Langgan

The jade world of immortals, Langgan (/lɑŋ³⁵ kän⁵⁵/)--also known as lánggān, Long gon, or Lòhng gōn--is a inhabited planet in the 0408/Kuafu system in Sector West. Tahora Whai are the active custodians of this world and are exploring an Bleed related oddity in it's oribt.

Langgan was originally a satellite colony of the much bigger planet Rosebud. Early understanding was that few resources could be extracted from this world. The founding populace was constituted predominantly of scientific researchers and monastic orders. The insular nature of Langganites gradually made them a forgotten neighbor.

Planetology
Langgan is characterized primarily by its thin atmosphere that hangs low on the planet’s surface. This gossamer blanket of breathable air is a poor insulator and results in strong temperature swings between day and night. Only in coastal regions, or near other large bodies of water, is the temperature fluctuation normalized.

Inland and at altitude, the air is devoid of moisture and too thin for life. High deserts and barren alpine zones are baked with scorching noon rays and likewise frozen by overnight shadows. Most vegetation can be found in coastal mangrove swamps, grassy lowland steppes, and underwater kelp forests.

Population centers tend to stick to the verdant coastal regions. Here the folk of Langgan live in low-density housing blocks among the forests. Cultivation of the trees and kelp gardens that generate oxygen and thus breathable air is a dire requirement of locals; without this resource human life would be impossible.

Prehistory
Little archeological evidence points to any sapient life on this planet prior to the arrival of humans in the Kuafu system. A few rock formations and idiosyncratic terrain are popularly prescribed to a mythologized precursor peoples. These ancient aliens are suspected to have terraformed the land and planted the lazarus-like Tree of Life.

Human Settlement
Langgan was discovered by humans 646 years ago by the Meigui Mandate. Seen as resource poor and requiring too much development, settlement of the jade planet was not encouraged. A handful of scientific and religious academies planted roots on the quiet world, despite the directions of the Mandate. The forgotten sibling to the vibrant and bustling planet of Rosebud, Langgan developed as a contemplative site of learning and self-reflection. For many the rudimentary technology and slow-paced lives of Langgan evoke an idealized sense of 'the simple life. Monks, hermits, loners, and various sorts of quiet folk set up lives here.

Discovery of the Elixir
After the disruption of the gates during the dark ages of The Glitch, memory of the planet of Langgan faded, even to the neighboring planet of Rosebud. It suited the folk of Langgan just fine: no one bothered them and that was exactly how they liked it. Local study flourished in this time of rumination. It was then that a treatment was found to counteract the effects of aging.

A team of botanists came across a rare species of tree native to the world with seemingly impossible qualities. Nicknamed the Tree of Life, the plant’s sap was observed to not simply form healing scabs on its surface, but rejuvenated other species of plants. Distilling this sap, the scientists contrived a life-extending tonic.

Finding this treatment caused the already insular locals to further isolate themselves, lest their neighbors disrupt their cherished quiet life. The esoteric rituals redoubled the secrecy around the elixir. Rigorous social codes and practices protected the recipe and the plants. In time, the elixir was perfected and seemingly enhanced by these elaborate rituals. Trials of testing, The Gauntlet, served as a coming of age ceremony and the beginning of a new stage of life for Langganites.

News from Rosebud across the system further drove isolationist policies. Extensive and unchecked mining and industrialization on the neighboring world triggered a climactic collapse and destabilization of civilization. Travel to Langgan, already limited to preserve the paper-thin atmosphere, was cut off completely.

The Gauntlet
When Langganites reach maturity, they are invited to partake in a demanding series of trials. The practice is guarded closely and few, if any, outside of the planet know of these trails.

Across the planet, in various cliques and cabals, the gauntlet may manifest in different ways. However, three stages are universally present. Discovery, Triumph, and Acceptance. Upon completion of all three trials, the initiates partake of the elixir and reenter common society renewed, enlightened, and matured.

Discovery
Initiates are challenged to venture beyond their comforts and traverse the planet in search of a truth hidden from them. Outside the verdant canopies and conditioned spaces, Langgan’s surface is a cold and airless expanse that threatens them. This stage is often framed as a pilgrimage that requires strong personal will and the camaraderie of fellow initiates. Both teamwork and fortitude are necessary to reach their destination; a sacred grove of the Tree of Life.

Triumph
Upon discovery of the Tree of Life, the physical trials begin. Initiates are vetted on their personally perceived physical ability. They are then tasked with superseding this standard through studying anatomy, training, and introspection. Triumph is achieved by holistic understanding of the power and grace they possess. Limits that Initiates had artificially placed on themselves are torn down.

Initiates who enter this trial strong and confident are given no advantage over others, the trial of Triumph is designed to challenge all initiates equally regardless of their physiques and physical aptitudes.

Acceptance
The third and final trial is perhaps the hardest. Where the first two stages frame personal growth through externalized and physical measures, the stage of Acceptance interrogates Initiates with existential and personal questions. This trial challenges the Initiate with the consequences of taking the elixir and delves into how they will respond. Part therapy, part spiritual quest, they are invited to willfully and knowingly accept the repercussions.

Phenomena Associated with the Elixir
Bleed sensitive individuals often felt more significant effects from ingesting the tonic, although no outside observers have confirmed these theories.

As with other life-extending therapies, it is unknown if the elixir grants true immortality. It likewise certainly does not confer invulnerability.

Langganites are risk averse and cautious; they have been bestowed a gift of long life, perhaps even immortality, by the elixir and are loath to throw it away. Dangerous circumstances are mitigated with heavy regulation and an apprehensive, yet curious, attitude with the unknown.

Whai Presence
647 years after initial discovery, the Tahora Whai re-discovered Kuafu system in their exploration efforts into sector west.

A curious space station found hidden in a gravitational anomaly drew the Whai to Langgan specifically. This ruin began an extensive archeological campaign in orbit of the planet. The research base of Relic’s Harbor served as the Whai’s forward headquarters as they observed the station and Kuafu system generally.

While the crew of The Rānzo led by Alhaji and Beamish investigated the dangerous anomaly, Whai fleets made contact with the surface population. Witnessing a parallel form of transcendence, the Whai diplomats approached the Langgaites with respect and sympathy. With guarantees of protection and local autonomy, the Whai established a custodial position over the planet. They promised to guard the local’s secrets and ask for no favors or repayment.

The protection of the population continues with the protection of the delicate atmosphere of Langgan. Whai vessels in orbit help enforce the restricted access to the planet to limit unnecessary deterioration of the fragile ecology. The Tahora Whai doubled down on these efforts with an atmospheric regulator station on the surface. The station is based on Dynaean atmospheric filtration systems, and synthesizes breathable air in a local area or enclosed space. It also is nominally a retreat for Whai who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the Erinaa (the cybernetic song of the Whai) and enjoy a more simple life of quiet contemplation and introspection not found in the still and lonely void.

Relic’s Harbor
A Whai research base established in orbit of the planet dedicated to the discovery of the hidden orbital ruin.

Project Ithas
The planetary ruin in orbit over the planet hidden within a bleed-related gravity anomaly.

An exploratory team by the crew of the Whai ship The Rānzo was sent to uncover the lost station and its secrets.

Ruin Discovery
“Can it be, a Mamitu Academy facility?” Alhaji the historian double-checks their notes and the data. “Their last known charter was off in the Cacho System where they trained Lenses in focusing their powers. Their techniques and lessons remain lost to time…” they drift off chewing on a pen.

Overhearing Alhaji, Beamish asks, “So this magic school, it just vanished off the map?” They offer a cup of tea to the historian.

Half startled, “Why, yes and with them troves of knowledge and secrets too. But--and I thought that it was just a theory--I believe that their facility is in this system, perhaps on the planet below. A ripple in the fabric of space is causing some of our sensors to give unclear readings. I feel the bleed is around us, as if an echo of a spell has ruptured reality. There is a strong bleed resonance in this system, it’s almost palpable. Perhaps hidden somewhere in these fluctuations an entrance to the facility can be found-”

“I knew the ship was malfunctioning, no use to go a wild goose chase if we end up crashing into an asteroid with faulty sensors," Beamish worriedly interrupts. "Let’s go before something awful happens.”

“What remains locked inside that hidden facility… it would be quite valuable you know.” The historian adds hoping to intrigue.

“IF that facility even exists. We can’t trust the sensors right now, we’ve got to get away from these ‘fluctuations’ and fix them.” Beamish moves to leave for the bridge.

“Screw the sensors, I can feel it! The facility must be around here!”

Beamish stops in their tracks before they reach the door. They turn back towards Alhaji, “I’m not willing to risk this crew on your blind guess.”

“It’s not blind, let me show you.” Alhaji lets out exasperated. They offer their hand and beckon Beamish back. “Come over here.”

Beamish returns to the chair next to Alhaji. The two lock eyes and nod at each other. Grasping the sides of each other’s head, they press their foreheads together.

As soon as their heads touch waves of emotion wash over the two Whai. Doubt and concern are met with confidence and certainty as a burst of empathy unites the two. Memories and tales of ships being lost in maelstroms of the void and Alhaji’s resonance with this new star system are shared in mere moments as time feels to slow around them. And with a deep breath, just as quickly as they linked together, the two close their eyes and separate. Beamish parts wordlessly as they had already told Alhaji their plans mere seconds prior. The crew are informed and consulted; the search for the Mamitu Academy begins.

Exploration Attempt 1
While searching for the lost facility, the exploratory ship found itself trapped in a gravity field. Improbably, the field appeared to follow the ship despite attempts to navigate around it. A highly-qualified gravity lens was eventually able to chart a safe path through the gravity field; however, the encounter with the field resulted in minimal progress in the search for the facility. Ship's records show a measured distance traveled, yet the ship remains where it was prior to traversing the field. There is as yet no explanation for this phenomena

Attempt 2
After the crew of The Rānzo managed to avoid the trap of falling back into the twisted gravity field a callout is made to Beamish, the helmsman: “Object Identified in a wide orbit around Langgan.”

Under the guidance of Zakk Neuberg, the master Lens taken on to observe the gravitational anomaly, traversal to the orbital object is slow but measured. As the object comes into view, the crew crowd the port-side windows. The station, as it is now clear, appears to have seen better days with only emergency exterior lighting active on large portions. Once the Whai ship approaches, a surge of power flows through the station, flood-lights and shielding activate below. On the bridge a klaxon and warning lights activate, We’re being targeted by automated defenses,” the engineer calls out “Engage Defensive Maneuvres!”

Ships of the Tahora Whai are accustomed to ambushes, but would rather be on the other side of the engagement. As the station's guns level upon them, the crew jump to their stations. Beamish pulls the vessel sharply starboard and enters into a retreating corkscrew pattern to evade the point-defense system. Once back at a safe distance, the ship enters a controlled orbit and searches for weaknesses in the mystery station below.

Attempt 3
The Rānzo holds back, undertaking a robust course of scans of the station ahead of them. The hedgehog-like station appeared innocent, but on whatever approach the crew took, the fortress awoke more vicious than the last. Each time a new engagement range and new hidden weaponry; rockets, chaff, radio blasts, kinetic shot, and more, all fired upon the Whai exploratory vessel. The station bristled with defences.

After several dozen unsuccessful attempts the crew reset their safe orbit and deliberated their options and alternatives.

Attempt 4
The crew of The Rānzo continue in an aggressive firefight before deciding on a bold new strategy! It was successful enough to land themselves and crew into a landing bay facility. Now the crew find themselves locked into a fight with turrets, EM fields, bleed neutralizers, and ancient traps. With the ship in a rocky condition the crew endeavor to secure a small portion of the station to plan out their next move.

Attempt 5
Beamish and the crew of The Rānzo manage to shut down the automated defenses in the hanger with their ship. With the battle in a momentary lull it's time to regroup and study the station. The Rānzo's data specialist, Enitan, discovers a rudimentary map of the facility pointing to 4 main chambers: Research & Destruction, Infusion & Alterations, Meditation & Mediation, and Power & Security. A section of the map is however unable to be read by any member of the crew and those partial to the bleed find themselves with a headache if they try to focus too hard on the map. With the downtime the crew has a chance to prepare their next strike to secure the facility and the secrets hidden within. How does the crew prepare for their next encounter -- only time will tell.

Attempt 6
The crew of The Rānzo take their moment to plan and decide to go tackle the Power & Security chamber so further exploration can be much easier. Enitan and a skeleton crew agree to hold their current position onboard so a boarding party can traverse the station corridors deactivating defensive structures and safely restore full system power. Over secure comms Enitan guides Alhaji, Beamish, Neuberg and the vessel's competent fighters around nearly all of the online defenses. Just as it seems like the exploratory team are going to have to traverse a treacherous gravitic minefield, Enitan opens a maintenance corridor leading the expedition straight to the power control system.

Inside the security room Neuberg and Beamish hold off a continuous swarm of what apparently bleed manifested special operations units. The party manage to restore full-power to this station, quite a surprise given how long it appears to have been unoccupied. As defense systems are slowly being deactivated, a monitor for power consumption notes that with full-power restored some dormant process within the other three chambers has enabled itself and draws 32% of all available station power. A project name is listed on the power consumption monitor, Alhaji utters it aloud in hallowed tones: Project Ithas

Rigid Culture
The local culture is extremely rigid. Certain forms of behavior and belief are absolutely mandated, and any deviation from these principles is punished, or else society may be strongly stratified by birth with limited prospects for change. Anything which threatens the existing social order is feared and shunned. Enemies: Friends: '''Complications: Things: Places:
 * Rigid reactionary
 * Wary ruler
 * Regime ideologue
 * Offended potentate
 * Revolutionary agitator
 * Ambitious peasant
 * Frustrated merchant
 * The cultural patterns are enforced by technological aids
 * The culture is run by a secret cabal of manipulators
 * The culture has explicit religious sanction
 * The culture evolved due to important necessities that have since been forgotten
 * Precious traditional regalia
 * Peasant tribute
 * Opulent treasures of the ruling class
 * Time-worn palace
 * Low-caste slums
 * Bandit den
 * Reformist temple

Immortals
Natives of this world are effectively immortal. They may have been gengineered for tremendous lifespans, or have found some local anagathic, or be cyborg life forms, or be so totally convinced of reincarnation that death is a cultural irrelevance. Any immortality technique is likely applicable only to them, or else it’s apt to be a massive draw to outside imperialists. Enemies: Friends: Complications: Things: Places:
 * Outsider determined to steal immortality
 * Smug local convinced of their immortal wisdom to rule all
 * Offworlder seeking the world’s ruin before it becomes a threat to all
 * Curious longevity researcher
 * Thrill-seeking local
 * Immortality requires doing something that outsiders can’t or won’t willingly do
 * The immortality ends if they leave the world
 * Death is the punishment for even minor crimes
 * Immortals must die or go offworld after a certain span
 * Immortality has brutal side-effects
 * Immortality drug
 * Masterwork of an ageless artisan
 * Toxin that only affects immortals
 * Community with no visible children
 * Unchanging structure of obvious ancient age
 * Cultural performance relying on a century of in-jokes