dense spindle
Name: A Dark and Stormy Night
DM: Me! Sav she/her
System: 5e with cyberpunk homebrew
Date and Time: 5pm CST Monday (Tomorrow)
Spots: 5
Age: 18+
Experience: Moderate
Description: A Dark and Stormy Night
…the chill of the night air could be felt even down here on Level Four, even though the lab was completely sealed and the facility had its own air circulation system. Maybe it had something to do with the room’s inhabitants. Kat almost jumped off her stool as her cell phone began vibrating. As one of the leading mages working here in the depths of the latest research lab of Ares Arms, she was not supposed to have her cell phone on her – a security violation that could get her dismissed from the project. As an independent consultant for Ares, she was awarded some degree of latitude, but security was something that could not be dismissed, especially here, especially now. But she knew that Stella worried about her, and would often call to check up on her – like she really needed checking up on.
It’s just that Stella couldn’t understand why Kat couldn’t talk about her job; she just didn’t grasp the concept of classified projects and why people needed to hide things. That’s a Dog shaman for you, always trying to be one big happy family. As a follower of the hermetic tradition, I cared only about one thing – money; and Ares was offering plenty of it. Classified jobs paid even more, and this one was just through the roof, and with good reason.
The large insectoid form now on the table in front of her looked just like a 2 meter tall centipede. Its large black mandibles shone under the harsh fluorescent lighting of the lab. Kat was not in the least bit worried – the abomination was strapped securely to the table with Kevlar woven straps, and it had been stunned senseless by her mana based magics. And the wards – a quick glance to the left revealed the glowing cartouche that indicated that the ward was holding and strong.
Her attention was once more drawn back to the vibrating cell phone. She turned and addressed the two scientists in the lab with her, “I need to prepare a further binding ritual on the subject to ensure its complacency during the testing. Why don’t you two go and get a cup of coffee or something before we begin the testing.” It seemed like a good enough excuse for the two mundanes to leave the lab and the insectoid form on the table behind them. They quickly left Kat alone in the lab.
“Stella, I thought I told you to call me only in an emergency! You don’t realize how much trouble I could get into by talking to you right now!”
Stella’s voice sounded frantic across the wireless gap between them; “But I was worried! It’s been nearly 14 hours since you left the house! You’ve never been gone this long before without calling!”
Kat’s calm voice reassured the shaman; “I told you I would be working late today. We’re on the verge of some important experiments, and I’m very busy. Stella, I promise I’ll call you as soon as I’m done and ready to come home.”
The scrape of chitin on metal raised the hackles on Kat’s neck as she turned back around to the subject on the table. The large centipede-like creature had awoken and was straining at its bonds.
“Stella, I’ll have to call you back!” she hoarsely called into the phone and dropped it on the counter, not thinking to push the disconnect button.
The ancient tongue came difficult to Kat, but she continued her chant, building the astral energies and preparing to release them into the creature.
An unholy screech sounded from the insect as it focused all its power into the formidable limbs, cutting through the tough Kevlar that held it down. Another screech to celebrate its progress, and it began the fight for freedom.
modest flare