The Plot
The University of Reading is one of the top Universities in the UK, with a range of departments where students can further their education. Student life is not just about books and essays, it's about partying, finding oneself and having a good time. The University of Reading is no exception to this rule, and like all Universities it caters to all species. Vampires, witches, and shapeshifters live and learn alongside the humans.
Anyone could be a supernatural creature; a fellow student, a campus employee, your roommate, your lecturer, or even your partner. Not only would you never know, but the idea that vampires, witches and shapeshifters exist would never occur to you.
For many generations, Reading and it's University has been a safe place for all species. In the last few weeks the bodies of two vampires (one born and one made) and one shapeshifter (a wolf) have been found and hidden just in time. If the bodies were found by the human authorities it would announce the existence of the supernatural species. The vampires, witches and shapeshifters are worried that a group of hunters has moved into the area. Some are scared and are being careful, while others are angry and out to stop the hunters before anyone else dies.
It is the evening of the second day of Fresher's week at the University, the week before classes officially start for the University year 2007/2008. Fresher's week is in full swing as the University and older students welcome the new first years (Freshers), helping them make new friends and settle in to University life. There are lots of events, pub crawls, and lots of parties. As everyone gets settled in, some of the supernatural creatures are keeping an eye out for anyone suspicious as they try to identify the hunters that have already killed three people.
Details of the Deaths
The bodies of the two vampires and wolf shapeshifter were found by NPCs who will not be named or played. The wolves were given their member to bury, and the NPCs buried the bodies of the two vampires. Each Clan and Coven leader was notified of what has happened, and what they have told their members is up to them. There is no formal arrangement between the three species, and no governing body, so it was in everyones best interests not to make a formal announcement - no one wanted a full scale panic or to start a massive hunt for revenge. So at the moment there are bits of information and rumours going around (especially amongst the vampires), as well as whatever the Coven/Clan leaders have told their groups. The rumours most likely came from whatever the Covens and Clans have been told, as well as general gossip.
What is known is this: the species of each of the deceased, how they died, where they died and their names. Who, what, when and how will be found out as the RPG goes on.
The dead are:
Bryce Collins
Species: Wolf Shapeshifter
Age: 45
Died from: Fatal silver wound to the chest
Occupation: House wife
Peter Banbrooke
Species: Born Vampire (Lineage; Kilgar)
Age: 136
Died from: Decapitation
Occupation: Student; Maths
Roger Lewis
Species: Made Vampire
Age: 24 (newly made vampire - sire is an NPC)
Died from: Throat slashed with wood
Occupation: Unemployed
All were killed differently and there is no obvious connection between the killings either. The fact that there have been three different bodies has lead to the suspicion of hunters. When the bodies were discovered they were taken to the local morgue to be seen by Alec Meadows, the Senior Pathologist and a wolf shapeshifter. It was him that did the autopsy and then disposed of the bodies so they would not be found by the humans.
Unfortunatly, Alec had a conference scheduled and a few days ago he left for London. He left two staff members behind that knew what happened to the bodies; a wolf shapeshifter called Paige O'Connor, and a vampire called Maurice Lawley. Paige is the only one that students will have access to, so anyone wanting to know details about the murders are best trying to speak to her ;)
Current Time & Events
Date: Wednesday 15th September
Time: 12:00pm
Weather: Overnight the weather warmed up, banishing the chilly weather of the previous evening. The sky is clear, and it is warm and sunny.
Events of Note:
1) There are library induction courses for all new students at various times throughout the day, starting at 10am. Each course lasts 30 mins and new students were given a time for their course.
2) There are try outs for sports teams taking place (times and details are up to you guys).
3) There are 'welcome freshers' meetings taking place all over campus for societies and subjects (times and details are up to you guys).
4) In the evening the BOTB competition will be continuing at the same venue at 8pm. Tickets from the previous night are still valid, some new tickets are available. Reading University is holding the competition for the bands of Reading. The night before it was being held in one of the sports halls until the hall had to be evacuated due to someone triggering the fire alarm.