Commission for Research into Unexplained Phenomena

Mundanes may not be able to recognize creatures of Shadow for what they are, but they do notice the rise in unusual incidents and unidentifiable materials. In response to a recent sudden increase in the number of reports being filed with police on such varied subjects as ghosts, UFOs, monstrous humanoids, and psychic episodes the United States Congress decided to take action. The Joint Committee on Homeland Security created a special commission to do in-depth fact finding.

The senators and representatives called into service one of the country’s top experts on the exotic species, Dr. Astrid Kolgrim, to lead the Commission for Research into Unexplained Phenomena, usually just referred to as C.R.U.P. Through C.R.U.P., Dr. Kolgrim can commandeer personnel and materials from various government agencies including the FBI, Center for Disease Control, Office of Homeland Security, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and Internal Revenue Service among many others. She usually works with a small team of scientists and agents, but transfers them out every month or two so that she is the only truly permanent member of the Commission.

Several government organizations (including the NSA and the Departments of Justice and the Interior) are opposed to C.R.U.P., or more correctly, they desire that Dr. Kolgrim be placed under their direct control rather than wandering around as a free agent. Meanwhile, C.R.U.P. goes on investigating all sorts of incidents related to Shadow. Dr. Kolgrim is able to recognize creatures of Shadow for what they are. Unfortunately, the Senators and Representatives for the most part are not. Still, they consider the information C.R.U.P. gathers to be useful, even if they feel differently about the conclusions the Commission draws.

It is certainly possible for heroes to be recruited as members of C.R.U.P., especially if they work for other branches of the government. However it is more likely for them to form a good working relationship with Dr. Kolgrim after their paths cross on different occasions. On the other hand, it is also possible that they might develop a personal antagonism with the doctor if things go badly.

Commission Archives

Members of C.R.U.P. have access to the U.S. government files on all manner of unexplained phenomena, as well as hoaxes and attempts to defraud or hoodwink the American people. Any information gathered by the FBI, CIA, NSC, or other publicly-known branches of the government are open to their inspection. (At the GM’s discretion, C.R.U.P. may not have access to files from Department- 7, the Paranormal Science and Investigation Agency, and other highly classified organizations.)

Making use of the archives provides a +4 equipment bonus on all Research and Knowledge checks.

Dr. Astrid Kolgrim

With the rise of Shadow, the governments of the world have taken a keen interest in evaluating any threats or benefits to this encroachment. Agents, military brass, and scientists alike have begun documenting an ever-growing number of reports of strange creatures, bizarre explosions, and acts that can only be described as “miracles.” Dr. Astrid Kolgrim is one of the scientists who studies the rise of Shadow. She is a brilliant biologist who made her way through various academic and private organizations, studying a number of rare and exotic species. Dr. Kogrim’s work finally caught the attention of the Federal Government, who tapped her to head a team dedicated to researching creatures of Shadow.

Astrid is a tall, stunning African-American woman with strong features. She has long, glossy hair (often worn up to keep it out of her way). Although not oblivious to her looks, Dr. Kolgrim has no time or patience for those interested only in her appearance. In many ways, she follows the stereotype of a scientist —analytical, humorless, and no-nonsense. However, due to the subject matter with which she deals, Dr. Kolgrim maintains an open mind, realizing that science has yet to answer many of the questions raised in this new Age of Shadow.

Dr. Kolgrim spends most of her time in the field with small teams of assistants. She receives leads through a variety of sources, including local police departments, the FBI, the Center for Disease Control, and other government agencies. Her mission is to find out as much information about creatures of Shadow as possible—their abilities, strengths, weaknesses, and any way that they can be exploited by the government. She has personally led expeditiong to capture specimens of numerous Shadow species and take them back to the laboratory for study.

Dr. Astrid Kolgrim: Smart 4/Field Scientist 7; CR 11; Medium humanoid; HD 4d6 plus 7d8; hp 52; Mas 10; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; Defense 18, touch 17, flat-footed 18 (+4 smart defense, +3 class, +1 light undercover shirt); BAB +5; Grap +5; Atk +5 melee (1d3 nonlethal, unarmed strike); Full Atk +5 melee (1d3 nonlethal, unarmed strike), or +6 ranged (2d6, Glock 20), or +5 ranged (1d2 and special, air rifle); FS 5 ft. by 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft.; AL US Government, Science; SV Fort +5, Ref +8, Will +7; AP 11, Rep +4; Str 10, Dex 11, Con 10, Int 18, Wis 16, Cha 16.

Occupation: Doctor (class skills: Knowledge [behavioral sciences] and Knowledge [earth and life sciences]).

Skills: Computer Use +14, Craft (chemical) +17, Craft (pharmaceutical) +17, Craft (writing) +9, Decipher Script +13, Demolitions +9, Drive +4, Investigate +14, Knowledge (behavioral sciences) +21, Knowledge (earth and life sciences) +25, Read/Write English, Read/Write Spanish, Speak English, Speak Spanish, Research +20.

Feats: Defensive Martial Arts, Educated (Knowledge [behavioral sciences] and Knowledge [earth and life sciences]), Heroic Surge, Lightning Reflexes, Medical Expert, Personal Firearms Proficiency, Point Blank Shot, Simple Weapons Proficiency, Studious, Surgery.

Talents (Smart Hero): Savant (Knowledge [earth and life sciences]), plan.

Talents (Dedicated Hero): Healing knack.

Talents (Field Scientist): Smart Defense, scientific improvisation, skill mastery (Computer Use, Knowledge [behavioral science], Knowledge [earth and life sciences], Craft [pharmaceutical], Craft [chemical], Research, Treat Injury), minor breakthrough (Knowledge [earth and life sciences]).

Possessions: Glock 20 (10mm autoloader), 50 rounds of 10mm ammunition, air rifle, 20 tranquilizer rounds, light undercover shirt*, trauma kit, chemistry kit.

*Not proficient in armor.