Strange events are unfolding on the fringes of known space.
The Velak system, one of the few unaligned sources of anthracite - a rare and easily processed ore that can be refined into starship
fuel - in the galaxy, has fallen silent. The hyperspace relays carry only static, and the ships despatched to investigate the facility have all failed to
return. Few can doubt that a terrible fate has befallen the facility, but what - and how - is a mystery.
The risks in investigating are legion. The system's sun is unstable, flooding the solar system with enough radiation to peel the hull from any ship foolish enough to approach without reinforced shields, and the vast asteroid belt that orbits it prevents a substantial force from entering the system. And even when those dangers are ignored, there still remains the unknown danger, the catastrophe or aggressor that silenced an entire facility in a matter of hours.
But the rewards for facing these dangers are great; Anthracite holds a high value on the invisible market, and vast quantities of refined ore are contained within the facility. Few can doubt that any sentient who reaches the facility and escapes with the ore will find themselves richer than a dozen kings. And then there is the possibility of untold glory and adventure beyond compare...
* * *
The Silent Star is a large scale mini-campaign open to all members of the board. There are no restrictions on the number of people who may enter, or on the number of members of each faction who may participate.
Those participating will be tasked with traveling to the Velak system, either alone or in groups, and investigating the causes of the facility's silence. This will not be a particularly easy mini-campaign, and people will be expected to post regularly. There may also be abrupt objective changes for individuals and/or groups. However, the rewards at the end will reflect these demanding conditions.
If you're interested in participating in this mini-campaign, please post in this thread.
