EPISODE #2 (THROUGH DARKENED EYES)

[MadStepDad]

CUT SCENE

New York City, 1971.

A woman sits alone in a dark cell. Her rail-thin body belies the inner-strength she wields. Outside her cell, police sirens echo through the vast congestion of the city. War is the prophecy, survival is the strategy. It’s been a long road for her and the wounded warriors she runs with. Organize the streets in time, and have the RED DEATH’s devils petrified of a soldier in his right mind. For here, the FOCUS CHILD of the next PURE will be born. The woman places a hand on her belly, swollen with life. “This is my Prince” she says in a whisper to her lonely jail cell. “He will save the Black nation”.

END CUT SCENE

Cue final verse from “Representing ‘93” by 2PAC

CURRENT DAY – September 1993

LENIENCE ELDERWOOD drives his rental car East. He’s on a solo cross-country mission, leaving Los Angeles CA for his home base of Brockton MA – 3000 miles away. The reason for his lengthy journey lies in the trunk of his rental car, wrapped securely in towels and duffel bags. A sawed-off shotgun, a Tec-9, AK-47 Assault Rifle and ammunition – all murder weapons – all stolen from a crime scene.

It was during the fracas at TARASCON Funeral Home (see EPISODE #1 – KNIGHT of the MENTALLY DEAD) these guns were acquired – in between the time LENIENCE called 911 and JOHNNY ACID put the barrel of his gun to JEAN TARASCON’s temple and pulled the trigger. Now they were being moved across state lines in preparation for a war LENIENCE was sure would come. He had watched his brief allies go their own separate ways after the events at TARASCON Funeral Home and the Grovetown Cemetery, each chasing their own personal specters. JOHNNY ACID – the half Vistani wandering MC accompanied ALEXUS DARKAGNON down South where a new chapter of the TRIBE of HYKSOSA will be born. MARGUERITA DeVILLE, the prized flutist turned Shadow Chaser chose to remain out West, where rumors of a set of magical instruments from which hers may have originated pique her interest. Mentally, she is still struggling with the death of her pupil and the ransacking of her home in Brockton MA. But her most consuming thoughts come from the incident at TARASCON Funeral Home in which she witnessed a gang of ghouls feasting on a fresh human corpse (Failed Horror Check – results TBD). So here, LENIENCE rides alone.

By the time LENIENCE gets to Brockton, it is nightfall nearly 6 days later. He is cautious entering his small apartment, as the threats of KILLA TAY and his TREY-EIGHT REBORN are still fresh on his mind. But VAN RICHTEN told him KILLA TAY (aka LUC TARASCON) had vanished from the city soon after his older brothers were slain, and LENIENCE’s undisturbed apartment seemed to support that. LENIENCE’s answering machine was flooded with messages, mostly from his boy ANDY at Continental Cablevision (where LENIENCE held down a job as an entry-level cable technician). LENIENCE had secured some FMLA time to deal with the unforeseen threat in L.A, but that didn’t stop ANDY from calling and begging LENIENCE to accompany him to a major cable convention in New York City. Despite LENIENCE’s youth and relative inexperience, ANDY never hesitated to rest on LENIENCE and his far-out ideas and theories – all which seemed to be years ahead of their time. ANDY says it’s a very important convention – the future of the cable industry may rest on the ideas presented here – and ANDY needs that next big hit from LENIENCE.

Before LENIENCE returned ANDY’s phone call he reached out to DR. RUDULPH VAN RICHTEN, who has become the RAVENLOFT “Morpheus” to LENIENCE’s “Neo”. The two decided to meet for lunch at the “Italian Kitchen” on Brockton’s south side. LENIENCE thought it odd that VAN RICHTEN would request to meet here, considering it was the recent target of a deadly drive-by shooting – that may or may not have given birth to LENIENCE’s psychic abilities (see EPISODE #1 – KNIGHT of the MENTALLY DEAD). But VAN RICHTEN says he chooses to support local businesses, so Italian Kitchen for lunch it is. It was during their lunch meeting that VAN RICHTEN told him more about the research gathered by his “Fraternity of Fractured Thought” brethren in NYC. Indeed there has been a necklace similar to the one LENIENCE sports, spotted in the Rotten Apple. It’s been seen around the neck of an actor who is currently in NYC filming a movie. These mysterious necklaces have some divine or magical way of channeling chi, and could be very potent in the wrong hands. VAN RICHTEN also told him that a major “Divination Ritual” has recently transpired in NYC – no doubt the workings of the RED DEATH and its minions. VAN RICHTEN and his associates believe this Divination ritual might have to do with the location of this generations “FOCUS CHILD” – a term used within Shadow World-research to describe the arrival of this PURE’s “Chosen One”. If the forces of evil are able to locate a FOCUS CHILD before VAN RICTHEN and other Heroes of Light can protect them, all hope of preserving and maintaining that PURE can be lost.

Just as important, VAN RICHTEN has allies in the PSI – a small, focused branch of the FBI that concentrates on matters of the mind – that may be able to help LENIENCE unravel his newly-discovered gifts. Special Agents are working in New York City right now, investigating a strange series of murderers occurring in and around some high-priced recording studios. LENIENCE also told VAN RICHTEN about his boy ANDY’s request that he attend that cable convention in NYC, and asked the good Doctor if he would accompany him to NYC. VAN RICHTEN agreed and the two made plans for the day-long drive from Brockton to the Rotten Apple.

[MadStepDad]

CHAPTER TWO

Cue “Real Love” by MARY J. BLIGE (featuring the first appearance of a young BIGGIE SMALLS)

As GM I’ve got a little background building to do if I want the proper emotions for this adventure. “THROUGH DARKENED EYES” is an abbreviated adventure found in the CHILLING TALES anthology. To ensure the proper sentiment for this adventure, I used the car-ride time between VAN RICHTEN and LENIENCE to divulge VAN RICHTEN’s hidden past. His son ERASMUS was kidnapped by a Vistani gang – VAN RICHTEN extracted his revenge – tracked his son down who was sold into slavery to BARON METUS – discovered the Shadow World around him when it was learned that BARON METUS was a vampire – slew BARON METUS and his own son ERASMUS, who was turned undead by the evil BARON. Tragic tale that set VAN RICHTEN on his path to become America’s premier Monster-Hunter (the tale all began in VAN RICHTEN’s native England – he came to America after the death of his son).

They reached NYC and checked into their hotel rooms, provided by ANDY – who is thrilled to have LENIENCE accompany him to the big meeting in two nights. From there VAN RICTHEN got on the horn with his PSI contact and told him he and LENIENCE where in the city, and they immediately set up a dinner meeting. Time to introduce a new Player Character!

Introducing Carlos (aka “SPECIAL AGENT RAMOS”). Carlos is an old-school buddy of ours from Broken City. My Q-MONSTAH (aka LENIENCE ELDERWOOD) helped recruit him. He claims to have some old 2E experience but he never gamed with the WHAT WOULD U DO CREW. He came around during our W.W.W. era (check the documentary) but never extended beyond that. For his character, I just reused the sheet I had written up for “AGENT BLOOM” – the player who no-showed our very first session. I just changed his agent affiliation from “Department-7” to “PSI” to suit our particular storyline better. Before hand, Carlos and I had gone over the very basics of his character – what I expected from him and specific character knowledge relating to this scenario. Other than that, he would have to freestyle the rest on the spot. Talk about trial by fire.

VAN RICHTEN and LENIENCE met with AGENT RAMOS at a local diner in busy downtown. After a brief round of introductions, the PCs were on their own. All I can say is “brilliant”. Carlos seems to be a d20 Natural, freestyling character background like he lived it. I had them interrupted briefly by two NYPD officers who entered the same diner, noticed AGENT RAMOS and clowned him mercilessly. AGENT RAMOS knew the two cops from downtown (OFFICER WHITE and OFFICER SMITH) and it was apparent they weren’t the best of friends. Again, Carlos came off the cuff with his role-playing, acting like he knew them his entire career. This was just a brief excursion I threw in for two reasons – 1) Test the kids role-playing skills, but more importantly 2) foreshadow, foreshadow, foreshadow. OFFICERS WHITE and SMITH will play a major part in an upcoming adventure…

The PCs talked business – LENIENCE divulged the origins of his newfound psychic powers, AGENT RAMOS shared events from his own Awakening. Along with VAN RICHTEN, they discussed the necklaces – one worn by LENIENCE the other spotted around the neck of an actor in NYC – and examined the ramifications of that. AGENT RAMOS also touched on the mysterious suspension of his partner – who was suspended from the force under strange circumstances. AGENT RAMOS started to ask LENIENCE more questions about his burgeoning psychic powers – when they were interrupted by an APB call. A house fire uptown with two bodies. AGENT RAMOS assistance is required right away. This being a d20 Modern game and all, AGENT RAMOS invited VAN RICHTEN and LENIENCE to ride with him to the scene of the crime – legal repercussions be damned! We are now officially “Starting The Adventure”…

[MadStepDad]

STARTING THE ADVENTURE

Back down to Midtown. City sidewalks bustling with activity, brownstone homes clustered tightly together. A ring of yellow crime scene tape holds back the ravenous gawkers. Up above, on the 3rd floor of one of these dwellings, black plumes of smoke billow. Fire engines blasting flames back, blue & red lights flashing, utter chaos in the streets. AGENT RAMOS pulls to a stop nearby, flashes his badge and gains admittance to the heart of the crime scene. VAN RICHTEN and LENIENCE ELDERWOOD accompany him. A uniformed NYPD officer quickly approaches and debriefs them on the scene. House fire, double-homicide. Woman and child. Husband BRISSELL is the only survivor, he’s being interviewed right over there. AGENT RAMOS thanks the officer and heads to where BRISSELL stands, sobbing in his hands, and speaking to a gaggle of NYPD’s finest. “Those accursed Vistani did this!” he cries. “A few days ago, they started showing up on the street. They were stealing hubcaps, and I almost caught one of those punks the other night. This morning while I was work, they took their revenge. They killed my wife and daughter – and they stole my son! A curse upon the Gojanovic tribe! They are thieves and murderers all!”

VAN RICHTEN visible paled at the name “Gojanovic”. His fists clenched, and he began to tremble. “The Gojanovics…” he muttered under his breath. “Kin to those that stole my own dear ERASMUS”. LENIENCE was now familiar with VAN RICHTEN’s back-story enough to get the personal connotations. AGENT RAMOS wrapped up the rest of the scene, and took BRISSELL, VAN RICHTEN and LENIENCE back to the station for more questioning.

BACK AT HEADQUARTERS

Back in the comforts of his own interview room, AGENT RAMOS sipped a hot coffee while BRISSELL recounted his story. As detailed in the module, the more the PCs questioned him – the more the contradictions in his story became apparent. For example, the grief he felt of his freshly killed wife and daughter dried up quickly. He explains this seeming lack of compassion as a burning desire to rescues his son KINAR “before those foul gypsies have worked their evil magic on him”. Also – despite claiming to be nothing more than a hardworking middle class immigrant – BRISSELL sure used a lot of Vistani slang. Words like “vardo”, “Giorgio” and “Oma” casually slipped out during routine conversation. When pressed, he claimed to have “a good ear for languages”. But the most curious aspect of BRISSELL was his sticky hands, which he tried to downplay and hide from the PCs.

Questioned more deeply about the condition, BRISSELL reluctantly admitted that a Vistani “cursed” him after he stole something from her. At the same time, he admits that this theft could be the real reason the Vistani killed his family. Despite all that, BRISSELL was still able to earn VAN RICHTEN’s sympathy by explaining that the object he stole from the gang was a “jeshka” – a murderer’s heart, studded with thorns, used to summon “powerful evil beings”. A Summoning Ritual! “Fraternity of Fractured Thought” had reported the recent use of a Divination Ritual within NYC, and indicated that a second – far more dangerous – ritual was in the works. Perhaps this “jeshka” that BRISSELL spoke of could help VAN RICHTEN and his “Fraternity of Fractured Thought” prevent this evil ritual. AGENT RAMOS is familiar with some of the lower-tier gypsy gangs working in Manhattan, but admitted they could be tough to locate. But not for BRISSELL – who happened to know exactly where the gang would be this evening. He told the PCs that the Gojanovic gang has been operating discreetly out of a recording studio in Times Square.

Again exhibiting the poise of a role-playing professional, AGENT RAMOS calmly used this time to divulge some details of his own murder investigations (hinted to by VAN RICHTEN in his early conversations with LENIENCE in Brockton). There has been a rash of strange murders in and around a high-priced recording studio located right in the heart of Times Square. AGENT RAMOS and his partner were working this case, when they ran into some bureaucratic red tape – ultimately leading to his partner’s suspension. This was all information I had briefed Carlos (aka AGENT RAMOS) on before the game began – and he unleashed it with perfect timing. The name of the high-profile recording studio? Quadrasonic Recording Studios – aka Quad Studio.

The PCs went back and forth a between BRISSELL and VAN RICHTEN to formulate a plan. AGENT RAMOS had put out the call for more research regarding the double homicide at BRISSELL’s home and was told officers were interviewing neighbors. VAN RICHTEN put a call in to his “Fraternity of Fractured Thought” brethren in NYC who told him Quad Studios is a breeding ground for a Holy War, as opposing forces of the RED DEATH seek to usurp the power of the Hip Hop PURE. They told VAN RICHTEN of rumors that suggest members of a secret cabal called “The Temple of Hip Hop” have sanctioned the use of the building for a massive “Bless” spell, in hopes of keeping the PURE sacred on the East Coast. Meanwhile, opposing forces seem to be gathering the material components necessary to make the site “Unhallow” – turning Quad Studios into an unholy site. Key developments will be released as they occur. Either way, VAN RICHTEN is convinced the “jeshka” is a key part of this “Unhallow” ritual – and that the Gojanovic gang will be the ones powering it. AGENT RAMOS could not secure a search or arrest warrant on such short notice, and with no admissible evidence. Which made BRISSELL’s suggestion for an ambush all the more potent. “Those foul thieves have my son KINAR!” he cried. “If we wait any longer they will kill him, just like they did my wife and daughter!” AGENT RAMOS reluctantly agreed with VAN RICHTEN that this matter must be dealt with immediately, and agreed to lead that task force. But before AGENT RAMOS could lead BRISSELL, VAN RICHTEN and LENIENCE on an information-gathering mission, he needed to make a phone call. He called his partner.

[MadStepDad]

THE AMBUSH

BRISSELL’s ambush plan certainly seemed feasible. The Gojanovic’s have been seen entering Quad Studios late at night without any noticeable back-up or protection. The particular studio they’ve been frequenting has only one exit, and – despite being a relatively well-lit spot in busy Manhattan - the ambush site is perfect. Every night at the same time, the night watchman props the entrance door open to call his girl and smoke a quick cigarette. This could allow the PCs to bypass the alarmed entry system. VAN RICHTEN warned the PCs that Vistani gangs can be extremely bloodthirsty, and their attack on the gang must be as ruthless as possible. AGENT RAMOS of course disputed all this. He insisted they go their only to gather evidence which could be used to flush out the Gojanovic gang in a court of law. BRISSELL agreed to this, but has ulterior motives all his own. As their 2:00 am curtain call approached, the PCs scrambled to prepare.

LENIENCE crafted a small, homemade explosive device to use as a deterrent should anything go awry in their hunt for KINAR (BRISSELL’s kidnapped son). VAN RICHTEN conferred with his Fraternity to learn more about the Rituals that are in place (all the while continuing to fume over the audacity of the Gojanovic gang – who’s “Oma” (mother of the tribe) – is sister to the “Oma” of the Radanavich tribe who were responsible for the death of ERASMUS). AGENT RAMOS met up with his suspended partner for a night-out in Manhattan. When pressured by his disgraced partner, AGENT RAMOS insisted it was strictly fun, no business. He dressed as a tourist, complete with camera and zoom lens. His partner chided him for the get-up, insisting AGENT RAMOS’ background in undercover work has influenced his everyday fashion.

AGENT RAMOS – along with his suspended partner – had a few drinks at a local pub before stretching their legs and taking in the sites of early morning Manhattan. Unbeknownst to his partner, the two agents conveniently happened to wander past Quad Studios. Finally – no doubt feeling tipsy from the night’s endeavors – his partner broke his silence about the suspension. He told AGENT RAMOS he had discovered the possibility of a “channeling device” that could be used to harness psychic powers, and where it may be – along with who may be after it. But when he reported these details to his superiors in the PSI they blackballed him and hit him with a suspension (claiming he “violated protocol” in acquisition of this knowledge). Those words hung on AGENT RAMOS’ mind like a coat rack. Here he was, conducting illegal undercover surveillance for the sole purpose of gathering information on the Gojanovic gang. It would be a crime to see the Gojanovic gang freed on a legal technicality. But before he could question himself further, a scene erupted outside the Manhattan studio.

A hundred flickering camera bulbs captured the movement of an entourage of men approaching Quad Studios. They dressed in casual street wear, but their shimmering gold and diamond jewelry gave them a more ostentatious appearance. They spoke in streams of profanity and chain smoked Newports. AGENT RAMOS scrambled to take pictures, more out of instinct than genuine fandom. The group of man bustled past AGENT RAMOS and his partner, where they were admitted into the studios. “Hey, was that TUPAC???” one woman cried out. Then they were gone.

Soon thereafter, all pieces moved into place. At around the same time BRISSELL told them to expect the night watchmen to shirk his duty; VAN RICHTEN and LENIENCE were waiting across the street in a parked car. LENIENCE fiddled with the device he crafted and prayed he didn’t have to use it. As a safety precaution (and at the urging of VAN RICHTEN) LENIENCE also packed his Tec-9. Finally, the time drew nigh. As the night watchman prepared for his smoke break, AGENT RAMOS subtly waved VAN RICTHEN and LENIENCE over. AGENT RAMOS had assured BRISSELL that local and federal authorities would not rest until his child was found, but he also knew how tangled and harried these investigations could become. Which is how he rationalized his decision to undertake secret surveillance. The fate of an innocent young boy could rest on it.

Under the guise of getting a closer look at a big-time Hip Hop celebrity, AGENT RAMOS ushered his unwitting partner into Quad Studios behind a larger group of men exiting at the same time. VAN RICHTEN and LENIENCE followed closely behind. His partner took a look at what was happening around him, and cursed AGENT RAMOS for dragging him into another undercover investigation. It was then AGENT RAMOS told his partner about the kidnapped boy KINAR and the attack by the Gojanovic gang. AGENT RAMOS’ partner reluctantly agreed to help. Still no sign of BRISSELL.

[MadStepDad]

The PCs declined the elevator and took the stairs to the floor and studio number given to them by their informant BRISSELL. On the way, they brushed past a man on a payphone deeply engrossed in conversation. He was stocky, light-skinned and spoke with a Haitian accent. As the PC’s passed, AGENT RAMOS and LENIENCE just happened to overhear the man say “You got that, WHITE? And tell SMITH the canary is in the park”. AGENT RAMOS looked back and made brief eye contact with the man, before continuing with the others upstairs (could he be talking with Officers White and Smith?). As the players made their way upstairs they heard somebody else call out to the man “hey NIGEL, Pac wants to know if you rolled that weed…"

Upstairs, the PCs made their way down a hallway choked with marijuana smoke. Throbbing bass lines resonated through out the entire floor, vibrating the glass and rattling the pictures on the wall. The PCs saw framed posters for SWV “It’s About Time” and LISA STANFIELD “Real Love”. They spotted a few young men lingering outside their target studio, smoking cigarettes and chatting lightly. VAN RICHTEN was visibly on edge, while AGENT RAMOS and his partner casually approached. AGENT RAMOS got a buzz from headquarters: neighbors at the crime scene reported that the burned down apartment was leased by a widow and her daughter. She did indeed have a husband named BRISSELL – but he died five years ago. The PCs looked at each quizzically. Then – all Hell broke loose.

As AGENT RAMOS raised his hand to casually draw the suspects attention, they suddenly dropped their cigarettes and reached into their waistbands (instinct tells you they’re about to draw down). Before they could however, a shot rang out. Somewhere in the instantaneous chaos, BRISSELL arrived from the rear of the PCs – his .45 handgun still smoking. One of the men in front of the studio doors went down while the others scrambled to get back in the lab. More gunshots rang out as they returned fire. Suddenly the PCs were in over their heads and AGENT RAMOS had lost control of the night. Into the studio LENIENCE let off a burst from his Tec-9 before being struck from behind by an unseen foe. BRISSELL was first on the scene, blasting recklessly into the studio where bodies ducked and dove for cover. VAN RICHTEN quickly followed the others.

Combat ensues.

Somewhere in the midst of the incense smoke and gunfire, LENIENCE let off a huge blast from a fire extinguisher into the darkened studio. With that one minor distraction, BRISSELL found enough time to steal a leather-bound manuscript off the studio console and dart out the window onto the fire escape. The PCs – locked in mortal combat – could do little to prevent BRISSELL from fleeing. The two PCs and two NPCs struggled valiantly against the gypsy gang, but were soon overtaken and forced into submission. Not to mention the instrumental track that was bumping out of the studio speakers the entire time – it reverberated within the PCs bodies almost compelling them to move with the rhythm (Otto’s Irresistible Dance). AGENT RAMOS and his partner quickly called out their allegiance but the gypsy gang was unimpressed. AGENT RAMOS felt the cold steel of a snub nose on the back of his neck. Just then – OMA GOJA spoke.

In the ensuing conversation, the truth of the matter quickly came to light. The PCs had been set-up. “BRISSELL” is actually an alias – his real name is LOMAR GOJANOVIC. He had recently been cast out of the GOJANOVIC tribe by OMA GOJA herself. LOMAR had stolen some of his sister’s tarokka cards and sold them to giorgios (non-gypsies) as curiosity pieces. In return, his sister VIANCHI cursed him – making his fingers sticky so that he could not put down any object he touched. Furious, LOMAR killed his own sister and was immediately denounced by the tribe. LOMAR has become a “darkling” – a caricature of the proud Vistani man he once was. He has sought revenge against the Gojanovic tribe and used the PCs to accomplish those means. There is no kidnapped son named KINAR. The “kinar” LOMAR referred to is actually the name of a Vistani tome used for magical and divine incantations. OMA GOJA and her people were in the midst of one of those incantations when the PCs and LOMAR (aka “BRISSELL”) interfered. Now LOMAR has stolen the “kinar” and fled into the night – conveniently through the one other exit he failed to tell the PCs existed. When asked about the “jeshka”, the gypsies reacted with horror. They cautioned the PCs not to speak of it, and whispered worriedly together. They refused to answer anymore inquiries about it.

Cue “Sound of da Police” by KRS-ONE as authorities rush to the scene of the shooting.

With little time to spare as witnesses began to accumulate and all available NYPD units responded to the scene, OMA GOJA offered the PCs a reprieve. If the PCs agree to hunt down LOMAR and return the “kinar” to them, they will not cooperate with the law regarding the shooting. AGENT RAMOS and his partner could only hope they were true to their word, as his entire career rested on it. When the PCs agreed to those demands, OMA GOJA freed them and they hurriedly escaped. AGENT RAMOS’ partner refused to accompany them any further. He ripped AGENT RAMOS for not being honest and forthright with him regarding his intentions at the studio. He wouldn’t rat his partner out, but he wanted no more of AGENT RAMOS’ off-the-charts investigation. AGENT RAMOS understood his position and bid his partner farewell. This left just AGENT RAMOS, LENIENCE and VAN RICHTEN to clean up the mess they created. OMA GOJA told them that since being banished from the tribe, LOMAR has taken up residence in Washington Square Park on Fifth Ave at Waverly Place. Before it became a park in 1828, the 9.75-acre area was used as a cemetery and execution site. The PCs quickly fled in AGENT RAMOS’ vehicle and head over to Washington Square Park.

[Gonzoron of the FoS]

Still firing on all cylinders, MSD. I'm loving this. Hope you and your players are having as much fun playing it as I am reading about it!

[MadStepDad]

DRUG DEALERS HAVEN

The Washington Square Arch - inspired by Roman triumphal arches - was erected in 1889 to celebrate the centennial of George Washington's inauguration. It replaced an arch near the site which was a temporary structure made of wood and stucco. Having met with popular approval, the original design was rebuilt in marble in 1891. Decorated with sculptures of Washington in both his civilian and military guises, this arch became the symbol of a new America devoted to the arts. In the first decades of the 20th century, the West Village became an increasingly bohemian neighborhood, and the arch became a site of artistic and social rebellion. Cars no longer pass under the arch as they once did, but the Arch remains one of the Village's important urban landmarks.

It also hides a dark secret.

When NY architect STANFORD WHITE designed the new permanent marble arch to replace the very popular (yet temporary) plaster and wood version in 1889, excavations of the site revealed its dark contents. The eastern leg of the arch hid a coffin - a gravestone from 1803 - and human remains, unleashing a terrible curse that plagued patrons and builders of the arch for the rest of their short, brutish lives. STANFORD WHITE himself was even quoted as saying ”two men set off to build a dream, for one it ended with a scheme…”. That was before STANFORD WHITE was shot point-blank in the face and murdered during the premiere of Mam’zelle Champagne at Madison Square Roof Garden (a building he had designed 15 years earlier).

Since that time, the Washington Square Arch has played host to a lingering malevolence that has turned the Arch into a minor sinkhole of evil. Within these long-hidden catacombs, LOMAR GOJONAVIC (aka “BRISSELL”) has taken up residence. The innate evil of the locale not only drew him towards it like a moth to a flame – it exacerbated his already border line psychosis and fed his ravenous drug addiction. Now he’s taken to stealing from his own family to feed that hunger, which in turn led to the brutal death of his sister at his own hands – and subsequent expulsion from his family. Now he is a Darkling – suckling from the seedy underbelly of NYC like a parasite. Now he has the Kinar and the jeshka – a potent, deadly combination that most Vistani only whisper about in the shadows. AGENT RAMOS, VAN RICHTEN and LENIENCE race along the early morning NY skyline hoping their grievous misjudgment of character would not doom them all.

The Washington Square Arch loomed ominously before them. An air of malice hangs in the air. The few large trees that dot the area are studded with wicked thorns. Several of the statues are pitted with age and indistinct. An inscription on the Arch reads “Let us raise a standard to which the wise and the honest can repair. The event is in the hand of God” – GEORGE WASHINGTON. Most odd, is the presence of several gaping potholes in the surrounding lawn area.

Investigating the Arch further, the PCs quickly caught sight of where it had been tampered with – and LENIENCE’s homemade explosive device from earlier in the adventure allowed them access. They were greeted by cobwebs thick enough to string a dog up. Making their way inside, the hallways were choked with these dusty cobwebs. Just ahead, a human figure hung suspended in the webs. It was clearly a corpse; the softer portions of the flesh had been eaten away, exposing white bone. Yet the figure twitched slightly as if struggling to be freed (all HORROR checks were passed). In the darkness, they were suddenly set upon by a dozen huge spiders.

Combat ensues.

The PCs dispelled the huge spider threat without much trouble (VAN RICHTEN wound up using a hastily-constructed torch to optimum efficiency). From there, they were easily able to follow LOMAR (aka “BRISSELL”) tracks up the Arch. Finally getting to the inner sanctum, the PCs found LOMAR (aka “BRISSELL”). He held a long narrow thorn in both hands. As the PCs spotted him, and called out for him to “freeze!” – LOMAR (aka “BRISSELL”) simply stared at them like a madman – and pushed the thorn into his chest, effectively impaling himself! The open pages of the kinar lay before him on the floor. Evil villain dialogue as madness clouds LOMAR’s judgments and he insists on completing this dark pact, without regard to his own life. He turns to flee and the PCs quickly give chase through the cramped quarters of the Arch. They catch him.

Combat ensues.

Surprisingly, the seemingly-easy defeat of LOMAR (aka “BRISSELL”) was complicated by AGENT RAMOS rolling two consecutive critical fumbles! (we don’t use “Action Points”) These brutal mishaps resulted in LOMAR gaining an upper hand on both LENIENCE and VAN RICHTEN as madness overtook him and turned him into a raging maniac. Finally, with both LENIENCE and the good doctor down, AGENT RAMOS managed to grab the kinar and began to retreat as LOMAR advanced upon him with one of those sharpened stakes. AGENT RAMOS turned to fire and AGAIN rolled a critical fumble! His gun jammed! Tension mounted as it looked like AGENT RAMOS may meet his end at the hands of this frothing madman, but LENIENCE and VAN RICHTEN intervened – propelling LOMAR off the Arch where he was impaled by his own cache of thorns. LOMAR slowly bled out, his eyes forever fixated on the stolen kinar AGENT RAMOS held in his shaking hands.

A few hours later – just as the sun was rising over Manhattan - OMA GOJA and the Gojanovic gang took control of LOMAR’s body. They used an ancient Vistani rite to ensure LOMAR does not return as a ghast or wraith. OMA GOJA directed the entire affair, and the PCs saw signs of intense grief in the normally stoic woman. When asked, she admitted that LOMAR was her son. This struck an emotional chord with VAN RICHTEN, who broke down in tears. He admitted that he was wrong – not all Vistani are murderers and thieves, and he should not have judged OMA GOJA and her kin by the deeds of her sister’s tribe.

THE END

[MadStepDad]

EPILOGUE (and future plot lines)

* The most lasting aspect of this adventure is the new link between the party and GOJANOVIC gang (particularly OMA GOJA). Shortly after the LOMAR situation was laid to rest, OMA GOJA took the players into her confidence. With the safe return of the Kinar, the GOJANOVIC gang was able to complete the ritual they started before the PCs were sent to interrupt it. A massive “Bless” spell that would ensconce the rawest, most potent aspects of this PURE and pass it on – untainted – through the generations. An immense undertaking of this nature requires a lot of time, power and sacrifice – but its profound protection can help stave off forces of the RED DEATH percolating just under the surface. A few weeks later on September 28th 1993, ”RETURN of the BOOM BAP was released – the greatest record in rap music history. With OMA GOJA’s assistance, this record will serve as a permanent beacon for Heroes of Light who choose to swing swords against the darkness. It is also the catalyst of a new East Coast revival that will stave off the growing forces of ignorance… but the future still looks bleak.

* This led the players to become aware of an underground circle referred to as “The Temple of Hip Hop” – a secret cabal of practitioners and paragons that strive to break the RED DEATHs grip on rap. “The Temple of Hip Hop” were the masterminds behind the release of ”RETURN of the BOOM BAP”, and have detailed knowledge of NY Hip Hops inner workings – information VAN RICHTEN’S “Fraternity of Fractured Thought” has strived to access for years now. If the players wish to learn more about the forces of evil that are working to make Quad Studios unhallowed ground, “The Temple of Hip Hop” would be the place to start.

* The hunt for the FOCUS CHILD continues. It has been confirmed there is a FOCUS CHILD in NYC right now. But with the near-infinite amount of potential suspects, it could be nearly impossible to route him/her out before forces of the RED DEATH do. If the PCs are adamant about pursuing the rhymes of HYKSOSA (and his potential doomsday scenario), it is absolutely imperative they find and protect the FOCUS CHILD before it’s too late. OMA GOJA may be able to perform a minor divinatory ritual for the players – but that will come at a steep cost.

* AGENT RAMOS’ partner – still on suspension – reached out to him with more information regarding this mysterious “channeling device” he was blackballed over. It’s a psychic tool with origins still unknown. But now there are psychic devourers arriving within the city hell-bent on tracking them down. Bearers of these necklaces (LENIENCE ELDERWOOD included) are in grave danger.

* And of course ANDY from LENIENCE’s day-job as a cable technician waits. The major cable convention goes down in a few nights and I’m planning on launching a whole bevy of new plots and angles there. I’m still experimenting with my ELYSIAN FIELDS: the RPG concept as I go, and I’m thinking about opening up plotlines that include multiple PURE’s growing and expanding simultaneously. The digital revolution is one of those things. How can one make something so benign seem sinister and twisted? I’ve got a few ideas…

peace,

MSD

[Gonzoron of the FoS]

Nice wrap-up!

How much that lore on the Arch was "real"? The village was my college stomping grounds and I've passed through that arch more times than I can count...

[MadStepDad]

All of it (you didn't feel weird walking under it???)

Google "Washington Square Arch" or STANFORD WHITE and you'll see what I mean. Obviously I added the "sinkhole of evil" crap after the fact, but I needed a dramatic locale for the final clash with LOMAR - which occurs in a graveyard in the original module.

And THAT, my friends, is how you make a Gothic Earth adventure seem relevant and noteworthy! Not to mention a little real-world creepy...yikes. It fits well though, don't you think? And that's a slice of little-known lore that adds ALOT of flavor to the campaign.

peace and thanks for reading as always,

MSD

[BigBadQDaddy]

I gotta say, You did a great job blending RL with contemporary history. This is good stuff.