2022 Site Wide interlude (Writing Contest) Due Feb 7th

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Daniel
Daniel (Lars)
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2022 Site Wide interlude (Writing Contest) Due Feb 7th

Post by Daniel »


2022 Site Wide Interlude (Writing Contest)
EP is granted by the Admin of SavageRifts.com

DTRPG gift certificates are from/funded by Lars.

Rules of the contest:
  • Open to Everyone!!
  • Interlude / Story should be around 500 + words.
  • Story should include one of your player character from the site. (Edit: Active, inactive, or dead are all acceptable, also despite the name so are characters from non Rifts games).
  • Story Aka this Interlude should include in some way, fashion, reference:
    • You return (arrive) at the location of Castle Refuge in Arkansas and find the entire Castle is missing. There is no evidence that it ever existed. If you are a Black Company Player please use a non BC Character. The Castle is missing but there is a large group of human and D-Bee’s hanging out in the area looking for help. It seems there is a (demon, or Coalition, or some other force) causing trouble to the people who have set up camp where the castle should be.

      What’s the trouble?
      Who needs help?
      How will you help them?

      Have fun with this… it’s pretty darn open ended. If I neglected to answer your question in this post, you can make up the answer!
  • Story must be completed by February 7th 2022.
  • Post your sub here in this thread.


Rewards
  • 1st place will receive 5 EP and a $20 coupon for DrivethruRPG.com or RPGnow.com
  • 2nd Place will receive 3 EP and a $10 coupon for DrivethruRPG.com or RPGnow.com
  • 3rd Place will receive 2 EP and a $10 coupon for DrivethruRPG.com or RPGnow.com
  • All qualified participants will receive 1 EP. (See above for minimum requirements.)
Judging
Judging will be done by me, Lars. The intention of this contest is to provide rewards to you, to better enjoy the game.
Agents of Titan Robotics Industries (AoT)
The Agents (Players)
• Jim - Sparkmort Zipwidget: Male Tinker Gnome Power Armor Ace
• Derrick - Caiden: Male Human, Momano Headhunter
• Steve (Hans) - Berk: Male Simvan Psi-Druid Monster Tamer/Rider
• Murp - Rupetta Martin: Female Human MARS Merc Soldier (X-CS)
• Freemage - Lance: Male Dog Boy Techno-Warrior (Cyber[netic] Knight)
• CSC - Ozy “Oz”: Dragon

My Accounts:
Active
  • Daniel - Admin/GM of AoT
  • Jackal - IC (Neural Intelligence) - 7th SET
  • Vi - Space Pirate - Stars Without Numbers
  • Henry Grimes - CS Commando - Rumble in the Jungle

Not Active
  • Hondo - Wild Psi Stalker
  • Burn - Mega Juicer - Juicer Uprising (On Hold)
  • Blackfish - Ogre Combat Mage - 12th SET (On Hold)
  • Setrakian - Dragon Juicer - FoM Jungles (Retired)

NPC Accounts
  • Lord Coake - NPC
  • Valentine - NPC
  • Erin Tarn - NPC
  • James T - NPC
  • Hagen Lonovich - NPC

User avatar
Daniel
Daniel (Lars)
Posts: 2167
Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2017 9:13 am
Location: Former Alias (GM name) was Lars (2016-2022)

Re: 2022 Site Wide interlude (Writing Contest) Due Feb 7th

Post by Daniel »


Bump. Reminder! 🙂
Agents of Titan Robotics Industries (AoT)
The Agents (Players)
• Jim - Sparkmort Zipwidget: Male Tinker Gnome Power Armor Ace
• Derrick - Caiden: Male Human, Momano Headhunter
• Steve (Hans) - Berk: Male Simvan Psi-Druid Monster Tamer/Rider
• Murp - Rupetta Martin: Female Human MARS Merc Soldier (X-CS)
• Freemage - Lance: Male Dog Boy Techno-Warrior (Cyber[netic] Knight)
• CSC - Ozy “Oz”: Dragon

My Accounts:
Active
  • Daniel - Admin/GM of AoT
  • Jackal - IC (Neural Intelligence) - 7th SET
  • Vi - Space Pirate - Stars Without Numbers
  • Henry Grimes - CS Commando - Rumble in the Jungle

Not Active
  • Hondo - Wild Psi Stalker
  • Burn - Mega Juicer - Juicer Uprising (On Hold)
  • Blackfish - Ogre Combat Mage - 12th SET (On Hold)
  • Setrakian - Dragon Juicer - FoM Jungles (Retired)

NPC Accounts
  • Lord Coake - NPC
  • Valentine - NPC
  • Erin Tarn - NPC
  • James T - NPC
  • Hagen Lonovich - NPC

User avatar
Daniel
Daniel (Lars)
Posts: 2167
Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2017 9:13 am
Location: Former Alias (GM name) was Lars (2016-2022)

Re: 2022 Site Wide interlude (Writing Contest) Due Feb 7th

Post by Daniel »


Bump. Reminder! 🙂
Agents of Titan Robotics Industries (AoT)
The Agents (Players)
• Jim - Sparkmort Zipwidget: Male Tinker Gnome Power Armor Ace
• Derrick - Caiden: Male Human, Momano Headhunter
• Steve (Hans) - Berk: Male Simvan Psi-Druid Monster Tamer/Rider
• Murp - Rupetta Martin: Female Human MARS Merc Soldier (X-CS)
• Freemage - Lance: Male Dog Boy Techno-Warrior (Cyber[netic] Knight)
• CSC - Ozy “Oz”: Dragon

My Accounts:
Active
  • Daniel - Admin/GM of AoT
  • Jackal - IC (Neural Intelligence) - 7th SET
  • Vi - Space Pirate - Stars Without Numbers
  • Henry Grimes - CS Commando - Rumble in the Jungle

Not Active
  • Hondo - Wild Psi Stalker
  • Burn - Mega Juicer - Juicer Uprising (On Hold)
  • Blackfish - Ogre Combat Mage - 12th SET (On Hold)
  • Setrakian - Dragon Juicer - FoM Jungles (Retired)

NPC Accounts
  • Lord Coake - NPC
  • Valentine - NPC
  • Erin Tarn - NPC
  • James T - NPC
  • Hagen Lonovich - NPC

User avatar
Daniel
Daniel (Lars)
Posts: 2167
Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2017 9:13 am
Location: Former Alias (GM name) was Lars (2016-2022)

Re: 2022 Site Wide interlude (Writing Contest) Due Feb 7th

Post by Daniel »


Posting a story just ‘cause. No EP or Rewards to me. This story is a little over 600 words. I am leaving the ending open ended. Maybe you’d like to add onto it as your entry? — Lars
Neuron Beast
Neuron Beast
27FFEA35-2669-426A-9B77-7A11CECFCBD3.jpeg (59.34 KiB) Viewed 2698 times
One ton, 20 feet tall, possessing four arms and over a dozen tentacles beneath a spiky, horrific body, the Neuron Beast (so named for its similarity to a cluster of nerve endings) is another alien demon to plague human civilization since the dawning of the Rifts. Psychic vampires who feed on strong emotion, most Neuron Beasts are not only drawn to conflict, they manipulate situations and beings to create and promote conflict.

Though capable of engaging in direct combat, Neuron Beasts much prefer to hover nearby, soaking in the psychic energies generated when factions engage in an argument or battle. Not every Neuron Beast is evil, but most regard humans and D-Bees as lesser beings and will callously use them without compunction.

Neuron Beasts are immensely curious, engaged in the constant exploration and study of life and cosmic nature throughout Rifts Earth. Many wander the lands looking for people or factions to manipulate, posing as demon lords or godlings ready to grant wishes for the services they seek.

Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d12+2, Spirit d12, Strength d12+1, Vigor d10

Skills: Academics d8, Athletics d8, Common Knowledge d10, Fighting d8, Healing d10, Intimidation d12, Notice d10, Occult d12, Persuasion d10, Psionics d12, Science d10, Spellcasting d12, Stealth d8, Taunt d10

Pace: 8; Parry: 6; Toughness: 36 (16)

Hindrances: Arrogant, Curious, Ruthless(Major)

Edges: Alertness, Arcane Background (Magic), Arcane Background (Psionics), Charismatic, First Strike (Imp), Level Headed (Imp), Jack-of-All-Trades, Linguist, Major Psionic, Master of Magic, Mentalist, Psi-Blade, Sixth Sense, Scholar (Occult), Strong Willed, Wizard

Powers (Magic): Beast friend, banish, bolt, dispel, entangle, light/darkness, invisibility, speak language. PPE: 40

Powers (Psionic): darksight*, deflection*, detect/ conceal arcana, empathy, mind link, mind reading, puppet, smite*, stun. ISP: 40

Special Abilities:
„Armored Hide: Neuron Beasts have +16 MDC Armor and +8 Toughness.
„
Claws: Str+2d6, AP 10. Its talons and spiked tentacles are sharp.
„
Environmental Immunity: Cold, Fire, Heat, and mortal Poison and Disease.
„
Fear (−2): Neuron Beasts cause Fear checks at −2.
„
Flight: These creatures naturally hover, and are able to fly at their Pace.
„
Four Arms: This monster suffers no off- hand penalties and ignores 2 points of Multi-Action penalties each turn. It can summon a Psi-Blade for each hand.
„
Size 5 (Large): Neuron Beasts are 20' tall; gaining a fourth Wound level.
„
Slow Regeneration: Make a natural healing roll daily, can regenerate limbs. „

Tentacles: Neuron Beasts have four tentacle actions at Reach 4. A hit from a tentacle (Shaken or Wounded), causes a Vigor roll against paralyzing Poison. „

Weakness (Cold): These creatures suffer +2 damage from cold-based attacks, and −2 to resist other Cold effects (such as on Fatigue checks against extreme cold).

Weakness (Holy Attacks): Demons take +4 Mega Damage from holy attacks.



MOMANO HEADHUNTER
Damien FrostImage
TW Cybernetics
Left Hand:
Image
Right Hand:
Image

Image
HERO’S JOURNEY (TWO ROLLS)
Rolls
Momano gain two rolls on any tables except the following: Cybernetics, Enchanted Items & Mystic Gadgets, Magic & Mysticism.

[dice:1nu641xb]64767:1[/dice:1nu641xb] : New Power

[dice:1nu641xb]64767:2[/dice:1nu641xb] : Training, +3 skill points useable on Athletics, Shooting & Fighting.
Name: Damien Frost
Player: Dan (Lars)
Rank: Novice 2
Race: Human
Iconic Framework: Momano Hunter
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d8, Spirit d8, Strength d10, Vigor d8
Pace: 6; Parry: 8; Toughness: 9 (2); Strain: Maxed.

[[In Armor 19 (5) before Psionics is used (protection +6 or +8, also can add toughness modifier to prevent AP)]]

Skills:
  • Athletics d8 (1 from HJ)
  • Common Knowledge d4+2
  • Notice d8+2
  • Persuasion d6
  • Stealth d6
  • Occult d10
  • Fighting d12 (2 from HJ)
  • Shooting d8+2 (+2 more when using energy projector)
  • Academics d6
  • Repair d6
  • Performance d6
  • Survival d6 (free reroll on notice/survival vs supernatural)
  • Psionics d10-1
Hindrances
  • Driven (Major): Destroy evil monsters.
  • Heroic (Major): Yes, I am a big damn hero.
  • Cybernetic Oddball: Non-TW cybernetics cause catastrophic interference, rendering a Momano's Psionics skill unusable until removed by their sect's armorers
  • Enemies: Momano are despised by demons and monsters, who will target them first for destruction. The CS and supremacists hate them, too.
  • Limited Expansion: The Momano's base cybernetics use up all personal Strain, ever.
  • Outsider: –2 penalty to Persuasion rolls with those unfamiliar with Momano heroism.
  • Restricted Path: Momano may take no further Arcane Backgrounds.
  • Some Piece of Work: Momano's bodies can be Healed as normal when they are hurt, but any damage to their TW bionics must be repaired using the lower of Healing or Techno-Wizardry
Edges
  • Arcane Background (Psionics): 10 ISP, 3 powers.
  • Major Psionics (HJ): Double base ISP. Before attempting a Psionics skill roll may spend 2 ISP to gain +1 to the roll, or 4 ISP for +2.
  • Master Psioncs (HJ): Mind Melter list, mega modifiers
  • Scholar (IF): Occult
  • Monster Slayer (IF): Roll Occult to identify a foe. If successful the GM reveals the being’s weaknesses (if any) and the Monster Slayer’s advice grants allies a +1 bonus to Trait rolls versus such creatures until the end of the encounter. On a raise, the target’s special abilities of note (if any) are revealed, and the bonus to Trait rolls is increased to +2.
  • Take ‘em Down: add +4 AP to attacks vs M.D.C. Targets.
  • Brawler (IF): Toughness +1, add d4 to damage from fists; or increase it a die type if combined with Martial Artist, Claws, or similar abilities.
  • Brave (IF): +2 Fear checks, -2 to rolls on Fear Table
  • Monster Hunter (IF): Free reroll on all Notice and Survival (tracking) checks made for supernatural targets
  • Recognized Defenders (IF): +1 Persuasion when dealing with those who value the faction's exploits
  • Connections (IF): Momano Sect and Allies
  • TW Bionic Attunement (IF): Strain penalty to Psionics rolls for their starting cybernetics is reduced to –1 total
  • Danger Sense (Cybernetics): Notice roll at +2 to sense ambushes or similar events.
  • CHI: at the start of each combat encounter, gains one Chi Point that can be used to: - Reroll a failed attack, even a critical failure. - make an enemy reroll a successful attack that was made against them. - add plus D6 damage to one successful unarmed fighting attack (can be w/claws) which can ace.

Cybernetics
TW Weapons
  • Magical Blades and Spikes: Str+d8 AP 2—considered Claws, see Natural Weapons in Savage Worlds.
  • Hydraulic Stake Driver: Str+d10 Mega Damage, AP2, Shots 6. May be used with either a Touch Attack or at no Called Shot penalty (only when used against Grappled opponents). Wooden stakes can be magically reloaded (costs 1 ISP), but metal stakes are commonly hand-loaded (often silvered or cold iron tipped).
  • Energy Projector: A versatile weapon system with the embedded powers of bolt, burst, and smite (applied to her Magical Blades and Spikes only, deals Mega Damage for the Duration). As an action she may activate the base (no modifiers possible) version of one power using her Spirit—costs 1 ISP and choose one of the Trappings each activation: Cold Iron, Electricity, Fire, Holy Sun Beam/Light, or Silver.
TW Bionics (bonuses already factored in):
Bionic Strength Augmentation (3), Cyber-Wired Reflexes (1), and Synthetic Organ Replacement (1).

Cybernetics
  • Armor Plating (1 level) +2 A
  • Core Electronics Package +2 to common knowledge, electronics, hacking, research and repair rolls. 20 mile radio, Gyro-Compass, Clock calendar.
  • Expanded Detection and Security Array 360 degree radar +2 notice rolls
  • Nano-Repair System heal 1 Wound per day, +4 resist bleeding out, 50% chance reject poison or disease.
  • Optics Package ignore illumination penalties, grants +2 sight based notice checks
  • Targeting Eye +2 shooting

Psychic Powers
  • Arcane Background: Psionics/Mind Melter list
  • ISP: 30
  • Recharge Rate: / hour
Protection from the Arcane
Arcane Protection
Rank: Novice
Power Points: 1
Range: Smarts
Duration: 5
Trappings: Concentration, a dull glow around the protected character, a fetish.

Success with arcane protection means hostile powers suffer a −2 penalty (−4 with a raise) to affect this character. If the power causes harm, damage is also reduced a like amount.
Arcane protection stacks with Arcane Resistance should the recipient have both!

Modifiers:
Additional Recipients (+1): The power may affect more than one target for 1 additional Power Point each.

Mega Modifier:
Exalted Protection from the Arcane (+2): Hostile powers suffer a −4 penalty ( – 6 with a raise).
Detect / Conceal Arcana
Detect / Conceal Arcana
Rank: Novice
Power Points: 2
Range: Smarts
Duration: 5 (detect); one hour (conceal) Trappings: Waving hands, whispers.
Detect arcana allows the recipient of the power to see and detect all supernatural persons, objects, or effects in sight for five rounds. This includes invisible foes, enchantments on people or items, weird science devices, and so on. With a raise, the caster knows the general type of enchantment as well— harmful, obscurement, magic, miracles, etc.

Detect arcana also allows a character to ignore up to 4 points of penalties when attacking foes hidden by magical darkness, invisibility, or similar abilities (or all penalties with a raise).

Conceal arcana prevents detection of arcane energies on one being or item of Normal Scale for one hour (see the Size Table Savage Worlds).

Detect vs. Conceal: Detecting arcana against someone or something that’s been concealed is an opposed roll of arcane skills (roll each time it’s attempted, but no more than once per turn). If the concealment wins, the character cannot see through the ruse with this casting, but may terminate this instance and try again.

Modifiers (+1): The power may affect more than one viewer for detect, or item for conceal, for 1 additional Power Point each.

„Area of effect (+1/+2): Conceal only. The power affects everything in a sphere the size of a Medium Blast Template for +1 points, or a Large Blast Template for +2.

„Strong (+1): Conceal only. Detection rolls to see through the concealment are made at −2.

Mega Modifiers

Exalted Detect Arcana (+2): Detect arcana is greatly enhanced, giving it expanded analytical effects. With a successful Arcane Skill check on a particular magical effect or supernatural entity or phenomena, the caster can learn the following:
Active powers and arcane abilities. „
Type of supernatural creature (vampire, werewolf, dragon, etc.). „
Enchantments present on an item. „
The PPE or ISP possessed by a target. „
Other information the GM allows.

When used on a supernatural creature, a raise on the Arcane Skill check reveals any susceptibilities, Weaknesses, and ways to bypass Invulnerability.

Exalted Conceal Arcana (+2): The recipient is −2 (or −4 with a raise) to be seen or found with detect arcana, divination, and other arcane abilities; may not be used in combination with the power’s Strong modifier.

Presence Sense (+1): The caster is able to sense the presence and exact location of living beings within range like a radar; detect arcana activated with Presence Sense no longer requires line of sight to locate living beings.
Protection “Armor”
Protection Rank: Novice
Power Points: 1
Range: Smarts
Duration: 5
Trappings: A mystical glow, hardened skin,
ethereal armor, a mass of nanites. Protection creates a field of energy or armor around a character, giving him 2 points of Armor, or +4 with a raise.

Whether the protection is visible or not depends on the Trapping—this is entirely up to the caster.

Protection stacks with all other armor, natural or worn, and is negated by AP as usual.

Modifiers
Additional Recipients (+1): The power may affect additional targets at a cost of 1 Power Point each.

More Armor (+1): Success grants 4 points of Armor (+6 with a raise).

Toughness (+1): Protection provides Toughness instead of Armor and is not affected by AP (magical or otherwise).

Mega Modifiers
Greater Protection (+3): Protection provides 6 points of MDC Armor (+8 with a raise), which stacks with all other armor, natural or worn. May be combined with the Toughness Power Modifier, but not More Armor.
Speed/Sloth/Quickness
Sloth/Speed Rank: Seasoned
Power Points: 2
Range: Smarts
Duration: Instant (sloth); 5 (speed) Trappings: Slowing time, blurred motion, a slippery patch of oil or ice.

Sloth lessens celerity and coordination while speed increases it. It halves the target’s total movement each round (round up). With a raise, movement is also an action. The target automatically attempts to shake off the effects of sloth at the end of each of his next turns by making a Spirit roll.

Success with speed doubles the target’s movement (basic Pace and running). With a raise the character also ignores the −2 running penalty.

Modifiers
Additional Recipients (+1): Speed only. The power may affect more than one target for 1 additional Power Point each.

Area of Effect (+2/+3): Sloth only. For +2 points the power affects everyone in a Medium Blast Template. For +3 points the area of effect is increased to a Large Blast Template.

Quickness (+2): Speed only. The character’s total Multi-Action penalty each turn is reduced by 2 (she can do two actions at no penalty or three at −2 each).

Strong (+1): Sloth only. The Spirit roll to shake off sloth’s effects is made at −2.

Mega Modifiers
Exalted Quickness (+4): Speed only. The recipient suffers no Multi-Action penalties.

Greater Sloth (+2): Sloth only. The
target cannot run, and with a raise is Vulnerable.

Greater Speed (+2): Speed only. The recipient’s Run dice are not rolled, instead gaining the maximum dice result possible. With a raise the recipient is also Nimble (see The Tomorrow Legion Player's Guide).
Warriors Gift
Warrior’s Gift Rank: Seasoned
Power Points: 4
Range: Smarts
Duration: 5
Trappings: Gestures, prayer, whispered
words, concentration.

With a successful arcane skill roll, the recip- ient gains the benefits of a single Combat Edge chosen by the caster. The caster (not the recipient) must have the same Rank or higher as the Edge’s Requirements. With a raise, the recipient gains the Improved version of the Edge (if there is one, and even if he doesn’t meet the Rank Requirement).

Modifiers
Additional Recipients (+1): The power may affect more than one target for 1 additional Power Point each.

Mega Modifiers
Greater Warriors Gift (+4): The recipient gains two Combat Edges at once.

Gear
  • NG-S2 Survival Pack (includes a Survival Knife, wooden cross, and wooden stakes).
  • For the Hydraulic Stake Driver he carries 6 silver and 6 cold iron spikes. (Wood spikes are reloaded magically).
  • 3 EP spent on Communication Band TW
    Communications Band (TW)
    Communication Band:
    With radio transistors, embedded copper wiring, and various other metal and plastic elements, this gold headband grants the speak language power and +1 to Persuasion and Performance rolls. It costs 1 Power Point per hour of use. (.5 lb, 34,000 credits).

    Speak Language (TW band)
    This power allows a character to speak, read, and write a sapient language other than his own. A raise on the arcane skill roll allows the user to appropriately use and understand slang and dialect as well.

    Modifiers
    Additional Recipients (+1): The power may affect more than one target for 1 additional Power Point each. Range: Smarts.

    Mega Modifiers
    Mass Understanding (+5): The caster causes characters within Smarts ×2 of him to understand one another, regardless of language.
  • Branaghan w/Duster Armor: +5, +2 A, +2, +1, EBA.

    Big Bo
    Image
  • Plus one TW of choice: (Reskinned Spirit Bow no other mods, just a rifle not bow).
    TW SB Rifle “Big Bo”: 30/60/120, 4d6 +6 AP plus 1d6 damage and +6 AP vs supernatural.
Background
  • Damien Frost joined the Legion to destroy evil.

    As a son of two Momano Headhunters Damien was raised in the Sect and training started at a young age. There just was never any question of what he would do when he grew up. Obviously slay demons and hunt evil. By 16 he was well on his way to honing psychic power. By 17 he under went the Momano Sect Technowizardry surgery to receive bionics and cybernetics.

    After more intense training with the Sect his parents asked him if he would be willing to work with some friends of the Sect. That being the Legion. It would be a good experience and means of growth. Now 18, Damien excepted and gladly headed out to join the Legion excited to work alongside other do gooders and save the day. Learning about the history of the original 1st SET he’s proud to be part of its new crew and create a new heroic history with the team.

Advances

Hero’s Journey
  • Psionics: New Power
  • Training: +3 pts
Advances
  • Initial Advances: (From Hindrances): +1 Vigor, Major Psionic
  • Free Edge (Human): Master Psionics
  • Cybernetic Modifications: See above
  • N1/PBP: Take ‘em Down Edge
  • Novice 2 Advance (Q2 Earned): Power Points
  • Novice 3 Advance:
  • Seasoned 1 Advance:
  • Seasoned 2 Advance:
  • Seasoned 3 Advance:
  • Seasoned 4 Advance:
  • Veteran 1 Advance:
  • Veteran 2 Advance:
  • Veteran 3 Advance:
  • Veteran 4 Advance:
  • Heroic 1 Advance:
  • Heroic 2 Advance:
  • Heroic 3 Advance:
  • Heroic 4 Advance:
  • Legendary 1 Advance:
  • Legendary 2 Advance:
  • Legendary 3 Advance:
  • Legendary 4 Advance:



The Short Story

Damien stopped at the rise of the hill and looked down at the land before him.

Nothing.

Well. Not exactly nothing.

Just. Not what he expected.

Looking around the Momano Headhunter scratched his head with his metal fingers.

”Am I lost? What on earth?”

It had taken him over a year to get back to Arkansas and find Castle Refuge and now either he was lost or the castle was.

Damien had set out with the Legion 1st SET and they had accidentally been Rifted to Russia. He’d tried to help the team get back however he’d been hurt, attacked and then left behind. Lost. Alone. In the snowy wilds of the dangerous Russian frontier.

He never did find his team. Hopeful they had made it back. Now finally he had returned.

Returned to nothing. Again, almost nothing.

Ahead where the castle should have been was a small group of humans and D-Bees who’d made camp where the castle ought to be.

”Might as well see what’s going on…”

Walking the rest of the way to where the castle of the Legion once stood Damien stopped far enough away to call out to the people gathered among tents and campfires.

”Hello the camp!”

He stood perfectly still as over the next several minutes the few who had weapons rushed about and pointed guns at him. There was frightened yelling and their young were taken inside the tents as if that could afford any kind of protection.

Damien let it play out. Eventually one D-Bee with pronounced overly long rabbit like ears and an otherwise human appearance stepped forward.

He held an old L-20 down to his side as he approached the techno wizard cyborg who still stood perfectly still.

”You who?”

Nodding Damien stated: ”Hello friend. My name is Sergeant Damien Frost of the Tomorrow Legion…”

The others all spoke at once in excited voices to each other. A little American but mostly alien words lost on him. Once the rabbit eared man with the energy rifle quieted the others Damien continued.

”Yes. I’m Legion. I’ve been gone. About two years since I last was here. Can you tell me what happened? Where is everyone? Where is the castle?”

Rabbit ears frowned.

”My name is Roger Swift and these thirty odd are my family and friends. We were traveling from a nearby town, Paragould, which was destroyed and basically obliterated in a battle. With no where else to go and lacking supplies, low on food etc. we came here to ask for help. When we got here … there was just nothing here.”

Damien rubbed his temples.

Unsure what exactly to say or do he started to open his mouth to admit as much to Roger when a boom of thunder and crackling explosion of lightning struck the ground near him.

Knocked backwards the Momano rolled and came up to his feet running. Moving to stand between Roger, to shield the man, and the Neuron Beast that had snuck up on the group Damien yelled: ”Hide!”

Rippling it’s lower extremities the Beast laughed aloud.

Another blast of lightning struck out and this time hit the Momano square in the chest. Blasted back he hit the ground and skidded to a stop closer to the tents. Looking up at those there he yelled again for them to run.

Standing back up he unleashed several magic iron spikes from his built in blaster at the beast. As he ran towards the massive Neuron Beast Damien heard Roger cry out and grab his head in pain. It distracted him and a tentacle struck Damien again knocking him over.

Horror on the face of Roger turn slack and the puppeted man pointed his energy rifle at Damien and opened fire on him.

Dancing out of the blast Damien avoided being shot and moved to put the Beast between himself and the possessed D-Bee.

Things looked bad and his side hurt.

Gritting his teeth Damien attacked the beast.
Agents of Titan Robotics Industries (AoT)
The Agents (Players)
• Jim - Sparkmort Zipwidget: Male Tinker Gnome Power Armor Ace
• Derrick - Caiden: Male Human, Momano Headhunter
• Steve (Hans) - Berk: Male Simvan Psi-Druid Monster Tamer/Rider
• Murp - Rupetta Martin: Female Human MARS Merc Soldier (X-CS)
• Freemage - Lance: Male Dog Boy Techno-Warrior (Cyber[netic] Knight)
• CSC - Ozy “Oz”: Dragon

My Accounts:
Active
  • Daniel - Admin/GM of AoT
  • Jackal - IC (Neural Intelligence) - 7th SET
  • Vi - Space Pirate - Stars Without Numbers
  • Henry Grimes - CS Commando - Rumble in the Jungle

Not Active
  • Hondo - Wild Psi Stalker
  • Burn - Mega Juicer - Juicer Uprising (On Hold)
  • Blackfish - Ogre Combat Mage - 12th SET (On Hold)
  • Setrakian - Dragon Juicer - FoM Jungles (Retired)

NPC Accounts
  • Lord Coake - NPC
  • Valentine - NPC
  • Erin Tarn - NPC
  • James T - NPC
  • Hagen Lonovich - NPC

User avatar
Tiny Tim
Posts: 232
Joined: Sun Nov 10, 2019 2:15 pm

Re: 2022 Site Wide interlude (Writing Contest) Due Feb 7th

Post by Tiny Tim »

The Castle had just disappeared out from underneath Growler just a couple days ago. Despite spending every waking hour since it had happened searching the area for any clue of how it had been done, and where it went. Not knowing what else to do, Growler had planned on continuing his search until he found some sort of hint at what happened to his Pack, the 7th SET.

Slowly others discovered that Castle Refuge was missing and were also trying to study the disappearance. Something did not seem quite right with the new arrivals, however, so Growler decided to leave them to study it on their own.

About a week later, however, it was the Full Moon… and a Rift briefly opened on the now unstable Ley Line that had been deep under the castle… and Somethings came out through it. When he came across its trail, Growler could see that they seemed some sort of insectoid creatures the size of a cat only about twenty or so, but from all the signs, they seemed to eat almost their body mass daily in flesh a day. That meant at their current population, they would eat two or three normal human sized creatures a day… unless they made a hive.

Once he got closer to them, following their trail, he could tell that they were what could best be physically described as a cross between a scorpion, an ant, and millipede. So far, they had already killed two of the investigators, leaving just bare notched bones, but now Growler was on their trail, catching up to them. Now he had to see how tough they were, and what sort of firepower would be needed to take them down. Best to start with his stealthiest option. Pulling out his Gamma Beam Sniper’s Rifle, Growler took careful aim and burned a small home right through the eye of the creature.

A LOUD Psychic Scream erupted through Growler’s head. Anyone but a Nega-Psychic would have been knocked out from its death scream. The other insect creatures scattered in all directions hunting for him, but none seemed to find Growler, thanks to his Enchanted Cloak… and maybe his nature hiding him from what may be their psychic senses. Another pull of his trigger, and another invisible beam burned a hole in the head of another insect creature, but this one was on the far side of the insects from him… best not to give away any hints of where he was. Again, and again, another pull of the trigger, and another Psychic Scream as another one of the creatures… all routine… until it wasn’t. With just three of the creatures left, Growler heard an ear-piercing scream and the sound of a body collapse. The remaining three insect creatures started racing towards where the body collapsed. It must have been one of the researchers. He couldn’t let those insects eat another person.

Getting up out of his hide, Growler started to walk forward and shoot at the creatures. After another Psychic Scream from another dead creature, the two remaining noticed him and started towards him. Another psychic scream and another dead creature went as expected, until his last shot in his clip… didn’t kill the creature. He didn’t miss, but nor did he kill it… and now the last one would be upon him.

Switching the gun into melee mode, Growler brings it around just in time for the insectoid creature to launch itself towards him… and into the business end of the Neural Mace of the melee mode of the weapon. Twitching, the creature starts a long Psychic Scream, until Growler draws out his Vibro-Blade Vambraces and beheads it, ending its Psychic Scream for good.

Keeping an eye on the downed researcher until her friends discover her or she recovers enough to get up, Growler sighs to himself. Looks like these researchers will need some babysitting. Not enough to let them know where and who he is, but they will have to know someone is here watching over them due to the death of these insect creatures… but let them keep wondering who it is . It will keep them on their toes.
Tiny Tim
Main: Tiny Tim
Alts
Active: Growler, Tony Vreski
Retired: Merlaggon, Hans Greuber
ISP: 40/40
PPE: 10/10
Pace: 12 (d12) in Dragon Form, 10 (d10) in Human Form. Usually Ignores Difficult Terrain.
Toughness: 34 (18) in Dragon Form, 20 (10) in Human Form
Parry: 5

Wounds: 0
Fatigue: 0

Size: Normal
  • +3 in Dragon Form, -1 in Human Form
Claws: 3d4 AP3 MDC
Combat Feats and Other Notes:
  • Dragon Form
    • Nimble (From Dragon Celerity)
  • Human Form
    • +2 Notice, Alertness, Danger Sense, Sixth Sense
Active Powers:
None

Bennies: 3/3
  • Base Amount
    -2 due Rerolls on Out of Control from
    -1 to Reroll Stealth from Onward and Westward first Dangerous Quick Encounter
    +1 Bennie due EP, Spent for 5 ISP against Dark Fairy Zombies.
Monarch Prime
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Feb 04, 2022 8:38 pm

Re: 2022 Site Wide interlude (Writing Contest) Due Feb 7th

Post by Monarch Prime »

Monsters

It all started with the scientific revolution during the Renaissance, technology further advanced with industrialization in the world wars that followed which ultimately resulted in nuclear fission. Science has opened mankind to nigh limitless possibilities. Belief in the supernatural is looked upon with ridicule. Monsters and aliens are seen only in movies digitally generated by computers. Almost every inch of the globe has been explored, even the confines of space is not a boundary as they have gone to the moon and back. They have grown attached to their various gadgets connected to the internet. A vast network linked by a broad collection of electronics, wireless and optical arrays. Digital cameras and phones can take a picture and upload them instantaneously to a dozen social media websites in existence. Everything and everyone can be traced via GPS, satellite imagery and thousands of surveillance cameras employed by the government to keep it's citizens safe and keep an eye on them. Science has even replaced religion in the 21st century. Man stands at the pinnacle of a new millennium.

The USNS Salvor of the U.S. Navy is on a rescue and salvage operation near the Mariana Trench investigating the loss of a Columbia class submarine carrying a nuclear payload. Images are being transmitted back to the ship by a remote unmanned submersible at a depth of 9,636 metres. The wreckage of the sub and debris are strewn all about the ocean floor, even in the pitch black darkness of the ocean depths with only it's powerful LED lights to shine upon surface of the sunken vessel. The sea is teeming with bioluminescent life and almost alien never before seen sea creatures. Suddenly something large and serpentine like grazes the underwater drone and it stumbles and spins uncontrollably. Whatever made contact with it is still nearby. The operator of the drone is unnerve when it comes face-to-face with what appears to be a huge squid nearly 43 feet in length it's giant eye surveying the drone and ascertaining if it poses any danger or it might be considered prey, the cephalopod falters for a moment then rushes away with a powerful stream of water propelling itself at incredible speed.

The danger averted the drone resumes it's mission and discovers something peculiar, a large gash in the side of the submarine has some unusual marks and indentations, upon closer examination it seems that the 4 millimetres thick steel hull was ripped from the outside by human hands, four fingers and a thumb impossible as it may seem had torn the side of the craft like it was made out of paper. Two glowing blue orbs slowly bobbing and seem to be heading towards the drone from the interior of the derelict. The captain orders the operator to move in closer, what they see further astounds them. A humanoid figure clad in sleek metallic silver plates and armor comes into view. it wears an archaic helm like those worn by samurai of feudal period Japan with two golden prongs shaped like a V ornamenting the hood, it has a plate covering the lower portion of it's face and an insignia that shimmers like a hundred rubies in it's chest. It's eyes are the color of azure and luminescent, it stands absolutely still, almost statuesque, then the faceplate retracts and a powerful infrasonic wave disrupts the water between the two and damages the sensitive internal systems of the drone bypassing it's cold exterior. The drone is slowly losing power and it's camera is almost fading, footsteps drawing near and cold blue eyes stare into the camera.

Image

"I am Monarch Prime of the Reapers, the age of humanity is at an end, I am the harbinger of your destruction, we shall harvest your souls and every living thing in this space sector will cease to exist.", he then crushes the drone with his heel.

Up above in the USNS Salvor, the operator is near panic as the captain of the ship orders his men to stand ready and send an urgent communique back to headquarters when he is cut off by the technician operating the Sonar, " Sir, something is headed our way from the ocean floor and it is moving at an unbelievable rate."

"How long till it makes contact?", asks the captain, but he never hears the reply, he never needed to cause he already knew the answer. The ship lurches as Prime bursts forth from below and activates the nuclear missile he was carrying, it is engulfed in light and fire, then everything goes quiet as the ship sinks into the ocean following the fate of the Columbus Class submarine.

Monsters have always existed, whether as cautionary tales told to children, hiding in the dark corners of the world, walking amongst us in polite society. You never know when your time is up or when something will cause us to follow in the footsteps of the dinosaurs. It is unlikely that we are the only sentient life in the universe. What happens when we do meet them and they are less than friendly?
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Forty-Two
Posts: 68
Joined: Mon Sep 23, 2019 3:00 pm

Re: 2022 Site Wide interlude (Writing Contest) Due Feb 7th

Post by Forty-Two »

After visiting with Knuckles on her walk home Forty Two was ready to return home to Castle Refuge. Knuckles was a nice lady, Forty Two helped her with a broken leg, they helped her find her way home by showing her his favorite short cuts. Forty Two loved fixing things as much as he loved helping people. So fixing someone and helping them at the same time was twice as good.

Even if Knuckles was a reluctant to chat and kept asking Forty Two to go help someone else, he knew that she needed his help at least until they were within sight of Knuckles town.

But things got really interesting as he flew home to Castle Refuge. Forty Two was surprised as he flew up to the place where the Castle once was. Wait, there was a Castle here yesterday before I left he thought to himself. The crowds of people gathering around looked confused. He thought about the poetic nature of the refugees around him being refugees from refuge.

Buzzing around a bit he started asking to see if anyone knew what happened. But the answers were really boring. Stuff like. “Ah, don’t hurt me.”, “What are you?”, “I don’t know.” “My family was there.”, and “Have you seen my family?”. But no one actually knew anything or had even one interesting thing to say.

It was not until a kid asked. “Can you help me find my mom?” That Forty Two heard something that was interesting. He loved to help people do things.

“Sure thing, I would love to help you find you mom. What does she look like, where did you leave here, maybe she is in your pocket, have you looked in your pocket?” Forty Two asked, ready to help.

The miniature human looked confused as she shook her head. “No, she is not in pocket. She was in the Castle, she went to sell some parts we had found.”

“Oh, well that makes it easy. The Castle is gone, see it was right over there.” Forty Two helpfully answered indicating the place where the castle was moments before. “My name is Forty Two, what is your name?” it asked the young human.

“Amber.” The girl said with a tone stronger than expected. Apparently knowing Forty Two was helping her was enough the human regained it confidence.

“Nice to meet you Amber. We better start looking now because this is a dangerous place. Make sure you follow me and stay close.” The automaton offered helpfully as it fluttered around.

As they moved Forty Two began looking for tracks and within no time at all had located the tracks of a human female. “Look at this!” He explained as they followed the tracks leading away from the the Castle. “These are your mom’s tracks for certain Forty Two observed as they followed them.

But the tracks mixed with others and it became difficult to follow them taking so much time until finally they began closing in on the person who was leaving them. Rushing away at a speed to fast for the young human to follow Forty Two zipped up to where the woman was being help at knife point by two men. “Hey, you guys need to leave her alone. This is Amber’s friends mom.” He told them hoping they would understand they needed to rob someone else.

Looking at the small robot and then at each other the men smiled. “I would be that thing is worth some real money Jake.” The man on the left said.

“Yep.” said the man on the right. Then without warning he reached out and grabbed at Forty Two.

Well, Forty Two had been around enough to know when people meant to do harm to him and wanted no part of it. With a shout he sent a wave of force from his mouth stunning the humans. Then as the men grabbed their ears and rolled on the ground Amber’s mom began to run away.

Forty Two and Amber caught up to her again. But Amber looked sad and the woman was confused. “I do not have anything for you to take.” She said, at the same time Amber was saying. “But that is not my mom.

Forty Two was shocked. “What, how is it not your mom? We followed her tracks from where I found you? Are you sure it is not your mom? Maybe she shape changed and you forgot? Maybe you could make her your new mom?” Forty Two bombarded the child not noticing as the woman slunk away to safety.

But no Amber was stubborn and refused to accept this new and improved mom until Forty Two finally and reluctantly gave in. “Okay, well we can find your old mom, but it might take a little longer.” He pointed out to Amber.

Moving on it took nearly half an hour for the slow human to get back to where they started. “I’m hungry. Do you have anything to eat?” She asked.

Forty Two understood humans food and was actually ready for this question. “Nope.” He answered confidently. But then as Ambers face began to look long Forty Two remembered. “But I have human credits and that means we can buy some food.”

Heading off to find something for the girl to eat, Forty Two was pleased when he saw a line set up for serving food. Apparently a very wise dwarf had figured out these people would need some food and he had the luck of socking plenty of food.

Forty Two was amazed at all the people getting in line to buy food from the stout man just to grumble and complain leaving empty handed. Finally getting to the front of the line Forty Two bought the girl some food. That nice dwarf had thought ahead and knew that he needed to keep people from being greedy and ordering too much so he decided the best way to do that was charging only 100 credits for a burrito. “That way no one gets greedy and takes it all at once you see.” He had explained to Forty Two. Which made a lot of sense because most people could only afford one meal at that price.

Heading back to where Amber was waiting Forty Two was surprised to see she was not there. “Huh. strange I wonder where she went?” He thought for the briefest of moments before his mind moved on.

Then he saw it. There she was standing next to an elf and an orc and they had put a collar on her! Well there wa no way Forty Two was going to let people enslave one of the people he was trying to help. Flying over to them he challenged. “Hey you! What are you doing with Amber?”

Looking dismissively at the little automaton the orc smirked. “Well let me show you.” Then suddenly he was swinging what must have been the biggest mace in the world. Where did that even come from? Forty two thought as he dodged out of the way, nearly dropping the burrito!

But he was not fast enough or aware enough as suddenly a colt of fire arced across him, burning up precious wires and over cooking the burrito. Apparently the elf was a psychic of some sort and like burning good guys just trying to be helpful.

Not wanting to die, or even worse get Amber burned, Forty Two knew there was only one thing to do. Landing on her shoulder he grabbed on and teleported! Jumping away one teleport after another until he was exhausted Forty two escaped with Amber.

Having gotten away and found a place to hide for a little while while Amber ate the twice baked burrito Forty Two buzzed around looking for other trouble, but this time staying close enough to see her. Then something occurred to him that he had failed to ask earlier.

“Hey Amber, I bet I could help find the right mom for you better if I know what your old mom looked like.”

As Amber began her description of her mom, Forty Two tried to focus and visualize. “Well, she has real dark brown hair like mine, and her skin is the same color as mine. She is old and always wears a green jacket. Her eyes are brown like mine too, and she likes to sing.” The description went on for a little while as Forty Two tried to visualize the woman until he heard Amber finishing. “Her name is Janise, but everyone calls her Knuckles because her hands are so big like a mans and everyone can see her knuckles. She says they hurt real bad sometimes, especially when it is cold.”

Forty two was ecstatic. “Knuckles! Hah, I know where you mom is. I just walked her home, she must have missed you, because I took her on a special shortcut when I helped her get home.” Buzzing and zipping so fast it was hard to follow him Forty Two was simply excited. Then shape changing to look like Knuckles she said. “Did she look like me?”

Amber danced up. Yes, yes you look like my mom!” From there was a cake walk. Forty Two was able to easily remember how to get to Amber home. But they had only made it halfway to Amber’s home when Forty Two saw Knuckles coming their way. She looked so worried and relieved when she saw Amber. Wow, she sure was lucky Forty Two was able to help them both get home...
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Daniel
Daniel (Lars)
Posts: 2167
Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2017 9:13 am
Location: Former Alias (GM name) was Lars (2016-2022)

Re: 2022 Site Wide interlude (Writing Contest) Due Feb 7th

Post by Daniel »


Thank you for sharing these short stories. All we’re enjoying. Now enjoy your reward's.

First Place: Forty-Two
  • 1st place will receive 5 EP and a $20 coupon for DrivethruRPG.com or RPGnow.com
Second Place: Monarch Prime
  • 2nd Place will receive 3 EP and a $10 coupon for DrivethruRPG.com or RPGnow.com
Third Place: Tiny Tim
  • 3rd Place will receive 2 EP and a $10 coupon for DrivethruRPG.com or RPGnow.com
All rewards sent!
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