gah!!  I had a whole post typed up and ready to post for answers to the Questions posed by Kheric, and my browser tab crashed and I lost it all... Time to start it over now.  Truly heart-breaking..

Update is posted without further incident, huzzah!

Chandar has a population of roughly 800, 865 or so max probably.  News will likely spread pretty quickly that some outsiders are investigating the drug problem.

Thanks Eol, always nice to hear good things. 

If you want to pick a color for your character's dialogue that is fine, though you don't have to by any means.  I, myself, as DM, will be posting in the same green (green being my favorite color) I've been using for updates, and will likely be using various other colors for NPC dialogue, much like I did with good Capt Jirolin.

I'd like to also point out, in case anyone missed it, that an update has been posted in-game.

I am all for character text being other colors, as I have also gone with that in my own dialogue with Jirolin. 

I unfortunately cannot figure out how to link the QA thread with the updated editor, I tried. figured it out!

Giving each of you a quick look over Jirolin nods and to the surprise of a couple of you does not seem to be at all concerned with your race or choice of animal, almost as if he's used to seeing strange things. (as well he should be seeing as how Chandar is a common stopping point for people of all races, cultures, and backgrounds passing through on their way to Alabaster from Thornapple)

With the same authoratative tone he greeted you with he answers the questions, "It would seem that some unsavory types have set up shop somewhere nearby, maybe even within our walls, and are selling dangerous and highly addictive drugs.  We are not entirely sure when it started, as everyone seems to react differently.  What we do know is that several of our residents that have used the substance have had violent allergic reactions with one young woman even dying.  Others have had their behavior change, going from mild-mannered to raving lunatics, even attacking others believing them to be fiends of some kind.  Others still seem to have only mild, even minor, reactions such as their hair changing color, their fingernails growing several inches in an hour, or losing their sense of taste even." He pauses, ever so briefly, to makes sure you're absorbing the information and then continues, "My guards are stretched thin just rounding up the people who end up exhibiting destructive behavior and protected the residents from harm that we really have made no progress in determining where the drugs are coming from or who may be selling them.  I'd like you to perform an in-depth investigation to determine what you can find out and do what you can to put an end to this once and for all."

He then reaches into a belt pouch at his hip and pulls out 4 polished medallions (image below) and hands one to each of you, "These will mark you as official representatives of the guard and will afford you certain privileges within the town's walls.  Perhaps most useful of which is the fact that you will be provided with free room and board at the Two Moons just over there in the square." He points toward the central market, indicating a green roofed Inn with a painted sign depicting two crescent moons hanging above the door.  "It is there that you will be able to rest during the night, receive your meals, and attend to any other business you may need during your stay here.  Please note however that alcoholic beverages will not be provided free of charge and you will have to purchase those yourself should you choose to imbibe."  With that he gives you a small salute and asks, "Any further questions I can address?"

Medallion:

((Given that I indicated the guards all wear indigo I thought it only fitting that I do his dialogue in indigo as opposed to my usual green, and it feels further fitting that I do all OOC notation moving forward in the dark red like this.))

ARRIVAL:

(For those arriving by barge)
The barge pulled into port in the logging town of Chandar around Midday on this muggy summer day in the month of Sarenith (June). Summer had only recently started and already the temperature was reaching heights unseen in years, this summer promised to be a hot, miserable, uncomfortable one.
A couple of sweaty dockhands come over to aid in unloading the cargo from the barge and offer assistance transitioning from the rocking barge platform onto the solid, stable pier beneath their feet. A shift in the light summer breeze causes the smell of the livestock pens within the towns walls to hit your nostrels, mingling with the smells of the river and the sweaty laborers. Heading for the entrance through the walls a notice catches your eyes displayed just before entering the town.

Visitors, Travelers, & Adventurers!
Chandar beseeches your aid in a matter that
threatens to disrupt our way of life and the
local economy.
Should you desire to offer assistance you
will be compensated for your time and effort.
Lodging and meals will be provided as well.
For more information please come to the barracks
and seek out Captain Jirolin Urtius of the Chandari Watch.

For some reason this plea for help piques your interest, even if just for the most selfish of reasons, and you decide you can delay reaching wherever your final destination may have been in order to help the residents of this simple town. If you ask one of the dock workers, or any other random townie for that matter, they will advise that the barracks can be found along the western wall after passing through the market square in the center of town.

(Coming from Norwood)
Even within the shady confines of Norwood the summer heat had reached the Elves, but even so you were not prepared for just how much worse it is upon stepping out of the shade and into direct sunlight. The faint breeze really only served to push the humid air over your skin, making it even more uncomfortable, but you were not going to let the weather deter you from your course. Following the packed dirt road that the loggers used for their carts you find your way to the entrance of the human settlement and come across the same notice that was posted near the dock-side entrance. Upon seeing the homes of the middle to upper class residents of this town you recall your childhood growing up in Alabaster among the humans before leaving it all behind to live in the Wilds with your own people and immediately shake loose these memories, they would be of no use to you in this endeavor. Since you were already on your way to meet with a figure of authority it seems only logical that you also seek out this Captain Jirolin. You can easily see the barracks from where you enter Chandar.

(Jirolin)
Upon reaching the barracks you find yet another copy of the posted notice pleaing for help and standing next to it is a tanned human, he is tall without being towering as he stands just under 6 feet tall, wearing a polished breastplate over an indigo tunic (which you assume is extra hot in this heat), the color of which you've noticed patrolling guards wearing. He smiles at your approach, which accents a jagged scar running from his right ear to his chin. His voice is authorative without sounding condecending or overly gruff, "Have you come regarding the Call to Action we've posted? My guards are already stretched thin and we could certainly use any help we can get."

Just wanted to point out I have added some information regarding the world to the front page, as well as a link to the world map.

I just want to post a quick bit so we're all on the same page on the how and why of this group coming together with no real common ties.  I will be working on the assumption that the four of you will all be arriving in Chandar at around the same time, likely via the same ferry (with the exception of the Ranger who actually is "local" hailing from the nearby woods) and finding a notice posted asking for assistance with a problem, with promise of a reward and instructions to find the Captain of the Guard if you are interested in helping.  Your motivation for taking this job will be your own, be it the reward, the recognition, boredom, or just an excuse to rough someone up without being on the wrong side of the law.  So once the game starts (still waiting on a couple sheets, no rush though) I will be starting it at the point of you all meeting the Captain, feel free though to post about your trip, your arrival, observations, etc when you post.

On a side note, once we get going and the inevitable combat breaks out, I would prefer if combat posts gave tactics for 3 rounds of combat to help keep combat from lagging too much.  It will also help me significantly if you post any applicable to hit and damage numbers with your posts.  As an example, let's say combat breaks out between the group and a couple of drug dealers (this is after all the core of this adventure); one player may post something along the lines of "[Insert character name] attempts to move into a flanking position along with [other character] and will strike with his [weapon of choice] until the enemy drops and will then move to assist other teammates with any remaining enemies." ((+5 to hit, +7 if flanking  1d8+3 damage)). Also if any effect has a saving throw, please include the save type and DC. ((Fort Save DC 15 or similar))

This allows me to go through several rounds of combat without having to worry about waiting for posts for each individual round, and with the bonuses right here I will need to consult your sheet less which will save me time and allow me to post updates much faster.

I haven't finished the series yet, but I have enjoyed it thus far.  I have to agree it would make for a fun dystopian future setting for a sci-fi game.   "Re-sleeving" makes for an easy way to deal with PC death, assuming their stack is intact, resulting in only needing to alter physical stats and abilities to match the new body.

While this adventure may be focused around a single town I've decided I will be posting the world map as well as other information about the world as your characters would likely have a better knowledge of the world outside Chandar than they do about the town itself.

World Map

Chandar is the dot beneath the lower river next to the large forest (the raised green area) the dot at the mouth of the river is the port city of Thornapple (a Large City) where most of the sea-based trading takes place, barges travel up the river, making a stop at Chandar usually before continuing up river and through the mountain pass on to the Capital of Alabaster (the white square with a silver X), the only Human Metropolis on the continent (for those of you who had metro homelands in your backgrounds).  The Village of Rocperch is the dot along the mountains that line the Eastern Coast, situated within a hollow in the range reachable through a cramped ravine passage, Rocs are especially prominent in these parts, nesting in the mountains above the village.  The Forest that dominates the northern edge of the continent is known as the Sylvan Woods and is home to Elves, Fey, and those they see fit to allow to stay.  Powerful, wild magic runs rampant within its borders, and the great Elven Metropolis of Myrtheplith (Honoured of the Forest in the common tongue) stands deep within the woods as a bastion of knowledge, art, and beauty.  The settlement to the far south, Stonewater, is another settlement similar in size to Chandar that specializes in fishing the dangerous frigid waters.  That patch of blue and black is a swamp, in case you were wondering.

South, beyond the treacherous stretch of frozen ocean known as the Sea of Shards, lies a frigid continent much like our own Antarctica, where only the hardiest of people choose to live among the dangerous denizens of this unforgiving tundra.  There are no permanent settlements, tribes move with the food and settling for too long is not an option.

The desert continent across the sea is barely fleshed out at this point as neither of the games I am running in this world have had reason to go across the sea to the barren desert lands beyond.  It is a land of hot sands, blistering sun, and scorching winds run by trade princes who have found ways to capitalize on various resources such as oil, valuable minerals found within the sands, or even relics of long lost civilizations.  Slavery, while uncommon in the lands of the green continent (I haven't come up with names for the continents yet), is quite common across the sea, and in fact few blink an eye at the idea as it is all they have ever known.

Kheric is a Dhampir Swashbuckler played by Nomad D2.

The Card used to influence this character was Nirkana Assassin.

As with all of these PC Detail posts, details have been left vague on purpose.

DM Observations:
Despite his clear heritage Kheric seems to be the most compassionate member of the group and has taken reluctantly to the role of "face" doing the talking.  Even if his words fell on deaf ears, literally, it was clear in his pleas with Adamo that he wanted to help the poor soul improve his lot.  Either that or he is simply charming and deceptive much like his vampiric ancestor and using his honeyed words to get what he wants, only time will truly tell.

Yanyeeku, or simply Yan, is a Kitsune Witch with a Flying Squirrel familiar played by Chessicfayth.  As it stands however the group has only seen Yan's human guise and are unaware he is a Kitsune.

In order to diversify the character (make him non-human) this character was generated by random rolls rather than a Magic Card.  BTW Chess, if you have a particular image you'd like posted seeing as how everyone else has their card here, let me know and I can add it.

DM Observations:
Yan has brought a sense of mystery to the group, first with the revelation of the drugs magical aura, and later again with the reveal of his familiar and patron to the group.  It is clear the group will likely have to rely on his magical expertise in dealing with the more mystical aspects of the drug and their investigation.

Asoel is an Elven Ranger specialized in quick attacks with a spear, played by Decicio.

The Card that influenced this character is Norwood Ranger.

Fun fact; the woods that the people of Chandar do their logging in has been dubbed Norwood because this card was drawn and it seemed fitting to integrate this into the world itself.

DM Observations:
Asoel seems less enthusiastic to deal with people and seems out of his element and perhaps even a bit uncomfortable being back among Human civilization.  He does also seem to possess a surprising amount of knowledge for such a "young" Elf, relatively speaking.  His keen senses are always scanning the surroundings though and taking in details other less observant companions may overlook due to the breakneck speed at which the shorter-lived races live their lives.

Iaka Arona is a Ratfolk Fighter (Cad Archetype) who rides a Giant Rat, played by Schnozzle. 

The Card influencing this Meteor Hammer wielding Cad was Nezumi Cutthroat.

DM Observations:
Iaka appears to have a bit of a temper, seems prone to outbursts, and displays a disregard or perhaps even contempt for authority figures as evidenced by his interactions with the sickened guard after Adamo's gruesome demise.  He does not show any aversion to using intimidation tactics either judging from the fact his first instinct was to brandish his weapon when trying to interview the prisoner.

RUMORS:

LEADS:
  Adamo Ulfa: Deceased prisoner, died during interrogation attempt.

DISTRACTIONS: 

The Two Moons Inn:  The Two Moons Inn, the group has been informed, is to be their unofficial base of operation within the town, room and meals to be provided by the owner, Wynna.  Though they have yet to visit the Inn or interact with the owner, this is sure to be an important spot where many hours will be spent.

Jirolin Urtius: Jirolin is a human standing just under 6 feet tall, and Captain of the Guard in Chandar.  He provides your characters with information as well as "Watch Medallions" in order to get you started on your quest.  See below, but older with some grey to his hair which is also a little longer, and indigo for the clothy bits rather than the brown this image has so much of.