Where My Head Is At

First, my apologies for the long delay between posts and what appears to be my own RPG internet challenge left uncompleted.

It appears to be that way because, as of this writing, it is indeed, incomplete. I haven't finished the RPG Campaign Tour Challenge I created back in February of this year and while there are a variety of reasons for both this, that's not [exactly] what this post is here to address. 

It is related though. It's more to discuss why I haven't blogged at all. I mean, it wouldn't be the first time I didn't finish an internet challenge. Surely I could just post my apology and move on, right? Well...no.

I have had a lot on my mind lately, both personally, professionally, and in the area of Tabletop RPGs. Unfortunately, my combination of ADD, Anxiety, and a connected Task Paralysis state meant that I could not start writing about anything else if the challenge wasn't fully done. I couldn't post at all due to the RPG Campaign Tour Challenge being unfinished but my brain being full of other subjects and ideas such that I couldn't focus on the subject at hand to complete the challenge.

A self-inflicted Catch-22. A vicious cycle.

So what about this post here? This is a post and its not an installment of the RPG Campaign Tour Challenge. You're correct and that is how I'm planning to get around my own mentally induced hurdle. It's just Part 1 of my plan though.

Part 2 is the trickier bit; I will be posting some other RPG thoughts I've been having, and there are a lot of them, but I do intend on getting back to and completing the challenge. When I do, when all 28 entries are totally finished, all the related posts will be dated for February 2026, including the two entries I did in March. For me, this enables my to 'Start Fresh' but also feel like I did what I set out to do. It will also make it easier for both you the reader and for me myself, to locate the challenge entries for any future reference. 

Does that make sense? Probably not but it makes sense to me.

Thank you for your time, your patience, and your continued interest and viewership. 

We'll talk again soon,

AD

Barking Alien

RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 25

Day 25-Where can I do some shopping?

"While not an alien custom to me, shopping as a pleasurable activity wasn't something I was intimately familiar with prior to joining the Prosperity's crew. 

Growing up on Cheron, shopping was an essential action performed in order to get the goods you needed and that was that. It was only very rarely that my parents would take me shopping for a treat, a toy, or an article of clothing I would choose for myself. 

In the post-scarcity-of-essential-needs-society of the Federation, where everyone is guaranteed to get what they need to live comfortably, shopping seems to be a pastime or hobby to many. It is something they enjoy but it isn't a necessity for life.

*Whispering* Unless you're Lt. JG Kepna Theph, one of Prosperity's top shuttlecraft pilots. How many 'cute' pairs of boots does one being require?" 

Lt. Kepna Theph

Andorian 'Popular Girl'

Apparel and Accessories [Fashion]

Each species and culture has identifying aspects to their fashion; certain elements of their clothes that go beyond practicality and become a mark of their native identity. This then collides with the creativity, philosophy, and aesthetics of the individual. Fashion is a reflection of a people but also a reflection of one person's individuality. 

The design, fabrication, and wearing of particular styles of clothing is considered an artform by many sentients across known space. Shopping for apparel and matching accessories allows one to participate in that art. 

While it seems clothing styles would be a less popular interest out here on the frontier, where survival trumps a nice looking dress, fashion is more prevalent then I ever expected. Out here, what you wear defines who you are. A wealthy merchant and one scraping by are not going to be dressed the same. The prestigous governor of Mozinphar's Planet will surely look more daper than the chief coordinator of New Cheron's struggling new colony.

Andorian fashion is especially interesting in the Tango-9 Sector at present. Lt. Theph is well-versed on the subject and explained it to me in great detail. I will address the highlights here. Apparently, Andorians out here are trying to make one of two statements with their fashion. Some are trying to embrace modern times and welcome Starfleet and other newcomers into the area by wearing clothing reminiscent of Human styles and other widespread, popular designs. Others are doubling down on old Andorian styles, wearing traditional Andorian garb as a way of acknowledging and even reinforcing their cultural identity. 

Lt. JG Kepna Theph, Andorian Fashionista

Old and New combined!

As for Theph herself, always a trendsetter [according to her], she is combining the looks in order to set herself apart and show how mixing the new and the old can result in an overall better outcome. *Whispers* And she's right. She looks amazing. Please don't tell her I said so. I'll never live it down." 

Delicacies and Treats

There are numerous small and portable candies and other edible luxury items that make excellent gifts for friends and family back on the core member worlds. 

One of the most popular and somewhat controversial indulgences are 'The Melting Stars of Enning'. These star shaped 'chocolates', often known simply as Melting Stars, are the invention of a Human confectioner and his Andorian partner, combining centuries of candy-making skill and knowledge with ingredients native to the planet Andor (as well as Mozinphar's Planet).

As previously noted, Andorian cuisine is often perceived as either very bland or overly sweet by non-Andorians, so the couple leaned into the latter to inspire this rather ingenious creation. Each star is a chocolate shell filled with either a honey-like substance made from the wooly moths of Andoria or, less often, a type of paste made from crushed nuts, miteberries, or a combination of the two. The exterior chocolate container is subtly bittersweet and most of the sugary flavor comes from the filling. They are delicious in my opinion but that isn't what makes them so special. They are produced using a rather unusual freeze-drying process that makes them solid and long lasting [without spoiling] but allows them to practically dissolve on contact with the tongue [of most species]. 

A popular beverage is made from warmed or room temperate milk into which a few of the Melting Stars are dropped, quickly flavoring the drink with a mix of chocolate and whatever the interior contains as they breakdown. in addition, a recent variation uses a smaller amount of chocolate mixed into a paste made from nuts, similar to what Humans tell me is called 'Marzipan', to produce Melting Stars of a cream or ivory-white color. It adds a sweet, nutty flavor to the confection that is surprisingly subtle. Absolutely excellent! 

What makes it controversial is that the particular method of freeze-drying used to make these Melting Stars is a time honored Andorian tradition important to various spiritual rituals and holiday foods and many Andorians look down on its use in this way. 

Souvenirs

I once met a Denebian Trader who told me, "Wherever there is commerce, there are people willing to waste their money".

The purchasing of small trinkets and momentos isn't something that ever made sense to me. That doesn't mean I don't have my own modest collection of objects I've gathered over the years that have sentimental value. I didn't buy them though; I came across them in my travels and held on to them for one reason or another.

Considering this, I think I get the idea behind 'Souvenirs' a little better in retrospect. It helps to have some physical proof of where we've been for both our own satisfaction and to share with others. These items say, 'See? I was there.' As we get older it can even help to remind us of great moments of the past, less we forget them. 

Among the keepsakes I've seen that I might recommend looking into:

A shop display on Deep Space Station K-12

Khelayan 'Cracked Crystals': Dark, dull blue rocks with veins of burnished gold running through them that are sold all across the sector. Each merchant hawking these interesting if unimpressive looking stones claims they are authentic pieces of burned out 'Precursor' technology, rendered inert by the Prosperity's crew at the close of the Vault War. The problem with these rocks is, of course, that the vast majority of the crystals are simply fakes. Some are similar looking but not structurally equivalent elements, while others are poorly painted forgeries. Actual pieces of Janissary technology are currently illegal to possess. The entirety of these artifacts are under the jurisdication of the United Federation of Planets Science Council and Starfleet Command. 

That said, if you participated in and/or were effected by the war, you might find this all a bit ghoulish. Others I have spoken to have picked up a stone to remember friends and allies who fell during the conflict. We all grieve in our own way I suppose. 

Mazzulan Welcome Blanket: Beautifully woven blankets, each hand-made and unique, regarded as symbol of hospitality, friendship, and safety. These are given to visitors staying over at a Mazzulan home, inn, or other lodging establishment and the recipient is encouraged and expected to take the blanket with them when they leave. I've heard that some very traditional Mazzulans will actually be offended if you don't take the blanket with you. 

Mozinphar's 'Bright Winter Moon' Andorian Ale: A rare beverage only brewed once every three years and only in limited quantities. Drink it or not but keep the bottle. It notes the location, brewer, and the year it was made. 

Uthaden Luck Puck: In their native language, an 'Uthoo Toose', this is a disc about 5.75-6 cm in diameter and about 2.5 cm thick, carried on ones person, that is made of old fur, claw shavings, and other organic material from an individual combined with a clay from the owner's homeworld. This is super-heated and hardened and then carried around as it is thought to protect one from misfortune and bring good luck. Yes, the idea might be seen as kind of off putting to some but its kind of a fascinating item, no? You cannot just purchase one by the way. You can only get one by having one made for you. Get a haircut, save some of the hair, add a few nail clippings, and some cast off skin cells and you have yourself a very unusual and special memento.

"With that, I think its time we starting heading towards our last leg of the tour and...I hope I used that phrase correctly. There are a few more things to do and tales to tell, so let's all freshen up and meet back here for dinner. Is that acceptable to everyone? Great!".

See you then,

AD

Barking Alien

Hey all, sorry this has been delayed so long. I've been extremely busy with Real LifeTM and a dozen additional TRPG projects. I'm working on so many things, things I REALLY want to discuss, but I also feel driven to finish this first. Does that contribute to the delay?

The frustration in not being done yet can slow my ability to get things done; I know this. I've been down that road before. That said, I can't give up now. I don't want to and I am and have been having a lot of fun doing this Challenge so...I'll see it through. 

Thanks for listening and for sticking with me. We're almost finished.

RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAYS 23 and 24

Day 23 and Day 24-What are the major exports and imports of the region?

As you can see, I am running over in March. February was just such a wild month for me that I didn't have the time or energy to complete my own Challenge within the 28 day period, regardless of how much I really wanted to. I will be completing it however, hopefully within this first week of March. 

I had originally planned to make this one post but as I tried to fill out the entire 28 days of the month of February, I found I was short an idea for an entry and so I separated exports and imports into two sep

arate posts. As I am already running into overtime on the Challenge, I thought it best to combine them once more. 

"The Tango Super Sector is unusual in that it is considered the frontier; a wild and untamed place far from the civilized ways of the Federation's core member worlds, yet even out here trade and commerce are a vital and powerful aspect of the lives of those who dwell in the region. Whether you find yourself in Sector 001, the Old Colonies of Romulus, or Sector Tango-9 at the edge of known space, an exchange of goods and services remains the lifeblood of sentient society."

The most commonly encountered civilian and commercial

starships in the Tango-8 and Tango-9 Sectors.

Here are the key exports and imports that matter most to the Tango Sectors and its people:

Major Exports

Andorian Ale

As mentioned already, Mozinphar's Planet, orbiting Mozinphar's Star at System GL 667, is an agricultural marvel that raises, among a number of other crops popular with the Andorian people, Thaldrisil - the light blue barely-like grain used to make Andorian Ale.

In addition to the many farms established by the families of the Clan of Provisions, including the nobile and extremely wealthy Endilev Family, there are a least a dozen breweries producing, packaging, and shipping their famous beverage back to the UFP. 

Mined Materials

Metals, minerals, natural chemicals, and gases from minig operations are both the most common and the most lucrative products to be found, sold, and traded. This is in spite of the fact that Dilithium finds are very rare. Instead, more common materials are far more abundant and easy to extract. There are some rarer elements that have been found in notable amounts but their retrieval often requires extra effort and specialized equipment. 

Miners from the Janus Mining Corporation at Asteroid M3 in the Maw Asteroid Field

The Janus Mining Corporation, the second largest such operation in the region after the Andorian Mining Consortium, has brought a number of Horta with them to assist in the excavation of key claims in the Maw Asteroid Field. This is part of a 'Pilot Program' to expand the working relationship between Federation Miners and the Horta of Janus VI. 

One additional note; While Dilithium is difficult to locate out here, Dilithirite much less so. Dilithirite is an inferior form of Dilithium often found in and around Dilithium deposits. In fact, when cutting away impurities in a Dilithium Crystal formation, those impurities are, very often, largely composed of Dilithirite. 

(L) Pure Dilithium and (R) Dilithirite

For the most part the material has few commercial uses. Under normal conditions, the more energy applied to Dilithirite the more unstable it becomes, eventually building to critical mass and exploding. Not a very good stand in for the traditional Dilithium Crystals used in Warp Drive mechanics if they can potentially blow up your ship. It probably comes as no surprise that Dilithirite is sometimes used in the construction of low-yield explosives, mostly by mining corporations funny enough. 

In theory, while you can not recrystalize burned out Dilithium, many theorize there might be a way to filter out the impurities of Dilithirite, repeatedly, and compress the remaining crystals into a Dilithium substitute. My own people, the Cheronians, have a process by which the structure of Dilithirite can be modified by bombarding it with nuclear radiation, resulting in a low-grade Dilithium alternative that they use in their starship auxillary batteries for back-up and emergency power. Recently, with the difficulty in developing and maintaining their New Cheron colony, the survivors of Cheron have resorted to trying to perfect this process so as to be less dependent on imported Dilithium.

Major Imports

To continue with the conversation we were just having, Dilithium Crystals are much in depend, hard to come by, and especially rare in the Sectors of Tango-8 and Tango-9. Dilithium is a vital component of starship operation and Warp travel and there really isn't any way around that. 

Another very necessary mineral that needs to be imported into the region is Ryetalyn, the only known cure for Rigelian Fever and a number of other, similar bacterium based illnesses. 

Nurse Santos displays Ryetalyn raw and in liquid form.

Ryetalyn is incredibly rare in the Tango-9 Sector and much in demand by the Blue Orions, Federation Colonists, and New Cheron Colony at Xices. Blue Orion Pirates often attack medical shipments bringing Ryetalyn into the area in hope of reselling some of it while keeping the majority portion for themselves. 

Starfleet has stepped up convoy escorts and is investigating potential new local sources on as yet unexplored planets in the sector.

"All this talk of commerce; imports, exports, and free trade for all! Hmm...that gives me an idea! Let's go shopping!"

AD

Barking Alien

RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 22

Day 22-Tell us about notable Flora and Fauna.

"I've had more than my fair share of encounters with dangerous wildlife and perilous plants while living on my own all those years ago.

Even so, I am by no means an authority on the subject. You know who is? Ensign Salar, a Xenobiologist in Prosperity's venerable Science Department. One might even say he is 'passionate' about the subject."

"You are attempting to make a humorous comment at my expense. I do not appreciate your teasing attitude regarding my emotional disposition. *Lets out...a sigh?* Nonetheless, I am deeply fascinated by animals, plants, and how they develop and fit into a planet's ecosystem. Therefore, I shall assist you in giving this informative address about the creatures and vegetation we have catalogued in the Tango Super Sector. 

You 'owe me one' as the Humans say."

Thaldrisil - Andorian Blue Barley

 

Originating on the Andorian homeworld of Epsilon Indii VIII A, more commonly known as Andoria or simply Andor, this light blue colored grain is common across the farmlands of the planet, both North and South of the equatorial regions. 

Known as Thaldrisil in the Andorian language of Graalen, the grain is a vital component in the production of Andorian Ale, a major export of the Andorians in this area of space. While the Thaldrisil was brought to Mozinphar's World from Andor, it has thrived in the remarkably similar climate and soil. 

The Creatures of Dinom II 

(Season 8, Episode 10 'Across he Bright Face')

For a very hot and dry planet, not unlike my native Vulcan, Dinom II has a very diverse selection of animal life. What makes Dinom II's biodiversity even more intriguing is that the world is tidally locked, meaning one side is constantly being bombarded by the rays of its relatively close sun.

All of the animal life on the planet seems to include features similar to sauropods and/or theropods and mammal. This is in addition to whatever other categories it's biological make-up may place it in. For example, a number of creatures seem to incorporate a degree of arthropod-like DNA even though they are clearly not traditional arthropods. Even the avian Crueldactyl or 'Bloody Axe Beaked Flyer' is more closely related to flying mammals and reptiles than it is any sort of bird. 

Serving in Starfleet has taught me that category distinctions are often...complicated. 

Some of the more notable species encountered by the Command Crew include (Left to Right):

Animal Biodiversity on Dinom II

Caesordorsalis or 'Armored Head Slasher': A massive creature with heavily armored backplates, elbow 'spur' talons, and a pair of hard ridged bones on either side of its head that it can use to both cut down prey or deflect incoming attacks to its face and head. The creature's armor is so tough it can ignore a Type II Phaser set for Stun and the slasher ridges on either side of its head can withstand the 'Heavy Stun' setting. 

Laceruda or 'Scorpion Tailed Pincer Lizard': a vicious and fast moving predator with pincher claw forelimbs and a poison stinger equipped tail. It can close distance in record breaking time for similar lifeforms but it is an ambush predator, saving up its energy for the eventual charge and sting. Consider it similar to an Earth Cheetah crossed with an Zaranite Dune Springer.

Crueldactyl or 'Bloody Axe Beak Flyer': a flying predator/scavenger with a rather cunning and effective means of hunting and eating prey. The creatures will flying down from the sky, strike a prey animal in the hind quarters or legs if possible, and then wait until the victim follows behind its pack. They then circle overhead and once the creature dies of blood loss, heatstroke, or even starvation, the horde of them descend upon the carcass to consume it. They travel in groups of three to a dozen individuals of varying ages and sizes. A group of them has been dubbed a 'horde'. 

Mantigris or 'MantisTiger Lizard': Also called the 'Scythe Mantis Cat', this is the second fastest moving creature on Dinom, right behind the Scorpion Tailed Pincher. In fact, this animal has a considerably faster response time to outside stimuli and can strike almost twice as quickly at close range. The Pincer Lizard is faster is a dedicated run/chase. 

Tonivacca or 'Desert Thundercow': This herbivorous animal feeds on 'Succulent Moss' and similar plants that grow near and in the few watering holes on Dinom. When the entire herd of 10-12 beasts has had a sufficient amount of hydration and food, no more and no less, they instinctively migrate to the next body of 'fresh' water. Most herds follow a seemingly nomadic route that has been passed on to the next generation for centuries, changing only when environmental challenges mandate it.  

These are the main prey of the Crueldactyls and Armored Head Slashers and we wondered, 'how have they survived such vicious and powerful predators?'. For one thing, they are extremely tough, like most lifeforms on Dinom II, with remarkable levels of endurance and resistance to physical damage. They are also capable of creating two different sounds that intimidate and confuse predators. One is an incredibly loud, rumbling bellow. The other is the heavy footsteps of the herd in motion. When the Thundercow runs from an attacker the very ground below them shakes and the air is filled with a thunderous pounding [, hence their name].

The Great Wetland Cephalopod of Yed Prior

(Season 8, Episode 3 'Dinner and a Show')

Forced to participate in gladitorial combat in the 'Arena of Yed' by the planet's robot custodians, the world's stranded inhabitants and eventually the Prosperity's Command Crew had to face such dangerous opponents as the Great Wetland Cephalopod. 

A species of large cephalopod dwelling in the massive, unusually deep, tropical swamps of Yed Prior I's Southern Hemisphere. A type of algae or mossy grass grows on the creature, forming a symbiotic relationship that keeps the animal's skin moist while its on land. In exchange, the cephalopod moves the algae into more sunlight or nutrient rich waters and providing other benefits thanks to its mobility. 

The creatures are carnivorous, with a vertical mouth behind an outer rim of flesh consisting of its front tentacles. The sharp, sometimes jagged 'teeth' along the creature's tentacles are actually chitinous hooks for grasping, holding, and tearing at prey. Because the base of the forward limbs surround the mouth, these hooks are indeed used as teeth, in a fashion, slicing up what it consumes into pieces small enough to be crushed by the muscles of its inner jaw. 

The Great Cephalopod is able to travel on land quickly, if clumsily, using its tentacles and the twin-taloned claws at the end of some of them (others have a single claw). Its aquatic movement combines the use of its tentacles with carefully released discharges of stored water and air. 

"Thank you so much for your help Salar and I apologize for teasing you. Please don't be mad."

"I appreciate...Mad? Are you...joking again?"

Well, here we are at the 28th of February and I am by no means finished with the Campaign Tour Challenge. I am way behind on yet another Challenge, only this one is mine. I made it myself and I'm still behind. Good grief. 

I'm going to finish it. I am honestly having too much fun doing this to stop now. My slow down was due to Real LifeTM stuff, not a lack of interest or enthusiasm. Please stick with me until the end.

Thanks. 

AD

Barking Alien 

It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Robert 'Rob' Grant, the British Comedy Writer and Television Producer best known as one of two Co-Creators of the English Sci-Fi TV Series 'Red Dwarf'. 

Mr. Grant passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 25th, at the age of 70. 

A huge Red Dwarf fan, I am sorry for this loss to his family, friends, fans, and the entertainment industry. 

RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 21

Day 21-What are the major organizations of the campaign? How do they deal with visitors?

"Out on the frontier of space, the most notable organizations for a lot of people will be the ones that keep the peace, bring some semblance of order and stability, and those that give you a reason to be out here in the first place. 

The Andorian Imperial Guard and Starfleet Command

(L) Andorian Empire Emblem used by Imperial Guard - (R) Starfleet Command

For nearly a century following the Earth-Romulan War, the Tango Sector was largely an unexplored region dotted with colonies and outposts that were main controlled and operated by the Andorians. The sector was therefore protected by the Andorian Imperial Guard. Even after the formation of the United Federation of Planets, when all other members folded their forces into the UFP's Starfleet, a concession was made to allow the Andorian government to maintain its existing fleet and ground forces.

The fledgling Federation couldn't be everywhere, especially after the hard won war against the Romulans, and the infrastructure of the Andorian Imperial Guard was already in place to assist with this situation. The Imperial Guard was also a point of cultural pride among the Andorian people; servicing in the Guard was a high honor. Unfortunately, the Imperial Guard outlived its purpose and began to feel like a separate and independent entity unaffiliated with the UFP when that was simply not the case. 

Commander Tha'ar Bhoth, First Officer and Chief Engineer of the USS Prosperity is a former member of the Andorian Imperial Guard, where his father, General Barath Bhoth, is one of the most decorated and revered military leaders in the Guard's history. Recently, the Imperial Guard was officially disbanded and its officers and ships integrated into Starfleet, an unprecedented historic event that nearly led to an Andorian Civil War. Luckily, thanks to Captain Fletcher, Commander Bhoth, General Bhoth, and some daring maneuvers both diplomatic and military, such a conflict was averted and the splinter group responsible for the situation arrested. 

Commander Tha'ar Bhoth and General Barath Bhoth.

Now, with the Andorian Imperial Guard no longer active in the Tango Sector and Starfleet having only a few ships in the region, pirates and other threats have attempted to seize the opportunity to get away with whatever they can. 

The Andorian Mining Consortium

The third largest private corporation in the United Federation of Planets and the largest mining operation, the Andorian Mining Consortium also ranks as the most influencial non-military organization in the Tango Sectors. Aside from mining and processing raw materials, the AMC handles transport and regulates trade and sale of their own hauls throughout the region.

While the agricultural operations on Mozinphar's Star are more prestigous in some regards, Andorian Ale is a luxury item or at least not a necessity the way metals, minerals, and related chemical products are. 

The Typhon Trade Alliance

A loose organization of commercial concerns from the Cheronians, Kyodanians, Mazzulans, and other independent governments and companies hoping to gain favor with the United Federation of Planets by showing a unified, cooperative endeavor. 

The group is primary interested in improved commerce opportunities with the UFP, long term contracts between members and safe passage through each others space, and mutual assistance and defense against the Blue Orion Pirates.

The Khelayans have made it known they'd like to join the TTA but thus far their inclusion has not been approved. There's a feeling it might impede positive relations with the Federation given the history between the two powers.

AD

Barking Alien

RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 20

Day 20-Are there any mysteries as yet unsolved?

"The galaxy is full of mysteries.

While the knowledge of billions upon billions of beings over many centuries can be accessed by the Starfleet Library Computers, there is still so much we don't know. There are so many questions we have that, as of now, we haven't found the answers to. At least, not yet. 

With all of that in mind, there are a number of mysteries that remain unsolved in the Sierra and Tango Super Sectors that are of interest to us and there is distinct possibility they are all connected."

The Ancients of Ectair

A common reference name given to the various lost civilizations of what the Romulans once called 'The Ectair Sector'. This region, which we call the Tango Super Sector today, contains a numbers of ruins and artifacts indicating no less than three highly advanced alien societies existed here in the distant past. All of these civilization are long gone, having disappeared between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago. While it is not clear what became of each of them, there may be clues to their fates based on what they've left behind. Furthermore, there is a theory that all their disappearances may be linked.

Rho Gruis III, The Ryton Nebula, and Yed Prior I

The following information was provided to Starfleet Command by Mister GLEE, a Civilian Special Advisor well versed in the Xenoanthropology of these [particular] ancient peoples.

Derelict Spacewreck of the Ryton Nebula

A 'Ghost Ship' of sorts, the Derelict of Ryton is a large starship of unknown origin that has been detected on and off over the years, drifting aimlessly through the Ryton System's rather unique Ryton Nebula. The moment a positive sensor lock is achieved, the vessel seems to vanish, disappearing off of scanners completely.

The Ryton Nebula is a relatively small astronomical body when compared to the vast expanses of stellar gas that are the Taurus Nebula or the far larger Typhon Expanse. Another unique aspect of this spatial phenomenon is that the nebula occupies that furtherest orbit of the red giant star at the center of the system. Like the small planetoids and gas giant spinning around with it, the Ryton Nebula is a part of the Ryton System.

With this in mind, there is more than one mystery here. What is the Derelict ship, why is there, where is it from, etc.? Additionally, how and why does it remain where it is? Why is it so hard to detect? Is it just the nebula's conditions or is it something else? How and why does the nebula itself orbit the Ryton star? 

This one is very strange.

The Pillars of Rho Gruis III

The snowy surface of Rho Gruis III (Rho Gruis) is largely barren, rocky, and of course icy cold. Rather boring were it not for the 'Pillars of Thought', roughly 30.5 meter tall (on the average) hollow columns of an unusual marble-like material. When psychic phenomena manfiests in the vicinity of the pillars, it resonates with them and is enhanced to much greater levels. It is theorized that the original inhabitants of the planet were Psionic and a weak background alpha wave field permeates the columns for miles, even thousands of years after they perished. 

What happened to these people is inconclusive but the planet has aspects that make it a potentially dangerous place to live. Throughout the planet's year, the orbit of Rho Gruis III passes through the extreme elliptical orbit of an asteroid belt in the system. The powerful magnetic field and strong gravity of the third planet pulls asteroids from the belt towards the world and as such, it is regularly pelted by meteors. It is possible this anomaly rained rocks down upon the cities of the original inhabitants and destroyed their civilization. 

The Eastern 'Pillars on Thought' on Rho Gruis III

Giving their advanced construction techniques and psychic abilities, one has to ask, 'How did they not see a catastrophic meteor shower coming and why did they build an underground shelter or some other way of 'weathering the storm'. Did they? If so, where are they now?

Ruins of the Civilization of Yed Prior I

The civilization that lived on Yed Prior I (Yed Prior, Delta Ophiuchi) resembled a merger of the ancient Earth nations of Egypt and Roman. It is unclear if this is a coincidence or if any of these cultures actually influenced each other. It seems unlikely; though it is possible the society's artificially intelligent central computer altered the appearance of the ruins based on the information it obtained from ships and crews it capture to resemble things the Humans and Romulans it abducted might 'recognize'. 

In addition to arenas and colossal statues, the lost civilization of Yed Prior had developed powerful AI computers and various robots to assist in the governing and maintaining of their city. The going theory is that a malfunction in the AI resulted in it developing psychotic behavior that eventually caused it and its robot minions to turn on the native inhabitants. Is it possible they were all wiped out in gladitorial combats?

Advanced Artificial Intelligence Super Computer within the Colossus of Yed.

One mystery that all these situations have in common is that there appears to be no sign of the civilizations that left these relics and edifices behind. Whatever became of them, it is as if they simply disappeared. Evidence abounds of them having existed but there is oddly little showing what the people themselves were like or what happened to them in the end. 

Who is Mister GLEE?

Mr. GLEE is a character who was introduced into the campaign fairly recently, first appearing in the Season 8 Finale and Season 9 Opening Episodes, 'Enough to Plague a Saint', Parts 1 and 2 respectively. He doesn't actually have a large role and is more of a background or supporting character but he shows up again later in Season 9 (the current season).  

He is introduced as a specialist in the field of the lost civilizations of the Tango Super Sector , a Civilian Advisor who accompanies the Prosperity to Rho Gruis III to explain the nature of the planet and its ruins. The Captain has to arbitrate a dispute between by the Mazzulans and Romulans regarding  a crashed Mazzulan ship and a holy relic it hopefully contains. At least the Mazzulans claim it is a holy relic, while the Romulans think it might be a weapon. Just before departing for the surface and the crash site, Mister GLEE reminds that Captain that no matter what happens, "Never forget where it is you call 'Home'."

The cryptic message proves helpful when the artifact is activated and its psychic backlash sends the participants spinning through their own memories. Captain Fletcher views the Prosperity as home and reaches out to the others, particularly her crew, and connects them together so they can pull themselves and each other back to reality.

This is 'meta information' from me, the Gamemaster, as Ensign Shae would not be privy to the specifics of this mission and these events. 

The mystery remains however...who is Mister GLEE?

"All right everyone. Let's take a quick break and I'll give you some information on important local organizations.

See you soon!"

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RPG Campaign Tour Challenge 2026 - DAY 19

Day 19-Any 'Must See' sites?

"Hmm. We covered some of the most spectacular sight-seeing spots the Tango-8 and 9 sectors have to offer in our entry on Day 10 but let me see...what else is here that you absolutely shouldn't miss? 

Oh! I know one you have just got to see!"

USS Prosperity approaches the Vasor Space Ark at 44 Eta Librae II.

The Vasor Space Ark

44 Eta Librae II, 44 Eta Librae System

A very warm Class M planet covered with vast stretches of tropical rainforest and dense jungle, 44 Eta Libra had a small Federation agricultural colony on the planet. Approximately 10 years ago, the farming operations sufferred from an invasion of insects that was not only threatening to the harvests but causing the side effect of altering the soil and atmosphere as they died off.

The situation was becoming dangerous enough to the colonists that a Federation Xenobiologist specializing in invasive species, Dr. Tengar Nal of Catulla, was called in to investigate. She eventually theorized that the insects weren't just from a different region but a different planet. These aliens bugs were going to be a serious problem.

Dr. Tengar Nal, Federation Xenobiologist and the Vasorian Locust

 About 5 years after beginning her research, a massive alien starship approached the planet and the USS Prosperity was dispatched to deal with it. After exploration of the vessel and first contact with its occupants, the ship was discovered to be a Vasor Space Ark. The Vasorians had sent the Vasorian Locusts ahead of their colony ship 50 years earlier to assist in terraforming the planet, which they had observed at that time to be unihabited.

Vasorian and Vasorian 'Locust' next to two Human Starfleet Officers for scale. 

After an initially hostile misunderstanding, Captain Fletcher was able to negotiate with the Vasorian Leader who did not want to endanger the inhabitants of 44 Eta Librae nor did he intend to conquer another people's home. However, the star of the Vasor home system had gone nova and they were only able to develop this Space Ark and the plan they'd committed to before departing. With the help of the Prosperity, the Federation Colonists, and Federation Diplomats, an accordance was reached giving the Vasorian refugees an island continent where they could work with environmental scientists to adapt the land to their biology and the Vasorians' constitutions to the land. 

All this to say that the Vasorian Space Ark, which remains in orbit of 44 Eta Librae II, is open for public viewing via scheduled tours, with Vasorian and Federation guides. The interior of the Colony Ship is amazing to behold, with circular corridors surrounding the central power plant and control deck, before reaching the primary deck's 'Biome Domes'. Within each of these domes is a separate ecology simulating an extinct environment that once existed on the Vasorian homeworld. These biomes include animals and plants once native to their original world that the Vasorians were able to save.

It is sad to think that this is all that remains of their planet. At the same time, it is quite impressive to see what they've been able to accomplish and promising for their future that they're flexible enough to ask for help and work with the Federation to ensure the continued well-being of their people. 

When you are finished exploring a massive starship that contains 8 different alien biomes from a world that no longer exists, go down to the beautiful beaches and wonderous flora of 44 Eta Librae II. The planet is benefiting from the increased tourism brought in by the orbiting Vasor Space Ark, with a tropical resort built on the surface of the world, purposely constructed far from the farming communities as not to interfere with them. 

From the Season 7 episode, 'All That Remains'.

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