Research Commission

The Research Commission (Japanese: 新大陸古龍調査団, Shin-tairiku Koryū Chōsa Dan) 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.^[1]

Who Formed the Research Commission and Why?[]

The Hunter's Guild formed the Research Commission in order to investigate the New World and unravel the mystery of the Elder Crossing (Japanese: 古龍渡り). 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 every ten years or so.^[2]

Base of Operations[]

The Research Commission's main base is Astera.

Unique Equipment[]

Slinger[]

The Slinger (Japanese スリンガー) 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 creating shortcuts to triggering traps, the Slinger is a flexible tool.

Scoutflies[]

Scoutflies (Japanese 導蟲) 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.^[3]

Fleets[]

Every ten years, a new fleet is sent to the New World to help the Research Commission. Currently, there are five fleets in the Commission. When a member of the Commission decides to retire or children are born,^[4]^[5] the Guild sponsors their voyage home.^[6] However, the sea and weather do not always cooperate. The wait can take years.^[7]

First Fleet[]

The First Fleet (Japanese: １期団) 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, but those that chose to stay, including five of the original hunters,^[8] are committed to Astera's success.

Forty 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.^[9] Unable to move their broken vessel, they decided to leave it there, and it would eventually become the Gathering Hub.^[10] Those first ten years were spent laying the groundwork of Astera, leaving little time to conduct any actual research.^[11] There were only two technicians in the whole First Fleet, including the Tech Chief,^[12] and it fell to them to build a place to live amid huge insects, poisonous frogs, and monsters that could swallow a man whole.^[13] 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.^[14]

The symbol of the First Fleet is a star upon a red banner: a guiding light to lead them across the jet black sea.^[15]

Second Fleet[]

Coming ten years after the First Fleet, the Second Fleet (Japanese: ２期団) consists mostly of engineers and technicians. While most of the Second Fleet hunters have returned to the Old World, the technicians haven't.

Thirty years ago, the Second Fleet came to the New World.

The symbol of the Second Fleet is amber flames: the source of life, and a symbol of their resolve, which they must never let die.^[16]

Third Fleet[]

Scholars make up ninety percent of Third Fleet (Japanese: ３期団).^[17] Most of the Third Fleet doesn'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.^[18] The researchers there are currently studying the Rotten Vale.^[19] Some Third Fleet members still remain in Astera, running things such as the Botanical Research Center (Japanese 植生研究所).

Twenty years ago, the Third Fleet came to the New World.

The symbol of the Third Fleet is an amethyst chalice: one filled with knowledge, it's surface undisturbed by trouble.^[20]

Fourth Fleet[]

The Fourth Fleet (Japanese: ４期団) is 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 have excellent management skills. The Fourth Fleet was also the first to pair hunters with handlers.^[21]

Ten years ago, the Fourth Fleet came to the New World.

The symbol of the Fourth Fleet is a wheel upon an emerald banner: one that moves with force and drives their research forward.^[22]

Fifth Fleet[]

The Fifth Fleet (Japanese: ５期団) is the largest fleet yet. Made mostly of hunters, the Fifth Fleet has been sent to follow Zorah Magdaros, the latest monster to make the Elder Crossing. With the influx of proven hunters and an established infrastructure to support them, it is hoped that the Fifth will be able to finally solve the mystery behind the Crossing.

The symbol of the Fifth Fleet represents white, fair winds: to push you toward your goal, and remind you to be light on your feet.^[23]