Session 1: Assemble

Key Points:

• At the Lucky Cat Inn, the crew (Trajan, Roan, Del, Kembu, and Managirl) were introduced to each  other through the course of the night. They would learn that they would become partners in their contracts with the Middleman.
• The group met the Middleman's associate: Watchdog. He acts as a liaison between the Middleman and his contractors. He is known for having a $11 million GP bounty on his head and is regarded as something of an urban legend.
• A Genesis press conference was held on television (by ROGUE agents Gwen Morrisson and Lukas Baer) that claimed that they would find the criminal Leonhardt Nacht (suspected in the kidnapping of Kimberley Meyer).
• The press conference was used to introduce their new product: OGRE. A terrifying war machine.
• Roan seemed interested in the press conference.

• The Middleman (a strange figure, who showed off an animated cartoon smiling face instead of his real face) met with the group and posed the deal: three jobs in exchange for three questions answered. The questions are only received after all the jobs are completed.
• There would also be 75 GP delivered to each crew member after the first job, with the compensation rising to 150 GP for the second job and 300 GP for the third job.

• Kembu, impatient, revealed that he was performing these jobs in hopes of rescuing a little girl kidnapped by the Mixtli Coatals and that he might have a lead on her whereabouts.
• Trajan shared that the boy he is looking for is kidnapped by the same gang as well.
• The Middleman doesn't care for the reasons the party has, he does things on his own schedule and wants to see it done.
• Much discussion was had at the risk of each job and who they might hurt (the group didn't seem interested in harming innocent folk). In the end, they agreed to perform a training scenario at a testing facility for their first job.
• This seemed to be an experimental scenario in its prototype stage designed to test soldiers.
  
• While conducting business, the group saw concerts from Hannah (a pop star) and the Barbarians (a rock and roll group).
• Hannah had noticeable security with her. Security of the heavily armed mercenary type.
• After the negotiations were over and the questions were given, the Middleman and the crew parted ways. Once outside, the group find that the Middleman gifted them a four-wheeled truck to use for their missions.
• After making a quick stop to get Del's armor, the group went into the lower city of Sector Three and arrived at the testing facility where they were greeted by an automaton (uni-cycled). The automaton suggested the group wear the testing suits as well as arm themselves with the testing equipment. The automaton could not give much information, as much of it has been [REDACTED].
• The group readies themselves for the scenario...

New Items:

• Four-wheeled truck. [Gift from the Middleman, to be returned upon contract termination.] - Group.
• White Testing Suits. (Functions as armor. Resist 5 Cold/Fire.) [Testing facility.] - Trajan, Del, Roan, Managirl.
• Stunguns (Encounter Power: Standard Action Range 5 Attack - Your Level +5 vs Fortitude. Hit: Target is immobilized (save ends).) [Testing facility.] - 1 Roan, 2 Managirl
• Shock Gloves (Talid. Property: If you don't hit any target during your turn, at the start of your next turn, increase the damage of your next hit with this weapon by +2. This is cumulative up to +6 damage. After you hit any target, the bonus is reduced to 0. When an encounter begins, unless you are surprised, the glove is assumed to be primed to +6 damage. This extra damage is lightning damage.) [Testing facility.] - 1 Trajan, 2 Managirl
• Shock Staffs (Quarterstaff. Property: Same as Shock Gloves.) [Testing facility.] - 3 Managirl

Current Objectives:

• Complete the Middleman's First Job: Test the Training Facility.
• Complete the Middleman's Second Job: ???
• Complete the Middleman's Third Job: ???
• Receive the Middleman's Answers.

Game Timeline

Year: 346 AU.

April 4th (Thursday):  
-Kembu arrived in Babylon and was asked by Lisa Trent to find Brittany Trent.
-Roan was released, and he began his hunt for his target: Leonhardt Nacht.
-Managirl delivered a package (high-tech firearm) to Leonhardt Nacht.
-Kembu, Roan, and Managirl each receive an offer from the Middleman.

April 5th (Friday):
-Trajan goes to the homeless shelter, and later learns Tanner was kidnapped.
-Del arrives in Babylon and begins her search for Genesis.
-Del and Trajan each receive an offer from the Middleman.
-Middleman Meeting.
-Job One: Testing Scenario.

April 6th (Saturday):
-Job One: Completed.
-Job Two: Received.
-Met Dr. Vesper Klein.
-Arrived in Raske at nightfall.
-Fought the Ghost of Raske.

April 7th (Sunday):
-Began the search for the Ghost of Raske.
-Raske Investigation.
-Cabin in the Woods.
-Mephit ambush in the woods.
-The Red Eye Inn burned.
-The Red Eye Inn battle and rescue effort.
-Rukkevinta killed by Nerva.
-Nerva's ultimatum. 
-Crisis averted, Nerva captured.
-Nerva given over to Klein for imprisonment and research.
-Oku rewards group for defeating Nerva.

April 8th (Monday):
-Roan talks to Oku. The group talks to Oku.
-Trajan suggests letting Igam go free, in hopes of turning her against the other Red Wolves, since Igam seemed unlikely to talk.
-Klein and Kembu talk.
-The group checks out the town's police records.
-Group sets out from Raske.
-Group encounters a military toll booth.
-The group arrives at the Kasai Caravan.
-The group enjoys different activities at the Kasai Caravan. [See game logs or session summaries for additional details.]

April 9th (Tuesday):
-The group leaves the Kasai Caravan.
-The group encounters Earthquake members Ruby, Jaunt, and Tucker at the Battle of the Bridge.
-Tucker is killed, his body is collected by Klein for research.
-Jaunt is captured by the group. Ruby escapes.
-Group is interrogated by ROGUE Agent Johnson.
-Group meets KNIGHT Luna.
-Group meets, and escorts, Sarah Bloom from the gas station to Quiet Mountain.
-Group arrives in Quiet Mountain.
-Managirl delivers package for Hengeyokai Caravan, nearly gets shot.
-Members of the group experiences the supernatural events plaguing Quiet Mountain.
-Group learns that the townspeople are (for the most part) not aware of the supernatural events.
-Kembu learns that Lenny knows of the supernatural events, and that he has died in them numerous time. He warned to seek out the carousel if lost within the paranormal event.
-Group attends Sarah Bloom concert.

April 10th (Wednesday):
-After acquiring supplies, the group rides up to the Mana Reactor.
-Along the way, the group is ambushed by mountain yetis. Most of the yetis are killed, but the abominable snowman captured an unconscious Trajan and brought it to its mate. Trajan was eaten alive.
-The group attempts to recuperate and heal after losing a friend, but ultimately decide to push on with Klein's mission so that Trajan's death wouldn't be in vain.
-Group arrives at Quiet Mountain Reactor Facility.
-Group meets newcomer, Manu-Nui, a strange elemental like creature.
-Group learns the secrets of the Quiet Mountain Reactor Facility. Together, they complete their mission by killing Dr. Abel, recovering Klein's data, and saving her protege (Elias Kincaid).
-Group learns about Project Rebirth and Project Apex.
-Group rests in the Quiet Mountain Facility and plan to leave it in the morning

April 11th (Thursday):
-The group evades Genesis capture and escapes from Quiet Mountain.
-The group picks up Sarah Bloom the hitchhiker again.
-The group returns to the Kasai Caravan once more.
-The group takes care of various business at the caravan. (Roan relaxes, Kembu sends a message to his master, Managirl picks up another job, Del helps Klein with Kincaid, Manu takes in the sights).

April 12th (Friday):
-The group leaves the Kasai Caravan.
-The group accidentally leaves behind Sarah Bloom.
-The group receives a threatening message from EARTHQUAKE. "JOIN BEFORE THE FALL."
-Manu-Nui absorbed some of the mana radiation from the injured Kincaid--assisting with the man's long term health.
-The group stopped at Raske. Managirl picked up something she ordered from the tailor there.
-While in Raske, the group came across Ruby (EARTHQUAKE MEMBER). She had escaped them at the Battle of the Bridge. She revealed that she had quit EARTHQUAKE, but her last job was to give the group the message she left for them at the caravan. She gave the group an EARTHQUAKE contact they could meet up with in Babylon.

April 13th (Saturday):
-The group returns to Babylon. They discover a large number of people are trying to get into the city for the Genesis Foundation Parade.
-The group drops off Klein and Kincaid--officially completing their second mission for the Middleman.
-Kembu retires to Lisa's Home where he meets the Watchdog. In exchange for services rendered by the Watchdog, Kembu allows the man to delve into his memories for his sword fighting style.
-Upon hearing that Managirl has received another delivery for Nacht, Roan, Manu, Del, and Managirl head to Nacht's hideout.
-The delivery goes bad and Nacht nearly kills Managirl. The group assaults the hideout. Nacht escapes, but Roan is on his tail. The group kills the majority of Nacht's henchmen with the assistance of a cat hengeyokai named Mei-Xing.
-Roan corners Nacht at the Eight Ball Bar. The group shows up, but so does a group of Mixtli Coatal cartel dwarves lead by Felicia (gnome).
-The group is joined by Setter Blackpaw. Setter completed his second mission for the Middleman earlier in the evening and after the destruction of his last team, was reassigned to this one.
-Manu Nui dies in the Battle at Eight Ball Bar.
-The group has to leave Nacht behind in order to escape.
-The group rests at the Hydra Hotel in order to regroup and recuperate... 

April 14th (Sunday):
-The group meets Kembu's ward: Lisa.
-The group meets Managirl's father: Sylar.
-Lisa is left in the care of Sylar.
-The group meets up with the Middleman to discuss their next mission.
-The group receives the mission: retrieve Pandora's Box for Mr. Rickenato.
-The group meets with EARTHQUAKE members Apollo and Artemis. EARTHQUAKE wants to use the Runners for a mission, but the Runners refuse. The two groups discuss means, actions, and intents. Apollo and Artemis agree to carry the group's ideas to their boss.
-The Genesis Foundation Parade begins.
-The group meets with the eccentric Mr. Rickenato and receive details on their third and final mission.
-Roan is framed for the assassination of the President's Wife.
-The group defeats the first two Olympians: Dionysus and Hermes.
-The group enlists Gwen Morrison's help in proving Roan's innocence.
-The group takes an extended rest...

April 15th (Monday):
-The group awakes in the evening / late night to pursue Rickenato's mission.
-The group heads to Bulette's Brawl. The group wins several contests; receiving prizes and the like.
-The group convinces Rickenato's contact, Gnoll, to work with them.
-The group defeats the third and fourth Olympians: Aphrodite and Hephaestus.
-Emily the MAGE is killed. Paul the KNIGHT and Niklas the ROGUE agree to work with The Runners.
-The group strikes a deal with Niklas (who is acting on the behalf of Gwen Morrisson): defeat all the Olympians, and get to keep their loot, as well as be proven innocent in the eyes of Genesis in the assassination on the First Lady.
-Gnoll tells the group where Prometheus' deal is going down: at a convention the following day. Gnoll does this in exchange for Setter to promise to fix a fight for Gnoll, and to battle Gnoll himself.
-Aria visits the Masamune to receive a new katana; accidentally runs into ROGUE Agent Lukas Baer.
-Kembu finds his master; and receives advice on how to free his sword of its curse (which involves getting a trinket with ties to the Wylds).
-Kembu and Managirl "break up".
-Death Otter interrogates Aphrodite; learns a potential location for Athena. Learns a little more about the Olympians plans.
-The group rests at a Genesis hideout.
-Kembu and Aria bond a little.

April 16th (Tuesday):
-In the early morning, Death Otter and Managirl have an intimate encounter.
-Some members get in the spirit of the convention and decide to cosplay.
-Through a combination of the group's efforts, Prometheus is located.
-Setter arranges a deal with Prometheus. 1.25 million GP and short-term as well as long-term protection. Prometheus accepts.
-Nacht is discovered by Roan to be Prometheus' buyer, and he is none too happy about Prometheus flaking out on the deal.
-Zeus' sister, Demeter, one of the Olympians, appears with a group of assassins in an attempt to capture Prometheus and eliminate the Runners. But, how did she know where they'd be...?
-Kembu kills Demeter; finds his cursed sword is growing more powerful with every kill and seems able to act against Kembu's will.
-Setter strikes a deal with Nacht; promising to give the information on Pandora's Box over to him.
-Setter and Prometheus come to an arrangement.
-The group escapes the convention center and head to the Kobold Hotel for an extended rest.
-Setter takes Prometheus to receive a new identity from his contact: The Man With No Name.
-Aria and Kembu have a 'fight' in their hotel room, but soon overcome it.
-Aria and Kembu visit Little Musashi. While there, they meet Lupin (the owner of the weapon shop: Masamune). Aria and Kembu also meet Luna, the KNIGHT.
-Aria and Kembu, ultimately not finding what they need at Masamune, visit Rei, a Wu-Jen. Rei, a witch, seems to be able to tell the future or is good at faking it; as she reveals a lot of sensitive information to Aria and Kembu. Ultimately, she gives Kembu a charm to control the oni spirit within his blade. She gives Aria a kitsune charm as well.
-Aria and Kembu received those charms for agreeing to retrieve a box of blood vials from the Mixtli Coatals who stole it from him.

April 17th (Wednesday):
-Setter negotiates with Rickenato; acquires the funds necessary to pay off Prometheus and The Man With No Name.
-Setter embezzles 1,000,000 GP from Rickenato. The money is divided evenly and placed into several shell companies for Setter, Angel, Roan, Kembu, Aria, Del, Death Otter, and Managirl resulting in 125,000 GP each.
-The group relaxes at the Kobold Hotel; poolside and in the breakfast hall.
-After receiving a message from Watchdog, the group receives a new associate from the Middleman: a combat medic by the name of Angel.
-Niklas receives an update from Roan regarding Prometheus and Pandora's Box.
-Setter meets up with the Runners. He offers each 10,000 GP as a sign of good faith.
-Gwen Morrison is contacted by Setter. Gwen claims that she will provide falsified information to Leonhardt Nacht. This is to cover Setter's "deal" with Nacht. However, Gwen won't give the information over until the Olympians have been dealt.
-The current incarnation of the Runners (Kembu, Managirl, Roan, Setter, and Angel) along with Aria and Death Otter leave the Kobold Hotel to the Treant Theater in order to "take out" the remaining Olympians.
-The Runners battle Poseidon after he and his men ambush them on the streets. Poseidon is defeated and left for Genesis security.
-The Runners take a moment to get themselves and their truck cleaned up before returning to their goal at the Treant Theater.
-The Runners battle Artemis and Apollo at the Treant Theater. They're defeated and left for Genesis security.
-The Runners arrive at the Olympian's secret base in Sector Six.
-The Runners battle Ares in the Basement. He is defeated and left for Genesis security. 
-The Runners battle Hera, Zeus, and Athena at Mount Olympus (a meeting room in their top secret facility).
-Athena attempts to enlighten the group of Runners.
-The Runners kill Hera and Zeus. The Runners hoped that they killed the identity known as Athena through a combination of EMP and good ol fashioned sword chopping; hoping it prevented her from uploading herself elsewhere.
-43% of Sector Six is lost in Athena's explosions. 43% of her designated targets are assassinated by her constructs.
-The Runners collect the remaining Olympian Artifacts and leave Mount Olympus. Before the day is done, though, they're confronted by Gwen Morrisson and a small army of Genesis Security.

Organizations & Businesses List

Businesses of Interest:
 
Fleas Motel
-Business Motto: "Come on in, we don't bite."

One of the cheapest motels in the lower city of Sector Four (Entertainment District). Roan stayed the night here.

The Lucky Cat Inn
-Business Motto: "Feeling lucky?"

The Lucky Cat Inn is a hengeyokai themed club in the upper city of Sector Four (Entertainment District). It has exclusive clients (with membership given to the wealthy or influential through sponsorship). The line to enter the inn is always huge and the club keeps varying hours based on the owner's whims. The Lucky Cat Inn has many private rooms and rumors have it they can meet the needs of anyone here. Scantily clad women, drinks, and live entertainment make this the most popular club in Babylon. It is said the Middleman conducts his business here.

The Safe House
-Business Motto: "Helping others help one another."

In the lower city of Sector Three (Business District), the Safe House provides a shelter for the homeless and down trodden. The Safe House is funded by the Genesis Corporation.

Organizations of Interest (Direct Relevance to PCs):

Genesis Corporation: 
-Company motto: "With you since the beginning."

Those who control the resources, control the people. The Genesis Corporation started out as a coalition of merchants during the barbarian days of Ezra. The ancestors of Genesis had the foresight to lay claim to precious resources and territories. Overtime, as the tribes began to settle down into towns and cities instead of roaming tribes, the power that Genesis held began to grow. Many people became indebted to Genesis or worked for them in some manner. Many towns to this day have company stores where Genesis employees are required to spend the majority of their pay.

In the current era, the Genesis Corporation has risen to become the largest and strongest organization in Ezra. Being at the top of the ladder, the Genesis Corporation was recognized as the official government of Ezra. Indeed, with their numbers, mana-tech, and influence, no one in Ezra could oppose the Genesis Corporation in any serious way. Just about anything that you could legally buy is sold by Genesis.  Never content, Genesis always seems to be expanding and growing. Many people choose to work for Genesis because individual business owners tend to get swallowed up whole by the corporation. Despite their best efforts, Genesis hasn’t been able to entirely eliminate the competition, and there are a few other corporations that have risen out of mercantile alliances. However, Genesis is in the position to make the laws and rules, and they have no problem with ruling things in their favor.

-KNIGHT: Genesis security agency. A member of KNIGHT is said to be able to stand up against dozens of armed people. Truly the elite of Genesis’ security and military, members of KNIGHT are often assigned to bodyguard important executives in Genesis or run security for important events. The sigil for KNIGHT is a shield.

-MAGE: Genesis intelligence agency. Although Genesis has numerous different research and development divisions for their mana-tech, MAGE sort of acts as the overseer of all that. MAGE is often attributed to being one of the major contributors of mana-tech. Some of the greatest minds and spellcasters can be found in the ranks of MAGE. The sigil for MAGE is a staff.

-ROGUE: Genesis public relations agency. Members of ROGUE handle most of the press releases for Genesis and ensure that the company is painted in a positive light in the public. As part of their duties, it is rumored that ROGUE acts in espionage and spying. The worse rumors claim that ROGUE is not above conducting assassinations, kidnapping, and interrogations. The sigil for ROGUE is a sword.

Grell Street Urchins:
Located in the lower city of Sector Five (Housing District), the Grell Street Urchins are a gang of "troublemakers" that are primarily made up of orphaned adoloscents.

Mixtli Coatal:
-Organization motto: "Fear our fangs."

Known as the Cloud Serpents, this primarily dwarven gang is suspected to be an arm of the Santiago Cartel. They're known for their narcotic sales and rumored kidnappings. Their primary base is in Babylon.

Muertos Santos:
-Organization motto: "Divinity in death."

A primarily gnomish gang, they're rivals with Mixtli Coatal.

Organizations of Interest (Indirect Relevance to PCs):

The Azer Dynasty:
-Family motto: "Our truth prevails."

It is said that when the God known as the Lawmaker decreed the eladrin royalty, the Azer Dynasty was born. Since then, Ramesses has been ruled by members of the Azer family. The royal dynasty traces back hundreds of pharaohs and no other family has yet to rule over the country. The Azer family line is said to be gifted with mana and magic, and they take the griffon as their sigil.

The Barbarians:
Primal-themed musician group in Ezra. Rock & roll.

Earthquake: 
-Organization motto: "Hope conquers the throne."

While the Genesis Corporation would have you believe that Earthquake is a terrorist organization with no real rhyme or reason to it, Earthquake wants you think of it as a freedom fighting organization. Taking their name from the Upheaval, Earthquake claims that the Genesis Corporation and their mana-reactors are hurting not only the people, but the earth itself. Earthquake is behind numerous bombings and attacks on mana-reactors and factories. Unfortunately, there have been reported deaths of civilians caused by these attacks. The entirety of Earthquake is certainly a gray area for the people of Ezra, though the organization is popular in the underground and many slogans of Earthquake can be found written in graffiti around the city.

Exodus Corporation:
-Company motto: "Going out of our way to serve you."
 
Although there are several lesser corporations in contention with the Genesis Corporation, the Exodus Corporation is noteworthy as it is in second place in the mana-tech race. Exodus offers goods and services that are ultimately cheaper than the ones offered by Genesis, but many believe the quality of Exodus’ goods to be worse. In this case, many Exodus’ products are labeled as knock-offs of Genesis’ products.

Gomez Cartel:
-Family motto: "Life is uncertain. Death is certain."

The second largest cartel in Montezuma, the Gomez Cartel contains primarily gnomes. The Gomez Cartel pushes their homemade drug: vodare. Made from the crushed petals of a flower that grows only on graves, the drug ends up as an extremely bitter brown powder. The Gomez Cartel is well known for their skeletal masks and tattoo designs—devout worshippers of the Reaper. As such, they’re often feared by the populace (perhaps even more than the Santiago Cartel). The Gomez Cartel is known to deal in weapons trafficking, kidnapping and murdering.

The Oni Caravan:
-Organization motto: “Small things grow in harmony.” 

The largest hengeyokai caravan on Augustus, the Oni Caravan is like a small traveling country. Often times, the “tent cities” of the caravan dwarf the towns they’re visiting. The Oni Caravan is larger than any known city in Augustus aside from each country’s capital. Due to their size, the Oni Caravan acts as the unofficial leader of the hengeyokai caravans on Augustus. Most other caravans follow the laws set by the Oni Caravan, lest they run the risk of becoming ostracized. Many goods and services that originated in Musashi are now offered through the Oni Caravan to the denizens of Augustus.

Santiago Cartel:
-Family motto: "The small under the huge."

This dwarven based cartel is the largest criminal organization on Augustus. The Santiago Cartel is known for their human trafficking, prostitution rings, kidnapping, murdering, and robbery. Sannish is the drug of choice to push for the Santiago Cartel. This is a bluish liquid that is distilled from wolves’ milk and a powdered desert plant. Addicts are easily found by the permanent blue stains on their lips. The Santiago Cartel claims to be protecting the interests and people of Montezuma.

Vargas Cartel:
-Family motto: "Bright. Daring. Joyful."

Although it is the smallest cartel in size, the Vargas Cartel is the best liked amongst the populace of Montezuma. The Vargas Cartel has been known to give much back to their communities. Predominantly made up of halflings, the Vargas Cartel specializes in trafficking devilweed. When it comes to other criminal activities, the Vargas Cartel participates in robbery, kidnapping, and murdering.

Genesis Corporation Products

For my own reference, as much as yours, here are established products of Genesis Corporation. As more are made-up and discovered in the game, I'll try to update the list.

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Ettin Chips: So good, you'll wish you had two heads to eat more of them!  
Kraken Soda: Let it get its tentacles in you!
OGRE (organically grafted reinforced endoskeleton): A voracious appetite for justice.
Owlbear Cereal: A hoot in every box!
Phoenix Cigarettes: Taste your rebirth!
Red Minotaur Energy Drink: Lose Yourself in the Maze!
Worg Firearms: Make them bite the bullet!