WtHQM:Monsters
Part of Welcome to Holy Question Mark, a campaign set in the Amberverse using modified Lords of Gossamer and Shadow rules.
Contents
First Appearance[edit]
The first known appearance of the beings generally known as "monsters" was in January of 2004. Researchers later correlated news reports from various countries and came to the conclusion that the incursion began simultaneously in more than a dozen locations all over the globe, mostly in areas of low to moderate population density, but including both developed and under-developed nations.
Transformation[edit]
All known monster species propagate by transforming humans into more monsters. There is no evidence that monsters reproduce among themselves, nor that any non-human species can be turned. The "infection" (as it is often inaccurately called) is spread by biting or stinging human victims, resulting in almost immediate unconsciousness. Approximately 72 hours later, the victim regains consciousness having been fully transformed into a monster of the same species as that which bit or stung them (with the exception of bug victims, q.v.).
There is no known way to reverse the transformation after one hour post-infection.
Antivenom[edit]
In 2014, US Department of Homeland Security researchers discovered an antivenom which can inhibit and reverse the monster transformation if administered within an hour of infection. Work continues on a means of mass production, but at the moment it is in extremely short supply and closely held by the US federal government.
T-Factor[edit]
Microbiological study of monster corpses has revealed that the transformation is not mediated by any previously-known type of pathogen, but by an unknown teratogen or "T-factor." The T-factor affects DNA introns and cytoplasmic chemistry in a consistent and readily detectable way, but is not itself detectable by currently known means.
T-Test[edit]
A portable automated screening test ("T-test") is commonly available to law enforcement agencies and other authorized personnel; it requires a few drops of blood and takes 15–20 minutes to deliver a result. The portable T-test occasionally delivers false positives, but almost never false negatives (sensitivity > 99.9%, selectivity > 99%). A laboratory test with negligible error rate requires a tissue sample obtained by biopsy or autopsy, takes roughly an hour, and requires a trained and licensed technician, an ultracentrifuge and an electron microscope.
Hive Mind[edit]
Groups of monsters act with uncanny tactical coordination, giving rise to the theory that they possess a "hive mind." It is unknown how they communicate, but there seems to be a range limit of roughly 100 feet.
Strength in Numbers[edit]
When monsters (of any species) appear in groups, they are observably tougher, faster and stronger than when they appear alone. It is theorized that this effect is related to the hive mind.
Known Species[edit]
The known species of monsters (at least in North America) all correspond to late 20th Century Hollywood monster stereotypes. As yet, no one has proposed a credible theory why.
Body Snatchers[edit]
Something of a misnomer, since no "pods" are involved. Body snatchers are physically distinguishable from humans only by close inspection of the area under the tongue, which hosts a retractile stinger used to infect and transform victims. Alone, they are no stronger, faster or smarter than the humans they were before transformation. Despite that, body snatchers are among the most-feared monsters, because of their ability to infiltrate and take over entire communities (such as Terre Haute, Indiana).
Vampires[edit]
So-called because they flee direct sunlight and almost always sleep through the daylight hours, and because their upper and lower canine teeth are sharper and more prominent than humans', vampires are most often found in major urban areas. Alone, they are quick, strong and tough, but not superhumanly so.
Vampires suffer from complete aphasia: some have been known to speak in incomprehensible "word salad," but they do not seem to understand or produce human language, be it spoken or written.
Werewolves[edit]
The most physically dangerous of the commonly-known monster types, werewolves are functionally human (and non-contagious) for most of the lunar cycle. On full moon nights, however, they transform into "wolf-man" form: hairy, bipedal, with a digitigrade stance, clawed fingers and toes, and a vicious bite. Alone, a werewolf is considerably tougher, faster and stronger than any normal human. They are generally at least as interested in killing as in spreading their infection.
When inactive, werewolves are not part of the monster hive mind, but are still apparently driven or compelled to prepare for their active phase, and will cooperate to that end. Inactive werewolves give off a "feral vibe" that psychic sensitives can detect at close range; they also suffer from a slight degree of aphasia, though nowhere near as complete as vampires'.
Yeti[edit]
No yeti have been confirmed to exist in North America, but they are common in the Himalayas, particularly Tibet (where they have displaced the entire human population).
Rumors of sasquatch in the Pacific Northwest have so far proven false.
Bugs[edit]
These extremely rare monsters come in a bewildering variety of forms; all are arthropods of approximately human stature (3–7 feet long). They never appear in groups, though they are sometimes accompanied by other monster species. Bugs are much faster, tougher and stronger than normal humans, and many possess unusual biological weapons such as poisonous gas emission or electrical discharge. Infection by a bite or sting from a bug results in the victim turning into one of the humanoid monster species, not another bug.
When killed, bugs deliquesce or sublimate within 15 minutes, leaving no useful macroscopic or microscopic remains, which has made researching their biology extremely difficult. Furthermore, they apparently possess some innate means of suicide which they employ when captured.
Legal Status of Monsters[edit]
Monsters are considered dangerous animals under the law. Killing a monster is not considered homicide, but mistaking a human for a monster is not an affirmative defense in homicide cases. Knowingly harboring or aiding a monster is a capital offense in the United States.
Prevalence of Firearms[edit]
Open carry of registered sidearms is legal for all persons age 16 years and over in all jurisdictions in the United States and Mexico. Licensure and training are required in Canada, and the minimum age there is 18 years.
