Ultraviolet Odyssey Part 4

This is the fourth part of a solo, narrative campaign within the Ultraviolet Grasslands RPG setting, created by Luka Rejec. The text was generated by the Chat GPT large language model, with multiple generations and further responses spliced together and edited. Some of prompts to generate the text were taken from the UVG sourcebook and/or fan materials. UVG and the Vastlands setting are  the intellectual property of Luka Rejec. This campaign log is unaffiliated with either WTF Studio or Luka Rejec.

The adventurers Karnelia di’Orca, Jalosti i’Grati and Arcia Bodizie are travelling through the Azure Ruins on their way to the Violet City.

Karnelia di'Orca is a tall and slender figure, with long dark hair and piercing eyes. She wears a flowing red robe adorned with intricate golden embroidery, and carries a staff topped with a blood-red crystal. A single black vertebra is visible at the base of her neck, marking her as a member of the secretive wine vampire order.

Jalosti i'Grati is a short and stocky purple-skinned young wizard, with a wild mane of hair and a bushy beard. He wears a flowing purple robe, and rides a machine horse that shimmers with shades of rust and metal. In his hand, he holds a staff of polished black wood, etched with arcane symbols.

Arcia Bodizie is a rugged and weather-beaten Safranjina, with a scar running down her cheek and a patch over one eye. She is dressed in a patchwork of scavenged clothing, with a long, flowing coat of dark blue and a bandana tied around her head. She carries a curved sword at her side, a sign of her status as an exiled pirate. A small furry mutant vole sits perched on her shoulder, giggling at anyone who pets it.

Soundtrack: 'Eye of Doom Pt. 1', The Sapient.

Chapter 9

As they travelled, the heroes were forced to endure endless hours of terrible poetry recited by the artists, who seemed to delight in the suffering of their companions. Despite the torment, the adventurers remained resolute, drinking nutriguel from straws to sustain themselves and watching the Lime Nomads herders through the windows of the landcruiser.

As the adventurers traveled with the group of dilettante artists in their luxury landcruiser along the Low Road, they were subjected to endless hours of terrible poetry recited by the artists. Karnelia, Jalosti and Arcia tried their best to tune out the talentless rhapsodies, but it was a nearly impossible task. In order to keep their sanity, they took turns passing around a flask of nutrigruel, sipping it through straws as they watched the Lime Nomads herders through the windows.

Despite the unpleasantness of their traveling companions, the journey was not without its own unique beauty. The landcruiser smoothly glided along the winding road and past rolling hills. As they journeyed further, the landscape began to change, transforming into a more arid terrain. As the landcruiser approached Potsherd Crater, the heroes could see the ground was a mosaic of broken pottery shards, glinting in the sunlight. The crisp crunch of porcelain under the wheels of the landcruiser was a relief after days of dreadful verse.

At last the vehicle came to a stop and the trio of companions stepped out onto the pallid soil. Fresh rain must have fallen that morning. The smell of garlic and roses filled the air, a strange combination that reminded Karnelia of her childhood in the Redland valleys. She breathed in deeply, letting the scents fill her lungs and calm her mind. Above them, the skies gleamed like razors, the sun casting its warm light on the land below.

The distant rim of the crater rose up from the ground like a pale wall, stretching out as far as the eye could see in both directions. From their vantage point, they could see that the rim was jagged and uneven, with sharp peaks and deep valleys that formed a rugged landscape. Between themselves and the edge of the crater they could see spring blooms, the rainbow colouration of the flowers standing out against the chalky-dust ground. Distant waterholes speckled the landscape, adding to its beauty and charm.

Turning, the companions looked to where the would-be artist’s collective was headed. The arid landscape was dotted with luxurious mansions, each one more grandiose than the last. The heroes could hear the distant sounds of revelry, as the fashionable elite gathered for the party of the season. They soon found themselves at the gates of the most magnificent mansion of all – the glass palace of Satrasco, the mercantile magnate of the Yellow Lily Consortium. The gates were guarded by stern-faced sentries with fashionably vintage weapons, who scrutinized the heroes before allowing them entry.

As the three adventurers approached the glass mansion of Satrasco, they were struck by its opulence and grandeur. The walls were made of gleaming crystal, with intricate geometric patterns etched into the surface. The roof was topped with a series of delicate spires that glinted in the setting sun.

As they entered the mansion’s grounds, they were awestruck by the sheer splendor of the party. The grounds were filled with ornate fountains and exotic gardens, while the air was filled with the sweet scent of exotic flowers.

Inside, the party was in full swing. Dilettantes and aristos mingled amongst the towering pillars and marble floors, sipping on rare and exotic cocktails. Arcia was particularly impressed. She was a former pirate, and she had never been one to mingle with the wealthy and fashionable. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and conversation, and bon mots that probably weren’t as clever as had been intended.

Satrasco herself was a vision of elegance and grace, the orb of her living metal eye scanning the crowd with a cold and calculating gaze. Her delicately machined fingers moved gracefully as she gestured to her guests, a smile playing across her lips.

"Welcome, my friends, to my humble glass mansion. I am honored to have you all as my guests tonight”, Satrasco declared.

"Thank you for inviting us, Satrasco. Your parties are always the most fashionable and exclusive events in the empty territory" responded one of the Porcelain Princes in attendance, the voices of their six bodies speaking in unison.

"Thank you, my dear Prince. I am glad you enjoy them. The Yellow Lily Consortium has always been a beacon of refinement and sophistication, and I strive to maintain that reputation in everything I do."

She was the center of attention, with admirers and sycophants vying for her attention. She held court in the grand ballroom, her every word and gesture commanding the respect and admiration of those around her.

As the night wore on, the adventurers enjoyed the party, but they couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. They had heard rumors that Satrasco was involved in some shady business deals, and they couldn't help but wonder if they were in danger. Despite the splendor of the party, there was a sense of danger lurking just beneath the surface. The guests whispered of Satrasco's reputation for cunning and ruthlessness, and the fortified walls of her oldtech estate seemed to speak of secrets and dark deeds.

Their fears were well founded. The sound of an explosion tore through the party. Glass walls shattered. Karnelia, Jalosti and Arcia found themselves caught in the midst of chaos as the partygoers panicked and fled in all directions. The shattered body of Satrasco lay on the ground, her metal eye still glowing with a faint light, but her metallic fingers were now still.

"What happened here?" Arcia demanded, drawing her sword and looking around warily.

"It looks like someone assassinated Satrasco," Jalosti said, his eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of the culprit.

"But who would do such a thing?" Karnelia asked, her eyes wide with shock.

Just then, a group of heavily armed Consortium guards rushed into the room, their weapons at the ready. "Everyone, freeze!" one of them shouted. "We are conducting a search for the person responsible for this crime. No one is allowed to leave until we have questioned each and every one of you."

The adventurers knew that they had to act quickly if they were going to avoid being implicated in the assassination. They quickly made their way to the outskirts of the crowd, trying to blend in with the other panicked partygoers.

"We have to get out of here," Arcia whispered to her companions. "If we stay, we'll be stuck here for hours, if not days, while the Yellow Lilly guards question everyone."

"But where can we go?" Karnelia asked, looking around nervously.

"We'll have to escape out of the back entrance of the mansion," Jalosti said, a determined look in his eyes.

The adventurers quickly made their way through the crowd, trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves. They slipped into the night as, behind them, the hiss of lasers and the pulse of blaster bolts erupted.

Chapter 10

As the trio of adventurers made their way through the Potsherd Crater, they couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. The screams and cries of alarum from the disastrous party at Satrasco’s mansion faded to inaudability. The area was eerily quiet, with only the sound of their footsteps breaking the silence. It was as if the very air around them had been drained of life, leaving only the crumbling remains of what must have once been a bustling hub of activity. Only hours before they had been guests at the most sophisticated soirée of the season, now they were lost in a strange and unfamiliar land.

The Far Moon shone brightly above them, illuminating paths of pulverized porcelain that snaked through abandoned quarries. Karnelia shuddered as she thought of the dark powers or terrible weapons that must have been unleashed to create such a desolate place.

Jalosti was deep in thought, using the knowledge gleaned from a term of astrology lectures to navigate from the stars above. Arcia marched ahead with determination. She was not one to be deterred by the dangers that lurked in the Potsherd Crater, and she was determined to find a safe place for them to rest for the night.

Finally, after what felt like hours of wandering, they came across a small, dilapidated prospectors’ cabin. It looked like it had been abandoned for years, but it was better than nothing.

The three adventurers entered the cabin cautiously, their weapons at the ready. Inside, they found nothing but dust and cobwebs. It was clear that no one had been here in a long time.

Exhausted and grateful to have found a place to rest, they settled down on the hard, cold floor and tried to get some sleep. It was not the most comfortable night they had ever had, but at least they were safe.

As the hazy purple light of dawn began to break over the Potsherd Crater, the three adventurers, stirred from their uneasy sleep in the abandoned cabin. The events of the previous night weighed heavily on their minds.

With parched throats and grumbling stomachs, the trio set out into the dusty pale scrubland of the vast crater, searching for water. They crossed arroyos and traversed rocky outcrops, the scorching sun beating down on them as they searched for signs of sustenance.

At last, they stumbled upon a small waterhole, the cool, clear liquid providing much-needed relief from their thirst. They filled their canteens and drank deeply, the water restoring some of their energy.

But as the adventurers made their way back to the cabin, they were startled to see a figure standing outside, cloaked in robes of odd refinement. As they drew closer, the figure turned to face them, revealing a stern countenance.

"We are travellers," Karnelia declared, her hand instinctively reaching for her stave. "What is your business here?"

The figure hesitated before answering in a gruff voice. "I am Glim. And you are trespassing on my land."

"Your land?" Jalosti i'Grati scoffed. "This is the Potsherd Crater, not your personal property."

The figure, hesitated for a moment before answering in a low, gravelly voice. "I have been living in this cabin for the past few months. I am but a humble wanderer, seeking shelter and respite from the dangers of the crater. I have not seen another soul in all that time, until now."

Jalosti, the undergraduate wizard, narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "You don't look like any wanderer I've ever seen. Those robes are similar to those of an inquisitor for the Cogflower Church."

“Be assured, I am no threat to you. I... fled from my previous life.”

"And what was your previous life?" Arcia Bodizie asked, her pirate instincts kicking in.

The stranger hesitated again, before finally revealing, "My name is Glim. I was an executioner. Or a hunter of men. It depends on who you ask. But I assure you, I am no longer that person. "

The adventurers exchanged wary glances, unsure of how to react to this revelation.

"Are you a fugitive?" Karnelia asked, her grip on her stave tightening.

Glim shook his head. "I am not wanted by the law. But I have done things in the past that I am not proud of,” he admitted, a flicker of pain crossing his face. “I have committed... atrocities that cannot be undone. I have come to this desolate place to atone for my sins, in solitude."

The adventurers were silent for a moment, before Arcia spoke up. "We don't judge you for your past, Glim. But we must be cautious. Can we trust you?"

Glim nodded solemnly. "You can trust me. I have no desire to harm you or cause trouble. I only seek peace and solitude in this place."

Arcia stepped forward, her expression softening. "We will give you the benefit of the doubt, Glim," she said. "But know that if you betray us, we will not hesitate to defend ourselves."

Glim nodded, gratitude in his eyes. "I understand," he said. "And I thank you for your kindness. I will do my best to be a valuable ally on this journey."

Despite their initial mistrust of Glim, the group decided to trust him, at least for the time being. They continued their journey through the crater, navigating its treacherous terrain. They trudged through the arid wasteland, their eyes fixed on the horizon. They were constantly on the lookout for Satrasco's assassins, who could be searching for witnesses from the party, and agents of the Yellow Lily Consortium, who might be searching for her killers.

They stumbled upon a petrified forest, where ancient trees had been turned to stone by some unknown force. From between the fossilized boughs, a group of glowing spirits emerged. These ghosts had willowy limbs and sparking black hole eyes, and seemed to dance and float around them, their bodies flickering in the white-purple mid-morning sunlight. The adventurers could hear the ghosts' soft whispers, though they could not understand the words. The ghosts seemed to point and gesture to a ruined structure on a nearby hill.

Karnelia: “Who are these ghosts? And why are they pointing the way to those ruins?”

Glim: “Those are radiation ghosts, Karnelia. They haunt the Potsherd Crater, and they have been here for centuries.”

Jalosti: “Why do they haunt this place?”

Glim: “It is said that they are the spirits of those who died in the Last Brutalist War that once ravaged this land. They are trapped here, unable to move on to the next life.”

Jalosti was sure he had read that the crater had been created by a Ka-detonation after an unsuccessful evocation of a Greater Demiurge. But he held his tongue and said nothing.

Arcia: “That's terrible. Is there any way to help them?”

Glim: “I'm afraid not. They are bound to this place, and there is nothing we can do to free them. They are benign, leading travellers to relics of their lost world. But don’t get too close, their emanations will make your skin prickle and your hair fall out.”

The adventurers were filled with a sense of curiosity as they followed the ghosts, unsure of what they would find. They trudged through the arid wasteland, the ghosts gliding ethereally ahead of them.

As the radiation ghosts led the group through the boxy ruins, they came across a buried chest, covered in layers of rubble and debris. The adventurers carefully dug the chest out of the ground, and they were amazed by what they found inside. The chest contained a sky tree cloud-sucker net, a rare and powerful tool made of delicate silver mesh, used by ancient sky pirates to capture and control the weather.

Arcia was delighted and flung the net into the air. It returned drenched in dew; after only a few minutes it would be possible to pull enough water out of the air to fill a canteen. As they moved on, the radiation ghosts faded away, leaving the adventurers to explore the crater with Glim. The pale scrubland stretched out before them, dotted with the occasional tuft of withered grass and the bleached bones of long-dead animals. The scorching sun beat down upon them, their clothes sticking to their sweat-soaked bodies.

As they trudged along, they spotted a strange sight in the distance - a massive tripodal vehicle, towering above the landscape, its legs moving in a slow and steady rhythm. A trinity of Porcelain Princes riding atop a Great porcelain walker, escorted by a group of porters as if it was on some kind of royal procession. The servants were a miserable sight, their clothes threadbare and tattered from long days of labor, their faces gaunt and drawn with exhaustion. The Princes, with their delicate porcelain masks and haughty demeanor, looked down upon the adventurers with disdain.

Cautiously, the adventurers approached the walker, wary of the Porcelain Princes’ scornful gazes. The Princes questioned the adventurers, their haughty tones grating on the heroes’ nerves.

"What business do you have in the Crater?" one of the Princes asked, his voice dripping with contempt.

Karnelia, familiar with the arts of diplomacy from her priestly training, stepped forward and spoke with conviction. "We are adventurers, seeking to explore the mysteries of this land and uncover its secrets."

The Princes scoffed at her words. "Adventures? In this desolate wasteland? You must be mad."

Karnelia: "Your Highnesses, we must apologize for disturbing your journey. We have become lost in this barren wasteland and seek passage back to civilization."

Arcia bristled at the obsequiousness of Karnelia’s words, but said nothing.

Karnelia: "Please, Your Highnesses. We are in dire need of assistance. We have no provisions and are at the mercy of the elements. Is there any way you can help us?"

The Prince, mollified by Karnelia’s deference, replied: "I see. Well, I suppose we could offer you passage back to civilization. But it will not be easy. The journey is treacherous and fraught with danger."

Jalosti: "We understand, Your Highness. We are willing to take any risks necessary to return home."

Prince: "Very well. We shall allow you to travel with us back to the Porcelain Citadel. But you must promise to abide by our rules and show us the proper respect."

Karnelia made an uncertain half-bow, half-curtsey. Arcia frowned. It seemed that despite her reservations the three adventurers and Glim would be travelling to the Porcelain Citadel.