Enter Stage Left ...

     Bob noticed a low moan coming from behind the doors leading to the morgue vaults.  To Bob's right was the morgue office door with the lights off.  That was odd since Nathan should be down here.  "Nathan should be down here. His office is to the right." Bob whispered.  The two moved to the office door.  The officer drew his weapon and flashlight.  Bob opened the door ever so slightly.


     "Nathan?" Bob whispered as he entered the office. 

• Notice Roll - Rolled a 4, Needed a 4 - Passed

     Bob noticed a figure huddled under an office desk with two more shapes lying nearby.  "Nathan?" Bob whispered again while his eyes searched in the light of the officer's flashlight beam.  The officer moved towards the desk as Nathan peeked around the corner.  Bob knelt down next to Nathan and could see he was bleeding from his lower leg.  "Damn things attacked me!  I don't know what the heck is going on but get me out of here!" Nathan loudly pronounced.  It was obivous that rescuers made Nathan forget the situation at hand.  The officer turned and made a face.  Bad enough it was dark in here and now the civilians are talking out loud.


     The group made its way back to the elevator.  It seemed to take forever for the elevator to make it to the bottom floor.  Bob looked down and saw Nathan sitting with a look of despair on his face.  With a oddly cheery tone the elevator announced its arrival.  Bob and the officer dragged Nathan into the elevator and placed him on the ground.

• Bob's Notice Roll - Rolled a 5, Needed a 4 or > - Passed

     Bob heard movement coming from down the hall.  "Did you clear the rest of the area Officer?"

• Officer Notice Roll - Rolled a 3, Needed a 4 or > - Failed

     "I didn't hear or see anything else.  Besides, we need to get Nathan here up to the ER.  I will advise my supervisor what we have when he gets here."  The officer didn't even look out the elevator doors as they closed.  Bob could only hope he was just nervous and hearing things.  The night was only just beginning.


     Once off the elevator, the group got Nathan into a wheelchair and moved towards the ER.  As they entered the ER, the group of nurses and techs were still at the nursing station.  The charge nurse pointed towards an empty room.  The nurse, tech and doctor followed in the room and closed the curtain.


     Bob helped Nathan on to the bed.  Hospital staff began to hook up monitors to Nathan as the doctor approached.  "What happened Nathan?" the doctor asked.  Nathan looked around and began to relax.  "I am not sure.  One minute I was looking at an open door and the next thing I see is walking corpses everywhere."


     The nurse and doctor exchanged looks of concern and doubt.  They assisted with helping Nathan into a hospital gown and began the medical exam.  The nurse grabbed the coat of the doctor and nodded towards Nathan's leg.  Torn flesh and scratches were present.  The nurse began to clean the wound and dress it as Nathan explained one of the "walking corpses" had bit him as he was escaping to his office.  "Get some blood work going nurse as well as some penicillin on-board."  The nurse nodded and continued with her work.

     The "walking corpses" were moving.  Due to the officer's failed notice check, the movement Bob heard was the dead on the move.  20 corpses were present in the morgue at the time of the incident.  The hospital was a prime location for the dead invasion.  Night shift and the dark hallways only aided in the movement of these horrible creatures. Patients in various states of healing and bed status only aided in targets of opportunities.  The ER didn't know what terrible things were about to begin in the next hour.

Savage Mezz Saturday WIP

Greetings troops,

     Just a Savage Mezz Saturday WIP for my loyal troops.  I will flesh out a character stat and background for you.  Feel free to use them in your games.  All I ask is an "update" or status report of your usage so I can use it as a "Where are they now?" posting for later.  Your name and such will also be included in the posting .... internet glory indeed!

Base coat of German Armor Yellow

Brown Ink to all, German Yellow highlights and red to the pants ...

     More to come !  Be safe, Keep the Paint flowing and the Dice rolling ...

Mezz

Hospital Lockdown

     1 hour to go, coffee is low. Not his best status post to date but it will work. Truth behind it since the coffee was horrible but free. Nathan was about caffined out and leaned back into his chair. The shift was slow. This was a good thing in terms of life in a hospital but bad for his slow shift. Nothing to do leads to boredom which leads to naps. Nathan already had 2 naps recorded on his performance apprasials.

     Spinning around in his chair, Nathan reached out for his iPod to help finish out his shift. Without warning a thunderous noise arrupted from the bay containing the body of the paramedic. The coffee suddenly went to his bladder. The lack of sleep and caffeine overload must be getting the best of him. Shrugging his shoulders, he walked over to the body storage area and noticed the storage door open.

     Turning on the lights exposed more horrors. Numerous doors to various lockers were open with bodies laying in various positions. At that moment one body sat up with a look of anger and hunger. A moan let out with others responding with a sick chorus of similar moans. Nathan didn't need a second look before running. Pain shot through his leg with lightening speed. One of the bodies had latched onto his ankle with fierce strength. Nathan reached for a fire extinguisher and slammed it into the monster's head. Blood shot everywhere as Nathan repeatedly assaulted the beast in an effort to escape.

     The target finally released Nathan due to the fact that no head remained. Nathan dragged himself across the office and reached for the phone. Numerous shadows could be seen moving towards him.

     "Security, this is Bob speaking". Nathan couldn't speak fast enough. "Bob, get some help. Something is not right and we have bodies down here eating each other!". Bob looked at the phone and smirked. It wouldn't be the first time someone has called security on nightshift goofing off. He looked at the switchboard and saw it was the ring down line from the morgue. He couldn't remember ever getting a call from them before. He didn't get a chance to answer. A loud scream came from the phone and disconnected. Bob ran to the ER looking for the off duty police officer.

Night terrors ...

     Terror spreads fast.  Whether by word of mouth or be it by another media, panic always ensues. In this case, terror was a nightmare that came calling during the night !

     The nursing home was conveniently located in a neighborhood as the developers had planned.  Surrounded by numerous neighborhoods, families and a decent wildlife interface had allowed a major selling point for families wishing to place their loved ones into a skilled nursing facility.

     Night shift allowed the zombie plague to spread at an alarming rate.  By the time staff had noticed a problem, they were either victims themselves or wounded and running.  Those whom ran didn't realize that time was against them and soon they would be part of the problem.

      The first zombies to wander out into the neighborhoods didn't have to walk far to find victims.  The houses were less than 50 feet between each other.  Those whom left their doors unlocked fell victim first.  The ones whom had more secure residences were alerted to noise or barking dogs.  Screams filled the night.

     The 911 center began receiving numerous calls for service.  All lines both emergency and non emergency were lit up.  The supervisor stood up to advise the call takers of the situation but he could see that they were actively trying to answer call after call.

     "Sir, we are receiving numerous calls for service in the same service area. We may have a fight or something larger."  The dispatcher advised his supervisor and tagged another line to answer.

     The dispatcher watching over the service area began to dispatch units to the area of trouble.  At the moment there was more calls for service than units available to respond.

     Unit 282 was the first unit to receive and respond.  The officer knew this was an awkward call type in this area of the city.  Middle class homes and businesses mostly, not the type to be having a gang war starting in the street.

• Officer 282 - Experienced
• Abilities - Agility d6, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, Vigor d6
• Skills - Fighting d8, Guts d8, Notice d8, Shooting d8, Stealth d6
• Pace: 6
• Parry: 7
• Toughness: 6

     "282 to radio, you can show me in the area." the officer advised as he turned the corner.  He rolled down his window to be able to hear or see any suspects.  Oddly enough he heard screams. Numerous screams in the neighborhood.  "282 to radio, be advised numerous screams in the area. Upgrade all incoming units code 3 till I advise further."  Radio copied and informed the other units of 282's message.

     Officer 282 stopped his car and open the driver door.  An elderly gentleman wearing a hospital gown was limping towards his police car.

• Elderly Male - Zombie
• Abilities - Agility d6, Smarts d4, Spirit d4, Strength d6, Vigor d6
• Skills - Fighting d6, Intimidation d6, Notice d4, Shooting d6
• Pace: 4
• Parry: 5
• Toughness: 6

     "Sir, are you ok?" the officer called out.  The elderly male didn't answer but continued to limp forward.  Officer 282 figured the subject didn't hear him and proceeded to approach the man.  The patrol car's headlights were still on allowing the officer to approach and see approximately 10 feet in front of him.  Something wasn't right, the officer noticed  blood on the elderly males hands, face and gown  

• Notice d8, rolled a 6. Needed a 4 or >

     Immediately the officer drew his weapon and advised the elderly male to halt. At that time the male glared at the officer and let out a horrific scream, blood and spit coming from his mouth.  The officer fired one shot and hit the male. 

• Shooting d8, rolled a 1 and a 5 on Wild Die d6. Needed a 4 or >. HIT
• 9mm Damage Roll 2D6, rolled a 2 and 5. Total 7
• Zombie toughness 6 vs Damage total 7 = ZOMBIE DOWN 

     A burst of blood and bone sprays as the officer's shot hits the subject in the head.  The effect creates a crumpled mass of human.  The officer approaches and nudges the male with his foot. No movement.  "282 to Radio. Shot fired, male down. Roll fire to this location reference to man down."

• Notice d8, rolled a 5 and 8 on Wild Die d6.  Needed 4 or >

     282 rolls the subject over and about screams.  He notices that this male is pale and cold.  His skin had numerous claw marks and bites all over his body.  Sections of flesh and muscle were exposed and hanging from his small frame.  An unpleasant feeling shot through his body.  A feeling of unknown and fear of what else is out in the dark screaming ... 

No hope ... plenty of fear

    



     The morgue was quiet on the night shift.  People think a hospital morgue is always a busy place but if that was so then the hospital wouldn't be doing what it was tasked to do, save people.



     The technician pushed the last gurney into its resting place to await the autopsy scheduled in the morning.  This poor paramedic was also tagged as a crime scene investigation.  The other victim or subject was parked next to him as well for the investigation.  The tables were locked and the technician went back to his computer to attempt staying awake.  Facebook was calling and the coffee was sub-par.



     The virus was moving before all these events took place.  The nursing home had numerous infections that they were not aware of.  Patients were already becoming moving dead.  The hospital was just the next chapter in a virus that no one was aware of but would be soon enough.  Night shift at the nursing home was as eventful as the hospital.  Sleeping patients and boredom are the normal pace. 


Room 10 was the first of the walking dead to stir. The elderly zombie got up and moved into rooms 9 and 8 without anyone noticing. The elderly were easy targets. The nightshift LPN heard a scream and looked up from her paperwork. Picking up her radio she walked down the dim hallway. It was not uncommon for these patients to stumble out of bed. Entering room 8 the LPN saw a patient hunched over the far bed. "Ok, let's get you back to bed." the LPN muttered as she placed her hand on his shoulder. The patient spun around and revealed its true form. The LPN screamed as the patient growled, blood all over his face and clothing. The LPN stumbled back and ran for the door. The door was useless as the other patient from Room 10 appeared. The LPN felt herself starting to blackout and knew she was better off as she slid into darkness.

Similar events were occurring throughout the nursing home. It wasn't long before the whole facility was zombie infested or food. 8 hours later the day shift would start to arrive and become the second round of victims. Unfortunately the nursing facility was located near neighborhoods. Zombies wander and wander they did.

Mezz's Savage New World (3)

5 miles outside of our town is the local mining district.  Union ran by some big wigs back east, it functions practically by itself.  It consists of the mine, living quarters for the single miners, houses for the miners with families, saloon, hardware store and general store.  Anything the minng town of Orville doesn't have they make the 2 mile trip to larger Dunn's Nook.

Simon needed a drink of water.  He awoke from his sleep in a drenching sweat but shivering as if he was in a snowstorm.  He kicked off his blanket and walked to the door leading outside.  The moon was out in full glory so no worries about finding the water pump.  A couple of pumps later, Simon had 3 mugs of water down with no end to his thirst.  He kneeled on one knee as he attempted to quench the undying thirst.

Suddenly without warning he doubled over to his knees.  It felt as if his stomach would explode.  He began to curse the new camp cook for what he ate.  Its got to be bad food, thought Simon.  He got up and began to look for his boss.  The night shift was beginning soon and Simon felt as if he would be useless in the mines.

Matter of fact, Simon felt awkward ever since the Flash occurred.  He couldn't place his finger on it but something was not right.  He wasn't the only one.  Others in his crew have had numerous aliments and complaints of thirst and chills.  The camp doctor has been busy with sick call and was just as confused.

The supervisor's office was adjacent to the mine shaft entrance.  Simon knocked and heard Kyle acknowledge. "Crud Simon, you look like death warmed over." Kyle said as he pushed away from his desk.

"I am a no go tonight boss. I feel like crap." Simon said with a shrug.

"Well I can see that.  Your the 4th guy to bang in tonight.  We are going down shaft with only 8 guys." Kyle said feeling guilty in his attempt to paint a picture to Simon.

Simon nodded.  The bosses back East have been riding the supervisors hard lately.  Kyle handed him a mug of coffee. "Freshly made, it will help some."  Simon grabbed the mug and noticed something odd with his hand.  His hand appeared different, his fingers slightly longer, nails beginning to point sharply.  Quickly he moved his hand away from Kyle and looked at his other hand.  Unfortunately the same held true.


"You ok Simon ?" Kyle said. "You growing a beard ? Or just not up to shaving this week ?"

"I shaved this morning Kyle." Simon said as suddenly a loud scream came from the mine.  The two ran from the office and ran towards the mine shaft.  A green glow was streaming from the mine as 2nd shift miners were running for their lives. 

Kyle grabbed the nearest miner. "What the heck is going on ?!?"

"Mine explosion ! Green light as far as you can see!" The miner shoved away and took flight.  Kyle turned in horror and saw Simon standing there with his mouth open in shock.

"Simon, did you see that man ?" Kyle stuttered. 

Simon nodded. "That was not a man! That man had a tail like a rat !"


** Stay tuned for more **


Joe ... aka Mezz

Mezz's Savage New World (2)

In the last posting for Mezz's Savage New World I posted the character sheet For William McCoy.  This posting will be the character sheet for Jeff Savage, US Marshall.

McCoy and Savage walked across the street to the sheriff's office.  The sheriff's office had a front desk near the door, the sheriff's main office, a spare room and the lockup.  Simple and yet to the point.

"You can have the spare room.  There is a bunk and a closet for your things.  Here's a set of keys for the office, lock up and gun cabinet." McCoy tossed the keys towards Savage.

"Thanks, anyone else have access or just me?" Savage sat down and put his feet up on the desk.

"Nope.  I haven't had a chance to swear in any deputies ... yet.  Last sheriff was ran out of town by the local gang running rampant in this region." McCoy glanced out the window. "Amazed they haven't peeped their ugly heads out today."

"The day is young, my good sheriff." Savage smiled and walked over to the gun cabinet. The standard single and double barreled shotguns along with some Winchester Rifles were inside.

Suddenly the familiar sound of pistol fire was in the air.  Savage grabbed his pistols and walked to the door.  "Shall we go and meet our misunderstood citizens my good Sheriff ?"

"I spoke too soon, I have the worst luck." McCoy shook his head and walked out to greet the commotion.

Character Sheet

Name: Jeff Savage (Novice Experience)

Occupation: US Marshall

Race: Human
Pace: 6"
Traits:

• Agility (d8)
• Smarts (d6)
• Spirit (d6)
• Strength (d8)
• Vigor (d6)

• Charisma  (0)
• Parry (2+ half of Fighting Skill) (6)
• Toughness (2+ half of Vigor)  (5)

Skills:

• Fighting (Agility) d8
• Guts (Spirit) d4
• Investigation (Smarts) d6
• Notice (Smarts) d4
• Riding (Agility) d6
• Shooting (Agility) d8
• Tracking (Smarts) d6

Major Hindrance:

• Curious - Wants to know everything

Minor Hindrance:

• Doubting Thomas - Character doesn't believe in the Supernatural
• Phobia - Fear of Water, -2 for trait tests involving water

Edges:

• Connections (Novice) - Can call upon powerful friends or favors
• Quick Draw (Novice, Agility d8) - draws weapons as a free action

Gear:

• Clothing, including Cowboy hat and boots - n/a
• Colt Pistols (x2) - 400 coins
• Boot Knife - 25 coins
• Coins in Pocket - 75 coins

** Weapon stats at a later date **

I am so looking forward to testing these characters with this new system. Stay tuned !

Joe ... aka Mezz

Mezz's Savage World

Recently I was able to purchase Savage Worlds - Explorer's Edition with some holiday money.  I have been following a fellow blogger's blog Savage Timmy's Playhouse that has been using this ruleset and was impressed with the game mechanics.  So without further delay ... introducing one of my 2011 goals.  Mezz's Savage New World.

The saloon was slow considering it was a weekend.  McCoy glanced around the bar and noticed nothing that caught his eye.  Out of town visitors seemed to be slowing down since the Flash.  Matter of fact, everything seemed to be slowing down since the Flash. 

McCoy looked left and saw a new face in town.  He appeared to be a government type.  Plain and serious.  Loner with no one else sitting with him.  McCoy ordered another shot and made his approach down the bar.

"New to town ?" McCoy said glancing for any signs of movement or weapons.

"Just got here." The stranger muttered.  "Been riding a stagecoach for a week. Figured this saloon was a nice stop as any." He took another shot and another ordered. "Are you the welcoming committee ?"

McCoy smiled and shifted his weight to his gun hip. "Yes, you can say that.  I am sherriff for these parts.  I welcome every new face." 

The stranger looked up and smiled. "Good to know. Name's Jeff. Jeff Savage. US Marshall at your service."  The marshall opened his jacket and branished his badge. McCoy felt a wash of ease and sat next to Savage.  Waving to the bartender, McCoy signalled for 2 more shots.

"I know I was riding a stagecoach for a week.  And I know things seem to get hazy but I swear I am losing it.  Yesterday, a flash occured like the sun hitting a mirror but so bright I had to shield my eyes.  Know anything of it ?"

McCoy shrugged.  "I saw it too.  Matter of fact the whole town saw it and talking about it. Other than that it is just gossip about town, nothing more or less."

Standing up, McCoy motioned to Savage to grab the scotch.  "We can head over to the sherriff's office and get ya settled in.  I will fill you in on the town gossip and clicks."

Character Sheet

Name: William McCoy (Novice Experience)

Occupation: Town Sherriff

Race: Human

Pace: 6"

Traits:

• Agility (d8)
• Smarts (d6)
• Spirit (d6)
• Strength (d8)
• Vigor (d6)

Skills: 

• Shooting (Agility) d8
• Riding (Agility) d8
• Streetwise (Smarts) d6
• Tracking (Smarts) d6
• Swimming (Agility) d8
• Survival (Smarts) d6

Major Hinderance :

• Bad Luck (-1 benny each session)

Minor Hinderances:

• Loyal (never betrays his friends)
• All Thumbs (-2 on Repairs, Roll of 1 causes malfunction)

Edges:

• Quick Draw (Novice, Agility d8) may draw weapon as free action
• Alertness (Novice) +2 Notice

Gear (Load Limt 40 pounds - Stregth d8 X 5 = 40)

• Basic Clothing including Cowboy hat, boots etc
• Boot Knife - 25 coins
• Colt Pistol - 200 coins
• Double Barrel Shotgun - 150 coins
• Coins in pocket - 125

** Weapon stats to be listed at a later date. **

More to come, stay tuned .... Keep the Paint flowing and the Dice Rolling ...

Joe aka Mezz