Black Sun Rising
The first you notice is the smell of water, flat and cold upon your senses and the dry shift of sand upon your cheek. All is quiet and the gentle kiss of wind is not enough to stir the grains around you, leaving you in a world where even the sound of your breath is loud on the air. For one interminable heartbeat you lay there on the sand unsure whether your eyes are open or closed for no matter how you try the deepest darkness meets your gaze.
It does not last though and the night is fractured by the deepest blue that picks out the horizon, and illuminates the branches of the trees that mark the edge of the river that slowly makes its way past your resting place. A scene that would be desolate if not for the moving shapes that dot the landscape, people. You are not alone here.
This is enough to force you to your feet and the sand shifts through your fingers, the grains run smooth by the endless passing of the river and it captures your attention with rising shock. It is black like ash, yet it is no powder. The sand of this world is as black as the sun that begins to rise over the horizon. Yet still it lights this world.
The oddity of this place should concern you, you know, yet it speaks to something deep within you and you cannot help but feel a strange sort of peace. Almost as though the problems that burdened you in life have left you for your fleeting time here. Besides those who walk past you in a slow, but endless stream, seem unconcerned; their eyes finding yours before moving on.
Your hand drops and those black grains tumble back into the desert at your feet as a shadow falls over you. Your gaze rising to meet the face of a man who has seen so many years and wrinkled from every time his smile has graced him and, as though it is infectious, you feel yourself smile as well even though you cannot understand the words he speaks. You reply with a shrug that seems so universal as he laughs and only then you see it.
His hand extends towards you as if beckoning, calling you to join him on his journey. Yet through it you see the barest outline of the desert beneath you both. Your foot moves of its own accord and forces you back and away from this dead man; he travels a road that is not yet your own. You wish you could explain but your language divides you still so all you can do is shrug once more.
His face falls and he takes his own step back as his arm rails in your direction as he speaks in rushed, hoarse tones. You take a step towards him seeking to calm his temper even as he scrabbles back towards the river at his back. Was he truly so angry for you not joining him?
It is then you realise his gaze is not on you but behind you.
With growing fear you turn, not wanting to see what could scare a dead man so and you wish you had not looked. You barely have chance to take in the chaotic form, the evil in that gaze before the flash of metal approaches your face.
…
Far away from the desert of strange sand you wake caught in the memory of the place of the black sun.
The dream sticks with you well into the next day. Leaving you resolved that it was far from a normal dream.
You have to do something.
It is up to you how your character responds.
The dream would leave your character with a sense that they needed to find out what the dream/vision was all about. If just for your piece of mind.
Any research would lead you towards books and websites about Ancient Egypt and odd news clippings of Seth and Kahi in Millennium City.
Hacking UNTIL would reveal strange reports of their goings on (an industrious person that may be feeling very bored may find some on my DA gallery) and would provide ways of contacting them including mobile numbers and addresses in Millennium City.
Where you go from here, is up to you.
Contents
THE HISTORY
Black Sun Rising Industries, or as it was known, BSR Inc, was founded during the first large economic boom of the industrial revolution. Backed by a family with large material wealth they cornered the market on several leading advances and quietly held sway at more than one leading university funding the research of any project that interested them. While buying shares in companies that resulted in their own business doing far better than it would without them.
A major player in the economic scene all public knowledge of them slowly began to disappear in the nineteen thirties and by the time the Second World War started they were far from the public eye. Apparently defunct, and completely left to the history books, they continued on with perfect secrecy on the same path as before. The rise of the superhero, from the meddling of the Nazis in forces they did not understand, only increased their range and their recruiting pool.
Their secrecy remains perfect and no stock market will show their presence on the trading floor, indeed they could not for it is still strictly a family affair. Though many rumours still whisper of a shadowy organisation working behind the scenes in research and in government. Half whispered tales of agents working to better the cause of some unknown group. Conspiracy mungers would call them the agents of the Illuminati, the free masons and even agents of Viper. Who knows how they would react if they knew the truth.
CURRENT KNOWN MEMBERSHIP
Leaders
Seth
Name: Seth
Primus: Here
The enigmatic President and owner of Black Sun Rising Incorporated. Seth is a dark skinned, snappy dressed man of mystery whose polite manner and seemingly calm nature belie unbelievable truths about his person. With an often humorous, distant regard he claims to seek change and the betterment of this world.
Kahi
Name: Kahi
Primus: Here
Vice-President of a family owned business; it is not a secret that she claims to be Seth’s daughter. A polite woman of perfect poise she conducts herself with a cool professionalism when dealing with BSR’s business—in private life too she is a hard woman to get to know. Usually seen with a calm perfect smile, there is little that seems to phase her at all.
Officers
Black Corsair
Name: Elizabeth McAllistair
Primus: Here
A member of BSR’s extreme situation Response Team, Elizabeth is one of the team’s Mission Captains. A reserved beauty of average height Elizabeth can often seem muted compared to other members of the Team, understated as her skin is pale she often only speaks when poignance has her words hit home with precision akin to her marksmanship. She is confident in her abilities, and often unflappable towards the dangers she faces on a daily basis, yet trouble always seems to dog her heels. She can be tricky to get to know, and is often full of surprises even once someone thinks they've figured her out.
Slick
Name: Slick
Primus: Here
The man in the red-racing suit; wearing a racing helmet as a rule he chooses to obscure his identity behind the opaque visor of his characteristic accessory. In his words, Slick is a weird one, but this fact of his biology has made him resilient to the problems and situations he faces as the Response Teams other Mission Captain. A young kind heart that always tries to do the right thing, Slick has in the past taken losses hard and yet to his deserved credit; he does always hold onto hope and return to his post with new determination.
Varel
Name: Varel
Primus: Here
The Pale Lady, Varel is an often dominating if cool presence in any conversation. She is BSR’s current head of Magical Research and Development and notably skilled in the area to suit her role. Her knowledge and experience make her a very valuable asset to the company, and indeed a very strong ally to the discerning hero. Her motives often stem from raw intellectual curiosity and on occasion she can seem cold to righteous motivations and the plight of others—she still does find it important to aid her current allies.
Security
Cross
Name: Cross
Primus: Here
Soldiers never change. The man with shaven head, rugged and well-built an individual known as Cross, or Mr. Cross dependent upon your need of him is BSR’s Security Chief with regard to the Response Team. He leads at least thirty men currently at the behest of his employers—all ex-military personnel in one sense or another, his precision and professionalism is a necessity he fills to Kahi and Seth’s appreciation. If a member of the Response Team finds themselves in hot water with any number of threats, it is Mr. Cross made responsible for keeping them safe. He has yet to lose a soul.
Lt Sholtz
Name: Lt Sholtz
Primus: Here
Deep Field Agents
Nalmeera
Name: Caoilainn McKenna
Primus: Here
A diminutive woman of sharp wit, often original if strange dress sense and joyous vices; Caoilainn is an immensely intelligent member of BSR’s Response Team and indeed part of the management. Recent events have left her in a rather closed position and also left her feeling no-little spite towards her superiors; she has however yet to leave the company for remarkable, but mostly private reasons. A Magic practitioner of some skill and dexterity—her true mastery lies in her ability to plan ahead and utilize unexpected magics in her often superior tactics.
Frost
Name: Frost
Primus: Here
Mitsuko
Name: Mitsuko
Primus: Here
Cache
Name: Cache
Primus: Here
A young woman, a soldier that has close personal ties to both the President and Vice-President of BSR, Cache is a one-woman battalion. Carrying remarkable fire-power, ace-piping accuracy thanks to her technological enhancements and out-right skill Cache has proven to be an unstoppable force when it comes to superior fire-power. Often some-what troubled, she has a good deal of insecurity to deal with and while this does sometimes lead her not to make the best first impression; she has made many friends and allies in her years of service.
Nemesis
Name: Nemesis
Primus: Here
Field Agents
Scarlet Robe
Name: Cassandra Scarlet
Primus: Here
The Response Team’s go-to ‘medic’, the white-haired woman is equipped with magical potential while hard earned, is now an intrinsic piece of her being. Often wearer of a dreadful looking mask, the Red Witch’s characteristic robes make her a point of interest in any gathering—close held ideals of Justice and new desire to do good make her a valuable practitioner of the Magic arts.
Clear
Name: Clear
Primus: Here
A tall, well-built woman whose obvious physical attributes are best described as buxom, even intimidatingly beautiful. Clear is a technological marvel—an Artificial Intelligence set up within the company to learn and grow in this modern world. Her manner often lacks the subtle nuances of social interaction expected of a person, yet the synthetic woman is learning more day-by day; she has recently mastered her smile. She is learning directly from several members of the organisation, including both Kahi and Seth.
Karn
Name: Karn
Primus: Here
Somewhat rough and ready, Karn or Karl as he often introduces himself is a well-groomed individual whom does give off the impression of secret fierceness in his manner. Disciplined, trained and while relatively new to the group at the time of this writing, Karn is already making loyal links to his fellow members and the management. He has been tipped for good things, given his effort and abilities.
Superia
Name: Superia
Primus: Here
The cape-wearing super-powered woman is notable by her attractive dark skin, superbly muscled frame and femininity which does not dull the threat she might pose to any adversary. She holds a keen sense of combat and desire to test her abilities—she approaches any situation with a moral clarity not often seen in BSR. While it may put her at odds with some individuals, it has yet to spark any upset and Superia remains a welcome member of the Response Team.
Franz
Name: Franz
Primus: Here
A loathsomely untidy, often dirty pale young woman that initially brings to mind tenebrous thoughts of malnourishment and even neglect of her being; Franz is an unusual girl set for big things—or a sadly unremarked quiet end. Her future is very much to be decided as a member of the Response Team and while her relatively short past has left her with so much history, Franz is a potent individual versed in magic; a skill which she delights in feeding whether by practice or perverse experimentation. Run when she smiles.
Harley
Name: Harley Harrison
Primus: Here
Gritty, determined, strong-willed and young—these are all things that describe the young woman well. Often cocky in her attitude she is very good at putting up a front, a fortress about her obvious and well-earned insecurities and she has a long way to go to work out her many flaws. Currently under the private tutelage of the company’s Vice President, Harley is learning a great deal and striving to become as strong as she possibly can. What she intends to do when this goal is achieved is still a mystery, even to her.
Gemini
Name: Gemini
Primus: Here
A strong individual who often keeps to herself, her alien nature is some-what given away by her mode of dress and her manner of speech. This individual has proven her ability in several emergency situations, but more recently and markedly has been the target of terrible intentions. Unusually calm in any situation, Gemini is a worthy ally and a curiosity worth investigating.
Soul
Name: Soul
Primus: Here
A darkly clad, darkly humoured individual of impressive fighting skill, Soul is a valuable member of the Response Teams occasional make-up. He has proven himself against terrible and unknown foes more than once and while he doesn’t tend to stick around for social interaction, he is still relied upon to apply his skill when needed.
STANDING WITH UNTIL
BSR has always had an interesting and, at times somewhat strained, relationship with UNTIL. Viewed sometimes as a helpful ally that supples top of the range equipment and both scientific and magical knowledge; at others as a potential threat with the web of secrets that surrounds them. Their true loyalties are hard to understand through such impressive obfuscation and UNTIL would have revealed them long before now were it not for the worry that they would be angering a group with a far greater reach than its own. Enough of a thought to make any General blush.
KNOWN FOCUS
While weapons development would be the usual focus of any company with this level of control BSR appears to care little for it and creates weapons more as a side effect to their other efforts and to aid them, rather than the goal. Instead the focus seems to be more on aspects that are more peculiar.
Behind the front that produces opiates for the masses on a grand scale and researches the important technologies you've never needed to know about inside your mobile phones, your cars and your homes, is curiosity. It is the only word to describe what truly occupies their mind.
Here magic is scrutinised as much as science, tearing it apart to find the secrets each spell held. Science and technology were pushed to their furthest and made to be a slave to the chained down and controlled breed of magic their labs became specialised in. Their research had only become easier after the Nazis had tipped the balance and allowed this universe to run with magic once more.
They are hoarders too. The greatest magical marvels are brought here to be inspected and stored away from those the company consider too 'amateur' for such things.
LIFE IN BSR
Many roles are available for the interested in BSR. Each is unique and offers its own challenges and while some are listed below there is always the role that is never quite on their books. You have to wonder what role is so strange that not even BSR keeps adequate records of their activities.
Mission Captain
BSR prides itself on its knowledge and skills, keeping those that work for it at the peak of their abilities and helping them learn new ones. As such the Captain's of the response team have to have shown the very peak of ability even to be considered for the role. Responsible for the leadership of the response team both on sight and on a day to day basis it is these individuals the rest will turn to; not only to survive but to find one of the many victories Black Sun has been favoured with over the years.
Deep Field Agent
The Deep Field agent often works alone (although teamwork is usually necessary in the finale of any mission) to procure or investigate anything that takes the company's interest. The nature of the job often means they are left with copious amounts of free time interspersed with moments of extreme excitement. All Field Agents need to be able to defend themselves and the Deep Field Agent must have a proven track record of success and maturity in the face of danger. It is one thing to survive and it is quite another to come out on top against supposedly insurmountable odds. This is what a Deep Field Agent can do. Despite the dangers this is not a task for the reckless and if it is they do not have the job for long. Death often weeds out those who were not suitable.
Field Agent
The mainstay of the organisation the field agent works on the front line of the organisation. They are under the direct command of the captains and are expected to follow those orders without question... within reason. Headhunted, or found on the streets of the city they work to defend, they fight the larger battles that UNTIL can't or won't fight. Yet such a large and powerful force as the agents become together can often bring terrible evils into their sights. The battlegrounds they walk can be dark and difficult but with the unique skills the agents bring to bear there is little they cannot achieve.
The Security
Any company needs security, BSR most of all. Those who join the security teams will have a life devoted to keeping the secrets and guarding the doors of a world they need not totally understand but can be thrilled by anyway. More than just the man behind the desk giving out security cards, they are the bodyguards, the security details and meetings that 'never happened' and the ones who ensure BSR stays exactly where it wants to. Often these are the ones who join UNTIL on their missions and keep up their public relations. Only the most skilled of fighters can join these ranks.
Researcher
For those with an intellectual bent this is perhaps the perfect career. With openings in all areas of scientific endeavour any interest can be explored here. Indeed self exploration is encouraged for those who rise high enough to be trusted with such things. However any demonologist will be hindered here as summoning is strictly forbidden unless in a life or death situation. Technological research will take those with a passion for the new to any area of development that they want, giving them free reign to design and create the future.
The work may often involve long and often unsociable hours but it's because the researchers have no desire to leave their labs and not because they're chained there. While the mug of ever present coffee is optional it is usually how they manage to get through the day.
THE SHADOW NEXUS
With a desire to keep as much secret from UNTIL, and the world, as possible BSR had to find its own way to communicate as modern technology made much that they had used before too public. The Shadow Nexus, as it was named by its overly gothic creator, was the solution.
A network of satellites of BSR's own making, or software ghosting inside those of others, it creates a web that surrounds the planet allowing access for agents anywhere at anytime. With a rotating frequency it is as guarded as any modern signal can be. The usefulness of it means that members of BSR's organisation use it more for casual purposes than for actual official means.
This form of communication needed its own modified device, and so alongside the Shadow Nexus the Black Bracelet was born. A Technomancy project of the highest order it is part communicator, part holographic computer. While it isn't able to play snake or other once traditional mobile phone applications it does allow face to face communication, navigational controls, data recording and access to BSR's own range of software that makes each one a highly bespoke piece.
