<span class="bbc_u">Rain City (A Dresden Files RPG) - OOC Thread</span><br/><br/><div align="center">(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii130/alexgprb/4cd66217-92a7-450b-9c91-e25cde1723dd.jpg?t=1398126604)</div><br/><span class="bbc_u">Game Details</span><br/><br/>Seattle is a city in deadlock, a place where the slightest move could be the hairtrigger for a supernatural war. The underworld tendrils of the local faction of the White Court, headed by sex trafficker Lucrezia Raith, have reached an impasse with the political machinations of the Red Court, led by Alejandro Delgado. Unimpressed, but not ignorant, of the efforts of the vampire factions the Fae of Seattle are focused on their own issues. Kailen, Duke of Summer, has been driven mad by human attempts at deforestation and Ysabelle, Duchess of Winter, has trouble enough dealing with the large stronghold of Wyldfae in her dominion. Added to the mix are an apathetic Warden, a group of disenfranchised Native American shapeshifters, and a priestess sent from the inner council of the Red Court. Sooner or later, something's got to give.<br/><br/>Enter into this are our heroes, both noble and flawed. Their actions could mean a continued peace for Seattle, or a completely new edict for the supernatural citizens of the city.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u">City Bio</span><br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Themes and Threats<br/><br/>Theme: It's called Rain City for a reason - in Seattle, it's a pretty good bet that there's a drizzle coming down. It's a suppressive atmosphere for magicians, the supernatural, and the mundanes alike. It has no real effect on the use of magic, it's not strong enough, but it's certainly enough to get you down. The rain picks up when something heavy's going down and lessens when things are settled. No one's really sure if it's supernatural or not, and if they are, they're not letting on.<br/>Aspect: Here Comes The Rain<br/><br/>Theme: The local balance of power been stuck in place for years, with the major players unable to expand their influence and unwilling to give up what they already have. This is the way things have been for decades and those in charge want it to stay that way.<br/>Aspect: Stalemate<br/>The Faces: Lucrezia Raith (White Court Sex Trafficker), Alejandro Delgado (Red Court City Councillor), Ysabelle (Duchess of Winter, Proprietor of the Grand Slam), Kailen (Duke of Summer, Protector of the Forest)<br/><br/>Theme: Whilst conflict between the factions is generally discouraged, internal strife and minor border clashes are quite common. Favourite lieutenants and catspaws are the name of the game in Seattle.<br/>Aspect: Fraying Around The Edges<br/>The Faces: The Passing Stranger (Phantom Enforcer of the Red Court), Quentin Blake (Mercenary Spellcaster), Ahote Washington (Shapechanger Without A Cause), Quillon (Lord of the Wyldfae Trolls)<br/><br/>Threat: Rising ambition from the lower ranks is putting added pressure on the delicate situation at play in Seattle. Friendly overtures have been made by the leaders of the vampire courts but both know it's only a matter of time before something tips the knife edge...<br/>Aspect: Something's Gotta Give<br/>The Faces: Karim Raith (Lesser Cousin of the House), Francisca Diez (Junior Red Court Priestess)<br/><br/>Locations<br/><br/>2600 Evergreen Point Road, Medina<br/>Description: Home of the only member of the White Council in Seattle, Feng Chau Zhou, 2600 Evergreen is a grand old lodge built for a magical recluse. Although technically a Warden, Zhou hasn't seen active service in nigh on half a century and has almost been dropped off the books, holding the obscure post of 'Watchman of the Eastern Gate'. Considering that Seattle is in the North-West, this isn't much of a title. Needless to say, he doesn't have much of an effect on Seattle's supernatural politics. The lodge is hidden from view by a screen of greenery and some very subtle warding. No one who's seen the inside has anything to say about it. <br/>Theme: The person lives here really doesn't want anyone to see him unless they're delivering food.<br/>Aspect: Hidden From View<br/>Face: Feng Chau Zhou (White Council Warden, Watchman of the Eastern Gate)<br/><br/>The Aurora Bridge<br/>Description: One of the strongest Wyldfae bastions accessable through the mortal world, the Troll Fortress under the Aurora bridge presents one of the few truly neutral Fae conglomerations. Although originally owned and occupied by a clan of trolls, the Aurora Fortress is now home to a large number of neutral Wyldfae of all breeds.<br/>Theme: A big, bad, hulking band of Neutral Muscle.<br/>Aspect: This Is My Land. Even If It Is Under A Bridge<br/>Face: Qullion (Lord of the Wyldfae Trolls)<br/><br/>Cassidy's Curios<br/>Description: The bastard child of a rare book shop and an Arabian bazaar, Cassidy's Curios is the one stop shop for every item of supernatural tat that you need. It may take a week or so and phoning up his contacts in Chicago and Dallas, but Cassidy can get you what you want. The only problem is that he charges double for the convenience.<br/>Theme: If you need something in supernatural Seattle, this is where you go.<br/>Aspect: We Go What You Need!<br/>Face: Cassidy (Unshaven, Implacable Shopkeeper)<br/><br/>Daybreak Star Cultural Centre<br/>Description: Native American culture has had a strong influence on Seattle, which is actually named after an American chief. In the 70s the Daybreak Star Cultural Centre was created as a location for Native Americans in the Seattle area after a period of activism from Bernie Whitebear. Preserving the culture of the Washington Native Americans has included, off the records, keeping the bond of spiritualism between magic and nature. The result of this is that the current shaman of the Centre, Nakamo Thomas, has trained a small group of youths in the art of shapeshifting and keeping the peace. The Cultural Centre is an area of Seattle that is completely free of influence from any of the Courts of supernatural predators.<br/>Theme: Defending the existence of the Duwamish tribe through any means necessary.<br/>Aspect: We Have A Were-Bear<br/>Face: Nakamo Thomas (Last Shaman of the Duwamish), Ahote Washington (Shapechanger Without A Cause) <br/><br/>The Fisher King<br/>Description: Once a gentleman's club that ran into some very unfortunate circumstances involving arsenic, the Fisher King is now Accorded Neutral Ground and treats itself as such. A restaurant for fine dining, a bar for your thirst, and a conference room in the back, the Fisher King takes itself very seriously. The service is top notch, if a little disconcerting for the first timers, since your drinks and meals are likely to appear instantly before you and refill themselves on a whim. <br/>Theme: The Accords are serious business and they should be properly respected.<br/>Aspect: Fancy Phantom Waiters<br/>Face: Faceless<br/><br/>The Grand Slam<br/>Description: The hottest bar/club combo on the Seattle scene, the Grand Slam is the only place to be on a Saturday night if you're below a certain age or have a little cash to fling. The fact that the back rooms are off limits to anyone who doesn't have business there (which will be hard if you haven't got an appointment with the local Winter Court bodies) but the club's so fun almost no-one notices.<br/>Theme: Everybody who is anybody will soon walk through that door!<br/>Aspect: Dance The Night Away.<br/>Face: Kai (Endebted Barman Masquerading As Club Owner)<br/><br/>Mt. Pilchuck State Forest<br/>Description: One of the most beautiful state forests in the country the forestry around Seattle is full of Summer Fae. Whilst their numbers dwindled during the years of logging, there has always been a strongly entrenched Summer presence in the forest. Kailen, Duke of Summer, is responsible for the maintenance of the area and the large numbers of dryads occupying the labyrinthine depths of the Washington area. The logging companies have twisted Kailen into a strong resentment of outsiders.<br/>Theme: Walking through the woods alone is a bad idea unless you've been invited.<br/>Aspect: Something Is Watching You<br/>Kailen (Duke of Summer, Protector of the Forest)<br/><br/>Mt. St Helens<br/>Description: Like most active volcanoes, St. Helens is a focal point of a number of strong leyline. The White Court doesn't know a lot about what happened in 1980, but they know that the eruption wasn't completely natural - something happened there to set it off. There are some theories that something might be buried beneath it, or that it's some kind of vault for the supernatural. Whatever it is, the leylines are strong enough to have an impact as far away as Seattle. It may be a hundred miles south of Seattle, but the supernatural shadow of the mountain looms large over the city. <br/>Theme: One of the biggest sites of power in the North-West.<br/>Aspect: Not Dead, Only Sleeping<br/><br/>Seattle City Hall<br/>Description: This unassuming, rather ugly little building in the centre of Seattle is home to the City Council. Importantly, it is also the home of Alejandro Delgado, City Councillor and ruler of the Red Court presence in the city. One of the few joys about living life in a skin suit is the ability to change one's face every few decades, a fact that Delgado has taken advantage of for a number of years. The other Red Court offices in the city remain in the government, exercising control mainly through mortal agencies. The mix has been thrown slightly off by the recent addition of Francesca Diez, a young priestess high in favour with the Red King, sent from South America to encourage further results from Seattle. <br/>Theme: Corruption is starting to seep into Seattle right from the top.<br/>Aspect: Seattle's Silent Throne<br/>Face: Alejandro Delgado (Red Court City Councillor)<br/><br/>The Wet Spot (CSPC)<br/>Description: A recreational club focusing on providing entertainment for 'sex-positive' culture including BDSM, swinging, and polyamory. Needless to say this is the usual hangout of the local White Court hierarchy, although the actual centre is owned by a junior member. The actual White Court operations in Seattle (mainly prostitution and sex trafficking) are conducted elsewhere.<br/>Theme: This is where the White Court get their jollies - think twice before you ring the doorbell.<br/>Aspect: Come Into My Lair<br/>Face: Lucrezia Raith (White Court Sex Trafficker)<br/><br/>The Winter Court<br/>Description: Seattle's Winter Court is hosted in the back of the Grand Slam, heart of Seattle's nightlife. Rather than the manic club music of the outer dance floor, Ysabelle (current ruler of the court) prefers the more sedate, casual charm of the speak-easy. Walking into the Court is like entering a gangster film chipped out of ice.<br/>Theme: The Winter Court has power here - why do you think that it's always raining?<br/>Aspect: The Heart of Winter (In Seattle)<br/>Face: Ysabelle (Duchess of Winter, Proprietor of the Grand Slam)<br/></div></div><br/><span class="bbc_u">Player Characters</span><br/><br/>Alana Walker<br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Character Name: Alana Walker (real last name unknown)<br/>Higher Concept: Mercenary Sorceress <br/>Aspects: Red in her ledger, Trust Issues, Her sisters protector, Wizard hunter, dark path averted, hunted. <br/>Background: After the mysterious deaths of her parents Alana and her little sister were adopted by a family friend. He trained Alana as a sorceress and how to fight with various mundane weapons. One day during training they were attacked by a Warden of the White councel and her adopted father was killed in front of her. Though her training was incomplete she managed to bind the Wardens magic and severly injure him before he escaped.<br/><br/>Blinded by a thirst for vengeance she began taking contract from the red court to kill Wardens until realised that the Red's were even worse. She broke all ties with the reds and started helping people with her abilities to hopefully clean the dark stain from her soul.<br/>Description: Alana is around 5'5 with dark red hair and blue eyes, retty in the girl next door sort of way and usually dresses in tomboyish clothing when not in her combat clothing (black tactical gear). She it trained in Thaumaturgy and air based evocation. She is able to use the sight though she tries not to. She is trained in hand to hand combat, an expert shot with a bow and skilled in the use of firearms though rarely uses them. She has a police baton the acts as the foci for her air magic. <br/>Personality: Her few friends would call her quiet and brooding though in the heat of battle she tends to wisecrack a lot (possibly a coping mechanism) Around her sister she is more cheerful and seems truly happy and will hunt down anyone who hurts her. <br/>(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p662/Elvenkitten/tumblr_inline_mi9xegRqA21qz4rgp_zpsfb9f5e5d.jpg)</div></div><br/>Jake Merigold<br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Jacobian "Just Jake" Merigold<br/>High Concept: Paladin of Humanity<br/>Aspects: Knighthood's Legacy, Artist in Stone and Steel, Vengeance and Community Service, Berserker in Shining Armor<br/>Background: Jake's parents aren't quite Wardens - they just never had much knack with battle magic - but they're Council-friendly and always ready to offer aid as needed. His grandparents on both sides included Wardens, and his ancestors before them. Apparently he's descended from Gawain on his father's side. It's always been very clear what he's expected to do with his life. It's not that he resents them for that; he loves his parents.<br/><br/>He just holds the opinion a lifetime of political and martial service to the White Council of Wizards is a heavy enough burden to lay on a guy's destiny, and he could have done without them adding being named "Jacobian" on top of it.<br/><br/>Jake's not complicated, or at least he tries his best not to be. He's spent most of his life training and building connections in the community, honing the virtues of compassion and fortitude, doing his best to take the role he's meant to take. He never had a rebellious teenager phase. He's that kind of guy. If there's any stumbling blocks on his road to heroism - that's how he thinks of it, and you can maybe start to see the problem right there - it's that his zeal sometimes gets quite away from him. And it's only gotten worse since he was appointed deputy Warden last summer (not actually by Zhou, it's worth noting; in fact the move was a deliberate prod by the Council at the older Warden); he's starting to get used to the taste of power, and his awe at the world he walks in is swift being replaced by a dangerously callous arrogance. He thinks of himself as an advocate for the people, and he is; a vampire bumps off a babysitter Tuesday and by the end of the week she and her three blood-sisters are four puddles of blood and black slime. Except maybe not all four of them were equally guilty. And maybe he knew that. And maybe he just didn't care. No more babysitters die, that's what matters, and if his actions have consequences, well, he's happy to escalate. He'll do it with a grin, and if that grin's not all the way sane...it's just not an age for turning away help.<br/><br/>He's a good guy, right down to his bones. He just doesn't have the mental brakes most people do. And that's just about the scariest kind of person there is.<br/><br/>Description: Jake is tough, relentlessly physical - far enough a cry from the wizard in tower that you wouldn't be able to hear it from the window. He dresses light and casual, not that that's really meaningful for him; he's a specialist in earth magic, a materialist and summoner, and he can be fully armed and armored in the time it takes to start a car. Arranging a T-shirt and jeans into a three-piece suit is harder...but only by a degree or two of complexity. His dark gray eyes and light blond hair, along with his musculature, make him popular in the social circles he frequents - although his politics tend to mitigate that. His enchanted items include a red amber amulet that calls out of nowhere his favorite weapon, a ridiculous-looking axe that would be impossible to wield without the layers of killing sorcery soaked in and bound by runes carved into the inside of the blade, and a pair of motorcycle keys that can assemble a motorcycle from vaguely-appropriate raw material in just under a minute - but enchanting's something he's good at, and he tends to keep a rotating stock of gear and consumables close at hand. He also carries a heavy revolver, scrupulously untouched by magic (in fact, its holster is enchanted to ward off magical energy in general) for those times when the First Law needs to be skirted.<br/><br/>(http://i.imgur.com/KugTJQs.jpg)</div></div><br/>Jonathan Saunders<br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Character Name: Johnathan Sanders<br/><br/>Higher Concept: Prodigy Procurer of Potions <br/><br/>Aspects: Sell Anything to Anyone, Never Runs Out of Energy, "Would You Drink This Please?", Can't Resist a Challenge.<br/><br/>Background: Johnathan has been hanging around the supernatural scene since he was young boy. Born in New York, the young boy was dropped off at the Mother of Mercy Orphanage. The cutthroat world of New York orphans was good training for life afterwards, he learned to keep his eyes on the money, and to know the price tag of anything. It wasn't the nicest place to grow up, but he lived.<br/><br/>And it was there that he discovered his talents entirely by accident. One night, a janitor left an assortment of cleaning supplies sitting in a bucket of soapy water and left. Coming upon the bucket, it suddenly made -sense-. Perfect sense. He just knew how it should go. In a sudden frenzy, he began to mix up the ingredients, the dosages coming to him in flashes of insight. And in the end, he looked at the finished concoction, really looked at it, focusing his willpower on the contents of the bucket, and felt absolutely sure that it was safe. The stuff he'd thrown in was quite probably toxic altogether. But that didn't seem to be an issue.<br/><br/>He drank it, then put his fist through solid concrete. This, he decided, could come in quite useful. And he began to put together a business. It wasn't magic. It was simply a very effective form of herbal medicine. He was very careful. He knew that he had to hold things back. But despite all his precautions, the White Council managed to track him down, and explained the rules to him, very very clearly. As far as Jonathan was concerned, all this had done was move him up a rank in clientele. <br/><br/>He began to hang around the fringe of the supernatural community, cobbling up expendable supplies to anyone that asked. He would sell his wares to anyone, no questions asked. This made him very popular among some people, and very unpopular among others. Eventually, he fled New York, leaving behind a string of unhappy sorts, still looking for him.<br/><br/>Seattle he figures, is better. Not a lot of Wardens to get on his case, not a lot of big trouble. But sometimes, everyone needs a good apothecary.<br/><br/>Description: Johnathan is an energetic young man. Just about six feet tall, and slim, he doesn't seem like the most imposing individual, but he knows his way around the hazards of the city quite well, experience hard earned, judging by the chemical burns running up and down his arms. He's easy with a smile, and quite good looking in his way, though with a thick mop of black hair and dark brown eyes, he's forgettable enough to blend in with a crowd. <br/><br/>Jonathan is only a minor power on the grand scale of things. His magical abilities consist entirely of potions and the others sorts of alchemy. At this however, he's quite gifted. He can figure out the right ingredients for a brew on instinct, puzzling out the right recipe after a few hours of experimenting and fiddling. <br/><br/>Personality: Johnathan is a cheerful, upbeat soul, always brimming with energy. He tends to rush about wherever he goes, oftentimes dripping with some vile substance. He's pleasant to be around, he keeps situations light with an easy smile and breezy humor. But in the end, there is something about him that keeps people distant. He's a very mercantile person, a businessman. He will cheerfully turn around and sell his potions to your enemies as well as you. He has a few friends in the city though, and he hasn't given them any reason to doubt his loyalty. But he hasn't had anything to really test it, yet.</div></div><br/>Kenneth O'Hannagan<div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Character Name: Kenneth O'Hannagan<br/>High Concept: Reluctant Draconic Pawn<br/>Aspects: Shadow Of A Dragon, Where The Fire Is Hottest, All That Glitters, Last Man Standing<br/>Background: Always the boisterous, adventurous sort who couldn't resist a challenge, Kenneth finally got in over his head on a solo mountain climbing trip in the Swiss Alps. He found a cave in a hillside and decided to go exploring - a cave that turned out to be the lair of the great dragon Mortifax, long asleep and only recently awakened. Rather than obliterate the intruder, however, the dragon offered him a bargain - his life for service, returning to the world as Mortifax's agent. Obviously, he accepted, though there are often moments when he considers that fiery annihilation might have been a better choice. The dragon rarely sends him orders, but when it does, Kenneth always finds himself embroiled in something he doesn't understand and seems likely to get him killed. And even when his master is silent, he just can't resist the urge to stick his nose into potentially dangerous situations - or to collect shiny trophies magpie-style from the cooling wreckage.<br/>Description: The blessing of Mortifax imbued Kenneth with a tiny fraction of the elder dragon's power. He can breath fire and shrugs off the hottest flames (though he still needs to breathe, and the protection doesn't extend past his skin), along with extremely sharp senses and a level of strength/endurance not quite inhuman, but definitely above what a man of his height and build would possess.<br/>Personality: Essentially good-hearted, but compulsively curious and often too stubborn for his own good.<br/>(http://cdn.mos.totalfilm.com/images/k/kill-the-irishman-00-470-75.jpg)<br/></div></div><br/>Sarah Collins-Myer<br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body"> Name: Sarah Collins-Myer<br/>      Concept: Happy, Helpful, Hobbyist Van Helsing<br/>      Trouble: They Think I'm a Serial Killer of the Supernatural<br/>      Aspects:<br/>         Velma Syndrome / Where Are My Glasses?<br/>         Love Hurts<br/>         My Spooky Manor Provides<br/>         Tie-Dye Will Never Die!<br/>         Be Polite. Be Efficient. Have a plan to kill everyone you meet.<br/><br/>      Background: A middle class kid who went to the west coast for school, Sarah tripped over the supernatural in the form of her later girlfriend (who sees dead people) Annie, a growing circle of friends and then this modestly haunted manor.<br/>      Her get involved attitude has set her to sorting out the material legacy of her great grandcestor's masked murder-crusade against the supernatural in Seattle, called The Trove It's a pursuit Annie wanted none of, causing her move back to California.<br/>      Sorting The Trove and trying to clear her name with the local community (that by amusing coincidences, came to think she was also a serial killer of the supernatural) don't trump her day job as a masseuse. They even leave her enough time for hobbies like shooting things and pining for her spookier half.<br/><br/>      Desciption: Five foot nothing, a hundred (and ten) and nothing, blue eyed and trailing a mane of black terror-hair, Annie fits into the pear shape body type despite ruthless exercise, exercise and gamma rays.<br/>      She tends to dress in loose, colorful things that clash horribly with her pale skin and emphasize the general chin-to-waist scrawny, hips-to-knees bulgy picture. Enormous glasses live on her face, though her character-lacking nose isn't properly built to support them.<br/></div></div><br/>N'meea<br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Character Name: N'emea<br/>Higher Concept (Pick a short phrase that sums up your character): Swashbuckling descendant of a certain boot wearing feline. <br/>Aspects (A few short phrases defining the main troubles and motivations of your character):  A predator's heart, Glory Hound, Slave to Nature, Slightly out of time, Illegal (What's that?), A Parent’s Wrath. <br/>Background (Where did your character come from and where are they going?):  As many of the fae folk know, several of the stories and adventures from modern day children's stories are based on ancient lore, which are based on even more ancient truth’s. N'emea descends from one such story, a race of cat like creatures which evolved to near human looks, though keeping many of their feline sensibilities. She was raised from birth on stories of grandfathers daring do's, the slaying of monsters, the tricking of kings, and the wooing of ladies and longed for many of the same adventures herself. <br/>Her grandfather, still an able man and not without his mischievous side, trained her in secret from the more "noble" aspects that her parents wished to raise her in, teaching her the art of the sword, the thrill of life, and the honor in combat. Though the Nevernever possessed its own monsters to vanquish, she sought a different world, to make a name for herself, if not one larger, where her grandfather did. And so, she absconded to the mortal realm to make her own path. <br/>Description (A physical description, and a note of any major abilities): Descended from a race of "feline sapiens" she looks for the most part, human. Her ears have a slight point to them; her canines are longer then average, as are her fingernails, almost to the point of claws. She has an extraordinary sense of smell, and possesses speed and agility a much as, if not higher, then any Olympic level gymnast, though she remains no stronger then the average person. Her pupils are slits, rather then circles. She possesses a rapier, forged in the finest ways of old. She dresses just slightly behind the curve, having lacked an education of many things modern. <br/>Personality (What is your character like?):  She possesses an old world flair, as if she just escaped an Errol Flynn movie, though she can be a bit flighty, almost disconnected to real problems. Sometimes she possesses a deadly seriousness, other times appearing bored with matters of grave importance. She believes in what she believes to be right and just and herself to be on the side of such matters. <br/>(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z302/redwillowwitch/1366247780713_zpsbca53cdf.png)</div></div><br/>IC thread - https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=202208.msg9882216#msg9882216<br/><br/>Recruitment thread - https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=201363.0