Campaign Land of Salt and Soul | Wo'theth Retreat

[Othin Kells]

Land of Salt and Soul
Wo'theth
Tags: Valery Noble , Mic Gallagher , Iflin , Tasia Palpatine , Balun Dashiell , OPEN

Wo'theth
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In a pristine hotel lobby, a holoprojection appeared before a collection of gathered guests from across the galaxy. It was of a well-dressed Duros, sporting a bowtie and a very fake looking mustache.

"Good morning, esteemed guests. Apologies for being unable to greet you in person. I'm afraid that I had a matter I was required to attend to. My name is Dargax Othar, president of the Wo'theth Visitor's Department and the owner of this Hotel, the Skyhook Reach. We're very pleased to welcome you to the spaceport of our home, the beautiful city of Larkarth-"

"CROAK"

"No, Jim, you can't introduce yourself. They don't speak Frog and the translator isn't working."

"Croak..."

"Ehem. Now, I'm sure you all must be very confused in regards to why we've arranged for such an extensive trip to Wo'theth. An all expenses paid vacation for three months is quite the expensive venture. I can assure you that all of this is by design. Wo'theth has been a very isolated community, not exposed to much in the way of visitors from the primary galactic disc. We've remained rather alone here in the Rishi Maze, but are eager to be open for business. It's my belief as a long-time resident of Wo'theth that our natural environment will be the perfect escape from the hardships faced by the people of the Galaxy - your galaxy anyways - and provide healing and refuge from war. For that reason, you all have been asked to keep the carrying of weapons to a minimum-"

"Croak."

"Yes, Jim, I was getting to that. EHEM. Now, another thing to note is that Wo'theth has starfighter restrictions in place. Your personal craft are free to come and leave freely from the spaceport, but we have a great deal of concern in regards to noise pollution and emissions. As such all starfighter use beyond Larkarth is forbidden, a perfect opportunity to use some of our local modes of transportation. As a promotion for our local craftsman, the Skyhook Reach has provided you all access to gliders to traverse the air in our traditional way. Just be sure to check with our air-traffic monitors to ensure you aren't passing through migratory Floating Jellyfish herds. Now, then, for the scripted part of this introduction..."

"Wo'theth is renowned for it's unique environment; Pristine, crystal clear waters, vast whitestone cliff-sides, grassy plains that stretch as far as the eye can see, and mystical forests sure to enchant any who walk through their meticulously charted paths. Wo'theth is host to all sorts of things seen nowhere else. Sporting a unique combination of gravitational and atmospheric anomalies, aquatic life leaps out from our seas and drifts across the skies in immaculate formation. Gather on our pristine cliffsides and watch our schools of Floating Jellyfish as they drift along the currents of the wind. Not sold yet? Wo'theth is a deeply spiritual place, filled with active souls from a place still unknown. Why is unclear, but radiant blue beings dance along in the night going from unknown places to equally as perplexing destinations. Those who have witnessed them cannot deny the sensation of watching majestic spirit beasts in motion. But what else lies in the depths of the islands? Wo'theth offers both leisure and mystery to any looking to enjoy her sights. Perhaps the answer to these things will come to you, or maybe you'll simply find your retreat to be a time of healing. A win-win scenario for all who brave the Rishi Maze to visit..."

"Jim, is this lifted directly from our promotional advertisement?"

"Croak!"

"Gods, of course it is. Uh, ignoring the bizarre phrasing, the city of Larkarth will be the first area of interest for you all to see the sights of. We have a robust shopping district, a local boardwalk, submersible tours that take you through the nearby coral reef, an illustrious entertainment district, and of course the beautiful vast plains of the island. Be aware, it is not recommended that you travel alone at night. Viewing of the passing spirits is common, but it is not recommended you make an effort to interact on account of your own personal safety. And, of course, if you are looking to visit the Du'uthal Rift, be advised that it is as bottomless as bottomless can be. Do not run or climb next to the opening. Now, you all are free to check in and explore the city. Dinner will be prepared upon your return in the evening. Safe adventuring, travelers! Uh... Jim, you can cut the-"

---

Welcome to Larkarth, the spaceport city of the planet Wo'theth. The settlement is built on a large terraced hill, which sections off the pristine white-stone buildings of the bustling port into layers, each with their own function. These terraces are given form by ancient structures of unknown origins, of which local tour-guides are sure to speculate on to dramatize your visit. The hotel Skyhook Reach is situated at the top of these terraces, located in the residential district of the city. The layers immediately below are the commercial district, the spaceport, the entertainment district, and the seafront district in that order.

In the commercial district, a selection of various services can be found. Local craftsmen are renowned for their construction of all means of transportation, from speeders to submersibles. Most well known is the glider, low-power flying machines that carry people across Wo'theth in the bizarrely lower gravity. The Larkarth Bizzare is also situated here, with sprawling booths that sell small goods, clothing made through traditional methods, local produce, and high-quality art. The people of Wo'theth are strangely friendly, all smiling faces and cheery dispositions. Perhaps even to an unsettling degree. Regardless, a great deal of souvenir can be acquired here.

Below is the spaceport, where all ships come and go from. The public transport vessel, or your own personal vessel, will be here.

The entertainment district immediately below is primarily focused on recreational activities. Restaurants and bars litter this level, alongside theaters, arcades, and other general time-wasters. Strangely, this level of the city has a wide array of fortune-tellers, no doubt a result of the planet's deep spiritual ties. Are any legitimate, or do they intend to fleece you out of your hard-earned credits? Local gossip says you should go see Mama Mephilos.

Last but not least is the seaport district, which sports a small beach and a variety of different peers. This area is known primarily for fishing, but it houses an array of recreational activities including submersible tours of the coral reef off the coast of the island, a small aquarium, and an open-air theatre.

To the immediate east of Larkarth you will find the Du'uthal Rift, a hole in the ground longer than a Nebulon-B and with a depth that has yet to be fully recorded. A small visitor-center is situated next to the hole, where shirts that state "I survived the Du'uthal Rift" are sold in all sizes except for medium. Hiking trails around the rift are frequented by locals for exercise and sightseers who have just arrived. It is not suggested you fall in.

All the area surrounding Larkarth are open plains, with scatterings of forests dotting the landscape. Ruins stand here, some miles high and in bizarre shapes that could not be made naturally. If one lingers here after dark, blue spirits in the shapes of various animals will begin to occupy the landscape, migrating in flocks across the damp evening air. What lies in the unknown corners of Wo'theth's islands?

That is for you to discover.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Balun Dashiell stood beside the sleek Hover Pod, his gaze shifting between the holographic projection before him and the small infant nestled within the floating cradle. Kellan, his son, was utterly captivated by the colorful toys dangling from the open ceiling above, his tiny fingers reaching out with clumsy enthusiasm. The soft hum of the pod blended with the distant murmur of waves, a subtle reminder of the luxurious resort they had arrived at—a fully paid, three-month-long retreat that still felt almost too good to be true.

The sheer logistics of such an extended getaway had been daunting, especially with Dashiell Retrofit™ in the final stages of completing its latest naval contract with Lazerian IV. Yet, with a capable senior management team overseeing the finer details at the Orbital Foundry above Kesh, Balun had convinced himself that stepping away—if only for a little while—was necessary. His company could function without him micromanaging every aspect, and this rare window of downtime gave him the opportunity to focus on the one thing that mattered most: his son.

He wasn't alone in this endeavor. Accompanying him was Chip, his steadfast BB-model astromech, Luna, the ever-loyal Merqaal companion who rarely strayed from his side, and Kellan's devoted nanny, Zdena—a custom Biotic designed specifically for childcare. The idea of employing a Biot had initially been foreign to him, but at Makai Dashiell 's insistence—along with the temporary assistance of Lia—Balun had come to appreciate the invaluable support. Navigating fatherhood as a single parent, with little time to prepare and even less experience, was no small challenge. The more help he had, the better.

Of course, his family was well aware of his whereabouts. Whether they entirely approved of his decision was another matter. His father, Judah Dashiell , had been particularly invested in bonding with his own newborn son while simultaneously offering Balun his support, a gesture Balun both appreciated and—on some level—felt guilty for stepping away from.

Three months. It wasn't a lifetime, but for someone as young as Kellan, it was a significant span. The thought lingered at the back of Balun's mind, gnawing at him even as he tried to embrace the moment. Would he stay the entire duration? Or would guilt, responsibility, or perhaps something else draw him away before then?

For now, at least, he allowed himself to watch his son with quiet admiration, listening to the soothing cadence of Kellan's delighted coos, as the weight of both obligation and uncertainty settled on his shoulders like a familiar cloak.

 

[Tasia Palpatine]

Carrying: Palpatine's Saber
Wearing: Raiments of Shiraya

Tag: Othin Kells Valery Noble Mic Gallagher Iflin Balun Dashiell

Two off world holidays back to back seemed unecessaey, and frankly suspicious, none of this felt entirely right to the half Kiffar jedi as she walked from the droid piloted transport she had arrived on. She currently wore her Shirayan robes that she was slowly getting used to, but had a bag packed of more relaxed clothes that had very quickly been taken up to her room. The staff had granted her the trust of carrying her lightsaber, which was something at least. If they trusted her she should try to extend that trust to them.

The speech about the world was interesting, Tasia was a naturalist and was very intrigued by the different places they might visit. "I wonder if the jellyfish have stingers on their bells, I might like to try and ride on one." she absent mindedly joked to whomever was sat next to her.

She furrowed her brow at the way this was all progressing, it felt very much like they were selling something. Perhaps they were about to sell them shared ownership of a retreat on the planet that for only a small extra fee they might get a chance to apply to visit. She looked at the euros and smirked inwardly, she could absolutely see him wearing that hat.

But what to do first? That was the question, and as the speech wound down she found herself asking it aloud too. She would probably like to try the gliders first, it seemed like a wonderful way to get her bearings on the planet and make some decisions on how long she might stay.

 

[Othin Kells]

Wo'theth, Skyhook Reach
Tags: Balun Dashiell , Tasia Palpatine , Valery Noble , Mic Gallagher , Iflin

Epo-1 Interceptor
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"I wonder if the jellyfish have stingers on their bells, I might like to try and ride on one."

"Nothing that isn't easily treated. They aren't solid enough to ride though."

Othin sighed as he addressed the woman next to him. He was here for work. Gliders from his shop were being offered to the tourists, so he had been performing last-minute maintenance on them. Of course there were Jedi here. How could their not be? They seemed to be just about everywhere. Fortunately there were none he recognized, so maybe he could slip under the radar.

"They're not an issue if you give them space," he noted. "I'll be the mechanic for your group's gliders, so I'd prefer if you all didn't wind up running into a herd. They're a real pain to clean out of the joints."

He did his best to hid his feelings on the matter. More people coming to Wo'theth was sure to bring trouble. This wasn't a place used to the outside galaxy, not like he was. Providing a retreat for those was a noble goal, but he wasn't sure if they fully grasped what war did to people. Othin had seen what it does to people. What it did to his master.

What it did to him.

"Seems odd," he noted. "A trip like this is a shot in the dark. Surprised enough thought it was legit and took the opportunity..."

He glanced towards the hovering cradle with Balun Dashiell .

Little ones too. They were okay. Better they have a retreat more than anyone else. War wasn't made for them.