Day 0 – The Beginning of the End
[2024-09-10 | 6:00 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
Day 0 begins. The subtle signs of the outbreak have now escalated into full-blown chaos. The streets are no longer safe, and communication lines are beginning to fail. Your characters will now face greater challenges, and the difficulty has been increased. Instead of D20 rolls, we’ll be using D23, making successes harder to achieve as the outbreak becomes more intense and unpredictable.
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Scene 1: Decision Time – Fortify or Investigate
[2024-09-10 | 6:01 PM] Leon:
"I did some scouting, and the situation is worse than I thought. We’ve got two choices: stay here at the school, fortify it, and hope we can hold out, or we can head to the church, where I heard strange voices. Whatever is behind this outbreak might be there."
Choice:
1. Fortify the school
2. Investigate the church
[2024-09-10 | 6:02 PM] Auroura:
"I think we should fortify the school. We have supplies here, and it’ll be easier to defend."
[2024-09-10 | 6:03 PM] Devin:
"I don’t know. If this outbreak is being controlled by something at the church, it might be better to take the fight to them."
[2024-09-10 | 6:04 PM] Adnap:
"Both are risky, but I’d rather know what’s causing this. My tools can only do so much if we get overrun."
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Scene 2: Fortification (Option 1)
The group decides to stay at the school. The windows are barred, doors locked, and the survivors help gather supplies to prepare for the night. Each player must contribute to the defense, and their actions will determine how prepared they are for the coming onslaught.
[2024-09-10 | 6:05 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
Roll D23 to determine how well you fortify the school. Higher rolls will mean stronger defenses and better morale among the survivors.
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Auroura’s Roll (Fortification):
[2024-09-10 | 6:06 PM] Auroura:
rolls D23
19 + 3 = 22!
"I’m helping gather supplies and reinforcing the doors with some heavy desks."
[2024-09-10 | 6:07 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
Great roll! You manage to block off most of the entrances, making it much harder for anyone—or anything—to get inside. The survivors are feeling more secure.
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Devin’s Roll (Survivor Management):
[2024-09-10 | 6:08 PM] Devin:
rolls D23
14 + 6 = 20!
"I’m organizing the survivors and making sure we’ve got a rotation for watch duty. No one’s getting in without us knowing."
[2024-09-10 | 6:09 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
Another good roll! The survivors trust you, and your leadership boosts morale. People are starting to feel a bit more hopeful.
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Adnap’s Roll (Setting Traps):
[2024-09-10 | 6:10 PM] Adnap:
rolls D23
10 + 5 = 15.
"I’m rigging some makeshift traps by the doors and windows, using whatever tools I’ve got in my bag."
[2024-09-10 | 6:11 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
A decent roll! Your traps might not be foolproof, but they’ll slow down anyone—or anything—that tries to break in. The survivors watch as you set up a few clever obstacles.
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Scene 3: Investigation (Option 2)
The group chooses to leave the relative safety of the school and investigate the church, where Leon believes the source of the outbreak might be. As they approach, strange whispers fill the air, and an unnatural chill creeps up their spines.
[2024-09-10 | 6:12 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
The church is eerily quiet, but the door is slightly ajar. As you enter, you notice odd symbols drawn on the walls, and a faint light glows from deeper inside the building. Roll D23 for Perception to see what you can discover before you encounter whatever is waiting inside.
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Auroura’s Roll (Perception):
[2024-09-10 | 6:13 PM] Auroura:
rolls D23
21 + 3 = 24!
"I’m keeping my eyes peeled for anything suspicious."
[2024-09-10 | 6:14 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
Incredible roll! You notice faint blood trails leading toward the altar, and you catch a glimpse of something moving in the shadows. You also notice a strange book lying open, its pages filled with bizarre runes with some on the Church walls and floors that seem to be scratched off partially.
SCENE 5: INVESTIGATING THE RUNES
The Setup:
The group, having decided to investigate the church, finds themselves in front of strange runes inscribed on the walls and floor. They seem ancient and unsettling, glowing faintly in the darkened sanctuary. The atmosphere grows thick with tension, and an ominous presence seems to loom nearby. The runes could hold the key to understanding the outbreak or provide a vital clue to its origin.
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[2024-09-10 | 7:00 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
As you approach the altar, you notice the strange symbols etched into the stone and walls around you. The runes pulse with a faint, sickly light, and as you draw closer, a strange sense of dread fills your mind. The runes seem to twist and shift the longer you look at them, as though they are alive.
"You’ll need to investigate the runes carefully. This could be the key to understanding what’s going on, but it won’t be easy. The difficulty level has increased, and we’re rolling D23 for success."
Auroura, Adnap, and Leon will each attempt to decipher the runes. Intelligence and Perception will come into play here.
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Auroura's Investigation of the Runes (Perception + Intelligence):
[2024-09-10 | 7:01 PM] Auroura:
"I’m looking closely at the symbols, trying to make sense of them. Maybe there’s a pattern here."
rolls D23
16 + 7 (Perception) + 3 (Intelligence) = 26.
[2024-09-10 | 7:02 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You notice that the runes bear a resemblance to ancient occult symbols you’ve read about in one of your school’s mythology books. They seem to be related to a ritual of control—something tied to the manipulation of life and death. The more you focus on them, the more you feel the oppressive energy behind the outbreak.
"You’ve uncovered something critical. These runes aren’t just decoration—they’re part of a ritual to control the infected. This could mean someone or something is orchestrating the outbreak from behind the scenes."
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Adnap's Investigation of the Runes (Intelligence):
[2024-09-10 | 7:03 PM] Adnap:
"I’ve seen something like this before in a book about ancient engineering designs, but this looks more magical than mechanical. Let’s see if I can figure out how these things work."
rolls D23
12 + 6 (Intelligence) = 18.
[2024-09-10 | 7:04 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
Adnap's mechanical mind picks up on the intricate details of the runes’ structure. While they aren’t mechanical, there’s a strange precision to their design, as though they were crafted with a specific purpose in mind. They seem to draw power from the altar itself, pulsing in time with the eerie light in the church.
"You’ve discovered that the runes are connected to the altar. Whatever ritual was done here, it’s drawing power from the heart of this place. If you could break that connection, you might be able to disrupt whatever is controlling the infected."
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Leon’s Investigation of the Runes (Perception):
[2024-09-10 | 7:05 PM] Leon:
"These symbols don’t sit right with me. I’ve seen strange things out in the wilds, but nothing like this. Let’s see what they reveal."
rolls D23
15 + 7 (Perception) + 3 (Intelligence) = 25.
[2024-09-10 | 7:06 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
Leon’s hunter instincts kick in as he examines the runes closely. He notices claw marks around the symbols, as though something or someone tried to remove them, but failed. There’s a pattern in the way they’re placed—like a map or a trail leading deeper into the church’s catacombs.
"You realize that these runes are not just for control; they’re guiding something, or someone, deeper into the church. There’s a hidden path behind the altar, and whatever is down there is likely the source of this chaos."
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RUNE DESCRIPTION:
The runes are circular in design, with jagged edges that seem to branch out like fractured lightning. Their surface is smooth, almost polished, but the light that pulses from them makes it hard to focus. At the center of each rune is a symbol resembling an open eye, surrounded by ancient text that spirals inward. Each rune is connected by thin lines etched into the stone, forming a web-like structure that leads toward the altar.
* Color: The light emanating from the runes is a sickly green, casting eerie shadows across the room.
* Shape: The runes are circular with sharp, angular edges, and there’s a feeling of movement within them, as if they’re shifting when looked at too closely.
* Positioning: They are scattered across the floor and walls, leading toward the altar like a trail of breadcrumbs.
* Purpose: The group has discovered that they are part of a ritual for control and manipulation of life and death, likely tied to the outbreak.
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Scene Conclusion:
With the knowledge gained from the runes, the group has a difficult decision to make:
1. Disrupt the Ritual: Attempt to sever the connection between the runes and the altar, potentially halting the ritual and freeing the infected from whatever is controlling them.
2. Follow the Trail: Go deeper into the church’s catacombs to confront whatever is behind the runes and the outbreak.
What will you choose? 2.
SCENE 6: DESCENT INTO THE CATACOMBS
The Setup:
After investigating the runes, the group decides to follow the trail deeper into the church’s catacombs. The symbols point toward a hidden door behind the altar. A faint hum can be heard as you pry the stone door open, revealing a steep, spiraling staircase leading underground. The air grows cold, and the stench of decay becomes overwhelming.
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[2024-09-10 | 7:10 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You’ve made the decision to follow the trail. The path is dark and foreboding, the walls damp and crumbling. As you descend, the faint light of the runes seems to pulse faster, leading you deeper into the unknown. You can feel the presence of something powerful ahead.
"The difficulty hike continues. This will be dangerous. Prepare for what you might face down below. If anyone wants to take any precautions or actions before you descend further, now is the time."
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Auroura’s Action:
[2024-09-10 | 7:11 PM] Auroura:
"I’m pulling out my flashlight and keeping an eye out for traps or ambushes. I’ve got a bad feeling about this."
rolls D23 for Perception
14 + 7 (Perception) = 21.
[2024-09-10 | 7:12 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You notice small scratches along the walls of the staircase, like claw marks, as if something or someone had been dragged down here. No immediate traps, but the eerie marks make it clear that this place has seen violence.
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Devin’s Action:
[2024-09-10 | 7:13 PM] Devin:
"I’m keeping my weapon ready and watching our backs. I don’t trust these dark places."
rolls D23 for Agility to be ready for a quick response
12 + 4 (Agility) = 16.
[2024-09-10 | 7:14 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You remain vigilant, but the oppressive atmosphere weighs on your senses. You can feel the walls closing in, and you start to hear faint whispers, though you can’t pinpoint their source. Still, you’re ready for anything that comes your way.
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Adnap’s Action:
[2024-09-10 | 7:15 PM] Adnap:
"I’m getting my tools ready. If we find anything mechanical down there, I’ll be prepared to disable or figure it out."
rolls D23 for Intelligence to prep his tools
10 + 6 (Intelligence) = 16.
[2024-09-10 | 7:16 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You gather your tools, but the faint glow from the runes makes it difficult to concentrate. However, you’re ready to react if any strange mechanisms or traps are triggered as you move forward.
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Leon’s Action:
[2024-09-10 | 7:17 PM] Leon:
"I’m staying at the front, keeping an eye on the trail of runes. If there’s anything moving ahead, I’ll be the first to spot it."
rolls D23 for Perception
18 + 7 (Perception) = 25.
[2024-09-10 | 7:18 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You spot something up ahead. The runes are growing brighter as you descend deeper into the catacombs. At the bottom of the staircase, you see a large stone door, slightly ajar. Beyond it, the light flickers erratically. Whatever lies beyond that door is likely the source of this outbreak.
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SCENE 7: ENTERING THE CHAMBER
As you push the door open, the room is revealed. It’s a large, circular chamber with runes covering the floor and walls, forming an intricate web of symbols and lines. At the center of the room is a massive stone altar, atop which lies a grotesque figure—a humanoid creature, but its body twisted and unnatural. Its skin is gray and decayed, but the runes seem to be feeding it power, causing it to twitch and stir.
The whispers you heard earlier grow louder, forming incomprehensible words that seem to press on your mind, threatening to overwhelm your senses.
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[2024-09-10 | 7:19 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
The creature begins to rise from the altar, its eyes glowing the same sickly green as the runes. It opens its mouth, and a terrible, inhuman shriek fills the room. The runes around it pulse brighter and faster, as if they are feeding on its awakening.
"This is it. You’ve found the source of the outbreak. It’s some kind of ritual-created abomination, and it’s waking up. The room is full of runes, all drawing power to it. You must decide: disrupt the runes, fight the creature, or retreat. The difficulty is high, and every decision counts."
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PLAYER ACTIONS:
Auroura’s Action:
[2024-09-10 | 7:20 PM] Auroura:
"I’m going for the runes! If we can disrupt them, maybe we can weaken this thing before it fully awakens."
rolls D23 for Intelligence (disrupt runes)
11 + 3 (Intelligence) = 14.
[2024-09-10 | 7:21 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You start working on the runes, but it’s difficult to focus with the creature’s screech echoing in your mind. You manage to disrupt a few of the symbols, dimming their glow slightly, but it’s not enough to stop the ritual. The creature’s power remains strong.
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Devin’s Action:
[2024-09-10 | 7:22 PM] Devin:
"I’m taking the fight to the creature. We can’t let it fully wake up!"
rolls D23 for Strength (combat with the creature)
16 + 7 (Strength) = 23.
[2024-09-10 | 7:23 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You charge at the creature, striking it with your weapon. Your blows land hard, and you manage to knock the creature back, but it barely seems phased. The runes are still feeding it energy, and its wounds begin to close almost as quickly as they open. You’ve done some damage, but it’s clear that this fight won’t be easy.
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Adnap’s Action:
[2024-09-10 | 7:24 PM] Adnap:
"I’m helping Auroura with the runes. We’ve got to disrupt their power source!"
rolls D23 for Intelligence (disrupt runes)
13 + 6 (Intelligence) = 19.
[2024-09-10 | 7:25 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
With your mechanical mind, you quickly identify the key runes holding the ritual together. You manage to disrupt several of the symbols, causing the glow to flicker and the creature to stagger slightly. The connection between the creature and the runes weakens, but it’s not broken yet.
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Leon’s Action:
[2024-09-10 | 7:26 PM] Leon:
"I’m covering them. If anything comes at us, I’m ready to take it down."
rolls D23 for Perception (watch for threats)
12 + 7 (Perception) = 19.
[2024-09-10 | 7:27 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You keep your eyes on the room, scanning for any other threats. You notice the walls trembling slightly, as if the entire chamber is reacting to the ritual. From the shadows, you see small, twisted creatures starting to emerge, drawn to the power of the runes. You’ve spotted them before they can attack, but time is running out.
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SCENE CONCLUSION:
The group has successfully disrupted some of the runes, but the creature is still drawing power from the remaining symbols. Devin’s attacks have weakened the creature, but the ritual continues to feed its strength. To fully stop the abomination, the group must decide: continue disrupting the runes or focus on the fight.
The small creatures in the room are beginning to stir, and it’s clear that the longer the group stays, the more dangerous the situation will become.
SCENE 8: THE CREATURE'S ARRIVAL
The Setup:
As the group fights to disrupt the runes and weaken the creature at the altar, the air grows heavy with a new presence. A chilling voice echoes through the chamber, speaking in a language that feels ancient, yet disturbingly familiar. It’s not just the runes that are powering the abomination—a higher power is at work.
From the shadows emerges a figure, its body humanoid but grotesquely twisted. It wears the tattered remnants of a priest’s robe, and its face is a sickening blend of decayed flesh and glowing eyes. The Preacher, an evolved form of the infected, steps forward, its mere presence distorting the air around it. Reality itself seems to warp in its vicinity, and even the runes flicker, as though obeying its will.
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[2024-09-10 | 7:30 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
A cold, mocking voice fills your minds, not spoken aloud, but directly invading your thoughts. The Preacher’s gaze locks onto each of you in turn, and you feel your vision blur and twist. The runes, once a source of power for the ritual, now seem to bend and shift under the Preacher’s influence.
"Fools… you do not understand the depths of what you face. This world is already mine to twist and control. Your efforts are meaningless."
The Preacher has arrived. Its reality-warping powers give it control over both the undead and the living. Survivors and zombies alike are at risk of falling under its influence. Its voice disrupts both mind and body, making it harder to focus, fight, or resist its will.
Action!
Auroura’s Perception (Resisting the Preacher’s Influence):
[2024-09-10 | 7:31 PM] Auroura:
"I’m trying to focus! I know this thing is messing with my head, but I need to push through and keep disrupting the runes."
rolls D23 for Perception + Intelligence (Resist Influence & Disrupt Runes)
15 + 7 (Perception) + 3 (Intelligence) = 25.
[2024-09-10 | 7:32 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You feel the Preacher’s voice clawing at the edges of your mind, but you manage to focus. The runes in front of you flicker and fade as you continue to disrupt their power. You can feel the Preacher’s hold weakening slightly, but it’s not enough to stop it yet. The fight is still on.
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Devin’s Willpower (Resisting the Preacher’s Influence & Combat):
[2024-09-10 | 7:33 PM] Devin:
"I’m pushing through this mind game. I can feel it trying to take control, but I won’t let it!"
rolls D23 for Strength + Willpower (Combat & Resist Influence)
16 + 7 (Strength) = 23.
[2024-09-10 | 7:34 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You swing your weapon at the creature at the altar, but the Preacher’s influence causes you to falter for just a moment. Your strike still lands, but it doesn’t have the full force you intended. The creature screeches in pain, but the Preacher’s voice creeps back into your mind, making it harder to concentrate.
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Adnap’s Intelligence (Disrupting the Runes & Resisting Psychic Assault):
[2024-09-10 | 7:35 PM] Adnap:
"This thing is messing with my head… but I’ve got to keep breaking these runes!"
rolls D23 for Intelligence + Willpower (Disrupt Runes & Resist Psychic Assault)
14 + 6 (Intelligence) = 20.
[2024-09-10 | 7:36 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You manage to disrupt more of the runes, and for a moment, the Preacher’s control wavers. The runes glow weaker, and the creature on the altar lets out another screech as the energy feeding it diminishes. However, the Preacher retaliates with a surge of psychic energy, leaving you momentarily dazed.
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Leon’s Perception (Scanning for Threats & Resisting the Preacher):
[2024-09-10 | 7:37 PM] Leon:
"This thing is trying to control us. I’m watching for any other threats while keeping my mind sharp."
rolls D23 for Perception + Willpower (Resist Influence & Scan for New Threats)
18 + 7 (Perception) = 25.
[2024-09-10 | 7:38 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You manage to block out the Preacher’s voice, keeping your senses sharp. From the shadows, you notice more of the small, twisted creatures beginning to emerge. They move toward the group, clearly under the Preacher’s command. You’ve spotted them before they can get too close, giving you a chance to warn the others.
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The Preacher’s Action (Reality Warp & Mind Control):
[2024-09-10 | 7:39 PM] Ryoiichi (DM - Preacher):
The Preacher raises its arms, and the very fabric of the room seems to twist and bend. The walls warp, and the floor stretches and shifts, making it harder for the group to keep their footing. Its voice echoes louder, this time aiming directly at Auroura and Adnap, trying to turn their minds against their comrades.
* Auroura’s Willpower (Resisting Mind Control)
rolls D23
13 + 3 (Intelligence) = 16.
You feel the Preacher’s voice clawing at your mind, and for a brief moment, you hesitate, almost turning toward Devin with a hostile glare. But you shake it off, barely managing to resist its control.
* Adnap’s Willpower (Resisting Mind Control)
rolls D23
11 + 6 (Intelligence) = 17.
The Preacher’s voice fills your mind, and you feel an overwhelming urge to attack your friends. Your grip tightens on your tools, but at the last second, you manage to shake off the influence, though the effort leaves you exhausted.
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SCENE CONCLUSION: CHAOS UNFOLDS
The group is locked in a battle of wills against the Preacher’s reality-warping powers. Auroura and Adnap continue to disrupt the runes, but the Preacher’s mind control and psychic assaults are making it increasingly difficult to stay focused. Devin lands more strikes on the creature at the altar, but it remains strong, feeding off the power of the remaining runes.
Leon has spotted new threats emerging from the shadows—small, twisted creatures under the Preacher’s command. The group is now surrounded, with the Preacher warping reality and controlling both zombies and survivors alike. The only way to stop this is to fully disrupt the runes or defeat the Preacher.
Next Move:
* Continue disrupting the runes and weaken the Preacher’s power?
* Focus on attacking the Preacher directly, hoping to break its control?
The Preacher is getting stronger, and time is running out. What will you do?