The Research Commission

The Research Commission is an organization charged with investigating the New World. It is made up of elite members of the Hunter's Guild. Included in their numbers are hunters, scholars, and engineers; all of whom were required to pass rigorous tests before they could join.

## **Formation**

The Hunter's Guild formed the Research Commission in order to investigate the New World and unravel the mystery of the Elder Crossing. The Elder Crossing is an ecological phenomenon in which Elder Dragons migrate to the New World. It used to occur only once a century, but now it happens several times a century.

## **Base of operations**

The Commission are based in Astera, but also have a presence in Seliana, and now Balam.

## **Unique Equipment**

### **Slinger**

The Slinger is standard gear for hunters of the Research Commission. It resembles a small crossbow attached to the left arm, and can shoot a variety of items, such as stones, knives, ropes, and capture nets. From diversion tactics to use as a grappling hook to creating shortcuts to triggering traps, the Slinger is a flexible tool.

### **Scoutflies**

Scoutflies are also standard issue for Research Commission hunters. These glowing insects are kept in a cage on the hunter's belt, and can pick up particular scents or substances, allowing them to track monsters or highlight useful items in the environment.

## **Fleets**

Every ten years, a new fleet was sent to the New World to help the Research Commission, ending with the Fifth Fleet, although new Fleets have been sent since but with less occurrence. When a member of the Commission decides to retire or children are born, the Guild sponsors their voyage home. However, the sea and weather do not always cooperate. The wait can take years.

### **First Fleet**

The First Fleet was the first group ever sent to the New World. This fleet is the foundation of the Research Commission and established Astera. Most of the First Fleet's members have returned to the Old World or passed, but those that chose to stay, including five of the original hunters, were committed to Astera's success.

Almost seventy years ago, the First Fleet came to the New World. The seas were much higher then, and their ship the Celestial Pursuit was nearly swallowed by the ocean when it crashed on the rocks overlooking what would become Astera. Unable to move their broken vessel, they decided to leave it there, and it would eventually become the Gathering Hub, where Hunters gather to socialise and sign up for missions together. Those first ten years were spent laying the groundwork of Astera, leaving little time to conduct any actual research. There were only two technicians in the whole First Fleet, including the Tech Chief, and it fell to them to build a place to live amid huge insects, poisonous frogs, and monsters that could swallow a man whole. In light of this, the First Fleet requested that the Second Fleet consist of three engineers to every two hunters, asking for skilled engineers who could think outside of the box.

### **Second Fleet**

Coming ten years after the First Fleet, the Second Fleet consisted mostly of engineers and technicians. While most of the Second Fleet hunters have returned to the Old World or passed on, the technicians didn't.

### **Third Fleet**

Scholars made up ninety percent of Third Fleet. Most of the Third Fleet didn't actually live in Astera, but rather the Research Base. The Research Base was a functional airship until a monster grounded the vessel, stranding them in the Great Ravine near the Coral Highlands. The researchers there studied, and still study the Rotten Vale. Some Third Fleet members still remain in Astera, running things such as the Botanical Research Center.

### **Fourth Fleet**

The Fourth Fleet was a human resources group with a balance of youth and experience. As the number of staff increased, managing materials became harder for the Research Commission. The Fourth Fleet was formed in response, and its supporting staff had excellent management skills. The Fourth Fleet was also the first to pair hunters with handlers in a revolutionary change.

### **Fifth Fleet**

The Fifth Fleet was the largest fleet. Made mostly of hunters, the Fifth Fleet had been sent to follow Zorah Magdaros, the latest monster to make the Elder Crossing at the time. With the influx of proven hunters and an established infrastructure to support them, they drove off Zorah from destroying the continent and a select of their number are renowned as heroes and legendary hunters.