Author Topic: Shadows Over New York - Website for NYC With Themes, Locations and Templates  (Read 18477 times)

Offline Kiero

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Re: Shadows Over New York - New Setting (Templates, Locations, etc) Need Review
« Reply #30 on: November 02, 2011, 03:02:13 PM »
I'm not convinced Whedonverse vamps do have Inhuman Recovery by default. They certainly have Wizard's Constitution, but look how long it took Spike to recover from having a building dropped on him, he was in a wheelchair for months.

Offline Sanctaphrax

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Re: Shadows Over New York - New Setting (Templates, Locations, etc) Need Review
« Reply #31 on: November 02, 2011, 08:39:59 PM »
IIRC, Half-bloods mostly have stunts and items of power. Maybe a custom Toughness-negating power too, given their excellent performance against monsters. But they rarely do anything really magical.

Not familiar with the rest of your list, I'm afraid.

Offline Keryth

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Re: Shadows Over New York - New Setting (Templates, Locations, etc) Need Review
« Reply #32 on: November 29, 2011, 08:36:12 PM »
Gee, no comments on any of the locations? I'm bummed out now :)
Shadows Over New York - A Dresden Files RPG Campaign with some added bonuses from Books, TV, and Movies.  http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/shadows-over-new-york)

Offline Sanctaphrax

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Re: Shadows Over New York - New Setting (Templates, Locations, etc) Need Review
« Reply #33 on: November 30, 2011, 03:42:15 AM »
Well, since you ask...

The first two are decent history pieces, but I question their usefulness for gaming. The magical aspects of the places seem to be ignored.

The third is better, in my opinion. I like the "what is the owner" hook.

Offline Keryth

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Re: Shadows Over New York - New Setting (Templates, Locations, etc) Need Review
« Reply #34 on: December 01, 2011, 09:53:23 PM »
Well, since you ask...

The first two are decent history pieces, but I question their usefulness for gaming. The magical aspects of the places seem to be ignored.

The third is better, in my opinion. I like the "what is the owner" hook.

Thats exactly what I was looking for.

Modified the ESB and Studio to add some more supernatural info to them. Left Shop alone.

Will be listing a few more locations, probably tonite
Shadows Over New York - A Dresden Files RPG Campaign with some added bonuses from Books, TV, and Movies.  http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/shadows-over-new-york)

Offline Groshnik

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Re: Shadows Over New York - New Setting (Templates, Locations, etc) Need Review
« Reply #35 on: December 27, 2011, 06:38:24 PM »
I was working on a Grimm as well. Was thinking the high Lore skill would give that 'that one is icky' indication. Don't want to use the Sight each time to see through Seemings though. Maybe a specialized evocation to pierce it?
Wouldn't be quite so 'accidental' as the TV show (when the other guy gets mad) but would be close.

Offline Sanctaphrax

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Re: Shadows Over New York - New Setting (Templates, Locations, etc) Need Review
« Reply #36 on: December 29, 2011, 07:16:50 AM »
@Groshnik: Welcome to the boards. What exactly is a Grimm?

@Keryth: Do you still plan on listing those other locations?

Offline Keryth

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@Groshnik: Welcome to the boards. What exactly is a Grimm?

@Keryth: Do you still plan on listing those other locations?

Grimm is from the TV show of the same name. Grimms are descendants of the Brothers of the same name, who wrote their fairy tales much like Stoker did Dracula in the Dresdenverse. They can see supernatural creatures for what they are. As for how I'm gonna handle them, probably give them some kind of bonus for seeing through Glamours/Veils. Which should work well since I am adopting the D20 Modern concept of Creatures of Shadow for my Game, and will be giving lots of things form the Nevernever natural veils which  make them look like normal humans.

As for the new locations, yest, they are still forthcoming. However, I am finding far too much of my free time going to Star Wars: The Old Republic right now that I have little free time for anything else :)
Shadows Over New York - A Dresden Files RPG Campaign with some added bonuses from Books, TV, and Movies.  http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/shadows-over-new-york)

Offline Sanctaphrax

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Why not just give them The Sight?

A Supernatural Sense or a stunt would work too, but The Sight would be easier.

Offline Keryth

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Why not just give them The Sight?

A Supernatural Sense or a stunt would work too, but The Sight would be easier.

I hadn't even thought of that. Supernatural Sense - Sense 'Mythical' Creatures, might work.

As for the content. I got some more locations set, and seeing as how the forums are now back, I'll try to upload them later today
Shadows Over New York - A Dresden Files RPG Campaign with some added bonuses from Books, TV, and Movies.  http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/shadows-over-new-york)

Offline Keryth

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New locations still to come, but threw this list of Themes together at work. All are taken form nicknames for NYC. Some need some assistance on filling out :)

THEMES
The Capital of the World - Many powers live, thrive, and move within New york. The Olympians reside here, with Olympus hovering unseen above The Empire state Building. All three Vampire Courts struggle for power - The Hendriksen Scourge (Black Court), the Escobado Cartel (Red Court), and House Howe (White Court). Both Faerie Courts vie for power in NYC, causing the infamous "Canyon Winds" of Manhattan. Wildfae, Scions, Halfbloods, and Creatures of Shadow, among others, all walk amongst the throngs of mortals living withing New York City

The City So Nice, They Named It Twice - Well, three times actually, but no one remembers the Lenape name for NYC. However, not all Lenape and Dutch were happy with the transitions of power of the island and the areas around it, and many restless Dutch and Lenape spirits haunt NYC's locals. Every so often they rise to prominence (the last being the Goser Incident of 1985 (aka The Nerve Gas Attack of 1985 to Norms)) and are put down through various magical and/or technological means.

The City That Never Sleeps - Something is always happening in NYC. Egyptian mages are vieing with White Council for Power in Brooklyn.  Red Court Vampires prey on attendees of Studio 54 beneath the nose of House Howe, while Hellmouth Vampires have begun to appear near Ground Zero, interfering with the mortal workmen building the Freedom Tower.

Crossroads of the World - More Ley Lines cross beneath Manhattan than anywhere else in the World. The Lenape Indians were aware of this and harnessed it's power. The Dutch used this power to purchase the Island for trinkets. The British used it to gain the Island and then again to confound George Washington during the American Revolution. It was used by the Spin Doctors of Tammany Hall and Theodore Roosevelt to rise to Power, and has unwittingly been tapped repeatedly by modern luminaries (What else could be responsible for the fame of a Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, or a 'Snooki'?)

POWERS
The Olympians - The Olympians remain aloof from the City, with Mt. Olympus anchored, unseen, above the Empire State Building. The Gods choose more often to do so as they have in the past, and act through their mortal (Halfblood) children. The entrance to Olympus resides via an elevator in The Empire State Building, which can only be seen by those of a Supernatural bearing, and which is protected both by magical and physical means. However, while the Olympians remain aloof, they also take a great interest in the City which they reside above, and more and more of their children now reside within New York, fighting the supernatural threats that plague the city, dispatched form Camp Half Blood (On Long Island), and armed with Celestial Bronze, and guided by their immortal parents, doing as Heroes have always done since ancient times.

The Hendriksen Scourge - Founded by Christian Hendriksen, one of the original founders of New Amsterdam, when he was turned into a Black Court shortly after coming to the Americas. Hendriksen killed his creator, and began to slowly create his own scourge, until he was locked away by a group of Lenape Shamans and Dutch Wizards (White Council Wardens), in a cave sacred to the Lenape and residing above the crossing of 4 major ley lines on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. There he rested, imprisoned, until an ambitious developer, Gilbert Radburn, broke into the cave in search of Lenape Artifacts of power which would give him immortality. Radburn was defeated, but the resulting earthquake and explosion freed Hendriksen and his Scourge form their captivity. They soon sought shelter beneath the new 9/11 Museum and the warrens of Ground Zero, which rests on the exact location where the first Dutch Trading Post was established, and the have begun to establish themselves as a power in the City.

The Escobado Cartel - Consisting mostly of immigrants from Columbia, this Red Court Cartel fled to New York in the early 1980's as members of the Brotherhood of St. Giles utilized American anti-drug efforts within the Columbian Jungle, to strike at several powerful Red Court families (the most violent being the American bombing of a meeting of several Leading Cartel Families, all Red Court, unbeknownst to the Americans. This 'tragic Car Bombing' led to the eventual resignation of the President, National Security Advisor, and Director of Operations of the CIA). The Escobado Cartel resides in the South Bronx, their headquarters within site distance of Yankee Stadium, where they manage most of the drugs and prostitution within New York. This brings the cartel into conflict quite often with the more mortal, yet powerful criminal elements of the City, including the Genovese Family and Lucciano Crime Syndicates (Mafia), the Romanov Family (Russian Mafia), and the Nakamura Clan (Yakuza) as well as the NYPD and the FBI.

House Howe - The White Court Vampires of House Howe, feed on Fear, and are a splinter House of House Malvora, and with the recent events in Chicago which severely weakened House Malvorra as well as decimated its numbers, appears to be moving towards superseding its original House. House Howe, was founded by William Howe (alias William Malvorra), British General, and Head of the British Occupying Force during the American Revolution. Feeding on the fear spreading throughout the city, Howe and his 'children' (other members of House Malvorra who followed him) grew in power, and in numbers. Shortly after the War's end, the General sought retirement, and returned to England where he 'died'. After his 'death', he returned to New York to lead his House, masquerading as his son, and has done so, ever since. Through a series of 'deaths' William Howe's 'sons' (Howe Himself), have maintained control of the Family and it's fortune. He continues to grow his House's numbers by bringing White Court from other Houses beneath his protection, the most prominent being Steve Rubell (of House Raith), owner of Studio 54.

The Fomor - While a relatively new power, their presence is felt throughout New York, especially along the areas near the Rivers and Harbor. Originally formed form the survivors of the Deep Ones, the Fomor now take in the cast-off, both Supernatural and Mundane, of the darker parts of the Mortal and Supernatural world, and give them shelter, a home, and a cause. The Fomor operate mostly from the Docks, centered on Fisherman's Wharf, with a secondary location somewhere near the USS Intrepid Museum. Fomor operatives range from Mortal thugs and psychotics to Wildfae, outcast Red Court Vampires, Immortals, fallen Halfbloods, and Deep Ones. Traditionally seen more as Muscle For Hire, the Fomor have begun spreading out into other ventures. With their origins lying with the Deep Ones, the Fomor have a strong connection to The Great Old ONes, more specifically to Cthullu, and have been know to call upon Outsider aid, from time to time. The Fomor also have strong connections to the Mortal Underworld, specifically the Luciano Crime Syndicate and the Nakamura Clan.

Lucciano Crime Syndicate - Founded in the 1920's by Sicilian Immigrant "Lucky" Lucciano, and still run by Lucky today, the Lucciano Crime Syndicate made a name and fortune during Prohibition, in bootlegging, and is the Crime Syndicate from which one Alphonse Capone learned his trade before moving to Chicago. Lucciano was deported by the US Government in the late 30s and then allowed back in after agreeing to keep the Docks free of Nazi infiltration durin World War II. Unbeknownst to any, Lucky is an Immortal, a member of that rare breed of human that cannot die (except by losing their head). Unlike others of his kind, he has not taken on another identity, and uses the fear of his immortality and eternal youthfulness to keep those beneath him in line. It is said around NYC, no one crosses Lucky more than once. The Lucciano Syndicate controls most of the the various "Organized' criminal elements in the City, and keeps a close eye on those it does not.

« Last Edit: February 01, 2012, 03:58:00 PM by Keryth »
Shadows Over New York - A Dresden Files RPG Campaign with some added bonuses from Books, TV, and Movies.  http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/shadows-over-new-york)

Offline Keryth

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Name:   Main Branch, New York Public Library (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building)
Theme:
      The Idea:
Haunted Main Branch of the Largest Library in America
      The Aspect: I Ain’t Afraid of No Ghost
      The Face(s): Lucy O’Connell (Head Librarian)
Description:
Often referred to as the "main branch," the Beaux-Arts landmark building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street houses outstanding research collections in the humanities and social sciences as well as a circulating children’s collection.  The non-circulating graduate-level collections were initially formed from the consolidation of the Astor and Lenox Libraries, and have evolved into one of the world's preeminent public resources for the study of human thought, action, and experience -- from anthropology and archaeology, to religion, sports, world history, and literature.
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is renowned for the extraordinary comprehensiveness of its historical collections as well as its commitment to providing free and equal access to its resources and facilities. It houses some 15 million items, among them priceless medieval manuscripts, ancient Japanese scrolls, contemporary novels and poetry, as well as baseball cards, dime novels, and comic books.
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is part of The New York Public Library, which consists of four major research libraries and 87 branch libraries located in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. In addition to collecting the rare as well as the commonplace, it has, since the very beginning, acquired materials often regarded as controversial or even offensive by some. For instance, during the height of McCarthyism in the late 1940s, it actively acquired materials from the Left and the Right, despite the objections of government and citizens' patriotic groups.
The ways in which the resources of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building have been used are as diverse as the collections themselves. To cite but a few examples:
•   During World War II, Allied military intelligence used the Map Division for research on the coastlines of countries in the theater of combat.
•   Television and print journalists first consulted the Slavic and Baltic Division when covering the changing political structure of the former Soviet Union.
•   Authors of countless literary and nonfiction books cite the Library as a major resource in their work.
•   Newly arrived immigrants as well as descendants of the Founding Fathers have reconstructed family histories and located long-lost relatives through records in the Milstein Division of U.S. History, Local History and Genealogy.
The origins of this institution date back to the time when New York was emerging as one of the world's most important cities. By the second half of the 19th century, New York had already surpassed Paris in population and was quickly catching up with London, the world's most populous city. Fortunately, this burgeoning and somewhat brash metropolis counted among its citizens men who foresaw that if New York was indeed to become one of the world's great centers of urban culture, it must also have a great library.
Among the Supernatural community, the Library is famous as the location of the first ghostly encounter between a ghost, and those mortals who would later go on to be known as the “Ghostbusters”. The Ghost of the library, believed to be the spirit of Ethel Castor, a librarian brutally murdered in the library on December 7, 1841, was never ‘busted’ by the famous Paranormal Investigators and Eliminators, and sightings of Ethel continue to be reported by Library patrons.
« Last Edit: January 24, 2012, 07:53:36 PM by Keryth »
Shadows Over New York - A Dresden Files RPG Campaign with some added bonuses from Books, TV, and Movies.  http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/shadows-over-new-york)

Offline Keryth

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Name:   55 Central Park West, New York
Theme:

      The Idea: Location of former Apartment building built by Occultist Architect
      The Aspect: Spook Central
      The Face(s): Dana Barrett
Description:
Across the street from Tavern on the Green (in Central Park), 55 Central Park West is the location of the infamous Goser incident (aka the Nerve Gas Attack of 1985). Glossed over by the Government (both Federal, State, and Local) as a terrorist incident involving highly sensitive nerve agents, this corner is the location of the largest Para-Temporal cross rep in the world. It was here that the Sumerian God, Goser, entered into the world, intent on destroying human civilization, only to be stopped by four mortal equipped with a little knowledge and nuclear accelerator particle weapons.
In reward for their efforts, the Ghostbusters were arrested, their assets seized, and they were never seen again. Shortly after the incident, the original building was torn down and a new, more modern Apartment building was built on the location. Oddly enough, one of the people involved in the incident, NYC Philharmonic Lead Cellist Dana Barret, was one of the first people to move into the building (along with her son, Oscar), where she remains a steady presence in the building, making all who move in feel welcome. It helps that Oscar Barret was recently installed as Superintendent of the building.
« Last Edit: January 24, 2012, 07:56:33 PM by Keryth »
Shadows Over New York - A Dresden Files RPG Campaign with some added bonuses from Books, TV, and Movies.  http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/shadows-over-new-york)

Offline Keryth

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I was working on a Grimm as well. Was thinking the high Lore skill would give that 'that one is icky' indication. Don't want to use the Sight each time to see through Seemings though. Maybe a specialized evocation to pierce it?
Wouldn't be quite so 'accidental' as the TV show (when the other guy gets mad) but would be close.

However, as suggested by others, a Supernatural Sense that lets one sense or see Glamours should work.

I need to put it to paper. Got a few more templates to do anyhow
Shadows Over New York - A Dresden Files RPG Campaign with some added bonuses from Books, TV, and Movies.  http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/shadows-over-new-york)

Offline Sanctaphrax

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Looks pretty good to me. Nothing more to say.