Gadodel

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans Part 36: Peter left a voicemail to the other five members of the 'Field Team'. He instructed them to meet him at the cabin on Rattlesnake Drive, just south of Lake McConaughy. He instructed them to arrive the next evening. He figured they could find their way there... The next evening... Peter: Thank you for coming. Things are about to get more interesting and far more serious. I hope you brought all of your gear and are ready for the next chapter. First, let me introduce you to some new friends; they'll be our advisors and guides in the coming chapter. All three were only fourteen inches in height, but had a presence that wasn't confined to their size. They had the shape of men, but were clearly not human. The first looked like the sun-lit sky of any given afternoon. The second looked like the star-lit sky of any given night. The third looked like a quick traverse acrossed the varied landscape of Nebraska. Peter: Their actual names are too difficult to pronounce or remember. They've indulged my proclivity to use nick-names instead. I'm naming the first 'July', the second 'August' and the third 'September'. And collectively, the 'Prairie Fairies'. The Prairie Fairies and the Field Team exchanged greetings. Peter: They have instructed me that we can travel to where our fellow Nebraskans are being held if we give an offering of ourselves to Lake McConaughy. An offering that shows unselfishness. An offerning of blood. Upon doing this, we can make a path between here and there and use it as often as we would like. Who will follow me? Peter walked to the edge of the lake, then waded in. Peter grasped the blade of his sword, whinced ever-so slightly, looked back...and disappeared. The others looked apprehensive, if not skeptical-of course; but waded into the lake as well. Each imitated what they had seen and they too disappeared.

Yet, another intermission; of sorts..... After a session, several players announced that their ability to participate in the coming weeks was going to be limited. 'Other Obligations'! The greatest threat to any gaming group, that everyone knows about; had reared its ugly head. I knew about it beforehand, so I planned accordingly. I promised to make every session more conclusive so that anyone could rejoin at any time and not be completely lost. 'Other Obligations' such as children/family, other things like birthdays or weddings, or even work were mentioned. Of course, these things can be more important than gaming and they always seem to come up at different times for different people. Of course, absent players are missed and are easily welcomed back-but there is so much missing when they are gone. However, that being said; I am usually quite slow in revealing the core of the plot as it makes it easier to prepare for the eventualality of 'real life' crashing the adventuring party. My gaming groups rarely have the same players all the time. I call it the 'Nomad Effect': people roam in and out of my groups with spectacular ease. To be honest, I'd go into shock if any of groups had the exact same players for more than 12 sessions...

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans The campfire was large. It divided the campers. It wasn't meant to. On the east side was Lincoln and his team. On the west side was Peter and his friends. Quiet discussion. Roasted marshmellows. Cold beer. No one knew what Command's final decision was, just yet. When Command walked up, he had everyone's complete attention. Everyone said 'hello'. He was handed a roasted marshmellow. Someone handed him a cold beer. Everyone burst out laughing. Command: Everyone of you is qualified to serve this state. Everyone of you is qualified to be out in the field of challenge. Everyone of you is qualified to be on the quest. Yet, some of you must remain behind-to continue serving the mundane-if I may use that word; 'mundane' needs of the state. As you know, there will be two teams. I've decided that 'Lincoln' will lead the 'Support Team' and 'Peter' shall lead the 'Field Team'. I've also decided that 'Peter' should be given the power to handpick his team. Though, I recommend that he consult with both Lincoln and I before he makes his final decision. Lincoln: Agreed. I am your disposal. He spoke towards both Command and Peter. When Lincoln spoke, everyone listened. Peter: Whoa! I had better take some time to pick wisely. If any objects, please speak up now... Several tense moments followed, but everyone stood up and congratulated 'Peter' for being picked....

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans Part 35: After weeks of training and evaluations, a decision was made. Two Teams: one the 'Field Team', the other-the 'Support Team'. Command: I think 6 should be on the Field Team. Lincoln: Three from each? Or were you thinking something else? Peter: A rotation would keep my friends and I quite happy. Command's phone buzzed and he answered it-'Send'em in'. Command: Gentlemen, this is 'DC'; the Federal liason that all states use to the President. Lincoln and Peter stood up and shook 'DC's' hand. DC: We received the briefing yesterday. The President, his staff and the command of every state are quite eager to learn what will happen next. They are most interested in what can be done about the missing people. Command: We still don't have a total yet, do we? Lincoln: We might never. Some folks, sadly; may not be missed therefore may not even be reported as missing. Peter: The Feds won't interfere with us will they? Speaking to DC. Command: I should have mentioned that 'Peter' is one of the civilians that has been fully involved in this situation. DC: (smiling) Ah! The President has advised me to promise that the Federal Government will only act to enhance your own abilities and resources...we will not participate in any of the decisions or direct any particular agenda unless more than one state becomes involved. Peter: (laughing) You got that in writing? 'DC' pulled out a pile of envelopes.... DC: Hand these out to all of those from Nebraska involved. Command, Lincoln and Peter sat there stunned.

Re: Double The Hero Excitement! Led Zeppelin will indeed begin a world tour? Just guessing.

Re: Double The Hero Excitement! I know it's a typo, but it is funny...Massages...rubbing...

Re: New Disadvantage Idea: Phobia I have this...

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans Hastings: Based on the tests we've run, our assailants were quite interested in our bodies...no, not like that; but rather much like we as humans are interested in plants. Anthony: Food? Entertainment? Medicine? Niobrara: Probably all three or more. Since they've abducted many, many people up to this point-they're probably interested in us for all sorts of things. Daniel: I think we need to do something about it, no doubt about it. Platte: Agreed, but they hooked us and read our thoughts; they're clearly trying to determine out threat potential. Lance: However, after pooling our knowledge; we know a lot more about what is going on than they ever anticipated. Lincoln: I am more than prepared to take the fight to them after what they did to us, but we have to be careful to not get caught up in this Eternal Struggle thing going on between the Magi and the Low Void. Peter: Agreed. We must make sure that Nebraska doesn't become the new battleground, nor do we suffer any foolish losses.

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans Peter: The Magi are the 'good guys' and the Low Void are the 'bad guys', is that what you've concluded too? Lincoln: Yeah. Though, what the Faeries said sounds like a contradiction. Galen: Not really. Whether it's high-tech or magic, they're synonymous. Humanity has the highest potential of advancing it. The Magi want to be our ally, the Low Void want to dominate us. Keya Paha: It does have an Arthur C. Clarke theme to it. There's that word again-'Arthur'. Peter: Lincoln, I believe that the Faeries were a manifestation of pure imagination. Imagination has its good, bad and ugly. Lincoln: That part I understand. It's the swords I am still trying to accept. Sure, mine and I can communicate; but really-why choose a tool of violence to represent something ostensibly peaceful? Galen: The Low Void, unfortunately; must be dealt with on terms they understand. Quietly, without the thirst for attention or glory. The sword has always been a symbol of defiance to the Low Void. Keya Paha: The swords we've received not only give us something in common-a bond, but also mark us as clear rivals to the Low Void. Peter: Humanity isn't the only sentient species-it'd be absolute arrogance to think otherwise. However, we're not inferior or superior in any way-except in our ability to imagine and create. We've got to do defend that in all times!!!

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans Acting on a hunch, Peter called Lincoln. The former knew that the latter had to be aware of what was going on outside of Rose, Nebraska. The pair agreed to meet. Peter, Daniel, Jeffrey, Galen, Lance and Anthony met with Lincoln and his Team several days later. All were acquainted, if not friends; since their days at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Everyone shared their story, what they knew or could remember; over drinks and fine food. The strange tales were nothing new, except; now they were not only able to talk about their secrets-but also were willing to believe that the stories may be somewhere near the truth. However, what was more clear than anything else was that the former was not harmed like the latter. Peter's group knew exactly why...The Faeries had already revealed that! Three things emerged that made their common bond and story even more provocative: ~A boulder was left at the locations near Rose where the two encounters occurred. ~Each person involved received a sword. ~Each person had a bond with their sword that made the situation even more strange and even harder to understand*. *At this point, I took each player aside and revealed the extraordinary quality of their sword: it had a personality of its own! It had the ability to communicate-via telepathy. It had intelligence. It had various characteristics, perks, talents, powers, skills etc. The swords also had a purpose. The characters they were playing had to make EGO checks in order to accept, understand and use their swords. Some characters had a difficult time whereas others simply couldn't do it....Those characters that succeeded in the checks 'bonded' with their sword and were given the character sheet of their sword. They were then asked to come up with questions about their sword. Those questions and the answers were emailed back-n-forth between sessions.

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans Part 34: The Faeries spoke to the six... The Gold Faerie: There's the good, there's the bad and there's the ugly. The Silver Faerie: The good are curious and seek answers for their own sake. The Purple Faerie: The bad are curious and seek answers to own. The Blue Faerie: The ugly are curious and seek answers to do harm. Peter: We're good guys. I'm pretty sure about that. Galen: Putting the tape on Youtube might make them think otherwise. Lance: Unless we want trouble, like those paramilitary types; we'd better hand over the footage...I'm guessing. All of the six's recording devices were removed from their person and cast into the fire. Anthony: I take it we're not going to talk about this? People are going to want proof. Daniel: I guess they are going to have look for it and find it on their own. Jeffrey: Unless the Faeries have an idea, they seem to be manipulating us in a particular direction. The Green Faerie: This perfect boulder will surely inspire some curiosity. (At that moment, a large boulder-perhaps 20 feet high; appeared near the campsite.) The Red Faerie: And for the troubles that you might find ahead... At the feet of each of the six, appeared a sword. After, the Faeries disappeared. Peter: That was cool! The others agreed. Peter: As is that! He exclaimed as he pointed. The others looked and there was their SUV. The six picked up their swords, got into the SUV and drove off...

Re: Elementary, My Dear Watson I'd add Conversation, Oratory, Persuasion and Seduction to the mix.

Re: Possession The Ghost in the Bestiary uses a Mind Control based form of Possession.

Re: Supergenius... Make the character twins....split up the skills accordingly. No one knows that there are two, it's their secret.

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans The six started to run again.... Peter: We're not on an episode of Punked...it's more like were on the set of The Dark Crystal or Labrynth... Galen: It's like we're running through a book illustrated by Brian Fround...this is soooo cool!!! Anthony: I am going to try to film it, but I am shaking too dang much from running... Daniel: I say we start walking...and just go with the flow. Lance: Seconded. I think we should try to talk to one. Jeffrey: Thirded...and I agree. Why not? The friends stopped running. They paused by a creek. They found an area that would have made an excellent campsite. It had logs around an obvious firepit. I asked each player-in just a word, what they were thinking. Two wrote 'campsite', two wrote 'conversation' and two wrote 'faeries!'.... In a blink of an eye, the six had their belongings right at their feet. In addition, a roaring fire was working in the firepit. Lastly, the strange figures became what the six had thought they were. Peter: everyone introduce yourself... Everyone did and were quite surprised by the response...

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans The six started running. At first their flight was motivated by fear and panic. As they ran further, they began laughing. The kind of laughter where disbelief had started to set in. Galen: Why are we running? That was pretty darn cool. Lance: Yeah, wasn't that a good example of why we're out here? Peter: OK, let's stop...look around...drink some water and hope that we've merely set foot on some episode of Punked... Anthony: (pointing to the south...they way they were headed) Our friend has returned, it would seem and...he's not alone. Jeffrey: 1, 2, 3,....7, 8, 9,....13, 14, 15...ok...we're outnumbered. Daniel: Well, so far; we're still alive. Right? The group of friends were surrounded by the group of strange figures. As the figures approached, they shifted in form from something ghost-like; to something more like a human being. As if they were trying to approach the friends in a more acceptable, less flamboyant style-unlike their last approach...it still unnerved the friends... Daniel: We're still trying to get to our campsite right? Peter: Yep. When I say 'run', everyone follow me and try to keep up. I'll try to remember that some of you can't run the mile in under 10 minutes anymore. Everyone laughed. When they did, all of the strange figures laughed along. The former's laugh was, well; human. Whereas the latter's, was-well; more melodic, but haunting nonetheless.

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans Part 33: Galen: OK, now I am sure of it. We're being followed, but I can't see anyone. Lance: I thought I was just being paranoid, but yeah; I've felt the same way for the past hour. Anthony: (puts on a pair of night vision goggles.) I am seeing a lone figure about 100 yards back and LOOK OUT!!! A flash of light, akin to a camera flash; dashed in between and past the friends. They quickly trailed it with their heads. The flash of light suddenly became a human-like being. Out of habit, everyone drew their weapons; though no one knew if they would have any effect. The figure spoke... The Figure: (chuckling and smiling) What is this 'youtube' you've spoke of? Peter: You've been eavesdropping...who are you? The Figure: You may call me...hmmm...I don't who I want to be today...lemme think abou it...OK? The Figure took off just as it arrived. However, they shot towards the night sky. It could have been mistaken for lightning. Anthony: Excellent! I caught that on tape as well. Jeffrey: Does it look believable? Or, well; like it was made in the fifties? Anthony: Even CGI couldn't do this...not even close! Galen: I think he...she...it is coming back...

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans The six friends crawled away from the scene, stood up and began running as far away as possible. They had to stop to talk... Anthony: I go it all...all on film! And...what's this? Jeffrey: It's as if you were recording what was on the side of that object. Anthony: I've got four hours of film on here that I didn't have before. Peter: Let's get back to the SUV and get the hell out of here. This place might be swarming with all sorts of secret agent type men any moment. Galen: US Government vs Aliens! That was cool! Daniel: Do we put our video on youtube? Lance: Ohhh! Good idea! We might be asked to... Peter: Crap! Get down!!! Someone is digging through our vehicle... The six friends watched as a group of those paramilitary types searched, then towed their SUV. The six friends discussed it and opted to hike back towards their campsite at the Calamus River Reservoir. They assumed they would make it.....they hoped. The campaign now has two groups of players, in cased you didn't notice.

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans The object that landed was a smaller version of something larger already there. An unusual, spherical object floated out of the smaller object and joined three others just like it. The four were doing something to 9 unconscious men dressed in paramilitary outfits. The 9 men appeared to have arrived in a helicopter and a humvee. The side of the larger object was being used like a screen, akin to those used in old outdoor theatres. On that screen was a amalgam of odd-almost insane images. The images appeared to be coming directly from the 9 men. The four spherical objects appeared to be causing or creating those images in some way. The six friends were busy recording what was going on. Not a word was being said between them as the situation at hand had their entire attention. Four loud bangs snapped them out of their trance like state. The bangs were most definitely the reports of firearms. Judging by the damage, the firearms were a very high caliber. The four spherical objects fell to the ground. They were behaving in a very unexpected way: they appeared to be bleeding and screaming. A green fluid was gushing out of their wounds. A high pitched wail was emitting from a large opening. The six were startled and quickly layed as low to the ground as possible. They witnessed numerous people, also dressed in paramilitary attire; swarm the area.....

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans Part 32: On the highway between the Calamus Reservoir and Rose, Nebraska. A group of old friends followed an object..... Galen: Finally, after 25 years; we're finally going to be an audience to an awesome story. Lance: I don't know, I've heard some pretty good tall-tales everytime we've met. Anthony: This PI is filming it, I suggest you do the same. Peter: I'm just making sure that I don't put the car in the ditch gawking! Daniel: I can't pick up a single radio station. There's no phone service at all. I can't even get anything on my lap top. Jeffrey: We're in the middle of nowhere, what did you expect. Just in case. (Began handing out loaded handguns.) The six followed the object for 12 miles. The object arrived at a location just outside of Rose and landed. The SUV's engine died. The six discussed it and decided to set out on foot towards the object that just landed. Upon reaching the top of a hill, they saw something quite bizarre and unexpected......

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans A couple of comments from the players can help summarize things up to this point: Player 1: 'I think all of this has been about granting a genie asylum and he brought all of his belongings with him'. Player 2: 'Someone wanted those nukes and I think the stories are related, if I know how Pete's very strange mind works'. Player 3: 'I think the answer lies with The Saboteur. Where did he get the leather scroll?' Player 4: 'We were distracted for awhile, but not stopped. I think our characters have been tested by Mr. Babylon-he/it wanted to know if he could trust us, for some reason. The Saboteur couldn't protect all of the treasure by himself, Mr. Babylon had to find someone who could: our characters.' Player 5: 'Perhaps we should find out -who- had Mr. Babylon before the Saboteur?' The players agreed to begin renewed questioning of The Saboteur and find out what the connection between Mr. Babylon and the Nukes really was...etcetera...

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans A player made a very rash and independent decision...he read the leather scroll!!! Keya Paha began examining the leather scroll... Keya Paha: 'I can be bound-in this leather scroll you have found, my spirit shall be enslaved as you dare-fold, only to be set free by he who is bold, all one must say is-I dare not wish for anything today' The Team looked at Keya Paha with absolute horror and shock. Hayes: Dear Lord! I guess we'll see what's what!!! Mr. Babylon's image as well as the scimitar icon disappeared from the screen of the computer. Meanwhile, the leather scroll folded; then rolled up into a tube shape. Thereafter, something even more strange and unexpected began. The room began filling up with treasure. Precious metals such as gold and silver. Precious stones such as diamonds and rubies. Art such as pictures and sculptures. Ornate weapons such as spears and swords. Fancy and impressive suits of armor. Jewelry befit of a King or Queen. Tapestries that covered the walls and beyond. The floor was flooded with coins of all sorts and was easily three feet deep within a matter of seconds. It was as if the contents of a museum and treasury simply appeared in the room that the Team was standing in. Hayes: (laughing) I don't know if magic exists, but if it did; I suppose it'd do something like this. Hastings: I prefer a blond holding a six pack of beer and asking me if I wanted to have some fun...but, yeah; ok. Everyone began laughing as they began digging and sliding their hands through the layers of coins. Keya Paha: Um, sorry guys. I simply couldn't resist. My curiosity got the best of me...and well, I am speechless. Ainsworth: Hell, even Lincoln is speechless. Lincoln: (holding a sword) Yep, it's real and I like it. Everyone began grabbing something and checking it over. Everything in the room appeared to be real. At this point the players began looking at me and began to wonder what exactly was going on. I didn't give them any clues...I told them to discuss it for awhile....

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans Part 31: It was 3 am. Everyone on the Team was drawn back to headquarters. Everyone talked about feeling like they were nudged awake and how each found a note on their bathroom mirror. It was written in Arabic. Those that couldn't interpret it, copied it down. Those that could, were very curious. The note read: 'A computer holds me, scroll to the correct icon and you'll see! The leather scroll is a spell, use it wisely or things will not end well~Mr. Babylon'. Needless to say, the Team was amused, eager and very, very suspicious. Lincoln: Anyone think this is the 'real' deal? Hayes: I'm curious, but skeptical. 'As am I!' Chadron, Hayes, Keya Paha, Niobrara and Platte exclaimed in unison. Lincoln: Platte, check it out. Platte: Well, the only icon-that I can see; that seems to be related to the message is the one shaped like a scimitar. Keya Paha: What about the leather scroll? Lincoln didn't answer him... Lincoln: Double-click the scimitar and see what happens. Platte double clicked the icon and a face appeared on the screen. The face was that of an Arab man... The Arab: I am Babylon! Your wish is my command! You have three, use them wisely. The entire Team laughed...and paused to think...

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans The Saboteur was sedated and resting comfortably at an appropriate hospital. There was no evidence of illness, injury, stress or trauma that would make an otherwise healthy 25 year old man act in the ways that he had been over the course of this situation. Psychiatrists and other experts combed through his life and could not find anything to help them answer their many questions. The Saboteur, however was a gifted individual. The Saboteur finished high school by the age of 13. He earned several college degrees by the age of 18 when he joined the Nebraska Air National Guard. The Saboteur's life was all about gadgets, research, technology and writing. The Saboteur was a millionaire simply due to the consulting work he had done and the subsequent patents that were in his name. The Saboteur had the intellectual capacity and the drive to make the Virtual Reality Technology himself, but not in the present. Perhaps, in 15 to 20 years most experts agreed. Though, those very same experts were nowhere close to being in the Saboteur's 'league'-they openly admitted. They were, in effect; both baffled and humbled. There was also a hint of admiration, maybe even jealousy in their tone of voice. The Team pondered the prospect that the Saboteur's story about 'Mr. Babylon' was rooted in some sort of dark, twisted truth...

Re: [Campaign] The Nebraskans The Team examined the scroll. No one touched it directly with their hands. No one read it. No one commented on it. Everyone was told to think about something mundane and unrelated. Despite the enormous amount of doubt about the Saboteur's story, the Team treated the Scroll as a dangerous, mysterious item. After the Team examined the scroll for a while, they left the room to discuss it. Three facts about it immediately sprung into the discussion. 1. The scroll was covered with Arabic writing. 2. The scroll was made of leather and appeared to be very time worn. 3. The scroll was written with ink and it appeared to be quite new. The Team decided that the best way to learn more was to try to use or activate the scroll themselves...since a few of them knew a bit of Arabic, they felt 'confident'...