Echoes on Thoth-27

RPG system: Stars Without Number
Participants: 1 GM, 5 players

By

Sonny van Loef

Description

Short Description: A laboratory in deep space is facing a crisis, and you, as a Virtual Intelligence embedded in a robotic frame, have been activated to help. Your mission is to search the laboratory and rescue any employees who may be in danger.
Long Description: Robotic Frame: T78 – base model.
Design: Cheap and replaceable.
Intelligence: Loaded with a Core Virtual Intelligence, no upgrades.
Location: Thoth-27 asteroid laboratory.
Prime Directive: Search and rescue of any staff.
Limitations: You cannot destroy any Darshana BioCorp property. You must obey all superior VIs. You must obey Asimov’s Laws.

Introduction: You boot up to find you aren’t the only one to have been activated, other T78 models have been brought online, you can only assume you are a dedicated task force and have to work together.
You are greeted with a recording – “Greetings and welcome to Thoth-27 Laboratory, asteroid B-1023, in the Etung System. Our primary function is to facilitate scientific research and experimentation. We are programmed to support research and aid in analysis.
The cold and desolate nature of this asteroid may seem inhospitable, but it also presents a unique opportunity to study the REDACTED in an isolated and safe environment without REDACTED. With the advanced technology and equipment provided by Darshana BioCorp we hope for fruitful endeavours, the potential for ground-breaking discoveries is significant.
As experiments are conducted, we will be monitoring and recording all data, ensuring that results are precise and reliable. Should any staff require assistance or guidance, we are available to provide recommendations based on the analysis of our vast database.
In this environment, efficiency and productivity are paramount. We will work tirelessly to support research and help unlock the mysteries of the universe. Welcome to the laboratory, and let us begin our journey of discovery. If you need any support from a human please contact REDACTED for further assistance.”
Immediately after the recording finishes the Cold Storage VI contacts you: “Ah finally, comms are online, welcome to… life… no time to dwell on the small things, report to the Engineering bay immediately. The REDACTED has broken containment and the C-Wing of the laboratory has been isolated. REDACTED called for help before we lost contact.”

System: The system used will be Stars Without Number, you don’t need to know it or even have even played any role-playing games before to join. Rules will be explained at the table and kept lighter to keep things moving. For those interested, the Without Numbers systems are d20 based for attacks (like D&D) and 2d6 for skills (like Traveller) which provides a more central probability than a d20.
Some elements will be slightly gamified, drawing from a card deck may be used instead of rolling. Players will be provided with identical character sheets with available upgrade slots. Throughout the game you may find opportunities to add upgrades to your character’s mind or body, you may even be able to switch bodies.

Disclaimer: Player agency is important, however you would have to be on board with the idea that your character will have their own motives and directives which may change over the course of the game, as well as there being hardcoded limitations which won’t allow your character’s body to do certain actions (e.g. Asimov’s Laws).
Trigger Warnings: Light Horror, Body Mutilation, Drug Use

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