Spectrum's Comments: As mentioned on the previous page, this was my GM Audition post. Actually the post I put up covered the first two Troubleshooters posts. I split it in half to give the players a chance to introduce themselves. There are some familiar names in here as well. Instead of individual issue titles, I gave the storyline an overall title and each post was a separate chapter. Without further ado, let's meet the Troubleshooters!
Prologue: Seven weeks ago...
For perhaps the first time in his young life, Jason Campbell was afraid. He wasn't sure how long he had been running, only that he could run no further. His heart was pumping like a jackhammer, threatening to burst through his chest. Exhausted, he slumped against a pine tree.
It was early spring in Aspen, Colorado. Jason and his friends were enjoying a skiing vacation during spring break. They had rented a secluded ski-lodge high in the mountains. The days passed quickly as they enjoyed their time away from school.
They were supposed to have left the lodge two days ago. A freak storm had dumped nearly a foot of snow on the Aspen slopes. Snowed in, they looked forward to a few extra days away from class.
And then they appeared.
It came out of the pre-dawn sky. It circled the lodge in total silence. Only it's soft blue glows signifying its presence. After three passes it landed.
By this time all were awake. Josh had seen the light first and had awakened the others. Dressed in their winter clothing, they cautiously opened the front door.
Sitting before the lodge was a large, saucer shaped ship. The soft blue glow was gone.
More curious then afraid, Josh and Karen approached the saucer. Before they were halfway there, a portion of the saucer slid opens. Beams of bright green energy shot out. Both Josh and Karen were hit and fell to the snow covered ground. More of the strange beams shot out, each unerringly striking one of the skiers.
Jason had observed this from the house. His mind was numb from what he observed, but his body somehow managed to react. He ran through the house, towards the rear. In the kitchen he frantically tried to use the phone, only to find the receiver dead. He burst out through the back door and ran for his very life.
The replay of these events took less than a second in his minds eye. A second that he didn't have. No more than ten feet away it stood.
It gave the appearance of being humanoid, but no portion of what was inside the armor could be seen. It had two arms, two legs and a torso. A large bowl covered what must be the head. The armor itself was golden in color. A glowed an off-white. It held a black rod in one hand.
This rod was pointed at Jason. The strange green beam shooting out was the last thing Jason would ever remember.
Four days later, a patrol finally did arrive. They found the lodge abandoned. There was no trace of the nine people who had rented it. They only thing they found was a large, round impression melted into the ice in the front yard...
From across the country you have come. Different people from different places with vastly different talents. Yet each of you does have some similarities. Each of you did receive a dinner invitation from the Campbell Estate. The note did speak of a gathering that would be of great interest to you. Included in the note were plane tickets. An all expense paid weekend at the estate of the one of the wealthiest individuals in the country. That individual being David Campbell, self-made millionaire many times over.
More curious than anything, each of you made the trip to Los Angeles. A limousine picked you up at the airport and drove you directly to the Campbell Estate. After a comfortable drive to the outskirts of the city, the limo pulled into the large Campbell Estate.
A courteous servant escorted you each to private suite for your use. The day passes quickly as you explore the large estate. During the day, you have encountered several other people, each of whom has a story similar to yours. None of them knows any more than you do.
GM Notes: I cut this short because I'm still waiting to hear from several people. Use this post to introduce yourselves to each other. You may explore the mansion as you wish.
SUBJ: Micky Ryan FROM: Micky 25 04/01/90 S#: 454043
Hello, my name is Michelle Ryan, my friends call me Micky. I am 25 years old and I have a Batchelor Degree in Chemistry and Physics, I am working on my Masters. I have worked the past 3 years for a research firm in Arizona.
Spectrum's Comments: Yet another less than stellar first post in a new game.
SUBJ: Clinton Hunter FROM: AREION 04/01/90 S#: 430954
The man who introduces himself as Clint seems very tight-lipped through this whole ordeal. He cunningly slides questions into his conversations while answering very few himself.
Clinton is about 6' and appears to be in his early to mid 20's. He's an average build with good muscle tone. He has short brown hair and deep blue eyes.
After he has net everyone and is satisfied that they are of no threat to him, Clint will politely excuse himself, giving no explanation. He'll begin systematically roaming the corridors of the mansion. His purpose is to test the water, find out if any portion of the mansion is off limits; see what type of security measures they have. Once he's gleaned satisfactory information about the house itself, he'll do the same on the grounds. (Clinton will be walking at a leisurely pace, using Concealment and Security Systems skills to find any Security Cameras or other such devices.) He'll take no steps to bypass them at the moment; this is only an advance recon. Rather he will make note of the locations of any security devices, guarded posts or locked door that he may find (along with any other information deemed of any pertinent) on a small pad produced from an interior jacket pocket. (Clint will be sure that no one is watching him while he does this)
Once he has a general layout of the mansion and grounds, Clinton will return to his room the strip off the stuffy suit he was wearing for more favorable attire: A pair of worn blue jeans, A well broken in leather vest and a pair of sneakers. He wears no shirt and the vest is left unbuttoned.
He can't help but sigh 'AH, that's better!' as he pauses at the mirror to ruffle his fingers through his hair.
Clinton shut off the light before slowly opening his door just wide enough to stick his head out. Once the coast is clear, the real fun begins.
SUBJ: Duncan Lansdowne (R) FROM: Deslock 04/02/90 S#: 440145
"The names Duncan Lansdowne. Where do you have to go to get a drink around here?"
The speaker is a tall, dark haired, dark eyed individual. He's wearing a tweed jacket, woolen slacks, and a dress shirt open at the color, giving him a somewhat professorial look.
SUBJ: RC Moore FROM: GM Wolf 04/02/90 S#: 50731
He stands in the shadows, almost a shadow himself, surveying the others in the room with knowledgeable brown eyes. He is perhaps 24 with wavy dark brown hair, standing less than 6' and slender in build with features neither handsome nor ugly. His hands are thrust into the pockets of the leather jacket he wears. Dangling from one wrist is a cane, antique in appearance. Encasing his left leg from foot to mid-thigh is a brace, gleaming silver against the jeans and dark boots he wears.
He listens to any introductions, offering only his name in answer to any questions. He politely ignores any other questions, pretending not to hear them. After everyone has introduced themselves, he will leave from the room and explore the mansion, taking note of anything of interest to him (anything magical or the like) and taking note of any locked rooms/areas. After completing a tour of the mansion, he will find the library and check out the books, looking for a selection of magical books.
GM Notes:
As Clint walks the mansion, he notes many Security Cameras in the corridors. Their field of vision covers all the corridors of the mansion. Approaching the mansion, he also noticed outside cameras.
He locates several locked doors. Most of these are not necessarily areas of importance, but private quarters.
While also exploring the mansion, RC finds a large trophy room. In it, he finds mounted animal heads, lions, tigers, etc. They appeared old, more than likely hunted down when big game hunting was popular.
Several odd trophies attract his attention. Fragments of an amulet are presented in a glass case. They radiate magic and evil.
The Campbell mansion holds a huge library. There are several texts on magic, but none of them are extraordinary.
SUBJ: Micky Ryan (R) FROM: Micky 25 04/03/90 S#: 128979
After meeting everyone, Micky left the room to freshen up a bit. Not really feeling suspicious and sure in due time the reason for being here would surface, she retired to her room to do as earlier mentioned. Upon arriving to the meeting room she was dressed in a Royal Blue skirt and jacket with matching heels and a white blouse. She was also wearing suntan hose to enhance her attractive legs. She stood about 5'5" and had a slender build. Her hair and eyes are brown and her hair shoulder length and feathered.
SUBJ: Milton Copper (R) FROM: INVADER1 04/03/90 S#: 129300
Milton kind of stays to himself and tries to avoid a lot of contact, as soon as possible he starts looking around for the library, to find some books on any of the Central American Indians. Milton is 5'8 with tan skin from living in the hot sun. He wears blue jeans and flannel shirts, he gives the appearance of a country person.
SUBJ: Almost Forgot... FROM: AREION 04/03/90 S#: 460470
Before leaving his room, Clint attaches a leather carrying case, about the size of the cases used to carry binoculars, to his belt.
He pats the case affectionately as he sighs: "Don't expect I'll be needing these, but it's like American Express...'don't leave home without it!'"
Also, while on the grounds, Clint will try not to spend TOO much time outside Micky's window. ];D
(Just kidding! Don't even THINK about it MAD!!!)
SUBJ: Anthony "BLACKI" Blade FROM: NightStlkr 04/04/90 S#: 121092
Off in the corner stands a mysterious looking young man in his early twenties. He stands approximately 6'1", with well-developed muscle. His complexion is fair and lightly tanned, with blazing blue-hazel eyes and extremely light brown hair flowing down to shoulder-length.
The man is completely garbed in black; from his black leather jacket and T-shirt to his leather jeans and boots. On his left side, he carries a sheathed ninja sword. (This is assuming that he was allowed to purchase the sword before the start of the game).
As the man slowly approaches the others, you can see that his walk is somewhat bold and dignified like a man with a purpose in life. Upon reaching them, he bows before them; he seems to be very well mannered for a man of his appearance.
"Greetings, my friends. My name is Anthony Blade. But I would prefer it if you would call me 'Blacki'. Thank you."
Blacki will continue to converse with the others until the meeting is to begin.
Troubleshooters #2 - Chapter Two
It all began simple enough. Each of you was invited to the Campbell Estate for the weekend. There you found many others who also were invited. The reason why remains unclear.
Finally, you're all summoned to the dining room. As you all take your seats, the far door opens and a young woman pushes a man in a wheelchair to the head of the table.
The man appears to be in his fifties, but in excellent shape. Traces of gray can be seen in his otherwise brown hair. Based on pictures that you have seen, you have no doubt that the man is David Campbell.
The woman is quite attractive. After getting Mr. Campbell situation, she takes a seat on his left side. She is of average height, has platinum blond hair and green eyes. The gown that she wears accents her figure perfectly. You also conclude that this young lady is Mr. Campbell's daughter, Sheryl.
Mr. Campbell takes a sip from his water glass and clears his throat. He then begins to speak.
"Thank you all for coming here on such short notice. I am David Campbell and this is my daughter, Sheryl."
Servants enter the room, bearing the first course. As the meal progress, Mr. Campbell continues to speak.
"You are all probably wonder why I invited you here this day. I have a business proposition for each of you. As some of you might be aware of, I was something of an adventure in my younger days. The things I have seen would astound you. Things that you would not believe, things no one would believe."
"There is much on this world that defies reason. Some of you sitting here today have abilities that cannot be explained. These oddities, these shades of gray are far to real. Someone is needed to protect the world from what they shouldn't know."
"I'm a old man now, my body no longer capable of the rigors of my youth. But the world still needs adventures. That is why I have asked you here. I am forming an organization called Troubleshooters. Each of you is an expert in one field or another that would be a boon to my organization."
"Members of my team would receive excellent pay and benefits. My estate has several laboratories that would rival the best university. The finest equipment would be at your disposal."
"Don't rush into a decision, just yet. Take the weekend to make up your mind."
A tall man near the middle of the table suddenly stands. This person had been quite to everyone all day. As far as anyone knows, the following the first words he has spoken.
"It is all too clear that this cannot be permitted. Our mission on Earth cannot be jeopardized! This Troubleshooters organization must be stopped before it is formed!"
An odd looking weapon is quickly pulled from inside his dinner jacket. He then points it a Mr. Campbell.
"This is an unexpected pleasure... What have you down with my son?!", Mr. Campbell demands.
"That is not your concern. Our reconnaissance was correct. You are dangerous. Too dangerous to allow to live!"
GM Notes: Well, that's the situation. Include any questions you might have about the Troubleshooter Organization. Mr. Campbell will have answered them before the situation at the end of the post.
Here is how you are all situated:
Mr. Campbell
Last minute characters will seated after Charles and RC.
Micky Sheryl
Wilbur Duncan
Elton Clint
Milton Tony
Charles (Alien)
RC
SUBJ: RC Moore (R) FROM: GM Wolf 04/07/90 S#: 518262
"Guns... I hate guns.... deities curse!! RC slips fingers into a thigh pocket, pulling out a shuriken. Holding it so the sharp, silver-plated points extend from between his fingers, he whipped it around, aiming to slice the razor-sharp points across the back of the alien's hand, hoping to cause it to drop the gun.
(The next bit depends on rather or not there is someone on his right side. If not, the following actions apply)
Whether he succeeds or not, he will immediately drop the shuriken and stand, pushing the chair back hard. He will then unsheathe the cane-sword and hopefully put it to go use.
(If there is someone on his right side, he will retain the shuriken as a weapon)
SUBJ: Addendum FROM: GM Wolf 04/07/90 S#: 128136
(What I meant to say is that if there is someone to his right he will remain seated and continue to use the shuriken as a hand-held weapon)
Before everything begins, RC will ask one question. "Pardon, sir but how did you learn about me...us...and my...our...abilities?" His eyes are somewhat wary as he makes this inquiry.
GM Notes:
Mr. Campbell smiles at RC's question.
"I learned about each of you, and your abilities, through different ways. I have a large newsgathering organization at my disposal. The advantages of being wealthy, as I'm sure your grandmother is aware of, RC."
"I know of the power that runs through your line. I've even fought against some of your more rebellious cousins."
"Perhaps I have abilities of my own?"
He gives an even larger smile at that comment.
SUBJ: Charles Brent FROM: Splatipus 04/08/90 S#: 119885
I will in the situation of the alien stand up and say to the alien "Why are you here and what do you want?" As soon as he looks toward me I will try to grab his gun if the table is not very wide and he still has it pointed toward the man.
If he doesn't respond to the my question then I will pick up a knife from the table and still go for the gun but with knife in hand try to slash at his hand and knock his arm upward causing him bad aim.
I would also like to ask before hand what reasons he has of bringing us all together. He must have a deeper reason than just wanting to help the world.
SUBJ: Q.C. Peddlar (R) FROM: GM Kill 04/09/90 S#: 35266
"Hello." I say cheerily as the butler opens the door. "Sorry I'm late, but I had a dreadful time getting here on public transportation."
I walk in and step to the side, as the butler closes the door.
"Nice place here. Is it yours?" I ask the butler.
As he smirks at that question, I turn and see that my briefcase has snagged on the curtains next to me. I give it a sharp tug, and it pulls right off. Unfortunately, the briefcase flies swings in a tight arc, and hits the butler right in the groin.
As the butler drops to his knees, with this pained look on his face, the curtain rods drop to the floor. But, I step forward to help the butler, while trying to get control over my briefcase again, and smack him in the face with it.
"Oooppss...." I say as the butler lays there unconscious. With this worried look in my eyes, I kneel there trying to figure out what to do. Then I decide that getting help would be best, and wander off to find some.
I see the dining room, and hear voices from inside. I hesitate outside, as I wonder if I should just leave before I get in trouble about the fellow I knocked out, but decide I should get him some help and walk in.
"Hello. I've got a problem..." Is as much as I get to say, before I walk right into this serving cart that was left standing there. A loud crashing noise ensues, as both it and I tumble to the ground.
Spectrum's Comments: Kill always did have a very unique sense of humor.
SUBJ: Duncan Lansdowne (R) FROM: Deslock 04/09/90 S#: 21528
What kind of loony toons outfit is this? Aliens and ray guns. Give me a break. What's next, magic?"
"Yo, Mr. Spock. You planning on disintegrating us before or after dessert?"
I'll pick up my wine glass and lean back in my chair. After a long draught, I turn to our host.
"You know, you lay out a hell of a spread, Mr. Campbell, but where'd you get your guest list, Bellevue?"
SUBJ: Milton FROM: INVADER1 04/09/90 S#: 393421
Milton tries to gain the aliens attention, by throwing his glass of wine in his face, hoping to blind the alien, while the giving the others an advantage over it. He will then cross the alien, and try to tackle it.
He also asked before the incident "What can we expect to gain from this organization?"
GM Notes:
Everyone's attention is diverted when QC stumbles into the room. RC stabs the alien in the back of the hand with his shuriken. At the same moment, Milton splashes him in the face with his glass of wine.
The alien screams in pain. He stumbles away from the table, falling to the floor. Blue colored steam seems to be rising off his face.
After a few moments, the screaming stops. The alien is very still on the floor.
The steam clears up to reveal that his face is horrible disfigured! He doesn't appear to be alive.
In response to Milton's question, Mr. Campbell will say. 'What will you gain, Mr. Copper? You will gain a tidy sum of cash and the chance to adventure around the world. Troubleshooters will receive a stipend of $1000 per week. You will also be doing something positive, something to aid our world."
Spectrum's Comments: I guess some aliens just can't hold their wine.
SUBJ: Wilbur 'SAM' Sampson (R) FROM: REM9 04/09/90 S#: 84497
Wilbur, or Sam as he prefers to be called, is a man in his late twenties, brown hair that is reasonable well cut, although it does appear that Sam is developing a bald spot in the middle of his scalp. He has blue eyes and a fair complexion and an average build.
When he is introduced to Micky, Sam's eyes immediately light up. "I too have been doing research for the past couple of years and am only now in between projects. What exactly were you researching, Micky is it? I would be most interested in learning more about it after this dinner is over."
When the alien pulls the ray gun, Sam is at first skeptical that this is anything more than a prank, but after seeing some of the wonders that he has seen in the lab, realizes that this situation may be all too real. Seeing that everyone in this room is able to defend themselves or find cover except one person, Sam attempts to remedy this situation. He will climb up onto his chair and then onto the table and leap at our host hoping that his momentum will be enough to carry us both back out the door that they entered through. (In case the door is shut, he will attempt to knock over the chair and knock Mr. Campbell to cover instead.)
SUBJ: RC Moore (R) FROM: GM Wolf04/10/90 S#: 48689
RC cleans off the shuriken and returns it to the pocket. Pushing back his chair, he stands and moves to stand over the alien, leaning on his cane...
SUBJ: Duncan Lansdowne FROM: Deslock 04/10/90 S#: 53119
"That's funny, I rather liked the wine..."
SUBJ: Micky (R) FROM: Micky 25 04/11/90 S#: 397758
After the assault, Micky goes over to the Alien to examine the body. Speaking to her self you can here her mumble, "This work does look like it may have its interesting moments to it."
SUBJ: "UM..." FROM: Count Kill 04/11/90 S#: 88337
"Help." I let out weakly, as I lay under this food cart, lasagna dripping on my face.
I'm not exactly certain what happened. The last thing I remember was walking into this room asking for help, seeing a man pointing a gun at an elderly gent, and then winding up on the floor underneath this food cart. Then there was a bunch of noise, and then some screaming.
::Thinking to Myself:: "Er, what have I gotten myself into? Why was that man pointing a gun on that elderly gentleman? What was all that noise and screaming for? Why am I still lying here letting lasagna drip on my face?"
Finding no good answer for that last thought, I push the food cart off me and stand up while wiping lasagna off my face.
"Pardon me, but could someone please tell me what's happening here? And could someone give me a napkin?" I ask softly.
SUBJ: Charles FROM: Splatipus 04/12/90 S#: 514464
I go over to the body of the dead alien and take his gun. I examine it closely to see exactly what it is. I will they ask, " Don't you have security here? We could have been killed? With a man with all this wealth don't you think you could afford some."
"If I am to join this group I hope I will live through it. I think you should tighten up security if not for us but for your own safety Mr. Campbell."
I will then sit and place the gun on the table for all to see.
SUBJ: Milton Copper (R) FROM: INVADER1 04/13/90 S#: 441406
"I Guess He couldn't hold his Liquor." He says before he goes over to give the alien a good look. But his main interest is the weapon on the table. "They don't use these back on the farm!"
SUBJ: Elton.. FROM: GM Elezar 04/13/90 S#: 487804
Elton, finally taking notice of what's been going on seems to look up in the air and mumble something.. Those nearby hear a simple, "Gritch.. Security.. " He then stands up, looks at Mr. Campbell and smiles extending his hand, "Glad to be working with you, sir.. Would you happen to know who, or what that 'alien' is? And did these buffoons really need to take such rash actions against it? Or did you have your own security standing by.. Simply using this as a test to gauge our ability to react to such encounters?"
SUBJ: Wilbur 'SAM' Sapson FROM: REM9 04/14/90 S#: 79506
For those of you who did not read my first post (although I do not blame you as I missed this board and put it on Liberators) Wilbur or Sam as he likes to be called, is a man about 5'8" 210lbs. with neatly cut brown hair, although he has a noticeable bald spot on the top of his head. When he is asked, he will say that he has various scientific degrees, and is currently in between research jobs. When he meets Micky, he will ask, "When we finish finding out what this is all about, perhaps you can tell me about what you were working on before you came here. I would be most interested in hearing about it."
After the fight is over, Sam looks at the alien's charred face. "Don't anybody drink that wine. This alien might have had some sort of affliction that causes his flesh to dissolve when in contact with wine, but then again I don't know if I would take any chances. It might have been tampered with. Micky, would you mind giving me a hand here? Perhaps between the two of us, we can figure out what is going on around here. Mr. Campbell, could you direct me to those labs you spoke about?" Sam will take whatever wine remains in the thrown glass as well as the alien to wherever he is directed to.