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apocalypsehowmods) wrote2021-06-27 04:11 pm
Locations
Gloucester, Massachusetts is a somewhat isolated coastal city with a modest population (30,000 people). It has warm summers and cold, wet, windy winters. The general weather/climate can be found HERE, but weather in-game will not 100% mirror real-world conditions at all times. It is surrounded by coastal wetlands, beaches, and forest. It is a well-known hotbed for supposed paranormal activity on the Eastern Seaboard and more than one ghost hunter has come looking in the area. There are haunted houses and farms in the surrounding area, and it's said more mysterious occurrences happen within the harbor than anywhere else. More and more locals have taken notice of the uptick in supernatural activity around Gloucester since summer 2021. Locals are increasingly likely to believe in the supernatural and to be actively afraid of it, as well as afraid of anyone displaying supernatural abilities.
The Apocalypse Disruption Initiative or Apex Detectives, Inc. is an organization that has come together to fight otherworldly, eldritch creatures (the Dread Powers, Entities, or Fears) and the avatars that serve them. The organization is primarily made up of individuals who have been victims of the Dread Powers and it has been in existence for the past 200+ years. It was started by Ruth and Annie Walters, two women who escaped slavery and avatars of the Hunt on their harrowing journey north into Massachusetts. ADI started out as a group of victims realizing they had a very unusual experience in common.
Today, the organization has become one of the premier detective agencies in the United States. They have satellite offices around the country and beyond, but they are headquartered in Gloucester, Massachusetts, where the Walters Sisters first found a home and freedom. As of June 2023, ADI has also discovered its roots may be a bit more twisted than expected. They have become servants of the Hunt and the head of ADI, the Warden, is one of the Hunt's avatars. Said avatar is working hard to maintain her humanity and purpose, but there will always be a question of whether or not this sort of organization is possible without becoming aligned with the Hunt.
The ADI building is a modern office located near the Harbor, covered with glass windows, and sporting tidy corporate lawns and gardens out front beside a small creek that leads out to the Harbor. It has both an aboveground operation and an extensive underground network. As of June 2022, an above-ground corner of the building that formerly contained mainly offices has been demolished, leaving an unsightly, rubble-strewn pit to mar the grounds. A chain link fence is in place to discourage entry into the construction (or destruction) zone, with tarps serving as temporary weather-proofing for the adjacent section of building.
The aboveground portions of the building (Floors 1, 2, and 3) are dedicated to Apex Detectives, Inc. These include all the areas mentioned in the Arrivals page: a tasteful entry foyer, open offices, private offices, a gym, and a canteen for lunches and breaks. While they will hear anyone out for a case, ADI has strict criteria for the kinds of cases they'll take on. They focus on situations where something terrible or strange has happened. They aren't the detectives you hire to spy on your cheating ex.
Characters who wish to conduct research using ADI's resources will be able to use ADI's library, which is in the above ground section of the building. The library is small, set up with a few computer terminals with easy access to online resources (ADI has subscriptions to a limited selection of academic databases, Ancestry.com, and other things one would expect to be able to access at an academic library). The actual library collection is small, perhaps surprisingly so, with a focus on books containing local legends, as well as a collection of historic maps and phone directories from Gloucester and the surrounding areas.
The belowground portions of the building (Floors B1, B2, B3, and B4) are dedicated to the Apocalypse Disruption Initiative.
- Floor B1 is comprised of a series of interrogation and holding rooms. This floor is used for processing new arrivals and for any... individuals ADI might bring into their custody as part of their work.
- Floor B2 is comprised of more open office space, with large server rooms. This is where the cyber component of ADI's work is located. It's looking a little less robust than one might expect of this sort of organization, and it's clear there aren't enough people to fully man the place.
- Floor B3 is dedicated to technology development and weapons training for those who might need it. Additionally, all medical facilities are located on this level; however, the facilities are not particularly extensive. Much of the technology that once filled it is dead and being pulled apart for scraps to use in getting the most important pieces of tech up and running. The medical bay is much better than basic first aid, but it cannot provide all of the services one might be able to find at a real hospital.
- Floor B4 is where all cursed objects and undesirable things that can't be immediately destroyed are kept. This area is inaccessible without direct authorization of ADI top brass.
NPCs Typically Found at ADI HQ
Nia Lehrer (she/her) - The Warden (i.e., head) of the Apocalypse Disruption Initiative/Apex Detectives, Inc., and a very busy woman. She is short, serious, and direct, but can turn on the charm when she needs to. She is the public face of the business and directs strategy for the organization. She is also an avatar of the Hunt… or working her way there from an alignment. Her status as an avatar came as a surprise, but she has decided to at least partially embrace it, the better to fight the monsters. Nia has indicated she intends to find a way to get Player Characters home or stop them arriving in her universe and then find a way to stop herself from becoming one of the monsters ADI is sworn to fight. She places the mission and practicality first and has been shown to have the ability to smell Entity affiliation on others, as well as know strategically useful information.
Reyes Amador (they/them) - Formerly Nia's assistant, currently working in PR for ADI. They have a close, personal connection with Bonnie. When they're not at the office, they might be found out on the town with her. They are average height, polite, and eminently calm. They also seem to have a knack for reading other people.
Pam Ruan (she/her) - HR for New Arrivals at ADI. She is a motherly, older woman who is typically patient, but also has a passive-aggressive snap to her if someone tests that to the breaking point. She is responsible for acclimating new arrivals and for those with a keen eye, she always carries a pistol in a shoulder holster, hidden beneath her cardigans. Due to an event incident, Pam is missing her left hand; she simply covers the stump with a pinned cardigan sleeve when wearing long sleeves or a pretty, fluffy cuff when wearing short sleeves.
Native ADI Employees - People native to the Apocalypse How reality. They have spent their lives in this world and chose to work for ADI. Virtually all of them are scarred by the Dread Powers in some way. Some take it better than others. They're generally accepting of the strange and unusual, and those left after a significant occurrence in June 2023 are generally okay with those who claim to have supernatural/inhuman abilities, if a little wary still.
Off-world ADI Recruits - People from other realities that have been pulled in like the Player Characters. If you can imagine a world, there is probably someone from that world lurking about. They have mixed views on the supernatural, and some have powers that they will use in defense of ADI and the mission; though, most are still wary of fully using powers given the price associated with them.
ADI Housing is a modern apartment complex with separate apartment blocks where anyone working with and abiding by ADI's rules may live. As of May 2023, one of the apartment blocks has been rendered derelict due to cursed artifact effects and the misdeeds of the former ADI groundskeeper. The apartments of Block D stand empty and boarded up. There are the remnants of some graffiti that's unkind to those with powers and outsiders still somewhat visible for those looking for it, but much has been removed.
Apartments house up to three individuals with private living spaces and a shared living room, patio, and kitchen. There is an onsite pool and hot tub, a small gym, and laundry facilities. There is also fencing and some security that is mostly on its game, checking who comes and goes and maintaining the fencing. ADI covers all rent and utilities for anyone living in their housing; however, residents will be responsible for purchasing their own food when not eating at the Canteen at ADI Headquarters. The apartments are located in a nice neighborhood within Gloucester and within walking distance of ADI Headquarters and a number of shops (including groceries), as well as several bus stations. ADI provides bus passes to those working for them as a perk.
Housing assignments tend to be random for new arrivals, but people can request to move in together at any time. ADI just wants to know who is living where. There are some rules to observe while living in ADI Housing. Those found in violation of them will be removed and asked to find residence elsewhere, possibly at Bonnie's Flophouse.
1. No property destruction/fighting.
2. No illegal substances onsite.
3. No pets.
4. No loud noises/music past 10 PM.
5. People not affiliated with ADI are barred from entry.
You can find more information on housing HERE.
Bonnie's Flophouse is a pair of connected townhouses in one of the more rundown neighborhoods at the outskirts of Gloucester. Many of the other townhouses and buildings around the neighborhood are perpetually abandoned and the area is blighted with petty crime. It is a place those who refuse ADI's strict housing policies will be directed. Rooms house up to two people and are small and cramped due to limited space. There is one communal space on the ground floor along with a few communal bathrooms for each floor. Bonnie tries to keep the place comfortable with the addition of colorful patterned rugs she's managed to scrounge up and various potted plants that somewhat overwhelm the common areas.
Bonnie doesn't charge rent, but she expects people to earn their keep by helping out with odd jobs and keeping the flophouse clean and in-repair. She has only two rules:
1. If you're going to fight with someone, take it away from the flophouse.
2. Ask for what you need, because if you steal from the flophouse, you will be out on your ass.
You can find more information on housing HERE.
NPCs Typically Found at Bonnie's Flophouse
Bonnie Gale (she/her) - Proprietor of the flophouse. Bonnie is a tall, red-headed woman from another world, one of the first to find herself dragged into this new reality more than a year ago. She's a Bohemian sort with a lot of manic energy. She also places much greater emphasis on retaining one's humanity over being strictly human. Bonnie has a close, personal relationship with Reyes Amador, and will keep the people in the flophouse apprised of anything important ADI is doing so that they can help, if they wish to do so.
The Visionary (he/she/they) - A young person living in the flophouse as Bonnie's roommate. They are a native to this reality and read a cursed book called The Long Road Ahead around the same time that Bonnie arrived. They now feed on cherished memories to give horrific visions of a potential future to those who wish to avail themselves of the exchange. They are rail thin, sickly, and always keep a blindfold over their eyes. They can sometimes be found in the common area in the flophouse with a white walking cane to guide them. (This NPC provides an IC conduit for OOC 'canon updates.')
Cole (he/him) - A young man living in one of the flophouse's unused rooms. He is native to this reality and was originally part of a Desolation-based circus called the Fenix Down Extravaganza. He was called away from the circus on "family business," just before PCs murdered all Desolation avatars of the circus. Formerly known as Pyre, Cole was subsequently known to be lurking around Wolf Pen, WV during the events of Appalachia before he starting lighting fires on his way toward revenge against ADI for the circus and for their murder of his father, Carl Watts, in Wolf Pen. In his search for revenge, Cole attacked a Gloucester Eye cult, thinking it was associated with ADI and was turned from a man made of wax to one made of viscous eye jelly. He has lost cohesion as a being in many ways, along with access to much of his Desolation-based abilities, and is currently trapped in the form of a melted, mostly faceless flesh-blob monster. He lurks in the Flophouse, avoiding contact with people where he can. This NPC was spared by players from death and hidden at the Flophouse as part of a poll that took place in December 2022. As of June 2023, Cole has repaid some of the kindness shown to him by developing a truly private network app just for off-worlders.
Native Avatars - Bonnie has taken in a very small number of people, like the Visionary, who have accidentally fallen into their avatar status. She works to try to find ways to feed them while keeping their humanity intact. These individuals housed with each other on the uppermost floors, and typically stay away from other people in the flophouse.
Off-world ADI Recruits - People from other realities that have been pulled in like the Player Characters. These are the people who have no interest in living under ADI's strict rules.
Gloucester Police Department does not like ADI. They're displeased by 'civilians' doing private detective work and aren't afraid to say so. With as much influence (and money) ADI has invested in the area and with the good will they've garnered with local politicians, there isn't much the police can do. Anyone who is affiliated with ADI who ends up getting arrested for misdemeanor crimes will wind up here. They will be placed in a small room to await ADI coming to fetch them. It is a place filled with general hostility toward ADI and the outsiders they've brought to the city.
The police station is centrally located and serves as a 'beacon to illuminate the darkness and bring justice to light.' The building has been recently renovated, and it's not the worst place to be held, even if it isn't the lap of luxury.
The Midnight Cinema is a unique viewing local for all your favorite movies, whether the brand new blockbusters or classics. The cinema is actually a converted home with the basement converted into two separate screening rooms. It's very close to Bonnie's Flophouse, and the proprietor, Lucky, offers discounts to anyone who says they know her.
The Cinema is good for more than just a movie and some snacks, though. Lucky sells weapons that he claims are especially effective against the supernatural. Some of his products may be less than one might hope for, though, and his tall tales just that: very tall, indeed.
NPCs Typically Found at the Midnight Cinema
Lucky Stryker (he/him) - Proprietor of the Midnight Cinema. Lucky is tall man who's very enthusiastic about 'the supernatural stuff,' which he always does air quotes for. Regardless of his feelings, he's a source of characters who may wish to acquire a weapon that isn't necessarily sanctioned by ADI. Most of his wares at just silver-plated things or things supposedly blessed by priests, but he occasionally has guns for sale, as well as ammunition.
For those who prefer supporting locally-owned businesses, the General's Store is an historic institution in Gloucester. It stakes its existence as a trading post to back before the city even existed. The store sells food, tools, artisan goods, and fishing gear and tackle. There isn't a wide selection, and it's going to be more expensive than a regular chain store, but as much merchandise as possible is procured from local merchants and manufacturers.
Those affiliated with ADI will find themselves receiving a discount if they mention that affiliation. They may also notice that several of the employees look rather a lot like they might be related to Pam in HR at ADI. None of them will acknowledge a connection, if asked, and will politely redirect people to looking at merchandise.
Once again a small antiques and curiosity shop in the heart of the city, Things of Beauty is a business that has seen better days. Its layout might be described as cozy if it weren't for the sparse offerings and too many shelves standing empty. Following ADI's intervention, the uncomfortably organic-looking or body-themed knickknacks formerly for sale here found their way to the dumpster, but the shop's staff and hours have also been reduced. Things of Beauty and its proprietor are currently under observation and protection by ADI, and ADI staff will receive a discount upon presentation of an employee ID. Though stock is limited due to financial struggles, Kahlil has a good eye for used goods and interesting curios and one can sometimes find good quality furniture, antiques, and decor here.
NPCs Typically Found at Things of Beauty
Kahlil Nassir (he/him) - Proprietor of Things of Beauty. Kahlil is an all around average man. Average height, average build, average looks. He has a rather haunted air about him, though, like he's still waiting for the other shoe to drop. He's nervous around ADI personnel he doesn't know well, but keeps tabs on happenings downtown and is forthcoming with that information. His hands are extensively marked with scars in the shape of tiny bite marks.
The Docks in Gloucester are an historic institution. The area supports a small, but thriving commercial fishing industry, as well as tourism in the form of kitschy shops, restaurants, and old-fashion arcades. A majority of the docks are well-kept and service these groups, but there is a section on the northeast side of the harbor where a part of the wharf collapsed several years ago and it was never repaired. This area has been largely abandoned and become a place for unhoused people to find shelter. Local gangs tend to have skirmishes in this area, and your chances of getting mugged here are higher than they are in most of the rest of the city.
ADI occasionally makes use of one of the warehouses when they need to acquire cursed items in an environment that is not their office building. This is also an area that Bonnie may request characters to visit for her errands. They will typically be delivering or picking something up. Because it is one of the more dangerous errands, she tends to pay better for this work.
NPCs Typically Found at the Docks
Sable (she/her) - A trader of unusual goods. Sable is the primary contact for ADI when it comes to acquiring artefacts at the Docks. She is a muscular and weathered older woman with a boat who appears to be unusually spry for her age.
Also known as Dogtown Commons and Dogtown Village, this is an abandoned town located northeast of Gloucester across the Mill River. The town has long since fallen into decay and most of the buildings cleared out in favor of open grazing land. There are still buildings dotted here and there about the place, though, and they're said to be haunted by the ghosts of the residents who feel abandoned by those who left almost 200 years ago. There are remnants of old structures throughout the forest, as well: random walls and staircases leading to nowhere. For many years, the structures were a draw for enterprising ghost hunters from all across New England, and the area was also a relatively popular hiking destination with trails meandering through thick woodlands. As of June 2022, however, Dogtown is officially and indefinitely closed to the public, with work ongoing to construct barriers around the entire park to prevent trespassing. Dogtown's borders are patrolled by Gloucester law enforcement as well as ADI employees from the Investigations and Security divisions, who document phenomena visible from outside its borders and actively keep people out. Those wishing to explore its mysteries further are encouraged to join in the Dogtown Search and Mapping effort.
As of March 2023, there is a sinister spider bus that haunts the streets at the outskirts of Dogtown, near the old trailhead. Gus the Bus compels people to ride within his arachnid-infested depths and marks his riders with a spider web tattoo for their troubles. Those with the tattoos experience strange compulsions when they're asleep, ones that cause sleepwalking (and other actions).
Hammond Castle, build in the late 1920s and early 1930s is a curious and eccentric piece of architecture located in the northeast reaches of the city, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It was built by John Hays Hammond, Jr. and his wife Irene as both a home and a laboratory for John's work with inventions. Most of Hammond's 400+ patents dealt with mechanical devices, but the one he ended up being most famous for was a device that allowed for the remote control of other devices.
Reports of paranormal activity at Hammond Castle are rampant and both Hammonds were known for being highly interested in the occult. Visitors have claimed to see apparitions and floating objects, as well as hearing voices and experiencing a general sense of foreboding within certain parts of the castle. The castle is filled with unusual artefacts from different eras and places. There are skulls from famous vessels, a child's tomb from ancient Rome, and grave markers set into the walls, to name a few of the pieces.
The castle, which had been closed to the general public for more than a year due to an undisclosed incident, has reopened to the public as of February 2022. A decades-old agreement between ADI and the Hammonds themselves entitles those working for and with ADI to special access outside of business hours when needed, and the relationship between ADI and Hammond Castle is one of reciprocal professional courtesy.
NPCs Typically Found at Hammond Castle
Simone Clark (she/her) - The caretaker and curator at Hammond Castle. She is a woman of average height and build who provides access for those working with ADI, and has so far proven willing to cooperate with ADI's investigations, up to and including having allowed ADI to confiscate a supernatural artifact found in the Castle's collections. She has a pet black cat named John that can be found roaming around the castle grounds on occasion.
Situated on Cape Ann, Gloucester has a plethora of beaches to explore.
Good Harbor Beach features a land bridge to Salt Island that appears during low tide. It's said that mermaids use Salt Island during high tide as a place to pick strange fruits from the trees on the island.
Pebble Beach is a difficult-to-reach little strand that is covered in colorful, smooth stones, ranging in size from a pea to a grapefruit. It is a favored area for seals to play, and tales of 'selkies' in the water are a favorite for locals looking to thrill visitors.
Wingaersheek Beach is covered with unique and strange rock formations, which provide for fantastic tidepool experiences at low tide. Locals claim that strange things tend to wash up here at night, and there are dangerous undertows out from the beach that make it potentially deadly to swim out too far.
Coffin Beach is more known for what is not there than what is. It is a completely undeveloped stretch of coast that runs northeast of Wingaersheek Beach up to Essex Bay. Like the Singing Beach down in Manchester-By-The-Sea, the sands at Coffin Beach have a peculiar nature to them. Walking along the dry sand produces a squeaking sound not unlike a hinge. Due to legends about spectral figures seen walking along the shore, the area received the name Coffin Beach.
