Session 0 Set-Up

Will it be worth it?

Solar System: Caliphrian
Planet: Garmi

Assets: Mineral, platinum, vanadium, darmstadtium, titanium, iridium, belinium, cadmium, osmium.
Atmosphere: Toxic
Climate: -10/+30C = +14/+86
Factions: GIC, SES.
Fauna: None.
Gravity: 1.5
Light/Dark: 8h/10h
Moon(s): -
Circumference: 4 300
Population: 1000
Structure: Abandoned mining colonies and active archeological dig sites and artifact research facilities.
Terrain: Lava-based rock formations.
Year: 4 months.

Does the name of the solar system sound familiar to you at all? It should. The Caliphrian Solar System. The assumed birthplace of that horrid, lethal pathogen that has killed and reanimated so many; Caliphrian Aggression Virus, or, CAV. And you're stationed on one of the planets there. Back in the major cities, back in the GIC controlled outposts, CAV was always somewhat treated as a myth. You heard about it, just like you've heard that too much of certain medications could cause necrosis of the skin with 24 hours, but with today's medical technology, that couldn't be plausible anymore. Right? Not unless you were using something out of date or questionable to begin with. Right? You might know better now.

In the Caliphrian System, Zedo is a rich bastards safari planet, terraformed into sweltering jungles infested with only the finest of genetically modified game. But you aren't there. There is Bedos, so rich with evidence of alien artifacts that the GIC bought out every colony and mining station on the planet to hasten the start of excavations. But no. You weren't sent there either. Nor to the supposed safety of Peldios, the mining planet proclaiming itself CAV-free in a "CAV-infested" system.

You're on Garmi. The restricted planet. The fucking lava planet. But restricted means valuable. Dangerous. The chance of discovering the newest artifact to project the human race years ahead in technological advancement. Maybe.

A highly classified research base on a volatile planet. There are no native fauna here, but all it takes is one rogue ship slipping in under the scanners, one idiot somehow picking up the virus on their hand and rubbing their eye, one inhale of misted blood sent into the air by a bullet. A kiss before the symptoms start to show. Tears on the face of the dead. Soot from the atmosphere gets in your eye and you rub it. Or maybe it wont be Cavers that gets you, but a discovery so profound that you either go elsewhere for long enough that you convince the GIC you aren't going to snitch, or your relatives get a notice of condolences. Raiders, maybe. Or the casual accident because you didn't look before you entered the stairwell - you were doing so well in keeping a healthy, active, lifestyle but stairs aren't for running, you know. That's what the gym is for, but a small payout will be made anyway.

You're all isolated out here, with only the comfort and threat of knowing Marines patrol the corridors and ships patrol the space above. That you're over 100 strong in crew. Maybe, however, the base should have prepared for you being its downfall instead.

Artifacts are stored on the base, brought out from the excavation sites after they go through quarantine measures. They are then experimented on extensively under every condition the scientists can apply. If a reaction is found, it's documented and evaluated by monetary value. If nothing can be recorded, it's sent off-planet for more advanced prodding. And, in the event the artifact is showing responses that no-one likes the look of, it goes elsewhere. If you ask where, you may go elsewhere too.

Whatever occurs, however, it is almost guarenteed that this planet will eventually demand you to finally pay the price in being there.

The AI Says:

No matter what Package you are, you can have reason to be here. Arbiter's have sway, and the planet holds secrets they would be interested in. Delegates need to see if the investment is worthwhile. Kiru's aren't asked many questions when they carry the right contact in their address book. Even Mercs are known to get brought in when the right 'situations' are on the horizon. A Raider? Were you caught trying flying too close or did you pocket some ID to get in on base?

Don't fear your Package. Choose what speaks to you and then discuss with the AI to key into the motivation for your character. The Galaxy is mostly unmapped (officially) so you may find new motivations as you go.

Building Your Story:

Due to the nature of the story and setting, your Avatar wont have been stationed on the base for longer than 4 months.

At the start of Session 0, you'll be asked to either introduce your "position" in this base or your arrival and "purpose". If you would like the AI (DM/GM) to introduce your Avatar instead, please let the AI know.

BEFORE the start of Session 0, each Player will be asked to write up a basic description of what they would like to try to do for a whole day stationed at the base and send it to the AI. This could be a series of medical tests, where/how you would like to patrol, or the method and tone of interacting with other base members, etc. Then we'll play out their role in the base to get used to the mechanics of their characters.

If you would like the AI to setup some secret and/or extra background connections of your character, don't hesitate to ask!