The Trouble with Tiddlets
The Trouble with Tiddlets is a multi-part Story Contract arc centered around the mysterious Tiddlets — small, strange creatures of unknown origin. The storyline unfolds gradually across several contracts and features elements of exploration, science, diplomacy, and ultimately, survival.
The quest begins harmlessly, with simple investigation and scientific curiosity. However, later parts reveal increasingly troubling discoveries that raise ethical, logistical, and existential concerns.
Overview
The storyline is divided into several parts, each with its own objectives, rewards, and implications. Later parts depend on decisions made in earlier missions, and player choices can affect outcomes, resources, or relationships with other factions.
Part 1: Discovery
- Initial discovery of unidentified lifeforms (later named Tiddlets).
- Basic collection and observation tasks.
- No risk or urgency; purely exploratory.
Part 2: Research and Testing
- Delivery and observation of Tiddlet samples.
- Confirmation that Hyperspace Shock is fatal to Tiddlets.
- Early hints at the creatures’ reproductive behavior.
- Still low-risk and primarily scientific.
Part 3: Hop Drive Experiments
- The player acquires a Short Hopper ship with a modified FTL Drive.
- Repetitive "hop" jumps are used to trigger Tiddlet reproduction.
- Player must decide between supporting Dr. Magnus Swanson or helping Prof. Artemis Toppingbury liberate the Tiddlets.
- Decision affects rewards, tone, and future dialogue.
Part 4: Farm Ship Disaster
- The Tiddlet farm ship suffers catastrophic failure and uncontrollable FTL jumps.
- The player must rescue six stranded scientists before the ship explodes.
- Two Tiddlets remain aboard the player’s ship.
- Depending on earlier choices, the player receives a reward or a warning from Toppingbury.
Legacy
Depending on player choices during the storyline, consequences may persist beyond the final part — affecting future Contracts, Faction relations, or the game world itself.