(Written by Dennis)
Rain, Shadow and Steel were in a conference room at the Chrysanthemum Corp Atlanta office discussing Mustang’s apparent departure from the general group. He has decided that the situation was too hot for him, and for the most part he felt like a fifth wheel on many runs. He had built a new runner rep called Thunder and while he might do some runs under that, he had a lot of money and he was not as interested in being on the outside, of something he was on the inside of. Rain and he would have connection, and if the group needed a rigger or his help, they only need call. Deciding what to do next was a conversation Rain did not participate in; the Dagger was showing her that someone linked to the dagger was nearby, and then two different people, people that had not been known of before.
Then a call came into the conference room, someone at the reception desk had used sufficient keywords to alert them to her presence upon meeting her, this elven woman, who called herself initially as Penumbra, she said that the Corporation was under Technomancer attack. Steel asked regarding trust, but Rain let the others know that this was someone tied to the dagger. As the others went off to do the computer thing, Penumbra called Rain Misty, and Rain called the woman, Amara, and two sisters who had thought each other dead were reunited.
Steel, Shadow and the Corporation resources thwarted the attack, and traced a location to find the attackers. After a brief struggle the all but one of the technomancers was dead. That last, which seemed to not be taking part in the actual attack but seemed to be local area security, was spared. Rain indicated that this person, this technomancer, was also tied to the dagger. After much give and take, and discussion about what they were doing, eventually the two new members of the team were told of the stakes and the purposes. Penumbra indicated that she had been on a lot of tough runs recently, and taking a secondary role was fine with her. She was happy to find Misty (Elizabeth). The group learned that Rain had been taken by Human-First radicals along with other young meta-children after killing their parents during the evacuation of Chicago. The Human-first people tried to raise meta-humans to be servants of humans in the hope that they would retain that ‘respect’ in adulthood. However something went wrong, and five years later they were using the children to train their children to hunt and kill metahumans. Rain’s totem rescued her and taught her how to live in the woods at age 9. It explains a lot of her craziness and why she is so sickly. Penumbra, Rain’s older sister (amara as Rain called her) was successfully evacuated to London, but when her cousin escort manifested insect possession, she was indirectly blamed for all the destruction and went into hiding in Ireland.
There was at least a week before the Dagger mission was required, so because there were new team members, and there was time, the group took on a mission in Pakistan to take some jade orichicum from a mining gathering place. The group took their new jet and cruised in good comfort. Silver and Penumbra stayed with the plane, while the others met their contact. The gig paid very well, but it was an assault on an Ares protected site. The contact had another contact that could provide more information, but he was located in the Ares area of Islamabad. Rain took it on herself to go and get the information. She used an Ares Europe fake ID to enter the Ares area as someone who was considering a transfer. She met up with the Drone technician, seduced him, and paid him 6000 ny for the information. And then she got out successfully. The group had more detailed plans of the facility and information about people and drones.
The plan needed Silver, so Penumbra stayed with the jet. A rigger brought a stealth jet within 2 miles of the facility and provided a wreck of a truck and trailer. Rain left her enough funds to hire a pilot if things went south in a hurry. Shadow, WC, and Steel would, with Rain’s Camouflage and Stealth spells, sneak into the facility, plant explosives and wreak internal havoc. When the explosives went off, Silver was to bring the truck off, and Rain could cancel the stealth spells. And later she and Silver could take part in the fight. The plan went off without much of a hitch; it turned out no one really knew anything about demolitions in the group (Mustang was that guy). Arriving to the site, Rain summoned previously bound spirits or summoned spirits to deal with people in the compound on arrival. The group loaded the mineral ore to the truck with the help of a summoned Force 7 earth spirit, and got away in 6 minutes (well ahead of the 20min window of minimum response time) Indeed the plane left the area within that window. It was determined that only 3000 lbs of the jade orichicum had to be turned over to the Johnson, so the Corp would look at that. They also got a lot of cyberware, sustaining foci, and the like as loot.
Set for cash, it was decided to go to the Ziggurat of Iraq; oddly enough the Shedim arrival point for last month; their point was where we were last month. Arrival in the area a couple days ahead of the dagger. A car rental was not hard and a scouting of the Ziggurat showed great danger. There were flying things like skeletal dragons a couple miles out from the place. The group decided to look closer. Rain called upon a Force 7 spirit of Man to conceal the car and occupants, and the group approached the structure these groups of skeletal flyers did not approach. The group came to the Ziggurat. Through observation it was determined that the top was an entrance guarded by 4 troll warriors; black light shot through that hole. There was a mid level entrance up the side, and a block entrance at the bottom. Through much effort the bottom was opened. And silly people that the group was entered the ziggurat from the bottom. The dragon things were much more interested in the vehicle, so Rain absolved the Spirit of Man’s services to summon and air spirit to also conceal the vehicle. Inside the ziggurat was a -5 background count and no spirit of Rain’s would come. Upon entering the group went left, quickly triggering a trap that blocked them in. Use of swords and Rain’s shatter spell, broke a way past but the passage way was dead-end. Upon returning back the way they came, there was a massive of zombie orcs with glaives waiting at the way out. Shadow and Steel charged them, WC shot them, and Rain tried a Slaughter Spirit on them on the off chance they were spirit-based instead of the more likely Shedim Based. As it turned out there were spirit based, so without too much serious injury they were dispatched. Shadow was a cutting machine through them, as was Steel. Crossing back to go right in the ziggurat, Steel decided to sneak a look outside. There, a skeletal dragon was crushing the last life out of the vehicle. It spotted Steel, and chased him back inside. Shadow and Rain had already detected more things coming from ahead, so WC and Steel fought the wyvern, while the next horde of orcs was solely in fought by Shadow and Rain. Shadow charged the orcs so they could not easily move around to attack Rain directly. Each separate battle ceased at about the same time. First Aid was done on all, and it was decided to press on to the right.
[Notes continued by the GM]
The group carefully sent Shadow forward by Stealth to examine the center, and found a forty by forty foot hole that sloped downward and outward on to 25 silver spikes upon which were impaled 25 humans/metahumans who by rights should have died. They tried to figure out what to do next. They also noticed a hidden door at the base of the pyramid.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Blood of the Earth - News March 2073
Stuff happening in the world - March 2073
People have pretty much resigned themselves to the fact that the psyber pyschosis effect is here to stay. Many companys are already applying some of the same cyber technqiues that were learned to make Cyberzombies toward those who are supremely heavily cybered. Some think it might be a chance in the astral plane.
A giant ziguarat has appeared in the desert in Iraq. It is exuding a powerful background count that seems to affect the area around it for a hundred miles. Those gazing at it on the astral plane describe it as an inky oily blackness.
Ares has invented a powerful anti bug ammo that does tremendous damage to Bug spirits. They believe that they will have it available commercially in a short period of time. It is currently undergoing rigerous testing.
Evo has finally finished their latest line of symbiotes that will rival even their bioware line for versatility and functionality. Designed on their Mars base, they will re-revolutionize the industry. In preparation for the release worldwide, Evo has begun retooling several of their major factories for bioware component's causing shortage in that area. Evo planned it to assist in the marketing of their new line which will be and easier to find alternative to there bioware line. This will be short lived however as they have already begun expanding several production centers to make up for the lost productin in a few months time.
Shiwase has released new biotech that makes the owner unconscious and totally unresponsive, and alert corporate HQ, in the event they are possessed by a spirit. This biotech is a variant of the magically active FAB bacteria and requires a minimum level of essence in the host. It also possesses a special gland with radio capable functionality. It is believed to be bleeding edge tech.
Aztechnology has moved to consolidate their hold on the California Free State. They call the new territory Paradiso Dante. Their efforts in doing this thus far are fairly successful. However, they have also begun to harassas NAN lands between Atzlan and Paradiso Dante with a mass number of spirits that have begun killing a large number of individuals. NAN nations have moved to defend themselves, and have repelled a few of these teams, but since the agressors are random in their assaults, the defenders are having a hard time covering everything. The local populations are quite concerned and many have begun moving farther into the coast. They are also causing tremendous environmental damage since the summoned spirits are killing all living things. A lot of the summoned spirits are not happy about this since its very disbalancing to nature and the background count in the area has gone up in some areas. Aztechnology employees have been notably unaffected by these spirits, though Atzlan is not directly linked to this. Word on the Black Market is that some high level managers are selling charms to protect against the spirits, which has caused Aztechnology’s profits to go up in the region.
The Free California League has begun a gurilla campaign against Aztlan in their region, and they seem to be receiving assistance covertly from a number of different corporations and government. They’re causing massive headaches for the occupying forces. One of these forces is shown to be Saeder Krupp, who had begun a massive propaganda campaign against Atzlan and Aztechnology. The campaign succeeded against Atzlan, which wasn’t very hard given their campaign along the NAN coast, but it utterly backfired against Aztechnology. Aztechnology conducted a covert video showing known Saeder Krupp agents sneaking weapons to one of the more radical FCL cells which blew up a school bus full of Aztechnology employees. It was made even worse as investigations revealed an extremely elaborate trail of false corporate fronts to give SK plausible deniability. As a result SK market share has declined with Ares, Evo, Renraku and Aztechnology taking the loss. SK spin doctors say that this is merely a temporary shift in public opinion and will be rectified, ‘once the real truth comes out.’
This loss has been mitigated by an announcement by SK that they are releasing their own version of the Shiawase bioware, which they believe they can have to market in half the time for 2’rds of the cost. As a result, their shares rebounded somewhat, though public sentiment is still somewhat against them. Shiawase is considering taking SK to the Corporate Court over the issue.
The Feathered seprented Soñador has arrived and is offering to mediate between the various factions amongst the Tir, Salish and Timshan, and all the parties are willing to take his negotiation. He has also stated that anyone involved in the fighting after a month will suffer his wrath. Several local Tsimshian cells have begun forming in occupied Salish land though, and they are causing major disruptions. Public sentiment has begun to turn against the current Salish government. They have taken up Soñador’s offer and a tribal council has been called to deal with the matter.
A skillfully run public relations campaign has begun to stir up sentiment against Tir Taingire. Their efforts on the matrix have been quite successful so far, though the Matrix is a very shifty place. Their efforts at eradicating non humans in the UCAS and Quebec has met with little success. The CAS has ignored them for the most part but this harassment is complicating negotiatiosn between the UCAS and CAS regarding reconcilation of past differences. The Tir’Na’Og and Tir’ Taingaire’s Royal House have formally anounced an alliance via marriage between their royal houses. The marriage will take place in four months.
As a result of their refusal to go along with this campaign, the NAN and the UCAS have formally signed a free trade agreement. It is expected to go into effect in six months. The final details are still being negotiated by diplomats.
The great spirit in the Gobi has ceased its attacks on travelers because it wasn’t real. It was revealed to be a complete hoax created by the entertainment company Soritalk for an upcoming movie. Many people are extremely upset about this and it is believed that many Free Spirits are stalking their employees. The spirits have nevertheless held a conference and created something called the Spirit Accord. They are keeping the exact details amongst themselves, but word has it that they have hired a large number of lawyers in various parts of the world.
The dead rising in Poland have largely been dealt with in a combined effort by the Polish and Russian military. Many celebrate the first true cooperation between the nations in decades. Relations between the two are still extremely frosty.
The Diamonds exploding in South America have been traced to a group of radical dwarves known as the Sons of Dirt. The group was rounded up and locked up. Diamond prices around the world have since stabilized.
Massive auroras of energy have been spotted in Antartica. Many people believe that they are generating strange snow creatures that eat all passers by. What is known is that they seem to make magic surge whenever they are around. The creatures have already destroyed two bases and are believed to be working to destroy many more.
The toxic spirits from Monster Island have come to shore in China and wreaked massive chaos there, utterly destroying two coastal cities of more than a hundred thousand people, and are growing in power and strength. Another toxic spirit has been seen off the Korean Coast and has killed over 50,000 people in a single night before submerging hidden into the waves.
*Large creeping ticks have begun to infest Tasmania. These newly awakened creatures have an incredibly fast life cycle and have begun to wreak utter havok on the wild life.
*A large number of aligators have been spotted in the sewers of New York City. They have eaten more than a few inhabitants. The governing authority is denying that they exist.
*Argentinian troops have begun massing on the southern border of Amazonia, which has the bulk of its forces in the north. It is unknown if they have made some kind of a deal of alliance or are simply being opportunistic. They are moderately well equipped and moral is high.
*With the absence of Soñador, chaos has errupted among some of the factions in the Yucatan with some of the local tribes attacking each other. Such division might not happen if Atzlan were not distracted, but at the moment they seem to feel it safe. The conflict is causing great ecological devastation.
A powerful ring of light has surrounded the Toxic Monster Island, stopping its darkness in the region and limiting the further spewing of toxic spirits. The ring has been unable to stop the other monster toxic spirits from escaping however. The source of the wall of light is unknown. Desperate, hungry and furious, the spirits have begun to turn on each other.
Amazonia recently announced that it has developed a potent magical ward against Blood magic. It has proven exceptionally effective in border skirmishes along the Atzlan border, and it is believed that only the Argentian build up along the border has prevented a massive attack. It is unknown what they will do in the immediate future.
The asian division of Ares has sent massive reinforcements to the Jade Oriculcum wars in Pakistan and secured many of the most valuable sites. Their military presence is extensive and it is believed that they will do quite well financially as a result in the immediate future. They are also forging alliances with many of the local independents to secure the territory.
Chili’s military has become the most powerful in South America, incoprating some of the most modern technologies and magical techniques available. It is believed that they have bought the Amazonian ward against blood magic as well as many of the most recent advances around the world. They have begun a heavy recruitment drive.
Rumors
Azlan has made an offer of permanent peace with Amazonia and a draw down of forces along the border. It is said that Azlan is preparing for battle along its northern border and does not want problems to the South.
It is said that the Pueblo Corporate Council have discovered a Wasp Hive not far from Santa Fe. It is said that the UCAS wants to remove it ASAP but the NAN has told the UCAS in no uncertain terms that their military forces in such a manner would lead to a very hot war.
The rest of the state of Florida has threatened to succeed from CAS and join the Caribean League if the UCAS and the CAS uniite.
Wuxing has developed a new hybrid corn that yeilds up to twice as much food as that of the best Aztech has to offer.
There is going to be another gathering of the Great Dragons in Venice.
The earth's magnetic field is intesifying and the poles have somehow reversed playing havoc with compasses worldwide.
Soñador has offered Hestaby a considerable reward to help him end the fighting in Tir Taingaire.
The Elves of Tir Na Og have offered Ice Wing rich treasures in exchange for helping end the fighting in Tir Taingaire. He is considering the offer.
Hestaby has recently found a powerful treasure of her own and has no need of bribery.
Sonador has realized that his territory is vulnerable without him and has decided to return.
A great dragon council has been called in Denver for April of 2073.
A great dragon council has been called in Atlantis in April of 2073.
Saeder Krupp is enjoying unprecedented financial success.
Lofwyr is dying of a rare and incurable disease.
Toxic Spirits are destroying all of Korea.
Toxic Spirits are destroying all of China.
Toxic Spirits are destryong all of Iraq.
Toxic Spirits are causing massive damage in the Pacific.
Toxic Spirits are manifesting just outside of Seatle.
A powerful ritual spell has been developed that harms toxic spirits.
Jade Oriculcum allows spirits to draw power involuntarily from humans and is the source of the rumors about theGreat Desert Spirit.
The Wireless Matrix is in danger of crashing and only reverting to the old Matrix will keep people and data safe.
There are no cats in America and the Streets are paved with Cheese.
No beer and no TV makes Homer go crazy.
The Humanis Policlub is engaged in a quiet civil war that is causing their leadership to be highly vulnerable to assasination.
The rumors of a super shadow runner group are all true and there are several reporters that are trailing them to gain the story of their true identities.
The CAS and the UCAS are becoming united.
Three hidden elven kingdoms are about to end their self imposed exile and reveal themselves to the world.
Arthur is about to conduct a coup de etat in England.
Aztlan is desperately trying to conceal rumors that they’re going to be hit by a meteorite.
Prices on Fake Sins are about to drop to half the cost due to a new revolutionary duplication technology.
Status and Stuff:
Dennis: 0 Stored DP
Anarch: 19 Stored DP
Brooks: 3 Stored DP
Liv: 6 Stored DP
New Character: 420 Build Points
Group Edge: 1. Cost to Increase: 10 DP
Accelerated Karma: 2 Per Session. Cost to Increase: 15 DP (5 toward)
Darkness Index: 4.8/8 (Effect/Countdown)
Magic Index: 5
Tech Index: 7
Group Assets: $10,000 Vehicle Harbor in Seattle
Group Cash: $500,000 for the Submarine.
GMC Bulldog step van with $15000 in improvements including Chameleon Coating, Shielded Components and A Hard Point.
Base outside of Atlanta. This is a major facility, stealthed and quite nice. It has repair gear and a moderate medical bay. Has a Virtual Programming Environment
Corporate Patronage: Renraku – Level 1. By spending 1 DTP the group can pay up to 100,000 NY to get up to 1 Avail 16 item per character. This represents using the Book of Life to benefit Renraku.
Level 2: The group gains access to a Delta Ware cyber clinic at 75% cost for each DTP spent for this benefit.
Foundation Patronage: Draco Foundation – Level 1. By Spending 1 DTP the group may gain access to one Rating 5 Contact for a single mission OR up to a Rating 5 Foci at 75% Cost. This represents using the Book of Life to benefit the Draco Foundation.
Knowledge of Location of Aztechnology Base (Tijuana) that has highly secretive anti astral tracking magic along with a local criminal contact about how to obtain the data.
A Level Corp (Name Unknown) based in Atlanta GA. Capable of generating SINs and legal licenses of up to Avail 14 gear.
Assets: Financial 1 – Income of 1 Million NY Per Month
Assets: Shadow 1 – Corporate Patronage on 1 Runner Team called, “The Saws” consisting of 5 Rating 4 NPC’s – A Mage, 2 Street Sam’s, a Face and a Decker. They have their own gear.
Book of Light – Possession of the Book allows one to predict the next target of the greatest opportunity for the Allies of Life, through the Dagger of Arachne.
First of Seven Rituals (Unlocked): There are up to six other 'streams' that you can unlock in the dagger that point to the location of interest. These will be revealed when the Dagger is activated on its primary day. To anticipate the location on each lunar cycle, the master tome of each stream must be found. The dagger can be ordered to point to the location of the master tome instead of the location of each groups next position of opportunity.
Book of Darkness – Can be read for 1 DPT to give knowledge of Blood Metamagics (as outlined in Street Magic)
Possession of the book allows one to predict the next target of the greatest opportunity available to the Foes of Life through the Dagger of Arachne.
You learn the first of seven rituals within this book that will reveal the presence of all but the most powerful Shedim or Shedim agents within a 10 feet as attached to the dagger or any other vessel upon which you wish to invoke the ritual. It costs a DTP and seven animal sacrifices to create. (None currently made)
Dagger of Arachne
*The dagger is tied to a powerful Ally Spirit (which you already knew). You can make a spirit pact with it. (Which you didn't.)
*The dagger can be bound to an infinite number of mages, however the effects only apply to anyone within a fifty foot radius of the wielder.
*The dagger is beyond doubt Atlantean in origin. It is difficult to determine but you believe it to be essentially indestructible. Furthermore, you learn that there is a distinct astrological tie of some kind to the cloaking effect, though what that is not yet discernible. It does seem to be a 24 hour window on the Second Saturday of every month.
A E D G T F S
+1 +3 +6 +3 +5 +5 +5
M: +1
(Research on White Book location)
Targets:
Allies of Light: The Middle of Iraq
Allies of Dark: The Middle of the Bermuda Triangle
Research:
The section of Iraq wherein the Ziguarat lies is near a former chemical weapons factory and was also used by the Caliphate several decades past before it broke apart. The current government is largely corporate owned and/or controlled. Satellite photos reveal that there are no living things within the astral background count and that the lifeless zone is slowly growing. There are several towns nearby with large shadow assets. The site also happens to sit upon one of the largest oil deposits in the region.
Research into three of the statues reveals details of three of them. The dragon is in fact an exact replica of Dunklezahn, not Ghost Walker. The gem symbol he has is the Gem of Memory which was left to Lofwyr in Dunklezahn’s will. Dragons are often very secretive of their own ways, but it is known that there are social mores amongst them, and the lore keeper (the holder of the gem) is a very important position. The elf is the legendary Karlarn the IV, a figure in ancient elven mythology believed to be a common ancestor of both royal lines. The symbol with the all seeing eye is that of the Masons, which supposedly had to do with the Temple of Solomon, but it has through the ages represented powerful lines of Kings, leaders and various powers. One of the symbols represents the Atlantean foundation. There was a huge disk that once revealed that there was an ancient human and elven empire, which the Atlatean foundation is interested in uncovering as much as possible.
Laughing at Crows has been off the grid for a number of years. However, it is believed that he may be somewhere in Alaska and living alone. Those who have gone to find him have either not succeeded…or not returned.
People have pretty much resigned themselves to the fact that the psyber pyschosis effect is here to stay. Many companys are already applying some of the same cyber technqiues that were learned to make Cyberzombies toward those who are supremely heavily cybered. Some think it might be a chance in the astral plane.
A giant ziguarat has appeared in the desert in Iraq. It is exuding a powerful background count that seems to affect the area around it for a hundred miles. Those gazing at it on the astral plane describe it as an inky oily blackness.
Ares has invented a powerful anti bug ammo that does tremendous damage to Bug spirits. They believe that they will have it available commercially in a short period of time. It is currently undergoing rigerous testing.
Evo has finally finished their latest line of symbiotes that will rival even their bioware line for versatility and functionality. Designed on their Mars base, they will re-revolutionize the industry. In preparation for the release worldwide, Evo has begun retooling several of their major factories for bioware component's causing shortage in that area. Evo planned it to assist in the marketing of their new line which will be and easier to find alternative to there bioware line. This will be short lived however as they have already begun expanding several production centers to make up for the lost productin in a few months time.
Shiwase has released new biotech that makes the owner unconscious and totally unresponsive, and alert corporate HQ, in the event they are possessed by a spirit. This biotech is a variant of the magically active FAB bacteria and requires a minimum level of essence in the host. It also possesses a special gland with radio capable functionality. It is believed to be bleeding edge tech.
Aztechnology has moved to consolidate their hold on the California Free State. They call the new territory Paradiso Dante. Their efforts in doing this thus far are fairly successful. However, they have also begun to harassas NAN lands between Atzlan and Paradiso Dante with a mass number of spirits that have begun killing a large number of individuals. NAN nations have moved to defend themselves, and have repelled a few of these teams, but since the agressors are random in their assaults, the defenders are having a hard time covering everything. The local populations are quite concerned and many have begun moving farther into the coast. They are also causing tremendous environmental damage since the summoned spirits are killing all living things. A lot of the summoned spirits are not happy about this since its very disbalancing to nature and the background count in the area has gone up in some areas. Aztechnology employees have been notably unaffected by these spirits, though Atzlan is not directly linked to this. Word on the Black Market is that some high level managers are selling charms to protect against the spirits, which has caused Aztechnology’s profits to go up in the region.
The Free California League has begun a gurilla campaign against Aztlan in their region, and they seem to be receiving assistance covertly from a number of different corporations and government. They’re causing massive headaches for the occupying forces. One of these forces is shown to be Saeder Krupp, who had begun a massive propaganda campaign against Atzlan and Aztechnology. The campaign succeeded against Atzlan, which wasn’t very hard given their campaign along the NAN coast, but it utterly backfired against Aztechnology. Aztechnology conducted a covert video showing known Saeder Krupp agents sneaking weapons to one of the more radical FCL cells which blew up a school bus full of Aztechnology employees. It was made even worse as investigations revealed an extremely elaborate trail of false corporate fronts to give SK plausible deniability. As a result SK market share has declined with Ares, Evo, Renraku and Aztechnology taking the loss. SK spin doctors say that this is merely a temporary shift in public opinion and will be rectified, ‘once the real truth comes out.’
This loss has been mitigated by an announcement by SK that they are releasing their own version of the Shiawase bioware, which they believe they can have to market in half the time for 2’rds of the cost. As a result, their shares rebounded somewhat, though public sentiment is still somewhat against them. Shiawase is considering taking SK to the Corporate Court over the issue.
The Feathered seprented Soñador has arrived and is offering to mediate between the various factions amongst the Tir, Salish and Timshan, and all the parties are willing to take his negotiation. He has also stated that anyone involved in the fighting after a month will suffer his wrath. Several local Tsimshian cells have begun forming in occupied Salish land though, and they are causing major disruptions. Public sentiment has begun to turn against the current Salish government. They have taken up Soñador’s offer and a tribal council has been called to deal with the matter.
A skillfully run public relations campaign has begun to stir up sentiment against Tir Taingire. Their efforts on the matrix have been quite successful so far, though the Matrix is a very shifty place. Their efforts at eradicating non humans in the UCAS and Quebec has met with little success. The CAS has ignored them for the most part but this harassment is complicating negotiatiosn between the UCAS and CAS regarding reconcilation of past differences. The Tir’Na’Og and Tir’ Taingaire’s Royal House have formally anounced an alliance via marriage between their royal houses. The marriage will take place in four months.
As a result of their refusal to go along with this campaign, the NAN and the UCAS have formally signed a free trade agreement. It is expected to go into effect in six months. The final details are still being negotiated by diplomats.
The great spirit in the Gobi has ceased its attacks on travelers because it wasn’t real. It was revealed to be a complete hoax created by the entertainment company Soritalk for an upcoming movie. Many people are extremely upset about this and it is believed that many Free Spirits are stalking their employees. The spirits have nevertheless held a conference and created something called the Spirit Accord. They are keeping the exact details amongst themselves, but word has it that they have hired a large number of lawyers in various parts of the world.
The dead rising in Poland have largely been dealt with in a combined effort by the Polish and Russian military. Many celebrate the first true cooperation between the nations in decades. Relations between the two are still extremely frosty.
The Diamonds exploding in South America have been traced to a group of radical dwarves known as the Sons of Dirt. The group was rounded up and locked up. Diamond prices around the world have since stabilized.
Massive auroras of energy have been spotted in Antartica. Many people believe that they are generating strange snow creatures that eat all passers by. What is known is that they seem to make magic surge whenever they are around. The creatures have already destroyed two bases and are believed to be working to destroy many more.
The toxic spirits from Monster Island have come to shore in China and wreaked massive chaos there, utterly destroying two coastal cities of more than a hundred thousand people, and are growing in power and strength. Another toxic spirit has been seen off the Korean Coast and has killed over 50,000 people in a single night before submerging hidden into the waves.
*Large creeping ticks have begun to infest Tasmania. These newly awakened creatures have an incredibly fast life cycle and have begun to wreak utter havok on the wild life.
*A large number of aligators have been spotted in the sewers of New York City. They have eaten more than a few inhabitants. The governing authority is denying that they exist.
*Argentinian troops have begun massing on the southern border of Amazonia, which has the bulk of its forces in the north. It is unknown if they have made some kind of a deal of alliance or are simply being opportunistic. They are moderately well equipped and moral is high.
*With the absence of Soñador, chaos has errupted among some of the factions in the Yucatan with some of the local tribes attacking each other. Such division might not happen if Atzlan were not distracted, but at the moment they seem to feel it safe. The conflict is causing great ecological devastation.
A powerful ring of light has surrounded the Toxic Monster Island, stopping its darkness in the region and limiting the further spewing of toxic spirits. The ring has been unable to stop the other monster toxic spirits from escaping however. The source of the wall of light is unknown. Desperate, hungry and furious, the spirits have begun to turn on each other.
Amazonia recently announced that it has developed a potent magical ward against Blood magic. It has proven exceptionally effective in border skirmishes along the Atzlan border, and it is believed that only the Argentian build up along the border has prevented a massive attack. It is unknown what they will do in the immediate future.
The asian division of Ares has sent massive reinforcements to the Jade Oriculcum wars in Pakistan and secured many of the most valuable sites. Their military presence is extensive and it is believed that they will do quite well financially as a result in the immediate future. They are also forging alliances with many of the local independents to secure the territory.
Chili’s military has become the most powerful in South America, incoprating some of the most modern technologies and magical techniques available. It is believed that they have bought the Amazonian ward against blood magic as well as many of the most recent advances around the world. They have begun a heavy recruitment drive.
Rumors
Azlan has made an offer of permanent peace with Amazonia and a draw down of forces along the border. It is said that Azlan is preparing for battle along its northern border and does not want problems to the South.
It is said that the Pueblo Corporate Council have discovered a Wasp Hive not far from Santa Fe. It is said that the UCAS wants to remove it ASAP but the NAN has told the UCAS in no uncertain terms that their military forces in such a manner would lead to a very hot war.
The rest of the state of Florida has threatened to succeed from CAS and join the Caribean League if the UCAS and the CAS uniite.
Wuxing has developed a new hybrid corn that yeilds up to twice as much food as that of the best Aztech has to offer.
There is going to be another gathering of the Great Dragons in Venice.
The earth's magnetic field is intesifying and the poles have somehow reversed playing havoc with compasses worldwide.
Soñador has offered Hestaby a considerable reward to help him end the fighting in Tir Taingaire.
The Elves of Tir Na Og have offered Ice Wing rich treasures in exchange for helping end the fighting in Tir Taingaire. He is considering the offer.
Hestaby has recently found a powerful treasure of her own and has no need of bribery.
Sonador has realized that his territory is vulnerable without him and has decided to return.
A great dragon council has been called in Denver for April of 2073.
A great dragon council has been called in Atlantis in April of 2073.
Saeder Krupp is enjoying unprecedented financial success.
Lofwyr is dying of a rare and incurable disease.
Toxic Spirits are destroying all of Korea.
Toxic Spirits are destroying all of China.
Toxic Spirits are destryong all of Iraq.
Toxic Spirits are causing massive damage in the Pacific.
Toxic Spirits are manifesting just outside of Seatle.
A powerful ritual spell has been developed that harms toxic spirits.
Jade Oriculcum allows spirits to draw power involuntarily from humans and is the source of the rumors about theGreat Desert Spirit.
The Wireless Matrix is in danger of crashing and only reverting to the old Matrix will keep people and data safe.
There are no cats in America and the Streets are paved with Cheese.
No beer and no TV makes Homer go crazy.
The Humanis Policlub is engaged in a quiet civil war that is causing their leadership to be highly vulnerable to assasination.
The rumors of a super shadow runner group are all true and there are several reporters that are trailing them to gain the story of their true identities.
The CAS and the UCAS are becoming united.
Three hidden elven kingdoms are about to end their self imposed exile and reveal themselves to the world.
Arthur is about to conduct a coup de etat in England.
Aztlan is desperately trying to conceal rumors that they’re going to be hit by a meteorite.
Prices on Fake Sins are about to drop to half the cost due to a new revolutionary duplication technology.
Status and Stuff:
Dennis: 0 Stored DP
Anarch: 19 Stored DP
Brooks: 3 Stored DP
Liv: 6 Stored DP
New Character: 420 Build Points
Group Edge: 1. Cost to Increase: 10 DP
Accelerated Karma: 2 Per Session. Cost to Increase: 15 DP (5 toward)
Darkness Index: 4.8/8 (Effect/Countdown)
Magic Index: 5
Tech Index: 7
Group Assets: $10,000 Vehicle Harbor in Seattle
Group Cash: $500,000 for the Submarine.
GMC Bulldog step van with $15000 in improvements including Chameleon Coating, Shielded Components and A Hard Point.
Base outside of Atlanta. This is a major facility, stealthed and quite nice. It has repair gear and a moderate medical bay. Has a Virtual Programming Environment
Corporate Patronage: Renraku – Level 1. By spending 1 DTP the group can pay up to 100,000 NY to get up to 1 Avail 16 item per character. This represents using the Book of Life to benefit Renraku.
Level 2: The group gains access to a Delta Ware cyber clinic at 75% cost for each DTP spent for this benefit.
Foundation Patronage: Draco Foundation – Level 1. By Spending 1 DTP the group may gain access to one Rating 5 Contact for a single mission OR up to a Rating 5 Foci at 75% Cost. This represents using the Book of Life to benefit the Draco Foundation.
Knowledge of Location of Aztechnology Base (Tijuana) that has highly secretive anti astral tracking magic along with a local criminal contact about how to obtain the data.
A Level Corp (Name Unknown) based in Atlanta GA. Capable of generating SINs and legal licenses of up to Avail 14 gear.
Assets: Financial 1 – Income of 1 Million NY Per Month
Assets: Shadow 1 – Corporate Patronage on 1 Runner Team called, “The Saws” consisting of 5 Rating 4 NPC’s – A Mage, 2 Street Sam’s, a Face and a Decker. They have their own gear.
Book of Light – Possession of the Book allows one to predict the next target of the greatest opportunity for the Allies of Life, through the Dagger of Arachne.
First of Seven Rituals (Unlocked): There are up to six other 'streams' that you can unlock in the dagger that point to the location of interest. These will be revealed when the Dagger is activated on its primary day. To anticipate the location on each lunar cycle, the master tome of each stream must be found. The dagger can be ordered to point to the location of the master tome instead of the location of each groups next position of opportunity.
Book of Darkness – Can be read for 1 DPT to give knowledge of Blood Metamagics (as outlined in Street Magic)
Possession of the book allows one to predict the next target of the greatest opportunity available to the Foes of Life through the Dagger of Arachne.
You learn the first of seven rituals within this book that will reveal the presence of all but the most powerful Shedim or Shedim agents within a 10 feet as attached to the dagger or any other vessel upon which you wish to invoke the ritual. It costs a DTP and seven animal sacrifices to create. (None currently made)
Dagger of Arachne
*The dagger is tied to a powerful Ally Spirit (which you already knew). You can make a spirit pact with it. (Which you didn't.)
*The dagger can be bound to an infinite number of mages, however the effects only apply to anyone within a fifty foot radius of the wielder.
*The dagger is beyond doubt Atlantean in origin. It is difficult to determine but you believe it to be essentially indestructible. Furthermore, you learn that there is a distinct astrological tie of some kind to the cloaking effect, though what that is not yet discernible. It does seem to be a 24 hour window on the Second Saturday of every month.
A E D G T F S
+1 +3 +6 +3 +5 +5 +5
M: +1
(Research on White Book location)
Targets:
Allies of Light: The Middle of Iraq
Allies of Dark: The Middle of the Bermuda Triangle
Research:
The section of Iraq wherein the Ziguarat lies is near a former chemical weapons factory and was also used by the Caliphate several decades past before it broke apart. The current government is largely corporate owned and/or controlled. Satellite photos reveal that there are no living things within the astral background count and that the lifeless zone is slowly growing. There are several towns nearby with large shadow assets. The site also happens to sit upon one of the largest oil deposits in the region.
Research into three of the statues reveals details of three of them. The dragon is in fact an exact replica of Dunklezahn, not Ghost Walker. The gem symbol he has is the Gem of Memory which was left to Lofwyr in Dunklezahn’s will. Dragons are often very secretive of their own ways, but it is known that there are social mores amongst them, and the lore keeper (the holder of the gem) is a very important position. The elf is the legendary Karlarn the IV, a figure in ancient elven mythology believed to be a common ancestor of both royal lines. The symbol with the all seeing eye is that of the Masons, which supposedly had to do with the Temple of Solomon, but it has through the ages represented powerful lines of Kings, leaders and various powers. One of the symbols represents the Atlantean foundation. There was a huge disk that once revealed that there was an ancient human and elven empire, which the Atlatean foundation is interested in uncovering as much as possible.
Laughing at Crows has been off the grid for a number of years. However, it is believed that he may be somewhere in Alaska and living alone. Those who have gone to find him have either not succeeded…or not returned.
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