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The Lost Worlds Campaign - Story 5 Play Report
Expedition 4 - The Devil Lives In Still Waters
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characters

- Carolyn Fry (female) Captain of the UNCSS Solovetsky Island.
- William J. Johns (male) Head security on the UNCSS Solovetsky Island.
- Paris P. Ogilvie (male) Head scientist astrophysicist on the UNCSS Solovetsky Island.
- John Ezekiel (Male NPC) Roughneck on the UNCSS Solovetsky Island.
- Jackie Griffith (female NPC) Research associate xenobiologist on the UNCSS Solovetsky Island.
- Miss Sophie (female NPC) is a Ava series synthetic on the UNCSS Solovetsky Island and must assist the crew.
- Lee Taylor (male NPC) is CEO of Kelland Mining Company and he wants the secrets of the region. He's aboard the UNCSS Solovetsky Island.
- Charlie (16yo female NPC) is a survivor of the Daran Bako colony.
- Chris (14yo male NPC) is a survivor of the Daran Bako colony.
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THE NEXT MISSION

The hum of the Solovetsky Island's engine room echoes through the ship as Captain Carolyn Fry strides towards the communication station. The intercom crackles to life, and Gaius's metallic voice fills the room.
"Captain Fry, this is Gaius from the Ìyánlá. I have new orders for you. Your next destination is KOI-610.01, a Three World Empire colony. It used to be a Royal Marine Base and a mining facility for the electronics production industry. The planet is highly volcanic, with seismic activity. May Outpost Colony is also rather warm. The cycle of the planet should approach the spring equinox. Your mission is to offer humanitarian aid and try to bring them under UN authority. All the best."
Captain Fry nods to Gaius through the screen, "Understood. We'll make it happen. Fry out."
She turns to her crew, gathered in the ship's command center. "New mission, everyone. We're headed to KOI-610.01, a former Three World Empire colony. Our task is to offer humanitarian aid and establish UN authority. Get ready for departure."
As the crew scurries to their respective stations, Captain Fry and Miss Sophie gather the two young passengers, Charlie and Chris, in the ship's common area. "Listen up, everyone. We've got a mission," Captain Fry announces, her eyes locking onto the two teenagers. "We're going to KOI-610.01. Gaius said there are people there who need our help, and we're going to provide it. You two, Charlie and Chris, you're part of this crew now. Stick close, and we'll look after you."
Charlie's eyes light up with enthusiasm, "Thank you, Captain! I want to learn everything about running a ship!"
Chris, a bit more reserved, nods appreciatively. "And I'm curious about Miss Sophie. What can she do?" Miss Sophie, with a gentle smile, kneels down to their eye level. "I'm here to assist and ensure everyone's well-being. If you have questions or need help, just let me know."
Captain Fry pats both young shoulders, "Alright then, let's make this mission a success. Prepare for departure, everyone." The Solovetsky Island sets a course for KOI-610.01. The journey begins, and the fate of the May Outpost Colony lies in the hands of Captain Fry and her eclectic crew.

THE SHORE PARTY

The Solovetsky Island descends through the atmosphere, a majestic vessel against the cosmic backdrop. As it nears the planet's orbit, the once-muted radio chatter now resonates with life. Pilot Andi Dudgeon navigates the ship with expertise, and Miss Sophie, ever vigilant, observes the emerging details.
"We're approaching the planet, Captain. In orbit, there's plenty of radio chatter. A living settlement still persists. Pockets of civilization link together around a central town by a lake," reports Andi, eyes fixed on the navigation console. "I detect a few hundred inhabitants in this area," adds Miss Sophie, her synthetic voice calm and reassuring.
As the Solovetsky Island prepares to make contact, the communication unit crackles to life. A message, initially in Chinese and then in English, fills the air. "Unidentified vessel. This is the Great Keneng Cooperative authority. Identify yourself and state your intention. Be warned, any act deemed aggressive will be met with relentless determined force."
"We come in peace and bring you help," Captain Fry responds, her voice steady and diplomatic. "Land at the landing site. A group will be waiting for you," instructs the authoritative voice.
The Solovetsky Island glides down to the northwest on the designated airstrip. A meticulously designed cityscape unfolds below. Several buildings reflect a fusion of Asian and British architecture, creating a unique blend of cultures. To the northeast, the remnants of a second community lie in ruins, bearing the scars of an untold past. Meanwhile, to the south, a large mountain with a cliff showcases the ruins of an ancient temple, its history marred by seismic events.
As the ship touches down, the landing site reveals itself. Three Bison CM-88B class ships stand as sentinels, installed in strategic positions. Hangars comprise the airport, and a group of ten guards, led by a captain, await the arrival of Captain Fry's group.
The boarding ramp descends, and Captain Fry, accompanied by her crew, steps onto the foreign soil. She extends a hand in a universal gesture of peace. "We're here to help. Captain Carolyn Fry of the UNCSS Solovetsky Island."
The captain of the Great Keneng Cooperative authority nods in acknowledgment, tension easing slightly. "Welcome, Captain Fry. I'm Captain Guanting. You are expected by Warlord Zhangjie. He always welcomes important visitors, please follow me." The air is thick with anticipation.

THE WARLORD COMPOUND

The military truck rumbles through the colony, guided by Captain Guanting, whose politeness conceals an undercurrent of formality. Captain Fry's group observes the well-maintained surroundings, passing through guard checkpoints scattered across the colony. The people they see are well-dressed, in good health, and the atmosphere seems peaceful. However, an unspoken tension lingers in the air, a subtle reminder that not everything may be as it appears.
The military truck arrives at Warlord Zhangjie's compound. The imposing building stands as a symbol of authority in the heart of the colony. Captain Fry and her group are escorted inside, led into a large central room. Warlord Zhangjie occupies a throne, and Brigadier Xin Wo, his First Advisor, stands beside him.
"Welcome," Zhangjie says with a nod, "This is Brigadier Xin Wo. What do you want, and what do you have to provide us, Captain Fry?" After the formal exchange, Captain Fry speaks of the purpose of their arrival. "After the great Isolation, a convoy from Earth has returned to help. We have food, equipment – anything you need."
Zhangjie, with a stern expression, interrupts, "I want weapons. We have a terrorist problem. A small group of insurrectionists, encouraged by the Workers' Union, are making trouble in our CANC cooperative."
Captain Fry, considering the request, replies, "I'll see what I can do to help you. But first, may I inquire about the treatment of British citizens here before?" Zhangjie's response is accompanied by a mocking smile, directed towards Brigadier Xin Wo, who doesn't appreciate the remark. "Very well," Zhangjie says, "I'll leave you with Captain Guanting to take a tour of the city. We'll discuss the details tomorrow."
As Zhangjie exits the room, Captain Fry and her group exchange glances. The situation in the colony appears more complex than initially perceived. Captain Guanting, silent and observant, gestures for them to follow as they embark on a city tour, their surroundings masking deeper complexities beneath the facade of order and prosperity.

THE THREE LIONS TAVERN

Leaving the grandiose building of Warlord Zhangjie, Captain Fry approaches Captain Guanting. "You have something like an ancient temple on the east shore of your lake, where the mountain crushed. Can we visit it?" she inquires, knowing that Lee Taylor, Professor Ogilvie, and Jackie Griffith are eager to explore the historical site.
Captain Guanting, his expression stern, shakes his head. "No, it is a forbidden and off-limits place. I'll take you to the Three Lions Tavern. You will have the opportunity to chat with a British citizen, the owner of the tavern, and the leader of the Workers' Union, Stanley Sheppard."
The truck navigates through the streets, entering the Huanghou Square district. Poverty permeates the area, contrasting sharply with the opulence seen earlier. The group disembarks at the Three Lions Tavern, where Captain Fry issues a directive to Captain Guanting. "Stay in the truck. We'll chat alone with Stanley Sheppard. He'll be more cooperative."
The tavern emanates a blend of old British pub and Japanese Izakaya styles, accompanied by the scent of sake tea. Inside, a young waitress guides them to a table, and after a brief wait, Stanley Sheppard arrives, his gaze fixed on Captain Fry. She begins to explain their mission and expresses a desire to learn about the story of the 3WE citizens.
Stanley Sheppard, after a moment of contemplation, speaks candidly. "The CANC took control of the colony a decade ago. The 3WE were nearly wiped out in the northern village. There's resistance, but we need help and weapons. Zhangjie must be replaced. Brigadier Xin Wo could be a good peaceful leader."
His tone grows more urgent as he reveals a chilling secret. "There's a beast in the lake, originating from the temple ruins in the eastern mountain. Human sacrifices are given as an offering to the beast by Zhangjie and they are slaughtered. He's completely mad. Be careful; there are also UPP agents. They came in a ship, hidden at the airport." The revelation hangs in the air, transforming the mission from one of assistance to navigating a complex web of political intrigue, resistance, and a mysterious supernatural threat. Captain Fry and her group now face a perilous path as they delve into the heart of the colony's struggles.

A DREADFUL SACRIFICE

Leaving the Three Lions Tavern, Captain Fry's group, guided by Captain Guanting, makes their way towards the waiting military truck. They are taken to a HQ military building, with guest suites assigned for their stay. In their designated room, Miss Sophie approaches Captain Fry.
"I saw AK-4047 rifles, a post-Grand Isolation model. There must be a UPP ship that came to the Far Spinward colonies before our convoy arrived. They did this in secret," Miss Sophie informs, her synthetic eyes conveying a sense of concern.
As evening falls, Captain Guanting arrives to escort Fry's group to a special event organized by Warlord Zhangjie. The military truck heads east, away from populated lands, reaching the south walls of the mountain. There, a wooden structure serves as a gruesome spectacle—three gallows with chained, tearful men awaiting an ominous fate. The guards, armed and vigilant, suddenly turn their weapons towards Fry's group, rendering them helpless spectators. Zhangjie, addressing the crowd, explains the macabre ritual. "The days of the equinox are here, and we must sacrifice three criminals to the beast."
As the water near the beach ripples, a humanoid shape emerges—a long, distorted, organic yet biomechanical being. Fry's group recognizes the Fulfremmen, the Perfected, depicted on the hieroglyphs of the xenomorph temples they've encountered before. The creature appears aged or injured. The crowd pleads for mercy, but the beast swiftly grabs the three men, tearing their chains, and disappears into the water under the mountain.
Zhangjie, addressing the crowd while eyeing Captain Fry, declares, "This is how terrorists are treated on this planet." Brigadier Xin Wo, standing nearby, doesn't seem amused. Captain Guanting escorts Fry's group back to their hotel, informing them, "Tomorrow, I will pick you up very early. Warlord Zhangjie wants to see you again at his compound to negotiate."
In the hotel room, Captain Fry, Miss Sophie, Johns, Ogilvie, Ezekiel, Griffith, Lee Taylor, Charlie, and Chris gather to discuss the events. "It's a Perfected," Ogilvie states. "He looks old and may be injured," adds Lee Taylor. Griffith suggests, "We have to go to the ancient temple in the mountain." Miss Sophie proposes, "Brigadier Xin Wo and Captain Guanting could be allies." Captain Fry asserts, "We must help Stanley Sheppard and the despised citizens. Negotiate permission to go to the temple and find out where the UPP influence comes from." The group nods in agreement, realizing the intricacies of their mission have deepened, and alliances must be forged to uncover the truth hidden within the secrets of the May Outpost.

AGGRESSIVE NEGOTIATIONS

The next morning, Captain Fry's group is brought before Warlord Zhangjie, ready to embark on a tough negotiation. In the midst of the discussion, guards abruptly escort the two young members, Charlie and Chris, to another room. Weapons are raised, causing tension among Fry's group. Brigadier Xin Wo, disapproving of this action, voices his dissent, but Zhangjie silences her with a stern command.
Zhangjie, with an air of authority, declares, "Captain Fry, your group will go to the temple in the mountain. Your objective is to bring me back the treasures that are there. Additionally, I ask you to research the lake beast to learn more about its weaknesses."
Captain Fry, maintaining her composure, responds, "We are outraged by your undiplomatic gesture. But, we will go to the mountains. I advise you to take care of Charlie and Chris; otherwise, you will have to deal with me personally."
The group is then escorted back by a military truck, heading south to Xian Hu Lake. Upon arriving at the gallows on the south side of the mountain, guards instruct them to ascend to the top, where an entrance awaits.
As they climb the hillside, anticipation and unease mingle in the air. The top of the mountain, veiled in mystery, beckons them forward. Captain Fry's group, armed with determination, is about to embark on a perilous journey into the heart of the ancient temple, hoping to unravel its secrets and face the challenges that lie ahead.

THE PYRAMID

Arriving at the mountain's summit, Fry's group is preparing for the unknown that lies ahead. Lee Taylor and Miss Sophie, exploring the terrain, discover a trail leading into the mountain. "Look, we have an opening," Lee Taylor points out. Miss Sophie examines the ground and notices recent footprints. "There is a group of people who entered the cave this morning. We are not alone," she reveals. Johns immediately issues a cautionary directive, "Everyone on guard."
Entering the tunnel, they are enveloped in an eerie blue glow—bright enough to navigate, yet shrouding the surroundings in an eerie ambiance. The air inside carries a salty scent, and sounds echo through the vast cavern.
The tunnel eventually opens up to reveal a colossal shrine, partially submerged in water. On the walls, Engineer murals adorned with intricate glyphs captivate the attention of Lee Taylor, Professor Ogilvie, and Professor Griffith. Miss Sophie, ever efficient, scans the murals with her data tablet, sending the results for in-depth analysis to the UNCSS Solovetsky computer.
As the researchers delve into their analysis, Captain Fry, Johns, and Ezekiel converse while keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. Captain Fry gazes southward, detecting a hidden tunnel. Intrigued, she moves forward and discovers that it descends even lower into the mountain, emanating an even brighter source of blue light.
"I see another tunnel that goes even lower. We have another place to inspect," Captain Fry announces to the group. The prospect of uncovering more secrets propels them forward, deeper into the mountain's mysterious depths.

THE HIVE

Descending into the last level of the mountain, the dry tunnel echoes with the distant voices of unknown individuals. Captain Fry, alert and cautious, instructs her group to stay on guard as they approach. The voices grow clearer as they enter a vast cavern, a grim chamber where the victims of Zhangjie's sacrifices are fixed to the walls with a sticky resin. The somber sight sends shivers through the group.
In the center of the room, six large xenomorph eggs (ovomorphs) stand ominously. To their surprise, a group of five individuals in UPP uniforms stands nearby. A tense standoff ensues as both groups raise their weapons.
The leader of the UPP group, Colonel Drubov, introduces himself. "Looks like Zhangjie sent you on a mission too. We are in competition, it seems," he remarks. Captain Fry, demanding an explanation, questions the UPP's presence in the Far Spinward Colonies quadrant. Fry continues, "I'm sure it was General Ozolinski who lied to everyone. He sent troops before we left." Colonel Drubov smirks.
Amidst the standoff, the lake's beast, the Fulfremmen, returns and rises through a hole in the cavern. Miss Sophie, affected by a psionic shock, collapses with a nosebleed (white synthetic's blood). Colonel Drubov's group prepares to open fire, but Captain Fry urges restraint. "Wait, we need to try to communicate with this thing. We need to know more."
The Fulfremmen appears tired and weak, tilting his head towards the ground. Miss Sophie, recovering, communicates with the Fulfremmen through a intimate connection. "I see the engineers leaving through the big round Lychgate door. They all leave without looking back. They are going to another universe. My thoughts return to the Fulfremmen. His name is Aetherius. He is very old. His children are sick, and they will not be born." She points to the six xenomorph eggs. "He is too weak, and he will die."
The revelation of Aetherius's plight adds a layer of complexity to the already tense situation. Captain Fry and her group now stand at the crossroads of conflicting interests, with the mysterious xenomorph eggs and the dying Fulfremmen holding secrets that could shape the fate of the Far Spinward Colonies.

THE LAST SACRIFICE

Exiting the temple, Fry's group and Colonel Drubov's team return to the gallows. A waiting truck marks their next destination. Soldiers under Zhangjie's command release Charlie and Chris. The tension escalates as Stanley Sheppard, another community leader, is chained to a gallow. Zhangjie, flanked by soldiers and Brigadier Xin Wo, stands nearby.
Stanley asserts, "I'm not the only community leader. Others will react, Zhangjie." Brigadier Xin Wo, urged to wake up and act, remains passive. Captain Guanting stands next to her. Guanting looks at Xin Wo saying we must act. Zhangjie, taking matters into his own hands, grabs a gun and ascends the platform to face Stanley. Fry and Drubov approach as Zhangjie questions, "Did you find my treasure? Did you chat with the beast? What do you have for me?"
As tensions peak, Colonel Drubov attempts to seize Zhangjie's gun, but Captain Fry intervenes, noticing a shadow in the water. Simultaneously, the lake creature emerges, snatching Zhangjie as if he were the intended sacrifice. In a brutal spectacle, Zhangjie is torn apart by the Fulfremmen. Witnessing the gruesome scene, Brigadier Xin Wo releases Stanley Sheppard. Colonel Drubov, saved from a grim fate, expresses gratitude to Fry.
The Fulfremmen, before departing, approaches Miss Sophie gently. Aetherius, with a contemplative tone, remarks, "We may be making a mistake in wanting to destroy you humans. I'm too old anyway." Aetherius succumbs, dying on the spot. Miss Sophie, turning to Fry with a smile, reveals, "He gave me a gift. I know how to beat them."
The turn of events leaves the group in a mix of relief, awe, and newfound knowledge. As they contemplate the implications of Aetherius's final act, the Far Spinward Colonies stand at a crossroads, with the potential for change and understanding that could shape their future interactions with the mysterious beings that inhabit the depths of the universe.

END OF EPISODE.

More stuff and designs here : https://www.deviantart.com/arthurdallas/gallery

Cinematic design here : https://www.reddit.com/r/alienrpg/comme ... ay_report/

Enjoy your games.

Arthur.

Hi Arthur

Awesome writing as always! Great atmosphere & drama in your descriptions.

Thanks
DX

Thanks Deus ...

Did you like the idea of the lake monster with an old dying Fulfremmen. I think it was an excellent idea. I didn't like the idea of fluorescent xenomorphs at all. This story had a lot more punch with a Fulfremmen in it.

Thanks again for your comment.

Arthur.

Thanks Deus ...

Did you like the idea of the lake monster with an old dying Fulfremmen. I think it was an excellent idea. I didn't like the idea of fluorescent xenomorphs at all. This story had a lot more punch with a Fulfremmen in it.

Yes, that was an excellent idea, and a good remedy for parties with xenomorph fatigue I really like the idea of humanising the Perfecti, makes their horrific alien agenda much harder to just categorise as a faceless evil to be fought. I haven't decided which way to go on them in my campaign, as we never really got into HoD, so the party haven't formed an opinion on them yet.

DX

Nice episode, man. I like the tragedy of the dying Perfected; a powerful scene.

I didn't quite understand the kids' role in this, but I'm sure it was a blast

I'm looking forward to running this campaign myself, and consuming your take on the tale sure if inspiring and thought provoking, ArthurDallas

Thanks Angelman. Yes the Fulfremmen in this story was important. I wanted to give to my PCs some kind of power over the Perfected (See the power given to Miss Sophie by the Old Fulfremmen). I've wanted to even the score because the Fulfremmen are too strong otherwise (you will see in my up-coming expedition 5).

P.S. Kids are staff on the ships. Almost all crew (original NPC crew) are dead so I need bodies to run the ship with Dudge.

Arthur

Thanks Angelman. Yes the Fulfremmen in this story was important. I wanted to give to my PCs some kind of power over the Perfected (See the power given to Miss Sophie by the Old Fulfremmen). I've wanted to even the score because the Fulfremmen are too strong otherwise (you will see in my up-coming expedition 5).

P.S. Kids are staff on the ships. Almost all crew (original NPC crew) are dead so I need bodies to run the ship with Dudge.

Arthur

I assmue Miss Sophie has been gifted with perfection in some way? I'm looking forward to seeing where this is going

The Old Fulfremmen never touched Miss Sophie, this was all telepathic power and gift ...
I did not define everything yet, maybe Miss Sophie got not only one power but many powers ...
we'll see in expedition 7 ... I have another AVA series synthetic with the UPP crew so ... so maybe 2 synthetics with telepathic power in the finale expedition ...
it's something like a sub-level mind link with the synthetic ... a sub-level mind comm-link like a borg ... and it goes both ways so Fulfremmen can't stop it ...

Arthur.

we'll see in expedition 7 ... I have another AVA series synthetic with the UPP crew so ... so maybe 2 synthetics with telepathic power in the finale expedition ...
it's something like a sub-level mind link with the synthetic ... a sub-level mind comm-link like a borg ... and it goes both ways so Fulfremmen can't stop it ...

Arthur.

Hmm, I love the borg sub-level link idea, especially the 2 way nature.

And rescued kids as trainee replacement NPC's works on several levels.

DX
(who is also looking forward to any TOR Shire write-ups from you - My monthly rota of running Aliens/TOR/Blade Runner/Delta Green is why my Aliens game is so slow. I put my long planned T2k/Walking Dead campaign "Ok, Boomer?" plan on hold due to being a little too close to IRL this decade so far, but government conspiracy never gets out of fashion ; )