How would you fill out the plot for this dream?

[mrloucifer]

One of the reasons that I’ve been so quiet on here as of late (and the biggest reason at that) is because my school duties bullying all my time as of late. That being said, I’m still blessed with a vivid imagination and I have a lot of freaky/weird dreams that have influenced a lot of my scribes. The dream I had the other night was a doozy, and since I have no time to write an adventure based on it, I thought I’d present the pulp of the dream and let you all come up with you own versions of the what, how and why.

This dream included a pack of archeological/geological trope types going to this island (have no idea where) with an active volcano on it. The island has both archeological sites of notice and the active volcano has been pouring out more smoke as of late, but their sensory equipment back at base isn’t reporting any irregular burst of activity and whatnot. The two groups went as a way to pool resources and expenses together.

I remember that the group is eventually ambushed by supernatural creatures of some sort after setting up a command center/HQ in one of the archeological sites. And while I don’t recall finer details, there was a overlord or general of some kind who was behind some kind of supernatural experiment that was designed to product large amounts of air pollution, using the volcano as a cover for their activities. Their purpose seemed to be that they need toxic fumes to breath as oxygen isn’t suitable for them. Basically they are poisoning the planet in air pollution with plans to summon an army of its kind to Earth once it’s polluted enough!

I see potential in a morality bit as the creatures may say things like “you humans are already destroying your planet… all were doing is speeding things up for you. And after you’ve all choked yourselves to death, we become the new groundskeepers of Earth, implementing all the polluting techniques you humans have been so effective with over the years.”

Anyway… change, alter and come up with your scenario’s and details and share them here gang, I’m curious to see what people come up.

[zor_prime1]

Hello. Let me say this, in stressful times, I've woken up to some strange dreams/nighmares too. One of led to a published Rifter article because I woke up at the scariest part of the dream and had to ponder it all morning. By the time the day was over, I had the basic outline for one of my favorite articles.

As for your dream, there are a few clues that can help explain some things.
First of all, there are archaeologists looking at ancient artifacts on the island. This means that something similar was happening or being supressed centuries ago. These creatures might have attempted this same plot at a different time in history when no one would have had instruments to take notice. But at the time, there was an ancient tribe that had used magic to prevent the demons from entering the world. Now the current archeaologists and seismologists have to brave the ruins again to see if they can find out how to activate the protective magic again.

The smoke could be, like you said, a terra-forming plot to make the earth more habitable for their kind. These creatures are stuck underground. They have strategically produced and placed the coal and oil that we gather out of the ground. This is to help us have fuel to burn so that we can aid them in the terra-forming process.

Regardless of our part in the polution, volcanoes produce much more polution than any other fuels that we use. Unbeknownst to us, the volcanoes that erupt are aided by them. After long, careful tunneling and excavation, they provide the perfect setting for volcanos to erupt. Some of the best known in recent history are Mt. Saint Helens and the volcano in Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland. Their current target just happens to be this volcano. Who knows? Maybe the same types of artifacts were discovered in the aftermath of the volcanoes. They were just never made public. Maybe the characters have heard rumors and can put the pieces together. Even if they don't stop this one (which would likely mean their death unless they can escape), they can get the word out to other acquaintances to search around other 'inactive' volcanoes. If they found them, they would have to see if there also evidence there of these creatures.

So, is it time for some good 'ol Indiana Jones action/mystery combined with the stress of Tremors (with underground deadly creatures and a seismologist) action. Learn how the creatures operate, use the archeology and research to try to discover the secret of the magic, and avoid soft spots on the ground so you don't get dragged down into your death. Add some guns and the thrill of possible treasure like in the Mummy. Sum it all up on an island that isolates the setting and things can get pretty tense.

It's not all that creative, but it fits the description of the dream. It might make a fun adventure.

[mrloucifer]

I wouldnt say its not all that creative... you've got a good skeleton going here, just needs some meat on them bones.

[zor_prime1]

Thanks. You're right about the skeleton. That meat is where the fun comes in. There ends up being a lot to flesh out (no pun intended). I didn't have too much time to do more than a skeleton idea. I've been thinking about it more somewhat.

[Lord Z]

I like Zor's suggestion of the ruins holding the solution. That's very much in keeping with the monster horror genre.

As for the monsters themselves, this seems like a Reptoid plot to me. Reptoids are reported to be aliens but they live in underground cities.

As for the angle of a morality play, I'd avoid that if I were running the game. Morality tales can easily slip into the area of being too preachy and no fun. If someone else wants to try running it that way, more power to you...

[pblackcrow]

Awesome...let me see if I still have the list of equipment for a group of archaeologist. Yes, THE HUGE ONE that I posted back between 2002-2004.

[Lord Z]

Hey Crow, do you have a link to that?

[Lord Z]

Here is a more humorous approach -- or at least an attempt at humor. The monsters are not causing the volcano but rather trying to stop it.

This is borrowed from a setting currently being developed for the Setting. A Month Challenge...

History: The Supernatural Affairs Bureau was founded in 1838, a year after Martin Van Buren sent a team of adventurers to negotiate a peace treaty with the Lava People and their king Magmadas, which formally declared in writing that all territory 50 miles below the surface was legally the property of the the Lava people. In addition to establishing a peace between the Lava People and the surface worlders, this also reduced the number of volcanic eruptions for the next century, as King Magmadas ordered his people to keep “his property” from spilling upwards and giving the surface worlders a chance to claim it.