The end of the world, d20 Modern/Future

[Vazzaroth]

Much like the assassination of JFK, or news that the airplanes had hit the Trade Center, everyone instantly ingrained into their memory where they were when they saw the infamous newscast. It was only a week old, but already it could be felt that this was an important day in history.

Your memory of the event goes something like this:

Spoiler

Show

A local newswoman was standing in front of a dense coniferous in Southern Canada around twilight. She was talking about how a search party of 10 has not been seen for 2 days, who were looking for a pair of boys who apparently went into it to investigate some loud noise they heard at their cabin late at night. They were reported missing after 10 hours by their father, who was asleep when they left.

The first time you saw the footage was after it had already been broadcasted around, and was preceded by a warning about disturbing images.

She was standing on the edge of the forest, darkness was just starting to set in. The camera man had the forest in question in a close background. As she was talking about who was missing, seemingly not noticed by the camera man, a flash like the eyes of a cat at night can be seen behind her in the trees for a moment, then is gone. A short moment later, the poor woman is interrupted mid-sentance...

The police conducted further investigations and could not determ-
Thwip

Almost silently, a long needle flew into her neck from the side, piercing all the way through and sticking in. She gasped once, her eyes unfocused, and she fell. The camera man's yell can be heard, a few more flying needle noises and a few animalistic snarls before the camera cuts out. The last image on the screen is a scaly, Chitinous cloven claw of some kind.

You've seen this footage multiple times. Various news agencies have rolled clips of it, other shows are analyzing the footage. The internet had put up various "New" sightings of whatever did this, most of them cheap hoaxes. But not all.

Two days after the event, the first confirmed sighting appeared in the small town of Wintersbury just outside the forest. Large insects the size of draft horses sprung out of the forest, and attacked a gathering of police cars parked there to search for the lost people. There was low quality footage from a policeman's chase camera to confirm it. Contact with Wintersbury was lost shortly after. The Canadian military forces were deployed, and met heavy resistance. The American helicopter pilots from a military base in Minnesota gave a rough count of over 200 of the bugs, various sizes. The president gave a speech talking about how scientists have confirmed the creatures to be of off-planet descent, and since they appear to be mindless and hostile a state of emergency was declared. The latest news story you've heard is that parts of Toronto, Canada were being attacked, and the joint Canadian-American military was fighting back.

All this news was just stuff you'd seen on the tv and heard on the radio. Until now. None of this has effected you directly, but about an hour ago at 1:13 PM, a "red alert" went out to the city of Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. Air-raid sirens went off, and police in the street were directing people where to go... including you.



You currently find yourself in the company of about 100 other people, in a dimly lit room in some kind of underground bunker. You were filed in here from the street with all these people, half of the group took a left tunnel, yours went right. As you got closer to the entrance of the bunker, less policemen, and more Soldiers can be seen organizing the crowds of people. A soldier without a helmet, and carrying only a pistol in holster stands in front of your crowd of people. He has a number of unrecognizable distinctions or awards on his uniform. He speaks in a gravely voice to the group of you. His voice echos loudly in the cavernous bunker.

Ok, as I'm sure you have heard, we are in a state of emergency, this is why you have been called here, All civilian life has been ordered to evacuate, but we expect the attack sooner than we can get everyone out of the city, so these old bunkers will have to do!

A massive verbal uprising from the civilians leads to a lesser solder to the side of the man to sound a loud airhorn, and it dies down.

Before we send you to your bunks, do any of you have any skills that may be needed in the event of an attack? Doctors will be needed... Please step forward if you think you have something to contribute for your city, and country!

The other citizens look around confused. One construction worker steps up, still in a hardhat and everything. Ya need help building anything? I can stack sandbags.

[Foolster41]

Martin, a gangly young man in his late twenties dressed in a lab coat and wearing a stephiscope around his neck steps foreword and raises his hand. "Uh, I'm a doctor."

[Forgotten T.S.]

Ken stood in the center of the masses, just tapping on his PDA... watching those videos. Watching them over and over again... it was... crazy. 'Did the President just use the word, "Off-World"? Jesus...' He shooks his head as he looked up, listening to the officer making a call for anyone skilled to do something and offer help.

The first thought that popped into his head caused him to smile slightly, and he looked down to hide the amusement in such a gloomed situation. After controlling himself quickly, he tucked his PDA into his breast pocket of the trendy blazer he wore, and slowly pushed his way through the crowd.

As he got up close, he adjusted his already loose tie and lifted his hand, "I can help... I can help with any building, any chemical work you might need. I'm also not a bad shot... if I had my guns. That would sure be d*** nice right about now, if this is really happening."

[Vazzaroth]

Great! Don't be shy, now! You! You say your a good shot, eh? We need brave ones like you as well. We've been given orders to form a militia to protect the civilian workers. Never thought I'd see the day...

A boy who already has a Military haircut and camo pants steps forward at this new information.

Sign me up for that then. I'll take care'a my country.

[UglyPanda]

Greg Andrews

A young man of mixed-descent is staring at his cell phone, trying to see if he can talk to the outside world. He walks towards the soldiers with his left hand raised at the forearm and begins to speak. "I'm not a doctor just yet, but I'm certified for first aid and can perform some basic procedures."

[FascistKarp]

A semi-scruffy looking man wearing an EMT vest and carrying a duffel bag sifts his way through the crowd. He makes no attempt to push people out of his way but instead twists his body in a conscious attempt to not bother people as much as possible.

He gets within a foot or two from the important looking man, and with an almost unsure voice "My names Tim sir. I'm an EMT, I have received some medical training. I can keep a man alive till he gets a doctor but then it's up to the doctor to keep him alive after that. I am also capable of driving like a mad man and piloting almost every helicopter I can get my hands I. I hope I can be of some use. "

After saying this Tim has a look of partial regret, takes a second to compose himself and heads over to the group of volunteers.

[Vazzaroth]

That's great son, we really have a wealth of talent here, eh?! He yells the last part.

You can see numerous soldiers leading the volunteers to the other side of the room where they are assembling. The volunteering is dying off. About half of the people ended up coming forward.

[Theeon]

Kendrick Percival

I'm standing in the crowd of people with my best friend Lee. Hes a private in the army who has just come back from basic training. I'm talking with him about how we need to go back out there to find the others. "We should go back out there, see if we can at least find the other"

Kendrick is a skinny white kid in his early 20's. He's wearing blue jeans and a shirt proudly declaring about his 12th level paladin.

[Vazzaroth]

Lee barely hears Kendrick. He has been looking around attentively at the other soldiers.

Yea. Come on.

Lee walks with intent to the officer.

Private Lee Conley, sir. I'm on leave, but I will lend my services to this militia until I can rejoin them.

[Foolster41]

Martin looks around. Where the heck is Troy? He was next to him when they were on the way to the shelter. "Uh, Sir? My co-worker Troy was with me on the way here, but I don't see him, I think we got separated, and I'm concerned about him."

[Theeon]

Kendrick Percival

I follow Lee around volunteering that I'm good with computers...if that helps any.

[Foolster41]

Martin pictured the portable case for mixing pharmaceuticals on one of the shelves of the clinic and kicked himself for not bringing it. that could have come in handy.

[Suzuro]

((Camo pants, eh? Would those be BDUs or ABUs?))

A rough looking man, in his early twenties steps forth. He looks like he'd been through hell with all of evacuations. He walked forward, the crowd seemed to give way as he was still carrying a large axe in one hand.

Yo! I'm a firefighter and I ain't bad with the meds, plus I'm pretty D**n good with this thing. he holds the axe over his head triumphantly.

-Suzuro

[Theeon]

Kendrick looks at everyone who is eager to arm themselves to the teeth. " Hey! Do you mind telling us why were forming a militia in the first place, I mean what are those things?

[Vazzaroth]

Martin's to find Troy is drowned out by various other people, the Sargent looks at him for a moment, but is distracted by some other request, which he yells at the man quickly about.

With the last few recruits, many women, children and out of shape and/or pasty men are left, many in business suits.

The man organizing all this gives a wave to a few of the Military men standing at ease, and they escort these others through a large, rusty, sealing doorway opposite the side you came in. Now, You are all standing in front of a similar but slightly less rusty doorway, there are about 25 volunteers.

Kendrick's remark is followed quickly by a few other similar outbursts, the air horn is sounded again.

Listen. From everything them scientists can find... these are Aliens. I know that sounds stupid, but just accept it, alright! It also looks like these aren't the kind of little green men that come in peace, either! These are something far worse. But you don't need to worry about that, the impromptu militias are not intended to see real combat!

He pauses and looks sternly at the crowd, then continues.

Now, first thing, is we need a group to support the National Guard in building defenses and repairs before the attack, and another group to accompany our limited manpower here to get some supplies!

At "Limited Manpower", you start to realize you've only seen a few real soldiers. Many of the ones on the street were National Guardsmen. The ones down here look like career soldiers, but you've only seen about 6 of those since you came down.

((Knowledge Current Events or Tactics checks can be made. Everything I've posted about things going on publicly are assuming taking a ten or so on untrained Knowledges.))

The Sargent nods at one of the soldiers, and he walks to about the middle of the line.
You on the left, your with the Guard. Ones on the right, your coming with us.

You are all on the right. As the group splits into two of about 12, the military men go to one of the corners with some supplies and start loading up, grabbing their M16s and other gear.

[UglyPanda]

Greg

"We're being invaded by giant bugs, right? Does this mean we're going to be stuck with a Starship Troopers wannabe who mercy-kills everyone or that we're going to be stuck with some traitor who becomes Queen bitch of the universe?"

[Forgotten T.S.]

Ken snorts a laugh at Greg, and looks down again as he composes himself. Looking up he looks to the guy and can't help but look away as he almost cracks again, 'Glad to see someone with some personality... he can flip the bill.'

Looking at some of the others, he can only shrug his field bag as he holds the strap. He still had all of his regular day-to-day gear that he took the office... but he wanted to get to his apartment. Get his guns... then he might be able to live through this.

He could see it now... walking down the street, blowing insects out of the sky. Wearing gleaming plate armor... his tabard shifting in the-... 'What the ****? This isn't NERO... shesh. This is real Ken, get a grip. There are outterspace insects coming to kill you and your entire race, this isn't some fantasy LARP.'

He almost cracked again with a laugh as his thoughts wandered while waiting for them all to head off.

[Vazzaroth]

A couple other guys laugh at the comment, but the humor is lost on the Sarge, who seems busy talking to the other group anyway.

Other people in your group include a few casually dressed people, one with the ubiquitous white headphones hanging down his front to his pocket. The wanna be GI is looking interestedly at the Guns the men have, and Lee is as well.

[Forgotten T.S.]

Ken sighs and looks to the Sarge, "I have guns and ammo at my place here in town... if me and one other could get back to the Campus, it wouldn't be any hassle taking my bike across town where I live and gathering stuff up."

[Foolster41]

On Ken's Comment Martin speaks up, raising his hand to get Sarge's attention. "I have more medical supplies, that is for making medicines, if anyone is injured and needs meds like pain killers I can make them with the kit, but it's back at the clinic a few blocks from here."

[Vazzaroth]

The Sarge listens to both requests.

Hmm. That's using your noggin. Good thinking men.

He walks over and talks to a soldier standing near your group who has a small distinction on his uniform. It looks like he is going to lead yours. They talk quietly for a few seconds, and lots of nodding is going on.

Alright... Soldier. We aren't going to make the supply run for at least an hour. Sanchez will send one of his men to help you guys find your way back and such. Make sure you make it fast.

Get over here Private. Go with these men, keep an eye out...

Right. I'm Private Thompson. Uh, you guys, follow me.

Thompson gestures to the six of you. If Kendrick looks for Lee, he can see that he managed to get across the room with the other soldiers. He's looks back for a moment, and makes a "Go on" hand gesture. Pauses, then yells very loudly, cupping his hands to his mouth: "I'll meet you later!"

[Foolster41]

((Did I get a gun?))

Martin looks at the others who had weapons, and asks "I'm not very good with guns, but I'd feel better if I had one, sir."

[Forgotten T.S.]

Ken nods again at the Sarge and then looks back around, "Alright, I got room for one more on my bike. If someone wants to come across town with me... best to speak up. I know a few places to pick up stuff other then my house, and we can stop by your place also and get anything useful you might have."

[Vazzaroth]

Thompson gathers you up to follow him. He leads you out of the big door closer to you, creaking open, and it reveals a ladder leading up to a trap door on the other side. He has you climb it after him.

I'll take care of arming you guys up top. We're low enough on soldiers even with the recruiting drive the last couple weeks... getting guns all around the areas outside of hot zones has been a problem too. We barely have enough for us. Luckily we got a bunch of 5.56 rounds while we were gathering up any known weapons caches. I guess we missed the one we're going to later, at a police department, because the people who were there didn't know where they kept the key! Pretty lame if you ask me. Heard they got AKs and everything in there from some crack lab they busted up awhile back, too.

The ladder door leads up into a very dark room. Thompson retrieves a flashlight from his pockets.

Damn, where is that ****... Stay here.

He makes his way to the Light switch, walking a pretty good distance away from you before he makes it to it. He fumbles with it for a moment, then you hear the sound of powerful lights turning on above you, and it reveals a half-dome enclosed hanger you are in. The only vehicles left are a Humvee, mounted with a machine gun, and a military truck with an empty bed.

Thompson pulls another switch and the large doors begin to open slowly. It's apparent this will take a little while to open all the way. He makes his way back to the group.
So boys, guess which one we get to drive?

[FascistKarp]

Tim has a small smile on his face as he asks
"The military truck with the empty bed?"

He then gets a more serious look on his face as he offers
"Unless someone else would like, I am more than willing to drive."

[Vazzaroth]

NOPE!

Thompson appears to be having fun with this.

Come on, it'll be a tight squeeze, but if we get the bike, then we can convoy it. You think you can handle this thing? I'll get on the MG... since I'm guessing none of you have ever used one, right?

[FascistKarp]

Once again Tim gets that smile
"Who needs a gun? If they can kill you it makes the drive more exciting. Why do we need to be able to kill them back?"

He walks over to the hummve and pats it once, opens the door and starts it up.
He sits there locating all the switches, nobs, gauges, and such while he waits for the others to get in.

[Foolster41]

Martin shakes his head and sighs."Can we be serious, please? This is life and death." Martin then gets in the humvee.

[Vazzaroth]

See, I got a simple philosophy. If someone's tryin' to kill you... well, you just try to kill them right back!

He smiles again.

Alright, lets load up.

He gets in the back, and crouches under the gunner hatch.

[FascistKarp]

Once again that ever so familiar smile returns to Tim's face.
"Just trying to lighten the mood here. If you want to accept the situation for what it is you are more than welcome to. But I've always believed that if your heading into something that normal people stray away from it's better to go in with a smile on your face."

Tim finds the radio and starts scanning the channels for any sort of transmission. He is scanning to get some sort of grasp on the current situation. Any attempt to figure out the current situation in his opinion is better than nothing at all.