Poems and Pyres
- A wake
- missing people
- weird news
- fires
- cult meeting
Structure
Exposition
Scene 2
As the thick fog rolls in and envelops the city, it just barely obscures the city's sins and secrets.
Descending onto Powell Street, we hear the soft echoing footsteps of Taruhn. Her sneakers squeak as she exits the YWCA, her thick curly hair pulled into a ponytail, exposing about 3 weeks of dark roots that have grown out, no longer bleached blonde. Beads of sweat still cling to her brow as she rushes to get on one of the last Bart trains back to the mission.
After the past month’s record-breaking heatwave, the cold mist is a welcome return to normalcy.
THWACK! The sickening wet thud of a fist hitting flesh; unsure of where it’s coming from, she starts to walk faster. Just 4 more blocks. She sees an unmarked Black sedan across the street; smoke curls out of the passenger seat window.
INSERT PC WHO SEES HER (roll D4)
They are coming from something related to their downtime activity.
Suddenly, as she passes the car, a hand shoots out of the ally and grabs her ponytail. “Seriously?!”
What do you do as this act of macabre violence unfolds—a grim reminder of the darkness festering in the heart of this city heart.
Diner Time
**ding ding**
The diner was a grimy refuge from the sudden relentless downpour outside, its interior dappled in the sickly glow of a handful of buzzing fluorescent lights that flicker like dying stars. In the back of the diner, you see a janitor with a cigarette dangling limply from his mouth as he pushes a grey, stained mop back and forth. The air is thick with the scent of smoke, grease, and quiet desperation.
The rain drums a hard on the grimy windows and you see Geoff in the third booth looking out vacantly. The haunting rhythm is interrupted by Dasher Stonebrook who approaches and tells them they can sit anywhere they like. He then moves off at a glacial pace to refill sugar at each empty table.
Name: Dasher Stonebrook
Race: Earth Genasi
Trait: Dasher possesses an aura of grounded calmness, moving at a deliberate pace that suggests a deep connection to the earth beneath their feet. Despite their slow movements, their presence exudes an undeniable sense of stability and reliability, drawing patrons to them like moths to a flame.
Flaw: Prone to moments of introspection and existential pondering, Dasher often finds themselves lost in the labyrinthine depths of their own thoughts, struggling to reconcile their earthly nature with the ephemeral complexities of the human experience.
Bond: Devoted to fostering a sense of belonging and community within the confines of Dasher's Diner, they see each patron as a precious gem waiting to be unearthed, each meal served with a touch of earthy magic and a sprinkle of cosmic wisdom.
Description: Dasher Stonebrook stands as a stalwart sentinel at the entrance of Dasher's Diner, their massive frame towering over the patrons with an almost otherworldly presence. Their skin, the color of rich, fertile soil, ripples and shifts with the subtle movements of the earth beneath their feet, imbued with an ancient magic that whispers of forgotten secrets and untold mysteries. Despite their hefty stature, there is a quiet grace to Dasher's movements, a sense of serenity that seems to emanate from the very core of their being.
Attire: Dasher's attire reflects their earthy nature, with a rugged cloak of moss and ivy draped over their broad shoulders, blending seamlessly with the verdant hues of their skin. Their attire, though simple, bears the unmistakable mark of their elemental heritage, with intricate patterns of swirling vines and delicate leaves woven into the fabric. As they move, the ground trembles beneath their feet, a silent testament to the raw power that courses through their veins.
Stats (Commoner):
Armor Class: 10
Hit Points: 4 (1d8)
Speed: 20 ft.
STR: 10 (+0)
DEX: 10 (+0)
CON: 10 (+0)
INT: 10 (+0)
WIS: 10 (+0)
CHA: 10 (+0)
Equipment: Not applicable (carries only a sense of grounded wisdom and an earthy aura).
---
The diners’ faces are mostly obscured by shadows as they sit under dull swinging fluorescents. Most booths are occupied with street kids around Slingshot’s age sharing single plates of corned beef hash, and a single bowl of chili, while a few lucky buskers share a huge stack of pancakes. At the bar, a few folks huddle over half-empty cups of coffee, lost in their own private hells.
Amidst the quiet din of clinking cutlery and murmured conversations… what do you do? (Pause for player improvisation)
This is your first time seeing Geoff since your initial altercation. He looks up, startled, winces and touches his side. He still sports his greasy locks and his massive hooded cloack, layered under a black leather jacket. His face, is pale and weathered, like driftwood pounded by the relentless crashing waves of time. Deep dark bags hang under his eyes pulling his whole face down with the weight of countless sleepless nights. His eyes, tired yet pleading, hold a glimmer of recognition and a flicker of hope amidst the darkness that shrouds his weary soul.
"Hey... it's you," he mumbles, his gaze shifting nervously as he avoids your penetrating stare. "I thought you might not come…"
His hand instinctively reaches for the soft pack of cigarettes nestled in his pocket. He fumbles with a match when suddenly his bumbling is interrupted-
Soundlessly, out of the unsettling haze you hear a small, gruff voice, say ‘heya, welcome to Dasher’s Diner, I’m Piper and I’m agonna be your server today.
Name: Piper Hawthorne
Race: Halfling
Trait: Always eager to please and provide exceptional service.
Flaw: Prone to bouts of nervousness, especially when the restaurant is busy.
Bond: Devoted to the well-being of their fellow staff members and the satisfaction of the patrons.
Description: Piper Hawthorne is a petite halfling with rosy cheeks and a perpetual smile that lights up their round face. Their curly brown hair is tied back in a neat frizzy bun, with a few stray strands escaping to frame their cherubic features. Despite their diminutive stature, Piper moves with a graceful efficiency, weaving effortlessly between tables.
Attire: They wear a crisp white button-up shirt, slightly oversized to accommodate their halfling proportions, tucked into a pair of high-waisted trousers adorned with bold stripes in vibrant hues of teal and magenta. A black vest completes the ensemble, cinched at the waist with a silver buckle. They sport a colorful apron emblazoned with the logo of the restaurant—a whimsical depiction of a dancing gnome.
[As Piper's introduction breaks the tense silence, the atmosphere in the diner shifts, a palpable tension dissipating into the air like smoke. Their cheerful demeanor and eager enthusiasm offer a brief respite from the weight of the world bearing down on the weary patrons.
With Geoff's message looming in the air; a sense of unease lingers. With this reminder of the unresolved conflicts simmering beneath the surface, what would you like to do?
The players must navigate this delicate balance, weighing their options carefully as they decide their next course of action.
In the dimly lit confines of Dasher's Diner, secrets lurk in every shadow, and danger lies in wait around every corner. As the rain continues to drum its haunting rhythm against the grimy windows, the players find themselves on the precipice of a new adventure—one that will test their courage, their resolve, and their bonds of friendship.
With Piper's cheerful voice ringing in their ears, the players must steel themselves for the challenges that lie ahead, for in the heart of darkness, there are always monsters waiting to be slain and mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
And so, as they sit in the dimly lit diner, surrounded by the ghosts of San Francisco's past, the players prepare to embark on a journey that will take them to the darkest corners of the city's underworld, where danger and intrigue await at every turn.]
SPECIALS
·
Shadowy Steak Surprise: Sink your teeth into our succulent Shadowy Steak Surprise, a tender cut of prime beef marinated in a secret blend of spices and grilled to perfection. Served with a side of roasted root vegetables and drizzled with a rich demi-glace sauce infused with hints of dark magic.
· Mystic Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in the enchanting flavors of our Mystic Mushroom Risotto, featuring creamy Arborio rice cooked to velvety perfection and studded with an assortment of exotic fungi harvested from the depths of the Feywild. Finished with a sprinkle of enchanted truffle oil and garnished with fresh herbs for a dish that will transport your taste buds to another realm.
· Eldritch Elixir Soup: Warm your soul with a bowl of our Eldritch Elixir Soup, a hearty broth simmered with tender chunks of braised pork, root vegetables, and a medley of aromatic herbs and spices sourced from the farthest reaches of the multiverse. Each spoonful is infused with the mystical energies of the arcane, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
· Dragon's Breath Burger: Dare to take on our legendary Dragon's Breath Burger, a towering creation piled high with flame-grilled Angus beef, spicy jalapeno peppers, smoky bacon, and melted pepper jack cheese. Topped with a fiery sriracha aioli and served on a toasted brioche bun, this burger packs a punch that will leave you breathless and craving more.
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