The Shadus Enclave

A Lesson in Ancient History

A cryptic message and a handful of strange relics launch Gabe and his friends on a star-chasing hunt for a mysterious captain. With only rumors and old flight paths to guide them, they dive headfirst into a galaxy thick with mystery, danger, and maybe a shot at fortune.

About This Story

This story chronicles the adventures of Gabriel Treviso, a retired Marine who, along with a group of friends, sets out to make a living and build a life beyond the military.

Method

During each actual play session, I kept a loose journal of events from my character’s perspective. I made an effort to record only what my character would know and care about. After the session I edit the notes into a somewhat coherent narrative while preserving the journal format.

During the sessions, much to the amusement (or annoyance) of my fellow players, I gave my character a rather strong hillbilly accent. I’ve attempted to preserve that accent in the writing.

Mechanics

This campaign was run with a traditional, dedicated Game Master (GM), who guided an unruly group of players through an official Traveller module. My GM does not like to share the name of modules until after we complete them. I will share its name, author, and publisher when I discover them.

Session One

When a battered briefcase and a strange note fall into their hands, Gabe and his crew are pulled into a search for a missing captain. With ancient relics as their only clues, they set out across the stars, chasing whispers of fortune and trouble alike.

Session Two

While investigating a string of brutal killings on Callia, Gabe and his crew uncover strange disappearances, memory lapses, and a creature only some can see. Teaming up with local hunters, they set a deadly trap—and spring it.

Session Three

The crew secure their own ship and begin taking cargo runs to earn credits. Their journey leads them to Caledonia, where they uncover that Sorrel is trapped on the hellish mining world of Calefaction. With dangers mounting and few options, they begin planning a risky rescue mission.

Session Four

The search to rescue Zem’s old friend leads the crew on a deadly trek across Calefaction’s scorched surface. What starts as a simple rescue turns into a chaotic descent into a failing research facility, where strange relics and rogue machines await.

Session Five

Gabe and his friends search for survivors, uncover dark truths, and face betrayal as the planet crumbles beneath them. When a Droyne offers salvation, tensions erupt—forcing the crew to make hard choices to save lives.

Session Six

The crew reflect on recent events aboard the Droyne vessel, share stories over a strange but peaceful meal, and push through a sudden illness. With repairs complete on Windsor, the Garnette feels more like home than ever.

Session Seven

An unexpected message from the curator of the Museum of the Ancients sets the crew on a new path: reuniting them with their Droyne friends and triggering a surprise naval inspection. Along the way, they uncover hidden tech aboard the Garnette and arrive at Aki, where Gabe is unexpectedly reunited with the uncle who first inspired his wanderlust.