CHARACTER PROFILES
Apr 27, 2013 20:24:24 GMT -8
Post by Thy Dungyeon Maestyr on Apr 27, 2013 20:24:24 GMT -8
This is where all the characters - player and non - will be described for easy reference.
USING NPCs FOR YOUR OWN ADVENTURES
Do you want to describe your character's times at the 403 enclave without requiring a GM to populate the entire universe? You can run NPCs for yourself! Here are some guidelines.
You aren't expected to be perfect at this. Just follow the guidelines, the general rules for the forum, and if the GM notices you did something we'd prefer you didn't with any given NPC, he'll edit your posts accordingly - consulting you if anything might disrupt your plans for your character. I don't expect this to come up. As a GM, the most likely edits I will make are to spelling or the character's "voice," and I am likely to cut a lot of slack with those things as time goes by, for my own ease.
Do try to be a good writer. This is subjective. Some may think the GM here is a bad writer, for example, so who is he to judge? Nonetheless, I anticipate a few possible pitfalls for players using our NPCs.
One, the PCs are not the center of the universe. In a way they are - you don't have to write the internal thoughts of NPCs or anything off-stage with them. But NPCs should not be obsessed with or have special attention for PCs, unless it's very appropriate.
Say, for example, your character looks like a super model, and is coming into the room with unearthly grace and style, but not paying special attention to anyone else. One, beauty is subjective. I don't care what your character looks like. Not everyone will find them enthralling. Two, not everyone responds to beauty the same way. Will an NPC lady who finds a PC beautiful be jealous? Admiring? Annoyed / indifferent? Ardent? Amorous? A lot of possibilities.
Ditto other emotions. Don't illustrate that your character is a charming freak by having an NPC say "That fella sure is a charming freak." Have the PC charm with freakishness, so that when the NPC says those words, it makes sense.
Keep in mind character knowledge and interests. Edda doesn't wanna hear about your damn Eastern religion and black magic, for example. Chantelle is more likely to have an opinion about flans and berry reductions than Bryce.
Importantly, remember ALL POP CULTURE REFERENCES END IN SPRING 2012! Wanna joke about a new episode of Dr. Who? Don't. Wanna joke about one that aired February 2012? Go for it, but don't put the words in Tyrone's mouth. That would just be silly.
Keep in mind what NPCs do with their time. Many are too busy to leave the building for missions and many are too scared to go much more than a few blocks away.
Don't "game the system" (to the extent there is one) by having NPCs do cool favors for your guy all the time. It may be correct and appropriate to have an NPC who is more cool in combat than your PC come along on a mission, or other such things. But don't make NPCs into your peons. PCs have no special status at the building, except insofar as they provide special services.
Don't make up too many new things about NPCs or run them too much, unless you've made special arrangements to do so. The more you make up about the characters, the more likely stuff will conflict with previous info about them elsewhere. If you do invent anything, PM the GM (Christopher) so I can edit the trivia into the NPC's entry. Just made up Basil's favorite flavor of ice cream? Let me know.
Keep in mind the usual rules for the game. ((Some haven't been spelled out as of the time I'm writing this.)) Magic should be highly limited. No PC is going to learn how to levitate or throw hadokens at zombies. And so on.
And that brings me to the most important rule to keep in mind when running NPCs: NO BAD BEHAVIOR. Racist, ageist, sexist, cissexist, heterosexist, ableist, fatphobic, body shaming, slut shaming, religiously intolerant, hateful, abusive, or oppressive language is to be avoided.
Sometimes, it will make sense for a given NPC to be bad in one of these ways. It will be indicated in their descriptions if that's the case. Do not invent a problem attitude for an NPC. If you use any, restrict yourself to the ones specifically mentioned in their descriptions.
And even then be careful about it. Don't make it sound clever or cool. Don't make it sound funny. These are easy to mess up. A lot of the jokes we tell IRL in our present culture are potentially harmful or crappy to oppressed classes of people, but we don't notice because of our own invisible privileges. So if an NPC is a fatphobic asshole, don't use a joke you'd find funny. Have them express the attitude as the ignorant and hateful BS that it is. Don't use it for laughs. Don't dwell on it for long. Only use it in an odd moment if it's appropriate and don't stay with it.
Keep in mind people are trying to get along with each other. Even an NPC who is totally racist will probably not express those views openly with the people they hate. They may even pretend to be a friend, if it makes life easier for them, and only express their feelings when they feel like they can get away with it.*
More ideas and guidelines may be added as the need arises, but please try not to let any of this discourage you from using the NPCs. When you don't use them, it makes the universe seem a lot more empty than it should - makes your characters look like clannish loners. And as many words as I used above, these concepts are ultimately pretty simple and shouldn't be too hard to employ. Now... for the characters!
* Also, let the GM know if you found a situation or use of language offensive yourself, even if the GM is the one who offended. I will do my best to follow my own rules and keep the place a pleasant one to play in.
403 ENCLAVE - 403 Westlake Building and its subsidiaries.
Alex Pike - Room 603
Roommates: Micah
Former Occupation: Student
Archetype: Athlete
Specialties: Baseball, dance, college-level English literature
Height: 5' 11''
Age: 19
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Hetero (9.99 times outta 10)
Race/Origin: Paiute/Apache
Religion: Former Catholic, currently religion shopping
Belief in Hell: Yes
Description: Alex is a friendly and talkative young man who was voted Prom King in high school. A Californian native, he moved to Seattle to earn a bachelor's degree in something-or-other (probably English). Alex was a pitcher on his university’s baseball team and enjoys competition and physical fitness. Though emotionally immature, excitable, and vainglorious, he deeply cares about most people and tends to fall in (usually platonic) love very quickly. He functions best in an environment with strict routines and rules and will spiral out of control when life becomes disorderly. Alex has a tragic love-hate relationship with his shirts.
Roleplaying: Active player character. Do not use.
Speech: Alexesque.
Trivia: Nothing is trivial!
Noteworthy Traits: Polyglot, Combat-Ready and Experienced, Fairly Manageable ADHD, Protection Tattoos (religion neutral)
Current Weapon: prefers the sledgehammer/crowbar duo
Cliques: Westlake Crew, BA / zombie genocide crew, Fitness Dorks, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Unlucky in Love
Ashley "Ash" Cassius - Room 606
Roommates: None
Former Occupation: Police Sergeant
Archetype: Soldier
Specialties: Hand to Hand Combat, Hunting, Shooting Handguns and Rifles
Height: 6'1"
Age: 41
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Hetero
Race/Origin: Italian
Religion: Roman Catholic
Belief in Hell: Yes (though with no fear)
Description: Ashley Cassius is a man of principle, and he believes in living by standards of righteousness and decency as determined by law and society. These are ideals he chooses to continue to live by despite the apparent destruction of organized religion, and society at large. Ashley is a man used to following orders, and he often gravitates towards people he perceives as good leaders and men and women who shine under pressure. He has a very aggressive personality and enjoys sports, cards, and martial arts. His big mouth has gotten him into plenty of trouble in the past, and he carries scars from his trips into combat. He loves his cat Mr. Friskers.
Roleplaying: Active player character. Do not use.
Speech: Short sentences. Moral absolutes.
Trivia: Has little shrines for fallen or missing comrades.
Noteworthy Traits: Aggressive, Orderly, Loyal, Courageous, Battle Rage (Protects vs. Suggestive Powers), Protection Tattoos (Christian themed)
Current Weapon: Love of Mr. Friskers, crowbar, handgun
Cliques: BA / Zombie Genocide Crew, Fitness Dorks, Helldivers, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Dating Patti
Basil Pringle - Room 506
Roommates: Monty, Luke
Former Occupation: Software Coder
Archetype: Citizen
Specialties: Upper Class Life, Math, Software
Height: 5'9"
Age: 53 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Bi
Race/Origin: British
Religion: Atheist
Belief in Hell: None
Description: Basil came to Seattle on Micah's cruise ship, the Amsterdam. He seems to primarily interact with young people by creepin' and especially likes them on the soft side. More capable of having collegial relations with people he is not creepy for. Has family in the far east. Is in physical therapy for injuries sustained in an undead siege, but can mostly get around with a cane.
Roleplaying: Basil spends his days relaxing and recovering from injuries. As an old guy, recovery takes longer for him. Meanwhile, he reads, chats with friends, and occasionally creeps on young beautiful people - especially slightly androgynous types. No one is havin' it, and fortunately his actions have never gone beyond solicitous speech.
Speech: Imagine a subtle standard "BBC" English accent. Say, "Quite," and "Indeed," as complete sentences. Use words like "brilliant," "smashing," and "fantastic" sparingly, as life isn't that exciting to you.
Trivia: Is not that good at chess.
Noteworthy Traits: Creeper, Kook (Illuminati)
Current Weapon: two foot mace, designed by Lashonda
Cliques: Old Weirdos, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Single, baby. Hit him up.
Beau Chardufond - Room 404
Roommates: None
Former Occupation: Corporate Geographical Surveyor
Archetype: Soldier
Specialties: Science Major, French Navy, Spy, Geological Survey
Height: 5'11"
Age: 30 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Homo Flexible
Race/Origin: White French
Religion: Atheist
Belief in Hell: Non
Description: Beau is a beautiful (mer?)man of action. After the navy, he specialized in gathering information for corporations. While working briefly with scientists at the University of Washington, he was caught in the zompocalypse. He doesn't like to believe in problems without solutions, so he has been hunting the mummies ever since he learned of them. He still feels bad about destroying zombies and hasn't done so more than a very few times, but has fewer qualms about burning the much deadlier ghosts. Since finding a kindred spirit in Seth, he has been a semi-regular resident of 403. He still goes out alone for long periods of time, and occasionally tempts Seth to disappear as well.
Roleplaying: Secondary character of active player, do not use.
Speech: Stereotypical, 'ow you say, French? Beau is more heavily accented than his fellow Frenchman Thierry, but to prevent that from becoming illegible, keep the number of changes per sentence low. For example, with the phrase "this and that," only substitute in a "z" for the beginning of one of the words, like "This and zat." Awkwardly pronounces Seth's name, which we write as "Sethe."
Trivia: Began zompocalypse in the U district, eventually working his way downtown via Fremont, Ballard, and Lower Queen Anne. First pet: Chou, actually. His chien current.
Noteworthy Traits: Extra Charisma, Driven to Defeat Mummies, Protection Tattoos (Satanism themed)
Current Weapon: bare hands
Cliques: 403 Building and random individuals - Seth, Casey, Thierry, Dr. Bebe, etc.
Relationship Status: Up to no good...
Dr. Bebe Melange - Room 605
Roommates: Breanne
Former Occupation: Experimental Neurologist
Archetype: Scholar
Specialties: MD, Neurology, Experimental Medicine, Post-Apoc Sawbones, Undead Scholar
Height: 5'9", 6'1" in heels
Age: 29 y/o
Gender: Cis Female
Orientation: Bi
Race/Origin: White American
Religion: Atheist
Belief in Hell: None
Description: This doctor of neurology was an early defector from the UWMRC enclave and quietly accepted a subordinate position to Dr. Victor at the 403 building's clinic. Her agenda seems to include discreetly boning interested men and women, and doing ill experiments on the supernatural. Genteel and maybe a touch classist, but always pleasant. Since Dr. Victor's coma, she has been the only formally trained doctor at the 403.
Roleplaying: Dr. Bebe is full of secrets, and that means mostly a GM character. But you can use her lightly for patching up your characters at the clinic. She works too much on experiments, often having Columbo or Cathleen tend to patient's minor problems, but is not above getting involved when they fall short. She is very pleasant with patients.
She has been known to creep on people in private, but only when they throw out some overt positive signs. That's not so much out of principles about consent as it is annoyance with the responses of fatphobic assholes.
Speech: White bread, plain, mildly cheerful, progressive. Doesn't tend to use lazy Americanisms like "ain't," sometimes uses too many big words, sometimes insensitive to class issues.
Trivia: She is an upper middle class Washington local, from the islands of Puget Sound. Now she has a few undead among her minions...
Noteworthy Traits: Creeper, Classist, Protection Tattoos (Satanism themed)
Current Weapon:vavavavoom
Cliques: General Hospital, 403 Building
Relationship Status: NSA with a few...
"Becky" Rebecca Fujioka - Room 510
Roommates: Joe
Former Occupation: Dilettante
Archetype: Athlete
Specialties: Creepy Art and Culture, Liberal Arts Education, Martial Arts Master
Height: 5'8"
Age: 21 y/o
Gender: Cis Female
Orientation: Hetero Flexible (Not that anyone knows.)
Race/Origin: Japanese American
Religion: Nihilist
Belief in Hell: None
Description: Together with Joe, escaped an enclave in Queen Anne that was wiped out by besieging undead - including Ab-Dhur. She was described by Joe as a quiet nihilist, and lives up to that reputation. Also, incongruously, she is a master of aikido. Now occasionally goes on long-range combat missions, such as mummy hunts.
Roleplaying: Despite her nihilism, she does prefer to see people treated with respect. She likes cracking morbid jokes and is more likely to aim them at you if she sees you denigrate someone for their appearance, orientation, or whatever. Mostly, she is a quiet buster of chops. Spends her time hanging out with Joe, Kyle, Jordan, others at random, or alone.
Speech: Plain American English, with few lazy notes. She usually speaks in short sentences, but can be aroused to talking quicker, with drink or company.
Trivia: Interests are on the intellectual side of gothy: the movies of Jan Svankmajer, the poetry of Lorca. First Pet: rabbit named Junko
Noteworthy Traits: Master of Aikido, Combat-Ready and Experienced, Upper Class Background, Creepy Demeanor, Protection Tattoos (Satanism themed)
Current Weapon: Creepy Demeanor
Cliques: Joe and Becky, 403 Building, random friends
Relationship Status: Single, mercifully. A few weird fellows are in her orbit...
NAME: Benjamin "Ben" Hanson - Room 504
Roommates: None
Former Occupation: Computer Programmer at Microsoft
Archetype: Scholar
Specialties: Computers, All Things Japan (Weeaboo), Kendo
Height: 5'8"
Age: 28 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Hetero
Race/Origin: White American
Religion: Casual Atheist
Belief in Hell: No
Description: Ben is a nerd who used to be way too preoccupied with all things Japan. Now he's preoccupied with zombie extermination. He's got bookcases full of manga and anime collections, some of it translated to English, and he used to take Kendo classes, because the Katana is the best sword ever. He's usually quite awkward around people, either being too shy or too blunt. His moral integrity is weak, but in the 403 community there is nowhere to hide, so that keeps him from doing anything that he thinks might make him unpopular with important people.
Roleplaying: This is a retired player character. Keep use to a bare minimum. He is often in charge of zombie genocide projects, so he might be seen giving suggestions for how to proceed with those. At the 403, dangerous work is strictly volunteer, so he would never bark orders.
Speech: Plain American English. Sometimes he'd say something more morbid than others would prefer - focusing too much on work, if you will.
Trivia: Ben's parents lived on the east side of Lake Washington, and may still be alive. Nearly dated Sonya once.
Noteworthy Traits: Original 403 Resident, Combat Ready (with a stick/sword), Nearsighted, Slow, Romantically Maladroit, Protection Tattoos (religion neutral)
Current Weapon: Bokken
Cliques: Council, BA / zombie genocide crew, Techies, ~Residents, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Single
Breanne Woolbright - Room 605
Roommates: Dr. Bebe
Former Occupation: Upscale Apartment Manager
Archetype: Family
Specialties: College Dropout, Office Work, Apartment Management, Mom Styles
Height: 5'5"
Age: 38 y/o
Gender: Cis Female
Orientation: Hetero
Race/Origin: White American (Ethnic Jew)
Religion: Casual Lutheran
Belief in Hell: No
Description: Breanne is basically nice, but her sassy judgemental attitude creeps out the side very easily. Her main duties at the 403 building are organizing efforts to furnish new people's rooms with beds, solar lights, and other basic needs, and to work with building maintenance people to repair problems. She also tries to promote harmony when occupants start to annoy their neighbors.
Roleplaying: Breanne has finally faced the reality that her son is gay, and as a liberal is accepting of that, but she isn't sensitive to all the nuances of contemporary progressive mores, so... Likely to mess up. Her son is always wincing about what awful thing she'll say next, but they still end up hanging out a lot. She is a very heteronormal mom type, so she also hangs out with the building's ladies, talking lady-type stuff.
Speech: Breanne is culturally Jewish American, and since the apocalypse, has started talking with a lot more Yiddish than she used to. Sprinkle text with Yiddish words and Jewish American sayings.
Trivia: Most desired thing she is missing: Cognac. Or her husband.
Noteworthy Traits: Fit to Run
Current Weapon: Yiddish vocabulary
Cliques: Regular Ladies, Harpies, Council, Techies, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Husband is missing. She feels he is probably dead (not as broken up about that as he'd probably hope), but won't look for someone new.
Bryce Woolbright - Room 507
Roommates: Kenny
Former Occupation: Assistant Apartment Manager / Lazy Bum
Archetype: Citizen
Specialties: Dilettante, Alt Med Dropout, Pop Culture Occult Lore
Height: 5'7"
Age: 20 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Gay
Race/Origin: White American (1/2 Jewish)
Religion: Casual Agnostic
Belief in Hell: None
Description: Bryce's parents were the managers at 403, and he often worked as a receptionist for them. (Very, very badly.) Bryce dropped out of alternative medicine school after a semester, and hadn't returned to doing much of anything. Often high/drunk/heavily medicated, when he isn't, he is very high-strung and anxious. Not very sociable, but pushes himself to stay engaged at least somewhat. Had a falling out with Kenny for a while, but they're roomies again. Hella snarky.
Roleplaying: Bryce can be a bit complicated. He has the following expressions possible: angry, blink, bored, concern, cool, cooleyebrow, coolheyo, coolsnarl, cry, eyebrow, eyeroll, frown, heyo, iguess, lol, nosir, pain, paranoia, sad, shock, smile, snarl, social, sorrow, terror, uateit, uncomfortable, upset, and whome.
He tries to play cool, occupy his hours, talk to others sometimes just to get outside of his head. But ultimately, people make him paranoid and he wishes he could curl up and blow away like a dead spider. Seth is another source of stress, with the constant pursuit of dangerous goals and all that. His mom is totally embarrassing, omnipresent, and just the worst.
Divides his time between cliques that affirm his manliness (Druggies, Domino Crew) and allow him some stereotypical gayness (Harpies).
Speech: Maybe a wee bit like "Wolf" from the Madrona campaign, but less military. He makes a lot of pop culture references. On rare occasion, drops a bit of Yiddish, though more likely to deploy white boy ebonics.
Trivia: Was discovered by Seth in some kind of torpid state, which was a bit romantic and led to them hooking up. Lived together for several months, but broke up in early fall. Missing dad was a lawyer. Likes root beer barrels and ice cream, not licorice. Into heavy metal.
Noteworthy Traits: High Strung, Some Kind of Personality Disorder, Protection Tattoos (Satanism themed)
Current Weapon: three foot light mace by Lashonda
Cliques: Domino Crew, Druggies, Harpies, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Occasionally dating a trans fellow named Peter from Tower 801, feeling messed up about Seth
Chantelle Gottschalk - Room 608
Roommates: Marie, Zoe
Former Occupation: Apprentice Chef
Archetype: Citizen
Specialties: Chef, DIY stylist, Crafts
Height: 5'7"
Age: 23 y/o
Gender: Cis Female
Orientation: Hetero
Race/Origin: White American
Religion: Casual Spiritual
Belief in Hell: None
Description: Chantelle was an apprentice chef at Cuoco, an upscale restaurant. She once went to art school and has many friends in the neighborhood that she worries about. Has an eccentric hipster style. Chantelle is kind but high strung, and often nags the people she cares about.
Roleplaying: Chantelle works for hours at a time, multiple times a day. In total, she probably works 9 hour shifts (down from 12) every day for weeks on end with frequently skipped (up from no) weekends. The only thing keeping that from being a total hellgrind is that she is the absolute master of her circumstance. No one asks anything of her except very gently and with generous praise, and she keeps dozens of people fed. She also organizes the production of things related to food, such as gardening and animal husbandry. Micah is her occasional sous chef, but more frequently helpful negotiating labor situations. Who'd have thought?
In her spare time, she is quick to take a drink, but only to moderation. Once she developed enough free time to have a boyfriend, she was quick to pick someone and stay with him, for convenience more than anything. She also cares for Zoe as much as possible, but has helped foster a lot of independence in the young child.
Speech: Chantelle is a standard white Seattle hipster. If something is nice, it's "amazing." If something is abundant, it is "ridiculous." She may sprinkle in black american words like "yo" from time to time, but is mostly pretty plain spoken.
Trivia: Chantelle doesn't like to go outside, due to a fear of finding out an old friend or associate has died. She knew many people in Seattle. Will go as far as the secured area reaches, including to the park and close enclaves.
Noteworthy Traits: No Combat Experience
Current Weapon: workohol breath
Cliques: Council, Farmers, Textiles, Art Kids, Regular Ladies, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Dating Woody Sharman
Chelsea Young - Room 511
Roommates: Mega, Nora
Former Occupation: Art Student (Undeclared Major)
Archetype: Delinquent
Specialties: Painting, Sculpture, Print, Wild Youth
Height: 5'6"
Age: 20 y/o
Gender: Cis Female
Orientation: Hetero Flexible
Race/Origin: White American (Arizona)
Religion: Some UFO Cult
Belief in Hell: None
Description: Chelsea is a nice, fairly hip girl from Nevada. One of the Cornish students rescued by the 403 team, she'd developed a bit of an attachment to Alex Pike. That didn't work out.
Roleplaying: Chelsea is a normal upper middle class hipster art student, from a southwest high desert hippy crystal UFO kind of background. She wants the world to be a better place and everyone to be in harmony and stuff, but those ideals don't keep pace with her youthful self-gratification.
Speech: Normal hipster. "Amazing," "Oh my god," "Honestly?," stuff like that. Slightly less likely to pepper speech with ebonics than east and west coast types.
Trivia: Thanks to the seductive powers of Esi Atieno and other dalliances since, Chelsea is well over the loss of potential Alex action in her life.
Noteworthy Traits: Careless, Ageist, Hipster
Current Weapon: buzzing implants
Cliques: Art Kids, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Only with the aliens, right now...
Columbo Chandler - Room 601
Roommates: Thierry, Sharma
Former Occupation: Computer Engineer
Archetype: Blue Collar
Specialties: Computer Engineering, Post-Apocalypse Sawbones
Height: 5'10"
Age: 42 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Hetero
Race/Origin: White Brasilian
Religion: Atheist
Belief in Hell: None
Description: Columbo is a weird bastard. This Brazilian has an odd accent, and a creepy persona. (Imagine him talking like Peter Lorre or Ren Hoek at all times, plz.) He was once a computer engineer for Amazon, coworker and friend of Thierry and Sharma. At 403, he was the first to fall into the thrall of the vampy Dr. Bebe, and now assists in the clinic full time.
Roleplaying: Columbo spends long hours in the clinic, and some of his rest time in the Comm Center upstairs - usually hanging out with coworkers from the clinic, or ThiShaCo types. He used to be more dissatisfied with his weird love life and look for a woman that would call him a lover and respect him and such, but he's settled into a comfortable routine there and doesn't bother creepin' anymore - usually.
Speech: Columbo has a weird accent. Imagine Peter Lorre, Ren Hoek, or Christopher Lambert. Occasionally, randomly convert an "i" sound into "ee." Use creepy metaphors or other language related to sex and death. Usually, stay calm in the face, while your words betray a person capable of having darkly violent thoughts. He generally knows how to curse in English, but can forget in the heat of an angry moment. Transpose words for hilarity. Note: In the clinic, all staff are called by their job title plus first name. He is Nurse Columbo, there's Nurse Cathleen, Dr. Bebe, etc.
Trivia: Columbo was a computer engineer, but is making quick progress toward being a reasonable post-apoc doctor.
Noteworthy Traits: Creeper
Current Weapon: four foot staff with metal reinforced heads by Lashonda
Cliques: ThiShaCo, General Hospital, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Seems satisfied with... whatever that situation is
Edda Eldred - Room 410
Roommates: Ricky
Former Occupation: Church Organist
Archetype: Family
Specialties: Mom, Musician, Bible Study
Height: 5'2"
Age: 45 y/o
Gender: Cis Female
Orientation: Gay (Closeted yea verily unto herself.)
Race/Origin: African American
Religion: Devout Pentecostal
Belief in Hell: Yes
Description: Edda is Ricky's mom, and was the Christian High Priestess of the El Corazon enclave, where she'd sometimes be willing to sing for parties and such. She formed the nexus of one of the large cliques there, but had a fit of hubris that left her back at 403 with very few friends in life.
Roleplaying: Is willing to live at the 403, but doesn't like it when El Corazon alumni visit from 320. She's less outspoken about her religious beliefs than she used to be, but doesn't keep them secret if someone brings it up. She is mostly socially conservative, but doesn't let hate be her sole motivation in life. She spends her time with the Regular Ladies and 403 Comm Center types, or helping with the kitchen. She appreciates that Tyrone wants to be friendly with her, but doesn't trust his easy ways.
Speech: African American dialect is usually subtle, with dropped Gs on "ing" words and such. Easily understood, she is sometimes very terse, but trying to be more pleasant.
Trivia: In trying to get away from Jordan's satanists, she led a faction to Tower 801. When Ricky fucked up there, he and Edda were kicked out. Tarina went with them, back to 403.
Noteworthy Traits: Loveable
Current Weapon: stick
Cliques: Edda's Peeps, Regular Ladies, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Widowed? She uses the possibility her husband is still alive as a way to avoid confronting her inner feelings.
Emmett Ocampo - Room 602
Roommates: Ivan
Former Occupation: Counselor
Archetype: Leader
Specialties: Counselor
Height: 5'4"
Age: 36 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Hetero
Race/Origin: Filipino American
Religion: Casual Catholic
Belief in Hell: Not really
Description: Emmett was a counselor in Queen Anne, taking in a concert after work when the soup went down. Formerly of twinkie joint enclave, now assuming his counseling job again for 403. He is a gentle, easy-going Seattleite, on the hippy side of hipster.
Roleplaying: Always trying to make peace, but not forcefully. Feels like people are good and can live in harmony, as long as their emotional needs are met.
Speech: Bland American style, rarely hipsterish.
Trivia: Tattooed and groovy.
Noteworthy Traits: Hipster, Fashionable, Good Therapist, Protection Tattoos (Christian themed)
Current weapon: kill 'em with kindness
Cliques: General Hospital, Twinkie Hater's Guild, 403 Building
Relationship Status: No one yet.
Ivan Ramos - Room 602
Roommates: Emmett
Former Occupation: Valet
Archetype: Citizen
Specialties: Driving, Streetwise
Height: 5'4"
Age: 36 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Hetero
Race/Origin: Filipino American
Religion: Casual Agnostic
Belief in Hell: None
Description: Ivan is a former valet and odd job guy, funny looking but with a casual confidence and urban charm that wins him affection from the ladies. First ally of Ashley in the apocalypse and his former roommate, he has since moved in with Emmett. After several months at the enclave, he finally has a steady girlfriend.
Roleplaying: Nothing is worth worrying about or hurrying over. Take it easy, unless danger is around. When fighting, hurry up and smash the enemy, so you can get back to taking it easy. The chore he does most often at the enclave is guard duty.
Speech: Ivan was raised in lower income environments with lots of minorities, so he speaks with an African American dialect with Latino hints, despite being a Filipino. He doesn't speak more than a little Tagalog. Think of a more smooth, easy-going version of the guys from the video to "Nasty Boys."
Trivia: He's been with a number of ladies at the enclave, mostly in one night stands and not necessarily of his choosing. Really wants current relationship to work.
Noteworthy Traits: Cool Guy, used to work at Amazon, Protection Tattoos (religion neutral)
Current Weapon: a thin, metal-reinforced three foot pole - by Lashonda
Cliques: Domino Crew, BA / Zombie Genocide Crew, Residents, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Dating Susie
Joseph "Joe" Song - Room 510
Roommates: Becky
Former Occupation: Clerk at outdoor supply place on Cap Hill
Archetype: Soldier
Specialties: Army Ranger Training, Odd Jobs, BS Dropout
Height: 6'2"
Age: 33 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Gay
Race/Origin: Korean American
Religion: Casual Atheist
Belief in Hell: No
Description: Tall Korean-American man who escaped from an overrun enclave in Queen Anne to the 403 building. Sustained some damage, but relatively minor compared to his companion. Several years ago, was kicked out of the military for DADT related reasons. Formerly in ranger school, he ended up doing retail on Cap Hill. He is a bit of a worrier on behalf of others, but not afraid of war.
Roleplaying: Joe always wants to be involved in the defense of the enclave, and offensive missions as well. He was never involved in actual combat before the zompocalypse, but is fully up to speed now. At home, he's boring. At war, he's paranoid, careful, and quick to use maximum force.
Speech: Joe is a pretty standard youngish American, known to drop a little California like "hella," but not as lazy as fratty dudebros. Try to convey that he's uptight about the dangers of the world - thinks people should take life seriously.
Trivia: Joe considers Ashley and Patti his best comrades in arms, and Becky his best friend. First pet: beagle named Spot.
Noteworthy Traits: Combat-Ready and Experienced, Hung Up on Protecting Seth - but starting to get over it, Protection Tattoos (religion neutral)
Current Weapon: prefers to use guns or Batons, settled on nothing
Cliques: Joe and Becky, BA / Zombie Genocide Crew, Fitness Dorks, 403 Building
Relationship Status: I dunno...
USING NPCs FOR YOUR OWN ADVENTURES
Do you want to describe your character's times at the 403 enclave without requiring a GM to populate the entire universe? You can run NPCs for yourself! Here are some guidelines.
You aren't expected to be perfect at this. Just follow the guidelines, the general rules for the forum, and if the GM notices you did something we'd prefer you didn't with any given NPC, he'll edit your posts accordingly - consulting you if anything might disrupt your plans for your character. I don't expect this to come up. As a GM, the most likely edits I will make are to spelling or the character's "voice," and I am likely to cut a lot of slack with those things as time goes by, for my own ease.
Do try to be a good writer. This is subjective. Some may think the GM here is a bad writer, for example, so who is he to judge? Nonetheless, I anticipate a few possible pitfalls for players using our NPCs.
One, the PCs are not the center of the universe. In a way they are - you don't have to write the internal thoughts of NPCs or anything off-stage with them. But NPCs should not be obsessed with or have special attention for PCs, unless it's very appropriate.
Say, for example, your character looks like a super model, and is coming into the room with unearthly grace and style, but not paying special attention to anyone else. One, beauty is subjective. I don't care what your character looks like. Not everyone will find them enthralling. Two, not everyone responds to beauty the same way. Will an NPC lady who finds a PC beautiful be jealous? Admiring? Annoyed / indifferent? Ardent? Amorous? A lot of possibilities.
Ditto other emotions. Don't illustrate that your character is a charming freak by having an NPC say "That fella sure is a charming freak." Have the PC charm with freakishness, so that when the NPC says those words, it makes sense.
Keep in mind character knowledge and interests. Edda doesn't wanna hear about your damn Eastern religion and black magic, for example. Chantelle is more likely to have an opinion about flans and berry reductions than Bryce.
Importantly, remember ALL POP CULTURE REFERENCES END IN SPRING 2012! Wanna joke about a new episode of Dr. Who? Don't. Wanna joke about one that aired February 2012? Go for it, but don't put the words in Tyrone's mouth. That would just be silly.
Keep in mind what NPCs do with their time. Many are too busy to leave the building for missions and many are too scared to go much more than a few blocks away.
Don't "game the system" (to the extent there is one) by having NPCs do cool favors for your guy all the time. It may be correct and appropriate to have an NPC who is more cool in combat than your PC come along on a mission, or other such things. But don't make NPCs into your peons. PCs have no special status at the building, except insofar as they provide special services.
Don't make up too many new things about NPCs or run them too much, unless you've made special arrangements to do so. The more you make up about the characters, the more likely stuff will conflict with previous info about them elsewhere. If you do invent anything, PM the GM (Christopher) so I can edit the trivia into the NPC's entry. Just made up Basil's favorite flavor of ice cream? Let me know.
Keep in mind the usual rules for the game. ((Some haven't been spelled out as of the time I'm writing this.)) Magic should be highly limited. No PC is going to learn how to levitate or throw hadokens at zombies. And so on.
And that brings me to the most important rule to keep in mind when running NPCs: NO BAD BEHAVIOR. Racist, ageist, sexist, cissexist, heterosexist, ableist, fatphobic, body shaming, slut shaming, religiously intolerant, hateful, abusive, or oppressive language is to be avoided.
Sometimes, it will make sense for a given NPC to be bad in one of these ways. It will be indicated in their descriptions if that's the case. Do not invent a problem attitude for an NPC. If you use any, restrict yourself to the ones specifically mentioned in their descriptions.
And even then be careful about it. Don't make it sound clever or cool. Don't make it sound funny. These are easy to mess up. A lot of the jokes we tell IRL in our present culture are potentially harmful or crappy to oppressed classes of people, but we don't notice because of our own invisible privileges. So if an NPC is a fatphobic asshole, don't use a joke you'd find funny. Have them express the attitude as the ignorant and hateful BS that it is. Don't use it for laughs. Don't dwell on it for long. Only use it in an odd moment if it's appropriate and don't stay with it.
Keep in mind people are trying to get along with each other. Even an NPC who is totally racist will probably not express those views openly with the people they hate. They may even pretend to be a friend, if it makes life easier for them, and only express their feelings when they feel like they can get away with it.*
More ideas and guidelines may be added as the need arises, but please try not to let any of this discourage you from using the NPCs. When you don't use them, it makes the universe seem a lot more empty than it should - makes your characters look like clannish loners. And as many words as I used above, these concepts are ultimately pretty simple and shouldn't be too hard to employ. Now... for the characters!
* Also, let the GM know if you found a situation or use of language offensive yourself, even if the GM is the one who offended. I will do my best to follow my own rules and keep the place a pleasant one to play in.
403 ENCLAVE - 403 Westlake Building and its subsidiaries.
Alex Pike - Room 603
Roommates: Micah
Former Occupation: Student
Archetype: Athlete
Specialties: Baseball, dance, college-level English literature
Height: 5' 11''
Age: 19
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Hetero (9.99 times outta 10)
Race/Origin: Paiute/Apache
Religion: Former Catholic, currently religion shopping
Belief in Hell: Yes
Description: Alex is a friendly and talkative young man who was voted Prom King in high school. A Californian native, he moved to Seattle to earn a bachelor's degree in something-or-other (probably English). Alex was a pitcher on his university’s baseball team and enjoys competition and physical fitness. Though emotionally immature, excitable, and vainglorious, he deeply cares about most people and tends to fall in (usually platonic) love very quickly. He functions best in an environment with strict routines and rules and will spiral out of control when life becomes disorderly. Alex has a tragic love-hate relationship with his shirts.
Roleplaying: Active player character. Do not use.
Speech: Alexesque.
Trivia: Nothing is trivial!
Noteworthy Traits: Polyglot, Combat-Ready and Experienced, Fairly Manageable ADHD, Protection Tattoos (religion neutral)
Current Weapon: prefers the sledgehammer/crowbar duo
Cliques: Westlake Crew, BA / zombie genocide crew, Fitness Dorks, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Unlucky in Love
Ashley "Ash" Cassius - Room 606
Roommates: None
Former Occupation: Police Sergeant
Archetype: Soldier
Specialties: Hand to Hand Combat, Hunting, Shooting Handguns and Rifles
Height: 6'1"
Age: 41
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Hetero
Race/Origin: Italian
Religion: Roman Catholic
Belief in Hell: Yes (though with no fear)
Description: Ashley Cassius is a man of principle, and he believes in living by standards of righteousness and decency as determined by law and society. These are ideals he chooses to continue to live by despite the apparent destruction of organized religion, and society at large. Ashley is a man used to following orders, and he often gravitates towards people he perceives as good leaders and men and women who shine under pressure. He has a very aggressive personality and enjoys sports, cards, and martial arts. His big mouth has gotten him into plenty of trouble in the past, and he carries scars from his trips into combat. He loves his cat Mr. Friskers.
Roleplaying: Active player character. Do not use.
Speech: Short sentences. Moral absolutes.
Trivia: Has little shrines for fallen or missing comrades.
Noteworthy Traits: Aggressive, Orderly, Loyal, Courageous, Battle Rage (Protects vs. Suggestive Powers), Protection Tattoos (Christian themed)
Current Weapon: Love of Mr. Friskers, crowbar, handgun
Cliques: BA / Zombie Genocide Crew, Fitness Dorks, Helldivers, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Dating Patti
Basil Pringle - Room 506
Roommates: Monty, Luke
Former Occupation: Software Coder
Archetype: Citizen
Specialties: Upper Class Life, Math, Software
Height: 5'9"
Age: 53 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Bi
Race/Origin: British
Religion: Atheist
Belief in Hell: None
Description: Basil came to Seattle on Micah's cruise ship, the Amsterdam. He seems to primarily interact with young people by creepin' and especially likes them on the soft side. More capable of having collegial relations with people he is not creepy for. Has family in the far east. Is in physical therapy for injuries sustained in an undead siege, but can mostly get around with a cane.
Roleplaying: Basil spends his days relaxing and recovering from injuries. As an old guy, recovery takes longer for him. Meanwhile, he reads, chats with friends, and occasionally creeps on young beautiful people - especially slightly androgynous types. No one is havin' it, and fortunately his actions have never gone beyond solicitous speech.
Speech: Imagine a subtle standard "BBC" English accent. Say, "Quite," and "Indeed," as complete sentences. Use words like "brilliant," "smashing," and "fantastic" sparingly, as life isn't that exciting to you.
Trivia: Is not that good at chess.
Noteworthy Traits: Creeper, Kook (Illuminati)
Current Weapon: two foot mace, designed by Lashonda
Cliques: Old Weirdos, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Single, baby. Hit him up.
Beau Chardufond - Room 404
Roommates: None
Former Occupation: Corporate Geographical Surveyor
Archetype: Soldier
Specialties: Science Major, French Navy, Spy, Geological Survey
Height: 5'11"
Age: 30 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Homo Flexible
Race/Origin: White French
Religion: Atheist
Belief in Hell: Non
Description: Beau is a beautiful (mer?)man of action. After the navy, he specialized in gathering information for corporations. While working briefly with scientists at the University of Washington, he was caught in the zompocalypse. He doesn't like to believe in problems without solutions, so he has been hunting the mummies ever since he learned of them. He still feels bad about destroying zombies and hasn't done so more than a very few times, but has fewer qualms about burning the much deadlier ghosts. Since finding a kindred spirit in Seth, he has been a semi-regular resident of 403. He still goes out alone for long periods of time, and occasionally tempts Seth to disappear as well.
Roleplaying: Secondary character of active player, do not use.
Speech: Stereotypical, 'ow you say, French? Beau is more heavily accented than his fellow Frenchman Thierry, but to prevent that from becoming illegible, keep the number of changes per sentence low. For example, with the phrase "this and that," only substitute in a "z" for the beginning of one of the words, like "This and zat." Awkwardly pronounces Seth's name, which we write as "Sethe."
Trivia: Began zompocalypse in the U district, eventually working his way downtown via Fremont, Ballard, and Lower Queen Anne. First pet: Chou, actually. His chien current.
Noteworthy Traits: Extra Charisma, Driven to Defeat Mummies, Protection Tattoos (Satanism themed)
Current Weapon: bare hands
Cliques: 403 Building and random individuals - Seth, Casey, Thierry, Dr. Bebe, etc.
Relationship Status: Up to no good...
Dr. Bebe Melange - Room 605
Roommates: Breanne
Former Occupation: Experimental Neurologist
Archetype: Scholar
Specialties: MD, Neurology, Experimental Medicine, Post-Apoc Sawbones, Undead Scholar
Height: 5'9", 6'1" in heels
Age: 29 y/o
Gender: Cis Female
Orientation: Bi
Race/Origin: White American
Religion: Atheist
Belief in Hell: None
Description: This doctor of neurology was an early defector from the UWMRC enclave and quietly accepted a subordinate position to Dr. Victor at the 403 building's clinic. Her agenda seems to include discreetly boning interested men and women, and doing ill experiments on the supernatural. Genteel and maybe a touch classist, but always pleasant. Since Dr. Victor's coma, she has been the only formally trained doctor at the 403.
Roleplaying: Dr. Bebe is full of secrets, and that means mostly a GM character. But you can use her lightly for patching up your characters at the clinic. She works too much on experiments, often having Columbo or Cathleen tend to patient's minor problems, but is not above getting involved when they fall short. She is very pleasant with patients.
She has been known to creep on people in private, but only when they throw out some overt positive signs. That's not so much out of principles about consent as it is annoyance with the responses of fatphobic assholes.
Speech: White bread, plain, mildly cheerful, progressive. Doesn't tend to use lazy Americanisms like "ain't," sometimes uses too many big words, sometimes insensitive to class issues.
Trivia: She is an upper middle class Washington local, from the islands of Puget Sound. Now she has a few undead among her minions...
Noteworthy Traits: Creeper, Classist, Protection Tattoos (Satanism themed)
Current Weapon:vavavavoom
Cliques: General Hospital, 403 Building
Relationship Status: NSA with a few...
"Becky" Rebecca Fujioka - Room 510
Roommates: Joe
Former Occupation: Dilettante
Archetype: Athlete
Specialties: Creepy Art and Culture, Liberal Arts Education, Martial Arts Master
Height: 5'8"
Age: 21 y/o
Gender: Cis Female
Orientation: Hetero Flexible (Not that anyone knows.)
Race/Origin: Japanese American
Religion: Nihilist
Belief in Hell: None
Description: Together with Joe, escaped an enclave in Queen Anne that was wiped out by besieging undead - including Ab-Dhur. She was described by Joe as a quiet nihilist, and lives up to that reputation. Also, incongruously, she is a master of aikido. Now occasionally goes on long-range combat missions, such as mummy hunts.
Roleplaying: Despite her nihilism, she does prefer to see people treated with respect. She likes cracking morbid jokes and is more likely to aim them at you if she sees you denigrate someone for their appearance, orientation, or whatever. Mostly, she is a quiet buster of chops. Spends her time hanging out with Joe, Kyle, Jordan, others at random, or alone.
Speech: Plain American English, with few lazy notes. She usually speaks in short sentences, but can be aroused to talking quicker, with drink or company.
Trivia: Interests are on the intellectual side of gothy: the movies of Jan Svankmajer, the poetry of Lorca. First Pet: rabbit named Junko
Noteworthy Traits: Master of Aikido, Combat-Ready and Experienced, Upper Class Background, Creepy Demeanor, Protection Tattoos (Satanism themed)
Current Weapon: Creepy Demeanor
Cliques: Joe and Becky, 403 Building, random friends
Relationship Status: Single, mercifully. A few weird fellows are in her orbit...
NAME: Benjamin "Ben" Hanson - Room 504
Roommates: None
Former Occupation: Computer Programmer at Microsoft
Archetype: Scholar
Specialties: Computers, All Things Japan (Weeaboo), Kendo
Height: 5'8"
Age: 28 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Hetero
Race/Origin: White American
Religion: Casual Atheist
Belief in Hell: No
Description: Ben is a nerd who used to be way too preoccupied with all things Japan. Now he's preoccupied with zombie extermination. He's got bookcases full of manga and anime collections, some of it translated to English, and he used to take Kendo classes, because the Katana is the best sword ever. He's usually quite awkward around people, either being too shy or too blunt. His moral integrity is weak, but in the 403 community there is nowhere to hide, so that keeps him from doing anything that he thinks might make him unpopular with important people.
Roleplaying: This is a retired player character. Keep use to a bare minimum. He is often in charge of zombie genocide projects, so he might be seen giving suggestions for how to proceed with those. At the 403, dangerous work is strictly volunteer, so he would never bark orders.
Speech: Plain American English. Sometimes he'd say something more morbid than others would prefer - focusing too much on work, if you will.
Trivia: Ben's parents lived on the east side of Lake Washington, and may still be alive. Nearly dated Sonya once.
Noteworthy Traits: Original 403 Resident, Combat Ready (with a stick/sword), Nearsighted, Slow, Romantically Maladroit, Protection Tattoos (religion neutral)
Current Weapon: Bokken
Cliques: Council, BA / zombie genocide crew, Techies, ~Residents, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Single
Breanne Woolbright - Room 605
Roommates: Dr. Bebe
Former Occupation: Upscale Apartment Manager
Archetype: Family
Specialties: College Dropout, Office Work, Apartment Management, Mom Styles
Height: 5'5"
Age: 38 y/o
Gender: Cis Female
Orientation: Hetero
Race/Origin: White American (Ethnic Jew)
Religion: Casual Lutheran
Belief in Hell: No
Description: Breanne is basically nice, but her sassy judgemental attitude creeps out the side very easily. Her main duties at the 403 building are organizing efforts to furnish new people's rooms with beds, solar lights, and other basic needs, and to work with building maintenance people to repair problems. She also tries to promote harmony when occupants start to annoy their neighbors.
Roleplaying: Breanne has finally faced the reality that her son is gay, and as a liberal is accepting of that, but she isn't sensitive to all the nuances of contemporary progressive mores, so... Likely to mess up. Her son is always wincing about what awful thing she'll say next, but they still end up hanging out a lot. She is a very heteronormal mom type, so she also hangs out with the building's ladies, talking lady-type stuff.
Speech: Breanne is culturally Jewish American, and since the apocalypse, has started talking with a lot more Yiddish than she used to. Sprinkle text with Yiddish words and Jewish American sayings.
Trivia: Most desired thing she is missing: Cognac. Or her husband.
Noteworthy Traits: Fit to Run
Current Weapon: Yiddish vocabulary
Cliques: Regular Ladies, Harpies, Council, Techies, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Husband is missing. She feels he is probably dead (not as broken up about that as he'd probably hope), but won't look for someone new.
Bryce Woolbright - Room 507
Roommates: Kenny
Former Occupation: Assistant Apartment Manager / Lazy Bum
Archetype: Citizen
Specialties: Dilettante, Alt Med Dropout, Pop Culture Occult Lore
Height: 5'7"
Age: 20 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Gay
Race/Origin: White American (1/2 Jewish)
Religion: Casual Agnostic
Belief in Hell: None
Description: Bryce's parents were the managers at 403, and he often worked as a receptionist for them. (Very, very badly.) Bryce dropped out of alternative medicine school after a semester, and hadn't returned to doing much of anything. Often high/drunk/heavily medicated, when he isn't, he is very high-strung and anxious. Not very sociable, but pushes himself to stay engaged at least somewhat. Had a falling out with Kenny for a while, but they're roomies again. Hella snarky.
Roleplaying: Bryce can be a bit complicated. He has the following expressions possible: angry, blink, bored, concern, cool, cooleyebrow, coolheyo, coolsnarl, cry, eyebrow, eyeroll, frown, heyo, iguess, lol, nosir, pain, paranoia, sad, shock, smile, snarl, social, sorrow, terror, uateit, uncomfortable, upset, and whome.
He tries to play cool, occupy his hours, talk to others sometimes just to get outside of his head. But ultimately, people make him paranoid and he wishes he could curl up and blow away like a dead spider. Seth is another source of stress, with the constant pursuit of dangerous goals and all that. His mom is totally embarrassing, omnipresent, and just the worst.
Divides his time between cliques that affirm his manliness (Druggies, Domino Crew) and allow him some stereotypical gayness (Harpies).
Speech: Maybe a wee bit like "Wolf" from the Madrona campaign, but less military. He makes a lot of pop culture references. On rare occasion, drops a bit of Yiddish, though more likely to deploy white boy ebonics.
Trivia: Was discovered by Seth in some kind of torpid state, which was a bit romantic and led to them hooking up. Lived together for several months, but broke up in early fall. Missing dad was a lawyer. Likes root beer barrels and ice cream, not licorice. Into heavy metal.
Noteworthy Traits: High Strung, Some Kind of Personality Disorder, Protection Tattoos (Satanism themed)
Current Weapon: three foot light mace by Lashonda
Cliques: Domino Crew, Druggies, Harpies, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Occasionally dating a trans fellow named Peter from Tower 801, feeling messed up about Seth
Chantelle Gottschalk - Room 608
Roommates: Marie, Zoe
Former Occupation: Apprentice Chef
Archetype: Citizen
Specialties: Chef, DIY stylist, Crafts
Height: 5'7"
Age: 23 y/o
Gender: Cis Female
Orientation: Hetero
Race/Origin: White American
Religion: Casual Spiritual
Belief in Hell: None
Description: Chantelle was an apprentice chef at Cuoco, an upscale restaurant. She once went to art school and has many friends in the neighborhood that she worries about. Has an eccentric hipster style. Chantelle is kind but high strung, and often nags the people she cares about.
Roleplaying: Chantelle works for hours at a time, multiple times a day. In total, she probably works 9 hour shifts (down from 12) every day for weeks on end with frequently skipped (up from no) weekends. The only thing keeping that from being a total hellgrind is that she is the absolute master of her circumstance. No one asks anything of her except very gently and with generous praise, and she keeps dozens of people fed. She also organizes the production of things related to food, such as gardening and animal husbandry. Micah is her occasional sous chef, but more frequently helpful negotiating labor situations. Who'd have thought?
In her spare time, she is quick to take a drink, but only to moderation. Once she developed enough free time to have a boyfriend, she was quick to pick someone and stay with him, for convenience more than anything. She also cares for Zoe as much as possible, but has helped foster a lot of independence in the young child.
Speech: Chantelle is a standard white Seattle hipster. If something is nice, it's "amazing." If something is abundant, it is "ridiculous." She may sprinkle in black american words like "yo" from time to time, but is mostly pretty plain spoken.
Trivia: Chantelle doesn't like to go outside, due to a fear of finding out an old friend or associate has died. She knew many people in Seattle. Will go as far as the secured area reaches, including to the park and close enclaves.
Noteworthy Traits: No Combat Experience
Current Weapon: workohol breath
Cliques: Council, Farmers, Textiles, Art Kids, Regular Ladies, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Dating Woody Sharman
Chelsea Young - Room 511
Roommates: Mega, Nora
Former Occupation: Art Student (Undeclared Major)
Archetype: Delinquent
Specialties: Painting, Sculpture, Print, Wild Youth
Height: 5'6"
Age: 20 y/o
Gender: Cis Female
Orientation: Hetero Flexible
Race/Origin: White American (Arizona)
Religion: Some UFO Cult
Belief in Hell: None
Description: Chelsea is a nice, fairly hip girl from Nevada. One of the Cornish students rescued by the 403 team, she'd developed a bit of an attachment to Alex Pike. That didn't work out.
Roleplaying: Chelsea is a normal upper middle class hipster art student, from a southwest high desert hippy crystal UFO kind of background. She wants the world to be a better place and everyone to be in harmony and stuff, but those ideals don't keep pace with her youthful self-gratification.
Speech: Normal hipster. "Amazing," "Oh my god," "Honestly?," stuff like that. Slightly less likely to pepper speech with ebonics than east and west coast types.
Trivia: Thanks to the seductive powers of Esi Atieno and other dalliances since, Chelsea is well over the loss of potential Alex action in her life.
Noteworthy Traits: Careless, Ageist, Hipster
Current Weapon: buzzing implants
Cliques: Art Kids, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Only with the aliens, right now...
Columbo Chandler - Room 601
Roommates: Thierry, Sharma
Former Occupation: Computer Engineer
Archetype: Blue Collar
Specialties: Computer Engineering, Post-Apocalypse Sawbones
Height: 5'10"
Age: 42 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Hetero
Race/Origin: White Brasilian
Religion: Atheist
Belief in Hell: None
Description: Columbo is a weird bastard. This Brazilian has an odd accent, and a creepy persona. (Imagine him talking like Peter Lorre or Ren Hoek at all times, plz.) He was once a computer engineer for Amazon, coworker and friend of Thierry and Sharma. At 403, he was the first to fall into the thrall of the vampy Dr. Bebe, and now assists in the clinic full time.
Roleplaying: Columbo spends long hours in the clinic, and some of his rest time in the Comm Center upstairs - usually hanging out with coworkers from the clinic, or ThiShaCo types. He used to be more dissatisfied with his weird love life and look for a woman that would call him a lover and respect him and such, but he's settled into a comfortable routine there and doesn't bother creepin' anymore - usually.
Speech: Columbo has a weird accent. Imagine Peter Lorre, Ren Hoek, or Christopher Lambert. Occasionally, randomly convert an "i" sound into "ee." Use creepy metaphors or other language related to sex and death. Usually, stay calm in the face, while your words betray a person capable of having darkly violent thoughts. He generally knows how to curse in English, but can forget in the heat of an angry moment. Transpose words for hilarity. Note: In the clinic, all staff are called by their job title plus first name. He is Nurse Columbo, there's Nurse Cathleen, Dr. Bebe, etc.
Trivia: Columbo was a computer engineer, but is making quick progress toward being a reasonable post-apoc doctor.
Noteworthy Traits: Creeper
Current Weapon: four foot staff with metal reinforced heads by Lashonda
Cliques: ThiShaCo, General Hospital, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Seems satisfied with... whatever that situation is
Edda Eldred - Room 410
Roommates: Ricky
Former Occupation: Church Organist
Archetype: Family
Specialties: Mom, Musician, Bible Study
Height: 5'2"
Age: 45 y/o
Gender: Cis Female
Orientation: Gay (Closeted yea verily unto herself.)
Race/Origin: African American
Religion: Devout Pentecostal
Belief in Hell: Yes
Description: Edda is Ricky's mom, and was the Christian High Priestess of the El Corazon enclave, where she'd sometimes be willing to sing for parties and such. She formed the nexus of one of the large cliques there, but had a fit of hubris that left her back at 403 with very few friends in life.
Roleplaying: Is willing to live at the 403, but doesn't like it when El Corazon alumni visit from 320. She's less outspoken about her religious beliefs than she used to be, but doesn't keep them secret if someone brings it up. She is mostly socially conservative, but doesn't let hate be her sole motivation in life. She spends her time with the Regular Ladies and 403 Comm Center types, or helping with the kitchen. She appreciates that Tyrone wants to be friendly with her, but doesn't trust his easy ways.
Speech: African American dialect is usually subtle, with dropped Gs on "ing" words and such. Easily understood, she is sometimes very terse, but trying to be more pleasant.
Trivia: In trying to get away from Jordan's satanists, she led a faction to Tower 801. When Ricky fucked up there, he and Edda were kicked out. Tarina went with them, back to 403.
Noteworthy Traits: Loveable
Current Weapon: stick
Cliques: Edda's Peeps, Regular Ladies, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Widowed? She uses the possibility her husband is still alive as a way to avoid confronting her inner feelings.
Emmett Ocampo - Room 602
Roommates: Ivan
Former Occupation: Counselor
Archetype: Leader
Specialties: Counselor
Height: 5'4"
Age: 36 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Hetero
Race/Origin: Filipino American
Religion: Casual Catholic
Belief in Hell: Not really
Description: Emmett was a counselor in Queen Anne, taking in a concert after work when the soup went down. Formerly of twinkie joint enclave, now assuming his counseling job again for 403. He is a gentle, easy-going Seattleite, on the hippy side of hipster.
Roleplaying: Always trying to make peace, but not forcefully. Feels like people are good and can live in harmony, as long as their emotional needs are met.
Speech: Bland American style, rarely hipsterish.
Trivia: Tattooed and groovy.
Noteworthy Traits: Hipster, Fashionable, Good Therapist, Protection Tattoos (Christian themed)
Current weapon: kill 'em with kindness
Cliques: General Hospital, Twinkie Hater's Guild, 403 Building
Relationship Status: No one yet.
Ivan Ramos - Room 602
Roommates: Emmett
Former Occupation: Valet
Archetype: Citizen
Specialties: Driving, Streetwise
Height: 5'4"
Age: 36 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Hetero
Race/Origin: Filipino American
Religion: Casual Agnostic
Belief in Hell: None
Description: Ivan is a former valet and odd job guy, funny looking but with a casual confidence and urban charm that wins him affection from the ladies. First ally of Ashley in the apocalypse and his former roommate, he has since moved in with Emmett. After several months at the enclave, he finally has a steady girlfriend.
Roleplaying: Nothing is worth worrying about or hurrying over. Take it easy, unless danger is around. When fighting, hurry up and smash the enemy, so you can get back to taking it easy. The chore he does most often at the enclave is guard duty.
Speech: Ivan was raised in lower income environments with lots of minorities, so he speaks with an African American dialect with Latino hints, despite being a Filipino. He doesn't speak more than a little Tagalog. Think of a more smooth, easy-going version of the guys from the video to "Nasty Boys."
Trivia: He's been with a number of ladies at the enclave, mostly in one night stands and not necessarily of his choosing. Really wants current relationship to work.
Noteworthy Traits: Cool Guy, used to work at Amazon, Protection Tattoos (religion neutral)
Current Weapon: a thin, metal-reinforced three foot pole - by Lashonda
Cliques: Domino Crew, BA / Zombie Genocide Crew, Residents, 403 Building
Relationship Status: Dating Susie
Joseph "Joe" Song - Room 510
Roommates: Becky
Former Occupation: Clerk at outdoor supply place on Cap Hill
Archetype: Soldier
Specialties: Army Ranger Training, Odd Jobs, BS Dropout
Height: 6'2"
Age: 33 y/o
Gender: Cis Male
Orientation: Gay
Race/Origin: Korean American
Religion: Casual Atheist
Belief in Hell: No
Description: Tall Korean-American man who escaped from an overrun enclave in Queen Anne to the 403 building. Sustained some damage, but relatively minor compared to his companion. Several years ago, was kicked out of the military for DADT related reasons. Formerly in ranger school, he ended up doing retail on Cap Hill. He is a bit of a worrier on behalf of others, but not afraid of war.
Roleplaying: Joe always wants to be involved in the defense of the enclave, and offensive missions as well. He was never involved in actual combat before the zompocalypse, but is fully up to speed now. At home, he's boring. At war, he's paranoid, careful, and quick to use maximum force.
Speech: Joe is a pretty standard youngish American, known to drop a little California like "hella," but not as lazy as fratty dudebros. Try to convey that he's uptight about the dangers of the world - thinks people should take life seriously.
Trivia: Joe considers Ashley and Patti his best comrades in arms, and Becky his best friend. First pet: beagle named Spot.
Noteworthy Traits: Combat-Ready and Experienced, Hung Up on Protecting Seth - but starting to get over it, Protection Tattoos (religion neutral)
Current Weapon: prefers to use guns or Batons, settled on nothing
Cliques: Joe and Becky, BA / Zombie Genocide Crew, Fitness Dorks, 403 Building
Relationship Status: I dunno...