Scarlet Bones [Nightbane Sorcerer N.P.C.]:

Name: Scarlet Bones

True Name: Joshua Steen

Alignment: Unprincipled.[Good / Selfish]

Hit Points: 49 [122 Nightbane Form] S.D.C.(Physical): 64 [366 Nightbane Form]

Horror Factor (Nightbane Form): 18

Attributes: I.Q.: 17 (+3% / +1), M.E.: 14, M.A.: 13, P.S.: 17 (+2) [27 (+12)], P.P.: 20 (+3) [26 (+6)], P.E.: 24 (+18% / +5) [34 (34% / +8)], P.B.: 13 [13], SPD: 17 [27]

Attributes in brackets [] are when in Nightbane form [Physical Strength and Endurance are Supernatural in Nightbane form]

Weight: 152.2 pounds (69.2 kilograms) Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.81 meters.)

Age: 38 years Race: Nightbane (Human) Sex: Male

Disposition:

Joshua is studious in his personality and strikes people who speak to him as a intellectual. He is a little stuffy in that regard although not overbearing. His biggest quirk is that he often refers to bits of esoteric knowledge. Never been a real social type either, preferring his books and studying over carousing.

This does not mean that he does not care about friends. Does have a small number of friends. He is quite loyal and will do what he can to help them at need. Does also have something of a code of ethics where he will not take advantage or ham those whom he considers weaker than himself. He might be willing to use strong arm tactics but will not actively torture anybody.

There are a few different contradictions in his personality. He speaks like a scholar but likes many of the trapping of a rogue. He really loves his motorcycle for example and gets quite a thrill out of riding it. As well, likes to dress in his black leather jacket and look like a bad boy. In reality, he is really only partially successful at looking like a bad boy.

He is the practical type. One way this is the case is that he is willing to use spells such as the animated of the dead in combat. Granted, they do get cut down quickly in combat but they are still a useful weapon in combat to make more targets that need to be fought.

R.C.C.: Nightbane Sorcerer Experience Level: Fifth (5)

Combat Skill: Hand to Hand; Basic and Boxing [Hand to Hand: Martial Arts in Nightbane Form]

Attacks per Melee: Six (6) [Eight (8) in Nightbane Form]

Bonuses, Combat: Facade Form: +4 to Strike, +8 to Parry, +8 to Dodge, +3 to Damage, +4 to roll with punch, fall, or impact, +2 to pull punch, +0 to initiative, Knockout on Natural 20, and Critical Strike on Natural 20.

Nightbane Form: +10 to Strike, +14 to Parry, +14 to Dodge, +12 to Damage, +8 to roll with punch, fall, or impact, +6 to pull punch, +1 to initiative, Knockout on Natural 20, and Critical Strike on Natural 20.

Has jump kick and entangle attacks.

Supernatural Punch Damage (Nightbane Form): Inflicts 2D6+12 S.D.C. on a restrained punch, 4D6+12 on a full strength punch, or 1D4xl0+12 on a power punch (counts as two melee attacks). Add +1D6 to damage for punches / tentacle attacks from thorns.

Bonus; Save: Facade Form: Lethal Poison [14] +5, Non-Lethal Poison [16] +5, Harmful Drugs [15] +5, Insanity [12] +0, Psionics [15] +0, Magic [12] +10, Horror Factor +3, Possession +2

Nightbane Form: Lethal Poison [14] +8, Non-Lethal Poison [16] +8, Harmful Drugs [15] +8, Insanity [12] +0, Psionics [15] +3, Magic [12] +15, Horror Factor +5, Possession +2

Nightbane Abilities:

Change to Nightbane Form: Takes one full melee round (Save vs M.E. [12+] to transform in one attack)

Supernatural Senses: Night vision (Facade, 200 feet / 61 meters; Nightbane, 2000 feet/610 meters) / Sense Other Nightbane (300 feet / 91.4 meters with an additional 30 feet / 9.1 meters per level)

Regeneration: 10 S.D.C./ Hit Points each melee round.

Mirror Walk: Cross into Nightlands. Costs 2 P.P.E., takes one round.

Immunities: Immune to all forms of mind control and transformation

Nightbane Characteristics:

Stigmata - Bones: Body appears to be bones although normally dressed in black leathers (+5D6xl0 S.D.C. / 1D4+1 to HF)

Stigmata - Thorns: The body is wrapped in vines with thorns. (+4D6 S.D.C. /+1D4 HF / +1D6 to punch and 2D6 body slam damage)

Unusual Facial Features - Glowing Eyes: Eyes Glow a white light (Nightvision - able to see in total darkness; range 2000 feet/610 meters - 1 HF)

Unusual Facial Features - Skull Face: His head appears to be a skull (+2D4 S.D.C. / 1D4 HF)

Alien Shape - Color: The bones of the body are red (1 HF).

Alien Appendages: Vines: Along with being wrapped with vines in thorns, has two 20 ft vine tentacles which are both spiked vines as well (P.S. same as character, +1 attack per melee, +2 to strike and parry with vines, and +1 horror factor.)

Nightbane Talents: P.P.E.: 217 (Gains 2D6+6 per level)

First Level Talent: The Shroud (Free) [10 P.P.E. per minute],

Purchased Talents: Doorway (15) [2 P.P.E. per mile], Mirror Sight (5) [10 min/level / 2 PPE], Shadow Blast (5) [500 feet / 1D4/1 P.P.E. - 4 P.P.E. per level], Shadow Shield (7) [30 min/level 20 S.D.C./2 PPE.- 4 PPE level]

Magic Abilities:

Understand the Principles of Magic: 78%+IQ, Same as the Sorcerer O.C.C.

Sense Ley Lines and Nexus Points: Range 1 mile (1.6 km) or line of sight (whichever is less). Ability is same as the Sorcerer O.C.C.

Spells:

First Level: Blinding Flash (1), Globe of Daylight (2), See Aura (2), See the Invisible (2), Sense Magic (2)

Second Level: Befuddle (3), Concealment (3), Detect Concealment (4), Extinguish Fire (4), Levitation (4), Mystic Alarm (4), Turn Dead (6),

Third Level: Breath without Air (5), Impressions (4), Invisibility - Simple (6), Magic Armor (10), Negate Poisons nd Toxins (5), Telekinesis (6),

Fourth Level: Firebolt (7), Magic Net (7), Multiple Image (7), Repel Animals (7), Shadow Meld (7),

Fifth Level: Charm Weapon (15), Domination (10), Escape (8), Eyes of Thoth (8), Heal Wounds (10), Horrific Illusion (10), Superhuman Speed (10),

Sixth Level: Call Lightning (15), Fireball (10), Impervious to Energy (20), Teleport - Lesser (15), Tongues (12), Words of Truth (15),

Seventh Level: Agony (20), Animate and Control Dead (20), Second Sight (20), Wind Rush (20),

Eighth Level: Hallucination (30), Locate (30), Minor Curse (30), Negate Magic (30), Nightlands Portal (50), Oracle (30), Temporary Enchantment (30),

Tenth Level: Control/Enslave Entity (80), Summon Nightlands Denizen (75), Wards (90)

Eleventh Level: Control Nightlands Denizen (85), Nightlands Passage (100), Remove Curse (140), Summon Fog (140)

Twelfth Level: Amulet (290)

Thirteenth Level: Enchant Weapon (300), Summon Storm (300), Sanctum (390), Talisman (500)

R.C.C. Skills (Nightbane Sorcerer): Physical: Hand to hand: Basic, Science: Mathematics: Basic (+25%) 93%, Technical: Computer Operation (+10%) 73%, Language: English [Native] 98%, Language: German (+15%) 88%, Language: Latin (+15%) 88%, Literacy: English [Native] 98%, Literacy: German (+15%) 68%, Literacy: Latin (+15%) 68%, Lore: Demon & Monster (+15%) 73%, Lore: Geomancy (+10%) 63%, Lore: Nightlands (+15%) 68%, Research (+20%) 93%,

R.C.C. Related Skills: Communication: Radio - Basic [Gained at Third level] (+5%) 63%, Domestic: Play Musical Instrument - Guitar (+10%) 68%, Pilot: Pilot Automobile (+5%) 76%,Pilot Helicopter [Gained at Third level] (+5%) 63%, Pilot Motorcycle (+5%) 84% Science: Archaeology (+10%) 53%, Astronomy (+10%) 58%, Technical: Lore: Nightbane (+10%) 63% Lore: Vampires (+10%) 63%,

Secondary Skills: Physical: Athletics - General, Boxing, Technical: Photography [Gained at Fourth Level] 40%, Writing [Gained at Fourth Level] 30%, W.P.: Ancient: Sword (+2 [+6 /+12] strike / +2 [+10 /+16] parry), W.P.; Modern: Revolver (+4 Aimed/+2 burst)

Appearance:

In his human form, Joshua is fairly thin, one might even say skinny. As far as height, he is just under six feet in height. While he is pretty strong for his weight, he is extremely wiry. He has short brown hair that is whiting on the edges. Similarly, his skin is fairly pale as if he does not get enough sun as if he spends too much time in the books. He has grey / blue eyes. There is a look of compassion in his eyes. In dress, he almost always wears a leather jacket. Otherwise, he usually wears a dress shirt without a tie and black jeans. Usually wears leather boots as well. Some have suggested that he tries for the biker look but pretty much fails.

In his Nightbane form, he appears to be a red skeletal figure with no flesh on the bones. Even though appearing to be made just of bones, his body is extremely dense and not much lighter than his facade form. His head is also a skull. Neither the skeleton or skull appear to be deformed as some nightbane are. All around the body / skeleton, there are vines growing, wrapping around the bones and the skull. The vines have sharp long thorns growing from them. It might even appear as if the vines are holding the skeleton together. There are two much longer vines that are quite a bit thicker. These vines act just like tentacles. Finally, his eyes glow with a white light. The figure wears a tattered leather jacket that does little to hide either the skeletal figure or the vines.

Weapons, Magical:

Smith & Wesson 629 .44 Magnum Revolver: Weight: 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) empty.

Weapon is enchanted with the spell of “Enchant Weapon” and inflict double damage to supernatural creatures. Heavy stainless steel revolver that fires the .44 Magnum round which can also fire the .44 Special round. Long barrel with 6 inch barrel. Has adjustable rear sights. Caliber:.44 Magnum (Can also use .44 Special) Damage: 6D6 (6D6+12 for Hollow Points) - inflicts double damage against supernatural. Action: Double Action. Range: 150 ft (45.7 m). Cylinder: 6 rounds (Has 48 rounds normal hollow points for pistol / 12 rounds silver hollow points)

Darkblade Katana: Weight: 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)

Weapon is enchanted with the spell of “Enchant Weapon” permanently enchanted and inflict double damage to supernatural creatures. Forged from the metal of a dark blade weapon. Weapon is incredibly well balanced as if made by a master weapon maker - Craftsmanship gives bonuses of +2 to initiative, +4 to damage, +1 to strike, and +2 to parry.

Damage: 5D6+4 (+2D6+4 for Strength as Nightbane), does double damage vs supernatural creatures and ignores AR ratings.

Other Equipment:

Properties: Small apartment (protected by the spell Sanctum) with a relatively large library with many occult books.

Vehicles: 1996 Black Honda CBR900RR “Fireblade” Sport Bike

Clothing: Leather Jackets, Leather Boots, Blue Jeans, Dress Shirts, T-Shirts

Other Items: Cell Phone, relatively new laptop computer (about two years old), relatively new desktop computer (about two years old), extensive library, spell book.

Valuables & Properties: 5,000 dollars and some minor archaeological artifacts.

Scarlet Bone’s History:

Even though he ended up a sorcerer, Joshua did not start out with an interest in leaning magic. In fact, he really never believed in magic. He was however fascinated from an early age with learning about history. Archaeology was always a passion of his, interested in learning about the Roman Empire and Medieval Germany especially the time of the Holy Roman Empire.

Unlike some Nightspawn, he was fairly lucky at an early age. As with all Nightbane, there is no record of where he came from and no birth parents. He was adopted by working class parents that did reasonably well for themselves. They always wanted him to go to college, in effect to go where they were never able to go. His grades were always excellent and almost always aced his classes. They seemed to have thought his choice of majors was a little strange but they accepted it still.

One of his professors was an extremely unusual sort. A very eccentric man, he was still an excellent teacher and students fought to get into his classes. Few knew he was a sorcerer although not a nightbane and did not know much about what was coming in the immediate future. As one might expect, the professor was on the lookout for university students who were also potential students to the mystical arts. The professor noted the huge amount of energies surrounding the young student and decided he was perfect.

Taking him on as a special case, the professor slowly broached the idea of magic with Joshua showing bit of the supernatural. Took quite a bit of convincing until Joshua believed that magic was real. Everything he had been taught before this was that magic was not real. Eventually however, the professor was able to convince Joshua that magic was real and the young man started on the path of mystic apprentice as well as college student.

These were the days before Dark Day. There were some troubling signs but otherwise life went on as before. A few years later, he was able to graduate but did not take a job teaching himself, instead deciding to work in a museum. He was no wiser of what was happening in the world around and while he knew something ominous was on the horizon, he did not know what that might be. There were various troubles he ended up dealing with including a few run ins with other sorcerers and even a few vampires and other creatures.

Still, he continued not knowing what he was. He knew he had more magical energies than any other sorcerer he knew but otherwise did not know about being a Nightbane or about other Nightbane. While most of his work was in the museum, he did sometimes go out on archaeological digs. One day, while investigating the ruins of an old church, a wall collapsed on him, breaking his leg. Unable to free himself and in intense pain, he transformed for the first time becoming a scarlet skeletal figure. Some afterwards, he met for the first time another Nightbane.

Several years past. One night, just happened to be the night before Dark Day, he was translating an ancient German manuscript. Potentially, the manuscript had a key to unlocking a powerful lost incantation. Suddenly, there was the sound of crashing glass in the museum. He went to investigate and there were four figures dressed in black business suits and sun glasses. Several had guns drawn, pointing at him. One immediately told him that he was under arrest. Before this, he had been told of other scholars and sorcerers being arrested by strange government agents and just disappearing afterwards. One had been his former professor of archaeology.

He had heard bits and pieces before this. That they were creatures, not actually human. While he had never met any himself, both other practitioners of the mystic arts and other nightbane had spoken about them. Now, looking at them, there was definitely something strange about them. Could not put his finger on it at first. After a moment, he realized that they did not move quite normally. They acted more like a bad puppet than a person.

A few steps behind those strange black suited figures stepped in a women, different from the rest. Also dressed in black, there was a charisma about her. She also was quite beautiful. Likely why it took him several moments to recognize her. While he could not remember her name, he realized, she had been one of the other students when he had been in school.

Only vaguely remembering her, he thought remembered hearing that she had been expelled for some reason. What he remembered though was that she was not popular and thought remember her being slightly on the plain side. Might have just been that she had blossomed late or gotten plastic surgery. Still, it seemed to be something beyond that.

As a result, he took a moment to cast a spell to look at her aura. She was pulsing with magic power and we as there being something supernatural about her. He had close connections with many other sorcerers and had not heard about her learning the mystical arts. Of course he did not know every practitioner of the arts but something still felt wrong with her. An evil smile confirmed that things were even worse than he had feared initially.

She started going through his ancient manuscripts, tossing priceless ancient books on the floor. It was obvious she was looking for something. Joshua had a feeling it was extremely important as well. Quickly, he cast a blinding flash, catching the men in black and the woman by surprise. He used the momentary surprise to transform and attack one of the nearest of the figures.

When the fighting cleared, the four men in black were dead. The bodies were just shells with something that looked like giant bugs inside. He was able to kill them as well but the woman was able to escape unfortunately. Cursed himself for not going after her first. Wanted to question her as to what exactly she was looking for. With her able to escape, he knew reinforcements not long in coming.

He needed to leave before more of these creature or something else came.

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Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

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