RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 14

Day 14-What to order to 'Eat like a local'.

"Living on my own, moving from planet to planet to avoid the unpleasantness of my own people, I ate whatever I could get ahold of that wasn't dangerous to my health. As I noted previously, sometimes I made some fantastic discoveries and sometimes what I came across was pretty foul.

Now that I'm in Starfleet and travel to new planets and civilizations on a regular basis, I find that my earlier experiences have turned me into a rather adventurous eater. Not deterred by the occasional bitter fruit or utterly bland plant, I am always curious to try something I haven't taste before. The foods of the galaxy exhibit infinite diversity in an infinite combinations of flavors (my apologies to the my Vulcan friends for the one. *Chuckle*). 

While there appears to be an endless number of great restaurants in the Federation, I really relish trying local foods in the regions I visit. Here are a few that really stand out to me...

Andorian Cuisine

Thuush shu Hetht

'Thuush in a Nest'

Technically, Andorian foods are not local to the sectors we're currently exploring. Andor is a long way from the Tango Super Sector but there are a considerable number of Andorian colonists and merchant vessels traveling throughout the area, so their cuisine is pretty prevalent in this vicinity As I have close relationships with two Andorian friends, I've had the opportunity to sample a large number of different dishes. Here are my thoughts, combined with some additional research.

Most non-Andorians find Andorian foods either very bland or sickly sweet. One of the staples of their fare is, as an example, Thelodoln or Andorian Tuber Roots, a root vegetable not unlike the Earth potato, turnip, and taro. Nine out of ten non-Andorians who try them find them almost tasteless, while those who do like them tend to absolutely love them. I find them bland myself but not tasteless by any means. They are just so subtle that I'd rather eat something else. 

Andorian Redbat is a flying mammal native to their homeworld that Andorians ate on a regular basis in regions of the planet where the animal flourished. As travel between different regions of Andor became more common,  the popularity of the creature as a food spread. Raising Redbats became a rising industry, though to this day most Andorians agree that wild Redbat tastes much better than domesticated. Eventually the meat became popular beyond Andor, real and synthesized, and is one of the few Andorian dishes liked by species all across the UFP. It has been described by more than one Human as 'steak cooked in chicken broth'. It is very rare to find Redbat out here on the frontier and apparently the Andorians are willing to pay considerably to get ahold of some. 

Thuush is a comfort food that is eaten by everyone from the average working citizen to the highest Clan nobles. Throughout Andorian history, different classes of people have prepared it differently, given what other ingredients they are able to obtain by their station in life. Basically, Thuush is a thick, whipped egg custard that is mixed with blue barley flour and buttermilk. It looks like semi-solid custard or Earth's flan. It is normally served as a side dish. Often it is mixed with other things like honey, salt, butter, or even Andorian garlic. The resulting flavors are usually very sweet and/or salty but a savory version is not unknown. 

There is a related dish once considered fancy by common folk that eventually impressed the nobility as well known as Thush shu Hetht or 'Egg in a Nest'. These are absolutely delicious! Commander Bhoth told me his mother made them on Andorian holidays when he was a child. The first time I had them they were made by renowned Vulcan chef Solna, younger sister of former First Officer Commander Solok and married to Commander Bhoth's blood brother, Lt. Hallee Thran of the USS Algol. These are threads of deep fried Tuber Root, formed to look like a small bird's nest, that is then filled with Thuush heavily sweetened with honey and butter. Some people add tiny Miteberries and crushed nuts but that isn't the traditional way. 

As for Andorian Ale, that ever-present effervescent blue beverage that has a massive impact on Andorian culture and power in the Tango Super Sector; I've spoken a little about it already but I can not emphasize enough the importance of this drink and the industry around it to the economic, social, and even political well-being of this region of space.

[Blue] Orion Cuisine

Barbequed Garadius Wing-Slug, Orion Style.

The blue-skinned Orions (who pronounce their species 'OR-ee-ans') likely came to this region of space in one of several lost sleeper ships launched from Orion Prime nearly a hundred years ago to colonize some far off world that they may or may not have successfully reached. For the most part, these Orions live in small enclaves on a variety of planets, as well as in nomadic caravans of starships that travel around in constantly moving pirate fleets. 

Their food is a weird combination of traditional Orion recipes and local ingredients available in the Tango Super Sector, much of which they obtain through piracy. This means the supplies you have to work with this week may not be seen again for weeks or even months. It is therefore even more impressive that they even have a defined cultural cuisine at all.

One of the most popular mainstay Orion dishes is the cooking of Orion Wing-Slugs, an insect-winged invertabrate animal native to their home planet of Orion (Pi3 Orionis III). Different Orion Houses, regions, and even colonies have different ways of preparing the creature. Additionally there are a number of subspecies, some of which are rare and considered a delicacy.

A similar alien species exists on the planet Garadius IV (Garadius System - Delta Muscae) and the Blue Orions poach them as often as they can. I say poach because the people living on Garadius IV are not catching these creatures and selling them to the Orions but rather the Orions are sneaking onto the planet and illegally capturing and removing them. They are most commonly drowned in a beer-like marinade and then allowed to dry out a bit before barbequing them, either slow roasting or over a grill. 

Most of their other foods are, as noted, whatever they can find and steal from the ships they pilfer. As a result, some of the other foods in this entry may end up on Orion tables. According to some reports, they have a version of the traditional Orion Wanderer's Biscuit, which they call a Raider's Biscuit, which is akin to the Hardtack of ancient Earth sailors.

Orion Beer, interchangably called Orion Ale, and Orion Dulaq are popular alcoholic beverages with both Green and Blue Orions. The local versions of these use alternate ingredients but come very close to their traditional forms. Their beer has a greener tint to it than the traditional recipe and their dulaq is a very deep green and can cause hallucinations if overindulged (or even if you aren't used to it). 

Mazzulan Cuisine

Mazzulan Zoh'meza with Spicy Cream Sauce.

As seen on New Cheron. 

Not a lot is known about Mazzulan cultural details such as art, music, and food Relations between the Mazzulans and the Federation had a very rough start and although things are progressing slowl,, they do seem generally promising.

That said, some observations can be made based on early trade discussions, what visiting diplomats eat, and their physiology, which as I've previously mentioned combines Vulcan/Romulan biology with that of Green Orions. 

They tend to prefer Vulcan dishes but will add far more spices to them, notably black pepper, chili pepper, and cinnamon. In addition, whereas most Vulcans are vegetarian, the Mazzulans are not and will add meat to Vulcan dishes that traditionally do not include it. One example is chili pepper and shreaded fowl meat, such as chicken, being added to Plomeek Soup, a Vulcan favorite. It seems to be a Mazzulan staple and I recently found out they call it Ploh mez'mehk. 

A food unique to the Mazzulan people was found on New Cheron (Xices II, Star System Xices/GL 570.1)  during our recent visit there. Pre-prepared and available to take away, the Zoh'meza or 'Leaf Meal', was made by the fellow in charge of the colony's provisions and general store. He and his daughter had made them for those working to keep the colony operating. This food consists of a millet-like grain mixed with meat and vegetable which is then wrapped in the wide edible leaf of a tropical plant native to Mazzula. It is often served with a mildly spicy, creamy sauce. Humans have described it as a cross between a Tamale and Sticky Rice in a Lotus Leaf. The ones I saw were formed into a pyramid shape making them easy to carry and eat 'on the go'. I imagine they might make variations on this shape as well. 

I don't know about you but I'm full. 

Let us continue on our journey,

AD

Barking Alien

RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 13

Day 13-Where can we get a drink and a bite to eat?

"Food is another thing I have come to appreciate in a very different way today compared to how I felt about it before joining Starfleet. 

I don't recall much about food on Cheron. My family, specifically my mother, made due with what meager provisions and ingredients we could afford and get ahold of. She regularly made a kind of watering stew made out of...whatever was available. It never tasted exactly the same, never looked identical to the last time she made it, and yet it was always 'Sustaining Soup'. I didn't hate it and I didn't like it. I simply ate it, because that's what my mother had made and that's what would keep us alive.

When I was out on my own, foraging and hunting in a manner I would never have imagined I'd be doing in a million millennia, I discovered...well...flavors. Some fruits and vegetables were dangerous, some full of nutrients, but even more incredibly, some tasted really bad and other really good. The same with meats! Herbs allowed me to change the taste of the food. It sounds silly to me know but it was a startling revelation at the time.

In Starfleet...pardon me, I need a moment. *Plays off rubbing her eye as she wipes away a tear while smiling all the while* My apologies, something in my eye. During my time here in Starfleet I've experienced such a wide variety of flavors and textures in food that I often can't wrap my mind around how such a thing is possible. I once eat to live and its not that I live to eat per se but I actually enjoy meals now and its a pretty wonderful experience. What makes it even better is having others to share food with. Be it in the Mess Hall or in a restaurant, sitting down with friends to have a meal together is one of the highlights of my off hours these days. 

I'd like think to my parents would be happy for me but it makes me sad that they never had the chance to enjoy this life with me. My apologizes again. Lt. Commander Gravph always says 'food brings up memories' and it seems he's right. Even 'Sustaining Soup'. 

The Restaurants of Starbase 25

I've spoken of the restaurants on Deep Space Station K-12 previously and while they are quite good, even very good, they don't have notoriety or diversity of those on Starbase 25. When I first defected to the United Federation of Planets and made the decision to join Starfleet, I went to Starbase 25 and my goodness, I had never seen so many different places to eat in my life. I would later learn that some of these are truly top rated restaurants. I'll describe only a few that I or one of my close crewmates have been to.

Tavern Keep! Another!

The Andorian restaurant Clan of Comfort Brew House is more bar than eatery but also a very interesting window into Andorian culture and history. Based on the ancient Brew Houses popular during the time of Krotus the Conqueror, the single, very large room contains two long tables with three [simulated] hearth fires. Lighting overall is low, allowing the hearths to generate a warm light akin to a crackling fireplace no matter where you are in the restaurant. The entire place has a rustic atmosphere. A Human friend said it reminded her of Earth's Medieval Europe.

Mostly the restaurant serves Andorian Ale, a bright blue, carbonated beverate not unlike and yet very different from Earth beer. It has a mildly sweet, berry-like taste. The Clan of Comfort Brew House carries over 50 different brands and types of Andorian Ale, ranging from the dark blue 'Stout of Andoria' to my personal favorite, 'Blue Moon Sour', which is very hard to find anywhere outside of Andor and its close colonies. It tastes a bit like sour blueberries, vanilla, and lightly sweet honey. 

Only very basic food choices are available but most of them are quite good. Tuber Root sticks deep fried in animal fat from a native Andorian creature (ethically sourced) and seasoned 'Nut Shells', which are actually the baked, cast off shells of a Andorian land dwelling crustacean are both very popular (at least with Andorians). 

The restaurant is run by two joined families in the Clan of Comfort, a Keth governing bars, restaurants, and hospitalities such as lodging, tourism, and other related industries. 

Good Morning Starbase 25!

Good Morning/Good Evening is a bakery and cafe with signage saying 'Good Morning' early in station's day, open from 0600 hours until 1200 hours. It than closes until 1800 hours when it reopens with the sign now displaying 'Good Evening'. It remains open until 2400, when it closes until 0600 rolls around again. 

As I understand it, while it is a well liked restaurant, the Good Morning phase has about twice the popularity and patronage as the Good Evening phase. I will say for myself, this place has some of the most delicious baked goods I've ever encountered. True, my exposure to such food is small but many of my fellow crewmates have said the same thing. They make all sorts of muffins, rolls, cakes, and similar bread items but there is this one...a salty, buttery roll or biscuit that is probably one of my favorite things to eat in the universe. I'm full after one but always considering getting a second one immediately after I finish the first.

Good Morning also serves excellent Coffee which, if you are not familiar with this beverage, is essentially the life blood of Human society and certainly Starfleet. The Captain always has a cup of coffee to start her day. Commander Carr likes his black or dark (very little milk) and very sweet. The first time I had it I had to spit it out. It was awful. Doctor Hanover realized the acidity of the drink was too low for my body. After adjusting the pH level of the water in it I tried it again and I was stunned. I loved it and it's near-magical awakening effect was like nothing I'd ever had before or since outside of a Medical Stimulant from a hypospray. Of course coffee a lot more pleasant than the later. 

The owner of the establishment informed me that the restaurant is in the retro-style of Earth's 1950s 'Americana' period, with specialized lighting to give Morning mode and Evening mode very different moods.

Spicy and Comfy!

Oasis in a Desert Haze is a Zaranite restaurant that, for reasons I will go into, usually isn't especially busy and that is a shame. Both the food and the overall atmosphere there is wonderful. One sits on the ground, which is covered in wooly rugs, around a table carved by hand out of some sort of smooth sandstone. The food usually consists of two large plates with main dishes, two bowls of soup - one hot, one cold - and a dozen small plates of everything from vegetables and nuts to flat breads and deeply friend meats. Everyone takes a little of everything and puts it on their own plate so you can try it all. 

While most of the food is what would generally qualify as spicy, some is savory, and some is sweet, all in the same sitting. The Zaranites do not appear to have 'courses' or the concept of 'dessert' as a separate meal, except on special occasions. Drink usually consists of one of several types of spiced [though not spicy] tea or a sort of sweet beer.

The Zaranites, a desert dwelling species from the planet Zaran (Mu Capricorni II), have an antagonistic history with the Andorians and friction with the Efrosians, resulting in many people giving them and their establishments a wide berth that I do not personally feel is warranted. Additionally, a Zaranite Phaser Engineer on the Prosperity, who has proven to be an honorable and heroic individual, invited me and a number of others to this restaurant and I can attest it was definitely something you should experience yourself. 

All this talk has made me hungry *laughter*.

Who's up for a bite? Let's try some local cuisine...

AD

Barking Alien

RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 12

Day 12-What do people do for entertainment around here?

"I am going to define entertainment as, 'the act of providing or being provided with something that causes amusement or enjoyment'. The latter, being provided with amusement or enjoyment, will be the focus here. 

Acting in a play is something you can do but watching a play is entertainment. Does that make sense to everyone? Excellent. Let's continue..."

Music

Music on Cheron wasn't for entertainment. It was functional,  a tool like everything else. Military Marches to intimidate one group and elevate another abive them. Sorrowful spirituals devoid of religious significance to remember who we were, what we'd lost, and when revolution would come. 

The music of the myriad cultures of the UFP are something completely different. It's artwork you listen to. It's a language that speaks to the heart, the mind, and 'the soul'. I don't fully understand that last one but when I hear certain music, I kind of do.

If you get the chance, attend a concert by The Federation Philharmonic Orchestra. Made up of talented musicians from all over the UFP, the FPO has formed one of the greatest symphony ensembles in the galaxy! They play music that has stood the test of time from numerous cultures, with a strong focus on Earth Classical, Vulcan Classical, and Andorian Opera. The FPO has played at Starbase 25 on a few very special occasions and will hopefully be returning for Federation Day this year.

Starbase 25, Deep Space 4, and Deep Space Station K-12 have rotating concerts and live performances from a vast array of musicians and singers on a regular basis. Most of these talented artists are from worlds within the Federation. The entertainment ranges across all genres, from 'Andorian Blues' and Tellarite Slop Jazz to Human Folk Rock and Vulcan Serialism.

As far as local music goes, I haven't had the opportunity to experience any of it just yet. I'm really curious as to what Mazzulan and Uthaden music sound might like. The Mazzulans have a deeply spiritual culture and the Uthaden have such interesting and unusual anatomy that I imagine they'd both create spectacularly different sorts of pieces.

Sports

Probably the most popular sport in the UFP at present, Grav-Ball is a fast paced, kinetic, and often very rough game played by two teams of 6 players wearing protective suits in a Zero-G stadium or arena. The objective is to get a metal ball the size of a large Earth orange (a type of fruit) into a goal located at the opposite side of the stadium's 'field' from your team's entry point.

Specialized ectro-magnets in the players armored gloves allow them to catch and throw the grav-ball, which accelerates to dangerous speeds. Injuries are common even with the participants' armored uniforms.

. 

Professional games are televised across the core worlds of the Federation and eventually make it out to the frontier sectors via subspace relay. It can take weeks or even months to receive these recorded broadcasts. Captain Anne Fletcher is an avid fan of the sport and even plays it herself when she gets the chance.

A vast number of other popular sports exist but few are recorded and broadcast to the degree of Grav-Ball. A lot of them are only televised planet-wide, system-wide, or on a particular set of worlds.

Locally, the large Andorian contingent means the sport of Ice Hockey is extremely common and popular out here. Once exclusive to Earth, the Andorians have strongly embraced the game, which incidentally resembles a similar 'Coming of Age' rite of passage from Andor's past.

Theater

Stage plays are an artform I was only generally familiar with prior to joining Starfleet. We had them on Cheron but I never saw one as a child. As I understand it, our theater was very different from the vast diversity of types one can encounter in the Federation and beyond. 

Earth has a rich history of theater dating back hundreds and hundreds of years and many of the plays are still performed today. Their playwright and poet William Shakespeare, who wrote 39 plays, over 150 sonnets, and 3 long form, narrative poems, is considered one of the greatest theatrical authors of all time and his works are quoted to this day. 

At the same time, this only scratches the surface of what the Humans have produced: Comedies, Tragedies, Musical Theater, Puppetry, and the list goes on and on. 

As far as other species closer to our current location, the Deltans have numerous Romantic Ballad Poems often performed as if they were plays. The Rhaandarites have a rather unique form of theater where two actors essentially have a philosophical debate, including soliciting audience participation, that weaves into a narrative. Really interesting to watch.

My personal favorite is specific type of play invented by the Aaamazzarites. Known as 'Breaking' or 'Broken' Life Plays, the Aaamazzarites use numerous props throughout the story that they form from the foam-like wax they can generate from their own bodies. Each prop represents something in the narrative - a relationship, time, poor choices, and the like. As the play goes on, each item is basically destroyed due to carelessness, anger, hubris, etc., and reinforces the theme of how fragile life and all its elements can be.

If you go see one, make sure there are Aaamazzarites in the audience. They add so much to the experience! They know the items are going to be broken, that's the point afterall, but they sit on the edges of their seats in tense anticipation. When a vase is dropped or a table shatters, they wince and shake their heads, feeling the loss of both object and metafore. 

AD

Barking Alien

Sorry for the delay and yet a fitting post for yesterday, February 12th, was my birthday. I am officially...older. Strange how that happens. Your linear concept of time confuses me.

RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 11

Day 11-Where would we go to find 'adventure'?

"This is the Final Frontier. Adventure is everywhere."

To be perfectly honest, I didn't include this one for me. It's in here for the Dungeon Master/D&D types who see Adventure locations and Non-Adventure locations as two separate things. 

That's not the case in my games and Star Trek: Prosperity is no exception. We've had entire sessions where we never leave the ship but still have an adventure and ones where we leave the ship for Shore Leave and mostly deal with the characters' personal lives and something like the Hopper Race mentioned in past posts.

Just like I don't separate Combat and Non-Combat sequences, basically everything the PCs do and say is part of 'the adventure'.

"As Starfleet Officers, my crew and I don't go on 'adventures'. We definitely have adventures but they are usually not sought out. The ship might be assigned to a mission by Starfleet Command. We might have detected a strange energy reading that the Captain deems is worth investigating. It's possible we've received a distress call and we are responding to render aid.

Any or all these situations might lead to adventure but it isn't our duty to 'find adventure'. We don't go out of our way to face danger for no reason, nor are we searching for treasure or the like. If that is what you're after I wish you well but please be very, very careful. As I've noted, adventure is everywhere in outer space but without training, study, experience, and the proper gear, you're unlikely to survive long enough to tell your harrowing tale. 

I do enjoy a harrowing tale but I'd rather enjoy one with you than hear how you disappeared into a black hole or perished fighting a ravenous alien beast. Enjoy the galaxy but stay sharp, be smart, and know your limits."

AD

Barking Alien

A Happy Birthday to my friend, the late, great Dave Cotton. Gone roughly 6 years now, not a day goes by where I don't miss this dude. Thinking of you on your special day brother. 

RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 10

Day 10-What's the first thing we should do?

"Start with a sonic shower, put on a fresh uniform or set of comfortable clothes, have a good breakfast, go over your plan and/or schedule for your trip, and then...honestly its hard to choose. There is just so much to do and see!

Alright, let us assume you're starting out from Deep Space Station K-12. I would definitely get breakfast at one of the two major restaurants and have a cup of your biologically compatible preferred morning beverage. Personally, I really enjoy Coffee, a popular Earth drink usually served hot in the morning. I always have to order mine adjusted for the water's alkaline content. The water on Cheron and in a Cheronians body has a different level of acidity from that of Earth and Humans. Its never been an issue though, thankfully. 

Then, if I were you, I'd beam to the surface of the planet below if at all possible and see the sunrise of HD 132648 from the Victory Mountains, just South of the hills that serve as the starting area for the annual Hopper Race. It's a lovely view and I understand the colors of the sky are not unlike those of sunrises on Earth. 

After that...the nebulas! Yes! Definitely one of the nebulas!

These regions feature some of the most breathtaking nebulas I have ever seen. Some are huge and dense, like the massive Typhon Expanse, and others wispy and gossamer like the webs of a Deltan Sprite Spider. 

As impressive as it is, I recommend avoiding the Typho Expense itself. That is to say, it is best viewed at a distance. Time/Space Anomalies have been detected within it and it's best to leave travel through the Expanse to the professionals. 

The USS Prosperity and USS Persistance investigating the Typhon Expanse

Two nebula that are smaller than the Typhon Expanse but no less amazing are the Ryton Nebula near Beta and the Taurus Nebula just past the Taurus Pulsar [if you coming from Station K-12).

All of these spectacular clouds of dust and stellar gases and, in the cases of these particular nebula, can be hazardous or have hazardous space phenomena associated with them. Be careful and travel with a skilled helmsman in a dependable craft before undertaking sightseeing of this kind.

If you are interested in history and/or archeology, don't miss the ancient ruins on Yed Prior and Rho Gruis III. Both host sites of incredible lost civilizations that are very different from each other.

The planet Yed Prior I has a fascinating set of structures and sculptures combining the art and architecture of the people of Earth's ancient Eqyptian and Roman Empires. In truth it is neither of these but an entirely new, extraterrestrial aesthetic either inspired by those aforementioned Earth cultures or simply coincidentally similar to them. There are approximately a dozen statues, buildings, and other points of interest to investigate. Many have secret or hidden chambers that once held highly advanced technology. That technology has been removed and is being studied by Starfleet Science, the Vulcan Science Academy, and The Daystrom Institute. Much of this machinery was previously or potentially dangerous. 

Some of the most noteworthy are the Great Colossus of Yed, the Leader's Fortress (which has numerous mosaic fresco depicting various heroic events - including the Earth-Romulan War!), and the Arena of Yed. The climate around these structures is warm and tropical. There are a number of lovely beaches if that is of interest to you as well. 

The Colossus and Arena of Yed

Two of the dozen intriguing structures on the surface of Yed Prior I

A very different experience is had on Rho Gruis III, which I am told is much more like Andor, icy cold and covered in snow. Here the ruins are a city of stone buildings easily two thousand years old. The more curious element are tall, cyclindrical stone columns, all about 30.5 meters in height, their purpose unknown. 

There are Starfleet and UFP studies going on and theories of course; a Civilian Special Advisor named Mr. GLEE, a specialist in the Xenoarcheology of the great Tango Super Sector, believes the native species was Psychic and the tower-like structures helped to focus and enhance their abilities. This turned out to be correct, at least to some degree, as when the Prosperity invested the crash site of a Mazzulan colony ship they discovered that the psionic resonance of The Beacon of K'atrahal was been absorbed and fed back to the object by these cylinders.

The Pillars of Rho Gruis III

My final recommendation would be ending the day with the majestic natural beauty and unparalleled potations of Mozinphar's Planet, the third world orbiting Mozinphar's Star, formerly known as Ectair (original star system catalog designation GL 667). 

This beautiful planet, covered with vast fields of blue grain, snow-capped mountains, and interesting cloud formations (partially created by Weather Manipulation Technology interacting with the natural conditions of the atmosphere), was once a Romulan controlled world where some of the finest Romulan Ale was made. They lost this world and its surrounding territory to the Earth and its allies in the Earth-Romulan War. 

Afterwards, the system was awarded to the Andorians as thanks for their assistance in claiming this region, once known as the Ectair Sector. Today it is the key producer of Andorian Ale, including the largest and most acclaimed brand outside of Andor itself. The Endilev Family of the Clan of Provisions is in charge here. Note that a large population of Humans also live on Mozinphar's Planet, as well as a smaller number of other Federation species. 

Sunsets here are something special. Thanks to the crisp, clear air, Andorian Weather Control, and the planet's distance from its Red Giant star, the sky seems to catch fire as evening approaches. A local custom is to gather around a fire pit, cook food over the fire, and drink a glass (or mug) of Andorian Ale. Absolutely memorable experience. 

The Blue Grain Fields near the captial city of Emerath

In my personal opinion, that would be a wonderful way to start your trip. Now that day one is over, head back to your quarters and get some rest for tomorrow. That was just the start..."

AD

Barking Alien

*Mozinphar's Star comes from the FASA Star Trek RPG Module, 'A Doomsday Like Any Other'. In that story the planet is own and operated by the Orions and is very different from what I've described here. I changed the location and details surrounding the adventure when I ran the original module [or least my version of it]. Therefore, I had the name 'Mozinphar's Star' left over so I ran with it and created this. My apologies for breaking non-canon canon. 

RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 9

Day 9-Who's in charge here?

"The United Federation of Planets is located Spinward and Rimward of the region of space the USS Prosperity is currently exploring and patrolling. The Romulan Star Empire lies directly Rimward of these sectors. In between these two peoples is a wide expanse of stars and planets, nebulas and spatial phenomena.

For our purposes, here are the people whose decisions influence the overall status of this frontier. In truth, if I may be so bold, it is the sharp minds, brave hearts, and steely determination of individuals that make the biggest impacts on the lives of those who dwell where no one interstellar power truly holds sway."

Admiral George Bankroft

A decorated Starfleet Officer who previous to his appointment to the Admiralty commanded the USS Colin Powell, a Hermes Class Scout/Destroyer. Presently he is the commanding officer of Deep Space 5. 

Bankroft met Capt. Anne Fletcher when she was still a young lieutenant and was very impressed with her ability and attitude. Believing she was destined for a meaningful career in Starfleet, the Admirl periodically checked in on how she was doing. When Bankroft learned of the impending deployment of DS5, he placed himself on the top of the list of possible C.O.s, knowing that the USS Prosperity, Anne Fletcher's vessel, was intended to be assigned to DS5 as its homebase. 

Now I know what you're thinking and you aren't completely wrong; off the record, George Bankroft is a man who sometimes bends the rules to get what he wants. The thing is, it's hard to argue with his results. He can be pushy, even manipulative, but he gets things done and has a remarkably good eye for finding the right people and putting in the right places. 

He can be tough when necessary but is generally a very likeable man; he's the 'cool uncle' who strongly believe in the spirit of Starfleet and the UFP, if not the rules of them.

Commodore Alastair Strickland

If Bankroft is the 'cool uncle', Strickland is the annoying neighbor who will not hesitate to remind you that your hedges have grown over his property line by exactly seven centimeters and he insists you take care of it before he's forced to inform the neighborhood association. 

A career 'desk jockey', Alastair Strickland is nonetheless very good at his job. He's developed the skills of an extremely effective administrator over the course of his long career. Strickland follows the letter of the law and he isn't just by-the-book, he's memorized the book and probably submitted many of the regulations inside it.

Strickland and Bankroft have a friendly rivalry that dates back to their Academy days apparently. Their careers took two very different paths but they are still competeing to this day. At first, Strickland was skeptical of Captain Fletcher and her crew but was eager to see what they were capable of and why Bankroft spoke so highly of them.

Impressed by their successful outing on an assignment he gave them, Strickland sought to negotiate with Bankroft to have them do a few more missions. Instead, Bankroft recommended to Starfleet Command that they should temporarily transfer the Prosperity to Deep Space 4 as the Romulans had become more active of late and that fell more closely under Strickland's jurisdiction. Starfleet Command agreed. 

Strickland is no fool. He knows Bankroft did him a favor but he isn't sure why. Still, he would be a idiot to look a gift horse in the mouth. It should be noted that though he is a strict and unwavering fellow in general, Strickland is not completely inflexible. Give him a good enough argument supported by sufficient evidence and he will consider changing his mind. He can adapt, he just prefers not to. He would much rather others adapt to him. 

Romulan Commander Enria

Formerly the commanding officer of the Romulan U-8 Albatross Class Scout vessel, 'Keen Vision'. Enria impressed her superiors when, even though she failed to retrieve or destroy the prototype VX-012 Venator Cruiser, she did obtain enough hard data on the ship and its experimental weapon system, a Rapid Fire Plasma Torpedo Launcher, to allow for further development of project. Additionally, she was able to obtain quite a bit of intel on the Ventura Class Mark III and the Prosperity in particular, a ship that has been a thorn in the Star Empire's side for some years now. 

Still, it is surprising that she didn't face punishment for her failures, which by all accounts are quite significant. Starfleet Intelligence believes Enria might be connected to an influential noble family and/or that she may have caught the eye of one of the Emperor's sons. 

Either way, Enria was made a Commander and became involved in several important missions for the Romulans, including retrieval of the Beacon of K'atraha, a holy relic according to the Mazzulan people and a potential weapon in the eyes of the Romulans. While she once against failed to obtain her target, she deemed it an unworthy effort and a waste of the Empire's resources to pursue. 

Commander Enria remains an active, ambitious member of the Romulan Star Empire's Navy and one with a personal grudge against Captain Fletcher and the Prosperity. They seem to keep thwarting her endevours. Enria is not 'in charge' per se but she is definitely an influential individual and someone to keep an eye on.

"Aside from these key figures, there are probably more persons of note that we are not yet aware of. As has been stated already, we are on the frontier of space; while some of this region is well established, many parts have not been explored by Starfleet at all. We are still learning the 'lay of the land' as Humans say. 

Who knows what personas may dwell in the vast darkness that have yet to reveal themselves?" 

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RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 8

Day 8-Tell us about the local peoples and their cultures.

"One of the reasons I decided to join Starfleet and defect to the United Federation of Planets is that my people's long history of prejudice and speciesist superiority runs absolutely counter to my own nature. I am completely fascinated by all the varied intelligent lifeforms that exist in our galaxy! I truly take to heart the Vulcan philosophy of IDIC - Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.

Just imagine being raised on a world of Black and White versus White and Black only to discover that in the vastness of the universe most other beings are a single hue or more accurately one hue per individual. I was the oddity. My supposedly superior species were the strange ones. My mind was blasted! Wait...blown. My mind was blown.

Sorry, its a Human colloquialism and I haven't mastered them all yet. 

In my time serving with the USS Prosperity I've met so many species and formed close relationships with Andorians, Humans, Vulcans, Tellarites, and I could go on and on. I've also met or at least seen some that are fascinating and unusual even by UFP standards. Let me tell you about a few..."

Khelayans

(Khelaya, Rura Khel IV, Rura Khel System)

A former subject species of the Klingon Empire, the Khelayans had eventually had enough of Klingon rule and when their conquerors diverted forces to deal with other matters, the Khelayan people rose up, having obtained weapons in secret from Orion traders.

Not long after their uprising, those dwelling on their homeworld's most populated continent, and the site of many Klingon mining operations, discovered a Janissary outpost and massive armory they dubbed 'The Vault'. Not content with just being free from tyranny, a decision was made by the Khelayan Council of Elders to go on the offensive and switch from being prey to being predators themselves.

The Janissaries were a militant offshoot of the ancient, mysterious species known as the Precursors, who technology and science were far beyond what we can comprehend today, except in the barest of terms. 

The Khelayan took damaged ships left behind by the Klingons, reverse engineered the simpliest of the Janissary tech (most of it being a millennia ahead of the Federation and Klingon Empire) and started acting as pirates. Mostly they attacked Orion and Klingon civilian and commercial transports but eventually they became bold and struck Federation and Starfleet targets. 

In the end this lead to war with the UFP, which required Captain Anne Fletcher - temporarily promoted to Fleet Captain - to bring an assembled fleet of ships to Khelaya. A short but bitter battle was engaged while a small team went to the surface to disable and eventually eliminate the Vault and all Janissary technology. The Khelayans reluctantly surrendered.

During these events, the Prosperity crew learned that not all Khelayans had agreed with their ruling council's decision to go this route and with the remaining Elders of the council deposed and arrested, Khelaya's new leadership hopes to redeem their people in the eyes of the rest of the galaxy. Sadly, that doesn't seem likely anytime soon. 

Khelayans are yellow-green to green-gray humanoids with vaguely reptilian appearances, bat-like ears, and rounded peak shaped skulls. The stand 2 meters tall on average with females being generally the same height as males. Female Khelayans are often brighter or paler in color and markings on their skin are more obvious. 

Although they do share some reptilian biological attributes, they are warm-blooded and generally dwell in their cold planet's mildest environments when possible.They dislike extreme heat or extreme cold but will endure it if need be. They lays eggs but nurse the hatched young as would mammals. Their eyes are well adapted to dim light and their ears are quite sensitive.

Kyodanians

(Planet of Origin Unknown - Believed to be in the Trailing Section of the Beta Quadrant) 

Only just recently encountered by Starfleet, specifically by Lt. Commander Rhys Carr when he met one on Deep Space Station K-12, the Kyodanians are a starfaring species from the far end of the Tango Super Sector.

The individual Kyodanian, who called himself Goruhk, was friendly and menacing at the same time. Introducing himself as an explorer who trades information for goods, supplies, and other information, the most peculiar aspect of Goruhk, and the Kyodanian people presumably, appears to be their language. 

Modern Universal Translators are able to not only translate a multitude of languages but determine context, innuendo, and emphasis by relating the words they receive to other words, both in the present conversation and in the devices memory circuits. This proved to not be the case with Goruhk, as it seems his language lacks any sort of subtly or indirect meaning. It is simple and almost brutually honest. Thank goodness Mr. Carr, a linguistics specialist, was able to adjust his communication gear and its algorithim so as to be able to converse with the Kyodanian. 

Their first conversation went like this:

Cmdr Carr: "I am Commander Carr of the Starfleet vessel USS Prosperity."

Goruhk: "Hello Commander Carr of the Prosperity! I am Goruhk. I am an explorer. I like spicy foods. Now, you tell me something about yourself."

Cmdr Carr: "I am a Science Officer and an explorer as well. I like to play an Earth sport called Baseball."

Goruhk: "EXCELLENT! I have told you something about me, you have told me something about you and now, we are friends!"

Goruhk meant it. He was happy to tell Mr. Carr whatever he wanted to know about pretty much anything of a friendly nature as they were indeed, just like he said, friends now. 

Kyodanians are massive, standing 2.3 meters tall and weighing 200 kgs. Their skin is similar to that of a Megarite and other cetacean-like lifeforms but is denser and tougher. The horn-like protrusions on their head and spines are their backs seem to aid them in balance like the inner ear of many Humanoid species. Kyodanian are large and heavy but surprisingly agile. They are, as one might imagine, incredibly physically strong and are excellent swimmers (their fingers and toes are webbed). 

Little else is known about the Kyodanians at this time but we look forward to learning more.

Mazzulans

(Mazzula, Meridiana, Alpha Coronae Australis II, Alpha Coronae Australis System)

Following the Earth-Romulan War, a sect of Romulan Spiritualists departed Romulus on an exodus not unlike the Romulans departure from Vulcan. They left in three colonization vessels, one of which disappeared following a massive ion storm and meteor shower. For decades the fate of that vessel was unknown until only recently. The other two ships made it to Alpha Coronae Australis II, known as Meridiana by the Federation. They dubbed the planet Mazzula after an ancient Vulcan God of Hope and Determination. 

To their surprise, the planet was not unihabited. An Orion starship had crash landed there a decade earlier due nearly identical hazard conditions to those that destroyed the Mazzulans third colony ship. Over the next few 40 years or so the surviving Orions and Romulan pilgrims interbred, resulting in the present day Mazzulans. 

Culturally the Mazzulans are a throwback and a hybrid of pre- and post-exodus Romulans and therefore somewhat more Vulcan. They are emotional but highly spiritual, with numerous supernatural beliefs. They retain a small degree of latent Psychic ability, with fewer individuals exhibiting any notable talent compared to say, the Vulcans. At the same time, rare individuals can be quite powerful, with extrasensory perception, empathic ability, and precognitive abilities being the most common manifestations. Curiously, these abilities appear more often in females, resulting in a respected priestesshood. 

Relations with the Romulans are strained at the best of times. They have yet to make or receive formal contact with the Vulcans. They view the Federation and Starfleet as a whole as honorable and have been willing to open diplomatic talks and culture exchange as long as their religious and spiritual beliefs are acknowledged and tolerated which they have been. Things at present are promising.

Biologically, Mazzulans are Vulcanoids with a strong similarity to their roots as Romulans crossed with Orions. The most notable distinction is that the pigmentation seems to be closer to Green Orions, though as a mutation or adaption to their hotter blue giant star, some individuals appear very dark olive in complexion. There may be other reasons for this related to diet for example. 

Uthaden

(Utha, Beta3 Tucanae V, Beta3 Tucanae System)

Visual Design and Image by Chris Reyes

A sentient species of Mammalian Arachnoids, the Uthaden (plural and singular are the same) hold dominion over their homeworld and a few colonies in their own star system. In addition, they have a mining operation on the fourth planet in the Alturas system, which is where the USS Prosperity made first contact with them. 

Initially unsure of the Starfleet personnel, Captain Fletcher and Lt. Commander Carr managed to convince them that the explosion they had just seen and were heading to investigate was likely the result of Romulan activity. Although the Uthaden were unfamiliar with the Romulans, they had no problem with Starfleet dealing with the situation as long as it didn't impede the mining process. Capt. Fletcher assured the Uthaden she'd do everything she could to leave them out of it and that was good enough for the Uthaden. 

Later, when Prosperity's Landing Party came under fire from the Romulans and their prototype cruiser, the VX-012 Venator, the Uthaden showed up in heavy truck-like vehicles and fired warning shots at the Romulans. They made it clear it was best the Romulans 'get off their land'.

After the Landing Party was beamed back up to the Prosperity, Captain Fletcher and her crew engaged the Venator and revealed a cloaked U-8 Albatross Class scout vessel. The Venator was badly damaged by the Prosperity and when back-up arrived, the USS Agni, the Albatross tried to negotiate. In the end, the Albatross and her Captain departed, as the Venator attempted to self-destruct. This was prevented by the Prosperity's crew who captured the prototype vessel. 

Romulan and Uthaden Vessels by Chris Reyes

Sometime afterwards, an Uthaden vessel arrived and after some discussion between the ship's commanding officer and Capt. Fletcher, the Uthaden shared some sensor data they had accidentally obtained on the prototype ship. It seems one of their satellites searching for mineral deposits picked up data on the Venator. 

Since then, more formal diplomatic overtures have been made between the Federation and the Uthaden Alliance, with a promising future of cooperation between both parties and perhaps membership for Utha before long. 

Uthaden technology is about 50-75 years behind that of the UFP but because of their construction materials and techniques, their vessels, vehicles, and gear are remarkably sturdy. Their weapons rely on concussive force and they use specialized plating on their ships instead of traditional deflector shields. 

The Uthaden themselves are, as noted, a multi-limbed mammalian species with numerous similarities to arachnids. They are large, about 2 meters in length and standing about a meter and a half in height from a flat surface to the top of their wide head. They move extremely fast on their eight legs, each of which ends in a paw-like clawed foot. The two arms are capable of considerable flexibility but they can not reach over their heads and have a great deal of difficulty swimming. As you can probably guess, they are master climbers. Their eating habits, well, they require a large number of calories per day, are mostly carnivorous, and inject their food with an enzyme their softens it, making it easier to tear and chew. This enzyme is delivered with a hardened, piercing tongue. 

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