CHAPTER 1: The Strange Publication

[Ellie]

Chapter One: The Strange Publication

The RP that will happen will be based on what happens after the events of Chapter One.
A single manila folder rested upon a polished mahogany desk, its appearance simplistic and uninteresting if not for the bold print labeling it as ‘CLASSIFIED’. Even then, the head editor thought, one could not have guessed, on the day of its arrival two weeks ago, what turmoil it would wreck in that quaint little office. No sir! This was certainly a most peculiar document.

As he contemplated the contents of the folder a bead of sweat dripped from his brow and, hesitantly extending a hand, he cautiously flipped to the front page. Sliding the file across the table to the company’s sponsor the man then proceeded to withdraw an additional stack of papers from a drawer to his left. Presenting these to the man as well, the head editor at last spoke.

“Sir, are you absolutely certain you want the publication of this article? After all, considering the nature of the information disclosed-“

“Oh? I was of the opinion that La Conspiración specialized in publishing articles of the nature.”

“Yes, yes but that was all balderdash! Nonsense! Invented garbage! This, on the other hand…” Pointing at the stack of papers he had withdrawn from his desk the head editor continued, “Was researched by our journalists and found to be…” he paused, choosing his words carefully before he uttered a single word: “Plausible.”

At this the sponsor scoffed, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes as he said, “Ah, so you’re so accustomed to publishing trash that you’ll shy away from something with merely a sprinkling of truth? Tell ya what; this might just be the thing to get our readers interested again. I say, publish it. These reader submissions usually turn out to be the ramblings of some fanatical maniac anyway. No harm done.”

That seemed to be the end of the discussion and with a flourish the sponsor donned his coat and was gone. As the door clicked shut behind the man, the head editor returned his attention to the papers left on his desk with a resigned sigh, “No harm done, he says.”

The Article:

Dear Reader,
Up until this point in time I have been involved in the design, development and manufacture of a certain ‘miracle drug’ recently released to the masses. You may call me a hero but certainly that is not so.
Rouge, although superficially a thing of beauty, in reality contains numerous dark intents in its swirling depths. For example, after prolonged use of Rouge, it gradually robs a person of his/her individuality until the unsuspecting victim becomes a mindless slave to authority. This was harmless enough when being tested on a number of convicted criminals…heck it was even a good thing! Yet, in light of the ordinary people being subjected to this degree of gradual brain-numbing…well you could say that my conscience is distressing me.
However, don’t think you can just simply completely cut off your intake of Rouge if you’re already a frequent user. The drug is designed so that in most causes withdrawal is lethal. The survival rate is extremely low and even among these lucky few that are some who are incapable of completely recovering. Yes, insanity is a common trait among those who do not succumb to death.
Oh, and did I mention? It also takes away your memory, little by little, until you’ll quite willingly believe you are whoever the government tells you you are?
What is the reason for all this? Well quite simply it’s – (Editor’s Note: here, the remaining words are hidden by a large splotch of black ink and the subsequent pages attached were found to be blank.)

Perhaps by coincidence, the magazine company responsible for the publication of the ‘confession’ fell victim (along with its sponsor) to the Great Depression a mere day after this, their final edition, hit the shelves.

Plot Roles:

{Depending on whether or not these are filled they might become important roles in future.}

The Alchemist: Like most notable alchemists you have been involved in the design, development and manufacture of Rouge. However, for some reason you have chosen to disclose some of its secrets.

The Sponsor: You were quite wealthy once but finally the Great Depression has caught up with you. You might think the timing is more than a coincidence or you might think nothing of it. After all, you’re more of a realist.

The Head Editor: You had your qualms about whether to publish that article. Now that you’re jobless, who do you blame?


Some plot positions will get you insider information on future plot plans.

Have an idea for another role you think might fit?
PM Rad with your idea so she can discuss it with you and possibly add it to the list.