[IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Deadline

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Sakuro
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[IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Deadline

Post by Sakuro »

Last edited by Sakuro on Tue May 02, 2023 8:14 pm, edited 21 times in total.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Terrible Purpose

Post by Sakuro »

Monday 4, February 2019 - Terrible Purpose

Two days pass after finding Levi's body. Three since Diego went missing. Just under a week since you became guests at Dr. Sokolov's hospital. It as been an eventful week. For Peter and Alexandria it is one constantly on edge. On one hand they are in the domain of a madman that killed one of their companions. Outside the halls of the hospital sanctuary is a land nightmare underworld. Inside is a man eating monster that haunts their dreams. For Hitori it is war to control his urges and emotions. He's always hungry. Perhaps Dr. Kripke was the only person actively trying to help him with his condition and now his friend is gone. The upwelling of emotion after this event makes it all the more difficult to keep himself in check. All this time there has not been a word from Dr. Sokolov. Until today, that is. The message is simple: It is nearly done. All I need now is the Catalyst. Tell Null to bring it.

… and so you do. A trek is made to the sewers to where you can get a signal out. You arrange a face to face with Corporal Sander who in turn relays your message up the chain of command.


Diego has been forced to remain idle for the past three days. A hospital room with three other patients was not the best place to read top secret document, so he was forced to look over less sensitive material on the tablet provided to him by Sander. The Corporal herself visited Diego for an hour or so each day, smuggling in 'contraband' that his doctors probably wouldn't want him to be eating or drinking. The conversations after that first scolding she gave him were lighter as well. On the fourth she returned in the evening after her initial visit. She brought with her a wheel chair this time. Sander informed him that she was going to bring him to see the Praetor.

After a stroll through the military base, Diego was taken to a secure room where Praetor Null, Colonel Costa, and three men in varying attire were having a discussion. When their conversation concludes the Praetor informs Diego that the time for Ascension is here, and they he will be taking you to Dr. Sokolov's laboratory. 'Brace yourselves.', is the only warning Diego receives before he feels his body pulled part. It is an instant of horrible pain that end with ecstasy as the stretching sensation ends with a feeling of intense compression. In that instant gone is the conference room he had been in. Now he finds himself along with Null, Silvia, Sander, and the other three men in a laboratory with white walls lined with chrome, and populated by what looks like five high tech coffins with energy conduits running off of them to a dome shaped construct at the center of the room …


Iona. After assimilating the data that Dr. Sokolov uploaded to you, you are directed to a laboratory room where the doctor has you set up some medical equipment and adjust a number of instruments. This, in part, seems to be done to give you a chance to get familiar with some devices that will be used during the Ascension experiment he that was planned for that evening. After your acclimation, some hours later, the doctor sends you to the elevator to escort three of the volunteers and one of his other guests to the lab. You have their names, pictures, and dossiers already.

"Bring them straight to the lab, and maker certain they do not stray."

… are Dr. Sokolov's parting words as the newly born woman heads out to greet her creator's new test subjects.
OOC wrote:There are a number of things to consider. They can be written here as a montage, or if you want to play they out they could be fuel for Interludes.

- What did you do with Levi's body?
- Did anyone ever go looking for Diego or try to contact him?
- Has Hitori made an effort to go hunting for food? If not, by this point he is starving again. If he does, bear in mind he has no stealth and no knowledge of the Under City. He'd be worse off than Diego was.

I am going to let the introduction of Iona to the PCs at Sokolov's hospital play out. Diego's arrival should be just before they enter the lab, but he won't be there long enough for anything meaningful to transpire before the other PCs arrive.
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Supernaturalist
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator:Terrible Purpose

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP:4
Cnd: Normal
PP:0
"Bring them straight to the lab, and make certain they do not stray."
Dr. Sokolov’s instructions are clear. Take the elevator up and gather the candidates for Ascension.

Iona spent the early part of the morning reviewing the dossiers of the “chosen ones”. All of them without exception were extraordinary figures in their respective fields: A brilliant engineer, a battle-hardened soldier, and a super-educated spy. The fourth candidate was intriguing as well.

The doors of the elevator open, and Iona presses the “lock” button to keep them so.

The audience assembled outside the elevator doors see a woman of considerable beauty emerge. There is something almost too perfect about her unblemished skin and model features. Her aquamarine eyes - large like a doe-deer’s – twinkle with enthusiasm as she greets them.

I am Iona, a servant of the Great Doctor. I have read much about you all; and am honored to meet you. Dr. Sokolov bids you to come. His preparations are complete. The time for your Ascension is at hand.”’
OOC: Iona will follow the Doctor's instructions to the letter. She will walk behind everyone to insure that no one goes off the beaten path on the trip to the laboratory.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator:Terrible Purpose

Post by mrdent12 »

Diego Gonzalez
HP: 1
CND: Not good


While frustrating, Diego knew better than keep pushing for top secret information when he was in such a fragile state in a public room. Instead he tried to piece together what open source material he could get his hands on for any information that would help with the mission. It wasn't very good. The stay was made a little more tolerable with real food smuggled in verses the hospital food being prescribed. Whether it was out of concern, feeling of a strong connection for saving his life, or something else Sanders was was a welcome warmth to an otherwise cold hospital bed. As much as he wanted to get out, his body just wasn't up for it.

When the word came he was going to be brought to Null, he didn't know what to expect. Another debriefing that most likely wouldn't go well was the last thing Diego wanted. His body already told him he was an idiot. To his surprise, it was Ascension. There wasn't time to figure out how they would get him there when out of nowhere Praetor Null seemingly teleported them. He thought he was already in pain when it started, bring the pain to a whole new level, but as it passed he was a bit shocked to find the group in the lab. Null was clearly powerful before, but someone who could teleport a group of people was a game changer. It was why he was a praetor Diego supposed.

At this point, he thought it best to keep his mouth shut. Null wanted whatever they were doing and he had messed up enough as is. A little piece of him was worried and unsure of what was going to happen, but he had nothing to lose at this point. His old life gone, new life severely wounded, and best he could offer was analysis. If going into a coffin and coming out as something different made him more useful, so be it.
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Camus
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Hitori Zanzo

Post by Camus »

Image
HP: 1
LP: 3
CND:

To say that Hitori's life had turned into a living hell would be an understatement. His transformation into a man eating abomination was a kick start. Then two days ago Levi was dead, killed probably by the mad scientist everyone was putting their trust in.
Hitori buried Levi in a secluded area of the Undercity. Peter was kind enough to provide guidance and Alex support. He dig with his hands and once the hole was big enough, he placed the remains of his only true friend in all the madness inside. To see a monster perform japanese funeral rites is just another piece of whacky imagery that would never leave the mind of those who beheld the scene.
After the burial, Hitori spent his time meditating. Sitting in the lotus position for hours, he reflected on the good, on the bad, on the ugly and the really ugly. And balance was the only thing he could muster as a justification for his existence. Alive, he would cause suffering, a suffering that was meant to be balanced by happiness. Perhaps after their goals have been achieved he could cease to be, and get peace. But now, now was a time of strife, of sorrow, of pain.
As he meditated he felt a connection. He tapped into something hidden. There were flashes of memories not of him, but some one eases memories. The kids, he can see Levi in a flash, he can see himself, magnified, horrible. As Hitori opened his eyes he was no longer the hideous creature. He was the boy he had consumed. But he knew this was a facade, normality was skin deep. He still felt the hunger, he still felt the power. He was still himself, Hitori Zanzo, bane of humanity.
And he would fulfill his role.
The next scene is the wolf disguised as sheep. The boy wanders in the streets, searching. Looking. Until he finds the perfect prey, a dying man. Prey of a cold night, he would now become prey of another force of nature.
The back light projects the shadow of the man and the boy against a deprecated brick wall. The boy grows into the monster he really is, and engulfs the man. Now it was returning to the base, which was not an easy task on itself.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator:Terrible Purpose

Post by EnigmaticOne »

Peter Ezima
HP: 1 / LP: 2

It was a spectacle. A twisted outrageous spectacle, but a spectacle nonetheless, Peter was sure. First the burial of Levi, with the ghastly Hitori as a master of ceremonies. Then waiting for - not the other shoe to drop, since they were already ground by the heel - but the rest of it to land or lift.

Dependent on the good graces of a scientist who surpassed the collective community combined, and the moral qualms of Mengele. Who'd already killed one team member for infractions. The team leader had gone and decided to bite off more than Diego could chew, and was MIA, depressingly likely dead without severe luck. Failure to get Ascension going would mean Null would go after the remnant of the team.

And this was before Dr. Sokolov had passed on his message. On the one hand, it seems like he continued to operate in honest, if not 'good' faith, on the other hand, Null's cooperation was needed. So two former lieutenants of Imperator, not on good terms - and as Diego had indicated to him, Praetor Null was only keeping the peace until xhe could slide in the knife.
Supernaturalist wrote: Mon Apr 22, 2019 2:56 pmThe audience assembled outside the elevator doors see a woman of considerable beauty emerge. There is something almost too perfect about her unblemished skin and model features. Her aquamarine eyes - large like a doe-deer’s – twinkle with enthusiasm as she greets them.

“I am Iona, a servant of the Great Doctor. I have read much about you all; and am honored to meet you. Dr. Sokolov bids you to come. His preparations are complete. The time for your Ascension is at hand.”
Peter took in Iona and realized: another creation of Sokolov's. At least she was more personable than Ren or her sister. "Thank you Iona." He remembered a movie, back when he was younger and Hadron falling under Imperator's thumb much more recent. That's right, the third Lord of the Rings movie.

The deep breath before the plunge. He followed her into the elevator.
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Nareik123
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator:Terrible Purpose

Post by Nareik123 »

Alexandria Thompson
HP: 2

Of all the assignments Alex had ever taken in her professional life, and that included operating as a Merc, this was easily the strangest and most frustrating of them all. She reflected all that transpired since joining the team. They had lost a base of ops, one member of the team was KIA, the leader MIA, the only other combat proficient character was a ruthless monster. She made a mental note to keep near Peter, make sure he doesnt do something stupid to piss of the Doctor.

She helped Hitori carry the body of Levi as the travelled the underground to bury the body. She was on a hairpin trigger, ready to dump the body and dive for cover at all times. It wasn't a pleasant but her paranoia prevented from relaxing. She remained quiet as Hitori carried out his funeral rites, eyes scanning for trouble. She breathed a sigh of relief when they returned back to the base.

When Ascension was nigh, Alex felt a turmoil of emotions tumble. This was a life changing event, and a small niggling voice in her head warned her against this. It was dangerous, but as dangerous as everything that has happened and the pay off for this would be phenomenal. She had her knife and her pistol on her, as well as her armoured vest, the rest of her arsenal was back near her bunk.

When Iona turned up, Alex raised an eyebrow at the delicate precious flower in front of her. Someone life her working for Sokolov? That raised some more questions. Where has this person been? Who was she? Why has she revealed herself now? She folded her arms as she glared at the new addition, not saying a word but following the woman and the rest of the crew.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator:Terrible Purpose

Post by Sakuro »

The trip down the elevator is silent. No music No churning of gears. Only the noise that Alexandria, Hitori, Peter, and Iona brought with them. The elevator doors open and your eyes strain in the white walls and white lights that seems to radiates from the ceiling. There are branching hallways ahead and doors without windows to hint at what might be beyond. Following Iona's directions you eventually enter one of theses doors. Inside you see seven people already present: the armored clad Dr. Sokolov, the masked and black garbed Praetor Null, Diego seated in a wheelchair and Corporal Sander standing directly behind him. The other three are men of mixed ethnicities and attire whom you have not seen before.

The room thrums with power that makes one's skin buzz. More than that, there is a tangible tension that fills the area as Dr. Sokolov and Null silently square off with one another. It was impossible to read Null. Their body language was not like anyone you have ever met, but Dr. Sokolov seems to on a razor's edge. As though the wrong movement might set him off. The distraction of your entry into the room pulls the doctor's attention away from Null. The Praetor themselves did not look away. Instead their hand moved in a languid gesture signaling for the everyone to move so as to stand before Null themselves.

In compliance Corporal Sander wheeled Diego into position. The three men followed suit, after a prolonged period of fearful discomfort when they saw Hitori. Colonel Costa, however, remained standing at Null's right hand and back a step behind the Praetor. Null waited until everyone was standing before them before pulling their attention away from Dr. Sokolov who, at that point moved away from the group to a terminal at the back of the room. The black eyes of Null's Vancian volto mask panned over Alex, Diego, Hitori, and Peter. A new voice came from Null with each passing sentence, and sometimes in the middle of one.

"I would like to say that you have done an exemplary job, but that is not true. By all accounts you only managed to accomplish the task I gave to you through a combinations of a Dr. Sokolov's intervention and a twist of fate that has done … this … to Master Zanzo."

Null raised a hand at the first sign of someone getting an inkling to argue against this or speak up on the topic. There was a pause though, and with it a lingering sense that something more was going to be said as the Praetor looked over four of your. Whatever Null was prepared to say had changed though. Slowly their raised hand twisted in the air as they spoke to the group in a husky masculine voice with a Latvian accent.

"Where is Dr. Kripke?"
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Camus
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Hitori Zanzo

Post by Camus »

Image
HP: 1
LP: 3
CND:

At Nulls indication, Hitori approached and keeled before the Praetor. "Null-sama, I have no excuse." he said at the scolding.
"Killed by the real monster in the room, Null-sama. Levi sought to speak with Sokolov about my condition, and in doing so he broke the rules of not getting to this floor. The next day we found his corpse on the elevator." Hitori explained quickly. Probably boring Null with the details of Levi's burial and the location of his corpse was not going to cut it, but he had to at least inform Null of Sokolov's actions.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator:Terrible Purpose

Post by Nareik123 »

Alexandria Thompson
HP: 2

If stares could kill, Hitori would be dead several times over. However, Alex didn't possess that power. Regardless, just blatantly airing out that detail when co-operation between the Doctor and the Praetor is paramount seemed like a foolish and irrational act done without thinking. How would the Dr Sokolov react to this? Did Hitori think that Null would confront the Doctor about this? Worse, if they did kick off then the collateral between them would be significant, as well as damage to the cause if anyone senior on this room died.

Alex quickly decided that getting hacked off from Hitori was not very productive. She offered a professional nod to Sanders and a salute to the Colonel. She was interested to see how the remainder of the military forces were holding out and wanted to get a bigger picture
She had been separated from the troops for too long. She also shot a questioning glance to Diego. She was part relieved that he was alive, man was capable at least.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator:Terrible Purpose

Post by mrdent12 »

Diego Gonzalez
HP: 1
CND: Not good


Diego returns to his stoic demeanor given the gravity of the situation. Here was not a time to show weakness or give anything away. Even when called out team wise, Diego just sat there. It was all true of course. The team was unprofessional and untrained in the art of urban gorilla fighting. Even when the mention of Levi's death arose, Diego just kept up his detached demeanor since there really wasn't anything he could do about the situation. Levi was an idiot. First he compromised the initial base. Second, he got Hitori infected with an ancient virus. Third, he broke one of the clear rules. If Diego had been around when the incident started, he might have killed or at least crippled Levi to stop him from doing something so stupid. WHat was done was done though.

Even in his infirm condition, Diego briefly looked over at Hitori and shook his head sternly. Hitori might be a monster, but Diego wasn't going to let lapses in discipline slide any longer. Before, he had been going easy hoping the others would learn. Clearly, they hadn't. Now was the time to tell. Words would of course be exchanged after it was all said and done in the lab, but for now a head shake would need to suffice.

Turning his attention back to the room, he made sure to keep a close eye on the conflict between the two powerful beings in the room. Something would need to be done about it, but first he had to stop his team from doing stupid things, himself included. Ascension was an unknown, but at least it might yield results.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator:Terrible Purpose

Post by EnigmaticOne »

Peter Ezima
HP: 1 / LP: 2

Upon seeing Diego, alive but wheelchaired, Peter delivered him a brief look that first conveyed 'I'm happy you're alive.' This was not a place or time for 'I told you so.'

And now act 2 of the spectacle began, complete with staredown between the Praetors and then Hitori actively spilling a bit too much detail. Peter kept his hands and arms where they were, otherwise he would facepalm in clear view.

If there is a true god or favorable higher power out there, please let us make it to Ascension.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator:Terrible Purpose

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP:4
Cnd: Normal
PP:0

When the creature-Hitori speaks ill of Dr. Sokolov, Iona is surprised. He's always been respectful to me.

Still, she listens attentively as the beast explains his anger to Praetor Null.

Would Dr. Sokolov really kill someone for something like that? Maybe so...but on the other hand maybe it was this Dr. Kripke's fault. Whatever the case, it's not your business, Iona.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator:Terrible Purpose

Post by Sakuro »

OOC wrote:This is going to be a bit long winded, and there are some break points that require player input. However the back and forth would take a while (for potentially very brief anwsers) given everyone's schedule. I put the "do you accept" bits in so that there is player input on where this halts. Or if it goes all the way through.
Null is quiet for a time, simply looking on at Hitori while the man-monster explained the situation. They then turned their head to look at Dr. Sokolov. The doctor bristled, even in his armor you could see it, but he did nothing to deny the accusation.

"... and you did nothing to stop him. Dr. Sokolov was within his rights, and I hold you accountable for allowing Dr. Kripke to trespass in Dr. Sokolov's domain."

Those lifeless almond shaped black lenses on the mask lingered over Hitori for a few second, the Null turned their head to look at Dr. Sokolov. Though the voice that came from Null was that of a girl-child, it did nothing to diminish the imperious presence of the Praetor as they acted as arbiter.

"However, Dr. Kripke was my mine. Not your's. We will speak on this later, in private."

Dr. Sokolov takes a half step forward to challenge Null, pauses as the room begins to get colder and darker, then takes a step back. Once he does room normalizes and Null looks back to the group arrayed before them.

"Dr. Kripke served wholeheartedly. This was his strength and his fault. Now is not a time to reflect on his lose, however. Now, we honor your success."

As Null starts in on their speech Dr. Sokolov draws back from the gathering to some instruments on the other side of the room. As he does so he motions for Iona to accompany him.

"You were given a difficult task, and faced Stronghold's greatest champion. That you succeeded at all is worthy of note … and because of your success, Ascension."

Black gloved hands shifted and slithered in the air as Null talked, then rose upwards an inch or so above their head, when they said the word 'Ascension'. The pose was held for a couple seconds in silence, the Null looked down to the kneeling samurai.

"But first, Master Zanzo ... give me your soul-sword."

On giving the command Null lowers their hands, the right extending to relieve Hitori of his weapon.
OOC wrote:Soul-sword being a reference to his primary sword. The one he cherishes most. If Hitori complies the following occurs.
Grasping hold of the sheathed blade with one hand and the hilt with the other Null uses their thumb to push the guard. In so doing they expose an inch of the blade, which the Praetor looks on as they speak.

"Mr. Gonzalez informed me that you were instrumental in the Sky Marshal's defeat. A feat worthy of a champion."

"... but if you are to be my champion, my Sword, you will need to respect my right Hand's authority. That being Colonel Silvia Costa. The Hand wields the Sword. You will need to keep others true to the Way, as you failed to do with Dr. Kripke. You will need to inspire loyalty in my allies and those who serve me. Can you do this? Will you pledge yourself to me entirely?"
OOC wrote:If Hitori decides to accept the role of Null's Sword, and so pledges, this will continue.
After Hitori pledges himself to Null as their living Sword and champion before the assembled parties, Null reaches into their long coat and retrieves a vial with a black-bronze fluid contained within. With a motion of their thumb a stopper is removed from the vial, and Null pours the fluid out over the blade, coating the sword in it. Next Null reaches down, grasps Hitori's hand, and brings it to the wet blade of the sword. Closing their fingers around Hitori's hand they manipulate the abomination's digits so that they grip into the blade tightly enough to cut himself on it. Hitori's ichor mingles with the black-bronze liquid metal, and the two combine to coat the sword ... changing it and fortifying it.

"Then, too, shall you need more than Japanese steel."

With the almost ritual act complete Null takes their hands away, leaving the changed sword in Hitori's hands.
OOC wrote:Hitori may now use PP to purchase the following Device.
"[Insert Sword's Name Here]", Easily Removable Device [Feature: 1 (Self Repairing)] * 4 PP
Strength Based Damage 3 [Extras: Improved Critical 1, Feature 1 (Linked to Consume's "Drain Toughness")]
Flavor wise, the sword takes on some of Hitori's traits, as well as a super-science organic-metal that Null has bonded to it. In effect, Hitori and the sword become linked in a very real way.

You are not required to buy the Device. You can keep it as a flavor thing in the background that you never use if you so desire.

You may also choose to change your Status Advantage to "Null's Sword" or "Null's Champion" if you like.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator:Terrible Purpose

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP:4
Cnd: Normal
PP:0

Iona's knowledge of present-persons comes from the files presented to her by Dr. Sokolov. While accurate and informative, there were certain details unmentioned.

Apparently the disgusting creature called "Hitori" was not only once a man, but also a good friend of the late Dr. Kripke. When Praetor Null scolds Dr. Sokolov, the tension level rises quickly if only for a moment. Iona stands quietly ready to fight for her creator and master if need be.

The promotion of "Master Zanzo" in front of Dr. Sokolov seems to Iona to be another provocation given the beast's insolent tone. It is amazing that these two Praetors ever cooperated with one another under Imperator. It is a shame that they despise each other so, their unified effort would be a great boon to The Cause.

She remains silent, yet unobtrusively vigilant against the first sign of aggression towards Dr. Sokolov.
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