sewyrnFirst off, I want to say that I am deeply saddened and despondent over the destruction of Columbia. The tragedy, like September 11th, isn’t an American one but human one. It’s my personal faith that humanity’s two main tasks are to protect nature and (centuries from now) transport it to other life-sustaining planets. Thus environmentalists and astronauts are my heroes.
That being said: I think this is a powerful event and I intend to use it in my campaign.
My game takes place roughly in the present and the big upcoming event is Ascension Day. In past episodes, the Occult Underground has gone from cold war to hot in anticipation of 3/3/03. All the major Godwalkers are either setting up elaborate rituals to ascend or desperately defending their mantle from upstarts. Adepts are sticking by their friends or going mercenary as the big guns come out. Still, a good majority of the community believes that the significance of the date is imaginary and don’t see what the hubbub is. Sure it may be a good day to ascend, but it’s not like the Godhead is close to completion yet. Right?
But Columbia changes that. The symbolism and power of the event is unmistakable. The Comet. The harbinger of the end of the world. It’s always been the symbol of change and new cycles beginning. The date is unmistakable. First Day of the Second Month of the Third Year. 01-02-03. It’s like a countdown to the number three.
And that’s enough for the fence sitters. The hot war becomes a frenzy. The occult underground goes primetime with street-battles, ritual murders and gratuitous displays of the paranormal. The Sleepers are overwhelmed and retreat to their compounds to wait out the riots. Abel’s army loses men and resources faster than it can recoup them. Mak Attak decides it’s time for a free toy giveaway and starts handing out charged food like there’s no tomorrow.
I’ve decided I’ll never talk about what or who might have caused the Columbia disaster. No secret conspiracy or mystical terrorists. I think THAT might be in bad taste. For all intents and purposes it’s just poor maintainace and bad luck.
But how people respond to the tragedy is fair game and in my story it will be significant. The reaction in the underground is that Ascension Day is ON this century. And it’s the big one. The last one.
Thoughts? Have I crossed a line?
PeterAmthorHave you crossed a line? Not in my mind. Of course I am somebody who was talking on the effects of the 9-11 disaster would have in the Kult cosmology on the Kult forums a while back.
Anyways I am glad you brought up what you did. The Comet and the date are two really neat things that I never noticed or thought of before. My UA games take place about six month behind regular time so I may work this into it.
WiretrippaI think the idea of an occult ‘hot’ war and its possible ramifications should be played with a little more. Remember what happens if you wake the tiger.
sewyrnWell, I ran my game and a couple players groaned and turned a little green at the mention of Columbia, but it was soon forgotten as I concentrated on my description of the underground’s hysterical response.
For those of you with an L.A. Times account (It’s free), there is an article on Omens, Warfare and the Columbia Disaster. It’s worth checking out.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.