Sunday, May 22, 2022

For a few credits more...

 On nearly all worlds across the frontier, trade bazaars of the I.S.G.U.M (Inter Star Guilders United Merchants) could be found in dimly lit corridors and via ducts. In the outland systems these traders supplied all manner of vital goods and off-world amenities.

Hyperion-LOTUS dealers in particular could fetch a high profit for their goods. High quality fuel cores, cybernetics, espionage and surveying gear were ever in demand in the remote colony worlds. Most would also have a side score of rare exotic items and tech to supplement their income.


Under warrant of trade most local authorities were willing to ignore small level arms dealing in the effort to bolster their economy so long as no significant forbidden weaponry began appearing after their departures. Usually the best place to acquire any array of autos, blasters, pinners, cookers and many others. All at "fair market value" of course.


Expeditionary outfitters were a profitable resource for those intending to traverse the outlands where possessing the right equipment could be a matter of survival. Such vendors often brokered in information with local underworld sources of charts to supposed archaeo-tech hordes, rare element veins and hazardous places sane men should not tread.

 
A welcome sign to any weary traveler, the aroma of authentic hot non-synthetic food was often enough to draw a steady stream of customers interested in off-world cuisine and intoxicants. Some short contract operations were known to be fronts for the trafficking of contraband and psy-narcotics. However others such Nok Dragons Nest were well known chains throughout the frontier.


Sunday, May 8, 2022

Vox Extremis - Rogue Trader House Samra

The Korban Expanse was a desolate region of the galaxy, a vast arm of the Neomosa Spiral. Once but long ago, fledgling empires rose and fell here amongst the harsh stars. Across scattered worlds their decayed ruins stand in sentinel memory of their passing.

It was here that the Rogue Trader Captain Tyco Samra gained great prestige by traversing the uncharted Pillars of Voltarnus. Contrary to the strongest recommendations of house navigators and logicans, his relic Conquest-class Star Galleon - The Alastor survived the perilous expedition fraught with piratical raiders, hostile xenos and dark unknown horrors of the void.
 

The bombastic Samra was known for leading many away missions and boarding actions himself, accompanied by his personal security entourage; the Iyomen. This handpicked cadre consisted of veteran voidsmen, house storm troopers and specialist adepts.
After the decades across the expanse, there could be no "after Korban" for the crew of The Alastor. Not after the wonders and terrors they had experienced. The return to Port Solas had been brief.  Despite his holds brimming with priceless artifacts, wealth and archeotech from the furthest reaches of the void, it was not enough for Samra. The ancient Alastor departed again into beckoning stars.
"You can't imagine the things I've seen - the storming of the Gammu temple, the sky fortress of the Tekarti, the hunt for the Corlatt void beast. All I can tell you is that without Captain Tyco at the helm, my bones would be out there adrift in the deep..."
-Sulla, Iyomen hearldry bearer to new ensigns.