The Nexus of Shadow (Inactive)

Game Master DireMerc

The cozy little town of Crested Butte is being overrun by the supernatural and only a small band of hunters (mortals who hunt monster) can protect this town and stop this invasion of shadow from spreading.

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D20 SRD


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It's late during the day and it's pouring outside. You made your way out to the local hunter hangout Harvey's Roadhouse. Situation along a remote highway a few miles outside of Kansas the Bar is usually pretty deserted and that the way the own Harvey likes it. Being a retired hunter he passes his time giving tips and selling custom equipment to the younger generation of hunters.


Female Human Marksman

Alisha Quinn walks into the Harvey's Roadhouse. She is dressed in semi-formal clothing constant of a scholarly type that she is. She stands 5'8 with black hair, green eyes and sporting a light un-athletic build and a rather unremarkable appearance other than her clothing. She has a somewhat scholarly look to her, like someone you might see manning a desk at a Library. Indeed it is not choice but circumstance that brings her to this dive bar in Kansas.

Alisha had good prospects in her career. Having earned a Masters in History with a specialty in Mythological Studies at the University of Princeton she had excellent employment with The Metropolitan Museum in New York. There she worked on deciphering scripts and assessing historical items and their mythological origins. On a few occasions she did some field work on site but mainly her work was fairly localized in New York city

A few weeks back, a mummy was imported from Egypt to be a new display in the museum. Along with the mummy came some well preserved papyrus scrolls. The mummy's named Sebek-khu was a prince during the Seti Dynasty that died honorably in battle and mummified as was his station. Alisha was assigned the task of translating the scrolls. As she translated them she began to learn that these scrolls were not normal scrolls but some kind of spell to awaken the long dead warrior. She gave her results to her superior, Dr. Richard Brians and was thanked for her work. Dr. Brians however was a sceptic who spoke aloud the words to himself and awakened the mummy who went on a rampage through the museum killing some quickly while afflicting others with a curse that caused them to rot from the inside. Alisha was able to escape unscathed but the museum was put on quarantine.

She then knew that monsters were indeed real and has spent the past few weeks investigating leads wondering just how much truth was behind the myths that she has studied. And then she learned about "Hunters" and those who seek the monsters for a living. Seeing this as a lead that could get her some aid in finding the truth she headed out to Harvey's Roadhouse.

Alisha looks nervously around the place not one for seedy bars such as this. She goes up to the bartenders and says nervously, "I...I would like..a..a coke please."


The bartender scoops up some ice in a glass, takes a can of coke, opens it and pour its content in the glass and then slides it over.

"That I'll be a dollar fifty...You sure your in the right place? This here is a biker bar and no offense but you don't like like my usual kind of clientele." he says.


Female Human Marksman

She nervously pulls out a 5 dollar bill from her purse and puts it on the table. "You have a point there." she says, "And if circumstances were normal I would give a wide birth to a place such as this. But circumstances are far from normal and I am in need of some assistance from a certain kind of clientele that you cater here."


"Is that right" he says taking the money and putting your change.
"You having monster troubles miss?" he says casually.


Female Human Marksman

She gives a slight look around to see if anyone is listening into the conversation. She then leans in close and says quietly, "Yes. I am looking for people who can find them."


Apart from you and the bartender there are only two men and one woman sitting at a table and they are paying no mind...The men seems more concerned with the woman who is clearly distraught and she is too much in her own concerns to pay attention to you.

"Now why would you want that? You looking to hunt down something?" the bartender says examining you with an expression of curiosity.


Female Human Marksman

She nods to the man and says, "Indeed. I am doing a Field Study you might say. But I am not foolish enough to go trouncing off into unknown territory without the protection of those trained in the more combative arts of hunting. I am thinking of starting small, perhaps a kobalos for starters."


"Sorry lady but hunters don't have time to babysit you will you study what their hunting, your just gonna get yourself and them killed. See the lady there? Her husband has been missing a week. Couple days ago he gave me a call and asked me what to do for a werewolf bite...Then there is that hole business with the s@+%storm brewing over at crested butte, way it's looking the government might just need to nuke the whole site before we lose all of Colorado."


Female Human Marksman

"Ah but my research will only help your people. I am trying to document all the types of monsters out there and ascertain their strengths and weaknesses. I will then share what I have learned and thus better prepare others for what they may face. Forewarned is forearmed as they say."


"That's true enough, best way to learn that is to hunt thought...Look if you find someone willing to take you then that's fine. Just hang around here until a hunter shows up and ask them. That's all I can offer you."


Outside the bar, above the sound of the rain, you hear the roar of a motor coming up the road. It's a sleek sound, powerful, evoking the sensation of... fast. It grows and then dies even as it sounds like it's approaching Harvey's Roadhouse, until you can't hear it anymore.

A few seconds later, a man comes in with bedraggled black hair hanging in his face and down his neck. He's wearing black clothing, a plain shirt and cargo pants by the look of it, with a leather jacket on over it. He wipes his combat boots on the mat before entering, and they only squeak a little as he strides to the bar. On his right hip is a sheathed knife.

As he approaches, you can see that he has a thin face, almost gaunt, with a sharp aquiline nose. He pulls down a white bandana from his face, revealing a thin mouth. His eyes are a pale green, and a white scar runs vertically around the left. He sits down at the bar and you see that his hair does indeed reach his shoulderblades.

Spot DC 21:
Calculated through Sleight of Hand: 10+5 (modifier)+2 (gun)+4 (concealed holster)+2 (loose/bulky clothing--jacket)-2 (normal draw)=21

You notice a bulge under his left armpit, probably a concealed handgun.

Without really looking at Alisha, he sits at the bar and nods to the bartender. "Water with lime." When the drink is delivered, he asks, "Harvey here? You have my order, for a Roy?"

GM:
The order being the silver bullets already purchased in character creation.


"I'm Harvey, and yes I have you order...You planning on going after the werewolves in Colorado? If you are I have to warn you things have...escalated since I sent word about them. Seven hunters have gone that way so far and all of them have gone quiet." says the man at the bar.


Roy blinks. "Harvey? It's been too long. Sorry about that." He shakes his head. "Anyway... Werewolves, huh? And seven Hunters are dark... I'll check it out, sure. Maybe not right away, though..." If seven others have gone and none of them dealt with it, might be a bit much for me. Mostly investigative and reconnaissance work so far.

Sipping his water, he nods his head to the woman at the bar. "Who's the girl?" he asks Harvey, apparently oblivious to his lack of social grace, as well as the fact that he's about her age. "And can I get that order?"


Female Human Marksman

Alisha tries to use her massive Arcane Lore skill to know what she can about Werewolves as it seems that they seem to be what is on the minds of the people here.

Arcane Lore: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

She turns to the newcomer and says, "It appears that Werewolves are on the mind of a lot of people. Werewolf or in Ancient Greek known as "lykos anthrōpos" or more collocally called "Lycanthrope" is a mythological creature with the ability to shapeshift into a therianthropic hybrid either purposely or being placed under a curse or affliction. As for myself, I am Alisha Quinn, Master of History with a specialty in Mythological Studies. I have spent years studying the various myths and legends of numerous cultures until I stumbled on proof that many of these myths have truth to them. Since then I have been traveling about documenting the various creatures in the interest of knowledge of course."


Harry chuckles. "A werewolf is a person who can turn into a wolf or wolf-man hybrid cause he or she was bit by one or cause he or she is the descendant of one. Werewolves are fast and strong and only weapons of silver are effective against them. You can kill a werewolf without silver but it's hard as hell and not recommended. If you really must make do without silver then you can use fire or explosives. Those are the facts a hunter needs to know, the rest is just fluff." he says and heads out back to get Roy's order.


Roy snorts at Alisha's words and Harvey's response. "He's right. You don't need to know all that, though it helps, and I can appreciate the facts. But talk like that and you're not gonna find any favors." He sips his water and turns his head enough to eye the woman. "What are you doing here, anyway, Alisha Quinn? Other than showing that you're a city girl with a fancy education."


Male Human Ded. 4/Field Medic 1 | HP: 30/30 | Spot +9 Listen +3 Search 0

Already sitting the in the bar, Xannder saw the pretty lady walk in and heard her speaking of other worldly creatures. She looks like she has opened more than a few books, so she might have forgotten about reality.

Once she starts describing Werewolves

Man are they serious?

What is all this talk about Werewolves and other creatures? Are you in some sort of book club?

Xannder laughs as he takes a bite from his meal.


Roy glances over his shoulder at Xannder and rolls his eyes. What's with all the frecking outsiders today? When Harvey returns, he nods his head at the man. "Who's that guy?"


Harvey hands over the box of ammo. "I don't know him, figure he might be someone interested in hunters like the miss there."


Male Human Ded. 4/Field Medic 1 | HP: 30/30 | Spot +9 Listen +3 Search 0

Xannder stands up, and tries to walk over to the bar in a forced cool walk. It looks like he is trying to impress the lady, but along the way he trips over a chair and falls down. He quickly lifts himself back up saying I meant to do that and continues to the bar blushing.

Names Xannder, I'm just passing through and stopped here because I hadn't seen food in a while. Didn't know how long till I saw another diner, so figured I'd stop in. Kinda wishin I kept goin, but you know how it is.

He turns to the Bartender. I mean the food's great, I just...uh... am on a... schedule?

He smiles nervously.

What's all this talk about Werewolves then. You heard one to many bedtime stories?


"Best you forget about it and move along son. If you knew the things that go bump in the night it would scare you s*!+less for the rest of your life." says Harry


Female Human Marksman

She looks to Xannder raising an eyebrow and says, "I have my doubts that someone would just wander into this place just for the food. As you can see I myself am not the usual sort who would come to a place like this. I am here for other legitimate reasons. As for this "Werewolf" conversation, I was not the one who started the topic, it was merely brought up in conversation and I being an expert on Mythological studies merely clarified on the historical context. Indeed the legend of the werewolf came into being in ancient times of Greece and Rome but came into greater prominence in european folklore..."

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26 History

Alisha goes into a long historical rhetoric on the history of werewolf mythology likely baffling him with the vast knowledge that she brings out on the subject.


Male Human Ded. 4/Field Medic 1 | HP: 30/30 | Spot +9 Listen +3 Search 0

No ones wandering sister. I was just... following my stomach.


Roy sighs and sets his drink down. "Look, outsiders. The werewolves were mentioned because there's a pack out in Colorado, and they're causing trouble. But you should leave that to the people who know about them, understand them, and most importantly, know how to kill them." He brushes aside his jacket to pointedly reveal the handgun sitting under his left armpit. "You don't know what you're getting in to every moment you're sitting here, so if you don't have a good reason for going after the things most men call fairy tales, I suggest you finish your refreshments and move on." The man picks up his water and sips again.


male human smart hero 1

He walked in, scanning the crowd as he unslung his backpack from over his jacket. A clank resounded and for the briefest of seconds, he froze watching each face in turn to see if any reacted.

His manner spoke of someone who'd had a long road behind him, the dust caked to him speaking literally, his eyes and scarred face adding a figurative nature as well.

On one arm of his jacket could be seen a faded and ripped emblem that at the very least resembled a police insignia, though the rest of the man screamed off any notion of the man currently being a cop.

Continuing entering after the clanking didn't immediately receive confrontation, he ran a hand through his gray hair which further betrayed that the man had been long removed from society recently, he walked the walk of a man fully aware of his skills to the bar and sat down.

"Give me something to remove this dust from the back of my throat won't ya? Maybe something for the complaints coming from my belly as well? Long distance from here to Michigan, especially after the truck broke down, hitchhiking was hardly fruitful. Good to be what passes for home again."


Harvey takes a cold bottle of beer opens it and slides your way while calling out to the kitchen for and order of fries and a burger.

He looks seriously at Alex and Roy "While I have you here I gotta ask if you can head to Colorado to check things out. Word is that a couple weeks ago an entire castle appeared in the wilds outside of a town called crested butte literally overnight. Since then getting a proper report from the area has been difficult. Since the castle appeared there have been lost of missing people in the area, dozens but I think this is more than just a pack of werewolves. Like I said seven hunters have gone dark already but I'm not sure they are dead. I think something is blocking communications...A spell maybe...If you could find what is blocking the signals and block we could better coordinate our efforts."


Roy nods at Harvey and drains the rest of his water. "Sure. Nothing else to do. Mind if I spend the night, though? I'd rather let this rain clear up before taking Atlanta out again."

Going to go ahead and have him inspect the bullets, if that's fine.

The man then accepts the box Harvey sets before him, a dark wooden case with some script on it. He opens it up and looks inside appreciatively, the silver rounds reflecting dim light into his face. He picks one up and rotates it, then replaces it and closes the lid. "Thanks, Harvey. These look great."

Roy heads outside for a moment, and returns with a large pack. He unzips the main compartment and puts the box inside, then zips it back up and sets it at his feet. Cracking his knuckles and neck, he turns to look at Alex. "So, you're gonna check out the werewolves too, huh? Seen you around, but don't think I caught your name."


male human smart hero 1

"Now Harv, what kind of man would I be if I came in here, asking for something to drink and eat, and then turn down a request? Seven hunters ain't returned from this place, and you said something about a castle appearing? This ain't England, I'd say if there's a castle, there's more than werewolves going down."

When Roy addresses Alex, he takes a long drink from the bottle, then looks at the man, "Name's Alex, or Al to my friends or anyone I'm working with. Good to be working with you Roy, more the merrier when it all comes crashing down."


Female Human Marksman

Alisha says, "Silver weapons an efficient way of dealing with a werewolf according to most myths. Legends say that werewolves are vulnerable to silver as they are cursed by Luna, or in more laymen terms the moon. Silver being the metal that most emanates with the moon is therefore lethal to werewolves. If you do not mind, I would like to come with you on this werewolf hunt. I am interested in documenting their behavior as well as your hunting techniques as eventually I intend to write a guidebook that will help other hunters in the future."


Male Human Ded. 4/Field Medic 1 | HP: 30/30 | Spot +9 Listen +3 Search 0

I don't believe you guys. There is no such things as werewolves. I mean... come on. Guys that turn into wolves? It's like something out of a fairy tale. Next thing you'll tell me is that vampires are real and they don't sparkle in the sun.

Xannder gets a smile on his face.


Female Human Marksman

Alisha looks to Xannder and says, "I would wholeheartedly agree with you if my job did not go Kaput in New York. You probably heard on the news a report of a madman going on a killing spree at the New York Metropolitan museum a few weeks back. This was followed by a mysterious outbreak of "Flesh Eating Bacteria" on a number of the survivors. I expected such a cover story of the authorities. I am a former employee of the Museum who was there during the attack. And believe me it was not a mere "Madman" that caused the events. My superior Dr. Richard Brians read an incantation on a papyrus scroll that awakened the Prince Sebek-khu from his rest who in turn went on a killing spree through the museum. Those who were wounded by the creature but not killed were afflicted with a curse of Mummy Rot. So if there is walking mummies in the world there is most certainly Werewolves and Vampires."


Roy nods. "Good to have you, Alex. It'll be nice to have someone watching my back again."

He stands up and rolls his shoulders, looking to Alisha. "Again--we know our stuff, too. This is what I do for a living, girl. If you want to come, you can come, I'm not gonna stop you, but be prepared to take care of yourself. Not to say I won't, but sometimes I can't. Werewolves are fast."

Roy then looks at Xannder. "There are werewolves. There are vampires. And they don't sparkle in the sun--they burn and die, just like they should." He nods to Alisha. "At least she's got some experience, and maybe the beginnings of common sense. But you... I almost want to drag you along to show you how wrong you are." He shrugs. "But then, most folks are like you. Too worried about their mortgage or their job or boxers or briefs to even begin to realize that there's much worse danger out there."


male human smart hero 1

"I like the kid, I say we take him with us. Let him see firsthand whether there's werewolves or not. Of course, he better be a good aim or we'll have to save his sorry butt eventually. What say kid up to a little 'waste of time'?"


Female Human Marksman

Alisha says, "I will certainly be willing to aid in dealing with the werewolves. While I would prefer not to be on the front line if you give me a gun with some silver bullets I would be willing to give some supporting fire."

(Then again she does not have Personal Firearms Proficiency so she likely won't even hit the target). You get a s#%! number of weapon proficiencies in D20 Modern)


"I've only got my gun, but you can borrow my knife or baton, take your pick." Roy turns to Alex. "As for the kid, he can come, but I'm not babysitting on this mission."


Male Human Strong Hero 1 HP:10/10

Over the sound of the rain can be heard the rattle of a motorbike engine. The front door bangs open and a stocky figure enters the bar. He takes off his helmet and looks around the bar. [b]"Is this Harry's?"


That's what the giant letters on the roof say. I'm Harry who are then another curious civilian?" says Harry


Female Human Marksman

Alisha says, "I would rather have a ranged weapon but if those are my only choices I will take the knife."


Male Human Strong Hero 1 HP:10/10
DireMerc wrote:
That's what the giant letters on the roof say. I'm Harry who are then another curious civilian?" says Harry

"They told me you could help me. My name's Ricardo Gutierrez. My fans call me Mad Dog and I saw something the other day that made me think maybe I am going mad."


Male Human Ded. 4/Field Medic 1 | HP: 30/30 | Spot +9 Listen +3 Search 0

I got nothing better to do, kinda between jobs at the moment. Been a while since I last shot my rifle, but I got some training.


Roy shakes his head at the woman. "Sorry, but you don't look or sound like you know how to handle a gun, and besides, I've only got the one. Knives are a little simpler, especially one like mine." He draws the knife, a large survival model. "You cut or you stab, either way works." He sheathes it again. "I'll hold onto it for right now, but I'll give it to you in the field."

Roy turns to Gutierrez and raises an eyebrow. "Seems like lots of folks are running across stuff like that these days."


Male Human Ded. 4/Field Medic 1 | HP: 30/30 | Spot +9 Listen +3 Search 0

Xannder pulls out his Colt M1911.

If this isn't good enough, I have my M16 in the car.


"That's a lot of firepower to just be traveling with...Your sure your not a hunter?" says Harry giving Xannder a weird look.


Male Human Ded. 4/Field Medic 1 | HP: 30/30 | Spot +9 Listen +3 Search 0

Ex-Military, never can be too careful.


"Ex-military huh, you might be useful afterall." say Harry


Female Human Marksman

Alisha says to Xannder, "I would question the legality of carrying an M16 in your car despite the Automatic Weapon laws but when facing creatures with supernatural powers one often has to compensate as best they can, in this case extreme firepower."


"Just so you know, "I was hunting a monster" doesn't usually get the cops to let you go if you get caught with that." says Harry with a laugh


Male Half-Orc Paladin (Divine Hunter) 1

"That's why I try to run rather than talk with cops that're taking an interest. Can't have them going through my stuff after all, and I know a lot of them in Michigan, so that tends to help."


Male Human Ded. 4/Field Medic 1 | HP: 30/30 | Spot +9 Listen +3 Search 0

Never really thought that far ahead.

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