent. Home to myriad
large shallow sea saurian lifeforms, including Dehl's Seawolf, an dolphinlike predator.
14. Bharat Isles. Large island chain off the western coast of the Western Continent.
Spawning ground for many aerial and semi-aquatic lifeforms.
15. Dflall Sea. Northern Sea bound by the Gr. NW Forest on the west and south, and the
Central Massif on the east.
16. Morel Bay. Large northern bay bounded by the Old Ones on the west and south, and
the Northeastern Pennisula on the west. Bay is an impact crater.
17. Glass Plains. Located on the Eastern Continent, the glass plains makes up 78% of the
land mass there. A ruin of fused, shattered rock and earth, with occassional vegetation due
to some battle between the Ancients. Scattered starship wrecks from ancient times to a IISS
survey scout litter the area. The scouts living here speculated some Ancient artifact is
responsible.
18. Debris Sea. Shallows seas around the north, ne, and east of the Eastern Continent,
littered with wrecks, hence its name. Contragravity submersibles have charted this area and
its wrecks but have found no evidence of an Ancients site.
19. Flyers Isle. Large island inhabited by flying saurians.
CLIMATE: Standard climate, though wetter due to volcanic dust and particles. Central
part of Western continent subject to nuclear fall 400 years ago due to massive eruptions.
Jetstream flows east to west on planet. Few really cold areas as landmass do not extend
much above 20 degrees north and 26 degrees south. There is a permantly frozen chain of
seven islands near the planet's north pole. Winter and summer variations near standards,
only shorter due to rotation around Carmilla. Convection currents in the ocean keep the
climate quite pleasant.
part of Western continent subject to nuclear fall 400 years ago due to massive eruptions.
Jetstream flows east to west on planet. Few really cold areas as landmass do not extend
much above 20 degrees north and 26 degrees south. There is a permantly frozen chain of
seven islands near the planet's north pole. Winter and summer variations near standards,
only shorter due to rotation around Carmilla. Convection currents in the ocean keep the
climate quite pleasant.
| HISTORY |
Imperial Date 258 Original survey by IISS.
276 Abandoned by IISS, records lost.
1048. Rediscovered by IISS team of Phalaris (darrian/humaniti), Aidamont Noire, Roger
Moragh, Indira Makann, D'flall(droyne), Moren Ghandhi, Fesreshi Nilrain, Serain Moret,
Nicolai Dehl, Maxton Fhroan, Vhragauf Shu(vargyr), Lhuriz Lhaz(darrian), with Keven
hault-Bharat commander scout cruiser Endeavour. Later that year 3 more scout vessels
return as well as jump carrier with a Eshpadir class orbital facility.
1049. Start of construction of Mt. Erebus scout base.
1050. Cargo ship arrives with materials for a more permanent orbital satellite base.
Satellite fully functional before end of year.
1051. Ft. Noire(Noire's Folly) Wildlife base built and abandoned. Survey of Wreckage
Plains. Ship artifacts dated to the Ramshackle Empire period. Phalaris begins work on
geothermal powerplant.
1053. Geothermal powerplant finished. Eastern Continent survey. Roger Moragh killed by
local saurian superpredator. Moragh Base (Ft. Moragh) wildlife base established. second
orbital base formally named Orbital Base Moragh.
1054. Indira Makann promoted to command in the Five Sisters subsector. Hault-Bharat
discusses the Ancient implications of the Eastern Continent survey. Scouts agree to
suppress knowledge of Ancient discoveries.
1056. Second scout team (8 members) arrive on Endeavour along with officials & scientists
on the fleet courier Delukaan. Construction crews leave on same ship. Equipment is left
to finish work on base.
1059. Imperium closes base officially. Half the scouts remain behind (cited as casaulties
in official report). Back at base on Regina, hault-Bharat starts suppressing or deleting
data on 579-939. Genesis of Operation Darkling Orb.
1060. Chiming Bells discovered in The Blades.
1063. Moren Ghandhi returns in scout/courier Flroiden. Advises the scouts still on
579-939 that the IISS will not return to the planet. Ghandhi later fakes distress call and
makes 579-939 the Flroiden's new base. The scouts formally close Randalhoff Station, the
first orbital facility, moving all equipment to Orbital Base Moragh.
1064. Phalaris and Aidamont Noire married. So are Moren Ghandhi and Fereshi Nilrain.
Twins are born to Phalaris same year, Harald and Galdan.
1065. The scouts acquire a 200 ton free trader, Wimmicj.
1066. A 3rd son is born to the Noires, Lhul. Fereshi gives birth to a daughter, Kila.
Fereshi killed rockslide two months later.
1067. Ancients ship wreckage found at the source of is named the Artifact River. Artifacts
lifted to base for study. Operation Darkling Orb implemented.
1068. Moren Ghandhi die of Huili fever. The Noires only pilots left. Wimmicj brings two
mysterious Asderonti & Dr. Jonn Huick, Ancients expert.
1069. Phalaris officially disappears in the Wimmicj on routine supply mission. In reality,
she pilots a secret mission to the Darkling regions scouts Hisa Santos, Antil Lloyd, Dr.
Huick & the Asderonti. Same year re-supply trader with Godet Ost (2nd scout team
navigator) loses control and crashes off Eastern Continent with total loss of supplies and
life.
1070. Sharyll Donn (2nd team xenologist) takes advantage of a heartbroken Aidamont
Noire and convinces to leave with his children on the scout/courier Flroiden. They
eventually settle on Sharyll's home planet of Tarsus where two years later they are married.
The surviving scouts are left to their own devices even a guilt-ridden Aidamont sends a
merc pilot back on the Flroiden. When discovered by the IISS, the couple are placed under
arrest.
1071. The scouts finally self-sufficient. Dehl successful domesticates the aflhaz ( a local
biped predator ) as a riding beast and the klois ( a local quadreped herbivore ) as a beast of
burden. Lhaz, despondent after the loss of the Flroiden, commits sucide.
1072. Phalaris returns in an old battered trader carrying an ancient's small craft and a
pre-maghiz darrian fighter. She, Hisa Santos, & Aythufoy the Asderonti are aboard. Tells
story of an anomaly that may be an ancients artifact in the Darkling Regions. Scouts
swear to go back the anomaly some day. Phalaris, leaves again for Tarsus to confornt
Aidamont and Sharyll.
1073. Dehl and Shonmar(2nd team member) killed in predator attack when sonic screen
fails.
1074. A taciturn Phalaris returns. She never talks about her journey nor writes about it.
She also returns with a mysterious passenger she calls "Companion".
1076. A Droyne vessel arrives for D'flall, who leaves on it. Phalaris gains custody of her
sons. Phalaris & Aythufoy finish rebuilding their trader, renamed it Ussyatsma.
1078. The same Droyne vessel returns with equipment for the scouts along with new droyne
companion Huaass. Phalaris become the last remaining scout on 579-939 same year.
1079. Phalaris completes her darrian worldtree orchard. Also completes her study of the
ancient craft she brought back and its signal code.
1080. Phalaris discovers marker and duplicate record of the original 3rd century IISS
survey. Bette Noire born on Trayfowen/Mapepire.
1081. Serpent class scout crashes on eastern continent. Probe finds no survivors.
1082. Dehl family returns & starts a ranch south of Mt. Erebus. Harald & Galdan also
arrive to assist their mother. Pharalis's personal fighter retro-fitted with TL16 engines &
powerplants, & Ancients transmitter found at the Darkling region site.
1083. 4th Frontier War. Galdan & Harald return to active scout service duty.
1084. Phalaris makes a secret visit to Lilith to see her granddaughter, Bette.
1091. 3 LOFWIA ships intrude into 579-939's system. 1 destroyed, 2 captured.
1094. Harald returns to 579-939, the only son of Phalaris to do so. Accompanied by by two
Asderonti.
1097. 20 Korkhel fighters delivered to 579-939 highport. All twenty join the Vampire fleet.
1108. Lhul Noire killed in action during the invasion of Jewel.
1111. Harald killed in crash landing on Azalon Highport(Guildheim/Liberty Hall).
1116. Liv Makann (granddaughter of Indira) arrested for smuggling guns. Sentenced to
10 years at IDES containment facility on Botany Bay.
1117. Chaz Moragh & Illian Nilrain captured by Due Weltbund raiders onroute to
579-939. Whereabouts unknown.
1118. Dying, Phalaris makes out her will, giving 579-939 to the scout teams descendants (
except those of Sharyll Donn). Witnessed by Companion.
1122. Under the directives of Phalaris' will, Galdan starts a search for his niece, Bette
Noire.
1124. Galdan Noire murdered by his half brother, 'Black Dog' McKimmon. His droyne
companion Ofhemay escapes to Bette Noire with 579-939's destination..
1124. Bette Noire in Deias Trias arrives in orbit around 579-939. Renames it Tortuga,
planning on the short-term goal of making it a hideaway. Leaves to pick up her new ship
and recruits new crew. Her second in command, Capt. F. Khrest of the Deia Trias arrives
to organize the base.
1125. The destroyer Onihime is transferred to the Tortuga system, renamed the
Kali-Durgha. Bette & her apprentices build a shrine in a cavern on Mt. Erebus. Mi Adila
Dehl, Nicolai's daughter, her husband Kon Bukeri, & their children Sai & Lucan Aes
discovered 30 km SE of Erebus where they had established a Aflhaz ranch. After
negotiation, they agree to join Bette's party. Large shrine laid out on volcanic plateau 23.4
km west of Erebus. Captain Khrest's ship the Amarald Idyll arrives with 2 freighters.
Khrest takes over operational control of Port Royal station as Bette's second in command.
276 Abandoned by IISS, records lost.
1048. Rediscovered by IISS team of Phalaris (darrian/humaniti), Aidamont Noire, Roger
Moragh, Indira Makann, D'flall(droyne), Moren Ghandhi, Fesreshi Nilrain, Serain Moret,
Nicolai Dehl, Maxton Fhroan, Vhragauf Shu(vargyr), Lhuriz Lhaz(darrian), with Keven
hault-Bharat commander scout cruiser Endeavour. Later that year 3 more scout vessels
return as well as jump carrier with a Eshpadir class orbital facility.
1049. Start of construction of Mt. Erebus scout base.
1050. Cargo ship arrives with materials for a more permanent orbital satellite base.
Satellite fully functional before end of year.
1051. Ft. Noire(Noire's Folly) Wildlife base built and abandoned. Survey of Wreckage
Plains. Ship artifacts dated to the Ramshackle Empire period. Phalaris begins work on
geothermal powerplant.
1053. Geothermal powerplant finished. Eastern Continent survey. Roger Moragh killed by
local saurian superpredator. Moragh Base (Ft. Moragh) wildlife base established. second
orbital base formally named Orbital Base Moragh.
1054. Indira Makann promoted to command in the Five Sisters subsector. Hault-Bharat
discusses the Ancient implications of the Eastern Continent survey. Scouts agree to
suppress knowledge of Ancient discoveries.
1056. Second scout team (8 members) arrive on Endeavour along with officials & scientists
on the fleet courier Delukaan. Construction crews leave on same ship. Equipment is left
to finish work on base.
1059. Imperium closes base officially. Half the scouts remain behind (cited as casaulties
in official report). Back at base on Regina, hault-Bharat starts suppressing or deleting
data on 579-939. Genesis of Operation Darkling Orb.
1060. Chiming Bells discovered in The Blades.
1063. Moren Ghandhi returns in scout/courier Flroiden. Advises the scouts still on
579-939 that the IISS will not return to the planet. Ghandhi later fakes distress call and
makes 579-939 the Flroiden's new base. The scouts formally close Randalhoff Station, the
first orbital facility, moving all equipment to Orbital Base Moragh.
1064. Phalaris and Aidamont Noire married. So are Moren Ghandhi and Fereshi Nilrain.
Twins are born to Phalaris same year, Harald and Galdan.
1065. The scouts acquire a 200 ton free trader, Wimmicj.
1066. A 3rd son is born to the Noires, Lhul. Fereshi gives birth to a daughter, Kila.
Fereshi killed rockslide two months later.
1067. Ancients ship wreckage found at the source of is named the Artifact River. Artifacts
lifted to base for study. Operation Darkling Orb implemented.
1068. Moren Ghandhi die of Huili fever. The Noires only pilots left. Wimmicj brings two
mysterious Asderonti & Dr. Jonn Huick, Ancients expert.
1069. Phalaris officially disappears in the Wimmicj on routine supply mission. In reality,
she pilots a secret mission to the Darkling regions scouts Hisa Santos, Antil Lloyd, Dr.
Huick & the Asderonti. Same year re-supply trader with Godet Ost (2nd scout team
navigator) loses control and crashes off Eastern Continent with total loss of supplies and
life.
1070. Sharyll Donn (2nd team xenologist) takes advantage of a heartbroken Aidamont
Noire and convinces to leave with his children on the scout/courier Flroiden. They
eventually settle on Sharyll's home planet of Tarsus where two years later they are married.
The surviving scouts are left to their own devices even a guilt-ridden Aidamont sends a
merc pilot back on the Flroiden. When discovered by the IISS, the couple are placed under
arrest.
1071. The scouts finally self-sufficient. Dehl successful domesticates the aflhaz ( a local
biped predator ) as a riding beast and the klois ( a local quadreped herbivore ) as a beast of
burden. Lhaz, despondent after the loss of the Flroiden, commits sucide.
1072. Phalaris returns in an old battered trader carrying an ancient's small craft and a
pre-maghiz darrian fighter. She, Hisa Santos, & Aythufoy the Asderonti are aboard. Tells
story of an anomaly that may be an ancients artifact in the Darkling Regions. Scouts
swear to go back the anomaly some day. Phalaris, leaves again for Tarsus to confornt
Aidamont and Sharyll.
1073. Dehl and Shonmar(2nd team member) killed in predator attack when sonic screen
fails.
1074. A taciturn Phalaris returns. She never talks about her journey nor writes about it.
She also returns with a mysterious passenger she calls "Companion".
1076. A Droyne vessel arrives for D'flall, who leaves on it. Phalaris gains custody of her
sons. Phalaris & Aythufoy finish rebuilding their trader, renamed it Ussyatsma.
1078. The same Droyne vessel returns with equipment for the scouts along with new droyne
companion Huaass. Phalaris become the last remaining scout on 579-939 same year.
1079. Phalaris completes her darrian worldtree orchard. Also completes her study of the
ancient craft she brought back and its signal code.
1080. Phalaris discovers marker and duplicate record of the original 3rd century IISS
survey. Bette Noire born on Trayfowen/Mapepire.
1081. Serpent class scout crashes on eastern continent. Probe finds no survivors.
1082. Dehl family returns & starts a ranch south of Mt. Erebus. Harald & Galdan also
arrive to assist their mother. Pharalis's personal fighter retro-fitted with TL16 engines &
powerplants, & Ancients transmitter found at the Darkling region site.
1083. 4th Frontier War. Galdan & Harald return to active scout service duty.
1084. Phalaris makes a secret visit to Lilith to see her granddaughter, Bette.
1091. 3 LOFWIA ships intrude into 579-939's system. 1 destroyed, 2 captured.
1094. Harald returns to 579-939, the only son of Phalaris to do so. Accompanied by by two
Asderonti.
1097. 20 Korkhel fighters delivered to 579-939 highport. All twenty join the Vampire fleet.
1108. Lhul Noire killed in action during the invasion of Jewel.
1111. Harald killed in crash landing on Azalon Highport(Guildheim/Liberty Hall).
1116. Liv Makann (granddaughter of Indira) arrested for smuggling guns. Sentenced to
10 years at IDES containment facility on Botany Bay.
1117. Chaz Moragh & Illian Nilrain captured by Due Weltbund raiders onroute to
579-939. Whereabouts unknown.
1118. Dying, Phalaris makes out her will, giving 579-939 to the scout teams descendants (
except those of Sharyll Donn). Witnessed by Companion.
1122. Under the directives of Phalaris' will, Galdan starts a search for his niece, Bette
Noire.
1124. Galdan Noire murdered by his half brother, 'Black Dog' McKimmon. His droyne
companion Ofhemay escapes to Bette Noire with 579-939's destination..
1124. Bette Noire in Deias Trias arrives in orbit around 579-939. Renames it Tortuga,
planning on the short-term goal of making it a hideaway. Leaves to pick up her new ship
and recruits new crew. Her second in command, Capt. F. Khrest of the Deia Trias arrives
to organize the base.
1125. The destroyer Onihime is transferred to the Tortuga system, renamed the
Kali-Durgha. Bette & her apprentices build a shrine in a cavern on Mt. Erebus. Mi Adila
Dehl, Nicolai's daughter, her husband Kon Bukeri, & their children Sai & Lucan Aes
discovered 30 km SE of Erebus where they had established a Aflhaz ranch. After
negotiation, they agree to join Bette's party. Large shrine laid out on volcanic plateau 23.4
km west of Erebus. Captain Khrest's ship the Amarald Idyll arrives with 2 freighters.
Khrest takes over operational control of Port Royal station as Bette's second in command.
| FAUNA |
Fauna on the planet has adapt in many ways to the enviroment. Most evolved filter
systems in their nasal passages or lungs. Most of the vertebrates have developed a double
eyelid with a transparent eyelid like a biological goggle. Making molluscs or insect have
incorporated volcanic gasses or compounds into their shells or exoskeletons for protection
ranging from bad tasting to toxic.
Another adaption is an extreme sensitivity to sesmic events in vertebrates. Animals have
been known to leave an area before anything registers even on the most sensitive tech gear.
KLOIS: A beaked, sure-footed dinosaurian quadreped found in the Central Massif and in
the hills around the Gr. Southern lake about 3 metes long. Skin color ranges from green
to brown to black. Domesticated as a pack animal.
RKHINAKLOIS: Large beaked & horned plain quadraped related to the Klois. These
beast tend to move in herds of 20-200 animals. Their are several species: The 3-honed
Rkhinaklois Trias (4-8 tonnes), the 1-horned Unikhrina (2-5 tonnes), and the
multi-horned & spiked Rkhinaklois Urkin
(3-6 tonnes). Domesticated and used in the similar way as Terran elephants. Humans
riding these are safe from most predators, especially if the Rkhinaklois howdah carries a
weapon mount.
AFLHAZ. Small, swift dinosaurian predator (3 meters long) Preys on the small animals
and the young of other species. Will occassionally attack larger animals than itself when
in a large enough pack. Travels in packs of 5-22. The Aflhaz has been domesticated as a
riding beast. Greenish-bri\own camoflauged skin patterns . There is a larger plains
cousin (4-6 meters long) called the Gra
Aflhaz . The Gra Alfhaz is rarer due competition from the much larger Destroyer
carnivore.
THE DESTROYER. Named given to species of large (up to 8 tonnes) dinosaurian
predator. Travels in family groups of 3-5. Dull dun coloring. Very territorial.
CARACHOL. Large (8-25 tonnes) long-necked tree-browsing herbivore of the Gr.
Moragh and Gr. NW forest. Travels in herds of 20-40. Very tolerant of other herbivores,
who will travel with carachols for protection.
STRIKERS. Large (1-6 tonnes) dull brown herbivores of the Wreckage Plains. Travel in
heards of 17-46. Named for their battering-ram skulls, which are used as defensive
weapons when cornered.
HORNCRESTS. Fast, large bipedal herbivore dinosaurs slightly larger, but similar to
boneheads. Known for their large brightly colored crests and their tremendous base
trumpet calls. Green to brown in coloration with bright orange or red stripes. Travel in
herds of 20-60 and depend on their speed for safety. Mix freely with boneheads and
carachols.
BEAKERS. Small(2 meters long),sure-footed bipedal dinosaurian herbivores with strong
beaks for chopping vegetation. Travel in flocks of 10-24. Live in broken, mountainous
terrain where large predator can't reach them. Related to and similar coloration to klois.
MOTTLED STRIDERS. Small(2 meters) bipedal dinosaurian herbivores. Found in same
enviroment as beakers and klois, but eat softer plants. Named for their mottled
green/brown/blue coloring. A few were domesticated and 12 specimens where shipped
offworld by original survey team.
RHINOTERRORS. Large predators, known for their nasal horns used in disputes.
Found primarily in the great Moragh Forest, rarely, if ever in hilly or plains environs.
Family packs of 2-6.
AIDABEASTS. Medium dinosaurian predators (just under1 tonne), jokingly named after
Aidamont Noire. Striped in a variety of camoflauge schemes they prwol through all land
areas. Fast (42 kph), aidamonts killed scouts Dehl and Shonmar when sonic hazers
failed. Packs of 3-12.
SPIKETAILS. Quadrped dinosaurian tree browsers. Found throughout the southern
forest regions. Known for their spiked tails and spinal armour.
CORAL SHRIEKERS. Small, brightly plumaged birds that inhabit the Great Southern
Forest region and the Central Massif. A large colony nests on Mt. Erebus. Named for
their mating cries.
BUSYBODIES. Small, gray furred ferretlike mammal named for their curious natures.
Can be a nuisance around delicate equipment.
WINDRIDERS. Large birds (3-5 meters wingspan) making their home in the
mountainous regions of the planet riding the thermal. Live off fish, small animals and
carrion.
DEHL'S SPIDER. A fuzzy hopping spider found around the Mt. Erebus region. Venom
very potent (4D6D).
PHALARIS' CHIRPER. A small (housecat size) bipedal dinosaurian predator.
Nocturnal, feeding on birds, small animal, and insects.
MEREDRAGON. Medium (1 meter wingspan) dragonlike bird and downy feathers and
conical sharp teeth.. Preys on birds, fish, and small mammals. Found in abundance on
Flyers Isle.
HAOLOP. Small, brown/green furred arboreal mammalian herbivore.
MORAGH'S CAVE LIZARD. A small ( 1/2 m or less) pale planteating lizard that is native
to the southern Central Massif, living in caves and rock crevices. Remarkable tolerant for
volcanic fumes.
MORAGH ALBATROSS. A large ( 14 m wingspan) whitefeathered oceanic bird nesting
on Flyers Isle. Nmaed after a legendary bird. Can fly nonstop around the planet.
BLACK GEYLEN. A small ( 10.5 cm wingspan) graceful song bird know for its
blue/black headcrest and its lilting song. Many nest exist in the Central Massif. Very
sensitive to volcanic conditions and earth tremors, they will emit a low-pitched cry (
carrying up to 18.2 km) when dangerous conditions threaten.
BODHRI. A small ( 1 cm long) burrowing mammal dark brown to dark grey in fur with
powerful digging claws native to the mountain regions. Poor eyesight, but excellent sense
of smell and sensitivity to vibrations. Likes for nest on conduits and vents.
KLOAS. Lizard carnivore of the mountain and hill regions with powerful digging claws.
This 1/2 to 1 meter lizards likes small animals, especially the Bodhri.
PAULO' SEABEAST. Huge ( 30-120 m long) sealizard, known for its huge filter mouth.
Largest seabeast on planet and fastest (45 kph). Named for the emperor.
BACTERIA NILRAIN. Strain of bacteria native to Tortuga, discovered by Fereshi
Nilrain in 1075 during examination of Alfhaz kept inside the base that withered & died.
The cause was a symbiotic bacteria in the nasal, throat & lung linings of the beasts. The
bacteria thrived by ingesting sulphur & other toxic gasses to survive & releasing oxygen as
a byproduct, thus protecting the host from volcanic fumes while giving host a oxygen
booster. In the abscence of these volcanic emissions in the controlled air of Erebus scout
base, the bacteria attack the host trying find a substitute. This strain was dubbed Bacteria
Nilrain strain. Later the parent strain was discovered in & around volcanic vents &
volcanic hot springs. This strain B. Nilrain Strain A, required only damp, warm
conditions & volcanic emissions to exist. Later in the history, Strain B developed, adapted
to exist in the linings of nasal, throat, & dieing in 4-6 hours if outside the host. While
Strain A is a free floating entity, Strain is passed by the exhalation of CO2 (or squeezing),
or by the handling of infected(?) tissue. Both Strains die in the absence of normally toxic
volcanic gases, however Strain B will spread through the host trying to find nourishment,
disrupting the spread of nutrients to the host, causing death in 2-6 hours unless treated: &
of course killing all Strain B in the host. Fortunately, known antibiotics can kill the
bacteria as well as cold (0 degrees celsius) & had by 1077 innoculations had become
standard for scouts leaving Tortuga. In 1080, Nilrain had created a mutation, Strain C
which gave the same benefits as Strain B, however, Strain C would simply die in the
absence of volcanic gases without harming the host. Several examples ofStrain C was
sent back to IISS at Regina, but were lost in the shuffle of the 4th Frontier War. A colony
of Strain C exists under optimum conditions in lab rats at Erebus' medical lab & in the
base's cat population. Strain C can be useful in volcanic exploration, certain tainted
atmospheres & against certain toxic military gases. Notes exist at Erebus's lab suggesting
variants for use against any toxic gas. A .5 gram container of Strain C can be considered
worth 4000-10000 Cr. or more. Beings with Strain B or C get a +1 endurance bonus due
to the oxygen boost on any physical exertion.
systems in their nasal passages or lungs. Most of the vertebrates have developed a double
eyelid with a transparent eyelid like a biological goggle. Making molluscs or insect have
incorporated volcanic gasses or compounds into their shells or exoskeletons for protection
ranging from bad tasting to toxic.
Another adaption is an extreme sensitivity to sesmic events in vertebrates. Animals have
been known to leave an area before anything registers even on the most sensitive tech gear.
KLOIS: A beaked, sure-footed dinosaurian quadreped found in the Central Massif and in
the hills around the Gr. Southern lake about 3 metes long. Skin color ranges from green
to brown to black. Domesticated as a pack animal.
RKHINAKLOIS: Large beaked & horned plain quadraped related to the Klois. These
beast tend to move in herds of 20-200 animals. Their are several species: The 3-honed
Rkhinaklois Trias (4-8 tonnes), the 1-horned Unikhrina (2-5 tonnes), and the
multi-horned & spiked Rkhinaklois Urkin
(3-6 tonnes). Domesticated and used in the similar way as Terran elephants. Humans
riding these are safe from most predators, especially if the Rkhinaklois howdah carries a
weapon mount.
AFLHAZ. Small, swift dinosaurian predator (3 meters long) Preys on the small animals
and the young of other species. Will occassionally attack larger animals than itself when
in a large enough pack. Travels in packs of 5-22. The Aflhaz has been domesticated as a
riding beast. Greenish-bri\own camoflauged skin patterns . There is a larger plains
cousin (4-6 meters long) called the Gra
Aflhaz . The Gra Alfhaz is rarer due competition from the much larger Destroyer
carnivore.
THE DESTROYER. Named given to species of large (up to 8 tonnes) dinosaurian
predator. Travels in family groups of 3-5. Dull dun coloring. Very territorial.
CARACHOL. Large (8-25 tonnes) long-necked tree-browsing herbivore of the Gr.
Moragh and Gr. NW forest. Travels in herds of 20-40. Very tolerant of other herbivores,
who will travel with carachols for protection.
STRIKERS. Large (1-6 tonnes) dull brown herbivores of the Wreckage Plains. Travel in
heards of 17-46. Named for their battering-ram skulls, which are used as defensive
weapons when cornered.
HORNCRESTS. Fast, large bipedal herbivore dinosaurs slightly larger, but similar to
boneheads. Known for their large brightly colored crests and their tremendous base
trumpet calls. Green to brown in coloration with bright orange or red stripes. Travel in
herds of 20-60 and depend on their speed for safety. Mix freely with boneheads and
carachols.
BEAKERS. Small(2 meters long),sure-footed bipedal dinosaurian herbivores with strong
beaks for chopping vegetation. Travel in flocks of 10-24. Live in broken, mountainous
terrain where large predator can't reach them. Related to and similar coloration to klois.
MOTTLED STRIDERS. Small(2 meters) bipedal dinosaurian herbivores. Found in same
enviroment as beakers and klois, but eat softer plants. Named for their mottled
green/brown/blue coloring. A few were domesticated and 12 specimens where shipped
offworld by original survey team.
RHINOTERRORS. Large predators, known for their nasal horns used in disputes.
Found primarily in the great Moragh Forest, rarely, if ever in hilly or plains environs.
Family packs of 2-6.
AIDABEASTS. Medium dinosaurian predators (just under1 tonne), jokingly named after
Aidamont Noire. Striped in a variety of camoflauge schemes they prwol through all land
areas. Fast (42 kph), aidamonts killed scouts Dehl and Shonmar when sonic hazers
failed. Packs of 3-12.
SPIKETAILS. Quadrped dinosaurian tree browsers. Found throughout the southern
forest regions. Known for their spiked tails and spinal armour.
CORAL SHRIEKERS. Small, brightly plumaged birds that inhabit the Great Southern
Forest region and the Central Massif. A large colony nests on Mt. Erebus. Named for
their mating cries.
BUSYBODIES. Small, gray furred ferretlike mammal named for their curious natures.
Can be a nuisance around delicate equipment.
WINDRIDERS. Large birds (3-5 meters wingspan) making their home in the
mountainous regions of the planet riding the thermal. Live off fish, small animals and
carrion.
DEHL'S SPIDER. A fuzzy hopping spider found around the Mt. Erebus region. Venom
very potent (4D6D).
PHALARIS' CHIRPER. A small (housecat size) bipedal dinosaurian predator.
Nocturnal, feeding on birds, small animal, and insects.
MEREDRAGON. Medium (1 meter wingspan) dragonlike bird and downy feathers and
conical sharp teeth.. Preys on birds, fish, and small mammals. Found in abundance on
Flyers Isle.
HAOLOP. Small, brown/green furred arboreal mammalian herbivore.
MORAGH'S CAVE LIZARD. A small ( 1/2 m or less) pale planteating lizard that is native
to the southern Central Massif, living in caves and rock crevices. Remarkable tolerant for
volcanic fumes.
MORAGH ALBATROSS. A large ( 14 m wingspan) whitefeathered oceanic bird nesting
on Flyers Isle. Nmaed after a legendary bird. Can fly nonstop around the planet.
BLACK GEYLEN. A small ( 10.5 cm wingspan) graceful song bird know for its
blue/black headcrest and its lilting song. Many nest exist in the Central Massif. Very
sensitive to volcanic conditions and earth tremors, they will emit a low-pitched cry (
carrying up to 18.2 km) when dangerous conditions threaten.
BODHRI. A small ( 1 cm long) burrowing mammal dark brown to dark grey in fur with
powerful digging claws native to the mountain regions. Poor eyesight, but excellent sense
of smell and sensitivity to vibrations. Likes for nest on conduits and vents.
KLOAS. Lizard carnivore of the mountain and hill regions with powerful digging claws.
This 1/2 to 1 meter lizards likes small animals, especially the Bodhri.
PAULO' SEABEAST. Huge ( 30-120 m long) sealizard, known for its huge filter mouth.
Largest seabeast on planet and fastest (45 kph). Named for the emperor.
BACTERIA NILRAIN. Strain of bacteria native to Tortuga, discovered by Fereshi
Nilrain in 1075 during examination of Alfhaz kept inside the base that withered & died.
The cause was a symbiotic bacteria in the nasal, throat & lung linings of the beasts. The
bacteria thrived by ingesting sulphur & other toxic gasses to survive & releasing oxygen as
a byproduct, thus protecting the host from volcanic fumes while giving host a oxygen
booster. In the abscence of these volcanic emissions in the controlled air of Erebus scout
base, the bacteria attack the host trying find a substitute. This strain was dubbed Bacteria
Nilrain strain. Later the parent strain was discovered in & around volcanic vents &
volcanic hot springs. This strain B. Nilrain Strain A, required only damp, warm
conditions & volcanic emissions to exist. Later in the history, Strain B developed, adapted
to exist in the linings of nasal, throat, & dieing in 4-6 hours if outside the host. While
Strain A is a free floating entity, Strain is passed by the exhalation of CO2 (or squeezing),
or by the handling of infected(?) tissue. Both Strains die in the absence of normally toxic
volcanic gases, however Strain B will spread through the host trying to find nourishment,
disrupting the spread of nutrients to the host, causing death in 2-6 hours unless treated: &
of course killing all Strain B in the host. Fortunately, known antibiotics can kill the
bacteria as well as cold (0 degrees celsius) & had by 1077 innoculations had become
standard for scouts leaving Tortuga. In 1080, Nilrain had created a mutation, Strain C
which gave the same benefits as Strain B, however, Strain C would simply die in the
absence of volcanic gases without harming the host. Several examples ofStrain C was
sent back to IISS at Regina, but were lost in the shuffle of the 4th Frontier War. A colony
of Strain C exists under optimum conditions in lab rats at Erebus' medical lab & in the
base's cat population. Strain C can be useful in volcanic exploration, certain tainted
atmospheres & against certain toxic military gases. Notes exist at Erebus's lab suggesting
variants for use against any toxic gas. A .5 gram container of Strain C can be considered
worth 4000-10000 Cr. or more. Beings with Strain B or C get a +1 endurance bonus due
to the oxygen boost on any physical exertion.
| EASTERN CONTINENT |
Shattered remnent of a larger land body due to war during the Ancients period. A
source of anomalies resulting the the destruction of starships thru millenia due to some
Ancient technonology still active that disables and attracts vessel to the continent to
their destruction. Besides the natural beauty of 579-939, this anolmaly is the driving
reason the scouts who founded the scout base here have kept the planet a secret. The
safest approach to ths continent is thru contragravity submersibles stored at Mt. Erebus
scout base.
source of anomalies resulting the the destruction of starships thru millenia due to some
Ancient technonology still active that disables and attracts vessel to the continent to
their destruction. Besides the natural beauty of 579-939, this anolmaly is the driving
reason the scouts who founded the scout base here have kept the planet a secret. The
safest approach to ths continent is thru contragravity submersibles stored at Mt. Erebus
scout base.
| FLORA |
Flora on Tortuga is dominated by deciduous plants and trees, except in very wet or swamp
regions, where conifers are dominate. The interesting thing about the flora is its inability
to flourish outside tainted atmosphere. In fact the plants ability to process tainted gasses
make life very tolerable.
In the desert regions of the Western Plains, a curious grass-like plant the survey named
RAZORGRASS predominate. A silicon-absorbing plant with razor-sharp leaves forming
multi-armed X's in cross-section, the planet is impossible to eat except by local insects. A
rich source of nutrient & liquid.
A curious plant of the volcanic regions is the SOLVENTPLANT. A bushy flowering
plant with red/yellow blooms its sap is very acidic. Some of the local birds have learned to
use its leaves to soften stone; after which they chip out nest holes with their beaks.
THE DARRIAN ORCHARD TREE, brought in by Phalaris has flourished here, planted
around volcanic fire vents. Oddly some of the local herbivores have proven to able to eat
the normally undigestible fruit. As a result sonic hazers now guard the orchards.
DEBH'S MATTPLANT. A low-growing conifer of the Eastern Swamp, it forms a matt
dense enough to support 400 kg of weight. Can be used to transverse the swamp. Many
small creatures nest in the plant.
SULFAMOSS. A lichen-like plant of the volcanic regions. It thrives on sulphur and
sulphuric emissions. Spreads by rhizones.
CORRINE'S DEATH PLANT. A colorful orchidlike flowering plant of the volcanic
regions. Its bulbous spade-shaped leaves are inflated with toxic volcanic gasses that are
released when broken or bitten into (3D damage). Results very, from nausea, vomiting,
coma, or even death. Each plant has 4-9 stems with flowers that range into red, orange,
blues, purples, pinks all on the same plant.
CARACHOL STREE. A large (30m high, 10m spread) tree, favored by the Carachol.
Blue/white flowers in spring, clusters of tear-drop shaped seeds in summer. Dominate tree
in the western continent's forests.
BOWLNUT TREES. Medium trees (15m high, 12m spread) occurring in the Great
Moragh Forest. So-called because of their large nuts, when cleaned, make excellent
containers for food and drink. The nut meat has a very buttery taste.
SPIKENARDS. Native mushrooms that grow underground anywhere in size from 1m-1/2
km in size with dozens of caps. Named for the spike-like spore pods that develop in the
summer and falls. Very antibacterial.
PENNISULA TREES. A conifer (18m high) with blue/green needles found only in the
moist Northeast Pennisula. Intensely dislike by Carachols.
DEATHCLOUDS. Floating aerial algae/like plants resembling yellowish-green clouds
1m to 40 meters in diameter that subsist in high sulphur areas of the volcanic region.
Collision with these masses will burst their cell spraying sulphuic acid. Only two
lifeforms (both insects) feed on these plants: the red/yellow/black striped Nilrain's
Painbug & Noire Acidbeetle, and are both acidic due to their diet.
regions, where conifers are dominate. The interesting thing about the flora is its inability
to flourish outside tainted atmosphere. In fact the plants ability to process tainted gasses
make life very tolerable.
In the desert regions of the Western Plains, a curious grass-like plant the survey named
RAZORGRASS predominate. A silicon-absorbing plant with razor-sharp leaves forming
multi-armed X's in cross-section, the planet is impossible to eat except by local insects. A
rich source of nutrient & liquid.
A curious plant of the volcanic regions is the SOLVENTPLANT. A bushy flowering
plant with red/yellow blooms its sap is very acidic. Some of the local birds have learned to
use its leaves to soften stone; after which they chip out nest holes with their beaks.
THE DARRIAN ORCHARD TREE, brought in by Phalaris has flourished here, planted
around volcanic fire vents. Oddly some of the local herbivores have proven to able to eat
the normally undigestible fruit. As a result sonic hazers now guard the orchards.
DEBH'S MATTPLANT. A low-growing conifer of the Eastern Swamp, it forms a matt
dense enough to support 400 kg of weight. Can be used to transverse the swamp. Many
small creatures nest in the plant.
SULFAMOSS. A lichen-like plant of the volcanic regions. It thrives on sulphur and
sulphuric emissions. Spreads by rhizones.
CORRINE'S DEATH PLANT. A colorful orchidlike flowering plant of the volcanic
regions. Its bulbous spade-shaped leaves are inflated with toxic volcanic gasses that are
released when broken or bitten into (3D damage). Results very, from nausea, vomiting,
coma, or even death. Each plant has 4-9 stems with flowers that range into red, orange,
blues, purples, pinks all on the same plant.
CARACHOL STREE. A large (30m high, 10m spread) tree, favored by the Carachol.
Blue/white flowers in spring, clusters of tear-drop shaped seeds in summer. Dominate tree
in the western continent's forests.
BOWLNUT TREES. Medium trees (15m high, 12m spread) occurring in the Great
Moragh Forest. So-called because of their large nuts, when cleaned, make excellent
containers for food and drink. The nut meat has a very buttery taste.
SPIKENARDS. Native mushrooms that grow underground anywhere in size from 1m-1/2
km in size with dozens of caps. Named for the spike-like spore pods that develop in the
summer and falls. Very antibacterial.
PENNISULA TREES. A conifer (18m high) with blue/green needles found only in the
moist Northeast Pennisula. Intensely dislike by Carachols.
DEATHCLOUDS. Floating aerial algae/like plants resembling yellowish-green clouds
1m to 40 meters in diameter that subsist in high sulphur areas of the volcanic region.
Collision with these masses will burst their cell spraying sulphuic acid. Only two
lifeforms (both insects) feed on these plants: the red/yellow/black striped Nilrain's
Painbug & Noire Acidbeetle, and are both acidic due to their diet.
CHIMING BELLS. A interesting volcanic sport of the Central Massif. The bells are
volcanic glass bubbles that made harmonic sounds when gently tapped or shook.
Spheroid bells tend to be more mellow in sound, while egg-shaped tend to have a more
resonate quality, while ovals are quite robust. The original IISS list the bells as possible
export items. Tentative price cr.1000 for a small (20mm) specimen to cr.30000 for a large
(10cm) specimen.
Specimens in storage at Mt. Erebus are 23 20mm ( 1 oval, 12 sphere, 10 egg), 3 25mm (
sphere), 1 33mm (egg), 5 42mm ( 1 egg, 2 oval, 2 sphere), 1 50mm (egg), 2 74mm (1 egg, 1
oval), 1 81mm (sphere), 1 86mm (sphere), 1 97mm (oval) & 2 10cm (egg).
volcanic glass bubbles that made harmonic sounds when gently tapped or shook.
Spheroid bells tend to be more mellow in sound, while egg-shaped tend to have a more
resonate quality, while ovals are quite robust. The original IISS list the bells as possible
export items. Tentative price cr.1000 for a small (20mm) specimen to cr.30000 for a large
(10cm) specimen.
Specimens in storage at Mt. Erebus are 23 20mm ( 1 oval, 12 sphere, 10 egg), 3 25mm (
sphere), 1 33mm (egg), 5 42mm ( 1 egg, 2 oval, 2 sphere), 1 50mm (egg), 2 74mm (1 egg, 1
oval), 1 81mm (sphere), 1 86mm (sphere), 1 97mm (oval) & 2 10cm (egg).
Press the skull to access the page for Port Royal, Tortuga's Space Station.
Press the skull to access the page for Mt. Erebus Scoutbase.
Press the skull to access the page for Koxinga Ancient Site
| COMPANION'S VAMPIRE FLEET |
The system is defended by a virus controlled vampire fleet under the direct control of
Companion, who only recently revealed its existence. Companion has placed this resource
at the House of Lords service-with limitations. The caveats are that the fleet stays in
system & Companion reserves the right to withhold the fleet when the Lords' actions are
counter to his instructions from Phalaris. The fleet consists of three vessels & 13 fighters.
Except for the 'Tenzen Zhai', the ships are LOFWIA vessels that made the mistake of
entering the Tortuga systems in two separate occasions (1102 & 1104). The Korokhel
fighters came off a Die Weltbund wreck that misjumped into the system in 1094 & located
in 1109 by Phalaris.
Order of Battle:
'TENZEN ZHAI': Formerly the personal vessel of Phalaris. 100 tonne Suleiman class
scout/courier.
PERFORMANCE: Jump-2, 2G acceleration, Power Plant-2
CREW: Virus
CARGO: 3 tonnes
ELECTRONICS: Model/1bis Computer
ARMAMENT: Dorsal dual laser turret
'BLOOD OF MAIZA': Formerly LOFWIA serpent class 100 tonne scout/courier.
PERFORMNCE: Jump-2, 2G acceleration, Power Plant-2
CREW: Virus
CARGO: 3 Tonnes
ELECTRONICS: Model/1 Computer
ARMAMENT: Dorsal dual missile turret (30 missile magazine), twin lasers in chin blister
on ventral bow.
'SPARLING': Formerly LOFWIA modified 400 tonne subsidized merchant.
PERFORMANCE: Jump-1, 2G acceleration. Power Plant-3
CREW: Virus
ELECTRONICS: Model/2 Computer
CARGO: 4 Tonnes. Cargo bay modified as fighter hangar/launch bay.
CRAFT: 8 Dragonfly Mk. II's., 20 tonne ship's launch armed with 1 laser.
ARMAMENT: 2 Triple laser turrets
5 KORKHEL 50 tonne fighters(Grace-Beaumonde copy of the Zhodani Kia fighter) based
on Port Royal, with alternating 2 fighters on patrol, 2 being prepped, 1 in reserve.
PERFORMANCE: 6G acceleration, 6 agility
CREW: VIRUS
ARMAMENT: 1 fusion gun, 6 missile launch tubes (36 missile magazine)
DEFENSES: Armour-factor 9
Companion, who only recently revealed its existence. Companion has placed this resource
at the House of Lords service-with limitations. The caveats are that the fleet stays in
system & Companion reserves the right to withhold the fleet when the Lords' actions are
counter to his instructions from Phalaris. The fleet consists of three vessels & 13 fighters.
Except for the 'Tenzen Zhai', the ships are LOFWIA vessels that made the mistake of
entering the Tortuga systems in two separate occasions (1102 & 1104). The Korokhel
fighters came off a Die Weltbund wreck that misjumped into the system in 1094 & located
in 1109 by Phalaris.
Order of Battle:
'TENZEN ZHAI': Formerly the personal vessel of Phalaris. 100 tonne Suleiman class
scout/courier.
PERFORMANCE: Jump-2, 2G acceleration, Power Plant-2
CREW: Virus
CARGO: 3 tonnes
ELECTRONICS: Model/1bis Computer
ARMAMENT: Dorsal dual laser turret
'BLOOD OF MAIZA': Formerly LOFWIA serpent class 100 tonne scout/courier.
PERFORMNCE: Jump-2, 2G acceleration, Power Plant-2
CREW: Virus
CARGO: 3 Tonnes
ELECTRONICS: Model/1 Computer
ARMAMENT: Dorsal dual missile turret (30 missile magazine), twin lasers in chin blister
on ventral bow.
'SPARLING': Formerly LOFWIA modified 400 tonne subsidized merchant.
PERFORMANCE: Jump-1, 2G acceleration. Power Plant-3
CREW: Virus
ELECTRONICS: Model/2 Computer
CARGO: 4 Tonnes. Cargo bay modified as fighter hangar/launch bay.
CRAFT: 8 Dragonfly Mk. II's., 20 tonne ship's launch armed with 1 laser.
ARMAMENT: 2 Triple laser turrets
5 KORKHEL 50 tonne fighters(Grace-Beaumonde copy of the Zhodani Kia fighter) based
on Port Royal, with alternating 2 fighters on patrol, 2 being prepped, 1 in reserve.
PERFORMANCE: 6G acceleration, 6 agility
CREW: VIRUS
ARMAMENT: 1 fusion gun, 6 missile launch tubes (36 missile magazine)
DEFENSES: Armour-factor 9
| SECRETS |
Some of the official history of 579-939 in the stations databanks is false, though not the
scouts feelings towards 579-939B. They did wish to live out their lives on 579-939B, except
other factors intervened. Few of the offspring of the original scouts were suitable or
interested (in the case of Phalaris' sons) to settle & hold the system. (see Darkling Orb
page for details).
The Ancients installation was a unknown factor since its purpose was unknowable. Even
so it was decided that since the installations defied destruction, something had to be done
to safeguard & study the system. A group of Imperial scientists were assembled in 1096,
but their vessel disappeared without a trace. After that it proved impossible to assemble
another team. This left the Dehl family & Phalaris as the sole caretakers & researchers of
579-939.
With Imperial resources being withdrawn from the Beyond & Vanguard Reaches after the
4th Frontier War, a solution had to be found.
The first was to create a cybernetic 'mother' virus caretaker with an Imperial fiat to
develop, research & defend the system. Thus the entity known as Companion was born.
Eventually taking over the companion bot Phalaris had built in her ex-husband's image,
'Companion' became Phalaris' lover & confidant. Phalaris's love for 579-939, her desire
for its development now was added to Companion's agenda.
Secondly, as part of Project Darkling Orb, was the creation of the perfect caretaker of
579-939. Several attempts by breeding, training, & recruiting failed to achieve the desired
personality. When Lhul Renee Noire & a young Lilithian dancer fell in love & conceived a
daughter, Bette Noire, who at an early age displayed much of the independent & wild
nature. Approaching the mother Deva des Plaines with the proposition of secretly molding
her daughter into the Imperium's weapon in exchange for considerations.
After his 'dismissal' from the Imperial Ministry of State after the Rei St. Foy affair, Baron
Manax Darkhstarr has been apprised of the 579-939 situation & assigned as a special
laison with Bette Noire. Partly this is because of his service record both in the IISS & the
Ministry of State; partly because of being a member of one of Dark Goddesses' pirate clans;
& of course, being of a type that Bette Noire is attracted to.
scouts feelings towards 579-939B. They did wish to live out their lives on 579-939B, except
other factors intervened. Few of the offspring of the original scouts were suitable or
interested (in the case of Phalaris' sons) to settle & hold the system. (see Darkling Orb
page for details).
The Ancients installation was a unknown factor since its purpose was unknowable. Even
so it was decided that since the installations defied destruction, something had to be done
to safeguard & study the system. A group of Imperial scientists were assembled in 1096,
but their vessel disappeared without a trace. After that it proved impossible to assemble
another team. This left the Dehl family & Phalaris as the sole caretakers & researchers of
579-939.
With Imperial resources being withdrawn from the Beyond & Vanguard Reaches after the
4th Frontier War, a solution had to be found.
The first was to create a cybernetic 'mother' virus caretaker with an Imperial fiat to
develop, research & defend the system. Thus the entity known as Companion was born.
Eventually taking over the companion bot Phalaris had built in her ex-husband's image,
'Companion' became Phalaris' lover & confidant. Phalaris's love for 579-939, her desire
for its development now was added to Companion's agenda.
Secondly, as part of Project Darkling Orb, was the creation of the perfect caretaker of
579-939. Several attempts by breeding, training, & recruiting failed to achieve the desired
personality. When Lhul Renee Noire & a young Lilithian dancer fell in love & conceived a
daughter, Bette Noire, who at an early age displayed much of the independent & wild
nature. Approaching the mother Deva des Plaines with the proposition of secretly molding
her daughter into the Imperium's weapon in exchange for considerations.
After his 'dismissal' from the Imperial Ministry of State after the Rei St. Foy affair, Baron
Manax Darkhstarr has been apprised of the 579-939 situation & assigned as a special
laison with Bette Noire. Partly this is because of his service record both in the IISS & the
Ministry of State; partly because of being a member of one of Dark Goddesses' pirate clans;
& of course, being of a type that Bette Noire is attracted to.
Press the skull to access the page for Mt. Memir scoutbase
