Crystal Killian Investigation - Sat, Sep 17, 2016

The session begins with a recap of the previous session, focusing on a bear attack at King Torino Children’s Refuge in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The agents witnessed a bear breaking through the back fence and charging at a group of children, prompting immediate action.

David Cortez positioned himself strategically between the bear and the children, drawing the bear’s attention away from them.

Steel Monroe maintained a tactical distance and fired his small caliber handgun at the bear, attempting to deter it.

Matthew McCarter and Graham Drummond split off from the main group to locate a man wielding bolt cutters, who was believed to be outside the fence.

McCarter was ambushed by the man with the bolt cutters, sustaining a wound. He managed to shoot the assailant but was then struck on the head with the bolt cutters and fell unconscious.

Drummond also suffered a severe injury when he was attacked by the same man, receiving a stab wound to the throat from the bolt cutters.

Cortez managed to avoid being mauled by the bear during the chaos, staying just out of its reach.

Monroe successfully shot the bear in the head, striking it through the eye, which caused the bear to collapse.

After neutralizing the bear, Monroe rushed to aid Drummond and McCarter, who were injured.

Monroe triaged Drummond’s critical condition, recognizing he was close to bleeding out from his throat wound and did everything possible to stabilize him.

Cortez retrieved emergency medical supplies and called for first responders, leading to tense moments while waiting for assistance.

EMTs eventually arrived, and both Drummond and McCarter were transported to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment.

The session transitions to the recovery period, where the agents have been healing physically and mentally over the past week.

Cortez reflects on the events of the bear attack and the trauma bond formed among the agents due to their close calls with death.

The Delta Green Bonds Rule is activated, prompting each agent to roll for sanity.

McCarter struggles with his sanity check, indicating difficulties in coping with the aftermath of the encounter.

The other agents succeed in their rolls, indicating they are managing better, except for McCarter, who has a strong emotional connection to his teammates after their shared experience.

Cortez is haunted by unsettling thoughts, particularly a disturbing memory of how the bolt cutter man smelled, making him question his own instincts and desires.

The session continues with a scene where Cortez meets Nika in the hospital cafeteria, where they discuss bravery and the children’s reactions to the bear attack.

Nika expresses gratitude for the agents’ bravery, acknowledging her fear during the attack and her instinct to protect the children.

Cortez and Nika discuss the motivations of the man with the bolt cutters, with Nika theorizing that he was there to kill her, hinting at a deeper connection to her past.

Nika shares her experiences as a younger child at Cornucopia House, detailing how the older children were silenced and forced to remain quiet, while the younger ones did not understand the control imposed on them.

She describes a primal state of being, where the children acted instinctively, akin to wild animals, and contrasts it with her own growth and ability to communicate.

The conversation leads to reflections on the agents’ mission to find the last remaining child connected to their investigation.

Nika implies that if the agents fail, she fears the consequences, suggesting a sense of destiny connected to their actions.

A moment of intimacy occurs when Nika reaches out to Cortez, touching his fingers gently, which signifies a deeper understanding or connection between them.

The session closes with Cortez grappling with the implications of their conversation and the weight of their shared experiences.

Brian initiates a discussion about the connection between animals and the events the agents have experienced, suggesting a kinship or bond formed through their encounters.

Luke responds, elaborating that this bond is not about communication but rather a sense of kinship, hinting at deeper emotional ties related to their experiences.

Luke then introduces a character who begins to tremble while speaking about her thesis, indicating her discomfort.

The character, referred to as Nico, pulls out a USB drive and places it on the table, stating it contains her unfinished thesis that aims to explain the thinking patterns of children affected by traumatic experiences.

Luke describes that while Nico is providing this information, it is clear to David (Brian’s character) that she is becoming upset.

Chris comments on the situation, indicating that Nico’s emotional state has been affected by the conversation.

Luke notes that Nico feels the need to return to her work, suggesting that she believes her presence is required elsewhere.

Brian agrees with Nico’s statement, indicating a concern for the children at the refuge.

Nico acknowledges the agents’ gratitude but does not explicitly thank them before excusing herself and leaving the hospital.

Brian decides to plug the USB into his computer, indicating a willingness to review Nico’s thesis.

Luke confirms the action, leading to a playful exchange about the USB’s contents between the players.

Luke updates Cortez’s character sheet to include Nico’s thesis under the tomes section, making it accessible for the players to review.

Brian expresses interest in examining the thesis, prompting Luke to suggest a group reading of the material.

The group humorously engages in light banter while preparing to read the thesis, indicating camaraderie among the players.

Brian begins reading the thesis, revealing the abstract and initial findings, which discuss the effects of traumatic experiences on language acquisition.

The thesis is identified as a manuscript version by Nina Leninovna Chilikov, focusing on the children from the King Torino Children’s Refuge and their anonymity through civil monikers.

Brian notes that the methods section of the thesis indicates that Chilikov included herself as part of the study, raising ethical questions regarding her research.

It is revealed that the consulting PhD on the thesis, Sarah Bryce, previously worked at King Torino and signed off on the use of her case files before her death in 2012.

The central argument of the thesis suggests that extreme conditions of neglect and abuse may hinder language development among the children housed together.

Brian recounts Chilikov’s struggles with her own violent past and educational progress, adding a personal dimension to the thesis.

The thesis includes sketches by the children, with Brian describing one particularly disturbing drawing depicting a childlike figure over adult victims, hinting at deeper themes of violence and trauma.

Luke clarifies that the victims in the drawing represent the agents, suggesting a psychological connection between the children and the players.

The second drawing is described as a pole with horns and a sun halo, which the group finds less alarming.

Brian describes additional sketches, including a dead tree and a campfire, noting the recurring theme of a red brain design that the children drew during separations from each other.

Luke explains that these drawings are tied to the children involved in Chilikov’s thesis, emphasizing their shared traumatic experiences.

Brian’s reading leads to a discussion about the contents of the thesis, including the implications of Chilikov’s personal involvement in the research.

Luke prompts Chris to roll for a psychotherapy skill check, suggesting that the analysis of the thesis may yield deeper insights for David.

Brian succeeds in his roll, leading to a realization about the ethical issues surrounding Chilikov’s research and the potential consequences of her involvement.

Luke reveals that the thesis contains evidence of plagiarism, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative and Chilikov’s credibility as a researcher.

The players engage in dialogue about the implications of academic fraud and its relevance to their current investigation.

Luke describes the process of reading through the thesis, with Cortez gaining experience in the unnatural and occult due to the disturbing nature of the content.

Brian fails a sanity check, resulting in a loss of sanity points, which adds to the psychological tension of the session.

The players discuss the potential impact of the thesis on McCarter, showing concern for their comrade’s mental state.

Luke narrates that the agents are recuperating in the hospital, and by Saturday morning, the doctors clear them for discharge, indicating recovery progress.

The group receives discharge consultations detailing steps for continued recovery, focusing on the need for rest and monitoring their concussions.

The session continues with the agents discussing post-hospital recovery protocols and the constraints placed upon them by their doctor.

Luke, acting as the Handler, emphasizes that the agents should avoid physically demanding activities and refrain from returning to their normal routines until their doctor approves.

Luke advises the agents to only take medications that have been approved by their doctor, setting the tone for a cautious approach to their recovery.

Brian, playing David Cortez, humorously reacts to the situation with laughter, indicating a light-hearted moment amidst the serious context of their injuries.

Chris, portraying Graham Miles Drummond, mentions that Dr. Pizzarelli essentially instructed them to return to work immediately, highlighting a juxtaposition between medical advice and their operational responsibilities.

Luke points out the lengthy list of activities that the agents will be unable to perform due to their injuries, underscoring their limitations.

Luke introduces the concept of “helplessness sand checks” for the agents, reflecting their psychological state after experiencing severe injuries.

Chris expresses a desire to engage in action by stating, “So anyway, I started blasting,” suggesting a readiness to confront challenges despite their limitations.

Luke reassures the players, discussing the state of mind of Matthew McCarter, suggesting he is adapted to helplessness and encouraging a sanity roll.

Robert, playing McCarter, confirms he is ready for the challenge, reinforcing the group’s determination.

Chris expresses a desire for Drummond to work on his memoirs during his recuperation, hinting at underlying concerns about the Delta Green program’s longevity and potential dangers.

Luke supports this narrative direction, encouraging Chris to think about what content he would include in his memoirs.

The atmosphere shifts with humor as Chris jokes about writing on toilet paper due to his limited resources while hospitalized.

Luke stresses that the writing should be handwritten, leading to a comedic exchange about writing on one’s skin and the impracticality of the suggestion.

As the agents prepare to leave the hospital, Luke describes their exit, mentioning that they are directed to the pharmacy to pick up medications.

The characters receive prescriptions: high-dosage naproxen sodium for Cortez, Vicodin for Drummond, and temazepam for McCarter to aid with sleep issues.

Chris humorously requests all of the Vicodin, emphasizing the characters’ ongoing struggles with their injuries and the desire for pain relief.

Luke indicates that the prescription of temazepam is short-term, implying the agents will need to manage their sleep issues without becoming overly reliant on medication.

The session progresses into the narrative of a Saturday morning, around 10 a.m., as the agents walk out of the hospital.

Luke introduces an encounter in the parking lot with a woman carrying a box, which contains a rabbit and its kits. This serves as a contrast to the agents’ darker experiences.

The woman shares her joy about rescuing the rabbit, creating an opportunity for the agents to engage in a lighter conversation.

Chris, expressing a sense of urgency, advises the woman to find a proper rescue for the rabbits, demonstrating his focus on more pressing matters.

Brian, playing Steel Monroe, humorously suggests knocking the box out of her hand, playing into the humorous tone of the scene.

Mark, portraying Steel, cautiously approaches the box, taking a peek inside and confirming it contains peaceful newborn rabbits, contrasting with the agents’ stressful experiences.

The group reflects on their previous traumatic encounters, with Chris choosing not to dwell on the rabbits, showing a preference for avoiding emotional engagement.

Luke reminds the group about Steel’s previous encounter with unnatural creatures, reinforcing the weight of their past experiences.

The agents then pile into their vehicle, prepared to hit the road for their next mission, while Luke notes that Drummond’s throat injury affects his ability to speak loudly.

Luke humorously sets up a situation where Drummond’s voice is quiet and scratchy, indicating potential challenges in communication during future encounters.

The session includes playful banter about Drummond’s inability to yell for help due to his injury, with Chris suggesting he could use a flare gun instead.

As the group prepares to depart, Luke announces a brief break before continuing, indicating a transition in the session.

Mark shares an anecdote about attempting to create an image with an AI generator, which adds a humorous and meta element to the conversation.

Brian expresses satisfaction with the insights gained during the session, particularly in relation to the experiences of a character named Crystal Killian and the implications of their findings.

The players engage in light-hearted discussions about their past experiences, sharing stories that provide comic relief amidst the tension of their characters’ current situations.

Luke concludes the session by indicating it is time to share a handout with the agents, implying new information or objectives relevant to their ongoing investigation.

Session Opening:

• Luke suggests that the information might be more interesting as a handout for the players.
• He indicates they should discuss the details among themselves after skimming through the materials provided.

Handout Information:

• Luke opens a handout containing briefing information for the players.
• He notes that they have photocopied documents specifically related to Crystal Killian.
• The last section titled “Cover Up” contains verbally delivered information, ensuring no recorded evidence of illegal actions exists within the papers they possess.

Note-Taking Discussion:

• Chris humorously comments about taking notes during a criminal conspiracy discussion, referencing a scene from The Wire.
• Brian expresses curiosity about what notes are being taken during this discussion.

Agents’ Knowledge:

• Brian states he would have previously asked Dika about the information regarding Crystal Killian.
• There is a discussion about Crystal Killian’s age (34 years old) and her potential connection to the Cornucopia House.

Time Frame Inquiry:

• Mark questions the time elapsed since the events at Cornucopia House, noting it was about 15 years ago.
• The conversation humorously touches on employment laws and compliance at the facility.

Background Exploration:

• Chris mentions Crystal Killian’s background and living conditions, noting her residences in both Alaska and Florida.
• The group muses about her choice of locations, contemplating the implications of fleeing and whether Florida is a logical escape.

Investigation Questions:

• Robert inquires about the X-Team member’s reasoning for believing Crystal Killian’s case was a homicide.
• Luke suggests that the impression is that orders were given to shut down the investigation, specifically in reference to the character Benson.

Concerns about Deputy Casey Eckstein:

• Chris expresses concern about Deputy Eckstein, hinting at potential issues with his character.
• The group engages in light banter about rearranging letters of Eckstein’s name, leading to humorous references.

Discussion on Crystal Killian’s Identity:

• Mark points out his uncertainty regarding why Crystal Killian was selected for murder, noting her supposed lack of ties to Cornucopia House.
• Chris hypothesizes that her heritage and connection to Pribilof Island may be significant.

Criminology Check:

• Luke prompts Drummond to roll for a criminology or bureaucracy check, leading to a critical success.
• Chris indicates he has succeeded in identifying that Crystal Killian is likely using a fake identity, suggesting possible identity theft.

Identity Speculation:

• The agents conclude that Crystal Killian may be off the grid or potentially deceased, given the nature of her identity.
• Brian raises the idea that Killian could be linked to Delta Green, with Chris suggesting she might have a history within the organization.

Planning Their Next Move:

• Luke informs the players about the road trip to Hendry County, Florida, emphasizing its swampy terrain.
• The agents discuss their route and contemplate the dangers they may encounter, including the music playlist for the trip.

Investigation Strategy:

• The group considers investigating the trailer park where Crystal Killian lived, expressing interest in exploring her trailer for additional clues.
• They discuss the bodies involved in the recent murder case, expressing curiosity about how the identity of the deceased was established, especially concerning the mutilation of the body.

Conversation on Mutilation:

• Brian recalls details about the deceased being identified despite severe mutilation, leading to discussions about the potential involvement of animals, as indicated by Special Agent Trent’s reports.

Focus on Deputy Eckstein:

• The agents discuss Deputy Eckstein’s potential motivations and actions regarding the investigation, acknowledging his conflict with Sheriff Benson.
• Luke clarifies that Eckstein believed the case was a homicide and had been fired due to his insistence on pursuing the investigation.

Finalizing Plans:

• The players agree on investigating the trailer first as their primary destination in Hendry County, with a humorous interlude about stopping at Waffle House for food during the road trip.

The session begins with players discussing food preferences, indicating a casual atmosphere. Luke mentions “chicken parm” and asks Mark and Robert for their choices. Mark confirms “barbecue,” and Brian also mentions “chicken parm sandwiches.”

Luke humorously remarks on the unusual nature of their location, referencing a “weird waffle house,” and suggests they consider the “Trailer Park” as a base of operations, which Robert agrees sounds good.

Brian adds that it’s probably still free, and Chris suggests that someone likely died there, implying a dark history associated with the location.

Luke confirms the decision to drive down to Hendry County, prompting Robert to ask about keeping heavier weapons in their car. Luke confirms they have shotguns and other weapons available.

Chris expresses a desire for a shotgun, while Robert agrees, especially considering past encounters with dangerous foes, like a bear and a man wielding a bolt cutter.

The players humorously recall a previous encounter where the antagonist had a high chance to hit, with Chris alleging that Luke was “cheating” by rolling critical hits.

Luke mentions that Cortez and Monroe could acquire 12-gauge shotguns for their mission, and Robert expresses concern that every location they visit might be a trap.

The group discusses their current armaments, with Chris listing a .30-30 Winchester rifle, a Mossberg Model 500 medium pistol, and an unarmed attack. Luke reminds Chris that some of these weapons have been on his character sheet for years.

Luke describes the setting as they arrive at Myers Point trailer park, noting that it is rural with dirt roads raised above the wetlands. He estimates that a few dozen people live in that area.

The players see a hand-painted sign indicating the manager’s trailer, and Chris inquires about the AI engine used for creating background images, showing interest in the game’s visual aids.

Luke informs the players that they will need to locate Killian’s trailer, pointing out that it is at the back of the park. The manager, an elderly man, opens the door when they knock.

Chris introduces himself as Agent Whitehead and attempts to communicate with the manager, raising his voice when he has difficulty being understood.

The manager responds that the sheriff told him he could clean up after Killian’s death, indicating prior involvement with local law enforcement.

The manager mentions that he has not yet called for a dump truck to remove Killian’s belongings, which are heaped at the end of the drive.

Chris asks if the manager has seen anything suspicious, to which the manager responds he does not get involved in others’ business, stirring frustration among the agents.

Luke describes the manager’s demeanor as indifferent and dismissive, suggesting a lack of cooperation.

Chris expresses his irritation, implying that they may have to “discuss” the manager’s behavior later.

The manager informs them that Killian’s trailer is at the back of the park, describing it as the second drive on the right, identifiable by a trash heap and a 1990 Bonneville.

The players drive to the designated trailer, noting its poor condition due to age and the humid swamp environment. Luke emphasizes that the trailer is 26 years old and has seen better days.

Upon arrival, they find the door boarded with plywood and covered with police tape. There is graffiti at the top of the door, described as a black arc.

The trailer’s address is visible on the door, and the yard is overgrown with weeds, indicating neglect.

As they survey the scene, Chris decides to walk around the perimeter of the trailer to investigate further, armed with a shotgun and bear spray.

The players discuss their appearance and preparedness, with Brian confirming he has a shotgun and a pistol on his hip for protection.

Luke prompts the players to conduct a search check around the trailer and notes that Steel Monroe and Graham Drummond are engaged in this activity while Matthew McCarter and David Cortez succeed in their checks.

David Cortez finds game trails leading away from the trailer down a steep embankment into the swamp, noting that the steepness may pose a challenge for smaller animals trying to navigate the area.

The players contemplate the nature of the trails, with Brian asking about potential tracks and whether they could identify the type of animal based on the prints.

Discussion continues about the possibility of encountering something dangerous in the trailer and outside, heightening the tension as they prepare for the investigation.

Initial Skill Checks and Discussion:

• Brian expresses confidence in his rolling abilities, proclaiming, “Oh, but I’m rolling like a master.”
• Mark inquires about the mechanics of marking skills, asking whether it should occur upon success or failure, to which Robert confirms it should be upon failure.
• Brian reiterates that skills are marked on failure, leading to Mark acknowledging a failed search but surprisingly succeeding in survival skills.
• Luke remarks on the agents’ less-than-stellar skill levels, relating to recognizable tracks in their current environment (suburban area).

Track Analysis:

• Luke comments on the tracks discovered, stating they are recognizable, specifically mentioning “Dogs and Cats.”
• The conversation shifts to a realization that there are missing dogs, with Brian expressing concern over the number of missing animals.
• Luke points out that while there were two successes in tracking, it doesn’t necessarily equate to double the information available.

Investigation into the Trailer:

• Luke describes their surroundings, noting that the trailer door appears damaged, with a muddy boot print indicating someone kicked it in.
• The group hypothesizes about the involvement of the sheriff, questioning why he might be covering up the situation.
• Chris suggests they should proceed with their investigation, indicating the front door is boarded up and proposing to use the back door for access.
• Mark brings up the possibility of shooting out the windows as a means of ingress, humorously suggesting the power of their weaponry.

Entering the Trailer:

• Luke describes the back door as unlocked, with police tape indicating it is a crime scene.
• The agents debate the legality and safety of entering, with Brian humorously claiming to be a paladin in this scenario.
• Luke confirms the interior is a narrow hallway with a musty smell, typical of a closed-up trailer, and suggests they should clear the house before proceeding further.

Search and Findings:

• As they explore, Luke reveals that they find a black arc outline with a red spray resembling a brain on the wall, causing some intrigue and concern among the agents.
• The group discusses the implications of the findings, particularly the oddity of the markings.
• Luke guides them through the layout, indicating a small bathroom and a master bedroom with an air conditioner.
• The agents take note of the condition of the trailer, acknowledging that crime scene cleaners have likely already been through, leaving the site relatively clean without visible gore.

Critical Success and Discovery:

• Chris rolls a critical success on a search check, prompting Luke to detail the layout of the trailer, including indentations in the carpet where furniture was previously located.
• They discover a dent in the wall, indicating a forceful entry, and residual staining on the carpet suggesting a possible crime scene.
• Luke reveals a loose slat in the flooring near the suspected location of a body, leading to the discovery of a broken acrylic fingernail lodged between the slats.
• Beneath the slat, they find a box with a lump wrapped in cloth, raising further curiosity.

Gun Discovery:

• Chris carefully interacts with the wrapped object, ultimately revealing it to be a loaded handgun, specifically a Sig Sauer P938 subcompact pistol.
• The agents discuss the implications of the gun being loaded and the likelihood that it belonged to Crystal Killian, who may have been trying to retrieve it during a struggle.
• Chris takes precautions by putting on gloves before handling the firearm, ensuring it is safely stored and acknowledging the paranoid implications of its presence.

Session Break:

• As the session progresses, Brian mentions needing a break due to a child waking up, prompting a brief pause in the action.
• Luke and Chris engage in light conversation about mundane topics while waiting for Brian to return, maintaining a casual atmosphere amidst the investigation.

Discussion of Potential Trip:

• Chris suggests a trip to British Columbia with Shelley in the early fall, influenced by YouTube commercials promoting the area.
• He recalls a previous visit to Vancouver during summer, noting the cold water and lingering snow, expressing a desire to escape the heat and humidity.

Reactions to the Trailer Park:

• Luke prompts the group to discuss their thoughts on the trailer park they are investigating.
• Chris expresses his dislike for the location and humorously notes they haven’t faced any immediate threats from animals or people.

Investigating Killian’s Murder:

• Luke leads a conversation about the signs of struggle found at the trailer, indicating that Crystal Killian was likely murdered.
• Robert supports this theory, suggesting that the circumstances point to foul play.
• Chris reinforces the idea that it was a murder, jokingly mentioning an “elaborate suicide.”

Speculations on Connections:

• The group theorizes that the trio responsible for Killian’s death may have had connections to Cornucopia House.
• Robert raises a question about the possibility of Delta Green itself being involved in Killian’s death, suggesting a conspiracy within the organization.

Connections to Delta Green:

• Luke informs Robert that while McCarter may not know the conspiracy, he is aware of remnants of past agents and government employees causing trouble.
• They allude to the overarching goal of preventing world destruction from the program’s perspective.

Linking Houghton to the Case:

• Chris notes that they suspect the trio murdered Killian due to her connection to Cornucopia House, mentioning Kerry Houghton.
• Luke confirms Houghton’s name as “Carrie,” which Chris corrects to “Kerry.”

Conversations About Clove:

• Robert mentions that aside from their group, the only other connection to Cornucopia House is Agent Clove, who is currently in China.
• The group reflects on the uncertainty surrounding Clove and the status of his team.

Discussion of Evidence:

• Chris emphasizes the need to check the trash heap outside Killian’s trailer for potential clues, while also wanting to speak with Eckstein for more information.
• They theorize about why Killian might have their names and whether it was written by her or other individuals connected to the case.

Searching the Trash Heap:

• Luke describes the agents starting to sift through the trash heap, which contains large items like furniture.
• They mention finding a desk and filing cabinet among the discarded items, prompting a forensics check.

Forensic Examination:

• Luke indicates that Steel Monroe may have the highest forensics skill among the group.
• He shares his experience with messy situations after elderly deaths and notes the absence of any animal-related mess in the trailer.

Look Check:

• The group rolls for a “look check” to search for notes and evidence.
• Graham Drummond and Matthew McCarter succeed in their checks, with Luke narrating their findings.

Discovering Killian’s Documents:

• In the filing cabinet, they find personal documents, including employment records showing Killian was a librarian assistant at Florida Southwestern College.
• They also discover photographs of Crystal Killian, including a school ID and a family photo.

Recognizing Family Ties:

• Luke reveals that one of the photographs includes Charles Noella and Timothy Noella, recognizable to the agents.
• Brian expresses frustration, realizing the connection to Agent Clove, confirming that Crystal Killian is likely Clove’s daughter.

Concluding Thoughts:

• The agents realize the implications of Killian’s assumed identity and the boldness of claiming it.
• Luke summarizes that the new findings add significant elements to their ongoing investigation.

Session Closure:

• Luke announces the session’s end, indicating the agents will continue their investigation next time.