NPC Summary

Known only by her corporate code name, Mission Liaison (ML) Gray serves as one of the many mission liaison's tasked by the Meridian Corporation to oversee the adventuring groups in the Rykezka Reach. Her role is to ensure that contracted missions are completed or, if not, to report any losses back to the corporation. Acting as an intermediary between Meridian and the adventurers, she arranges logistical support and authorizes the purchase of vehicles, weapons, or other equipment (expenses typically deducted from a party’s future payments). Originally from the Mersico star system, ML Gray studied archaeology at a prestigious university before traveling to the Reach in pursuit of her own research ambitions. She dreams of leading independent archaeological expeditions, but lack of funding and red tape have forced her into the role of an ML until her proposals can be approved (a process that may take years). Her irritable demeanor stems from the frustration of spending her days processing paperwork for adventurers who cannot enjoy ancient ruins on as many levels as she would.

Dr. Reese hails from an elite family from the planet Toribon and spent decades as a professor at a prestigious institution before securing a patron to fund his expedition to the Rykezka Reach. Now part of a scientific coalition investigating the system’s many mysteries, he frequently ignores bureaucratic restrictions to post his own covert jobs on the quest board, allowing him to conduct clandestine field research firsthand. His current work focuses on the phenomenon known as the Eidolon Effect. After the BDP-69ers assisted in his studies, Reese repaid them by contacting his patron, Lord Montgomery, to offer the party a private and lucrative opportunity.

A nobleman from the planet Toribon, Lord Montgomery chose to abandon the comforts of his estate to pursue a life of adventure in the Rykezka Reach. Though often called a pirate, he does not raid ships; instead, he recovers artifacts from ancient ruins without going through the Meridian Corporation’s official quest board. His fascination lies with occult and magical relics which are highly prized among Toribon’s upper class, where occult scholars and self-proclaimed sorcerers hold considerable influence. Lord Montgomery hired the BDP-69ers to locate an artifact rumored to be connected to the dream world. How did he acquire this knowledge? He likely obtained it through the psychics and mysticists in his employ.

An outdoorsman by nature, Jax joined the Mountain Men soon after arriving in the Rykezka Reach, taking on survey and exploration work across the region’s rugged terrain. His primary task is to locate potential cave systems for future mining expansion, and after six years in the field, he likely knows the mountain better than most of the miners who work beneath it. Though skilled and experienced, Jax is highly superstitious and easily swayed by tall tales, and, despite his competence, he tends to be quite cowardly.

As leader of the Spur, (the Mountain Men’s central base of operations), Lag’ara oversees the group’s expansive mining efforts across the region. She began her career working in the tunnels before rising quickly through the ranks, first as a foreman known for improving both productivity and team morale, and later as a manager implementing her now-famous methods across multiple excavation teams. While some veteran miners resisted her reforms, her approach gradually took hold as the older generation retired. When the previous Site Leader stepped down, Lag’ara’s proven leadership made her the natural successor. She emphasizes a people-oriented management style and established the Miner’s Lantern, an emotional and social support group encouraging workers to rest and recover from their demanding labor through spiritual retreats. Though the initiative has been widely popular, some old-timers view it with suspicion, noting that participants often return from retreats with an almost unsettling enthusiasm.

Churri the imp belongs to one of the lowest ranks in the demon hierarchy. Like most of her kind, she has spent much of her existence running errands, delivering messages, and performing menial tasks for higher-ranking demons. Churri was sent to the Mountain Men’s region to locate a female traitor who had betrayed her archdemon master. She and her party scoured the tuya for clues until they were confronted and defeated by the BDP-69ers. She managed to bargain for her life by offering her expertise with a demon forge, agreeing to craft tools and items for the adventurers instead. The prospect of selling goods to mortals was a welcome alternative to returning home to certain punishment for her failure. Though naturally brash and foul-mouthed, Churri’s new arrangement includes one important stipulation: she must keep her attitude in check and treat her employers with respect.

Leader of the Azure Warblers, Corwin Thorne is a confident and daring combatant who thrives on challenge. A natural swashbuckler, he enjoys provoking others and testing his skill against any worthy opponent, often acting before he thinks. Were it not for the steadier temperaments of his companions, he might have already thrown himself into an impossible fight simply for the thrill of it. Despite his impulsive nature, Corwin’s charisma and battlefield prowess have earned the respect of his team, who continue to look to him for leadership. He guides the Azure Warblers with the following motto: "if a mission isn’t fun, why bother?"

Edwin is a pragmatist who often appears irritated by the antics of the more energetic members of the Azure Warblers. He projects an air of detachment, likely being the first to flee if the group ever found themselves in a hopeless situation. A skilled practitioner of magic and psychic combat, Edwin considers himself intellectually superior to nearly everyone he meets. Yet despite his constant complaints and condescension, he remains with the Warblers and seems to have little life outside of their missions.

The most outgoing and cheerful member of the Azure Warblers, Cerise shows little of the rivalry her male teammates hold toward the BDP-69ers. She was quick to accept the alliance arranged by Mr. Graves and even looks forward to their collaboration. Beneath her bright and welcoming demeanor, however, lies a surprisingly sadistic aspect, as her combat tactics rely on electricity, traps, and poisons which stand in sharp contrast to her pleasant personality.

An alien originating from the surface of a distant star, P. Ross must constantly wear a protective suit to contain his extreme body heat and shield those around him. His internal temperature is so intense that a breach in his suit could devastate his surroundings resulting in scorched buildings and severe burns to anyone close enough to witness the disaster. His weapon is connected to his suit and pulling the trigger opens a microscopic vent, allowing the air before him to become super-heated instantly and act like a flamethrower. Among the Azure Warblers, P. Ross is both the most alien and the most unpredictable. His speech is often laced with heat and fire-related expressions, adding to the sense of mystery that surrounds him.

Investigator Pibb is a seasoned member of the IBIA who has successfully thwarted numerous demonic insurrections across unsuspecting worlds. Although his achievements have earned him recognition, he has also had several clashes with his superiors and is regarded as something of a loose cannon.
The Rykezka Reach has undergone multiple IBIA investigations and was repeatedly deemed free of demonic activity. However, Pibb’s personal contacts drew him to the planet Celica, where his efforts uncovered a hidden demonic cult operating within the Mountain Men Union.

Pibb’s behavioral quirk is a persistent urge to sip from a bottle of soda pop.

Investigator Peeps is Pibb’s rookie partner. Although this is only her second mission with the veteran agent, she has already proven to be a valuable asset to the IBIA thanks to her keen perception, adaptability, and, above all, her exceptional marksmanship.

Her behavioral quirk is an inability to speak above a whisper.