Ideas/Adventure Starters for BTS.

[gaby]

The PG were watching the News,about a new exhibit in the Museum,the Parapsychologist of the group,recognize a item,after doing some research,they discover that the item have a History with Dark Magic,now the Group now must watch over it.

[mrloucifer]

In fact, I am working on it tonight. On that topic, do you have that Unsolicited Manuscript Form?

I was late in mailing it, but it did go out last week. You should see anyday now.

[mrloucifer]

On a day spent shopping around a new town you have arrived in: (reason there is up to GM)
You notice an old shop a few yards down a side street. Curiously you enter finding it full of strange herbs, potions, old books and oddities. An ancient looking gypsy woman is sitting behind the counter. She looks at you and smiles,
"I've been waiting for you." She says in a heavy Russian accent.
'Another weirdo', you think as you browse the strange items and books. As you turn to leave, the old gypsy woman stops you, "You forgot your purchase." Holding out package wrapped in plain brown wrapper tied neatly with a brown twine.
'I could have sworn the woman's eyed glowed fiery red for a moment.', as you take the package without even realizing it and leave. Only when you return to where you are staying, do you realize you have a package from the store. Removing the wrappings only to reveal old leather bound book. It's about 16 inches tall, 12 inches wide and 4 inches thick. The title reads “MYSTIC MAGIC FOR THE CHOSEN” in blood-red letters on the dark bindings. When you open the book you are filled with a sense of unnatural power. Strange mystic runes seem to leap off the page with a sense of understanding. Filled with fear and awe you quickly close the book. Tossing it away from you like hot potato.

Returning on the next day to find the store for further investigation…… Not only is the store not there, the whole side street the store was on is gone as well. A vacant lot now rests in the store's location. No one had ever heard of the street or the store. When you show the book to a passerby, all they saw was a new book entitled “Card & Magic Tricks for Children”. The next time you open it………………????

Thats not bad!

[bigbobsr6000]

On a day spent shopping around a new town you have arrived in: (reason there is up to GM)
You notice an old shop a few yards down a side street. Curiously you enter finding it full of strange herbs, potions, old books and oddities. An ancient looking gypsy woman is sitting behind the counter. She looks at you and smiles,
"I've been waiting for you." She says in a heavy Russian accent.
'Another weirdo', you think as you browse the strange items and books. As you turn to leave, the old gypsy woman stops you, "You forgot your purchase." Holding out package wrapped in plain brown wrapper tied neatly with a brown twine.
'I could have sworn the woman's eyed glowed fiery red for a moment.', as you take the package without even realizing it and leave. Only when you return to where you are staying, do you realize you have a package from the store. Removing the wrappings only to reveal old leather bound book. It's about 16 inches tall, 12 inches wide and 4 inches thick. The title reads “MYSTIC MAGIC FOR THE CHOSEN” in blood-red letters on the dark bindings. When you open the book you are filled with a sense of unnatural power. Strange mystic runes seem to leap off the page with a sense of understanding. Filled with fear and awe you quickly close the book. Tossing it away from you like hot potato.

Returning on the next day to find the store for further investigation…… Not only is the store not there, the whole side street the store was on is gone as well. A vacant lot now rests in the store's location. No one had ever heard of the street or the store. When you show the book to a passerby, all they saw was a new book entitled “Card & Magic Tricks for Children”. The next time you open it………………????

Thats not bad!

Thank you, I try.....

[Lord Z]

I got the paperwork! Thanks, Mister L.

BB, I liked the Missing Shop hook. It reminded me of Lovecraft's 'The Music of Erin Zahn' and of an old issue of the Cloak and Dagger comics.

[bigbobsr6000]

BB, I liked the Missing Shop hook. It reminded me of Lovecraft's 'The Music of Erin Zahn' and of an old issue of the Cloak and Dagger comics.

Thank you

[bigbobsr6000]

The MYSTICS
“There are not any mysteries in life, if you accept the Light.” A group of Confucius monks became “enlightened” by a sphere of light (some say Confucius himself) appearing over their temple. Some who went into the light were transformed into “angelic” type creatures. Then the light floated away up into the heavens going ever faster until became like a shooting star, disappearing completely. A dozen monks were transformed with magical powers. They can heal to a degree; hover for a short period and some say cast light from their bodies so intense, as to set items on fire. They can also use lesser light to “light the way” for others. They began teaching others the way to the “Light”. They claimed through self-sacrifice, helping others, and such anyone could become as they. The Mystics are developing quite a following. They will work with other groups to only further their teachings.

What is their real intent? Will the sphere return? What happens to the "converted"? "How about a little fire, Scarecrow?..Hheee,heeehee.." And what of this "Light"?

[mrloucifer]

BB, I liked the Missing Shop hook. It reminded me of Lovecraft's 'The Music of Erin Zahn' and of an old issue of the Cloak and Dagger comics.

Nice reference on the Lovecraft story... I didnt make that connection till you said it.

[Lord Z]

Regarding The Mystics: Why is it Confuscism? It just doesn't strike me as being a scenario that matches the style or themes of that particular religion. The sect described seems more like asunder worshipping faith, perhaps of Osirus.

[bigbobsr6000]

Regarding The Mystics: Why is it Confuscism? It just doesn't strike me as being a scenario that matches the style or themes of that particular religion. The sect described seems more like asunder worshipping faith, perhaps of Osirus.

Change it to one that suits any situation, could be a BTS style cult or demonic stuff in diguise, etc. I just picked one, no rhyme or reasoning it could be the worshipers of The Great Cosmic Muffin. (which, btw, is what i worship, or so i have been told to say by the other cult members )

[Lord Z]

Is there is Not So Good Cosmic Muffin, or are they all Great?

[bigbobsr6000]

Is there is Not So Good Cosmic Muffin, or are they all Great?

All are great in the eyes of the True and Only Great Cosmic MUffin. Or so my tastebuds and tummy tells me.

[mrloucifer]

This week’s tall tale of horror and adventure from the city of Louciferville;

Title: “There’s something freaky going on in those woods!”

Situation: The Human expansion has been pushed more and more into the thousands of acres of thick woods at the edge of town. The most recent development was a large hospital, medical specialists and research building built into one hub. This area just celebrated its first year anniversary of being in business.
However, not all the activity is to be celebrated, it seems that acts of vandalizing to the hub has been going on for the last few months and seems to be escalating. Destruction of property (both outdoors and indoors), theft of a variety of things, and in some cases, doctors and staff are reporting being ambushed and assaulted!

While there are several reports by witnesses saying the vandals and attackers all run into the woods when they flee, there is one eye witness named Dr. Simmons whose report stands out. He claimed that he was jumped by a pack of what he labeled “people who were all hideously deformed and freakish looking with minimal clothing. In fact, they were almost tribal looking!”

They assaulted him, but they stole none of his valuables, they stole his briefcase which held a lot of his research materials. When interviewed by the PC’s, Dr. Simmons is a researcher in Gene Therapy and has been working with a research clinic that specializes in retroviral research. He goes on to state he believes that he was close to a breakthrough on curing certain genetic defects. However, the vandalizing and attacks on the building left him paranoid to where he wrote everything down by hand and that briefcase held the only copy of all his research. He’s back to square one now.

So what’s going on exactly? What are these “things” coming from the woods? Why are they destroying property, stealing medical supplies and research paperwork? Why did this only start in the last few months? If the PC’s don’t react quickly enough, with the events escalate to kidnapping or murder?

If/when the PC’s go into the woods; they’ve got their work cut out for them as its THOUSANDS of uncharted thick woods that will make searching or even tracking difficult at best. And if they do find the source of hideout of the vandals, they are most likely going to react hostile to the PC’s.

Who/what are these vandals to begin with? Freaks of nature living in the woods? A clever corporate espionage tactic from a rival hospital or research firm? Escaped mutations or creatures from past experiments?

[Lord Z]

L, your first line gives it all away. The development has crossed a boundary and established itself in the Thousand Acre Woods. These savages are the Robbins Clan who serve the golden and terrible Poo Bear. The Poo Bear, he of the eternal hunger, is known for his intelligence,the rumblings of his mighty tummy, and his ability to metamoraphize into a black storm cloud. The clan's allies include several animal totem spirits including Gopher, Ass, Rabbit, Tiger, Kangaroo, Owl, and Boar. They seek the secret of bountiful honey.

[mrloucifer]

L, your first line gives it all away. The development has crossed a boundary and established itself in the Thousand Acre Woods. These savages are the Robbins Clan who serve the golden and terrible Poo Bear. The Poo Bear, he of the eternal hunger, is known for his intelligence,the rumblings of his mighty tummy, and his ability to metamoraphize into a black storm cloud. The clan's allies include several animal totem spirits including Gopher, Ass, Rabbit, Tiger, Kangaroo, Owl, and Boar. They seek the secret of bountiful honey.

CRAP! I really thought I hid it better than I did... crown me as "Captain Obvious" I guess.

Mental Note: Must disguise my planned "Sesame Street" themed scenario much more carefully.

[mrloucifer]

This week’s basket of baddies from Louis of the Cifer people;
Title: “When Science goes bad”

Situation: The group is on patrol or in some way dealing with a random monster out in public somewhere. In the middle of the battle a dark figure in black ops gear springs out of nowhere to help slay the monster. This mystery man only uses hand to hand weaponry on the beast and seems to hold no guns or range weaponry. He moves incredibly agile and shows great feats of strength, but moves in rather sporadic and uneven, jittery, jerky movements at times. He won’t speak to the group and will acknowledge them as little as possible. As soon as the creature dies, the figure will flee the scene as quickly as he came. If the group gives chase, he will perform high leaps over rooftops, smoke screen covers, etc. He will only fight the group if cornered or is attacked first (and will have the superior advantage if he does attack).

They will eventually run into this figure again (or perhaps multiple figures if dealing with multiple supernatural beings. And they will all act the same way as the first. However, the PC’s will luck out and find an injured figure who’ll give chase for only a moment before collapsing. Examining him will show that the man is scarred up like Frankenstein’s monster, and the base of his skull has a small metal contraption surgically attached to it. Toying with it will kill him (the tech will lead them to a company called “Med-Gate”). If not, he will wake up and talk gibberish to them (“word salad” condition) and seem dazed and confused. If asked to write any info down, all he will do is scribble the word “Med-Gate”. Within minutes of writing this, the being will suddenly go into an extreme epileptic shock and die!

“Med-Gate” is a large medical science lab company, whom happens to have a lab in the PC’s city. If the PC’s investigate this location, they are not only probably going to break all sorts of laws, but also anger a potentially sleeping giant as this lab is secretly working on making human war machines for military applications. The experiments they are performing on people are nothing short of horrific and inhumane. More than likely these soldiers they’re creating are being tested against the supernatural to gauge its ability against superior opponents.

Note: This tech is like a crude beginning test phase to Juicer or Crazie technology from the RIFTS world. But using it requires lots of contestant treatment and maintenance on the soldiers and most don’t seem to last long. This tech puts their nerves into a perpetual state of wanting to move in every direction at once (Like have a non-stop seizure) and cranks adrenaline to critically accelerated levels amongst other augmentations. This process wears the human body out quickly and therefore they’ll always need more test subjects (which may cover a kidnapping angle mentioned earlier in the game). Currently the cons FAR outweigh the pro’s, but all the inhumane experiments on people may evolve this tech into something worthwhile in the DECADES to come.

Destroying this lab may stop these experiments from going any further, but at what cost to the players? How might Med-Gate respond?

[Lord Z]

Fantastic, Big Lou of Clan Cifer!

[gaby]

Maybe someone can do something tie in with Music.

I have no ideas my self.

[mrloucifer]

Fantastic, Big Lou of Clan Cifer!

Aww... your too kind Warlord Z!

[mrloucifer]

Maybe someone can do something tie in with Music.

I have no ideas my self.

See below my friend!

[mrloucifer]

This week’s adventure idea comes via request of “Gaby”, who asked for an adventure seed based in music

Title: Eternal Sonata

Situation: There is a legend that says Beethoven was a man possessed while writing his music. This rumor persists more so with “Moonlight Sonata” more than any of his other work. There may be some truth to this.

The PC’s are called out to a house in the woods whose owners are claiming to be haunted. All the typical trappings and stories about ghost/spirit activity are here, but the twist is that the owners are classical music fans, and the ONLY time they witness activity is when they play Beethoven music in the house! It’s at its most active when they play “Moonlight Sonata”, to the point things are getting thrown around the house, sounds of sobbing or malicious laughter can be heard and they’re starting to feel unsafe in their own home! They can even prove this by playing a random piece of music, and sure enough ghostly activity begins to happen all over the house. If a medium is present, they will notice that the entities are coming in from the woods.

As the PC’s keep experimenting, they will discover that the louder the music plays, the most intense the activity in the house. The house itself is in the middle of the woods and the owners are the builders and the only people who’ve lived there. They are not interesting people themselves; one is a pianist and the other a music tutor. It’s when the PC’s think about and examine the woods themselves that things get interesting.
What’s going on in these woods? Why does Beethoven’s music attract these entities? What else could the music be attracting to the house? What might happen if the group gets professional grade concert speakers and blasts “moonlight Sonata” in the woods?

“Suggestion Box” Bonus: It’s been said that music mimics, transforms and creates “the rhythm of the universe. You can use that theme here by saying that the mathematical rhythm of Beethoven’s work creates a sort of harmonic significance with this particular area of land. The land/woods itself has an unusually high and sporadic pattern of electromagnetic energy and other anomalies that can be detect with sensory equipment. In short, it’s a unique location and Beethoven’s music simply sings to it!

It’s this harmonic energy that allowing the weakened state between the walls of the dimension worlds that neighbor ours which creates easier access for spirits and other more deadly creatures to find their way to our dimension. It may require the PC’s to perform some ritual to alter the land’s PPE base, or perhaps there’s a “gatekeeper” that keeps creating a doorway when it hears the music. Killing/removing the gatekeeper “might” solve the problem.

NOTE: I chose Beethoven because I love his music (“Moonlight Sonata” in my opinion is one of the most beautiful and haunting pieces of music ever written) and because you can find his music cheap virtually anywhere. Playing his music during the game can add the greatest of ambience when done right. I would encourage you to have certain pieces of music trigger specific effects/events.

[sasha]

"Using Ludwig van like that! He did no harm to anyone. Beethoven just wrote music!"

[mrloucifer]

"Using Ludwig van like that! He did no harm to anyone. Beethoven just wrote music!"

Oh no, please dont think I'm using this in a mena fashion against da' man himself. This is in reality my paying homage to him, BTS style. As I wrote it, his musioc creates a harmony with the land, its the supernatural that's exploiting the harmony.

[sasha]

"Using Ludwig van like that! He did no harm to anyone. Beethoven just wrote music!"

Oh no, dont think I'm using this in a mena fashion against da' man himself. This is in reality my paying homage to him, BTS style. As I wrote it, his musioc creates a harmony with the land, its the supernatural that's exploiting the harmony.

I know. I should have been more clear.

I was quoting A Clockwork Orange where they use Ludwig to torture Alex.

[mrloucifer]

"Using Ludwig van like that! He did no harm to anyone. Beethoven just wrote music!"

Oh no, dont think I'm using this in a mena fashion against da' man himself. This is in reality my paying homage to him, BTS style. As I wrote it, his musioc creates a harmony with the land, its the supernatural that's exploiting the harmony.

I know. I should have been more clear.

I was quoting A Clockwork Orange where they use Ludwig to torture Alex.

DOH! I totally didnt catch the reference. I havent watched that baby in at least a decade, me thinks its time to sit down to it again.

[sasha]

Me agree.

[mrloucifer]

This is your captain Mr. Cifer speaking; and for this week’s trip we’ll be making our landing shortly in the European continent of alchemy. Thank you for flying BTS AIR!

Title: Alchemy, Homunculi’s and Golem’s, OH MY!!

Situation: The group has been investigating reports of bodies being stolen from any conceivable place one can find them; the morgue, funeral homes, graveyards, etc. They may be thinking ghouls are involved or perhaps zombies are being created for some evil purpose. But nay; it’s the work of alchemists going old school with new ideas.

Where you put it and how they find it is your call, but the group will eventually find a converted alchemist laboratory. It’s got all the trappings and belonging of old way alchemy with a lot of new scientific equipment being used as well. But the more interesting items in the room should be at array of glass jugs and jars that align the walls. Whoever goes up to examine one first gets the “boo scare” horror factor roll when something inside a jar of cloudy fluid wakes up and jumps inside the jar!

Inside each jar is a homunculi of some sort, each one unique to the next, but all built out a variety of body parts, bones, organs and more (if it’s in a human body, it will be part of the makeup). Once one of them wakes up, they rest begin to stir and squirm in their jars of fluids. If the group leaves them alone, they will ignore the group (at first), but the moment a CP tries to grab, move, stir, spill, or do anything to disturb a jar, the entire army of the creatures will begin a psionic onslaught a size that the PC’s wont believe!

Doing some poking around in the lab, either by hacking a PC and looking through the file cabinet, the group will discover that the creatures are being created to be something along the line of “I.S.P. & P.P.E.” batteries for alchemical uses. Judging by the plans and notes, all the magic’s the batteries will be included in are dark in nature. The group should come to a realization that the lab and the batteries should be destroyed, but doing so will be difficult as the creatures will put up a memorable psychic battle, using illusions, dreams, mind bolts, and more to protect themselves. PC’s of good alignment may decide against doing this, but once it’s pointed out that these are not living creatures, and are in fact minor supernatural beings, they should lose their hesitation.

One of the notes the group finds should also worry them into action, for there is another lab mentioned in the city/area, where the alchemists responsible for these batteries are creating a golem! And by the look of the notes, they should be near completion!

Where is this lab? How will they find it? Who will try to stop them from doing so? Is the golem completed? If so, Golem’s are said to be nearly indestructible, so how do they stop it?

Note: I encourage the GM to look up some Jewish folklore concerning golems as they are very unique and deep rooted there. I’d go so far as to use the Jewish process of creating one and therefore only the Jewish method of stopping them would apply.

In this case, all golems are brought to life by inscribing the Hebrew word EMET (meaning “truth”) on its forehead, but could stop and destroy the golem by removing the first letter of this word, changing it to MET (meaning “dead”). It’s up the PC’s to figure out how to remove the letter (I’d say covering it with cement or clay or something that would fill in the chiseled letter entirely would work best).

[bigbobsr6000]

Great Ideas!!

[mrloucifer]

I'M SAYIN BRO!

[mrloucifer]

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted one of these, but I felt inspired as the College World Series takes place here in Omaha and is winding down, and with the rivals and the foul weather we had this year and all, it’s a great atmosphere for an unexpected BTS setting;

The CWS has been going on for the last 2 weeks, and it’s down to the last two teams. Both teams are not only really good, but are really hated rivals of one another that goes back a few decades. Both teams are 1 and 1; next game is winner take all. However, each game has gotten more heated and agitated over the two weeks and lots of fans (and even a few staff & players) have committed acts of violence against each other and their fights are escalating. The news plays it out as a simple heated rivalry that’s getting out of hand, but the Lazlo members will recognize there’s something more at work here.

How they discover it is up to the GM or the player actions. Perhaps a PC attends their old college’s game and felt it, perhaps the reports of the tempers flaring & escalating violence caught their attention enough to research, perhaps a latent psychic had a premonition of some sort, whatever the reason, they will feel “something in the air” when they get within a block or two of the stadium. For those that get inside, the closer they get to the field, the stronger the sensation of a presence of “anger” and “hatred” can be felt. Psychics will get a x2 boost just by being in the stands, signaling that something horrible is lurking and seems to be conducting the aggressive behavior of the crowds, and seems to be revving up for the final big game.

Getting into the stadium to deal with the presence will be difficult at best. During the day, people are being watched closely and padded down by police if they appear suspicious (wearing long coats to hide things under in the summer is ALWAYS suspicious looking) and attending a game has the obvious risk of lots of collateral damage to the crowds.

At night it isn’t any better as armed guards patrol the grounds (people try to break in at night every year it seems). And worst yet, the presence can’t be felt when the crowds are gone. Note: This may give the impression that something big is trying to get to earth and needs the energy of the crowd to do it or something similar.

So what do the PC’s do? Wait for something to happen and try to thwart it? Disable the stadium so the games are delayed, if not cancelled all together? (a difficult, but not impossible solution), what are they even dealing with? And why does it seem to want to cause a riot at the stadium?

My optional suggestion:
The presence wants a riot as the potential energy (especially if people start killing each other) will get it to Earth. During the two weeks leading up to the final game however, entities, Banshee’s and other type of supernatural beings will probably be attracted to the stadium, giving players more crap to deal with.

I would encourage getting the players to attend the last game and get tickets that let them sit up in the front (maybe have them find a shady scalper or get their tickets through unsavory means for the fun of it). Another option would be to get them to infiltrate the stadium as vendors (they can hide their weaponry in the supposed food storage areas). Either way, they should be close to the field when the trigger is pulled.

The two mascots will be jeering and jumping at a near fever pitch by the middle of the game, and eventually one moves too far around the field and collides into the other mascot (right in front of the PC’s). The fallen mascot loses his temper and goes off on the other who “hit” him. This may look comical when you think on it, but the crowd is in the wrong mood for comedy and instead an instant riot twords the field begins… and the players are sitting between the mass and the mascots! Once the crowd has swarmed the mascots, they will begin turning on each other. And with a supply of baseballs balls, baseballs, benches and other dangerous objects, this can become a killing spree in a matter of minutes.

Players dealing with a Stadium Riot- Per the “worst case scenario” info, the player’s best chance of surviving a Stadium Riot is as follows:
-Create a protective helmet: stuff crumpled newspapers or cardboard under a hat or empty popcorn tub or other type of container to protect their melon.
-Move away from mascots: While this is obvious in this case, in a given riot the team mascots are particularly vulnerable to attack.
-Watch for projectiles: bend the knees and keep your head low to avoid flying cans, bottles, pennants, water balloons, rocks, pipes, benches, seats, people and other objects.
-Move sideways through the crowds: Always avoid running forward (towards the center of the riot) or backwards (against the surging mob).
Note: If the player’s bring up these points, I would give bonuses to getting out safely. I’d say put their IQ and PP together and have them roll below the total to get out unharmed.

Once free of the riot, the PC’s could try to do something to stop the mob, like turning on the fire hoses (or the stadium sprinklers) or turn out the lighting if the game has gone on long enough to become dusk or dark. This could be enough to stop the evil presence from getting to earth if the PC’s can get the riot to stop.

If not, the players need to locate the source of the trouble and deal with it directly, which has probably taken physical shapes or is hiding in the astral plane at this point.

[Gallahan]

Wow... I'm glad you posted here Loucifer. I was in a dormant period and completely missed this thread. IMPRESSIVE.

For almost two years, I actually worked as a reporter/layout editor at a newspaper. It was a fantastic experience. During this time, though, I was so busy writing and meeting deadlines and laying-out the paper that I didn't have time to focus on a lot of the things I love (BTS for one). Everytime I walked through the old newspaper building, it reminded me of Kolchak the Nightstalker ---epsecially when I was there after dark, alone in that big building with all sorts of dark places for hideous creatures to hide, or on weekends again after dark.

Along those lines, maybe have the PCs be a group of people in the newsroom of a small or medium sized paper (it tends to form a closer bond with the editors and reporters if it's a smaller sized paper, not a big company). Anyway, it would be like Kolchak the Nightstalker, only with a team of reporters. And, during the course of covering day to day stories, they stumble upon the paranormal.

I'll never forget how real-life spooky it was to be at the paper on a weekend, after dark, reviewing my digital micro-recorder's audio, listening for EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) after spending an evening in a Civial War mansion (Centre Hill) with a local paranormal investigative group. After hearing some noises, probably produced by the creaking of an old building and rodents, I decided to call it a night and head home! Quickly. Head. Home. (I did find EVP on my recording; a whispering voice says: "Had you," or "At you.")

In fact, if you'd like to see the story about Centre Hill Mansion in Petersburg, Virginia, here are the links to the story I wrote, with photographs (these pages are 3-4mg per page and might take a minute or two to load if you're on a slower computer, but it's worth the wait:
PAGE ONE: http://www.tricityparanormal.com/upload ... part_1.pdf
PAGE TWO: http://www.tricityparanormal.com/upload ... part_2.pdf

Also, if you're interested in "ghost hunting," here's a link to Tri City Paranormal's main website where you can find out a lot of good information about the topic as well as see and hear much of their findings (including EVP). And, if you live anywhere near central Virginia, I would imagine that they would come out to investigate your paranormal situation, should you have one in real life, free of charge. These guys and gals are fantastic. Once again, BTS fantasy and reality cross paths... I've been on several investigations with them, and it was like being on an episode of Syfy's Ghost Hunters. http://www.tricityparanormal.com/Home_Page.html

[Lord Z]

Another great pair of adventure hooks, guys! I like the concept of a riot being used as a sort of summoning ritual. I am reminded of the last riot that my group was charged with breaking up. Our solution was to beat everyone not on our team into submission. The palladin actually shouted, "Stop fighting!" Smack! "Stop fighting!" Smack!

Playing as a team or reporters for the same newspaper is a great idea. It serves two purposes: It easily introducing plot hooks as news story assignments; it also gives the PCs a built-in reason for keeping their silence(not being fired).

[Lord Z]

The Reaper of Saint George Street

I am blatantly stealing this plot from the excellent graphic novel, Flagler's Few and the Reaper of Saint George Street. It's similar to the plot from the movie The Frighteners, and it may be a little too out there for some tastes. An area with a high concentration of spirits is experiencing some trouble. A Reaper has appeared. The Reaper isn't a new class of entity but more a label given to any spirit that begins hunting its own kind. It could be a particularly strong Polgtergeist or Guardian Wraith or Madness Entity (any type with max stats) or a stronger type like a Possessing Entity, Conglomeration Entity, or (heaven help you) a Doppleganger Entity. Did the entity copy a seriaal killer or was it sent by a Soul Tree as part of an elaborate power play? This isn't so much a problem when the Reaper is killing troublesome Poltergeists and annoying Banshees. Then it starts going all axe murderer on innocent Haunting Entities and even Spirit Guides. To protect the innocent, the PCs must work with some disreptuable characters like a coniving Syphon Entity. During the investigation, the PCs get a peak behind the proverbial curtain at the complex culture of spirits.

[mrloucifer]

“Fearless Moe Jackson” is not only one of the greatest entertainers of the 21st century thus far, he one of the greatest daredevils ever known. And you’re PC is one of the lucky bunch of Lazlo buddies that have all gotten tickets to his show when he comes to town next month!
The same night one of the players purchases their ticket, while out “hunting”, they’ll spot a large dog (or something vaguely similar to one) in the shadows with tiny white glowing dots for eyes staring at him. As the PC tries to get a closer look, the dog’s eyes suddenly flash like bright camera bulbs, blurring the player’s vision for a moment. When his vision returns, the beast is gone, vanished!

As Moe’s tour kicks off, he is performing all sorts of bizarre and dangerous stunts, each one is death defying and yet Moe keeps surviving them without as much as a scratch to show for it! However, while the papers have ignored the coincidences (and wouldn’t bother looking into it if they did notice) the back pages of the local papers Moe visits always has a tiny article about some transient, homeless or some other “ignored and unknown” type dying. What’s puzzling however is that their deaths were similar to the stunt Fearless Moe made in town, or more appropriately what would have happened to Moe if his stunt had failed.

One of the PC’s gets a message from a Lazlo Society member, one who lives in a city Fearless Moe had just traveled to. He sends a police report to the PC’s that states a homeless guy drowned to death… from inside his cardboard box and was found as dry as a bone. One of the locals questioned stated that this guy had spoken to him earlier that night, talking about how he saw a “big ugly dog that had these really bright eyes”, he went shortly afterwards and drowned. Time of death states he drowned about 13 hours after Moe performed his “feature stunt”, being locked in a water tank for several minutes and “just barely” escaped drowning in it. Doing more homework will show a similar pattern of the other transients dying after the 13th hour of a feature stunt.

What do the players do? One of them is marked for death. Rumor has it Moe plans to perform a death defying stunt tonight that will burn him alive if he fails (a most painful way to go). Do they try to stop Moe from performing his feat? Is Moe making deals with devils? Or is someone helping him? Like his management or an overzealous fan? What happens if they find and kill the bright eyed dog? Will Moe burn to death without the supernatural assistance? A death he doesn’t deserve if he truly not involved in the supernatural deal making.

And if it’s not Moe making the deals, those who are responsible will not take the PC’s interference lying down. What do they do about it? And what all will the PC’s have to do to break this deal/pact/curse or whatever it is?

[gaby]

Good one,hope to see more.

[Lord Z]

I didn't like the Fearless Moe Jackson hook at first. If the PCs don't notice a pattern in the newspaper (or don't have a Diviner who automatically notices patterns), there is no hook. After all, a single failed Perception Roll could throw off the investigation. Then I read the part about a contact from another town tipping off the PCs. I get it now -- a clue with an automatic backup in case it was missed the first time.

[mrloucifer]

I didn't like the Fearless Moe Jackson hook at first. If the PCs don't notice a pattern in the newspaper (or don't have a Diviner who automatically notices patterns), there is no hook. After all, a single failed Perception Roll could throw off the investigation. Then I read the part about a contact from another town tipping off the PCs. I get it now -- a clue with an automatic backup in case it was missed the first time.

That's something I hope to bring up in a book some day. One of my most important tools with the investigation phase is that you either HAVE to have a backup plan in case the players are making good rolls at appropriate times or the players find the important clues automatically. By that I mean there a re "chain of events importance" clues to move the story along and then "frilly lace" clues that add insight, detail and possible side adventure opportunity that are great to have, but dont contribute to the overall program of the investigation.

[mrloucifer]

I all hope you'll "burrow" into this one.

One of the oldest buildings in the city collapses in the middle of the night (it was empty so no casualties are reported). It takes the authorities two days to determine that the cause was from an unstable foundation, perhaps erosion under the concrete foundation or perhaps the concrete foundation itself was badly designed and just took this long to fall apart.

However, being sworn to secrecy, the PC’s are sent in to examine the ruined buildings foundation as consultants. They may wonder why they were asked to take a look, but they quickly discover that the Supernatural was somehow involved. The will find the remains of THOUSANDS (perhaps millions) of squished and squashed earthworks under all the wreckage, a lot of large pieces of concrete that look like large holes or perhaps tunnels were bored into the cement concrete and may have contributed to the buildings collapse. Finally during inspection of the bottom floor of the building, under a recently replaced carpet is a conjuring symbol of some sort.

The big clue besides the “conjuring circle” on the bottom floor is the tons of squished earthworms, dictating that they were probably conjured here to be used for summoning supernatural burrowing worms of some sort, which used the earthworms as its anchor. From there the creature burrowed around within the foundation until the building collapsed, killing the supernatural worm and then crushing its earthworm’s hosts as it discorporated.

But why? Who did this? Was it just a test for something more devious to be unleashed later? Are they planning to conjure the burrowing worms again for another building? Are they planning something as simple as black mail schemes? Are they planning to kill a lot of unsuspecting people in another building? Are they going to make enough to level the whole city? Are they doing it themselves or are they being manipulated or encouraged by other supernatural forces?

[Lord Z]

I dig it! This is the best excuse I've seen yet for a dungeon crawl.

But which monster is it? There are several good choices. It might be one of those lava worms which hollowed out the Palladium Fantasy underworld (from an old Rifter article). It might be one of the Worms of Taut, like the Tri-Fang. For a crazy high level option, it could be the Serpent of Midgard.

[Shawn Merrow]

I'm reading a book on the Cold War and came across something interesting. In 1986 the US and Soviet Union held a summit in Iceland. It was held at the Höfði House in Reykjavik. The interesting bit is that the house is rumored to be haunted. The ghost bothered a British Ambassador so much he insisted that they sell it.

I think a GM can come up with some interesting supernatural chaos to trouble the summit. It can range from possessions to one of the leaders being harmed. The players could even be part of the government that deals with the supernatural who have been called in to deal with a crisis that could result in a nuclear war.

Hofdi House
Wiki: Höfði

[Lord Z]

KGB psychics, possession entities, or cultists that worship Loki (or the Midgard Sepent) -- there are a lot of ways this could go. I do like the Ian Fleming vibe.

[Shawn Merrow]

Think I will use it for a one shot game as I just love the idea too much not to use it. I will post details when I have a solid idea.

[Natasha]

Which reminds me of the Dyatlov Pass incident.

I'm also trying to recall names of some American and Soviet cryptozoologists who worked together.

[Shawn Merrow]

Had never heard of the Dyatlov Pass incident but looks interesting.

Started doing some research for my idea. I'm just not sure if the PC will be on the Soviet or US side yet.

[Shawn Merrow]

KGB psychics, possession entities, or cultists that worship Loki (or the Midgard Sepent) -- there are a lot of ways this could go. I do like the Ian Fleming vibe.

I will be using a Norse angle and most likely Loki.

I'm wondering what you guys think on which side be more fun to play (Soviet or USA)?

[Shawn Merrow]

Talked to the players and they both went with Soviets.

[Lord Z]

As an American, roleplaying a Soviet seems like fun. If I were Russian, I might think that playing a Secret Service or CIA goon might be fun.

[Shawn Merrow]

I had an idea for a murder mystery game pop into my head last night. The setting is an abandoned mansion that has fallen into disrepair. The thing is once every ten years on a special night the mansion changes. It looks like it did in the past. If anyone enters the mansion they will find a formal party being held. At first its just a nice relaxed party but a body will be found at around 11:00pm. If the players do nothing the murder will not be found. The party has been going on every ten years and will continue till the murder is found but it most be found before morning or its another ten years to try again.

The players could get wind of this as a local legend or a Lazlo post. Some twists you can throw at the players is make them dress in period clothes and act accordingly otherwise they would be seen as nuts. A nasty ploy would be to say anyone who is still there when morning strikes becomes trapped in the mansion and in future appearances will be members of the party with no memories of their original self's.

[bigbobsr6000]

Why does Stephen King's "The Shinning" come to mind?

[Shawn Merrow]

Never have gotten around to reading that.