Session outline: Session 8

Plot points/Scenes

Milton and the Cannon Street Cobras

Last time out, the gang went to Ashbluff's Autos to talk to the Ashbluffs about their dealings with the Cannon Street Cobras . They then left a note on the windscreen of their car, challenging them to a street race, before cutting the break lines, causing a huge crash.
Milton Ashbluff has a beat up car that he'll start working on. Elena Heathersage is building an engine that they can use. This storyline will chill for a while as the Cobras figure out who the "C Block 4" are.

The disappearance of Custard Sneeler

If the gang choose to help Elroy

There's not loads they can do at the moment. When they went to the Tabernacle, it was a bit of a dead end. They could:

• Put up flyers and start a campaign, try to see if anyone has seen Custard
• Visit an animal shelter and see if they've seen Custard
• Go back to the Tabernacle of Torm to investigate further

If they go back to the Tabernacle, they could talk to one of the sisters/priests about Elroy and Custard. Here's what they'll know:

• They remember Elroy coming back to the Tabernacle time and again to ask about Custard, getting increasingly agitated each time, increasingly dejected, and descending into madness and anger, until one day he simply stopped coming
• They tell the gang that there's an animal shelter they take strays to if any come to the Tabernacle, or if anyone brings an animal to them

If they go to the animal shelter

The animal shelter don't have records of animals they kept 4 years ago - there was a fire at the shelter that wiped out their archives and a lot of animals weren't saved or recovered. The person they speak to mentions that there are a number of organizations/gangs that are on the lookout for animals to sell, sometimes to homes, sometimes into horrible fighting rings. If the owner of the dog hasn't seen him for 4 years, it's not likely that he will again.

If the gang choose not to help Elroy

Nothing happens. Custard is still out there. The long game is that Custard was taken by a gang, and thrown into dog fighting. He managed to escape, but his mind was warped by the training he was forced through, and he has no memory of his former life. He has become The Bat, a masked avenger who is brutally taking down the gangs that he was mixed up in. The gang will find out about The Bat through the papers.

The incident at the science block

Last time out, the gang did other things, so Amira Tipett will have been snooping around, looking for clues. She'll try to talk to Domenica about what she's found.
At the beginning of the session, students are called to the Theatre for a message from Xuk Scargolg , Dean of the University:

Good morning students. We have had many enquiries about the cordoned off area of the science block. There have also, understandably, been a number of rumours spreading across the campus, so I would like to set the record straight. There was an incident in the Science block, during a Chemistry experiment. The experiment was being conducted by members of staff, no students were present. A full investigation is underway as to the safety precautions being taken by the staff. The members of staff involved are currently still coming to work as normal, however, if we see fit we will take any and all appropriate action against those members of staff. I urge you all to remain calm, not take part in rumour spreading, and let us conduct our investigation without any distractions or interruptions. Thank you all for coming, and have a good day.

If the gang choose to investigate

They could talk to:

• Amira, who can help them figure out what to do next
• Talk to Raleigh about any movements of explosives or documents around/in/out of the city
• Talk to science students and/or faculty about the Head of Chemistry, and what they may have been up to

They could find out:

• The Head of Chemistry has been working a lot of late nights recently
• They've been keeping their office locked very diligently
• They've been clocked coming to work in the same clothes as the day before on a few occasions, generally looking dishevelled, and slightly erratic in their behaviour
• The heads of Chemistry, Physics and Engineering seem to be talking a lot, leaving work together etc
• If they find out loads, the Head of Chemistry could fall ill, setting up an assassination by the govt. Potentially Head of Physics and Engineering too. Perhaps not yet.

If the gang don't investigate

Nothing happens this session, but something starts bubbling next session.

The first job

While Cassiopeia spent time with Hallia Vedalken , she explained the society's next job.

The target

Vern Hamlin, a candidate for the council office of one of Caffeinehagen 's boroughs. He's a member of the Investor's Guild, and runs a fledgling hedge fund - Alpha Authority. Vern is a very vocal capitalist, the self proclaimed "prophet of profit", and his brash, dog eat dog style has made him a quite famous, but very divisive personality.
He's been transitioning into a political career recently, forming his own "Alpha Party", based on the mantra that those who are "Alpha" enough to take what they want from life should take their rightful place as the leaders of the world. During his early campaigning, Vern has been flaunting extreme wealth in his public appearances, and a recent display of wealth has left many questioning where his sudden wealth has come from, and the AdSoc wanting to cut him down to size a little.

What we're stealing

The High Tusk Locket - an ancient heirloom from a community of Loxodon from Taurinestein. Vern recently offered the struggling community a ridiculous amount of money for the locket - a simple chain from which hangs various charms that Loxodon master craftsmen painstakingly sculpted from ivory taken from the tusks of their fallen leaders - traditionally worn by the current leader of the community as a reminder of the past and the importance of maintaining the community going into the future. In a public display of wealth and power, Vern bought the locket from the leader of the Loxodon community to give to his wife.

Where it is

In Vern's mansion at the Latte cliffs.

Other interesting information

Vern is holding a rally for his “Alpha Party” this evening, in Capital Square, the financial hub of Caffeinhagen.

What they could do...

They'll need to scope out Vern's house, to find out entrances, exits, rough floorplan, security detail, and make a plan.

The fallout of the break in at the Tabernacle

The gang will need to lay low.

If the gang go out

If they don't, everywhere they go they will have to make a luck check, starting at DC5 and increasing by 2 each time they go to a different place outside campus. Each non-violent encounter with an NPC increases the DC by 2. A violent encounter increases the DC by 5. When they fail the luck check, they have an encounter with the Caffeinhagen City Guard, who will try to arrest the gang.

If the gang stay on campus

They could have classes where they meet their professors.
The next day, Amira Tipett will find them at their flat, and show them the newspaper articles. She'll warn them to lay low and keep their heads down for a while, in the hopes that as they are so new to the city, they might get away with it.
All students are called to the school hall, where Xuk Scargolg, Dean of Caffeinehagen University is going to address the students. He delivers the above speech about the science block incident, and the below speech about the break in at the Tabernacle of Torm:

I stand before you today with a heavy heart to address a matter of utmost importance. I'm sure you're all aware of the incident at the Tabernacle of Torm yesterday. A break-in and assault took place, reminding us of the vulnerability that surrounds us.
I urge each and every one of you to prioritize your safety and be vigilant as you explore our beautiful city. Embrace a sense of community and look out for one another. Let us not succumb to fear but instead, empower ourselves with knowledge and awareness.
Remember, we are not only members of this university but also stewards of this city. Let us stand together, united, as guardians of peace and compassion. Reach out for support, report anything suspicious, and ensure that we build an environment that fosters security for all.
May we honour those affected by this incident by committing ourselves to safety and solidarity. Let this challenge strengthen our bond and remind us of the value of empathy in our lives. Together, we can create a safer haven for ourselves and those around us.
Thank you, and stay safe.

If the gang go to their lessons, here are the opening speeches for their lecturers:

Chemistry

Professor Name Generator:

Good morning students, my name is Professor Generator, I am the Head of Chemistry here at CU. Professor Thorne, who was supposed to be taking this class, is sick at the moment, so I will be covering his lectures for the time being.
Welcome, intrepid minds, to the captivating world of chemistry! As you step into the laboratory of discovery, I urge you to behold the alchemy of molecules and the magic of reactions. Our journey shall be a dance with elements, a waltz with compounds, and an orchestration of bonds. Embrace the art of experimentation, for in the crucible of failures, true understanding is born. Unravel the secrets of matter, and witness the alchemical transformations that shape our universe. Each equation and formula is a brushstroke on the canvas of scientific wonder. So, let curiosity be your guiding star and inquiry your faithful companion. Together, we shall illuminate the unknown and unlock the elixir of knowledge!

Archeology

Professor Colorado Smith

Greetings, bold seekers of antiquity! As we excavate the sands of time, prepare to unearth the echoes of ancient civilizations. Our tools are brushes, trowels, and meticulous precision. We venture where history sleeps, and the whispers of the past come alive. Each artifact holds a story, and each site reveals secrets long forgotten. Delve into the forgotten realms with respect and awe, for we are custodians of humanity's heritage. As we decipher hieroglyphs and decipher ancient scripts, remember that every puzzle piece we find is a fragment of our collective past. Embrace the thrill of discovery and immerse yourself in the enigma of ages gone by. Together, we shall write a timeless narrative that preserves our cultural legacy!

Music

Professor Grok Stonebeard

Hello aspiring musicians and scholars of sound, welcome to the journey of a lifetime! In this hallowed institution of melody and harmony, we embark on a quest to unlock the mysteries of music's soul-stirring power. From the heart-pounding rhythms to the ethereal melodies, we shall traverse the vast landscapes of genres, cultures, and emotions. Let your passion be the compass that guides you through the labyrinth of creativity, and let your dedication be the fuel that propels you to greatness. Embrace mistakes as stepping stones, for every note played or sung with passion becomes a masterpiece. Together, let us compose the symphony of our dreams!

Creative Writing

Professor Penelope Quill

Welcome, budding storytellers, to the realm of imagination! Within the tapestry of words, we shall weave tales that transcend time and space. Immerse yourself in characters that breathe, worlds that pulse with life, and emotions that resonate with every heart. Embrace the blank page as your vast canvas, where dreams and reality entwine. Let your pen be your wand, and ink your enchanting spell. As we journey through literary landscapes, remember that there are no limits to your creativity. Let inspiration be your muse, and fearlessly unleash the power of your words. Together, we shall scribe our legacies upon the annals of literary history!

After a day or two, Dean Scargolg calls the gang to his office, where Chief Orla Blackwood is waiting with 2 other people to speak to the gang. One is a half-elven woman wearing a dark blue uniform with insignias and lots of badges. The other looks familiar to Domenica - it's the priest she made strip naked and punched at the Tabernacle.

Hello students, please come in and sit down. Let me introduce to you Chief Orla Blackwood of the Caffeinehagen Police Department. Chief Blackwood has visited today to discuss break-in and assault at the Tabernacle.

Orla takes over:

Thankyou Dean Scargolg. Following eyewitness reports of the incident, and further evidence provided to us, we have been searching for a Vedalken, Gnome, Tiefling and Owlin, and our searches have brought us to Caffeinhagen University, and to the four of you. Before we continue, I want to state that the outcome of this meeting is not yet set in stone - we have very strong reason to believe that you were involved in the incident at the Tabernacle the other day. Even if that is the case, how you respond now will have an impact on any sanctions that we may or may not impose. I have brought Father Matthias with me today to help us conclude this investigation. Father, do you recognise the students before you?

Father Matthias confirms that the gang are the culprits.

Thank you Father. Now, I would like to give the four of you the opportunity to tell the story of events from your perspective.

Father Matthias will confirm that there is a large artifact stored in the basement of the Tabernacle, that there are a number of artifacts in the world that, if they make their way into the hands of the wrong people, could be very dangerous. They believe that the artifact it a portal to the nine hells, and have been protecting it for a long time.
If the gang are amenable and cooperate, telling the truth, they are offered a deal of carrying out some community outreach with the Temple of Torm in exchange for the charges to be dropped.

Community Outreach with the Temple of Torm

If the gang choose to do their community outreach, they will go out to a deprived area and help to rebuild and renovate a community hall that was damaged during a gang attack. The community was attacked by the Cannon Street Cobras, who have suddenly started trying to expand their turf aggressively.

Plot type

Session

Parent Plot

Master Plot