Player version: Ad Astra Punching The Sky Hole Player Version
Prerequisite
The players have come to a point where they help Kristen Wright. They should have already completed The Wright Commission and have a working relationship with Kristen and Rhine Lab. Ideally the players are also aware of the sky barrier through Titania the silver dragon or Schinsharo.
Quest Content
MISSION DATA: PROJECT “CRACKED MIRROR”
Classification: TOP SECRET / CLEARANCE LEVEL 5 ONLY
BACKGROUND:
Preliminary data from the Sarcophagus suggests the upper atmosphere is not a vacuum, but a rigid crystalline barrier of unknown origin. To finalize the “Horizon Arc” trajectory, a physical breach must be attempted at the point of lowest atmospheric density: The Volcano Summit.
MISSION GOALS:
- Primary: Escort the “High-Resonance Probe” to the caldera rim.
- Secondary: Defend the ignition site from local atmospheric disturbances. Note: The sky may “react” to the breach; remain grounded.
- Tertiary: Recover the probe’s “Black Box” upon descent, should it survive the impact with the barrier.
TACTICAL ADVISORY:
The “Fake Sky” possesses a self-healing property. The breach will be visible for approximately 120 seconds. Use this window to observe the celestial bodies beyond. Do not stare directly into the void without protective eyewear.
“The ceiling is just a floor we haven’t stood on yet. Let’s see what’s on the other side.”
— K. Wright
Hooks:
- Characters who have been working with or investigating Kristen Wright and the Horizon Arc Project
- Followers of Asmodeus may be approached separately — they want to plant a symbol of their god aboard whatever breaches the sky (carved from active Originium rock)
- Titania the silver dragon, if healed, may warn the party that the barrier is artificial and breaking it carries unknown consequences — pushing them to either stop or witness the breach firsthand
- The Al’ar are eager for the breach to succeed; their presence at or near the summit may tip the party off that something larger is at stake
Starting Point:
Kristen Wright at the Rhine Lab Pioneer Project launch site on the Highland Plateau north of Terra. She briefs the party personally, appearing distant and fixated — as if already calculating beyond the conversation. The S.H.A.F.T and H.A.M.H.R.R installations are visible in the background.
DM-Notes:
The barrier has a self-healing property — the breach closes after roughly 120 seconds. Any characters with a connection to a divine being should make a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw as the barrier opens; outer gods are now able to peer through the gap.
Followers of Asmodeus in the party (or nearby) may attempt to use this moment to plant their symbol — active Originium rock — aboard the probe or near the breach. Active Originium is either slowly crumbling or dissipating heat as it nears its final stage.
Titania described her attacker as “a Drow carrying a white snake” — if the party hasn’t resolved that thread, the summit is a plausible place for that figure to reappear, trying to prevent or exploit the breach.
The Al’ar’s intention is to use H.A.M.H.R.R as an orbital strike platform. Their betrayal attempt during the countdown is the faction conflict that creates chaos at the climax of Act 3.