TimeSlots:
Thursday (1 Aug) and Sunday (4 Aug), 8a - 2p
Gaming System:
Hero System, 6th Edition
Number of Max Players per Timeslot:
7
Event Description:
14 July 2078 - Ballari Chakrabarti was drinking her third cup of coffee since 2a. She was certain she had detected a spike in intensity a few days ago, and she had volunteered for as many shifts as she could get. She KNEW she was not crazy or tired, but these overnight shifts were not easy. Her eyes were gritty and blurry and it was hard to focus. Her attention suddenly snapped into focus. THERE! SOMETHING was occluding the background radiation in a direct path. She was going to get absolute proof this time before raising the alarm. No one would make jokes about her now.
The next morning Ballari reported her findings to her boss. He grudgingly admitted that there was, in fact, something there but it was probably just an asteroid coming in from beyond the Kuiper Belt. He absolutely refused to even entertain the idea that it was on a different trajectory than it was when she first saw it. She would forever remember the patronising tone in his voice, “C’mon now, Balli, that would mean that it was under power. Little green men?”
Within two days it was confirmed by other astronomers around the world. Keck, Inouye, and the Gran Telescopio Canarias had their entire schedules scrapped to track the inbound item (named Chakrabarti Imara after Ballari’s mother). As exciting as the discovery was, the novelty of the discovery was overshadowed by the fact that Imara would pass very close to the Earth. While other objects had passed close to Earth before, none were this close, and it triggered some moderate “end of the world” activity around the globe. TV and radio stations around the world were covering Imara almost nonstop.
22 July 2078 - CNN was in the telescope room at the Keck Observatory doing a live interview when the entire world stopped. In the middle of the anchor asking the same question for the thousandth time, someone in the background yelled “OH MY GOD! IT’S DECELERATING! IT’S UNDER POWER! IT’S A SPACESHIP!” Panic set in. The doomsday preppers were glorious in their vindication. Religious leaders were trying to reassure their flocks that this was all part of God’s plan. Other people just cleared out the grocery stores and hid in the basement.
4 August 2078 - As Imara (even though it was no longer an asteroid it had to be called something) approached, the telescopes were able to determine that it was, in fact, some kind of giant craft. The spaceship slowed and parked in a stationary orbit between the Earth and the Moon.
7 August 2078 - It sat there for three entire days, the longest days in human history, as the planet below nearly destroyed itself in panic. Was this the prelude to an attack? Was humanity about to be wiped out? Then nearly every broadcast method on the planet came on at once, all infrastructure was unaffected but everything else was filled with the image and voice of a strange, light blue, flat-faced being with orange hair. He looked almost human, and would not be out of place at any scifi convention. When he began to speak, he was simultaneously speaking in whatever language was the local primary.
During his entire two-hour broadcast, the entire planet stopped to listen. He explained that his name was Kastell’nell (pronounced Cas-teth-neth, or that was, at least, as close as humanity could get) and he was a representative of a galactic confederation. He was, in fact, humanity’s suzerain. The way Kastell’nell described it, the Federation seemed to be more like the European Parliament or the United Nations. They are more of regulatory and advisory board than actually governing the Federation.
The Galactic Federation spans such a large area, that resources are either so simple to find or not worth the expense of trying to take them from someone else; real value in the Federation is found in the only truly unique: creativity and developments in art and science.
As humanity’s suzerain, Kastell’s role was to represent Earth to the Federation and negotiate any trade deals. While there was an embargo on certain technologies based upon the Earth’s current development, there was a great deal of technology and science that could make a marked difference to the people of Earth. There was technology that could readily help heal the harm humanity had done to their environment. Disease and hunger could be eliminated almost overnight. Would humanity join the Federation and take its first steps into the greater galaxy, or would they close themselves off and pretend they were still alone in the universe?
4 July 2082 - The decision was an easy one, the environment was collapsing and climate change was running away. There was widespread famine and disease. A number of countries had collapsed when their governments were incapable of providing for their populations. Humanity, led by the United States, agreed to became a client race of the Galactic Federation. It would be nice to think the decision was made for altruistic reasons. Some agreed because they were tired of drinking dirty water and breathing choking air while wondering where their next meal would come from. Some agreed because they thought they could gain more power or money from joining the Federation.
Human art (of all forms) quickly gained popularity since Earth joined the Federation as a vassal state. Artistic expression, while valuable, is not the only currency humanity trades in.
Conflict in the Galactic Federation, while rare, still occurs. Disputes over territory are the primary conflicts. It would be irresponsible to battle on a planet and against an indigenous population and destroy all those beings that could, one day, become great artists or make a scientific breakthrough. The possibility of wiping out generations of artists and scientists would be unthinkable. Instead, some member states have created or terraformed moons and asteroids to provide, for a price, a battleground where various factions can settle their differences without collateral damage. These gladiatorial battles are not just a way to settle disputes, but are broadcast across the Federation, and many fortunes have been made and lost on wagers.
Humanity is the only race that has developed super powers and has quickly risen to prominence in this gladiatorial combat. Humanity’s gladiators are nearly undefeated and the prowess of the human gladiatorial teams has allowed their suzerain to prosper and expand their territory.
The B’elmot were the fiercest and most successful gladiators before humanity came along. The B’elmot are two to three meters tall with thick hide and vicious claws. The first gladiators to face the B’elmot described them as if a sasquatch and a grizzly bear had an ill-tempered love-child. The B’elmot have not taken their demotion well, and their defeats at the hands of humanity had cost them significant territory and loss of face. Their most notorious gladiators were struck down, further eroding the B’elmot’s ability to remain competitive. The B’elmot had been the premier gladiators for millennia, and had focussed their entire society towards developing warriors. Humanity’s sudden ascendency has threatened the B’elmot’s standing in the Galactic Federation and jeopardised their entire way of life.
The B’elmot Creche Lord devised a plan that gambled with the very existence of his people. His plan would either see the B’elmot returned to their earlier glory or stricken from the Galactic Federation and destroyed to the last being. The Creche Lord sent his most talented gladiators to abduct The TimeKeeper, one of the few remaining members of the Alt’lar. The Alt’lar are one of the most senior members of the Federation; their numbers dwindled from hundreds of billions at their peak to less than three thousand.
The TimeKeeper could warp time and space. The Creche Lord planned to force the TimeKeeper to send his team back in time so that they could stop humanity from joining the Federation and securing the B’elmot’s place as the preeminent gladiators.
It’s been 54 years since the Omega Team was successful. Every living B’elmot was destroyed as the penalty for kidnapping the Time Keeper and trying to force them to send a team back in time to destroy the human race before they joined the Galactic Federation.
Galactic justice is best described as “what goes unnoticed never happened.” Without witnesses, there can be no crime, but galactic justice is a dual-edged sword. The truth to any accusation is determined by gladiatorial combat on one’s homeworld. Defeat sustains the charge the world is reduced to barbarism for 20 lifetimes. If the defenders prove successful, the accuser’s planets are razed.
17 years ago, Kastell discovered incontrovertible proof that the Vor’iithl’ex were the B’elmot’s puppeteers and behind the plan to kidnap The TimeKeeper; Kastell filed charges against the Vor’iithl’ex, but the wheels of Galactic justice move slow. The Vor'iithl'ex have controlled the Galactic Senate for millennia, and Kastell's charge has driven the Galaxy into civil war.
Humanity has continued to prove their prowess and driven from battle to battle and planet to planet finally pushing to the Vor’iithl’ex home world. Earth’s Gamma Team has taken the lead and pushed to the Vor'iithl'ex homeworld. They have landed and made their way to the ruling palace in the capital city. If the Gamma Team succeeds, the Vor'iithl'ex will be reduced to barbarism and be removed from the Galactic Senate. If the Gamma Team fails, the This will fundamentally change the fabric of the Galactic Federation.
Whirlwind stands at a statuesque 180 cm (5'11") tall, embodying the elegance and grace characteristic of her elven heritage. Her slim physique, weighing only 55 kg (121 lbs), accentuates her ethereal presence. She boasts long, flowing brown hair that cascades down her back, and her striking golden eyes reflect both her elfin nature and her fierce spirit.
Her supersuit is designed with a medieval theme, combining rich red and pristine white colours. The suit is meticulously tailored to enhance her lithe figure while allowing for maximum agility. With intricate patterns and a regal flair, the suit not only complements her beauty but also symbolizes her connection to both ancient traditions and her role as a powerful gladiator.
Kat is a relatively short woman, standing at 158 cm (5'2") with brown hair and brown eyes. She weighs 90 kg (198 lbs), though most of this weight is due to her gravity manipulation. Her normal weight is only 45 kg (99 lbs). Kat is surrounded by a glowing purple aura; in a completely dark room, the aura is almost bright enough to read by if you stand very close.
Kat is a serious person and has resting scowl face.
Ethan has longish blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. He is 165 cm (5’5”) tall, and his impressive physique weighs 113 kg (250 lbs). He wears a green and white costume and wields a giant copper-coloured mace. Ethan has an open expression and always seems to find the humour in all situations.
Standing at an imposing 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) and weighing 240 pounds (109 kg), Jean-Pierre Lefevre is a towering figure. He has brown hair and brown eyes, which give him a grounded and approachable appearance despite his formidable physique. His rugged features and muscular build are a testament to the hard work he has put into both his family's vineyard and his training as a gladiator. His presence is further enhanced by his calm and resolute demeanour, often marked by a thoughtful expression.
Nikolai "Niko" Kranj, known as Speedwave, has a striking and athletic presence. He has jet-black hair, usually kept short and neat, which complements his sharp, focused demeanour. His eyes, a piercing shade of icy blue, reflect his quick-thinking nature and his ability to remain calm under pressure.
Niko's super suit is a vibrant combination of yellow and blue, designed to enhance his visibility and reflect his dynamic abilities. The suit is sleek and aerodynamic, tailored to reduce drag and allow maximum freedom of movement, essential for a speedster like him. It also features built-in compartments for small tools and gadgets, reflecting his role as a technician and navigator.
Standing at 188 cm (6'2") and weighing 70 kg (154 lbs), Niko's height and lean build give him a commanding yet agile presence. Due to his exceptionally fast metabolism, he struggles to maintain weight, resulting in a thin but well-toned physique. His constant movement and high energy levels contribute to his lithe, wiry frame, emphasizing his role as one of the fastest gladiators in the arena.
Martin, as Spectrum, has a body made of yellow light. Martin does not wear clothing, but has no specific external sexual characteristics. His body otherwise appears much the same as when he was solid. He is 165 cm (5’5”) tall. Because his body is made of light, it is quite lighter than one would expect; Martin weighs only 12kg (26 lbs).
Martin’s body glows with a yellow aura. Martin cannot turn off the aura, and it is bright enough to illuminate a small room to a comfortable level.
Alek has used his abilities to manipulate gravity to spend most of his day operating at increased gravity. Because of this, he is in peak physical form and is stronger than many normal athletes. Alek has brown hair and eyes. He stands 175 cm (5'9") tall and weighs 77 kg (170 lbs). Alek is surrounded by a glowing purple aura; in a completely dark room, the aura is almost bright enough to read by if you stand very close.
Alek tends to be smiling with an open and honest expression, and he gives off a vibe that lets you know he can be trusted.
Josh Riley is a young man with a bright, engaging smile and an infectious laugh that often puts others at ease. His appearance reflects his unique blend of intellect and practicality. Josh’s hair is dark and slightly tousled, giving him a perpetually youthful look. His eyes are sharp and observant, often glinting with curiosity and a hint of mischief.
Despite being born without legs, Josh carries himself with remarkable confidence and poise. Instead of legs, Josh uses a sophisticated piece of technology known as "The Squid," which has been permanently grafted onto his body. The Squid consists of several tentacles that extend from his torso. These tentacles are sleek and metallic, each ending in a three-finger pincer with a laser generator at its centre. The tentacles are in constant motion, adjusting and reacting to Josh's neural commands with fluid precision.
Josh's attire is typically functional, designed to accommodate the integrated technology of The Squid. He often wears a specially designed suit that integrates seamlessly with the tentacles, providing both support and additional protection. The suit is a blend of advanced materials that offer durability and flexibility, with built-in power conduits to supply The Squid's fusion generator.
One of the most distinctive features of Josh’s appearance is the anti-gravity device he developed. The compact generator is mounted on his back, allowing him to fly swiftly and manoeuvre with ease. This device, combined with the enhanced capabilities of The Squid, gives Josh a dynamic and formidable presence.
Josh's face is often lit up with a broad smile, and his demeanour is open and friendly. His extroverted nature and his knack for making friends are reflected in his approachable appearance. Despite the high-tech enhancements, there is a warmth and humanity in Josh’s eyes that endears him to those he meets.
Emi Ito, under the guise of Ronin, presents a striking figure. Her appearance is marked by sharp contrasts and distinctive features that reflect both her heritage and her modern adaptations. Standing at only 150 cm (4’11”), Emi's stature is modest, but her physique is well-toned and athletic, a testament to her rigorous training regimen. Her weight is appropriate for her height, maintaining a fit and balanced 45 kg (99 lbs), which highlights her dedication to physical fitness.
Her hair is black, typically styled in a manner that balances practicality with tradition, pulled back tightly to keep it out of her face during combat. This style highlights her striking emerald green eyes, which are intense and piercing, often capturing the attention of those she meets and betraying her fierce determination and focus.
Ronin's armour is a unique blend of the old and the new, mirroring her synthesis of samurai tradition with contemporary technology. The primary colours of her armour are dark red and brown, creating an aesthetic that is both earthy and visually imposing. The armour itself combines elements of traditional samurai gear with modern enhancements, featuring plates of high-tech material integrated with robust leather that allows for both protection and agility. This armour not only serves as her battle gear but also as a symbol of her identity, merging past with present.
Her katana is no ordinary blade. It features a green laser as a cutting edge, which not only enhances its lethality but also adds a visually striking element to her combat style. The green glow of the blade often reflects in her eyes during battle, emphasizing her connection to her weapon and her warrior spirit.
Kai Adler, also known by their codename "Corsair," is slim, of average height, and strikingly beautiful. They have white hair and flawless, pale skin. Kai prefers to wear spotless white clothes, maintaining an immaculate appearance. Standing at 178 cm (5'10") tall and weighing 74 kg (163 lbs), Kai presents a striking and ethereal presence. Kai is cold and aloof and sets themselves apart in most social situations; the exception is when they are with their team, when they become very tactile and warm.
Maya Bennett (codename Commando) is a tall (178 cm, 5'10") African American woman with black hair and brown eyes. Maya has a muscular frame and weighs 75 kg (165 lbs). She carries a large blaster rifle with several reloads and is festooned with ammo and equipment pouches. Her armoured costume features deep red and black leather, and she completes the look with a dark red, armoured leather duster.
Mateo Dela Cruz, also known by his codename "Anino," stands at 165 cm (5’5”) tall and weighs 57 kg (125 lbs). He has a lean, muscular build honed from years of training in Eskrima. Mateo has dark hair and eyes, which blend seamlessly into the shadows he commands. His unassuming presence often causes people to overlook him, a trait that serves him well in his stealthy pursuits. Mateo typically dresses in dark, practical clothing that allows him to move silently and blend into the night.
Despite his quiet and reserved demeanour, Mateo's intense gaze and the fluidity of his movements hint at the formidable power and skill. When he speaks, his voice is calm and measured, reflecting his thoughtful and strategic nature. His dedication to protecting the innocent and his unwavering sense of duty are evident in the way he carries himself, always vigilant and ready to act.