The town of Ravenwood is shrouded in mystery and fear, as whispers of a dangerous cult spread throughout the community. People are disappearing without a trace, and those who remain live in constant fear of being the next victim. Amidst the chaos, a group of ghost hunters has come to Ravenwood, determined to uncover the truth and put an end to the cult's reign of terror. As they delve deeper into the dark history of the town, they discover that the cult's power reaches far beyond what they ever could have imagined, and that the stakes are higher than they ever could have anticipated.
Will they survive long enough to stop the darkness that threatens to consume Ravenwood? Or will they become its next victim?
Only time will tell in this heart-pounding adventure of ghosts, cults, and the brave souls who fight against them.
The town of Ravenwood was once a quiet, peaceful place where nothing ever seemed to happen. It was your average, stereotypical suburb. Close enough to the city to give you things to do in your free time but far enough away to not have to deal with the nonstop hustle and bustle of the city. The people who lived here led simple, contented lives, rarely venturing beyond the borders of their little community.
That was until the disappearances started.
People had been vanishing from Ravenwood, seemingly without a trace. At first, it was just one or two people who went missing without a trace. But then the numbers started to climb until it seemed like someone was vanishing every week. The authorities were at a loss, unable and/or unwilling, to explain the strange occurrences. The townsfolk whispered about the supernatural, but no one dared to say it out loud.
As the months went by and the disappearances continued, the town slowly transformed into a place of fear and suspicion. People no longer felt safe walking the streets at night, and many of them began to believe that the only way to protect themselves was to take matters into their own hands.
That's when the rumors began to take shape into something more tangible. People whispered about a cult that was operating in the town, one that was responsible for the disappearances and the terror that had gripped the community. No one knew who these cultists were, or what they wanted, but everyone was sure that they posed a grave threat.
Amidst this chaos, one specific individual in the town has recently developed supernatural abilities, abilities that would set them on a direct collision course with this rumored cult, along with a ragtag team of "ghost hunters". This would lead them down a dangerous path, one that would test their courage, their loyalty, and their very sanity.
This individual will uncover secrets that were meant to stay buried, face enemies they never knew existed, and confront the horrors of the unknown. But if they can survive long enough to unravel the truth, they may just be able to save Ravenwood from the darkness that threatens to consume it.
Or die trying.
The story of Ravenwood's descent into madness has just begun.
Pick your MC!
[]Michael Ramirez Background: Age 29, A former medical researcher who accidentally exposed himself to a virus, granting him the ability to somewhat manipulate his body on a molecular level. He experimented with his body, pushing the limits of what he could do. Michael's scientific mind is always constantly working, trying to find new ways to utilize his abilities. Personality: Analytical and reserved, Michael can be socially awkward, but his scientific mind is always working. Likes: Conducting experiments, research, and analyzing data. Dislikes: Ignorance, unscientific thinking, and anyone who disregards his findings. Ability: At the moment Michael can only grow additional limbs (6 max), regenerate at a very slow rate, and harden his skin.
Pros: Michael's scientific mind and ability to control his own body make him a valuable asset in investigating and combating supernatural threats. Michael can learn new things at a rapid pace.
Cons: Michael's reserved nature can make it difficult for him to connect with others and work effectively in a team. His desire for scientific proof can also lead him to dismiss more spiritual or supernatural explanations.
[]Lily Chen Background: Age 21, A former circus performer who discovered she can stretch her limbs to incredible lengths. Lily's newfound ability allowed her to perform even more impressive stunts, and she quickly became the star of the circus. However, Lily soon grew bored with the circus life and set out to explore the world. Personality: Energetic and optimistic, Lily's free-spirited nature can sometimes lead her into trouble. Likes: Performing, practicing her powers, and trying new things. Dislikes: Confinement, boredom, and people who tell her what to do. Ability: Lily can stretch her limbs to incredible lengths, making her an expert acrobat and a valuable asset in hard-to-reach locations.
Pros: Lily's energetic nature and free-spirited attitude make her a fun and positive addition to any team. Her acrobatic skills and ability to stretch her limbs can also come in handy during investigations.
Cons: Lily's impulsive nature can lead her to make reckless decisions or put herself in danger. Her lack of experience in dealing with conflict can also be a liability.
[]Jack Murphy Background: Age 38, Jack is a former Navy SEAL who left the military after being injured in combat. He struggled with PTSD and turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism. After a near-death experience during a drunken bender, he decided to turn his life around and use his combat skills to fight against supernatural threats. Personality: Blunt, stoic, serious Likes: Working out, beer, action movies, his therapy dog. Dislikes: Authority, expressing his feelings, ghosts Ability: Jack has the ability of Ghostly Touch - the ability to touch and interact with ghosts as if they were physical objects.
Pros: Jack's combat skills make him a formidable opponent, and his fearlessness helps him tackle dangerous situations head-on. Jack also has access to advanced ghost-hunting technology, courtesy of his NAVY seal connections.
Cons: His lack of intelligence and charm can make it difficult for him to plan ahead or communicate effectively with others. He also suffers from occasional flashbacks to his time in the military, which can impair his judgment. Jack is a recovering alcoholic, which can be a liability in certain situations.
[]Caleb Reed: Background: Age 25, A young and ambitious journalist who is always on the lookout for his next big story. Caleb is smart and resourceful, and his writing skills are top-notch. However, his desire to get to the bottom of things can sometimes lead him to take risks that put him in danger. He is also a chronic cigarette smoker. Personality: Ambitious, sarcastic, flirty Likes: Uncovering the truth, flirting with women, challenges. Dislikes: Liars, not getting his way, sticklers. Ability: Caleb can materialize his body into smoke, allowing him to pass through solid objects and move undetected.
Pros: Caleb's journalistic skills and ability to move undetected can make him a valuable asset in investigating supernatural threats. His charm and wit can also be useful for gathering information and convincing others to help.
Cons: Caleb's smoking habit can be a liability in certain situations. His tendency to take risks can also put him and his team in danger. His lust for women can also lead him astray at times.
Jack Murphy, Male, Age 38
6'0 200 lbs
Middle-aged Caucasian man with a buzz cut. Black hair and brown eyes. In very good physical shape.
Blunt, stoic, serious
Likes: Working out, beer, action movies, his therapy dog Max
Dislikes: Authority, expressing his feelings, ghosts
Strength: measures physical power and ability to perform physical tasks
Dexterity: measures agility, speed, and reflexes
Endurance: measures the ability to withstand damage and recover from injuries, HP
Intelligence: measures analytical and problem-solving skill
Wisdom: measures intuition, perception, and ability to read situations
Charisma: measures social skills and ability to influence others
Combat: measures combat IQ and your hand to hand combat skill.
Constitution: Essentially Mana for supernatural abilities
Power: measures skill at using supernatural ability if said character possesses one.
Ethereal Embrace: Using Ghostly Touch, the user can embrace a ghostly opponent and absorb some of their spectral energy, using it to temporarily increase their strength and agility.
Cost: High.
Proficiency Points: 2/10 PP
Spectral Sight - The ability to see ghosts that are normally invisible to the naked eye.
Cost: Minimal
Proficiency Points: 3/10 PP
Ethereal Push - Use a burst of energy to push ghosts away from the user or an object.
Cost: Medium
Proficiency Points: 3/10 PP
Holographic Decoy: This device projects a holographic image of a human or animal that can distract or lure ghostly entities away from the ghost hunters. The device has multiple settings for image type, size, and movement, and can be controlled remotely for maximum effectiveness.
Ion Cannon: This weapon fires ionized particles that can disrupt ghostly energy fields and weaken or destroy them. The cannon is mounted on a tripod and can be aimed and fired remotely, making it a safe and effective tool for ghost hunting.
UV Light Scanner: This tool emits ultraviolet (UV) light and is used to locate ghostly residues or evidence that is not visible to the naked eye. The scanner has a digital display that shows the UV intensity and can be used to take photographs or video of the evidence.
Sonic Disruptor - This device emits a focused burst of high-frequency sound waves that can disorient and disrupt ghostly entities, making them easier to capture. The disruptor is compact and easy to carry, and can be used in a variety of different environments.
Plasma Cutter: A handheld cutting tool that uses a super-heated plasma beam to slice through solid objects, making it useful for cutting through barriers and obstructions created by ghostly manifestations.
Dimensional Anchor: A device that creates a localized field that prevents ghosts from moving or teleporting out of a specific area, allowing ghost hunters to trap or capture them.
Ionized Gas Grenade: The Ionized Gas Grenade emits a cloud of ionized gas that disrupts the energy fields of ghosts and weakens their paranormal abilities. The grenade has a timed fuse and can be thrown or launched from a device.
Ghost Net Launcher: A gun-like device that shoots a web of energy that can trap a ghost, immobilizing it and preventing it from escaping. The net is made of a special alloy that is resistant to ghostly energy, ensuring that the ghost cannot simply pass through it.
Spectral Analyzer: A device that can detect and analyze the composition of ghostly energy. The analyzer is equipped with a screen that displays a visual representation of the energy readings, allowing ghost hunters to identify the type of ghost they are dealing with and adjust their strategy accordingly.
Anti-Ghost Baton: A baton that is made of a special conductive material that can deliver a powerful electric shock to ghostly entities. It can be used to temporarily immobilize ghosts, allowing the ghost hunters to capture or banish them.
Strength: measures physical power and ability to perform physical tasks
Dexterity: measures agility, speed, and reflexes
Endurance: measures the ability to withstand damage and recover from injuries, HP
Intelligence: measures analytical and problem-solving skills
Wisdom: measures intuition, perception, and ability to read situations
Charisma: measures social skills and ability to influence others
Combat: measures combat IQ and your hand to hand combat skill.
Constitution: Essentially Mana for supernatural abilities
Power: measures skill at using supernatural ability if said character possesses one.
Dice:
When performing an action with risk of failure, I will roll 2d20 and compare the results to relevant stats (if any), plus or minus any relevant modifiers.
If neither result is below your stat level - you fail easily.
If one result is above and one below your skill level, whichever one is larger determines if you succeed/fail with difficulty. In the case of a tie I will roll again.
If both results are below your stat level - you succeed easily
Doubles (when both dice come up the same number) cause a complication - in your favor if you succeeded, or against you if you failed.
If the dice roll is unrelated to any relevant stat then using the same system above it will be compared to the dice chance of the roll.
If both results are below DC - you fail easily.
If one is above and one below DC, whichever one is larger - you succeed/fail with difficulty.
If both are above DC - you succeed easily.
Doubles (when both dice come up the same number) cause a complication - in your favor if you succeeded, or against you if you failed.
Constitution Cost:
All of your moves have a constitution cost. The cost of a move can vary from; Minimal, Low, Medium, High, Massive, and Colossal.
For a broad barometer, minimal costs are moves you can spam nonstop with a minuscule impact on your constitution. Low costs are move you can spam but slowly drain your constitution. Medium costs are moves you can use repeatedly but take a toll on you, High costs are moves you can typically use 2-4 times within a day, maybe more depending on your constitution stat. Massive costs are moves you can use once or twice max. Colossal costs represents moves that completely use all of your constitution and have the ability to render you unconscious, severely injured, or even kill you.
Proficiency Points:
For every move you learn there is a max of 10 Proficiency Points or PP to put into it.
For example a fireball move with 2/10 PP might just be a generic fireball. Upgrading to 4/10 could be a much larger size fireball. 5/10 PP could reduce the constitution cost of the fireball from medium to low. 6/10 could make them a barrage of fireballs instead of just a singular one and 10/10 could make them hone in on their target. I'm just floating random examples here but my point is that all moves have potential to improve with PP put into them.
Ranks:
The ranking system for Ghost Hunters is as follows
Novice: A beginner ghost hunter who is just starting out and has minimal experience with the paranormal.
Amateur: A ghost hunter with some experience and basic knowledge of ghost hunting techniques and equipment.
Adept: A skilled ghost hunter with significant experience and knowledge of advanced ghost hunting techniques and equipment.
Veteran: A highly experienced ghost hunter with a deep understanding of the paranormal and exceptional skills in investigating and dealing with ghosts.
Elite: A top-tier ghost hunter with exceptional skills, knowledge, and experience, who is respected and recognized as one of the best in the field.
Master: An expert ghost hunter who has achieved a high level of mastery in the field, with unparalleled skills and knowledge.
Grandmaster: A legendary ghost hunter who has achieved the highest level of mastery in the field and is revered as a true expert and leader in the ghost hunting community.
Sage: A ghost hunter who has transcended the physical realm and has gained profound spiritual insight and wisdom, with the ability to communicate with ghosts on a deep and profound level.
Ascended: A ghost hunter who has transcended mortal limitations and has achieved a higher state of being, with god-like powers and the ability to control and manipulate the paranormal.
Divine: A ghost hunter who has achieved ultimate enlightenment and has become one with the universe, with complete control over all aspects of the paranormal and the power to shape reality itself.
The ranking system for ghosts is as follows
Apparition - A weak and minor ghost that can barely manifest physically. They have limited abilities and are easy to defeat.
Poltergeist - A stronger ghost that can move objects, create disturbances, and cause physical harm. They have some level of intelligence and can be more difficult to banish.
Specter - A ghost with moderate power and intelligence that can manifest in a more solid form. They may have a specific goal or mission and can be difficult to defeat without proper preparation.
Wraith - A powerful and dangerous ghost with the ability to possess and control living beings. They can cause significant harm and require advanced techniques to defeat.
Shadow - A ghost that can move quickly and stealthily, often appearing as a dark humanoid shape. They have the ability to drain energy and can be challenging to detect and banish.
Revenant - A vengeful and powerful ghost that often seeks revenge against those who wronged them in life. They have strong psychic abilities and can be difficult to banish.
Polterknight - A ghost that often manifests as a knight or warrior and has significant physical strength and combat skills. They are often bound to a specific location and require specialized weapons or equipment to defeat.
Phantom - A powerful ghost with the ability to manipulate reality and create illusions. They are often associated with haunted objects or locations and require advanced knowledge and techniques to banish.
Archghost - The most powerful and elusive ghosts, often with unknown origins and abilities. They are capable of immense destruction and require a team of highly skilled ghost hunters to defeat.
Mission Level:
The Mission Levels for Ghost Hunters are as followed
Routine Investigations: These are the easiest missions that pose little to no threat. They usually involve basic information gathering or investigation of minor paranormal occurrences.
Rewards:
Small monetary compensation
Access to additional information about the ghost world
Increased reputation within the ghost hunting community
Low-Level Hauntings: These missions involve a more active presence of ghosts but are still manageable with standard equipment and tactics.
Medium-Level Hauntings: These missions involve a stronger ghost presence and require more specialized equipment and tactics. The potential danger to the hunter is higher, but the mission is still manageable.
Rewards:
High monetary compensation
Advanced equipment upgrades
Access to powerful ghost hunting allies
High-Level Hauntings: These missions involve very powerful ghosts and require advanced equipment and tactics. The danger to the hunter is significant, and the mission may require additional backup.
Rewards:
Very high monetary compensation
Advanced equipment upgrades and customization
Access to powerful and rare ghost hunting artifacts
Extremely Dangerous Hauntings: These missions involve the most dangerous and powerful ghosts. The hunter's life is at serious risk, and the mission may require extensive planning and preparation.
Rewards:
Enormous monetary compensation
Access to top-level backup and support
Access to forbidden and powerful ghost hunting artifacts
Otherworldly Threats: These missions involve supernatural entities that are not necessarily ghosts but still pose a grave threat to the hunter. These entities may come from other dimensions or planes of existence.
Rewards:
Potentially life-changing rewards such as magical abilities or supernatural powers
Access to otherworldly knowledge and artifacts
Membership in exclusive supernatural organizations
Apocalyptic Threats: These missions involve the highest level of danger and threat to not only the hunter but potentially the entire world. These are the most challenging and potentially deadly missions that require all of the hunter's skills and resources to overcome.
Rewards:
The ultimate reward is saving the world from annihilation
Access to forbidden and ancient knowledge
Recognition and status as one of the greatest ghost hunters in history
Reputation:
All social interactions the MC has with other characters can either increase or decrease his reputation with them. Rep in this quest is out of 50, so the max you can have is 50 rep and the lowest you can have is -50. For a barometer -50 is hate, -25 strong dislike, -10 dislike, 0 indifference, 10 like, 25 friendship, and 50 is love. You can increase rep either through quest rewards or through social interactions with other characters. The amount of rep gained or lost is based on either the dice roll or the action that caused the change in rep. (Ex; Telling a girl she looks pretty will earn you less rep than saving her life.)
Life and Death:
You are given 3 lives at the start of every arc (normally 3-5 chapters in length). If you finish a chapter or arc with 0 or more lives you will receive rewards as normal.
If you finish a chapter or arc with a negative amount of lives you receive no rewards for that chapter or arc. In addition to that you will suffer a penalty for every life you have in the negative.
The consequence vary on how bad you did. -1 lives could result in losing points in stats, while -3 lives could result in one of the MC's allies or close friends dying. -6 lives.... well let's hope we don't reach that point.
Maya Nguyen, Female, Age 28
5'2 120 lbs
Tan, peanut-butter skin. Long, wavy black hair and almond-brown eyes. Petite build
Empathetic, Intuitive, Kind.
Likes: Outdoors, Reading, Cooking
Dislikes: Unnecessary conflict, Horror movies, Injustice
Supernatural Ability: Currently Unknown
Marie LeBlanc, Female, Age 36
5'6 170 lbs.
Pale white skin. Medium-length, curly hair that is dyed in various shades of pink, purple, and blue. Blue eyes. Curvy build.
Flamboyant, Outspoken, Stubborn.
Likes: Conflict, Helping others, Proving people wrong
Dislikes: Disrespect, Liars, Hypocrites
Supernatural Ability: Currently Unknown
Stella Sanchez, Female, Age 29
5'8 140 lbs.
Tan, caramel skin. Long, curly black hair and emerald green eyes. Several tattoos and piercing across her body. Slender but curvy build.
Confident, Flirty, Mysterious
Likes: Attention, Flirting, Reality TV
Dislikes: Boring people, Closed-mindedness, Being ignored
Supernatural Ability: Currently Unknown
Jake Masters, Male, Age 23
6'0 175 lbs.
Tan, beige skin. Short-cropped sandy-blonde hair and blue eyes. Fit and muscular build.
Fearless, Impulsive, Thrill-Seeking
Likes: Adventure, Adrenaline, Getting into trouble
Dislikes: Boredom, Cowards, Authority
Supernatural Ability: Currently Unknown
Edgar "Eddie" Poe, Male, 33
5'9 120 lbs.
Very pale skin. Slicked back, black hair and brown eyes. Dark circles around his eyes. Very slender build.
Introspective, Reserved, Absent-minded
Likes: Black clothing, morbid poetry, Wine
Dislikes: Large social gatherings, Being the center of attention, Noisy people
Supernatural Ability: Currently Unknown
"Jack you gotta get up, we don't have any time!" Eddy yelled.
"Jack you hear me, you-"
*Gunfire*
~~~~
You shot up out of bed, sitting up straight. No matter how many times you had the same nightmare, you'd never really got used to it
I'm not there anymore. You reminded yourself. I'm here. I'm safe.
Max was already standing near your bedside, sensing your distress. He whined and licked your hand eagerly. You gave him a scratch behind the ears, grateful for his presence. The large German Shepherd always managed to lift your spirits.
You took a deep breath, as you tried to settle your racing thoughts.
I came here for a reason. Just gotta stay focused on that and stop thinking about the bullshit.
That's right. Today was your first day in Ravenwood since you moved in. The small condo wasn't anything special but for a low-maintenance person like you, it got the job done. The stories about the mysterious disappearances of civilians in Ravenwood were enough to draw you here. The other rumors about cults and paranormal activity were just icing on the cake.
The skeptics would say the claims of ghosts and paranormal activity were folktales and nothing to be taken seriously.
You knew from first-hand experience that there were few things you should take more seriously.
As you got out of bed, and headed to the bathroom you glanced at Max, who was staring at you intently, as if trying to tell you something.
"What's up, boy?" You asked him. He barked once as in response. You chuckled and patted his head.
"Yeah, I know. We've got work to do."
Speaking of work, who are you working for?
[]The Society of Occult Research (SOR)
A society of scholars, researchers, and occultists who dedicate their lives to uncovering the mysteries of the supernatural. They are well-funded, well-connected, and have a wealth of knowledge at their disposal.
++ The SOR has access to a vast library of occult knowledge and has connections in the supernatural community that could prove useful in future missions. They are also well-funded and can provide their employees with top-of-the-line equipment and resources.
-- The SOR can be secretive and has a reputation for being somewhat elitist. They are also known to keep their employees on a tight leash, which can be frustrating for those who prefer to work independently.
[]The Department of Paranormal Defense (DPD)
A government agency that specializes in paranormal defense. They have access to advanced technology and resources that are not available to the public.
++ The DPD has access to advanced technology and resources that could prove invaluable in fighting supernatural threats. They also have a vast network of contacts and a decent amount of information at their disposal.
-- The DPD can be bureaucratic and always prioritizes the interests of the government over the well-being of its employees. They also have a reputation for being somewhat heavy-handed in their methods.
[]The Order of the Silver Star (OSS)
A secret organization dedicated to protecting society from supernatural threats. They have a long and storied history, dating back centuries. The Order is known for its strict code of ethics and its willingness to do whatever it takes to protect humanity.
++ The Order of the Silver Star is a highly skilled and well-equipped organization with a long history of dealing with supernatural threats. They have a strict code of ethics and are dedicated to protecting humanity at all costs.
-- The Order is secretive and may be difficult to work with. They may also have their own agenda and priorities that may not align with the needs of the people of Ravenwood.
[]The Paranormal Seeker Society (PSS)
This local group of ghost hunters takes a more laid-back approach to investigating the supernatural. They believe that the best way to capture evidence of ghosts and other paranormal activity is to approach the investigation with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. They don't rely on high-tech gadgets or equipment but instead rely on their intuition and their ability to connect with spirits.
++ The society has a lot of experience with supernatural investigations, and they have a fair amount of connections in the community. The relaxed and non-judgmental atmosphere of the group helps keep its members happy.
-- Don't have access to a lot of the high-tech equipment or technology that some of the other groups may have. Some of the members can be a bit wild, making them difficult to work with.
[]Freelancer
Going solo and taking ghost-hunting jobs as a freelancer is also an option.
++This option would give you complete control over your work and allow you to set your own rules.
--You would have to find your own clients, which could be difficult in a competitive market. You may struggle to build a reputation for yourself without the backing of a well-known organization. You also don't have the same connections that a larger organization may have.
You could thank your cousin Pete for getting you into this mess.
Pete was the link between you and this group of weirdos calling themselves the Paranormal Seeker Society. He knew one of the members from college and you guess they probably still keep in touch. Pete knew about how bad your... situation was, especially after you left the Navy, so he figured this was a semi-healthy way to keep you productive and focused on something.
You're sure him knowing about your "incident" and feelings towards ghosts had something to do with it but you would rather not think about that right now.
So Pete and this mystery member had been talking, and along the line, you're sure he brought up your "history" and "talents." It wasn't long before you received a text from a lady named Maya asking if you were interested in meeting up with her and her team based in Ravenwood.
While her initial request did not pique your interest, it did prompt you to look into the town of Ravenwood. This would send you down an internet rabbit hole that created more questions than answers and aroused your curiosity. You made the decision to take Maya up on her offer, it's not like you had much going for you at the moment anyway. PSS offered to cover your rent for the first month while you decided whether this was something you wanted to commit to or not.
Maya texted you an address and gave you a time of 12:00PM to meet.
The meeting place was an old abandoned building on the outskirts of town. It was a two-story structure with boarded-up windows and a rusted metal roof. The paint on the outside of the building was chipped and faded, and there was graffiti on the walls. You ignored this and walked on inside, not bothering to knock on the door.
The interior was just as run-down as the exterior. The walls were covered in peeling wallpaper, and the floors were covered in dust and debris. The only source of light came from a few candles scattered around the room. In the center of the room, there was a gigantic table with eighteen chairs placed around it. Five of the chairs were already occupied, you assumed these were some members of the Paranormal Seeker Society.
At the head of the table sat a petite Asian woman. She looked like she was in her late twenties and she couldn't be taller than 5'2. She had long, wavy black hair and almond-brown eyes. She was giving off a lot of hippie vibes, wearing a bohemian dress that had every color in the rainbow, and an assortment of chunky beads on her wrist and around her neck. She stood up and gave you a warm smile as you walked toward the table.
"Jack! It's so nice to finally meet you. Pete told me such great things about you! I'm Maya." She smiled, extending her hand out to you. "What do you think of our base?"
"It looks like shit." You responded, as you shook her hand and sat back down in one of the empty chairs.
Maya laughed. "Pete did say you were a very honest person!"
"Being honest and being an asshole are two different things." A woman sitting across from you said. She looked about your age, with pale skin and wild curly hair that was dyed in various shades of pink, purple, and blue. She wore an equally colorful tie-dye shirt along with cartoonishly big hoop earrings.
"Marie! Be nice." Maya scolded.
Marie scowled at you in response but didn't say anything further.
"I'm Jake." The man who sat closest to you said, getting up from his chair to extend his hand to you. He looked like he was in his early 20s and straight out of a surfer movie. He was 6 feet tall with short-cropped sandy blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. He was pretty ripped, you could see his muscles straining out of the plain-white tee shirt and jeans he was wearing.
"Jack." You replied as you shook his hand.
The woman sat to the right of you took that as her cue to introduce herself as well. She had long, curly black hair worn in a messy bun. Her caramel skin was a stark contrast to her striking green eyes. She also had an assortment of tattoos and piercing that covered most of her exposed body. She wore a low-cut tank top and jeans that helped to showcase her... features.
As you shook her hand you noticed she held contact for a bit longer than normal as she lightly dragged her fingers across your arm. "Stella. Nice to meet you." She said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"And let's not forget about Eddie!" Maya interrupted, ignoring the moment between you and Stella. She was sitting next to a skinny man, who looked to be in his early 30s. He had slicked-back, jet-black hair and very pale skin. He wore all black, black slacks, black shoes, a black button-up shirt, and a black waistcoat. He had very dark bags around his eyes and wasn't far off from being mistaken for a ghost himself.
Eddie didn't say anything, he just stared at you, looking as if he was trying to figure you out.
"Is this everybody?" You asked. You knew this was a local group but you figured they would have more members than this.
"Unfortunately, everyone couldn't make it. Only 5 of us could make it here today, but we have 17 members in total. Hopefully, 18 if you decide to stay past this little trial run that we're having."
We'll see.
"I know you're not here to mess around so let's just get to business." Maya sighed. "We're taking a job today and would appreciate it if you'd help us out. It'll be good for you to figure out if this is something you want to commit to and we can also observe how you fit in with us."
"Sounds good to me." You responded. "What's the job?"
What's the job?
[]The Haunted Forest: A local forest has become notorious for ghostly apparitions and strange occurrences, and the PSS has been tasked with investigating it. You will need to navigate through the forest, using your skills and equipment to communicate with any spirits and gather evidence.
(Low-Level Haunting)
[]The Haunted Asylum: PSS received a call from a local hospital administrator about strange occurrences happening in an abandoned asylum. You are tasked with investigating the paranormal activity and identifying the source of the disturbance.
(Medium-Level Haunting)
[] The Ghost Ship: PSS was hired by a wealthy businessman who owns a decommissioned navy ship that was used in WWII. The ship has been plagued by ghost sightings and strange occurrences. You are tasked with investigating the ship and identifying the source of the paranormal activity.
(High-Level Haunting)
[] The Cursed Mansion: PSS was contacted by a family who recently inherited an old mansion from their late grandfather. However, the family is convinced that the mansion is cursed and haunted by malevolent spirits. You are tasked with investigating the mansion and uncovering the source of the curse.
(Low-Level Haunting.)
[] The Possessed Doll: PSS received a call from a woman who claimed that her daughter's doll was possessed by a malevolent spirit. If what she is saying is true, you must perform an exorcism on the doll before the demon can take over the girl's body.
(High-Level Haunting)
[] The Phantom Train: PSS received a call from a train conductor who claimed that his train had been taken over by ghostly passengers. You are tasked with boarding the train and identifying the source of the paranormal activity.
(Medium-Level Haunting)
The Phantom Train: PSS received a call from a train conductor who claimed that his train had been taken over by ghostly passengers. You are tasked with boarding the train and identifying the source of the paranormal activity.
(Medium-Level Haunting)
~~~~~~~~~~~
"We got a call this morning from a conductor who says that his train has been taken over by ghostly passengers. The train is still running its normal route but it appears that humans who enter the train can't leave. If we find the source of the paranormal disturbance we should be able to get everyone off the train safely."
"Let's get going then." You said, rising from your seat. "Not gonna make any progress sitting here."
The surfer-looking boy named Jake was quick to rise after you. "Little talk, lot of action! I think I like this guy!"
(+1 Jake)
From the look on their faces, the rest of the team may not have been as eager as you two to dive straight into this, but they didn't feel strongly enough against it to oppose you. So with that the Paranormal Seeker Society set off on a new mission with its newest member Jack Murphy.
~~~~~
It was a short ride to the train station from the PSS base. Maya had a large van with more than enough room to fit everybody. You were now all just sitting on the empty benches in front of the train tracks, waiting for the train to come.
You took some of this time to look through your duffel bag for some of the gadgets you brought from home. Thanks to some of your old SEAL buddies you'd gotten your hands on some exclusive ghost-hunting goodies. You weren't able to bring everything with you but you figured this would do the job for now.
Select 3 of the following items for this mission.
[]Holographic Decoy: This device projects a holographic image of a human or animal that can distract or lure ghostly entities away from the ghost hunters. The device has multiple settings for image type, size, and movement, and can be controlled remotely for maximum effectiveness.
[]Ion Cannon: This weapon fires ionized particles that can disrupt ghostly energy fields and weaken or destroy them. The cannon is mounted on a tripod and can be aimed and fired remotely, making it a safe and effective tool for ghost hunting.
[]UV Light Scanner: This tool emits ultraviolet (UV) light and is used to locate ghostly residues or evidence that is not visible to the naked eye. The scanner has a digital display that shows the UV intensity and can be used to take photographs or videos of the evidence.
[]Sonic Disruptor: This device emits a focused burst of high-frequency sound waves that can disorient and disrupt ghostly entities, making them easier to capture. The disruptor is compact and easy to carry and can be used in a variety of different environments.
[]Plasma Cutter: A handheld cutting tool that uses a super-heated plasma beam to slice through solid objects, making it useful for cutting through barriers and obstructions created by ghostly manifestations.
[]Dimensional Anchor: A device that creates a localized field that prevents ghosts from moving or teleporting out of a specific area, allowing ghost hunters to trap or capture them.
[]Ionized Gas Grenade: The Ionized Gas Grenade emits a cloud of ionized gas that disrupts the energy fields of ghosts and weakens their paranormal abilities. The grenade has a timed fuse and can be thrown or launched from a device.
[]Ghost Net Launcher: A gun-like device that shoots a web of energy that can trap a ghost, immobilizing it and preventing it from escaping. The net is made of a special alloy that is resistant to ghostly energy, ensuring that the ghost cannot simply pass through it.
[]Spectral Analyzer: A device that can detect and analyze the composition of ghostly energy. The analyzer is equipped with a screen that displays a visual representation of the energy readings, allowing ghost hunters to identify the type of ghost they are dealing with and adjust their strategy accordingly.
[]Anti-Ghost Baton: A baton that is made of a special conductive material that can deliver a powerful electric shock to ghostly entities. It can be used to temporarily immobilize ghosts, allowing the ghost hunters to capture or banish them.
~~~~~
You zipped up your duffel bag and stretched out your arms as you leaned back against the bench. You still had about 10 minutes to kill before the train arrived.
You decided to..
[]Talk to Maya. She seems like a genuinely nice person and it looks like she is the de facto leader of this group.
[]Talk to Marie. From your brief interaction, she doesn't seem to like you, not that you give a shit anyway.
[]Talk to Jake. The Baywatch lookalike seemed to share your lack of apprehension which interested you.
[]Talk to Stella. Out of all the members you'd met so far she was easily the most... visually enticing.
[]Talk to Eddie. You just wanted to make sure he could fucking speak. He hasn't said a word since you've been here.
[]Keep to yourself. You weren't really one for small talk anyway.
[x]Talk to Maya. She seems like a genuinely nice person and it looks like she is the de facto leader of this group.
[X]Ghost Net Launcher
[X]Spectral Analyzer
[X]Dimensional Anchor
You leaned against the bench, silently observing your surroundings as you waited for the train to arrive. You couldn't help but notice Maya's calm demeanor in comparison to the others. As you looked over at her, you tried your best to strike up a conversation.
"Backstory?" You grunted, your tone blunt as always.
Maya gave you a small smile, seemingly unfazed by your brusqueness. "What do you mean?"
"Everyone has a backstory," You said. "I know Pete and his big mouth have already told you more about me than I'd like you to know.
Maya's smile faded as she looked down at her hands. "I suppose you're right," she said softly. " The short story is that my mother and father were both in the business, and they raised me to follow in their footsteps."
"....."
"But they're not around anymore," Maya continued, her voice quiet. "They disappeared when I was away in college. After that, I decided to take up the mantle and continue their work."
"Respect." You nodded with a blank expression. You weren't one for prolonged emotional conversations but you felt a small sense of camaraderie with Maya, knowing what it was like to lose someone close to you.
[+1 Rep Gained with Maya.]
You were content to sit in silence after that, not interested in speaking to any of the other members. It wasn't long before you could hear the faint sound of a distant train whistle.
The air became colder and damp as the train drew closer, and the sound of the whistle grew louder. The ground beneath your feet started to shake, and the entire station was filled with a deafening roar. You rose to your feet as the train pulled up to the station.
The train was an old-fashioned steam locomotive, with black and silver paint that seemed to have faded with age. The metal exterior was covered in a thick layer of soot and rust as if it had been chugging along for centuries without ever stopping for maintenance. The train cars were long and narrow, with rows of small, square windows that were boarded up. The only source of light on the train you could see was a faint blue glow emitting from the engine. The surrounding air around the train appeared to be unnaturally cold, and a faint mist lingered in the air around it, adding to its eerie atmosphere.
The doors to the train cars slowly opened, the mist preventing you from seeing anything inside the train.
"Might as well go for the head of the snake!" Jake exclaimed. Before anyone else could react, he took off full speed toward the second train car.
"Jake wait!" Maya yelled, but it was too late. He had already passed the mist into the train car.
"We should really try and stick toget-" She continued before realizing that Eddie and Marie were entering the rear train car.
Stella looked at you both and shrugged before heading for the same train car that Jake had entered.
"If everyone is splitting up anyway, it only makes sense for us to start in the middle." Maya muttered, visibly frustrated.
Phantom Train - Mission Start
[] Enter the middle of the train with Maya.
[] Enter the front of the train with Jake and Stella.
[] Enter the rear of the train with Eddie and Marie.
"Hell of a team you got here." You muttered, shaking your head.
"I wanted free-spirited people as part of the team," Maya replied sheepishly. "It's great sometimes, other times..."
You grunted in response and followed Maya as she made her way toward the middle of the train. As you stepped into the train car and walked past the mist, a musty smell of old leather and wood hit your nose, and you could almost taste the smell in your throat.
The train car was dimly lit by flickering gas lamps that hung from the ceiling, casting dancing shadows on the walls. The benches lining the walls were old and worn, with torn leather seats and rusty metal frames. You looked around, trying to find any clue about what was going on. That's when you noticed the ghosts.
Spectral Sight
They were everywhere, sitting on the benches, standing in the aisles, and even floating in mid-air. They were all somewhat transparent, you could still see them but none of them looked entirely solid. As far as you were aware, there were only ghosts, you didn't see any human passengers. The ghosts either didn't notice or didn't care that you and Maya had entered the train.
"So you CAN see them too." Maya observed. "That's good, it should help make things easier."
"The rest of you can't?"
"Everyone has their own unique... talents they bring to the team." She answered. "Eddie and Stella can both see ghosts along with myself so I'm not too worried about others. I just hope Jake doesn't do anything stupid."
"Which is a very realistic possibility." She muttered, thinking out loud.
"Considering this ain't your first rodeo, how do you normally go about these missions?" You asked.
"No mission is the same, each mission calls for a different objective." Maya replied, scratching her chin. "That being said, the smart thing to do in this situation would be to communicate with the non-violent ghosts on the train and gather as much information as possible."
"Non-violent ghosts huh."
"I don't sense any threat from the ones in this train car." Maya admitted.
"I'll be the judge of that."
You reached into your duffel bag and pulled out your Spectral Analyzer. You gripped the gun-shaped equipment and aimed it at the ghosts before pulling the trigger. Almost instantly the screen lit up
--- Ghost Signature: Positive. Eight ghosts detected in close proximity.
Ghost Type: Apparition-level ghost. Ghosts that are barely manifested physically.
Threat Level: Non-existent. This ghost is not capable of causing harm to humans.
---
"That's a neat gadget you got there." Maya said, peeking over your shoulder.
"Some perks from serving as a government lapdog." You said as you tucked the analyzer back in your bag.
"So who should we speak to first?" She asked.
"Just because they're so-called "non-violent" doesn't mean I want to talk to them." You grunted. "I barely speak to the living. Much less the dead. You on the other hand can go knock yourself out. I'm just tagging along in case any one of these ghost pacifists gets the wrong idea."
Maya sighed and looked around at the ghostly passengers.
"Alright, let's start off with....."
[]There was a woman in a very, very, old-fashioned dress, her hair in tight curls and a parasol in her hand. She was sitting by the window, staring off into space.
[] There was a man in a suit, his top hat pulled low over his eyes. He was smoking a cigar and muttering to himself.
[] There was a man with religious robes on, floating in the middle of the aisle. He was wearing a cross around his neck and reading a book.
[] At the back of the car, there was a group of children sitting in a cluster, laughing, joking, and singing with each other.
[] Maya can stay here and talk to these ghosts. You were gonna go to another car.
-[] Head toward the front of the train.
-[] Head toward the back of the train.
[X] At the back of the car, there was a group of children sitting in a cluster, laughing, joking, and singing with each other.
Maya scanned the car and pointed toward the back. "Let's start with the kids," she said. "They seem to be having a good time."
You rolled your eyes. "Great, just what I needed. Happy little ghosts."
As you approached the group of children, you could see there were 5 of them. They were dressed in old-fashioned clothes, with ruffled collars and breeches. You couldn't really tell what time they were from but it had to be at least hundreds of years ago. They were all semi-transparent, outlined by a blueish-grey tint. They still seemed to be unaware or unbothered by you and Maya as you stood next to them. Now that you were closeby you could hear the song they were singing.
"Oh witchy witch, with your pointed hat,
Your broomstick flying, and your black cat.
You brew your potions, and cast your spells,
Bringing misfortune, where good once dwells.
But now you stand, before the crowd,
Your fate is to be decided now.
Will you be saved, or meet your end,
By fire's flame, or rope's tight bend?
She's cursed our crops and brought disease
We'll rid our town of her with ease
Your cackle echoes, through the square,
But no one wants, your tricks to bear.
Oh witchy witch, with your wicked ways,
You'll rue the day, you played with fate.
For justice will win, in the end,
And to the flames, you will descend."
"What a cheerful song." You mumbled.
Maya used it as a way to initiate conversation. "That's a really cool song! Did you guys come up with that yourselves?" She said, bending down toward the kids.
The ghost kids took acknowledgment of you two for the first time since you've been on the train. They were in shock for a moment, looking at each other before the tallest kid, a boy with a mop of curly hair stepped forward.
"You're talking to us?" He wondered. "No one else on the train wanted to play. They wouldn't even say hello."
"Aww, I'm really sorry about that." Maya crooned. "That's not very nice of them. What's your name?"
"I'm William." The curly-haired boy answered. "And this is Mary, and John, and Lucas, and Elizabeth."
"Are you here to play with us?" The boy named Lucas asked.
"We're here to talk to you." Maya smiled. "Can I ask you some questions?"
The children looked at each other and then shrugged. "Sure." William said. "Ask away."
"Do you know why you're on this train?"
"We're going to see the witch." Mary said, her eyes wide.
"The witch?" Maya repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Is it the same witch you were singing about?"
"Well um...." John said, scratching his head. "The song is about all of the witches. Not just this one."
"I see." Maya responded. You were so focused on the kids you barely realized she had taken out a notepad and was scribbling some stuff down.
"So you said you're going to see the witch." Maya continued. "Where are we going to see her?"
"The witch execution grounds is the last stop on the train." Elizabeth replied. "She's going to be burnt at the stake."
"Have you talked to the witch?" Maya asked.
"No, she's not allowed to talk to anyone." Lucas said, wagging his finger.
"Do you know why she's being burnt?"
The children looked at each other again before shrugging. "We heard she's a witch." Mary said.
"But we don't think she's a witch." William added. "We think she's nice."
This is pretty fucked up. These kids definitely don't understand the weight of this situation.
Maya finished writing in her notepad and looked up at you. "You have any questions you wanna ask?"
[] Now that you think about it....
-[] Write-in (Any amount of questions)
[] That's good enough for now. Time to move on to...
-[] There was a woman in a very, very, old-fashioned dress, her hair in tight curls and a parasol in her hand. She was sitting by the window, staring off into space.
-[] There was a man in a suit, his top hat pulled low over his eyes. He was smoking a cigar and muttering to himself.
-[] There was a man with religious robes on, floating in the middle of the aisle. He was wearing a cross around his neck and reading a book.
[] Maya can stay here and talk to the rest of these ghosts. You were gonna go to another car.
-[] Head toward the front of the train.
-[] Head toward the back of the train.
A/N: If the vote to ask more questions wins all questions suggested will be asked.
