 △ The DM/Story Teller, Jabberwookie, controls the environment and NPCs/Monsters, just like you might see in D&D. △ Occasionally the DM will give you the go ahead to post amongst yourselves for a few rounds. During those rounds, you may go in any order that you'd like, but make sure you're discussing this with your partners first. △ Once the DM steps back in, please return to posting in order to avoid skipping important details. |
 ▽ Investigate the source of the 'poltergeist' activity. A Corrupted Artifact is highly likely. Intel thinks it might be one of the video tapes, and that it's 'low level'. ▽ Do not touch the artifact with your bare hands, as it may attempt to influence you directly. You have each been provided a bolt of raw silk and a containment box the size of a picnic cooler to use between you. ▽ Keep civilians out of the store/the area and keep them safe. ▽ Keep the Corrupted Artifact and whatever it controls from escaping the video store. ▽ Report back with a Mission Log once you have secured the Artifact. |
DATE: 06/12/Year 2 - LOCATION: Beach City Outskirts
The team arrived through the gate in Little Homeworld-- a cheery enough place with its eclectic buildings and colorful inhabitants. But the location detailed in the mission was far on the outskirts of Beach City, closer to the edges of the shield, where the city began to thin out into hollow eyed buildings and weedy concrete. Their guide to the video store had gotten turned around twice too, and by the time they had arrive, twilight was creeping up over the skyline, painting the shadows between the buildings a deep, bruised navy, while fuchsia streaked the sky above.
The video store the strange activity had been reported in was supposed to be abandoned, but the lights that warmed the cracked plaster facade of the store front were on, as thought it had merely been stalwartly waiting through the long years. Above it, a neon sign in blue and yellow somewhat conspicuously read, 'Videos'. The glowing smiley face above it made sure you knew it was friendly.
The lot was abandoned, of course, shriveled grass poking up through the broken asphalt amongst the remnants of old glass bottles and memories of better times. This is where the team's guide left them, hurrying nervously back into town on foot as the shadows deepened and the hollow eyed windows beckoned.
They had been left with instructions, several bolts of raw silk for handling the artifact once found, and a specialized containment box about the size of a small cooler, which was heavy, and needed to lugged around by at least two of them, or perhaps one very strong individual. Once this was all over, that's where the Artifact was meant to go.
For now, they had a moment to orient themselves before venturing into the belly of the beast.
DM NOTES
Your characters may talk amongst themselves and plan for a moment before they go inside. You may decide on the order of posting between you, but once you enter into the building, please pause for the DM to interject.
Emmrich tightened his grip on his staff as his eyes carefully glided over the building before him. They had reached their destination--provided they had gotten twisted around once or twice, but Emmrich was more than used to that. Oh, he could tell stories of all the times he traveled with his friend Rook and how they constantly got twisted around, back-tracked and double-backed all over northern Thedas in a desperate attempt to reach their destination! Whether it was because Rook had the attention span of a goldfish or their complete inability to read maps was anyone's guess.
But they were here, at this sad little decrepit building where Emmrich had been entrusted to undertake his very first mission as an Agent, and he was eager to prove his mettle! And this mission seemed right up his alley! Poltergeist activity? No one better to handle something so supernatural as a necromancer! And if it was a Corrupted artifact causing such chaos, well, all the better. The more Emmrich could familiarize himself with the strange energy of the Corruption, the better he'd be able to combat its fiercer incarnations in the future.
And he was hardly going at this alone. With him were two other agents, Agent Vincent and Agent Zhaarkzekke. Vincent he knew, albeit tangentially, as he had befriended his mother Nera when she suddenly arrived in Sanctuary. Emmrich was happy to meet her son, whom she spoke highly of, and even more eager to work with him, having heard he was quite the accomplished mage--er, wizard--himself.
The other was someone Emmrich was not familiar with, either by name nor by species. Zhaarkzekke, or Zeke for brevity's sake, was a green insect humanoid. Emmrich was always fascinated to meet such strange alien races, but of course he knew his manners so he wouldn't impose himself on his fellow agent. Yet his mind could not help but race at all the possible ways Zeke may prove himself on this mission--Emmrich was rather fond of insects; beetles were the symbol of the Mourn Watch, after all!
No matter, he supposed he would find out soon enough.
He cleared his throat, tapping his staff on the ground for emphasis as he straightened his clothing. For this mission, he altered his glamour so he was wearing something much more familiar; his red and green coat detailed with gold and skulls that he donned so often in the past that had become his "signature" look. It was the coat he wore as a professor, and it was the coat he wore when adventuring. No sense coming right out of the gate by frightening his acquaintances with his true nature, that'd only be revealed if absolutely necessary.
"We have arrived," he stated, somewhat needlessly. "I must say, I'm very excited to be working with you both. I'm sure we'll make a fine team and we'll have this anomaly handled in no time at all! Now, as a mage who has dealt with his fair share of malicious spirits in the past, poltergeists are hardly out of my purview. They thrive on fear and isolation, so keeping close and keeping a clear head are imperative. Then again, if these supernatural anomalies are the result of the Corruption, the rules may be different, but I surmise the basics are the same. The spirits will attempt to confound your senses, so always verify your surroundings and stay guarded. Any other pertinent questions before we dive in?"
But they were here, at this sad little decrepit building where Emmrich had been entrusted to undertake his very first mission as an Agent, and he was eager to prove his mettle! And this mission seemed right up his alley! Poltergeist activity? No one better to handle something so supernatural as a necromancer! And if it was a Corrupted artifact causing such chaos, well, all the better. The more Emmrich could familiarize himself with the strange energy of the Corruption, the better he'd be able to combat its fiercer incarnations in the future.
And he was hardly going at this alone. With him were two other agents, Agent Vincent and Agent Zhaarkzekke. Vincent he knew, albeit tangentially, as he had befriended his mother Nera when she suddenly arrived in Sanctuary. Emmrich was happy to meet her son, whom she spoke highly of, and even more eager to work with him, having heard he was quite the accomplished mage--er, wizard--himself.
The other was someone Emmrich was not familiar with, either by name nor by species. Zhaarkzekke, or Zeke for brevity's sake, was a green insect humanoid. Emmrich was always fascinated to meet such strange alien races, but of course he knew his manners so he wouldn't impose himself on his fellow agent. Yet his mind could not help but race at all the possible ways Zeke may prove himself on this mission--Emmrich was rather fond of insects; beetles were the symbol of the Mourn Watch, after all!
No matter, he supposed he would find out soon enough.
He cleared his throat, tapping his staff on the ground for emphasis as he straightened his clothing. For this mission, he altered his glamour so he was wearing something much more familiar; his red and green coat detailed with gold and skulls that he donned so often in the past that had become his "signature" look. It was the coat he wore as a professor, and it was the coat he wore when adventuring. No sense coming right out of the gate by frightening his acquaintances with his true nature, that'd only be revealed if absolutely necessary.
"We have arrived," he stated, somewhat needlessly. "I must say, I'm very excited to be working with you both. I'm sure we'll make a fine team and we'll have this anomaly handled in no time at all! Now, as a mage who has dealt with his fair share of malicious spirits in the past, poltergeists are hardly out of my purview. They thrive on fear and isolation, so keeping close and keeping a clear head are imperative. Then again, if these supernatural anomalies are the result of the Corruption, the rules may be different, but I surmise the basics are the same. The spirits will attempt to confound your senses, so always verify your surroundings and stay guarded. Any other pertinent questions before we dive in?"
Zeke was in high spirits as he and the team approached their target destination. The brief turnaround earlier might've gotten him in a sour mood any other day, but to-day, he was so focused on doing a good job that he hardly had time to be annoyed.
Well, too annoyed. He did always have the capacity for SOME irritation.
His first mission as an Agent of the Multiverse. A good title to add to his list, yes! He would be sure to add his triumph here to the ever-growing list of titles, as well. Once he accomplished it, anyways.
He had offered to take the heavy box designated for their target, it not exactly being an easy lift for him, but not something he was incapable of handling, either. Despite the literal dead weight keeping him rooted, he was bouncing in place while Emmrich-- one of his teammates for this mission- recounted the perils of poltergeists.
"HA! I am very well acquainted with my senses, thank you. And fear is not something I must worry about, either!" he boasted, though seemed to have missed the part about 'sticking together'. You'd hope that was implied but...
"This should be simple. This is not my first 'rodeo' with weird things that are annoyingly impossible to explain. I suppose I do wish they had given us more gear..... it matters not. I am FULLY CAPABLE with or without a weapon in hand!!"
"You two may not have as steeled of a mind as I do, so, I will be there if any of you succumb to terror. You may just say my name, and I will take charge. Any questions."
Nevermind Emmrich had just asked if there were questions.... He'd forgotten that already.
Well, too annoyed. He did always have the capacity for SOME irritation.
His first mission as an Agent of the Multiverse. A good title to add to his list, yes! He would be sure to add his triumph here to the ever-growing list of titles, as well. Once he accomplished it, anyways.
He had offered to take the heavy box designated for their target, it not exactly being an easy lift for him, but not something he was incapable of handling, either. Despite the literal dead weight keeping him rooted, he was bouncing in place while Emmrich-- one of his teammates for this mission- recounted the perils of poltergeists.
"HA! I am very well acquainted with my senses, thank you. And fear is not something I must worry about, either!" he boasted, though seemed to have missed the part about 'sticking together'. You'd hope that was implied but...
"This should be simple. This is not my first 'rodeo' with weird things that are annoyingly impossible to explain. I suppose I do wish they had given us more gear..... it matters not. I am FULLY CAPABLE with or without a weapon in hand!!"
"You two may not have as steeled of a mind as I do, so, I will be there if any of you succumb to terror. You may just say my name, and I will take charge. Any questions."
Nevermind Emmrich had just asked if there were questions.... He'd forgotten that already.
Rather than letting the giant bug-creature handle the chest alone, Vincent thought it would be a better idea to just... glide it along. Using a small shield barrier he conjured, the container was placed on the flat surface of the hovering magic disc, making it much easier to just pull behind them like a piece of luggage. It required much less effort and with all the turning around they did, it was probably for the best that they make things as simple as possible.
Having arrived at the location, Vinny took out the notepad they had been given, the Databook as it was called, and began to jot down some observations of their surroundings. If they were to make a report on the matter afterward, he wanted to be thorough. He merely listened to the others prattle on as he did this, not taking much interest in making small talk. He did, however, pull his attention away from the pad once they both asked if there were questions. The wizard lifted a brow before replying, "Stick together, let the bug be the muscle, don't lose your head. Understood."
With that, he tucked away the notepad in his pack and gestured for Zeke to position the crate a bit closer to the door so they could put it down just inside. Once they opened the doors at least. Vincent looked toward the other two as he put a hand on the door handle. "Shall we?" It was apparent that he wanted to clear this mission as efficiently as possible so they could go back just as quickly. "You take the left side of the aisle, I take the right," he suggested to the other mage, getting the feeling that this one was a bit more .... intelligent to work with. "You search the middle," he clarified to Zeke, hoping that was simple enough instructions.
Having arrived at the location, Vinny took out the notepad they had been given, the Databook as it was called, and began to jot down some observations of their surroundings. If they were to make a report on the matter afterward, he wanted to be thorough. He merely listened to the others prattle on as he did this, not taking much interest in making small talk. He did, however, pull his attention away from the pad once they both asked if there were questions. The wizard lifted a brow before replying, "Stick together, let the bug be the muscle, don't lose your head. Understood."
With that, he tucked away the notepad in his pack and gestured for Zeke to position the crate a bit closer to the door so they could put it down just inside. Once they opened the doors at least. Vincent looked toward the other two as he put a hand on the door handle. "Shall we?" It was apparent that he wanted to clear this mission as efficiently as possible so they could go back just as quickly. "You take the left side of the aisle, I take the right," he suggested to the other mage, getting the feeling that this one was a bit more .... intelligent to work with. "You search the middle," he clarified to Zeke, hoping that was simple enough instructions.
Emmrich gave Zeke a disapproving frown. The young bug's . . . enthusiasm was an energy Emmrich was all too familiar with. He recognized that proud, egotistical streak of a young pup desperate to prove themselves that had more pride than sense.
He'd dealt with his fair share of over-eager, overconfident students that he'd have to correct before that pride got them killed.
"Confidence is an admirable trait. But cockiness will kill far quicker than any blade or poison," Emmrich warned Zeke as he gestured at the bug-person with his staff. "And pride is by far the most lethal substance in the universe. Remember that."
He hoped Zeke would listen. But he didn't hold his breath (ignoring the fact he didn't need to breathe, but the point still stands.)
Vincent was, disappointingly, a very quiet and withdrawn individual. He said very little, but he was a meticulous fellow dutifully writing things down in his . . . what was that? A Databook? Emmrich was familiar enough with the technology, but he was old-school by nature and preferred quill and parchment for his note-taking. But at least Vincent had the sense to conjure something to make lugging around their container much easier! Emmrich would have assisted, of course, but for all his strengths, actual physical strength wasn't one of them. Vincent seemed most eager to get this mission over with, but Emmrich let out a quiet "Ah!" and backed him away from the door.
"Now hold on! Let's not just barge in there without a plan! At least until we are certain with what we are dealing with!" Emmrich said. "We're not entirely certain of the nature of our adversary, so that should be our first objective. Once we've gotten inside, I should have a much better sense of what we're facing. It's concerning I'm not detecting much of a presence standing right outside, but perhaps the building is shielding its energy in some way . . . no matter. As a psychagogue, I'll know what we're up against when we go inside. But until we know that, the first rule when dealing with an unknown entity is thus: always stick together! It's imperative we maintain line of sight of one another, so while searching the building, we should be in constant communication and in constant visual of each other."
But no sense beating around the bush, he was as ready as he'd ever be. He'd just have to keep a particularly close eye on their companion Zeke to make sure he didn't charge face-first into certain danger, but he was willing to do as Vincent suggested and scour the left side of the building. But constant vigilance was key! Never could be too careful when dealing with a poltergeist.
He'd dealt with his fair share of over-eager, overconfident students that he'd have to correct before that pride got them killed.
"Confidence is an admirable trait. But cockiness will kill far quicker than any blade or poison," Emmrich warned Zeke as he gestured at the bug-person with his staff. "And pride is by far the most lethal substance in the universe. Remember that."
He hoped Zeke would listen. But he didn't hold his breath (ignoring the fact he didn't need to breathe, but the point still stands.)
Vincent was, disappointingly, a very quiet and withdrawn individual. He said very little, but he was a meticulous fellow dutifully writing things down in his . . . what was that? A Databook? Emmrich was familiar enough with the technology, but he was old-school by nature and preferred quill and parchment for his note-taking. But at least Vincent had the sense to conjure something to make lugging around their container much easier! Emmrich would have assisted, of course, but for all his strengths, actual physical strength wasn't one of them. Vincent seemed most eager to get this mission over with, but Emmrich let out a quiet "Ah!" and backed him away from the door.
"Now hold on! Let's not just barge in there without a plan! At least until we are certain with what we are dealing with!" Emmrich said. "We're not entirely certain of the nature of our adversary, so that should be our first objective. Once we've gotten inside, I should have a much better sense of what we're facing. It's concerning I'm not detecting much of a presence standing right outside, but perhaps the building is shielding its energy in some way . . . no matter. As a psychagogue, I'll know what we're up against when we go inside. But until we know that, the first rule when dealing with an unknown entity is thus: always stick together! It's imperative we maintain line of sight of one another, so while searching the building, we should be in constant communication and in constant visual of each other."
But no sense beating around the bush, he was as ready as he'd ever be. He'd just have to keep a particularly close eye on their companion Zeke to make sure he didn't charge face-first into certain danger, but he was willing to do as Vincent suggested and scour the left side of the building. But constant vigilance was key! Never could be too careful when dealing with a poltergeist.
He leaned back slightly as the staff of his cohort was pointed at him, however non-threateningly it had been-- he still took it as a challenge. The concentric circles of his goggles narrowed as he eyed Emmrich.
"I am not being prideful I am stating facts..." he grumbled, shoving the box over as Vincent directed.
As for the slightly conflicting information going on between his two teammates, Zeke assured "Once we are inside it will go quickly, especially if we are spread out. I doubt we will lose track of one another in such a small confined space! Anyways, poltergeists simply throw things around. It should not be so dangerous."
HIS experience and Emmrich's clearly conflicted, assuming his experience was anything past movies..
"I will take the middle aisle. I will probably see your staff poking above the aisles, anyways, Emmrich. It is not a big deal."
"I am not being prideful I am stating facts..." he grumbled, shoving the box over as Vincent directed.
As for the slightly conflicting information going on between his two teammates, Zeke assured "Once we are inside it will go quickly, especially if we are spread out. I doubt we will lose track of one another in such a small confined space! Anyways, poltergeists simply throw things around. It should not be so dangerous."
HIS experience and Emmrich's clearly conflicted, assuming his experience was anything past movies..
"I will take the middle aisle. I will probably see your staff poking above the aisles, anyways, Emmrich. It is not a big deal."
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