Category: Person

#Lore 24 – Entry #120 – Sci-Fi Month II #29 – Puff the Dragon Magic

From the Personal Journal of Seiko Kajira, Galactic News Gazette reporter, assigned UEF-04 Maharani Morgiana.

I thought dragons were supposed to be exciting, and yet all we’ve done for weeks now is dig in the dirt at some old, ruined dragon city.  No actual dragons, just a bunch of really old, boring statues and carvings of them.  Oh, and the deadly wildlife.  Have I mentioned the snakes down there?  Holy shit, the snakes!  They look horrifying, their heads very much draconic, and they can spit venom.  The scouts killed one that had to be thirty feet long!  Then they ate it!  Urgh.  Count me out; the smell made my nose hurt.

Where is all the magic that dragons are supposed to be known for?  It’s the same story all over again.  I’m not an expert, right?  But even I know that on every world we’ve found these ruins on, the dragons come, they wreck stuff, they get all the races pissed off at them, then they leave.  I mean, they sound pretty unpleasant if you ask me.  Why else do they keep getting shoved off their planets, hmm?  Give me something more exciting to report on!  I fell asleep like six times just trying to write up the report I mailed back home.  SO. BORING.

I’ve fallen back to entertaining myself aboard the Morgiana since my visit planet-side, decided to advance a few of the plot lines I’ve been working on for my impromptu reality drama series.  Still plenty of people aboard during the ruin exploration to mess with, after all.  Kiara’s storyline took a surprising twist without my help, though; apparently he’s started seeing that dark elf Over-Warden.  Hasn’t helped his tardiness at all, so I imagine he’s getting abuse on and off the clock now.  The new mistress must really like his ass in those SexyTech shorts, though; he hasn’t taken them off since their first night together, and I’d swear his skirts have gotten shorter to help show’em off. 

I met one of the fighter pilots last week when I had to go blow off some steam at the gun range, Sorisana Kelvaris.  She’s practicing to become a quick draw artist apparently, even uses a big fuck-off revolver.  She’s got secrets; I picked up on it within minutes of talking to her, and not just the usual kind of secrets elves keep.  It’ll take a while for me to get her to warm up, though; she’s a cold one.  May have to start spreading some rumors, put her under a little pressure.  Wonder what kind of past she’s running from?  Hmmm…corpo intrigues are overdone and boring as hell anymore, so maybe something with the Great Houses?  Exiled princess, maybe?  Or maybe she’s a sneaky assassin type, on the run from justice, has to keep her shooting skills sharp because she can’t know when someone will find out about her?  Decisions, decisions!

I really need to start working on some of the security team guys; the ones following me around are pretty boring, though, like soldier on guard duty boring.  The CSO must’ve picked them out personally just for me; I know he doesn’t trust me.  Probably a good idea on his part, but everyone’s got their secrets; it’s only a matter of time till I find something on him that’ll spice things up.  Think I’ll start working on that orcish fellow who comes into VV’s place ever so often when he’s off the clock, Morzod Fiedskinner.  He’s got ties to the Badaxe Clan going by his tattoos, and he’s definitely seen some shit, a lot more than the other security guards I’ve talked to thus far.  Bet once I get him to warm up to me, he’ll give me all kinds of juicy tidbits.

Then there’s the twin librarians, the Seraph twins; on the attractive side for Chroniclers, and on the gullible side, too.  Probably brought up sheltered, just now getting out into the world for themselves.  Both of them usually have their head in the clouds thanks to those thought-recording implants they sport, but I think I can work with them and get something going.  They’re at that age when humans find it hard to control their baser instincts, so a little nudge here and there could get results.  Maybe I should go for the twincest crowd?  Nah, that’d be a bit too niche… But…maybe some tension between the churches would be fun?  Could try to get one twin tied up with Erisaya’s crowd, the other Yurisaya’s, then watch as the sparks start flying when their next disagreement ramps up.  Would have to be careful, though, let it build up slowly; those of the Lovely Sisters know how to read people better than I do…but what’s life without a little danger?

#Lore 24 – Entry #115 – Sci-Fi Month II #24 – A Date with the Over-Warden?!

From the Personal Journal of Kiara Mizutani, Arcane Support Division, assigned UEF-04 Maharani Morgiana.

Oh no!  I think I’m in more trouble!  For some reason, that prison warden, Vyrmeth Rashryth, has taken an interest in me! 

Okay, okay, back up a little bit…this started after Miss Tallfoot had that meeting with her the other day.  I was just there to take notes and observe things, mostly…well, that’s kind of why I was there, but Miss Tallfoot really just wanted me along…I think maybe I’m kind of like a purse puppy or something to her.  At least, that’s kind of it, maybe?  She sure doesn’t treat me that nice… But I was really distracted during the meeting because of all those prisoners.  They kept staring at me, and I kinda was staring back at them just as much, you know?  All that shiny skin tight latex, and the way it made the guys look so big and the girls just so curvy, you know?  Wow…I just can’t understand why these SexyTech clothes aren’t more popular with results like that!  Just wish I didn’t have to keep wearing this cage; it’s always so tight and pinchy!

But anyway, when we went into the warden’s office, Miss Tallfoot got that smug look on her face and started talking about everything she’d learned about the Seal-Tech, and mentioned “rampancy”.  Neither of them went into detail, but I could tell that the warden was surprised about it, whatever it is, and I could feel the chill in the room after that.  Why does Miss Tallfoot have to be like that with everyone? 

Well, it took a couple days, but I got back to my cabin after work and found a message from Vyrmeth!  She wants to meet up with me some evening!  Like, a date kind of meeting!  What am I going to do?  Should I tell Miss Tallfoot about it?  It’s gotta be related to that meeting, right?  Does the warden want to…interrogate me about what Miss Tallfoot said?  I saw her looking at me when we left, but I thought she was just curious…not this kind of curious, but you know, like, in a general kind of way?  I mean, I’m not going to deny that I’m pretty hot and a bit of a tease at times, but I totally wasn’t putting on the charms then!  I was just trying to keep my mind on the conversation, not the shiny prison suits!

Maybe I should ask DD about it?  It’s not like we’re an official couple or anything, we just fool around a lot.  Okay, it’s mostly him playing with me and getting me worked up and making me hate this cage even more, but I can’t help it.  I’m such a slut sometimes!  But maybe he knows dark elves better than I do and might have some tips on how to act around her?  I’m not going to say ‘no’ to a date…I mean, she is pretty hot herself, and really strong-willed.  Like, I guess her being so dominant was what caused the tension in the room with Miss Tallfoot?  Two alpha personalities like that probably just can’t get along well, I guess.  But still…what if she wants to pump me for information?  What could I tell her?  I really don’t know anything about the SealTech thing that got brought up.  Maybe she won’t accept that?  What if she locks me up in that prison?  What if she’s got a private prison for interrogations?  Owwwww, why am I getting so hard thinking about it?!

Great, now I can’t think about anything else!  I need to take a cold shower, go for a jog or something, maybe ask V.V. about it?  This trip is really turning out to be nothing at all like I imagined it would be!

#Lore 24 – Entry #114 – Sci-Fi Month II #23 – RestrainTech Trustee Work Release, Onboard Disciplinary Measures, ASD Concerns

From the Personal Logs of Vyrmeth Rashryth, RestrainTech, Expeditionary Over-Warden, UEF-04, Maharani Morgiana.  Decryption algorithm successful; translated from original dark elf script.

Perhaps this voyage will result in great things.  Today was witness to a dark elf and an aerian coming to agreeable terms, so the very heart of the Demon Sector is surely within reach! 

I had wondered exactly how long it was going to take the security chief to finally approach me about the trustee work detail and other security concerns; I will give him credit, it was nearly a month since we first set out, a true testament to his kind’s stubbornness.  I suppose he was rather civil for an aerian, though I could tell he was not pleased to actually have to speak to an elf, regardless of their nature.  Understandably, his concerns were the integration of our SealTech monitoring and control systems into the ship’s security network, and the interactions between the prisoners and regular crewmembers during the construction of the hyperspace relay in the Charvis system.  I don’t think he appreciated my offer to test the SealTech for himself to test its security, but I found his reaction amusing nonetheless.

I believe he may have been somewhat surprised to find out that I was not the type to be easily pushed around; likely that he had assumed I was like the typical dark elf girl, demure and submissive.  I wouldn’t have earned my position were that the case, nor would my boss have even considered me for the assignment had I been so weak willed.  I know my place in the hierarchy, certainly, and will defer to the men when required, but outside of my own people, I need not behave in such a away. 

Regardless, I allowed Security Chief Scharaiden to tour the Morgiana’s prison facility at his leisure, and though he was somewhat taken aback at the fact we were letting our trustees lounge about and enjoy some level of freedom during their leisure time, without further restraints, a demonstration of the effectiveness of the SealTech in stopping them in their tracks seems to have satisfied him for the moment.  I’ve known the prisoners for years; they wouldn’t be here if we couldn’t trust them in some capacity; some were even handpicked by the CEO himself to be here, and with good reason.

Curiously, after Scharaiden had finished his tour, he inquired about the renewability of our SealTech and future requirements in the case of bad behavior during the journey.  It seems he’s already had several disturbances of the peace aboard, and has the idea that implementing some public humiliation measures may assist with improving behavior.  Perhaps he has more in common with me than he is willing to openly admit?  He certainly seemed interested in the discipline cubes as a means of publicly displaying troublemakers, and likewise inquired about temporary SealTech suit assignments for repeat offenders.  I’m working out the details; we certainly aren’t lacking in our ability to generate more SealTech, though I’m curious just how far he’s willing to go with enforcing his idea of proper discipline, and whether the Captain will approve.

Following my meeting with the CSO, I met with the Arcane Support Division’s director, Primula Tallfoot and her assistant, Kiara Mizutani.  She’s rather well informed, I must say, and has excellent taste in whom she chose as a personal plaything; Mizutani is quite attractive, both physically and in his submissive nature.  He certainly seemed to have no qualms being bossed around by a woman, and my well-trained eye says he was enjoying every minute of it.  I may have to look into getting to know him in a more personal manner during my leisure time…

I personally found Tallfoot’s personality to be on the abrasive side, and I am concerned with exactly how she was aware of some of the lesser known details of SealTech, specifically its “Rampancy” mode; I am only aware of that having been used on a handful of occasions, and against DSM targets at that.  Ah, F3…one of my favorite playthings during my tenure as a regular prison guard…who would have thought she would have risen so far as to be trusted with developing that particular function?  I certainly wouldn’t have; I figured she would have remained in the production facility for some years, honestly. 

Still, how did Tallfoot know about the rampancy programming?  She didn’t say, and seemed to enjoy lording the fact that she knew over me.  I’ve assured her that that particular function is only meant for particular types of security breaches, specifically attacks against the encrypted systems controlling the SealTech application systems, but she didn’t seem convinced.  I will have to alert the boss during my next report regarding this, see if there’s a hole in his security that needs to be addressed and to see if I can get more details about Tallfoot; this kind of thing never happens with him…usually nothing escapes his notice.  Quite curious indeed; perhaps getting to know the kerryn boy will be more valuable than simply indulging my own fancies…

#Lore 24 – Entry #108 – Sci-Fi Month II #17 – Seiko Kajira, GNG Star Reporter

From the Personal Journal of Seiko Kajira, Galactic News Gazette reporter, assigned UEF-04 Maharani Morgiana

Well, if there was one fine way to torpedo a career, I guess this is as good as any. 

What the hell am I going to report on out here in the middle of bumfuck nowhere that’ll be halfway interesting to anyone?  Maybe if I were on the first expedition, but on the fourth?  Nobody gives a damn anymore, hell, I’m not convinced anyone gave a damn to begin with.  Your average person is going to see this as a publicity stunt from the megacorps and not give two shits.  Those who had any kind of interest were either already on board this bucket or long since disappeared into the Demon Sector already.

FUCK!

FUCK FUCK FUCK!

Can’t believe the higher ups pussed out and sent me out here, just when I was this close to getting some major dirt on that criminal syndicate.  Probably that connection to DSM I uncovered and the fear they’ve got of that witch in charge if I had to guess.  It’s not like Volcari hasn’t weathered much worse, fucking company stock is rebounding after that fiasco with Darius that led to the rush to explore the DS anyway, and that’s just the most recent scandal.  Bitch is untouchable!

But no, instead of getting some juicy fucking facts out there that might actually make some difference somewhere, I’m tossed into the deep dark and tasked with getting “interesting personal stories and news from the edge of the frontier”.  BULL.  SHIT.  Won’t be anything of gods damned interest out here unless a war kicks off, and even then it’s so far away nobody who actually reads the news will give two shits.  Who is going to care about a new planet to mine or some old decrepit ruins with a dragon’s head statue or some colonists who are nearly dead because they were too stupid to wait for a proper expedition to go exploring?  “Oh, look, a new gaseous anomaly!”  How freaking exciting!  Oh, look, it’s another animal with nasty big pointy teeth and it’s hostile to us!  No shit!

Well, Seiko, you might as well fucking start looking for a new career right fucking now.  This one might as well be over.  By the time you have a chance to leave the DS, your name will have been forgotten.  Hell, GNG might as well consider your paycheck a mistake to be corrected by then, if they haven’t already.  FUCK! 

You know what?  Fuck it.  I’m going to have a little fun while I’m out here.  Fuck the truth!  I’m going to get to know every damn person I can on every one of these fucking ships, and I’m going to stir up the fucking pot!  Total drama, baby!  Maybe I’ll discover I’ve got a talent for sleezy fiction after all.  Might as well, right?  I mean, shit, how are the bosses going to know it’s all bullshit anyway?  They’re way the fuck back home after all, and I’m only going to be able to send data back periodically anyway.  Yeah, let’s do this!  Time to fucking go!

 

#Lore 24 – Entry #106 – Sci-Fi Month II #15 – Devil Dog

From the Personal Journal of Kiara Mizutani, Arcane Support Division, assigned UEF-04 Maharani Morgiana

I have had such a confusing day!  As we finalize our preparations to launch into the Demon Sector, Director Tallfoot has been relentlessly drilling us in the ASD on our skills and magical talents, and I’m exhausted from it all!  To make matters worse, she’s continued to give me hell over being late all the time.  It’s not my fault!  I just can’t understand the layout of this ship!  It’s still so confusing!  But she’s demanded I improve, and has taken steps to see it happen.  I can’t believe I let her browbeat me into going along with this, but…she put a chastity cage on me!  Said it was to help to improve my focus!  And it’s got some enchantments on it for punishments that she’s in charge of!  I guess she got it from the Yurisayan delegation? 

Oh, why did I let her do that?!  What was I thinking?!  I had to wear one for five years at the Academy and it was maddening, and barely a year out, and I’m stuck in one again!  I’m such a pushover!  It’s so tight already, and I can’t stop getting hard and making it pinch more, and it’s really annoying!  But she promised it would stay right where it is until my performance improved.  She even put an arcane lock on it to make it as hard as possible to remove!  I have to try to start waking up early tomorrow or something, try to get there on time.  Maybe if I at least make the effort, she’ll take it off? 

But there might be a bit of a bright spot even with all the hell that Miss Tallfoot is giving me.  I met someone new…after the stupid cage was locked on, unfortunately…but he seems…well, I’m not sure.  I’m a little intimidated by him, but he’s got this bad-boy thing going that really has me intrigued.  I mean, with a nickname like ‘Devil Dog’, that just screams cool, right?  He’s a feradogian, can’t say I’ve really dealt with them much, but we wound up on an elevator together after work today.  He was staring at me the whole ride, and we had more than enough time to get each other’s scents.  He’s huge, too!  Like almost nine feet tall, and all of it wolfy muscle!  The more I think about those scars, the more excited I get (and the tighter this stupid cage gets!  URGH!!)! 

He followed me off the elevator toward the cantina and offered to buy me a drink, so how could I say no?  We chatted some, learned a bit about each other.  He’s working on one of the scouting teams, says he’s a really good tracker and hunter.  He seemed really into me, too, said I was a bundle of interesting scents that had him more than a little worked up.  I could tell.  Really wonder if I could handle that gigantic thing he’s carrying around in those leather pants?  Did I mention he goes around shirtless?  Mmmm…

I might’ve had a little too much to drink, gotten a little…touchy-feely with him under the table.  I might’ve been a little cocktease tonight, lol.  He was positively panting for more, and I thought his pants were going to pop open right there.  Guess feradogian tails act like regular dogs when they’re excited, too.  That’s when this stupid little cage decided to pinch me again.  Total mood killer.  I had to try to break things off at that point, but DD was pretty insistent, so I wound up sticking around a while longer.  We started making out in the corner, and I’m sure he felt the cage when he was feeling me up; the look he gave me when he was squeezing me in my sexy little shorts was…oh, gods, I think I’m in trouble!  I think he’s excited by the idea!  I bet he’s into all kinds of kinky stuff!

We’re going to hook up tomorrow after work; I’ve got a day off before we launch, so I’m curious what might happen…I’m a sucker for the bad boys…

#Lore 24 – Entry #102 – Sci-Fi Month II #11 – Security Systems Analysis 02 – The Unpredictable Factors of the Fleshy Sentients Within the Hull of the Great Ship that Explores the Deep Space of the Region of Demonic Beings

 

From Personal Logs of Gadri “Burnout” Quickbyte, Cybersecurity Specialist / Security Systems Analyst, assigned UEF-04 Maharani Morgiana, decryption algorithm successful, translated from original Gnomish script.

Translation Note:  Possible issue with either the translation or decryption algorithm relating to Gnomish script; subtitle of this entry is accurate but manual translation yields something more sensible: “Suspicious Persons Aboard the Maharani Morgiana“.  Further translation of this entry has been reviewed manually and properly translated to Common in proper fashion for readability; original version is attached for further review in case I missed something, though it is at least fifteen times the length.

Continuing the requested analysis of the Morgiana’s security systems, as I continue the deep dive into the system architecture, some further concerns have come to light during the review of personnel aboard the ship.  Below are people of interest who my algorithms have determined to have red flags on their records which could indicate possible security concerns.  Please review and act accordingly.  Not organized in any particular order, judge each risk as you will. 

Sorisana Kelvaris – Female Elf, Starfigher Pilot assigned to 1st Squadron – Signs of tampering with her personnel records, possibly significant alterations or pure fabrication.  Exceptionally well-done manipulation, done by an exceptional talent; doubt many would have caught the discrepancies on this one.  Cannot verify authenticity, however, as communication between here and the other side of the Barrier is currently unavailable due to Barrier radiation fluctuations.  If fabricated, could indicate a sleeper-agent level false identity.

Szoreth Delyl – Male Dark Elf, Under-Warden, prisoner work division – Another long-time prison employee, his records have a sealed section, from the company, following a period of military action approximately two-hundred-fifty years ago, lasting for another eighty years before he began working at the prisons.  May indicate nothing aside from state/corporate secrets that need to be maintained, could mean some clandestine operations that have further reaching consequences, could mean nothing. 

Brawnik’ush’Fangren AKA “Devil Dog” – Male Feradogian, assigned to scouting and recon division, ground operations.  Records are spotty, typical of the Ferians due to constant periods of warfare between their peoples.  Has tattoos and ritual scarring that indicates involvement with guerrilla factions on Feria known to value brutality of the old ways.  Outwardly easy going and personable based on other crew interactions, seems to be developing relationship with kerryn arcanist Kiara Mizutani, but loyalties cannot be easily determined, nature is somewhat chaotic and suited to being a loner. 

Provissh Longtail – Female Kobold, Technician, assigned to Engineering section.  Has served on over two-dozen ships in her time.  No direct evidence of misconduct on her part, but each ship suffered severe mechanical failure during her time aboard.  Could be coincidence, unlikely.  May be blessed with bad luck, possible actual jinx.  Technical abilities are solid, supposedly. 

Chiasa Charity Chiasakaniki – Female Kitsune, IT Specialist, assigned to IT Department.  Excellent coder, has talents that meld her natural magical abilities with her technological talents.  Known hacker, exceptionally curious, very likely she will be attempting to access backdoors and give herself heightened access to the Morgiana’s computer systems.  No indications of intentional harm, but possible she could be manipulated into threatening actions. 

Kourtney Bradigan – Female Human, Priestess of Erisaya.  Native of PLANET, has known ties to political factions there, and has confirmed involvement in violent revolution there.  Has a tendency to manipulate people with her charms and stoke fiery passions.  Unconfirmed ties to both the weapon-smuggling organization known as the Church of Violence and the militant historic society, the Seekers of Hidden Truths; would fit her personality and record. 

Donerail Wintergreen – Male Equinarian, Inmate, Prison Work Division.  Mercenary by trade, wound up on the bad side of an attempted coup on Odrade III.  Took down a lot of combatants but was captured when he decided to save some children caught in the messy evacuation.  Has been bouncing around the prison system since.  Could be useful, could be dangerous; was listed as non-violent, but has been confirmed as a combatant in unsanctioned prison fights.  May have unknown triggers that get him riled up.  Psych profile is outdated, so cannot verify.  Assigned to Under-Warden Delyl’s heavy construction unit.

Gragnesh Cracktusk – Male Orc, Inmate, Prison Work Division.  Also assigned to Under-Warden Delyl’s heavy construction unit.  Another mercenary, involved in space-based operations, trained as a ship’s gunner and for hostile boarding actions, possible links to pirate groups during time as a mercenary.  Has been a model prisoner on paper since incarceration, but also known to take part in the prison fights when he’s not been working the porno shoots.  Will dig into other prisoners assigned to that detail; may have some kind of secret combat unit here, or some very serious muscle loyal to Delyl.  Does Delyl have plans on something?  Recommend observation and a look at the gap in his records that was mentioned previously.

Vyrlesska “V.V.” Verlucia – Female Succubus, Entertainer and Procurement Specialist.  Runs one of the cantinas aboard the Morgiana, sings and dances there as well.  Known to be quite capable of obtaining often-illegal goods for her clients.  Could be useful to have someone like this aboard, certainly, but she’s a free spirt, and may not be too discerning about what items she’s procuring.  Likely has many contacts in many areas, again, useful, but she appears to be out to make a profit for herself first and foremost.

#Lore 24 – Entry #100 – Sci-Fi Month II #9 – Trailblazer One

 

From the Personal Logs of Captain Durgen Silvercask, decryption algorithm successful, translated from original Dwarven Script:

I certainly didn’t expect to see the CEOs of Veylani Transport AND RestrainTech when I awoke this morning, especially not aboard the Morgiana, but apparently Ms. Veylani was in the mood for a surprise inspection this morning.  Having finally met her, I can say that my earlier impressions were somewhat in error, though I still think she’s far too lacking in experience for the position.  Perhaps that’s one reason why she’s latched onto that Varmyrl fellow?  They seemed happy together, hells, I could almost swear they were talking to each other with just a look between them at times, so maybe they were made for one another.  Not really my place to consider such personal matters, though.

The meat of the conversation came after the inspection, when we retired to my cabin and Ms. Veylani discussed our initial flight plan and objectives for this expedition.  She was quite adamant that we attempt to follow a particular course on our way to Marchosias, even if it may conflict with our proposed course that has been submitted by the ASC.  Though not significantly different, there are several diversions indicated, all of which she promised would hold significant supplies of useful resources, but also sites of significant interest to the research teams aboard.

I had multiple concerns about this, not the least of which was how she had gotten this information, and why she had come to me directly with it instead of following the standard procedure of dissemination through the Council.  Though somewhat reluctantly, when pressed she finally revealed that her source was one of the Trailblazer teams and would only give me the designation Trailblazer One.  Apparently, this source, whoever they are, has been sending information directly to Ms. Veylani, through methods she did not elaborate upon.  When questioned as to how trustworthy the source was, she was even more adamant that she counted them among her most trusted allies but gave no further details.

What information she did share with me indicated that most of the significant sites of interest were ancient ruins of some form or another, with structures that resembled, if not outright mirrored, those of the ancient draconic structures found throughout known space on the other side of the Barrier.  Though Trailblazer One had already given a cursory examination of the sites, Ms. Veylani wants them given proper study, and even provided some of the notes and scans that have already been conducted.  I must admit, the similarities in the forms are startling, and, it seems, that there may be some kind of trail that her explorer has uncovered, given the fact that so many of these places have been found in such a short amount of time. 

This information has placed me in an awkward position.  There will be questions if I divert from the expected course, the least of which being how I knew to go to these systems.  I continued to press for more information, but all I could get out of either of my guests was that Trailblazer One’s identity was known to them, they were trusted, and there were opposing interests involved who would see harm done to Trailblazer One if they knew more.  As much as I didn’t want to be, I find myself mired in corporate intrigues.  Am I to suspect corporate assassins or sabotage on this expedition?  Perhaps my security chief’s concerns were not entirely unfounded, and not nearly as paranoid as they seem.  Though reluctant to do so, I have agreed to Ms. Veylani’s proposed plan of action, and will henceforth be receiving additional information as she receives it from Trailblazer One. 

At least I have some time to consider how exactly I will explain our diversions that lead to discoveries.  Perhaps I will begin opening conversations with some of our arcanists and the clergy aboard to see if any are feeling particularly drawn to any areas nearby the points of interest, or see if we can increase our long-range scanner efficiency the further we get away from the Barrier; some reports indicate this may be the case, but time will tell.  Perhaps I’ll simply have to explain them as hunches?  Supposedly we dwarves can sense treasure, after all, so some would believe it, though I am certain many more would not.  Give me harsh aetheric seas any day over this corporate conspiracy any day. 

#Lore 24 – Entry #96 – Sci-Fi Month II #5 – ASD Lead Arcanist Primula Tallfoot

 

From the Personal Journal of Kiara Mizutani, Arcane Support Division, assigned UEF-04 Maharani Morgiana

Oh no!  I might be in trouble!  And not the fun kind of trouble, either!

The Maharani Morgiana returned to Aphelion Station last night.  Wow, I wasn’t expecting her to be that big!  She’s a station unto herself!  But that’s not what I have to get off my chest.  I had to report to my division head aboard the ship this morning, and I screwed up!  I got lost and wound up being late for the meeting!  It’s not my fault, though!  I got to talking with some of the work-release convicts who were handling the loading operations (they were in honest to goodness SealTech suits!  Oh my goodness, the tits and bulges!) and got separated from the others who were headed that way and then got all twisted around once I tried to follow the directions I’d been given.  I’ve never been on a ship like that before, how am I supposed to know which bulkhead leads where and which module is connected to that module?!  And the stupid map-app was busted or something, and I just couldn’t find anyone who could give me a coherent answer on where to go!  I’m not military, I don’t know this stuff!

Anyway, to make a bad day worse, when I finally found the right module, I was looking around for some direction on where her office might be and stumbled right into her!  Oh, Saressh, she was so pissed!  It might’ve been because I bumped her, or maybe it was because I didn’t recognize her immediately?  Maybe she’s always this grumpy?  I don’t know!  I mean, I didn’t mean to bump into her like that, but she’s a halfling, so I wasn’t looking down, and I didn’t mean anything by it, but she didn’t even give me a chance to apologize or explain or anything!  She started tearing into me immediately, giving me a dressing down that made me feel smaller than she is! I haven’t had a tongue lashing like that since the early days at the Academy!  (This time at least I didn’t have the cock-cage pinching me…)

Not that she looks that small, though.  I mean, she is wearing like the tallest platform boots I’ve ever seen on a woman her size, they have to push her height to almost four feet, maybe a little more if you count her hair.  She’s got this whole “dark goth-punk chick” thing going.  It’s not my style, but she makes it work I guess?  She looked paler than the ID photo I saw, and she had fewer piercings, so maybe special privileges come with the position?  I saw enchantments on most of them, so I guess she’s just prepared for the worst?

She calmed down after making me feel terrible, but she was still grumpy, and I can tell she doesn’t like me.  She grilled me on my studies, my experience at the Academy as a guy, everything pretty much.  It felt like an interrogation!  But I couldn’t just not tell her, I mean, she’s my boss and all, and I have to do whatever I can to make up for that terrible first impression.  I guess it’s kind of like that first year at the Academy, when I was getting used to the changes and had to be the house maid the whole year.  She asked about that a lot, too, and I think I saw her twitch a little bit of a smile.  Is that good?  Is that bad?  I just don’t know!

After all that she finally went over the details of what she expected of me as part of her division, and what our general duties were going to be on the voyage, handed me some materials to review and get familiar with, showed me around the workshop and to my personal office.  It almost felt normal at that point, but she never lost that scowl on her face.  Once she had dismissed me, one of the ship’s officers came in, and I heard her browbeating him too, so maybe she’s like that to everyone?

I have to report back to her first thing in the morning for some kind of skills test.  I’m just a bundle of nerves right now!  I think I’ll go visit the gardens again, but maybe some ice cream first, though.  Some sweets and a little walk will do me good, I’m sure.  I just hope Director Tallfoot doesn’t treat me like this the whole trip, or this will be an absolutely miserable journey.

#Lore24 – Entry #82 – Fantasy Month #22 – The Dulcitius Attaliates Expedition to Sharmourne

 

From the journal of Angeliqua “Goldeneyes” Cartacustos:

I was rather interested in the topic of expeditions to lost cities, however when Mother specifically asked about this one, and further specified that she wanted details about the leader’s frugality when organizing this endeavor, I was less enthused.  She certainly seems to be taken with this theme she’s gotten into her head as of late.

The great city of Sharmourne was another lost to the shifting landscapes following the Great Cataclysm, seemingly devoured by the churning earth, all traces wiped away.  Always a target for treasure hunters, Sharmourne was always something of an obsession for the scholar Dulcitius Attaliates, for his ancestors originated from the fabled city.  Though at the time a rather unsuccessful treasure hunter, his obsessive study of geography and historical records nonetheless led him to believe that he had puzzled out the likely location of the lost city.  The problem, as is often the case with treasure hunts, is finding proper funding.  Attaliates was not rich, and he had only a few of the lower nobility convinced when it came to actually providing money for his proposed expedition; he wasn’t possessed of a silver tongue, either. 

And so, perhaps born of his obsession and a generally frugal upbringing, Attaliates began what has become known by some as the “Trek of the Slave Scholars”.  Though there were only a handful of slaves in the expedition party, it was the equipment chosen by Attaliates that garnered the name.  As certain magical items are generally widely available at a relatively low cost thanks to their popularity by slave-owners within the Empire, Attaliates made the decision, regarded at the time, and still to this day by some, as a ludicrous one, to employ some of the magical accessories commonly in use on slaves to lower overall costs.

Perhaps having made use of charm spells and other enchantments, Attaliates somehow convinced his party of the benefits of such items, and the expedition was officially launched, setting out approximately two-hundred-thirty years ago.  Firstly, Attaliates insisted upon all members of the party making use of feeder gags once they had gone into the wildlands beyond the Empire’s borders, for palatable food and water were never guaranteed; while unappetizing and completely flavorless, the gags nonetheless provide all the nutrition required, pride and dignity be damned.  Due to having to wear the gags for a long period for their magics to adjust to the wearer and provide needed nourishment, I imagine this likewise greatly cut down on the number of complaints he received from his party.

Secondly, Attaliates employed longstrider boots obtained second-hand from a slave courier service; though worn and seemingly impractical (these particular items were hoof boots after all, made more for visual appeal), the enchantments nonetheless proved just as capable in the wilds, providing solid footing and enhanced endurance and speed.  Of course, elite scouts in the Imperial military often make use of boots with the same enchantment, but maintaining one’s pride came with costs that Attaliates simply couldn’t afford.  Thirdly, in lieu of pack animals, Attaliates’s party made use of pack-slave harnesses, which, while rather bulky and not conducive to wearing much in the way of clothing, nonetheless provided more than ample ability for he and his team to carry all of the gear they required, with enough magically enhanced carrying ability left over for what they hoped would be plenty of treasure.  Lastly, Attaliates made use of master rings and slave collars keyed to them, not for the punishments such devices can perform (there were no confirmed accounts of this function being employed, anyway), but for the magical tracking ability, allowing him and his team leads to know exactly where all members of the party were located.

While dignity was certainly not a factor in the expedition, Attaliates managed to prove that he was not as crazy as some may have thought he was.  His obsessive research proved to be very accurate, and though it took several weeks to bear fruit, his party were ultimately successful in locating the ruins of Sharmourne, the bulk of the city’s broken remnants scattered through a heavily forested, mountainous region.  With the relics and treasures this first expedition managed to find, Attaliates was easily able to fund additional trips with much larger and more well-funded groups, and without the need for slave gear.

#Lore24 – Entry #76 – Fantasy Month #16 – Greatmother Magda

 

From the journal of Angeliqua “Goldeneyes” Cartacustos:

I’ll admit that I’m not as well-versed in the particulars of the orcish Badaxe clan as I should be, but they are a rather secretive lot, and very closely tied to the Emperor in significant ways, making up the bulk of his elite honor guard, in fact.  Gray Tiger has spoken highly of his people, and has shared many stories of them, but the inner workings of the orcs are still very much mysterious.  Yet, in spite of my lack of knowledge of the clan on a more nuanced level, I am familiar with the name Greatmother Magda. 

Magda is the eldest of the Badaxe clan’s shamans, ancient even by humanity’s standards, let alone the generally shorter lifespans of the orcs.  Though I haven’t seen or met her myself, she is reportedly frail and very much crone-like, but still regarded as tough as the stone of the mountainous clan-home itself and shows no sign of slowing down even with her advanced age.  She is always accompanied by her loyal guards, and rumored husbands, Scrumpy and Wurzel, who likewise are ancient, and are often seen to be guarding the gates to the clan-home.  Gray Tiger has mentioned many times when he had witnessed them covered in frost on the mornings following their vigils, yet they can still fight better than most warriors a quarter of their age. 

Magda herself, as a shaman, is in close contact with the spirits and in tune with the natural world like few others but is further renowned for her talents of farseeing and prophecy.  Many have sought entry into the clan-home to seek her wisdom, though few have been successful as the orcs tend to charge a hefty price set by Magda herself in return for her services (though at least a few accounts exist in the records of individuals who she has allowed to see her for as little as a few copper pieces or a seemingly worthless bauble).  She has frequently been spotted within Draconis Magna at the Imperial palace accompanied by her guardians and members of the elite orcish Black Guard, and the Emperor has long relied upon her guidance.  Though I could not pull any specifics from Gray Tiger, he has at least confirmed that Magda is well-versed in crafting curses as well and will not hesitate to lay one upon any who would offend her or her people. 

The current clan-chief, Mantok Badaxe, likewise holds her wisdom in high regard, as is proper for a wise orcish leader, I’m told by Gray Tiger.  Heeding her advice has led to further gains by the clan outside of their ties to the Emperor, and led to newly established settlements for the Badaxe orcs around the Empire, and, as slow as it is, greater acceptance in general society by humanity and, however begrudgingly, the elves and dwarves. 

I cannot, however, get confirmation from Gray Tiger on the nature of the rumored dour prophecies given by Magda in recent years.  These have been kept very well under wraps by the Emperor, and may in fact have world-shaking implications, though whether these are kept hidden to ease the potential for panic in the populace or in an attempt to circumvent them, I can’t honestly say.  Perhaps one day soon I will have an opportunity to meet Magda myself; she has visited the Great Library on a few occasions, though before my time, so there is always a chance.  Though I would certainly value the chance to meet her, I cannot help but be afraid of what I may learn of my own fate, should she deem me worthy of sharing such knowledge.