The Midnight Underground HQ

The Midnight Underground HQ is a mature 21+ political and urban fantasy RP inspired the ttrpg Urban Shadows. It focuses on the underground world of monsters, mortals, and those of fall between the cracks as different circles struggle for power in a broken system.

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Midnight Underground is a mature 21+ skeleton rp that deals with the seedy and supernatural underbelly of modern day Las Vegas in the midst of a political crisis. It is influenced by and incorporates elements of the ttrpg Urban Shadows. This group is currently only open to friends and recommendations from current members.

Main Plot | Gameplay | Full Navi

Admin Tori Status: online / lurking / offline

Admin Sol Status: online / lurking / offline

Current Event: TBA

Current Task: Task 000*, Task 003

Current Plot Drop: TBA

Most Recent Times: Issue 002

Any Bans: We currently are not allowing any more people working in the medical field, especially at Dr. Jones’ clinic. He’s got lots of bodies on deck! Figuratively and literally.

*Notes: Task 000 will always be running, as it asks players to create NPCs for admins to use along the way.

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Are you all still active and if so what skeletons do you think fit alicia vikander, Perry Mattfeld, Alycia Debnam-Carey

Hi! We sure are active, though we’ve transitioned into a more hybrid way of things after a brief hiatus, and we’d be more than happy to welcome some new faces.

Now let’s see, for Alicia Vikander, I can certainly see her fitting the Hunter if I think back to Tomb Raider. Or the Phoenix! Perry Mattfield ironically would make a wonderful Banshee as well...there’s something in the eyes. But besides that, I could certainly see Perry as a Gorgon as well. And for number three, do forgive the overlap but with Alycia Debnam-Carey, her work on The 100 and Fear the Walking Dead make me lean towards the Hunter big time, but I can see her fitting the Siren all the same.

I hoped this helped and we welcome any more questions you may have!

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Time stops for no man or beast and we march ever forward. The wheels of fate spin wildly.

Hello, my doves. It’s been some time since we last held correspondence, though my dearest and I have watched over you all for these past few months. Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder, but I’m not here to offer sentimentalities, rather I’m presenting you with several leads for your enjoyment…well, mine, but your consideration. 

001. Our children suffer for the avarice of others. The Black Market has wreaked havoc in your community for years, growing without limits, poisoning the minds of the disenfranchised humans among you and worst of all…turning my children and Hers into commodities. Those behind a velvet curtain have tapped into the inferiority complex of these beautifully mundane creatures, turning them against those twice blessed by yours truly. Some say they deserve empathy, but I cannot spare a single drop. Perhaps, you will approach the matter differently…all I ask is that you excise the Underground of this verdant tree and its poisoned roots. 

002. Be wary, children, of the snake in the grass. How I wish I was allowed to meddle just a little more into these affairs. Seeing as one after the other unfolds, has left us feeling both disappointed and impotent…to see the hatred in these hearts, to be unable to cut the threads being weaved before us…godhood is far more onerous than any of you would understand. Either way, Cicerone and I can only hope the breadcrumbs scattered around you prove fruitful. Goodwin is…a problem— I cannot and shall not reveal any more than that. But fret not, children, the answers stand right before you…you need only take a closer look. 

003. The eclipsed sun will hide behind the moon no more. I’m not sure if you’ve all noticed, but very strange things have been occurring lately; more than the mischievous doings of a wayward Faerie and her cursed companion. There’s something amiss in the air, a thorn in my side and a deadly parasite for others. Audacious creatures will always taint a God’s mercy, and this one child of a bygone era has polluted the well in its entirety. You must understand, they grow stronger with each passing day and if they’re able to remove their shackles, you will be the first to feel their wrath. It is in your best interest to stop this false God.

004. Checkmate, another false prophet has fallen. What a shame it is to watch this unfold. When a thread is woven, braided until it resembles rope and presented to one unlucky person; a thrall in this instance, flying too close to the sun. The former mayor now sits on the hand of a clock, disgraced, stripped of his prestige and soon, he will be stripped of his life. You should all be made aware that the hour draws near, he will become one of the departed and his secrets will be buried with him. Before then, you’re free to speak to this dead man walking, though there’s no guarantee that he would humor any chance at redemption. 

005. If you would like, lend me your sight. While the choices presented above are of utmost importance in my eyes, I sit on another plane and observe as one would an ant farm…if you feel I may have missed something of importance to you— summon me, if you dare…and please feel free to pull another from the pile.

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MEMORIES OF MAGIC AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

While any other individual will only meet ten or so unapprehended murderers in their lifetime, the average inhabitant of the Midnight Underground will interact with ten-or-more fantastical beings on any given day ( and even more if you know where to look ). When the preternatural is all around, it begs the question: how long can one exist in untouched bliss before the fantastical consumes them? 

This task, if you so choose to accept it, will require some introspection...

We humbly ask that you paint a pretty picture of that very first time— you know the one. For those having gone through life unawares, this first is about that moment when your eyes opened. Fantastical beings had existed in the corners of your vision for so long, and then they’d suddenly come front and center. 

For those on the other end of the spectrum...if memory serves, we all remember that first bit of acne that comes with pubescence, the menarche, the works. When did you realize that you were something other than human? Had you always known?

Now let’s not forget those in between. What happened when? Was this your first encounter with the preternatural? How did you react & how did you cope? They say children acquire languages the easiest, I assume such is the same where magic is concerned...if you were thrust into this world at a later age, was it difficult to navigate? Has time eased these hardships? There are so many more questions I could ask, but then, I don’t wish to overwhelm you. 

I don’t need to be made privy of your entire life story ( trust me when I say I’ve seen it all firsthand ), but I’d like you to highlight this one moment and tell it as you remember it, I’m always wishing to see the perspective of you younglings— moreover, it’s the topic that I’m most interested in at current.

As I’m sure you all know, tasks are not mandatory but highly encouraged for character development and more! Where these are concerned the world is your oyster as far as formatting— you can do anything from self paras, to visuals and all that falls in between, just make sure to tag all tasks with #mu:task upon posting! As always, we look forward to reading! 

Yours faithfully,

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Event 005: Gifted and Stolen

A TALE TOLD....

Moira Devlin is good and dead and the ashes have settled on both her coffin and the entire affair with Tabitha Spencer. The wolf has been found not guilty and whatever is happening with the circle leaders regarding Jose’s possible guilt has nothing to do with you. Peace at last. Only for a moment though, because you and your friends and your fellows are always so well aware that something is lurking beneath the shadows of this place, a darker underbelly that hopes to take advantage of those that are hiding from the light.

What better a time for distraction than the late Orator’s will reading? It’s been scheduled, planned and postponed a million times over as event after event prevents the people she led from mourning her. The daughter that hadn’t been expected has surely surprised the masses - and she’s been left nearly everything there is already - but Carmen Blakely has been tasked and she will never not fulfill a mission. Besides, there’s going to be wine there. And many, many eyes, all curious and hungry to know what sort of treasures the prodigal daughter has been left to live amongst at the Devlin Manor.

But that isn’t the only invitation being whispered about right now. Only a select few are privy to the other affair, but when there is something big amongst the Midnight Underground, you can be certain that there is something even further below. The Black Market has reached out to it’s contacts and is putting on a special auction. Not that you would be any the wiser unless you were invited. The Market and the people in it keeps their affairs quiet to avoid any suspicion from the creatures they’re stealing from. Unless, of course, they have something to buy or sell.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GAME...

There are a few things rolling out in regards to this. Though the Auction is very hush, hush, the will reading will be open to the public. Some things of note are:

If you have been invited to the Black Market Auction, please keep your eyes peeled to your DMs, for their might be something interesting waiting for you there.

If you are going to Moira’s will reading, some things of note are:

It will be taking place at the Devlin Manor on Friday, February 10th at 4 pm.

There will be delicious foods, spirits, and candidates curiously mingling around.

The dress is cocktail hour appropriate.

There is added security at the event to ensure no repeats of what happened at the New Year’s Event.

If you would like to speak with any NPCs either at the will reading or in any other time frame, please let us know and we’ll be happy to accommodate. Feel free to have any threads taking place outside of these two scheduled affairs as well! 

I’m sure there’s many curious threads to pull on for the time being. You just never know if you are following them further into the maze.

Sincerely,

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Plot Drop 003: The Trial of Tabitha Spencer Part 2

THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER...

Investigations have been conducted, curiosities satisfied - at least to the best of your abilities. There is no more time for researching and gathering and begging for answers though. Three weeks have passed and Hollis grows impatient over the lack of justice they perceive to be theirs and the longer Tabitha sleeps in the confined room the more anxious she is. The Sworn watches as his sister cries herself to sleep near every night, keeping her jaw tight as to not frighten her brother.

The emissaries, Nora Lucas, Connor Talbot, Kellan Trebond, and Esmeray Talbot, were put to quick work to finish the task the hand. Still, three weeks have passed and the date is now January 23, 2023 and the trial is underway. Three members from each circle come together as jurors to determine the end result of the case at hand. The jurors are as follows:

MORTALIS:

Noa Geraldine Byrne (Changeling)

Beauregard Abbott (Aware)

Emmett Louis Johnson (Hunter)

POWER:

Nora Valerie Lucas (Wizard)

Merlin Eldegarth Aurelius (Wizard)

Leonardo Gaitan de Ignazio Iglesias (Phoenix)

NIGHT:

Connor Henry Talbot II (Werewolf)

Clifford Austin Talbot (Werewolf)

Juno Wilhelmina Williams (Undead)

WILD:

Gideon Young (Tainted)

Mere Elmahdy (Sphinx)

William Hughes (Imp)

Esmeray Talbot and Kellan Trebond will be acting as temporary proxies of the Circle Leaders for the event, as is tradition when one or more of them is involved in the dispute. Jury will be given ID cards so they may pass in and out of the building and their own jury boxes to keep matters private. The trial may take more than one day, so best be prepared that you have your wits about you.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GAME...

There will be two channels that jurors will have access to. Everyone else will only be able to watch on and see. You will have the jury box as well as the back room, where you can interact with jury members. It will be up to the jurors in our party to try and convince the others of their circle how they should vote, should the evidence sway them against the preferred. They will be swayed much easier if you build a rapport with them.

With that, while Rina may be the lawyer at hand, we are asking you to participate in the evidence just as much. You will give you up to ten pieces of evidence and/or witnesses that will come to the stand. Decide amongst yourselves how you will use them. Depending on the strength of the argument, it will be easier to sway jurors to your side so you do not have to sway them illegally behind the scenes.

You should never try to interfere with due process but, perhaps, if they’ve interfered with you it’s all well and good.

Sincerely,

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Plot Drop 003: The Trial of Tabitha Spencer Part 1

THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER...

Two shots rang out on the night as the sun finished it’s rotation around the sun. To say 2023 started off with a bang to anyone outside the Midnight Underground would earn a laugh, but for the people within it they knew just how true of a statement it was. Hollis Fiala, one of their candidates, had been shot at Thaddeus James’ new year celebration event. Word spreads like wildfire and by the time the Unaware police have finished scoping the scene and been properly frightened or bribed away by those with money to burn, rumors have already been in wide speculation.

A young wolf named Tabitha Spencer, the sister to Damian Harker’s nephew, has been detained for suspicion of attempted murder. The only people near the gun were her and Mayor Jose Alves Cruz. It comes out quickly that Jose was injured in the attack, a thrall to Hollis themself, and the tide turns just as soon. Before there has even been a trial many of those in the Underground have decided her guilty. What other sense would there be in it?

Our inhabitants, as those trained to be ever vigilant and paranoid are swift to do, construct elaborate theories about the crime and its motivations. Perhaps Karlha had orchestrated the entire event in hopes of making competition less steep. Or maybe Damian had promised his pseudo-niece something for the same. Sympathy turns to the injured heir with their iron bullet wound and you can hear whispers and praise of the elegance with which they handled the night. Even those outside the wild circle are want to give them credit lest they seem suspicious in a conspiracy themselves.

The people do not know of what you know, my dears, for they are never the wiser of The Oracle’s visions of a doomed world consumed by darkness after Karlha’s death. To them it is an isolated incident. At least, for now.

You are charged with determining, and perhaps proving, Tabitha’s innocence during the night. The charges for these crimes are heavy and it would likely be off with her head.

THE FATES ARE CRUEL AND KIND...

When asked to roll for something, the DM:

They rolled....a 19 (critical success): The people of the Midnight Underground take Hollis’ side and believe Tabitha is the shooter.

When asked to roll for choice:

Kellan, Connor, Nora, and Esme rolled highest: They were chosen as the emissaries for their respective circles.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GAME...

We have our Emissaries who are to be conducting interviews and collecting evidence to the best of their abilities. Should you be conducting interviews with NPCs, we will be posting the information for you on the NPC blog in interview format for you to look. Should you be conducting interviews with a PC, please decide with that person how you’re going to conduct the interview so we can compile what was said by them somewhere for eyes to look upon. For physical evidence, such as the gun, we will be opening up a channel in the discord for our four emissaries to interact with it. Below is an indication of who each Emissary will have to interview. Those bolded are NPCs.

Connor: Connor Talbot I, Catherine Talbot, Rina Mochizuki, Rosemary Loup, Matthew Coleman-Reyes, Karlha Whitlock, Tabitha Spencer, and Lilith Gaumond

Kellan: Dr. Henry Jones, Cameron Kiskadden, Elias Hart, Jose Alvez Cruz, and Damian Harker

Esmeray: Hollis Fiala and Carmen Blakely

Nora: Chloe Li, Yasaminia Ahmadi, Thaddeus James, and Sebastian Harker

Good luck my darling dears. Try not to look too closely or you’ll spin yourselves into a tizzy.

Sincerely,

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kokoko

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Hm, this is quite peculiar...seems like one of our darlings have gone missing...this is most unsettling given the recent events.

@serpentaint​​ ( Beryl B; The Gorgon )​​

We’ll be sending out a search party, but, these things never look good after the first TWENTY-FOUR, right? Forty-eight, you say? Don’t know where you must’ve heard that one, love, I’m pretty sure it was half that.

Please contact the main within this timeframe, or we’ll have to set you loose, love.

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A TALE TOLD....

While the only snow that sticks may be up high in the mountains, to say that winter has not brought it’s shivers would be a rather foolish statement. It’s been nearly a month since the Navarro hunters were banished to wherever they may go and those taken were reunited with their families. Time heals many wounds, but, in truth, I doubt that everyone will be safe from the horrors that plague them as memories seep into sleepless nights. I do hope you and your fellows are able to enjoy the festivities this year regardless of what my haunt your heart.

The Midnight Underground exists in a strange and beautiful place - a true melting pot of ideologies and cultures. While many Unaware traditions are slowly woven in, or perhaps practiced in their entireties, the entirety of our people celebrate the Winter Solstice in some form or the other. Santa Claus’ reindeer may not pay at the roof of the little Wolves’ homes but they are far from neglected in terms of presents and family woes. You may still see a Wizard arguing politics with their family over a roasted turkey. Especially this year, where the tensions are high. Which candidate are you voting for, grandmother?

There are many things you may see looking around this frigid desert city. Of course there are the Unaware festivities: a ball drop for new years on the strip, ice skating at Downtown Summerlin, or the botanical garden at the Bellagio just to think of a few. Beneath it all, like always if you are able to open your eyes, are the stirrings of something so, so much more.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GAME....

Much like our Halloween event, there will be many things to experience around the Midnight Underground during the Winter Solstice. However, they do not to place during one night, but rather spread throughout December 21st to December 31st. All text messages inside the discord are also able to take place throughout any of these days, though if they are plot relevant, try to make it clear which days they are happening during. The events you may experience are as follows:

Connor and Esmeray’s Winter Solstice Party: December 21st: For wolves the welcoming of the solstice is rooted in deep tradition. The Talbot’s have always taken the night to greet the sun and say thank you to the moon and her hard work. Connor has gone, in Connor fashion, and made it extra special. He claims the party will act as a house warming for him and Esme’s new home, but in secret he’s been plotting to surprise his best friend with a cake and a matching set of birthday girl sashes. **Required attendance for @chlocxli​ at the request of Connor who has not stopped texting you asking how close you are to the house. Sorry, my dear, I suppose he eagerly awaits your arrival.

Damian Harker’s Gingerbread Jubilee: December 24th: As with all events the Mortalis candidate chooses to host, this one will be at Pete’s Diner and be open to both the Unaware and beyond. Best keep your knowledge to yourself while making gingerbread houses and enjoying delicious cocoa. **Required attendance for @lilieths​. Apparently he wishes to discuss some things both seen and heard. Damian is not a man I would tempt the fates with.

Hollis Fiala’s Poelnaran Celebration: December 25th-26th: Poelnaran is one of the most important festivities for the Fae - and they have many of them. Hollis has allowed us to breach through the veil and partake in the dancing and merriment that will be there. The event is exclusive and invite only and they ask for any non-fae in attendance to wear a mask, lest Mother Below see you and chase you away. Please remember the fae merriment can be rather extreme from those unaccustomed to it. They will be dancing until they collapse and for those not of their nature, the expectation is to dance until your feet bleed. **Required attendance for @desertsiren​

Karnstein Kafe’s Holiday Hodge Podge: December 29th: Rina of Karnstein Kafe had gathered together their favorite of all human holiday traditions. There will be a white elephant, their famous fried chicken, and then a wish around the pine tree. Feel free to write out a wish you have for the coming year and tie it up on the tree. They’ll also be passing out free coffee cups. **Required attendance for @camkiskadden​. You’ve found a note tucked away inside your things, unsure how it got there, but the writer requests your presence, claiming they have information on the mysterious Goodwin.

Thaddeus James’ Looking into the New Year Party: December 31st: Every year, Thaddeus James hosts a rather lavish and exciting New Years Eve Party at the top of The Strat overlooking the city. It is a black tie affair but all in the Midnight Underground are welcome to attend. He always picks someone from the crowd to do a reading for. It’s sure to be a night you’ll never forget. **Please note, there will be a special discord event for all who participate in this event. @r3m3mb3r-m3-n0t​ you have been given a special invitation. Best not tempt the man who you owe a debt to.

Clementine Johnson Devlin’s Coming Into the Shadows Bash: December 31st: And what is this? Friendly competition for the Power Candidate himself? It seems our darling Clementine grows tired of the light and hopes to venture out into the cold shadows with the rest of us. We welcome you with open arms, pupling, as this is your home. I assume all your friends are welcome in attendance. Did any of you know the late Orator had an offspring? Curiouser and Curiouser! **Required attendance for @noatwithstanding​. Would it be any surprise that your dearest friends would like you there? They adore you as I do, fledgling.

I truly do love these holiest of days. You’ll spend some time thinking of me, won’t you?

Sincerely,

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“Trouble is Born From Troubled”

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To the Shield Bearer I make this vow: Guide, but not Control. Protect, but never Coddle. Offer...

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APP COUNT (+2)

ALFRED ENOCH as THE SWORN

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APP COUNT (+1)

JORDAN CONNOR as THE TAINTED

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Can you recommend me some POC faceclaims? I do not keep up with celebrity culture and do not know who people are, much less their potential resources or backgrounds. Thank you!

Of course dearest. You didn’t specify a skeleton so we gave you some that may fit all we have open! Allow us a moment to come up with a list for you.

Gentry White, Jacob Anderson, Emilio Sakraya, Tanaya Beatty, Jessica Henwick, Greta Onieogou, Gratiela Bancusi, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Zion Moreno come to mind!

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Due to player request, please unfollow:

@eunxyeong​ ( Eun Yeong; The Vamp ) @fallingreborn ( Nathan Ok; The Phoenix )

The aforementioned roles have been reopened and the FCs of Lee Soo Hyuk and Kim Woo Bin are available for applications. 

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The Glamor Shifts...

As with all things that shift through the seasons, so must your benevolent Gods. Our essence has not changed, nor the ways in which you know us, but after millennial, you can imagine we grow rather bored of looking the same. Our exteriors are to protect you from a light which may blind anyone who gazes upon it. Take special care, my hearts.

Be on the watch for more shifts in the near future,