The Ginger Bread Houses - An Encounter For Mutant Future or Any Old School Post Apocalyptic Campaign

Photo by Chris Litherland

Through out the Ruined States there are scores of abandoned preholocaust theme parks, former tourist traps, and ruins of fair ground like attractions. Many of these places have become a part of a network of ruins operated by the 'Storytellers'. A group of super scientists and trained mutantolists whose specialty is the so called Fey or Fairy mutants.   The 'Storytellers' move into these properties and set up perfect environments for various mutant fairy races so that they can be studied from comfort and safety. Many of these creatures have powerful psychic or psionic mutations as well as telekinetic abilities. Some are powerful hunters, still others have dangerous biological weaponry, and weird powers. 

In the wilds of Arkansas, the 'Storytellers' have a network of ten different properties that they operate. These ruins are often stocked and seeded with horde class X or better. Rumors of these riches is always circulating through the local villages and communities.
This is because one of the current favorite mutant species being studied is the elusive and very dangerous Pale Eaters. These incredible hunters and predators have a unique optical arrangement that has allowed several break throughies  in super science optics. This has netted the Storytellers very rich profits in sales and R&D.
The 'Storytellers' have limited to no contact with the Pale Eaters. The predators collect the rare pre holocaust food stuffs, set up their lairs, and all of the while the 'Storytellers' study these elusive apex predators. Sensors, recording devices, holographic record keeping and recording is all happening. The Pale Eaters are unfazed by many of 'Story teller' staff that is nearby unless a staff member is hurt and vulnerable to the Pale Eater. There have been several deaths involved when dealing with these mutant horrors.
 

There are often several hidden doors, sub levels, holographic hiddie holes, and worse that are used by 'Storytellers' in their efforts to study mutant monsters like the Pale Eater. Should any weakness be shown by a victim of a Pale Eater then these horrors will dispatch the victim with no quarter or mercy.
'Storytellers' are both neo biologist and information brokers of the lowest caliber. They often sell their secrets for as much as 400 gold pieces to the highest bidder. 

Pale Eaters 

Want To know more? Check out Chris Van Deelen's blog entry
HERE

No. Enc: 1

Alignment:  Chaotic

Movement: 90' (30')

AC: 6

HD: 10

Attacks: 3 (bite, claw, claw)

Damage: 4d4 / 2d6 / 2d6

Save: L10

Morale: 8

Hoard Class: Food, see description.

Mutations: Aberrant form (natural weapons, xenomorphism), albinism, dietary requirement change (living flesh), regeneration (special)

Source: Pans Labyrinth (2006)

Often times there will be several cases of food that the Storytellers have collected and are actively tempting the Pale Eaters with. There is always something buzzing around areas of  ' Story Teller'  activity. There will often be lockers full of weapons, armor, etc from previous adventurers. These are often horde class XI or better in the cases of these finds.
 'Story teller's often install trip wires, micro machine guns, and worse within their lairs. Sometimes to protect themselves they will give up their location and face down the mutant menaces themselves.