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15:35, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

~ Scenario Discussion ~

Posted by StorytellerFor group 0
Storyteller
GM, 3 posts
Sat 14 Mar 2009
at 06:58
  • msg #1

Scenario Discussion

This is the place for people to discuss the  scenarios that have been taking place and make any suggestions or complaints.

It is also the place for people to request a scenario focused on a particular type of TF.
Gregory Stone
player, 5 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Thu 19 Mar 2009
at 01:03
  • msg #2

Re: Scenario Discussion

In reply to Storyteller (msg #1):


There are plenty of scenarios out there.  It's kind of hard to narrow it down.  Here are a few I've come across or have thought of:

#1 Role-playing game come to life:  My personal favorite.  This one has been done many times, but it's always a classic.  My friends and I have done it several times, generally becoming superhero types or playing ourselves in a horror setting.  I've been in at least two of each.


#2 Time travel mishap:  Several options here.  characters get recruited by a mad scientist type to go back in time and part of the technology is to change travelers into forms appropriate to the era, including speaking the language.
The scientist could also only be able to send inorganic matter, and might have to download the travelers' personalities into human looking robot bodies in order to send them through time.


#3  Dimension Hopping:  Again, a classic.  Characters could find a magic/alien device that sends them to different various alternate earths containing real and/or mythical versions of our world, like worlds where Greek mythology is real, where everyone lives their whole lives "on-line", or where people have been replaced by evolved animals.

#4 Magic gone awry:  The stereotypical wand, found by one of the characters, that allows the wielder to change anyone into anything.  Or, a wacky, evil, or playful magic user, like Circe, Merlin, or Morgan La Fey, find the characters and play with them (or allow them to think that they're all playing together as friends).




Just a few ideas.  Mr. Storyteller, please feel free to use anything you'd like, if you're so inclined.  (if not, don't worry about it, obviously)
Dan Rycov
player, 6 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Thu 19 Mar 2009
at 01:05
  • msg #3

Re: Scenario Discussion

5# TF Infection: A virus or disease infects people and turns them into something else. Common examples of this are Zombies, Werewolf, Vampire, etc. Can also be a virus that has a random TF effect.

6# Realistic Play: A scenario where actors, or crew in some cases, in a play or movie turn into who they are playing. Hijinks insue on the set/stage and/or aftwerwards.

7# Reality Game: Being sucked into a game of some kind; board, video, etc. Makes Monopoly a hell of a lot more fun.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:09, Thu 19 Mar 2009.
Gregory Stone
player, 6 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Thu 19 Mar 2009
at 01:15
  • msg #4

Re: Scenario Discussion

very nice!
the possibilities begger the imagination.
Sarah d'Meisha
player, 5 posts
Thu 19 Mar 2009
at 01:34
  • msg #5

Re: Scenario Discussion

Well, I'm game for anything, so long as the TF itself is slow and well-described. 'Poof' TFs arent worth the time. *chuckles*
Gregory Stone
player, 7 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Thu 19 Mar 2009
at 03:58
  • msg #6

Re: Scenario Discussion

I'm ok with "poofing", but from a gaming standpoint, but gradual changes are fun too.  Delayed and instant gratification are both good.
Gregory Stone
player, 8 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Fri 20 Mar 2009
at 07:32
  • msg #7

Re: Scenario Discussion

I have to admit, I'm not sure how the game is going to start.  I was thinking that we'd be players in the GM's game, role-playing scenarios of various transformations.  It's also possible that we, as players, are expected to have a more active role in the game.  That's ok too.  I'm not sure how to go about doing that, but hopefully our Benevolent Storyteller will guide us through the process.

In the meantime, I've got a couple of short story/scenario intros kicking around in my head that I thought I'd get down "on paper" here on this site.  With your indulgence........
Dan Rycov
player, 7 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Fri 20 Mar 2009
at 10:29
  • msg #8

Re: Scenario Discussion

And they are?
Gregory Stone
player, 9 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Fri 20 Mar 2009
at 12:25
  • msg #9

Re: Scenario Discussion

I arrived early to the game, for once.  I walked into Brad's Rec Room with the assortment of chips and pretzels (it was my turn on the rotation for "salty snacks").  Walking in, I was confused not to see Jimmy, the Game Master.

Brad was there, of course.  The ex-jock was easily the best looking guy there, but he was very gracious about not rubbing it in.  He had actually given Jimmy a swirly, at the direction of the rest of the football team, when we'd all been in highschool, and seemed to be trying to make up for it ever since, although even Jimmy had long since forgiven the big, blond haired man.

Alex, as usual, was chatting up Brad.  Though as straight as any of them, Alex had a serious "man-crush" on the ex-jock.  Alex, pudgy and shy, seemed to think he was vicariously being "cool" by being Brad's friend, even though Brad was now, technically, almost as geeky as the rest of them.  The former chess club president didn't seem to mind, though.

Steven came in from the bathroom, grinning and making a show of wiping his hands off on a paper towel.  The only member still in high school, Steven (he hated being called Steve, saying that it was a "kid's name") had been warned several times to wash his hands after using the bathroom, even getting threatened with being kicked out.  For someone who thinks of himself as more mature than his peers, Steven seemed to backslide into being a goofy kid with alarming regularity.

Hey, everyone.  Where's Jimmy? I said, in leiu of a greeting.  An outsider may have thought it rude, but we'd been playing "Dungeons & Dragons" for two years now, and were very comfortable with each other.  Well, as comfortable as a bunch of male gamers could be, I suppose.  Getting an enthusiastic chorus of "Hi Greg" back, I sat down, pleased at always at the warm greetings from my friends.  I loved gaming, the fantasy of being things that I'd never be in real life, of doing things that it wasn't possible to do in real life, but it was the banter I liked best.   The spirited back and forth between the players, as they exchanged jokes, puns, and creative, good-natured insults.  I was, if you'll forgive the arrogance,  the best of all of them, even the brainy Alex, of tossing off quips, movie quotes, and double entendres.  It made me feel like a comedian before a friendly audience.

I wasn't real happy now, though.  I had questions about my character for the game,and wanted to speak to Jimmy without taking up actual game time, as young Steven had to be home promptly at 11:30pm or his paranoid mother would probably call the FBI.  Again.

Greetings and Salutations, true believers!  Jimmy came striding into the room, holding a milk crate full of books, with a large wooden box on top.   "Are you ready to RUMBLE!!!!" Jimmy was a good GM, but he had a bad habit of throwing out hackneyed catch-phrases.  They were still trying to work on it with him.

They all greeted him as he went to his seat at the head of the huge Rec Room table.  From their assigned seats, they waited for him to get settled in, getting characters out and "warming up" dice.  Jimmy put up his hands, dramatically.

Put those characters away, guys.  We're doing a different game tonight!

A variety of reactions greeted Jimmy's announcement.  Brad and Alex had been indifferent to the all-dwarven party, but Steven was visibly crushed that he wasn't going to be able to use his dwarven thief (he had a thing for sneaky types, although it had been a hard battle to get him to stop stealing from the party).  I was a bit dissappointed, too.  Having just read Salvatore's Dark Elf Series, I'd been looking forward to making an alcoholic priest, constantly buzzed on dwarven "holy water".  That had been my burning question for Jimmy, one that seemed moot, now.

Holding up his hands, the skinny, slightly spazzy GM called for quiet.
I know we were going to start a new game, but....well, we still are!  I have something special to do tonight!  With that, he opened the wooden box, handing each player a slightly yellowed piece of paper and a pen made from some sort of colorful bird.  They looked up at the standing Jimmy (he often stood when he was feeling especially dramatic), expectantly but trusting.

Jimmy began speaking again. Tonight, we play a new game, called "Humanity's Folly".  Basically, a group of humans, elves, dwarves and whatnot, working together, had a dramatic confrontation with a mad wizard that wanted to eliminate all the "good" races from the world.    Pausing in his melodramatic way, he looked over steepled fingers before saying: They failed.  In one fell swoop, all the "good" races (basically, all the normal player character races) had vanished, apparently forever.  None of the rest of the world even remembers them.  However, there may be hope!  The gods are not pleased, but can't interfere directly.  So......they find you guys.  Basically, you'll be playing "monster races" that are instructed by their prespective gods that they need to reverse the spell, somehow, before the unbalancing in the world erases all existance.   So.... you get to be twelveth level characters, and can spend eleven of those levels on "monster levels".  That way, you'd still be at least a first level character. Other than that, anything goes.  Now, it's traditional to write the characters using the quill pens, on the parchment, to symbolize the "harsh and crude" level that the world is at.  Any questions?

Stunned silence greeted him.  We all had discussed making non-human characters at one time or another, but had generally avoided it, as we would have had to sacrifice power levels to make the characters non-human, essentially trading human skills and knowledge for the monsters greater innate abilities.  The hardened gamers we were, we rarely gave into the temptation to do so.  Now, it seemed, we were required to.

Predictibly, the youngster Steven had the first question:  Can I be a dragon?  His excitement about his dwarven character had evaporated instantly at the thought of playing the number one most powerful creature in the game.  There were, of course, no rules given for such a normally preposterous idea.
Surprisingly, Jimmy just smiled, consulting a tattered rulebook from the wooden box.  Yes and no, my young Padewan.  You can actually play a dragon, but you'd be very, very young in order to only use eleven character levels, like almost right out of the egg.
From the way Steven nodded and instantly began writing with his quill, the high school kid obviously didn't mind the restriction.
Brad raised his hand and quickly asked:  Can we be ANY monster in the book?  Seriously?  Greg nodded, the same question on his mind.  There were some seriously broken monsters in the Monster Manuel.
Jimmy nodded again.  Yes.  Just leave your character class blank and I'll assign the "monster number" and assign the remaining character levels.

I shrugged. It was difficult being a low level character, with limited combat skills and/or magic, but it might be worth it to be a powerful monster, like an immensely strong ogre, telepathic mind-flayer, or maybe even a genie.  The guys all started writing on their sheets, though not as fast and intensely as Steven.
Alex seemed to want to peek at Brad's sheet perhaps wanting to choose a character that would compliment his, again.  Brad was either too oblivious to notice or too polite to comment on Alex's constant predictable desire to "team-up" with him.  I looked at my character sheet, drawing a blank.  Out of habit, I tapped the end of the pen against his mouth.  AAUGH!  It tasted horrible!  I looked up at Jimmy.
Hey, Jim.  Where'd you get this game, anyway?
Jimmy waggled his finger. Uh-uh. That's a story for later.  Just finish your sheets and hand them in, along with the pens.
Steven looked up. What?  We can't keep them?
Jimmy laughed and shook his head, motioning for them to hurry up.
I looked back down at my sheet.  What to choose?  Hmmmm.  I wanted something versatile, that could go in cramped dungeons as well as open spaces.  That left out huge monsters like hydras and the like.  Something that had magic powers as well.  I almost put the pen back in my mouth as I though furiously, but stopped myself just in time, chuckling at my short memory.
Hmmmm... something undead, like a spectre or wraith?  Nah.  I didn't want to get repeled or destroyed by some cleric.   A medusa?  Very powerful, but I just knew that the petrifying gaze of the character would be reflected back eventually.
Ah! I had it.  A doppleganger!  Dopplegangers were strange creatures that could change into any other man-sized person, and could read minds.  The ultimate spy.  If I put some levels in cleric on that I'd have a truly useful and powerful character, good in combat and out.   I quickly wrote up the character and handed it in, being the last one, after Brad, who seemed to change his mind several times, to Alex's dismay, as the brainy man had turned in a character that he'd probably thought would be a good match for Brad's when the jock crossed out what he was doing and started over.
Gathering up the sheets and quills, Jimmy placed the former in a pile and gathered the later in his hand.  He took a grayish clay plate out of the same wooden box from which he'd gotten everything else.  He got an old fashioned match out of the wooden box and lit it, the flame looking strangely pink.  Raising his other hand, he intoned words that he read off another piece of parchment.

We have made out choices, O gods of Chaos!  Teach us what you will!

Steven and Alex looked at Jimmy liked he'd lost his mind.  Brad looked around nervously, as if this were an obscure D&D rule that he hadn't told him about yet. I, of course, just laughed.
Jimmy!  What the heck are you.......HEY!!!
I stopped laughing as Jimmy tossed the burning match onto the pile of quills, causing them to erupt in flames, which almost instantly filled the room with dark red smoke.  We all started coughing, even Jimmy.  I tried to make a crack about this being a non-smoking game, but couldn't get a word out.  I tried to get everyone else's attention, starting to panic because I seriously couldn't breathe.  Unfortunately, everyone else seemed to have similar problems.  Alex, an asthmatic, had already collapsed onto the carpeted floor.  I staggered to my feet and tried to get to the door, but started getting light-headed.  I fell to my knees and then fell onto my face, sinking into darkness............
=====================



I opened my eyes, seeing carpet.  I felt strange, but staggered to my feet.  There was still a thick fog in the room, but it seemed safe to breathe.  There was a full length mirror near me.  My clothes felt kind of sticky, like I'd sweated through them,but other than that I didn't look any worse for wear.  Even my glasses were perched on my nose, amazingly unbroken.  I turned around, towards the gaming table and the other gamers.  I gaped.

Floating above the table was a Beholder.

Considered one of the nastiest monsters in the Dungeons & Dragons game, the beholders were pure evil, diabolical and powerfully magic.  Their appearance was almost comical, like a scaly ball about a yard in diameter, with a huge mouth, one huge central eye, and six to twelve smaller eyes on stalks coming out of the top of its head.  Comical, that is, until one realized that each eye could cast a different powerful magic spell, and the central eye could cancel anyone else's magic too.

And, now there was one in the room with them.  The room seemed very, very small all of a sudden.

I stopped moving the second I'd seen the hideous creature, its open mouth showing rows of jagged teeth, and was about to try to edge towards the door, when the levitating ball of teeth and eyes spun around to face me.
Ah!  Greg!  There you are.  Hey! How come you didn't change?

I goggled at the Beholder, it's gravely, screechy voice sounding like a heavy smoker gargling with broken glass.   I just sputtered Who?!?!

The beholder's laugh was, if anything, worse than its regular voice.  It's me, you moron!  Alex!  Of course, I'm much smarter than I used to be, which, if memory serves, was still much smarter than you.  Ha!

Despite the strangeness of the situation, all I could think was: wow, now Alex is an even bigger jackass than before.  Shaking my head, I struggled to speak. Why?..... I began.
Why did I change?  Well, my hightened intelligence tells me that the odd little ritual was some sort of magic.  In short, we've become our characters.  How did you manage to escape the effect? Unless... let me guess, Doppleganger?

As much as Alex's newly reinforced arrogance was quickly annoying the crap out of me, he was right, I could feel it.  Dopplegangers could assume any man-sized shape.  I might have just assumed mine when I collaped.  I turned back to the mirror.  I was almost afraid to see the truth, but I looked at the reflection that I'd had all my life and willed myself to look "normal".  My face, glasses, and even clothes seemed to melt away, revealing a skinny, gray cadaver-like creature that looked more like a stereotypical human-abducting alien than a human being.  I stared incredulously at the creature, in many ways even uglier than Alex's beholder.  Then again, dopplegangers could change that....
Thinking about myself, my face and body seemed to melt again, flowing like wax until it looked like myself again.  After a second or two, I concentrated again, my features flowing into a beefy version of myself, my head, but a body-builder's rippled chest and six-pack abs.  I laughed with joy at seeing my dream body.  Of course, I had other dream bodies....  My features flowed again, until I looked like Angelina Jolie.  I was an exact double for the sexy, eccentric actress, except that I suspect that her breasts weren't this large.  Oops.  Freudian slip, I guess.
Alex's ragged voice brought me out of my dreamy contemplation.
If you're quite done "playing with yourself", I need your help finding the others in this fog.  He laughed at his bad joke.
The reddish fog had settled to about three feet in height.  Our friends were somewhere under it.  A red beam lanced out of one of Alex's smaller eyes, cutting a hole in the large table.    Oops, heh, heh.  Wrong eye.
A purple beam came from another eye, enveloping the table in light and lifting it up and tossing it across the room.  Sorry, heh, heh, don't know my own strength. 
That's when something came flying out of the fog.  It was a lizard.  No.  A dragon.
Settling onto the back of a chair, the Doberman sized dragon opened its mouth and squawked at us.
"Um...Steven?"  I asked.  I was so distracted, I almost missed that my voice sounded strange.  Backing up to the mirror again, I saw that I was still Angelina Jolie.  I blushed as Alex laughed, and thought about my old body.  As I changed, he said: Actually, I liked you better the other way.  Although you made the boobs too big.
In an attempt to change the subject, I asked Steven if he was ok.  He tried to speak,but just squawked again.  Alex laughed even harder.
Well, Jimmy warned you, didn't he?  You're too YOUNG to be able to speak with non-dragons!  HA!
I blinked at the frantically squeaking winged lizard, wondering if Jimmy's choice of dragon was a good one after all.
Alex wasn't done. Baby dragon, doppleganger, what were you two thinking?  You chose mediocre monsters, and for what?  So you could fly and and you could turn into Lara Croft!  HA!
Seriously annoyed, I looked at my toothy friend.  Oh yeah?  Well, at least I can go out in public!
That wiped the smile of Alex's face, though only for a second.  His huge central eye glowed brightly, shining its light on me.  Oh yeah?  Try it now!

I remebered that the beholder's central eye cancels magic.  I looked quickly at the mirror. Sure enough, my shapeshifting magic had been dispeled, leaving my body as the sickly gray manniquin of a doppleganger.  I looked back and shrugged.  He had a point.

Mollified, he turned off the anti-magic beam.  As I turned back to myself, I was startled by the arrival of the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen.  She rose out of the fog, standing about five feet tall.  Her long shiny white hair cascaded over her slim dark shoulders, which were clothed in silvery metal armor that clung to her slight curves.  Her skin was the color of coal, blacker than the night sky, her pointed ears poking out slightly through her hair.  A dark elf.

Looking down at "herself", the drow elf said: I... thought it would be cool to be a drow elf.  They're... they're so... well, powerful.

Even though process of elimination made the elf woman's true identity obvious, I still couldn't believe it.  The 90 lb slip of a girl was our friend Brad, the 200 lb ex-linebacker.

Sensing our confusion, "she" struggled to justify her choice.  I read that the women were the ones in charge of drow society!  They even got more powers, I think!  It I'd known, I'd have chosen a guy elf!  I swear!

Alex, of course, laughed again.  What a prick.  This was too much drama for me, so I tried to change the subject.
Where's Jimmy?

The fog completely dissapated in less then fifteen minutes,but by then we'd determined that Jimmy wasn't anywhere in the room, or indeed the house.  Luckily, Brad's wife was out of town for the week, so we had the house to ourselves while we searched.  Although any mention of the former jock's wife seemed to trigger a near nervous breakdown in the newest member of the sorority of women.  Jimmy's car was still in the driveway, so he hadn't driven off while we'd been unconscious.

We all sat back down to try to figure out what to do.  Alex used his telekinesis eye to move the table back.  I tried to move the table myself with Brad's help, but he wasn't strong enough anymore, which seemed to shake him up even more than suddenly being female.  Brad just sat in his...her chair, almost in shock.  Alex seemed to be seriously getting off on the beholder's levitating power, floating around the room like some sort of demonic goldfish in a huge bowl.  Steven kept squawking at us, trying to say.... something, but we had no clue what it was.

A review of our situation was only useful in making us more depressed.  Well, me and Brad, anyway.  Alex still seemed enchanted by his new form, ugly though it was.  Steven was..well, a squeaking lizard.
There were questions that needed to be answered.  What was this "game"?  Who gave it to Jimmy?  Where WAS Jimmy?  Did he even know that this was going to happen?  He seemed to have expected something to happen after the quills burned, but the way he choked on the smoke too.....
They needed to plan what to do.  How either to change back, or deal with the changes.  Somehow.
They were interrupted by the ringing of the phone.  They all looked at each other, helplessly.

Alex's huge mouth curled in a smirk. I don't have hands. 

Jimmy the dragon just danced around the table, squawking louder than ever, his crimson scales glinting in the phosphorescent lighting.

Do you want me to get it? I asked Brad quickly.  The new elf maiden shook her head, her long hair bouncing.

No, it's my  house.  For now, anyway.
Picking up the receiver, she answered, trying in vain to make her voice sound manly.  Hello, Brad Rogers' residence.   
After a short conversation, Brad seemed to try to reassured someone that everything was under control.  Hanging up, her dark skin looked almost pale as she looked back to me, trying to ignore Alex's amused cackle from a mouth that seemed to go to the back of his head.
I was about to ask who was on the phone when the answer clicked.  I looked over at Steven the dragon, now realizing what he'd been trying to tell us for over an hour.  Brad the elf-girl simply confirmed it.

She said:That was Steven's mother.  He was due home half an hour ago. 

I almost laughed.  I sighed instead.  I picked up a couple of dice.
Go ahead and roll.  Who ever gets the lowest number has to tell "Momzilla" about her son."

Brad actually laughed at that, though she was horrified when it became more of a giggle.



to be con't?
Gregory Stone
player, 10 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Fri 20 Mar 2009
at 12:27
  • msg #10

Re: Scenario Discussion

(grins)  sorry, the story kind of got away from me.  It took me long that I thought it would.
Gregory Stone
player, 12 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Fri 20 Mar 2009
at 19:44
  • msg #11

Re: Scenario Discussion

I'll post another story or two when my muse bites me again. (i feel one bubbling up even now.)
John Maxwell
player, 5 posts
Fri 20 Mar 2009
at 20:05
  • msg #12

Re: Scenario Discussion

that was really good Gregory. It was a good read.

now we all need to get in a story like that :P
Gregory Stone
player, 13 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Fri 20 Mar 2009
at 20:17
  • msg #13

Re: Scenario Discussion

I'm sure our Great and Powerful Storyteller will get around to it.  (shruggs) I can wait a bit longer, if need be. :)
Dan Rycov
player, 9 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Sat 21 Mar 2009
at 00:49
  • msg #14

Re: Scenario Discussion

If I was in that, I've been a Lich and raised an army of my undead soldiers to tossle the amsses into slavery under my glorious booming voice!!

Ahem, yes I would've liked that.
Gregory Stone
player, 15 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sat 21 Mar 2009
at 01:10
  • msg #15

Re: Scenario Discussion

"I see DEAD PEOPLE!  And it's ME!!"
Gregory Stone
player, 16 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sat 21 Mar 2009
at 05:05
  • msg #16

Re: Scenario Discussion

Second story:   A little less "transform-y", but here it is for your perusal.



I walked into work a full fifteen minutes early that day, the first time ever. I really liked my job at Boston Comics, but it usually took almost an hour to get across town by car.   I had caught every light exactly right today, though, and even found a good parking space.  Usually that was bad luck, but I had a good feeling about today.  I walked in, seeing only a couple of customers.  It would get much busier later, I knew, during the big event.

I saw Michael, the store manager, arguing with Jeffrey, the head cashier.  I only caught the last half before they stopped and greeted me.  Something about "Who's gonna do it, your mother?" Jeffrey started saying "What about my mother?"  When Michael held up a hand to shush him, still looking at me.  Jeffrey did a double take, looking at me, then Michael, then back at me, then he seemed to realize something.  Crap, I thought, did they figure out that I'd been sneaking out back issues of the adult comic "Xenophile" home to read after my shifts?  I tried to think of a good excuse for employee theft, even employee "borrowing", when Michael said, in a careful voice Gregory, how would you like to earn.... 300 dollars today?
I stared at him, my mouth hanging open slightly.  That was not what he'd expected.
Um...... maybe?

Michael looked around the store, seeing the only customer left wander out.  He walked to the door and locked it, turning the "Back in five minutes" sign over.
He came back to where the Jeff and I were standing.  He looked at Jeff, who shrugged, and sighed and looked back at me.

She-Hulk cancelled.

I looked at him blankly for a second, then it clicked.  Oh, crap!  You gotta be kidding me!
This was the "big event".  A mini comic book convention here in the store, with several local artists and writers, plus a few actors dressed at superheroes.
We had the obligatory Wolverine, the guy with the metal claws and bad attitude, Superman, or at least a guy with a black cowlick and a Superman costume, and She-hulk.   The first two were a dime a dozen, seen in every comic booky type event.  There were always guys willing to dress up in superhero costumes.  What was rare were women willing to do it, especially athletic women who were willing to wear the skimpy costumes of the typical female superhero.  The Mini-Con was expected to draw a good number of customers, new and old, but it was generally understood that since the writers and artists were only local talent, the main draw was the buxom woman who was willing to strut her stuff as the amazonian She-Hulk.

I thought furiously, looking at the clock behind the counter.  It was 10:00AM. Only two hours until the Con.  What could be done to replace herMaybe it won't be so bad?  The con is only one day.  Even if the fans are a bit bummed, it's not like they'll just go away, right?

Michael rolled his eyes at me.  Dammit, Gregory, it doesn't matter if they "don't go away"!  If they come here and don't get what they came for, our store will look stupid and we'll lose credibility with our core fan base!
Either we produce She-Hulk, or we get set back ten years of work in this town. It's that simple.


Can we hire some...

He shook his head vigorously.  Jeffrey and I have been calling modeling agencies, acting agencies, and even escort services.  Nobody has anyone available, unless they're some anorexic 12 year old. Unless you know a woman who's over six feet tall, there's only one option left.
I thought furiously.  My old girlfriend's roommate was 5'11", but she was home for the summer.  I sighed and shrugged.  What's the option?

Michael seemed to chew his words over for a moment.  It's you, Gregory.

Me!?!  What, are you high, Mike?  He hated being called Mike, but my surprise had made me forget that.   He chose to ignore it.

Look, Gregory, the Con is in two hours.  We've exhausted all options except the three of us.  I'm a fat tub of goo.  Jeffrey is a skinny midget.   That leaves you.  Mike was exaggerating, at least a little.  Mike was certainly overweight, at least 400 lbs, and Jeff probably didn't top 130.  Neither was taller than 5'6".  Still though....
How am I going to do this?
Michael put his hands up, diplomatically.  Well, didn't you say that you dressed as a woman for Halloween one year?

I looked at him incredulously. That was three years and....well, thirty pounds ago.  And, I had my old girlfriend to help me.  AND, I only fooled a couple of people for a couple of minutes.

Well, Gregory, we may have that covered.  Jeffrey, why don't you and Gregory go for a walk?  It was more of a request from the boss then a suggestion.
Confused, I followed Jeff out to his old SUV.  Get in, Greg, let's go for a ride.
"Go for a ride?"  What, are you in the mafia now? I was just glad that he didn't share Mike's obsession with formal names.   I got in, intensely curious,but trusting my friend.
You've never been to my apartment, have you, Greg?
I shrugged as he pulled away from the curb.  You've never invited me.
Jeff sighed and nodded, somewhat embarrassed.  That's because my living situation is kind of.... unique.  You see, I live in a four bedroom high rise apartment, but I only use one room, so I get a break on rent.  Also my roommate is someone that most people wouldn't want to room with.  His name is Victor, though he's normally called Victoria.

Victor's a....
Jeff nodded, his eyes on the road.  Yes, a drag queen and celebrity impersonator.  He practices all the time.  He's actually pretty good. 

You know, maybe Victor...
Jeffrey laughed. Victor's away in Provincetown for the week, doing daily shows, and he'd NEVER get involved with something like a comic convention anyway.  However, I've accidentally seen him get ready for his shows often enough that I can handle it.
"Accidentally"? I asked, eyebrows raised.
Alright!!! Alright!!!  Not just .. "accidentally".  When I'm late on the rent, Victor lets me have extensions if I help him clean and organize his drag stuff.  And.... well, sometimes I have to help him..  get dressed.  Jeff had his eyes locked on the road, unable to face me.
Wow.  I can't imagine how hard it had been to admit that, even if it was to save his job.  I looked at him. Don't worry about it, Jeff.  I'd have done the same thing.  Let's just get this over with.  Hopefully you can make me a "pretty" as Victoria is.
He looked at me and smiled, letting out the breath he'd been holding.  He nodded.

We didn't talk again until we walked into the apartment.  It made my studio in Revere look like a homeless shelter.  Fancy furniture and artwork were everywhere.  We went straight to one of the bedrooms.  I could see why Jeff only got one room.  Of the four bedrooms, one was Victor's, one was a sewing room and one looked like a celebrity dressing room, complete with huge make-up table and thirty feet of closet space.  Jeff's room was little more than a utility room.  We entered the room.  Jeff went straight to a chest of drawers opening it and pulling out undergarments, some I didn't actually recognize.  The king sized four posted bed was filled with sequined pillows and stuffed animals.

Jeff turned to me, smiling sheepishly.   I don't know how to say any of this subtly, so I'll just say it.   Go ahead and go into the bathroom and shave.  Everything.
I looked at him for a second to see if he was kidding.  He wasn't.  I remembered having to shave all over when my girlfriend dressed me in drag during college.

The bathroom was better then a Vegas luxery suite, obviously used by someone who shaved everywhere.  I grabbed some hair remover and lathered up.

Thirty uncomfortable minutes later, I walked out in a towel.  Jeff was stacking up several jars of green body makeup.  He looked at me and smirked.
Go ahead and drop the towel.  I've told you my greatest secrets, the least you can do is not worry about yours.   You'll need to wear this, to keep "little greg" from showing.  He handed me a leather thong.  I took it, blushing deeply.  My hairless legs felt breezy and oddly smooth as I walked over and took it.
Alright, Jeff, let's get this over with.
Back in the seventies, Marvel comics realized that they were a bunch of immature man-children who've ignored the presence of female comic readers.  In desperation, they invented several female superheroes.  Most, sadly were just female versions of popular make heroes, but one of them stuck.  The Incredible Hulk's cousin Jennifer, needed a blood transfusion.  Bruce Banner, the Hulk's alter ego, gave it to her, and, in true comic book logic, she gained similar powers, although, as a "hot chick", she never became a mindless monster, just
a seven foot green skinned babe who could lift a car.

So, an hour later, I was She-Hulk.  First, Jeff applied the green make-up everywhere.  And I do mean everywhere.  Needless to say, there was little conversation except him telling me what to do.  After that, he applied adhesive to my chest, to which he secured two large, heavy fake breasts.  I almost tipped over from the sudden weight.  Then he laced me into a black corset, taking almost twenty agonizing minutes.  I wanted to see myself, perversely curious, but Jeff, like a true artist, insisted on making me wait until he was done.  He led me over to the make up chair, turning it around so I was facing away from the mirror.  I couldn't help but rub my hands up and down my trim waist as I walked.  My moderate belly had been pushed in and up, making my waist smaller than it'd ever been, at least since I was a kid.
As I sat down, Jeff got out a pair of black thigh high boots.  Seeing my look, Jeff shrugged. You need to be taller, and "She-Hulk" wouldn't wear flats.  He then started working the boots onto my legs, after helping me put on some nylon socks (he said it was to prevent chafing).  As I looked down on him, kneeling on the floor, putting the boots on my long legs, I actually started feeling more like a woman, especially since my view gave my a good view of my new green cleavage.  I blinked at my new chest.  My... breasts seemed huge, at least from my angle.  Finished, Jeff got out a make-up kit and went to work on my face.  The green skin makeup made a good "base" coating, but he also added long fancy eye-lashes, black lipstick and darker green eye shadow.  Then, he put a long black wig on my head, securing it with something.  I wondered how many times he'd done this for his roommate.  While I was thinking about this, he said Finished! and spun my chair around.

It's a common cliche that when someone gets a "make over", they look in silent awe at the results.  I'm embarrassed to admit it, but that's exactly what happened.  I blinked, my long lashes fluttering, as I looked at the, I had to admit, beautiful, green skinned woman that I saw in the mirror.  My mouth opened and closed a few times as I looked at the stranger in front of me.

Yeah, I lost a bet with Victor one time, and had to let him do this to me.  I was speechless too.  I glanced at Jeff out of the corner of my eye, wondering if he meant to say that out loud.   Alright, "She-Hulk", now stand up.

Nodding dumbly, I stood up.   And promptly tipped over.  Expecting it, Jeff caught me, though his face got squished into my new fake boobs. Embarrassed, I teetered to my feet, suddenly six inches taller.  I thought that some boots with a little heel would fit the character but there were almost stilletoes.  Wobbling, I began practicing my walk.  Jeff kept giving my advice to be "sexy", but I was going to settle for "standing".  He also had me practice speaking from my throat for a softer, girlier voice.   I argued that a woman who could lift a car would hardly be expected to talk like a Playboy centerfold, but he shook his head, insisting that anything that seemed "manly" would be one step closer to giving me away.

That, of course, was the gaping flaw in the plan.  If the fan-boys realized that the hot super-babe was actually a dude, it would probably be worse for the store than if we'd done nothing.  While I was wondering if maybe we should do the latter, he applied fake red fingernails and a choker.  It felt funny on my throat, but Jeff insisted, saying that while my Adam's apple was hardly noticable, "hardly" was hardly enough.

We walked to his car, carrying on a conversation as She-Hulk would with her "handler" which was Jeff's official job at the convention.  I seemed to almost glide along on my heels, having mastered stepping more like a women, my heavy fake breasts swaying under the LBD, what women, and probably Victor too, refered to as a "little black dress".  The silky garment was sleeveless, going to mid-thigh and showing more cleavage than the Grand Canyon.

My long hair bounced off my bare shoulders, as my green arms swung in time with my rounded hips.  I practiced crossing and uncrossing my legs on the ride back to the store, as well as smiling seductively in the mirror.  I felt a bit foolish, but also, oddly invigorated.  I wasn't Greg anymore, random store clerk, I was a celebrity, and one that most of the guys in the store would be checking out to the point of rudeness.  I walked into the comic store, faking a self-confidence that I'd never felt in my life, but that was second nature to the She-Hulk.

Mike was trying to direct the chaos of the mini-con, but stopped when he saw me.  His eyes got as big as saucers.  That was a good sign.  Pete, the other part-time clerk, saw me from behind the register and yelled to the crowd:
Now, join me in welcoming our final guest-star: The Sensational She-Hulk!
Pete looked at me, smiling broadly.  Just like I told the others, ma'am, anything you need, just ask.  I'm exist to serve.  He said it jokingly, but there was an edge to it as he seemed to lick his lips nervously.
Holy moley, I thought to myself, he has no idea it's me "in here".  Mike hadn't told him.  Pete was such a lousy liar, the boss probably figured that he couldn't help but give me away.  So, for the next couple of hours, my co-worker will assume that I'm a real She-Hulk impersonator, and a real woman.  I cringed a little, inwardly.  This should prove interesting, in the Chinese curse kind of way.
"Superman" and "Wolverine" were also checking me out.  I had a sudden attack of "woman's intuition" that told me that many of the pictures over the afternoon would involve a lot of close contact.  I knew that there was something I was forgetting about conventions when I agreed to do this.

I looked down at Jeff.  He patted me on the small of my corsetted back and said Alright, "Shulkie", it's showtime!


Taking a deep breath, at least as deep as I could, I walked forward, smiling for "my" fans.
Gregory Stone
player, 17 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sat 21 Mar 2009
at 05:31
  • msg #17

Re: Scenario Discussion

I guess that was more "disguise" than transformation, but I wanted to go for a realistic (well, kind of) transformation story.  One that could have happened without magic or aliens.  Don't worry, though, I've got another one cooking, one that is more supernatural.
Dan Rycov
player, 10 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Sat 21 Mar 2009
at 09:21
  • msg #18

Re: Scenario Discussion

Nah, I don't like diguise ones. More TF, less cosmetics.

And zombies, musn't forget the zombies...
Gregory Stone
player, 18 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sat 21 Mar 2009
at 17:42
  • msg #19

Re: Scenario Discussion

(grins) It's always about the undead with you, eh?

Alright, let me see what I can come up with.
Dan Rycov
player, 11 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Sat 21 Mar 2009
at 20:49
  • msg #20

Re: Scenario Discussion

I read a comic about spirit exchange once. Someone dies and is put in the body of someone else.
Gregory Stone
player, 19 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sat 21 Mar 2009
at 21:04
  • msg #21

Re: Scenario Discussion

I have a character in another game like that.  A lawyer who was murdered, like Patrick Swazey in Ghost.  He possessed a coma patient in order to move around again, and got stuck there.
Cassander Miraz
player, 4 posts
Sat 21 Mar 2009
at 21:56
  • msg #22

Re: Scenario Discussion

So we're looking for a scenario with spirit possession and zombies?  How about zombie possession?  :)
Gregory Stone
player, 20 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sat 21 Mar 2009
at 22:35
  • msg #23

Re: Scenario Discussion

(laughs)  Well, I'm not.  At least not specifically.  But I have another story idea that I'll jot down.  It might be more what the "dead guy" fans have in mind.  Just give me a second........
John Maxwell
player, 6 posts
Sat 21 Mar 2009
at 23:03
  • msg #24

Re: Scenario Discussion

hmm

I can't say the turning into a zombie would be my cup of tea(though I did say I'll try anything once, so I shall)

Gregory I'll say again good story I can't wait for the next one.


and on to a serious question.

will these senarios go on such that only one will be played at a given time, or will the transformation senario continue until no one wants to play anymore(possibly with a story added in) with new stories constantly starting?

I'm hoping the latter, I just want to make sure that it's not going to be a random collection of transformation and nothing else to expand after that.
Gregory Stone
player, 21 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sat 21 Mar 2009
at 23:34
  • msg #25

Re: Scenario Discussion

To be honest, I'm not sure what's happening either.  I'm hoping for a GM who'll lead the game and direct us, but I can improvise if this is meant to be more player driven.   I haven't heard what our Benevolent GM has in mind yet.

Also, the story is in the works.  I write slower than a turtle with a charley horse, but I'll get it done tonight, I believe.
John Maxwell
player, 7 posts
Sat 21 Mar 2009
at 23:35
  • msg #26

Re: Scenario Discussion

cool
Storyteller
GM, 10 posts
Sun 22 Mar 2009
at 00:10
  • msg #27

Re: Scenario Discussion

In reply to various Players:

At any given time there will be several different Scenarios for players to participate in. Each Scenario will typically be set up with as:

Introduction -> Trigger -> Transformation -> Consequences/Conclusion

Each section will be as long or as short as the players desire and it'll be up to the players when they think that the Scenario has reached its proper conclusion, or they wish to continue on longer. As one ends or reaches a point where a character believes they have reached their conclusion, new ones will begin.

I was aiming to have a story and plot(s?) that subtly (or in some cases not so much) links the different Scenarios together that will be revealed as the game progresses.

I am aiming for equal amounts GM and Player-driven story, where both can help each other to develop the story. I will certainly lead the game and direct the story and plot, but this is the sort of game that can benefit greatly from the Player's interactions with it.



On another note, I was thinking of beginning with several different Scenarios.

One of the Scenarios is one of Gregory's suggestions and fitting considering what we are actually doing. It also allows a wide variety to different TF Types. It wouldn't be quite the same as his story, however, just with the same theme:

Role-playing game come to life (TF to Characters)
- Possible TF Types include: Chronological, Gender, Monster, Mythological, Super Powers

Who would be interested in a Scenario like this (so I know who to gear other Scenario(s) towards)?



Nice stories by the way Gregory (even though I'm not much of a fan of 'disguise TFs' myself)!
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:12, Sun 22 Mar 2009.
John Maxwell
player, 8 posts
Sun 22 Mar 2009
at 00:12
  • msg #28

Re: Scenario Discussion

As I said before I'm good for any and all.

but this is peticularly interesting to me, because I'm had plenty of daydreams like that when I've been bored :P
Gregory Stone
player, 22 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sun 22 Mar 2009
at 00:15
  • msg #29

Re: Scenario Discussion

I would love to join it, ST.   Sorry that we were wandering around here lost and whining.   We certainly didn't mean to doubt that you were on the case.  (grin)

Your format sounds good.  I'd certainly be able to use my imagination and inituative (limited though they might be) to add to a story and help develope my character, as long as you as GM are there to guide us.

The game idea is one of my favorites, as I've mentioned.  Whatever you need from us, don't hesitate to ask.
Gregory Stone
player, 23 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sun 22 Mar 2009
at 01:28
  • msg #30

Re: Scenario Discussion

We were huddled in the deserted house.  The soldiers were coming soon.  We still didn't even know, really, what was going on.
It had started innocently enough.  My ex-girlfriend, Lori, had asked me to help her move from her parent's basement on Long Island to a new place in upstate New York, outside of White Plains.  I was wondering, quite selfishly, if there was to be a special "reward" for helping her move to a nice, private house in the isolated woods.  True to my luck with love, there wasn't.  I managed, barely to control my reaction to seeing the rest of the crew, which included not only her friend Amy, but Mitch, her new boyfriend, a status the man made sure to, ever so subtly, comment on whenever we were alone and out of earshot of the girls.   Since I wasn't enough of a jerk to walk away just because there would be no sex that weekend (Amy was cute, but had mentioned before that I wasn't anywhere near her type), I gritted my teeth and helped, watching my old girlfriend, being PDAed by her new one.  I'm pretty sure that molesting Lori in from me actually excited the arrogant jackass.

Then, after getting her moved in, we heard the sirens.  Turning on the car radios (no cable service yet) we heard reports of soldiers taking over Albany, and moving onto New York City.    We were in disbelief, trying to make sense of it.  Who could have, and would have been able to do this.   Russians?  Chinese?  Canadians?

Lori, a bit of a drama queen to begin with, ran to her car to drive back to Long Island to check on her parents, after she got no phone service.  I had to wrestle her away, trying to reason with her that if the reports were true, there was an army between her and her parents and that her parents were probably very happy that she was all the way up here.  Mitch, of course, took her side, I suspect just to annoy me and get in better with his hysterical girlfriend.  We argued for several minutes until Amy (who'd wisely stayed out of it) yelled out in alarm.

That's when we saw them.  Tanks.   Tanks and troop transports riding through White Plains, NY.    It was like a bad dream.  Then, I saw that they were American tanks and transports.   I tried to calm everyone down, reasoning that this must be a rescue effort or at least a mobilization to stop whoever the enemy was, but stopped when the soldiers jumped out of the transports and started rounding people up, shooting anyone who resisted.  We all froze.  Mitch looked venomously at me, as if my reassuring talk before made it my fault that American soldiers were doing this.  A loudspeaker demanded the surrender of everyone, at once, or "extreme measures would be taken".  We all dithered, not sure what to do next, when a soldier decided it for us.

A little girl, previously playing on the sidewalk, screamed for her mother and started to run away.  The soldier shot her in the back.   Mitch, Amy, and I froze in shock.  Lori screamed and then started yelling curses on the soldier that would blister the ears of a pimp.  He looked at her, emotionlessly and shot at her.   The bullet missed her by inches, which stopped her tirade fairly quickly.  As one, we turned and ran.  There were tanks and armored vehicles on both ends of the streets, so our cars were useless.  Lori ran back into the house, possibly under the delusion that her new home would protect her.  Having no other options, we followed.

As we entered the house, I yelled for everyone to go out the back, to try to lose ourselves in the woods surrounding White Plains.   I was ignored as Lori kept climbing more and more stairs.   The others followed, either mindlessly or with the assumption that she knew what she was doing.  She ended up at the top floor, moving a portrait, which had a hidden switch.  She pulled it and a trapdoor opened in the ceiling.  A rope ladder fell out.  She started climbing.    The other two looked at each other.   Lori was like that, just when you assumed that she'd lost her crap, you find that she'd had a plan all along.

At the top was a low but spacious attic.    Piles of dusty books, boxes and bottles surrounded us.   It's a hidden room that was used during prohibition, or in the Underground Railroad.  My realtor didn't know which.  All I knew was "yay! cool hidden room!" and possibly some cool and valuable antiques.   Now, though, we can hide here until the soldiers go away.

As she pulled up the rope and closed the door, Mitch shook his head.  But, these are AMERICAN soldiers.  We just can't run away, can we?

I was eager to give my opinion, especially since it differed from Mitch.  No, Lori's right.  Something is majorly screwy here.  I mean, seriously, an American soldier that shoots a little girl in the back?  Are you kidding me!  I make as many jokes as anyone about how hard up the army is these days for recruits, but.....  come on, here.  There's something REALLY wrong with this picture.

Amy nodded vigorously.  Yeah, Greg's got a point.  I know that there are always bad people who find their way into the military, but this goes beyond that.
Mitch actually seemed to want to argue the point, probably just to not be wrong, but shrugged and looked darkly at me.
Alright then, BRAINIAC.  So what do we do now?

It was obvious that he wanted to catch me off guard with that question, so I'd stammer and look stupid.  Unfortunately for him, I'd been thinking about it already.
Here's my idea: As quietly as we can, look around the room for weapons, anything we can use to defend ourselves.
There's a tiny window up here, but it's too small to escape, so that's out.
The soldiers saw us come in here, so it's a safe bet that they'll follow.  If we can, we'll stay here and hopefully they'll assume that we ran out the back and into the woods.  If not, we have to assume that they'll find us eventually, so we'll either have to try to catch them off-guard with whatever we can find. 

I  sighed.  If they come in force, though, we may have to surrender, but given what happened to little "Susie" out there, I'd like to avoid trusting these guys to follow the Geneva Convention with us.

Sullenly, Mitch shrugged and went back to looking around the attic with everyone else.  What the hell did she SEE in this jackhole?   I shook my head and picked up some vintage liquer bottles.  Probably worth some cash, but also possible weapons.

It was Amy that found the Book.

Blowing the dust off it, she gasped, and then started coughing.  I went to her side, more to try to help her be quiet, than anything else.   It was then that I saw that the Book was glowing.   Recovering, she saw it too and dropped the book. I caught it.  It was really old, with no markings on the outside.  I opened it, Mitch and Lori drawing nearer once they saw the glow, both of them curious but understandably nervous.

Opening the Book, I read to myself, skimming, then looked up at them.   It's.... magic. I said simply.

Mitch rolled his eyes and grabbed the book, which Lori promptly grabbed from him.   Reading it, she nodded, a little fearfully, but struck with awe.

Greg is right.  See, even the words are glowing.  And, I know in my heart that the language is Latin, but I can read it like it was my own handwriting.   

I let her read.  I was her book now, technically.  Mitch seemed to consider taking it from her, but reconsidered.

Looking up at us, she spoke, her eyes narrowed with grudging acceptance of the impossible thing she held before her.

It's called 'The Tome of the Veil".  It's a magic book that can summon a group of supernatural champions to defend the land when evil is abroad.   All we have to do is speak the magic and the Four Champions of the Veil will be summoned.

The fact that Lori normally doesn't speak that formally spoke volumes about how awed she was.    I was about to say something smart-ass about using fairy tales as weapons when I heard movement downstairs.  The soldiers were climbing the stairs.
Looking around the room at the other options for weapons, which seemed to include old bottles, dusty books and fragile antiques, I sighed in exasperation and shrugged.
What the hell, Lori, go ahead and do it.  We've got trigger happy soldiers in the house looking for us.   What could it hurt, at this point?

Taking a deep breath (well, not too deep, or she'd start coughing too), Lori began to read:

Evil now walks upon our land.
We say now, this will not stand.
Beyond the Veil we reach for aid.
Let the forces of Darkness be dismayed.


At first, nothing happened.   I said quietly Wow.  That was a really crappy poem.
Lori was about to shush me when the Book seemed to explode in light and smoke, shining like a lantern on all of us.  It was then that we Understood.

It had happened long ago.  Perhaps during the first World War, perhaps during the Middle Ages, perhaps during the founding of the Egyptian Empire, we had no way of knowing.   We understood, though, that during various points in history, the forces of darkness, REAL forces of darkness, moved through the land, trying to take over or subvert the people to its evil will.  Whenever this happened, The Book of The Veil would allow itself to be found, choosing Champions and gifting them with elements of the supernatural, then sending them out to battle the Darkness.   Whether we liked it or not, WE were those champions.

It was over in an instant, though it seemed to last forever.  The light had gone out.  We were in darkness.    Lori was screaming, yelling at someone to "Stop yelling at me!"  I tried to find her, but my body felt numb and clumbsy.  Amy was trying to speak, but her voice was dreamy and distracted.   Before I could find her, the trapdoor opened and a harsh voice yelled up:  Come down here, quickly and quietly, or you'll be shot as deserters!

Before I could stop myself, I yelled back.  Deserters from what? My voice sounded rough and hollow, like I'd just woken up.  I staggered to my feet, my legs feeling leaden.  I was feeling almost disconnected from my body.  It wasn't a good feeling.  Lori seemed to be coming out of what ever freak-out she'd been in, and yelled out to Mitch.
Mitch, you're what?  Oh God!!  No, you can't be!

Lori, what's going on?  Mitch can't be what? I couldn't  hear him.  I assumed that he was lying near her, perhaps whispering something.    A mean-spirited thought crossed my mind that maybe the doofus was dead,  but I shook it off.  despite being a dink, he certainly didn't deserve death.  And right now, frankly, we needed all the help we could get.

Very well!  You have brought this on yourselves.  From the light coming through the trapdoor, I saw something being thrown into the attic.  A grenade.

I've never been a really brave person.  My "combat" experience was limited to high school wrestling and getting my ass kicked in second grade.  I usually feel a bit panicked in any sort of confrontation, especially one where violence is a possibility.  This time, I felt strangely calm.  I caught the grenade in mid-air and tossed it back down the trapdoor.  It exploded, but not with concussion, but with gas, possibly tear gas.   The soldiers started hacking and coughing, but one made it to the top.  Calmly, though I still marveled inwardly that I was so calm, I strode over and kicked him in the face.  He fell down, but grabbed my leg and pulled me down with him.   As I went through the hole, my chest banged against the side, and I fell the seven feet down on top of him.  Perhaps it was the adrenaline, but I felt no pain.  I sprang to my feet, grabbing the rifle of the nearest coughing soldier (they'd been cocky, it seemed and neglected to wear gas masks).  I wasn't sure where the safety for the automatic rifle was, of the top of my head, so I turned it and swung it like a baseball bat.  He went down in a shower of blood and teeth.   On the backswing, I caught another as he tried to aim his gun mid-cough.  The impact knocked him into the wall so hard that he richochetted off and landed ten feet down the hallway.

I marveled at him, lying there.  I was raised on a farm, and was used to being one of the strongest guys in the room, as long as those guys weren't actually athletes or anything, but I knew I wasn't that strong.  I looked around in time to see a rifle go off.  I felt the impact in my chest, sort of.  I looked down in disbelief, at the seeping blood in the center of my favorite t-shirts.  I was dead, shot in the chest.  I looked at the grinning, wheezing soldier.  Another soldier was standing, trying to shake off the gas.  We all stared at each other for a couple of more seconds before we seemed to realize at the same time that I hadn't fallen down, like a proper dead person.  He raised his rifle as I readied myself to spring, but the other soldier beat us to the punch and fired.  At the first soldier.   I stopped mid-lunge as the first soldier, as was proper etiquette, fell down dead after being shot in the chest.  I looked at my new friend in wonderment and suspicion.  Between coughs and sniffles, the man wheezed out something that sounded like "mitch" and pointed to his chest.

I shook my head.  Was he waying that he was a friend of Mitch's?  It was a coincidence that strained the imagination, but it was kinda turning into that kind of day.  He also pointed to me, coughing, and then pointed to the gas, mouthing. "why?"
I looked around at the gas, not sure what he'd meant.   Then it occured to me.  I wasn't coughing.  I thought about it for a second, and realized that I wasn't even breathing.  Holy Jeebus on a Crutch!  I was dead!  Had the first soldier's bullet done it?  No, I hadn't been effected by the gas the whole time.   I had been dead since leaving the attic.  That damned Book!

Suddenly, the soldier that had been shot stood up.  I looked in surprise, and Mitch's friend raised his rifle, but Amy's voice came from up in the attic.
It's alright, boys.  He's with me.
The two of us hesitated, as the obviously dead soldier slung his rifle and went to the rope ladder and, without apparent instruction, helped Amy, and a somewhat more reluctant Lori, down from the attic.    The gas had dissapated enough that it did little more that stink up Lori's house at this point.

Now that the immediate crisis was over, we could feel the rest of the Book's knowledge sink in:
There were four Champions from Beyond The Veil;  The Body, The Spirit, The Mind, and The Heart.

I was the Body.  Literally.  I was a dead body.  I had become, essentially, an intelligent zombie, stronger than ten men and virtually unkillable.
Mitch was the Spirit.  His physical body was gone, leaving behind a ghost that wasn't affected by the physical world, but could possess humans at will.
Amy was the Mind.  She would command the dead, like puppets.
Lori was the Heart.  She could sense the supernatural, read psychic traces, and see ghosts, which is how she still saw Mitch.

We were the Champions From Beyond the Veil.  One of the goofier names I'd ever heard, but a pretty impressive force.

Lori interrupted our epiphany.
They're being controlled.  The soldiers.  I'm not  sure how, yet, but I can tell that there's something influencing them. 

I shrugged. It felt different with dead shoulders.  Well, then, let's go find out who's doing it.  It seems to be our "destiny".


===========================>



I have a little more to that story, but I'll stop here for now, as I've got to go offline for a bit.  Perhaps later tonight I'll do the second part.
Dan Rycov
player, 12 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Sun 22 Mar 2009
at 05:27
  • msg #31

Re: Scenario Discussion

Hmm, don't really like that one too much.
I always hate the stereotypical 'heroes/champions of light battling the forces of evil'

I like the stories where the heroes are pretty much idiots.
Gregory Stone
player, 24 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sun 22 Mar 2009
at 05:51
  • msg #32

Re: Scenario Discussion

I understand.  I'm going for "human" heroes, not neccessarily idiots, but let's see what my muse pokes me with for part two.
Gregory Stone
player, 25 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sun 22 Mar 2009
at 07:55
  • msg #33

Re: Scenario Discussion

"The Champions From Beyond The Veil" I said quietly.  It sounded really stupid out loud.  Like a bad joke.  What wasn't a joke was the fact that it was true.  Chosen by The Book to be its champions to fight the forces of darkness, which is what seems to have taken over the US Army.  Or, at least a crapload of army guys in New York that were currently taking over White Plains, were the four of us were standing, coming to terms with our "destiny".

I, your hero, Greg, was The Body, a living (for lack of a better word) zombie, stronger than any normal human, and seemingly unkillable, if the bullet hole in my chest is any indication.

My ex-girlfriend, Lori, was The Heart, an empath for the supernatural, able to detect supernatural influence, ghosts and the like.
Which was helpful to hear her new boyfriend, Mitch (seriously, don't get me started).

Mitch was The Spirit, reduced to a ghostly presence, unseen or heard by any living thing (except Lori), but with the ability to possess other, corporeal humans.

The last member of our Abhorsome Foursome (like that?  thought of it myself) was Lori's (and, to an extent, my) friend Amy, who had become The Mind, becoming a necromancer, having control over the dead.

=======================

When last we left our heroes.....


So, here we were.  Giving "super powers", apparently to help save the world from whatever had subverted the US Army.  Our powers?  Different aspects of Death.
Ew.

We had just beat up two and killed one soldier after they'd tried to gas us (I didn't seem to breath, so I had had a nice edge in the ensuing fight).  Mitch had "possessed" the fourth soldier.

Well, fellow "Ghost Busters", shall we go save the world! I said to my fellow perversions of the Laws of Nature.   I turned and walked down the hall and stepped onto the stairs.

And was promptly shot.  In the chest.  Again.

In our understandable confusion with out new "situation" we'd assumed that the four soldiers by the enterance to the attic where we'd hidden were the only ones. Obviously, some had run downstairs when I'd managed to toss the tear gas granaded back out at them.   In other words, the soldiers were being controlled, but they were still soldiers; they weren't stupid.   Unlike us.

I staggered back.  Lori screamed and rushed to me.  While the evil, selfish child in me was gratified to see Mitch's girlfriend rushing to my side, I waved at her frantically to stay put so she wouldn't get her ass shot off.  Again, I should have been terrified, but I wasn't.  I was just annoyed.  Then again, as a dead guy, I didn't actually have adrenal glands anymore.  There was a serious down side to this, I just knew it, but I'd worry about it later.

Amy's dead pet soldier stepped forward and opened fire, as did "Mitch".  I had no idea that he knew about guns.  Maybe he was able to fake it since he was in a soldier's body.  Maybe I shouldn't mouth off so much to him in the future.

I should have stayed behind, let the people who weren't us do the shooting and and the getting shot, but I was feeling a bit cocky.  I ran to the top of the stairs as "our" soldiers opened fire, inadvertantly providing cover for me.  Taking them two at a time, I rushed down, seeing two soldiers left, the other two  dead on the living room floor.  I saw one of them poking his head up, and threw a body block into the recliner he'd been behind.  I'd meant to just knock him off balance, but I'd underestimated my new strength.  The crunching sound of his body getting crushed between the chair and the wall was a sound I knew I'd never forget.  The last soldier looked shocked, but stood to fire on me.  He was cut to ribbons by the other two soldiers in the room, whom Amy had apparently "converted".
I keep saving your ample ass, big boy!   Try not to make this a habit, 'kay?  The petite, freckled blonde swept by us, like a queen walking past her subjects.  Come along, boys, we've got work to do.

All four of the soldiers stood up (the one I'd squished was a little wobbly on his feet) and followed her out of the room.  Three more followed down the stairs.

I was seriously confused.  Little Amy, who is racked with guilt when she couldn't buy something from a telemarketer, who cries when she sees a dead mouse in an alley, was apparently raising soldiers from the dead and was leading their mutilated corpses to do their bidding.  Stunned, I shook my head and looked back upstairs to where Lori and "Mitch" still were.  I ran back up, assuming that Amy wouldn't have left them if they weren't ok, but I was suddenly paranoid about the "new" Amy.

Lori was fine, but Mitch wasn't.  His borrowed body was riddled with bullets, bleeding out onto the hall carpet.  Lori was holding the soldiers hand.
I thought it wouldn't hurt.  You know, since it wasn't me.  But... it does.  It... oh god!

I watched his suffering with a look of incredulity. Mitch, dude, just let go of the body.  Hell, you can get another one, you know.

Mitch, and Lori, gave me a dirty look.  She had tears in her eyes.  Easy for you to say, you ass!  You can't die now.  This is the only body he has!  Of course he doesn't want to let it go. 
As usual, she only made limited sense when she was upset, but I got the gist.  As strange and freakish as my body was, at least I had one.  I can see how hard it would be to go back to being a bodyless spirit, unable to touch your girlfriend.
I still thought he was a dick, but I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

Hating myself for it, I sighed and said: Alright, Mitch, if you need a body, go ahead and....... use mine.
Lori and the dying soldier looked up at me, him being even more surprised than me at the offer.

I saw his body relax as it died.  It was the latest horrifying experience in a long line of them that day.  I felt a smothering presense I tried to relax and go with it, letting Mitch do whatever juju he did, but it was like suffocating (an ironic experience for me, certainly).  I shook like I was coming up for "air".  Lori rushed over to me.  Mitch, are you ok?  How do you feel?

I shook my head, partly because I felt guilty lying to her, and partly because I assumed that Mitch could see us.  No, it's still me.  I don't know what happened. 

She looked confused, then looking around, she smiled, apparently seeing Mitch again.  She looked serious for a moment, obviously listening to him, then looked accusingly at me.  He says you wouldn't let him in.

I didn't know what to say. I shrugged helplessly.  Obviously I wasn't overly enthusiastic about the idea, but I'd made the offer in good faith.  Don't look at me!  I tried.  It just didn't take, I guess.

She looked up to the right, assumably at Mitch, then back at me.  It was obvious that she didn't believe me.  Shrugging she walked by me.
I was about to grab her and tell her again that I'm not so petty that I'd lie to her, when Amy's voice came from the living room.
Hey, if you guys are done with crying over the mess, I'm bored and want to leave!

Lori and I just looked at each other.  What the CRAP was going on with Amy.  Lori had told me how it had taken five separate pep talks to get her to complain to a roommate about smoking in the shared bathroom.   Should I be happy for her, or scared for us?  Shaking her head, Lori simply  walked down the stairs.  Looking up to where Mitch was a second ago, I said: I'm not sure if you're still here, Mitch, but do us all a favor and watch Amy ok?  I'm.....  I didn't know how to finish the sentence, so I didn't, simply walking down the stairs after Lori.


There was work to do.  Hopefully we were up to it.

When the dead guy that had been Mitch a moment ago got to his blood-soaked feet and began following me, a mental chill went through me.
Gregory Stone
player, 72 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sat 4 Apr 2009
at 13:35
  • msg #34

Re: Scenario Discussion

Here's part two of my own Dungeons and Dragons story.

"When we last left our heroes......"

================================================


The four of us looked at each other, stuck for what to do next, exactly.

It had been a normal Saturday night for our gaming group.  We'd gathered at our usual spot, the suburban home of Brad, one of the players, to be told by Jimmy, our hyperactive DM, that he was putting our old game on hold for a new game where we could play monsters, instead of the usual humans, elves and dwarves.  I was dissappointed, but in true gamer adaptability, I quickly, like my fellow players, got intrigued by the concept of playing one of the creatures that we usually fought as heroes.

We quickly got into it and chose our new characters.  Jimmy even had what seemed like a cool little ritual he did involving getting us to write our characters in ink from special quills he got from some shop.  He made a show of actually burning the quills after we were finished.  Brad wasn't thrilled with that, but as the newest member of the group, he didn't want to make waves. Then when the quills caught fire, the smoke filled the room and we all passed out.  When we awoke, hours later, we found that we'd become our monsterous characters.

Alex, our resident brainy uber-nerd/rules lawyer, had chosen a beholder.  It was basically an armored sphere of armored flesh about the size of a beachball, with a huge toothy mouth, an enormous cental eye, and 8 eye stalks, all of which can use a different magic power. It was one of the most powerful, and creepy things in the Monster Manual.  When I'd first seen him, a ball of eyes and teeth, hovering over the dining room table, I'd almost wet myself.  I'd seen pictures of the freakish things for years, but to see one in person was truly terrifying.  Unfortunately, the effect on Alex's personality was immediate, too.  He was always a bit of an elitist snob and intellectual bully, and now he was playing a monster with enhanced intelligence.  It made him more of a dick than usual, quite honestly.

Steven, our youngest member (he was a freshman in high school, while we were all college graduates), had, of course, chosen a Red Dragon.  As the name of the game implies, dragons were the premier monster.  I hadn't even considered them, because they were so immensely powerful that, despite assurances that we could be ANYTHING in the book, Jimmy would nix anything like it.  I was like chosing to play the god of war, or something.  Steven's transformation seemed to work, though.  Unfortunately for him, Jimmy (or whoever, or rather, whatever, was responsible for this) let him become a dragon, apparently deciding that if he was a young, immature dragon, that it would balance the power out.
That was the catch, of course.  We had character levels in various classes, like wizard or thief, to a certain amount, which we sort of "exchanged" for monster levels.  The more powerful the monster, the less character levels we got for wizard spells, fighter skills, and so forth.  Alex's beholder must have had only a level or two, as beholders had so much inate magical power, and poor Steven's dragon was so inherrantly powerful that his dragon was barely out of the egg.  It was a red dragon, alright, but was barely bigger than a greyhound and couldn't even speak.  He seemed to have retained at least his normal intelligence, but since dragons are so much smarter than anyone else, I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised.

Then there was Brad.  Surprisingly, the still-macho ex-jock chose a female character.  Specifically a dark elf, or drow.  He had several reasons, of course.  In the Drow society, women ran everything, so a male drow was a second class citizen, akin to a woman in Middle Ages.  Granted, our monster characters probably wouldn't have cared, but it was a natural assumption that a female drow was the better choice for a character than a male, game-wise.  In real life, however.... well, let's just say that while the new Brad was certainly the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen in a very long time, his wife Janet would probably not see the humor.  Brad, more than even the speechless Steven, was kicking himself for his choice, now that it had transcended the normal awkward "dude role-playing a hot chick" phase that most male gamers go through.

It was almost funny really.  Brad's "wardrobe malfunction" was almost a "there but for the grace of God, go I" situation for the rest of us.  Anyone of us could have chosen a female character.  Most of us had done it before.   There was a stereotype that male gamers have trouble playing a female character that isn't, well, a stereotype.   Granted, most of our male characters were stereotypes, or at least archetypes, but when we play a kind of person radically different, like a different sex or race, it gets more profound, if not insulting.
This, ironically, was Brad's first attempt at a female character.

Steven had never tried it, having the tragically normal teenage-boy homophobic reaction, thinking that playing a "girl" made him look gay.  The rest of us had played female characters, either as players or as extra characters when we ran games, and I had to admit we'd had limited success in doing women justice.

Jimmy, despite his creativity and intelligence, couldn't seem to play a women who wasn't drop-dead gorgeous and at least a little slutty.  His "women" would sleep with anyone in the game, on a constant basis.  They were also almost always bisexual.

Alex was the other extreme.  All his female characters were mostly man-hating rape victems, out to hurt any other man they came across.  They were sexually repressed to the point of being asexual.

I'd like to think that my own female characters were better, but perhaps I was just fooling myself.  I tried to model them after women I'd known, either friends, relatives, or past girlfriends.  Still, the backstory of a number of them were stories of "trying to make it in a man's world, against all odds".   I didn't have the traumatized characters of Alex, or Jimmy's "girls gone wild", but my characters were all, more often then not, victems of one kind or another.
I also remember, to my chagrin, that the picture I drew of my first female character, when I was Steven's age, was a hot blonde paladin named Nicole that had breasts that were, individually, as big as her head.  I normally keep all my old gaming stuff for sentimental reasons, but "Nicole" didn't make the cut.

Which brings the recap to my "character".  I went for useful abilities, not the powerhouses that Alex and Steven picked.  I chose a Doppleganger.  They were telepathic shape-shifters, capable of becoming literaly anyone and infiltrating anywhere.  I always thought they would be cool to play, but we hadn't had one in the game as a bad guy in many, many years.  Frankly, as villians, we'd found that they were only really good as infiltrating the group of players and trying to murder them one by one.  As you can imagine, the novelty of this tactic grows thin for players very quickly.    The strange part of my transformation into this ultimate spy is that I didn't even realize it at first.  During the stress of the change, I apparently changed instinctively into my most comfortable form, which was my "human" one, not the skinny, gray alien looking creature that was the doppleganger's natural form.   I wouldn't even have known what I'd become if Alex's beholder hadn't shined his "anti-magic" eyebeam on me, canceling my magical shapeshifting.  I hate to say it, but it was also very telling about my attitude towards female characters that my first real shapechange besides my "original" form, was to become Angelina Jolie, in full red carpet glory and glamour.


So, there we were.  Jimmy had somehow dissappeared.  Given what the four of us looked like, I don't think that saying that it was "magic" would be considered too radical a theory.  We were apparently stuck, with no explanation and no way to change back.  Being creatures with magic powers has always been the dream of many gamers.  In real life..... it has some serious limitations.   One of those limitations reared its ugly head when Steven's mother called and said that it was past his curfew and he needed to return home NOW!  The little dragon gave a mournful lizardy squeak and looked scared.  Of lesser importance on the crisis meter, if only slightly, was what the rest of us were going to do when we were needed back at our jobs, or worse, when Brad's wife came home to find a beautiful dark-skinned elven lass in her bed, sleeping on her husband's side.  Granted, Alex the beholder seemed totally unconcerned about the situation and just kept flying slowly around the room, but the rest of us were basically freaking out.


I spoke first. Alright, first emergency first.  How do we change Steven back before we take him back to his parents?

Brad the elf-maiden seemed to pull "herself" together with great effort.  Ok, well, Greg, since you and I are the only ones with hands, why don't we search through Jimmy's stuff?  Maybe there's a clue there.

I nodded.  I should have thought of that.  It shouldn't matter that I was the more "senior gamer" then Brad, of course, especially since this certainly wasn't a game anymore, but I was embarrassed that he came up with the solution first.  Granted, maybe it was my gamer instincts that prevented me, as the DM notes were sacred, and going through them was like the ultimate form of cheating.

We started sorting through the notes, finding little of consequence.  It seemed that our old game had been about to take a strange turn, with our characters being betrayed by the kingdom that hired us.  It was funny how that radical plot twist, normally something that would have been such a big deal, seemed so inconsequential now.  As I moved the notes that we'd gone through over to one side, I happened to look down at Brad.  This gave me an odd feeling for several reasons.  Brad was the tallest of us, or had been, anyway.  His 6'3" was several inches above me, the next tallest.  Perhaps a part of me had always been a little jealous and bitter about his usurping my place as tallest gamer, as useless and worthless as the acolade was.  Whatever the reason, it made it even weirder to know that I was now a good foot taller than his new form.  Granted, I suppose I could have shapechanged into something several feet shorter or even taller, but I was staying in my normal form for now.  Actually, seeing me in my normal form seemed to have an almost calming effect on Brad, though I would have guessed the opposite.

Also, even though Brad's appearance wasn't nearly as freakish as Alex's beholder, it was a bit unnerving to suddenly be that close (we were inches apart as we sorted through paper work) to a "real" dark elf.  Brad was, I hate to say, breathtaking.  His skin wasn't the dark brown of African-Americans, but a true black, like obsidian, so dark that there was almost a purplish hue.  Her almond shaped eyes were amazingly exotic, and were more so up close, seeming to emphasize her very alien form.  I was staring in fascination until she looked at me suddenly, eyes narrowed in annoyance.

Are you looking at my.... my... bosom?  She asked.

I wanted to laugh at a grown man (sort of, anyway) and ex-football player, refering to breasts as a "bosom".  I didn't though, not wanting to make him madder than I had to.

No, no.  No, honestly!  I was staring at your face.
I chuckled at the thought of how many times we had probably all, including Brad, used that same line on a woman when caught admiring her chest.
I'm serious, Brad.  Being this close to a "real" drow elf is... just so .... surreal.  I can't get over how different you and the rest of us look.
I realized my faux pas immediately, as I was the only one who didn't have to look different, but Brad ignored it, chosing to be reassured that her gamer buddy wasn't scoping him out.  Nodding, she went back to work.
I started to join her but was stopped by a thought.  I actually hadn't looked at Brad's new "bosom".  I was always trying to avoid to be rude to women, but I liked boobs.  I really, really liked them.  Even at the risk of pissing off my friend, I should have at least peeked.  Waiting until Brad was reading something, I actually did look.
Nothing.  I felt nothing. No lust or even my normal fascination.  Nothing.
I might have been due to Brad being a man, but somehow I doubted it.  It was as if I had no attaction what so ever for her.  Granted, elven breasts weren't huge, so Brad was built like the rare supermodel who hadn't yet gotten implants, but it should have stirred something.
Holy crap.  Were dopplegangers all .... gay?
As the thought crossed my mind, I tried to dismiss it, realizing the probable truth.  It wasn't that I wasn't into Brad's new body because she had been a man or that I wasn't into girls. It was because I was only into ... other dopplegangers.  I thought about lots of women, even the aforementioned Angelina, but got similar feelings of.... nothing.  Like they were very attractive animals, like cattle or dogs.  I even tried to picture a naked man.  Thankfully, the same reaction.  It seemed that dopplegangers were only attracted to others of their kind, or else no one.  To be honest, I didn't even know how the creatues reproduced. It occured to me that since there were no others of my kind, I couldn't even be sure about being attracted to them, either.  It was seriously depressing.

I was brought back to the present by a small dark hand, snapping delicate fingers in my face.

Dammit, Greg!  You're the last one of us who should be freaking out, here!   You can still look human, for God's sake! 

Putting my hands up apologetically, I nodded to her.
I wasn't freaking out, just distracted by ... everything.  Sorry, I'll focus.  What's left?

I started to reach for more papers when she stopped me.

Don't bother, I'm finished.  There's nothing here.  Nuts!  How are we going to get Steven back before his parents call the cops on us, or something?

I was at a loss for ideas when Alex started guffawing in that hacking, grating laugh he'd developed at a beholder.
The answer's obvious, you morons!  If we can't get the real Steven back at the moment, then all we need to do is make another one to buy some time.

I knew what he was talking about instantly.
Me?  You want ME to become Steven?

He cackled at us.
Me?  I don't want anything, Greggie!  I'm just suggesting it so the idiot humans are put at ease, in case you care about that kind of thing.

"The humans"?  Was he serious about that?  I was assuming that he was kidding, or at least I hoped so.  It was a chilling thought if he wasn't.


=========================

I meant to do more on this story in part II than recap, but now I'm exhausted and don't want to accidentally erase what I have.   I'll post this and try for part III soon.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:40, Sun 05 Apr 2009.
Dan Rycov
player, 49 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Sat 4 Apr 2009
at 14:17
  • msg #35

Re: Scenario Discussion

If I was a lich, a simple 'rip skeletons out of parent's bodies' spell could've fixed the whole mess out easily.

I would like to play something akin to this. Not from a tabletop game, we're already doing that. I mean like 'Oh hey guys look what I (bought/found/stole), a wierd (Book/Stick/Cube/Scroll/Evil McMuffin) that has wierd writing on it, I wonder what it does when I (Say/Chant/Recite/Push This Button)?' type scenario.
Cassander Miraz
player, 21 posts
Sat 4 Apr 2009
at 14:28
  • msg #36

Re: Scenario Discussion

There's always that strange store in the mall.  Who knows what you'll find there.

Evil McMuffin??
Dan Rycov
player, 50 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Sat 4 Apr 2009
at 14:32
  • msg #37

Re: Scenario Discussion

They exist. Trust me, they exist...

I did mention a wierdass store in the current game. I'm thinking maybe my guy works there as well.
Gregory Stone
player, 73 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sat 4 Apr 2009
at 20:51
  • msg #38

Re: Scenario Discussion

That's one reason I mentioned that the comic book store that Greg works at is aggresively looking for new markets, including RPGs, card games, and knick knacks.   A corner for the latest McGuffin, evil or otherwise, would be something the manager would try as well.
Gregory Stone
player, 76 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sun 5 Apr 2009
at 08:39
  • msg #39

Re: Scenario Discussion

Part III of "It's Only A Game".

=====================

I stared at my friend Alex, now a hideous leering beholder.
You're serious, you want me to impersonate Steven and fool his parents?

Even with only one lidless eye, I could swear that Alex cocked an eyebrow at me as he sneered.
It's what you DO, isn't it?  For the love of Gygax, Gregory, you're a frakking doppleganger, after all!  Unless your spongy brain can come up with something else to get their darling baby boy back to them, scale-free?

I sighed an nodded reluctantly at Alex, looking at the beautiful dark elf woman that used to be the towering jock-turned-gamer, Brad, and then at Steven, who could have solved all of this by not being the dog-sized red dragon that he now was.  Neither of them had any better ideas.

I looked over at dragon-Steven, trying to picture what he used to look like.  I felt my body melt and ooze like wax.  When I was finished, I looked at everyone.

Brad nodded her head, but made a face that let me know that I was close, but not exact.  She said:You look like him, but you're too tall.  You're at your height, not his. 

Sighing with frustration, I nodded and changed to a shorter version of Steven.
Alex cackled with amusement.
I find it VERY funny that when you turned into Angelina Jolie, you were dead on, but you're having trouble with a kid that's been sitting across the table from you for over a year!

I felt myself blushing with embarrassment at the slight to a young man that I was supposedly friends with.  I looked over at the dragon, tried to come up with some kind of apology, but he merely squeaked and shrugged, as if to reassure me that if I had to know a complete stranger better then him, then Lara Croft was a good choice.  I smiled at him.  Then something occured to me.  Dopplegangers can read minds!  That's one of the main weapons in their arsenal of impersonation.  I tried to read Steven's mind..... and failed.

Oh, come on!!!! I thought to myself.  If I was going to be turned into some gray skinned thing, then at least I should get all the magic powers that are coming to me!  Unless....
I turned to Brad....

can't believe this is happening to me.  Janet is going to friggin' kill me!!  My life is over.  Hell, I'm not even really sure if I'm attracted to her anymore.  I think my body is into BOYS, for god's sake!  I mean, when I first saw Greg, the first thought in my head was.... wait, why is Greg staring at me like that?

I blinked at her, stupidly.
Sorry, just trying to plan this out.  Got lost in thought,there.

Alex, of course, was the soul of discretion.
HA!!! He was reading your mind, elfie!  So, Greg, find anything juicy?

Brad looked at me, horrified.  Greg, you ...... didn't?

I threw up my hands in a panic.
It's not like that, Brad!  I was trying to see if I even could read minds.  I tried it on Steven and, well, I couldn't.  So I just looked at you to see if I even could, or if it was something to do with Steven being a dragon.

I talked very fast, hoping that Brad wouldn't realize that I'd heard her comment about me.  She still looked pissed, but she seemed ready to let it slide.  Granted, if her new body was attracted to me, that might have something to do with it.  I almost hated to have to eventually tell her that the feeling wasn't mutual.   Sighing that this might not be "a thing" between us.  I turned to Steven.
Ok, big guy, where are your car keys?

The little dragon instinctively reached a clawed hand towards where his pants pocket would be, if he had pants.  He seemed to remember his nudity and made an embarrassed squeak and shrugged.  Blinking, I had a moment of panic myself and reached for my car keys, in my pocket.
I felt nothing but Steven's pants.  No keys, no wallet, no nothing.  Crap.
I looked at Alex.  Right.  Never mind.
Glancing at Brad, I noted her black silky dress, with the overcoat of elvin chainmail armor.  Please tell me that you don't carry your car keys in your own house?

Brad looked confused for just a second, then quickly realized what the problem was.  I have the keys to my Explorer on the counter, but how are we going to get Steven's car home?

I squeezed the bridge of my nose in exasperation, though I was almost amused by the fact that the action didn't seem to have a lot of effect on a doppleganger.

Alex, as usual, found the situation hilarious.
One life-or-death crisis at a time, sweetie!   Let's get "Steven" to his mommy, and then we'll worry about the car.  It's late for our young friend's stodgy parents, so it's doubtful that they'd go out to check the cars tonight. 

As annoying as he was, Alex was right, again.

Alright.  What's the plan?  Do I sneak out again after they go to sleep and come back here?

You can try.  Don't worry, though.  We'll handle it here.  Try to find an excuse to come back over tomorrow, if you can think of something. 

=======================

That's it for now, I need to let my muse recharge.
Dan Rycov
player, 53 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Sun 5 Apr 2009
at 13:08
  • msg #40

Re: Scenario Discussion

Plug your muse in the electical socket, that often perks 'er up.
Gregory Stone
player, 77 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Sun 5 Apr 2009
at 19:55
  • msg #41

Re: Scenario Discussion

Yes, usually with shocking results.
It is handy to keep up with current events, though
Gregory Stone
player, 156 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Wed 6 May 2009
at 11:13
  • msg #42

Re: Scenario Discussion

D&D Monster game- The next chapter.
=========================================


I drove Brad's Explorer down the road.   I wasn't sure what was worse, the fact that my gaming group was turned into monsters......somehow.   Or, that during the strangest thing that's ever happened to anyone EVER, we had to worry about incredibly stupid things like the fact that everyone's car keys and wallets vanished as well.  Thank god that Brad didn't have his on him, since it was his house.
I shook my head at the bizarre irony of actually BEING a real-life D&D monster, and my biggest worry is that I need to get a new driver's license and car keys.

I pulled over, down the road from Steven's house.
Steven's parents were constantly looking for an excuse to force their high-school aged son to quit "that game".  We'd had several close calls, from various "documentaries" that Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong saw on some cable network, to a "friend of a friend" who "knew a guy who know a woman who's son's schoolmate killed his family, or maybe his dog, after a D&D game".
Alex, who's a little tightly wound to begin with, was constantly pushing to let Steven get kicked out, just to save the effort of constantly fighting with them, which, in his opinion, wasted valuable gaming time.

Christ, I muttered to myself, I almost want them to see their kid NOW, just to see the look on their faces.  I actually laughed at that.   Then, I got out of the car and walked Steven's house.  Luckily, I'd been there several times, as Brad and I were considered the best "spokespeople", instead of irritable Alex and their flaky DM.
I walked down the empty suburban street and up Steven's driveway.  I looked like Steven now, thanks to my doppleganger powers.  Hopefully, I I had enough inherrant skills with impersontation to fool his parents.  I wasn't incredible hopeful, but I had to try.  We had to fix their kid before they found out that he'd somehow become a baby red dragon.

I almost knocked, distracted as I was, before remembering "oh, wait, I technically live here".    I just opened the door and went inside.  Predictibly, they were waiting up for me.

Steven Andrew Armstrong!  Do you have ANY idea what time it is?  Mrs. Armstrong's voice sounded a lot more shrill than when she had talked to Greg as an adult.

I looked at the clock.  It was eleven thirty pm.   Half an hour after we normally have him home.  Seriously, thirty measily minutes.  I was tempted to say "Yeah, I'm a little late.  What's your problem, you old bat?"  But that wasn't something Steven could say to his mother.  Granted, he'd say it, but not to her face.
Dopplegangers impersonated best by reading the minds of their targets, but I'd been unable to read Steven's new draconic mind.  So, summoning up my meager acting skills and my memories of my friend's behavior, I gave myself over to the mentality of a teenager.
So, instead, he just said: Yes.  Um.. I'm sorry.

"Sorry"?  Is that all you have to say?  Is "Sorry." a good excuse for being....THIRTY MINUTES LATE!

My god!  I thought, were MY parents this annoying?  Granted, my high school D&D games had been with other high school kids, but still...  I had to calm the woman down.  Steven's father was behind her, looking bored but annoyed as well.   I REALLY didn't want to get a lecture from them right now.  I had to pacify them and get the hell out of here.  I pulled out a trump card that I hoped would work.

I was talking with the guys after the game and we kind of lost track of time.  I was talking to Brad and Greg about...um...college.  Yeah, college. They were giving me advice on where to go and how to prepare for it.

Predictibly, it worked.  The mother looked surprised (Steven, admittedly, struck few people as 'college material') but pleased.  Her husband looked more suspicious, but obviously didn't want to prolong the argument either.  I kept my gaze off him, but couldn't help myself as I peered into his mind....

....believe I gotta miss the playoffs 'cause my weird freak of a son can't play sports like a normal friggin' kid.  Dammit, he's hanging out with those fruity friends of his doing God knows what, probably some damned orgy or something.  The prissy little poindexter is probably tradin' bjs for meth or something.  Dammit!  I can't believe that when Sam starts talking about his kid winning the big game every Friday, all I can say is that Steven STILL hasn't gone into a clocktower with a rifle.  Hell!!  THAT would be more normal than playing that queer game with his faggotty friends.  I mean, Jeeze!  If that Greg kid isn't a flaming homo, I'll eat my hat.  Granted, Brad seems pretty cool.  Nice strong jawline.  Sign of good character.  He keeps himself in good shape too, that's always good.  He's got a good, strong set of shoulders, firm handshake, and such big, strong arms...

I wrenched myself from Mr. Armstrong's mind as Mrs. Armstrong seemed to be finishing her lecture on responsibility, tempered by my, that is, Steven's, new college ambitions.

"wow," I thought, "Steven's dad is seriously effed up."   I decided to keep that to myself the next time I saw Steven.  I thought about going into his mother's mind, but decided it would do more harm than good.  I nodded at her and nodded with feigned contrition.
I was able to go to "my" room without further delay.

Once in Steven's room, I closed the door, and had the urge to scrub my mind with a Brillo pad.  Dumping his bookbag onto his bed.  I took out Brad's cell phone (crap!  another thing I'd need to replace!) and called him, taking care to keep my voice low.  Steven didn't have a cell phone, as his parents probably assumed he'd use it for drug deals or something.

As it rang, I walked over to the mirror on the wall.  It was actually one of those paintings on a mirror that you win at the county fair, but I could see myself ok.  That is, I could see Steven.
I shook my head.  It was sooo incredibly weird to look in a mirror and see someone else's face.  I touched Steven's nose, smaller than mine, and ran my fingers through his much shorter hair.  Weird.  Luckily, my new body didn't need my old glasses (which had vanished with my car keys, naturally), so it was no problem to see as the normal-sighted Steven.  I leaned into look at my skin.  Was it even human skin?  I brought my fingers up to it, not sure what I'd....

Hello?  Greg, is that you?
I was startled by Brad's voice.  "Idiot", I thought, " YOU called HIM, remember?"
Yeah, Brad, it's me.  How's everything over there?
Thank god it's you.  When the phone rang... well, I had this horrible fear that it was my wife, you know?   I mean, I guess that I could have said that I was a new member of the game, but if "Brad" couldn't come to the phone, well, I didn't want to think about what she'd think.
I smiled, but cringed inside too.  I'd also hadn't quite gotten around to thinking about the long term effects of what to do when the rest of us had to rejoin our friends, family, and co-workers.  Hell, I couldn't impersonate EVERYONE, could I?
Everything's going to be ok, Brad, alright?  I just have to wait until "the parents" are asleep, then I'll sneak back over.  Just hold out until then.
I was afraid he wouldn't be able to hear me with my whispering voice.  Then I remembered: Oh, yeah,  elven ears.

No problem, just HURRY.  Alex is...... well, just get back.  And Steven went outside and hasn't come back yet.  I can't imagine what could have happened, but neither of us can really go outside and look for him.
Ok, ok, I'll be there soon.  Just HOLD ON.

I was loathe to hang up, but had to.  If Steven's insane parents overheard their son planning to "sneak back" to his adult friends, there'd be hell to pay.
Then there was a knock on the window.

You know, you hear the phrase "jumping out of your skin", but you never think anyone can do it.  Believe me, I came damned close.
At the window was a baby red dragon.
Steven? I hissed. What the FRAK are you doing?
I rushed over and opened the window, letting the dog-sized dragon inside.

The guys are worried SICK about you, man!  You can't just...
No, never mind.  The kid had been through enough.
Don't worry about it.  Glad you're here.  Do your parents ususally stay up later then this?

He shook his scaly head.
Well, ok then.  We just have to wait, then.

I found that my mind reading ability worked through walls, at least depending on where I was standing.  Mr. Armstrong's thoughts were painful to overhear, and his wife's were almost as bad, also being obsessed by how her friends, neighbors and co-workers perceive her.  She also despaired at not being able to "brag" about Steven's accomplishments, as she thought he was as weird as her friends did.  She didn't question his sexuality, like his father, but she seemed to constantly worry for his sanity, being continually on the edge of assuming that anything he did was a "warning sign" of a psychotic episode.
I scanned their thoughts reluctantly as they got ready for bed.  I was terrified at the thought that they might have sex before going to sleep, which were thoughts I HAD to avoid overhearing, but they apparently had a church function in the morning and went to sleep quickly.  When Mr. Armstrong's thoughts morphed into "that damn supervisor gave me too much work again and where are my pants?", then I know he was asleep.  Mrs. Armstrong's dream about trying to finish a cake in time to keep her son from killing the president was my clue that she was also asleep.  And, also a nutjob.

Ok, "Falcor", the 'rents are asleep.  Let's make like horsecrap and hit the dusty trail.
His quizzical look may have been puzzlement at any number of things that I'd said, from the "Neverending Story" reference (which was, admittedly, before his time) to my father's old saying, a variation on "make like a tree and leave".  I shook my head and translated.  Your folks are asleep.  Let's get the hell out of here.

That, he understood.  I opened the window and climbed out.

As I walked to Brad's SUV, I called him to let him know that we'd successfully escaped.
The phone rang four times and went to voice mail.    I called again.  Same result.
Oh hell.  Were they outside?   I ran to the car and opened the door for Steven.
C'mon, lizard-boy.  We gotta go. 

Speeding back to Brad's place, praying to avoid cops, I hoped everything was ok.
Bard
GM, 110 posts
Mon 16 Nov 2009
at 05:26
  • msg #43

Re: Scenario Discussion

We are still working our way through the DnD scenario, which is probably going to carry on for a little while, but I thought that we could take some time to brainstorm other scenarios.

What I am working towards with the game is a series of linked adventures, taking the same group of characters and throwing them into adventures that may or may not be linked together.  We have a good and diverse group here with various transformation interests so what sorts of scenarios would everyone like to see?  Sci-Fi, horror, fantasy settings.  Forced or voluntary transformations.

Let's open up the floor to discussion.
Scott Carson
player, 68 posts
Tue 17 Nov 2009
at 04:39
  • msg #44

Re: Scenario Discussion

Hmmmm. Well, we're currently in a fantasy setting. Unless someone really wants to do another one right away, I'd suggest that we go with either horror or sci fi. Horror I can definitely see being forced transformations. Sci fi could be either one.
Gregory Stone
player, 490 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Tue 17 Nov 2009
at 07:15
  • msg #45

Re: Scenario Discussion

Sci-Fi could be used to let the characters "download" into other bodies (the movie "Avatar" is a good example) or have radical changes done to them.

Horror would work to keep it more easily in the present age.   People could be forced out of their bodies and have to possess others, or be inflicted with lycanthropy or vampirism.
(or even something as cheesy as a spell that "turns you into a random movie monster")
This message was last edited by the player at 08:41, Tue 17 Nov 2009.
Gwen Meredith Howard
player, 60 posts
I'm Strange...
...And I Like it!
Tue 17 Nov 2009
at 10:32
  • msg #46

Re: Scenario Discussion

Eh, the ideas are there. I'm not specifically a fan of basing it all off a single modern setting character, but that's a minor point, and not one I have a problem with in the long run :)

Some of my preferences are just fine, and I could go with any of those ideas. The GMs have my preference list, though, and I can be one picky customer at times. :3
Dan Rycov
player, 275 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Tue 17 Nov 2009
at 10:55
  • msg #47

Re: Scenario Discussion

Eh, I'm not fond of the download idea. Just sounds like Surrogates and we don't have a Bruce Willis to root for.

I am liking the horror however. The modern setting does seem appealing as well. Perhaps we had all died in an accident and were brought back as various flavours of undead?
Gregory Stone
player, 493 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Tue 17 Nov 2009
at 11:56
  • msg #48

Re: Scenario Discussion

The undead thing works.   The "download" was only a suggestion,  certainly, and wouldn't have to be as straightforward as the movie (I haven't seen it, though).
The download could be into robot animals, inhuman robot bodies, or any random thing.

I also had an idea of everyone each getting some kind of artifact that allowed some kind of 'change' as well, like a ring of human-shapeshifting, a recipe for a "Mr. Hyde" formula, a staff that makes one into a "avatar", or collar of "were-creatures".

just brain-storming.
Cassander Miraz
player, 203 posts
Tue 17 Nov 2009
at 14:50
  • msg #49

Re: Scenario Discussion

Horror would seem to be a good setting.  The characters being infected by vampirism, lycanthropy or whatever else sounds like a natural fit for the game.

Finding objects, potions and what not could work too, although that brings to mind Magical Girl anime or power rangers/Sentai.  That might be fun to play around with as well.  The characters acquiring items that cause them to transform into super powered alternates.

Aren't we already doing sort of a Download bit, taking on the form of our DnD characters?
Scott Carson
player, 70 posts
Tue 17 Nov 2009
at 18:50
  • msg #50

Re: Scenario Discussion

Actually something that might be interesting is something like Greg's DnD scenario, where the players take on the characters in the real world. Doing a transformation where the characters stand out might be interesting. How will everyone around them and they themselves deal with suddenly becoming something strange?
Sarah d'Meisha
player, 119 posts
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 01:32
  • msg #51

Re: Scenario Discussion

Ive always liked the idea of power with a price... basically, PCs get a McGuffin that allows them to do wonderous things, but at the cost of their humanity or something similar.
Dan Rycov
player, 276 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 04:05
  • msg #52

Re: Scenario Discussion

Undead is at the cost of their lives and possibly souls. They could be tempted to increase their powers at the cost of other people's lives.
Gregory Stone
player, 495 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 13:41
  • msg #53

Re: Scenario Discussion

In reply to Scott Carson (msg #50):

Thank you for the kind words.

I agree that keeping the next game in a modern setting would be an interesting twist.
(although, goodness knows, I'm in NO hurry for this scenario to end.  *grin*)
Roberto Vargas
player, 85 posts
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 13:44
  • msg #54

Re: Scenario Discussion

Yeah, it would be pretty disconcerting to find a Half-Drow running around in modern society. It's not like they don't have ENOUGH trouble already.

Although, I'm a fan of finding an object which transforms the character into a superpowered alternate.

Just my two cents :)
Gregory Stone
player, 496 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 13:47
  • msg #55

Re: Scenario Discussion

Roberto Vargas:
Yeah, it would be pretty disconcerting to find a Half-Drow running around in modern society. It's not like they don't have ENOUGH trouble already.


Unless you wandered into a sci-fi convention or a Twilight premiere.   Then you'd have your own harem.     *grin*
Roberto Vargas
player, 86 posts
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 13:49
  • msg #56

Re: Scenario Discussion

*smiles*

Hmmmmm....that wouldn't be so bad then, would it?

Anybody know a good fantasy convention going on?

:)
Gregory Stone
player, 497 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 14:04
  • msg #57

Re: Scenario Discussion

There's ALWAYS a convention SOMEWHERE.   *grin*
Roberto Vargas
player, 87 posts
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 14:11
  • msg #58

Re: Scenario Discussion

*looks around frantically*

I'm a Half-Drow right now...WHERE? WHERE?WHERE?
Liam Ferguson
player, 72 posts
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 14:22
  • msg #59

Re: Scenario Discussion

Lucky you - Liam would only fit in at a furry convention, and I'm sure he can do without the kind of attention he'd get there.

I rather like the turning into superheroes idea, but only if we get cooler powers than generic magical girl stuff.
Roberto Vargas
player, 88 posts
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 14:28
  • msg #60

Re: Scenario Discussion

Me too. If we're turning into superheroes, I have one idea in mind.

(Greg and the DM probably have a pretty good idea as to who I might be :D)
Gregory Stone
player, 498 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 14:44
  • msg #61

Re: Scenario Discussion

I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about.


(*grins*  I'd make fun of you, my friend, but I'm even more predictable)
Roberto Vargas
player, 89 posts
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 14:46
  • msg #62

Re: Scenario Discussion

*Laughs*

You don't think we're stuck in a rut, are we?
Gregory Stone
player, 499 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 14:50
  • msg #63

Re: Scenario Discussion

A rut?  Heck no!    We both just know what we like.    *grins*

One cannot force ones Muse, after all, eh?





(ok, i'm off to bed.  I'll check in later)
Lily Averness
player, 63 posts
What happened..Where am I
What am I?
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 15:27
  • msg #64

Re: Scenario Discussion

practically any scenario can work if it's interesting to the parties involved and the writers collaborate well together.
Bard
GM, 112 posts
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 16:40
  • msg #65

Re: Scenario Discussion

The game was originally set up so that we would all have characters in the real world as a basis and then the various scenarios would splinter off from there.  I liked this system when I took over the game as it lets the players have a base line with which to mess with.  We don't have to jump into other worlds to do the transformations either.

Here's what I was toying around with.  I was working on an idea where the characters slowly change in the real world and have to deal with the consequences, much like what Greg had written.  It would be fun to see how characters families and friends deal with what's happening to them.

I was also working on a loose framework for the game, a mythology if you would, and I was going to use the first scenario to set up the mythology or an explanation of what is going on.  It would be a loose framework of course, since I don't want to limit what ideas we come up with.

For my part, here is what I have been toying around with,

1) Sci-Fi - Characters find themselves on a space colony or colony ship and must assume the identities of colony members.

2) Historical - The characters are recruited to go back in time to recover some historical artifacts by assuming the identities of locals.  For Example, trying to retrieve Egyptian artifacts from the Titanic before it sinks.

3) Modern Day - The characters get caught in some sort of explosion/Accident in a remote part of the world.  They must change in order to survive.  For example, having to become half-animal to survive.

4) Modern Day - The characters are asked to take part in an experiment where they will be changed and the results recorded.  Perhaps something goes wrong and they have to deal with the consequences.

5) Anime - Characters are pulled into a popular anime and must find a way back.  For Example, they are pulled into some schoolgirl with pokemon world.
Gwen Meredith Howard
player, 63 posts
I'm Strange...
...And I Like it!
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 16:54
  • msg #66

Re: Scenario Discussion

We've already done one ;identity change' thing, sort of. That said, Scifi could be interesting possibly.

# 3, 4 or 5 could be cool, too. I like Magical Girl.

Especially Epic magical Girl (see Nanoha)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFxFhxrfBzQ
Roberto Vargas
player, 90 posts
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 17:00
  • msg #67

Re: Scenario Discussion

Sci-fi could be fun.

Anime would be lots of fun too. Some favorites of mine are (and some of these are probably not well known due to them being older): Tekkaman (both Space Knight and Blade), Bio-Booster Armor Guyver, Ronin Warriors, Gatchaman, Takegami: Guardian of Darkness, Record of Lodoss War, Fate Stay The Night, Naruto, Claymore....

Whew! Do you think I put enough out there? :)
Gwen Meredith Howard
player, 64 posts
I'm Strange...
...And I Like it!
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 17:11
  • msg #68

Re: Scenario Discussion

Hmm... My prefered Series-es -- understandably, a lot of these won't work so well :)

Slayers (too D&D to follow this)
Claymore (^^)
Fate\Stay Night (^^)
Full Metal Alchemist
Code Geass
Death Note
Nanoha (Any one of them :) )
EARLY Bleach (Before ~ Episode 60)
Kannazuki no Miko
Strawberry Panic

I was also very satisfied with the Tales of the Abyss anime they put out.

I will state I'm not particularly a fan of Naruto.
Scott Carson
player, 72 posts
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 18:25
  • msg #69

Re: Scenario Discussion

Bard, any of those ideas sound good to me.  If we do anime, I'll need some pointers there. I'm not really up on the different series.
Liam Ferguson
player, 73 posts
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 18:33
  • msg #70

Re: Scenario Discussion

I'm not a huge anime fan myself - I'll make an exception for Detroit Metal City, though that probably wouldn't work all too well for our purposes either.

In general, if we get pulled into a different world again, I'd prefer something where we can come up with our own characters instead of entering an existing canon.
Dan Rycov
player, 277 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 21:21
  • msg #71

Re: Scenario Discussion

Gwen Meredith Howard:
Hmm... My prefered Series-es -- understandably, a lot of these won't work so well :)

Slayers (too D&D to follow this)
Claymore (^^)
Fate\Stay Night (^^)
Full Metal Alchemist
Code Geass
Death Note
Nanoha (Any one of them :) )
EARLY Bleach (Before ~ Episode 60)
Kannazuki no Miko
Strawberry Panic

I was also very satisfied with the Tales of the Abyss anime they put out.

I will state I'm not particularly a fan of Naruto.


I love Slayers. Saw it ages ago and loved it. The movie was good too.

Never seen Claymore but heard of it

Never seen Fate\Stay Night but it was by the guy who made Odin Sphere so that'd be great. LOVED Odin Sphere.

Never seen Code Geass

Death Note is friggen awesome (if slightly gay)

Never actually watched an episode of Nanoha but I hosted a game with a player who was a huge fan of it. Posted links to some parts of it. here's what I rebutted with:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6epvDqAslY

Never seen Bleach but EVERYONE talks about it.

Never seen or heard of Kannazuki no Miko

Never seen or heard of Strawberry Panic


My absolute favourite anime is One Piece. I breathe that thing.
Gwen Meredith Howard
player, 65 posts
I'm Strange...
...And I Like it!
Wed 18 Nov 2009
at 21:30
  • msg #72

Re: Scenario Discussion

Hmm.. which game was that, because that may have been me XD
Gregory Stone
player, 500 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Thu 19 Nov 2009
at 07:35
  • msg #73

Re: Scenario Discussion

I'm afraid that among my many character flaws, I'm not much into anime.   At least, I haven't really taken the time to look at anything recently.

I did see the live action Death Note "trilogy" and was very impressed.

I'm up for trying anything, though, if the group wants.  Historic stuff sounds like fun, although being "a slightly different human" isn't something I'd want to do, unless it were jazzed up a little.
(assuming a different gender/race or becoming a famous person might be intriguing, though)


I could probably be inspired by just about anything.   Our beloved GM's creativity and the freedom we're allowed has done wonders for my Muse.
Gwen Meredith Howard
player, 97 posts
I'm Strange...
...And I Like it!
Tue 9 Feb 2010
at 00:40
  • msg #74

Re: Scenario Discussion

An idea I'd like very much to try struck me today. This may or may not play to everyone's tastes, but it could certainly be written to do so.

The idea is that the characters are all involved in a drama/musical/dance production. The particular play they're performing is an ancient one, possibly one lost in a huge european library for hundreds of years. The play is cursed. The performers begin to fall under the spells and effects of their chosen parts, for instance, one who is to play a sentient cat might find themselves genuinely beginning to think like the character, or transforming into a feline creature. One who plays a damsel in distress might begin to fall in love with whoever is supposed to play her rescuer), and so on.

I also like the idea of being compelled to continue the performance despite these, or not caring or noticing the changes, possibly even to the point where the dances/songs on stage come out naturally, hard to keep from performing them...


It's a vague idea, but THOUGHTS!?
Dan Rycov
player, 340 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Tue 9 Feb 2010
at 06:35
  • msg #75

Re: Scenario Discussion

I think that was suggested before, albit on a movie set. Still, that'd make High School Musical so much more entertaining in my opinion.

I think it'd be funnier if the people didn't start acting like the parts they were playing, but rather other people's parts. Like the girl who's supposed to play the damsel starts acting like the brave knight or the evil villian acts like the kindly old uncle.

I personally just love the idea of a Big Bad Necromancer, sitting in a chair with a pipe just watching old television.
Gregory Stone
player, 613 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Tue 9 Feb 2010
at 15:15
  • msg #76

Re: Scenario Discussion

That could be pretty interesting.  I'd love to hear more.

Playing a part without being aware it would probably work better in a TV show then a Rpol game, but being aware of being forced to "play against type" could be a good foil for roleplaying.
Cassander Miraz
player, 252 posts
Tue 9 Feb 2010
at 21:23
  • msg #77

Re: Scenario Discussion

That idea sounds good to me so far.  Having the roles bleed into real life could be fun to play around with.
Roberto Vargas
player, 177 posts
Tue 9 Feb 2010
at 21:50
  • msg #78

Re: Scenario Discussion

Yeah that could be immensely fun. Just stick the Elvish ones in a sci-fi convention and we all should be OK :D
Scott Carson
player, 125 posts
Tue 9 Feb 2010
at 23:21
  • msg #79

Re: Scenario Discussion

This sounds good. Maybe some of the people that take on parts could come from the audience and the stage crew?
D Zhang
player, 16 posts
I'm not who I was
but I am who I will be
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 14:42
  • msg #80

Re: Scenario Discussion

So, several years ago, I played a TF game here on rpol that was a little silly and a lot of fun.

The basic premise was simple: a group of friends sit down for a night of boardgaming, only to discover that the game one of them has brought is cursed.  Random transformations occur with each turn, and players are prevented from leaving the table until a winner is declared.

There is an actual "random events" table that players use as they move their pieces around the board.  They can also store up "TF points" which they can use to effect the outcome of their rolls or the rolls of other players.

Would there be interest in such a game?  We could run it here, or, if we would like to do it outside the continuity of this game (since it is meant to be a light-hearted lark rather than part of a continuing story), I'd be happy to set up a sister game to this one.
Sarah d'Meisha
player, 191 posts
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 14:53
  • msg #81

Re: Scenario Discussion

Sounds like the Game of Change from CYOC. I'd be in for that.
Jeff Levitt
player, 8 posts
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 16:52
  • msg #82

Re: Scenario Discussion

That sounds like it would be a blast to play. Count me in!
Scott Carson
player, 173 posts
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 18:01
  • msg #83

Re: Scenario Discussion

Sounds like fun!
Gregory Stone
player, 750 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 18:53
  • msg #84

Re: Scenario Discussion

I'd be interested.   If you want to try it, I'd love to join in.
D Zhang
player, 17 posts
I'm not who I was
but I am who I will be
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 21:00
  • msg #85

Re: Scenario Discussion

Well, it looks like we have a quorum.  Would people prefer that the game be included as a thread in this game, or would you prefer I create a whole new game to be our sandbox?

 My instinct is to start a new game for the following reasons:

1) I want to keep things simple for our dear GM!

2) The silliness involved in the game seems contrary to the more mature play style in evidence here.  If these games are all part of the same continuity, I hesitate to throw a spanner into the works.

3) In a game where portraits change regularly, I would get easily confused running multiple characters or switching back and forth between the various incarnations of D Zhang.

So, those are my thoughts, but I'm willing to be persuaded to keep it all here in one tidy TF package.

If we do move to a new game, I would regard it as ancillary to this one: you must be a member of this game to go play in  the new sandbox.
Dan Rycov
player, 402 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 21:05
  • msg #86

Re: Scenario Discussion

So we're playing TF Jumunji?
Gregory Stone
player, 751 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 21:15
  • msg #87

Re: Scenario Discussion

Yes, that's what it sounds like.   I'll vote for a "spin off" game.   The idea for one has been tossed around.
I was considering one, but have been too lazy so far to follow through.
Abby Edwards
player, 26 posts
Through the looking glass
with a smile on her face?
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 22:22
  • msg #88

Re: Scenario Discussion

Definitely interested in this, whether played here or as a spin-off.
Bard
GM, 284 posts
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 22:38
  • msg #89

Re: Scenario Discussion

I'm interested as well.  It sounds like fun.
Roberto Vargas
player, 243 posts
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 22:42
  • msg #90

Re: Scenario Discussion

Count me in too. Question: what kinds of transformations are allowed...or would it more or less work the same way here?
Sarah d'Meisha
player, 192 posts
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 22:42
  • msg #91

Re: Scenario Discussion

Hey, as long as theres plenty of animal and plant TF, I'm happy.
Cassander Miraz
player, 316 posts
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 22:44
  • msg #92

Re: Scenario Discussion

Plant TF?  Never thought of that one before.

Consider me interested.
Bard
GM, 285 posts
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 22:45
  • msg #93

Re: Scenario Discussion

I don't mind having the game in this game but it might be easier to just split it off into another separate game.
Sarah d'Meisha
player, 193 posts
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 22:45
  • msg #94

Re: Scenario Discussion

Well, you're in for a tree-at.
Cassander Miraz
player, 317 posts
Tue 27 Apr 2010
at 22:46
  • msg #95

Re: Scenario Discussion

*groans*

Can you just leaf the puns alone?  :)
Jeff Levitt
player, 9 posts
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 07:41
  • msg #96

Re: Scenario Discussion

I wooden think you'd have to. ;)
D Zhang
player, 19 posts
I'm not who I was
but I am who I will be
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 07:44
  • msg #97

Re: Scenario Discussion

Stop!  This discussion is branching too far off course!
Dan Rycov
player, 403 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 09:43
  • msg #98

Re: Scenario Discussion

You're just making it grow.
D Zhang
player, 20 posts
I'm not who I was
but I am who I will be
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 09:45
  • msg #99

Re: Scenario Discussion

Why not?  This is fertile soil for discussion...

:P
Dan Rycov
player, 404 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 09:49
  • msg #100

Re: Scenario Discussion

We're not discussing anything. We're just sprouting bad puns.
D Zhang
player, 21 posts
I'm not who I was
but I am who I will be
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 09:57
  • msg #101

Re: Scenario Discussion

Give it time.  A discussion will germinate.
Dan Rycov
player, 405 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 10:01
  • msg #102

Re: Scenario Discussion

A discussion would need proper grounding.
D Zhang
player, 22 posts
I'm not who I was
but I am who I will be
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 10:03
  • msg #103

Re: Scenario Discussion

I give up.  You have me stumped.
Dan Rycov
player, 406 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 10:19
  • msg #104

Re: Scenario Discussion

I knew you couldn't beat my puns, you're still green behind the ears.
Gregory Stone
player, 752 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 11:56
  • msg #105

Re: Scenario Discussion

You're all very knotty, but at least your bark is worse than your bite.
Dan Rycov
player, 407 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 12:02
  • msg #106

Re: Scenario Discussion

Maybe I should plant a few fists and test that?
Gregory Stone
player, 754 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 12:03
  • msg #107

Re: Scenario Discussion

Only if they're Palm Trees.   :)
Dan Rycov
player, 408 posts
I'm in your reality,
Screwin' your perception!
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 12:11
  • msg #108

Re: Scenario Discussion

You count 'em by the bushel.
Sarah d'Meisha
player, 196 posts
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 12:27
  • msg #109

Re: Scenario Discussion

Im sorry I started this, you two are driving me nuts! I'm going bark-ing mad!
Gregory Stone
player, 756 posts
I'm not exactly
myself today.
Wed 28 Apr 2010
at 12:42
  • msg #110

Re: Scenario Discussion

You can always bough out, if you'd like.   I'm sorry we grove you away.   :)
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