Player version: Deep-Earth Tunneling Logistics Player Version
Prerequisite
Players own property in Malachite (Bam’s Bangers and Boomers, Alchemy and Alcheyou, or similar). A contract for players who decide to support Kristen Wright through the use of their property. Works best after The Wright Commission has established a relationship with Rhine Lab.
Quest Content
LOGISTICAL SUPPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE AGREEMENT
Between: Rhine Lab (The Client) and the players (The Provider).
RECITALS:
The Client is engaged in a high-priority “Deep-Earth Tunneling” project and requires specialized logistics, storage, and surface-side infrastructure.
TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT:
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Facility Allocation: The Provider agrees to allocate 40% of their warehouse space in Malachite City for the storage of “inert pressurized canisters” and “aerodynamic shielding plates.”
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Security Clearance: The Provider’s staff will be granted Level 2 Rhine Lab security clearance, allowing them to handle volatile Originium catalysts under Client supervision.
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Subsidized Expansion: In exchange for priority service, Rhine Lab will grant a sum of 3000 Gold pieces toward the expansion of The Provider’s facilities, including the installation of Rhine-standard automated lifts and reinforced flooring.
NON-DISCLOSURE:
The Provider shall not question the vertical nature of the “Tunneling” equipment or the peculiar lack of drill bits.
Signed: ___________________________ (Provider) / K. Wright (Client)
Hooks:
- Players running Bam’s Bangers and Boomers or Alchemy and Alcheyou are obvious candidates — Rhine Lab needs warehouse space and explosive-handling expertise
- The 3,000gp expansion subsidy is a strong financial incentive for player businesses still operating at thin margins
- The Level 2 security clearance opens doors within Rhine Lab that would otherwise be closed, making this attractive to players investigating the facility
- The deliberately vague language (“vertical tunneling,” “aerodynamic shielding plates,” “peculiar lack of drill bits”) is a breadcrumb — perceptive players will suspect this has nothing to do with drilling
- Saria the Vouivre will be uncomfortable if she learns the players signed this; she may privately ask them what they’ve seen moving through the warehouse
Starting Point:
Kristen Wright sends the contract via Rhine Lab’s Business Section (BSN), delivered by an autonomous loader to the player’s property. Alternatively she presents it in person after The Wright Commission, offering it as a natural next step in their working relationship. Signing happens at the player’s facility or at Rhine Lab.
DM-Notes:
The “inert pressurized canisters” are rocket fuel components for the S.H.A.F.T (Synergistic Hyperbeam Amplifying and Focusing Tube). The “aerodynamic shielding plates” are hull sections for the spacecraft being assembled on the Highland Plateau. None of this is stated in the contract.
A DC 15 Investigation or Arcana check while handling the canisters reveals they are not standard mining equipment — the pressure ratings and material composition suggest something designed to travel upward at high velocity, not drill downward.
This contract makes the players complicit in the Horizon Arc Project whether they realize it or not. If they later oppose Kristen, this becomes a moral complication. If the Al’ar discover the players are Rhine Lab logistics partners, they may attempt to use or pressure them.
The Rhine-standard automated lifts installed as part of the expansion are based on old warforged technology — the same autonomous loaders that move around Rhine Lab’s campus. Some Rhine Lab researchers claim these are becoming sentient. The ones installed at the player’s property may begin exhibiting unusual behavior over time.